Category: Technology

Technology

Research finds a new way to generate hydrogen using microwaves

A research initiative by researchers at the Spanish National Research Council and Polytechnic University of Valencia, has led to a revolution in the field of energy research. And, is a breakthrough in process decarbonisation, future of the automotive sector, and the chemical industry among others. The method involves transforming electricity into hydrogen or chemical products with the sole use of microwaves. The apparatus does not involve any cables, or any type of contact with electrodes.

Developed and patented by the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Spanish National Research Council, the technology is based on the phenomenon of microwave reduction of solid materials. Using the method, electrochemical processes can be directly carried out without requiring electrodes, thereby greatly simplifying and making it inexpensive for practical use. As such, this provides more freedom in the design of the structure of the device and choosing of operations, mainly temperature.

Technology showcases potential to meet goals to reduce energy

“The technology has great practical potential, especially for use in storing energy and to produce synthetic fuels and green chemical products. Since the transportation industry is immersed in a transition for decarbonisation, today, the aspect has significant importance. This means the transportation sector has demanding goals to meet between 2030 and 2040. Such goals are to reduce the consumption of energy and materials from fossil sources, mainly oil and gas,” a researcher at the Chemical Technology Institute, Spanish National Research Council.

Meanwhile, production of green hydrogen is the main use of this revolutionary technology. The process does not involve emitting greenhouse gases, rather involves the use of water from industrial and transportation activities. In fact, the technology showcases great potential for the automotive sector, especially for cars powered by fuel cells.

New flexible and highly reliable sensor for Robots invented

A lot depends on soft electronics for the real-time health monitoring and sensing abilities of robots. But reliability remains a challenge in the use of these materials. Because these soft electronics are elastic and pliable is less repeatable, unlike that of rigid devices. The variation in reliability of soft electronics is known as hysteresis.

Taking a cue from the theory of contact mechanics, a new sensor material with significantly less hysteresis created by a team of researchers at the National University of Singapore. This new material enables more accurate robotic sensing and wearable health technology.

The results of the research is published in the prestigious publication Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The use of soft materials as compressive sensors is usually as a cause for severe hysteresis issues. The material properties of soft sensor can change in between repeated touches, which impacts the reliability of data. As a result, to get accurate readouts every time becomes challenging, thereby limiting the possible applications of sensors.

New material for sensor features nearly zero Hysteresis

The invention of a material with high sensitivity is a breakthrough, but with an almost zero hysteresis in its performance. The team developed a process to press metal thin films into desired ring-shaped patterns on a flexible substance called polydimethylsiloxane.

The team incorporated this polydimethylsiloxane film with substrates and electrodes for a piezoresistive sensor and characterized its performance. The repeated carrying out of mechanical testing verified that the design innovation improved sensor performance. The invention termed Tactile Resistive Annularly Cracked E-Skin (TRACE) is five times improved than conventional soft materials.

The unique design, thus enabled to achieve significantly improved accuracy and dependability of robots.

Researcher designs New Mirror Material for Improved Gravitational Wave Detection

How fascinating it would be to be able to listen to the cosmos? The scientific efforts of a MIT graduate have led to the design of new mirror materials for improved detection of gravitational wave.

In the initial stages of the research, the physicists examined gravitational waves, at the time when a sensitive version of Laser-Interferometer Gravitational – Wave Observatory became operational.

“The cusp of the discovery is exciting; the point at which the detector reaches sensitivity and it is thought to work.”

Finding to widen expanse of astrophysics

Meanwhile, in 2015, a year after the start of research, the observatory detected gravitational wave for the very first time. This thrilled everyone in the nascent, yet growing field.

“The ability to observe gravitational waves is a totally different way to observe the universe,” said the researcher. “The finding is a big step for astrophysics; it provides potential for things that are not thought to appear. A number of unknown unknowns.

A key contrast between telescopes and LIGO is that the former looks for cosmic phenomena, and the latter listens.

Working on this line, LIGO listens to the densest objects in the universe – black holes and neutro stars.

In terms of orbital motion, when the massive objects in the universe near each other, they get trapped in a collapsing orbit. Because of this, they spin faster and faster, closer and closer until it leads to collision.

“During such motion, LIGO detects the chirp. The chirp is the louder and louder, faster and faster signal, akin to the sound of spacetime vibrating,” stated the physicist.

These gravitational waves travel long distances through the universe, twisting everything – planets, stars, and people – on the path.

Demand for Heightened Personal Security underscores Growth in Electronic Locks Market

Advancements in security and locking systems, resulting in spurt in demand in novel products is benefitting the electronic locks market. Electronic locks are free of keys, and have an electronic code to lock and unlock where they are used. On the other hand, conventional locking systems do not work for added security of items where it is required.

Automation of systems such as in vehicles and industrial equipment is widening the expanse of electronic locks market. Automated systems need to be integrated with electronic locks for safety at all times.

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Integration of electronic locks in consumer goods provides vast growth opportunities to the electronic locks market. Electronic gadgets, refrigerator, and luggage are some consumer goods that are integrated with electronic locks. Electronic locks improve the safety aspect several times to prevent theft.

Advent of Domestic Use Products redefines Demand

Manufacture of electronic vaults for domestic and commercial use is adding a new dimension to the electronic locks market. Urban consumers are increasingly installing electronic vault at home to keep valuables and important items. Electronic vaults for commercial use are also based on electronic code to lock and unlock them.

The electronic locks market is fragmented and intensely competitive with the presence of several large and small-size vendors. Competitive products at low prices offered by small vendors extends stiff competition for large players. Product advancement and product innovation are key growth strategies of keen players in the electronic locks market.

Key players operating in the electronic locks market include Kwikset, Kaba Holding AG, DynaLock Corporation, Schlage, Salto Systems, Videx Security Ltd., ASSA ABLOY Group, CDV Group Company, LockState, Onity, SimonVoss Technologies GmbH, and Seoul Commtech Co. Ltd.

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North America and Europe are frontrunners in the electronic locks market. Rapid adoption of innovation is a key factor behind the growth of electronics market in these regions.