Researchers at the California Institute of Technology are testing new wind farm configurations based on observations of schools of fish. By using vertical wind turbines and placing them better in relation to each other, wind farms may be able to produce 10 times the amount of energy per acre than is currently generated.
Technology for a greener future
Archive for May, 2010
Cost effective self healing concrete developed at URI
Michelle Pelletier, a University of Rhode Island master’s degree candidate, as created a new self-healing concrete. This concrete has the ability to fill in stress fractures with a gel-like substance. The excellent thing about this discovery is that it is an affordable option for contractors. Many self healing materials are not.
Horizon Fuel Cell wants to put hydrogen power in every home
Just like Henry Ford who wanted every family to have one of his cars, Horizon Fuel Cell wants every home to own one of its hydrogen products. Horizon has hydrogen powered miniature cars for hobbyists, science kits for kids, a hydrogen filling station for your desk, hydrogen powered generators- both stationary and portable, hydrogen power assisted bikes, and hydrogen fuel cells for cars and unmanned aerial systems.
A shift in chemistry moves fuel cells closer to reality
Two scientists at Brown University, chemistry professor Shouheng Sun and graduate student Vismadeb Mazumder, and Miaofang Chi and Karren More at the Oak Ridge Laboratory have discovered an alternative to the most expensive part of fuel cells, the pure-platinum catalyst. The researchers created a nanoparticle that uses less platinum while lasting longer.
CLT panels are coming to the USA
Cross Laminated Timbers (CLTs) have been used in Europe to build entire buildings from the floor to the roof. The Sustainable Cross Laminated Technologies Group is formed by a combination of MDS10 pllc Architects, the National Center for Sustainability, and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s Global Institute for Sustainable Technologies, all from Asheville, North Carolina. The group intends to bring this building technology to the United States because of its environmental credentials and structural strength.
Great News! Tesla and Toyota are teaming up
Tesla and Toyota are joining forces to bring affordable electric cars and parts to the masses. In a deal announced last Friday, both companies “intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support.” Toyota is agreeing to purchase Tesla stock improving Tesla’s chances with other funding sources. Toyota will get access to Tesla’s battery technology.
MSU research should yield new oil for your salad and your car
All biblical allusions aside, Michigan State University (MSU) researchers have a uncovered a gene in the burning bush shrub that could mean a lower calorie vegetable oil as well as fuel for your car. The gene found in the burning bush when added to the mustard weed will generate a high quality oil in large quantities.
Server farms may soon be powered by biogas
Companies like Google, Microsoft and HP are looking for more rural areas to build their computing centers (server farms). In order to power these centers, there has to be access to an ongoing steady source of electricity. That’s where the biogas comes in. Locating centers near cow farms will solve two problems the farmers need to dispose of the animal waste as biogas and the centers need for energy.
OLED TVs are closer than you think
One of the most energy efficient displays on the market to day is the organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. It requires very little electricity while providing a vibrant display, at least on current smart phones. DuPont has developed a new manufacturing process that will allow OLED displays to be manufactured more cheaply for large TVs.
What to do with all the poop your animal produces
Bokashi Pet Cycle turns that poop into rich plant food while improving the environment. Animal poop that stays on the ground or winds up in plastic bags in a landfill, doesn’t breakdown quickly. While it hangs around slowly disintegrating it can do a lot of damage to the environment not to mention the nasty smell and gross composition.