Jaspreet Kaur Walia: Denver-based New Town Builders have created a net zero energy house that has been designed to save a lot of energy and help preserve precious resource. The Zero Energy Home will leave eco lovers in a state of complete amazement as it takes energy efficiency to an all new scale. Production NZE Home Unveiled in Denver Picture Gallery Production NZE Home Unveiled in Denver The model home is priced at $424,000, which includes a 9.9 kW solar array. The builders kept in mind a few things while coming up with this environmentally friendly home. The basic frame of each home will be swapped into an insulating envelop. The roof will come wedged with photovoltaic electricity generating system, which will power the house. This makes sure that the outside cold is completely blocked, and the inside remains comfortable for dwellers. The water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners are highly efficient, which adds to its clean and green status. The construction style makes sure that seven percent or less cooled/heated air gets lost, thanks to the heating and air conditioning ducts used that will be tightened from time to time. The Zero Energy Home will easily produce the amount of energy it utilizes in a year’s span, which can be measured with the help of HERS rating or Home Energy Rating System. The Zero Energy Home will have a zero HERS rating, which is worth applauding. The home will be as comfortable and attention grabbing as an everyday home and will simultaneously be cost effective as well. It won’t burden owners with unusual or complex systems that require regular maintenance and monitoring. The outside wall of the eco coated home will be well sealed and insulated so that no energy escapes. This will be achieved by spraying foam having a thickness of 1 inch. The windows will have a decreased U value because of which they will become all the more energy efficient. The house will have energy star appliances, keeping up its efficiency. It will feature a 16 SEER or improved air conditioning system, furnace, tank less water heaters, a fresh air ventilator and an energy recovery exhaust fan. The house will sparkle with the presence of 100% LED and CFL lights, which will further save energy. Additional kilowatts of energy will be generated by the presence of extra photovoltaic panels. So, save energy and live a guilt free life while cutting down on your electricity and gas bills. Via: Jetsongreen

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Zero Energy Home helps say goodbye to energy bills forever

Another company that received backing from the U.S. Department of Energy files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Originally posted at Nanotech – The Circuits Blog

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U.S.-backed battery firm Ener1 seeks Chapter 11 bankruptcy

This year will bring about major changes in how organizations of any size analyze and utilize their energy use. Here's what data center owners and operators can expect to see in the coming months.

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12 Data Center Energy Management Trends for 2012 and Beyond

Brown Bear: It is believed that nature is the best teacher out there. Researchers have been inspired by the the movements of snakes and the teamwork of ants for developing search and rescue robots. To carry forward one such project, the Georgia Tech University has received backing through a grant from the National Science Foundation. The project aims to break down biological systems involving limbless propulsion, into mechanical principles for universal application in robot design. Energy-Efficient Ant-Snake Robots Picture Gallery Energy-Efficient Ant-Snake Robots Energy-Efficient Ant-Snake Robots to the Rescue. Currently, their work is based on a two-pronged approach focusing on the teamwork found among ants and the sliding and slithering movement of the snakes. The scope of the work is extended to reconnaissance and surveillance activities too. The idea is to find an optimal method of propulsion using least amount of energy. Headed by professor David Hu, the research team is focused more on the energy aspect and less on the looks. The body shape and movements of a snake are highly optimized for traversing over all kinds of terrain and surfaces. It can move on slopes and incline over all sorts of jagged surfaces. It can also squeeze into restrictive and tight spaces. Based on these characteristics, snake robots already have an existence, but they consume huge amounts of energy and quickly overheat. The Scalybot 2.0, inspired from the study of more than 20 varieties of snakes, is a ‘two-link’, all-terrain snake. It may not resemble a snake in looks but it definitely optimizes on the movements like one. Utilizing the rectilinear motion of the snakes, it moves its ’scales’ in a wave sequence that helps it to literally pull itself forward. The study of the group dynamics of the fire ant swarms has led to another great idea. None of the fire ants have the ability to swim individually, but they form large swarms and shape themselves into a big ball that easily floats over the surface of water. This has triggered the inspiration to make tiny robots that can navigate the toughest of terrains by assembling autonomously into larger formations. This synergy can be used to overcome obstacles that present themselves as inaccessible for individuals. The crux of the research lies in energy efficiency. The success of such a project will see future development of robots with green jobs. For instance, we could have robots that design and fabricate solar cells, do environmental monitoring and necessary remediation, or even substitute human beings in potentially dangerous work like the maintenance of wind turbines. Studying nature and incorporating her principles and methods will definitely be the next big step in robotics. We need to see as to how well we are able to imitate nature in this endeavor. Via: CleanTechnica

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Robots modeled along ants and snakes for energy efficiency

As the need for visibility into a company's carbon emissions and energy use accelerates, the major players in the market are stepping up their acquisitions and evolution. You can count on more changes coming soon, but here's the current lay of the land in this fast-changing market.

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12 Acquisitions that Transformed the Energy Management Software Market in 2011

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

Sonia Renthlei: The problems with current EVs As we all know, our fuel supply is slowly and steadily being exhausted, as our population soars and we continue to depend on the earth’s resources to keep us going. Unfortunately, fuel sources take thousands of years to regenerate which is why we’re struggling to find new ways to feed our demands. As of now, vehicles powered by electricity are trying to replace conventional cars in an attempt to conserve fuel. While this is laudable, there are some problems associated with EVs that prevent them from being truly feasible. Most EVs run on lithium-ion batteries that need to be charged ever so often. This poses a problem for areas where charging stations are scarce or non-existent. Of course, electric vehicles all come with a cable that can be plugged into any household electric outlet of 120 volts. But, the charging process can take a long time, usually up to 10 hours for a full charge and in worse cases, up to 20 hours, depending on the size of the EV’s battery. The maximum distance range of an EV is also significantly slower than conventional fuel-powered cars, increasing anxiety among EV users who have to commute for miles at a time. Hydrogen fuel Lithium shortage Most electronic devices use lithium-ion batteries and this includes EVs. While it’s a pretty abundant material, it needs to be processed as it doesn’t occur naturally in elemental form. Whispers of lithium shortage are already making the rounds, prompting researchers to seek out other sources. In EVs, lithium is required in higher quantities and this requirement is proportional to the size of the battery. Now, if everyone were to switch from fossil fuel-based cars to EVs, supply of lithium could very well diminish, posing another problem for our fuel-starved planet. The process of deriving lithium commercially, too is time-consuming, with two years needed to yield just a ton of the resource. High cost of replacement batteries What makes lithium-ion batteries inefficient is their short lives. Whether you apply them to EVs or other electronic devices that rely on them, they need to be replaced often. However, unlike in gadgets like MP3 players and cellphones, batteries used for EVs are far more expensive. The replacement for a hybrid car battery can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the make and year of the car. Customers also need competent dealers to replace it for them, the labor work of which can cost about $900. This isn’t viable in the long run as EV users will rack up a substantial bill, negating the advantages of owning and driving these eco-friendly vehicles. Fuel cells: A cleaner, greener alternative An alternative to batteries that is currently gaining ground is hydrogen fuel cells. This element is found in abundance and can be combined with other elements to power vehicles. Since it doesn’t occur naturally as a gas on earth, hydrogen needs to come into contact with air, the result of which produces electricity, steam and heat. Like lithium-ion-based vehicles, hydrogen-fueled cars produce nil emissions, making them popular with the green brigade. Advantages of hydrogen 1. Hydrogen has the highest energy content This green gas has the highest energy content of any other fuel per unit of weight. As water molecules break down to form HHO or Brown’s Gas, the resultant fuel is much more efficient than conventional gas or diesel. Fuel cell engines propelled by hydrogen run at a much capable rate than internal combustion engines. For a better understanding, 2.2 pounds of hydrogen give almost the same output of energy as a gallon of gas does. 2. Hydrogen is non-polluting Hydrogen as a fuel alternative doesn’t just generate more energy but it is non-polluting as well. The only byproduct you get is water and heat so there is no carbon dioxide produced. 3. Hydrogen is an abundant fuel source Unlike gas and diesel, hydrogen is found in abundance, with an almost inexhaustible supply. This makes it a better alternative to lithium-ion batteries as lithium is limited. Notable trends 1. Mercedes-Benz to debut hydrogen fueled F125! Mercedes Benz F125 Popular automaker, Mercedes, has revealed its hydrogen-powered F125! concept whose design is inspired by the F800. Looks-wise, it’s an awesome vehicle with smooth, flowing lines typical of a Merc production. Gullwing doors lend it a futuristic look that matches its inner workings. Four electric motors crank out 231hp, capable of pushing the machine to top speeds of 137mph. Acceleration time is pretty impressive at 4.9 seconds going from 0-60mph. What is more impressive, however, is its hydrogen consumption: a mere 0.79kg per 100kms. The gas tank is made of carbon fiber with a capacity of holding 700 bars of H2. Additional power is produced from the on-board lithium-ion battery pack of 10kWh, enabling the car to travel 31km before the fuel cell is activated. 2. Toyota FCV-R Toyota FCV-R To be launched in 2015, Toyota has also designed a hydrogen-fueled vehicle called the FCV-R. Still a concept, the FCV-R is a pretty large saloon, equipped with two 10,000psi hydrogen tanks, one under the rear seats and the second under the boot door. The fuel cell has been placed between the front seats while a second battery has been mounted behind the fixed seats at the rear. The company is still trying to bring the cost of the vehicle down before it is launched from the current estimate of 85,000 pounds. 3. Mazda debuts Norwegian-spec RX-8 Hydrogen RE Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE While Mazda’s Norwegian version of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE debuted a few years back, it deserves a mention as it was the company’s first hydrogen-powered vehicle for Norway. Incidentally, the car helped mark the opening of the country’s HyNor project (hydrogen filling stations) to make H2-fueled cars more popular among the masses. The hybrid vehicle has a hydrogen tank with a capacity of storing 2.4kg of H2. Needed improvements 1. High cost Like most alternative fuel sources, processing hydrogen to generate electricity can be expensive. Complex machines and techniques are required which is why the popularity of this abundant resource hasn’t hit its peak. 2. Storage and safety issues H2 may be clean and green but it’s also highly volatile and flammable. While current storage tanks are made keeping in mind chances of leaks and other dangers, they aren’t exactly fool-proof. 3. Still dependent on fossil fuels Energy produced by hydrogen may be high but so is the energy needed to produce this gas. The process of conversion still depends on fossil fuels which makes this ‘clean’ source of energy significantly polluting.

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Why the future of transportation needs better fuel cells not batteries

Dattatreya Mandal: When we are talking about portable homes, the topic covers a broad field replete with flexible housing units, ranging from modular structures to mobile dwellings, but the core functionality of such transportable dwelling system always allude to one factor, and that is man’s response to adverse societal effects on our environment. Land Shortage Over the years, the mass scale of unplanned urbanization has taken its toll on some economic segments of our society, and, hence many of them have decided to forego the city based ’sedentary’ mode of life, thus giving rise to the practice of permanent living in wheeled mobile homes. Finally, portable houses also pose as habitation solutions in case of emergencies like natural catastrophes (cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc) and even conditions like war and famine. Living green in tiny homes On the other hand, the transportable housing industry has not always lived up to the set conventional standards. Studies show, many of the service related attributes like temperature control, insulation properties to even the materials used for construction are not entirely dictated by user comfort or even structural competence. In such unfavorable circumstances, eco friendly portable homes come as sustainable saviors, guided by practicality, compactness and most importantly efficiency. As a matter of fact, it can be seen as an alternative trend undertaken by specialized (and expert) designers, to righteously solve the crucial predicaments of human habitation affected by disorganized land use. Trends a) Eco capsule Eco-Capsule Self sufficiency is the name of the game in the compact dwelling design of Eco capsule. Conceptualized by Nice Architects, the designers have envisaged the aluminum clad capsule as a fusion of a mobile housing unit with a recreational vehicle (RV), powered by non-renewable energy. Coming to structural considerations, the 270 sq-feet area will cater to two people, while its spatial nature will comprise of separate waste collecting compartments, along with a gray water recycling facility. b) Eco friendly portable vacation capsule Eco friendly portable vacation capsule We come across another design in a conceptual stage, but this time the portable vacation capsule has been contrived to cure our traveling bug, albeit in a ‘green’ way. According to the designers of Nau Architecture Corporation, the self sustaining bantam habitat will be wholly powered by sustainable energy. But more importantly, it can supposedly be transported to anyplace in the world, starting from roof tops to wild jungles. c) M_Cube M_Cube Created by industrial designer Benjamin Beck, the M_Cube alludes to the next generation of modular dwellings. This means, the 2.55m x 2.55m unit (in its modular components) can be transported and assembled according to user’s preference. And beyond the efficient compactness, the design will also incorporate an ‘intelligent’ energy glass, for regulatory induction of natural light. d) iPAD portable homes iPAD portable homes When it boils down to portable homes, highfalutin conceptions come dime a dozen. But this time for a change, architect Andre Hodgskin has designed his ‘iPAD’ variety of dwelling units that fuses flexibility with user preference. This means the modular structural components can be easily assembled on notice, while the pad’s interior spatial elements can also be diversified with a variety of color options and extendable decks. e) Habitat Microhome Concept Habitat microhome concept Christened simply as the ‘Habitat’, American product designer Joe Salerno has adroitly conceived his conception as a ‘car-house’. The total scope encompasses a hybrid-like structure, with a separate car space (of 32 sq m) and a duplex space (of 100 sq m). When the Habitat is static, these two spaces fuse to become a credibly sized dwelling, with denominations like kitchen and bedroom. Finally, the conception will also not require conventional fuels, as its integrated systems will generate clean solar and wind energy. What it means for you The housing industry does form an important element of our overall economy and in allusion to its crucial impact, the industry does contribute to significant levels of carbon footprint. For example, housing emanated 30 percent of the total carbon emissions in the UK, for last year. So, in such a precarious ambit, we as ordinary citizens should work towards a decisive goal of collective sustainability. Of course, this does not necessarily entail that we should all pack our bags and be on the move like modern day nomads, but adapting to portable housing does tip the scale on favor of low emissions. As a matter of fact, we can look forth to long term solutions within our urban (and suburb) scope, with flexible yet permanent modular habitats. Added benefits Beyond the scope of sustainability, there are always the constraints of economy bound with our modernistic lifestyle. In relation to this, eco friendly portable homes have a tendency to come at relatively lower prices. Moreover, users can also cut upon their energy costs through long term usage of renewable sources, natural lighting and minimal wastage of building materials.

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Portable homes for comfortable green future