A closer look at the nanoscale and beyond
Materials scientist Anna Osherov helps researchers comprehend the nanoscale down to an atom using MIT.nano’s characterization tools.
A new heat engine with no moving parts is as efficient as a steam turbine
The design could someday enable a fully decarbonized power grid, researchers say.
Asegun Henry has a big idea for tackling climate change: Store up the sun
“This is the key, the linchpin that will set a lot of things in the right direction,” says the mechanical engineering professor.
Researchers improve efficiency of next-generation solar cell material
Reducing internal losses could pave the way to low-cost perovskite-based photovoltaics that match silicon cells’ output.
Assessing the value of battery energy storage in future power grids
Storage value increases as variable renewable energy supplies an increasing share of electricity, but storage cost declines are needed to realize full potential.
Covid-19 shutdown led to increased solar power output
As the air cleared after lockdowns, solar installations in Delhi produced 8 percent more power, study shows.
Researchers find benefits of solar photovoltaics outweigh costs
Over a seven-year period, decline in PV costs outpaced decline in value; by 2017, market, health, and climate benefits outweighed the cost of PV systems.
Maria Zuber on climate change: “Breakthroughs will happen”
MIT’s vice president for research identifies three areas that show particular promise for climate action.
The race to develop renewable energy technologies
Mechanical engineers rush to develop energy conversion and storage technologies from renewable sources such as wind, wave, solar, and thermal.
Photovoltaic-powered sensors for the “internet of things”
RFID-based devices work in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions, and communicate at greater distances.
Study: Even short-lived solar panels can be economically viable
Research shows that, contrary to accepted rule of thumb, a 10- or 15-year lifetime can be good enough.
Tackling greenhouse gases
Faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering are developing technologies that store, capture, convert, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
“Sun in a box” would store renewable energy for the grid
Design for system that provides solar- or wind-generated power on demand should be cheaper than other leading options.
Air pollution can put a dent in solar power
Study finds lost revenue can be millions of dollars annually, suggests ways to quantify haze-related reductions in solar panel output.
Featured video: Pulling drinking water out of thin air
Powered only by solar energy, a new device developed at MIT could provide relief to regions where water is scare.