Articles tagged with Electricity
PSERC is investigating innovations in network architectures and planning approaches to achieve sustainable energy systems with high penetrations of renewable resources. The future grid will be more complex, heterogeneous, and dynamic due to the variability of renewable energy production.
Scientists analyzed over 300 studies to identify promising energy storage technologies, including high-tech batteries and redox flow batteries. These innovations aim to integrate and store renewable energy efficiently, enabling the growth of sustainable power grids.
Scientists have developed the first practical artificial leaf that can mimic photosynthesis, converting sunlight and water into electricity. The device is made of inexpensive materials and works stably, with the potential to provide affordable power for homes in developing countries.
Researchers have improved the performance of vanadium redox batteries by modifying their electrolyte solution, increasing energy storage capacity by 70 percent. The upgraded battery can now operate in a wider temperature range and reduce cooling costs, making it more suitable for grid reliability and renewable power sources.
A new study by the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that combining on-Oahu wind farms and solar energy could meet over 25% of Oahu's projected electricity demand. The study suggests that implementing large-scale wind and solar projects on Oahu can maintain system reliability while eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels.
Researchers found that weak supporting evidence can make people less likely to believe in an outcome, even if they have no evidence at all. This effect, known as the 'weak evidence effect,' influences professional persuaders and public perceptions of policy.
A study published in the Journal of Management Studies found that dominant CEOs can drive companies to extremes of performance. However, a strong board of directors can mitigate this effect and improve company performance. Companies with powerful boards tend to have better outcomes than those without them.
The EU-funded ESAIL project aims to develop the laboratory prototypes of key electric sail components. A full-scale electric sail is estimated to produce a continuous thrust of one newton while weighing only 100 kg.
Researchers at MIT have successfully stored energy in carbon nanotubes using a thermopower process, which converts chemical energy into electricity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient power generation and storage systems.
A study published in Chaos found that traditional topological models, which rely on abstract network connections, are less accurate than physics-based models when assessing the vulnerability of the US electric grid. The researchers conclude that the grid's unpredictability makes it difficult to identify potential attack points.
Researchers at PNNL have redesigned sodium-nickel chloride batteries to deliver 30% more power at lower temperatures, making them safer and cheaper to manufacture than lithium-ion batteries. The planar design enables compact stacking, improving the battery's performance for large-scale energy storage.
A study found that hand washing without thorough drying increases the risk of bacterial transfer, while using paper towels or a rapid air jet hand dryer reduces the risk. Rubbing hands together during drying can counteract hand washing effects.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed an integrated system that stores excess energy and uses it to supply electricity during peak demand. This innovative system cuts greenhouse gas emissions by reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and capturing carbon dioxide in solid form for storage.
Researchers from UCF develop specially treated flyash as a cleaning agent for oil spills, preserving energy-generating capabilities. The innovative process absorbs oil and can be reused, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a technology that uses nanotech coatings to produce electricity from sewage, increasing output 20 times. The new approach could clean biowaste while producing useful levels of electricity, promoting sustainable wastewater treatment and renewable energy.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is working on a comprehensive initiative to accelerate the development of electric vehicles, focusing on making them affordable and sustainable. The goal is to unveil a concept car at the Frankfurt auto show in 2011 and eventually put a million electric automobiles on the road by 2020.
A new study published in Energy Policy suggests that reducing electricity consumption can have a significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions from power stations, with some studies showing rates as high as 0.69 kilograms of CO2 per kilowatt hour, 60% higher than the current estimated figure.
A Stanford University survey reveals that three out of four Americans believe the Earth is warming due to human activity and support government regulations to address climate change. The survey also shows a small decline in skeptics, with those who distrust scientists being less aware of recent temperature fluctuations.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are studying the feasibility of placing large wind turbines on deep-ocean platforms. The project aims to assess the potential for offshore wind power generation in the United States, which could fill a significant portion of coastal states' electricity needs.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute have developed a smart charging station that enables electric vehicles to recharge during periods of low energy demand and high renewable energy production. This system aims to reduce peak loads and maximize the contribution of solar and wind power.
Argonne's Blue Gene/P supercomputer has been recognized with an Environmental Sustainability (EStar) award for its energy-saving cooling approach, which reduces electricity costs by up to $25,000 per month. The award highlights the lab's efforts to reduce power consumption and enhance site operations.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are developing wheel hub motors for electric vehicles, offering improved efficiency, reduced mechanical wear, and enhanced drive dynamics. The technology, already tested on the Frecc0 concept car, aims to support the German automotive industry's transition to electromobility.
The UH Energy program has received a $2.5 million Department of Energy (DOE) award to develop a smart grid workforce training program. The grant will support training programs for electric power sector employees, focusing on activities such as electricians, line workers, and system operators.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a molecular image of a system that moves electrons between proteins in cells, offering insights into minimizing energy loss. This breakthrough has implications for improving energy efficiency in nanoscale devices and grid systems.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a method to increase light-trapping in solar cells by using vertical arrays of silicon nanowires. This approach can potentially achieve higher efficiencies and lower costs, making it an attractive candidate for large-scale solar energy production.
Researchers funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research are developing mini-thrusters that could enable small satellites to perform complex tasks like planetary searches. The technology also has potential applications in other areas, such as etching semiconductors and fabricating computer chips.
Researchers develop software that adjusts energy consumption based on anticipated price trends, allowing consumers to pre-cool appliances when prices are expected to rise. A mobile phone application also displays energy consumption per room and appliance, helping residents save money.
Researchers estimate that waste in Spain could generate between 8.13 and 20.95 TWh of electricity, reducing the need for fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The most cost-effective option is incineration of solid urban waste, which could offset its environmental costs.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are exploring plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that can store electricity from the grid or generate it, making them a potential solution for storing excess energy. The team aims to understand how these vehicles can influence the reliability and stability of the electrical grid.
Researchers found that frying meat on a gas hob produces higher levels of potentially harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mutagenic aldehydes, and particulate matter compared to electric hobs. Cooking fumes from vegetable oils and lard also contain fine and ultrafine particles.
A study found that stressed mice seek chocolate despite painful consequences, mirroring human compulsive eating behavior. Researchers trained mice with a history of hunger to overcome their fear of certain foods.
A new, inexpensive method for solar energy storage has been developed, enabling personalized solar energy at the individual or home level. This innovation uses a practical catalyst to split water molecules into hydrogen, producing clean electricity in a fuel cell.
A breakthrough in assembling peptides at the nano-scale level could lead to self-cleaning coatings for windows and solar panels. The material can also boost electric battery capacity, potentially solving limitations like thrust.
Studies show that reducing carbon-based electricity generation in India, China, and EU states will lead to substantial health benefits due to decreased air pollution. In India, a 50% CO2 reduction by 2050 can avert 93,000 premature deaths.
Carnegie Mellon University's Jay Whitacre has received a $5 million award from the US Department of Energy to develop a new room-temperature sodium-ion battery technology. The goal is to improve grid reliability and efficiency, enabling the expansion of renewable energy sources. This project aims to reduce electricity use by 4% in 2030...
The University of Central Florida has received a $7.5 million research grant to enhance the efficiency of hybrid photovoltaic solar cells. Researchers will focus on increasing the absorption capability of organic materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, leading to more flexible and efficient solar panels.
Rohit Negi will lead a team of experts to analyze the robustness of cyber-physical systems, including electric and water grids. The goal is to develop methods to monitor and ensure the robustness of these networks, which play a critical role in daily life.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University created a server architecture that uses low-power, embedded processors and flash memory to handle more queries with less energy. The Fast Array of Wimpy Nodes (FAWN) cluster can operate on less energy than a 100-watt light bulb, making it an attractive option for data-intensive applications.
Researchers have discovered a strain of bacteria with pilin proteins that can conduct electricity, leading to increased power output in microbial fuel cells. This breakthrough could enable the use of microbial fuel cells in remote environments and monitoring devices, such as ocean floor sensors, to convert waste into electricity.
A K-State chemist is studying two photosynthetic complexes from a type of bacteria to develop artificial photovoltaic devices that convert sunlight into electricity. The research aims to advance the understanding of structure-function relationship in natural systems.
A new formula for assessing tropical sky climate conditions allows for optimized daylighting and shading. The study suggests that for over 95% of occupancy periods, daylight alone can suffice for lighting with the right window configuration.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new type of molecular nanomotor driven by photons that is simpler and more efficient than previous designs. The nanomotor uses a single molecule of DNA, making it biocompatible and potentially useful for medical devices.
To combat increasing cooling demands, researchers are exploring advanced cooling strategies and developing new heat transfer models. By optimizing airflow patterns and using liquid cooling, they aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste heat conversion into other forms of energy.
A recent study by NIST and USDA found that trees shading west and south sides of houses decrease summer electricity use, with fast-growing trees providing more benefit. London plane trees can reduce carbon emissions from electricity by up to 31% over 100 years.
Researchers found that bioelectricity produces 80% more transportation miles and double greenhouse gas offsets than ethanol, making it a more efficient alternative. The study also found that bioelectricity can help mitigate climate change by preventing or offsetting up to 10 tons of CO2 per acre
A study published in Science found that biomass converted into electricity produces 81% more transportation miles and 108% more emissions offsets compared to ethanol. This means vehicles powered by electricity get further down the road, making it a more efficient solution for transportation and climate policy.
The study found that solar lanterns significantly reduced kerosene and electricity costs, with annual savings ranging from $150 to $250. Solar lanterns also improved household work efficiency for women and increased school hours for children, benefiting rural Indian communities.
A study published in the Biophysical Journal has discovered a method to predict heart attacks by measuring electrical activity coupling between two types of heart muscle cells. This can help doctors and patients buy time before an attack occurs.
Researchers found that only four rest areas and six weigh stations showed promise for wind power generation in Illinois. The study determined grid parity was not achievable due to high electricity costs, but rebates and subsidies made some sites viable.
A new study by Professor Emanuela Cardia found that modern appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and electric stoves significantly changed the lives of women, enabling them to enter the workforce. Between 1940 and 1950, the percentage of married women with jobs increased from 5% to 51%, demonstrating the impact of household ...
Researchers at the University of Alberta and NINT have made a breakthrough in plastic solar cell technology, achieving a 30% increase in efficiency through a novel approach. The development of inexpensive, mass-produced plastic solar panels could make solar energy accessible to everyone in the near future.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop biogas plant that generates 30% more electricity from non-edible corn stalks. The new plant reduces storage time by 50-70% and boosts electrical efficiency to 40-55% with fuel cells.
Researchers find pseudogap co-exists with superconductivity, suggesting it may compete with the phenomenon. This discovery could lead to higher-temperature superconducting materials, bringing practical applications closer.
Researchers at CSIRO Australia have developed smart fridges that can negotiate the most energy-efficient way to keep food cold, reducing electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The fridges work as a network, sharing energy provided by renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
Concordia University has unveiled a world-first in solar technology, combining heat and power in its new John Molson School of Business building. The innovative system will generate electricity and provide fresh air during heating season, setting a new standard for construction.
Researchers develop a novel control method to mitigate wind speed variations by leveraging rotor inertia as energy storage. This approach reduces the need for external energy storage facilities, improving overall wind farm efficiency.
A California study reveals that shade trees on west and south sides of homes can reduce electric bills by $25 annually. Trees planted within 40-60 feet of these sides generate similar energy savings due to shadow variations.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to produce and sort out double-walled carbon nanotubes, overcoming the challenge of sorting valuable tubes from other types. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for advanced solar panels, sensors, and other renewable energy technologies.
A new study explores ways to target the compensation provided by free emission allowances under a CO2 cap and trade policy. Granting limited allowances can help compensate firms that benefit from the program, but may be costly to administer. The researchers suggest using targeted compensation methods to reduce costs.
The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility's Blue Gene/P computer uses about a third as much electricity as comparable machines, making it the second-most energy-efficient supercomputer worldwide. This efficiency saves taxpayers over $1 million annually and reduces the laboratory's environmental footprint.