Nanotechnology for energy saving: nano-product (system)-concept design

Abstract

This project aims to investigate possible energy savings that nanotechnology can bring to a conventional house, and build and test a capacitor constructed with bucky paper in the laboratory. To accomplish the first objective, we will focus on four main areas and we will study how to improve it with nanotechnology: 1. Generation: How to improve solar panels, fuel cells and wind turbines. These devices allow us to generate energy through natural sources, like the sun and wind and reduce the use of energy sources, traditional finite and polluting, such as crude oil. 2. Conversion: How to improve lighting and appliances to avoid a significant loss of energy when converting electricity into light or running appliances. Also to use the organic matter and convert waste into biogas. 3. Insulation: How to increase the isolation of a house using nanomaterials to help keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer, therefore saving on heating and air conditioning expenses. 4. Storage: How to improve batteries and capacitors to increase energy storage capacity so that it can be accessed when needed. To complete the second goal, in the laboratory we will build a bucky paper capacitor and also compare it with standard and super capacitors.