能量效率与可更新能源(英文)

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources

一些可更新能源可减少甚至消除我们对化石能和核能的依赖 ,其中很多虽然已为人类使用数百年 ,但因为化石能的普遍使用 ,一直都为起人类的注意。人类已发明了新技术来利用这些可更新能源。其利用有赖于一定的技术是既定的事实 ,目前有成功建立这样的能源工业还是十分昂贵的。如果人类生产经济和市场允许的话 ,这些新技术经进一步改进和简化后 ,就可以降低成本 ,并且应用起来也很可靠。相对于开发应用核能 ,水能和化石能数以百万计的投资耗费来讲 ,用于可更新资源的资金可谓微乎其微。虽然传统能源和替代能源各具优点 ,但保护能源往往还是解决能源短缺最便宜 ,最容易的途径。

Exciting new technologies have been invented to use renewable energy sources. Ocean thermal electric conversion, tidal and wave power stations and geothermal steam source can produce useful amounts of energy in some localities. One of the most promising technologies is direct electricity generation by Photovoltaic cells. Since solar energy is available everywhere, Photovoltaic collectors could provide clean, inexpensive, non_polluting, renewable energy, independent of central power grids or fuel_supply systems. Biomass also may have some modern applications. In addition to direct combustion, biomass can be converted into Methane or Ethanol, which are lean-burning, easily storable and transportable fuels. These alternative uses of biomass also allow nutrients to be returned to the soil and help reduce our reliance on expensive, energy_consuming artificial fertilizers. Fuel wood, windmills and waterwheels, for instance, once supplied a major part of the external energy for human activities. More major conservation methods, such as home insulation and energy_efficient appliances and transportation, can drastically reduce energy consumption and similarty reduces energy expenses. Our natural resources, our environment and our pocket books all benefit from careful and efficient energy consumption.