Tag Energy
First plasma marks major milestone in UW–Madison fusion energy research
The fusion energy device known as WHAM transitioned to operations mode this week, marking a major milestone for the yearslong research project that’s received support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
UW–Madison, Alliant Energy collaborate on solar and agricultural research project
Beyond the production of renewable energy, Alliant Energy and UW–Madison are exploring future partnerships to advance the solar research project for education, demonstration and training purposes.
Bus shelters to get solar-powered displays
In a collaboration with student organizations interested in sustainability, Transportation Services will start installing solar panels, lights and screens with real-time arrival information on bus shelters in 2022.
Chemists discover new way to harness energy from ammonia
"To be able to complete the ammonia-to-nitrogen reaction under ambient conditions — and get energy — is a pretty big deal,” says chemistry Professor John Berry.
New solar field gives UW a sustainable boost
O’Brien Solar Fields, the largest solar installation in Dane County, includes 60,318 bifacial panels capable of generating approximately 20 megawatts of renewable electricity. It's a partnership between Madison Gas & Electric, UW–Madison, and other businesses and groups.
Nuclear engineering research and education pioneer Max Carbon dies at 99
As founding chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Carbon authored "Nuclear Power: Villain or Victim? Our Most Misunderstood Source of Electricity."
New condenser makes water from air, even in the hot sun
Unlike other radiative vapor condensers which can only operate at night, the new design works in direct sunlight and requires no energy input.
UW–Madison recognized for its water- and energy-saving initiatives
The heating and cooling plant improvements stem from an upgraded cleaning system for heat exchangers covering over 50,000 tons of the campus’s central plant chillers.
UW researchers’ evaluation puts MGE net-zero carbon goal on path to limit global warming
If actions similar to the Wisconsin utility's plan were also taken around the world, the researchers say, "it would be effective at keeping the planet under 1.5 degrees warming.”
UW–Madison supports largest solar development in Dane County
The university will purchase half of the energy produced by a 20-megawatt solar array that Madison Gas and Electric plans to build south of Madison.
$11.4M Army grant supports aircraft hybrid-electric engine research at UW–Madison
“While there has been a lot of work done on developing hybrid-electric engines for ground vehicles, there hasn’t been much research on using (them) in aircraft,” says David Rothamer, a mechanical engineering professor.
Merging solar cell and liquid battery produces efficient, long-lasting solar storage
While solar flow batteries are years away from commercialization, they offer the potential to provide reliable electricity generation and storage for lighting, cell phones or other fundamental uses for homes in remote areas.
Federally funded upgrade reenergizes fusion experiment
The goal is to help reduce the cost and complexity of fusion reactors, which could potentially provide an abundant source of clean energy by harnessing the process that powers the sun.
Storing carbon dioxide underground may be feasible for helping achieve climate goals
A new study shows that underground reservoirs currently have capacity to store enough atmospheric carbon dioxide to limit planetary warming to under two degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees Fahrenheit) relative to pre-Industrial temperatures by the year 2100.
Physicists to improve plasma fusion mirror devices with $5 million grant
It will serve as a prototype for the next generation of fusion reactors. "It’s a new look at an older concept using new technology,” says researcher Cary Forest.
Fuel cell advance a breath of fresh air for future power alternative
Engineers at UW–Madison have revealed new insights about the chemical reactions that power fuel cells, which could help lead the way toward longer-lived green energy devices.
Turn off a light, save a life, says new UW–Madison study
We all know that turning off lights and buying energy-efficient appliances saves us money. Now, according to a new study by UW–Madison researchers, we know that saving energy also saves lives.
New fuel cell concept brings biological design to better electricity generation
A new approach addresses the high cost of fuel cells, which is one reason that there are only a few thousand vehicles running on hydrogen fuel currently on U.S. roads.
Solar cell, married to liquid battery, achieves record efficiency
The technology Professor Song Jin is advancing – unifying solar electricity generation with storage – could first be used in off-grid, standalone energy systems.
New generation: Unique technology could turbocharge electrical efficiency
Mechanical engineering Professor Sage Kokjohn is developing technology roughly twice as efficient as conventional fossil fuel-based power plants, which would provide more environmentally friendly power.