FREE ENERGY DEFINED - Is It Possible and How Would It Work? - Free energy exists, although it’s not free to convert into a form we can use. Renewable energy, much cleaner than energy from fossil fuel, is as close to free energy as things get today, with solar, wind, water and geothermal among the most effective. The beauty of such free energy sources is that they exist in nature. There is no need to mine, ignite, dredge or frack. The key to tapping into these sources is finding ways to convert free energy into a form that meets power needs. A majority of scientists agree that burning fossils fuels contributes to global warming. The resulting climate change helps create more severe weather, such as powerful hurricanes and higher sea levels. And even for those who don’t think climate change is caused in part by humans, there is no doubt that fossil fuel is a finite resource. Oil, natural gas – it’s going to run out, one day. And long before that day, prices for the reduced supply will make gas a niche item bought only by those with a lot of cash. Better alternatives are needed. Here are some of the most used renewable sources. All are provided free by nature. The most amazing source of energy sits at the center of our solar system. The sun generates so much energy that it would take exploding 100 billion tons of dynamite every second to match what it produces. Converting what the sun produces into usable energy is an ongoing process, but more homes use continue to add solar panels.

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Free Energy Defined

Is It Possible and How Would It Work?

by Matthew Speer

 

Free energy exists, although it’s not free to convert into a form we can use.

Renewable energy, much cleaner than energy from fossil fuel, is as close to free energy as things get today, with solar, wind, water and geothermal among the most effective.

The beauty of such free energy sources is that they exist in nature. There is no need to mine, ignite, dredge or frack.

The key to tapping into these sources is finding ways to convert free energy into a form that meets power needs.

The need for better energy is clear.

A majority of scientists agree that burning fossils fuels contributes to global warming. The resulting climate change helps create more severe weather, such as powerful hurricanes and higher sea levels.

And even for those who don’t think climate change is caused in part by humans, there is no doubt that fossil fuel is a finite resource.

Oil, natural gas – it’s going to run out, one day. And long before that day, prices for the reduced supply will make gas a niche item bought only by those with a lot of cash.

Better alternatives are needed. Here are some of the most used renewable sources. All are provided free by nature.

Solar

The most amazing source of energy sits at the center of our solar system.

The sun generates so much energy that it would take exploding 100 billion tons of dynamite every second to match what it produces.

Converting what the sun produces into usable energy is an ongoing process, but more homes use continue to add solar panels.

And the sun is not expected to run out of energy for about 5 billion years.

Maybe by then, we can know how to tap into the energy from the other 100 billion stars in the Milky Way.

Wind

You may notice entire hillsides covered with wind turbines, especially if you drive through West Texas or parts of California.

Wind is generated by the Earth’s rotation and differences in air pressure.

As with all sources of free energy provided by nature, the trick is in converting the wind’s energy into something that can be used by humans. Wind turbines accomplish that task.

Water

Hydroelectric dams have been in use for decades. They take the energy created by rushing water and convert it into electricity that can be used in homes.

Typically, the dam traps water in a reservoir. When released, the rushing water spins a turbine that activates a generator that produces electricity.

Wave energy is another means of producing power from water. Generators placed on the surface of the ocean are powered by waves that flow through them.

Geothermal

Inside the Earth is a core of geothermal energy. Just consider the power of a volcano, a dramatic example of geothermal matter bursting to the surface.

Power plants on the surface tap into geothermal energy by accessing steam or water reserves inside of the Earth. The resulting heat drives electricity generators.

These are some of the major free, renewable energy sources provided by the Earth itself.

Because they produce energy at lower rates than combusting fossil fuel, using them may require changes in society.

But they certainly help the planet’s overall health and provide much more sustainable energy.

Matthew Speer is a Marketing and Advertising Executive that has worked with companies like AOL and U.S. News University Connection. He also has a passion for sustainability and keeping the Earth a beautiful place for our future generations which is why he helped create iSustainableEarth.com. Inspired by his own family and taking strides to go green he strives to live a sustainable lifestyle through research and action.

http://www.isustainableearth.com/energyefficiency/free-energy-defined-how-it-works

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TOP RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES - Eventually, the world will run out of fossil fuels, or it will become too expensive to retrieve those that remain. Fossil fuels also cause air, water and soil pollution, and produce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Renewable energy resources offer cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels. The sun is our most powerful source of energy. Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used for heating, lighting and cooling homes and other buildings, generating electricity, water heating, and a variety of industrial processes. Wind is the movement of air that occurs when warm air rises and cooler air rushes in to replace it. The energy of the wind has been used for centuries to sail ships and drive windmills that grind grain. Water flowing downstream is a powerful force. Water is a renewable resource, constantly recharged by the global cycle of evaporation and precipitation. Biomass has been an important source of energy ever since people first began burning wood to cook food and warm themselves against the winter chill. Hydrogen has tremendous potential as a fuel and energy source. The heat inside the Earth produces steam and hot water that can be used to power generators and produce electricity, or for other applications such as home heating and power generation for industry. The ocean provides several forms of renewable energy, and each one is driven by different forces.

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Top Renewable Energy Sources

By Larry West

Many nations count on coal, oil and natural gas to supply most of their energy needs, but reliance on fossil fuels presents a big problem.

Fossil fuels are a finite resource.

Eventually, the world will run out of fossil fuels, or it will become too expensive to retrieve those that remain.

Fossil fuels also cause air, water and soil pollution, and produce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

Renewable energy resources offer cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.

They are not completely problem-free, but they produce much less pollution and fewer greenhouse gases, and by definition, will not run out. Here are our main sources of renewable energy:

Solar Energy

The sun is our most powerful source of energy.

Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used for heating, lighting and cooling homes and other buildings, generating electricity, water heating, and a variety of industrial processes.

The technology used to harvest the sun's energy is constantly evolving, including water-heating rooftop pipes, photo-voltaic cells, and mirror arrays.

Rooftop panels are not intrusive, but large arrays on the ground can compete with wildlife habitat.

Wind Energy

Wind is the movement of air that occurs when warm air rises and cooler air rushes in to replace it.

The energy of the wind has been used for centuries to sail ships and drive windmills that grind grain.

Today, wind energy is captured by wind turbines and used to generate electricity.

Issues periodically arise about where turbines are installed, as they can be problematic for migrating birds and bats.

Hydroelectricity

Water flowing downstream is a powerful force.

Water is a renewable resource, constantly recharged by the global cycle of evaporation and precipitation.

The heat of the sun causes water in lakes and oceans to evaporate and form clouds.

The water then falls back to Earth as rain or snow and drains into rivers and streams that flow back to the ocean.

Flowing water can be used to power water wheels that drive mechanical processes.

And captured by turbines and generators, like those housed at many dams around the world, the energy of flowing water can be used to generate electricity.

Tiny turbines can even be used to power single homes.

While it is renewable, large-scale hydroelectricity can have a large ecological footprint.
.
Biomass Energy

Biomass has been an important source of energy ever since people first began burning wood to cook food and warm themselves against the winter chill.

Wood is still the most common source of biomass energy, but other sources of biomass energy include food crops, grasses and other plants, agricultural and forestry waste and residue, organic components from municipal and industrial wastes, even methane gas harvested from community landfills.

Biomass can be used to produce electricity and as fuel for transportation, or to manufacture products that would otherwise require the use of non-renewable fossil fuels.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen has tremendous potential as a fuel and energy source.

Hydrogen is the most common element on Earth — for example, water is two-thirds hydrogen — but in nature, it is always found in combination with other elements.

Once separated from other elements, hydrogen can be used to power vehicles, replace natural gas for heating and cooking, and generate electricity.

In 2015, the first production passenger car powered by hydrogen became available in Japan and the United States.

Geothermal Energy

The heat inside the Earth produces steam and hot water that can be used to power generators and produce electricity, or for other applications such as home heating and power generation for industry.

Geothermal energy can be drawn from deep underground reservoirs by drilling, or from other geothermal reservoirs closer to the surface.

This application is increasingly used to offset heating and cooling costs in residential and commercial buildings.

Ocean Energy

The ocean provides several forms of renewable energy, and each one is driven by different forces.

Energy from ocean waves and tides can be harnessed to generate electricity, and ocean thermal energy — from the heat stored in seawater — can also be converted to electricity.

Using current technologies, most ocean energy is not cost-effective compared to other renewable energy sources, but the ocean remains an important potential energy source for the future.

Larry West

Environmental Journalist

Education

B.A., Journalism and Creative Writing, University of Washington

Introduction

Environmental journalist with 20+ years of experience

Winner, Edward J. Meeman Award for Environmental Reporting

Writer and editor for Go West Strategic Communications since 2002

Experience

Larry West is a former writer for ThoughtCo who contributed articles for five years. He is a principal and professional writer and editor for Go West Strategic Communications. He has written about environmental issues for leading newspapers, magazines, and online publications. 

During his 20-year career in newspapers, Larry was part of an investigative team whose work was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He also received the Meeman Award for national environmental reporting from the Scripps Howard Foundation. Later, Larry served as press secretary and deputy chief of staff for a U.S. Representative and served as communications director for a U.S. Senator. He also managed public affairs for organizations including the Federal Aviation Administration, a global technology company, and one of the largest ports in the United States. In each of those positions, Larry was involved in environmental strategy, policy, and communications. 

Education

Larry studied journalism and creative writing at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. He also taught research and writing courses in continuing education programs at the University of Washington and the University of Alaska. 

Awards and Publications

While working as a journalist for "The Seattle Times," Larry's work was awarded the Edward J. Meeman Award for Environmental Reporting by Scripps Howard, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

ThoughtCo and Dotdash

ThoughtCo is a premier reference site focusing on expert-created education content. We are one of the top-10 information sites in the world as rated by comScore, a leading Internet measurement company. Every month, more than 13 million readers seek answers to their questions on ThoughtCo.

For more than 20 years, Dotdash brands have been helping people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired. We are one of the top-20 largest content publishers on the Internet according to comScore, and reach more than 30% of the U.S. population monthly. Our brands collectively have won more than 20 industry awards in the last year alone, and recently Dotdash was named Publisher of the Year by Digiday, a leading industry publication.

https://www.thoughtco.com/top-renewable-energy-sources-1204190

COAL – the Organic Rock - Coal is made up of organic components; specifically, plant matter that has been buried in an anoxic, or non-oxygenated, environment and compressed over millions of years. Because it is organic, coal defies the normal standards of classification for rocks, minerals, and fossils. Coal differs from every other kind of rock in that it is made of organic carbon: the actual remains, not just mineralized fossils, of dead plants. The carbon in coal was preserved from oxidation and remains in a chemically reduced form, available for oxidation.

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Coal

the organic rock

Everything You Need to Know About Coal

by Andrew Alden 

Coal is an enormously valuable fossil fuel that has been used for hundreds of years in industry.

It is made up of organic components; specifically, plant matter that has been buried in an anoxic, or non-oxygenated, environment and compressed over millions of years. 

Fossil, Mineral or Rock?

Because it is organic, coal defies the normal standards of classification for rocks, minerals, and fossils: 

·           A fossil is any evidence of life that has been preserved in rock. The plant remains that make up coal have been "pressure cooked" for millions of years. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that they have been preserved. 

·          Minerals are inorganic, naturally-occurring solids. While coal is a naturally-occurring solid, it is composed of organic plant material.

·          Rocks are, of course, made up of minerals. 

Talk to a geologist, though, and they'll tell you that coal is an organic sedimentary rock.

Even though it doesn't technically meet the criteria, it looks like a rock, feels like a rock and is found between sheets of (sedimentary) rock. So, in this case, it is a rock. 

Geology isn't like chemistry or physics with their steadfast and consistent rules. It is an Earth science; and like the Earth, geology is full of "exceptions to the rule." 

State legislators struggle with this topic as well: Utah and West Virginia list coal as their official state rock while Kentucky named coal its state mineral in 1998. 

Coal: the Organic Rock

Coal differs from every other kind of rock in that it is made of organic carbon: the actual remains, not just mineralized fossils, of dead plants.

Today, the vast majority of dead plant matter is consumed by fire and decay, returning its carbon to the atmosphere as the gas carbon dioxide.

In other words, it is oxidized. The carbon in coal, however, was preserved from oxidation and remains in a chemically reduced form, available for oxidation.

Coal geologists study their subject the same way that other geologists study other rocks.

But instead of talking about the minerals that make up the rock (because there are none, just bits of organic matter), coal geologists refer to the components of coal as macerals.

There are three groups of macerals: inertinite, liptinite, and vitrinite.

To oversimplify a complex subject, inertinite is generally derived from plant tissues, liptinite from pollen and resins, and vitrinite from humus or broken-down plant matter.

Where Coal Formed

The old saying in geology is that the present is the key to the past.

Today, we can find plant matter being preserved in anoxic places: peat bogs like those of Ireland or wetlands like the Everglades of Florida.

And sure enough, fossil leaves and wood are found in some coal beds.

Therefore, geologists have long assumed that coal is a form of peat created by the heat and pressure of deep burial.

The geologic process of turning peat into coal is called "coalification."

Coal beds are much, much larger than peat bogs, some of them tens of meters in thickness, and they occur all over the world.

This says that the ancient world must have had enormous and long-lived anoxic wetlands when the coal was being made. 

Geologic History of Coal

While coal has been reported in rocks as old as Proterozoic (possibly 2 billion years) and as young as Pliocene (2 million years old), the great majority of the world's coal was laid down during the Carboniferous Period, a 60-million-year stretch (359-299 m.y.a.) when sea level was high and forests of tall ferns and cycads grew in gigantic tropical swamps.

The key to preserving the forests' dead matter was burying it.

We can tell what happened from the rocks that enclose the coal beds: there are limestones and shales on top, laid down in shallow seas, and sandstones beneath laid down by river deltas.

Obviously, the coal swamps were flooded by advances of the sea. This allowed shale and limestone to be deposited on top of them.

The fossils in the shale and limestone change from shallow-water organisms to deep-water species, then back to shallow forms.

Then sandstones appear as river deltas advance into the shallow seas and another coal bed is laid down on top. This cycle of rock types is called a cyclothem.

Hundreds of cyclothems occur in the rock sequence of the Carboniferous. Only one cause can do that - a long series of ice ages raising and lowering the sea level.

And sure enough, in the region that was at the south pole during that time, the rock record shows abundant evidence of glaciers.

That set of circumstances has never recurred, and the coals of the Carboniferous (and the following Permian Period) are the undisputed champions of their type.

It has been argued that about 300 million years ago, some fungus species evolved the ability to digest wood, and that was the end of the great age of coal, although younger coal beds do exist.

A genome study in Science gave that theory more support in 2012. If the wood was immune to rot before 300 million years ago, then perhaps anoxic conditions were not always necessary.

Grades of Coal

Coal comes in three main types or grades. First, the swampy peat is squeezed and heated to form a brown, soft coal called lignite.

In the process, the material releases hydrocarbons, which migrate away and eventually become petroleum.

With more heat and pressure lignite releases more hydrocarbons and becomes the higher-grade bituminous coal.

Bituminous coal is black, hard and usually dull to glossy in appearance.

Still greater heat and pressure yields anthracite, the highest grade of coal. In the process, the coal releases methane or natural gas.

Anthracite, a shiny, hard black stone, is nearly pure carbon and burns with great heat and little smoke. 

If coal is subjected to still more heat and pressure, it becomes a metamorphic rock as the macerals finally crystallize into a true mineral, graphite.

This slippery mineral still burns, but it is much more useful as a lubricant, an ingredient in pencils and other roles.

Still more valuable is the fate of deeply buried carbon, which at conditions found in the mantle is transformed into a new crystalline form: diamond.

However, coal probably oxidizes long before it can get into the mantle, so only Superman could perform that trick.

Andrew Alden

Professional geologist, writer, photographer, and geological tour guide

Thirty-seven years of experience writing about geological subjects

Six years as a research guide with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Member of Geological Society of America (GSA), and American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Experience

Andrew Alden is a former writer for ThoughtCo who contributed hundreds of articles for more than 17 years. Andrew works as a geologist, writer, editor, and photographer. He has written on geological subjects since 1981 and participates actively in his field. For example, Andrew spent six years as a research guide with the U.S. Geological Survey, leading excursions on both land land and at sea. And since 1992, he has hosted the earthquakes conference for the online discussion platform, The Well, which began as a dialogue between the writers and readers of the Whole Earth Review. 

In addition, Andrew is a longtime member of the member of the Geological Society of America — an international society that serves members in academia, government, and industry; and the American Geophysical Union — a community of earth and space scientists that advances the power of science to ensure a sustainable future.

Andrew lives in Oakland, California; and though he writes about the whole planet and beyond, Andrew finds his own city full of interest too and blogs about its geology. 

Education

Andrew Alden holds a bachelor's (B.A.) degree in Earth Science from the University of New Hampshire, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, in Durham, N.H.

Awards and Publications

Andrew Alden on Earthquakes ​(The Well Group, Inc., 2011)

Assessment of River — Floodplain Aquifer Interactions (Environmental and Engineering Geoscience, 1997)

Andrew Alden on Hosting (The Well Group, Inc., 1995)

ThoughtCo and Dotdash

ThoughtCo is a premier reference site focusing on expert-created education content. We are one of the top-10 information sites in the world as rated by comScore, a leading Internet measurement company. Every month, more than 13 million readers seek answers to their questions on ThoughtCo.

For more than 20 years, Dotdash brands have been helping people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired. We are one of the top-20 largest content publishers on the Internet according to comScore, and reach more than 30% of the U.S. population monthly. Our brands collectively have won more than 20 industry awards in the last year alone, and recently Dotdash was named Publisher of the Year by Digiday, a leading industry publication.

https://www.thoughtco.com/all-about-coal-1440944