Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a unique method to reduce ship aerodynamic drag, which could lead to significant energy efficiency gains and reduced fuel consumption. The method uses the Coanda effect to create a more efficient airflow around the ship's superstructure, reducing drag by 7.5%.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2023
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that more predictable solar or wind energy generation can save millions of dollars in operating costs and prevent clean energy spillage. By analyzing six existing solar farms, they discovered that optimal locations changed when predictability was considered, leading to significant in...
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPatterns·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2023
A research team developed a near-infrared dual-channel oxygen-corrected laser heterodyne radiometer for measuring vertical profiles of wind fields in the troposphere and low stratosphere. The instrument achieves high spectral resolution, detecting slight Doppler frequency shifts caused by wind fields.
SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 6, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new Argonne study compares drone energy usage to diesel trucks and electric vehicles, finding that drones consume as much energy as either on average windy days. The models are based on regional energy consumption and facility costs of direct delivery drones under various wind speed scenarios.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMar 1, 2023
Researchers found that seabird species have unique wind tolerance strategies, with some flying fast to counteract wind drift. Albatrosses can fly in most storm conditions, while tropical species use special avoidance tactics.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023
Researchers develop site-specific mitigation strategy for wind turbines, significantly reducing bat fatalities. The approach uses wind speed, temperature, and rainfall data to adapt curtailment strategies, resulting in a 86% reduction in bat deaths.
SourceDe Gruyter·JournalMammalia·TypeCase study·DateFeb 14, 2023
Researchers used Reinforcement Learning to enable kites and gliders to adjust their orientations in real-time, accounting for turbulence. This improvement could significantly enhance the performance of airborne wind energy devices, expanding the reach of wind power to poorer communities.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 7, 2023
Researchers at Tampere University have developed a polymer-assembly robot that can fly by the power of wind and be controlled by light. The fairy-like robot has several biomimetic features, including high porosity and lightweight structure, allowing it to float in the air and travel long distances with stability.
SourceTampere University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 30, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A study found that wind turbines in forests cause common noctules, a threatened bat species, to collide with blades and lose foraging space. The researchers recommend building turbines at least 500 meters away from roosts and compensating for lost habitats elsewhere.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 20, 2023
New research highlights the need for a re-imagined regulatory framework to balance competing interests and promote sustainable growth. The study shows that hydrogen can enhance profitability for wind farm owners, but disparate rules and regulations hinder its potential.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 17, 2023
Researchers from Finland investigated the impact of wind turbines on bat presence and activity in boreal forests. Bats were found to be repelled by wind turbines, with Northern bats avoiding distances of up to 800 meters and Myotis species avoiding areas over one kilometer away.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJan 5, 2023
Researchers from Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research and European Space Agency use Loon project data to validate Aeolus satellite wind measurements, finding almost bias-free results. They recommend increasing vertical resolution for future wind satellites to improve accuracy.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2022
A new research project led by Associate Professor Marta Victoria aims to describe periods of extreme weather and design strategies for reliable renewable energy systems. The project, funded with DKK 6.2 million, will run for four years and focus on predicting and adapting to multiple adverse events.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new study uses drone-mounted technology to deter bats from flying into wind turbines, reducing fatalities by 40% and allowing turbines to operate efficiently. The device transmits ultrasonic signals and lights to warn bats of danger, leading them to fly over the turbine and out of harm's way.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateDec 15, 2022
Researchers have observed long, web-like plasma structures in the Sun's middle corona, which discharge particles into space through interactions within the structures. This innovative observation method could lead to a better understanding of the solar wind's origins and its interactions with the rest of the solar system.
SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022
A new MIT study suggests that prioritizing polluting power plants in times of wind energy generation could quadruple the health benefits associated with wind power, resulting in $8.4 billion in nationwide health benefits. However, this approach would not address existing disparities in air pollution exposure among low-income and minori...
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2022
Direct observation of magnetic reconnection in the solar wind reveals a common bursty state, leading to plasma acceleration and heating. Turbulent reconnection increases with solar wind speed, highlighting its role in energizing plasmas.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 2, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers analyzed GPS tracks of 46 wandering albatrosses to understand their airspeed increases with wind speed up to 20 m/s. The birds limit their airspeed by adjusting turn angles to maintain wing strength, while exploiting updrafts over waves in low winds.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022
A new research project at Aarhus University aims to develop intelligent drones that can detect ice on turbine blades, optimizing energy production and expanding market opportunities. The project has the potential to reduce energy losses by up to 80% and enable wind farms to operate in colder climates.
A new study presents a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating the impacts of offshore wind energy development on marine birds. Researchers propose three steps for mitigation: avoid, minimize, and offset, with the potential to offset negative impacts through conservation strategies that can increase seabird population sizes.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2022
Researchers at the University of Oldenburg have developed a new statistical model that accurately describes wind turbulence and generates fully three-dimensional wind fields using limited measurement points. This breakthrough enables precise wind turbine load estimation and improves wind farm planning, with applications in various fiel...
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPRX Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers found that acoustic monitoring alone is insufficient for large wind turbines, emphasizing the need for carcass searches and additional ultrasonic detectors. Uneven bat distributions can lead to incorrect curtailment times, putting many bats at risk.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022
Researchers at Yale University discovered that flies can detect the direction of moving odor packets, independent of wind. This allows them to adjust course and find the source of smells more accurately. The finding has potential applications in agriculture, public health, and robotics.
A new method for wind profiling using small drones has been tested and validated, enabling reliable wind speed measurements. The approach uses thermal anemometers, which are ideal for sUAVs due to their lightweight and inexpensive nature.
SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalDrones·DateOct 25, 2022
A new multimodality prediction method jointly learned vision and sequence information for accurate solar wind speed prediction. The model achieved best performance in many metrics, including RMSE, MAE, and CORR, and demonstrated the effectiveness of each module in improving prediction accuracy.
SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateOct 18, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022
A study by the Max Planck Institute found that playing wind instruments releases fewer viruses into the air than singing, but still more than breathing quietly. Wind instruments act as filters for larger particles, reducing transmission risk, while smaller particles spread further and pose a higher risk.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalJournal of Aerosol Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
A new study suggests that transitioning to a decarbonized energy system by 2050 can save the world at least $12 trillion compared to continued fossil fuel use. The study shows that rapidly transitioning to clean energy results in lower energy system costs, provides more energy to the global economy, and expands energy access.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJoule·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 13, 2022
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed a more robust and realistic general method for dealing with wind-driven phenomena in geostatistical modeling, which promises to greatly improve the accuracy of pollutant dispersion prediction.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateSep 6, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers at the University of Oldenburg and Fraunhofer IWES collaborate on a new project to develop more accurate wind flow simulations using artificial intelligence. The goal is to reduce computing times and enhance precision, ultimately accelerating innovation in wind turbine design.
Researchers have developed a new composite resin suitable for wind turbine blades that can be recycled into new blades or other products. The material has the same physical properties as its predecessor, making it ideal for reuse.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania studied wind instrument aerosol dispersion to understand how far aerosols travel and decay. Aerosols emitted by wind instruments share a similar concentration and size distribution with normal speech and respiration events, suggesting that musicians should stay 6 feet apart.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 16, 2022
Engineers developed an algorithm to optimize individual turbine angles, reducing wake impact and increasing overall farm efficiency. This could lead to a significant improvement in existing wind farms' energy output and enable more turbines to be installed in tighter spaces.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers at MIT develop a new flow model that optimizes individual turbine control to maximize wind farm energy production. The algorithm increases energy output by up to 32% in real-world experiments, with potential gains of over $1 billion per year.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 11, 2022
A new University of Michigan study finds that local wind and solar jobs can fully replace the 80,000 coal-plant jobs in the US by 2030, with operations and maintenance jobs accounting for 57% to 92% of replacement employment.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournaliScience·DateAug 10, 2022
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a more efficient wind sensor for drones, balloons, and autonomous aircraft. The sensor uses smart materials to measure wind speed and direction, improving safety and efficiency in autonomous flight.
SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022
Researchers at University of the Basque Country have developed a convolutional neural network to predict flow characteristics around flow control devices on wind turbines. The model achieves accurate results with minimal computational time, reducing errors compared to traditional CFD simulations.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A team of scientists from Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that forest specialist bats avoid wind turbines due to habitat loss. The researchers recommend that wind turbines should not be sited inside forests, but rather in open landscapes with compensatory measures.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2022
Researchers combine power conversion and storage capacity into a single device, overcoming previous inefficiencies and costs. The new technology uses six types of photo-enhanced rechargeable metal batteries, offering efficient and scalable solutions for solar energy storage.
SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateJun 24, 2022
Two Rutgers studies project that offshore wind farms will reduce Atlantic surfclam catches by 3-15%, with losses reaching 25% in New Jersey. A spatially-explicit model, SEFES, predicts impacts on fishing behavior and revenue.
SourceRutgers University·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateJun 22, 2022
A study by Leibniz-IZW scientists reveals that the death of common noctule bats at wind turbines interrupts natural food chains, compromising ecosystem services like pest control. The loss of these insectivorous bats has significant consequences for agriculture and forestry in Germany.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateJun 7, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A study estimates that old wind turbines can be deadly for protected bat species, with some turbines claiming up to 70 bat victims per year. The researchers recommend adjusting the operation of old turbines to current regulations, or even dismantling them if they are located in unfavorable sites.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022
A new study reveals that Manx shearwaters use dynamic soaring to harvest wind energy and travel efficiently across the ocean. The birds' ability to adapt their flight patterns to optimize energy gain suggests a potentially game-changing strategy for drones and other aerial vehicles.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022
A recent study by Colorado State University economists and NOAA found that improved wind forecasts result in significant energy savings for consumers. The research shows a net gain of over $150 million in annual savings through better predictions of wind patterns.
SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 1, 2022
Wind-dominant electric grids face challenges in recovering from blackouts. Researchers at Iowa State University have developed grid-forming controllers and stall-prevention systems to enable certain wind turbines to blackstart a power grid. This critical step enhances the resilience of wind farms to blackouts.
SourceIowa State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion·DateMay 31, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers propose a novel gravitational-based storage solution using lifts in tall buildings to store energy. The system, called Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST), stores energy by lifting wet sand containers or other high-density materials.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnergy·DateMay 30, 2022
Experts predict wind turbines will reach 130 meters in height by 2035, capturing more energy through larger rotor diameters. Plant sizes are expected to be 1,100 MW for fixed-bottom and 600 MW for floating offshore wind, driving cost reductions of up to 35%.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalWind Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2022
Researchers develop a new optimization model integrating electricity and hydrogen systems to evaluate the potential value of long-duration energy storage (LDES) in a net-zero grid. The integration of LDES technologies reduces overall annual cost of the electricity grid by tens or hundreds of millions of pounds.
SourceTsinghua University Press·JournaliEnergy·DateMay 24, 2022
Scientists have learned how discrete auroras on Mars are formed through the interaction between solar wind and crustal magnetic fields. The study, published in JGR: Space Physics, reveals that aurora occurrence rates depend on solar wind conditions and orientation.
SourceUniversity of Iowa·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2022
To achieve the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050 with a maximum temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, a massive rollout of solar and wind power is required, along with investments in Power-to-X technologies and carbon capture. The model suggests installing 400 GW of new solar and wind energy capacity every year from 2025-2035.
SourceAarhus University·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 18, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
The Tianwen-1 mission has successfully observed solar wind plasma upstream of Mars, revealing several large-scale solar wind disturbances and consistent tendencies with other Mars missions. The joint observation will bring new opportunities for studying the evolution of the Martian atmosphere and paleoclimate.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 17, 2022
Researchers found that improved wind forecasts resulted in at least $384 million in energy savings for US consumers over the last decade. The study used NOAA's HRRR model to compare forecast accuracy and quantify cost savings.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMay 17, 2022
Researchers used weather radar data to identify areas where large numbers of migrating birds fly through the rotor-swept zone and stopover in high densities. This information can guide the placement of new wind energy development and turbine operation to minimize collisions and habitat loss.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2022
Researchers at Caltech developed Neural-Fly, a deep-learning method that enables drones to adapt to wind conditions in real-time. The method achieved significant improvements in drone performance compared to existing adaptive control algorithms.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022
A new analysis found that offshore wind power in New England could reduce wholesale electricity prices by $28.81 megawatts per hour, while lowering emissions consistently. However, extreme winter storms may cause temporary losses of power due to high wind speeds, but these events are rare and do not break the system.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnergy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 21, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A new study models the probability of renewable energy droughts in Texas, finding that grid operators may need backup energy sources due to variable wind and solar production. Researchers suggest increasing capacity or exploring alternative storage methods to avoid extended dry spells.
SourceColumbia University·JournalPatterns·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2022
A University of Delaware study reveals a lack of marshaling ports is hindering the US offshore wind industry's growth, threatening to meet renewable energy targets. The study finds that existing and planned ports will be insufficient by 2023 to meet state and federal commitments, with a significant shortfall expected through 2050.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnergy Policy·DateApr 12, 2022
Researchers used vertical sounding data to improve forecasting of Zonda windstorms, a severe weather phenomenon affecting Argentina's agricultural communities. By analyzing atmospheric profiles and applying principal component analysis, they achieved reliable forecasts with up to 24 hours of lead time.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022
Scientists from China have developed a bionic approach to improve wind turbine performance by combining features of a seagull's wing with an engineered flow control accessory. The combined flow control improves lift and delays stalling at high angles of attack, increasing the efficiency of wind energy turbines.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMar 22, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A new study by Rice University engineers suggests that wind and solar projects could eliminate the need for coal in Texas, drastically reducing pollution. The research uses optimization modeling to identify the least-cost combinations of proposed wind and solar projects that can replace coal-fired power generation.
SourceRice University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2022