India  

New Material Harnesses Wasted Light to Make Solar Panels More Efficient

Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:30s - Published
New Material Harnesses Wasted Light to Make Solar Panels More Efficient

New Material Harnesses Wasted Light to Make Solar Panels More Efficient

New Material Harnesses, Wasted Light to Make , Solar Panels More Efficient.

'The Independent' reports that scientists have found a way to significantly increase the efficiency of solar panels.

.

The new method reportedly involves harnessing the power of previously unused portions of the light spectrum.

The team from Shanghai University of Engineering Science found that a glass-ceramic material could be used to convert ultraviolet (UV) light into visible light.

.

With potential applications in both terrestrial and space photovoltaic cells, the development of spectral downshifting co-doped glass-ceramics might open up new avenues to achieve better performance in photovoltaic devices.

, Pei Song, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, via 'The Independent'.

The new material also provides an added layer of protection for next-gen perovskite cells that are known to suffer from degradation under strong light.

'The Independent' reports that the team's findings could provide a protective layer for photovoltaic cells used in the space industry.

Nowadays, expanding space stations require more power support and need high-performance photovoltaic cells.

, Pei Song, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, via 'The Independent'.

By covering the top side of a photovoltaic cell with the proposed spectral conversion material and using appropriate encapsulation and sealing technology, we can ensure very low humidity levels and efficient UV recycling.

, Pei Song, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, via 'The Independent'.

In addition, glass-ceramic materials have a hard texture, so they can protect photovoltaic cells from being hit by tiny floating debris in space, Pei Song, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, via 'The Independent'.

The team's findings were detailed in the 'Journal of Photonics for Energy.'


You Might Like


💡 newsR Knowledge: Other News Mentions

The Independent The Independent British online daily newspaper

Solar Power Breakthrough Could Bring Clean Energy to Heavy Manufacturing [Video]

Solar Power Breakthrough Could Bring Clean Energy to Heavy Manufacturing

Solar Power Breakthrough , Could Bring Clean Energy to, Heavy Manufacturing. A new solar-powered device may have reached a breakthrough, generating temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius. . The breakthrough was detailed in a study published in the journal 'Device.'. 'The Independent' reports that the development raises hopes that green energy could be used to run some of the world's most fossil fuel-intensive manufacturing processes. . 'The Independent' reports that the development raises hopes that green energy could be used to run some of the world's most fossil fuel-intensive manufacturing processes. . Using synthetic quartz crystals, the new proof-of-concept device traps solar energies at temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius. . The breakthrough could bring clean energy to carbon-intensive industries like cement, chemical and metal manufacturing. These manufacturing industries alone account for almost a quarter of the world's total energy consumption. The new device reportedly relies upon a phenomenon known as the thermal trap effect to harness the power of the sun more efficiently than ever achieved before. Previous research has only managed to demonstrate the thermal trap effect up to 170C. Our research showed that solar thermal trapping works not just at low temperatures, but well above 1,000C. , Emiliano Casati, Study co-author from ETH Zurich, via 'The Independent'. This is crucial to show its potential for real-world industrial applications, Emiliano Casati, Study co-author from ETH Zurich, via 'The Independent'. 'The Independent' reports that researchers are looking to optimize the thermal trap effect to find new applications for the groundbreaking process.

Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories    Duration: 01:31Published
Astronomers Witness Merger of 2 Black Holes From the 'Cosmic Dawn' [Video]

Astronomers Witness Merger of 2 Black Holes From the 'Cosmic Dawn'

Astronomers Witness , Merger of 2 Black Holes, From the 'Cosmic Dawn'. 'The Independent' reports that NASA's Webb Space Telescope has made the most distant detection of merging black holes. . Two gigantic black holes and the galaxies that they stood at the center of merged together just 740 million years after the universe was formed in the Big Bang. One of the black holes is a staggering 50 million times larger than our Sun, and the other is believed to be a similar gigantic size. . Astronomers have long wondered how supermassive black holes are so big. . Lead author Hannah Ubler of the University of Cambridge says the findings suggest that mergers like this ancient example show how black holes are able to grow so rapidly. According to Ubler, the latest Webb discovery also suggests that black holes have been merging since the "cosmic dawn.". Massive black holes have been shaping the evolution of galaxies from the very beginning, Hannah Ubler, lead author from the University of Cambridge, via 'The Independent'. In 2021, NASA launched Webb, intended to replace the Hubble Space Telescope. Webb is the largest and most powerful observatory ever launched into space. . The joint U.S.-European project surveys the universe from a vantage point located about 1 million miles away from Earth.

Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories    Duration: 01:31Published
Boeing Faces Potential Criminal Charges Following String of Incidents [Video]

Boeing Faces Potential Criminal Charges Following String of Incidents

Boeing Faces, Potential Criminal Charges , Following String of Incidents. 'The Independent' reports that federal officials have issued a warning to Boeing regarding possible criminal charges due to the airliner's failure to improve safety. . The government-issued warning comes after a series of incidents, including two 737 Max jet crashes within a five-month span. . One crash occurred in Indonesia in 2018 and another took place in Ethiopia in 2019. A total of 346 people were killed in the two crashes. Following those two crashes, Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion and make a number of safety improvements. Feds now accuse Boeing of violating that deal and claim the company could face further prosecution following a series of incidents in recent months. In January, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 had a door plug blow off mid-flight. . That incident resulted in the FAA ordering all 171 MAX 9 jets be grounded while the agency investigated the incident. . For failing to fulfill completely the terms of and obligations under the [deferred prosecution agreement], Boeing is subject to prosecution by the United States for any federal criminal violation of which the United States has knowledge, Department of Justice lawyers letter to a federal judge, via 'The Independent'. 'The Independent' reports that a number of whistleblowers have accused Boeing of cutting corners when it comes to quality and expertise in exchange for short-term profit.

Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories    Duration: 01:31Published
5 Tips for Beginner Cyclists [Video]

5 Tips for Beginner Cyclists

5 Tips, for Beginner Cyclists . 1. Safety first. Look for a helmet that is lightweight and comfortable. Safety features like MIPS, multi-directional impact protection system, help protect you from different types of impact. . 2. Be aware of the traffic environment and road conditions. Find a cycling guide to brush up on road safety awareness, basic road positioning, observation and anticipation. 3. Download a cycling app. . A cycling app can help you optimize your trip. 'The Independent' recommends Bike Hub Journey Planner which offers spoken instructions, multiple routes and a number of other handy features. . 4. Basic maintenance is essential. Most importantly, check the tire pressure, brake lines, brake pads and oil the chain. . A local bike service center can always help you. . 5. Find a cycling club. . Finding other experienced cyclists to ride with is a great way to become a more competent rider. . It's time to hit the road.

Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories    Duration: 01:31Published
McDonald's Posts Disappointing Q1 Results Amid Ongoing Boycotts [Video]

McDonald's Posts Disappointing Q1 Results Amid Ongoing Boycotts

McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts. 'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker- than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. . 'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker- than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. . According to McDonald's, higher sales in the United States helped the fast-food giant overcome weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted. According to McDonald's, higher sales in the United States helped the fast-food giant overcome weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted. The company saw same-store sales rise by 1.9% worldwide between January and March, below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%. Increased menu pricing and delivery demand saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%. In international markets, sales fell by 0.2% for the first time since 2020. Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates. 'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East have been boycotting McDonald's for months. The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in Israel announced in October that it would provide free meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza. In the months since then, the company has tried to limit the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise. Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'. Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'

Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories    Duration: 01:30Published