A New Method To Boost Biofuel
23 May, 2008
Because of the energy crisis that is looming on the horizon, the biofuel was initially hailed as a hero because it could save the planet. But it is a problem because the first generation bio fuels made from food crops is the cause for the crises which are now on the horizon. Scientists are looking for new ways to produce biofuel from alternate sources, so we escape food crops from destruction.
A new method recently discovered that can make biodiesel is algae. Green Star is a company that works to achieve biofuel from algae and they just announced the creation of a new micronutrient that can help boost daily algae growth rate at 34% and increase the total biomass quantity in a harvest algae growth cycle by well over 100 %. This discovery is very good because it would mean to achieve biofuel without destroying the food crops.
The Green Star will send to all research institutes and universities sample bottles to test this new method. I'm very glad because t was discovered this new method and we save the food crops from destruction.
World's Largest Solar Farm Now In Florida
22 May, 2008
The biggest solar farm in the world will be built in Florida, this state is called 'Sunshine State'. This solar farm will be built in a campus from Florida Gulf Coast University an area of 16-acre, and the amount that will be allocated for construction will be at $ 8.5 million. Because the building still needs the Governor acceptance, which will be positive. The money would help FGCU construct that will be the largest university-based solar farm in the world.
After the governor will agree with the construction, FGCU officials plan to start construction in October and ends next summer. This project will save the school, $ 22 million in energy costs over the next three decades. This project will make a much cleaner future for the university and also for nature. Well it would be if more and more colleges will follow this example, only so we can save the planet.
Everything Is Possible Including The World's Largest Wind Farm
21 May, 2008
A company named Mesa Power has just placed the order for a single-site wind turbine purchase. The company has ordered from General Electric, 667 wind turbines that will feed more than 300000 homes with power, these turbines will be capable of generating 1000 megawatts of electricity. The first stage of this project cost around $ 2 billion, this is only a small part from what will invest in Texas. In 2010 will be delivered in Texas 1.5-megawatt wind turbines and in 2011 to a site in the Texas Panhandle. This area is known as a stable source of strong winds and because has a small number of the population, making it perfect to generate wind power.
In 2014 the four phases of the project will be completed and it will be for five times bigger than the US's current largest wind power project that produces 736 megawatts, only then we can call the world's largest wind energy generator.
Mesa Power company says that this project will generate around 1.495 jobs during construction and 720 jobs after will be completed. The Mesa Power project will feed 1.3 million homes with electricity. They did a good issue with this project, and i hope that everything to go well and to complete it. I wish that increasingly more wind energy plants to make their appearance because only like this we can save the planet.
A New Method To Improve Efficiency Of Solar Cells
Two teams of scientists have accomplished methods to produce nanowires that could greatly improve the solar photovoltaic cell efficiency. The first technique used by researchers from UC San Diego creates' hairy 'solar cells, which are visible only through the microscope. In conclusion, the hairs are the nanowires, silicon or tiny metallic structures used to complete very small circuits.
Onto a cheap conductive surface, the researchers were able to grow nanowires which are coated with an organic polymer.
And finally, the second team consists with researchers from the three Germany universities have created a technique to bond with nanowires spun glass. This technique is based on a kind of high-tech 'sandwich'. By this way the nanowires are placed between a metal layer and a highly conductive bottom layer and then on a glass forming a 'spacer layer' to prevent the circuit from shorting. The current could lead to a completely new class of efficient integrated circuits and an run smoothly along the nanowires.
However there are some problems to the San Diego team because when it is exposed to air the polymer layer currently degrades. If either of these two techniques will work and will be put to commercial scale, installation of solar panels will be more cheap and easy to mount. In my opinion this is the future for solar panels.
Be More Green With This Three Wheeled Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles have been always put in balance with some toys that you can ride in town or around it. But this thinking will be change with this new electric vehicle on three wheels named Triac which reaches a speed of eighty miles per hour. This wonderful combination of car and motorcycle has a 20KW electric motor and the maximum speed is 80Mph. The car batteries resist approximately 100 miles before you will need to recharge it, and when you put brake automatically the batteries are loading.
The price of a TRIAC is $ 20000. In my opinion this is not so expensive because the steel from which the car is made is very forcefully and in this car you will feel more safely.
World's First Megawatt-Scale Tidal Turbine
20 May, 2008
Soon harnessing energy from the ocean could produce as much as 20% of America's power. Recently was completed the installation of the world's first megawatt-scale tidal turbines by Marine Current Turbines. Before regularly feeding power into the grid MCT will spend about 12 weeks testing the capabilities of the turbines. Now, on the bottom of the sea, the 1000 ton SeaGen tidal turbine was secured with Northern Ireland's electrical grid.
Unlike the wind, tidal power has many advantages. So far were not close enough data to determine what effect it will have on marine life. Since roads do not need to be built to them, it is believed that this source of energy will have an less environmental impact. I hope to don't have effects about marine life because it would be a disaster. But let's see what conclusion they come after tests. To prove this point we've got the first images of the turbine installed:
A New Eco Method For Sterilizing Water
The access to clean drinking water has been and will be a concern. Even when drinking water is available, sometimes in abundance it can be contaminate with microbes and is not appropriate to drink. Julia Parreiras and Veronica Santos have developed a low cost / no cost disinfecton solution for those who drink water from unpotable sources or even from rivers. This can be created using 100% recycled materials, the entire system is powered from waste.
This amazing system works like this: water is heated using a solar concentrator, killing bacteria and then this water is good for drink. Julia Parreiras and Veronica Santos will build this solar concentrator and will teach those in need to build, their own using a reflective surface and scrap of cardboard.
The concentrators made from crude materials are very effective. To ensure disinfection they need to sustain at least 50C for 4 hours. That the process to be effective, they use PET bottles, half painted black in order to absorb more heat. By some changes made, they hope to reduce the exposure time from 4 hours to only 2 for obtain drinking water as fast. This is a wonderful invention, especially that will help those people who need drinking water.
A New Type Of Solar Panel That Works At Night - Is The Future Of Solar Energy?
19 May, 2008
National Laboratories from Idaho have created ways of using sun's infrared radiation to collect energy that can be used at night. In INL laboratories have developed solar panels that besides being flexible, reflected energy from the infrared, reaching an effectiveness of 80%, while the conventional plates arrive at 20%, according to these laboratories.
Nanotechnology allows using a panel coated with nano-antennas that capture the infrared radiation that is emitted constantly, leaving rely on direct sunlight as hitherto. The tiny circuits absorb energy as a satellite TV or mobile, with the difference of their size and can be flexible to adapt materials. These circuits can be made of various metals, without relying on silicon, and nano-antennas.
We can see that the research in the field of solar energy grows every day, leaving revealed new methods that can help us to save the planet.
Solar Gadgets For This Summer
It approaches the summer and on the market are many new solar gadgets that help us to bump the strong heat outside. As an example we show this small fan personnel, without batteries, which can be set in the wing of a hat or a cap and Torre Hill promises to save heat. As we seen below, has a small solar panel that generates electricity it needs.
Another example is this drive away mosquitoes fed with solar energy that generates an ultrasound not audible to the human ear that keeps them away. The period of load is about three hours. Both gadgets are sold at a price of $ 10.
World's First Eco-Motorcycle
18 May, 2008
The most dangerous, but the most "eco" conveyance ever invented is the electric motorcycle "Uno". The inventor of this amazing vehicle is Ben Gulak, 18 years old, from Canada. Motorcycle, which has two wheels next to one other, is controlled entirely by body movement, informs Ananova.
"Uno" weight 58 kg and has autonomy in running by two and a half hours. Top speed of the bike is 40.23 km / hour. The Canadian hopes that his invention to contribute to removing the pollution and seeking investors to help it to manufacture in series this green motorcycle.
I hope to find investors and more people to follow this example of switched to electric motorcycles.
Ocean Plants Can Generate Electricity - BioWave
17 May, 2008
In our days more and more companies trying to collect energy from the oceans. Despite all efforts, energy collection was not too successful. But an Australian called BioPower plans to capture the ocean’s energy through nature. This method, called Biomimicry is based only on natural systems.
The Australian (BioPower) designed their BioWave ocean energy generation system only by replicating the motion of underwater plants due to ocean currents. They have designed a structure that looks like three pods on a stalk and this generate electricity due too ocean currents.
Biowave will assume a horizontal position till the mighty ocean calms down since the arrival of very strong currents may even destroy this system. So far this wonderful invention is tested on a pilot mode. And if it will succeed, vast areas of Australia will have energy.
Soon, if all goes well, we can eliminate conventional energy sources and we will have energy only from the ocean. I hope that this project be successful because this is a big step in our environmental future.
Mexico Is Lagging Behind In The Use Of Renewable Energies
16 May, 2008
So little is understood that countries that are not considered wealthy, mainly because most of its population live in appalling conditions, not invest in a viable long-term energy.
Mexico is one of these countries, which has an area five times wider than Germany, produces only 200 megawatts at two plants in Oaxaca, while Germany produces 20 thousand megawatts.
These data, according rumbodemexico, were contributed by Henry Healy Wehlen, academic Iberoamerican University in Mexico City (UIA), Days in Space Technology and the Environment, organized by the Department of Engineering and Coordination of mechanical and electrical engineering.
For this event, is displayed on the outskirts of Jose Sanchez Villasenor Auditorium of the UIA a wind turbine with capacity for five thousand watts, which can provide electricity to three residences with all necessary appliances.
One way of renewables is best undertaken as soon as possible in a manner consistent and fulfilling objectives, beyond temporary fashion.
Wind From The Heights
Magenn Power Inc.. has taken a step forward and started to test the prototype MARS (Magenn Air Rotor System). The MARS gravitate to a distance between 300 and 1,000 feet (90 to 300 meters), restrained by a cable that also lead electricity to the ground (see graphics below). Actually, it's really just a sort of dirigible modified to accommodate the blades and turbines that will allow you to convert wind energy into electricity; So yes, from the heights.
The MARS may move very quickly because, according to the company, is easily transportable. In addition hardly requires civil works or infrastructure on the ground and is able to make better use of air currents, because their blades are at a higher altitude. It can be a very viable option in locations with steep terrain where you can not install wind turbines conventional.
IBM Plans To Reach $ 2 Per Peak Watt Installed
IBM has managed to get as much electric power in the lower surface of the panel. By concentrating the solar irradiance 2300 times, are capable of generating 70 watts of electricity on a square centimeter silicon photovoltaic (of course, the hub has a much bigger size).
Because the silicon is the most expensive of a photovoltaic system, reduce its amount involves drastically reduce the final price. The Achilles heel is as cool in silicon, and in this case, IBM is an expert, as we have already commented on here.
While IBM's experience with the cooling of silicon was not related to the photovoltaic system has achieved the most advanced:
"The IBM team used a thin layer of liquid metal, consisting of gallium and indium, between silicon and block cooling. This layer, called thermal interface, it transfers heat from the photovoltaic materials to block cooling so that the temperature can be kept low. "
What is really exciting for this story is that the stars in IBM. Another company in the world of information technology (Google is another example), which breaks the force in the world of renewable energies.
Currently the cheapest way to get electricity is the solar thermal (or thermal electric). But at IBM are convinced that if the silicon is cooled properly, photovoltaic concentration can become the cheapest way to get solar energy. Let us hope that is true and that it will be soon.
Students Discover How To Reduce 2-Stroke Emissions by 40%
15 May, 2008
Being a small country, Denmark with only 5.6 million inhabitants has still more than 160000 of mopeds. All these mopeds have a common thing: they all run on two-stroke engines. Jesper Rasmussen and Michael Madsen are two students,fervently by mopeds, found out one day how much polluting these mopeds even on two times. As can be seen in the image above, white balls are a part of fuel injected into the cylinder that escape outside. So these hydrocarbons are released into the atmosphere and can cause health problems.
Rasmussen and Madsen have decided to design a system that would make the engine more efficient and would eliminate these pollution problems. They have created a unique design in their exhaust system that pushes the overflowing hydrocarbons, along with a little of the exhaust, back into the cylinder by way of a shockwave traveling at 500m / s. This allows fuel to be burned completely, and has resulted in a fuel efficiency improvement of 17.7%. Hydrocarbon emissions have been reduced by 36.7% and carbon monoxide has been decreased by 10%.
This system is more efficient in countries with warm climate such as areas like California, and many countries from Asia. Cargo vessels which have the most polluting engines could benefit from this technology.
I'm very happy because these students have also discovered an ecological system, save also the planet. They deserve all the world cheers.
Tiny Wind Turbines Could Produce Power For Your Home
An inventor named Doug Selsam created these tiny turbine which generates enough power to feed a household. To produce electricity these wind turbines are meant to be bunched up together. Turbines measure fourteen to twenty inches in diameter.
Dog situated thirteen of these in a single line and these turbines produce in a 20mph wind about 200 watts.
These wind turbine are rotated with the smallest wind breeze because light carbon fiber that significantly reduces the weight turbines. This invention is very useful because it will reduce power bills and I think that in the future I'll build too such power source. With these inventors (I hope to be as many) will save the environment and of course the planet from pollution.
Solar Powered Airships That Can Be Flown Into A Disaster Area
14 May, 2008
It is very important to be prepared for a disaster especially after I saw recent disasters were estimated 12,000 dead after an earthquake in China and 100,000 people killed in the cyclone in Burma. Therefore we must be very prepared for a disaster. An important question is how do you take care of hundreds of thousands refugees during a disaster?
Andrew Leinonen has created a concept for an airship, covered in solar panels that can fly in the middle of a disaster and can help at rescue efforts. These airships have only 20 m in length, they can house about 120 square meters of CIGS solar cells, producing up to 125 kWh / day.
They have enough energy to power 400 medical refrigerators or to supply 25 water pumps to providing clean water for up to 12,000 people.
I'm very happy because it was invented an aircraft also helps people and is also ecological.
Ebay Mounted Solar Installation In California
The building with the largest solar energy plant from Jose, California belongs to the Ebay's company. In fact, is the first building that was built in the 13 years of existence. The building has five floors, according to Environmental Leader, the largest commercial solar roofs in the city. Within the next three decades, the installation of 650 kilowatts will be offset by approximately 60,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and that EBay will save each year of operation of 100,000 U.S. dollars.
A Solar Water Heater With Beer Bottles And Hose Pipes
13 May, 2008
An carpeter named Ma Yanjun from Qiqiao village, Shaanxi province has invented a solar water heater built from hose pipes and beer bottles. The bottles are placed on a board in the sun and connected with hose pipes to let cold water to flowing inside. The water is heated only when the sun rays warm the bottles.
This invention was made for his mother because he did not want her to bathe in cold water in winters. When talking about mother's day i will love to gift such thing, and i think that she would be very excited. Since the price of a water heater is very exorbitant it was too difficult for him to buy a real water heater.
I am very happy when I see that the accustomed people accomplish so large inventions and extra saves the nature.
Pentagon Wants Energy From Space
12 May, 2008
U.S. Department of Defense plans to invest more resources in developing alternative energy sources and the most recent proposal deploy a space alien. The Pentagon has drafted a report which recommends sending a solar energy station in orbit to test if the collected energy from the sun could be back on Earth in the form of electricity.
The report claims that the stations on the basis of energy from space could provide clean energy and could help to avoid potential energy conflicts when the oil resources will be finished. The Pentagon has already requested the Bureau of National Security Area to produce a feasibility study.
"It is very true that there are many more solar light resources in this way, but we must to balance out the difficulty to brings it on on Earth," said Richard Corkish.
The idea is there of 40 years, but the lack of technology has made impossible the implementation in practice. As oil prices reach record levels, the Pentagon can restore the tape.
The project consists of a pilot plant for solar energy to stay on Earth orbit for six years, the investment will amount to 10 billion U.S. dollars. Subsequently would be sent huge photovoltaic stations.
The report note that these stations would capture in a year the energy that existed in the oil reserves that existed at present.
Dr. Charley Lineweaver, the representative of National University of Canberra, said : "The disadvantage that we have on Earth is that the solar panels work well in dry places, in the desert, and where are people - people live where there is water, and water where there are clouds"
Richard Corkish sustain that energy will be lost in the transfer of space to a receiver on Earth.
Solar Balloon,The Solution For Capturing Solar Energy In Remote Areas
11 May, 2008
The giant solar balloons could be the solution for providing electricity in remote areas where no exist infrastructure for traditional energy systems, researchers suggest at Technion Institute of Technology, Israel, Reuters informs. The world it challenge in finding sources of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels and the business man's it fight for a piece of clean energy market which analysts say that reached almost 150 billion U.S. dollars last year. For instance, the usefulness of California Edison South belonging to the company Edison International announced plans to build the biggest photovoltaic system in the U.S. with a capacity of 250 megawatti sufficient to feed the 162,000 houses.
Because as many of the most sunny areas of the world are in the middle of the ocean or desert, balloons could be the solution to "harvest" energy from the sun remote areas. Helium Balloons covered with solar panels can fly at heights of a few hundred meters in the air and are connected to a reversing gear which convert electricity into a form that can be used in homes.
The system could be ready in a year, announced Pini Gurfil, a knowledge developer. At first researchers showed that a balloon with a diameter of three meters could provide about one kilowatt of energy, as 25 square meters of solar panels traditional. But if a solar panel of 25 square meters costs around 10,000 dollars, the cost of a balloon would be less than 4,000 dollars, said Gurfil.
This balloons will not have an impact on the environment and no carbon imprint, because helium is a natural gas and friendly with environment, and the system does not mean employment or land resources for installation, may explained the developer.
Nevertheless, solar energy electricians think that balloons have a limited application, considering the roofs still available for installing solar panels and as the largest and the only cost is not the earth, but solar panel. "There is available on the roofs of buildings, there is space for gigawatti electricity even in Great Britain," said Jeremy Leggett, president of Solar Century.
Photovoltaic Panels On The Roof
The biggest photovoltaic central from Europe, which will include 2,560 solar panels will be installed in July this year, on the roof of a building in the town Laudun, France.
Photovoltaic panels are already being installation, and the investment amounts to eight million euros and is made by a Spanish company. Solar panels will produce 1.6 wattage a year and electricity generated will be coupled fully in the main business of production and distribution of electricity in France, "Electricité de France. "
Solar Vehicles - Green Cars Of The Future
10 May, 2008
Solar cars have appeared in the'80s. Since then, the vehicles which operates one hundred percent with solar energy have become increasingly advanced and participates in international racings. This year, half of global oil consumption has been absorbed by cars and trucks. Specialists in energy are of the opinion that the revolution machine will be a huge step approach in replacing fossil fuels with alternative sources of energy.
Already occurred solar vehicles, which they say will be the future machines. Moreover, every year in various parts of the world, is organised racings with machines propelled hundred percent with… Sun. Solar panels are the basic components of most equipment to produce solar energy. They convert energy from the sun into electricity or heat.
Sun's energy potential is huge. In a general manner, the total solar energy reached on Earth in less than an hour would cover the energy needs of humanity for a year, under conditions that would be recovered in full.
In this sense, today's solar panels are located on the roofs of houses, deshert areas and most recently on the cars surface . Solar panels located on the surface of the vehicle captures sunlight, which they converted into electricity. Today, there are machines that can operate without any kilometers whole bit of petrol.
Although solar cars are still in the experimental stage, several experts in this field are of the opinion that solar vehicles will be the future cars. The first automatic electric car powered with photovoltaic cells appeared in 1981 and could reach only 30 km / h. Today, solar cars far exceed the speed of 100 km / h.
There are several racing cars propelled by solar energy, but by far, World Solar Challenge is the best known. Flight solar car World Solar Challenge in Australia this year has reached 20 years. The competition takes place every two years and since its launch in 1987, the experimental solar cars take a circuit of 3,021 km along Australia Central, between the cities of Darwin and Adelaide.
The competition promotes renewable energies
The competition brings together teams from all over the world, most part of the prestigious universities, but also inside of large cars companies. Participating teams build their solar car by entering the contest.
The story World Solar Challenge began in 1982, when the australian Hans Tholstrup has built Quiet Achiever, an electric vehicle equipped with solar cells. In 1983, he crossed Australia with his experimental vehicle in 20 days, going from Perth to Sydney, a distance of 4,129 kilometers, with just the Sun.
The first start was delivered on 1 November 1987. So were 23 teams competing, of which only seven have reached their destination. Since then, the racing became an international event, than expected. The competition supports research in the field of solar cars and people trying to make their world regarding the need to use renewable energies.
Champions in solar cars
This year, of the 17 countries competing, Nuon Solar, a team of young Dutchmen, from Delft Technical University, won the Australian racing cars propelled by solar energy. Nuna4, machine built by the Netherlands team, who travelled 3,000 kilometres and crossed the line first at 16.55 local time. Nuna4 has completed the race in 33 hours and 17 minutes.
It is for the fourth consecutive time when the Dutch team Nuon Solar wins international competition with solar cars. At the last edition, it competed with Nuna3 that, too, proved to be the worls's fastest vehicle.
High temperatures, high speed
All competing cars have gone through the town of Darwin, located in the tropical north of Australia, and the city of Adelaide, situated on the south coast of the continent. Temperatures over 50 degrees during the day they allowed cars to reach very high speeds. The average speed of the vehicle Nuna4 was 90.7 kilometers per hour.
"The cars can reach speeds and much higher, but drivers must be as much as possible between 90 and 100 km / h. This challenge did not take place to see who is faster but to ascertain the effectiveness of solar energy, "said Chris Selwood, the event coordinator of the World Solar Challenge Australia this year. Within railiului World Solar Challenge, cars must comply with traffic rules.
The solar cars have bizzare design
Maximum dimensions of the vehicle must be: 5 meters in length, 2 meters in width and 1.6 meters high. On the other hand, with the exception of external dimensions of the machine does not impose any restrictions regarding the design and vehicle construction. Therefore, solar cars have a bizzare design, some of them alike as spacecraft.
Along the route, there are check points, where cars must stationing each 30 minutes. In this break, repairs are not admitted. Further, the capacity of batteries is limited to 5 kWh. The departure of the race, auto batteries can be fully loaded and the game rule that says they can not be loaded during the competition, besides the actual situations in which these are downloaded by all. In cases where the competitors are put in a position to recharge the batteries during the race, will be penalized at the time.
The entire Earth, with a solar car
The Helvetian Louis Palmer wants to show the world that cars with solar panels are as practical in daily life, not only in the international challenge. The Helvetian intends to enter into the records book as the first person making the tour of worls in a solar car. Thus, he left in Switzerland on July 3 this year and arrived at the beginning of December, at the conference in Bali, "taxi" which works with its solar.
Nuna, May performance from year to year
This year, organizers have imposed more competitors than in previous rules. From now on, solar vehicles should be as close to those who go with petrol or diesel. Further, should work with fewer solar panels. Therefore, Nuna4 differ Nuna3 the following elements: its solar panel is much smaller, measuring 6 metres, instead of 9 metres and have Nuna3. The chair is the right driver, unlike Nuna3, where the driver had to stay close slept.
The secret to winning this competition is the balance between existing resources and energy consumption of the best car along the Australian route of 3,000 kilometers.
The speed of the machine is always changing, depending on weather conditions, but also the load of batteries. In general, solar panels are conducted perpendicularly to the rays of the sun to capture as much energy as possible. Therefore, the machines used in solar races are often inclined entirely.
Clothes That Produce Electricity
Several American researchers have just managed to achieve a experimental textile fibers able to produce electricity only through simple body movement. The invention will open the way for the manufacture of clothes producing electricity. Everything was possible by incorporating nanofibre with special properties.
Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology were able to make generating power from the clothes fibers. Battle to succeed performance as the man to produce electricity through its simple movements mobilized numerous research laboratories worldwide.
After the devices were placed for the production of electricity on sport shoes, knees or rucksacks, researchers have called for this purpose from a system in the world nanometer (milliard part of a meter). These high-tech fibers could also be incorporated into woven coven to transform the energy of wind noise or vibration in power.
Yet to obtain some electricity
This performance is based on ownership of materials to produce electricity when they act on a mechanical force. The American researchers was able to incorporate nanofibers of zinc oxide, generating electricity, in more kevlar fabric type.
A source of energy "flexible and mobile"
Researchers have also proposed to go even further and improve this innovative system to produce electricity. "If we are able to combine fire with a thickness greater in the woven fabric clothes, the system will provide a source of energy flexible and mobile," said Professor Zhong Lin Wang, one of the researchers. Although the invention is a huge step forward, scientists are aware that more still have a lot of work.
"In principle, it would be great to find ways with which to charge batteries with a continuous power source," estimated Pascal Vincent, a member of the research team. At this stage, the electricity produced is low intensity and nanofibers not have a long life of more than 50 hours. So, clothes that produce electricity, can not be washed yet.
World's Largest Central Solar
09 May, 2008
Salamanca central solar, is the largest worldwide central solar energy, was inaugurated, yesterday in Spain. It covers an area of 36 hectares and has been developed by Spanish company Avanzalia Solar, with a capacity of 13.8 wattages sufficient to ensure the needs of 5,000 homes.
The new project exceeds the previous record, held by a central Germany with a capacity of 12 wattages. The Salamanca central solar will generate savings of 27,930 barrels of oil per year and will contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The project was developed with the Japanese manufacturer of solar modules Kyocera Corporation.
There Have Been Invented Eternal Solar Cells
Solar cells of polymers are used by people to convert light energy into electricity. They are damaged by ultraviolet rays, however, and it dramatically limits their life. Yang Yang, a professor at the University of Los Angeles, was found a solution to prevent this process. Solar cells could be covered in a protection material.
The new material can convert invisible photons from ultraviolet rays of the electromagnetic frequency where bigger. In other words, the new filter to prevent utraviolete rays reach the plastic material from which solar cell is formed. By converting photons on other frequencies, boosts brightness useful, and therefore we are intensifying the capture of solar energy, reducing each other simultaneously, the danger of damage to cells.
This phenomenon, says Yang Yang, significantly increases the lifetime of solar cells and, while they increase yield. The material that converts photons may be liquid or solid, and while scientists have added experience in the chemical composition of cells.
What are solar cells?
A solar cell is composed of two or more layers of semiconductor material, most silicon being met. These layers have a thickness between 0.001 and 0.2 mm. This structure is similar to that of a diode.
When the layer of silicon is exposed to light, producing an "agitation" of material electrons and generate electricity. The cells, called photovoltaic cells, usually a very small area and the current generated by a single cell is small.
Typically are combinations of these cells, which can produce currents sufficient to be used in practice. To do this, the cells are placed in panels, which provides mechanical resistance.
A Very Green Hotel In North Carolina
Proximity Hotel is living proof that a hotel can be very green without sacrificing the comfort of customers. The hotel is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and this year received Gold LEED certification from U.S. Green.
The hotel used by 36.5% less energy and 30% less water than a conventional hotel. 60% of hot water it receives from 100 solar panels installed in the roof. The hotel has also first regenerative lift, which captures energy as the elevator descends. Hotel rooms have the advantage of abundant energy light with efficient windows that measuring 7.4 square meters.
The hotel has a restaurant with a vegetable roof to reduce the "urban heat effect". In other words, roof reflects heat, and thereby reducing the amount of energy used for cooling food and / or energy used for air conditioning.
The hotel used materials construction with recyclable containing. During construction have changed the course of water along a 700 meters reducing erosion and planting adaptable plant species.