New technologies for exploiting energy resources

Multijunction PV cells

A method for the extraction of solar energy by creating multiple layers of material to absorb a greater range of light wavelengths

Antireflective surface

Grooved or textured surfaces used to reduce reflection and therefore increase efficiency of solar panels

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Mirrors are used to reflect and concentrate solar power into a receiver. The mirrors used are curved to increase solar energy extraction

Thermal hybrid PVT systems

Used to increase efficiency by absorbing heat from PV cells to prevent overheating, allowing the thermal energy to be used for space or water heating

Transparent PV panels

Increases efficiency allowing for the extraction of light energy hitting windows as they still allow light to pass through and can easily be incorporated into windows

Heliostats

Used to increase the efficiency of solar energy extraction as they alter the angle of the solar panels to increase ability to capture light energy

Self cleaning panels

Nanohydrophobic surfaces repel water to prevent spots and increase the efficiency of solar panels. They reduce water usage as cleaning of solar panels is incredibly water intensive

Nacelle brushes

A new wind technology that prevents the escaping of air between the blades and the central hub to increase efficiency

Helical VAWT turbines

Type of turbine with curved plates to rotate more smoothly and increase efficiency

Blade tip fins

Used in the extraction of wind power to reduce turbulence and wind resistance of HAWT turbines

Wind assisted ships

Boats harnessing wind technology to assist the engine. Sails can be used to assist this

Direct drive turbines

Type of turbines with no gear box to reduce weight and reduce noise pollution to harness the wind at lower velocities

biofuels new technology to increase efficiency

• use of algae to produce hydrogen from photosynthesis by the deprivation of sulphur - hydrogen can then be used as a secondary fuel source

• anaerobic digestion of biological materials (like waste, sewage and manure) to produce biogas

Point absorbers

Floating structures used to harness wave power as they rise and fall as waves pass, causing the movement of a piston and turning a turbine the in anchored base. This is a multidirectional wave technology

Surface attenuator

A hinged floating device that has sections which push and pull to drive the movement of pistons and a forces water over a turbine. This is a unidirectional wave power method

Oscillating wave surge convertor

As waves move horizontally, pistons move to pump fluid over a turbine, therefore requiring a specific wave direction (unidirectional)

Overtopping device

Waves force water into a reservoir above sea level, this water is then forced downwards and outward through a turbine, generating kinetic energy. This device does not depend on wave direction (multidirectional)

Oscillating water column wave power

The movement of water by waves into an enclosed chamber forces air upwards, turning a turbine

Swansea tidal bay lagoon

New product being introduced to generate power to over 120,000 local homes. Negatives: very expensive, with some environmental damage

In stream turbines

Turbines situated underwater that turn with the ebb and flow of the tides. They do not block tidal flow meaning environmental damage is much lower, however noise pollution is created

Waterwheels

A past method of HEP generation. They are less efficient than turbines, and means there is no screen blockages however are well developed to increase efficiency

Kaplan turbines

Axial flow turbines with blades rotating to allow variations in water flow, which can harness up to 90% of kinetic energy from flowing water

Helical turbines

New technology adapted in HEP schemes where water flows through the screw shape to generate electricity which are unaffected by turbidity and allow fish to swim through unharmed

Micro-hydro schemes

Small scale schemes used by local communities that do not block water flow but generate sufficient energy for local areas whilst reducing environmental impacts

Low temperature fluids

A method extracting geothermal energy in areas with lower temperatures rocks. Water from as low at 60 degrees Celsius can be used to boil butane and pentane, which the gaseous forms of can be used to turn a turbine