A New Efficient Biofuel and Super Efficient Solar Cells

Nature’s way to efficient fuel

With every passing day, most of the earth’s natural resources are depleting at a rapid pace. Using the sun’s energy or a renewable energy source are the few viable alternative for sustainable development. With the latest developments in biofuel and efficient use of solar cells, this alternative is proving to be an alternative that most of us can benefit from.

New discovery in the manufacture of Biofuel

Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Virginia Tech as well as the University of Georgia  have successfully used cellulose along with 14 enzymes, one co enzyme and water, heated to 32 degree centigrade to produce Hydrogen which can in turn power a fuel cell to generate electricity. The cellulose for this research was obtained from wood-chips, however switch grass as well as crop waste could also be used to produce this hydrogen gas.

The reason why this is a breakthrough is because, the use of cellulose allows the use of biomass as a primary ingredient to manufacture this biofuel. And as this is a renewable source of energy, we won’t be depleting the planet’s limited resources.

If this technology is widely adopted, using only two or three percent of the annual biomass production can bring the world to a state of total fuel independence. This figure may increase or decrease for different parts of the world, depending on their fuel consumption. For instance the United States, one of the world’s largest consumers of fuel, would need to use 10 percent of the world’s annual biomass production to meet their needs, while other countries can meet their needs with a lot less.

Super efficient solar cells

Solar cells are being used all over the world to limit the consumption of fossil fuels and the related costs that come with it. While the existing solar cells may be good enough, scientists have found a way to increase their efficiency by up to 15 percent. And to do this, they have taken inspiration from one of the planet’s most humble yet versatile creatures, the moth.

Moths have special features that make their eyes different from most other organisms. They are equipped with an anti-reflector film which helps them hide from predators because their eyes don’t reflect light. This inherent character in moths has lead to the creation of anti-reflector films to coat solar cells. These reflector cells will reduce the amount of light reflected off the solar cells, increasing the amount of light absorbed and as a result, increasing the efficiency of the solar cells.

The researchers who tested this new film on solar panels both in Tokyo and in Phoenix AZ found that the efficiency of these films depends on the availability of sunlight. They found that in Phoenix which receives direct sunlight these films increased the efficiency of solar panels by 6% while in Tokyo which only receives diffused sunlight, the efficiency was down 1% to 5%. Although the increase in efficiency is very marginal, when combined with other advancements the net result will be a much greater efficiency level.

Want to Start Making Solar Power at Home? Check out these instructions for building your own solar power. Includes videos, ebook, diagrams, and all the plans you need to get off the power grid and start saving some green while going green.

Related posts:

1. Finding Cheaper Alternative Energy Sources with New Technology One of the biggest hurdles with regards to going green...
2. Using a Solar Concentrator as a Solar Hot Water Heater SolarTron is a Canadian company that has been making energy...
3. New Technology to Make More Efficient and Cheaper Solar Cells Solar energy is the cheapest and most abundant source of...
4. Are ‘Eco-Friendly’ Cars Cheaper to Insure? The cost of motoring is going up all the time....

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!