Articles tagged with Electricity
A new study suggests that climate change may be driving electricity demand higher than predicted by existing models. The researchers used mean dew point temperature and extreme maximum temperature as key predictors of increased energy demand, finding significant discrepancies with traditional models.
Michigan State University has been awarded a $2 million grant to develop new designs for long-duration storage on the US power grid. The project, called Scalable Thermochemical Option for Renewable Energy Storage (STORES), aims to create modular thermal storage systems that can store heat energy in the form of chemical energy.
A new study by MIT researchers reveals that using a mix of fuel-saving, flexible, and highly reliable sources is key to building a cost-effective and reliable zero-carbon electricity system. The study found that pairing low-carbon sources with steady carbon-free resources can reduce costs by up to 62% compared to relying on wind, solar...
A natural field experiment found that social nudges decrease electricity consumption with potential policy implications for energy markets. The average effect of receiving both nudges was similar to the sum of individual effects, suggesting limited crowd-out effects.
Researchers at Columbia University identified neural-circuit activity in electric fish that enables the brain to tune out self-generated signals, allowing animals to focus on external stimuli. This mechanism may inform studies of sensory disorders like tinnitus, which disrupts the brain's ability to cancel out self-generated sounds.
A new index helps utilities balance electricity distribution with lower consumer costs by accounting for the variability of decentralized energy sources like solar and wind. The index suggests deployment of flexible loads according to market conditions, potentially leading to lower costs and grid stability.
Researchers found that stress can render extinction learning context-independent, allowing patients to transfer knowledge from one situation to another. This could improve the efficacy of exposure therapies for anxiety disorders.
The prototype manganese-hydrogen battery can generate 20 milliwatt hours of electricity and is expected to cost $100 per kilowatt hour. The researchers aim to create an industrial-grade system that can store up to 10,000 times, making it suitable for grid-scale energy storage.
Scientists have developed diagnostic tools to improve the controllable and selective fabrication of nanomaterials. New discoveries reveal that molecular precursors govern the synthesis of carbon nanotubes in a purely carbon electric arc. This breakthrough opens the door to improved predictive modeling of nanosynthesis.
Researchers have created hybrid solar cells that can harness energy from both sunlight and falling raindrops. The innovative design uses textured polymers to increase the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) in rainy conditions.
Scientists at UCI, Caltech, and Carnegie Institution for Science found that US can reliably meet 80% of electricity demand with solar and wind power generation. However, meeting 100% demand would require significant investment in energy storage and transmission capabilities to overcome seasonal and weather variabilities.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new phase-transition cubic GaN material that doubles ultraviolet emission efficiency. The material's polarization-free nature enables improved performance in energy conversion devices, such as lighting systems.
Researchers designed an LED-based train headlight that reduces energy consumption and emits less CO2. The new design uses precisely positioned high-efficiency LEDs to create a bright beam while minimizing electricity use.
Converting tobacco fields to solar farms can provide a lucrative alternative for farmers, potentially generating 30 gigawatts of clean energy in North Carolina. Solar panels can withstand extreme weather conditions and offer significant profits compared to traditional farming.
A new study by the University of Manchester reveals that microwaves emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide equivalent to 6.8 million cars annually in the EU. The research also found that microwaves consume substantial electricity, equivalent to three large gas power plants, and contributes to resource depletion and climate change.
Water-saving measures in California have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption. The study found that the decrease in water usage translated into a substantial electricity saving, equivalent to 1,830 gigawatt hours.
Dr. Yu Zhu's team developed a new polymer binding material and process to improve battery cyclability and storage density, extending the time between charges and overall battery life.
Researchers at University of the Basque Country analyzed wave energy farm performance and found a capacity factor of 0.11, lower than wind and solar facilities. To improve efficiency, they suggest regulating turbine speed in relation to advancing waves.
Scientists at NREL have developed a switchable solar window that converts sunlight into electricity while maintaining transparency. The device uses thermochromic materials and has an average light transmission of 68% in its transparent state.
Recent studies show that vehicle-to-grid technology can improve battery life and provide valuable clean energy, but upgrading the system is necessary. Dr. Uddin and Dr. Dubarry developed an accurate battery degradation model to predict the impact of V2G on battery health.
A Brazilian study reveals that minor changes to corrals, such as removing splash colors and water puddles, can significantly reduce the stress levels of cattle. The implementation of good handling practices, including calm handlers and reduced noise levels, also led to improved behavior and cortisol release.
A Norwegian research team found that energy efficiency labeling for homes has no significant effect on purchase price. The researchers conducted a thorough analysis of home sales data before and after the labeling system was introduced in Norway in 2010. They discovered that any apparent impact of the label was likely due to other fact...
The UNIST-Mando team has developed a self-charging electric bike called Hybrid Module Mobility, which uses regenerative technology to recharge batteries while riding or pedaling. The bike can transform into different forms to suit users' needs, including cargo-carrying and family modes.
Transparent solar cells can provide similar electricity-generation potential as rooftop solar while enhancing building efficiency, and may supply up to 40% of US energy demand
A new University of Michigan study compares the toxic chemical releases associated with coal-generated and natural gas obtained via fracking-based electricity. The results suggest that potential human health impacts of coal electricity are much higher, outweighing those from shale gas electricity.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing new materials for solar cells and photocatalysts to boost efficiency and reduce costs. They aim to create practical ways to store solar energy, addressing intermittency and waste issues in the current system.
Tidal energy has vast potential to provide clean electricity to US communities, with Banerjee's research focusing on improving turbine performance in turbulent environments. The study aims to enhance understanding of fundamental issues related to scale interactions in turbulent flows.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory and Colorado State University are integrating electrical grids globally to address disruptions. The Real-Time Super Lab concept shows how electricity can be rerouted across vast distances to prevent large-scale blackouts.
Researchers have developed a proof-of-concept for producing drop-in fuels from biomass and electric energy through combined microbial and electrochemical conversion. The process achieved a 50% yield using corn beer as feedstock, with potential to scale up and improve yields.
Researcher Benjamin J. Perrin is advancing knowledge of age-related hearing loss by exploring the function of sensory cells in the inner ear. He hopes to develop a maintenance-of-living-cells approach to prevent or restore hearing loss, with implications for millions of people.
A lightweight power generator based on carbon nanotube fibers can convert the energy of flowing blood into electricity with high efficiency. The device, called a fiber-shaped fluidic nanogenerator (FFNG), was developed by Chinese scientists from Fudan University.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a high-tech mirror-like optical surface that can cool flowing water to below the surrounding air temperature without using electricity. The system has been tested and shown to reduce energy consumption by 21% in commercial buildings.
Stanford University scientists have created a compound solar cell with perovskite microcells encapsulated in hexagonal scaffolds, inspired by the insect compound eye. The design increases fracture resistance without compromising efficiency, and the cells withstand extreme temperatures and humidity.
A UC study analyzed newspaper accounts of executions from 1800 to 1965, finding that condemned prisoners often wore formal attire, including suits, shaven faces, and adorned clothing. This choice reflected a desire for dignity and respectability in their final moments, as well as resistance against the state's authority.
Researchers in Mozambique found that people who live in electrified urban areas retire earlier but still get sufficient sleep, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that the relationship between electricity and sleep loss is more complex than previously thought.
Researchers have developed a new manganese and sodium-ion-based material that could potentially lower battery costs and improve ecofriendliness. The new material uses sodium instead of lithium, which is more abundant but has some drawbacks, such as lower energy density.
Researcher Andreas Eder found that punishment alone does not suppress undesirable behavior but can even facilitate it. The brain uses behavioral consequences to trigger actions more easily, even if the consequences are disagreeable. Providing clear feedback for desired behavior is crucial in educational practices.
A new technology developed by Dr. Mahmoud Dhimish could enable clusters of houses to share their solar energy, reducing the need to export surplus electricity to the grid. The system uses 'demand diversity' among adjacent dwellings and energy storage to optimize energy usage.
A WSU study reveals that US consumers are interested in using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, with many willing to shift their appliance usage to achieve this goal. The researchers propose developing an app prototype to monitor electricity sources in real-time, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that smart meters and time-of-use pricing reduced residential energy demand during peak periods by only 2.6% and 2.4%, respectively. The modest changes in behavior raise concerns about whether the cost of installing smart meters has been justified.
Researchers have created a bacteria-powered fuel cell that can convert methane into small amounts of electricity near the wellheads, reducing long-distance transport and leakage. The process uses a consortium of bacteria that produces electricity by capturing methane and producing acetate, electrons, and an energy enzyme.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology shows that air conditioning increases air pollution by hundreds to thousands of metric tons, particularly sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, with a 3-4% increase per degree Celsius rise in temperature
An analysis of 27 US states found that summer temperature increases lead to higher electricity-related emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). States with more coal power plants, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, released the most SO2 emissions.
Holiday Retirement received the 2017 Franz Edelman Award for its innovative use of operations research to develop a revenue management system that optimizes pricing across all its senior living communities. The award recognizes the significant impact of this achievement on organizational efficiency and profitability.
A new study suggests that renewable energy sources are crucial for consumers to buy electric vehicles, as environmental performance trumps price and range confidence. The research found that participants prioritized the need for electricity to be produced from renewable sources for electric vehicles to be a true green alternative.
Researchers developed an online tool analyzing 21 years of night-time lights data to correlate with socio-economic factors, finding strong relationships between GDP and electricity consumption. The study also found inverse correlations between light brightness and poverty, providing insights into human activities at a global scale.
Global energy subsidies have substantial social welfare and economic costs, particularly for the poorest households. Repealing these subsidies could provide enough money to eliminate worldwide hunger and malnutrition multiple times over.
A new study by Uppsala University reveals that household electricity use can be reduced substantially when residents are forced to pay for their own consumption. The study found that 20% of tenants accounted for up to two-thirds of the reduction in electricity consumption, highlighting the need for fairer distribution of costs.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed innovative methods for creating complex patterns, accelerating gas separation, and optimizing manufacturing processes. The lab's expertise in additive manufacturing has enabled the rapid prototyping of components, while membrane-based gas separation has shown promising results.
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.
A new study finds that solar storm-induced electricity blackouts could have a significant impact on the US economy, with indirect costs accounting for over half of the total loss. The potential macroeconomic cost could reach $41.5 billion per day in extreme scenarios.
A new study suggests that off-grid solar energy can have significant economic benefits for people living in remote areas, but requires a special business model to succeed. Successful business models include community interaction, partnerships, local capacity building and addressing barriers unique to the off-grid market.
The 2015 Renewable Energy Data Book reveals significant US renewable energy growth, with solar and wind capacities increasing by 35.8% and 5.1%, respectively. Globally, renewables accounted for over 24% of electricity generation, up from 21.3% in 2014.
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.
Researchers have finally captured water molecules passing excess charges, revealing the Grotthuss mechanism. This process is crucial for understanding water's behavior in biological and industrial settings.
The University of Houston researcher will use the grant to reduce cost and increase performance of superconductor wire production, leading to significant energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The project aims to develop technologies that can significantly improve industrial motors, helping companies save energy and money...
Researchers developed a study to determine physical dormancy breaking mechanisms of uhaloa seeds, which can be achieved through manual and mechanical scarification, dry heat exposure, or hot water immersion. The optimal protocol is using an electric drum scarifier with 80-grit sandpaper for 15-30 seconds to achieve high germination rates.
Scientists are developing an early warning system to detect and predict jellyfish blooms that can clog water intakes at coastal power plants. The tool will provide gridded maps showing the probability of jellyfish arrival times, enabling rapid risk evaluation and informing operational responses.
The study, published in The Electricity Journal, suggests that the increasing availability of cheap shale gas has led to a decline in coal-generated electricity. The researchers found that despite proposed new EPA rules, power plants have continued to favor gas due to its technological and economic advantages.
Scientists at UFZ have created a detailed energy-transition map of Germany, highlighting regional differences in renewable energy production. The map shows that coastal areas are leaders in wind and solar farms, while cities like Berlin struggle to keep up with their consumption.