Author: Isaac Gendler

Plant Capacity Factor

Plant Capacity Factor

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

Weathering

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.

RESCOs

RESCOs

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

LNG Engines

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

Energy Service Companies

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

How Urban Densification Will Build Fire Resilience in California

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.

How Energy Storage Can Increase Carbon Emissions

How Energy Storage Can Increase Carbon Emissions

How Energy Storage Can Increase Carbon Emissions

12/08/18

“How can energy storage increase carbon emissions?”

 

Numerous renewable energy proponents around the world are promoting energy storage as the solution to intermittency. However, if not planned out carefully, energy storage can be very unsustainable. This is because energy storage can store any type of energy, clean or not, with a preference for cheaper inputs. This means that cheaper overnight coal might be used for storage and then placed against more expensive natural gas or solar. In addition, energy is lost during storage, so the net efficiency drops as well. This is How Energy Storage Can Increase Carbon Emissions.

 

Image and research credit Hittinger, E. S., & Azevedo, I. M. (2015). Bulk energy storage increases United States electricity system emissions. Environmental science & technology, 49(5), 3203-3210.