Neodymium Magnets are the most powerful permanent magnets commercially available today. They can be over 15 times as powerful as a ceramic (refrigerator) magnets. Neodymium Magnets have a chemical formula of Nd2Fe14B. This means it consists of 2 parts Neodymium, a rare earth element, 14 parts Iron and 1 part Boron. It is often referred to as a “Rare Earth Magnet”, a “Super Magnet”, a “Neo” or a “NIB”, referring to the elements involved (Neodymium Iron Boron).

Physical and mechanical properties

How can something so small can have powers so strong? Well, that is beyond the scope of this post but intend to come back to that in the coming weeks. In the mean time, suffice to say that I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with others.

Check out some of these perpetual motion applications of these magnets which demonstrate their potential as a free energy source to get the juices flowing - curtesy of youtube!

There is a small problem in using these as a free energy source however. The First Law of Thermodynamics - i.e. the Law of Conservation of Energy, which essentially stated that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant despite any internal change. This is in effect the arch nemisis to the notion of free energy of any kind. I’m sure that the vast majority of those experimenting with Magnet Motors are aware of this however are brave and stubborn enough to continue to try to find ‘that little as yet unknown factor’ that could possibly make the damn thing work… good luck to you, and if you are one of those people, please do join in with the discussion.

Many people consider their car as an essential part of everyday life. However, cars are major polluters and cause damage to our natural environment. The burning of fossil fuel results in the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and is contributing to the effect of global warming. This growing concern has led to the idea of ‘green’ cars, which cause less damage to the environment.
What is a green car?

A green car is a vehicle that is considered to be environmentally friendly and have less of a damaging impact on the environment as conventional cars. A green car consumes less petroleum than conventional cars or use renewable energy sources to fuel its engine. There are a number of green cars available today:

* Electric cars
* Hybrid cars
* Hydrogen cars
* Solar cars

Conventional cars can become more environmentally friendly if used in the correct manner. You can save money, improve your cars fuel efficiency and help the environment by following some simple tips:

* Drive in the highest possible gear.
* Drive smoothly.
* Switch off the engine if you are stationary for more than a few minutes.
* Don’t load unnecessary items.
* Keep the windows closed.
* Check your tyre pressure, your car will have better fuel efficiency with higher tyre pressure.
* Don’t use the car on short journeys, walk instead.

I have just been on the the ASDA Finance website getting a home insurance quote as I was told that they are the best and have won an award for their home insurance services. I was please to discover that if I take out ASDA Home Insurance not only do I pay less than any of my other quotes, but I also get to save some money on your electricity bill as they are giving away one energy saving lightbulb which could save me £9 each year.

I commend this sort of thing, and will end my search for a new policy right here.

I Just stumbled across a press release at The Mayor of London’s website about and a climate initiative to make buildings cleaner and greener

The Mayor of London joined with President Clinton and mayors from cities across the world to announced the creation of a global Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Programme – to cut carbon emissions by making existing commercial buildings more energy efficient.

With nearly three quarters of emissions in the capital come from energy use in buildings, it makes very good sense to improve energy efficiency although I suspect that the building and construction sector may not be too compliant.

According to Ken Livingstone, who spoke at the C40 cities climate summit in New York, London could save millions of pounds and five million tonnes of CO2 each year – about ten per cent of London’s total emissions – if every commercial and public sector building takes up the offer to become more energy efficient. The 900 buildings run by the Greater London Authority group alone, could save more than 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, and save at least one million pounds through lower energy bills, providing more money for investment in public services. This is an attractive prospect indeed.

The Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Programme developed by the Clinton Climate Initiative with the C40 cities brings together four of the world’s largest Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), five of the world’s largest banks and fifteen of the world’s largest cities. The programme will offer building owners a package with three elements: (1) an energy audit to quantify current energy use and emissions from a building and recommendations on a full range of measures to reduce them, (2) a comprehensive, discounted offer of goods and services guaranteed to deliver the identified reductions, and (3) finance to pay for the works, paid back through the guaranteed energy savings.

This initiative will deliver a real economic benefit for participating public sector and commercial organisations, typically leading to annual energy savings between 20 and 50 per cent. The initiative also creates opportunities for London’s businesses that provide energy efficiency building services, since it will draw on subcontractors in each of the cities where the partnership operates.

You can read the full story in their press release here, or just join in the fun, buy solar panels and do your bit to save the world.

For those of you who enjoy your shopping trips to New York and using the latest, greatest and most power-hungry PCs on the planet, the UK government has served up a carbon footprint calculator so that you can measure the level of damage that you are doing..

However, this service is getting so many hits that the Directgov servers are struggling to cope. (Typicall really:)

“The Act on CO2 calculator is currently seeing an overwhelming response and we’re working to fix the problems you may be experiencing,” reads a notice on the site.

I can just see all those people at their PCs, supposed to be working but spending the day trying to on, the churn from all the machines heating up offices where the air con is being switched up a notch or two. Employees frustrated at the futility of trying to measure their carbon foot prints are probably nipping out for a fag to calm down.

Call me a cynic but I find myself wondering just how much CO2 this system is contributing to the worked today and whether it’s really a pointless exercise - will it really make more of a difference that just being more sensible?

If you would like to take it for a spin and find out how much damage you are doing, ust go here for the carbon footprint calculator.

* UPDATE
I finally managed to try the site - I recommend that you leave it a week before trying as the site is really slow. I thought that my solar panels’ would be installed before I got through it! The verdict is that I am marginally kinder than most, which has come as a shock as I am careful, am switching to solar energy, will be buying a Smart Car, and have energy efficient bulbs. However, I think that I should recalculate once these have all come into effect. Also my trip to NY last Christmas may have been more irresponsible that initially thought

Bulgarian Dreams, the UK’s leading agent in Bulgarian Property is pleased to announce the launch its newest phase at Windows To Paradise, one of the world’s largest fully carbon neutral new build developments. The first of its kind to be incorporated into mainland Europe, Windows to Paradise is aimed to benefit from the increasingly sophisticated visitor to Bulgaria and located in the popular and emerging area of Balchik.

Bulgarian Dreams has worked with The CarbonNeutral Company who assist major companies around the world, to measure, reduce and offset their CO2 emissions. The company has calculated the scheme’s emissions including those from sources such as material lifestyle emissions, site energy consumption, deliveries, site vehicles and waste disposal. Bulgarian Dreams has offset all the development’s emissions during construction and operation of the site by sponsoring a new Hydro Power Station in Bulgaria, making Windows to Paradise fully Carbon efficient.

Robert Jenkin, Director of Bulgarian Dreams, comments: “We are very excited about the launch of our newest phase at Windows to Paradise. As the largest fully carbon neutral development, Windows to Paradise offers an ideal opportunity for both green-minded investors and second homebuyers. For the ‘green tourist’, we also provide an online apartment booking service and advertise buy-to-let apartments with the cost necessary to off-set the carbon emissions produced flying to and from Bulgaria.”

Windows to Paradise is located on a stunning hillside, offering a select collection of studios, one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses with the majority of the properties boasting incredible sea views. The facilities at the scheme include several outdoor swimming pools, full spa centre with indoor pool, steam bath, sauna, Jacuzzi and children’s pool. Set within landscaped botanical gardens, the scheme also features a restaurant and fully licensed bar, shops and a supermarket. A wine cellar, offering wine tasting evenings, provides free space for resident wine-buffs to keep their favourite bottles.

The exterior of the development is classic in design, expertly blending in with the architecture of rural Balchik with every property benefiting from either a balcony or a terrace. The interiors of the apartments reflect the luxurious environment encapsulated in the whole scheme. With free flowing, open plan, living spaces the properties will enjoy an excellent level of interior specification and layout, along with spacious bedrooms.

This exclusive scheme will also benefit from three international 18-hole golf courses; a Gary Player course located adjacent to Windows to Paradise and two nearby courses designed by Ian Woosnam and Gary Player. With golf being a popular new phenomenon in Bulgaria, these golf courses will satisfy the growing interest from the abundance of holidaymakers and second homebuyers. A stunning new yacht marina is also being built nearby increasing the desirability of this area. Set to become the most exclusive area on the Black Sea coast, Windows to Paradise will be an ideal centre for sailing and golfing, or just relaxing by the pool.

Bulgaria is a three-hour flight direct from the UK with two scheduled airlines currently flying to Varna International Airport once a day. Just 35 minutes drive from the airport, the combination of accessibility and unspoilt beauty with excellent sea views make Windows to Paradise a unique opportunity.

Prices at Phase III at Windows To Paradise start from €38,546.63 (£26,583.88) for a studio apartment, €57,902.13 (£39,932.50) for a one bedroom apartment and €81,769.50 (£56,392.76) for a two bedroom apartment.

Within five years, solar power will be cheap enough to compete with carbon-generated electricity, even in Britain, Scandinavia or upper Siberia. In a decade, the cost may have fallen so dramatically that solar cells could undercut oil, gas, coal and nuclear power by up to half. Technology is leaping ahead of a stale political debate about fossil fuels.

By Ambrose Evans-Pritchard
Last Updated: 11:31pm GMT 18/02/2007

The race is effectively on to develop and market a range of films or versatile solar cells that can power the homes and cities of tomorrow. One material is based on a CIGS (CuInGaSe2) semiconductor compound that absorbs light by freeing electrons. This is then embedded on the polymer base.

A leading company in the arena, Applied Materials is betting on both of the two rival solar technologies: thin film panels best used where there is plenty of room and the traditional crystalline (c-Si) wafer-based cells, which are not as cheap but produce a higher yield - better for tight spaces.

Good Energies and NorSun have established Sunfilm AG to manufacture the world’s first 5.7m2 tandem thin film photovoltaic modules on glass substrates on a production line supplied by Applied Materials, Inc.

“Sunfilm opens new frontiers; it goes beyond what today’s industry is projecting - in size and in performance - and could change the way solar energy is viewed. We believe that solar energy is of paramount importance for our energy future. However, we need to stay focused on bringing the cost down. This venture aims at grid parity. Applied Materials’ technological leadership is the key element for us in this project,” says Dr. Sven Hansen, Good Energies’ Chief Investment Officer.

Applied’s production line will feature new tandem cell technology—an innovative dual-junction approach that combines an amorphous silicon top film to absorb short wavelengths of light with a microcrystalline silicon bottom layer to absorb longer wavelengths. These tandem cells are expected to deliver significantly higher energy conversion efficiencies at a cost per Watt that is comparable to that of single junction technologies. By coupling tandem technology with ultra-large 5.7m2 substrates, Sunfilm expects to substantially reduce the cost of solar panel manufacturing.

“With this initiative we introduce second generation solar energy technology,” said Dr. Alf Bjørseth, founder and board member of NorSun. “Solar panels based on this tandem cell technology will provide clients with electricity at a very competitive price and have countless areas of application. This new technology will strongly support the continued growth of the solar energy market.”

“We are excited to work with Sunfilm, Good Energies and NorSun, whose people are among the most influential and respected leaders in the solar business,” said Dr. Mark Pinto, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Applied’s New Business and New Products Group. “The Good Energies and NorSun teams have proven that they can shape the industry – and we look forward to working with them to deliver leading-edge, cost-efficient PV module technology.”

Sunfilm AG is currently designing the building and facilities for its first PV line and will start construction work in Q2/2007 on its local site. This project will be supported with grants from the State of Saxony and is expected to employ about 180 people when the line is fully operational in 2008/2009.

Sunfilm’s contract with Applied is for a fully-integrated equipment line for an ultra-large panel tandem module factory with a nominal rated capacity of 60 megawatts per year. This is approximately three times the capacity of conventional thin film solar facilities.

“Our thin film production line will provide Sunfilm with the first combination of higher-efficiency tandem technology and the compelling cost-advantage of ultra-large scale panels. We’ve seen similar cost benefits in the flat panel display industry as our customers have transitioned to larger-area substrates,” added Dr. Pinto.

Sunfilm

Sunfilm AG is a newly established operating company located in Grossröhrsdorf Saxony/Germany.

Good Energies

Good Energies is a member of the COFRA group and one of the largest investors in the renewable energy industry. Its globally invested portfolio has a market capitalisation of over USD 3 billion. Good Energies contributes to the challenge of sustainable energy transition through its investments in leading solar photovoltaic companies, wind energy developers and other renewable energy technologies. Its policy aims to provide long-term strategic investments in partnership with companies developing the technologies of the future. .

NorSun

NorSun AS was established in December 2005 by Scatec AS, that serves as the point of origin for new business ideas within renewable energy and advanced materials. Scatec AS is still the largest owner in NorSun. The purpose of NorSun is to produce the lowest cost solar power components for the international solar energy market.

Applied Materials

Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology™ solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panels, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass.

If you are an avid DIYer, solar power enthusiast, and are keen to do more than the bare minimum to save the world, you may want to take a few weekends out to install solar panels on your home’s roof.

There is and increasing range of solar panels available on the market. The example highlighted here is one of the cheapest on the market, yet may be just what you need to reduce your carbon footprint enough to sleep better at night. Freehold permitting, I intend to schedule my install for late August 2007 and am currently working with architects to ensure that this project is completed as aesthetically as possible.

B&Q sell a variety of solar panel package to choose from. With only a modest home, the pack I have opted for contains 1 solar panel and compatible cylinder for a tiled roof only. The panel and cylinder come with full controls and fixing kits, 35 year life expectancy, Full European certification BS/EN 12975 Parts 1 & 2.

I have enlisted the help of several friend - two of which do not know yet - for the project. Two are engineers and one is a builder. If you chose to undertake such a project and are not particularly skilled at DIY, please do make sure you get some buddies and a qualified professional who are in to help you. On purchase of this product, you will be contacted for the installation service that B&Q recommend.

I hope to begin making large savings on my ever increasing energy bills by early September - but more importantly significantly reduce my family’s carbon footprints. As the boiler cycling is reduced increasing this will also increase the life of your boiler. These solar panels will even work below 0 degrees Celsius so I expect that they will continue to supply significant energy for heating throughout the winter.

My solar panels are suitable for domestic use and my particular type of roof but BYQ do provide quite a range.

I purchased my solar panels from B&Q in the in the UK for around £1800. Admittedly I may never recoup this in energy savings on my bills but that is not the point.

I live in the hope that my actions and others like me may actually make the world a better place for our children to live in and that’s the payoff for me…

BMW is committing its engineering resources to honing the technology that enables it to use hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels. Though the hydrogen concept has long been espoused and may be old news to many, the recent engineering and marketing breakthroughs for the proliferation of more hydrogen powered BMW cars is something new.

In the late 1990s, BMW was worried if its hydrogen fueled will actually gain a following despite its obvious environmental advantage. People have gotten used to the ease of driving through a gas station for refueling, that same comfort is not available with the hydrogen car. And though hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, energy companies will not be easy to convince to build hydrogen stations if the market is minimal.

But BMW’s dedication and commitment to educate the public against preconceived notions such as vehicular performance and safety has paid of. Several years after the company first brought the idea to the public, BMW reports of unprecedented record sales in 2004.

2005 brought more success to the Bimmer as its H2R reaped accolades and awards proving that it can perform at par with its gas-guzzling contemporaries.

BMW is the world leader in the development of hydrogen cars with internal combustion engines,” said Tom Purves, chairman and CEO of BMW Group (U.S.). “We believe that in the output range above 140 horsepower, there is still no other clean, practical alternative to hydrogen.

“The H2R concept car is more than a mere exercise. We will offer customers a production car with a hydrogen combustion engine during the production period of the current BMW 7 series.”

BMW owners can find BMW auto body parts at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/BMW where an organized catalogue of the best quality BMW aftermarket parts is waiting to be perused. At Parts Train you will receive not just great products but an excellent customer service too. After 25 years in the biz, we have mastered the art of keeping our customers happy by providing them the lowest prices, the best BMW replacement auto body parts and service that is worthy of praise. Click on the link above and get a taste of the Parts Train shopping experience.

If you’re looking for a way to conserve electricity, renewable energy may be the answer. Renewable, or solar energy, uses the sun’s light, along with wind and even certain molecules in plants and animals in order to power cars, turn on lights, and keep appliances working.

Heat is produced whenever the sun touches something, and solar energy can be used to power almost anything. Natural gas, oil, and coal are all byproducts of solar energy, since the plants and animals used to create these natural resources receive their energy from the sun. However, since coal, oil, and gas are resources that can be depleted from the earth, they should be conserved as much as possible, which is why scientists and environmentalists are conducing progressive research on ways to use renewable energy in every day life. This way, solar energy can be used more often.

Powering everything with solar energy isn’t possible just yet, since a way to capture enough sunlight to power everything in a home or business hasn’t been discovered. So, many people use solar panels, which can be placed on a side of a roof to attract sunlight during the day that can be used to heat rooms and water. Solar panels can be purchased at a number of retail stores now, as well as online. Panels do a great job of helping families and businesses to conserve energy. Hopefully, solar panels will become a part of daily life, in order to prevent the disappearance of natural resources and to maintain energy conservation.