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This Idea Wasn't All Wet: The Sensing Water-Saving Shower Head Debuts

Cars That Think

In 2012, with California in the midst of a severe drought, Schneider, then a mechanical engineering graduate student at Stanford University , once again tossed out a “cool idea.” He imagined a shower head that would sense when the person showering moved out from under the stream of water. You’d waste more water than you saved.

IDEA 96
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Caltech’s SSPD-1 Is a New Idea for Space-Based Solar

Cars That Think

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. That’s one of the reasons we’ve pulled away from that approach and moved toward a flat design.

IDEA 100
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CATL details next-gen cell-to-pack battery tech with “disruptive” water-cooling design

Green Car Reports

Case in point: The battery supplier CATL makes a strong argument for them with the latest version of its cell-to-pack battery technology, which skips the idea of battery modules entirely. Any potential industry shift toward cylindrical battery cells in EVs is far from a foregone conclusion, let alone an actual trend.

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Tesla’s Elon Musk shares ideas on how the Cybertruck’s “Boat Mode” can work

Teslarati

Musk’s suggestions were actually practical, making the idea of a seafaring Cybertruck sound quite feasible. Musk also noted that a novel hub design would likely be able to help the Cybertruck generate some thrust in the water. There might a creative wheel hub design that can generate meaningful thrust.

IDEA 98
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Rivian Files Patent for Unique Spare Tire Design With Accessories

The Truth About Cars

Rivian has filed a patent for a full-size spare wheel mount designed to accommodate additional components that can enhance the capabilities of the all-electric R1S SUV. But some of the ideas in the patent could create some enhanced utility and garner praise from users if they are executed well.

Design 116
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NASA Hosting Water Sustainability Forum 16-18 March

Green Car Congress

The first forum, Launch: Water, will take place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida from 16-18 March. During the two-and-a-half day forum, the invited innovators and the Launch Council will participate in sessions designed to identify challenges and discuss future opportunities for their innovations.

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US DOE announces $26.9M for advanced nuclear technology

Green Car Congress

Two awards will advance flexible operation of light-water reactors with integrated hydrogen production systems. These projects, valued at $26.9 million including industry cost-share contributions, will allow industry-led teams to advance the state of domestic commercial nuclear capability. Total Award Value: $13,769,630.

Hydrogen 321