| July 1, 2009 | Vol. 3. No. 12 |
IN THIS ISSUE: U-M ENERGY NEWS, ENERGY NEWS, FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES and EVENTS
U-M ENERGY NEWS
Impact of unemployment and gas prices on vehicle fuel economy
Since late 2007, average fuel economy of new vehicles purchased has increased by more than 5 percent, thanks in large part to unemployment and gas prices, a University of Michigan study suggests.
U.S. auto industry: Broad, sweeping changes needed
According to a University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute report, "Fixing Detroit: How Far, How Fast, How Fuel Efficient?" successful turnarounds hinge on rapid cultural transformation, which requires replacement of management teams. Further, the report finds that the existing culture within the domestic auto companies systematically underestimates the value of fuel economy, which has crippled profitability. ... "Our findings support rapid, wide-reaching change in business models," said Walter McManus, director of UMTRI's Automotive Analysis Division and Phoenx Energy instiute fellow. "The key to a long-term recovery is executing an excellent portfolio of products, and we find that increasing fuel economy standards will lead to a portfolio of products that is more likely to raise the profits of the Detroit 3 automakers than to lower them."
Hydrogen headway
Researchers are making progress in producing and storing hydrogen that could power a new generation of fuel-cell cars, despite seesaw domestic funding from successive presidential administrations....Although hydrogen contains more energy than gasoline by weight, it takes up more space. A University of Michigan team is addressing that problem with a microporous material that could be used to store hydrogen. It has surface area of 5,000 square meters (almost as big as a football field) per gram, the largest ever achieved.
U-M spin-off SITUMBRA looks to build a better window
Imagine a window shade that's actually integrated into the window, eliminating the ugly shades that cover windows in otherwise beautiful buildings. The vision is becoming reality in Ann Arbor courtesy of SITUMBRA. The University of Michigan spin-off is developing the technology that came from research conducted by Harry Giles, an architecture professor at U-M and Phoenix energy institute fellow. The window has two skins that sandwich an inner core. This passive solar technology allows the light to come in and warm a house during cold weather and reflects it when it's hot. "It's transparent and energy efficient," Giles says. His research came from an EPA grant about three years ago. The concept won a prestigious EPA award. And for information on Giles' sustainable modular homes
America’s emerging ‘energy renaissance’
The country has undergone a massive cultural and idealogical swing in recent months; the environment and – crucially – energy generation are under the spotlight. In this exclusive feature for Power and Energy Solutions Magazine, Andrew J. Hoffman and Aaron Nelson of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan, discuss how companies must innovate to survive, in a world where sustainability has become a business fundamental. Hoffman is a Phoenix Energy Institut Fellow.
ENERGY NEWS
Recovery Act Announcement: $32 million for energy projects in Michigan
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu announced on June 22, more than $32 million in Recovery Act funding to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Michigan. Under DOE's State Energy Program (SEP), states have proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is part of the Obama Administration's national strategy to support job growth, while making a historic down payment on clean energy.
U-M Frankel Fund invests in wind energy device
he Frankel Commercialization Fund, a student-managed venture capital seed fund at the Ross School of Business, has announced an investment of $80,000 in Accio Energy, an Ann Arbor-based developer of an innovative wind energy system. This marks the fund’s fourth investment and the first in a renewable energy company. Accio Energy, founded by entrepreneurs Dawn White and David Carmein, has developed a wind energy device that utilizes charged particles and wind to create electricity. The proprietary “aerovoltaic” technology utilizes no moving parts and is both highly scalable and cost-effective. Jeffrey Basch, MBA ‘99, is the company’s general manager.
GE to bring 1,200 jobs, manufacturing tech center
General Electric Co. plans to open a manufacturing technology center and eventually employ about 1,200 workers in Van Buren Township, it announced today. Expected to open later this year, the Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center will include a GE research and development facility with scientists and engineers. They will develop manufacturing technologies for GE's renewable energy, aircraft engine, gas turbine and other products. They will also will develop software, networking and other services.
Dow Chemical in new algae-based ethanol venture
Midland-based Dow Chemical Co. said it plans to work with Bonita Springs, Fla.-based Algenol Biofuels Inc. to build and operate a pilot-scale algae-based integrated biorefinery that will convert carbon dioxide into ethanol. The facility is planned to be located at Dow's Freeport, Texas site. "This project and the innovative technology involved offers great promise in the battle to help slow, stop and reverse the growth of greenhouse gas emissions," stated Andrew N. Liveris, Dow chairman and CEO. "We are very excited to be part of this ground-breaking alternative energy project, which is a good example of Dow's holistic approach to CO2 capture and storage by adding value through chemistry."
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Solar America Cities - Due 10/15/09
The DOE - Gold Field Office is seeking proposals designed to promote a comprehensive approach to solar development focusing on many relevant areas, including solar policies and regulations, financial incentives, workforce training, and utility and community engagement. Anticipated funding is 10.5 million dollars over five years. Funding opportunity number: DE-FOA-0000086Advanced Energy Efficient Building - Due 08/18/09
The National Energy Technology Laboratory is seeking applications under six areas of interest.
- Advanced Building Control Strategies, Communications and Information Technologies for Net-Zero Energy Buildings
- Analysis, Design and Technical Tools
- Building Envelope and Windows
- Residential and Commercial HVAC and Crosscutting Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Research
- Water Heating, Residential and Commercial Appliances and MELs
- Solar Heating and Cooling
DOE estimates that approximately $25-$75 million shall be available for awards. DOE will seek at least 20-50 percent applicant cost share with performance periods between 1 to 3 years. Funding opportunity number: DE-FOA-0000115
Visit http://www.energy.umich.edu/info/index.html for additional details and funding opportunities or contact Greg Sadler, jgsadler@umich.edu
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Business of Plugging-in: A Plug-in Electric Vehicle Conference
Oct 19 - 21
Detroit, MI
The Business of Plugging In will bring together vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, energy companies, government agencies, financiers and researchers. Vist http://www.pev2009.com/
Visit http://www.energy.umich.edu/careers/opportunities for information on University of Michigan open faculty positions and opportunites in energy research.
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