Category: Energy

Parallel Path Power from Electromagnets

Open Source Energy Network has a really groovy article on a new device that can increase magnet motor efficiency over 100%!

From the article: “At Flynn Research, Parallel Path electromagnetism is explained as a method of controlling and directing magnetic flux within the core of a motor to provide an exponentially greater motive force than conventional motors. From their technical brief about the technology, Parallel Path could very well usher in a new age of powerful and highly-efficient electric motors.”

I’ll I have to say is that is really really cool, for some reason I find magnets to be something magical.

Nanotechnology Allows for Spray-On Solar Cells

Scientists have discovered a way that allows solar power cells to be sprayed on to most any surface and produce power even on a cloudy day!

The plastic material uses nanotechnology and contains the first solar cells able to harness the sun’s invisible, infrared rays. The breakthrough has led theorists to predict that plastic solar cells could one day become five times more efficient than current solar cell technology.

This is a huge advancement; yeah for renewable resources!

New Devices to Aid World’s Poor

Segway Scooter inventor Dean Kamen is at it again. But this time instead of helping those in rich countries to get off of their feet, he wants to help poor countries get back on their feet!

He’s developed two washing-machine sized devices: one that filters 1000 litres of water per day; and one that continually produces a kilowatt of energy, powered by cow dung.

Kamen has partnered with Iqbal Quadir, of Bangladeshi company Grameen Phone (see our previous coverage of Grameen Bank). Their business model encourages entrepreneurs in developing nations to offer power and water as services to local populations.

CNN.com has the full story.

Bermuda to Use Ocean Power

According to an article in the Royal Gazette, the island of Bermuda is set to sink a 150ft water turbine off its coast to supplement energy production. Belco, with help from U.S. firm Current to Current is heading up the project, which aims to initially provide 10% of the island nation’s electricity.

The generator has 4 propeller blades which will turn as the ocean currents pass over it, generating power. It is a much cleaner means of electricity generation than Belco’s Oil power plants

Ultimate Showdown of Solar Destiny

Every two years, international teams fight it out using computer models and engineering expertise at the Solar Decathlon, a kind of Olympics for solar-powered homes. Teams of students design, build and operate houses that are powered only by solar energy. The homes open to the public.

The teams work for two years to develop ways to reduce the cost of solar-powered homes and advance solar technology in general. This year’s competition is special since the US Department of Energy will provide $100,000 (US) to each participating team.