Introducing Pedal Powered Laptops

ForUsToBe — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:12:15 +0000

While there are solar powered laptops that will allow a computer to be powered without an energy source, not everyone may be able to afford them. There was always the hope that there would be an affordable way for people in poorer and very remote areas to be able to benefit from the uses of a computer and there finally is because of the pedal powered laptop in Afghanistan. Pedal power laptop is a pedal powered machine that uses nothing but pedal power to operate the laptop. The system is set up so that just about anyone with two legs would be able to power the laptop and they claim that even a third grader can step up to the pedal power laptop computer and get to work with no problems.

The computer model itself is called the XO and uses a hand crank to power the system. The pedal powered laptop needs no additional power sources at all and it easily transported through the countryside and rural areas where people may not have access to a computer or the power sources to run one traditionally. While this is only a prototype, they seem to be having some initial success and may expand the program even further if testing shows more positive results.

The pedal power laptop is meant to allow children in schools to be able to have computer access. The prototype is actually hooked up so that the hand crank generator is underneath the desk for the children to use while they are seated at their desk. In addition, they are using software that would enable the students to basically be on a common server.

The system that they are using is the OpenWRT Freifunk router firmware. This provides a connection throughout the classroom with no cable connections and will also enable them to expand the network to other classrooms as well. It may even go past the school walls, which would enable any child with this system in their home to be able to connect as well. Imagine a child that missed a day of school because of being ill still able to attend class remotely.

The whole model is currently under observation and there are about 2,500 of the prototype computers in circulation in different parts of Kabul, Heart and Jalalabad. They success of the system will be evaluated and tweaked as needed to create a successful learning environment without the need for power for the computers.

Trees Help Us Fight Global Warming

ForUsToBe — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:10:19 +0000

Solar Botanic, a UK based renewable energy developer has announced a plan to harvest wind and solar power using artificial trees placed along highways. The company will use a technology known as biomimicry to create what are called Energy Harvesting Trees (EHT). Biomimicry is an emerging science that attempts to use nature’s processes to solve human problems. In a press release dated March 23, 2009 the company claims that this technology has the potential to create 350,000 kWh per year for each kilometer of roadway fitted with the EHTs. This is enough electricity to power approximately 60 average size houses. An additional benefit is that each kilometer of installed EHTs will eliminate 500 tons of CO2 that would be released into the atmosphere by generating the same amount of power burning fossil fuels. A single EHT can produce between 200 to 12,000 kWh depending on its size and location.

EHTs convert light, heat and wind power to generate clean electricity. This is done by fitting the artificial trees with Solar Botanic’s patented Nanoleaves. These are a combination of Nano photovoltaic, Nanothermovoltaic and Nanopiezo generators which turn light, heat and wind energy respectively into green electricity. These trees are more visually pleasing than wind turbines or solar collectors and have no negative impact on the environment or ecosystems. The versatile Nanoleaves, generating power from movement as well as light, will also produce energy when moved by falling raindrops, making these devices usable in all weather conditions.

Solar Botanic has designs suited to business, civic and home use. Other suggested applications are to power and cool desert areas to allow hydroponic growing of fruits and vegetables and conversely to enable growth in cold areas by providing inexpensive heat and power. Individual homes will be able to benefit with one average size tree with a canopy of six square meters providing for its power needs. Energy harvesting shrubs are also being developed for use in smaller applications. This is a promising technology that may spur on renewable energy generation by removing some of the aesthetic and environmental concerns inherent in current production methods.

ForUsToBe » alternative energy

Introducing Pedal Powered Laptops

Trees Help Us Fight Global Warming