http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/energy/ Energy Sources. News and Research. Articles on everything from hydrogen powered cars and solar energy systems to nuclear reactors and fossil fuels. en-us Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/energy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720220017.htm A electrotechnology student has devised an ECG machine that runs on solar energy. This especially lends itself to use in developing countries or troubled areas. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720220017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080724064840.htm Converting livestock manure into a domestic renewable fuel source could generate enough electricity to meet up to three percent of North America's entire consumption needs and lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, according to U.S. research. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080724064840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722131700.htm Chemical engineers have developed a chlorine-tolerant membrane that should simplify the water desalination process, increasing access to fresh water and possibly reducing greenhouse gases. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722131700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722152609.htm A researcher has proposed a microgrid-based power plant with its own local power sources and independent control as a more dependable, efficient, and cost effective system than traditional telecom power systems. Microgrids would also be a quick and inexpensive way to include renewable energy sources for both existing and developing systems. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722152609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723094838.htm An estimated 19 percent of total energy used in the USA is taken up in the production and supply of food. It is important that ways of reducing this significant fuel consumption in the US food system are found. Researchers now set out strategies which could potentially cut fossil energy fuel use by as much as 50 percent. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723094838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722072030.htm Scientists modeled emissions for Minnesota and found that it is possible to reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050 and possibly exceed those numbers if a combination of strategies are implemented, including reducing fuel consumption, increasing fuel efficiencies and fuel carbon content and by using new methods for designing communities. However, the researchers point out that the methods could be applied nationally. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722072030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717134601.htm Researchers have overcome a major obstacle in reducing the cost of "solid state lighting," a technology that could cut electricity consumption by 10 percent if widely adopted. The technology, called light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, is about four times more efficient than conventional incandescent lights and more environmentally friendly than compact fluorescent bulbs. The LEDs also are expected to be far longer lasting than conventional lighting, lasting perhaps as long as 15 years before burning out. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717134601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717101520.htm A transition to hydrogen vehicles could greatly reduce US oil dependence and carbon dioxide emissions, says a new congressionally mandated report from the National Research Council, but making hydrogen vehicles competitive in the automotive market will not be easy. Vehicle costs are high, and the U.S. currently lacks the infrastructure to produce and widely distribute hydrogen to consumers. The maximum practicable number of hydrogen vehicles that could be on the road by 2020 is 2 million, says the report. The number of hydrogen vehicles on the road could then grow rapidly, to nearly 60 million in 2035 and 200 million by 2050. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717101520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715092602.htm A greener, less expensive method to produce hydrogen for fuel may eventually be possible with the help of water, solar energy and nanotube diodes that use the entire spectrum of the sun's energy. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715092602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717224333.htm Global warming is mainly caused by greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities; however, current climatic variations may be affected "around 15% or 20%" by solar activity," according to one researcher. In the past, the sun was the main external agent affecting climate change on Earth, together with the effects of volcanic explosions and internal factors such as ocean currents. The role of the sun in the Earth's climatic variations "is not inconsiderable," but the researcher pointed out that over the last 40 years solar activity has not increased, and has in fact remained constant or even diminished, which is why it is difficult to attribute a significant global warming effect to it. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717224333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080716204805.htm Researchers have combined the efforts of two kinds of bacteria to produce hydrogen in a bioreactor, with the product from one providing food for the other. This technology has an added bonus: leftover enzymes can be used to scavenge precious metals from spent automotive catalysts to help make fuel cells that convert hydrogen into energy. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080716204805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715165441.htm Rock Port Missouri, with a population of just over 1,300 residents, has announced that it is the first 100% wind powered community in the United States. Four wind turbines supply all the electricity for the small town. Rock Port's 100% wind power status is due to four wind turbines located on agricultural lands within the city limits of Rock Port (Atchison County). The city of Rock Port uses approximately 13 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year. It is predicted that these four turbines will produce 16 million kilowatt hours each year. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715165441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710125527.htm As the 21st century progresses, major cities in heavily air-conditioned California can expect more frequent extreme-heat events because of climate change. This could mean increased electricity demand for the densely populated state, raising the risk of power shortages during heat waves, according to an earth scientist and a climate researcher. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710125527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710094028.htm In a first for Australia, carbon dioxide has been captured from power station flue gases in a post-combustion-capture pilot plant at Loy Yang Power Station in Victoria's Latrobe Valley. Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710094028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710094033.htm Microorganisms once reigned supreme on the Earth, thriving by filling every nook and cranny of the environment billions of years before humans first arrived on the scene. Now, this ability of microorganisms to grow from an almost infinite variety of food sources may play a significant role in bailing out society from its current energy crisis. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710094033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710142927.htm Imagine windows that not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also use sunlight to efficiently help power the building they are part of. Engineers report a new approach to harnessing the sun's energy that could allow just that. The work, reported in Science, involves the creation of a novel solar concentrator. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710142927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080711090731.htm A report on how Australia can best respond to the environmental and economic challenges arising from its dependence on fossil fuels for transport has just been released. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080711090731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709210529.htm Efforts to harness the energy potential of Earth's ocean winds could soon gain an important new tool: global satellite maps from NASA. Scientists have been creating maps using nearly a decade of data from NASA's QuikSCAT satellite that reveal ocean areas where winds could produce wind energy. The new maps have many potential uses including planning the location of offshore wind farms to convert wind energy into electric energy. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709210529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707141635.htm A new way to help technologists develop efficient and inexpensive plastic electronic devices, such as plastic solar cells and a new type of transistor has been developed. As the probe bobs up and down the force required to keep it oscillating at a steady rate changes measurably, which tells the scientists about the nature of the scanned surface. By using different vibration frequencies, it is possible obtain nanoscale measurements on materials. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707141635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080703101329.htm A device consisting of a giant rubber tube may hold the key to producing affordable electricity from the energy in sea waves. Named after the snake of the same name because of its long thin shape, the Anaconda is closed at both ends and filled completely with water. It is designed to be anchored just below the sea's surface, with one end facing the oncoming waves. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080703101329.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701103606.htm Would shrinking your carbon footprint, recycling more, and going green be easier if you could monitor your household's environmental impact? Researchers recorded and compared heating fuel, electricity, water, vehicle fuel costs and waste generation for each household and on the basis of this data recommended cost-effective measures to reduce consumption. The team found that, on average, just over 25% of the recommended measures were implemented, which resulted in an estimated greenhouse gas reduction of about two tonnes for each household. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701103606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080629130741.htm Scientists have achieved a record light conversion efficiency of 8.2 percent in solvent-free dye-sensitized solar cells. This breakthrough in efficiency without the use of volatile organic solvents will make it possible to pursue large scale, outdoor practical application of lightweight, inexpensive, flexible dye-sensitized solar films that are stable over long periods of light and heat exposure. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080629130741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623113722.htm Biofuels can be a sustainable part of the world's energy future, especially if bioenergy agriculture is developed on currently abandoned or degraded agricultural lands. Using these lands for energy crops, instead of converting existing croplands or clearing new land, avoids competition with food production and preserves carbon-storing forests needed to mitigate climate change. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623113722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617115524.htm In many villages throughout Tibet, there are two ways to cook a meal. There's the traditional open fire, fueled by yak dung or the region's increasingly scarce wood. And then there are solar cookers, concentrating mirrors made of two-inch-thick concrete and covered with a mosaic of small glass mirrors. Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617115524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617114723.htm Expert in the integration of solar cell technology in architecture are creating designs for flexible photovoltaic materials that may change the way buildings receive and distribute energy. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617114723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619142118.htm Posting a vehicle's fuel efficiency in "gallons per mile" rather than "miles per gallon" would help consumers make better decisions about car purchases and environmental impact, researchers report in the journal Science. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619142118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611154206.htm Diesel fuel prices approaching $5 a gallon -- and the resulting economic impact on products transported by truck -- have created renewed interest in fuel-saving technologies developed during the past decade. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611154206.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611093842.htm Gypsum, a rocky mineral is abundant in desert regions where fresh water is usually in very short supply but oil and gas fields are common. Researchers have hit on the idea of using the untapped energy from oil and gas flare-off or small-scale solar power to release the water locked in gypsum. Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611093842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611181214.htm Biomass energy--energy generated from agricultural waste or specially grown energy crops--has been widely touted as a clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Research is booming to improve energy crops and methods of converting crops to fuel. Already, Brazil gets 30% of its automotive fuel from ethanol distilled from sugar cane. But critics warn that "energy farming" will gobble up land needed to grow food or will impinge on natural ecosystems, possibly even worsening the climate crisis. Sat, 14 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611181214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604140935.htm A cryogenic pressure vessel developed and installed in an experimental hybrid vehicle can hold liquid hydrogen for six days without venting any of the fuel. Unlike conventional liquid hydrogen tanks in prototype cars, the new pressure vessel was parked for six days without venting evaporated hydrogen vapor. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604140935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603102752.htm The threat of global warming may also present a significant opportunity for innovation and fresh solutions to today's energy challenges. According to some researchers,there is a vast untapped potential in using microbes in service to society to meet our energy challenges. Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603102752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604141014.htm The answer to the looming fuel crisis in the 21st century may be found by thinking small, microscopic in fact. Microscopic organisms from bacteria and cyanobacteria, to fungi to microalgae, are biological factories that are proving to efficient sources of inexpensive, environmentally friendly biofuels that can serve as alternatives to oil. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604141014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603110849.htm Researchers are working on a thermoelectric generator that converts the heat from car exhaust fumes into electricity. The module feeds the energy into the car's electronic systems. This cuts fuel consumption and helps reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603110849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527155540.htm Scientists are developing a process that cleans up and improves the dry-grind ethanol production process. The process uses fungus to reduce energy costs, allow more water recycling and improve a co-product that's used as livestock feed. The process could change ethanol production in dry-grind plants so much that energy costs can be reduced by as much as one-third, according to researchers. Fri, 30 May 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527155540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527130056.htm Biofuels based on renewable sources are increasingly popular as a way to reduce fossil fuel dependence and limit greenhouse gas emissions, but new research shows that some of the most popular current biofuel stocks might have exactly the opposite impacts than intended. Thu, 29 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527130056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527091942.htm Researchers have found irrefutable proof that the so-called avalanche effect by electrons occurs in specific, very small semiconducting crystals. This physical effect could pave the way for cheap, high-output solar cells. One possible improvement could derive from a new type of solar cell made of semiconducting nanocrystals (crystals with dimensions in the nanometre size range). In conventional solar cells, one photon (light particle) can release precisely one electron. Tue, 27 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527091942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080521102826.htm A process used to roast coffee beans could give Britain's biomass a power boost, increasing the energy content of some leading energy crops by up to 20 per cent. Wed, 21 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080521102826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080521204803.htm Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss. is the first place winner of Challenge X, in which 17 university teams from across the U.S. and Canada competed to reengineer a General Motors Chevrolet Equinox Crossover SUV with advanced powertrain configurations. The winner of the competition achieved high fuel economy and low emissions, all while maintaining driver comfort and vehicle performance. Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080521204803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515145345.htm Engineers have improved the power output of one type of fuel cell by more than 50 percent through technology that could help these environmentally friendly energy storage devices find a much broader market, particularly in portable electronics. Mon, 19 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515145345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514154702.htm Scientists have improved the efficiency of an important type of solar cell from 21.9 to 23.2 percent (a relative improvement of 6 per cent). The efficiency improvement is achieved by the use of an ultra-thin aluminum oxide layer at the front of the cell, and it brings a breakthrough in the use of solar energy a step closer. The costs of applying the thin layer of aluminum oxide are expected to be relatively low. Sat, 17 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514154702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514092329.htm Electrical engineers have created experimental solar cells spiked with nanowires that could lead to highly efficient thin-film solar cells of the future. The new design increases the number of electrons that make it from the light-absorbing polymer to an electrode. Fri, 16 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514092329.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515113317.htm Could a business practice usually reserved for boosting profits be used to help turn companies green by reducing their energy use? Researchers in India provide an answer. Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515113317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512143743.htm Blackberries, blueberries, oranges and grapes --- chemistry students are loading up on their fruits these days, but it has nothing to do with the food pyramid. The students are using the fruit to produce solar energy. Actually, they are using the dye from the fruit in a process to create solar cells. Tue, 13 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512143743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512120523.htm The sun has powered almost everything on Earth since life began, including its climate. The sun also delivers an annual and seasonal impact, changing the character of each hemisphere as Earth's orientation shifts through the year. Since the Industrial Revolution, however, new forces have begun to exert significant influence on Earth's climate. Mon, 12 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512120523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508181259.htm A team of students led by a chemical engineering professor are working with a New Jersey inventor to advance a new solar thermal collector. The engineering students pointed out that this is the first truly new solar thermal system in more than three decades, and the company stated that it is unique among renewable energy technologies as it is cost effective without any government subsidies. Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508181259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508132406.htm Australia is uniquely endowed with heat-producing elements under its surface that could provide potentially unlimited amounts of geothermal power for this country, say geoscientists. West of the line between Cairns and the mouth of the Murray River lies a belt of rocks containing the enriched elements uranium, thorium, and potassium that are around 1.5 billion years old. These enriched elements are essentially a heat source located in the upper part of the continental crust. Mon, 12 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508132406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115822.htm The newest version of the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy use in Transportation model will provide researchers with even more tools to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of new transportation fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. The newest update released May 9 will allow scientists to model combustion of ethanol produced from Brazilian sugarcane and used by U.S. automobiles; production and use of bio-butanol as a potential transportation fuel; and production and use of biodiesel and renewable diesel via hydrogenation, coal/biomass co-feeding for Fischer-Tropsch diesel production and various corn ethanol plant types with different process fuels. Sat, 10 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508144332.htm In a study of the molecular mechanisms by which plants protect themselves from oxidation damage should they absorb too much sunlight during photosynthesis, researchers have discovered a molecular "dimmer switch" that helps control the flow of solar energy moving through the system of light harvesting proteins. This discovery holds important implications for the future design of artificial photosynthesis systems that could provide the world with a sustainable and secure source of energy. Fri, 09 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508144332.htm