A PV inverter is a device that converts the DC current to AC current of the required frequency, which is then supplied to the electric grid. The device uses the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique to extract the max amount of power from an array of solar panels. PV inverters are the most essential part…
Sony commercially introduced the Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery in 1991, revolutionizing the market by creating a reliable power source for consumer electronic devices. Nearly 25 years later, Li-ion batteries now represent a major portion of the consumer electronic market and are currently the fastest growing segment in the rechargeable battery market. This rapid growth can be…
Norway recently cemented its status as one of the most electric vehicle friendly countries, by announcing that its postal service delivery fleet is going green thanks to the addition of nearly 300 Kangoo Z.E. electric vans. This is just the latest development in a country that has seen wide acceptance of electric cars, with about 50,000…
It’s a story we’ve heard time and again—growing populations worldwide are increasing our global demand for energy, and in turn, our dependence on fossil fuels. Coal is expected to remain the primary fossil fuel for power generation, accounting for more than a 40% market share by 2020. Close to 130 gigawatts of coal-based electricity generation capacity was…
What is Water Stress? Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds supply. Stress levels have grown over the years in the wake of rising pollution, climate change, and uneven water supply resources across the world. As well, population growth, changing water consumption patterns, and urbanization are intensifying water stress levels. Therefore, the demand…
A proton electrode membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a device that generates electricity by oxidizing electrolytes between two electrodes, an anode and a cathode. The global PEMFC market is expected to experience major growth from 2014-2019, with a projected CAGR of 26.67 percent. This growth can be chalked up to a few key shifts in technology,…
What is Thermal Energy Storage? Thermal energy storage accumulates energy through heating or cooling of a storage medium. The energy stored finds usage in various heating and cooling applications as well as in power generation. Thermal energy storage systems are small scale and are commonly used in buildings and industrial processes. Sensible, latent, and thermochemical…
S&C Electric Company, Schneider Electric and Oncor have recently taken major steps forward in microgrid development, with the unveiling of an advanced grid in Texas. In an article announcing the new grid, David Chiesa, director, microgrid business development for S&C is quoted saying, “improving power reliability and optimising generation assets requires disruptive technologies that allow…
