In contrast to other spacecrafts using nuclear generators, Juno is designed with three wide solar wings, which fuels the whole spacecraft.

The spacecraft will widen its three large solar panel wings an hour before it’s expected launch on Friday 5th of August 2011. The wings are of 9 feet wide and 30 feet long (2.7m and 10m, respectively)

For the five years trip of Juno, solar energy will be the main source of power. In 2016, a one long-year of exploration on the giant gas planet will begin. In other words, Juno will be the first solar-powered craft to have ever travelled such a distanced.

As on April 2017, Juno will have completed 9 months of orbiting of Jupiter, the largest planet in our milky-way (solar system). At that particular instant Juno will be 816 million KM or 507 million miles from the sun. At that particular instant, the record set by Rosetta’s spacecraft in October 2012, from European Space Agency, will be broken. It was the first sole solar driven spacecraft that had travelled 792 million km from the Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Energy distributed from the Sun

Jupiter is situated at a distance from the sun which is equivalent to five times of that from earth to the sun. In addition, it has a decreased exposure of sunlight by 25 times.

It was believed that for years of study and research, that solar power couldn’t power spacecraft going too far distances in space. If the size of the solar panels were increased, scientists and experts suggested that the panels would be too large.

In 2002, scientists began to plan for Juno, at that time they compared the possibility of using nuclear power to that of solar power. The main investigator Scott Bolton from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Tex., concluded that the methods need some upgrading. In the end, solar power was selected as it was believed to have the least development requirements.

Solution: High-Tech solar Cells

The most advance solar cells are used for the Juno mission. These solar cells are 50 percent stronger in terms of efficiency when compared to solar cells used 20 years ago.

Juno is mounted with 19,000 cells, which will provide 14 kilowatts of electricity when being close to earth. However, when it will orbit Jupiter, it will only produce 400 watts. In other words, with such a diminutive amount of energy is only enough to light a few bulbs.

In order to work with a rather restricted amount of energy, an onboard computer has been integrated to assure optimum energy-efficiency.

The course of orbiting the planet has equally been planned with precautions to avoid being in Jupiter’s shadows. Over-time radiation will reduce the capacity of these solar cells, but according to scientific calculations the energy generated during the mission should be enough to fulfil the mission.

Environmentally friendly solutions are not only the best for earth but equally good for space travelling.

Source: Space.com

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Based on the report, Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) researchers claim that in order for effective electrochemical energy storage (EES) to commercially contend with the prices of natural gas production, they will need to revolutionize the systems. In addition to technical developments, the systems are expected to be long-lasting, and the materials used should be non-toxic and heavy-duty. This will enable the batteries’ to be performing and could last for more than 15 years. There would also be less need for maintenance over their service life.

The report’s highlight was the extensive analysis of the four stationary storage systems, which are regarded as EES contenders with the most potential: vanadium redox flow, sodium-beta alumina membrane, lithium-ion and lead-carbon batteries. PNNL scientists made a remark on the capacity of each battery system. Nevertheless, the emphasis is laid on what kind of developments will be adopted for each type if they are to be utilized at all. They affirm that a continuous breakthrough in battery technology is essential to slash down the costs and in raising the batteries’ performance.

According to Z. Gary Yang, PNNL laboratory fellow and lead author of the study, the development of EES technologies could provide an almost uninterrupted resource of storage for wind and solar power. This could therefore, help the industry to tremendously cut down on fossil fuel dependence to satisfy the increasing demands of electricity.

Yang claims that with more exploration, ESS technology prices could be significantly slashed down. Their performance enhanced and breakthroughs in chemical composition, materials, model and system architecture is rapidly taking place.

In the absence of advanced batteries, solar and wind power’s energy must be used the moment it is created. The standard battery systems operate by transforming electricity to energy, either kinetic or potential, and then redistributing the energy back to the grid when it is required.

However, these systems (pumped hydro and compressed air systems and flywheels) have restrictive elements like lack of flexibility.

Meanwhile, electrochemical energy storage systems are very proficient in conserving electricity in chemicals and then disbursing it according to need. These EES systems function similarly as that of a common household battery, but to a larger degree, and contain different types of elements like aluminum, carbon and salt as well.

EES is similar to lead-acid batteries in a flashlight. The batteries stores solar and wind power that is being produced in excess. This energy is then transformed into chemical energy in a liquid form (storage of energy). Once power is required from the battery, an electric charge triggers the chemical transformation of energy reverting it into electrons, which can be dispersed to the electric grid’s power line.

The battery’s cream of the crop

Vanadium redox flow battery

This is one type of rechargeable flow battery that uses two tanks of electrolytes (fluids that conduct electricity) when it stores electrical energy. Scientists state that redox flow technology is a commendable contender for alternative energy storage for a period of at least 12 hours, and could accommodate both wind and solar power in a residential community or even a number of large storage power applications.

Once energy is demanded, the liquid is distributed from one tank to the other. The measured and deliberate process converts the chemical energy from the electrolyte into chemical energy. Meanwhile, the process is reversed for energy storage. The energy storage capacity of this battery depends on the tank size and the electrolyte concentrations it can retain. Scientists claim that its potential depends on the battery if it is transportable, cost-effective and has a huge selection of sizes.

Sodium-beta alumina membrane battery

This type of battery is designed in a tubular form, which uses sulfur mixed with sodium to charge and discharge electricity reversibly through the use of sodium ions covered in aluminum oxide within the battery’s core. According to researchers, even in a small space this battery is capable of storing large amounts of energy. It is suitable for electric vehicles because of its high energy concentration and quick charge and discharge rates. It is, likewise, good for other technologies that only require short, powerful surges of energy.

PNNL researchers claim that the materials used for this battery are costly and there are safety issues regarding the high temperature required for operation. However, they said that changing the battery shape can enhance the performance, decrease the cost as well as the operating temperature. As a matter of fact, in participation of DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program, PNNL has partnered with the company EaglePicher Technologies, LLC of Joplin, Mo., to continue studying these improvements.

Lithium-ion battery

These batteries are the most common in consumer electronics, and even in electric cars. The electrical energy in Li-on batteries is stored in multiple layers of elements such as cobalt, lithium and manganese. These technologies have high levels of energy and power capacity over others. In addition, this battery model has the most potential in transportation technology such as electric cars.

Scientists assert that reducing the costs of materials and increasing their safety could significantly upgrade Li-on batteries and facilitate the infiltration of electric cars. This could also function as the grids back up storage.

A standard Li-on battery cell’s process includes the migration of positively charged lithium ions through an electrolyte fluid. These electrons run through an external circuit, both of which go back and forth from opposite ends, thus creating and storing energy. Although Li-ion batteries are effective for handy and portable technologies like laptop computers and cell phones, producing them at a larger scale can be quite challenging, since they are costly. There is also high risk of overheating, which can lead to electrical shorting. The team of scientists asserts that even when there are significant advancements done to enhance this battery’s technology over a number of years. Even more efforts should be made to prolong its service life, increase its safety and cut down material expenses for the stationary equipment.

Lead-carbon battery

This type of battery is a fast-changing technology that was created from back-up generators and conventional lead-acid battery, usually found in standard vehicles. Researchers discovered that they can extend the lifespan of the lead–acid batteries by infusing a small amount of carbon to the battery. Due to its potent energy storage capacity, these lead-carbon batteries may be used as a convenient source of back-up for solar and wind power.

In a traditional lead-acid battery discharge, its lead anode and cathode react to sulfuric acid producing lead sulfate. Meanwhile, during the charging process, it reacts in the opposite manner. This alteration creates a short, powerful energy bursts ideal for jump starting a car. However, over the course of time, the charge of the lead-acid battery can diminish because of the gradual crystallization and buildup of lead sulfate within the core of the battery. Also, the battery’s core can be devoured by this corrosive acid.

The carbon added into the battery reduces or even avoids the crystallization of lead sulfate from taking place, which in turn would enhance the battery’s cycle life and extend the battery’s lifespan as a whole. Scientists claim that this battery has great potential for renewable energy storage, but more research is required to get a thorough understanding about its drawbacks. The cost of the technology is equally too high. The capital value of the technology is at $500 per-kilowatt hour and for it to be reasonable, it should be slashed down to at least between $150-200 per-kilowatt hours.

Source: Phys Org

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There exists two different types of hybrid cars. There is the plug-in hybrid model where diesel and gasoline engines take over when the battery of the electric engine is finished. The second type of plug-in hybrid work together with the gasoline engine in the sense that the diesel or gasoline engine will charge the electric engine to improve the autonomity of the car.

Unfortunately, due to technical disadvantages the electric engine is currently only appropriate for short distance. However, the conventional engines can help by constantly recharging the electric engines while driving. This will boost the potential distance that the electric engine can cover; it can go up to 450 Km or even more. The best part with electric engines is that they produce no emissions.

The use of electric engines can make the transport sector really green. Let’s say that cars are recharged during the evening with electricity coming from pure sources such as wind energy. ‘More advanced electric vehicles do even generate energy from braking’. This is a source of energy, which is wasted by conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. This makes electric engines perfect for short and urban distance where lots of braking is done.

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A new model produced by General Motors is Volt. It has an electric engine which can provide 64 Kms of daily travelling simply by its advanced autonomy. In case the car is used to travel across long distances than the gasoline engine will simply help in charging the battery for the electric engine.

General Motors estimates that the cost of driving a Volt with the use of battery energy will only cost about two cents of a euro in comparison to 12 cents of a euro for a typical gasoline vehicle. The cost difference is gigantic. A typical driver who covers 60 kms a day or 22,000 km per annum will save 2,200 € every year. This could help to pay for the additional cost associated with the battery of the car. In other words, driving a Volt is six times cheaper than a conventional vehicle per km.

On average, the cars that are sold in Europe – 2006 – consume roughly 6.5 liters for every 100 kms covered. On the other hand, a plug-in hybrid vehicle can drive 50 kms with electricity, and the remaining 50 would be covered with around 2.5 liters.

A daily trip is usually less than 60km. Using hybrid vehicles could generate remarkable changes in terms of cost. For short distance recharging could be done at parking. This means that fossil fuel wouldn’t be needed when travelling in urban regions.

Electric or hybrid vehicles are definitely cost-efficient. The car is cost-efficient and doesn’t generate emissions while driving on the electric engine.

Source: EV Wind

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An advantage of electric engines is that they make use of the energy generated from braking. This heat is usually wasted. This means that these vehicles are perfect for urban distances where lots of braking is done.

In addition, there are fewer mechanical components – this reduces the operation cost of the vehicles. The cost of driving electric vehicles has for the first time in history decreased to a highly competitive cost. Electric vehicles are even more cost-effective than typical diesel and gasoline vehicles. This motivates the development of the electrification of the transportation sector.

Of course, transforming the road system will take time and requires creativity. Irrespective of the amount of effort required to realise the introduction of greener cars has a phenomenal profit potential.

Plans have already been proposed in Australia, Portugal, Israel, Ireland, Denmark, France and New Zealand. In other areas such as in Japan, Germany and in states of US like California and Hawaii, pilot programs have already been introduced. Spain is planning to progress with pilot programs in 2012. The U.S, Obama’s administration is steadily promoting plug in hybrid and electric cars to the market – news is expected soon -.

To charge electric vehicles, there are two feasible solutions – a single large electric plug-in engine or several smaller engines placed to each wheel. The use of one engine in the electric vehicles will make the cars more powerful and alike to contemporary cars. However, they have a downfall, related to its inefficient reaction to friction.

The electric vehicles could have engines in the tires. This would reduce the loss of energy (friction) in respect to the single engine solution. Unfortunately, several small engines would only be appropriate for small cars as larger vehicles need more power and thus a larger engine.

The problem of electric cars might come in the motivation to transform and redefine the way these cars are re-filled. Instead of recharging cars for hours, the batteries could simply be changed. It would practically take the same degree of time to change a battery to that of re-fuelling.

The focus is to provide low battery costs. One solution is to provide batteries at a monthly fee or even the car itself for a periodic fee. This would make the car industry alike to that of the phone market. Vehicles could be purchased cheaply in this way. Battery charging, maintenance, replacement infrastructure and support would be provided for a monthly fee.

On average in Europe approximately 12,000 Euros are spent to buy a car and 30,000 Litres of fuel are needed over a year. This brings the cost to roughly 30,000 to 35,000 Euros per year. Research suggests that fuel is three times as expensive as the car itself. On the other hand, an electric car battery would merely cost 7,000 Euros. The electricity cost of charging the battery would amount to 2,000 during the operation life of the battery. In other words, it is only 30 percent of the cost of fuel consumed by typical cars.

In addition, the cost of electricity from renewable sources of energy and battery tend to fall year on year. This mean that the cost of electric cars will experience a diminishing cost in all it senses – the vehicle, electricity and batteries –

For an electric car to drive 100 kms, it will need roughly 10 to 20 kilowatt hour. This is tantamount to 2 Euros. A gasoline or diesel car would make this distance at the cost of 8 Euros. This makes electric vehicles extremely competitive. The only drawback is the high fixed cost of the battery. In order, to deal with these problems formulas used in the cellular phone sector, is currently a competitive option. The battery could be leased similarly to subscription to various phone networks or internet packages. The battery companies will then only change battery at the re-charging stations.

The introduction of electric cars needs a new environment. The solutions lie in either battery replacement stations or charging spots on parking areas (near to cars). Unfortunately, these things aren’t available yet. The transport electrification plans need to be introduced effectively to make sure that the market for electric cars strives.

Strong collaboration between manufacturers and governments are fundamental. Countries like Australia, Iceland, Portugal, Ireland, Denmark, Israel, and in the U.S. San Francisco and Hawaii are taking critical steps. Besides, pilot projects are steadily progressing on countries like UK, France, China, Italy and Germany.

Source: EV wind

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European Manufactures of wind turbines are saying that the answer to the intermittency of wind energy might be found in our garage. The electricity car batteries could one day store excess wind energy. The project is called Car4Grid. It is an innovative and potential solution that Gamesa is pursuing. Dealing with the intermittency of wind energy has been a long-existing problem. It dates back to the Achilles heels of renewable energy or the emergence of wind power.

Wind energy doesn’t always provide a steady supply. It is a fact, as the wind blows only during windy days. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be a major concern for renewable energy. The obstacle should rather be in the field of power distribution. Similarly, to water distribution – it doesn’t rain every day but yet water is efficiently provided to billions of inhabitants on the planet.

Gamesa thinks that it is essential to go towards a more modern distribution system of energy. The variable supply of wind energy which applies to other renewable energy sources as well need to have an evolutionary solution. A smart grid, regional or even continental electricity network could be the answer – a modern system of distribution should work. A larger network would give rise to the potential to establish intelligent routes to distribute power. Various sources of energy could be combined to assure a more stable supply of electricity.

The efficiency of future smart grids depends on the potential to exploit advanced energy storage solutions like car batteries, which is mentioned in the Car4Grid Scheme. However, Gamesa is exploring several categories of battery development so that alternative solutions for power storage will emerge. A short-term plan is the introduction of electro-chemical batteries, which are going to be fixed alongside wind turbines and act as a direct storage of energy. The batteries will be using current technology and is expected to be on the market in the upcoming 3 years.

A third storage project envisaged by Gamesa is the creation of high-capacity flux batteries. These batteries will be able to store a dozen of MW per hour. This system could be used to efficiently store excess power generated from wind farms. The project is still in its initial research phase.

However, companies such as Xcel Energy have such systems readily available. They have developed a storage system which can save 7.2 MWh of electricity with its wind-to-battery system.

One solution to intermittency is batteries. Nonetheless, there exist other potential alternatives. The output rates of wind turbines could be tweaked. Let’s say that the output levels of wind farms were integrated into regional farms. This would mean if the wind would stop blow in one region the other regions would still even-out the supply. In order to install such as a system the wind turbines should not operate on maximum output. There need to be excess capacity left over.

The development of more efficient grid systems as well as more flexible wind turbines are currently on its way.

Source: New Energy News

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Alternative sources of energy like wind and solar have a variability problem. The wind does not always blow, and the sun doesn’t always shine through clouds. The problem of its reliability is extremely acute. In some regions of the earth, sunshine and wind can be the absence for as long as a week. This means that supply of renewable energy is depended on a source which fluctuates. The repercussion is severe; there will be a variable voltage supply to the electric grid.

The intermittence of wind and solar energy is being raised as the major drawback of this type of renewable energy. It is even an argument used to sustain the presence of fossil fuel.

Weather and Renewable Energy (Solar and Wind) Are Alike

Wave, wind and solar energy are deeply depended on the weather. The turbulence of the weather is also another factor, which needs to be considered. For instance, wind turbines cannot operate when the winds are too strong. The average potential of renewable energy can be predicted on a particular geographical location. However, forecast its daily supply is likely to be as accurate of the weather predictions.

Solar energy is deeply influenced by seasonal variation. Additionally, cloudy weathers affect the incident of sunshine of photovoltaic arrays.

In a scientific manner, solar energy, itself stimulates wind energy. This wind does thereafter accelerate the presence of waves, which are used to generate electricity. Wave energy is present even after the wind has stopped blowing.

Variability

Renewable energy is highly susceptible to variability. For instance, hydro power is also quite variable. The water flow varies in different months of the year. In the dry periods, the water flow is less and in the wet periods the water flow is higher. Nevertheless, for hydro power the variance is more or less predictable. Large reservoirs are akin to batteries, and it is clearly visible and possible to estimate the potential energy generation.

However, wind energy has a chaotic variance. It is difficult to predict the strength of winds and the supply of them during any given period of the year.

Can The Electric Grid Solve The Problem of Variability of Renewable Energy?

If we look at similar networks to that of the electric grid, we can see colossal alterations. For instance, the railroad was the ruling sources of transportation in the past. There were no proper road networks, air transport systems or highways. Cars were only used to travel, in particular, regions. However, over a hundred years, all these networks have evolved tremendously including the railway. The point to be noted is that the transportation infrastructure has changed.

The variability of most renewable energy is commonly considered as an insurmountable hurdle. Oppositions use it as an argument to ignore and resist the importance of clean energy. Even the electric grid, which is the name for the distribution of the electric power, is considered as if it is immutably changeable.

In the past, this wasn’t applied. When the railway system didn’t fit, innovation occurred in other mean of transportations. Things evolved and new networks were formed.

The electric grid should evolve in a similar way. This would allow solar and wind energy to be effectively integrated into the grid. The distribution network of electricity is the main source to solve the variability problem.

How the Grid Can Adapt To Clean Energy Sources?

The electric grid is a vast network of interlinked connection. It is really very complex. However, it has in somehow fallen behind development. There is a new type of electric grids that are being introduced. These new networks are called ‘Smart Grid’. The smart grid uses parallel series of controllers and sensors on the grid. The whole network is monitored with the use of management software platforms. The advanced system helps to almost totally eliminate electric interruptions via its smart Meters and software.

The smart Grid provides real time information about the variable supply of energy on the network. It does therefore, help utility companies to establish a balance supply with storage nodes along the network. The storage nodes can be used to supply energy during peak demands and save energy when an energy surplus is generated.

The Smart Grid is also expected to have an even more advanced storage technology in the future. It is going to accommodate plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.

In order to transmit energy over long distances, High voltage Direct Current (HVDC) can be used. The HVDC lines can transfer a high amount of energy with a minimum loss of energy. The only drawback is that at the end of the line the DC current will have to be converted to AC.

Modern Smart Grids are expected to be much more complex than our conventional electric grid. There will be storage nodes, smart meters, solar and wind power integrated on various parts of the network. This would create a balance supply of power.

Renewable is Boosting the Growth of the Smart Grid but It Is Needed Anyway

The current electric grid is highly overloaded on specific spots. The electric grid needs upgrading and maintenance before it reaches the vertex of collapse. The introduction of this innovative and smart grid will help to meet several green energy objectives. The grid is energy efficient; high volume of energy can be transferred; renewable energy sources can be integrated and software will be able to monitor the input of green energy. In the case, of energy shortage, the storage points will be used to meet the variability of both solar and wind energy.

The current electric grid needs repairs and upgrading. Regardless, of whether renewable energy will be integrated or not. Additionally, the smart grid is more energy efficient than the conventional network. The variability of renewable energy is a great obstacle which can be solved through a more advanced electric grid.

Main Source: Green Economy Post

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For wind energy, generated in the North Sea or regional wind, solar, and bio-gas power plants to reach consumers, there is a long transmission line required. In this journey, lots of energy is lost. Nevertheless, new electronic components are providing a solution.

Electricity flows very similarly to cars and trucks that travel on the highway – it stops at substations and moves on parallel to how cars stop at traffic lights. In other words, the electric network is controlled alike to traffic lights. For energy to reach a city centre it has to pass through a numerous substations (points), so that low voltage can be supplied to household appliances. The highly advanced electricity network allows almost any kind of electrical devices to be wired on.

All this is only possible as long as there is a consistent source of energy supply. For renewable energy, the big challenge has always and still is reliability in supply.

The power and transport networks will continue to advance. In the near future, electro-mobility will be added as electricity vehicles are at the vertex of introduction. So the power grid will soon have to accommodate storage points where batteries can be charged.

Professor Lothar Frey, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB in Erlangen says that the use of renewable energy will grow in the future to contribute to the energy supply of most households.

The large Desertec Project is expected to generate a mass of solar thermal power in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. This energy supply of the future will be catapulted to Europe via high-voltage cables that will be lined above and below sea-level. There is clearly a need for modern cabling system able to adapt to the future energy mix. The new components must be able to provide reliable power to consumers with only a minimum loss of energy.

At IISB, power electronics experts are already working on this. They are developing components with innovative technology that will deal with the conversion of electrical energy.

When energy is to be transmitted over 500 Kms on land or undersea-level then direct current will be sent through cables. This will minimize the loss of energy to only 7 percent in comparison to a fluctuation loss topping at 40 percent. However, a conversion station would be required to change the high voltage direct current to alternative current (DC to AC) so that consumers can connect household appliances.

Dipl.-Ing. Markus Billmann from the IISB, says that they are collaborating with Siemens Energy to invent these innovative high-power switches. These switches will be necessary to integrate direct voltage into the contemporary power grid and thus quintessential for projects like Desertec. These new switches have to be consistent, and appropriate to match the need of large projects in the future.

To realise this technology, low-cost semiconductor cells are used to switch high-voltage direct-current transmission (HVDCT), previously this material couldn’t be used to switch HVDCT. Moreover, converter stations need to be built at the end of each HVDCT system. These converters will be using interruptible devices having higher switching frequencies. This renders the system smaller and easier to monitor.

The most alarming obstacle is to avoid the semiconductor cells to be damaged. A converter station is constituted of nearly 5,000 modules with interlinked series. There is a high risk with this system, if ever several modules fail at once, they might affect nearby modules and create a chain reaction. This could damage the whole station. A solution has already been found to this problem. Billmann says that the cooperation with Siemens is helping to create new-tailored components and materials, which will minimise the loss of energy in a safe and sound manner.

Main Source: Fraunhoger and Physorg

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It is called the EMMA device. It is a technology that regulates the electricity that can be produced through photovoltaic panels as well as other small-scale energy systems like wind turbines. The device will then make sure that enough amount of electricity is supplied to the demanding property.

The Commercial Director of Clean Power Solutions, Mark Stanton claims that the device does also have the ability to priorities the outflow of energy.

Solar technology is usually distributed to the national Grid. This is so because, during the day when most solar energy is generated, property owners aren’t at home. In other words, if you are going to set up photovoltaic panels on your house you will end up selling most of the energy to the National Grid.

In mathematical terms, selling power to the national grid isn’t as profitable as consuming it. In Britain, the feed-in-tariff incentive scheme for photovoltaic installation states that small scale PV (below 5 MW) can sell electricity to the national grid at a rate of 3 pence per KW. However, the cost of re-buying that one KW is 15 pence.

The EMMA device has been used by energy companies in Ireland. However, there are also companies in England and France that are testing it. Currently, the Scottish Power (Energy Company) is making a trial to assess the efficacy of EMMA. According to Stanton, all tests have had positive results.

Moreover, the technology will be useful for agriculture, social housing and other fields where there is a need to maintain cheap energy costs.

This storage apparatus helps to maximise the use of clean energy for storage heaters, air conditioning, water heating and other sources needing power. Properties using the technology would be able to maximise the efficacy of wind and/or solar technology established. They would only have to buy power from the grid when all the energy harnessed through renewable sources would be completely depleted.

Source: New Energy World Network

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During the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, at Boston, the scientists described personalized energy systems as an exemplary way for business and households to become energy independent.

Daniel Nocera, Ph.D. study leader says that the goal is to change every household “into its own power station”. There is an intense focus in developing personalized energy units at affordable prices. Nonetheless, there are a bunch of hurdles that need to be dealt with. The prime obstacle is to enhance solar cells and fuel cells.

The deprived villages in Africa and India where no electricity is available are hoping for new affordable power systems.

Enhancing solar system installed on the rooftop could improve the efficiency of harnessing solar energy, for cooking, lighting, charging and heating. The electricity that would be produced in surplus would be stored through an ‘electrolyzer’. It is a device that breaks down water into its atoms; oxygen and hydrogen. The energy (hydrogen or oxygen) will then be stored in a tank, so that it can be used during the night while solar energy can’t be harnessed. The oxygen and hydrogen can be used to generate electricity as well as clean water.

The creation of a solar energy system combined with an electrolyzer would provide clean energy 7/24. So solar energy could indirectly be used to generate electricity even apply after the sun sets.

According to Norcera’s report the main focus is on creating an effective electrolyzer. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass, has been developing a catalyst with materials supporting effective chemical reactions that split hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The new developed catalyst increases the production of oxygen by more than two hundred times. Another benefit is that this new electrolyzer doesn’t use expensive platinum catalysts, which have the drawback of releasing toxic chemicals.

Sun Catalytix, have the license for this new catalyst. They are now envisaging a two year development plan to create highly-effective electrolyzer, appropriate for households and small businesses.

This research was mainly funded by Chesonis Family Foundation and the National Science Foundation. It involved Nocera, post-doctoral research Mircea Dinca as well as a doctoral candidate Yogesh Surendranath. Besides, the U.S Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency did recently award a grant for the research. The grant provided by the state is aimed at increasing the performance of electrolyzer technology.

The team expects to find the answer to secure highly efficient and long-term energy storage technology in nickel-borate family of compounds.

Source: Science Daily

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According to the report, Fuel Cell Technologies, the market of fuel cell can amount to neatly $598 million this year and even double to $1.22 billion by the year 2014, thus signifying a compound annual increase rate of 20 percent. The market has showcased a constant growth over the previous number of years, reaching $498 million in the year 2009 from $353 million in the year 2005.

The portable sector brags of the quickest growth in the fuel cell market because of educational devices and toys that are powered by low-watt fuel cells. Companies like Thames & Kosmos and Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies have produced fuel cell car kits that permit children to bring together the cars while gathering knowledge about the fundamentals of the technology.

On the other hand, the greatest demand for fuel cells remains for power generation units. Ballard Power System shipped the biggest fuel cell system in August to an Ohio utility for a trial run of five year. The system can generate as much as 1 megawatt of electricity – sufficient to power around 500 homes.

According to the predictions of the publisher of SBI Energy, Shelley Carr, public and commercial entities will most probably lead the path in adopting fuel cell power sources, for these bodies are yet more aware of the political and economic benefits of embracing renewable energy sources.

Additionally, the report mentioned that the yearly rate of growth for fuel cell units shipped also swelled to 75 percent in the year 2008 from a mere 20 percent in the year 2005. Nevertheless, the rate of growth will slow down to 60 percent by the year 2010 and then stabilize at 30 percent by the year 2014.

In 2009, it was Japan and the United States that stood ad the biggest financial segments of the fuel cell market. The former President George Bush propelled the market in the year 2003 by signing the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The later promotes the development of hydrogen and fuel cell.

The Energy Policy Act brought in the investment tax credit. The investment tax credit offers business as well as non-business properties a 30 percent credit of the cost of a fuel cell unit. While a business property can receive credits as much as $3,000 per kilowatt, a non-business property will be able to obtain only $1,000 per kilowatt.

In the meantime, Japan’s domestic fuel cell market supposedly went beyond a 100 percent growth rate because of the country’s stationary fuel cell installations in addition to the development of fuel cell vehicles and portable devices.

Conversely, the study anticipates that the market growth will decelerate in the years to come as competitors in the Europe and United States continue to go through a market progress.

Source: EcoSeed

© Jimmy Eriksson for Renewable Power News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment

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