Archive for the ‘energy’ category: Page 321
Sep 3, 2016
Portable Underwater Turbines Can Power Your Next Camping Trip
Posted by Shailesh Prasad in category: energy
Sep 3, 2016
New Molecular Mechanical Computer Design is 100 Billion Times More Energy Efficient
Posted by Shailesh Prasad in categories: energy, supercomputing
This new computer system is 100 billion times more energy efficient than the most energy efficient conventional green supercomputer. Using only links and rotary joints, this “molecular mechanical computer” removes the need for parts that create friction and generate heat.
The trend for computing, and for technology in general, really consists of just one word: Smaller. Previously, technology that could fit on your desk was the rage. Then it became tech that fit in your bag. Then the palm of your hand. Now, scientists are playing with even smaller technology, down to the molecular size.
Scientists have developed a computer system that can, theoretically, be 100 billion times more energy efficient than the most energy efficient conventional green supercomputer. Using only links and rotary joints, this “molecular mechanical computer” removes the need for gears, clutches, switches, springs, and other parts that create friction and generate heat.
Sep 1, 2016
Engineers give new meaning to the phrase ‘cool clothes’
Posted by Karen Hurst in categories: climatology, energy, engineering, habitats, sustainability
Cannot wait for this material so that I can finally enjoy my run in the park near my US home in August.
WASHINGTON — Engineers have created clothing for a warming world — a fabric that allows your body heat to escape far better than other materials do.
It hasn’t been worn or tested by humans, so outside experts caution this is far from a sure thing, but a team at Stanford University engineered a fabric using nano technology that not only allows moisture to leave the body better, but helps infrared radiation escape better. As a result, they say in Thursday’s journal Science, the body should feel around 4.8 degrees (2.7 degrees Celsius) cooler than cotton and 3.8 degrees (2.1 degrees Celsius) chillier than commercially available synthetics.
Continue reading “Engineers give new meaning to the phrase ‘cool clothes’” »
Aug 31, 2016
‘Radio whispering’ promises a great leap in wireless communications
Posted by Karen Hurst in category: energy
UC San Diego researchers working with DARPA show how to make a low-power, lightweight system that can take advantage of unused frequencies and avoid interference.
Aug 31, 2016
‘Star in a jar’ could lead to limitless fusion energy
Posted by Klaus Baldauf in categories: energy, physics, space
Physicists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) are building a “star in a jar” — a miniature version of the how our Sun creates energy through fusion. It could provide humankind with near limitless energy, ending dependence on fossil fuels for generating electricity — without contributing greenhouse gases that warm the Earth, and with no long-term radioactive waste.
But that requires a “jar” that can contain superhot plasma — and is low-cost enough to be built around the world. A model for such a “jar,” or fusion device, already exists in experimental form: the tokamak, or fusion reactor. Invented in the 1950s by Soviet physicists, it’s a device that uses a powerful magnetic field to confine plasma (superhot charged gas) in the shape of a torus.
Continue reading “‘Star in a jar’ could lead to limitless fusion energy” »
Aug 30, 2016
Star in a Jar: Space-Age Fusion Machine Underway
Posted by Sean Brazell in category: energy
U.S. Dept. of Energy announces major new initiative toward clean, safe and virtually limitless power.
Aug 30, 2016
Scientists Are Creating Micro Fuel Cells for Our Shrinking Technology
Posted by Shailesh Prasad in categories: electronics, energy
Researchers developed a method of transferring an energy source to virtually any shape using direct laser writing…
As electronics shrink in size, their energy sources have to fit into tighter, and sometimes more oddly-shaped, spaces. Researchers at the University of Missouri had this challenge in mind when they developed a method of transferring an energy source to virtually any shape using direct laser writing (DLW).
Aug 29, 2016
China using Technology over Nature: Weather Modification Office
Posted by Shailesh Prasad in categories: climatology, economics, energy, finance, food
China has always been a frontrunner, especially in technological advancements. The country has engaged itself in increasingly audacious and ambitious projects. It is, therefore, no astonishment in calling China, ‘the rising power’.China has established Weather Modification Offices, that enables in manipulating weather using technology. The offices are a network of dedicated units that help in changing the weather throughout China. 55 billion tons of rain is created by China every year, making the country the largest cloud seeder on earth.
China has found the urge to manipulate weather mainly because of the extreme climate it experiences. The region has heavy downpour in rainy season while it suffers from drought in summers. Dust and sand storms are common in springtime. Moreover, given the fact that China has the largest population, it cannot afford to rely on climate. Most importantly, for agriculture. China found the only hope in technology in the manipulating weather for accruing benefits.
Weather modification offices require huge financial resources, human capital and weaponry. It is no wonder that China has spent millions of money on weather modification process. It has spent $150 million on single regional artificial rain program. China has escaped $10.4 billion dollars economic losses by employing weather modification system from 2002 to 2012. Over 35000 people have been employed to carry out this project. About 12000 rocket launchers are being used to fire pellets containing silver iodide into the clouds.
Continue reading “China using Technology over Nature: Weather Modification Office” »
Aug 28, 2016
Stretchy supercapacitors power wearable electronics
Posted by Elmar Arunov in categories: energy, mobile phones, robotics/AI, wearables
A future of soft robots that wash your dishes or smart T-shirts that power your cell phone may depend on the development of stretchy power sources. But traditional batteries are thick and rigid—not ideal properties for materials that would be used in tiny malleable devices. In a step toward wearable electronics, a team of researchers has produced a stretchy micro-supercapacitor using ribbons of graphene.
The researchers will present their work today at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
“Most power sources, such as phone batteries, are not stretchable. They are very rigid,” says Xiaodong Chen, Ph.D. “My team has made stretchable electrodes, and we have integrated them into a supercapacitor, which is an energy storage device that powers electronic gadgets.”
Continue reading “Stretchy supercapacitors power wearable electronics” »