Projects for Non-Conventional Energy Sources
As the industrialized modern world consumes increasing amounts of energy, finding non-conventional energy sources becomes essential to sustaining worldwide energy demands. Researchers continue to search for alternative energy solutions to this problem. Whether your academic concentration is in science or liberal arts, a range of project ideas exist on non-conventional energy sources.
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Tidal Energy
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Unlike solar or wind energy -- which do not produce energy on cloudy or calm days -- the tides remain constant, making tidal energy a promising energy source. However, this source has yet to be seriously tapped. A non-conventional energy project on tidal energy would require building a small turbine designed for underwater use. Placing this tidal turbine in a location with large tidal movement would generate electricity. As the tide ebbs and flows, the turbine would rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise. This kinetic energy could be harnessed.
Wave Energy
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This project would also tap the ocean as its energy source. Waves are driven by the wind and marine geological formations. Because of their movements, waves could be a viable energy source. Build a buoy that has an inner mechanism to produce circular rotations as it is rocked back and forth atop large waves. Ensure the buoy is tied tautly to the ocean floor to ensure efficient buoy rocking. As the mechanism rotates within the rocking buoy, it could charge a simple battery.
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Solar Tower
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Solar towers use the stack, or chimney, effect to generate power. Build a large tube that juts upward. Surround it with black tarps with a small amount of space between the tarps and ground. Place small turbines around the base of the tower. As the sun heats the air beneath the black tarps, the air will begin to flow up the tower using a natural stack effect. As the moving air rotates the turbines, it will simultaneously generate electricity. The taller the tower, the more extensive the effect.
Non-Conventional Energy Report
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A written project on non-conventional energy production would require in-depth research into different energy sources, such as the sun, wind and oceans. Research how these sources can generate electricity, then write and present a report on imaginative and innovative methods for harnessing energy from these sources. This report could also create and divulge a prototype non-conventional power plant, showing how much energy it could create in a specific location. For a visual component, draw a scale model of this energy source, with accompanying dimensions and energy figures.
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References
- Union of Concerned Scientists USA: How Hydrokinetic Energy Works
- Oilgae: Wave/Tidal Energy -- Inventions, Research, Innovations, Breakthroughs
- Andy Darville's Science Site: Solar Power
- Greeniacs: "Renewable Energy Sources"; Miranda Huey; May 2010
- Live Science: "How a Giant Solar Tower Could Power the Future"; Michael Schirber; July 2008
Resources
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
