Articles tagged with Thermal Energy
A study published in PLOS Climate found that childhood home temperatures and community connectedness can help predict how U.S. residents set their thermostats. The researchers surveyed 2,128 participants and found that those who grew up in cold-winter locales tend to dial up their thermostats higher than those raised in warmer homes.
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have developed a technology that can harness surplus heat from industrial processes to produce drinking water and generate electricity. The technology, called membrane distillation, uses thermal osmosis to separate water from impurities.
Researchers successfully controlled Andreev bound states in bilayer graphene-based Josephson junctions using gate voltage, observing changes in real-time and confirming theoretical predictions. The discovery enables adjustment of energy levels, opening potential for diverse applications.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a way to turn ordinary white fat cells into beige fat cells that burn calories, opening the door to developing new weight-loss drugs. The approach uses a protein called KLF-15 and may avoid side effects associated with current treatments.
Researchers developed a one-dimensional model to predict soil temperatures around energy piles in Southeast Asia. They found that temperature distribution remained stable despite changes in soil thermal conductivity, indicating GSHP systems can be designed flexibly.
The study reveals that supergranules, a flow structure in the sun's interior, challenge standard theories of solar convection. Researchers discovered that downflows appear weaker than upflows, suggesting an unseen component that could be small-scale plumes transporting cooler plasma into the sun's interior.
Researchers have developed a novel perovskite-based anode material with mixed hole–proton conduction, achieving high efficiency at low and medium temperatures. The breakthrough could pave the way for important technological advancements in energy technologies.
Researchers have developed a computer model that sheds light on extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock. The model shows the formation of microscopic cracks creating a dense 'cloud of permeability' throughout the affected rock, which can lead to higher power delivery and efficiency.
Researchers at Harvard University discovered that giant deep-sea vent tubeworms possess two functional carbon fixation pathways, the Calvin-Benson–Bassham (CBB) and reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycles. These pathways are coordinated to enable symbionts to thrive in dynamic and harsh environments.
Researchers developed a novel air-handleable garnet-type solid electrolyte technology that improves surface and internal properties, preventing contamination layer formation. This innovation enables the creation of ultra-thin lithium solid-state batteries with high energy density and low weight.
Researchers have developed a method to create and control optical qubits in silicon with high precision, enabling the fabrication of reliable quantum computers. This breakthrough could advance quantum computing and networking capabilities, paving the way for breakthroughs in human health, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence.
Texas A&M University has received a $1.5 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a technology capable of separating hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in two ways: designing and testing a separation technology, and incorporating machine learning-based data-driven decision frameworks for reverse logistics.
A new heat-switch device developed by Nagoya University's team enhances lunar-roving vehicles' operational lifespan under harsh Moon conditions. The innovative technology reduces power consumption while maintaining efficient daytime cooling performance and nighttime insulation, making it a critical component for future lunar missions.
A recent study predicts that three million people in Korea could face groundwater depletion by 2080 due to climate change and water overuse. The research analyzed surface and deep groundwater level data from 2009 to 2020, revealing critical spatiotemporal patterns in groundwater levels.
Researchers at Lancaster University and Radboud University Nijmegen have discovered a novel pathway to modulate and amplify spin waves at the nanoscale, paving the way for dissipation-free quantum information technologies. The study's findings could lead to the development of fast and energy-efficient computing devices.
Kyushu University researchers generalize fluid dynamics of volatile liquids using mathematical modeling and experimentation. Their findings can lead to more efficient product development in various liquid-based industries, including high-end electronics manufacturing and lab-on-a-chip disease diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois and the University of Duisburg-Essen have developed a new method to probe the electronic properties of 2D materials using ion irradiation. The technique, which uses ions instead of laser light, enables highly localized and short-time excitations in the material, allowing for high-precision stud...
A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.
New approach uses calculation to predict band convergence in materials, allowing for rapid creation of high-performance thermoelectric devices. The method enables elimination of unnecessary possibilities, increasing efficiency and reducing false starts.
Researchers develop a new method to grow single-crystal perovskite hydrides, allowing for accurate measurement of intrinsic H- conductivity. The technique enables the production of high-quality crystals with minimal imperfections, paving the way for sustainable energy technologies and hydrogen storage applications.
Researchers have developed a method to trap solar energy at temperatures over 1,000°C using synthetic quartz, demonstrating its potential for clean energy in carbon-intensive industries. The technology shows promise for industrial applications and could provide an economic viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers at University of Waterloo developed an autonomous AI platform to inspect buildings, detecting major heat loss regions with high accuracy. The system aims to lead to millions in energy savings through faster analysis and reduced human error.
A new rocky planet, TOI-6713.01, has been found to be covered with active volcanoes, making it glow with a fiery, glowing-red hue. The planet's surface temperature reaches 2,600 degrees Kelvin due to gravitational forces that cause it to experience tidal energy.
A team of researchers created a single negatively charged lead-vacancy center in diamond, which emits photons with specific frequencies not influenced by the crystal's vibrational energy. This characteristic makes the PbV center a promising building block for large-scale quantum networks.
Dr Emmanuel Defay has received an ERC grant to develop highly efficient technology converting waste heat into 100 watts of electrical power. The project aims for a 50% energy efficiency rate, applicable to various industries with high-quality or lower temperature waste heat.
Researchers analyzed 42 superflares using two models and concluded that hydrogen recombination is the most physically plausible explanation for high levels of energy. This model is supported by flare processes described in solar flares, which are well-studied phenomena.
Researchers used thermodynamics to describe the expansion of the Universe, finding that adiabatic and anisotropic effects are accompanied by cooling due to the barocaloric effect. The study proposes a novel way to investigate anisotropic effects associated with the expansion of the Universe.
Researchers demonstrate how a simple mirror design can amplify radiative cooling processes for buildings. The mirror structure effectively guides thermal radiation towards the most transmissive portion of the atmosphere, increasing cooling power.
Researchers from Lehigh University have developed a material that promises over 190% quantum efficiency in solar cells, exceeding the theoretical limit for silicon-based materials. The material's 'intermediate band states' enable efficient absorption of sunlight and production of charge carriers.
Physicists calculated that neutron stars can heat up quickly due to energy transfer from dark matter particles, providing a potential way to detect dark matter. This process could reveal the nature of dark matter and its interactions with regular matter.
A new window coating developed by the University of Notre Dame's Tengfei Luo and his team maintains functionality and efficiency regardless of the sun's position in the sky. The coating reduces air-conditioning cooling costs by more than one-third in hot climates.
The new circuit design uses resonant tank circuits to store energy during switching periods, reducing losses and increasing efficiency. It also employs a planar transformer for compactness and good thermal performance. The prototype achieved an unprecedented 91.3% energy efficiency and reduced electromagnetic noise.
Researchers are exploring engineered geothermal systems and innovative drilling technologies to unlock superhot rock energy. However, significant gaps in research and development need to be addressed to achieve temperatures over 375°C.
Researchers at WVU are developing solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the goal of cutting production costs to $1 per kilogram. The projects focus on improving SOEC design and manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Researchers developed mesoporous metal oxides on flexible materials using synergetic effect of heat and plasma at lower temperatures. The devices can withstand bending thousands of times without losing energy storage performance.
A new technique for producing polymer solid electrolytes has been developed, eliminating the need for vacuum heat treatment and increasing production speed by 13-fold. This method ensures consistent thickness and surface quality of polymer solid electrolytes, ideal for battery production.
Scientists have developed an engine that efficiently converts energy from water evaporation into electricity, producing outputs exceeding 100 volts. The device can operate for several days using only 100 milliliters of water as fuel.
A team of UCF researchers has received a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop a novel metallization process for solar cells. The goal is to increase efficiency and lower production costs, making solar energy more accessible.
Rice University researchers have developed a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. This allows for modifying the structure of the oxide layer, making the nanoparticles versatile tools for different applications.
The Zero-Energy Switchable Radiative Cooler (ZESRC) is a temperature-responsive solution that balances building temperatures sustainably. Field experiments demonstrate its effectiveness across seasons, reducing energy consumption by 14.3% compared to other devices.
Researchers successfully cooled positronium atoms to record-low temperatures of 170 K, significantly reducing their transverse velocity component. This achievement has far-reaching implications for precision spectroscopy and the study of quantum electrodynamics.
Researchers at Kyoto University have determined the magnitude of spin-orbit interaction in acceptor-bound excitons in a semiconductor. The study revealed two triplets separated by a spin-orbit splitting of 14.3 meV, supporting the hypothesis that two positively charged holes are more strongly bound than an electron-and-hole pair.
Researchers at Aston University will explore gel electrolyte materials to improve lithium-ion batteries' safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to replace harmful components with renewable ionogels, addressing the need for scalable methods of storing electrical energy.
Researchers at WVU have developed a microwave technology that can significantly reduce industry's energy consumption and carbon emissions. The technology, which uses microwaves to carry out chemical reactions, has the potential to produce ethylene and ammonia in a single reactor, leading to increased efficiency and lower emissions.
According to a new NREL report, millions of US households would see a drop in their energy bills by using heat pumps, with median savings ranging from $300 to $650 per year. However, high installation costs limit the technology's reach, making it only financially feasible for a smaller portion of households.
Researchers develop electrochemical method to release hydrogen stored in hydrogen boride sheets, achieving high Faradaic efficiency. The process is expected to contribute to the development of safe and lightweight hydrogen carriers with low energy consumption.
A study of 1,950 NYC residents found that 30% experience energy insecurity, leading to respiratory, mental health, and cardiovascular conditions. The population was disproportionately affected by low-income, Black, and Latino residents, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health inequities.
A novel bypass configuration eliminates temperature matching constraints, achieving energy flow field synergy and significantly improving efficiency. The system outperforms existing HDTRs, comparable to double-effect absorption refrigerators.
West Virginia University engineer Yuhe Tian is developing powerful artificial intelligence tools that can reimagine the sustainability of chemical manufacturing. She aims to harness quantum intelligence to innovate environmentally friendly chemical plant designs.
Researchers at MIT developed a battery-free sensor that can harvest energy from its environment, allowing for long-term data collection in remote settings. The sensor uses a network of integrated circuits and transistors to store and convert energy efficiently, eliminating the need for batteries.
A KAIST research team developed an anti-icing film coating technology using gold nanoparticles and cellulose nanocrystals. The film can uniformly pattern gold nanorods in quadrants through simple evaporation, achieving enhanced plasmonic photothermal properties.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that exceeds 30% yield for the production of ethylene through oxidative coupling of methane, a more sustainable and economically viable method. The core-shell Li2CO3-coated mixed rare earth oxides catalyst enables sequential oxygen switching, replenishing its ability to provide oxygen for the r...
Researchers at KAUST Solar Center have developed a roadmap for commercializing perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, which combine efficient light absorption and long-term stability. The technology has the potential to meet Saudi Arabia's solar targets and exceed $10 billion in market value within a decade.
Researchers from RIKEN have successfully created transformations between skyrmions and antiskyrmions using heat gradients at room temperature. This breakthrough could lead to the development of next-generation memory devices with low energy consumption, utilizing waste heat.
Brown fat cells convert energy into heat, protecting against cardiovascular diseases. Researchers discovered a new protein, EPAC1, that increases brown fat mass and activity, offering a potential target for weight loss therapies.
A team of researchers, led by Associate Professor Hiroyuki Fujioka from Tokyo Institute of Technology, investigated the feasibility of bound tetraneutron emission in thermal neutron-induced fission of Uranium-235. They found that the instrumental neutron activation method can be applied to address open questions in nuclear physics.
A new method for desalinating seawater using hydrate-based desalination technology has been developed, offering a low-energy solution for producing freshwater. The research team calculated optimal temperatures for enhanced efficiency, with maximum water yields reaching up to 67% in certain brine concentrations.
Energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing technologies for diamonds improve surface quality and material removal rates, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. Researchers analyzed four latest polishing techniques, including laser polishing, ion beam polishing, plasma-assisted polishing, and laser-assisted polishing.
A team of researchers at Ghent University and imec developed a silicon photonic temperature sensor that measures up to 180°C. The sensor was realized in the framework of the European SEER project, where partners focus on integrating optical sensors in manufacturing routines for composite parts.
A $161 million grant from the DOD will support research into tunable thermal conductivity and latent heat storage effects in materials. The new equipment enables analysis across a wide temperature range and various pressures and humidity levels, paving the way for adaptive materials with dynamically tunable phase change properties.