The 21st-century demands students who are adaptable, resourceful, and able to work independently. It also requires them to be open to change, and understand how new ideas and technologies can improve their quality of life.
Since the beginning of time, humans have been driven by curiosity about nature and the universe. One of the most fundamental needs of human nature is the need to understand how everything works. When it comes to power, we are often confronted with complicated technical jargon, which can leave the average person confused. To help remedy this, we have compiled a list of the basic technical terms you will need to know when studying solar energy and water desalination.
The Basics Of Solar Power
Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, and has been around since the 1800s. The key to understanding solar power is to first realize that it doesn’t necessarily require sunlight to generate energy. Most solar cells are capable of converting energy even when the Sun is not directly overhead, which is why structures built over oceans are capable of generating electricity. This also means solar power is not heavily dependent on the weather, and can be utilized in any climate.
Traditional solar power comes in two forms: photovoltaic cells, and thermal solar power. Photovoltaic cells are more commonly seen, and consist of materials that can naturally convert sunlight into electricity, such as silicon or gallium arsenide. Thermal solar power systems, on the other hand, rely on the heat of the Sun to generate electricity. This type of system is commonly seen in places like the Middle East and South Africa, where the climate is ideal for heating water. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry, you will need to know the basics of both types of solar power systems.
Water Desalination
Water desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals from water. The most common form of water desalination is reverse osmosis, which works by forcing water through a membrane filter. As water passes through the membrane, salt and other minerals are trapped on one side and pure water passes through to the other. Reverse osmosis works well in areas where fresh water is scarce, and allows those with access to drink fresh water despite the location of their origin. It also helps those with limited financial resources as the membrane filter can be rented for a cost that is less than the cost of purchasing a desalination system. The need for water is increasing as the world’s population grows, and the demand for fresh water is predicted to double within the next few decades.
The Demand For Clean Energy
With the planet Earth’s water becoming more scarce, people are looking to alternative forms of clean energy to power their homes and businesses. Since the beginning of time, humans have been driven by the need for clean air and water, and today people are motivated to find a solution to this crisis. The renewable energy sector is currently one of the most innovative and exciting industries, and with the world becoming more environmentally conscious, opportunities abound for students looking to build a future in this field.