Making the transition to a renewable energy future will have environmental and long-term economic benefits and is possible in terms of energy return on energy invested (EROI), UNSW Sydney researchers have found. Their research, published in the international journal Ecological Economics recently, disproves the claim that a transition to large-scale renewable energy technologies … [Read more...] about Renewable energy transition makes dollars and sense
New lithium battery charges faster, reduces risk of device explosions
Cell phone batteries often heat up and, at times, can burst into flames. In most cases, the culprit behind such incidents can be traced back to lithium batteries. Despite providing long-lasting electric currents that can keep devices powered up, lithium batteries can internally short circuit, heating up the device. Researchers at Texas A&M University have invented a … [Read more...] about New lithium battery charges faster, reduces risk of device explosions
Customizable smart window technology could improve energy efficiency of buildings
A customizable smart window harnesses and manipulates solar power to save energy and cut costs. Windows play multiple crucial roles in our homes. They illuminate, insulate and ventilate our spaces while providing views of -- and protection from -- the outdoors. Smart windows, or windows that use solar cell technology to convert sunlight into electricity, present the additional … [Read more...] about Customizable smart window technology could improve energy efficiency of buildings
Hammer-on technique for atomic vibrations in a crystal
Vibrations of atoms in a crystal of the semiconductor gallium arsenide (GaAs) are impulsively shifted to a higher frequency by an optically excited electric current. The related change in the spatial distribution of charge between gallium and arsenic atoms acts back on their motions via electric interactions. To hammer-on a guitar, a technique deployed by many rock guitarists, … [Read more...] about Hammer-on technique for atomic vibrations in a crystal
Perovskite solar cells record highest power conversion
A team of researchers at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has created a perovskite solar mini module that has recorded the highest power conversion efficiency of any perovskite-based device larger than 10 cm2. Perovskites are new materials that have emerged as promising alternatives to silicon in solar cell applications. The material offers power … [Read more...] about Perovskite solar cells record highest power conversion