This makes my brain so happy!!!!!
André Broessel is the European architect and engineer behind this weatherproof energy harvesting system that turns light into heat. It is in many regards more robust, efficient and versatile than traditional photovalics, concentrating available light sources and multiplying their thermal effect (click to enlarge the diagram below for a better understanding of the basic system).
Made to be mounted on buildings individually or in arrays, a computerized control system passively tracks available illumination in the day, but can also follow and be fueled by moonlight.
The balls can work both to generate power and as replacements to traditional window apertures, creating a wide variety of potential hybrid architectural applications as well.
Here is a link to a lovely little Vimeo vid on the subject as well;
http://vimeo.com/82017460
Article by Urbanist, filed under Gadgets & Geekery in the Technology category.
My brain- not so much. :-)
ReplyDeleteI REALLY don't want to rain on you; but I would rain on this guy, and his device; he really should know better, but I think he does not. It's very typical of the current hysteria for alternative energy- and investing in it. You know; I live off the grid, build my own systems, etc. My charging circuit for our wind generator was so novel it got published by Real Goods. And freaked out the Inspector; I had to call the capital to get a young one, who after 2 hours said "Well, it's WEIRD - but it ain't dangerous. :-)
About 50% of these amazing new world savers operate in direct conflict with the 2nd Law Of Thermodynamics; but raise millions anyway. Another 40% are in direct conflict with cost/benefit/lifetime numbers; they cannot ever come out on the correct side. This is one of those. More energy than silicon solar cells? Quite possible. Cost per watt, lifetime? About 100x silicon; in perpetuity. Also- vandal proof? Ah, no; vandal bait, and terrorist bait. Sure, photovoltaics always are; but cheap to replace/repair, also.
Systems. The whole system has to work; or you're wasting time and resources we do not have. :-) And you can make good systems approximations on paper before you build anything; if you're thinking about them.
A perfect fer-instance: http://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/technology/misc-gadgets/solar-powered-window-socket/ Now; google: buy solar powered socket
ReplyDeleteLots of over the top reviews, as late as Aug 2013! But- no, you can't buy one. Pretty certainly; not ever. This comment eventually from one of the designers:
"Thank you.The window socket design in 2010.And has completed the registration of a patent.Technical investigation for the mass production of the prototype.The technology is possible.However, the use of electricity and charge time is not efficient.But soon, believe it will be resolved technically.Thank you once again."
And, thankfully, in the comments; hundreds of "this cannot work". But- the ooh-wow! reviews roll on.
sorry! :-)
Okay, even I knew the solar window charger plug thingy wouldn't work- but this, this is BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteI WANT this to work because, beauty. :(
I'll grant you it's beautiful- and even very clever... it's just - "Accounting? What's that?" :-)
DeleteI'm going to make one and just LOOK at it.
ReplyDeleteHappy now?
;p
lol. :-P thbbbpppp
Delete(that's the Oxford spelling for the raspberry.)
hahahaha... :D
Delete