Harnessing Human Power

Nanotechnology researchers at Caltech and Princeton have developed a new piezoelectric material capable of harnessing energy from movements as small as breathing. Piezoelectric refers to materials that generate electricity when pressure is applied. The new material, PZT or lead zirconate titanate, is a ceramic material that is made into nano-strips so small 100 fit side-by-side in a millimeter. The PZT is then embedded into silicone rubber chips which can generate power for small electric devices.

While other piezoelectric materials are currently available, such as quartz, what sets PZT apart is its remarkable efficiency. Able to convert 80% of the mechanical energy applied to it into electric energy, PZT can revolutionize power sources for electronic devices. The scientists have envisioned not only applying it to shoes to charge cell phones, a more obvious consumer application, but also see it being placed next to the lungs to generate power for pacemakers. This application would virtually eliminate the need for repeat surgeries to replace pacemaker batteries. McAlpine, a Princeton researcher on the project says, “You don’t generate that much power from walking or breathing, so you want to harness it as efficiently as possible.” PZT certainly seems capable of that feat.

Via cnet and ecogeek.

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New Battery Production Method Promises To Be The Future Of Electric Cars

Porous Power, a Colorado-based company has developed a new way to produce lithium-ion batteries that significantly enhances the future of electric vehicles. In this new method, electrodes, a critical component of the batteries, can be sprayed directly with a separator. The separator, which Porous calls Symmetrix offers huge advantages over traditional batteries, which require a rolled up film that is inserted into the battery to separate critical components. With the new spray-on technology, batteries no longer need to take a cylindrical form that wastes crucial space. Since flat batteries are now an option, multiple batteries can be stacked up and stored inside the car to increase its range.

The batteries that can be produced with this new technology offer improved safety, reduced weight, increased thermal control and extended cycle life. Symmetrix is a porous separator which allows for increased ion flow over traditional batteries. This reduces resistance within the battery, allowing for faster cell charge and discharge (with no degradation of battery performance), better thermal control, less waste heat and longer cell cycle life. Symmetrix enables batteries to endure 25% more charge cycles and provide more high-power capacity.

Nissan has already announced the release of its 100% emission-free electric car, LEAF for this year. LEAF utilizes flat battery technology and promises 100 miles to the charge with 26 minute quick-charge rates. The increased porosity and conductivity of Symmetrix, however, may offer even greater improvements for the future of electric cars.

Via Greentech Media and Porous Power.

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ATNMBL By Mike And Maaike

Image courtesy of Mike and Maaike

San Francisco-based design duo Mike and Maaike recently introduced the ATNMBL, a provocative vehicle design that proposes an interesting paradigm shift in terms of mobility: no driving.

The concept is the result of an experimental and thoughtful process where they have questioned the very needs of car users and explored the scenario of a computer-controlled system powered by solar panels and electric motors in each wheel.

They have taken a very interesting approach and the design is clearly a departure from traditional car design. Similar thoughts have been explored previously in academic contexts around urban mobility (i.e. Shaun Hutchinson at RCA in 2001) and also some technologies that started in laboratories few years ago are common place nowadays.

So, the technology is there, the infrastructure is there, now the car industry needs to start looking at putting all these pieces together. They are the ones with the power and resources to do it.

The industry that probably employs the largest amount of people in the world, one that has an incredible technological infrastructure and very well prepared human resources, should start working on alternative energies and understanding mobility holistically, looking at the problem of transportation entirely instead of making the same (100 years) old product that only about 12% of the population are able to enjoy. There is a huge opportunity to innovate here and the ATNMBL concept shows this in an elegant and poetic way.

It is nice to see optimistic concepts like Mike and Maaike’s, which bring a fresh approach to the table. And as they say: this is a time of economic challenges and therefore time to experiment.

Here’s an interesting article about their concept on Core77.

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The Box Office

Last week in Providence, RI, an office building that will be built out of 32 recycled shipping containers made its groundbreaking. Designed by Joe Haskett of Distill Studios and developed by Peter Gill Case of Truth Box, Inc., this development is being called the “Box Office”, named to describe the form and function of the project. The Box Office is a great example of a small scale, eco-friendly building utilizing empty containers that aren’t seeing use in the shipping industry with today’s economy.

Upon completion, the building will be all-electric and use 25% less energy than a conventional office structure. The property will feature highly efficient HVAC systems, a tight building envelope, and daylight response sensors that work with overhead lighting. The building site will encompass bioswales which filter pollutants from surface runoff water before they enter storm sewers.The Box Office is made up of 12 units, varying in size from 2-8 containers. Through the use of smart filtering technologies, no to low VOC finishes and non-toxic materials, the building will maintain great indoor air quality. All tenants will be offered a “green lease” that provides economic incentives to maximize the energy performance of the building.

For more information about the Box Office and leasing opportunities, click here.

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