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Posts tagged technology
A Solar Thermoelectric Device for Alternative Energy
Apr 28th
Science for the Public: Contemporary Science Issues Innovations 10/25/11 Professor Gang Chen, MIT explains several types of solar energy, with emphasis on a widely acclaimed solar thermoelectric device that his lab has developed. Dr. Chen gives a demonstration of how the device works, and explains that such technology is very popular and inexpensive in Europe and China.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
Lastest Solar Cells News
Mar 15th
Solar cells and batteries could 'go viral'
Investors looking to get fabulously rich may want to place a few bets on solar cell and rechargeable battery technology. At least, that's one way to frame an onstage chat between US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and billionaire Bill Gates at a recent ...
Read more on msnbc.com
Secret to Cutting Price of Solar Panels in Half - Ion Cannons
A new startup is hoping to dramatically cut down on the cost of solar panels. Realizing that the price problem stems from the clumsy and wasteful manufacture of incredibly thin silicon crystal wafers, the company set out to develop something to improve ...
Read more on Fellow GEEK
Another way to make solar panels: grow 'em
Throw in concentrated photovoltaics, plus all the variations of “solar thermal” that create steam to drive turbines, and you'd think the basket was full. Alas, researchers in Golden, Colorado will soon grow solar panels, a technique that could slash ...
Read more on SmartPlanet.com (blog)
Lastest Solar Light News
Mar 8th
Solar Tech Developer Ubiquitous Energy Raises 0000
Ubiquitous Energy, a startup developer of technology that allows solar cells to be printed directly onto common materials like paper and textiles, has raised $ 500000 — half of a planned one-million-dollar investment round. Earlier this week, it was ...
Read more on Smart Energy News
Solar cells cross new threshold
The two organic layers capture light from different parts of the solar spectrum, resulting in more light captured and less wasted—a single-layer cell has conversion efficiency of 6% while for a tandem cell, this number is 8.62%.
Read more on Mongabay.com
Solar storm causes few problems in Canada
"It hasn't proven to be a major solar event at all," Fiori said in a telephone interview from Ottawa. Solar storms are caused when the sun issues a flare, or burst of light, which then sends highly charged energy particles hurtling in all directions.
Read more on News1130
Spanish firm promotes new solar power vision for Arizona homes
Feb 25th
Spanish firm promotes new solar power vision for Arizona homes
Zev Rosenzweig, the company's CEO, said the American Southwest is an ideal location for the technology because the plants use little water and can capitalize on the region's abundant sunshine. The technology is in use at a plant in Israel and at a ...
Read more on KTAR.com
Hot idea an example of state's innovation
SOLAR technology developed in Cairns to heat pools could now be used on farms to create the optimum soil temperatures needed to grow better crops. Justin Lambert, a director of Cairns-based Solarcool, said the company had trialled the technology with ...
Read more on The Cairns Post
Solar Cells Lecture 1: Introduction to Photovoltaics
Feb 9th
This introduction to solar cells covers the basics of PN junctions, optical absorption, and IV characteristics. Performance metrics such as efficiency, short-circuit current, fill factor, and open-circuit voltage are discussed. Key technology options and economic considers are briefly introduced. on nanHUB: nanohub.org
Solar energy will play a crucial role in the energy mix of tomorrow as solar energy is available in unlimited quantities. With the aid of concentrator solar cells, even more sunlight can be converted into electricity. This video is featured on a ZeitNews article: www.zeitnews.org All rights reserved by the Fraunhofer Society.
Video Rating: 5 / 5
PhotonSynthesis to recharge phone
Jan 16th
A few nice Solar Cells images I found:
PhotonSynthesis to recharge phone
Image by miocapitano
A fantastic project to recharge your cellphone and camera with this universal & usb solar-cell tree charger.
www.behance.net/Gallery/PhotonSynthesis/121180
Solar cell technology based on organic materials
Image by BASF - The Chemical Company
Solar cell technology based on organic materials. A glass substrate is spin-coated. This involves coating the substrate with a material film, which is only a few nanometers thin, suitable for use in the color solar cell. The previously sprayed substrate is placed on an aluminum plate and coated with the prepared solution.
The plate is rotated at up to 6,000 revs/min, which ensures that the solution is evenly distributed on the substrate. Organic photovoltaics is an innovative field of research for scientists at BASF’s Joint Innovation Lab: solar cells based on organic materials are produced and tested here. The advantage of organic over inorganic solar cells is that they are as flexible and thin as plastic film. This means they could one day be used as environmentally friendly sources of energy on roofs, computer screens and cell phones. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.
ESA Renewables Enters Into Four Solar Operations and Maintenance Agreements
Jan 6th
Hayesville, NC (PRWEB) December 20, 2011
ESA Renewables, (ESA), a leading turnkey solar solutions provider, announced it has entered into four separate multi-year operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts. According to the terms of the contract, ESA will operate, maintain and monitor four solar farms in North Carolina. The solar energy generating systems generate a total of four megawatts of solar power. All services are being provided via ESA Renewables' Hayesville, North Carolina office.
A lead engineer and other O&M technicians will utilize ESA's proprietary monitoring system which has been installed on each solar array to ensure maximum performance, reduce system downtime, and make informed decisions as to O&M services. ESA's employees are also factory authorized and qualified to install and service Advanced Energy's inverters which were used in the initial construction of the solar farm.
"ESA is proud to have designed and engineered a renewable energy technology that is an ideal O&M solution to maximizing energy generation," Jeffrey Burkett, President of ESA Renewables. "We look forward to integrating our technology on many other renewable energy power plants in the near future for effective monitoring and control."
ESA's proprietary Monitoring System provides a simplified, centralized, reliable and secure data management system which allows for maximum energy production. This turn-key industrial solution grants immediate access, from anywhere in the world, to pertinent, real-time and historic data including energy balances, display data loggers, power curves and astrological data. ESA's Monitoring System also provides automatic, fault alerts to system managers allowing for quick response and minimal operational losses.
The four O&M agreements are for solar farms located in southwestern North Carolina, in and around the town of Murphy. They include:
Solar Cells
Jan 2nd
A few nice Solar Cells images I found:
Solar Cells
Image by PNNL - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Photovoltaics, research done at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is the process of directly converting sunlight to electricity. This field of energy technology is one of the fastest growing areas of scientific research in recent years. The work at PNNL is focused on enabling durable, cost-effective solar technology through use of unique materials, and unique thin film deposition technology. Our goal is to produce highly efficient, durable, cost-effective photovoltaic thin film devices to meet the world’s growing demand for clean, green energy. Here, a researcher displays a solar cell.
In this photo: PNNL Scientist Brian Riley
For more information, visit www.pnl.gov/news
Solar Cell Implementation Unit
Image by Chandra Marsono
This small diorama shows how solar cell can help with supplying energy in life. The whole model can be activated by switching on the halogen lamp to power up the solar cell that powers the model.
TraffiCalm Systems Announces “Trade In/Trade Up” Program for DriveBrite? Driver Feedback Signs
Dec 31st
Post Falls, Idaho (PRWEB) December 20, 2011
Located at http://www.TraffiCalmSystems.com on the web. TraffiCalm Systems, a leader in the manufacture and worldwide distribution of traffic calming driver feedback signs, announced a new "Trade In/Trade Up" Program for older 3M? flip-disk designed radar signs, to newer energy-efficient DriveBrite? LED technology signs.
The program offers end-customers $ 500 off of the suggested list price on TraffiCalm Systems' DriveBrite? signs, and is available through TraffiCalm Systems' nationwide network of distribution partners.
"There are literally thousands of the older 3M flip-disk signs out there, and while they might still be working, this 'Trade In/Trade Up' Program will help users save big dollars - especially when budgets are tight!" said Jan DeSantis, Business Development Manager for TraffiCalm Systems. "It also moves them into technology that offers more features, flexibility, and cost savings over the long run."
The "Trade In/Trade Up" program is designed to make it easier for States, Cities, Municipalities, Departments of Transportation, or other agencies to move away from older electromechanical flip-disk devices and access new, lighter, more energy-efficient technology that is both more reliable and easier to install and service.
In addition, buyers will realize additional cost saving by not being required to ship back the older trade in units. Customers merely sign a decommissioning/elimination document with the retired unit's serial number when issuing a PO for the new unit to one of TraffiCalm Systems' distribution partners.
"As an added benefit, TraffiCalm Systems will ship the new DriveBrite units to their distribution partner, their installer, or directly to site within a standard ofin 5 working days." added DeSantis. "This is a great opportunity for organizations and agencies to upgrade their traffic calming solutions while saving money!"
The goal of the "Trade In/Trade Up" Program is to offer Government & Law Enforcement, and those responsible for School Zone, Neighborhood & Pedestrian, or Work Zone safety a cost saving opportunity to acquire a newer more energy-efficient and effective solution.
Beginning immediately TraffiCalm Systems is providing quotes and taking "Trade In/Trade Up" Program orders through their Distribution Partners!
TraffiCalm Systems' DriveBrite? radar speed signs address the challenges and meet the needs of those seeking effective traffic calming solutions. With a comprehensive feature set and modular design DriveBrite? signs are a smart choice for users seeking to move away from the older electromechanical technology to new units that are:
More Energy-efficient: Especially important in solar applications!
More Reliable & Durable: Because there are no mechanical moving parts!
Easier to Install and Service: Modular design does not require a technician, and are almost half the weight of the older units!
For additional information on TraffiCalm Systems' "Trade In/Trade Up" Program or their DriveBrite? driver feedback signs and traffic calming solutions, visit the website at; http://www.TraffiCalmSystems.com/products/ to contact a regional TraffiCalm Systems Distribution Partner, download current product specifications and brochures, research possible funding sources, and access traffic calming solutions and studies.
TraffiCalm Systems' DriveBrite? radar driver feedback signs are currently available in two sizes targeted for urban, and highway use, along with a remarkably affordable residential size sign due in the second quarter of 2012. All signs feature a selection of available intelligent power management options that make the signs ideal for use in a wide variety of settings along with solar options for areas of installation where direct power is not available or is cost prohibitive.
With DriveBrite? signs information such as traffic volume, peak traffic hours, vehicle speeds, and more can be quickly downloaded directly via a wireless Bluetooth? link that allows local law enforcement, public transit authorities, and local Department of Transportation (DOT) offices to make planning and enforcement decisions based on timely access to valuable traffic data.
DriveBrite? Highway Driver Feedback (SPEED LIMIT) and Variable Speed Limit (YOUR SPEED) Signs: Accurate and readable at high speeds for better highway safety; Real time speed feedback; Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity, Programmable speed thresholds; High-impact polycarbonate electronics unit, Solar power options. Offered in a 48" x 60" size with 22" LED speed display in white, yellow, fluorescent yellow-green, or fluorescent orange faceplate.
DriveBrite? Urban Driver Feedback (SPEED LIMIT) and Variable Speed Limit (YOUR SPEED) Signs: Ensure urban roadway safety with precision, durability, and reliability; Bright, visible LED readout; Fully programmable sign sensitivity and alerts; Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity, Solar power options. Offered in 30" x 41" size with 15" LED speed display in white, yellow, fluorescent yellow-green, or fluorescent orange faceplate.
About TraffiCalm Systems: As a pioneer in the radar speed sign industry, TraffiCalm Systems leverages decades of manufacturing experience and engineering expertise through its parent company MOR Manufacturing to deliver its DriveBrite? series of driver feedback signs. Deployed by government agencies, municipalities, neighborhoods, schools, and businesses in almost all 50 states and many other countries globally, TraffiCalm's proven technology is a highly effective and affordable urban and highway traffic calming solution. TraffiCalm products are made in the USA.
Contact Information:
John Ragan
President
jragan(at)trafficalm(dot)com
Jan DeSantis
Business Development Manager
jdesantis(at)trafficalm(dot)com
1.208.292.1039
Sarah Holden
Customer Service Manager
sholden(at)trafficalm(dot)com
1.208.292.1035
Toll-Free: 1.855.738.2722
http://www.TraffiCalmSystems.com
http://www.MORMfg.com
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