WARP Wind Amplified Rotor Platforms

This technology and others like it along with the use of recent PV thin film, solar paint material options and onsite storage innovations is where we should be headed. They could prove to be cost effective solutions that can make significant strides to reduce our reliance of fossil fuel power generation. Of course slight modifications may be required to provide reliable safety measures for installation and maintenance personnel as well as producing a safe environment for our wildlife population. View additional information regarding proposed uses at: http://www.warpwindsystems.com/ancillary.html Bravo!

Smart Grid: Why the smart grid will go mainstream June 1, 2022 – Accenture smart grid forecasts

Smart Grid: Why the smart grid will go mainstream June 1, 2022 – Accenture smart grid forecasts

SmartGridNews.com reports: Grid energy storage tool reduces risk to utilities

Quick Take: As the KEMA news release says: "Uncertainty about the total cost and value of energy storage device makes it difficult to determine payback." As a result, utilities often hesitate to add storage to their technology toolboxes. But new methods are emerging to solve this issue. Here's a new tool from KEMA (see below). And we've previously shared stories with you on monetizing energy storage, up and coming smart grid storage technologies and why it's essential to choose storage technologies very carefully (because many may fail as the grid-scale storage wars grind on). – By Jesse Berst

Choosing the right energy storage technology, let alone figuring out return on investment, is a tricky business when you're dealing with such a young industry. KEMA's new ES-Select, a new energy storage performance modeling tool, is designed to take the guesswork out of the process.

KEMA is well aware that energy storage technologies vary drastically – from electric batteries to flywheels and more – with equally drastic differences in deliverable power, efficiency, discharge time, cycle life and other operational elements. And, uncertainty about total cost and value makes it hard to determine payback, adding to the confusion and uncertainty.

Read the full story

Flexible Hybrid Smart Structure Energy Systems

Finally, someone who's on to it!, (partially anyway) Very interesting research. 

Readers: if you happen to know of additional organizations or individuals with research in developing flexible hybrid smart structure systems that can generate energy from movement (also known as: vibration energy harvesting), as well as solar, Genergy (gravity energy) and / or hydro please post a link here. Especially if there are plans to utilize the height and overall structure of our current larger power grid towers that are located in high exposure areas like along the I-5 corridor. Not to mention, what about utilizing other newer sound infrastructure already in place like guard rails, bridges, etc... in this way? Excess energy can be stored underground in many cases with newly discovered technologies for later use during peak hours. I realize power companies own a portion if not all of the current power grid tower structures. Why not utilize them in this way as a viable addition to home alternative energy systems? It would give power companies an additional way to keep a piece of the pie for themselves without having to rely so heavily on fossil fuels. Lets get off the oil already!

Green energy invention showcases at House of Commons

Thursday 26 May 2011

The Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science opened the event with other speakers including Mr David Sweeney, HEFCE Director for Research, Innovation and Skills, and Mr Liam Burns, President Elect, NUS.

Among those to visit the University's presentation were Lord Haskel, (pictured centre) and Bolton MPs Julie Hilling (left) and Yasmin Hussain (right). With them is PhD student Derman Vatansever and Director of Research, Professor Elias Siores.

Research That Matters looks at how modern universities contribute to national research, innovation and economic growth. The think tank says modern universities have a distinctive and valuable approach to research, working closely with business, public and third sector organisations. It is urging Government to support new universities' research, maintaining public investment.

Derman and Professor Siores, who are based in the University's Institute for Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI), were showcasing a new green-energy material.

The IMRI scientists have created a unique product – a flexible piezoelectric fibre that can be woven to create natural energy-harnessing fabrics. Energy is created as the material is moved. The researchers have added to it, patenting a method for creating a photovoltaic- piezoelectric fibre which would also harness the power of the sun, meaning the material could be a solar energy source as well.

Read the full story

Building A Better Electric Grid

The nation's electrical grid is getting old, not just in its infrastructure, but in the technology used to run it. In this segment, Ira Flatow and guests discuss the grid, its problems, and how new technology can be used to make the grid "smarter." Will consumers sign on?

Erich Gunther, chairman, Chief Technology Officer, EnerNex, senior member, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), member of the IEEE's Smart Grid Task Force, Knoxville, Tenn.

Karen Herter, Herter Energy Research Solutions, El Dorado Hills, Calif.

Alex Laskey, president and founder, OPower, Arlington, Va.
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June 10, 2011

Triple Threat: New Generator Harnesses Energy from Sun, Wind and Rain

One thing that's known for sure about the future of renewable energy is that it will take all types to fulfill our energy needs. The wind isn't always blowing and the sun isn't always shining, but if wind, solar, geothermal, wave/tidal and any other type of renewable energy generation are all utilized and all feeding the grid, then we'll be more than covered. But what about devices that can harness more than one of these renewable energy sources at once?

A new renewable energy generator developed by researchers at the University of Bolton in the UK is able to harness energy from not one, but three sources: sunlight, wind and rain. I'm sure you're imagining one crazy-looking contraption, but this new technology actually uses ribbons of piezoelectric polymer that are coated with a thin, flexible solar PV film.

The ribbons generate electricity anytime they're disturbed, whether by wind or rain drops, or when the sun is shining. The more forcefully they're moved, the greater the energy payoff. The researchers imagine a pine cone shaped structure consisting of thousands of these ribbons.

The ribbons can only generate small amounts of electricity, so the researchers foresee them being used in low energy applications like powering gadgets. Another possibility is applying the same techniques to nylon for use in energy-generating clothing.

via New Scientist

The Wind Generation - SCAD MFA Industrial Design Small Wind

Another piece of the pie... Creative innovation solutions for smart grid / current grid tower and other infrastructure utilization for onsite hybrid solar / wind panel alternative energy generation and delivery system integration?

GE Energy Invests in eSolar, a Key Step to Combining Natural Gas and Renewable Energy for Cleaner, More Reliable Power : Press Releases : News : GE

GE Energy Invests in eSolar, a Key Step to Combining Natural Gas and Renewable Energy for Cleaner, More Reliable Power : Press Releases : News : GE

Demystifying and De-Jargoning the Smart Grid

Why the Success of the Smart Energy Grid Requires a Multipronged Approach

by Eric Dresselhuys

Eric Dresselhuys is the executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Silver Spring Networks and has more than 13 years of experience in developing smart grid solutions to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.
The prevailing discussion surrounding the smart grid is rightly focused on customer engagement. Sadly, that discussion has turned into an argument of gadgets versus behavioral modification tools — in-home displays and programmable thermostats versus community comparisons and social media. This argument creates a false dichotomy and runs the risk of keeping whole segments of people from engaging with their energy consumption habits. The reality is that energy efficiency is too important and broad for any one-size-fits-all solution. A portfolio of choices needs to be available, including some that haven’t even been thought of yet read the full article...

Get Smart on Smart Grid: How Technology Can Revolutionize Efficiency and...

Another piece in the smart grid puzzle.

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...

Argonne National Laboratory Smart Grid Interactive Model