Alternate Energy Sources for Domestic Use

A Project Report
presented to

Dr. Bala Krishnamoorthy

Faculty Member
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
Mumbai

on

November 20, 2010

in

partial fulfillment of the academic requirements for the

Management Programme for Exécutives (MPE – 2009-11) Programme

by

Ms. Mitali Choudhury (24)

Annexure-B: Sample of Table of Contents

 PREFACE

It is essential that we find affordable and workable sources of alternative energy

before the world completely consumes the already limited stock of fossil fuels. Alternative
energy is any source of usable energy intended to replace natural fuel sources without the
undesired consequences of the replaced fuels. Modern science is constantly discovering
alternative energy resources, the feasibility of these resources is tested with regard to large
scale applications, e.g. specific to certain industry or region or country.
However, since the percentage consumption of energy by the domestic sector is
substantial & on the rise globally, it is important that these alternative energy resources be
studied for feasibility on priority for this sector.
Hence, this project tries to understand the scope & feasibility of using the alternative
resources for small scale applications from individual houses to locality level to district level.

Place, Date: Mumbai, 20th November 2010 Author: Mitali Choudhury

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to sincerely thank my project guide Dr. Bala Krishnamoorthy for her
continuous guidance during the entire course of this project.

Place, Date: Mumbai, 20th November 2010 Author: Mitali Choudhury

 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Project report is sub-divided into following areas,

1. Introduction: An overview of what this project aims to study and listing down the
Research methodology adopted for the project

2. Understanding the Technologies: A brief glimpse into the currently researched

alternative energy resources & their applications.

3. Feasibility Analysis: Understanding the various parameters which are required to

comprehend the feasibility of implementation. Thereby, analyzing the pros & cons of
the methods / resources chosen for study.

4. Conclusion of Feasibility study and Recommendations: What kind of resource is

most effective & under what kind of circumstances, whether the module can be
replicated at individual / locality level.

5. Impact analysis: An impact analysis of implementation of feasible modules.

 CHAPTER 1: Introduction & Research Methodology

Introduction :

There are many reasons we are looking towards alternative energy sources. With
as many as 191 countries, signing the Kyoto Treaty in 1997, efforts to reduce pollutants and
greenhouse gases especially the ones like – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur
hexafluoride, hydroflurocarbons, perflurocarbon, are a primary focus in today's culture.
Alternative, or renewable energy, sources show significant promise in helping to reduce the
amount of toxins that are by-products of energy use. Not only do they protect against harmful
by-products, but using alternative energy helps to preserve many of the natural resources that
are currently over exploited as main energy source.

To understand how usage of alternative energy can help preserve the delicate ecological
balance of the planet, and help us conserve the non-renewable energy sources like fossil
fuels, it is important to know what types of alternative energies can be easily sourced.

Some of the popular & often studied alternate energy resources are :

1) Solar Power – this type of energy involves usage of solar cells to convert sunlight to
electricity or using the sunlight entering windows for passive solar heating of building
or creating cases which convert sunlight into heat & help in heating food & air.

2) Wind Power - this energy harnesses the power of wind to propel the blades of wind
turbines. These turbines cause the rotation of magnets, which in turn creates
electricity.

3) Nuclear Power – Nuclear power stations use nuclear fission to generate energy by
reaction of uranium 235 inside a nuclear reactor. The energy heats water to create
steam, which spins a turbine generator thereby producing energy.

4) Hydro Power – Hydro electric power is an important form of the world’s energy
supply. Currently this method is used to generate one – fifth of the world’s electricity.
The stored water from the dams is used to turn turbines, which in turn will generate
electricity.

5) Biomass Energy – Biomass is solar energy stored in organic matter. As trees and
plants grow, the process of photosynthesis uses energy from the sun to convert carbon
dioxide into carbohydrates (sugars, starches and cellulose). Carbohydrates are the
organic compounds that make up biomass. When plants die, the process of decay
releases the energy stored in carbohydrates and discharges carbon dioxide back into
the atmosphere. Biomass is a renewable energy source because the growth of new
plants and trees replenishes the supply.
 6) Geo Thermal Energy – Geothermal energy harnesses the heat energy present
underneath the Earth. Two wells are drilled. One well injects water into the ground to
provide water. The hot rocks heat the water to produce steam. The steam that shoots
back up the other hole/s is purified and is used to drive turbines, which power electric
generators. There are also natural sources of geothermal energy some can come from
volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and steam vents.

7) Tidal Energy - The power of tides can be used to turn turbines which in turn turns
electric generators or gas compressors. Coastal tides are a source of clean, free,
renewable & sustainable energy.

Research Methodology :

I’ve designed a sample questionnaire to enable Research Methodology that will be used for
studying, I’m detailing 5 questions that I want to include in the study, more questions will be
added as the research progresses.

The objective of the questionnaire is to test the common man’s knowledge about alternate
energy resources & global warming :

Questionnaire:

1) Name any 3 known conventional sources of energy

a) Coal
b) Oil
c) Wood
d) Human Waste
e) Animal Waste

2) What does renewable energy mean

a) Energy received from oil
b) Energy received from coal
c) Energy received from burning wood
d) Sourced from materials that can be re-grown

3) Name any 3 renewal sources of energy

a) Wind energy
b) Tidal energy
c) Biomass energy
d) Coal
e) Wood
f) Oil
4) Do renewable energy sources contribute to global warming ?
a) Yes
b) No

5) Would you like your house to run on a renewal energy source, irrespective of cost
a) Yes
b) No
 REGISTRATION FORM FOR PROJECT WORK

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