Articles tagged with Renewable Energy
The research demonstrates significant potential for semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes as primary material for efficient thermoelectric generators. The discovery enables the fabrication of devices from a single material, simplifying production and improving performance.
Sandia National Laboratories engineers developed new fractal-like receivers that are 20% more efficient at absorbing sunlight without special coatings. The designs can be used in small-scale concentrating solar facilities and have potential applications in India's renewable energy market.
The licensed technology increases deposition rates by three orders of magnitude, improving quality and minimizing roughness in printed parts. This enables the production of high-resolution parts with reduced post-processing needs.
Researchers have created a new material that can store renewable energy efficiently. Metal-organic frameworks exhibit conductivity similar to metals, enabling large-scale storage of solar and wind power. This breakthrough could revolutionize intermittent renewable energy sources.
A new battery powered by sulfur, air, water, and salt has been developed to store twice as much energy as a lead-acid battery while being nearly 100 times less expensive to produce. The invention aims to help integrate more renewable energy into the grid, addressing variability challenges.
Researchers at MIT have developed an 'air-breathing' battery that can store electricity for months, reducing costs to around $20-$30 per kilowatt hour. The battery uses sulfur and oxygen to generate charge, making it a potential solution for widespread renewable energy integration.
New research from Carnegie Institution for Science suggests that North Atlantic wind farms can generate at least three times more power than onshore wind farms, tapping into winds throughout the atmosphere. However, this tremendous wind power is seasonal and primarily available during winter months.
Researchers at NREL and Johns Hopkins University have developed a methodology to quantify the life cycle land use of natural gas. The study provides quantifiable information on the land use requirements for natural gas production, enabling fair comparisons of energy technologies.
The US Department of Energy has awarded the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center $16 million to develop stress-tolerant sorghum lines for bioenergy production. The project aims to optimize photosynthesis and water use efficiency, leveraging recent investments from DOE to accelerate sorghum feedstock enhancements.
The Colorado State University team aims to increase algal cultivation productivity, optimize biomass composition, and extract different types of algal lipids to reduce upgrading costs. The goal is to double the yield of biofuel precursors from algae to around 3,700 gallons per acre per year.
Researchers propose a 'sociotechnical' framework to accelerate low-carbon transitions by aligning innovations and systems, focusing on socio-technical systems rather than individual elements. This is critical to achieve the goals of decarbonizing and saving energy faster, further, and more flexibly.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory and Colorado State University are integrating electrical grids globally to address disruptions. The Real-Time Super Lab concept shows how electricity can be rerouted across vast distances to prevent large-scale blackouts.
Researchers at NREL are developing nickel-based coatings to mitigate corrosion levels in CSP plants, which could improve system efficiency and extend lifespan. The coatings have shown a 96% reduction in corrosion rate compared to uncoated steel, with potential applications in thermal storage and heat-transfer fluid.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can break down cellulose fibers regardless of their crystalline structure, paving the way for commercial cellulosic biofuels. The enzyme, CelA, excels at hydrolyzing both simple and highly complex crystalline cellulose.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed graphene-wrapped magnesium nanocrystals with enhanced hydrogen storage properties. The study found that an atomically thin layer of oxidation forms on the crystals without degrading their performance.
Researchers from UK and China collaborate on five projects to tackle key challenges in offshore renewable energy, maximizing environmental and socio-economic benefits. The projects will inform technology development and structure resilience to extreme events.
Researchers created algorithms that allow homes to use and share power from renewable energy sources during outages. The system improves grid reliability by prioritizing distribution of power based on forecasts and energy storage availability.
Scientists have developed a new algorithm that can mirror a microgrid's inertia by adjusting the photovoltaic system's direct current. The solution aims to make microgrids work like large power grids with high inertia, improving stability and reliability.
Researchers have discovered a way to improve Li-ion battery technology by replacing graphite with silicon, quadrupling anode capacity. The new material has been found to be more suitable when particles are sized between 10-20 micrometres and have the right porosity.
Researchers at NREL and EPFL achieved record efficiencies of 32.8% and 35.9% for dual-junction and triple-junction solar cells, respectively. The high-efficiency cells could reduce the cost of solar energy by up to 45 cents per watt.
A discovery by two scientists at NREL could aid the development of next-generation semiconductor devices. They used ultraviolet light to modify the interface between two dissimilar semiconductors, creating a flawless interface and enabling the integration of different classes of semiconductors.
A study led by Argonne National Laboratory found that waste-to-energy production pathways generate less greenhouse gases than decomposing organic waste. Researchers suggest diverting waste to energy can avoid landfill emissions and promote energy independence.
The study outlines infrastructure changes for 139 countries to transition to 100% renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, air pollution deaths, and creating jobs. The roadmap aims to avoid global warming and create energy self-sufficient countries.
The US Department of Energy's Wind Technologies Market Report reveals that wind power additions reached a record high in 2016, with 8,203 MW of new capacity. Bigger turbines are enhancing project performance, while low turbine pricing continues to push down installed project costs.
Distributed wind power has grown significantly in the US, with the nation's cumulative capacity reaching 1% of total wind power capacity. The 2016 report highlights the success of third-party financing and leasing options, which have made it more accessible for companies and individuals to install wind turbines on their properties.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists have developed a technique to efficiently extract hydrogen from water using electricity. The new catalysts enable high-performance water splitting with minimal catalyst loading, making it scalable and cost-effective.
Researchers developed an optimization model that improves solar power integration in residential photovoltaic systems through demand-response applications. The study found that DR applications with 100% PV penetration reduced energy consumption by 32%, network losses by 42%, and improved network utilization by 12%.
Portland State University will study Deep Direct-Use geothermal technology, a new method of harnessing geothermal energy for passive heating and cooling. The study aims to analyze Portland's underlying geology and potential storage capacity for this renewable energy source.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to analyze sediment and animal life on the ocean floor, reducing the need for time-intensive identification work. The study found relationships between sediment characteristics and marine animal life consistent across eight sites off the Pacific Northwest coast.
Smart solid-state transformers could enhance the functionalities of tomorrow's power grid, but system designers need to ensure that customer power demand, renewable energy generation, and energy storage capacity are accounted for. The technology has the potential to improve efficient use of renewable energy and storage.
A UCSB political science professor suggests that public support for renewable energy is strong in the US, with states having abundant resources at the top of the list. However, public opinion can sometimes fail to translate into state legislation, and framing context and local benefits as key factors can increase support. A study found...
A coalition of over 60 scientists, business leaders, and policymakers urge swift climate action by 2020 to avoid devastating consequences. The authors propose six milestones for a clean industrial revolution, including renewable energy targets and electric vehicle incentives.
A new report found that if commercial buildings fully used controls nationwide, the US could slash its energy consumption by an average of 29%. This would result in significant national energy savings, with some building types potentially saving up to 49% and 41%.
Researchers at WMG, University of Warwick, discovered that intelligent management of vehicle-to-grid technology can improve EV battery life by up to 10% while powering large buildings. Their 'smart grid' algorithm optimizes energy transfer without degrading batteries.
Researchers created new alloys by mixing materials with different atomic arrangements, revealing a predictive route for properties of other alloys. The breakthrough allows for the use of commercial thin film deposition methods to fabricate heterostructural alloys for real-world semiconductor applications.
Researchers propose a day-ahead economic dispatch model to optimize wind power generation, considering both planned and real-time energy use. The framework successfully predicts optimal models for energy commitment and has been tested in real-world simulations.
A WSU study reveals that US consumers are interested in using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, with many willing to shift their appliance usage to achieve this goal. The researchers propose developing an app prototype to monitor electricity sources in real-time, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
Researchers at Technische Universität Dresden have developed a new, low-cost electrocatalyst for producing molecular hydrogen. The MoNi4/MoO2@Ni catalyst exhibits high HER activity comparable to platinum and presents state-of-the-art HER activity amongst all reported Pt-free electrocatalysts.
A Pew Research Center survey finds that Americans lean towards government regulations to encourage renewable energy consumption. While there is a close divide on cutting back environmental regulations, most believe protecting the environment from energy development should be a top priority. The public also supports increasing reliance ...
Researchers have found a new method of microbial energy production called flavin-based electron bifurcation, which is an ancient form of energy generation and conservation. This mechanism allows organisms to generate two levels of energy from a single precursor compound, conserving wasted energy in the process.
NCAR will develop a three-year project to provide detailed forecasts of wind and solar irradiance at Kuwait's 2-gigawatt Shagaya renewable energy plant. This technology will help Kuwait reach its goal of generating 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
Researchers have developed a quantum dot photoelectrochemical cell that achieves quantum efficiency for hydrogen gas production exceeding 100%, enabling more efficient solar energy conversion. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of producing 'green' fuel.
Global Alliance of Solar Energy Research Institutes predicts 5-10 terawatts of PV capacity by 2030 through continued tech improvements and cost decreases. Flexible grids, increased demand, and energy storage advancements also needed to overcome challenges.
Three small businesses will collaborate with PNNL on projects addressing technical challenges in bio-coal and hydrogen transportation. The collaborations aim to overcome critical technology hurdles and gain a global competitive advantage for advanced energy products.
A Stanford scientist's new mathematical model could accelerate the design of high-power electrical storage devices, including car batteries and supercapacitors. The model aims to improve material performance and reduce costs, paving the way for more efficient energy storage solutions.
Scientists at USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute have created a new method to generate hydrogen fuel from methanol, producing a carbon-neutral and potentially carbon-positive energy source. The research aims to develop renewable sources of energy that can mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Scientists at NREL have achieved a new solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency record of 16.2%, significantly improving upon the 14% efficiency set in 2015. The breakthrough, published in Nature Energy, involves an inverted metamorphic multijunction semiconductor architecture that enhances device efficiency and durability.
Scientists at NREL developed a proof-of-principle photoelectrochemical cell capable of capturing excess photon energy. The cell achieved peak external quantum efficiency for hydrogen generation of 114 percent, significantly improving the production of hydrogen from sunlight.
Scientists at NREL developed a new perovskite ink with a long processing window, allowing for the production of high-efficiency solar cells. The ink was tested using blade-coating and produced indistinguishable film morphology and device performance.
Research from Binghamton University found that adjusting solar panel angles four to five times a year can provide around 25 kW/m2 more power than seasonal adjustments. This practical solution can help reduce costs associated with automated tracking systems, making manual adjustment an economical option.
To meet the 1.5C target, global carbon emissions need to be reduced to less than 25% of energy supply by 2100 and land use change must decrease. A new study suggests that a high-renewable energy scenario could peak emissions as early as 2022.
Researchers in China have developed a battery prototype that captures atmospheric nitrogen to generate electricity, offering a promising alternative to existing lithium-nitrogen batteries. The battery's energy output is brief but comparable to other lithium-metal batteries, making it a potential solution for renewable energy storage.
The study presents a detailed methodology for calculating renewable energy potentials using global or regional databases. It forecasts significant fossil fuel savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, especially in Russia's Far East and coastal regions.
Researchers from NREL provide a detailed component and system-level cost breakdown for residential PV systems equipped with energy storage. The report reveals previously unknown soft costs and offers valuable information to stakeholders to guide cost reduction efforts.
A new study suggests that renewable energy sources are crucial for consumers to buy electric vehicles, as environmental performance trumps price and range confidence. The research found that participants prioritized the need for electricity to be produced from renewable sources for electric vehicles to be a true green alternative.
A new assessment by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that wind and solar resources in Africa are plentiful, low-impact, and cost-effective. The research highlights the importance of strategic siting and grid interconnections to reduce system costs and impacts.
A new Yale-led study reveals significant market potential for renewable thermals in Connecticut, with the technology able to competitively serve 19% of thermal demand. To realize this potential, public policy and financing tools are needed to spur consumer demand.
Researchers at Columbia University are developing virtual power conversion systems that use interchangeable converter modules and software to control the converter function, reducing size, cost, and increasing reliability. These systems could lead to 20-30% reductions in Volt-Ampere rating for electric vehicle drivetrains.
Researchers at Lappeenranta University of Technology found that a fully renewable electricity system in Iran could reduce costs by 50-60% compared to other emission-free energy options. The transition requires significant investments in solar, wind, and hydropower but can drive economic growth and reduce emissions.
The agricultural robot is a semiautonomous system that gathers and transmits real-time data on crop growth and development. It uses various sensors and cameras to capture phenotypic information and assess environmental conditions, enabling crop breeders to make actionable decisions and improve yields.