A new storm-resistant ocean energy structure has been installed off the coast of Gran Canaria, marking a breakthrough in developing renewable systems capable of operating through hurricanes. Developed under the EU’s Horizon Europe–funded PLOTEC project, the prototype represents the next step in harnessing ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) to deliver round-the-clock clean … [Read more...] about New EU-funded ocean energy platform begins testing
Sustainability
New software designs eco-friendly clothing that can reassemble into new items
A team of researchers from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Adobe has developed a software system that breaks down fashion design into modules – essentially, smaller building blocks – by allowing users to draw, plan, and visualise each element of a clothing item. The tool turns fashion ideas into a blueprint that outlines how to assemble … [Read more...] about New software designs eco-friendly clothing that can reassemble into new items
Transport for West Midlands to convene design excellence panel
Recognising the critical role of design in shaping user experience, safety and long-term value, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is calling for tenders for the creation of a design excellence panel as a key mechanism to embed design thinking from the outset of project development. TfWM is committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive and sustainable transport infrastructure … [Read more...] about Transport for West Midlands to convene design excellence panel
New offshore drilling technology is a design engineering first
To meet the evolving demands of the geotechnical drilling and subsea operations industries, design engineers at Cornwall-based specialist engineering firm MintMech have developed a new heave-compensation system. Active Heave Assist (AHA) offers heave compensation for vessel motion within less than ten centimetres, ensuring the drill bit remains stable relative to the seabed … [Read more...] about New offshore drilling technology is a design engineering first
Printable aluminium alloy sets strength records, may enable lighter aircraft parts
MIT engineers have developed a printable aluminium alloy that can withstand high temperatures and is five times stronger than traditionally manufactured aluminium. The new printable metal is made from a mix of aluminium and other elements that the team identified using a combination of simulations and machine learning, which significantly pruned the number of possible … [Read more...] about Printable aluminium alloy sets strength records, may enable lighter aircraft parts