5 Myths About Renewable Energy" Intermittent energy source. An intermittent energy source is any source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control.
The intermittent source may be quite predictable, for example, tidal power, but cannot be dispatched to meet the demand of a power system. Effective use of intermittent sources in an electric power grid usually relies on using the intermittent sources to displace fuel that would otherwise be consumed by non-renewable power stations, or by storing energy in the form of renewable pumped storage, compressed air or ice, for use when needed, or as electrode heating for district heating schemes. The use of small amounts of intermittent power has little effect on grid operations. Hybrid nanomaterial converts light and heat into electricity. A hybrid nanomaterial synthesized by combining copper sulfide nanoparticles and SWNTs can convert light and heat into electricity (Photo: Shutterstock) We’ve seen nanomaterials that can be used to convert light into electricity and others that can convert heat into electricity.
Now researchers from the University of Texas at Arlington and Louisana Tech University have created a hybrid nanomaterial that can do both. Alternative Fuels’ Long-Delayed Promise Might Be Near Fruition. Amory Lovins: A 40-year plan for energy.