Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microalgae strains that are tolerant to high salinity, the products derived from the high salinity tolerant microalgae strains, and methods of producing high salinity tolerant microalgae strains and their products.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable composite is carried out by: (a) providing an aqueous mixture comprising partially hydrolyzed cellulose in a dissolution media; (b) providing a solution comprising a aliphatic polyester in a polar organic solvent; (c) combining the mixture with the solution to form a precipitate; (d) washing the precipitate with water to remove solvent and dissolution media and form a wet biodegradable composite; and then (e) drying the wet biodegradable composite to form a dry biodegradable composite. Composites made from the method are also described.

Abstract: A hybrid energy market and currency systems is provided to manage energy consumption in an energy market comprising a community of users. Energy currency units may be issued to users and an exchange rate between the energy currency units and a monetary currency unit may be set, providing a variable price for energy. Energy currency units may have a defined validity period, at the end of which the energy currency unit is automatically converted to monetary currency units. Users consume energy currency units through use of energy consumptive services, such as domestic consumption of electricity and hot water, and through use of transportation. Prices for energy may be set by comparing the cumulative actual and desired demand. By providing a continuous feedback mechanism, some embodiments of methods disclosed herein may raise an energy conscience—an awareness of when the community needs the help of its citizens to meet its ambitious sustainability goals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing graphs and/or physical bodies are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods determine one or more scaling factors that may be subsequently used to extract data from a graph/body under consideration. The systems and methods may also enable data extraction from multiple graphs, providing avenues to simultaneously optimize multiple variables at the same time.

Abstract: A VMD system and method uses an aspirator to generate a vacuum pressure for drawing permeate from a membrane module. The aspirator generates the vacuum pressure by receiving and passing a circulating liquid and combines the permeate with the circulating liquid such that the permeate condensates in the circulating liquid. Using an aspirator (e.g., instead of a vacuum pump) allows a more efficient and cost-effective operation of the VMD system and method, particularly in a desalination application. A VMD system and method using an aspirator may be used in desalination and other applications including, without limitation, environmental cleanup (e.g., removal of volatile organic chemicals from water) and food and medical applications.

Abstract: The invention, in some embodiments, relates to solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to liquid-air transpired solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to thermal energy transfer systems that comprise solar energy collectors, and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of constructing solar energy collectors are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly recovery of bitumen aims at recovering unconventional oil in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way that has the potential of eliminating the need of natural gas currently employed for steam production and power generation. The system and method aims at providing low temperature steam for the stimulation of the formation by means of solar radiation. In addition, the system and method provides a novel solution for hydrogen production that does not employ reforming of natural gas. Furthermore, the use of thermoelectric devices in combination with low temperature steam can be employed to power an electrolysis plant to generate the hydrogen necessary to produce synthetic oil.