gizmag: ecoGizmo

Greencore's solar powered air conditioner

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:52:49 +1000

It's an idea that makes perfect sense - when it's hot, the sun is out, so why not utilize that energy to help cool down. Californian based Greencore has developed a hybrid solar-powered air conditioning system for both fixed and mobile applications which can cool a room up to 600 square feet in size using a single 170 watt solar panel, or switch to using power from the grid when necessary...

Tags: Environmental, Renewable Energy, Solar

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Artificial Photosynthesis provides clean, cheap Hydrogen

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:43:45 +1000

An international team of researchers led by Monash University has used manganese, a chemical involved in photosynthesis, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using only sunlight and an electrical potential of 1.2 volts. Scientists claim the process could provide a clean, cheap method of producing hydrogen for fuel cells and energy generation. ..

Tags: Emissions Control, Environmental, Fuel Cell, Hydrogen

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Solar powered tie charges your mobile phone

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:25:08 +1000

It might not be the most chic of clothing items, but form takes a back-seat to function with this solar powered necktie. Designed to charge a mobile phone, the concept tie was created by researchers at Iowa State University (ISU) whilst experimenting with uses for photovoltaic (PV) textiles to create smart garments. ..

Tags: Smart Fabric, Solar, Wearable

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Efficient solar modules to reduce costs by 25 percent

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:59:11 +1000

August 24, 2008 Canadian-based Day4 Energy has announced a research breakthrough that could see its solar cell production costs reduced by up to 25%. The new design and manufacturing process for its Generation II solar cells promises efficiency of up to 19% on mono-crystalline and 18% on multi-crystalline silicon materials (the average output of current solar cells is around 15%). ..

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Clinton Foundation considers 5,000MW solar station in India

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:15:57 +1000

August 14, 2008 According to Treehugger and The Business Standard, the US-based Clinton Foundation is currently in talks with the Indian government to undertake the world’s largest single location solar project. Costing around US$475 million and with an estimated output of 5,000MW (5 gigawatts), the Gujurat-based “Integrated Solar City” would rival even the biggest coal-fired power stations...

Tags: Environmental, iPod, Portable Audio, Renewable Energy, Solar

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Fuel cell breakthrough promises cheaper eco-friendly cars

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:50:05 +1000

A team of Australian scientists has developed a new fuel cell prototype that could pave the way for a generation of much cheaper, more fuel efficient fuel-cells for powering eco-friendly cars. The new fuel cells feature a new cathode made from a conducting polymer rather than the expensive cathodes used in existing fuel cells...

Tags: Alternative Energy Sources, Clean fuel, Fuel Cell

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Solar energy system goes to market

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 06:22:09 +1000

SolarCraft has completed a 35.4 kilowatt solar energy system at the new Hamilton Marketplace Complex in Novato, California. The system will enable the new shopping center to generate enough clean electricity to spare the air nearly 31 tons of harmful greenhouse gases annually, equivalent to the air filtering of 6.2 acres of trees...

Tags: Environmental, Renewable Energy, retail technology, Solar

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Windowpanes that generate solar power, charge USB devices

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:47:00 +1000

July 28, 2008 While rooftop solar panels have understandably been the main focus for household solar energy breakthroughs, Tokyo-based Nihon Telecommunication System Inc. has given householders another option to do their bit to help the planet by developing windowpanes with built-in photovoltaic cells. ..

Tags: Environmental, Solar

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Carbon Capture: a bridging technology too far?

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:56:28 +1000

Carbon capture and storage is a climate change mitigation technology characterized by sporadic and unreliable government support and plagued with accusations that it will worsen the environmental disaster it seeks to address. Yet, despite the negative stigma, CCS has been labeled by the IPCC and the Stern Report as an essential measure in reducing the impact of fossil fuels. Gizmag's Kyle Sherer takes a closer look...

Tags: Clean fuel, Climate Change, Emissions Control, Environmental, Hydrogen

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Cow Power potential is no bull

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:21:31 +1000

A study published in the Institute of Physics’ Environmental Research Letters section today claims that by converting livestock manure to biogas, the United States could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and generate up to 108.8 billion kW h – 2.9% of the country’s total electricity requirement...

Tags: Clean fuel, Climate Change, Emissions Control, Environmental

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geos zero energy residential community launches in Colorado

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:05:56 +1000

Colorado will be home to the largest net-zero energy, master-planned community in the US after plans were announced for 250 residences to be built. Construction of the Geos Neighborhood will begin this fall and, once complete, will generate enough renewable energy to offset 100% of the annual energy needs of the entire community...

Tags: Building and Construction, Environmental, Housing, Solar, Water Conservation

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Anaconda aims for affordable wave power

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:17:51 +1000

A giant rubber tube known as the “Anaconda” may present an viable solution to the challenge of generating electricity from the power of ocean waves. Under development in the UK, the simple design means it would be cheap to manufacture and maintain, resulting in clean electricity at a lower cost than other types of wave based energy production...

Tags: Alternative Energy Sources, Renewable Energy, Tidal Energy, Underwater

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Self Powered Rotating Skyscraper launched

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:59:00 +1000

Floor plans have been released and the reservations list opened for the "world's first building in motion" - the Dynamic Tower in Dubai. Italian architect Dr. David Fisher made the announcement on June 24 at the official launch of the revolutionary 1,380 foot skyscraper which will have 80 floors and apartments ranging in size from 124 square meters (1,334 SF), to Villas of 1,200 SM (12,916 SF) complete with a parking space inside the apartment...

Tags: Alternative Energy Sources, Architecture

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Solar Collector: interactive modern art with an eco twist

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:31:07 +1000

Gorbet Design has created a solar installation that cleverly combines modern art with renewable energy technology. The Solar Collector's 12 cylindrical shafts rise up from a grassy hilltop at the Waterloo Regional Operations Centre in Cambridge, Canada...

Tags: Environmental, Renewable Energy, Solar

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London's famous coal power station about to get new, green lease on life

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:51:58 +1000

June 25, 2008 A controversial development proposal now under consideration aims to turn London's iconic but defunct Battersea Power Station into a carbon-neutral biofuel power plant. The proposal also includes a 300 meter-tall residential tower featuring solar powered climate control and a glass 'eco-dome' that would allow residents to grow tropical roof gardens even in London's distinctly non-tropical weather. But is it a revolutionary plan to revitalize an old collapsing fossil fuel plant with a new green lease of life, or simply a grandstanding attempt by a property developer to build an ultramodern skyscaper in old London town?..

Tags: Alternative Energy Sources, Architecture, Biofuel

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The TTxGP - the first clean emissions Grand Prix

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:22:04 +1000

June 25, 2008 The world’s oldest racing venue, the Isle of Man, is set to reinvent itself by holding the world’s first clean emissions Grand Prix. This new and very exciting chapter in auto racing history is set to begin next June (2009) when the, the TTxGP, will be held over just one 37.7 mile (60.7 km) lap of the famous Isle of Man TT circuit. The traditional world of motorsport has been slow to grasp the urgency with which the world needs to clean up its petroleum-burning act, so a new group is planning the world’s first Clean Emissions Grand Prix race. Regulations are due in about a fortnight from now, with the intention of showcasing a diverse range of clean emission two and three wheeled vehicles capable of reaching Grand Prix race speeds. The event will be staged during the traditional TT motorcycle races and there are plans to offer the event internationally as part of a series. The world’s oldest racing venue, the Isle of Man, is set to reinvent itself by holding the world’s first clean emissions Grand Prix. This new and very exciting chapter in auto racing history is set to begin next June (2009) when the, the TTxGP, will be held over just one 37.7 mile (60.7 km) lap of the famous Isle of Man TT circuit. The traditional world of motorsport has been slow to grasp the urgency with which the world needs to clean up its petroleum-burning act, so a new group is planning the world’s first Clean Emissions Grand Prix race. Regulations are due in about a fortnight from now, with the intention of showcasing a diverse range of clean emission two and three wheeled vehicles capable of reaching Grand Prix race speeds. The event will be staged during the traditional TT motorcycle races and there are plans to offer the event internationally as part of a series...

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Heel-strike generators to harness pedestrian power

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:31:45 +1000

Peak oil is proving a great motivator for the exploration of radical alternative energy ideas and ongoing developments show that we haven’t even scratched the surface. The latest shining example comes from the UK, where plans to harness the power of pedestrians to generate electricity are underway...

Tags: Alternative Energy Sources, Environmental, Renewable Energy

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How green are you? PEIR system measures personal environmental impact

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:17:32 +1000

A key starting point to helping the environment is determining what impact we personally have on the planet. To assist in this challenge researchers at UCLA have developed a way to generate online Personal Environmental Impact Reports (PEIR) using location data from cell phones...

Tags: Climate Change, Emissions Control, Environmental, GPS, Mobile Phone, Nokia

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Designer fuel offers more mpg, less emissions, less cost

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:58:41 +1000

Now here’s an interesting solution to the problem of reducing emissions using the same fleet of cars we have, but by using different fuel. Airplanes need high octane fuel and the octane rating has until now been achieved by adding tetraethyl lead, but that will be outlawed from 2010. Ethanol achieves the same octane rating boost but is unsuitable for use in aircraft. To solve the riddle, the newly announced SwiftFuel© uses ethanol to produce a designer fuel with a 104 octane rating that has no ethanol in it. It runs fine in any existing plane (or car), and is a low emission, alternative made entirely from biomass that has 15-20% more energy per litre than petrol, so your plane (or car) will get better mpg too. And it costs half as much to make as current petroleum manufacturing cost. What’s the catch?..

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Clear Skies Solar to build 8MW Photovoltaic Farm

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:03:11 +1000

In yet another example of California's leading role in solar-power, Clear Skies Solar has announced plans to build an 8MW solar farm in Cantil. The project will encompass 34 acres of land and cost around US$44 million...

Tags: Renewable Energy, Solar

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Burj Al-Taqa: self-sufficient skyscraper design

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:22:23 +1000

This concept eco-skyscraper from German-based architects Gerber Architekten combines traditional building ventilation techniques with the ability to generate 100% of its energy needs using wind and solar power. And the likely location for the "Burj Al-Taqa" or "Energy Tower” - you guessed it - Dubai. ..

Tags: Alternative Energy Sources, Architecture, Climate Change, Emissions Control, Environmental, Solar, Wind Power

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CO2 recycling system for automobiles

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:51:51 +1000

Origo Industries is set to reveal a new technology designed to capture and recycle a vehicle's CO2 emissions and produce fuel that can be used to re-power your car or even power your house...

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245MW solar power deal for California

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:55:25 +1000

Following on from an announcement to create a 65 million square foot solar panel installation in California, Southern California Edison (SCE) has announced plans to purchase 245MW of solar power from eSolar through a series of pre-fab solar plants...

Tags: Renewable Energy, Solar

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OrignOil closer to large scale algae oil production

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:13:40 +1000

Los Angeles-based OriginOil has developed breakthrough technology that it believes will enable the transformation of algae oil into a true competitor for petroleum. The company has filed a patent to protect its invention of a scalable system that is critical to achieving high volume algae production required to replace petroleum. ..

Tags: Alternative Energy Sources, Biofuel, Climate Change, Emissions Control, Environmental

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SeaGen tidal energy system reaches completion

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:28:02 +1000

Construction of the 1.2MW SeaGen tidal systemhas now been completed. The world’s first megawatt scale tidal turbine will now enter a 12-week period of commissioning and testing before it starts regularly feeding power into the Northern Ireland grid. ..

Tags: Alternative Energy Sources, Environmental, Tidal Energy

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