Articles tagged with Power Industry
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a durable, inexpensive ice-repellent coating that can be applied to various surfaces, including airplanes, power lines, car windshinds, and freezers. The coating works by exploiting interfacial cavitation, a phenomenon where rubbery surfaces break free from solid ones with minimal force.
The Cyclotron Road program has selected its second cohort of innovators, including researchers working on next-generation batteries, advanced materials, and solar technologies. The new cohort will receive funding and mentorship to develop their technology from Berkeley Lab.
The DOE has awarded $220 million for 88 new projects across 14 National Laboratories to deliver new grid concepts, tools, and technologies. Berkeley Lab is leading two projects: the California Distributed Resource Planning and Optimization Platform and Future Utility Regulation.
Increasing US LNG exports will allow domestic natural-gas-intensive industries to remain competitive globally. The study found that LNG exports are associated with a net increase in domestic natural gas production, and their impact on the macroeconomy is marginally positive.
A new study from the University of Washington and MIT found that US fuel economy improvements are on par with those achieved in the 1970s, but may not be enough to meet future climate commitments. The research suggests that automakers have been unable to deliver sufficient levels of innovation since the 1990s, highlighting the need for...
Engineers at University of California, Santa Barbara developed a new tunnel field effect transistor that switches at only 0.1 volts and reduces power dissipation by over 90%, overcoming the fundamental limitations of conventional transistors.
Two new reports by Berkeley Lab examine future electric industry regulation, utility business models, reliability, affordability and cleaner resources. The first report discusses electric industry structure and regulatory responses in a high distributed energy resources future.
Researchers from Florida State University have created a new type of high-performing LED using organometal halide perovskites, which outshines traditional LEDs by about 25 times. The material is also quick and easy to produce, reducing production costs.
The new system, developed by EPFL's Distributed Electrical Systems Laboratory, is based on high-performance lithium-ion titanate cells and can store up to 500 kWh of energy. Researchers will use it to study and optimize the functioning of renewable energy systems and feed them into the power distribution grid.
A new center at Lehigh University is working on developing new technologies to protect the US power grid from cyber attacks. Researchers will identify and develop solutions for vulnerabilities across the grid, including protecting core power grid controls and communications infrastructure.
The Algae Foundation has been awarded a three-year grant from the Department of Energy to develop an associate's degree in algal biology, cultivation, and technology. This program will strengthen industry workforce capabilities by focusing on skills needed for commercializing algal products.
A recent study published in Renewable Energy predicts that the Midwest region will experience a 2% increase in wind energy density by 2038-2070 due to climate change. This is expected to provide additional power for residents, with some counties projected to gain enough energy to run multiple appliances continuously.
US fracking operations consume nearly 250 billion gallons of water between 2005 and 2014, which is lower than other energy-related extraction methods. However, in drought-stricken areas, local water shortages could limit future use of hydraulic fracturing.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed an optimization algorithm to minimize robot acceleration, reducing energy consumption by up to 40%. The algorithm coordinates multiple robots to optimize their movements and sequence, resulting in improved efficiency without compromising production time.
A Rice University-led consortium has been chosen to establish a new NSF Engineering Research Center to develop compact, mobile, off-grid water-treatment systems. The NEWT Center aims to provide clean water to millions of people who lack it and make U.S. energy production more sustainable and cost-effective.
Researchers at PNNL developed a new forecasting tool that can accurately predict electricity needs, reducing errors and costs. The Power Model Integrator uses an ensemble of models to adaptively combine strengths and address various scenarios, improving accuracy by up to 50%.
A study by the University of California Irvine found that economic downturns, rather than increased natural gas use, were responsible for a 11% decrease in climate-changing carbon dioxide emissions in the US. This shift was driven by changes in consumer demand and industrial output.
A new statistical technique predicts wind speeds more accurately than existing methods, even with limited data. The model uses non-Gaussian distributions and nonlinear correlations to improve accuracy, doubling predictions in some cases.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been selected as one of five national laboratories to lead the Department of Energy's new Small Business Vouchers Pilot. The lab will provide technology assistance to small clean energy firms in three sectors: bioenergy, water power, and buildings.
NREL is awarding up to $6.5 million in federal funds to technical teams across the US to test advanced control systems, smart consumer devices, energy storage, and emerging communications technologies for grid reliability and efficiency. The projects aim to accelerate modernization of the electric grid and enable a clean energy future.
The partnership aims to enhance the operation and development of testing facilities, enabling better understanding of wind turbine drivetrain systems. The collaboration will also promote public-private partnerships and workforce education in the energy industry.
David Wetz's research focuses on optimizing batteries' performance and lifespan when operated at high power. The project aims to develop safer, more efficient batteries for the U.S. Navy, addressing safety, size, and weight constraints.
A new tool uses seismic signals to estimate the energy released by military ordnance, mining events, industrial accidents, plane crashes, and terrorist attacks. The method can calculate yields for explosions hundreds or thousands of kilometers away from a seismic station.
A Binghamton University doctoral candidate is working on improving data center efficiency by analyzing air flow, turbulence, and cooling capacity. The research aims to reduce energy consumption by up to 30% in data centers.
The collaboration aims to provide diverse sources of investment for solar PV asset development in China, reducing future CO2 emissions. NREL will advise CPVFA on documentation standardization, data availability, and consistency in asset deployment.
Researchers at UC Riverside's Bourns College of Engineering will work with three Southern California water districts to deploy customized smart systems and controls. The project aims to cut electricity use by 10% and save millions of dollars.
Scientists develop a novel artificial photosynthetic system that converts light and carbon dioxide into building blocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals and fuels without electricity. The system harnesses solar energy and bacteria to produce chemical precursors for everyday products.
Marriott International partners with UTSA to improve its energy efficiency, leveraging Bing Dong's proprietary tool for real-time occupant behavior analysis and data-driven energy-saving recommendations. The partnership aims to reduce the company's global energy footprint by 20% by 2020.
The Global Conference on Inland Fisheries emphasizes the significant role of freshwater fish in global development, food security, and ecosystem health. Experts urge policymakers to prioritize inland fisheries, which provide vital protein, micronutrients, and economic benefits for millions worldwide.
The University of Houston has been selected to lead a national research center for subsea engineering and offshore energy development, with funding from the RESTORE Act. The Subsea Systems Institute will focus on reducing the risk of accidents and spills in the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is providing critical support to two new microgrid projects, receiving over $8 million in funding. These projects aim to develop commercially-viable standardized microgrid controllers that can provide a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply.
Researchers have developed a new type of smart window that can respond to heat cues, blocking unwanted heat from entering buildings while still allowing natural light to pass. The new design uses microscopic soft beads suspended in a liquid and has shown promise in reducing energy consumption on hot days.
Scientists have created an innovative way to utilize atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce high-value materials for energy storage products. This breakthrough in nanotechnology enables the creation of nanoporous graphene, which has exceptional electrical conductivity and surface area.
As energy becomes scarce, daily life in Western industrial nations will downshift into simpler forms due to reduced consumption. Behavioral scientists aim to help people cope with the transition by pre-familiarizing them with the changes and encouraging small, voluntary social experiments.
The new Lab-Corps program aims to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies from national laboratories to the marketplace. The program will partner with five national labs and provide funding, equipment, and expertise to help innovators bring their ideas to market.
Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have demonstrated a novel method for converting mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. This technique utilizes the charging phenomenon between bodies with different work functions, generating power that can be harnessed using external circuits or semiconductors. The technol...
Researchers at TUM developed a new process combining membrane separation processes to reduce energy consumption in powdered milk and whey production. By achieving higher dry matter concentrations, they can cut the energy consumed in subsequent evaporation and drying steps.
The hybrid micro-grid will test and demonstrate the integration of multiple large-scale renewable energy sources, ensuring a stable and consistent power supply. The initiative is expected to attract $20 million worth of projects over the next five years, supporting the development of practical renewable solutions.
A research team led by UT Austin is studying frozen methane under the Gulf of Mexico, a substance with huge potential to increase the world's energy supply. The four-year project will acquire intact samples to better understand how to produce these deposits and unlock their enormous energy resources.
The Visio.M consortium presents a small electric car with an efficient range of around 160 km and advanced safety features. The vehicle's lightweight design reduces costs and improves driving dynamics.
A team of University of Pittsburgh professors is working on a project to transition the US power grid to direct current (DC) using a $800,000 grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. DC technology has the potential to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy, especially in low-income areas. The researchers aim to devel...
NREL's commercialization strategy and partnering approach enable technology transfer to the market. The lab has more CRADAs than any other national laboratory, including a partnership with GeoSolarHeat to license its transpired solar collector technology for poultry farms.
A laboratory study has found that taking into consideration both the current and previous orders in flexible joints can significantly reduce energy consumption. The researchers used polynomial or fractional order reconstructions, which may be of interest for robot elbows and wrists, with potential savings up to 40%.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed office and laboratory spaces that demonstrate high-performance, sustainable building designs and constructions. The campus features facilities with best-in-class energy efficiency and sustainability practices.
Finland is developing a new energy system for storing solar and wind energy, targeting greenhouse gas reduction and energy self-sufficiency. The NEO-CARBON ENERGY project aims to create Finnish companies' international RÝ competitiveness and explore business opportunities in the global market.
The ESIF's Peregrine supercomputer can perform a quadrillion calculations per second, facilitating the development of modern energy systems integration. The facility enables on-site and remote viewing of experimental data, allowing researchers to ask 'what if' questions and optimize system design.
The Precourt Institute and KQED have developed a two-part e-book series on energy, exploring its basics and applications. The interactive Energy iBooks Textbooks aim to promote energy literacy among students aged 8-13.
Researchers at the American Chemical Society have developed a novel compound that reduces the bleaching temperature of cotton fabrics from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees, significantly lowering energy consumption and producing less wastewater. The new method also improves fabric quality and maintains vibrant colors.
The Banking on Solar working group aims to standardize contracts and underwriting processes, educating banks about the risks and rewards of solar assets. This effort has already begun developing standardized loan documents and underwriting criteria in residential and commercial markets.
The Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Research and Station Technology (H2FIRST) project aims to reduce the cost and time of fueling station construction, increase station availability, and improve reliability. NREL and Sandia will share their hydrogen research expertise to develop low-cost, high-performance materials and components.
Researchers developed a fiber-like supercapacitor with high volumetric energy density, comparable to thin-film lithium batteries. The device offers fast charging and discharging capabilities, making it suitable for powering wearable medical monitors and communications equipment.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to convert cellulose from trees into nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon membranes, used in high-power energy storage devices called supercapacitors. This single-step reaction could enable mass production of these devices at lower cost.
Javad Lavaei, assistant professor of electrical engineering at Columbia University, has received a $400,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop high-performance optimization methods for power systems. His research aims to improve the design, modernization, and operation of smart grids, reducing electricity costs, power outages, and gas emissions.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed systems to process large amounts of industrial data, increasing plant availability and reducing energy consumption. By analyzing data in real-time, operators can quickly identify and eliminate disruptions, optimizing production processes.
The Journal of the Energy Institute is now available online, covering topics like combustion engineering, biofuels, and clean coal technology. The partnership aims to make high-quality research accessible to industry professionals and researchers worldwide.
Karl Gschneidner, known as 'Mr. Rare Earth,' has been awarded the Materials and Society Award for his groundbreaking research on rare earths, essential ingredients in clean-energy technologies. His work has led to innovative solutions, including magnetic cooling devices with significant energy and environmental benefits.
A new study by Brigham Young University researcher Peter Madsen finds that emphasizing project significance and safety can increase recognition of near-misses. This approach has been effective at NASA, where it improved safety reporting after the Columbia shuttle tragedy.
Researchers created a model that projects how much energy can be saved with changes to China's building energy codes, which could reduce fossil fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions. The study found that improvements to codes could reduce building energy consumption by up to 22 percent by the end of this century.
The Next Generation Power Electronics Innovation Institute aims to create new jobs and boost the nation's manufacturing industry. ASU researchers will focus on developing gallium nitride-based power electronic devices for energy-efficient power conversion and Silicon Carbide-based materials for medium voltage high power converters.
Researchers found that high-temperature superconductivity in copper oxides forms as material cools from a state where electrons exhibit charge ordering, a phenomenon previously unknown. The study provides a crucial clue to understanding how to enhance superconductivity and potentially increase temperatures.