Articles tagged with Electricity
A research team at the University of Würzburg has achieved electrically controlled modulation of light antennas, paving the way for ultra-fast active plasmonics. This breakthrough could lead to significantly faster computer chips and new insights into energy conversion and storage technologies.
A study by MIT researchers found that EV charging stations increase annual spending at nearby businesses by an average of $1,500 in 2019 and $400 from 2021 to 2023. The impact is particularly pronounced for businesses within 100 yards of charging stations and in low-income areas.
The research team developed a Zero Energy-based transparent radiative cooling technology that maintains transparency while enabling cooling without using electricity. They also created a Plus Energy-based smart window technology that generates electricity through the friction generated by raindrops on rainy days.
Researchers examined how clean energy policies affect neighboring states and found that stronger policies lead to more renewable electricity generation. The study suggests that individual state policies are more effective than previously thought, and that geographical proximity plays a significant role in spillover effects.
Researchers analyzed nighttime light data to assess power restoration rates in urban and rural areas, finding disparities between socioeconomic status and community type. The study highlights the need for targeted policy solutions to address these disparities and improve disaster recovery.
Researchers estimate that installing solar panels on highways could generate 17,578 terawatt-hours of electricity per year, equivalent to more than 60% of the world's total energy consumption. This could reduce carbon emissions by up to 28% and improve road safety through shielding cars from inclement weather.
A new study proposes a predictive home energy management system with a customizable bidirectional real-time pricing mechanism to promote residential demand response and reduce peak loads. The system enhances user comfort and accuracy of forecasting, while also providing cost savings.
A Princeton-led study suggests that diversifying China's urban heating systems will reduce the risk of carbon lock-in. The researchers examined three hypothetical investment scenarios and found that under a low-coal scenario, electric technologies can meet up to 34% of total district heating demand in 2030.
Researchers at Stanford University have made significant advancements in the development of a 'liquid battery' technology that uses LOHCs to store and release energy. The team discovered a novel, selective catalytic system that allows for the efficient storage of electrical energy in liquid fuels without generating gaseous hydrogen.
Scientists at Nara Institute of Science and Technology create flexible wearable thermoelectric generators that produce electricity from body heat using high-performing carbon nanotube yarns. The yarns, developed through a low-cost and environmentally friendly method, show three times higher power factor than previous CNT yarns.
A study by Raheel Ahmed Shaikh and colleagues models the most cost-efficient path to Australia's fully renewable electricity grid. The optimal route would require significant expansion of generation and storage, but could reduce costs with interconnection between eastern and western grids.
Decarbonizing China's Southern Power Grid could lead to ecological and sociological trade-offs, including reducing cropland in favor of solar and wind power, impacting river basins like the Salween and Mekong. Building dams for hydropower production would also negatively affect ecosystems and fisheries.
Researchers developed a comprehensive modeling method to predict energy losses during hurricanes. The U.S.-Caribbean super grid configuration showed the highest power reliability increase. The study has broad implications for renewable integration and U.S. energy independence from fossil fuels.
A new study found that affordable solar panels are being used in rural Ethiopian villages, offering a healthy alternative to kerosene lamps and supporting education. However, uncertified panels break easily and lack maintenance support, creating environmental pollution.
Researchers visualize chiral interface state at atomic scale for the first time, allowing on-demand creation of conducting channels. The technique has promise for building tunable networks of electron channels and advancing quantum computing.
A recent study examines European electricity prices' vulnerability to changes in natural gas prices and proposes new indicators to measure it. The research highlights the need for vigilant market surveillance during energy crises and suggests decoupling electricity markets from natural gas prices.
Researchers found that old and young waters behave differently, with deep groundwater sustaining the hydrological system. Only 20-40% of surface water is contemporary, making it sensitive to climate change and mining activities.
Citizens in Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Portugal prefer decentralized renewable energy systems with high rooftop solar shares. They value low electricity prices and reduced dependence on imports over technology preferences.
Scientists created a method to study variations in power output from solar PV plants over time, accounting for distinct power fluctuations across different geographical areas. The grid integration challenge arises when including variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the power grid.
Scientists have created a novel instrument that enables the precise measurement of superconductors under extreme pressure, overcoming existing limitations. The new tool uses quantum sensors integrated into a standard pressure-inducing device, allowing for direct imaging of the material's behavior.
A team of researchers has discovered ways to optimize efficiency and control degradation in perovskite solar cells by engineering their nanoscale structure. The study provides new insights on how to make high-efficiency perovskite solar cells and offers a roadmap for improving their performance.
A new universal figure-of-merit for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices has been introduced to assess performance and balance power density and efficiency. This metric enables the classification of previously reported experimental results, providing a clear picture of TPV device overall performance.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
A self-powered movable seawall system harnesses microtidal energy to generate electricity, protecting ports against tsunamis and providing emergency power. The system is feasible in 20 Japanese ports along the western coast, facing the Nankai Trough, which is prone to megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis.
Researchers at Lancaster University found that tidal range schemes can protect estuaries and coastal areas from sea level rise by harnessing high tides and maintaining low tide levels. These barrages can provide jobs, reliable power, and reduced costs while conserving habitats.
A novel transparent spectral converter, GdPO4-GC:Eu3+/Pr3+, absorbs UV photons and re-emits them as visible light, increasing photovoltaic devices' conversion efficiency. This technology shields PCs from UV damage and enhances their sensitivity to UV photons.
Researchers found that compound energy droughts can occur nationwide, with varying frequencies and durations across regions. Understanding these droughts will help grid planners prepare for energy storage needs and inform deployment of long-duration energy storage projects.
A new study finds that wind and solar projects can generate millions of dollars by leveraging bitcoin mining during the precommercial phase. The research suggests strategic placement of mining farms to maximize productivity, with Texas emerging as a top state for profitability. The authors recommend policy incentives to encourage envir...
A new algorithm from the University of Surrey models distributed electricity networks, finding that local renewable energy generation is generally more efficient than central storage or export. The study suggests that considering local constraints and factors like energy prices and subsidies can help design the most efficient local grids.
A team of experts has computationally modeled closed-loop geothermal systems to explore their economic viability. The study examines two basic setups and various parameters, including fluid types and pipe diameters, to optimize heat extraction from deep earth.
Researchers developed indoor solar panels to power smart home devices, identifying efficient PV materials and minimizing heat production. Gallium indium phosphide shows promise but is expensive, while perovskite minerals and organic films offer a cost-effective solution.
Researchers estimate that 5% of Europe's freestanding single-family homes could become economically self-sufficient in 2050. While some regions have high potential for self-sufficiency, becoming fully off-grid is not the most economic choice due to higher costs.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.
A new UN study finds that global Bitcoin mining activities have substantial water and land footprints in addition to a significant carbon footprint. The top 10 Bitcoin mining countries are responsible for 92-94% of the global environmental impact.
A new UN-led study reveals that Bitcoin mining has a significant impact on land and water resources, with China and the US having the largest footprints. The study found that Bitcoin mining consumed 173 terawatt hours of electricity in 2020-2021, emitting 86 megatons of carbon.
Researchers found that city-scale building energy use in US cities may increase by 13.8% for each degree of climate warming on average. The largest increase is expected in the South and Southwest regions, where electricity EUI will rise up to 7.2%.
Researchers have developed a molecular energy harvesting device that can capture the natural motion of molecules in a liquid to generate a stable electric current. The device uses piezoelectric material and can be scaled to full-size generators, offering a game-changing clean energy source.
A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.
The researchers created nanoribbons made of phosphorus and tiny amounts of arsenic, which were able to conduct electricity at high temperatures. The arsenic-phosphorus ribbons have also turned out to be magnetic, opening up possibilities for quantum computers.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg developed a new stochastic method to mitigate sudden swings in wind turbine power output. The study found that control systems are mainly responsible for short-term fluctuations and can be optimized to ensure more consistent energy output.
Researchers developed a groundbreaking soft valve technology that integrates sensors and control valves into soft robots, eliminating the need for electric components. This innovation enables safe operation underwater or in environments with sparks risks, reducing weight burdens and costs.
A new model shows London's cooling demand grew by 5% per year between 1980 and 2022 as summers heat up, highlighting the need for preparedness and energy efficiency measures. The Demand.ninja model can also predict potential benefits of behavior change, such as reducing natural gas consumption and CO2 emissions.
The SolarEV City Concept combines solar panels with electric vehicles to supply clean electricity in urban environments, reducing CO2 emissions and energy costs. Paris could achieve a 23% reduction in energy costs and 60-74% decrease in carbon emissions by 2030 with rooftop solar panels and electric vehicles.
A team of researchers from Waseda University successfully generated electricity directly from methylcyclohexane using solid oxide fuel cells, with a production ratio of toluene to benzene at 94:6. The process generates electricity without dehydrogenation facilities and uses less energy than conventional methods.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new type of nanoclay material that can be customized to perform specific tasks. This breakthrough could lead to advances in fields such as medical science, environmental science, and more.
A better way to wirelessly charge over long distances has been developed, utilizing the phenomenon of radiation suppression. The research shows high transfer efficiency, over 80 percent, can be achieved at distances approximately five times the size of the antenna.
Researchers developed a pilot study to address the issue of thermal discomfort in social housing projects. They proposed replacing conventional windows with fully openable tilting windows, monolithic expanded polystyrene walls, and green-tinted tempered glass, which can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study led by Princeton University researchers found that China's industrial parks can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption by transitioning to clean energy sources. The study estimates that this transition could lead to a reduction of 40% in energy supply emissions, equivalent to 7% of China...
A new study finds that clean energy microgrids can reduce power outages in wildfire-prone areas of California by up to 30%, cutting costs from 15-30 cents per kWh compared to conventional technologies.
Researchers investigated the tradeoff between reducing CO2 emissions and increasing renewable energy supply in office buildings. They found that access to the power grid can mitigate the impact of weather variability, but extreme weather events increase battery storage costs.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new proton conductor, Ba2LuAlO5, which shows high proton conductivity even without modifications. The material's unique structure and water absorption properties make it ideal for protonic ceramic fuel cells, promising a bright future for sustainable energy generation.
A Texas A&M team is studying the impact of cryptocurrency mining on the state's power grid, revealing a potential for demand flexibility during times of peak energy usage. The research suggests that when the grid is stressed due to heatwaves or other factors, cryptocurrency miners can shut down, providing a buffer against strain.
A study by researcher Breno Arsioli Moura investigated the depictions of Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment in illustrations published in the 19th century. The study found several inaccuracies, including the incorrect location where the experiment was performed and the method used to harness electricity from the clouds.
A study found that Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) create up to 53% less emissions over their full life cycle than internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030. Increased operating efficiency and a cleaner electricity mix are key drivers of these reductions.
A new study reveals that rooftop solar arrays can meet the entire electricity demand of up to 35% of US manufacturers, currently accounting for only 2.2% of the grid mix. The research investigates the feasibility of on-site solar panel installations across different regions and manufacturing sectors in the US.
A UNIGE team analyzed the socio-economic impacts of 248 electricity transition scenarios on 296 European regions, finding that southern and south-eastern regions may be more vulnerable to negative effects. The benefits of a low-carbon electricity sector tend to concentrate in richer northern Europe.
A new study found that turning off MRIs overnight reduces their energy use by 25-33% and switching to 'power save' mode decreases energy use by 46-51%. This technique could save U.S. healthcare between $8 million and nearly $11 million annually.
A new study by Lund University highlights the need for cities to develop more resilient electricity networks to cope with extreme weather events. The research models show that urban heat islands can increase cooling demand by up to 68% in some cities, leading to power shortages and blackouts if not accounted for.
The UK government's introduction of a 45% levy on renewable energy profits may undermine investor confidence and deter low-carbon generators from developing in the country. This could potentially hinder the UK's ability to meet its 2050 emission targets, according to Dr Catherine Caine from the University of Exeter Law School.
Researchers have developed a functional polymeric binder for stable, high-capacity anode material that can increase the current EV range at least 10-fold. The new polymer utilizes hydrogen bonding and Coulombic forces to control volumetric expansion, resulting in a thick high-capacity electrode and maximum energy density.