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. Using larger amounts of intermittent power may require upgrades or even a redesign of the grid infrastructure.[8][9] Terminology[edit] Several key terms are useful for understanding the issue of intermittent power sources. Intermittency of various power sources[edit] Solar energy[edit] 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. By pairing the material with microchips, the researchers say it could be used in self-powered sensors, low-power electronic devices, and biomedical implants. While single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been used in the construction of transparent solar cells and all-carbon solar cells, these are still very inefficient when compared to their conventional photovoltaic brethren. “If we can convert both light and heat to electricity, the potential is huge for energy production,” said UT Arlington associate physics professor Wei Chen. Source: UT Arlington About the Author. Alternative Fuels’ Long-Delayed Promise Might Be Near Fruition. Amory Lovins: A 40-year plan for energy.