TDK Corporation announces the introduction of TDK-Lambda’s DRF120-480 series of full-featured DIN rail mount power supplies. Designed to support the growing trend for DIN power solutions in industrial, building automation and process control applications, the DRF series combines extremely compact dimensions with industry leading efficiency of up to 94%. No load power consumption is between <0.5W and <0.75W depending on
Linear Technology Corp. launched the LTM4625, a 5A, 20VIN step-down µModule® (micromodule) regulator in a 6.25mm x 6.25mm x 5.01mm BGA package which, with a few passive components, fits into 0.5cm² on a double-sided PCB. Like other µModule regulators, the LTM4625 includes the dc-dc controller, power switches, inductor and compensation components in a single package. Only two external ceramic capacitors
A new tandem thin-film silicon solar cell efficiency record was recently set by a PhD student at TU Delft by the name of Hairen Tan. The new record conversion efficiency of 14.8% was achieved via the use of a variety of “innovative techniques” for which Tan was awarded the Young Research Award at the 6th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy
Roughly one plug-in car (100% electric or plug-in hybrid) is currently being sold for every two conventional hybrids sold in the state of California, according to recent numbers. These numbers are coming to us via a recent article published by Yahoo! Autos that stated that almost 10% of California’s new car sales are now electric vehicles… however, that figure included
An interdenominational Christian group in Australia is currently raising funds to purchase solar panels and installation for the Prime Minister’s official residence, a crowdfunding opportunity that will either act as a push in the right direction for Australia’s leader, or yet another slap in the face for his current political stance on energy and the environment. I’ve made no secret
The US Department of Commerce has been deliberating over imposing duties on Chinese and Taiwanese solar PV imports for over half the year, but on Tuesday the Department finally announced its decision to penalize all Chinese shipments at a base rate of 165%, which could see duties jump past 200% in some cases. Specifics of the announcement are below, but
Why are some of these new concentrating solar cell systems reminding us of the Eye of Sauron? Just wondering, because the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is out with a new solar cell specially designed for use in concentrating solar systems. The lab has already demonstrated the new solar cell at 700 suns concentration, and it is capable of getting up
Ahead of its debut in Detroit, the 2016 Audi Q7 has broken cover, trimming the fat, building muscle, and for the first time offering a plug-in hybrid diesel drivetrain. This will make the new Q7 among the lightest, most powerful, and most efficient full-size luxury SUVs ever built. The days of overweight SUVs are coming to an end, and the
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear someone say Arizona? Heat? Sunlight? Well, apparently some of Arizona’s leaders don’t want solar power, even though there is plenty of sunlight year round. If you live in the Phoenix area and want to take advantage of all the sunlight with solar power, the local utility might be against you.
An astonishing one out of every five households in Australia is now relying on solar energy, a new report from the Australian Bureau of Statistic (ABS) reveals. Just 3 years ago only 5 percent of homes used rooftop solar panels or solar water heating, but today a full 19 percent do. To put that into perspective, by most accounts, fewer