Beehives, moss, and hydrogen energy – science does not stand still, and scientists successfully promote their inventions for the benefit of the environment!
With the shutdown of many industries worldwide and traffic reduction due to a complete lockdown, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere decreased by 8.8% – 1.55 million tons of harmful emissions. But it could not last long, and when the world began to return to the former rhythm of life, everything fell into place, and CO2 readings returned.
The temporary “improvement” of the environmental situation, fortunately, did not force eco-activists to relax. Throughout the pandemic year, they continued to come up with new solutions. Let’s mention the top-4 of them, which seemed to us the most effective (thanks to Rubryka for the compilation).
Smart roof
Young Italian scientists have created a “smart” regulatory microclimate in the house tile X-Tile, able to replace the devices for maintaining temperatures in the house and not create additional environmental problems. At an air temperature of + 20° C and above, it turns white and reflects sunlight, and at low – becomes black and absorbs light. This coating can maintain a comfortable temperature in the house without additional appliances.
The bunker for bees BeeHome
40% of bees die each year from diseases, pesticides, and climate change – in part because busy beekeepers miss insect warning signs. The Danish development of the Beehome hive, which costs $15 a month and can contain 2 million bees, monitors insects 24/7.
When a hive is exposed to parasites or irregular temperatures, its internal systems respond immediately, for example, by applying pesticides. The use of intelligent technology can double the ability to pollinate and produce honey while reducing the mortality rate of colonies.
Hydrogen energy for aircraft
Developed by ZeroAvia, it is a hydrogen-electric power plant that replaces conventional fossil-fuel-powered engines with zero emissions.
The technology was tested in flight north of London when a small six-seater Piper M-Class took to the air.
Safe turbines for hydroelectric power plants
Conventional hydraulic turbines can be a truly environmentally friendly source of electricity. However, their rotating blades are dangerous for large fish trying to swim through a hydroelectric plant, for example, to reach spawning grounds. “Safe” turbines have appeared on the market before, but plants did not use them due to their large size and high cost.
The new American Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT) from the California company Natel Energy is devoid of these shortcomings. It is equipped with fish-safe blades, with a blunt and sloping leading edge, and its inner diameter, depending on the model, is only 1-3 meters. The blades “divert” the fish from the turbine without resorting to direct contact.
During the tests, sixty observed rainbow trout with a length of about 38 cm each were passed through a turbine with an internal diameter of 1.9 meters. The fish successfully overcame the obstacle, none of them were injured.
