5 posts tagged “energy”
Link: The Suntory Mermaid II Wave-Powered Boat
Designed with the help of Professor Yutaka Terao (Tokai University), this 9.5 meter long, three-ton twin-hulled boat is propelled by wave action at speeds of up to 5 knots. The boat will leave Hawaii mid-May for a 6,000km journey to Japan that is expected to take from two to three months.
The boat has two fins that capture wave energy and also transform that energy into forward motion using "dolphin-like kicks" Although the article places these fins at the rear of the boat, the picture shows them at the front. The pictures and diagram suggest a relatively simple mechanism. Although a 'drive shaft' is shown, it appears to control the motion of the fins, such that vertical motion becomes horizontal thrust. Waves cause boats to 'pitch' - by absorbing some of this energy, the fins also reduce pitching and improve stability.
It is not clear how well this system would scale nor how complementary it is with sail-power. Although the slow speed is a challenge, the system might reduce the energy consumption of ships, similar to German ship fights climate change with high-tech kite.
Thanks for EcoGeek for the pointer!
Note: this is a public post
Link: Green Tower in Moscow by Foster + Partners
Treehugger reviewed the design of a 2,000 foot Russia Tower that combines a triangular plan (efficiency, stability, natural lighting) with a hot water "energy cycle" to reduce energy consumption. The tower houses offices and residential space. Offices typically generate excess heat year-round, which can be used to heat the residential areas during the winter. During the summer, the lower temperature of the ground is used for cooling. No information is provided on the expected savings or the capital cost for the "energy cycle" equipment (the emphasis in the linked websites appears to be more on the form).
The design shows how a problem (excess heat generated within office space) can be turned into a benefit (residential areas need heat during the winter) if the designer has the flexibility to create a diverse environment. During a Setpember 2006 presentation on sustainable design, Peter Busby showed a chart of the various systems (including water, sewage and energy) in the Dockside Green project. Although each individual system provided benefits to the overall design, the linkages between the systems were even more interesting. Again, a mixed commercial, industrial and residential space provided significant opportunities for design innovation.
Note: this is a public post
Link: Why long-haul food may be greener than local food with low air-miles
Times Online (UK) looked at the sustainability implications of choosing locally-grown food over imported food that is shipped large distances. In many cases, the environmental impact of 'long-hauling' food was relatively small compared to other factors when the full life cycle of the food was taking into account. Examples included the high energy cost of local hothouse tomatoes in Britain compared to those grown in Spain, or the additional fertilizer and electricity required to raise lambs in Britain when compared to New Zealand.
Until proper Life Cycle Assessments can be developed, the article recommends a number of 'rules of thumb' where consumers can make a difference:
- reduce the amount of meat eaten - 90% of greenhouse gases are emitted during meat production, regardless of where that occurs
- avoid air-freighted food
- reduce packaging
- reduce waste
One factor that the article does not mention is the value of knowing where your food really comes from, and having a greater appreciation of how it is produced. Having a direct connection with agriculture can influence how we act, and help protect an essential part of our lives.
Thanks to Jean-Francois Barsoum for the pointer!
In Green Collar Jobs Could Top 40M by 2030: Report, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Green Biz summarize a research report by the American Solar Energy Society on job opportunities in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RE&EE) fields. The report:
- establishes a working definition for the RE&EE industry
- develops a 2006 baseline for the US ($1T revenues, 3.7K direct jobs, 4.8K direct jobs)
- develops three scenarios for growth to 2030
Currently, only 6% of the total jobs are in Renewable Efficiency. The "business as usual" scenario only marginally improves this percentage, while the "moderate" and "advanced" scenarios increase it to 15% and 20% respectively
The report predicts that RE&EE investments will create opportunities for skilled, well-paying jobs for both professional and technical workers. Many of these jobs will be in manufacturing, a sector has has suffered significant job losses.
Note: this is a public post.
TVO is running the energy episodes of the PBS e2 series: the economies of being environmentally conscious. For information on purchasing DVDs (all three series) or downloading the first season of design:e2, see my comment to design:e2.
November 8, 07:00pm
- Harvesting the Wind Wind
is the fastest growing energy source in the world, yet it has struggled
for acceptance in the United States. In southwest Minnesota, however,
wind energy is a burgeoning source of local power and income for
farmers. Some have joined forces in wind cooperatives to invest in
larger farms and reap bigger profits. In the absence of a strong
renewable energy policy at the federal level, the state government
plays a key role in wind policy, begging the question: Will the rest of
the U.S. follow Minnesota's lead?
- Energy for a Developing World A cleaner energy future depends, in large part, on responsible energy
consumption in the developing world. Founded by Nobel Peace
Prize-winner Muhammad Yunus, the Grameen Shakti organization in
Bangladesh distributes small solar systems and portable bio-gas systems
to rural Bangladeshis, empowering women and the poor in the process.
- Paving the Way In America alone, nearly 70 percent of oil consumed is by the cars we
drive. Can efficient automobile design mitigate the environmental
damage caused by our beloved cars? General Motors unveils The Volt, a
super-hybrid vehicle, and the fuel cell-powered Sequel, while
technology firm Fiberforge shows off the latest in ultra-light
materials for car manufacturing.
- Growing Energy In response to the oil crisis of the 1970s, Brazil created a domestic
ethanol industry that is now thriving on all levels, from production,
to distribution at gas stations, to nationwide adoption of flex-fuel
cars. This episode examines what we can learn from Brazil's
extraordinary success with ethanol, and whether other countries could
follow suit.
- State of Resolve Could California's progressive energy policies spearhead a
nationwide shift toward cleaner energy? The remarkable laws that California has
passed under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to regulate greenhouse gas emissions
perpetuate the state's reputation for environmental leadership across the
country, and potentially the globe.
- Coal and Nuclear: Problem or Solution? Renewables, biofuels, solar, wind and other energy sources
may be alternatives to fossil fuel, but it is impossible to ignore the ubiquity
of coal and the power capabilities of nuclear, despite their many drawbacks.
These controversial resources may be major players in a sustainable energy
future, however, thanks to new developments in carbon capture and sequestration
and improved nuclear technologies they may not be necessary.
