Optimising efficiency for sustainable and renewable energy sources.
Microtherm® and the energy sources of the future.
Background
There is a growing global awareness that current energy trends are not sustainable. The world as a whole must change the ways in which energy is produced with a view to protecting not only the environment, but also the security and dependability of the energy source. It is also important to allow for ongoing economic growth to ensure that we have all the energy we need at a realistic price.
Irrespective of the source of energy, the efficient use of that energy is of paramount importance. It is essential that energy wastage in the form of system heat losses are kept to an absolute minimum by the use of an effective thermal insulation. Microtherm® easily outperforms conventional insulation materials and is the most versatile thermal insulation currently available. It is widely used in all forms of energy production, both in traditional power stations and also in the newest sustainable systems.
When comparing alternative energy sources it is important to differentiate between “sustainable” and “renewable”. Both terms are in regular use whenever “green energy” is discussed.
“Renewable energy” is energy generated from natural processes that are renewed constantly. In its various forms, the energy comes either directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and Hydrogen derived from renewable resources.
“Sustainable energy” sources are most often regarded as including all the renewable sources listed above. However, this category also includes technologies that improve energy efficiency. Conventional fission power is sometimes referred to as sustainable, but this is politically controversial.
As a “sustainable green energy source” we must also consider the growing use of fuel cells at all levels of energy production including mains grid supply. Fuel cells can operate virtually continuously as long as the necessary flows are maintained. Fuel cells are one of the cleanest energy sources available using Hydrogen (producible from renewable sources) as the fuel and releasing only water vapour as waste.
Solar energy
Apart from wind energy, solar energy is the most abundant and easily harnessed renewable energy source.
Solar energy can be applied in many ways including :
- Generate electricity using photovoltaic solar cells.
- Generate electricity on a larger scale using Consolidating Solar Power (CSP).
- Generate electricity by heating trapped air which rotates turbines in a Solar updraft tower.
- Generate hydrogen using photoelectrochemical cells.
- Heat water or air for domestic hot water and space heating needs using solar-thermal panels.
- Heat buildings, directly, through passive solar building design.
- Heat foodstuffs, through solar ovens.
- Solar air conditioning.
Where there is heat – Microtherm® can help.
Other sustainable energy applications:
Fuel cells
Large SOFC plant - Photo courtesy FCE.
By far the largest application area to date for Microtherm® in sustainable energy production is in the insulation of hot fuel cells – SOFCs and MCFCs – reformers, and balance-of-plant.
With guaranteed long term dimensional stability during long term continuous operation at up to 1000 °C (1832 °F), Microtherm® is the global insulation of choice for SOFC and MCFC manufacturers.
For any applications where Silica contamination of the fuel cell stack is a perceived problem, Microtherm® Super A provides the solution with the added bonus of increased maximum temperature capability.
Microtherm® FreeFlow gives design flexibility for PEM fuel cell reformers, and in all large installations Microtherm® MPS, Slatted Panel, and Quilted Panel provide the most compact and energy efficient solutions for complicated and cramped pipework and equipment for balance-of-plant.
Biomass
Wood pellet burning - Microtherm® insulation to flue
Photos courtesy Schrader Stoves.
Biomass is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms, such as wood, waste, and alcohol fuels.
Biomass is commonly plant matter grown to generate electricity or produce heat. It is often seen as a domestic fuel in the form of wood chips or wood pellets.
Conclusions
The world must transform its current energy system on a global scale.
It is hoped that up to 60% of all our energy will come from renewable energy sources by the year 2070. Most of the remainder must come from sustainable energy sources.
The renewable energy industries are expected to increase investment in developing new technologies to become more cost competitive, expand their markets, advance further their efficiency and at the same time their economic attractiveness thereby providing society with the best options for solving our energy challenges. Microtherm® insulation will help to optimise both thermal efficiency and system cost effectiveness.
Microtherm® is an inherently safe and clean material and, quite simply, the most versatile insulation for energy generation applications of all types. Why waste energy when Microtherm® can stop unnecessary and unwanted heat losses?
An integral part of our corporate strategy is the continuing support and encouragement of specialists in the provision of sustainable and renewable energy. It’s good to plan for a better future.
Microtherm® - cool answers to hot problems.