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Storing Power in a Sheet of Paper

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new energy storage device that easily could be mistaken for a simple sheet of black paper. The nanoengineered battery is lightweight, ultra thin, completely flexible, and geared toward meeting the trickiest design and energy requirements of tomorrow’s gadgets, implantable medical equipment, and transportation vehicles. Along with its ability to function in temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and down to 100 below zero, the device is completely integrated and can be printed like paper. The device is also unique in that it can function as both a high-energy battery and a high-power supercapacitor, which are generally separate components in most electrical systems. Another key feature is the capability to use human blood or sweat to help power the battery. Details of the project are outlined in the paper “Flexible Energy Storage Devices Based on Nanocomposite Paper” published Aug. 13 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The semblance to paper is no accident: more than 90 percent of the device is made up of cellulose, the same plant cells used in newsprint, loose leaf, lunch bags, and nearly every other type of paper. Rensselaer researchers infused this paper with aligned […]

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Ormat Secures Seven Nevada Leases

Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) has won a bid for approximately 68,900 acres of geothermal leases in Nevada, that were auctioned by the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) for the total amount of approximately $8.2 million. Dita Bronicki, President and CEO of Ormat Technologies, said: “This auction is an implementation of the new BLM rule which includes a requirement that geothermal resources be offered through a competitive lease process. Our successful bid secures lease agreements for seven new sites in Nevada, which will support our growth plans in the years to come, however, there is no assurance that all of the leases will be found suitable for commercial projects.” Website: http://www.ormat.com     

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SunPower Signs Agreements

Sunpower has signed a long-term supply agreement with SMA Technologie AG, the world’s largest solar inverter manufacturer, and has signed two agreements with NorSun AS to support its solar cell manufacturing expansion plans. SMA Technologie AG agreement: “This agreement will enable SunPower to offer a broader choice of innovative, high-quality and reliable inverter products to our expanding dealer network,” said Vikas Desai, general manager of SunPower’s VAR Business Unit. “We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with SMA.” SMA is well respected within the solar community as a leader in the solar inverter field. “It’s no coincidence that both SMA and SunPower have been recognized by industry organizations for their technological achievements within the solar industry,” says Pierre-Pascal Urbon, chief sales and marketing officer for SMA Technologie and president of SMA America. “SMA’s commitment to delivering quality and innovative products will enable us to provide SunPower with reliable inverter technology that will meet the growing demand of SunPower’s customer base.” “SMA America is uniquely positioned to supply a fully integrated, commercial energy solution that maximizes energy production, while keeping the installation simple and cost effective,” said Kent Sheldon, SMA America director of sales. “Our high-performance and high-efficiency solar-electric […]

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Conergy First Half Revenues Reach EUR 418M

Conergy AG increased half-year revenues by 70.6 percent to EUR 418 million (previous year: EUR 245 million). This is the first time that foreign sales, which more than tripled year-on-year from EUR 60.5 million to EUR 223.6 million, have exceeded revenues in Germany, which also gained slightly. Conergy already offers its systems for utilizing solar, wind and bioenergy in 26 countries via three brand worlds focused on end customers, the trade and investors. The photovoltaics grew by 80.3 percent and remains the Group’s core business and growth engine. Revenues in the other technologies increased by 36.8 percent. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) improved from -EUR 6.1 million in the first quarter to EUR 13.6 million in the second quarter of 2007 in tandem with the growth of our revenues as the year progresses. The gross profit margin rose from 16.8 percent in the prior-year period to 21.1 percent in the first half year of 2007, already offsetting at the half-year mark the first quarter’s traditionally negative consolidated net income (-EUR 4.9 million). Consolidated net income after interest and taxes was EUR 1.5 million for the first six months of the year. Any analysis of our quarterly results must consider […]

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