Points of Interest | Green Energy News

August 3, 2003 – Vol.8 No.19

POINTS OF INTEREST.

A weekly collection of websites worth visiting.

Lumileds Lighting appears to be one of the industry leaders in the development and commercialization of light emitting diodes (LED) as a new kind of energy-efficient light source.

Key to the success of the cool-operating, long-lasting LED as conventional light bulb replacement is the development of a warm white LED. Up until now white-light LED’s are better described as a faint-bluish-white, but Lumileds claims it has developed a warm-white that is much closer to the yellow glow of incandescent bulbs people are comfortable with.

In general, LED’s as light sources seem to be successful in the marketplace. Any number of LED flashlights can be found on store shelves as can solar-powered LED walkway lighting. In a most unusual application Lumileds LED’s have been used to make headlights and taillights for Amish Buggies. Buggy drivers like the new technology because of the low energy consumption. Batteries powering the lights in the horse-drawn carriages need be charged only once every six months compared with once every two weeks with conventional lights. http://www.lumileds.com/ .

Universal Electric Vehicle Corporation is start-up company trying to develop a marketable/profitable battery electric car. This company’s first attempt is its Electrum Spyder - a stylish, highway-capable, two-seater that the company expects to have ready for sale soon.

While most people have looked to the major car manufacturers to build zero emission cars, it may be that small manufacturers may be more successful.

In general, building a new car company (for any kind of car including conventional) has often met with failure. Delorean is an example. But on the other hand some manufacturers of specialty cars have done fine over the years. Morgan Motor Cars, which had propane fueled cars on the road before the name green car became popular, is more than 90 years old. http://www.universalelectricvehicle.com/

Mawson Station, Antarctica may be the chilliest place on the planet operating a utility scale wind turbine. Operated by the Australian Antarctic Division the Enercon turbine was specially engineered for the harsh weather. The turbine, even in what is now the dead of winter, is providing clean energy in the fragile environment. Researchers are also utilizing other green technologies such as solar energy to keep the Station humming. http://www-new.aad.gov.au/