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- Introduction to fREe Energy Systems
Curriculum
- 11 Sections
- 139 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Section 1: Foundations of fREe EnergyExplore the fundamental concepts of fREe energy, including the importance of renewable energy and an overview of the course structure.5
- Section 2: War of the CurrentsDive into the historic battle between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla over the most efficient method to distribute electricity, shaping the future of electrical power systems.16
- 2.1Lesson 1: Introduction to Electricity3 Minutes
- 2.2Lesson 2: Early Electrical Discoveries
- 2.3Lesson 3: The Voltaic Pile and Early Batteries
- 2.4Lesson 4: André-Marie Ampère and Electromagnetism
- 2.5Lesson 5: SI Units of Measurement
- 2.6Lesson 6: War of the Currents
- 2.7Lesson 7: Thomas Edison and Direct Current (DC)
- 2.8Lesson 8: Nikola Tesla and Alternating Current (AC)
- 2.9Lesson 9: The Public Relations Battle
- 2.10Lesson 10: The Chicago World’s Fair and Niagara Falls
- 2.11Lesson 11: The Aftermath and Legacy
- 2.12Lesson 12: AC Power from Utility Companies
- 2.13Lesson 13: The Electronic Age
- 2.14Lesson 14: Invention of MOSFET
- 2.15Lesson 15: The Return of DC
- 2.16Section 2 Quiz: War of the Currents30 Minutes15 Questions
- Section 3: Navigating South Africa’s Energy CrisisUnderstand the complexities of South Africa's energy crisis, the implications of loadshedding, and potential renewable energy solutions.21
- 3.1Lesson 1: Introduction to South Africa’s Energy Crisis
- 3.2Lesson 2: Loadshedding Explained
- 3.3Lesson 3: Managing Energy Supply
- 3.4Lesson 4: Impact on Economy and Society
- 3.5Lesson 5: Energy Crisis in Africa
- 3.6Lesson 6: Renewable Energy Solutions
- 3.7Lesson 7: Hybrid Energy Systems
- 3.8Lesson 8: Wind Energy and Reliability
- 3.9Lesson 9: Benefits of Renewable Energy for Large Homes
- 3.10Lesson 10: Get SMART for the Energy Crisis
- 3.11Lesson 11: Understanding the SMART Grid
- 3.12Lesson 12: Integrating IoT into Smart Grids
- 3.13Lesson 13: Addressing the Energy Crisis through SMART Home Technology
- 3.14Lesson 14: Retrofitting Homes for SMART Lines
- 3.15Lesson 15: Smart Line Example
- 3.16Lesson 16: Low-Hanging Fruit in Energy Efficiency
- 3.17Lesson 17: Hot Water Cylinder/Geyser
- 3.18Lesson 18: Stoves and Heating Methods
- 3.19Lesson 19: Lights
- 3.20Lesson 21: Safety Measures
- 3.21Section 3 Quiz: Navigating South Africa’s Energy Crisis30 Minutes19 Questions
- Section 4: Types of fREe EnergyLearn about various renewable energy sources, debunk common myths, and explore the environmental impact of conventional energy systems.16
- 4.1Lesson 1: Debunking the FREE Energy Myth
- 4.2Lesson 2: Conventional Energy Sources
- 4.3Lesson 3: The Greenhouse Effect
- 4.4Lesson 4: Introduction to Renewable Energy
- 4.5Lesson 5: Implementing Renewable Energy
- 4.6Lesson 6: Traditional Energy Systems and Environmental Impact
- 4.7Lesson 7: Mainstream Types of Renewable Energy
- 4.8Lesson 8: Nuclear Energy
- 4.9Lesson 9: Hydro Energy
- 4.10Lesson 10: Biomass Energy
- 4.11Lesson 11: Solar Energy
- 4.12Lesson 12: Photovoltaic (PV) Energy
- 4.13Lesson 13: Wind Energy
- 4.14Lesson 14: Tidal and Wave Energy
- 4.15Lesson 15: Geothermal Energy
- 4.16Section 4 Quiz: Types of FREE Energy30 Minutes13 Questions
- Section 5: The Power of HydroDiscover the significance of hydro-electric power, its historical evolution, and the different types of turbines used in hydro power projects.8
- 5.1Lesson 1: Introduction to Hydro-Electric Power
- 5.2Lesson 2: The Water Cycle in Hydro-Electric Power
- 5.3Lesson 3: Types of Hydro-Electric Turbines
- 5.4Lesson 4: Hydro-Electric Potential Energy
- 5.5Lesson 5: Measuring Water Flow and Head
- 5.6Lesson 6: Flow Through Pipes in Hydro Systems
- 5.7Lesson 7: Cost of Hydro-Electric Installations
- 5.8Section 5 Quiz: The Power of Hydro13 Questions
- Section 6: Biomass EnergyGain insights into biomass energy, its types, global production, and the technologies used to convert biomass into usable energy.12
- 6.1Lesson 1: Introduction to Biomass Energy
- 6.2Lesson 2: Biomass Types and Global Energy Production
- 6.3Lesson 3: Fire and ICE – Internal Combustion Engines
- 6.4Lesson 4: Heat Engines and the Rankine Cycle
- 6.5Lesson 5: Gasification of Biomass
- 6.6Lesson 6: Biodiesel
- 6.7Lesson 7: Biofuel
- 6.8Lesson 8: Biogas
- 6.9Lesson 9: Biochar
- 6.10Lesson 10: Biomass Electrical Power Generation
- 6.11Lesson 11: Biomass Costing
- 6.12Section 6 Quiz: Biomass Energy13 Questions
- Section 7: Solar EnergyUnderstand the principles of solar energy, its applications, and the technologies used to harness solar power for various purposes.19
- 7.1Lesson 1: Introduction to Solar Energy
- 7.2Lesson 2: Solar Energy from Irradiation
- 7.3Lesson 3: Factors Influencing Solar Energy Production
- 7.4Lesson 4: Implementing Solar Thermal Technology
- 7.5Lesson 5: Solar Water Heating Systems – Active and Passive Designs
- 7.6Lesson 6: Solar Pipe Collectors
- 7.7Lesson 7: Flat-Plate Collectors
- 7.8Lesson 8: Evacuated Tube Collectors
- 7.9Lesson 9: Parabolic Collectors
- 7.10Lesson 10: Solar Thermal System Efficiencies
- 7.11Lesson 11: Glazing – The Invisible Heat Trap
- 7.12Lesson 12: Payback Time for Solar Water Heating
- 7.13Lesson 13: History and Development of PV Technology
- 7.14Lesson 14: Structure and Function of PV Panels
- 7.15Lesson 15: PV Flow Control and the Impact of Shading
- 7.16Lesson 16: PV Panel Efficiencies
- 7.17Lesson 17: Types of PV Panels
- 7.18Lesson 18: Solar Energy PV Panel Payback
- 7.19Section 7 Quiz: Solar Energy13 Questions
- Section 8: Wind PowerExplore the challenges and benefits of wind energy, the different types of wind turbines, and the factors influencing wind power generation.18
- 8.1Lesson 1: The RAM Standard in Wind Energy Generation
- 8.2Lesson 2: Wind Energy and Its Challenges
- 8.3Lesson 3: Causes of Wind Energy
- 8.4Lesson 4: Power Coefficient of Wind Energy
- 8.5Lesson 5: Types of Wind Turbines
- 8.6Lesson 6: Calculating Wind Energy Power Output
- 8.7Lesson 7: Micro Power in Wind Energy
- 8.8Lesson 8: VAWT Output Curves and Advantages
- 8.9Lesson 9: Wind Turbine Efficiency
- 8.10Lesson 10: Cost of Conventional Coal-Fired Energy
- 8.11Lesson 11: Determining Wind Energy Load Factor
- 8.12Lesson 12: Hybrid Wind-and-Water Systems
- 8.13Lesson 13: Controlling Utility Wind Turbines
- 8.14Lesson 14: Controlling Micro Wind Turbines
- 8.15Lesson 15: Safety Features and Efficiency in Micro Wind Turbines
- 8.16Lesson 16: Calculating Wind Energy Costs
- 8.17Lesson 17: Summation fREe Technologies
- 8.18Section 8 Quiz: Wind Power15 Questions
- Section 9: Tidal Energy and Energy StorageLearn about tidal energy, its variability, and the importance of grid storage systems in supporting renewable energy integration.15
- 9.1Lesson 1: Introduction to Tidal Energy
- 9.2Lesson 2: Variability and Availability of Tidal Power
- 9.3Lesson 3: The Agulhas Pulse
- 9.4Lesson 4: Types of Naval Power Generation
- 9.5Lesson 5: Grid Storage and Battery Storage
- 9.6Lesson 6: Real Power and Reactive Power in AC Power
- 9.7Lesson 7: Types of Energy Storage
- 9.8Lesson 8: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- 9.9Lesson 9: Lead-Acid Batteries
- 9.10Lesson 10: Nickel and Lithium Batteries
- 9.11Lesson 11: Urban Battery Storage Systems
- 9.12Lesson 12: Load-Shedding and Battery Storage
- 9.13Lesson 13: Battery Management Systems (BMS)
- 9.14Lesson 14: Future Trends in Battery Storage
- 9.15Section 9 Quiz: Tidal Energy and Energy Storage13 Questions
- Section 10: Geothermal and Energy EfficiencyDiscover the uses of geothermal energy, the efficiency of heat pumps, and practical tips for improving energy efficiency in households.10
- 10.1Lesson 1: Introduction to Geothermal Energy
- 10.2Lesson 2: Geothermal Power Stations
- 10.3Lesson 3: Heat Engines and Heat Pumps
- 10.4Lesson 4: Using the Earth as a Heat Sink
- 10.5Lesson 5: Understanding Energy Efficiency
- 10.6Lesson 6: Lighting Energy Efficiency
- 10.7Lesson 7: Efficiency of Electrical Motors
- 10.8Lesson 8: Heating and Insulation
- 10.9Lesson 9: Creating a “Smart Line”
- 10.10Section 10 Quiz: Geothermal and Energy Efficiency9 Questions
- Section 11: From NIMBY to IMBY – Taking Action for a Renewable FutureUnderstand the concept of NIMBY, the challenges of implementing renewable energy projects, and strategies to overcome resistance and promote sustainable solutions.10
- 11.1Lesson 1: What is NIMBY? Understanding Resistance to Change
- 11.2Lesson 2: South Africa’s Energy Evolution – From IRP2010 to REIPPPP
- 11.3Lesson 3: The REIPPPP Journey – Progress, Pitfalls, and Politics
- 11.4Lesson 4: After State Capture – Rebuilding Trust and Momentum
- 11.5Lesson 5: Global Gridlock – Institutional Apathy Beyond Borders
- 11.6Lesson 6: fREe Energy Revisited – The Solutions Are Already Here
- 11.7Lesson 7: IMBY – In My Backyard: A Call to Action
- 11.8Lesson 8: The “Fake Watts” Trap – Avoiding Overspec and Overspend
- 11.9Lesson 9: Final Word – Your Role in the Renewable Revolution
- 11.10Section 11 Quiz: Overcoming NIMBY Resistance12 Questions
Lesson 1: Introduction from Instructor
Welcome to Eco-Bini’s Complimentary Online Course on fREe Energy Systems

Hello! I’m thrilled to guide you through an insightful exploration of energy generation systems, with a special focus on fREe energy (a playful nod to the concept of Free Energy scams).
My journey into the world of energy installations began in 1988 at the University of Stellenbosch, where I pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. I was fortunate to receive an Eskom Bursary (Utility Power), which initially puzzled me—why would a mechanical engineer need to delve into electrical engineering?
I soon discovered that power stations are predominantly mechanical, consisting of 90% mechanical components, 8% electronics, and only 2% electrical components.
As a citizen of South Africa, I ask for your understanding amidst the ongoing energy crisis that has deeply affected our nation, known as ‘Loadshedding’. This crisis, which I will outline in the following pages, extends beyond our borders and serves as a global cautionary tale.
Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic that wise and pragmatic minds will emerge to address this critical issue, overcoming the obstacles that have hindered progress.
Jason Blunden
[B.Sc Mech Eng(Hons)]