Research shows heat pumps perform better than fossil fuel heating in mild cold climates
A British research group has aggregated information from seven field studies on heat pumps from around the world and has found air-source devices have an average coefficient of performance (COP) of 2.74 when temperatures are above −10 C. Below that, COP is between 1.5 and 2.
The Hydrogen Stream: North African hydrogen development stokes concerns
French researchers have identified a number of potential social issues that may arise as North Africa develops its significant hydrogen potential, while the European Commission has released the details of its pilot auction for European renewable hydrogen production.
Solar for water deionization
Scientists in Canada have combined PV power generation with water purification based on capacitive deionization (CDI), which is claimed to have low operational cost, enhanced energy efficiency, and less water rejection than conventional purification techniques. The solar-powered system prototype is able to produce more water than a conventional CDI system on a sunny day.
Atess Power hybrid inverters secure CSA certification
Atess Power, a Chinese PV inverter manufacturer, says that its HPS50-US, HPS100-US, and HPS150-US hybrid inverters recently secured approval from CSA Group.
Rio Tinto to build large-scale solar project in Canadian Arctic
Australia-based Rio Tinto says it will build a solar plant in Canada’s Northwest Territories to supply electricity to its Diavik Diamond Mine, which is located about 200 km below the Arctic Circle.
The Hydrogen Stream: Scientists see iridium as obstacle to hydrogen aviation
A German research team says that demand for iridium, lanthanum and nickel could weigh on the growth of the global hydrogen-powered aviation market.
Weidmüller unveils DC combiner boxes for large-scale PV
Weidmüller USA, a manufacturer of electrical connectivity solutions, has introduced new PV DC Combiner Box models for large-scale PV systems in the US.
RCT Solutions secures order for 10 GW solar module factory in Canada
RCT Solutions says it will provide its module production equipment for CAD 3 billion ($2.26 billion) in a 10 GW solar module factory in Manitoba, Canada. The Manitoba provincial government said in a statement that the facility will be fully integrated.
Electrovaya unveils battery tech for high voltage applications, stationary energy storage
The Canadian battery manufacturer offers the product in two versions with a nominal energy of 35 kWh and 70 kWh, respectively. It claims a projected 25-year lifetime for one-cycle per day applications.
To achieve net zero energy status, solar-powered buildings should not exceed 10 floors
Researchers in Canada have found that nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) with on-site solar energy generation should not exceed an energy use intensity (EUI) of 50 kWh/m2a, which they said corresponds to a maximum of 10 floors. They also ascertained that the maximum permitted EUI by net-zero energy status is 17–28 kWh/m2a.
