Energy harvesting - Part 2 - Is it really viable?
In part 1 of the series I discussed the practical difficulties for widespread energy harvesting adoption. In this second and last part, I will go through some ways that I believe would make widespread adoption easier and faster. The number of applications is huge and I would say that it is wise to divide them in small and large scale.
Small scale harvesting would include all devices installed in homes or buildings that are in the form of modules of the larger electrical system. Large scale applications would be more complicated and involve a multitude of harvesting modules combined in a larger harvesting system to be installed from the start of construction, like for example in a train station.
In any case, I want to look at things from the consumer point of view with the simplest and first remarks that come to mind:
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If I ever wanted to install a harvesting module, I would like to have the harvesting functionality integrated. For example, for a revolving door with a harvesting mechanism, I would like to be able to buy a model involving a clean and quick installation, that can do what I want it to do without modifications. This means it would be easier to compare prices with traditional models and that installation is a simple matter -except for the electrical connectivity part. As consumers, we are so spoiled with out-of-the-box functionality, that demanding from customers any form of modification would probably lead to commercial failure.
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Electrical connectivity to the grid or energy storage must be very clear with standard specifications to ease adoption. This way we will know what the cost is, how long and how complicated installation is. Harvesting is a new concept and standardisation is nothing but essential.
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Also some standards must be adopted with average utilisation in mind. It is evident that this would just be an indication, but it would be invaluable for some indicative ROI calculations. It is something similar to car fuel consumtion, it is just an indication but all cars are submitted to the same cycle of use under the same conditions. We of course get in practise much different results as we drive in different conditions, but still, the manufacturer’s values are checked by a separate body and help us compare and choose accordingly.
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By conserving energy that does not have to be produced in the first place!
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By concentrating on solar, wind and wave energy opportunities that are still largely untapped.
Since cost is a constant headache and we still have to find a way to reduce our dependence on oil, energy conservation and continuous green energy sources are the only proven ways to get us out of the current oil deadend. Some energy harvesting methods are surely going to prove that some energy benefits are possible. But at what cost and what scale?
As things stand at the moment, the large green energy players will remain those working with solar and wind power, with waves completing the trio of widespread energy technology. The potential is so huge that we could well solve the larger part of our energy problems without getting into energy harvesting at all. Therefore, my prediction is that for the foreseable future energy harvesting is bound to stay commercially in the back seat.
Of course, as developments take place on an almost daily basis, ElectronRun will do its best to cover clever projects that will turn up in the future.
Link: ElectronRun - Energy harvesting - Part 1 - 5 obstacles to widespread use
