Month: September 2014

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Solar Islands

 

Major, Jon.(2014, September 15). Japan: ‘solar islands’ replace nuclear power,

Environmental News Network: Energy, Retrieved September 18, 2014, from

http://www.enn.com/business/article/47833

 

Following the disaster at Hiroshima the Japanese public has lost much of its trust in nuclear power. Once seen as the clean energy future the risks the nuclear power plants pose in an earthquake heavy region have become very clear. The response to this has been a surge in interest in alternative clean energy solutions. Unfortunately the Island nation of Japan has little space to put large solar fields unlike America with its large lightly populated territory. To circumvent this problem Two large Japanese corporations have worked together to design and launch the first of thirty “solar islands”. The floating barges produce electricity via solar panels and this energy is transmitted by sunken cable to the mainland.  The best part of the idea is that it takes up space that was not already being used.

 

This is one of those ideas that makes you sit back and realize that the crazy sci-fi future might not be too far off. If we start making barges that produce their own electricity then the time of floating cities and towns might not be that far off. That aside this technology is just one more promising story of crazy new innovation that has taken hold of the energy industry of late. While this might not be the most practical solution for America this idea and others like it are part of this promising new wave of innovation that is going to define this coming era.

 

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Rocky Mountain Institute

 

Greenville, J.( 2014, June 22). The Rocky Mountain Institute and Weaning Ourselves

off of Oil and Coal. Emagazine, Emagazine: EarthTalk, Retreved July 15, 2014,

from http://www.emagazine.com/earth-talk/the-rocky-mountain-institute-

and-weaning-ourselves-off-of-oil-and-coal

 

 

The think tank Rocky Mountain Institute has proposed a plan to wean the country off fossil fuels. Instead of organizing large renewable energy plants, though they support the creation of such plants, they want to encourage a more grass roots effort to reduce our oil and coal dependence. By convincing architects to build new buildings in an energy conscious way and get people to install solar panels in their homes to reduce the weight on the energy grid. RMI also intends to push for large-scale improvements in cities that already embrace green technologies so they can lead the way for less progressive areas. The group has the goal of eliminating oil and coal dependence in America by 2050.

 

I think the plan that the Rocky Mountain Institute is following is wise because it does not depend on large private interest and political groups spending large quantities of money on new technology. By trying to make it possible for individual homeowners to eliminate the need for outside power. The best part of this plan is the way it defuses the cost of building the solar installations. Instead of the government or corporations spending billions replacing existing power plants with new ones, this cost is the main reason that all energy does not come from solar power today. Hopefully the movement takes root and solar energy becomes more common in the coming years.

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Solar Chimney

Grose, T. (2014, April 16). Solar Chimneys Can Convert Hot Air to Energy, But Is

Funding a Mirage?. National Geographic, National Geographic: Daily News,

Energy.Retrieved July 13, 2014, from

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/04/140416-

solar-updraft-towers-convert-hot-air-to-energy/

 

An inventive idea for a harnessing solar power that has long been looked to as a solution to the demand for energy has met numerous delays and issues. The solar chimney is an old idea that has been considered for years to be a possible solution to the question of green energy, but it is facing increasing problems with funding due the sheer size of the projects. Currently only one chimney in is under construction. Built in the arid central plains of Australia the chimney is going to be one kilometer tall and will cost more than a billion dollars. The towers are also much less efficient than solar panels.

 

 

The solar chimney is a valid energy production method and is made feasible by its lack of maintenance problems. The only moving part in a solar chimney is the turbine so there is little risk of mechanical damage. Because of this there is no need for constant maintenance as there is when using solar panels. Unfortunately the enormous up front cost of building these structures is preventing them from becoming common. However, due to the chimney’s convenient durability they may be sound investments in the future and could provide large quantities of clean cheap energy.

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Growth of Solar Power

Hayes, D. (2014, April 22). As nuclear power dies, solar rises. CNN, Cable News

       Network: CNN Opinion. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/22/opinion/hayes-denman-solar-

       power/index.html?iref=story search

 

Solar energy is now massively outgrowing nuclear power. In the last year alone solar energy has grown by 4.2 gigawats in the United States and in that time nuclear energy has grown by only 1.2 gigawats worldwide. This trend has caused some to call this the “true dawn of the Solar Age”. With growth in solar power comes the demise of nuclear plants across the country.  Upgrades to reactors and new plants are being canceled and big players from the nuclear industry such as Warren Buffet have invested in solar technology, heralding an end to the nuclear age.

 

 

The surge in growth for the solar power industry is a promising start to what I can only hope is an environmental revolution. The technology to make efficient solar panels and to avoid the hazards that come with using nuclear technology is here. That we have a real chance to create a green society and to reduce the impact we have on our ecosystems is incredible. However the production of energy by solar power still does not come close to meeting the required levels needed to support our societies consumption of energy. This progress is great but only the beginning and the trend must continue for years before it makes a serious impact.

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Dubai Adapting Solar Energy

Dubai is hoping to implement solar powers in homes around the country as part of an effort to diversify their resource.  The government is attempting to move away from their current heavy dependence on turbines powered by fossil fuels.  Dubai is planning on lowering their gas usage by 71% and employing a mix of power sources with nuclear energy, solar energy, and clean coal.  The regulations to connect Dubai homes and businesses are currently in the last stages of approval and development.  They are building the Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is projected to provide 200,000 by 2030, and also are in process of meeting demand for solar panels for homes and businesses for domestic energy requirements.  The cost of photovoltaic technology is expected to lower significantly before 2020, encouraging others to install solar energy.  Electricity costs for homes in Dubai are also expected to be reduced considerably.

Overall, solar energy is ideal for Dubai.  The country’s infamous man-made islands and lavish buildings are both funded for and powered by fossil fuels.  As sunlight is abundant in Dubai, solar energy could potentially power anything currently running on fossil fuels.  While Dubai should examine their current usage of fuel for many unnecessary projects, solar energy would offer a solution in their dependence upon hydrocarbons.  Other Middle Eastern and sun-abundant countries should consider fully adapting solar energy into their countries.

Masudi, F. (2014, September 6). Solar energy to power Dubai

homes | GulfNews.com: Gulf News. Retrieved from

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/solar-energy-to-power-dubai-homes-1.1382007

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Scientists Develop Water-Soluble Nanoparticles for Solar Energy

 

On August 12th at University of Massachusetts Amherst, a group of researchers composed of chemists, scientists, physicists, and others discovered an innovative new technique for altering the molecular makeup or nanoparticles.  Their method will lead to favorable economical and ecological manufacturing of photovoltaic cells used to harvest solar energy.  They found a way to control molecular assembly, which does not involve harmful toxic solvents such as chlorobenzene.  Their method creates water-soluble particles that can be used in applications like building construction, electronic device production, and more.  The particles are essentially pre-assembled and can even fit different companies’ requirements, such as electron flow direction, electron flow strength, and electron availability. While the researchers continue to develop their system, they already predict their adjusted nanoparticles could be used on flexible materials and clear surfaces to produce solar power.

The researchers’ new procedure assures a larger production of solar power, as the pre-fabricated nanoparticles are appealing to manufacturers for various reasons.  They are versatile in the manufacturing world, usage ranging from construction to common household items.  Consumers would likely not mind using products that generate their own solar energy, especially if the photovoltaic cells are barely visible.  The researchers’ discovery offers endless possibilities, all which use renewable energy.  If solar power becomes inexpensive and adaptable, more companies will adjust their products to become self-sufficient.

 

University of Massachusetts Amherst. (2014, August 12). Making eco-

friendly ‘pre-fab nanoparticles’: Versatile, water-soluble nano-modules. ScienceDaily. Science Daily : Your Source for the Latest Research News – – Science Daily. Retrieved August 13, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140812163320.html

 

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Saudi Arabia Shifts Toward Solar Energy, Damages U.S. Economy

Saudi Arabia’s recent advancements in solar energy could negatively affect the U.S. oil economy.  The popularity of solar power was illustrated in the first “Desert solar conference” in 2014 where major industry representatives discussed ideas for progressions in solar energy usage.  The U.S. Department of Commerce has considered repealing the ban of U.S. crude oil exports originally passed in 1970.  The author states they are attempting to benefit the U.S. oil economy by removing the previous restrictions.  However, recent shifts in Saudi Arabia to solar energy and rising interest in balancing diesel utilization with PV (photovoltaic)-created power and/or balancing petroleum refinery energy with PV-created power.  Both of these situations would decrease the demand and reduce the import of gasoline and diesel, hurting the U.S. economy.

The usage of solar energy is especially good for Saudi Arabia, where much energy is required to power cooling and air conditioning systems and desalinate water.  While the U.S. oil economy will not benefit from the implementation of solar energy, the environment and entire world will.  The United States needs to follow Saudi Arabia’s example in increasing our country’s production of renewable energy sources, so we won’t be dependent on nonrenewable fossil fuels in the forthcoming years.

Ann, C. (2014, September 5). U.S. Oil Economy Could Falter as Saudi Arabia

Enters Solar Market. Industry Leaders Magazine RSS. Retrieved September 6, 2014, from

http://www.industryleadersmagazine.com/u-s-oil-economy-could-falter-as-saudi-arabia-enters-solar-market/

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China Struggles with Solar Panel Production

 

 

China has made significant advancements in merging into solar energy systems but is suffering from quality manufacturing issues.   While about 19.5 gigawatts of solar panels have been installed by 2013, many are installed incorrectly or are defective, sometimes forcing entire solar farms to shut down.  The solar panel business in China has boomed in the last few years, by 2013 manufacturing more panels that the combined other countries of the world.  The poor quality panels are resulting in lower than expected outputs and banks refusing to finance solar energy projects.  Senior researchers at the Energy Research Institute of China’s National Development and Reform Commission believes, however, that the defective panels are simply part of the solar energy “learning curve” and excessive quality control on new manufactured panels could result in enormous expense for solar farms.

China’s recent efforts to switch to renewable solar energy are positive steps in reducing the countries’ large carbon output.  Their extensive manufacturing businesses are problematic because of their pollution and production of greenhouse gasses.  Solar panels would provide a sustainable energy source for current and future years.  However, China needs to properly produce and install these methods to meet expected energy outputs.  Hopefully China’s frenzy to install panels will inspire other countries to adapt similar solar energy technology but also caution them to do so correctly.

Liu, C., & Climatewire. (2014, August 12). Defective Photovoltaics and Other Flaws

Plague China’s Push to Build Solar Power: Scientific American.Science News, Articles, and Information | Scientific American.

Retrieved August 13, 2014, from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/defective-photovoltaics-and-other-flaws-plague-china-s-push-to-build-solar-power/

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The Creation of Transparent Solar Energy

Researchers at Michigan State University created the “transparent luminescent solar concentrator”, a new type of solar concentrator for usage on clear surfaces.  They developed a method for production of solar cells that developed a translucent layer over surfaces, unlike previous methods that left a colored tint over surfaces, making the method largely unappealing to consumers.  The new method is ideal for windows, cell phones, and other electronic devices that require higher aesthetic quality.  The [product is currently still in development to optimize its solar conversion efficiency to be comparable to other solar energy products on the market.  Their solar harvesting system absorbs invisible ultra violet and infrared wavelengths, which is converted to energy by photovoltaic solar cells near the edge of the surface.  The “transparent luminescent solar concentrator” is predicted to also be used for commercial or industrial applications, such as large, window-surfaced buildings, at a relatively inexpensive price.

The transparent luminescent solar concentrator has potential to lower humans’ carbon output without significant lifestyle changes.   While similar methodology previously existed, this new design is a game-changer because of its flexibility and potential for mass production.  Many businesses, corporations, and consumers are unwilling to convert to solar energy systems because they prefer to not sacrifice the “integrity’ of the building or phase away from traditional architectural styles by adding clunky or conspicuous solar panel structures.   With this new design, large buildings covered in window such as office buildings and hotels that are major consumers of energy will be able to supply part or all of the energy required to maintain their buildings.  If tech companies such as Samsung and Apple were to implement the T.L solar concentrator into their electronic devices, the devices could potentially be entirely self-sufficient, thus immensely decreasing fossil fuel usage by millions of people.  The T.L. is an amazing breakthrough in green technology.

 

Oswald, T., & Hunt, R. (2014, August 19). Solar energy that doesn’t block the view:

MSU Today. MSU Today: Michigan State University Today.

Retrieved August 23, 2014, from

http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2014/solar-energy-that-doesnt-block-the-view/

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Water Rights

  1. Grantham, T., & Viers, J. (2014). 100 years of California’s water rights system: Patterns, trends and uncertainty. 8.http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/9/8/084012/article
    1. This article mainly talks about the mishandling of water in California. Over the years scientists have misread how big our population will grow and in doing so have overestimated how much water we have. We as humans don’t realize how much water we use, so when we get into droughts like this is creates an even bigger effect not just on us but on the environment around us.
    2. This article is related to environmental science because it is a part of the water issues that we are facing today. We also need to learn ways to prevent these issues from happening again. These trends that we see are important to notice because we want to have future generations be able to help change these issues as well.