Spherical Solar Cell
[Submitted on : 04 Jun 2008]
Conventional flat solar cells are unable to effectively harness indirect sun light. The sun takes on a many different positions according to the season and time of day, so in order to obtain a stable supply of power, there is a need to change the orientation of the solar cell by constantly following the sun.
Sphelar® solar cells developed by Kyosemi Corporation, Japan, captures light from all directions, including reflected light and diffused light. In addition, there is no need for the superfluous operation of tracking the sun. The spherical light-receiving surfaces achieve unprecedented...more
|
New Manufacturing Process for Solar Cells
[Submitted on : 04 Jun 2008]
Silicon is at the core of solar cells and its "shiny" nature means that about 30% of sunlight is reflected back into the sky. To help trap as much photo energy and convert it into as much electricity as possible, the silicon must be either of very high purity or have very few defects. Over the years, this has been accomplished by introducing hydrogen into the manufacturing process.
Anti-reflective coating is also used on solar panels to reduce the amount of reflected light and until now, the anti-reflective and hydrogenation for advanced cells has been done with a Chemical Vapor Depositio...more
|
Geothermal Energy Converter (USA)
[Submitted on : 07 Jul 2008]
The ORMAT® ENERGY CONVERTER (OEC) is a power generation unit, which converts low, medium and high temperature heat into electrical energy.
The OECs are designed for the specific conditions of a wide variety of heat sources. Its main components include a vaporizer/preheater, turbogenerator, air-cooled or water-cooled condenser, feed pump and controls. It is designed for outdoor installations.
The OEC is a field-proven, mature commercial product used in 71 countries worldwide. Ormat has successfully manufactured and supplied more than 800 MW of geothermal power plants, based on its...more
|
Kalina Power Cycle Technology (Germany)
[Submitted on : 07 Jul 2008]
Exorka International Limited, through its subsidiaries, is a global sub-licensee for the Kalina power cycle technology. The Kalina power cycle is a more efficient technology for converting low to mid temperature (100°C to 200°C) heat sources into electricity (compared with more traditional thermodynamic cycles).
In simple terms, the Kalina cycle is a Rankine cycle that uses a mixture of elements as its working fluid instead of water or organic hydro-carbons used in conventional Rankine or organic Rankine applications respectively. The mixture used for Kalina is ammonia and water (the “work...more
|
Geothermal System (USA)
[Submitted on : 07 Jul 2008]
The Power Tube Argus is a GEOMAGMATIC device that differs from a standard geothermal system in that it does not need water, steam or steam pressure to operate. It uses only the heat of the Earth and low to medium temperature heat, 110-200 C.
The Argus units are designed for the 1-5 and 10 Megawatt market. The installation consists of mostly a down-hole system with a very small surface footprint. Argus operates with a heat exchanger and in addition can also work with a thermal riser. The thermal riser option is used when the required temperatures are further down than the total length of t...more
|
Geothermal Energy Extraction (UK)
[Submitted on : 07 Jul 2008]
A ground breaking demonstration of the use of geothermal energy extraction has been built as part of an eco home project along the UK's Heritage Coast in Suffolk. Novel heat pump technology developed by Lampoassa Oy in Finland has been installed in a recently constructed eco home to supply the complete home heating requirements of this environmentally friendly house.
The house has been constructed from traditional materials and contains many other green technologies including photovoltaic cells.
The heat pump system has been installed by Lampoassa's UK representative, Finn-Geotherm.
Th...more
|
Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Technology (USA)
[Submitted on : 07 Jul 2008]
The technology to mine the heat from the hot rock found almost everywhere at some depth beneath the surface of the earth was conceived and developed at Los Alamos. Conceptually, hot dry rock (HDR) heat mining is quite simple.
The key element in successful heat mining is the development of an engineered geothermal reservoir in a hot body, impermeable rock. The point in a hot rock body at which an HDR reservoir is created is determined by the selection of the location on the surface from which the injection well is drilled and the depth within the wellbore at which the water is injected into...more
|
Efficient Renewable Free Fuel Power Solution (USA)
[Submitted on : 07 Jul 2008]
The PureCycle® geothermal system is a closed-cycle process that uses geothermal water to generate 225 kW of electrical power. The system is driven by a simple evaporation process and is entirely enclosed, which means it produces no emissions. The only byproduct is electricity, and the fuel – hot water – is a renewable resource. In fact, after the heat is extracted for power, the water is returned to the earth for re-heating, resulting in the ultimate recycling loop. Free fuel, coupled with low operating and maintenance costs, ensure this system will have an extremely attractive payback.
Th...more
|
Zero Head Hydro Turbine (India)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
An Indian entrepreneut from Assam (India) has developed the Zero-head water turbine which generates electric energy from moving water and simultaneously pumps the water for irrigation or other like purposes.
He has designed two variants of turbine and pump models. Initially he had developed a water turbine using bamboo for harnessing the flow energy from the river to pump water to his land way back in 1998-99. And later with the assistance from GIAN-NE, a voluntary organization working in the field of development of grass root innovations, he has developed another version of the same turb...more
|
Hydropower Kinetic Technology (USA)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Hydro Green Energy's hydro kinetic turbine arrays are composed of the only truly modular interchangeable zero head current based turbines in the industry. Hydro Green Energy's dual duct axial flow interchangeable hydro kinetic turbine is covered by U.S. and International patents.
Hydro kinetic technologies describe the ability to produce zero emission renewable power (energy) from the movement of water. Unlike traditional/conventional hydropower, which requires an impoundment of water usually created by a large dam, no large infrastructures are required eliminating negative side effects ...more
|
Micro Hydro Units (Australia)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
The exciting range of 1 to 20 kW Platypus Power induction turbine micro hydro units offer simplicity, quality, lasting value and performance.
These machines are built to be relied upon in remote locations and withstand harsh conditions.
Innovative designs, high efficiency and sophisticated but simple electronic controls ensure years of reliable electricity.
Sturdy 316 marine grade stainless steel casing and impulse wheel bring you value for money and ensure a solid, rewarding long term investment.
For further information, contact:
Platypus power
PO Box 538
Smithfield
Qu...more
|
Small Hydro Turbine Technology (Sweden)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Cargo & Kraft Turbin Sverige AB is an engineering company operating in the field of small hydro turbine technology. Their main products are Kaplan, semi-kaplan and turgoturbines with runner Ø 235 - 1600 mm, 5 - 4000 kW. The company has claimed that this technology increases annual production, reduce opertaion expenditures and maximises return on investment.
CKTAB has pioneered the construction of small-scale semi-kapan turbines, streamlined the production and developed efficient, integrated solutions resulting in profitable investment in smallscale hydropower.
For further information...more
|
Micro Turbine Generator Set (India)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Small/Micro hydro- power generating system is one of the important non-polluting renewable Sources of Energy, which can substantially contribute to meet ever
increasing demand for electricity.
Small/Micro hydropower in remote and inaccessible hilly regions harnesses energy from flowing or falling water from rivers, rivulets, artificially created storage dams or canal drops.
In India, Jyoti Ltd. pioneered designing, manufacturing and installing Small Hydro Electric Generating sets in late fifties. At Jyoti, Small/Micro Hydro Turbines are designed, developed and manufactured in wide ra...more
|
Low-cost Modular Turbine Systems (UK)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
The low-cost modular turbine system is based around a polymer moulded rotor and stator unit. The complex geometrical shapes typical of any turbine are ideal for polymer moulding. We can produce a finished turbine rotor or stator relatively quickly, using low-cost materials. The turbine itself is a ‘back-to-back reaction turbine’. The water enters at the centre of the rotor and is discharged in equal quantities from the two ends. This means that there is zero net axial thrust on the rotor which minimises bearing wear. The flexible but tough material used for the rotor and stator also absorb th...more
|
300W Hydro Generator (Australia)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
An Australian company, Rainbow Power offers a great 300 Watt hydro power generator system for small scale Pico-hydro projects. This unit can be used to charge a 12 or 24 Volt battery bank.
The HYD-200 is a low maintenance long service life micro hydro generator available in 12V and 24V models. The unit has just one moving part (the turbine impeller - a pelton wheel) which runs on two standard and easy to replace bearings.
A head of at least 7 metres (and up to 150 metres) is required with a flow of up to 4 litres per second. (check out our hydro power calculator to work out how much e...more
|
Micro-hydro Power for Villages (Philippines)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMo) has worked closely with local communities to develop and install thirteen micro-hydro systems in remote villages in the Ifugao province of the Philippines. The systems provides electric light and power to 190 families, bringing a better standard of living and making it more attractive for people to stay on the farms.
SITMo was established in 2000 by the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), the oldest NGO in the country. SITMo brings together public and private sector bodies and social institutions implementing sustainable development i...more
|
Modular System for Generating Electricity from Moving Water (Canada)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
A submersible technology, which is called Optimset Turbo, for producing electricity from the channel, river, ocean or tidal water currents has been developed by a Canadian company known as Optimset.
This is the only free-flow hydropower technology having the following unique features:
1. Innovative vertical axis underwater hydro-turbine
2. Water flow acceleration
3. High torque and superior efficiency
4. Ideal for shallow water implementations
5. 100% fish and clogging protection
6. Instant deployment and removing
7. Equal suitability for use in unidirectional (river) and bidirec...more
|
Furanics Biofuels (The Netherlands)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
By applying advanced high-throughput R&D technology, Avantium has developed a next generation of biofuels, called 'Furanics', which can be derived from sugars and other carbohydrates
The Avantium technology company has developed the next generation biofuel with superior economics and properties in comparison to current biofuels. Avantium Furanics have advantageous qualities over current biofuels, such as bioethanol and biodiesel. The company has successfully completed an engine test to demonstrate the potential of its novel biofuel.
The test was carried out by Intertek, in Geleen, The N...more
|
Biodiesel Production (Germany)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
A German process technology company has developed a process by which it is possible to produce biodiesel from rapeseed oil through re-esterification with methanol to obtain rapeseed methyl ester (RME). This process supplies motor fuel meeting DIN 51606.
The re-esterification process takes place in two stages. Phase separators are arranged downstream of two reactors which are designed as mixer settlers. Through intimate mixing of the reactants, it is possible to achieve maximum conversion rates in relatively short retention times. The methyl ester produced is washed and dried to become the ...more
|
Breakthrough in Biodiesel Process (India)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) in Hyderabad (India) have discovered a way of using a well-known fungus to “substantially” accelerate the process and thereby reduce the cost of producing biodiesel.
The typical process of manufacturing biodiesel involves mixing the ingredients and heating them for hours. The process of heating alters the chemical structure of vegetable oil, making it similar to diesel.
Researchers at IICT have discovered an alternative process, which is not only more efficient, but can also be employed at room temperature. This entails p...more
|
Cellulosic Ethanol from Bagasse (Brazil)
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Brazil's Dedini SA, the leading manufacturer of sugar and biofuel equipment, has discovered a way to produce cellulosic ethanol on an industrial scale from plant waste, a development that could revolutionize the industry by boosting the competitiveness and energy balance of biofuels. Dedini has commercial ties with all of Brazil's 357 sugar and ethanol mills and is the main supplier of co-generation plants, sugar refineries and ethanol distilleries.
Dedini's São Luiz Mill in São Paulo state began producing cellulose bioethanol from bagasse - the leftover cane stalk after the sucrose is pre...more
|
Solar Cells with High Energy Conversion Efficiency
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) , Japan has been successful in achieving the world's highest energy conversion efficiency in practical size (100 cm2 or more) crystalline silicon-type solar cells, achieving a efficiency of 22% (until now 21.8%) at a research level for its proprietary HIT solar photovoltaic cells.
The increase in the solar cell conversion efficiency is accompanied by significant advances in lowering the production cost of the photovoltaic system and the reduction in the use of raw materials such as silicon. This achievement by SANYO represents the first time that a photovol...more
|
Non-Silicon-Based Solar cells
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Japan has developed a Thin Film Technology which can subdue the consumption of selenium raw materials below one-tenth of the conventional standard at the time of manufacturing of non-silicon-based CIGS thin film solar cells. Due to this, it is possible to expect mass production of high performance CIGS module.
CIGS solar cells use Cu (In, Ga) Se2 (Copper, Indium, Gallium, 2 Selenium: CIGS) as the light absorption layer.
It has attracted attention due to the possibility of decreasing the thickness of the photoelectric conver...more
|
Manufacturing Flexible Solar Cells
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
The University of Delaware's Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC), USA has developed new technology for the manufacture of flexible solar cells, which could reduce the costs associated with the use of photovoltaic energy while at the same time expanding possible applications.
The system, in which there has been commercial interest, enables the more efficient manufacture of the flexible solar cells in long sheets using roll-to-roll reactors, much like newsprint speeding through a press.
It also provides for lightweight and flexible solar cell panels that could find interest in the space, m...more
|
Concentrating Solar Cell Receiver Assembly
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Delta Electronics (TSE:2308), a worldwide leader in energy technology has successfully completed the development of a certified and cost effective assembly process for the manufacturing of concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) modules, a new and exciting solar cell technology that boasts greater than 35% efficiency. Collaborated with Spectrolab, who originally developed the underlying technology, Delta aims to enable wide availability of CPV modules by its advanced assembly process and bring about a superior alternative to the burgeoning solar power industry.
Delta collaborated closely with se...more
|
Cheaper Solar Power
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Researchers at Massey University, New Zealand have developed solar technology which will enable New Zealanders to generate electricity from sunlight at a tenth of the cost of current silicon-based photo-electric solar cells.
The researhcers have developed have developed a range of coloured dyes for use in dye-sensitised solar cells. The synthetic dyes are made from simple organic compounds closely related to those found in nature. The green dye developed by the university is synthetic chlorophyll derived from the light-harvesting pigment plants use for photosynthesis.
Unlike the sili...more
|
3-D Solar Cells
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
The researchers from Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) , USA have developed photovoltaic cells that trap light between their tower structures, which are about 100 microns tall, 40 microns by 40 microns square, 10 microns apart—and built from arrays containing millions of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes. Conventional flat solar cells reflect a significant portion of the light that strikes them, reducing the amount of energy they absorb.
Because the tower structures can trap and absorb light received from many different angles, the new cells remain efficient even when the sun is no...more
|
Mass Production Technology for Triple-junction Thin-film Solar Cells
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Sharp Corp of Japan has developed mass-production technology for stacked triple-junction thin-film solar cells by turning a conventional two-active-layer structure (amorphous silicon plus microcrystalline silicon) into a triple-junction structure with amorphous silicon (two active layers) and microcrystalline silicon (single active layer).
This new architecture boosts cell conversion efficiency from 11% to 13% and module conversion efficiency from 8.6% to 10%.
For more information, contact:
Sharp Corporation
Public Relations Division
22-22 Nagaike-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8522,
...more
|
Semiconductor Finger Technology
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Solar cell manufacturer, Suntech Power has attempted the commercial adoption of its latest 18% ''semiconductor finger'' conversion efficiency technology.
The company's semiconductor finger technology, which is co-developed and owned together with the University of New South Wales in Australia, overcomes the major limitation of the traditional screen printing process that is the industry standard. Heavily doped semiconductor strips are built into the PV cell surface which more efficiently collects the generated electrical charge without requiring the surface dead layer found in convention...more
|
Method for Depositing Semiconductive Materials for Photovoltaic Solar Cells
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
This invention provides a method and apparatus for depositing alloy films that are used in manufacturing photovoltaic solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. The technology enables easy scaling to produce the large wafers that are required for photovoltaic solar cells. It is also safer than other processes because it does not use toxic materials, such as hydrogen selenide, and provides uniform deposition over large working areas. The method can be used to deposit coatings with graded copper-indium compositions or alloy coatings. It also can be adapted for use in ion-assisted dep...more
|
Cheaper Way to Produce Dye-sensitive Solar Cells
[Submitted on : 09 Jul 2008]
Prices of solar cells throughout the world have skyrocketed due to a shortage of silicon chips used in the batteries. As a result, people are becoming more and more bullish about the prospects for dye sensitized solar cells, which rely on glass as a primary raw material.
Researchers at National Tsing Hua University, China has recently developed an even more cost saving method to produce dye sensitized solar cells. Using this method, the production costs will be reduced by at least half. Meanwhile, it is presumed that that the production costs used to produce the dye sensitized solar cells...more
|
New Cost-effective Solar Energy
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Research scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg have developed the technology to design Fresnel reflectors which represent a low-cost alternative for huge parabolic mirrors used in the present scenario. Flat mirrors arrayed in long rows are so aligned that, with the aid of a small secondary mirror, they focus the sunlight on a linear tube running along the row of mirrors. Water is vaporized directly in this tube and heated up to 450 degrees Celsius at high pressure. Linear Fresnel reflectors are cheaper than parabolic mirrors, take up less space and ...more
|
Noiseless and More Efficient Wind Turbine
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Australia's O'Connor Wind Energy Pty Ltd has developed the Hush Turbine, a wind turbine that is significantly advanced in design. Unlike present wind turbines that are being set up at residential areas and are fast becoming eyesores and earaches to some residents, the Hush Turbine is a sleek, ultra-modern, noiseless wind turbine that can be set-up to complement existing power systems for homes.
The Hush Turbine interfaces with existing systems including diesel engine back ups, which makes present residential set-ups still usable. The Hush Turbine is available in various sizes with diame...more
|
Loopwing Wind Turbine
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Loopwing Co, Japan has developed a revolutionary new type of wind turbine, which has highly sophisticated design and excellent operating performance compatible with extremely low noise.
Loopwing Wind Turbine is a well balanced, quiet wind turbine that has globe-rotating trajectory image. The principle of operation is the conventional propeller theory, of which the basic performance is already proved. A wind tunnel experiment further proved low noise and high performance at a low rotation speed while delivering high torque. Capability to self-start with a natural breeze, air brake, and auto...more
|
Vertical-axis Wind Turbine
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The Gual SteoEolian is a vertical-axis wind turbine composed of a fixed stator channeling the wind at its optimal force onto a mobile rotor. This enables the StatoEolien to be installed in urban environments and take advantage of the turbulent winds which are unexploitable by a horizontal wind turbine.
The power curve of this French design is surprisingly different than power curves for conventional turbines because the output increases until the velocity of the wind is above the lower hurricane levels. It can generate in wind speeds up to 150 km/h (93 mph), and will withstand winds up to 2...more
|
Ettridge Wind Turbine
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The common Wind Generator is propeller driven, mounted on a tall tower, but due to their visual impact, many planning authorities are refusing planning approval, pushing proposed wind farm developments out into the country, and often away from electricity connectors, adding substantial costs to the wind farm developer. The Improved Rotary Wind Powered Turbine is a low visual impact alternative, which does not require to be mounted on a high tower, this is a down to earth installation which delivers high efficiency, uses simple gearing if needed (depends on average wind speeds ) and low cost...more
|
Wind Belt Technology
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
WindBelt technology is an alternative to costlier and complex wind turbines –. Instead of the conventional focus on “rotation”, this new wind-based power generator capitalizes on “vibration”, making use of a physical effect known as “Aeroelastic Flutter”. Aeroelastic flutter is the phenomenon in which, when air is passed over a thin strip of material create frequencies that translate into vibrations and in the Windbelt’s case, into energy.
Presently, the WindBelt device produces a fairly constant energy output at wind speeds between 4-15 Mph. At higher wind speeds the increase in energy ou...more
|
Micro-wind Turbine Technology for Crowded Cities
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The Department of Mechanical Engineering of The University of Hong Kong and Motorwave Limited have jointly developed and launched a new development in micro-wind turbine technology which enables wind turbines to start generating electricity at wind speeds as low as 2 meters per second and to be installed on balconies at home or rooftops of buildings.
This technology has been endorsed by environmental groups in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Sea School and WWF Hong Kong will deploy the new micro-wind turbine technology in the coming months. The Friends of the Earth (HK) is also considering car...more
|
Near Shore Wave Energy Converter
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The Neptune Triton near shore wave energy converter is a seabed mounted, resonant point absorber with 400 kW installed capacity generated from one device. Each device utilises a patent pending, axi-asymmetric buoy driving water hydraulic cylinders, accumulators and turbines into electrical generators mounted on a light weight steel ‘A’ frame piled into the seabed approximately 100 metres off the low tide mark, at depths of approximately 10 metres.
For more information, contact:
Neptune Renewable Energy Ltd
Salisbury House,
29, The Weir,
Hessle,
East Yorkshire
HU13 0SB
UK
Tel: +4...more
|
Tidal Power Generator
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The Neptune Tidal Power Pontoon consists of a 4m x 4m vertical axis Savonius (Binks, Michell or Crossflow) turbine mounted within a patent pending symmetrical accelerator duct beneath a standardised 8m x 13.02m steel barge for estuarine sites. The vertical axle connects simply to the gearbox and generator/alternator on the top of the pontoon with associated valves and supply controls. The power pontoon is easily moored in the free stream, thus minimising environmental impact and operates equally efficiently for both flood and ebb currents. Theoretical work and 1/100th scale laboratory modelli...more
|
CETO Wave Energy Eystem
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The CETO wave power converter is the first unit to be fully-submerged and to produce high pressure seawater from the power of waves. By delivering high pressure seawater ashore, the technology allows either zero-emission electricity to be produced (similar to hydroelectricity) or zero-emission freshwater (utilising standard reverse osmosis desalination technology). It also means that there is no need for undersea grids or high voltage transmission nor costly marine qualified plants.
CETO units are fully submerged and permanently anchored to the sea floor meaning that there is no visual imp...more
|
Wave Energy Converter
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Oyster™ is a near-shore bottom-mounted wave energy converter designed to interact efficiently with the dominant surge forces in shallow water waves. This device has been designed specifically for deployment in near-shore waters, as the near-shore environment is easier to access and is not prone to the extreme wave heights found offshore.
The peak power generated by each Oyster™ unit is between 300 and 600kw, depending on location and configuration. A commercial wave farm consisting of 10 Oyster™ modules deployed in arrays will generate up to 6MW of power.
The principle behind Oyster™ i...more
|
DEXA Wave Energy Converter
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
DEXA is a research network dedicated to developing production viable Ocean Wave Energy converters, based on Plane Angular Modulation, (PAM). A very simple and reliable principle, where two planes or pontoons are floating in the waves, and changing angle relative to each other, when modulated by the ocean waves. The tilt action creates oil pressure in a hydraulic cylinder, to drive a hydraulic motor, and generator to produce electricity.
An important benefit of this principle is very high efficiency at low incident wave height, and very low efficiency at high and extremely high waves. This...more
|
Gyro Wave Gen
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The GyroGen is unique among all other proposed wave energy devices, in that it makes use of an active (i.e. energy using) device as the key to its efficient, scalable and adaptive functioning.
Among the many distinct advantages of this technology, is its ability to completely isolate the gyroscopic transducer/generator set and all moving parts, from the harsh ocean environment. Some additional advantages of the technology are that it is easy to scale, it is highly modular, it is very easy to move and maintain, it is very robust and survivable, and it can be manufactured and deployed at rela...more
|
Wave Power Prototype
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The Wavebob is an axi-symmetric, self-reacting point absorber, primarily operating in the heave mode. It is specifically designed to recover useful power from ocean wave energy, and to be deployed in large arrays offshore.
It incorporates a number of highly innovative features, protected by a series of World patents that have been assigned to the Company.
Survivability: The Wavebob is an axi-symmetric buoy structure on slack moorings which makes it inherently sea-worthy. Its ability to de-tune in seconds is vitally important in a resonating energy absorber.
Response to long period...more
|
SPERBOY Floating Wave Energy Converter
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
SPERBOY, developed and patented by Embley Energy, is a floating wave energy converter based on the 'oscillating water column' principle. Air displaced by the oscillating water column is passed through turbine-generators. Designed to be deployed in large arrays 8 to 12 miles off shore SPERBOYTM provides large-scale energy generation at a competitive cost.
With a minimum number of moving parts, which are above the surface of the sea, maintenance requirements are minimised and energy is produced at a very competitive rate. Current research is looking to extend the life of the vessel to some 5...more
|
Wave Energy Systems
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The wave energy system, bioWave designed by University of Sydney researchers has long, vertical blades that sway back and forth. Is the only wave energy system that captures a wide swath of incident wave energy without using a large rigid structure. It is also the only such device that absorbs energy over the full water depth and continually self-orients with the wave direction”.
The blades are attached to an “O-Drive” generator, which uses a single stage reciprocating gear mechanism with a direct-drive synchronous permanent magnet generator and a high-inertia flywheel. In extreme wave c...more
|
Hales Tidal Turbine
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The hales turbine is a means of combining the simple and proven designs of the past with modern materials and technology of today to produce renewable energy. Water powered grist mills were a common device in the middle east 2,000 years ago to grind corn, powered by slow moving water, rivers and streams. driving a horizontal wheel.
Limited by lack of bearings and fixings, these early mills were inefficent and only in use for 1,500 years until surpassed by easier to maintain undershot and overshot horizontal water wheels, examples still seen today.
The hales turbine is a modern form of tha...more
|
Seawave Slot-Cone Generator
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The Seawave Slot-Cone Generator (SSG) concept is an wave energy converter based on the wave overtopping principle utilizing a total of three reservoirs placed on top of each other, in which the potential energy of the incoming wave will be stored. The water captured in the reservoirs will then run through the multi-stage turbine for electricity production. Using multiple reservoirs will result in a high overall efficiency.
The SSG gives the advantage to harness the wave energy in several reservoirs placed one above the other, resulting in high hydraulic efficiency.
The SSG is built as a...more
|
Wave Star Machine
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The Wave Star machine represents a solution to both the trivial and complex problems which, for years, have stood in the way of the development of commercially viable wave power technology.
The basic concept behind Wave Star is fundamentally different to many other wave power models. The machine does not form a barrier against the waves, with a view to harnessing all of their energy, but instead cuts in at right angles to the direction of the wave. In this way the waves run through the length of the machine, and their energy is exploited in a continuous process.
On either side of the ob...more
|
Offshore Power Systems
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The operating principle of the C-Wave system will have been experienced by anybody who has tried to climb or jump from one boat into another on a wavy sea.
As the boats sit next to each other, the gap between them is continually opening and closing requiring a carefully timed jump to get from one to the other. The C-Wave principle uses this a continual movement to drive a generator and produce electricty.
The opening and closing of the gap between the boats is a result of the fact that when a wave passes a boat it doesn't go up and down on the wave as we might think, but in fact it goes r...more
|
Efficient Hydrogen Production
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Japanese researchers have simplified and improved a common method for generating hydrogen gas, a potentially green energy source.
The approach, developed by Shunichi Fukuzumi’s group at Osaka University, is a modification of existing methods of hydrogen production where several reactions form a cycle, in which electrons are transferred from a readily available source to hydrogen ions. Fukuzumi’s adapted method, which he describes as an important step for the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source, uses a molecule that combines two stages of the cycle.
Usually, electrons from a donor mol...more
|
Power From Atomic Hydrogen
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
BlackLight has invented a new primary energy source with applications to Heating, Central Power, Motive Power, and Micro-Distributed power generation. This relies on a new chemical process of releasing the latent energy of the hydrogen atom, the BlackLight Process. In this process, the electron in an ordinary hydrogen atom is induced to move closer to the proton, below the prior-known ground state.
Having exactly solved the atom (http://www.blacklightpower.com/theory/theory.shtml) using physical laws for the first time, BlackLight is the primary mover in advancing applications of a new chemi...more
|
Fuel for Micro Fuel Cells
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Micro fuel cells are becoming increasingly interesting as an alternative to conventional accumulators or batteries for powering mobile communication and other interactive devices such as cell phones, laptops, camcorders and PDAs.
Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg has developed a miniature electrolyzing system that enables such metal hydride storage units to be filled with high-purity hydrogen both quickly and decentrally. In just twelve minutes, it generates enough hydrogen from water to power, for example, a camcorder for two hours.
To enable the metal hydride storage units to be filled quick...more
|
Catalyst for Hydrogen Production
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The water-gas shift reaction is of central importance in the industrial production of hydrogen, ammonia, and other bulk chemicals utilizing syngas. The commercial high-temperature WGS catalysts are usually iron oxide containing 8-14 wt% of Cr2O3. Cr+6 is highly toxic and harmful for human health and environment. Another drawback of Fe-Cr catalysts is low activity, which dictates higher temperature of operation or higher residence time. Using higher temperatures does not result in higher conversions since the reaction is thermodynamically limited. Using higher residence times, on the other han...more
|
Industrialized Bio-oil Refining
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have successfully converted sawdust, rice hull, corn stalk, and cotton stalk into bio-oil, through pyrolysis and re-processing. The technology has registered an oil producing capability of 60% for sawdust, and 50% for stalks, with a thermal value ranging between 16-18 MJ /kg. The effort has resulted in a self-heating pilot pyrolysis unit that can handle 120 kilograms of raw materials an hour.
China enjoys rich agricultural residues amounting to 700 million tons a year, including stalks and hulls. The new technology makes con...more
|
Solid Catalyst Technology for Making Biodiesel
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
New Century Lubricants in collaboration with National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in India, has been working on commercialization of NCL's breakthrough double-edged technology (ENSEL) for transesterification of seed oils and etherification of glycerin.
Another major benefit of the ENSEL technology is that it provides a profitable solution to the glycerin dilemma now faced by the biodiesel industry. The glycerin recovered from the transesterification reaction is etherified with methanol, ethanol or butanol usin...more
|
Rice as Source of Electricity
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Rice yields an abundance of biowaste: Husks make up around one quarter of the weight. Only a small fraction of this is utilized, for instance, to fire distillery furnaces. Researchers at Hanoi University of Technology now also want to use rice husks to generate electricity. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF in Magdeburg engineered a fluidized bed firing system to do this.
Fluidized bed firing systems are state-of-the-art in Germany but predominantly burn coal. Researchers of this technology also want to utilize them in the future for biomass...more
|
Biomass Gasifier System
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Gasifier Action Research Project RP01066 at Chemical Engineering Department of IIT Delhi has developed village level gasifier system of 5, 10 and 20 HP based on partially pyrolysed biomass fuels. Gasifier systems convert biomass into producer gas, which is then intoroduced into diesel engines. Injection of the gas results in reduction of diesel consumption in engines by 65 to 75%. These systems have been effectively utilized for rural electrification using locally available agro-forestry residues. The gas can also be used for thermal applications in furnaces, stoves, heaters etc. Biomass mate...more
|
Enzymatic Production of Hydrogen from Biomass
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Researchers at Virginia Tech, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and the University of Georgia, USA have developed a novel method using multiple enzymes as a catalyst for the direct, low-cost production of hydrogen from biomass.
Applying the principles of synthetic biology, the researchers use a combination of 13 enzymes to form an unnatural enzymatic pathway to completely convert polysaccharides—e.g., starch and cellulose—and water into hydrogen at a yield higher than the theoretical yield of biological hydrogen fermentations.
Starch is a high energy-density carrier, with 14.8 H2-b...more
|
Sugar Catalysts for Biodiesel Production
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
As fossil fuel reserves start to run dry, alternative fuel sources such as biodiesel, which is made from renewable biological material, are needed. Researchers at the South China University of Technology, Guangzhou have used a sugar catalyst to prepare biodiesel from waste vegetable oil. Sugar catalysts, made by the sulfonation of partially carbonized D-glucose, have previously been used for making biodiesel from new vegetable oils, but had never been successfully used in making biodiesel from waste oil.
A number of solid acid catalysts, such as zeolites, have found limited success in ...more
|
Rice Husk-Powered Stove for Cooking
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
Researchers at the Central Philippine University, Philippines have invented invented water and rice husk-powered stove for cooking. This stove has much advantage compared with other rice husk stoves in terms of amount of hydrocarbon released during burning, which is at a minimal rate, efficiency in heat utilized-high, ease of ignition, firing and most importantly, it cost less to operate.
While cooking, the stove produces clean gas that is released to the atmosphere-environmental friendly.
The stove consists of a conical hopper that is made of GI sheet number 16, where rice husk is b...more
|
Carbon-neutral Power Generation
[Submitted on : 10 Jul 2008]
The demand for sustainable energy is growing all the time. Wärtsilä's liquid biofuel power plants, based on high-efficiency reciprocating diesel engines, offer an excellent form of distributed power generation meeting many of today's and tomorrow's expectations in terms of sustainability.
World energy demand is increasing steadily, at around 2% a year, driven to a large extent by the rapidly growing economies of the world's developing countries. Parallel to this development, agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol, together with concerns about the environment generally, are seeing increasing...more
|