Dattatreya Mandal: As we know it In the present era, the renewable energy realm has a share of about 19 percent in worldwide electricity generation. Now, for the uninitiated, this may seem to be a paltry figure, but if we go by statistical expansion, the ongoing phase is certainly propitious for sustainable output. As a matter of fact, total power capacity from renewable sources momentously exceeded the world capacity of nuclear power for the first time in 2011. In this regard, the major progression was actually witnessed in the case of wind power, with a whopping increment from 6.1 GW in 1996 to more than 200 GW by 2011. Low-cost wind turbine Need for change While, wind power market penetration is expected to reach over 8 percent of worldwide electricity usage by 2018, the predicament lies with the quality of technology, rather than quantity. The intrinsic mechanism of major wind power oriented installations still entail the utilization of conventional wind turbines. Now, these behemoth constructs do have a slew of problems ranging from practicality to spatial attributes. The disadvantages include comparative high costs, requirement of larger areas and even their susceptibility to natural effects like lightning and storms. Moreover, bigger turbines are known to cause significantly higher levels of sound pollution (striking almost 50-60 decibels on an average). What’s next In such circumstances, the relatively nascent ‘green technology’ oriented industry should look forth to adopt a more flexible, low cost yet efficient approach to wind power generation. The solution should not only encompass improving statistical figures, but also provide a collective foundation of sustainable power, to reach to the masses (both locally and commercially). Fortunately, there have been some adroit conceptions conceived by a few ingenious designers to cater to this cumulative scope, albeit with an ardent essence of practicality. 1. Motorwind a micro-wind turbine technology Motorwind What’s new When we talk about the fruits of conventional wind energy, the sustainable impact is actually felt less in the urban sector. In answer to this, scientists at Hong Kong University and Lucien Gambarota of Motorwave Ltd. have contrived the ‘Motorwind’. Envisaged as micro-wind turbines, the design comprises of light weighted and compact rotors (at only 25 cm diameter) that are arranged in an array. To be ‘hanged’ like wet clothes, the flexible $150 system is touted to generate credible amount of power, with wind speeds even as low as 2 meters/second. What difference will it make We did mention its suitable application in the urban scope, where wind speeds does have the tendency to decrease . For the device, testing has shown a credible output of around 131 kWh/yr for average wind speed of 5km/hr. Moreover, the overall cost can also get subsidized once the technology has strengthened its commercial appeal; thus making it a viable yet sustainable option for more number of consumers. 2. Low-Cost Wind Turbine Built in Guatemala Low-Cost Wind Turbine Guatemala What’s new Simplicity is the name of the game in this practical wind turbine contrived by one David Fisher. The mechanism entails an efficient yet uncomplicated design that is based on curved blades and a vertical axis. But more importantly, the material used for the construction seems to be a low cost plastic component, complimented by a modest electromagnetic generator. What difference will it make The effortless mechanism righteously alludes to the trend of green technological progression within the scope of vernacular and local constraints. With this kind of ’simplistic’ yet low cast advancement, clean wind power can certainly make its foray into the energy eco system of developing countries. 3. Student develops low-cost wind turbine from recycled materials Low-cost wind turbine What’s new Finally, a design that looks forth to solve our labor related problems, product design student Max Robson has ingeniously devised his low-cost version of an efficient wind turbine. Created entirely form recycled scrap, the relatively compact prototype (with 1.8m width) can generate up to 11.3 watts of power, which is good enough for a lighting fixture for at least 63 hours. What difference will it make According to our young designer, the total cost for building his vernacular project just came around $37. And that is not even the best part; because Robson sees the meager cost going conveniently further down, when the design is replicated in developing countries. Moreover, the uncomplicated mechanism of the conception will allow unskilled workers to build it from locally available materials, and that too within a day. 4. Wind Belt Wind Belt What’s new Real conscientious innovation is always fueled by limited budget, not infinite resources. At least that is what 28 year old California based inventor Shawn Frayne has proved by his fascinating micro-turbine design, called as the Wind Belt. Touted to be 10 to 30 times more efficient than any comparable micro-turbine, the main component of the contraption includes a taut membrane fitted with a pair of magnets, which oscillate between metal coils. What difference will it make The designer thinks his conception can aptly pose as the alternative yet sustainable solution for petroleum oriented products, such as kerosene lamps. The clean harnessed power can be used for small scale LED fixtures and radios. As a matter of fact, Frayne has also thought of a symbiotic economic system, where the proceeds from Wind Belt’s applications in industrialized countries would help in funding other green technology oriented systems in developing countries.

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What’s Next: Low cost wind turbines for the developing world

SUNITA MANDAL: People still wonder whether an electric vehicle is a good option or not ? While a compromise on speed may desist you, the saving of fuel might impulse you for purchasing one. With the EV Mini Sport electric vehicle from Japan, technology has made possible to deliver almost similar power like the petrol powered versions. What is more interesting about this vehicle is that the creator is not Tesla, but a Japan-based manufacturer called Tajima Motor corporation that has developed an emission free as well as cool looking mini sports vehicle. EV Mini Sport electric sports car Japan’s EV Mini Sport car measures 2.49 m in length, 1.29 m in width and 1.09 m in height. The vehicle is powered by a 40Ah lithium-ion polymer battery which gives you a run of around 30km on a full charge, after which you do have to search for a nearby power outlet. Other than this, the speed is measured at 70 km per hour which gives it the feeling of a sporty vehicle. This electric vehicle was first showcased in 2010 and is now set to go on sale in Japan and other countries soon. This car weighs 280 kg and is fun to sit and drive around. It is a one seater vehicle where the driver gets the feeling of sitting in a compact cabin just like a pilot. The company will also offer 80Ah and 120Ah versions soon. The manufacturer of this vehicle will sell this EV Mini Sport for $47,800 and the base model will be priced at $26,000. Consumers will have to order for lamps, batteries, exterior panels, and other equipment separately. EV Mini Sport electric sports car. EV Mini Sport electric sports car. Via: Ubergizmo

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EV Mini Sport: An electric sports car from Japan

Sonia Renthlei: As we know it One of the most ancient forms of energy is hydropower. Its use has been documented for centuries and it is one of the most common forms of renewable energy. So common is its application in this regard that the United States’ renewable energy sector depends on hydropower for 49 percent of overall production. So, how exactly is hydropower generated? The process depends on massive amounts of falling water whose pressure triggers turbines that in turn produce electricity. Hydroelectricity without dams The need for change Hydropower is especially suitable for those areas that see a lot of water. Currently, it makes up 21 percent of global renewable energy sources. Conventional methods of generating hydropower require the use of dams which act as water reservoirs to drive turbines and generators. While hydropower provides us with a much greener alternative than fossil-fuel based power, dams are expensive to construct and aren’t all that environmentally friendly. They divert water which many people rely on while flooding other areas and posing a risk to the ecosystem. Some have also been known to contribute to geological imbalances. What’s next In view of the many dangers that large water reservoirs meant for hydropower can pose, there is a growing urgency to derive the same energy result without building dams. Fortunately, this urgency has spawned attractive concepts that could very well see us doing away with dams in the future. 1. Hydropower Kinetic Technology Hydropower Kinetic Technology What’s new Hydro Green Energy has developed turbine arrays that work on the principle of hydrokinetics. These modular turbines can be lowered and raised with the help of an on-board gantry, making it easier to conduct maintenance operations and doing away with the need to dive below the surface of the water to conduct checks. A floating raft acts as a platform for whatever operation needs to be undertaken. The rated capacity of the turbine arrays is 250kW per unit. What difference will it make This method of hydropower ensures that marine life is not disturbed and balance is maintained in the ecosystem. Unlike conventional hydropower, no dams are needed and the only requirement is flowing water. 2. FlipWing turbine FlipWing turbine What’s new Seattle’s Hydrovolts Inc. launched the FlipWing turbine in 2010, with a view to generating hydropower without the use of dams. What is great about the technology is that the turbine can be used to generate power in shallow waters, serving as a solution to those areas where water bodies aren’t deep. The turbine is completely submerged and the blades are pushed against the center shaft by the current to drive the rotation. Incidentally, the technology is believed to be able to generate about 4kW of power. The company is currently working on building turbines of different sizes. What difference will it make The FlipWing turbine can be used in aqueducts and irrigation canals, offering areas with shallow water sources a chance to generate their own hydropower. 3. Free flow underwater turbines Free Flow Underwater Turbines What’s new Ontario’s Verdant Power has built free flow turbines as part of the Cornwall Ontario River Energy Project. The turbines work much like a wind turbine does, except that they’re powered by water. The blades are slow-moving to allow marine life safe passage through the waters. What difference will it make Verdant’s free flow water turbines can also be applied to harness tidal currents to generate more energy. And while the impact of this technology cannot be said to be nil, it is still a far safer option than conventional hydropower techniques. 4. CARE Electric CARE Electric What’s new Johann Hoffmann is a name that is synonymous with eco-based inventions. Continuing his legacy of patenting innovative concepts, Hoffmann had CARE Electric Energia develop a turbine that generates electricity while protecting marine life and ensuring passage for small boats. The system is suspended in the midst of flowing water bodies while attached turbine blades rotate due to water flow and pressure that builds up from behind the installation. CARE Electric says that their system generates up to 90 percent of the total capacity of the generator which is substantially higher than conventional systems. What difference will it make The system, unlike conventional ones, can operate all year round to generate smooth supply of electricity. What is more impressive, however, is that CARE Electric’s system offers fish and small boats easy passage, maintaining the ecological balance and giving way for transportation and commerce. 5. Hydrokinetic river turbine Hydrokinetic river turbine What’s new A hydrokinetic river turbine developed and installed by New Energy Corp and Alaska Power & Telephone respectively, is currently being used by the small town of Eagle, Alaska, to generate hydropower in a safe manner. The system has been attached to a barge and rotates at speeds slow enough so as not to disturb aquatic life. According to the makers, their system is capable of generating 25kW of renewable power. What difference will it make The system is beneficial where aquatic life is seen in plenty and offers towns the option of generating their own clean power.

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What’s Next: Generating hydroelectricity without building dams

Solar Frontier’s thin-film technology will be used at a 150 megawatt solar farm in California because of price and year-round production. Originally posted at News – Cutting Edge

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Next-gen solar tech makes big leagues

Garima Goel: In an attempt to revolutionize urban transportation and address the ever-mounting environmental concerns at the same time, designers and auto manufacturers from all around the globe are coming up with innovative personal mobility solutions. With the growing environmental awareness and the challenges of urban commuting, people nowadays prefer electric rides to the gas-guzzling modes of transportation. Till date, we have seen so many concept electric scooters, but only a few manage to stand apart, and the Sense electric scooter is no exception. Sense Picture Gallery Sense Sense – solar powered electric scooter Designed by Karina Karol of California, the Sense electric scooter runs on electrical and solar energy. Quiet easy and light to handle, the Sense concept electric scooter enjoys sophisticated technology and high-end features, which makes it different from the other run-of-the-mill concepts. To start with, the Sense scooter connects to your electronic devices like smartphone, email and your social networking accounts. To compliment the smartness of the Sense electric scooter, the designer has integrated voice assistance feature within the Sense Helmet. It also has a navigational system that has been specifically designed for the Sense scooter, which will guide you make your way through the busy urban lanes. Moreover, to ensure a clean green ride, the Sense comes equipped with PV panel that exploits the sun’s energy to run the LED lighting system and the dashboard lights of the scooter. The Sense scooter is sensible too, as it uses all the information it knows about you to help you out with your needs and offers you suggestions whenever you need them. Powered by the now, Sense also helps you find the available parking areas in the city. The Sense by Karina Karol undoubtedly seems a fun and sensible way to ride the busy urban roads, as it not only helps you do your bit for the Mother Nature, but also adds fun to your ride. Via: Behance

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Sense electric scooter promises a sensible ride for urban commuters

Balakrishnan Ramachandran: An Israeli start-up company, Greenlet Technologies, has come up with a simple device that permits remote monitoring and control of power consumed by electrical appliances at home. The appliance is plugged into this wall socket like device. This device has internet connectivity with power utility through a local router. For this new and innovative technology the company has even applied for a patent. Greenlet Power Socket This technology enables the power utility to monitor electric consumption in a distribution area using a Greenlet Technologies supplied computer program. When the electrical distribution system experiences a surge in demand, the utility sends a remote signal to turn off the appliance for a period of time. Once the demand surge passes, the appliance is turned back on. In addition, a text message is sent to the user’s mobile phone so that he can override the turn-off command if he wants. This Greenlet power socket is easy to install and is typically used for power intensive appliances like air conditioners, water heaters, dryers and electric ovens. Most of these appliances are not overly sensitive to power being turned off for short periods. As an incentive to permitting this remote access, the homeowner receives a rebate on his utility bill amounting to about $1 per kWH of load reduced during peak demand periods. This could result in savings of $20 to $30 a month depending on the number and duration of such turn-off events. Greenlet participated in a pilot program covering initially 150 households and then 3000 households in the summer of 2010, when Israel faced periods of electricity shortage. Greenlet is currently working with several utilities in the US including Austin Power, California PG&E, Citizens Utility Board, Chicago and an unnamed east coast utility. In the past, the response to any demand surge was to build additional power generating capacity. This option is becoming increasingly expensive and difficult for the utilities due to restrictive environmental permits. Smart meters and smart grids are being built all round the world to permit two-way communication between the power user and the utility company to enable peak power management. It is estimated that a 10 percent reduction in peak demand could save between $8 and $20 billion in new power plant construction in the US. The Greenlet solution is implementable at low cost and can become instrumental in managing the demand of home power consumption. Via: Israel21c

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Greenlet permits remote control of power consumption

Sonia Renthlei: Technology today Humans have made massive progress in technology over the centuries. We’ve made it to the moon and back, deployed space probes into Mars, made computers small enough to fit in a handbag and developed cars fast enough to race jets on the ground. The list is long and impressive. But, despite this, we cannot help but realize that our technological advancements still have to depend on conventional fossil fuels which are finite and are on their way to becoming completely exhausted. In a way, this dependence on conventional fuels shows that while we’ve made some great technological breakthroughs, our inventions aren’t very efficient. Considering the rate at which we’re progressing in terms of technology, we’re going to have to come up with alternative fuel sources that can guarantee us an endless supply of energy. Fossil fuels are also highly polluting and contribute to the greenhouse effect which is why green energy is so essential. Engineered antibodies to fight specific diseases The need for nature inspired technology Global warming and diminishing sources of conventional fuels are driving bright minds to create concepts that utilize clean and green energy. They’re taking a leaf out of nature’s design book and coming up with ideas that are sustainable, low polluting and have minimal impact on the environment. Biomimetics is their inspiration and if their ideas can be put to practical use, we may one day see a world where all our inventions will help keep our planet alive. 1. The proposal: Nature-inspired technology creates engineered antibodies to fight specific diseases The proposer: Matt DeLisa Matthew DeLisa and his team of researchers have applied the twin-arginine translocation pathway mechanism which is used by plant cells and bacteria to diffuse proteins in other cells, and have come up with a method whereby protein machinery can be artificially engineered. This ability to control what proteins can and can’t do could pave the way for treating a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer’s which currently has no cure. DeLisa and his team are making use of the E. Coli bacterium to act as a host for producing proteins which can later be modified for glycosylation which is a process that produces sugar which can then be attached to organic molecules like proteins. While E. Coli has the ability to act like a host cell for producing proteins, it can’t perform glycosylation but the proteins it produces can be modified for glycosylation. Benefits: Matt DeLisa’s research will be used to treat diseases that can’t be cured through existing technology. In time, it is hoped that a cure can be found for illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease and many others. 2. The proposal: Self cleaning solar panels Spider-inspired technology The proposer: Spider-inspired technology by University of Florida Solar panels are essential to harvesting solar energy which can then be converted to electricity. However, in order to generate enough power, you need a number of panels. These panels need to be kept clean as dirt and dust may block sunlight from hitting the surfaces. But most solar panels are placed way out of reach, making it difficult to clean. With a view to making panels easy to clean, researchers of the University of Florida have taken inspiration from spiders and have developed a technology that seeks to mimic the hair on a spider’s body which repels water. The technology will see the surface of solar panels having the ability to repel water while at the same time being able to use that water to pick up any dirt or grime on the surface, thus cleaning it. Benefits: The technology will see solar panels being able to effectively harvest sunlight, increasing the output of power. Moreover, it could also be used for ordinary windows as well as for food packaging. 3. The proposal: New airplane design mimics a seagull New Airplane Design The proposer: Geoffrey Spedding, University of Southern California Airplanes use a lot of fuel to fly and in this day of depleting fuel sources, there is a need to come up with a way that can increase energy efficiency. With a view to do this, Geoffrey Spedding of the University of California and his partner, Joachim Huyssen of South Africa’s Northwest University, designed a glider with the distinct shape of a seagull. The wings of the craft are crooked while the body is stubby and the tail is short. The short tail is meant to reduce drag, thereby increasing fuel efficiency. Unlike conventional airplanes where the tail controls the pitch, Spedding and Huyssen transferred this feature to the aircraft’s wings. This allowed them to cut down the size of the fuselage. Benefits: At the moment, the seagull-inspired glider is just a design and it isn’t known how effective it will be. If the design works, the prototype could pave the way for energy efficient aircrafts to be made. 4. The proposal: Biomimicry – architecture inspired by nature Biomimicry The proposer: Allison Alberts, Chief Conservation and Research Officer for the San Diego Zoo Applying biomimicry to architecture could see buildings that are self-sustaining. According to Allison Alberts, who is the Chief Conservation and Research Officer for the San Diego Zoo which conducts biomimicry research, paint manufacturers have created a paint called Lotusan, which when used on buildings, allows the structures to clean themselves when it rains. This eliminates the need for environmentally damaging detergents and cleaning agents. Alberts also cited another example of an office and shopping complex in Zimbabwe’s Hazare which was designed keeping in mind termite mounds which have the ability to remain one degree cooler irrespective of outside temperature. The complex in Hazare uses just about 10 percent of the energy utilized by other buildings of its size. Benefits: Research work done by people like Allison Alberts and San Diego Zoo can provide valuable insight of biomimicry to designers and engineers so that buildings and consumer products can be made to be greener and self-sustaining. 5. The proposal: Biologically inspired design Biologically inspired design The proposer: Massachusetts Institute of Technology A collaboration between USA’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Germany’s RWTH Aachen University has seen researchers being able to increase the efficiency of sunlight harvested by CSPs as well as reduce the carbon footprint produced during their installation by 16 percent by arranging reflective mirrors called heliostats in a parabolic spiral pattern, much like the face of a sunflower. Normally, CSP mirrors are arranged in concentric circles. However, this casts shadows which reduce efficiency and takes up valuable land space. Thus, by arranging the mirrors in a spiral, the researchers have found that land can be utilized better and the energy harvested is increased. Benefits: By applying their findings to solar installations, green energy producers may theoretically be able to reduce land use by about 10 percent as well as being able to increase the amount of sunlight harnessed.

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How nature inspired technologies will pave the way for a green future

The California Energy Commission takes aim at improving efficiency of battery chargers for laptops, music players, and larger battery-powered goods.

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Power-wasting battery chargers to go on energy diet

Cyclone Power Technologies will sponsor the first International Association for the Advancement of Steam Power at the California Automobile Museum January 13, 14, and 15. Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

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Steam power engine maker to sponsor conference

Sonia Renthlei: The present picture Renewable resources and non renewable resources are at two ends of a tug-of-war battle. While the latter is presently being used to an exhaustive extent, the former is still trying to find a prominent place in the list of energy sources. Conventional sources like coal have been used for a number of decades to power industries and homes. Its abundance and cheap cost is what propelled many to turn to it in the first place. The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries saw huge amounts of coal being used to drive countries like Britain to the forefront of progress. Earlier, this natural resource was used in small quantities and coal could be mined from close to the surface of the earth. However, as demands increased, there was a need to drill ever deeper. California Solar Projects Now, coal has dwindled to virtually nothing. This has led to a very steep rise in the cost of this once abundant resource. This in turn has led to expensive power generation. So, what is the solution? Coal takes millions of years to form and we can’t wait that long. An alternative is natural gas but it is also increasing in price as sources are dwindling. The Energy Information Agency estimated that in the year 2005 the world had about 60 years worth of natural gas left. It’s 2012 now and even if new technology finds a way to tap gas reserves to harness more, it could take years to come to fruition. The needs of renewable energy sector There is a need to find a viable replacement for petroleum-based energy sources and fast. If we don’t, we may see ourselves in a deadlock and the worst case scenario will witness technology coming to a standstill. Fortunately, there is a way out but it requires dedicated effort and large scale investment by governments and third parties the world over. At present, the US is proposing to help Turkey with its renewable energy efforts as the latter is expected to see an increase of five to seven percent in energy demands. Turkey is hoping that by the year 2023, it can produce 30 percent of power from renewable sources like wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and hydro. Countries like India that have large populations are also looking into renewable energy. Currently, renewable energy contributes to about 16 percent of the global final energy consumption. This number is slowly growing as concerns about climate change are prompting various sectors to utilize green energy. Automobile manufacturers like Ford and GM are turning to renewable energy to conduct operations. In fact, it is learned that the year 2010 saw a 32 percent increase in global investment in the renewable energy sector compared to the year 2009. Google’s take on clean energy Web companies like Google are also investing in renewable energy with handsome profits. According to the search engine giant, Google has invested over $915 million in this sector. The company has also taken it upon itself to make use of green and sustainable energy. Some of their corporate campuses utilize photovoltaic systems for solar energy and cogeneration units that make use of landfill gas to generate electricity. Google has also completed two PPAs with a commitment to purchase renewable energy from certain sources. Building a green future 1. The project: Large scale solar PV in California The investment: $94 million Google has invested $94 million in Recurrent Energy, a Sacramento-based company, for solar projects. The investment will cover four solar projects that is hoped will significantly benefit California’s energy needs. In fact, the project has found its first renewable energy client – the Sacramento Municipal Utility District which has signed a deal to purchase solar power for the next 20 years. The large scale undertaking will see 88MW of power being produced, enough to sustain 13,000 homes. 2. The project: Clean Power Finance – providing financing for rooftop solar panels Clean Power Finance The investment: $75 million Startup company, Clean Power Finance, is being financed by Google to help third party installers place solar panels on rooftops as part of solar rooftop projects. The investment of $75 million will see about 10,000 homes being benefited by solar power. 3. The project: SolarCity – solar for thousands of residential rooftops SolarCity The investment: $280 million In one of the biggest investments by Google, $280 million has gone into funding SolarCity for its residential solar market. It is expected that the funds will help install as many as 9000 solar rooftop projects. Since solar leases and installations can be quite expensive, it is hoped that Google’s investment will help customers avail of more affordable solar panels. 4. The project: Atlantic Wind Connection – a superhighway for clean energy transmission Atlantic Wind Connection The investment: A 37.5 percent equity stake Google’s 37.5 equity stake in the Atlantic Wind Connection project by Trans-Elect Development Company will hope to service offshore wind farms by a network of underground cables measuring a total of 350 miles from New Jersey to Virginia. The wind turbines that will be connected will be able to generate a substantial 6000MW of power to large population centers in the Mid-Atlantic region. 5. The project: Shepherd’s Flat – the world’s largest wind farm Shepherds Flat Wind Farm The investment: $100 million Shepherd’s Flat, billed to be the world’s largest wind farm with the proposed capacity to produce 845MW, has received backing from Google to install the latest turbine technology and magnet generators. The investment of $100 million will go a long way in meeting California’s growing energy demands. Southern California Edison will purchase the power produced for distribution under a long term agreement. A glimpse of the green future With big companies like Google paving the way for investments in green energy, there is hope that our ailing planet might just be saved. However, it cannot be left to a handful to bear the burden so there is a need for governments around the world to put in money and research for alternative energy. Such investments will see economies getting a boost as renewable energy is far cheaper compared to the rising costs of conventional resources like coal and natural gas. This in turn will open up avenues for much needed employment.

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Is Google looking to revive the ailing planet with investments in clean energy?