Author: Jolly

There is no denying the fact that the iPod has dominated the PMP industry right from its inception. This level of popularity has made several design houses and manufacturers develop products that are aimed at making the player’s user experience much better. The market is flooded with excellent docks that do everything from charging your player to playing the content on much powerful speakers. Here we’ve collected ten such docks that have been designed especially for those who want to better the player’s experience without hurting their green lifestyles:

• Wood Music Speaker Dock:

This wooden music dock for the iPod has been made from salvaged timber with holes drilled into the log to make space for the speakers and the electronics. The elegant design and the recycled aesthetics make it desirable for all those who love to posses un-common and sustainable gadgets to refine their homes interiors.

• Regen ReVerb:

The ReVerb by Regen is a gigantic iPod dock that is powered by solar-energy. Measuring 3 feet in length, the dock kicks out the equivalent of 60W and carries a backlit LCD display to keep you informed about the status of the player. The company believes that the system can work for three hours after three hours of exposure or about six hours of indoor light exposure.

• Solar iPod Dock:

Designed by Tom Pritchard, the Solar iPod Dock harvests solar energy to play the music on an iPod. The design includes two speakers which can run in passive mode from any iPod or iPhone attached to it. However, when sufficient light hits the solar cells, which are mounted on the rear of the speakers, the built-in amplifier turns on and boosts the volume and charges the docked iPod as well.

• Vers 2X:

The Vers 2X iPod Dock allows you to express your music choice to the world in an eco-friendly fashion. Encased in a sweet looking cherry-veneered wooden cabinet with wood from sustainable plantains-the 2X is a naturally good-looking piece of kit, standing out from its surgically enhanced pouty plastic counterparts in the dock market. It almost gives you the feel of going back in time to the 70’s. But the technology inside it promises awesome sound quality. This is achieved courtesy of its 3-inch full range speakers offering 20 watts per channel and class -D amplifier.

• Soulra iPod Dock:

The Soulra iPod speaker features a full-range 8W RMS speaker that draws power from an onboard solar panel. Packed inside a water-resistant body, the dock offers 7 hours of continuous iPod play on a fully charged battery.

• Vers 1.5R iPod Dock and Speaker:

The Vers 1.5 iPod Dock works as an alarm clock and an AM/FM radio. The dock is handcrafted in a week from sustainably harvested bamboo and walnut.

• Cardboard iPod Dock:

Designed by Suck UK, this sustainable iPod dock comes in the form of a mini Boombox that has been crafted from cardboard. The system comes flat packed and features actual speakers that are powered by four AA batteries.

• iBoo iPod Dock:

The iBoo iPod Dock is a sensor remote controlled sound system, which incorporates a 9W subwoofer along with two speakers and a 3.5mm input jack for connecting whatever else you might see fit. The dock is free from all toxic compounds established by RoHS.

• Industrial iPod Dock:

The Industrial iPod Dock has been made using electrical parts found around while sifting through bins of rusty old parts at the second hand hardware store.

• Regen ReNu Solar iPod Dock:

The ReNu system by Regen is a freestanding power module containing solar cells, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and an intelligent user interface. The solar panel can either be hung or placed in direct light to harvest solar energy. When fully charged the device can be connected with one of the several extensions to charge a wide range of gadgets.

Eco Factor: Zero-emission vehicle powered by electric drivetrain.

Volkswagen has released official pictures of the upcoming plug-in electric variant of the Golf. Dubbed Golf blue-e-motion, the zero-emission vehicle is powered by lithium-ion batteries. The vehicle is expected to go on sale in 2013. Replacing the Golf’s petrol or diesel engine is an electric motor that generates 115bhp.

Electric power is provided by a lithium-ion battery bank which is rated at 26.5KWh and is claimed to provide a nominal range of 93 miles. The Golf blue-e-motion uses a separate clutch that automatically decouples its electric motor on a trailing throttle to provide a “sailing effect” that minimizes mechanical drag.

The blue-e-motion is expected to hit 62mph in 11.8 seconds with a limited top speed of 87mph. The company intends to produce a fleet of 500 vehicles for internal testing before the final launch in 2013.

Via: AutoCar

Eco Factor: Ski lift powered entirely by photovoltaic panels

Tenna, a small town in Switzerland with a population of just 110 inhabitants, is about to get the world’s second ski lift that will be powered entirely by photovoltaic panels. The ski lift’s solar panels will have an energy generation capacity of 90,000KWh, which gives three lifts to move on renewable energy, each consuming about 22,000KWh.

All excess electricity will be sold to the grid. The lift features solar panels that are incorporated on the same lift, without having to build additional buildings. The panels are adjustable and can be removed to clear accumulated snow. The panels are anchored to the lift’s cables and bear the entire weight of the panels.

The panels are attached in a fashion that allows maximum sun exposure for maximum electricity generation. The opening of the solar lift is planned for December 2010.

Via: Neva Sport

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

Suzuki will soon introduce a plug-in variant of its popular Swift compact car. The new vehicle will be powered by a hybrid engine that makes use of lithium-ion battery supplied by Sanyo. The hybrid variant will be able to drive up to 15km on a single charge after which the onboard 660cc engine revs up to generate electricity.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Eco-friendly lights designed to save up to 90 percent energy.

Morgan Hope has developed a new lighting range that aims to cut energy use by as much as 90 percent. The system is based on the use of the company’s new movement control and dimmable system, which makes these lights economical and environmentally friendly.

(more…)

Eco Factor: 3M and NREL to develop low-cost thin-film photovoltaic technology.

3M, better known as the company behind Post-it, has teamed up with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop technology for the creation of low-cost thin-film photovoltaic modules. The $7.33 million partnership will also include biofuel technology development.

(more…)

Hopefully in the near a future majority of vehicles will be powered by electricity. Not only will these vehicles prove to be inexpensive to fuel, but will also ensure a healthier environment. However, this move towards cleaner highways will burden the grid, which is also striving to get those extra watts without polluting the environment. Several companies have sought a green approach to cater the problem, which comes in the form of charging stations that are fueled by abundant solar energy. Here are 11 such charging stations that won’t burden the grid to make you commute without emissions:

(more…)

Eco Factor: Sustainable residential development.

In Denmark there are a number of centrally located industrial silos, most of which are no longer in use, but still clog the skyline. C.F. Møller Architects along with Christian Carlsen Arkitektfirma have found a way to transform the silo complexes into modern residential developments using recycled materials.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Zero-emission all-electric SUV concept.

With massive gas-guzzling engines under the hoods, SUVs are far from being green. Industrial designer TJ Vaninetti is trying to better the credentials of SUVs with an all-electric concept dubbed the Ford Xplor. The Ford Xplor is designed to run on in-wheel electric motors.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Vehicle powered by a hydrogen internal combustion engine.

Students of the Los Altos Academy of Engineering in Hacienda Heights east of Los Angeles have developed a one-of-a-kind vehicle that runs on a hydrogen internal combustion engine. The vehicle uses a four-stroke engine that has been converted to burn hydrogen without the use of gasoline.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Hybrid bicycle assisted by a 240W electric motor.

Lexus has announced the details of its innovative Hybrid Bicycle Concept that will debut at the Great British Bike Ride this weekend. The carbon fiber hybrid concept features a 240W electric motor and includes an eight-speed transmission. The motor is fueled by a 25.9V lithium-ion battery and includes a regenerative braking system as well.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Prototype kitchen saves energy and water.

Whirlpool has unveiled a green kitchen prototype at this year’s edition of the Eurocucina kitchen showcase at Milan Design Week. Dubbed GreenKitchen the prototype features an impressive set of water and energy saving fixtures.

(more…)

In a bid to save forests, designers have tried to make use of materials that can replace wood to carve your home or office furniture. Finding alternatives isn’t easy, but designers have not started trusting the strength of cardboard as a raw material for steady furniture. Cardboard designs are all the rage these days, as they not only give various interesting ways of being crafted but are also easy on the environment. In recent times, we have seen some stunning cardboard creations that can change the perception of recycled and recyclable furniture. Here are a few…

(more…)

Eco Factor: Solar-powered plug-in electric vehicle charging station.

Electric cars might only be good for reducing pollution if the electricity grid is getting powered up with renewable sources. Industrial designers have thought over the “green” credentials of electric cars and have often raised questions on their eco-friendliness. Designer Tom Miller is seeking solutions using solar energy.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Shoes generate renewable energy using piezoelectric materials.

Dr. Ville Kaajakari, assistant professor of electrical engineering at Louisiana Tech University, is developing a technology that will allow users to generate energy with a generator embedded in the sole of a shoe. The technology is based on the use of circuits that convert piezoelectric charge into usable electricity.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Eco-friendly concept truck powered by solar energy.

The Urban Mini Truck by industrial designer Buldur Liviu is designed to make commuting more efficient on the streets which are bound to be stuffed with vehicles. This compact four-wheel steering truck features 4 electric engines mounted on its rimless wheels and incorporates solar panels on the top arc.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Electric vehicle charging station recharges vehicles when grid load is less.

With automakers escalating their efforts to come up with electric vehicles, a majority of vehicles plying on the roads could be electric pretty soon. This might sound good for the environment, but when plugged in to sockets, these vehicles will put huge load on the grid. Designers over at Germany’s Fraunhofer group have come up with an ingenious solution in the form of a station that charges your ride when there’s power to spare.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Floating platform to generate renewable wind and hydro electricity.

We’ve reported about concept floating power plants before as well, and today we have another similar proposal that will be unveiled by Floating Power Plant at the Nordic Green II conference in California. Dubbed the Poseidon 37, the 230m long power generator uses technology that keeps oil rigs afloat in raging seas.

(more…)

Every life form present on this blue planet needs water for survival. That’s the reason we see environmentalists over the world encouraging individuals to save every drop, as those precious drops might be what someone is desperately in need for. Since many potable water sources are contaminated, there are some designers who’re looking toward humid air to quench the thirst of millions. Here are some of the best devices that harvest fresh water from thin air:

(more…)

Eco Factor: Zero-emission vehicle powered by electric motors.

China’s SAIC badged as Roewe has unveiled a budget-friendly electric vehicle the E1 at the Beijing Auto Show. Weighing 1040kg, the vehicle is powered by lithium-iron phosphate batteries that give it a range of about 84 miles. These batteries will be able to charge to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.

(more…)