Flying on Algae

EADS, the parent company of Airbus, has made a successful test flight with a plane which was completely driven by fuel from algae. As airline companies and airplane manufacturers are looking for alternative fuels to aviation fuel because of rising oil prices and climate change, more and more test-flights are being scheduled with alternative fuels. It is not the first test that was done with fuel based on algae. In the past multiple test flights were held. What differs this one from all the rest is that this was the first test flight solely on algae-fuel.

The test flight revealed that algae based fuel is more efficient than conventional fuel. The company wants to have a regular test route in use by the year 2015 to further test with alternative fuels. The future goal of the company is to have at least one out of every ten planes fly on biofuels by the year 2030

Solar stations in the heavens?

At an altitude of 22,240 miles above the earth, orbital solar stations would be one of the biggest steps undertaken for governments and energy companies. However, orbital solar stations would give a constant deliverance of sunlight, even more than 2,000 MW of clean solar power in some proposed projects.

Orbital solar stations have three advantages over normal earth based solar stations. First of all it must be daytime for an earth based solar stations to get its energy from the sun, next to that the solar array must be pointed towards the sun without any obstacles between the array and the sun. Finally, the sunlight powering the solar array must pass through the bulk of the atmosphere and the sky must be clear for optimal use. Because of all these factors an earth based solar array produces almost 80 percent less energy then orbital based solar stations. Furthermore, the sun shines continuously in space and because of the lack of an atmosphere, sunlight carries 35 percent more energy.

Nanosolar’s solar cell

s, the green future technology?

Solar energy has been around for many years now. It is one of the best renewable energy sources as it is carbon neutral and low in maintenance once you’ve installed all the panels. The high manufacturing costs, however, and the high operational costs not to forget, have been the main factor why traditional energy sources haven’t been swapped in for clean solar energy. This is set to change though, as Nanosolar Inc. is leading the way to a more cost efficient solar energy source.

Nanosolar is a company founded in 2002 which is working on the world’s largest solar cell factory in California and has just finished the world’s largest panel-assembly factory in Germany. Nanosolar has succeeded in creating a solar coating that is the most cost-efficient solar energy source so far. They say that they can reduce production costs of a solar cell from 3 dollar a watt to 30 cents a watt. If so, Nanosolar’s solar cells will be cheaper than burning coal to generate power

This cost reduction was managed by using an innovative technology which coats thin metal sheets with a microscopic layer of printer ink which contains minuscule solar cells. With this formula the company has plans to mass produce these cost efficient solar panels. The plant which will manufacture these cells is being built as we speak and will more then quadruple solar cell production in the United States.The possibilities of these solar cells are enormous. Imagine if we put Nanosolar solar cells on all the roofs of the houses in a city. This would greatly reduce the need for grey energy once and for all.

Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-7U6w38040&feature=player_embedded

The 'Arc' Eco Building of the Future

I found this interesting link on yahoo that introduces a new concept in green innovation. It's a house that is part green and part indestructable. Here is the link:

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Ark-Eco-Building-Future/ss/events/sc/011011theark

Solar Powered Cabins

A man living in the mountains of Colarado saves himself teh trouble of connecting himself to the power grid and installs a solar powered system to supply his home with energy. Coppy and paste to see the video...

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/3044835/alternative_solar_energy_mountain_cabin_project/

Samsoe Island

Samsoe: A role model in self-sufficiency

In just eight years, a broad collaboration on Samsoe has managed to convert the island’s energy production from oil and coal to renewable energy. Local involvement has created a bit of a social energy movement. Today, the island produces more renewable energy than it uses and exports excess energy to the mainland. Samsoe has an international lead as an energy-efficient research island, from which the Samsoe Energy Academy shares knowledge and experiences with the world.

Ferrari Goes Green — Literally — With a Hybrid

Maranello promises the Hy-Kers concept will offer stellar performance along with improved fuel economy and emissions. It makes that point clear in calling Hy-Kers “an example of how Ferrari is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement that have always exemplified its cars.”

“Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of at least one horsepower,” the company said, and the power is coupled “seamlessly and instantaneously” with that of the 6.0-liter V-12 engine. Ferrari says the car runs under electric power under light loads or around town. Stomp the pedal and the gasoline engine takes over, with an assist from the electric motor to provide additional torque.

The obvious question is why a company known for glorious internal combustion engines would go electric. Simple: The rules require it to. The Hy-Kers concept is Ferrari’s first step toward meet new European Union fuel-economy and emissions regulations

Sony Ericson Green Phones

Sony Ericsson has just recently bolstered its GreenHeart portfolio with the inclusion of an eco-friendly line of mobile phones, and a Bluetooth Handsfree. The phones, dubbed as Elm and Hazel, are made from recycled plastic and they do not contain any hazardous chemicals. Supplied with energy-efficient chargers and a battery that holds up to 10 hours of talk time in GSM mode or 3 hours of talk time in video mode, is impressive, to say the least.

Summing up their eco-credentials:

• E-manual in phone

• Free from hazardous chemicals

• Low power consumption charger (EP300 GreenHeart™)

• Green calculator

• Minimized packaging

• Condensed user guide (VH700)

• Waterborne paint (VH700)

http://www.greendiary.com/entry/sony-ericsson-releases-two-green-phones-and-a-bluetooth-handsfree/