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Over 2 million euros for better on-board networks

The FAU-based project 'E|Connect' aims to improve the performance and reliability of on-board networks in mechatronic systems. Researchers will investigate ways to optimize these networks for higher speeds, larger numbers of nodes, and better power delivery.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateJun 13, 2017

It's a breeze: How to harness the power of the wind

Researchers propose a day-ahead economic dispatch model to optimize wind power generation, considering both planned and real-time energy use. The framework successfully predicts optimal models for energy commitment and has been tested in real-world simulations.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 9, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Offshore wind turbines vulnerable to Category 5 hurricane gusts

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that offshore wind turbines may not withstand Category 5 hurricane gusts, which could pose a risk in hurricane-prone areas. The study highlights the limitations of current turbine design and suggests that manufacturers and engineers need to improve hurricane-resilient turbines.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 7, 2017

Survival of the fittest -- Biology's role in sustainable power generation

Researchers developed a parametric genetic algorithm to assess complementary options for large-scale wind-solar coupling in the electrical grid. The approach successfully optimized power generation and dispatch decisions, showing promise for managing intermittent renewable energy sources.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 7, 2017
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.

Public divides over environmental regulation and energy policy

A Pew Research Center survey finds that Americans lean towards government regulations to encourage renewable energy consumption. While there is a close divide on cutting back environmental regulations, most believe protecting the environment from energy development should be a top priority. The public also supports increasing reliance ...

SourcePew Research Center·DateMay 16, 2017

Scientists track porpoises to assess impact of offshore wind farms

Researchers used underwater microphones to detect and map harbor porpoise habits in the Maryland Wind Energy Area. They found that porpoises occur significantly more frequently during January to May and forage for food in the evenings.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2017

NCAR to develop advanced wind and solar energy forecasting system for Kuwait

NCAR will develop a three-year project to provide detailed forecasts of wind and solar irradiance at Kuwait's 2-gigawatt Shagaya renewable energy plant. This technology will help Kuwait reach its goal of generating 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateMay 4, 2017
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.

Research aims to protect eagles from wind turbines

A new system aims to protect bald eagles from wind turbine collisions by detecting approaching birds and triggering deterrents. The technology, developed at Oregon State University, uses a camera-mounted system to identify eagles in flight and deploy colorful human-like figures to scare them away.

SourceOregon State University·DateMay 2, 2017

Electrochemical performance of lithium-ion capacitors

Researchers developed a novel approach to lithium-ion capacitors using internal short-circuiting, achieving high energy storage capacity. The pre-lithiated multiwalled carbon nanotube anode showed improved performance, enabling the devices to store approximately 5 times more energy than conventional EDLCs.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateApr 21, 2017

How polar bears find their prey

Researchers found that polar bears use crosswind movement to detect seals, with best conditions at night during winter. Climate change projections suggest increased winds may hinder this ability, impacting hunting success.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 12, 2017

Predicting the limits of friction: Sandia looks at properties of material

Researchers developed a model to predict the limits of friction behavior in metals based on materials properties. The discovery has significant implications for industries such as wind turbines and electric vehicles, enabling engineers to design and optimize materials for better performance.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateApr 4, 2017
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.

Renewable energy has robust future in much of Africa

The study suggests that choosing wind sites to match electricity demand reduces system costs and enhances equitable distribution of renewable energy. Countries can save hundreds of millions to billions of dollars per year by pursuing low-cost, accessible, and environmentally friendly solar and wind farms.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2017
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.

New electron source for materials analysis

Researchers at Jülich's Peter Grünberg Institute have created a new method for high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) that allows for fast and efficient measurements. This innovation enables scientists to investigate unstable or sensitive samples, paving the way for breakthroughs in materials analysis.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 15, 2017

Iran and Middle East could adopt fully renewable electricity systems

Researchers at Lappeenranta University of Technology found that a fully renewable electricity system in Iran could reduce costs by 50-60% compared to other emission-free energy options. The transition requires significant investments in solar, wind, and hydropower but can drive economic growth and reduce emissions.

SourceLappeenranta University of Technology·DateMar 9, 2017

CCNY-based team develops sustainable, high energy density battery

Researchers at CCNY Energy Institute developed a sustainable, high-energy-density battery using manganese dioxide and copper. The unique material allows for both high cycle life and high areal capacity, making it suitable for practical applications.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2017

Breakthrough research for testing and arranging vertical axis wind turbines

Researchers at Stanford University developed a lab model of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) arrangements that can help design and implementation in the future. The study found that closely spaced VAWTs can generate up to 10 times more power per unit of land area than widely spaced HAWTs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateFeb 28, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Stabilizing energy storage

Researchers improve redox flow batteries by designing charge-storing molecules that are up to 1,000 times more stable than current compounds. This breakthrough aims to increase the capacity and efficiency of large batteries for grid storage, enabling full utilization of renewable energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateFeb 21, 2017

Offshore wind push

Researchers from University of Delaware and Princeton University show that US grid can manage large amounts of offshore wind power, reducing pollution and electricity costs. The study found that the PJM grid can handle over 35 gigawatts of offshore wind, powering approximately 10 million homes.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalRenewable Energy·DateFeb 21, 2017

New Cheyenne supercomputer triples scientific capability with greater efficiency

The new Cheyenne supercomputer provides a major tool for advancing understanding of the atmospheric and related Earth system sciences. Scientists will use it to study phenomena such as wildfires and seismic activity, leading to better protecting society from natural disasters.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJan 30, 2017
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.

Nordic countries are bringing about an energy transition worth copying

The Nordic countries' energy transition, driven by cities and municipalities, has achieved significant success with 83% of electricity generation coming from low-carbon sources. The study highlights the importance of trade and interconnection with Europe to reach energy targets, as well as the need for coordinated grid development and ...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnergy Policy·DateJan 27, 2017

The power of wind energy and how to use it

A new model predicts wind frequency and potential contributions to traditional energy sources, enabling decentralized load frequency control. The algorithm requires less computational time than traditional methods, but may require more computation to maintain system stability.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJan 25, 2017

Study: Technological progress alone won't stem resource use

Researchers at MIT found no evidence of dematerialization in 56 materials and goods, despite technological improvements. Despite increased efficiency, consumer demand for products continues to outpace material usage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateJan 19, 2017
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.

The answer is blowing in the wind

Researchers found that wind power fluctuations follow the same pattern as wind speed fluctuations due to shared eddies, affecting grid stability. This understanding has immediate implications for economic and political decision making in managing renewable energy.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 30, 2016

Revolutions in understanding the ionosphere, Earth's interface to space

Scientists have made significant advancements in understanding the ionosphere, a region of Earth's atmosphere that reacts to changes from both space above and Earth below. Research reveals that the ionosphere can experience 'overcooling', causing rapid energy loss and collapse, which can disrupt satellite orbits.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 14, 2016

Wind farms play key role in cutting carbon emissions, study finds

A study by the University of Edinburgh found that wind farms prevented 36 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas sources in Great Britain. The research suggests that a greater investment in wind energy could help meet Scottish and UK government targets for carbon emissions reduction.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalEnergy Policy·DateDec 11, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Infrastructure data for everyone

Researchers at Technical University of Munich are collecting infrastructure data via an open source platform using crowdsourcing. The OpenGridMap app allows volunteers to map wind turbines, solar power plants, transformer sub-stations and power lines, generating a denser network of verified grids.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateDec 5, 2016

Northern Ohio institutions become laboratories for future energy usage

Case Western Reserve University, NASA Glenn Research Center, and the University of Toledo are collaborating on a $1 million project to integrate distributed energy sources with buildings and grid. The Northern Ohio Building-to-Grid Integration Demonstration will test strategies for optimizing energy consumption across various conditions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateDec 1, 2016

Glow-in-the-dark dye could fuel liquid-based batteries

Researchers at University at Buffalo identify fluorescent dye BODIPY as ideal material for storing energy in rechargeable, liquid-based batteries. The dye's unique chemical properties facilitate electron transfer and storage, enabling batteries to operate efficiently and with longevity.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateNov 17, 2016

Owl-inspired wing design reduces wind turbine noise by 10 decibels

Researchers at Lehigh University developed a 3D-printed wing attachment inspired by owl feathers, reducing wind turbine noise by 10 decibels without impacting aerodynamics. The design can also reduce roughness and trailing-edge noise, with implications for improving man-made aerodynamic designs.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateNov 16, 2016

NASA finds unusual origins of high-energy electrons

New observations from NASA's THEMIS mission reveal electrons can be accelerated to extremely high speeds in a region farther from Earth than previously thought possible. This discovery opens up new questions about the mechanisms that accelerate these particles, which can cause equipment malfunctions and affect space travelers.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 14, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Bat fatalities at wind farms prove unpredictable

Researchers found that costly ecological impact assessments failed to protect bats from fatal collisions with spinning blades. The study highlights the challenge of establishing with certainty the effect of major developments before they occur.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 7, 2016
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.

New innovation in modeling and designing power grids

Researchers developed a new method to model microgrids using Hybrid Petri Net (HPN), allowing for efficient operation under various conditions. This analysis helps engineers estimate time and cost required for grid component switching, enabling improved microgrid design.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 19, 2016

A better battery: One-time pollutant may become valued product to aid wind, solar energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that organic compounds traditionally known as pollutants can function as a low-cost, long-lasting cathode in dual-ion batteries. The discovery has promising characteristics for storing electricity from wind and solar energy, addressing a key constraint to wider use of clean energy systems.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateOct 17, 2016

Wind turbines killing more than just local birds, study finds

Researchers found that golden eagles killed at a wind farm in California came from up to hundreds of miles away, posing a threat to global populations. The study's findings suggest that environmental assessments should consider bird populations across entire regions, not just local areas.

SourcePurdue University·JournalConservation Biology·DateOct 12, 2016

NREL to lead one exascale computing project, support three others

Scientists at NREL are leading an effort to model complex wind flow through large wind plants as part of the Exascale Computing Project. The project aims to advance our fundamental understanding of whole wind plants and reduce the cost of electricity derived from wind energy.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateOct 11, 2016
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.

Food waste could store solar and wind energy

Researchers have discovered a potential approach to storing excess renewable energy by mixing food waste-derived sugar alcohols with carbon nanotubes. The study found that heat transfer within the mixture improved with higher density combinations and decreased with smaller nanotube diameters.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 6, 2016

New tool can calculate renewable energy output anywhere in the world

Researchers created Renewables.ninja to estimate renewable energy output using 30 years of weather data. The tool predicts wind speed and sunlight at any location, allowing for more accurate estimates of energy generation. It has already been used to analyze Europe-wide solar and wind output and is being used by companies like RWE.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEnergy·DateSep 6, 2016
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.

New simulations of wind power generation

Researchers have created a more realistic picture of wind energy output in Europe, correcting for biases in existing data. The updated simulations show that the current European average capacity factor is 24.2%, but could increase to over 31% with improved grid interconnection and technology advancements.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy·DateSep 6, 2016

Stanford seed grants push the boundaries of innovative energy research

The Stanford Precourt Institute for Energy has awarded $2.7 million to 15 faculty seed grant recipients for groundbreaking research on clean energy. Researchers will develop novel technologies, including battery management systems, perovskite solar cells, smart windows, and thermoelectric technologies.

SourceStanford University·DateAug 31, 2016

A battery inspired by vitamins

Researchers at Harvard have discovered a whole new class of high-performing organic molecules that can store electricity safely and efficiently in large batteries. These molecules are inspired by vitamin B2 and offer improved stability and solubility compared to previous discoveries.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 18, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Electricity generated with water, salt and a 3-atoms-thick membrane

Researchers at EPFL have developed an osmotic power generation system that delivers unparalleled efficiency, using a new type of membrane just 3 atoms thick. The system harnesses the movement of salt ions between fresh water and seawater to generate electricity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2016

Boost needed to keep world below 2°C or 1.5°C: Study

A new study analyzes national climate plans and finds the world is unlikely to meet its 2C warming target. The researchers recommend increasing efforts in solar energy, wind power, forestry, and methane reduction to get on a path towards 2C. However, they also note that the 1.5C goal remains achievable with bolder targets.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2016

Sweden's 100 percent carbon-free emissions challenge

A Swedish study investigates the feasibility of replacing nuclear power with wind power in Sweden's energy mix. The authors conclude that a backup system based on fossil fuels would be required to maintain constant emissions, leading to doubled CO2 levels.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJun 21, 2016
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.

How China can ramp up wind power

A new study suggests that China can increase its use of wind power, but not in the most resource-rich areas. The country should focus on integrating wind into existing grids for a substantial gain in renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 20, 2016

New tool could help investors pick the clean energy project right for them

A new hybrid decision-making model has been developed to help Serbia and other developing nations meet their renewable energy targets. The tool ranks 20 decision-making criteria according to investor priorities, favoring wind power projects due to under-utilized wind resources.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 7, 2016

Special issue: Urban Planet

Cities around the world are exploring innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint, from solar panels on buildings to optimized transportation systems. Researchers propose various strategies to improve water management, food supply chains, and air quality in urban areas.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Sexy ideas won't slow climate change if people don't buy in and buy them

Experts emphasize the importance of social sciences in developing effective energy and climate change policies, citing a need for policies that account for real people and organizations. The research highlights the potential of simple actions by households to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 9, 2016