Articles tagged with Thermal Energy
Researchers at Texas A&M's Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering are part of a $42 million program to advance laser-driven fusion energy. The RISE hub will focus on innovative target concepts, excimer gas lasers, and solid-state laser drivers to open up novel IFE regimes.
Purdue University researchers have found that polaritons can contribute a larger share of thermal conductivity in semiconductors, overcoming phonon limitations. By understanding how to design materials and structures, manufacturers can incorporate these polariton-based nanoscale heat transfer principles into chip designs.
A recent study explores the complex links between surface temperature and outgoing longwave radiation, uncovering hidden mechanisms shaping Earth's climate. The research reveals that vertical convective energy transport acts as an atmospheric mixer, suppressing nonlinearity between OLR and surface temperature.
Researchers developed a novel laser-induced hydrothermal reaction method to grow binary metal oxide nanostructures and layered-double hydroxides on nickel foams. This technique improves the production rate by over 19 times while consuming only 27.78% of the total energy required by conventional methods.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology develop method to treat cigarette butts using pyrolysis, producing oil, char, and gas with real applications in fertilizers, wastewater treatment, energy storage, and biofuels. The process reduces biodiesel production costs by adding triacetin-rich oil as an additive.
Researchers from China University of Petroleum apply terahertz spectroscopy to characterize oil shale's anisotropy, organic distribution, and fingerprint spectrum. The method enables simultaneous characterization of main oil generation zones and natural gas zones.
Researchers have discovered a way to use heat signals to process data in energy-efficient computers. The team's approach uses non-conductive magnetic strips and metal spacers to conduct and amplify heat signals, enabling logical computing operations and heat diodes.
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.
EPFL researchers have developed the world's first large-scale in-memory processor using 2D semiconductor materials, which could substantially cut the ICT sector's energy footprint. The processor combines data processing and storage onto a single device, reducing energy waste and improving efficiency.
Researchers successfully trapped electrons in a three-dimensional material, creating an electronic flat band that can lead to exotic behavior such as superconductivity. The kagome-inspired geometry of the crystal allows for stable trapping of electrons in all three dimensions.
A UNIGE team has developed a super-model to simulate the spread of three green technologies in Swiss municipalities by 2050. The results show that Switzerland is unlikely to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050 without significant policy changes, highlighting the need for increased efforts and updated policies.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed organic solar cells with record efficiencies and discovered a link between molecular structure and outdoor stability. The study found that fluorine-bearing functional end groups and long hydrocarbon side-chains enhance outdoor stability, protecting the cells...
The study successfully enhances energy conversion efficiency by over twice that of conventional cells while reducing production costs by a factor of 3,000. This breakthrough could lead to widespread adoption in energy harvesting applications generating energy from waste heat.
Scientists at Lancaster University have discovered that superfluid helium-3 behaves like a two-dimensional system when probed with mechanical resonators. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of superfluidity and its potential applications in various fields.
A new study reveals that women with atrial fibrillation (AF) have comparable outcomes to men when undergoing pulsed field ablation (PFA), a safer and more precise procedure. The results show improved AF recurrence rates in women after PFA, making them an eligible candidate for this life-enhancing treatment.
The Beckman Institute's DROPLETS project uses microdroplets to catalyze electrochemical reactions, producing clean hydrogen and sequestering carbon dioxide. The project aims to lay out a foundation for a sustainable clean energy future.
Kyushu University researchers have developed a new material that can store hydrogen energy for up to three months at room temperature, using an inexpensive element like nickel. This innovation could potentially reduce the cost of future compounds and contribute to the transition to alternative energy sources.
Scientists propose new temperature guidelines for data centers that may help reduce energy consumption and save money. Researchers found that raising the temperature to around 41°C could lead to significant savings, with some areas able to rely entirely on free-cooling, reducing energy costs by up to 56%.
Researchers have created a fire-inhibiting, nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries, increasing ion conductivity by 33% and improving life characteristics by 110%. The electrolyte prevents radical chain reactions during combustion, effectively inhibiting battery fires.
Multistable mechanical metamaterials can switch between multiple stable configurations under external loading, making them reusable and efficient for quick action. Their unique properties make them promising for various engineering applications, including energy absorption, soft actuators/robots, and wave control.
A UCLA-led team has discovered the nerve supply that activates brown adipose tissue, a potential key to treating obesity. The study found nerve branches in all eight cadavers dissected, which may lead to using nerves to stimulate BAT activity for weight loss.
A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...
Researchers have developed a new semiconducting material called multielement ink that can be processed at low temperatures, paving the way for more sustainable semiconductor industry. The breakthrough enables faster and lower-energy production of semiconductors, which could significantly reduce carbon emissions.
A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.
A new solar-powered desalination system can produce drinking water at a lower cost and rate than traditional tap water. The system, developed by MIT engineers and their Chinese collaborators, uses natural sunlight to evaporate seawater, leaving salt behind, and has a higher production rate and rejection rate than previous designs.
The novel liquid filter efficiently absorbs UV light and infrared radiation, increasing the energy harvesting potential of de-coupled photovoltaic-thermal systems. The proposed system has been shown to improve conversion efficiency and reduce operating temperatures, making it economically beneficial.
Scientists have created a new class of solid-state phase change materials using sugar alcohols, which can store-and-release heat more efficiently. By confining these compounds in covalent organic framework crystals, the researchers were able to suppress supercooling and retrieve thermal energy at higher temperatures.
A team of researchers has made breakthroughs in harnessing low-grade heat sources for efficient energy conversion. They developed a highly efficient Thermally Regenerative Electrochemical Cycle (TREC) system that converts small temperature differences into usable energy.
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a technology that can capture carbon dioxide from the air of buildings and use it to produce methanol, a common chemical with numerous applications. The process is expected to increase the sustainable supply of methanol while removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals that can harness all-solar energy, including infrared light. The nanocrystals exhibit enhanced photothermal and photo-assisted water evaporation characteristics, making them suitable for various applications.
A team of researchers at UNIST has developed solid electrolyte materials utilizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to improve the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells. The new materials demonstrate high hydrogen ion conductivity and durability, holding promise for advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a molecularly engineered hydrogel that can create clean water from hot air, using solar energy. The device produces up to 7 kilograms of water per kilogram of gel materials, with potential applications for drought-stricken areas and countries lacking access to clean water.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a molecular mechanism that enables efficient hydrogen spillover, which could lead to the development of new clean energy technologies. The breakthrough provides insight into how hydrogen activation and storage can be achieved without significant energy losses.
Scientists create a design that enables simultaneous presentation of photothermal, thermal conductive, and superhydrophobic properties, achieving record-high defrosting efficacy. The innovative assembly enhances de-icing and defrosting efficiency, reducing overall defrosting durations by 2-3 times.
The study provides a condensed overview of recent advances and challenges in atmospheric and pressurized PVSRs, highlighting potential for improving performance through geometrical parameter optimization and spectrally selective absorption. Standardized evaluation methods remain essential to unlock the full potential of PVSRs.
Researchers found no effect of LEED certification on average energy consumption in federal buildings, with energy use just one of six attributes scored under the program. Tradeoffs between attributes, such as water scores and sensors, accounted for the lack of energy savings.
Researchers have finally found Pines' demon, a massless and neutral composite particle predicted to exist in certain metals. They used a nonstandard experimental technique that directly excites a material's electronic modes, allowing them to see the demon's signature in strontium ruthenate.
The seventh cohort of Innovation Crossroads aims to develop transformative energy technologies. Cohort 7 fellows are creating innovative solutions for plastic waste recycling, energy storage, and wind turbine blade production.
Researchers develop nanofilms that mimic the nanostructures of butterfly wings, creating vibrant colors without absorbing light. These films can be used on buildings, vehicles, and equipment to reduce energy consumption and preserve color properties, with potential applications in energy sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Researchers develop a highly active, precious metal-free catalyst for ammonia decomposition. The new Ni-based catalyst outperforms conventional alternatives at lower temperatures, offering a promising solution for hydrogen production from ammonia.
The research uses paraffin wax-filled tubes to absorb impact and heat, protecting nearby battery cells from damage. The design improves the safety and reliability of electric vehicles by minimizing potential damage from crashes or thermal issues.
Researchers at ISTA use swimming bacteria to assemble materials, introducing a novel strategy for fabricating soft materials. The study demonstrates the potential sustainability benefits of harnessing energy from bacteria in material production.
The team created a thermocell using a hydrogel that reacted to temperature changes, converting latent heat into electricity. This breakthrough supports the idea that various materials can be used for thermoelectric conversion, potentially reducing reliance on other energy sources and improving cooling systems.
The study reveals that quantum thermal machines exhibit distinct synchronization behavior, with cooperation and competition emerging among different components. The researchers found that cooperation manifests in harmony-like synchrony, while competition thrives in chaotic conditions.
Researchers developed a model to estimate energy expenditure for thermoregulation on the first voyages from Tahiti to New Zealand. Results showed that larger body sizes helped colonizers survive harsher conditions, with males losing up to 13.3 pounds and females losing 5.9 pounds during a 25-day trip.
A team of researchers has designed an all-season thermal cloak that can cool electric vehicles by 8°C on hot days and warm them by 6.8°C at night without any external energy input. The cloak works through radiative cooling, using an effect called photon recycling to counteract temperature fluctuations during winter months.
A team of researchers from SUTD and A*STAR has developed a quick and energy-efficient technique to produce 2D mica nanosheets, which have shown an 87% higher CO2 adsorption capacity than bulk mica. The nanosheets' high specific surface area and porosity enable effective carbon capture.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a nanosheet device with the highest energy storage performance yet seen. The device achieved a 1-2 orders of magnitude higher energy density while maintaining high output density and stability over multiple cycles.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new type of flexible display that uses capillary-controlled robotic flapping fins and liquid droplets to create switchable optical and infrared light multipixel displays. The displays are 1,000 times more energy efficient than traditional LED screens.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have developed a high-frequency radar technique to measure the flow of solids in fluidized beds with unrivalled precision. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient processes in energy conversion, carbon capture, and other industries.
Research highlights energy insecurity as a determinant of poor health, with disproportionately affected groups including low-income households and mobile home occupants. Energy insecurity encompasses physical, economic, and coping dimensions, reflecting financial hardship, housing quality issues, and adaptive strategies.
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.
Researchers are investigating methods to extract critical materials, including lithium for electric vehicle batteries and magnets for electric motors, from diverse water streams. By accelerating evaporation through porous photothermal materials, they aim to reduce energy intensity and improve supply chain security.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a baking soda solution for storing hydrogen, addressing the challenge of long-duration energy storage. The study aims to advance the DOE's H2@Scale initiative and reduce the cost of hydrogen production.
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.
Researchers develop a new efficient material using alginate, a non-toxic seaweed derivative, that can store heat for reuse. The material boasts increased salt capacity, achieving up to four times greater energy density than previous carrier materials.
Research estimates that continental landmasses have absorbed 23.8 x 10^21 Joules of heat between 1960 and 2020, with most stored up to 300m deep in the earth. This increase poses risks to ecosystems and food security due to associated warming and changes in water quality.
A new study reveals the molecular structure of UCP1, allowing scientists to develop therapeutics that activate it to burn excess calories. This breakthrough could combat obesity and related diseases like diabetes by activating brown fat tissue.
Researchers have discovered that certain soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania are well-suited for storing solar heat, featuring high energy densities and stability. These rocks show promise as a sustainable energy storage material for concentrated solar power generation and solar drying technology.
Researchers at Indian Institute of Science developed a novel thermal desalination system that uses solar energy to produce freshwater. The system is more energy-efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods, and can be adjusted to align with the sun's position during the day.