Renewables
Aqueous storage device can be charged in less than half a minute
A KAIST research team developed a new hybrid energy storage device that can be charged in less than half a minute. It employs aqueous electrolytes instead of flammable organic solvents, so it is both environmentally friendly and safe. It also facilitates a boosting charge with high energy density, which makes it suitable for portable electronic devices.
Wind and solar power could meet 80% of U.S. electricity demand
The United States could reliably meet about 80% of its electricity demand with solar and wind power generation, according to scientists at the University of California, Irvine; the California Institute of Technology; and the Carnegie Institution for Science. However, meeting 100% of electricity demand with only solar and wind energy would require storing several weeks’ worth of electricity to compensate for the natural variability of t...
How biofuels from plant fibres could fight global warming
Scientists, companies and government agencies are hard at work on decreasing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. In recent years, biofuels produced from corn have emerged as a fuel source to power motor vehicles and, perhaps, airplanes. But corn is problematic as a biofuel source material. It’s resource-intensive to grow, creates many environmental impacts, and is more useful as food.
Driving audio visuals to a greener future
A north east audio visual entrepreneur has overhauled his business to light the way to a better future for our planet. He now hopes that other local businesses will follow his green policy by making changes that will benefit the environment as well as saving them money and resources.
ROHM and VENTURI collaborate on Formula E
Since Season 3 (2016/2017), ROHM Semiconductor has been official technology partner of the VENTURI Formula E team. ROHM bring its SiC (Silicon carbide) power devices, which it claims to be a cutting edge technology for e-mobility, to the race track to increase the effectiveness of the power electronics system in the VENTURI Formula E cars. Formula E is the leading racing event for electric vehicles.
Sales and distribution begins on the all-in-one energy storage system
Berlin-based energy solutions provider for single and multi-family homes which fulfils the need for energy independence, Home Power Solutions (HPS) has announced the official start of sales and distribution of the energy storage system Picea, an all-in-one unit to supply year-round power from the consumer's own photovoltaic system, beginning in March. Customer orders will be recorded in a waiting list as of 1st March 2018. The...
Five-year agreement to optimise wind turbine foundations
In order to optimise the design of foundation structures for offshore wind turbines, Ørsted and the University of Oxford have signed a five-year research agreement. Continuing to drive down costs is critical for the offshore wind industry and Ørsted is working with several universities to help improve the design and performance of offshore wind turbines. A major collaboration on wind turbine design is currently ongoing with Dur...
Turn water vapour to tea as you travel
Commuters could soon be taken to work in a driverless car which is so clean they could relax on the journey with a cup of tea - brewed using water from the tailpipe. The Hyundai Nexo is a crossover SUV vehicle which runs on electrical energy generated by hydrogen fuel cells. Unlike traditional combustion engines, hydrogen cars don’t emit carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide so its only by-product is water vapour. Author: Adrian Hearn
Startup company develops charging standard for electric vehicles
No cable, no charging column, and no non-standardised plugs. Austrian start-up company, Easelink has developed a technology with which electric vehicles can be automatically charged via pads fastened to the ground - anywhere from underground garages to drive-ins. The stage is set for the electric charging standard of the future.
Chillers with lower global warming refrigerant solutions
The commitment Carrier Europe are showing to support the drive for lower global warming refrigerant solutions, is reflected in the Carrier AquaEdge 19XR water-cooled centrifugal chillers, 23XR water-cooled screw chillers and AquaForce 30KA/XA/XB air-cooled screw and 30XW/HX water-cooled screw chillers can be used with both R-134a as well as lower global warming potential (GWP) options including HFOs and blends such as R450A and R513A.