Alternative Energy PDF

Alternative Energy
101 Basics
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Alternative Energy
101 Basics
What are the 101 Basics?

These modules provide an introduction to various products and services available in the electrical
control, distribution and power quality categories.
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select the modules that meet your product and service knowledge needs.
What will you learn from this module?

You will learn:
• What is alternative energy
• Types of alternative energy available
• How each type of alternative energy works
• Benefits of each type of alternative energy
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Included in this Module…
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can turn off your speakers without missing any of the key module concepts.
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final module score.
1
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Learn
Welcome to the Alternative Energy 101 Module. This module, is designed to

increase your knowledge of Alternative Energy.
Start Module
Post Assessment
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pass this module.
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Alternative Energy Objectives

101 Basics
By the end of this section,
you will understand:
What is Alternative Energy?
1. What is alternative
energy
2. Benefits of using
Alternative energy, also called renewable energy, is energy
alternative energy
generated in ways that do not deplete natural resources or harm
the environment.
3. Types of alternative
energy available
Alternative energy is generated from natural sources—such as
sunlight, wind, rain, rivers, tides and geothermal heat—which
are renewable resources.
Producing oil, coal or natural gas fuel (also called fossil fuels)
requires complex equipment and many physical and chemical
processes.
On the other hand, alternative energy can be widely produced

with basic equipment and processes.
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Why use alternative energy?

Advantages
One major advantage of using alternative energy is that it is
renewable, which means that as long as we have a sun, wind, water
and geothermal heat, we have alternative energy sources. Fossil fuels
(coal, natural gas and oil) are considered to be finite resources that
cannot self replenish after consumption.
More importantly, renewable energy produces little or no waste
products such as carbon dioxide or other chemical pollutants, so it has
minimal impact on the environment.
Disadvantages
A disadvantage of alternative energy is that it is difficult to
produce equivalent quantities and meet the electricity demands that
are currently supported by traditional fossil fuels.
Also, alternative energy often relies on the weather for its source of
power. Therefore, if the power source (water, wind, sun, etc.) is not
consistently available, the ability to make electricity can be
inconsistent and/or unpredictable.
2
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Why Alternative Energy?
Being the industry leader in offering solar, wind and

electric vehicle charging solutions, Eaton is uniquely
positioned to help make their channel partner’s
alternative energy projects a success with innovative
products and expert engineering services. Eaton electrical sector plant - Beaver, PA
Solar installation - ground mounted solar panels
Eaton has set its own internal sustainability goals to
reduce their carbon emissions year over year. To achieve
these goals, they have been implementing solar energy
and electric vehicle solutions at a number of their
locations.
Throughout this module, we will discuss various

alternative energy offerings that can help you
achieve and/or exceed your sustainability goals. Electrical sector headquarters, Moon Township, PA
Solar installation - roof top installation
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Types of Alternative Energy
Everything that uses electricity requires electrical power to work. The creation of that electrical power has
traditionally been through the consumption of fossil fuels, but advances in technology and products have
provided alternative energy power sources that produce electricity with less harm to the environment.
Below are various alternative energy sources that can be used to produce the energy we need, without
the damaging effects on our environment. Eaton manufactures products for the wind, solar and electric
vehicle markets, therefore, we will discuss these sources in greater detail throughout the module.
Click on each source for a brief description.
Water Geothermal Electric Vehicle Solar Wind
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
vehicle markets,Water
therefore,
powerwe will discuss these issources in greater detail throughout the module.
or hydro-power
power derived
Clickfrom the energy
on each sourceoffor a brief description.
falling or/and running water. The kinetic
energy of flowing water (when it moves
Water fromGeothermal Electric
higher potential to lower Vehicle
potential) Solar Wind
is converted to electrical energy by
turbines and magnets. It can be
harnessed for many useful purposes.
Close
3
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
vehicle markets, Geothermal
therefore, we energy
will discuss these sources in greater detail throughout the module.
is thermal
energy generated
Click onand
eachstored
sourcein for
thea brief description.
Earth. With its low emissions of
greenhouse gases, the broadening use
Water of geothermal
Geothermal energy hasElectric
the Vehicle Solar Wind
potential to help mitigate global
warming.
Close
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
An electric
vehicle markets, therefore, wevehicle (EV),these
will discuss also sources in greater detail throughout the module.
referred to as an electric drive
Click on each source for a brief description.
vehicle, uses one or more electric
motors or traction motors for
propulsion. Over the last decade or
so, the environmental impact of
fossil fueled vehicles has sparked a
renewed interest in EV technology.
Close
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Solar energy
Below are various alternative is energy
energy produced
sources through
that can be usedvarious, evolving
to produce the energy we need, without
the damaging effects technologies from the Eaton
on our environment. harnessing of the sun’s
manufactures light and
products for heat. All solar and electric
the wind,
vehicle markets,solar technologies
therefore, we will are categorized
discuss by theinway
these sources they detail
greater capture, convert the module.
throughout
and distribute the energy from the sun. We will discuss both active
and passive Click on each source
technologies for adetail
in greater brief in
description.
this module.
Close
4
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
the damaging effects on our power
Wind environment. Eaton manufactures products for the wind, solar and electric
is the conversion
vehicle markets, therefore, we will
of wind energy discuss
into usefulthese sources in greater detail throughout the module.
energy byClick
usingon
windmills or for a brief description.
each source
wind turbines to make electrical
power. Wind power is very
Water environmentally
Geothermal friendly.Electric
It is Vehicle Solar Wind
plentiful, renewable, readily
available, clean and produces
no greenhouse gas emissions
during operation.
Close
PROPERTIES
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101 Basics
Wind Power
1. What is wind power
2. How do we get power

from the wind
Wind power captures the natural wind in our atmosphere
and converts it into mechanical energy and then converts it 3. Benefits of wind power
into electricity.
For centuries, people have been using wind power through

windmills to pump water or grind grain. Today’s
equivalent to the windmill is a wind turbine.
Modern wind turbines harness the wind's kinetic energy and

convert it into electricity. Wind turbines almost always have
three blades and sit atop a steel tubular tower. They range in
size and can power a single home to large utility-scale turbines
that power hundreds of homes.
5
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines consist of a steel tubular tower, up to 260 feet,

which supports both the hub, which secures the wind turbine
blades and the nacelle, which houses the shaft, gearbox,
generator and controls.
Wind turbines are equipped with wind assessment equipment

and will automatically rotate into the face of the wind and
angle its blades to optimize energy capture.
Wind turbines are grouped together in a windy area to

produce electricity. This grouping is called a wind project or
wind farm, which functions as a wind power plant.
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
How do we get power from the wind?
As the wind blows, the blades rotate and capture the

energy. The internal shaft, which is connected to a gearbox,
begins to spin faster and faster. The energy that is created
is transferred to a generator that ultimately produces the
electricity.
The wind turbines in a wind farm are connected to allow

the electricity to travel from the generator to the main
power grid. Once on the grid, utilities can deliver the
electricity where it is needed.
The transmission of the electricity is done by transmission

lines. Smaller transmission lines carry the electricity from
the wind farm to a larger network of transmission lines
where it can travel over long distances. Finally, small
transmission lines will deliver it to your town, street or
home.
Alternative Energy What does

101 Basics Eaton offer?
Eaton offers a number of
Benefits of Wind Power solutions for wind power
including hydraulic and
electrical components used
inside the wind turbine and
Wind power is clean. The creation of wind energy does switchgear to connect the
not spoil the air we breathe or emit pollutants into our wind turbine or an entire
wind farm to grid.
environment.
For more information, please
Wind power is cost competitive. Being that the fuel visit www.eaton.com/wind.
(wind) is free and renewable, wind energy can provide a
stable long-term price for power production. The cost is
expected to continue to decline as the technology
improves and the market expands.
Finally, wind power is local to the community. Wind

projects create local jobs, keep the energy dollars in the
community by leasing the land from local landowners and
pay local and state taxes each year.
6
PROPERTIES

101 Basics
Solar Power
1. What is solar power
2. How do we get power

from the sun
Solar power comes from using the sun as the fuel source 3. Benefits of solar power
to create heat or electricity. Just like wind energy, solar
power is a clean, renewable source of energy.
Solar technology can harness this energy for a variety of

uses, including generating electricity, providing light and
heating water.
Solar power is environmentally friendly due to the fact

that the sun is a natural energy source and does not
pollute the air with dangerous emissions.
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Solar Technology
There are two types of solar technology that can be used for
harnessing energy from the sun.
Distributed generation is when the solar technology is

located at or near the site where the energy is needed. For
example, solar panels on the rooftop of a home or in a school
yard to supply power to the school district.
Utility-scale solar power stations are built at a utility or

commercial scale to produce and provide large amounts of
energy for distribution over a wide area. These units are similar
to a traditional power plant.
7
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Categories of Solar Technologies
Solar technologies fall into two categories: passive and active.
Passive solar energy is designed and oriented to collect, store and

distribute heat energy to maintain the comfort of the occupants without the
use of a sophisticated system with moving parts. This type of design uses
fewer, smaller and less expensive mechanical systems to meet heating and
lighting needs.
Active solar systems use mechanical or electrical devices to convert the

sun’s heat or light to another usable form of energy. The types of active
solar systems available include:
Concentrating Solar Power(CSP)
Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar photovoltaic (PV) is the most common solar

technology. This technology is very environmentally
friendly and is very easy to install at any location.
Semiconductors within the solar panel take the sun’s
energy and create an electrical charge, which can be sent
through an electrical circuit to provide electricity.
PV systems can be assembled into larger groups called
arrays to produce an extraordinary amount of electricity
depending on the need. The arrays can vary in size and
provide electricity to a home, office or larger facility.
The cost has drastically reduced in recent years making
PV technology more affordable, however, the United States
still remains behind on solar PV installations compared to
other countries.
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Solar heating and cooling (SHC) technologies collect the thermal

energy from the sun and use the heat for hot water, space heater,
swimming pool and other heating applications.
SHC systems consist of three basic parts: the solar

collector, insulated piping and a hot water storage tank.
The solar collector gathers the heat from solar radiation
and transfers the heat to potable water. This heated water
flows out of the collector to a hot water tank and is used
as necessary.
Solar energy can be used for cooling purposes as well.

There are two types of solar cooling methods:
1. Desiccant systems
2. Absorption chiller systems
8
Alternative Energy
101 Basics

SHC systems consist of three basic parts: the solar

Desiccant systemsinsulated
collector, force the piping
air overand
a a hot water storage tank.
common desiccant or drying agent to remove
the moisture from the
The solar air to make
collector it more
gathers the heat from solar radiation
comfortable
andortransfers
cool. Solar
theheat
heatis to
then used towater. This heated water
potable
renew the desiccant
flows out ofbythe
drying it out. to a hot water tank and is used
collector
as necessary.
Close
Alternative Energy
101 Basics

AbsorptionSHCchiller systems
systems consistactoflike a basic parts: the solar
three
refrigerator withoutinsulated
collector, the use ofpiping
a compressor.
and a hot water storage tank.
This system is the most common of the cooling
systems The
and uses
solarsolar water gathers
collector heating collectors
the heat from solar radiation
and a thermal-chemical
and transfers theabsorption
heat toprocess to water. This heated water
potable
produce flows
air-conditioning
out of thewithout
collectorusingto a hot water tank and is used
electricity.
as necessary.
Close
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
Concentrating solar power (CSP) uses mirrors or lenses to capture the

sun’s energy. It is then heated to very high temperatures to create
steam to operate steam turbines or engines to make electricity.
CSP plants work similar to a traditional power plant, however, instead of

using fossil fuels it uses steam produced by the heat gathered from the
sun to run the generators.
Parabolic Trough
CSP systems utilize three Dish/Engine Systems
technologies.
Power Tower
9
Alternative Energy
101 Basics


Trough systems use large, U-shaped reflectors that are tilted towards
the sun and focus sunlight on the oil-filled pipes in the center of the
structure. The sun will heat the oil within the pipes to as much as 750
degrees Fahrenheit. The oil will then heat water and create steam to run
conventional steam turbines or generators.
Parabolic Trough Close
technologies.
Power Tower
Alternative Energy
101 Basics


Dish/engine systems use mirrored dishes on a structure similar to a
satellite dish to focus the sunlight onto a fixed receiver. Unlike the other
CSP technologies that use steam to create electricity, the dish/engine
system uses fluid such as hydrogen heated to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit in
the receiver to drive an engine. Parabolic Trough
Close
technologies.
Power Tower
Alternative Energy
101 Basics


Power tower systems use computer-controlled flat mirrors called
heliostats to track and focus the sun’s rays onto a receiver, which is
located at the top of a tower. The sun will heat fluid to be used
immediately to make steam or stored for later use. Power tower systems
may use molten salt which retains heat efficiently and can be stored for
Parabolic Trough
days before being converted to electricity. This is extremely beneficial if
CSPelectricity
systems utilize three
is needed Dish/Engine
on cloudy days or several Systems
hours after sunset.
technologies.
Power Tower Close
10
Alternative Energy What does
101 Basics Eaton Offer?
With the Cooper

acquisition, Eaton offers a
Benefits of Solar Power wide range of solutions for
solar photovoltaic systems
including racking, DC
Solar power is cost competitive. Being that the fuel (sun) is free combiners and switches,
and renewable, solar energy can be used as fuel to power steam solar inverters and
turbines or generators to create electricity for homes, businesses or transformers, AC switchgear
even large factories. and monitoring and SCADA
systems.
Solar power does not emit any harmful greenhouse gases or carbon For more information, visit
dioxide into our air. All of the technologies we discussed in this www.eaton.com/solar.
section are completely silent, therefore, the production of electricity
from the sun’s rays is very appealing for a home or neighborhood.
Unfortunately, solar power is limited in when it can produce electricity.

Electricity cannot be created on a cloudy or stormy day or after sunset.
This limits the amount of electricity that can be generated and stored for
future use, so there may be times when you need to rely on other power
sources for electricity.
PROPERTIES

101 Basics
Electric Vehicle Solutions 1. What is electric vehicle
power
2. How do electric vehicles

Up until a few years ago, the energy choice for vehicles has work
been strictly internal combustion engines (IEC) or
gasoline powered, however, many manufacturers have
developed or have plans to develop electric or hybrid vehicles.
Electric vehicles (EV), also known as electric drive vehicles, use a battery to store the
electrical energy that powers the motor. EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle
into an electric power source or an electric vehicle charging station. Because electric
vehicles do not use fossil fuels to power the engine, they are safer for the environment
and can reduce the consumption of gasoline.
11
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Types of Electric Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles combine two or more different systems to power the

car, typically a gasoline engine and one or more electric drive motors.
Hybrid Vehicle
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are dual-fuel vehicle, combining

both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to power the
Plug-In Hybrid Electric car.
Vehicle
Battery electric vehicles produce zero localized emissions. They are

propelled solely by electric motors that run on batteries which can be
charged at home or at special electric vehicle charging stations.
Battery Electric
Vehicle
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
How do Electric Vehicles Work
Electric vehicles are powered by electricity.

Instead of a gas tank, electric vehicles are
powered by batteries that store the electrical
power.
From the outside, you might not notice much
of a difference in an electric vehicle.
However:
• the gasoline engine is replaced by an
electric motor
• the electric motor is powered by the
traction battery
• The traction battery may be recharged
directly or from the on-board inverter
• the controller gets its power from
rechargeable batteries
Another key difference you’ll notice when
driving the electric vehicle that it is nearly
silent.
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is a

general term to describe all of the equipment used to
supply electricity to an electric vehicle.
An electric vehicle charging station is most

commonly referred to as Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment or EVSE. EVSE is the technical term used by
the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Eaton has a full offering of EVSE products.

For more information on EVSE units
and electric drive vehicles, please see
our 101 Basics Series module: Electric
Vehicle Supply Equipment on
www.eaton.com/training or Eaton
University.
12
PROPERTIES
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Summary
In completing this module, you should now understand :
• What alternative energy is

• Types of alternative energy Eaton is involved
• Wind
• Solar
• Electric Vehicle
• How each type of alternative energy works
• Benefits of each type of alternative energy
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
Assessment
This is the final section of this module. If you have any comments or
suggestions about this module please email EETraining@eaton.com
Follow us on
www.twitter.com/eatontraining
Register to receive our podcasts

via email or iTunes > Podcasts >
Eaton Training
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PROPERTIES
Alternative Energy
101 Basics
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Alternative Energy

New to Eaton’s eLearning?

Copyright© Eaton® 2014. All rights reserved.

What are the 101 Basics?

What will you learn from this module?

Included in this Module…

Welcome to the Alternative Energy 101 Module. This module, is designed to

Alternative Energy Objectives

On the other hand, alternative energy can be widely produced

Why use alternative energy?

Why Alternative Energy?

Being the industry leader in offering solar, wind and

Throughout this module, we will discuss various

Types of Alternative Energy

Water Geothermal Electric Vehicle Solar Wind

Types of Alternative Energy

Types of Alternative Energy

Types of Alternative Energy

Types of Alternative Energy

Water Geothermal Electric Vehicle Solar Wind

Types of Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy Objectives

2. How do we get power

For centuries, people have been using wind power through

Modern wind turbines harness the wind's kinetic energy and

Wind turbines consist of a steel tubular tower, up to 260 feet,

Wind turbines are equipped with wind assessment equipment

Wind turbines are grouped together in a windy area to

How do we get power from the wind?

As the wind blows, the blades rotate and capture the

The wind turbines in a wind farm are connected to allow

The transmission of the electricity is done by transmission

Alternative Energy What does

Finally, wind power is local to the community. Wind

Alternative Energy Objectives

2. How do we get power

Solar technology can harness this energy for a variety of

Solar power is environmentally friendly due to the fact

Distributed generation is when the solar technology is

Utility-scale solar power stations are built at a utility or

Categories of Solar Technologies

Solar technologies fall into two categories: passive and active.

Passive solar energy is designed and oriented to collect, store and

Active solar systems use mechanical or electrical devices to convert the

Concentrating Solar Power(CSP)

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is the most common solar

Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)

Solar heating and cooling (SHC) technologies collect the thermal

SHC systems consist of three basic parts: the solar

Solar energy can be used for cooling purposes as well.

Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)

Solar heating and cooling (SHC) technologies collect the thermal

SHC systems consist of three basic parts: the solar

Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)

Solar heating and cooling (SHC) technologies collect the thermal

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Concentrating solar power (CSP) uses mirrors or lenses to capture the

CSP plants work similar to a traditional power plant, however, instead of

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Concentrating solar power (CSP) uses mirrors or lenses to capture the

CSP plants work similar to a traditional power plant, however, instead of

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Concentrating solar power (CSP) uses mirrors or lenses to capture the