Photoelectric cell is the device which converts light energy into electrical energy. Depending upon the different photoelectric effects employed, the photoelectric cells are of following 3 types. Photoemissive cell Photoconductive cell Photovoltaic cell Photoemissive cell This cell is based on the fact that electrons are emitted from a photo-sensitive surface by the action of light. … Read more
Geothermal Energy Definition The energy which is generated by the temperature of the Earth and also gets stored inside the Earth is known as the geothermal energy. In the inner core of the earth, there is a layer of hot and molten rock called ‘magma’ which has temperature as high as 4,000°C. The sources of … Read more
Solar Radiation data are measured by 3 devices i.e. Pyranometer Pyrheliometer Sunshine Recorder 1. Pyranometer It is an instrument which is designed to measure Global radiation. It can be placed on horizontal as well as on the inclined surface. If Pyranometer is shaded by a shading ring, it measures the diffused radiation. Shading ring prevents the … Read more
Global Warming The term ‘Global Warming’ was given by Wally Broecker. Global warming is a phenomenon which refers increase in average temperature of the atmosphere of the earth over a long period of time. Before the pre-industrial revolution, the average atmospheric temperature of the earth was 15°C. Currently it is 16.6°C. In last 100 years … Read more
Due to the frequent increase in electricity tariff charged by the electric utility, poor reliability of electric supply, forced outages, long power cuts, etc., a large number of industries have switched over to their own generating station (plant) within their own campus. This method of generation is called Captive Power Generation and such plants are … Read more
Biofuels are liquid fuels that have been derived from agricultural crops including conventional food plants and special energy crops. It may also be derived from forestry, agricultural or fishery products or municipal wastes, as well as from agro-industry, food industry and food service by-products and wastes. Biofuels provide a strategic advantage to promote sustainable development … Read more
Biomass energy refers to the direct burning of wood, waste paper, manure, agriculture or converting them into a fuel by certain micro-organisms when they digest them in the absence of air. They produce either alcohol or methane gas, which themselves give energy on combustion. Since biomass is obtained through the process of photosynthesis, therefore it … Read more
Hydro energy or hydraulic energy is the energy of moving water which is obtained when the gravitational descent of a river is compressed from a long run to a single location with a dam or a flume. It is not only a clean and non-polluting source of energy, but also one of the most important … Read more
Ocean energy is an indirect form of solar energy. The oceans and seas constitute about 70% of the earth’s surface area, so they act as a large reservoir of solar energy. On an average, the 60 million km2 of tropical seas absorb solar radiation equivalent to the heat content of 245 billion barrels of oil. … Read more
Wind energy is the kinetic energy generated by virtue of the movement of large air masses caused by differential heating of the atmosphere by the sun. It is one of the clean, renewable energy sources that hold out the promise of meeting a significant portion of energy demand in the direct, grid connected modes as … Read more