Helping construction material manufacturers reduce the energy consumption, carbon footprint of heating and cooling homes

The Cost of Heating and Cooling Homes

Heating and cooling homes carries a hefty economic and environmental price tag. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half of all home energy in the United States is used for heating and cooling, representing more than 14% of the nation's overall energy use. The World Green Building Council reports the buildings and construction sector is responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions.

By understanding the true cost of heating and cooling a home, citizens can make better decisions to reduce energy usage and save money. Possible solutions include improving insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient windows, and switching to energy-efficient heating systems.

Making environmentally friendly upgrades to a home is a great way to lower energy costs and reduce emissions. It also helps create a healthier, more comfortable living environment. Working with a certified energy efficiency professional can help guide these decisions and save money in the long run.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/helping-construction-material-manufacturers-reduce-the-energy-consumption-carbon-footprint-of-heating-and-cooling-homes

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Commerce Department launches applications for microchip funding

U.S. Commerce Department Opens Applications for $39 billion in Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Funding

The U.S. Commerce Department kicked off unprecedented federal spending on Tuesday with the opening of applications for $39 billion in funding for semiconductor chip manufacturing. These tiny components are essential for modern technology and vehicles.

The funding will go towards investment in the United States and cultivating domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing capabilities. This includes providing incentives for research and development, manufacturing, and production, among other areas.

This boosts the U.S. in the global semiconductor chip manufacturing industry, to ensure the future of emerging technologies and automotive needs. The U.S. Commerce Department has made it clear that this funding is vital for the nation’s technological advancement and economic prosperity.

Information and applications are available here.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/commerce-department-launches-applications-for-microchip-funding

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Economical and resource-saving green hydrogen

HighHy Project: Improving Efficiency of AEM Electrolysis Technology to Produce Green Hydrogen

Large quantities of green hydrogen are needed to ensure a successful energy transition. In order to achieve this, an international team of researchers from Germany and New Zealand is working on the HighHy project – aiming to improve the efficiency of the emerging AEM electrolysis technology.

AEM electrolysis is a type of electrolysis technology that uses a membrane and electrodes to separate molecules, such as water, into hydrogen and oxygen. This method is more efficient than traditional electrolysis, as it reduces energy loss through heat.

The HighHy project aims to further improve the efficiency of the AEM electrolysis technology, so that green hydrogen can be produced in large quantities. This would help to make the energy transition both more feasible and more affordable.

The project has already made great progress and plans to continue improving the technology in the near future. With its help, large amounts of green hydrogen can eventually be produced, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/economical-and-resource-saving-green-hydrogen

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Tool helps prevent fires and explosions in natural gas lines

Using FlareSimulator to Prevent Potential Hazards in Natural Gas Grids

Natural gas grids must be serviced and maintained on a regular basis. To do this, flares are typically used to vent the natural gas. But it is important to maintain a minimum distance between flares and houses, trees and other close objects, in order to reduce the risk of explosions.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF has produced an assistive tool called FlareSimulator to help with this process. By inputting various parameters related to the natural gas grid, the tool is able to calculate the correct distance for flares and prevent potential hazards.

With FlareSimulator, natural gas grids can be serviced in a safe and efficient manner. The simulations conducted by the tool enable researchers to test the effects of certain parameters, such as wind and pressure, on the distance required between flares and other objects.

Overall, FlareSimulator is an invaluable tool for servicing natural gas grids, providing researchers with the information they need to maintain the correct distance between flares and nearby houses, trees and other objects.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/tool-helps-prevent-fires-and-explosions-in-natural-gas-lines

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Underwater acoustic wireless communication using TCP/IP

Acoustic communication through water is a phenomenon well known among numerous sea creatures, such as whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans. Crustaceans and fish also partake in this type of communication with sound. However, the origin of this aquatic communication dates back to the time of Leonardo da Vinci, who first described an acoustic listening technique in 1490, although modern-day active sonar methods are vastly more sophisticated than his passive technique.

The conversation between sea creatures often functions as a powerful form of communication, as well as a way to locate prey and navigate. Different creatures produce and receive different types of sounds based upon the nature of their environment. As technology advances, further research on underwater acoustics can be explored, as well as its potential applications in the field of communications and navigation.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/underwater-acoustic-wireless-communication-using-tcp-ip

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A new bioinspired earthworm robot for future underground exploration

Soft Robot Inspired by Earthworms Created by IIT-Italian Institute of Technology

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT-Italian Institute of Technology) in Genoa have created a new soft robot that is inspired by the biology of earthworms. This soft robot is able to crawl thanks to soft actuators that are able to elongate or squeeze when air passes through them or is drawn out.

The innovative design of the soft robot allows it to perform a variety of tasks and gives it the capability to move within confined spaces like those found on a factory floor or in a hazardous environment. Furthermore, the robot can be easily adapted for different applications by adjusting the number and position of its actuators.

The soft robot is yet another example of the amazing possibilities offered by robotics and is sure to revolutionize the field in the near future.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/a-new-bioinspired-earthworm-robot-for-future-underground-exploration

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Almost all cobalt can be recycled using new method requiring less energy with little environmental impact

Researchers Create More Eco-Friendly Trick to Retrieve Cobalt from Used Lithium-ion Batteries

Researchers at Linnaeus University have developed a more environmentally friendly way of retrieving cobalt from used lithium-ion batteries. With a liquid solvent made of readily available substances, derived from urine and acetic acid, over 97 percent of the cobalt can be recovered. The researchers see good potential for large-scale application.

The new solvent is composed of ammonia and a source of acetate, both of which are derived from urine and acetic acid. This isn't the first time urine has been used for environmentally friendly methods; its high ammonium content makes it an ideal source for extracting cobalt.

The cobalt extraction process is expensive and highly energy intensive, so this method of extraction is both cost-effective and energy-saving. It also uses chemicals that are much safer for the environment compared to traditional methods.

The team aims to improve the solvent's performance even further to allow for the extraction of other valuable metals such as nickel, manganese and molybdenum. They also plan to investigate potential applications in other industries, such as the production of fuel cells and batteries.

This research demonstrates the viability of using sustainable, natural methods to recover metals from used lithium-ion batteries. The researchers' method is a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable future.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/almost-all-cobalt-can-be-recycled-using-new-method-requiring-less-energy-with-little-environmental-impact

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