Articles tagged with Batteries
Rice University scientists have developed a solid-state, nanotube-based supercapacitor that combines the benefits of batteries and capacitors. The new device is stable, scalable, and suitable for extreme environments, with potential applications in electronics, sensors, and renewable energy systems.
A study reports that children living near lead battery manufacturing and recycling operations in developing countries have significantly higher blood lead levels, associated with lifelong health problems. The industry is expected to nearly double in size over the next five to 10 years, posing significant risks to workers and communities.
The Office of Naval Research's TechSolutions Program has developed a lightweight, plug-and-play portable power system to charge specialized equipment, reducing the EOD team's burden by up to 50 pounds. The Power Management Kit provides real-time awareness of power usage and availability.
MUTE's low curb weight of 400 kg enables efficient energy consumption, while its active torque vectoring differential enhances cornering ability and safety. The vehicle's design optimizes suspension, damping, and axle kinematics for improved handling.
Researchers have developed a wireless power system that can power ventricular assist devices without a cord, reducing the risk of infection and improving patient quality of life. The system uses inductive power and has been shown to be efficient over medium distances, allowing patients to be free from cords for short periods.
A new study published in INFORMS Journal found that online consumers are willing to pay a premium for purchases from vendors with clear and protective privacy policies. In an experimental study, participants were more likely to buy from high-privacy sites than low-privacy sites, with an average additional payment of $0.59 for batteries.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a software called SleepWell that allows mobile devices to sleep while a neighboring device is downloading information, saving energy for both devices. This technology can potentially double the battery life of smartphones and laptops by reducing the energy toll of WiFi usage.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how to manipulate Nafion's internal structure to enhance its applications in energy-related industrial fields. By analyzing the material's molecular motion and alignment, they found that stretching the material influences its conduction properties, enabling new designs for batteries and wate...
The Wireless Intelligent Sensor Platform for Emergency Responders (WISPER) combines three technologies to create a life-saving solution for firefighters. It features a microwave radio, navigation devices, and physiological health assessment system to track firefighters' locations and vital signs.
Researchers have created a self-powered nano-device that can transmit data wirelessly over long distances using energy harvested from the environment. The device operates battery-free and has potential applications in medical sensors, surveillance cameras, wearable electronics and more.
Researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory developed a new method to make sodium ion-based battery cells, which could lead to better, cheaper batteries for the electrical grid. The team found that treating manganese oxide with heat improved the electrical capacity and recharging lifetime of the batteries.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are creating an iron-based flow battery to store energy from wind turbines and solar panels. The battery could supply electricity when demand is high, making it a useful alternative to pumped hydro and compressed air systems.
Chemical engineers at Stevens have developed a microreactor that converts fossil fuels into pure hydrogen for fuel cell batteries, offering a reliable and reusable power source. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste from disposable batteries and provide soldiers with a dependable way to recharge critical devices.
A study by Salk Institute scientists reveals that insulin activates a factor called SIK3, which promotes lipid storage during daytime feeding hours by blocking fat breakdown programs. This link between glucose metabolism and lipid storage has potential applications in treating metabolic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a tiny atomic clock that is 100 times smaller and uses 100 times less power than its predecessors. The portable Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) has various specialized applications, including timing operations for miners and divers in deep-sea explorations.
Scientists have developed a new 'mixing entropy battery' that generates electricity by alternating freshwater and seawater through the device. The technology has promising potential as an additional renewable energy source, with the ability to also desalinate ocean water for drinking.
Researchers found that electric vehicle charging at night reduces ozone levels, with the nighttime charging scenario showing the best results on average. This supports efforts to develop regulation encouraging nighttime charging through variable electricity pricing.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, soft generator that can convert movement into battery power using dielectric elastomer technology. This innovation has the potential to create light, flexible, and silent energy harvesters with excellent mechanical properties.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a battery that can generate electricity by exploiting the difference in salinity between freshwater and seawater. The battery, which uses sodium and chlorine ions, has achieved 74% efficiency in converting potential energy to electrical current.
Researchers have developed a new battery structure that allows for faster charging and discharging without sacrificing energy storage capacity. This innovation could enable phones to charge in seconds and laptops to charge in minutes, while also improving performance in electric vehicles and medical devices.
Researchers have improved the performance of vanadium redox batteries by modifying their electrolyte solution, increasing energy storage capacity by 70 percent. The upgraded battery can now operate in a wider temperature range and reduce cooling costs, making it more suitable for grid reliability and renewable power sources.
University of Illinois engineers develop ultra-low-power digital memory that uses 100 times less energy than similar available memory, potentially extending battery life for mobile devices. The new technology could enable future portable devices to run longer on lighter batteries.
Millimeter-scale computing systems are being developed for medical applications, such as an implantable eye pressure monitor that tracks glaucoma progress. A compact radio with integrated antenna enables wireless sensor networks, allowing for tracking of pollution and structural integrity.
Ayman Fayed, an Iowa State assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is developing technology to improve the battery life of portable devices. He has created energy-efficient power regulators that convert a battery's uneven voltage into stable power for sensitive analog and radio frequency circuits.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a novel capacitor design that could significantly increase energy density in power supplies for electric cars. The new technology uses titanium alloy and advanced materials to create a highly efficient and compact device capable of absorbing and providing surges of electricity.
The US Department of Energy is awarding time on two world-leading supercomputers to 57 innovative research projects. These projects aim to advance scientific discoveries in areas such as renewable energy solutions, understanding environmental impacts, and developing new technologies like rechargeable batteries and hydrogen fuel. The pr...
A new solar-powered device accurately measures systolic blood pressure with high accuracy, ideal for rural areas. The device costs $32 and has significant savings on battery usage, making it a promising tool to slow the rise in cardiovascular disease.
The new LRAUV, Tethys, combines the best of propeller-driven and glider designs, allowing for rapid travel and extended hovering periods. With its sophisticated power-saving software and fail-safe systems, Tethys has shown promising initial results in oceanographic research.
The University of Houston is developing new technologies for the alternative energy industry with a $1.2 million grant from the Office of Naval Research. Researchers will focus on improving thin-film solar cell efficiency and developing nanosensors for wind turbine blades to monitor structural health.
Disc battery ingestions by children can lead to severe esophageal damage, including tissue death, burns, and perforation. The study of 10 pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic retrieval found a high index of suspicion necessary to avoid life-threatening sequelae.
Chemists at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new way to pass electrons between molecules, leading to the development of high-powered organic batteries. The system could be used to create artificial photosynthesis and store more energy than conventional batteries.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a system that uses home electrical wiring as an antenna to receive low-power sensor data. The technology, called Sensor Nodes Utilizing Powerline Infrastructure (SNUPI), allows for wireless sensors that can transmit information wirelessly and run for decades on a single battery.
The CUNY Energy Institute has been awarded two grants totaling $4.6 million to develop low-cost, long-lasting energy storage systems and new capacitors for solid-state lighting. The projects aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce the need for excess generating capacity, enabling grid-scale energy storage.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a battery of computer-based tests that can quickly assess cognitive abilities in individuals with Down syndrome. The tests, which take about two hours to administer, offer a new tool for clinicians and researchers to determine developmental trajectory and devise drug and behaviora...
Engineering researchers developed a low-cost solution to overcome surface tension clumping nanowires during manufacturing, enabling more efficient solar cells and batteries. The new process uses an electrical charge to repel neighboring wires, improving their density and surface area.
The Powered Rope Ascender technology, developed by ONR in collaboration with industry partners, allows warfighters to efficiently climb and descend vertical surfaces at high speeds. This innovation increases the functionality of naval operations, such as boarding enemy vessels or evacuating remote casualties.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created micro-supercapacitors with high energy storage densities, potentially replacing batteries in portable devices. The new technology integrates supercapacitors into microfabrication processes, enabling faster and longer-lasting energy storage.
Researchers have developed a microbial fuel cell that can generate electricity from mud and wastewater using the tiny Geobacter microbe, which uses its hair-like extensions to produce power. The technology has potential applications in powering autonomous underwater vehicles and tracking ocean life.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed mini generators that can produce electricity from random, non-periodic vibrations. These devices have the potential to power a range of applications, including remote wireless sensors and surgically implanted medical devices.
The American Chemical Society symposium on cold fusion has brought together nearly 50 presentations on the topic, indicating that it may be a reality. Researchers are making progress toward battery-based energy and discovering natural occurrences of cold fusion in certain bacteria.
Rutgers University researchers have demonstrated a new security threat against smart phone users, showing how malware can eavesdrop on calls, track locations, and drain batteries. The study highlights the vulnerability of mobile operating systems to attacks similar to desktop computers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are exploring plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that can store electricity from the grid or generate it, making them a potential solution for storing excess energy. The team aims to understand how these vehicles can influence the reliability and stability of the electrical grid.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a millimeter-scale, energy-harvesting sensor system that can run for nearly perpetual periods using solar power. The system's low-power processor and innovative voltage conversion method enable it to consume less than 1 nanowatt of power on average.
Scientists at Imperial College London are developing a composite material that can store and discharge electrical energy, making it ideal for use in hybrid vehicles. The material could reduce the number of batteries needed, leading to a 15% reduction in car weight and improved range.
Researchers found that businesses can reduce waiting times by up to 50% by manipulating customer perception, using techniques such as fragmented lines and distractions. By designing well-structured lines and providing enjoyable experiences, businesses can decrease the subjective waiting duration, turning a long wait into a short one.
Iowa State University engineer Steve Martin is working to develop better batteries for renewable energy alternatives by studying electrochemical reactions and new materials. His research aims to improve the efficiency and safety of batteries, which are crucial for widespread adoption of wind power and other forms of clean energy.
The Ground Renewable Expeditionary ENergy System (GREENS) is a 300-watt photovoltaic/battery system that provides continuous power to Marines in the field. The system reduces logistical supply chain for fuel, cutting fuel use and costs associated with resupply convoys.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to produce ultra-lightweight, bendable batteries and supercapacitors using ordinary paper coated with carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires. The paper-based energy storage devices can store and discharge electricity rapidly and are highly durable.
A breakthrough in assembling peptides at the nano-scale level could lead to self-cleaning coatings for windows and solar panels. The material can also boost electric battery capacity, potentially solving limitations like thrust.
Researchers developed an Android app called PowerTutor to help users compare the power consumption of different applications. The app provides real-time information on how phone components use power, enabling users to make informed decisions about their device's energy efficiency.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a new use for a chemical compound that can be transformed into a thin film insulator, blocking electricity flow but inducing large electric currents. The material, called solution-deposited beta-alumina, has important applications in transistor technology and e-book readers.
Researchers created simplified synthetic cells that shed light on electric voltage generation in real cells and can act as tiny batteries. The cells harness a modified protein to create pores allowing ions to flow, generating a stable voltage across the bilayer.
The Penn team demonstrated a novel method for controlled formation of patchy particles using charged, self-assembling molecules. The positive electrical charges of calcium ions form bridges between negatively-charged polymers, creating patchy structures that can be used as drug-delivery vehicles or in small batteries.
Button battery ingestions are common among young children, with 62% of cases involving kids under 5. While most recover without issues, some experience long-term complications like tracheostomy dependence and vocal paralysis. Education is key to preventing these incidents.
A new battery made of cellulose shows promise for powering flexible electronics, such as clothing and packaging. The battery's performance is improved by coating a conductive polymer on individual cellulose fibers, creating a nano-thin coating that enables efficient electricity storage.
A University of Washington Seaglider achieved a record-breaking 9-month, 5-day mission in the Pacific Ocean, covering over 3,050 miles under its own power. The vehicle, propelled by its shape and dive maneuvers, surpassed previous endurance records for autonomous underwater vehicles.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that cellulose nanostructure from green algae can serve as an effective coating substrate for environmentally friendly batteries. The new material enables the production of lightweight batteries with high charge capacities.
Engineers at the University of Leeds are developing a system to harness kinetic energy from soldiers' marches, capturing up to 15% of their foot-power to reduce pack weight. The project also aims to adapt radio equipment to run on low power budgets, enhancing soldier mobility and reducing fatigue.
The new flexible solar cell technology installed at McMaster University's bus shelter generates up to 4.5 Watts of power from two solar strips with 720 one-centimetre square cells each. The system captures sunlight during the day and recharges batteries to light the shelter for a significant part of the night.
Researchers have developed an air-fueled battery that stores up to ten times more energy than current designs, with potential applications in electric vehicles and renewable energy. The new design uses oxygen drawn from the air during discharge, reducing the need for chemicals and increasing capacity.