Earlier this month, SolarIndiaOnline reported about Solar Mission plans to install 20,000MW capacity by 2020 in the story “Renewable is not an alternative anymore”.
Ministry has finalized the draft for the National Solar Mission. After the first initiative of installing generation capacity of 50MW through Solar, the ministry has now gone all the way, to make Solar a valuable option for Indian Power Industry. SolarIndiaOnline.com earlier this month announced about the plan of ministry to install solar generation capacity of 20,000MW by 2020. According to draft agreement by Ministry, the plans are to install solar generation capacity of 20,000 MW by 2020, of 1,00,000 MW by 2030 and of 2,00,000 MW by 2050.
The total expected funding from the government for the 30-year period will run to Rs. 85,000 crore to Rs. 105,000 crore. The requirement during the current Five Year Plan is estimated to be Rs. 5,000 crore to Rs. 6,000 crore. It will rise to between Rs. 12,000 crore and Rs. 15,000 crore during the 12th Five Year Plan.
The plan till 2020 will take be implemented in three phases.
The First Phase: 2009-2012: The Ministry will focus on expansion of on-going projects for urban, rural and off-grid applications. This will involve the promotion of commercial-scale solar utility plants, mandated installation of solar rooftop or on-site photo-voltaic applications in buildings and establishments of government and public sector undertakings.
In this phase, the Mission will make it mandatory for all functional buildings such as hospitals, hotels, guest houses and nursing homes to install solar water heaters. Residential complexes with a minimum plot area of 500 sq m will also be included. Expansion of solar lighting systems through market initiatives including micro-financing, in the rural and urban sectors, is expected to provide access to lighting for three million households by 2012.
The Second Phase: 2012 and 2017: Mission will focus on the commercial deployment of solar thermal power plants. This will involve storage options, and the promotion of solar lighting and heating systems on a large scale in market mode. This will be without subsidies but could include micro-financing options.
The Third Phase: 2017 and 2020: The target is to achieve tariff parity with conventional grid power and achieve an installed capacity of 20 gigawatts (Gw) by 2020. The installation of one million rooftop systems with an average capacity of 3 kilowatts (kW) by the same year is also envisaged.
The strategy will be to achieve the target along with reducing the cost of these projects. However there has been no confirmation from the ministry on this. The original may have few changes.
Post your comments below.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Proposal to introduce solar invertors
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/04/07/stories/2009040754270400.htm
The Delhi Government’s power department is mulling over a proposal to introduce solar panels for recharging batteries used to run appliances of everyday use during power cuts and outages. The proposal comes at a time when the department has been stressing the need to use more green energy and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy.
An official of the power department said the concept is similar to that of a solar water heater. “Solar panels are used to draw the energy of the sun to run appliances just like an inverter does. While an inverter uses energy from the grid to recharge the battery, here the battery gets recharged from solar energy, which is clean and economical,” he said.
The proposal to use solar energy to run the inverter has been put forth by Moserbaer Photo Voltaic, a company that manufactures photovoltaic products.
Explaining the concept, the company’s general manager Gagan Vermani said: “The idea is to utilise solar energy at the level of smaller consumers as well. We usually see the use of solar energy in villages and at large scale. Also the accent has been on solar water heating, which is required for a relatively shorter period, therefore we made this suggestion to introduce solar modules for charging inverter batteries.”
The system will allow consumers to pick the size of the modules as per their requirement and save on their energy bills. “The battery here will not require power from the grid to recharge; it will get re-energised even as it is being used from the solar modules attached to it. Apart from the initial investment (the cost of modules) the system does not incur any running costs,” said Mr. Vermani.
A 100-Watt module for instance requires a space of one metre square in dimension and costs about Rs.15,000. “All it (modules) requires is a bit of cleaning once every few days so that the efficiency does not go down. The modules last for as long as 25 years”. To make the concept economically viable for consumers, the company has also proposed extending a subsidy to the buyers. “To popularise solar water heating the government offers a subsidy to consumers. A similar formula should be worked out for the solar invertors as well, inverters are used in all kinds of weather and definitely more than the water heaters,” he said. Owing to the gap in the demand and supply of power in the city and its suburbs, the sale of invertors has been on the rise over the years. The ASSOCHAM in 2008 had forecast a 30-35 per cent hike in the demand for inverters, their batteries and generator sets.
The Delhi Government’s power department is mulling over a proposal to introduce solar panels for recharging batteries used to run appliances of everyday use during power cuts and outages. The proposal comes at a time when the department has been stressing the need to use more green energy and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy.
An official of the power department said the concept is similar to that of a solar water heater. “Solar panels are used to draw the energy of the sun to run appliances just like an inverter does. While an inverter uses energy from the grid to recharge the battery, here the battery gets recharged from solar energy, which is clean and economical,” he said.
The proposal to use solar energy to run the inverter has been put forth by Moserbaer Photo Voltaic, a company that manufactures photovoltaic products.
Explaining the concept, the company’s general manager Gagan Vermani said: “The idea is to utilise solar energy at the level of smaller consumers as well. We usually see the use of solar energy in villages and at large scale. Also the accent has been on solar water heating, which is required for a relatively shorter period, therefore we made this suggestion to introduce solar modules for charging inverter batteries.”
The system will allow consumers to pick the size of the modules as per their requirement and save on their energy bills. “The battery here will not require power from the grid to recharge; it will get re-energised even as it is being used from the solar modules attached to it. Apart from the initial investment (the cost of modules) the system does not incur any running costs,” said Mr. Vermani.
A 100-Watt module for instance requires a space of one metre square in dimension and costs about Rs.15,000. “All it (modules) requires is a bit of cleaning once every few days so that the efficiency does not go down. The modules last for as long as 25 years”. To make the concept economically viable for consumers, the company has also proposed extending a subsidy to the buyers. “To popularise solar water heating the government offers a subsidy to consumers. A similar formula should be worked out for the solar invertors as well, inverters are used in all kinds of weather and definitely more than the water heaters,” he said. Owing to the gap in the demand and supply of power in the city and its suburbs, the sale of invertors has been on the rise over the years. The ASSOCHAM in 2008 had forecast a 30-35 per cent hike in the demand for inverters, their batteries and generator sets.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Alumis provide solar power to a school in Delhi
Source: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/alumis-provide-solar-power-to-a-school-in-delhi/85723-3-1.html
New Delhi: Four brothers of Kheda Garhi village in Delhi have quite literally brought a ray of hope into the lives of students in the village school which was battling a power crisis.
The village school is now the first government institution to run entirely on solar power.
The solar panels have proven to be an eco friendly boon to the school's energy crisis. Thanks to the efforts of its alumni, the Goswami brothers.
Engineer Bhuvenesh Goswami says, “When I visited the school last year, I found the lights and fans didn’t work. Even when there was power, the voltage fluctuated too much for the computers to stay on.
The Goswami bothers, who are engineers in the US, fed up with the government's apathy, installed a 4 kilowatt solar power system. Trial runs show that the solar panels generate more than enough electricity to tide over the school's power crunch.
The school generates almost 60 per cent of surplus power which they have offered to use in the village, but the government 's electricity grid is subject to such frequent voltage fluctuations that its incompatible with the schools solar panels.
The rest of the village may be losing out, but the students are extremely happy.
Built at an initial cost of Rs 15 lakh, the system is easy enough to maintain.
Tushar Goswami says, “There is no maintenance, all you have to do is clean.”
Easy to run and cost effective, here's hoping other government schools can take a leaf out of the Goswamis' book and fuel a change.
New Delhi: Four brothers of Kheda Garhi village in Delhi have quite literally brought a ray of hope into the lives of students in the village school which was battling a power crisis.
The village school is now the first government institution to run entirely on solar power.
The solar panels have proven to be an eco friendly boon to the school's energy crisis. Thanks to the efforts of its alumni, the Goswami brothers.
Engineer Bhuvenesh Goswami says, “When I visited the school last year, I found the lights and fans didn’t work. Even when there was power, the voltage fluctuated too much for the computers to stay on.
The Goswami bothers, who are engineers in the US, fed up with the government's apathy, installed a 4 kilowatt solar power system. Trial runs show that the solar panels generate more than enough electricity to tide over the school's power crunch.
The school generates almost 60 per cent of surplus power which they have offered to use in the village, but the government 's electricity grid is subject to such frequent voltage fluctuations that its incompatible with the schools solar panels.
The rest of the village may be losing out, but the students are extremely happy.
Built at an initial cost of Rs 15 lakh, the system is easy enough to maintain.
Tushar Goswami says, “There is no maintenance, all you have to do is clean.”
Easy to run and cost effective, here's hoping other government schools can take a leaf out of the Goswamis' book and fuel a change.
Blue Earth launched
The device, called Blue Earth, was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress technology event in Barcelona, and Samsung said it underlined the Korean company's commitment to environmental stability.
The phone is designed to resemble the shape of a shiny pebble, and uses a small solar panel to provide power.
"This phone demonstrates our small but meaningful commitments for the future and our environment," said JK Shin, an executive vice president at Samsung.
Blue Earth is made from recycled plastic and features a special "Eco Mode" that users can access with a single click to wring the maximum energy use from the device.
A full solar charge of around 10 to 14 hours will provide enough power for around four hours of talk time. The handset can still be charged normally using a conventional plug, with the solar panels used to top up the battery during use.
It also has a built-in pedometer to help users to measure how much smaller their carbon footprint is when walking rather than driving.
Blue Earth goes on sale in the UK later this year and Samsung did not give any details about price or network partners. However, sources hinted that the handset was likely to be priced at the upper end of the market.
Samsung's eco-friendly phone was not the only solar-powered mobile at the show. LG also unveiled a prototype solar-powered handset, but did not say when the device would go on sale.
Samsung also launched the first mobile phone capable of recording high-definition footage. The Omnia HD boasts an ultra-sharp 3.7in touch-screen, and can capture and play back high-definition video shot in the 720p format, which puts it on a par with some modern camcorders.
"These new phones confirm Samsung's determination to beat Apple at its own game," said Ben Wood, an analyst with CCS Insight. "Touch-screens now form a part of every corner of Samsung's portfolio. The Omnia HD is another strong contender in Samsung's efforts to offer credible rivals to Apple's iPhone.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Solar Plaza Trade Mission arrives India.
Solar Heroes are here in India. With the growing interest in solar industry in India, a Solar trade Mission to the country is being undertaken from 16th to 20th February 2009, organized by Solar Plaza. The trade mission, traveling through Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad will include plant visits to Moser Baer PV, IndoSolar (both in Delhi NCR) and XL Telecom, Solar Semiconductor (both in Hyderabad).
The trade mission include members from companies such as First Solar, Sun Lab BV, ECN Solar Energy, SMA Solar Technologie, Targray Technology International, Shanghai Lilei Electrical Co., Ltd. and Photon Energy System. SolarIndiaOnline.com is the online partner of the event and Infosree technologies is the Indian Coordinator of the trade mission.
SolarIndiaOnline.com met the members of the trade mission and the companies are very excited to be a part of a mission visiting Indian companies. They are also curious to know more about the latest announcement made by Dr Manmohan Singh, the Honorable Prime Minister of India, on The National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) and Gujarat announcement about its Solar Power Policy, 2009.
The members arrived Delhi on 15th February 2009. The programme of the mission is as follows:
a) 16th February 2009 visit to Moserbaer PV and IndoSolar.
b) 17th February 2009 visit to ISA Vision Summit in Bangalore.
c) 18th February 2009 Solar Energy (PV) conference and business development event.
d) 19th February 2009 visit to XL Telecom and Solar Semiconductor in Hyderabad.
The mission will get over on 20th February 2009.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Sizing and cost estimation methodology for stand-alone residential PV power system
The paper is available on the website. (Click here)
This paper investigates the sizing and costing methodology for a stand-alone photovoltaic (SAPV) power system based on the number of sunshine hours available in the world. The sizing and costing of the PV system for the electrical load of 3.65 kWh/day was presented in this paper for different continents of the world. The unit cost of electricity generated from the PV system was determined based on their life cycle cost analysis. The capital cost and unit cost of electricity for the SAPV systems were evaluated as $9,198/kWp and $0.6/kWh respectively for India. The total CO2 emission mitigated by the PV power system in its lifespan was estimated at 63 tons which correspond to the carbon credits of $2,048.
Conclusion
In summary, the PV power systems can play a major role which has a potential to convert sunlight energy directly to electrical energy at low operating and maintenance costs and without noise and environment pollution. Hence, this power system is eco-friendly, reliable and a sustainable solution for the near future of the world.
Authors : Arvind Chel, G.N. Tiwari and Avinash Chandra
Arvind Chel received his BE (Mechanical) in 2001 from Government Engineering College, Aurangabad (Maharastra) and MTech(Energy Systems Engg.) in 2004 from IIT Bombay (Mumbai). He is pursuing his PhD from Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi, (New Delhi). His subjects of interest are thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, RAC, IC engines, engineering mechanics and drawing.
G.N. Tiwari received his MSc and PhD degrees in 1972 and 1976 respectively from BHU. His areas of research are solar distillation, water/air heating system, greenhouse technology and hybrid PV thermal systems. He has guided 52 PhDs, published over 400 research papers in journals of repute and authored 15 books.
Avinash Chandra received his MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees from AMU, Aligarh and joined the Physics Department at IIT Delhi. He is a Professor at Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi. He has set up experiments related with seeded combustion flames, electrode and wall plasma interactions. Earlier, he was with School of Electrical Engineering at Sydney University, Australia as a Post-doctoral Fellow during 1980–81.
The paper is open for discussion, you can post your comments below.
This paper investigates the sizing and costing methodology for a stand-alone photovoltaic (SAPV) power system based on the number of sunshine hours available in the world. The sizing and costing of the PV system for the electrical load of 3.65 kWh/day was presented in this paper for different continents of the world. The unit cost of electricity generated from the PV system was determined based on their life cycle cost analysis. The capital cost and unit cost of electricity for the SAPV systems were evaluated as $9,198/kWp and $0.6/kWh respectively for India. The total CO2 emission mitigated by the PV power system in its lifespan was estimated at 63 tons which correspond to the carbon credits of $2,048.
Conclusion
In summary, the PV power systems can play a major role which has a potential to convert sunlight energy directly to electrical energy at low operating and maintenance costs and without noise and environment pollution. Hence, this power system is eco-friendly, reliable and a sustainable solution for the near future of the world.
Authors : Arvind Chel, G.N. Tiwari and Avinash Chandra
Arvind Chel received his BE (Mechanical) in 2001 from Government Engineering College, Aurangabad (Maharastra) and MTech(Energy Systems Engg.) in 2004 from IIT Bombay (Mumbai). He is pursuing his PhD from Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi, (New Delhi). His subjects of interest are thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, RAC, IC engines, engineering mechanics and drawing.
G.N. Tiwari received his MSc and PhD degrees in 1972 and 1976 respectively from BHU. His areas of research are solar distillation, water/air heating system, greenhouse technology and hybrid PV thermal systems. He has guided 52 PhDs, published over 400 research papers in journals of repute and authored 15 books.
Avinash Chandra received his MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees from AMU, Aligarh and joined the Physics Department at IIT Delhi. He is a Professor at Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi. He has set up experiments related with seeded combustion flames, electrode and wall plasma interactions. Earlier, he was with School of Electrical Engineering at Sydney University, Australia as a Post-doctoral Fellow during 1980–81.
The paper is open for discussion, you can post your comments below.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Global Recession, Energy Crisis and Opportunity with Renewable Energy.
Today we are facing acute energy shortages, resulting in power shading from 4 to 10 hours every day at different locations in India. This is high time, we must work out solutions over energy crisis with additional advantages if possible.
The average per capita consumption of energy in India is around 500 units per annum. In spite of high rate of development these figures are very low, compared to developed countries. (Middle East 10,000+, USA 8000+, Europe, Australia, Japan etc 4000+)
In our country major contribution to electrical energy generation is by coal and oil based power generation plants, followed by hydro and nuclear power generating stations.
Fossil Fuel position Today :
Oil & Natural Gas : Many experts believe that by 2015 the supply of oil and natural gas production would be at peak by 2015. In a few years crude oil Price might shoot to the $150 per barrel level and higher. The impact on our import bill will be very serious.
Coal: Coal has a similar story, but may last for a longer period of time. A recent study predicts global peaking of production of coal by 2025.
The use of coal in power industry contributes sizable amount of CO2 emissions and fly ash pollution within few kilometers around the power plant.
Nuclear Power : Our uranium reserves would be adequate only for meeting 10,000 MW of Nuclear power capacity for next 30 years. In addition, due to the safety problem of nuclear plants (Chernobyl incident), nuclear power is always controversial.
The consumption of electricity is growing on the worldwide basis. Energy is a necessity and clean renewable energy is an obligation to the earth and our future.
A transition from conventional energy systems to those based on renewable resources is necessary to meet the ever-increasing demand for energy and to address environmental concerns.
The widely accepted long-term option is
large scale application of “Renewable Energy”
The Sun is the source of almost all forms of energy including fossil, hydro-electric, wind and solar energy. India is blessed with an abundance of sunlight, water and biomass.
‘Renewable Energy’ is further classified as
1. Solar Energy
2. Wind Energy
3. Hydro Electric
4. Bio Energy
5. Tidal wave Energy
1. Solar Energy
‘There is enough potential energy in just one hour of ‘SUNLIGHT’ to power the electrical needs of the entire world for a full year.’ Solar energy is also a clean source with no emissions. With the recent developments in technology, solar energy systems are scalable for large and small uses, and they require minimum maintenance. Most importantly, with government tax incentives and rebates, solar energy could be made financially viable. Hence it is time to start adopting solar energy systems.
Solar electricity is generation of electricity from the power of the Sun, via photovoltaic cells (pv). When particles of sunlight (photons) fall on pv cells, there is direct conversion to a usable electric current.
As an average 100 to 130 watts energy is generated from one square meter of the solar panel. Now a days estimated life of the Solar Panel is more than 20 years and needs very simple maintenance like weekly surface cleaning. A battery pack with controller is necessary for storing generated energy. The stored energy can be used as and when required, through inverter. An exclusive solar generation system of capacity of 250 to KWH units per month would cost around Rs. 5 Lacs, with present pricing and taxes.
Most of the developed countries are switching over to solar energy as one of the prime renewable energy source. Latest trend of Architecture keep provision of Photovoltaic cells and necessary circuitry while making building plans.
2. Wind Energy.
Today wind turbines are making a major contribution to the production of renewable energy. Developments in harnessing wind power continually improved, and during the last decade a sizeable growth has happened in the wind energy industry. Wind Turbines have become larger, efficiencies and availabilities have improved and wind farm concept has become popular.
Wind energy is now attractive for many reasons – it is renewable, clean and scalable.
A bright future for wind energy
India now ranks as a "wind superpower" having a net potential of about 45000 MW only from 13 identified states.
3. Hydro Electric Power:
Theoretically speaking, India has a huge hydro power potential, out of which around 20% has been realized so far.
4. Bio- Energy:
Biomass
Biomass is organic matter produced by all livings on the earth. The solar energy trapped in the biomass can be converted in to fuel or electricity.
Burning wood to heat or cook is one of the least efficient ways to use bio-energy. Still it is the most important energy source for some three billion people in the world. The most efficient way of using biomass is gasification.
Biomass power is the largest source of renewable energy as well as a vital part of the waste management infrastructure.
Bio-Diesel from oil seeds.
Bio-Diesel is extracted from specific quality oil seeds. Plantation of such oil seeds generally assumed on waste lands.
Ethanol is one of the successful by-product of agro industry, identified to promote in transportation industry.
Bio Fuel from Algae.
Latest development and pilot plant trials have shown ‘ALGAE’ as good source of bio fuel, which gives many times higher yield of bio-oil compared to any oilseeds. However results of commercial scale production are awaited.
Energy from Bio Waste.
Waste-to-energy plants offer two important benefits of environmentally safe waste management and disposal, as well as the generation of clean electric power. Especially municipal councils can take benefit of this technology, which may ease challenges of waste disposal.
5. Tidal Energy.
Recently there are a few successful demonstrations abroad for Tidal energy generation from sea / ocean waves. However, due to limited amount of energy generation, tidal may not be appealing for commercial electricity generation.
Renewable Energy facilitates Decentralized Energy Generation
Microgeneration, also called “micropower”, is the generation of zero or low-carbon electrical power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs.
The wider benefits of microgeneration are now being recognized.
A recent study shows that microgeneration actually acts as a catalyst for cultural changes in consumer attitude, and provides evidence of the important impact that microgeneration has on consumers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding energy production and use. Microgeneration technologies include small wind turbines, biomass gasifires, solar power, micro-hydro, may be with any combinations etc.
Can we use ‘Renewable Energy’ as an opportunity?
‘Companies in renewable energy business today are growing as fast as Microsoft did in the 80’s!’
Developed countries from Europe, USA, Australia, Japan, China and many others have laid down intensive planning and actions to use renewable energy resources to great extent. For example USA has announced massive renewable energy program, to generate large share of total energy requirement from renewable energy sources by 2025, which will create 5 million new job opportunities in various areas of Renewable Energy. (2.7 trillion US $, ambitious plan would provide real benefits to USA www.25X25.org)
What we can do?
As Consumers :
Explore possibility to make our own power house, by means of solar / wind / biomass etc. with whatever feasible renewable energy source. Determine to use government / utility company electricity supply, only incase of emergency or unavoidable circumstances. Prima-facie renewable energy may appear a bit costlier than the conventional source of energy, but looking at the benefit of continuous power availability and great contribution against global warming, it is worth. We will not only save money on our electricity bills by generating our own electricity, but it will also significantly increase the value of our property.
* No more wastage of energy anymore. Every WATT energy is most valuable.
* Energy saving by using low wattage / high luminous lamps (CFL / LED),
* Use of Power Factor Improvers.
* Keeping all the electrical equipments well serviced, in order to minimize consumption.
* Avoid using inverters and large storage batteries (except emergency), as it is almost 50% criminal waste of valuable energy while charging the batteries and reusing the power from batteries through inverters.
* Industrial consumers can go for stepper control capacitors (Intelligent Power factor Correctors) to minimize energy losses in capacitor at lower load conditions.
* Insist on Frequent Energy Audits
As Policy Makers (Government):
* Form teams of teachers, engineers and scientists committed for Renewable energy education. Promote ‘Renewable Energy’ education aggressively right from grass root level. It can be routed through NGOs’, Adult Educations, Schools, ITIs, Diploma and Degree institutions.
* Looking at the magnitude and paramount importance of the topic, it will be also worth while to promote countrywide special cell on education on ‘Renewable Energy’.
* Encourage Research on Renewable conversion on highest priority
* Increasing the targets for electricity generation from renewable sources.
* Installation of solar / wind energy generation systems and energy saving devices with all possible, government semi government / corporations building, which will demonstrate and inspire private consumers to go for Renewable Energy generation.
* Curb on using large battery energy storage systems as around up to 50% of energy is lost while charging and reusing the energy through inverters.
* Compulsory installation of solar water heating systems for all urban residential and commercial establishments. ( We must congratulate Municipal Council of ‘Saswad’, a small town near Pune has made a resolution for mandatory installation of ‘solar water heating system’ in all the residential and commercial buildings having area above 1500 Sq. Feet.)
* Mandatory renewable energy systems provision for all coming-up residential, commercial and industrial constructions.
* Offer attractive incentives to consumers for installation of Renewable energy equipment. . (An incentive of $2.50 per watt is offered by US Govt. for business customers that install solar electric systems larger than 10 kilowatts.)
* Simplification and abolishing taxes duties / import duties for all types renewable energy generating plants / equipments and components up to 20 KW capacity.
* Encourage biomass growth on all kinds of unused lands.
* Encouraging use of Bio- diesel / Bio-fuel for transportation industry.
* Soft Loans for purchase of any Renewable Energy equipment for actual use.
* Soft Loans for setting up Renewable Energy businesses.
* Special additional incentives for buyers and manufacturers of renewable energy equipment in rural areas.
As Research Professionals :
Massive research developments are happening all around the world. We need to modify and adapt available technologies considering techno / social aspect in our country.
However primary focus on high priority expected on development of :
* Full fledged educational and awareness systems on ‘Renewable Energy’ for all levels of the society
* Cost effective and Longer Life Photo Voltaic (pv) Cells, and to improve conversion efficiency of Solar (pv)Cells.
* Energy efficient Wind Turbines from 300 watts to 10 Kilowatts capacity to generate wind energy even at lower wind velocity & Wind forecasting.
* User Friendly, small capacity and improved efficiency Gasifies with electricity generating systems for rural population.
** Initiate research on affordable ‘Fuel Cells’ the next generation energy winner
Conclusion :
** Fortunately, we are blessed with abundant Sun energy, which is the prime source of all the energies on planet earth. We must make a commitment to make optimum use of the available natural energy resources like Sunlight, Water and Biomass etc. to become a prosperous and rich nation.
** The transition to Renewable energy has the potential to create over “Ten millions of new green-collar jobs," at local levels in our country. This will help to improve income levels and living standards of millions from suburban and rural India.
**We will withstand global recession with un-parallel contribution towards ‘Green Environment’
** With proper emphasis on presenting facts and figures of Renewable Energy potential, international investments and, low cost international funding would be feasible for this massive ‘Renewable Energy’ revolution in India.
Submitted by :
Ravi Soparkar, Electrical Engineer from Mumbai. 40 + years experience in engineering business. Working on micro-generation feasibility in renewable energy for past five years. Participated in numerous national and international conferences and workshops all over the world. Presently associated as vice president of M/s. Watersmart Environmental Inc.USA . Watewrsmart is the world’s first company to take up municipal solid waste to energy in large scale operations.
Soparkar House, 36/2 Kondhwa Budruk, Pune 411048. 020 26934300, 9325014999, renewableenergy@in.com
The average per capita consumption of energy in India is around 500 units per annum. In spite of high rate of development these figures are very low, compared to developed countries. (Middle East 10,000+, USA 8000+, Europe, Australia, Japan etc 4000+)
In our country major contribution to electrical energy generation is by coal and oil based power generation plants, followed by hydro and nuclear power generating stations.
Fossil Fuel position Today :
Oil & Natural Gas : Many experts believe that by 2015 the supply of oil and natural gas production would be at peak by 2015. In a few years crude oil Price might shoot to the $150 per barrel level and higher. The impact on our import bill will be very serious.
Coal: Coal has a similar story, but may last for a longer period of time. A recent study predicts global peaking of production of coal by 2025.
The use of coal in power industry contributes sizable amount of CO2 emissions and fly ash pollution within few kilometers around the power plant.
Nuclear Power : Our uranium reserves would be adequate only for meeting 10,000 MW of Nuclear power capacity for next 30 years. In addition, due to the safety problem of nuclear plants (Chernobyl incident), nuclear power is always controversial.
The consumption of electricity is growing on the worldwide basis. Energy is a necessity and clean renewable energy is an obligation to the earth and our future.
A transition from conventional energy systems to those based on renewable resources is necessary to meet the ever-increasing demand for energy and to address environmental concerns.
The widely accepted long-term option is
large scale application of “Renewable Energy”
The Sun is the source of almost all forms of energy including fossil, hydro-electric, wind and solar energy. India is blessed with an abundance of sunlight, water and biomass.
‘Renewable Energy’ is further classified as
1. Solar Energy
2. Wind Energy
3. Hydro Electric
4. Bio Energy
5. Tidal wave Energy
1. Solar Energy
‘There is enough potential energy in just one hour of ‘SUNLIGHT’ to power the electrical needs of the entire world for a full year.’ Solar energy is also a clean source with no emissions. With the recent developments in technology, solar energy systems are scalable for large and small uses, and they require minimum maintenance. Most importantly, with government tax incentives and rebates, solar energy could be made financially viable. Hence it is time to start adopting solar energy systems.
Solar electricity is generation of electricity from the power of the Sun, via photovoltaic cells (pv). When particles of sunlight (photons) fall on pv cells, there is direct conversion to a usable electric current.
As an average 100 to 130 watts energy is generated from one square meter of the solar panel. Now a days estimated life of the Solar Panel is more than 20 years and needs very simple maintenance like weekly surface cleaning. A battery pack with controller is necessary for storing generated energy. The stored energy can be used as and when required, through inverter. An exclusive solar generation system of capacity of 250 to KWH units per month would cost around Rs. 5 Lacs, with present pricing and taxes.
Most of the developed countries are switching over to solar energy as one of the prime renewable energy source. Latest trend of Architecture keep provision of Photovoltaic cells and necessary circuitry while making building plans.
2. Wind Energy.
Today wind turbines are making a major contribution to the production of renewable energy. Developments in harnessing wind power continually improved, and during the last decade a sizeable growth has happened in the wind energy industry. Wind Turbines have become larger, efficiencies and availabilities have improved and wind farm concept has become popular.
Wind energy is now attractive for many reasons – it is renewable, clean and scalable.
A bright future for wind energy
India now ranks as a "wind superpower" having a net potential of about 45000 MW only from 13 identified states.
3. Hydro Electric Power:
Theoretically speaking, India has a huge hydro power potential, out of which around 20% has been realized so far.
4. Bio- Energy:
Biomass
Biomass is organic matter produced by all livings on the earth. The solar energy trapped in the biomass can be converted in to fuel or electricity.
Burning wood to heat or cook is one of the least efficient ways to use bio-energy. Still it is the most important energy source for some three billion people in the world. The most efficient way of using biomass is gasification.
Biomass power is the largest source of renewable energy as well as a vital part of the waste management infrastructure.
Bio-Diesel from oil seeds.
Bio-Diesel is extracted from specific quality oil seeds. Plantation of such oil seeds generally assumed on waste lands.
Ethanol is one of the successful by-product of agro industry, identified to promote in transportation industry.
Bio Fuel from Algae.
Latest development and pilot plant trials have shown ‘ALGAE’ as good source of bio fuel, which gives many times higher yield of bio-oil compared to any oilseeds. However results of commercial scale production are awaited.
Energy from Bio Waste.
Waste-to-energy plants offer two important benefits of environmentally safe waste management and disposal, as well as the generation of clean electric power. Especially municipal councils can take benefit of this technology, which may ease challenges of waste disposal.
5. Tidal Energy.
Recently there are a few successful demonstrations abroad for Tidal energy generation from sea / ocean waves. However, due to limited amount of energy generation, tidal may not be appealing for commercial electricity generation.
Renewable Energy facilitates Decentralized Energy Generation
Microgeneration, also called “micropower”, is the generation of zero or low-carbon electrical power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs.
The wider benefits of microgeneration are now being recognized.
A recent study shows that microgeneration actually acts as a catalyst for cultural changes in consumer attitude, and provides evidence of the important impact that microgeneration has on consumers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding energy production and use. Microgeneration technologies include small wind turbines, biomass gasifires, solar power, micro-hydro, may be with any combinations etc.
Can we use ‘Renewable Energy’ as an opportunity?
‘Companies in renewable energy business today are growing as fast as Microsoft did in the 80’s!’
Developed countries from Europe, USA, Australia, Japan, China and many others have laid down intensive planning and actions to use renewable energy resources to great extent. For example USA has announced massive renewable energy program, to generate large share of total energy requirement from renewable energy sources by 2025, which will create 5 million new job opportunities in various areas of Renewable Energy. (2.7 trillion US $, ambitious plan would provide real benefits to USA www.25X25.org)
What we can do?
As Consumers :
Explore possibility to make our own power house, by means of solar / wind / biomass etc. with whatever feasible renewable energy source. Determine to use government / utility company electricity supply, only incase of emergency or unavoidable circumstances. Prima-facie renewable energy may appear a bit costlier than the conventional source of energy, but looking at the benefit of continuous power availability and great contribution against global warming, it is worth. We will not only save money on our electricity bills by generating our own electricity, but it will also significantly increase the value of our property.
* No more wastage of energy anymore. Every WATT energy is most valuable.
* Energy saving by using low wattage / high luminous lamps (CFL / LED),
* Use of Power Factor Improvers.
* Keeping all the electrical equipments well serviced, in order to minimize consumption.
* Avoid using inverters and large storage batteries (except emergency), as it is almost 50% criminal waste of valuable energy while charging the batteries and reusing the power from batteries through inverters.
* Industrial consumers can go for stepper control capacitors (Intelligent Power factor Correctors) to minimize energy losses in capacitor at lower load conditions.
* Insist on Frequent Energy Audits
As Policy Makers (Government):
* Form teams of teachers, engineers and scientists committed for Renewable energy education. Promote ‘Renewable Energy’ education aggressively right from grass root level. It can be routed through NGOs’, Adult Educations, Schools, ITIs, Diploma and Degree institutions.
* Looking at the magnitude and paramount importance of the topic, it will be also worth while to promote countrywide special cell on education on ‘Renewable Energy’.
* Encourage Research on Renewable conversion on highest priority
* Increasing the targets for electricity generation from renewable sources.
* Installation of solar / wind energy generation systems and energy saving devices with all possible, government semi government / corporations building, which will demonstrate and inspire private consumers to go for Renewable Energy generation.
* Curb on using large battery energy storage systems as around up to 50% of energy is lost while charging and reusing the energy through inverters.
* Compulsory installation of solar water heating systems for all urban residential and commercial establishments. ( We must congratulate Municipal Council of ‘Saswad’, a small town near Pune has made a resolution for mandatory installation of ‘solar water heating system’ in all the residential and commercial buildings having area above 1500 Sq. Feet.)
* Mandatory renewable energy systems provision for all coming-up residential, commercial and industrial constructions.
* Offer attractive incentives to consumers for installation of Renewable energy equipment. . (An incentive of $2.50 per watt is offered by US Govt. for business customers that install solar electric systems larger than 10 kilowatts.)
* Simplification and abolishing taxes duties / import duties for all types renewable energy generating plants / equipments and components up to 20 KW capacity.
* Encourage biomass growth on all kinds of unused lands.
* Encouraging use of Bio- diesel / Bio-fuel for transportation industry.
* Soft Loans for purchase of any Renewable Energy equipment for actual use.
* Soft Loans for setting up Renewable Energy businesses.
* Special additional incentives for buyers and manufacturers of renewable energy equipment in rural areas.
As Research Professionals :
Massive research developments are happening all around the world. We need to modify and adapt available technologies considering techno / social aspect in our country.
However primary focus on high priority expected on development of :
* Full fledged educational and awareness systems on ‘Renewable Energy’ for all levels of the society
* Cost effective and Longer Life Photo Voltaic (pv) Cells, and to improve conversion efficiency of Solar (pv)Cells.
* Energy efficient Wind Turbines from 300 watts to 10 Kilowatts capacity to generate wind energy even at lower wind velocity & Wind forecasting.
* User Friendly, small capacity and improved efficiency Gasifies with electricity generating systems for rural population.
** Initiate research on affordable ‘Fuel Cells’ the next generation energy winner
Conclusion :
** Fortunately, we are blessed with abundant Sun energy, which is the prime source of all the energies on planet earth. We must make a commitment to make optimum use of the available natural energy resources like Sunlight, Water and Biomass etc. to become a prosperous and rich nation.
** The transition to Renewable energy has the potential to create over “Ten millions of new green-collar jobs," at local levels in our country. This will help to improve income levels and living standards of millions from suburban and rural India.
**We will withstand global recession with un-parallel contribution towards ‘Green Environment’
** With proper emphasis on presenting facts and figures of Renewable Energy potential, international investments and, low cost international funding would be feasible for this massive ‘Renewable Energy’ revolution in India.
Submitted by :
Ravi Soparkar, Electrical Engineer from Mumbai. 40 + years experience in engineering business. Working on micro-generation feasibility in renewable energy for past five years. Participated in numerous national and international conferences and workshops all over the world. Presently associated as vice president of M/s. Watersmart Environmental Inc.USA . Watewrsmart is the world’s first company to take up municipal solid waste to energy in large scale operations.
Soparkar House, 36/2 Kondhwa Budruk, Pune 411048. 020 26934300, 9325014999, renewableenergy@in.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
