Researchers at the University of Bristol are using drones to harness wind energy and reduce carbon emissions. The project aims to improve safety and efficiency in Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES), which has the potential to generate €70 billion worth of electricity by 2050.
A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.
Researchers at NREL successfully automate the finishing process of wind turbine blades, improving consistency and reducing labor-intensive work. The technology enables US-based blade manufacturing to become more economically viable, creating jobs and supporting domestic production.
Researchers at Aalto University have created a method to manipulate objects with wind, allowing for controlled movement in different directions. The technique uses an airflow field to move objects along desired trajectories, with potential applications in robotics and complex processing tasks.
A team of scientists estimates that proposed offshore wind turbines could take away energy from existing ones, reducing power output by 34-38%. The 'wake effect' reduces total power generation due to slower wind behind turbines. Predicting wake effects can help grid operators manage them and ensure a balanced supply-demand balance.
A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that wind farms only use a small fraction of the land they are built on. The research also showed that wind turbines sited near existing roads can produce energy seven times more efficiently than those developed from scratch.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a genetic learning algorithm to identify optimal pitch profiles for VAWT blades, increasing turbine efficiency by 200% and reducing vibrations by 77%. This innovation addresses the engineering problem of air flow control and has the potential to bring efficient VAWT technology to maturity.
A Washington State University-led study found that widespread, extreme temperature events can capture greater solar radiation and higher wind speeds to help power grids. This analysis suggests using more renewable energy at these times could reduce strain on grids during increased energy demand.
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that combining cryptocurrency mining with green hydrogen technology can significantly boost renewable energy production. The approach, known as the 'dynamic duo,' has the potential to accelerate wind and solar capacity growth across the US.
Research assesses the susceptibility of open-top oil storage tanks in Patagonia to wind-induced damages, highlighting the need for wind vulnerability assessments. Fragility curves reveal a pronounced risk of structural and operational damages at common wind speeds, guiding design standards and retrofitting approaches.
A recent study found that wind turbines have a limited impact on US property values, dropping by up to 8% when built less than 2 kilometers away. However, this effect diminishes over time as people become more accustomed to the presence of turbines.
A recent PNAS study finds that wind turbine visibility reduces home values by up to 8%, but this effect decreases with distance and age of turbines. The study's findings provide valuable insights for sustainable energy development and community-friendly projects.
Researchers analyzed one-year wind and wave observations from CFOSAT to understand the modulation characteristics of wave-induced stress on wind stress. The study found significant seasonal variations in wave-induced stress globally, with stronger effects in Southern Hemisphere westerly belt and high-latitude areas.
Researchers are developing a new framework to integrate renewable energy sources with the power grid using machine learning. The goal is to ensure efficient and stable operations while maximizing wind and solar power usage.
A recent study introduces a novel methodology to assess onshore wind energy's economic viability and competitive edge. China's ambitious environmental goals, driven by technological advancements and cost reductions, have led to a rapid growth in wind power, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060.
A new study from North Carolina State University and Duke University found that wind plays a critical role in ocean currents in the equatorial Pacific. The research suggests that better simulating these processes is essential for creating more accurate models of global warming, which can help policymakers make informed decisions.
Researchers propose that policy interventions should focus on reducing energy demand to improve energy security, rather than just increasing supply. This approach is found to be more effective in making countries less susceptible to convergent energy crises.
The University of Texas at Dallas' Wind Energy Center is expanding its operations with a new physical headquarters, labs, meeting areas, and office space. The facility will feature cutting-edge equipment, including a wind-wave tunnel and Intelligent Energy Systems Lab.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new modeling framework called TOSCA, which helps improve wind energy forecasts and productivity. The framework can capture the interaction between large wind farms and the oncoming wind, leading to more accurate estimates of power output.
Researchers from Concordia University explore risks of cyberattacks faced by offshore wind farms with VSC-HVDC connections. These attacks could lead to false information, electrical disturbances, and potential transmission of amplified oscillations through the main power grid.
Artificial leaf-shaped generators, called 'power plants', capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. They also collect energy from falling raindrops, producing high voltage but short-lived power output.
Scientists used stable hydrogen isotope data from 871 dead birds at California wind and solar facilities to understand the geographic origin of affected birds. The study found that most birds killed at solar facilities were nonlocal and varied among species, with local birds making up nearly half of those killed at wind facilities.
A recent study by Leibniz-IZW and Philipps-Universität Marburg found that forest bats reduce their activity by 77% within a radius of 80-450 meters around operational wind turbines. The researchers suggest noise emission from turbine rotors is the primary cause of this avoidance behavior.
Researchers found that compound energy droughts can occur nationwide, with varying frequencies and durations across regions. Understanding these droughts will help grid planners prepare for energy storage needs and inform deployment of long-duration energy storage projects.
A fast urban micro-meteorology model was developed to assess regional weather and human comfort index in the central Beijing region. The model captured fine spatial structures of wind, air temperature, humidity, and comfort index, revealing blockage effects on wind fields and sun lights.
Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.
A new study finds that wind and solar projects can generate millions of dollars by leveraging bitcoin mining during the precommercial phase. The research suggests strategic placement of mining farms to maximize productivity, with Texas emerging as a top state for profitability. The authors recommend policy incentives to encourage envir...
Researchers investigate the interaction between solar wind and the Moon's surface, exploring the formation of lunar swirls and the influence of magnetic fields. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding the Moon's space environment.
A new hybrid method developed by Concordia researchers combines data from Weibull probability distribution and numerical weather prediction models to improve wind speed forecasting accuracy. This innovation has the potential to significantly enhance urban power generation, particularly in areas with high variability in wind speeds.
Researchers from the University of Bergen found that offshore wind farms can reduce downstream wind resources by up to 20% within 50km due to wake effects. This poses significant regulatory challenges for large-scale offshore wind development, particularly in international waters.
Researchers examine the complex interactions between solar wind and the Moon's surface environment, including small-scale magnetic fields, lunar swirls, and regolith layer dynamics. The study highlights the need for further in-situ observations to understand these processes and their implications for human activities on the Moon.
A new report from PNNL shows that floating offshore wind farms could potentially triple the Pacific Northwest's wind power capacity while offsetting millions of dollars in costs. This could lead to a significant increase in renewable energy production and help reduce carbon emissions, with the potential to power tens of million of homes.
The study found that offshore wind could generate up to 8% of the nation's electricity by 2050, with deployment ranging from 30 to 250 gigawatts. High levels of deployment are likely in scenarios with stringent decarbonization policies and low technology costs.
A study by UC Santa Barbara and Gallup Inc. found that nearly one in five wind projects faced opposition, with rates increasing over time. White, wealthy communities are more likely to oppose wind farms in the US, while wealthier communities in Canada also show resistance.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg developed a new stochastic method to mitigate sudden swings in wind turbine power output. The study found that control systems are mainly responsible for short-term fluctuations and can be optimized to ensure more consistent energy output.
Researchers have discovered numerous small-scale 'picoflare' jets within a coronal hole, which could supply energy and plasma to the solar wind. These widespread yet faint jets are powered by magnetic reconnection and appear to be a key component of space weather within the heliosphere.
A new NREL study quantifies the impacts of setback ordinances on land availability for renewable energy deployment. Setback distances vary significantly across jurisdictions, affecting wind and solar resource utilization. The study suggests that local land use considerations play a crucial role in U.S. decarbonization.
Researchers used tower-based platform data to show that wind waves can increase wind stress, while swells reduce it. This study highlights the need for numerical models to consider both swell and wind wave effects on wind stress.
A recent review paper highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach to designing and implementing renewable energy systems. Local communities' values and concerns must be considered to ensure public backing for the essential energy transition. The study emphasizes the risks of ignoring socio-technical grand challenges in wind e...
University of Wyoming researchers found that trout in Wind River Mountains lakes have adapted to their environment, showing rapid evolution. The study reveals a change in gill rakers, likely related to food sources, and highlights the importance of eco-evolutionary interactions.
A study by Spanish researchers outlines the optimal strategy for China to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, focusing on photovoltaic and wind power. The plan involves deploying 3,844 new commercial-scale plants, expanding ultra-high-voltage transmission systems, and optimizing energy loads.
A University of Central Florida engineer is leading a $3.3 million ARPA-E funded project to develop simulation software for floating offshore wind turbines. The goal is to improve turbine design and increase their use as a renewable energy source. The software will be licensed or commercialized and can be hosted on a university web page.
A team led by SwRI and UTSA discovered Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities in Jupiter's magnetosphere, enabling the transfer of energy and mass from the solar wind. This process is crucial for understanding the interaction between the solar wind and planetary magnetic fields.
Research by Politecnico di Milano finds offshore wind farms significantly reduce climate change impacts, with a 92% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The study also highlights the importance of life cycle analysis for assessing environmental sustainability of renewable energy technologies.
A study by Flinders University researchers found that short exposure to wind farm and road traffic noise triggers a small increase in waking from slumber, fragmenting sleep patterns. However, wind farm noise wasn't more disruptive to sleep than road traffic, which was slightly more disruptive at higher audio levels.
Recent studies have measured the impact of sudden wind gusts around city buildings on aircraft stability, revealing significant safety challenges for air taxis. To address this, regulations are being compiled globally to ensure safe operation in urban environments.
The £72 million investment will support cutting-edge research in fluid dynamics, biological sciences, and astronomy. It aims to maintain the UK's position as a science superpower and accelerate innovation in various fields.
A new study models optimal investment in China's grid-connected offshore wind, suggesting at least 1000 GW of capacity could be deployed at a lower cost than nuclear units. The research aims to improve provincial deployment plans and boost national renewable penetration from 31.5% to 40%.
Researchers used data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe to explain how the solar wind surpasses speeds of 1 million miles per hour. The energy released from the magnetic field near the sun's surface drives the fast solar wind, comprising ionized particles flowing outward from the sun.
The Parker Solar Probe has detected streams of high-energy particles that match supergranulation flows within coronal holes, suggesting these are the origins of the fast solar wind. The solar wind's charged particles were accelerated by magnetic reconnection within funnel structures on the sun's surface.
Researchers found near-surface wind direction is highly variable over timescales of less than 10 minutes, especially in urban areas. They hypothesize an optimal range of wind speed and environmental surface complexity helps insects locate odor sources.
Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is crucial for US states with decarbonization goals to address variable energy generation and customer demands. LDES systems can store renewable energy until needed, providing a reliable solution for a decarbonized grid.
Researchers analyzed wind field structure of tropical cyclones to understand their size and intensity relationship. Vortexes with larger radius of maximum wind expand more under the same level of intensity increment, highlighting the importance of paying attention to incipient storms with large RMW.
Bird and bat deaths at US wind turbines surge during seasonal migrations, with most species affected in the prairies and plains. The study's findings suggest adjusting curtailment requirements to protect sensitive bird and bat species.
Embry-Riddle researchers have discovered that seasonal and daily variations in the Earth's magnetic tilt can trigger changes in large-wavelength space waves, known as Kelvin-Helmholtz waves. These waves occur at the boundary between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic shield, affecting astronaut safety and satellite communications.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a chemical process to disassemble epoxy composite materials from wind turbine blades, extracting intact glass fibres and high-quality epoxy resin building blocks. The process has potential applications for circular economies in the aerospace, automotive, and space industries.
A new study reveals that our perception of difficulty in shouting upwind is incorrect. It's not the wind itself that makes it hard, but rather our inability to hear ourselves due to the convective attenuation effect. The study found that sound carries better within the first 100 meters upwind, making it easier for others to hear us.
Researchers at the University of Arizona developed an algorithm to measure wind by analyzing water vapor movements, providing a novel solution for forecasting extreme weather events. The method uses data from two operational satellites of NOAA and achieves higher resolution than traditional methods.
Researchers find that changes in wind patterns caused by warmer tropical waters are steering storms closer to the US East and Gulf coasts, increasing risk for residents. The study reveals that this phenomenon is linked to stronger hurricane frequency due to climate change.
A new study suggests that using underground water for thermal energy storage (ATES) can reduce heating and cooling energy demand in the US by 40%, making urban energy infrastructure more resilient. ATES stores energy as temperature underground, leveraging natural geological features to heat or cool buildings during extreme weather events.