AboutDr. Jesse LaPrade Expertise I am a professional environmental educator at Auburn University. My specialty is indoor air quality, including radon awareness and mitigation of all structures. I am well versed in issues involving mold and mildew in homes and other structures, as well as volatile organic compounds (odors) in homes. I teach the general public about asthma triggers such as dust, dust mites and other particulate matter, as well as pollen and the interaction of genetic inheritance with this malady.
Experience
Past/Present clients All Alabama citizens interested in Environmental Education, including Indoor Air Quality, Radon Education and how to fix associated problems. All of these programs are fully federally grant funded; therefore, this is a no-cost service to citizens.
Expert: Dr. Jesse LaPrade Date: 5/25/2008 Subject: Alternative sources
Question Can you tell me some alternative sources of energy apart from the common ones like tidal and solar. Please also mention few advantages. I will be really thankful to you.
Answer Anamjit:
I am assuming you mean alternative sources of energy other than oil and coal as well as the two you included. If that assumption is incorrect just let we know.
Wind energy is one alternative form, followed by solar, for which there are two forms;
1. Solar for direct heating purposes.
2. Solar for electrical energy.
Of these two alternative forms of energy, the first is the least expensive to use on a small scale (direct heating). It has limitations of use such as for water heating and for living area heating primarily.
Solar for electrical energy production requires more elaborate equipment including a way to store the solar energy, primarily by battery. This makes it more expensive.
Wind energy is used where wind blows most of the time such as much of the central area of the United States. It is used to generate electricity as well requiring electrical switching and control devices and a battery to store energy when the wind does not turn the wind turbine.
Biofuels are being researched and there appears to be promise in growing algae as a source of biofuel.
I feel sure that there will be other forms of energy that will be discovered as the search goes forward, but right now the ones I have mentioned appear to be the most promising.
