Energy Research at College of Engineering

Energy Research Highlights

College of engineering faculty members have engaged in many energy-related research topics ranging from batteries to green building technology. They have worked collaboratively with fellow researchers all over the world in many multidisciplinary research centers by establishing state-of-the-art facilities and organizing educational and outreach activities. They focus on a broad set of research activities, including advanced energy storage devices, nanomaterials for energy applications, thermal optimization and control of power systems, Smart Grid development, alternative energy sources and green building technology.

These researchers come from all five engineering departments and either lead or are affiliated with the following multidisciplinary research centers focusing on energy and/or energy materials research topics.

• Aero-Propulsion, Mechatronics and Energy Center (AME)
• Applied Superconductivity Center (ASC)
• Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS)
• Energy and Sustainability Center (ESC)
• Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM)
• High Performance Materials Institute (HPMI)
• Institute for Energy Science, Economics and Sustainability (IESES).

Advanced Materials for Energy-related Applications

Groundbreaking research and development of innovative materials and energy applications has played a major role for the technological advancement of modern society. Nevertheless, in order to meet the challenges presented by climate change and societal sustainability, we need to devise new strategies to use conventional and alternative energy resources in order to reduce global dependency on fossil fuels. To promote innovative solutions to these challenges, the development of new materials and their integration with the energy applications is critical.

Energy Systems Applications

Seeking sustainable energy resources that are more efficient, cost effective and can mitigate environmental impacts is among the most critical issues that the world will have to grapple with in the 21st century. The development of energy systems will demand clear insight and collective efforts from all stakeholders taking into account the many related global, economic, environmental, societal and technological concerns. Currently, engineering faculty members have engaged in many energy-related research topics ranging from to micro-algae growth to green building technology.

Simulation and Modeling

Engineers use modeling and simulation to define system requirements, project system performance, and optimize the design processes. Taking advantage of computational resources such as the real-time digital power simulator, faculty can design energy applications and power systems with improved efficiency and lower cost.