Energy, Power
Large anions with long tails (blue) in ionic liquids can make them self-assemble into sandwich-like bilayer structures on electrode surfaces. Ionic liquids with such structures have much improved energy storage capabilities. Courtesy: Xianwen Mao, MIT
Energy, Power August 17, 2019

Electrolyte developed to enhance supercapacitor performance

Researchers at MIT and several other institutions have developed an electrolyte for improving the efficiency and stability of supercapacitors while reducing their flammability.

By David L. Chandler
Figure 1: Long-life lithium batteries serve to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) by enabling some low-power devices to operate maintenance-free for up to 40 years. Courtesy: Tadiran Batteries
Energy, Power August 9, 2019

Achieving long battery life with remote wireless devices

A lower self-discharge rate leads to longer operating life for batteries and a lower cost of ownership for remote wireless devices.

By Sol Jacobs
Figure 6: A smart battery switch has high current-carrying capability, low resistance, excellent thermal resistance and heat spreading, and high mechanical stability. Courtesy: element14
Energy, Power August 5, 2019

Smart power distribution architecture benefits

To improve power management applications, smart power distribution uses a de-centralized power architecture based on multiple electronic and electrical modules.

By Randall Scasny
Figure 2: Ladder logic programming example; LL is the most commonly used PLC programing, most closely resembling circuit diagrams used for relays. Courtesy: Frank Lamb, Automation Primer
Energy, Power August 1, 2019

Control Engineering hot topics, July 2019

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in July 2019 included stories about PLC programming languages, connecting a PLC to the internet, digitalization advantages, choosing the right enclosure, and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Business may include the opportunity to travel. Joyce and Bruce Slade: Bruce says, “I always try to take my sweetie to industry conferences.” Courtesy: Bruce Slade
Energy, Power July 31, 2019

Choosing and managing an engineering career: 7 things to know

A well-managed engineering career means a lifetime career outside the rut. Apply these seven tips to manage a successful engineering career.

By Bruce Slade
The reliability of the repair and new coils is guaranteed by extensive testing techniques. Courtesy: Sulzer
Energy, Power July 24, 2019

Extending wind turbine reliability

Wind turbines are making a major impact on the power generation market, but they need constant maintenance in order to remain reliable and continue delivering clean energy, even after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.

By Ron Bridges
Energy, Power July 23, 2019

Europe expected to be fastest-growing market for lithium-ion batteries

Interact Analysis reports Europe will be the fastest growing market for lithium-ion batteries with energy storage being the fastest growing sector.

By Interact Analysis
Kevin Lippert, senior manager of standards for Eaton's Electrical Sector, has been appointed president of the United States National Committee (USNC) to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Courtesy: Eaton Corporation
Energy, Power July 22, 2019

Electrical group names president for national committee

Kevin Lippert has been appointed president of the United States National Committee (USNC) to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and will work on testing, certification and accreditation for the electrotechnical industry.

By Eaton Corporation
Rice University graduate student Chloe Doiron co-led a project to create a device that recycles waste heat into electricity through aligned carbon nanotube films. Courtesy: Chloe Doiron/Rice University
Energy, Power July 17, 2019

Researchers develop device that channels heat into light

Rice University scientists are designing arrays of aligned single-wall carbon nanotubes to channel mid-infrared radiation and increase the efficiency of solar energy systems.

By Mike Williams
Users need to consider value, design flexibility, and potential modifications when choosing an enclosure for a manufacturing application. Courtesy: Rittal
Energy, Power July 3, 2019

Three considerations for selecting the right enclosure

Choosing the right enclosure goes beyond the basic design; users also need to consider value, design flexibility, and modifications to the plant floor.

By Steve Sullivan