Aug
25
Modeling the Fuel Cell From the Lung
August 25, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters scientists propose that inspiration using the layout of the lung improves the energy efficiency and saves the catalyst material of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The group calculated results for a single cell in a stack that shows the amount of catalyst could be reduced by a [...]
Aug
16
A New Peak Demand Electricity Generation System
August 16, 2010 | 4 Comments
An impressive idea is out in the International Journal of Energy Research from the University of Leeds and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research group has invented a new way to answer quick peak electricity demands. Peak demand and particularly quick and short-lived peaks are when demand for electricity soars, causing a problem for [...]
Aug
12
The Electric Vehicle Age Begins in Earnest
August 12, 2010 | 2 Comments
This year will see the GM Volt and Nissan Leaf go on sale and likely deliver to buyers following the Tesla Roadster success with electric motors connected to the driving wheels. The two are of three very different designs representing the three main manufactured groups of choices we’ll see. Then there are the Do It [...]
Aug
5
Micro Turbines Headed for Hybrid Trucks
August 5, 2010 | 2 Comments
Capstone Turbine Corporation a leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems announced last week that it has initiated a demonstration project with a major U.S. manufacturer of Class 5 through Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. The demonstrator will utilize a Capstone 65kW microturbine as a clean, efficient range extender in a hybrid electric drive system. [...]
Jul
29
Generate Your Own Power in Battery Sizes
July 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment
You might have seen those shake and charge flashlights on sale. They’ve come a long way since the first ones only a few short years ago. Now the impressive Japanese Firm Brother Industries has developed small vibration-powered generators that can replace the little AA and AAA batteries. This is good. Called a “Vibration-powered Generating Battery,” [...]
Jul
21
New Space Heating Technology from an Old Idea
July 21, 2010 | 2 Comments
Starting with the Ericsson Cycle idea, Purdue University researchers have developed a new type of heat pump that could allow residents in cold climates to cut their heating bills in half. Eckhard Groll, a professor of mechanical engineering who is working on the project with James Braun professor of mechanical engineering and W. Travis Horton, [...]
Jun
4
The Pedal Powered Water Pump
June 4, 2010 | 7 Comments
Some remarkable numbers are possible in pumping water without electrical power. While it may not seem important to a developed world’s reader – the ability to reduce fuel use or increase incomes in less developed regions makes great sense. But even a thermal solar kit rigged to a home under floor water heating system with [...]
May
26
Cracking the Fuel Cell Platinum Problem
May 26, 2010 | 5 Comments
Platinum – the joy of a jewelry designer – the bane of a catalyst user, and in the current economy its the most expensive element on earth. Platinum is the cost problem for fuel cells. Developing alternatives are treasure hunts of the highest caliber. Chemists at Brown University have demonstrated that a nanoparticle with a [...]
