- These systems implement alot of different technologies to help collect, convert and deliver energy
- These systems use Wind, geothermal and bio energy
- Solar collectors will be placed on the roof and south facing facades which can be sued to heat water, air and can be used to generate electricity
- However one of the problems with active systems is the fact that they have to inspected and maintained every so often
Active Wind Systems
- UK has 40% of the European wind resource - so crucial to try and make the most of it.
Power generated by:
- Single turbines, which can be for domestic buildings
- Small clusters
- Wind farms
- Very effective when used alongside PV panels, as in winter the turbines will be using the wind energy and during summer the PV's will be using solar energy
- The forces on a wind turbine are incredibly high, which requires alot of structural work
- A standard output from a turbine with a 5m diameter is 125 Watts peak.
Active Bio-energy Systems
- Biomass is a system which uses plant and animal matter
- Harvesting biomass through the use of crops, trees or dung which can generate heat and electricity
There are two main ways that these can be converted either through:
1. Combustion - Combine heat and power very efficient system in creating electricity and heat together
2. Anaerobic digestion - Organic wastes digested under anaerobic conditions.
Heat pumps - helps generate heat which is generated from water sources such as a river, ground or waste water.
Flat plate Collectors - heat from the sun which is then transferred into air or liquid that passes through a collector
Evacuated Tube Collectors - Capable of supplying solar heated water at high temperature for residential purposes.