Window Cleaning On Mars

Self-cleaning technology from Mars can keep terrestrial solar panels dust free: Find dusting those tables and dressers a chore or a bore? Dread washing the windows? Imagine keeping dust and grime off objects spread out over an area of 25 to 50 football fields. That's the problem facing companies that deploy large-scale solar power installations, and scientists today presented the development of one solution -- self-dusting solar panels -- based on technology developed for space missions to Mars.

In a report at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), they described how a self-cleaning coating on the surface of solar cells could increase the efficiency of producing electricity from sunlight and reduce maintenance costs for large-scale solar installations.

"We think our self-cleaning panels used in areas of high dust and particulate pollutant concentrations will highly benefit the systems' solar energy output," study leader Malay K. Mazumder, Ph.D. said. "Our technology can be used in both small- and large-scale photovoltaic systems. To our knowledge, this is the only technology for automatic dust cleaning that doesn't require water or mechanical movement."

Mazumder, who is with Boston University, said the need for that technology is growing with the popularity of solar energy. Use of solar, or photovoltaic, panels increased by 50 percent from 2003 to 2008, and forecasts suggest a growth rate of at least 25 percent annually into the future. Fostering the growth, he said, is emphasis on alternative energy sources and society-wide concerns about sustainability (using resources today in ways that do not jeopardize the ability of future generations to meet their needs).

Large-scale solar installations already exist in the United States, Spain, Germany, the Middle East, Australia, and India. These installations usually are located in sun-drenched desert areas where dry weather and winds sweep dust into the air and deposit it onto the surface of solar panel. Just like grime on a household window, that dust reduces the amount of light that can enter the business part of the solar panel, decreasing the amount of electricity produced. Clean water tends to be scarce in these areas, making it expensive to clean the solar panels.

"A dust layer of one-seventh of an ounce per square yard decreases solar power conversion by 40 percent," Mazumder explains. "In Arizona, dust is deposited each month at about 4 times that amount. Deposition rates are even higher in the Middle East, Australia, and India."

Working with NASA, Mazumder and colleagues initially developed the self-cleaning solar panel technology for use in lunar and Mars missions. "Mars of course is a dusty and dry environment," Mazumder said, "and solar panels powering rovers and future manned and robotic missions must not succumb to dust deposition. But neither should the solar panels here on Earth."

The self-cleaning technology involves deposition of a transparent, electrically sensitive material deposited on glass or a transparent plastic sheet covering the panels. Sensors monitor dust levels on the surface of the panel and energize the material when dust concentration reaches a critical level. The electric charge sends a dust-repelling wave cascading over the surface of the material, lifting away the dust and transporting it off of the screen's edges.

Mazumder said that within two minutes, the process removes about 90 percent of the dust deposited on a solar panel and requires only a small amount of the electricity generated by the panel for cleaning operations.

The current market size for solar panels is about $24 billion, Mazumder said. "Less than 0.04 percent of global energy production is derived from solar panels, but if only four percent of the world's deserts were dedicated to solar power harvesting, our energy needs could be completely met worldwide. This self-cleaning technology can play an important role."

Protein NanoTubes - Grow Your Own Window Cleaner

Self-cleaning skyscraper and car windows and solar panels that repel water and dirt, as well as high-power rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles could be some of the major applications of a Tel Aviv University nanotechnology discovery announced on Sunday evening. Pictured: Self assembling protein nanotubes like these could put window washers out of work.

The development of arrays of self-assembling peptide (protein) nanotubes was the work of Prof. Ehud Gazit of the university's department of molecular microbiology and biotechnology, together with his team of Lihi Adler-Abramovich, Daniel Aronov, Peter Beker, Maya Yevnin, Shiri Stempler, Ludmilla Buzhansky and Gil Rosenman, some of the department of physical electronics. Their innovation appears in the prestigious journal, Nature Nanotechnology.

Gazit was abroad on Sunday, but Adler-Abramovich - who is completing her doctorate in his lab - told The Jerusalem Post that the team has been working on nanotubes for six years and this specific project for two. "We thought of applications when we started, but the results were so impressive during our research that we added more," she said. Nanotechnology is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale and involves structures sized 100 nanometers - each one-billionth of a meter - or smaller. A very short and inexpensive peptide chain comprised of only two amino acids and easy to synthesize in mass production is the basis of the technology.

"The self-assembly is carried out under high temperatures and in a vacuum. The peptide is as simple as that of aspertame, the artificial sweetener, she said. The nanotubes have the amazing characteristic of assembling themselves to look like "forests" of artificial grass and are hydrophobic, which means that they repel water, as well as dust particles. Thus, sealed, exterior windows of skyscrapers - which are difficult to clean unless someone rapels up them - would not attract dust, and when it rained, any residual dirt would just drop off without leaving a trace. Solar energy panels made of glass, whose efficiency is greatly reduced by dust because the solar radiation has to filter through, could repel dust if made of ordinary glass with the nanotech coating, said Adler-Abramovich.

Solar-energy "farms" in the desert where there is no rain would be able to repel dust to increase efficiency. If they need to be perfectly clean, a small spray of water on the glass could remove the dirt completely without anyone cleaning them, she said. The new technology would apparently put window washers out of work.

She said that another application for the nanotubes would be super capacitators that arrange themselves in great density to produce a rechargeable electric battery storing large amounts of power. These would release electricity quickly, making them ideal for cars that rely on rapid acceleration, even when going uphill. The nanotubes function in high temperatures and are very resistant, said Gazit's doctoral student, and they could also be applied for a variety of medical and biotech uses. Ramot, TAU's research and development arm, is already making contact with commercial companies that could turn the nanotechnology discovery into products.

Meanwhile, TAU's research authority has this year passed the $100 million mark for the first time. Since 2000, the total amount of budget funding from inside the university and outside has doubled. This is despite the slowdown in research investment funds from abroad due to the economic situation. Nevertheless, funds from the European Community for TAU research increased from $1m. in 2000 to $10m. today, which constitutes 18 percent of the total, compared to 11% from the US.

In the protected environment of a quartz tube in a laboratory at Victoria University the creeping spidery arms of nanotubes self-assemble themselves into existence. Professor John Spencer and his PhD student Kirsten Edgar have initiated the growth of these fascinating nanoscopic structures. But what are nanotubes? You may ask and why are they growing in a Victoria University Laboratory? The answer is that these nanoscopic structures discovered only 13 years ago are all the rage on the science scene. In an age with increasingly vast amounts of information and increasingly small devices to process it, the properties of these uncommonly small, very strong, electrically conducting materials are irresistible. If it were possible to control the growth of these tubes so that their size, shape and position could be pre-determined they would open the doors to a whole nano-world of possibilities: nano-electronics, nanotweezers, nanolithography, nanotube reinforced composites, data storage, solar storage, noble radioactive gas storage; the list is endless. John and Kirsten, however are concerned only with the synthesis of nanotubes, understanding how they grow and trying to control the type and size of tube that grows. There are so many different kinds of nanotubes: single wall, double wall, long, short, twisted, straight, skinny, fat and many more and the electronic and structural properties depend on these classifications. It is very difficult to sort the nanotubes once they are made so to get a single type of nanotube, required for a particular application the best idea is to control their growth from the beginning. This is the aim of research at Victoria University. It is, however no small task. Read more...

Intelligent, Self Cleaning Glass By IKU, Dubai

Al Jawhara Tower brings new accounts for successful company trio from Kuwait and Austria: The Austrian company iku® intelligente Fenstersysteme AG, specialist for self-cleaning façade systems, currently finalized its prestigious account in Kuwait city. The Al Jawhara Tower, with a height of 135 m and 32 floors, has been equipped completely with the iku®windows Unitized façade. All in all 8000 m2 aluminium glass façade, totally 2000 Unitzed façade panels, has been fabricated and installed on site.

The rise of a jewel: The office tower is a new landmark of Kuwait city. "Al Jawhara" standing for "Jewel", now is perfectly shining always with iku®windows - self-cleaning facade systems, just at the touch of a button. The start of the construction work was January 2007. The installation of the first facade panels on site started in August. In December 2007 nearly half of the building already had been glazed. Till July 2008 the whole façade construction was completed. During the second period of construction all electro mechanical works have been executed. After the finalizing of the power and water feed lines, 100 motors, which are carrying the wipers as well as the electronic units for the controlling of the cleaning cycles, have been installed. Till the end of 2008 the final test with numerous washing cycles have been conducted, which caused astonishment by the local construction people and passing by pedestrians.

Clear arguments for iku®windows in comparison with traditional cleaning methods: There are many advantages of iku®windows system for the building owner compared to traditional BMU systems: The cleaning of the whole façade, e.g. the Al Jawhara Tower, could take several months, depending on the weather conditions. Only seven hours will be needed to clean the whole façade with iku®windows - self-cleaning façade systems.

A world patent from Vienna sets new standards in modern glass architecture: The investment for a traditional BMU system is about € 200.000,-. For the solution with iku®windows the investment is around € 300.000,-. Given the building is cleaned 12 times a year, which is a must in the countries of the golf region with its hot, humid and sandy air, the amortisation of the additional investment is reached already after 1.9 years. From this time on the owner makes a profit. Some owners are performing cleaning cycles once a week, as the use of the system is very simple - at the touch of a button. The running cost for one cleaning cycle is very low - only about € 10,- in the case of Al Jawhara Tower. And there are no additional costs for cleaning personnel. This way the running costs for a building can be reduced significantly. Not to forget the permanently rising personnel and maintenance costs for traditional BMU systems, which are important factors within the running costs.

A world patent from Vienna sets new standards in modern glass architecture iku®windows, with its headquarters in Vienna, is rolling out into the world market with an invention as simple as it is genius - intelligent glass facades with integrated self-cleaning and numerous additional options. The technology is based on a world patent, which was invented by company founder Julius Thurnher. Electronically controlled wipers with automatic water supply are enabling the cleaning of large façade surfaces at the touch of a button. Benefits: Apart from enormous time saving the systems convince by usability, security and cost effectiveness. It pays for itself soon with long term low running costs. Also facades that are difficult to access, can be cleaned easily. The newly developed maintenance and evacuation units are already applied for patent. The extended use of Photovoltaic and solar cells in the façade of modern buildings will further lead to the success of the innovative system. Especially in the golf region, the permanent cleaning of the solar cells is a must in order to keep their efficiency in the energy production.

Also see "Incredible Transformation of Dubai City." Click on the pictures to enlarge, the first picture shows how Dubai looked in 1990 & the second; 13 years later in 2003. Dubai is said to currently have 15-25% of all the world’s cranes. The Dubai Waterfront — when completed it will become the largest waterfront development in the world. All of this was built in the last 5 years, including the island that looks like a palm tree. The Palm Islands in Dubai — new Dutch dredging technology was used to create these massive man made islands; they are the largest artificial islands in the world and can be seen from space — three of these Palms will be made with the last one being the largest of them all. Upon completion, the resort will have 2,000 villas, 40 luxury hotels, shopping centers, movie theaters, and many other facilities; it is expected to support a population of approximately 500,000 people and is advertised as being visible from the moon. The World Islands: 300 artificially created islands in the shape of the world; each island will have an estimated cost of $25-30 million. The Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai: The worlds tallest hotel. Considered the only ‘7 star’ hotel and the most luxurious hotel in the world, it stands on an artificial island in the sea. Hydropolis, the world’s first underwater hotel, was entirely built in Germany and then assembled in Dubai; it is scheduled to be completed by 2009. Dubai Sports City, a huge collection of sports arenas located in Dubai Land - an amusement park.

See previous blogs on Dubai here, here, here & here.

Pilkington Activ™ Self-Cleaning Glass

Pilkington Activ, the World's first self cleaning glass uses the forces of nature to maintain its clear appearance without leaving unsightly streaks. In a dual-action process organic dirt is broken down by daylight and is then washed away by rain, thus making it environmentally friendly and very easy to maintain. The benefits of self-cleaning glass are numerous. If you clean your own windows you will save time and energy as cleaning windows will be a thing of the past; if you currently employ a window cleaner, you'll save money to spend on things you really enjoy. Managing director Karl commented "I'm very pleased to announce the availability of Pilkington Activ glass in our range of conservatories. I have this glass throughout my own home and I haven't had to clean them since the day it was installed, it gives me more time to do other things." Trade Price Conservatories are a leading supplier of DIY conservatories nationwide in the UK. To see their range of conservatories available with Pilkington Activ self cleaning glass, see the company website.

Comment: And "very easy to maintain" - You mean; clean, don't you? I thought it was self cleaning? And another thing - I thought the name was changed to "low maintenance glass?" Some very dirty Pilkington Activ glass (pictured above, courtesy of John at Majestic Window Cleaning, Blackpool, UK). INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING THE GLASS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Window Cleaning News Round Up UK

We've heard it all before............

The window cleaner’s days are numbered. A self-cleaning glass developed by Saint-Gobain Glass UK means chemical-laden cleaning products may soon be a thing of the past. An invisible coating on the glass works with rainwater and the sun’s UV light to break down grime so windows, as well as the atmosphere, stay cleaner for longer. Employees say the environment is an everyday consideration at the Yorkshire glass manufacturer, giving a 90% green score, and it has a bearing on their job (89%). The firm’s environment management system reaches the international ISO 14001 standard, and recycling is a particular strength.

PEOPLE are being warned about a bogus window cleaner who has targeted homes in Huddersfield. A series of houses in Newsome, Paddock and Crosland Moor have been targeted by the man, who is described as in his mid-30s, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with short dark hair and an unshaven face. He carries a rucksack and has been seen using a bicycle. He has particularly focused on elderly homeowners. Police believe he poses as a window cleaner as a distraction tactic to steal items from the homes. Sgt Jim Carter, of Huddersfield Police, said: “No items have been stolen so far. Fortunately the complainants have had the presence of mind to send him on his way, “We would say if anybody does come to the house who isn’t a regular window cleaner, then challenge their legitimacy and contact the police on 0845 6060606 if you are concerned.” He also appealed for anyone with information about the man to contact him on 01484 436675 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Machete Thug Jailed.
A THUG who left a bouncer scarred for life in a machete attack was jailed for seven years.
Married dad-of-three Stephen McDonald, 45, of Cumbernauld, was convicted of attempting to murder Ronald Fraser, 37, on February 25 last year. The High Court in Glasgow heard the window cleaner became violent after being told to leave the Condorrat Arms pub.

Last month, Stefan Tinkler was aiming to become the fastest window cleaner on the planet at an international competition. Mr Tinkler made his way to Amsterdam to take part in the ISSA Windowclean 2008 championship, but was disappointed to find out it had been cancelled. The current world record is held by Terry “Turbo” Burrows, as he is known within the trade.Set in England in 2005, his record stands at an impressive 9.24 seconds. Also see here.

Epidemic of debt spreads to Britain's middle class. Debt advice agencies are being swamped by demands for help from a new type of customer - the cash-strapped middle income family. As the cost of credit rises and fixed-rate mortgage deals end, middle-class people who borrowed when money was cheap are turning to agencies that normally help social housing tenants and benefit claimants. Window cleaning is usually the first service to be be cancelled.

Members of The Bradford Catholic Players have added their own twist to rock opera Godspell by setting it in Saltaire in the 1800s. John the Baptist is a window cleaner in this production of the Biblical musical, starting tonight, and the cast are dressed as 19th century villagers. In the Catholic Players' show, devised by director Helen Clarke, John the Baptist appears as a window cleaner & "In the Crucifixion scene at the end his ladders are made into a cross, it's very poignant," said Debbie.