Articles tagged with: Devices
Posted in Energy, Environment, Recycling, Solar on 12 July 2008
Solar energy undoubtedly is one of the cleaner and greener power sources. But currently, the solar cells which harness the sun’s radiation and convert them into electricity aren’t cheap enough to be utilized at mass scale. Thus, the true potential of this renewable energy still remains to be channeled for the larger benefits of society.
But now, scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have designed a new devise which they say is an efficient and practical solar power device. The latter acts as a solar concentrator and is considered to be a key in making solar energy more affordable in the near future. Scientists at MIT used several glass sheets and coated them with organic dyes to concentrate the sunlight hitting on the solar panes. The organic dyes upon absorption of sunlight emit it onto the glass sheet which in turn carries the light to the edges of the pane following the example of transport of light through fiber-optics. In this solar concentrator, small solar cells are located at the edges of the glass sheets.These cells convert sun’s photons into electricity.
Researches hope that this technology can bring down the cost of running a solar power unit down and much closer to that used by conventional methods of power generation (fossil fuel burning). The current type of solar concentrators available in the market use either lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight. However, in this new solar power device, glass sheets used are light weight and flat shaped. These can be used on roofs or as windows that could generate power for the entire house/ building. This new device is under testing and the final product ready for the market will become available in a couple of years. So far the news itself promises a sustainable tomorrow. I’m waiting when it actually becomes a reality!
Via Enn
Posted in Eco-Friendly, Eco-friendly products, Solar, Wind on 3 July 2008
Planning to hike or camp with your kids this summer but worried about battery less cell phones or iPods after a fun-filled day? Worry not anymore for Uniross (only battery brand worldwide to be endorsed by WWF) has come up with a new range of eco-friendly battery chargers for people like you.
The battery charger is powered by sun energy. This solar charger with USB adaptor can be obtained for£39.99. Others in the range include a 15 Minute charger, the Nomad- a portable power hub” with USB adaptor, a travel clock charger and a wind-powered portable charger with bike mount. Wow, quite a handful of eco-chargers I must say!
Price list:
15 Minute chargers claim to charge any battery in just 15 minutes comes after shelling £34.99.
The Nomad- your portable power hub with USB adaptor can be yours in a mere £19.99.
The travel clock charger- is also a travel clock alarm at £29.99. It charges any battery in under 3 hours while you are enjoying your siesta!
The wind powered portable charger set – includes a bike mount, integrated Lithium ion batter, USB output and phone and game connectors. All yours for just £49.99.
All the above mentioned will be available from coming August and will be available at hardware stores, electrical & departmental stores, supermarkets and even on internet!
Via PocketLint