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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

Wind forecasts power up for reliable energy production

KAUST researchers developed a statistical model providing the best wind forecast yet for Saudi Arabia, aiming to increase renewable energy in the grid and reach 9 gigawatts of installed wind energy by 2030. The model uses advanced statistical approaches to jointly model wind speed and direction, showing improved prediction performance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalThe Annals of Applied Statistics·DateSep 27, 2020

California offshore winds show promise as power source

A study from California Polytechnic State University finds that offshore winds in the Central Coast increase when demand is greatest, making them an ideal candidate to fill the gap left by solar and on-shore wind energy production. The study suggests that offshore wind energy could play a crucial role in meeting California's ambitious ...

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateSep 8, 2020

Trust me if you can

Researchers found that shared values are insufficient for mutual trust between stakeholders; beliefs and emotions play a stronger role. Improved awareness of each other's views and emotions can benefit collaboration and find solutions to the conflict.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalEnergy Reports·DateJul 9, 2020

Simulating wind farm development

Researchers at Stanford University have devised a model that considers the impact of interactions between developers and landowners on the success and cost of wind farms. The model highlights three actions developers could take to increase landowner acceptance and ultimately reduce costs, including community engagement meetings, prelim...

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Mechanical Design·DateJun 19, 2020

Energy generated on offshore wind turbine farms, and conveyed ashore as hydrogen fuel

A new study by the University of the Basque Country confirms that offshore wind turbines can produce hydrogen fuel with significant increases in energy generation. The research found that adding vortex generators and Gurney flaps to wind turbines improved aerodynamics, resulting in 2.5% higher annual energy production.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateApr 30, 2020

Promoting advantages of product category, such as e-cigarettes, can backfire

A UC Davis study found that promoting e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to combustible cigarettes backfired, resulting in increased social valuations of e-cigarettes as bad or worse than cigarettes. The study analyzed over 1,200 documents and conducted interviews with policymakers, public health advocates, and industry leaders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateApr 22, 2020

USC scientists develop a better redox flow battery

USC scientists have developed a new redox flow battery that stores electricity in solutions, sorts electrons, and releases power when needed. The technology uses iron sulfate and anthraquinone disulfonic acid (AQDS) to store electrochemical energy, with advantages over competitors in terms of cost, durability, and scalability.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateApr 9, 2020