TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State University (ASU) researchers will embark on a novel renewable energy project with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Water Sustainability and Climate program (WSC). NSF is providing $1.5 million to ASU to identify suitable locations across the United States where perennial biomass energy crops (e.g., miscanthus and […]
Power Electronic Tips
Solar cell consisting of a single molecule
Individual protein complex generates electric current A team of scientists, led by Joachim Reichert, Johannes Barth, and Alexander Holleitner (Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Clusters of Excellence MAP and NIM), and Itai Carmeli (Tel Aviv University) developed a method to measure photocurrents of a single functionalized photosynthetic protein system. The scientists could demonstrate that such a system […]
Longest fiber-optic sensor network developed
Montserrat Fernández-Vallejo, a telecommunications engineer and graduate of the UPNA-Public University of Navarre, has experimentally developed various fibre-optic sensor networks for the remote monitoring of large infrastructures. Specifically, she has managed to develop the largest network so far in existence —measuring 250 km—, which is equipped with a multiplexing capability, (which enables two or more […]
Amsterdam goes green with electric scooter taxis
(Reuters) – Six years ago Dutchman Ruben Beugels was on an Amsterdam tram that broke down, leaving him stuck in an out-of-the way place, and late for an appointment when he couldn’t quickly find another means of transport. “I was very frustrated at being late, and it was then that I thought, hey a scooter […]
New method monitors semiconductor etching as it happens — with light
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois researchers have a new low-cost method to carve delicate features onto semiconductor wafers using light – and watch as it happens. “You can use light to image the topography and you can use light to sculpture the topography,” said electrical and computer engineering professor Gabriel Popescu. “It could change […]
Nickelblock: An element’s love-hate relationship with battery electrodes
RICHLAND, Wash. — Anyone who owns an electronic device knows that lithium ion batteries could work better and last longer. Now, scientists examining battery materials on the nano-scale reveal how nickel forms a physical barrier that impedes the shuttling of lithium ions in the electrode, reducing how fast the materials charge and discharge. Published last […]
Doctoral student developing next generation of batteries for improved mobile devices, electric cars
MANHATTAN, KAN. — Sometimes even batteries can use a boost of energy, according to the focus of a Kansas State University graduate student’s research. Steven Arnold Klankowski, a doctoral candidate in chemistry, La Crescent, Minn., is working under Jun Li, professor of chemistry, to develop new materials that could be used in future lithium-ion batteries. […]
China solar groups reject illegal subsidy complaint
(Reuters) – Yingli Green Energy and Trina Solar, two of China’s largest solar equipment makers, rejected on Wednesday allegations by a group of European solar panel companies that Chinese rivals are benefiting from illegal subsidies. In a complaint to the European Commission on Tuesday, the EU ProSun group said Chinese solar companies benefited from very […]
U.S. poised to hand over $197 million to another solar panel start-up
(Reuters) – A tiny solar company named SoloPower will flip the switch on production at a U.S. factory Thursday, a major step toward allowing it to tap a $197 million government loan guarantee awarded under the same controversial program that supported failed panel maker Solyndra. SoloPower has initiated a strategy to differentiate it from struggling […]
3eTI launches industry’s first military-grade secure ISA100 wireless mesh network solution
3e Technologies International (3eTI) announced its new AirGuard iMesh suite of products. The iMesh Gateway, an ISA100 to IEEE 802.11 device and the iMesh Sensor Node, a low-power ISA 100 node, combine to enable wireless process automation with military-grade levels of security – offering a robust solution for wireless networks in industrial environments. New cyber […]