ARCHITECTURAL BREAKTHROUGH

The wind turbines are expected to provide 11% to 15% of the towers’ total power consumption, or approximately 1.1 to 1.3 GWh a year. This is equivalent to providing the lighting for about 300 homes, 258 hospitals, 17 industrial plants, and 33 car engines. They are expected to operate 50% of the time on an average day.

POSITIVE URBAN INTEGRATION

The future of our buildings and intercity structures will require the integration of induction generators. These were often used for wind power projects in the 1980s and 1990s, and require reactive power for excitation so substations used in wind-power collection systems include substantial capacitor banks for power factor correction. Different types of wind turbine generators behave differently during transmission grid disturbances, so extensive modelling of the dynamic electromechanical characteristics of a new wind farm is required by transmission system operators to ensure predictable stable behavior during system faults. Induction generators support the system voltage during faults, unlike steam or hydro turbine-driven synchronous generators.

INNOVATIVE AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Our economy has an insatiable appetite for energy, and because of the negative side effects of fossil fuels, the quicker that we can supplement and/or replace petroleum-based power sources, the better. Wind power is a great way to generate clean renewable energy, and the innovations in wind technology being pursued over the last year or so are a reminder that with the right tools, we can turn the movement of the air above us and the structures we’re familiar with into fuel for our energy-hungry lifestyles.

INNOVATIVE AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

INNOVATIVE AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam odio sapien, sollicitudin vel volutpat eget, faucibus at neque. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Morbi vel eros odio. Phasellusmetus … Read More

AIRBORNE ENERGY

An airborne wind turbine is a design concept for a wind turbine with a rotor supported in the air without a tower, thus benefiting from more mechanical and aerodynamic options, the higher velocity and persistence of wind at high altitudes, while avoiding the expense of tower construction, or the need for slip rings or yaw mechanism. An electrical generator may be on the ground or airborne. Challenges include safely suspending and maintaining turbines hundreds of meters off the ground in high winds and storms, transferring the harvested and/or generated power back to earth, and interference with aviation. This is a positive innovation in wind energy and resolves issues of tower construction in difficult locations.

POSITIVE NEW TURBINE VISION

The environmental impact of wind power when compared to the environmental impacts of fossil fuels, is relatively minor. Compared with other low carbon power sources, wind turbines have some of the lowest global warming potential per unit of electrical energy generated. According to the IPCC, in assessments of the life-cycle global warming potential of energy sources, wind turbines have a median value of between 12 and 11 (gCO2eq/kWh) depending on whether off or onshore turbines are being assessed. While wind farms may cover a large area, they are compatible with many land uses such as farming and grazing, as only small areas of turbine foundations and infrastructure are made unavailable for use.

CHANGING THE FACE OF WIND ENERGY

Instead of capturing energy via the circular motion of a propeller, new designs like this one take advantage of what’s known as vorticity, an aerodynamic effect that produces a pattern of spinning vortices. Vorticity has long been considered the enemy of architects and engineers, who actively try to design their way around these whirlpools of wind. And for good reason: With enough wind, vorticity can lead to an oscillating motion in structures, which, in some cases, like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, can cause their eventual collapse.

BEDZED. OVER THE TOP SOLUTION

Beddington Zero Energy Development
(BedZED) environmentally friendly housing
development in Hackbridge, London, England.
It is in the London Borough of Sutton, 2.0 miles
(3 km) north-east of the town of Sutton itself.
Designed to create zero carbon emissions,
it was the first large scale community to do so.

BUILDINGS AS TURBINES

The two towers are linked via three skybridges, each holding a 225 kW wind turbine, totaling 675 kW of wind power capacity. Each of these turbines measure 29 m (95 ft) in diameter, and is aligned north, which is the direction from which air from the Persian Gulf blows in.

SENSIBLE URBAN RENEWAL

Central Park is a major mixed-use urban renewal project in Sydney, Australia located on Broadway in the suburb of Chippendale. The development is focused on a new public park located just off Broadway of approximately 6,500 square meters (70,000 sq ft) in size. For many decades the southern side of Broadway was dominated by a brewery. The facility closed in the 2000s and the site was put up for sale. Frasers Property purchased the site from the Fosters Group and immediately began to process of conversion to a sustainable, energy independent building.

URBAN INTEGRATION

Green building brings together a vast array of practices, techniques, and skills to reduce and ultimately eliminate the impacts of buildings on the environment and human health. It often emphasizes taking advantage of renewable resources, e.g., using sunlight through passive solar, active solar, and photovoltaic equipment, and using plants and trees through green roofs, rain gardens, and reduction of rainwater run-off. Many other techniques are used, such as using low-impact building materials or using packed gravel or permeable concrete instead of conventional concrete or asphalt to enhance replenishment of ground water.

FORWARD THINKING

Green building rating systems such as BREEAM in the United Kingdom, LEED in the United States and Canada, DGNB in Germany, CASBEE in Japan, and VERDE in Spain help consumers determine a structure’s level of environmental performance. They award credits for optional building features that support green design in categories such as location and maintenance of building site, conservation of water, energy, and building materials, and occupant comfort and health. The number of credits generally determines the level of achievement. Today’s architects and engineers are mindful of these guidelines and pushing forward with positive and sustainable solutions.

CHANGING LIVES

One of the biggest concerns for our water-based resources in the future is the sustainability of the current and even future water resource allocation. As water becomes more scarce, the importance of how it is managed grows vastly. Finding a balance between what is needed by humans and what is needed in the environment is an important step in the sustainability of water resources.

TRANSFORMING TERRA FIRMA

Much efforts in water resource management is directed at optimizing the use of water and in minimizing the environmental impact of water use on the natural environment. The observation of water as an integral part of the ecosystem is based on integrated water resource management, where the quantity and quality of the ecosystem help to determine the nature of the natural resources. Successful management of these resources requires accurate knowledge of the resource available, the uses to which it may be put, the competing demands for the resource, measures to and processes to evaluate the significance and worth of competing demands and mechanisms to translate policy decisions currently taking place.

SELF SUSTAINING SOLUTIONS

Developing world countries tend to have the lowest levels of waste water treatment. Often, the water that farmers use for irrigating crops is contaminated with contaminated pathogens. The pathogens of most concern are bacteria, and viruses, which directly affect farmers’ health, their families and most especially, their children. The great news is that there are a number of organizations working tirelessly to turn that around.

FORWARD THINKING INNOVATIONS

You would be forgiven for thinking that Frank O. Gehry’s complex architecture is a result of mere computer 3-D modeling, but his design process is actually far more involved. When Gehry has an idea, he knows how to develop it – by hand. Recently displayed in Tokyo, a surprising exhibition dedicated to the work of the great Canadian-born architect reveals the steps that go into each new project. “I have an idea” is an inspiring story that uncovers the secrets of Gehry’s creativity and illustrates how his intricate imagination manifests step-by-step into real physical forms

POSITIVE URBAN INTEGRATION

Warka Water is an alternative water source to rural population that faces challenges in accessing drinkable water. It is first and foremost an architecture project. WW should not be considered as the solution to all water problems in developing countries but rather as a tool that can provide clean water in selected areas, particularly in mountainous regions where conventional pipelines will never reach and where water is not available from wells. These remote communities, often with limited financial means, struggle to find reliable supplies of clean water for the people, the animals and for agriculture.

A SOLUTION FOR GEOGRAPHIC ISSUES

A SOLUTION FOR GEOGRAPHIC ISSUES Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam odio sapien, sollicitudin vel volutpat eget, faucibus at neque. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Morbi vel eros odio. … Read More

DISCOVERING THE POWER IN HAND

DISCOVERING THE POWER IN HAND Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam odio sapien, sollicitudin vel volutpat eget, faucibus at neque. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Morbi vel eros odio. … Read More

THE POSITIVE SCIENTIFIC RESULTS

THE POSITIVE SCIENTIFIC RESULTS Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam odio sapien, sollicitudin vel volutpat eget, faucibus at neque. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Morbi vel eros odio. Phasellusmetus … Read More

DISCOVERING A CLEAN AIR SOLUTION

DISCOVERING A CLEAN AIR SOLUTION Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam odio sapien, sollicitudin vel volutpat eget, faucibus at neque. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Morbi vel eros odio. … Read More

INNOVATIONS IN TECHNOLOGY

INNOVATIONS IN TECHNOLOGY Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam odio sapien, sollicitudin vel volutpat eget, faucibus at neque. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Morbi vel eros odio. Phasellusmetus ligula, … Read More

POSITIVE TRANSPORTATION METHODS

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) includes the trans-Alaska crude-oil pipeline, 12 pump stations, several hundred miles of feeder pipelines, and the Valdez Marine Terminal. TAPS is one of the world’s largest pipeline systems. It is commonly called the Alaska pipeline, trans-Alaska pipeline, or Alyeska pipeline, (or the pipeline as referred to in Alaska), but those terms technically apply only to the 800 miles (1,287 km) of the pipeline with the diameter of 48 inches (122 cm) that conveys oil from Prudhoe Bay, to Valdez, Alaska. The research being done and the positive improvements to this system are important for people to know about

MARINE ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH

Marine ecosystems cover approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface and contain approximately 97% of the planet’s water. They generate 32% of the world’s net primary production. They are distinguished from freshwater ecosystems by the presence of dissolved compounds, especially salts, in the water. Approximately 85% of the dissolved materials in seawater are sodium and chlorine. Seawater has an average salinity of 35 parts per thousand (ppt) of water. Actual salinity varies among different marine ecosystems.Research and discovery is being done every day which will preserve and protect our marine legacy.

COSTNERS NEW INNOVATIONS

OTS’s largest machine, the V20, can clean up to 210,000 US gallons of oily water per day. On July 8, 2010, OTS reported it had 9 centrifuges deployed in the Gulf of Mexico, with 23 additional machines under construction and scheduled for shipment to Louisiana by the end of August 2010. These small but mighty machines represent a huge step forward in this arena and OTS should be commended for its creativity, passion and devotion to helping solve one of the world’s great problems.

OFFSHORE SOLUTIONS

Offshore drilling is well into a new era of safety for energy exploration. The oil and natural gas industry has begun working with federal regulators on a comprehensive review of offshore operations. The industry clearly understand that the future of offshore drilling depends on its ability to conduct operations safely. Federal regulators and the public should rest assured. The oil and natural gas industry and the federal government have together taken great strides to enhance the safety of offshore operations.

KRILL FEEDS WHALES WITH BIG RESULTS

Krill are considered an important trophic level connection – near the bottom of the food chain – because they feed on phytoplankton, and to a lesser extent, zooplankton, converting these into a form suitable for many larger animals for whom krill makes up the largest part of their diet including the Blue whale. One species, the Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, makes up an estimated biomass of around 379,000,000 tons, making it among the species with the largest total biomass. Of this, over half is eaten by whales, seals, penguins, squid and fish each year, and is replaced by growth and reproduction. Most krill species display large daily vertical migrations, thus providing food for predators near the surface at night and in deeper waters during the day.

NUTRIENT RICH OCEANS CLEANSE ATMOSPHERE

At least twenty chemical elements are known to be required to support human biochemical processes by serving structural and functional roles as well as electrolytes. However, as many as twenty-nine elements in total including the common hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen are suggested to be used by mammals, as a result of studies of biochemical, special uptake, and metabolic handling studies. Most of the known and suggested mineral nutrients are of relatively low atomic weight, and are reasonably common on land, or at least, common in the ocean and are known to help cleanse the atmosphere.

OCEAN DISCOVERIES

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is an international marine research collaboration dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the Earth through drilling, coring, and monitoring the sub-seafloor. The research enabled by IODP samples and data improves scientific understanding of changing climate and ocean conditions, the origins of ancient life, risks posed by geo-hazards, and the structure and processes of Earth’s tectonic plates and uppermost mantle. IODP builds on the research of four previous scientific ocean drilling programs: Project Mohole, Deep Sea Drilling Project, Ocean Drilling Program. Together, these programs represent the longest running and most successful international Earth science collaboration.

TOADFISH HELP HUMAN NERVE REGENERATION

Neuroregeneration refers to the re-growth or repair of nervous tissues, cells or cell products. Such mechanisms may include generation of new neurons, glia, axons, myelin, orsynapses. Neuroregeneration differs between the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system by the functional mechanisms and especially the extent and speed. When an axon is damaged, the distal segment undergoes Wallerian degeneration, losing its myelin sheath. The proximal segment can either die by apoptosis or undergo the chromatolytic reaction, which is an attempt at repair. In the central nervous system, synaptic stripping occurs as glial foot processes invade the dead synapse.

WHALES EARWAX DISCOVERY HELPS SCIENTISTS

A blue whale’s buildup of earwax archives its history of stress levels and exposure to chemical pollutants, which could allow researchers to piece together new details about the animal’s life, a study shows. The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth, and an endangered species. Like many other baleen whales, these massive creatures tend to accumulate layers of wax in their ear canals, which over time results in long earplugs. Scientists in the past have used this waxy matrix as an aging tool, similar to counting tree rings, study researcher Sascha Usenko, an assistant professor of environmental science at Baylor University, explained in a statement. The earplug, however, had never been used to obtain a chemical profile.

PHARMACEUTICAL DISCOVERIES

Traditional farming is a hazardous occupation with particular risks that often take their toll on the health of people. Such risks include: exposure to infectious diseases such as malaria and schistoso-mes, and exposure to toxic chemicals commonly used as pesticides and fungicides. Underwater farming leads away from health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes because the subsequent lower costs encourage healthier eating and has encouraged the onset of new, pharmaceutical discoveries.

GROWING ECOSYSTEMS

Underwater farming is an aquatic ecosystem that performs many important environmental functions. For example, besides providing a healthier food source, they recycle nutrients, purify water, attenuate floods, recharge ground water and provide habitats for wildlife. Aquatic ecosystems are also used for human recreation, and are very important to the tourism industry, especially in coastal regions.

ENERGY SECURITY

According to the US Department of Energy, a network of farms totaling an area half the size of Maine could grow enough biofuel to replace all of the oil used in the US. Algae can be converted into various types of fuels, depending on the technique and the part of the cells used. The lipid, or oily part of the algae biomass can be extracted and converted into biodiesel through a process similar to that used for any other vegetable oil, or converted in a refinery into “drop-in” replacements for petroleum-based fuels. Alternatively or following lipid extraction, the carbohydrate content of algae can be fermented into bioethanol or butanol fuel.

HYDROKINETIC GENERATORS

A “Hydrokinetic” turbine is an integrated turbine generator to produce electricity in a free flow environment. It does not need a dam or diversion. Instream Energy Systems has coined the phrase Instream Energy Generation Technology or IEGT places turbines in rivers, manmade channels, tidal waters, or ocean currents. These turbines use the flow of water to turn them, thus generating electricity for the power grid on nearby land. In effect, IEGT is like planting windmills in the water and is environmentally friendly. While hydrokinetic includes generation from ocean tides, currents and waves, many researchers believe its most practical application in the near term is likely to be in rivers and streams.

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