tagged w/ Innovation
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Rooftop solar panels are unlikely to elicit complaints from neighbors–they’re silent and relatively unobtrusive. But loud rooftop wind turbines? That’s where the virtually NIMBY-proof Ridgeblade turbine comes in. The turbine, designed by a former Rolls Royce turbine engineer at UK-based The Power Collective, boasts a sleek profile that is both powerful and visually pleasing.
Instead of creating a free-standing turbine that sticks out for all the neighbors to see, The Power Collective designed its long-bladed turbine to fit in along the ridge of a roof, where wind currents are strongest. The Ridgeblade packs a powerful punch, too — it has the wind-capturing potential of a medium sized turbine.
The turbine isn’t yet on the market, but a $750,000 grant from the Green Challenge Awards has given The Power Collective a big push towards commercializing the Ridgeblade. No word on how much the turbine will cost when it is finally released, but your neighbors’ peace of mind might just be worth the extra costRooftop solar panels are unlikely to elicit complaints from... more
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In 2008, the San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park—one of the nation's leading zoos and a global leader in saving endangered species—came to a realization: despite more than 4.5 million annual visitors and $200 million in annual revenues, the organization itself was on an unsustainable path.
Founded in 1916 with the three-part mission of recreation, education, and conservation, the zoo was still on target to show an operating profit of $13 million despite the market panic that pushed many companies and nonprofits into the red. But as Chief Financial Officer Paula Brock told the executive committee, the long-standing model of funding conservation research and educational initiatives from entertainment revenues (tickets, food, and merchandise) and donations couldn't be maintained—attendance simply wouldn't rise as fast as the costs of maintaining a 2,000-person enterprise.
The zoo had to innovate. And it has, by identifying new ways to connect with visitors and finding lucrative revenue sources such as long-term business consulting and events like a recent sold-out biomimicry conference and a planned expo showcasing eco-friendly products.
Taking the San Diego Zoo & Wildlife Park as a guide, here's a look at how an organization or company can grow through innovation.
Any project should begin with asking the right question. San Diego started with this one: How do we position ourselves as a world leader in conservation so that we can attract more funding?
Jump Associates, a San Mateo (Calif.)-based growth-strategy firm, helped the zoo widen its inquiry. "We asked them to think about how they could develop a sustainable growth strategy by identifying new revenue streams to fund conservation and grow the business," says Lara Lee, the Jump principal who led the project.
Brock describes the next phase of the process as "corporate psychoanalysis." Lee's team talked to employees from all departments about the organization's strengths and weaknesses, and then asked visitors about their perceptions of the zoo and attitudes towards conservation. They found, for instance, that while visitors care about the planet, they didn't use the word "conservation" and they didn't know exactly how to proceed. Whose advice should they trust? What individual effort that they made would have an impact on the world?
Combining that input with a broad rethinking of the zoo's competitors in the conservation arena—from other zoos and traditional conservation organizations to entertainment and retail brands—Lee created an "opportunity map," or a visual representation of the marketplace.
The Opportunity Map
The map had four quadrants defined by two axes. The axes that Jump and the 12-member zoo team chose were critical, because they framed the market in a way that revealed different opportunities. The team could have looked at the market in terms of local vs. global efforts, animals vs. habitats, or nonprofit vs. for-profit. Ultimately, they decided on individual needs vs. the world's needs as the horizontal axis, and direct vs. indirect involvement running vertically.
"By re-examining the conservation landscape through the needs of ordinary people, we discovered that the San Diego Zoo's key competitors aren't obvious players like the Bronx Zoo or even Disney's (DIS) Animal Kingdom—they're organizations like Whole Foods (WFMI) and Discovery Communications (DISCA) that also meet people where they are on issues of conservation," says Lee.In 2008, the San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park—one of the nation's... more
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Within the Consolider HOPE project (projects funded by the Ministry of Innovation and Science), a group of scientists at Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO), headed by Juan Antonio Anta, are working on the optimisation of a type of photovoltaic cell (Grätzel cell) that artificially mimics photosynthesis.
Grätzel cells are photovoltaic devices that take advantage of the interaction of a structured semiconductor less than nanometre in size and an organic dye that acts as a solar collector.
According to Elena Guillén, member of UPO's Coloides y Celdas Solares Nanoestructuradas (Nanostructured Colloids and Solar Cells) Group, this dye can be either synthetic or natural and can even enable the use of chlorophyll for this type of cell.
Thus, researchers at UPO have begun a study with which they hope to increase the efficiency of these eosin or mercurochrome -based organic components by incorporating ionic salts, known as green solvents, with a view to preventing evaporation of the liquid compounds and the consequent reduction in efficiency.
Previous studies show that ionic salts are less volatile and it is this characteristic that the group headed by Professor Anta seeks to exploit. "Notwithstanding its liquid state, these types of solvents have high viscosity levels and, therefore, during the coming months we will continue our study, working on different alternatives within ionic liquids, their synthesis, etc.," comments Elena Guillén.
The pros and cons of the new generation
Although there are already some third generation cells on the market (for example, for recharging mobile phones), according to the researchers their practical use is anecdotal. However, due to their properties of flexibility and variety of colours and shapes, the future of these cells lies in new market niches such as decoration or use in coloured windows that not only allow light through but use this light to generate electricity.
On the other hand, apart from the rapid amortisation of energy production costs -estimated in one year's use-, there is also the low cost of the materials. "Organic materials are usually cheaper," affirms the researcher, despite which the search continues for an alternative organic dye to the one currently used, derived from ruthenium.Within the Consolider HOPE project (projects funded by the Ministry of Innovation and... more
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Carmanah Technologies has unveiled the newest design in solar LED lighting: the EverGEN 1710 solar-powered area light. Designed as a compact stand-alone lighting alternative for off-grid parking lots and other municipal, commercial or industrial areas, the new EverGEN 1710 light combines advanced motion-sensing capabilities with a range of energy saving operating profiles to ensure bright, reliable illumination whenever and wherever it's needed.
Featuring a dark-sky friendly LED fixture designed by industry-leading lighting manufacturer BetaLED, the EverGEN 1710 solar light incorporates all of the elements of a complete solar power system in a compact, pole-mounted design developed by world-renowned global innovation firm frog design.
According to Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO, Carmanah and frog design shared a common goal throughout the design process: to present a powerful new lighting alternative characterized by elegance of design and efficiency of operation. "We knew this light would be special - delivering big system performance in the smallest form factor yet - so when it came to the design, we wanted the very best," said Lattimore.
"Working closely with the team at frog, we settled on a unique design that reflects the essence of renewable energy: clean, simple, practical and efficient. Although it's a tough, high output, industrial-strength light, the quality finish and distinctive, contemporary styling would look great just about anywhere," said Lattimore. "But best of all it performs better than anything in its category - it's a practical, cost-effective renewable energy alternative."
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I think it's time for some off -grid illumination. ;-).Carmanah Technologies has unveiled the newest design in solar LED lighting: the... more
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"The other day, I went on a short tour of some of Microsoft’s Labs, where they do everything from rapid prototypes of new products to acoustic testing in anechoic chambers. Most of my time was spent in the Applied Sciences group’s labs, where they are working on some seriously interesting devices. And they’re not just into mice; in fact, the lab’s specialty seemed to be anything to do with optics and/or input. This lab worked on Project Natal, and also on the pressure-sensitive keyboard I wrote about a while back.
They were kind enough to show me all these crazy multi-touch mice, and, when I was too inept to demo even one of them solo, offered to go through them with me on video. Remember that none of these devices are final in any way! The side mouse, for instance, would be much smaller if it were a product, and these weren’t really sculpted at all to fit in your hand."
More at the link..."The other day, I went on a short tour of some of Microsoft’s Labs, where... more
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BIOMIMICRY: THE NEXT WAVE OF INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Biomimicry is the discipline of observing nature and applying nature’s lessons to human design and innovation. Nature is the world’s largest research and development laboratory, and has been testing and retesting biological designs and strategies for billions of years. Nature’s solutions are closed loop and in harmony with the ecosystem.
The San Diego Zoo and the Biomimicry Institute are pleased to announce the second annual Biomimicry Symposium, presented by mirasol®, a display innovation by Qualcomm, on Oct. 1-2, 2009.
AGENDA
Thursday, October 1, San Diego Zoo, 4:00 – 7:30PM
Registration
Biomimicry Bus Tour (4 stops with Zoo Keeper interactions)
Wine reception with Mini Invention Convention at the new Elephant Odyssey Exhibit, and Animal Care Facility open house
Chip Heath: “How to create an innovation hub: Biomimicry and San Diego”
Friday, October 2, Prado Ballroom, Balboa Park, 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Welcome & Introductions
Janine Benyus: The Future of Biomimicry
Panel: Biomimicry from an Educational Perspective
Lunch
Jay Harman: The Business of Biomimicry
Panel: Biomimicry from a Business Perspective
ClosingBIOMIMICRY: THE NEXT WAVE OF INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Biomimicry is the... more
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Solar on the go. ;-)
Excerpt:
Konarka Technologies has unveiled a line of solar panels for use in a variety of portable charging applications that will be available worldwide in the fourth quarter of this year.
Commercial products incorporating Konarka Power Plastic 20 Series material, which include battery chargers for lighting, mobile phones and devices, carry bags and cafe umbrellas, will be available through the company's qualified resellers and partners program.
"As a world leader in organic photovoltaic technology, Konarka has been working to meet the growing demand for personal and commercial solar energy solutions," commented Rick Hess, president and CEO at Konarka.
"We are delighted to see manufacturers from new and existing markets integrating our solar panels into their products, creating energy-capturing devices, and making them available for commercial use. Initial product applications will address portable and remote power needs while providing distinctive value to our partners' solutions."
The Konarka Power Plastic 20 Series includes the Power Plastic 120 (1-watt), Power Plastic 320 (3-watt) and Power Plastic 620 (7-watt) products. The panels vary in size and are available with and without integrated connectors, ready to be used or integrated into a manufacturer's device or product.Solar on the go. ;-)
Excerpt:
Konarka Technologies has unveiled a line of solar... more
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Paul Stamets shows Red Reishi Mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum var. resinaceum growing at Fungi Perfecti Sept 2009Paul Stamets shows Red Reishi Mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum var. resinaceum growing at... more
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Philadelphia has announced a $1.6 billion plan to transform the city over the next 20 years by embracing its storm water - instead of hustling it down sewers and into rivers as fast as possible.
The proposal, which several experts called the nation's most ambitious, reimagines the city as an oasis of rain gardens, green roofs, thousands of additional trees, porous pavement, and more.
All would act as sponges to absorb - or at least stall - the billions of gallons of rainwater that overwhelm the city sewer system every year.
The plan's complex funding formula would raise rates somewhat but also attract grants and encourage private investment.
Further, the Water Department says the city's greening would result in more jobs, higher property values, better air quality, less energy use, and even fewer deaths - from excess heat.
The plan is a radical departure from the highly engineered tunnels and sewage plant expansions cities have traditionally opted for.
"This is the most significant use of green infrastructure I've seen in the country, the largest scale I've seen," said Jon Capacasa, regional director of water protection for the Environmental Protection Agency, which has the final say on whether the plan passes muster.
"We commend Philadelphia for breaking the ice," he said.
Whether the plan will work as the department intends is still being analyzed by regulators and environmental experts. (This will take a while. The printed plan is 3,369 pages.)
Theoretically, it's workable, said the Natural Resources Defense Council's water expert, Nancy Stoner. The green techniques "are well-demonstrated," she said. "It's the scaling up that's new. That's what's really exciting."
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Water is the most basic and precious element on Earth. It's spiritual and physical properties are the source of all life. The Water Is Life Group on Current will report on and discuss all facets of its presence on Earth, especially in light of the current global water crisis we face due to waste, pollution, privitization, climate change, and lack of political and moral will. So if you thirst for knowledge and information about this most precious and sacred resource, please join the Water Is Life group.
http://current.com/groups/water-is-life/Philadelphia has announced a $1.6 billion plan to transform the city over the next 20... more
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We hear so much doom and gloom about our economy, our political atmosphere and even our standing in the rest of the world. We hear the economy is stagnated and slowly working toward being chocked to death by big government.We hear so much doom and gloom about our economy, our political atmosphere and even... more
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Sharon Thornton, a blind woman from Mississippi, USA, can now see after one of her teeth was pulled from her mouth, fitted to hold an optical lens and implanted in her eye.
Thornton's was the first surgery of its kind in the US. The procedure is called modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (or MOOKP) and was developed in Italy. Overseas, it's been successfully performed on about 1000 people.
Thornton had been blind since a rare skin condition left her cornea so scarred and dry that doctors were unable to giver her a cornea transplant.
"Her eye was like a desert," Thornton's surgeon said. He (ironically) used Thronton's eyetooth in the procedure. It held the lens and was sealed inside the eyeball with a mucous layer taken from the lining of Thornton's mouth.Sharon Thornton, a blind woman from Mississippi, USA, can now see after one of her... more
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Today Washington DC-based company Envion opened a $5 million dollar facility that they claim will be able to efficiently transform plastic waste into a source of oil-like fuel. The technology uses infra-red energy to remove hydrocarbons from plastic without the use of a catalyst, transforming 82% of the original plastic material into fuel. According to Envion, the resulting fuel can then be blended with other components, providing a source for gasoline or diesel at as low as $10 per barrel.Today Washington DC-based company Envion opened a $5 million dollar facility that they... more
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Sure, there are entertainment and communications systems in cars...they're called radios.
But in the all-new Ford Taurus that concept is taken to extraordinary new heights with voice-activated SYNC technology. In addition to playing your music and making your calls, the newest version of SYNC can automatically alert you to closed roads and give you an alternate route -- all hands-free.
We speak car. We speak innovation. Introducing the all-new Ford Taurus. Drive one.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/2010taurus/Sure, there are entertainment and communications systems in cars...they're called... more
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Dirty Job’s Mike Rowe recently visited the Chicago Ford Assembly plant to see first-hand how the all-new Ford Taurus is setting the new standard in quality engineering. Watch as Mike learns about the state-of-the-art technology Ford uses – like DC tooling drivers with computerized monitoring – to insure each bolt is secured properly to provide consumers with the best car yet.
http://www.thefordstory.com/quality/Dirty Job’s Mike Rowe recently visited the Chicago Ford Assembly plant to see... more
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Say goodbye to the blind spot. The 2010 Ford Taurus features the patented Blind Spot Information System that uses radar technology to sense other cars where you can’t see them. When moving vehicles drive into the Taurus’ blind spots, a warning light blinks in the side view mirror and helps you avoid a common accident.
We speak car. We speak innovation. Introducing the all-new Ford Taurus. Drive one.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/2010taurus/Say goodbye to the blind spot. The 2010 Ford Taurus features the patented Blind Spot... more
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Behold the 365 horsepower, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost™ engine, with the power of a V8 but the fuel efficiency of a V6.
We speak car. We speak innovation. Introducing the all-new Ford Taurus SHO. Drive one.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/2010taurus/Behold the 365 horsepower, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost™ engine, with the power of... more
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The Revolution Door is a concept from New York designers Fluxxlab that puts otherwise-wasted kinetic energy from a revolving office door to good use—generating power. Fluxxlab’s idea behind all this is that humans exert a chunk of their own energy when pushing a revolving door around, and it may as well be captured via gears and an electricity generator. If you think about the thousands of doors across the country spinning around all day, everyday, that could be a whole lot of energy produced.The Revolution Door is a concept from New York designers Fluxxlab that puts... more
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Homes made from containers that cut down on waste, are cheaper, and are guaranteed for 100 years.
I wouldn't mind having one.Homes made from containers that cut down on waste, are cheaper, and are guaranteed for... more
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Thin-film solar is revolutionizing the renewables industry. How soon can you get in on the action?
Going solar used to mean spending a fortune to purchase massive, unwieldy panels that came with high production and labor costs, as well as low efficiency performance. But that era of renewable energy is coming to a close and being replaced by a lighter, cheaper, more flexible model, thanks to thin-film PV cells.
Solar companies now employ a roll-to-roll manufacturing process that uses non-silicon alternatives such as copper, indium, gallium and selenium to print up cells the way the Federal Reserve Bank prints money. An apt comparison, given that the thin-film niche is expected to corral around 20 percent (and growing) of the overall solar market, which itself is expected to swell to more than $50 billion by 2015.
What's the payoff? A revolutionized energy market, where thin-film solar cells can be placed on everything from your house and car to your person to literally empower your life.
"Thin-film technology has played a significant role in driving down the cost of solar across the industry," American Solar Energy Society Director of Communications Neal Lurie explained to AlterNet. "A couple of years ago, when much of the industry was facing shortages of polysilicon commonly used to produce photovoltaic solar panels, First Solar leapfrogged the industry by producing thin-film solar with a completely different technology, using cadmium telluride.
"While this thin-film approach was less efficient than the more traditional crystalline silicon, it could be produced at much lower costs, more than making up for the lower efficiency. This put downward price pressures across the entire industry, forcing manufacturers to develop efficiencies throughout the entire supply chain. The end result? Lower solar costs for consumers across the globe."
The globe responded in kind. In mid-August, the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of the Treasury kicked off a $2.3 billion campaign to give away tax credits to clean-energy equipment manufacturers. That alone could create more than 100,000 jobs in America, which has more or less outsourced the majority of its conventional manufacturing base to China and other cheap-labor titans.Thin-film solar is revolutionizing the renewables industry. How soon can you get in on... more
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