Electric Vehicles Driving Energy To The Grid

Posted on October 6, 2011 by quest

NRG Energy, Inc. is partnering with the University of Delaware to take electric vehicles (EVs) to the next level with eV2gsm, a company commercializing new technology that will enable EV owners to sell electric storage services from the batteries of parked EVs to help stabilize the electricity grid. Pioneered by UD professor Willett Kempton, this patented leading-edge vehicle-to-grid technology has garnered worldwide attention and holds promise to transform the future of the electricity supply. With investments in solar, wind and nuclear power, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure, NRG is working to help America transition to a clean energy economy.

“As more electric vehicles hit the road and charging stations—such as those provided by NRG’s eVgoSM network in Texas—continue to proliferate, EV-to-grid technology is the next logical step in the electrification of our transportation network,” said Denise Wilson, President of NRG’s Alternative Energy Services. It’s one more way EV owners can commit to a sustainable energy future and get paid for it at the same time.””Energy research, including grid-integrated vehicles, is an important priority for the University of Delaware,” said David Weir, Director of UD’s Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships, which oversees the University’s knowledge-based assets from licensing to commercialization. “The energy storage inherent in automobiles is staggering. If all the automobiles in the U.S. were electrified it would be enough to power the entire U.S. for half a day.”

Electric grid operators rely on resources that can help provide or absorb short bursts of energy to keep the grid running smoothly, and parked and plugged-in EVs are ideal for helping to fill that role. Balancing the grid this way generates no additional emissions and can lead to a decrease in electricity costs over the long term by delaying or supplanting the need to build new generation facilities. EVs—powered by electricity generated from cleaner domestic fuels—have the potential over time to reduce air emissions dramatically and begin to put the brakes on the ongoing transfer of American wealth to oil-producing nations. America spends approximately a billion dollars a day for imported oil and transportation accounts for more than a quarter of America’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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Electric Vehicle Home Solar Charging On The Move

Posted on October 4, 2011 by quest

SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc., today announced that it has joined the Pecan Street Inc.to help lead the charge of the advanced home solar photovoltaic (PV) charging systems for Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles (EV).“To be relevant, smart grid energy innovations must solve consumers’ problems and provide services that excite them,” said Pecan Street Inc. executive director Brewster McCracken.

Pecan Street Inc. is creating a consumer-focused smart-grid demonstration project in Austin, Texas, built around home applications, and consumer electronics. SunEdison joins other participating companies – Best Buy, Check-It, Chevrolet, Freescale, Intel, Landis+Gyr, , Sony and Whirlpool – in deploying products and dedicating researchers to the project who will collaborate with Pecan Street Inc. and University of Texas researchers.
Deployments by member companies include one of the nation’s most highly concentrated residential installations of EVs, home services systems, smart appliances and charging of cars from home solar panels.

“We are delighted to be participating with Chevrolet and other industry and thought leaders in the Pecan Street Inc. project,” said SunEdison President Carlos Domenech. “The use of our advanced SunEdison Energy and Environmental Data System (SEEDS) platform in this project will help gather what will be the most comprehensive collection of consumer energy data developed in the United States, and will enable us to support zero-carbon footprint automotive solutions.” A number of the SunEdison-led home solar vehicle charging systems will also have in-home batteries, and all systems will integrate into the home services systems provided by other companies in the Pecan Street Inc. project including Best Buy/Check-It, Intel, Sony and Whirlpool. More than 150 participating residents will have rooftop solar PV, including nearly all of the residents who acquire Volts.

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Electric Vehicle Converter Presents At Green For All

Posted on October 2, 2011 by quest

Electric vehicle entrepreneur, Valery Miftakhov founder of Electric Motor Werks was one of many who attended a two day Business Academy sponsored by Green For All. Green for All is an innovative national leader in the green jobs and business movement, conducted their Business Academy at the University of Phoenix Training Center in San Jose, CA. The two day conference was held on Thursday and Friday September 29, 30 2011; addressed the skills and issues necessary to succeed in the emerging green economy. In attendance were green business leaders, business support organizations, capital providers, consultants and lawyers who provided practical and specific insights that entrepreneurs can initiate to grow their respective organizations.

Ana Vasudeo Senior Associate of Green for All’s Capital Access Program guided the panelist and workshops focused on topics such as; Funding for Green Companies, and Start-up Tips from Green Entrepreneurs. The two day seminar also included a Elevator Pitch Practice Session which allowed start ups to present their business plan to a panel of investors, attorneys, consultants and seasoned executives.

Green For All is a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Green For All is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean energy economy. They work in collaboration with business, government, labor, and grassroots communities to create and implement programs that increase quality jobs and opportunities in green industry.

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California Electric Vehicle Producer Goes International

Posted on September 13, 2011 by quest

California based T3 Motion, Inc., a producer of clean tech/green tech electric personal mobility vehicles, today announced that Luxury Carts, a Saudi Arabian company, has been selected to exclusively distribute T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicles (ESV) in Saudi Arabia. Luxury Carts has a blanket purchase order to purchase multiple T3 ESVs for up to $1,881,000, to supply law enforcement agencies and security companies throughout Saudi Arabia. Luxury Carts may purchase the additional T3 ESVs through August 31, 2012. T3 Motion received the initial order release for T3 ESVs of approximately $231,000.

The T3 ESV will be used for many security and law enforcement applications throughout Saudi Arabia. Distributors anticipate that the ESVs will be used for the first time during Saudi Arabia’s most prevalent tourist event, Hajj. The T3 ESVs would be used for security and as emergency responders throughout the event. Luxury Carts is known for having a wide range of products and solutions for the utility vehicle and ATV industry and has a reputation for delivering operational excellence through superior customer service, innovation, quality and commitment.

This agreement further solidifies T3 Motion’s presence in the Middle East, with contractual agreements in Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE. In addition to the Saudi Arabia order, the ministry of interior in Kuwait is expected to release an order for a significant number of T3 ESVs. “The Middle East has been a very active area for our T3 ESVs,” Ki Nam, CEO of T3 Motion noted. “Our focus this year has been to expand our clean technology into the international arena. Saudi Arabia represents a broad market for personal mobility vehicles.” Mr. Bakr, Managing Director of Luxury Carts, stated, “Luxury Carts is very pleased to be T3 Motion’s distributor for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Corporation Council are increasingly conscious of using clean, green and alternative energy vehicles. We are very proud to be launching the T3 vehicle and look forward to having them used for the first time for Hajj at Mecca this year. We see the T3 as a significant advancement for the security industry, both government and private, in our country.”

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Solar Powered Robotics Survey The Worlds’ Seas

Posted on September 9, 2011 by quest

The Savannah Ocean Exchange proudly announces that Liquid Robotics of Sunnyvale, CA is the recipient of the 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award. The Gulfstream Navigator Award 2011 recognizes the best solution to positively Shape the Future of Our Coasts. Liquid Robotics’ “Wave Glider-Autonomous Ocean Vehicle” was selected by participating delegates during the inaugural Solutions Exchange, held in Savannah GA September 7-8, 2011, and was presented with the 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award by Mr. Joe Lombardo, EVP Aerospace Group, General Dynamics, the parent company of Gulfstream. The Wave Glider solution harvests energy from the environment and is able to travel long distances, hold station, and monitor vast areas of the ocean without the need for fuel or carbon emissions. A unique two-part architecture and wing system directly converts wave motion into thrust, and solar panels provide electricity for sensor payloads and satellite communications.

Wave Glider

The Navigator Award was given to the top solution submitted as part of the annual Call for Solutions issued by the Savannah Ocean Exchange Board of Governors in February 2011. An exclusive panel of experts from multiple disciplines, chaired by Dr. Nancy Knowlton of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History, vetted solutions submitted from countries spanning the globe. The top ten solutions were developed as point solutions for the construction, defense, homeland security, marine research, robotics, coastal reclamation, energy, and shipping industries. Each finalist presented their solution to over 100 delegates who selected the award recipient.

Savannah Ocean Exchange brings together thought leaders around the world from cross disciplines that represent industry, education, research, technology, government and conservation. Led by a multi-disciplinary, 29-member Board of Governors, the organization sources and accelerates the adoption of solutions that positively impact economies and the environment. “The breadth and scope of proven, economically sustainable solutions that were submitted to compete for the 2011 Gulfstream Navigator Award were outstanding,” says Cort Atkinson, Co-Founder and CEO of the Savannah Ocean Exchange.

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Berkeley and Stanford Racing in 2011 World Solar Challenge

Posted on August 26, 2011 by quest

Panasonic Corporation of North America has announced their support for student teams in the Darwin-to-Adelaide, 3,021-kilometer 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia this October. Panasonic is providing the latest Lithium Ion battery technologies for use with solar-powered vehicles engineered by undergraduate teams from the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University in the seven day drive through the Australian Outback. Yesterday’s announcement came at Infineon Raceway’s first Accelerating Sustainable Performance Summit, a day-long forum for innovators and thought-leaders to explore prospects for sustainable automotive development and performance-oriented marketing of green cars. Peter Fannon, Vice President, Technology Policy, Panasonic Corporation of North America was on hand to wish the two teams the best of luck in proving their innovative solar car designs in the grueling Australian Outback environment.

“These teams are truly proving the power of nature’s most ubiquitous fuel, the sun, and helping advance the time when sun power can be a routine part of transportation, and more in our daily lives,” said Mr. Fannon. “Panasonic is pleased to be part of realizing this vision.”In addition to the Lithium Ion batteries that will power the vehicles, Panasonic will also equip the two teams with ruggedized LUMIX digital cameras and Full HD camcorders to enable them to record their performance in the 1,877 mile vehicle endurance test. Although the cars competing in the World Solar Challenge are powered by solar energy, the sun’s rays are converted to electricity, which must be stored when not used immediately. This excess energy is stored in high-efficiency Lithium Ion batteries and is then used to power the vehicles when solar power is not feasible, for example, when it is cloudy or at night.

A prestigious event that attracts the world’s best technical universities and colleges, the World Solar Challenge aims to help discover new automotive technologies that rely on the power of the sun by engaging student teams to develop electric vehicles for a week-long race across the Australian Outback. Currently in its 11th year, the 2011 event will host teams from all over the world to participate in the 3,021-kilometer journey. Dedicated to the goal of becoming the number one green business innovation leader in the electronics industry by 2018, Panasonic pledges to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs.