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Unbalanced wind farm planning exacerbates fluctuations

A new study reveals that Europe's wind energy capacity is concentrated in the North Sea region, leading to extreme fluctuations. Cooperating countries can balance capacity across the continent to minimize these fluctuations. However, expanding solar energy capacity tenfold would be required to compensate for longer-term fluctuations.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 17, 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

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

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

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.

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

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 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

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