Three Energy Sources
Change. It is being urged and forced upon us from different groups with different perspectives all the time. Listed below are some thoughts on energy sources available to mankind, looked at from the perspective of the three original locations of the energy.
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Tidal |
Why do we only see one side of the moon? Because of the
pull of gravity from the moon on the oceans of the planet earth. The
oceans have moderated the spin of the moon so it exactly matches the
orbital period of the moon around the earth. This has confounded man for eons in
time, but is a huge source of potential energy. Link see ideas on tidal power generation in New Zealand See other links on the topic. Off topic, see a model of an orrery that demonstrates the above relationship |
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Rivers |
In the past hydroelectric power has been looked upon as a continuous supply of electricity, however it offers a storage mechanism to store potential energy. Hydroelectric power can be used for dealing with peak demands. |
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Wind |
Wind powered generators have proven themselves to be economic
in places where geography funnels the wind. Coupled with other electricity generating
sources makes it an ideal way of generating electricity. Off topic, see a model of a wind generator |
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Solar |
Heat from the sun may be directly captured and used in a variety of ways. It may be used for solar hot water heating or to generate electricity. | |
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Geothermal |
The core of the earth could be looked upon as a giant nuclear reactor producing heat. This is what drives tectonic plate movement, earthquakes and volcanoes. We can utilize some of this energy to generate electricity as is done in New Zealand. |
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Thermal |
Using fossil fuels for energy sources has been used by mankind since prehistoric times. However this is a limited resource, which will run out. Change will be forced upon us. We are releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere when we use fossil fuels. | |
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Nuclear |
The cost of safety has hindered development in this area. New technologies may make this a more viable source. | |
| "Change has considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better. Obviously, then, one’s character and frame of mind determine how readily he brings about change and how he reacts to change that is imposed on him." - King Whitney Jr. |
