Hi all,
For those who have not seen via my post to the MIET2126 & 2127 discussion board. A very interesting report.
http://www.abareconomics.com/publications_html/energy/energy_08/energyAUS08.pdf
Cheers,
TonyB
Monthly Archive for April, 2008
From the Science Show on radio national:
Conventional hydrogen production is expensive. A cheaper method involves using algae. The algae live in a series of ponds. Hydrogen is collected as it bubbles to the surface. An advantage is microalgae can be located on non-arable land and dont compete with food production.
Normally algae use sunlight to split water into protons and elections. Combined with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the cell is able to produce all the biomolecules it requires. If the cultures are depleted of sulphur, the photosynthetic pathway switches to the production of hydrogen
An excellent video describing the development of next generation biofuels in the United States. Next generation biofuels aim for greater efficiency than ethanol while avoiding the food supply issues associated with first generation biofuels.
Energy efficiency has never been a critical factor in automotive sector even now. But with the increase in fuel prices it is becoming more and more desicive.
Lot less development has taken place till now regarding improvement in efficiency till now…. In 1940 when Ford and Volkwagen were mass producing cars engine efficiency was in rane of 20%. In last alonst 70 years the efficiency has increased just to 35%. Still we are wasting 1/3 power that can be used.
Most engines work most efficiently at highest rated RPM. But most of the time they are running below its rated speed. Hence they work even more inefficiently.
An exciting new technology named HYDRAULIC HYBRIDS looks like a great option to store energy. The working principle is similar to electric hybrids. here the electric generator and motor are replaced by hydraulic motors and Pumps. Battery is replaced by High pressure accumulators, and all the wiring and accesories are replaced by hydraulic tubing and valves.
Continue reading ‘Hydraulic Hybrids….. The technology to watch for…..’
An interesting analysis of some of the assumptions and mathematics behind a target of 450 ppm. Joseph Romm has written extensively on energy related matters including hydrogen powered cars, etc.
A good summary of recent developments in solar thermal for electricity production.
Here is a great story from the Guardian about the worlds largest wind farm. Its so non stereotypical of who does what, how and why in sustainable energy.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/14/windpower.energy
John mentioned this report the other night in class. Looks at research into emergency measures that could be taken to slow global warming if things get out of control. Some of the measures include injecting particles into the atmosphere to create a global ‘dimming’ effect.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2008/2204410.htm
The linked story is about a neat little system that recovers waste heat from a data center and uses it to warm a nearby swimming pool. Data centers pump out a lot of heat so being able to tap into that much energy and use it is a nice example of lateral thinking. Even my little laptop generates too much heat to leave it on my lap for very long so some of those big server rooms could no doubt provide a lot of energy. Makes you wonder if the current trend towards flash based hard drives is going to require redesigning of data centers
“A new computer centre in Switzerland is making novel use of the hot air thrown off by its servers and communications equipment: the heat is being funneled next door to warm the local swimming pool.
As in all data centers, air conditioners will blast the computers with chilly air - to keep the machines from exceeding their optimum temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius - and pump hot air out.
Usually, the hot air is vented outdoors and wasted. In the Uitikon centre, it will flow through heat exchangers to warm water that will be pumped into the nearby pool.”
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