Difference between revisions of "Chem321:Discussion 7"

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==2. Microgrids and distributed energy generation==
 
==2. Microgrids and distributed energy generation==
 
As mentioned in [http://www.cnbc.com/2014/11/27/why-living-off-the-grid-will-get-a-lot-easier-in-25-years.html this reading from unit 7], cheaper solar and wind power is making it viable for homeowners to generate their own electricity.  It was also [http://northcountrynow.com/news/100k-state-will-fund-canton-microgrid-study-0147856 announced recently] that Canton had received a grant to examine building a microgrid for the town.  Is this type of distributed power generation feasible in the North Country?  If so, will it be connected to the wider grid, or will people go completely off-grid?
 
As mentioned in [http://www.cnbc.com/2014/11/27/why-living-off-the-grid-will-get-a-lot-easier-in-25-years.html this reading from unit 7], cheaper solar and wind power is making it viable for homeowners to generate their own electricity.  It was also [http://northcountrynow.com/news/100k-state-will-fund-canton-microgrid-study-0147856 announced recently] that Canton had received a grant to examine building a microgrid for the town.  Is this type of distributed power generation feasible in the North Country?  If so, will it be connected to the wider grid, or will people go completely off-grid?
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*I think that this type of distributed power generation would defiantly be a feasible thing in the North Country. I think that even though fracking has given the world a plentiful supply of $100/barrel oil up here in the north country this still results in high gas and oil priced due to our distance form ports and other big shipping areas. So this than leaves the people up here wide open to alternate kinds of energy that is affordable and accessible. people would no doubt jump in on this microgrid, also the people would be connected to the wider grid just so that if any extra energy is created this can than be sold back to the power companies.[[User:Rileytc197|Rileytc197]] ([[User talk:Rileytc197|talk]]) 20:04, 21 July 2015 (EDT)
  
  
 
[[Category:Chemistry 321]]
 
[[Category:Chemistry 321]]

Revision as of 19:04, 21 July 2015

THE SUSTAINABLE
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This discussion is based on discussing two questions, and it is set to take place on the wiki, over the next few days (until 11:59pm on Friday, 24th July, 2015). Be sure to read unit 7 and watch both videos: Prof. Robert Ewy on growing willow, and Prof. Ken Visser on small wind turbines. Consider the question with two scenarios in mind - (a) where fracking has given the world a plentiful supply of $100/barrel oil (maintaining gasoline prices at around $3-4/gallon in the US) or (b) where there is a worldwide commitment to reduce fossil fuel usage, coupled with increased use of renewables (due to falling prices for solar and wind power, and cheap battery storage).

We will leave comments on the page below, in response to (and under) the questions posted or the related responses. Be sure to start your text with a *, and sign your responses with four tilde marks at the end. You should post one original response to each question, and then post one followup comment on another student's posting. I will also respond to each student's post.

1. Biofuels or small wind turbines in the North Country

Watch both videos from unit 7: Prof. Robert Ewy on growing willow, and Prof. Ken Visser on small wind turbines. Consider the question with two scenarios in mind - (a) where fracking has given the world a plentiful supply of $100/barrel oil (maintaining gasoline prices at around $3-4/gallon in the US) or (b) where there is a worldwide commitment to reduce fossil fuel usage, coupled with increased use of renewables (due to falling prices for solar and wind power, and cheap battery storage).

Answer either one of the following questions:

EITHER
What the the possibilities for biofuel production in the North Country? Could willow or something similar provide a major cash crop for local farmers with marginal land?
OR
Suggest some suitable applications for small wind turbines in St. Lawrence County and nearby counties. (Post answers below here)
  • I think that there are many different applications possible for small wind turbines for the different counties up north for sure. I think that since there is the worldwide commitment to reduce fossil fuel usage, and these renewable sources are becoming more affordable that this could be something big that could happen up here. I think that since the affordable prices these small wind turbines could be used all over for places from the bigger companies to be self sustaining to save on money, or even farms and households having a personal turbine in order to not have to pay for electricity, and if they make extra power they could even sell it to the power company and make some money. Rileytc197 (talk) 16:02, 21 July 2015 (EDT)


2. Microgrids and distributed energy generation

As mentioned in this reading from unit 7, cheaper solar and wind power is making it viable for homeowners to generate their own electricity. It was also announced recently that Canton had received a grant to examine building a microgrid for the town. Is this type of distributed power generation feasible in the North Country? If so, will it be connected to the wider grid, or will people go completely off-grid?

  • I think that this type of distributed power generation would defiantly be a feasible thing in the North Country. I think that even though fracking has given the world a plentiful supply of $100/barrel oil up here in the north country this still results in high gas and oil priced due to our distance form ports and other big shipping areas. So this than leaves the people up here wide open to alternate kinds of energy that is affordable and accessible. people would no doubt jump in on this microgrid, also the people would be connected to the wider grid just so that if any extra energy is created this can than be sold back to the power companies.Rileytc197 (talk) 20:04, 21 July 2015 (EDT)