Comments on: Atmospheric Electricity: A Historical Perspective http://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/ Covering the clean energy industry Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:23:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Jean Guy Duchesnehttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-981 Jean Guy Duchesne Thu, 06 Sep 2012 05:08:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-981 Why does-it necessarely take a ballon...A higt wooden structure(like Tesla) or a non conductive matérial..or on top of a mountain.....Beside that...i belive the BIG TRIANGULAR FLYING THINGS seen all around the world must get their power in some way,from the same principle...They probably get their power(energy)directly from the atmosphere...It might be why they have so much électricity..(at will).. Why does-it necessarely take a ballon…A higt wooden structure(like Tesla) or a non conductive matérial..or on top of a mountain…..Beside that…i belive the BIG TRIANGULAR FLYING THINGS seen all around the world must get their power in some way,from the same principle…They probably get their power(energy)directly from the atmosphere…It might be why they have so much électricity..(at will)..

]]> By: sanababitshhttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-764 sanababitsh Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:04:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-764 there are Now, more than two hundred and fifty years after Franklin’s hypothesis – and almost a hundred years after Plauson’s experiments – engineers at SEFE are trying to finally unlock the secret behind collecting the invisible energy in the earth’s natural electric field. The theory behind SEFE’s current research is the same as Plauson’s. It is based on the composition of the earth’s electric field, which is filled with positive and negative ions that generate currents when they interact. SEFE’s engineers are developing the technology to optimize that current, collect it, and transform it into usable power. The system, dubbed “Harmony III,” builds on Plauson’s original design as well as Franklin’s experiments from the 1750s. A large balloon floats in the air, connected to a “black box” converter on the ground by a conductive cable. Electricity from the air at the balloon’s altitude is sent down this tether into the converter and from there it can be either transferred into the power grid or stored as electricity for later use. there are Now, more than two hundred and fifty years after Franklin’s hypothesis – and almost a hundred years after Plauson’s experiments – engineers at SEFE are trying to finally unlock the secret behind collecting the invisible energy in the earth’s natural electric field. The theory behind SEFE’s current research is the same as Plauson’s. It is based on the composition of the earth’s electric field, which is filled with positive and negative ions that generate currents when they interact. SEFE’s engineers are developing the technology to optimize that current, collect it, and transform it into usable power.
The system, dubbed “Harmony III,” builds on Plauson’s original design as well as Franklin’s experiments from the 1750s. A large balloon floats in the air, connected to a “black box” converter on the ground by a conductive cable. Electricity from the air at the balloon’s altitude is sent down this tether into the converter and from there it can be either transferred into the power grid or stored as electricity for later use.

]]> By: ur jhttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-762 ur j Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:55:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-762 750, Benjamin Franklin saw a bolt of lightning and set out to show that it was made of electricity. He proposed an experiment involving a storm, a kite, and, as the deaths of subsequent scientists would demonstrate, danger. Popular American folklore to the contrary, Franklin himself never conducted this experiment. Rather, it was French scientist Thomas-François Dalibard, who, using Franklin’s outline but substituting an iron rod for the kite, successfully extracted sparks from a storm cloud, proving the presence of electricity. Now when we see a lightning bolt across a stormy sky, it seems impossible to imagine that it is anything other than natural, deadly electricity.A century and a half later, Estonian professor, engineer and inventor Hermann Plauson would take Franklin’s discoveries further, finding that electric energy existed not just in lightning bolts, but also in the earth’s seemingly empty atmosphere. In February 1922, the New York-based science publication, Science and Invention, reported on Plauson’s research in a front-page story entitled “Power from the Air.” It exclaimed, “The amount of electrical power that resides in our atmosphere is astounding.” Though Plauson’s experiments of floating aluminum balloons into the air was then one of the most modern attempts to collect atmospheric energy, the engineer himself posited that he was not the first to exploit the power source.Plauson’s journal includes a detailed explanation of how the Biblical characters Moses and Aaron may have harnessed atmospheric energy to mimic a divine temper during the forty years they reigned over the estimated two and a half million Jewish slaves they led out of Egypt. According to Plauson, the construct of the Ark, a large wooden box lined on the interior and exterior with gold, shows that it was really a large Leyden jar that Moses and Aaron used to create fire, glory, lightning, and all other electric embodiments of God. (The Leyden jar, an apparatus that can hold static electricity, wasn’t officially invented until 1745.) Even Aaron’s own sons, after making an unauthorized offering, were killed by the Ark’s mysterious fires.Now, more than two hundred and fifty years after Franklin’s hypothesis – and almost a hundred years after Plauson’s experiments – engineers at SEFE are trying to finally unlock the secret behind collecting the invisible energy in the earth’s natural electric field. The theory behind SEFE’s current research is the same as Plauson’s. It is based on the composition of the earth’s electric field, which is filled with positive and negative ions that generate currents when they interact. SEFE’s engineers are developing the technology to optimize that current, collect it, and transform it into usable power.The system, dubbed “Harmony III,” builds on Plauson’s original design as well as Franklin’s experiments from the 1750s. A large balloon floats in the air, connected to a “black box” converter on the ground by a conductive cable. Electricity from the air at the balloon’s altitude is sent down this tether into the converter and from there it can be either transferred into the power grid or stored as electricity for later use.SEFE is hopeful about the potential effects of atmospheric energy, which it believes it will be able to supply at prices competitive with other sources of clean energy. According to SEFE CEO Don Johnston, “In addition to serving communities, the introduction of the product to remote areas of undeveloped countries or the mining industry would have a meaningful economic impact. And this technology does not require expansion of the power grid that is often necessary with wind and solar.”Of course, the operative words about the viability of atmospheric energy as a future resource are “once the technology is fully developed,” and right now, SEFE’s team is not yet at that point. But SEFE engineers Michael Hurowitz and Ryan Coulson are certainly optimistic that they will get there soon. They are designing a prototype for the Harmony III, and have established proof of concept — meaning it is feasible and works in principle.There are more than a few variables that they still need to determine. What is the optimal balloon height for collection? How efficient can the collection method be? How close together can the balloons fly? Where could future atmospheric energy “farms” be located? SEFE’s engineers are aggressively researching and developing their methodology to answer these questions. In addition to floating their balloons and collection elements in Wyoming, they are also working hard in their Boulder, Colorado lab, partnering with LECGlobal to run high voltage electrostatic tests, using their ion detector system to collect data via helicopter, and working with the University of Colorado on the collectors. To date, all is performing as expected.These might be daunting questions for some scientists, but Hurowitz and Coulson say they “enjoy the challenge.” Specifically, they relish the opportunities “to delve into the unknown,” to continue “pushing the science forward,” and to collaborate with some of the best scientists in the country.The public will have to wait and see if Hurowitz and Coulson can make good on their promise to basically generate energy from thin air, but if they are able to realize what Plauson envisioned, the benefits will extend far beyond SEFE and its stockholders. SEFE is the major sponsor of Revmodo.comForward-Looking StatementsThis release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as “anticipate,” “if,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 750, Benjamin Franklin saw a bolt of lightning and set out to show that it was made of electricity. He proposed an experiment involving a storm, a kite, and, as the deaths of subsequent scientists would demonstrate, danger. Popular American folklore to the contrary, Franklin himself never conducted this experiment. Rather, it was French scientist Thomas-François Dalibard, who, using Franklin’s outline but substituting an iron rod for the kite, successfully extracted sparks from a storm cloud, proving the presence of electricity. Now when we see a lightning bolt across a stormy sky, it seems impossible to imagine that it is anything other than natural, deadly electricity.A century and a half later, Estonian professor, engineer and inventor Hermann Plauson would take Franklin’s discoveries further, finding that electric energy existed not just in lightning bolts, but also in the earth’s seemingly empty atmosphere. In February 1922, the New York-based science publication, Science and Invention, reported on Plauson’s research in a front-page story entitled “Power from the Air.” It exclaimed, “The amount of electrical power that resides in our atmosphere is astounding.” Though Plauson’s experiments of floating aluminum balloons into the air was then one of the most modern attempts to collect atmospheric energy, the engineer himself posited that he was not the first to exploit the power source.Plauson’s journal includes a detailed explanation of how the Biblical characters Moses and Aaron may have harnessed atmospheric energy to mimic a divine temper during the forty years they reigned over the estimated two and a half million Jewish slaves they led out of Egypt. According to Plauson, the construct of the Ark, a large wooden box lined on the interior and exterior with gold, shows that it was really a large Leyden jar that Moses and Aaron used to create fire, glory, lightning, and all other electric embodiments of God. (The Leyden jar, an apparatus that can hold static electricity, wasn’t officially invented until 1745.) Even Aaron’s own sons, after making an unauthorized offering, were killed by the Ark’s mysterious fires.Now, more than two hundred and fifty years after Franklin’s hypothesis – and almost a hundred years after Plauson’s experiments – engineers at SEFE are trying to finally unlock the secret behind collecting the invisible energy in the earth’s natural electric field. The theory behind SEFE’s current research is the same as Plauson’s. It is based on the composition of the earth’s electric field, which is filled with positive and negative ions that generate currents when they interact. SEFE’s engineers are developing the technology to optimize that current, collect it, and transform it into usable power.The system, dubbed “Harmony III,” builds on Plauson’s original design as well as Franklin’s experiments from the 1750s. A large balloon floats in the air, connected to a “black box” converter on the ground by a conductive cable. Electricity from the air at the balloon’s altitude is sent down this tether into the converter and from there it can be either transferred into the power grid or stored as electricity for later use.SEFE is hopeful about the potential effects of atmospheric energy, which it believes it will be able to supply at prices competitive with other sources of clean energy. According to SEFE CEO Don Johnston, “In addition to serving communities, the introduction of the product to remote areas of undeveloped countries or the mining industry would have a meaningful economic impact. And this technology does not require expansion of the power grid that is often necessary with wind and solar.”Of course, the operative words about the viability of atmospheric energy as a future resource are “once the technology is fully developed,” and right now, SEFE’s team is not yet at that point. But SEFE engineers Michael Hurowitz and Ryan Coulson are certainly optimistic that they will get there soon. They are designing a prototype for the Harmony III, and have established proof of concept — meaning it is feasible and works in principle.There are more than a few variables that they still need to determine. What is the optimal balloon height for collection? How efficient can the collection method be? How close together can the balloons fly? Where could future atmospheric energy “farms” be located? SEFE’s engineers are aggressively researching and developing their methodology to answer these questions. In addition to floating their balloons and collection elements in Wyoming, they are also working hard in their Boulder, Colorado lab, partnering with LECGlobal to run high voltage electrostatic tests, using their ion detector system to collect data via helicopter, and working with the University of Colorado on the collectors. To date, all is performing as expected.These might be daunting questions for some scientists, but Hurowitz and Coulson say they “enjoy the challenge.” Specifically, they relish the opportunities “to delve into the unknown,” to continue “pushing the science forward,” and to collaborate with some of the best scientists in the country.The public will have to wait and see if Hurowitz and Coulson can make good on their promise to basically generate energy from thin air, but if they are able to realize what Plauson envisioned, the benefits will extend far beyond SEFE and its stockholders. SEFE is the major sponsor of Revmodo.comForward-Looking StatementsThis release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as “anticipate,” “if,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

]]> By: theflaskhttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-572 theflask Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:54:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-572 Read an article that just about sums up this mess that gazornplotz speaks of, this guy does not pull his punches. http://wallstreetpr.com/sustainability-in-1920s-atlanta-meets-miami-vice-and-vagueries-sefe/ Read an article that just about sums up this mess that gazornplotz speaks of, this guy does not pull his punches. http://wallstreetpr.com/sustainability-in-1920s-atlanta-meets-miami-vice-and-vagueries-sefe/

]]> By: the Bobhttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-302 the Bob Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:38:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-302 Here's a forward-looking statement for you: In one word: "ENRON" Paid to sing the praises marching to the slop... it's like the blind leading the blind :~) Here’s a forward-looking statement for you: In one word: “ENRON” Paid to sing the praises marching to the slop… it’s like the blind leading the blind :~)

]]> By: Craighttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-292 Craig Mon, 16 Jul 2012 02:27:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-292 I'm a believer! We sent men to the moon in an age where technology was'nt nearly as developed as it is today. I believe that if SEFE refuses to give up on what they believe they can do, it is only a matter of time before it becomes a reality. In my several discussions with SEFE's investor relations contact, Justin Ackerman, this is exactly the determination this company has. This is why I have loaded up on shares at different price points. I don't want to have any regrets that I should have bought more when this stock goes to the moon. I’m a believer! We sent men to the moon in an age where technology was’nt nearly as developed as it is today. I believe that if SEFE refuses to give up on what they believe they can do, it is only a matter of time before it becomes a reality. In my several discussions with SEFE’s investor relations contact, Justin Ackerman, this is exactly the determination this company has. This is why I have loaded up on shares at different price points. I don’t want to have any regrets that I should have bought more when this stock goes to the moon.

]]> By: revmodohttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-279 revmodo Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:31:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-279 @gazornplotz:disqus: We contacted Michael and Ryan with your questions. Their response is below:What you plan to use for a conductive tether. Do you need one or two conductors? What wire size? AL or CU, or carbon? An earth field antenna is a single conductor. We have not yet determined the current that the tether must carry. We must consider both the current and the tension the tether must carry in sizing it. and the buoyant force to support that formidable weight?. Helium since Hydrogen is flammable. Can you harness a lightning bolt? Not with this apparatus, however we are designing the system to survive a lightning strike. How could you possibly harden up any electronic circuit to handle the enormous voltage? Again, we're not trying to harness lightning. The system is being designed to utilize the fair weather, high voltage low current, available in the atmosphere. Are you utilizing resonance to harvest this static charge? There are numerous designs for high voltage electrostatic motors out there, some of them utilize resonance some do not. We are looking into all options. Can you estimate the expected power obtainable from your planned prototype? Not at this time. How constant would that be? We are designing around the fair weather "worst case" conditions. The system's output will be stable up to a point, though it will vary slightly throughout the year. After the upper limit is reached safety measures prevent any further output. What happens in a high wind? The aerostats are designed to withstand fairly strong winds. It is shown in the literature that higher winds slightly increase the current on one of these systems, as corona discharge space charge is swept away more quickly. In extreme weather conditions the system would be retracted. Wouldn't an aerostat make an irresistible target for a kid with a BB gun? It would be nearly impossible for a BB to to puncture our aerostat. Wouldn't a telephone pole be an irresistible target for a lumber jack with a chainsaw? @gazornplotz:disqus: We contacted Michael and Ryan with your questions. Their response is below:

What you plan to use for a conductive tether. Do you need one or two conductors? What wire size? AL or CU, or carbon?
An earth field antenna is a single conductor. We have not yet determined the current that the tether must carry. We must consider both the current and the tension the tether must carry in sizing it.
and the buoyant force to support that formidable weight?.
Helium since Hydrogen is flammable.
Can you harness a lightning bolt?
Not with this apparatus, however we are designing the system to survive a lightning strike.
How could you possibly harden up any electronic circuit to handle the enormous voltage?
Again, we’re not trying to harness lightning. The system is being designed to utilize the fair weather, high voltage low current, available in the atmosphere.
Are you utilizing resonance to harvest this static charge?
There are numerous designs for high voltage electrostatic motors out there, some of them utilize resonance some do not. We are looking into all options.
Can you estimate the expected power obtainable from your planned prototype?
Not at this time.
How constant would that be?
We are designing around the fair weather “worst case” conditions. The system’s output will be stable up to a point, though it will vary slightly throughout the year. After the upper limit is reached safety measures prevent any further output.
What happens in a high wind?
The aerostats are designed to withstand fairly strong winds. It is shown in the literature that higher winds slightly increase the current on one of these systems, as corona discharge space charge is swept away more quickly. In extreme weather conditions the system would be retracted.
Wouldn’t an aerostat make an irresistible target for a kid with a BB gun?
It would be nearly impossible for a BB to to puncture our aerostat. Wouldn’t a telephone pole be an irresistible target for a lumber jack with a chainsaw?

]]> By: gazornplotzhttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-274 gazornplotz Fri, 13 Jul 2012 01:45:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-274 I would be fascinated to hear some answers to questions, like: What you plan to use for a conductive tether. Do you need one or two conductors? What wire size? AL or CU, or carbon? and the buoyant force to support that formidable weight?. Can you harness a lightning bolt? How could you possibly harden up any electronic circuit to handle the enormous voltage? Are you utilizing resonance to harvest this static charge? Can you estimate the expected power obtainable from your planned prototype? How constant would that be? What happens in a high wind? Wouldn't an aerostat make an irresistible target for a kid with a BB gun? I'd love to be a part of this project, but with so many un-answered questions, it seems just a pie in the sky pipe dream. Please prove me wrong. I would be fascinated to hear some answers to questions, like: What you plan to use for a conductive tether. Do you need one or two conductors? What wire size? AL or CU, or carbon? and the buoyant force to support that formidable weight?. Can you harness a lightning bolt? How could you possibly harden up any electronic circuit to handle the enormous voltage? Are you utilizing resonance to harvest this static charge? Can you estimate the expected power obtainable from your planned prototype? How constant would that be? What happens in a high wind? Wouldn’t an aerostat make an irresistible target for a kid with a BB gun? I’d love to be a part of this project, but with so many un-answered questions, it seems just a pie in the sky pipe dream. Please prove me wrong.

]]> By: Diegohttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-271 Diego Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:48:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-271 We all hope you guys make it happen ! Clean and cheap energy almost sounds too good to be possible. We all hope you guys make it happen ! Clean and cheap energy almost sounds too good to be possible.

]]> By: Tyler Ellishttp://revmodo.com/2012/07/10/atmospheric-electricity-a-historical-perspective/#comment-266 Tyler Ellis Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:42:00 +0000 http://revmodo.com/?p=4418#comment-266 The worlds future of renewable clean resources! Goodbye oil companys. The worlds future of renewable clean resources! Goodbye oil companys.

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