energy

Deeper Outlook on Silicon Carbide for Energy Markets

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For many years, silicon has been the preferred semiconductor material for the components used in power electronic converters all around the world. However, a solution to the traditional silicon dependence appeared with the creation of silicon carbide in 1891. Compared to conventional silicon-based devices, silicon carbide (SiC) offers several benefits due to its wide band … Read more

Pros and cons of integrated-controls luminaires

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Luminaire-level lighting controls or integrated-controls luminaires are terms referring to LED luminaires that include integrated sensors and controllers.   These products present an alternative to traditional wall or ceiling-mounted sensor installations.   Integrated controls are possible because of both the rapid and continuing trend towards miniaturization and the standardization of interface and form factors, making it relatively … Read more

Generating Solar Energy at Night

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Photovoltaics could have a sunny outlook as an energy source if they can overcome a couple of deficiencies. First and foremost, they don’t generate power at night. And second, inexpensive single-junction PV cells only absorb a narrow band of wavelengths from sunlight, as shown here: Researchers at MIT may have solved both of these problems with one … Read more

Ways to Improve NERC Compliance

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With over 80 NERC standards to follow, it is difficult for wind farm owners, operators, and employees to meet the organization’s requirements and make sure all parties involved are up-to-date on training. But having clearly documented procedures and training ensures that operating personnel understand and can comply with compliance requirements. by Raymond Gilby, Principal Consultant/ … Read more

Can We Live on Sustainable Energy Alone?

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“Every 40 minutes, enough solar energy reaches the Earth’s surface to power the entire planet for a year.” “There simply isn’t enough renewable energy to replace fossil fuels.” I’ve read both statements over and over again. Which one is correct? To help answer that question, Dr. David MacKay, Professor of Physics at Cambridge University, wrote … Read more

How Do Solar Chargers Work?

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There are lots of great resources on how solar panels generate electricity including Wikipedia so we’re going to focus here on measuring the Open Circuit Voltage and Short Circuit Current of a solar panel in “perfect” and less than perfect conditions. Introduction “Solar chargers”:http://www.voltaicsystems.com/ use solar energy to power my electronics. Neat! How do they … Read more