Articles from Interesting Engineering

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is partnering with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of new nuclear power using six new plants across its seven-state area. These plants will use NuScale Power Modules (SMRs), expected to provide around 5.5 gigawatts of electricity, enough for approximately 4.5 million homes. ENTRA1 Energy will finance, build, and own the plants while TVA will purchase the power. This initiative aims to meet growing demands for carbon-free electricity from industries like AI, critical mining, and semiconductor manufacturing.

The Energy Storing and Efficient Air Conditioner (ESEAC), developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Blue Frontier Inc., is a transformative air-conditioning system that minimizes peak power demand and reduces cooling bills. The system utilizes energy storage integrated with cooling and humidity control, shifting the energy-intensive processes to off-peak hours. A simulation in Miami showed significant reductions in electricity use and costs, demonstrating its potential to flatten demand curves and save grid capacity. ESEAC systems, which store energy in saltwater and pure water, are currently being installed at various U.S. locations.

Scientists have developed perovskite silicon tandem solar cells with surface passivation on textured silicon, achieving a conversion efficiency of 33.1%. This breakthrough utilizes perovskite to enhance light absorption while allowing for compatibility with existing production technologies due to the use of textured silicon. The research promises a new level of efficiency and scalability for commercial production, bringing the tandem solar cells closer to large-scale deployment.

Researchers at Harvard, led by Richard Y. Liu, have developed a method to capture CO2 using sunlight and specialized molecules known as photobases. This approach offers a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional direct air capture methods, relying on light to transform the chemical state of the molecules. The project aims to provide scalable and low-energy solutions for reducing greenhouse gases, supported by funding and collaboration with other experts. Findings have been detailed in Nature Chemistry, emphasizing this innovation's potential role in climate change mitigation.

LanzaTech Global, a carbon recycling company, has developed a sustainable alternative to palm oil that could revolutionize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This innovation uses carbon capture technology to transform waste CO2 into a palm oil-like fat for cosmetics and SAF production, addressing environmental concerns associated with deforestation. The new Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway opens up additional sustainable production routes for the aviation industry and other sectors reliant on palm oil. By offering a scalable replacement for palm oil, this development has the potential to impact multiple industries beyond aviation.

Researchers at Rice University have developed a solar thermal-boosted organic Rankine cycle system that improves electricity recovery from data center waste heat by 60-80%. The system utilizes solar energy to lift waste heat to a higher temperature, making power generation more efficient and cost-effective. It can be integrated with liquid cooling systems in modern data centers, turning what was once a challenge into an advantage. Next steps include piloting the system at operational sites and exploring thermal storage options.

Germany is developing an AI-powered facility in Chemnitz to repurpose used electric vehicle batteries for grid storage. In collaboration with EDAG Production Solutions, Fraunhofer IWU is leading the initiative to repair and remanufacture traction batteries, allowing them to be reused in homes, businesses, or utility storage systems. The facility will focus on automated dismantling and checking the health of each battery module, aiming to preserve valuable materials and prevent resource wastage. This project also serves as a data platform to refine recycling and reuse methods while addressing workforce skill demands in battery dismantling.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology has developed aesthetic and efficient solar facades using nanoimprint lithography. This method allows photovoltaic modules to blend into building facades while maintaining up to 80% efficiency, supporting urban energy sustainability without compromising aesthetics. Advanced plasma treatment improves film adhesion, crucial for long-term use. The initiative is part of Germany's plan for climate neutrality by 2045, aiming to increase acceptance of building-integrated photovoltaics.

The construction of the USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827), a new Columbia-class submarine, has commenced. This submarine will replace the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, serving as a key component in the U.S. Navy's strategic deterrence strategy due to its stealth capabilities. The keel of the submarine was laid at the General Dynamics Electric Boat facility in Rhode Island, with significant contributions from over 300 defense contractors and suppliers. The submarine is expected to provide an undetectable launch platform, ensuring the U.S. maintains a credible second-strike capability.

Researchers from the University of São Paulo and Federal University of Sao Carlos have developed a method to utilize sargassum seaweed in ceramic clays for construction materials. This innovation not only manages coastal algae waste effectively but also enhances sustainability by reducing the density of clay aggregates while meeting strength requirements. The study highlights significant environmental benefits through life cycle analysis, particularly when using microwave-sintered samples. This new approach offers a promising alternative to traditional expanded clay, improving energy efficiency and material performance.

A French company, Calogena, plans to deploy a 30 MW water-cooled small modular reactor (SMR) at the Cadarache site in France by 2030. The reactor, named CAL30, is designed for urban heating networks and will operate at low pressure and temperature. Calogena highlights that its reactor design is simple and compact, utilizing familiar technology from decades-old research reactors. The project is currently in the pre-licensing phase with the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority.

A UK startup, Natpower, plans to invest EUR 1 billion in the Teesside GigaPark, a large battery energy storage system. Located at Wilton International in Redcar, it will become the UK's largest battery storage facility, providing 1GW/8GWh capacity. This project aims to cut grid inefficiencies and emissions, facilitating industrial electrification and port decarbonization. The initiative is expected to create 200 construction jobs and support the UK's transition to a clean energy future.