Unconventional Alternative Energy

By: Jimbo Ruiz

OverviewYou will learn about the…

Fun

Fantastic

Sassy

New

…Of alternative energy

What makes it unconventional?Still in developmental stages

Not well known

Not economically viable at the moment

Guinea Pig Power?

Osmotic PowerDesalination of water requires a ton of energy

The reversal of the process produces energy

Osmotic PowerHarvests energy through a natural phenomenon

Uses osmosis to generate hydroelectric power

Osmosis: a fluid diffusing through a semipermeable membrane from a low solute concentration to

How it works

ProsPlants can be constructed at any estuary

98% efficient (output/input)

ZERO emissions and noise

ConsMembrane technology is still under development

Unknown long-term impact of the process on marine life

New Tidal Energy

The Apple

The grapesNew way of harvesting tidal energy

Taking big and obtrusive turbines out of the ocean

Replaced by multiple tidal kites

Tidal Kite

How they workNeutrally buoyant kite

Lifted by currents

Flies in a figure eight patter

AdvantagesGenerates electricity at low velocities in deep ocean

Large number of possible sites

Low maintenance

20 year lifespan

Minimal visual and environmental impact

ChallengesStill in developmental stage

Engineering challenge: installed at low depths requires deep drilling, currents must be slack

Storable Solar Energy

HeliocultureA process that uses genetically altered microorganism that take CO2 and grey water, and converts them into commercial grade fuel through photosynthesis

AdvantagesStorable solar energy

More efficient than corn based ethanol (why use food)

Products can be further refined to jet fuel and gasoline

Turns waste into usable energy

BiogasTurning manure into more than just fertilizer

How it worksCow poops

Poo is transported to a anaerobic digester

Bacteria munch on the boo boo

Methane is released by the bacteria

Methane is collected and refined

Gas is burned to generate electricity

Environmental benefits

Methane is 21 times more harmful to the environment than CO2

Feces collection prevents water contamination from runoff

Reduces odor

Economic BenefitsByproduct of the digester makes excellent fertilizer

Can also be used in construction material

Manufacturing and installation the equipment will bring jobs to rural areas

Cattle feed lots can become self sustained

ProsHarmful methane is converted to less harmful CO2

95% less odor

Cleaner living quarters for farm animals

Useful or at least less harmful byproduct

ConsCO2 by product

In ConclusionThese are just few innovations in alternative energy

There is so much nature can teach us

Tell your friends…or at least the engineers