Applied Technology Review : News

The deployment of electrolysers on a large scale has the potential to revolutionise various industries, from transportation to power generation, providing greener alternatives to fossil fuels. Increasing the capacity of hydrogen electrolysers is crucial for the widespread production of cost-competitive green hydrogen globally. Evaluating the preparedness of electrolysers is achieved by comparing the existing large-scale project pipeline with completed projects. This comparison serves as a crucial indicator of the current state of electrolyser technologies and the advancement of their commercial implementation. The rising global demand for hydrogen indicates a significant increase in hydrogen production, moving towards achieving economies of scale. However, this surge in demand presents challenges concerning the need for different types of electrolyser technologies to cater to various requirements and applications across various developments. Electrolyser and Catalyst Materials Development The emerging hydrogen economy has substantially increased new developments in electrolyser technologies over the past few years. This is anticipated to continue expanding in the years ahead, indicating a strong emphasis on advancing and innovating electrolyser technologies to meet the growing demand for hydrogen production. Although Alkaline (ALK) electrolysers currently dominate the market, the future is expected to see a significant role for both PEM and SOEC electrolysers, contingent on successful commercial demonstrations and prolonged operation of SOEC technology. Technological advancements will likely drive innovation in hydrogen electrolysers, resulting in enhanced efficiencies, improved gas and thermal management, and increased flexibility for commercial electrolysers in handling high loads, among other crucial parameters. The electrolysers' progress in efficient production and cost reduction aligns with industry trends aimed at enhancing efficiencies and lowering costs in the future. As a result, the cost of hydrogen plants is projected to decrease by 40 per cent in the short term and by 80 per cent in the long term. Moreover, there are anticipated advancements in the technological performance and durability of hydrogen electrolysers. To guarantee the dependability and sustained effectiveness of electrolysers, the following factors are crucial: Giving Priority to Durability and Longevity: This involves selecting suitable materials, efficient thermal management, and ensuring a robust product design to enhance hydrogen electrolysers' lifespan and overall performance. Addressing Reliability Comprehensively: Considering reliability from various perspectives, including design, monitoring, operation, and safety, is essential to ensure the consistent and dependable functioning of the electrolysers. Implementing Data-Driven Solutions: Utilising innovative methods to enable real-time data collection and analysis from electrolysers is essential. This enables the timely identification of patterns and trends that indicate the need for maintenance or repair, facilitating smooth and uninterrupted operations. The technological readiness and large-scale deployment of electrolysers in markets are critical for accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future. With concerted efforts from governments, businesses, and research institutions, the vision of a hydrogen-powered future becomes a reality, transforming energy consumption patterns and paving the way for a cleaner and greener planet. ...Read more

Selecting the right temperature monitoring technologies is essential for safeguarding temperature-sensitive goods during transit.  Protecting temperature-sensitive goods during transit requires advanced monitoring technologies. However, with many options available, businesses and manufacturers face the challenge of selecting the most suitable solutions. This article explores technologies that can effectively monitor temperature-sensitive products, like chemical indicators, IoT-enabled sensors, QR code data loggers, electronic shipping indicators, and dashboard temperature monitors. Chemical indicators offer a simple yet functional approach to temperature monitoring. This well-established technology relies on a chemical reaction rather than electronics to determine if an item has been exposed to temperatures outside the desired range. Most chemical indicators employ a color-code system, where a color change indicates a temperature-activated chemical reaction. Some variants feature progressive monitoring systems, multiple indicator windows, or color-coding, providing detailed temperature exposure and duration information. IoT-enabled sensors represent cutting-edge temperature monitoring devices. Internet of Things (IoT) wireless sensors enable remote tracking and real-time data collection. Businesses can utilize IoT temperature sensors to monitor their goods throughout production and shipping, promptly addressing temperature fluctuations and reducing the risk of wastage. These sensors' connectivity and real-time capabilities contribute to improved profits and enhanced product quality. QR code data loggers combine simplicity and technology for efficient temperature monitoring. These devices store and report information collected by temperature sensors using QR codes. Personnel can easily scan the QR code with a smartphone or tablet camera, enabling quick and convenient temperature checks. QR code data loggers have been instrumental in monitoring the distribution of temperature-sensitive items, such as COVID-19 vaccines. Their lightweight, mobile nature and the ability to store data in the cloud and encrypt information make them a versatile and secure option. Electronic shipping indicators offer a reliable solution recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization, particularly for vaccines and pharmaceuticals. These devices collect and display temperature data and feature alarms that notify shipping personnel in case of fluctuations. Although designed for one-time use, electronic shipping indicators combine the reliability of chemical indicators with the added benefit of a notification system, ensuring enhanced product safety during transit. Dashboard temperature monitors are a valuable investment for businesses transporting goods in refrigerated trucks. These monitors check the internal temperature of the vehicle's refrigerated area and provide real-time updates on a convenient dashboard display. An alarm or notification is triggered as the temperature unexpectedly shifts outside the acceptable range, prompting the driver to pull over and inspect the cargo. Dashboard monitors leverage the presence of the truck driver, acting as a guardian for temperature-sensitive goods and ensuring attentive monitoring throughout the journey. Businesses and manufacturers can make informed decisions to protect their products and comply with regulatory requirements by considering connectivity, reliability, and real-time monitoring capabilities. Implementing effective temperature monitoring systems ensures product integrity and improves customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. ...Read more

Continued research, collaboration, and responsible implementation of mitigation technologies will be key to creating a sustainable and low-carbon future. Technology contributes to rising carbon emissions but can also be a powerful weapon against climate change. Various technologies, including renewable energy, efficient transportation, and smart building systems, can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and overall energy consumption. Moreover, technology can aid in monitoring and managing existing emissions while fostering the development of new solutions. This raises the question of whether innovative technical fixes can help us overcome the challenges of climate change. This article explores key mitigation technologies and their potential impact. Research indicates excess carbon dioxide removal needs to achieve net-zero emissions within the required timeframe. Carbon capture projects have gained momentum globally, with several commercial-scale projects already operational and more in development. CCS technology offers the potential to capture and store carbon emissions from various industries, thereby reducing their environmental impact. Simultaneously, the transition to renewable energy sources drives innovation in advanced photovoltaics, AI and big data, distributed energy storage systems, hydropower, wind energy, bioenergy, grid integration, green hydrogen, advanced robotics, and blockchain. These technologies can significantly enhance the efficiency and scalability of renewable energy generation. Rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, are crucial for storing renewable electricity and powering electric vehicles. Ongoing research aims to improve battery performance, such as lower costs, extended lifespan, enhanced energy density, increased safety, and faster charging. Moreover, advancements in next-generation batteries, such as sodium-ion, multivalent-ion, redox flow, solid-state, metal-sulfur, and metal-air batteries, promise even greater cost reductions and higher energy densities. These advancements in energy storage technologies are vital for maintaining a reliable and sustainable energy supply from renewable sources. Among the digital technologies influencing climate change mitigation are sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Low-emission technologies can increase energy efficiency and optimize energy management across sectors. Decentralized renewable energy systems can be effectively managed through digital technologies, creating economic opportunities. However, the report highlights potential challenges such as increased digital device usage, e-waste, job displacement, and a digital divide. Appropriate governance ensures digital technology supports decarbonization and delivers positive outcomes. Reliable and timely information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is vital for policy formulation and decision-making. A comprehensive global inventory of greenhouse gas emissions can be created by analyzing data from satellites, sensors, and public/commercial sources using artificial intelligence and machine learning. These data-driven models provide real-time information on emissions sources and sinks, enabling the identification of priority regions for mitigation actions. Governments can utilize these models to monitor the effectiveness of GHG reduction policies and optimize their strategies accordingly. Technology has the potential to both contribute to and combat climate change. We can significantly reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change by embracing innovative solutions, such as carbon capture and storage, renewable energy sources, advanced batteries, and digital technologies. However, challenges such as governance, environmental impact, and social implications must be addressed to ensure the positive impact of technology on decarbonization efforts. ...Read more