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Graphene-based film can be used for efficient cooling of electronics

Researchers developed a graphene-based film that efficiently cools electronics by increasing thermal conductivity to four times that of copper. The film can be attached to silicon components, overcoming previous adhesion issues, and has been tested with an additive creating stronger silane bonds, resulting in improved heat transfer.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 10, 2015

Can heat be controlled as waves?

Thermal phonons can interfere with their own reflections, suggesting that heat transport occurs through wave-like phenomena. This interference could be used to modify the velocity of phonons and create energy bandgaps, leading to new materials with low thermal conductivity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 23, 2015

New formula expected to spur advances in clean energy generation

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new formula to calculate the maximum efficiency of thermoelectric materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in clean energy generation. The formula takes into account temperature-dependent properties and can determine whether devices are efficient enough to be worth pursuing.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2015

Underground ants can't take the heat

A new study from Drexel University found that underground species of army ants are less tolerant of high temperatures than their aboveground relatives. The research highlights the importance of considering microhabitat in predicting animal responses to climate change.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 15, 2015

Electricity generating nano-wizards

Scientists have made a significant discovery in thermoelectric effects, which are crucial for nanoscale energy harvesting. Using quantum dots, researchers found that the actual performance of systems is less optimistic than predicted calculations, highlighting the importance of optimizing structures at the nanoscale.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 18, 2015

Squeeze to remove heat: Elastocaloric materials enable more efficient, 'green' cooling

Researchers have discovered elastocaloric materials that can change temperature in response to mechanical stress, enabling more efficient solid-state refrigeration. These materials could lead to environmentally-friendly replacements for traditional cooling technologies, with potential applications in household refrigerators, air condit...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 24, 2015

University of Houston researchers discover new material to produce clean energy

Researchers at the University of Houston have created a new thermoelectric material that generates electric power from waste heat, offering higher efficiency and output power than existing materials. The material has a peak power factor of 55 and a figure of merit of 1.4, making it commercially viable for applications such as car exhau...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2015

When you lose weight, where does the fat go?

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that losing 10 kilograms of fat requires 29 kilograms of oxygen to be inhaled, producing 28 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 11 kilograms of water. Most doctors, dieticians, and personal trainers incorrectly believe that the missing mass is converted into energy or heat.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2014

Low-grade waste heat regenerates ammonia battery

Researchers at Penn State have developed a thermally regenerative ammonia-based battery that converts low-grade waste heat into electricity with high efficiency. The battery can produce up to 60 watts per square meter of power, making it six to 10 times more efficient than other liquid-based thermal-electric energy conversion systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 3, 2014

A new way to harness waste heat

Researchers at MIT and Stanford University have developed a new approach to harnessing low-temperature waste heat, leveraging the thermogalvanic effect to produce electricity. The system combines battery charging-discharging cycles with heating and cooling, allowing for efficient energy conversion even with small temperature differences.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2014

Nanoscale heat flow predictions

Researchers developed a predictive theoretical model for heat flux in novel nanomaterials using atom-scale calculations. This could help optimize thermal budget of nanoelectronic devices and produce energy through thermoelectric effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 7, 2014