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The activities at the Center for Future Energy Systems are initially concentrated on two main themes; New Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency. Projects include low cost-high efficiency photovoltaic technologies, compound semiconductor materials, advanced lighting sources, smart lighting and displays, intelligent building architectures, wind, bioenergy, fuel cell, battery and energy technologies, and distributed generation grid testing. However, the CFES constantly monitors technology developments, marketplace opportunities and industry needs to set priorities and adjust focus. Current Areas of Research
Renewable Energy Finding renewable sources of energy is critical to meeting the worldwide demand for energy. NYS is fortunate to derive 17% of its electrical power from hydroelectricity but less than 2% of our electricity is derived from other renewable technologies. Solar, wind and bioenergy technologies offer long term solutions to energy sustainability. 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 at the Center for Architectural Science and Ecology (CASE) which is developing dynamic PV concentrator modules which are 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. Research areas include:
Wind Wind is the fastest growing segment in the renewable energy segment with over 20 GW of installed capacity in the US and 90 GW worldwide. Researchers at the CFES are working to make wind energy more efficient and more affordable. Research areas include turbine blade design and testing, power conversion and power conditioning that not only makes wind turbines more efficient, but also allows for better integration with the electric utility grid. Research areas include:
Biomass Researchers at the CFES are working in concert with the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS) and the Baruch Center for Biochemical Solar Energy Research to find alternatives to fossil fuels used in vehicles and for heating. Cellulosic ethanol and algae derived biodiesel are potential alternative fuels that reduce the carbon imprint and our dependence on fossil fuels. Research areas include:
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 than traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting used today. While LED lighting sources have made inroads in certain applications, significant energy and cost savings of 80 - 90% are possible as these new solid state lighting sources make there way into the mainstream marketplace. Research at the CFES in concert with the NSF funded Rensselaer Smart Lighting Research Center focus on novel material development such as phosphor and reflectors; device technology, and systems applications to further the understanding and proliferation of smart lighting. The group also does specific lighting system design, such as street signs and retail displays. By offering such a comprehensive range of expertise, researchers can help solve a wide array of technology problems that a company may have. Research areas include:
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. CFES fuel cell research includes PEM, solid oxide, micro and alkaline as well as sensors, control theory, bio-fuel cells, nanomaterials, bi-polar plates, systems engineering and gas diffusion layers. CFES coordinates polymer and inorganic membrane development for low and high temperature applications, synthesis, characterization, imaging and modeling. CFES electrode development includes next generation catalyst concepts and materials testing, characterization and modeling. Technical collaboration on MEA manufacturing methods is also possible through the Rensselaer Center for Automation Technologies (CATS). The Rensselaer fuel cell laboratory is state-of-the-art and one of the top university test facilities with PEM and SOFC test stations. The lab is supported by high temperature thermal analysis, SEM/TEM/EDS, X-ray structure characterization, interconnect fabrication/processing and metallographic facilities. 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 their viability for use on fuel cells. Research areas include:
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. Distributed Generation Test Grid Distributed Generation (DG) is expected to play an important role in enabling the pursuit and attainment of Renewable Portfolio Standards requiring States to generate electricity from clean and renewable resources. DG refers to small scale electrical generation located at or near customer sites often interconnected to the utlity for reliability and power back up. The focus of the distributed generation test bed is to obtain a better understanding of these fundamentally different power sources and study the power electronic circuits and controls of these complex and dynamic systems. The $1.231 million dollar, 3 year program is funded by NYSTAR as a CAT Development Project (CDP) to establish a test bed that will simulate the grid and allow the interconnection of sources (wind, solar, CHP, fuel cell etc.) and loads (equipment, motors, LED's) to create a platform for extended DG study. Research areas include:
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