Ocean Wave Energy Storage

This energy source is pretty cool.

Getting energy from the ocean's waves


This is the first time I've heard of this concept, and it looks like it's in the infancy stages. But it seems like an interesting idea for the future.

"researchers believe that by harnessing just 0.2 percent of the ocean’s power that could be enough to power light bulbs around the world.

Engineers at Oregon State University have taken the first steps towards generating power from waves. They have built a buoy system capable of capturing the ocean’s power in the form of offshore swells, and converting it into electricity. One system bobs two miles offshore and is called the permanent magnet linear generator buoy."

Thanks again, LiveScience, for another interesting story.

Al

Floating Windmills Generate More Power AND not an Eyesore

This is a pretty interesting article...

It talks about a new method of erecting windmills at sea. The technologies involved sounds amazing to me, but it actually seems like it might be doable.

This one is definitely a must read.

"Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have designed a wind turbine that can be attached to a floating platform. Long steel cables would tether the corners of the floating platform to a concrete-block or other mooring system on the ocean floor, like a high-tech ship anchor. The setup is called a 'tension leg platform,' or TLP, and would be cheaper than fixed towers.

'You don't pay anything to be buoyant,' said Paul Sclavounos, an MIT professor of mechanical engineering and naval architecture who was involved in the design.

The floating platforms to sway side to side but not bob up and down. Computer simulations suggest that even during hurricanes, the platforms would shift by only about three to six feet and that the bottom of the turbine blades would revolve well above the peak of even the highest wave. Dampers similar to those used to steady skyscrapers during high winds and earthquakes could be used to further reduce sideways motion, the researchers say."

Thanks to Ker Than, a LiveScience Staff Writer, for some interesting NEW technology news. And thanks LiveScience for the image.

Talk soon,
Al

BMW's (hybrid) Ultimate driving machine

Here's a bit more on the BMW hydrogen powered cars that are gonna hit the market some time next year. There won't be too many. And they'll be pretty spendy.

But still, it's a very cool concept.

Using hydrogen.

The ultimate hybrid vehicle energy.

"The Bavarian automaker said Tuesday that it planned to build 100 or so BMW Hydrogen 7 cars and offer them to government and industry leaders, prized customers, movie stars and prominent figures mainly in Europe and the United States next year to tout the advantages of hydrogen.

'Crude oil is a limited resource, and we need to prepare alternative sources of fuel,' said Christoph Huss, senior vice president for science and traffic policies at BMW in Munich, Germany.

BMW has tinkered with hydrogen technology since the 1970s and has considered producing hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars, the path chosen by most automakers.
But BMW executives opted to develop an internal combustion engine capable of running on hydrogen that would be clean yet still offer the satisfying driving performance its customers expect."

Great article. Thanks to Christine Tierney from The Detroit News - and the images are from BMW.

Al

The Beginnings of 'Biomass' - Chicken Poo Style

This is a great new and useful resource for energy...

Chicken Poo

Mostly just a very interesting article and idea - buy hey - this is the real deal. They are already doing this in the U.K.

"Robbins is in the running for a new kind of power plant that generates electricity from manure and other 'biomass' fuels.

A company called Fibrowatt USA has narrowed its site search to three places in central North Carolina. Robbins is one of them.

The technology comes from Britain, where Fibrowatt Limited built the world's first generator fueled entirely by 'chicken coop sweepings' or 'chicken litter.' "

This one's definitely worth a read.

And speaking of chicken poo...
If you're interested in raising your own chickens, you might check out this site, which talks about building your own chicken coops and taking care of chickens.

Cheers,
Al

Small Wisconsin Community Leading the 'Organic' Charge

Here's a neat article about a small community in Wisconsin who is blazing a new trail about organic lifestyle.

They plan on a community type of co-op that will promote green, organic, sustainable resources and products.

"The plan includes roads, access points, eco-business locations, storm water storage areas, a wind turbine and landscaping elements such as prairies, buffer strips, rain gardens, an organic orchard, bicycle paths, mowed trails, and a food waste recycling storage shed.

Cashton village president Robert Amundson said village officials are excited by the Organic Valley move and other possibilities.

“I guess Organic Valley is hoping to get some of the companies they do business with to locate there,” Amundson said. “The Development Corporation also is working with investors on some other ideas.”

Some of those other ideas could include a methane production plant, perhaps to utilize manure for energy, and a bio-diesel production facility. No official plans for these business possibilities have been made public at this time.

'We're excited about the Cashton Greens project,” said Russ Dawber, project manager for Organic Valley, when the coop first announced its building plans. “Something like this is desperately needed to reduce the carbon dioxide overflow in the world.

“A green energy park using renewable energy sources, wing generators, possible hydro power and refineable products fits the Organic Valley mold and were proud to be part of such a movement.' "

It's definitely worth a read.

All the best,
Al

Injury Risk causes Segway to recall all it's Scooters

Here's some URGENT news, from the Associated Press, if you use a segway as a vehicle. (Reuters Photo)

"Segway Inc. is recalling all 23,500 of the self-balancing scooters it has shipped to date because of a software glitch that can make its wheels unexpectedly reverse direction, causing riders to fall off. "

It looks like it'll just need a software upgrade to be back up and running. Segway says they'll pay to get it to an appropriate dealership for service as well, if needed.

Take a look,
Al

Car-Sharing a New Strategy for Corporate Vehicles

This is an interesting idea for people who live in urban or highly populated areas. The idea of paying a kind of lease fee for a car service - and then you just check out the car whenever you need it.

If you're interested you'll definitely want to read more. So far, not too many of these options across the U.S. yet. But there may be more coming.

"Brown is one of a growing number of business owners using shared-car services instead of their own vehicles. No longer a curious fad, the services boast 530 shared cars in the Washington area, making them increasingly attractive to new kinds of customers, including universities and businesses.

Within the past year, the area's two shared-car services, Zipcar and Flexcar, have both received $20 million in private investment that they plan to use to expand. Using their popularity among politicians and transportation policymakers, the firms are aggressively cutting deals with cities for parking and marketing promotions."

All the best,
Al

The World Wide Web rides the Sun

This is a fantasitc idea...

Solar Power may bring the internet to remote areas and villages around the world.

Very interesting story, from Ranty Islam (a Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor) - Photo from ROBERT ATANASOVKSI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES.

"The idea to develop and produce millions of simple, Internet-capable $100 laptops and give them to the poorest kids on the planet sounded appealing. But just how children in remote villages in sub-Saharan Africa were supposed to hook up to the Internet was unclear.

The solution may come out of thin air. Literally. All you need is a rooftop and the sun, claim the inventors of a solar-powered wireless device. 'Green' initiatives like theirs, together with a range of wireless technologies, may extend the Internet's reach to developing communities around the globe. "

This one is definitely worth the read.

Kids and families all over the globe could be affected by this low-cost energy source alternative. This is a topic to keep your eyes on.

Al Speer

US Army asks for 'green' power

HMMM, this one is interesting from Mark Clayton, a Christian Science Monitor writer. (Photo from GUSTAVO FERRARI/AP)

Top military commanders are asking for 'green' power to keep the troops safer and more efficient.

Green technology must really be improving rapidly. It wasn't that long ago that solar panels and rechargeable batteries weren't very efficient. But now studies are showing that using these renewable sources is much more efficient.

"Memo to Pentagon brass from the top United States commander in western Iraq: Renewable energy - solar and wind-power generators - urgently needed to help win the fight. Send soon.

Calling for more energy in the middle of oil-rich Iraq might sound odd to some. But not to Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer, whose deputies on July 25 sent the Pentagon a 'Priority 1' request for 'a self-sustainable energy solution' including 'solar panels and wind turbines.' "

This is a good read.

Al

Scientists do ultrasound on Mother Earth

Now this is what I call taking it to the next level.

Instead of just doing ultrasounds of people, scientists are starting to do ultrasounds on Mother Earth.

But is she pregnant?

Apparently so, but it's with a different kind of ball of energy.
You can find out more, from Jason Szep's article, at Reuters.

"Hoping to unlock vast reserves of natural gas and oil trapped under layers of rock, scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have teamed up with Canada's biggest independent petroleum explorer, EnCana Corp., to test the ultrasound exploration technology in a Wyoming gas field."

This could be an interesting addition to the hunt for underground energy resources and reserves around the world.

Al Speer

Hydrogen-powered BMW to hit the market in 2007

I just posted about this the other day.

I didn't think it would be a matter of days until it came to production line, but it's coming.

But here's the Reuters announcement where BMW announces the 7 Series... which will run on hydrogen and also standard petrol - but it looks like just Europe with have this capability for a while.

"The specially equipped 7-Series executive cars emit only water vapor when running on hydrogen.

The car hits the market next April and will be shown at the Los Angeles car show in November, the company said. It had said in March the hydrogen cars would arrive within two years."

That's pretty amazing stuff though.

Al

The Potential of Wind Energy and Cars

This article is VERY interesting.

It talks first, about the explosion in hybrid / electric cars. Then it goes into the availability of renewable wind energy. Some very interesting thoughts and numbers in here, from Lester R. Brown at the Earth Policy Insitute.

And here is some numbers on the costs associated with wind energy from 1982 to 2003. HMMM? Not sure how accurate this all is, but it's definitely worth a look-see...

Cost of Wind-powered Electricity in the United States, 1982-2003
Year Cost Per Kilowatt-hour
(cents)
1982 38
1989 18
2003 4

Source: Larry Flowers, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, "Wind Power Update," viewed 19 June 2002.

"With gas-electric hybrid cars now on the market, the stage is set for the second step to reduce oil dependence, the use of wind-generated electricity to power automobiles. If we add to the gas-electric hybrid a plug-in capacity and a second battery to increase its electricity storage capacity, motorists could then do their commuting, shopping, and other short-distance travel largely with electricity, saving gasoline for the occasional long trip. This could lop another 20 percent off gasoline use in addition to the initial 50 percent cut from shifting to gas-electric hybrids, for a total reduction in gasoline use of 70 percent.

The plug-in capacity gives access to the country's vast, largely untapped, wind resources. In 1991, the U.S. Department of Energy published a National Wind Resource Inventory in which it pointed out that three of our 50 states�Kansas, North Dakota and Texas�have enough harnessable wind energy to satisfy national electricity needs. Many were astonished by this news since wind power was widely considered a marginal energy source. "

Talk soon,
Al

New Gulf Oil Find NOT as Helpful as Thought

Here's the source of some pretty heated debating.

This is a great article talking about the pros and cons of finding additional oil reserves in the Gulf of Mexico. It lays out some serious, and I think, very real accusations against the oil companies.

Unfortunately, I don't think the typical American consumer can even see this. We just keep right on spending our money, living in our own little fantasy worlds.

Here's a brief clip of the article, by Aaron Glantz, at OneWorld US (oneworld.net)

"Many environmental and consumer groups argue that today's high gas prices are caused by oil company price manipulation more than anything else. According to the Washington, DC-based group Public Citizen, profits at the five largest oil companies skyrocketed to $59.4 billion for the first six months of this year.

In a new report titled 'Hot Profits and Global Warming: How Oil Companies Hurt Consumers and the Environment,' Public Citizen argues leading oil companies could have invested some of that money into alternative sources of energy but instead have spent $112 billion since 2005 to buy back their own stock and pay dividends rather than invest in infrastructure or alternative energy sources.

'Under the current market framework, oil companies aren't making investments in ways to break our addiction to oil and apparently have no intention of doing so,' Public Citizen's Tyson Slocum said in a statement. 'With $1 trillion in assets tied up in extracting, refining, and marketing oil, their business model will squeeze the last cent of profit out of that spent capital for as long as possible.'

Oil companies have also spent considerable energy lobbying Congress and in late June convinced the House of Representatives to lift a moratorium on new off-shore drilling, replacing it with a process that would require states to take proactive measures if they wish to maintain the environmental protections currently enshrined into law. "

Oh, well!

This one is definitely worth checking into.

Al Speer

Vaporize Garbage with 'Lightning-like' plasma energy

If you don't think some of this stuff is amazing - I don't know what rock you've been sitting under.

This article, another associated press article and photo, from BRIAN SKOLOFF an AP writer, have some amazing points about this NEW capability.

It still sounds too much like science fiction to me. I don't even believe it's possible, but I am totally into learning more about this possibility.

"The 100,000-square-foot plant, slated to be operational in two years, is expected to vaporize 3,000 tons of garbage a day. County officials estimate their entire landfill � 4.3 million tons of trash collected since 1978 � will be gone in 18 years.
No byproduct will go unused, according to Geoplasma, the Atlanta-based company building and paying for the plant.

Synthetic, combustible gas produced in the process will be used to run turbines to create about 120 megawatts of electricity that will be sold back to the grid. The facility will operate on about a third of the power it generates, free from outside electricity.

About 80,000 pounds of steam per day will be sold to a neighboring Tropicana Products Inc. facility to power the juice plant's turbines.

Sludge from the county's wastewater treatment plant will be vaporized, and a material created from melted organic matter � up to 600 tons a day � will be hardened into slag, and sold for use in road and construction projects.

'This is sustainability in its truest and finest form,' "

I hope you enjoy the rest of the article.

Best Wishes,
Al Speer

Hydrogen vehicles on the Horizon

WOW, this one is really interesting. I work in the silicon industry, which the 3rd largest element on the globe - and I thought that was impressive.

But Hydrogen is even more readily available than silicon. This could be HUGE news in the years to come.

This article, By SEANNA ADCOX, Associated Press Writer, is a great read. (Photo also from the Associated Press) And totally worth checking into.

"Using hydrogen as a fuel means cars will emit water rather than exhaust fumes, making it a clean, widely available alternative to fossil fuels. Hydrogen-run vehicles have been tested, but public availability is probably at least a decade away, said Todd Wright, director of the Savannah River National Laboratory.

Nearly every state has some sort of hydrogen initiative as they scramble to discover ways to cheaply and practically use the element as fuel. South Carolina lawmakers and business leaders believe the Savannah River Site's work since the early 1950s gives an edge to a state typically thought of as backward rather than futuristic."

All the best,
Al Speer

US drivers are starting to choose scooters - It's about Time!

Image from Getty Images

Here's a great little article, by Virginie Montet from the AFP, about what life will begin to be like if gas prices stay around $3 or higher...

Scooters!

Unfortunately scooters are still mainly being sold in urban areas, but I bet high pump prices will cause more commuters to start buying as well.

Sure family's still need a bigger vehicle, but the big car will be used for kicking around and vacation trips - not for work commutes. Anyhow - that's my prediction, you can take it with a grain of salt.

"Scooters get a whopping 60 to 80 miles (97 to 129 kilometers) per gallon of gas compared to fuel hungry cars which average 20 miles (32 kilometers).

This year is set to mark a record in scooter sales although the streets are far from resembling traffic in Milan.

'The big markets are urban markets, vacation destinations and college towns,' said Mike Mount, spokesman for the Motorcycle Industry Council.
According to the industry group, 113,000 scooters were sold in 2005, up 18 percent from the year before."

But this article is definitely worth a read.

All the best,
Al

The First Motorcycle Airbag

This is one of the most astonishing things I've seen in a LONG time.

This article, from MotorCycleCruiser.com, is truly amazing.

It says they've been testing motorcycle airbags for 3 decades, but apparently this is the first one to actually work in a way that functions properly.

If you get a second, I definitely suggest you get to this page...

"The airbag is not designed to stop the motorcyclist but rather to reduce the velocity at which the rider is ejected from the motorcycle. Honda says, 'Inflating rapidly after the impact, the airbag can absorb some of the forward energy of the rider, reducing the velocity at which the rider may be thrown from the motorcycle and helping lessen the severity of injuries caused by the rider colliding with another vehicle or with the road.' "

All the best,
Al Speer

Underground Homes and Dwelling spaces for under-world types

This is a great article about new and innovative (or maybe not so new - but innovative never-the-less) ideas for building your home underground.

WHY? you ask?

Well, as CNN/Money staff writer Les Christie explains...
it's great on conserving energy both in heating and cooling costs.

Plus there are other safety reason people are choosing to live in these types of homes.

"reasons for occupying underground abodes still resonate with people. These days, many homeowners are thinking 'green' (see 'Green goes mainstream'), and are looking to cut energy use and conserve resources.

Underground dwellings are extremely energy efficient. Caves have year-round temperatures in the mid-to-upper fifties, making them a cinch to heat and unnecessary to cool. "

This article is a great read, and definitely worth taking a look at.

All the best,
Al