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Floating offshore wind could bring billions in value to the west coast, report shows

A new report from PNNL shows that floating offshore wind farms could potentially triple the Pacific Northwest's wind power capacity while offsetting millions of dollars in costs. This could lead to a significant increase in renewable energy production and help reduce carbon emissions, with the potential to power tens of million of homes.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateOct 11, 2023

KMOU scientists develop an energy-efficient wireless power and information transfer system

Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University developed a new framework for solving the energy efficiency problem in IIoTs. The proposed SWIPT-NOMA-DAS system is five times more energy efficient than existing systems, with significant improvements in performance and battery life extension.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 5, 2023
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.

Offshore floating wind farms, environmental benefits throughout the life cycle

Research by Politecnico di Milano finds offshore wind farms significantly reduce climate change impacts, with a 92% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The study also highlights the importance of life cycle analysis for assessing environmental sustainability of renewable energy technologies.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 7, 2023

Optimizing the properties and microstructure of bulk superconductors

Japanese researchers develop improved ternary superconductor bulks from liquid sources, demonstrating enhanced performance and microstructural analysis shows significant reductions in secondary phase particle size. The findings have huge potential for applications in magnetic levitation, electric motors, and energy systems.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Allowing financial trading in California’s wholesale electricity market significantly reduced volatility of prices, electricity production costs, carbon emissions

Researchers found that introducing financial trading in California's wholesale electricity market led to reduced volatility in prices, production costs, and carbon emissions. The study also showed improved physical market outcomes, including lower fuel costs and reduced complexity in real-time markets.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Economic Policy·DateMay 22, 2023

Assessing the impact of going off-grid on transmission charge and energy market outcomes

A team of researchers found that prosumers, who produce their own electricity, can lower transmission charges when generating less energy. However, when producing a large amount of renewable energy, transmission charges increase. The study suggests levying a per-MWh tax on prosumer consumption to reduce the likelihood of death spirals.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalApplied Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 1, 2023
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.

US natural gas pipelines vulnerable to electric outages

A study by Carnegie Mellon researchers found that about 10% of US pipeline compressor stations are electric, making them vulnerable to electric outages. Electric outages could force a loss greater than 2 gigawatts of downstream gas generators, causing significant reductions in available gas.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalElectricity·DateApr 11, 2023

Study of US hydroelectric dams shows benefits to local economies decline with improvements in transmission capabilities

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Edson Severnini found that large-scale hydroelectric dams constructed in the US before 1950 spurred short- and long-term growth, while those built after 1950 had modest effects on local economies. The decline is attributed to advancements in high-tension transmission lines.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateFeb 16, 2023

Canada’s first zero-carbon, net-positive energy building is on track to propel Ontario’s energy transition

Researchers at the University of Waterloo analyzed a zero-carbon building in Canada and found that data-driven improvements helped reduce energy consumption by 15% without compromising comfort. The building is now on track to achieve its target, producing five percent more clean energy than it consumes and adding it to the Ontario grid.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateFeb 15, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The surprising similarities of packed particles

Scientists develop a statistical model to describe how particles of different sizes jam together, revealing a common structure that can improve spatial efficiency in various industries. The study's findings have significant implications for applications involving particulate matter, such as construction, medicine, and food manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2023

Mapping Mexico’s dengue fever hotspots

A Rutgers researcher has analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots, highlighting areas where severe outbreaks occur. The study found that lower socioeconomic status increases risk of dengue fever and that DENV-2 is the deadliest serotype.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEcological Informatics·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Smart inverters’ vulnerability to cyberattacks needs to be identified and countered, according to Concordia researchers

Concordia researchers identify vulnerabilities in smart inverters to cyberattacks, including reconnaissance, replay, DDoS, and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. These attacks can disrupt energy flow and create power oscillations, severely impeding microgrid functionality.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Sleep mode makes Energy Internet more energy efficient

Nagoya University scientists developed a controller with a sleep mode to procure energy only when needed, reducing the need for storage batteries and capacitors. This innovative solution enables efficient energy saving and promotes the practical application of power packet type energy Internet.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control·DateOct 7, 2022

Story tips: Reducing molten salt’s corrosive effect. VERIFI-ing and tracking carbon’s big footprint. Moss genome study identifies two new species. Ultrasound for battery health

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed low-temperature methods to purify molten chloride salts for energy storage, potentially making them suitable for storing solar thermal energy. They also created an online tool called VERIFI to track industrial carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 6, 2022

Smart thermostats inadvertently strain electric power grids

A study by Cornell University engineers reveals that smart thermostats inadvertently cause peak demand on the grid during off-peak hours, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions benefits. The researchers propose educating consumers to use smart thermostats and staggering morning ramp-up times to mitigate this issue.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Energy·DateJul 13, 2022

New model finds best sites for electric vehicle charging stations

Researchers developed a computational model to determine optimal places for electric vehicle charging facilities and powerful stations without straining the local power grid. The model considers travel flow, user demand, and regional power infrastructure needs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022
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.

Convenient wireless charging for home use

Researchers at Aalto University developed a simple, low-cost wireless charging system that provides efficient charging regardless of device position or orientation. The new design uses a cylindrical power coil to create a donut-shaped charging field, increasing convenience and reliability for consumer devices.

SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateMar 4, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Predicting and preparing for the impact of approaching storms

Researchers developed a new model to predict storm damage, allowing for effective resource allocation and reduction in societal consequences. The framework can be applied to various infrastructure systems and weather events, promoting better preparedness and response.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalClimate Risk Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2022

How a smart electric grid will power our future

A novel plan to deploy smart transactive energy systems on the US power grid could reduce daily load swings by 20-44% and save consumers up to $50 billion annually. By coordinating with utilities, consumers can dynamically control big energy users like heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJan 25, 2022
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.

A new platform for controlled design of printed electronics with 2D materials

Researchers have developed a new platform to design printed electronics with 2D materials, enabling the creation of high-performance flexible devices. The study identified key properties that need to be tweaked to control electronic charge transport, opening up possibilities for wearable devices, bio-implantable electronics and more.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 21, 2021

New solution for low cost, light-weight and compact wireless transfer devices

Researchers at Kobe University have developed a novel power control system for wireless power transfer, enabling precise and efficient energy transfer while reducing circuit components and costs. The system uses resonant frequency tracking and load impedance regulation to minimize power losses.

SourceKobe University·JournalIEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Fabricating MgB2 superconductors using spark plasma sintering and pulse magnetization

New research from Shibaura Institute of Technology reveals that spark plasma sintering produces highly dense MgB2 bulks with improved mechanical and superconducting properties. The resulting samples exhibit superior strengths and high trapped field performance, making them suitable for space applications and electric machines.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering B·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

'Floating' microgrids: Optimizing naval ships' power systems

Wenxin Liu's research aims to improve the reliability of naval ships' power systems using advanced algorithmic design and hardware experimentation. He believes that his work has implications for civilian microgrid technology, which could lead to more efficient and flexible power distribution networks.

SourceLehigh University·DateJun 3, 2021

Salt battery design overcomes bump in the road to help electric cars go the extra mile

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have designed a new type of rechargeable battery that combines the performance merits of solid-oxide fuel cells and metal-air batteries. The salt battery can significantly extend the range of electric vehicles while being fully recyclable, environmentally-friendly, low-cost, and safe.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateFeb 1, 2021

New 'sun clock' quantifies extreme space weather switch on/off

Researchers have created a new 'sun clock' using 200 years of sunspot observations to map solar activity over 18 solar cycles. The analysis reveals sharp transitions between quiet and active periods in solar activity, allowing scientists to estimate the risk of future solar superstorms.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 10, 2020

New methodology enable solid state lighting to measure and self-adjust based on conditions

Researchers have developed a new methodology that allows solid state lighting to measure and self-adjust its spectral power distribution based on environmental conditions. This enables the system to maintain consistency and stability over time, making it suitable for applications requiring precise light spectra.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateMar 29, 2019

Assessing the promise of gallium oxide as an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor

Researchers assess the promise of gallium oxide as an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor, offering improved thermal management and gate dielectrics. Ga2O3's potential applications include high-voltage rectifiers in power conditioning and distribution systems, such as electric cars and photovoltaic solar systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 18, 2018
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.

'Smart' transformers could make reliable smart grid a reality

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Systems·DateJul 5, 2017

A new spin on electronics

Researchers at TUM and Kyoto University demonstrated the transport of spin information in a unique boundary layer between lanthanum-aluminate and strontium-titanate materials. This breakthrough enables the potential for novel functionality in spin electronic components, overcoming limitations in traditional semiconductor technology.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 15, 2017

Certain occupations linked to increased bladder cancer risk

A new analysis of UK workers found a significant association between certain occupations and an increased risk of bladder cancer. The study identified the greatest risk in workers within the chemical, rubber, and dye industries, as well as those in electrical, chemical, and transport roles.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateJun 30, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Breakthrough enables ultra-fast transport of electrical charges in polymers

A team of chemists and materials scientists at Umeå University has discovered a method to align polymer chains vertically, enabling ultra-fast charge transport. This breakthrough has implications for the production of efficient organic opto-electronic devices, such as solar cells and light-emitting diodes.

SourceUmea University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 28, 2016

IU Kelley School of Business research uncovers recipe for producing and managing star performers

Research by Herman Aguinis and Kyle Bradley suggests that performance follows a power law distribution, leading to more common star performers. The study recommends transparency, fairness in policies, structuring work, training development interventions, employment decisions, and compensation to effectively manage and produce star perf...

SourceIndiana University·JournalOrganizational Dynamics·DateNov 2, 2015

Power hungry

The US electric grid is complex and vulnerable to failure, particularly with aging EHV transformers. The new 'Recovery Transformer' program aims to develop a modular, smaller, and lighter alternative that can be easily transported and installed.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateMar 2, 2012
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.

Precision time: A matter of atoms, clocks, and statistics

To achieve accurate measurements, an ensemble of 400 atomic clocks is required. The researcher uses statistical calculations to counter challenges in distributing data without degrading clock performance. These algorithms rely on understanding past accuracy to establish reliable reference times.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateFeb 1, 2012

European innovation tackles power cuts

A new Power Distribution Network Automation System (DINAS) has been developed to automatically locate and diagnose faults in distribution networks, restoring power supply instantly. The system uses advanced technology and algorithms to detect and isolate faults, reducing costs and response times for power companies.

SourceEUREKA·DateApr 30, 2010

Council voting power affects EU budget shares

Council decision-making in EU is influenced by both power and needs. The allocation of EU budget shares varies among member states based on their economic capacity and population size.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalEconomic Policy·DateJul 23, 2004
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.

Transmitters May Give Off-Piste Skiers A False Sense Of Security

Recent studies indicate that electronic transmitters used by off-piste skiers to locate buried victims are ineffective due to limited range and prolonged rescue times. The signals only carry up to 50 meters and professional skiers take an average of 18 minutes to reach their companions, resulting in a low survival rate.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateMar 3, 1999
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.