Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.
Researchers at Quaise Energy have published new designs for superhot geothermal plants, which could increase the size of the prize by an order of magnitude. The designs apply conventional principles to higher-temperature ranges, informing a roadmap toward a superhot future.
The review analyzes four coupled systems: PV-TEG, SSPV-TEG, CPV-TEG, and PV/T-TEG, exploring their structures, performances, optimization strategies, economic feasibility, and challenges. Improvements in material innovation, intelligent system design, and integration are needed to enhance performance and reduce costs.
SourceELSP·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 24, 2025
The University of Vaasa's FlexiPower project aims to develop and commercialize a 'Building as a Battery' (BaaB) solution that enables dynamic response of building heating and cooling systems to power grid needs. This innovation offers cost-effective and scalable solutions for balancing the power grid.
Researchers have developed microcomb technology to miniaturize optical atomic clock systems, offering significant benefits for navigation, autonomous vehicles, and geo-data monitoring. The new system uses integrated photonics to integrate optical components on tiny photonic chips, reducing size and weight.
MIT researchers create scalable, low-cost device that generates high-power terahertz waves on a chip without bulky silicon lenses. The system uses a matching sheet to minimize signal reflection and improves performance with commercially available substrate material.
Researchers at Incheon National University have pioneered a novel resonant tuning rectifier (RTR) for parallel compensated receivers in wireless power transfer. The RTR enhances efficiency via dynamic frequency adaptation, reducing circuit impedance and minimizing interference with other devices.
A novel self-sustaining circuit configuration enables miniature devices like microdrones to fly for longer periods while staying lightweight and compact. The system utilizes emerging solid-state batteries with high energy density and ultra-lightweight design.
MIT engineers have developed a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine that can be produced rapidly and at a lower cost than traditional thrusters. The device generates stable and uniform flow of propellant, producing as much or more thrust than existing droplet-emitting electrospray engines.
Researchers have developed a compact thermoelectric generator system that efficiently converts exhaust waste heat from high-speed vehicles into electricity. The prototype achieved an output power of 40 Watts, with enhanced efficiency under high airflow conditions.
Researchers have developed a new thermoelectric material by introducing copper atoms into commercial n-type Bi₂Te₃-based alloys. This enhances carrier mobility and improves the device's performance, resulting in higher power factor and ZT values. The study's findings hold promise for practical applications in power generation and cooling.
The KAIST research team developed an AI-based technique to accurately predict Hall thruster performance, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with iterative design, fabrication, and testing. The trained neural network ensemble model offers detailed analyses of performance parameters, accounting for key design variables.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new portable tool that can deliver conductive aerosols to suppress flames using the power of vortex rings. The device was tested in two prototypes, both of which had an effective range of nearly 2 meters, and showed promise in suppressing fires.
The researchers developed a system that generates electricity and light simultaneously using motion and pressure, stably producing up to 60V and 395nA without degrading performance. This technology has the potential to improve safety in disasters and sports, as well as reduce environmental impact through energy harvesting.
Researchers created an automated system that enables developers to build algorithms taking advantage of two types of data redundancy, boosting computation speed and reducing energy consumption. The system can optimize machine-learning algorithms for a wide range of applications, including scientific computing.
Researchers have developed a new, low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that harnesses the power of tacky tape to generate electricity. The device produces up to 53 milliwatts of power and can light over 350 LED lights or power a laser pointer.
Schuman and her team aim to create a large library of open-source code, tools, and training programs for neuromorphic computing. They will provide community-level access to NMC systems, enabling widespread use and research in various scientific fields.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.
A study found that nearly 75% of US counties experienced major power outages alongside severe weather events between 2018-2020. Severe precipitation and heat were most common triggers for outages, with regional patterns varying across the country.
The SMART device has successfully generated its first tokamak plasma, bringing international fusion community closer to achieving sustainable and clean energy. The achievement represents a major step towards the development of compact fusion power plants based on Spherical Tokamaks.
The UCF-led PARTNERS consortium aims to train a new generation of nuclear engineers and scientists, providing a talent pipeline for the NNSA. The $5 million grant will support students from underrepresented communities, providing research opportunities and internships at national labs.
Researchers developed an AI-powered technology that transforms low-resolution, label-free images into high-resolution, virtually stained ones without fluorescent dyes. This innovation delivers stable and accurate cell visualization, overcoming limitations of traditional imaging methods.
Researchers at the University of Utah and UCI have discovered a unique quantum behavior that allows for the manipulation of electron-spin and magnetization through electrical currents. This phenomenon, dubbed anomalous Hall torque, has potential applications in neuromorphic computing.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed wearable technologies that both generate electricity from human movement and improve comfort. They used amphiphiles to create slippery surfaces on fabrics, reducing friction while allowing electrons to be donated, resulting in a material capable of generating up to 300 volts.
Mayo Clinic is developing foundation models with Microsoft Research and Cerebras Systems to personalize patient care, accelerating diagnostic time and improving accuracy. These multimodal models integrate radiology images and genomic sequencing data to transform clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at the University of Michigan will develop shock absorbers, noise-mitigating curtains, and hardware-in-loop platforms to improve testing and durability. The projects aim to make offshore renewable energy more reliable and better neighbor to marine life.
Researchers have developed biophotovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean and efficient source of energy. The study reveals the molecular mechanisms driving this technology, including extracellular electron transfer and electron transport chain optimization.
Researchers at SeoulNational University of Science & Technology propose two new designs for energy-efficient vibration energy harvesters that boost power output and efficiency. The designs use a repulsive magnet pair, yoke, and optimized coil placement to maximize magnetic flux change, leading to higher power generation.
Researchers propose using Exo-AUVs to detect life on Icy Worlds like Europa by identifying micro-zones with high biological potential. The strategy guides the Exo-AUV to collect diverse robust biosignatures and potentially detect extant life in various dimensions.
Researchers are developing a marine-based microbial fuel cell to power ocean sensing devices, eliminating the need for batteries and cables. The system, called PODPower, can produce up to 10 Watts of electricity consistently for over a year.
Researchers are developing new ways to harvest and adapt energy from everyday home activities, such as turning a doorknob or opening a fridge door. This technology aims to create smart interfaces that can power appliances and assist people with disabilities, increasing energy efficiency and accessibility.
Over 260 young scientists from around the world have signed a declaration at Wenzhou, China, to promote sustainable innovation. The Wenzhou Declaration emphasizes the importance of leveraging science, technology, and innovation to tackle global challenges and create a resilient future.
A recent study found that 72% of retail electricity offers in Ohio's market are above the default price, making them unaffordable for consumers. The study suggests that persistent market failures and lack of transparency hinder consumers from finding cost-effective options.
Researchers developed a novel 3D-printed hierarchical micro/nano-structured surface to improve spray cooling's high heat transfer coefficient and critical heat flux. The new surface coordinates liquid film boiling and capillary evaporation, resulting in record-breaking heat transfer performance.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has launched the Center for Space Technology and Operations Research, which will advance engineering, technology, and operations supporting space missions. The center will address growing demands from civil, commercial, and national security space agencies and companies.
Researchers developed artificial materials with improved transverse magneto-thermoelectric conversion performance through structural design. The findings provide new guidelines for designing materials and new ways to utilize the anomalous Nernst effect for practical applications.
A QUT-led research team developed an ultra-thin, flexible film that converts body heat into power, enabling sustainable energy for wearable electronics. The technology also offers efficient cooling methods for chips, potentially improving smartphone and computer performance.
A research team at National University of Defense Technology has successfully generated an isolated attosecond XUV pulsed source with a pulse duration of 51±4 attoseconds. This achievement paves the way for further exploration of ultrafast electron dynamics using high-flux ultrashort attosecond pulses.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a novel fuel cell electrolyte concept using phosphonic acid polymers with hydrocarbon spacers. The new membrane exhibits improved water insolubility, chemical stability and conductivity under high-temperature and low-humidity conditions.
A new system, EXPLINGO, enables AI models to generate readable narratives explaining their predictions, helping users make better decisions. The system, developed by MIT researchers, uses large language models to transform complex explanations into plain language and automatically evaluate their quality.
A research team led by Professor Jung Inn Sohn from Dongguk University developed a gel polymer electrode-based triboelectric nanogenerator (GPE-TENG) with stretchable, semi-transparent, and durable properties. The device generates electrical signals when tapped or stretched, delivering a peak power of 0.36 W/m² at a load of 15 MΩ.
The researchers aim to facilitate patterning in the extreme ultraviolet range using indium-based materials, enabling smaller and more precise features on chips. This could lead to better performance and energy efficiency in microchips.
The Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics develops advanced underwater robots and autonomy algorithms, enabling intelligent operation without human oversight. The research team has received $7.4 million in grants to continue their mission, advancing unconventional marine platforms and enhancing AUV capabilities.
A new deep learning model enhances railroad condition monitoring by combining Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, achieving 97% accuracy in detecting train positions and conditions. The model's real-time processing capabilities enable swift intervention and mitigation of potential hazards.
Liu's InertiaMeter tool enables real-time estimation of power grid inertia, allowing operators to prevent outages with increasing renewable energy reliance. The technology utilizes signals from pumped storage hydropower projects and low-cost grid sensors for accurate monitoring.
A new technology extracts lithium from brine at concentrations as low as 20 ppm, making it economical for sources with low lithium concentrations. This innovation can create new value in oilfields, mining, and geothermal wells, potentially propelling Saudi Arabia into a leadership role in the global clean energy market.
Researchers demonstrate transverse thermoelectric conversion in WSi2 for the first time, using mixed-dimensional Fermi surfaces to enable TTE effect. The study paves the way for developing new sensors and efficient thermoelectric materials.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft is establishing seven new Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) with a total funding of €92 million. The CRCs focus on innovative research projects in sustainable construction, electronic systems, and ecosystem services. Seven new Transregios are also being funded to tackle long-term challenges.
Researchers developed a nano-patterned copper oxide sensor to detect hydrogen at low concentrations, outperforming previous CuO-based sensors. The sensor detects hydrogen concentrations as low as 5 parts per billion and responds quickly, making it suitable for leak detection and ensuring safe adoption of hydrogen technologies.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created a tiny, wearable generator that can charge laptops and power smartphones using body vibrations. The device uses piezoelectric materials to generate electricity efficiently and cost-effectively.
Researchers have developed a deep-learning-powered metalens imaging system that overcomes limitations of traditional metalenses. The system pairs a mass-produced metalens with an image restoration framework driven by AI to achieve aberration-free, full-color images while maintaining compact form factor.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a paper-based wearable device that captures moisture from the air and converts it into electricity. The device uses bacterial spores to break down water molecules into ions, generating an electric charge.
A novel capacitorless solid-state power filter (SSPF) has been developed for single-phase DC-AC converters, eliminating the need for LC filters and dc-link capacitors. The proposed concept demonstrates a significant reduction in critical components, leading to enhanced efficiency and reliability.
A team of scientists leveraged machine learning to find promising compositions for sodium-ion batteries, achieving exceptional energy density. The study trained a model on a database of 100 samples to predict the optimal ratio of elements needed to balance properties like operating voltage and capacity retention.
Researchers will focus on harnessing waste heat and renewable energy sources to power clean cooling technologies. The project aims to address the growing environmental impact of cooling in various industries, with demand expected to multiply in the coming years.
Binghamton University researchers have created artificial plants that can capture 90% of carbon dioxide from indoor air, reducing levels and generating oxygen. The plants use photosynthesis to drive the process, with an additional power generation capability of around 140 microwatts.
Florida Atlantic University's Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center is establishing a blue energy hub to develop and test ocean current energy technologies. The project aims to improve the nation's competitiveness in marine energy technology and create jobs.
The Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC) will develop new research projects, infrastructure, and educational programs using the funding. Lehigh University will lead two research projects focused on tidal turbine blades and real-time stable marine energy microgrid power management.
A new type of prototype water harvester uses temperature-sensitive materials to pull more water out of the atmosphere in 30 minutes on average than an alternative dehumidifier system using only half the energy. The device is also portable, making it suitable for regions where access to clean drinking water is limited.
A University of Virginia-led research team has developed new protective coatings that allow turbine engines to run at higher temperatures before components begin to fail. The coatings were created using rare earth oxides and have shown improved performance without complex multi-layer coatings.