Important Innovations

New Tech Cuts BBQ Pollution 90% Source:  Stock Image of Steak on a Grill German Innovation German scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) have invented a technology that cuts toxic carbon fumes from barbecues by 90%.  The IBP team studied and analyzed the toxic pollutants emitted by charcoal grills, pizza ovens and bread ovens and innovated a new system to greatly reduce it.  Their research was commissioned by the German Environment Agency.  By some estimates, the pollution emitted from a barbecue for a family of four is the equivalent of driving a car for 90 miles. BBQ Pollution The IBP scientists demonstrated that the BBQ grill produces nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, benzene and hydrocarbons - many of which are harmful to human health.  They found that the pollution is produced by incomplete combustion of fats combining with the type of fuel used.  The higher the fatty content of the meat, the h...

Researchers from UK and Spain Identify Eco-friendly Solid for Cooling Source:  University of Cambridge Air Conditioners  Replaces Polluting Gases Scientists at the University of Cambridge UK and Universität Politecnica de Catalunya in Spain have come up with a breakthrough in refrigeration/cooling technology.  Plastic crystals of neopentylglycol (NPG) that when put under pressure is competitive with conventional coolants.  The conventional coolants in refrigerators and air-conditioners are toxic and when released into the air are pollutants. Our Appliances: A Global Energy and Environmental Issue Refrigerators and air-conditioners use 20% of the energy produced globally.  The vast majority of these appliances use hydrocarbons and hydrofluro-carbons in the cooling system that are toxic, flammable and when released into the air add to global warming. Materials Science To solve this cooling problem, materials scientists have sought an alternative soli...