Nano-engineering students at Rensselaer have created a solar power game-changer: more than 96% absorption of sunlight from all angles, from sunrise to sunset.
The two biggest efficiency hurdles for solar efficiency have been:
1. Solar cells absorb only part of the light spectrum.2. The sun always moves in relation to the panel.
To solve problem number one, researchers nano-invented an anti-reflective coating to make the solar cell capture the full light spectrum. Currently, solar cells reflect almost 1/3 of the sunlight that hits them. That reflected light is not harvested, which has reduced solar cell efficiency. Problem one solved.
To solve problem two, they stopped the sun in its tracks.
Well, no, actually, that would be a roundabout way to solve that problem.
Instead, they designed a nano-coating to ‘follow’ the sun’s movements and absorb every last photon of light, regardless of the suns moving position in the sky.
The problem:
Most surfaces and coatings absorb or transmit light through them from only a specific range of angles. Your glasses, for instance, absorb-transmit all the light in front of you. But much less from the periphery.
That’s why some solar panels are mechanized to slowly move so they always face the moving sun. But that uses energy, too. So the energy it takes reduces the efficiency of the panel.
‘At the beginning of the project, we asked ‘would it be possible to create a single anti-reflective structure that can work from all angles?’ said Shawn-Yu Lin, professor of physics at Rensselaer and a member of the university’s Future Chips Constellation who led the research project.
‘Then we attacked the problem from a fundamental perspective, tested and fine-tuned our theory, and created a working device,’ Lin said. Rensselaer physics grad student Mei-Ling Kuo played a key role in the investigations.
How their solution works:
Unlike typical antireflective coatings that are engineered to transmit light of only one particular wavelength, this coating stacks seven of these layers, one on top of the other, in such a way that each layer enhances the anti-reflective properties of the layer below it.
These additional layers also help to ‘bend’ the flow of sunlight to an angle that augments the coating’s anti-reflective properties. This means that each layer transmits sunlight and also helps to capture any light that may have otherwise been reflected off of the layers below it.
The seven layers, each with a height of 50 nanometers to 100 nanometers, are made up of silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods positioned at an oblique angle.
Each layer looks like (and functions like) a dense forest where sunlight is ‘captured’ between the trees. The nanorods were attached to a silicon substrate via chemical vapor disposition.
The silicon surface absorbed 96.21 percent of sunlight, after treating the material with the reflective coating.
Only 3.79 percent of the sunlight was reflected and unharvested.
The entire spectrum of sunlight from UV to visible light to infrared was absorbed, for the first time.
‘To get maximum efficiency when converting solar power into electricity, you want a solar panel that can absorb nearly every single photon of light, regardless of the sun’s position in the sky,’ said Lin. ‘Our new antireflective coating makes this possible.’
The bottom line:
This is a game changer. This nano-engineered coating could be applied to nearly any photovoltaic material for use in solar cells, says Lin. These two huge gains move solar power forward to being cost-effective for mass production.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
World's First Climate Refugees to Leave Island Home
Within a few weeks a boat filled with wide-eyed children and tearful adults will pull out from a Pacific lagoon to escape the slow death of their island home.
The group will become the world's first refugees from the effects of global warming, leaving behind a tiny speck of land that is being slowly swallowed by the rising ocean.
Ironically, the Carteret Islanders have made what is possibly the smallest carbon footprint on the planet, yet they are the first to suffer the devastating effects of a wider, polluted world they know nothing about.
Breakthrough: Concentrated Solar Power All Over Southwest US
You are looking at a picture of the solar power plant now being developed all over the American southwest by a company called eSolar. Notice: no smokestacks; no coal chutes; no rail lines stretching to the horizon for coal trains to approach. It's a beautiful sight.
Notice, too, all around the powerhouse containing the steam turbine and generator are the thermal receiver towers and mirror arrays that make this thing work using only the abundant heat energy of the sun.
This is not photovoltaic technology that directly converts the sun's rays into electric current. This is thermal technology that collects and amplifies the sun's heat energy to create steam on an industrial scale, steam that spins turbines to generate power.
You might say it's a giant water boiler, but instead of burning coal, igniting natural gas or splitting atoms to create steam power, this plant uses the heat that naturally falls on the earth.
To serve the renewable electricity needs of utility-scale energy providers, eSolar has developed a market disrupting solar thermal power plant technology. Generation can be scaled from 25 MW to over 500 MW at energy prices competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
Okay two sentences. And the company explains its value proposition around these five ideas:
Low Cost
Our heliostats are designed to fit efficiently into shipping containers to keep transportation costs low, and they are pre-assembled at the factory to minimize on-site labor. The result is a considerable capital cost reduction compared to existing solar thermal power plants.
Fast Installation
By employing a repeating frame structure and a revolutionary calibration system, eSolar has eliminated the need for high-precision surveying, delicate installation, and individual alignment of mirrors. Minimal skilled labor is needed to build the solar field.
Low Profile
The small size of eSolar's heliostats means a very low wind profile, which translates into higher reliability in all wind conditions, lower risk of wind damage, and more power plant up-time. Because eSolar heliostats are mass manufactured, complete replacement units can be stocked on site and installed quickly at low cost.
Modular and Scalable
Our power plants are structured on a 25 MW base unit, called a module, consisting of several thermal receiver towers, each with a field of heliostats. These modules are replicated as many times as necessary to fit specific requirements from 25 MW to over 500 MW.
Reliable and Stable
If one thermal receiver tower is off line, the other towers in a module continue to produce power. If one entire module is off line, power continues to be generated by the other modules in the plant. For both large and small installations, this redundancy provides a high level of energy security under a wide variety of operating conditions.
Has the myth of "clean coal" met its match? Google is betting $10 million on eSolar. It's looking like awfully smart money.
Notice, too, all around the powerhouse containing the steam turbine and generator are the thermal receiver towers and mirror arrays that make this thing work using only the abundant heat energy of the sun.
This is not photovoltaic technology that directly converts the sun's rays into electric current. This is thermal technology that collects and amplifies the sun's heat energy to create steam on an industrial scale, steam that spins turbines to generate power.
You might say it's a giant water boiler, but instead of burning coal, igniting natural gas or splitting atoms to create steam power, this plant uses the heat that naturally falls on the earth.
To serve the renewable electricity needs of utility-scale energy providers, eSolar has developed a market disrupting solar thermal power plant technology. Generation can be scaled from 25 MW to over 500 MW at energy prices competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
Okay two sentences. And the company explains its value proposition around these five ideas:
Low Cost
Our heliostats are designed to fit efficiently into shipping containers to keep transportation costs low, and they are pre-assembled at the factory to minimize on-site labor. The result is a considerable capital cost reduction compared to existing solar thermal power plants.
Fast Installation
By employing a repeating frame structure and a revolutionary calibration system, eSolar has eliminated the need for high-precision surveying, delicate installation, and individual alignment of mirrors. Minimal skilled labor is needed to build the solar field.
Low Profile
The small size of eSolar's heliostats means a very low wind profile, which translates into higher reliability in all wind conditions, lower risk of wind damage, and more power plant up-time. Because eSolar heliostats are mass manufactured, complete replacement units can be stocked on site and installed quickly at low cost.
Modular and Scalable
Our power plants are structured on a 25 MW base unit, called a module, consisting of several thermal receiver towers, each with a field of heliostats. These modules are replicated as many times as necessary to fit specific requirements from 25 MW to over 500 MW.
Reliable and Stable
If one thermal receiver tower is off line, the other towers in a module continue to produce power. If one entire module is off line, power continues to be generated by the other modules in the plant. For both large and small installations, this redundancy provides a high level of energy security under a wide variety of operating conditions.
Has the myth of "clean coal" met its match? Google is betting $10 million on eSolar. It's looking like awfully smart money.
At $1 per Watt, the iTunes of Solar Energy Has Arrived
Silicon Valley start-up called Nanosolar shipped its first solar panels -- priced at $1 a watt. That's the price at which solar energy gets cheaper than coal. Curious that this story is not on every front page.
Still, to commemorate the achievement, Nanosolar CEO Martin Roscheisen (pictured) is reserving the first three commercially-viable panels. One is staying on display at company HQ; one has been donated to San Jose's Tech Museum of Innovation
Still, to commemorate the achievement, Nanosolar CEO Martin Roscheisen (pictured) is reserving the first three commercially-viable panels. One is staying on display at company HQ; one has been donated to San Jose's Tech Museum of Innovation
China Launches 1,000 Youth Ambassadors for the Environment
China is putting its students to work this summer as climate ambassadors to spread the word about climate change and what people can do to stop it.
Through a new training program called “One Thousand Environment-Friendly Youth Ambassadors Action,” eight Chinese ministries, along with the UNDP, hope to educate 1 million people about the actions they can take to preserve the environment and limit climate change.
The program started last month with training for 1,000 high school and college students in Beijing (north China), Shanghai (east), Xi’an (northwest), Chengdu (southwest) and Guangzhou (south).
Each young ambassador is expected to train another 1,000 people, hence one million people around the nation will be informed of professional environmental knowledge. The program is sponsored by the national Center for Environmental Education and Communication, China Environmental Awareness Program, Ministry of Environmental Protection, UNDP and Johnson Controls.
In Shanghai last month, 211 young adults received the training.
Our one and a half day training was divided into five parts: Our Magic Planet, Reflection on Human Behavior, Calling for Revolution, Environmental Protection in Daily Lives, and How to Be a Qualified Ambassador.
The first four parts involved lectures in environmental science by professors from Peking University. The last part focused on the delivery: How to make an impressive speech and how to organize future training.
“After receiving this certification, I felt a strong sense of responsibility. Every time I see it, I’ll remember that I am an ambassador; I should not only be more environmental-friendly myself, but also affect everybody around me to live a greener life.” said Feifei Lan, a sophomore from Fudan University.
Over the next two months, the ambassadors will fulfill their mission in schools, communities and even corporate settings by giving speeches and training more people. The hope is that this 1-to-1,000 method will arouse an environmental-friendly typhoon around China.
Here’s a quick look at the lessons the students will be giving to the population:
1. We have only one Earth and it’s almost impossible to create a second one. Just look at the failure of Biosphere 2.
2. Climate changes that are being brought about by human actions have already destroyed the eco-systems in many parts of the world.
3. China is facing a resource crisis.
4. It’s impossible for China to separate economic development and environmental protection.
5. Take these four steps to cut energy use in your daily life: Pay attention to your habits, make a thorough plan for saving energy, implement the plan and modify the plan.
6. Consider the facts, such as these: If 10% of all the plastic bags could be reduced, 310,000 tons of CO2 emission would be reduced, thus everyone should bring a shopping bag with him or her; if 10% of all the paper could be printed with double sides, 164,000 tons of CO2 emission would be reduced, thus it’s better to print double-sides.
Through a new training program called “One Thousand Environment-Friendly Youth Ambassadors Action,” eight Chinese ministries, along with the UNDP, hope to educate 1 million people about the actions they can take to preserve the environment and limit climate change.
The program started last month with training for 1,000 high school and college students in Beijing (north China), Shanghai (east), Xi’an (northwest), Chengdu (southwest) and Guangzhou (south).
Each young ambassador is expected to train another 1,000 people, hence one million people around the nation will be informed of professional environmental knowledge. The program is sponsored by the national Center for Environmental Education and Communication, China Environmental Awareness Program, Ministry of Environmental Protection, UNDP and Johnson Controls.
In Shanghai last month, 211 young adults received the training.
Our one and a half day training was divided into five parts: Our Magic Planet, Reflection on Human Behavior, Calling for Revolution, Environmental Protection in Daily Lives, and How to Be a Qualified Ambassador.
The first four parts involved lectures in environmental science by professors from Peking University. The last part focused on the delivery: How to make an impressive speech and how to organize future training.
“After receiving this certification, I felt a strong sense of responsibility. Every time I see it, I’ll remember that I am an ambassador; I should not only be more environmental-friendly myself, but also affect everybody around me to live a greener life.” said Feifei Lan, a sophomore from Fudan University.
Over the next two months, the ambassadors will fulfill their mission in schools, communities and even corporate settings by giving speeches and training more people. The hope is that this 1-to-1,000 method will arouse an environmental-friendly typhoon around China.
Here’s a quick look at the lessons the students will be giving to the population:
1. We have only one Earth and it’s almost impossible to create a second one. Just look at the failure of Biosphere 2.
2. Climate changes that are being brought about by human actions have already destroyed the eco-systems in many parts of the world.
3. China is facing a resource crisis.
4. It’s impossible for China to separate economic development and environmental protection.
5. Take these four steps to cut energy use in your daily life: Pay attention to your habits, make a thorough plan for saving energy, implement the plan and modify the plan.
6. Consider the facts, such as these: If 10% of all the plastic bags could be reduced, 310,000 tons of CO2 emission would be reduced, thus everyone should bring a shopping bag with him or her; if 10% of all the paper could be printed with double sides, 164,000 tons of CO2 emission would be reduced, thus it’s better to print double-sides.
Vedas: Repositories of ancient Indian lore
JAGADGURU Swami Sri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji Maharaj, the author of Vedic Mathematics, says he discovered 16 mathematical formulae, which once formed part of the parishishta (appendix) of the Atharva Veda. But the formulae are not to be found in any extant text of the Vedas. The foundations of Vedic mathematics, however, do appear in the sulva sutras and the taittiriya samhita written later. Veda is the Sanskrit word for knowledge and the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas provide knowledge and form the ancient Hindu scriptures. Vedic literature is divided into the jnana kanda -- which deals with supreme knowledge -- and the karma kanda -- which deals with rituals. Included in jnana kanda are the aranyakas and the Upanishads, which are identified with various Vedas. The karma kanda consists of a samhita (a collection of mantras or incantations) and a brahmana (commentaries that explain the mantras and instruct on their use in sacrifices). Veda thus has both a narrow and broad definition. In the narrow context, Veda would mean the samhita alone, while the broad definition would in addition include the brahmanas, aranyakas and the Upanishads. In references to Vedic mathematics, Veda is used in the broad sense.
Hinduism and Ecology: Meeting Ground: Vedas And Rio
At the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992, environmental issues were hotly debated and an attempt was made to arrive at a blueprint for future conservation efforts. A document, known as Agenda 21, was issued, which provided 27 guiding principles for sustainable development.
Interestingly, several of the 'Rio principles' for environmental conservation were taught and practised in ancient India. The modern holistic approach for ecological balance is reflected in the most ancient of Indian scriptures, the Vedas.
For instance, the first Rio principle enunciates that ''human beings are at the centre of sustainable development in harmony
with Nature''. The ancient seers had prayed: ''Maintain us in well-being in summer, winter, dew-time, spring, autumn, and rainy season. Grant us happiness in cattle and children. May we enjoy your unassailed protection''.
The Prithivi Sukta of the Atharvaveda especially propounds man's close relationship with Nature. The fourth Rio principle says that ''environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of development''; several Vedic hymns expressly instructed people not to harm the waters, vegetation, and environment - '' prithiveem ma himseeh'', ''antariksham ma himseeh'', ''mapo maushadheerhimseeh' ' ( Yajurveda ).
A prayer in the Rigveda says: "We offer our reverence to Nature's great bounties, to those who are old, and to the young, may we speak with the force at our command, the glory of all divine powers. May we not overlook any of them".
The seventh Rio principle prescribes that the ''earth's eco-system should be conserved, protected and restored''. Along with land, protection of water bodies, as well as flora and fauna has been integral to India's ancient tradition. People were exhorted to conserve the environment, for as is mentioned in the Rigveda : "That is the forest, which is the tree out of which (the gods) have fabricated heaven and earth, ever stationary and undecaying, giving protection to the deities; through numerous days and dawns (men) praise (the gods for this)".
The Earth was revered as mother. According to the Atharvaveda, " bhoomih mata putroham prithivyah ", - like a mother the earth is to be respected and protected. The basics of maintaining ecological balance were well understood.
Nature demands: " Dehi me dadami te ", - you give me, and I give you ( Yajurveda ). We see the consequences globally now for not following this basic rule. We cannot exploit Nature without nurturing her in return. Our ancient seers realised that doing so would harm Nature's delicate balance.
Several Vedic hymns are prayers for maintaining balance in the functioning of all aspects of Nature, like this Rigvedic hymn: "I invoke the vast and beautiful day and night, heaven and earth, Mitra and Varun a with Aryaman, Indra, the Maruts, the mountains, the waters (of earth), the Adityas, heaven and earth, the waters (of the firmament), the whole (host of gods)".
The twenty-fifth Rio principle talks about how ''peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and indivisible''. In ancient India, it was well understood that ecological balance is dependent on actions, good or bad, of individuals and society.
The Vedas are great treasures of knowledge. The scientific approach presented by them in viewing various entities of Nature and visualising the process of creation is amazing, given that modern tools of scientific enquiry were not available then. It is unfortunate that we have forgotten the golden principles set out in them and are proceeding towards self-destruction.
Interestingly, several of the 'Rio principles' for environmental conservation were taught and practised in ancient India. The modern holistic approach for ecological balance is reflected in the most ancient of Indian scriptures, the Vedas.
For instance, the first Rio principle enunciates that ''human beings are at the centre of sustainable development in harmony
with Nature''. The ancient seers had prayed: ''Maintain us in well-being in summer, winter, dew-time, spring, autumn, and rainy season. Grant us happiness in cattle and children. May we enjoy your unassailed protection''.
The Prithivi Sukta of the Atharvaveda especially propounds man's close relationship with Nature. The fourth Rio principle says that ''environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of development''; several Vedic hymns expressly instructed people not to harm the waters, vegetation, and environment - '' prithiveem ma himseeh'', ''antariksham ma himseeh'', ''mapo maushadheerhimseeh' ' ( Yajurveda ).
A prayer in the Rigveda says: "We offer our reverence to Nature's great bounties, to those who are old, and to the young, may we speak with the force at our command, the glory of all divine powers. May we not overlook any of them".
The seventh Rio principle prescribes that the ''earth's eco-system should be conserved, protected and restored''. Along with land, protection of water bodies, as well as flora and fauna has been integral to India's ancient tradition. People were exhorted to conserve the environment, for as is mentioned in the Rigveda : "That is the forest, which is the tree out of which (the gods) have fabricated heaven and earth, ever stationary and undecaying, giving protection to the deities; through numerous days and dawns (men) praise (the gods for this)".
The Earth was revered as mother. According to the Atharvaveda, " bhoomih mata putroham prithivyah ", - like a mother the earth is to be respected and protected. The basics of maintaining ecological balance were well understood.
Nature demands: " Dehi me dadami te ", - you give me, and I give you ( Yajurveda ). We see the consequences globally now for not following this basic rule. We cannot exploit Nature without nurturing her in return. Our ancient seers realised that doing so would harm Nature's delicate balance.
Several Vedic hymns are prayers for maintaining balance in the functioning of all aspects of Nature, like this Rigvedic hymn: "I invoke the vast and beautiful day and night, heaven and earth, Mitra and Varun a with Aryaman, Indra, the Maruts, the mountains, the waters (of earth), the Adityas, heaven and earth, the waters (of the firmament), the whole (host of gods)".
The twenty-fifth Rio principle talks about how ''peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and indivisible''. In ancient India, it was well understood that ecological balance is dependent on actions, good or bad, of individuals and society.
The Vedas are great treasures of knowledge. The scientific approach presented by them in viewing various entities of Nature and visualising the process of creation is amazing, given that modern tools of scientific enquiry were not available then. It is unfortunate that we have forgotten the golden principles set out in them and are proceeding towards self-destruction.
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