AFP/Getty Images/File – An Intel sign is displayed in front of the computer chip maker’s headquarters in Santa Clara, California. …
SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – Intel on Thursday showed off a wireless electric power system that analysts say could revolutionize modern life by freeing devices from transformers and wall outlets.
Intel chief technology officer Justin Rattner demonstrated a Wireless Energy Resonant Link as he spoke at the California firm’s annual developers forum in San Francisco.
Electricity was sent wirelessly to a lamp on stage, lighting a 60 watt bulb that uses more power than a typical laptop computer.
Most importantly, the electricity was transmitted without zapping anything or anyone that got between the sending and receiving units.
“The trick with wireless power is not can you do it; it’s can you do it safely and efficiently,” Intel researcher Josh Smith said in an online video explaining the breakthrough.
“It turns out the human body is not affected by magnetic fields; it is affected by elective fields. So what we are doing is transmitting energy using the magnetic field not the electric field.”
Examples of potential applications include airports, offices or other buildings that could be rigged to supply power to laptops, mobile telephones or other devices toted into them.
As the world watches the Beijing Games, enthusiasts from Hong Kong have unveiled their own Olympics — built entirely from Lego.
More than 300,000 Lego bricks and 4,500 Lego people were used to create the display, by the Hong Kong Lego User Group.
Chopstick challenge: The Birds’ Nest stadium is a miniature work of art as complex as the original
Birds’ eye view: The miniature even has a football pitch, complete with players and markings
The intricate miniature city, measuring 10ft by 26ft, features most of the recognisable venues, including the Birds’ Nest Stadium and the Water Cube swimming centre.
More…
Making a splash: The Hong Kong Lego team went to great lengths to recreate the spectacular Water Cube aquatic centre, inside and out (below)
Smash hit: Ping pong players line up at the tables in the arena
Sand and deliver: There is even George Bush’s favourite sport, beach volleyball
Serving up a treat: The Smallville tennis tournament is in full swing
The Hong Kong Lego User Group, says: ‘We believe that creations are not limited by resources, but by ideas.’
Bridle suite: Designers lovingly created tiny Lego trainers tending their Lego horses before they compete in the equestrian arena, below
Chain reaction: Mini cyclists saddle up
Check the FILM & TV Section, top of the sections!
Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times
AHEAD OF THE CURVE: Jeff Bowers, left, and Monti Olson launched the vinyl-only Original Recordings Group labelƒo in December 2006. It will release 10 albums in 2008 and expects to put out twice that number in 2009.
E-mail Picture Music on discs, the big, old-time kind, is popular again. Baby boomers and even kids seek it out. The industry responds.
Written by
Ariel Schwartz Published on August 13th, 2008
16 Comments Posted in
alternative energy,
solar energy,
transportation
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Oregon is once again taking the lead with renewable energy by installing the country’s first highway solar energy project. The project will consist of a 104 kW solar photovoltaic system that covers 8,000 square feet and produces 112,000 kWh each year. That’s 28% of the energy needed to power the project’s location, the Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 interchange in Tualatin.
Electricity for the interchange will be provided by PGE. The solar panels will come into play by producing electricity during the day, giving the power to the PGE grid, and getting the equivalent amount of power back at night from PGE to power lighting on the highway.
The whole project will literally be Oregon-powered, as companies based in-state will provide materials, design, and installation.
Next year, the Oregon Department of Transportation plans to look at more highway project proposals. Eventually, the department would like to generate 2 million kWh every year with the new projects. They also are looking for proposals that showcase new ways to utilize solar energy, such as solar panels that double as sound walls near highways.
