The current research focus of projects within the Applied Energy Center includes:
- High temperature materials offering energy savings
Research focus: The use of ceramic composite materials in high temperature applications is being studied. Unique processing methods are employed to study energy savings in a variety of industrial flame burner systems, nozzles, and high temperature heat exchangers.
-Technology Available for Licensing-
"3-D Printing Rapid Manufacture of Near Net Shape Ceramic Materials"
- Manufacturing Processes energy savings
Research focus: The influence of high electrical current upon the machinability and formability of materials is being studied having energy savings application for a variety of manufacturing processes.
-Technology Available for Licensing-
Electrically Assisted Metal Forging Process
- Wind energy selection protocol for rural agricultural & industrial applications
Research focus: The project involved the development of an energy & economic assessment protocol to be used to judge the feasibility of installing a wind energy system in rural Pennsylvania locations. The resultant protocol and calculator are provided in the links below.
Wind Turbine Economic Feasibility Calculator Protocol
Financial Calculator (.xls file)
Household Electricity Usage Estimation Sheet
Note: The Household Electricty Usage Estimation Sheet requires Microsoft .NET Framework Version 1.1
- Teacher Seminar on Wind Energy Generation
- Information Seminar for the Public on Wind Energy Generation
Information for Teachers (grades 6 – 12) on the technology of Wind Energy Generation. An introduction to the environmental, social, technological and career issues involved in renewable energy and wind in particular. The presenters bring a combined 35 years of experience in the energy field to the classroom including, links to curricular development resources and demonstrations of hands on activities to make this technology accessible to your students.
The seminar conforms to PA Department of Education Standards for Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology and Career Education and Work.
2.5 hours of ACT 48 credits are available for teachers attending this seminar. For further information please contact the Penn State Erie Office of Continuing Education.
Follow-up Survey: Renewable Energy Technologies - Wind Energy Generation Seminar
Find out what wind energy generation is all about. This seminar is an introduction to renewable/sustainable energy sources focusing on wind energy generation. It includes a discussion of how wind energy works along with the prospects and pros/cons of wind for both large and small scale.
Presenters, Ms. Lucille Olszewski and Dr. James Sonnenmeier have a combined 35 years of experience in the energy field. This seminar is presented by the Erie County Conservation District and the Penn State Erie Office of Continuing Education.