Digging deeper

Predicting hydraulic fracture propagation more accurately

Published:16.01.20 — Researchers at EPFL have developed a new model to calculate hydraulic fracture propagation. Acclaimed for its accuracy by experts, the model better predicts fracture geometry and the energy cost of hydraulic fracturing – a widely used technique in areas such as CO2 storage, hydrocarbon extraction, dams and volcano hazard monitoring.

EPFL spin-off's tiny robots turn heads in Las Vegas

Published:07.01.20 — Yesterday evening, tiny robots developed by EPFL spin-off Foldaway Haptics were the center of attention at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The 33 “bionic flaps,” installed on a concept car from German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, moves bodywork parts in response to the driver’s decisions and interacts with the public.

Reducing human-induced earthquake risk

Published:06.01.20 — Researchers at EPFL and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy have devised strategies for reducing the earthquake risk associated with geothermal energy, CO2 storage and other human activities happening deep underground.

Capturing CO2 from trucks and reducing their emissions by 90%

Published:23.12.19 — Researchers at EPFL have patented a new concept that could cut trucks’ CO2 emissions by almost 90%. It involves capturing CO2 within the exhaust system, converting it into a liquid and storing it on the vehicle. The liquid CO2 would then be delivered to a service station and where it will be turned back into fuel using renewable energy.

How can we make residential neighborhoods more sustainable by 2050?

Published:19.12.19 — If the aim of a 2,000 Watt Society is to be achieved, peri-urban residential neighborhoods – where the average single-family home consumes 6.5 times more power than that target – must adapt. An EPFL thesis, which has just been awarded a scholarly distinction, explores ways of hitting the target in Vaud canton, but which could also be applied to the whole of Switzerland.

Nominations of EPFL professors

Published:14.12.19 — The Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology has announced the appointment of 7 professors at EPFL.

EPFL creates a solar cooker with solid potential in Switzerland

Published:15.11.19 — EPFL scientists have developed a glass-paneled solar cooker that delivers exceptional performance. Their patented design can operate an average of 155 days a year in Switzerland’s cloudiest regions and up to 240 days in its sunniest. 

EPFL-developed geothermal panels reach international finals

Published:14.11.19 — EPFL researchers have developed a geothermal system for recovering the heat captured in basements, subway tunnels and underground parking garages. Their technology will compete today in the finals of ClimateLaunchPad – the world’s largest competition for green business ideas.

An intelligent network for better water management

Published:04.11.19 — EPFL-based startup Droople has developed a smart flow meter that can measure buildings’ water consumption and identify potential savings in energy. The Montreux Jazz Café at EPFL has already tested the device and found a way to cut its energy bill.

EPFL champions energy geostructures

Published:01.11.19 — Energy geostructures provide a constant source of renewable heating and cooling in buildings and infrastructures and perform very well. Professor Lyesse Laloui, the director of EPFL’s Laboratory of Soil Mechanics (LMS), has co-authored a new book that takes stock of the latest developments in a field where Lausanne leads the way globally.