Money-saving Solar Energy –An Invention by IBM
Solar energy has been one of those promises that seem to somehow have been left on the side lines over the last few decades, as companies try to find more efficient and reliable renewable energy sources. We have certainly seen a lot of offshore wind farms sprout up, not only in the UK but also across Europe, and why local residents often complain that they aren’t ideal for a nice view; they do provide a certain amount of energy. Even the idea of harnessing the power of the tides is starting to take shape. There are a couple of pilot projects, one in Scotland and another one in South West England. All of this activity has often reduced solar energy to the background. But now, there are some major developments that could truly revolutionize the entire industry.
Small Footprint, Loads of Power
The latest breakthrough comes courtesy of IBM, a company that you think of more in connection with computers and servers than green energy development. What’s the connection? The simple answer is that long ago, IBM developed ways to keep their huge computers working efficiently by keeping them cool. They did this by creating little cooling channels that literally keep all the components from overheating, somewhat akin to the fan in a car engine. The problem up to now with regular solar panels is that if you try to concentrate too much of the sun’s power on a panel, the heat generated will literally fry it. So, IBM took the concepts behind computers and applied them to solar panels and voilà, they created a highly efficient solar panel that will last.
Just Add Water
IBM has a fairly fancy name for their new invention: High Concentration PhotoVoltaic Thermal. Fortunately, they refer to it as HCTVT for short, which is still somewhat of a mouthful. But if you ignore the fancy name for a moment, and look at what this technology can deliver, it is truly astonishing. By delivering massive amounts of power from a device that at this point looks like a giant antenna, IBM feels that they can deliver enough power to literally satisfy the needs of almost any country, if not the entire world. In parts of the world where there is a lot of sun but not a lot of fresh water, there is also a bypass valve which would allow saltier murky water to be cleaned up to the point where it would be drinkable.
Have Energy, Will Be Comfortable
If IBM’s invention pans out, it could make life incredibly easy for all of us. No longer saddled with high energy bills, we could afford to live in complete comfort all year long. Imagine being able to easily afford air conditioning installation throughout the house without worrying about crippling energy bills. Using a company such as EOC Services would make the whole affair amazingly easy and efficient. Is it truly possible that we can ultimately look forward to unlimited amounts of renewable energy? Science has a way of always coming through for us, and this latest invention from IBM shows that the best is probably still yet to come.
Solar energy has appeared to be one of the perfect alternatives to the energy from natural resources. Maximum amount of heat received with the help of solar radiation does not stay on earth, and, therefore, is wasted. However, with the help of a solar power plant, the wastage of such a great source of energy can be prevented, and can be transferred to millions of homes, which still have not received electricity.
Moreover, people can also use solar energy in order to run their daily appliances without any extra effort. All in all, if used properly, solar energy can be the perfect substitute to the energy resources on earth, which are finishing quickly.
Image courtesy of: Salvatore Vuono/ freedigitalphotos.net
Category: Family Finances, Home Renovation, Save Energy, Technology
