The Open Compute Project (OCP) is focused on developing scalable computing for cloud data centers, artificial intelligence, and other large-scale computing applications. Immersion cooling can improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of those facilities. So, the interest of the OCP in immersion cooling is not surprising. The OCP immersion cooling requirements define materials compatibility needs […]
Sustainability
What are the power delivery challenges with 5G to maximize sustainability?
The two primary power delivery challenges with 5G new radio (NR) are improving operational efficiency and maximizing sleep time. For example, Ericsson estimates that 94% of the company’s carbon emissions are from the operation of its products. It’s been estimated that base station resources are generally unused 75 – 90% of the time, even on […]
Expanded processing capabilities for automotive, solar, and industrial applications
Texas Instruments will demonstrate several new developments in industrial automation, robotics, automotive, and renewable energy applications at electronica 2024. For factory automation, TI is presenting certified hardware and software for industrial communications using PROFINET®, EtherCAT® and EtherNet/IP™ software stacks. The technology enables connectivity and real-time motor control through single-chip solutions and licensed software for multi-protocol industrial […]
Battery recycling company completes construction of critical mineral extraction plant
Lithion Technologies, a company that develops, deploys, and operates sustainable and innovative patented technologies to recycle lithium-ion batteries, has completed the construction of its first commercial critical mineral extraction plant. The new plant, Lithion Saint-Bruno, is located in St-Bruno-de-Montarville, near Montreal, Canada. Lithion Saint-Bruno is the first lithium-ion battery critical mineral extraction plant in North America’s…
How is the performance of wood-fired pizza ovens measured?
The performance and pollution of wood-fired (and coal-fired) pizza ovens have become a “hot topic” with recent regulations promulgated in New York. This article briefly reviews the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) status of Neapolitan pizza and the importance of wood-fired ovens. It then presents a high-level overview of the test and […]
Trends for GaN adoption in xEV and clean energy power systems
Gate drivers hold the key for efficient wide bandgap semiconductor adoption on the road to sustainability. Innovative companies are developing disruptive new technologies that move the world towards a safer and more sustainable future. Wide bandgap semiconductors, notably GaN and SiC transistors, are a present-day example of a rapidly emerging and disruptive technology that dramatically […]
How does digital isolation contribute to sustainability?
In general, digital isolation can be implemented using capacitive, giant magneto restrictive (GMR), and magnetic technologies. The digitally isolated gate drivers used to drive silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) devices plus silicon power MOSFETs and IGBTs in green energy systems like electric vehicles (EVs) and solar inverters mostly rely on magnetic isolation techniques, […]
imec models semiconductor processes for sustainability
A software platform currently in beta testing creates a virtual fab to help the IC manufacturing value chain reach environmental targets by quantifying the manufacturing impact through a bottom-up approach with realistic process conditions and validated data from partners as well as imec state-of-the-art fab and equipment. Early in my career, I worked for a […]
How does vehicle-to-grid technology work to improve sustainability?
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is often touted as one key to a more sustainable energy infrastructure. Like other areas where technology strongly impinges on economic and social interactions, however, the reality is complex and nuanced. Battery chargers can be a particularly daunting technical problem when implementing V2G. The charger must be bidirectional and offer high efficiency.…
How advanced control strategies and system architectures contribute to sustainability
Doing something the same way as in the past rarely produces improved results. Technology is constantly evolving and improving, and new technologies can require new approaches. In the case of the power electronic systems discussed below, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are common themes in these advanced control strategies and system architectures. Another […]