Month: May 2019
Time-Dependent Grid Emissions
Time-Dependent Grid Emissions
05/13/19
“How can thinking of greenhouse gas emissions on a more minute level lead to more accurate recordings of greenhouse gas emissions?”
When grid emissions from electricity is analyzed, typically it is done so on a per-day or per-annum basis. However, with greater levels of distributed energy resources on the grid now, emission rates can vary hour to hour. By taking in Time-Dependent Grid Emissions to account, we can obtain a better picture of how much greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere. Demand side-response can help further minimize such emissions.
How Solar and Wind Will Be so Cheap That It Will Cause Coal Plants to Retire
How Solar and Wind Will Be so Cheap That It Will Cause Coal Plants to Retire
05/12/19
“How will the low cost of renewables force coal plants to retire early?”
Solar and wind are dropping at cataclysmic rates. So much so, that new analysis has shown that soon in some parts of the world renewables will be so cheap that installing them will actually be cheaper than keeping existing coal infrastructure running, economically forcing such plants into early retirement. This is How Solar and Wind Will Be so Cheap That It Will Cause Coal Plants to Retire.
Clean Peak Standard
Clean Peak Standard
05/11/19
“How can we mandate that peak hour energy use utilizes a certain number of clean energy?”
Renewable energy mandates have been vital for the escalation of renewable energy. However, renewable energy powers only a tepid amount of the grid during peak energy use hours once the sun goes down. To solve this, utilities and governments can implement a Clean Peak Standard, which mandates that peak hours are powered by a certain amount of clean energy. The U.S Stated of Arizona, California, and Massachusetts are currently reviewing these for the prospect of implementation.
Real-Time Energy Markets
Real-Time Energy Markets
05/10/19
“How is energy traded in real-time?”
Because energy is such a critical infrastructure, it needs to be planned out and purchased ahead of time. However, not all predictions are perfect, and sometimes energy needs to be provided the day of. This results in the creation of a Real-Time Energy Market where energy can be traded quickly to meet system needs. The purchasing costs of energy in real time tends to be more expensive and price volatile than its day-ahead equivalent.
How to Reduce Energy Demand for Washing Machines
How to Reduce Energy Demand for Washing Machines
05/09/19
“How can we reduce energy demand for washing machines?”
Washing machines have become fundamental to human life. However, they are also extremely energy intensive and intense on the environment. So how can we use our engineering and policy mindset to solve this? Well, this can be accomplished with three methods.
1. Demand-side response By shift use of washing machines away from peak hours, we can ensure that not only does it tax the grid less but potentially use more clean energy.
2. Model upgrades: By replacing older machines with newer, more energy efficient models, their energy intensity will drop.
3. Reducing usage: By using washing machines less and replacing them with passive drying mechanisms such as hanging clothes, energy consumption will drop.
All of these are How to Reduce Energy Demand for Washing Machines.
Induction Cooking
Induction Cooking
05/08/19
“How can flameless cooking be done through magnetism?”
Preparing food is one of the most important elements of human life. Every culture has placed some form of emphasis on it, and cherishes it to the utmost. However, in the past in has relied on burning gas, coal, or wood to operate. Not only is this dangerous to the environment and human health but is also inefficient. But with the advance of new technology, cooking can be done in an entirely new way. Instead of having separate burners, the cookstove can be a flat magnetic plate. When activated, the magnets will induce eddy currents into the cookware, generating heat and cooking food. Not only is this much more energy efficient but also uses no flames! This Induction Cooking is a great way to decarbonize the world of cooking.
Image credit Wikipedia
Day-Ahead Energy Markets
Day-Ahead Energy Markets
05/07/19
“How can energy be purchased a day before it is produced?”
Energy is one of the most important facets of our civilization. So much so that it has to be predicted a day ahead of time to assure system stability. Since energy needs can be predicted a day ahead of time, energy can also be purchased wholesale by market participants a day beforehand. Although energy is purchased, it does not need to be generated in case the predicted need comes out to be lower. These Day-Ahead Energy Markets are used to ensure energy price stability.
On Order
This is a continuation of last week’s post.
Isaac's Science Blog 