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Improved wind speed forecasts can help urban power generation, according to new Concordia research

A new hybrid method developed by Concordia researchers combines data from Weibull probability distribution and numerical weather prediction models to improve wind speed forecasting accuracy. This innovation has the potential to significantly enhance urban power generation, particularly in areas with high variability in wind speeds.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnergies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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