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#Electricity

Global News

Hydrogen Air Taxi Flies 523 Miles, Marking a Major Advancement in Eco-Friendly Travel

A hydrogen-electric air taxi built by Joby Aviation has flown a record 523 miles (about 842km) across California. This flight sets a new milestone as the first long-distance journey of a hydrogen-powered aircraft that can take off and land (VTOL). Record-setting flight ~ Joby Aviation's flight on June 24 flew three times farther than their previous electric vehicles (EVs). The aircraft touched down with 10% of its hydrogen fuel left, hinting at the possibility of longer trips down the road. Joby Aviation pointed to this feat as proof that "hydrogen can make emissions-free regional journeys possible." Water was the only thing the flight produced showing how eco-friendly it was. Shift from battery-electric to hydrogen-electric ~ At first, Joby Aviation created an air taxi powered by batteries. This vehicle has six rotors that work well in cities. The company tested it a lot at their place in Marina California, and above New York City. Then, the engineers changed it to a hydrogen-electric aircraft. To do this, they added a tank that can hold 40kg of liquid hydrogen and a system that uses hydrogen fuel cells. (Source: Google Images)  Aircraft functionality ~  The fuel cells in the aircraft turn hydrogen into heat, electricity, and water when oxygen is present. The electricity gives power to the aircraft's rotors, and the water gets released as waste. To make sure there's extra power for takeoff and landing, the aircraft also has a small number of batteries. Joby Aviation aims to start selling its first battery-electric design in 2025, with plans to bring out the hydrogen-electric air taxi later. Progress in FAA certification process ~ Joby Aviation just hit a big milestone. They're the first company making electric VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft to finish the third of five steps in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process. This step involved the FAA looking over and giving the thumbs up to Joby's plans for certifying the aircraft's mechanical, structural, and electrical systems. The next step will take a close look at the whole aircraft and all its systems. This flight success and progress in getting FAA certification is a big deal. It shows that Joby Aviation has an impact on pushing forward the development and commercialization of aviation technology that's better for the environment.

30 Jul 2024
Global News

World’s Largest Wave Power Station Is Coming Up in Turkey

As the world moves towards using renewable sources of energy, a Swedish firm Eco Wave Power (EWP) has plans to produce electricity from the waves of the sea by constructing the world’s largest wave power station in Turkey. The tidal power station would be Turkey's first grid-connected tidal energy station and, when finished, the largest in the world. It is a 77-megawatt system of enormous, pier-like devices that harness the endless motion of the water to produce renewable electricity. The rising and falling motion of the waves propels hydraulic pistons within the metal hulls, known as "floaters," which in turn propels a turbine on land, which then transfers energy to the grid via an inverter. The devices are anchored to sea walls or jetties. Eco Wave Power (EWP) signed the contract for the possible construction in Ordu, Turkey, beginning with a modest trial project. The deal states that nine potentially useful breakwaters will be assigned to EWP by government-owned Ordu Enerji for a 25-year period starting with the activation of the relevant pilot or power station. According to Mustafa Kemal Macit, president and chief executive officer of Ordu Enerji, "Ordu regards Eco Wave Power as a vital asset to completely fulfilling our potential for 100% clean energy."

21 Dec 2022
Global News

Good News

Power Ministry Notifies New Rules, Granting Direct Grid Access to Large Electricity Users!

The Power Ministry in India has recently announced new rules that empower large electricity users to access the grid directly. These rules aim to enhance the ease of doing business, accelerate industrial growth, and promote the adoption of renewable energy. Let's explore the details and benefits of this significant development. New Rules Empowering Large Electricity Users Under the amendments made to the Electricity Rules 2005, consumers with a substantial load and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) will now have the freedom to establish, operate, and maintain dedicated transmission lines without the need for a license. This privilege was previously only available to generating companies and captive generating stations. The new rules provide a boost to large industrial users by granting them direct access to the grid. Rationalized Charges for Open Access In addition to allowing grid access, the government has also rationalized charges for open access to electricity. This move is expected to facilitate the swift adoption of renewable energy sources. It will enable consumers to receive electricity supply from sources other than the distribution licensee, thereby promoting competition and encouraging the use of clean energy alternatives. Improved Financial Viability and Reduced Losses The primary objective of these new rules is to enhance the financial viability of electricity distribution utilities (discoms) and reduce their losses. By allowing large industrial consumers to establish their own transmission lines, the burden on discoms is expected to decrease significantly. This reduction in the load on the distribution network will enhance its efficiency and ensure a more stable power supply to all consumers. Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Industrial Growth The elimination of the license requirement for dedicated transmission lines is a significant step towards improving the ease of doing business in the electricity sector. Large industrial users will no longer face bureaucratic hurdles and delays in obtaining licenses, leading to faster and smoother operations. This streamlined process will attract more investments, boost industrial growth, and stimulate job creation in the country. Encouraging Renewable Energy Adoption The government's focus on renewable energy is evident in these new rules. Large electricity users will now have the opportunity to connect to the grid without licensing requirements, provided they comply with the regulations under the Act. This provision is expected to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources by the industry, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and a greener future. Uniform Open Access and Cost-Reflective Tariffs The new rules also aim to ensure that all consumers across the country have fair and equal access to electricity at competitive rates. Methodologies for determining various open access charges for wheeling, state transmission, and additional surcharges have been prescribed. This will bring transparency to tariff structures and prevent discrimination, further promoting a level playing field for all consumers. The Power Ministry's notification of new rules allowing large electricity users to access the grid directly marks a significant milestone in India's energy reforms. These reforms will not only simplify business operations for industries but also contribute to the growth of renewable energy adoption. By reducing losses for discoms and enhancing the financial viability of the electricity sector, these rules pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient power ecosystem in the country.

19 Jan 2024
Good News

Groundbreaking Enzyme Converts Air into Electricity, Paving the Way for Clean Energy Solutions!

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, Australian researchers have uncovered an enzyme capable of transforming air into electricity, presenting a promising solution to our energy needs. The enzyme, known as Huc, leverages the trace amounts of hydrogen present in the atmosphere to generate an electrical current, offering a new avenue for clean and sustainable energy production. Led by a team of microbiologists from Monash University, the discovery of Huc represents a significant advancement in our understanding of how bacteria harness energy. The enzyme, produced by bacteria found in various environments such as soil, oceans, and even Antarctica, acts as a scavenger of hydrogen gas. Notably, it can consume hydrogen below atmospheric levels, resembling a natural battery. The findings, published in the journal Nature, shed light on the intricate workings of Huc and its potential applications. The enzyme could be employed in the synthesis of fine chemicals, enabling precise modifications that are challenging to achieve through traditional chemical means. Moreover, Huc shows promise as a hydrogen sensor, capable of detecting hydrogen concentrations by producing an electrical current. Perhaps most excitingly, Huc holds the potential to power small electronic devices using air or low concentrations of hydrogen, offering a clean and sustainable energy source. While further research and development are needed to bring these applications to fruition, the discovery of this enzyme marks a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. Beyond its practical implications, understanding the role of Huc and similar enzymes in hydrogen absorption by bacteria provides valuable insights into the Earth's climate regulation. These bacteria absorb millions of tonnes of hydrogen annually, influencing the composition of our atmosphere and potentially offering a means to mitigate climate change. As scientists work towards scaling up the production of Huc, the possibilities for harnessing clean energy from thin air appear limitless. This groundbreaking discovery ushers in a new era of renewable energy generation, unlocking the potential to revolutionize the way we power our world and mitigate the environmental challenges we face.

4 Sep 2023
Good News

A Device That Converts Energy From Oceanic Waves Into Electricity. 

D C Sekhar, a former Captian with the Merchant Navy and a Bangalore based has innovated a device that converts energy from oceanic waves into electricity.  Captian Shekhar with his 26 years of experience in Merchant Navy, made a prototype at Sadahalli (near Devanahalli), Bengaluru and got it tested at IIT-Madras. The result turned positive when artificial waves were created inside the pool. The device actually is divided into two parts, the top and the bottom part. The top part has multiple drums floating on the surface and the bottom part has shafts connecting rods that converts each movement of waves into electricity using a generator.  Captain Sekhar said in Indian Express, “Some private ports have shown interest in the product and I am in talks with them. They can use it to power the breakwater lights. The device can be especially useful in islands. The prototype was developed at a cost of `12.25 lakh, of which `8.7 lakh was from the grant. In comparison, a Danish firm trying to build something similar was unable to find investors to match-fund a whopping $20 million grant ” Captain Sekhar's next innovation will be a hybrid, unmanned wave-powered boat with a long cruising range, which could serve as a platform for sensors and surveillance. 

24 Mar 2018
Good News

A villager finds an innovative way to generate electricity at home with his bike

Pullapatta Kizhakekara Puthenveettil Harinarayan is a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation or KSRTC driver who doesn’t have a power connection at home. This villager from Palakkad , therefore didn't worry when the State Electricity Regulatory Commission announced a hike in power tariff last week. Instead, Harinarayanan ingeniously found a way to generate electricity by  using a water pump and a dynamo on his bike . The electricity generated is enough to suffice his household. The day's requirement of electricity is generated by running the engine of his two wheeler, an ’82 model diesel bike for almost an hour in a stationary state. He has made his bike cost effective as well as it can run up to 82km on a litre of diesel. The government employee also helps the people in his neighbourhood to fill up water tanks and light up their homes during massive power cuts, with the help of his bike. Palakkad is a region with accute water shortages and Harinarayanan's innovation helps the villagers to draw water from as deep as 10 metres from even the most dried up wells.   The bike facility comprises of an engine which coupled with a dynamo, together can produce up to 24 volts of power. While the water is being pumped up, the battery can store close to 12 volts. Many villagers are using Harinarayanan’s invention which he has made only at the cost of Rs 3,000.

26 Apr 2017
Good News

India net exporter of electricity to its neighbours

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has stated that for the first time, India has become a net exporter of electricity during the April-February period. During this period, India exported around 5,798 Million Units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar which is 213 Million units more than the import of around 5,585 Million units from Bhutan. In the last three years, export to Nepal and Bangladesh increased 2.5 and 2.8 times respectively.  The cross border trade of electricity had started in the mid eighties and since then, India used to import power from Bhutan to the tune of around  5,000-5,500 Million units. It has also been exporting 190 MW power to Nepal over 12 cross border interconnections at 11kV, 33kV and 132 kV level. India had also been exporting around 190 MW power to Nepal over 12 cross border interconnections at 11kV, 33kV and 132 kV level. With the commissioning of Muzaffarpur (India) - Dhalkhebar (Nepal) 400kV line (being operated at 132 kV) in 2016, the export power to Nepal has further increased by around 145 MW. In September 2013, the first cross border Interconnection between Baharampur in India and Bheramara in Bangladesh at 400kV was commissioned and this gave a boost to the export of power to Bangladesh.  At present, around 600 MW power is being exported to Bangladesh.  The power companies have also been able to boost their output due to a massive surge in the local supply of raw materials like coal in the past two years.  There are plans to set up a few more cross border links with neighbouring countries which will help to further increase the export of power.  

30 Mar 2017
Good News

Star Citizens

Why Are the NABARD Officials Surprised by a 34-Year-Old’s Micro-Hydel Power Plant?

Water is an abundant resource that has been used for centuries as a means of generating power. But one 34-year-old college dropout from Bayang village in India has taken it a step further by developing a micro-hydel power plant using unconventional materials like bamboo to produce free electricity for his village. Kedar Prasad Mahto's groundbreaking invention has captured the attention of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), which sees potential in his plant to power small-scale farmers for cultivation. Mahto's passion for his village and its people has driven him to create a cost-effective solution to the high costs of building hydel power plants using conventional technology. Mahto's plant, which required only Rs 3 lakh of his own investment, has successfully generated 5KV of free power to illuminate the streets and temple in the village. NABARD officials have been impressed with Mahto's innovative approach to generating electricity and are exploring the possibility of financing similar initiatives in other villages. According to them, Mahto's model has the potential to produce up to 2MW of power, which would cost just Rs 2 crore to build, a fraction of the cost of conventional plants. Mahto's plant, made from bamboo sticks and a homemade turbine, has not only brought free electricity to his village but also opened up new possibilities for rural communities across India. The future looks bright for Mahto and his micro-hydel power plant, which has the potential to transform the lives of farmers and rural communities across the country.

30 Mar 2023
Star Citizens

Global Inspirations

Now, a Device That Can Generate Electricity From Sound!

Many people are annoyed by loud sounds, but what if the sound can be put to a good purpose, like generating electricity. A team of eleventh-grade students of the Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas Campus (PSHS-WVC) has made a device that can do just that! The bright, innovative students have named their invention ‘S-Light’ and the good news is that it costs very less-$4 which basically is the cost of the capacitors. The Technology In S-Light The generator that produces electricity is like the opposite of a standard musical speaker. Instead of using electricity to generate sound, this device comprises a speaker which is equipped with magnets and coils that generate electricity whenever they are hit by sound waves.  Benefits The gadget which uses sound as input to generate electricity produces enough power to illuminate a small light. It would definitely prove to be an invaluable source of energy and lighting for rural communities. The technology of the device can also be scaled up to produce larger amounts of energy by placing them in noisy areas such as airport runways. For their groundbreaking invention, the five brilliant students were awarded the Silver Award for the 2019 Young Inventors Challenge. Image Source: Good News Network

1 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

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