We keep publishing stories on how to generate renewable energy, which tell us about investments worth millions.
Scientific research, energy companies as well as governmental institutions come up with great solutions at very large scales. Of course, the materializing of all these projects and discussions might take a while, so let’s look into some interesting ways to generate energy until the ‘big’ guys make their decisions.
1. Cars
Opposite to common beliefs, keeping more cars on the road could not be such a bad idea as it currently is. Driving them on metal plates that move piezoelectric devices could generate energy, and if these vehicles are electric it will make the picture even more perfect.
2. Used up tea leaves
This idea comes from the Pakistani National Centre of Physics and it was introduced by Dr Syed Hussain. Their research team found a nano-catalyst that can be used to produce biodiesel from used tea. If this reaches the commercial market, it could be a great way to produce alternative energy.
3. Methane from farm animals
If the methane produced by farm animals from their manure is collected, it could represent 100 billion kWh of electricity per year. Something to think about.
4.Fruits and Vegetables
Is there such thing as a food battery? Not yet, but we are definitely heading in the right direction. Generating a current using potatoes, a couple of electrodes and some basic knowledge of physics, might just be what the world needs.
5. Raindrops
In theory, it is very simple. We only have to spread piezoelectric sensors over a big surface and let them convert the impact into electricity.
6. Hydroelectricity at home
Flush the toilet, turn the tap, connect to a turbine and voila, you can charge your battery.
7. Trees
A while ago, MagCap Engineering reported that they could produce an electric current directly from the trees. If this is really possible, why not have street lightning powered by urban trees?
8. Make the tiles ‘special’
An idea from Japan, as expected. Piezoelectric tiles are already being used to generate electricity. Subways, airports, malls, all these places are crossed by millions of people a day. And only by walking, they already have the needed ‘power’.
9. Beer and wine
Can we make biofuel from beer waste? Of course, and brewers in Germany and California are already doing it. The French and the Italian, on the other hand, are making ethanol from surplus wine. Now we only need to define ‘surplus’.
1
0. Kinetic energy harvesting
Now what can we do? The answer is- all of the above and a lot more! Piezoelectric sensors on the terrace to capture rain energy, or in the office or at home to energize our footsteps? Place hydropower turbines in the bathroom They could line our office floors and sidewalks, energizing our footsteps. Let’s implement all these ideas and start living “green.”
Via: Smashinglists, Ecosalon
Dear Mila
I would like to present to your attention my
invention: engine (mechanism) producing
electricity using compressed air.
Of course,
you are familiar with a variety of pneumatic tools , powered by compressed air
, and immediately thought of them . I must say that it’s not it – there is
quite another.
The idea
is as using the energy of compressed
air, through the release of this energy in the water. This is a
revolutionary approach to creating a new kind of
“movement”. In general I think
you understood the meaning of what was said, but there is a little detail about
which I just can’t speak in the rumor. I spent more than twenty years of
my life to improve and refine this invention.
And now, too, I’m working on the improvement of the “engine”
(mechanism) that is connected with dynamo-machine and generates electricity using
compressed air. I called this mechanism
for conditionally – a “generator”.
Will not be superfluous to note that the “generator” is
environmentally friendly and is totally safe because, during his
“work” does not
combustion emissions emitted into the atmosphere. It can be
successfully combined with wind generator , especially on days when the wind is
weak or absent , or with solar panels on days when there is no sun , but still
the main advantage of this system is that it is able to work independently and
produce electricity . The process continues until the flow of air in the
cylinders is finished . When the wind or the sun again resumes out – the supply
air in the cylinder is restored . When the “Windmill” operates
cylinders accumulate energy in the form of compressed air and when the wind
calms down-“spend”. There are experimental (desktop) models of the
“engine” (mechanism), but to make more-efficient running and
generating electricity in large quantities, model-need investment and my own
funds is not enough, that’s why I decided to make an offer interested companies
or individuals to participate in the completion of the project on attractive
equity basis. The invention is very primitive and simple , and it is clear that
it can be used without the consent of the author , so I want some caution .
By my estimate for production (construction)
of the 5 -7 prototype would take up to
150 000 -200 000 Euro, but the results of a hundred times win expectations. The
working group can be consists of several specialists of narrow profile, under
favourable conditions, and with adequate
funding to six months to complete the preparatory processes necessary for the
start of production and immediately begin mass production – as a first step,
small (1-2 kW) portable generators . Production can be arranged in ordinary
workshops where there is stamping, milling, lathe, welding and other working
machines. One hundred percent sure this “engine” (mechanism) will
find extensive use in the home and in industry and in the production of
alternative energy sources as back-up facilities under adverse (in terms of the
production of alternative energy) weather conditions-such as lack of wind or
Sun. A more detailed description of the
engine (mechanism), I can personally imagine if on Your part will be a genuine
interest and prior arrangement. I think it wiser to do with you, because you
have more suitable and great features. If you are interested in my offer then I think
that mutual cooperation is possible in the next version: Once you are sure of
the value of my invention and find it attractive, we can conclude the contract
with you, and based on this contract will begin development of the final
product. I’m ready to be a simple member of the working group and together with
a group of day and night to work on finishing the project. Please pay attention
that no money I ask from you, and propose, however, to finish my over 20 years
of research and then together enjoy the expected results. I am sure that the
results would be unimaginable and I’m 99 percent sure that in a short time we
will have a reliable and inexpensive mechanism for the production of cheap electricity
with zero emission.
Yours
faithfully
K.
Grigoryan, «SANMAN» LLC Director
Yerevan,
Armenia
Tel. +37491221700
I think the Solarbotanic concept is one to add to this list. Check this out! http://www.solarbotanic.com