Can you store wind power? InTech says yes with a multi-component approach that includes lithium ion batteries, ultra-capacitors, and fuel cells. Tennessee Tech University researchers will use these and other components to model, simulate, and analyze ways to counteract wind fluctuations with energy storage and associated controls.

The inverter is a key to photovoltaic solar power systems. It converts DC power produced by solar cells to AC power. But Power Engineering says many solar power installations suffer from poorly designed or faulty inverters. In one case, inverters were found to consume hundreds of watts and reduce overall power output by 40%.

There are three types of wire and cable terminal block connectors: screw terminals, spring clamps, and euro connectors. A Control Design article compares the advantages and drawbacks. Screw terminals are most widely used, but spring clamps can be easier to install correctly. Euro connectors are the most versatile and expensive option.

Relay failure can bring a multi-billion dollar nuclear reactor to a halt, as shown in TMCnet's report on a Nuclear Regulatory Commission special inspection. When operators at the Waterford 3 nuclear plant near New Orleans encountered problems starting a high pressure safety injection pump, the problem was traced to a faulty electrical relay.

Resolvers are one of the best feedback sensors for detecting machine element position in hostile environments. Sensors shows how to get maximum resolver accuracy in industrial applications. The key is compensating for the three sources of potential error: cable resonance, reference phase shift, and feedback signal matching.

Virtually every packaged item you might buy at Wal-Mart could have an RFID tag, and this triggers privacy concerns for some. Forbes reports on an initiative in Wisconsin that could severely limit Wal-Mart's use of RFID due to privacy issues. In an attempt to head off any limiting legislation, Wal-Mart hosted a tour for legislators.

Emerging industries like MEMS have hundreds of new firms providing myriad services. Small Times says unlike established industries, prospective customers can't turn to established names. To help customers find suppliers, the MEMS Industry Group launched a MEMS Marketplace online matchmaking portal to help MEMS companies connect with prospective customers and partners.

You have an artery blockage and fear open heart surgery, but doctors propose to send a miniature MEMS robot inside your heart to fix the problem. It may sound far-fetched, but Ethiopian Review says it may soon be reality. The 1 mm diameter machine has no on-board engine or controls, but is guided using magnetic fields.

You need to go from prototype to product, and you need to minimize manpower and other resources. Will automation work? Automation has been a boon to manufacturing, but care must be taken when using automated processes to transfer design data to manufacturing. This EDN opinion column shows chip designers how to best use foundry services when attempting to bring a prototype design to reality. The author cautions that many designs that pass automated tests still fail in production.

Watch this video and see how a young inventor works with design and engineering mentors to perfect his design for a children's alarm clock. While his original concept was sound, it needed improvements and enhancements to be ready for market. This video takes us through the design process including aesthetics, pricing, and prototyping. Look for the clock in the near future at children's stores, or maybe even in your kid's bedroom.

Does RFID Scare You?

Virtually every packaged product that you purchase could have an RFID sensor on board. Does this raise privacy concerns for you, or do you trust others to not abuse the technology?