Posts tagged green

Stanford researchers harvest electricity from algae, unkempt pools become gold mines

Apr 15th

Posted by Joseph L. Flatley in All

While we've seen plenty of stabs at viable green energy, from underwater turbines to the Bloom Box, we're always up for another. Running along the same lines as Uppsala University's algae-based batteries, researchers at Stanford are generating electrical current by tapping into the electron activity of individual algae cells. The team designed a gold electrode that can be pushed through a cell membrane, which then seals around it. The cell, still alive, does what it does best (photosynthesis), at which point scientists harvest chemical energy in the form of electrons. According to Stanford University News, this results in "electricity production that doesn't release carbon into the atmosphere. The only byproducts of photosynthesis are protons and oxygen." Of course, the team has a long way to go before this is economically feasible, but who knows? Maybe there's an algae-powered OPhone in your future...

Stanford researchers harvest electricity from algae, unkempt pools become gold mines originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Intel’s experimental sensor analyzes appliance power consumption from single outlet

Apr 15th

Posted by Sean Hollister in All

It's pretty much set in silicon -- in the future, you will monitor your home power consumption, and perhaps even enjoy doing so. Futuristic touchscreen panels and free monitoring software abound, each designed to reward you with a warm, fuzzy Captain Planet feeling and a reduced energy bill when you finally turn off that blasted light. Thing is, unless you've got a home automation system, you won't know which switch to flip. Intel wants to change that with a new wireless sensor that can identify each individual appliance in your house by their unique electrical signal, just by plugging into a single outlet in your house. The reportedly low-cost sensor works by simply recognizing voltage drop patterns when devices are turned on and off, and doesn't require special appliances to function; Intel demonstrated it on a standard toaster, microwave and fridge in Beijing this week. Demonstrate your supreme demand for this "why didn't I think of that" idea by directing traffic to our source link -- you can jump to 20:10 to see the sensor in action.

Intel's experimental sensor analyzes appliance power consumption from single outlet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceIntel (video)  | Email this | Comments
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Lenovo to launch new ThinkPads, probably on April 22

Apr 15th

Posted by Vladislav Savov in All

Those wily social media hounds over at Lenovo are at it again, this time teasing us with a crossword puzzle relating to a new "ThinkPad Series" of machines. Referencing our handy, and so far wholly accurate, leaked slide from February shows that the only Think-branded laptops not yet revealed are the midrange L series. Positioned to replace the aging R models, the L400 and L500 are expected to slot in as bulkier alternatives to the premier T-label ThinkPads. This puzzle tells us that whatever the new computers, they'll be firmly focused on energy and resource efficiency, and for an extra bit of PR kick, they are likely to be announced on Earth Day 2010, which just happens to be this April 22nd. Let's wait and see what Lenovo does to justify the name change and grab for green attention, eh?

Lenovo to launch new ThinkPads, probably on April 22 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceArmored Penguin  | Email this | Comments
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Solaris: Sun powered blind for green homes

Apr 15th

Posted by Rajni in All

solaris

The blinds you see in the image above are not the blinds you see in usual day to day life. French designer Francois Montay thought of something innovately green to help us lead the sustainable life without having to compromise with style. Dubbed Solaris, it’s a blind that during the day when its sunny outside, sucks juice from the Sun and when it starts going dark, the acrylate diffusers disperse the light emitted by the diodes at the ends of the blades to brighten up your home. In short, its an electric device that merges blind and lighting system in such a way so as to compliment your modern home decor.

Via: Designboom

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Disko SU 1 Outdoor Speaker is efficiently green

Apr 12th

Posted by Rajni in All

disko_su1
Any guesses as to what’s pictured above? A camping stove or something like that? Naah! It’s an outdoor speaker that keeps you entertained while you sit down in your lawn/garden to spend some time with your family and friends. Disko SU 1 Outdoor Speaker by deepdesign is a cordless solar powered light and sound diffuser. Solar powered means, it doesn’t make holes in your pocket for you now can enjoy music without adding to your electricity consumption. It’s a freestanding, self powered speaker with a little transmitter, just to keep you entertained.
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