immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Solartechnologie

  • From raindrop to power source

    From raindrop to power source

    In future, water that falls through pipes can do more than just flow away. It can generate electricity. Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a method to generate electrical energy using a so-called “plug flow”, a steady stream of drops. In initial laboratory tests, it has already been possible to power 12 LEDs for 20 seconds using only artificially generated rain. The decisive factor here is the separation of electrical charges when the droplets hit a polymer-coated pipe wall.

    The efficiency of this system is remarkable. More than 10 % of the energy of falling drops is converted into electricity. A multiple compared to conventional water systems. The output can be scaled by connecting several tubes in parallel. An approach with potential for urban rain management concepts or as a backup system in solar plants.

    Electricity from friction
    In addition to flow technology, the triboelectric effect also opens up new ways of generating energy. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) convert the kinetic energy of raindrops into electricity through the contact and separation of two materials. In solar systems, these generators can be integrated on the surface without impairing light transmission. This generates additional energy when it rains. An ideal addition for days with little sunshine.

    In the laboratory, 50 to 100 watts per square metre have already been generated, which corresponds to around a third of the maximum output of modern PV modules. According to the Fraunhofer Institute, this technology will soon be ready for the market.

    Prospects for architecture, energy and mobility
    The applications extend far beyond solar roofs. In the future, clothing, shoes or façades with TENG coatings could also generate electricity with every movement or drop of rain. This opens up new possibilities for decentralised power supply, building technology and energy self-sufficient systems, especially in urban regions with high rainfall frequency.

  • Infomaniak backs Meyer Burger

    Infomaniak backs Meyer Burger

    After achieving economic independence,Infomaniak also wants to become self-sufficient in terms of renewable energies, the Geneva-based web technology developer announced in a press release. “We want to install a new solar power plant every year in order to cover 50 per cent of our annual electricity consumption ourselves by 2030,” Boris Siegenthaler, founder and strategic director of Infomaniak, is quoted as saying. Infomaniak is working with the internationally active solar manufacturer Meyer Burger from Thun to realise its plans.

    As a first step, Infomaniak has commissioned two solar plants from Meyer Burger with a total of 1085 modules. They produce around 400,000 kilowatt hours of solar power per year, which is consumed directly at Infomaniak. A further system with 364 modules is planned for this year.

    Meyer Burger has the modules developed in Switzerland manufactured at its plant in southern Germany. Compared to modules manufactured in Asia, they have a significantly lower CO2 footprint due to short transport routes, a local supply chain and production using only renewable energy. “Generating solar energy in our latitudes with Asian solar modules makes no sense these days in terms of efficiency and carbon footprint,” says Siegenthaler. He points out that mineral resources have to be extracted for import and production. “That’s why local manufacturers should be favoured who keep their impact as low as possible.”