Sunday, December 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Could U.S. Get 20% of Electricity from Solar Under Power Lines? | john-farrell-ilsr
Let's go a step further... Use the towers themselves as hybrid vibration, wind, solar and gravity power and storage framework. Definitely a step in the right direction though... | cindy s martin
Could U.S. Get 20% of Electricity from Solar Under Power Lines? | john-farrell-ilsr
What if the U.S. could get 20 percent of its power from solar near transmission lines without covering virgin desert?
It could. Transmission right-of-way corridors, vast swaths of vegetation-free landscape to protect high-voltage power lines, could provide enough space for over 600,000 megawatts of solar PV. These arrays could provide enough electricity to meet 20 percent of the country's electric needs. (Note: There may not be good interconnection opportunities for solar under these huge towers, so this should be read as a land use discussion rather than technical analysis of interconnection to the grid.)
It starts with the federal Government Accountability Office, which estimates there are 155,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines in the United States (defined as lines 230 kilovolts and higher). According to at least two major utilities (Duke Energy and theTennessee Valley Authority), such power lines require a minimum of 150 feet of right-of-way — land generally cleared of all significant vegetation that might come in contact with the power lines...
Read the Full Story: Could U.S. Get 20% of Electricity from Solar Under Power Lines? | john-farrell-ilsr
Solar power could get boost from new light absorption design
| Source: By Sarah Ostman, Northwestern University (Nanowerk News) Solar power may be on the rise, but solar cells are only as efficient as the amount of sunlight they collect. Under the direction of a new McCormick professor, researchers have developed a new material that absorbs a wide range of wavelengths and could lead to more efficient and less expensive solar technology. A paper describing the findings, "Broadband polarization-independent resonant light absorption using ultrathin plasmonic super absorbers", was published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications. "The solar spectrum is not like a laser – it's very broadband, starting with UV and going up to near-infrared," said Koray Aydin, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science and the paper's lead author. "To capture this light most efficiently, a solar cell needs to have a broadband response. This design allows us to achieve that." The researchers used two unconventional materials – metal and silicon oxide... |  | |
| Read the Full Story: Solar power could get boost from new light absorption design | Metal grating developed by Koray Aydin's research team. | |
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
New York City's Solar Windfall Illuminates America's Clean Energy Future | john-farrell-ilsr
A recently released solar map of New York City found enough room on building rooftops for solar panels to power half the city during hours of peak electricity use. Taking advantage of this solar windfall could allow New Yorkers to save millions on electricity costs and create tens of thousands of jobs.
New York City is not alone in its solar power potential.
Almost 60 million Americans live in areas where
Read the full story: New York City's Solar Windfall Illuminates America's Clean Energy Future | john-farrell-ilsr
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Feds Award $2.2 Million to C.O. Hydro Projects - News Story - KTVZ Bend
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced Tuesday nearly $17 million in funding over the next three years for research and development projects to advance hydropower technology, including a pair of projects in Central Oregon.
A total of 16 projects in 11 states were selected through a competitive grant process for their ability to contribute to the development of innovative technologies that produce hydropower more efficiently, reduce costs and increase sustainable hydropower generation. The funding will help advance the Obama Administration’s goal of meeting 80 percent of our electricity needs from clean energy sources by 2035.
Earth by Design of Bend will receive $1.5 million from the Department of Energy to develop and test a new low-head modular hydropower technology in a canal in the North Unit Irrigation District to produce cost-competitive electricity.
Read the full story: Feds Award $2.2 Million to C.O. Hydro Projects - News Story - KTVZ Bend
A total of 16 projects in 11 states were selected through a competitive grant process for their ability to contribute to the development of innovative technologies that produce hydropower more efficiently, reduce costs and increase sustainable hydropower generation. The funding will help advance the Obama Administration’s goal of meeting 80 percent of our electricity needs from clean energy sources by 2035.
Earth by Design of Bend will receive $1.5 million from the Department of Energy to develop and test a new low-head modular hydropower technology in a canal in the North Unit Irrigation District to produce cost-competitive electricity.
Read the full story: Feds Award $2.2 Million to C.O. Hydro Projects - News Story - KTVZ Bend
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
SoloPower to Expand U.S. Manufacturing Capacity to 400 MW | Renewable Energy News Article
San Jose, Calif., USA -- On the back end of a week in which U.S. solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing took a big hit, a California company announced plans Friday to significantly increase its thin-film capacity while expanding into Oregon.
San Jose-based SoloPower, which makes flexible thin film solar cells and modules, has received a $197 million Department of Energy loan guarantee that the company says will allow it to produce about 400 megawatts (MW) of modules each year. According to the company’s website, SoloPower moved into its current 20-MW plant in 2008.
SoloPower will expand its existing operation in San Jose, Calif. and build two new facilities in Portland, Ore. The company says the expansion will create 450 permanent positions and 270 construction jobs.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Energy Storage for Solar Power - Technology Review
Stored sunlight: A rendering shows BrightSource’s new thermal storage design. The two large tanks will store molten salt, which can be used to generate steam to drive a turbine.
Credit: BrightSource
Credit: BrightSource
by Kevin Bullis
Startup BrightSource announces a new system that could allow future solar plants to run at night.
BrightSource Energy has become the latest solar thermal power company to develop a system for generating power when the sun isn't shining. The company says the technology can lower the cost of solar power and make it more reliable, helping it compete with conventional sources of electricity.
The company, based in Oakland, California, is building one of the world's largest solar thermal power plants. The 392-megawatt solar plant in Ivanpah, California, however, will not include the storage technology. Instead, BrightSource is working with utilities to determine which future projects could best benefit from storage.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
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!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Art School Grad: Creature Collaboration - Cindy Martin (part V)
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fifth rectangle of creature collaboration by Cindy Martin
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Cindy Martin: Hello there! I'm one of those genuine, self taught individuals you always hear about. As a life long artist, I've always been inspired in part by nature's beauty - with all it's related moods, and in part by my "dreamy" interpretation of that beauty. My work is varied and I love it that way. Often times it's surreal or stylized and whimsical. Sometimes my art is abstract or stoic with a depth of understanding, maybe laced with thoughts of a sorrowful moment. Other times it may be a realism piece that bares my feelings of pure wonderment.
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| sketch for painting by Cindy Martin |
To learn more about what blows my hair back, you can visit me at:
The complete Creature will be unveiled at the end!
To view the previous Creature Collaboration installment, click here.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Storing solar energy indefinitely now possible thanks to carbon nanotubes | RobAid
The idea of reversibly storing solar energy in chemical bonds is gaining a lot of attention these days. A group of researchers from MIT have developed a novel application of carbon nanotubes which shows potential as an effective approach to store solar energy for use whenever it’s needed. The method simplifies the process by combining energy harvesting and storage into a single step.Previously, the chemicals used to achieve this type of conversion and storage either degraded within a few cycles, or included the element ruthenium, which is rare and expensive. Jeffrey Grossman, the Carl Richard Soderberg Associate Professor of Power Engineering at MIT, and postdoc Alexie Kolpak have created a new material which is a combination of carbon nanotubes and a compound called azobenzene.
Monday, July 18, 2011
RSi ramping up to Solar Grade Silicon production
Turning on the first 500 MT (Metric Ton) arc furnace in Fall 2011.RSI Silicon rebrands as Renewable Silicon International (RSi).
I have not been able to update RSI Silicon commences Solar Grade Silicon production since March 2009, until now.
In an interview last week with RSi President and CTO Dr. Steve Amendola and Executive Vice President Greg Mandor, I learned RSi plans to start one of two (2) 500 MT arc furnaces at their Easton, Pennsylvania USA, facility in late September or early October 2011 to produce commercial sized 100 to 400 kg (kilogram) customer samples of solar grade silicon. RSi expects to be producing solar grade silicon full time with the first arc furnace by the end of 2011 or early 2012.
Thus far, RSi has produced small batches of 6-7N (six 99.9999% to seven nines 99.99999% pure) solar grade silicon material using the now patented ChemArc process with small experimental sized furnaces.
RSi has not sold any solar grade silicon material to prospective customers, and although RSi has grown a silicon ingot, no silicon solar cells have ever been made from the material. RSi said not enough material had been produced to supply production sized Directional Solidification System (DSS) furnaces. RSi believes their 6N+ quality material will cast 7N multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) ingots suitable for manufacturing mc-Si solar cells. Dr. Amendola said:
So far results have shown that we can produce a 6N material which when you put it into the multicrystalline direct solidification unit gets better than 7N and will make a very good cell.
RSi claims upward of 30 companies have expressed interest in sampling the material to date with new inquiries arriving weekly. Companies range from global brands to the smallest firms all vying for a limited number of initial samples.
As customers place solar grade silicon orders, RSi plans to ramp the second 500 MT arc furnace around 2Q 2012.
...read the full story: RSi ramping up to Solar Grade Silicon production
Central and distributed power: symbiotic? | Intelligent Utility
Centralized power and constellations of microgrids will become the new power paradigm for a lot of good reasons. And you probably didn't hear that here first.
It's just plain obvious—the two elements are symbiotic and that notion of mutual dependency and support is a theme in biology because it's an effective strategy for survival. If a utility's system is over-loaded, a microgrid can cut its dependency on the centralized grid, reducing load—relieving the grid—while still serving its own vital needs.
read the full story: Central and distributed power: symbiotic? | by Phil Carson at Intelligent Utility
It's just plain obvious—the two elements are symbiotic and that notion of mutual dependency and support is a theme in biology because it's an effective strategy for survival. If a utility's system is over-loaded, a microgrid can cut its dependency on the centralized grid, reducing load—relieving the grid—while still serving its own vital needs.
read the full story: Central and distributed power: symbiotic? | by Phil Carson at Intelligent Utility
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Artist Daniel Canogar is interviewed by a student of the IEUniversity
Artist Daniel Canogar thoughtfully and poignantly explains his beautifully designed inspiring linear (LED screen) work of art.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Energy | Data.gov Communities
In January's State of the Union address, the President stated:
"We're issuing a challenge. We're telling America's scientists and engineers that if they assemble teams of the best minds in their fields, and focus on the hardest problems in clean energy, we'll fund the Apollo Projects of our time."
Energy.Data.gov is part of that challenge and part of the larger Data.gov community. The President's challenge wasn't issued to a select group of academics, or through a contract to a limited number of private companies, it was issued to all of us—a call to action given to all Americans, as well as citizens of other countries, and a part of our Open Government Initiative. As co-chairs for this effort, we worked with a talented group of individuals to get this site and initial data available.
Read the Rest at Energy | Data.gov Communities
"We're issuing a challenge. We're telling America's scientists and engineers that if they assemble teams of the best minds in their fields, and focus on the hardest problems in clean energy, we'll fund the Apollo Projects of our time."
Energy.Data.gov is part of that challenge and part of the larger Data.gov community. The President's challenge wasn't issued to a select group of academics, or through a contract to a limited number of private companies, it was issued to all of us—a call to action given to all Americans, as well as citizens of other countries, and a part of our Open Government Initiative. As co-chairs for this effort, we worked with a talented group of individuals to get this site and initial data available.
Read the Rest at Energy | Data.gov Communities
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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
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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
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
University of Minnesota engineering researchers discover new source for generating 'green' electricity : UMNews : University of Minnesota
During a small-scale demonstration in the lab, University of Minnesota researchers showed how their new material can spontaneously produce electricity when the temperature is raised a small amount. Pictured (from left) are aerospace engineering and mechanics professor Richard James, Ph.D. student Yintao Song and post-doctoral researchers Kanwal Bhatti and Vijay Srivastava.
University of Minnesota engineering researchers discover new source for generating 'green' electricity
Contacts: Rhonda Zurn, College of Science and Engineering,rzurn@umn.edu, (612) 626-7959
Preston Smith, University News Service, smith@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552
Preston Smith, University News Service, smith@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (06/21/2011) —University of Minnesota engineering researchers in the College of Science and Engineering have recently discovered a new alloy material that converts heat directly into electricity. This revolutionary energy conversion method is in the early stages of development, but it could have wide-sweeping impact on creating environmentally friendly electricity from waste heat sources.
Read the full story
Read the full story
Monday, June 27, 2011
A Colorful Approach to Solar Energy
Great material to use in hybrid "flexible smart structure" energy systems. Could be applied to the frame that houses the vibration / solar film energy harvesting panels. Piggyback all.
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!
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.
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.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Genergy, LLC Wins Approval from California Energy Comm.
Read the full story at GenergyLLC.com
GENERGY, LLC WINS APPROVAL FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION IN SACRAMENTO FOR THEIR INNOVATIVE “SUBMERGED POWER GENERATOR”, (SPG).
March 29, 2011, The Genergy, LLC Team consisting of Kurt Grossman, Inventor / Chief Technology Officer, Ron Gaiser / Executive Vice President / Communications & Marketing and Glenn Nuttal / Patent Attorney, attended a (CEC) hearing at the capital in Sacramento today to have the commissioner’s reconsider their application that was previously denied by staff clerks due to mis-interpretation of the program guidelines.
“The presentation given at the hearing was well received”, stated Mr. Gaiser after spending the morning with Commissioner’s Boyd and Peterman. “I think they really understand what our “SPG” is now and that it definitely complies with all the guidelines.” Mr. Grossman, the inventor, made the point well when he said, “the SPG is definitely an innovative hydroelectric device worthy of their approval and should be used by all the utility companies, not just in California but in the entire United States.”
With in a matter of only two weeks the California Energy Commission overturned the initial denial and granted approval for pre-certification of the “SPG” with the California Energy Commission.
LINK: View an auto playing video of the technology.
LINK: Investors - Development funds being raised currently.
LINK: (Click, to view their Letter of Approval)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
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
Monday, June 20, 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
Beautiful Living MOSStiles Brighten Up Your Room With Every Color Of The Rainbow
Read the rest of Beautiful Living MOSStiles Brighten Up Your Room With Every Color Of The Rainbow
Post tags: 'green wall', 'living wall', benetti stone, benetti stone philosophy, eco design, eco interiors, Gardening, green architecture, green design, green interiors, modular tiles, modular vertical garden, MoSS, moss tiles, mosstiles, sustainable design, Sustainable Interiors, vertical garden
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Future perfect: Building integrated photovoltaic systems
Future perfect: Building integrated photovoltaic systems: "Balakrishnan Ramachandran:
What’s happening right now?
Photovoltaics presently conjure up the image in our minds of flat panel solar cells, fitted typically on flat roof tops, slanted at an angle towards the sun to harvest solar power. Almost all of these flat panel solar cells were added to pre-existing buildings and consequently had limitations to their installation and use. Since the 1990s, the architects and builders have spawned the new practice of integrating solar photovoltaics into a building at the conceptual stage, for the so-termed Building Integrated Photovoltaics ( BIPV). With BIPV, the building does not suffer from the limitations of an add-on afterthought and also results in reduced cost. And with the trend towards “green buildings”, the BIPV market is projected to reach $ 8.2 billion by 2015. These photovoltaics will also produce 1.6GW of clean power. Supporting this growth the industry is a whole slew of new products that will give architects and building designers more options to design greener buildings without any compromise on form, aesthetics or function of the buildings.
Trends
1. Uni-Solar laminates by United Solar Ovonic LLC:
The pictures above shows Uni-Solar flexible solar modules being directly bonded to the roof of a General Motors factory building in comparison with the conventional roof top panels. The advantage immediately obvious is that the photovoltaic area available for harvesting the solar energy is much larger with the laminate than with the crystalline silicon cells behind glass panels. The flexible modules do not need the additional steel support brackets that add to cost and also to the loading of the roof. The flexible modules weigh only 1lb per sq.foot. Uni-Solar also claims that their modules are designed to absorb solar energy not just from the visible spectrum of sunlight but also from its infra-red and ultra-violet spectra increasing the energy harvested by some 20% per sq. foot of module.
2. Power FLEX BIPV panels:
Global Solar of Tucson, Arizona is another company that offers flexible solar modules that can be directly bonded to the roof of a building. Global claims that its thin film CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide) modules are the highest in energy efficiency at some 13.2% where they approach the efficiency achieved with crystalline silicon solar cells. They offer these flexible modules in strips upto 19 feet length and 1.5 feet width that permit these modules to be installed on any shape or contour of surface. They claim that the installed cost of these modules is the same as crystalline rigid cells.
3. Dow’s Solar shingles:
Dow Solar Solutions, a division of the giant Dow Chemicals has launched a new range of products that can be installed like conventional roof shingles, maintaining the appearance and heritage features of buildings. These can be installed like regular roofing tiles and are said to cost some 40% less than competing products. They are also said to be 10% more efficient than crystalline solar panels while costing 15% less for equivalent power capacity.
4. Konarka Technologies “Power Plastic” flexible transparent solar panels:
In any tall office or commercial building, the vertical faces are always much larger than the rooftop and if the vertical faces can be used to harvest solar energy, the benefits would be much larger than using only the rooftops. Konarka Technologies, a Lowell, Massachussets company, founded by Dr Alan Heeger, the Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry in 2000 for his work on conductive polymers, has introduced its family of Organic Photovoltaic panels that is semi-transparent and comes in various colours. This enables the solar film to be applied to vertical facades of buildings, dramatically increasing the surface area for harvesting solar energy. Konarka also claims that its solar film generates electricity for longer hours each day, from near sunrise to sunset, by being able to absorb energy from the whole sunlight spectrum. They also claim that their film can absorb indirect or reflected light and can even respond to interior lighting of the building on which it is installed.
Konarka claims an efficiency of 8.3% in lab test conditions which is a major advance over its own previous organic photovoltaic film which had efficiencies in the 2-3% range. Konarka has also tied up with a windows manufacturing company to manufacture windows and curtain walls with the Power Plastic film bonded with the glass. It has also converted seven large windows at its own headquarters building to demonstrate this application.
The Impact
These new technologies, as they grow and develop, will speed the process of adoption of Building Integrated Photovoltaics into the design of new buildings and into the refurbishment of older buildings that would be an important step towards a greener building industry.
The problems
At this early stage of development of these technologies, the questions of cost are still left deliberately vague. The crystalline silicon modules presently used the cost around $11,000 per kW which is adopted only with government subsidies both for capital cost and for assured buying of the power generated at rates better than utility power. While such subsidies are acceptable at the early stages of adoption of new technologies, the industry needs to rapidly get the costs down to the level of the present fossil fuel based power generation .
The second major concern is that of life of these new photovoltaics. With thin flexible films being the common thread between these different technologies, the question in many people’s minds is whether these will have the same lifetime, which is at least 25 years, for other materials used in the buildings industry. If the life is likely to be less, whether these systems can be replaced or re-furbished without shutting down the building for long period of time.
In summary
The Building Integrated Photovoltaic industry appears to be coming of age with a new range of technology options and products that permit the photovoltaics to be built into the design of the building. With improvements to cost and life, hopefully, photovoltaics would come to be as commonplace as the use of glass or steel in the building industry.
Building integrated photovoltaic systemsIt is expected that by 2015, global BIPV market will reach 1.6 GW, especially in the European markets.
What’s happening right now?
Photovoltaics presently conjure up the image in our minds of flat panel solar cells, fitted typically on flat roof tops, slanted at an angle towards the sun to harvest solar power. Almost all of these flat panel solar cells were added to pre-existing buildings and consequently had limitations to their installation and use. Since the 1990s, the architects and builders have spawned the new practice of integrating solar photovoltaics into a building at the conceptual stage, for the so-termed Building Integrated Photovoltaics ( BIPV). With BIPV, the building does not suffer from the limitations of an add-on afterthought and also results in reduced cost. And with the trend towards “green buildings”, the BIPV market is projected to reach $ 8.2 billion by 2015. These photovoltaics will also produce 1.6GW of clean power. Supporting this growth the industry is a whole slew of new products that will give architects and building designers more options to design greener buildings without any compromise on form, aesthetics or function of the buildings.
Trends
1. Uni-Solar laminates by United Solar Ovonic LLC:
UNI-SOLAR laminates by United Solar Ovonic LLCUnisolar thin film amorphous PV Solar Laminates are flexible solar modules that are bonded directly to the roof.
The pictures above shows Uni-Solar flexible solar modules being directly bonded to the roof of a General Motors factory building in comparison with the conventional roof top panels. The advantage immediately obvious is that the photovoltaic area available for harvesting the solar energy is much larger with the laminate than with the crystalline silicon cells behind glass panels. The flexible modules do not need the additional steel support brackets that add to cost and also to the loading of the roof. The flexible modules weigh only 1lb per sq.foot. Uni-Solar also claims that their modules are designed to absorb solar energy not just from the visible spectrum of sunlight but also from its infra-red and ultra-violet spectra increasing the energy harvested by some 20% per sq. foot of module.
2. Power FLEX BIPV panels:
PowerFLEX BIPVPowerFLEX BIPV by Global Solar.
Global Solar of Tucson, Arizona is another company that offers flexible solar modules that can be directly bonded to the roof of a building. Global claims that its thin film CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide) modules are the highest in energy efficiency at some 13.2% where they approach the efficiency achieved with crystalline silicon solar cells. They offer these flexible modules in strips upto 19 feet length and 1.5 feet width that permit these modules to be installed on any shape or contour of surface. They claim that the installed cost of these modules is the same as crystalline rigid cells.
3. Dow’s Solar shingles:
BIPV system Dow Solar SolutionsBIPV system Dow Solar Solutions cost about 40% less than other solar panels.
Dow Solar Solutions, a division of the giant Dow Chemicals has launched a new range of products that can be installed like conventional roof shingles, maintaining the appearance and heritage features of buildings. These can be installed like regular roofing tiles and are said to cost some 40% less than competing products. They are also said to be 10% more efficient than crystalline solar panels while costing 15% less for equivalent power capacity.
4. Konarka Technologies “Power Plastic” flexible transparent solar panels:
konarka power plastic organic photovoltaic materPower Plastic is lightweight, thin, flexible, portable, and beautiful.
In any tall office or commercial building, the vertical faces are always much larger than the rooftop and if the vertical faces can be used to harvest solar energy, the benefits would be much larger than using only the rooftops. Konarka Technologies, a Lowell, Massachussets company, founded by Dr Alan Heeger, the Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry in 2000 for his work on conductive polymers, has introduced its family of Organic Photovoltaic panels that is semi-transparent and comes in various colours. This enables the solar film to be applied to vertical facades of buildings, dramatically increasing the surface area for harvesting solar energy. Konarka also claims that its solar film generates electricity for longer hours each day, from near sunrise to sunset, by being able to absorb energy from the whole sunlight spectrum. They also claim that their film can absorb indirect or reflected light and can even respond to interior lighting of the building on which it is installed.
Konarka claims an efficiency of 8.3% in lab test conditions which is a major advance over its own previous organic photovoltaic film which had efficiencies in the 2-3% range. Konarka has also tied up with a windows manufacturing company to manufacture windows and curtain walls with the Power Plastic film bonded with the glass. It has also converted seven large windows at its own headquarters building to demonstrate this application.
The Impact
These new technologies, as they grow and develop, will speed the process of adoption of Building Integrated Photovoltaics into the design of new buildings and into the refurbishment of older buildings that would be an important step towards a greener building industry.
The problems
At this early stage of development of these technologies, the questions of cost are still left deliberately vague. The crystalline silicon modules presently used the cost around $11,000 per kW which is adopted only with government subsidies both for capital cost and for assured buying of the power generated at rates better than utility power. While such subsidies are acceptable at the early stages of adoption of new technologies, the industry needs to rapidly get the costs down to the level of the present fossil fuel based power generation .
The second major concern is that of life of these new photovoltaics. With thin flexible films being the common thread between these different technologies, the question in many people’s minds is whether these will have the same lifetime, which is at least 25 years, for other materials used in the buildings industry. If the life is likely to be less, whether these systems can be replaced or re-furbished without shutting down the building for long period of time.
In summary
The Building Integrated Photovoltaic industry appears to be coming of age with a new range of technology options and products that permit the photovoltaics to be built into the design of the building. With improvements to cost and life, hopefully, photovoltaics would come to be as commonplace as the use of glass or steel in the building industry.
Friday, June 17, 2011
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?
Solar Too Expensive? Use Jellyfish
Solar Too Expensive? Use Jellyfish: "
Over 70 percent of the earth is covered by oceans. Humans, while avid land explorers throughout history, still have a rudimentary understanding of the ecosystem beneath the sea. Most people think “SpongeBob Squarepants” isn’t so far off from the truth, although how anyone could believe a pineapple made it to the bottom of the ocean without being scavenged is beyond me. But as we continue to explore the sea, we also continue to unlock some of its secrets. Scientists have done just that with mysterious bioluminescent jellyfish, which may end up powering your home in the near future.
The bioluminescent protein that allows the cnidarians to glow can actually be harnessed to produce an electrical current. Swedish researchers (Scandinavians are just the best) have devised a way to collect that protein and turn them into “organic solar cells.” By dripping the green fluorescent protein onto a silicon dioxide substrate between two electrodes, the Swedes saw that the protein works itself into tiny strands. Those strands, when exposed to ultraviolet light (like the sun produces), absorb photons and emit electrons, generating electricity. They work just like solar cells, but don’t require the expensive materials.
Even Gene Roddenberry couldn’t have thought that one up.
While using animals as an energy source is contentious, the current overpopulation of jellyfish in the oceans can lend itself to a mutual agreement between science and conservation. By collecting and using jellyfish to create carbon-neutral energy, balance may also be restored to the oceans, allowing more fragile species of life to exist. Like the glorious yellow sea sponge.
-- Erik Ian Larsen
Image: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
"
Over 70 percent of the earth is covered by oceans. Humans, while avid land explorers throughout history, still have a rudimentary understanding of the ecosystem beneath the sea. Most people think “SpongeBob Squarepants” isn’t so far off from the truth, although how anyone could believe a pineapple made it to the bottom of the ocean without being scavenged is beyond me. But as we continue to explore the sea, we also continue to unlock some of its secrets. Scientists have done just that with mysterious bioluminescent jellyfish, which may end up powering your home in the near future.The bioluminescent protein that allows the cnidarians to glow can actually be harnessed to produce an electrical current. Swedish researchers (Scandinavians are just the best) have devised a way to collect that protein and turn them into “organic solar cells.” By dripping the green fluorescent protein onto a silicon dioxide substrate between two electrodes, the Swedes saw that the protein works itself into tiny strands. Those strands, when exposed to ultraviolet light (like the sun produces), absorb photons and emit electrons, generating electricity. They work just like solar cells, but don’t require the expensive materials.
Even Gene Roddenberry couldn’t have thought that one up.
While using animals as an energy source is contentious, the current overpopulation of jellyfish in the oceans can lend itself to a mutual agreement between science and conservation. By collecting and using jellyfish to create carbon-neutral energy, balance may also be restored to the oceans, allowing more fragile species of life to exist. Like the glorious yellow sea sponge.
-- Erik Ian Larsen
Image: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
"
Thursday, June 9, 2011
4 Fantastic Art Contest Sites & Resources
- My Art Contest - Art Resources
- Search Hundreds of Income & Exhibition Opportunities at ArtList.com
art contests, art competitions, photography contests, art residencies, fellowships, calls for public art, art events, art fairs & festivals, art classes, workshops, juried exhibitions and more... - Threadless Causes - T-shirt Design Contests
Threadless Causes is using the power of community-based design to call attention to the good guys: non-profits, world-changing organizations, and important social movements... - Compete with other artists in our free monthly art contests for cash and other great prizes.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Introduction to Wax Carving with Josh Murray
Read the Press Release
This week The Gnomon Workshop announces the release of Introduction to Wax Carving with Josh Murray. This title breaks from the traditional clay sculpture titles, to introduce you the art of carving a working master in wax. In this DVD, Josh uses both modern and traditional techniques to develop a low-relief wax master, commonly used for casting jewelry and sculptures. Josh utilizes subtractive methods to accurately carve out detail, then, uses an additive method build up new elements on his master. Using his extensive experience, Josh also discusses the utilization of the tools he uses in his workflow, including common hand and power tools. This title will expose sculptors of all levels to a new set of techniques for working with a classic, yet flexible, medium like wax.
This title is available as digital download and is also featured in our training subscription plans.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
6 Steps to Begin Exporting | SBA.gov
6 Steps to Begin Exporting
Start at www.export.gov/begin
Small businesses looking to increase sales and profit, reduce dependence on the domestic market and stabilize seasonal fluctuations should consider exporting.- Nearly 96 percent of consumers live outside the U.S.
- Two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries.
Step 1 Take the Free Export Readiness Self-Assessment
Do you have what it takes to become a successful exporter? Exporting offers great opportunities but requires preparation and planning. Complete the online questionnaire and receive feedback to help you assess your export readiness, and advice on how to strengthen your export potential read more...Monday, May 23, 2011
Why the Success of the Smart Energy Grid Requires a Multipronged Approach
by
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...
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...
Monday, May 9, 2011
Art Contest - Art Takes London - Call to Artists
Deadline: Friday, May 27, 2011
Organization: Artists Wanted
Contact Name: Maya
Email: info@arttakeslondon.com
Opportunity Type:
Contests / Juried Shows, Call for Submissions, Fairs / Festivals, Gallery Exhibition Opportunities
Exhibition is Held:
Brick and Mortar Gallery
Fees:
$10 per image or $79 for 8-20 images
Medium:
Acrylic, Ceramics, Crafts, Digital, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Literary, Metalsmithing, Mixed Media, Oil, Painting, Pastel, Performance, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Video, Watercolor, Other Media
Jurors:
Daria Brit Shapiro (Head Curator of Artists Wanted)
Alexis Hubshman (Founder, Scope Art Fair)
Jason Goodman (Founder, 3rd Ward)
Description:
Organization: Artists Wanted
Contact Name: Maya
Email: info@arttakeslondon.com
Opportunity Type:
Contests / Juried Shows, Call for Submissions, Fairs / Festivals, Gallery Exhibition Opportunities
Exhibition is Held:
Brick and Mortar Gallery
Fees:
$10 per image or $79 for 8-20 images
Medium:
Acrylic, Ceramics, Crafts, Digital, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Literary, Metalsmithing, Mixed Media, Oil, Painting, Pastel, Performance, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Video, Watercolor, Other Media
Jurors:
Daria Brit Shapiro (Head Curator of Artists Wanted)
Alexis Hubshman (Founder, Scope Art Fair)
Jason Goodman (Founder, 3rd Ward)
Description:
Miami? Been there. New York? Done that. Now, we're taking it to London! Scope Art Show and Artists Wanted have partnered up once again in the search for the best artistic talent to showcase before thousands of curators, art dealers, gallerists, critics, collectors and artists. Pack your Wellies, London's Calling.
You are invited to show your work at SCOPE Art London. Eight artists will walk away as winners, one artist will be awarded $10,000 in grants and a feature booth at SCOPE London. This is your opportunity to present your work at the premier showcase for international contemporary art.
Prospectus: www.arttakeslondon.com…
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