‘Air-Gen’ Device Generates Electric Power from Ambient Humidity (by Sci-News)

science-news

(Sci-News) A thin-film device made from nanometer-scale protein wires harvested from the microbe Geobacter sulfurreducens can generate continuous electric power in the ambient environment, according to a new study published in the journal Nature.

“We are literally making electricity out of thin air. The Air-gen generates clean energy 24/7,” said Dr. Jun Yao, an electrical engineer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

“It’s the most amazing and exciting application of protein nanowires yet,” added Professor Derek Lovley, a microbiologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The Air-gen device can generate power even in areas with extremely low humidity such as the Sahara Desert.

“It has significant advantages over other forms of renewable energy including solar and wind, because unlike these other renewable energy sources, the Air-gen does not require sunlight or wind, and it even works indoors,” Professor Lovley said.

The device requires only a thin film of protein nanowires less than 10 microns thick.

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CO2 Sensor Helps to Reduce the Risk of Covid-19 Transmission Indoors – EE Times

EE-Times

Indoor climate plays a key role in health protection, as pathogens remain in rooms for hours at typical air exchange rates in residential and office buildings. An increase in fresh air supply is recommended. To monitor and control the air quality, innovative CO2 sensors like the new XENSIV™ PAS CO  from Infineon provide precise, cost-effective, and space-saving solutions.EE Times

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Basic of Designing Power Substations

Substation-Bus
Power substations are the most integral part of a power utilities’ electric system. Substations make up the various electric systems – power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Power substations consist of power transformers, voltage/potential transformers, current transformers, electrical bus, foundations/structures, circuit breakers, switches, outdoor cabinets, control house, fencing, etc.
Many design aspects and processes go into engineering and designing a power substation from the ground up. This discusses the basic steps performed in planning and implementing a new substation.
Click here to continue reading….

Solar Power and Battery Storage Efficiencies Continue to Improve

solar-farm

The Solar Power and Battery Storage Industry continues to improve with greater efficiencies and lower costs mainly from better manufacturing practices of using newer silicon type materials. Management of these renewable systems are also adding enhanced productivity and control from advanced software solutions.

READ MORE @ PowerMag.com

CLICK HERE to try out a free and basic online Grid-Tied Solar System Calculator (by 3 Phase Associates)

The Chattanooga Engineers Club (CEC)

Chattanooga Engineers Club

The Chattanooga Engineers Club (CEC) was established to promote the exchange of ideas and to learn about current developments and trends in science engineering and technology.  The decades since our founding 
have brought many new and better paths of communication–this web site as just one illustration! 

Throughout 2017 the Executive team has wrestled with the question of how to preserve our heritage but also stay relevant to the times.  Our present view of the value we can bring in our community centers on the following:

1.  Engage MS & HS students to consider Engineering careersthrough STEM activities, by connecting with school guidance counselors, and facilitating business open-houses or internships.

2.  Offer members Professional Development Hours (PDH’s) through speakers and presentations.

3.  
Expose engineers to work places, innovation centers, educational institutions, etc. by holding Tours.

4.  Advise/consult/interact professionally by building relationships that find synergy.

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IEEE PES Chattanooga Section Hosting Virtual STATCOM Seminar

Chattanooga-IEEE

The Chattanooga Section of IEEE was established in 1963 with the formation of IEEE, the Section has a history as old as IEEE itself. The Section exists to connect and support local professionals and students in science and engineering through networking opportunities, technical talks, and social events. The Chattanooga Section covers the following Tennessee counties: Bledsoe, Bradley, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie. 

The Chattanooga and East TN chapters are looking at organizing a half-day workshop on STATCOMs for renewable applications and feeder STATCOM for smaller renewables and flicker mitigation as part of the IEEE PES Chattanooga Chapter. The workshop would last approximately 2-3 hours. If there is enough interest from members, the workshop would be scheduled for early 2021. 

Please see the link below to a survey and let us know if you would attend the workshop.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VCNVF3Q