The Efficiency Zone
Film Technology Extends Lifetime In Green Energy Applications
February 2, 2011 9:08 am | by Chris Reynolds, AVX Corporation, www.avxcorp.com | Articles | CommentsAs worldwide power consumption continues to increase hand-in-hand with directives to reduce dependence on fossil energy, the need to accelerate the adoption of clean, renewable energy solutions is becoming more vital.
February 2011: Smart Grid & Alternative Energy
February 1, 2011 12:17 pm | Digital Editions | CommentsThe February 2011 issue discusses the smart grid & alternative energy including plug-in electric hybrid vehicles, film technology, and software tools. An editorial laments the industry’s insistence on shoving 3D technology down our throats despite consumers’ overwhelming rejection of it.
Radiometrix Radio Modules Integrated into Solar Car
January 31, 2011 5:18 am | Product Releases | CommentsThe innovative, power-efficient wireless technology of London-based Radiometrix is helping British academia to promote greener transportation. The company’s TX3B-869.85-64 and RX3A-869-10 radio modules are being used by the Engineering Department of Durham University...
How Do You Save Energy When Working at Home?
January 27, 2011 4:21 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsLast week we talked a little about ways to save energy when working at home. Many people spend at least some time working from home. While telecommuting has many advantages, you also may be using a bit more energy than you would otherwise. So, tell us:
Say Hello to Stricter TV Standards
January 25, 2011 3:23 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsTwo years ago, I described the ENERGY STAR® designation for television sets. Last month I explained how the Federal Trade Commission is requiring manufacturers to place yellow EnergyGuide labels on all television sets beginning later this year.
A Biofuels Revolution
January 24, 2011 6:03 am | by M. Simon | Blogs | CommentsBiotechnology firm Joule Unlimited may have come up with a game changer in the quest for economically viable biofuels. Joule Unlimited received a patent for “a proprietary organism” – a genetically engineered cyanobacterium that produces liquid hydrocarbons: diesel fuel, jet fuel and gasoline.
Got a Question? See if We Have an Answer!
January 24, 2011 4:22 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsHave you ever had a question - maybe about energy efficiency, renewable energy, the Department of Energy, or the like - and not had any idea where to find the answer? Have you ever gone through the EERE website and not known where to find what you're looking for?
How Would You Use Your Mobile Device to Save Energy?
January 20, 2011 3:22 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsOn Tuesday, Shannon told you about some mobile tools on FuelEconomy.gov that can help you find and compare fuel efficient vehicles.
Fuel Economy on the Fly
January 18, 2011 10:23 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsWith the North American International Auto Show in Detroit kicking off the auto-show circuit last week, manufacturers are unveiling their future models. If you're inspired and in the market for a new car, FuelEconomy.gov can help you pick the most fuel-efficient vehicle for your needs....
How to Save Energy When Working from Home
January 17, 2011 2:23 pm | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsI am lucky enough to be able to work from my home one or two days per week. I always enjoy these days; not only do I avoid my stressful commute, but I always get a lot of work done without the regular distractions of the office. More offices are allowing their workers this kind of...
An Introduction to Solid State Lighting
January 17, 2011 4:28 am | by Rob Rix, VP, Tyco Electronics Lighting | Articles | CommentsUnlike the incandescent / fluorescent lamp world of today’s electrical lighting fixtures, solid-state lighting is in the realm of electronics. The purpose of this series of articlesis to provide an informative summary of the elements that comprise these new electronic systems...
EcoCAR Challenge Countdown - The Road to the Finals
January 14, 2011 6:02 am | by John Kruckenberg, Ohio State University | Blogs | CommentsThe EcoCAR Challenge is an opportunity for university students to apply cutting edge technology and experiment with solutions to the problems of the future. The goal of the three-year student competition is to design practical vehicles that improve efficiency, emissions, and performance while remaining functional.
How Do You Use a Space Heater Efficiently?(4)
January 13, 2011 4:26 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsOn Monday, Andrea explored the question of space heaters and found that there are many factors to consider when deciding whether to use a space heater or central heating system.
Happy (But Cold) New Year(5)
January 11, 2011 4:24 pm | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsIt's gotten chilly in Washington, D.C., but that's probably old news to most of the country. I was thinking about it this morning, though, when there was a definite draft whistling from my bedroom windows. My family lives in a condo, so we have limited options for replacing the windows...
HVAC vs. Space Heaters: Which is More Efficient?
January 10, 2011 1:24 pm | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsI live in Colorado, and when it's cold it is very, very cold. Since I hate paying high heating bills, I typically have my thermostat set to a chilly 62°F. My husband and I have gotten used to this, and really like being able to use a warm comforter while the air stays cooler.
Nanoscoops Could Spark New Generation of Electric Automobile Batteries
January 10, 2011 7:43 am | News | CommentsAn entirely new type of nanomaterial developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute could enable the next generation of high-power rechargeable lithium (Li)-ion batteries for electric automobiles, as well as batteries for laptop computers, mobile phones, and other portable devices.
Cheaper Solar Technology Developed in Oxford
January 10, 2011 6:46 am | News | CommentsOxford Photovoltaics, a company recently spun out from the University of Oxford by Isis Innovation Ltd., has developed new solar cell technology that is manufactured from cheap, abundant, non-toxic and non-corrosive materials and can be scaled to any volume. Harnessing the sun’s energy, the solar cells are
ZigBee USNAP Module Suits the Smart Energy HAN Market
January 6, 2011 12:47 pm | Murata Power Solutions Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsMurata Wireless Solutions introduced the SyChip Utility Smart Network Access Port (USNAP) ZigBee module. The USNAP version 2 specification-compliant module enables protocol independent designs for
Charging Technology Helps Put an End to Vampire Energy Loss
January 6, 2011 7:45 am | News | CommentsFreescale Semiconductor is finding innovative ways to stop “vampire” energy loss, the loss of power that occurs when an AC adapter is plugged into an electrical outlet but isn’t charging a device. Freescale’s new Watt Saver technology automatically eliminates no-load power consumption for AC adaptors, potentially providing substantial energy savings over existing manual versions. In addition, Freescale will donate one percent of all Watt Saver revenue to a global green ecology non-profit organization. Freescale’s Watt Saver technology consists of
How Do You Plan to Save Energy in 2011?
January 6, 2011 3:22 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsOn Monday, Chris told you about ten ways he plans to save energy in 2011. Whether you like to make resolutions or not, the new year is a great time to renew your commitment to energy savings and to outline how you plan to live efficiently for the next twelve months and beyond. So tell us:
Tonsan Opens 1,000,000-sq ft. Photovoltaic Sealant Factory
January 5, 2011 5:58 am | News | CommentsTonsan held an opening ceremony attended by more than 500 of Asia’s top manufacturers, suppliers, and other industry leaders at its new, dedicated photovoltaic sealants factory in China’s Suzhou County.
Thanks for the New Printer, Santa! Now What Do I Do with the Old One?
January 4, 2011 3:23 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsThis year for Christmas, Santa was kind enough to bring me a new wireless printer to replace my old one. When I opened the box, you can't imagine my glee. I'm a fan of using my laptop as its name implies, so you'll typically find me typing away with it on my lap while snugly ensconced in...
10 Ways to Save Money and Energy in the New Year
January 3, 2011 5:23 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | Comments"Keeping things simple" and "getting back to basics" are two ideals I naturally gravitate to. And while I'm not usually someone who makes New Year's resolutions, I am a big fan of top 10 lists. While pretty straightforward, these easy tips are great way to save money and energy...
Lighting the Future
December 30, 2010 5:06 am | by Bill Weiss, Lighting Applications Business Development Manager, Power Integrations | Articles | CommentsThroughout the world there is pressure to develop a direct plug-in replacement for the incandescent bulb. Such a replacement must not only provide an equivalent perceived omni-directional light output...
How Do You Reduce the Amount of Energy Used by Your Televisions?
December 30, 2010 3:22 am | by Energy Savers Blog | Blogs | CommentsOn Monday, John told you about some changes to television labeling that will help you compare the energy use of different models when you're shopping. Many households have more than one television, and many of those televisions are always on! Unless you're paying attention, that could add...
