Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Towards smart cities: Integrating ground source heat pump systems with energy piles

The integration of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems with energy piles offers a promising solution to address the growing urban heat island effect and reduce electricity consumption in smart cities. This technology provides efficient heating and cooling, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes sustainable urban development.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSmart Cities·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 16, 2024

Unlocking next-gen chip efficiency: UVA researchers confirm thermal insights for tiny circuits

Researchers at UVA confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, providing a breakthrough in understanding thermal conductivity. The validation of Matthiessen's rule paves the way for refining materials that interconnect circuits in advanced computer chips.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

The future of more sustainable cooling and heating technology could be just around the corner

A team of researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy Ames National Laboratory developed a magnetocaloric heat pump that matches current vapor-compression technology in terms of weight, cost, and performance. The device eliminates refrigerant emissions and requires less energy to operate, offering a promising alternative for cooling...

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·DateDec 5, 2024

Open those windows: Natural ventilation in historic buildings can reduce mechanical system use, save energy and create healthier indoor environments

Researchers at Drexel University investigated natural ventilation strategies in historic homes to understand how their inherent energy-efficient features can inform modern energy conservation efforts. The study found that passive cooling and cross-ventilation can achieve energy savings and improve thermal comfort, particularly in hot a...

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnergy and Buildings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2024

ISS National Lab publication highlights groundbreaking physical science research in space

Researchers on the ISS National Lab have leveraged microgravity to study fundamental physical phenomena, such as heat transfer, combustion, and fluid dynamics. These discoveries hold potential for advances in pharmaceuticals, energy production, materials manufacturing, and more.

SourceInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory·JournalGravitational and Space Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 26, 2024

Heterogeneous photocatalyst achieves record-breaking performance for CO2 conversion

A new microwave-assisted synthesis route has improved the performance of a coordination polymer photocatalyst, achieving a record-breaking value for CO2-to-formate conversion with a nearly ten-fold increase in apparent quantum yield. The improvements are attributed to well-crystallized material and surface area increases.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

How humans evolved to be ‘energetically unique’

A new Harvard study finds humans possess higher metabolic rates than primates and apes, allowing for bigger brains, longer lifespan, and increased reproduction. Humans have 'escaped a tradeoff' between resting and active metabolism due to unique sweating ability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Unlocking next-gen chip efficiency: UVA researchers confirm thermal insights for tiny circuits

Researchers at the University of Virginia have confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, paving the way for advancements in technology and more efficient devices. The study validated Matthiessen's rule in ultra-thin copper films, providing a blueprint to mitigate thermal bottlenecks.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Hypersaline brine produced by fracking has left us in a pickle. A new process developed by Lehigh University researchers could help dry it up.

A new process developed by Lehigh University researchers uses evaporative ion exchange (EIX) to concentrate hypersaline brine at room temperature, avoiding scaling and fouling. The process has shown promising results in concentrating salts from hypersaline water, with the potential for widespread use.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Demand-side actions could help construction sector deliver on net-zero targets

A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

Location, location, location: Snowpack storage and runoff timing in burn scars depend on site and terrain

Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.

SourceColorado State University·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

Scientists quantify energetic costs of the migratory lifestyle in a free flying songbird

Researchers found that migrating blackbirds do not save energy in warmer climates, but instead reduce their metabolism before departure. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism used by migrants to save energy prior to migration, and suggests alternative physiological adaptations may offset the energy costs of migration.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

New understanding of the limits on nano-noise

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have made a significant step in understanding the fundamental constraints on noise, paving the way for future nanoelectronics. The study investigated thermoelectric heat engines at the nanoscale and found a critical trade-off between noise and power.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Axon-mimicking materials for computing

A team of researchers discovered a class of materials that mimic the behavior of axons by spontaneously amplifying electrical pulses. These materials can harness internal instabilities to create spiking behavior and amplify signals, potentially leading to more efficient computing and artificial intelligence.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2024

Pusan National University researchers reveal the causes for Greenland’s abnormal warming

A Pusan National University study reveals that increases in clear-sky downwelling longwave radiation and surface albedo feedback are the dominant factors behind Greenland's surface warming. This finding has significant implications for predicting future climate impacts and preventing further ice sheet melting.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2024

SNU researchers develop multifunctional smart windows that lower indoor temperature without power consumption and generate electricity from raindrops

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.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Lehigh University researchers dig deeper into stability challenges of nuclear fusion—with mayonnaise

Researchers at Lehigh University use mayonnaise to simulate the phases of Rayleigh-Taylor instability in nuclear fusion, which could inform the design of future inertial confinement fusion processes. The team found that understanding the transition between elastic and stable plastic phases is critical for controlling the instability.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateAug 6, 2024

Revolutionary loop heat pipe transports 10 kW of waste heat — No electricity required

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a loop heat pipe that can transport up to 10 kW of waste heat without electricity, surpassing previous records. This technology has significant implications for energy efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the electric vehicle industry where it can reduce the need for electrical power.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateAug 1, 2024

A cool solution

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a two-phase cooling system that efficiently dissipates heat from server chips through phase change. This innovative system drastically reduces the amount of energy needed to keep equipment cool, with early tests showing significant reductions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateJul 25, 2024

Pusan National University study provides breakthrough in enhancing solid oxide fuel cell efficiency with rapid PrOx coating method

A team of researchers led by Professor Beom-Kyeong Park has made a breakthrough in enhancing solid oxide fuel cell efficiency with a rapid PrOx coating method. The study demonstrated significant enhancements in SOFC electrode performance, reducing polarization resistance and boosting peak power density.

SourcePusan National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Researchers listen to the hearts of bats in flight

Researchers from Max Planck Institute tracked the heart rates of male common noctule bats during flights, revealing a significant increase in heart rate from 6 to 900 beats per minute. The study found that bats consume up to 42% more energy in summer compared to spring, and develop unique strategies to survive in different seasons.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2024