http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/energy_technology/ Energy News and Research. From super-efficient hybrid vehicles to new energy sources, read all the latest science news from leading energy technology laboratories around the world. en-us Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/energy_technology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214145331.htm Researchers are using new combinations of nano-materials to produce advances in infrared photodetection technology. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214145331.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/2012/02/120209172926.htm Those who have ventured to turn a vacant barn or garage into an aquaculture business have too often been defeated by high energy and feed costs, building-related woes and serious environmental problems. Now researchers are melding building design, fish ecology and aquaculture engineering techniques into a first-of-its-kind "building-integrated aquaculture" (BIAq) model to offer an affordable, more holistic and sustainable approach to indoor fish production located close to markets and able to succeed even in cold climates. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135838.htm Scientists have found that a new type of battery has the potential to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar power. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132846.htm A research engineer combined a glass slide, plastic sheets and double-sided tape to build a "diffusion-based gradient generator", a tool to rapidly assess how changing concentrations of specific chemicals affect living cells. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132846.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/2012/02/120201181449.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/2012/02/120201102826.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/2012/01/120130172615.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/2012/01/120130172613.htm In a flash, the world changed for Tim Noe -- and for physicists who study what they call many-body problems. The graduate student was the first to see, in the summer of 2010, proof of a theory that solid-state materials are capable of producing an effect known as superfluorescence. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130172613.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/2012/01/120122103725.htm Scientists have confirmed for the first time that it is possible to achieve ultra-high speed switching in a time of 200 nanoseconds with a new piezoelectric thin film which possesses micro regions called “nanodomains.” Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122103725.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/2012/01/120113205444.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/2012/01/120113102048.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/2012/01/120113093637.htm Materials scientists have developed a new reactive silver ink for printing high-performance electronics on ubiquitous, low-cost materials such as flexible plastic, paper or fabric substrates. The reactive ink has several advantages over particle-based inks: low processing temperature, high conductivity, and the ability to print very small features. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093637.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/2012/01/120110140431.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/2012/01/120106110658.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/2012/01/120105145710.htm Researchers may give science and industry a new way to manipulate graphene, which naturally rips along armchair and zigzag paths. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105145710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223091335.htm If all the UK's discarded wrapping paper and Christmas cards were collected and fermented, they could make enough biofuel to run a double-decker bus to the moon and back more than 20 times, according to the researchers behind a new scientific study. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223091335.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/2011/12/111221105813.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/2011/12/111219203953.htm Researchers have developed a new kind of electro-thermal nanoprobe that can independently control voltage and temperature at a nanometer-scale point contact. It can also measure the temperature-dependent voltage at a nanometer-scale point contact. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219203953.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/2011/12/111211221944.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/2011/12/111209123108.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 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105431.htm Researchers spent 75 days on the job carrying out some very important homework -- measurements in a 'typical dwelling' of the release, distribution and fate of nanoscale particles emitted by gas and electric stoves, hair dryers, power tools and candles. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140611.htm By focusing proton beams using high-intensity lasers, a team of scientists has discovered a new way to heat material and create new states of matter in the laboratory. In a new report, researchers unveiled new findings about how proton beams can be used in myriad applications. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112651.htm Clean energy can help meet growing electricity demand and minimize pollution in the Southern United States, but progress to adopt renewable energy strategies has been hindered by a number of myths, according to a new study. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100013.htm The assumption that high jet steam wind speeds in the upper atmosphere correspond to high wind power has now been challenged by new research. Taking into account that the high wind speeds result from the near absence of friction and not from a strong power source, scientists found that the maximum extractable energy from jet streams is approximately 200 times less than reported previously. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129185929.htm Solving the mystery of prematurely dead cell phone and laptop batteries may prove to be a vital step toward creating a sustainable energy grid according to researchers. Scientists now call for a new, standardized gauge of performance measurement for energy storage devices. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129185929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129162902.htm Existing coherent ultraviolet light sources are power hungry, bulky and expensive. Researchers have found a better way to build compact ultraviolet sources with low power consumption that could improve information storage, microscopy and chemical analysis. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129162902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123255.htm A new study questions the cost-effectiveness of biofuels and says they would barely reduce fossil fuel use and would likely increase greenhouse gas emissions. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129112323.htm Although they found that graphene makes very good chemical sensors, researchers have discovered an unexpected "twist" -- that the sensors are better when the graphene is "worse" -- more imperfections improved performance. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129112323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128115643.htm Pyrite, better known as "fool's gold," was familiar to the ancient Romans and has fooled prospectors for centuries -- but has now helped researchers discover related compounds that offer new, cheap and promising options for solar energy. These new compounds, unlike some solar cell materials made from rare, expensive or toxic elements, would be benign and could be processed from some of the most abundant elements on Earth. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128115643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128115641.htm Gene therapy can only be effective if delivered by a stable complex molecule. Now, scientists have determined the conditions that would stabilize complex molecular structures that are subject to inherent attractions and repulsions triggered by electric charges at the surfaces of the molecules. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128115641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125161025.htm Researchers have designed a network proxy that can cut the power consumption of 3G smart phones up to 74 percent. This device enhances performance and significantly reduces power usage by serving as a middleman for mobile devices to connect to the Internet and handling the majority of the data transfer for the smart phone. Historically, the high energy requirements of mobile phones have slowed the adoption of mobile Internet services in developing countries. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125161025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125160904.htm Physicists have now shown the first experimental proof of a molecule consisting of two identical atoms that exhibits a permanent electric dipole moment. This observation contradicts the classical opinion described in many physics and chemistry textbooks. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125160904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123151916.htm Researchers have used nanoparticles of a copper compound to develop a high-power battery electrode that is so inexpensive to make, so efficient and so durable that it could be used to build batteries big enough for economical large-scale energy storage on the electrical grid -- something researchers have sought for years. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123151916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133514.htm Scientists have succeeded in integrating a new, highly efficient piezoelectric material into a silicon microelectromechanical system. This development could lead to significant advances in sensing, imaging, and energy harvesting. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133510.htm New developments may lead to insects monitoring hazardous situations before humans are sent in. The principal idea is to harvest the insect's biological energy from either its body heat or movements. The device converts the kinetic energy from wing movements of the insect into electricity, thus prolonging the battery life. The battery can be used to power small sensors implanted on the insect (such as a small camera, a microphone or a gas sensor) in order to gather vital information from hazardous environments. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143356.htm A new study is first to focus on the extra carbon savings that can be squeezed from trees when wood not suitable for long-term building materials is used for bioenergy: Depending on the process used, ethanol from woody biomass emits less greenhouse gas than an equivalent amount of gasoline, between 70 percent and a little over 100 percent less. In contrast, corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions 22 percent on average. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117143959.htm Integrating a complex, single-crystal material with "giant" piezoelectric properties onto silicon, engineers and physicists can fabricate low-voltage, near-nanoscale electromechanical devices that could lead to improvements in high-resolution 3-D imaging, signal processing, communications, energy harvesting, sensing, and actuators for nanopositioning devices, among others. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117143959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124737.htm Researchers have created a new compound crystal material that promises to help produce advances in a range of scientific and technological pursuits. The material, called erbium chloride silicate, can be used to develop the next generations of computers, improve the capabilities of the Internet, increase the efficiency of silicon-based photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy, and enhance the quality of solid-state lighting and sensor technology. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115133038.htm Scientists have developed a method for stacking synthetic DNA and carbon nanotubes onto a biosensor electrode, a development that may lead to more accurate measurements for research related to diabetes and other diseases. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115133038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115133030.htm A new nanoscale light-emitting diode transmits data at ultrafast rates while using thousands of times less energy than current technologies. It is a major step forward for on-chip data transmission, the researchers say. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115133030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114142047.htm Engineers have created an electrode for lithium-ion batteries that allows the rechargeable batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. The batteries also can charge 10 times faster than current batteries. The researchers combined two chemical engineering approaches to address two major battery limitations -- energy capacity and charge rate -- in one fell swoop. The technology could pave the way for better batteries for cellphones, iPods and electric cars. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114142047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125955.htm Engineers are developing a solar panel composed of nano-antennas instead of silicon semiconductors. They say that through the use of these antennas, a much higher conversion rate from light into usable energy can be achieved -- and could lead to a more cost-effective way to harvest and utilize "green" energy. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125635.htm Scientists report that five metals, essential for manufacturing low-carbon technologies, show a high risk of shortage. Reasons for this lie in Europe's dependency on imports, increasing global demand, supply concentration and geopolitical issues. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110092403.htm Reduced to the max: the emission-free, noiseless 4-wheel drive car, jointly developed by Swiss researchers and their Dutch colleagues, represents lightweight construction at its most extreme. The nano car consists of just a single molecule and travels on four electrically-driven wheels in an almost straight line over a copper surface. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110092403.htm