Alternative Energy Research Essay

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Today, fossil fuels provide more than 85% of the energy consumed by the world. All fossil fuels are nothing but different forms of hydrocarbons which constitute of Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O). The study of these carbon compounds is called Organic Chemistry. Petroleum or ‘Crude’ Oil as it is more commonly known is also a mixture of hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons are of two major categories, Saturated (Alkanes) and Unsaturated (Alkenes). ‘Saturated’ means that no more atoms can be added to the compound. Unsaturated compounds contain a double bond which can be broken down to add more atoms to the hydrocarbon. Upon complete combustion of any organic compound, only two products are given out, Water and Carbon Dioxide, but under incomplete combustion, the products are unpredictable and potentially hazardous. The more the number of Carbon atoms in the molecule, the higher number of Hydrogen atoms present. They can be calculated using the formula [C (n) H (2n+2)] for Alkanes and [C (n) H (2n)] for Alkenes. With increasing number of carbon atoms, the molecular mass of the compound increases. In alkanes, the viscosity, volatility and flammability increases as we go down the series and vice-versa for alkenes. Due to their highly volatile and flammable nature, hydrocarbon fuels are difficult to manage and need extra careful handling.

All products of petroleum are either alkanes or cycloalkanes. Therefore, all those products pose a major risk if mishandled. Incomplete combustion of organic compounds produces significantly harmful wastes such as Carbon soot and Carbon Monoxide. These wastes can cause and worsen asthma and cause even more health hazards. Even under complete combustion, Carbon Dioxide is produced. It is a greenhouse gas and is increasing at an alarming rate. As compared to 1990, carbon emissions have increased by more than 35% till date.

The diagram on the left shows approximately how much and where the remaining crude oil is stored in the earth.

According to the above table, the world reserve of petroleum will get exhausted in less than 55 years if we keep extracting oil at the current rate. It is believed that the number of petrol operated vehicles on road will keep increasing every year, and this is exactly what is shown by the table on the left. More vehicles means that more fuel will be required to run them. If the number of vehicles continues to increase, then the predicted 55 years will definitely decrease. With such a limited source of fossil fuels, there is an immediate need to seek alternative fuels to keep the world energy economy healthy.

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The dictionary meaning of ‘alternative energy’ is as follows:

al·ter·na·tive en·er·gy noun Energy generated in ways that do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment, esp. by avoiding the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power. (http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=alternative+energy&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=OBFfTooGhsqsB5_bqL4P&ved=0CCMQkQ4&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=756c45c4808f223d&biw=1366&bih=688>)

Alternative energy in today’s terms means ‘Renewable Energy’ i.e. the energy obtained from sources that are indefatigable unlike fossil fuels of which there is a finite supply. Renewable energy sources include geothermal, wood, waste, photovoltaic and wind energy.  

  According to the map on the left, we see that SOLAR energy is available almost everywhere on earth and also ...

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