The document discusses various renewable energy sources suitable for local use, including solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and tidal/wave energy. It also addresses reasons why electricity bills may remain unchanged despite the use of renewable energy, such as limited supply, high installation costs, grid maintenance expenses, and variability in energy production. Additionally, it highlights the impact of government policies on consumer savings from renewable energy sources.
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bu-week 7
The document discusses various renewable energy sources suitable for local use, including solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and tidal/wave energy. It also addresses reasons why electricity bills may remain unchanged despite the use of renewable energy, such as limited supply, high installation costs, grid maintenance expenses, and variability in energy production. Additionally, it highlights the impact of government policies on consumer savings from renewable energy sources.
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NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND
TECHNOLOGY
BUILDING UTILITIES 1 WEEK #7 - BU 001 INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ARCH. BERNARDO ALCANTARA JR.
Instructor
GLYD NICOLE C. DONGASO
CE 3-A 1. From the video you have watch, what are the applicable sources of energy that may be used here in our locality? The types of energy that can be utilized in your locality depend on available resources and infrastructure. Common energy sources include: Solar Energy: If your area receives plenty of sunlight, solar panels can convert it into electricity. Wind Energy: Wind turbines are ideal if your region experiences consistent winds. The windmills already in place likely serve this purpose. Hydropower: If there are rivers or flowing water sources nearby, hydropower plants can harness the energy of moving water to generate electricity. Biomass Energy: Organic waste, such as agricultural by-products or animal waste, can be used as a renewable energy source through biomass systems. Geothermal Energy: If your area has access to geothermal resources, heat from beneath the Earth's surface can be used for power generation or direct heating. Tidal/Wave Energy: If you're near the coast, energy from tides or ocean waves could be a potential source of power. 2. Despite that we have already the wind mill and solar energy in our locality why is it that our electricity bill almost stays the same? Can you give a reason? Even though our locality uses wind and solar power, several factors might explain why our electricity bills haven’t decreased: Limited Renewable Supply: The wind and solar energy in our area may only cover a portion of total energy demand, with the majority still coming from more expensive, traditional sources like coal or natural gas. High Installation and Maintenance Costs: The upfront costs for setting up wind turbines and solar panels can be high, and ongoing maintenance costs might be reflected in our electricity rates. Grid and Infrastructure Expenses: Regardless of the energy source, the electricity grid must be maintained. The costs of operating and upgrading the grid are often included in electricity bills. Supply Variability: Since solar and wind energy are weather-dependent, they can’t provide a constant supply. Conventional power sources are still needed during periods when renewable energy output is low, which keeps costs steady. Energy Storage Challenges: Without effective energy storage, surplus energy from sunny or windy days may not be fully utilized, requiring the use of more expensive non-renewable energy during low production periods. Government Policies and Subsidies: In some areas, government policies or subsidies help reduce renewable energy costs. If these aren’t significant, consumers may not experience noticeable savings.