Vanderbilt University Students Create Green Spinach Solar Cells

Everyone knows that Popeye got his strength from spinach, but a team of researchers at Vanderbilt University believe we harness certain properties from spinach in order to generate electricity. The team has developed a technique to combine the photosynthetic protein that converts light into electrochemical energy in spinach with silicon, the material used in solar cells in order to create “

The team, whose research was published online on Sep. 4 in the journal Advanced Materials, was led by David Cliffel, associate professor of chemistry and Kane Jennings, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

“This combination produces current levels almost 1,000 times higher than we were able to achieve by depositing the protein on various types of metals. It also produces a modest increase in voltage,” Cliffel noted.

“If we can continue on our current trajectory of increasing voltage and current levels, we could reach the range of mature solar conversion technologies in three years.”

The team has announced that their next step is to build a fully functional PS1-silicon solar cell. Jennings believes that a two-foot panel would be capable of putting out at least 100 milliamps at one volt. While that’s not enough to power a house, it would be enough to charge a number of small electrical gadgets.

But why spinach? For one thing, the green vegetable contains a certain protein used in photosynthesis that continues to function even when it is extracted. Known as PS1, this protein was discovered to convert sunlight into electrical energy with nearly 100% efficiency, compared to conversion efficiencies of less than 40% achieved by man-made devices. This prompted various research groups around the world to begin trying to use PS1 to create more efficient solar cells. It’s also cheaper to grow spinach than to use finite resources like platinum and indium!

 

“Nature knows how to do this extremely well. In evergreen trees, for example, PS1 lasts for years,” said Cliffel. “We just have to figure out how to do it ourselves.”

Climate Art! :)

Beautiful climate art with a powerful message! :)

Old Man In The Tree

Lyman Whitaker Wind Sculptures

A Compilation of Wind Sculptures in Motion

Created By: Lyman Whitaker

London’s 2012 Olympic Park Adds Vertical Axis Turbines

Seven Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Added To London’s 2012 Olympic Park

By: Timon Singh

08/04/12

The Olympic Delivery Authority has installed vertical axis wind turbines in London’s Olympic Park after plans to place a single, giant wind turbine fell through. The London 2012 Olympic Games has received some flak for not meeting its green targets and failing to be the ‘Green Olympics’ that it promised to be, but the installation of the seven qr5 turbines suggests that Olympic organizers are still attempting to meet their sustainable goals.

Vertical axis turbines work differently to conventional three blade turbine and are actually deemed to be more efficient as they don’t require power or a minimum wind speed to start. The original Olympic plans discussed the potential installation of a large wind turbine at the Stratford park site, but it never happened. Now the smaller vertical wind turbines are stepping in to fill the renewable energy void that it has left.

The seven qr5 turbines are being provided by British wind turbine manufacturer Quiet Revolution, and although there is no official statement from either the company or the Olympic Authority on their installaion, it is known that the turbines stand 18 metres tall and can provide up to 7,500 kWh of power a year.

Speaking to The Guardian, a spokesman for the Olympic Delivery Authority said that the wind turbines each cost £40,000, but are expected to pay for themselves within 12 years. “Sustainability has been designed into the project from the beginning, and as a result the ODA will significantly exceed its 50 per cent target to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction of the Olympic Park,” he said.

“These seven turbines serve a valuable dual function by providing 40 per cent of the energy for high-powered streetlights as well contributing to the overall renewable energy target. The turbines are connected to the Park’s energy supply, which feed renewable energy into the Olympic Park energy network during the day, which offsets power used by the lamp at night.”

It's Summer and It's Fair Time!

Skystream Powers Belgium Agricultural Fair
A mid-summer celebration of all things sustainable

A Unique Event
With over 300,000 square meters of exposition space, the Libramont fair is Europe’s time to shine for the rural market. Emphasizing a “green” theme of recycling and renewable energy, Windeo wanted the Skystream wind turbines to gain more visibility among the farming industry population.

Starting today, the 250,000 expected visitors of the Libramont fair will see a greener event this year thanks to the Skystream 3.7. Our wind turbines not only welcome the fair-goers at the entrance, but they also provide energy to the fairgrounds, further instilling a “green” aspect.

Of the 1,500 exhibitors at Europe’s biggest outdoor event of the year, Windeo Green future is the only renewable energy partner at the fair. Aside from the entranceway turbines, Windeo added some visual aspects to explain that the systems produce “green energy” for the fair. In the Main Hall at Stand 33H-1.019 Windeo is also educating fair-goers about green energy. They a demo Skystream at their 50-m² stand along with a solar tracker and decorated grass on the stands roof.

The fair began today (July 27) and will run through Monday. If you’re at the Foire de Libramont, stop by and say hi to our friends at Windeo!

.

Once in a Blue Moon......