Electricity from Wasted Heat Using Nanotechnology Electrodes
Monday, March 8th, 2010
According to a recent study, thermocells based on carbon nanotube electrodes might prove useful in generating electricity from heat discarded by chemical plants, automobiles and solar power farms. Harvesting the presently wasted energy in this manner can not only lower the energy footprints of individual organizations but can also provide clean energy locally.
Electrolyte-filled, textile-separated nanotube sheets can be wrapped around pipes carrying hot waste streams of manufacturing or electrical power plants. The temperature difference between the pipe and its surroundings create an electrochemical potential difference between the nanotube sheets. The thermocells utilize this potential difference to create electricity.
It is estimated that this new process can generate electricity at a cost 36% less than solar cells. Additionally, it can generate energy even when the sun is not shining, unlike solar cells.
Button sized thermocells are also visualized. Unlike button cell batteries, these thermocells do not run down. Such thermocells can power sensors or electronic circuits.
The high current density offered by carbon nanotubes with their giant surface area and unique electronic structure is tapped by the new thermocells for generating energy with high efficiency.
Read the news at Nanowerk.com
Tags: carbon nanotube, efficient energy generation, energy from wasted heat, thermocells
Posted in nanotechnology, renewable energy | No Comments »
Technology to Business Showcase
Monday, March 8th, 2010
There are inventors and technology-commercialization experts with patents for market-ready innovative technologies and then there are investors seeking high margin business opportunities. A venue where the two groups can meet and negotiate deals for licensing or outright purchase can benefit not only the participants but also industy in general. The WBT showcase 2010 presented by Lockheed Martin is one such.
The technologies might originate from government, academia or private entrepreneurs. WBT claims that all the technologies are vetted for market readiness. The three-day forum during March 15-17 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel and the Arlington Convention Center will help major investors and licensing scouts to meet the inventors.
The technology fields covered include materials science, information technology, energy, life science and nanotechnology. The presenters say that over 100 vetted and mentored seed stage investment and licensing deals will be available. There will be pre-event commercialization workshop by the Licensing Executives Society.
There will also be a presentation by members of SIGMA, the Science Fiction Think Tank.
WBT Showcase
Tags: innovative technologies, investor meet, licensing patented technology, technology commercialization
Posted in business, intellectual property, technology commercialization | No Comments »
