Renewable energy is energy collected from infinite sources, such as wind, sunlight, and tides. With the International Energy Agency expecting renewable electricity generation to rise by over one-third by the year 2022, it is important to increase the types of renewable energies to produce enough electricity from clean energy.
Floating Solars
Also known as floating photovoltaic, floating solar energy is an array of solar panels on a structure that floats on top of a body of water like a lake or reservoir. A technological feature of floating solar energy is that it does not take up any land space, and is instead occupied on water, an inhabitable area for human beings. It’s structure also prevents evaporation on whichever area it’s built upon, which could partially contribute healthily in reduction of climate change dangers like flooding. Also, it’s easier to manage than land made solar panels. Lastly, the structure of floating solar energy allows for a simple implementation of a cooling system and storage system to store up energy efficiently.
Sunseap is a Singapore-based project, developing one of the world’s largest offshore floating photovoltaic systems, standing at 5MW along the Straits of Johor. The project is located in the north of Woodlands Waterfront Park, and it is expected to generate around 6,388 MWh of renewable energy annually, once it is completed, which is equivalent to powering about 1,250 4-room flats. The PV test-bed is located in Tengeh Reservoir which so far shows that the floating PV systems perform better than typical rooftop solar PV systems in Singapore, due to the cooler temperatures of the reservoir environment.
Floating Solars at Tengeh Reservoir (Singapore)
Footsteps Energy
Footsteps energy is an interactive renewable resource that converts kinetic energy into electricity. Pavegen, founded in 2009, is the global leader in harvesting energy and data from footfall. Their vision is for “smarter, more sustainable built environments which empower and connect people.” With rising carbon emissions, Pavegen technology enables people to directly engage with clean energy, learn environmental issues and understand the purpose of their technology.
The Pavegen technology is a multifunctional custom flooring system. As people step on the tiles, the kinetic energy from their weight converts to electrical energy which lights up adverts and their pathways. Their technology is placed around nine countries and installed about 200 sites around the world, from soccer pitches in Nigeria to motor factories in Korea. Unlike other renewable energies such as solar panels and wind turbines, footsteps energy is a non-intermittent renewable energy which can be effectively used throughout the year in locations with four-seasons climate, like Japan.
Pavegen Path installed in Bird Street
References :
- http://www.pavegen.com/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating_solar
- https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singapore-hold-worlds-largest-floating-solar-testbed
- https://www.pv-tech.org/news/sunseap-to-build-5mw-offshore-floating-solar-system-near-singapore
Very informative and relevant to ongoing issues. Very specific and clear In his/her explanation, keep it up! Well done!
This was a really interesting post. I learned a lot about the pavegen technology and how it will be the future of renewable energy.
It is really interesting to see new technologies for renewable energy sources being investigated, especially when the demand for clean energy is rising… Great post!