Latest news with #TechXplore
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make incredible energy breakthrough using 'liquid air': 'We believe our findings justify the continued exploration'
Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, provide alternatives to dirty energy, and their increased use has sparked research. One team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Norwegian University of Science and Technology researched a method for storing renewable energy called liquid air energy storage (LAES), Tech Xplore reported. The team studied the technology and its economic viability, discovering it is efficient and cost-effective. This discovery proves promising since the use of renewable energy is rising. Renewables produced about 21% of the electricity in the U.S. in 2023, while nearly 90% of new electricity capacity came from renewables in the first nine months of 2024. Solar was the fastest-growing source of electricity in the U.S. last year, and wind power surpassed coal power. However, electricity generation from resources like solar or wind depends on how sunny or windy it is, Tech Xplore explained. Storing these resources when they're abundant enables us to use them when they're not, and energy storage is critical to transition to renewable energy and away from dirty energy. That's where LAES comes into play. LAES works by charging, storing, and discharging energy, according to Tech Xplore. The LAES system charges when energy supply exceeds demand, and the system intakes and liquefies air. This liquefied air is stored until needed, then it is heated back into a gas, which produces electricity. The system completes this process without additional energy, making it clean. It also does not rely on rare or expensive materials and can be built almost anywhere, Tech Xplore stated. Since it utilizes available materials, constructing the LAES system is cost-effective. The researchers also studied the economic viability of operating the system, measuring its net present value across 18 U.S. regions under eight decarbonization scenarios. They found Texas and Florida to be the best markets for the system under all scenarios, while subsidies for the system improved its NPV across all regions. The researchers also measured the levelized cost of storage — the cost of storing each unit of energy — discovering that LAES cost about $60 per megawatt-hour regardless of decarbonization scenario. This cost makes LAES more affordable than other energy storage systems, such as lithium-ion battery storage or pumped hydro storage. While LAES is technologically feasible, its economic feasibility will determine its future. The team of researchers stressed the need for further development of the technology amidst the shifting energy landscape. "This is why the story of liquid air storage is far from over. We believe our findings justify the continued exploration of LAES as a key energy storage solution for the future," MIT doctoral candidate and researcher Shaylin Cetegen said. Should the government be paying us to upgrade our homes? Definitely Depends on how much it costs Depends on what it's for No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials make urgent move as country faces power grid collapse: 'The quickest way to obtain energy'
Approximately every six weeks in Cuba, the unreliable and outdated electric grid plunges the majority of the country into darkness — sometimes for days at a time. Now, a solar project hopes to pick up the slack and bring some stability to the country's power supply, Tech Xplore reported. The new project consists of 44,000 solar panels across 55 photovoltaic solar parks. Several of them will occupy sites that had previously been dedicated to Soviet-funded nuclear power plants, which have sat abandoned since the USSR collapsed. Currently, Cuba generates power from just eight thermoelectric power plants — which Tech Xplore described as "outdated" — as well as crude-oil generators and floating electric plants rented from a Turkish company. These all use dirty fossil fuels to produce energy, which has led to a number of issues. Fossil fuels, including oil and gas, are both expensive and in short supply in Cuba. In fact, some of the generators are using crude oil that is also in demand for fueling cars, tractors, and ambulances on the island. Add to that the pollution — including air pollution near the power generators, which has been found to pose a grave threat to public health — and the formula isn't looking good. That's why the country is aiming to generate 12% of its energy from renewable sources by the end of 2025 and 37% of it by 2030. And solar is an excellent first step in this effort. Tech Xplore quoted Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy, who told state-run newspaper Granma that solar is key because "investments are cheaper, they are built more quickly, and can be spread throughout the country." Installing batteries will also be critical, as they'll be able to store excess energy to use in the event of a dip in power. But understandably, the entire undertaking is costly; fortunately for Cuba, while its Western allies remain scant, China is investing heavily in the project. The costs were estimated to be several million dollars, although no exact numbers have been made public. Tech Xplore also quoted Eliecer Machin, a former Soviet thermophysicist who stayed in Cuba even after the nuclear plants were closed. He is hopeful about the implementation of solar, calling it "the quickest way to obtain energy" for Cuba's energy-stable future. Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Automaker announces revolutionary technology that could change the future of electric cars: 'To completely solve users' anxiety'
Chinese automaker BYD recently unveiled a new ultra-fast charging system that could drastically alter the landscape for electric vehicles. According to Tech Xplore, BYD announced that its new flash chargers can provide 250 miles of range for an EV in just five minutes. The company plans to roll out 4,000 of these stations across China. BYD's founder, Wang Chuanfu, said in a statement, "To completely solve users' anxiety over charging, our pursuit is to make the charging time for EVs as short as the refueling time for fuel vehicles." On average, it takes about three to five minutes to completely fill a gas tank. The fastest charging available in the United States is at New York City's Gravity Charging Center, which can charge 200 miles in five minutes, according to Spectrum News. However, only 24 spots are available, and the nearest mass-market equivalent to BYD's charging stations takes around three times longer. These developments in fast-charging technology are hugely significant in encouraging more consumers to adopt electric vehicles. According to PBS, a poll found that half of Americans are reluctant to switch to an EV due to concerns about range. Although the U.S. has over 200,000 charging stations, coverage is patchy in some areas. Research shows that range anxiety is largely overstated, but ultra-fast charging stations will go a long way toward alleviating that concern. EVs still have some manufacturing issues, but they're a significantly better option for the environment than gas-powered cars. China leads the way in EV adoption, and BYD surpassed Tesla in annual sales in 2024. However, a 100% tariff imposed by the Biden administration last year has effectively shut BYD out of the U.S. market. This means offerings such as the $11,500 Seagull won't be available to American consumers. Still, the impact of China's massive market transitioning more toward fully electric vehicles is a significant boost for the country's long-term pollution reduction goals. As battery technology improves, range increases, and fast charging becomes more accessible, the future of electric vehicles is exciting. There's never been a better time to consider making your next vehicle electric. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make critical breakthrough in effort to build limitless energy machines: 'This method could represent a viable approach'
Researchers working on ways to clean dirtied groundwater from oil and gas drilling may have stumbled upon a fusion energy breakthrough, according to findings published by Tech Xplore. At issue is lithium-6, another form of the crucial metal in batteries that powers electric vehicles and other electronics. This type of the element is needed for fusion reaction fuel, but gathering it has typically involved a toxic process using liquid mercury that has been banned in the U.S. since 1963. As a result, the country has a dwindling supply of lithium-6 for research stored at a government lab, per the study and the World Nuclear Association. That's why the experts — from Texas A&M, Canadian Light Source, and Switzerland's ETH Zürich — were happy to see lithium-6 gathered on their membrane. "Lithium-6 is a critical material for the renaissance of nuclear energy, and this method could represent a viable approach," study senior author Sarbajit Banerjee, of ETH and Texas A&M, said in the findings. Nuclear fusion could provide for a global energy revolution if the reaction can be sustainably maintained. Experts all over the world are working on controlling it, often in giant donut-shaped machines called tokamaks that use magnetic fields and extreme heat. A laser-based concept being developed in San Francisco is touted as being able to power a city with three soda cans' worth of fuel. Nuclear fission already provides nearly 20% of the country's electricity. New projects to add more capacity are being planned. But critics often cite misunderstood nuclear waste — it's in the form of ceramic pellets, not oozy green drums — and rare and terrible meltdowns as reasons to avoid it. Cost is another factor. RMI co-founder and physicist Amory Lovins told The Cool Down that solar and wind power are more cost-effective projects to develop for grid-supporting efforts. RMI is a Colorado-based energy think tank. Fusion could remedy most of the concerns. It combines atoms to create abundant energy, instead of splitting them, and doesn't produce any long-lasting nuclear waste, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But experts need more lithium-6 to trigger the reaction. The groundwater filter is showing promise as a collector, in part due to single-dimensional tunnels. It can selectively trap lithium, separating lithium-6 from 7 as water is sent through with an electric current applied. "Lithium-6 ions stick a lot stronger to the tunnels, which is the mechanism of selectivity," study co-first author Andrew Ezazi of Texas A&M said in the report. The membrane turns dark green as more of the element is gathered, making success easy to monitor. The collection rate is on par with the banned mercury process, the experts added. Should we be digging miles beneath Earth's surface? No way Definitely Depends what it's for Depends where we do it Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. It's part of an energy shift happening all over the world as countries invest in planet-friendlier projects to alleviate our heat-trapping air pollution burden. The World Health Organization reported that poor air quality affects nearly everyone, increasing the risks of heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. Geothermal projects and battery-stored renewable energy are other options. Anyone can take part in this transition by upgrading to cleaner tech at home with the help of still-available tax breaks. You can even gear your 401(k) investments to have a cleaner focus, yielding returns on par with traditional accounts. If the membrane developers are successful, a fusion reaction enterprise might be seeking investors soon. But first, the experts must scale their technique. "I think there's a lot of interest in nuclear fusion as the ultimate solution for clean energy. We're hoping to get some support to build this into a practicable solution," Banerjee said in the findings, per Tech Xplore. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make serious breakthrough that could lead to unbelievable energy tech: 'Promising candidates'
Scientists in South Korea may have just cracked a big challenge in battery tech. A team at Hanyang University in Seoul has created a new design written up for the journal Nature Energy that could help solid-state batteries finally live up to the hype, delivering longer-lasting power for everything from electric vehicles to home energy systems. Solid-state platforms "are promising candidates for next-generation batteries with high energy densities and safety," wrote the Korean researchers, as reported by Tech Xplore. But such designs still face major technical challenges, the scientists added, particularly "severe capacity fading" due to the rapid breakdown of their energy-storing materials. That means that, over time, these high-tech batteries lose their ability to hold a charge, making them less useful and requiring more frequent replacements. However, the Hanyang researchers say they've now figured out how to make one of the most important battery parts — the cathode — far more durable. The cathode is a section of the battery that stores and releases electricity, and it's often made with high amounts of nickel in solid-state systems. To get to the root of why these nickel-rich cathodes degrade so quickly, the Korean team built four different versions of one and tested how they held up through repeated use. Based on their findings, the researchers redesigned the cathode to hold its shape better. In early tests, this upgraded design kept more than 80% of its charging power even after 300 charge cycles, a major improvement over earlier versions. If the technology scales, it could mean longer-lasting batteries that don't need to be swapped out as often, saving both money and materials. Solid-state batteries are so named for their upgraded electrolytes — the medium that allows energy to flow between components — which use solid materials instead of the often flammable liquids found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. Using these solids can also streamline the battery's function by making parts in traditional systems obsolete, a feature that could yield even lighter power packs in the future. Because of their promised benefits, solid-state tech has attracted a lot of attention from researchers around the world, who are now chipping away at the remaining technical hurdles. In the U.S., scientists at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois have been developing their own new kind of layered cathode made from nickel, manganese, and cobalt that performs more reliably at high voltages, a common weakness in today's battery tech. Their design reduces the amount of cobalt needed, helping to lower costs and reduce environmental harm linked to cobalt mining, all while keeping battery performance strong. Should the U.S. invest more in battery innovations? Absolutely Depends on the project We're investing enough We should invest less Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Together, these breakthroughs point to a future where energy storage is cleaner, safer, and built to last. That would give people a lot more control over how they power their homes and lives — not to mention fewer reasons to worry about what happens when the battery dies. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
