2005 - 2011

2010 - 2013

2011 -

Sustainable Energy Research and Education

at the University of Notre Dame

Joan F. Brennecke

Director and Keating Crawford Professor

of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Kenneth W. Henderson

Associate Director, Professor and

Department Chair of Chemistry

Patrick Murphy

Managing Director

Center for Sustainable Energy

at Notre Dame

pmurphy8@nd.edu

574.631.1425

• $10M over 3 years, 7/1/2010 – 6/30/2013• Funding focused on people and facilities• Builds on strengths to greatly expand energy research and education at ND

Materials for

sustainable nuclear

fuel storage

Materials for

converting solar to

chemical energy

Materials for clean

utilization of carbon

based fossil fuelsSafer Nuclear

Cleaner Fossil

Transformative Solar

W

Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame

Safer Nuclear

Cleaner FossilTransformative Solar

Efficient Use

Optimal Wind

Improved

Solar PV

Stable

Microgrids

Potential SEI Research

• Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences

Capabilities

Current Energy Research

CO2

catalyst

H2S CH4

C2H6

CH3OHCoal Gasification

Waste

Mineral-Liquid Interfacial Chemistry & Physics

Microscopic Characterization of Nanomaterials &Macromolecules

carbon

nanotube

Molecular Approach for Biofilm Prevention & Stimulation in Water Treatment

Advanced Scanning

Probe Microscopy

backup

• In the near term, we will continue to use coal and gas for electricity and petroleum for transportation

• But we will need and can achieve more environmentally responsible methods of using these resources

• Affordable CO2 separation will be key• Those who will suffer most are the industry workers (esp. in KY, WV, IN, IL, WY)

and anyone who relies on affordable electricity

Cleaner Fossil

Building on ND’s international reputation in new materials, technologies and techniques for CO2

capture, we will continue to advance new capabilities for cleaner use of America’s abundant fossil resources.

Cleaner Fossil

• Dispatchable and affordable electricity will be critical for reducing fossil fuel use• Nuclear is one of the only methods that could replace coal today• Key to safer use of nuclear energy will be the reduction and storage of waste

Safer Nuclear

Safer Nuclear

K16(H2O)2(UO2)(O2)2(H2O)2[(UO2)(O2)1.5]28-14

• ND has world-class expertise in actinides – the fuels of nuclear energy.

• We are building an actinide research facility unique to academic institutions in the US

• We are at the forefront of developing new methods for reprocessing most of the ‘spent’ nuclear fuel, and for safer storage of what can’t be re-used.

Safer Nuclear

• Solar is the ultimate in sustainable energy• While cost remains an issue, price per kW continues to fall• Storage and conversion for use as a transportation fuel remain significant challenges

Transformative Solar

• Conversion of solar energy to liquid fuels• Building on expertise in Radiation Laboratory and College of Science• Leaders in efficient and tailored light-harvesting structures, and

selective catalytic processes

Transformative Solar

H2O + CO2 CH4 | C2H6 | CH3OH

We now know that climate change and resource scarcity will disproportionately impact those who have contributed the least to our present energy and environmental crisis.

-Fr. John Jenkins

DoE goal to produce 20% of US electricity by 2030 with wind

Would displace 50% of electric utility natural gas consumption

and 18% of coal consumption

Would provide an annual reduction of 825 million

metric tons of CO2 emission

Provide a savings of 4 trillion gallons of water

Optimal Wind

• Plasma flow control for improved wind turbine performance

will maximize energy capture

• It will also mitigate aerodynamic loading due to gusts,

reduce weight, reduce blade stress, increase service life,

and help make wind energy more cost effectiveOptimal Wind

Energy efficiency work (abs refer as example?)

Tie in to disaster recovery in of Haiti?

Efficient Use

• Efficient use saves energy, and provides new possibilities

• Interdisciplinary collaborations for new materials and technologies for efficient, solar powered refrigeration.

• Aiding disaster recovery and disaster prevention by keeping food and medicines fresh and effective

Efficient Use