$61-million DOE efficiency investment includes sensors and automation

Washington, D.C.— Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced Nov. 5 that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $61 million in 32 new projects to improve energy efficiency in the nation’s manufacturing industries. Besides the DOE’s share, its industrial partners will contribute more than $54 million for a total cost-shared investment worth a total of $115 million over the next three years. Two dozen of these projects will pursue collaborative research, development and demonstration (RD&D) of new, energy-efficiency technologies, while eight will identify opportunities to boost energy efficiency and productivity in industrial plants using presently available technologies and practices.

‘These technologies will improve productivity, save energy and reduce environmental impacts in many energy-intensive industries in the nation today,’ says Abraham. ‘The Department of Energy is working closely with industry to help improve energy efficiency leading to America’s energy independence.’

The projects involve cooperation among more than 150 private companies plus universities, research institutions, and DOE’s national laboratories. The department reports that it selected all of the projects for negotiation through an open, competitive solicitation process. Seven of the RD&D projects target technologies for the glass or metal casting industries. Seventeen focus on technologies that can be applied throughout industry, including advanced industrial materials and sensors and automation. For detailed information on these awards please visit https://www.doe.gov/engine/doe/files/dynamic/5102003115932_awardtables.pdf . The sensor- and automation-related projects include:

• “In-Situ, Real-Time Monitoring and Control of Mold Making and Filling Processes” by Tennessee Technological Univ. (Cookeville, TN.), ORNL (Oak Ridge, TN); Walford Technologies (Oak Ridge, TN) and nine other partners. Their funding includes more than $1.5 million from DOE and cost sharing of almost $1.7 million.

• “Wireless and Sensing Solutions Advancing Industrial Efficiency” by Honeywell International (Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN); University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, IL); Caviton Inc. (Champaign, IL); Axonn (New Orleans, LA); Ember Corp. (Boston, MA); EPRI (Palo Alto, CA); and iAculum (Santa Cruz, CA). Their funding includes more than $5.1 million from DOE and a cost sharing of more than $5.1 million.

• “Distributed Wireless Multisensor Technologies” by GE Global Research (Niskayuna, NY) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY). Their funding includes almost $3 million from DOE and a cost sharing of almost $3 million.

• “Eaton Wireless Sensor Network for Advanced Energy Management Solutions” by Eaton Corp. (Milwaukee, WI); Red Wing Technologies (Minneapolis, MN); and Adventium Laboratories (Minneapolis, MN). Their funding includes $3 million from DOE and $3 million in cost sharing.

• “Boiler and Furnace Efficiency Improvement with Low-Cost CO Sensor and Burner Control System” by TIAX LLC (Cambridge, MA); COEN Co. (Burlingame, CA). Their funding includes more than $2.8 million from DOE and more than $2.8 million in cost sharing.

• “Surface Quality Assured Steel Bar Project” by OG Technologies (Ann Arbor, MI) with $2.5 million fro DOE and more than $2.5 million in cost sharing.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com

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