Solar Cells from Tobacco Plants May Be a Reality Soon

As the world continues its quest to use less fossil fuels, the latest possible solution comes from the most unlikely of sources: the tobacco plant. This latest news comes from the University of California, Berkley. It will be nice to see tobacco used for something other than lung cancer. This new discovery is based [...]
Posted in: Biofuels, PhotoVoltaics, Solar Power

Jet Engines the Inspiration for New Wind Power Technology

Wind power has recently received a nice boost as one of the hottest forms of energy on the market. When comparing the recent market growth against all forms of energy, both renawables and non-renewables, wind turbines seem to be jumping to the head of the pack. While it still has a way to go [...]
Posted in: Inventions, Wind Power, Wind Turbines

Riversimple Fuel Cell Car Project Continues to Plod Along

People are getting more and more excited about green automobiles, so it was kind of surprising to see such a neutral reaction to the Fuel Cell Car by Riversimple. While this project has a very interesting slant from other cars that we have seen in this niche, it was met with a very lukewarm [...]
Posted in: Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Fuel, Transportation

Is the Volkswagen E-Up the Future of Electric Cars?

Consumers surely remember the days of seeing pictures off all the funny looking electric cars. They looked like something out of the Jetson’s and were hardly something any of us would be caught dead in. Say goodbye to those old stereo types because the Volkswagon E-Up is raising the bar in electric car technology. YouTube: [...]
Posted in: Electric Cars, Industry, Transportation

Partnership Between Energy Xtreme and Espar Heater Systems Allows Vehicle Electrical Systems and Heaters to Operate Without Use of Engine

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Energy Xtreme and Espar Heater Systems have partnered on a one-of-a-kind idle-reduction system that can operate both electrical and heating equipment in vehicles.

“Energy Xtreme’s new development is filling that gap and will provide the missing link to make anti-idling technologies such as the Espar Heaters more successful.”

The unique system combines Energy Xtreme’s idle-reduction technology with an Espar heater to efficiently power a vehicle’s entire electrical load and heating unit without the need to engage the vehicle’s engine. The system can also provide remote power for tools and other equipment.

“This partnership combines two very important technologies,” said Ross Johnson, Energy Xtreme’s business development director. “Because all of these systems will be operating independently of the vehicle engine, emissions and fuel usage can be greatly reduced.”

The system will also have the capability to pre-heat a vehicle’s engine, and will be compatible with a wide range of vehicles including trucks, buses and automobiles.

“Espar Heater Systems has over 39 years of North American experience in the auxiliary fuel operated heater business. We are fully aware that power supplies to mobile applications have a crucial impact on emission reduction,” Espar President Volker Hohensee said. “Energy Xtreme’s new development is filling that gap and will provide the missing link to make anti-idling technologies such as the Espar Heaters more successful.”

Ocean Power Technologies Deploys Hawaii Powerbuoy and Wins Further Funding

PENNINGTON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:OPTT)(LSE:OPT) (”OPT” or the “Company”) announces the successful deployment of one of its PowerBuoys® at the Marine Corps Base in Hawaii. The Company has also been awarded $380,000 in additional funding for the PowerBuoy’s commissioning and in-ocean operation.

Building, deployment and operation of this PowerBuoy is part of a program with the US Navy to develop and test OPT’s wave power technology. The Navy’s support for the Hawaii program also reflects its long-term commitment to renewable energy and reducing its dependence on fuel oil shipments. Many of its naval bases around the world are suitable for OPT’s wave power stations.

Deployment of the PowerBuoy at the Marine Corps base at Kaneohe Bay on the island of Oahu was conducted efficiently and safely, and was accomplished in one day. The system, located approximately one mile offshore in 100 feet of water, is generating power in accordance with its specifications for local wave conditions and the test protocol being used. The expertise of Oahu-based Sea Engineering, Inc., OPT’s diving and work boat contractor, and the support provided by officials from the Marine Corps Base and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in Hawaii contributed to the success of the deployment. The Company is also collaborating with Sound and Sea Technology, which has significant experience working with the Navy on ocean engineering projects.

The newly awarded funding will enable continued testing and monitoring of the PowerBuoy’s operation, providing data for the on-going engineering of the next generation of OPT’s PowerBuoys.

Charles F. Dunleavy, Chief Executive Officer of OPT, said, “We are very pleased that the enhanced PowerBuoy, which has a more efficient power take-off system, is now operating in the ocean off Hawaii. This latest deployment at the Kaneohe Bay site was achieved quickly and effectively. The development of our core PowerBuoy technology has been accomplished in large part as a result of our relationship with the US Navy over many years. We are most appreciative of the on-going support of the US Navy, and the Congressional delegations of Hawaii and New Jersey.”

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain “forward-looking statements” that are within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations about its future plans and performance, including statements concerning the impact of marketing strategies, new product introductions and innovation, deliveries of product, sales, earnings and margins. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates which could be inaccurate and which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the Company. Please refer to the Company’s most recent Form 10-K for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The Company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

The Micron May Change the Way We Travel

The carbon footprint that automobiles leave is about to change, and that change is going to happen much sooner than we think. While it is unlikely that the Micron will replace every car on the road, it will present a very interesting alternative to daily travel. This unique design is eye catching and more [...]
Posted in: Electric Cars, Industry, Transportation

Wind Turbine Power Goes Portable with Foldable Wind Generator

Renewable energy is one of the hottest things on the market right now but until recently, solar power has been getting most of the attention. While there are plenty of techno gadgets, like solar briefcases and solar laptop chargers, that can have solar power on the run, very few if any items exist for [...]
Posted in: Inventions, Wind Power, Wind Turbines

AEG Power Solutions Ready to Build New Renewable Energy Solutions in North America

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AEG Power Solutions (www.aegps.com), a global leader in end-to-end power supply systems and solutions, today announced its strategy for the North American market under its distinguished global brand. The company is introducing solar turnkey solutions and its power controllers systems as part of its energy efficiency solutions.

“At AEG Power Solutions, we are pleased to offer a complete power electronic system solution for the North American market that provides customers with the same ingenuity and reliability that we’ve been providing to European and Asia-Pacific markets for decades”

For over 60 years, AEG PS has delivered proven solutions in power electronics and power controls. AEG PS has helped businesses operating in the industrial, energy and transport sectors meet their power challenges by providing world-class systems to regulate and control the energy required in demanding applications with unparalleled reliability and consistency. Formerly Saft Power Systems, the company’s North American heritage dates back to 1944 with many of its products still serving as integral parts of power infrastructures in the energy and transportation industries. AEG Power Solutions has long provided the European and Asian-Pacific markets with one of the world’s most comprehensive portfolios of AC & DC power systems and solutions.

AEG Power Solutions is adapting its offering to enable the transformation the world is experiencing in the generation and usage of electricity. In North America, the group is investing in its strategy to focus on renewable energy solutions by establishing a design team, increasing its application engineering team and enhancing its service function. The company will implement and maintain complete turn-key solar systems for commercial properties and industrial buildings. As a Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Green Grid member, AEG Power Solutions is dedicated to providing its customers with renewable energy alternatives, such as solar and wind, to reduce environmental impact as well as minimize energy consumption. AEG Power Solutions’ solar systems will feature solar panels, solar inverters and control, monitoring, diagnostics and communications equipment, all of which can be supported by smart-grid-enabled standards and will be monitored and maintained by AEG PS. With energy conservation and other green practices emerging as a critical part of day-to-day operations, AEG Power Solutions helps educate companies on the promise of renewable energy systems, lead them toward a greener tomorrow and help ensure compatibility with tomorrow’s Smart Grid.

“At AEG Power Solutions, we are pleased to offer a complete power electronic system solution for the North American market that provides customers with the same ingenuity and reliability that we’ve been providing to European and Asia-Pacific markets for decades,” said Kaivon Mortazavi, vice president of North America for AEG Power Solutions. “For more than 60 years, the AEG brand has stood for expertise, reliability and innovation in power solutions. Our heritage combines the engineering advancements made by Saft Power Systems and AEG that led to us offering a product quality that’s hard to match in the power systems industry. Taking into account the commitment to invest in the Smart Grid that is occurring in North America, the timing is right for AEG PS to provide the enabling power electronic technology required for this energy transformation.”

“As we look toward our future in renewable energy, we strongly believe that the demand for renewable energy solutions will grow strongly in North America, and will be comparable to what we’ve experienced in Europe over the last three years,” said Robert J. Huljak, chief strategic officer for AEG Power Solutions. “In today’s business environment, companies are beginning to hold themselves accountable for their own carbon footprint and the ‘greening of their business’ while striving to reduce long-term costs. Similar to our world class Thyro–Family series of power controllers, we are using our experience for providing efficient power solutions combined with our engineering expertise of interfacing with the utility electrical grid to help our customers achieve their energy improvement goals. Besides using our power electronics inverter experience, we have incorporated our system application engineering capability with our service knowledge for installation and commissioning to create a complete turn-key solar solution. AEG PS is proud and confident about bringing our capability and system solution strategy to the North American market. AEG Power Solutions also looks forward to enabling Smart Grid applications with our intelligent and rugged power electronic solutions.”

In addition to expanding its offerings, AEG Power Solutions will expand its corporate operations in North America. The company is currently hiring for positions in its regional offices in Dallas, Texas and Markham, Ontario.

AEG Power Solutions has been a staple in the end-to-end power supply market. The AEG Power Solutions range of industrial products and services includes standard and customized UPS, and DC systems for industrial applications, UPS’s for Data and IT, industrial chargers, and premium Thyro-Family series power controllers Change the order of wording to read “and premium Thyro-Family series of power controllers” for high-tech industry applications, railway solutions and solar inverters. These solutions are designed specifically to interface with the utility electrical grid, providing high efficiency, customized energy solutions to industries requiring complex and intelligent control. Currently AEG Power Solutions, through its UL-certified, Saft-branded equipment, provides back-up power systems in nuclear facilities in several Canadian provinces as well as all of Quebec’s hydro-generation plants. AEG Power Solutions’ products can be found in refineries, power plants, industrial manufacturing facilities, mass transit infrastructures, data centers and office buildings.

Venture Capital in the Rockies Winter Conference Sees Green Shoots in First Wave of Presenters for February Conference

DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As indicators suggest a recovering overall economy, The Rocky Mountain Venture Capital Association’s Venture Capital in the Rockies (VCIR) Winter 2010 conference today announced the first wave of presenters for the its upcoming 27^th annual conference, indicating economic green shoots for both the Rocky Mountain region and the broader venture-stage investment landscape.

“And as we continue to identify exciting presenters, we are anticipating the 2010 VCIR class will represent our region very well”

The first wave of VCIR presenting companies are based out of Colorado, Utah, and Arizona and focus on clean technology, education, eCommerce, advertising, and medical imaging industries.

“We are thrilled with the diversity of this first group of companies and what they represent to the 2010 conference and to the region,” said Seth Levine, chairman of VCIR and a managing director at Foundry Group. “Companies of this caliber clearly illustrate that the Rocky Mountain region remains a superior place to found and operate new companies and a great place for investors to find innovative ideas.”

“And as we continue to identify exciting presenters, we are anticipating the 2010 VCIR class will represent our region very well,” he continued.

The selected companies include: BioVantage Resources, DICOM grid, Infopia, TopSchool, TruEffect, University Parent, and zettasun.

In addition to the impressive list of presenters announced today, VCIR is continuing to find other exciting and innovative stage companies to showcase at this winter’s event.

The conference will be held at the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek, Colorado, February 23-25. The three-day event will include presentations by the selected companies along with significant networking time built into the program to allow for time to connect with co-investors, entrepreneurs, and service providers. Venture Capital in the Rockies, which holds conferences in the fall and winter, is among the oldest conferences in the United States dedicated to introducing companies with new ideas to some of the nations leading venture capital funds.

Colorado Spawning Clean Technology Companies

Demonstrating the region’s increasing attractiveness to clean technology companies, both selected presenters of clean technology are Colorado-based companies. BioVantage Resources, based in Golden, Colorado, leverages biological processes to substitute conventional approaches to reclaiming water and to produce fuels as a byproduct. The company uses algae in creative and natural ways.

Boulder-based zettasun produces higher efficient solar panels that concentrate sunlight over 700 times using their proprietary optical technology. The company also claims the cost is less per watt than any other panel on the market.

Additional Colorado Representatives

The additional Colorado companies represent continuing regional development of technologies for the advertising and education industries.

TruEffect based in Broomfield, connects advertisers to consumers with their patent-pending technology that recognizes every customer and prospect at every interaction anywhere on the web, all in real-time. The company was founded in 2002 by Internet industry veterans.

The two additional Colorado companies are focused around the educational experience. Boulder-based University Parent helps parents to adjust to the new surroundings of their college students. The company began as a senior project through the Leeds School of Business Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder and transitioned into a full time company after the CEO graduated in 2004.

TopSchool based out of Denver is a SaaS company that offers an alternative to conventional student information systems. TopSchool simplifies student management and offers a student portal, prospect management component, and an intelligent reporting suite targeted towards student-centric institutions.

Other Rocky Mountain States Represented

Infopia, an eCommerce software company in Salt Lake City, Utah, helps merchants grow their online business anywhere from managing inventory, creating enterprise level websites, to integrating their business applications.

DICOM grid is a Phoenix-based healthcare information technology that helps physicians from any location manage radiology health records irrespective of origin. Their technology allows physicians to view radiology images from multiple sites without affiliation.