Planet Fixers

11.24.09

Planet Fixers

Three clever innovations for a greener future

By Danny Freedman Posted 01.28.2009 at 11:57 am 7 Comments

A Funnel For Sunlight

Solar panels convert the most light into electricity when the sun shines directly on them, but as soon as it wanes, so does efficiency. A new antireflective film coating could help panels collect sunshine at 96 percent efficiency from nearly any angle. Developed by scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the film consists of seven layers of nanoscopic silicon and titanium-oxide rods arranged in increasing densities, with the topmost nearly as porous as air.

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READ MORE ABOUT > february 2009, headlines, hydroelectric power, Planet Fixers, solar power

Three Bodacious Green Innovations

Clever planet-fixing inventions

By Michael Behar Posted 12.16.2008 at 9:55 am 9 Comments

Plug-N-Play Cars

Zero to 60 mph in about nine seconds may sound sluggish, but it's a breakthrough for a zero-emissions, all-electric car that can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge and hit speeds of 85 mph. That's the claim of the i MiEV (for "Mitsubishi Innovative motor Electric Vehicle"), a new plug-in four-door coupe. The i MiEV runs on a pack of 22 lithium-ion batteries, but unlike other electric cars, including the Chevy Volt and Tesla Roadster, the i MiEV doesn't require a liquid cooling system to avoid overheating.

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READ MORE ABOUT > headlines, january 2009, Planet Fixers, solar power

Thinking Beyond the Windmill

In these three planet-fixing projects, eco-engineers draw inspiration from snakes and toothpaste

By Lisa Katayama Posted 10.10.2008 at 10:14 am 8 Comments

Lily Pads as Power Outlets

Solar panels don’t have to be eyesores. The city of Glasgow is considering the installation of giant, glowing solar "lily pads" on the River Clyde. Designed by Scottish firm ZM Architecture, the circular floats are made of steel and recycled rubber and range in diameter from 15 to 45 feet. Motorized disks covered with solar panels track the sun and angle themselves for maximum exposure. Once panels soak up enough rays, the energy is converted to AC/DC power and transferred to the city’s grid, where it will help offset Glasgow’s electrical bills.

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READ MORE ABOUT > conservation, eco tech, energy, enviro science, October 2008, Planet Fixers