First attempt to design solar power transmission demonstrator
Scientists in China have outlined a mission proposal for the China Academy of Space Technology space solar power (SSP) development program. It includes three solar arrays, microwave power transmission, and laser power transmission. The roadmap predicts this demonstration mission cound be attempted before 2030.
Offshore floating PV enduring world’s largest artificial waves
Offshore PV technologies were tested for the first time under the severe wave loads generated by Delta Flume, a 300 m long man-made flume with a wave generator that is capable of producing waves as tall as five meters. The testing is intended to standardize testing and certification processes for offshore floating PV systems.
New model for predicting residential PV fleet yield
To predict the energy yield of residential solar PV fleets based on limited information, Dutch researchers developed a probability-based mathematical model that provides rapid sky view factor (SVF) calculations, protects PV plant owner privacy, and was shown to be effective for studying PV potential in urban areas.
Indonesia, Singapore partner on solar supply chain in Riau Islands
Indonesia and Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a solar manufacturing supply chain in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province, as part of broader plans to enable cross-border clean energy trading.
Poland pilots solar arrays near major highway
Poland has installed solar arrays along the S5 expressway as part of a project to cut infrastructure operating costs. Surplus electricity will feed the grid or supply electric vehicle charging stations.
Spanish researchers claim nest boxes in PV plants often misused for greenwashing
Researchers in Spain have warned that nest-box installations at PV plants are often poorly planned or used for greenwashing, with boxes placed in unsuitable locations, installed incorrectly, or lacking post-installation monitoring.
New accelerated aging test for perovskite solar cells
To assess ion migration-induced degradation modes via accelerated ageing of perovskite solar cells, an international research team investiagted using electric forward bias and dark storage approach.
Pocket-sized tool to identify composition of solar panel polymer backsheets, encapsulants
German researchers developed a novel pocket-sized instrument to rapidly identify the composition of solar panel polymer backsheets and encapsulants in the field. The hardware is near-infrared absorption spectroscopy (NIRA) sensor-based.
Comparing thermal runaway behavior of sodium-ion, lithium-ion batteries
Scientists in Germany have analyzed the thermal runaway behavior of sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries inside a 10-L reaction vessel. They have thermally abused 30 samples, each under a different state of charge level, and have found that both types suffered from runaway when the charge is at least 50%.
Daikin launches new single-zone heat pumps for residential use
The new Oterra 115V heat pumps use difluoromethane (R32) as the refrigerant and have a heating capacity of 9,000 BTU/h to 12,000 BTU/h.
