Can these giant, high-altitude kites power the world?

By Ines Della Valle2015-06-08 02:33:11 UTC

KiteGen is an energy technology company based in Italy that aims to produce electricity by harnessing high altitude winds using giant kites.

According to the research team behind the company, jet stream winds that blow at high altitudes are still unexplored as wind energy sources, and they could help solve the difficult challenge of bringing electricity to the many parts of the world that do not have nearly enough of it, including Africa and parts of Asia. If properly harnessed, these winds could also help displace dirty fossil fuel energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, thereby lowering emissions of global warming pollutants such as carbon dioxide.

High altitude winds represent a powerful and endless energy source as they are much faster and persistent than the winds available to conventional wind turbines mounted closer to the ground, the company says.

KiteGen technology transforms the kinetic energy of the tropospheric winds into electricity by using kites and energy conversion devices the company calls “dynamos.” The kites are not an ordinary kite that you’d take to the beach, either.
 The kite structures are composed of large wings tethered by strong polymeric stripes that are up to 3,300 feet long. The kites are driven by a high tech control system that receives information from avionic sensors installed on the kite, and uses this information to determine what angle the wing has to be at in order to exploit the maximum amount of wind.

According to KiteGen, the energy produced is renewable, clean, cheaper than fossil fuels and doesn’t require big heavy machines like conventional wind turbines. already in use –- the weight of a KiteGen machine is around 20 tons compared to the turbines weighting around 2,000 tons. More importantly, KiteGen says it can produce three times the amount of energy from one kite-powered unit than from a conventional wind turbine, which typically are located between 150 to 200 feet high.

Created in 2003 by engineer Massimo Ippolito, the technology company has been in existence for a decade. The company says its products are now ready to be produced at an industrial scale, although kite-generated power is still largely treated as a far-off idea within the renewable energy community, in part because it could require new and expensive licensing to ensure the kites do not interfere with aviation.


KiteGen says its systems have already been bought by the Saudi Royal Family and an undisclosed Chinese company.

These photos of KiteGen’s testing, design and manufacturing facilities were taken in May, 2015.

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Can these giant, high-altitude kites power the world?

Thinking is good, overthinking isn't

I’ve argued that you cannot consider in isolation the benefits — in employment and development — of the GlobalFoundries chip plant. You have to consider whether state and local taxpayers received a better return on the more than $1.2 billion in cash and tax breaks awarded to GlobalFoundries than they could have if that money was used for regional economic development that took a different approach.

What if that money had been channeled into strengthening infrastructure and helping small, existing businesses throughout the region instead of poured into a single, massive, elaborate project?

With $1.2 billion, the state could have made $100,000 available to 12,000 local entrepreneurs and small local businesses from Albany to the Canadian border. That cash could have been used to start new businesses and expand existing ones across northeastern New York.

You can use different strategies for economic development, and it’s worth debating whether pouring all your treasure into one enormous effort is the smartest and most sustainable course.

But it makes no sense to argue, as Queensbury resident Travis Whitehead did recently, that the cost of federal tax breaks for one green energy project outweigh the savings on energy bills Warren County will realize.

Whitehead said a solar project Warren County is looking at will lead to about $185,000 in savings over 20 years.

The county administrator, Paul Dusek, says the county could save as much as $75,000 a year. Even if it’s $50,000 a year, that’s $1 million in savings over 20 years, so Whitehead’s estimate could be on the very low side.

But he really goes wrong in weighing those savings against federal green energy tax breaks, which he says could range from $340,000 to $520,000 for this project.

That money has been budgeted for green energy projects. If it doesn’t go to this one, it will go to a different one, somewhere else.

If you don’t play by the rules that exist, and instead allow competitors — in this case, other regions — to seize opportunities that yours could have seized, you’re a fool.

Any savings we realize from a green energy project are just that — savings. And there is something else to think about with projects like this that make them especially worthwhile.

Every investment in green energy adds to the hope for a future in which the activities of our lives are not destroying our natural environment. That “hope benefit” is one of the strongest arguments for going ahead with solar projects like this one and other investments in green energy.

Thinking is good, overthinking isn"t

Camfil Launches the World's Most Energy-efficient HVAC Air Filter

LONDON, June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ —

 

Camfil, the world leader in air filtration technology,has launched the most energy efficient bag filter, the Hi-Flo F7 50+.  

The new Hi-Flo II is a new and enhanced version of Camfil’s award winning Hi-Flo low energy air filter. Featuring aerodynamic pockets for optimised performance, the new low energy air filters have been rated A+ by Eurovent. It saves up to £30 per year for every installed filter. FMs and Energy Managers and building owners will be able to meet the much tougher requirements for energy savings specified in Eurovent’s 2015 energy efficiency classification system for air filters.

Bill Wilkinson, Managing Director, Camfil UK said:

“The new Energy Saver Hi-Flo filter from Camfil is a major ‘quick win’ for switched on Energy Managers and FMs. The pay backs within revenue budgets are typically less than 3 months and air filters are designed to be changed, unlike other components within the ventilation system, so consequently do not put any pressure on capital budgets when upgrading to low energy air filters.” 

Eurovent – The new classification for air filters 

Eurovent’s new, objective energy efficiency classification has now been implemented. Today all air filters can be graded from A+ to E. The grade A+ stands for the lowest energy consumption and E for the highest.

About the new Hi-Flo II 

The top model, M7 in filter class F7, has received the highest rating from Eurovent (A+) for its outstandingly low energy consumption. In addition to saving more energy, the filtration efficiency of the new Hi-Flo II M7 is significantly higher than the performance demands for equivalent filters in EN779:2012, the European standard for general ventilation filters.

HVAC systems heat cool and clean the air distribution within some 200,000 buildings in the UK. That’s approximately 7,300 organisations consuming 35% of the UK’s energy consumption. The Federation of European Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Associations have estimated that within the EU there is a potential annual saving of 5TWh available by switching to Low Energy Air Filters. This would equate to £500 MILLION OF ENERGY SAVINGS IN THE UK.  

*Compared to the previous award winning Hi-Flo M7 low energy air filter.  

More information: 

Hi-Flo Brochure 

Video 

http://www.camfil.co.uk

http://www.lowenergyairfilter.co.uk

About Camfil Group  

Camfil is the global industry leader in clean air solutions with more than 50 years of experience. Our solutions protect people, processes and the environment to benefit human health, increase performance, and reduce and manage energy consumption. Twenty-five manufacturing plants, six R&D sites and over 65 local sales offices worldwide provide service and support to our customers. The Camfil Group is headquartered in Sweden but more than 95% of sales are international. The Group has around 3,700 employees and sales in the range of SEK 5.5 billion.

Representatives from Camfil UK are available for media interviews and speaking opportunities. For more product information on Camfil or to arrange an interview contact: Kirstie Colledge, SMPR (Simply Marcomms Limited), 18 Boiler House, Electric Wharf, Coventry, CV1 4JU, Tel:+44-(0)870-199-4044, Email: katie@simplymarcomms.co.uk

SOURCE Camfil UK

Camfil Launches the World"s Most Energy-efficient HVAC Air Filter

Great River Energy promotes 'wind energy' for electric car owners

Great River Energy on Thursday unveiled a program that ties the owners of electric vehicles to the wind power created by the utility.

In actuality, there’s no way for utilities to direct electricity from a specific source — whether fossil fuel like coal or a renewable like solar or wind — to a specific consumer. All supplies of power end up on a grid that disperses electricity widely.

However, the Maple Grove-based utility is using the “currency” it gets from compliance with state mandates for generation of non-fossil fuel power, called renewable energy certificates, as a kind of guarantee for an electric vehicle owner.

Under Great River Energy’s Revolt program, owners of plug-in electric vehicles or plug-in electric hybrid vehicles who are in its service area can apply for the guarantee that the electricity being used to power up their car is generated by wind.

The company will take certificates it has earned by generating wind power, and retire them based on the consumption of the vehicle owner instead of either keeping them or trading them with utilities that don’t generate as much renewable energy.

Great River Energy supplies power to 28 co-ops with more than 650,000 customers throughout Minnesota. Fifteen percent of the power that the utility generates or purchases each year is from wind.

“One of the reasons many people would choose to drive an electric vehicle is because of the green effect,” said David Ranallo, program manager for Great River Energy. “This is a way to promise a customer that wants to drive an electric vehicle for that reason that there are virtually zero emissions tied up in their source.”

The utility will not charge any additional fee for participation in the program, he said. An earlier program aimed at assuring that electricity for homes or farms comes from wind carried a slight premium to Great River Energy’s usual rates.

About 5 percent of new cars sold in Minnesota are hybrids or electric-powered. The utility’s program only covers plug-in cars, which make up a smaller portion of sales than the hybrid cars that don’t plug in.

 

 

Great River Energy promotes "wind energy" for electric car owners

Green Energy 101: Every Little Thing You Must Know

It can be easier than you believed to minimize down over the amount of vitality and sources you employ in your house demands. Get a few concepts on the way you can do this by looking at the article under.

Shading windows from sunlight can assist you use much less vitality. It is possible to also try out putting up blinds or curtains in. You might lower your expenses and power inside the method.

The government has grants out there to these who are prepared to invest in alternate renewable power sources. Check out out your neighborhood government and see what form of plans can be found as part of your area. You could possibly qualify for installation of solar energy at tiny to no cost.

It’s also encouraged to place filters on warm-air registers. This assists retain debris (or Sizzling Wheels cars) from acquiring into heating ducts.

Use a laptop rather then a desktop computer. You’ll discover yourself shaving 75 percent off of the volume of electricity made use of for computer utilization, particularly when you use your pc all of the time. To not mention, the laptop gives you the benefit of taking it anyplace.

Pay out consideration to any federal or local rebates that may make it easier to save money on renewable vitality. Local utility firms could even provide rebates for upgrades.Chances are you’ll also be capable to get tax deductions for the upgrades. These tax financial savings can considerably lessen the expense of putting in substitute power technological innovation considerably.

In case you are unsure about building big green power investments in your home, seek the advice of experts within the plumbing or HVAC fields to assess your existing process. They could present you with estimates on simply how much vitality that you are wasting, plus they can let you know what upgrading or replacing such techniques will expense.

Stay away from cranking the heat up in your home except if it is definitely important. In case you are chilly, basically place on a sweatshirt, like a sweatshirt and sweatpants. You waste quite a bit of power if you have heat on higher than important.

Numerous men and women generally don’t turn off lights, while it appears clear. If you have been to have from the habit of turning them off, it could conserve them an enormous sum on their power expenses.

You could lessen the power usage of your dwelling by putting in power effective doors and windows, include in insulation, replacing faulty heat and air conditioners and incorporating insulation to your house. You may also help minimize the expense of your power bill.

Check your refrigerator and freezer on a regular basis for broken seals to avoid wasting power. In case the seal is loose or broken, which ends up wasting a lot of vitality, and prices you more dollars on utility payments.

An incredible method to help conserve power is by thawing all your frozen goods inside the fridge. It is a safer and more cost-effective way for thawing meals that minimizes power consumption from the refrigerator.

Conserve some income by searching into putting your refrigerator in a cooler location. Do not put them in sunlight or by heating vents because this unnecessarily raises the temperature.

Automatic ice maker use excess vitality and commonly break down. They are able to also have leaky seals, which might raise the inner temperature of the freezer. You may stay away from these troubles by making your own personal ice.

Get started with only one modest undertaking and get the job done your way toward finishing them all!

A programmable thermostat is actually a superb green energy effort in your house. The latest versions is usually programed with numerous start off and finish instances for many days throughout the week.

Humid air will typically make your space come to feel warmer! As an alternative to putting on the air conditioner, which might be pricey, run a dehumidifier to get a period of time to start with.This may well allow you steer clear of applying the air conditioner as commonly.

In case your residence is extra than 30 many years outdated, there exists a fantastic chance that your home could use a great deal more insulation. This goes an extended way towards trapping warm air in your home and decreasing your house.

Take the thoughts you will get from this guidebook and search for tips on how to incorporate these suggestions into your lifestyle. You can see a substantial lessen inside your vitality payments even though benefiting and helping the atmosphere. Do the job on it a little at a time, and you will discover that you may have a greener house in no time.

Green Energy 101: Every Little Thing You Must Know

FREE SOLAR WORKSHOP FOR MARYLAND HOMEOWNERS TO BE HOSTED BY SOLAR ...

Solar Energy World, a locally owned and operated Solar System Design and Installation Company that runs its own facility on solar electricity, is hosting a Free Solar 101 Workshop for Homeowners from the Baltimore/DC metro area on Saturday June 27, 2015 from 10:30 AM -12:30 PM at their headquarters in Elkridge, Maryland. COST: FREE with RSVP by June 20, 2015, $20 without RSVP at-door (Space is limited) To register go to www.MySolarWorkshop.com.

Attendees will receive a tour of the company’s solar system that was designed and installed by Solar Energy World’s own employees. During the tour a certified solar analyst will explain how the solar energy system produces electricity and how a similar, scaled down system can work for a home.

During the classroom portion of the workshop, attendees will learn how to obtain solar grants, financial incentives and tax breaks, how a solar system generates income for homeowners and how to calculate the return on investment from the purchase or lease of a solar system.
In addition, participants will be treated to a free continental breakfast of pastries, coffee and fruit and will receive a free information package about the solar industry that they can take home with them.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Homeowners who are interested in cutting home energy costs, decreasing their carbon footprint, gaining energy independence and earning extra income from the energy they produce.
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Continental Breakfast, Information package, tour of Solar Energy World’s solar roof system, Exclusive Offer for workshop attendees and more!
HOSTED BY: Solar Energy World, Maryland’s fastest growing, independently-owned solar energy systems provider
WHERE: Solar Energy World Headquarters – 5681 Main Street, Elkridge, MD 21075 (Near BWI Airport)
WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 2015 – Starts at 10:30 AM and ends at 12:30 PM.
WHY:
Come to The Solar 101 Workshop to learn about…
• The state of the solar industry, green jobs and environmental benefits
• How solar works in the local climate
• The latest solar technologies
• The Costs & financial incentives for homeowners
• How to choose a solar contractor
COST: FREE with RSVP by June 20, 2015, $20 without RSVP at-door (Space is limited)
Register online at www.MySolarWorkshop.com or call 888-485-1909

FREE SOLAR WORKSHOP FOR MARYLAND HOMEOWNERS TO BE HOSTED BY SOLAR ...

Spring cleaning: How to clean your house and keep it that way

One of the things most people don’t love about spring or any time of the year is the thought of giving your home a thorough cleaning — inside and out.

It’s just filled with all those major projects that involve seemingly overwhelming tasks like cleaning out closets, deep cleaning room by room, decluttering and more.

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But it doesn’t have to be that way. Experts advise setting a goal and doing something every day or every week until the jobs are done. Don’t worry whether it’s enough to pass the white glove test. What you are going for is an easy, comfortable and non-stressful living space that makes you and your family happy.

Amy Bates, owner of Merry Maids Tulsa Metro, offers the following tips for tackling spring cleaning at your home or apartment.

1 Declutter, donate and toss: Get rid of the clutter that’s taking up space in the home. So donate it or toss it. Or hold a garage sale to get rid of those unwanted items and make a little extra cash in the process. That includes old clothes (if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s old), old books, broken toys, etc. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to declutter.

2 Go the natural way: Use natural cleaning products rather than harmful chemicals. Stock up on natural cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda, lemons, and tea tree oil. Those are effective and inexpensive.

3 Start top to bottom: Start upstairs and tackle one room at a time. Get that sense of accomplishment by focusing on one room at a time. Stopping and starting to go from one room to the other seems to slow down the process. Or spread your cleaning out over two days. Do the upstairs on day one and the downstairs on day two. It makes the tasks seem much less daunting.

And really clean top to bottom. Don’t forget to dust on top of book shelves and mantels.

4 Use simple cleaning tricks: Faster, more effective cleaning can be accomplished using simple tricks. For example, cleaning windows and mirrors with newspapers instead of paper towels leaves fewer streaks and no paper towel lint. Dryer sheets work great on baseboards. They clean off the dirt and dust and reduce future dust buildup. And have you ever thought of using an extra sticky roller on couches to get rid of pet hair? Try it.

5 Don’t forget the big stuff: Don’t overlook major appliances when you’re doing your spring cleaning. Give them a nice, deep clean. Run baking soda and vinegar in your clothes washer for a clean, fresh scent upon completion. Run vinegar through the dishwasher to get rid of hard water. Wipe down the inside of your refrigerator with a vinegar and water mixture to sanitize and freshen.

6 Get your outdoor spaces ready: You’ll be spending more time outdoors, so wipe down chair handles with a damp cloth and vacuum the dust out of cushions. A quick trick is to put cushions in a trash bag, insert a vacuum hose into the bag, wrap the bag around the hose and turn it on. The suction from the vacuum will flatten the cushion and inhale all dust and pollen. Get those outdoor grills clean and ready, too. And sweep away the cobwebs from the corners of your porch.

7 Organize your closet by color: Organizing your closet is one of the first steps to the rest of your home. Organizing your clothes by color will make your closet look nice and uniform and makes getting dressed in the morning a snap. Your closet will look appealing, and your everyday routine will be easier.

8 Give your carpet a fresh, clean smell: Give it a boost with ½ cup of Borax, ½ cup baking soda and several drops of your favorite essential oil. Sprinkle it on the carpet and let it sit 30 minutes. Then vacuum away. Your carpet and your entire room will have a fresh aroma. And ask people to take their shoes off when entering your home. It will take away from tracking in the outside.

9 Change things up: One way to give your home a fresh feel is to make some simple changes. For an easy makeover, change out your couch or bed pillows to set a different mood. Or place fresh-cut flowers throughout the house. You will instantly feel revitalized in your home.

10 Change those filters: It’s a great idea to use spring cleaning as a time to change all your filters — air filters, water filters, etc. Changing the air filters in your home will cut down on the amount of dust you see on surfaces, and the air will smell fresher.

Rita Sherrow 918-581-8360

rita.sherrow@tulsaworld.com

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Spring cleaning: How to clean your house and keep it that way