Brian Westenhaus

Editor, New Energy and Fuel and Contributor at Oilprice.com

Articles

A Promising Solution to Boosting Ethanol Production

May 21, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

Osasa-based researchers have found that tannin from persimmons improves the growth of the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of ethanol. Ethanol is among the environmental factors that add stress to yeasts, hindering their growth.
Game-Changing Research Unlocks New Wind Energy Potential

May 20, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne researchers have used a genetic learning algorithm to identify optimal pitch profiles for the blades of vertical-axis wind turbines. vertical-axis wind turbines are also more wildlife-friendly: because they rotate laterally, rather than slicing down from above, they are easier for birds to avoid.
New Tech Could Make Solar Panels More Efficient

May 19, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

Incorporating artificial ground reflectors into solar setups can increase energy production and efficiency. This is particularly significant in Canada and other countries that are typically cloudy. The research will contribute to the global transition to zero-emission power sources.
A New Sugar-Based Catalyst That Can Make CO2 Valuable

May 18, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

A new catalyst made from molybdenum carbide and sugar converts CO2 into CO with 100% selectivity. The catalyst remains stable over time, making it suitable for industrial applications. The catalyst could play a role in carbon capture and sequestration, offering a more universal and economically viable solution.
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Redefined by Machine Learning

May 17, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

EPFL researchers developed optimal pitch profiles for vertical-axis wind turbines using a genetic learning algorithm. The new pitch profiles resulted in a 200% increase in turbine efficiency and a 77% reduction in structure-threatening vibrations. VAWTs have advantages over traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines, including reduced noise and wildlife-friendliness.
New Microcapacitors Break Energy Density and Power Barriers

May 12, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

Berkeley Lab scientists create microcapacitors with ultrahigh energy and power density. The microcapacitors are made with engineered thin films of hafnium oxide and zirconium oxide. The technology could lead to smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient microelectronic devices.
Tokyo Researchers Unveil Stable, Highly Conductive Lithium-Ion Conductor

May 9, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

The new material exhibits higher ionic conductivity than previously reported oxide solid electrolytes. The material is stable in air and has a wide operating temperature range of -10°C to 100°C. The discovery could lead to the development of safer, high-performance batteries for a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, mobile phones, and medical devices.
New Superconductor Could Pave the Way for Quantum Computers

May 7, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

An international team of researchers has created a special state of superconductivity that can be controlled by magnetism. The discovery could advance the development of quantum computers. The new superconductor is a hybrid device consisting of a stable proximitized-superconductor enhanced by magnetism.
Transparent Materials Unlock New Possibilities for Photovoltaics

May 5, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

Transparent materials can generate electricity when exposed to light, even if they have a vanishingly small absorption of such light. Floquet Fermi liquid states are a variant of Fermi liquids realized when the particles of the fluid are periodically shaken by light. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize the field of optoelectronics and photovoltaics.
Plasma Physicists Use Magnetic Imperfections to Enhance Fusion Reaction

May 2, 2024 | oilprice.com | Brian Westenhaus

Scientists have developed a new approach to fusion plasma control inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi. The approach involves tailoring magnetic field imperfections to improve plasma stability simultaneously at the core and edge of the plasma. The research has significant implications for the design of future tokamak fusion pilot plants, potentially making them more efficient and reliable.