Breath on the Wind, Author at CleanTechnica

About Breath on the Wind

We share this World; its past, present resources and our combined future. With every aspiration, the very molecules we use for life are passed to others through time and space so that each of us may be considered a Breath on the Wind. This part of the world's consciousness lives in NYC; has worked in law, research, construction, engineering; has traveled, often drawn to Asia; writes on Energy and Electric Vehicle issues and looks forward to all your comments. "If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect." - Benjamin Franklin

Northrop Grumman’s LEMV BLIMP Takes Flight at Lakehurst, NJ (Videos)

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

The Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV) has been an elusive ISR goal for the Department of Defense through numerous false starts and half-completed contracts, but on August 7th at 6:49 pm EST a new LEMV hybrid blimp first took to the air at Lakehurst Navel air station in NJ. The vehicle is based upon a design by Hybrid Air Vehicles, LTD, and developed by Northrop Grumman. Many new considerations have come into the design of this airship but there are some old myths to be dispelled as well. [...]

A 200-Mile “Date” with a 2012 Mitsubishi i EV

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

The experience of testing a Mitsubishi I for 4 days is a bit like getting to know someone, a date. As I slowly found out more about my partner in different settings, I was also able to observe reactions of family, friends and the people we met along the way. Some initially treated the vehicle with disdain while others saw a rock star.

BioLite Stove for Wilderness Heat and Electricity?

Posted on July 8, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

POWER AND CONTROL MODULE FOR THE BIOLITE STOVE

BioLite has been developing solid-fueled stoves with an unusual thermoelectric technology for several years. The camp stove, which started shipping in June, creates the ideal conditions to burn any local biofuel, rather than having to carry in a petrochemical-based fuel. While not designed for mystical caves, the pastel beauty of deserts, or snow-bound wonderlands with no usable vegetation. it is a perfect companion for a hike in the woods. [...]

ROI a Misused Metric for Electric Vehicles? (Response to “Honda Fit EV Faces Tough ROI Arguments”)

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

When applied poorly the Return on Investment measurement can have us working for our money instead of making our money work for us. We want certainty and we need accuracy, but when our need for certainty over-reaches our desire for accuracy we tend to accept any answer…

How to “Hot-Rod” an Electric Car

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

When we think electrical cars we are usually trying to be well grounded … or trying to save the Earth. Some cars are mostly for show. Others are tuned for performance. This “test” by Car and Driver is just plain fun. They raised the question of what could be done to a stock Nissan Leaf to make it drive more like a Porsche 911 Carrera S.

The EV Black Knight Rides Again: John Petersen on Mortal Enemies

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

In commerce, a black knight is someone who makes an unwelcome takeover bid. John Petersen is not an EV supporter. Rather, his disclosure exudes a contempt for the EV that is pervasive throughout his work, while he admits to previous commitment to lead-acid batteries and a present ownership in Axion Power. A recent article throws down the gauntlet as he tries to take over the EV conversation: the Black Knight rides again. [...]

Climate Change Will Turn Off the Lights: New Study Finds Nuclear and Coal at Risk

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

Cooling tower of the unfinished Chernobyl reactors 5 and 6

A new study finds that climate change will impact the 91% of US and 78% of European power that is produced using thermal power plants. In the near future, power potential is expected to be reduced from 4 to 16% with the possibility of a complete system collapse tripling or more.

University of Barcelona’s New Wind Prospecting Balloon

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

With a view that the largest future expansion of wind turbines will be offshore, a team coördinated by Bernat Codina has applied expertise in meteorology and aeronautics to create a system ready to find potent wind resources in the open ocean. [...]

Perspectives on the Geothermal Energy Association Showcase in DC

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Breath on the Wind

The fourth annual GEA International Geothermal Energy Showcase concluded Wednesday, May 23, in Washington DC. The conference featured countries and projects in 6 different regions of the world: Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Turkey, Latin America, the Caribbean, and East Africa. Presentations by corporate and country leaders, for many of the projects, were very similar, but a few had unique challenges. Ultimately, what started out with policy, charts, and graphs ended up with a human face and concerns in Nevis and East Africa. The showcase was well-organized, resulting in a virtually flawless program. [...]

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