Toward a More Efficient Use of Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy. In one hour we get enough sunlight on the earth to power the planet for a year. The molecular design of new materials for efficient harvesting of photons from the sun is promising. But storing that energy requires the next generation of batteries: sustainable, safe, and high-energy. Alan Heeger, Lon Bell and Jean-Marie Tarason explore new ways to meet our energy needs. Series: Summit on Energy Efficiency [11/2009] [Science] [Show ID: 17378]]]>http://youtube.com/?v=9PLlTCn1XSoToward a More Efficient Use of Renewable Energy Sourcesenergy, renewable, conservationUCtelevisionRead More... [Source: YouTube Videos tagged with renewable energy]

Solar energy for homes

www.mysolarenergyforhomes.com explains some basic reasons why you should look at generating you own solar energy for your home.
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How It's Made - Solar Panels

www.earth4energy.org
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Could Honda CR-Z Be The World's First Sexy Hybrid?

Honda�"s new CR-Z hybrid coupe is schedule to hit dealerships in the UK and USA at about the same time this summer. But while the Honda CR-Z has so far remained under the radar in America, the small sporty hybrid is garnering a lot of positive press on the other side of the pond.

We can�"t imagine that Honda Motor Europe�"s project in group filmmaking, Live Every Litre, is the reason for the extra attention. The marketing effort�hypothetically designed to promote the CR-Z as hip�yielded a set of YouTube road trip vignettes that induce equal parts confusion and boredom. Nonetheless, a trio of British auto reviewers recently reported a much better time from behind the wheel of the CR-Z.

Quentin Willson of The Mirror was nearly ecstatic about the car. He wrote that the CR-Z �Sis set to become one of the most desirable cars on the planet.⬝ Willson added, �SLooking like nothing else on the road, with a wonderful swooping roofline, it's a lulu to drive.⬝

He praised the CR-Z�"s handling and steering. �SThis is one of Honda's best cars yet, and the world's first truly sporting hybrid coupe⬦Sustainability never looked sexier.⬝

Jason Barlow of BBC�"s Top Gear�usually no fan of hybrids�agreed with Willson. �SBy sticking the Insight's hybrid tech into something that doesn't look like a slapped arse,⬝ Barlow quipped, �SHonda might finally have made eco motoring sexy.⬝ Barlow also praised the CR-Z for its handling. �SIt's proper fun to drive,⬝ Barlow wrote.

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Are Lithium Air Batteries the Future of Electric Vehicles?

Researchers at Argonne Labs are in the early stages of developing lithium air batteries, which according to some scientists, could be as much as 100 times more powerful than current electric vehicle battery packs.

With the first wave of plug-in cars set to hit the market later this year, there is still uncertainty as to whether consumers will balk at price tag and range limitations of early-model electric vehicles. Both of these drawbacks can be traced to the shortcomings of the current generation of lithium ion batteries, which have made huge strides in the last decade but are still perceived to not meet the needs of some drivers.

But what if lithium batteries could be lighter, cheaper and at least five times more powerful than those that will power cars like the Chevy Volt, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, or Nissan Leaf?

Argonne Laboratories says that lithium air batteries could be all of these things and more, and it's using an $8.8 million government grant to develop them.

A Battery That Breathes, But Don't Hold Your Breath

A regular lithium ion battery works by moving ions from a carbon anode through an electrolyte (usually lithium salts) to a solid metal oxide cathode. Lithium air batteries use a lithium anode and a porous carbon cathode, allowing the lithium ions to move freely through an unlimited supply of oxygen. The difference, in layman's terms, is that a lithium air battery �Sbreathes,⬝ allowing its capacity to be limited only by how much lithium is contained in its the anode. This results in a battery that is smaller, lighter, and hopefully cheaper. It could also mean electric vehicles that are more powerful, carrying ranges of 500 miles or more.

As a technology, lithium air is still in its infancy, but clean-tech start-ups, universities and carmakers all over the world are racing to figure out whether it is indeed the future electric mobility. Most experts say that the battery is at least a decade away (possibly two,) and there are several major hurdles to bringing down costs and ensuring that the technology will hold up to real world challenges.

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NV Solar Energy Overview Video

An overview of the solar energy products offered by NV Solar Energy. From 3 panel solutions, to 8 panels solutions. There now is a clear, affordable and easy to install solar panel solution for your home or business.
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Are Lithium Air Batteries the Future of Electric Vehicles?

Researchers at Argonne Labs are in the early stages of developing lithium air batteries, which according to some scientists, could be as much as 100 times more powerful than current electric vehicle battery packs.

With the first wave of plug-in cars set to hit the market later this year, there is still uncertainty as to whether consumers will balk at price tag and range limitations of early-model electric vehicles. Both of these drawbacks can be traced to the shortcomings of the current generation of lithium ion batteries, which have made huge strides in the last decade but are still perceived to not meet the needs of some drivers.

But what if lithium batteries could be lighter, cheaper and at least five times more powerful than those that will power cars like the Chevy Volt, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, or Nissan Leaf?

Argonne Laboratories says that lithium air batteries could be all of these things and more, and it's using an $8.8 million government grant to develop them.

A Battery That Breathes

A regular lithium ion battery works by moving ions from a carbon anode through an electrolyte (usually lithium salts) to a solid metal oxide cathode. Lithium air batteries use a lithium anode and a porous carbon cathode, allowing the lithium ions to move freely through an unlimited supply of oxygen. The difference, in layman's terms, is that a lithium air battery �Sbreathes,⬝ allowing its capacity to be limited only by how much lithium is contained in its the anode. This results in a battery that is smaller, lighter, and hopefully cheaper. It could also mean electric vehicles that are more powerful, carrying ranges of 500 miles or more.

As a technology, lithium air is still in its infancy, but clean-tech start-ups, universities and carmakers all over the world are racing to figure out whether it is indeed the future electric mobility. Most experts say that the battery is at least a decade away (possibly two,) and there are several major hurdles to bringing down costs and ensuring that the technology will hold up to real world challenges.

read more

Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]