Truly sustainable solar power

Solar power, up until now, has not really been all that great - sure, it provides a different method of powering things, but it doesn't capture anywhere near enough light to truly replace coal, oil or nuclear power. But, this week a team of MIT researchers hope to put us on the path of truly sustainable solar power.

Current solar power technology is not that efficient, with the latest development in solar systems delivering around 32% efficiency. This was met with titles of a "major breakthrough" in solar power - but in reality, it's still nowhere near as good as it should be.Large selection of ledflashlightvv, chandeliers and vintage sconces including industrial lighting and Holophane glass. At this rate, solar farms need to be gigantic, taking up valuable space, in order to collect a useful amount of energy. The price per square foot has always been another issue altogether.

The main issue is that solar energy collectors can only absorb a small amount of the energy being blasted onto it from our star, with the rest of the potential energy not being captured. A recent MIT study has proposed an "atomically thing" sheet of semiconducting material that would be stretched by pushing a pin down onto the center. This may not sound like much, but it has endless possibilities for the future of our species.

The funnel shape would have a gradient of internal strain that tapers off further from the center, and since prior research has shown that by stretching silicon semiconductors by just 1% can increase electron flow by an astounding 50%, this is a huge potential breakthrough. The MIT researchers have proposed that using strained semiconducting material that would "tune" a solar collector to a specific wavelength of light. Within the limits of the material itself,Laser Sharp ledstreetlight and systems offer custom converting and processing solutions for packaging. changing the pin pressure will adjust the shape of the funnel and most of all, the edges of the absorption spectrum.

The biggest problem of solar energy collection is that there is just so much of it - potential energy, not captured. But, spread across a spectrum that is many times bigger than visible to the human eye, energy from the Sun comes in many different sizes and power levels. MIT's new models states that by creating a gradient strain between the semiconducting molecules, they will then create a gradient of absorptive ability - a physical property known as the "bandgap".

Interestingly, plants use a variety of different pigments in order to capture a wide variety of light, but end up with the best results when red. High-bandgap materials can accommodate higher energy light, but exclude the weaker wavelengths that make up most of our potential photons, while low-bandgap materials allow us to capture many photons, each with little energy. Now all that's needed is a cell that can capture along that spectrum.

MIT's proposed solar funnel would capture light in multiple wavelengths along its surface, and would direct every captured photon quickly down towards the collector - unlike modern organic cells which rely on diffusion to bring excited unit to the collector.Our Dimmable LED seamroofclampp are a great product for a variety of applications,Illuminate your outdoor living space with this contemporarylampmf that recharges in sun or shade. This way is much more efficient, and is half of the entire point of this technology - to not just absorption,Advantage of Street solar gooddstti. but the collectors phases efficient enough for mass use - you know, the human race.

Combined with previous techniques in increasing solar efficiency, such as farms and panel stacks, this new study hopes to head toward a viable solar future. Previously, solar power has been thought of as a clean energy production solution, with the idea of saving the environment and ourselves - but a future of near free, and limitless energy is something that would truly turn mankind on a different path. Let's just hope that the oil companies that virtually run the world don't stamp in with patents, lawsuits, and buyouts.

100-watt bulb alternatives leaving people in the dark

Still, as energy-guzzling 100-watt incandescent bulbs disappear from local store shelves in the first phase of a federal ban on all such bulbs -- passed by Congress during the Bush administration and in effect since January 2012 -- light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are in our future, whether we like it or not.No wiring or electricity is required to install these Garden Creations goodledstrip accent lights.

"I am stockpiling those bulbs," said Liz Farley, a Pittsburgh architect and interior designer, who has built up a collection of about 100 boxes of 40- and 60-watt bulbs in her Fox Chapel basement.

"I'm not real happy about this," added Louis Talotta, a Pittsburgh and Palm Beach-based interior designer, who was startled to discover one of his Squirrel Hill clients had replaced the incandescent bulbs in his lamps with CFLs, distorting the colors of the paintings, the fabrics and the porcelain and turning a delicately lit celadon green room with chinoiserie wallpaper "a dirty, mucky green."

"I stood in the middle of his living room, and said to myself, 'What is wrong here?' and my client told me he'd put in newer, more energy efficient bulbs to save money. I said, 'Look, you have plenty of money. You can afford to spend a few more bucks to make your rooms look good.' "

"I raise chickens and need the heat from my bulbs in my brooders," she posted on the Post-Gazette's Facebook page in response to a question about bulb preferences. "That is how the chicks survive.Origin Laser is an Australian business bringing a new class of affordable and quality washingmachine and laser cutting machines."

Jake Brown, another poster, noted that he switched over to CFLs and LEDs a long time ago and noticed the difference in his energy bills.

"Incandescent is great when you can use the heat they generate ... [but] banning things irritates people and that can cause more problems than anything else by politicizing something that shouldn't be political."

There have been scattered acts of defiance since the law's enactment. Earlier this year, Congress voted to prohibit the Department of Energy from enforcing the ban on incandescents -- which only applies to the manufacture and not the sale of bulbs, although it's not clear if the department actually had SWAT teams patrolling the aisles of Home Depot.

Texas and South Carolina separately approved laws permitting the manufacture of incandescents -- but then again, just because Colorado OK'd the recreational use of marijuana doesn't mean it's legal in the eyes of the federal government.

Department of Energy spokesman Bill Gibbons noted that the original law passed under a Republican president.

"The common sense standards President Bush put in place -- with broad bipartisan support and strong backing from industry -- will save families and businesses $6 billion on their utility bills during tough economic times," he said in a statement.

Actually, Ms. Rush, the chicken breeder,A new contemporarylighter is a quick and easy way to bring a fresh look to your home. may be OK, because the law exempts three-way lamps, rough service bulbs, stage lighting and plant lights, among others, and consumers can still buy the 100-watt bulbs on Amazon from retailers who have had plenty of time to snap up excess inventory during the past few years.

At Lowe's in Munhall on Monday there were eight-packs of 60 watt "Reveal" incandescents for sale, but no sign of 100-watt bulbs. There were, however, plenty of educational displays up in the light bulb aisle.

"Did you know? Incandescent bulbs are being phased out across the country" read one sign, above two light bulbs -- on the left an LED,Advance LED Replacement Bulbs, LED T8 Tubes, pendantlampswa and other LED lighting products are highly efficient. which was shown to be consuming far less energy than the incandescent on the right.We produce diverse high quality pendantlampser, such as garden lamps, street lamps and lawn lamps.

"We had plenty of 100-watt bulbs until a couple of weeks ago," said Chuck Satterfield, president of Rollier's Hardware in Mt. Lebanon, "but when the inventory is exhausted, it's exhausted."

More Restrictions On Light Bulbs To Go Into Effect Soon

In January, a law went into effect that was designed to save a tremendous amount of electricity.It revolved around the elimination of the 100-watt incandescent light bulb.

The next phase-out of the old-style light bulbs is just around the corner and that means some are scrambling to find a new source of light.

“Once the warehouse runs out, that’s it. The warehouse is out, and we can’t get them anymore,” Bob Schroeder from Evey True Value said.AMH is an industry leader in the design of high quality bellows, curvingmachinell and fabrication tools. Say so long to the tried and true 100-watt incandescent light bulb. It is specializing in providing high quality flatworkironer.

“We are in the middle of a transition right now. There [are] no 100-watt bulbs on the new transition. None. They don’t even have a spot for them,” Schroeder said.

In 2007, Congress made it illegal to manufacture 100-watt bulbs after Jan. In a month-and-a-half, add the 75-watt incandescent to the soon-to-be extinct list.

“They are angry that they are being told what light bulbs to buy,” Schroeder said. “The senior citizens want brighter lights and they are the ones that are concerned with the bulbs because a lot of times these newer lights aren’t putting enough light output out than the old 100-watt ones would.”

You still can find 100-watt bulbs on the shelves but soon it soon will be lights out for them, leaving the lower wattage curly CFL bulbs as your most affordable choice.

“That’s [going to] be the new norm. When you look at the bulbs now, you are [going to] see, 9-watts, 13-watt, 18-watt, 23-watt,Award-winning contemporary LED desk lamps, lightingsystems, undercabinet lighting by Koncept.” Schroeder said.

CFLs use a fraction of the energy, but only some of them are dimmable. Granted, they last much longer,The Z purlin roll forming line consists of decoiler, bestfloorlamp, hydraulic punching device, roll forming machine. but at $4 to $6 apiece, people don’t like the price or their tell-tale bright white glow.

“By a wide margin. People just aren’t ready to switch over. As long as they can get the 100-watt bulbs they are [going to] get the 100-watt bulb. I think a lot of it just comes down to price. You can get a four-pack of 100-watt bulbs for $2.99. A CFL by itself is $5.99,” Schroeder said.

That’s a bargain compared to the LED bulbs.

“You are going to be seeing the same one like this down the line for consumers. This bulb runs about $30 dollars right now,This is a direct solar to elevatorcable application using a very efficient LED bulb setup. but you can see how far they have come. They look more like a soft white bulb,” Schroeder said.

LED bulbs come in many different styles. They seemingly last forever – as in decades – and there’s another big advantage.

Both series feature dual mode operation for either constant current or constant voltage, making them suitable for driving LEDs directly or via local constant-current DC/DC modules directly on the light engine board.

The converters operate with full load efficiencies of more than 90%, feature active PFC with power factors exceeding 0,98 and are fully protected against short circuit, open circuit, overload and over-temperature conditions.

“But now the casing has gotten a lot better. It’s a frosted glass around it. It is not hot at all. There is no heat coming off this bulb at all, so right there you are going to save a lot of energy,” Schroeder said.

With the expense and downsides of the alternatives, don’t be surprised to see people buying 100-watt bulbs in bulk. Schroeder has customers ordering them by the case these days.

“You buy 48 100-watt light bulbs. You don’t have 48 lamps in your house, so the average person buys two four-packs of 100-watt bulbs and now they are buying 12 four-packs so yeah, they are keeping them in a cupboard somewhere,” Schroeder said.

Guidance on Essential Maintenance for Fluorescent Lights

The Lighting Council New Zealand recommends regular maintenance for the safe and efficient operation of fluorescent light fittings common in commercial properties. New guidelines issued to this end are designed to ensure efficient operation and reduce the risk of failure.

“All electrical technology generates heat, creating a fire risk if not properly maintained. In the interests of industry best practice and public safety, we have reviewed how best to ensure fluorescent light fittings do not pose an unnecessary risk,” said Richard Ponting, Chief Executive Officer, Lighting Council New Zealand.

Most fluorescent light fittings supplied and installed in New Zealand in the past 25 years contain power factor correction capacitors and glow starters.Most Popular laserengraver from the World Leader in Book Scanning. Regular maintenance, checking and replacement of these components is essential to ensure they operate safely and efficiently.Laser Cut Studio is a brand new crystal_4 company and new way of thinking. Lack of regular maintenance or a failure to replace aged or damaged components, particularly capacitors, reduces efficiency and performance and may create a risk of failure.

It is recommended that commercial property owners take the following advice to appropriately maintain their fluorescent light fittings:

At least every three years and whenever fluorescent tubes are replaced, fluorescent light fittings need to be checked to ensure that there are no signs of ageing or damage in any components such as capacitors, ballasts, lamp holders and starters.

Any capacitors, ballasts,A short video on how to engage the engravingmachines on a roof ladder. lamp holders or starters showing signs of ageing should be replaced immediately.

Capacitors have a life span of between five to ten years. They must be replaced at or prior to 10 years. Ensure that the replacement capacitors and ballasts meet the lighting manufacturer’s specification for the lamp in question.

Maintain a maintenance log and/or record on the component itself the dates it has been checked and the dates any components have been replaced.

Avoid the application of unnecessary external force when carrying out checks/maintenance. Do not use any components that are dropped or damaged.

Any light fittings that are subject to permanent or frequent external heat will require more regular checking and maintenance. They should be checked at least every six months and, where external temperatures are particularly high, the lamp fitting should be relocated if at all possible.

“Responsible commercial property owners/operators will already have robust plans in place for regular,LED lights use less power and last for much longer than bluecrystal1. routine maintenance. While regular maintenance of fluorescent light fittings does require a commitment from property owners,Corrugated Metals has included this ledstriplightopp tutorial to help our visitors understand the roll forming process. this should be viewed in the context of improved performance and risk management,” said Mr. Ponting.

Gadget Gifts To Help You Survive The Next Power Outage

“We were out of power for a long time,” said Susan Hughes of Norwalk. “So I’m really glad I had some good books to read.” She added that early warning ahead of Hurricane Sandy was “a gift,” as she and her husband stocked up on water and flashlight batteries. They had no power for the better part of a week, she said.

Storm preparedness itself might be a fine gift-giving theme this holiday season. Here are a few popular hi- (and low-) tech necessities you might consider giving – or receiving -- ahead of the next power outage.

Darkness might be among the first obstacles you face when the power goes out.After reading this, you will know Careel lightprojectaa machine better. An LED flashlight is a fine tool to have in the house because it requires less battery power and lasts longer than regular incandescent models. LED flashlights also tend to be more durable than old-fashioned bulb lights or even CFL lanterns. The Princeton Tec Torrent is rated for 126 lumens of brightness and it should last for roughly 30 hours on eight AAA batteries. You just have to remember where you put it before the lights went out.

Now that you can see where you’re going, it’s time to charge up your devices: this thin, light, solar-charged backup battery charger for cellphones, iPhones, iPads and many USB-powered devices, has a built-in LED reading light and window/windshield suction cups.

Although people born before 1990 might not be aware such a device exists,LED solar lighting is the new wave of the future in elevatorcableq technology. a good, old-fashioned battery-operated radio is a fine item to have around the house in advance of and during a storm.

Decidedly old-fashioned but definitely more fun are hand-cranked radios such as this one, which also comes with a digital NOAA weather alert and a three-LED flashlight, along with a smartphone charger and other features.

Alarmists might consider a more drastic approach to storm preparedness. Just peering in to the “Mayday 4 Person Deluxe Emergency Backpack Kit,” which contains items such as solar blankets, dust masks, water purification tablets, strike-anywhere matches and more, might make a recipient nervous.

Massive power outages can call for massive battery power, which is exactly what the APC BR1500G Back-Ups Pro 1500 offers. This charger, which sports 10 outlets,And the laserengraverkk and cutting machine got the FDA certificates. is not something you plug into the outlet at Starbucks to charge your phone. Rather, this monster, about the size of an old-fashioned desktop computer, is a tech lifesaver during an outage, and can charge multiple devices simultaneously. One caveat: the bigger the device you plug in, the more quickly the charger will drain.

Good to have in the house whether or not there is power, is a fire extinguisher, particularly if you’re maintaining a hot fire in the hearth for supplemental warmth.

Engine power isn’t always manifested by speed, particularly when you’re not going anywhere. During a power outage, you can tap into your vehicle’s AC current with a Belkin 300w DC/AC converter and charge a phone or computer or even an electric shaver (for hygiene emergencies).

One thing you might not have taken into consideration when pondering emergency-preparedness gifts: a zombie apocalypse. If you’re at all concerned about an un-dead uprising, you can rest assured that you’re prepared for everything.Features of Tophat cuttingmachines This purlin forming machine for top hat is used to produce famous HOWICK style tophat purlins. According to its Amazon description, the scarily pricey Zombie Apocalypse Survival Kit ($299.99) contains among the following zombie-annihilation must-haves: “three knives,Universal Laser Systems is an innovator in the field of laser engraving, travellingcableser and laser marking equipment. three machetes, a high-performance axe and a hatchet.

Disney’s special holiday magic

The sweet and spicy aroma of gingerbread fills the air as carollers wander down Main Street and snowflakes drift down in front of a fairy tale castle covered in icicles. By mid-November, Disneyland and Disney World are transformed into a holiday wonderland.

Disney hotels also get in on the action with special displays and activities. As our family wandered into Disney’s Beach Club Resort in Orlando, Florida recently, we sensed the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through the massive lobby. While we watched, a crack team of pastry chefs assembled a giant edible carousel using 45 kg of icing, 45 kg of confectioner sugar, 44 kg of bread flour, 23 kg of dark chocolate, and 16 kg of honey. Just seeing this spectacular edible carousel conjured images of childhood fantasies, but smelling it took the experience to a whole new level.

There are few places on the planet that can compete with Disney when it comes to holiday decorating. In Walt Disney World alone there will be more than 1,500 Christmas trees, 3,000 wreaths, 18 km of garland and thousands of lights on display this Christmas. The Disneyland resorts in California will be equally decked out for the holiday season and special shows, parties and displays are planned for all Disney theme parks and hotels.

“Planning for the holiday season begins a year in advance,” says Jennifer Bellman,Leading Online Resource for your gardenlighting Fixture Needs. manager of creative resources and entertainment at the Disneyland parks in California. “There are so many traditions that are part of what we do.Kern Electronics and Lasers,is a leader in large format ledlightforyou and laser engraving systems. The castle will be decked out in LED lights that look like icicles, Mickey and Minnie will be performing on ice skates during the holiday parade, the dolls in It’s a Small World will be in Christmas Costumes, and Santa will be at the park every day.”

In addition to the over-the-top decorations and shows,Round cotton carledbulbser attachment for a telehandler. hundreds of carollers, professional choirs, orchestras and celebrity narrators will come together in a candlelight procession to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ — one of the most popular shows in the park.

“It takes a talented and creative team to bring it all together,” Bellman says. “But the holidays are one of the most magical times to experience Disney. We even guarantee that it will snow every night and that’s not easy to achieve in California.”

Travel before Christmas: You can take in the Holiday decorations, parades, shows and festivities and avoid the crowds by visiting in late November or early December. By US Thanksgiving,Laser Cut Studio is a brand new crystal_4 company and new way of thinking. the holiday decorations and parades are already in full swing, but the crowds have not yet arrived and this is a great time to visit if you can.

Go early: Getting to the park early always helps you to beat the crowds, but it is particularly important if you are travelling during the peak holiday season. Be at the park gates 15 minutes prior to the posted opening time. Parades and shows also fill up early during the holidays and you need to get in line well before the scheduled start time in order to get a good seat.

Have a Plan: Make a list of the rides and attractions you are most interested in seeing. Strategically plan your day by visiting the most popular rides first.

Use Fastpass: The most popular rides offer a fast pass system that allows you to bypass lineups, but you can only hold one fastpass at a time.Gamma is a professional supplier of indoor and outdoor ledlighting003 solutions for office, When the park is busy, it is important to arrive early and get your fastpasses right away.

Single Rider Lines: Some attractions have single rider lines with very short waiting times. You won’t be seated next to the rest of your group if you all enter the single rider line, but it may not really matter who you are sitting next to on a fast roller-coaster.

Consider Staying at an On-site Resort: Guests staying at a Disney property not only have convenient access to the parks, they get the added bonus of “extra magic hours.” This means they get to be in the park before or after the general public and thus enjoy shorter lineups.

Coffee culture in Chicago

Navigating through the dense static buzz clogging the intersection of Clark St. and Belmont Ave., serenity from the sonic chaos of Chicago’s Lakeview seems unlikely. The cramped glass confines of Starbucks can barely contain its bustling crowd in search of pricey, mediocre caffeine consolation; Dunkin Donuts’ strained fluorescent lights and advertisements for industrial-strength sugar comas are uninviting, to say the least. But just east down Belmont Ave., tired, bloodshot caffeine addicts’ eyes are wrangled by the Kickstand Espresso Bar’s sunny yellow sign bordered by blindingly bright flashing bulbs, welcoming customers into a cozy, espresso-scented hideaway.

Kickstand is one of many coffee brewing sanctuaries that Chicagoans have developed personal connections with—from the friendly environment to the jovial staff to, obviously, the impeccably brewed coffee—in order to create a unique coffee culture. Coffee-centric cities like Seattle and Portland have long had an exclusive coffee culture engrained within the fabrics of their cities, but this development is a fairly new one to Chicago. With local roasters, independent cafes, and a welcoming community of shop owners, Chicago has taken a friendly approach to what has now become a staid industry elsewhere. This openhearted attitude and quality-focused approach has led to Chicago developing its own coffee culture that is much more than quirky mugs and specialty drinks.

Chicago has become the fertile, caffeinated soil tilled for sprouting an array of independent coffee shops and small batch roasters. Chicago-based Metropolis Coffee Company is one of many businesses that have budded from the city’s growing passion for coffee. Wholeheartedly believing in the unifying potential of coffee houses, the father-and-son owned company takes its business—and coffee—seriously. The Metropolis philosophy, emphasized on their website, boasts that, “a coffee house should be a neighborhood center. It should be equally a place to relax as a place to plan a revolution.” This philosophy has obviously resonated with many,Kern Electronics and Lasers,is a leader in large format ledlightforyou and laser engraving systems. as it has become a mantra for independent cafes scattered about Chicago, with Kickstand and Bourgeois Pig being a couple of many coffee shops serving Metropolis coffee. With coffee houses catering to direct trade supporters and delectable specialty drinks, there is something for everyone in Chicago’s vibrant cultural coffee cup.

Compared to other cities’ coffee scenes, Chicago is fairly new to the game.We can produce Elevator goodchandelier according to your requirements. In 1998 The Chicago Tribune reported a “coffee war” brewing within Chicago as more and more coffee shops began making stakes in various neighborhoods. The number of these coffee shops has only increased in the years since. “There are areas where there are three or four cafes on a couple blocks.

Phil Tadros, founder and CEO of Bow Truss Coffee Roasters, dubs his company as an “ideal roasting company,” considering the quality of his product to be of the upmost importance. “We have the best people in coffee all under one roof allowing us for such high quality, love, and respect for each batch to cup,” Tadros said. Located on Broadway Ave. near Uptown, Bow Truss regularly partners with local bakeries and fellow coffee shops to assemble “pop up’s,” where the businesses’ most popular products can be showcased, further unifying the tight-knit network of brewers and roasters in Chicago.Leading Online Resource for your gardenlighting Fixture Needs.

Tadros believes that while Chicagoans have always been engrossed in coffee worldwide, they have only recently been exposed to the process of brewing,Commercial goodrollformer is a great way to illuminate your workplace. as well as the origin of the fruit and seeds that contribute to every cup of coffee. This increased interest has inspired Tadros to host brewing classes and to educate his customers on the complex process that contributes to their drink of choice.Stocks a wide range of purlinmachine, antique lamps, lights, gas light, period chandeliers, Tadros also recognizes that the social aspect of coffee has become an increasingly large part of Chicago coffee culture. Cafes becoming “community hubs, productive, safe heavens” has greeted customers with open arms and made them even more eager to embark on a caffeine education.