Choosing the right air operated double diaphragm pump for your needs can make a big difference in the success of your operation. Knowing what features to look for helps you find a pump that meets your specific requirements and works well with different types of fluids and conditions.

There are many models and suppliers available, so looking at an online supplier of wilden air operated double diaphram pumps allows you to compare different options more easily. Understanding the basics will help you make a confident decision as you shop for the best pump for your job.

Pump Material Compatibility with Fluids

You need to match the pump materials with the fluids you plan to move. Different fluids can cause wear, corrosion, or chemical reactions if the wrong materials are used. Always check the fluid’s temperature, abrasiveness, and chemical makeup before choosing a pump.

Metals like stainless steel may be better for some chemicals, while plastics like polypropylene work well with others. Diaphragm and seal materials also vary, so check what’s most compatible with your liquids.

Choosing the right materials helps your pump last longer and work better. This step prevents leaks, breakdowns, and unnecessary repair costs. Always check chemical compatibility charts and consult with a professional if you have any doubts.

Diaphragm Durability and Wear Resistance

When looking at air-operated double-diaphragm pumps, it is important to check how long the diaphragm will last. A durable diaphragm helps reduce the need for frequent repairs and unexpected downtime.

Diaphragms can wear out from repeated movement, chemical exposure, or abrasive materials in the fluid. Choose materials that handle your fluid’s temperature, chemical makeup, and any gritty particles.

Common diaphragm materials include rubber, Teflon, and other flexible plastics. Each one has different levels of resistance to chemicals and wear. If you use the wrong material, it may fail quickly, leading to leaks or pump breakdowns.

Checking the design and thickness of the diaphragm can also help. Thicker or reinforced diaphragms often last longer in tough applications. Always match the diaphragm type to your specific job to get the best life and performance from your pump.

Air Valve Efficiency and Design

When choosing an air operated double diaphragm pump, you should pay close attention to the air valve. The air valve controls how air is directed through the pump, affecting its energy use and how smoothly it runs.

A well-designed air valve helps the pump cycle efficiently. This means fewer slowdowns or stalls during operation. Pumps with smooth-shifting air valves also tend to need less maintenance over time.

Look for air valves made of durable materials. This helps in longer wear, especially when the pump is used in tough environments.

Check if the air valve allows easy access for cleaning or replacement. User-friendly designs let you fix problems quickly, which reduces downtime.

The size and configuration of the air valve should match your application. Adjustable or self-lubricating valves can give you better control and smoother performance.

Flow Rate and Pressure Capacity

When choosing an air-operated double-diaphragm pump, you should pay close attention to flow rate and pressure capacity. These two factors tell you how much fluid the pump can move and at what force.

Check the maximum flow rate, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Pick a pump that meets your system’s needs without being too small or too large for the job.

Look at the pressure capacity as well. You want a pump that can handle the highest pressure needed for your application. Too little pressure means your pump may not move fluid efficiently.

Flow rate and pressure are often linked. Increasing the air supply can boost both, but it is important not to exceed what your setup can handle. Adjust the air supply for consistent output when needed.

Checking these features helps make sure the pump works properly and matches your requirements.

Ability to Handle Abrasive and Viscous Fluids

When you choose an air operated double diaphragm pump, it is important to check how well it can move abrasive and thick fluids. Some pumps are made with tough parts that resist wear when handling grit, slurries, or other rough materials.

Look for pumps with diaphragms and valves made from strong materials. This helps prevent damage and keeps the pump working for longer periods.

A good pump should also handle fluids with high viscosity without getting clogged or slowing down too much. This is useful for industries that work with heavy oils, pastes, or sludges.

You want a pump that can keep its performance steady, even as it moves thick or grainy fluids. By looking for these features, you can help reduce maintenance needs and keep your system running smoothly.

Ease of Maintenance and Repair

When choosing an air-operated double-diaphragm pump, look for designs that make routine care simple. Pumps with fewer moving parts are usually easier to clean and take apart for inspection.

Check if the pump allows easy access to key parts, like diaphragms and valves. This helps you spot wear or damage early and replace parts without a lot of effort.

Some pumps use standard repair kits. Using these kits can make repairs quicker and reduce downtime. Clear instructions from the manufacturer also help you carry out maintenance without confusion.

Pay attention to how much air or fluid is leaking during use. Excess leaks can indicate parts that need attention. Regular checks keep your pump working well and can prevent surprise breakdowns.

Conclusion

When selecting an air-operated double-diaphragm pump, focus on features like material compatibility, flow rate range, and ease of maintenance.

Check for design elements that allow for simple cleaning and fast part replacement.

Review the pump’s ability to handle dry running, solid content, and various fluid viscosities.

You improve the safety and efficiency of your system by matching the pump’s features to your application’s needs.

The post What Features to Check for the Best Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump? Top 6 Important Qualities to Consider appeared first on Green Prophet.

Dr. Tamar Makov is a lecturer at the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management school at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Originally from Israel, she earned a BSc in Nutrition Science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before moving to the U.S. to complete an MA and PhD in Environmental Studies at Yale University.  Recruited back to BGU in 2019, she now lectures at the university. Her research focuses on data science, circular economy, and life-cycle analysis.

See Related Article: Hebrew University Recognized as World Leader in Movement Ecology 

At the heart of her work lies industrial ecology. The field of study that industrial ecology encapsulates is the analysis of the relationship between the natural environment and industrial processes to promote sustainable development. The aim of this idea is to minimize environmental impacts and promote efficiency by integrating production and consumption development. Critical characteristics of the field of study are life-cycle assessment, economy, and sustainability. While lifecycle assessment is widely taught throughout the U.S and European universities, Israel only has about five dedicated researchers in the field. Dr. Makov’s efforts, a new curriculum at the university, and other students are looking to change this.

At BGU, Dr. Makov’s research thrusts include:

• Looking into emerging tech, to model current production systems
• Identifying current “hotspots” to identify and lessen environmental impacts
• Digitalization studies, to examine how consumer behavior shifts in response to initiatives
• Second-hand culture, the study on how reuse is effective only when it replaces new production and use of resources

By intersecting research, data, and conclusions, Dr. Makov and her associates aim to bridge theory and real-world impact. To increase efficiency and sustainability while reducing harmful environmental practices and their impacts. 

Dr. Makov also lies at an interesting intersection herself. Her educational background at Yale University and her current job at BGU highlight some notable differences in the academic mindset between American and Israeli students. In America, it is much easier for students to focus on their education. While there are inconveniences and real, valid life events, students are still given the opportunity to focus entirely on their education. However, this is not the case for all students in Israel. Makov explains that it is more challenging for students to work, especially when focusing on certain school subjects. To many during a time of war, an environmental education can be seen as secondary. It is challenging to focus on sustainability when a war is unfolding in the backyard. Additionally, many of Makov’s students were in attendance at the Nova Festival during the October 7th terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas. These are just some of the challenges and experiences that Israeli students face when they decide to attend school.

See Related Article: Desert University Goes Green With Gusto

Even if students do decide to study the environment, their tough times do not disappear. On one occasion, Dr. Makov had students studying abroad in the Netherlands. During their final presentation, three of their classmates disregarded the instructions and instead targeted the few Israeli students. Instead of displaying their knowledge, they displayed their ignorance by spouting anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment at the horror and shock of the other students. 

Despite her international pedigree, Dr. Makov faces hurdles stemming from resource constraints and geopolitical tensions. Funding in Israel is much more limited than at major U.S. institutions. This means that research, grants, and funding overall need to be taken seriously and utilized in a careful and targeted way. Additionally, recruiting students with a background in the environmental field can be difficult. To add on, many institutions outside of Israel who used to send students to study at BGU have either pulled out, or the students have not wanted to come due to the war. Partnerships are fragile in general. One example of this came from Dr. Makov’s work on studying bluefish. The study was utilizing a particular software, one that Dr. Makov had used in the past. However, after the October 7th attacks and subsequent public response, the software company will pull its programming. This experience is not unique.

Meanwhile, Dr. Makov reflects on her own time studying abroad at Yale, where she once shared an office with a Palestinian man from Gaza. This shows that collaboration and cooperation are possible. Today, along with many others, Dr. Makov observes that many activists in the U.S. and worldwide often conflate climate issues, Israel-Palestine issues, and other social issues. In her view, this distracts from all causes and forms a generalization. She says that we are better off focusing on issues that are urgent to environmental work: low-income and minority communities still face increased environmental risks, and emerging economies like China drive global emission increases. One example of this comes from Greta Thunberg. Thunberg, who is a climate activist, recently attempted to deliver symbolic aid to Gaza. Thus, bringing the two issues close in activist dialogue. 

See Related Article: Climate Activist Greta Thunberg Joins Gaza Flotilla

As the war continues, Dr. Tamar Makov remains committed to expanding Israel’s footprint in industrial ecology and circular economy, even as she navigates a fractured global landscape. Her work demonstrates that rigorous methods, interdisciplinary teaching, and data-driven projects can still, and will continue to, pave the way toward a more sustainable future. 

The post Life-Cycle Thinking Under Fire: Industrial Ecology Mission Amid Geopolitical Conflict appeared first on Green Prophet.

Exclusive Interview: Pioneer Scientist Moshe Luz Dispels Myths and Reveals How Ivanpah’s Failure Could Stall Bold Investments in Green Tech

California is shutting down its $2.2 Billion CSP solar energy project called Ivanpah. And we wrote last week that investing in things that fail is worthwhile. One of the key scientists behind this technology, Moshe Luz, reached out to Green Prophet to dispel some myths and answer some questions. He argued that claims of bird deaths from CSP are only myths and that Ivanpah’s closure could hinder future renewable energy projects by discouraging investors from taking risks.

Luz emphasized the need for bold investments to advance renewable technology. He suggested that smaller, modular CSP plants could reduce financial risks and attract more investors. Luz also highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with financial sustainability. He noted that government subsidies play a crucial role in supporting renewable energy but warned that dependency on them could jeopardize long-term viability.

The Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, a $2.2 billion concentrated solar plant in California, was once hailed as a breakthrough in renewable energy.

Regarding future energy sources, Luz expressed skepticism about the sole reliance on wind, solar, or hydro, pointing instead to nuclear and fusion energy as more sustainable alternatives. He emphasized the need for technological advancements in miniature turbines and molten salt systems to make CSP more cost-effective. His insights underline the challenges and potential of CSP in the evolving renewable energy landscape.

“A very interesting article,” he writes, “I’m not going to argue if the CSP is good or bad, but to reiterate the urban legend, ‘it is known to kill birds that pass by it,’ is absolutely bad because it is not true. All claims about ‘birds evaporating in the air,’ and other nonsense, were rejected scientifically. Whenever a white elephant such as Ivanpah is shutting down – it is bad.

“It means that the bankability of future projects is at risk, and without these daring initiatives the progress is going to be very slow. If investors are deterred from taking risks we will see only very small steps, playing safe. We need brave people and organizations that will be the first to cross the sea. For them it is not encouraging and they will tackle higher barriers,” he tells Green Prophet.

Moshe worked with BrightSource, the company that built the Ivanpah facility but left the company about 5 years ago.

CSP stands for concentrated solar power. It is a technology that uses mirrors or lenses to focus the sun’s energy to a receiver point which heats a fluid to produce steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity. When combined with molten salt, the heated salt stores energy, allowing power generation even when the sun isn’t shining, improving reliability and efficiency. To note, Ivanpah runs steam in its pipes (not molten salt) and it does not have storage (Thermal Energy Storage).

We asked Moshe about the future of CSP and the bankability of new technologies that widen the possibilities for renewable energy. 

Questions for Moshe Luz

You seem to suggest that the failure of Ivanpah is a blow to the bankability of future renewable projects. In your opinion, what could have been done differently to ensure its success, and how can future projects avoid similar pitfalls?

Some projects are “doomed” to end up as white elephants. If the technology is not mature enough, the results might fall below expectations, in some cases – while inflicting losses to the investors. This is the nature of the beast… It might be a result of bad design, wild assumptions, ignoring facts and data, very high and unjustified targets or going to the market before the “t”s are crossed and the “i”s are dotted – the designer / manufacturer freezes the design before the job is done because of the pressure to go to the market. There is no proven medicine for these diseases. 

What do you think needs to change in the approach to solar power development to make it more cost-effective and viable in the long term?

The present CSP is very expensive and the risks are high. This is why a failure (and there were several) might deter investors from giving money to such plants. Building much smaller plants, where the risk is much smaller as well, will enable more investors to consider the risk as “tolerable”.

So – the solution might be the development of small, modular CSP plants.

You mention that brave organizations should take risks. In your experience, how do you balance the need for innovation with the importance of financial sustainability in such large-scale projects?

There are 2 ways: in the private market the profit from a successful project should be high enough to tempt an investor to take the risk. At the state level, the benefit (not necessarily the profit) should justify the sacrifice of public money in order to promote a project that might lead to better ones. Such was the pilot of “Solar II” that was financed as a test bench for molten salt CSP. 

You believe that the future lies in nuclear and fusion energy rather than wind, solar, or hydro. Can you explain why you feel that way, and how do you see these technologies evolving in the coming decades?

The consideration should be balanced between the risks: all power sources affect the environment but the extent and magnitude should be calculated. We learn slowly about the influence of renewable sources on our planet.

For example: if the average efficiency of the PV after some degradation is 20%, it means that 80% is converted into heat. How is it in comparison to bare sand or even a green forest? Do we reduce the heat absorption or increase? What about the influence on fauna and flora? About birds, insects, wildlife etc.?

Remember the turmoil about the birds in Ivanpah – now there are claims that the blades of wind turbines are vibrating and affecting the birds as well. We have experience with nuclear power and it is not so bad although Chernobyl and Fukushima left a trail of devastation.

Imagine the possibility of a collapse of a huge dam, such as Hoover dam or Aswan dam – what will be the result? Can we guarantee that this will never happen? The 2 major advantages of nuclear power is the very small footprint they have and the ability to provide electricity with minimal pollution if maintained properly.

Could you share your thoughts on the role of government policies and subsidies in encouraging or hindering renewable energy advancements? Do you think current incentives are enough?

Please see my reply above about brave organizations. For sure a subsidy of renewable technology might promote their development. LUZ used the subsidy to justify the installation of its CSP plants, which were copied by dozens of other plants, but when the government stopped the money – the justification disappeared.

Yet – the technology survived. Ivanpah also used subsidies and the tower technology evolved from the innovative concept of heliostats field and power tower.

You’ve worked with BrightSource for many years. In hindsight, are there specific lessons learned from your time there that could help future CSP projects succeed?

One very important lesson: if you work on a technology that consumes so much money for each unit – you must work “lean and mean”. BrightSource was a very good place to work, but its burn rate was too high. In some cases it identified changes in the technology too late, which left it behind other competitors.

And above everything: these groundbreaking companies need A LOT OF MONEY!

You mention that climate change has always affected our lives and always will. What is your perspective on how human intervention through renewable energy can address current and future climate challenges?

I don’t hold myself to be an expert in climate changes or renewable energy. Yet, I’m old enough to remember the panic about global cooling in the 70s: it was assumed that the accumulation of ice in the poles will cause the seas to rise and flood the coasts… sounds familiar?

There was a plan to spread coal dust over the ice caps (from C130 airplanes) in order to increase the absorption of heat and thus melt the ice. Today, I’m not convinced that we are responsible for the changes. I read the book “Unsettled” by Steven Koonin and I am convinced that I’m not convinced: do we affect the changes that much, that it is in our hands to change the direction of the change?

I was also impressed by the book “The Famine Was Severe In The Land” by Arie Issar and Mattanya Zohar that claimed many years ago that the fluctuations in the climate in the Middle East caused geo-political changes – without human intervention in the climate. So – I hesitate to declare if we are the cause of the change and if we are a considerable factor in the direction and / or magnitude of the change.

As an expert in the field, what innovations in solar technology or energy storage do you find most promising for the future of CSP?

Without being an expert, I think that there are 2 technologies that might contribute to the CSP industry:

1). a miniature turbine or heat engine, not necessarily a steam  turbine, in the size 1-10 MWth (megaWatt thermal). This will enable local small modular CSP plants to be installed where needed and

2). a steady improvement in the equipment for molten salt: pumps, valves, instrumentation. This, together with a reduction in the cost of material (pipes, heat exchangers, solar receivers), will enable the small units to turn into commodities. I’m not aware of any major change that will guarantee the future of CSP.

More about Moshe Luz

Moshe Luz is an accomplished engineering professional specializing in renewable energy, with a particular focus on molten salt thermal energy storage and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. His last position was as the Molten Salt Director at Luminescent Solar Power Ltd. in Israel, he brings over two decades of leadership and project management experience to the renewable energy sector. He currently works as a freelance consultant.

Previously, Moshe was the Director of Construction for the Northern Sectors at NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System Ltd., overseeing infrastructure development for the light train in Israel’s Dan District. His expertise in complex engineering projects was further honed during his tenure at BrightSource Industries Israel (formerly Luz2), where he spent nearly nine years in various strategic roles. These included Project Manager and Product Manager, where he supervised the design, production, and supply of Molten Salt Solar Receivers for the Dubai DEWA solar tower, part of the Noor Energy 1 – 700MW CSP Project.

Moshe also played a pivotal role as Owner’s Engineer for the Ashalim Plot A Solar Plant in Israel, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and performance standards. His leadership extended to managing the Solar Energy Development Center (SEDC) in Dimona, Israel, a test site for innovative solar receiver and heliostat technologies.

Earlier in his career, Moshe gained extensive project management experience in desalination and energy sectors with prominent companies such as Paz Oil Company, Bateman Litwin, and Oran Safety Glass OSG. His international exposure includes overseeing large-scale infrastructure and utility projects in Nigeria and managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams worldwide.

With a robust background in infrastructure, project management, and renewable energy innovation, Moshe Luz continues to be a driving force in advancing solar thermal technology and sustainable energy solutions.

In Hebrew, “luz” means almond, though in some editions of the Bible, it is translated as hazel.

The post Ivanpah’s Sunset: Why the Collapse of a $2.2 Billion Solar Dream Threatens the Future of Renewable Energy appeared first on Green Prophet.

Silicon Valley’s has its hoodie-wearing tech entrepreneurs as the poster kids of innovation and fundraising (read our guide on how to raise your first green capital here). You can find a similar story over in Silicon Alley New York (like at AlleyNYC), or in Tel Aviv, Israel. Disruption is the name of the game.

But according to a new study by Thomson Reuters the real source of innovation starts at government. The conclusion of their survey finds that innovators working to create change in this world are more likely to wear suits and hold civil service jobs in Grenoble, Munich or Tokyo than go to Berkeley or MIT.

That’s the conclusion of Reuters’ Top 25 Global Innovators – Government, a list that identifies and ranks the publicly funded institutions doing the most to advance science and technology. Consider that it took a government agency to put a man on the moon, and even in the age of the Internet, governments are still moving science and technology forward. What would medical imaging be without armies and the aerospace industry?

It takes pure research from universities and government bodies to make bold steps in innovation: a limitation that private companies often find it hard to justify and afford. Of course this is changing with Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson who are working to send people to space and also to Mars.

Consider, though, publicly funded organizations split the atom, invented the Internet, and mapped the human genome.

Government groups with the most innovation

Want to collaborate with the best? European institutions dominate the list, accounting for nine out of 25 ranked institutions, more than any other continent. Asia comes in second with eight institutions. North America might have only seven institutions on the list, but taken on a country-by-country basis, the United States dominates, with six organizations ranked. France and Japan each have four, and Germany has three.

To compile the ranking, the IP & Science division of Thomson Reuters began by identifying more than 500 global organizations – including universities, nonprofit charities, and government-funded institutions – that published the most articles in academic journals.

Then they identified the total number of patents filed by each organization and evaluated each candidate on factors including how many patents it filed, how often those applications were granted, how many patents were filed to global patent offices in addition to local authorities and how often the patents were cited by other patents.

Candidates were also evaluated in terms of the number of articles published by researchers in academic journals, how often those papers were cited by patents and how many articles featured a co-author from industry.

Finally, they trimmed the list so that it only included government-run or funded organizations, and then ranked them based on their performance.

So if you are looking to seed invest in startups, this list might point the way.

The Reuters Top 25 Global Innovators – Government

1. Alternative Energies & Atomic Energy Commission (France)
2. Fraunhofer Society (Germany)
3. Japan Science & Technology Agency (Japan)
4. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (U.S.)
5. National Center for Scientific Research (France)
6. Korea Institute of Science & Technology (South Korea)
7. National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Japan)
8. U.S. Department of Energy (U.S.)
9. Agency for Science, Technology & Research (Singapore)
10. French Institute of Health & Medical Research (France)
11. Helmholtz Association (Germany)
12. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (U.S.)
13. RIKEN (Japan)
14. National Research Council of Canada (Canada)
15. Max Planck Society (Germany)
16. Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)
17. Pasteur Institute International Network (France)
18. National Institute for Materials Science (Japan)
19. United States Navy (U.S.)
20. Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (Australia)
21. Spanish National Research Council (Spain)
22. Academica Sinica (Taiwan)
23. United States Army (U.S.)
24. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (U.S.)
25. Russian Academy of Sciences (Russian Federation)

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There seems to be a tremendous struggle happening in the Middle East – a fight between the good guys, like this 10-year-old Emirati wunderkid, and psychotic fundamentalists (along with a host of other corrupt elements.) The good maybe overwhelmed by the very worst bad guys there could be. And then there is the boy who already has seven scientific patents to his name.

Before I go any further, I want to point out that I came across this story over at The National, an Emirati publication. Major shoutout to Ben Flanagan, who should be in the running for a Pulitzer with this story! He really captures the essence of a boy who is just a boy, and yet he has accomplished the feats of a grown man.

It felt like Flanagan was looking for evidence that young Adeeb Al Blooshi had missed out on his childhood, but came away with the most subtle yet complex unveiling of a young person with the wisdom and knowledge of a sage – for example, the “inventor,” as Flanagan calls him, recognizes somehow that he has to separate his accomplishments from his friendships with peers his own age.

“I don’t really like to combine the inventions with my personal life. [My school friends do] ask me, and when they do I answer them,” he told The National. “But then again, we’re all busy playing football.”

Al Blooshi is an inventor, and the recipient of 100 awards and certifications. Did I mention that he is just 10 years old? Or that he is currently on a tour of seven countries under the patronage and watchful eye of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed – the Crown Prince of Dubai?

“The young scientist is on a world tour to help him build on his previous inventions, which include a prosthetic limb for his father and a housework robot for his mother,” writes Flanagan.

“Because of his work he was named by CNN as among the world’s most impressive young medical pioneers.”

For more about his work and tour, and the chance to read one of the most enjoyable pieces of journalism I’ve encountered in a long while, please head over to The National.

Lead image via Naija

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Talk about being self-sufficient, but totally weird! Israeli student designer Naomi Kizhner has designed a collection of jewelry that harvests energy from veins in the human body. The project highlights in a beautiful and artful way how humanity is addicted to energy consumption.

It may be a thought experiment more than anything, but these jewels provoke a fascinating discussion about the ends to which humans will go in order to get the next hit of energy.

Appropriately called Energy Addicts, the project explores the numerous sources of energy the human body produces and then seeks to exploit them. Made of gold and a 3D-printed biopolymer, each jewel taps a particular involuntary physiological response.

“It interested me to imagine what would the world be like once it has experienced a steep decline in energy resources and how we will feed our energy addiction,” Kizhner told an online source.

“There are lots of developments of renewable energy resources, but the human body is a natural resource for energy that is constantly renewed, as long as we are alive.”

Related: Ecco Ukka Weaves Love, Magic and Recycled Materials into Fabric Jewelry

For example, stems on either end of the Blood Bridge are inserted into veins on the lower arm, and blood spins the wheels to produce energy – much like hydroelectricity.

The E-pulse Conductor is slightly less invasive – it harvests electrical pulses produced by the neurological system in the wearer’s spine. But the Blinker is kind of creepy. This piece of jewelry is mounted to the wearer’s nose and eyelids to harvest kinetic energy every time the eyes blink.

Kizhner designed this series as part of her graduation project in industrial design for Hadassah College in Jerusalem. More than an intention to create items that actually harvest energy, the project is supposed to open our eyes to consumption and our dependence on it.

Judging by her early project, this talented young designer is going places!

The post Jewelry that turns human veins into power source appeared first on Green Prophet.

Are you tired of seeing the same old giant wind turbines in a field or offshore? And do you worry about their impact on migrating birds? Hooman Tahvildar Akbary from Iran has a solution that is both super efficient and beautiful.

Designed for the 2014 Land Art Generator Initiative Competition, a site specific art and energy competition for Copenhagen, Blowing Horn references the horns people used to use to communicate to one another over great distances (to me, a hard of hearing person, it looks like the horns we used to use to hear.)

Except this particular horn comes with an interesting twist.

Related: The Shard architect designs lightweight dragonfly wind turbine

“By reducing the cone diameter from the mouth,” writes the design team, “the speed of the wind increases towards the narrower end of the horn—an application of the compact acceleration turbine lens that makes use of the venture effect.”

The inside of the giant horn ‘monument’ contains a multi-rotor turbine that uses just one drive shaft. Designed by Doug Selsam, this technology allows for additional energy generation. While the horn captures the energy, the large base upon which it rests serves a separate function, the designers explain.

“The ship form at the base of monument is designed to act as a channel, which leads wind through a Windbelt™ array on the deck and the outer shell of this new golden horn for environmental energy production.

True to the competition guidelines, this energy generator doubles as a stellar example of public art that not only engages the public, but also generates energy.

The Land Art Generator Initiative got its start in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2010, and awards for the third biannual competition will be presented in Copenhagen in October, 2014 by Connie Hedegaard, the European Commissioner for Climate Action.

Stay tuned!

:: LAGI

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Sometimes, design really does change lives. Dr. Amit Goffer previously designed ReWalk, a device that gives paraplegics paralyzed from the waste down mobility again. But 90 percent of handicapped people are unable to use it. In order to give quadriplegics a similar new lease on life, the Israeli designer made a few modifications with UPnRIDE.

“I have the benefit of being confined to a wheelchair so I tried to create the ultimate solution for the handicapped as I see it,” Dr. Goffer, who is working with RehaMed Technologies CEO Oren Tamari on the new product, told NoCamels.

“The person on the outside will see it as a Segway and not a wheelchair. For the younger generation of handicapped individuals, this is especially important.”

Related: Tel Aviv municipal workers busted for fake handicap sign

The upright wheelchair incorporates new balancing technology that allows even quadriplegics, who have no control over their bodies, to traverse a wide range of terrain with confidence. Imagine that – someone confined to a wheelchair now has the same kind of mobility that able-bodied people enjoy.

UPnRide allows users to maintain their center of gravity – whether they are sitting or standing, and a stabilized platform ensures vertical balance. If the user does fall at all, safety arms will immediately grab them and place them back in the mobile device very similar to a Segway.

While the design is a couple of years from market, Dr. Goffer expects a completed prototype of the pending patent within the next few months. And if it’s anything like the ReWalk, which just received U.S. FDA approval for home use, it’s bound to be a huge hit.

:: ReWalk

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A young firm from Turkey, Designnobis wants to turn them into lanterns!

Unlike other solar-powered lanterns that are currently on the market, Infinite Light treats waste (plastic bottles) as a valuable resource, which helps to drive down its overall carbon or environmental footprint.

It could also potentially drive down the cost, since users would only have to purchase a kit of parts, which includes a flexible solar panel that is placed inside a transparent bottle (for more efficient solar gain), small batteries that store the daytime energy absorbed by the solar panel, and a wire frame that provides the lamp’s portability.

“With Infinite Light, we aimed to create a sustainable lamp with minimum cost,” the designers at Designnobis told Fastco Design. “The lighting unit does not require any infrastructure, and it is a ready-to-use package that can be placed in a discarded plastic bottle.”

Related: WakaWaka provides solar-powered lighting for Syrian refugees

Albeit just a concept at this stage, this design would meet a tremendous need in the Middle East in particular. Especially now during summer, power outages are rampant, electricity is scarce, and millions of people – Palestinians, Syrians, and Iraqis most notably – have been displaced from their homes due to political conflict.

Which means there are millions of people who lack access to basic lighting, which can literally save lives in certain situations. For example, women and children become targets of sexual violence in refugee camps, a terrible crime that is particularly common in areas that have insufficient lighting.

Such a lantern, which is super easy to carry and hang in homes or offices, or donkeys even, thanks to the brilliant but simple wire frame, could also go a long way to reducing the plastic pollution problem in the Middle East North Africa region.

Plus, widespread availability or distribution and use of the Infinite Lights could help shape the way that people view plastic. Rather than view it as trash, it should be seen as a free and valuable resource that can be recycled for other meaningful and important uses.

:: Fastco Exist

The post Turkey’s Designnobis turns plastic bottles into solar-powered lanterns appeared first on Green Prophet.

Saudi Arabia is a desert country with no freshwater resources. Every day the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) produces more than three million cubic meters a day of potable water, which requires a great deal of precious energy, so every drop must be conserved. Cue NOMADD.

Very similar to the robots deployed in Israel to clean solar panels efficiently without water and without manual labor (can you imagine having the job of cleaning these boiling hot panels in the middle of the desert?), the NO-water Mechanical Automated Device (NOMADD) is completely self-sufficient.

One robot is attached to a row of solar panels and proceeds to brush over it once a day. This helps to rid the panels of dust, a regular feature in Saudi thatreduces energy efficiency by up to 60 percent after a dust storm, according to Treehugger.

Equipped with a brush that causes no scratches on the surface of the solar panels, the robots are great for water conservation, and they make sense from a labor perspective as well.

Related: Saudi to spend $109 billion to power a third of the nation with solar power by 2032

“No manpower is required for the operation of the NOMADD, beyond a single operator in a remote location who can oversee the site from a distance and observe the operational characteristics of each NOMADD device in real-time through remote sensor viewing and network communications,” according to the company literature.

And like a dream come true, the robots are actually fairly rudimentary, which means they’re not complicated to build and can be easily replaced in the event that one breaks down.

“The NOMADD is constructed from simply manufactured aluminium components, requiring a minimum of machining and using sections that are standard sizes,” the company continues. “Fittings are stainless steel, and the rollers are similar to those found on heavy duty lifting equipment. This makes the NOMADD superstructure and translation structure extremely rugged and durable, with no exposed perishable parts.”

Given the Kingdom’s $109 billion plan to power a third of Saudi Arabia with solar energy by 2032, these NOMADD robots should go a long way to reduce both energy and water consumption, while boosting the performance of solar panels.

:: Treehugger

The post NOMADD robots clean Saudi solar panels without using a drop of water appeared first on Green Prophet.