The WorldFirst Formula 3 race car has just been released by researchers at the University of Warwick. The engine runs on biofuel made from waste chocolate and vegetable oil. The steering wheel is made of carrots, and the brake pads are made of cashew nuts. The researchers are fine-tuning the car in the hopes that it will reach maximum speeds of 144 mph. Check out more details below:
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/may2009/bw2009057_934211.htm?chan=rss_topStories_ssi_5
Still skeptical, the race car is actually not the first car powered by waste chocolate. The British company Ecotech has converted a Ford truck to chocolate biofuels and a British couple drove from Europe to Timbuktu, Africa in the vehicle!
http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/01/01/transportation-tuesday-chocolate-powered-truck/
ASSIGNMENT: PLEASE COMPLETE BOTH 1 & 2, YOUR IDEAS SHOULD BE SUMBITTED BY COMMENTING ON THIS BLOG POSTING. MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE URL LINKS.
- Find out more about a minimum of ONE other cool and interesting research and development project that links to the idea of sustainability. Comment on the project below, and provide us with the URL link so that we can find out more about it.
- Choose one alternative energy source to research. Provide us with a link to an article that you read about the energy source, and comment on the advantages and disadvantages of this energy source. Examples include geothermal, human powered energy sources, tidal, solar, wind, etc.
1. Recently, a deal has been made between Pasadena’s eSolar and the Indian conglomerate Acme Group. These two companies have decided to work together to make solar power plants in Haryana, India. I think this idea is pretty cool and if they invest in it further it may become useful. Solar power is cheap, re-newable, and by building a plant in India it can increase employment rates.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the sitee!
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/03/devworldgreen/
2. "Passive" SOLAR ENERGY
Advantages:
-it's FREE
-good for our environment (re-newable)
-doesn't cause pollution in the air -> decreases the amount of greenhouse gas emission
-won't need to find a plug!
-can bring it anywhere, anytime
Disadvantages:
-cost money to build/buy the system
-solar panels are pretty heavy and space consuming
-solar energy can vary depending on the location of the sun
-clouds and pollutions can block the energy
-darkness = no energy
http://www.newenergy.org/sesci/publications/pamphlets/passive.html
1.) Vision 2020 is basically a vision of maintaining a strong healthy and sustainable Hamilton. The vision looks at the fullfillment of human needs such as clean air and water, food and shelter. Also it looks at maintaining ecological integrity so that wastes can be reduced and the diversity of natural species can be protected. I like the idea of this and think that other cities should start their own visions similar to this.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CityandGovernment/ProjectsInitiatives/V2020
2.) Wind Power!
Advantages: zero pollution, renewable source of electricity, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants and provides extra income for rural farmers by renting land for turbines
Disadvantages: it requires continued innovation to improve its efficiencies, turbine lifetimes would need to be extended over a certain period of time, and some interconnection problems would need to be diminished.
http://canmetenergy-canmetenergie.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/eng/renewables/wind_energy.html
1. This is not really a big corporation development project,but rather a project WE can probably do at home! Basically, this is a kit where you can build your own solar module or wind turbine. This not only uses outside renewable energy, but also, reduces our carbon footprint at home! I think this is a great idea and hopefully everyone will invest in it sometime or another.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.solar-cheap.com/diy-guide-learn-to-make-photovoltaic-collecters-wind-turbines/#more-291
2. BIOMASS!
ADVANTAGES
-alternative to fossil fuel..which is running out..
-biodegradable, non-toxic
-clean fuel which is good for the car
-renewable
-can extend the life of landfills
DISADVANTAGES
-process of producing biomass still uses fossil fuel
-pumping oil out of the ground is more efficient than growing and processing of plants
http://www.re-energy.ca/t_biomassenergy.shtml
1) Wheres the lemon?
ReplyDeleteWell, most people over look the power of fruit cells that come from lemons, and it can actually be used to power small electric thingys, such as a clock, a buzzer, a calculator etc.
although it is a small contribution, it still helps us from consuming energy from battery.
http://www.autopenhosting.org/lemon/index.html
2) Engineers have come up with a way to produce electricity out of the motions from vehicles.
Wow thats Creative, and smart too!
Since we cannot get people to take the bus or ride their bikes, we can make something of people driving their cars everywhere.
Advantages: People love to drive around,
and we can make use of it! probably
an unlimited source of energy
Disadvantage : Heavy amounts of pollution
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090608005429&newsLang=en
1. A "zero emissions house" called the lighthouse is built by the Kingspan company in the UK. It is designed to encourage people to use less energy and resources in the world, in order to help slow down climate change. It has a "barn-like" roof at a 40 degree angle with solar panels and rainwater harvesting. It uses organic fuels like wood pellets to run boilers. Also, it has a waste separation system, so comustible waste can be grouped together,to be burned to provide power. I think this is a cool project, if all houses start following this design, I'm sure our Earth will be really happy. That way, we are not just taking resources fpr gramted, we are actually learning how to use them effectively and responsibly.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.greenedia.com/groups/greenedia-green-building/blog/2007/06/The-Lighthouse-A-Net-Zero-Carbon-House
2. Geothermal Energy
Advantages:
-cost effective,reliable,no pollutions, conserve fuel, does not require as much room
Disadvantages:
-expensive to build a geothermal power plant with no guaranteed return(risky) , researchers have to do a land survey to see if it is proper to build a geothermal energy there (time consuming, needs a lot of planning)
http://b2barticles.com/Article/Geothermal-Energy--Energy-from-the-Earth/2900
#1. San Francisco is installing 1100 bus shelters around the city made out of recycled materials and solar panels that feed energy back into the main grid. The shelters also provide Wi-Fi connectivity!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.alternative-energy-news.info/solar-powered-wi-fi-bus-stops/
#2. Geothermal Energy
Advantages
= Do not create a lot of greenhouse gases(drilling release some gas trapped in the earth, but its hardly anything compared to burning fossil fuels)
= Its renewable
= The contaminated water can be pumped back into the earth for storage.
= Filters could be installed to decrease sulfur going into the air
Disadvantages
= Limited to places found on tectonic plate boundaries(although new technologies are making it possible to drill elsewhere)
= Water extracted from the earth may contain traces of harmful substances like mercury and lead and can contaminate nearby freshwater.
= Can trigger earthquakes
= Building can be damaged by earthquakes
= Releases sulfur into the air, results in acid rain
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_power
1. Searaser is a new device that pumps water uphill by uses the wave's of the ocean. this would let it pump water uphill into reservoirs, which will then let that water flow downhill into he waiting arms of turbines that will power generators. Britain hopes this will help free its requirement of Fossil fuels in the near future.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article5167812.ece
2. Scientists at MIT have come up with a new fuel
cell process that mimics the way plants store the sun's rays that is both efficient and inexpensive, not to mention environmentally sound. Without getting too technical, the system uses sunlight to separate water's hydrogen and oxygen atoms and then puts them back together in a fuel cell, providing energy at night to anything the solar panel is attached to.
Advantages of Solar power: It'll keep coming till the sun burns out, and by then, it won't matter haha. its clean and does not produce any bad effects to the environment.
Disadvantages: very expensive and you can't use it at night, however the MIT students invention might solve that!
1. First off, here is a great site that lists numerous environment sustainability projects:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ecosustainable.com.au/projects.htm#1
SMILE Project Sustainable Mobility Initiative (Europe)
Increased problems of congestion and pollution is becoming very prevalent in Europe due to the steady growth of urban motorized traffic. By 2010, transport will be the largest single contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The SMILE partners selected 14 European Cities to implement sustainable transport policies. These cities are setting an example for others to follow showing the good practice of sustainable mobility. This project is about creating incentives for citizens to choose more sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport. To reverse these negative effects, they are trying to promote more sustainable modes of transport, urban planning strategies, improved mixed use of space, introducing innovative technologies in terms of energy saving and the environment protect. They are also raising awareness to citizens to find alternatives such as cycling, walking or using public transport.
2. Biomass
http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/biomass/
Biomass is just the conversion of stored energy in plants into energy we can use. Examples include crops (wheat,barley, corn, grasses), aquatic plants (algae, water weed), wastes (sewage, plastics) and wood.
Advantages:
* Theoretically inexhaustible fuel source
* When direct combustion of plant mass is not used to generate energy, there is minimal environmental impact
* Alcohols and other fuels produced by biomass are efficient, viable, and relatively clean-burning
* Available throughout the world
Disadvantages:
* Can contribute to global warming (emissions when burned - pollution)
* expensive source, both in terms of producing the biomass and converting it to alcohols
* On a small scale there is most likely a net loss of energy--energy must be put in to grow the plant mass
* Increases Food prices and shortages (wheat, rice, etc.)
1) Beijing used to be the number one greenhouse gas polluter, so China just invested $22.7 billion as part of the UN Environment Programme. So far, China has built wind farms to harvest wind-energy, developed biofuels, subsidised energy-efficient home appliances, and closed 156 highly poulluting industrial projects. Now they are leading the energy investment trend, and setting an example for the rest of the world!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_387810.html
2)Human power! ex) pedal powered energy generator. This system would be most appropriate for a household with more than four people that do not have high energy demands, and are in average physical condition.
Advantages:
-no pollution
-creates DC electricity
- storable in different kinds of batteries, so it can be portable!
-useable for many household appliances including radios, televisions, lights, power tools etc.
-keeps you fit
Disadvantages
-difficult to assemble (though instructions are included on the site. See link below)
- probably expensive if you buy one
-mostly suitable for households, not large industrial companies
1.There is a research from The Tidal Power Steering Group saying that tidal power could ensure the security of Jersey'senergy need for the rest of the century.i think that this idea is pretty good even though tidal power might cost a lot, it is reuseable and it is environmental friendly.
ReplyDeletewww.bbc.co.uk/jersey/content/articles/2008/12/22/tidal_power_feature.shtml
2. Tidal Power
Advatages:
-does not generate emmissions of greenhouse gases or wastes
-unlimited supply from the ocean
-reliable as there is always waves/tides
-protect coastline against damage from strong tides
-provide job oppotunities
Disadvantages:
-expensive to construct
-limited construction location
-affects fish migration and other wildlife
-pollution while constructing
-takes time to build
http://www.odec.ca/projects/2006/wong6j2/tidal.html
1. Deja Poo: The Living Machine Sewage System
ReplyDeletePort of Portland is integrating waste management into the lobby of its new headquarters. The idea is to use waste from the building's washrooms to fertilize the plants outside the building or lobby. Living Machine uses soil and bacteria to filter out pathogens, turning wastewater into nonpotable water. After use, the water is treated with UV rays, and is reused to flush again.
http://www.wired.com/science/planetearth/magazine/17-06/st_sewagegrid
2. Urban solar power plant at former industrial site in Chicago
Advantages: provides clean electrical services in urban areas (powers 1200-1500 homes during a year), 10MW solar photovoltaic facility features 32800 panels displace 31.2 million pounds of greenhouse emissions annually (equivalent of taking off 2500 cars or 3200 acres of forests), generate 50% more power than conventional solar panels, perfect for development since the former industrial site is unable to provide recreational usage, great economic stimulus
Disadvantages: $60 million project, owned and operated by a private company Exelon Generation instead of public (may cost residents more for energy), energy extraction depends on the weather and the intensity of the sun (Chicago has a continental climate, so no constant sun through out the year)
http://archpaper.com/e-board_rev.asp?News_ID=3557
Eric Wan
1. last year university of victoria has used a system which calculate the sustainability of the university. the campus sustainability assessment framework (CSAF) is used to provide a context for the institution to measure the level of sustainability. this project is a year round assessment and is such a success that universities like McGill, BCIT, university of ottawa and queens are being conducted in using the CSAF too.
ReplyDeletehttp://uvsp.uvic.ca/sus_assess.htm
2. Solar Energy
Advantages:
renewable energy
free
efficient
doesn't cause pollution
solar cells are long lasting
very low maintainence
easy to install
Disadvantages:
the cost of the solar cells are high
requires a large amount of area to install
clouds and pollution could lower the efficiency
location of the panel could alter performance
if the sun is blocked/at night, then no energy
1) Through science and determination, CSIRO Land and Water are finding ways to enable the sustainable use of Australia's land and water resources. For example, they're planning to use less water in farming and industries, reycle urban and industrial waters (awesome!) and wastes, and at the same time protect the Australian rivers and groundwater. I think this is a great idea and we should also try to conserve our water resources considering that we (Canada) have an abundant amount of freshwater. It is critical that our freshwater resources should not go to waste! I think there's something that we can learn from this research project.
ReplyDeleteUrban and Industrial Water Research Project:
http://www.clw.csiro.au/research/urban/
2) Thermal Energy -> http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/geothermal_power.html
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly - does NOT cause POLLUTION
- Renewable and natural Energy
- Less expensive to build a geothermal plant than an oil, gas, coal, or nuclear power polant.
- CLEAN energy, therefore no environmental bills to comply with the carbon emission (some countries have this)
- does not require fuel
- LOW costs
Disadvantages
- Geothermal heat is extracted from deep within the earths surface
- Researchers must explore and do a land survey in order to find a suitable place to build the geothermal plant
- Geothermal plants are usually built around volcanoes and fault lines
- Explorers are concerned if the environment is fit for a power plant
- Geothermal plants only last for a certain time (a decade)
- Harmful gases can escape from deep within the earth via the holes drilled by the builders
1. BE ONE WITH NATURE!!! The awesome Eco friendly coffin made out of 60% recycled paper and wood pulp from sustainable forests. It also uses natural starch based glue. :) No one needs to be extravagant when dead! Buy a cardboard coffin~~. ^o^b
ReplyDeletehttp://www.creativecoffins.com/environment.html
2. Solar power Satellite
http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/
Advantages:
- 24/7 access to sun!
- No green house gases!
- Huge quantities of energy!
- Can be exported to anywhere in the world!
Disadvantages:
- EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE!!!! >.<
- Really Big! (Kilometers)
- Aliens could attack!!! (*GASP*) D:
- Terrorists in space!!
http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org/
ReplyDeleteI just thought that this way too cute! Even children are trying to somehow make a difference.
http://www.china.org.cn/english/environment/239767.htm
Biodiesel projects to help solve energy shortage :
-the development of biofuels is an environmentally-friendly source which eases the growing thirst for energy
-Raising biofuel forests in mountain areas will save farmland, make full use of the uninhabited mountains, and increase local people's family income if they are employed to take care of the trees
-this seems like a reasonable project to go through with, although the downsides aren't really shown, I'm going to assume that either they aren't that significant, or they just want to hide them
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2003_August_26/ai_106911957/
-another forest related project, this one too seems reasonable enough
-this project clams to help improve the health of the nearby Apache-Sitgreaves forest by thinning Ponderosa Pine growth, while generating electricity using renewable biomass fuel and providing employment to local residents.
-Biomass technology converts vegetation waste such as forest and agricultural byproducts - even yard trimmings - into clean fuel to power generators. The Stone Forest Biomass Project will help reduce future forest fire threats by converting the trees and other vegetation removed during forest thinning into electricity.
-By using the wood chips that are produced from the forested trees, APS expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15,000 tons per year. Trees that in the past would have been burned in the forest, now will be burned in a boiler under controlled conditions, thereby producing less emissions.
-At least in this article, they admit that emissions will still be released, but in lower amounts
-This plan seems more reasonable, since "waste" left from a forest can be used to create energy and that there actually is a solution to help reduce the forest fires
http://www.undp.org/energy/
UN's website.
Solar energy!
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/solar.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Facts-About-Solar-Energy&id=260253
Advantages:
-it's a renewable source
-there's an infinite amount of sunlight that can produce energy and the actual energy production causes no pollution whatsoever.
-Solar energy will not pollute our air with carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases and bad emissions.
-To run a solar energy system, you do not even need to connect to a gas or power grid.
-Solar panels operate silently
-Solar energy systems require very little maintenance and will last for a long time.
Disadvantage :
-costs of creating photovoltaic, or light sensitive cells, to put in the solar panels; producing them causes a lot of pollution, but the benefits outweigh it
-they don't produce a whole lot of energy and there's the risk of a really dark and cloudy day putting towns in power shortages, so producing most, if not all of our power via solar plants would require a very large electrical grid that would wire practically every town together. That way if it's cloudy in one area, a solar plant in a sunny area in another town can produce the energy for the town with the cloudy weather.
-Solar energy products can be very expensive. The initial cost is, perhaps, the main disadvantage of solar energy.
-You need a relatively large area to install solar panels if you want a good level of efficiency.
http://alt-e.blogspot.com/ <-- sweet blog on alternative energy resources!
http://www.freespiritspheres.com/all_about_spheres.htm
ReplyDeletereeaallyy random, but i thought it was pretty cool!
pretty much a treehouse to live in, for adults
1. Also Solar powered Car is great too. Solar cars Solar cars combine technology typically used in the aerospace, bicycle, alternative energy and automotive industries. The design of a solar vehicle is severely limited by the energy input into the car (batteries and power from the sun).
ReplyDeleteURL: http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/alternative-energy/solar/facts-solar-powered/
2. Advantage: -no gases
-uses sun energy
-renewable sources
Disadvantags: -initial cost of the equipment
-A solar energy installation requires a large area for the system to be efficient in providing a source of electricity.
- Solar energy is only useful when the sun is shining