Energy Highlights
A twice-monthly energy news update from MMPEI
February 1, 2008
Vol. 2 No. 2
U-M NEWS
University of Michigan Buildings Improve Efficiency
Thanks to environmental initiatives, the University has a smaller carbon footprint than it did several years ago, according to a new report released by the University earlier this month. The U-M's first Annual Environmental Report charts the amount of resources used by each campus building between 2004 and 2007, along with the University's total carbon footprint.
ENERGY NEWS
FutureGen “Clean Coal” Plant Loses DOE Funding
FutureGen Alliance, is a public-private partnership whose goal is to develop near zero emission coal-fueled powerplant. Due to a number of issues including rising costs, the Department of Energy, which initially planned to provide three quarters of the money to build the plant, told the Illinois congressional delegation that it no longer wants to be part of the Matoon, Illinois project. Additional information on the project can be found at here.
Piezoelectric Power
Scientists at CEA/Leti-Minatec in Grenoble, France are researching the possibility of ways to produce electricity from the impact of falling raindrops on a flexible piezoelectric material, PVDF polymer. Using these same piezoelectric principles, other scientists are looking at piezoelectric floors and boots.
The Return of Sail Power
MV Beluga, a 400 foot container ship designed by the German company, SkySails, sports a kite-like sail. In optimum winds, the sail could save as much as $1500/day in fuel costs.
Potential Reductionof 40%in Computer Energy Using DC Power Distribution System
Start-up company, Valdius, will design a DC based power distribution system specifically for computer “high density” data centers. The company’s long range goals are to design on-site DC power generation using solar panels, windturbines or fuel cells.
Breakthroughs in Battery Technology
A new battery, currently being tested in hybrid vehicles and developed by CSIRO, Australia, combines a supercapacitor with a lead battery. The new battery lasts four times longer and provides 50 percent more power than a “conventional battery” and is 70% cheaper than the batteries currently used in hybrid vehicles.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Research and Development for On-Board Vehicular Hydrogen Storage - Due 2/28/2008
DOE seeks to fund research and development on viable hydrogen storage technologies for on-board vehicular applications. The technical topic of Materials Discovery is the only eligible research area under this announcement. Development and application of new processes that can aid in the development of unique material properties are also applicable. The scope includes approaches for high throughput/combinatorial synthesis, screening and testing of storage materials and other novel characterization techniques that can aid in and be applied to the efficient discovery of new materials. Novel concepts for conformable tanks and approaches for moderate pressure (d 150 bar) hybrid systems may be proposed.
Additional funding opportunities are listed on the MMPEI Opportunities Page.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Warren Washington to Give MLK Day Keynote on Climate Change
When: Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Where: Stamps Auditorium, North Campus, Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. Drama Center
Dr. Washington is a senior scientist at the National Center for
Atmospheric Research and head of its Climate Change Section. A
meteorologist, he specializes in computer modeling of the earth's
climate. He will speak on "Computer Simulations of 20th and 21st Century
Climate Change: The Low Carbon Emission Policy Option." This talk is sponsored jointly by the School of Natural Resources and Environment and the College of Engineering.
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