A flexible energy storage membrane developed at the National University of Singapore is reportedly capable of storing more than twice the energy of standard capacitors. When placed between and charged by two metal plates, the polystyrene-based polymer membrane stores energy at a rate of 0.2 F/sq cm, compared with the capacitor upper limit of 1 µF/sq cm. With potential applications in hybrid vehicles and solar panels, the proprietary membrane also incurs low fabrication costs. A Nanowerk article indicates energy costs of 10-20 W hours/U.S. dollar, compared with 2.5 W hours/U.S. dollar for lithium-ion batteries.

Multi-Contact provides several connectors suitable for wind engines. With round connectors, wired wind engine segments can easily be connected on-site. Slide-in connectors may be employed in the switch gear to simplify maintenance. The modular connector system CombiTac can be used in various parts of the windmill, depending on the configuration.

Industrial audible and visual signaling devices from Pfannenberg provide alarm, warning, and indication of control system operating condition and equipment status. Be certain that operators are always "in-the-know" with Pfannenberg's field-proven lights, beacons, flashing strobes, sounders, panel buzzers, and loudspeakers. Visit www.pfannenbergusa.com/signaling for more information.

A high throughput metallization solution based on a flexible, modular platform design, Eclipse means you can easily scale production from 1,200 to 3,600 wph. Only invest in features you need today; when you want to expand capacity, simply slot in extra modules. Learn more...

Flux Power's advanced energy storage solutions simplify building complex energy systems. The modular architecture enables a wide array of storage designs. Flux's Battery Management System (BMS) enables an easy upgrade path from legacy lead acid problems to modern lithium solutions. State of charge, temperature, voltage, and current levels are recorded and transmitted to power management/display systems.

Grid-connected solar power has been brought online in the U.S. with installation of Public Service Company of New Mexico's Prosperity Energy Storage Project. The utility-integrated system produces 500 kW using 2,158 solar panels and includes smart grid capabilities and 1,280 lead-acid batteries to provide firm and dispatchable energy as well as storage.

Heat directed by External Compound Parabolic Concentrators onto stationary tube collectors can be tapped for air conditioning or other applications. The system devised by University of California (Merced) students yields a 60% solar thermal efficiency at 400 F. A mobile office is currently being cooled by two parallel rows of concentrators and a double-effect absorption unit.

Microbial electrolysis cells developed at Pennsylvania State University rely on reverse-electrodialysis (RED) to produce the power required to generate hydrogen. No external power source is needed as the RED system exploits ionic differences between saltwater and freshwater and supports organic matter degradation by exoelectrogenic bacteria. Energy efficiencies of 58-64% are reported.

Magnesium-based nanoblades represent a medium for quick storage and release of hydrogen under low temperatures. The rechargeable nanostructures are asymmetric, providing large surface areas and interstices for hydrogen atom storage. PhysOrg notes that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY, researchers are optimizing material cycle life for onboard storage in fuel cell vehicles.

HEIDENHAIN rotary encoders with PROFIBUS interface support the DP-V2 encoder profile required for robot control and production technology. ROC/ROQ 400 series encoders (58 mm housing dia.) are also available with the PROFINET interface, in single-turn and multi-turn versions. M12 and M23 input connectors and flange sockets reduce risk of ESD.

Low-cost spectroradiometer solutions for solar simulator measurement, direct solar monitoring, process monitoring for PV cell manufacturing, thin film metrology.

Two resources for the price of one: a lithium extraction scheme will plug into an existing geothermal power circuit in California's Imperial Valley. Geobrine is typically reinjected but in this case will be processed to recover lithium, manganese, and zinc. The geothermal system will power the 'mining' operation, which may transform the U.S. into a lithium exporter.

The floating vertical turbine depicted in video uses only two moving parts as it taps wind energy and stores it in a water-filled torus. Turbine spinning draws water into the torus and keeps the system producing power by centrifugal force. A one-fiftieth scale prototype was recently tested off the Swedish coast; a full-scale version should produce 39,000 MWh/year.

A polymer jelly from University of Leeds, UK, should improve the safety and economics of common lithium batteries. Use of the flexible gel to displace liquid electrolytes reduces unit costs and prevents overheating problems that can plague electric vehicles and laptop computers. Lighter weight batteries that preserve liquid-filled battery performance are promised.

A blend of JP-5 aviation fuel and plant-based camelina lifted the MQ-8B Fire Scout on the first unmanned biofuel flight for the U.S. Navy. The test, captured in video, marked the first for a UAV and the seventh for a biofueled-aircraft by the department. Carbon dioxide emission reductions of 75% result from the fuel blend.

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People Energy Group (PEG) employs over one hundred senior researchers and technical experts in U.S.A. and China, PEG Lithium-ion batteries are widely applicable to EVs, PHEVs, LEVs, energy storages, power tools, etc. In a large scope of applications, PEG provides safe, eco- friendly, long-lasting lithium-ion battery solutions with value-added service and augmented customer satisfaction.

Linear Technology's LTC3588-1 and LTC3588-2 integrate a low-loss full-wave bridge rectifier with a high-efficiency buck converter to form a complete energy harvesting solution optimized for high-output impedance energy sources such as piezoelectric transducers. The LTC3588-1 features an ultralow quiescent current undervoltage lockout (UVLO) mode.

Join your peers and leading manufacturers for this free, informative, and interactive ONLINE conference and trade show — right from the convenience of your desktop. Participate in any or all of the educational sessions, network with peers, and meet with manufacturers eager to showcase their latest products, services, and new technology offerings. Learn more about the educational sessions offered to meet your information needs, and register today!

A European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) was established last month to promote the role of energy storage in realizing a stable, sustainable energy supply. The 13 founding members, which include Alstom, Siemens AG, and Riso DTU, will join to stimulate development of storage technologies that benefit renewable energy integration into national grids, balance energy supply and demand, and further energy efficiency goals.

At first glance, 66.5 mph would hardly seem to qualify as a new world land speed record, but that average speed is the fastest for a car fueled by gasified organic waste. An old Rover SD1 was stripped and fitted with a gasifier, into which was fed coffee grounds. A BBC video captured the winning run, after which engineer Martin Bacon was awarded a Guinness. A Guinness World Record, that is.

From Apple to Solar

The need to diversify and take risks are some lessons drawn from Steve Jobs' successful cultivation of Apple that may be applicable to the solar industry. What else translates from his legacy to the solar, or other industrial, sectors?

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