The major factor for differentiating this energy is the source of energy. Renewable energy sources are well-established and consist of naturally replenishing resources like sunlight and wind. Ambient energy, on the other hand, encompasses various forms of low-density energy present in the environment and requires specialized technologies to capture and convert it into usable energy.
Ambient*: derived from a surrounding environment (could be natural or created environments): examples residual thermal energy in the air (ambient air temperature - applied in PCM TES systems), waste heat from a machine or from industrial process (e.g., the exhaust heat of dilution of sulfuric acid with water or waste heat from boiler operations, etc.,)
Thank you Allan Takudzwa Muzhanje and Esthella Ekong for your answers. Is it possible to sub-divide the ambient energy as "ambient energy from renewable energy sources" and "ambient energy from non-renewable energy sources"?
Ambient energy is nature’s energy that never gets harnessed by people. Society uses this energy without creating infrastructure to capture and transform it, but ambient energy is often useful. Energy sciences focuses on energy that people harness from nature
Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished. Renewable energy sources are plentiful and all around us.
Both ambient and renewable energy are good for the Earth, but they come from different places and are used differently.
Ambient energy comes from small natural things around us, like heat or moving objects, and is often used for little tasks like running small devices.
Renewable energy comes from big, never-ending natural sources like the sun, wind, and water, and is usually used to give power to homes or even whole towns.
Renewable Energy: Definition: Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, is derived from sources that are naturally replenished and are essentially inexhaustible on human timescales. These sources are considered sustainable and have a lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels. Examples: Solar energy (from the sun), wind energy (from the wind), hydropower (from flowing water), geothermal energy (from the Earth's heat), and biomass energy (from organic materials like plants and waste) are all examples of renewable energy sources. Characteristics:Renewable energy sources are naturally occurring and can be harnessed without depleting the source itself. They are considered environmentally friendly because they produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. They are a key component of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Ambient Energy: Definition: Ambient energy refers to the energy that exists in the immediate environment but may not necessarily come from renewable sources. It encompasses all the energy available in the surroundings, including energy from various sources, both renewable and non-renewable. Examples: Ambient energy sources can include sunlight, wind, temperature gradients (thermoelectric energy), vibrations, and even radiofrequency energy. Characteristics: Ambient energy sources can be renewable (e.g., sunlight and wind) or non-renewable (e.g., temperature differences in industrial processes). The availability of ambient energy sources can vary widely depending on geographic location and local conditions. Ambient energy can be harnessed for various purposes, such as powering small electronic devices (e.g., solar-powered calculators, piezoelectric sensors) or for energy harvesting application The key difference between ambient energy and renewable energy lies in their scope and source. Renewable energy specifically refers to energy sources that are naturally replenished and environmentally sustainable, whereas ambient energy encompasses all forms of energy in the immediate environment, including both renewable and non-renewable sources. While some forms of ambient energy are renewable and align with clean energy goals, others may not be sustainable or environmentally friendly.