These science-based infographics from Tabletop Whale are terrific. The author is a designer and molecular biology major and composer of interesting animated gifs. She posts a new one every couple weeks. Bookmarked. … [Read more...]
Wind turbine blades generate upward lightning
The Lightning, Atmospheric Electricity and High Voltage Research Group on the Terrassa Campus of the UPC (Polytechnic University of Catalonia) has found a direct relationship between wind turbine movement and lightning discharges. Given the right atmospheric conditions, any elevated structure can generate upward lightning flashes–especially where movement is involved. … [Read more...]
DIY easy solar hot water heater
Build It Solar has a great DIY article about an easy solar hot water heater (a thermosyphon system) made by a resident of Costa Rica named Peter. Peter wanted to build a simple, rugged, inexpensive system to provide hot water for showers: Like most houses in Costa Rica, our casita in Monteverde had no hot water. Our two showers were fitted with electric shower heads. At … [Read more...]
World’s largest scale model of the Solar System
After looking at A Tediously Accurate Map of the Solar System the other day, I was reminded of a much bigger model of the same system. It's found in Sweden, and it makes perfect sense when you see Globen – the building in Stockholm chosen to represent the sun. The official name for is Ericsson Globe, and the original name was Stockholm Globe Arena, but the popular name has … [Read more...]
Triboelectric generators, powered by your pants
It's sounds like a utopian idea – walk around, dance, or simply convert the mechanical action of rainfall into electric current. A Phys.org article asks the question: Tribo-electric, the buzzword of the future? It is an alluring goal of clean, reliable power free from geo-political risks—and scientists in the United States said Tuesday it lies within reach, thanks to a smart … [Read more...]
Africa: bigger than you think! Greenland: much smaller.
We've been looking at a lot of maps recently (probably because of the amazing wind maps we linked to), and we came across an old favorite from a few years ago. Kai Krause, German software and graphical user interface designer, has invented a word for the lack of sufficient geographical knowledge. He calls it immappacy: In addition to the well known social issues of … [Read more...]
Eigg Island: green inspiration
The isle of Eigg is located off the northwest coast of Scotland in the Hebrides archipelago. Eigg is not tied to the national grid, and for many years, diesel generators supplied the few hours of electricity available to residents each day. In February 2008, the community switched on a local, renewable-powered electricity grid, and today solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro … [Read more...]
Big solar in the Persian Gulf
How times change: oil-rich countries in the Middle East are building massive solar facilities. Last year, the first large-scale solar power plant in Dubai started up. Kuwait and Oman have planned their own solar power plants, and in the article Solar Achieves Grid Parity in Saudi Arabia – Significant Developments Expected, industry analyst Michael Deaves claims that large … [Read more...]
The Ivanpah Solar project in pictures
Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is a solar thermal power plant located close to Las Vegas in the California Mojave Desert. 173,500 heliostats reflect the sun's rays at three solar power towers. Each tower features a water-filled receiver that generates high temperature steam when heated by the reflected energy. The farm has a planned capacity of 392 megawatts … [Read more...]
A tankless water heater that works
There are only four days left on his Kickstarter campaign, but Jerry Callahan of ISI Technology isn’t worried. His project has already raised over three times the amount it needs to achieve funding. At the moment, 1,279 backers have pledged $399,989 of the $125,000 goal. It’s heartening to see the public enthusiasm for practical devices like this: the tankless electric water … [Read more...]