Latest news with #Aeolus
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Science
- The Advertiser
Researchers taking the wind out of cyclone devastation
Although Alfred was an ex-tropical cyclone by the time it reached Queensland in March, it still managed to cause over a billion dollars' damage. For most, the toll had it landed as a Category 5 system generating winds in excess of 250km/h, doesn't bear contemplating. Yet for an elite team of Australian National University researchers, it's the kind of scenario that lives rent free in their heads. The group is on course to establish how aerosols might hold the key to stopping destructive cyclones in their tracks. The small airborne particles have been shown to stunt storm development, according to the study's lead author Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley. With climate change making cyclones more dangerous, she is convinced innovative solutions have become crucial. "Others have looked at the impact of aerosols on a fully grown cyclone, when it might be about to hit land," she explained. "We thought, it may be easier to stop them before they start." Prof Prinsley and her colleagues have already shown it's possible. The trick lies in understanding the complex physics of how clouds form, including how tiny particles interact, how heat is released and how these processes impact one another other. Past efforts to modify storms have failed because researchers couldn't reliably predict their behaviour. Without accurate forecasting models, attempts to alter cloud formation have largely proved to be guesswork. However understanding how aerosols of different sizes disrupt extreme weather systems at the formation stage has provided the way forward. "We found coarse aerosols initially dampen vortex acceleration, while fine or ultrafine aerosols boost it first but later weaken it more than coarse aerosols," Prof Prinsley said. "Getting these aerosols to where they're needed is another challenge we're looking at - it would require several aircraft to disperse the aerosols over a few hours." She is confident Australia will become a global leader in the somewhat obscure scientific space, with the coastline off Western Australia providing a ripe testing ground. Cyclones that form there, the ones that will never hit land, are the best to test. The ANU team is collaborating with a Silicon Valley start-up also aiming to weaken cyclones before they threaten lives. The Australian research is the only long-term solution," according to Aeolus co-founder Koki Mashita. "In many parts around the world, the intensification of these events due to climate change has already led to significant increases in insurance premiums. "As we look into the next few decades, properties will truly become uninsurable and we will need to intervene." Although Alfred was an ex-tropical cyclone by the time it reached Queensland in March, it still managed to cause over a billion dollars' damage. For most, the toll had it landed as a Category 5 system generating winds in excess of 250km/h, doesn't bear contemplating. Yet for an elite team of Australian National University researchers, it's the kind of scenario that lives rent free in their heads. The group is on course to establish how aerosols might hold the key to stopping destructive cyclones in their tracks. The small airborne particles have been shown to stunt storm development, according to the study's lead author Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley. With climate change making cyclones more dangerous, she is convinced innovative solutions have become crucial. "Others have looked at the impact of aerosols on a fully grown cyclone, when it might be about to hit land," she explained. "We thought, it may be easier to stop them before they start." Prof Prinsley and her colleagues have already shown it's possible. The trick lies in understanding the complex physics of how clouds form, including how tiny particles interact, how heat is released and how these processes impact one another other. Past efforts to modify storms have failed because researchers couldn't reliably predict their behaviour. Without accurate forecasting models, attempts to alter cloud formation have largely proved to be guesswork. However understanding how aerosols of different sizes disrupt extreme weather systems at the formation stage has provided the way forward. "We found coarse aerosols initially dampen vortex acceleration, while fine or ultrafine aerosols boost it first but later weaken it more than coarse aerosols," Prof Prinsley said. "Getting these aerosols to where they're needed is another challenge we're looking at - it would require several aircraft to disperse the aerosols over a few hours." She is confident Australia will become a global leader in the somewhat obscure scientific space, with the coastline off Western Australia providing a ripe testing ground. Cyclones that form there, the ones that will never hit land, are the best to test. The ANU team is collaborating with a Silicon Valley start-up also aiming to weaken cyclones before they threaten lives. The Australian research is the only long-term solution," according to Aeolus co-founder Koki Mashita. "In many parts around the world, the intensification of these events due to climate change has already led to significant increases in insurance premiums. "As we look into the next few decades, properties will truly become uninsurable and we will need to intervene." Although Alfred was an ex-tropical cyclone by the time it reached Queensland in March, it still managed to cause over a billion dollars' damage. For most, the toll had it landed as a Category 5 system generating winds in excess of 250km/h, doesn't bear contemplating. Yet for an elite team of Australian National University researchers, it's the kind of scenario that lives rent free in their heads. The group is on course to establish how aerosols might hold the key to stopping destructive cyclones in their tracks. The small airborne particles have been shown to stunt storm development, according to the study's lead author Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley. With climate change making cyclones more dangerous, she is convinced innovative solutions have become crucial. "Others have looked at the impact of aerosols on a fully grown cyclone, when it might be about to hit land," she explained. "We thought, it may be easier to stop them before they start." Prof Prinsley and her colleagues have already shown it's possible. The trick lies in understanding the complex physics of how clouds form, including how tiny particles interact, how heat is released and how these processes impact one another other. Past efforts to modify storms have failed because researchers couldn't reliably predict their behaviour. Without accurate forecasting models, attempts to alter cloud formation have largely proved to be guesswork. However understanding how aerosols of different sizes disrupt extreme weather systems at the formation stage has provided the way forward. "We found coarse aerosols initially dampen vortex acceleration, while fine or ultrafine aerosols boost it first but later weaken it more than coarse aerosols," Prof Prinsley said. "Getting these aerosols to where they're needed is another challenge we're looking at - it would require several aircraft to disperse the aerosols over a few hours." She is confident Australia will become a global leader in the somewhat obscure scientific space, with the coastline off Western Australia providing a ripe testing ground. Cyclones that form there, the ones that will never hit land, are the best to test. The ANU team is collaborating with a Silicon Valley start-up also aiming to weaken cyclones before they threaten lives. The Australian research is the only long-term solution," according to Aeolus co-founder Koki Mashita. "In many parts around the world, the intensification of these events due to climate change has already led to significant increases in insurance premiums. "As we look into the next few decades, properties will truly become uninsurable and we will need to intervene." Although Alfred was an ex-tropical cyclone by the time it reached Queensland in March, it still managed to cause over a billion dollars' damage. For most, the toll had it landed as a Category 5 system generating winds in excess of 250km/h, doesn't bear contemplating. Yet for an elite team of Australian National University researchers, it's the kind of scenario that lives rent free in their heads. The group is on course to establish how aerosols might hold the key to stopping destructive cyclones in their tracks. The small airborne particles have been shown to stunt storm development, according to the study's lead author Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley. With climate change making cyclones more dangerous, she is convinced innovative solutions have become crucial. "Others have looked at the impact of aerosols on a fully grown cyclone, when it might be about to hit land," she explained. "We thought, it may be easier to stop them before they start." Prof Prinsley and her colleagues have already shown it's possible. The trick lies in understanding the complex physics of how clouds form, including how tiny particles interact, how heat is released and how these processes impact one another other. Past efforts to modify storms have failed because researchers couldn't reliably predict their behaviour. Without accurate forecasting models, attempts to alter cloud formation have largely proved to be guesswork. However understanding how aerosols of different sizes disrupt extreme weather systems at the formation stage has provided the way forward. "We found coarse aerosols initially dampen vortex acceleration, while fine or ultrafine aerosols boost it first but later weaken it more than coarse aerosols," Prof Prinsley said. "Getting these aerosols to where they're needed is another challenge we're looking at - it would require several aircraft to disperse the aerosols over a few hours." She is confident Australia will become a global leader in the somewhat obscure scientific space, with the coastline off Western Australia providing a ripe testing ground. Cyclones that form there, the ones that will never hit land, are the best to test. The ANU team is collaborating with a Silicon Valley start-up also aiming to weaken cyclones before they threaten lives. The Australian research is the only long-term solution," according to Aeolus co-founder Koki Mashita. "In many parts around the world, the intensification of these events due to climate change has already led to significant increases in insurance premiums. "As we look into the next few decades, properties will truly become uninsurable and we will need to intervene."
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Science
- Perth Now
Researchers taking the wind out of cyclone devastation
Although Alfred was an ex-tropical cyclone by the time it reached Queensland in March, it still managed to cause over a billion dollars' damage. For most, the toll had it landed as a Category 5 system generating winds in excess of 250km/h, doesn't bear contemplating. Yet for an elite team of Australian National University researchers, it's the kind of scenario that lives rent free in their heads. The group is on course to establish how aerosols might hold the key to stopping destructive cyclones in their tracks. The small airborne particles have been shown to stunt storm development, according to the study's lead author Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley. With climate change making cyclones more dangerous, she is convinced innovative solutions have become crucial. "Others have looked at the impact of aerosols on a fully grown cyclone, when it might be about to hit land," she explained. "We thought, it may be easier to stop them before they start." Prof Prinsley and her colleagues have already shown it's possible. The trick lies in understanding the complex physics of how clouds form, including how tiny particles interact, how heat is released and how these processes impact one another other. Past efforts to modify storms have failed because researchers couldn't reliably predict their behaviour. Without accurate forecasting models, attempts to alter cloud formation have largely proved to be guesswork. However understanding how aerosols of different sizes disrupt extreme weather systems at the formation stage has provided the way forward. "We found coarse aerosols initially dampen vortex acceleration, while fine or ultrafine aerosols boost it first but later weaken it more than coarse aerosols," Prof Prinsley said. "Getting these aerosols to where they're needed is another challenge we're looking at - it would require several aircraft to disperse the aerosols over a few hours." She is confident Australia will become a global leader in the somewhat obscure scientific space, with the coastline off Western Australia providing a ripe testing ground. Cyclones that form there, the ones that will never hit land, are the best to test. The ANU team is collaborating with a Silicon Valley start-up also aiming to weaken cyclones before they threaten lives. The Australian research is the only long-term solution," according to Aeolus co-founder Koki Mashita. "In many parts around the world, the intensification of these events due to climate change has already led to significant increases in insurance premiums. "As we look into the next few decades, properties will truly become uninsurable and we will need to intervene."
West Australian
2 days ago
- Science
- West Australian
Researchers taking the wind out of cyclone devastation
Although Alfred was an ex-tropical cyclone by the time it reached Queensland in March, it still managed to cause over a billion dollars' damage. For most, the toll had it landed as a Category 5 system generating winds in excess of 250km/h, doesn't bear contemplating. Yet for an elite team of Australian National University researchers, it's the kind of scenario that lives rent free in their heads. The group is on course to establish how aerosols might hold the key to stopping destructive cyclones in their tracks. The small airborne particles have been shown to stunt storm development, according to the study's lead author Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley. With climate change making cyclones more dangerous, she is convinced innovative solutions have become crucial. "Others have looked at the impact of aerosols on a fully grown cyclone, when it might be about to hit land," she explained. "We thought, it may be easier to stop them before they start." Prof Prinsley and her colleagues have already shown it's possible. The trick lies in understanding the complex physics of how clouds form, including how tiny particles interact, how heat is released and how these processes impact one another other. Past efforts to modify storms have failed because researchers couldn't reliably predict their behaviour. Without accurate forecasting models, attempts to alter cloud formation have largely proved to be guesswork. However understanding how aerosols of different sizes disrupt extreme weather systems at the formation stage has provided the way forward. "We found coarse aerosols initially dampen vortex acceleration, while fine or ultrafine aerosols boost it first but later weaken it more than coarse aerosols," Prof Prinsley said. "Getting these aerosols to where they're needed is another challenge we're looking at - it would require several aircraft to disperse the aerosols over a few hours." She is confident Australia will become a global leader in the somewhat obscure scientific space, with the coastline off Western Australia providing a ripe testing ground. Cyclones that form there, the ones that will never hit land, are the best to test. The ANU team is collaborating with a Silicon Valley start-up also aiming to weaken cyclones before they threaten lives. The Australian research is the only long-term solution," according to Aeolus co-founder Koki Mashita. "In many parts around the world, the intensification of these events due to climate change has already led to significant increases in insurance premiums. "As we look into the next few decades, properties will truly become uninsurable and we will need to intervene."
African Manager
25-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Scatec signs 120MW solar PPA with STEG
Scatec ASA, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tunisian state-owned utility Société Tunisienne de l'Electricité et du Gaz (STEG) for another 120 MW solar power plant (Sidi Bouzid II) in Tunisia, it said Monday. The PPA was awarded through a government tender in December 2024 to support Tunisia's ambitious renewable energy targets and enhance the country's energy security. Scatec has also signed a joint development agreement for the project with Aeolus SAS (Aeolus), part of the Japanese conglomerate Toyota Tsusho Group. The agreement strengthens the partners' collaboration in Tunisia, building on the success of the 60 MW Sidi Bouzid I and 60 MW Tozeur solar projects currently under construction. Scatec will own 50% of the Sidi Bouzid II project, while Aeolus will own 50%. The total estimated capital expenditure (capex) for the project is EUR 87 million and Scatec will be the designated EPC provider with an EPC share of approximately 85% of the capex. Scatec is currently in dialogue with selected financial institutions for debt financing of the project and the overall financing structure will be communicated at financial close, which is expected in the second half of 2025. 'This agreement marks a significant milestone for Scatec in Tunisia, reinforcing our collaboration with Aeolus and our commitment to driving the transition to renewable energy in the region. Tunisia is heavily dependent on gas imports, so projects like this are essential to diversify the energy mix and meet the country's ambitious renewable energy targets,' said Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec. Tunisia has committed to achieving 30% renewable energy by 2030 in order to reduce emissions, cut costs and increase energy security. With 97% of electricity generation currently coming from gas, around half of which is imported, Tunisia has an urgent need for additional renewable energy generation. To meet this demand, the authorities are planning further solar and wind auctions in the coming years. Scatec will continue to explore Tunisia's attractive renewable energy market through upcoming auctions, leveraging its partnership with Aeolus and fully integrated business model.
Khaleej Times
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Auto Review: 2025 Dongfeng Shine Max - A spacious sedan perfect for the family
This is the Dongfeng Shine Max. But with a multitude of badges plastered all over, like 'MAX' on the grille, 'MACH' on the side fender, 'AEOLUS' on the steering wheel, and a whole lot more, including '320T' at the rear, it can get confusing. But here's the deal. Dongfeng, like Geely and Chery, is the parent company. In its domestic market, this vehicle is sold under the Aeolus sub-brand as the 'Yixuan Max.' But since neither brand is well-established in the GCC, Dongfeng was chosen as the 'make' and 'Shine Max' as the model. As for the '320T', this refers to the torque rating, although it's rated at 300 Nm, but that is close enough. Now that there's some clarity, let's get on with the review. Design and aesthetics The Shine Max is a fairly large car, measuring 4797mm in length, 1870mm in width, and 1475mm in height. Its mid-size proportions are masked by its sporty delineations, and it has some intricate details — uncommon for the segment — embedded in its bodywork. Upfront, the 'Audio Explosive Digital Grille,' as the company calls it, features chrome floating points, a red strip above it, and angular faux air intakes that flank it. The profile shares a fastback roofline with angular, chiseled bodylines, and it rides on sophisticated 17-inch alloys. At the rear, there's the aptly named 'Blade through Full LED Tail Lamp' that extends across the whole vehicle's width. Overall, the Shine Max carries an elegant road-going presence, more so than what its price conveys. Similarly, the interior is designed with flair, beyond its asking price. The dual-tone black/brown colour scheme and dashboard decorations come together to form a modern cabin. It has a D-style 3-spoke steering wheel with large steering controls, a driver-centric 12.3-inch infotainment screen (lesser models get a 7-inch screen), and digital instrumentation with unique hexagonal digital bezels for the odometer and speedometer. Interestingly, I counted as many as eight different trim materials on the door panels, from Alcantara to faux leather to good-quality door plastics at the door bottoms, which makes it feel luxurious, dare I say. However, perfect it is not. Some menu fonts in the infotainment system are too small. The touch controls for the temperature settings are finicky and get washed out under the sun, and while the BMW-style shifter looks cool, it creaks. The biggest complaint, however, is the non-telescoping steering column. It's a non-issue if you're of average height, though. Also, the rake isn't too adjustable, for which reason I had the steering touch my thighs the whole time. But the seats themselves are decently comfortable and look luxurious. They're upholstered in nice, quilted faux leather with perforations and panelling. There's also plenty of rear cabin space, with up to 3 to 4 inches of knee room. One thing's for sure: despite its small quirks, the cabin doesn't feel like that of a cheap econo-box. It's a pleasant space. Powertrain and performance As little as 1.5 litres of displacement may seem, you can't belittle this turbocharged 4-cylinder 'MACH' motor. It has ample power for everyday use and then some more. And if you stomp your right foot, it pulls with enthusiasm at most rpms. In fact, I recorded an impressive 7.8-second run to 100 km/h from a standstill, which is quicker than the first-generation Toyota GT86 sportscar. There is also a good amount of chassis control, and you can drive fairly quickly around town or on the highway without feeling that the front wheels are giving way or feeling unstable. In fact, I'd say it's pretty exciting to drive, especially with the raspy exhaust note. It also has a good, cushioned ride without any fancy suspension bits—just the typical MacPherson independent front setup and multi-link suspension at the rear. Typical of its class, it gets disc brakes all around, which help shed speed in a sure-footed manner for all everyday driving situations. Dongfeng claims it will do 6.2 l/100km, which sounds believable, but under real-world conditions, I was able to average a decent 9.9 l/100km, equating to a respectable 600km range approximately from the 52-litre tank. No holes burnt in pockets here. Features and functionality The A/C system is efficient, and having rear vents helps as well. It also has fancy Porsche Taycan-style A/C vent directional controls, but the downside is that you have to go through the infotainment to make adjustments. In terms of technology, you do get USB ports (front and rear), and wireless charging under the centre console (which I couldn't get to work). But the pièce de résistance is that the driver's seat gets ventilation and massage functions, which are features unheard of for this segment. The massage provides proper focused pressure applications, better than some luxury vehicles even. But what's surprising is that the current batch is not equipped with FM radio or navigation. I was advised that a dongle for this purpose will be retrofitted, and future batches will include it. The sound reproduction on the 11-speaker sound system is good, but it could be louder, especially when Bluetooth-linked devices are used. And finally, it meets its family vehicle requirements of having a big central cubby, pop-up cup holders, and a deserving large boot with a 454-litre capacity. Verdict The Dongfeng Shine Max is a true dark horse and deserves a spot on your shortlist if you're in the market for an affordable family sedan. It is both chic and spacious inside and out. It boasts a punchy motor and a comfortable cabin with surprisingly luxurious features like the driver's side massage and seat ventilation. Ironically, it lacks some essentials like a radio and navigation, but a fix is promised. And yes, the steering column doesn't telescope, but if you're of average height, it won't be an issue. It's certainly a fun car to own and drive, and with a few simple tweaks, it's ready to 'Shine' even brighter. Specifications GOOD: Chic exterior and cabin; spacious; torquey and economical motor; driver massage and ventilation seats; affordable BAD: Steering column doesn't telescope; no radio or nav; small infotainment fonts; unproven reliability and residual value Editor's Rating: 7.0/10 stars Specifications Body type: 5-seater; 4-door mid-size sedan Engine: Front-engine; turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder; front-wheel drive Transmission: 7-speed DCT Peak output : 190 PS @ 5,200 rpm 300 Nm @ 2,000 – 4,000 rpm 0 to 100km/h: 7.8 seconds (estimated)
