RESEARCH
AMEL Technologies, Inc. conducts research on a wide variety of topics related to energy efficiency and sustainability. Below are a few examples of research performed at our firm. Our research has been published in numerous journals and are available by clicking the link below.
Demand Response and Building Efficiency
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The fluctuation of supply and demand of energy throughout the day along with the intermittent nature of renewable sources of energy makes the cost to an electric utility to supply electricity fluctuate continuously. AMEL is researching dynamic electricity pricing policies along with measures that buildings can take to reduce their energy usage when electricity costs are highest. Additionally, AMEL is researching ways buildings can more effectively participate in demand response prgrams for further electricity cost savings.
Deep Water Energy Harvesting
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Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are equipped with a number of sensors usually powered by heavy rechargeable batteries. The average battery stack on a 52 kilogram sea-glider weighs about 18 kilograms. The weight and capacity of these rechargeable batteries are of concern, especially if a UUV is on a mission that requires a longer uninterrupted/unattended operation than battery life allows. By harvesting energy from ambient sources like vibrations, heat, wind, or wave energy, remote sensor systems and small electronic devices in UUVs could operate indefinitely.
Construction From Recycled Materials
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Currently, construction related materials makes up 25% of landfill space in the United States. Only a small percentage is diverted from landfills and reused or recycled. This is because using reclaimed materials in the construction industry often imposes added costs to a construction budget and that waste materials properties for construction usage is not well documented. AMEL is currently cataloging commonly available waste products and their mechanical properties for green building construction.
Sustainable Cooling Tower Water Treatment
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Cooling towers are typically incorporated into air conditioning systems of large buildings and industrial facilities. To reduce contaminants, precipitation of inorganic elements, and bacterial growth that build up in the system, cooling tower water is both treated with harsh chemicals and routinely purged to a municipal sewer system and replaced with make-up water. Potable water is often used for make-up water. AMEL is developing a passive system that eliminates blow down water as well as the need to use harsh chemicals, thereby resulting in a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, innovative alternative to cooling tower water.