Fusion energy power stations to fuel our future cities

A collaboration of researchers from the University of Gothenburg and the University of Iceland have studied a new type of nuclear fusion process that’s quite different from the normal process. Nuclear fusion is a process where atoms melt together and release energy. By combining smaller atoms with larger ones, energy can be released. The nuclear fusion studied by the researchers produces almost no neutrons. Instead, fast and heavy electrons are created since the reaction’s based in heavy hydrogen. 

“This is a considerable advantage compared to other nuclear fusion processes, which are under development at other research facilities, since the neutrons produced by such processes can cause dangerous flash burns," says Leif Holmlid, a retired Professor at the University of Gothenburg. This new fusion process can occur in very small fusion reactors fueled by heavy hydrogen. It’s been shown that this process produces much more energy than is needed to start. Heavy hydrogen can be found all around us in ordinary water. Instead of handling the large, radioactive hydrogen used to power large reactors, this process could eliminate dangers involved in the old process.  

“A considerable advantage of the fast heavy electrons produced by the new process is that these are charged and can, therefore, produce electrical energy instantly. The energy in the neutrons which accumulate in large quantities in other types of nuclear fusion is difficult to handle because the neutrons are not charged. These neutrons are high-energy and very damaging to living organisms, whereas the fast, heavy electrons are considerably less dangerous,” Holmlid said.   Smaller and simpler reactors can be built in order to harness this energy and make it viable for small power stations. The fast, heavy electrons decay very quickly, allowing for the production of quick energy. 

Robotic surgery

Robotics, when combined with machine learning and AI, promise a marked improvement in surgical outcomes. According to a report from PwC that looked at the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in various sectors, healthcare was identified as being one of those with real potential when it came to the use of these technologies. An ageing population, together with more recent advances in sensors and wireless connectivity, along with much improved IT systems, mean than healthcare is now well placed to take advantage of the capabilities of robots and AI which are leading to the greater adoption of more automated systems.

According to the report AI could be used for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of patients, for example, and could help clinicians to speed-up their decision making as well as help perform certain tasks more effectively and efficiently. The most striking potential, when it comes to the future deployment of robots, is in conducting the surgery itself.  A growing number of remotely-operated surgical robotic systems comprising of a surgeon’s console, robotic arms, monitoring systems and software are being used to assist in minimally invasive procedures, whether that’s carrying out stitching or inserting screws, and all achieved with much greater accuracy and with levels of dexterity beyond that of humans.

A growing number of remotely-operated surgical robotic systems comprising of a surgeon’s console, robotic arms, monitoring systems and software are being used to assist in minimally invasive procedures, whether that’s carrying out stitching or inserting screws, and all achieved with much greater accuracy and with levels of dexterity beyond that of humans. The da Vinci robotic surgery system is perhaps the best-known example of this kind of technology, with over 4,500 robots deployed worldwide. These robots are, however, more about manipulation than true surgical robotic systems. Nonetheless, the global surgical robotics market is growing strongly and research, from Allied Market Research, suggests that it is expected to top $98billion by 2024. The range of applications is also expected to continue to expand rapidly.

Knewton

Knewton is an adaptive learning company that has developed a platform to personalize educational content as well as has developed courseware for higher education concentrated in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

At Knewton, we believe that technology has the potential to transform what’s possible in education. From performance to price, the status quo just isn’t good enough. We dare to do more: Design the best adaptive technology that delivers lasting impact to put achievement within reach for all. Knewton is for everyone. This new technology company aims at personalizing content for optimal learning.

 The platform monitors the student’s activity and uses the information to give the student the best personalized resources based on their level of performance.The technology also boasts integration among different disciplines creating a more comprehensive set of resources that interact with one another. Knewton grows more intuitive the more the student uses the software. It can follow a student through their entire education career.

Flipped Classroom

A flipped classroom is an instructional strategy and a type of blended learning that reverses the traditional learning environment by delivering instructional content, often online, outside of the classroom. It moves activities, including those that may have traditionally been considered homework, into the classroom. While not a technology per se, this teaching model is using technology to change the way instructors teach. Rather than spending the class time lecturing the students, the lectures are delivered to the student’s in video format for them to watch at home (or in study hall).

Flipped learning is a pedagogical approach in which the conventional notion of classroom-based learning is inverted, so that students are introduced to the learning material before class, with classroom time then being used to deepen understanding through discussion with peers and problem-solving activities facilitated.

Then, the classroom time is set aside for 1 on 1 help, discussion, and interaction based on the lecture homework. With nearly every student carrying a mobile device or laptop, this model may give students and teachers more time to work on areas of difficulty rather than simple straight lecture. For too long, instructors have seen that precious class time go to waste while a teacher scribbles on a blackboard and has their back to the students.

Manipulating sunlight

There are two main types of solar energy: photovoltaics (PV), and concentrated solar power (CSP), also known as solar thermal power. Photovoltaics convert sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells in solar panels. Concentrated solar power uses sunlight to heat a fluid which generates steam and powers a turbine to create energy. PV currently comprises 98% of global solar energy, with CSP as the remaining 2%.

PV and CSP vary in the way they are used, the energy that is produced, and the materials that are used in their construction. The efficiency of the energy that is produced with PV stays constant with the size of the solar panel and the meaning that using a smaller over a larger solar panel will not increase the rate of energy production. This is because of the Balance-of-System (BOS) components that are also used in solar panels, which includes the hardware, combiner boxes, and inverters. With CSP, bigger is better. As it uses the heat from the sun’s rays, the more sunlight that can be collected the better.

 This system is very similar to the fossil fuel power plants in use today. The major difference being that CSP uses mirrors that reflect the heat from sunlight to heat fluids (instead of burning coal or natural gas), which generate steam to turn turbines. This also makes CSP well suited for hybrid plants, such as combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT), which use solar energy and natural gas to turn turbines, generating energy. With CSP, the energy output from incoming solar energy yields only 16% net electricity. CCGT energy output yields ~55% net electricity, much more than CSP alone.

Flash memory goes 3D

HDDs and SSDs can be compared to your long-term memory, whereas flash is more akin to your short-term memory. And just like your brain, a computer traditionally needs both types of storage to function. Commonly referred to as random access memory (RAM), traditional personal computers tend to come with two sticks of RAM at 4 to 8GB each. Meanwhile, the heaviest hitters like Samsung are now selling 2.5D memory cards that hold 128GB each—amazing for hardcore gamers, but more practical for next-generation supercomputers.

In light of this, companies are beginning to build the next generation of memory cards: i)3D NAND. Companies like Intel, Samsung, Micron, Hynix, and Taiwan Semiconductor are pushing for the wide-scale adoption of 3D NAND, ii) Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM). This tech uses resistance instead of an electric charge to store bits (0s and 1s) of memory. iii) 3D chips. This will be discussed in more detail in the next series chapter, but in brief, 3D chips aim to combine computing and data storage in vertically stacked layers. iv) Phase Change Memory (PCM). The tech behind PCMs basically heats and cools chalcogenide glass, shifting it between crystallized to non-crystallized states, each with their unique electrical resistances representing the binary 0 and 1. v)Spin-Transfer Torque Random-Access Memory (STT-RAM).A powerful Frankenstein that combines the capacity of DRAM with the speed of SRAM, along with improved non-volatility and near unlimited endurance. vi) 3D XPoint. With this tech, instead of relying on transistors to store information, 3D Xpoint uses a microscopic mesh of wires, coordinated by a "selector" that are stacked on top of one another.

            In other words, remember when we said “HDDs and SSDs can be compared to your long-term memory, whereas flash is more akin to your short-term memory”? Well, 3D Xpoint will handle both and do so better than either than either separately. Regardless of which option wins out, all of these new forms of flash memory will offer more memory capacity, speed, endurance and power efficiency.

Microelectronics in space

With approximately 1,500 active satellites orbiting Earth, most of them carry highly sophisticated microelectronics that support communication and enable research that was scarcely imaginable a generation ago. Telecom satellites keep people around the world continuously in touch and informed, research satellites monitor global weather, while other missions provide scientists with information on the earth’s magnetic field and geomagnetic storms.

Increasing the gain of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) without adding more than a negligible amount of noise boosts the sensitivity of photon detectors. Leti and CNES showed that APDs made of HgCdTe (mercury cadmium telluride) significantly outperform those based on other semiconductor materials, making it possible to greatly improve their sensitivity, while maintaining a nearly constant signal-to-noise ratio.

Electronic boards for us are delivering a service onboard the launcher- Gilibert said. “Of course, we are shaking them a lot and warming them up and down. However, the ideal situation for us would be … to test the functional aspects to make sure it works as a functional chain onboard the launcher, and get rid of having to demonstrate one by one that all the equipment is qualified for the dynamic, radioactive and thermal environment of space.” In space and on Earth, the challenges and opportunities for the microelectronics industry are far reaching.