Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Smart-Grid Solution? CC430 Energy Harvesting



The beginning of the video above mirrors my sentiments of what I believe is a worthwhile approach to energy utilization, harvesting and distribution. I've mentioned this option in the past, lets use the energy we already waste and produce new energy where we currently distribute it. I see lower cost vibration and solar hybrid energy harvesting systems, piggybacked and utilizing our current grid and/or highway infrastructure. Storage on site if needed. Now that would help to make a smart grid that makes sense.

Let's tie portions of what we already have in place together. Guard rails along the Grapevine in SoCal, bridges, high "wind and solar" exposed area's by using current energy grid towers as energy harvesting infrastructure.

It can be done, yes? Are there any companies researching or testing this option? Maybe they should be...

Friday, March 25, 2011

Kinetic wind driven artform sculpture, graceful and elegant



I think this Kinetic wind driven art-form sculpture is beautiful and could even be retrofitted with a micro energy harvesting system that could supply low energy lighting to the piece or even to exterior patio lights as an example. Graceful and elegant indeed.

This one is currently listed for purchase at: http://www.etsy.com/listing/70744471/kinetic-wind-driven-artform-graceful-and?ref=fp_ph_7

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Vibration energy harvesting device for low frequency operation - IOP Science

 SUPPORTED AFFILIATE:
FEATURED ARTICLE
by Lei Gu and Carol Livermore

The "Impact-driven, frequency up-converting coupled vibration energy harvesting device for low frequency operation - IOP Science" paper presents experiments and models of an energy harvesting device in which a low frequency resonator impacts a high frequency energy harvesting resonator, resulting in energy harvesting predominantly at the system's coupled vibration frequency. Analysis shows that a reduced mechanical damping ratio during coupled vibration enables increased electrical power generation as compared with conventional technology. read more

Friday, March 18, 2011

The Future Of... Solar Cells



High oil prices and the BP spill are just two real reminders of how energy dependent we truly are, but tomorrow's solar technology promises cleaner power at lower costs. ZDNet correspondent Sumi Das visits Stanford University where researchers have developed PETE, a new way to squeeze more energy from the sun.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

How to Build Your Own Stretcher Bars and Stretch Your Own Canvas | eHow.com

Reading the following article, I'm reminded of my early days as a young budding artist, learning to stretch my first canvas, carefully shown to me by my favorite mentor, "Mr. K". I really owe a lot to Richard Koeneman. He was the first person who really saw the artist in me and provided the tools and encouragement that allowed me to express that creativity.

Whether you buy your canvases already stretched, or not, knowing how to stretch your own is something every artist should be skilled in doing. These helpful instructions shows you step by step. Check them out: How to Build Your Own Stretcher Bars and Stretch Your Own Canvas | eHow.com


Search Amazon.com for roll canvas art

Monday, March 7, 2011

Hybrid's(OTCBB:HYBT) Alternative Energy Zero Emissions Home



Hybrid Technologies' uses the latest technologies. This house features solar panels and wind turbines as an alternative energy source and Lithium-powered energy for storage. While providing a zero-emission, off-the-grid lifestyle, it maintains all the comforts of home, with the integration of a geothermal system for heating and cooling.

RELATED PRODUCTS:
Hybrid energy system cost analysis: San Nicolas Island, California
Stand-alone and Hybrid Wind Energy Systems: Technology, Energy Storage and Applications (Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy)
Solar Hydrogen Hybrid Energy Systems: Science and Technology for the Hydrogen Economy

What Taxes Should a Freelance Artist Pay? | eHow.com

Artists and other self employed individuals are getting a small break on their social security tax obligations for 2011. It's not much, but it's something. Check out the following article for further details.
What Taxes Should a Freelance Artist Pay? By Bonnie Conrad
When you work for a private employer, that employer is responsible for withholding taxes from your paycheck and sending those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on a timely basis. But if you work as a freelance artist, you are self-employed, and you cannot rely on anyone else to pay your taxes for you. As a freelancer, you must keep track of your earnings and put aside enough money to settle up with Uncle Sam: read more...

Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Original "Windbelt" - non-turbine wind power



I love this technology. There are so many conceivable small and large scale possibilities.
Do You have an installed and working Windbelt technology system? You can list your general location and images for the world to see on the windbelts_worldwide map.
Go to www.humdingerwind.com to follow the development of the Windbelt, a patented non-turbine wind harvesting technology.

Or... hey, go old school:


Argonne National Laboratory Smart Grid Interactive Model

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Art-TechOnline: ART RESOURCES

   SUPPORTED AFFILIATE:
Our "ART RESOURCES" section has launched. This area will continue to grow featuring approved links and recommended "all about art" online locations. It will be accessible from the top menu "ART RESOURCES" tab. Have a look around and if you have a favorite art related resource you would like listed, please contact me here at: CINM@ART-TECHONLINE.COM.

Friday, March 4, 2011

The "Art Project" - Google's Bringing Art to the World!

I have to hand it to Google, their "Art Project" with it's "HD", "Zoom", and "Street View" capabilities is assured to delight the masses. Teachers and art enthusiasts alike will appreciate the remarkably easy to use interface. Though, that ease of use could be enhanced greatly by adding a global keyword "search all" feature allowing the user to locate content more readily by "artist name" as an example with results to each work from all museum references. That being said, Google's "Art Project" brings long awaited access and well deserved global attention to art museums, artists and their creative works. I'm happy to see that many people who would otherwise never have had the "chance", or dare I say even the "thought" of gazing upon the work of "da Vinchi", "Van Goch", "Rubens", "Monet", "Turner" or "Dali"(to name just a few), will now have detailed, close up and personal, access. The resource even provides the ability to create you're own collection. Talk about fueling creativity... Just beautiful!

Check it out yourself at: http://www.googleartproject.com

Here's the visitors guide video:



Get Creative:

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Home Energy Behavior - Join The GE Challenge

PV Solar System Under $200 Article w/ links

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SCIENCE: UNDER $200 PV Solar Panel Installation: "SOLAR POWER PROJECT FOR UNDER $200! by Dan Rojas

Written for GardenGirlTV.com

A popular question is regarding "DIY make your own solar panels". Many people see websites offering this information and assume it is a "from scratch process". The question is actually a bit deceiving and similar to "building your own computer". Making "solar cells" is a complex process using a form of silicon and can best be equated to "making an Intel Processor", not a likely DIY in your garage or backyard task. On the other hand, making a "solar panel" is more like "building a computer" where a pre-manufactured processor is combined with a custom ready to install hard drive etc.

To "build your own solar panels", you can buy pre-manufactured solar cells off the internet, buy the ribbon to hook them together, add a blocking diode, seal them behind glass and save 50¢ to $2.00 a watt.

The "Harbor Freight Model", a 45 watt system with everything you need to get started is about $200 and well worth the expense, if you are getting your feet wet for the first time. This kit is designed to charge 12 volt batteries and comes with a charging controller, two 12 volt compact florescent bulbs and a stand for your roof or yard. All the basic wiring is included. I like this kit because it is durable and produces enough power to charge batteries at a reasonable rate and direct power medium sized DC motors for demonstrations. These kits are also expandable.

So how do you get the power to your house? Your house runs on Alternating Current or AC power so an inverter that converts DC to AC is required. The process is pretty simple. Solar panels hook to the controller and the controller hooks to a deep cycle marine battery. You now have 12 volt DC ready to go. Next, you take the inverter and hook it to your battery. For simple installations you use an extension cord no more than 50 feet in length. This setup is usually good for applications requiring 200-500 watts or less. There are 12 volt inverters that can produce over 3000 watts but these at a full load will drain a single battery in less than an hour. The 45 watt Harbor Freight model charges a drained mid-range deep cycle battery to near full capacity in about 12-24 hours of daytime light. So for more power, you need more panels, and for a longer charge, you need more batteries.

Installing solar directly into your house's electrical circuit breaker requires advanced professional electrical advice and installation. I have consulted a few electricians on the basics and they used their expertise to complete the project offering a solar only single outlet, by combining two of the 45 watt Harbor Freight Models. Remember, this type of installation requires a skilled electrician.

Even if you are using a simple extension cord for a small power application, keep in mind you are dealing with electricity and the risk of getting shocked or a fire hazard exists if done improperly. Read all the instructions that come with the kit you purchase and seek professional advice if you are in doubt. This system offers a low cost entry level solar alternative that produces usable power without draining your wallet.

Dan Rojas_GreenPowerScience.com

Harbor Freight Model introduction 45Watt Solar Panels
Assembly HF 45 Watt
Wiring Solar and DC information P2 Solar Series
Wiring Part 3
BUILD YOU OWN SOALR PANELS PART 1

Check out our other videos at
GREENPOWERSCIENCE ON YOUTUBE

Dan Rojas
GreenPowerScience