Solar power is a great form of renewable energy. One of the biggest issues confronting the widespread use of solar power, is the price. Solar panels are expensive. Because of this and other factors including chemical makeup used in the panels and the efficiency, scientists are always working to break through the barriers. One of these scientists is Barry D. Bruce. He has been working on a way to generate electricity from the photosynthesis process of blue-green algae, specifically targeting the PSI (photo system I) component. The process requires small zinc oxide tubes that are specifically designed to attract PSI particles. These particles react to the sunlight and produce electrons which are then captured by the zinc oxide tubes generating an electrical current.
This process of bio-electricity seems to have a large potential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, the article didn't mention how much energy could be produced by one of these devices or how much space is required. I understand that they need to make improvements before this system is usable, but it would be nice to know where it stands right now. The article did mention something interesting that I have never given deep thought to: fossil fuels were once plant matter. I knew this fact, but never thought about it in the sense of bio-electricity. Right now, there is a gap in the efficiency of fossil fuels and plant matter. The gap could possibly be reduced in size based on technological innovations. Essentially, we could grow our own electricity if this innovation is pursued further with positive results.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202092246.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment