PROMISING METHODS OF GENERATING ELECTRICITY

Between 1800 and 1958 the U.S. population multiplied 33-fold. In the same time the use of energy grew 69-fold, and the energy was used much more efficiently. The sources of energy changed also. In 1800 over 94% of U.S. energy came from burning wood. In 1900, coal was supplying 75% of our energy requirements. In 1958, oil and gas supplied over 70% of our energy.

Most of our electricity is generated from steam-turbine power, with water power helping. Many methods of generating electricity are now under development. Some of these methods may loom large in the over-all energy picture, whereas others are primarily for highly-specialized uses, as in space travel.

Methods of generating electricity covered include:

• Stirling engine
• Fuel cell
• Solar power
• Thermoelectricity
• Thermionic emission
• Magnetohydrodynamics