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).

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.

Globe L and W’s street lighting fixture ORION was developed in base on minimum operating and maintenance costs and very low periodic maintenance requirements. The fixture requires a replacement of the battery about every 5 years and lamp every 15 or more years. The fixtures operate on PV panel no electricity or costly electrical infrastructure is required. We work on the research and development of the latest innovations in the field of illumination LED technology and luminary new components as the LED bulb JUPITER for replacement of the HPS existing on the grid.

Background: As electronic devices become increasingly complex and widespread so does the demand for portable electric power generation. Portable electronic devices powered by traditional batteries are limited by their short lifetime energy capacity and relatively limited accessibility. Portable generators run on hydrocarbon fuels including kerosene and diesel overcome the limitations of batteries but their engine-based design results in noise pollution and recurring maintenance.

The presented technology is a newly developed sucrose supported synthesis of transition metal doped zinc oxide nanoparticles which can be used as active material for the fabrication of high capacity anodes for lithium-ion batteries. The general formula of these materials is TMxZn(1-x)O with the transition metal TM being for instance Fe or Co. The obtained nanoparticles show a homogenous particle size distribution between 20-30 nm.

Advances in the development of renewable energy sources and their storage have propelled efforts to design and fabricate ever higher charge density nanostructures (HDNs) that are cost-effective and safe. An optimal HDN would have a high surface area many sub-nanochannels through which charged species could access the internal surfaces and favorable surface reactivity. Northwestern University researchers rose to this challenge by designing and generating spherical carbon-based HDNs.

Background: Renewable resources have become increasingly obtainable and affordable thanks to the development of technology and the enactment of government policies. One of such renewables is photovoltaic (PV) power. Battery energy storage systems play a vital role in assisting high penetration PV connections to the power grid. When renewable energy sources including PV power are connected to a power grid problems such as intermittency related to cloud cover and mismatch in time between load demand and power generation can arise.