Sanjib Saha: Why we are asking this now? We are aware of the erratic effects of carbon emissions on our climate. The major question is how much time it will take to show the serious consequences. In the mean time, people continue to progress with the construction of power plants, refineries, cement kilns and smelters. The temperature change in the atmosphere is the worst effect of carbon emissions. The only remedy now seems to be carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CSS). This technology traps carbon dioxide from power plants and stores it. The stored CO2 doesn’t affect the atmosphere as such. This long term storage method can be used to reduce global warming and its consequent climatic changes. Carbon sequestration Is it really that serious? The carbon sequestration technology just traps the gases and stores the element carbon. This is similar to simple process of photosynthesis, storing carbon from CO2 with the growth of plant. The carbon dioxide emitted from the coal power plants and other industries are first converted into liquid carbon dioxide by passing through liquefying plant and then passed through pipelines that go deep down earth’s crust. This serves two purposes: firstly helps to reduce the percentage of CO2 content in air and secondly can promote the use of renewable sources of energy. What others are saying The CEO of HDS International, Tassos D. Recachinas says, Adopting Carbon Capture technologies would benefit. It would help to reduce the emissions from industries, to be used in operations of algae biomass production. The technology can consequently be used in open ocean algae production to reduce the carbon dioxide emission. The Geologist in GNS Science, Brad Field says, CCS is being considered as an important element to overcome the erratic climatic change by International Panel on Climate Change. Professor Arthur Williamson and Professor Emeritus of University of Canterbury says, CCS work going too slow and taking too much time. But it must be taken up urgently to avoid carbon dioxide emissions from power stations rather than just planning out on papers. Dr. Ian Mason, researcher in Department of Civil and Natural resources, University of Canterbury says, The CCS can work but for a very short time only due to cost. The chances of earthquake due to carbon sequestration are very high. But does question on the extent of technology that will used in New Zealand. Dr. Shannon Page, Lecturer in Department of Environmental Management, Lincoln University says, CCS technology is applicable only if appropriate locations for storage are found. A lot to concern on the possibilities of leakage at storage places. The viability of projects is quite specific especially economically. The developments 1. The genetically modified enzyme for carbon capture by Codexis Codexis The researchers at Codexis have found that stored carbon can be made cost effective if reacted with genetically engineered enzymes. Carbonic Anhydrase is an enzyme that enhances carbon capture efficiency by 100 times. It helps in reducing the energy required to trap and store it. Earlier enzyme could survive within a temperature range of 25°C-65°C but after alteration it could survive up to 85°C for a period of 30 minutes. But to free the greenhouse gases, the enzymes should survive up to 130°C. 2. ION engineering finds a cost effective carbon capture technique ION engineering ION Engineering in Colorado said that the company found a new cost effective way of trapping the carbon dioxide from industries. Originally CCS depended on water based solution that vaporized as heat increased. The solution needed to be replaced from time to time costing $50-$100 per ton of carbon capture. The solution was proposed to be replaced by ionic liquids that don’t vaporize. With this solution, it costs $20 without replacement. 3. MTU has found a new replacement for solution in carbon sequestering MTU Students The Chemical Engineering Program of Michigan Technical University has found a cheaper way of carbon capture than the conventional way. The solution has the capability of eliminating 50 percent of the carbon dioxide emitted by smoke stacks. It gives a more economic way than the carbon scrubbers. As carbon dioxide rises in the smokestack, the engineered liquid moves down and traps almost half of emissions. It doesn’t need to move through compression systems as other carbon capture methods. This liquid can be reused and leaves a byproduct that can be used as construction material. The main hurdles There some problems too. This technology doesn’t form a link with coal mining and its transport. It may not be guaranteed that CO2 is safely buried in the ground. The cost to be spent behind the technology is very high. For instance it will take about $20 billion to set up a coal power station with carbon capture equipment using 40 percent of power produced. And cost of pipelines would be $1.7 million per km. There are issues on storage of carbon dioxide too, like leakage from the stored area. What can be done? The carbon sequestration is surely a beneficial method for reducing the CO2 content in the atmosphere. The estimates shows that there is about 3 trillion tons of storage capacity of CO2. Various sites have been found that will absorb large amount of gas without posing any problem. There are some projects in Norway and Algeria being carried out. But these are not enough; we need around 3400 such projects. There are many challenges: one being site location for storage, other being technical problems, geological problems that include water contamination and earthquakes.
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The Big Question: Can carbon sequestration really help cool the planet
Shahnawaz Naaz: The rural scenario Many rural houses across the world still face severe energy crisis and are totally dependent on kerosene to fulfill their energy needs because of the lack of proper electricity grids in rural areas. On one side billions of us have access to modern technology but there are billions others who do not know anything about iPhone, internet and modern means of communication. For people living in big cities, it is tough to imagine life without these modern means of communications but for many rural areas, these technologies are still miles away because of lack of electricity. Around 1.5 billion people on this earth are still unable to access electricity; out of which 585 million are living in Africa and 404 million live in India. The ramifications of this energy poverty are not limited only to heating and cooking, instead it is affecting the overall development of the people living in these regions. Solar-powered clamshell PC Solar power as a savior People living in rural areas without access to electricity are highly dependent on solar power in order to meet their energy needs. And household solar systems are using solar energy to generate electricity in those areas where there is no local power plant. The best thing about solar energy is that it is free and clean and it has the potential to generate electricity to light remote and isolated homes that are still miles away from getting their local electricity grid. In many villages we have seen that solar energy has proved to be a viable option to provide electricity to homes which have no access to the national grid. Key projects 1. Solar-powered clamshell PC The designer: Yogesh Indian industrial designer Yogesh deserves credit for developing a mini-PC concept named Mitra, which has the potential to change the life of rural people forever. This solar-powered mini-PC can be used for several useful purposes including teaching and medical help. 2. Solar Ear low-cost hearing aid Solar Ear low-cost hearing The designer: Howard Weinstein This solar-powered low-cost hearing aid named Solar Ear can prove highly useful for hearing-impaired individuals living in remote rural areas. Weinstein’s device uses two rechargeable Ni-Mh 1600mAh batteries, which are charged using solar energy. The package includes a solar charger. The charger uses sunlight to charge the battery fully in about six to eight hours. Once charged, the battery lasts for about one week. The lifespan of these batteries is two to three years. Priced at around $100, this device has been designed especially for people living in rural areas. The price of the replacement battery is around $1. 3. Nokero’s solar-powered LED light bulb solar-powered LED light bulb The developer: Nokero Nokero has developed solar-powered LED light bulb, which is inexpensive and designed specifically for rural people. Dubbed N100, this bulb featuring four solar panels, and is world’s first solar-powered bulb. The rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery traps sunlight, which allows the bulb to glow for two hours. Priced at $15 if purchased one at a time, the company has said that in bulk this bulb will cost about $6 apiece. 4. LuminAID solar-powered inflatable lantern Inflatable lantern The designer: Anna Stork and Andrea Sreshta The credit for designing a solar-powered inflatable lantern dubbed LuminAID goes to two Architecture graduates Anna Stork and Andrea Sreshta. This lightweight lantern can be used as an alternative to kerosene lamps in rural areas. Flexible, waterproof material, which is semi-transparent, is used to coat this lantern. Once charged, this solar-powered lantern can glow for four hours. 5. CyberSmart’s solar-powered interactive whiteboard solar-powered whiteboard The developer: CyberSmart CyberSmart Africa received funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide solar-powered interactive whiteboard to schools in remote African villages. One such school using this whiteboard is located in Dakar, Senegal. In Senegal, CyberSmart started its project in 2007. What else can be done? Most of us do not know much about energy poverty and it is mainly because this topic is not discussed very often unlike other energy challenges. But it is high time that we should address the issue of energy poverty because it can affect the global economy, environment, security and health of the people. It is possible to reduce energy poverty by tapping solar energy because sun’s energy is free and renewable. Notable mention The Solar Powered Internet School model was launched by Samsung Africa at its Engineering Academy in Boksburg, Gauteng. This project has been designed specifically for the benefits of people living in areas without electricity.
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Solar powered products to better lives in the rural world
Nisha Changrani: The Waste Every existent resource on this planet leaves some or the other left over after it burns away, no matter how potent and effective the resource is. The same applies to nuclear power. An immense source of energy derived from the fission reaction of radioactive atoms, nuclear fission reaction is a one stop source of power and energy in unparalleled levels. But the consequences? Butts and sticks of uranium, harmful radioactive substances with their full lives extending to thousands of years and nuclear radiations that are capable of changing the very base thread of life – gene. Nuclear waste, more popularly known as spent fuel, is that part of the radioactive material that can no further be utilized for the sole purpose of energy generation, but still remains in its active state. As a result, it continues to emit radioactive waves which, in a less or a greater degree, are harmful for the human kind. Taking in to consideration the fact that there are almost 400 nuclear power plants operating around 32 major countries of the world, the amount of nuclear waste can only be imagined. Ironically, it is thought that once buried underground, this waste would supposedly stop having the effect it has when left in an exposed fashion. However, it is not so. Under the ground, under water or in any other concealed place, the effect of the material continues to be the same. Nuclear waste The Origin As already discussed, the main chunk of nuclear waste arises from the nuclear plants around the world. Secondly, it is also derived from plants that reprocess nuclear weapons. The spent fuel can also be reprocessed. In fact, this is a common process at many plants around the world. The main reason being that the waste also contains a considerable amount of fissile radioactive material. Mainly there are three types of nuclear waste- low level, intermediate level and higher level. Naturally occurring radioactive material known as NORM are said to be the largest sources of nuclear waste. The low level waste comes from hospital departments of nuclear medicine, nuclear power plants, and research labs. Intermediate level waste is generated by ion exchange columns of cooling systems of nuclear power plants, uranium processing plants and nuclear weapon. Coming to the highest level of waste, it comes from massive chunks of radioactive materials and what is known as the spent fuel. As is apparent, the higher level wastes are the ones that have to be stored in a preferentially safe place before it becomes inert enough to be considered safe. The Numbers Nuclear waste Factbox The Impact The world shivers when we talk about the Chernobyl nuclear mishap in Russia, the Fukushima accident in Japan, or the Three Mile Island accident in USA. Nuclear disasters have cost lives, taken toll on the existing population and destroyed the remnants of humanity at many places around the world. The effect of a nuclear explosion is so huge, that people staying miles away cannot escape its after-effects. The bomb blasts at Hiroshima and Nagasaki also stand witness to what havoc can the supreme weapon bring upon innocent civilian population. The most disturbing affect lies in the fact that nuclear radiations travel by the aerial means. As such, it is communicable at distances which would have taken a much greater time to reach had the medium of dispersion been something else. Secondly, the fact that the ultimate affect of nuclear radiations lies in the transformation of genetic sequences, poses a threat to mankind in the deepest meaning of the word. The result is that the surviving population bears the heavy weight of very existence. Genes being changed, means that generation together to come would have to live with the fact that their ancestors had, at some point of time been exposed to the ruthlessness of a nuclear explosion, and the genetic changes can be more than just difficult. Green alternatives Nuclear fusion reaction is the most potent source of untapped energy that is absolutely harmless to nature with the same intensity of energy efficiency as that of a fission reaction. It is the same chain of reactions that take place on the sun and release an untold amount of energy flares. This reaction has, till now not been tapped on a large scale in any productive way. It is a chain that becomes involuntary once set in motion and this very fact makes it more dangerous than fission reaction. The raw material for fusion reaction is also available in plenty on the earth’s surface – Deuterium and Lithium. Other sources of energy like solar, wind, geothermal and tidal are few of the other options that are worth considering. After all, any form of energy that could light your house without leaving any sort of regrettable waste behind is more than welcome in today’s age of scampering energy crisis.
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Polluted Planet: Nuclear waste
Sanjib Saha: Need for cleaner aviation Aviation industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Nowadays, people prefer to travel by air and, therefore, the number of aircrafts has also increased. Any pollutant released in air will surely harm the atmosphere. It needs to get more energy efficient. Aircrafts powered by hydrogen a) Growth in the number of airline passengers As per records, it has been stated that in 2006 there were around 240 million passengers who went through UK airports. It showed an increase of 30% as per last five years’ records. The Government has predicted that by the year 2020 the number can increase up to 400 million. The global air traffic is said to have increased by 3.5% every year. The number of flights has increased to serve the huge number of people, hereby affecting the air traffic. b) Air quality The supersonic jets release pollutants in the stratosphere damaging the ozone layer. Moreover, the rapid growth of this industry and surface traffic near the airports, is contributing a lot in deteriorating the air quality. Any emissions at higher level of atmosphere are likely to have major effect on the environment. c) Temperature change The aircrafts fly at high altitude and contrails are formed. Scientists predicted that by 2050, the contrails formed will affect global warming in a big way by forming carbon dioxide more than the aircraft engines. A contrail raises the atmospheric temperature. It spreads in the atmosphere and doesn’t allow heat to move out of the earth. Thus, night temperature increases. Benefits of hydrogen fuel Hydrogen fuel is eco friendly. When this fuel burns, it doesn’t release any polluted gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons and smoke. Though, a very little percent of these gases are released by aircrafts as compared to others on a daily basis, the release in upper layers of atmosphere make the difference. Nitrogen oxides are major pollutant in depleting ozone layer. These oxides even form smog, if reacted with ground ozone. This fuel will also reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. A glimpse into the future Researchers and scientists worked hard and came up with some models that run on hydrogen fuel. The models are still being worked upon. Here are a few of them. 1. Boeing’s Corpulent hydrogen powered spy plane Boeing’s Hydrogen-Powered Spy Plane The Phantom Eye is quite light in weight. It consists of two 2.3 liter, four-cylinder engines . These engines can produce a power of 150 hp each. It can stay at an altitude of 65,000 feet for four days without refueling. Its only by-product is water. 2. Global Observer unmanned aircraft Global Observer unmanned aircraft The high enduring Global Observer unmanned aircraft will run on hydrogen fuel. It is 70 feet long and has a wingspan of 175 feet. The fuel drives four electric motors. During a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the aircraft reached a height of 5000 feet. It is expected that the strength and altitude will be improved further to reach up to 55,000-65,000 feet. 3. FlyH2 aircraft FlyH2 Aircraft Designed by FlyH2 Aerospace CC, the aircraft aimed at promoting the use of hydrogen fuel in place of hydrocarbons and fossil fuels. They are working on developing fuel cell systems that are light in weight. Problems associated with hydrogen aircrafts The aircrafts are still facing some technical and structural difficulties such as the following. 1. Hydrogen is almost three times more efficient than oil but at the same time is four times heavier. 2. It is inflammable substance. 3. The cost of making hydrogen fuel commercially available to public is very high. The manufacturing process needs lots of advanced technologies that come at a high cost. 4. Scientists have found that the fuel tanks that will be used will have to be four times larger than the present models. Consequently, larger energy will be consumed, almost 10 times more, due to larger surface area. The bottom line The existence of hydrogen, electric and biofuel planes are predicted to be there in 15 years from now. With hydrogen propulsion technology still in its infancy, it can be predicted that in a couple of decades, airplanes flying on clean fuels such as hydrogen will be developed and flying might just become emission free.
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Will aircrafts powered by hydrogen fly us into the future?
Abdul Vahid V: What’s happening right now Solar energy is one of the most reliable alternative power options. Across the world, green enthusiasts have accepted solar panels as a means to harvest alternative energy. There are various kinds of solar cells that you can use in different ways to produce power from sunlight and heat. Most traditional solar cells are static and they can generate power when the sunlight flashes on them. The green world is now going behind some recent sun chasing solar cells that can follow sun as it moves from the east to west to provide better output in generation of alternative power. Scroll down to find out some recent trends in the evolution of sun chasing solar panels. Smart Sun-Chasing Solar Panels Trends 1. Smart sun-Chasing solar panels A Japan-based solar start-up, Smart Solar International has produced a solar panel that can turn its face to the moving sun. Made of aluminum mirror bars, the sun chasing solar panels can provide optical efficiency in power generation throughout the day. Instead of conventional photovoltaic cells, the system makes use of less expensive silicon. To prevent heating of aluminum bars, the solar panel has an advanced system. According to Takashi Tomita, the head of the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology of the University of Tokyo, the sun chasing solar panels can bring both heat and energy. 2 Sun-tracking Sola LED streetlight Sun-tracking Sola LED streetlight Sola LED is a sun tracking LED streetlight from a team of researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology. The streetlight is known for its highly power-efficient LED lamp, which is powered by a sun tracking solar panel. The power generated is stored in advanced lithium batteries, which can used to light up the street in night. The sun tracking solar cell brings better output for the entire system making it shine even in cloudy days. 3 GPS to track the sun GPS to Track the Sun A solar farm in Vermont, installed by All Earth Renewables, has deployed innovative solar panels, which are controlled by wireless and GPS technology. The pioneering solar panels are able to produce 40 percent more energy than traditional static solar cells. As a result, the Vermont farm, which has around 400 solar cells, can produce about 2.2 megawatts to power up 450 households, says All Earth Renewables. The concept The very philosophy behind the sun chasing or sun tracking solar panels is to make solar cells absorb maximum heat and light from sun in a day. The revolutionary solar cells can track or chase the sun as it floats in the sky. Thus, power can be generated for more than nine hours in daytime. If the solar panels are static, they can only take up sunlight in a few hours. The ultimate result is more productivity. As per reports, chasing solar panels offer 40 percent better productivity than conventional solar panels. The advantages Better output: The biggest advantage of the chasing solar panels is better output. Due to the exposure of sun for many more hours in a day, tracking solar panels can generate more power. Power even in cloudy days: If you use conventional solar panels, there is better chance that you would be in dark in night it was a cloudy day. If the more efficient chasing solar panels are deployed, you can certainly avoid the situation in most occasions. The impact Sun chasing solar panels are to wholly change the scene of solar energy. Until now, we used fixed solar panels on our roofs and solar farms. But with the evolution of sun tracking solar panels, we will be able to harvest maximum amount of electricity in a day. Even on a cloudy day, you won’t have to meet the shortage of power, because the moving solar panels can generate power more power that day. However, the technology is in its infancy stage. More developments are needed to bring advanced sun tracking solar panels into existence, which could ensure better output than the existing solar panels.
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Future Perfect: Sun chasing solar panels for enhanced energy output
Radhicka S Saxena: The task of building an applied sciences and engineering campus on Roosevelt Island is certainly a tough one. Stanford shelved the project just within three days. But it seems that Cornell has come out as a winner in this remarkable feat as Stanford thought the project was not feasible. Winning is certainly good news for Cornell, and in addition the institute has also bagged a $350 million prize for this accomplishment. For this project, Cornell forms an alliance with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. More than $2 billion will be spent to build the 2 million square feet campus on Roosevelt Island. Cornell plan is for an SOM-designed campus with four acres of solar panels Picture Gallery Cornell Wins Contest for Science Campus on Roosevelt Island Cornell Wins Contest for Science Campus on Roosevelt Island The island located in east of Manhattan is about 2 miles long and will house around 2500 students for its masters and doctoral programs. Although students will start to enroll from the next year, the permanent home on the campus will take a long time to come up. The project opines to overtake the place Silicon Valley enjoys when it comes to technological innovation. The campus wants to recruit and nurture talent capable of spearheading next generation companies. There has always been a dearth of engineers in New York city and this facility seeks to provide a solution for the same. In addition, the campus will also bring about a change in the small island located in between Queens and Manhattan. The university is now planning to build a campus that will be designed by SOM Architects. The campus is destined to have four acres of solar panels, 500 geothermal wells, and 2.1 million square feet of space for more than 2,000 students. Moreover, the initiative also plans to raise funds for start ups based in New York city, and close to $150 million will be garnered for this undertaking. Companies supported by the campus will be encouraged. The facility is now planning to engender close to 600 companies in the coming 30 years. These companies are expected to generate approximately 30,000 new jobs. Furthermore, the campus could spawn about $23 billion which will contribute towards the healthy economy of the city as well as the country. Via: Curbed
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Cornell wins contest to design campus on Roosevelt Island
Munmun Goswami: Come next year, and construction will set out in full swing for Christchurch Cathedral in New Zealand. So, you would be wondering what’s so special about this. Well, the church will be entirely made from recyclable cardboard materials. Earlier this year, the church was substantially damaged by an earthquake. So, it had been an absolute necessity to repair the church since it had become a potent threat to the civil life of the city. Church Made From Cardboard Picture Gallery Church Made From Cardboard New Zealand Church Made From Cardboard by Tokyo-based Shigeru Ban Architects Shigeru Ban Architects, an architecture firm located in Tokyo, is the one behind this entire concept. The firm choose cardboard because of some of its awesome features including its easy availability and ability to recycle. As against concrete buildings, cardboard based buildings are less vulnerable to earthquakes and can be easily deconstructed. The entire cost of the project would be approximately $3 million. Surprisingly, the architecture firm is working free of cost for the Cathedral. And, once construction is over, the church will be able to accommodate as many as 700 people. The construction would be in the form of ‘A’ made from 64 locally obtained cardboard tubes. Coming to the life span of this church, it would be around 10 years. There is a little of debate here. Taking all the goodies into consideration, the temporary nature of the church, easy availability of the construction material, the lowness of expenditure, can the fact that ultimately, cardboard is made from trees be so easily overcome? When we all are talking about a pious convenience, is it a sin to throw a glance on what the effect of preparing an entire framework of a building out of cardboard can be on the already dwindling picture of greenery? Of course, you would say that the proportion would be negligible when compared to the entire panorama of ruthlessness that we are tolling on our forests, but yet, would it not have been wise to contribute in the smallest way to preserving the remaining precious layer? It would be sane to give a thought! Source: Earth911
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Serenity out of Cardboard: Church smells of the holiness of pure cardboard
Abdul Vahid V: Current trends in hydroelectricity Hydroelectricity is a process of producing electricity by propelling huge generators using water energy kept in a large reservoir. It is one of the most popular ways to produce electricity across the world. Propelled by the forceful fall of water, the turbines produce mechanical energy, which is later converted into electrical energy. Osmotic Power Dams, are they really green? For generating hydroelectricity, massive dams are to be manufactured. It is because water should fall on the turbines with huge pressure to get electricity produced. But it is a crucial question whether the dams are secured for nature. The answer is a big no; dams are quite dangerous for the environment, soil, wildlife, surrounding habitats and even human beings living downstream and upstream. Apart from all environmental imbalances the dams impend, most dams in the world are not resistant of huge earthquakes. It means dams are kind of ‘water bombs’ over the lives of people living in the nearby locations. So, what is a better solution for power from water? Well, we all want electricity. But, dams built up for hydroelectricity are critical for the nature and human beings. So, here we introduce a new method for energy from water; it is osmotic power, read on to know more. Osmotic power Osmotic power is an advanced method to generate electricity from the energy existent in different slat-concentrations between freshwater in rivers and salty water in sea. An organic filter, a semipermeable membrane, is used for the osmotic process between the two different salt-concentrations. As the membrane allows small molecules pass through, water starts bringing down the salt-concentration on the side of the membrane, which involves more salt. The resultant pressure on the other side can be used to produce energy using generators and turbines. Two key methods are used to produce energy this way. They are reverse electro dialysis (RED) and pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO), which depend on osmosis with ion membranes. The waste product of the process is brackish water. The technology is being developed for commercial purpose in countries like Norway and the Netherlands. Methods to generate clean energy: Pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) It is one of the two methods to produce osmotic power. In this method, the water potential between salty water and fresh water equals to a pressure of 26 bars. It is corresponding to a column of water 270 m high; yet, the optimal operational pressure is just half of this, i.e. 11 to 15 bar. The PRO method of osmotic power generation is developed by Prof. Sidney Loeb at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. Reversed electro dialysis (RED) Under this method, osmotic power is produced through letting a salt solution and fresh water through a heap of alternating cathode and anode exchange membranes. Indeed, here the chemical potential difference between fresh and salt water generates the voltage required for the production of energy. Some key projects 1. South Australia’s barren endorheic Lake Torrens and Lake Eyre Project MIK Technology of Hutson, U.S.A has suggested a massive osmotic power plant in between barren endorheic Lake Torrens and Lake Eyre in South Australia. The project can increase the country’s power supply by 20 percent and it will boost renewable energy efforts across the world. For the project, seawater needs to be extended 70 kms to the project site from Spencer Gulf at Port Augusta. It requires four phases to finish the massive project, which can contribute to enormous amount of renewable power. 2. Statkraft Osmotic Power Plant, Norway Statkraft Osmotic Power Plant, which situates in Tofte, Norway, is the world’s first osmotic power generation plant. The plant was constructed by Statkraft and is operated by SINTEF Energy Research. It was commissioned in November 2009 and it is designed to generate 10kW of electricity. Currently, it can produce 1,600TWh-1,700TWh a year, 13 times better than the energy produced in the country through hydroelectricity. The low downs: As mentioned above, the major waste product of the osmotic power is brackish water. The discharge of brackish in large quantities will bring salinity fluctuations in water. Extreme and sudden variations in salinity often have negative results for plants, fishes and other creatures in the surroundings. Another lowdown is that some constructions will be required in the adjacent areas to house the generators and other equipments for osmotic power.
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Osmotic power: A green way to generate renewable energy from water
Dakshina Thakur: Although the mere idea of stuffing those bags with necessary stuff for an exciting camping trip can bring thrill to your adventurous side, but it may not be so facile if you were thinking of getting your hands on ‘green camping’. At least, that’s how it appears for enthusiasts who try it for the very first time. Nevertheless, all your require to start your green camping is the company of a few eco friendly gadgets that won’t only help you enjoy your camping to the fullest with convenience at its best, but will also ensure that you indeed are falling light on your surroundings. Therefore, to help you settle upon which accessories you need to carry to your trip, we have plunked down some green gadgets for your green camping that should enable you to have an experience never felt before. Take a quick look! eco friendly camping 1: Oasis Solar Rechargeable Lantern Oasis Solar Rechargeable Lantern Price: $99.99 Manufacturer: Oasis You may have glanced through several interesting looking lanterns but the uniquely designed Oasis Solar Rechargeable Lantern could add high usability to your camping trip. Imbued with premium components and stainless steel construction, the solar-powered lantern integrates support for solar panels that can be seamlessly folded open – enabling users to accommodate it into the lamp’s topmost part. Besides being an efficient, long lasting LED light source, the rechargeable lantern features the capacity to run for up to twelve hours. However, if you are camping at the place where there’s no solar availability, you could rely on the battery options and AC adapter. Buy now: Amazon 2: Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio Price: $28.04 Manufacturer: Microlink Another green gadget that should be included in your stockpile is the self-powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio. Enclosed in a compact design, the ultra portable has been designed to keep your journey engrossed with euphonious tunes. Interestingly, one can also stay updated through NOAA weather – all seven channels. The neat device also features a built-in hand crank power generator, a cell phone charger and a 3 white LED light source. Not to forget, you’ll also find an earphone jack of 3.5mm socket. Buy now: Amazon 3: Table Top Fireplace Table Top Fireplace Price: $419 Manufacturer: Carl Mertens If you are camping around or are amidst of some dark shaded area or if the evening has dawned upon, then you might require a medium that lights up the environment for you to know what’s happening around. The amazing yet highly usable Table Top Fireplace from Carl Mertens makes an incredible green gadget for any day camping purpose. An eye-catching miniature fireplace incorporates a slate base and benefits from the Liquid Paraffin Lamp Oil – which of course you would be required to carry separately. The table top fireplace also creates a beautiful focal point for your table through two stainless steel logs and its ability to render warmth and light. Buy now: Gnr8 4: iTouchless iTouchless Price: $29.95 Manufacturer: iTouchless Don’t be mistaken by assuming it to be a product from Apple. However, this one too stands distinguished for its quality and purpose. Perfect for users who ever searched for a flashlight during a power outage in the darkness, the new iTouchless Flashlight DLX comes handy when you have run out of those batteries. The waterproof device makes camping simply great by requiring no bulbs and no batteries. Users can simply shake the innovative device for about 60 seconds and have up to 100 minutes of continuous bright light. It also comes with separated double super coils that furthermore help campers have stronger and faster charge with every shake. Buy now: iTouchless 5: Super 99 Solar GPS Travel Recorder Super 99 Solar GPS Travel Recorder Price: $119 Manufacturer: QSTARZ Last but not the least, the Super 99 Solar GPS Travel Recorder from QSTARZ should wrap up your list of green gadgets for green camping. The portable solar travel-recorder lends support to multi-mode setting which allows users to conveniently record data. By taking advantage of the variant, users can even log up to 200,000 records and tag their favorite pictures with GPS data. Not only this, the ability to share pictures with other friends by the virtue of Google Earth has been added as well. The company has further infused a strong built-in solar panel and Li-ion battery for it to stay conscious for about 48 hours. Buy now: Canada GPS
Dakshina Thakur: Since the blueprints for devising consumer solutions have been transmogrifying to render efficiency in extreme, manufacturers are certainly hammering away at adopting the green approach. Although we have witnessed almost plenty of devices that throw light on the environment, the new concept vows to stand out from the rest. Surfaced recently, the novel Torus Design emerges to be the first home that focuses on utilizing the cold fusion generation. E-Cat/LENR Home Energy System Inspired by the famous movie Thrive, the unique house concept showcases the different ways of helping the surroundings establish prosperity across the globe. Since the environment has been facing problems due to the insufficiency of energy, the wisely outlined Torus Design puts forth an affordable and sustained energy medium. Besides concentrating on elevating self sufficiency, the concept assists in increasing the sense of renewable energy and food production. With 2,224 square feet of interior and 1,520 square feet of courtyard, the project could also be used as a duplex, whereby an individual can render the other half to someone else on a rental basis. Apart from ensuring sustainability and its aim of raising the living standard, Torus Design could also be an influential, amazing way for large families to move in together. In addition to being an E-Cat/LENR home energy system, the house concept has also been customized for large families as a potential solution. The project incorporates a cool pantry, underground Earthbag Survival Shelter and cisterns on the exterior and the courtyard. One would also discover the optional escape tunnel with the stated survival shelter, food forest which surrounds the home and rainwater barrels. Furthermore, the project will be subsuming two baths, two bedrooms at each side and footprint of 74’ diameter, excluding the 8.5’ wide greenhouse. Although it’s still kind of unknown who has designed the concept, Torus Design is anticipated to divulge some more details in the near future. Source: Earthbath Building
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Torus Design concept house utilizes eco friendly E-Cat/LENR energy generation system