http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/electricity/ News in electrical research. Read full text articles on electricity and magnetism, the latest research on efficient electrical systems and more. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/electricity/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155313.htm The electrostatic motor, used more than 200 years ago by Benjamin Franklin to rotisserie a turkey, is making a comeback in a promising new design for motors that is light, soft, and operates without external electronic controllers. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215155313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215143112.htm With expanded production of nanomaterials fast approaching, scientists are reporting indications that dust generated during processing may explode more easily than dust from other common dust explosion hazards. Their article indicates that nanomaterial dust could explode from a spark with only 1/30th the energy needed to ignite sugar dust — cause of the 2008 Portwentworth, Georgia, explosion that killed 13 people, injured 42 people and destroyed a factory. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215143112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214100817.htm Mathematicians have developed the theory for a Harry Potter style 'cloaking' device which could protect buildings from earthquakes. Scientists have been working on the theory of invisibility cloaks which, until recently, have been merely the subject of science fiction. In recent times, however, scientists have been getting close to achieving 'cloaking' in a variety of contexts. The new work focuses on the theory of cloaking devices which could eventually help to protect buildings and structures from vibrations and natural disasters such as earthquakes. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214100817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133709.htm Researchers in California report that they have significantly enhanced polymer solar cells' performance by building a device with a new "tandem" structure that combines multiple cells with different absorption bands. The device had a certified power-conversion efficiency of 8.62 percent and set a world record in July 2011. After the researchers incorporated a new infrared-absorbing polymer material into the device, the device's architecture proved to be widely applicable and the power-conversion efficiency jumped to 10.6 percent -- a new record -- as certified by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192557.htm Researchers have developed methodology, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to examine batteries without destroying them. Their technique creates the possibility of improving battery performance and safety by serving as a diagnostic of its internal workings. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110514.htm Catalytic materials, which lower the energy barriers for chemical reactions, are used in everything from the commercial production of chemicals to catalytic converters in car engines. However, with current catalytic materials becoming increasingly expensive, scientists are exploring viable alternatives. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132721.htm By harnessing quantum dots, researchers have developed a new and vastly more targeted way to stimulate neurons in the brain. Being able to switch neurons on and off and monitor how they communicate with one another is crucial for understanding -- and, ultimately, treating -- a host of brain disorders. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207100139.htm If sensors are supposed to communicate with each other to compare the measured data and to secure them, then, in the future, a network of distributed sensor nodes will aid in that: the network ensures problem-free communication between the sensors. For example, they can be used to reliably monitor the watering of plants. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207100139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206144127.htm In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama praised the potential of the country's tremendous supply of natural gas buried in shale. But the "Halliburton exclusion" passed by Congress says gas companies don't have to disclose the chemicals used in fracturing fluids. That was a real mistake because it makes the public needlessly paranoid, says a geophysicist. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206144127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163752.htm For the first time, researchers have developed crystalline materials that allow an optical fiber to have integrated, high-speed electronic functions. The potential applications of such optical fibers include improved telecommunications and other hybrid optical and electronic technologies, improved laser technology, and more-accurate remote-sensing devices. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202092246.htm Scientists are turning the term "power plant" on its head. A team of researchers has developed a system that taps into photosynthetic processes to produce efficient and inexpensive energy. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202092246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181451.htm The ability to accurately measure a second in time is at the heart of many essential technologies; the most recognizable may be the Global Positioning System (GPS). A new paper addresses how achieving a stable and coordinated global measure of time requires more than just the world's most accurate timepieces; it also requires approximately 400 atomic clocks working as an ensemble. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181449.htm Aerospace engineers have developed a prototype device that could power a pacemaker using a source that is surprisingly close to the heart of the matter: vibrations in the chest cavity that are due mainly to heartbeats. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201181449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201140006.htm Physicists have created the first "frequency comb" in the extreme ultraviolet band of the spectrum, high-energy light less than 100 nanometers in wavelength. Laser-generated frequency combs are the most accurate method available for precisely measuring frequencies, or colors, of light. The new tool can aid in the development of "nuclear clocks" based on ticks in the nuclei of atoms, and measurements of previously unexplored behavior in atoms and molecules. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201140006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201102826.htm Magnetic random-access memory based on new spin transfer technology achieves higher storage density by packing multiple bits of data into each memory cell. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201102826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094956.htm Consistent appraisals of real estate outfitted with photovoltaic installations are a challenge for the nation's real estate industry, but a new tool addresses that issue. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201094956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131135747.htm Photodetectors made from graphene can process and conduct light signals as well as electric signals extremely fast. Within picoseconds the optical stimulation of graphene generates a photocurrent. Until now, none of the available methods were fast enough to measure these processes in graphene. Scientists have now developed a method to measure the temporal dynamics of this photo current. Furthermore they discovered that graphene can emit terahertz radiation. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131135747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130172615.htm Researchers are using carbon nanotubes as the critical component of a robust terahertz polarizer that could accelerate the development of new security and communication devices, sensors and non-invasive medical imaging systems as well as fundamental studies of low-dimensional condensed matter systems. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130172615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130170149.htm The walls of the aorta, the largest blood vessel carrying blood from the heart, exhibits a response to electric fields known to exist in inorganic and synthetic materials. The discovery could have implications for treating human heart disease. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130170149.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135441.htm A rare combination of electric and magnetic properties in a now readily producible material could improve electronic memory devices. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152129.htm The driving bass rhythm of rap music can be harnessed to power a new type of miniature medical sensor designed to be implanted in the body. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123105.htm A researcher is developing several technologies that could improve the performance of electric motors and generators. And that could make a real difference in building sustainable energy systems. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101950.htm Taking inspiration from the yellow fattail scorpion, which uses a bionic shield to protect itself against scratches from desert sandstorms, scientists have developed a new way to protect the moving parts of machinery from wear and tear. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125101950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124162351.htm Physicists have built an accurate model of part of the solar system inside a single atom. Scientists have shown that they could make an electron orbit the atomic nucleus in the same way that Jupiter's Trojan asteroids orbit the sun. The findings uphold a 1920 prediction by physicist Niels Bohr. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124162351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112115.htm Researchers have developed a new method for creating elastic conductors made of carbon nanotubes, which will contribute to large-scale production of the material for use in a new generation of elastic electronic devices. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123094804.htm Physicists have observed a new kind of interaction that can arise between electrons in a single-atom silicon transistor, offering a more complete understanding of the mechanisms that govern electron conduction in nano-structures at the atomic scale. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123094804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120184534.htm By tweaking the smallest of parts, engineers are hoping to dramatically increase the amount of sunlight that solar cells convert into electricity. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120184534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101532.htm Computational materials researchers have used cutting-edge calculations to determine fundamental optical transparency limits in conducting oxide material tin oxide. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117161623.htm By looking at the stability of the atmosphere, wind farm operators could gain greater insight into the amount of power generated at any given time. Power generated by a wind turbine largely depends on the wind speed. In a wind farm in which the turbines experience the same wind speeds but different shapes (such as turbulence) to the wind profile, a turbine will produce different amounts of power. This variable power can be predicted by looking at atmospheric stability, according to new research. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117161623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205917.htm In the development of materials for energy production and distribution, knowledge of molecular processes in electrical charge transfer is fundamental. Scientists have once more discovered that nature provides interesting templates for long-range electron transfer. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205444.htm Scientists have developed a new method for optical manipulation of matter at the nanoscale. Using ‘plasmonic hotspots’ – regions with electric current that heat up very locally – gold nanostructures can be melted and made to produce the smallest nanojets ever observed. The tiny gold nanodroplets formed in the nanojets, are perfectly spherical, which makes them interesting for applications in medicine. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102050.htm Conventional CMOS image sensors are not suitable for low-light applications such as fluorescence, since large pixels arranged in a matrix do not support high readout speeds. A new optoelectronic component speeds up this process. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102048.htm For the first time, a superconducting current limiter based on YBCO strip conductors has now been installed at a power plant. At the Boxberg power plant of Vattenfall, the current limiter protects the grid for own consumption that is designed for 12,000 volts and 800 amperes against damage due to short circuits and voltage peaks. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112647.htm A dose of hydrogen or helium can render the "super material" graphene even more useful, as shown by physicists. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112645.htm New research describes advanced motor control devices. These control devices are units designed to correct errors and improve the performance of the motors. This researcher has opted for cutting-edge models and has developed them so that they can be applied to an induction motor, and in this way he has transferred them from theory to practice. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112095853.htm No less than one-third of a car's fuel consumption is spent in overcoming friction, and this friction loss has a direct impact on both fuel consumption and emissions. However, new technology can reduce friction by anything from 10 to 80 percent in various components of a car, according to a new study. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112095853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104030.htm A new sunflower-inspired pattern increases concentrated solar efficiency. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103858.htm A new photovoltaic module allows electricity to be generated without greenhouse crops being affected by over-shading. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140431.htm Engineering researchers have developed a new method for creating advanced nanomaterials that could lead to highly efficient refrigerators and cooling systems requiring no refrigerants and no moving parts. The key ingredients for this innovation are a dash of nanoscale sulfur and a normal, everyday microwave oven. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155944.htm The prospect of electronics at the nanoscale may be even more promising with the first observation of metallic conductance in ferroelectric nanodomains. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143603.htm Can organic matter behave like a fridge magnet? Scientists have now shown that it can. Researchers took nonmagnetic graphene and then either 'peppered' it with other nonmagnetic atoms like fluorine or removed some carbon atoms from the chicken wire. The empty spaces, called vacancies, and added atoms all turned out to be magnetic, exactly like atoms of, for example, iron. Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120108143603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106110658.htm Semiconductor gallium nitride nanowires show great promise in the next generation of nano- and optoelectronic systems. Recently, researchers have found new piezoelectric properties of the nanowires that could make them more useful in self-powered nanodevices. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106110658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145839.htm Researchers have demonstrated a write-once-read-many-times information-storage device, made of DNA embedded with silver nanoparticles, that uses ultraviolet light to encode data. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145837.htm Engineers predict that graphene can be coaxed into acting piezoelectric, merely by punching triangular holes into the material. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221211324.htm Imagine if the next coat of paint you put on the outside of your home generates electricity from light -- electricity that can be used to power the appliances and equipment on the inside. Scientists have just created an inexpensive "solar paint" that uses semiconducting nanoparticles to produce energy. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221211324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140353.htm By packing molecules closer together, chemical engineers have dramatically improved the electrical conductivity of organic semiconductors. The advance could herald flexible electronics, more efficient solar panels, and perhaps even better television screens. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140345.htm A fundamental problem that has long puzzled scientists has been solved after more than 70 years. An international team of researchers has discovered a subtle electronic effect in magnetite, the most magnetic of all naturally occurring minerals. The effect causes a dramatic change to how this material conducts electricity at very low temperatures. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105813.htm Researchers have demonstrated the first prototype device that measures optical power delivered through optical fiber at nanowatt levels. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220193312.htm Chemists have solved the 150 year-old mystery of what gives the lead-acid battery, found under the bonnet of most cars, its unique ability to deliver a surge of current. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220193312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133709.htm Researchers have developed a new and significantly cheaper method of manufacturing fuel cells. A noble metal nanoparticle catalyst for fuel cells is prepared using atomic layer deposition. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220133709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112854.htm Researchers have tested a pre-emptive anti-viral treatment on a common virus known to cause respiratory infections. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216084221.htm Researchers have observed the extremely fast onset of electrical resistance in a semiconductor by following electron motions in real-time. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216084221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141617.htm The efficiency of conventional solar cells could be significantly increased, according to new research on the mechanisms of solar energy conversion. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125857.htm As the percentage of wind energy contributing to the power grid continues to increase, the variable nature of wind can make it difficult to keep the generation and the load balanced. But recent work may help this balance through a project that alerts control room operators of wind conditions and energy forecasts so they can make well-informed scheduling decisions. This is especially important during extreme events, such as ramps, when there is a sharp increase or decrease in the wind speed over a short period of time, which leads to a large rise or fall in the amount of power generated. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214105613.htm The microchip revolution has seen a steady shrinking of features on silicon chips, packing in more transistors and wires to boost chips' speed and data capacity. But in recent years, the technologies behind these chips have begun to bump up against fundamental limits, such as the wavelengths of light used for critical steps in chip manufacturing. Now, a new technique offers a way to break through one of these limits, possibly enabling further leaps in the computational power packed into a tiny sliver of silicon. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214105613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213122631.htm Engineers are using wind tunnel tests to study how hills, valleys and the placement of wind turbines affect the performance of wind farms. While the wind power industry has data about offshore turbine performance over flat water, there's little information about the effects of uneven ground on wind turbines and their power production. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213122631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111211221944.htm An energy quiz which tests people's knowledge of the amount of energy used by various devices and processes, such as leaving the lights switched on the Christmas tree, has now been developed. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111211221944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209171940.htm With current news of additional radioactive leaks from the Fukushima nuclear power plants, the impact on the ocean of releases of radioactivity from the plants remains unclear. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209171940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209123108.htm An innovative project is using solar generators to provide IT resources and 'hands-on' science for students in developing countries. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209123108.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm The concept of the hydrogen economy (HE), in which hydrogen would replace the carbon-based fossil fuels of the twentieth century was first mooted in the 1970s. Today, HE is seen as a potential solution to the dual global crises of climate change and dwindling oil reserves. A research article suggests that HE is wrong and SHE has the answer in the sustainable hydrogen economy. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm