Technology

New Thermal Battery Supplies Clean Heat for Oil Extraction

Source

IEEE Spectrum

Published

Oct 30, 2025

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AI Generated

Rondo Energy has developed a new thermal battery that can convert solar energy into heat for industrial processes, specifically for oil extraction. The thermal battery is constructed using bricks that can reach temperatures up to 1,500°C. This innovative technology aims to provide clean heat for industrial applications, contributing to the energy transition towards more sustainable practices.

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50 Years of The Institute

The article "50 Years of The Institute" in IEEE's member publication reflects on the people, programs, and impact of IEEE over the past five decades. Kathy Pretz, the editor in chief of The Institute, has been serving in this role for the longest period. The piece provides a comprehensive overview of the history and evolution of IEEE, highlighting its significance in the tech industry.

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1 week ago

7 Ways New Engineers Can Flourish in the Age of AI

New engineers can thrive in the era of AI by viewing AI tools as complements rather than competition. Lokesh Lagudu, an IEEE senior member and senior engineering manager at Walmart Global Tech, shares seven key strategies for success. These strategies include embracing continuous learning, developing soft skills, seeking mentorship, and staying adaptable. Lagudu emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations, as well as fostering a growth mindset. By following these tips, new engineers can navigate the evolving tech landscape and excel in their careers.

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What It Takes for Future-Ready Power Distribution

Leading utilities are now focused on how quickly and at what scale they can modernize power distribution, according to Black & Veatch. The company emphasizes the importance of a bold vision for distribution in the face of a more complex grid. Nick Lehnert, Associate Vice President at Black & Veatch, highlights the shift towards prioritizing grid modernization and distributed energy resources for grid resilience. This push for future-ready power distribution reflects a changing landscape in the energy sector.

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Direct-to-Cell Technology: Enabling Satellite Connectivity for Legacy Devices

Direct-to-Cell (DTC) technology leverages low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide LTE connectivity to legacy devices without requiring hardware or software modifications. These satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 340 km and 570 km, use phased array antennas to create narrow beams for ground coverage. DTC addresses coverage gaps in remote and disaster-prone areas by compensating for Doppler shift and round-trip time, enabling existing smartphones to connect seamlessly. Spectrum sharing agreements between mobile and satellite operators, along with regulatory frameworks like the FCC SCS, facilitate the deployment of DTC services. While DTC serves as an interim solution for rapid satellite service deployment, the long-term vision involves transitioning to 3GPP NR-NTN for a unified 3D network architecture under 6G technology.

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50 Years of The Institute

IEEE Spectrum•

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7 Ways New Engineers Can Flourish in the Age of AI

IEEE Spectrum•

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What It Takes for Future-Ready Power Distribution

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Direct-to-Cell Technology: Enabling Satellite Connectivity for Legacy Devices

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New Thermal Battery Supplies Clean Heat for Oil Extraction

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New Thermal Battery Supplies Clean Heat for Oil Extraction

TL;DR

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50 Years of The Institute

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