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College of Engineering

Energy Systems

student examines an scale model wind tubine in the wind and guest tunnel

Harvesting and Managing Cleaner Energy

The needs of the growing world population, together with the need to reduce the environmental impact, require new energy science and technologies to be developed. The programs in energy systems address renewable and cleaner energy technologies including but not limited to wind, solar and biofuels; new battery technology for storage of energy; efficiency in the production and utilization of energy; and advanced processes and materials that reduce resource demand and environmental impact.

Focus Area Expertise and Infrastructure

Our engineering departments, research centers and institutes provide expertise and research infrastructure support for the focus areas listed below.

Wind, solar, biomass and bioproducts

Alternative energy systems focus on energy production from nontraditional sources like biomass, wind, solar, and recycled plastics. We are investigating new processing techniques to produce low-cost energy, chemicals, and materials from biomass and waste streams to replace petroleum-based products. Research in wind and solar energy focuses on improved energy production and storage for these intermittent energy sources.

 

Batteries, electric grid stability, energy harvesting, microgrids, and distributed energy sources

Energy production, transmission, distribution, and storage focus on cost-effective and reliable delivery of electrical energy, including from distributed energy sources like wind and solar generation, while maintaining grid stability. We are optimizing electrical grid operations from small-scale (microgrids) to large-scale (nation-wide). Alternatively, energy harvesting can supply power directly to small devices. We also investigate power electronics that act as the interface between energy sources, storage units, loads, and grids.

Windows, building envelope design and energy efficiency technologies

The efficient utilization of energy is the most direct way to reduce resource consumption and environmental impact. Because buildings consume over 40% of all energy produced, better building performance is key to improved energy utilization. Faculty are addressing this area by investigating building envelope design and construction, developing energy-saving building materials, and advancing smart windows and doors. We are also exploring efficiency improvements to many energy-producing and energy-consuming devices and products.

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