Renewable sources

The renewable sources which were available to exploit and from which some form studies and experiments have been performed were Wind, Wave, Solar, Tidal, Geothermal, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), Hydroelectric and Biomass/Fuel. Each or a group of these renewable source were found feasible at different categories of application. Considering the National, Regional and Site Specific categories, a literature review had helped identify facts and implementation challenges for the renewable sources. An analysis of the renewable options was performed via a rating system. For the different levels of applicability, the renewable sources were given scores (1 - 3 the lower score being the most preferable). The sum of all these scores for the categories being rated was hoped to closely represent how well these sources would perform at either one level.

The six categories being rated were, Economics, Legislative, Environmental, Technical, Logistical and Social.

As for the site specific application it was found that there were 4 renewable sources which would best suit this level. They were, Wind, Solar-PVs, MicroHydro and Landfill Gas. Further investigation was also necessary in order to customise it and make a sensible choice for a particular application. In the case of built environments within the city center boundaries, Micro Hydro and Landfill Gas had to be called off which left the renewable sources to Wind (Small/ducted wind turbines) and Solar Power (PV).

To ensure that all renewable sources were being taken into account, Combine Heat and Power (CHP) plants was also considered for application in the building environment. CHP is arguably a renewable source but from the point of view of utilising waste heat which is always present when the plant is in operation, it can be and will be seen as a renewable energy source.

The other issue which was investigated was the various forms of useful energy which could be converted and transmitted from renewable energy sources. The primary stage of energy conversion based on the renewable sources studied consists of Electricity, Heat, Gas, Oil and Compressed Air. They could then be converted to secondary products of Water, Hydrogen, Heat and Electricity. Ammonia and Fuel Cells could also be introduced as tertiary products. All the variation in products however is not as simple as it looks. There are various factors like efficiencies of conversion, storage facilities and economic feasibility which has to be taken into account. Having examined the options for the end-usage, it was determined that the focusing on electrical energy would be the most applicable especially for the building environment.