un Catalytix Corp., a distributed energy storage company, today announced it has received a third seed tranche from Polaris Venture Partners.
The company has also exclusively licensed a portfolio of water-splitting catalysis patents from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The licensed patents, developed in the MIT laboratories of Professor and Sun Catalytix Co-Founder Daniel G. Nocera, are central to Sun Catalytix energy storage breakthroughs.
Sun Catalytix technology readily and inexpensively stores renewable energy in the form of chemical bonds to enable distributed, round-the-clock use of solar- and wind-derived energy.
"Polaris has a long history of working successfully with entrepreneurial professors at MIT and other research universities around the world, and the addition of Sun Catalytix is an excellent fit with our growing portfolio of energy technology companies," said Bob Metcalfe, Sun Catalytix director as well as Ethernet inventor, 3Com founder and a general partner at Polaris leading the firm's energy investments.
"This investment supports the development of technology that will make affordable, renewable energy a reality," said Amir Nashat, general partner at Polaris and Sun Catalytix founding CEO. "The company has been briskly meeting its seed milestones, and we're now recruiting key members of the start-up team, including our next CEO."
In addition to Nocera, Metcalfe and Nashat, the Sun Catalytix team includes Co-Founder and Chairman Arthur L. Goldstein, former CEO of Ionix.
Sun Catalytix is developing inexpensive, safe, non-toxic, efficient catalyst technologies for storing solar energy to make it available when the sun is not shining.
The catalysts mimic photosynthesis by using energy, captured from a photovoltaic cell or other source, to split water (H2O) into Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O2). The company's electrolyzers are different from conventional technology in that they can use a broad range of water sources - including unpurified fresh or salt water - in benign conditions and at transformatively low costs.
According to Nocera, "Sun Catalytix opportunities are in proliferating high-volume, low-cost electrolyzers in a decentralized fashion, rather than in improving today's expensive, large-scale electrolyzers."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Buildings and Energy Efficiency
Heat loss through walls, windows, floors and the roof is wasted energy and anything that can be done to prevent this will be advantageous to your pocket as well as to the environment. Insulation in these areas is of prime importance when constructing a new property or renovating and older one. Also heating, cooling and lighting methods must be considered.
One method of efficient heating is passive heating and this is where heat from the sun and external warm air is used to back up the property’s heating system thus reducing its work load. Passive cooling techniques can also be used such as constructing shades for windows and the growing of ever green trees to provide shade.
Passive lighting in the form of sky lights and light tubes that direct natural light into the property reducing the need of electrically derived illumination.
Other considerations that will add to a building’s efficiency is to use solar air heaters and photo voltaic solar panels to provide green electricity and reduce the necessity of generating power using fossil fuels.
In summary it can be gathered that taking all these things into consideration that although initial costs may be high, in the long term it is in the interest of all of us not only in financial terms but in environmental terms to be aware of our home’s energy efficiency.
One method of efficient heating is passive heating and this is where heat from the sun and external warm air is used to back up the property’s heating system thus reducing its work load. Passive cooling techniques can also be used such as constructing shades for windows and the growing of ever green trees to provide shade.
Passive lighting in the form of sky lights and light tubes that direct natural light into the property reducing the need of electrically derived illumination.
Other considerations that will add to a building’s efficiency is to use solar air heaters and photo voltaic solar panels to provide green electricity and reduce the necessity of generating power using fossil fuels.
In summary it can be gathered that taking all these things into consideration that although initial costs may be high, in the long term it is in the interest of all of us not only in financial terms but in environmental terms to be aware of our home’s energy efficiency.
Solarion’s solar cell system passes damp-heat test
German solar developer Solarion’s flexible encapsulation system for thin-film solar cells on plastic has passed a damp-heat test of achieving 1,000 hours at 85 per cent humidity and 85°C, for performance and durability of thin-film solar modules.
‘A flexible packaging of large area photovoltaic devices with efficiencies of about 10 per cent represents a real bright spot for new photovoltaic applications. We are seeing a strong demand for highly efficient, flexible and lightweight solar modules,’ said Karsten Otte, CEO at Solarion.
‘The availability of such photovoltaic products enables completely new product solutions for example in the field of solar roofing materials for buildings or for implementing these products into automotive lightweight constructions which will become more and more important with completely electric powered vehicles,’ Otte added.
Volkswagen has presented the concept car E-Up, with a curved solar module roof incorporating solar technology developed by Solarion.
Solarion, which was founded in 2000, develops and produces thin-film solar modules using copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS), establishing the first European pilot-line for CIGS thin-film cells on a flexible polymer in 2002. Mass-manufacturing of CIGS modules is planned for the year 2010.
‘A flexible packaging of large area photovoltaic devices with efficiencies of about 10 per cent represents a real bright spot for new photovoltaic applications. We are seeing a strong demand for highly efficient, flexible and lightweight solar modules,’ said Karsten Otte, CEO at Solarion.
‘The availability of such photovoltaic products enables completely new product solutions for example in the field of solar roofing materials for buildings or for implementing these products into automotive lightweight constructions which will become more and more important with completely electric powered vehicles,’ Otte added.
Volkswagen has presented the concept car E-Up, with a curved solar module roof incorporating solar technology developed by Solarion.
Solarion, which was founded in 2000, develops and produces thin-film solar modules using copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS), establishing the first European pilot-line for CIGS thin-film cells on a flexible polymer in 2002. Mass-manufacturing of CIGS modules is planned for the year 2010.
AIG Solar boilers
AGI supports humanitarian and environmental causes with the donation(s) you make in the name of relatives, colleagues, family, etc. Oxfam America is a large relief organization and it’s Unwrapped program has a wide array of charitable gifts. I love these services because there’s nothing that says Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, or Happy Hanukkah like giving a solar boiler or manure or a flock of ducks. It’s serious fun to give these gifts to loved ones and it makes a huge impact on the communities the gifts go to.
When it comes to Thanksgiving celebration, I usually try to fast if I don’t have plans with friends. This year I’ll likely be observing a day of fasting and reflection. The Boston Globe ran an article on how these actions might more closely reflect the original Thanksgiving celebrations. Fasting is not something to take lightly, so talk to your doctor before attempting this, and research articles on how to enter and break a fast. For me, fasting and reflecting definitely simplify the holidays and make me more, well, thankful. And isn’t that the point of this week?
When it comes to Thanksgiving celebration, I usually try to fast if I don’t have plans with friends. This year I’ll likely be observing a day of fasting and reflection. The Boston Globe ran an article on how these actions might more closely reflect the original Thanksgiving celebrations. Fasting is not something to take lightly, so talk to your doctor before attempting this, and research articles on how to enter and break a fast. For me, fasting and reflecting definitely simplify the holidays and make me more, well, thankful. And isn’t that the point of this week?
Opening of Florida solar-energy facility
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama promoted the smart grid and renewable energy at the opening of Florida Power & Light's DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center (shown). The facility consists of more than 90,500 solar panels, making it the largest solar-photovoltaic plant in the country and, according to FPL, its annual estimated generation is about 42,000 megawatt hours.
The president outlined how the federal government is making a $3.4 billion investment from Recovery Act funds to modernize the country's electric grid with a goal of creating a more-reliable, more-efficient system. "But getting there will take a few more days like this one and more projects like this one," said the president. "And I have often said that the creation of such an economy is going to require nothing less than the sustained effort of an entire nation—an all-hands-on-deck approach similar to the mobilization that preceded World War II or the Apollo Project."
If you're interested in using solar power at your home, read our report on solar water heaters from the October 2009 issue of Consumer Reports and look for ongoing coverage of these devices on this blog, such as this testing update from earlier this month.—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
Essential information: The president referred to World War II the other day, and it was during this era that George Löf undertook his first experiments with solar power. Löf, a solar innovator who died earlier this month at the age of 95, is credited with creating one of the earliest solar-heated homes in this country, according to his obituary in The Wall Street Journal. Löf's system consisted of a large glass roof panel that heated a pile of gravel in the basement, which in turn warmed the house.
The president outlined how the federal government is making a $3.4 billion investment from Recovery Act funds to modernize the country's electric grid with a goal of creating a more-reliable, more-efficient system. "But getting there will take a few more days like this one and more projects like this one," said the president. "And I have often said that the creation of such an economy is going to require nothing less than the sustained effort of an entire nation—an all-hands-on-deck approach similar to the mobilization that preceded World War II or the Apollo Project."
If you're interested in using solar power at your home, read our report on solar water heaters from the October 2009 issue of Consumer Reports and look for ongoing coverage of these devices on this blog, such as this testing update from earlier this month.—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
Essential information: The president referred to World War II the other day, and it was during this era that George Löf undertook his first experiments with solar power. Löf, a solar innovator who died earlier this month at the age of 95, is credited with creating one of the earliest solar-heated homes in this country, according to his obituary in The Wall Street Journal. Löf's system consisted of a large glass roof panel that heated a pile of gravel in the basement, which in turn warmed the house.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cloud Over India's Solar Power Plans
India is betting big on abundant sunshine to feed its growing power needs, but funding costs and feeble solar panel manufacturing capacity are clouding its ambitions to harness the non-fossil fuel.
In July 2009, India unveiled a $19 billion plan to produce 20 GW of solar power by 2020, with this increasing to 100 GW by 2030 and 200 GW by 2050.
It's a hugely ambitious project--solar now accounts for only a tiny proportion of India's energy mix. The need for more capacity is clear--apart from environmental imperatives, India's inability to meet power demand now has for long crimped its economic growth.
Rules governing the sale of solar power to India's national and state grid companies are vague, solar equipment makers don't yet produce enough to benefit from economies of scale and bring down prices, and financing costs make it difficult to expand output rapidly.
Of India's installed generating capacity of 152.36 gigawatts, there are just two megawatts of solar capacity connected to the grid. There is no data available for off-grid generation.
However, things are moving. On Saturday the government is to unveil a roadmap on how India can achieve its target, which includes provision for surplus solar power made in the domestic sector to be fed into the grid for a fee.
It will also include the role of the federal and provincial governments, funding issues and what sort of financial supports will be made available.
Grid companies aren't obliged to buy solar power but the "Solar Mission" announcement may change this.
Solar power in India costs 15 rupees ($0.32) per kilowatt hour, compared to 3.5 rupees per kilowatt hour power drawn from the national grid, government officials say.
Other parts of the roadmap may call for government buildings to be fitted with solar panels by 2012, and for the promotion of microfinancing to encourage nearly 20 million households to start using solar power by 2020.
"The solar push will not come easy. After all, we are talking about the world's second most populous nation transitioning from fossil-fuel energy, which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of our electricity generation, to solar power becoming a substantial part of the country's energy mix," Rajiv Arya, chief executive officer of Moser-Baer (India) Ltd.'s photovoltaic business.
Photovoltaic cells, are usually made of silicon, collect solar energy and convert it to electricity.
Moser-Baer will invest $5 billion over 10 years to build new photovoltaic cell manufacturing capacity, in plants in Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi, Chairman Deepak Puri said Tuesday.
Only two other local companies--Tata BP Solar and Webel-SL Energy Systems Ltd. -- make solar panels.
The government recently invited bids from companies to set up photovoltaic cell making plants, and offered a range of supports for this.
"The investment required to set up a 3000 megawatt manufacturing capacity will be around 180 billion rupees," said Rajiv Jain, associate director at India Semiconductor Association. "It is not the money but the cost of finance that will be critical." Industry players such as K. Subramanya, chief executive at Tata BP Solar, expect the targets can be met and funding won't be a hurdle.
"This is entirely possible and we have in front of us examples of telecom and internet revolutions that have happened in less than a decade," Mr. Subramanya said.
In July 2009, India unveiled a $19 billion plan to produce 20 GW of solar power by 2020, with this increasing to 100 GW by 2030 and 200 GW by 2050.
It's a hugely ambitious project--solar now accounts for only a tiny proportion of India's energy mix. The need for more capacity is clear--apart from environmental imperatives, India's inability to meet power demand now has for long crimped its economic growth.
Rules governing the sale of solar power to India's national and state grid companies are vague, solar equipment makers don't yet produce enough to benefit from economies of scale and bring down prices, and financing costs make it difficult to expand output rapidly.
Of India's installed generating capacity of 152.36 gigawatts, there are just two megawatts of solar capacity connected to the grid. There is no data available for off-grid generation.
However, things are moving. On Saturday the government is to unveil a roadmap on how India can achieve its target, which includes provision for surplus solar power made in the domestic sector to be fed into the grid for a fee.
It will also include the role of the federal and provincial governments, funding issues and what sort of financial supports will be made available.
Grid companies aren't obliged to buy solar power but the "Solar Mission" announcement may change this.
Solar power in India costs 15 rupees ($0.32) per kilowatt hour, compared to 3.5 rupees per kilowatt hour power drawn from the national grid, government officials say.
Other parts of the roadmap may call for government buildings to be fitted with solar panels by 2012, and for the promotion of microfinancing to encourage nearly 20 million households to start using solar power by 2020.
"The solar push will not come easy. After all, we are talking about the world's second most populous nation transitioning from fossil-fuel energy, which accounts for nearly 60 per cent of our electricity generation, to solar power becoming a substantial part of the country's energy mix," Rajiv Arya, chief executive officer of Moser-Baer (India) Ltd.'s photovoltaic business.
Photovoltaic cells, are usually made of silicon, collect solar energy and convert it to electricity.
Moser-Baer will invest $5 billion over 10 years to build new photovoltaic cell manufacturing capacity, in plants in Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi, Chairman Deepak Puri said Tuesday.
Only two other local companies--Tata BP Solar and Webel-SL Energy Systems Ltd. -- make solar panels.
The government recently invited bids from companies to set up photovoltaic cell making plants, and offered a range of supports for this.
"The investment required to set up a 3000 megawatt manufacturing capacity will be around 180 billion rupees," said Rajiv Jain, associate director at India Semiconductor Association. "It is not the money but the cost of finance that will be critical." Industry players such as K. Subramanya, chief executive at Tata BP Solar, expect the targets can be met and funding won't be a hurdle.
"This is entirely possible and we have in front of us examples of telecom and internet revolutions that have happened in less than a decade," Mr. Subramanya said.
DIY-Solar-Air-Heater
Make a DIY solar air heater from soda cans for next to nothing.
Pictured below is a simple small passive solar heater made from recycled aluminium drinks cans and used to heat a room.
If the building to be heated is well insultated, a solar heater such as this can lift the temperature by a significant number of degrees. A larger heater or a number of similar heaters can be used to heat larger spaces, or to heat smaller spaces to a higher temperature.Offcuts of 2 x 4 and a sheet of plywood were used to build a box to tightly hold 5 rows of 10 black-painted aluminium drinks cans.
The inside of the box was then sealed using silicone to prevent hot air from escaping.
Cold air is drawn in from a hole at the bottom of the box, and the heated air emerges from the top passing through a pipe into the room to be heated. A perspex sheet was glued to the box to let sunlight in but not let the hot air escape.
Pictured below is a simple small passive solar heater made from recycled aluminium drinks cans and used to heat a room.
If the building to be heated is well insultated, a solar heater such as this can lift the temperature by a significant number of degrees. A larger heater or a number of similar heaters can be used to heat larger spaces, or to heat smaller spaces to a higher temperature.Offcuts of 2 x 4 and a sheet of plywood were used to build a box to tightly hold 5 rows of 10 black-painted aluminium drinks cans.
The inside of the box was then sealed using silicone to prevent hot air from escaping.
Cold air is drawn in from a hole at the bottom of the box, and the heated air emerges from the top passing through a pipe into the room to be heated. A perspex sheet was glued to the box to let sunlight in but not let the hot air escape.
Sanyo Opens Salem Solar Cell Plant
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski joined officials from electronics giant Sanyo in Salem Monday to help open a solar cell plant. It's the same place the governor visited a year ago to celebrate the plant's ground-breaking.
Last fall, when Governor Kulongoski shoveled a ceremonial pile of dirt at the Sanyo facility in Salem, the state's unemployment rate stood at 7.2 percent.
Almost exactly a year later, the Governor stood on the same ground to help cut a ceremonial ribbon, as production of solar cell components kicks off.
Over that period Oregon's unemployment rate soared past 12 percent, and the state hemorrhaged 92,000 jobs.
Kulongoski said the 200 jobs this plant will provide are badly needed.
Ted Kulongoski: "In this difficult economic time, it is refreshing to have a positive story to tell."
The Governor said the jobs come courtesy of the state's tax credit program for renewable energy companies. Critics point out it's costing the state millions of dollars of tax revenue.
Kulongoski vetoed a legislative attempt to roll back the tax credit.
Last fall, when Governor Kulongoski shoveled a ceremonial pile of dirt at the Sanyo facility in Salem, the state's unemployment rate stood at 7.2 percent.
Almost exactly a year later, the Governor stood on the same ground to help cut a ceremonial ribbon, as production of solar cell components kicks off.
Over that period Oregon's unemployment rate soared past 12 percent, and the state hemorrhaged 92,000 jobs.
Kulongoski said the 200 jobs this plant will provide are badly needed.
Ted Kulongoski: "In this difficult economic time, it is refreshing to have a positive story to tell."
The Governor said the jobs come courtesy of the state's tax credit program for renewable energy companies. Critics point out it's costing the state millions of dollars of tax revenue.
Kulongoski vetoed a legislative attempt to roll back the tax credit.
Solar boiler is the sun pay your energy bill
Solar boiler is the sun pay your energy bill Residential hot water is a major consumer of energy for most households. In fact, the hot water is sometimes more expensive energy. Using solar energy to provide at least some 'hot water at home can result in significant savings.
There in various ways that solar energy can be integrated into a system of hot water. Although solar boilers can be used alone, are used in conjunction with hot water which are fed with gas or electricity. In this type of system, water heated by solar energy can be used alone (if hot enough) or as preheated water for the traditional water heater.
Pre-heated water also drastically reduce your energy bill.Solar boilers can be used in any climate, but are more practical in areas which do not have time to freeze during the winter. Solar hot water in cold climates may use indirect heating systems which do not expose the water to the freezing temperature. Instead, a fluid that circulates through the freezing resistant solar panels and is used to heat water. Southe climates can use direct heating systems where water is passed through the solar panels installed on roof.
There are two basic types of systems, solar water heating - active and passive. Passive systems rely on gravity and the natural flow of water from hot to cold. The systems are very simple and require little maintenance. They are durable and long lasting.
You can easily build simple systems you all you need are parts that can be found at any hardware store.Active use of pumps to circulate the water. In some systems, the pumps can be powered by solar energy, or must be connected to power the house. In both systems, the tank is necessary to keep the heat warms water.On with some days' of direct sunlight solar can heat water with surprising effectiveness.
During that time, there may be no need to use electricity or gas as a backup. When the weather is cold, the solar heating can preheat water entering traditional water heaters. This preheated water requires much less energy to provide the correct temperature, which can result in significant energy savings bills.As with all alteative energy systems, there is much room for your imagination if you like.
If you do not do not only technology, but for those who like to play with technology like me, these systems offer a wide variety of thinking about.For example, a Stirling engine converts changes in temperature on the mechanical movement, for example, for generate electricity. Mmm, this is a good thought. A change in temperature is something this system will provide, but also heat the water. A double benefit?
There in various ways that solar energy can be integrated into a system of hot water. Although solar boilers can be used alone, are used in conjunction with hot water which are fed with gas or electricity. In this type of system, water heated by solar energy can be used alone (if hot enough) or as preheated water for the traditional water heater.
Pre-heated water also drastically reduce your energy bill.Solar boilers can be used in any climate, but are more practical in areas which do not have time to freeze during the winter. Solar hot water in cold climates may use indirect heating systems which do not expose the water to the freezing temperature. Instead, a fluid that circulates through the freezing resistant solar panels and is used to heat water. Southe climates can use direct heating systems where water is passed through the solar panels installed on roof.
There are two basic types of systems, solar water heating - active and passive. Passive systems rely on gravity and the natural flow of water from hot to cold. The systems are very simple and require little maintenance. They are durable and long lasting.
You can easily build simple systems you all you need are parts that can be found at any hardware store.Active use of pumps to circulate the water. In some systems, the pumps can be powered by solar energy, or must be connected to power the house. In both systems, the tank is necessary to keep the heat warms water.On with some days' of direct sunlight solar can heat water with surprising effectiveness.
During that time, there may be no need to use electricity or gas as a backup. When the weather is cold, the solar heating can preheat water entering traditional water heaters. This preheated water requires much less energy to provide the correct temperature, which can result in significant energy savings bills.As with all alteative energy systems, there is much room for your imagination if you like.
If you do not do not only technology, but for those who like to play with technology like me, these systems offer a wide variety of thinking about.For example, a Stirling engine converts changes in temperature on the mechanical movement, for example, for generate electricity. Mmm, this is a good thought. A change in temperature is something this system will provide, but also heat the water. A double benefit?
Mutual US-China solar power rush
China’s leading company in solar power, Suntech, is about to pick the site for its first plant in the USA only shortly after an American competitor, First Solar Inc., announced its first breakthrough into the Chinese market.
Both developments have spurred enthusiasm in the sector, as both USA and China are now perceived to become growth areas.
“If you (China) announce that we have such a huge need for solar panels that we are even going to put First Solar panels into China, all of a sudden we’ve gone from this massive threat to maybe we saw it the wrong way around. Maybe we should see the size of the Chinese market as this enormous upside potential, and maybe all of solar should be seeing it much more positively,” Stephan Dolezalek, Managing Director of US venture capitalists VantagePoint Venture Partners, tells China Daily.
The success of First Solar Inc. has inspired another US company, SunPower, which already manufactures a part of its solar panels in China, but has so far not gained any major contracts in the Asian country.
“It clearly makes us more bullish on China. We hope that (…) will result in us being able to penetrate that market as well,” Tom Werner, SunPower’s Chief Executive, tells China Daily.
Both developments have spurred enthusiasm in the sector, as both USA and China are now perceived to become growth areas.
“If you (China) announce that we have such a huge need for solar panels that we are even going to put First Solar panels into China, all of a sudden we’ve gone from this massive threat to maybe we saw it the wrong way around. Maybe we should see the size of the Chinese market as this enormous upside potential, and maybe all of solar should be seeing it much more positively,” Stephan Dolezalek, Managing Director of US venture capitalists VantagePoint Venture Partners, tells China Daily.
The success of First Solar Inc. has inspired another US company, SunPower, which already manufactures a part of its solar panels in China, but has so far not gained any major contracts in the Asian country.
“It clearly makes us more bullish on China. We hope that (…) will result in us being able to penetrate that market as well,” Tom Werner, SunPower’s Chief Executive, tells China Daily.
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