Nanotechnology and Alternative Energy

In order to understand how nanotechnology and alternative energy are related, we must first understand the individual terms. Nanotechnology is the “engineering of functional systems at the molecular level.” Simply put, it is the ability to build things starting at the molecular level and working your way up. We all of course know about alternative energy. Great strides are being made in the development of alternative energy systems by using nanotechnology.

Gathering Rays From All Angles

Solar power is power generated by rays from the sun. This technology has been limited and sometimes inefficient. The problem has been the ability of solar panels to capture and convert the energy made by the sun into something that we can use. Because the panels have to be pointed directly at the sun, efficiency throughout the day has been the major issue.

Scientists are now saying that they have developed a coating using nanotechnology to eliminate this problem. The coating is made of “nanorods” which act as funnels redirecting the angle that the sunlight hits the panels, to increase efficiency. What does this mean for solar power? Now, rather than dealing with inefficient systems that don’t absorb all the sunlight they should, or having to install machines to rotate the panels, they can simply be placed where you want them and they will filter the sunlight and redirect it for maximum absorption. The technology is still extremely expensive but, with time, it should decrease.

There is also the issue of manufacturing the solar panels themselves. Traditionally, the cells had to be put in a vacuum chamber and have the semiconductor material injected while in the vacuum. This process is one of the main reasons that solar energy is still so expensive. The process is long, difficult, and expensive, not to mention the equipment needed. With the nanotechnology, the semiconductor is a spray that can be applied to rolls of thin foil. This is much less expensive, less time consuming, and more efficient.

Faster Rotations

Scientists have also made a connection between nanotechnology and alternative energy such as wind power. By covering the blades of turbines with a thin layer of chemicals that contain nano particles, efficiency and durability are increased. The coating makes the blades smoother. This cuts out friction, increases water and ice runoff, as well as inhibits the growth of fungi and aging caused by UV rays and weather conditions. The chemical is also ecologically and environmentally safe.

Easier Commercial Access

Geothermal related nanotechnology and alternative energy development has also been highly successful. Using nanotechnology, lower temperature sources can be used to collect power. Since lower power sources are closer to Earth’s surface, installing them causes less chance of adverse effects such as earthquakes than the deeper geothermal energy collectors.

All of the signs are pointing towards nanotechnology and alternative energy viability increases in the future. Increased efficiency, durability, and manufacturing options are all becoming reality, cutting costs for the average person, and making the dependence on fossil fuels look more likely to end.

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