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.
A Griffith University-led project aims to improve community engagement for renewable energy transitions in Korea. The research focuses on addressing local factors that complicate development and providing policy lessons for wind energy planning.
Researchers have discovered that plants can direct their seeds towards suitable sites by wind or water, contrary to previous findings for animal-dispersed plant species. This 'directed dispersal' allows wetland plants to optimize seed transportation and reach new areas for growth.
Researchers found that wind patterns in the lowest 500 meters of supercell thunderstorms can help predict whether a storm will generate a tornado. This discovery may lead to better predictions and fewer false alarms during tornado season.
Researchers found that golden eagles killed at a wind farm in California came from up to hundreds of miles away, posing a threat to global populations. The study's findings suggest that environmental assessments should consider bird populations across entire regions, not just local areas.
Researchers at James Cook University found that complex roof shapes can lead to high forces on connections between the roof and house frame, increasing the risk of roof cladding loss. Poorly maintained houses or minor construction defects can exacerbate this issue.
Scientists at NREL are leading an effort to model complex wind flow through large wind plants as part of the Exascale Computing Project. The project aims to advance our fundamental understanding of whole wind plants and reduce the cost of electricity derived from wind energy.
Tropical Storm Nicole in the western Atlantic Ocean is resisting erosion from wind shear, a phenomenon that can disrupt tropical cyclones. Despite being battered by strong winds, Nicole has maintained its strength and is expected to remain in strong wind shear conditions for several days.
Scientists at UFZ have created a detailed energy-transition map of Germany, highlighting regional differences in renewable energy production. The map shows that coastal areas are leaders in wind and solar farms, while cities like Berlin struggle to keep up with their consumption.
Researchers created Renewables.ninja to estimate renewable energy output using 30 years of weather data. The tool predicts wind speed and sunlight at any location, allowing for more accurate estimates of energy generation. It has already been used to analyze Europe-wide solar and wind output and is being used by companies like RWE.
Researchers have created a more realistic picture of wind energy output in Europe, correcting for biases in existing data. The updated simulations show that the current European average capacity factor is 24.2%, but could increase to over 31% with improved grid interconnection and technology advancements.
Gaston became a hurricane on Aug. 25 with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, but heavy rain rates of around 50 mm/h were occurring near the center due to southwesterly wind shear. The storm's trajectory is expected to shift northwestward over the next several days as it battles strong environmental wind shear.
The report confirms that wind power is the largest source of U.S. electric-generating capacity additions, with $14.5 billion invested in new capacity in 2015. The average capacity factor among projects built in 2014 reached 41%, up from 31% among projects built from 2004-2011 and 26% among projects built from 1998-2003.
Tropical Cyclone 02A was affected by wind shear, elongating from a tropical easterly jet stream. The storm's trajectory shifted eastward on June 28, with a forecasted dissipation date due to unfavorable vertical wind shear conditions.
A Swedish study investigates the feasibility of replacing nuclear power with wind power in Sweden's energy mix. The authors conclude that a backup system based on fossil fuels would be required to maintain constant emissions, leading to doubled CO2 levels.
A new study suggests that China can increase its use of wind power, but not in the most resource-rich areas. The country should focus on integrating wind into existing grids for a substantial gain in renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A powerful electric wind can strip water from an atmosphere, stripping Venus of its oceans, and may have played a significant role in Earth's loss of oceans. The discovery was made by NASA-funded researchers using the ESA's Venus Express mission.
New research reveals an 'electric wind' strong enough to remove water components from Venus' upper atmosphere, stripping it of its oceans. This powerful electric field accelerates oxygen ions to escape speeds, contributing to the loss of atmospheric gases.
A new hybrid decision-making model has been developed to help Serbia and other developing nations meet their renewable energy targets. The tool ranks 20 decision-making criteria according to investor priorities, favoring wind power projects due to under-utilized wind resources.
Researchers developed a single device that harnesses both solar and wind energy to generate electrical output. The hybrid system delivers up to 34 milliWatts of power, enough to turn on LEDs and power temperature-humidity sensors in smart cities.
Researchers have discovered a carbon coating that can prolong the life of wind turbine components, reducing micropitting and associated failures. The 'diamond-like' coating, named N3FC, has proven its worth through over 100 million testing cycles with no appreciable wear.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have found that the slow solar wind originates from magnetic reconnection in the sun's hot atmosphere. The team used newly processed observations to determine the source of the slow wind, which is important for understanding space weather around Earth.
A team of astrophysicists has detected an intense wind in the neighborhood of a black hole, which is formed in the outer layers of the accretion disc. The wind has a high velocity of 3,000 km/s and plays a crucial role in regulating the accretion of material by the black hole.
Fantala storm intensifies over 12 hours, reaching 120 knots in wind speed, with wave heights of 30 feet. NASA's Aqua and International Space Station satellites monitor the storm's progression, predicting a possible threat to Madagascar before turning southeast.
New Horizons provided three years of measurements of the solar wind, filling a crucial gap between what other missions see closer to the sun and what Voyager spacecraft see further out. The data helps round out our picture of the sun's influence on space, including the origins of radiation hazards for astronauts.
The Solar Wind Around Pluto (SWAP) instrument collected three years' worth of measurements before the July 15 Pluto flyby. Data showed that the solar wind's tumultuous flow becomes more uniform by the time it reaches Pluto's orbit.
Researchers found that wind carved massive mounds of more than a mile high on Mars over billions of years. The study linked the formation of these mounds to climate change on Mars, with sedimentary rocks forming at the base and wind-deposited sediments creating the mound's shape.
NREL's projects focus on advancing transformational technologies for more efficient, renewable, and resilient energy systems. The lab is developing novel solar cell manufacturing processes and extreme-scale wind turbines to expand offshore wind energy access.
Researchers from UCL and NASA used the Chandra X-Ray Observatory to study Jupiter's X-ray aurora triggered by solar storms. The findings reveal a high-energy X-ray aurora eight times brighter than Earth's, providing insights into Jupiter's magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a computer model to analyze wind conditions on the Masters' notorious 12th hole, revealing that tall tree canopies significantly impact accuracy. The system can predict wind direction and speed's effect on golf shots, aiding golfers in choosing clubs and aiming strategies.
Researchers used stable isotope and genetic analysis to determine the summering grounds of bats killed by wind turbines in the Appalachian region. The study found that intensive wind-energy development may affect bat species differently, with some populations better able to absorb turbine-related deaths.
A team of researchers is developing a new mooring system for floating offshore wind turbines that uses an integrated network of anchors and lines to hold dozens or even hundreds of turbines in place. This proposed system aims to save money and require fewer anchors and geotechnical site investigations.
Researchers investigated wind patterns and affecting weather systems around the shipwreck location. The study revealed strong winds of at least 31 m s-1, and a bow echo embedded in a squall line contributed to the disaster.
Researchers at OIST found that wind farms on a grid are part of a larger geographic weather system, leading to correlated power outputs. This challenges the assumption that geographically distributed wind farms are independent and poses difficulties in forecasting power output.
A team from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology has designed a hybrid ocean-current turbine that can provide consistent and reliable energy. The turbine operates in the middle layer of the Kuroshio Current, where waters flow calmly and steadily, making it suitable for regions regularly devastated by storms.
Tropical Cyclone Yalo has weakened significantly due to strong vertical wind shear from an approaching low-pressure trough. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center issued their final bulletin on Feb. 26, reporting a maximum sustained wind speed of 35 knots (40 mph).
Tropical Cyclone Winston has weakened significantly due to strong vertical wind shear, with strongest storms pushed south of the center. The storm is expected to move south-southwest and weaken further, becoming sub-tropical south of New Caledonia.
Tropical Cyclone Uriah's surface winds reached 30 meters per second near its southwestern quadrant, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 230 nautical miles from the center. NASA's RapidScat and AIRS instruments showed wind shear's effect on cloud top temperatures, indicating the potential for heavy rain generation.
A new study identifies four major factors leading to disputes over wind farms in Ontario, including socially mediated health concerns, financial benefits distribution, lack of meaningful engagement, and landscape impact. The research offers recommendations for addressing these issues to promote community acceptance of wind energy devel...
Tropical Cyclone Victor has weakened to a tropical storm due to increased vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the cyclone will continue to weaken over the next two days and dissipate.
A fully renewable energy system is achievable and economically viable for Russia and Central Asia by 2030, with costs comparable to European nuclear technology or carbon capture and storage. The region can expect a 20% reduction in electricity costs through integrated energy sectors.
Tropical Depression 29W, also known as Onyok, has been impacted by wind shear west of Palau. The storm is expected to dissipate over Mindanao in the southern Philippines on or around Dec. 19.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology found that birds can save energy and time by using optimal wind conditions. They calculated global aerial flyways that allow efficient traveling, suggesting a new strategy for migratory birds to reduce travel time and increase reproductive output.
A team of scientists from the University of New Hampshire led the study, using IBEX to create high-fidelity maps of the solar system boundary. The research reveals a higher temperature than previously reported for the interstellar wind.
Large-scale wind power generation can reduce breeding success of white-tailed eagles by causing collision mortality. Preventive measures are needed to protect vulnerable species and ensure sustainable energy production.
Tropical Depression Nora is experiencing strong vertical wind shear from the southwest, pushing clouds and showers east of its center. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 30 mph on October 15, 2015, with forecasters predicting it will continue moving northwest before taking a more westerly track.
Tropical Depression Nora was affected by strong southwesterly vertical wind shear, pushing clouds and showers northeast of the center. The Suomi NPP satellite revealed most thunderstorms were being pushed away from the center due to the high wind shear.
A SwRI-led study found that a comet's tail can provide insights into the solar wind's variable nature and high temperatures. Turbulence in the solar wind was observed to drive high-temperatures, while mixing of turbulent motions explains variability.
A new study using NASA's Solar and Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) revealed that the solar wind's turbulence explains its hot temperatures and variable behavior. Scientists tracked hundreds of ionized gas clumps in Comet Encke's tail to reconstruct the solar wind's motion, catching an unprecedented look at turbulence.
The US lags behind Europe in offshore wind power deployment, with only land-based wind and solar reaching new heights since 2005. Researchers from the University of Delaware urge policy changes, tax incentives, and research focus on U.S.-specific barriers to overcome current obstacles.
A recent study reveals that offshore wind farms could be more risky for gannets than previously believed, with the birds' feeding grounds overlapping extensively with planned wind farm sites. The researchers estimate that up to 1,500 breeding birds could be killed each year at two planned wind farms.
Tropical Storm Niala formed after experiencing wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm moved through warm waters and intensified into a tropical depression before strengthening into a tropical storm.
Tropical Storm Ida's wind shear is pushing clouds and strongest storms to the east and northeast of its center, with coldest cloud tops reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm remains over open ocean, with forecasters predicting a slow eastward motion followed by a turn towards the north later on September 24.
A new Harvard study finds that the supply of wind and solar power could be increased tenfold without additional storage, making gas turbines cost-effective carbon mitigation candidates. Low capital cost and good emissions performance also make them a viable alternative to intermittent renewables.