Alternative Power Solutions Essay -- Technology Electricity Essays

Alternative Power Solutions Our society has become reliant upon technology and continues to increase with time. Computers and many other electronic devices are used in the houses and educational applications. These technologies depend on the energy companies to function. The quality of power that the consumer receives is determined by the area that they live. There are many different ways that these companies go about providing energy. The largest form of energy in the United States is coal. Coal is a general term for a wide variety of solid materials that are high in carbon content. Most coal is burned by electric utility companies to produce steam to turn their generators. Some coal also is used in factories to provide heat for buildings and industrial processes; and a special, high-quality coal is turned into metallurgical coke for use in making steel. (Yergin and Stobaugh) Of the 1.2 billion tons of coal expected to be extracted in the United States this year, more than 80 percent will be used to generate electricity. Indeed, nationwide, about 52 percent of the electricity generated in the country are produced by coal-fired power plants. (Reeves) There is a very large quantity of coal that is produced in America that results in a low cost. However coal plants yield a by-product of sulfur dioxide particles, nitrogen oxide and other airborne toxins. These gases are referred to as green house gases that produce acid rain and global warming. The main reason for the use of this form of energy is the expense. Coal is a very cheap form of energy and is a very plentiful natural resource but is not the best energy source. Another way to make electrical energy is to use a nuclear reactor. â€Å"Nuclear Energy ... ...There is a definite need to refine this technology to make it more marketable to the consumer to compete with other energy companies. This technology has a great potential for getting rid of tacky power lines, transformers, meter boxes and other devices used to transmit power. Losing power has to be one of the most inconvenient things to have happen. For example: a storm comes through the night before (insert some big event) and all of the power in the area is knocked out. That morning would be a nightmare if it was ever to happen but I am sure it happens every now and then. So why should the customer rely on factors that are beyond control? If customers buy a fuel cell they will have a self-sustained power supply that is reliable and safe. In conclusion, the fuel cell is the best form of alternative energy source and is the most feasible among all of them.