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UBC Okanagan researchers hope to prevent catastrophes with next-generation sensors

UBC Okanagan researchers have developed sensors that can detect erosion and breaches in protective coatings, reducing inspection time and error risk. The AI-enabled sensors can also distinguish individual layer erosion within multi-layer coatings, enabling proactive monitoring and addressing of equipment degradation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

Disaster-proofing sustainable neighborhoods requires thorough long-term planning, new Concordia study shows

A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...

SourceConcordia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2023

Modernizing the Navy’s microgrids

The project aims to assess the operational resilience of microgrids on DoD installations and ships, using new operational resilience indexes developed by Lehigh University researcher Javad Khazaei. The team will develop a dashboard to monitor resilience indexes in real-time, providing recommendations for improving the systems.

How wind turbines react to turbulence

Researchers from the University of Oldenburg developed a new stochastic method to mitigate sudden swings in wind turbine power output. The study found that control systems are mainly responsible for short-term fluctuations and can be optimized to ensure more consistent energy output.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPRX Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

New battery holds promise for green energy

A new battery design without a membrane has been developed by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, offering higher energy density and lower costs. The battery can generate nearly 4 volts of power, eliminating costly and inefficient membrane-separators.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

Move over lithium-ion: Zinc-air batteries a cheaper and safer alternative

A new study by Edith Cowan University has discovered zinc-air batteries as a superior alternative to lithium-ion, offering low costs, environmental benefits, and high theoretical energy density. The breakthrough redesigns the batteries using natural resources like zinc from Australia and air, enhancing their viability for sustainable e...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEcoMat·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2023

Unused renewable energy an option for powering NFT trade

Cornell University researchers found that unused solar, wind, and hydroelectric power in the US could support the exponential growth of NFT transactions. The study suggests that harnessing this excess energy could reduce carbon emissions from NFT processing, which currently reach an equivalent of 0.37 megatons of CO2 per year.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 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

Wind farm noise exposure doesn’t wake people up from their slumber more than road traffic noise

A study by Flinders University researchers found that short exposure to wind farm and road traffic noise triggers a small increase in waking from slumber, fragmenting sleep patterns. However, wind farm noise wasn't more disruptive to sleep than road traffic, which was slightly more disruptive at higher audio levels.

SourceFlinders University·JournalApplied Acoustics·TypeCase study·DateJun 25, 2023

Study calls for action to explore potential impacts of decommissioned offshore structures

Researchers highlight the need for a coherent international framework for decommissioning offshore structures due to limited evidence on their environmental impact. The study emphasizes the critical need for consensus on future approaches as an estimated 1,800 offshore wind turbines will require decommissioning by 2030.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 9, 2023

Sailing cargo ships can benefit from new aerodynamic tech

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a unique method to reduce ship aerodynamic drag, which could lead to significant energy efficiency gains and reduced fuel consumption. The method uses the Coanda effect to create a more efficient airflow around the ship's superstructure, reducing drag by 7.5%.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2023

More predictable renewable energy could lower costs

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that more predictable solar or wind energy generation can save millions of dollars in operating costs and prevent clean energy spillage. By analyzing six existing solar farms, they discovered that optimal locations changed when predictability was considered, leading to significant in...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPatterns·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2023

Protecting bats with better wind turbine control

Researchers develop site-specific mitigation strategy for wind turbines, significantly reducing bat fatalities. The approach uses wind speed, temperature, and rainfall data to adapt curtailment strategies, resulting in a 86% reduction in bat deaths.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalMammalia·TypeCase study·DateFeb 14, 2023

New sodium, aluminum battery aims to integrate renewables for grid resiliency

Researchers developed a new molten salt battery design using sodium and aluminum that can charge and discharge faster, operate at lower temperatures, and maintain excellent energy storage capacity. The battery's specific energy density could reach up to 100 Wh/kg, making it a promising solution for 10-plus hours of energy storage.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Building acceptance for energy transitions in Germany and Australia

In Germany, community participation in decision-making processes and sharing of financial benefits from renewables projects enhanced public support. However, recent delays and corporate investments have led to resentment. In contrast, Australia's decentralized approach to its power grid, including community energy projects, aims to bri...

A healthy wind

A new MIT study suggests that prioritizing polluting power plants in times of wind energy generation could quadruple the health benefits associated with wind power, resulting in $8.4 billion in nationwide health benefits. However, this approach would not address existing disparities in air pollution exposure among low-income and minori...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2022

Building green energy facilities may produce substantial carbon emissions, says study

A new study estimates the cost of a green transition in greenhouse gases, finding that building renewable infrastructure generates significant carbon emissions. However, speeding up the transition could dramatically decrease these emissions and limit warming to 2 degrees or even 1.5 degrees.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2022

Offshore wind farms may harm seabirds, but scientists see potential for net positive impact

A new study presents a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating the impacts of offshore wind energy development on marine birds. Researchers propose three steps for mitigation: avoid, minimize, and offset, with the potential to offset negative impacts through conservation strategies that can increase seabird population sizes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2022

New wind field models accurately describe wind gusts

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg have developed a new statistical model that accurately describes wind turbulence and generates fully three-dimensional wind fields using limited measurement points. This breakthrough enables precise wind turbine load estimation and improves wind farm planning, with applications in various fiel...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPRX Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022