The study found that wind and solar resources have natural variability, making it challenging to generate all electricity from these sources. Reliable electricity generation with 80% solar and wind requires a continent-scale transmission grid with at least 12 hours of storage.
Scientists at UCI, Caltech, and Carnegie Institution for Science found that US can reliably meet 80% of electricity demand with solar and wind power generation. However, meeting 100% demand would require significant investment in energy storage and transmission capabilities to overcome seasonal and weather variabilities.
Researchers explore alternative reuse of wind turbine blades in architectural structures to reduce non-biodegradable waste. The project aims to provide valuable information on wind energy and best practices for industry and communities.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have developed a promising compound that can transform the energy storage landscape for large electrical grids. By modifying a metal-oxide cluster, they were able to nearly double its electrochemical energy storage in redox flow batteries, making it an ideal candidate material.
Wind shear significantly impacted Tropical Cyclone Cebile, with the bulk of clouds and thunderstorms being sheared to the southeast of the center. The storm is weakening due to dropping sea surface temperatures and high vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite observations.
Tropical Cyclone Cebile is being severely impacted by strong northwesterly vertical wind shear, causing clouds and thunderstorms to be sheared to the southeast of the center. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts further weakening due to decreasing sea surface temperatures and persistent high wind shear.
A recent study by MLU psychologists found that nearly a third of residents near wind farms experience little to no annoyance from the noise, while one in ten suffer from stress symptoms. The researchers recommend proactive addressing residents' concerns during planning phases and providing early information campaigns.
A study published in Physical Review E suggests that Martian winds were capable of digging up tens of thousands of cubic kilometers of sediment from the Gale Crater over a billion years. The wind-driven movement of sediment and dust is thought to have played a key role in shaping the Martian landscape.
Tropical Storm Irving is experiencing severe wind shear, causing clouds to gather on one side and exposing the storm's center. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument on board NASA's Aqua satellite provided a visible image of this phenomenon.
Renewable energy generation causes grid frequency fluctuations due to variable wind speeds and photovoltaic feed-in. Power trading appears more significant in grid frequency fluctuation than renewable feed-in, with small grids showing larger fluctuations.
Tropical Depression Bolaven is being weakened by persistent vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures as it approaches Vietnam. The storm will track west across the South China Sea before making final landfall in southern Vietnam on Jan. 4.
A study predicts that global wind power resources may decrease in the Northern Hemisphere's mid-latitudes and increase in the Southern Hemisphere and tropics by 2100. However, if emission levels are mitigated, wind power production in these regions may not see a corresponding increase.
Researchers found that Mars' atmosphere is well-protected from the solar wind due to its induced magnetosphere. The study, led by Robin Ramstad, suggests that only a small portion of atmospheric pressure was lost over 3.9 billion years, contradicting previous assumptions.
A comprehensive study found that wind and solar energy have lower indirect greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based technologies. The researchers' findings suggest that a full decarbonization of the global power sector is achievable with these clean energy sources, resulting in modest indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of computer scientists developed a novel computational system to aid the design and fabrication of wind-up toys. The new method automates the construction of intricate mechanical assemblies, resulting in more compact mechanisms that consume less energy.
Researchers argue that central pressure deficit is a better indicator of economic damage from storms in the United States. The study suggests that this metric can be used to calculate peak wind speed, which could improve hurricane predictions.
Sandia engineers have designed a control system that doubles the power absorbed by wave energy converters, making electricity produced from wave energy less expensive. The team applied robotics and aerospace engineering design principles to refine how a wave energy converter moves and responds in the ocean.
Researchers found that spots on the surface of Zeta Puppis, a supergiant star, create large-scale spiral structures in its stellar wind. The team observed periodic signals in the star's light and wind behavior, indicating a link between surface variations and wind clumping.
Researchers have identified the most favorable areas for harnessing high-altitude wind energy in the Middle East, where abundant and reliable winds are available. The study's findings suggest that regions over Saudi Arabia and Oman could be ideal locations for airborne wind-energy systems.
Engineers at MIT developed a new model to simulate dynamic soaring in albatrosses, finding that shallow arcs help birds stay aloft with less effort. The research also sheds light on the optimal flight pattern for wind-propelled drones and gliders.
A new battery powered by sulfur, air, water, and salt has been developed to store twice as much energy as a lead-acid battery while being nearly 100 times less expensive to produce. The invention aims to help integrate more renewable energy into the grid, addressing variability challenges.
Researchers suggest open-ocean wind farms can sustain higher electricity generation rates than on-land wind farms due to kinetic energy reservoir access. Annual global energy demand could be met with commercial-scale open-ocean wind turbines spanning approximately 3 million square kilometers.
New research from Carnegie Institution for Science suggests that North Atlantic wind farms can generate at least three times more power than onshore wind farms, tapping into winds throughout the atmosphere. However, this tremendous wind power is seasonal and primarily available during winter months.
A study by Columbia University researchers suggests that U.S. lakes and reservoirs can generate 325 gigawatts of power through evaporation, which is nearly 70% of the country's current energy production.
Research by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Katariina Nykyri suggests that solar wind fluctuations can affect the speed and strength of space hurricanes, impacting plasma transport into Earth's magnetosphere. This may provide insights for better space-weather prediction and safer satellite navigation.
Researchers developed a Doppler LIDAR instrument for accurate remote wind measurements, offering high spatial and temporal resolutions. The system's simplified design enhances stability and reduces costs, making it suitable for real-time applications such as hurricane forecasting and aircraft safety.
The New European Wind Atlas aims to reduce overall uncertainties in determining wind conditions by improving competencies on atmospheric flow and data guidelines. The atlas should be able to predict wind conditions with accuracy better than three percent in uncomplicated regions and ten percent in complicated regions.
The study outlines infrastructure changes for 139 countries to transition to 100% renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, air pollution deaths, and creating jobs. The roadmap aims to avoid global warming and create energy self-sufficient countries.
Hurricane Kenneth's strongest storms were pushed away from the center due to vertical wind shear, causing a rapid weakening of the hurricane. The National Hurricane Center expects Kenneth to weaken rapidly over the next day or two, potentially becoming post-tropical in 2-3 days.
Researchers are developing software called ThermalTracker to automatically categorize birds and bats in thermal video. The system can help developers and regulators make informed decisions about siting and operating offshore wind projects, reducing uncertainty about potential impacts on wildlife.
Distributed wind power has grown significantly in the US, with the nation's cumulative capacity reaching 1% of total wind power capacity. The 2016 report highlights the success of third-party financing and leasing options, which have made it more accessible for companies and individuals to install wind turbines on their properties.
The US Department of Energy's Wind Technologies Market Report reveals that wind power additions reached a record high in 2016, with 8,203 MW of new capacity. Bigger turbines are enhancing project performance, while low turbine pricing continues to push down installed project costs.
Researchers found that optimally designed vertical axis wind turbines can financially compete with fossil-fuel based power plants in urban and suburban areas. The study suggests the potential to spearhead net-zero energy buildings or cities through efficient energy harvesting.
A new study found that trees can increase wind speed by a factor of two when removed, making it more challenging for pedestrians to walk. Trees also reduced the impact of wind pressure on buildings, particularly through small gaps, and contributed to a more comfortable environment.
A new study reveals that Europe's wind energy capacity is concentrated in the North Sea region, leading to extreme fluctuations. Cooperating countries can balance capacity across the continent to minimize these fluctuations. However, expanding solar energy capacity tenfold would be required to compensate for longer-term fluctuations.
Researchers studied owls' wings to understand how their unique features can reduce noise in machines like wind turbines and aircraft. Leading-edge serrations can control airflow, improving aerodynamic force and sound production, but a trade-off exists between performance and noise suppression.
A new study published in PNAS argues that achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies beyond wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Experts emphasize the importance of a broader approach to decarbonization, citing technical challenges and infrastructure realities.
Experts conclude that a near-zero-emissions energy system will require a diverse portfolio of energy technologies, including bioenergy, nuclear energy, and carbon capture technology. The study corrects previous research suggesting the US can be powered solely by solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy.
Researchers propose a day-ahead economic dispatch model to optimize wind power generation, considering both planned and real-time energy use. The framework successfully predicts optimal models for energy commitment and has been tested in real-world simulations.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that offshore wind turbines may not withstand Category 5 hurricane gusts, which could pose a risk in hurricane-prone areas. The study highlights the limitations of current turbine design and suggests that manufacturers and engineers need to improve hurricane-resilient turbines.
Researchers developed a parametric genetic algorithm to assess complementary options for large-scale wind-solar coupling in the electrical grid. The approach successfully optimized power generation and dispatch decisions, showing promise for managing intermittent renewable energy sources.
Researchers propose pairing remote wind farms with conventional units to reduce power storage needs, improving reliability. The approach uses an algorithm to estimate future wind states and provides limitations for extreme wind states.
Researchers used underwater microphones to detect and map harbor porpoise habits in the Maryland Wind Energy Area. They found that porpoises occur significantly more frequently during January to May and forage for food in the evenings.
NCAR will develop a three-year project to provide detailed forecasts of wind and solar irradiance at Kuwait's 2-gigawatt Shagaya renewable energy plant. This technology will help Kuwait reach its goal of generating 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
A new system aims to protect bald eagles from wind turbine collisions by detecting approaching birds and triggering deterrents. The technology, developed at Oregon State University, uses a camera-mounted system to identify eagles in flight and deploy colorful human-like figures to scare them away.
Tropical Cyclone Cook was pushed apart by strong vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite imagery. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 45 knots as it transitioned into an extra-tropical cyclone.
Researchers used a unique wave tank to study wind-generated waves and found that rogue waves are more likely than expected. The experiment provided crucial information on the mathematical likelihood of these extreme events.
The study presents a detailed methodology for calculating renewable energy potentials using global or regional databases. It forecasts significant fossil fuel savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, especially in Russia's Far East and coastal regions.
A new assessment by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that wind and solar resources in Africa are plentiful, low-impact, and cost-effective. The research highlights the importance of strategic siting and grid interconnections to reduce system costs and impacts.
The study suggests that choosing wind sites to match electricity demand reduces system costs and enhances equitable distribution of renewable energy. Countries can save hundreds of millions to billions of dollars per year by pursuing low-cost, accessible, and environmentally friendly solar and wind farms.
Tropical Cyclone 11S has been stretched out due to moderate vertical wind shear, according to NASA satellite imagery. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects the storm to strengthen before encountering stronger wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.
Researchers at Lappeenranta University of Technology found that a fully renewable electricity system in Iran could reduce costs by 50-60% compared to other emission-free energy options. The transition requires significant investments in solar, wind, and hydropower but can drive economic growth and reduce emissions.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a lab model of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) arrangements that can help design and implementation in the future. The study found that closely spaced VAWTs can generate up to 10 times more power per unit of land area than widely spaced HAWTs.
Tropical Cyclone Bart has developed in the Southern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing an image of the storm on Feb. 21. The cyclone is elongated due to vertical wind shear and is moving east-southeast at a speed of 25.3 mph.
Researchers from University of Delaware and Princeton University show that US grid can manage large amounts of offshore wind power, reducing pollution and electricity costs. The study found that the PJM grid can handle over 35 gigawatts of offshore wind, powering approximately 10 million homes.
A new model predicts wind frequency and potential contributions to traditional energy sources, enabling decentralized load frequency control. The algorithm requires less computational time than traditional methods, but may require more computation to maintain system stability.
Researchers found that wind power fluctuations follow the same pattern as wind speed fluctuations due to shared eddies, affecting grid stability. This understanding has immediate implications for economic and political decision making in managing renewable energy.
A study by the University of Edinburgh found that wind farms prevented 36 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas sources in Great Britain. The research suggests that a greater investment in wind energy could help meet Scottish and UK government targets for carbon emissions reduction.
The 2015 Renewable Energy Data Book reveals significant US renewable energy growth, with solar and wind capacities increasing by 35.8% and 5.1%, respectively. Globally, renewables accounted for over 24% of electricity generation, up from 21.3% in 2014.
Researchers from Autodesk and Dartmouth College developed Printone, an interactive design tool that allows users to create functional 3-D printed wind instruments with interactive sound simulation feedback. Users can transform shapes into instruments and play favorite melodies.