Infrabel and Infinity’s Solar Train Tunnel

 

As the world enters a new generation and has come to a new era, the world is greatly advancing in technology and most of it is designed to prevent global warming and save the environment. 16,000 solar panels were built on top of Belgium’s high speed rail line over a two mile stretch of tunnel to provide power about 4,000 trains every year. It runs through Antwerp Central Station and generates power through it as well as the surrounding infrastructure in the tunnel. This project was built to prevent global warming and reduce the consumption of electrical usage.

During the summer of last year, engineers started covering the 164,000 square ft surface with monocrystaline solar panel over the surface area of the roof of Belgium’s HSL4 high-speed rail tunnel. The solar panels are rated at about 250 watt peaks for each panel and it has been installed using an extraordinary ballast tile structure that negates the need for rooftop perforations. The installation began generating power estimating about 3.3 GWh of electrical power each year said Enfinity. The power generated every year by the solar panels can light up around 1,000 houses for a year.

The total project costs about US$20 Million and it will be the first railway that is powered by green energy. Also, not only that it saves the environment, it will also save a significant amount of money that Antwerp Central Station spent just on the electrical consumption before the solar panels were installed.

The Solar Stairway Light

 

If you are a regular reader here at Mint Gadgets then you will be familiar with some of the solar powered gadgets we have blogged about in the past. If not then you can check the latest ones out, for example the Solar Powered iPod or iPhone speaker, Solar Powered watch, or Solar-powered Headphones.

Today’s solar gadget is the Solar Stairway Light which is an outside light that can be positioned on a wall to illuminate a stairway.  The benefit of this is that no wires are necessary therefore no electrician bills if you simply want to light up your stairway.

Positioned on the side of the solar stairway lights are the solar panels which collect sunlight and provide the power necessary to illuminate the 4 LEDs to light up the stairs.

No need to switch these waterproof Solar Stairway Lights on and off, a built in sensor determines light intensity and automatically switches the LED’s on when levels fall below a visible level. This light will then be displayed for up to 10 hours after a full charge.

Available: Hammacher

Price: $39.95

FreeLoader Pro Solar Charger

 

Freeloader Pro is one gem of a gadget. It can provide electricity to practically any device. What is the best part of this gadget is that it charges itself from the solar energy. It takes about 7-9 hours to get fully charged. Once fully charged, it can charge a cell phone to give it 70 hrs of stand by time or can completely charge a digital camera.

There is a voltage switch provided. If you switch it to 9.5V, it can even charge heavy duty devices like mp4 and DVD players. Just imagine how much favor you would be doing to the environment, indirectly using solar energy to run your gadgets. You can even recharge Freeloader Pro using a USB device.

FreeLoader Pro Solar Charger Features:

• Solar charger with a built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery
• Battery can be charged using solar cells or USB connection
• Specially designed CamCaddy can charge almost all camera and camcorder batteries
• Compatible with iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, current Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson, Motorola cell phones, PSP, portable DVD and MP4 players,
• Li-ion rechargeable battery capacity: 1600mAh
• Solar cells: 200mA premium quality crystalline
• Impact resistant, rust free aluminum body
• Weight: 174g
• Dimensions: 5.9″ x 2.5″ x .8″ (150 x 63 x 20mm)

Solar Powered Headphones

Another day and another travel gadget featured here at Mintgadgets.com.  This latest audio gizmo is a set of headphones with a difference, its solar powered portable radio.  Provide it with a short one hour of sun exposure and the headphones will provide up to three hours of digital am fm radio play or if fully charged will provide up to 20 hours of playing time.  The headphones contain an internal antenna powering the radio and providing good reception.

Features:
- Dual headband for added comfort; adjusts to fit big and small heads.
- Internal antenna for powerful reception.
- High quality stereo FM radio.
- Extended bass for superior sound quality.
- Automatically recharges in light, even when listening.
- Includes partially charged AAA NiMH solar rechargeable battery so you can tune in straight away.
- Weighs 140g.
- Adjustable headset to fit all size heads.
- 3 year warranty.

Priced at £19.95 from Paramountzone.com.