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NREL study: Active power control of wind turbines can improve power grid reliability

The Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory with partners from the Electric Power Research Institute and the University of Colorado have completed a comprehensive study on how wind power technology can assist the power grid by controlling the active power output being placed onto the system. The study, “Active Power Controls from Wind Power: Bridging the GapsPDF”, finds that wind power can support the power system by adjusting its power output to enhance system reliability. Active power control helps balance load with generation at various times, avoiding erroneous power flows, involuntary load shedding, machine damage, and the risk of potential blackouts.

Kyocera solar modules independently tested show excellent performance after 10 years of operation at Europe’s largest solar research institute

Kyocera Corporation announced  that its solar modules installed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have been independently tested and their performance levels verified, showing an exceptional output even after 10 years of operation. Europe’s largest solar research institute in Germany, ISE installed a test system with the Kyocera modules equipped with high-precision measuring equipment that confirms an output degradation of just five percent after a full decade of maximum use. Researchers regularly analyze operating data and check the output of random modules annually in Fraunhofer ISE’s test lab, which have determined the Kyocera KC 125G modules still deliver excellent results.

Corning Gorilla Glass to be used in SnapCab Elevator Interior Systems

Corning Incorporated announced a commercial agreement with SnapCab Elevator Interior Systems for thin, lightweight, durable Corning Gorilla Glass. SnapCab will design Gorilla Glass into its modular wall-panel systems, which are used in residential and commercial elevators. The same Gorilla Glass that has helped protect handheld electronic devices will now be used in interior architecture to enable new lightweight designs for elevator cabs, lobbies, and conference rooms.

CeramTec technical ceramics on a space exploration mission

CeramTec is producing ceramic components for Astrium’s experimental unit, which will be integrated in the International Space Station in July 2014. The sophisticated, complex silicon nitride components are required for specimen holders. This equipment will be used to analyse material science experiments under zero-gravity conditions in space. The parts will be used in the “Materials Science Lab – Electromagnetic Levitator” (MSL-EML) experimental unit, which will be integrated in the European science lab, called Columbus, on the ISS in July 2014.

Turkey won’t privatize boron reserves, energy minister says

(worldbulletin.net) Turkey is not going to privatize its boron reserves and the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) will be offered at an initial public offering, Turkey’s Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said. Turkey currently relies heavily on foreign energy resources like natural gas and oil, which drives almost half of all electricity production in Turkey and costs up to $60 billion a year. An efficient use of energy is the preferred government policy. The United States and Turkey are the world’s largest producers of boron. Boron is used in the production of glass, ceramics, detergents, insecticides, semi-conductors, and magnets.

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