New and interesting scenarios and very suggestive perspectives open up in the field of photovoltaics: from space to human hair, here is the new solar energy
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himNew and interesting scenarios and very suggestive perspectives open up in the field of PV. Conquered the moon, now we think about the space to better grab theenergy of the Sun. How? Placing a giant solar panel in orbit which, through a laser beam, sends energy to the Earth. Science fiction? Absolutely not for theJapanese Space Agency which, in collaboration with multinationals Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and IHI Corporation, wants to build a gigantic photovoltaic power plant from 1000 MW to 36.000 km of altitude on Earth.
Among the advantages of the ambitious Japanese project, the increased and constant solar radiation 24 hours a day which would allow an energy production 10 times higher than the terrestrial one and one less wear of components given by the lack of atmosphere. And indeed the idea of the photovoltaic in orbit blended in the minds of engineers since the 60s and it also teases several American companies.
There are many potentials and possible developments, but unfortunately there are also many obstacles as thespace solar energy it has an exaggerated cost - about 1 billion dollars per megawatt - which would reduce the target of people who could benefit from it. It has been estimated, in fact, that only 300.000 homes could be powered by the orbiting solar power plant. But the two Japanese giants do not give up and, together with the jaxa (Japanese Aerospace eXploration Agency), with a total investment estimated at $ 21 billion, plan to mount approx 4 sq km of panels in a geostationary position already scheduling all the phases of the project, divided into three essential stages. Starting in 2015 when a demonstration plant with a power of 10 MW to experience the transmission system dell 'solar power produced in space on earth. This, which should take place by means of radio microwave beams, is already being tested on the ground and has allowed transfer energy to 180 W through a special laser beam. The plant will be fully operational from 2030, the Japanese assure.
We will see, but in the meantime it is from a much closer that the solar energy of the future could come. And, precisely from the hair that each of us (or almost) has on their heads. To find out Milan Karki, an eighteen-year-old Nepalese who, from a remote village in the mountains, is making the whole world talked about for a special solar panel made at a cost of about 30 euros using human hair instead of the expensive silicon. After being mocked and taken for mad by his fellow villagers, he proved he was right by leaving his village and the whole world in awe.
Milan arrived at the original discovery inspired by Stephen Hawking the first to have theorized that the static energy of hair was a resource to be exploited. Trying to find a clean and free source of energy for his home instead of using silicon and after several attempts, he took a pile of human hair from her hairdresser, noting that they actually represent a viable alternative.
Apparently, in fact, the hair being composed of melanin and extremely photosensitive, are a powerful conductor that is able to store much more energy than the batteries used for solar panels currently on the market, with much lower costs. The panel, capable of delivering 9 kilowatt hours, is now expected to be mass produced thereby further reducing already low production costs.
Simona Falasca
