Energy

Polish inventor builds candle-powered generator that lights LED bulbs

Polish inventor Maciej Nowak has built a small generator that turns heat from a single tea candle into electricity to power two LED bulbs. The device uses a thermoelectric chip that generates voltage when one side is hot and the other stays cool. While the system produces only about 1 watt-hour of power, it demonstrates how waste heat can be captured and converted into useful light. The LEDs produce a brighter, whiter light than the candle flame alone.

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Engineers worldwide tackle solid-state battery challenges for safer EVs

Solid-state batteries promise safer, more powerful electric vehicles by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with solid materials. However, engineers must overcome major challenges including high lithium costs, damaging dendrite growth that causes short circuits, expensive production methods, and difficult thermal management. Automakers worldwide are racing to solve these problems as solid-state technology inches closer to real-world production. Success would mean longer range, faster charging, and safer EVs for everyday drivers.

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Clear glass bowl with white tofu cubes soaking in brine representing the safe electrolyte used in a new eco-friendly Chinese battery

Chinese scientists create safe battery using tofu brine electrolytes

City University of Hong Kong researchers have created a water-based battery using electrolytes safe enough to be tofu brine. The magnesium and calcium chloride design lasts over 120,000 cycles, is non-toxic, and can be thrown away without special processing. While limited to stationary storage due to lower voltage, the breakthrough offers a safer, greener alternative for grid-scale renewable energy storage.

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China’s Ganfeng Lithium begins mass production of 650Wh/kg EV batteries

China’s Ganfeng Lithium, the world’s largest lithium metal producer, has started mass producing semi-solid-state batteries with up to 650 Wh/kg energy density. The company uses a multi-element lithium alloy that prevents dangerous dendrite growth and limits expansion to just 3-5 percent during use. While currently used in drones and industrial equipment, the technology paves the way for safer, longer-range electric vehicles.

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