Alternative energy sources for home, their types and description

In Russia, there is an annual increase in utility bills for used electricity and heating. To reduce costs, it is advisable to use alternative energy sources for the home. This is especially beneficial for residents of the private sector. Several variants of such energy sources are known.

The main alternative energy sources for the home

The following three types of alternative energy sources for private houses have become widespread:

• solar panels;
• wind power plants;
• heat pumps.

These sources have a number of advantages and disadvantages. They are most effective when used in combination. But even when used separately, such energy sources can significantly save on utility bills.

Using the energy of the sun

Solar energy has been used for a long time as an alternative energy source. It uses solar panels to generate electricity.

They are panels consisting of 4 elements:

• the solar panel itself;
• accumulators;
• controller;
• inverter.

A solar panel is a device made up of elements that are interconnected. The panel converts the sun's light into a stream of electrons. The power of the device depends on the batteries. A solar cell often requires about ten batteries to work properly.

The controller is essential for good battery charging. This tool is designed to prevent the battery from being recharged again. With the help of an inverter, solar energy is converted into current. If a low voltage current is generated with the help of batteries, then thanks to the inverter this current is converted into output power. Typically, a private house requires an inverter with a capacity of 3 to 5 kW.

Solar panels are often used in alternative energy. However, they have a number of features. Among them:

• impossibility of generating high voltage current;
• high cost;
• low efficiency;
• low power.

Solar panels are vacuum tubular and flat. The first ones consist of tubes-flasks. They have double glazing. Air is pre-pumped out of the tubes. The outside of the bulb is covered with a reflective compound. It allows you to absorb the energy of the sun, but does not allow it to go outside. There is a coolant inside the tube. Flat solar panels have an absorbent plate. It absorbs solar energy and transfers it to a special liquid carrier.

It is recommended to install the indicated alternative energy sources for the house from its southern side. They should be mounted at an angle (in summer at an angle of 30⁰ in relation to the horizon, in winter - at 70⁰). Solar panels should be located on a flat surface and preferably on the roof of the house.

Wind power plants

The main element of such devices is a mast with several blades. It is called a wind turbine.

The elements of this alternative source of energy for the home are:

• the generator itself, which generates alternating current;
• an inverter, with the help of which the direct current is converted back into alternating current;
• batteries that store electrical energy;
• blades set in motion from the wind;
• a controller that converts alternating current into direct current (required for charging batteries);
• a mast that raises the blades to the desired height.

It is the generator, together with the blades, that act as the basic components of the wind generator. The rest are additional devices that ensure the normal operation of the system. Due to the wind, electricity begins to accumulate on batteries. The current, passing through the inverter, enters the house.

Wind, as an alternative energy, is unstable. The operation of the installation directly depends on its availability. The very process of installing a wind generator is complex. Such a device is expensive. The normal functioning of the specified energy source also depends on the terrain on which it is installed. The operation of the wind generator depends on the average wind speed in the region, the number of windy days throughout the year. The device is in constant need of quality service. It is especially necessary to check the operation of the blades.

It is recommended to install the wind generator in an open area. The wind speed is much higher there. A mast positioned as high as possible will help the device generate more power. But at the same time, more concrete is needed for the foundation of the wind turbine.

Heat pumps as alternative energy sources for the home

These devices use energy from earth, water, and air. Heat pumps are used to generate energy. They are of several types.

A standard device consists of the following components:

1. Contours. There may be three of them. The external circuit contains a coolant. The latter takes heat from water and air. The heat carrier is especially efficient in using the energy of the earth as an alternative source of energy. In such a circuit, the maximum temperature reaches 6⁰C. The internal circuit also contains a coolant. Moreover, it has a low boiling point.
2. Evaporator. Refrigerant enters the specified element of the heat pump. After that, it evaporates.
3. Compressor. Steam from the evaporator enters this structural element. Steam is compressed to high pressure in the compressor. Heat is generated as a consequence of the process. The steam in the compressor can heat up to 65⁰FROM.
4. Capacitor. In this pump element, the coolant receives heat from the circuit. The steam begins to condense and then enters the evaporator. Then the whole cycle is repeated.

When using heat pumps, energy is consumed to transfer heat.

Other alternative energy sources

Use heat generators effectively. Such devices are powered by boilers and wood-burning stoves. The generator is capable of producing over 140 kWh of electrical energy. It is recommended to install such devices in houses with gas boilers. At the same time, heat generators are distinguished by a high price.

Alternative energy for the home can be generated by such modern energy sources as mini-hydroelectric power plants. They can be designed in cases where the house is located next to a large river, in which the water flow is wide. Also, for the normal functioning of a mini-hydroelectric power station, it is necessary that the water in the reservoir has a high flow rate.

Biogas plants are another option. Such devices generate gas from animal waste products. It is formed by the fermentation of manure.

Biogas plants offer double benefits. In addition to providing the house with biogas, the owner receives fertilizersthat can be used in agriculture. Biogas plants are a turnkey solution for creating an alternative energy source with your own hands.

Alternative energy for a private house - video