Solar Power And Direct Propulsion

 

Solar power has proven itself to be a viable and clean energy option, but it usually requires some sort of conversion mechanism and equipment to be put to use.

For example, in a grid connect solar power system, solar panels convert light from the sun into DC electricity, which is then run through a power inverter that converts it to AC electricity, suitable for use by home appliances.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, are utilizing carbon nanotubes to build small machines directly propelled by solar power. They believe the technology could be scaled up to make energy generating pumps directly powered by the sun.

In lab experiments, when light is focused on one of these machine floating on a pool of water, the nanotubes warm and heat the water around them. This creates decrease in water surface tension localized to one area of the machine, which is in turn propelled forward away from the low-tension part of the surface.

Another machine consists of a simple rotor with a nanotube strip on one side of each of its four fins. When exposed to direct sunlight, it spins at about 70 rotations per minute. 

The carbon nanotubes are the blackest materials ever tested, absorbing almost all the light that falls on them.

The researchers are aiming to create real boats. Lenses mounted on the back of a large boat in theory should focus sufficient sunlight on the carbon nanotubes to propel it. They also hope to make large nanotube-embedded rotors for solar powered generators.

Read more about harnessing direct solar power for propulsion

Victoria's Wimmera Sets Sights On Solar Farm

 

 
The Wimmera Development Association has announced it will submit a formal request to the Victorian State Government for a solar farm to be constructed in the area.
  
According to an article The Wimmera Mail Times; the total cost of the project is pegged around $250 million and it going ahead would depend on both state and federal funding. The move by the association comes shortly after the Victorian Government's announcement of up to $100 million funding for a solar farm that could supply 50,000 homes. 
  
The Wimmera Development Association will also be seeking commercial partners for the project that, should it get the green light, would be the second large-scale solar project for Victoria.  
   
While a site for the solar farm has not yet been chosen, five or six areas of northern and central Victoria have expressed initial interest in the project. Around 1000 hectares of land situated close to a high voltage line would be needed in order to easily feed the power generated into the mains grid. Talks are already under way with an Adelaide company experienced in the development of solar farms overseas.
  
Horsham City Council is supporting the bid as it would provide significant employment and investment opportunities in the region.
  

News for Tuesday 14 April, 2009

 

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