Dinogy - Energy Blog » Archives for November, 2006

An article in the guardian highlights a new technique for generating solar power called Concentrated Solar Power (CSP):

Europe, the Middle East and North Africa should be building vast solar farms in North Africa's deserts using a simple technology that more resembles using a magnifying glass to burn a hole in a piece of paper than any space age technology.

Two German scientists, Dr Gerhard Knies and Dr Franz Trieb, calculate that covering just 0.5% of the world's hot deserts with a technology called concentrated solar power (CSP) would provide the world's entire electricity needs, with the technology also providing desalinated water to desert regions as a valuable byproduct, as well as air conditioning for nearby cities.

Wouldn't you know it, just after I finished painting my apartment, I discover insulating paint. A NASA research partner in Florida called Hy-Tech has developed a series of insulating paints that are now on the market. It is interesting to note that the paint also insulates sound, so when you use it, you get a much quieter home, apartment, or business.

Their web site claims that you get on average a 35% reduction in heat transfer. This means that it will keep the heat in during the winter, and the cool air in the summer.

They have lots of impressive testimonials on their site, be sure to check them out.

The paint cost around $38/gallon, but you can also get an additative to mix into your existing paint.

There are lots of easy ways to save energy in your home. We have already written about how you can save energy using Ceiling Fans, with blinds and curtains, by insulating your outlets, and more.

Today we will show you yet another simple way to save energy at home (or at work) by installing door sweeps.

What you will need

• A Door Sweep - You can get one at your hardware store for about $6.
• Screw Driver
• Hack Saw (my be needed to if door sweep is not the same size as your door)
• Drill - You could also use a hammer and a nail to get the screw started, or if your really strong you can just screw it in with a screwdriver.

How to install a door sweep

1. Measure the width of your door.
2. Mark the width of your door on your door sweep
3. Cut the door sweep to size. Important - you should cut the side that faces the hinges, not the side that the door opens on, because it can leave a sharp edge after you cut it. It may be a good idea reguardless to take a metal file and smooth out your cut
4. Align the door sweep with the bottom of your door and mark where the holes are with a pencil or pen.
5. Drill in the places you marked.
6. Screw in the door sweep.

Please post any comments or tips you might have.

Inc Magazine has a slide show called 10 Ways Companies Can Save the Environment

Did you know that you can save energy by using a ceiling fan? They can save energy in both the summer and the winter. You simply need to change the direction of the fan each season. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the fan.

To Adjust Ceiling Fans Direction for Winter Use

In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space.

To Adjust Ceiling Fan Direction for Summer Use

In the summer, use the ceiling fan in the counter-clockwise direction. This blows the air down on to you and cools you off, much like a floor fan does.

Take the Energy Star Challenge:

EPA issued the ENERGY STAR Challenge to call on building owners across the country to improve the efficiency of their buildings by 10% or more. EPA estimates that if each building owner met this challenge, by 2015 Americans would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 15 million vehicles, while saving about $10 billion.
...
EPA will recognize businesses and organizations that make improvements to their buildings and share their results. By meeting or exceeding their goals, these organizations are protecting our environment and improving their bottom line. A variety of recognition opportunities exist, including qualifying as an ENERGY STAR Leader for portfolio-wide improvements, applying for Partner of the Year designation, and earning the ENERGY STAR for individual buildings.

Scientists in France have been working on a car powered by air. Compressed air to be exact. They claim that it will cost about $2 to go 120 miles. The car is however quite noisy, kind of "like driving a lawn mower"

Via: CBS