Reduced usage of artificial lighting, bacteria prevention in pipelines using shark skin imitations, energy converters: oh my!
By TAMAR URIEL-BEERIAriel University is the only accredited Israeli university not within the pre- 1967 lines.(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)Chemists, physicists, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and more will be attending the one-of-a-kind Energy Conference at Ariel University, the only conference of its kind in Israel that brings together key people from these different disciplines to discuss energy.The main subjects for this year's conference will be energy storage for long-term efficiency, proper selection of raw materials and correct calculations for corrosion processes in the energy industry."Correct lighting, correct sleeping" will be one of the lectures presented by Ofer Keren, Director of Business Development at Keren Yeda Energy Ltd.Keren claims that we have become addicted to artificial lighting and air conditioning, despite the former having been designed to extend daylight hours rather than being used during them. Lowering the strength of artificial lighting and activating it only after sunset would be the first, big step toward overall sustainability. The change would improve health and quality of life while also saving electricity. A new and powerful energy converter for computers will be presented by Dr. Ilan Aharon, a researcher at the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Ariel University. The new GaN-based technology will enable a switch to sub-GHz frequencies (a thousand times faster than what is currently in use).Natan Shahar from Livolt Ltd will be lecturing about renewable energy storage for extended periods of time for use in overloaded situations. The Sky Energy project that he will be presenting deals with the production of methane gas from the air and with electricity created by renewed energy to solve the problem of renewable energy availability and to allow the use of the power base in the electricity grid.Matanel Bitton, a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Department at Ariel University, will present his innovative final project: Preventing biological coupling (bacterial colonies) in pipelines by imitating the texture of shark skin. Biological coupling is usually treated by injecting chemicals, which kill the bacteria but also kills the animal, as well as contaminating the environment. Shark skin texture, however, has been proven to reduce biological coupling. Bitton's project was to develop a technology that produces imitation shark skin for pipes that is affordable.Corrosion of materials in energy production systems is an issue in reducing energy waste that Dr. Elik Groisman from the Technion will address in his lecture.Finally, Dr. Yan Rosen from Tel Aviv University will present his research on the use of ozone in the production of ethanol, and therein energy, from vegetable waste. The use of ozone allows for energy production without pollution and without the risk of transportation with hazardous materials.Entrance is free, but requires advanced reservation. If you wish to attend, register here
