Nation banks on green evolution

China's rapid transition to a green economy will be a boom both to its domestic market and the global economy, especially renewable energy industry, leading experts have said.

Commitment to developing a sustainable economy, emphasizing domestic consumption, and putting a green economy at the heart of the planning process already form the basis of China's ongoing 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15).

"We definitely need China to succeed if the world is to succeed. Whatever China does will have global repercussions because a lot of the world's manufacturing is going on there," said Nis Hoeyrup Christensen, advisor on Chinese affairs at the Confederation of Danish Industry (CDI), and researcher in China's renewable energy sector at Copenhagen Business School.

He added that a green transition in China's manufacturing model will have especial relevance where it concerns production for the domestic market, "because that amounts to a lot of economic activity."

The UN's Environment Program defines the green economy as one where "growth in income and employment should be driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services."

For its part, China is making a green refurbishment of its economy under a number of key headings defined in its 12th Five-Year Plan. These include that value-added output of emerging strategic industries will account for eight percent of gross domestic product (GDP), and that the country's manufacturing base in coastal regions will transit to high-end manufacturing, services and research and development.

Keystones in China's greening process include replacing coal-fired plants with those run on renewable sources like bio-mass, wind energy and solar power. Other areas involve better insulation of homes and offices to cut heating bills, combined urban heating and power networks, more recycling, improving energy-efficiency of production facilities, and developing alternative-fuel cars.

In fact, China is now the world's largest maker of wind turbines and solar panels, and its largest market for wind power. Moreover, the Chinese government says it plans to increase the share of non fossil-fuel based energy in the country's total energy consumption to 11.4 percent in 2015, up from 8.3 percent in 2010.

Green model

Denmark and its Nordic neighbors, who have been first-movers in the global green growth arena, could stand to benefit commercially from China's rapid green transition.

"I believe a more sustainable growth in China can turn out to be an advantage to Danish companies because of the technologies and solutions we have developed in our effort to create a green economy," said CEO of the CDI, Karsten Dybvad.

According to the CDI, the Danish economy has grown 78 percent since 1980, while keeping energy consumption more or less constant and slashing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, owing largely to technological developments in renewable energy and energy-saving.

The Danish or Nordic model of green development can be adopted in emerging economies as well, as long as they are scaled-up and adapted to fit local needs, experts say.

In fact, technology adoption and transfer would likely see Nordic technology and energy firms work even more closely with Chinese partners so as to better understand and respond to the needs of China's green market, Christensen said.

New chances

"China is at a crucial stage where the tracks will be laid out for the future direction of welfare policies and economic restructuring," Dybvad said, referring to China's move away from export-led growth and towards greater domestic consumption.

The social impact of re-balancing can perhaps be felt most palpably in the way China expects to care for its rapidly-aging population. According to Chinese official data, the country's elderly population equaled 185 million persons at the end of 2011, and is expected to be 221 million before 2015.

"Danish politicians have talked about exporting our welfare technology for a long time. This means equipment for old people's homes and hospitals, and tools which makes life easier for the elderly and for those who work with them," said Christina Boutrup, author of "China Sweet and Sour", a book on Danish companies' experiences in China.

"While this was just a dream scenario for Danish exporters in the past, China's move towards sustainability means the dream can now be realized," she added, pointing to this burgeoning area of business collaboration.

Although Danish companies can face "fierce competition from local players" when marketing welfare or energy technologies in China, Boutrup believes they hold a competitive edge as they can meet China's increasingly tighter environmental regulations, "even if they are more expensive."

Whatever the specific, future investment areas, companies will need a stable market with clear policy indicators of how best they can deploy their resources over time.

Given the Chinese government's grip on macroeconomic policy, Christensen believes these factors already exist in China and are among the stepping-stones to its green transition.

"If investors are going to put money into establishing a new technology or company, they need to be sure there is a market. In China, there is a market and a clear horizon, which the Chinese government is pretty good at showing, as it puts up both short-and-long term economic goals," he said.

(Source: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2012-10/02/content_15795422.htm)

Charge Devices With Solar Tree (by Alison)

Inevitably we can never get enough charge in our devices. We often have to leave the comfort of power ports to watch the kids’ games or head to the beach. But why sacrifice the possibility of missing that important call or email? Rest assured that you can channel the sun into your electronic devices using this portable USB Solar Tree, just $55.00 from usb.brando.com. The panels on the “branches” enable you to take in the suns rays and charge. Included is a cable with 9 separate connectors for some of the most popular phones. Or if you have the USB cable, just plug it into the tree.

Sun not shining? No worries, as this USB Solar Tree can also charge from AC power. And whether solar or AC charge, power can be stored for future charges. The unit outputs a 5V signal, is easy to assemble or disassemble and weighs less than a pound. Connect to the tree and voila! You are charging.

Props to technabob.com for the find.

(Source: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/category/solar-powered-gear/)

SOLAR COOKING

Solar Household Energy (SHE) strives to unleash the potential of solar cooking to improve social, economic and environmental conditions in sun-rich areas around the world.

Over half the world's population currently relies on wood, charcoal or other biomass for daily cooking, leading to respiratory diseases, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and carbon emissions. Solar cooking with modern solar ovens such as the "HotPot" developed by SHE, when included as part of an integrated cooking solution, offers a practical, affordable, and sustainable alternative. Since 1998, Solar Household Energy has worked with governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to promote solar cooking and introduce it in developing countries through projects that distribute solar ovens and provide training for users.

We invite you to join us today in our efforts to spread the news about solar cooking and get it to those who can benefit from it most.

SOLAR COOKING NEWS:

• Solar cooking for the Haitian/Dominican border SHE has recently partnered with The Nature Conservancy to introduce solar cooking in Tilori, Haiti near the Dominican border as part of a larger program aimed at reforesting areas denuded for charcoal production and fuelwood for cooking. SHE combined Global Sun Ovens manufactured locally in the Dominican Republic by El Fuego del Sol with fuel efficient Envirofit stoves to offer a 24/7 integrated cooking solution for this community. Training sessions and follow-up were provided to the participants to help them learn how to use their new cookstoves.
• More HotPots for Sudanese refugees in Chad After a few months of solar cooking in the Gaga refugee camp in Chad, the Sudanese refuee recipients of HotPots distributed by Solar Household Energy at the request of U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) were relieved to have an alternative to having to purchase fuelwood or risk the dangers of collecting it outside the camp. They said they wished that every woman in Gaga could have a solar oven. While not yet a reality for all 20,000 residents, SHE is now partnering withAfricare and UNHCR to distribute HotPots and providing training and follow-up for an additional 200 households in the camp.
• Solar-fried Chicken in the Dominican Republic: Solar Household Energy has joined with a new partner, Grupo Jaragua, to distribute solar ovens in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, in order to reduce the use of wood and charcoal for cooking fires that has seriously damaged the forest cover of the island shared by these countries. DR non-profit organization, Grupo Jaragua (GJ), provides solar cooked lunches everyday at its community center in Oviedo, demonstrating how easy and tasty solar cooking can be. GJ’s chief solar chef and trainer, Olga, has even devised a method for a healthier, solar-cooked version the fried chicken dish that is the local favorite. GJ and Solar Household Energy purchase Global Sun Ovens for distribution throughout local communities from an assembly plant in the DR managed by El Fuego del Sol according to Fair Trade standards. For a limited time, a matching grant allows Solar Household Energy contributors to donate a Sun Oven to a DR or Haitian family for only $119. (A full price Sun Oven costs $279). Take advantage of this opportunity now by using the Network for Good button on this page and marking your donation for the DR.

(Source:http://www.she-inc.org/)

Poznan Is a Sunny Outdoor Bench That’s Also a Sleek Solar Charging Station (by Maria Rosa Pavia)

Wouldn’t it be great if you could charge your gadgets while waiting for the bus or relaxing on a bench? Magdalena Czapiewska, Karol Murlak and Zuzanna Lemieszek of Design lab, have taken this thought and turned it into a real life concept with their solar charging bench, Poznan. Built sturdy and practical, the modern bench will even heat your bottom on those especially brisk days!

The electricity generated by the Poznan can be used to charge your mobile phone or laptop, and even boasts a wi-fi modem and a loudspeaker so individuals can share their favorite music with friends. The seat is also heated for cold and wet days, keeping the bench dry and warm. No power is wasted, and any excess is transmitted to the municipal grid.

The futuristic design was the winning entry of a competition organized by the Polish city of Poznań, and it recently made its debut at the Milan Furniture Fair.

(Source: http://inhabitat.com/poznan-is-a-sunny-outdoor-bench-thats-also-a-sleek-solar-charging-station/)

Solariffic Portable Solar Panel – Charges almost Anything under the Sun! (by Julie)

I have become so dependant on my gadgets, I have to admit I have real anxiety when the battery on my phone starts to get low. I immediately begin to look around to see if there is someplace I can sneak in a quick charge. I know its not healthy, but I also know I’m not the only one.

Well, Solariffic has come up with a way to fulfill your energy needs wherever you may go with this nifty little backpack panel. This small, flat and easily portable panel can transform any backpack into a portable gadget charging station, provided you have some sunlight on your side.

This relatively fast charging  Backpack Panel can fully charge your typical cellphone with a 3.7V 1020mAh lithium battery in about 5 to 6 hours in direct sunlight, it can also easily provide emergency power for some of your small electronic gadgets when you are stuck without a traditional power source.

The Backpack Panel isn’t just for backpacks either, it can attach to your gear by a strap with snaps or simply stick it  to windows with the included suction cups, and for extended stays off the grid, just face it  towards the sun with its built-in stand.

Your life saving Solarrific 1.2 W Solar Panel comes with 6 adapters, and will charge mobile phones, cameras, MP3 players, games, iPods, GPS units, and most other electronic devices. Wow, thats a relief… The panel comes in both large (and faster) and small versions, for about 40 – 65 dollars at amazon.com

(Source: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20120419/solariffic-portable-solar-station-charges-sun/#more-67649)

New Dimension for Solar Energy: Innovative 3-D Designs More Than Double the Solar Power Generated Per Area

Intensive research around the world has focused on improving the performance of solar photovoltaic cells and bringing down their cost. But very little attention has been paid to the best ways of arranging those cells, which are typically placed flat on a rooftop or other surface, or sometimes attached to motorized structures that keep the cells pointed toward the sun as it crosses the sky.

Now, a team of MIT researchers has come up with a very different approach: building cubes or towers that extend the solar cells upward in three-dimensional configurations. Amazingly, the results from the structures they've tested show power output ranging from double to more than 20 times that of fixed flat panels with the same base area.

The biggest boosts in power were seen in the situations where improvements are most needed: in locations far from the equator, in winter months and on cloudier days. The new findings, based on both computer modeling and outdoor testing of real modules, have been published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science.

"I think this concept could become an important part of the future of photovoltaics," says the paper's senior author, Jeffrey Grossman, the Carl Richard Soderberg Career Development Associate Professor of Power Engineering at MIT.

The MIT team initially used a computer algorithm to explore an enormous variety of possible configurations, and developed analytic software that can test any given configuration under a whole range of latitudes, seasons and weather. Then, to confirm their model's predictions, they built and tested three different arrangements of solar cells on the roof of an MIT laboratory building for several weeks.

While the cost of a given amount of energy generated by such 3-D modules exceeds that of ordinary flat panels, the expense is partially balanced by a much higher energy output for a given footprint, as well as much more uniform power output over the course of a day, over the seasons of the year, and in the face of blockage from clouds or shadows. These improvements make power output more predictable and uniform, which could make integration with the power grid easier than with conventional systems, the authors say.

The basic physical reason for the improvement in power output -- and for the more uniform output over time -- is that the 3-D structures' vertical surfaces can collect much more sunlight during mornings, evenings and winters, when the sun is closer to the horizon, says co-author Marco Bernardi, a graduate student in MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE).

The time is ripe for such an innovation, Grossman adds, because solar cells have become less expensive than accompanying support structures, wiring and installation. As the cost of the cells themselves continues to decline more quickly than these other costs, they say, the advantages of 3-D systems will grow accordingly.

"Even 10 years ago, this idea wouldn't have been economically justified because the modules cost so much," Grossman says. But now, he adds, "the cost for silicon cells is a fraction of the total cost, a trend that will continue downward in the near future." Currently, up to 65 percent of the cost of photovoltaic (PV) energy is associated with installation, permission for use of land and other components besides the cells themselves.

Although computer modeling by Grossman and his colleagues showed that the biggest advantage would come from complex shapes -- such as a cube where each face is dimpled inward -- these would be difficult to manufacture, says co-author Nicola Ferralis, a research scientist in DMSE. The algorithms can also be used to optimize and simplify shapes with little loss of energy. It turns out the difference in power output between such optimized shapes and a simpler cube is only about 10 to 15 percent -- a difference that is dwarfed by the greatly improved performance of 3-D shapes in general, he says. The team analyzed both simpler cubic and more complex accordion-like shapes in their rooftop experimental tests.

At first, the researchers were distressed when almost two weeks went by without a clear, sunny day for their tests. But then, looking at the data, they realized they had learned important lessons from the cloudy days, which showed a huge improvement in power output over conventional flat panels.

For an accordion-like tower -- the tallest structure the team tested -- the idea was to simulate a tower that "you could ship flat, and then could unfold at the site," Grossman says. Such a tower could be installed in a parking lot to provide a charging station for electric vehicles, he says.

So far, the team has modeled individual 3-D modules. A next step is to study a collection of such towers, accounting for the shadows that one tower would cast on others at different times of day. In general, 3-D shapes could have a big advantage in any location where space is limited, such as flat-rooftop installations or in urban environments, they say. Such shapes could also be used in larger-scale applications, such as solar farms, once shading effects between towers are carefully minimized.

A few other efforts -- including even a middle-school science-fair project last year -- have attempted 3-D arrangements of solar cells. But, Grossman says, "our study is different in nature, since it is the first to approach the problem with a systematic and predictive analysis."

David Gracias, an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Johns Hopkins University who was not involved in this research, says that Grossman and his team "have demonstrated theoretical and proof-of-concept evidence that 3-D photovoltaic elements could provide significant benefits in terms of capturing light at different angles. The challenge, however, is to mass produce these elements in a cost-effective manner."

(Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327094615.htm)

Soladec Device Charger – Not for Vampires (by Julie)

I don’t come from a long line of outdoor enthusiasts, in fact most folks that know me know that a day away from the comforts of home, you know like electricity and indoor plumbing, is a fate worse than death. It stands to reason that my daughter wants to camp more than anything in the world…

Thank heavens for the Soladec Charger, with its ability to charge over 3500 different electronic devices with nothing but the power of the sun, the Soladec Hybrid Solar Powered Charger by MiseMet is designed to provide free solar energy right out of the box, from the sky… to your electronics, no outlet required.

Perfect for frequent travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, or especially for emergency situations, the Soladec can be used anywhere, using only the sunlight! The company states that Soladec features some of the most technologically advanced components available today, including the latest generation high-efficiency monocrystalline photovoltaic 1.65W solar cell with tempered low-iron glass used to maximize light transmission and the key piece of the Soladec, the photovoltaic cell, is designed with the highest efficiency possible using today’s technology, allowing it capture far more power from Sunlight or any ambient lighting conditions, compared to other solar chargers available today.

Combined with an intelligent charging system, the Soladec can charge most GPS navigators, Smartphones, MP3 players, e-book readers, Bluetooth devices, or most electronic devices compatible with USB, including Apple, of course it requires the USB cable supplied by device manufacturer to do so.

So I have my laptop, wifi hotspot, smartphone and my sleeping bag… I guess I’m ready to camp…. you know it will probably rain, am I right? The Soladec Charger is available from amazon.com  for less than 90 bucks.

(Source:http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20120206/solodec-device-charger-vampires/#more-65112)

The upcoming Apple products will focus on mini integrated solar panels?

Upcoming products Apple could mount a mini- Solar Panel on the back or with an accessory Journal. The energy provided by our star would ensure a restoration in part of what is spent for the operation. The indiscretion comes from Taiwan, Again by Digitimes showing deep gorges of local manufacturing companies. That the 2012 is dedicated to the photovoltaic Cupertino?

The possibility is that Apple takes advantage of Patents deposited in 2009 for the use of solar panels for portable devices such as miniature iPad, IPhone or iPod touch: communicating with the battery, supplying a small percentage of energy.

However there is to throw some of water on the fire as Digitimes has expressed several times about the predictions that were later overturned by loud harsh reality, but this time it might take us: maybe not for a integrated directly into the device in the gadget accessories.

However, it seems unlikely that, in the case, you can see solar energy already employed with the fifth generation of Apple’s smartphone, the easier it relates to the sixth generation that should be out next year in 2012. Samsung has already presented his model of the solar Android.

(Source:http://coolestgadgetsandgizmos.com/2011/07/29/the-upcoming-apple-products-will-focus-on-mini-integrated-solar-panels/)

Eton raises a “Rukus” at CES (by Mark R)

Eton has produced a lot of solar-powered, energy efficient gadgets over the years, and so I had to stop by at CES to see what they had for 2012. I found that they were raising quite a ruckus with their Rukus.

The Rukus is the first portable Bluetooth sound system with a solar panel to wirelessly stream music from a compatible device. As you can see, it is made to be portable, and the speakers are pretty admirable, and they produce some pretty kickin’ noise.

What really sells the Rukus is its 40 square-inch solar panel that can harvest the sun’s energy, and it takes about six hours of direct sunlight for a full recharge. The Press release says that it “never runs out of power”, but that might be too much of a boast. It is very energy efficient, and can be charged via AC adapter. By the way, the Rukus has an integrated USB port so it can charge other devices.

Although you can’t see it very well in the photo, the Rukus has an E Ink SURF segmented display, which can display information without draining the onboard battery. The display can also be read in direct sunlight and at a 180-degree viewing angle.

The Rukus will be available someone in Q2 for about $149.95.

(Source: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/category/solar-powered-gear/)

Solar-powered Kindle cover means you never have to plug it in again (by Sean Ludwig)

If you’ve ever wanted a Kindle that you never have to plug in, SolarFocus has the accessory for you with its solar-powered Kindle case.

Green tech has dominated the conversation around cars, but now it seems these eco-friendly trends are edging into mobile at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, where SolarFocus is debuting its Kindle case. Taiwan-based SolarFocus has other solar-panel products that have USB ports, but its Kindle case might be the most interesting, specific device.

The solar-powered Kindle case fits only the fourth-generation Kindle, but it should be available for the Kindle Touch in the spring. The front part of the case features one long solar panel, which is a bit inelegant. On the inside, there is a pop-up light that can help you read at night or in low-lighting.

SolarFocus says its Kindle case will make the Kindle battery last three times the normal duration, which amounts to three months. But because you can charge solely off the solar charger, you could, in theory, never need to plug it into a wall or computer USB port again.

The SolarFocus solar-powered Kindle case is a 2012 International CES Innovations Design & Engineering Awards Honoree. The device will be available online starting Jan. 15 for $80.

(Source: http://venturebeat.com/2012/01/08/solarfocus-solar-powered-kindle-cover/)

Win-Solar Energy Bike by Chen Chun Tung

Win-Solar Energy Bike concept is an intelligent electronic bicycle that is specially designed in a compact manner and can convert various natural power sources into electric power when the user rides it. This bike will enhance the efficiency of using energy sources like solar energy, wind energy, gravity electric energy and human energy, by converting them into electric power and storing the accumulated power into a rechargeable battery. At the end of the day or when riding uphill, this useful bike will automatically switch to electric riding mode in order to assist the rider.

(Source: http://www.tuvie.com/win-solar-energy-bike-by-chen-chun-tung/)

Notre Dame researchers develop paint-on solar cells

Imagine if the next coat of paint you put on the outside of your home generates electricity from light-electricity that can be used to power the appliances and equipment on the inside. A team of researchers at the University of Notre Dame have made a major advance toward this vision by creating an inexpensive "solar paint" that uses semiconducting nanoparticles to produce energy.

 "We want to do something transformative, to move beyond current silicon-based solar technology," says Prashant Kamat, John A. Zahm Professor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry and an investigator in Notre Dame's Center for Nano Science and Technology (NDnano), who leads the research.

 "By incorporating power-producing nanoparticles, called quantum dots, into a spreadable compound, we've made a one-coat solar paint that can be applied to any conductive surface without special equipment."

 The team's search for the new material, described in the journal ACS Nano, centered on nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide, which were coated with either cadmium sulfide or cadmium selenide. The particles were then suspended in a water-alcohol mixture to create a paste.

 When the paste was brushed onto a transparent conducting material and exposed to light, it created electricity.

 "The best light-to-energy conversion efficiency we've reached so far is 1 percent, which is well behind the usual 10 to 15 percent efficiency of commercial silicon solar cells," explains Kamat.

 "But this paint can be made cheaply and in large quantities. If we can improve the efficiency somewhat, we may be able to make a real difference in meeting energy needs in the future."

 "That's why we've christened the new paint, Sun-Believable," he adds.

 Kamat and his team also plan to study ways to improve the stability of the new material.

 NDnano is one of the leading nanotechnology centers in the world. Its mission is to study and manipulate the properties of materials and devices, as well as their interfaces with living systems, at the nano-scale.

(Source: http://www.solardaily.com/reports/Notre_Dame_researchers_develop_paint_on_solar_cells_999.html)