Department of Energy invests $6 million in energy-saving technology

Among the projects selected for funding are:

• a frequency-selective glass material that will be used in cars and buildings to minimise direct solar heating and glare and that could result in energy savings by minimising heating and cooling requirements
• a laser sensor to detect natural gas and petroleum leaks at stations and refineries, resulting in energy savings and annual cost savings of $1 million – $2 million per refinery
• a method to expand the use of magnets in high-temperature applications, resulting in increased motor efficiency
• a process to improve the performance of high-octane gasoline
• a ceramic turbine wheel for use in gas-powered turbines that improves cost effectiveness by 15 percent, while reducing the use of fossil fuels
• a natural gas industrial furnace that could save up to 70 percent in natural gas fuel

One group of these projects is funded by the DoE’s National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment and Economics (NICE3) programme. NICE3 awards total $10,236,607 and are cost-shared with a state-industry partnership.

The other group of projects is funded by DOE’s Inventions and Innovation (I&I) programme. The I&I grants add up to $3,584,625.