A new tool developed at PNNL estimates greenhouse gas and emission reductions from smart grid investments, providing insights for utilities and industry to justify investments. The Emissions Quantification Tool considers various factors, including electric vehicle charging schedules, battery-stored energy, and solar generation integrat...
Scientists analyzed 169 ovarian cancer tumors to identify key proteins, revealing new molecular events in high-grade serous carcinoma. This proteogenomics approach combines genomic and proteomic data to improve understanding of the disease, with potential applications for precision medicine and pharmaceutical interventions.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will lead a regional smart manufacturing center, advancing and implementing smart manufacturing technologies to improve energy management and reduce energy use. The center will focus on industries such as food processing, advanced materials, and metals processing.
The Department of Energy has awarded $4.4 million to advance 12 clean energy technologies, including a solar system for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and materials for more durable dams. These technologies aim to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge energy solutions developed in national labs.
Researchers have developed a new material that can capture certain gases released during nuclear fuel reprocessing at ambient temperature, potentially saving energy and reducing costs. The material, known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has the potential to improve nuclear fuel recycling and waste reduction.
Researchers at PNNL discovered a phenomenon where carbon-rich nanorods spontaneously release water as humidity increases, exhibiting capillary condensation and solvent cavitation under solvo-phobic confinement. This discovery could lead to improved water purification and separation with low-energy applications.
Scientists at PNNL are part of a core group advising the White House on microbiome research. The National Microbiome Initiative aims to study microorganisms' impact on climate science, food production, and human health.
Microbes produce methane by attaching a methyl radical to coenzyme M, contradicting previous ideas that relied on a nickel-based mechanism. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in designing energy-efficient catalysts for converting methane into fuels and chemicals.
Researchers used computer modeling to predict viscosity in CO2 capture materials, allowing for the design of low-viscosity liquids that can efficiently bind carbon dioxide. This could lead to cost savings and improved efficiency in carbon capture technology.
Three PNNL scientists, Yingge Du, Kirsten Hofmockel, and James Moran, have been selected to receive Early Career Research Program grants from the Department of Energy. They will conduct research in climate science, energy storage, and other areas, with each receiving at least $2.5 million over five years.
Scientists discovered that up to 60% of airborne particles after a rainstorm come from the soil, releasing organic matter into the atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for understanding the planet's climate and will be integrated into atmospheric models.
The new ion soft-landing technique resulted in electrodes that could store a third more energy and had twice the lifespan compared to conventional methods. The team also found that the POM hybrid electrodes used the active material extremely efficiently, with the lowest amount of POM required to reach their highest capacity.
A team of researchers at PNNL has made an unexpected discovery in rechargeable batteries, leading to a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for storing renewable energy. The new battery, which uses zinc-manganese oxide materials, can store energy with higher density and lower cost than conventional car batteries.
A powerful new mass spectrometer has been made available to scientists worldwide to study molecular processes in the environment, biology and energy. The 21 Tesla Ultra-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer can distinguish between molecules that differ by almost unimaginably small nuances.
Rising river waters deliver a feast of carbon to hungry microbes, triggering increased activity that could naturally boost emissions. The study suggests a link between the mixing of surface water and groundwater, leading to a decline in dissolved organic carbon and an increase in inorganic carbon.
Scientists develop method to produce polymers mimicking proteins' versatility and structure, using triazine-based polymer TZP. The resulting material has non-covalent bonds and side chains arranged in specific positions.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a stronger titanium alloy using a novel nanostructure, with potential applications in lightweight vehicle parts. The alloy achieved a 10-15% increase in strength, making it suitable for high-strength-to-cost ratio and greater fuel economy.
Researchers found that microbes retained many of their original traits after 17 years, despite being transplanted to new climates, suggesting they may not be as adaptable to climate change as previously thought. This study has significant implications for our understanding of the future climate and the resilience of the environment.
The US Department of Energy has awarded PNNL $625,000 to advance three small business projects in hydropower, energy efficiency and bio-based chemicals. The projects aim to reduce costs, increase sustainability and improve production processes for these technologies.
A team of scientists has created a composite material that can selectively separate oxygen from other gases, potentially revolutionizing energy applications such as fuel cells. The new material, made by combining a MOF with a helper molecule, shows promise for being inexpensive, reusable, and easy to prepare.
A new study suggests that today's clouds may not be similar to pre-industrial ones due to increased aerosol pollution. To improve climate modeling, researchers recommend better differentiation of cloud types and studying cleaner regions.
A research team has found that anaerobic gut fungi from goats, horses, and sheep can break down complex plant molecules, producing sugars that can be easily converted into fuel. The discovery could lead to improved biofuel production with potentially lower costs.
PNNL's CHAMPION software helps prevent hacks and streamlines cyber threat analysis, saving analysts time. The Micro Aerosol Disinfecting System uses activated salt spray to kill pathogens with high efficiency, making it suitable for hospitals, schools, and other enclosed spaces.
Researchers gather features and metrics from private datasets, creating vast data points that describe the physical power grid. The combination of these elements determines the performance of the grid, which has become more complex with recent additions like renewables and intelligent devices.
Researchers at DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a molecule that mimics natural vitamins in bacteria, allowing for easier tracking and measurement of nutrient use. The discovery provides insight into the inner workings of living microbes crucial to energy production and carbon cycles.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for incorporating soft biological matter into calcium carbonate crystals, creating strong biominerals. The study provides insight into the formation of natural minerals with composite properties, which could lead to sustainable energy materials.
A new flow battery technology using organic aqueous materials is expected to cost 60% less than current standard flow batteries. The battery's active materials are inexpensive organic molecules, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
A new research project proposes employing millions of existing distributed energy resources to balance the power grid, increase reliability and decrease carbon emissions. The approach uses incentive-based coordination and control to make the grid more efficient and resilient.
Scientists from PNNL will discuss the Madden-Julian Oscillation, a weather phenomenon that influences tropical cyclones and climate change. The team used computer simulations to explore how daily pulses of clouds over islands affect the MJO's movement.
A study published in Science shows that Paris emissions reduction pledges have the potential to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius if implemented and followed by measures of equal or greater ambition. Implementing these pledges through 2030 and increasing efforts beyond can greatly reduce the chance of extreme warming.
Researchers at PNNL are developing a computational tool to improve power grid planning and make hydrogen with a hybrid device. A new technology uses seaweed to create biofuel for cars and generators. These innovations aim to reduce energy costs, increase sustainability.
Scientists have created a climate-friendly rice variety that reduces methane emissions by up to 99% compared to traditional rice. The new rice type grows in a way that minimizes the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and also increases biomass, leading to more food.
Researchers developed software to detect cyber threats in near-real-time, increasing security capabilities. A new mass spectrometry technology collected more ions, enhancing accuracy in chemical analysis.
Researchers at PNNL found that Cyanothece uses both stored energy and direct sunlight to produce hydrogen. The organism's ability to create robust amounts of hydrogen makes it a viable catalyst for hydrogen production.
The six PNNL researchers honored with the Breakthrough Prize have made profound contributions to human knowledge, revealing new frontier beyond the standard model of particle physics. They worked on a variety of physics questions and continue to collaborate.
The project aims to develop transactive controls that optimize energy usage in buildings and devices, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Researchers will test the technology at three campuses, including Washington State University and the University of Washington, to demonstrate its potential for grid modernization.
The National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center has tapped Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to support its program. PNNL will contribute advanced computer modeling and simulation capabilities to analyze vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure sectors such as dams, water, transportation, energy, and information...
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that California will experience more frequent and severe droughts and floods due to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. The researchers found that extreme weather events are likely to increase, with droughts potentially doubling and floods tripling by 2100.
PNNL scientists explore molecular hydrogen storage, catalyst development using abundant metals, and the connection between plants and pollution producing aerosols. Their research aims to improve renewable energy efficiency and reduce pollution.
Researchers at PNNL developed a new forecasting tool that can accurately predict electricity needs, reducing errors and costs. The Power Model Integrator uses an ensemble of models to adaptively combine strengths and address various scenarios, improving accuracy by up to 50%.
Researchers created a new rice strain, SUSIBA2, by introducing a single gene from barley, resulting in high starch content and near elimination of methane emissions. This discovery has significant implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing food security.
Researchers use climate model to tag soot sources and track its impact on the Tibetan Plateau, finding that soot from wildfires in India warms the region more than greenhouse gases. The study suggests that cutting emissions from central Asia's fossil fuel burning can have a significant impact on reducing soot levels on the plateau.
Ocean organisms produce aerosols that nearly double cloud droplet numbers in summer, boosting sunlight reflection. The study estimates the equivalent solar energy impact over the whole Southern Ocean.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been selected as one of five national laboratories to lead the Department of Energy's new Small Business Vouchers Pilot. The lab will provide technology assistance to small clean energy firms in three sectors: bioenergy, water power, and buildings.
A five-year regional smart grid pilot project in the Pacific Northwest improved energy efficiency and reduced power costs by up to $235,000 annually. The project also demonstrated the effectiveness of transactive control technology in improving reliability and reducing peak demand.
Researchers used atom probe tomography to create the first 3-D atomic map of an industrially relevant zeolite material, revealing clues to extending catalyst life. The study found that steaming causes aluminum atoms to cluster, shutting down the catalytic factory and affecting its efficiency.
Researchers have developed a new friction stir welding process that can join aluminum sheets of varying thicknesses, yielding car doors that are 62% lighter and 25% cheaper. The process is ten times faster than current techniques, meeting high-volume assembly requirements.
Three PNNL scientists, David Heldebrant, Dongsheng Li, and Brent VanDevender, have been awarded five-year research grants to reduce carbon emissions, create new materials for energy storage, and measure neutrinos. The grants aim to bolster the nation's scientific workforce by supporting exceptional researchers during their early careers.
Researchers have successfully detected cyclotron radiation from single electrons, a phenomenon predicted in 1904, and developed a new method to measure the energy of electrons. This technique has the potential to determine the mass of neutrinos, which are essential for understanding the universe's large-scale structure.
A new, non-toxic liquid can create tiny cracks in deep underground rocks to improve power production, reducing water use by half. This environmentally friendly polymer-based fluid also reduces costs and could make unconventional oil and gas recovery more sustainable.