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Where to install renewable energy in US to achieve greatest benefits

A new Harvard study identifies the Upper Midwest as ideal for wind turbines and the Great Lakes/Mid-Atlantic region for solar power to achieve maximum benefits. The research, funded by Harvard University's Climate Change Solutions Fund, provides a guide for policymakers, businesses, and utilities on where to deploy renewable energy.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2019
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.

Croissant making inspires renewable energy solution

The study uses a unique processing technique to create a polymer film capacitor with record-high energy density, promising a step change in the field of dielectric capacitors. This innovation could enable efficient and low-cost electric energy storage systems for intermittent renewable energy sources.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New approach for modern power grids that increases efficiency, reduces cost

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design proposed a novel probabilistic dispatch strategy to minimize generation costs while ensuring constraint satisfaction in modern power grids. The approach significantly decreases the probability of constraint violation without impacting nominal power generation cost.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalIEEE Transactions on Control of Network Systems·DateOct 8, 2019

Decarbonizing energy

The article emphasizes the need for cross-disciplinary research on renewable energy storage and solar energy conversion. Scientists discuss ways to remove carbon from energy sources, crucial to avoiding climate change's worst consequences.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

First fully rechargeable carbon dioxide battery with carbon neutrality

UIC researchers have successfully developed a fully rechargeable prototype of a lithium-carbon dioxide battery, demonstrating its potential for advanced energy storage systems. The battery's efficiency and long-lasting cycle life are significantly improved due to the use of new materials and a hybrid electrolyte.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 25, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

ORNL to develop clean water solutions in new DOE $100M innovation hub

The new Energy-Water Desalination Hub will focus on early-stage research and development for energy-efficient and low-cost desalination solutions. NAWI aims to recycle 90% of nontraditional water sources, promoting a circular water economy. The hub will advance novel technologies and prioritize high-impact projects.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateSep 23, 2019

Plastics, fuels and chemical feedstocks from CO2? They're working on it

SUNCAT researchers have made significant breakthroughs in converting CO2 into chemicals, fuels, and plastics using electrochemical reduction. By increasing the surface area of copper-based catalysts, they've improved selectivity and efficiency, offering a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateSep 9, 2019

Agrivoltaics proves mutually beneficial across food, water, energy nexus

Researchers found agrivoltaics significantly impacted air temperatures, direct sunlight and atmospheric demand for water, leading to improved crop growth and reduced water loss. The system also increased energy production efficiency by cooling solar panels with crops underneath.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 3, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Europe's future is renewable

A new study by researchers at the Institute for Transformative Sustainability Research (IASS) in Potsdam shows that many regions and municipalities in Europe can meet their electricity demand using renewable energy systems. However, achieving complete self-sufficiency would require large shares of land to be assigned to electricity gen...

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEnergy Strategy Reviews·DateSep 3, 2019

Air pollution under clear skies reduces sunlight reaching the Earth's surface

A study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences found that air pollution under clear skies significantly reduces the amount of sunlight reaching Earth's surface. The study highlights the negative impact of air pollution on renewable energy harvesting and associated economic burdens, as well as its effects on air purity.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 30, 2019

Would a carbon tax help to innovate more-efficient energy use?

A new study published in Joule finds that taxing carbon emissions would lead to improved energy efficiency, with potential reductions of up to 30% in energy usage by 2100. This innovation could motivate people to develop more efficient ways to use energy, making it easier to solve the climate problem.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalJoule·DateAug 27, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Researchers use AI to plot green route to nylon

The NYU Tandon team discovered a way to improve the efficiency of organic electrosynthesis, a process that can easily integrate with renewable energy sources. By applying artificial intelligence to optimize the reaction, they achieved a 30% improvement in adiponitrile production.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

UH engineer offers proposals to improve nation's electric grid

A UH engineer offers two winning proposals to the US Department of Energy to enhance the nation's electric grid, focusing on accommodating variable renewable energy generation. His projects include reconfiguring transmission networks and upgrading energy management systems with microgrids.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 21, 2019

How buildings can cut 80% of their carbon emissions by 2050

Researchers suggest that reaching an 80% reduction in building CO2 emissions by 2050 requires highly energy-efficient technologies, new operational approaches, and electrification of fossil fuel-based systems. The study identifies two promising avenues for reducing emissions: energy-saving retrofits and smart software optimization.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateAug 15, 2019
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.

Whole-tree harvesting could boost biomass production

New research challenges long-held assumptions about whole-tree harvesting, finding it does not deplete soil and lead to weaker forest ecosystems. The study demonstrates that residue removal has few effects on forest ecology in managed stands, making biomass energy from whole trees a more sustainable option.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJul 29, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Renewable and nonrenewable energy in Myanmar's economic growth

A mathematical model confirms that renewable energy accelerates economic growth in Myanmar, while non-renewable energy has a minimal impact. The study suggests increasing green energy use can lead to economic growth of up to 0.3 units per unit increase.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateJul 23, 2019

Shifts to renewable energy can drive up energy poverty, PSU study finds

A new PSU study found that shifting to renewable energy can increase energy poverty, particularly in nations with increasing inequality. Renewable energy consumption reduces carbon emissions more effectively in contexts of increased inequality, whereas it has a lesser impact when inequality is decreasing.

SourcePortland State University·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateJul 12, 2019

Fossil fuels increasingly offer a poor return on energy investment

A new study finds that fossil fuels' ratios of extracted energy to produced energy are lower than previously thought, especially at the finished fuel stage. The study warns that declining EROI may lead to a 'net energy cliff', where available energy declines rapidly.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 11, 2019
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.

20 overlooked benefits of distributed solar energy

A recent study by the University of California, Davis, reveals 20 overlooked advantages of distributed solar energy, such as carbon sequestration and improvements for pollinator habitats. The study provides a framework for analyzing solar projects and highlights the potential of rooftop solar to benefit both humans and wildlife.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 9, 2019

Holistic view of planning energy self-sufficient communities

Researchers have integrated power grid considerations into the model of a newly planned net-zero energy district, enabling expansion of sustainable urban areas. The study found that centralized planning provides a means to proactively ensure reliable electricity service and mitigate daily and seasonal fluctuations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 11, 2019

The new technology will significantly enhance energy harvest from PV modules

A new hybrid technology called Optiverter combines photovoltaic power optimizers and grid converters to maximize energy harvest from PV modules. The Optiverter ensures maximum energy production even in heavy or opaque shade, making it a significant improvement over current technology.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateJun 11, 2019

ORNL welcomes seven new research fellows to Innovation Crossroads

Seven new research fellows have joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Innovation Crossroads program, focusing on various energy-related and grid topics. The selected innovators will collaborate with world-class experts and unique capabilities at ORNL to advance their technologies.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJun 10, 2019
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.

New Argonne coating could have big implications for lithium batteries

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new cathode coating that provides extra layer of protection for battery cathodes while maintaining electrical and ionical conductivity. The coating also prevents oxygen release and promotes structural stability, leading to potential energy output increases and longer lifetimes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMay 14, 2019
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 step for a promising new battery to store clean energy

A team from Ohio State University has built a more efficient and reliable potassium-oxygen battery that can store excess energy from renewable sources. The battery can be charged at least 125 times, making it a potential solution for long-lasting energy storage in the power grid and cell phones.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBatteries & Supercaps·DateMay 13, 2019

Assessing battery performance: Compared to what?

A team of experts has reviewed literature on various methods used to characterize lithium-ion battery performance, providing guidance on the most appropriate test method for a given situation. The study aims to improve comparability of battery innovations tailored to different applications.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProgress in Energy and Combustion Science·DateMay 9, 2019

Crowd oil -- Fuels from air-conditioning systems

Scientists at KIT and UoT have proposed a method to produce synthetic fuels from CO2 and water using compact plants in buildings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 'crowd oil' concept could replace significant fossil fuel usage for mobility, with potential CO2 savings of up to 30% of Germany's kerosene demand.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2019

Improving the lifetime of bioelectrodes for solar energy conversion

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a method to increase bioelectrode stability by operating under an oxygen-free environment. This approach effectively extends the device's lifespan and brings photobiodevices closer to efficient energy conversion.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 26, 2019
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.

Five new innovators join Chain Reaction Innovations in third cohort

Chain Reaction Innovations' third cohort of five new innovators will leverage Argonne National Laboratory's resources to develop market-ready businesses. The program aims to accelerate energy and science technologies, with a focus on water sensing, hydrogen technologies, and energy storage.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateApr 24, 2019

Plastic's carbon footprint

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have conducted the first global assessment of plastic's life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, finding that current strategies are insufficient to curb emissions. Recycling and replacing fossil-based energy with renewable sources offer promising solutions, but significant reductions will require unpreceden...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 15, 2019

Renewables are a better investment than carbon capture for tackling climate change

New research from Lancaster University and international partners suggests that investing in solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage is a better strategy for tackling climate change than developing carbon capture technologies. The study finds that renewable energy systems with storage offer comparable or even superior net energ...

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 8, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Enhancing power supply resilience to first responders

A new research project aims to develop an automated resilience management system (ARMS) to improve the city's power grid in case of a power outage. The system will utilize distributed solar photovoltaics, distributed energy resources, fault detection sensors, and distribution monitoring equipment to enhance critical infrastructure and ...

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateApr 2, 2019
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.

Harvesting water energy using slippery surfaces

Scientists have developed a new triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) called SLIPS-TENG, which can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in harsh environments. The device uses a slippery lubricant-impregnated porous surface to address durability and biofilm coverage issues.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 27, 2019

New record: Over 16 percent efficiency for single-junction organic solar cells

Researchers have achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency of over 16 percent for single-junction organic solar cells. The breakthrough is attributed to the use of a newly designed wide-bandgap polymer P2F-EHp with an appropriate HOMO energy level, which enables optimal morphology and complementary absorption profile.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateMar 18, 2019

Critical materials: Researchers eye huge supply of rare-earth elements from mining waste

Researchers have developed a method to extract rare-earth elements from phosphogypsum mining waste, a potentially game-changing solution to alleviate the world's REE supply shortages. The use of microorganisms to dissolve the elements has shown promise as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateMar 13, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NREL pioneers cleaner route to upcycle plastics into superior products

Researchers at NREL discovered a way to transform discarded plastics into high-quality composite materials, exhibiting twice the strength of petroleum-based FRPs. The process reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, offering a promising solution for boosting recycling efforts worldwide.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalJoule·DateMar 5, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Lithium-air batteries can store energy for cars, houses and industry

Researchers from São Paulo and the UK presented advances in new battery development to address increasing demand for energy storage. Lithium-air batteries have great potential for use in transportation, power distribution networks, and can store energy for up to 24 hours at a low cost.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateFeb 15, 2019