Articles tagged with Sustainable Energy
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano discovered that the ratio of CO2 to methane present in the reaction determines carbon build-up on catalysts. This finding paves the way for more efficient technologies and longer-lasting catalysts.
Brian Leard, a PhD student at Lehigh University, has been awarded a prestigious DOE grant to conduct research at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility. He aims to develop simulation codes that can optimize actuator operation and improve the accuracy of plasma physics predictions.
A new method uses principal components-based feature generation and optimized Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to estimate the State of Charge (SoC) in LiFePO4 batteries. This approach improves the accuracy and robustness of existing SoC estimation methods, enabling real-time implementation.
Building a renewable energy system for the AtLAST telescope in Chile's Atacama Desert could cover 66% of nearby San Pedro de Atacama's electricity demand. The system would reduce local reliance on fossil fuels and provide affordable renewable energy, contributing to a more sustainable future.
A collaborative research team introduced a new approach to sustainable development in arid river basins through a Grey Fractional Multi-Objective Programming (GFMOP) model. The study found that improving water use efficiency can reduce carbon emissions while safeguarding the environment.
A study by MIT researchers reveals that households in the US South and Southwest are struggling with energy costs, particularly air conditioning needs, as temperatures rise. The current federal program, LIHEAP, does not fully match these trends, with southern states receiving relatively less funding.
The Global Biomass Resource Assessment provides groundbreaking data on current and future sustainable biomass supplies worldwide. The assessment aims to explore potential sources of biomass for a circular and sustainable global bioeconomy, supporting clean fuels, chemicals, materials, and products.
A novel multi-frequency ultrasonic drying technology accelerates the drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals by up to 50% while minimizing energy consumption. This method demonstrates superior stability in aqueous solutions and aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A new, low-cost cathode material developed by Georgia Tech's Hailong Chen could transform the electric vehicle (EV) market and large-scale energy storage systems. The iron chloride (FeCl3) cathode costs a mere 1-2% of typical cathode materials and can store the same amount of electricity.
A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.
Researchers have created a single-step method for producing Invar alloys with zero CO2 emissions and improved mechanical strength. The new process integrates metal extraction, alloying, and thermomechanical processing into one reactor step.
Researchers at HSE University developed mathematical models to predict impact of nuclear power on Sustainable Development Index. Increasing nuclear power share to 20-25% could boost SDI, but scenarios with slower growth or reduction lead to lower increases.
The McGill team's light-driven chemical process transforms methane and carbon dioxide into green methanol and carbon monoxide, producing highly valued products. The discovery offers a promising path towards Canada's net-zero emissions target by 2050 and provides a sustainable way to produce industrial products.
A new study suggests that urban heating and cooling systems will significantly impact future energy demand due to climate change, with smaller-scale city-level waste heat contributing to local microclimates. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive climate impact assessment and science-based policymaking to address this issue.
Researchers at Cornell University found that integrating AI into environmental control systems can reduce energy consumption in indoor agriculture by up to 25%. By optimizing lighting and climate regulation, AI helps create an energy-efficient solution for optimal plant growth, carbon dioxide levels, and ventilation requirements.
Researchers from Texas A&M are leading a $26 million decarbonization effort to convert CO2 into valuable products, driving a circular carbon economy. The initiative aims to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for manufacturing systems.
Researchers developed a new type of temperature-adaptive radiative cooling device with improved performance, reducing solar absorptance by 7.54% and increasing emissivity by 13.3%. This advancement holds promise for optimizing energy use and advancing sustainable thermal management solutions.
The Rice University Sustainability Institute has partnered with Chevron to establish a graduate fellowship program supporting innovative sustainable energy solutions. This year's fellows are tackling critical energy challenges, including recycling lithium-ion batteries and developing cost-effective solar-driven technologies.
Researchers analyzed satellite data to understand solar irradiance variability in the Asia Pacific region, revealing optimal locations for solar power plants and distribution strategies to minimize fluctuations. The study's findings will help plan for sustainable energy technologies and combat climate change.
Researchers engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generating cellular energy without traditional carbon feedstocks. The hybrids can produce important hydrocarbons, paving new biotechnical pathways to non-petroleum-based energy and synthetic biology applications.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered two species of purple bacteria that can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, natural polymers for bioplastics. Genetic engineering has also been used to boost production levels in another well-studied but stubborn species.
The research team developed a Zero Energy-based transparent radiative cooling technology that maintains transparency while enabling cooling without using electricity. They also created a Plus Energy-based smart window technology that generates electricity through the friction generated by raindrops on rainy days.
A new technology can extract lithium from brines at an estimated cost of under 40% that of today's dominant extraction method. The approach uses redox-couple electrodialysis and is expected to be relatively inexpensive due mostly to lower capital costs.
The University of Kansas has received a $26 million grant from the National Science Foundation to create a new Engineering Research Center focused on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies. The EARTH center will address the challenge of replacing hydrofluorocarbons with safer, more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
The new ERC EARTH research center will focus on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies and practices to improve quality of life and combat climate change. Lehigh University's team, led by David Vicic, will work on reclamation and repurposing of high-GWP legacy refrigerants.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nature-inspired filtration and conversion system that extracts carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere to create fuels and chemicals. The device mimics the lotus surface, capturing carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel strategy to increase the efficiency of photopolymerization reactions by leveraging dynamic UV lighting. This technique produces heavier polymer chains with reduced energy consumption, offering potential for sustainable industrial processes and polymeric materials.
Researchers at Stanford University have designed an electrified thermochemical reactor capable of generating immense heat using electricity, replacing fossil fuels in industrial processes. The design is smaller, cheaper, and more efficient than existing technology.
The Illinois researchers developed a new index called the Circularity Index (CI), which measures circularity on a scale from 0 to 1. It includes eight categories: take, make, distribute, use, dispose, recover, remake, and reuse. The CI can be used to evaluate strategies and impacts in bioeconomic systems.
Researchers at POSTECH have developed an innovative approach to enhance the efficiency of thermoelectric materials by altering their geometry to resemble an hourglass shape. This breakthrough could lead to widespread applications in thermoelectric power generation, converting waste heat into electricity.
Researchers at PolyU have invented a unique fluidic processor called Connected Polyhedral Frames (CPFs), which enables reversible switching between liquid capture and release. CPFs offer a versatile platform for various applications, including controlled multidrug release, biomaterial encapsulation, and air conditioning.
Researchers have developed a new method known as flash-within-flash Joule heating (FWF) that enables gram-scale production of high-quality solid-state materials in seconds, reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%. The technique offers a scalable and sustainable solution for manufacturing diverse compounds.
Researchers propose a leaf-inspired luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) design to overcome scalability limitations. The innovative setup enhances photon collection and transfer, improving efficiency and reducing self-absorption issues.
Researchers discovered that the iron nitrogenase can convert CO2 into methane and formic acid, making it a promising starting point for developing novel CO2 reductases. The enzyme's low selectivity for CO2 also suggests its potential for widespread use in nature.
A new study shows that empowering women through energy care work can transform community-led renewable energy programmes, promoting gender equality. The research highlights the importance of valuing multiple voices and incorporating diverse practices of care into energy transition policies.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have achieved a significant milestone in converting carbon dioxide into valuable fuels and chemicals. They report a pioneering plasma-catalytic process for the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, achieving impressive selectivity rates.
A research team at City University of Hong Kong has developed next-generation printable perovskite solar cells with higher efficiency, stability, and lower production costs. These cells can be manufactured using a 'printing' process, reducing energy consumption and processing steps compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have unveiled an eco-friendly method to extract rare metals from semiconductor waste, recovering precious tungsten and assessing its economic viability. The bioleaching process, using a fungus to dissolve metals, is found to be 7% cheaper than traditional methods.
A survey of Pennsylvanians and policymakers reveals bipartisan support for solar energy and other renewables, but elected officials underestimate their constituents' preferences. The study highlights the need for clear communication between the public and local representatives to ensure informed decision-making about energy projects.
A team of researchers at DGIST developed an ionic polyurethane-based triboelectric generator with self-healing and biodegradable properties, which can produce high electrical energy density. The device shows a power output of up to 436.8 mW/m² and maintains its efficiency after prolonged use.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a loop heat pipe that can transport up to 10 kW of waste heat without electricity, surpassing previous records. This technology has significant implications for energy efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the electric vehicle industry where it can reduce the need for electrical power.
A recent survey conducted by University of Massachusetts Amherst found that consumers prefer glass packaging for orange juice due to its perceived sustainability, but surprisingly, it is actually among the least sustainable options. The study ranked cartons as the most sustainable followed by plastic, aluminum, and then glass.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science develop a new efficient method for Z-alkene synthesis using a recycling photoreactor coupled with HPLC technology. The study yields good yields of Z-alkenes after 4–10 cycles, representing an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have discovered an additive that enhances the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, resulting in a record-breaking 12.22% efficiency. The additive, 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide, improves stability and reduces defects, paving the way for more accessible and long-lasting solar panels.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an eco-friendly method to precisely mix fluorine into olefins using natural enzymes and light, offering a more efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.
The MEASURES project in Ghana provides insights into the impact of informal economy, climate migration, and rising temperatures on energy system planning. The researchers developed an energy system model for Accra, which yielded cost-, carbon- and resilience-optimized energy system capacity and operational planning decisions.
Researchers create fast and sustainable method to produce hydrogen gas using aluminum, saltwater, and coffee grounds. They find that adding caffeine speeds up the reaction, producing hydrogen in just five minutes.
The study analyzed four biofuels crops and found that each feedstock performed best in a specific region of the rainfed United States. The researchers identified miscanthus and switchgrass as the most environmentally friendly options, while energy sorghum was the cheapest to produce.
A team of researchers led by Professor Beom-Kyeong Park has made a breakthrough in enhancing solid oxide fuel cell efficiency with a rapid PrOx coating method. The study demonstrated significant enhancements in SOFC electrode performance, reducing polarization resistance and boosting peak power density.
Researchers have developed low-cost micro-sized silicon anodes from recycled photovoltaic waste using a novel electrolyte design. The new anodes exhibit remarkable electrochemical stability, maintaining an average coulombic efficiency of 99.94% after 200 cycles. This breakthrough addresses the major challenges facing micro-sized silico...
The study uses machine learning framework to estimate global rooftop area growth, projecting a 20-52% increase by 2050. Rooftop solar power holds significant potential for emerging economies, driving sustainable development and prosperity.
New studies from Chalmers University of Technology suggest that hydrogen-powered aircraft could meet the needs of 97% of intra-Nordic flights and 58% of Nordic passenger volume by 2045. A novel heat exchanger technology has shown promise in reducing fuel consumption by almost eight percent.
A recent study from the University of Illinois suggests that Illinois' clean energy transition has led to a lack of equity in the distribution of renewable power benefits. The state prioritized historically marginalized communities but failed to consider the burdens on rural, white communities, resulting in perceived injustices and opp...
The new COMET centre Battery4Life aims to enhance the safety, lifespan, and eco-friendliness of batteries. By leveraging artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art test facilities, researchers will develop methods for assessing used battery safety and exploring sustainable reuse options.
Researchers propose two strategies to reduce energy loss and increase efficiency: adjusting irrigation schedules to daytime hours when solar energy is produced, and selling surplus energy. These approaches aim to create a sustainable irrigation model that combines environmental protection with economic profitability.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a simple mechanism for optimal light-use efficiency of photosynthesis inspired by giant clams. This discovery could lead to the development of more efficient solar cells and renewable energy systems.
Researchers found that planting energy crops on existing agricultural land in Central Europe and China minimizes harm to biodiversity. This approach allows for restoration of natural habitats, maximizing biodiversity benefits.
Researchers developed a one-dimensional model to predict soil temperatures around energy piles in Southeast Asia. They found that temperature distribution remained stable despite changes in soil thermal conductivity, indicating GSHP systems can be designed flexibly.
Researchers found raw material demand for electric vehicles will nearly double by 2050 if current trends continue. Implementing circular economy strategies such as ride-sharing, recycling, and solid-state batteries can halve resource demand or maintain it at 2015 levels.
Researchers have developed a novel perovskite-based anode material with mixed hole–proton conduction, achieving high efficiency at low and medium temperatures. The breakthrough could pave the way for important technological advancements in energy technologies.