Chinese scientists design hybrid heat pump providing ultra-high temperature heating at 180 C
The proposed system uses waste heat by thermally coupling a water lithium bromide absorption heat transformer with a water vapor compression heat
pump. It reportedly achieved a temperature elevation of up to 110 C and ultra-high temperature heating of up to 180 C.
Perovskite solar beach umbrella and electric cooler
Anker has introduced an off-grid solar perovskite umbrella and a cooler with battery energy storage at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ensemble deep learning for PV cell defect detection
Researchers have tested eight stand-alone deep learning methods for PV cell fault detection and have found that their accuracy was as high as 73%. All methods were trained and tested on the ELPV benchmark dataset, which includes 2,624 electroluminescence (EL) images of PV cells.
SolarEdge launches AI-based energy management system
The controller integrates selected third-party products into the SolarEdge EMS ecosystem by connecting to a household’s internet router via the local area network (LAN). It can communicate with inverters, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps and SolarEdge’s servers.
Perovskite-CIGS tandem solar cells powering electrodynamic tethers used in satellites
European researchers are developing miniaturized space propulsion technology that is propellant-free and based on electrodynamic tethers integrating perovskite-copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) tandem solar cells. It is meant to maneuver satellites in space or in de-orbiting without relying on heavy propellants on board.
New rules allow VPPs to compete in Australia’s energy market from 2027
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released a final determination to allow virtual power plants (VPPs) to compete directly with large-scale generators in the energy market, scheduled to begin in 2027.
U.S.-made perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules could be produced at around $0.35/W
Techno-economic analysis conducted by NREL researchers has shown how perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules could currently hardly compete in cost with incumbent PV panels. Production costs for U.S.-made tandem products were found to range between $0.29/W and $0.42/W, with module efficiencies ranging from 25% to 30%.
Korean scientists build PV-powered supercapacitor with 35.5 Wh/kg energy density
Scientists in Korea have fabricated a solar-powered charging device that can reportedly achieve a power density of 2,555.6 W kg and an energy efficiency of 63%. The system uses nickel-based compounds to enhance the electrochemical performance of its electrodes.
UK-African consortium explores perovskite solar manufacturing potential in Africa
The UK’s University of Swansea is leading a consortium that aims to develop sustainable next-generation perovskite solar manufacturing in Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Kenya.
How to measure industry’s carbon footprint
The IEC has launched a new portfolio of carbon footprint verification services to help build trust and credibility in companies’ commitment to monitoring and reducing their emissions.
