Category Physics

Eco-friendly Cooling Device with Record-Breaking Efficiency

Researchers at the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed an eco-friendly refrigeration device with record-breaking cooling performance in the world, setting to transform industries reliant on cooling and reduce global energy use. With a boost in efficiency of over 48%, the new elastocaloric cooling technology opens a promising avenue for accelerating the commercialization of this disruptive technology and addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional cooling systems.

Traditional vapor compression refrigeration technology relies on refrigerants of high global warming potential...

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Australia Green Lights World’s ‘Largest’ Solar Hub

Australia solar hub
Map showing SunCable’s Australia-Asia PowerLink renewable energy project from Australia’s Northern Territory to Darwin and Singapore via a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system.

Australia on Wednesday approved plans for a massive solar and battery farm that would export energy to Singapore, a project it calls the “largest solar precinct in the world”.

Authorities announced environmental approvals for SunCable’s US$24 billion project in Australia’s remote north that is slated to power 3million homes.

The project, which will include an array of panels, batteries and, eventually, a cable linking Australia with Singapore, is backed by tech billionaire and green activist Mike Cannon-Brookes.

“It will be the largest solar precinct in the world –- and heralds Austral...

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Researchers observe ‘Locked’ Electron Pairs in a Superconductor Cuprate

For the past century since their discovery, superconductors and their mysterious atomic properties have left researchers in awe. These special materials allow electricity to flow through them without any energy loss. They even allow trains to levitate.

But superconductors typically only work at extremely cold temperatures. When these materials are heated, they become ordinary conductors, which allow electricity to flow but with some energy lost; or insulators, which don’t conduct electricity at all.

Researchers have been hard at work looking for superconductor materials that can perform their magic at higher temperatures—perhaps even room temperature someday...

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The Mother of all Motion Sensors

1) Sandia National Laboratories’ four-channel, silicon photonic single-sideband modulator chip, measuring 8 millimeters on each side and marked with a green Sandia thunderbird logo, sits inside packaging that incorporates optical fibers, wire bonds and ceramic pins. (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image. 2)Sandia National Laboratories scientist Jongmin Lee, left, prepares a rubidium cold-atom cell for an atom interferometry experiment while scientists Ashok Kodigala, right, and Michael Gehl initialize the controls for a packaged single-sideband modulator chip. (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.

Quantum sensing milestone draws closer exquisitely accurate, GPS-free navigation...

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