As the year winds down we would like to take a moment to shine the spotlight on four companies who have explored and produced innovative means of energy harvesting in 2008. The means may be common knowledge....but the approach and technology is creative and productive.

Wind Farms

Wind generators have in the past been too costly, or too restrictive for general use by the green community. ExRo, a technology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, now produces a variable speed drive wind turbine. Unlike industry standard turbines which must turn at a preset and constant speed, the ExRo turbin takes advantage of wind gusts by operating at variable speeds. This benefits the areas in the country where a constant or predictable wind are not available. Its usage should grow after more field trials have been completed.

Solar Arrays

Roof top solar arrays have been producing both electricity and hot water for years. The primary drawback to both is the extra weight on the roof, and the cost. HelioVolt, a startup company in Austio, Texas has an innovative approach that solves both problems. Their photovoltaic cells are imbedded in the roofing material, this allows you to replace or add a rooftop that performs the traditional task of a roof, with the added benefit of generating energy. Photovoltaic roofing systems are being installed around the country as we speak, so we should expect to hear more about this technology in the coming year.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen Fuel Cells are an exciting concept, energy from water, but the half million dollar (and up) price of the NASA variety cells is prohibitive. Immer~Voll, a joint German, Spanish venture has solved the primary concern with a unit for under $1000. The HFCs can be operated as a hydrogen fuel pump, or as a hydrogen fuel cell. Any gas powered car can become a hybrid vehicle with its alternative fuel being water with this HFC. We expect to hear more of this product in 2009.

Geothermal Power

The United States is not known for its Geothermal reserves. Raser Technologies, a technology company based in Utah, plans to expand the use of Geothermal energy in the United States. Their new modular geothermal plants can utilize cooler geothermal sources, as low as 300 degrees F. This expands the available resources a great deal. Their test sites are to come online early in 2009. Geothermal energy is available 24/7 whereas all other renewables currently miss that mark.

 

The home EV conversion is still the largest market segment of the EV industry.  Hundreds of EV clubs have been formed to bring members together so that they can share experiences and ideas on conversions and equipment.  Invest your time before you invest your money in that home based EV project.  Once you have your parts list together you can go to Battery Powered Systems to fill your shopping list.

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Lead Acid battery packs are fairly inexpensive, but they are heavy, and limited in output.  Lithium battery packs are light weight, high energy, but pricey.  The best possible combination would be LA and LiFePO4 in a single unit.  But.....can it be done?  Maybe it is possible to have your cake and eat it too.  Check out Sag Challenges to see how it is being done!  To contact the experimentor directly use the link below.

texomaev@yahoo.com