Eco Trees

Eco Solar Power For Traditional Medicinals Tea Factory

2008-10-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

It is only natural and intuitive to relate the production of the most common baverage on the planet, tea, to a free-pollution and "green" environment. This is the idea behind the ethical business principles of Traditional Medicinals(R) practice, an organic medicinal tea company with nearly 35 years of environmental stewardship.

According to co-founder Drake Sandler, the company's long term goal has been energy independence (MarketWatch). Moreover, the day-to-day operations of the Traditional Medicinals subdue to their philosophy of caring about the earth and its natural resources, allways trying to minimize the environmental impact.

In this "green" spirit, Traditional Medicinals partnered up with Akeena Solar, a top designer and installer of solar powered systems, and completed the construction of the largest solar powered tea factory world wide. The ambitious project consisted in setting up 1,450 solar panels with the capacity of generating 430,000 kilowatt hours/year of clean energy for the 70,000 square foot factory and headquarters.

Nevertheless, the company's deep respect for earth and for a clean environment doesn't limit itself only to the renewable energy. It is praiseworthy the effort put into the company's 8.5 acre of self-sustained facility with its own water source and purification system, a clever waste water disposal system and a fleet of hybrid vehicles. This is what I would call "a small green world" on earth.

Did you know?

"Tea" is the common name of the shrub Camellia sinensis, which has been cultivated from antiquity in China. The word olso refers to the leaves, leaf buds and internodes of the above-mentioned plant, widely spread in asian contries.
The four basic types of true tea are black tea, oolang tea, green tea and white tea.

San Francisco Challenges Businesses To Go On Solar Energy

2008-10-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsom, launched a challenge to the largest 1,500 business from the town to go on solar energy until next year and invites them to join him as members of the Mayor's Solar founders' Circle (SFC).

Those who become members will receive energy efficiency audits from the San Francisco Department of the Environment and solar assessments. Authorities from San Francisco have already launched a program of financial incentives over 10 years to ease the cost of solar energy.

Gavin Newsom has estimated that these companies would have the potential to install 170 megawatts solar energy on their roofs, 30 times more than the capacity currently installed in city and has enough to power more than 42,000 houses.

Another great American city, New York, announced in April a plan to install solar panels on the roofs of public buildings.

AT&T Installing 3700 Solar Panels

2008-10-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

U.S. telecommunications company, AT & T announced that it will install a solar system of 1 megawatt at AT & T headquarters in San Ramon, California. For this initiative the company works with companies like SunPower, Pacific Gas and Electric, Morgan Stanley and CH2M HILL, informs Environmental Leader.

The new system will generate maximum power of up to 25% and 5.5% of the facility’s annual electricity consumption. The 3700 solar panels manufactured and installed by SunPower company will generate annually more than 1.6 million kilowatts per hour of electricity.

The project will be ready at the end of this year and will benefit from a reduction of 2.1 million dollars at the installation and material incentives from the company PG & E, following the entry in the California Solar Initiative.

In may, AT&T announced that it will add to it's auto fleet up to 105 vehicles powered with alternative fuels. This project will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 124 metric tons.

Mazda Presented the Kiyora Green Concept

2008-10-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

Mazda presented at the Paris Auto Show the Kiyora concept, which in Japanese means "clean and pure" and the vehicle's theme was water. Kiyora is a environment friendly car that uses the sun's energy and a carbon filter that can ensure a clean air that penetrate inside.

The car brings the concepts of cleanliness, health and safety. The car has the appearance of a water drops and benefits from technical innovations such as the ceiling or which is actually a transparent panel composed from photovoltaic cells that captures solar energy and distribute it for the board instruments operation.

Due to its technical elements and the vehicle's light structure, Kiyora can generate emissions up to 90 g / km, while engine efficiency is ensured by a system that stops and starts automatically the engine depending on the traffic situation in which is the car.

In June, Mazda has announced its plan of cars fuel efficiency with 30% in the next seven years.

Enel Initiate The Largest Wind Farm in U.S.

2008-10-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Italian energy company Enel SpA has opened the largest wind project in the United States. Wind farm turbines have a capacity of 250 megawatts, being the largest ever built by Enel and the largest in Kansas, company representatives announced.

Smoky Hills wind farm from the Kansas state will be operational by the end of this year. The project requires an investment of 7.4 billion euros until 2012.

The project consists of 56 Vestas turbines and 99 GE turbines, each with a height of 80 meters and a diameter of 80 meters.

The project can provide the energy needed for 85,000 housing units from the U.S. and avoid the issue in the atmosphere of 750,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, and consumption of 175,000 metric tonnes of oil. The energy generated by wind turbines will be delivered to five local power utilities.

GE Financial Services, a General Electric Co. division, is also an investor in this project.

A Simple Electrical Device For a Less Polluted Future

2008-10-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

All around the world, the number of cars has increased considerably in the past few years, which led to higher costs for fuel and augment of gas emissions. Thereby, an eco-friendly solution, that could be cheap and fuel-efficient in the same time, is needful.

The solution came from a Temple University physics professor who developed a simple electrical device which could dramatically improve fuel efficiency and lead to a revolutionary technology targeted at reducing emissions from internal combustion engines.

The idea is simple: the device consists of an electrically charged tube that can be attached to the fuel line of a car's engine near the fuel injector. The small gadget creates an electric field which makes the fuel less viscous, so that smaller droplets are injected into the engine. This means cleaner combustion than a standard fuel injector.

One of the far-reaching effects of the "little wonder" device, except improvement of fuel efficiency and fuel cost reduction, is the chance given to our "green" world by diminishing air pollution. Let's keep our finger crossed for a real success.

Solar Towers, Alternative For Energy and Food Production

2008-09-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

Besides the "traditional" solar systems, which transform solar energy into electricity, there are solar towers, constructions that besides the electricity production allow the cereals cultivation, producing food.

The operating principle of a solar tower is quite simple: to the tower bottom there is a will, which is heated directly by the sun. The heat allows the cereals growth, the hot air goes then up, in the concrete portion of the tower, which put in motion wind mills which produce electricity.

The only problem of the solar towers represents the feasibility only for very large buildings, so this type of solar system was implemented on a large scale. However, there is in plan the construction of such structures in Namibia, a country that enjoys space and over 300 sunny days per year. For beginning, the towers will have approximately 1.5 km in height and 280 meters in diameter.

Japanese Go Solar Power into Their Homes

2008-09-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

Japan joins the world's new trend in solar power generation by supporting households that would buy a solar power system, with a subsidy of about 200,000 yen (a little under $2000). This plan is intended to promote "the green" power and to help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, according to Nikkei bussiness daily.

One of the objectives of the subsidy payment is to stimulate the mass production of solar power systems so that to lower the costs. The price of such systems is about 2 million yen each and the subsidy represents only 10% of its value. The subsidy is more likely to be introduced as early as the current fiscal year to end March 2009.

At the present, in Japan, there is a total of 1.4 million kilowatts of electricity generated from the household solar power systems. One of the targets set by the Japanese government is to give a boost to the solar power generation by mobilizing also the forces of science and technology.

This means less negative effects on the environment and more "green" happy smiles.

New World Record in Solar Cell Efficiency

2008-09-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy (NREL) have announced a new world record, obtaining a value of 40.8% for solar cell efficiency. This was possible with a photovoltaic device that transforms 40.8% percent of the light that hits it into electricity.

The new solar cell was designed, manufactured and measured at the NREL headquarters and represents a natural candidate for space satellite market and for terrestrial concentrated photovoltaic arrays which use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto solar cells.

The new solar cell differs significantly from the previous record holder by it's composition that makes the sun to be absorbed more easily, thus becoming more efficient. The properties of the new semiconductor material have a greater potential to convert the sun light into electricity.

The previous record was a percentage of 31.25% net efficiency.

Scotland Tests Tidal Energy

2008-09-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

A system based on the the tidal energy will be tested in Scotland. Some underwater turbines that will capture the wave's energy to generate electricity will be located in three places. The company ScottishPower Renewables has identified the Pentland Firth sites, Sound of Islay and the north coast of Antrim town as the most suitable for underwater turbines.

Each place will have between 5 and 20 turbines of 1 megawatt which could lead to a combined capacity of 60 megawatts enough to supply electricity to 40,000 homes.

In these three places will be used Lànstrøm turbine, which it says that it is the most advanced from the world. after it was tested for three years. This is described as an underwater wind turbine, but with shorter propellers, which rotated at a less speed.

Unlike wind, tides are completely predictable, and the operators soon will know how much energy will generate these turbines. Scottish government is a convinced supporter of waves energy and tidal energy and believe that Scotland can become a world leader in this technology.

Wave energy is a source completely renewable and can play a very important role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from Britain.

Pinhole Glasses : A Green Solution For Your Eyes

2008-09-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

In our days more and more people use solar energy and this is a good thing because in this way they help the planet, but on the other hand sun's rays can hurt because it affect our eyes. While looking for some information on the internet I founded a very interesting site.

In this site you can find and buy environment-friendly glasses. Pinhole glasses are effective and helpful in restoring vision for a number of eye disorders like myopia, hyperopia, cataract and astiqmatism. It is also useful over all distances. Whether it is for working on computer, for reading or for watching TV.

Pinhole glasses are highly effective, quality tools and are made with laser technology. May people have reported immediate benefits on wearing them.

Some Indications

In Pinhole glasses, holes of 1-1.5mm are spaced regularly using laser technology. They may not be suitable for use in some instances.

Wearing pinholes affect your peripheral vision. They should not be used when you are driving or while moving about. It reduces the amount of light entering your eyes. Therefore, it cannot be used in environments having dim light. Wearing pinhole glasses does not prevent harmful UV rays from entering the eyes. So, do not use them to view the sun. It is also not useful for people measured as requiring lens of more than 6 diopters. Other eye problems like diffraction will prevent them from experiencing any significant benefits upon wearing pinholes.

Very surprising is the fact that the Pinhole glasses are very cheap in comparison with other glasses that are expensive, producing more harm than good. The price for one pair is just $14.52 (free shipping). They are much cheaper that your prescription eyeglasses.

Unlike prescription eyeglasses, are a one-time investment. It saves your trouble and the money you would otherwise spend on changing your eyeglasses every now and then.
Another important thing is that these glasses are made form organic material, so they are natural.

So, if you want to buy Pinhole glasses please visit the site.

Toyota’s Record-Breaking Solar Power Installation in North America

2008-09-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

With a coverage of 242,000 square feet and composed of 10,417 solar modules, Toyota’s single-roof solar installation has become the largest in North America. The solar power system was installed on rooftop at the North America Parts Center manufacturing plant in California. With a total capacity of 2.3 megawatts, the installation will help generate 60% of the energy needs of the entire unit.

The system was designed and built by SunPower, using high-efficiency panels with the capacity of delivering 50% more “green” power per unit than conventional panels.

Toyota’s project is an important and a long step forward in the field of green energy. The solar single-roof not only does it provide clean energy, but would also avoid carbon dioxide emissions by 6.4 million pounds annually.Although the initial costs are really high, we can proudly say that we can take a deep breath!

Chrysler Presented Three Electric Versions

2008-09-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Chrysler presented three electric vehicles that will be available on the United States market since 2010. Was presented the electric versions of the models Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge EV.

These three cars have the same technology, which consists of an electric motor and an advanced lithium-ion batteries, all controlled by a device that operates energy from the system. Due to this technology the vehicle have zero emissions and autonomy between 240 and 320 kilometers.

The electric engine of the Dodge EV hybrid model develop 200 kilowatts, about 268 HP. The battery loading can be made from a standard outlet, with which the vehicle can be charged partially in four hours or fully in eight hours, giving an autonomy of around 320 km.

The electric Jeep Wrangler will be propelled by the same engine of 268 HP, but will receive a gas engine of smaller capacity.

The Chrysler electric vehicle based on Town & Country owns an electric engine something less efficient, giving it 255 HP. It will traverse about 640 km with only 30 liters of fuel.

Portugal Take Its Energy From Waves

2008-09-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

Portugal has launched the first water power generator that uses only the wave motion. At a distance of five kilometers from the coasts of Portugal was installed a device named Pelamis, that floats to the surface of the sea, sending the power produced to the Agucadoura beach, at north of the Porto city .

The launching to the water was delayed by a year after it was discovered a problem at the plant's underwater connections. The plant is composed of four long sections with three power modules coupled together. While sections are involved of the wave force, these operate components of modules that function like the pistons. The force generated is enough for the generators of the modules to produce energy. The plant is anchored by sections made of foam that float to 15-20 meters below the sea surface. These were the reason for the delay of putting the generator into function.

A "farm" of 40 such generators can feed more than 20,000 households. The engineers are delighted by the project's success and two other such generators are planned to be installed soon. The three generators can feed 1,500 households, other 25 were ordered by the Portuguese authorities.

The Pelamis company wants to build similar projects for Norvergia, Spain, France, North America and Africa.

New Invention: Bicycle Powered By The Sun

2008-09-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

A bicycle that works with solar energy was invented as a new transportation. The solar bicycle works as an ordinary bike with pedals, but this bicycle has a canopy lined with solar cells overhead. Once the user pedal on a sunny weather, the rays charge up a battery that powers a small electric motor positioned on the back wheel.

Bicycle was invented by designer Miroslav Miljevic. 'I designed the bicycle as an eco-friendly piece of technology to help commuters.' he said. The inventor says that the bicycle's engine can be fully charged in a sunny day and at night it can be can be charged up by plugging it into the electricity mains.

"It's an electric bike, except that the engine charged by the sun's energy" said the inventor. "To save energy, the motor can be turned off or on so the cyclist could just use it when they're peddling up a steep hill."

The solar bicycle is currently in the concept stage, but Miljevic hopes to develop a mass production of this bicycle, when he will find a producer.

It Opens the Microsoft's Greenest Data Center

2008-09-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Microsoft announced the opening of its new data center in San Antonio, USA, which says that it is the greenest project so far. Building area is approximately 44,000 square meters, and the official opening of the center will take place in this week.

The company invested 550 million dollars in the greenest data center developing. It will use recycled water for cooling systems and solar panels on the roof.

In addition, Microsoft discuss with the CPS Energy referring to a partnership for wind energy. If the proposal is accepted, Microsoft will become the largest consumer of the CPS Energy company, and will use up to 50 megawatts energy.

Today, Microsoft tax the business units depending on the amount of energy that they use in data centers.

In August, Microsoft announced that the company's recycling programme has led to the halving of the waste amount generated in the headquarters from Redmont, Washington (USA).

Bosch and Samsung Make Batteries for Electric Cars

2008-09-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

Bosch and Samsung have set up a new company that will produce Lithium-Ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. The new company, SB LiMotive Co. Ltd, make part from long-term strategy of the two companies to develop cars with electric engine.

Bosch engineers regarded as a transitional technology the combination between the internal combustion engines and electrical equipments from a hybrid. The final goal is that on long-term to be used exclusively for electricity, more friendly to the environment. This will happen if the engineers will gain significant progresses in improving the batteries performance and if drivers will accept to recharge after a distance of 100 - 200 km.

"We start from the premise that, in 2015, from a number of 91 million new cars and vans, more than three percent will be hybrid and electric vehicles," explained Wolf-Henning Scheider, president of the Board of Directors of Gasoline Systems, a division of Bosch group. Samsung and Bosch want to start production of batteries in 2011.

Against an electric motor, hybrid models equipped with the spark ignition can save up to 25 percent of CO2 emissions, and the hybrid Diesel up to 20 percent, compared with the conventional aggregates with spark ignition.

These figures indicate that the internal combustion engine will become in the next 20 years the most often used propeller.

Green Market Will Double By 2020

2008-09-25T02:43:00.000-07:00

The environmental products and services market will double by 2020, estimates a study of the United Nations Environment (UNEP). The efforts to combat climate change have already led to the creation of millions of green jobs and the emergence of new sectors of the economy.

ONU officials are calling for governments to continue developing in the direction of environmental protection despite the global economic crisis. "People will spend hundreds of billions of dollars in the next 12 months to stabilize the global economy. Imagine for a moment that some of the incentive package would be targeted by the new economy of the XXI century" said Achim Steiner, Director of UNEP.

The UNEP report indicates that the green market will reach in 2020 at a value of 2.74 billion dollars, half of it focusing on energy efficiency, and the other half on sustainable transport, reserves of water, sanitation and waste management. Also, the study shows that 2.3 million people have green jobs in recent years in the renewable energy field. The jobs in the wind energy field could reach 2.1 million in 2030, and in the solar energy field could grow to 6.3 million.

ONU has launched a new initiative to assist developing countries to combat deforestations, a phenomenon responsible for 20% of greenhouse gases that are reaching in atmosphere. Nine countries, including Indonesia, Congo and Vietnam, will benefit from this campaign. Norway is one of the countries that contribute with funds, donating 35 million dollars to stop the deforestations.

BMW Will Launch 7-Series Active Hybrid

2008-09-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

BMW has released the first details of a hybrid concept which will start at Paris. The model is called S400i BlueHybrid and prefigured a future ecological limo.

Thus, the big auto manufacturer has disclosed the first informations about the concept that intends to attack Mercedes: 7 Series Active Hybrid. It joins the other two hybrid concepts designed by German manufacturer: Vision Efficient Dynamics, a diesel-hybrid based on the X5, and x6 Active Hybrid, disclosed in 2007 at Frankfurt.

The new BMW concept will be equipped with a V8 engine of 4.4 liters and 407 HP and a electric unity of 20 HP. S400i Blue Hybrid, the new 7 Series, will provide much more power than the model presented by Mercedes, which is propelled by an electric motor and conventional one of 3.5 liters. The difference will be made by the consumption. BMW says that it will improve by 15% while Mercedes sustain an economy of 21% for it's hybrid concept.

A production version of the concept from Paris will be available on market at the end of 2009.

Einstein's Fridge Without Electricity

2008-09-22T22:31:00.001-07:00

The new cooling technology is based on a model create by Einstein with 78 years ago. The refrigerator that works without electricity use ammonia, water and butane in place of Freon.

The environment-friendly cooling technology uses ammonia, butane and water instead of Freon, substance so harmful to the environment, and constitutes an important step in combating climate change, writes the British daily The Guardian. "

The Oxford University engineers have announced that they have completed a prototype of a refrigerator invented by Einstein and his colleague, the physicist Leó Szilárd. It has no mobile parts and uses only gases under pressure for the process of cooling food.

According to Oxford engineers, the technology is follow the working principle according to which the liquids concoct to lower temperatures when air pressure around them is less.

"If you get on the top of the mountain Everest, you'll find that the water will boil at a temperature much lower than when the process takes place at the sea level. And that's because the air pressure is much lower in high heights," explains the engineer Malcolm McCulloch .

It will use solar energy

Einstein's refrigerator was used until the 1950s, when more efficient technologies based on freon have taken it place. Engineers from Oxford argue that the effectiveness of the new refrigerator will be four times higher than that of the technology developed by Einstein, that will replace the types of gases used in refrigeration.

Also, they aim to develop the project so that in future the only form of energy supply of a refrigerator to consist in a heating pump through solar energy.

Whether that use Freon or other gases, a refrigerator operates on a sector-pressure and low temperature - inside - and on a pressure and high temperature - the radiator from the back. The sectors are separated by a pump to get gas from the inside, causing such a difference in pressure and a difference of temperature.

Renewable Energy For Mobile Phones

2008-09-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

All mobile telephony stations from developing countries could switch to renewable energy supply, according to a plan of the GSM Association (GSMA). Investments could be recovered in two years.

GSMA, the representative of approximately 750 mobile operators, has launched the "Green Energy for Mobiles" this month and follows that till 2012 to obtain it's application in 118. 000 base stations for transmitting and receiving calls. Switching to solar energy, wind or other renewable energies would save approximately 2 billion and a half liters of fuel per year, used for power stations.

GSMA has discover from it's research that the world exist about 1,500 stations that use renewable energy, but companies are not extend more because of its high cost and lack of equipments.

25 telephony operators are part from the "Green Energy for Mobile" scheme and the GSMA is working already to the development of alternative energy systems with Digicel, Idea Cellular and Safaricom.

Top 10 in Solar Energy

2008-09-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

The solar cells efficiency grow, and a number of projects based on solar panels rises everywhere in the world. In the following are some of the most interesting, including solar buildings and giant solar "plants". We hope that the their successors to be more larger and more efficient.

1. Dunster Castle, Somerset, UK

Approximately 15-20% of the energy used by Dunster Castle is generated by solar panels on its roof. Although the investment of 55,000 pounds which ended a few weeks ago is not very efficient in financial terms, but electric bills of the castle will be approximately 550 pounds less each year. This castle is the only building of 'Grade 1' which uses this technology.

2. Strizki House, New Jersey, United States

Today, many houses have solar panels on the roofs. What's different about the house from East Amwell belonging to the civil engineer Mike Strizki, is that this is a hybrid house (hydrogen and solar energy) - the first of this kind from the United States. Combined use of solar panels and fuel cells based on hydrogen stored in tanks, produces 100% of the energy it needs the whole house during the year. But the system, whose installation cost 500,000 dollars, is too expensive to be implemented on a large scale.

3. Telefonica building, Madrid, Spain

The Spanish telecommunications company, Telefonica, buy a new building that will contain 16,000 solar panels covering the entire surface of the roof. With a power estimated at up to 3 MW, the building is one of the largest buildings powered by solar energy. The company hopes to reduce about 15% of heating bills, and about 34% of air-conditioning bills.

4. Dana Building, Michigan, United States

Dana building, owned by the University of Michigan, is covered with solar panels that generating about 30 kilowatts-hour of energy. The project was at the beginning a research effort intended to compare two types of solar panels. The building also uses the methods of passive solar power, such as making the building more responsive to sunlight through its many windows.

5. Four 'Times Square', New York, United States

Four Times Square in the heart of the Manhatan incorporate solar panels in the building itself. The building, relatively new (completed in 2000), which has 48 floors has photo-voltaic panels integrated into external walls. On the south and the east side of the building are photo-voltaic panels with thin film.

6. U.S Capitol Building, Washington

In 2005, Capitol Building from Washington was renovated with 144 solar panels generating about 20,000 kilowatts-hour of energy per year - enough to supplies Capitol Dome and the street lighting every night.

7. Pocking solar park, Bavaria, Germany

One of the world's biggest columns of solar panels, Pocking solar park, produce 10 megawatts of electricity - enough to send electricity to 3300 homes. The allocated space is a former military bases, where solar panels covers about 16 km of land, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 10,000 tonnes per year.

8. Beneixama solar plant, Beneixama, Spain

Beneixama, photo-voltaic plant, with 100,000 solar panels covering about 500,000 square meters of land, is another world's largest solar park. The plant, which generates 20 megawatts power, was completed in the second half of 2007.

9. Nevada Solar One, Nevada, U.S.

Since June 2007, Nevada Solar One produces 64 MW of electricity, supplying up to 40,000 houses from the Las Vegas area, in the hot days. Instead the solar panels, Nevada Solar One uses a parable of curved mirrors. In the center of the mirrors is mounted a tube filled with oil which is heated by the sun. Then the oil flows into a reservoir where the water is turned into steam, which operate a turbine that generates electricity.

10. Girassol solar plant, Moura, Portugal

This plant will be the world's second largest solar plant and will be finished in the near future. With an improvement in the second phase of design, it will generate 62 MW to maximum capacity with nearly 350,000 of solar panels. Located in one of the most sunny and less developed regions economically from Portugal, "the plant will supply electricity to more than 20,000 houses.

And one extra:

11. Victorian Solar Park, Victoria, Australia

Although it is still in the stage of the project, Victorian solar park will generate more than the double energy that generates Girassol. Australian company Solar Systems plans a solar plant with "heliostat" panels advanced, producing up to 154 MW of electricity at maximum capacity. Solar panels, developed initially to supply electricity to satellites, can increase the power of the sun by 500 times, according to company Solar Systems. The project of 420 million dollars will produce electricity for more than 45,000 houses when it will be finished in 2013.

Mercedes Launches First Series Hybrid

2008-09-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

Mercedes will launch its first car with a hybrid propulsion system in the summer of 2009. It's called S400 BlueHybrid and is equipped with a V6 engine on gasoline and an electric motor. The combination between these make this car to be the most economical luxury car.

The mixed consumption is 7.9 litres of gasoline per 100 km. This help in getting the lowest CO2 emissions from its class, only 190 grams C02/km. Consumption is 2.2 liters per 100 km lower against S350 model from which was start, and CO2 emissions are reduced by 21%.

The luxury car can achieve with the help of additional power obtained from electric engine, a maximum speed of 250 km per hour, electronically limited.

S400 BlueHYBRID is the first series hybrid equipped with lithium-ion batteries developed specifically for vehicles.

Car Without Driver Will Revolutionize Urban Transport

2008-09-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

The new vehicle is fast, cheap, efficient in terms of energy and not polluting. The vehicle run on overhead rails and has no driver.

The car, called "podcar", will operate on a narrow rail created especially for it. The "podcar" system will have specially equipped stations, where cars will be called to order, like a taxi.

The new vehicle operates on electricity and can traverse seven kilometers in 12 minutes. This vehicle has no driver, but is controlled by a computer. In this way, the danger of production accidents is reduced to maximum. Further, as a result of automation, the costs are significantly reduced, making the "podcar" system to be accessible for all.

According to "Los Angeles Times", the building of a "podcar" system can cost up to 12 times less than that of a railway system. The special rail network, along with vehicles and stations can reach 25 to 40 million dollars per mile (1.6 kilometers) compared with 100 to 300 million dollars as a normal railroads system would cost. A similar system is being build on Heathrow Airport in London.

Vehicles will carry about 11,000 passengers per day. Such cars will be used in Masdar, the famous green city that United Arab Emirates intends to transform it into the first city with zero emissions of carbon dioxide.

GM Launches Chevrolet Volt Hybrid at 100th Anniversary

2008-09-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

General Motors (GM) has celebrated the anniversary of 100 years of existence in the international automotive industry by launching the model series, Chevrolet Volt hybrid.

"Volt symbolizes the GM commitment towards the future, or the type of technological innovation that our industry needs to face the challenges of environmental and energy from the present and future," said Rick Wagoner, GM's executive director.

Unlike the concept model, the series model has suffered several changes in order to achieve the standards imposed by GM to be able to traverse a distance of 65 km without using fuel and with 0 CO2 emissions. For that the GM engineers have developed one of the most aerodynamic models in the company's history.

The new Chevrolet Volt is propelled by an electric motor with Li-Ion battery. When the battery remain without electricity a gasoline engine starts to continue the car functionality and to load the battery. This operation increases the movement distance with up to several hundred kilometers where the battery can be loaded from receptacle. The model top speed is 160 km per hour.

The vehicle's interior contains which have not been found until now at a Chevrolet model or even to the competitors from the same class. It has a touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional navigation system with hard disk for the maps storage or for storing music.

The car production is scheduled to start from the year 2010 at the GM plant in Detroit-Hamtramck. The price has not been announced yet.

Tesla Will Produce 15,000 Electric Cars Per Year

2008-09-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

The electric sports car maker, Tesla Motors, built a auto factory of 250 million dollars in Silicon Valley, California, to produce sedan models that will go out on the United States market at the end of 2010.

The Tesla Roadster car has attracted some attention and is already considered a must-have which established trends in the green cars field.

The mayor from San Jose, Chuck Reed, said that Silicon Valley, the site of the new automobile factories Tesla, has a great potential in regards the clean technology, especially solar one.

The Executive Director of Tesla, Ze'ev Drori, said that the company's goal is to manufacture the Model S of the sedan, worth 60,000 dollars at a rate of 15,000 models per year until the end of 2011.

Other auto manufacturers are working on vehicles with zero emissions, and big companies like General Motors and Toyota Motor are in competition to build electric cars that operate solely on batteries.

Google Wants Wave Energy In Its Data Centres

2008-09-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Google, which is probably the most popular search engine on the Internet, wants to green its data centers, informs Greener Computing.

The company intends to place platforms on the ocean on which to put data centers that will be powered by wave. Floating platforms would allow to the new data centers to be constructed quickly and to move easily in locations where users have great need of Internet and fast services.

"Such a proje would be quitcte expensive to enforce, and the access to electricity would not always be easily to found and a process of water cooling for these data centres would be quite difficult," said Google officials. "But these are systems and methods that can be applied and which can provide to the data centers speed and flexibility in operation services"

Mercedes-Benz Will Launch Hybrid Models Annually

2008-09-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz announced that it will launch a new hybrid model per year since 2009 and hoped that 20% of sales to be from hybrid cars until 2015, informs Motor Authority.

The German maker initiative reflects the current status of legal requirements and customers demand, but at the same time help the brand to survive in case there will not be requirements for combustion engines. Mercedes considered that the conventional engines will be there 20-30 years.

"Will not be a sudden pass, will be a series of steps, from what is offered now, to the new technologies. The power and electric motors performances will amount to the ones on fuel, so we could finally give up on combustion engines " German officials have indicated.

The future hybrid models will be S400, followed by ML450 in 2009, which will enter into competition with the BMW X6 hybrid.

Hopes For Solar Energy From Space

2008-09-15T00:34:00.001-07:00

A former NASA scientist has carried solar energy through radio waves over a distance of almost 150 km.

The need of energy for humanity can be assured by satellites which capture solar energy, to send later on Earth, believes the former NASA scientist John C. Mankins. He put into practice an experiment to showing that this technology already exists: has used radio waves to carry the capture energy of a series of solar panels between two islands from Hawai, situated at a distance of 148 kilometers one of another.

To be efficient, the system should involve satellites of 500 kg and receivers of the lakes size, said the scientist, who thanked in his demonstration with modest equipment. However, his experiment involved a cost of one million dollars, which were borne by the post "Discovery Channel, which has made a documentary about this topic.

Renault Presents Ondelios - Luxury Hybrid Concept

2008-09-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

Renault announced that it will present in premiere, at the Paris Motor Show, a top concept called Ondelios, a hybrid crossover created for the travel lovers, according to Motor Authority.

The car measures 4.8 meters in length, 1.6 meters height and benefits of doors in "butterfly" style. On the inside, six passengers can travel comfortably, thanks to the three rows of individual seats. The fluid and aerodynamic lines of the concept Ondelios are inspired from the world aviation.

"Ondelios was inspired more by the movement than the speed and represents a new response to long trips," said Patrick Le Quement, the design director of Renault.

The elegant hybrid benefit from an engine that develops 205 horse power, plus two electric engines of 20 kilowatts, located in the back side. Renault has introduced this concept to reduce fuel consumption.

Ondelios consume an average 4.5 litres per 100 kilometers, and carbon dioxide emissions are 120 grams per kilometer. The new hybrid concept Ondelios will be presented in world premiere at the Paris Motor Show with the new generation Megane.

Energy Ball - A Efficient and Cheap Wind Turbine For Homes

2008-09-11T01:24:00.000-07:00

The new turbine works with low-intensity winds, makes no noise and will be cheaper than the conventional one. The wind turbine was named Energy Ball. This has a futuristic design and looks like a sphere when it is put into function. Energy Ball may be located on the roofs of houses along with solar panels or in the gardens.

These devices can be installed inside the cities to provide necessary energy street lighting. Located at a height of at least 12 m in a region where wind beating with approximately 7 m / s, the new wind turbine can produce up to 500 kW per year. Further, Energy Ball will cost less than a conventional turbine.

The Swedish have created an innovative wind turbine that can be located on the houses or in the middle of town.

The new turbine, which looks like a sphere, works with low-intensity winds, makes no noise and will be cheaper than the conventional one.

There are many renewable energy sources that can provide an alternative to fossil fuels. Energy wind, sun or wave will replace oil in the future. Specialists in energy believes that one of the major challenges consist, actually, in finding the most efficient and cheaper alternative energy sources.

The new turbine works with Venturi effect - a phenomenon of fluid dynamics where gaseous or liquid are accelerated as a result of restricting their movement area. Because Venturi effect, the new wind turbine is more efficient in terms of aerodynamic and so may use no loudly winds to produce electricity. Further, Energy Ball will cost less than a conventional turbine.

The new turbines created by Swedish manufacturer comes to improve the existing wind instruments so far .Many Britons have shown disaffection of the wind farms because the noise and visual pollution decrease their houses prices.

The new wind turbine comes to counter these disadvantages by the fact that they are silent and do not have an disagreeable aspect. Energy Ball does not need strong winds to work.

Porsche Change Engines For The Environment Good

2008-09-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Porsche announced that will change the its engine architecture, from six cylinders to four cylinders boxer, if it will prove that this measure is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Porsche advantage is that as the six-cylinder engines, of the model 911, are designed by German engineers so that it can be changed in the units with four cylinders, without excessive changes in their architecture.

"With all that the 911 models and Boxter models are recognized for the six-cylinder engines and our goal is to keep the same architecture, we can reduce the number of cylinders if this will be necessary. But currently we have no plans in this direction," said an Porsche representative.

A large part of the Porsche history is related to the use of engines with four cylinders. A large part of the legendary models produced by the manufacturer from Sttutgart were noted by the use of such units, the most conclusive examples being the model 356.

British Government Invests in Renewables And Green Cars

2008-09-09T01:42:00.000-07:00

British government plans to invest nearly 150 million pounds sterling in programs to increase the manufacturing industry, including helping low-emission vehicles and renewable and nuclear energies.

Great Britain, which is the sixth world producer, owns a sector of eco goods and services with annual revenue of 25 billion pounds sterling. The government estimates that it could reach 45 billion pounds sterling until 2015, which would create 1 million green jobs until 2030.

Government intends to establish next year a strategy for the manufacturing sector with low levels of carbon, which will focus initially on energy and cars. The British executive will put aside 20 million pounds sterling for the government fleet of cars with low emissions.

The strategy also includes assistance for renewables and nuclear energy. Through the Office for Nuclear Energies Development and the Office for Renewable Energies Development the government wants to help the industry to overcome barriers in the creation, assembly, installation, operation and maintenance of energy systems to expand the use of renewable and nuclear energies. The government estimates that the renewables sector and nuclear energy will lead to the creation of 260,000 jobs in the next decade.

Other green aspects of the strategy concerning the manufacturing sector include supporting the technology development and a pilot program for electric cars.

Hybrid Trucks For Waste Collection

2008-09-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

The first truck for the household waste collection, equipped with hybrid engines, will be put into operation in Lyon, France, from the month of October this year.

The experiment was made by a partnership between Renault Trucks, SITA (Suez Environnement) and Grand Lyon. The waste collection from Lyon using a truck with hybrid engines aims at reducing CO2 emissions by 30 percent.

The vehicle is equipped with a hybrid engine that allows a reduction of 20 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. The truck has a additional battery for the electric power supply. This battery is loaded in the vehicle braking phases.

The hybrid technology principle developed by Renault Trucks is simple: the vehicle's kinetic energy is recovered during the braking then to be transformed into electricity. Reserved in a battery, the electricity supply the electric engine of MDS type (Motor Drive System) which provides the car's inrush, feeding their electric functions and the propulsion up to 20 kilometers per hour.

Diesel engine is used then when it consumes least, namely in circulation. Hybrid technology allows, in addition to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, and limiting phonic pollution due to electric motor functioning.

It Opened The World's First "Eco" Night-Club

2008-09-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of energetic dancers opened the world's first "eco" night club in Rotterdam. Watt Club, opened Thursday night, has the motto: "We want your energy," .

Every night, the club is ensure almost a third of the energy needed, through a particular dance. The dancers movements make the dance floor to vibrate, vibrations that are converted into energy. In the meantime, the dancers can see on the monitors from the DJ's stage, how much energy is produced.

In Watt Club everything is "eco", from the rain water used in toilets to the reusable plastic glasses from the bar.

Managers say that the club will save a huge amount of energy and money as to cover the costs of drinking water for 13,000 people.

Clubs owners from Berlin to Paris and from Sydney to San Francisco have already shown interest in the unique concept developed by the Rotterdam club.

The Desert Can Be Productive

2008-09-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

Extensive portions of desert could become producible following an ambitious initiative belonging to a team of architects and engineers from Dubai. According to the plan, several greenhouses and solar panels could be spread on huge portions of sand. This technology is sustainable and healthy for the environment.

Sahara Forest project consists in the arrangement of solar panels that will capture sunlight for electricity, while the excess heat that it produce will be used to the sea water evaporation and turning it in drinking water.

Project developers argue that can come with a solution to the world water crisis, which is threatened by the population growth and global warming. In Tenerife, Oman and United Arab Emirates(UAE) there already demonstration greenhouses that producing tomatoes, green peppers and cucumbers and have attracted the attention of other countries.

The technology provided by Seawater Greenhouse along with solar panels are completing each other. The solar panels warm the water used in greenhouses, of which a part is used to clean the mirrors so these to generate constant electricity.

The Sahara Forest project team estimated that the arrangement of 20 hectares of land with greenhouses would cost approximately 65 million pounds.

The Hybrid That Can Be Built At Home

2008-09-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

Green car lovers can now build their own hybrid after a designer has launched the XR3 package which, after it was assembled, can reach speeds of 136 kilometers per hour.

XR3 is a two-person car that has a diesel propellant that will pair with an electric motor. The vehicle comes with a series of instructions on a DVD with the help of even people with average building capacities of a car, will succeed to install.
Robert Riley, the car designer pretend that it will offer a super fuel efficiency of 360 km per litre.

According to designer, the efficiency key of this car consists in its low weight, only 700 kilograms, modern design and hybrid engine.

Unlike most hybrid vehicles, XR3 has three wheels, a futuristic look and is similar to a conch that opens the front back. The car li-ion battery can upload in a per cent of 80% in just a half of hour.

China and Singapore Build An Eco-City Model

2008-09-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

Singapore and China have decided to build together an eco-city near the port-city from northern China, Tianjing, which to be a model of sustainable construction, according to Earth Times. Collaboration between the two countries will give birth to a model city that will have an economy based on sustainable use of resources.

The eco-city will be will be situated at 40 kilometers from Tianjin, an industrial city located at 150 kilometers near Beijing.The project represents the first cooperation between China and Singapore which focuses on increasing pollution, which serves, too, as an example for similar projects.

The town plan will be based on the expertise made by Singapore on wind and solar energy. The eco-city building began in July and will be ready over 10 or 15 years, then will be able to host 350,000 inhabitants.

China's 3rd Largest Hydropower Station Will Be Ready This Year

2008-09-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

Longtan hydropower station, the China's 3rd largest, will be put into operation until the end of this year. The seven sets of generators with a capacity of some 700,000 kilowatts each, will come into operation until the end of 2008, announced Dai Bo, the general manager of Longtan hydropower station.

The Longtan hydropower station project is the third largest project from China and has a value of approximately 4.35 billion dollars. It is located on the upper course of the Hongshui river, tributary of Zhujiang river, and is designed to provide 18.7 billion kilowatts of electricity annually.

The Longtan project has recorded 2 world records: the highest concrete dam and the largest underground factory. This project will improve navigation on the Hongshui river and will contribute to flood prevention.

Dubai Plans an "Eco" Tower With One Million Inhabitants

2008-09-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Its name is ZIGGURAT and is more than a pyramid made from towers. Dubai manages to impress again with the project of the world's biggest pyramid, which plans to refuge one million inhabitants into a base of 2.3 square kilometers.

This project will be environmentally friendly because ZIGGURAT will operate independently, without being connected to a network of electricity or heating, using only wind power and other natural resources to ensure its energy needs.

Since there are no details of the construction costs or the date when this will be finished.

Toyota iQ Is The Smallest Hybrid

2008-09-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Toyota iQ could win the title of "the smallest hybrid" and "the smallest car with four seats ever built" at the Auto Salon from Paris. A rumor is about that the Japanese works to a hybrid version of this model, which would appear in 2010.

The model equipped with classical variant of motorization has an aggregate of 1.0 litre, but the auto producer number 1 in the world will provide customers that are friendly with environment a propellant that will pair with an electric motor, exactly like Prius.

So far, more details are not know, but those from Toyota said that the hybrid version of iQ will be able to run at least 25 kilometers helping only by electricity.

The Japanese Install Solar Panels On Vessels

2008-09-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

The biggest naval company from Japan wants to install solar panels on its vessels. Nippon Yusen KK recently announced that plans to invest 1.37 million dollars into a system of 328 solar panels with a capacity of 40 kilowatts for its marine vessels. The system will be ready in December.

Initially, the vessels that are carrying goods, which are quite high that can carry up to 6,400 cars will be powered by approximately 0.2% solar energy.Japanese company intends to install another system at the same price with a capacity of 1 or 2% until 2010.

Other shipping companies already enjoy of the success that they have with wind energy. The German company Beluga Skysail announced that has reduced fuel costs up to 1500 dollars per day due to wind energy.

6 Million Free Eco-Bulbs In Panama

2008-09-02T04:01:00.000-07:00

Panama will share 6 million ecological bulbs, approximately two for every citizen, as a measure to meet the increasing demand for electricity, president Martin Torrijos announced. The operation " ecological bulb" implies that the government buy ecological fluorescent bulbs, worth of 13 million dollars to replace the incandescent ones.

This program is similar with others that have taken place in Cuba, Venezuela, Europe and Australia. Torrijos claims that the economy resulted from the replacement bulbs with ecological ones assimilate with the construction of a central energy of 60 megawatts, but to a price of ten times lower.

In recent years, electricity suppliers from Panama have made efforts to keep the pace with the demand increasing caused by economic growth of the state.

The first shipment of 3 million ecological bulbs will arrive in Panama at the end of the month. The bulbs will be distributed free in poor suburbs of Panama City.

Czechs Will Build In Romania The Biggest Wind Farm From Europe

2008-09-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

The national company for electricity from Czech Republic announced its intention to build in Romania the largest project of wind farms from Europe. The company has already bought two lands near Constanta, on the Black Sea bank.

For project development have been allocated 1.1 billion euros. The Czechs have announced that the first works to create the largest wind farms from Europe will begin next month and will finish in two stages: first stage in 2009, second in 2010.

"Concept Ice Vehicle" Powered by Biofuel

2008-09-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

An auto manufacturer has revealed a concept vehicle on the ice which resists temperatures of -72 degrees Celsius, going with a speed of up to 134 km per hour and is friendly with the environment at the same time.

The new Lotus ice vehicle which goes on biofuel, will be tested on a distance of 4,800 km in Antarctica. 1150 BMW motorcycle engine adapted emit by approximately 70% less greenhouse gas emissions then petrol.

"Antarctica remains one of the greatest mysteries of the world," said Kieron Bradley, an ex Formula 1 designer who built the vehicle.

At first view, the vehicle is similar to a helicopter with three legs. This has a radar which allows it to detect the sections with thin ice that measure only 350 kg thus allowing the crew to push manually in abrupt areas.

Tacoma Company Buys Renewable Energy Credits

2008-09-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Tacoma Power Company will invest 15 million dollars in credits for renewable energy from Iberdrola Renewables. The contract will start in 2012 and will remain in force until the end of 2019. The credits for renewable energy will come from Iberdrola Renewables project to generate wind power.

Acquisition will help the company to abide by Initiative 937, in which 15% of usefulness energy to result from renewable sources until 2020. The law allows too, companies to buy renewable energy credits instead to buy renewable energy.

Tacoma Power Company said that because it does not require an additional generator of electricity, the purchase of renewable energy credits is the perfect financial solution for utilities as well as for the client.

Chevrolet Volt - Until 2010 Will Be On The Roads

2008-08-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

General Motors officials have said that the car without polluting emissions could be available before November 2010, as had been originally announced.

The hybrid concept from General Motors, with an autonomy of up to 1,000 kilometers, is expected of more than 30,000 buyers. General Motors will launch official the series concept Chevrolet Volt the next weeks, write Motor Authority. Announcement was made by one of GM officials, according to the electric car could be available earlier than November 2010.

The concept hybrid version of GM was launched in January last year, when the manufacturer announced that in 2011, over 100,000 such cars will operate on the throughout the world.
The model presented in January 2007 has suffered a series of changes so far, but the new form has not been made public yet. Company representatives have stated that the changes were determined that the original was not enough aerodynamic.

Chevrolet Volt will have an autonomy between 65 and 80 km, if use only electric batteries LI-ION, loaded about four hours. The model dispose of a diesel engine or on gasolene that will charge the batteries providing a vehicle autonomy up to 1,000 kilometers.

General Motors representatives argue that the hybrid will not compete with the Prius model from Toyota, because we are talking about two cars "completely different".

The price announced by officials for a Chevrolet Volt reach up to 40,000 dollars for buyers of the United States. As regards European countries, GM announced recently that could build the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle at the plant from Ellesmere Port, both under the Opel brand, and under the Chevrolet brand, without specifying the price for Europe.

A neurologist from New York, a fan of this car, has made recently, a list of alleged purchasers of Volt model. Most potential buyers are from the United States (California, Texas, Florida, Michigan), but also from other 46 countries. More than 33,000 people have declared their intention to purchase the electric car.

The model Volt fan intends to convince the people from General Motors to treat seriously unofficial list that he made.

A Sustainable Life In a Hobit Eco House

2008-08-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

A fan of hobit stories has built a ecological house in which to living close to the nature with his family. Simon Dale from Wales, Great Britain has raised a house only from clay, stones and rocks that covered these with grass and muscle. Besides the fact that this is a imitation of a hibit houses, the little house is perfectly functional.

Solar panels produce needed energy for electrical equipment, and water flows, with gravity help from a nearby river. The toilet is ecological, composting type, characterized by the ability to transform the garbage in rother. The stored air in clay help to maintain low temperature of the refrigerator. In addition, the house looks sensational.

This type of low cost houses that are not only sustainable but are comfortable and allow people to have access at clay to grow vegetables or fruit, showed Simon Dale. He said about him that is not a builder and has no experience in this field, but that such a building is accessible to anyone.

Tires That Reduce Fuel Consumption

2008-08-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

ExxonMobil Chemical Company has completed the developments at the technology system from Pensacola, Florida, which will produce a new type of tires, Exxcore DVA, aimed to reduce fuel consumption. The new technology is based on improving the process of holding pressure in the tires (infaltion pressure retention - IPR).

The company claims that this new technology has the ability to achieve a degree of permeability from 7 to 10 times greater, and to improve the tires sustainability with over 50%.

If all the cars tires from the U.S. streets would have an IPR of 1.5 percent, a goal which the company claims that could reach, this would represent a annual potential efficiency of fuel consumption of 2500 tons and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by over 6 million tonnes per year (which assimilate with the removal of one million cars from traffic).

Formula 1 Race With Zero Emissions

2008-08-28T01:06:00.000-07:00

The first Formula 1 race cars based on hydrogen was held last weekend, at Rotterdam. At the competition named Formula Zero Championship, have competed teams from five countries into a karts race with zero emissions. The cars from each team went on hydrogen cell.

A Dutch team won the competition while a Spanish team received the award for the highest speed.
Formula Zero was founded by the dutch Godert van Hardenbroek and Eelco Rietveld. The competition consists in a series of events, in which teams from Great Britain, the United States, the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium compete for the big prize, with zero emissions.

"The teams that adopt this technology as early will have success and those who are not interested will have to lose in the next 10 years, when these competitions will disappear if they will not engage in a program with zero emissions," said a competitor.

The next edition of the Formula Zero Championship will take place in the United States, in March 2009.

A Charger That Will Powered By Kinetic Motion

2008-08-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

Next year, the company M2E Power will launch a charger that works with kinetic energy. It can capture enough energy generated by the movement of the user running, such as to recharge the mobile phones batteries.

The company officials said that six hours of movement can generate energy for calls of 30-60 minutes for a mobile phone. The user can keep the charger rucksack or in a bag and leave it to recharge, explained Regan Rowe, M2E Power representative. When is full charge, the device stores enough energy to recharge a mobile phone, with a speed comparable to that of an ordinary charger, connected to a receptacle.

Inside the device is a lithium-ion battery and a series of carbons and magnets. When it move, around the carbons is created an electromagnetic field which generates electricity.

The device can be charged to a receptacle. Those from M2E Power presented the idea of several phone manufacturers to incorporate the charger direct in mobile phones.

The company test now and the level of energy that the device can get from the vehicles vibrations, said Rowe. The energy level that a generator can get varies greatly depending of the motion.

In the long term, the company intends to place devices that are charged single. In electric cars and hybrids. Placing such a device near the windscreen wiper or doors could significantly reduce the need for a rechargeable battery and would increase the movement autonomy, explained Rowe.

Mitsubishi Invests 450 Billion Dollars On Solar Energy

2008-08-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. wants to invest billions of dollars in production of photovoltaic cells to profit by the huge demands for solar energy, caused by higher fuel prices.

The company announced that it will invest 458 billion dollars in solar energy, intended to raise the production capacity to 600 megawatts until 2012. At present, Mitsubishi has a total capacity of energy generating of 150 megawatts. In March, the company announced that it wants to increase this capacity to 500 megawatts until 2013.

Mitsubishi plans to build a new factory in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, which will be provided with solar installation on roof.

Company officials say that by combining the silicon crystal technology with the solar one, will reach an energy efficiency rate of 97.5%. Mitsubishi will sell solar systems throughout the world.

Last year in October, Mitsubishi announced a plan to reduce one-third of the emissions associated with the use of its products. This plan includes the use of a production equipment more efficiently in factories and reducing the quantity of materials used in its operations by 30%.

The Indians Conquered The U.S. With The First Diesel-Hybrid

2008-08-26T02:33:00.000-07:00

The Indians want to conquer the United States with the first diesel-hybrid vehicle entered on the American market. Mahindra & Mahindra will reveal between 14 and 17 april at Detroit a pick-up hybrid that would enter on the American market in 2010.

The pick-up Appalachian is equipped with a diesel propellant and a electric motor. According to Indian officials, the diesel engine of 2.2 litres and four cylinders will develop between 140 and 150 power horses.

According to Mahindra, the company distributor, Global Vehicles USA, the new pick-up will enter on the American market with the price of 20,000 dollars, followed by that amount to grow by nearly 5,000 dollars in the case of a hybrid motorization. The vehicle will be available both in the version with two doors, as well as four.

General Motors Factory Becoming More "Green" With Solar Panels

2008-08-26T01:24:00.000-07:00

A solar installation of 1.2 megawatts will be installed on the roof of a General Motors plant from White Marsh. The company recently announced that add solar panels on the one of the biggest factories of assembling cars from Spain.

Solar plant from White Marsh will generate approximately 1.4 million kilowatts and will replace 20% of the electricity that the plan it buy. According to the contract made with SunEdison, the insurance services of solar system, the installation and maintenance will be done by it. The system will be ready until the end of 2009, and will consists in more than 8,700 solar panels installed on approximately 100 square kilometers of roof.

General Motors is one of the 10 car automobile manufacturers who have enrolled in the EcoDriving program launched by the Manufacturers Alliance of Automobile. Also, the company is in partnership with various utilities to speed the marketing of electrical cars.

A Solar Plane Has Beat The Air Resistance Record Without Pilot

2008-08-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

A plane that goes with solar energy, built in Britain, has set a world record of resistance in air for a flight effectuated without pilot.

Known as the Zephyr-6, the unit has resisted in air more than two days, at night it has flight with batteries charged during the day from the sun. The flight was a demonstration for the United States army which is looking for new flight technologies on automatic pilot.

The Zephyr device has flew nonstop for 82 hours and 37 minutes. This time beat the current official world record for a flight without pilot set by the U.S. plane named Global Hawk, 30 hours and 24 minutes.

At first glance, Zephyr looks like an ordinary model of plane. But this device without pilot with long wings 18 meters incorporated the highest technologies from the world. It is very easy because it is made from carbon fiber materials.

It flight based on solar energy generated by huge solar slabs of silicon, these are very thin as a sheet of paper which are attached to the plane wings.

The flight device Zephyr has demonstrated that it can resist at the extreme temperatures, from a heat of 45 degrees Celsius in the Sonoran desert from Arizona, and to very cold temperatures of -70 degrees Celsius at altitudes exceeding 18 km.

The Hybrids From Chrysler Enters Into Production

2008-08-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

The first hybrid vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen are now finally in production at the factory from Newark Delaware, followed to providing a consumer with 25% less than the gas version.

Both models have a Hemi V8 engine of 5.7 litres and a hybrid system of two-mode type to maintain the interest of Americans for SUV's, despite the high oil prices.

This system, developed together of GM, Daimler and BMW, allows the vehicle to operate either on gas or with electric component, either using the both at the same time.

Regarding the SUV's prices, these are somewhat accessible, considering the technical complexity and the costs of production rather large, Americans asking 45,340 dollars on the Durango and $ 45,570 on Aspen.

Nano Batteries Get Their Energy From Viruses

2008-08-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

Instead to be exterminated, viruses are used to build cheap and simple small sources of energy. In their initial experiments, the engineers of the Technology Institute from Massachusetts (MIT) have genetically modified viruses and obtained a protein that attracts the pieces from metal. Now, they have used this feature to build key components of microscopic batteries.

Batteries are consist of four basic components: an anode and cathode, which forming positive and negative poles, an electrolyte that transfer the electrical charge between them and a separator between the anode and cathode. In the MIT experiment, two layers of polymer, which serves as the electrolyte and separator, were placed at the top of a pillar of four micrometers.

Then, the genetically modified viruses were allowed to grow on the two layers, which began to draw the metal. Researchers have not yet found a virus for the cathode construction, this is the next step of the project, which became attractive for its simplicity and low costs involved.

Currently, there are no devices that require batteries as a tenth of a grain of hair. Nevertheless, in future, these micro-batteries could serve as a primary source of energy for a variety of devices from the nanotechnology world.

Neenah Paper Company Produces Paper With Green Energy

2008-08-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

Neenah Paper Company, a manufacturer of premium paper, intends to produce electricity for its largest factory from wood waste and fibers starting next year.

Neenah Paper contacted the company Power Vision to build a biomass energy system for the factory Whinting of Wisconsin. The system on biomass is scheduled to be ready until the end of 2009. It will replace the boiler on gas of the factory.

The system will use the remaining waste from factory processes, which represents more than half of the paper production of Neenah company. Also, the company uses biomass for other one-factory, along with hydro power, solar and wind for electricity needed for other operations.

Besides the fact that Neenah will "green" its energy resources, the company sells eco-friendly products, certified by the Forest Stewardship, 100% made from recycled products without chlorine.

Hybrid Locomotives For North America

2008-08-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

The company Bombardier has won a tender worth of 485 million dollars to provide hybrid engines for public transport in New Jersey and Montreal. The new locomotives able to work both with fossil fuels as well as electricity are a premiere in North America.

New Jersey Transit Corporation will receive 26 locomotives for passenger trains. The new acquisitions have cost 262 million dollars with the option that will buy another 63 locomotives.

Metropolitan Transportation Agency from Montreal ordered 20 locomotives for the amount of 223 million dollars, in the future having to buy another ten.

In July, Bombardier space division from Northern Ireland announced that reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 69% from 2001 until now.

Peugeot is Launching a New Hybrid Concept

2008-08-21T03:05:00.000-07:00

Peugeot showed some photos of the new hybrid concept that the French have made for the Auto Salon from from Paris. The car s called RC ..., the full name followed to be known only at the official presentation from Auto Salon.

The new Peugeot RC ... presents itself as a coupe with four doors and four seats, accessible and versatile, also benefiting from newest hybrid technology. The French announces that the maximum power of the car will be 313 horse power, and emissions of pollutants will be included in the value of 109 g / km when the car goes using conventional engine and zero in electric mode.

It is not known for sure if those from Peugeot have the intention to produce a series model based on this concept. They say only that RC ... will be a technological showcase that show the manufacturer possibilities at the design level, technologies of hybrid propulsion and performances.

Australian Geothermal Springs Can Produce Energy For 26,000 Years

2008-08-20T22:41:00.001-07:00

Australian researchers have estimated that only a percentage of unexplored national resources of geothermal springs may produce during the 26,000 years clean electric energy.

Australian Government announced a project worth of 43 million U.S. dollars for develop technology to convert geothermal energy in electricity. "Geothermal energy, which is known as hot rocks, has a huge potential for Australia, so that solution against climate change but also in terms of national energy security," said Martin Ferguson, Minister for Resources.

Australia is the world's biggest exporter in coals, and the coals ensure the 77% of national energy consumption. Despite this, Australia had proposed that until 2020 to use 20% electricity from renewable sources.

To produce electricity from geothermal energy, the water is pumped from he underground where is hot and the heat energy is used to generate energy.

The Organization Geoscience Australia has created a national map with geothermal energy, using records of temperatures from several years of drilling for energy and minerals, sometimes more deeply than five kilometers.

The temperature of hot rocks should be 150 degrees Celsius to produce electricity, which is met at a depth between one and five kilometers , explained Anthony Budd, the organization Geoscience.

The organization estimated that it needed an investment of approximately 12 billion U.S. dollars for the development of 2,200 megawatts of energy, but added that the cost of electricity generation ill drop to an acceptable level when the commercial project will work.

The government project of drilling for geothermal energy will use different technologies in various locations from Australia in order to determine the best technology for hot rock energy conversion in electricity.

Australia produces around 1.5% of global carbon emissions. The coals dependence for the electricity generating turn it in the world's biggest polluter per person, generating five times more emissions per capital against China.

Pilot Island DSe Hybrid - The First Hybrid Yacht

2008-08-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Following the cars trend, a different green means of transport is the yacht. Island Pilot DSe Hybrid is the first green vehicle on the water, long of 12 meters which combines fossil fuel, solar energy and electricity.

It is equipped with a photovoltaic solar panel of six kw plus a battery of 20 kilowatts / hour and can travel with a maximum speed of almost four kilometric per hour with zero emissions, using only electricity. Using the diesel engine, the maximum speed at which it can reach is seven kilometers per hour. DSe model needs a total of six kilowatts to navigate six marine knots and 10 kilowatts to eight marine knots.

The yacht design is convenient to change depending on the need for alternative fuels. When diesel engine works, it becomes, at the same time, generator for the yacht battery, providing a total of 10 kilowatts.

The eco yacht will be presented in the Lauderdale International Boat Show.

World's First Formula 1 Wind Vehicle

2008-08-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

A British engineer has invented a wind vehicle of high technology that intends to reach in the records book for the highest speed generated by wind on land.

Richard Jenkins hopes that his high-tech invention to reach a speed of approximately 190 kilometers per hour. If successful this thing, his explorations of 10 years will end and these will also convince that could achieve a larger goal.

Jenkins makes now the last preparations for setting the wind speed record generated by the wind energy on land. He chose to make his demonstrate on the place of a ex lake from Australia.

The device borrow technology from Formula 1 cars and is like a airplane than a land vehicle. This is provided with a vertical wing that generates the momentum. "Top speed is really scary " said Jenkins.

It is the fifth version of the wind vehicle on which is trying Jerkins. The ambitious engineer and his team will start to work from September to a wind vehicle on ice because, according to Jerkins, the device can achieve a higher speed on the ice because the sliding force is greater. Jenkins said that on ice the vehicle ould reach a speed of 240 km per hour.

Ambitious Project For The Most Green IT Centre From India

2008-08-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

More and more buildings from India will adopt environment-friendly technologies, but the ambitious project Cyber Park IT Hub is intended to be the greenest building from the Asian country.

The complex will be located in the sector 67 from the city Guargaon,
The complex will be located in the city Guargaon of 67, the newest destination and business center. The park will be built on an area of 500 square kilometers and will have technical assistance for wireless networks, on optical fiber connectivity and power generatorfor the entire building in case if the current is down.

Also, the park design will facilitate the implementation of several environmental strategies. The building will be efficient in terms of energy, which will significantly reduce energy costs. Natural light will come in areas with offices without to warm the structure, which reduces energy consumption during the day.

These environment friendly measures will reduce energy consumption by approximately 35%. The complex was created by Christopher Charles Benninger Architects, a prestigious architecture firm.

Clinton Foundation Built the World's Largest Solar Project in India

2008-08-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

The world's largest solar project will be built in India and will generate 5 gigawatts energy. The project is in the planning phase, and when it's done will be extended on an area of five times larger than the current world's largest solar project.

The project construction will cost 475 million U.S. dollars, and the production phase will take place in the same location, using workers from the area and local materials, so that generated energy to be as cheaper. The project is being carried out by the Clinton Foundation and will be located in Gujarat state in western India.

The largest solar project from the present generates 900 megawatts energy and is located in the Mojave dessert from California, being developed by the BrightSource company.

A Solution For The Low Noise Produced by the Electric Cars

2008-08-12T02:20:00.000-07:00

It seems that the low noise produced by electric cars is a problem that can translate into the most unhappy case in the road accidents caused by those who do not notice at time such cars.

The producer Lotus make considerable efforts to remedy this problem, the prototype presented soon is a sort of audio system placed outside the vehicle, the system connected to various sensors from the car, which emits noise outside , similar to those of cars with an combustion engine.

It stipulated that the price of such a module will be around the value of $ 300, followed by a decrease along with the entrance in mass production.

The Paint Which Reflect Heat Could Replace the Air Conditioner

2008-08-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

The air conditioning is one of the largest domestic consumers of electricity. A company from Japan has made a point to paint roofs that reflect in a certain measure heat sun rays, thus decrease the temperature inside the house, the use of air conditioning being reduced.

The new type of paint is 30% more expensive than normal paint, but can decrease the roof temperature with 15 degrees by 50-80.

Honda Launches a Hybrid Car

2008-08-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

Japanese company hopes that the new model to have a success more than the competitor Toyota Prius. Honda Civic hybrid version failed to impose on the market. Nevertheless, Honda Motor move ahead. The company will launch at the beginning of next year, a hybrid car that will sell in the United States with 18,800 dollars, according to Motor Authority.

At the global level, Honda Civic Hybrid sales were high last year at 55,300 units, far below market leader, Toyota Prius, which sold in 2007, 429,000 hybrid cars. The new model Honda will have a hybrid engine which will cost 50% less than the current model. Company representatives hopes that in this way, the car would become the market leader.

The price of hybrid cars :

Lexus hybrid is sold approximately 66,000 euros.

Toyota Prius can be purchased with 25,000 euros.

Honda Civic Hybrid costs about 23,000 euros.

The new Honda hybrid model will cost only 12,000 euros.

A Vehicle That Goes With The Wind Energy

2008-08-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

A team of students from Stuttgart University in Germany have built the Ventomobile, a vehicle that goes on wind energy. The Ventomobile has three wheels and a rotor diameter of 2 meters. Efficiency of this invention has proved to be extremely high. On 23 august students of the team InVentus which build this vehicle will participate in the Aeolus competition from Den Helder, Netherlands, in a three-kilometer race with five teams from different universities and research institutes from Europe.

In the first edition of the Racing Aeolus competition a unique event in the world, participating teams will must to battle in a race with vehicles which go only on wind energy.

The Ventomobile is another proof for the use of renewable energies," said Professor Martin Kuhn of the University of Stuttgart recalling the times when solar vehicles were in the first stages of development.

Tokyo Will Have 200 Rechargeable Stations for Electric Cars

2008-08-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

The Japanese company Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) intends to establish over 200 rechargeable stations for electric cars in the capital of Japan next year, according to Nikkei newspaper.

TEPCO has developed a device that power an electric car enough to traverse 40 kilometers after it was charge for five minutes and 60 km after a load of 10 minutes.

Auto manufacturers Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi Motors are preparing to launch electric cars this year. According to the newspaper, auto dealers Subaru and Mitsubishi Motors have agreed to have rechargeable TEPCO stations in their stores, while the supermarket chain Aeon-intends to admit the stations in several facilities. Also, TEPCO will set up rechargeable stations in parks, in the front of profile stores, banks and post offices until 2010. The company intends that in three years the number of power stations to reach 1,000.

Nissan has Launched Two Prototypes of Ecological Cars

2008-08-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Japanese manufacturer from Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has launched a electric vehicle prototype and another electric hybrid, both powered by lithium-ion batteries last generation. Within the Nissan GT 2012 plan, the Japanese manufacturer has committed to become a leader in the cars segment with zero emission and has announced his plans to launch on the market an vehicle 100% electric in 2010.

Nissan EV electric vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion battery last generation, has traction on the front and is equipped with a 80 kw engine, recently developed by Nissan.
The prototype is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a compact configuration , installed under the floor, so as not to limit the space for passenger or freight transport. Serial production of the vehicle will be launched in 2010 and the body will have a unique design, which is not based on any existing Nissan model.

Nissan has a long experience in developing electro-propelled vehicles, starting with the first EV "Tama Electric Vehicle" in 1947. The company has used for the first time in the world lithium-ion batteries on the Prairie Joy EV in 1996, followed by Hypermini, an electric vehicle ultra-compact, launched in 2000. In 1999, Nissan introduced in Japan Tino Hybrid - the first authentic hybrid vehicle, which in the upcoming 2006 in North America Altima.

A New Method To Boost Biofuel

2008-05-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-21T02:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-05-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

The future is in renewables, as its name suggests, renewing the cycle of the planet without ever going to miss their source of origin, which for reasons well known as climate change, will not be just high winds sun of justice and what we are missing.

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

2008-05-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

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%

2008-05-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-15T04:54:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-14T21:30:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-11T21:38:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

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.