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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Industrial Hydrogen Pipelines Get a Boost from Lamination
The infrastructure and technology exists today to begin using hydrogen as a fuel. This will involve the proliferation of onsite hydrogen production using electrolysis or reformation from natural gas as well as neighborhood stations.
We have a sprawling, million mile natural gas pipeline network but only seven hundred miles of hydrogen pipeline, primarily serving high volume users such as Gulf Coast region refineries. In addition to the short pipelines serving high volume users, we ship tanks of hydrogen in either compressed or liquefied form. This is acceptable if you need hydrogen for some chemical manufacturing process, but it's a poor way to transport energy. The liquefaction process alone eats up 30% of the energy value of any hydrogen transported in this fashion.
But thanks to recent innovations, that hydrogen pipeline network could spread.
Early attempts to integrate hydrogen into existing pipelines tests supplementing natural gas with up to 20% hydrogen. This worked well for combustion but not for transport. Pipeline welds that easily stopped the larger natural gas molecules were quite willing to let hydrogen slip through, resulting in losses and the potential for fires and explosions where the gas accumulated.
Plastics and metals had long been used for piping, but plastics are permeable to hydrogen and metals are subject to hydrogen embrittlement as well as being permeable. Hydrogen molecules are a pair of atoms, and they pass through plastics still joined together. When presented with a metal barrier, the hydrogen atoms must dissociate, pass through the metal as individual atoms, and then find a partner again on the other side of the barrier.
Where others saw a problem, Greg Blencoe of Hydrogen Discoveries saw opportunity. Laminating layers of plastic and metal produced a result much tighter than any single pipeline material. The challenge is to find the right materials. The best structural metals in terms of resistance to hydrogen embrittlement are copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Copper and stainless steel are relatively expensive and function well in some applications, while inexpensive, durable aluminum would make up the bulk of the metal in any long distance pipeline. The best plastic is high density polyethylene, one of the most common plastics made today.
Even with the sandwich of different materials, some of the hydrogen will still escape--both directly through the pipeline and, in particular, at the joints. Some scheme must be implemented to collect and reintroduce the gas or consume it. Various methods involving either an air or water jacket around the pipeline are effective depending on the volume of hydrogen carried and the distance it must traverse.
Limiting the number of joints in the line is another means of reducing leakage. Fiberspar's spools of laminated pipe or Smart Pipe Company's mobile fabrication are a means to achieve this goal. Smart Pipe's claim to fame is the ability to run their product through existing pipelines for distances of up to ten miles. A very large portion of pipeline installation cost, perhaps as much as 90 percent, comes from digging and installation, so this process could make the conversion of existing natural gas lines to hydrogen an attractive option.
Given the relative complexity of this style of pipeline it will be used at first as a replacement material in existing oil refineries. Between that event and the far horizon of a large scale national hydrogen pipeline network, the incremental step seems obvious: the hydrogen used in Louisiana's refinery row could be made using wind energy from the Texas plains and then piped to where it is needed.
We have a sprawling, million mile natural gas pipeline network but only seven hundred miles of hydrogen pipeline, primarily serving high volume users such as Gulf Coast region refineries. In addition to the short pipelines serving high volume users, we ship tanks of hydrogen in either compressed or liquefied form. This is acceptable if you need hydrogen for some chemical manufacturing process, but it's a poor way to transport energy. The liquefaction process alone eats up 30% of the energy value of any hydrogen transported in this fashion.
But thanks to recent innovations, that hydrogen pipeline network could spread.
Early attempts to integrate hydrogen into existing pipelines tests supplementing natural gas with up to 20% hydrogen. This worked well for combustion but not for transport. Pipeline welds that easily stopped the larger natural gas molecules were quite willing to let hydrogen slip through, resulting in losses and the potential for fires and explosions where the gas accumulated.
Plastics and metals had long been used for piping, but plastics are permeable to hydrogen and metals are subject to hydrogen embrittlement as well as being permeable. Hydrogen molecules are a pair of atoms, and they pass through plastics still joined together. When presented with a metal barrier, the hydrogen atoms must dissociate, pass through the metal as individual atoms, and then find a partner again on the other side of the barrier.
Where others saw a problem, Greg Blencoe of Hydrogen Discoveries saw opportunity. Laminating layers of plastic and metal produced a result much tighter than any single pipeline material. The challenge is to find the right materials. The best structural metals in terms of resistance to hydrogen embrittlement are copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Copper and stainless steel are relatively expensive and function well in some applications, while inexpensive, durable aluminum would make up the bulk of the metal in any long distance pipeline. The best plastic is high density polyethylene, one of the most common plastics made today.
Even with the sandwich of different materials, some of the hydrogen will still escape--both directly through the pipeline and, in particular, at the joints. Some scheme must be implemented to collect and reintroduce the gas or consume it. Various methods involving either an air or water jacket around the pipeline are effective depending on the volume of hydrogen carried and the distance it must traverse.
Limiting the number of joints in the line is another means of reducing leakage. Fiberspar's spools of laminated pipe or Smart Pipe Company's mobile fabrication are a means to achieve this goal. Smart Pipe's claim to fame is the ability to run their product through existing pipelines for distances of up to ten miles. A very large portion of pipeline installation cost, perhaps as much as 90 percent, comes from digging and installation, so this process could make the conversion of existing natural gas lines to hydrogen an attractive option.
Given the relative complexity of this style of pipeline it will be used at first as a replacement material in existing oil refineries. Between that event and the far horizon of a large scale national hydrogen pipeline network, the incremental step seems obvious: the hydrogen used in Louisiana's refinery row could be made using wind energy from the Texas plains and then piped to where it is needed.
Welcome to “Energy and Environment”
We officially inform everybody that from today onward the website is available. More information about the website structure and features will follow .
Whoever would like to give suggestions and support please do it!
Whoever would like to give suggestions and support please do it!
E factors of Indonesia Outlook
The other day I got acquainted with Anup Shah, a British student of Indian descent who is active once wrote about global issues, such as, poverty, climate change, energy, geopolitics, AIDS, and so forth. I conclude that all the above issues being faced by various countries around the world, without exception. But I think the solution must be tailored to the dynamics of life in each country, in other words, there is no one solution to every issue above.
Yoshihiro Yamakawa, in a journal titled "new energy options for 21st Century", write 3 things that become most important world issues (3E-Trilema) include Energy-Economy-Environment, and was in fact so, this is the most important issues the world today. But whether by applying clean energy technology, and encourage growth in the preservation Economy Environment? Vice versa, with the interrelationships of three critical factors above. Then I imagine a glimpse of our beloved country to the condition in Indonesia, is appropriate if these 3 factors dynamics encourage one another, then a global issue above 100% can be resolved? In my opinion no. It should be a factor again, this is what I call no one specific solution for every problem.
Energy is a key variable in the economy, there is a significant relationship between the productivity of society against the supply of energy, even energy has long been a geopolitical issue. Energy is not separated from environmental issues, that's why clean energy technologies on the rise today. Standardization of goods also began to incorporate environmentally friendly variable, then do not be surprised if the goods labeled as it started to gain priority in the market. Energy-Environment-Economy.
Yoshihiro Yamakawa, in a journal titled "new energy options for 21st Century", write 3 things that become most important world issues (3E-Trilema) include Energy-Economy-Environment, and was in fact so, this is the most important issues the world today. But whether by applying clean energy technology, and encourage growth in the preservation Economy Environment? Vice versa, with the interrelationships of three critical factors above. Then I imagine a glimpse of our beloved country to the condition in Indonesia, is appropriate if these 3 factors dynamics encourage one another, then a global issue above 100% can be resolved? In my opinion no. It should be a factor again, this is what I call no one specific solution for every problem.
Energy is a key variable in the economy, there is a significant relationship between the productivity of society against the supply of energy, even energy has long been a geopolitical issue. Energy is not separated from environmental issues, that's why clean energy technologies on the rise today. Standardization of goods also began to incorporate environmentally friendly variable, then do not be surprised if the goods labeled as it started to gain priority in the market. Energy-Environment-Economy.
Different countries different solutions. Indonesia country really complex, and complex problems as well. It is very difficult to solve a problem with glasses 1 review (1-specific solutions), is associated with the human factor Indonesia diverse backgrounds. Then there are factors called "Empathy" as a comprehensive solution rather than a specific solution.
Empathy in fact already become a tradition or spirit of Indonesian society since the first. Empathy for the environment, Empathy towards fellow human beings, and so forth. I do not blame empathy began to fade, due to factors such a strong urge Economy, people began to care about the environment / natural surroundings, Air, Land, Air, and even mental too. Energy from Empathy, Empathy for Energy.
Empathy in fact already become a tradition or spirit of Indonesian society since the first. Empathy for the environment, Empathy towards fellow human beings, and so forth. I do not blame empathy began to fade, due to factors such a strong urge Economy, people began to care about the environment / natural surroundings, Air, Land, Air, and even mental too. Energy from Empathy, Empathy for Energy.
Environment, Energy and Resilience
The ESRC funds world class research in a number of areas linked to the effects of environmental change, economics, human behaviour, health and technologies.
Research has had an input into the Copenhagen Conference, providing evidence, data and guidance to negotiators and policy makers.
These pages provide an overview of ESRC and joint-funded research related to environment issues. The research presented looks both at how to prevent and how to live with an altered climate.
Research has had an input into the Copenhagen Conference, providing evidence, data and guidance to negotiators and policy makers.
These pages provide an overview of ESRC and joint-funded research related to environment issues. The research presented looks both at how to prevent and how to live with an altered climate.
Energy & Environment
Whether it's called 'greentech' or 'cleantech,' the Toronto Region is dynamic hub of activity in the renewable energy and environment sectors. Strong public interest, innovative government programs and a diverse industrial base form a vibrant green economy. More than 36,000 employees in over 1,700 companies provide alternative energy and cleantech products and services across a wide range of sub-sectors, including: air/gasses, biomass, electricity, fuels, hydrogen, nuclear, solar, water, wind, and waste.
Advantages
* Located on the shores of the Great Lakes - the world's largest fresh water source
* 1.8 million acre Greenbelt is an area of permanently protected green space, farmland, vibrant communities, forests, wetlands, and watersheds
* Cost-competitive base of operations with first-class business and financial services infrastructure
* Critical mass of green sector professionals specializing in energy, environment, strategy, green buildings and marketing consulting
* World-class advanced manufacturing and R&D capacity, including alternative energy research and innovative cleantech products
* Political leadership around sustainability and commitment to large-scale infrastructure spending that will serve as catalysts for expanding greentech manufacturing
* Rich green social capital built around a vibrant not-for-profit, association, research and advocacy sector.
Greentech Initiatives
The Toronto Region is home to numerous initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and economic development. These projects involve a range of partners including business, government and nonprofit organizations. The Ontario Green Energy Act and regional government programs and policies also support the growing green economy in Ontario.
Click here for a list of greentech projects and programs.
Research in alternative energy
Internationally-recognized universities advance renewable energy research and environmental technologies research. These research facilities are the source of Innovative green technologies and products that fuels this burgeoning cleantech sector. They also produce a well-educated and highly-skilled workforce. Leading institutes that focus on cleantech innovation, energy research and development and environmental research and technology include:
The Centre of Excellence for Earth and Environmental Technologies facilitates the development and execution of environmental research that drives commercially viable outcomes contributing to clean air, water, land, and smart infrastructures
World-class energy research facilities at the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE) include the new Centre for Advanced Photovoltaic Devices and Systems (CAPDS)
McMaster Institute for Energy Studies (MIES) offers innovative programs in photovoltaics, solar, wind, fuel cells, nuclear energy and conservation and energy modeling
University of Toronto Centre for Emerging Energy Technologies focuses on commercialization of emerging energy technologies, including fuel cells and renewable energy sources
The pioneering Guelph Institute for the Environment (GIE) link researchers, communities and policy makers to address 21st century environmental problems
Advantages
* Located on the shores of the Great Lakes - the world's largest fresh water source
* 1.8 million acre Greenbelt is an area of permanently protected green space, farmland, vibrant communities, forests, wetlands, and watersheds
* Cost-competitive base of operations with first-class business and financial services infrastructure
* Critical mass of green sector professionals specializing in energy, environment, strategy, green buildings and marketing consulting
* World-class advanced manufacturing and R&D capacity, including alternative energy research and innovative cleantech products
* Political leadership around sustainability and commitment to large-scale infrastructure spending that will serve as catalysts for expanding greentech manufacturing
* Rich green social capital built around a vibrant not-for-profit, association, research and advocacy sector.
Greentech Initiatives
The Toronto Region is home to numerous initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and economic development. These projects involve a range of partners including business, government and nonprofit organizations. The Ontario Green Energy Act and regional government programs and policies also support the growing green economy in Ontario.
Click here for a list of greentech projects and programs.
Research in alternative energy
Internationally-recognized universities advance renewable energy research and environmental technologies research. These research facilities are the source of Innovative green technologies and products that fuels this burgeoning cleantech sector. They also produce a well-educated and highly-skilled workforce. Leading institutes that focus on cleantech innovation, energy research and development and environmental research and technology include:
The Centre of Excellence for Earth and Environmental Technologies facilitates the development and execution of environmental research that drives commercially viable outcomes contributing to clean air, water, land, and smart infrastructures
World-class energy research facilities at the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE) include the new Centre for Advanced Photovoltaic Devices and Systems (CAPDS)
McMaster Institute for Energy Studies (MIES) offers innovative programs in photovoltaics, solar, wind, fuel cells, nuclear energy and conservation and energy modeling
University of Toronto Centre for Emerging Energy Technologies focuses on commercialization of emerging energy technologies, including fuel cells and renewable energy sources
The pioneering Guelph Institute for the Environment (GIE) link researchers, communities and policy makers to address 21st century environmental problems
The Alternative Gene Therapy – Energy Catalyst – The Secret of GP Deva Energy
In English conversation, the word "chemistry" is often used to describe things or concepts that are hard to understand. "What is the chemistry? I really don’t know the chemistry." If you understand English, you know that the meaning is "What is this thing? This is something I really don’t understand." These words are true in many situations in our lives while chemistry is so unmistakably described as a branch of study. There are indeed many critical points that are not so easy to figure out.
In the past few thousand years, chemistry has been closely related to human civilization since any business having to do with man involves chemical operations. The intricate correlations are usually so puzzling and so deeply entwined with physics that they could spin the head. Nonetheless, due to the great efforts of past generations and the advancement of technology, we have vaguely realized that two important factors characterize chemistry as a unique branch of study. One is bond-bond formation; the other is the catalysis. Out of these two, one is related to the formation of a new mass as well as energy conversion and storage; the other is involved in how to transform the energy effectively. Once these problems are clarified, a doctoral degree in chemistry is at your fingertips. Better yet, the Nobel prize may be waiting.
In the past few thousand years, chemistry has been closely related to human civilization since any business having to do with man involves chemical operations. The intricate correlations are usually so puzzling and so deeply entwined with physics that they could spin the head. Nonetheless, due to the great efforts of past generations and the advancement of technology, we have vaguely realized that two important factors characterize chemistry as a unique branch of study. One is bond-bond formation; the other is the catalysis. Out of these two, one is related to the formation of a new mass as well as energy conversion and storage; the other is involved in how to transform the energy effectively. Once these problems are clarified, a doctoral degree in chemistry is at your fingertips. Better yet, the Nobel prize may be waiting.
Back to the subject, the majority of people are still unclear: what is the chemistry? What am I talking about? I feel a need to explain a little bit on bond-bond formation and catalysis. I know that my knowledge is limited; however, out of sincere enthusiasm, I hope that my explanation would not show too much of my ignorance.
Bond-Bond Formation and Catalysis
Bond-bond formation and catalysis take place around and inside us continually. Let’s take photosynthesis for a simple example. Bond-bond formation and deformation are heavily involved. As we already known, photosynthesis requires air, sunlight, and water, of which plants make use of to produce nutrition. Without these elements, plants cannot survive. As for the by-product of photosynthesis – oxygen, it is even indispensable to a human life. All of these shed light on the importance of bond-bond formation and deformation.
As a matter of fact, our study on photosynthesis commenced just several decades ago. Further research has found that the actual substances of the air involved in photosynthesis are CO2 and H2O. Sunlight is the energy that sustains this reaction while chlorophyll plays the role of catalyst, transforming solar energy into chemical energy. This reaction yields carbonic acid that enters plant’s metabolic system to eventually produce carbohydrates and oxygen for the support and balance of the entire biological system.
As a matter of fact, our study on photosynthesis commenced just several decades ago. Further research has found that the actual substances of the air involved in photosynthesis are CO2 and H2O. Sunlight is the energy that sustains this reaction while chlorophyll plays the role of catalyst, transforming solar energy into chemical energy. This reaction yields carbonic acid that enters plant’s metabolic system to eventually produce carbohydrates and oxygen for the support and balance of the entire biological system.
Introduction to Social Agriculture
In his book, Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, Jared Diamond posits that agriculture is the foundation upon which civilization is built. Nonetheless, this association is not without certain complications. Some activist authors such as John Zerzan take an extreme stand that agriculture is the bane of true civilization. On the other hand, historian and author Fernand Braudel brings a less judgmental perspective in his trilogy, Civilization and Capitalism: 15th-18th Century. He focuses his historical inquiry on the everyday experiences of those whose daily lives were lived at the crossroads of a burgeoning agricultural society and the rise of capitalism. Yet again, there are other writers such as Heather Pringle who, in her article, “Neolithic Agriculture: The Slow Birth of Agriculture,” softens the view further by holding that the birth of agriculture occurred in the Neolithic Age prior to the large-scale cities and far-reaching civilizations. Plant and animal domestication during this period did not bring with it the adoption of a social dominance model which appeared later. The range of these three suggests that the association of agriculture and civilization has considerable room for further exploration!
The application of strategic frameworks facilitates the exploration of ideas and intellectual spaces. This is certainly the case in the association between agriculture and civilization. As the convergence of technology, energy, environment for life at the point of human equivalence draws nearer, agricultural practices will change dramatically.
The application of strategic frameworks facilitates the exploration of ideas and intellectual spaces. This is certainly the case in the association between agriculture and civilization. As the convergence of technology, energy, environment for life at the point of human equivalence draws nearer, agricultural practices will change dramatically.
In the diagram above, the combination of technologies that are faster – smaller – more integrated – more intelligent fuels a bifurcation in production agriculture. Agricultural practices that yield what people use in petroleum, fiber, and industrial applications take advantage of economies of scale and promote globalization and commoditization. Meanwhile, those agricultural practices that result in what people eat such as nutraceuticals, place-based specialties, food with specific qualities (organic, faith-based, ethnic), and livestock, leverage economies of place and tend toward localization and customization.
The dichotomy prompted by the bifurcation of production agriculture feeds a creative tension along the continuum of energy—an energy that if usefully applied, has the potential to bring the association of agriculture and civilization into a more favorable balance than at any time in human history. As condition reports are received through different media about changing conditions and circumstances in production agriculture they can be tied to the "strategic framework" suggested by the diagram and organized into meaningful actions on the continuum in response. And given the advances that are on the horizon this topic of agriculture, civilization, and technology will provide ample fodder for future consideration!
The dichotomy prompted by the bifurcation of production agriculture feeds a creative tension along the continuum of energy—an energy that if usefully applied, has the potential to bring the association of agriculture and civilization into a more favorable balance than at any time in human history. As condition reports are received through different media about changing conditions and circumstances in production agriculture they can be tied to the "strategic framework" suggested by the diagram and organized into meaningful actions on the continuum in response. And given the advances that are on the horizon this topic of agriculture, civilization, and technology will provide ample fodder for future consideration!
Environmental Energy Technologies Division
Organization
The Environmental Energy Technologies Division consists of five Departments and several Offices. Click on any of the boxes to open department organizational charts and/or office pages.
Departmental Web Sites
* Advanced Energy Technologies
* Atmospheric Sciences
* Building Technologies
* Energy Analysis
* Indoor Environment
* Washington, DC Projects Office
* Communications Office
The Environmental Energy Technologies Division consists of five Departments and several Offices. Click on any of the boxes to open department organizational charts and/or office pages.
* Advanced Energy Technologies
* Atmospheric Sciences
* Building Technologies
* Energy Analysis
* Indoor Environment
* Washington, DC Projects Office
* Communications Office
Role and mission of Energy and Environment Systems Laboratories
—What is the role of NTT Energy and Environment Systems Laboratories in NTT?
Research and development in energy- and environment-related topics were originally conducted at the Telecommunications Energy Laboratories and Lifestyle and Environmental Technology Laboratories in the NTT Science and Core Technology Laboratory Group. As a result of social changes, however, it was eventually recognized that energy and environmental issues were becoming an integral part of daily life, so these laboratories were integrated to form the NTT Energy and Environment Systems Laboratories in July 2002 to enable comprehensive treatment of energy and environmental problems. The idea here was to move from a research structure that emphasized basic research to one promoting system and product development. At present, the NTT Energy and Environment Systems Laboratories is part of the NTT Information Sharing Laboratory Group.
—What is the mission of NTT Energy and Environment Systems Laboratories and what are its key research themes?
As the name implies, R&D at our laboratories is concerned with two fields: the environment and energy. And we are faced with two major issues: how to reduce our consumption of energy and how to preserve the environment. Both of these issues are now receiving a lot of attention in society, and our mission is to come up with appropriate solutions (Fig. 1).
To be more specific, we are developing technologies related to four key research themes. First, we must research and develop technologies for achieving a sustainable society. Second, we must utilize the fruits of NTT's traditional research in telecommunications to develop technologies that can expand NTT's business areas and contribute to energy and environmental measures. Third, we must find ways of reducing the amount of energy required to run telecommunication facilities and operating them in a more efficient and effective manner. And fourth, we must construct energy-supply systems that enable users to communicate whenever they want while maintaining reliability.
—The keyword “environment” makes many people think of environmental problems such as global warming. In what ways are ICT and environmental problems connected?
The meaning of “environment” is very broad. To begin with, information and communications technology (ICT) encompasses infrastructure and equipment that consumes a large amount of power. This power is obtained through electric power generation processes that emit CO2 as a side-effect. We therefore need to reduce—as much as possible—the amount of power consumed by ICT in order to effectively reduce CO2 emissions.
We also consider that the use of ICT can make a positive contribution to the environment in both direct and indirect ways. For example, we know that chemicals, including toxic substances, are being emitted in the atmosphere and indoor environments. To prevent such emissions, it is essential to detect and analyze airborne substances to determine what they are and whether they are toxic. A mechanism that can deliver such information to the right people in real time must be constructed.
ICT can be very effective in collecting that information, storing it in a database, and analyzing it, and in sending the analysis results to the appropriate people regardless of the distances involved. Through technology development, we can create sensors for detecting toxic substances and platforms for analyzing and processing collected information so that the analysis results can be used for environmental assessment.
To give a more familiar example, business people in Japan often use the Shinkansen (bullet train) or airplanes to attend meetings. This movement involves the use of electric power, fossil fuels, and other forms of energy. As an alternative, videoconferencing could be used effectively to cut down on human movement and reduce CO2 emissions. Thus, we can regard ICT as a tool having the double effect of saving energy and preserving the environment.
Research and development in energy- and environment-related topics were originally conducted at the Telecommunications Energy Laboratories and Lifestyle and Environmental Technology Laboratories in the NTT Science and Core Technology Laboratory Group. As a result of social changes, however, it was eventually recognized that energy and environmental issues were becoming an integral part of daily life, so these laboratories were integrated to form the NTT Energy and Environment Systems Laboratories in July 2002 to enable comprehensive treatment of energy and environmental problems. The idea here was to move from a research structure that emphasized basic research to one promoting system and product development. At present, the NTT Energy and Environment Systems Laboratories is part of the NTT Information Sharing Laboratory Group.
—What is the mission of NTT Energy and Environment Systems Laboratories and what are its key research themes?
As the name implies, R&D at our laboratories is concerned with two fields: the environment and energy. And we are faced with two major issues: how to reduce our consumption of energy and how to preserve the environment. Both of these issues are now receiving a lot of attention in society, and our mission is to come up with appropriate solutions (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1. Background and goals of energy and environmental research.
To be more specific, we are developing technologies related to four key research themes. First, we must research and develop technologies for achieving a sustainable society. Second, we must utilize the fruits of NTT's traditional research in telecommunications to develop technologies that can expand NTT's business areas and contribute to energy and environmental measures. Third, we must find ways of reducing the amount of energy required to run telecommunication facilities and operating them in a more efficient and effective manner. And fourth, we must construct energy-supply systems that enable users to communicate whenever they want while maintaining reliability.
—The keyword “environment” makes many people think of environmental problems such as global warming. In what ways are ICT and environmental problems connected?
The meaning of “environment” is very broad. To begin with, information and communications technology (ICT) encompasses infrastructure and equipment that consumes a large amount of power. This power is obtained through electric power generation processes that emit CO2 as a side-effect. We therefore need to reduce—as much as possible—the amount of power consumed by ICT in order to effectively reduce CO2 emissions.
We also consider that the use of ICT can make a positive contribution to the environment in both direct and indirect ways. For example, we know that chemicals, including toxic substances, are being emitted in the atmosphere and indoor environments. To prevent such emissions, it is essential to detect and analyze airborne substances to determine what they are and whether they are toxic. A mechanism that can deliver such information to the right people in real time must be constructed.
ICT can be very effective in collecting that information, storing it in a database, and analyzing it, and in sending the analysis results to the appropriate people regardless of the distances involved. Through technology development, we can create sensors for detecting toxic substances and platforms for analyzing and processing collected information so that the analysis results can be used for environmental assessment.
To give a more familiar example, business people in Japan often use the Shinkansen (bullet train) or airplanes to attend meetings. This movement involves the use of electric power, fossil fuels, and other forms of energy. As an alternative, videoconferencing could be used effectively to cut down on human movement and reduce CO2 emissions. Thus, we can regard ICT as a tool having the double effect of saving energy and preserving the environment.
Environment / Energy Zone
What kinds of problems is the earth facing today? What future energies can fight global warming? Various issues are raised in a new style zone which uses a card system. Tour an exhibit which introduces the latest technologies such as thermal power, nuclear power, and renewable / alternative energies. Visitors can experience environmental problems and their solutions. At the central "Earth Rescue", take the challenge of improving the global environment!
GREEN FOR FREE
I ran across this freeware that claims that it will reduce energy waste from hi-tech devices.
What could be better than saving the environment, energy, and money.
Energy & Environment Links
We’ve yet to delve too deeply into all of the fisticuffs surrounding the suit filed by a Bakersfield, Calif. resident against utility PG&E for a smart meter that he says tripled his electricity bill.
Will consumers plug into home energy displays?
Dozens of home energy monitors are coming to market, but nobody knows whether only hybrid Prius owners will use them.
Wearable Technology Power Your Music Player With Your Running Pants
Talk about a dance, dance revolution: The Dancepants Kinetic Music Player, a shortlisted entry in Designboom’s Green Life competition, makes you work for tunes.
Very Long Term Energy Environment Model
Existing long term energy-environment models, such as MEDEE-ENV or POLES, provides reliable scenario projections on energy demand and supply and related environmental consequences to a maximum of 25-30 years. But the new challenges related to the climate change, the depletable resources of fossil fuels or the management of the nuclear wastes, as well as the agenda for the development of the technologies which are necessary to face these challenges, require to consider these issues 50 years or more ahead..
Renewable Energy Explained
Harnessing nature’s energy
Energy is available throughout our environment, even when the air temperature drops below freezing there are still plentiful resources of energy.
Today's refrigeration technology is used via Heat Pumps to extract energy which lies stored all around us from the suns daily energy output, and is used to raise temperatures for heating. Even in the coldest months this technology works.
Proven Technology to Trust
Dimplex heat pumps can be viewed as three separate components. The heat pump, taking heat from the source and the storage and distribution system. By using refrigeration technology the pump is able to produce much more energy than it consumes.
1.
A large quantity of low grade energy absorbed from the environment is transferred to the refrigerant inside the heat pump (evaporator). This causes the temperature of the refrigerant to rise (even at sub zero temperatures) causing it to change from a liquid to a gaseous state.
2.
The refrigerant is then compressed, using an electrically driven compressor, reducing its volume but causing its temperature to rise significantly.
3.
A heat exchanger (condenser) then extracts the heat from the refrigerant to heat water for central heating, under floor heating or domestic hot water.
4.
After giving up its heat energy the refrigerant turns back into a liquid and after passing through an expansion valve can once again absorb energy from the environment, allowing the cycle to begin again.
Efficient use of the energy surrounding us
In today's world, one of the most efficient ways of heating your environment and water is the heat pump. About 75% of your heating energy that is needed can come from the environment. In essence, for every 1kwh of used to run the heat pump you gain between 3kwh and 4kwh. Very high efficiency indeed.
The heat pump’s “efficiency” is know as it’s “Coefficient of Performance” (CoP). This is simply a ratio between the proportion of the total energy supplied that can be extracted from the environment and the amount supplied by electricity to run the heat pump compressor. The higher the CoP, the more “free” environmental energy the heat pump is using
Energy is available throughout our environment, even when the air temperature drops below freezing there are still plentiful resources of energy.
Today's refrigeration technology is used via Heat Pumps to extract energy which lies stored all around us from the suns daily energy output, and is used to raise temperatures for heating. Even in the coldest months this technology works.
Proven Technology to Trust
Dimplex heat pumps can be viewed as three separate components. The heat pump, taking heat from the source and the storage and distribution system. By using refrigeration technology the pump is able to produce much more energy than it consumes.
A large quantity of low grade energy absorbed from the environment is transferred to the refrigerant inside the heat pump (evaporator). This causes the temperature of the refrigerant to rise (even at sub zero temperatures) causing it to change from a liquid to a gaseous state.
2.
The refrigerant is then compressed, using an electrically driven compressor, reducing its volume but causing its temperature to rise significantly.
3.
A heat exchanger (condenser) then extracts the heat from the refrigerant to heat water for central heating, under floor heating or domestic hot water.
4.
After giving up its heat energy the refrigerant turns back into a liquid and after passing through an expansion valve can once again absorb energy from the environment, allowing the cycle to begin again.
Efficient use of the energy surrounding us
In today's world, one of the most efficient ways of heating your environment and water is the heat pump. About 75% of your heating energy that is needed can come from the environment. In essence, for every 1kwh of used to run the heat pump you gain between 3kwh and 4kwh. Very high efficiency indeed.
The heat pump’s “efficiency” is know as it’s “Coefficient of Performance” (CoP). This is simply a ratio between the proportion of the total energy supplied that can be extracted from the environment and the amount supplied by electricity to run the heat pump compressor. The higher the CoP, the more “free” environmental energy the heat pump is using
Environment, Energy and Resilience
By 2030 global demand for energy and food is predicted to double. A bigger world population, up by two billion, will put additional pressure on water and other resources. Environmental and climate change over the next 50 years will pose important threats, to food security, to health, and to economic prosperity around the world.
Urgent, dramatic and far reaching action is required now to mitigate and adapt to environmental change. Energy use, security and trade, food and water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are all social and economic issues. The recession throws into sharper relief whether we need to make trade-offs, or exploit synergies, between environmental goals and economic aspirations.
Social science has provided evidence on the costs of environmental change and the impacts of interventions to reduce emissions. It has led to new environmental and energy policy options. Challenges and questions include:
* How to underpin the transitions to a low carbon economy and a more climate resilient society
* Identifying ways to secure safe, sustainable and affordable energy, food and water supplies
* Understanding perceptions and beliefs around the value of energy and environmental goods and services
* Development of sustainable environmental practices and policies for international agencies, governments at multiple levels, business, communities and individuals, and the structural, institutional and behavioural changes needed to implement them
* How environmental knowledge is understood when the modern world suffers from 'information overload'
* Understanding perceptions of the risks from environmental change and natural hazards and development of interventions to strengthen resilience
* Shaping environmental regulation and the roles of governments, markets and civil society.
The ESRC will fund high impact research while developing theory and methods drawing on the full range of disciplines. We aim to build a new generation of skilled researchers and new data resources.
This challenge connects widely with others. Ensuring that recovery from the current global slowdown strengthens the emerging green economy, rather than undermining progress towards emission targets has links to Global Economic Performance, Policy and Management, and New Technology, Innovation and Skills.The link with Social Diversity and Population Dynamics is in understanding how population growth and movement challenge objectives for greater sustainability.There is also strong connectivity with Security, Conflict and Justice in terms of the impacts of environmental change on energy and food security, and the need to strengthen the resilience of communities, businesses and individuals to environmental changes as well as other potential threats.
The ESRC will be deeply involved in the multi-agency Living with Environmental Change Programme, and the Research Councils' Energy Research Programme, where the social science contribution is critical to achievement of overall programme goals.We will work with the TSB, for example on its low carbon buildings innovation platform.
Achievements 2005-2008
* Advancing climate change policy by improving both the evidence base for decision-makers and the tools and
* Providing authoritative information and leadership on sustainable energy systems, through rigorous, interdisciplinary research that engages with policymakers and practioners to identify sustainable, economically efficent ways of achieving energy transition.
* Providing evidence on the sustainable development of food chains and rural land use, and engaging in an ambitious programme of related knowledge exchange with businesses and national and regional policymakers
* Contributing to processes and outcomes that are more resilient, sustainable, socially just and favourable for the poor through research that explores the pathways by which technologies, ecologies and social systems interact in development.
Priorities for 2009-2014
By 2014 the ESRC will have:
* Played a lead role in developing and delivering research on the drivers and implications of environmental change under conditions of uncertainty, the financing of sustainability, and on appropriate public and private responses to both mitigate and adapt to change
* Examined the impact of the economic downturn and measures to combat it on long-term environmental change goals
* Invested, with partners, in understanding how environmental behaviours, practices and policy can be changed to promote sustainable use of resources
* Collaborated internationally to understand the complex interdependence between alleviating global poverty, sustaining economic and social development, building societal resilience to environmental change and reducing the human impact on natural systems
* Funded research with other Research Councils and partners to increase food security in the UK and globally
* Worked with the follow up to the Council for Science and Technology report on infrastructure to ensure integration of social and economic issues with the technological challenges
* Worked with partners on developing a common framework for geo-spatial data, which will enable better monitoring, simulation and development of interventions to promote sustainability
* Built research capacity through funding studentships and fellowships at the interface of environmental and social science jointly with the NERC.
Urgent, dramatic and far reaching action is required now to mitigate and adapt to environmental change. Energy use, security and trade, food and water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are all social and economic issues. The recession throws into sharper relief whether we need to make trade-offs, or exploit synergies, between environmental goals and economic aspirations.
Social science has provided evidence on the costs of environmental change and the impacts of interventions to reduce emissions. It has led to new environmental and energy policy options. Challenges and questions include:
* How to underpin the transitions to a low carbon economy and a more climate resilient society
* Identifying ways to secure safe, sustainable and affordable energy, food and water supplies
* Understanding perceptions and beliefs around the value of energy and environmental goods and services
* Development of sustainable environmental practices and policies for international agencies, governments at multiple levels, business, communities and individuals, and the structural, institutional and behavioural changes needed to implement them
* How environmental knowledge is understood when the modern world suffers from 'information overload'
* Understanding perceptions of the risks from environmental change and natural hazards and development of interventions to strengthen resilience
* Shaping environmental regulation and the roles of governments, markets and civil society.
The ESRC will fund high impact research while developing theory and methods drawing on the full range of disciplines. We aim to build a new generation of skilled researchers and new data resources.
This challenge connects widely with others. Ensuring that recovery from the current global slowdown strengthens the emerging green economy, rather than undermining progress towards emission targets has links to Global Economic Performance, Policy and Management, and New Technology, Innovation and Skills.The link with Social Diversity and Population Dynamics is in understanding how population growth and movement challenge objectives for greater sustainability.There is also strong connectivity with Security, Conflict and Justice in terms of the impacts of environmental change on energy and food security, and the need to strengthen the resilience of communities, businesses and individuals to environmental changes as well as other potential threats.
The ESRC will be deeply involved in the multi-agency Living with Environmental Change Programme, and the Research Councils' Energy Research Programme, where the social science contribution is critical to achievement of overall programme goals.We will work with the TSB, for example on its low carbon buildings innovation platform.
Achievements 2005-2008
* Advancing climate change policy by improving both the evidence base for decision-makers and the tools and
* Providing authoritative information and leadership on sustainable energy systems, through rigorous, interdisciplinary research that engages with policymakers and practioners to identify sustainable, economically efficent ways of achieving energy transition.
* Providing evidence on the sustainable development of food chains and rural land use, and engaging in an ambitious programme of related knowledge exchange with businesses and national and regional policymakers
* Contributing to processes and outcomes that are more resilient, sustainable, socially just and favourable for the poor through research that explores the pathways by which technologies, ecologies and social systems interact in development.
Priorities for 2009-2014
By 2014 the ESRC will have:
* Played a lead role in developing and delivering research on the drivers and implications of environmental change under conditions of uncertainty, the financing of sustainability, and on appropriate public and private responses to both mitigate and adapt to change
* Examined the impact of the economic downturn and measures to combat it on long-term environmental change goals
* Invested, with partners, in understanding how environmental behaviours, practices and policy can be changed to promote sustainable use of resources
* Collaborated internationally to understand the complex interdependence between alleviating global poverty, sustaining economic and social development, building societal resilience to environmental change and reducing the human impact on natural systems
* Funded research with other Research Councils and partners to increase food security in the UK and globally
* Worked with the follow up to the Council for Science and Technology report on infrastructure to ensure integration of social and economic issues with the technological challenges
* Worked with partners on developing a common framework for geo-spatial data, which will enable better monitoring, simulation and development of interventions to promote sustainability
* Built research capacity through funding studentships and fellowships at the interface of environmental and social science jointly with the NERC.
Environment & Energy
The Environment & Energy Program promotes research and policy analysis on critical environmental and energy issues such as conservation and land-use policy, benefit-cost analysis of renewable energy, invasive species management, non-market valuation of green energy programs, and the impacts of climate change on the North Carolina coast. CERPA researchers employ a diverse set of approaches with a comprehensive perspective that considers the interdependence of economics, energy and the environment.
Energy and Environment Committee
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