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Articles in the ‘Alternative Energy’ Category
By Anny on May 15th, 2013
Solar chargers are generally designed to be placed in a fixed location, or need to be attached to a mount. This might not be suitable in cases where you are in the move, as in while trekking or camping. You might also not find it feasible to carry a solar gadget along with your regular gear. Here’s a solution for such situations-in the form of a solar paneled bag which can be used to store your gear and also to generate power from exposure to the sun.
The solar panel is affixed to a rugged backpack which can be slung over your back. The bag is quite spacious and has a dimension of 1500 cubic inches. It can be used to carry and charge iPad’s, mobile phones, PDA’s, gaming devices, cameras and many more. The internal battery is made of Lithium Polymer and gives an output of 5.5 V&900Ma. It gets fully charged in 7 hours and can also be charged from an USB source or an AC power supply.
The panel is made of two 2 watt monocrystalline solar panels for an output of 4 W with 6-12 V.
The handy backpack weighs around 2000 gms (4.5 lbs) and has the dimensions of 18″ height, 16″width and 8″ in depth. The wire channels are placed all over the inside of the bag giving you a greater flexibility in charging your devices. A phone pouch attached to the shoulder strap can hold your phone while it’s being charged. The device also has an LED indicator indicating the solar charge. It’s made of recycled PET and is waterproof and UV resistant. You can choose from silver, charcoal and orange colors for the solar panel.
The Voltaic solar backpack comes with a warranty of 2 years. It’s priced at $289 and can be purchased from the below link. The gadget comes with a universal battery pack, 9 different USB tips including the micro and mini tips.
http://www.earthtechproducts.com/voltaic-systems-off-grid-solar-back-pack.html
By Anny on May 13th, 2013
The Southwest Windpower Air 30 Residential Wind Turbine is an awesome gadget that converts the wind energy into an electric current. It can be used in your home as well as in outdoor cabins, farms etc. Unlike regular wind turbines, the rugged gadget doesn’t make much noise and uses a microprocessor regulation technology that monitors the fan speed and optimizes the power output. The gadget can supply a maximum power of 400 watts at standard winds having a speed of 28mph and requires just a small breeze of 8mph for it to start. It’sdesigned to withstand powerful winds till a speed of 110mph. The gadget comes in 3variants each supplying an output of 12, 24, and 48 Volts (DC).
The Air 30 turbine comes with a built-in charge regulator that periodically checks the battery voltage and if it’s full, the power generation is switched off. This saves the internal battery from being over charged and the power generation is again activated once the voltage falls below a threshold level.
The internal microprocessor also controls the speed of the blades and automatically slows them down in case of a charging wind. This prevents the circuit from getting damaged die to high speed winds and also reduces thenoise from the gadget.
A special marine paint and powder coated surface helps the gadget endure the toughest of weather conditions including storms and heavy rain.
The rotor with carbon fiber blades has a diameter of 46 inches and the mount is 1.5” schedule 40 pipe. The body is made from aircraft quality aluminum casts.
The Southwest Wind powerAir 30 Residential Wind Turbine comes with a 5 year warranty and is priced at $899.99. It’s quite useful to have an alternate source of energy for your home or cabin.
http://www.earthtechproducts.com/p4000.html
By Anny on May 11th, 2013
Here is a unique charger that can be powered both by solar power as well as by wind energy. The gadget has a built-in solar panel which coverts solar energy into an electric charge which can be used to charge your mobile phone, iPod, camera etc. A mini turbine mounted on the top rotates when placed against the wind and turns an internal dynamo which again generates electricity. The rechargeable internal battery of the gadget can also be charged by a normal ac charger.
The gadget is quite useful when you are travelling, trekking or camping. It’s one of a very few portable gadgets which charge by wind energy and is a perfect alternative to conventional charges, especially when you have no access to electricity. The gadget can be arranged on your motorcycle or jeep so that it directly faces the wind while you are driving. Under standard conditions, an hour of sunlight and a sufficientlystrong wind should charge your phone for about 30 minutes of talking.
The device has an USB port which can be used to connect it to an external power source such as from a computer or a vehicle power outlet. It also comes with a mini and micro USB tip making it useful for a vast variety of phones. A built-in LED power indicator shows the current power status
The K3 Solar and Wind charger is priced at $99.95 and can be purchased from the below link.
http://www.earthtechproducts.com/k3-solar-and-wind-charger.html
Dimensions: 3 Inches in Length, 3.1 inches wide and a height of 9.3 inches
Color: Green and black with a white mini turbine
Weight: 10.6 Ounces
Battery specifications: Rechargeable Lithium ion cell (4000mAh) DC output- 5V 1amp 5W
The package includes a the K3 Solar and Wind Charger gadget, multiple device tips, USB cable AC Wall Adapter, a handy drawstring bag and a user guide.
By Anny on April 11th, 2013
In our quest to educate our readers on alternate forms of energy which one day can solve most of our energy crisis, we bring across a lesser known form of natural fuel-Peat. Peat is a collective term for natural vegetation which has been incompletely decomposed into the soil and remains as a layer above the soil. It usually forms in wetlands where the insufficient oxygen does not allow a complete disintegration of the natural vegetation. Peat is used a fuel in some parts of the world where it’s densely available. It consists of partially decayed shrubs, lichens and other form of weeds which form a solid mass after accumulating water. It’s considered as a fossil fuel as peat deposits are not renewable in the same ratio as they are being consumed.
An estimated 3% of the land area in the world is said to be covered with different forms of peat, which can yield about 8 Billion Tera joules of energy. Large peat deposits are found in Europe, North America, New Zealand and Russia. Under some conditions, peat slowly turns into lignite coal over a period of time. However, it takes about a year for a single millimeter of peat deposit to accumulate above the soil.
In some countries such as Ireland and England, Peat is converted into a fuel after drying. This fuel is used for cooking and for domestic heating. Peat briquettes are also sold in some parts of Ireland and are also used in power generation. Refined peat is also added to the soil to improve its moisture retention abilities. Energy from using peat as a fuel accounts for about 6.2% of Finland’s annual energy production
However, Peat generates more carbon dioxide than coal and its use is also limited to areas where it’s freely available when compared to other sources of fuel.
Russia has been traditionally using peat as an energy source and now accounts for about 17% of the world’s peat production out of which 20% is used to generate power. The Shatura power station is one of the largest peat powered power station where 11% of the fuel used comes from peat.
Peat deposits rarely tend to catch fire causing widespread damage to the local environment. A massive peat deposit caught fire in Russia in 2010 due to a heat wave causing widespread destruction of habitation apart from releasing a thick smoke blanket of gases over Moscow.
By Anny on April 1st, 2013
Here’s a feasible solution to all your charging needs. Be it a phone or any gadget which charges from an USB source, you can use the below portable device to charge them while on the move. The power panel uses solar energy to charge your devices and provides up to 2 watts of power which can be transmitted through a USB port. It’s quite useful when you are on the move, or outdoors as in while camping or trekking. The device does away with the necessity of a power source and can be used by just leaving it outdoors to face the sun.
The device gives about 30% more energy when compared to other similar panels and is economicallypriced at $39. The USB port is compatible with many devices and the package also includes adapters for Sony, Nokia and Samsung phones (Do check out the supporting phone models on the product page). It however cannot be used for charging an iPhone, iPad or an iPod.
The panel gives you a charge of up to 600mAh phone in 1.5 hours (Standard conditions) and consists of a durable ABS frame with dimensions of 6.9 in long, 3.9 in wide, 0.4 in thickness. It weighs just 84 grams and can be conveniently carried in your backpack. The device is recommended to be placed in direct sunlight and not behind a shade or a window.
The Sun Ray Pro Power Panel (P102) is a perfect accessory especially while you are traveling as it gives an easy and optimum charge within no time. You can purchase the Sun Ray Power Panel (P102) by accessing the below link.You can also check their range of solar lights, rechargeable batteries and other chargers.
By Anny on March 30th, 2013
Imagine a handy charger which you can take along while you are travelling-one which can also charge your smartphones and other devices with ease. Your guess would be a solar powered charger or a backup battery arrangement. But you would quite be surprised to hear that there is a charger which ispowered by pure water and can charge your smartphones while on the move. Such technology has been in news a little while ago with a clock being made to work on pure water. The PowerTrekk charger is an extension of such technology ad uses pure water to run an internal circuit which in turn charges your phone.
The charger uses a fuel cell technology that converts hydrogen into electricity. Its driven by a replaceableFuelCellSticker which is made from foils and adhesives in the form of a fuel pack. This fuel packs need to be inserted into the device and when water is added from the inlet, a chemical reaction releases hydrogen which is then converted into electricity. The electricity is stored in the storage buffer which allows the device to function both as a battery as well as a charger.
The myFCPowerTrekk is priced at € 199. The fuel pack which needs to be replaced after some time is priced at € 4/puck (The Fuel cell is called -The Puck).
The output is USB compliant and corresponds to an output voltage of 5 volts and a power of 5 watts. The only bye-product is a bit of water vapor which is released into the atmosphere. The device is quite handy when you are traveling, and would not have access to regular power sources and sunlight.
The product is currently being sold in selectretail stores in Bulgaria and is expected to be available in different countries by early 2013. The device is safe, eco-friendly and is a perfect alternative to conventional solar chargers.
For more details on this technology, please access the below link.
http://www.powertrekk.com
By Anny on March 24th, 2013
The concept of Green mortgage is recently becoming popular as more people are becoming eco-conscious and are looking to reduce their energy consumption. Greenmortgageeinvolves modifying your home to make it more energy efficient. This could mean buying gadgets which work on alternative energy such as solar panels, using dimmable CFL lighting, LED panels, changing your windows by using cellular and low emission windows etc. We are all aware of the fact that all the above mentioned gadgets do require an initial investment, and the returns start pouringingradually. The high cost of the initial investment is what deters a lot of us from making the first move, and we often tendto lose out on the recurring returns they offer. Green mortgage is one such facility which helps you with the initial cost of investment for such technologies
You stand to gainin both ways as the modifications you decide to do for your house can be done in a modern way which is sure to impress your visitors and add to the value of your house. Also such energy saving modifications do give you regular returns by means of reduced power bills etc- which can be used to offset a part of the mortgage amount. Also investing in such eco-friendly practices also shows your solidarity with the environment as your act decreases the net carbon footprint, pollution and greenhouse emission which are direct and indirect consequences of your energy consumption.
This is a welcome move to start the trend of energy saving in our daily life. There are a whole lot of ways by which you can save energy consumption in your home and since you now can be assured of a funding for that. You would also need an energy audit done on your home so that an estimation can be made as to how muchsavings in terms of spent energy would your modifications make. To know more, just get in touch with your bank to check on a suitable scheme.
By Anny on March 20th, 2013
In our quest to bring you the latest in alternate sources of energy-we now present a very remarkable invention that might one day solve a major part of our energy crisis. The gravity light is a phenomenal invention that uses the power of gravity to generate an electric current which powers a portable light. The system uses a heavy weight that is apparently attached to a system of gears, springs and pulleys which in turn move a lighter weight. The heavy weight is first lifted to a certain level and the system then uses its displacement due to gravity to rotate a smaller weight which in turn might move a dynamo attached to the pulley. This dynamo generates the electric current required to power a bulb. This new invention which is still in a limited trail phase is sure to help a lot of people who cannot use solar powered lamps due to various reasons. This gadget can be used anywhere and just needs to be hung from a surface with the heavy weight being periodically raised. It’s estimated that the one lift of the heavy weight can generate enough power to light the bulb for 30 minutes.
The gravity light uses the simple force of gravity which is universally available in every location. It doesn’t require a separate charging device or a battery and is just a one-time investment. The invention has been made keeping in mind the energy crisis and the cost involved in alternate forms of energy such as solar energy devices. This is a boon for developing nations where a large number of people still use fuel based lighting sources. Not only does it decrease the pollution resulting from burning fossil fuel such as kerosene but is also economically viable.
For more information on this remarkable application of gravity as a power source, please access the below link. The manufactures plan to distribute 1000 such units on a pilot basis to the needy in third-world countries. It’s estimated the commercial cost of this unit once produced in a large scale would be around $5.
By Anny on March 8th, 2013
Biomass briquettes are made from natural waste such as grain husk, bagasse, refined municipal waste, certain variety of weeds and other natural substances which are left out after oil and food grain production. They are made by compressing and molding these substances to create a solid mass or a briquette. This can be used to heat boilers in industries, generate electricity, and can also be used for cooking needs. The waste is compressed under pressure to increase the energy obtained from the biomass, and also to make them potable and easily combustible. Burning a compressed briquette would give more directed energy than a large quantity of normal biomass.
The primary advantage in using them is recycling waste products productively, to create a source of energy. Secondly, these briquettes do not pollute the environment as much as wood and coal would do, thereby making them relatively safer to use. The most important advantage is that they are an alternative to conventional energy sources, thereby reducing our dependence on such natural resources which can near depletion at the current rate of consumption.
An example of such biomass usage is during the creation of biofuel from Jatropha seeds, where the seed mass left after oil extraction is dried and used to power boilers. Such an innovative usage helps us in optimally use the resources to the fullest extent possible, thereby making it more economically viable. Also, these briquettes can be easily transported and do not pose any inflammable hazards.
Although biomass briquettes constitute a small negligible fraction of our energy needs, they are still useful as they can be used wherever possible, to reduce our dependence on conventional fuels. In a community based approach, the biomass waste generated by industries can be used for cooking needs, thereby in a small way creating efficiency in energy usage. These briquettes have a high energy output, and can be easily manufactured from a wide range of natural raw materials and are also environment friendly as they do emit comparatively less toxic gases.
In another widely used way of manufacturing biomass briquettes, the raw materials are first partially burnt with limited air supply. This process is called charring, and after that they are compacted and molded into briquettes. The resultant briquettes emit very less smoke when burnt again, and give the same energy output. This variety is very useful for cooking and domestic usage where emitted smoke is a major criterion in choosing a fuel source.
However, manufacturing such briquettes should not take precedence over food cultivation and other uses of grain husk and bagasse. Alternate energy sources, though very useful should not be given reference over basic human needs such as food and fodder. There is a need for creating awareness amongst cultivators so that such fuel sources can be parallelly synthesized along with regular crop production.
By Anny on January 31st, 2013
Energy can transfer from one medium to another constantly through transmission process and flow of electrons to cellular metabolic process, where waste heat is produced from all the types of energies. Through energy is surrounding us from all around we are only able to consume a little or only a minor part of it. A lot amount of energy is wasted when it is transferred from one medium to another in our environment through sunlight or wind. Here we are talking about remnant energies which are produced by different systems which are left unused.
Although energy is all around us, we usually are only able to harness a very small amount of it. Scientists are eager to utilize these bits and pieces of power from our surrounding environment through infinite ways to keep it save. Every that little part of energy which is wasted on this planet should be saved and this is the reason now scientists are searching about ambient energy system to economize and save the energy waste.
Remnant environmental energy harvesting
The harvesting of ambient energy is based on obtaining of energy from a device or system passively. It is important that a system should obtain the ambient energy from current alternative sources. Definition of ambient energy is here focused only for unconventional energy sources like human physical energy or passive energy through foot pressure, accumulation of electromagnetic energy, plants or trees metabolic energy.
An ideal ambient system has never to depend on other energy sources for its gathering or collection, as well as running of this system. A system which will be powered by ambient energy would not require any batter for connection through grid and it would be a complete independent for its operations. This device will feed the energy from its surrounding energy.
Ambient energy systems, although there have scalable principles but they will work as alternative energy like other systems of power and would not have as much power as those other platforms have. They are instead designed to provide power for very low-energy applications, and they are used to eliminate the need to set up a large energy source. For example, instead of using batteries or a wind turbine, a small sensor could just harvest the energy found in its surroundings.
Improving the device performance through all energy use
The ambient energy system is capable to work at significant low level as compared to our solar standard arrays. However alternative energy fundamental principles for efficiency will not be capable in this energy system. It’s required to make the collected energies meaningful through ambient energies to gather and make use of all that energy wastes. An effective use of ambient energy system would be to bring improvement in operational reliability and we are sure ambient system is capable of that. When your gadget or device would run out of the power you will not required bringing the energy source when self-replenishing energy is available. Once ambient energy system started working around the environment, the energy death would never be possible.
