Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Solar

The annual global energy consumption of humankind is 5 x 1020 Joules; roughly equivalent to the amount of sunshine that reaches our planet in one hour.
Covering 1% of Continental U.S. with 20% efficient PV systems would provide all energy needs of the US. Covering 0.2% of the surface would generate all the electricity that the US consumes.
To put this number in perspective: roads cover 1.5% of the U.S Asphalt as a solar collecting device;

This Dutch company has a working system . This concept is discussed here and Wpi is doing work on this.

Solar Concentrators turn larger areas to collect solar ie a window and deliver in smaller packages like the edges. Increasing the power aggregation potential 4 Fold. Mit Research here.

http://www.origin.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4286850.html?series=60&page=8&?series=60

fuel cell powered by solar
http://www.origin.popularmechanics.com/science/research/4286850.html?page=10&series=60

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/ausra-opens-first-solar-thermal-power-plant-in-united-states.php

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