Next Generation “Green” Technologies

October 18, 2011 By Aminda
Smart glass in translucent state

GE Sponsored txchnologist.com has recently spotlighted some interesting advancements energy-saving technologies.

Electric Windows

While the technology has been available for a couple of decades, a new commitment to high-volume manufacturing will soon make accessible the color-changing glass used to produce smart windows. Smart windows let in the sun to help heat rooms when it’s cold outside and also block the visible and near-infrared light that can overheat houses in the summer. They can also reduce the need for electric lighting during daytime and partially eliminate the need for shades and blinds.

The technology (currently used to make glare free mirrors in some high end vehicles) turns glass from transparent to translucent and back again when it is briefly exposed to low voltage that is fed to it via a simple circuit to the building current, thus controlling the transmission of visible and near-infrared light. Research shows that replacing all conventional windows in theU.S.with smart windows could result in a savings of 5 percent of the nation’s entire energy budget.

Nuclear Powered Cars

With electric cars thoroughly embraced by the world, electric airplanes on the horizon, what could possibly the next transformational vehicle technology? At least one inventor says it could be nuclear power. The technology in development is a turbine/electric generator system powered by an accelerator-driven thorium-based laser.

Such a system is said to be capable of, in effect, powering a car forever, being totally emissions-free with no need for recharging. With technological hurdles remaining, no prototype has been developed. However, Cadillac has displayed a concept car which could potentially house such a system. And the big question remains, even if the technology is refined, whether governments will even allow nuclear-powered cars on the roads.


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Reader Comments


It is such a nice thing to do if you will create a thing that is an Eco friendly invention in such a way that no one will be harmed.
Posted by kim@green technology on October 19, 2011

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