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Electrochemical Compressor: Enabling Carbon-Neutral Future

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Newswise — In line with the Korean government’s recent efforts to achieve the goal of “going carbon neutral by 2050,” the energy transition from fossil fuels to new and renewable sources of energy has been gaining speed. In this context, the joint research team led by Principal Researcher Young Kim of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), an institute under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and ICT, and professors Min-sung Kim and Dong-kyu Kim of Chung-Ang University has successfully developed an environment-friendly refrigerant compressor using an electrochemical method instead of a mechanical method.

In contrast to conventional refrigerants containing HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) that destroy the ozone layer and cause global warning, environment-friendly refrigerants (ammonia, R1234yf, etc.) have very small environmental impacts. In accordance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, advanced nations in Europe as well as the United States and Japan are in the process of transitioning to eco-friendly refrigerants until the complete phase-out of the use of HFCs in 2024. Using environment-friendly refrigerants can help to prevent environmental pollution and contribute to sustainable development.

Meanwhile, mechanical compressors have several limitations such as problems with durability of parts due to rapid rotation, contamination of refrigerants caused by lubricants, and loud noise. As electrochemical compressors have no moving parts and do not require the use of lubricants, they can help to overcome the shortcomings of conventional mechanical compressors. Additionally, a constant flow rate can be provided at various pressure ratios with electrochemical compressors, and the high efficiency thereof can help to significantly increase the COP (coefficient of performance) of the heat pump.

To maximize the energy-saving effect of the rooftop greenhouse, the research team developed a “optimized smart farm operating solution” capable of controlling every aspect of the system such as air conditioning, LED, and hydroponics system in accordance with external weather conditions, and plans to demonstrate this solution through the demonstrated rooftop greenhouse.

The joint research team has secured the core technologies necessary for producing the environment-friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor and for designing the system thereof, and has successfully implemented the test run. With the newly developed environment-friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor, the desired flow rate and pressure can be obtained by stacking.

Unlike conventional mechanical compressing, an electrochemical compressor compresses refrigerants through the movement of ions by charging the ion exchange membrane with DC (direct current) voltage, while using hydrogen as the carrier gas. Additionally, it also allows for isothermal compression by applying a multi-layer freezing technology where cells are accumulated in a stack configuration. To date, the refrigerants that have been successfully compressed are ammonia, a natural refrigerant, and R1234yf, an eco-friendly refrigerant. The joint research team designed cells capable of operating solidly even under repeated high-pressure conditions and also demonstrated a leak-free design to prevent the leakage of refrigerants at high pressure. Moreover, by designing a channel capable of producing high performance even at high voltage, the joint research team has succeeded in maximizing the compression efficiency of the electrochemical compressor.

The electrochemical compressor is capable of offering the desired compression ratio regardless of the size thereof, and can provide a stable flow rate in accordance with the compression ratio, and has excellent efficiency. Therefore, it can be used not only for constructing high-efficiency plants and heat pumps but also for building small-scale systems. In particular, as an electrochemical ammonia compressor can be used for compressing ammonia even when the ammonia acts as a hydrogen carrier, it can also be used for constructing hydrogen infrastructure.

Dr. Young Kim of the KIMM’s Department of Thermal Energy Solutions was quoted as saying, “The eco-friendly electrochemical refrigerant compressor is highly efficient and requires a small footprint, which makes it economically attractive.” Dr. Kim added, “We are planning to develop a heat pump system using this technology to contribute to the achievement of the goal of going carbon neutral by 2050.”

Meanwhile, this research was conducted with the support of the project for the “development of a chemical absorption-type heat pump using an electrochemical compressor” led by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Community

McCain Foods Delivers on Promise by Planting 18,000 Trees in Wisconsin

McCain Foods fulfills promise, planting 18,000 trees in Wisconsin, beautifying Plover and promoting sustainability. A true commitment to the environment and community. #McCainFoods #Sustainability

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In a heartwarming display of commitment to the environment and the Plover community, McCain Foods has fulfilled its promise by planting 18,000 trees throughout Wisconsin. This inspiring initiative was part of the company’s pledge to replace and increase the number of trees cut down for the expansion of their appetizer processing plant in Plover.

A group of volunteers planting trees in a park, representing McCain Foods' commitment to sustainability and community.
McCain Foods and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources planted 18,000 new trees in Plover and surrounding communities last week. (prnewswire)

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony:
Celebrating this remarkable achievement, McCain hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in Plover last Friday. Howard Snape, the president of McCain Foods North America, expressed his pride in the company’s contribution. “With this initiative, McCain has added three times the number of trees we had to clear in Plover, beautifying the community while increasing its sustainability,” Snape shared. This event not only marked a milestone for McCain but also highlighted their dedication to fostering thriving communities.

Tree Planting Locations:
The 18,000 newly planted trees can be found in various locations, including the Douglas County Forest and throughout the Plover community. This carefully planned distribution ensures that the positive impact of the initiative is widespread. Local elementary schools, homes of growers, and the residences of McCain employees have all benefited from this sustainability effort. By incorporating trees into these areas, McCain aims to enhance the overall beauty and vitality of the community.

Commitment to Rural Areas:
With a network of 3,500 farmer partners worldwide, McCain has a significant presence in rural areas, often serving as the largest employer within those communities. The company values its role in creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering community development through donations, volunteering, and similar initiatives. The tree planting project is yet another testament to McCain’s dedication to these principles.

Sustainable Mission:
Sustainability lies at the core of McCain’s mission, as the company strives to celebrate real connections through delicious, planet-friendly foods. In line with global efforts to combat climate change, McCain has committed to reducing its emissions by 50% by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the international push to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C.

A Greener and More Sustainable Community:
McCain Foods’ tree planting initiative showcases the company’s dedication to the environment and the communities it serves. By fulfilling their promise and planting 18,000 trees, McCain has not only beautified Plover but has also helped create a greener and more sustainable community. This initiative reflects their ethos of promoting environmental stewardship, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.


McCain Foods’ commitment to replanting and increasing the number of trees cut down for their expansion project in Plover is truly commendable. By planting 18,000 trees throughout Wisconsin, they have not only fulfilled their promise but have also made a significant positive impact on the environment and the Plover community. McCain has once again demonstrated their dedication to sustainability, showcasing their determination to make a difference for future generations.

About McCain Foods USA
McCain Foods USA is a leading supplier of frozen potato and snack food products for the foodservice markets, retail grocery chains and private label brands in restaurants and supermarket freezers across the country. McCain Foods USA Inc., headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, employs 4,000 people and operates production facilities in Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Washington and Wisconsin. https://www.mccainusafoodservice.com/

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NASA’s Dragon Departs the Station with Exciting Science: What to Expect

Exciting news as SpaceX Dragon departs the International Space Station, carrying scientific research and hardware. Don’t miss NASA’s coverage!

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"NASA logo - National Aeronautics and Space Administration"
The SpaceX Cargo Dragon resupply ship is pictured approaching the International Space Station carrying over 7,300 pounds of new science, supplies and solar arrays to replenish the Expedition 65 crew. The Cargo Dragon’s nose cone is open revealing its hatch and forward docking cone.


Exciting news from the realm of space exploration! NASA and its incredible international partners are gearing up for an eventful departure as the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft bids farewell to the International Space Station on Sunday, April 28 (weather permitting). This pivotal moment will mark the return of scientific research samples and hardware, acquired during the spacecraft’s stay at the orbiting laboratory. Enthusiastically, NASA is providing extensive coverage of the undocking and departure, ensuring that we don’t miss a moment of this extraordinary event.

Undocking and Departure:
NASA will commence its coverage of the undocking and departure at 12:45 p.m. EDT, accessible through various means such as NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website. If you’re curious about experiencing the event firsthand, worry not – NASA offers streaming options on multiple platforms, including social media.

Dragon will gracefully undock from the zenith port of the Harmony module, promptly at 1:05 p.m., after receiving ground control commands from SpaceX in Hawthorne, California. Following undocking, it will steadily propel itself away from the International Space Station, creating a safe distance between them.

Return to Earth:
Upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the Dragon spacecraft will elegantly splash down off the coast of Florida, with the ultimate goal of delivering more than 4,100 pounds of supplies and scientific experiments back to home soil. While NASA will not be broadcasting the splashdown, you can stay tuned to the agency’s space station blog for continuous updates and fascinating insights.

Scientific Endeavors:
Among the plethora of captivating studies making their way back to Earth, one standout is the Flawless Space Fibers-1 experiment. This investigation has achieved remarkable milestones, producing over seven miles of optical fiber during its stay on the space station. By exploring new hardware and manufacturing processes for high-quality optical fibers in space, it shattered previous records, drawing more than half a mile of fiber in just one day.

Another striking study travelling aboard Dragon is GEARS (Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space), which surveys the space station for antibiotic-resistant organisms. By analyzing genetic data, scientists aim to understand how these bacteria adapt to space, providing insights to protect future astronauts on long-duration missions.

MISSE-18 (Materials International Space Station Experiment-18-NASA) is yet another exciting experiment coming back to Earth. It examines the performance and durability of materials and components when exposed to the harsh environment of space. Coatings, quantum dots, a lunar regolith simulant composite, and other materials are studied to enhance our understanding of their behavior in space conditions.

Additionally, the Immune Cell Activation experiment, sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA), promises fascinating results. It investigates whether microgravity affects the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles into immune and melanoma cells. The outcomes of this research could contribute to the development of novel therapeutics targeting central nervous system diseases and skin cancers such as melanoma.

Future Implications:
These returning experiments represent only a fraction of the hundreds of ongoing investigations aboard the International Space Station. Ranging across biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science, these studies are crucial for astronaut health during long-duration space travel. They also serve as critical stepping stones towards NASA’s Artemis campaign, ensuring the advancement of human and robotic exploration beyond low Earth orbit – ultimately leading us to the Moon and Mars.


The impending departure of the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from the International Space Station promises an exhilarating journey back to Earth. With an array of scientific research samples and hardware aboard, the Dragon’s return holds tremendous scientific significance. Thanks to NASA’s dedicated coverage, you can witness this extraordinary milestone through various platforms. As we eagerly await the spacecraft’s splashdown off Florida’s coast, let’s celebrate the accomplishments and look forward to the groundbreaking discoveries that lie ahead.

Get breaking news, images and features from the space station on InstagramFacebook, and X.

Learn more about the International Space Station at:

https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station

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Space and Tech

Exciting News: NASA Live Coverage of Roscosmos Cosmonauts on a Spacewalk!

Don’t miss NASA’s live coverage of Roscosmos cosmonauts on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station! #SpaceExploration

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"Two cosmonauts conducting a spacewalk outside the International Space Station"
Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub from Roscosmos is pictured during a spacewalk to inspect a backup radiator, deploy a nanosatellite, and install communications hardware on the International Space Station’s Nauka science module. NASA

Get ready to witness a truly incredible event – a spacewalk outside the International Space Station conducted by two Roscosmos cosmonauts! NASA will be providing live coverage of this historic moment on Thursday, April 25, starting at 10:30 a.m. EDT. You definitely don’t want to miss this!

The spacewalk, expected to begin at 10:55 a.m. EDT, could last up to an impressive seven hours. So make sure to clear your schedule and prepare yourself for some out-of-this-world action!

But don’t worry if you can’t be near a TV, because NASA has got you covered. They will be streaming the spacewalk on various platforms including NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their very own website. How convenient is that?

If you’re wondering how to catch this incredible event, fret not! NASA has made it super easy for everyone to enjoy the live coverage. You can stream NASA TV through numerous platforms, including social media. Just follow the instructions provided and you’ll be all set to witness history!

During this captivating spacewalk, Expedition 71 crewmates Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub will embark on their mission. Their primary objective is to complete the deployment of a panel on a synthetic radar system located on the Nauka module. They will also be installing equipment and experiments on the Poisk module, which will be used to analyze the level of corrosion on various surfaces and modules of the space station. Science at its finest!

This noteworthy spacewalk will mark the 270th in support of the International Space Station. For Kononenko, this will be his seventh spacewalk, and he will be wearing the distinguished Orlan spacesuit with the red stripes. Chub, on the other hand, will be going on his second spacewalk and will be wearing the awe-inspiring spacesuit with the blue stripes. Talk about a fashionable space adventure!

So grab your popcorn, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an exhilarating experience. This upcoming spacewalk promises to be an event that will leave you in awe of the immense accomplishments and ongoing science conducted aboard the International Space Station.

Remember, you can catch all the action on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their website. Don’t miss out on this thrilling live coverage. Be a part of history and witness the wonders of space exploration firsthand. See you there!

Get breaking news, images, and features from the space station on the station blogInstagramFacebook, and X.

Learn more about International Space Station research and operations at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

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