Opinion

Could Transparent Solar Panels Mean That Tomorrow’s Windows Will Generate Electricity?

Solar panels, being opaque due to their semiconductor layers, can traditionally only be mounted on buildings. Recently, however, scientists at Incheon University, South Korea created a transparent version of the energy harnessing technology. Could these see-through solar panels ever be integrated into windows?

3 weeks ago by Lianne Frith

Is It Time to Call into Question the Viability of Commercial eVTOLs?

Convenience is an important aspect of urban air mobility. If we consider safety, security, speed, and affordability as minor components of the umbrella term ‘convenience’, engineers have an arduous ahead road to make eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) technology convenient...

about 4 weeks ago by Biljana Ognenova

Accurately Detecting Earthquakes: Can We Engineer a Solution?

While there has been much progress in disaster predictions in certain areas, such as hurricanes, earthquake detection is falling behind. Now, engineering teams are stepping up to the plate, hoping that they can use AI areas, such as machine learning and complex algorithms, to create the beginnings of a solution.

4 weeks ago by Lianne Frith

Exploring the Viability of Electric VTOL Aircraft for Commercial Transport

The reduction in conventional traffic congestion and greenhouse gases are just some of the advantages that eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft offer over current transport in growing cities. However, are we ready to adopt the technology as a means of commercial transport anytime soon?

one month ago by Emmanuel Ikimi

The E-Waste Problem and How a Circular Economy Can Solve It

The push for greener habits has become global, and for good reason. As this mentality is applied to waste produced by electrical and electronic equipment, we're seeing positive changes to the daily life of engineers.

one month ago by Nicholas St. John

The EU Has Pushed for a ‘Battery Passport’ to Support Its Green Energy Goals — But Is This Enough?

Policymakers require comprehensive, circular sustainability in devices’ battery life cycles. They must ensure that batteries are given a second (if not, a third) life. We discuss the EU’s potential answer to this, namely its Battery Passport, and ask how viable such a passport could be.

2 months ago by Biljana Ognenova

Will Micromobility Ever Become Fully Popularised in Europe’s Cities?

Micromobility is technically illegal on some of Europe’s streets, but its increasing public demand and eco-friendliness suggest that it should be pushed forward. We look at some of the many companies that are helping to bolster electric micro vehicle uptake, and ask: could it ever be considered as practical as driving a car?

3 months ago by Lianne Frith

How the University of Kentucky and Lexmark’s Vertical Recycling Project Shows Promise in E-Waste Management

The global dedication to a circular economy and sustainable electronics has been impaired by geopolitics and the trade wars, driving engineers and manufacturers to find new vertical solutions. Accordingly, the University of Kentucky and Lexmark have been working together to introduce novel e-waste (electronic waste) recycling methods.

3 months ago by Biljana Ognenova

Is the UK Rushing the Electric Vehicle Revolution?

In 2020, the UK government announced its plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030—an admirable, but incredibly ambitious, aim. Given the infrastructure and charging network required, the question arises: is the UK’s target viable, or is it rushing the electric vehicle revolution?

about 4 months ago by Lianne Frith

Is Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Sustainable?

We reportedly leave our cars parked up to 95% of the time, and on top of this, electrical grids currently have limited storage facilities. Points such as these have inspired a potential solution: vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. We consider the extent to which this promising power innovation may be sustainable.

about 4 months ago by Emmanuel Ikimi

COVID-19 is Driving Engineers to Further Develop Smart Technologies

As many continue to self isolate to combat COVID-19, we are seeing a continued drive for the need for advanced and remote systems that support our new way of life. Accordingly, engineers have been developing smart technologies to expedite the possibility of an autonomous and contactless world.

4 months ago by Lianne Frith

Will Gallium Nitride Soon Be Charging All Our Devices?

With the average household containing at least five connected electronic devices, there are huge expectations around charging capabilities and performance. While silicon has battled with delivering fast charging through small devices, gallium nitride (GaN) technology is uniquely positioned to provide a solution to the challenge.

4 months ago by Lianne Frith

Following the UK’s 2030 Petrol Ban Announcement: What Can the Country Do for a Better EV Infrastructure?

The large-scale production of EVs (electric vehicles) is already well underway in the UK and may well revolutionise its automotive industry, particularly after the government’s recent petrol ban announcement. Nevertheless, for the UK to accommodate its number of EVs on the road, further technological and infrastructural considerations are required.

4 months ago by Misha Khan

Recycling Electronic Waste: Could Magnetic Density Separation be the Answer?

Magnetic density separation (MDS) offers many opportunities in recycling and is already used in some recycling plants for mixed plastic waste streams. Now, researchers are focusing MDS on electronic waste management, meaning it could one day be industrialised into a sustainable, mass-recycling solution for electronics.

5 months ago by Lianne Frith

COVID-19 Has Led to a Pivotal Moment for Renewables, Such as this Floating Hybrid Energy Platform

The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is pressuring governments to review their energy strategies. As long-term recovery plans are outlined, there is an opportunity to incorporate innovative renewable energy solutions—and this is certainly the case with SINN Power’s Ocean Hybrid Platform.

5 months ago by Lianne Frith

Beyond Conventional E-Studies: Immersive Learning Opportunities for Electrical Engineers

Virtual reality and augmented reality (or VR and AR) are just two examples of human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that are integral to immersive learning. Using industry-focused simulations, such HMIs can educate both prospective and experienced electrical engineers for practical work—and ultimately help companies to safely and affordably take on engineering graduates.

6 months ago by Biljana Ognenova

Why EV Battery Swapping May Prove a Breakthrough in Transport Electrification

Following the car manufacturer NIO’s deployment of its EV (electric vehicle) battery swapping stations over much of China, we consider the benefits of this promising alternative to traditional EV charging stations.

7 months ago by Asma Arooj

Engineering Innovations Focused on Improving Our Mental Health

Never has the importance of our mental health been more prevalent. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a huge rise in anxiety illnesses across the globe. And, while our health services were already stretched, they are now bursting at the seams. Now more than ever, this has called for engineers to design technology that can monitor, research—and hopefully improve—our mental wellbeing.

7 months ago by Lianne Frith

The Problem with Maglev Trains: A Red Light for Frictionless Travel

Major maglev projects run by the U.S. and the U.K. have eventually been stopped. Is it because of infrastructure costs, lack of market opportunities, or something else?

10 months ago by Biljana Ognenova

A Shift in the Industry: Electronics Manufacturers Consider “Boycotting” China

Calls to boycott China have been sounding out for some time. Now, with COVID-19 adding to the list of reasons to reconsider manufacturing there, the campaign is again rife on social media.

10 months ago by Lianne Frith

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