Renewable energy produced from the wind has garnered much attention and support in recent years but is often criticized for its low output and lack of reliability. But now a super power wind turbine has come along that may be just what the renewable energy industry needs. The Maglev wind turbine, which was first unveiled at the Wind Power Asia exhibition in Beijing, is expected take wind power technology to the next level with magnetic levitation.
Magnetic levitation is an extremely efficient system for wind energy. Here’s how it works: the vertically oriented blades of the wind turbine are suspended in the air above the base of the machine, replacing the need for ball bearings. The turbine uses “full-permanent” magnets, not electromagnets — therefore, it does not require electricty to run. The full-permanent magnet system employs neodymium (”rare earth”) magnets and there is no energy loss through friction. This also helps reduce maintenance costs and increases the lifespan of the generator.
Maglev wind turbines have several advantages over conventional wind turbines. For instance, they’re able to use winds with starting speeds as low as 1.5 meters per second (m/s). Also, they could operate in winds exceeding 40 m/s. Currently, the largest conventional wind turbines in the world produce only five megawatts of power. However, one large maglev wind turbine could generate one gigawatt of clean power, enough to supply energy to 750,000 homes. It would also increase generation capacity by 20% over conventional wind turbines and decrease operational costs by 50%. If that isn’t enough, the maglev wind turbines will be operational for about 500 years!
Construction began on the world’s largest production site for maglev wind turbines in central China on November 5, 2007. Zhongke Hengyuan Energy Technology has invested 400 million yuan in building this facility, which will produce maglev wind turbines with capacities ranging from 400 to 5,000 Watts. In the US, Arizona-based MagLev Wind Turbine Technologies will be manufacturing these turbines. Headed by long-time renewable energy researcher Ed Mazur, the company claims that it will be able to deliver clean power for less than one cent per kilowatt hour with this new technology. It also points out that building a single giant maglev wind turbine would reduce construction and maintenance costs and require much less land than hundreds of conventional turbines. The estimated cost of building this colossal structure is $53 million.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sprint Surpasses Recycling Goal
As one major cell phone carrier labors to recycle obsolete units, a manufacturer is bringing into play a phone that charges itself by the sun.
Earlier this year, Sprint set a goal to recycle 250,000 cell phones during April, coinciding with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Cell Phone Recycling Week. The company collected 279,524 phones for recycling in April, according to a press release.
Sprint says it leads the wireless industry in recycling efforts, with more than 16 million units diverted from landfills for reuse or recycling since 2001.
Cell phone manufacturer Sharp, meanwhile, has introduced a solar cell phone.
The Solar Phone SH002 requires a 10-minute exposure to direct sunlight to deliver one minute of talktime or two hours of standby, according to CNET.
If left outdoors long enough, the cell phone should be able to charge up to 80 percent of capacity, according to the article. The solar cell phone also is waterproof.
Like most nifty electronics, the cell phone is only available in Japan for now.
Sprint offers a separate solar charging unit for cell phones.
Earlier this year, Sprint set a goal to recycle 250,000 cell phones during April, coinciding with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Cell Phone Recycling Week. The company collected 279,524 phones for recycling in April, according to a press release.
Sprint says it leads the wireless industry in recycling efforts, with more than 16 million units diverted from landfills for reuse or recycling since 2001.
Cell phone manufacturer Sharp, meanwhile, has introduced a solar cell phone.
The Solar Phone SH002 requires a 10-minute exposure to direct sunlight to deliver one minute of talktime or two hours of standby, according to CNET.
If left outdoors long enough, the cell phone should be able to charge up to 80 percent of capacity, according to the article. The solar cell phone also is waterproof.
Like most nifty electronics, the cell phone is only available in Japan for now.
Sprint offers a separate solar charging unit for cell phones.
How Solar Water Heaters Work to Save You Money
Like the name implies, solar water heaters use energy from the sun to heat water. Initially, the cost of a solar water heater is high, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. In this article, we’ll discuss the costs associated with solar water heaters, how they work and how to install them.
While solar water heaters are no longer supported by tax credits, they have become considerably more reliable, less expensive and more efficient than the popular models of the 70s and 80s. For example, a moderate climate system that’s capable of heating water for an entire household can be installed for anywhere from $2000-5000, making solar water heaters very competitive when compared to traditional electric and gas heaters.
Typically, a solar water heating system has an annual operating cost of about $50. Meanwhile, a traditional gas or electric water heater will cost you $500 and more.
Essentially, solar water heaters work by serving as a preheater for a conventional storage or on-demand water heater. They even work well with on-demand water heaters that have temperature adjustability. Because the solar system preheats the water, the extra temperature boost required by the on-demand heater is low and users can get a high flow rate and lots of monthly savings.
If you’re thinking of installing a solar water heater, you’re at an advantage if you have a south-sloping roof. This will make installation easier and your heater will run more efficiently. Most cold-climate families use solar as a three-season system and then fall back on a traditional water heater during the dark winter months.
Before installing a solar water heating system, always look for a qualified installer and dealer who can design and size your backup system. Ask about their certifications, and ask for referrals from past customers.
You should also start planning now. Like most people, we don’t think about replacing our water heating system until it actually fails. We wind up rushing out and putting in whatever system we can get. Instead, take the time to research different solar options, find the system that fits your energy needs and plan ahead to replace your existing water heater before it fails.
Remember, most solar water heaters have a life span of about 10-15 years, so be prepared. The energy savings alone could pay for that new solar water heater by the time the year is up and you’ll be happier knowing you’re polluting the earth just a little bit less.
While solar water heaters are no longer supported by tax credits, they have become considerably more reliable, less expensive and more efficient than the popular models of the 70s and 80s. For example, a moderate climate system that’s capable of heating water for an entire household can be installed for anywhere from $2000-5000, making solar water heaters very competitive when compared to traditional electric and gas heaters.
Typically, a solar water heating system has an annual operating cost of about $50. Meanwhile, a traditional gas or electric water heater will cost you $500 and more.
Essentially, solar water heaters work by serving as a preheater for a conventional storage or on-demand water heater. They even work well with on-demand water heaters that have temperature adjustability. Because the solar system preheats the water, the extra temperature boost required by the on-demand heater is low and users can get a high flow rate and lots of monthly savings.
If you’re thinking of installing a solar water heater, you’re at an advantage if you have a south-sloping roof. This will make installation easier and your heater will run more efficiently. Most cold-climate families use solar as a three-season system and then fall back on a traditional water heater during the dark winter months.
Before installing a solar water heating system, always look for a qualified installer and dealer who can design and size your backup system. Ask about their certifications, and ask for referrals from past customers.
You should also start planning now. Like most people, we don’t think about replacing our water heating system until it actually fails. We wind up rushing out and putting in whatever system we can get. Instead, take the time to research different solar options, find the system that fits your energy needs and plan ahead to replace your existing water heater before it fails.
Remember, most solar water heaters have a life span of about 10-15 years, so be prepared. The energy savings alone could pay for that new solar water heater by the time the year is up and you’ll be happier knowing you’re polluting the earth just a little bit less.
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