Could wind turbines help farmers grow their crops faster, Duke Energy customers set record for winter power use and solar powered cargo pants becomes a reality.

Can Wind Turbines be Good Neighbors for Crops?

Researchers from the DOE’s Ames Laboratory have completed a study that demonstrates the benefits of wind turbines on surrounding crops. Turbines can benefit crops in rural farmlands by directing airflow downward towards the harvest. This creates an increase in air turbulence so that the plants can stay cool during the hot day and warm during colder nights. This could even prevent a frost that would paralyze the growing season. The turbulence can dry the dew that remains on leaves, thereby preventing the growth of fungi or toxins. Farmers would not need to artificially dry their crops. Airflow would also increase the amount of CO2 in the soil, aiding the process of photosynthesis.


Duke Energy Consumers Hit Record Energy Expenditures

Duke Energy customers set a record for their winter power use earlier last week. The company generated 17,570-megawatts of electricity for the hour ending at 8 a.m. Most of the energy costs were associated with heating the home because of the extreme weather. The previous record was 17,282-megawatts in January of this year.  “During a similar cold snap last year, the average residential customer saw a 30 percent increase in his or her power bill. We could see a similar trend this season,” said Gianna Manes, Duke Energy’s chief customer officer. “We often forget that when the temperatures drop, our heating systems work harder and longer to maintain the comfort level in our homes.”

Solar Powered Pants for Charging on the Go

Silvr Lining has created a pair of cargo pants, the latest addition to sustainable and eco-friendly couture. The pants, called Go Urban, have a built-in photovoltaic panels on two side pockets. The pockets can function as power supply units so that each pocket can charge a different gadget simultaneously with solar energy. The pants cost $920 and are made from animal-friendly Ultrasuede. They are lightweight and stain/water resistant.

Secretary Chu Approves Loan for Solar Technology Testing

The DOE and Secretary Steven Chu announced the approval of a $50 million loan to test cost-effective solar power technologies. The program will help integrate the DOE’s development programs and their commercialization efforts.  Ideas that will be tested include Concentrated Solar Power systems that use mirrors to reflect sunlight on a heat absorbing fluid and convert it to steam to generate electricity. Another innovation is to use Concentrated Photovoltaic Power that utilizes lenses to concentrate sunlight for increased PV efficiency. Furthermore, collaboration between the Department of the Interior and the DOE will continue on this project as well.

DOE Grants Loan to World’s Largest Wind Farm

Secretary Chu also announced a partial loan guarantee for $1.3 billion to support the world’s largest wind farm at the Caithness Shepherds Flat Project. Upon completion, the facility will be 845-megawatts in power located in eastern Oregon. The project will help avoid 1.2 million tons of CO2 annually. While it is under construction, the wind farm will employ 400 workers to install 338 wind turbines designed by GE. The Caithness Shepherds Flat project will be the first North American wind farm to use these turbines that are more commonly used in Europe and Asia. The project is the sixth project supported by the Recovery Act.

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