Renewable Energy
Solar energy is free, but what does it really cost?
“Solar energy is free, but it’s not cheap” best sums up the major hurdle for the solar industry. There are no technical obstacles per se to developing solar energy systems, even at the utility megaWatt level (e.g., 14 MW utility… Read more
Feb 13, 2012 | By Edvard Csanyi
High Voltage
North American versus European distribution systems
Distribution systems around the world have evolved into different forms. The two main designs are North American and European. For both forms, hardware is much the same: conductors, cables, insulators, surge arresters, regulators, and transformers are very similar. Both systems… Read more
Nov 17, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Hydropower
What would be the cost of micro hydro plant?
In the examples examined in the five countries, the capital cost13 of micro hydro plants, limited to shaft power, ranged from US$714 (Nepal, Zimbabwe) to US$1,233 (Mozambique). The average cost is US$965 per installed kW which is in line with… Read more
Oct 07, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Transformers
Life Cycle Cost of Transformers
To perform the economical analysis of transformer, it is necessary to calculate its life cycle cost, sometimes called total cost of ownership, over the life span of transformer or, in other words, the capitalised cost of the transformer. All these… Read more
Aug 06, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Environment
How much for the geothermal energy? Impacts, hm?
Geothermal power requires no fuel, and is therefore immune to fuel cost fluctuations, but capital costs tend to be high. Drilling accounts for over half the costs, and exploration of deep resources entails significant risks. A typical well doublet in… Read more
Jun 22, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
Technology future – The cost of inaction
Without new thinking on technology intervention, the future looks bleak. Unless the role of technology in the global economy is reconsidered, we risk becoming powerless to feed a growing population, combat climate change, meet energy demands and adapt to dwindling… Read more
May 25, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
High Voltage
Economics of GIS
The equipment cost of GIS is naturally higher than that of AIS due to the grounded metal enclosure, the provision of an LCC, and the high degree of factory assembly. A GIS is less expensive to install than an AIS…. Read more
Mar 04, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
How To Reduce Energy Cost?
The main motivation for decision makers to take an interest in energy control solutions is economic efficiency. When deciding whether to invest in improvement work, the manager of a building, for example, must be convinced that the operation will produce… Read more
Jan 28, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Wind Power
What Do Wind Systems Cost?
A small turbine can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $35,000 installed, depending on size, application, and service agreements with the manufacturer. (The American Wind Energy Association [AWEA] says a typical home wind system costs approximately $32,000 (10 kW); a comparable… Read more
Jan 18, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Energy and Power
What is the cost of electricity?
Electrification in the early 20th century dramatically improved productivity and increased the well-being of the industrialized world. No longer a luxury – now a necessity – electricity powers the machinery, the computers, the health-care systems, and the entertainment of modern… Read more
Nov 02, 2010 | By Edvard Csanyi
