Energy Innovations |
|
Generating electricity for the world's growing human population will become a more compelling problem as technology, organization, and environmental impacts continue to increase as well.
Distributing the electricity in an effective manner, with safeguards against breakdowns and natural disasters that can cripple whole regions, is equally challenging. Some combination, yet unforeseen, blending centralized and distributed sourcing will eventually emerge. Researchers constantly look for new ways of generating and distributing electricity effectively. |
Space Based Solar
Solar-panel equipped, energy-transmitting satellites could store energy that would be projected onto Earth by means of uninterpreted microwave energy. Although expensive to start up, the energy would be available 24/7 and would require minimal human input after implementation. This solution could mean energy independence for more nations.
|
Piezo Electricity
Piezo electricity is based on the symmetry of crystal structure. If pressure is applied to a piezoelectric material, it generates a potential difference (positive piezoelectricity) and if voltage is applied a mechanical stress (inverse piezoelectricity) is generated. High-frequency electric signals applied to piezoelectric ceramics generate high-frequency acoustic signals (mechanical vibrations). These materials can convert and reverse between mechanical and electrical energy, and are capable of self-diagnosis, self-adaptation, and self-healing functions.
|
Thorium Reactors
Based on nuclear fission of Uranium-233 produced from Thorium, this fuel has the potential to be a self-sustaining fuel. Thorium is plentiful on earth, has superior nuclear and physical properties, and has reduced nuclear waste production. The fuel can be used in most types of reactors, including heavy water reactors, boiling water reactors, pressurized water reactors, and molten salt reactors.
|