Category: Engineering

Why Electric Vehicles Are Better for the Environment Despite Their Batteries

Why Electric Vehicles Are Better for the Environment Despite Their Batteries

Why Electric Vehicles Are Better for the Environment Despite Their Batteries

10/15/19

“Why are critics wrong about electric vehicles being worse for the environment than their petroleum counterparts?”

Electric vehicles are often marketed as being cleaner than their petroleum alternatives. However, many critics point out that the carbon intensity of their battery manufacturing process makes them much more harmful for the environment. Although this is true, by taking into account that electric vehicles pollute much less over their lifetime, this carbon debt is paid off. In fact, studies have shown in some areas of the world electric vehicles can cross this mark in only two years! And with future improvements in the manufacturing process and grid decarbonization, this payback can be achieved on an even faster timescale. This is Why Electric Vehicles Are Better for the Environment Despite Their Batteries.

Why Hydropower Infrastructure Needs Maintenance

Why Hydropower Infrastructure Needs Maintenance

Why Hydropower Infrastructure Needs Maintenance

10/14/19

“Why does hydropower infrastructure need maintenance?”

Hydropower is one of the cornerstones in the energy world. However, like everything in the physical world, it is subject to wear and tear, especially in the face of unpredictable droughts and floods. As a result, engineers will have to keep on top of hydropower infrastructure to make sure that everything operates smoothly. This is Why Hydropower Infrastructure Needs Maintenance.

How to Create a Better Alert Systems for Wildfires

How to Create a Better Alert Systems for Wildfires

How to Create a Better Alert Systems for Wildfires

10/11/19

“How can we create a better alert system for wildfires?”

Wildfires are becoming an ever-increasing problem with the advent of climate change, whether one lives by the California Pacific coast or the Mediterranean Basin. One of the most common pitfalls of these systems is that many of these geopolitical entities lack a national communications protocol. This can be remedied by creating more uniform structures, thereby Creating a Better Alert Systems for Wildfires.

How Electricity Blackouts Can Be Detrimental to Health

How Electricity Blackouts Can Be Detrimental to Health

How Electricity Blackouts Can Be Detrimental to Health

10/09/19

“How can electricity blackouts harm human health?”

Electricity blackouts are infamous for their threats to economies. But their harm extends far beyond the monetary. Since appliances such as HVAC systems and plug-in medical devices cannot function properly, individuals will be exposed to much more harmful conditions without any aid. For example, the loss of refrigeration will cause food to spoil, a lack of AC can cause people to be exposed to extreme temperatures, and a lack of medical support can be fatal to the unprepared. All of these show how How Electricity Blackouts Can Be Detrimental to Health.

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How Energy Efficiency Appliances Can Be Less Accessible to Lower Income Communities

How Energy Efficiency Appliances Can Be Less Accessible to Lower Income Communities

How Energy Efficiency Appliances Can Be Less Accessible to Lower Income Communities

10/08/19

“Why is it that the most advanced energy-efficient appliances are not always available in lower-income communities?”

Who doesn’t love the latest energy efficient appliances. Not only do they help save the planet, but they also look quite attractive. However, because of their higher upfront cost and complicated supply-chain logistics favoring wealthier areas, these new devices are often not available in lower-income areas at the same frequency. This discrepancy causes such communities to be stuck with higher energy bills and have greater difficulty recovering from a blackout. All of this as a result of How Energy Efficiency Appliances Can Be Less Accessible to Lower Income Communities.

Bifacial Solar Modules

Bifacial Solar Modules

Bifacial Solar Modules

10/07/19

“How can a solar panel receive energy from both sides of its panel?”

Solar modules are usually well-known for looking out into the sun with only one side capable of absorbing energy. However, the ground often reflects usable sunlight back. To capture this, a second solar module can be installed on the opposite side, dramatically increasing energy yield. These Bifacial Solar Modules are starting to become market ready technologies and may soon become a common sight.

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The Economic Impact of an Energy Crisis

The Economic Impact of an Energy Crisis

The Economic Impact of an Energy Crisis

10/05/19

“What is the economic impact of an energy crisis?”

Energy is the lifeblood of an economy, whether it be the petroleum that moves vehicles or the energy that powers our homes. So when there is an energy crisis, commercial activity falters, resulting in an economic crisis. This is The Economic Impact of an Energy Crisis.