Batteries that store the kinetic energy from everyday movement may be one solution to some of our future energy needs. Product designers Choi Hyung-Suk and Yun Jung-Sik have come up with the concept of a ‘Human Energy Recycle System’ to store and supply energy from man to machine.
They propose a new international standard battery that will respond to multiple uses and fit many portable devices. The battery slots neatly into a charger which is worn by the user as they go about their everyday lives. From household chores, to shopping or the gym, the battery is charged and can then be used in portable electronic devices.
A slightly larger charger stores the energy from more strenuous activity such as cycling or using fitness equipment. The cost and efficiency of such a system may be prohibitive, but the basic concept is already being tested elsewhere. A paving slab that stores the kinetic energy of footsteps has recently been trialled in London. Whatever happens in the future it looks like we’ll all be doing our bit to help reduce traditional battery waste.
A paving slab that generates energy from footsteps may be coming to a high street near you soon. Made from recycled materials, including rubber from old tyres, Pavegen paving slabs have recently been trialled in East London and will continue to be tested in other locations around the UK.
The slabs, which move 5mm under each footstep, covert the kinetic energy to electricity which is then stored under the slab. The slabs glow when stepped on indicating that power is being generated, though this uses only 5% energy. Installing Pavegen slabs at locations such as pedestrian crossings could make pedestrians more visible and improve road safety.
In a busy shopping precinct or train station the slabs have the potential to generate significant levels of energy. This power could then be used to illuminate lights, signs and shops in the area. Each Pavegen slab has an estimated lifetime of 20 million steps and, depending on foot traffic, the payback period for a slab could be as little as one year. What a cool way to recycle waste!
The reNEW solar battery charger is a unique vertical charging and storage device that is able to stick or hang from a window. The device, which is made from biodegradable plastic and felt, is both practical and sustainable, providing an easy way to store and sort your batteries whilst charging them for free with sunlight. Aesthetically pleasing, it blends in with gadgets you expect to find in the modern home, whilst keeping your rechargeable batteries together and tidy. Batteries are dropped into the reNEW charger from the top and released via a lever from the bottom when fully powered. The charger was a recent Gold Award winner at the 2009 Lite-On Awards, an event known as the ‘Academy Awards’ of industrial design that recognises the green industrial revolution now sweeping the globe. We think its a fantastic way to reuse and recycle your batteries.
Let’s face it, with pretty much any service it pays to shop around before signing contracts. You wouldn’t, for example, simply take the first car insurance quote without at least comparing it to other companies now would you?
So when it comes time to renew your broadband contract, should you simply pick the first one and hope it’s a good deal? No, of course you shouldn’t!
Broadband Comparison sites are a great way to check various providers, but how can you be sure they are offering you the best deals?
One way is to compare broadband deals using a website that is approved by ofcom. Ofcom actually have a scheme in place to accredit trusted comparison websites that have met stringent tests.
Broadband choices, for example is one such site. They provide a great service that means you simply enter your postcode in their search box, hit go, and their website will do the rest!
Because they have ofcom approval, you can be sure you can trust the results they give you.
Fed up of using tea-lights and throwing the remains away? This nifty eco-gadget may be for you. The solar sphere lantern charges during the day and then gives 8 hours of light during the night. Using a solar panel and rechargeable NiMh batteries the glazed ceramic sphere gives the impression of holding a candle and is safe to use indoors and out.
The feature we like most is that the sphere turns on when it’s dark outside and gives eco-friendly light throughout the night – no matches necessary! It comes without any of the problems of a lighted candle, like keeping it away from pets and children or remembering to blow it out at the end of the evening.
The sphere gives the soft glow of a candle without the risk of burning your house or conservatory down. All thanks to clean solar power.
If you want to buy projector you need to be sure of the following. Firstly, you need to be clear about your requirements regarding a projector. Since there are various types of projectors available in the market you need to find one that is the best suited to your needs. For instance, if you need a projector for business presentations you should select a LCD or Liquid Crystal Display projector. LCD projectors tend to magnify a clear image and hence they are ideal for power point presentations. Apart from this, you need to be sure about the projection area, color, VGA properties, contrast, resolution and compatibility. Nowadays you even have the choice of buying projectors that come with in-built speakers and remote operation. You also need to make sure that the projector is easy to carry so that you do not have to face the hassles associated with weighty projectors.
Radio controlled cars are nothing new, but even these boy’s toys are turning eco-friendly. Horizon’s hydrogen fuelled racer is a mean looking machine. Taking advantage of the automotive technology of the future this radio controlled buggy can be powered by a home refuelling station, allowing owners to obtain hydrogen from water. How does it work? Well, hydrogen is taken from the water by an electrolysis refuelling station and then stored automatically in small cartridges, shaped like batteries. Similar to the full-scale hydrogen cars being developed today, a smaller lithium battery provides peak power, while the hydrogen fuel cell provides power for cruising speed and recharging the lithium battery for prolonged use. The remote controlled vehicle comes as an assembly kit so you get to make this cool machine yourself. The hydrogen refuelling station uses mains electricity or, alternatively, solar power or a wind turbine to produce entirely renewable fuel.
