Scientists have underestimated the impact of large numbers of wind turbines on energy production within large farms, suggesting a more limited capacity than previously thought. The new modeling results indicate that wind power production may be as low as 1 watt per square meter at wind farms larger than 100 square kilometers.
Research suggests that large-scale wind farms' generating capacity may peak at between 0.5 and 1 watt per square meter, significantly lower than previous estimates. This limitation could impact the feasibility of scaling wind power to meet a third of global energy needs within the next half-century.
A new open-source model, InVEST, provides spatially explicit information on offshore wind energy, helping decision makers quantify tradeoffs between energy, transportation, and fishing. The tool is significant for integrated marine spatial planning, enabling informed decisions on wind turbine placement.
Researchers developed a new analytical method to detect fatigue in wind turbines' parts while the turbine is in operation. This method distinguishes between mechanical properties and interfering noise, enabling precise detection of material fatigue or untightened screws.
The Helmholtz Energy Alliance aims to ensure a reliable electric power supply through the development of grid management and storage systems. Key findings include the need for new technologies to manage hybrid transmission grids and innovative methods to ensure grid stability.
A new Department of Energy research facility will test new technologies for offshore wind and ocean power development. The Reference Facility for Offshore Renewable Energy will help verify the accuracy of data from new measurement technologies, providing confidence for potential investors.
A new study published in Nature highlights the importance of political action in limiting global warming to 2°C. The researchers found that political uncertainties, such as when countries will take serious action to reduce emissions, are the biggest swing factor in meeting this target. With a 20-year delay, the likelihood of success dr...
Researchers have achieved impressive results in a three-year project to develop wind turbines using superconducting wire, exceeding initial targets by 15 percentage points. The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded additional funding, increasing the total project value to $4 million.
A regional team led by Case Western Reserve University has won $4 million to design a 9-turbine Lake Erie wind farm, with the potential for an additional $46 million in funding. The goal is to demonstrate cost-competitive power production and explore materials and designs to reduce costs.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University aim to increase the power density of their iron flow battery, enabling greater energy storage capacity while maintaining a lower cost. The new design could replace traditional storage technologies like pumped hydro and compressed air systems, offering flexibility for grid-scale energy supply.
The Energy Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) has selected 66 cutting-edge research projects to receive $130 million in funding. These projects focus on transformational, breakthrough technologies that can produce game-changing breakthroughs in energy technology and have large commercial impacts.
The NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center has officially opened, launching a series of initial scientific projects on its flagship 1.5-petaflop supercomputer, Yellowstone. The center aims to improve predictions of natural hazards such as tornadoes and hurricanes through Earth science research.
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.
Scientists at CWRU will lead an international effort to reduce oil dependency by creating lighter, stronger materials for wind turbine blades and solar panels from biomaterials like plants, bacteria, and fungi. The project aims to educate the next generation of scientists working in sustainability.
Researchers found that bigger turbines harness more wind without increasing mass or fuel needs, leading to cleaner power production. The study solidifies the trend towards larger windmills, expected to approach 10% of global electricity by 2020.
A new study suggests that wind power has plenty of potential to meet half the world's power demand by 2030, with a capacity to exceed demand by several times. Researchers used a sophisticated climate model to calculate the theoretical maximum wind power potential on Earth.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a control algorithm that optimizes energy collection from waves by predicting wave height and force. The system doubles the energy previously collected by Wave Energy Converters (WECs), making marine energy more competitive.
Large-scale high altitude wind power generation is unlikely to substantially affect climate, according to a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory study. The researchers found that wind turbines could extract kinetic energy at a rate of at least 400 terawatts on the surface and over 1800 terawatts in high-altitude winds.
Experts surveyed by Near Zero identify reliability as the primary barrier to airborne wind energy, citing need for long-term stability in shifting winds. Government funding is seen as key to accelerating industry growth, with $10 million annual investment potentially cutting years off significant scale deployment.
Researchers calculated wind power potential worldwide, accounting for climate impacts and found it exceeds global energy demands. The maximum theoretical potential is over 250 terawatts globally and 80 TW over land and ocean areas.
New research suggests that more than 400 terrawatts of power can be extracted from surface winds and over 1,800 terrawatts from high-altitude winds, meeting or exceeding global energy demand.
Despite looming policy uncertainty, the US wind power market expanded rapidly in 2011, with new installations exceeding 6.8 GW and contributing $14 billion in investment. The study predicts continued strong growth in 2012 but warns of significant layoffs if demand for turbines does not pick up after 2012.
A USC-led team has developed an air-breathing battery that uses iron plates and oxygen to store energy, reducing energy loss by 4% and making it 10 times more efficient than previous models. The battery's capacity can store between 8-24 hours' worth of energy, with the potential to help California transition to renewable energy sources.
Researchers aim to reduce turbine center of gravity, machine complexity, and maintenance costs. Curved VAWT blades pose manufacturing challenges, while unsteady loading and lack of aerodynamic braking systems remain hurdles for large-scale offshore power generation.
Researchers create microbial factories to transform clean electricity from solar, wind, or nuclear power into renewable methane fuel. This approach could eliminate the need for fossil resources and produce eco-friendly alternatives like ethanol.
Researchers are raising colonies of microorganisms that can turn electrical energy into pure methane, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The goal is to create large microbial factories to produce renewable methane fuel and valuable chemical compounds.
Iowa State University engineers are building a strong expertise in wind energy through various initiatives, including grants, research projects and partnerships. The goal is to increase wind energy production by at least 10 times over the next 18 years to reach 20% of electrical energy from wind by 2030.
Yan Wang's new flow battery design has a 10-fold increase in energy density and 2.5 times the power density of conventional batteries, making it safer and more cost-effective. The technology will help address renewable energy's Achilles heel by storing and retrieving energy.
Bigger wind turbines harness more wind with increased efficiency and reduced material needs. Scientists conclude that larger turbines make greener electricity, a trend expected to grow in the coming years.
A study using NASA satellite data found that the four largest wind farms in Texas experience an increase in land surface temperature over nine years, likely due to turbulence caused by turbine wakes. The warming occurred mainly at night and during times of high turbine activity.
Researchers found a significant warming effect over wind farms, up to 0.72 degrees Celsius per decade, attributed to turbine wake interactions. The study uses satellite data to quantify the potential impact of wind farms on weather and climate.
The University of Minnesota has developed an innovative isothermal compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology, licensed to SustainX. This solution can stabilize renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, making them more predictable and reliable.
Case Western Reserve University has erected its third and largest wind turbine, a 1-megawatt utility-scale power generator, to provide working laboratories for researchers. The turbines are being used to develop better products and improve efficiency, with the ultimate goal of establishing a wind-energy supply chain in Northeast Ohio.
Harold H. Kung's analysis finds Investment Tax Credit to be more attractive for consumers and investors due to lower electricity prices and faster returns on investment. The study aimed to mitigate the high capital cost of wind power, benefiting both parties.
Researchers developed a biologically inspired control system that uses memory of past control experiences and outcomes to generate new actions. This approach shows promise for enhancing wind power conversion efficiency, outperforming traditional methods in simulations.
University of Cincinnati researchers have developed predictive software to analyze two years' worth of operating data from a commercial wind turbine, identifying key components with high failure rates and average downtime. The study aims to establish real-world performance metrics for turbines, enabling optimal scheduling of maintenanc...
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new type of battery using brown liquor as a raw material, which could provide an inexpensive and sustainable solution for storing renewable energy. The breakthrough uses organic solar cells based on conductive plastic, achieving high performance levels that make them competitive.
A new NOAA study helps New York state officials identify favorable wind energy development sites while protecting critical bird and fish habitats. The report provides a valuable tool for coastal managers to better understand the interactions between renewable energy development and natural resources.
A team of Stanford engineers has developed a weather model to recommend the optimal placement of four interconnected offshore wind farms off the US East Coast. The grid would have a total maximum capacity of 2000 megawatts, with each farm delivering an individual maximum capacity of 500 megawatts.
A new study shows that incorporating multiple stakeholder interests in comprehensive ocean planning reduces conflict and enhances cultural, conservation, and economic benefits. The study found that designing offshore wind farms with multiple ocean users in mind can prevent losses to incumbent fishery and whale watching sectors while ge...
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum are developing an aqueous lithium-ion battery that could improve the performance, lifespan, and price-performance ratio of existing batteries. The goal is to produce a more efficient and cost-effective energy storage device for use in power supply systems.
The Public University of Navarre and CENER have developed two electricity microgrids to enhance energy efficiency, reduce contaminant emissions, and increase safety in supply. The microgrids feature a combination of renewable energy sources and storage systems, enabling efficient operation in both grid-connected and isolated modes.
A UC Riverside researcher has received a $385,000 grant to evaluate the efficiency of HVAC motors in buildings through on-site testing and a new motor testing facility. The study aims to measure energy use under actual operating conditions and assess software used by architects and engineers designing HVAC systems.
New research published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that low-carbon technologies will initially increase emissions due to their high energy requirements. The study indicates that substantial reductions in greenhouse gases won't be achieved until the latter part of this century.
Researchers found that power generated at a set wind speed is higher under stable conditions and lower under strongly unsteady conditions. Wind shear plays an important role in assessing turbine efficiency. The team's study provides valuable insights for better estimating power generation, especially when including atmospheric stabilit...
A new Queensland University of Technology (QUT) research project will develop storage and demand management systems to ensure renewable electricity can be better stored during low usage times for use in peak periods. This will help cut down the amount of fossil generation needed as a back-up, benefiting all electricity users.
Researchers have developed an interactive tool to visualize how changes in date and weather conditions affect bat presence at wind energy facilities. The tool can help reduce bat fatalities by maximizing energy production on nights with low fatality risk while minimizing impacts on migratory bats.
In 2011, NOAA researchers made significant discoveries about storm systems, oceanic and atmospheric research, and environmental threats. They found that human-caused aerosol increases linked to decreased monsoon rainfall in South Asia, while also improving weather forecasting capabilities.
Researchers are using mini wind turbines and advanced flow measurements to understand the impact of hilly terrain on wind turbine performance. Preliminary results show that turbines on hilly terrain experience higher wind loads and recover power potential more rapidly than those on flat ground.
Researchers propose sustainable hydrogen economy as a solution to climate change and dwindling oil reserves, leveraging renewable energy sources for production and conversion. Complementary deployment of hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric vehicles can offer a versatile transportation option.
PNNL scientists are developing a framework to understand regional climate and economic interactions. They also estimate global on-shore wind energy potential and investigate the uncertainties surrounding it.
The NCAR wind forecasting system has improved the accuracy of wind energy forecasts by 35%, allowing Xcel Energy to harness wind more effectively and save ratepayers millions of dollars yearly. The system uses cutting-edge computer models and real-time observations to provide high-resolution forecasts, updated every 15 minutes.
Researchers investigate bighorn sheep's seasonal habitat selection behaviors to cope with migration loss due to human development. The study also explores ecosystem services in the American Southwest using biodiversity metrics, while developing an agent-based model to assess disease transmission in fragmented landscapes.
Researchers at Iowa State University's Wind Energy Manufacturing Lab are working to develop new manufacturing methods that can improve the productivity of turbine blade factories by up to 35%. The lab uses advanced technologies like lasers and nondestructive evaluation to analyze and improve wind blade edges, fabric manipulation techni...
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that wind energy production can be compatible with wildlife conservation in Kansas. The researchers identified areas to avoid and quantified offset projects needed to make up for ecological effects, allowing for the potential development of up to 10 million hectares of land.
The ConocoPhillips Energy Prize has been awarded to Altaeros Energies for their innovative airborne tethered wind turbine technology, which can supply 100 kilowatts of electricity without using fossil fuels. This technology has the potential to revolutionize remote energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A public-private research team led by the University of Houston will develop an efficient and low-cost high-temperature superconducting wire for use in future advanced wind turbine generators. The goal is to make superconducting wind generators more practical for widespread use.
A new study from CSIRO Australia has found that Australia's average wind speed is increasing, contrary to recent international studies showing a decrease. The research provides valuable insights into the causes of variations in near-surface wind and long-term wind speed trends over Australia.
The Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) is awarding $3.5 million to researchers at five universities to develop new technologies for advanced grid energy storage. The initiatives focus on high-efficiency electrochemical storage systems, solid oxide flow batteries, and low-cost flywheels.
Researchers developed intelligent airfoil design that can sense changes in airflow and adjust surface conditions using synthetic jets to reduce fatigue and enhance lift. The technology has potential applications in aerospace vehicles and renewable energy sector, with the goal of improving turbine performance and reducing unsteady loads.