Solar Panels Glare Could Create Negative Chain Effects for Surrounding Ecosystems, Researchers Say
We have to realize that we're not alone on Earth and that our actions compete with those of the (other) animals, and while we're seeking to make our lives more and more unnaturally comfortable, we destroy the very ecosystems that sustain our growth. Such can be the case with the light that solar panels reflect, as Michigan State University scientists say.
Irish Company Proposes Alternative Energy Backup Systems for Mobile Telephony Operators
Cinergy, an Irish company, wants to equip cell phone companies in developing countries with alternative energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar panels. Because in countries like Africa, Asia and Latin America mobile networks are expanding quickly, the local power grids often don't keep up with the loads and the operators need diesel backup generators.
New Layering Technology Makes Ultra-Efficient Solar Cells Available Not Only for Satellites
Silicon is hardly the most efficient material for use in solar cells, but it is used because it's cheaper to make silicon solar cells. Gallium arsenide, for example, is a much more efficient semiconductor than silicon, but has a high manufacturing cost. Now, a team of scientists from the University of Illionis, devised a technology that builds gallium arsenide solar cells in a much cheaper fashion, making them more cost-efficient.
Close Competition for Most Efficient Concentrator Solar Cells from U.S.-Based Spire Corporation
Spire Semiconductor, a subsidiary of Spire Corporation based in Massachusetts, has announced that they have matched world's record 41.1 efficiency for a concentrator solar cell (the sources don't mention it, but that's probably the one achieved by Fraunhofer researchers we talked about a week ago).
Whey Could Be Used as Power Source For Microbial Fuel Cells, Greek Scientist Discovers
Dr. Georgia Antonopoulou, a biochemical engineer from the University of Patras in Greece, has discovered that whey coming from cheese factories can be used by cultures of bacteria contained in microbial fuel cells to generate electricity. Whey is a lactose-rich organic material, and it is usually disposed.
New Jersey Container Port to Tap Wind Energy Using Five Wind Turbines
According to a Jersey Journal report, New Jersey and the Port Authority of New York plan to power the Port Jersey-Port Authority Marine Terminal with five, 288-ft tall wind turbines erected on a 70-acre site.
Toshiba's SCiB Ultra-Fast Charging Battery Selected to Be Used By Multiple Automakers
It looks natural for that to happen, since names like Sanyo and Panasonic had already been added as battery manufacturers on lists of Suzuki Motors and Toyota, respectively.
Southern California Implementing 53 MW Ice Energy Storage for Air Conditioning Systems
Ice can be used to store energy (though the other way we may be tempted to think) just like hot bricks or molten salt. Several Southern California municipal utilities will be implementing ice-based energy storage devices to reduce the air conditioning consumption in government offices and commercial buildings. Over the next two years, they will install 6,000 devices at 1,500 locations, storing around 53 megawatts of energy in total.
HP Developing Flexible Solar-Powered Wristwatch For The U.S. Army
HP has started the development of a next-generation wristwatch for the U.S. Military. The wristwatch called â€Ã…“Dick Tracy†may eliminate the need for soldiers to carry backup batteries and cumbersome technological gear.
Oyster 2 – A New Wave Power Generator Producing More Electricity
Aquamarine Power, a wave energy developer, has recently unveiled a new wave power generator called Oyster 2, that is able to capture about 250% more electricity than its predecessor. The Oyster 2 measures about 85 feet long and 53 feet wide, being capable to produce 800 kilowatts of energy.
