New Concentrating Mirrors to Cut by 50% the Cost of Solar Thermal Power Plants
I noticed that lately, Google tackles very serious projects related to renewable energy sources. They began to invest large sums of money in solar power plants and even more, they have hired engineers and scientists in order to develop the solar technology already existing. Google researchers have already announced that a new type of concentrating mirror was developed, in order to cut in half the cost of solar thermal plants.
E300 BlueTec Hybrid – The First Diesel-Eelectric Mercedes Hybrid
I think you have noticed from some recent posts my attraction to Mercedes cars and this thing happens because I like the way they combine the eficiency with comfort. In this post we will talk about another Mercedes hybrid vehicle, but this time it is about a real project not only a concept. As I was saying, Mercedes-Benz has announced that its first ever diesel-electric hybrid will be launched later this year.
Bacteria Could Grow Nanowires to Create a Giant Living Biogeobattery
Researchers have analyzed several years Geobacter microorganisms and they found that this type of bacteria can produce electricity when mixed with seawater and mud. Bacteria that live in marine sediment are able to produce electrons and then to transfer them in the upper layers of the sediments. The distance between the two layers is a few inches, which means that bacteria can transfer electrons on a distance of up to 20.000 times their body size.
New Paper Batteries and Supercapacitors Created Using Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology represents all those technologies which are useful in building complex structures and which take into account many specifications at an atomic level, using mechanical synthesis. In other words, nanotechnology deals with the properties of nanoscale structures. Until now all new inventions based on nanotechnology have far exceeded the efficiency of old products and I think the same will happen with the invention of Stanford engineer Yi Cui. He managed to create some lightweight paper batteries and supercapacitors by dipping ordinary fabric or paper in a special ink infused with nanoparticles.
The Eficiency of Organic Solar Cells was Improved by 2% Using Quantum Dots
To improve the efficiency of organic solar cells, some scientists at the Freiburg Materials Research Center and the Department of Microsystems Engineering, have developed a new method for treating the surface of nanoparticles. By using cadmium selenide in a new way (quantum dots), researchers managed to improve the eficiency of organic solar cells by 2 percent. These new hybrid solar cells have a photoactive layer composed of an organic polymer and a mixture of inorganic nanoparticles.
India Plans to Generate 13GW of Renewable Electric Power
Some of world’s largest solar and wind power plants are located in big countries like China or Africa. But recently, I have noticed that some smaller countries have also big plans related to an efficient use of renewable energy sources. For example, India recently announced that they will build the world’s largest renewable energy power plant that will generate 13GW of electric power. Currently, these figures are just part of some plans but if the project will be completed, India could even surpass China’s wind energy development.
All-electric Mercedes-Benz Vito Powered by a Zero-Emission Electric Engine
During the past year I have noticed that Mercedes vehicles and especially Mercedes electric vehicles were the most searched subjects on Mygreentreasure. We wrote about Mercedes hybrid trucks, Mercedes electric SUVs, Mercedes electric limousines and even about Mercedes foldable bikes. But we never discussed about an electric van. This week, Mercedes showed a prototype electric Vito to be produced in a limited number this year.
The All-Electric Fiat 500 Was Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show
I’ve always thought that Fiat cars are actually some “smart” cars powered by small and efficient engines. On the road, these cars are proving to be very agile maintaining at the same time a low fuel consumption. I recently heard that Fiat have managed to make their cars to be even more efficient using some electric motors. They recently unveiled the all-electric variant of its iconic 500 at the Detroit Auto Show.
Comoto Electric Motorcycle Offers a Range of 30 Miles/2 Hour Charge
I think that every motorcyclist wants from his bike to be efficient and to have a pleasant look. But it is possible to fulfill these two requirements simultaneously? A new concept called Comoto seems to answer all these demands. In fact, what you can see in the picture is an electric bike wich weighs only 118 kg and with the same efficiency as any other motorcycle using only electricity. Comoto bike structure is composed of an aluminum(T6) frame (often used in airplanes), and a panel that contains the electronics and battery pack.
Scientists have Developed an Artificial Leaf that Produces Hydrogen
It seems that nature continues to be a model for researchers who daily try to imitate natural systems for the development of new technologies. One of the most controversial natural processes is photosynthesis because the ability to harness and utilize sun’s energy can help develop amazing technologies. An example is the artificial leaf from the image and as the researchers say, it is able to separate water in oxygen and hydrogen, and generate hydrogen.
Obsorb Glass Can Choose and Remove Pollutants from Water
Researchers from all around the world have tried over time to find different ways to reduce pollution and it seems that often they did this due to smart materials. For example some researchers from the College of Wooster managed to develop a new type of glass wich acts as a sponge and can be used to clean polluted water sources. This new smart material has the ability to choose and remove pollutants from contaminated groundwater.
Google Wants to Obtain a License for Energy Trading
The owner of the most popular search engine, Google, is trying to obtain a license to trade energy. Trough this action Google may optimize their energy consumption and at the same time they will use renewable energy, in the context of their policy about reducing carbon dioxide emissions. These licenses, started to be a daily practice nowadays, in order to buy power directly from manufacturers at the lowest cost.
Volkswagen NCC Hybrid Emits Only 98 Grams of CO2/km
New Volkswagen Compact Coupe Hybrid was launched at Detroit and it is the only compact full hybrid of this company. It was built on the Golf/Jetta model platform. It has 4,54 m long and 1,78 m wide and the 1,4 – liter TSI propulsor produces an output of 150hp. The electric motor provides 27 hp and it can support the vechicle movement when lithium-ion batteries are fullly charged.
Japanese Printable Lithium Polymer Batteries Can be Used With a Flexible Solar Battery
We have already discussed on MyGreenTreasure about different type of batteries, but today we will disccuss about something apart. It’s about some lithium polymer batteries wich can be printed. This new project is led by Advanced Materials Innovation Center ( AMIC ) of Mie Industry and Enterprise Support Center and it seems to be a project with great success. The main advantage of this battery is that can be attached on any cruve surface and can be used with a flexible solar battery.
One of Five M&M Candies is Produced with Solar Energy
Mars Company recently announced, that from now on they will use only renewable energy to produce those delicious candies. They will use a new photo-voltaic system of 2 mega watts and as you see in the picture above, these famous candies are already trying to catch the first rays of sun. For generating enough electricity the company has chosen to use a solar garden of 18 acres ( 73.000 square meters).
Concept Nokia Cellphone Runs on Fuel Cells Powered by Sugar
When we talk about fuel cells, many combinations of oxidants and fuels are possible. For example, any hydrogen fuel cell uses oxygen as its oxidant and hydrogen as its fuel, but other fuel cells can also use alcohols and hydrocarbons or chlorine and chlorine dioxide. In this way,due to this chemical reactions, fuel cells are producing electricity for various uses. Researchers have found different ways to use fuel cells, and almost everytime these cells proved to be very effective. Now, I’m curious about this new invention and I wonder if such device could work.
Google Uses Satellite Imagery to Track and Monitor Global Deforestation
Among many companies that are trying to slow down global warming, Google has been noted repeatedly, thanks to their intelligent monitoring software. Until now they have released different tools for ocean mapping and home energy consumption details and each of these proved to be very effective. Rcently, Google launched a new deforestation monitoring system that can identify areas where the forest is intensively exploited, using satellite imagery.
Roto Charger – The world’s First Truly Sustainable Cellphone Charger
We all know that when we start to have problems with our cellphones, the best thing we can do is to buy a new one, because when something is damaged and than repaired, it will never be the same, as when it was new. Although, we can not afford to throw these mobile phones every day, so we have to use them in these conditions.(with inefficient batteries or other similar problems). For example in India, millions of old mobile phones are daily used to connect thounds of rural Indian Villages with the rest of the world.
Mercedes S-Class Plug-in Hybrid Emits Less than 100g/km of CO2
Looking at the picture above, I hardly managed to write few words because I couldn’t take my eyes off this impressive car. However, I had to write that Mercedes announced that they will launch as soon as possible the new S-class plug-in hybrid model, a car with a remarcable design and high efficiency on the road. Thomas Weber, said that they managed to boast a fuel efficiency of 80 mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2 due to weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements.
New Bioconversion Process to Make Biofuels from Waste Glycerin
Nowadays, many companies are triyng to work with useless substances to create something useful. Often, secondary products resulted from production processes of various industries are used to creat new useful things. One of these companies is Glycos Biotechnologies Inc. which sells glycerin-gobbling microorganisms developed by researchers at Rice University. On the basis of an energy-efficient bioconversion process are those microorganisms which help to convert waste glycerin into fuels.