Scotland region will be 100% powered by kites within a decade

In parts of Scotland, one response to the need for renewable energy is to go fly a kite. No, really. In just under 10 years, kites will generate power for an entire region of Scotland, thanks to efforts by a British company named Kite Power Solutions. Their “kytoons” (hybrid kite-balloon power systems) look like parachutes, and fly on the jet stream at 20,000 feet elevation, moving up and down in the wind currents to generate hundreds of megawatts of energy for a super low cost.

Kite Power Solutions will soon install a 500-kilowatt system of kite-supported power stations at the Ministry of Defense’s West Freugh Range, near the town of Stranraer. By 2025, the company expects the offshore kite station to be up and running, generating clean renewable energy from the jet stream. KPS says their system is so affordable that it won’t need any of the tax-based government subsidies other renewable energy projects tend to rely on. The project will be backed instead by Royal Dutch Shell oil company and the UK government.

Related: TwingTec’s high-flying wind turbine generates power in hard-to-reach places

Each high-flying kite measures approximately 131 feet (40 meters) wide and is capable of generating up to three megawatts of electricity. That’s similar to the output of a single 328-foot (100-meter) wind turbine. One of the big advantages to a kite-based power system is that they can be put to use in places where a traditional offshore wind turbine would be difficult to install, and they require much less maintenance over time, making them less expensive to operate. KPS says a ‘farm’ of just over 1,000 kites could produce as much electricity as the planned Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

Because Scotland is very windy, the kites will be generating power most of the time. David Ainsworth, business development director of Kite Power Solutions, estimates there will be fewer than 10 days a year when the kytoons not generate energy. During those periods, a fan will keep the kites up in the air until the wind picks up again.

Via Motherboard

Images via Kite Power Solutions

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://ift.tt/2dJh3ot

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Egypt's first solar-powered village rises from the desert in Bahariya Oasis

A company in Egypt has constructed a solar-powered village for workers, and it is the first of its kind in the country. Located in Egypt's Bahariya Oasis, and powered by solar panels integrated into the buildings, the Tayebat Workers Village designed by KarmBuild currently provides shelter for 350 people. KarmBuild is "the only company in Egypt to integrate solar technology into a building's design," according to KarmSolar, and its use of local, natural materials ensures a gentle environmental footprint.

Principal architect Karim Kafrawi said in Egypt, solar panels are often seen as unattractive, too industrial, and “not practical in architecture integration.” KarmBuild’s innovative methods could upend those unfavorable views. Their solar integration designs allow the region to benefit from plentiful sunlight in a seamless, elegant manner. Photovoltaic solar panels adorn the rooftops of the Tayebat Workers Village, but in such a way that they blend in the stone walls of the village. The rooftop solar panels also act as “thermal roof protection,” according to Kafrawi.

Related: Egypt’s Solar SLIDES House Has a Transforming Perforated Facade

Kafrawi told Inhabitat, “The idea was to create an architectural character that would smoothly blend into the natural landscape so that from a distance, this rather large building would be discreet, almost invisible expect for the towering stone structures highlighted by the P.V. solar panels reflecting the sky and sun.”

Not only is the power generation environmentally friendly, but KarmBuild employed sustainable construction techniques, such as utilizing energy-reducing methods and building with 90 percent local earth materials. In the region where the Tayebat Workers Village is located, sandstone is often removed in order to construct buildings. But KarmBuild realized the sandstone could be utilized in the buildings instead of going to waste. They found this “wealthy natural resource” is in fact “structurally viable,” according to Kafrawi. The use of the natural, local sandstone allows the buildings to blend in beautifully with the surrounding desert.

According to Kafrawi, KarmBuild’s methods reduce waste and can even reduce project costs in some instances.

“The high intensity of the sun along with the wide possible uses of viable natural building materials in these areas open up great possibilities for strong sustainable development solutions in the area. We work on trying to provide solutions that blend these two very different elements in a non-intrusive and attractive manner that works with the local architecture, whether traditional or modern, in the region,” he told Inhabitat. “We believe there is great potential to change the architectural landscape in these areas to be more self-sufficient, sustainable, and comfortable for occupants.”

+ KarmBuild

+ KarmSolar

Images courtesy of KarmSolar

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://ift.tt/2dG6XVl

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Scientists grow test tube human brains with potential to think and feel

A group of Cambridge scientists are attempting to grow human brains outside of the body in a lab. But they don’t look anything like what you might imagine. The “cerebral organoids” are made with stem cells derived from human skin and raised in giant incubators. Without any kind of blood supply, they receive nutrients by soaking in a special fluid. And these brains are tiny, small enough to fit in a petri dish – about four millimeters across and crammed with about two million neurons. For the sake of comparison, a fully developed mouse brain contains four million neurons. The average adult human brain, up to 1,000 trillion.

Just like a normal brain, these bundles of cells contain a mixture of gray matter and white matter. They even form specific regions like the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and many more. In the end, they are equivalent to what might be seen in a nine-week-old fetus.

However, while the neurons in these tiny organoids do communicate and fire with electrical activity, they aren’t capable of thoughts or feelings in the way we would understand it. Dr. Madeline Lancaster compares their neural activity to the way heart cells can be made to beat in a petri dish. While they are alive, the lack of a body or any sensory input means they aren’t receiving any of the information that could lead to consciousness. If lab-grown brains were hooked up to an EEG, no brain waves would be observed.

Related: Austrian Scientists Grow Mini Human Brains in a Lab

However, consciousness is not the goal of this research. Instead, Lancaster is interested in uncovering some key differences between humans and other primates. Our DNA is only 1.2 percent different from chimpanzees, yet somehow we have completely different intellectual capabilities. Her team is replacing individual genes involved in brain development with genes from chimpanzees, and observing how the replacements influence the growth of the specimens.

In other labs, organoids like these are being used to learn more about human development – for example, what makes the brain of someone with schizophrenia or autism different from a normal brain. The inability to identify these disorders in other animals has made researching them in the lab impossible. (And while there are a lot of reasons not to support animal testing, dissecting the brains of living humans is obviously unethical as well.)

Instead, researchers can use this technology and a stem cells from patients to learn more about how their neurons function. This has already led to some interesting insights into the development of autism, and will likely reveal even more hidden knowledge in time.

Via Digital Journal

Images via Cambridge University

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://ift.tt/2dRRHU6

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Sourced by "Home Hacks". Scouring and supporting the art of DIY home projects by sharing links and information provided by numerous active reputable DIY veterans and company's. Any projects you start please be of proper age, follow all required safety measures, and use the required protective equipment when handling any chemicals, power tools, or during any construction project. If you need advice regarding your next project we suggest visiting Contractor Talk.

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VELLO launches the world's first folding electric bike that can charge itself

Austria-based VELLO just took e-bike technology to a whole new level by launching the world's "first self-charging electric bike." The VELLO BIKE+ is a foldable bicycle that fits in a suitcase and charges whenever you pedal or brake.

The VELLO BIKE+ features a variety of innovations designed to revolutionize the experience of cycling in the city. According to VELLO, the bike is the “smallest and lightest electric folding bike on the market.” It weighs around 26 pounds and is 21 by 28 by 9 inches big. It folds down in seconds to fit under a desk or in a car trunk, and users can map their route or remotely lock the VELLO BIKE+ via an app.

Related: Foldable bike scooter combo runs entirely on electricity

Because the bike charges itself, riders never need to plug it in! It harvests energy when riders brake or pedal using an integrated kinetic energy recovery system. The amount of energy generated depends on factors like road slope and pedaling speed.

A 250W motor gives riders an electric boost, but according to VELLO the bike is still easy to pedal when power assistance is switched off. VELLO says users can ride for around 20 miles at 15 miles per hour on a full charge without any effort.

Co-founder Valentin Vodev said in a statement, “For us converting ideas into products is a metamorphosis from the common to the unexplored – a discovery through which we can define new functions and forms.”

With just under a month to go, VELLO has raised over $170,000 out of a $89,540 goal on Kickstarter. You can back the project here – the early bird price is 1,599 Euros, or about $1,799.

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Sourced by "Home Hacks". Scouring and supporting the art of DIY home projects by sharing links and information provided by numerous active reputable DIY veterans and company's. Any projects you start please be of proper age, follow all required safety measures, and use the required protective equipment when handling any chemicals, power tools, or during any construction project. If you need advice regarding your next project we suggest visiting Contractor Talk.

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Parametrically designed Louverwall house maximizes winter sunlight

This unusual house in South Korea features a parametrically designed louver system optimized to block direct sunlight while still allowing winter sun to pass through. This elegant exterior also creates a play between shadow and light, adding texture and interest to the space inside. Architecture firm AND designed the building, named Louverwall, for a couple with five cats and a strong interest in music.

The residence has a daylit cafe that occupies the west-facing part of the ground floor, while the second and third floors house a bedroom, living room and a small kitchen. The south side facing a neighboring building, features a clerestory which continues to the west, creating a flowing curtain wall. The wall features a system of aluminium louvers designed using PLDS (Parametric Louver Design System) based on an algorithm that calculates optimal position, spacing and orientation of each louver.

Related: Students design and build a gorgeous LEED Platinum-seeking forum in Kansas

Thanks to the presence of the louver system, the interior is bathed in soft natural light that emphasizes the verticality of the space. The rhythmic pattern created through the interplay of light and shadows references the rhythm of music.

+ AND

Via Archdaily

Photos by Kyungsub Shin

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Poland unveils glowing bright blue bike lane that's charged by the sun

Poland just unveiled an amazing new bike path that glows bright blue at night! The path near Lidzbark Warminski is illuminated by phosphor, a synthetic material that lights up after it’s charged by sunlight. Studio Roosegaarde’s Starry Night bike lane inspired TPA Instytut Badań Technicznych Sp. z o.o to create the glowing bike path.

TPA Sp. z o.o. president Igor Ruttmar told Gazeta Wyborcza that the material in the bike path can emit light for around 10 hours. Each day the path collects the energy that enables it to glow at night. Board of Regional Roads in Olsztyn director Waldemar Królikowski said the luminous bike path is meant to improve the safety of people biking at night.

Related: Twinkling solar bike path inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night pops up in the Netherlands

According to Next Nature Network, the luminophores, or “particles” in the bike lane material can emit a variety of colors, and the designers picked blue to best fit in with the surrounding landscape. They also researched the sustainability of the materials they utilized, and how to make the materials as cost effective as possible since the bike lane does cost more than traditional lanes.

While the Starry Night bike path provided inspiration, the technology utilized in the Polish bike lane is quite different from the Van Gogh-themed lane. Studio Roosegaarde’s bike lane drew on LEDs powered by a solar array and “light-collecting paint.” TPA Sp. z o.o.’s bike lane doesn’t require any power sources. The bike lane is still being tested, as it is not known how long the lane will last before it begins to wear out.

Via Next Nature Network and Gazeta Wyborcza

Images via TPA Sp. z o.o.

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8 Adorable DIY Halloween costumes for pets

Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s the best excuse of the year to play dress-up with your pets. In fact, seeing our furry friends in costume have become one of our favorite parts of the spooky holiday—who can say no to a superhero-costumed dog? Of course, while our photogenic pets might not be as excited about their new outfits as we are, it’s important that their adorable ensembles are safe and comfortable for them to wear. If you need help figuring out how to dress up your pet this year, or just want to gush over adorable costumed animals, keep reading for our round up of eight fantastic DIY costumes you (and hopefully your pet) will love.

Is there anything cuter than a puppy wearing tiny costume wings? Maybe if that pup was dressed up in a Batman-inspired ensemble with eco-friendly sparkle felt batwings! Simon Seguss dressed up his little dog Leo in a Bat Pup costume complete with a recycled Batman t-shirt.

If you’re feeling particularly ambitious this year, try your Je-DIY hand at this stunning Star Wars AT-AT dog costume. Artist and Star Wars enthusiast Katie Mello created this hilarious and impressively detailed costume for her dog.

Turn your pup into a real live Chia Pet with his adorable green getup. All you’ll need to do is glue plants (freshly picked clovers or plastic aquarium plants) onto a dog sweater and then finish the costume by creating ‘plant pot’ legs from orange felt and muslin.

When Anyel Torres and her family decided to dress up as characters from the Nightmare Before Christmas, they couldn’t resist getting the family dog involved. She transformed their pet poodle into Zero the Dog with an easy DIY costume made from socks, a pillowcase, and a toy pumpkin nose.

Instead of transforming your pooch into a pop culture icon, why not try the path less traveled by dressing her up as a different species? That’s what Corey Drew of Pet Lounge Studios did with his miniature pinscher in this hilarious rooster getup made by sewing layers of feathers onto pantyhose.

This cute Boston Terrier is repping the U.S.A. in style with her red-white-and-blue costume. Kristin Kittle dressed her dog, Echo, as a Patriotic Skydiver complete with white doggie goggles. The jumpsuit is made from two shades of taffeta with white binding trim, while the parachute pack is made from a deconstructed adult backpack.

Get on the pun train with this doggie bag costume. Bindie, the ever-hungry dog, was transformed into a doggie bag made from recycled foam padding covered in fabric. The costume is attached using a velcro enclosure.

Can’t wait for Thanksgiving? You can channel your anticipation into costume making by turning your dog into a 75-pound roast turkey.

from Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green BuildingInhabitat – Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building http://ift.tt/2dXQj5Q

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Sourced by "Home Hacks". Scouring and supporting the art of DIY home projects by sharing links and information provided by numerous active reputable DIY veterans and company's. Any projects you start please be of proper age, follow all required safety measures, and use the required protective equipment when handling any chemicals, power tools, or during any construction project. If you need advice regarding your next project we suggest visiting Contractor Talk.

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