HEADLINES ARCHIVE
533 MW of Wind Power Capacity Installed in Q1
Following the 3,565 megawatts (MW) of wind-generating capacity installed across the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2014, the first quarter of 2015 saw a drop, with 533 MW installed.
How Electric Current Sensor Technology Works
Current sensors measure AC and/or DC current levels. The technology used by the current sensor is important because different sensors can have different characteristics for a variety of applications.
$800 million in Potential Revenue for Tesla's Storage Batteries
According to figures reported by Bloomberg Business, Tesla has taken reservations for about $800 million in potential revenue for its new line of storage batteries designed for use in homes and by utilities.
Will Superconductivity Breakthroughs Spur Supergrid Development?
Recent breakthroughs may help move high-temperature superconductivity closer to the forefront of long-term grid improvements. Technical and economic challenges remain, however, likely limiting widespread adoption to a future horizon.
Tesla Motors Unveils Battery Pack to Store Renewable Energy
Tesla Motors plans to produce a wall-mounted battery pack designed to store renewable energy in the home. The unit will go into small-scale production in three to four months at the company's Fremont, Calif. plant.
Micro Grids Can Solve Macro Problems
Potentially serious problems face national electric grids. The need for power continues to grow, placing a strain on the existing generation infrastructure, transmission lines as well as power plants. In many parts of the world, the possibility of blackouts is a constant threat.
China Leads Global Linear and Torque Motors Market, IHS Says
According to "The World Market for Linear and Torque Motors," a new report from IHS Technology, China leads the global linear and torque motors market, due to continuing growth in the electronics, electronic assembly, semiconductor, machine tools and flat-panel display industries. The torque and
Solar Eclipse Leaves European Electric Power Grid Largely Unaffected
A partial solar eclipse that raised early concerns over European power grid stability had little ill effect on the morning of March 20, according to IEEE Spectrum.
Packaging Materials Find Second Use in Rechargeable Batteries
Discarded peanut-shaped packing materials may be turned into components for rechargeable batteries, according to researchers from Purdue University.
Technology Expands Rechargeable Battery Lifespan
A discovery from Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR and Hydro-Quebéc Research Institute (IREQ) in Québec could result in longer-lasting rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices.
IHS Expects More Storage for Solar PV Systems by 2018
Around 9% of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in North America will include attached storage in 2018, says IHS. Growth in storage will be led by commercial systems and IHS expects that 700 megawatts (MW) of PV systems with energy storage will be installed by 2018.
Mitsubishi Heavy Completes Wireless Power Transmission Tests
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has conducted ground testing of a wireless power transmission technology.
Small Battery Systems Deliver Economic Benefits, Says NREL
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced that small battery systems reducing peak demand by 2.5%, offer the most attractive return on investment in the absence of state or utility incentives.
Flow Battery Technology Aims to Take the Driver's Seat
Switzerland's well-known neutrality extends beyond politics. Most European automotive manufacturers see it as an unbiased arena since the country has no production vehicle industry.
Regenerative Braking Improves Railroad Engine Energy Efficiency
A flywheel-based braking system may help to reduce the carbon footprint of Britain's diesel-powered railroad trains.
Ricardo Builds Electric Motor without Rare Earth Materials
Ricardo, a global engineering, strategic and environmental consultancy, has developed what it says is a low-cost 85-kilowatt (kW) electric motor.
Offshore Wind Farm Could Include 400 Turbines, 2400 MW of Generating Capacity
Plans for what could be the world’s largest offshore wind farm have been given the green light by Britain's energy secretary. An array of up to 400 turbines may be built 80 miles off the Yorkshire coast on the Dogger Bank.
Go-ahead Urged for Watts Bar 2 Nuclear Power Plant Licensing
An independent body within the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recommended proceeding with the licensing process for the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) 1,150-megawatt (MW) Watts Bar Unit 2 nuclear reactor.
Hawaiian Utility to Double Its Solar Hosting Capacity
Hawaiian Electric Cos. (HECO) is proposing to double its hosting capacity for solar energy. The utility announced its intentions in late January to increase its penetration limits for rooftop solar minimum daytime load (MDL) from 120% to 250% of MDL. Those increases would be among the highest thresholds for solar penetration on distribution circuits in the U.S.
Solar Energy Install Timeline Probed by NREL Report
The U.S. Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced findings from a data analysis it performed for more than 30,000 solar photovoltaic installations across the U.S.