The diverse and innovative approaches of the EMS Energy Institute’s research help us to meet tomorrow’s most critical energy challenges.
Carbon Materials
Current research activities include projects on such materials as graphite, petroleum and metallurgical coke, activated carbon, anthracite, and pitch. An important component of the carbon materials program is the Consortium for Premium Carbon Products from Coal (CPCPC). CPCPC is an industry-driven consortium, which is focused on the development, commercialization, and promotion of technologies needed to produce high value-added carbon products from coal and coal-derived feedstocks.
Clean Fuels and Catalysis
The main mission of the Clean Fuels and Catalysis (CFC) activities is to promote comprehensive, efficient and environmentally-friendly utilization of hydrocarbon resources for making and using clean fuels and chemicals through catalytic and chemical research. CFC research focuses on ultra-clean fuels, chemicals, applied catalysis, reaction chemistry, CO2 capture, materials and new processing methods related to energy conversion, energy utilization, chemical processing and environmental protection.
Electrochemical Systems
Scientists carry out electrochemical studies on physicochemical systems for a variety of reasons. They may be interested in obtaining thermodynamic data or understanding the kinetics of a process such as corrosion, or the goal might be the analysis of a solution for trace amounts of chemical compounds. Examples of research are the design of new power generation systems (e.g. fuel cells and batteries) and electrosynthesis of new materials such as metal alloys or oxide films. The objective of the lab research is to promote and facilitate the use of electrochemical probes and systems in different areas of science and technology.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy at the EMS Energy Institute has emerged as another important research area. Investigations are conducted in material/properties-related to nuclear power plants, and heat transfer. One main research focus is the DOE’s Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Consortium (NERI), in which Penn State directs and participates.
Petroleum and Natural Gas
The EMS Energy Institute brings together diverse expertise in the areas of domestic petroleum and natural gas extraction, processing, and utilization. A state-of-the-art OMNI-X industrialbased x-ray scanner facility to conduct non-destructive scanning, and rapidly growing industry-driven consortia, the Stripper Well Consortium and the Gas Storage Technology Consortium provide unique partnership opportunities.
Stationary Power
The EMS Energy Institute recognizes that the energy community is extremely diversified and dynamic. This group consists of private industry, governmental agencies, and utilities. Its interests range from fuel development in the front end to flue gas cleanup at the back end. The EMS Energy Institute has in the past and will continue in the future to respond to the diversity in interests and goals of its customers by providing support in identifying and solving existing problems and providing the expertise and facilities to evaluate new technologies and fuels.
Sustainable Energy
Sustainable energy activities include CO2 sequestration, bioenergy initiatives, and advanced photovoltaics. The EMS Energy Institute was also selected to coordinate the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund’s (WPPSEF) sustainable energy program. These programs and partnership enable the Institute to be at the forefront in sustainable energy technologies.
Transportation Systems
Clean efficient power systems are of extreme importance to an energy-intensive, environmentally conscientious society. Nowhere is this more critical to the nation’s security than in the transportation sector. Our growing reliance on imported oil threatens our economy and our security. Transportation-related research at the EMS Energy Institute addresses these pressing concerns by focusing on development of advanced internal combustion engine strategies (both spark and compression ignited) and alternative fuels.
Upstream Energy
Current research includes topics such as fluid flows in porous media and geothermal energy. The upstream energy program includes the GeoFluids III Consortium, the third industry consortium of this type. The focus of this consortium is the state and evolution of pressure, stress, and fluid migration in the sub-salt environment, shallow water flow regimes, and thrust belts.