Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a solar-powered desalination system that produces fresh water while recovering almost all of the dissolved salts as solids rather than generating concentrated liquid brine. The technology uses laser-treated black metal to absorb solar energy and move seawater across its surface, where it evaporates. The researchers … [Read more...] about Solar desalination system turns seawater into fresh water without brine waste
Sustainability
UK airspace trial to test whether changing flight paths can reduce contrails
Most attempts to reduce aviation’s climate impact focus on what powers an aircraft. A new UK-led trial is looking instead at where an aircraft flies, testing whether relatively small changes in altitude could prevent some of the condensation trails that contribute to global warming. Operation Blue Skies will conduct what its partners describe as the world’s first … [Read more...] about UK airspace trial to test whether changing flight paths can reduce contrails
Where renewables are built could determine the resilience of future power grids
As electricity systems become more dependent on wind and solar power, engineers face a problem that cannot be solved simply by adding more generating capacity. Renewable output varies with the weather, electricity demand changes with temperature, and transmission networks determine whether power can reach the places where it is needed. Decisions about where new infrastructure … [Read more...] about Where renewables are built could determine the resilience of future power grids
Imperial design engineering alumni launch sustainable clothing collaboration
Imperial College London has teamed up with graduate-founded biomaterials company Ponda to launch a range of sustainable university-branded clothing, demonstrating how ideas developed through engineering education can become commercial products. The collaboration will see Imperial-branded apparel insulated with BioPuff®, a plant-based material developed by Bristol-based … [Read more...] about Imperial design engineering alumni launch sustainable clothing collaboration
Researchers urge lifecycle approach to home retrofits
Home retrofit drive could create future e-waste problem, researchers warn. The UK's push to make homes more energy efficient could create a new waste problem if low-carbon technologies aren't designed with their full lifespan in mind, researchers have warned. Heat pumps, solar panels and home battery systems are expected to play a major role in helping the UK cut carbon … [Read more...] about Researchers urge lifecycle approach to home retrofits