MIT researchers create super efficient 'origami' solar panels
MIT researchers have created an origami-like solar structure that is much more efficient than current flat panels. The three-dimensional solar structure could, at least in principle, absorb a lot more light and generate more power than a flat panel containing the same area footprint. The hope is that all unused light which has been reflected off one panel would be captured by other panels. Panels of this type would be most ideal in circumstances with limited space. "This was a fully 'bio-inspired' idea," said researcher Jeffrey Grossman, a theoretical physicist at MIT.
Hug Chair by Ilian Milinov & Yanko Design
A Chair for Clingy Lovers If you’ve ever had someone sit in your lap, you know that 15 minutes is about the max your legs can handle. It’s really not fair. The Hug chair brings simple design and human gesture together for that extra time you want to sit with your significant other.
Japanese breakthrough will make wind power cheaper than nuclear
NOTE: Some major wind projects like the proposed TWE Carbon Valley project in Wyoming are already pricing in significantly lower than coal power -- $80 per MWh for wind versus $90 per MWh for coal -- and that is without government subsidies using today's wind turbine technology. The International Clean Energy Analysis (ICEA) gateway estimates that the U.S. possesses 2.2 million km2 of high wind potential (Class 3-7 winds) — about 850,000 square miles of land that could yield high levels of wind energy. This makes the U.S. something of a Saudi Arabia for wind energy, ranked third in the world for total wind energy potential.
Green Tech Blog
New designs that decrease heat and therefore produce more energy. Read more... A three wheeler and an electric... Read more...
The microhydro plant
My little paradise has a stream that provides enough water flow and head to run a small turbine, to provide electricity to my home. While writing this, the microhydro plant is being implemented, and here are some photos of the process. Since I usually like to start at the end, the first thing I built is the controller: It is an implementation of Jan Portegijs' "Humming Bird", with some changes and adaptations.
Super Cheap Solar Cells Just Got Cheaper, Switch Gold For Nickel
One of the major drawbacks of most renewable energy sources is high cost. In order to see a huge rise in the use of renewable energy sources, prices must come down. In the world of solar there have recently been some major breakthroughs in cost advantages and efficiency increases.
Solar Powered Blinds Air Conditioner by Minjoo Kwon & Yanko Design
AC On The Blind Blinds on the windows do nothing but hang out there and shade the room from the sun. Say if we were to add functionality to it, what can we include….k, give it some Solar Power, plus add in some engineering tech, and pesto you got the Blind Air Conditioner! An AC that doubles up as blinds and sources green power from the sun. Design-wise it all adds up, but function-wise and scope-wise I’m still on the fence about it. So what’s your take on it?
Hydrogen: Energy Unbound
Beyond petroleum Is hydrogen the answer? "I will get right to the point," declared Nobel laureate Richard Smalley, speaking before Congress.
marta writes: s'more brownies / just in time for july
my friend laney cooked up these killer s'more brownies for bookclub the other night and all the ladies went back for more. i had to hurry and make them again, for the fetus' sake. simple to make, ooey and gooey and delicsh. benji pounded a piece during a glowstick enhanced past-bedtime soccer game. these are getting me in the mood to sleep under the stars at the big family camp-out next week. can you believe the fourth of july is right around the corner?! happy weekending. S'more Browniesoriginal recipe from allrecipes
Some Earthy Figures and Facts About Solar Energy You Have to Know - Phoebe-Elle's blog
Want more facts about solar energy? The best thing about it is that there are no rising and annoying importation costs of gas, oil or coal, which are by the way, increasing almost half the time. For more earthy figures and facts about solar energy, here they are: * In 2004, the solar cells' global production magnified by 60%. Nevertheless, these cells' materials are made of silicon which has been short in supply since then and has impeded production. * By the end of 2005, the installed solar panels' total worldwide peak power was about 5,300 MW.
