"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Author: Isaac Gendler
Back-to-back Connections
12/28/18
“How can we hook up two asynchronous power connections?”
Different power grids might operate at different frequencies. And they might also cover different geographic regions that offer different but useful resources. They can be hooked up together at an HVDC substation using something called a Back-to-back Connection.
Erosion
12/27/18
“How is rock and soil material transported from one part of the Earth’s surface to another?”
Weathering can break down rocks and soils on the Earth into smaller components. Once they are small enough, they can be easily scooped up by natural Earth fluids such as wind and rainwater runoff. This process is known as Erosion and is one of the most fundamental aspects of geology.
Plant Capacity Factor
12/26/18
“How can we determine the potential used by a power-plant during a given period of time?”
Power plants are capable of generating a certain amount of energy. But only so much of it actually gets used. The ratio of energy used/potential energy is known as the Plant Capacity Factor. A simple way to conceive of the plant capacity factor is to think about the amount you can study in an hour compared to how much you study. Although you might be able to study a lot in an hour, the amount you actually study determines your efficiency!
Image credit Wikipedia.org
Weathering
12/25/18
“How are rocks broken down over time?”
Thanks to entropy, nothing stays permanent over time. This is very true on the geological scale. Over time, rocks on the Earth’s surface will be broken down by contact with the Earth’s Atmosphere, Water, and Biological Organisms. This is known as Weathering and is one of the primary changers of the Earth’s surface.
How RESCOs Can Help Rural Electrification
12/24/18
“How can RESCO companies help with rural electrification?”
Rural households often lack the capital to install complete renewable energy. But by partnering with RESCOs, they can realize this by only having to pay for part of the equipment. This is How RESCOs Can Help Rural Electrification.
RESCOs
12/23/18
“Are there companies dedicated to providing renewable energy?”
ESCOs are great for providing energy access. ESCOs that provide energy exclusively from renewable energy sources are known as RESCOs and are pivotal for the next energy paradigm.
LNG Engines
12/22/18
“How can vehicles be powered by Liquid Nitrogen Gas?”
Most cars these days are powered by petroleum. But there exists technology which allows for Natural Gas to be used. This works by holding Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in a very cold (Between -140 and -130 degrees C) isolation chamber, pushing it out through a pressurized nozzle when desired, converting it to a gasified form, feeding it through a tank that changes the temperature and pressure to desired levels and then moving it into an Internal Combustion Engine. These are known as LNG Engines and may serve a transitory role before the mass advent of electric vehicles.
Energy Service Companies
12/21/18
“How can a company provide energy solutions?”
Energy is just as dependent on economics as physics. As a result, electricity needs to be generated and distributed through a variety of manners. One of through an Energy Service Company, a commercial or non-profit organization that provides a vast array of energy services whether it be service implementation or retrofitting.
How Urban Densification Will Build Fire Resilience in California
12/20/18
“Why is urban density a good way to protect against wildfires in California?”
California is experiencing two major existential problems. First of all, runaway housing prices are placing an economic burden on millions all over the State. Second, Climate Change is exacerbating wildfires to catastrophic levels. But the Golden State has the golden opportunity to kill two birds with one stone by densifying its cities. Not only will this lower housing prices, but it will also limit suburban sprawl flooding people into fire-prone areas. This is How Urban Densification Will Build Fire Resilience in California.
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