Technology in progress

Sound waves to power cell phones

Scientists from the University of Houston have developed a certain piezoelectric material that can be manufactured at a very small size and yet is efficient enough in producing electricity to be used in self-charging phones. The material, at a thickness of 21 nanometres, can harness sound waves produced by the phone itself and transform these waves into electricity for charging.

Source: www.goodcleantech.com

Generating power from traffic

Israeli university spin-off company Innowattech has developed a piezoelectric generator, entailing the integration of piezoelectric crystals on roads to harness energy. The crystals can harness mechanical energy from the movement of the vehicles that pass on top of them, squeezing them in the process. The heavier the vehicle and the traffic that pass across the road, the greater the energy produced.

According to Innowattech, a one-kilometre stretch of road with piezoelectric crystals could generate 400 kilowatts of electricity. The power produced could be fed to the grid or be used directly by public infrastructure such as road lighting and the like.

Source: www.innowattech.co.il

A selection of potential bio fuels for air traffic

Japan Airlines (JAL) has done tests with a camelina-based biofuel. Camelina, or false flax, is an oilseed crop traditionally used for the production of vegetable oil. Due to its naturally high oil content, it has become another source of biofuel feedstock for the air traffic industry. Other candidates for air traffic tested by airlines include coconut, Brazilian nut and jatropha-based fuels.

Source: www.goodcleantech.com

The other greenhouse effect – green roofs & facades

Many of the world’s mega cities are running out of room, however, there is actually vast amount of unused space available on roof tops. Not only can green roofs planted out with grass or a garden provide beautiful outdoor space for leisure or gardening, they also provide cooling, absorb harmful UV rays (that damage exterior surfaces), generate oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

Similarly, green facades act like sunscreens for the side of the buildings providing cooling and shade. They also make the exterior more attractive.

Source: www.zokazola.com