Energy

A clean way to clean green technology—novel method removes dust from solar panels using electrostatic induction

By Lisa McDonald / March 15, 2022

Cleaning solar panels currently is estimated to use about 10 billion gallons of water per year—enough to supply drinking water for up to 2 million people. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology designed a waterless approach for dust removal from solar panels using electrostatic induction.

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Full ceramic electrodes epitomize next step for fused filament fabrication of lithium-ion batteries

By Lisa McDonald / March 8, 2022

While fused filament fabrication has the potential to fabricate lithium-ion batteries with tailored geometries, the high amount of polymer often included in the electrodes can limit application. University of Castilla-La Mancha researchers attempted the required debinding/sintering treatment to achieve full ceramic electrodes via this additive manufacturing method.

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Video: US electric vehicle charging infrastructure poised for major expansion

By Lisa McDonald / February 16, 2022

Last week, the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy announced they will begin making available the nearly $5 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program. Learn more about the NEVI program and how it is just the first step toward reaching the Biden Administration’s goal of 500,000 public EV chargers by 2030.

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Video: Vessel shortage could hamper offshore wind expansion

By Lisa McDonald / February 9, 2022

As the average size of offshore wind turbines increases, the energy industry could face difficulties with installation due to a shortage of vessels capable of carrying such large equipment.

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DOE SunShot and Energy Earthshots initiatives support move toward clean energy

By Lisa McDonald / January 4, 2022

The Sunshot and Energy Earthshots initiatives by the U.S. Department of Energy are playing key roles in supporting the move toward clean and renewable energy technologies. See what these initiatives have accomplished so far and how DOE plans to expand them this year.

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Toward a renewable energy future, plus more inside January/February 2022 ACerS Bulletin

By Lisa McDonald / December 16, 2021

The January/February 2022 issue of the ACerS Bulletin—featuring overviews of flow batteries and solid oxide fuel cells—is now available online. Plus—DOE’s Advanced Manufacturing Office.

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Video: Floating solar projects around the world

By Lisa McDonald / December 1, 2021

While Japan and China lead the market for floating solar parks, more countries are investing in this technology. Today’s CTT highlights several recent floating solar projects around the world, as well as a few floating wind projects.

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A refreshing bonus of renewable energy—solar parks can cool surrounding land

By Lisa McDonald / October 26, 2021

Many questions remain about the impacts of solar parks on the environment. Researchers led by Lancaster University in the United Kingdom found that solar parks appear to have a cooling effect on the surrounding land surface.

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Improving sustainability of wind turbine blades through fiber reclamation and new resin

By Lisa McDonald / September 14, 2021

Wind turbine blades are notoriously difficult to recycle due to the mixed nature of the blade material. Two companies are exploring different ways to improve lifecycle sustainability through glass fiber reclamation and developing a new resin for the blade.

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Securing the future of energy: Glass-based sealants for solid oxide fuel cells

By Lisa McDonald / August 3, 2021

Solid oxide fuel cells hold great potential among fuel cell technologies due to their high heat and power efficiency, long-term stability, fuel flexibility, and relatively low cost. Glass and glass-ceramics are of great interest as sealants in SOFCs, and today’s CTT looks at a few recent studies on glass-based sealants.

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