Infographics on renewable energy learn from images

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Examples and infographics of renewables; Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydraulic and marine.

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Examples and infographics of renewables; Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydraulic and marine.

We incorporate some renewable infographics, descriptions and characteristics in order to increase our knowledge in a simple way through renewable energy images in educational format. A glossary of infographics on renewable energy to try to understand its technology and operation. A world that can help make buildings more energy efficient, improve the environment or save a few euros among many other advantages with different types of energy.

We have distributed the sources and types of renewable energy in the following games:

Solar energy.
Wind power.
Biomass energy.
Geothermal energy.
Hydraulic energy.
Marine energy.

Solar energy:

We want to show the basic data on the technology, operation and applications of solar energy, taking into account that it is one of the types of renewable energy in Spain most common and accessible:

Advantages and disadvantages of energyphotovoltaic

What is photovoltaic energy?… is the direct transformation of solar radiation into electricity. This transformation is generated in devices called photovoltaic panels. In the photovoltaic panels (Commonly solar panels), solar radiation excites electrons in a semiconductor device producing a small potential difference. The series connection of these devices allows greater potential differences to be achieved.

Advantages of solar energy:

As it comes from a renewable energy source, its resources are limitless.
Its production does not generate any emissions, that is, it is an energy that respects the environment.
The operating costs are low.
Maintenance is easy and inexpensive.
The modules have a life span of up to twenty years.
It can not only be integrated into new building structures, but also into existing ones.
Modules of each and every size can be made.
The transport of all the material is practical (this refers to the fact that unlike by serving as an example of wind energy, where the transport of the material is complex due to the size, the material used in the photovoltaic energy it is easier to transport).
The cost reduces as the technology advances.
It is an ideal energy use system for areas where electricity does not reach.
The photovoltaic panels They are clean and stealthy, so they can be installed almost anywhere without causing any hassle.

Disadvantages of solar energy:

Installation costs are high, requiring a huge initial investment.
The places where there is more solar radiation are barren places and far from the cities.
Large tracts of land are required to collect solar energy on a large scale.
As far as current technology is concerned, there is a lack of inexpensive and reliable energy 'storage' elements.
It is a source of diffuse energy, sunlight is a partially low-density energy.
It has certain restrictions regarding consumption since more energy than accumulated can not be used in periods when there is no sun. In some cases, solar panels do not have adequate energy efficiency in energy production.

An example of how photovoltaic energy works We find it in the following image that shows all the points of interest and operation

Photovoltaic energy infographic

Thermal solar energy infographic

The Thermal solar energy It consists of the use of solar heat through the use of thermal solar panels. In a very schematic way, the solar thermal energy system works in the following way: the collector or solar panel captures the sun's rays, thus absorbing its energy in the form of heat, through the solar panel we pass a fluid ( as a general rule water) so that a part of the heat absorbed by the panel is transferred to said fluid, the fluid raises its temperature and is either stored or directly brought to the point of consumption.

The applications but widespread of this technology are the heating of sanitary water (DHW), the bright floor heating and the preheating of water for industrial processes.

Other applications are the heating of water for indoor pools or outdoors and emerging uses such as air conditioning or solar cooling feeding absorption pumps.

Wind power

What is eolic energy?… is the energy produced by the wind. The use of this kind of energy by man is nothing new since it has been done since ancient times. It can also be defined as the outcome of a process in which the mechanical energy, which uses the force of the wind to transform itself into Kinetic energy, which when transporting the moving air is converted into wind energy, which allows machinery to be activated for operational purposes or for the generation of electricity.

Wind energy advantages

The production costs of this class of Energy are partially low, it can compete in profitability with other sources of energy production: lignite thermal power plants, fuel plants, etc.
Another of the benefits of wind power is that it is a clean energy, for its production a combustion process is not necessary. It is a clean process that does not harm the atmosphere, fauna, flora and does not pollute the soil or water.
Modern windmills can be installed in remote areas, not connected to the electricity grid, to achieve their supply.
The employment of wind energy avoids pollution that generates the transport of gas, oil, lignite, etc. It reduces the traffic produced for the transport of these types of fuels and eliminates the dangers of accidents that damage the environment so much.
Among the greatest advantages of wind energy is that it is endless, sustainable and non-polluting.
The use of wind energy for the generation of electricity does not affect the physicochemical peculiarities of the soil, as it does not generate any pollutant that harms it, nor discharges or large earth movements.
Wind energy does not alter aquifers and the production of electricity Since this energy does not contribute to the greenhouse effect, it does not destroy the ozone layer or produce polluting remains.

Wind energy disadvantages

Energy production from lignite generates a high degree of pollution since they are a source of carbon dioxide and many other toxic substances extremely dangerous to health and the environment.
Likewise, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, which are primarily responsible for acid rain, are emitted into the atmosphere.
Faced with these drawbacks of the lignite wind energy is clean, non-polluting and when the installation is no longer useful it falls apart without leaving a trace.

Wind energy infographic

A example from how wind power works We find it in the following image that shows all the points of interest and operation:

As a note, from the following wind map we can see the resources and possibilities in the Spanish cartography and the whole world.

Biomass energy

What is biomass energy? … It is what is obtained from organic compounds through natural processes. With the biomass term Solar energy is mentioned, transformed into organic matter by flora, which can be recovered by direct combustion or by converting this matter into other fuels, such as alcohol, methyl alcohol or oil. You can also get biogas, with a composition similar to natural gas, from organic waste.

It is also called with the concept of bioenergy and biofuels by taking advantage of biomass energy to produce renewable electricity. But, let's see the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of biomass energy

One of the biomass energy advantages is that it is a renewable fuel that can be managed, according to needs or demand peaks.
Biomass is capable of generating thermal and / or electrical energy, being a clean, modern and safe energy.
Reduces emissions that contribute to creating the greenhouse effect. In its combustion process it produces insignificant amounts of sulfur or nitrogenous pollutants, being its computation of C02 and neutral CO.
Avoid energy dependence on the outside, specifically on fossil fuels.
There is a large surplus of biomass.
It is a form of recycling and reduction of remains.
It helps to avoid forest fires, the cleaning of the mountains improves with the biomass needs.
It has competitive costs and more stable than those of any fossil fuel.

Disadvantages biomass energy

Lower energy density than fossil fuels. More biomass is required to achieve exactly the same amount of energy.
They occupy a greater volume than fossil fuels, which implies greater storage systems.

A case of how biomass energy works We find it in the next image that shows each and every one of the points of interest and operation.

Biomass energy infographic

Geothermal energy

The explanation of the geothermal energy is based on the fact that it is a source of renewable energy that takes advantage of the heat that exists in the subsoil of our planet. Its main applications are found in our daily lives: air conditioning and obtaining sanitary hot water in an ecological way both in large buildings (offices, factories, health centers, etc.) and in residences.

The geothermal resources high temperature (more than 100-150º C) are used to produce electrical energy, while those with lower temperatures are perfect for industrial, service and residential areas.

We have compiled its advantages and disadvantages, as well as some curiosities about its application in our daily lives, as well as an image that describes its entire operation graphically.

Geothermal energy advantages

Between the primary advantages this power source is that it is present in each and every one of the parts of the planet, in contrast to oil to serve as an example.
Another positive aspect is that it produces low levels of pollution, especially in relation to fossil fuels.
Although the geothermal energy It is not infinite, it is estimated that there is about fifty thousand times more of this energy than natural gas or oil.
The production costs of this energy source are significantly less than the cost of lignite plants or nuclear plants.
In many countries, using geothermal energy would avoid dependence on other countries.

Disadvantages geothermal energy

Among the main disadvantages, especially in the case of open air geysers, is that they can release certain amounts of polluting emissions such as hydrogen sulfide, arsenic and other minerals. This does not happen in the binary system, since everything that was extracted from the Earth, returns to it.
Pollution can also be generated through water, by solids that dissolve in it and finally run off containing heavy metals such as mercury.
As we previously stated, the pollution of this power source It is low, however the environmental cost can be high without in the areas where the hot spots are found, forests or other natural ecosystems are destroyed to install power plants.
Another disadvantage is that, although it is considerably more overflowing than oil or other fuels, the “hot spots” that justify an investment in power plants are not many and if they are not well managed they can be exhausted in a short time.
Finally, another of the disadvantages of geothermal energy is that until now, no systems have been developed to be able to transport the energy produced by this means.

It must be remembered that this source of energy that comes from the ground is very confused and is linked to the energy that comes from the air with aerothermal energy. An example of how geothermal energy works and geothermal plants can be found in the next image that shows each and every one of the points of interest and operation:

Geothermal energy infographic

Hydraulic energy

What is hydraulic power? … It is based on take advantage of the falling water from a certain height. The potential energy, throughout the fall, becomes kinetic. The water passes through the turbines at high speed, causing a rotational movement that is ultimately transformed into electrical energy through the generators.

It is a free natural resource in areas that have a sufficient amount of water, and once used, it is returned downstream. Its development requires building swamps, dams, diversion channels, and the installation of large turbines and equipment to produce electricity. All this implies the investment of large sums of money, which is not competitive in areas where lignite or oil are cheap. However, the weight of environmental considerations and the low maintenance they require once they are up and running place the focus on this power source.

Advantages of hydropower

The huge advantage of sourceshydraulic energy Either hydroelectric is the partial elimination of fuel costs. The cost of operating a hydraulic plant is practically immune to the volatility of the price of fossils like gasoline, lignite or natural gas. As if that were not enough, it is not necessary to importfuels from other countries.
Hydraulic plants also tend to have longer economic lives than power plants that use electricity. There are hydraulic plants that continue to operate after fifty to one hundred years. Operating costs are low as the plants are automated and have very few people throughout normal operation.
These plants generate exactly the same amount of carbon dioxide compared to the gray matter on the planet. This fact is advantageous for health.
Like the hydraulic plants They do not burn fuel, they do not directly generate carbon dioxide. Very little carbon dioxide is produced throughout the construction period of the plants, but it is little, uniquely compared to the emissions of an equivalent fuel-burning plant.

Disadvantages of hydropower

On the downsides of the process of hydraulic energy We find in the first place that by interrupting the normal course of River Disturbances are generated in the fauna and the vegetation of the river, a possible rupture in the dam can cause a catastrophe, and on the other hand the dams retain the sands that carry the current and that are the cause of the formation of deltas in the river mouths altering the balance between living beings in the area. Although it is not polluting, the landscape impact of the reservoir is brutal.
As if that were not enough, when building the reservoir, the habitat of many species is altered, which must migrate to other places, when this is possible.
The construction of large reservoirs It can flood essential tracts of land, obviously depending on the topography of the land upstream from the dam, which could represent loss of fertile lands, depending on the site where they are built; Reservoirs have previously been built that have flooded entire villages. With the development of environmental awareness, these events are less common today.
Destruction of nature. Dams and reservoirs they can be disruptive to aquatic ecosystems. For example, studies have shown that prey off the coast of North America has reduced populations of common northern trout that need to migrate to certain locations to reproduce. There are quite a few studies looking for solutions to this kind of problem.One case is the invention of a kind of ladder for fish.
Change the ecosystem maps in the river downstream. The water that comes out of the turbines has practically no sediment. This can result in the erosion of river banks.
When the turbines are opened and closed several times, the flow of the river can be drastically altered, causing a tragic disturbance in the ecosystems.

An example of how hydraulic power works We find it in the next image that shows each and every one of the points of interest and operation:

Hydraulic energy infographic

Marine energy

What is marine energy? … The oceans offer enormous energy potential that, through different technologies, can be transformed into electricity and help meet current energy needs. Although to understand it better we have an extensive article that deals with what is marine energy. Now we want to give a little review of how we obtain electricity from the sea.

Types of marine energy

In the Energies of the Sea, there are highly distinguished technologies, depending on the use of energy: tidal or tidal energy, energy of currents, tidal energy, wave or wave energy and energy of the saline gradient (osmotic).

Tidal wave: consists of the energy use of the tides. It is based on taking advantage of the rise and fall of the sea water produced by the gravitational action of the Sun and the Moon, although only in those points of the coast where the high and low seas differ by more than 5 meters in height is it profitable install a tidal power station. A project for a tidal power plant is based on the storage of water in a reservoir that is formed by building a dam with gates that leave the entry of water or flow to be turbine, in a bay, cove, river or estuary for the electricity generation.

Energy of currents: consists of the harnessing the kinetic energy contained in ocean currents. The capture process is based on kinetic energy converters related to wind turbines, using underwater installations in such a case.

Tidal wave: is based on the use of thermal energy from the sea based on the temperature difference between the sea surface and deep water.

The use of this kind of energy requires that the thermal gradient be at least 20º. The tidal wave plants convert thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermodynamic cycle called "Rankine cycle" to generate electrical energy whose hot source is the water from the sea surface and the cold source is the water from the depths.

Wave energy or Wave energy: Is he energy use produced by the wave movement. The swell is a consequence of the friction of the air on the surface of the sea, which is very irregular. This has led to the construction of multiple types of machines to make their use possible.

Osmotic Power: Osmotic Power or blue energy is the Energy achieved by the difference in salt concentration between seawater and river water through osmosis processes.

Advantages of marine energy

It is renewable. Since the gravitational action of the sun and the moon, as well as the rotation of the earth, will continue to exist for many billions of years to come, tidal energy is a renewable energy source.
Tidal energy is an environmentally friendly energy source environment. Apart from being a renewable energy source, it does not emit any greenhouse gas and on the other hand, another great advantage is that it does not require a lot of space. However, being still in development there are very few examples of true tidal plants and therefore, we cannot know for sure what their effects are on the environment (seabed, vegetation and ocean fauna).
The tides are predictable, we know when the high tides will occur and when the sea goes down. By knowing these cycles, the construction of systems with suitable dimensions becomes simpler, since we know what power we can expect in each and every case.
The turbines used are very similar to those of wind energy, both in size and shape, as well as in installed power. However they have different restrictions.
Since water is a thousand times thicker than air, it is possible to produce electricity at a low speed. Even at speeds of 1 m / s energy can be achieved.
Although, as has been said, there are still few examples, the tidal plant de La Rance in France has been in operation since 1961 and today continues to generate a large amount of electricity.

Disadvantages marine energy

As previously stated, the effects of tidal plants in the environment they are not yet clear. All we know is that these plants generate clean energy, but we do not know if we will pay any kind of cost for the future.
If we equate them with the hydroelectric dams, the tidal power plants - which in a similar way block the free passage of water - could have similar effects on marine habitats. For this reason, research projects also place particular emphasis on this aspect.
The tidal power plants They need to be built near the mainland, which is where the most marked differences between tides occur, and this has a visual impact, occupation of coastal areas …
In the future, it may turn out possible to locate them in offshore areas.
Being new technologies, they are less competitive than others established and promoted for a longer time, and the resulting energy is significantly more expensive than that obtained with nuclear power plants, thermal plants, or other renewable energy sources.

An example of how marine energy worksWe find it in the next image that shows each and every one of the points of interest and operation: