Amazing Algae Powered Lamp Converts CO2 to Light
This amazing lamp is powered by algae. Just add CO2 by breathing into it, and the algae will handle the rest. Scientists have discovered a way to extract electrical energy from the algae, and it can power the lamp. This is a cool technology that could provide provide an interesting way to light your home. “In 2010, scientists from Yansei and Stanford University pioneered a technique by where 30-nanometre wide gold electrodes were inserted into the photosynthesising organs – chloroplasts – of algal cells, thus managing to draw a small electrical current from algae during photosynthesis. As advances in nanotechnology lead to increasingly energy efficient products, plant life such as algae will become attractive sources for tapping energy. via:
Tiny Off-Grid Cabin in Maine is Completely Self-Sustaining
A project 30 years in the making, this tiny off-grid retreat on a coastal island in Maine is almost entirely self-sufficient. Designed and built by Alex Porter for her father, the project features a shed roof and is wrapped in a distinctive blue-grey corrugated skin. Dwell recently profiled the home, which is the only solar-powered retreat on the isolated island – its sustainable power source actually makes life a lot more leisurely, as the family does not need to schlep in fuel to run a noisy generator. The house is situated on a tiny sleeve of rock tucked close to the water. Given the remote location of the property and the site’s lack of power, the design made careful use of all materials so that everything is spaced on 24-inch centers.
Fossil fuels are way more expensive than you think | Dana Nuccitelli | Environment
A new paper published in Climatic Change estimates that when we account for the pollution costs associated with our energy sources, gasoline costs an extra $3.80 per gallon, diesel an additional $4.80 per gallon, coal a further 24 cents per kilowatt-hour, and natural gas another 11 cents per kilowatt-hour that we don’t see in our fuel or energy bills. The study was done by Drew Shindell, formerly of Nasa, now professor of climate sciences at Duke University, and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Panel to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition. Shindell recently published research noting that aerosols and ozone have a bigger effect on the climate in the northern hemisphere, where humans produce more of those pollutants. That research led Shindell to question current estimates of the true costs of our energy sources. But Shindell also estimates that carbon emissions are relatively cheap compared to other fossil fuel air pollutants. Electric Cars Cheaper than Gasoline Powered
THE POWER OF COMPOST: Can You Power & Heat Your Off Grid Home With Compost?
“Compost (/) is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment.” That’s how Wikipedia defines it. We know that when biomass decomposes a biproduct of that decomposition is heat. Now… If you could capture that heat, it can be used for multiple purposes if stored and used efficiently. “Biomass is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms” “…Can We Charge Batteries With Compost? Mad River Valley, Vermont’s Gaelan Brown Speaks on “Compost Power” You can also heat your water with compost Technically this is a very simple design that just about anyone can build themselves. Compost is MUCH cleaner than coal power, and doesn;t pollute the atmosphere. If you have a compost spill, guess what happens? Plants grow!
HTM high thermal mass sustainable, passive solar, green home tips
With over 20 years of experience, we are the original zero-energy green home building company! Sustainable design, zero-energy, passive solar homes are free from mechanical climate control systems for truly independent living. Our website is packed with loads of valuable free information, so please take the time to read all of this passive solar chapter and all of the many detail pages. Learn why high thermal mass (HTM™) dry stack block, mortared concrete block, or poured-in-place concrete wall construction is a much better answer than super-insulated (high R value) air-tight construction for ANY climate. Conventional stick framing, log homes, strawbale houses, autoclaved aerated concrete construction, and especially insulated concrete forms ICF's are simply not feasible, passive solar, sustainable design materials because they don't effectively store and release energy. HTM construction homes will function just fine in any climate, anywhere in the world.
Blog » Clarity on the true cost of electricity
The question of electricity cost is tricky. Most of us know oil prices go up and down – and are currently at record highs – which in turn affects the power price. And we know that not only to the costs of importing such fuels change constantly, they also – unlike renewables – produce carbon, which has to be paid for. But while more and more people are saying onshore wind energy is at “competitive” price levels, others still insist that renewables are expensive and impractical. In order to clear up the issue , EWEA has developed an online tool that instantly calculates electricity costs, including any fuel and carbon risks, for five different technologies – gas, coal, nuclear, onshore and offshore wind. “Using the tool, you can calculate levelised costs – that means, the average cost of the electricity over the lifetime of the plant – for the main technologies,” explains EWEA’s Athanasia Arapogianni, who helped develop the tool.
Constructing a Medium Sized Biogas Plant Using Kitchen Waste
Long back I have posted an instructable on how to construct prototype of a Biogas plant, using 50 liter capacity tank as digester, which you can see here : That was my first instructable and people are still commenting and asking me for guidance on Biogas plants for home use and for demonstration at schools & colleges. I have replied and mailed guidelines to almost all of the queries and I hope that helped them in their quest for building their Biogas plant. As you can see in the last step of this instructable, I was invited by Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam, Theni District in Tamil Nadu, India, to present a keynote address on Biogas and Panchagavya (an organic product made from produce from cow).
Log Homes and Log Home Floor Plans Cabins by Golden Eagle Log Homes
Low-cost hybrid solar panel captures four times the energy of conventional panels
They're Using Compost To Heat Their Homes
How To Build a 400 Square Foot Solar Powered Off Grid Cabin for $2,000
How to build a nice small cabin powered by solar panels. Lamar Alexander built this cute little 400 square foot cabin for approximately $2000, and powers it with a 570 watt solar and wind power system. The whole system is very inexpensive, and the best part is he is mortgage free. Very cool little cabin. I’d be proud to build something like this myself, and call it home. “…This cabin is 14×14 with a full loft and approximately 400 square feet of living space. Source: offgridworld.com
Gasrekening naar nul : Solarfreezer
