Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have created a new type of fuel that has higher energy density than traditional heavy-duty fuels. The biofuel, called POP-FAMEs, is produced by bacteria fed with plant matter and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions when burned.
The study reveals alternative strategies such as reducing virgin materials, reusing products, and extending product life spans to build sustainable product life cycles. Key challenges remain in developing PV and battery recycling methods, with current research focusing on lab-scale methods.
Researchers at Stanford University have designed an optical concentrator, AGILE, that can efficiently gather and concentrate light regardless of the angle and frequency. The device can capture over 90% of incoming light and create spots three times brighter than the incoming light.
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) researchers have created a new membrane material that separates nitrogen from methane based on their shape difference. This approach reduces purification costs for natural gas by up to 73% compared to existing methods, offering an energy-efficient solution.
A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the life cycle assessment of nuclear power generation, revealing varying TMR coefficients across different mining methods and fuel cycles. The results show that nuclear power generates similar natural resources as renewable energy, significantly less than thermal power.
A new Imperial analysis found that biogas and biomethane supply chains release more than twice as much methane as previously estimated, with 62% of leaks concentrated in a few 'super-emitters'. The researchers call for better monitoring and fixing of leaks to ensure the continued use of these climate-friendly gases.
Harvard researchers develop new method to extend the lifetime of organic molecules in organic aqueous flow batteries, improving their commercial viability. The approach works by periodically providing a shock to revive decomposed molecules, resulting in a net lifetime increase of up to 260 times.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a commercially viable perovskite solar cell that can last up to 30 years, outperforming industry standards. The device's durability and efficiency meet common standards, marking a significant milestone for renewable energy technology.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing a physics-based system using artificial intelligence to improve the cybersecurity of energy delivery systems. The 'GridDeep' project aims to prevent, detect, and mitigate attacks on renewable sources sending power to the grid.
A study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that companies purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) are overstating their climate mitigation claims. The researchers found that firms reported a 31% reduction in emissions, but the actual drop was only 10%, three times lower.
Research by Duke University shows the US is still indirectly buying Russian crude through highly globalized supply chains. The analysis highlights three ways to mitigate exposure: Buy American, Made in America, and secure supply chains through renewable energy investments.
A KAUST-led team developed organic semiconductor-based photocatalysts to store solar energy as clean hydrogen fuel. These catalysts can absorb visible light and generate long-lived charges, improving efficiency for hydrogen evolution.
Scientists designed novel hard carbon anodes with controlled defects, pore structures, and cation doping to boost sodium storage capacity. The optimized materials showed improved rate capability, cycling stability, and energy density. Introducing potassium ions regulated the microstructure and surface functionality of the anodes.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology observed structural chirality in achiral conjugated polymers, which can enhance solar cells' charge capacity. This discovery introduces new opportunities for research at the convergence of biology and electronics.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have achieved a breakthrough in using chromium compounds for efficient green-to-blue photon upconversion. This process can expand the use of low-energy sunlight in solar cells and photochemical reactions, reducing environmental impacts associated with rare metal extraction.
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.
Researchers developed a hot-carrier multijunction solar cell that maintains high conversion efficiency with nonoptimal materials, expanding the scope of candidate designs. The novel architecture showed superior resilience to design imperfections, widening the range of suitable materials and operating conditions.
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.
Researchers in China and the US developed a computer simulation model addressing solar power's intermittency by adding biomass to advance a reliable, affordable heating solution. The proposed solar-biomass hybrid system provides cleaner energy than fossil fuel for single-family homes.
A new artificial enzyme has successfully degraded lignin, a stubborn polymer in woody plants, offering hope for developing a new renewable energy source. The enzyme, developed by mimicking natural enzymes that break down lignin in nature, shows promise for producing valuable products from lignin.
Scientists at TU Wien have developed a new photocatalyst design that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. This process, called photocatalytic water splitting, has the potential to produce environmentally friendly 'green hydrogen' with higher efficiency than traditional electrolysis methods.
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.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a low-cost gel film that can pull water from the air in dry climates, producing up to 6 liters of water per day. The film uses renewable cellulose and konjac gum, making it an affordable solution for communities struggling with water shortages.
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.
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.
Australian researchers have developed a device that can generate electricity from thermal radiation using technology similar to night-vision goggles. The team successfully tested a 'thermo-radiative diode' capable of converting infrared heat into electrical power, with the potential to harness solar energy at night.
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 have developed a system that harnesses energy from sunlight to power small devices, making it ideal for off-grid situations. The innovative device uses non-toxic algae to generate electricity continuously without running down like traditional batteries.
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.
Energy researchers have invented a device that electronically converts one metal into behaving like another to use as a catalyst for speeding chemical reactions. The invention opens the door for new catalytic technologies using non-precious metal catalysts, potentially improving efficiency and sustainability in various applications.
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.
The study reveals that US landfilled plastic waste is worth $4.5-9.9 billion and has an embodied energy equivalent to 12% of industrial sector energy consumption. The researchers estimate 44 million metric tons of plastic waste in the US, highlighting the need for better recycling techniques.
A new approach to battery design uses a polysulfide-air redox flow battery with two membranes, overcoming main problems and opening up potential for large-scale energy storage. The dual membrane design enables the use of lower-cost materials, improving performance and reducing costs.
Researchers propose a dual water and energy storage scheme to resolve the temporal mismatch between resources, reducing CO2 emissions while guaranteeing water supply. The scheme utilizes seasonal pumped hydroelectric systems to store water for irrigation during summer and hydropower generation in winter.
A breakthrough in green technology has successfully produced both hydrogen gas and hydrogen peroxide simultaneously from sunlight and water using a hematite photocatalyst. This innovation could lead to a solar water-splitting utilization system with greater added value, enabling the widespread adoption of carbon-neutral energy sources.
Researchers overview properties and disadvantages of cathode materials, focusing on metal-based compounds and carbon-based materials. Modification methods, including surface treatment and decoration, are discussed to enhance performance of Br-FBs.
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.
Researchers have developed perovskite solar cells with improved efficiency and stability thanks to the addition of ferrocene layers. The devices can now reach 25% efficiency, approaching traditional silicon cells, and maintain over 98% of their initial performance after 1,500 hours.
Researchers at Stanford University and University of Mannheim find that integrated reversible power-to-gas systems can provide backup electricity during surging prices, reducing costs and increasing capacity utilization. The technology has the potential to link the electricity and hydrogen markets, making renewable energy more viable.
Researchers at MIT and NREL have designed a thermophotovoltaic cell that converts heat to electricity with over 40% efficiency, surpassing traditional steam turbines. The new design could enable a fully decarbonized power grid by storing excess energy from renewable sources.
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.
Researchers at Tohoku University and UCLA have made a breakthrough in high-voltage metal-free lithium-ion batteries using a small organic molecule, croconic acid. The battery has a strong working voltage of around 4V and a high theoretical capacity, potentially leading to more energy-dense and cost-effective batteries.
A new strain of algae has been identified that can produce green hydrogen gas via photosynthesis on an industrial scale. This breakthrough could accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly green hydrogen and reduce pollution. The researchers also plan to develop methods to increase production rates and reduce costs.
The 'freeze-thaw battery' can store energy for months without significant loss of capacity, making it a key step towards seasonal energy storage. The battery uses molten-salt and common materials to achieve this, with the potential to enhance grid resilience during severe storms or power outages.
A research team led by Chris Arges developed a simplified process to separate and compress hydrogen from gas mixtures, achieving high recovery rates. The new method uses an electrochemical hydrogen pump with newly developed membrane materials, operating at high temperatures and improving efficiency.
Colorado State University researchers have developed a system that creates renewable energy while diverting waste from landfills, producing valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel and cleaning solvents. The ReSOURCE system can offset the carbon dioxide equivalent of 6.2 million cars a year.
By targeting strategic locations with high impact, researchers found a cost-effective way to reduce energy load and lower wholesale market prices. This approach enhances grid reliability through renewable energy penetration, offering a solution to mitigate price volatility.
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.
Quantum charging technology has been developed to charge batteries at a faster rate, cutting the charging time of electric vehicles from ten hours to three minutes. The technology uses quantum resources to charge all cells within the battery simultaneously, leading to a significant speedup in charging speed.
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.
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 developed an optimizer tool to design and evaluate solar-powered adsorption cooling systems, achieving higher coefficient of performance with certain material combinations. The study focused on residential home cooling systems but aims to be extended to higher capacity systems.
Wind turbine blades made from glass fibre-reinforced polymer can serve up to 25 years before ending up in landfills. Lithuanian researchers have proposed a method to break down these composites, extracting usable materials like phenol and fibre for reuse.
Researchers found that a common surface treatment creates an electron-rich surface that destabilizes the perovskite solar cells, leading to degradation. A new method using positively and negatively charged ions resolves this issue, allowing for more stable solar cells with up to 87% efficiency retention.
The Texas cold snap highlighted the critical role of electricity in society and the need for improved power system planning to withstand extreme weather events. The event showed that traditional planning based on historical weather patterns is not sufficient, and new information from climate projection models is needed.
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.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to improve thermal energy storage by decoupling energy density and power density using pressure-enhanced close contact melting. This method has demonstrated efficacy in achieving high power and energy density, making it suitable for demanding applications like electric vehicles and data centers.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that private investments in California's solar energy industry increase climate vulnerabilities. Large-scale infrastructure needed to attract private investment makes the system more vulnerable to climate extremes, including heat waves and droughts.
Researchers developed Electric Truck Hydropower to harness the potential of steep mountain ranges, generating 1.2 PWh electricity per year, equivalent to 4% of global energy consumption. The technology uses existing road infrastructure and regenerative brakes to convert water into electricity.
A Tel Aviv University study found that investors who switched to a social fund reduced their donations to charities, mainly in similar causes. However, most investors in the social fund had not previously donated, suggesting that social funds entice more people to fund social causes.