Christina Pinto: The search for renewable energy sources is growing more fervent, with many discoveries offering hope for future generations. Many innovative inventions have entered the market and each present the possibility that the world will cease to depend on non-renewable energy. Like other imaginative devices, the AIRE is showing a lot of potential. It is a mask that converts wind energy into electricity. The wearer straps on the mask and breathes normally; the electricity generated is enough to recharge small electronic devices. IRE Converts wearer’s breath into electricity Picture Gallery AIRE Converts wearer’s breath into electricity It can be used in any situation, indoors or outdoors. Gadgets are the modern man’s friend. Usually, a person has more than one electronic device that performs specific functions or has numerous uses in his daily life. However useful these devices, it is an undeniable fact that they consume a lot of electricity. The person has to make sure the energy bar is full for the device to work properly or for him to carry the item with him. As these electronic gadgets are mostly powered by non-renewable energy, they collectively become a drain on our resources. Everyday human activities are capable of being utilized towards the production of energy, for example riding bicycles can power MP3 players. This kind of alternative energy will help reduce pollution, save resources and lessen man’s impact on the environment. AIRE is an optimal solution for our energy worries. The concept electronic mask is able to convert the wearer’s breath, which is actually wind energy, into electrical energy. The mask has been fitted with small wind turbines that are active in conversion. A cable connected to the mask transfers the energy to the device attached on the other end. AIRE is fully functional both indoors or outdoors, when you are asleep or awake, walking or running etc. The device also encourages physical activity as it may speed up the charging process. This self-producing energy is available any day and at any time. Via: Red Dot

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AIRE concept mask produces electricity from wearer’s breath

Abdul Vahid V: World’s largest battery for energy storage has been realized in China. A collaboration of BYD, an automobile and rechargeable battery maker and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) has worked behind the huge battery, which is located in Zhangbei, Hebei Province, China. The enormous battery can store 36 megawatt-hours of energy altogether. It combines 140 MW of solar and wind energy, 36MWh of energy and an advanced power transmission system, said its developers. Largest battery Put it simply, the mammoth BYD battery is capable to store energy to power all data centers of Google for almost two months or to provide electricity for around 12,000 homes for an hour. The entire project is worth more than $500 million. BYD offered batteries in arrays larger than a football ground for the project. Xiu Binglin, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration finds the State Grid project as a move to highlight the country’s efforts to preserve new energy resources. The battery’s developers think that it will remain as the world’s largest battery for a long period. The gigantic battery is not known only for its big size and capacity to store energy. A mixture of various power options and smart grid technologies to store a big amount of renewable energy makes it a great project, analysts opined at the Solar Power International conference in Dallas last October. Indeed, this kind of energy storage projects reflects China’s special interests to preserve fresh energy sources. When the globe faces disturbing energy crisis, a move like this is highly appreciable. Via: SmartPlanet

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World’s largest battery in China stores 36MWh of energy

Developers can make “Energy Internet” apps that gather electricity data and control “smart” networked thermostats and appliances over a cloud-based development platform.

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Tendril opens up home energy Web services

Asmita Prasad: Computing solution giant IBM spends billions of dollars in advertising each year to try and make investors and the general public believe that its engineers are hard at work trying to come up with technology that would make things better for the humankind. And while the company has contributed immensely to modern technology, some of its claims seem to be more science fiction than anything else. Take, for example, their claim that developments in the next five years will allow folks to harvest energy from their own movements and from the movement of water through household plumbing. Though the idea is novel, it is IBM’s claim that the energy harvested from movement of water through pipes and human motion alone would be sufficient to power entire households that surprises us. IBM predicts people powered homes The claim is a part of ‘IBM 5 in 5′ which is a prestigious list of technological developments that the computing giant predicts would be realized in the next five years. The concept is wonderful and though several technological precedences for this stream of thought exist already and have been proven to be effective, alas, the laws of thermodynamics do not agree with IBM’s distinguished engineers. Even in theory, the notion that the electricity generated from regular human movement such as walking can power a whole home is absurd. And not in the least because the technology doesn’t exist. The technology that enables people to harvest their own movement by drawing energy from vibration via piezoelectric materials has already been produced, studied and proven effective. Sadly, it hasn’t been proven to be able to generate enough power for our needs. This means that though a special pair of sneakers fitted with piezoelectric sensors can produce electricity; it won’t be enough to juice up your iPod given the current state of technology. And that is why IBM’s claim falls flat on its face. There aren’t any studies to back this up just yet, but consider the amount of power a normal, mid-income family home needs to remain functional through a single day, and then compare it to the miniscule amounts of electricity that walking all day in a special pair of electricity would generate. Even without statistical data, the difference is huge and without a real hardcore study to back it, there is no way parasitic power collection that can power real homes within the next five years. Perhaps in the next fifty years when power collection technologies would advance by leaps and bounds, but definitely not in the next five years. Maybe its time IBM actually spent a little more moolah on trying to develop these technology and come up with actual stats and studies to back such claims rather than paying marketing whiz kids to come up with sensationalist catch phrases. Via: CNET

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IBM envisions homes powered by their owners within five years

Sanjib Saha: In this modern world, the cost of electricity is increasing day by day. If you are tired and frustrated of paying those high bills, it’s time to get an interesting change in your life. Start searching for the energy efficient houses.These homes are equipped with energy generating equipments which in turn reduces your electricity bill. Let us go through some of the zero energy houses:

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10 sustainable homes with zero energy attributes

Balasubramanya Subbarao: A zero-emission vehicle has been defined as one that does not release any tail-pipe emissions from source of power on board. The pollution of air takes place on a large scale due to the release of poisonous chemicals, particulates and gases from vehicular exhaust. Though the amount seems little, the sum total of all the exhaust, all over the world is a tremendously large amount! To counter this, many vehicles that run on electricity have been made. These too cannot be called zero emission vehicles in the strict sense because the source of their electricity may not be clean. Here , we present five motorcycles which are completely clean.

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Five zero emission motorcycles that don’t run on electricity

Balasubramanya Subbarao: If you are looking for that perfect sail over calm waters in a traditional looking modern boat that is completely green, you need not be disappointed! The Bark 23 has been designed just for you and you are sure to fall in love with it. Its color, its class, its looks and its feel – all are simply mind blowing and since it is electrically powered, there is no problem of pollution too. Bark 23 Bark 23 is a boat with a retro-future design. It looks like it is the boat of yesterday but soon will be understood as the boat of tomorrow! The design is appealing and aesthetic. It consists of a shapely pit that has all the seating spaces. One half of it is the cockpit where a small and daintily shaped wheel sits in the control surface. The other controls are easily accessible above it. The lounge style seating also add a modern touch to the boat. Picture Gallery Bark 23 Bark 23 is the product of retro – future design, is a boat of tomorrow. But the boat is not futuristic merely in its design elements. It is futuristic in its functionality too. It has been constructed entirely of recyclable materials – wood and steel. It runs on electricity and thus is a zero emission boat. This means that it can cruise through even the protected habitats and clean waters. It is noiseless and would be the perfect vehicle while on excursions or nature watch. The displacement hull of the boat is designed for a smooth and relaxed ride. No wonder that this is the perfect boat for hedonists! Via: LukaHadzic

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Bark 23 – Elegant ‘green’ beauty on waters

Christina Pinto: Remarkable architecture is testament to the ingenuity and imagination of today’s designers. A beautiful edifice stands proud against the skyline as one of the landmarks of the technology age. Re:con:active Tissue is an pioneering endeavor in building design. This pavilion utilizes the most important properties of vinyl, durability and longevity, to create a strong concept, wherein the structure is reactive. It is based on the ideas of local Toronto architect and thinker Philip Beesley, who demonstrated in experimental exhibits how modern technology can infuse contemporary architecture with the ability to be responsive to its surrounding and an internal stimulus. re:con:active tissue The pavilion structure is a skeleton-like system of reinforced steel tubes and the space in between the structural limbs is held together by context-responsive vinyl fabric cladding which has the ability to adapt and respond to various environmental conditions. During a rainstorm, the vinyl fabric fibers supported by the system of steel cables tilt on their axis to close the structure like a touch-me-not plant closes within itself. The rain slides down the walls of the pavilion and is collected in a series of drains at the bottom. Picture Gallery re:con:active tissue This pavilion utilizes the flexibility and longevity of vinyl products in order to create a responsive system. In the spring and summer season, the structure is more focused on offering good ventilation, but tilts at the best angle to prevent excessive entry of sunlight. In harsh winters, the vinyl fabric fibers that are part of the main canopy system can close to prevent the escape of heat while a double-layered vinyl curtain can be lowered over the openings. To brighten the nights at the Pan Am Games and increase the intensity of the fun, LEDS are embedded in the double-layered panel of vinyl canopy over the stage. Moreover, motion and audio sensors are also included to understand the activity on the stage and activate the customized light show accordingly. The stage at the Pan Am Games will feature an impressive light show that is synchronized to the event in action. The pavilion has the alternate function of increasing awareness of multiple forms of low-emission transportation means such as biking, walking, and mass transit. Additionally, the pavilion is also solidly integrated into the Pan Am village through the incorporation of flexible retail spaces, an elevated sculpture garden featuring local artists and a commuter rail station. The innovation of the design is amplified by the presence of vinyl products in the shape of translucent sound barriers placed in prominent locations. Some of these panels built underneath the elevated sculpture reflect light from the nearby cars and trains, producing a likable light show that is visible throughout the site. The entire structure will involve sustainable practices: the use of recycled wood, reuse of excavated soil, permeable pavers, fly ash concrete and vinyl bought locally. The pavilion is a showcase of vinyl’s durability and longevity as well as an expression of creative genius. The project was awarded 2nd place in the international 2011 AIAS Vinyl competition, and was highlighted in the Fall 2011 issue of Crit Magazine. Via: CargoCollective

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Re:con:active tissue building to celebrate ingenuity

www.co.merced.ca.us/index.aspx The Merced County jail and a nearby juvenile justice facility in California’s Central Valley are expected to draw about 70 percent of their electricity from a new 1.4 megawatt solar farm that fans out across 4.5 acres.

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Siemens Powers Merced County Lockups with 1.4 MW Solar Farm

Shahnawaz Naaz: With prices of electricity rising every other month, it is high time that we should take measures to cut the usage of electricity. One of the best way to do this install energy monitor in our homes. These days there are several kinds of energy monitors available in the market which we can use to keep our electricity usage under check. This festive you can also gift these energy monitors to your loved ones. Here is a list of seven best energy monitors available in market. 1. Ecosaver energy meter Ecosaver Energy Meter Price: $17.54 Manufacturer: Ecosaver This energy meter record and displays the electricity cost. This meter can be used to measures voltage (V), watts, Amps (A), Hertz (Hz) and total running time. It also measures the price charge of the unit with total charge and total KW. This plug and play design meter has got a LCD screen. The dimensions of this meter are 7 x 14 x 3.5cm. This handy meter is very user friendly and it is regarded as one of the most accurate meter available in the market. Buy Now: Amazon 2. Current Cost TREC energy monitor Cost TREC energy monitor Price: $38.84 Manufacturer: Uswitch This energy monitor with TREC monitor model features 433mhz SRD band receiver. The dimensions of this product are 80mm x 92mm x 25mm. This monitor features 10 sensor coding recognition channels. It features a mini transmitter. The life of the replaceable battery used in this monitor is 4 years and its rated energy source is European 230VaC 50hz. The current sensitivity of the sensor is 50ma. Buy Now: uswitch 3. Black & Decker EM100B energy saver series power monitor Black & Decker EM100B Energy monitor Price: $46.50 Manufacturer: Black & Decker Available in black & orange color, this energy monitor is powered by batteries. This monitor tracks the consumption of energy minute by minute. This energy monitor is easy to install because it is completely wireless. The energy usage is displayed in kilowatts and dollars. The sensor used in this monitor is weatherproof and wireless. This indoor monitor comes with 2-year warranty. The design of this monitor is compact and it is easy to carry. Buy Now: Amazon 4. Efergy Elite wireless energy-saving meter Efergy Elite Wireless Energy-Saving Meter Price: $46.63 Manufacturer: Maplin This energy-saving meter calculates and monitors your energy usage and also stores data. This meter can be installed easily. All you need to do is to connect the sensor and transmitter to electricity meter. The usage is displayed in Pounds, Euros and Dollars. This meter can store data for two years. The frequency of this meter is 433.92MHz and the sensor’s measuring voltage is 110V – 400V. This meter features a portable display as well as a wireless transmitter. The range of this easy to connect meter is around 40m. It is three phase and economy 7 compatible. Buy Now: Maplin 5. OWL CM119 wireless electricity monitor OWL CM119 Wireless Electricity Monitor Price: $54.32 Manufacturer: OWL This energy monitor is easily to install because it is wireless. This user friendly monitor features a LCD display screen, which allows the user to read the data easily. The alarm system of this monitor starts beeping when the consumption of electricity exceeds a pre-set limit. Besides this, this monitor also displays the quantity of greenhouse gases generated by your power usage. Buy Now: Johnlewis 6. TED the energy detective electricity monitor TED1001 with footprints software TED Electricity Monitor Price: $164.94 Manufacturer: TED This energy monitor is little advanced than many of its counterparts because it features footprints data-logging software. This monitor records data of every second and it has high accuracy. This monitor logs the data in .CSV format and you can export the data to create a chart. The data is logged in KW, kWh, dollars and voltage. This monitor also displays greenhouse gas emissions due to your power usage. Buy Now: Amazon 7. Wattson 01 home energy monitor Wattson Home Energy Monitor Price: $233.13 Manufacturer: Wattson This personal energy monitor is highly modern and advanced featuring clock and ability for detailed energy readings. This monitor is regarded by many as the best available in market. This easy to install monitor shows real-time energy usage. You can view historical data using this monitor and plan your power usage. This monitor can measure single, twin and three phase systems. It features LED digital display. The 433.92Mhz transmitter of this monitor works well up to 30m. The refresh rate is 3 – 20 second and the battery life of sensor is around 6 months. Buy Now: Purely Gadgets

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Green Gifts: Best energy monitors