Author: Jolly

Eco Factor: Solar panel designed in the shape of a leaf.

Solar power is definitely green and companies like Greendix have started efforts to make these panels look green as well. The company has developed the world’s first leaf-shaped crystalline silicon solar panel in the world via new proprietary technology.

Greendix’s breakthrough new patented technology allows the manufacturing of custom shaped crystalline silicon solar panels. Greendix solar panels are also available in a variety of colors, so designers are not longer restricted by the usual rectangular shapes and dark colors.

Greendix’s new patented process offers designers unlimited new ways to integrate solar technology into their projects. This leaf-shaped solar panel is the first of many products showcasing this new technology. Greendix states that the company wanted to revolutionize existing technology so that it can seamlessly merge with our surroundings.

Greendix’s solar tree concept not only provides aesthetic advantages, but also serves as a viable alternative to traditional solar panels in the generation of electricity from the sun. The company also plans to develop several new custom shaped solar panels in the near feature to show case the potential of this new market.

Via: Greendix [Press Release]

Eco Factor: Vintage car propelled by lead acid batteries.

If you think that electric cars are a feat of modern automobile engineering, it’s time for you to think again. Check out this 1920 Milburn Electric, a beautiful antique vehicle that could be considered modern even by today’s standards. The vehicle features swappable battery tech, a DC charge port, a 20mph top speed and an all-electric range of 100miles.

(more…)

Adding a third wheel to bicycles not only improves safety, but also betters handling on rough terrains. Moreover, the addition of an extra wheel adds some more space which can be used for a second seat or a canopy for wet days. Since bicycles are often expected to rule the streets once fossil fuels sources are dry, modifications in existing designs will always be saluted. Here is a list of 15 such tricycles that do add more sense to pedal-powered transport.

• Urban Commuter Trike:

The Urban Commuter Trike by Tim Tobola features solar panels that can recharge the onboard batteries in just 2 hours, providing a 30-mile range. When the battery supply runs out, the user can go back to the conventional pedal mechanism.

• BamTrike:

Designed by Monash University student Alexander Vittouris, this zero-emission personal mobility vehicle is constructed from sustainable materials including bamboo. Dubbed the BamTrike, the recumbent trike also features side storage pockets that are sufficient to carry your personals. The use of bamboo not only betters the eco-credentials of the trike, but also betters safety as bamboo compares to fiberglass in woven form.

• Trik.E:

The Trik.E comes from the design house of Speed Studio Design and includes features that can allow it to be a true alternative to cars for around-town transportation. The Trik-E comes with weather protection to allow you to drive it year-round. The designers don’t state the operating range the vehicle is expected to have, but with the pedal-power system available as a backup, you’ll never be left stranded without a charge.

• Twin Trike:

The Twin Trike concept by designer Cikaric Dragan uses the additional wheel to make space for a second seat. The concept has been designed for those who love to share their green efforts with their family or friends. All the controls of the tricycle are operated by the front rider, while the tricycle features two transmissions to ease the commute. Most of the parts of the trike are to be made from carbon-fiber, making the concept extremely lightweight and durable.

• Tringa:

The Tringa is a collapsible trike for urban commuters. Designed by Gyula Tiszai, the Tringa has an alternative swinging level drive and a rope transmission that makes the vehicle easy to drive and more comfortable.

• Valetudo:

The brainchild of designers Alexander and Inga Peterson, the Valetudo is a three-wheeled commuter bike made from recycled plastic. The bike has a one-piece frame that has been made from recycled plastic. The plastic casing all over the bike’s body not only makes it look stunning, but also prevents the metal parts inside that include the gear and pedal mechanism, from rust. Rubber saddle bags are attached to this bike to keep your groceries and other items safe.

• STEM:

The STEM by Tobias Bexten is an electric commuter bike running on three wheels. The onboard electric motors are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged via a city-wide network of charging spots. The vehicle can also be rented to daily commuters, which allows them to do their bit for the environment without actually purchasing the vehicle.

• Try-Cycle:

The Try-Cycle has been conceptualized by the folks at Humo Design. The trike has been designed to displace the front wheel to incline the vehicle for changing direction, provoking new experiences of displacement.

• Byess Go-One Evolution:

The Go-One Evolution features superior ventilation, a canopy providing room for tall riders, less chain noise and a more sensitive and comfortable rear suspension. Just like its predecessor, the Go-One3, the Go-One Evolution also features an outer shell made from lightweight carbon fiber composite.

• Catrike 700 Recumbent Tadpole Tricycle:

The Catrike 700 Recumbent Tadpole Tricycle is light, low and has a 700c rear wheel for lower rolling resistance and smoother riding. The 700 has a direct steering and its longer wheel base helps eliminate brake steer.

• Whike:

The Whike is essentially a tricycle attached with a 1.6m sail. It can ride on routes meant for bikes as well as normal roads. While the novelty factor with a Whike alone gives sportspersons their share of excitement, it proves an excellent alternative to petrol-driven bikes, cars and even public transport.

• The Hauler:

The Hauler is an all-terrain, mountain-bike style recumbent tricycle, which sports its own solar panel powering an onboard motor that provides electric assist riding. The tricycle can carry a load of up to 300 pounds and can hit speeds in excess of 20mph.

• DIY Solar Powered Trike:

The DIY Solar Powered Trike features three wheels and a set of solar panels that power onboard batteries. This renewable electricity can take the trike to a top speed of 18mph depending on the weight of the rider.

• INNESENTI Tricycle:

The INNESENTI Tricycle might not look to be the most comfortable tricycle you’ve ever ridden on, but does ensure that your backbone is able to rest on the comfortable cushioned chair. The trike is powered entirely by the pedal mechanism. The company states that they will be able to adjust and customize the seating system for each customer.

• XE Tricycle:

The XE is the brainchild of industrial designer Omer Sagiv and aims to double as an exercise cycle. The pedal mechanism charges the onboard battery pack, which can later be used as an electric tricycle.

Eco Factor: Low-emission bi-fuel vehicle powered by CNG.

General Motors India has unveiled the CNG version of its Chevrolet Aveo mid-sized sedan. The Aveo CNG is a bi-fuel vehicle with a full-size petrol tank and is billed as one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles available in India. The company stated that the launch is a testament to the importance that GM India attached to green technology and environmentally friendly mobility solutions.

The running cost of the Aveo CNG is expected to be 54 percent less than a similar vehicle powered by gasoline and 25 percent less than a similar vehicle powered by diesel. The Aveo CNG has a range of about 200km on a full tank of CNG. The Chevrolet Aveo CNG is equipped with next-generation computer-controlled CNG injection technology from Italy. In an industry first, all “critical to quality” CNG kit components are fitted at the factory – including the CNG injectors, selector switch, modified wiring and suspension – to ensure high-quality and trouble-free service.

Via: GM India [Press Release]

Eco Factor: Sustainable stadiums designed to harvest solar energy and conserve resources.

Qatar 2022 along with Albert Speer & Partner GmbH has unveiled five stunning stadium proposals for the FIFA World Cup 2022, should the country win the bid to host the event in 2022. Designers have unveiled not one or two, but a collection of five stadiums, each of which is expected to exploit the extreme environmental conditions in Qatar by channeling sunlight to generate a large portion of the stadium’s power using solar technology.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Concept boat designed to be powered by solar energy.

The Float is the brainchild of industrial designers Rami Tareef and Milos Ristin who believe that there is a need to expand the use of green energy in the marine field. The Float flat-surfaced boat is a solar-powered double motor concept boat that harvests renewable solar energy using an array of solar panels placed neatly on the roof.

Solar power and electric engines don’t make it the fastest boat you’ve ever ridden, but provide a decent cruising speed of up to 10kph. Meant for a marine picnic, the boat is equipped with a table, a grill and a small refrigerator.

Via: YankoDesign

Eco Factor: Zero-emission PWC powered by electric propulsion pods.

The Green Samba Personal Water Craft by Ohio-based Silveira Group is all about performance on the open water without emitting toxic fumes of any kind. The PWC delivers straight line 65mph performance of the fastest 260bhp PWC’s without delivering any hydrocarbons or producing any noise.

The company is expected to showcase a working prototype of the carbon fiber construction Green Samba for testing later this year. The Samba is ridden in a motorcycle-like crouch and was developed with the specific intent of creating the PWC V 3.0. The Green Samba uses twin direct drive electric propulsion pods, which are fueled by onboard batteries.

Via: Gizmag

Eco Factor: Sustainable data center to be powered by electricity generated from manure.

Scientists at Hewlett-Packard have come up with a plan to use cow manure as fuel for a data center. The team has shown how the manure output of cows and heat output of data centers can be combined to create an environmentally sustainable operation. The research team further explained how a farm of 10,000 dairy cows could fulfill the requirements of a 1MW data center, the power left over to support the needs on the farm.

(more…)

The inability to restrict our urge to possess everything has resulted in a scarcity of resources vital for a green planet. This urge has pushed the limits to a threatening level, and one major contributor to this threat is the rise in the number of cellphones. According to a study, an average user buys a new cellphone every 18 months and simply discards the used phone. This not only adds to the e-waste problem, but this rise in the number of cellphones burdens the grid as well. Industrial designers have tried to reduce the impact of cellphones on the environment with greener concepts that are either made from sustainable materials or don’t require a connection to the wall socket to keep you connected. Here is a list of 20 such concepts that are trendy, high on technology and above all green.

• Cheers:

Cheers is a conceptual phone by industrial designer Tryi Yeh that doesn’t directly need an electrical recharge. The phone is designed to be powered not by electrons but wine. Designed in the shape of a liquor bottle, the phone features a fuel cell that runs on wine to generate electricity.

• Coke-powered Concept Cellphone:

Conceived by industrial designer Daizi Zheng, this concept phone for Nokia ditches Li-ion batteries and runs on a much cleaner fuel cell powered by sugar. The fuel cell generates electricity from carbohydrates, which are commonly found in soft drinks. The bio-battery, according to the designer, can operate the cellphone for three to four times longer than a conventional Li-ion battery on a single charge.

• SoleCall:

The SoleCall solar-powered cellphone concept by designer Julia Schlegel is a basic communicating device that lacks a screen. The phone isn’t designed to carry any hi-tech features under its rubber body, but will make sure that the user is able to call using the numeric keypad and the on/off button. The phone comes with a hanger to enable the user to hang it at any place that gets abundant sunlight. This ultra-cheap phone could be an ideal choice for people living in underdeveloped countries.

• Mechanical Mobile:

The Mechanical Mobile is the brainchild of industrial designer Mikhail Stawsky, who believes that renewable energy isn’t only about solar and wind energy generators. This concept features two charging options, including a spin charger and a crank. The touchscreen cellphone is designed in two versions, allowing the user to either spin the entire thing around a finger or crank the tip for power.

• Sticker Phone:

Conceptualized by industrial designer Liu Hsiang-Ling, the Sticker Phone runs on abundant energy provided by the sun. The concept can be attached to the windshield of your car or the window of your living room, where it can harness solar energy to juice up its onboard battery.

• Cell Wrap:

The Cell Wrap by designer Fernando Robert is a basic design for a communicating device. The idea is to make the cellphone from recycled polyethylene that literally wraps a lead-free LCD screen, a PCB and a keypad.

• NEC Flask Cellphone:

The NEC Flask Cellphone has been designed to run on a liquid fuel cell. Unlike a battery, this phone requires the user to fuel the onboard cartridge with a liquid, which drains as the device is used. Once fully empty, the cartridge can easily be refilled with the same liquid.

• Magic Stone:

Designed by Alexander Mukomelov, the Magic Stone is a device that can be ordered by the customers in any desired shape. The phone will be able to gather enough charge from electromagnetic waves that are used for calling. The device also features a nano-material coating that will convert sunlight into electricity.

• LINC:

The LINC Concept has been aimed to reduce the number of cellphones that are discarded each year around the world. The phone packs all features commonly available in smartphones, but isn’t actually sold but leased. The user can use the device for about a year and when any new technology arrives, the user can get his or her device upgraded to support the new systems.

• Atlas Kinetic Cellphone:

The Atlas Kinetic Cellphone concept is to be made using aluminum and glass. The phone uses an oscillating weight to power a mainspring to power the onboard battery.

• Magnet Phone:

The Magnet Phone by Tryi Yeh features a light OLED panel and a large solar cell for powering the device. The design allows the users to customize the structure according to their taste. With all this, the users can still enjoy their favorite music tracks, games and videos without worrying about charging the device.

• LG Eco Solar:

The LG Eco Solar by Aaron Martinez adds sustainability to your chatter with renewable energy. The phone features an onboard solar panel that can be recharged in sunlight or by incandescent and fluorescent lights when indoors.

• Nokia Ink 01:

Designed by Luis Barceló, the Nokia Ink 01 is an answer to the growth in the number of cellphones being used and their impact on the environment. The device is designed to reduce the energy consumption in all stages of the lifecycle of the phone, making it easy to disassemble and ensure that it had a high percentage of recyclable materials. All the structural parts of the phone are made of recycled aluminum, a material that be transformed with very low energy consumption and can be recycled almost endlessly.

• Label With Green:

The Label With Green by designers Shao Wei Huang, Chia-Yi Cho, Yu Pei Kuo and Chung Kai Chiang isn’t exactly a user-friendly device but does answer the big question of energy consumption. The solar-powered concept phone comes with Eco-Green Electronic Labels that are designed to power individual components of the phone. The idea is to make the phone run only on its essential systems till the time you’re not actually making a phone call or texting. When need arises, you can attach an Eco-Green Electronic Label, which is actually a solar paper label that can juice up various components.

• Leaf Phone:

Conceptualized by Seungkyn Woo and Junyi Heo, the Leaf Phone is a wearable phone concept that gets powered by renewable solar energy. The flexible phone carries flexible solar modules, which enables the user to wear the device like a wristwatch. The ends of the wristband are secured with magnets. The device won’t allow you to download music or play games, but will make sure that the basic phone functions are made to run on clean energy.

• GettaGrip Musclephone:

The GettaGrip Musclephone is weird device that features a built-in squeezer that needs just 40 seconds of vigorous squeezing to give you a battery full of charge.

• Vertu Essence:

Vertu Essence is an ecologically sensitive mobile handset for the eco-luxury market. The outer casing is made from bamboo. The ceramic titanium core with sapphire crystal screen lasts several lifetimes. Essence comes with lifetime service where cases can be exchanged and firmware can be upgraded. All exchanged parts are reused or recycled by the company, meaning that you add nothing to the trash bin.

• GEM:

Designed by Takumi Ota, the GEM seems more of a digital diary than a cellphone. This solar-powered device isn’t expected to boost smartphone features but will be great for calling and texting. In addition, the device also features a digital clock, a calculator and a calendar.

• Nokia Morph:

The Nokia Morph device is a bridge between highly advanced technologies and their potential benefits to end-users. The device features built-in solar panels to charge the device. The electronics shown in the concept could cost less and include more functionality in a smaller space.

• Nokia Eco Sensor Concept:

The Nokia Eco Sensor Concept is a mobile phone with compatible sensors that will help you stay connected not only to your dear ones, but inform you about your health and local environment. It’s a two-part concept, a wearable watch like device that monitors weather, health and environment conditions, and is powered by its solar strap. The data is then transferred to the mobile phone (second part ofconcept) via radio frequency.

Eco Factor: Furniture made using recycled polyethylene.

We recently published a list of green furniture units that were made using sustainable cardboard. However, if you think that your living room needs something trendier than cardboard, then Loll Designs is the brand you should be checking out. The design firm has unveiled a range of furniture and products made from 100 percent recycled materials at the ICFF 2010. The furniture units have been made using recycled polyethylene sourced from discarded gallon milk jugs.

Apart from producing green furniture units, the design firm is also paying a fee to Carbonfund for every package shipped to offset the carbon generated. The company also states that they are sourcing wind generated power through Windsense, from Minnesota Power. Moreover, Loll Designs is also a member and contributor to 1 Percent For The Planet.

Via: PSFK

Eco Factor: Hotel constructed from sustainable and locally sourced materials.

Singapore-based architecture and design firm WOHA has developed the Alila Villas Uluwatu hotel complex in Bali, Indonesia. The complex is designed to be environmentally friendly and is constructed from materials found locally. The hotel has 50 hotel suites and 35 residential villas.

The architecture firm has combined traditional Balinese pavilion architecture and rural landscapes with a more modern treatment of space and form. Instead of using typical steep Balinese pavilions, the buildings are influenced by local farmers and their terraces of loosely piled limestone boulders.

All construction materials have been sourced locally. Local craftsmen in Java and Bali have made the interior furniture from coconut timber and bamboo. Other environmentally responsible systems included in the hotel complex are rainwater collection and water recycling system, collection of gray water and using it for watering plant and toilet flushing. Moreover, low energy lighting is used and dry-climate vegetation is included to reduce water usage.

Via: DesignBoom

Eco Factor: Renewable energy charger for portable gadgets.

Kiwi Choice has unveiled its new eco-charger for portable electronic devices. The device folds out into a tri-pointed device with a trio of solar panels ready to harness clean energy and store it in an onboard battery. The device ships with 11 different tips and can recharge iPods and iPhones as well.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Bacteria to produce liquid fuels directly from hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

A team of researchers from the North Carolina State University and the University of Georgia are working together to create a version of the Extremophile, a super bug that creates butanol or ethanol. The bug would skip the entire photosynthetic sugar-making step and would create liquid fuels directly from hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

(more…)

Eco Factor: 1968 Porsche 912 modified to run on electricity.

The race to build electric cars isn’t just making auto manufacturers think about new green machines, but is also making some individuals lend a helping hand for the sake of the environment. A Hollywood producer is trying to do his bit by converting a 1968 Porsche 912 to run on a clean electric engine.

(more…)

While out for a camping trip what bothers most is the unavailability of power sockets which our gadgets need after a few hours of use. The market seems to be countering the problem with clean energy chargers that can be used anywhere. For those who often forget to carry chargers in their bags, designers are coming up with cool bags that double as renewable energy chargers. Here is a list of 10 such bags that can keep your gadgets juiced up at any place where there is ample sunlight.

• Infinit Solar Bag:

Featuring a 2000mAh battery and a 2.4W solar panel, this sustainable backpack from Infinit will be able to charge with natural light and comes with nine different adapters for your gadgetry needs. The bag ships with connectors for mobile phones and mini-USB connectors for GPS devices.

• Neuber’s Energy Sun-Bags:

The Neuber Energy Sun Bag weighs just 500gm and includes a 1.4W solar panel supplied by Konarka Technologies. The bag can charge almost all devices that need about 5V, including cellphones, MP3 players and cameras.

• Eclipse Solar Gear Bag:

This camera bag from Eclipse Solar is ideal for any photography enthusiast. The bag abodes a lightweight flexible solar charging module that can be connected using the existing 12V auto adapter, and the adjustable customizable foam protects the items inside at all times. Managing an output of 1.5W, this bag can charge mobile phones and MP3 players as well.

• Solestrom Solar Bag:

This bag from popular swimwear brand, Solestrom, uses a water resistant solar panel with a rated output of 1.5W. The solar panel charges a 3.6V/1200mAh Ni-MH battery and comes with 6 standard adapters for common cellphones and USB for your iPod and other USB charging devices.

• Voltaic Systems’ Solar Bag:

This solar powered generator bag uses a single solar panel to produce 14.7W of renewable electric power. The panel charges an internally located battery and can charge portable electronic devices such as iPods and cellphones simultaneously.

• Sakku’s Buddy Solar Bag:

Crafted in rainbow colors, the Sakku Buddy Solar Bag has been made entirely from recycled materials. To better its eco-friendly credentials, this bag includes a 2.5W solar panel. The bag has been made available in two variants – the “direct,” which charges portable devices directly from the flexible solar panel and the “akku,” which comes with an integrated rechargeable battery and stores the solar energy continuously.

• O-Range Portable Backpack:

The O-Range travel bag was designed to really help out that outdoor lad who still is crazy about his modern gadgets with the eternal problem of “Low Battery.” The O-Range travel bag is an ideal backpack solar charger for devices like cellphones, MP3/MP4 players, digital cameras, PDA, DVD players, GPS and that other new gadget that hit the market while I was typing this.

• SunnyBag:

The SunnyBag features integrated solar panels with an output of 3W. The solar panel fuels an integrated 1600mAh Li-ion battery and includes connectors for more than 400 different mobile phones, including the iPhone.

• Solarri:

The Solarri solar bag includes a 12W solar panel that recharges a 13,200mAh battery. This bag includes compatible chargers for a wide range of cellphones, PMPs and laptops.

• HSI Equipment Bags:

The HIS equipment bags include dye-sensitized solar cell and can power electronic devices such as mobile phones, e-books, cameras and portable LED lighting systems.

Eco Factor: Using technology to convert arid land into farmable land.

Most nations in the Gulf have rich sources of oil, but when it comes to farming, these nations look to buy land in developing nations and rely on food imports. Abu Dhabi has now conducted a survey to identify areas with underground water supply and soil quality that can be enhanced for farming.

The survey has identified over 200,000 hectares of land that can be used for agriculture provided the right investment is made. The project is expected to cost tens of millions of dirhams but is expected to be worth the effort because with this land vegetable and fodder production can be increased by up to 70 percent.

This farmable land is not expected to guarantee 100 percent food security for the UAE, but will make sure that these nations aren’t as dependent on foreign soil as they are today. The team is looking to mix soil with selected types of fungus that enhances the growth of plant roots in arid areas. Dubbed mycorrhiza, these microbes allow plant roots to absorb nutrients from the soil, which in the current condition isn’t possible.

Via: Reuters

Eco Factor: Eco-friendly airplanes designed to consume less fuel and emit less NOx.

A team at MIT has designed fuel-efficient airplanes that are expected to consume 70 percent less fuel than conventional models and also reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides. The team presented the designs to NASA to develop environmental and performance concepts that will help guide the agency’s aeronautics research over the next 25 years.

MIT was the only university to lead one of the six U.S. teams that won the contract from NASA in October 2008. The MIT team studies concepts for subsonic commercial airplanes. Apart from consuming less fuel, the aircrafts will also be able to take off from shorter runways.

MIT team has come up with two designs – the 180-passenger D “Double Bubble” series to replace the Boeing 737 class aircraft and the 350-passenger H “Hybrid Wing Body” series to replace the 777 class aircrafts used for international flights.

Not only does the D series meet NASA’s long-term fuel burn, emissions reduction and runway length objectives, but it could also offers large benefits in the near future because the MIT team designed two versions: a higher technology version with 70 percent fuel-burn reduction, and a version that could be built with conventional aluminum and current jet technology that would burn 50 percent less fuel and might be more attractive as a lower risk, near-term alternative.

Via: MIT

Eco factor: Eco-friendly cellphone equipped with a solar panel.

The LG Eco Solar is a concept phone by industrial designer Aaron Martinez that adds sustainability to your chatter with renewable energy. The phone features an onboard solar panel that can be recharged in sunlight or by incandescent and fluorescent lights when indoors.

The concept is compatible with Windows Mobile and features a brilliant display with advanced touchscreen technology, LED backlight, LED illuminated magnifier, Microsoft Silverlight Browser. Moreover, you’ll also find an 8MP camera with a resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels and an option for 200X digital zoom.

Via: TheDesignBlog/Concept Phones

Eco Factor: Low-emission concept vehicle powered by a hybrid engine.

The brainchild of Spanish car designer Daniel Garcia, the Audi A9 concept is a low-emission hybrid vehicle for the future. The windscreen and the roof of the vehicle are formed of a futuristic nanotech material that repairs itself automatically if damaged.

The A9 would be positioned higher than Audi’s current flagship model, the A8, and is aimed to compete with other high-end luxury saloons on the market. Other futuristic additions include bodywork with a unique “electronic paint” that enables the vehicle to change color at the touch of a button.

The designer is proposing a low-emission hybrid setup to power the vehicle. This advanced setup will include an internal combustion engine working along with four in-wheel electric motors.

Via: Diseno-Art

Eco Factor: Portable charger harnesses renewable solar and wind energy.

Designed by Cheng Peng, the Mobile Energy is a portable charger for camping enthusiasts. The concept device harvests solar and wind energy to recharge a variety of handheld devices. The device features solar panels onboard the blades of a small wind turbine which makes sure that renewable energy can be generated when either of the two sources is available.

Mobile Energy also includes a powerful LED torch to light up camping nights sustainably. The fan can be removed from the system to ease storage and also use the device as an indoor light source.

Via: YankoDesign