Concentrating photovoltaics

The PS10 project, is an 11 MW Solar Thermal Power Plant 15 km west of the city of Seville in Southern Spain.

The plant is the first Solar Central Receiver System of its kind and generates 11 Megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power up to 6,000 homes although it is expected that when the entire project is completed it should generate enough electricity to cover the needs of the 600,000 population of Seville.

It works by concentrating the reflected rays from each of the 624 mirrors with a mobile curved reflective surface measuring 120 square meters to the top of a 115 meter where a solar receiver turns water into steam. The turbine drives a generator, producing electricity.

Compared to conventional flat panel solar cells, concentrating photovoltaics is more cost efficient because the solar collector is less expensive than an equivalent area of solar cells.
Concentrating photovoltaics operates most effectively in sunny weather, since clouds and overcast conditions create diffuse light which essentially can not be concentrated.



The PS10 solar power plant is promoted by Solúcar Energía, an Abengoa Group company.
This project has counted with the co-funding from the 5th European Union Framework Program. Activities of Solgate Technology are still continuing today, with the presence of Solúcar R&D in the Solhyco Project which intent to obtain the hybridization of the system developed on the Solgate stage with gasified biomass. The Solhyco Project counts with the collaboration of renowned research centers such as DLR and Ciemat, and which has been co-funded under the 6th European Union Framework Program.

Because concentrating photovoltaics perform better in environments with clear skies, Europe is also looking across the Mediterranean to the Sahara desert, where solar farms could provide clean electricity for the whole of Europe, according to EU scientists working on an scheme to build a €4.500.000 European supergrid that would allow countries across the continent to share electricity from abundant green sources.
In addition, because the sunlight in this area is more intense, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in northern Africa could generate up to three times the electricity compared with similar panels in northern Europe.
Arnulf Jaeger-Walden of the European commission's Institute for Energy, speaking at the Euroscience Open Forum in Barcelona, said it would require the capture of just 0.3% of the light falling on the Sahara and Middle Eastern deserts to provide all of Europe's energy needs.

Jaeger-Walden explained how electricity produced in solar farms in Africa, each containing power plants generating around 50-200MW of power, could be fed thousands of miles across European countries by using high-voltage direct current transmission lines instead of the traditional alternating current lines. Energy losses on DC lines are far lower than AC ones where transmission of energy over long distances is uneconomic.

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Curing Cancer with Radio Waves

When John Kanzius, a retired radio and television broadcaster and engineer, was working with a radio frequency generating device aimed at eradicating cancer cells, he could have not imagined that the experiments would eventually cause a salt water solution to release hydrogen, which could then be burned producing very high temperatures, thus becoming a possible substitute for fuel.

This amazing invention works by using a generator that emits 14-megahertz radio waves that bombard a solution of salt and water. No one knows for certain what happens thereafter but everything indicates that the sodium chloride may weaken the bonds between the strong oxygen and hydrogen atoms in water and the radio waves break apart the bonds and liberate flammable hydrogen gas molecules.
A simple spark is all is needed then to ignite the hydrogen, generating an intense flame that produces enough heat to power up an engine.

Kanzius never meant to invent a substitute for fuel and he is not pursuing that goal neither. Diagnosed with leukemia in 2002, he began building his radio-wave blaster to research the subject of cancer treatment by his own experiences undergoing chemotherapy.

To kill cancer cells using Kanzius RF Therapy, cancer cells are first tagged with tiny objects known as nanoparticles, such as SWNTs and GNPs. When the RF (radio frequency) transmitter apparatus exposes the nanoparticles to the radio frequency signal they heat up, destroying the cancer cells, but don't damage healthy cells nearby.

As of 2007-04-23, preliminary research using the Kanzius RF device at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston (by Dr. Steven A. Curley, Professor in Surgical Oncology) and The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (by Dr. David A. Geller, co-director of the Liver Cancer Center) has shown promising results. As of 1st November 2007, preliminary trials with rabbits have turned up a 100% success rate, with the tumors successfully eliminated and the rabbits remaining unharmed. If federal approval is granted, testing on human patients would be the next step.

In contrast with currently used radiofrequency ablation where an RF probe (needle) is inserted into or next to a tumor mass, Kanzius' method is noninvasive.

Steven A. Curley, who pioneered the clinical studies that led to FDA approval of radiofrequency ablation to treat unresectable primary and metastatic hepatobiliary malignancies, referred to the method as “one of the most exciting developments in years.”

The prototype of the device was built by Kanzius himself in his home.





The Kanzius RF Machine uses a capacitor to focus radio waves in a transmitting head to send them to a receiving head. Between the two machines there is a space where the cancerous part is placed so the radio waves can be sent through it.

Four units are currently in service at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center received their first unit in May of 2005, and MD Anderson Cancer Center received their first machine in January of 2006. John Kanzius' predicts a near term demand of 3,000 to 5,000 units with long term expectations at 50,000 to 100,000 units.

Until targeting is fully viable, Kanzius is considering only making the machine available only to a few well renowned medical centers. As patent holder, he decides who is able to purchase the machines.

More Info:
John Kanzius
Kanzius RF Therapy

Green Gadget Inspector: Converting Salt Water into Fuel

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Converting Salt Water into Fuel

When John Kanzius, a retired radio and television broadcaster and engineer, was working with a radio frequency generating device aimed at eradicating cancer cells, he could have not imagined that the experiments would eventually cause a salt water solution to release hydrogen, which could then be burned producing very high temperatures, thus becoming a possible substitute for fuel.

This amazing invention works by using a generator that emits 14-megahertz radio waves that bombard a solution of salt and water. No one knows for certain what happens thereafter but everything indicates that the sodium chloride may weaken the bonds between the strong oxygen and hydrogen atoms in water and the radio waves break apart the bonds and liberate flammable hydrogen gas molecules.
A simple spark is all is needed then to ignite the hydrogen, generating an intense flame that produces enough heat to power up an engine.

This technology could be applied to a power an electric vehicle by using salt water and burn the freed hydrogen. When hydrogen burns it combines with oxygen to produce water and most of the burned hydrogen could be reclaimed to burn again as the radio frequency generator releases the hydrogen again.

Kanzius never meant to invent a substitute for fuel and he is not pursuing that goal neither. Diagnosed with leukemia in 2002, he began building his radio-wave blaster to research the subject of cancer treatment by his own experiences undergoing chemotherapy.
The discovery was made accidentally while he was researching the use of radio waves for desalination. Kanzius said that "In this case we weren't looking for energy, we were looking for something that might do desalinization. The more we tried desalinization, the more heat we produced, until we got fire".

The Kanzius RF Machine uses a capacitor to focus radio waves in a transmitting head to send them to a receiving head. It employs a combination of either gold or carbon nanoparticles and radio waves to heat and destroy cancer cells while ignoring healthy cells.
Four units are currently in service at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center received their first unit in May of 2005, and MD Anderson Cancer Center received their first machine in January of 2006. Until targeting is fully viable, Kanzius is considering only making the machine available only to a few well renowned medical centers. As patent holder, he decides who is able to purchase the machines.

On March 4th, John Kanzius is holding a seminar along with Lee Memorial Health System and M.D. Anderson Medical Center at at South Fort Myers High School. The public is invited to attend, so they can learn more about research, it's future implications, and ask questions.



More Info:
Turning Water into Fuel
Kanzius RF Therapy

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Iqua SUN


The Iqua SUN is a solar-powered wireless Bluetooth powered by a photovoltaic cell that uses any available light (even indoors) to recharge itself. It can also be recharged by plugging it into your computer using a mini USB charging cable.

Manufactured by Finnish based Iqua, this nifty gadget has been designed to feel "like a natural extension of your senses and personality". That's at least the idea behind Iqua's innovative range in design and functionalities that presently cover both mono and stereo headsets.

With an Iqua headset, you can connect wirelessly with the maximum number of Bluetooth® enabled devices, such as iPods, mp3s, PDAs, laptops or consumer electronics products, as well as with any brand of Bluetooth mobile phones that support the Headset or Handsfree profiles.

For a hands-on review of the Iqua 603 Sun read the following article by Eric Zeman at the Information Week Blog:
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/01/review_iqua_sol.html



Features
• Answer/end/reject call
• Last number redial
• Voice dial activate (when supported by mobile phone)
• Mute
• Volume control
• Switch between phone and handsfree modes
• Bluetooth connection active, call status and battery low indicated by multi-colored LEDs
• Automatic reconnection to default user or the last user
• Automatic reconnection at power on and disconnect at power off
• Support for VOIP calls
• Reset hardware and software

Specs
  • Size 48 (L) x 25 (W) x 12 (H) mm
  • Weight 14g
  • Talktime Up to 12h
  • Standby time Infinite(In sunlight)
  • Battery type 3.7v/110mAh Lithium-Polymer
  • Bluetooth Standard Bluetooth Spec. 2.0 EDR
  • Supported Bluetooth profiles Handsfree 1.0 and Headset 1.1
  • Chipset CSR BC04 Audio ROM
  • Connection Point-to-point
  • Paired devices Up to 8, one at a time
  • Operating Distance 10 meters
  • Operating temperature range 0°C to 55°C

Available from:
Iqua

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Ford Motor Company has unveiled a a collection of technologies named Ford Work Solutions that will allow Ford Truck owners to have all tools needed to run a small office at the Chicago Auto Show 2008.

Ford Work Solutions features:
  • An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. This system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.
  • Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed in partnership with DEWALT and ThingMagic that will enable customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
  • Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, to allow small fleet owners to manage their vehicles, dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
  • Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock® to provide security.
The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 31 years. Two out of every five commercial trucks sold in the U.S. wears a Ford oval.

All four Ford Work Solutions will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Several of the features will be also made available for dealer installation to upgrade Ford Trucks already in service.








An in-dash computer, developed with Magneti Marelli, transforms the new 2009 F-150 or F-Series Super Duty into true mobile offices, capable of linking into the business owner’s main office computer network or a home computer via a cellular broadband connection.

Users can access existing files on an office computer miles from the job site, open a word processing document, a spread sheet or their business accounting program, make updates and print them in the truck on an available Ford-certified, on-board, Bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered inkjet printer.

Powered by Microsoft Auto, the system provides high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. It works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, offering hands-free calling with push-to-talk voice recognition, access to user phonebooks and the ability to receive text messages.

The in-dash computer also includes navigation by Garmin, which comes standard with features like re-routing due to construction or traffic congestion and points of interest including local gas stations and their fuel prices, restaurants, Ford dealerships and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers.

The computer is integrated into the vehicle’s center stack, filling the same space normally occupied by the standard radio. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen, two gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for additional memory, a USB port and includes a wireless keyboard and mouse. A stylus, stored next to the CD slot, is included for use on the touch screen.











Developed with DEWALT and ThingMagic, Tool Link offers owners the capability to mark and scan high-value tools, safety equipment, material inventories and other important assets using RFID tags. When the vehicle is running, a pair of RFID antennas, mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings on the inside of the pickup box, scan the box for the items on a pre-programmed inventory list.

The data is transmitted to a reader mounted inside the cab and displayed on the in-dash computer screen, alerting the driver if any inventoried tools are not loaded on the truck.

Tool Link comes pre-loaded with several standard tool lists that are easily edited to reflect specific types of jobs. The system uses industry standard second-generation RFID tags that can be fastened to tools or other items and can read and catalogue hundreds of tools or assets in just seconds.



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High-Tech Stethoscope Hack

Other uses for Stethoscopes such as hearing and recording through walls thanks to this under $25 "High-Tech" Stethoscope Hack:


High-Tech Stethoscope Hack! - Click here for the most popular videos

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Television Sound Regulator

This very useful gadget that is composed of a sound regulator and a simple set of standard RCA audio connectors, eliminates the irritating surges in volume during commercials or the differences in volume between channels' stations.
It ill also even out loud or quiet scenes during programs and movies to the right volume.
Fool-proof easy to set up, its only requirement is that your TV, satellite receiver, DVD player or VCR. has RCA audio inputs to plug into.

The device is able to instantly and automatically match the volume of a television show and the commercials to the volume level at which you've set your TV. The Sound Regulator maintains the dynamic range in volume and sound intended in a program, so a whisper remains a whisper, a shout sounds like a shout and no sounds are muted or cut off.

Developed by International Control Systems, the Sound Regulator eliminates fluctuating volume inherent in television broadcasting by separating the left and right audio signals and correcting them independently. This synchronization process eliminates any possibility of misalignment of the audio video signals.

Features:
  • Eliminates annoying surges in volume during commercials and unintended increases or decreases in volume that occur changing channels, or the loud or quiet scenes during programs and movies
  • Eliminates unintended, unwanted TV volume fluctuations while maintaining synchronized Audio Video transmission and true Stereo Sound
  • Synchronization process eliminates any possibility of misalignment of the audio video signals
  • Separates the Left and Right Audio Signals and corrects each independently for true Stereo Sound
  • Maintains the dynamic range in volume and sound intended in a program: a whisper remains a whisper, a shout sounds like a shout so nothing is muted or cut off
  • Connects between any line level source and amplifier, such as TV and Satellite Receiver or Cable Box using RCA
  • Works with VCR, DVD Player, Surround Sound System, TV Receiver and most A/V Devices
  • Compact and Lightweight
  • Hearing impaired aid, raises volume level on hard to hear programs

Available from:
firstSTREET

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HYmini


The HYmini is a a hybrid universal charger and adapter gadget that that fits in the palm of your hand and uses a combination of wind, solar, hand-cranking, USB outlets and conventional wall plug power (100~240V wall plug) to recharge just about any 5V digital gadgets.

The recharge is done through its USB 2.0 outlet by inserting the USB transfer cable provided to connect HYmini and the gadget.
You can also use the original manufacture USB core to recharge your devices (iPods, MP3 players, cameras, etc)

Various adaptors included in the HYmini Basic Package allow you to charge a great number of mobile phones.

  • Micro wind power generator

    Built-in to the portable power unit as a supplemental power source with a 65 mA capacity. Translucent, removable and impact safe wind turbine that glows green when charging. Minimum of 9mph wind speed to start charging.

    icon
  • LED night light, and charge-in green indicator

    Generate electricity during everyday activities.

    icon
  • 1200 mAh built in lithium ion polymer rechargeable battery power bank.

    5V adaptive 200~850mA output through USB 2.0.
    Built-in rechargeable battery inside the casing.

    icon
  • Hybrid Recharger

    Rechargeable through 100~240V wall pug, DC jack, miniSOLAR panels, hand crank generator and hydro generator.

    icon



Available from:
HYmini

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Sailing Simulators & Teaching Tools

Software Sailing Simulators & Teaching Tools from The Nautical Mind:

The Nautical Mind
Advanced Racing Simulator 2008
Advanced Racing Simulator 2008
See details
Coastal Cruising Simulator 2007
Coastal Cruising Simulator 2007
See details
Cruising & Seamanship CD-ROM
Cruising & Seamanship CD-ROM
See details
Distance Race Sailing Challenge 2007
Distance Race Sailing Challenge 2007
See details
LaserCoach 2000 CD-ROM
LaserCoach 2000 CD-ROM
See details
Match Racing 2000 CD-ROM
Match Racing 2000 CD-ROM
See details



Navigator Celestial Navigation Software
Navigator Celestial Navigation Software
See details
OptiCoach CD-ROM
OptiCoach CD-ROM
See details
RulesMaster Pro 4
RulesMaster Pro 4
See details

Sail Simulator 4.2
Sail Simulator 4.2
See details
Sail Simulator 4.2 Plus Scenery Designer Tool Kit
Sail Simulator 4.2 Plus Scenery Designer Tool Kit
See details
Sailing Dynamics Instructor Simulator 2007
Sailing Dynamics Instructor Simulator 2007
See details


Sailing Tactics Simulator 2008
Sailing Tactics Simulator 2008
See details
Ship Stability Mates/Masters on CD-ROM
Ship Stability Mates/Masters on CD-ROM
See details
Starpath Chart Trainer CD-ROM
Starpath Chart Trainer CD-ROM
See details
Starpath NavRules Plus! Version 3.
Starpath NavRules Plus! Version 3.
See details
Starpath Radar Trainer, Version 3.0
Starpath Radar Trainer, Version 3.0
See details
Starpath Weather Trainer
Starpath Weather Trainer
See details
Virtual Skipper 5: 32nd America's Cup--The Game
Virtual Skipper 5: 32nd America's Cup--The Game
See details
Weather For Sailors - CD Seminar
Weather For Sailors - CD Seminar
See details
Xplain Coastal & Offshore Skipper CD-ROM
Xplain Coastal & Offshore Skipper CD-ROM
See details

Nautical Mind :: Software :: Simulators & Teaching Tools

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