In recent years, the part of the world that has accepted climate change as a scientifically proven reality has continued to take steps towards making renewable energy the top energy source on our planet. These efforts have not been in vain as a recent Bloomberg New Energy Finance report revealed a projection of a 169 percent increase in renewable energy power generation by 2040, not to mention an anticipated trajectory of $7.4 trillion dollars invested into renewable energy plants by the same year. In line with his 2016 campaign promises, President Trump has announced plans to help the struggling coal industry by rolling back environmental rules and regulations—and announced earlier this month that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Despite his efforts, however, the reality is that renewable energy resources such as solar have continued to become not only more popular, but also equally accessible to businesses and homeowners (with the release of residential solutions such as the Tesla Solar Roof), and has attracted more investors, leading to a decrease in cost. Though there has been a minimal increase in jobs in the coal industry, this is not likely to last, says CNN—the United States energy markets continue to follow the money, and right now, the money is with renewable energy. "The U.S. coal industry will continue to decline, and it will continue to shed jobs," writes Sam Feaster, a data analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, in a recent report. "U.S. energy markets are changing, regardless of who controls the White House and which party is in power in Congress." [CNN Money]
Researchers from Mostofi Lab, run by Yasamin Mostofi, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed the first 3D through-wall imaging using only Wi-Fi signals and drones. The technology, which can be used to map unknown areas without any prior measurements, could be used for structural monitoring, archaeological discovery, and even emergency response. To implement the technology, two drones fly on the exterior of a building—and while one drone transmits a Wi-Fi signal, the other receives data through the transmission. The data can then be translated into a 3D image, revealing the internal structure of a building. [Engadget]
ICYMI: A team from Autodesk, Case Technologies, and the Volterra-Detroit Foundation travel to Italy to digitally archive and preserve ancient structures. [ARCHITECT]
Inspired by Japanese origami patterns, researchers at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, are working on sturdy, lightweight structural panels that can stop bullets and withstand the impact of explosives or a plane crash, using what they call "sandwich" structures. Research team leader professor Guoxing Lu, from the School of Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology, has developed these structures by inserting "a soft, semi-hollow inner core between two thin and strong outer skins," writes Lea Kivivali in a news article on Swinburne website. The soft gap between two outer skins increases the resiliency of the structure, enables energy dissipation, and resists external deformation. [Swinburne University of Technology]
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) headquarters in Washington, D.C., is the first space to ever achieve both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED, by the U.S. Green Building Council) certification as well as WELL Platinum certification under the WELL Building Standard v1. The 8,500-square-foot office was designed by Perkins+Will and completed in 2016. Centered on the wellness of the individuals that would inhabit the space, the design of the office is inspired by nature, making use of lighting systems programmed to follow our bodies' natural circadian rhythm, better air quality through ventilation, and acoustic control. "Through funding by the ASID Foundation, the office is serving as a living laboratory for the design community," according to a press release. "The positive impact of the office is demonstrated through some of the pre-/post-occupancy research conducted to-date." A post-occupancy study conducted by Cornell University confirmed the positive effects the environment had on the employees, citing increased employee job satisfaction. [ASID]
General Electric (GE) Additive announced plans to create the world's largest laser-powder 3D printer for the aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas industries. The announcement came this week at the International Paris Air Show which runs through June 25. The machine will be able to print aviation parts and products measuring 39 inches in diameter, "suitable for making jet engine structural components and parts for single-aisle aircraft," said Mohammad Ehteshami, vice president and general manager of GE Additive, in a press release. Atlas, a meter-class technology demonstrator prototype of this machine, will print objects in 2D. However the production version will extend to 3D, and will be customizable, and scalable based on each project's needs. According to GE, the machine will operate on an equal or a higher speed compare to existing 3D printing devices and will use both reactive and non-reactive materials such as aluminum and titanium to make objects. [General Electric]
