Batteries

SmarTap has been developing a new technology for the next generation of thermostatic electronic faucets. This technology enables the user to monitor and control the water consumption in his property in real time. Shower systems based on this technology offer a unique shower experience combined with safety features and water and energy monitoring and saving capabilities. The systems supply water at the desired temperature and flow without wasting it: the shower will discharge water only at the desired temperature and flow.

Fuel cells are used to produce electricity. They are considered a promising technology to replace conventional combustion engines in vehicles. Fuel cells may also replace batteries in portable electronic equipment. The most widely used types of fuel cells for mobile devices are Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells (PEM FC) which are often used in vehicles, and Direct Methanol fuel cells, used in portable applications. PEM fuel cells use hydrogen or certain alcohols such as methanol as fuel.

Hybrid technology systems combine two or more technologies with the aim to achieve efficient systems. Possible combinations are: wind-solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid systems, wind-diesel hybrid systems, fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid systems, wind-fuel cell hybrid systems, etc. (see the short descriptions below). Hybrid systems combine numerous electricity production and storage units to meet the energy demands of a given facility or community (Solar Energy Technologies Program, 2006).

Description of the project

The Global Environment Centre Foundation (GEC) is an entity that supports the UNEP’s International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC), based in Japan. GEC is dedicated to the transfer of environmentally sound technologies, in both developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The foundation aims to contribute to Japan’s international efforts on the environment, sharing project collaborations as well as promoting Japan’s rich conservation knowledge and experience in developing nations.

Many storage technologies have been considered in the context of utility-scale energy storage systems. These include:

Many storage technologies have been considered in the context of utility-scale energy storage systems. These include:

Electric vehicles are about 2.5 times more energy efficient than their counterparts which are powered solely by internal combustion engines. This high energy efficiency is the main reason why electric vehicles can contribute to lower the CO2 emission and energy consumption of traffic substantially. Electric vehicles have zero tailpipe exhaust emissions and thus contribute substantially to a better air quality. Additionally, electric vehicles are inherently silent and can help to reduce the noise levels in cities.

One approach to lowering the CO₂ emission from traffic is the hybridization of vehicles. A hybrid vehicle uses two or more distinct power sources, i.e. hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. Vehicles employed in urban areas like small passenger cars, local delivery trucks and city busses benefit from hybridization and show substantially lower CO₂ emissions, ranging from 23 to 43% depending on the traffic dynamics.

ITP Australia is a private sector organization, was established in 2003 and is part of the IT Power Group which was formed in 1981 to bring together specialists in renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon markets. It offers expertise in renewable energy and energy efficiency, including research, development and implementation, managing and reviewing government incentive programs, high level policy analysis (including carbon markets), engineering design and project management.