Archive for the ‘Environmental Gadgets’ Category
Scientists from both the US and Canada have managed to develop a brand new device that generates energy which could be used to power portable devices in the future, and this very accessory must be strapped onto the knee. This modified knee brace comes equipped with a drive train that is capable of converting mechanical energy into electricity, collecting lost energy whenever a person brakes the knee after swinging the leg forward to take a step.
So far initial tests have shown that a single minute of using this device will be able to produce more than enough power to charge up to 10 cell phones simultaneously. Imagine what you can do while jogging in the morning.
Current commercial grade solar panels are only able to transform about 20% of the usable energy that strikes them into electricity. Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory working with Microcontinuum Inc. and the University of Missouri are hoping a new type of solar panel made with nanoantennas could be the next breakthrough.
The new approach, which garnered two 2007 Nano50 awards, uses a special manufacturing process to stamp tiny square spirals of conducting metal onto a sheet of plastic. Each interlocking spiral “nanoantenna” is as wide as 1/25 the diameter of a human hair.
Because of their size, the nanoantennas absorb energy in the infrared part of the spectrum, just outside the range of what is visible to the eye. The sun radiates a lot of infrared energy, some of which is soaked up by the earth and later released as radiation for hours after sunset. Nanoantennas can take in energy from both sunlight and the earth’s heat, with higher efficiency than conventional solar cells.
The researchers predict that each nanoantenna could absorb close to 80% of the available energy, but there’s still research needed to perfect the design. While they can simulate how one nanoantenna will perform, things get a bit different when you cram about 10 million of them into a 6-inch circle. But the possibility of having a highly-efficient solar panel that’s as thin and flexible as plastic wrap, and as cheap as inexpensive carpet is very encouraging.
Addicted to Google Live Earth? Love to look at Earth ? Be prepared to go to the next step with the Earthdesk.
The Earthdesk is a wallpaper that shows a view of the Earth that is in a state of constant change. It uses geographical and time zone statistics to create a very rich image.
Anyway, if you want the Earthdesk, you can get it for about $24.00.
“The concept consists of two parts – a wearable sensor unit which can sense and analyze your environment, health, and local weather conditions, and a dedicated mobile phone.
The sensor unit will be worn on a wrist or neck strap made from solar cells that provide power to the sensors. NFC (near field communication) technology will relay information by touch from the sensors to the phone or to or to other devices that support NFC technology.
Both the phone and the sensor unit will be as compact as possible to minimize material use, and those materials used in the design will be renewable and/or reclaimed. Technologies used inside the phone and sensor unit will also help save energy.”
The neck strap of the sensor unit is also made of solar cells, which will provide all the power the sensor needs in order to operate. You can also choose the sensors that you want working so that it can perform just for you.
This was introduced at the CES this year. Everything seems to be about green and eco-friendly this year.
Freeplay Energy has announced the launched of its new Freeplay Companion, an integrated compact device that uses a variety of energy sources in order to power itself. The Freeplay Companion will harness solar, rechargeable, and human-powered energy in order to convert it into electricity that will subsequently power portable, consumer products to do away with conventional battery powered systems which more often than not, is a burden to our environment with their toxicity and cost required to dispose of them properly. Eco friendly and sleek.
It measures 125mm long and is travel friendly, weighing 200 grams. You get a solar panel and a crank - solar during the day and if needed during the night, crank. Say goodbye to disposable batteries forever, with the Freeplay Companion Radio providing assured listening, anytime, anywhere. It will come in a compact form factor, with the robust radio boasting a rubberized body with recessed control knobs for greater impact resistance and comfort. The AM/FM radio comes with an earphone socket, a flashlight with 3 LEDs with optics optimized for a focused light.
Rahul Sharma, vice president, marketing and sales for Freeplay Energy say, “We are excited to be the first green technology company to bring this product to market. Freeplay’s products are built to last and the compact size of this product and integrated nature of the offering brings tremendous value for the North American consumer. Retailing at approximately $30 to $32 dollars we feel that the Freeplay Companion offers as much utility as the Swiss Army Knife - making it an essential for all outdoor enthusiasts.”
