FGadgets » Solar Energy

Solar Toilet

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:51:37 +0000

Alternative energy has reached a point where we’re willing to stop at nothing to find different ways to power up our lives. Take for example Michael Hoffmann’s new project for a solar powered toilet, which aims to convert sewage into renewable power with the use of solar panels.

The premise is simple – you use the toilet, and once you’re done, the remnants are heated by means of energy generated by a solar panel, instead of simply flushing the remnants down the toilet. This leads to generation of carbon and hydrogen which can then be used to power fuel cells.

This project is being funded by none other than Bill and Melinda Gates with their Gates Foundation, and Michael (who, incidentally, is not related to Albert) believes he can bring down the hefty $2000 price-tag being slapped on the prototype drastically through mass production. His idea for this revolutionary new toilet stemmed from similar work using solar powered cells for the treatment and purification of water.

If this project is a success, who knows, maybe, you could one day have the privilege of using your own personal waste to power your living room! Ah, the wonders of technology.
Source: EcoFriend.com

Quantum Dot Solar Cells

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:25:38 +0000

A University of Toronto team led by Professor Ted Sargent has reported the development of the first two-layer quantum dot solar cell, that can be a game changer in the field of solar energy. The team has used two different specification of colloidal quantum dots ( CQS) , one tuned to absorb the visible part of the solar energy, and the other to absorb the infrared and near-infrared part of it, increasing the theoretical junction efficiency from 31 percent to 42 percent.

The conventional bulk silicon solar cells can only absorb energy from the visible spectrum of sunlight. The rest of the energy is passed through unabsorbed on poorly absorbed.The PbS ( Lead Sulfide) colloidal quantum dots, used by the Toronto team, have the advantage of being capable of being tuned to absorb different parts of the solar spectrum.

Combining two layers into a “tandem junction” has been attempted earlier too, but the problem had always been the resistance at the junction that led to losses. The Toronto team has come up with a solution to this problem by using a combination of four metal oxides in a cascaded transition layer that has kept the resistance “nice and low” as Prof Sargent puts it. The team has also chosen transparent oxides to permit the sunlight to pass through the lower layer.

The team is reported to have applied the CQS in layers on a Tin Oxide coated glass plate in ambient air and temperature conditions. Since the process does not need specialised equipment, it could eventually be as easy to apply as spraying on. The technology also permits increasing the number of layers to 3 or 4 that could push the theoretical junction efficiency as high as 84 percent.

While the theoretical junction efficiency has been increased to 42 percent, the Toronto team’s first two layer cell has an efficiency of only a tenth of that at 4.2 percent. The Toronto team is confident that in the next 5 years, this efficiency will be increased to 10 percent. The lower efficiency of quantum dot cells will be offset by their lower costs both in manufacture and application.

Source: EcoFriend.com

Solar Stand By Wei-Chih Hsu

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:14:34 +0000

Functionality, practicality and sustainability go hand in hand with the above pictured conception. Conceived by Taiwanese industrial designer Wei-Chih Hsu, and aptly dubbed as the Solar Stand, the contraption is basically a stylishly portable stand (for Smartphones and Tablets) that incorporates two solar panels along with a lithium-ion battery pack. So from the perspective of serviceability the showpiece stand/rack doubly acts up as a fully operational solar powered charger for a plethora of electronic gadgets.

The designer has envisaged of a simple and user friendly system in which devices such as mobile phones, smartphones and tablets can be rested along the supports of the foldable solar paneled ‘flaps’ (as shown in the above picture). Once their positions are fixed, the Solar stand can juice up the device by clean and green solar power. The power (electricity) generated will actually be stored in the lithium-ion battery, and the phone can be charged directly from it via a micro-USB cable. The contraption will in actuality comprise of two solar panels (which can be adjusted to different angles) with different capabilities of power generation. The shorter panel could be used to charge smaller devices such as smartphones, while the longer one could be used for comparatively larger devices such as tablets.

The charging oriented mechanism of the Solar Stand doesn’t necessarily mean that the designer has forgotten about the conception’s utility as a fully portable phone/tablet stand. The surfaces, edges of the solar panels and even the lower base part of the charger will be embedded with tough rubber sheets with higher frictional quality. This will allow the gadgets to be kept in support more easily, without the fear of them sliding off the surfaces. And when kept in a stable position, such devices can just as smartly be charged anywhere by off-grid, renewable solar power.
Designer: Wei-Chih Hsu
Source: EcoFriend.com

Eva – Autonomous GPS For Different Types Of Users

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:05:55 +0000

In today’s rushed times, almost everyone needs to reach destinations, the directions of which are sometimes unknown. Eva, comes as a solution for all these ‘geographical’ needs, and brings along an eco-friendly perspective, with its solar powered operations.

Whether it was reaching the particular client’s office at the other end of town, or the quest to find the way on the jigsaw of a roadmap, Eva comes to the relief of those who have been ‘geographically’ challenged. The ones suffering the most in such common situations are those with special needs or are physically incapable of finding their way out. With its multi-interface input system, this device can take inputs from the 8 different touch points on the screen which vibrate to give out directions, or through voice (with or without headphones) or even simply gives information output through the display itself!

The device, with the help of the inbuilt camera, displays the information about routes to desired destination when one points towards the particular direction. Also, the device takes in information about most popularly visited destinations by the user, and can be retrieved later if desired. To make sure the output is authentic; the device uses the platforms such as the internet and the GPS system, displaying exact details and the alternatives routes. To make the functionality more user-friendly, the device comes with built in gaming programmes which are integrated to give out information via the screen, or audio or even simply vibration signals. Also, the unique shape and styling has ensured that the Eva fits well into the palm of your hand which makes it easy to use.

What stands out as a surprise factor is that all these operations are carried on by power from the solar panels, fitted with the device! The solar panels take it energy from the sun, and convert it into electrical charge which eventually runs the device. Other eco-friendly aspects include the body of the device, made from softwood pulp, which can molded if desired, and also its screen which is made from e-paper, a low energy consuming material used to make display screens. And what’s more; the quality of display doesn’t get affected when exposed to direct sunlight, unlike other devices where the output on the screen in virtually invisible.

A much needed relief for people like us, who find it difficult to find their way out, or most importantly the ones who are physically incapable of doing so. But the demand for the device would be affected by 2 main factors: availability and price across different countries.

Source: EcoFriend.com

Solar Camera Strap By Weng Jie

admin — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:13 +0000

There are some concepts you wish would materialize right away. One of them is definitely the concept solar camera strap by designer Weng Jie. Many a times you are out clicking pictures and you realize your DSLR is running low on battery and you have forgotten to carry extra batteries with you. If there is no shop nearby, you have to return unhappy without clicking the pictures. But if the concept solar powered strap becomes a reality, you won’t ever have to worry about running out of battery. The concept strap features solar cells along that part of the strap that goes around your neck. Just attach it to your camera and step out in the sun and it will immediately begin charging your camera.

A great for absent minded photographers who always forget to take extra batteries, this concept strap needs to materialize soon.

Designer: Weng Jie
Source: DesignLaunches.com

Peek – Solar Dining Tray By Christy Tong

admin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:10:21 +0000

There are some solar devices that actually fore go the use of solar panels altogether. Baffled? Well, industrial designer Christy Tong has exactly contrived one such refined yet precocious line of products named as the Peek. It progressively utilizes a new technology of solar-sensitized ink that can be applied to glass to capture and transfer energy.

The design is basically a dining tray with a sort of tepidly bulging projection in the lower part. According to the designer, it helps in securing plates and glasses, and makes it easy to hold the tray from negative spaces. Moreover, this also allows for free and flexible movement at social gatherings and meetings.

Furthermore, the ‘intelligent’ solar tray can actually sense the weight of an empty cup and connect wirelessly to a social network with an appropriate I.D.

Designer: Christy Tong
Source: Eco Friend

Public Poster – Solar Powered Electronic Public Bulletin Board

admin — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:12:14 +0000

Public Poster is a solar-powered electronic public bulletin board that displays uploaded information and images on an e-paper screen.
Public bulletin boards are a good way to publish information, but they are not always easy to maintain. Furthermore, the information on bulletin boards is not easy to browse, and some items can be overlooked. Public Poster provides an interface for the exchange of published information. Information is transmitted wirelessly to Public Poster, which is powered by solar energy. No paper is required.

Public Poster uses e-paper to save energy and reduce the consumption of paper and ink. Its display contains several different grid sizes, and the appropriate format and combination can be selected according to need. People can use the Internet or Bluetooth gadgets to dispatch images (in standard formats ranging from A5 to A2 size) or video to Public Poster. The public can easily browse the various pieces of information. Advertisers can simply launch their advertisement at will. When the ad expires, the e-paper will become transparent to indicate that space is available for others to use.

During the day, Public Poster collects solar energy. At night, it can become a public lantern and provide a light source as well as an atmospheric environment. Public Poster has a simple external design with simple styling to prevent any negative impressions from viewers and to further integrate itself into various environments.

Designers: Cheng Ya-Fang, Lin Nien-An
Source: Itechfuture.com

FiiL Mobiel Phone With Tangible User Interface Gives Physical Form To Digital Information

admin — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:23:03 +0000

Touchscreen interface offering great flexibility to mobile users has just brought about a revolution in the cellphone industry. After touchscreen, now Tangible User Interface (TUI) allowing users to interact with digital information through the physical environment could well be the next big thing, though in a couple of decades, in the mobile phone market. In an attempt to give physical form to digital information, Japanese designer Mac Funamizu has come up with a cellphone concept called the “FiiL” that lets you virtually feel what you touch on the screen.

Essentially a touch sensitive device, the TUI cellphone comes with a flexible screen surface that makes z-axis movements to create shapes of buttons and switches for the ease of use. As soon the user touches the touch-sensitive interface, real buttons appear onto the screen that they can feel even with a gentle push. In addition, the futuristic cellphone is helpful for the visually disabled, as they can scan and render its surface with ease. Moreover, the solar charging makes it a complete mobile devise, allowing users to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

Designer: Mac Funamizu
Source: Thedesignblog.org

KARD Concept Phone By Cyrene Quiamco

admin — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 07:23:56 +0000

Industrial designer Cyrene Quiamco took inspiration from a Swiss Army knife to design a concept phone
that eases music, contact information and other data transfer that till date is mostly transferred via Bluetooth. The concept phone, known as Kard, utilizes electronic cards to exchange information between two similar devices.

The cellphone packs a card reader and a touchscreen interface. Cards can be made from a wide range of materials, which can be flexible as well. Transferring data from one cellphone to another requires a swipe of the relevant card. Other cards can include a solar panel card that the user can flip to change the cellphone when it is out of juice. The device can support a maximum of 10 cards, which will each perform a unique task.

Designer: Cyrene Quiamco
Source: Itechfuture.com

WSG Concept Designed To Harvest Solar And Tidal Energy

admin — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:44:54 +0000

The WSG, or Wave and Solar Energy Generator, is the brainchild of Korean designers Seung Woo Jung, Jung Seung Woo, Kim Hyun Jun and Kim Min Jung, who believe that the answer to green energy lies in ocean tides and sunshine. The concept system has been devised to generate renewable electrical energy from ocean tides, waves and sunshine during the day.

During night the device continues to provide power by utilizing only the tides and waves. Electricity generated by the system is transferred to land by underwater cables. During night the system also glows using some of the energy generated by it.

Designers: Seung Woo Jung, Jung Seung Woo, Kim Hyun Jun, Kim Min Jung
Source: Ecofriend.org