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A renewable solution to keep cool in a warming world

Seawater air-conditioning (SWAC) has been shown to provide the same cooling energy as 21 wind turbines or a solar power plant the size of 68 football fields, making it a viable alternative to conventional air-conditioning. The technology can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption in cooling systems.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnergy Efficiency·DateOct 19, 2020

Fraction of money earmarked for COVID-19 recovery could boost climate efforts

A new study suggests that investing in climate-positive recovery plans for the global energy system could put the world on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Investing just a tenth of the $12 trillion pledged in stimulus packages over five years in climate-friendly policies could achieve net zero carbon energy by mid-century.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2020

LiU researchers first to develop an organic battery

Researchers at Linköping University have developed an organic redox flow battery with a water-based electrolyte, increasing the energy density. The battery uses conducting polymer PEDOT electrodes and quinone molecules, making it safe, cheap, and recyclable.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 15, 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
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.

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

EU grant award of EUR 1.5 million to Norwegian university

The ELECTRODE project aims to develop more efficient methods for storing renewable energy, a crucial step towards phasing out fossil fuels. Researchers will create porous photopolymer structures using 3D printing, increasing the effect of fuel cells.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateSep 3, 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.

Researchers to investigate wind power effects on bats in the Baltic Sea region

Researchers from University of Turku and Helsinki have conducted a review on wind farm impacts on bats in the Baltic Sea region, finding that impacts have barely been investigated due to limited data. The study aims to monitor bats for several years to define high-risk areas and design measures to reduce wind turbine impact.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 24, 2020

Climate change impact on green energy production

Researchers investigated the impact of temperature on solar and wind energy production in Australia, finding small annual changes but significant effects during peak temperature days. The study aimed to inform electricity sector planning for reliability in different climate conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateAug 18, 2020

Renewables in Europe: Land requirements can be reduced at low cost

A new study finds that transitioning to renewable energy in Europe can reduce land requirements by prioritizing offshore wind power and large solar parks. The study suggests that these alternatives can achieve a fully renewable electricity supply while minimizing additional costs.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2020

New DOE grant to develop catalysts for renewable energy generation

A new DOE grant will support research on developing efficient electrochemical systems for renewable energy generation and storage. Dr. Eranda Nikolla's project aims to design catalytically active sites in non-stoichiometric, mixed metal oxides for oxygen reduction and evolution.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateAug 7, 2020
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.

Ailing frigatebird chick wins 7th BMC Ecology Image competition

A frigatebird chick suffering from a viral infection has won the 7th BMC Ecology Image competition. The winning image showcases the intricate relationships between species and their environments. David Costantini's powerful photo highlights pressing issues in ecology, including viral outbreaks affecting bird populations.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateAug 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blueprint may power up KSA's wind energy future

A comprehensive blueprint for Saudi Arabia's national wind energy strategy has been developed, aiming to reach 16 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2030. The plan leverages high-resolution modeling, unique wind and weather observations, and cost analysis to guide the optimal buildout of wind turbines.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Energy·DateJul 25, 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
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.

New system uses wind turbines to defend the national grid from power cuts

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a 'smart' system that controls energy storage and release in wind turbines to regulate the national grid. The system uses variable speed rotors to keep pace with electricity demand, reducing the risk of power cuts and supporting widespread wind energy use.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalIEEE Open Access Journal of Power and Energy·DateJun 19, 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
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.

Finding balance between green energy storage, harvesting

A study by Jacek Kapica identifies three indicators to help find the perfect size for renewable wind and solar energy storage facilities while optimizing energy harvesting. Increasing power reliability influences the nominal power of energy generation units at a given size of storage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 2, 2020

Hydropower plants to support solar and wind energy in West Africa

A new study maps the potential for 'solar-wind-water' strategies in West Africa, finding that flexibly dispatched hydropower can increase renewable power generation by over 30%. Hydropower plants can support solar and wind energy, reducing CO2 emissions and environmental impact

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 28, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Solar and wind energy sites mapped globally for the first time

Researchers at the University of Southampton have created a global dataset of major renewable energy sites, mapping solar and wind farms worldwide. The study shows that Europe, North America, and East Asia dominate the renewable energy sector, with data correlating well with official statistics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Data·DateMay 4, 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

3D-printed concrete to help build offshore wind energy infrastructure

Researchers at Purdue University are working on a method to fabricate wind turbine substructures and anchors using 3D-printed concrete, which could reduce material costs and increase design flexibility. The team is collaborating with RCAM Technologies to develop concrete additive manufacturing for offshore wind energy technology.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 30, 2020
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.

Fueling the world sustainably: Synthesizing ammonia using less energy

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a catalyst that enables the production of ammonia at just 50°C, using half the energy required by existing techniques. This breakthrough has significant implications for sustainable agricultural food production and reduces carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 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
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Supercomputing future wind power rise

A study using supercomputers found that the US can double or quadruple its installed wind turbine capacity without significantly affecting local climate. The researchers used simulations to model the impact of wind turbines on local climates, finding that adding more turbines in a given area would have minimal effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 14, 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
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.

Using fiber optics to advance safe and renewable energy

Researchers at Berkeley Lab are developing fiber optic sensors to monitor offshore wind operations and underground natural gas storage. These sensors aim to detect issues such as gearbox failure and marine mammal activity, improving the reliability and safety of these systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateMar 30, 2020

Samara Polytech scientist designs wind-powered generator

A researcher at Samara Polytech has designed a wind-powered generator with irregular cross-section conductors that reduces mass and dimensions, increasing efficiency. The design has been patented and implemented in electric machines with integrated electronic units and liquid cooling.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industry Applications·DateMar 26, 2020

Designing lightweight glass for efficient cars, wind turbines

A new machine-learning algorithm helps design lightweight glass compositions that are very stiff, suitable for next-gen materials in vehicles and wind turbines. The goal is to reduce weight while maintaining strength, leading to fuel efficiency improvements.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateMar 26, 2020

Shared vision for carbon reduction

A study on US public perceptions of energy mixes found that most participants underestimated oil and gas contributions and overestimated wind and solar energy. Participants showed a strong preference for a steep increase in solar and wind energy and a decrease in fossil fuels by 2050.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Water splitting advance holds promise for affordable renewable energy

A collaborative research team has developed a system that uses less expensive materials to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, comparable to the current most popular system but without precious metals. This advance holds promise for affordable renewable energy storage and could increase hydrogen production rates nearly tenfold.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 9, 2020

Challenges and opportunities for women in physics

The American Physical Society's March Meeting explores the challenges women face in physics, including data on bachelor's and doctoral degrees, faculty positions, and career advancement. Programs like Women Supporting Women in the Sciences provide resources and support to empower women in STEM careers.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateFeb 27, 2020

Quadrupling turbines, US can meet 2030 wind-energy goals

Researchers at Cornell University found that quadrupling wind turbine capacity can achieve a 20% share of US electricity from wind power without expanding to new lands. This scenario eliminates approximately 825 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2020

Predicting persistent cold pool events

Cold pools can trap pollutants, reduce wind speeds, and cause freezing rain, posing serious health risks in urban areas. The study aims to improve forecasting of these events to ensure a stable electrical grid and lower energy costs.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Opportunity blows for offshore wind in China

A recent study suggests that China's coastal provinces can be powered by offshore wind farms, potentially increasing the country's wind power capacity to meet its Paris Agreement goals. The research estimates that offshore wind could provide up to 6,000 terawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to 200% of total energy demand.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 21, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

The climate and increased extreme weather affect our energy systems

A new method predicts how extreme climate events affect energy systems with a focus on renewable energy sources. Future climate events can have a considerable impact, leading to power supply reliability reductions of up to 16%. Collaboration between energy system experts and climate researchers is necessary for optimization.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 20, 2020

Researchers rank 'smartest' schools of fish when it comes to travel formations

A study published in Physical Review X reveals that schools of fish with specific formations can receive significant energy savings and improved speeds through hydrodynamically influenced collective movement. Diamond lattice formations offer the greatest hydrodynamic advantage, while geometry plays a crucial role in performance.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 29, 2020

Sustainable supply of minerals and metals key to a low-carbon energy future

The global low-carbon revolution faces a significant threat unless new governance mechanisms are established to ensure a sustainable supply of rare minerals and metals. The extraction and processing of these materials poses environmental and social risks, and their growing demand could lead to shortages and market instability.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Green hydrogen: Research to enhance efficiency

A team of researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf has gained new insights into water electrolysis, aiming to enhance the environmental impact of hydrogen-based technologies. The findings offer a possible starting point for improving the efficiency of this process.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 9, 2019

Biodiversity and wind energy

Expert survey reveals conflict between renewable energy and bat protection, with most stakeholders agreeing that ecosystem sustainability is crucial. Possible solutions include accepting reduced wind turbine efficiency to compensate for shutdown times and prioritizing bat conservation over green electricity production.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 27, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Saving bats from wind turbine death

A survey of stakeholders in the wind energy field reveals a consensus on prioritizing biodiversity protection over climate change concerns. Stakeholders agree that measures to make wind energy production ecologically sustainable should be taken, with most suggesting increased research and improved efficiency.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 26, 2019

Climate change reassessment prompts call for a 'more sober' discourse

An international research team has called for a more sober discourse around climate change prospects, highlighting the understatement of potential warming's speed and the scope for practical mitigation. Despite this, global decarbonization has accelerated to trend on course to achieve the Paris 2C target.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 21, 2019