Articles tagged with Power Plants
A new study finds significant disparities in pollutants from electricity generation within environmental justice communities in RGGI states. Environmental justice communities face disproportionate exposure to harmful co-pollutants due to power plant siting and operation.
Scientists and anglers warn that Norwegian rivers are vulnerable to hydropeaking, which can kill salmon fry and other living organisms due to rapid water level changes. The study reveals that over 3000 km of river courses are impacted by hydropeaking from 802 hydropower plants.
A new joint study by Southwest Research Institute and Sandia National Laboratories examines the effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) on oxide film growth on additively manufactured metals and wrought stainless steel. The study found that both types of metals showed oxide growth, but with significant differences in grain size ...
Wind-dominant electric grids face challenges in recovering from blackouts. Researchers at Iowa State University have developed grid-forming controllers and stall-prevention systems to enable certain wind turbines to blackstart a power grid. This critical step enhances the resilience of wind farms to blackouts.
Researchers have developed a new carbon capture method using sponge-like materials that can trap CO2 without degrading over time. The materials are made from sugar and low-cost alkali metal salts, making them a potentially cost-effective solution for reducing coal-fired power plant emissions.
Recent simulations and analysis suggest that the PPPL flagship, NSTX-U, can serve as a model for an economically attractive next-generation fusion pilot plant. The facility's unique capabilities make it a candidate for generating clean and safe power for electricity production by the 2040s.
A new framework by Stanford University could help policymakers spend billions on federal infrastructure funding more wisely. The study optimizes hourly demand and supply of power and water with integrated neighborhood-based power and water plants, significantly reducing costs and pollution.
Researchers develop new membranes to capture more efficient CO2 from mixed gases, addressing trade-off between permeability and selectivity. The technology increases CO2 selectivity by up to 150 times while retaining relative high permeability.
By targeting strategic locations with high impact, researchers found a cost-effective way to reduce energy load and lower wholesale market prices. This approach enhances grid reliability through renewable energy penetration, offering a solution to mitigate price volatility.
Researchers from West Virginia University are developing a new composite transition joint using 3D printing to reduce stress on power plant systems. The goal is to increase the flexibility and reliability of thermal power plants.
A team of researchers at MIT has identified and modeled a major reason for poor performance in electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems, which is caused by a local depletion of CO2 gas near the electrodes. By pulsing the current off and on, they can replenish the gas levels, allowing the process to continue efficiently.
A life cycle assessment of carbon capture at Amager Bakke incineration plant reveals that the technology reduces CO2 emissions from incineration but decreases electricity production by 50%. The overall net energy efficiency is not affected, but heat output increases by 20%.
Researchers at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility have successfully integrated hot cores and cool edges in fusion reactors using powder injection and Super H-mode. This approach achieves significant edge cooling with modest effects on core performance, making it compatible with larger devices like ITER. The results suggest a promising...
The new US fusion energy website usfusionenergy.org provides centralized resources for all audiences, featuring the latest news, articles, events, and jobs. The site aims to recruit a diverse workforce and engage the public in the fusion movement towards a clean energy future.
Researchers track migration of fast ions, revealing routes influenced by Alfvén waves. The observed patterns suggest a large-scale migration among different routes, with some ions escaping the core and others returning to it.
Recent simulations using Gkeyll reveal that neutral particles significantly impact plasma density, temperature, and flow levels in the scrape-off layer region of tokamaks. The inclusion of neutrals leads to reduced plasma fluctuations and slower blob motion.
Researchers developed a new material that can form nanoscale thickness water-resistant coatings with self-healing properties. The coating is robust enough to survive scratches and has potential applications in various industries.
A study published by Sandia National Laboratories reveals that older solar farms are more susceptible to extreme weather events, while snowstorms have the highest impact on electricity production. Machine learning analysis also found that low sunlight levels due to cloud cover and geographical features of the farm are significant factors.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to cool steam turbines using phase change materials, potentially reducing fresh water usage. By leveraging machine learning techniques, they created a system that can predict when and how much of the PCM will melt and freeze, maximizing cooling power and capacity.
A 2 MWel power plant will be built in Saudi Arabia, combining CSP and desalination techniques to achieve unprecedented efficiencies. The DESOLINATION project aims to provide low-cost renewable electricity and fresh water for the GCC region.
The BrineMine project develops strategies and technologies to extract valuable resources while minimizing environmental impact. Researchers have identified a method for efficient silica removal, enabling simultaneous extraction of drinking water and mineral resources.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that storing both oil and gas on-site at power plants can reduce dependence on gas grids and mitigate fuel shortages. This could reduce costs for electric customers in New England, where gas supply constraints have led to frequent power plant outages.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) are investigating a method to produce synthetic methane from hydrogen and CO2, which can be used as a fuel. This process, known as methanization, has the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in road transport.
KTU's rooftop solar plant project, selected from 2,500 entries worldwide, combines multiple energy sources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative aims to educate students on renewable energy and mitigate climate change.
Researchers found a predicted average annual production gain of 0.8% for large sampling of commercial US wind plants using wake steering. This technique increases power output by nearly 70% while maintaining energy generation costs.
Researchers have developed intelligent, battery-less sensors that can precisely monitor district heating grids and provide valuable knowledge for optimized operation. The sensors will enable plants to optimize pipeline grid efficiency and reduce heat loss.
A global study has revealed that aquatic invasive species have caused significant economic losses, with an estimated $345 billion in damages since the 1970s. The study found that the largest costs were reported in North America and Asia, mainly due to damage to infrastructures, fisheries, and healthcare systems.
Researchers have developed a device that can deliver electrical signals to and from plants, enabling the creation of plant-based technological systems. The device can detect and transmit electrical signals to monitor crop health and stimulate plants to perform tasks, such as closing leaves or picking up objects.
A National Academies report calls for a US fusion pilot plant to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon emission electrical system. The pilot plant should be operational by 2035-2040, with innovations in fusion confinement concepts and technology development needed.
Engineers at Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg create turbine blades with integrated drives to optimize flow and reduce stall conditions, leading to increased efficiency and lifespan. This technology aims to combat climate change by harnessing sustainable tidal energy, reducing the need for high-performance materials.
Researchers found that curtailment priority on pipeline networks is the likely reason for most correlated failures, while firm contracts can reduce generator outages in certain regions. Switching to firm contracts may prevent fuel shortages at US power plants.
A study finds that thermal power plants are already struggling to keep up with growing electricity demand on hot days, leading to reduced capacity and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The research warns that as global warming intensifies, power plant outages on hot days could nearly double, straining the electricity grid.
Researchers in the FIThydro project developed new assessment methods and technologies to reduce negative ecological effects of hydropower plants. They also created a decision support system to help operators plan and assess hydropower plants, taking into account environmental policy requirements and international regulatory guidelines.
Scientists at the University of Córdoba studied new solar tracking strategies to maximize electric production. They proposed a tracking strategy that uses backtracking to avoid casting shadows among panels, resulting in an annual increase of 2% more energy production.
A record-breaking spring temperature event occurred in eastern China in 2018, with over 900 stations reaching their highest spring mean temperature on record. The analysis suggests that both human-induced global warming and anomalous circulation increased the chance of this extreme high-temperature event.
The SPARC project has published seven research papers outlining the physics behind the ambitious reactor design, with calculations suggesting a Q ratio of 10 or more. The device aims to achieve a 'burning plasma,' a self-sustaining fusion reaction, which is crucial for developing practical power-generating plants.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are working to develop technology for efficient lithium extraction from geothermal brine in California. The projects aim to unlock the state's potential as a major supplier of lithium, essential for battery production and global demand is expected to skyrocket.
Researchers found that US wind plants experience relatively low performance decline over time, with a 13% drop in 17 years. Performance drops significantly after the production tax credit window closes, but at a lower rate than European wind fleets.
The FEPCRC developed Oxy-CFBC technology significantly reduces air pollutants, including ultra fine dusts, CO2 emissions, and NOx, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional coal-fired power plants. The technology operates at 60% of O2 as an oxidant, reducing thermal input and increasing system efficiency.
After four Louisville, Kentucky, coal-fired power plants either retired coal or installed stricter emissions controls, local residents' asthma symptoms and related hospitalizations and ED visits dropped dramatically. The study found nearly 400 avoided hospitalizations and ED visits each year across Jefferson County.
The UNCC-Lehigh team aims to improve dry cooling systems in coal power plants, reducing water consumption and increasing efficiency without adding water. They will develop an integrated heat exchanger and thermal energy storage unit to achieve this goal.
A new study finds deep flaws in EPA's benefit-cost analysis supporting a proposed rule to roll back Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The analysis ignores scientific evidence and economic best practice, failing to account for recent science and changes in electricity generation.
Researchers discovered that inner mitochondrial membranes constantly change their structure every few seconds in living cells, increasing energy performance. This dynamic adaptation process is enabled by the MICOS complex and allows cristae membranes to exist as isolated vesicles before re-fusing with the inner membrane.
Researchers at Samara Polytech have created mathematical models to calculate noise propagation in power plants and gas-water systems. Their software products can detect source and cause of vibration, simplifying calculations and improving equipment functioning and service life.
A team of Lehigh researchers will use a $2 million DOE grant to develop a novel thermal energy storage concept, called THERMOSIPHON TECHNOLOGY. The goal is to create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to power plant applications.
A recent study found that exposure to air pollutants from power plants varies significantly by race, income, and geography in the US. The researchers estimated that in 2014, approximately 16,700 premature deaths were caused by power plant emissions, with African Americans facing the highest mortality rates.
A new study from Harvard University and the University of Leicester estimates that nearly 50,000 people could die prematurely each year from fossil fuel emissions in Africa by 2030. The researchers found that a shift to clean energy sources could have a substantial health benefit for Africans.
China's coal-fired power plants met ultra-low emission (ULE) standards early, reducing annual emissions by 65% for sulfur dioxide and 72% for particulate matter. The country achieved these results thanks to its strict supervision system and nationwide ULE technology application.
A new system can capture carbon dioxide from the air at any concentration level, including 400 parts per million, and release it into a carrier stream. This technology has significant implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and could eliminate the need for fossil fuels in applications such as soft-drink bottling plants.
Researchers identify three grand challenges in wind energy research: understanding wind resources, addressing turbine and system dynamics, and designing wind plants for grid reliability. Addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing the state of the art in wind plant energy output.
Between 2014 and 2017, China's annual power plant emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter dropped by 65%, 60% and 72% respectively. This significant reduction demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of controlling emissions from power plants to reach ultra-low levels.
The Stanford group's battery captures blue energy by releasing sodium and chloride ions, then reincorporating them through rapid wastewater and seawater exchanges. The technology has shown 97% effectiveness in capturing salinity gradient energy over 180 cycles.
The study finds that existing power plants and energy infrastructure will release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere if not retired early, posing a threat to the 1.5-degree Celsius climate goal. However, the world can still meet the 2-degree goal without early retirement if new fossil fuel sources are not built.
A UCI-led study finds that 'committed' carbon dioxide emissions from existing infrastructure could reach up to 658 gigatons of CO2 if not phased out. This would jeopardize international climate goals set by the Paris accords unless drastic measures are taken.
Researchers are developing robotic fish surrogates to assess the fish-friendliness of hydroelectric power plants. The RETERO project aims to reduce and eventually eliminate live fish tests, which result in high mortality rates for fish traveling through turbines.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a unique solution to reduce the water used by thermoelectric power plants. By combining blowdown water with produced water from Marcellus gas wells, they can create clean enough water for reuse. This process also produces two valuable products: chlorine and 10-pound brine.
A new study by Duke University finds that droughts and rising water temperatures will significantly impact US power plants' generating capacity. The researchers recommend replacing traditional once-through cooling systems with recirculating cooling systems to mitigate these effects.
Researchers create new air-cooled condenser with enhanced metal fins for improved heat transfer and reduced cooling temperature. The system also addresses peak electricity demand by precooling circulated air using a heat sink.
A new study found that the Carlsbad Desalination Plant's brine discharge exceeds permitted levels, affecting offshore salinity. The researchers discovered no significant changes in seafloor organisms, likely due to pre-existing industrial activity in the area.
Researchers developed computational modeling to identify improved mixed matrix membranes for capturing CO2. The hypothetical membranes offer a more economical solution, predicting a cost of less than $50 per ton removed.