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The activities at the Center for Future Energy Systems are initially concentrated on two main themes; Energy Efficiency and New Energy Sources. Within these themes, four technology areas: Fuel Cells and Hydrogen, Renewable Energy, Smart Lighting, and Smart Displays, are currently being investigated. However, the CFES constantly monitors technology developments, marketplace opportunities and industry needs to set priorities and adjust focus. Current Areas of Research
Smart Lighting Smart Lighting is a new paradigm in photonics in which the basic properties of light (spectral emission characteristics, color temperature, polarization, etc.) can be adjusted to specific circumstances and applications. Additionally, the efficiency of solid state lighting is dramatically higher that traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting used today. While LED lighting sources have made inroads in certain applications, significant energy and cost savings are possible as these new solid state lighting sources make there way into the mainstream marketplace. Research at the CFES ranges from crystal growth and material development, such as phosphor and reflectors, to application specific lighting system design, such as street signs and retail displays. By offering such a comprehensive range of expertise, the CFES can help solve a wide array of technology problems that a company may have. Smart Displays Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) offer tunable properties and compatibility with mechanically flexible substrates. CFES researchers at Cornell have pioneered OLEDs based on transition metal complexes, which are more reliable and more practical to manufacture. Within the framework of the CFES, Cornell researchers are assisting their industry partners in moving these devices from the laboratory to the manufacturing stage. Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Fuel Cells The focus of the fuel cell effort is to create advanced fuel cell components and systems through design, synthesis, and engineering of novel high-performance materials. CFES researchers at Rensselaer have extensive experience in developing high temperature membranes that do not rely on water for their operation. While some of these membranes have already reached the market, research on the membranes continues to improve their performance and tailor them for specific applications. At Cornell, CFES researchers are using high throughput methods for the development of new materials for fuel cell catalysts. This activity will allow for significant numbers of catalyst compositions to be created and tested to determine there viability for use on fuel cells. Hydrogen The promise of fuel cell technology hinges on the cost effective production, storage and transportation of hydrogen. Researchers at the CFES are working to develop the materials and systems to create, store and move hydrogen efficiently. Renewable Energy Finding sustainable source of energy is critical to meeting the worlds ever increasing demands for energy. Renewable technologies such and solar, wind and biomass offer such solutions. Solar The conversion of solar power into usable energy is one of the main segments of research in the renewable area. Research activities include the use of recent advances in nanocrystalline materials, quantum dots, and nanostructured conducting polymers to design far more efficient solar cells as well as thermophotovoltaic systems that can convert heat to electricity. The CFES is also working with a team of Rensselaer researchers which is developing a Dynamic Shading Window System. This system, which is integrated into the façade of a building, uses unique solar devices that track the sun to concentrate and convert sunlight into both electricity and heat. Wind Researchers at the CFES are working to make wind energy more efficient and more affordable. This work is specifically in the area of power conversion and power conditioning that not only makes wind turbines more efficient, but also allows for better integration with the electric utility grid. Biomass Researchers the CFES are working to find alternatives to fossil fuels used in vehicles and for heating. Biodiesel, a fuel derived from vegetable oil, which can be used in any diesel vehicle offers the potential to not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, put also dramatically reduces emissions in diesel vehicles. Researchers are working with companies to improve the process used to convert oil to make it more affordable and to achieve a consistent, high quality product.
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