Wellingborough, U.K. (26 June 2012) – Average gross profits of crystalline photovoltaic (PV) industry module manufacturers fell to just nine U.S. cents per watt in the first quarter of 2012, putting huge pressure on suppliers according to the latest quarterly report from IMS Research, recently acquired by IHS. As a result of continued price pressure […]
Power Electronic Tips
UCLA-led research team develops world’s most powerful nanoscale microwave oscillators
A team of UCLA researchers has created the most powerful high-performance nanoscale microwave oscillators in the world, a development that could lead to cheaper, more energy-efficient mobile communication devices that deliver much better signal quality. Today’s cell phones, WiFi–enabled tablets and other electronic gadgets all use microwave oscillators, tiny devices that generate the electrical signals used […]
Bringing down the cost of fuel cells
New catalyst dramatically cheaper without sacrificing performance Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) have identified a catalyst that provides the same level of efficiency in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as the currently used platinum catalyst, but at 5% of the cost. Since more than 60% of the investment in making microbial fuel cells is […]
New technique allows simulation of noncrystalline materials
Multidisciplinary team develops mathematical approach that could help in simulating materials for solar cells and LEDs CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A multidisciplinary team of researchers at MIT and in Spain has found a new mathematical approach to simulating the electronic behavior of noncrystalline materials, which may eventually play an important part in new devices including solar […]
50 hydrogen filling stations for Germany: Federal Ministry of Transportation and industrial partners build nationwide network of filling stations
The German Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS) and several industrial companies today signed a joint Letter of Intent to expand the network of hydrogen filling stations in Germany. By 2015, Germany will have a supply network of at least 50 public filling stations. As part of the National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen […]
Betavoltaic power source provides source of continuous nanoWatt power for 20+ years
City Labs, Inc. has released its first commercial product, a tritium-based betavoltaic power source that enables low-power microelectronic and sensor applications where battery replacement is difficult, impossible, or life-threatening. The Model P100a betavoltaic power source provides a source of continuous nanoWatt power for 20 years or more in microelectronic platforms. Applications include environmental pressure/temperature […]
Historic triumph: Audi achieves first victory of a hybrid vehicle at Le Mans
– Audi R18 e-tron quattro on the two top spots – Eleventh success in total for Audi at Le Mans 24 Hours – Audi R18 ultra completes one-two-three win of Audi Sport Team Joest AUDI AG has achieved another technological milestone in motorsport. On the 80th running of the famous Le Mans 24 Hours, a […]
Helping superconductors turn up the heat
Researchers from the University of Miami (UM) are unveiling a novel theory for high-temperature superconductivity. The team hopes the new finding gives insight into the process, and brings the scientific community closer to achieving superconductivity at higher temperatures than currently possible. This is a breakthrough that could transform our world. Superconductors are composed of specific […]
Catching some rays
Solar cells make a leap forward Drawn together by the force of nature, but pulled apart by the force of man – it sounds like the setting for a love story, but it is also a basic description of how scientists have begun to make more efficient organic solar cells. At the atomic level, organic […]
ORNL microscopy reveals workings behind promising inexpensive catalyst
A newly developed carbon nanotube material could help lower the cost of fuel cells, catalytic converters and similar energy-related technologies by delivering a substitute for expensive platinum catalysts. The precious metal platinum has long been prized for its ability to spur key chemical reactions in a process called catalysis, but at more than $1,000 an […]