Tag: Solar

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...

Unfolding wheels are useful on all terrains. Now, a Utah-based startup has employed the origami principle to develop a handy solar panel for those on the move. Using their experiences with space agency NASA, the founders created a design with a surface area eight times its folded size. Thus, a 19x19 cm packet becomes a hexagonal panel measuring 2500㎠...

Wind turbines warn birds about deadly collisions. Lions, meanwhile, are often shot to protect farm animals, and ensure smallholders have food on their plates. In the last 20 years, however, the lion population in Africa has reduced by half. Now a resourceful Maasai founder and his startup are looking to arrest this decline through a solar electricity-powered light system....

Trains could remove CO2 from the atmosphere and self-driving containers on rails may bridge logistics gaps. But, according to a Swiss startup, the railway network has greater potential still. Why not use the area between tracks to generate clean energy? Create 2 megawatts of solar energy on a 10-kilometre stretch of rail, instead of 10,000㎡ of productive land… Instead...

Plant secretions are a useful source of energy. Inspired by photosynthesis, a research team from Lausanne has developed leaf-like electrodes which, powered by solar energy, can generate hydrogen from air humidity. The basis for the technology is a thin, light-transmissive and porous mesh made from melted quartz fibres. After being coated with fluorine-doped tin oxide, the structure becomes highly...

Water with plant-based surfactants can contain smouldering fires faster. Now, a Michigan-based startup has developed a mobile solution to supply electricity quickly during outages caused by natural disasters. Their trailer is equipped with solar panels, a battery for storing electricity and a fuel cell powered by sustainable hydrogen. Thanks to augmented reality training, anyone can operate the system within...

In hospitals a good night’s sleep is key to recovery. In order to keep bees healthy meanwhile, a US startup has developed a smart home for up to 24 colonies. The solar-powered apiary is equipped with a camera, sensor technology and a robot arm. It controls the climate inside, monitors and removes pests without chemicals and provides food. Predictive...

A portable turbine powers cell phones. Front yards feed communities. And now a Canadian startup is using containers (assuming they aren’t already hotels) to cultivate mushrooms. 14 different strains are available, including exotic varieties such as oyster, lion’s mane or shiitake mushrooms. Straight from the container to the kitchen, minus the delivery routes and exhaust fumes. In future, local...