LEDs Using Surface Plasmons Several Times Stronger, Japanese Researchers Report
We all know LED as being the flagship of green lighting, but what if those so-called "efficient" LEDs turned out to be even more energy-effective under certain conditions? The Kyoto University, in collaboration with Stanley Electric Co Ltd found a way to increase the emission intensity of silicon-based thin films by several times.
Catalothermionic Generator: A New Blend of Solar and Fuel Cell Nanotechnology Produces Electricity
...it's like hydrogen and the Sun are related in a way... the star's energy comes from burnt hydrogen, on one hand, and on the other, here on Earth, solar cells are the best means of generating hydrogen out of water and have it used as an energy source. There's an interesting symmetry between the two.
Snowbird: Amazing Human-Powered Airplane Flaps Its Wings Like A Bird (video)
At first, when I saw the title on Ecofriend talking about a human-powered aircraft, I said to myself that's another hopeless, useless green achievement of somebody working hard for nothing.
Technology For Making Construction Materials Out Of Carbon Dioxide Inspired By Sea Snail
The thing on the left is a snail, and it's called abalone. Aside the fact that it's edible, the abalone taught Angela Belcher, from MIT, how to turn carbon dioxide into rock-solid construction materials and thus sequester the gas for hundreds of thousands of years, instead of burying it underground, which is not as safe and as useful.
A New Step Taken Towards Spray-On Solar Cells and Self-Powered e-readers
University of Florida researchers have invented spray-on polymers that can reflect or transmit any color, and can be applied to glass or plastics as well. "That's what this newest paper is about, but we've also developed polymer coatings for all the other colors of the spectrum," said John Reynolds, a scientist at the University of Florida who led a team that developed the clear-to-black polymers.
Daimler Planning To Unveil New "Smart eScooter" At The 2010 Paris Auto Show
Daimler, one of the world's largest car manufacturers is planning to unveil the new" Smart eScooter" at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. Having zero carbon dioxide emissions, the battery-powered eScooter is able to reach a top speed of 28 mph and also has an all-electric range of more than 60 miles.
PSU Project Aims To Mimic Skin Responsiveness For Designing Energy-Efficient Buildings
One day, man-made buildings will mimic the human body in the relationship with the exterior. Penn State University researchers are about to study and implement a model that uses the sensitivity and flexibility of human cells to build "skins" that will give buildings the possibility to self-adapt to the exterior, to regulate their energy use according to changes in the environment.
Yahoo's New Energy-Efficient Data Center Opened
A few days ago, Yahoo has officially opened a new energy-efficient data center which has been designed after a chicken coop (this way the air will circulate more easily). Thanks to its design, the building will save the company millions in data center costs.
Solar Container – A New Water Purification System Powered by Wind and Solar Energy
The Swiss manufacturer Trunz Water Systems and a California-based reverse osmosis company, Spectra Watermakers have developed a new eco-friendly water purifier designed for use in disaster stricken areas where conventional energy sources are unavailable or too expensive.
Sound Waves – A Different Kind of Power Source That Can Charge Your Cellphone
Researchers from Korea are working on a new technology that can power your cellphone with sound. They have turned zinc oxide (the main ingredient of calamine lotion) into a tiny material that converts sound waves into energy through piezoelectricity.
