ENERGY RESEARCH


 

Current and recent projects related to Energy are listed below:

 

image of bio fuel web site

LIFE CYCLE FOOTPRINTS OF ENERGY SYSTEMS



Analysis of Innovative Feedstock Sources
and Production Technologies for Renewable Fuels

EPA Cooperative Agreement XA-83379501-0

Corn and soy are currently used to produce nearly all of the biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) in the United States. Cellulosic ethanol, while not currently produced in large quantities, is also considered to be a promising biofuel pathway. The purpose of this study was to consider alternative feedstocks that could be converted to biodiesel or ethanol using the well understood processes of fermentation or transesterification and which are not currently used to make biofuels in the US. Four different feedstocks were considered: sugar cane, citrus waste, cottonseed, and microalgae. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach was used to examine the land occupation requirements, water use, net energy, and emissions to air, including greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).




photo of lab equipment used in Process Energetics Program

PROCESS ENERGETICS PROGRAM




Texas Industries of the Future icon

TEXAS INDUSTRIES OF THE FUTURE (TIOF)

TIOF was established in 2001 with funding from the US Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy through contracts with the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. The purpose of the Texas Industries of the Future program is to facilitate the development, demonstration and adoption of advanced technologies and adoption of best practices that reduce industrial energy usage, emissions, and associated costs, resulting in improved competitive performance for Texas industries.

The bottom line for Texas industry is savings in energy and materials, cost-effective environmental compliance, increased productivity, reduced waste, and enhanced product quality.