Minesto’s Dragon 12, a fully operational and dynamic tidal energy device, is making waves in the renewable energy sector with its innovative approach. Resembling a futuristic military drone, the Dragon 12 behaves like an underwater kite, utilizing tidal flows to fly patterns faster than the currents, effectively harvesting renewable energy. Unlike traditional tidal turbines that remain stationary in the water, Minesto’s Dragon series is anchored to the sea bed and maneuvers like kites, optimizing energy extraction from tidal currents.

Similar to land-based wind energy kites that follow figure-eight patterns to outpace the wind, the Dragon underwater device employs dynamic movements to extract more energy from a given tidal current. This unique approach expands the economic feasibility of harnessing energy from slower tidal flows. Despite its substantial size, with a 12-meter wingspan and a weight of 28 tons, the Dragon 12 offers easier installation using a single boat and a sea bed tether.

Researchers from the Italian Institute of Technology have achieved a groundbreaking feat by creating the world’s first rechargeable battery entirely composed of food products, making it not only environmentally friendly but also completely edible. This remarkable development opens doors to potential applications in internal gastrointestinal diagnostic instruments, food quality monitoring, and even edible soft robotics.

The team, led by Mario Caironi, coordinator of the Printed and Molecular Electronics laboratory at the IIT Center in Milan, drew inspiration from biochemical reactions in living beings. The battery’s anode is crafted from riboflavin (vitamin B2), found in almonds, dairy products, and meats, while the cathode is made from the plant flavonoid quercetin, present in capers, citrus fruits, and leafy greens.

Swiss scientists from Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratory for Science and Technology) and the Slovak University of Technology have unveiled a groundbreaking construction material that could transform the industry with its exceptional insulation capabilities. The team has ingeniously harnessed the power of silica aerogel granules to create aerogel glass bricks, introducing a translucent and thermally insulating material that could significantly reduce lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) energy demands without the need to increase insulation layer thickness.

Described as having the “highest insulating performance” among bricks in technical literature and the market, the aerogel glass brick offers not only insulation benefits but also improves visual comfort. The material is expected to enhance solar gains, leading to reduced heating costs, and decrease reliance on artificial lighting.

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have achieved a significant milestone by developing a thermally refractory material capable of maintaining its optical properties under extreme conditions, including temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius and intense ultraviolet illumination. This breakthrough material holds promising applications in various fields, from aerospace and space technology to thermal photovoltaic (TPV) systems.

Thermal radiation, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by matter with temperatures above absolute zero, has long been explored as a potential energy source. Harnessing this radiation can be particularly useful in repurposing heat generated by facilities such as thermal power plants and industrial sites for heating, cooling, and energy production. The focus of this research has been to identify materials that can withstand extreme environments, expanding the scope of thermal radiation applications.

Researchers have tackled the safety concerns surrounding lithium batteries by developing a groundbreaking solution that integrates fire extinguishing capabilities directly into the battery cells. While lithium batteries have revolutionized technology, powering devices like smartphones, electric cars, and laptops, their potential for catastrophic fires has raised alarm. The surge in incidents, including over 200 recorded in New York City alone in 2022, highlights the need for enhanced safety measures.

Traditional lithium batteries, when mishandled or damaged, can lead to fiery explosions with devastating consequences. Recognizing this issue, a team from Clemson University and Hunan University has introduced a new rechargeable lithium battery design. The innovation involves replacing the standard, highly combustible electrolyte fluid with a modified version of 3M’s Novec 7300 non-flammable heat transfer fluid, commonly found in fire extinguishers.