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Dusting solar modules can be a magical move. Now, a Turkish-based research team is experimenting with a more efficient way of turning sunlight into electricity. Using computer simulation, the team divided a solar cell into multiple small units. Then they assembled them into a hemispherical, rather than flat, form. This allows for more light to be captured at different...

Curved generation

The flow of rivers can help generate electricity. So too five long, curved tube halves. At least, according to the patented design of a Lisbon-based startup. The parts are fastened to a pole, making a low-maintenance wind turbine. As the technology is scalable three sizes of the noiseless, aerodynamic turbine are planned. A small 100W generator, 1.2 metres tall;...

Converted contortion

Cycling into the wind can be illuminating. A collection of small wind turbines in the ocean may generate electricity for entire towns. Using the patented technology developed by an American research team, renewable energy could soon be produced from the movement of water in the sea. Unlike mechanical systems like these, the water’s power doesn't actuate a single generator...

Moving generation

Seawater provides for nomads and makes lamps shine bright. Miniature wind turbines in the ocean are equally productive. A Swedish company is using waves of 50 cm and higher to generate electricity. For environmental reasons, floating elements are attached to old jetties or breakwaters, and then connected with hydraulic pistons. The biodegradable liquid in the pistons is compressed by...

Skillful chill

Young minds are bright minds. Take this 14-year-old schoolboy, for example, or this 11-year-old girl. Now three teenagers from Malaysia have won an innovation competition with their affordable and sustainable air-conditioning system. First rainwater is collected in a container. A sensor monitors the room temperature at home, activating a water pump if it exceeds 30 degrees. This, in turn,...

Pushing the boat out

What links coconuts with rum and coffee? They are all shipped from overseas. Now a French company is aiming to make sea transportation more environmentally-friendly. Its 80-metre-long sailing ship, an alternative to this electric freighter, will have 700㎡ sails and be powered by wind. By winter 2022 the company should have 4 such vessels, travelling between Europe and destinations...

Current capture

Wind is increasingly important for generating renewable energy. So, too, is water. Now a Scottish company is using the ocean tides to generate electricity in a new way. Their 74 metre long floating tidal turbine is anchored to the seabed at four different points. It has recently been connected to the local electricity network by undersea cable. Two turbine...

Sunny prospects

Isn’t it lovely when the sun shines through the window? Except when it’s too warm and bright inside. Instead of letting down the blinds or turning up the air-con, perhaps we’ll soon have another option. Inspired by the technology that brought us automatically tinting eyeglasses, a team of researchers has begun developing the concept of the smart window. In...

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