Save Energy Making Tea!
February 27, 2009 | Comments Off
Feb 25, 2009 – Measure out the amount of water you need for your cup of tea before boiling. If you just fill up your tea kettle with 5 to 6 cups to make one cup of tea, you are using your stove top burner 5 to 6 times longer than you need to for your tea. An added benefit to heating less water is that your cup of tea is ready sooner. Please leave your comments describing your own energy saving methods.
New Pasta Procedure Saves Energy!
February 27, 2009 | Comments Off
Feb 25, 2009 – Harold McGee [With apologies to DDB, You don't have to be Italian to love pasta] comments in “How Much Water Does Pasta Really Need?” in The New York Times on cutting down on the energy to prepare pasta. Use less boiling water to cook the pasta instead of 4-6 quarts per pound of pasta. McGee calculates that the annual savings in the USA could be several trillion [with a T] BTUs equivalent to up to a half a million barrels of oil. See the taste test results in the article. We can all find ways to cut energy use. Please comment on what you are doing.
Photo courtesy of Späth Chr., Wikipedia
Fuel Cells – The Promise & Challenge of Hydrogen-Based Energy Thursday, March 5, 2009 Courtyard by Marriott Billerica, 270 Concord Road, Billerica, MA
February 27, 2009 | Comments Off
Fuel Cells – The Promise & Challenge of Hydrogen-Based Energy: Thursday, March 5, 2009 Time: 5:30 – 6:30 Registration 6:30 – 7:30 Dinner / 7:30 – 8:30 Presentation and Q&A
Fuel cells continue to stir debate as viable power sources for vehicles and other applications: Will they ever be durable or cheap enough? Where will the hydrogen come from? How will enough hydrogen be stored onboard to enable satisfactory driving range? Do they really mitigate global warming?
As population and economies grow, finite resources are consumed, and the environment compromised, improved energy sources and systems are needed to preserve the health of the planet and its people.
Thursday, March 5th, James Cross, VP of Technology & Product Development at Nuvera Fuel Cells, will consider the place of hydrogen in the world’s energy future. Speaker: James C. Cross III: Vice President of Technology & Product Development at Nuvera. James directs the development of advanced fuel cells and fuel conversion devices and oversees the engineering of electrochemical power plants and hydrogen production systems intended for commercialization. He has been with the company since its inception in 2000, and has been working in the hydrogen energy arena for 13 years. Prior to this, James held positions at Epyx Corporation, Arthur D. Little, and Battelle. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at MIT, and has Masters’ degrees from Princeton and Stanford. http://www.nuvera.com/
Registration: Register by 12 noon, Tuesday, March 3. There is a $10 fee for late registrations. Pre-registration required. Please use the Internet Explorer browser to register. http://www.aiche-boston.org/events/register.php?eventid=55
Questions? David_Campanella@ member.AICHE.org
Daimler Announces Special Edition of Smart fortwo Car
February 27, 2009 | Comments Off
Feb 25, 2009 – A special edition of the smart fortwo will be celebrating its world premiere by Daimler at the 79th Geneva Motor Show. The “edition limited three” boasts exclusive, elegant paintwork and a spring-like fresh interior design concept. Thanks to mhd technology as standard, the cult 2-seater car combines a chic appearance with outstanding environmental friendliness. The smart fortwo “edition limited three” will be produced as a limited series.
smart is welcoming the spring with a special series featuring melon green metallic paintwork and extensive equipment, thus continuing the tradition of smart special models. The new special finish of the spring model injects a fresh shot of color for the new season and harmonizes with the tridion safety cell. The 15-inch alloy wheels in a sporty 6-spoke design fitted with tires measuring 175/55 R15 at the front and 195/50 R15 at the rear are a further eye-catching feature. The exterior look is rounded off by aluminum-effect “limited three” logos in the mirror triangle.
The interior boasts an unusual, fresh design concept in terms of colors and materials. Here, the melon green metallic color scheme is continued in an exclusive fabric design with shades of brown creating a stylish contrast, for example on the seats and in the door trim. The instrument panel featuring dark brown leather-effect details also continues the fresh play of colors that contrast with the green fabric. The 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift is covered with dark brown leather, as is the gear knob. Shimmering matt silver trim parts round off the harmonious impression of the interior.
The new edition, which is available as a coupé and a cabriolet, is based on the “passion” equipment variant. Among other features it comes with softouch automatic gear program, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and for the coupé a panoramic roof with sunblind. The standard equipment of the “edition limited three” also includes dashboard instruments and the radio 9. Power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment and the smart sound system with five high quality loud speakers and a smart MP3 interface are optionally available.
The special series of the new smart fortwo also places a focus on “green” when it comes to the environment thanks to micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology as standard with an intelligent and user-friendly automatic start/stop system. The control electronics shut down the 52kW /71 hp engine as soon as the driver brakes and the vehicle’s speed falls below 8 km/h- for example when approaching traffic lights. The engine starts again in the fraction of a second when the driver releases the brake pedal. The system is perfectly tailored to the automated manual transmission of the smart fortwo and is fully automatic- the driver does not need to do any clutchwork or gear
shifting. The automatic start/stop system reduces the combined fuel consumption by approximately eight percent (NEDC consumption per 100 km: coupé: 4.4 litres, cabrio: 4.5 litres). It also reduces the CO2 emissions to 104 grams per kilometre for the coupé and 106 grams per kilometre for the cabrio version. Fuel savings of up to almost 20% are possible in urban traffic with frequent stop-and-go situations.
The special model “edition limited three” costs €15,470 as a coupé and €18,510 as a cabrio (German list price incl. VAT).
Americans United For Energy Independence; March 3, Washington, DC
February 27, 2009 | Comments Off
Feb 25, 2009 – On March 3rd, Americans United for Energy Independence and the Transportation Energy Partnership (comprised of Clean Cities programs throughout the country) will host Energy Independence Day in Washington DC — gathering on Capitol Hill and then meeting individually with members of Congress to urge an end to the U.S. addiction to imported oil. http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5561/t/4133/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=12885
IKERLAN designs and develops an organic photovoltaic module
February 27, 2009 | Comments Off
Researchers from IKERLAN-IK4 have developed a laboratory-scale photovoltaic panel with exclusively organic technology.
Thanks to this design, it is possible to have access to the individual components of the module which allows the identification and replacement -if necessary
- of singles diodes without modifying the operation of the module.
The design of the module is noticeable for its simplicity and semitransparency which, for example, allow its easy integration in both outdoor and indoor applications.
The module, entirely fabricated at IKERLAN, is 30×30mm and monolithically connects 16 minicells of 9 mm2. The power conversion efficiency is over 2% and shows an open circuit voltage of around 7 Volts.
Current research about organic materials for photovoltaic cells tries to circumvent the problems with silicon, most of all, its high price. The photoelectric panel made by the research team from the Ikerlan-IK4 technological center in Spain has met expectations. This panel was manufactured with plastic materials – known as organic polymers – the production of which was carried out in chemical laboratories and, thus, their availability practically infinite.
But, without doubt, what has made the most impact is their appearance and design, it being possible to make them in different colors and involving a fine coating of plastic that can be deposited on almost any kind of surface, whether rigid or flexible. The versatility and simplicity of the manufacturing processes and the low cost of this technology make the fields of application limited only by the imagination of the researchers and industrial promoters. The sector benefiting most could be that of construction, given that this technology enables the manufacture of semitransparent windows or photoelectric curtains which allow certain passage of light to the interior and, at the same time, convert part of this solar energy into electricity.
Ikerlan-IK4 launched their activity in this field two years ago and the results are promising. Recently, photoelectric conversion efficiencies were measured as being above 4% in photoelectric cells manufactured at Ikerlan’s own laboratories with solar simulators officially approved at photoelectric panel specification centers unconnected to Ikerlan.
Ikerlan is currently working on alternative designs to produce larger sized panels which can be of use in various applications, from small panels to replace batteries in portable electronic devices to large modules for installing in roofs and walls, without visual impact and respecting the architectural aesthetics of the building and its surroundings.
FIRST SOLAR PASSES $1 PER WATT INDUSTRY MILESTONE
February 25, 2009 | Comments Off
Feb 24, 2009 – First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) announced it reduced its manufacturing cost for solar modules in the fourth quarter to 98 cents/watt, breaking the $1 per watt price barrier.
“This achievement marks a milestone in the solar industry’s evolution toward providing truly sustainable energy solutions,” said Mike Ahearn, First Solar CEO. “First Solar is proud to be leading the way toward clean, affordable solar electricity as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.”
First Solar began full commercial operation of its initial manufacturing line in late 2004. From 2004 through today, manufacturing capacity has grown 2,500% to more than 500 mw in 2008. First Solar’s annual production capacity will double in 2009 to more than 1 gw, the equivalent of an average-sized nuclear power plant. These escalating volumes have been accompanied by a rapid reduction in manufacturing costs. From 2004 through today, First Solar’s manufacturing costs 
have declined 2/3 from over $3 per watt to less than $1 per watt. First Solar is confident that further significant cost reductions are possible based on the yet untapped potential of its technology and manufacturing process.
With this announcement, First Solar continues to demonstrate the ability of thin film PV technology to provide an alternative to traditional fossil fuels and for solar power to provide a meaningful contribution in addressing climate change.”
Siemens Continues to Invest in Wind Energy R&D
February 25, 2009 | Comments Off
Feb 24, 2009 - Siemens Energy [NYSE: SI] has entered into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to conduct atmospheric modeling research that is expected to help operators and owners operate wind farms more efficiently, while providing more power to power grids. Under the CRADA that will span 2 years, Livermore will provide high-resolution, numerical weather prediction models to forecast power generated by the wind. Siemens will translate Livermore’s forecasts of wind speed and wind direction at each turbine into power collected.
Many U.S. wind parks are yielding up to 20% less energy than predicted because of uncertain forecasts. More accurate wind predictions will enable wind farm operators and owners to know hours or days ahead of time how wind conditions will affect power generation.
“Accurate and timely forecasts of power availability will enable turbine owners and operators to generate optimal bids on wind turbine production and, in turn, maximize both financial benefit and grid support,” said Henrik Stiesdal, Chief Technology Officer of Siemens Wind Power. “More accurate predictions also could reduce the investment risks in wind-powered projects and could improve the design of tall wind turbines to withstand the high-turbulence environment higher in the atmosphere.”
A recent study of 3,300 mw of wind generation in New York quantified improved forecasting to be worth $125 million a year to that region. Based on a conservative application of this figure, Stiesdal estimates that wind farm owners may be able to increase revenue by as much as 10%, making wind power more profitable and ultimately reducing the cost of energy.
Siemens also established its first U.S. wind turbine R&D center in Boulder, Colorado, in 2008 and entered into a CRADA for the installation of a Siemens 2.3-MW pilot wind turbine with a 101-meter rotor at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) location south of Boulder. The company will test basic wind turbine characteristics and verify new performance-enhancing features and turbine reliability under severe weather conditions over a minimum period of 3 years.
In 2007, Siemens signed an agreement with the Technical University of Aachen in Germany to cooperate on drive train R&D, with the aim of increasing efficiency, reliability and the service life of wind turbines. The research focuses on a number of areas, including gear box design, fabrication and analysis, and bearings. This agreement marked the third cooperation project between a university and Siemens Energy’s Wind Power business unit.
Siemens has established core competence centers for wind turbine R&D in Copenhagen (Denmark), Aachen (Germany), Delft (Netherlands) and Keele (United Kingdom) and Boulder, Colorado (USA).
The Siemens Energy Sector is the world’s leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2008, the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR22.6 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR33.4 billion and posted a profit of EUR1.4 billion. On September 30, 2008, the Energy Sector had a work force of approximately 83,500.
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Photo courtesy & © Siemens
Going Green in Broward County – Florida
February 25, 2009 | Comments Off
Stacy Ritter is currently Mayor of Broward County and is amember of the Broward County Planning Council and the Fire Rescue Council as well as the official liaison between city and county governments. Broward County along with the Florida Legislature, the U.S. Congress, and governments globally are engaged in the development of initiatives to reduce the impacts of climate change. On June 12, 2007, the Borward County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 2007-391 to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Boward County and to support the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. This meant that they had to create a Climate Change Government Operations Workgroup to develop an action plan and provide recommendations on GHG reduction strategies. Thus, there was a formation of a Climate Change Task Force to implement recommendations for a coordinated countywide strategy in mitigating the causes and addressing the local implications of global climate change. Reducing GHG emissions is an important part of Broward County’s overall commitment to a healthy, sustainable environment. By 2015, levels should be 7 percent below what they were in 1997. The Task Force will assist residents, businesses and organizations to set goals for lower emissions as well.
Some ways that you can prevent global warming are perhaps buying a more fuel-efficient automobile, insulate your home, recycle more, replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, replace your home applicances with high-efficiency models, and plant native, drought-resistant trees and shrubs around your home and outdoor air conditioning unit.
For further information and tips on going green please visit http://www.broward.org/gogreen.
Israel’s Role in Alternative and Solar Energy
February 25, 2009 | Comments Off
Professor Avraham Kribus, from the School of Mechanical Engineering , Tel Aviv University believes that Israel is one of the top five countries in the world when it comes to alternative energy, as of September 2006.
The practice of using solar energy in Israel has greatly improved within the past five years as well. Kribus is referring to the success of an Israeli startup, Solel Solar Systems, which has built the largest solar energy station in the world in California’s Mojave desert. Construction of a new plant is underway in Israel’s Negev Desert. This is the most visible achievement in alternative energy in Israel thus far.
For futher information go to www.Israel21c.org
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