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Caltech’s SSPD-1 Is a New Idea for Space-Based Solar

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Several recently published deep-dive analyses commissioned by NASA and the European Space Agency have thrown cold water on the hope that space solar power could affordably generate many gigawatts of clean energy in the near future. Hajimiri: Our idea is to deploy a fleet of these sail-like structures that then all fly in close formation.

IDEA 95
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Stanford researchers develop new electrolysis system to split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen

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Existing water-splitting methods rely on highly purified water—a precious resource and costly to produce. Electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen fuel is an attractive renewable energy storage technology. Electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen fuel is an attractive renewable energy storage technology.

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Sandia team boosts hydrogen production activity by molybdenum disulfide four-fold; low-cost catalyst for solar-driven water splitting

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The improved catalyst has already released four times the amount of hydrogen ever produced by MoS 2 from water. The idea was to understand the changes in the molecular structure of molybdenum disulfide, so that it can be a better catalyst for hydrogen production: closer to platinum in efficiency, but earth-abundant and cheap.

Low Cost 150
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Heating Buildings With Solar Energy Stored in Sand

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The system uses electricity to heat air, which is then circulated through an exchanger that heats water and distributes it to multiple buildings in the city’s Hiedanranta district (Figure 2). The hot air then flows back out of the vessel into a heat exchanger, where it heats water that is then circulated through building heating systems.

Store 89
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Two Companies Working Towards Full-Scale Liberty Lifter X-Plane

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DARPA is of course well known for having lots of crazy ideas, only some of which ever come to fruition. The name “Liberty Lifter” invokes the idea of Liberty ships, reflecting DARPA’s goal of an aircraft that’s relatively easy and cheap to put together.

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Stuff We Use: What’s the Best Car Wash Soap?

The Truth About Cars

Actually, it’s a decent idea to kick this article off with a note about car washing techniques. The intent here is to keep the grime that has been wiped off the car from being reintroduced to the soapy wash water. Mix up the recommended ratio of ONR and distilled water, then pour it into a clean spray bottle.

Cars 98
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Eat This Drone

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Drones have the potential to be very useful in disaster scenarios by transporting food and water to people in need. The idea is that you could fly this drone directly to them and keep them going for an extra day or two. It’s a process that’s fast, simple, and cheap. higher Young's modulus, low density).

Water 144