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Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers embrace uncertainty to make microgrids better

A new optimization model by GIST researchers reduces operating costs and load shedding in microgrids, achieving a 20% decrease in average ENS. The model accounts for variations and uncertainty in renewable energy supply using an ANN-based prediction model, with predicted power output accuracy of 9.7%.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2022

A healthy wind

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

Building green energy facilities may produce substantial carbon emissions, says study

A new study estimates the cost of a green transition in greenhouse gases, finding that building renewable infrastructure generates significant carbon emissions. However, speeding up the transition could dramatically decrease these emissions and limit warming to 2 degrees or even 1.5 degrees.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Offshore wind farms may harm seabirds, but scientists see potential for net positive impact

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

New wind field models accurately describe wind gusts

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

Catalyzing clean energy

Researchers at Lehigh University have secured $13.2 million in funding to improve hydrogen generation and carbon capture/sequestration technologies through a partnership with Georgia Tech's UNCAGE-ME Center. The goal is to develop catalysts that can mitigate the degradation of these technologies in real-world conditions.

Biofuel on the road to energy, cost savings

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified promising new biofuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency or reducing tailpipe emissions. The biofuels, developed using advanced engine design, can be blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and meet more ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 10, 2022

Efficiency and stability best-practices proposed for solar water-splitting to make hydrogen

Scientists from NREL and Berkeley Lab have developed best-practices for PEC water-splitting, providing a guide for researchers to follow uniform experimental practices. This will enable more accurate characterization of solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and help overcome the challenges of durability.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Ben-Gurion University scientist invited by NASA to present plan to power lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage

A Ben-Gurion University scientist has presented a plan to power a lunar colony solely through solar energy without energy storage. The concept, which exploits the unique conditions of the Moon's polar axis and low-mass transmission lines, could offer a more affordable solution than traditional nuclear reactors.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalRenewable Energy·DateOct 31, 2022

Unintended consequences: analyzing interventions on mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining

Researchers analyzed three intervention strategies to mitigate mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining, finding that while some methods reduce emissions, others create new environmental problems. The study suggests a need for more comprehensive approaches to address the complex issues surrounding mercury use.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Blessing or curse? How the pandemic and the war impact energy transitions

The Covid-19 pandemic and European conflict have exposed the vulnerability of the global energy system, with reduced investments in clean energy projects and increased fossil fuel reliance. This is likely to create lock-in effects that could take decades to reverse, making a sustainable energy transition increasingly challenging.

Sleep mode makes Energy Internet more energy efficient

Nagoya University scientists developed a controller with a sleep mode to procure energy only when needed, reducing the need for storage batteries and capacitors. This innovative solution enables efficient energy saving and promotes the practical application of power packet type energy Internet.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control·DateOct 7, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

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

Solvent study solves solar cell durability puzzle

Researchers at Rice University have created stable and efficient halide perovskite solar cells by finding the right solvent design to apply a 2D top layer on top of a 3D bottom layer. The new method achieves high power conversion efficiencies, comparable to commercially available solar cells, while maintaining stability.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Optimizing wind flow simulations

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 develop new faster charging hydrogen fuel cell

A new method to improve solid-state hydrogen fuel cell charging times has been developed by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney. The study used a semi-cylindrical coil heat exchanger, which significantly improved heat transfer performance and reduced charging time by 59%. This innovation has the potential to revolution...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2022

Energizing Africa

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara analyzed Southern Africa's resources and power grid to develop an energy portfolio that meets the region's 2040 energy requirements. The model suggests that wind and solar are the most cost-effective options, with potential to freeze greenhouse gas emissions at 2020 levels.

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022