As mankind has become more aware of the effects of global warming on the planet, as well as, the inevitable depletion of fossil fuels, it started to work harder to improve the technological development of our civilization.
This article explores the latest scientific advancements in renewable energy.
Science evolves every year, and for this reason we are expecting to see new advancements also in the renewable energy sector.
As consumers, we need to contribute to a better Earth, and to achieve this, we need to familiarize ourselves with the most recent technological updates in the field.
This way, we’ll be able to better understand and use the green technologies that could improve the environment and the quality of our everyday lives on the planet.
Latest Contributions in the Renewable Energy Sector
There are three major contributions made lately by science in the renewable energy sector.
Micro-grids
This type of power supply grids has recently been spreading around the planet, especially in areas where these miniature grids can supply power in areas where the main grid is not present.
These micro-grids usually consist of four elements: a renewable energy source (solar or wind power), a storage compartment, a low-voltage supply grid, and finally, a fossil fuel energy source (as backup). Their main goal is to provide energy (mostly clean and renewable) to isolated communities.
A generator burning fossil fuels will be used only to charge the batteries in case of a longer period without Sun or wind.
Using the AI (artificial intelligence) to manage the micro-grid, makes the entire grid to work more efficiently by better controlling the loss of energy in the system.
Energy storage
We are all aware of the main issue of renewable energy, the intermittency in providing a constant flow of energy.
The Sun is not shining every day, and the wind doesn’t blow with enough speed all the time, and this is the reason why a grid (even a small one) will have an issue working directly with renewable energy. Fortunately, these problems have a pretty simple solution; batteries.
Today, we can use a custom lithium battery to independently power almost any type of machinery, so by adding such an energy storage component to a renewable energy source, would improve the system in many ways.
Some of the most important improvements created by adding a battery, is the reduction of energy loss in the process.
By storing the energy produced by the renewable resource, you will be able to use all the energy produced with minimal losses.
Any excess energy produced by your solar panels or wind turbines, if not used instantly, can be stored in the battery for later use (during the night or in the cloudy days).
Energy Blockchain
Blockchain technology was initially used in the distribution of cryptocurrency among different buyers. Its full potential, however, was recently discovered when the technology was introduced to the energy field.
Blockchain tech simply gets rid of the need for a designated energy dispenser.
The blockchain technology decentralizes energy production
With the new technology, energy will be capable of flowing, not only from power plants to consumers, but also from consumers to each other.
If, for example, a consumer happens to produce more energy than it consumes using solar panels, the extra energy produced during the day can be sold to a consumer in need; it is one of the means of decentralizing energy production.
Conclusion
As you may have already noticed, there are two new and remarkable trends when it comes to renewable energy. The first is a zero-waste policy (improved efficiency) whether it is by selling excess energy or storing it for later use, scientific advancements are making sure no renewable energy produced is no longer wasted.
The second trend is decentralization; it seems that the new aim of the scientific development in the renewable energy sector tries to make sure that consumers aren’t fully dependent on a single power supply, diversity (in terms of the number of energy sources used) enters the scene.
