Professional Science Essentials Oral Presentation Bachelor of Science (Conservation and Wildlife Biology) Mary Boyce Written by Kezia Browning. Student Number: There are many different types of green energies, from harnessing the power of the sun through solar cells, or 3D solar cells, utilizing hydrogen fuel cells and embracing wind energy through wind turbines and tidal waves. In this presentation all of the ways that nanotechnology is improving the two most common sources, solar cells and wind turbines will be discussed. Nanotechnologies are changing the way we produce green energies.

Nanotechnology in Solar Cells Nanotechnology is improving solar cells! 95% of solar cells available on the market are silicon based, and are currently using nanoscale process to be manufactured (Haldar, 2007). The sun is an appealing source of energy due to more solar energy reaching the earth in a single day than the world’s annual energy requirement (Guo, 2011). A Colourful Approach to Solar Energy (Fuller, 2008)

Nanotechnology in Solar Cells The enhancement of solar absorption capabilities of the surface, exposed to solar energy, could improve efficiency of solar cells. Nanotechnology is helping to lower the cost and may help raise efficiency of solar cells. Although some of the nano-based solar cells are less efficient, they are less than half the price of a single-crystalline silicon solar cell (Guo, 2011). Nanosys Thin Film (Nanosys Thin Film [Picture], 2005) Nanotechnology to Boost Solar Power (Bond, 2013)

Nanotechnology in Wind Turbines Nanotechnology will be playing an important role in wind energy; developing coatings, lubricants and lightweight durable composite materials that are necessary for constructing turbine blades and towers (Guo, 2011). Scientists are using nanotechnology to prevent wind turbines from icing. (Hautmann, 2013)

Nanotechnology in Wind Turbines Nanoparticles are being used to create new lubricants for wind turbines; the new lubricants act as mini ball bearings and help reduce friction generated by rotation, which lengthens the life of the turbine (Haldar, 2007). Nanocoatings are being produced that are ice-resistant and self-cleaning, making dirt and ice build-up virtually non-existent (Haldar, 2007). Nanocomposites are being used to build wind turbine blades and towers, resulting in much stronger and lighter structures (Haldar, 2007). In general nanotechnology is helping prolong the life of turbines, and lower the production and maintenance costs (Haldar, 2007).

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………References: Nanosys Thin Film [Picture]. (2005, August 10). Retrieved from The Energy Blog: Bond, M. (2013, April 28). [Nanotechnology to Boost Solar Power] [Picture]. Retrieved from National Geographic: nanotechnology-solar-energy-efficiency/ Fuller, N. (2008). A Colourful Approach to Solar Energy [Picture]. Retrieved from Nanotechnology Now: Guo, K. W. (2011). Green Nanotechnology Trends of the Future: A Review. International Journal of Energy Research, Haldar, P. (2007). The Power of Nanotechnology. Power Engineering, 6-7. Hautmann, D. (2013, March 8). Scientists are using nanotechnology to prevent wind turbines from icing [Picture]. Retrieved from New Energy: The damage caused by the pollution created in the burning of fossil fuels may be irreparable. Because of this green energy sources must be put into practice. The various sources of green energies are currently effective; however they are underutilized. These new advances into nanotechnology are only bringing about improvements, and are already well on their way to reducing the costs and improving the effectiveness of green energies.