Articles from Interesting Engineering

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a small generator that converts agricultural waste, specifically walnut shells, into clean electricity using water droplets. This device, known as a water-induced electric generator (WEG), taps into hydrovoltaic energy harvesting by utilizing the electrical imbalance created when water evaporates from a walnut shell. While currently able to power small electronics like calculators, the technology holds promise for applications in remote or off-grid locations. The team is exploring additional practical uses, including wearable designs that harvest energy from sweat or raindrops.

The Darlington SMR project in Ontario, Canada, will receive a nuclear steam turbine and generator from Arabelle Solutions to become operational by 2030. The BWRX-300 reactor is designed to provide 300 MW of electricity to approximately 300,000 homes and has a refueling cycle extending up to 24 months. This project will be Ontario's first new nuclear plant online in almost 30 years and involves optimized turbine solutions for enhancing plant efficiency.