This is our first post from a contributor. CNStars17 sent this to us and asked if we would be interested in sharing this information with the public. We looked through it and were very impressed with not only his research but his content. Thank you CNStars, and we look forward to hearing more from you.
Have you heard the news out of Hawaii? Former NASA executive and physicist John Mankins captured solar energy from a mountain top in Maui and sent it wirelessly 92 miles to the main island of Hawaii. The team of researchers was only able to send around 20 watts, which is not even enough to power a fluorescent light bulb. Most of the power was lost in the transmission process.
Makins says that the project was limited by budget, and that with the proper equipment he could increase efficiency up to 64%.
Not impressed?
Did you know that 170 million gigawatts of solar energy hit the earth every second? That is more energy than the earth has used since the beginning of the industrial era. Now imagine being able to tap into that source on a large scale. With Mankins wireless energy transfer idea many satellites would be launched with high tech solar panels on them. Then the satellites would relay the energy to earth via harmless wireless energy transfer to receiving stations. Also, with the solar panels in space there is no loss in efficiency due to clouds or night. The energy would be available 24/7.
Mankins says he can get a demonstration system in orbit in around 6 years and have the full system up in around 15 years.
There are scientists in Japan that claim they could get the space-based solar power project started in less than 5 months with less than 1 million dollars. Their concept uses mirrors to focus as much solar power possible into the solar cells, and thus create 5 times more energy than conventional solar cells.
First, I want to say that we are trying to evolve this site into something that brings value to the world. Having said that, thanks to everyone for their support so far. We’re counting on you to help our evolution along, so send us suggestions or comments whenever you have them. Even if the journey has just started, we are excited about where we are and the potential that we have.
In a previous post you met my ConsiderTomorrow compatriot L.J., and now I’d like to take some time to introduce myself.
C.O.
Although I now live on the East Coast, I was born and raised in Kansas. I served 6 years in the U.S. Air Force as a linguist (wonder where I met L.J.) and stayed out here by the Atlantic when my enlistment was up. Currently I work in research and marketing, but I’m going back to school for a career more focused on science and technology–the disciplines in which I believe you have the chance make a real difference. In my opinion there are bright days ahead for human scientific advancement; however, our most pressing issue is energy: clean, renewable, sustainable, affordable energy. I think that finding a responsible solution to this crisis will strengthen our country, especially economically. The answer is there, and it’s going to take all of us to find and implement it.
Oh, and the future under your hood is 100% electric.
Wind power in the U.S. is exploding, and we want to show you some of this country’s best resources. For this post we are going to take a snapshot of what’s happening in the state of Kansas (being that it is the state where I was born). First, take a look at these graphics showing the change in American wind production from ‘02 to ‘07.
Capacity 2002
Capacity 2007
That 5 year span saw a huge growth in our total installed megawatts (MW), and if you are keeping up with the topic of new wind projects, you’ll know that there is much more coming online in the near future. For a zoomed in view of what is going on in the sunflower state, check this file.
The maps above and this Kansas map are all from 2007, but they still underscore the seriousness with which the country is taking to harnessing the wind. On the Kansas map there are over 2000 MW in proposed projects, and it is easy to understand why considering Kansas is number three in the country for wind energy potential. The top 5 states are:
#1 North Dakota
#2 Texas
#3 Kansas
#4 South Dakota
#5 Montana
If you watched the PickensPlan video, then you’ll know that we are the world wind superpower. And with an estimated $65 billion flowing into wind capacity through 2015, states like Kansas need to step up and get these projects rolling. We have to get to producing 20% of our electricity from wind as soon as possible if we’re going to follow Pickens’ blueprint, which is no short order since we aren’t expected to be close to that mark by 2020. How do we get there? What are the strategies? Kansas, do you have the answer?
Do you want a serious amount of information on your candidate’s “green” views including interviews and lots more coverage? Over on a site that has some great resources, grist.org, there is a bundle of information about all of the cadidates. Want to know about the Green or Libertarian tickets? Well, they’ve got info on them too. If you’re interested in the energy and climate issues go to their Election ‘08 page now. Make sure to let us know who you think is the strongest nominee in this area.
This video was featured on treehugger.com. It is short and relevant.
The term “green Google” is particularly interesting, and who is to say that YOU are not the person/group that is going make the difference–there is definitely opportunity out there. Listen, if we are on the eve of the energy technology revolution, it is going to take all of us working together to come out on the other side as winners. Get into the action in any way that you can. Here’s a question: Does drilling get us to the point where we will never have this sort of problem again?
This may be an idea that is in left field, but we are going to throw it out there anyways, and see if we can get a response from it. What if we could only use power that we created? What if, we were completely free from a power plant, and we had to create our own power? Let’s say we each had a battery system stored away in the garage somewhere and you had to save up the energy created in order to do the things we love. You have a solar panel on the roof, perhaps a wind turbine in the backyard. One day there isn’t enough wind or sun to generate enough power for you to watch your favorite television show, LOST. What about self made energy?
One of those types would be pedal powered energy. A lot of people like to work out right? You are creating so much energy when you work out, why waste it? THIS guy has created a pedal powered generator. We think it is an awesome idea. People who work out, whether it be treadmills or stationary bikes or even stair steppers. We know, some of you have a Nordic Track stored under your bed that you got and forgot about. How awesome would it be to generate your own energy. Think about it.
HERE is a CNN article intended to make you think. Think about the things you do that use energy. Watching T.V., computer, xbox. It all uses electricity. Like CNN’s first line, what if you had to cycle for a specified time in order to do some of things that are mainly for entertainment. Are those things important enough for you now?
Lastly, we want to show you a video of what a simple pedal powered generator looks like.
This article will be mostly about Compact Flourescent bulbs or “CFLs”. Here are some common tips that we got from “The Family Handyman.”
CFLs have come a long way. They used to be almost $15 dollars a piece with many problems. That is the past, and now you can buy a CFL for as little as $3 a piece and is the easiest way to save money on energy. These bulbs are still hard to understand at times when you are purchasing, so here are a few buying guides.
First, how to chooce a bulb:
When purchasing bulbs, typically we as consumers refer to the wattage of the bulb. You typically look at 60-watt or 100-watt bulbs. This can be confusing when purchasing CFL bulbs. You should look more at the lumens when purchasing CFL bubls. Typically, you should buy a CFL with 20% more lumens than that of your standard bulb. As an example, to replace a 60-watt bulb that has 870 lumens, you you should but a bulb with 1050 lumens. That should give you the same output you are looking for.
Best (and worst) place to use:
CFLs can last up to 10 times as long as a typical incandescent bulb, so you may want to consider putting CFLs in places that are hard to reach. You may only have to get in the rafters once every five years instead of every year. Also, they do well in a place that is constantly on more than 3 hours a day.
CFLs don’t do as well in on-off switching, excessive vibration near doors or stairways, or high-humidity. The things may shorten the life span of the CFL.
These are just some simple things that you can do to cut-back on energy useage. Next time you go buy light bulbs, which we all do, and sometimes often, think twice before you pick up those incandescent bulbs.
Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pumps use about 30% less energy than a standard heat pump.
They are quieter than conventional systems.
Geothermal heat pumps (sometimes referred to as GeoExchange, earth-coupled, ground-source, or water-source heat pumps) have been in use since the late 1940s. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium instead of the outside air temperature. This allows the system to reach fairly high efficiencies (300%-600%) on the coldest of winter nights, compared to 175%-250% for air-source heat pumps on cool days.
As with any heat pump, geothermal and water-source heat pumps are able to heat, cool, and, if so equipped, supply the house with hot water. Some models of geothermal systems are available with two-speed compressors and variable fans for more comfort and energy savings. Relative to air-source heat pumps, they are quieter, last longer, need little maintenance, and do not depend on the temperature of the outside air.
A dual-source heat pump combines an air-source heat pump with a geothermal heat pump. These appliances combine the best of both systems. Dual-source heat pumps have higher efficiency ratings than air-source units, but are not as efficient as geothermal units. The main advantage of dual-source systems is that they cost much less to install than a single geothermal unit, and work almost as well.
Even though the installation price of a geothermal system can be several times that of an air-source system of the same heating and cooling capacity, the additional costs are returned to you in energy savings in 5–10 years. System life is estimated at 25 years for the inside components and 50+ years for the ground loop. There are approximately 50,000 geothermal heat pumps installed in the United States each year.
Cold weather is right around the corner, and it has been said that Natural Gas prices could rise an average of 50% this winter. Most people have not seen this information, because unlike filling up your vehicle every week at the pump, most people won’t see the high cost until they start heating their home.
Here are some tips to help your wallet this winter:
Turn your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees Fahrenheit).
Make sure your water heater has an insulating blanket.
Consider replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescents (CFLs), which can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescents.
Check the age and condition of your major appliances, especially the refrigerator. You may want to replace it with a more energy-efficient model before it dies.
Clean or replace furnace, air-conditioner, and heat-pump filters.
Rope caulk very leaky windows.
Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel bills. Target the biggest bill for energy conservation remedies.
Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run through unheated areas.
Seal up the largest air leaks in your house — the ones that whistle on windy days, or feel drafty. The worst culprits are usually not windows and doors. They’re utility cut-throughs for pipes, gaps around chimneys, gaps around recessed lights in insulated ceilings or unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
Install a clock thermostat thermostat to lower the heat automatically at night.
Schedule an energy audit (ask your utility company or state energy office) for more expert advice on your home as a whole.
If the prices of Natural Gas and Gasoline does not make you want to learn to be indepedent, we don’t know what will. Why should we as American’s continue to pay in order to live? These large companies have made millions of dollars while the Average American sweats everytime they fill up at the gas station and when their energy bill comes for their homes.
If you are ready to Make a Stand, look for future articles, titled “Projects you can do to Make a Stand” which we will provide How Tos in order for YOU to be able to start Making a Difference.
