Renewable energy is the future, and it's time to embrace it. With the increasing demand for sustainable travel, engineers are playing a crucial role by discovering innovative technologies that make it easier and affordable for people to travel guilt-free. Here are the top 10 engineering innovations in renewable energy that are transforming the way we travel.
One of the most visible engineering innovations in renewable energy is the advent of electric vehicles (EVs). They run on electricity and emit zero or very minimal greenhouse gases. Recently, Tesla has made huge strides in the electric vehicle space with the release of its Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. Other companies such as Nissan with the Leaf, Chevrolet with the Bolt, and BMW with the i3 have also made significant contributions to the growth of electric vehicles in the mass market.
Wind turbines are among the most prevalent sources of renewable energy. They generate energy in a clean, affordable, and sustainable way. Engineers have been working hard to improve wind turbine efficiency and output. Today, wind turbines are capable of generating 10 MW or more, translating to sustainable power for large industries.
Solar-powered cars are a new and promising innovation in renewable energy. These cars use solar panels to convert sunlight into energy which powers the car. Despite their promising potential, solar-powered cars are in their early stages of development, and there are not many commercially available options.
Biofuels can be derived from plant matter such as corn, sugarcane, soybeans, or algae. The process of converting these plants into fuel and is referred to as biofuel production. Biofuels are a renewable and cleaner source of energy, and the production process reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy that comes from the earth's core. It's a powerful source of energy that has been used for centuries. Today, engineers are innovating new ways to produce geothermal energy that is more efficient and affordable. These innovations are making it more accessible for the general public to access sustainable power.
Unlike typical batteries, hydrogen fuel cells don't need to be recharged, which means they can run for long periods. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles emit water as a by-product. Though it is still in its early development stages, this technology offers potential for sustainable travel in the future.
The world is surrounded by water, and engineers have been trying to harness its power for many years. Constructing underwater turbines that can generate electricity from tidal currents is a recent innovation that has the potential to be incredibly sustainable.
The success of renewable energy systems depends heavily on the ability to store excess power. Engineers are working towards innovating cheaper energy storage solutions that can store large amounts of renewable energy for later use, whenever required.
Smart grid systems are being developed to monitor and manage energy transmitted from renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The system is designed to detect when the renewable energy supply is weak and prompt other energy sources. These systems help prevent power shortages and reduce costs, making renewable energy more efficient and accessible.
Traveling by water is more sustainable than air travel. Seawater desalination, as an innovation in renewable energy, has the ability to address the water crisis and provide a solution for water resource management.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that's powered by an electric motor which runs on electricity. They are better for the environment, requiring no gasoline or diesel fuel, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Biofuels are fuels that are made from organic material, usually plant matter. They provide a renewable and cleaner source of energy compared to fossil fuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Smart grid systems are innovative energy systems designed to monitor and manage the transmission and distribution of energy, particularly from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology has great potential because it doesn't require recharging, and emits only water as a by-product. Though it is still in its early stages of development, this technology can be a significant contributor to sustainable travel in the future.
