guillaume dulau: bureau 4480
by: Designboom - Weblog, 2011-09-11 11:17:00 UTC

the desk is composed of a single piece of wood, which is split and bent without completely separating any part from the original plank.
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Everything I need to know about generating power from tides
by: Ecofriend, 2011-09-10 08:51:02 UTC
Marcus Clay:

While technology has done a lot to improve lifestyles, the numerous inventions and man-made machines require energy to run on and depend on some form of fuel. The high demand for fuel has caused the most-widely used fossil fuels to become dearer and the challenge for today’s scientists is how to generate energy.

Again, technology comes to the rescue with tidal power. Scientists and environmentalists have developed ways to harness the tremendous power of violent ocean tides.

Trends

Jung Seung Woo, Seung Woo Jung, Kim Min Jung, and Kim Hyun Jun from Korea have developed a prototype of a wave and solar energy generator that works day and night. While during the day, the devices that float on the ocean surface trap solar and tidal energy, during the night, it works as a tidal power generator. The device uses some of the power generated to glow at night acting as beacons to guide ships safely away from them. The electricity which is generated is sent ashore via underwater cables.

France has also been actively exploring ways of tapping tidal power with its ambitious €40m (£35m) Paimpol-Bréhat project. The project will see the world’s largest tidal array that consists of four 16-metre turbines, being installed out at sea. Initially, one of the turbines will be tested in 35 meters of water off the Bréhat Island. The other three turbines will be installed in 2012. 2 MWs of power generated by this array will be sufficient to power 4,000 French households.

The Benefits

While the world explores several sources of clean energy, tidal power has several advantages over other forms of green and alternative energy.

a. Unlike solar and wind power that largely depend on weather conditions, tidal movements are very predictable and reliable.
b. The density of water being much higher than air it means that a turbine used to harness tidal power can be significantly smaller than a wind turbine that generates the amount of electrical output.
c. Tidal turbines work noiselessly. Although industrial wind turbines are relatively silent, utility-sized wind turbines are known to generate low-frequency noise that people living in the vicinity complain about.
d. Since these turbines do not use oils or grease for lubrication, they pose no threat to the environment.

The Lowdown

a. Environmental hazard

Setting up large structures on the seabed causes considerable damage to the ecosystem. Also, placing these objects in the water reduces the amount of water that moves between a basin where the power is generated and the sea, leading to higher chances of pollution. This reduced exchange of water would also reduce the salinity of water in the basin, significantly affecting life on the seabed.

b. Fish and marine life
As marine life forms and fish pass through these barrages, even the most innovatively designed barrages are responsible for about 15 per cent of the mortality per pass through. Hence, in the long run, marine life can be severely impacted.

c. Irregular power supply
Power can be generated only when there is tidal movement in or out of the basin. Although tides are predictable, they are not constant. Hence, power can be generated only during particular times of the day.

d. High start-up cost
The cost of setting up a tidal array is astronomically high. This may discourage investors from putting their money in tidal power generation.

e. Damage
Erratic weather conditions and frequent hurricanes raise the fear of damage to the expensive equipment installed on the floor of the ocean. Although this was a major concern during the recent Hurricane Irene, Ocean Power Technologies’ PowerBuoy deployed off the coast of New Jersey withstood the severe conditions experienced during the hurricane. Surprisingly, after facing the onslaught for two days, the PowerBuoy emerged undamaged and fully operational. It even maintained a regular supply of electricity during the hurricane. Although this is a testament to the high levels of engineering skills, it highlights the need for the best engineering and materials that should be used in making turbines. This further raises the cost of manufacturing tidal turbines.

The Impact
Every country is looking for ways and means of responding to the high demand for energy. And, with the focus on the need for green and renewable energy, governments are leaving no stone unturned, even if it lies on the bottom of the ocean. Tidal power looks more prospective, with wind and solar energy being very seasonal and time bound. The popular saying, ‘time and tide waits for none’ makes tidal energy the much-preferred source of energy in the future.

5 green products designed to monitor energy use in your house
by: Ecofriend, 2011-09-10 10:19:03 UTC
Ankit Dahiya:

The increase in demand of energy globally has resulted in development of devices and home appliances that are more energy-efficient. This green technology is being adopted to save the fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources.

The best energy-efficient devices are being produced for daily use as they can save energy to a large extent. People across the world believe that the energy dissipated in excess needs to be monitored in order to reduce the use of fossil fuels for producing power. Here is a list of 5 green products that are designed to monitor energy use in your house.

1. Intelligent energy saving device monitors and takes action

This award winning energy saving device is one of the best energy-efficient devices available in market. The device monitors the amount of energy being consumed by the household appliances and also provides ways of saving energy by taking appropriate steps. The device automatically disconnects the power when the appliances are not in use. The system of the device is based on an artificial intelligence algorithm that keeps the system informed about the amount of energy being consumed by the attached appliances.

2. O.E.I: Egg-shaped device monitors energy consumption intelligently

This egg shaped devices is a perfect energy saving device with its intelligent system and user-friendly interface. This is actually an egg-shaped energy monitor that lets you see the energy consumption details of the house and provides apt information for ways of overcoming the energy consumption problems. It makes use of radio frequencies to receive information about energy consumption and power lines to reduce the mess around caused by cables. The Our Energy Information (O.E.I) is designed specially to provide real time stats so that equivalent steps can be taken to reduce the consumption of energy.

3. Wilting Flowers change their mood according to your energy consumption

The wilting flower is the next device that is creating a buzz around in market for its unique energy saving techniques and super cool looks. It provides a visual information of the amount of energy being consumed by different appliances in your house. The flowers look so beautiful that nobody can say these are actually energy saving equipments. This design by Carl Smith is very attractive. The flowers use a wireless transmitter and a monitor to perform its operations. It monitors the energy used by appliances and keeps a note on the devices that are not in use and disconnects it automatically. Its main feature is that, according to the energy consumption of the house the flowers change their shape and color. When you are high on energy, these flowers stand straight and tall and if its low then the flower bend down to show the average power consumption.

4. eMetric: Monitoring energy consumption wirelessly

It is a complete wireless technology device which provides information about the energy consumption of a house by keeping a close look at the appliances energy consumption. This is actually an office management system that allows consumers and workers to keep a check on their energy usage. This device is available in two modules; one is eMetric Powerstrip and the other is eMetric computer application. The power strip is connected to the computer through a wireless gateway and allows user to get the required information about the energy consumed by appliances. It provides an immediate response that adds to its popularity. As a whole, the device is good and above average for its power consumption capabilities.

5. Plogg-Blu: The energy monitoring pet for your den

The next big device in the energy consumption industry is the Plogg-Blu which is called as a pet device for your den. Falling into the category of energy consumption devices, it provides you information about various devices running in your house but it cannot bear all your household appliances. This cute, compact, and gorgeous device is what people prefer keeping other than those bulky measuring instruments. It is designed to measure consumption of only one set of device like Computer, Audio system etc. but it doesn’t support multiple devices. Portable, easy to use and handy is what makes it a perfect device for measuring single device power consumption. It uses an adapter that is plugged in the socket of the device and instantly sends the power consumed by that respective device.

5 Concept vehicles designed to be powered by renewable energy sources
by: Ecofriend, 2011-09-10 10:32:57 UTC
Kuldeep Sharma:

Now a days the whole world is talking about the conservation of environment and the non renewable sources of energy. As we can see the population of world is increasing at a fast rate, hence the need of resources necessary for their living is also increasing.

The increased number of vehicles has also affected the whole world in terms of both - pollution as well as usage of non renewable sources of energy. Hence these days some of the Automobile manufacturing companies are developing vehicles which consume greener and cleaner form of renewable sources of energy like electricity and fourth generation sources of energy. This revolution in the field of non renewable resources of energy is taking place at a large scale as many of the big names in Automobile industry have displayed their concept vehicles. So here are some of the concept vehicles that can leave you amazed.

1. Axa concept electric solar powered car by marian

Axa concept electric solar powered car by marianElectric car powered by onboard solar panels

Axa is an electric concept car designed by Marian, the famous auto designer. The car is specially designed for busy future roads. The car features solar paneled roof top that powers the batteries in the car. The car has two LCD screens along the side of dashboard that serves the purpose of rear view mirrors. The main focus on the design of car is energy efficiency. The designer has used LED lights for saving the power consumption.

2. HXO zero-emission concept car

This amazing concept car is designed by famous auto designers Zhang Zhizhen and Wang Yanchao. The car uses solar energy and has zero operating cost. The car uses solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This hydrogen is used by the car to power the vehicles that makes it totally cleaner and pollution free drive. Car is designed in spherical shape due to which it provides extra space for luggage. The car also supports 3G connectivity features that makes it totally futuristic.

3. Bora Kim’s Bentley Jekyll and Hyde concept

This amazing concept car is designed by Bora Kim, a student by profession. Being a student he realized that our future totally depends on Solar energy and other renewable forms of energy. This car runs on solar energy, wind energy as well as electricity. The body of this car is designed in such a way that it maximizes the absorption of energy. The body of car gets transformed according to the use of type of energy, i.e., if car is running on wind energy then it changes its shape accordingly. The car supports a variety of modes of operations that makes it much more efficient in its category of cars.

4. Opel Flow solar-powered concept car

Opel flow is a futuristic concept car designed by Miika Heikkinen for use on the roads of year 2049. The car features single seating capacity, with electric motors attached with the wheels. The car also uses electricity generated by the movement of the car. This car can be charged at any of the charging points. Being a zero emission vehicle it offers a cleaner ride across the city roads. The body of the vehicle is made up of very lightweight material and has an adjustable seat that provides much more comfortable ride in cars of its segment. This vehicle provides a much more stable ride.

5. YeZ concept car

YeZ is one of the most amazing concept car. YeZ is a joint venture of SAIC and General Motors(GM). The car is designed by designers from China. The car as you can see has a big leaf type structure on its top. The car has solar panels at its roof top, that gives power to the vehicle for its running. YeZ has one of the unique feature. It has an advanced system that can convert the CO2 from the environment to clean and fresh O2 (Oxygen). Hence it plays a good role in improving the quality of air in our environment. The car also features small wind turbines in its wheels. The energy that is generated by solar cells and wind turbines is stored in the batteries attached with the vehicle, that helps to power it while on the move.

S2S project would use undersea tidal waves to produce electricity
by: The Design blog, 2011-09-12 05:25:59 UTC
Asmita Prasad:

Created as a thesis project by Naples, Italy-based designer Marco Paolucci, the S2S is an innovative new concept for a series of sustainable energy generators that would utilize the power generated by the motion of undersea tides. Since tides under the surface of the sea are constantly in motion, the concept allows the kinetic power of water being moved naturally to be utilized for generation of clean electricity.

The project was born out of an honest need for the exploration of possibilities in the energy-generation sector while utilizing resources that hold an endless source of power but have not been harnessed so far. Tidal waves, with their ability to move massive volumes of water with tremendous power under the surface of the ocean, store an incredible amount of energy. By installing BioStream at the seabed, this energy can be converted into power with each unit producing approximately 1MW electricity each.

By exploiting the perpetual motion of tidal power, the energy-generation sector can be freed of dependence on fossil and nuclear fuel. The S2S stations look to serve primarily as distribution centers that would not only provide of electricity to vessels but also offer additional services such as the filtration and desalination of seawater. The S2S station would be equipped with a touchscreen-enabled interface that would display all the necessary function buttons and information about the weather and sea conditions in one place.

The BioStream and S2S stations would be positioned all over the Gulf of Campania in strategic locations to optimize the movement of the underwater sea currents and provide a viable and sustainable source of power to the region.

[Cheers Marco]

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Eco-Fashion Designers Ali Hewson & Sharon Wauchob of EDUN
by: Inhabitat , 2011-09-09 15:10:55 UTC

With New York Fashion Week now off and running, we’re all geared up and bustling around town to get to all the green shows. But before we unleash our lastest NYFW coverage on you, we thought it’d be fun to revisit one of last season’s most impressive shows: EDUN. At a rockin’ presentation that attracted a slew of A-listers, EDUN’s designers Ali Hewson and Sharon Wauchob made some time to stop and chat with us about their stunning SS’11 line, their inspiration, and what they think will bring the sustainable fashion movement to the mainstream.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE >

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Post tags: Africa, Ali Hewson, Bono, eco-fashion, EDUN, Ethical Fashion, Gavin Rossdale, green fashion, Kingston Rossdale, New York Eco-Fashion Week, new york fashion week, New York Green Fashion Week, Sharon Wauchob, Spring/Summer 2011, Sustainable Fashion, sustainable style

Advice to Green Marketers: Forget About Green
by: Greener Design, 2011-09-09 11:45:46 UTC

Relentless hype about the size and enthusiasm about the LOHAS market aside, companies selling green products face enormous obstacles from shoppers and retailers alike. How can you turn passion about the planet into profits?

Core77 Design Award 2011: Onedown, Student Runner-Up for Products / Equipment and Student Notable for Design for Social Impact
by: Core77, 2011-09-09 20:00:00 UTC

Over the next months we will be highlighting award-winning projects and ideas from this year's Core77 Design Awards! For full details on the project, jury commenting and more information about the awards program, go to Core77DesignAwards.com

Designer: Aakash Dewan
Location: Maharashtra, India
Category: Products / Equipment and Design for Social Impact
Award: Student RUnner-Up and Student Notable

Onedown

Onedown is a humane rat trap, working on the BOP toy principle, it creates a new visual association to the usual rat trap.

The trap rests precariously in a horizontal position on a circular foot. Bait inside would lure the rat into the trap, a metal insert in the base coupled with the weight of the rat will tip the trap and bring it to a vertical position indicating that a rat has been trapped.

Core77: How did you learn that you had been recognized by the jury?

I was at home when i saw the broadcast as we have holidays going on. I did not expect the onedown to win anything , but then the jury head said "student runner up is the Onedown by aakash dewan from DSK ISD International School of Design, Pune , India " and yelled out loud! I went and told my parents and called up other friends to tell them. But I couldn't dance around too much as it was 1:30am in India.

What's the latest news or development with your project?

The project is still in the Prototype stage.

Read on for full details on the project and jury comments.

(more...)

Nine alternative energy sources promising a greener planet
by: Ecofriend, 2011-09-09 05:53:18 UTC
Dattatreya Mandal:

The whole advanced state of the conventional technological domain driving our world has reached the threshold of saturation (with limitation of resources and effects of pollution). Hence, in relation to this, we have seen a recent spurt of ‘green’ mechanisms (be it in the automotive sector or in the electronic field) that have the potentiality to make their mark in the future. But, then such conceptions only allude to the end state, not the means to that convenient end state. Thus a collective and sustainable approach should be taken that can provide large scale solution to our every day primary energy requirements, both domestically and industrially.

This brings us to the commercial adoption of credible alternative energy sources that can fuel our very future existence. So, without further ado, let us have a brief idea about the 10 alternative energy sources that promises a much greener planet for our children.

1. Tidal Power

As the name suggests, tidal power can be generated from the kinetic motion of high tides in ocean and sea locations. The ebbing and surging pattern of tides produces a kinetic energy that can be harvested by under water turbines, to be converted to clean electrical energy. Since oceans cover a massive part of our earth surface, this sustainable source has a great potential to be utilized in the near future.

2. Wave power

While tidal power entails an underwater mechanism, harnessing of wave power requires a ‘floating’ system above the surface of water. These generators along the fluid facade utilize the wave motion of the water (determined by wave height, wave speed, wavelength, and water density) to produce electricity. The resultant power in turn can be supplied to water oriented industrial setups such as desalination plants and power plants.

3. Solar power

One of the well known sources of renewable energy, solar power can have a multitude of applications due the nigh inexhaustible capacity of sunlight. In essence the light energy of the sunlight is converted to electricity by mechanisms such as photovoltaic cells or concentrated solar power (focusing a large swathe of sunlight into a small beam). According to present estimates, solar power accounts for 43 GW of power capacity around the world.

4. Wind power

Wind power generation entails the conversion of natural wind energy into electricity by the mechanical prowess of wind turbines. The rotatory motion of the turbine blades from the wind initiates the conversion process. Wind power accounts for 194 GW of nameplate capacity (which is the greatest among renewable sources), with energy production at 430 TWh, which is about 2.5% of worldwide electricity usage.

5. Hydroelectricity

The basic system of a hydroelectric plant utilizes the downward flow of a mass of water for energy generation. This massive magnitude of potential energy contained in the water (at an upper level) is converted to mechanical energy by use of in-built turbines. This resultant mechanical outcome is then converted to ‘clean and green’ electricity. Huge facilities like dams and barrages are generally used for such gargantuan scale of operations. As a matter of fact, hydroelectricity remains one of the three principal sources of electricity around the world.

6. Radiant Energy

A relative unknown facet of energy source discovered by Nikola Tesla, radiant energy is the energy available from electromagnetic waves. This field encompasses a wide variety of systems that work on an intangible yet open level, especially in relation to human senses. The primary form of radiant energy is produced in the sun from the effects of nuclear fusion, and the related systems can include heating mechanisms utilizing infrared waves to normal sunlight.

7. Geothermal Power

Geothermal power is harnessed from the effects of the omnipresent heat (around 6000 degrees Celsius) at the central core of our earth system. This massive magnitude of inner earth’s thermal energy sometimes makes its presence felt through tectonic plates, in the form of volcanic outlets and hot springs. This unobtrusive heat in turn can be used for production of electricity as well as heating facilities.

8. Biomass

Biomass is carbon, hydrogen and oxygen based renewable energy source that is derived from organic materials. This plant or animal matter can be directly converted to heat energy by combustion, or can be utilized as an alternative fuel by various chemical procedures. Components like wood, sugarcane and corn are examples of biomass sources. According to recent estimations, biomass and waste-to-energy plants accounts for 65 GW of energy capacity around the world.

9. Compressed Natural Gas

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a form of fossil fuel that can be considered as a substitute for other conventional fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and LPG. This comparatively environmental friendly fuel is derived by compressing natural gas (with methane as its main constituent) to 1 percent of its standard volume. Being also relatively cheaper than petrol, its usage is righteously becoming more widespread in third world countries.

10 eco friendly outdoor gadget charging systems
by: Ecofriend, 2011-09-09 05:55:18 UTC
Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

Spending time outdoors comes coated with a lot of fun but also has its negative sides. If we are using our beloved gadgets outside home, it becomes difficult at times to charge them in case they run low on battery. But, why not use eco-friendly way of juicing up the gadgets when spending time with nature. Below is a list of eco-friendly outdoor gadget charging systems, which will make gadget freaks jump with utmost joy.

1. Solar Dok

Solar Dok is here to befriend all your electronic gadgets. It will prove to be a boon when you are out for a picnic or camping in the woods. The useful Solar Dok features an umbrella that has been fitted with photovoltaic cells. These harness energy from the sun and produce necessary energy that is stored in the battery. A user can easily adjust the angle of umbrella for maximum exposure to sun rays. The best part being that the Solar Dok itself has been crafted from salvaged materials.

2. Soft Rockers MIT

Sheila Kennedy has designed the Soft Rockers MIT that can double as a furniture piece. The energy charging station is solar powered and has been wedged with a 12 ampere hour battery. It has been shaped like a delicate leaf and can charge any USB gadget. The 35 watt 1.5 axis solar tracking unit is quite interactive. The rocker stores energy when the sun shines, which can be used whenever required. So, relax on this lounge and recharging option and bring some fun moments in your life.

3. Portable solar-powered generator

iLand by iLand Green Technologies will be an absolute delight to possess for eco-conscious people who love camping as well. It will provide necessary power supply on the move and weighs approximately 10 kgs. iLand consists of two parts, a repository and generator, which can be put together using screws. The system comes fitted with a 200Wh battery that stores all the energy produced by solar cells. The portable kit will comprise of eight LED lamp connectors, four LED bulbs, one cigarette lighter socket and two USB connectors.

4. Sun Table for Outdoor Laptopping

Sudia Design Labs has come up with the Sun Table that can be easily squeezed inside the house as well. It consists of a nickel metal hybrid battery that is charged by the rays of sun. At 12 volts the battery has a maximum storage capacity of 13 amp hours. The whole system just need 3 hours to get fully charged in strong rays and later provides 150 watts of maximum output. So, charge your laptop, cell phone, watch TV or listen to your favorite music, Sun Table won’t leave you disappointed. Battery charge will be displayed with the help of LEDs. The eco-friendly table has been crafted from aluminum that can be recycled later.

5. Orange REcharge Pod

The REcharge Pod by Orange will make good use of both wind and solar energy to keep your cell phone beeping always. The freestanding charging station can be erected at festivals and can be used to charge up to 100 phones at the same time in a clean and green manner. Orange REcharge Pod has a height of 7 meters and makes good use of renewable sources of energy at a large scale.

6. Panasonic Solar Power Table

Panasonic Solar Power Table makes good use of QI technology that will help charge your gadgets sans the use of wires. The surface of the device features solar panels that collect energy from the sun. To charge any device, the user will have to place it on the table. The QI technology happily supports PDAs, cell phones and mobile devices.

7. Eclipse Solar Gear Wou

Fusion Messenger Bag comes embedded with a solar charging module that will charge MP3 players, phones and also rechargeable batteries (Anything that can be charged using 12V auto adapter). It has been crafted using hard-wearing nylons, salvaged materials plus heavy canvas with leather trims. The product by Eclipse needs to be soaked in ample sunlight to make sure it functions properly.

8. Solar Pump Charging Station

Sol Design has designed the Solar Pump Charging Station that will put abundant sunlight to good use. The charging station will be wedged at public places, which will end all woes in case your beloved gadgets have a dwindling battery. So, pump your phones or tablets with power of sun with the Solar Pump Charging Station.

9. Sun Station

A green charging structure has been designed by Julene Aguirre-Bielschowsky that will definitely prove to be a blessing in disguise for people who like carrying their gadgets everywhere. The durable structure, named Sun Station, has been crafted using stainless steel, teak wood and concrete. It is capable of producing 84 Watt power and can be erected at any place which receives decent amount of sunlight. Mono crystalline solar cells have been positioned 3 meters from the ground, which help generate electricity for charging gadgets.

10. Renewable Energy Gadget-Charging Station

Free Solar Energy Station by Jonathan Globerson is here to keep low charge signal nightmares at bay. The environmentally-friendly gadget-charging station has been made from bamboo. It can be positioned at any public place and comes fitted with solar panels. So, charge your portable gadgets the easy way and save yourself the effort of carrying chargers everywhere your go.