Infographics on renewable energy learn by doing images

Examples and infographics of renewables; Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydraulic and marine.

We incorporated some infographics about renewables , descriptions and characteristics with the desire to increase our knowledge in a way simple by means of images of energies renewable energy in an educational format. A glossary of renewable energy infographics to try understand its technology and operation. A world that can help make buildings more energy efficient, improve the environment or save a few euros among many other advantages with the different types of energy .

We have distributed the sources and types of renewable energy in the following items:

1. Solar energy.
2. Wind power.
3. Biomass energy.
4. Geothermal energy.
5. Hydraulic power.
6. Marine energy.

Energy solar:

We want to show the basic data about the technology, operation and applications of solar energy taking into account Note that it is one of the types of renewable energy of Spain most common and accessible:

Advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic energy

What is photovoltaic energy?… is the direct transformation of solar radiation into electricity. This transformation is generated in devices called photovoltaic panels. In the panels photovoltaics (Commonly solar panels), the solar radiation excites the electrons of a device semiconductor producing a small potential difference. The serial connection of these devices allows to achieve larger potential differences.

Advantages of solar energy:

• Because it comes from a renewable energy source, its resources are unlimited.
• Its production does not generate any emissions, that is, it is a environmentally friendly energy.
• Operating costs are low.
• Maintenance is easy and low cost.
• Modules have a lifetime of up to twenty years.
• Not only can it be integrated into the structures of new constructions, but rather also in the existing.
• You can make modules of any and all sizes.
• Transportation of all material is practical (with this reference is made to the fact that unlike by serving as a example of wind power, where the transport of material is complex due to the size, the material used in photovoltaic energy is transport easier).
• The cost reduces as technology advances.
• It is an ideal energy utilization system for areas where electricity does not reach.
• The photovoltaic panels are clean and stealthy, so they can be installed in virtually anywhere without causing any discomfort.

Disadvantages of solar energy:

• Installation costs are high with what it requires a huge initial investment.
• The places where there is more solar radiation are places barren and far from the cities.
• To collect solar energy on a large scale, large tracts of land.
• When it comes to current technology, there is a lack of economical and efficient energy "storage" elements reliable.
• It is a diffuse energy source, sunlight is a partially low energy density.
• It has certain restrictions regarding consumption since that no more energy can be used than is stored in periods where there is no sun In some cases the solar panels do not have adequate energy efficiency in energy production.

An example of how photovoltaics works we find it in the following image that is shelled all points of interest and operation

Energy infographic photovoltaic

Solar energy infographic thermal

The concept of solar thermal energy consists of the use of solar heat through the use of thermal solar panels. In a very schematic way, the system of thermal solar energy works in the following way: the collector or solar panel captures the sun's rays, thus absorbing its energy in the form of heat, Through the solar panel we pass a fluid (as a rule water) in such a way that a part of the heat absorbed by the panel is transferred to said fluid, the fluid raises its temperature and is stored or directly brought to the consumption point.

The widespread applications of this technology are the heating of sanitary water (ACS), the heating by shiny floor and preheating of water for processes industrial.

Other applications are heating water for indoor or outdoor pools and emerging uses such as air conditioning or solar cold feeding pumps absorption.

Energy wind power

On the question of what is wind energy, it is worth noting which is the energy produced by the wind. The use of this kind of energy by man is nothing new since It has been done since ancient times. Also can be defined as the outcome of a process in which mechanical energy , which uses the force of the wind to be transformed into kinetic energy , which by transporting air in motion becomes wind energy, which allows machinery to be activated for operations or electric power generation.

Energy advantages wind power

• The production costs of this kind of energy are partially low, you can compete in profitability with other sources of production of energy: lignite thermal power plants, power plants fuel, etc.
• Another of the benefits of energy wind power is that it is a clean energy, for your production does not require a combustion process. It's a clean process that does not harm the atmosphere, fauna, flora and does not contaminate the soil or water.
• Modern windmills can be installed on remote areas, not connected to the electrical network, to get your supply.
• The use of wind energy avoids the pollution generated by the transportation of gas, oil, lignite, etc. Reduces the traffic that is produced for the transportation of these kinds of fuels and eliminates the dangers of accidents that damage the environment so much atmosphere.
• Among the biggest advantages of wind power is that it is endless, sustainable and non-polluting.
• The use of wind energy for the generation of electricity does not affect the peculiarities physicochemical characteristics of the soil, while no contaminant that harms it, nor discharges or large earthworks.
• Wind power does not alter aquifers and production of electricity from this energy not contributes to the greenhouse effect, does not destroy the layer of ozone or produce polluting residues.

Energy disadvantages wind power

• The production of energy from lignite generates a high degree of pollution since they are a source of carbon dioxide and many other toxic substances that are extremely dangerous for health and for the environment.
• Also, nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere. of sulfur that are primarily responsible for rain acid.
• Faced with these inconveniences of brown coal wind energy is clean, not contaminant and when the facility ceases to be useful it is disarticulates without leaving a trace.

Energy infographic wind power

An example of how the wind energy we find it in the following image that breaks down all the points of interest and operation:

As a note, from the following aeolian wind map we can see the resources and possibilities in Spanish cartography and the whole world.

Energy biomass

In this section it is time to see biomass... What is energy biomass? It is what is obtained from the compounds organic through natural processes. With the term biomass refers to energy sun, transformed into organic matter by the flora, which can be recovered by direct combustion or by converting this matter in other fuels, such as alcohol, methyl alcohol or well oil. You can also get biogas , similar in composition to gas natural, from organic waste.

It is also called with the concept of bioenergy and biofuels by harnessing biomass energy to produce renewable electricity. But let's see the advantages and disadvantages:

Energy advantages biomass

• One of the advantages of biomass energy is that it is a renewable fuel that can be managed, according to needs or demand peaks.
• Biomass is capable of generating thermal energy and/or electricity, being a clean, modern and safe energy.
• Reduces emissions that contribute to creating effect greenhouse. In its combustion process it produces quantities negligible sulfur contaminants or nitrogenous, being its computation of C02 and CO neutral.
• Avoid energy dependence on the outside, specifically from fossil fuels.
• There is a large surplus of biomass .
• It is a way of recycling and reducing waste.
• Help prevent forest fires, clean up Forests improve with biomass needs.
• It has competitive and more stable costs than those of any fossil fuel .

Energy disadvantages biomass

• Lower energy density than fossil fuels . More is needed amount of biomass to achieve exactly the same amount of energy.
• They occupy a larger volume than fossil fuels, which which implies larger storage systems.

A case of how energy works biomass we find it in the next image that is lists each and every one of the points of interest and operation.

Energy infographic biomass

Energy geothermal

The explanation of the concept of energy geothermal is based on the fact that it is a source of energy renewable that takes advantage of the heat that exists in the subsoil of our planet . its primordial applications occur in our daily life: air conditioning and obtain sanitary hot water in an ecological way both in large buildings (offices, factories, health centers, etc.) as in residences.

The geothermal resources of high temperature (more than one hundred-150º C) are used to produce energy electricity, while those with lower temperatures are perfect for industrial, service and residential.

We have compiled their advantages and disadvantages, as well as some curiosities about its application in our life daily life, an image is also provided that describes all its graphical operation.

Energy advantages geothermal

• Among the main advantages of this source of energy is that it is present in each and every part of the planet, in contrast to the oil for example.
• Another of the positive aspects is that it produces low pollution levels, especially in relation to the fossil fuels.
• Although geothermal energy is not infinite, it is estimated that there are fifty thousand times more of this energy than natural gas or oil.
• The production costs of this source energy are significantly lower than the cost involved lignite plants or nuclear plants.
• In many countries, using geothermal energy would avoid dependence on other countries.

Energy disadvantages geothermal

• Among the main disadvantages , especially especially in the case of geysers that are in the sky open, is that they can give off certain amounts of polluting emissions such as hydrogen sulfide, arsenic and other minerals. This does not happen in the system binary, while everything that was extracted from the Earth, come back to her.
• Pollution can also be generated through water, by solids that dissolve in it and ultimately runs off containing heavy metals such as mercury.
• As previously stated, the pollution of this power source is low, cost notwithstanding environmental impact can be high without in areas where find the hot spots destroy forests or other natural ecosystems to install the plants of energy.
• Another disadvantage is that, although it is considerably more overflowing than oil or other fuels, the “hot spots” that justify a investment in power plants are not many and if they are not well managed they can run out in a short time.
• Finally, another of the disadvantages of geothermal energy is up to now, no systems have been developed to to be able to transport the energy produced by this medium.

You have to remember that this source of energy that comes from the soil is confused a lot is linked to the energy that comes of the air with aerothermal energy. An example of how it works geothermal energy and geothermal plants we find it in the next image that breaks down each and every one of the points of interest and operation:

Energy infographic geothermal

Energy hydraulics

What is hydraulic power?… It is It is based on taking advantage of the falling water from a certain height that is translated into energy hydroelectric when we talk about a dam. Energy potential, along the fall, becomes kinetic. He water passes through the turbines at high speed, causing a rotational movement that is finally transformed into energy electricity through generators.

It is a free natural resource in the areas that present sufficient amount of water, and once used, it is returned to the river below. Their development requires building swamps, dams, diversion channels , and the installation of large turbines and equipment to produce electricity. All this implies the investment of large sums of money, which makes it not competitive in areas where the lignite or oil are cheap. However, the weight of environmental considerations and low maintenance that they need once they are in operation focus the Pay attention to this source of energy.

Advantages of energy hydraulics

• The enormous advantage of energy sources hydraulic or hydroelectric is the suppression part of fuel costs. The cost of operating a hydraulic plant is practically immune to volatility the price of fossils such as gasoline, lignite or natural gas. As if that were not enough, no it is necessary to import fuels from other countries.
• Hydroelectric plants tend to have lifetimes as well. economic longer than power plants that use electricity. There are hydraulic plants that continue to operate after fifty to a hundred years. Operating costs are low because the plants are automated and have really few people throughout normal operation.
• These plants generate exactly the same amount of carbon dioxide compared to the gray matter of the planet. This fact is advantageous for health.
• Since hydraulic plants do not burn fuels, do not directly generate carbon dioxide. Very little carbon dioxide is produced throughout the period of construction of the plants, but it is little, uniquely compared to emissions from a plant equivalent to burning fuel.

Disadvantages of energy hydraulics

• On the disadvantages of the energy process hydraulics we find in the first place, that when interrupt the normal course of the river generate disturbances in the fauna and vegetation of their own of the river, a possible break in the dam can cause a catastrophe, and on the other hand the dams retain the sands that drag the current and that are the cause of the formation of deltas at the mouth of rivers altering the balance between living beings existing in area. Although it is not polluting, the impact landscape of the reservoir is brutal.
• As if that were not enough, when building the reservoir, the habitat of many species, which must migrate to other places, when this is possible for them.
• The construction of large reservoirs can flood essential tracts of land, obviously depending on the topography of the land upstream of the dam, which could represent loss of fertile land, depending on the place where build; Previously, reservoirs have been built that They have drowned entire villages. With the development of the environmental awareness, these facts are nowadays less usual.
• Destruction of nature. Dams and reservoirs can be disruptive to ecosystems aquatic. For example, studies have shown that Dams off the coast of North America have reduced the stocks of northern brown trout that need to migrate to certain places to reproduce. There are plenty studies looking for solutions to this kind of problem. One case is the invention of a kind of ladder for the fish.
• Change the ecosystem maps in the river downstream. The water that comes out of the turbines has no practically sediment. This can result in erosion of the banks of the rivers.
• When the turbines are opened and closed several times, the river flow can be drastically altered causing a tragic disruption to ecosystems.

An example of how energy works hydraulics we find it in the next image that each and every one of the points of interest and operation:

Energy infographic hydraulics

Energy marina

What is marine energy?… oceans offer enormous energy potential that, through different technologies , can be transformed into electricity and contribute to satisfying the current energy needs. Although to understand it better we have a long article that deals with what is energy Marine. Now we want to take a quick look at how we get electricity from the sea.

Types of energy marina

In Sea Energies , there are clearly distinguished technologies, depending on the energy use: tidal energy or well tidal power , energy of currents, energy tidal power, wave energy or wave energy and energy of the saline gradient (osmotic).

Tidal: consists of the energy use of the tides . HE It is based on taking advantage of the rise and fall of sea water produced by the gravitational action of the Sun and the Moon, although only in those points of the coast in which the high sea and the low differ more than 5 meters in height it is profitable to install a tidal power station . A project of a tidal power plant is based on the storage of water in a reservoir that is formed by building a dam with gates that leave the entrance of water or flow to turbine, in a bay, cove, river or estuary for the generation electric.

Current energy: consists of the use of the kinetic energy contained in the marine currents . The recruitment process is It is based on kinetic energy converters similar to those wind turbines using in such a case installations underwater.

Tidal thermal: is based on the use of thermal energy from the sea based on the temperature difference between the surface of the sea and deep waters.

The use of this type of energy requires that the thermal gradient is at least 20º. The plants tidal power plants convert thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermodynamic cycle called “Rankine cycle” to generate electrical energy whose hot source is the water on the surface of the sea and the source cold the water of the depths.

Wave energy or Wave power: It is the use of energy produced by the movement of waves. Waves are a consequence of air friction. on the surface of the sea, which is very irregular. This has led to the construction of multiple genres of machines to make its use possible.

Osmotic Power: The Osmotic Power or well blue energy is the energy achieved by the difference in the concentration of salt between the water of sea and river water through the processes of osmosis.

Energy advantages marina

• It is renewable . Well the action gravitational forces of the sun and moon, just like the rotation of the earth will continue to exist for many billions of years yet, the Tidal power is a renewable energy source.
• Tidal power is a source of energy respectful with the environment environment . Apart from being a source of energy renewable, does not emit any greenhouse gases and therefore On the other hand, another great advantage is that it does not demand much space. However, as it is still under development, there are very few examples of true tidal power plants and therefore Therefore, we cannot know for sure what its effects are. on the environment (sea beds, vegetation and fauna oceanic).
• Tides are predictable , we know in when the high tides will occur and when the sea falls. By knowing these cycles, the construction becomes simpler. of systems with suitable dimensions, since we know what power we can expect in each and every case.
• The turbines used are very similar to those of wind power , both in size and shape, as well as in the installed power. However they have restrictions different.
• Since water is a thousand times thicker than air, it is possible to produce electricity at low speed. Even with speeds of 1 m/s energy can be achieved.
• Although as has been said there are still few examples, the La Rance tidal power plant in France It has been in operation since 1966. and to this day it continues to generate a large number of electricity.

Disadvantages energy marina

• As previously stated, the effects of tidal plants in the environment are not yet clear. All we know is that you are plants generate clean energy, but we do not know if we pay some kind of cost for the future.
• If we equate them with dams hydroelectric plants , hydroelectric tidal waves – which similarly block free passage water - could have similar effects in habitats marines. For this reason, research projects They also place singular emphasis on this aspect.
• The tidal power stations require be built close to the mainland, which is where the more marked differences between tides, and this entails a visual impact, occupation of coastal areas…
• In the future, it may be possible to locate them in offshore areas .
• Being new technologies, they are less competitive than others established and strengthened for longer, and the resulting energy is significantly more expensive than that achieved with nuclear, thermal, or other renewable energy sources.

An example of how energy works marina we can find it in the next image that lists each and every one of the points of interest and operation:

Energy infographic marina

What do you think?… If you have any infographics or images of the types of renewables we can add it to complete the post.