Ars Technica glimpsed a possible future at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory: a solar simulator “that can shine with the intensity of 20 Suns…” “They think it could be the key to interstellar exploration.” “It’s really easy for someone to dismiss the idea and say, ‘On the back of an envelope, it looks great, but if you actually build…
Tag: combustion
Iron Powder Passes First Industrial Test As Renewable, Carbon Dioxide-Free Fuel
An anonymous reader quotes a report from IEEE Spectrum: While setting fire to an iron ingot is probably more trouble than it’s worth, fine iron powder mixed with air is highly combustible. When you burn this mixture, you’re oxidizing the iron. Whereas a carbon fuel oxidizes into CO2, an iron fuel oxidizes into Fe2O3, which is just rust. The nice thing…
Dutch Brewery Burns Iron as a Clean, Recyclable Fuel
Many industries use heat-intensive processes that generally require the burning of fossil fuels, but a surprising green fuel alternative is emerging in the form of metal powders. Ground very fine, cheap iron powder burns readily at high temperatures, releasing energy as it oxidizes in a process that emits no carbon and produces easily collectable rust, or iron oxide, as its only…
Finnish Startup Unveils Machine That Takes Office-Air CO2 and Converts It Into Fuel
Over a video call, Finnish start-up Soletair Power showed Ars Technica their machine that converts office-air carbon dioxide into fuel. Scott K. Johnson reports: The value proposition for the first part of the device is pretty straightforward. Carbon dioxide accumulates in buildings full of people, and higher CO2 concentrations may impact your ability to think clearly. The usual way to manage…
At JPMorgan, Productivity Falls For Younger Employees At Home
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Bloomberg: A troubling pattern emerged as most of JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s employees worked from home to stem the spread of Covid-19: productivity slipped. Work output by younger employees was particularly affected on Mondays and Fridays, according to findings discussed by Chief Executive Office Jamie Dimon in a private meeting with Keefe, Bruyette &…
Can Tesla Build Cheaper Electric Cars With Advanced (and Cobalt-Free) Batteries?
“One of the main reasons we’re not all driving electric vehicles is the price,” argues a transportation writer in Forbes — explaining how Tesla hopes to finally change that: The company is placing a huge bet on rechargeable battery technology that doesn’t use cobalt. This is one of the main elements making lithium ion batteries so expensive. It’s also fraught with…
How do fireworks get their colors?
The beautiful, vibrant colors we see in fireworks – so good at stirring our emotions – are created simply, by pure chemistry. Source: https://earthsky.org/human-world/how-do-fireworks-get-their-vibrant-colors…
Watch ISS spacewalk June 26
On Friday, June 26, 2020, 2 astronauts will perform the 1st of a pair of International Space Station (ISS) spacewalks, to replace aging nickel-hydrogen batteries. How to watch. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/watch-iss-spacewalks-june2020…
The European Space Agency is Funding Its Own Reusable Rocket
“SpaceX may be best known for revolutionizing rocket launches with its reusable rockets…” writes Digital Trends, but now, “Europe wants to get in on the action.” The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced it is developing its own reusable rocket engine…with the aim of making rocket launches considerably cheaper. The ESA described its planned engine as “the precursor of ultra-low-cost rocket…
Germany Will Require All Petrol Stations To Provide Electric Car Charging
Speaking of Germany it will oblige all petrol stations to offer electric car charging to help remove refueling concerns and boost consumer demand for the vehicles as part of its 130 billion euro ($146 billion) economic recovery plan. From a report: The move could provide a significant boost to electric vehicle demand along with the broader stimulus plan which included taxes…