research

Kiwis Know Solar Power

- Adam Clare 1 Comment

Some New Zealand researchers have created a dye for solar power generation that mimics photosynthesis in plants. The dye is cheaper to use than standard photovoltaic solar panels.

Cam says:

Dr Wayne Campbell and researchers from the Nanomaterials Research Centre at Massey University in New Zealand have developed a range of coloured dyes for use in dye-sensitized solar cells. Synthetic dyes solar cells that can be used to generate electricity at one tenth of the cost of current silicon-based solar panels.

The synthetic dyes are made from simple organic compounds closely related to those found in nature. The green dye Dr Campbell is synthetic chlorophyll derived from the light-harvesting pigment plants use for photosynthesis. Other dyes being tested in the cells are based on hemoglobin, the compound that give blood its color and blue derived from blueberries. Apparently, dark-colored berries outperform most other plant species when it comes to spectral absorption of sunlight.

From the linked article:

Solar cell technology developed by the University’s Nanomaterials Research Centre will enable New Zealanders to generate electricity from sunlight at a 10th of the cost of current silicon-based photo-electric solar cells.
…
Dr Campbell says that unlike the silicon-based solar cells currently on the market, the 10x10cm green demonstration cells generate enough electricity to run a small fan in low-light conditions – making them ideal for cloudy climates. The dyes can also be incorporated into tinted windows that trap to generate electricity.

New Leopard Spotted

- Adam Clare

spottedI find it entertaining when researchers find something “new” that has been in front of them the entire time. It doesn’t mean that the discovery is any less important though. In this case it is a “new” breed of leopard; and the uniqueness of this animal is in it’s genes.

The new cat, now dubbed the Bornean clouded leopard and given the species name Neofelis diardi, is darker than the mainland clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa. It also has slightly different markings on its pelt. But the real differences between the two species are in their genes.

Roundabouts Save Fuel

- Adam Clare

Some research in the USA that examined intersections that switched from stoplights to a roundabout proves that roundabouts are greener.

Intersections with roundabouts generated between 55% and 61% less carbon dioxide, depending on the time of day. Emissions of hydrocarbons, also greenhouse gases, dropped by between 62% and 68%. His paper, which is admittedly a bit of tough read, is here.

Ancient Solution, Modern Problem

- Adam Clare

Alexander Moseson wrote:

A scientist is resurrecting 4500 year old technology from the pyramids to create a sustainable, environmentally friendly concrete. It produces 90% less CO2 than the standard Portland Cement, which is the second largest producer of CO2 behind fossil fuels. This could have huge applications in modern society, but even better, they hope to use it to provide cheap or free housing to developing communities all over the world.

(Alex is a graduate student working on the project.) Thanks for sharing Alex!

Bizzarre Looking Concept Car

- Adam Clare

The Peugeot Dauphin is a concept car that looks really odd and serves of testbed for future electric vehicles. It’s the craziest tricycle you’ll ever see (pictures located at the above link, sorry in a rush with no time to attach an image).

“It’s no slouch when it comes to performance, either. Pushing the techno-tryke up to 90 mph are electric motors embedded in each rear wheel, and once you get home, you charge the vehicle up again by simply parking it over the Peugeot Dock/Recharging station. It’s all so effortless — your only problem will be convincing your neighbors that it’s not a U”

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