Shake Your Pixels
Scientific News for Non-Scientists
A New World of Sustainable Energy.
The November 2009 Issue Of Scientific American details a plan to move 100% of the world’s energy consumption to renewable sources. This plan includes the creation of 3.8 million wind turbines, 90,000 solar plants, and many geothermal, tidal, and rooftop photo-voltaic installations. This plan would erase our need for oil and coal within 30 years.
October 25, 2009 - 10:52 pm
Have you heard about the study that says a 100 x 100 mile area in the south west would be enough to power america.
And another neat solar deal I saw recently. The largest (25 MW) solar plant in the US opened in florida recently, and if my numbers are right solar is as cost-effective as nuclear, however solar does take up more area.
October 26, 2009 - 7:14 pm
Here’s that link.
http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/991/
That isn’t the only source, I’ve seen it pop up multiple places. Here’s another mention at the bottom:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_37/b3950067_mz018.htm
They use something called a stirling engine I believe. It looks almost like a radar dish.
Here is a great picture of it.
http://theirearth.com/uploads/news/1626016863_stirling_energy_systems_(new_technology).jpg
I saw the stirling engine on a science site recently – it was a handheld version that cost $400. The engine could run based on the heat from your hand.
Here it is:
http://www.discoverthis.com/head-hand-stirling-engine.html
They put something like that as the focal point so the heat from the solar dish keeps the engine going.
October 27, 2009 - 8:38 pm
Here is the president at the newest and biggest solar plant (25 megawatts) in the US.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j21hWUxdRIU
October 28, 2009 - 10:42 am
Thank you BabySpittle, I enjoyed viewing the video. I’m glad to see Obama talking renewable and clean energy.