Combining breakthroughs in self-healing materials and artificial arms, University of California, Los Angeles researchers created such muscles that can generate electricity. The research could be used to make walking robots and develop better prosthetics that juice your iPod. Part of the technology is already being used in Japan to charge batteries using ocean waves.
Artificial muscles that are currently prevalent are made of metal-based film that often tears resulting in muscle failure. The new artificial muscle developed by the University of California researchers is made of carbon nanotubes as electrodes. The carbon nanotube seals the region around it once it fails preventing the fault from spreading to other regions.
The researchers used flexible carbon nanotubes as electrodes instead of metal-based films that fail after repeated use. If an area of the carbon nanotube fails, the region around it seals itself by becoming non-conductive preventing the fault from spreading to other areas.
This muscle conserves about 70 percent of the energy you put into it.
3/24/08
Artificial muscles Can Generate Electricity to Charge an iPhone
3/23/08
How To Transform Your Window Into Solar Panel
In 2007 Traditionally, solar panels for buildings have predominantly been stand alone systems mounted to roofs in order to capture sunlight.
A new transparent building integrated photovoltaic technology is being funded by National Institute of Standards and Technology which would allow windows and other building integrated applications to get converted into solar panels which will capture sunlight directly and convert them into power.
Silicon Solar Cells With Liquid
A company of California developing a ultra low-cost thin-film solar power modules based on a propriety silicon-ink process, has developed crystalline silicon solar cells with liquid.
This company essentially creates silicon nanoparticles, inserts them into a solvent, and then pours the solvent on a substrate. The solvent is then extracted. What is left can sort of be analogized to a snowflake or a large sugar cube: a highly organized structure made up of tiny parts.
Crystalline solar cells have higher efficiencies than thin films. Commercial crystalline panels can convert up to 22 percent of sunlight into electricity, without concentrators. CIGS makers are initially shooting for the mid to low teens. The catch is that making crystalline solar cells is expensive. The patterning and other processes is similar to what is used in making LCD panels. Innovalight says it could conceivably cut the production price by around 50 percent or more. Many start-ups, however, had hit bumps in bringing new (albeit different) manufacturing techniques for solar cells to market.
If it is so energy-efficient why no other companies have tried to produce them? Well, making crystalline solar cells is expensive. In fact the patterning and other processes is similar to what is used in making LCD panels.
The company has just raised $28 million from Convexa Capital Apax Partners, ARCH Venture Partners, Harris & Harris Group, Sevin Rosen Funds (Burke is a former Sevin Rosen partner) and Triton Ventures, among others. Part of the money will be used to build a 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Silicon Valley.
Innovalight hopes to start selling solar cells in the second half of 2009. By 2010, the company hopes to be cranking out "tens of megawatts" worth of solar cells from the facility.
Low-Cost Organic LED Production-OLED Technology
It is not just the fact that modern green technologies and solutions aim at producing ways of harnessing energy from the renewable and clean energy sources, but they also are focusing on the conservation part of energy. They are working on the simple principle that energy saved is energy produced and in this regard, LEDs have played a very important role in the past few years. When it comes to making sure that lighting technologies are conserving energy, they have made a quantum leap from the traditional sources and methods.
LEDs (or Light-Emitting Diodes) will slowly become the lighting standard over the next decade. But light bulbs won’t be the only products to take advantage of their efficient properties. A variety called OLED (or Organic Light-Emitting Diode) are thin, organic materials sandwiched between two electrodes, which illuminate when an electrical charge is applied. This technology is behind all those cool flexible displays and electronic ink displays we’re always seeing. They’re so thin, that they could be applied to rooms as a type of wall paper to glow at the touch of a finger or when someone enters the room.
The challenge in producing these OLEDs is that they also have to have potential to be made at a very low cost, because they can be printed “roll-to-roll” like a newspaper. GE recently demonstrated the first OLEDs to be made in this manner. Apparently, the researchers worked for four years on this project. The project still has a long way to go before making sure that the OLEDs are ready for commercial use.
The process of commercially manufacturing OLEDs has remained expensive. However, a recent breakthrough from GE hopes to lower the cost-barrier and show that OLED can be created “roll to roll”.
Fuel-Cell Powered Cargobike - Hydrogen bike
We’ve seen motorbike concepts powered by small fuel cells, but this is the first time in my memory that a full-scale commercial test of such technology has actually gotten off the ground.
Clean Air Bike is the result of a joint-venture between Masterflex and German bike maker Hawk. It is claimed the Cargobike can handle loads up to 150 kg and one fuel cell lasts for 250 kilometres powered by only 90grams of hydrogen within a 2.2kg storage unit.
With a motor rated at 250 watts it's exempt, just like a ‘normal' bike, from European vehicle registration laws .Potential uses include postal delivery services, city cleaning divisions, large industrial site transport and tourist applications.Masterflex say that not only does the fuel cell technology provide sufficient power for the motor but that there is enough surplus for secondary functions such as lighting or cooling for transporting temperature sensitive goods. Potential uses include postal delivery services, city cleaning divisions, large industrial site transport and tourist applications.
Hydrogen powered fuel-cells have often been talked up as one of the solutions to the problem of global warming caused by transport CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. The technology uses compressed hydrogen gas to produce emissionless power at the point of use. But debate has centred around how best to extract and store hydrogen from the natural world. One of the greenest methods, but one that is still being developed, is to extract the hydrogen directly from sunlight without using any fossil fuels in the process, potentially delivering a totally green transport fuel.
Of course, practical use of this vehicle is limited to the nearest hydrogen station — but manufacturers are confident such infrastructure will become available once companies latch onto the advantages of fuel cell technology.
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Sun Energy Clean Up Your Water Sources
Driveway Solar Light
There are many solar products on the market today, one very popular item is solar lights, either for a driveway or walkway.
In the crucial phase of power-crisis, it’s interesting to know that more and more products are flushing in the markets that just use solar energy to operate. Latest in this series is ‘Solar Walkway Lights’. In the daytime, these lights soak up sun energy and light up when the night wears on. Interestingly, these walkway lights are strong enough to bear heavy weight of a vehicle, even. Therefore, having it on the both sides of driveway or walkway is, indeed, an energy-efficient way to add to the safety and beauty of our surroundings.
In my opinion this solar light it is a very good product.This solar light will be all over the driveways.Solar Notebook Concept
This solar notebook concept is a laptop with complete power independent. Its independence is due to powerful batteries that are recharged by wide Solar Panel attached to the computer. Equipped with satellite link GPS, internet access, and satellite telephone which makes this device not only power independent but also universal tool for communication and exchange information literally from any spot on the planet.
The detachable panel is to be put away in the sun for recharging while the notebook functions on a smaller battery that charges itself when DC power is plugged into the system.
The solar panel may be completely detached from the main body to be put away for recharging, then smaller battery inside the computer is on.
This sure do will come in handy for scientists or researchers who work far away from civilization and power source.
What Is A Human Electric Hybrid Vehicle?
In the 21st century humanity will have to evolve through a more efficient way of life as our resources are beginning to be insufficient for our needs.
You power the generator and the
electric motor drives the vehicle. You can also drive it as an electric vehicle if you don’t want to or are unable to pedal your self.
This Human Electric Hybrid Vehicle uses the power of your muscles as well electricity stored in the batteries. It allows smooth and constant velocity both uphill (with the help of the electric motor), as well as downhill (when the wheel acts as a generator and charges the batteries). The vehicle can turn 360 degrees maintaining stability all the time. Additional power is acquired from photovoltaic placed on top of the vehicle as well as during de-acceleration from regenerative braking. Elderly and handicapped people that are unable to provide enough kinetic energy can also charge the batteries directly from the grid. A vehicle such as this makes extensive use of renewable energy possible and lead to a more sustainable fossil fuel future.
Solar Charging Water Purifier:SteriPEN
The energy of the sun is often under used. We do not often realize how we can use it in varied ways. The way we can use this amazing and almost infinite renewable resource is almost endless. Now we have a tiny little gadget for the clean freaks and even for those bothered about sanitation and purity of water while on a long journey or a camping trip. This little solar powered magical device can help you stay away from those deadly water borne diseases.
This little gizmo is for world travelers with doubts about the local water. Just swish this thermometer-like device inside a container of H2O and presto - drinkable water with no after taste. And the solar charging case keeps it charged and ready to operate.
The SteriPEN system uses UV light rays instead of chemicals to purify water for drinking by destroying protozoa (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), bacteria and even viruses. Just press a button and gently agitate the water with a quick stir.
It basically Purifies 16 fl. oz. of water (cold or warm) in less than a minute. It fits perfectly in your shirt pocket and you can almost use it anywhere. Since it is powered by the sun you will not have to worry about how you are going to carry this around and keep it working. So take purity in your pocket across the planet.
Now Honda Goes Solar Cells!
The Honda Motor Company, best known for it’s super smooth cars and motorcycles, is all set to promote solar energy in a big way with its venture called Honda Soltec company that makes solar panels. What this essentially means is Honda, which has long been promoting eco friendly technology will give solar energy a huge push thus changing the way the game is played. The Honda Soltec factory estabilished in November, 2007 is mass producing solar panels in a massive scale and it wouldn’t be very surprising if Honda launches a solar powered car in the near future.
They began mass-producing the cells last fall and have already created a solar-powered hydrogen filling station in Torrance, CA. The power generated at the station creates the hydrogen for Honda’s concept FCX, an all-hydrogen vehicle that emits only H2O.
Honda committed to reducing worldwide CO2 emissions in 2006 and they took this pledge into consideration when making the cells. Honda reports that their materials and their process reduce the energy used to make the cells by 50% over standard solar. Ideally, this process would make cells cheaper, but I didn’t see any pricing data.
With a Global manufacturing giant like Honda trying to make solar technology popular, it is just a matter of time before other big manufacturers fall in line. The future for our fragile environment is looking brighter.
Battery Charger From Steam-Power
From the "how the heck did they do that?" department comes a fascinating example of human ingenuity: a steam-powered battery charger.The project makes use of a “Look Out” brand boiler from the 40s, a 6 HP steam engine from 1903 and a self-made magnetic alternator that uses all that steam to generate electricity to power your batteries.
This magnetic alternator charges a 48V battery bank at 120 rpm and at 200 rpm it generates 2000 Watts of power, which is pretty good considering the hardware that is involved in the DIY. The best feature of the project is that it can maintain this level of power even with low grade dead wood.
The idea of getting your electricity from firewood is fascinating, but a little caution is a good thing.
DARPA Concept a Solar Plane That Would Fly Non-Stop For Five Years
What would you think if we told you that DARPA is considering a plane that would fly non-stop for 5 years without burning a single drop of fuel? They are, and it's called the Vulture program, which aims to produce an aircraft able to carry a 1,000 pound payload, pump out 5kW of onboard power, and keep up enough speed to withstand the winds it'll encounter at 60,000 to 90,000 feet.
Needless to say, that's a long ways from becoming a reality, although it seems that the first phase of the project could soon be kicking off, with Vulture program manager Daniel Newman saying that they've had "at least one successful offeror," and that they're now close to doling out the first contracts. That initial phase will run for twelve months, and will require contractors to "define the objective system and design both full-scale and subscale demonstrators." That'll then be followed by phase two, which'll run through 2012 with the goal of testing of a subscale demonstrator capable of flying for three months.
There are currently three options under consideration. The first one is nuclear and - wait, this is not under consideration. The second one is to refuel the aircraft in flight. This favors fuel cells because they are more efficient and reliable than internal-combustion and gas-turbine engines. The other option is solar energy, either solar thermal, which is unproven, or solar electric, which is a proven technology.
Mini Solar Charger
Mini Solar Charger Cell Phone Strap from Strap-Ya comes to the rescue. To charge your cell-phone with it, you just need to attach the gadget to your phone. What’s better, this tool is completely eco-friendly as it runs on solar energy. That doesn’t mean, however, that it is any less in performance. It can be charged up to as many as 500 times! On cloudy days, three hours on an AC adapter will give you a backup battery anyway.
The Mini Solar Charger Cell Phone Strap is cute, small and perfectly handy. It will hit the market on 9th February.
E-Bike Drive With Solar Energy
Spotted at a recent Trade Fair in China the future for charging your Electric Bicycle or Electric Scooter.
This Solar Panel Array mounted on the Rear Carrier of an E Bike shown with the Panels open.
The two side panels Fold Down against the carrier when the vehicle is in motion.
How To Produce Your Own Biodiesel:FuelMeister II
Biofuel is the way forward in terms of short term alternative to the growing fuel and environmental crisis. While I do firmly believe that fuel cells are the ultimate way forward I terms of alternate energy sources, fuel cells may not be yet ready to replace conventional fuel. Hence in as short term stop-gap arrangement biofuel is a very viable option. But one of the major problems with running on biofuel is the fact that you do not run in to a refilling station every now and then. This is one of the major reasons why biofuel is not really catching up in USA as fast as it is spreading across Europe.
One problem consumer’s face when wanting to use biofuels is building an in-house processor for creating biodiesel to further shave costs. This is no small feat so Renewal Biodisel has created a second generation do-it-yourself system that makes it a snap. The system is aptly coined the FuelMeister II. The biggest benefit to this system is cost savings, producing your own biodiesel fuel can bank you as little as .70 cents a gallon
The improvements from the first FuelMeister to the second version are many, according to the makers. Some of the new features include the single tank system, making it much more convenient to put in a small shop, garage or shed. It also has a relatively slick direct catalyst injection system which increases the rate of chemical reactions making the FuelMeister capable of generating two batches per day. There is an automated water wash feature, relieving constant supervision and simple valve and tank lip operations for speed and efficiency during the process. All this added to make the whole process a lot easier for you.
The FuelMeister II is faster, safer, and easier to operate than its older sibling. The FuelMeister creates biodiesel out of used cooking oil, methanol, lye, electricity and tap water. With these ingredients properly blended the FuelMeister can kick out 80 gallons of clean-burning fuel every day. This fuel can be used to power your vehicle or even your home or both.
FuelMeister II makes it simple for first-time chemists and fuel chefs; the system comes complete with all of the chemical testing equipment, safety equipment, scales and procedures to assist you in making the highest quality biodiesel possible. With associated dealer support, a toll-free factory service line and total product support from multiple sources the FuelMeister II is the clear winner among the personal biodiesel processors.
Another Wave-Power Startup OreCon Dives In
Vast amounts of power are locked away in the movements of the ocean, but because of technical challenges, the number of startups that have attempted to harness wave power thus far is relatively small when compared to wind or solar.
OreCon is the latest, with plans for a sort of giant, self-contained buoy that floats atop the water, each unit generating a megawatt and a half of energy. The company has raised $24 million, which it plans to use in building a full-scale example. One of the problems with putting mechanical equipment in the ocean is that the salt and other chemicals in sea water tend to destroy moving parts. OreCon uses a design called the Oscillating Water Column to keep most of the parts well above water level.
The company has raised $24 million, which it plans to use in building a full-scale example.
In an OWC, which is a well-known setup, the pressure from waves outside the device causes water to rise and fall within it, which in turn pushes air in and out through a turbine, creating energy. They tend to be fairly inefficient, though.
OreCon’s innovation is using what it calls “multi-resonant chambers”. In its proprietary design, the company deploys multiple OWCs around a 40 meter platform that’s tethered to the sea floor a few miles off shore.
The first unit should be deployed somewhere off the coast of England in Cornwall, near Plymouth, where OreCon was founded six years ago. Another one is being set up off the coast of San Francisco too. This is apparently an awesome idea if it works and one has no reason to think otherwise either.
First Green TV Station To Run On Wind Power
The mainstream media has always voiced its concern over the rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere but the media houses themselves have not always tried to follow what they have preached so far. NBC11 is happy to report the station has made a major commitment to going green.
NBC 11 has set upon itself the noble task of saving our green planet from future climatic catastrophe by adopting green energy source to power its TV station in San Jose.
The station has offset its electricity with 100 percent certified energy certificates, according to station officials.That means every bit of power used at the studios on the 2400 block of North First Street in San Jose is replaced on the grid by clean energy created by wind farms.
The wind effort is part of a new campaign started by the station called "EcoLogic."The campaign is designed to educate NBC11 employees, viewers and local businesses about ways they can reduce their carbon footprint at work and at home.
NBC 11 through its ‘Going Green’ page and the ecological stories is helping to educate its viewers of the importance of using clean alternative energy sources to combat global warming. Wind energy if adopted on a large scale is believed to reduce the energy bill of the consumer considerably. A landmark study of wind integration into the New York State electric power system has shown that 10% addition of wind generation can actually cause $305 million reduction in payments by electricity customers in one year.
NBC11, in partnership with 3Degrees, committed to renewable energy through purchasing Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) equivalent to the station’s of electricity consumption at the main studios in San Jose.This purchase has an equivalent environmental impact of preventing over 2,000 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, or of 473 acres of forest storing carbon annually.Details of the station’s decisions and progress will be covered on NBC11 News and NBC11.com throughout 2008.In the coming months, the station will announce several ways in which other businesses and viewers can join with the station in reducing the region’s impact on the environment.
Toyota Will Offer To Make A Hybrid In 2010
First Word's Greenest Museum
It is not at all a surprise that museums across the planet (unlike the ones in my home town) are opting to go the green way as they try and tell the curious minds that visit them that the future lies in going green. I suppose there is a bit of an irony when you put a section of the ‘extinct species’ in a museum room that is boasting some of the finest green features around. Makes you believe that if we were really so responsible and sensible a lot earlier, then maybe that whole section could have been avoided; at least to a large extent. This is not to say that the green features are not welcome, but just to say that maybe things could have been a lot better.
From a bird’s-eye view, the domes of the California Academy of Sciences, set to open in the fall, bulge out of the ground like giant scoops of green ice cream. These undulating hills built into the museum’s 2.5-acre, flora-covered roof integrate the building into the green space of surrounding Golden Gate Park.
Designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, whose works include the landmark modern-art museum Centre Pompidou in Paris, the $484-million structure will most likely be the largest public building ever to qualify for the U.S. Green Building Council’s “platinum” LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating. The designation, so far held by just 70 buildings worldwide, is the highest honor in green construction.
Beneath the roof, museum-goers will find a natural-history museum, a planetarium, a rain forest with free-flying birds, a coral reef inhabited by 4,000 fish, and an aquarium filled with saltwater pumped in from the Pacific Ocean. The museum is not just a green structure, but also an amazing green hub that gives the on lookers a wonderful idea of what a green tomorrow would be like and how one can maximize green qualities in a structure.