Articles tagged with Alternative Energy
Researchers at Ural Federal University have synthesized a proton conductor with high electrical conductivity, which could become the basis for solid oxide fuel cells. The new material is potentially cost-effective and exhibits higher electrical conductivity than other solid-state conductors.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for extracting hydrogen gas from liquid carriers, making it faster, less expensive and more energy efficient. The new method uses sunlight and a reusable photocatalyst to release hydrogen molecules, reducing the need for rhodium and lowering production costs.
The world's first rapid testing facility for tidal turbine blades has opened, aiming to speed up development of marine energy technologies while reducing costs. The £4.6 million FastBlade facility uses powerful hydraulic cylinders to simulate stresses on blades over two decades in under three months.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University in Japan have developed a new method to fabricate cadmium-free thin-film solar cells with improved energy conversion efficiency. The process replaces toxic materials with native buffer layers formed through air-annealing, reducing waste and increasing the potential for large-scale manufacturing.
The study reveals significant information on the thermal properties of electric double-layer capacitors, which can help create safer and more reliable energy storage devices. The research team found that charging and discharging alter the heat capacity of EDLCs, leading to a decrease in capacitance.
A team of economists proposes flexible import tariffs to reduce Russia's financial gains from its oil and gas exports, allowing EU to flexibly react to Moscow's actions in Ukraine. The measure could prove valuable in mid- and long-term efforts to become more independent of Russian oil and gas.
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.
The University of Plymouth is collaborating with Kongsberg Digital to develop a state-of-the-art simulator that will revolutionize the floating offshore wind sector. The new system will provide key insights into solutions increasing efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness for industry professionals.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that can automatically clean solar panels without using water, reducing dust accumulation's impact on efficiency. The system uses electrostatic repulsion to detach dust particles, improving overall power output and potentially saving $200,000 in annual revenue.
A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research calculates the costs of a CO2-neutral Switzerland, finding that three different energy systems would require significant investments and increased energy costs. The most efficient option is electrifying the entire energy supply, but this comes with the challenge of storing enough renewa...
Researchers propose a new way to store renewable energy by speculatively performing computations in large data centers when energy is abundant, and retrieving the results later. This approach offers better efficiency than traditional battery storage methods and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...
The seminar on geothermal energy held by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) showcases the growing interest in the renewable source among oil and gas professionals. The event highlights opportunities for oil and gas experts, market trends, challenges, and potential solutions for scaling geothermal energy globally.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a novel method to convert banana peels into valuable hydrogen and solid-carbon biochar through flash pyrolysis using a Xenon lamp. This innovative technique generates around 100 liters of hydrogen per kg of dried biomass, making it a promising renewable energy solution.
Researchers developed a low-cost and simple method to produce perovskite photovoltaic materials on an industrial scale, paving the way for creating lightweight and flexible solar cells. The new technique reduces waste and toxic byproducts associated with manufacturing perovskite photovoltaics.
Researchers from Korea Maritime & Ocean University found that using LPG as a marine fuel can reduce annual fuel consumption by 7.5-10.4%, fuel cost by 8.8-25.9%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 10-14%. The study also highlights the potential for promoting LPG as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered paddlewheel-like molecular dynamics that help push sodium ions through a quickly evolving class of solid-state batteries. The insights will guide researchers in their pursuit of a new generation of sodium-ion batteries to replace lithium-ion technology.
Researchers have created nanoparticles that can store hydrogen, reducing the need for pressurized tanks and cooling. The discovery could enable climate-friendly fuels and production methods for airplanes, ships, and steel.
Scientists developed an all-season smart-roof coating that automatically switches between cooling and heating, outperforming commercial cool-roof systems in energy savings. The technology uses vanadium dioxide to regulate its rate of radiative cooling, overcoming the problem of overcooling in winter.
A new device has been developed that converts sunlight into two promising sources of renewable fuels – ethylene and hydrogen. The researchers found that by optimizing the working conditions for cuprous oxide, a promising artificial photosynthesis material, they can create a more stable system.
Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed a new version of organic electronics that can manage energy consumption more efficiently. The technology, known as spintronics, uses carbon-based molecules to expand electronic material versatility and functionality.
Researchers at MIT and Google Brain developed a system that predicts how changing materials or designs will improve solar cell performance. The new simulator, called differentiable solar cell simulator, provides information on which changes will provide desired improvements, increasing the rate of discovery of new configurations.
The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.
A team of researchers explored the possibility of producing hydrogen from offshore wind in China and delivering it to Japan at a cost competitive with the country's future projections. The study found that Chinese-produced hydrogen could supply Japan's net-zero transition needs by 2030, even under a high-cost scenario.
A new study found that research and development on chemistry and materials science were key factors behind the significant cost decline of lithium-ion batteries. The analysis revealed that over 50% of the cost reduction came from R&D activities, with chemistry and materials research being the primary contributors.
A research team discovered a quantum confinement effect in a 3D-ordered macroporous structure of BiVO4, enabling hydrogen production under visible light. The study found that the 3DOM structure had higher photocatalysis efficiency and produced more oxygen than its plate-like counterpart.
Scientists have successfully stored energy in bean plant roots using conjugated oligomers, creating a new biohybrid system for sustainable energy storage. The research demonstrates that the roots of intact plants can function as networks of conductors, storing up to 100 times more energy than previous experiments.
Historical analysis found no precedent for the rate of coal and gas power decline required to limit climate change to 1.5°C. Rapid declines in fossil fuel use occurred in response to energy security threats, but such cases are less relevant to climate scenarios where continental-size regions are involved.
Researchers develop solid-state battery material derived from trees, offering improved ion conductivity and potential solutions to safety concerns. The new material could enable the mass market adoption of solid-state battery technology.
Functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show improved hydrogen interaction, increasing storage capabilities by 15-80%. The study uses machine learning to predict binding energy and reduce computationally heavy calculations.
Quaise Inc.'s new geothermal drilling technology uses millimeter waves to melt and vaporize rock, allowing for deeper access to hot resources. The company's test campaign aims to drill holes with increasing aspect ratios, simulating the full drilling process.
A composite film made of bismuth titanate and triboelectric polymer was developed to harness mechanical energy and power low-power electronics. The film generates an electric charge when pressed and released, creating a voltage and enhancing energy harvesting performance.
Researchers have solved the mystery of chlorine's role in perovskite solar cells by imaging atoms at the surface. The team found that chlorine is incorporated into the material through grain boundaries, increasing stability and efficiency. An optimal concentration of chlorine was discovered to deliver high stability.
Researchers develop a novel method to convert nitrate in wastewater into ammonia with nearly 100% efficiency and zero greenhouse gas emissions. The system utilizes cobalt catalysts and solar power to achieve unprecedented solar-to-fuel efficiency, outperforming existing technologies.
Researchers will use C. thermocellum bacteria to better understand metabolism and production of cellulosic biofuels, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in heavy-duty transportation. The $1.2M grant will integrate enzyme assays, robotics, computer modeling, and advanced chemistry techniques.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel electrocatalyst that can effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at low cost. The catalyst, composed of transition metal phosphates, achieves high surface area and fast charge transfer, making it suitable for commercial on-site production of hydrogen.
The Basque Country has significant potential for recovering and reusing industrial waste heat, with Bizkaia province showing the highest concentration. The research found that 90% of companies with waste heat temperatures above 400°C can recover their investment within five years.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a wave energy converter that doubles the power harvested from ocean waves, overcoming technical challenges and unlocking vast untapped potential. The dual-turbine design is cost-effective and requires no special syncing technology.
Researchers highlight the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solar-to-fuel production, converting sunlight into hydrogen and other fuels. COF-based photocatalysts have shown promising properties, including improved catalysis and electron delocalization, making them a viable solution for future energy needs.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an energy-saving desalination process using carbon dioxide, which can reduce water pretreatment required and cost savings. The HIX-Desal technology has shown promising results in reducing salinity of treated wastewater by over 60% without the need for reverse osmosis.
The team uses state-of-the-art X-ray imaging to study plasma discharges in water, providing new insights into the phenomena. The research aims to advance green energy production through methods like fusion, hydrocarbon reforming, and hydrogen generation.
A 2 MWel power plant will be built in Saudi Arabia, combining CSP and desalination techniques to achieve unprecedented efficiencies. The DESOLINATION project aims to provide low-cost renewable electricity and fresh water for the GCC region.
A new digital platform aims to increase recyclable plastics by reducing material components and weighing functionality against resource efficiency. The DIMOP project creates a tool for product developers to make better material choices, increasing plastic recyclability.
A novel type of flow battery is being tested in golf carts and industrial vehicles, showing promise for powering electric cars for up to 3,000 miles. The technology replaces traditional batteries with a water-based single fluid that can run like a gas engine without burning anything.
Researchers studied hydrogen's transition from a gas to a liquid metal under high pressure, shedding light on the interiors of giant planets. They found that deuterium became opaque and metallic at nearly 2 million times normal atmospheric pressure.
The Planck mission's final data supports the standard cosmological model with exceptional accuracy, providing a wealth of information about the Universe's content and rate of expansion. However, some limitations and anomalies remain, particularly regarding the Universe's expansion rate.
Researchers developed a system called Taco that generates optimized code for tensor algebra operations on sparse data, offering a 100-fold speedup over existing software. The system automatically optimizes code by tracking and discarding zero entries, reducing wasted computation.
The ACS Kavli Lectures will discuss the use of computational chemistry and physics-based models to improve drug discovery efforts. Emily Carter will also present on using quantum computing to assess alternative clean energy approaches.
As energy becomes scarce, daily life in Western industrial nations will downshift into simpler forms due to reduced consumption. Behavioral scientists aim to help people cope with the transition by pre-familiarizing them with the changes and encouraging small, voluntary social experiments.
New research from Heriot-Watt University and the University of Southampton shows collective switching or group buying schemes can save UK consumers up to a third of their yearly electricity bills. The study proposes a model to help consumers form more efficient buying groups and minimize switching risks.
UTSA's two-year pilot project aims to identify reliable solutions to San Antonio's sewage overflows, which pose environmental and health risks. The study will use simulation and optimization algorithms to develop a model for the sewer system, with the goal of reducing overflows by 50%.
A new mixing strategy using synchronized flows of jets has been developed to optimize mixers in industrial products. The 'cat's eyes flip flow' is a promising solution that increases performance while reducing energy consumption, making the process more environmentally friendly.
A team of environmental engineers at the University of Texas at Arlington has received a grant to study the feasibility of landfill gas-to-energy in Ghana. The project aims to adapt a sensor system to boost methane production and create an alternative energy source.
Researchers found that recurrent hypoglycemia enhances neuronal uptake of lactate, allowing the brain to retain normal neural activity. This suggests that lactate supports neuronal function and indicates potential benefits of supplementing alternative fuels during hypoglycemia.
The university will conduct two projects focusing on alternative energy sources and cleaner technologies to reduce reliance on oil. Researchers aim to develop a novel method for converting natural gas to syngas.
Residents of Louisiana and Florida, most impacted by the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, have altered their views on global warming, deepwater drilling, and alternative energy. They express greater concern about sea level rise and support conservation of natural resources.
Scientists at the University of Missouri will use the donation to create the Sidney Kimmel Institute for Nuclear Renaissance, studying fundamental physics of unknown energy producing reactions. The goal is to discover a new, clean alternative form of energy with potential uses depending on the extracted energy and process consistency.
A University of Illinois study found that Miscanthus x giganteus is a strong contender for an alternative energy source. The bioenergy crop can be grown to produce ethanol and has shown positive environmental impacts, including erosion control.
The Office of Naval Research is exploring alternative energy sources, including fuel cell vehicles and high-efficiency trash disposal technology. The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency for the military.
The DOE's Office of Science has awarded almost 1.7 billion processor hours to 60 high-impact research projects addressing national and global challenges, with applications including earthquake hazard forecasts, wind turbine efficiency, and laser energy coupling for ignition targets. These awards accelerate development costs and speed d...