U.S. researchers have designed a wireless charging system for electric vehicles they say could ultimately lead to all-electric highways capable of charging cars and trucks as they drive down the road. The system, developed by a team at Stanford University, uses magnetic fields to transmit large electric currents between metal coils embedded a few feet apart under the surface of the road. Based on magnetic resonance coupling technology, the process involves one coil that is connected to an electric current, which generates a magnetic field that causes the second coil to resonate, triggering an invisible transfer of electrical energy. The developers say there is a potential to eventually create a wireless network across highway systems, a step that would drastically increase the range of electric vehicles since they would theoretically never have to plug into a charging ...

 

SDTC is accepting Statements of Interest from February 22nd to April 18th, 2012
SDTC invests in late-stage development and pre-commercial demonstration of clean technologies by Canadian companies in a range of innovative solutions across all industries that address Climate Change, Clean Air, Water and Soil.
CONNECT with SDTC Applications:
Applications@sdtc.ca & www.sdtc.ca/applications
JOIN one of their upcoming Statement of Interest Webinar Workshops: www.sdtc.ca/workshops
•         SDTC Investment Priorities webinar will take place February 17th 11:00am – 1:00pm EST.

•         Additional webinars related to preparing a Statement of Interest application to follow in February and March (dates to be confirmed).

 

Kyocera is introducing a new home energy management system that couples solar power panels with a lithium-ion battery for power storage that allows Japanese homes to operate off-grid if necessary.

 

The picture shows a test system consisting of 40 high concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) modules. The latest prototypes of the modules achieved a major milestone with 33.9 percent solar module efficiency. (Press picture: Semprius)

Yep, it’s that time again—a new solar module efficiency record has been set and independently verified. The solar module company is Semprius. The new efficiency record is 33.9%. The modules are actually set to come to market this year. And the efficiency percentage “was externally certified after measurement under standard test conditions at the Instituto de Energia Solar (IES) at the University of Madrid (Universidad Politecnica de Madrid),” a news release notes. This is the first time that a photovoltaic module has converted over one-third of the solar energy hitting the module into usable electricity. The previous record was reportedly ...

What if electricity cost more when the sun was shining? Many utilities are using new electronic “smart meters” to adjust the price of electricity as often as every hour, to reflect supply and demand.  And charging more when electricity is in short supply can be good news, increasing the value of solar by 33% or more. Time-of-use (TOU) pricing is a different billing method for electricity, where the customer pays based on the time of day of using electricity rather than a flat rate per kilowatt-hour consumed.  The premise is that electricity is more expensive when in high demand (e.g. by air conditioners in the afternoon on hot, sunny days) and that pricing accordingly will help reduce demand. For example, customers in San Francisco on a TOU pricing plan pay more for electricity during peak hours (12 PM ...

The ever-changing solar market continues to move ahead with enormous strides. While such innovations such as the new “plug ‘n’ play” solar panels are creating buzz, there are a number of other significant innovations that are helping homeowners fulfill their energy-saving goals. Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation recently introduced a material that enables the walls of buildings (and other structures) to generate electricity. Unlike solar panels or films, the energy is produced within the actual building materials, integrating them into the structure of the facility. According to the company, each square meter of the material is capable of generating about 80 watts of power, with an efficiency of 11% (most solar panels are 10% to 20% efficient). When you consider the potential for commercial and industrial applications, in particular, this technology could prove to be a significant step. …To the Top of ...

It’s true—amazing solar tech innovations just keep coming. Some advances come in the form of new handheld devices and applications. Others promise to elevate solar into a mainstream energy source that may one day replace greenhouse-gas-emitting fossil fuels. Here are five recent innovations that have left both solar experts and newbies in a daze. 1. The SolarKindle One of the products that garnered a lot of interest at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show was a solar cover for Amazon’s Kindle e-reader, presented by Solar Focus. With just one full hour of sunlight, the SolarKindle collects enough energy to power your device for three days. What’s more, the cover is advertised as being able to provide power to the tablet for three continuous months under “normal” sunlight conditions. Take your Kindle outside with you, and it’ll stay charged for free (with zero fossil-derived energy). Winner....

March 12, 2012
8:00 am	to	4:00 pm

PTAC Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada along with co-sponsors and collaborators invites you and representatives of your organization to participate in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) – Showcase of Technologies.

This highly informative event will present insights into new and emerging technologies. These technologies address high priority challenges, identified by producers, for innovative oil, gas and oil sands applications for exploration, production and the protection of the environment.

This forum will be of interest to producers and other oil and gas industry stakeholders who would like to learn more about emerging technologies that are helping to bridge the innovation gap and climbing towards full commercialization.

Opportunities

- Learn about innovative strategies and technological solutions to address emerging upstream oil and gas industry needs to drive results

- Hear about new technologies which have been demonstrated but are still at the early stages of …

A newly relaunched green hub on the retail website might be ho-hum news -- except for what it says about green teams' abilities to push sustainability both internally and externally.

February 1, 2012
6:00 pm	to	8:00 pm

Date: February 1, 2012

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Location: Ambers Brewery, 9926 78 Avenue NW Edmonton

Topic: Industry Perspectives on the CleanTech Industry in Alberta

Speakers: Kyle Kasawski, Solar Productions, Landmark Group, David Neely, Canadian Smart Grid / Smart Cities – Integration Leader, GE Energy, Klaas Rodenburg, Sustainable Design, Stantec Consulting
Cost: $20 for drink & snacks and a 1 year individual membership to ACTia (limited time offer)

Register for this event

Listen to brief presentations from both SME and larger industry players about their perspectives on the CleanTech Industry in Alberta. Network with like-minded people from business, industry groups, potential investors and government.  Come network and enjoy some food and drinks!

What is ACTia?

ACTia is an association that focuses on addressing common issues facing the clean technology industry. ACTia’s mandate is to promote clean technologies to the private and public sectors. Key areas of interest to …