https://community.element14.com/technologies/power-management/element14's Power & Energy group is where an engineer or a maker can learn about AC/DC power, DC/DC converters, switching regulators, LDOs, ultra-low power, energy harvesting, energy storage, supercapacitors, and power management ICs.en-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/technologies/power-management/b/alt-energy-blog/posts/chinese-researchers-replicate-photosynthesis-using-a-new-catalystFri, 03 Apr 2026 06:59:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c091d0de-9c8f-4b7a-b0c8-0b9abc91bb8bCatwellDiagram on the left represents a natural photosynthesis system. Meanwhile, the diagram on the right represents the team’s proposed catalyst system. (Image Credit: nature communications ) Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences created a new catalyst system that harnesses sunlight and stores charge. It also helps convert water and carbon dioxide into a fuel molecule. The team says their catalyst system could have applications in solar fuel production. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, the researchers’ system uses a tungsten-based reservoir that stores and distributes electrons, leading to efficient light-generated charges. In this setup, the artificial analogue’s job involves decoupling photocarrier degeneration from carbon dioxide conversion. This enables the independent optimization of charge separation and storage. It’s also based on a tungsten oxide charge reservoir combined with a molecular CO 2 -reduction catalyst. Under hydrothermal conditions, tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) is synthesized from tungsten hexachloride (WCl 6 ) in ethanol. Afterward, it’s calcined in air for the oxide phase production. The team prepared Ag/WO 3 via photoassisted reduction. This involved irradiating the WO 3 dispersion under Ar to produce reduced W 5+ sites. They then added AgNO 3 before washing, drying, and calcining the product. With this step, the team fabricated a tungsten-oxide solution capable of storing and releasing charge while adding silver into the final material. They completed the CO 2 -reduction catalyst by coupling Ag/WO 3 with cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc). To create the composite CoPC/Ag/WO 3 , the team dissolved CoPc in ethanol, mixing it with Ag/WO 3 , before sonicating, ball milling, and drying it. These steps were carried out to prepare other catalysts like CoPc/WO 3 . Control studies used composites with Cu 2 0 and C 3 N 4 . Measurements showing that Ag/WO 3 has the correct structure, silver environment, light-induced charge behavior, and charge electrons required to function as a charge reservoir. (Image Credit: nature communications ) When the team subjected the tungsten-based charge reservoir to light, the tungsten cycled between W 6+ and W 5+ , enabling temporary electron storage rather than losing it to recombination. The stored charge then helps remove photogenerated holes from the CoPc side, preserving a high electron density at the CO 2 sites. The team used XRD, Raman, XPS, EPR, XAFS, UV-Vis, DRS, and transient absorption to verify the charge-reservoir structure and oxidation states. A charge management technique like this makes the system highly effective. Decoupling charge storage from catalytic turnover allows the reservoir to help the molecular catalyst function more efficiently under irradiation. According to the paper, the CoPc/Ag/WO 3 catalyst achieves a CO production rate of ~1.5 mmol g CoPc −1 h −1 , approximately 100 times higher than CopC alone. Additionally, the paper says that Ag/WO 3 greatly boosts CO 2 conversion when coupled with various catalysts. This suggests the charge reservoir effect is useful instead of a one-time result. The team also says the main CoPc system achieves a stable run over six cycles and three days with no deactivation. Post-reaction characterization reveals that the structure remained the same. The team believes this system could be useful for solar fuel production as it helps reduce charge loss and enhance CO 2 conversion. This may even work with other catalysts that lose efficiency due to electrons recombining too quickly. Have a story tip? Message me here at element14.naturebiomimicrypowerenergyphotosynthesishttps://community.element14.com/technologies/power-management/b/blog/posts/engineers-build-a-alt-energy-device-that-generates-power-at-nightWed, 04 Mar 2026 20:51:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:2f42eb75-999e-43b7-bd61-d899d47c9988CatwellRender and data show radiative cooling of the top plate to the night sky and warming of the bottom plate to the ground. This produced a temperature difference that powered the engine. (Image Credit: ScienceAdvances ) Engineers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a device that generates power at night by capturing the thermal gradient between the Earth’s warmth and the cold of space. Over time, this technology may offer fuel-free ventilation for greenhouses and other buildings. This device utilizes a Stirling engine, a device that generates mechanical motion from temperature differences. These engines operate with small thermal gradients, making them different from internal combustion engines that run on a large temperature gap. Stirling engines only need a slight temperature contrast, such as between a hot coffee cup and the air around it. "These engines are very efficient when only small temperature differences exist, whereas other types of engines work better with larger temperature differences and can produce more power," Jeremy Munday, professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC Davis, said . Sterling engines use a fuel source to heat one side, producing a temperature difference. Rather than burning fuel, the team investigated whether the cold side could be coupled to space. "It doesn't actually have to touch space physically, it can just interact radiatively with space," Munday said. Our bodies release heat toward the sky on cool nights, making our heads feel colder. The researchers used that principle as inspiration to harness radiative cooling for their system. In their setup, a basic Stirling engine (piston linked to a flywheel) is placed on a panel that functions as a thermal radiator. The panel mounts to the ground via an aluminum bracket inserted 5cm into the soil. They deployed the system outdoors at night, and it drew heat from the ground to keep one side warm. At the same time, the top panel releases heat to the sky, which cools the other side. The team coated an infrared emissive paint on the sky-facing surface, maximizing radiative heat loss. Year-round measurements show that the engine’s plate temperatures, temperature differential, and rotation rate correlate with the weather. (Image Credit: ScienceAdvances ) The team conducted tests for a year and discovered the system produced at least 400 milliwatts of mechanical power/m 2 . During demonstrations, the engine powered a small fan and generated an electric current when connected to a small electric motor. This demonstrates that sufficient energy can be harvested from the night sky. The technique is more practical in areas experiencing low humidity and clear skies. Eventually, the system could ventilate greenhouses or residential buildings without energy sources. youtu.be/5VSmBl8Rv_o Have a story tip? Message me here at element14.alternative_energyuniversity of californiaon_campusenergy_harvestingdavisuniversitypowerenergygenerationinnovationhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/power-management/b/blog/posts/japan-s-sidewalks-converts-human-footsteps-into-useable-electricityTue, 03 Mar 2026 21:03:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:78e74c90-5a77-4015-88ef-3a1f3925824dCatwell(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons ) Wind and sunlight are the most common sources of renewable energy, powering turbines and solar panels worldwide. Japan and other countries are now tapping a subtler source: footsteps on piezoelectric sidewalks to generate electricity. Power-generating sidewalks have special materials working with piezoelectric technology within the tiles to produce a small electric charge when someone steps on them. Each tile has piezoelectric ceramics or polymers between the electrodes, and these are protected by durable top layers for heavy foot traffic. Researchers often choose Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) as it has a high energy constant and energy conversion efficiency in the compression cycle under a typical footstep force of 0.5-5 MPa. This ceramic compound generates strong voltages from small deformations. Other compositions include Barium Titanate, which has decent dielectric properties. It also features flexible polymers, such as polyvinylidene fluoride, for enhanced bendability, and thin films of potassium sodium niobate or zinc oxide for lightweight tiles. These compositions are stacked in patches, such as PZT-PZNM at 47 mm × 32 mm × 0.2 mm, on steel substrates. Tiles work like a layered sandwich. They feature a top plate (steel or rubberized) for walking, a mechanical system with springs or levers to boost motion, a piezoelectric stack, and a fixed base plate. Stepping on it causes the top portion to flex downward by microns or millimeters, which applies force onto the piezoelectric elements for maximum power output. Afterward, onboard electronics transform those AC pulses into usable DC. Overall, efficiency ranges between 5-15%. However, these sidewalks produce very little power per step---only tenths of a watt. Installing them in high-foot traffic areas, like train stations and busy crossings, makes more sense as they produce more power. For example, hundreds of people walk through Tokyo’s Shibuya Station, and that can produce enough power for information boards or LEDs in that area. Despite the appeal, energy-generating sidewalks have some physics and practical limitations. They can only flex so much before feeling unnatural and require consistent, large crowds to produce sufficient power. So, it’s important to place them in regions with dense pedestrian flows, harvesting wasted energy from human movement. Have a story tip? Message me here at element14.researchalternative_energyjapanenergy_harvestingpowerenergyinnovationhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/power-management/b/blog/posts/japan-is-working-on-three-surprising-hydrogen-projectsFri, 20 Feb 2026 20:09:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d876be32-2eab-43da-9ff0-0e1f55d51ecdCatwellRendering of the co-firing hydrogen engine built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. (Image Credit: Kawasaki ) Kawasaki Heavy Industries constructed the first-ever 8MW KG Series co-firing hydrogen engine, which generates electricity. It operates on natural gas mixed with 30% hydrogen by volume. This proportion is typically delivered through current pipeline networks without major upgrades. The company started taking orders for the engine in September 2025 after a lengthy and successful 11-month verification test at Kobe works. For now, the engine doesn’t operate on 100% hydrogen. With the 30% mixture, sites that already have natural gas systems can install the engine without overhauling distribution lines or storage tanks. It took over ten years for the company to improve the system. Previous versions of the KG series gas engines can be modified to support hydrogen co-firing. For instance, a decade-old natural gas power plant can operate on a fuel that was unavailable commercially after plant construction. This approach ensures equipment lasts longer while gradually reducing carbon intensity, eliminating the need for costly fleet replacement. Kawasaki performed verification testing from October 2024 to September 2025. It involved real-world operating conditions that lab trials can’t simulate. The team evaluated hydrogen supply chain integration, long-term maintainability, and safety procedures, including leak detection and purge systems tailored for hydrogen’s properties. Hydrogen leak sensors have been integrated along the fuel supply system, along with nitrogen purge systems that render the lines inert during startup, shutdown, or fault events. External view of the marina hydrogen engine. (Image Credit: Kawasaki ) Additionally, Kawasaki, Yanmar, and Japan Engine Corporation announced they built the first marine hydrogen engine on October 26th. Testing involved evaluating several engine classes using a new liquefied hydrogen fuel system. Kawasaki and Yanmar achieved stable hydrogen combustion in medium-speed four-stroke engines at rated output. Japan Engine is working on a low-speed two-stroke hydrogen engine, expected to start operations in Spring 2026. These engines are dual-fuel architecture, allowing vessels to switch between hydrogen and diesel. The KG series and marine hydrogen engine require infrastructure that is still being built. To address this, Kawasaki is making parallel investments in hydrogen supply chains. In November 2025, Kawasaki and Japan Suiso Energy commenced construction on the Kawasaki LH2 Terminal, Japan’s first liquid hydrogen import facility. It’s expected to include a 50,000 m 3 liquid hydrogen storage tank. In addition, the terminal will handle ship and truck cargo, becoming operational by 2030. This terminal functions as an import point and a hydrogen refueling hub. Meanwhile, the partners are developing a 40,000 m 3 liquid hydrogen carrier. This is a huge upgrade from the 1,250 m 3 Suiso Frontier that completed the country’s first hydrogen shipment from Australia in 2022. Have a story tip? Message me here at element14.japanpowerenergygenerationkawasakiinnovationhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/power-management/w/quiz/71986/analog-devices-ltpoweranalyzer-quizWed, 18 Feb 2026 11:20:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:60d4e62c-ee7d-4de0-997c-93531f9ec7a9e14AndreeaTHow much do you know about the EVAL-LTPA-KIT (LTpowerAnalyzer Kit)? In this quiz, we’ll test your knowledge of this compact, high-performance laboratory tool for evaluating and characterizing power supply designs. You’ll be challenged on the key features and applications of the kit. We’ve also included some handy resources to help you along the way. To earn the LTpowerAnalyzer Badge, score 100% on the quiz in any number of attempts Here’s how we score the quizzes: Points are earned based on how many attempts it takes to earn a quiz score of 100% (multiple-choice questions). In the event of a tie, a tie-breaker question will be given to the top scorers. 1 attempt 25 points 2 attempts 20 points 3 attempts 15 points 4 or more attempts 10 points Tie Breaker Question (#5) 0 to 5 points LTpowerAnalyzer Quiz Score 100% in the Quiz and leave a comment! To earn the Analog Devices LTpowerAnalyzer Quiz Badge, score 100% on the quiz in any number of attempts and leave your feedback on the quiz as a comment. The Quiz Competition is now closed! Congratulations to our winner fyaocn But don’t worry, you can still take the quiz and earn your badge. In Collaboration with Resources EVAL-LTPA-KIT (LTpowerAnalyzer Kit) Product Overview – Analog Devices EVAL-LTPA-KIT (LTpowerAnalyzer Kit) Product Overview – Farnell EVAL-LTPA-KIT (LTpowerAnalyzer Kit) User Guide EVAL-LTPA-KIT (LTpowerAnalyzer Kit) Reference Design EVAL-LTPA-KIT Simplified System Block Diagram Terms & Conditions community.element14.com/.../TC_2D00_Analog_2D00_Devices_2D00_LTpowerAnalyzer_2D00_Kit_2D00_Quiz_2D00_v2.pdf About the Sponsor Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI ) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, and software technologies into solutions that help drive advancements in digitized factories, mobility, and digital healthcare, combat climate change, and reliably connect humans and the world. With revenue of more than $9 billion in FY24 and approximately 24,000 people globally, ADI ensures today's innovators stay Ahead of What's Possible ™ . For more information, click here.Power supply characterizationLTpowerAnalyzer KitADI-e14Power supply design evaluationanalog devicesquizhttps://community.element14.com/technologies/power-management/b/blog/posts/japan-extracts-rare-earth-elements-from-seabed-mudMon, 09 Feb 2026 15:09:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:9e239890-945a-469f-85aa-f49947c996bdCatwellJapan’s Chikyu deep-sea drilling vessel recently extracted samples of rare earth elements from seabed sediment. (Photo By Gleam - Photo taken by Gleam., CC BY-SA 3.0 ) Japan is starting to take action on a decade-old plan to move away from China as its main exporter for rare-earth minerals. Recently, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) used its deep-sea drilling Chikyu ship to extract mud containing rare earths from a seabed (depth of nearly 6,000m) near the Minamitorishima island. The team expects to perform a full-scale test excavation in February 2027 to remove 350 tons/day. It’s not yet clear how much the team extracted during retrieval. Researchers identified the mud during 2012-2015 surveys, publishing the huge deposit , consisting of 16 million metric tons of rare earth minerals, in 2018. According to estimates, the volume is sufficient to meet global demand for centuries. This means the dysprosium could last 730 years while the yttrium may last 780 years. Since the discovery, the Japanese government has spent $250 million on the extraction project via the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP). Schoichi Ishii, the Cabinet Office of the Ocean Innovation Platform, led the project. JAMSTEC used a long pipe connected to a cylindrical excavator to drill into the mud. Afterward, water flowed continuously inside the system to suck up and move drilled sediment from the seabed surface to the vessel. Using this technique prevents the sediment from spreading around in the ocean while ensuring the retrieval of approximately 350 tons of mud per day. Japan mostly relies on China (over 60%) to supply rare Earth elements, which include magnets for electric and hybrid vehicle motors. However, China recently prohibited Japan from exporting technology, software, and goods used for civilian and military applications. Among those are materials used for manufacturing drones, chips, and other products, threatening Japan’s automotive industry. Unfortunately, developers would face major cost and logistics hurdles when mining the seabed for rare earth elements. Despite the discovery of rare earth element deposits, full-scale mining has yet to be achieved. Ishii isn’t concerned about cost. He says that Japan’s government aims to secure a stable metal supply chain for domestic industries. He also compared this project to the U.S. government’s $400 million investment in MP Materials, a California-based company that restarted rare earth production on land for a reliable supply. Have a story tip? Message me here at element14.miningjapanpowerenergyinnovation