Reading Roundup: Jan 14

Reading Roundup is a regular feature of WebEchoes. It exists to limit the number of "read this" posts with minimal commentary on my part.


EETimes.com - Nanotechnology aids large-area solar cell
Another technique for building solar cells, at reduced cost, and with conversion efficiencies to match those of more expensive silicon based solar cells.

Johnson Thermoelectric Energy Conversion System - Heat Engine - Popular Mechanics
Ignore everything they say about it being for solar. It is applicable to ANY system that produces large amounts of high heat without using it. Solar Furnaces, Flue Gases, etc. An interesting advance in heat harnessing that hopefully can be proven to work and built cost effectively.

The Oil Drum | Peak Oil, Peak Food, Peak Risk
A well written essay on the relationship of oil for fuel, food production, and the risks associated with each. The author is a farmer in Canada and I think does a good job of making this case.

Consumption | Gristmill: The environmental news blog | Grist
Included as much for the comments as the piece by David Roberts. Also worth reading the op-ed piece by Jared Diamond (review of Collapse coming soon).

The Oil Drum | Alternative Wind Power Experiments - SkySails and Airborne Wind Turbines
Extremely long article that summarizes recent announcements in adding giant "sails" to cargo ships and using large airborne systems to harvest wind power for electric generation.

Inhabitat » WEZA Foot-Powered Portable Energy Source
Forget solar chargers for devices and carrying a battery around to jump start your car. Carry around this foot powered gizmo to charge things.