Latest news with #UlsanNationalInstituteofScienceandTechnology
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists achieve stunning energy breakthrough with tech borrowed from video games: 'A crucial technological innovation'
Scientists at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea developed an algorithm to improve the efficiency and stability of fusion energy, Interesting Engineering reported. The algorithm detects particle collisions in fusion energy reactors — which disrupt the fusion process — 15 times faster than previous detection methods. Fusion, the U.S. Department of Energy explains, is a form of nuclear energy. It differs from other forms of nuclear energy –– such as fission –– that require extractive uranium mining and produce radioactive waste. While fission generates energy by splitting atoms, fusion does so by combining them. This process of combining atoms does not create waste, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Two hydrogen atoms fuse into one helium atom in fusion, and this reaction occurs and generates energy on the sun, the U.S. Department of Energy describes. But producing this reaction on our planet requires an immense amount of pressure and extremely high temperatures, which is why fusion energy is still being researched and not yet available as power, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. While fusion energy needs further development, the scientists' breakthrough is a step toward application. The team used video game collision detection methods — which work by calculating the distance between two objects before they collide — as inspiration for the algorithm. The researchers applied and tested their algorithm on Virtual KSTAR, a digital replica of a fusion reactor called KSTAR in South Korea. They found that the algorithm reduced the calculations required to predict particle collisions in fusion reactors by 99.9%, Interesting Engineering reported, making the reactors more efficient and stable. The team hopes to further develop the algorithm and explore the use of supercomputers to make it even more efficient, according to Interesting Engineering. Fusion energy –– with breakthroughs such as the algorithm –– could provide a clean alternative to dirty energy, producing nearly 4 million times more energy per kilogram of fuel than coal or oil, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The collision detection algorithm we developed serves as a crucial technological innovation," Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology professor Eisung Yoon said. Should we be digging into the ground to find new energy sources? Definitely No way As long as it's not near me As long as it's clean energy 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
16-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists unveil breakthrough that could launch a new era of solar panels: 'Will significantly contribute to ... commercialization'
Organic solar cell technology is seen as the next generation for the sector, but challenges in longevity and efficiency have been stumbling blocks in commercialization. However, a recent study by international researchers showed promising results for extending their lifespan while improving their power conversion efficiency, as a report shared by Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology detailed. The team, led by professor BongSoo Kim from the department of chemistry at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea, found that by incorporating a cross-linking agent to its organic solar cell design, the lifespan can be improved by over 59%. A cross-link is a sequence of bonds that can improve the stability and resilience of polymer chains. Although previous cross-linking strategies have been explored, the report noted that "excessive amounts have often led to a decrease in battery efficiency." In their tests, the researchers found that a six-bridged azide cross-linker showed superior stabilizing effects with minimal additive quantities, resulting in a theoretical cross-linking efficiency of 96%, per the report. This improves on the conventional methods that used two and four azide units. After testing these improved organic photovoltaic cells, the researchers were able to demonstrate a power conversion efficiency of 11.7% following exposure to temperatures of 185 degrees Fahrenheit for 70 days. The report further explained that they retained 93.4% of their initial efficiency, while cells "without the cross-linker experienced a decline in efficiency to 8.17%, representing only 58.7% of the initial efficiency of 13.92%. This signifies a more than 59% improvement in performance longevity." Organic solar cells are among the best for producing thin-film devices, which can open up the field of solar collection to more applications, including flexible designs and semitransparent window coverings. As more solar power is added to the network, the costs go down, making electric bills more palatable for many, while some could eliminate them entirely. The cost of electricity from solar power already dropped 85% between 2010 and 2020. The burning of dirty fuels is responsible for 75% of planet-warming emissions and 90% of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, so we need to shift to more sustainable alternatives. If you were to install home solar panels, which of these factors would be your primary motivation? Energy independence Lower power bills Helping the planet No chance I ever go solar Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the United Nations says we need to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, and the development of more resilient organic solar cell technology could play a large role in achieving this. "We have successfully addressed the chronic stability issues in organic solar cells through the development of high-efficiency photo-crosslinking agents and comprehensive investigations into their mechanisms," Kim explained. "This research will significantly contribute to the development of stability enhancement technologies for the commercialization of [organic photovoltaics]," Kim added. 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
26-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists develop groundbreaking model to predict changes in the Arctic: 'Addresses the limitations of traditional ... models'
A powerful new artificial intelligence tool can predict changes in Arctic sea ice up to a year ahead of time, helping companies plan safer shipping routes while protecting one of Earth's most fragile places, reported Professor Jungho Im and his team at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology created an AI model that tells us how much ice will cover specific areas of the Arctic Ocean with remarkable accuracy — less than 6% error across an entire year. That's twice as precise as older prediction methods. The secret? A smart computer system called UNET that learns from past ice patterns and weather data, including air temperature, water temperature, sunlight, and wind. Think of it like a weather forecast but for ice coverage instead of rain. By studying these patterns over time, the AI can spot trends that human researchers might miss. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Arctic ice is getting harder to predict as temperatures rise. During major ice melts in 2007 and 2012, the new AI stayed steady with just 7% error. Previous tools struggled with errors over 17% during these critical periods. This means ships can now navigate more confidently, even during unpredictable conditions. The team discovered something interesting: Sunshine and wind have outsize effects on thinner ice areas. "This study addresses the limitations of traditional physics-based models by exploring the complex interplay of various environmental factors that impact changes in Arctic sea ice," Im said. He believes these findings will make Arctic shipping safer and smarter while giving leaders better data to protect this sensitive region. Companies can now map out ice-free routes months ahead, reducing fuel waste and helping ships avoid dangerous areas. This means fewer ships getting stuck, less fuel burned, and better protection for Arctic wildlife. This technology is ready to use, giving scientists and shipping companies a clearer picture of what's happening at the top of our planet. This means safer travel, better planning, and more intelligent choices for protecting the Arctic's future. For the first time, we can see almost a full year into the future of Arctic ice patterns, opening new possibilities for both commerce and conservation. 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.
