Hot news in cleantech: Mud-carpet power, PV RV, solar umbrella

Mud + rug = energy. Sounds unlikely, but a current study at the University of California is exploring how a rug-like device would mimic the ability of muddy sea floors to absorb energy from ocean waves, and then convert that energy into electricity. CleanTechnica‘s Tina Casey writes that UC-Berkeley researcher Mohammad-Reza Alam’s version of the intriguing natural phenomenon involves an elastic “carpet” resting on springs and rippling with the gravitational force of waves overhead, while also interacting with mud on the sea floor – movement that would be transferred to generators. In a recently published abstract detailing the results of his studies, Alam describes his “carpet of wave energy conversion” as a “synthetic seabed” – although it would not necessarily rest on the sea floor. So far, however, Alam’s carpet concept has only made it to the computer modeling stage. Further development is needed to work out the optimal height and placement for the structure that would anchor it to the seabed, and to set environmental impact parameters.

As Casey points out, Alam and his team are not the only ones exploring the murky depths of the ocean for alternate, clean power resources. Fittingly, the US Navy is helping to fund another approach, developed by Texas-based engineering firm KBSI – the Wave Carpet. Designed to float, this device could also serve the dual purpose of generating energy while creating relatively calm areas in ocean waters. KBSI sees it being used to created buffer zones around aquaculture sites or around other ocean power generating equipment, such as ocean thermal energy conversion stations.

PV RV

From the ocean floor to the open road, some good news for camping enthusiasts – an RV that’s designed to generate it’s own power. EarthTechling reports that this latest offering from Tiger Adventure Vehicles, the Siberian Tiger, comes complete with a 200W rooftop solar system, which is designed to charge the vehicle’s 300 amp-hour AGM batteries during off-grid adventures – or just whenever you like, really. As the name would suggest, the Siberian Tiger is designed for full-on off-road adventures; built on the back of a Ford F450 Crew Cab with a diesel powerstroke engine. But beneath its tough exterior – it’s built entirely of aluminum – it features various other important energy-saving and comfort-promoting features. Such as: insulation in all exterior cavities (for climate control and to avoid the dreaded freezing of water tanks); VOC-free bamboo cabinetry that’s mounted in aluminum framing and integrated into the structure of the body itself; insulated (with a denim-based, VOC-free material) floor, ceiling, and wall; LED lighting inside and out; and a king-sized bed.

Solar parasol

In keeping with the camping theme, EarthTechling featured another interesting outdoorsy solar innovation this week – the Booster Brolly hybrid umbrella concept by Vodafone. Created in partnership with University College London, the umbrella features a series of flexible solar panels stitched into the canopy, thus offering shade from the harsh summer sun (or the rain, cos we all now know solar still works in cloudy conditions), and power, for smartphones and the like. In full sunlight, the solar panels charge a battery that’s embedded in the handle. The energy generated is accessed through a USB port, which is also located in the handle, AND is also used to power a micro-antenna, to boost a smart phone’s 3G signal wirelessly.

“The antenna concealed at the top of the umbrella’s central pole uses the same solar power source to obtain a low strength network signal,” said Dr Kenneth Tong PhD, Lecturer in Electronic & Electrical Engineering at UCL. ”The built-in low noise booster then amplifies this signal, within a 1-metre radius of the canopy, allowing smartphone users around the Booster Brolly to make and receive calls, exchange text messages and even browse the Internet with maximum signal strength.” But wait, there’s more: The Booster Brolly also packs an LED flashlight for night time navigation AND a ‘hands free’ smart phone cradle. Fittingly, this super solar umbrella is due to be road-tested at the UK’s Isle of Wight festival on Friday. If all goes well, the plan is for it to become commercially available very soon, says CleanTechnica.