Japan Plans to Harvest Solar Power from Space by 2030

One of the big downsides of solar power is how dependent it is on local weather conditions. If it’s rainy or overcast, you can’t harvest much energy during the day. During winter, the shortened hours of daylight mean solar panels won’t be soaking up much sunlight. In an effort to address these kinds of seasonal and weather variations, Japan is developing an innovative new system for collecting solar energy from space.



The solar stations would consist of geostationary satellites sitting 36,000 km above the Earth, which would transmit collected energy back down to the planet in the form of laser beams or microwaves. Right now, the Japanese government and their space agency, JAXA, aren’t completely sure of the best way to transmit this energy over long distances, so they’re conducting ground-based experiments to learn more. Given Japan’s recent solar energy boom, this seems like the next logical step in the country’s solar research.

While there are a number of technological challenges that need to be resolved before this idea can be implemented, results so far are promising. The project has officially transitioned from simply being a concept to the necessary technology being created and demonstrated. All told, JAXAofficials expect the system to be ready for practical use in the 2030s.

It’s worth nothing that NASA is researching a similar system right now, and hopes to have a prototype ready to send into space by 2025. But with practically the entire agency currently shut down and faced with massive potential funding cuts, it will be interesting to see which country is able to launch a satellite first.

+ JAXA

Via Treehugger

Images © Mafic Studios, Inc

by Julie M. Rodriguez, 10/03/13

Read more: Japan Plans to Harvest Solar Power from Space by 2030 | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

The Technology Behind Elon Musk's 700 MPH Hyperloop Train

Elon Musk’s Hyperloop is one of the most talked about transportation developments of 2013 – and now that two top engineers have signed up to work on the project, it looks like it could actually see the light of day. Webpage FX recently launched a new infographic that details the Hyperloop’s various features and compares the futuristic train to California’s proposed high speed rail. Check out the full infographic after the break!

by Mike Chino, 09/30/13

Read more: Infographic: The Technology Behind Elon Musk's 700 MPH Hyperloop Train | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

Smart Satellite Technology to Help Combat Poaching in Kenya

One rhino is killed every 11 hours in Kenya, leaving just over 500 of the animals out of the 20,000 that existed in Kenya in 1969. To help keep tabs on the remaining individuals, Cambridge Consultants has developed a system of motion-sensitive cameras connected by satellites. Created for the Zoological Society of London and in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service, the information provided by the technology can act as an early warning system as well as a source of data for the Instant Wild Project.



The system can be placed at areas where endangered animals congregate, such as watering holes or savannahs. The cameras take 30 photos a day as well as pictures several seconds apart when triggered by a sensor. They can also detect the vibration of vehicles and the sounds of gunshots, allowing rangers to intervene as soon as possible. Infrared flashes keep both the poachers and animals unaware of the devices. The entire system is able to withstand a variety of weather conditions and is camouflaged to blend in with its surroundings.

All information is sent over the Iridium satellite network, the only commercial system that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. A downloadable mobile application will allow users to catch glimpses of rare animals at the click of a button. The application also comes equipped with a field guide allowing users to identify their subjects.

“This technology will enable us to make a significant breakthrough in our day-to-day work with endangered species. We manage around eight percent of the total land mass of Kenya – and these cameras will be critical in helping us monitor the well-being of rare animals and ensure their habitats remain protected from poachers. Through our work with ZSL and Cambridge Consultants, we want to help raise awareness of vulnerable species and the risks they face every day,” said Patrick Omondi, deputy director of wildlife conservation at Kenya Wildlife Service.

Cambridge Consultants has received grants from both Google and the Royal Charitable Wedding Gift Fund via the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. While they will be able to identify and intercept potential poachers, the main challenge of eradicating the demand for products such as rhino horn still remains. As conservation groups work towards changing the desire for endangered animal parts, the Zoological Society of London will try to stop the killers in their tracks.

+ Cambridge Consultants

Via Zoological Society of London

Images via Cambridge Consultants.

by Morgana Matus, 09/06/13

Read more: Smart Satellite Technology to Help Combat Poaching in Kenya | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building