Articles tagged with Energy Infrastructure
Scientists are using subatomic particles called muons to analyze the thickness of concrete slabs and metal pipes. The technique can safely identify faulty infrastructure components without creating radiation or invasive inspections.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new power scheduling technique that coordinates energy produced and stored by conventional and renewable sources. The approach replaces traditional centralized management with decentralized, distributed computing, enabling more efficient and secure energy distribution.
A new study predicts that increased air conditioning adoption will lead to significant increases in energy consumption and strain on energy infrastructures worldwide. The authors call for action now to develop more energy-efficient and affordable air conditioners for poorer populations.
A new study highlights nine key issues to consider when addressing the environmental impacts of rapid infrastructure expansion, including keeping wilderness areas road-free and engaging with local communities. The authors emphasize that the threat to wild places is exacerbated by illegal development activities.
A new study uses ecosystem services to evaluate the potential impacts of tidal power projects on coastal environments and people. Researchers identified biodiversity, tourism, and food provision as key ecosystem services that should be assessed in the Muskeget Channel Tidal Energy Project.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization have developed a new concept that focuses on fully decentral matching of electricity supply and demand. This approach enables smart meters to regulate consumption directly and decentrally, reducing the risk of hacker attacks and data protection issues.
The US Army and NREL have validated energy savings for net zero energy installations, reducing energy consumption by 25% and annual costs by up to $300 million. Six pilot sites achieved net zero energy, with varying approaches to energy efficiency and renewable energy production.
Researchers at SnT develop an algorithm that reduces computing overhead in smart grid control by storing only changes in system state and automatically identifying suitable measurement values from the past. This enables micro mining, resulting in increased computing efficiency and a significant reduction in computing capacity.
A research team drilled and measured melt rates and ice sheet movement in Greenland, finding that subglacial channels are less important than previously thought. Changes in hydraulically isolated regions of the bed control the evolution of subglacial drainage over summer.
A new IEA study highlights the need for clear frame conditions to promote biomethane market growth. The report analyzes production technologies, grid injection, and use in various countries, emphasizing the importance of technical standards, sustainability requirements, and financial support.
The ESIF's Peregrine supercomputer can perform a quadrillion calculations per second, facilitating the development of modern energy systems integration. The facility enables on-site and remote viewing of experimental data, allowing researchers to ask 'what if' questions and optimize system design.
The H2FIRST project aims to reduce costs and time of new fueling station construction, improving stations' availability and reliability. By developing low-cost, high-performance materials and components, the effort hopes to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
The Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) has been recognized as the 2014 Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine. The facility showcases a unique combination of an ultra-energy efficient workplace, high-performance computing data center, and sophisticated laboratory spaces.
The new journal will publish research on communications between vehicles and roadside infrastructure, exploring topics such as routing, safety, and standardization. Advances in wireless communications are making real-time information sharing easier between vehicles and infrastructure.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed new methods to accurately measure and predict wave conditions in test sites. This breakthrough could significantly enhance wave energy production, a key player in the quest for sustainable renewable energy.
The collaboration aims to develop capabilities for integrated cyber and physical security systems to protect critical infrastructure in the oil and gas industry. The program will focus on complex system integration, convergence of cyber and physical security technologies, and field demonstrations with key partners.
Researchers have developed a biotechnology-based approach to enhance oil recovery using natural soil bacteria. The AERO System stimulates the growth of native reservoir bacteria, breaking down oil and forcing it to flow more freely, increasing production by 9-12% from exhausted wells.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab released a guide on planning and financing comprehensive energy upgrades for K-12 schools. The guide covers different financing approaches and contains case studies of successful projects, highlighting the benefits of energy efficiency upgrades in reducing costs and improving student learning environments.
Researchers developed a novel model to improve cloud computing infrastructure efficiency, reducing energy consumption and improving performance. They found that data location and competition for shared resources played key roles in server optimization, leading to 15-20% gains.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory team successfully demonstrated securing control data for electric grids using quantum cryptography. The system achieved latencies of at least two orders of magnitude smaller than requirements, making it suitable for real-time applications.
The Sandia Wind Plant Reliability Benchmark helps the wind industry compare performance, identify vulnerabilities and enhance productivity. The benchmark is based on data from over 800 turbines, showing that the fleet is now producing electricity or available to produce electricity at 97% of the time.
Montserrat Fernández-Vallejo has developed the longest fibre-optic sensor network measuring 250 km with a multiplexing capability, enabling remote monitoring of large infrastructures. This technology allows for efficient data transmission and analysis without power sources, critical state observation, and preventive maintenance.
Researchers at RIKEN have demonstrated a new material that can eliminate loss in electrical power transmission, opening the door to energy-efficient electronics. The discovery uses magnetic topological insulators, which exhibit unique properties that allow for dissipationless electricity channels.
A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis will receive $2 million to design a battery management system for lithium-ion batteries, guaranteeing their longevity and safety. The project aims to push the current technology to 100-percent efficiency while maintaining battery lifetime.
Research reveals voluntary organizations can successfully change behavior in local settings through collective action and alternative infrastructures. However, scaling up these initiatives to reach the wider public is a challenge, requiring additional government support.
Jainendra K. Jain, James F. Kasting, and Bruce E. Logan recognized for their nationally renowned work in physics, geosciences, and environmental engineering, as well as exceptional teaching and leadership skills. The Evan Pugh Professorships are the highest honor Penn State bestows on its faculty.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a method to store electrical energy as chemical energy in higher alcohols, which can be used as liquid transportation fuels. They genetically engineered a microorganism to produce isobutanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol using carbon dioxide and electricity.
Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory successfully produced a 100.75-tesla magnetic field, exceeding the world record, using a novel pulsed magnet system. The achievement paves the way for studying quantum behavior under high magnetic fields and exploring new materials.
A new study by Columbia Engineering estimates average annual energy use for every building in NYC, providing an interactive web map that shows energy type, purpose, and quantity. This information will enable building owners to compare their consumption with the average and explore possibilities of sharing resources and infrastructure.
Concordia University has launched the world's first Solar Simulator-Environmental Chamber, a unique laboratory that will revolutionize solar energy applications and building standards. The chamber is part of the NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Buildings Strategic Network, which aims to increase the use of net-zero energy buildings in Canada.
A study by Berkeley Lab scientists reveals the technological steps needed to achieve California's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The findings emphasize the importance of energy efficiency, decarbonization of electricity generation, and electrification of transportation.
Researchers have challenged the existence of a supersolid in helium-4, proposing an alternative explanation for its behavior. The alternative theory suggests that the observed effects can be attributed to the 'freezing out' of imperfections within the lattice, rather than a phase change to a supersolid.
A research team at the University of Pittsburgh is re-engineering the US power grid to deliver electricity from power plants to homes and businesses more efficiently. The goal is to tap into renewable resources like solar and wind power by reducing energy loss and increasing capacity.
The University of Warwick has successfully delivered a new furnace capable of reaching temperatures of up to 1800 degrees centigrade, marking a significant advancement in the study of Silicon Carbide. This breakthrough is expected to lead to more efficient energy management and potentially new applications for this material.
Researchers estimate global media consumption will drive 2,570 exabytes of data per year by 2030. To achieve renewable energy infrastructure, a 60-performance improvement in efficiency is needed, potentially reached by 2021. Behaviour change strategies like reducing digital waste and persuasive web design can reduce overall demand.
A new study by Durham University suggests that enhanced oil recovery using carbon dioxide could unlock a North Sea oil bonanza worth £150 billion. This technology could secure UK energy supplies for the next 20 years, while being just about carbon neutral.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a means to integrate gallium nitride (GaN) sensors and devices directly into silicon-based computer chips. This enables the development of high-power devices critical for smart grid technology and high-frequency military communications.
The OU Biocorrosion Center aims to address the growing threat of biocorrosion in the oil and gas industry, which can lead to hazardous material discharges. Researchers will explore new technologies to mitigate biocorrosion problems, fuel biodeterioration, and anaerobic microorganisms.
UCLA Engineering is creating state-of-the-art collaborative labs for renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental engineering research. The $7.5M NSF grant will renovate Boelter Hall to develop technologies for pharmaceutical biosynthesis, biofuel combustion products, and biotransformation of pollutants.
A new report by CSIRO outlines the potential of distributed energy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. Distributed energy systems can provide local generation, efficiency, and demand management, offering an immediate and cost-effective response to climate change.
Dartmouth researchers have received a five-year $18.8 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop cyber security tools for the power grid. The 'Smarter Grid' project aims to integrate information technologies with real-time authentication, integrity, and confidentiality.
The Rand Corporation study recommends that Israel prioritize conservation measures and diversify its fuel mix to reduce security risks. The nation should invest in combined-cycle natural-gas power plants, maintain a wide range of fuels, and regulate wholesale and retail prices to defray supply and cost risks.
A University of California, Irvine computer model forecasts improved air quality in the Greater Los Angeles area if 75% of drivers switch to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2060. The model suggests a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of soot and ozone.
Dr. George Whitesides receives the inaugural Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences for his pioneering work in materials chemistry. He has developed innovative methods for creating new materials that have significantly advanced the field of chemistry and its societal benefits.
A team of scientists led by Giday WoldeGabriel has discovered the oldest nearly intact Ardipithecus ramidus skeleton, dating back 4.4 million years. The fossil provides significant insights into the early stages of human evolution and challenges existing theories.
The Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory will receive $21.8 million in new funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, enabling the construction of an experimental station for studying matter in extreme conditions at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). The funding also supports upgrades and equip...
The Obama administration has allocated over $327 million in Recovery Act funding to support scientific research, instrumentation, and laboratory infrastructure projects at ten DOE national laboratories across six states. This funding will create new jobs while maintaining the US's scientific leadership and economic competitiveness.
Researchers explore the mathematical underpinnings of PEM fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity with only heat and water byproducts. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of sustainable energy solutions.
GridFTP, a protocol developed by Argonne National Laboratory, has been used to transfer unprecedented amounts of data at a rate of 200 megabytes per second. This technology enables large-scale collaborative science projects to share secure, robust, and high-speed bulk data.
A new study identifies New York and eastern U.S. cities as prime locations for exploiting high-altitude winds, which contain enough energy to meet world demand 100 times over. The regions match population centers and have high wind power densities, but fluctuating wind strength poses a challenge for large-scale exploitation.
Dr. Bruce Logan has developed energy-sustainable water infrastructure that can be used in both industrialized and developing nations. His microbial fuel cells produce clean water and energy, making it a game-changer for powering water infrastructure in developing countries.
The DOE Office of Science will receive $1.2 billion in funding to support major construction, laboratory infrastructure, and research initiatives. This investment will create thousands of jobs and accelerate new technology development, while modernizing the nation's scientific infrastructure.
The Iowa State researchers are developing a computer model to help create a 40-year national plan for optimizing the country's energy and transportation systems. The model will consider various energy sources and transportation technologies to balance cost, sustainability, and resiliency.
Researchers will build bridges between complex systems and engineering fields to design and control large-scale nonlinear networked systems. The project will also develop an agent-based intelligent distributed control scheme for microgrids operated by retail markets.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that can return excess energy to the grid, improving sustainability and resilience. This project aims to create a new technology coupling transportation and power grid infrastructures.
Robert Watson, a renowned climate scientist, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to promoting international scientific cooperation. He is being awarded the AAAS International Scientific Cooperation Award for his work on environmental and sustainable development.
Carnegie Mellon researchers find that liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports could have 35% higher lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than coal. The study urges caution against investing in LNG infrastructure, highlighting the need for analysis of indirect implications and conservation measures.
A robot designed to inspect power cables autonomously has been tested in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The prototype can pinpoint problem spots using sensors that detect heat dissipation, electrical discharge, and water seepage, paving the way for improved grid maintenance and reduced blackouts.
Scientists develop method to train honey bees to detect explosives, including TNT, C4, and TATP, with exceptional olfactory sense. The technique harnesses the bee's natural reaction to nectar to record an unmistakable response to a scent.
Researchers at Stanford University argue that private investors can help solve global infrastructure problems with secure investments and fair returns. The Collaboratory for Research on Global Projects has discussed ways to improve infrastructure investment security and encourage private shareholders.