How solar panels are made????????
How solar panels are made
SolarWorld manufacturers solar panels entirely in the USA from raw silicon to completed solar panels. This process involves four main steps: crystal growing, wafering, solar cell production and solar panel assembly. Learn about each of the four steps below.
TOP 10 NEW BUILDING MATERIALS
When construction formally came into being, structures were built that served the purpose without much concern for economy. Naturally with time, economy came into play and things changed. Today it is all about economy, environment and its protection. Structures are not only designed to minimize the costs but also so that they are eco-friendly. Here are few cutting edge construction materials.
10. Recycled steel
Steel Recycling Institute has introduced some pretty convincing building materials. According to the SRI, builders are customizing the process of framing to simplify it and so that the steel beams and panels can fulfill the required specifications. The SRI vouches that recycled steel is highly wind resistant and can also handle earthquakes. A report of SRI states that around 40 to 50 tress are required for construction of a 2000 square foot house which once constructed with steel will utilize material no more than what comes from six scrapped cars. Recycling scrap steel reduces the energy produced in making the steel by 75 percent, and it saves space in landfills as well.
Its an old technology given a new form as the energy saving properties are now integrated with it. The Portland Cement Association, one of the top makers of concrete forms, defines them as “cast-in-place concrete walls that are sandwiched between two layers of insulation material.” It’s like a sandwich since the concrete is place between two walls made out of insulating materials and remain in place to become the part of building. Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted a research and issued a report in which they stated that this technology saves up to 20% energy in comparison to traditional wood construction for cold climates such as that of Chicago. The research was funded by industry.
One of the best surfboard making company was fined by Environmental Protection Agency for using toxic chemicals; a surfboard maker in San Diego took a different path. He made foam that comes from plants. Ned McMahon, chief operating officer of Malama Composites, is manufacturing the foam from materials such as bamboo, hemp and kelp. This rigid foam is used in insulation, wind turbine blades, furniture and, naturally surfboards. When used as insulation, the foam offers high moisture and heat resistance, excellent acoustics and protection against mold and pests. It also has a higher R-value than fiberglass or polystyrene, meaning that it has a higher thermal resistance and insulates better.6. Cool Roofing
Cool roofing works on the same principle as a white shirt does in comparison to a black one. White shirt reflects most of the heat and keeps the person cool. Cool roofing too reflects most of the heat from the sun and keeps the house cool. In the past, color was the governing factor and the customer were advised to choose lighter colors. However with betterment in technology even dark colors now reflect heat back into the atmosphere making the spectrum of color choice wider. Naturally such material cost more than traditional materials. Eco Home Magazine put forward an estimate that a surplus cost of $80 along with principle amount is needed if the customer opts for cool roofing. However people argue that this cost can be saved up in terms of electricity bills.5. Structural Insulated Panels
The general principle of this technology is that an insulation material is place between pieces of plywood, strand board or cement panels. In 2009, the material was used in less than 2 percent of new homes. Some estimates tell us that such materials can save up to 50% in energy cost. However, architects are not fully aware of the ways to use it and some people find them ugly. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the material is fire resistant, and it can be used for foundations, floors, basements and load-bearing walls. And as to the aesthetic issues, the association’s research notes that the surfaces can be given a finished looks, such as wood grain or stucco. Siding, bricks and stone can be installed on the panels, too.4. Recycled Wood/Plastic Composite Lumber
National Association of Home Builders prefers 50-50 combination of wood fibers and waste plastics over traditional treated lumber as it is more durable and less toxic. Due to its composite nature the material is more rigid that plastic lumber. The wood fibers add the extra strength. While it’s more resistant to mold and rot, the composite lumber is more rigid in the cold and more pliable in the heat than plastic lumber. This also implies that the material is expensive as well.
3. Low-E Windows
The low emissivity windows have a coating of metallic oxides on them that prevent the heat to transfer through them. Normally the windows are employed on external windows without double-pane windows. There are two types of coatings; soft and hard coating. The soft coating is usually between the glass panels while the hard one is on the outside of the glass. These windows cost 10 to 15 percent more than your average storm window however they do save 10 to 20 percent in heating costs.2. Vacuum Insulation Panel
For an inch panel, the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) can give as much as 10 times more insulation as compared to our conventional products. Although this is an exceptional technology, yet it is currently only available for commercial industrial refrigeration and specialized container systems. It’s a textured silver rectangle that holds a core panel enclosed in an airtight envelope. Manufacturers can make the panels in any size. According to National Association of Home Builders the major problem with the material is its fragile exterior. The association is working with The Dow Chemical Company, the chief manufacturer of the product, to make the panels available as insulation for attics in future residential construction. 1. Earth
Building with rammed earth or adobe has its advantages. To begin with it is free, abundant and readily available at the site thus eliminating the need for transportation. However, finding the right craftsmen for this type of construction on the other hand is not an easy job. Countries like China, Peru and New Zealand actually have integrated such type of constructions in their building codes, United States on the other hand refrained from it. This is mostly because craftsmen are not easily available and cost for labor alone for such work can go up to $80 per square foot. Even so, researchers at the association note that earthen walls provide excellent thermal protection, and the material comes from the ultimate in renewable sources.TOP 10 BRIDGES OF THE WORLD
10. The Hangzhou Bay Bridge
China is not new to bridge building and has a bridge that was built in 300 A.D. still in working order. But the bridge that is on our list is rather young if you think of its age. After 9 long years of planning and construction, The Hangzhou Bay Bridges was finally opened in May 2008 for traffic. Some of its specs are as follows; 36 Km long, 6 lanes for both directions, budget of 11.8 billion yuan ($1.72 billion) and a life expectancy of 100 years. The bridge stretches over the Qiantang River at the Yangtze River Delta on the East China Sea. A high budget project, but with the life expectancy of 100 years, it is definitely going to pay off over time!9. The Bosphorus Bridge
The Bosphorus Bridge; links Asia to Europe and was also host to a tennis match in May 2005 between Venus Williams and Ïpek Senoglu. The bridge, 1.51 Km long, was inaugurated in 1973 as a suspension bridge with an eight lane deck. The bridge was the only linking bridge until 15 years later when Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge was opened. The sight at night is amazing due to its LED lighting system. The pedestrians were stopped from crossing the bridge in 1977 for safety reasons. Also known as Istanbul Strait, this bridge connects Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.8. Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Remember how we talked about imagination and technology making it possible? Well, our number 8 on the list, Gateshed Millenium Bridge, definitely is a merger of both. The bridge’s design was a result of contest announced in 1996 to design an innovative pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Tyne River. The requirements were that the bridge should allow for the passing of ships, should not block the view of other bridges and must not affect the cultural activities going on either bank. The winning design was surely one that had never been seen before. It is made up of two steel arches. They are perpendicular to each other and one acts as the deck for cycles and pedestrians. When the bridge needs to be moved the whole structure moves as one with one arch acting as counter-balance and eight motors whir into action pulling the deck-arch up, making way for ships. The bridge was completed in 2000 with a length of 126 m.7. Millau Viaduct
At number 7, we have the tallest vehicular cable stayed bridge situated in France and completed in 2004. It was built at Tarn Valley to carry the A75 motorway south to Beziers. The highest point on this bridge falls just short of empire state building. If you ever travel on this bridge, be warned; your car will be suspended 271 meters above the valley. If you are wondering why take the risk of this tall bridge; it helps you save yourself from a four hour drive and almost a 100 km. The bridge has also helped in easing the traffic pressure of the area.6. Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge
Brazil, remember fast and furious 5? Well, it is Brazil where you would find such a fascinating bridge. São Paulo is a cosmopolitan city and is considered to be its financial hub. The bridge spans the Pinheiros River and is 900 m long with about 138 meters height. Why is it on our list? Ahem, did you take a look at the picture? Yes, two curved decks which cross each other through an X-shaped supporting tower covered by LED lighting. The tower can be colored in different lights and is sometimes used to convey important dates. The bridge has been named after Brazilian media mogul, Octavio Frias de Oliveira.5. St. Anthony Falls Bridge
A bridge that carried traffic in and out of Minneapolis collapsed on Aug. 1, 2007. Such events usually result in a public distrust and related issues. Within hours of this incident, officials vowed to rebuild the bridge and restore public confidence by incorporating safety features that would make is safer to travel on the bridge, the result was St. Anthony Falls Bridge which was inaugurated in September, 2008. This is a marvelous piece of engineering with high performance concrete and steel reinforcement (6.8 million kg) covered by epoxy to maintain the steel’s strength. About 323 sensors were embedded into the bridge which continually monitor the bridge and help analyze any problem area. The officials went to great lengths to ensure that no disaster would ever happen again. The concrete contains cement with Active TX which helps clean the air as well.4. DeNeveu Creek Bridge
Materials matter a lot when it comes to building structures. Steel used in concrete gets corroded when it’s exposed to water and/or air. Although we have a remedy for that; coating the rebars with epoxy but scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed another solution to this problem. Meet the reinforcing matrix made from a novel fiber-reinforced polymer. Yes, a lot of science so let’s break it down; basically the material is non-metallic and will not corrode while it has the strength to be used in structures providing a longer life to the structures. This material was used in DeNeveu Creek Bridge which is a 40m long bridge along Highway 151 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The payoff is the fact that this box girder bridge will not require any maintenance for at least 75 years compared to other bridges which require it within 30-40 years. The bridge completed in 2005 is well off without any repairs until 2080!3. Oresund Bridge
Oresund Bridge is the link bridge between Denmark and Sweden. The bridge came up as a challenge for the engineers since it had to carry both train and cars while the bridge had to be joined with an immersed tunnel as well. The project’s cost was around $3 billion. The whole project can be divided into three major parts; the tunnel, artificial island and the cable stayed bridge stretching over 5 miles which ends on Swedish soil. The bridge is the longest cable stayed bridge for both cars and trains. Its towers are about 204 m high. The lower deck is for the railway while the upper deck is for cars.2. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Japan’s pride- The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge had to face quite some issues during its construction. With around 4,000 small island, Japan enjoys to be the most seismically active region. The bridge survived a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and was then re-designed during its construction phase to cater for some of the damage that had been inflicted. The rest of the construction went quite successful and without any interruptions. The bridge opened in 1998 with a span of 3.9 Km with towers about 283 meters high. The cables carry tensile forces of 132,000 tons. It also enjoys the award of being the longest span suspension bridge.1. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
The number one spot has been taken by Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel. As the name suggests, it is composed of bridges and tunnels. It has a total span of 27.4 Km with majority of the bridge-tunnel structure being just above the water. There are 5,000 piers to support this bridge. The tunnels, 1 mile long, allow for the ships to pass while taking the traffic beneath the bay’s navigation area which then re-surfaces on to two man-made islands. In 1965 this masterpiece won the award of ‘Outstanding Engineering Achievement’ and was designated as ‘One of Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World’.
TOP TEN BEST CITIES TO LIVE IN THE WORLD
Most people have a favorite city that they either live in currently today or dream of living in one day in the near future. Many people may dream of the same city, but for different reasons. Regardless of where you may dream of living throughout the world, though, there may be someplace better that you either have never heard of in the past or maybe just forgot about. Here is a list of the top 10 best cities to live in around the world.
Auckland, New Zealand
Out of all of the travel destinations around the world that have been featured in magazines and on televised travel programs, New Zealand seems to be one of the countries that many people forget about completely. Auckland is one of the most beautiful cities throughout New Zealand and is also known as the biggest town in the country. You can even say that it is the “New York City of New Zealand”, because it is also stacked with towering skyscrapers, harbors and beautiful parks.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland has truly proven to be one of the best cities to live in around the world because of everything that this capital city has it offer its residents. There are several different modes of transportation that you can choose from, including an active community of bicyclists that are able to safely travel throughout the city. There is a wide range of main attractions throughout this city (such as the Tapio Wirkkala Park, the Kamppi Chapel or Silence and the Helsinki Observatory) that would not be able to be fully enjoyed in a single short trip. However, living there allows you to enjoy every aspect of this beautiful city throughout the year
Paris, France
There is just so much that you can do and see in Paris, France that it really would only make sense to live in this amazing city. The cost of living is much higher as you get closer to major tourist attractions, but there are still plenty of affordable dwelling units on the outskirts of the city. Many people move to Paris to start fresh while others just move to Paris to try something different. Whatever your reason for doing so, you more than likely will never feel as if you made a bad decision once you have arrived.
Calgary, Canada
If you want a perfect mix of historical values, modern-day beauty and futuristic essence then you will feel right at home living in Calgary, Canada. There is always something to do and somewhere to go in the beautiful city throughout the year – day and night. You are only minutes away from some of the most amazing national parks that you have ever visited before in the past. There is literally something for everyone to enjoy within the city limits of Calgary, Canada.
Perth, Australia
Maybe you have thought about traveling to the world down under in the beautiful continent of Australia. If so, then you definitely want to seriously consider moving to the amazing city of Perth. The city itself is basically waterfront property, especially since it sits on the Swan River and has several beautiful Indian Ocean beaches surrounding the perimeter of the city itself. There is a wide variety of wineries, caves and lavish landscapes that you would definitely not be able to enjoy fully just by visiting the city but moving there would allow you to explore and experience it all.
Toronto, Canada
Along with the overall benefits that come with living in Canada (such as in the areas of healthcare and education), Toronto adds a wide variety of many other benefits that can be experienced if you decide to live within the boundaries of this city. There is a plethora of job opportunities that fill the many offices of this city and an extensive list of attractions that are regularly enjoyed by its citizens day and night throughout the year. It is truly something that you have to experience for yourself!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There are literally hundreds of different things that can be done in the naturally beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Many people steer away from the idea of living there because of not being fluent in Portuguese or Spanish – two of the primary languages that are spoken there. However, what many do not realize is that there are still many of people that live and work here that speak English and hundreds of people that have been able to get by day after day with only a basic knowledge of the primary languages.
Sydney, Australia
If you enjoy visiting or living in Perth, Australia, your mind will be blown away just by taking one step in the phenomenal city of Sydney. The cost living here is very affordable, the climate remains temperate throughout the year and there is an overabundance of things to do for recreation throughout the city. If you are history buff, there is an overwhelming amount of history that fills the streets and buildings throughout Sydney simply because it is not only the largest city in Australia but the oldest as well. A simple visit to this city would make it extremely hard for you to want to go back home afterwards.
New York City, New York
If America truly is the land of opportunity, then New York City is the heart of that land. Thousands of people move to New York City each year – either short-term or long-term – for new beginnings, new opportunities and an overall new life. The streets of New York City may seem daunting and chaotic at first, but once you learn the method behind the madness, you will be able to understand the ease of transportation that only true New Yorkers are able to enjoy today. There is not very much that you can’t see or do in this amazing city and the sky truly is the limit as to what you can do while you are there.
TOP 10 APPS THATS MAKES YOUR LIFE EASIER
Inventions have always been made because a need was felt to do a certain work more easily and in less time. Hence, need is the mother of invention. Inventors are always coming up with stuff that makes working easier and fun. Along the same lines, smart phones are smart because of the efficient apps that can be installed and used. These apps are ideas that come from people who wanted to make people lives more efficient. So buckle up, here’s the list of top 10 apps that increase your daily efficiency.
10. Waze
The most convenient travelling app you will find. Don’t worry about traffic blues if you have this in your phone. It a community based app for travellers and has a series of wonderful features like checking for road closures with its real time reports.
9. Sleep Cycle
Need a personal sleep trainer, just install Sleep Cycle that takes care of your sleeping routine and wakes you up accordingly with its alarm clock. It basically helps you wake up fresh and not drained; active and alert to have a productive day.8. Whatsapp
Talk about going global. This app helps you get through to your friends and family who live millions of miles away across seas and staying connected despite high international calling rates and taxes! Friends and family are now just a text away. Use your wifi connection Or 3G to connect globally anywhere in the world using Whatsapp. Convenience at its best!7. 1Password
One key to many locks! 1Password is such an app that helps you save time by storing all the passwords in one safe location. Its like one master key to all the locked doors, no need to worry about the innumerable passwords you’ve kept for with various online documents and properties.6. The Eatery
One stop diet plan is The Eatery. No need for diet control journals or expensive online diet planning trainers. Just take a picture of the food that you eat over a specific period of time and this app analyses it for you; compiles all the related data, gives you results on your dietary habits and how they need to be improved. Want to make a change in your eating patterns? This is the app to start it with.5. Duolingo
This free and convenient app helps you learn as many languages as you can! May it be German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Latin, Arabic or English, install Duolingo and get the best learning experience by interacting with people from other languages and cultures.4. Venmo
Pay you debts and your bills or even your friends’ using this app. No need to carry around cash. It makes it easier for everyone to pay each other in a very secure environment. Only add your trusted friends and exchange money after confirming it, so no need to worry about sending it off to strangers.3. Mailbox
Manage you emails and inbox with this app. The purpose is to keep your inbox at its minimum. Make you emails more efficient by deleting or putting them on snooze at your will.
2. Sign Easy
No need to scan, fax and print to sign a document. Use this app to do it on your smartphone. An easy to use app to sign and send documents online and digitally. Why waste paper!1. Amount
Want to convert huge amounts from one measurement to another? Get Amount! Stop wasting time to do the math, just input figures and covert them. Convert weights,currency, distances, anything and everything with numbers.10 INVENTIONS THAT CHANGE EVERYDAY LIFE
Finding new uses of old techniques,methods and gadgets is true innovation. This is a top 10 list that talks about everyday use items which has been improved in one way or another.
10. Wi-Fi Routers
Chinese scientists have tweaked the average Wi-Fi router by introducing a router that relies on light to transmit data rather than radio waves. If you’re thinking that this is just a fantasy then you are mistaken. Office buildings in Minnesota are already users of this tweaked Wi-Fi- router. For those who are wondering how you can use light for transmission, well it uses a form of binary code and works by flickering of light at a speed which the human eye is unable to register. The following video tells more about this new invention!9. Touch Screens
OmniTouch is the gadget you need to own. Currently being researched on by Microsoft, this gadget can let you project a screen on any surface and can be mounted on your shoulder. You can use the projection as a touch screen. Sounds wicked , right? Moreover, it can project multiple screens as well on different, that’s right, different surfaces.8. Floor Mats
Here’s something for people who love when they don’t have to work at all; a floor mat which cleans your shoes while you step over it. Priced at almost six thousand dollars this floor mat makes use of tiny vacuum valves that suck the dirt from your shoes and dump it into a container which can be cleaned afterwards. Available in different sizes and shapes, here’s a video of how it works!
7 SOFT DRINK CANS
Are you one of those who want their drink to be chilled? Then this will be quite the thirst quencher for you! West Coast Chill, an energy drink, is coming your way this year. When you press a button beneath the can, it instantly cools down your drink by 30 degrees everytime you do it! How? They have CO2 in there and it gets thrown out when you press the button, the gas expansion requires heat which is derived from the drink, resulting in the temperature loss of the drink itself! See it for yourself.6. Trash Can That Catches Garbage
Like throwing trash into the bin without getting up? This particular trash can coming from Japan will make sure that you never miss. Using Xbox Kinect technology this awesome device maps the whole room, detects when the trash is being thrown and moves around to make sure that it catches the trash! Totally automated, it just requires setting up and that’s all. Here’s the video for you who want to watch this machine in action!5. Glasses That Change Life into a FPS
‘I’ll be back’. Reminds you of Terminator, doesn’t it? How would you like to look at things the way terminator did? You know, all that tweaked display and stuff! Well, here are the glasses that can make it happen. Coupled with cameras and LCD screens, this device helps you keep record of everything you look at! Each lens has its own dedicated camera, the two images are coupled together to let you see like your real eyes would!4. Fibers in Clothing That Generate Electricity When
You Move
Out of battery and don’t have a charger? Well, soon enough all you’ll need to do is to plug your charger in your shirt and voila! ZnO fibers generate electricity when they become stressed and human body is a machine that produces energy even when we’re breathing. You can now guess, a few of these fibers go into your clothing and you can generate your own electricity! Check it out here.3. Speed Bumps
Jae-yun Kim and Jong-Su Lee have improved the speed bump design. It’s quite a pain when you slow down but your car still gets damaged by the bump, right? Here’s the solution. This speed bump folds up if you are under the speed limit while it maintains its form if you are over the speed limit. Quite practical and creative, wouldn’t you agree?2. Flyswatters
*zap* *zap* and your area is clear of mosquitos! Bill Gates has financed this device and its primary goal is to fight malaria in tropical areas. It senses the insects by their sound and once it locks down their position, it fries them on the spot by a laser! Using this, a sort of fence can be created around lets say a village which can be declared mosquito free. Here’s a video of a mosquito getting zapped!1. Laser Keyboards
Forget about cleaning your keyboard, being worried about losing a key or the typing noise. Infact, forget about your typical keyboard! Here’s the new thing that you need; a laser keyboard. This keyboard is a projection of keyboard via a projector attached to your system on any flat surface and works like a charm. Have a look for yourself!
