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Renewable energies: No wind turbine disturbing the scenery

A study by KIT researchers found that stopping further expansion of wind energy use in scenic areas could increase power generation costs by up to 7 cents per kilowatt hour and CO2 emissions by up to 200 grams per kilowatt hour. This may require alternative renewable energy sources like solar or bioenergy.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalPatterns·DateJul 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Renewable energy OK, but not too close to home

A US-based study reveals that Americans generally support transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. However, they are less accepting of having these infrastructures built near their homes, with a preference for distances of over 5 km/miles from residences.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Energy Journal·DateJul 19, 2021

Collective battery storage beneficial for decarbonized world

A new study suggests that collective battery storage can significantly reduce the cost of providing load smoothing and peak shaving services to households. By sharing batteries or having one per 20 houses, households can provide essential grid services while reducing individual costs, a key finding published in Energy & Buildings.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateJul 8, 2021

Researchers create better method to predict offshore wind power

Rutgers researchers have created a machine learning model that uses real-world meteorological data and physics-based simulations to improve the prediction of offshore wind power. The model achieved accuracy improvements of up to 91% over traditional methods, highlighting its potential for supporting the growth of renewable energy.

SourceRutgers University·JournalApplied Energy·DateJun 29, 2021

Steering wind turbines creates greater energy potential

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign designed controllers to optimize wind turbine performance by considering downstream effects, resulting in noticeable gains. The study demonstrates that incorporating networked wind farms and time-dependent wind estimation models can improve power extraction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 29, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How to build a better wind farm

Researchers discovered that wind turbines in close proximity to each other reduce overall energy output. They suggest smaller, spaced-out farms may be more efficient, but further research is needed. The study's findings have implications for global energy supply and the transition away from fossil fuels.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Optimizing wind farm size

A simulation study found that wind farms generate little power beyond a certain size, causing interference with neighboring installations. Optimizing arrangement and placement of turbines can increase power density up to a site-specific point.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021

Has the stilling of the surface wind speed ended in China?

A recent study found that China's annual mean surface wind speed stopped weakening around 2014 and started strengthening, but stilling persists in certain regions. The reversal was driven by regional and seasonal variations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJun 27, 2021

A novel energy storage solution featuring pipes and anchors

A novel energy storage solution featuring pipes and anchors could store intermittent renewable energy from offshore wind power plants. The technology offers a promising alternative to conventional battery systems with lower costs per megawatt hour.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·DateJun 23, 2021

Wind and waves: A step toward better control of heavy-lift crane vessels

Researchers developed a new modeling system to enhance dynamic positioning, allowing ships to stay fixed in challenging sea conditions. The approach includes a digital observer that translates wind or wave disturbances into specific measurements, enabling the vessel to respond in a reasonable timeframe.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 18, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Are wind farms slowing each other down?

A recent study by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon found that wind farms in the North Sea experience a significant slowing down of wind speeds when built close together, leading to reduced power output and economic consequences.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 3, 2021

CO2 emissions are rebounding, but clean energy revolutions are emerging

Global clean energy technology adoption is growing at a rapid pace, particularly in niche markets like Norway and California for electric vehicles, Ireland for wind power, and China for electric buses and new nuclear. These pioneers are crucial to addressing climate change by developing and deploying low-carbon technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 3, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

It takes some heat to form ice!

Researchers track water molecule movement using Helium Spin-Echo technique, revealing repulsion between water molecules on graphene surface is crucial for ice formation. This discovery challenges previous understanding of ice nucleation and provides new insights into controlling ice formation.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2021

Technique to evaluate wind turbines may boost wind power production

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to compare the performance of different wind turbine designs, using machine learning and social science analysis. The study found that this technique can provide a robust and accurate way to determine the merit of competing technologies.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalRenewable Energy·DateMay 25, 2021

Getting "wind" of the future: Making wind turbines low-maintenance and more resilient

A team of researchers developed a method to detect simultaneous sensor and actuator faults in wind turbines, eliminating the need for redundant hardware components. The approach uses a state observer model to identify discrepancies between the original system and its duplicate, enabling real-time fault detection and correction.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 18, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Researchers unveil roadmap to expand NY solar energy, meet green goals

To reach its goal of 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, New York state will need to utilize lower-grade agricultural land and dual-use (agrivoltaics) options for solar energy development. This approach can help alleviate public concerns and mitigate negative economic activity in rural communities.

SourceCornell University·JournalRenewable Energy·DateMay 6, 2021

Solar and wind power could mitigate conflict in northeast Africa

A new study suggests that expanding solar and wind power across the region could alleviate disagreements between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt over Africa's largest hydropower plant. Integrating GERD operation with solar and wind power would provide regional win-win situations, benefiting all countries involved.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 8, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Human activities sound an alarm for sea life

A study of over 10,000 papers reveals significant impacts of human sounds on marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates, disrupting behaviors such as communication, foraging, and navigation. Researchers suggest solutions like reducing shipping speeds, quieter propellers, and floating wind turbines to alleviate anthropogenic noise.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2021

UNH Research: New Hampshire coastal recreationists support offshore wind

Research from the University of New Hampshire found significant support for offshore wind energy development among coastal recreation visitors, with 77% in favor. The study's findings suggest that OWD will likely have little impact on coastal recreation and tourism, instead potentially amplifying visitation.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateMar 31, 2021

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

India aims to quintuple wind and solar energy capacity by 2030, which could hold greenhouse gas emissions at 2018 levels while nearly doubling electricity supply. Researchers also discover a hidden charge-generating pathway in copper-phthalocyanine:fullerene material for more efficient sunlight conversion.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Mobile app generates data for the energy management of the future

A mobile app developed by Graz University of Technology aims to optimize energy consumption through user participation and data collection. The app uses game-like elements to encourage users to share their energy usage data, which is then used to predict household energy consumption and inform smart grid management.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateMar 25, 2021

How improving acoustic monitoring of bats could help protecting biodiversity

New research suggests that existing acoustic monitoring measures are insufficient to reliably predict bat mortality risk at large wind turbines. To improve coverage, scientists recommend installing supplementary ultrasonic detectors and complementary sensor technologies like radar systems or thermal imaging cameras.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalMammal Review·DateMar 25, 2021

Energizing India

Researchers from UC Santa Barbara recommend India increase its target to 600 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Meeting high renewable targets would not avert the need to build fossil fuel power plants due to specific weather patterns and peak electricity demand requirements.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Migration routes of one of Britain's largest ducks revealed for the first time

New research reveals the length, speed, and flight heights of Shelduck migration across the North Sea, showing interactions with offshore wind turbines. The study used solar-powered GPS tags to track four birds, finding that they all ended their migration in almost exactly the same place despite taking different routes.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalRinging & Migration·DateMar 15, 2021

Switzerland's energy transition

To achieve its goal, Switzerland must double its photovoltaic capacity every decade, with power from wind, hydrogen fuel cells, and imports also contributing. Electric vehicles and heat pumps will become crucial, while energy savings through building renovation are essential for meeting the target.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·DateMar 5, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Field study shows icing can cost wind turbines up to 80% of power production

A recent field study conducted by Iowa State University researchers found that wind turbine icing can have a significant impact on power production, with losses reaching up to 80%. The study, which analyzed data from a Chinese wind farm, showed that icing conditions can disrupt blade aerodynamics and lead to reduced energy output.

SourceIowa State University·JournalRenewable Energy·DateMar 4, 2021

Space hurricane observed for the first time

A team of scientists detected a space hurricane in Earth's polar ionosphere and magnetosphere, revealing a long-lasting, swirling mass of plasma. The analysis allowed a 3D image to be created of the hurricane, which rained electrons instead of water.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2021

The missing trillions

A new study estimates that the externalities of coal, oil, and gas are worth trillions of dollars, with coal accounting for nearly 60% of energy externalities. The research highlights the market failure of the world's energy systems, suggesting that factoring in these costs could make fossil fuelled power stations economically unviable.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateMar 1, 2021

Low-level jets create winds of change for turbines

Researchers found that low-level jets can increase power production by up to 30% when positioned below turbines. Turbines placed above or at the same height as LLJs experience reduced efficiency due to blocked airflow. The study highlights the importance of optimizing turbine height for maximum energy capture.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateFeb 23, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Common pipistrelle bats attracted to wind turbines

A new study found that common pipistrelle bats are attracted to wind turbines, with activity around 30% higher at turbines than control locations. Ongoing monitoring and measures like idling blade rotation may help reduce fatalities. Soprano pipistrelle bat activity did not show conclusive evidence of attraction.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

Does Goal 7 Energy for All need a rethink?

New research by Copenhagen Business School finds that poor planning and execution of decarbonisation strategies in emerging markets challenges the aims of Goal 7. The study highlights the need for governance in energy democracy, allowing marginalized communities to participate in renewable energy investments. This can be achieved throu...

SourceCopenhagen Business School·JournalJournal of International Business Policy·DateFeb 8, 2021

New global 'wind atlas' propels sustainable energy

A new global wind atlas provides documented extreme wind speeds for all parts of the world, enabling engineers to select turbines and accelerate sustainable energy development. The atlas is a digital compendium that helps ensure cost-efficient and dependable electricity generation.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 3, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NYS can achieve 2050 carbon goals: Here's how

A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that New York can reach a carbon-free economy by 2050 with five years to spare. The key to achieving this goal lies in the widespread adoption of offshore wind energy, geothermal heating, and electric air heat pumps.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Energy·DateDec 18, 2020

UBCO research takes the chill off icy build-up on planes and wind turbines

A UBCO research team has developed advanced ice sensors that can detect frost and ice build-up in real-time, enabling improved safety and efficiency in aviation and renewable energy applications. The patented sensor is being tested by the aviation industry for approval and also being adapted for use in wind farms.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 17, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Scientists publish open resource to help design 'greener' energy systems

Researchers created a database of measurements from existing global power grid systems to develop new power systems capable of meeting changing demands. The publicly available data can be used worldwide to design and test new energy concepts in response to current and future challenges.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2020

Green energy transition: Early and steady wins the race

Researchers from Aarhus University modelled decarbonisation of the European energy system using high-resolution data. Solar energy emerges as a cost-optimised cornerstone for a fully decarbonised energy system by 2050.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2020

Wind farm and sleep disruption

A comprehensive review of existing literature suggests that wind turbine noise can affect sleep stages and deep sleep time. Researchers are calling for further well-controlled experimental studies to better understand the impact on sleep.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateDec 3, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Scientists warn of the social and environmental risks tied to the energy transition

A new international study finds that green energy projects can be as conflictive as fossil fuel projects, disproportionately impacting rural and indigenous communities. Social protest is effective in stopping or modifying projects, but policymakers must address equity concerns to ensure a just transition.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 1, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Policy, not tech, spurred Danish dominance in wind energy

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that government policies played a crucial role in Denmark's widespread adoption of wind energy. The study analyzed the impact of policies on small producers' decisions to shut down or upgrade aging equipment and found that well-designed policies were essential for the industry's growth.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Energy Journal·DateNov 6, 2020

Recipe for a storm

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg generated turbulent flows in a wind tunnel, simulating conditions similar to those encountered in real storms. The team discovered that the wind tunnel flow combines two components into perfect, realistic storm turbulence.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 4, 2020

Renewable energy targets can undermine sustainable intentions

A new study suggests that renewable energy targets can actually exacerbate sustainability issues, such as rolling blackouts in California. The researchers argue for a more nuanced approach, considering trade-offs between different policy instruments and long-term objectives.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 27, 2020