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DOE Hydrogen Program

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Forwarding this announcement about the DOE Hydrogen Program website…it’s a quite comprehensive resource site on hydrogen. Note the complete proceedings from the ’98 and ’99 Program Reviews (under Information Resources).
+++++++++++

Date: Sunday, May 21, 2000 8:46 AM
Subject: [h2view] Redesigned Hydrogen Information Network website is live!

From: “Gregoire, Cathy”

The DOE Hydrogen Program website has been completely redesigned. This site contains important information on R&D advances and technology validation efforts within the US Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Program.

The web address remains the same – http://www.eren.doe.gov/hydrogen

Please note that all future notices related to the DOE Hydrogen Program, including meeting notices and solicitation announcements, will only be sent to those persons signing up on the new mailing list – this current list will no longer be used.

Action is required on your part for you to continue to receive important information. You must sign up to receive news and information (http://www.eren.doe.gov/hydrogen/registration.html)

Thank you for your interest in hydrogen.

Catherine E. Grégoire Padró, P.E.
Technology Manager, Hydrogen Program
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
1617 Cole Blvd., MS 1613
Golden, Colorado USA 80401
Tel: +1-303-275-2919
Fax: +1-303-275-2905
email: cathy_padro@nrel.gov

Science Mag. Energy Issue

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Science Magazine’s recent (July 30) issue is a special edition with a major series of articles on Energy. Here are the table of contents, abstracts, and full text of the lead articles, which I downloaded from their website. If you want any of the articles, but don’t have access to either the magazine, or full text downloading (which may require a subscription), let me know.

Science Magazine, July 30, 1999
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/vol285/issue5428/

A Responsible Energy Future.
pg. 662. (Editorial) [Full Text]

Powering the Next Century.
pg. 677. (Introduction to special issue) [Full Text]

(Abstracts below for these 14 articles)

1. ENERGY:
Bright Future–or Brief Flare–for Renewable Energy? pg. 678-680.

2. ENERGY: Solar Homes for the Masses. pg. 679.

3. NEXT GENERATION AUTOMOBILES: U.S. Supercars: Around the Corner,
or Running on Empty? pg. 680-682.

4. NEXT GENERATION AUTOMOBILES:
Toyota’s Hybrid Hits the Streets First, pg. 681.

5. HYDROGEN POWER:
Bringing Fuel Cells Down to Earth, pg. 682-685.

6. HYDROGEN POWER:
Company Aims to Give Fuel Cells a Little Backbone. pg. 683.

7. INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY:
Turning Engineers Into Resource Accountants. pg. 685-686.

8. INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY:
In This Danish Industrial Park, Nothing Goes to Waste. pg. 686.

9. A Realizable Renewable Energy Future. John A. Turner, pg.
687-689.

10. Underinvestment: The Energy Technology and R&D Policy Challenge.
Robert M. Margolis and D. M. Kammen, pg. 690-692.

11. Photovoltaic Technology: The Case for Thin-Film Solar Cells.
A. Shah, et. al., pg. 692-698.

12. Ceramic Fibers for Matrix Composites in High-Temperature
Engine Applications.
P. Baldus, M. Jansen, and D. Sporn, pg. 699-703.

13. Thermoelectric Cooling and Power Generation.
F. J. DiSalvo, pg. 703-706.

14. Environmental Engineering: Energy Value of Replacing Waste Disposal
with Resource Recovery. R. Iranpour, et.al., pg.706-711.

Powering the Next Century (Introduction to special issue)
Richard Stone and Phil Szuromi

Twenty-five years ago, Science devoted an entire issue to what then was perceived as a major threat to Western society: the energy crisis. Some authors presciently wrote of conservation and improved fossil fuel recovery, while others missed the mark by heralding new eras of nuclear and alternative energy. For a deeper understanding of that turning point between energy naïveté and energy realism, see articles from that and subsequent issues posted at our Web site.

Unexpectedly cheap oil prices in the United States, impossible to foresee in the immediate aftermath of the crisis, are rooted in both economics and politics. Greater oil resources are now available thanks to new reserves and enhanced recovery technologies. [The extent of existing oil resources is under debate (Science, 21 August 1998, p. 1128).] Oil-exporting nations have not maintained the political resolve to keep oil prices inflated by limiting production, and the Persian Gulf War demonstrated the resolve of Western nations to use force to protect oil resources in the Middle East.

Western policy-makers are now debating how to rein in the environmental costs of oil use, such as oil spills and rising concentrations of greenhouse gases. To meet the pollution reduction challenges, energy producers are blazing trails in energy efficiency and reviving alternative energy sources. This special issue explores the science and policy of emerging technologies. Most are works in progress. Fuel cells, for example, are limited largely by ion transfer rates across fragile membranes, whereas the efficiency of heat engines is limited in part by the operating temperatures of metals; ceramics are being explored as hardier alternatives. Improving thermoelectric devices for refrigeration requires finding materials with high electronic conductivity but low thermal conductivity, properties that normally tend to increase or decrease together.

Alternative fuels are also being developed, but they face their own hurdles. Using hydrogen in fuel cell vehicles, for example, would require billions of dollars to create the infrastructure to deliver the gas. Meanwhile, the present infrastructure could become vastly more energy efficient–a shortcoming the young field of industrial ecology is trying to address. Many resources that could be recycled, such as waste water or flare gas, often are not. Where political will translates into legislation, such as California’s demand for alternatively fueled vehicles and the deregulation of its electricity market, investments in new technologies have happened. Where political will has faltered, such as not establishing firm targets for carbon dioxide emissions, developments have been slow.

In his editorial in that 1974 issue of Science, Phil Abelson noted, “Had we been driving smaller, less gas-consuming cars, there would have been no energy crisis. Some other forms of transportation consume less gasoline, and their use should be encouraged.” The logic remains irrefutable a quarter of a century later. Advances in energy technology will likely need to be assisted, however, by changes in our own habits of energy use, willingly or not.

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A Responsible Energy Future (Editorial)
Rush Holt*

Affordable energy is the lifeblood of modern society. Without it, the network of transportation, agriculture, health care, manufacturing, and commerce deemed essential by many of the world’s inhabitants would not be possible. Yet our use of energy releases sulfur dioxides, metals such as cadmium and mercury, and greenhouse gases and other noxious pollutants that damage our quality of life. Moreover, when we use fossil fuels, we make ourselves dependent on an energy source that cannot be relied upon forever.

With the apparent conditions in the United States today, what could induce us to change our energy habits now? Almost daily, gasoline prices reach record lows, and U.S. citizens have not waited in line for gas for decades. Our fossil fuel engines and turbines burn more cleanly and more efficiently now than ever before.

Nevertheless, the truth is that our current system of energy use is unsustainable; our energy habits will have to change. For, although fossil fuel supplies are limited, total energy use will rise rapidly in coming years as global economic development continues. What is more, according to many scientists, current greenhouse gas emissions–let alone any greater emissions in the future–threaten to produce serious environmental changes.

Some scientists have predicted that projected greenhouse gas emissions for the coming decade could produce climate changes as significant as an increase of 5º to 6ºF (2.8º to 3.3ºC) in average global temperature, a one-half meter rise of sea level, and even an increase in the intensity of hurricanes and tropical storms. Worst-case scenarios? Perhaps. But other negative effects of fossil fuel pollution, such as smog, acid rain, water contamination from leaky fuel tanks, oil refinery emissions, and oil spills, are already very real in many regions of the globe, in both industrialized and developing nations. Even without global warming, these immediate problems are enough to warrant change.

For developing countries, cheap, polluting, and inefficient technologies are often the only affordable option. The United States is in a position to develop better alternatives. We should take the initiative. Our current investment in research and development in energy is nothing short of irresponsible. The U.S. national energy product exceeds $500 billion annually. Yet barely 1% of that amount is invested in R&D. The President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has recommended that the Department of Energy’s applied energy-technology R&D budget be nearly doubled to $2.4 billion by 2003. In my view, this recommendation should be considered a minimum figure.

This money would be well spent. Those who position themselves to manage the coming changes in energy use will stand to gain enormously. American companies would profit from the development of more efficient, cleaner–and therefore more desirable–technologies; the American economy would benefit from the expertise built up by further research; and American citizens would benefit from a cleaner, safer environment.

Just as the federal government has a responsibility to invest now in basic medical research to ensure the health of present and future generations, so it has a responsibility to invest now in basic energy research to ensure both our near-term and long-term economic and environmental health. The justification for this commitment seems clear to many of us trained in science and technology. Yet with energy prices low, the necessary political will may be lacking. Will apprehension about negative effects–greater pollution and global climate change–provoke people to examine our energy habits and take action? Or will the possible economic opportunities attract attention and provoke action? A huge potential market awaits, promising an opportunity to enhance the quality of life of all the world’s people. Meanwhile, researchers and policy-makers must continue to seek ways to make relevant to our communities the nature of our global energy challenges and opportunities.

The author is a U.S. Congressman from central New Jersey, a physicist, and the former Assistant Director of Princeton University’s Plasma Physics Laboratory.

==========================

Abstract 1 of 14

ENERGY: Bright Future–or Brief Flare–for Renewable Energy?

Kathryn S. Brown

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA–Solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy are making surprising gains as some U.S. states open their power markets to competition. But with fossil fuel prices near all-time lows, experts are split on whether alternative energy can maintain its momentum. Concerns about climate change are the strongest force pulling in favor of renewables, but if the Kyoto climate change treaty falters and global warming forecasts become less dire, the fossil fuel era is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.

Abstract 2 of 14

ENERGY: Solar Homes for the Masses
Alexander Hellemans

Near Amersfoort, the Netherlands, the NV REMU power company is leading a $13 million project to build 500 houses with roofs covered with photovoltaic panels–the world’s largest attempt at so-called “building-integrated photovoltaics.” By the time the homes are finished next year, they should be drawing 1.3 megawatts of energy from the sun, enough to supply about 60% of the community’s energy needs.

Abstract 3 of 14

NEXT GENERATION AUTOMOBILES:
U.S. Supercars: Around the Corner, or Running on Empty?
David Malakoff

GOLDEN, COLORADO–A collaboration between automakers and the federal government to develop high-mileage, low-emission cars is set to unveil its first prototypes–probably diesel-electric hybrids–next year. However, critics charge that the program is betting on the wrong technologies by emphasizing polluting diesel engines instead of potentially cleaner technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells; others question why the government is subsidizing the effort when Toyota has already built a fuel cell car on its own dime (see sidebar). Moreover, with the United States’ current low gas prices, observers don’t expect to see consumers cruising in the new supercars anytime soon.

Abstract 4 of 14

NEXT GENERATION AUTOMOBILES:
Toyota’s Hybrid Hits the Streets First
Dennis Normile

TOKYO–As U.S. automakers struggle to draft blueprints for their future fuel-efficient cars (see main text), the Toyota Motor Co. has beaten them to the punch with a gas-electric hybrid that gets about double the gas mileage and spews half the carbon dioxide of similarly sized sedans. What’s more, the Prius has made it to market without the benefit of taxpayer-sponsored research and without any looming domestic requirements for zero-emissions vehicles.

Abstract 5 of 14

HYDROGEN POWER:
Bringing Fuel Cells Down to Earth
Robert F. Service

Automakers are banking on fuel cells, used to run equipment aboard spacecraft, to power the first zero-emission vehicles; the type of fuel that supplies the cells could determine how deeply
these cars penetrate the market. Engineers and clean-air experts say the simplest and cleanest option is hydrogen gas itself, while car and oil companies would prefer to equip vehicles with
miniature chemical factories to convert liquid fuels, such as gasoline or methanol, into hydrogen gas that can be fed into fuel cells. Critics, meanwhile, argue that the converters likely will
be expensive and prone to breaking down.

Abstract 6 of 14

HYDROGEN POWER:
Company Aims to Give Fuel Cells a Little Backbone
David Voss

ELKTON, MARYLAND–Before fuel cell-makers can challenge utility companies for our business, they must first lower the price and ratchet up the power of their devices. A crucial part of the strategy is to improve the membrane assembly, which serves as catalyst, electrode, and chemical separator. Researchers are achieving promising results using fluoropolymers, but cost remains an obstacle.

Abstract 7 of 14

INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY:
Turning Engineers Into Resource Accountants
Jocelyn Kaiser

A new discipline is trying to persuade companies that tracking the flow of materials and energy over a product’s lifetime makes good business sense. The philosophy has begun to pay off–mainly in Europe–in everything from appliances designed with reusable parts to schemes for capturing precious metals that may otherwise end up in landfills or riverbeds. However, a cradle-to-grave approach to doing business hasn’t yet caught fire in the United States.

Abstract 8 of 14

INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY:
In This Danish Industrial Park, Nothing Goes to Waste
Jocelyn Kaiser

If there’s anything that sums up the hopes of industrial ecology (see main text), it’s a tiny pipeline-laced town in eastern Denmark called Kalundborg, where companies have been swapping byproducts like gypsum and waste water for up to 25 years. This “industrial symbiosis” is drawing keen interest from policy-makers in the United States, although opinions vary on its odds of success.

Abstract 9 of 14

A Realizable Renewable Energy Future
John A. Turner

The ability of renewable resources to provide all of society’s energy needs is shown by using the United States as an example. Various renewable systems are presented, and the issues of energy payback, carbon dioxide abatement, and energy storage are addressed. Pathways for renewable hydrogen generation are shown, and the implementation of hydrogen technologies into the energy infrastructure is presented. The question is asked, Should money and energy be spent on carbon dioxide sequestration, or should renewable resources be im plemented instead.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO. E-mail: jturner@nrel.gov

Abstract 10 of 14

Underinvestment: The Energy Technology and R&D Policy Challenge
Robert M. Margolis, 1* Daniel M. Kammen 2*

This Viewpoint examines data on international trends in energy research and development (R&D) funding, patterns of U.S. energy technology patents and R&D funding, and U.S. R&D intensities across selected sectors. The data present a disturbing picture: (i) Energy technology funding levels have declined significantly during the past two decades throughout the industrial world; (ii) U.S. R&D spending and patents, both overall and in the energy sector, have been highly correlated during the past two decades; and (iii) the R&D intensity of the U.S. energy sector is extremely low. It is argued that recent cutbacks in energy R&D are likely to reduce the capacity of the energy sector to innovate. The trends are particularly troubling given the need for increased international capacity to respond to emerging risks such as global climate change.

1 Science, Technology and Environmental Policy (STEP) Program, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ .
2 Energy and Resources Group (ERG), University of California, Berkeley, CA .
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: margolis@princeton.edu; dkammen@socrates.berkeley.edu

Abstract 11 of 14

Photovoltaic Technology: The Case for Thin-Film Solar Cells
A. Shah, 1 P. Torres, 1* R. Tscharner, 1 N. Wyrsch, 1 H. Keppner 2

The advantages and limitations of photovoltaic solar modules for energy generation are reviewed with their operation principles and physical efficiency limits. Although the main materials currently used or investigated and the associated fabrication technologies are individually described, emphasis is on silicon-based solar cells. Wafer-based crystalline silicon solar modules dominate in terms of production, but amorphous silicon solar cells have the potential to undercut costs owing, for example, to the roll-to-roll production possibilities for modules. Recent developments suggest that thin-film crystalline silicon (especially microcrystalline silicon) is becoming a prime candidate for future photovoltaics.

1 Institute of Microtechnology (IMT), University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
2 University of Applied Science, Le Locle, Switzerland.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: peter.torres@imt.unine.ch

Abstract 12 of 14

Ceramic Fibers for Matrix Composites in High-Temperature Engine Applications
Peter Baldus, 1 Martin Jansen, 2* Dieter Sporn 3

High-temperature engine applications have been limited by the performance of metal alloys and carbide fiber composites at elevated temperatures. Random inorganic networks composed of silicon, boron, nitrogen, and carbon represent a novel class of ceramics with outstanding durability at elevated temperatures. SiBN3C was synthesized by pyrolysis of a preceramic N-methylpolyborosilazane made from the single-source precursor Cl3Si-NH-BCl2. The polymer can be processed to a green fiber by melt-spinning, which then undergoes an intermediate curing step and successive pyrolysis. The ceramic fibers, which are presently produced on a semitechnical scale, combine several desired properties relevant for an application in fiber-reinforced ceramic composites: thermal stability, mechanical strength, high-temperature creep resistivity, low density, and stability against oxidation or mo lten silicon.

1 Bayer AG, ZF-MFA, Leverkusen, Germany.
2 Max-Planck-Institut für Festkörperforschung, Stuttgart, Germany.
3 Fraunhofer Institut für Silicatforschung, Germany.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Abstract 13 of 14

Thermoelectric Cooling and Power Generation
Francis J. DiSalvo

In a typical thermoelectric device, a junction is formed from two different conducting materials, one containing positive charge carriers (holes) and the other negative charge carriers (electrons). When an electric current is passed in the appropriate direction through the junction, both types of charge carriers move away from the junction and convey heat away, thus cooling the junction. Similarly, a heat source at the junction causes carriers to flow away from the junction, making an electrical generator. Such devices have the advantage of containing no moving parts, but low efficiencies have limited their use to specialty applications, such as cooling laser diodes. The principles of thermoelectric devices are reviewed and strategies for increasing the efficiency of novel materials are explored. Improved materials would not only help to cool advanced electronics but could also provide energy benefits in refrigeration and when using waste heat to generate electrical power.

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. E-mail: fjd3@cornell.edu

Abstract 14 of 14

Environmental Engineering: Energy Value of Replacing Waste Disposal with Resource Recovery
R. Iranpour, 1* M. Stenstrom, 2 G. Tchobanoglous, 3 D. Miller, 4 J. Wright, 5 M. Vossoughi 6

Although in the past, environmental engineering has been primarily concerned with waste disposal, the focus of the field is now shifting toward viewing wastes as potential resources. Because reclamation usually consumes less energy than producing new materials, increasing reclamation not only reduces pollution but saves energy. Technological innovations contributing to this shift are summarized here, and are variously classified as emerging technologies or research topics, as either new departures or incremental improvements, and as opportunistic innovations, or examples of a unifying strategy. Both liquid and solid waste examples are given, such as a recent discovery of effects in disinfecting microfiltered reclaimed wastewater with ultraviolet light. In addition to its value in reducing pollution and conserving energy, this reorientation of environmental engineering could contribute to a more general shift toward greater cooperation among organizations dealing with the environment.

1 Applied Research Group, Hyperion Treatment Plant, Los Angeles Sanitation, Santa Monica, CA.
2 Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
3 Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC-Davis, Davis, CA
4 Tech Research, Los Angeles, CA
5 Dept of Civil Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
6 Biochemical and Bioengineering Research Center, Sharif University, Tehran, Iran.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: rezairanpo@aol.com

Copyright © 1999 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

New Carbon Management Report

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DOE has assessed fundamental research needs in carbon management through a series of workshops. A new report based on information from those workshops and other background materials is available on the Internet. The report identifies targets of opportunity for fundamental research likely to lead to the development of mid- to long-term solutions for reducing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere.

It covers five topic areas:

1) capture of carbon dioxide, decarbonization strategies, and carbon dioxide sequestration and utilization;
2) hydrogen development and fuel cells;
3) enhancement of the natural carbon cycle;
4) biomass production and utilization; and
5) improvement of the efficiency of energy production, conversion, and utilization.

The report is down loadable in a .pdf format from the Office of Science (Energy Research) website under the link in the website entitled “Carbon Management Research Needs”. http://www.er.doe.gov/

Contact: John Houghton, (301) 903-8288, John.Houghton@oer.doe.gov

ORNL Utility Survey

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Subject: UFTO Note — ORNL Utility Survey
Date: Wed, 09 Jul 1997 11:49:03 -0700
From: Ed Beardsworth

The Engineering Technology Division at Oak Ridge sent out a survey to a list of utilities recently, with a cover letter from Ed Fox, the division director. Some of you have already seen it, and I have the names of who it was sent to in your companies if you want them.

The stated purpose is to increase utility awareness of ORNL R&D, to obtain feedback on the relevance to utilities of that work, and on priorities for additional R&D. Also, they want stronger ties to utilities and potential users of ORNL work…a goal certainly congruent with UFTO!

Ed Fox can be reached at 423-574-0355, ecf@ornl.gov

The survey is being administered by:
Scott R. Penfield, Jr., Technology Insights
P.O. Box 205, Signal Mountain, TN 37377-0205
423-842-8078 Tel 500-346-9500 Alt. Tel
423-886-3225 FAX penfield@ti-sd.com

The text of the survey is attached below, and includes a number of technologies previously reported by UFTO.
—
————————————————————–
| ** UFTO ** Edward Beardsworth ** Consultant
| 951 Lincoln Ave. tel 415-328-5670
| Palo Alto CA 94301-3041 fax 415-328-5675
| http://www.ufto.com edbeards@ufto.com
————————————————————–

ORNL SURVEY OF UTILITIES

Part I: Current ORNL R&D Programs

The following topics briefly summarize ongoing R&D programs at ORNL. For each, please indicate whether you were previously aware of the work and provide a rating (on a scale of 1-10) as to how relevant the work is to your current needs. (If you were not previously aware of an individual R&D item, please base your rating on the summary.) If you wish further information on any topic, please so indicate.
WWW ADDRESS FOR THE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
HOME PAGE: http://www.ornl.gov/etd/etdfctsh.htm

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1.0 PLANT/EQUIPMENT DIAGNOSTICS AND CONDITION MONITORING
The following technologies provide for monitoring the condition of machinery in service, on-line diagnostics for evaluating faults, plus R&D into effects of machinery aging. The objective is to relate appropriate maintenance or replacement actions to the actual condition of the machine.

1.1 Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA)
Data characterizing electrical currents and voltage waveforms to/from motors, generators and similar devices are obtained and recorded, using non-invasive probes. ORNL-developed analysis techniques are applied to the resulting data, leading to powerful insights into the health and performance of the electrical machine and the system and/or facility in which it is installed. A typical utility application involved the evaluation of transient loads in motor operated valves at a Carolina Power & Light nuclear plant. More recent developments include improved data analysis techniques and methods for the integrated monitoring of complete systems.

Status: Early forms of ESA are being used in a range of industrial applications, including utility power plants. Licensees include B&W/Framatome and ITT Movats/Westinghouse and Public Service Electric and Gas of New Jersey. More recent developments are available for licensing and/or joint development.

Previously aware of this research: _ Yes _ No
Request additional information: _
Relevance to current needs (please circle):
(Low) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (High)

1.2 Non-Intrusive Voltage and Power Factor Monitoring
ORNL is evaluating a series of new technologies for obtaining high voltage (>480V) waveforms and power factors, without contact and without the need for potential transformers. These technologies have significant potential in power quality monitoring applications.

Status: These technologies are in an early stage of development and evaluation. They are available for licensing and/or joint development.

1.3 Check Valve Monitoring
The function and health of check valves are evaluated, using a combination of magnetic and vibration sensors. Lack of adequate function and deterioration can be detected, without the need for removal or disassembly of the component.

Status: This technology has been licensed to several service vendors, including B&W/Fram- atome and ITT Movats/Westinghouse. Consolidated Edison is also a licensee.

1.4 Improved Eddy-Current Material Defect Detection
ORNL is developing a new technology for improved defect detection and imaging in non-magnetic materials. In laboratory tests, cracks in a perforated aluminum plate, located behind a 60 mil solid aluminum plate, are clearly imaged. In addition to aircraft inspection (the initial target for this innovation), steam generator tube inspection is a potential application of this new eddy-current based technique.

Status: This technology is in the early stages of development.

1.5 Effects of Aging in Machinery
ORNL has developed a vast database and associated reports on the effects of machinery aging. Information and expertise are available on the general principles of machinery aging as well as the specific effects of aging on individual components, machines and systems.

Status: The database was developed in support of NRC investigations into the effects of aging on nuclear power stations. It is available in the form of reports at the present time. Work is ongoing to develop methodologies to support condition based maintenance decisions.

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2.0 PLANT INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL
ORNL’s capability for conceiving, prototyping and implementing advanced instrumentation and control (I&C) capabilities extends from the I&C support of experimental work throughout the laboratory and from supplying innovative sensor and control technologies to federal agencies, utilities and private industry. The following are examples of related utility applications.

2.1 Plug-in Compatible Instrumentation and Control Upgrades
ORNL has developed and prototyped a concept in which application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC’s) mounted on a motherboard replace corresponding analog modules originally installed in utility power plants. The simplicity of the individual ASIC’s reduces concern with common mode failures, a current issue with complex software driven systems. The resulting plug-in compatible replacement modules simplify installation and operation, because rewiring is not required and because changes to operating procedures are minimized.

Status: ORNL is supporting EPRI and the Westinghouse Owner’s Group in the advancement of this technology. A prototype safety system module has been fabricated and is currently undergoing testing.

2.2 Accurate On-Line Measurement of High Temperatures
ORNL has developed a technique for continuous in-situ calibration of resistance temperature detectors. The goal is to maintain an accuracy of 0.5% (°F) under actual operating conditions and to extend the range of useful measurement from about 900°K (1200°F), at present, to 1300°K (1800°F). A typical application would be measuring steam temperatures for on-line determination of plant efficiency.

Status: The technology has been developed to a pre-commercial form and feasibility has been established through demonstrations at the Diablo Canyon and Connecticut Yankee nuclear stations, as well as tests in the Kingston Steam Plant (EPRI I&C Facility).

2.3 Solid-State Hydrogen Sensor
ORNL and EPRI are developing a small, solid state hydrogen sensor for nuclear plant containment monitoring. Other utility applications might be in conjunction with hydrogen cooled generators, battery banks, etc.

Status: The sensor is patented and available for licensing. Tests have been conducted in air, nitrogen, argon, steam and transformer oil and for H2 concentrations of 0.5% to 30%.

2.4 Automated Measurement of EMI/RFI
ORNL has developed and used an instrument to monitor and record ambient electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) in power stations. The system is capable of non-obtrusive, unattended operation over several-month periods.

Status: Available now for licensing or use.

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3.0 NON-LINEAR TIME-SERIES ANALYSES
The catchy but misleading name “Chaos” has often been associated with a family of advanced non-linear time-series analysis techniques. In reality, these methods allow a degree of order to be
discerned for what otherwise appear to be a series of highly random events. Examples of practical utility applications are provided below.

3.1 Improved Combustion Control
Non-linear analysis can be used to analyze and optimize fossil power plant burners, fluidized bed combustion systems and, potentially, gas turbines for higher efficiency and improved NOx control.
Status: An early application was the characterization of fluid bed combustion systems, where an objective was to avoid unstable operating regimes (e.g., chugging). More recently, the potential of this technology for improving fossil burner control is being developed through a project involving EPRI, ORNL and B&W.

3.2 Failure Prediction
There is a further potential for applying non-linear analysis to advanced machinery diagnostics/ failure prediction (e.g., in turbine-generators). Bearings, in particular, appear to exhibit chaotic behavior in advance of certain failure modes.

Status: Non-linear analysis is being evaluated in conjunction with diagnostics and condition monitoring techniques, such as electrical signature analysis (see above). Westinghouse has expressed an interest in bearing diagnostics.

—————————–
4.0 TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

ORNL is developing technologies for automating the control of transmission systems, increasing system capacity and providing an improved understanding of the underlying costs of ancillary services.

4.1 Real-Time System Control
ORNL, DOE and EPRI are developing the technology for real-time monitoring and control of widely distributed transmission systems. This compares with current practice in which responses to disturbances are predetermined on the basis of previously completed analyses. The real-time system will employ an array of monitors, with outputs time-synchronized by satellite clocks. Artificial intelligence techniques will be used to recognize and appropriately respond to disturbances.

Status: This work is in the early stages of development.

4.2 High Capacity Transmission
ORNL has participated in R&D for increasing the capacity of high-voltage transmission lines. Included was testing of a high phase order line, which has the potential for transmitting up to three times the power of a standard single circuit AC line.

Status: The potential of this technology has been confirmed through the operation of a 1.5 mile test section, sponsored by EPRI, DOE, NYSERDA, NYSEG and ESEERCO. Given the current transition to independent operation of transmission capacity, no follow-on work has yet been identified.

4.3 Cost of Ancillary Services
One challenge in establishing the pricing basis for open access to electrical transmission systems is placing a value on ancillary services (scheduling and dispatch, load following, system protection, VARs, energy imbalance, and real power losses). Initial estimates developed by ORNL range from $1.5-$6.8/MWh, with an average of $4.1/MWh. By contrast, the FERC pro-forma schedule includes an allocation of $1/MWh for ancillary services.

Status: An initial report, based on an analysis of 12 utilities is now available. Follow-on work is recommended to establish a consistent framework for estimates.

5.0 POWER ELECTRONICS
This area includes research in power electronics, which is finding broad applicability in power quality, energy conversion and storage, adjustable speed drives, transmission, links, etc.

5.1 Resonant Snubber Inverter
The Resonant Snubber Inverter (RSI) is a power electronics innovation that employs a special resonant circuit to reduce losses during switching. Tests at ORNL have shown efficiency to be improved by 15 percentage points at half speed and 5 percentage points at rated speed. Elimination of associated voltage spikes reduces voltage stresses (leading to higher reliability), and essentially eliminates electromagnetic interference. Potential uses include power conversion for energy storage devices (e.g., flywheels, ultracapacitors, etc.) and adjustable speed drives.

Status: The RSI is currently being developed at ORNL for a number of specific applications.. The technology is available for joint development and/or licensing.

5.2 Multilevel Converter
The Multilevel Converter is another power electronics innovation that allows synthesis of high voltage waveforms, using capacitors as voltage dividers. Potential applications include DC links, static VAR generators and high voltage variable speed drives, as well as power conversion from renewable energy sources (such as photovoltaic arrays) or battery-fed systems. The ORNL technology eliminates the need for transformers, which are a significant source of cost and energy losses in conventional systems. A problem with capacitor based systems is the tendency to develop an imbalance between voltage levels when real power is being transferred (this is not a problem in static VAR generator applications). The unique contribution of ORNL is a new approach for maintaining the desired voltage balance across the capacitors, when real power is being transferred.

Status: An 11-level (21-level phase to phase) multilevel converter, employing insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) is working in the laboratory at ORNL. This system is prototypical of a 60kV multilevel converter using gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs).

—————————–
6.0 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS ANALYSIS
This area comprises R&D on information management and operations analysis methodologies which support the management decision process.

6.1 Integrated Operational and Economic Models
ORNL has developed an extensive capability for operations and economic modeling techniques that support the management decision process. Alternative courses of action can be evaluated on a probabilistic basis, taking into account both the likelihood of various outcomes and their technical and economic consequences. Typical examples in which utilities might apply such techniques include evaluating the business potential of a new energy storage device, or determining the likelihood that a nuclear facility would be profitable over its remaining lifetime.

Status: These modeling techniques have been extensively applied. A recent example is a probabilistic assessment (for DOE) of the economic viability of each of the nuclear plants currently operating in the U.S.

6.2 Real-Time Power Scheduling
ORNL developed a “Power Advisor” to guide the operations of the Paducah, KY uranium enrichment plant in response to real-time electric power pricing inputs. The model provides a basis for deciding whether blocks of power at a given price should be accepted or whether it is more cost effective to curtail plant operations. The model includes consideration of the technical limitations of the facility, as well as the economic impact on the product bottom line.

Status: In place and operating at Paducah, KY.

6.3 Performance Indicators
The performance indicator methodology developed by ORNL is an operations management process for filtering and organizing the vast amounts of data generated in a complex management environment. The key objective is to focus management attention on activities that have the most influence on organizational goals, such as economic return, operational efficiency, safety, etc. The process starts with the selection of key performance indicators. These individual measures of performance are subjected to additional analysis and weighting, resulting in composite indices representative of overall performance, analogous to a stock market index. Feedback mechanisms are included to optimize information flow and to respond to organizational changes over time.

Status: Currently employed by DOE for managing the DOE occupational safety and health program.

—————————–
7.0 UTILITY/CUSTOMER TECHNICAL SUPPORT
The following research areas would potentially support both utility and utility customer technology support needs.

7.1 Electric Machinery Analysis
ORNL has developed an improved motor equivalent circuit model to more accurately estimate the operating characteristics of electric motors. Input to this computer-based tool can start from name plate data and increased accuracy can be obtained with supplemental calibration measurements (e.g, speed and current). Once calibrated for a given machine, the method can be used to accurately predict loads, currents, efficiency, etc. As a result, the need for additional monitoring instrumentation may be reduced in some cases.

Status: The model is complete and available through the DOE Motor Challenge Program

7.2 High Temperature Thermography
Techniques developed by ORNL offer improved capability for accurately measuring high temperatures. Using emissions from thermographic phosphors, temperatures can be measured over a wide range (cryogenic to 1600°C [2900°F]) and without the need for physical contact.

Status: This technology has been applied to several industrial processes. Initial applications have included the first stage vanes of turbine engine gas generators and the surface of steel exiting a molten zinc bath in a galvanizing process.

7.3 Electric Machinery Test Facility
ORNL has developed a flexible and well instrumented Electric Machinery Test Facility. The current capacity is 100 hp, but is now being expanded to 700 hp. During testing, loads can be varied over a wide range. Input voltage and currents can also be varied to simulate various operating demands, as well as a range of power quality situations (e.g., voltage imbalances, harmonics, etc.)

Status: The Electric Machinery Test Facility is a National User Facility available for use by private sector entities for testing and qualification of motors, generators and related components at nominal cost.

7.4 Pump Test Facility
ORNL recently commissioned a Pump Test Facility, with a design capacity of 100 hp. The configuration of the facility is highly flexible in terms of flow configuration, installed components and provisions for instrumentation and monitoring.

Status: The Pump Test Facility is a National User Facility available for use by private sector entities for testing and qualification of pumps and related components at nominal cost.

7.5 Buildings Technology Center
ORNL is actively involved in developing technologies to improve the efficiency of buildings and installed equipment. The Buildings Technology Center (BTC), established at ORNL in 1994, includes a large scale climate simulator and a hot box for testing components (walls, windows, etc.), as well as facilities for testing equipment (e.g., heating and air conditioning).

Status: The BTC is a National User Facility available for use by private sector entities for testing and qualification of building components at nominal cost.

Part II: Priorities for Additional R&D
Please indicate below up to three areas of R&D that would most help your organization to meet its objectives.
1.
2.
3.

Part III: Contact for Liaison with ORNL

Please identify one or two individuals that could serve as a liaison with ORNL managers. We will keep them informed of new innovations at ORNL and request their input regarding utility R&D priorities in the future.
1. Name Title Organization
Address
Tel FAX E-Mail

2. Name Title Organization
Address
Tel FAX E-Mail

DOE SBIR Commercialization Forum

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subject: UFTO Note – DOE SBIR Commercialization Forum
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 1996 09:21:35 -0700
From: Ed Beardsworth <edbeards@batnet.com>

————————————————————–
| * UFTO * Edward Beardsworth * Consultant
| 951 Lincoln Ave. tel 415-328-5670
| Palo Alto CA 94301-3041 fax 415-328-5675
————————————————————–

Abstracts for 40 companies which were presented at the:

“Dawnbreaker DOE Commercialization Opportunity Forum”,
Washington DC, Oct. 8-9, 1996

These are small businesses that have received DOE SBIR funding, and who are seeking investors or business partners (or customers).

– Each one has prepared a business plan, with coaching by DOE commercialization consultants.
– The companies appear in order of interest to utilities–most interesting first (not a rigorous ranking).
– Last paragraph of text (appearing before Company name and address) was prepared by company itself.
– Other comments are by UFTO.
– You may disregard numbers appearing after title (n//m) :
n = interest rank ordering, and m = company # as listed in program materials.
– Companies are separated by a line that starts with two back-slash characters, which you can use to parse this long text record if you need to.

———————
Plant Environmental and Cost Optimization System (PECOS) ™: On-line software to minimize power generation cost
1//3 VERY Interesting
Integrates coal yard, boiler & NOx control, steam side operation and byproducts into a single cost function. (Competitors treat only one part) One year payback. Doing Coal Monitor Wkstn with TVA. (EPRI members can use TC $ towards installation.) Impressive and convincing story.

This company’s product is unique in its comprehensive approach, cost focus, and distributed architecture. This on-line software advises plant operators on settings to minimize controllable costs of power generation. The software covers all areas of plant operations such as dynamic coal sorting and blending, efficiency, control of all emissions, and disposal/sale of byproducts. The company has strong ties in the utility industry. It is currently testing the product on-line at two power stations, and sales to other plants are in negotiation. The software can also be adapted for other process industries. The company seeks a strategic partner which is either a utility or other organization with an existing base of services and/or sales in the utility industry to participate in an emerging market with a total size of $200,000,000 in the U.S. The partner will profit through appreciation of shares in a dynamic company by generating revenues through sales and implementation services for the product and by the synergistic growth of its other related businesses in the utility industry. (FOSSIL)

Praxis Engineers
Randhir Sehgal, President
852 N. Hillview Dr.
Milpitas CA 95035
408-945-4282
408-263-2821
———————
Cost-effective retrofit, ultra low-NOx coal burner which also removes SOx and ash
1//11 VERY Interesting
Retrofit replacement for PC burners at $60-90/kw installed (cheaper than scrubbers, GTs, buying credits or low S coal).
Rotating drum creates artificial x10 gravity for mini-fluid bed gasifier. Removes ash! NOx below 100ppm and SOx is 90% controlled. Use crush/pellet coal not pulverized. Good with RDF.

The Company has developed its patented Rotary Combustor (RC) to allow electric utilities to refire boilers to meet Clean Air Act emissions standards for the year 2000 and to improve efficiency at cost significantly lower than any alternative solution. The RC is an ultra low-NOx burner which also removes SOx in the combustion process. Refiring with the RC competes effectively in cost and performance in the combined $1 billion market for scrubbing equipment, low-NOx burners, and SCR systems. We are seeking a strategic partner to help manufacture and market the RC and related technologies. (NOX & SOX, FOSSIL)

Spinheat Ltd.
Michael Virr, President
1222 Bronson Rd.
Fairfield CT 06430
203-259-6101
203-255-4482
VIRRMJ@aol.com
———————
NDE Systems for monitoring age degradation and manufacturing quality
1//16 Very Interesting
As one example, inexpensive sensor could be left installed under piping insulation; connect instrument to take reading. Has EPRI $ for validation of real-time imaging in power plants. Information pkg available–looks solid.

This company’s patented technology provides breakthrough capabilities in quantitative nondestructive characterization. Portable systems integrate thin and conformable electromagnetic sensors, model-based GridStation TM software, and board-level instrumentation. Rapid scanning for clusters of microcracks, precrack fatigue damage monitoring and coating characterization are examples of the new capabilities offered by this proprietary technology. Fully integrated systems are being demonstrated at trade shows and sold to target customers for pilot-plant testing. Target markets for products and services exceed $300 million. This company seeks strategic alliances with market leading service providers, and an infusion of capital to finance manufacturing scale up and the expansion of field capacity, to meet current and expanding demand. (NUCLEAR, FOSSIL)

JENTEK Sensors
Neil J. Goldfine, President
Watertown MA 02172
617-926-8422
———————
Cost-effective electrochromic windows
1//24 Very Interesting
The only U.S. company to focus solely on this technology. First patent for ceramic thin film coatings. Use several coatings on glass. Pass DC current for 90% blockage of visible and 100% of IR and UV for sophisticated lighting and HVAC control.

This company has developed a patented ceramic thin-film electrochromic technology that gives users the ability to adjust the level of tinting of their glass from nearly clear to very dark. This gives the user the ability to effectively control glare and heat gain in windows. Sageglass delivers the durability, pleasing visual characteristics, low cost and customer benefits required for the architectural window markets. This company projects sales of $80 million in the year 2002. The company seeks a strategic partner in the glass window or energy management industry to scale up manufacturing for commercial product introduction. (END USE)

SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
Mike Myser, Director Marketing and Sales
Piscataway NJ 088540-0278
908-699-1100
908-699-1101
———————
Landfill gas (LFG) to products, using carbon dioxide (CO2) wash technology
2//28 Very interesting
Land Fill Gas to Methane, and Liquid CO2, where some of the LCO2 is used to wash contaminants out of the gas. Looking for partners.

Company conceived, developed, patented, and demonstrated carbon dioxide (CO2) wash technology which converts landfill gas (LFG) to products including electricity, medium Btu gas, pipeline gas, liquid methane, liquid CO2, and methanol. Company was founded in 1989 for the advancement of innovative gas separation technology for high CO2 streams. There are 2,900 active landfills in the U.S. which could use this technology. Average investment is $7.5 million with payback under 3 years. Company offers the only technology which (1) derives the separating agent (CO2) from LFG, (2) is insensitive to changes in contaminant composition and concentration of LFG, (3) produces liquid CO2 from LFG, and (4) allows multiple end uses for LFG.

Acrion Technologies
Bill Brown, President
Cleveland OH
216-573-1197
———————
Highly graphitic carbon fiber reinforcement
2//29 INTERESTING
Vapor grown carbon fiber, low cost, simple continuous process. Very different from other fibers. High effective surface area. Injection moldable, smooth finish. Can be used in major quantities to reinforce tires, wood products, concrete(including ash-based?). Made from Hi Sulfur Coal, with methane as by product.

This company has developed a proprietary, highly graphitic carbon fiber reinforcement having a diameter of 0.2 microns, a length of 100 microns, and a low production cost. The unique combination of small size, high reinforcement value, and low cost enables broad use in EMI–shielding, friction products, batteries, engineered plastics and rubber for the automotive industry. A market demand of 120 million lbs./yr. for these specialized applications have been identified. The company is seeking an investor or joint venture partner from the automotive or energy industries to scale up for product introduction in mid 1988.

Applied Sciences, Inc.
Max L. Lake, President
Cedarville OH 45314
513-766-2020
———————
Advanced dry sorbent systems for air pollution control applications
2//30 Very interesting
Chemistry systems on vermiculite substrate for duct injection and easy recovery.
1. “Fluesorbent” SO2 control for retrofit in older small plants. (EPRI tested at Ohio Edison) Byproduct is a licensed agric. soil amendment.
2. “Mercsorbent” Air Toxic control, duct injected works at low temp., is recoverable. Will demo at Ft. Dix. Need Coal fired demo site.
3. “JetSorb” NOx control. First application at jet engine test cells.

This is a new kind of company: a supplier of multiple advanced sorbent systems for air pollution control applications. Each of the firm’s technologies are waste-free, retrofitable, and either low in total cost or low in capital cost – quite a contrast to existing market offerings. Specifically targeted markets are: 1) SO2 control for older, smaller plants, where scrubbers are uneconomic; 2) NOx control for stationary and mobile diesels; and 3) mercury air-toxic control. With six issued and four pending U.S. patents, the company is now scaling up and demonstrating its systems in the field. It is seeking funds and strategic alliances with large and mid-sized engineering or air pollution control firms to assist in marketing and product introduction programs. (NOX & SOX)

Sorbent Technologies Corp.
Sid Nelson, VP
Twinsburg OH
216-425-2354
———————
Supersonic air jet and vacuum transport for safe excavations using supersonic air jet
2//31 Very interesting
Did prototype with EPRI. Can be operated remotely (robotic). Safe, productive, precise, safe, efficient, flexible. Won’t harm any impermeable surface. Can even dig around tree roots.

Our Safe Excavation technology employs a proprietary, synergistic combination of supersonic jets of air and pneumatic vacuum transport to uncover any type of buried object without fear of accident or inadvertent damage. Industrial market applications involve urban and suburban excavations for new installation or repair of telecommunication. electric, or gas utility lines. Commercial needs range from agriculture to environmental remediation and recovery of hazardous or radioactive waste. Military usee include retrieval of unexploded ordnance or removal of buried land mines. We have designed, built, and tested hand-held, portable, and backhoe sized prototype equipment for each of these market segments. Market forecasts for our larger equipment are approximately two thousand units in a mature market annually. We desire an investor or commercial partner to help us begin to manufacture and sell into these market segments. (T&D)

Concept Engineering Group Inc.
Richard D. Nathenson, President
Pittsburgh PA
———————
Portable imaging nuclear survey meter
2//17 Interesting
Pre production units available for purchase. $75-100K each expensive but price is competitive and there is big savings in labor.

An established nuclear detector R&D and instrument manufacturing firm has developed an instrument that provides a picture of the distribution, intensity, and energy of gamma radiation sources. It is a self-contained system having two cameras, one for the nuclear image and one for the video. A black and white video image is produced with the nuclear image superimposed over it in color. The instrument addresses the $600 million nuclear radiation detection and monitoring market. The focus is on three major market segments that total $120 million: the nuclear industry, including nuclear power plants, nuclear material producers, and nonproliferation of nuclear weapons; the medical industry, including nuclear medicine and radiation oncology; radiation safety, including universities, industry, and hospitals. The firm is seeking a strategic alliance with a partner having an established marketing and distribution network. (NUCLEAR)

Radiation Monitoring Devices
Michael Squillante, VP Research
Watertown MA
617-926-1167
———————
Ground penetrating radar for underground imaging and site characterization

3//2 Interesting
Has significant utility contacts (see EPRI Journal 10/96 pg 38) Image processing needs to be faster. Digital wideband radar, airborne or truckmount, to 30 ft. depth, tie to GPS for 5 cm location accuracy. Plans for U/G Database Service.

A Silicon Valley high technology company has developed and demonstrated a patented Standoff Ground Penetrating Radar which can produce high resolution 3 dimensional images. A rapidly growing demand exists for underground site characterization and assessment for environmental, construction, utility, and defense customers for the location and classification of buried objects. The company projects sales in excess of $50 million per year by 2002 with an estimated growth of 15%-20% annually. Patented hardware, copyrighted software, and proprietary imaging algorithms insure significant market dominance. Equity investment is sought along with strategic alliances to accelerate product launch and early market penetration. (T&D)

Mirage Systems Inc.
Robert Ziernicki, President
Sunnyvale CA
408-752-1600
———————
Removal and recovery of mercury found in flue gases
3//10 Interesting
New subsidiary, Mercu-RE Inc., formed to pursue Mercury removal.

ADA is a engineering consulting service firm specializing in troubleshooting and analysis of emisssion control systems.
This company offers a process that takes mercury out of flue gases and recovers it as liquid elemental mercury suitable for commercial recycling and produces no secondary wastes. A regenerable sorbent (patent pending) is at the heart of the process. Available alternatives, such as activated carbon, are expensive and produce mercury-contaminated solid or liquid wastes. The parent company has over ten years of experience in air pollution control technology and offers units to DOE site clean-up efforts planned for Oak Ridge and other former weapon-making facilities. The firm is looking for a marketing, sales, and distribution partner with access to key markets, such as commercial and municipal waste incinerators. The ideal partner would also have knowledge of process engineering equipment. The technology would be a valuable asset to the portfolio of a partner with existing interests in air pollution control equipment and services. Sales over $10 million per year can be realized as a result of the hundreds of incinerators that are subject to mercury emission regulations, leading potentially to even larger markets in coal-fired power plants. (FOSSIL, ENVIRONMENT)

ADA Technologies
Daryl L. Roberts, Vice President
Englewood CO 80112
303-792-5615
———————
Integrated sensors for air quality and safety monitoring
3//15 Interesting
Low cost, mass-produceable planar thick film membrane, for application in indoor air quality. Stable over long time. Parent company Giner is specialty R&D company in electrochemistry and materials science–PEM, O2 generators, sensors, etc.

The company, a spin-off of an electrochemical and materials research firm, is targeting the annual $20 million U.S. indoor air quality and safety monitoring market. A unique patent-pending sensor design enables a manufacturing process for mass-production of high-quality, low-cost electro-chemical gas sensors. Manufacturing costs can be reduced to one-tenth of current costs. In addition, the new design will allow integration of sensors for simultaneous monitoring of combinations of gasses, such as CO, CO2, NO, NO2, and SO2, with sensitivities in the low-ppm range. Separate smoke detector and air quality monitor functions can now be combined into one new instrument to serve the target market. The company is seeking an investment for manufacturing set-up, and possibly a strategic alliance for distribution and marketing capability. (END USE)

Giner, Inc.
Anthony LaConti, President
14 Spring Street
Waltham MA 02154
617-899-7270
———————
Lumber utilizing a low-cost industrial by-product feedstock (incl. flyash)
3//26 Very interesting
Patented resin binder systems, can use multiple feedstocks including flyash. Fire resistant due to hi mineral content and closed cell structure. Process is exothermic. Product is moldable into shapes (e.g. moldings).

This innovative firm has developed a multi-patented cost competitive composite decking material. Ecodeck is non-warping, wood grained, moisture and insect resistant, and paintable. It can be cut and assembled with conventional tools and is produced with commercially available machinery. Ecodeck lumber utilizes a low cost industrial by-product feedstock and is cost competitive in the $580MM market for select grades of pressure treated southern yellow pine. The company is seeking strategic partners in the electrical utility and building materials industries and venture capital for remaining development and manufacturing scale up. (FOSSIL)

Ecomat, Inc.
John Mushovic, Exec. VP
Poughkeepsie NY
914-473-8777
———————
Thermoelectric modules for power generation and waste heat recovery

3//4 Interesting
Driving down mfg. cost of traditional 5-6% thermoelectric devices. Wide range of applications. Have prototype alternator replacement for diesel trucks.

Thermoelectric power generators for converting waste heat into electricity are available for U.S./overseas markets which range up to $1B. Cost-effective modules (one third competitors’ price) can be utilized for a broad spectrum of products: self-powered furnaces, engine alternator replacements, remote power and power generation for urban incinerators. Fourteen and twenty watt modules are in limited production. These modules can be used individually or in multikilowatt generators. A two Watt generator is planned that can outperform chemical batteries. We are seeking strategic partners and venture capital for scale up of manufacturing and rapid market penetration. (DU)

Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
Norbert Elsner, President
San Diego CA
619-695-6660
———————
Microprocessor technologies for the purpose of power monitoring
3//18 Interesting
Unique current sensor replaces conventional CTs. One fourth the size. No need to disconnect wire to install it. They have not explored any possible T&D grid applications.

This privately held company has developed products which combine unique and patented current sensors with custom developed VLSI and microprocessor technologies for the purpose of power monitoring. The products are based on more than 10 years of R& D, production and direct marketing experience. These technologies will provide a company with a competitive lead by reducing size, cost and installation time 50+%. Additional high-margin products, in design, will effectively and efficiently instrument commercial buildings, industrial processes and homes.. Of the overall USA Electrical Measuring Instrument Market (SIC 3825, $8+ Billion), the company is focused on market niches that total $130 million. These markets include Energy Service Company applications, commercial tenant submetering, industrial equipment monitoring and control and Utility Demand Side Management, Load Research, Time Of Day metering and Customer Service applications. The company seeks partners who bring established distribution channels and capital for production and marketing. (END USE)

Energy Teller, Inc.
Tim Michels, President
2718 Sutton Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63143
314-644-2629
314-644-0691
———————
Hazardous and radioactive waste treatment
3//23 Interesting —
“DeTox” wet oxidation to destroy organic compouns at low temperature. Difficult to judge — one of many contenders in this field.

With eleven years of operating history, patents issued in the U.S. and seven major industrial countries, and a full-scale demonstration project funded by the Department of Energy, this innovative and dynamic corporation has established its wet chemical oxidation technology at the forefront of hazardous and radioactive waste treatment options for government and industrial markets. The total U.S. environmental market is $165.5 billion. Our company is focusing on the market segments of hazardous waste management, remediation and industrial services, and process and prevention technology development which together comprise a $4.2 billion market. Established and potential customers find the advantages of transportability for on-site treatment, alternative permitting options, safe (low temperature and low pressure) operating conditions, broad ranged applications, and benign secondary wastes to be significant improvements over incineration and other alternative waste treatment technologies. Partnership with a leading environmental management firm is sought for $1 million equity participation, $3 million project financing for an existing customer, and marketing and sales assistance in implementing the commercialization plan involving the sale of plants and services. (ENVIRONMENT)

Delphi Research, Inc.
Terry W. Rogers, President
Albuquerque, NM
505-243-3111
———————
Breakthrough material to remove radionuclides, metals, and organics from contaminated waters
3//39 Interesting
Humasorb, made from coal, simultaneously captures both metals and organics. Can be used as a liquid or solid filter. Could handle coal pile run off. Co. a spinoff from Atlantic Research Corp in 1987.

A unique material has been developed for the single-step removal of radionuclides, metals, and organics from contaminated waters. This versatile new material replaces traditional sequential processing approaches making it cost-effective as a permeable barrier to remove and capture plume contaminants and for surface treatment operations. Applications are targeted at the water pollution prevention and remediation markets estimated to exceed $600 million per year. Technology to produce the new material is protected by pending patents and trade secrets gained over a 5-year period of development by a company that has a successful record of commercializing new technologies. Investors and strategic alliances are sought to support the commercialization of the material on a site-specific or application basis. (NUCLEAR, FOSSIL, ENVIRONMENT)

ARCTECH, Inc.
Harry R. Johnson, Technical Director
Chantilly VA 20151
703-222-0280
———————
Large-scale advanced vitrification technologies for site remediation and waste treatment
3//40
Subsidiary of Battelle is commercializing this DOE technology. Tested and licensed. Clear focus on markets, and good grasp of who competitors are.

This international Company holds an exclusive worldwide IP position in the field of large-scale advanced vitrification technologies for site remediation and waste treatment. The Company has over $20 million in current backlog, is profitable, has worldwide growth opportunities, and it’s proven technologies possess excellent regulatory and public acceptance. The Company plans to acquire more than $50 million of sales from the DOE environmental restoration marketplace within the next three years. The Company seeks a strategic partner, that is established or entering the DOE ER/WM marketplace, to augment its operations and marketing capabilities as needed to secure large ($20 to 100 million) waste remediation and treatment projects within the DOE, other government, and private remediation markets. Benefits to the partner include increased market potential, a strong vitrification technology base, and strategic access to the Company’s parent, which is a leading environmental technology company. The Company poses an attractive opportunity for $8 million of second stage equity investment followed by an IPO for support of further growth. (NUCLEAR, ENVIRONMENT)

Geosafe Corp
James E Hanson, Vice President
Richland WA
509-375-0710
———————
Solid-Gas sorption refrigeration, consumer products
5//19 (Not presented — “Already found financing or strategic arrangments”)

The company is a thermal product development firm with an excellent reputation in the commercial HVAC&R industry. It is seeking an equity investment to launch the OEM manufacture of small packaged refrigeration and heat battery modules for already existing and future appliance manufacturing customers. The technology is based on a sorption process which provides refrigeration without moving parts and yields unmatched rechargeable thermal battery energy densities. The market applications include consumer products, medical and automotive appliances. The initial focus is on small refrigerators/freezers and an automotive application with existing customers. Anticipated fourth year OEM sales volume is $25,000,000. (END USE)

Rocky Research
Dr. Uwe Rockenfeller
1598 Foothill Dr.
Boulder City NV 89006
702-293-0851
702-293-0854
———————
Continuous removal of coatings for aircraft, bridge & environmental applications
5//20 Interesting.
Unique capability to remove paints and coatings with one step process, quickly and less expensively. Can even remove one layer at a time!

Very broad applicability. Company focusing on airplane depainting, so opportunity to pick up on other fields of use.
A small business that develops commercial applications of laser-based systems is seeking an equity investment to commercialize their proven technology for removal of coatings from various kinds of surfaces for multiple applications in the commercial marketplace. This technology uses lasers and robotics to provide the most efficient, environmentally-sensitive and cost-effective process for removing paint from aircraft, bridges, and radioactively-contaminated facilities. The annual target market for these applications is $4.5 billion. By year 4, the projected sales for these applications are estimated to be $70 million.

F2 Associates, Inc.
Joyce Freiwald, President
14800 Central SE
Albequrque, NM 87123
505-271-0260
———————
A system for recycling acids used for metal surface preparation
5//27
Interesting (?) Hard to judge

The Pickliq process is a patented system for recycling acids used for surface preparation in the metals processing industries. The process produces salable solid metal salts as by-products. The company employs highly experienced people that have an investment stake. The people work with Engineering and Construction firms and their clients to implement the process. The firm qualifies and supervises sub-contractors who construct the skid mounted units of the system. Data to date indicate a $15 – 20 million/yr market for the system after year four is possible. Further process development is funded by the US DOE through an ERIP grant. The company is obtaining working capital from small investors. It is looking for alliances with Engineering and Construction firms with clients in the steel and wire industry to exploit domestic and international markets. (ENVIRONMENT)

Green Technology Group
Douglas Olsen
Pawling NY
914-855-5488
———————
Position sensors in and around underground storage tanks, buried pipelines and below buildings.
5//36 Interesting

The Steerable Vibratory System (SVS) is the only way to accurately position sensors in and around underground storage tanks, buried pipelines and below buildings. The SVS is made up of a lightweight rig, a steerable tip, the patented navigational system and penetrometer rods with unique joints. It is not affected by magnetic anomolies and will not bring contaminated cuttings to the surface or contaminate other layers. The more accurate delineation of plumes will save money in clean-up. The firm has worked closely with customers in the underground industry for over 15 years. Our market includes Superfund sites and underground storage tanks (>295,000). The company will manufacture the SVS and seeks licensees with established distribution networks for marketing and sales. (ENVIRONMENT)

UTD Incorporated
Barney Harris, Vice President
Newington VA 22122
412-429-9496
———————
Treatment of radioactive, hazardous and mixed waste
5//14 (Not presented — “Already found financing or strategic arrangments”)

This environmental technology company has developed and commercialized its patented steam reforming technology in the paper industry. The company is now expanding by applying its unique non-incineration technology to the treatment, volume reduction, and disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed radioactive/hazardous wastes. Tests are underway in a1 ton per day facility demonstrating the destruction of hazardous compounds (greater than 99.99%) and the isolation of radionuclides in an environmentally superior final waste form. This is opening the door to the burgeoning DOE market, commercial ion exchange resin market, and industrial hazardous waste market. The company is seeking a joint venture arrangement with a strategic ally/investor to commercialize the technology in these new applications. The combined potential market exceeds $350 million per year. (NUCLEAR, ENVIRONMENT)

ThermoChem, Inc.
Gary Voelker, COO
10220-H Columbia Rd
Columbia MD 21046
410-720-6100
410-312-6303
———————
Multimedia training in technical subjects
5//21
Company combines expertise in both instructional material preparation and technology. Not particularly different from other suppliers.

This company creates multimedia training packages in scientific and engineering disciplines for use within the DOE complex, by accelerator manufacturers, and in higher education. Its unique combination of scientific expertise, software skills, and the needs of the DOE complex makes it the vendor of choice for training for environmental cleanup and production of special materials, such as tritium. Multimedia training rapidly raises the level of competency and quality of technicians and engineers, leading to a more effective work force. For example, a tutorial in development on accelerator physics can serve as a basis for specialized training programs in companies manufacturing accelerators for industrial and medical applications. Opportunities for a publisher include marketing as a standalone software piece, bundling with a textbook, and teaming to develop new educational tools.

WhistleSoft, Inc
Richard R. Silbar, President
Los Alamos NM
505-662-7309
silbar@whistlesoft.com
———————
Electrical energy storage/ hydrogen production
5//35 Interesting, but doubtful
This uses a solar heated furnace to drive water+ Br –> HBr reaction, and electrochemical cell using the reversible H + Br <–> HBr reaction to store and release electrical energy. Provides on peak electicity and H2 for sale. Have strong DOE support.

From 03-14-96 The Financial Times:
“Solar Reactor Technologies has entered into a $2.5m (#1.6m) co- operative agreement with the US Department of Energy for its system for producing renewable hydrogen and combined electrical storage. Hydrogen is generated by means of solar energy concentrated onto bromine and water which forms hydrogen bromide and oxygen. The former is then split at night using low cost off-peak electricity in an electrochemical cell to produce hydrogen, and regenerate the bromine. The end result is that water is split into hydrogen and oxygen, but using one third of the electricity required for conventional water electrolysis.

By storing extra hydrogen and bromine and recombining these in the cell, electricity is generated. This in effect permits the storage of off-peak power for use at any time. The system is potentially very attractive to large electrical consumers. However, the economic generation of hydrogen would also be very significant for vehicle companies looking to the longer- term future. BMW has been experimenting with hydrogen fuelled vehicles since the late 1970s while Mercedes is one of a number of companies which is taking the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles very seriously.”

This company is focused on the development and commercialization of renewable energy technologies. One of these is a patented solar-electrochemical system which links utility scale electrical energy storage with the production of hydrogen and oxygen from water. The system will provide peak electrical power and hydrogen with no greenhouse emissions. The process is competitive with existing combustion technologies. Sales potential for the electrical energy storage market in the U.S. is estimated at $100 -$200 million per year. To fund its commercialization program, the company is seeking a relationship with an investor and/or strategic partner. (DU)

Solar Reactor Technologies, Inc.
Harley L. Heaton, Vice President
3250 Mary Street, #407
Miami FL 33133
305-442-9966
———————
Remote power generation, residential cogeneration and cryogenic cooling products
5//42 (Not presented — “Already found financing or strategic arrangments”)

Two distinct lines of products, using the same basic technology, have been developed by this eleven year old company. The RG-350TM uses heat from any source to produce electricity for the remote power market (estimated at $30 million annually) while the RG-1000TM will use propane/natural gas to create combined heat and power for the residential cogeneration market (independently assessed to exceed $1 billion annually in ten years). Additional advantages derived from these products include higher fuel efficiency and reliability with lower maintenance, noise, and emissions than any existing products. The company is also manufacturing its BeCOOLTM cryocoolers for use in the computer, superconductivity and sensor cooling markets. Teaming partners are being sought for marketing, distribution and new product development while investor funding will be used for pre-production and manufacturing activities. (DU)

Stirling Technology Co.
Mr. Jeffrey Lubeck, Controller
4208 W Clearwater Ave
Kennewick WA 99336-2626
509-735-4700
509-736-3660
———————
Low-cost fiber optic chemical sensors–Smart Cable ™ detects leaks along long distance pipelines
6//13 (did not consider)

This company is dedicated to developing and licensing low-cost fiber optic chemical sensors for environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.The first generation, developed for the detection and discrimination of water and hydrocarbons, is elegant in its simplicity and has been field tested by an independent third party. The corporation has already produced sales of related environmental products. These revolutionary, patented sensors provide continuous monitoring for environmental contamination at very competitive costs. Installed in fuel tanks, pipelines, and landfills, sensor networks provide realtime indications of contaminants and leaks over large and remote geographic areas. Additionally, sensors are being adapted for use in hospitals and medical laboratories to detect the presence of specific biochemicals in bodily fluids. This corporation seeks licensees with strong presence in environmental remediation and potential licensees which will fund continued development of the sensor family in exchange for exclusive licensing rights. (ENVIRONMENT, T&D)

Noverflo, Inc.
Dr. Joe Hopenfeld
Rockville MD
301-340-1625
———————
Wireless identification (RFID) tagging for asset management
6//37 Interesting
May have applications in asset tracking, remote metering.

The company has developed an exciting wireless technology, called RFID, derived from R&D grants by the Department of Energy. This technology has enormous commercial potential for applications such as asset management and transportation operations. The company chairs the ANSI technical sub-committee for RFID standards. Multiple patent and trademark applications have been filed. The product currently is in beta testing at DOE’s Savannah River site and is ready for use in all DOE sites. A trucking demonstration system is on display at Andersen Consulting’s transportation center in Atlanta. The management team, with over 35 years of RF, business, and finance experience, is poised to aggressively penetrate the current $250,000,000 market for RFID equipment, growing at an annual rate of 25%. The company is forming alliances with major corporations to accelerate growth and is seeking equity investment of $1,000,000 to support that growth. Various exit strategies will be entertained for equity investors including acquisition or IPO.

RANDTEC, Inc.
Alan C. Hurkamp, Chariman
Fairfax VA 22030
703-352-0833
———————
Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) generation of electricity from flame heat
6//41 Interesting
TPV device with their own patented emitter and cells. Original technology licensed from Boeing. Claim ing advantage over competitors. “Mini-cogen” – devices at 2, 50, and 150 watt elec –“wall heater” Their approach to the market is arguable.

Using its infrared-sensitive photovoltaic cells coupled with a fuel-fired emitter, this company fabricates Midnight Sun® cogenerators of electricity and heat. These cost-effective units feature quiet, reliable, efficient, and clean operation. With a strong patent position, military contracts, and an operating cell manufacturing facility, the company is positioned to capture a large share of the emerging market for remote and mobile cogeneration. Homes off the electric grid are targeted first, with a five year plan to take the company public and enter the much broader on-grid residential market. Investors are sought to rapidly scale up manufacturing capabilities; of particular interest are utilities pursuing growth in unregulated operations and furnace manufacturers considering self-powered heating systems. (DU)

JX Crystals, Inc.
Dr. Lewis M. Fraas, President
Issaquah, WA 98027
206-392-5237
———————
Metal coated fine powders
7//5
POWDERMET is a new spinoff that will be doing this work. ULTRAMET is the established company.

Ni and Co coatings on nanograin tungsten carbide, using “fast fluid bed chemical vapor deposition”
The company is a commercial spin-off of an established medical and aerospace materials firm. We are seeking an equity partner to launch the large scale manufacture and marketing of metal coated powders for the ordinance, tool, and die markets. Metal coated sub micron powders represent a revolutionary advancement in powder metallurgy, enabling a 30-50% increase in cemented carbide and tungsten alloy performance at equal or lower cost to current products. This investment partnership opportunity will leverage over $1 million in signed, development contracts to achieve projected revenues of $20 million in a $120M market within 5 years. This breakthrough patent pending technology is currently operational in the pilot plant stage. All proprietary rights, developmental, and pilot plant equipment has been negotiated for assignment to the company.

ULTRAMET
Andrew Sherman, Marketing Mgr.
12173 Montague St
Pacoima CA 91331
818-899-0236
818-890-1946
———————
Fiber optic sensing
8//7 (did not consider)

This company has developed and demonstrated proprietary technologies encompassing components and system building blocks enabling production of low cost interferometric fiber optic sensors. The technology is applicable to inertial, intrusion, vibration, acceleration, acoustic, strain and electro-magnetic sensing in formats of single element, multi-channel distributed, and remote configurations. The company seeks an equity investment from a partner to spin off a business for the purpose of producing components and instruments based on the proprietary technologies and marketing them to sensor manufacturers in their respective fields. Expected sales for these ground breaking products will exceed $10 million per year by year 5.

Optiphase, Inc.
Jeff Bush, President
Van Nuys CA
818-782-0997
———————
Direct Load Control switches for plug connected appliances
8//25
Plug connected “smart” switch, remote controlled via one-way radio. Device stores data on operating history. (Hopelessly naive and out of date DSM device)

Manufacturers of electric utility load management controls will find this exclusive licensing opportunity of unique value. The Company has patented and field tested a microprocessor-based electric Direct Load Control (DLC) switch for plug connected appliances. The switch is designed to improve residential DLC program effectiveness; and economically collect comprehensive market intelligence on end-use appliance operation. The Company is looking to form a strategic alliance with a manufacturer interested in increased market share through the development of a “family” of DLC and home automation related products which complement the licensee’s current product line. The licensee’s product development costs would be reduced through follow-on licensing agreements with the Company.

Automated Energy Management Systems
Frank Rudden
E. Northport NY
212-460-6511
———————
Open-path atmospheric pollution monitor, detection of hazardous air pollutants
8//33 (did not consider)

The open-path atmospheric pollution monitor being developed for DOE integrates a CO2 laser and an acousto-optic tunable filter into a single instrument which measures pollutant concentrations in the optical path to any topological object. The range is over 4 times longer than existing monitors, thereby eliminating the need for multiple monitors and reducing costs. The estimated environmental and process control market is over $100 million within 5 years with the potential for ~$400M for military applications. A large defense contractor seeks to license a company to commercialize this monitor. The licensee will have exclusive use of the basic patent and unlimited access to the filter for which the contractor is the only supplier in the world. (ENVIRONMENT)

Northrop Grumman STC
Dr. Lyle H. Taylor, Fellow Scientist
Pittsburgh, PA
412-256-1650
———————
Pyridines from kerogen oil
9//34 (did not consider)

Kerogen oil, derived from Western Green River oil shale, is rich in pyridines (~20% of the raw oil). These pyridines can be produced and refined at costs substantially lower than current manufacturing costs for synthesis routes. A strategic partner and project financing are sought to develop a Kerogen Products Extraction (KPX) venture which will annually produce 25,000 tons of pyridine products and 300,000 tons of petroleum products. Annual revenues are projected at $150 million yielding more than 30% internal rate of return on an investment of $75 million. Pre commercial milestones will be achieved through an existing DOE contract and phased project financing. Product development opportunities in higher alkyl pyridines, pyrroles, indoles, phenols and quinolines offer additional long-term growth potential.

James W Bunger & Assoc. Inc.
West Valley City, UT 84119
801-975-1456
———————
Electromagnetic Sensors For Chemical Analysis
9//38 (did not consider)

A well established research laboratory is forming a subsidiary company to manufacture and market proprietary sensors for continuous chemical analysis. This innovative technology utilizes eddy current properties in an advanced electromagnetic sensor to identify chemical constituents. Advantages of this patented approach include exceptional resistance to fouling, low system cost, high sensitivity, compatibility with digital integrated circuitry, and high selectivity. The newly formed company will acquire all of the intellectual property and over 14 years of related experience. Equity or strategic partners are sought to participate in launching the new product line. Potential instrumentation markets for the sensor include process control, environmental monitoring, and biotechnology. The measurement of wastewater pH alone is anticipated to be a $100 million market by the year 2000 and should conservatively generate $10 million dollars revenue.

American Research Corp of Virginia
Howard J. Moses, Director, Business Development
Radford VA 24143-3406
540-731-9655
———————
A compact, high-yield, HGA synchrotron X-ray lithography source
10//1 (did not consider)

The mission of this company is to become a leading supplier of high-intensity synchrotron x-ray source machines for lithography of Giga-bit class memory chips with resolution at or below 0.18 micron to meet the emerging global demand. The product makes use of a compact electron injector based on a high–gradient accelerator (HGA) combined with a superconducting synchrotron radiation ring, resulting in increased resolution, lower capital cost, lower production cost per chip, and lower cost of ownership. The company seeks $10 million from joint venture partners and investors for the completion of the first machine to be sold in 1999.

DULY Research
Rancho Palo Verdes CA
301-548-7123
———————
Portable fiber optic phase fluorometer
10//6 (did not consider)

This company, a leader in cutting-edge optics, optoelectronics and monitoring instrumentation technologies, has developed the only portable fiber optic phase fluorometer (FOPhase) instrument available in the market. This patent protected technology addresses the environmental safety ($50 million), process control ($100 million), R&D ($50 million), and medical markets ($200 million), for fluorescence detection monitoring. Owing to the high market demand for a low cost fluorescence lifetime spectrometer in various market segments, the company is searching for a strategic partner to market and distribute the FOPhase Technology. The sales forecast for 2000 is $26 million or 6.5% of the total market.

Physics Optics Corp
Torrance CA 90501
310-320-3088
———————
Interdisciplinary science education software
10//8 (did not consider)

Our firm will become the premier source of interdisciplinary science education software. We seek a partnership with a forward looking company in the communication, hardware or software industry that wishes to raise the level of scientific preparedness of the next generation of students and increase the use of computer and communication technology. Our partner will manage the distribution of our product line to expedite market penetration of our first product ready for introduction in January 1997. Over the next two years we will introduce a series of products utilizing CD-ROM and Internet data sets. Titles include: El Niño, Ozone and Monsoon, and are designed to teach Science from grade 6 to college level. Our series is a set of virtual research expeditions in which students use satellite observations of the Earth and data from climate models to study the Earth as a system of interacting components. It brings science alive.

Plant Earth Science
Dr Catherine Gautier-Downes
Santa Barbara CA
805-730-1622
———————
Interactive display software for hospitality industry
10//9 (did not consider)

This Company is developing interactive display software that provides electronic guest services for the national and international hospitality industry. These proprietary technologies allow hotels to integrate this software into their front desk operations, reducing overhead, increasing productivity, and enhancing guest services. Notable electronic services include express check-in/out, account transactions, services and events locators, interactive maps, and business services. The total available market for this kiosk technology is $2.8 billion. The high-end hotel market, the primary focus of this business plan, is $1.2 billion. This Company is seeking equity financing and a strategic partner for development, manufacturing and distribution.

Scientific Digital Visions, Inc.
San Jose CA
408-289-8494
———————
De-contaminating concrete; in-situ cleanup of soil
10//12 (did not consider)

This company is forming a spin-off to commercialize novel patented electrokinetic technologies developed under DOE funding. We plan to license to major site management contractors who are involved in remediation of DOE sites. This will be a good opportunity for entry into a sizable industrial market as well. This technology provides the only available approach to an in-situ cleanup of soil contaminated with heavy metals. It also provides a cost-effective technique for decontaminating concrete. The industrial opportunity is extensive in that it applies to the many entities which must deal with aqueous waste streams. The company is receptive to developing a creative package that recognizes investor’s risk and provides for exit when performance objectives are met. (ENVIRONMENT)

ISOTRON Corp.
New Orleans LA
504-254-4624
———————
Computer mapping software for petroleum industry
10//22 (did not consider)

The company develops advanced technologies to assist the petroleum industry with exploration and production (E&P) problems. Their product, Gviz, is state-of-the-art computer mapping software, coded in C++, that interpolates spatial data to estimate interwell reservoir properties. E&P professionals purchase $48 million annually in mapping software. This company maintains proprietary expertise, keeping them ahead of the market with improvements to their software. They plan a series of releases leading to an integrated reservoir management package in five years. The company seeks an alliance with an oilfield E&P software vendor who can bring financial resources, marketing, and distributing expertise to our commercialization effort. In return the strategic ally will receive exclusive right to the product.

Correlations Co.
William Weiss, President
Socorro NM
505-838-1910
———————
Advanced quantum chemistry software package
10//32 (did not consider)

This company has developed an advanced quantum chemistry software package allowing industrial, government and academic researchers in the chemical, biochemical, pharmaceutical and materials sciences, among others, to address far larger molecular structures and complete calculations faster on smaller molecular structures than is currently possible. This innovative package will afford users significantly reduced run times and lower processing and manpower costs. The market size for sophisticated molecular modeling software is estimated at $58 million with the quantum chemistry software niche occupying $8 million and an annual market growth rate of 8%. The company seeks an equity investment for commercialization, marketing and sales operations.

Q-Chem, Inc.
Benny Johnson, President
Pittsburgh PA 15218
412-828-7106
———————

HYSTOR-Nickel Hydrogen Battery

/0 Comments/in , /by

Subject: UFTO Note — HYSTOR-Nickel Hydrogen Battery
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 1996 13:13:19 -0700
From: Ed Beardsworth
————————————————————–
| * UFTO * Edward Beardsworth * Consultant
| 951 Lincoln Ave. tel 415-328-5670
| Palo Alto CA 94301-3041 fax 415-328-5675
————————————————————–
This press release came out today. They’re making good progress in the EV field, but my own view is that they could be terrifically valuable in stationary applications.

UFTO first mentioned Ergenics in December 1995, repeated in “DU 1.0”.

————————————————————–
Ergenics Demonstrates Advanced Electric Vehicle Battery

RINGWOOD, N.J., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ via Individual Inc. — Ergenics announced today that it has achieved a major milestone in its rechargeable battery development program with the demonstration of its first Hy-Stor(TM) multi-cell bipolar advanced battery for electric vehicles. The outstanding performance of the Hy-Stor battery is made possible by coupling the established know-how of high energy storage density of metal hydrides with the unmatched high cycle life capabilities of nickel-hydrogen batteries, which have been used successfully in orbiting satellites for over two decades.

The Hy-Stor battery offers safety, performance and economic advantages over lead-acid, nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride batteries. Ergenics is initially targeting its application to the market for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, where it provides much longer cycle life, much greater range between charge cycles, a greater temperature range of operation and substantial cost efficiencies.

Unlike space batteries, which store their required hydrogen in pressurized containers, the Hy-Stor battery stores its hydrogen, in even higher densities, in a chemical bond with powdered metal at ambient temperatures and ambient, or slightly lower, pressures, thereby eliminating the safety hazards associated with highly pressurized gas tanks, etc. Furthermore, the manufacture of the Hy-Stor battery is a very “clean” process, as is its subsequent operation. Since it involves no heavy metals or toxic substances, it is environmentally friendly.

The Hy-Stor battery will provide an electric vehicle with more than double than the range between recharges of currently available lead acid batteries and 20% greater range than nickel metal hydride batteries, at equivalent levels of acceleration performance. At the same time, the Hy-Stor battery will retain its stored energy when not in use, i.e., it will not “self discharge” as happens with other types of batteries when idle, and will last far longer, longer than the average life of an automobile today, due to its extraordinarily high cycle life. Hence, its overall economics should prove most compelling.

Ergenics, believes that, eventually, the hybrid electric vehicle will prove to be the most popular and, indeed, effective means of achieving energy saving and pollution control objectives. It will have a base load, highly efficient internal combustion engine, and use a battery for purposes of acceleration and to store power from regenerative braking. In that case, the Hy-Stor battery should prove an ideal application with its life of 2,000 cycles at 100% discharge, 100,000 cycles at 15% discharge and high power pulse capacity.

Ergenics’ Vice President for Research & Development, Mark Golben, comments, “This milestone is the final step leading us to fabrication of a full size electric vehicle battery.” With cutting edge innovative technology, Ergenics has been granted over 25 U.S. patents and corresponding foreign patents. Privately owned, Ergenics, Inc., with its headquarters and principal manufacturing operation in northern New Jersey, is a world leader in the development and commercialization of metal hydride technology.
CONTACT: Philip A. Burghart, Senior Vice President, Ergenics, Inc.
201-962-4480, or fax, 201-962-4325

Technology Transfer Opportunities – Savannah River Site

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UFTO

PROPRIETARY

Final Report

Technology Transfer Opportunities in the National Laboratories

Savannah River Site

Aiken SC

May 1996

Prepared for:

Utility Federal Technology Opportunities (UFTO)

By:

Edward Beardsworth

Consultant

 

This report is part of a series examining technology opportunities at National Laboratories of possible interest to electric utilities

 

Contents:
page
1. Summary
1 SRS Overview & Organization
3. SRS Technologies & Programs
10. SRS Contacts

This report is proprietary and confidential. It is for internal use by personnel of companies that are subscribers in the UFTO multi-client program. It is not to be otherwise copied or distributed except as authorized in writing.

Summary

This report details findings about technology and technology transfer opportunities at the Savannah River Site (SRS) that might be of strategic interest to electric utilities. It is based on a visit to SRS in December 1995, as part of the UFTO multiclient project.

Background

Noting the tremendous scope of research underway in the research facilities of the U.S. government, and a very strong impetus on the government’s part to foster commercial partnering with industry and applications of the technology it has developed, the UFTO program has been established as a multi-client study of the opportunities thus afforded electric utilities.

SRS Overview

People at SRS are quick to point out that “we are not a national lab”. It is a DOE facility, focusing on national security, economic development and tech transfer, and environmental and waste management activities. It is operated under contract by the Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC), and covers over 300 square miles in South Carolina. It employs about 16,000 people, including employees of WSRC, its subcontractors, the National Forest Service, and the Savannah River Ecology Lab. Also, DOE personnel and Wackenhut, a contract services firm.

In 1989, SRS began lifting the veil of secrecy under which it had been traditionally operated, while its mission changed dramatically with the end of the cold war. SRS was built in the 50’s to produce tritium and plutonium 239 for nuclear weapons and other isotopes for research purposes. There were five reactors, two chemical separation plants, a heavy water extraction plant, a nuclear fuel and target fabrication facility and waste management facilities. All five reactors are now permanently shut down, and while production of new tritium won’t be needed for many years, the reloading of tritium in the current supply of weapons is a continuing site mission, using the new state of the art Replacement Tritium Facility (RTF).

Waste Management and Environmental Restoration

Weapons production over the years has produced 35 million gallons of high-level radioactive waste on site. Just recently, the Defense Waste Processing Facility began operation. It bonds radioactive materials in borosilicate glass. There are also low-level solid and liquid radioactive waste, transuranic waste, mixed waste, hazardous waste, and sanitary waste. SRS has over 400 inactive waste and groundwater units in its restoration program, where over 80 acres of land have already been certified as remediated. Decontamination and decommissioning of SRS facilities is also part of the effort. More than 600 surplus facilities are currently being assessed, involving chemicals, radionuclides, and/or asbestos. Clean up will take decades, and the technology to do it plays a major part in the tech transfer and economic development missions of the site.

The Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC)

SRTC is an applied R&D organization (known as the “Lab” division) that provides technical support for the Savannah River Site (SRS), developing and testing equipment and techniques for nuclear materials processing, environmental remediation, environmental protection, waste processing, decontamination and decommissioning, and industrial uses of SRS technology.
SRTC has approximately 1000 employees. The four main departments are:

– Applied Science and Engineering Technology (instrumentation, robotics, corrosion, fluid dynamics, computational modeling)
– Waste Management & Environmental Technology ( high level waste, solid waste, environmental restoration, assessments and modeling)
– Chemical Process Technology (analytical services, instruments, and sensors; chemical and hydrogen technology)
– Technology Business Development (includes Industry Partnerships)

In addition, there are the Community Outreach Division and the Environmental Safety, Health and Quality Assurance Divisions. Also, the University of Georgia operates its Ecology Lab at the site.

Technology Transfer at SRS

SRS/SRTC is a very recent entrant to the Federal government’s tech transfer effort. They were first allowed to do CRADAs only less than two years ago.

John Veldman heads the Technology Business Development Department, which handles government and industry alliances. Karen Azzaro is Manager, Industrial Partnerships, and a number of people in that group are each assigned to distinct “product lines”, including remediation, sensors/robotics, vitrification, waste management and hydrogen.

The primary contact for UFTO is:
Beverly Skwarek, Industry Partnerships,
803-652-1836, fax 803-652-1898, beverly.swarek@srs.gov

In an approach very similar to the one at Idaho National Engineering Lab (INEL), the Thermo Electron Corp. formed a new subsidiary to perform a contract at SRS to 1) support to SRS in market research and business plan preparation, and 2) evaluate and pursue commercialization of selected technologies.

Economic Development

SRS is aggressively pursuing new kinds of economic and business endeavors for the site, noting a number of unique attributes, especially its land, facilities, and human resources. The Multipurpose Pilot Plant Campus is an R&D facility now available to outside organizations, offering buildings, support structures and a number of special purpose facilities and laboratories.

Since the site has been exhaustively characterized, it serves as a “National Environmental Research Park” and as a testbed for new energy and environmental waste management technology, like NREL is for renewables. In one case, SRS has a CRADA with an industrial firm to develop a clean slurry fuel from municipal solid waste. Another proposed project is for a micro algae pond adjacent to a coal plant.

SRS leads the DOE national Groundwater Plumes Focus Area, charged with acquiring and applying the latest cleanup technology. In fact 2 of the 5 DOE Energy Management/Office of Technology Development focus areas are centered at SRS. They also have the lead on landfill stabilization and contaminant phenomena focus area (These two have recently been combined).

Another target area is commercial nuclear waste, with an idea to establish a nuclear “corridor” in the southeast, capitalizing on all the nuclear expertise and capabilities in the region

SRS Technologies & Programs

Covered in this report:

Page
• Robotics 4
• Sensors & Instrumentation Systems — temperature, H2, chemicals, level sensing 5
• Materials — NDE, Failure Analysis, hot metallurgy, corrosion 5
• Waste Processing — High level waste, vitrification, decontamination, effluent treatment 6
• Environmental Sciences — data management, bioremediation, “land farming” 7
• Environment Permitting and Compliance 8
• Flyash utilization 8
• Hydrogen Technology — hydrides, fuel cells, refrigeration, EV 9
• Industrial Assistance — high efficiency air filtration 9

General Telephone #s
1-800-228-3843 Industry Partnerships
1-803-725-6211 Site Operator
1-803-725-3001 Site Information

• Robotics
W. Ivan Lewis, Manager, Robotics Support, 803-725-3527
Greg Teese, Principal Engineer, 803-725-2051

Based on needs arising out of SRS’s own suite of low pressure/temperature reactors built in the 50’s, SRS has extensive capabilities to design, develop, build, install and operate unique robots, instrumentation, teleoperators and special purpose mechanical equipment for use in radioactive and hazardous environments (such as reactors, chemical separation facilities and waste processing and storage plants) for surveying, inspection, decontamination, dismantling and manipulation functions. These systems can be autonomous, or have a human operator in the loop

SRS has adapted a number of commercially available robot systems. For example:

SWAMI, Stored Waste Autonomous Mobile Inspector, is a modified version of the HelpMate robot produced by HelpMate Robotics, Inc. It will perform the required weekly inspections of drums of waste, improving efficiency, documentation and accuracy, and greatly reducing personnel exposure. Robots like this will become increasingly important for future increasing waste inspection needs associated with decommissioning. A second generation version SWAMI II, will identify rust spots, dents and blisters on drums.

Remote Controlled Mobile Devices, e.g., a forklift; a Bobcat Loader/Excavator; a Mobile Teleoperator equipped with manipulators of various kinds, or high pressure water scabbling, vacuum, superheated water, or pneumatic tools. A crane-like vehicle has been used to observe operations at a radioactive work site.

These systems can go on inspection tours looking for fire, security, radiation, leaks etc.

Pipe Crawlers range from a 2 inch inspection device, to one that can adjust to varying pipe dimensions, and units for pipe diameters up to 24″-36″ with ultrasonic inspection or welding capabilities:

FERRET (flowpath evaluation and reconnaissance by remote-field eddy-current testing) is an inspection device for small (2 inch) diameter pipes, originally developed to negotiate multiple tight bend elbows in SRS’s own storage tank cooling systems. It is propelled by the fluids already in the piping system. With it’s long range (1000 ft.) and sophisticated electronics, it could be adapted to any number of applications, from leak detection to corrosion detection in buildings or plant systems.

The Elbow Cutting Pipe Crawler can remove sections of pipe in 36 inch ductwork, and is capable of crawling through 90 degree elbows and up vertical pipe, carrying lights, camera and plasma arc torch, able to cut 1/2 inch stainless steel.
(ref: Nuclear News, Jan. ’96, Vol. 39, No. 1)

In-Service Inspection Pipe Crawler and Carriage can negotiate up to 3 elbows and dynamically change to accommodate pipe diameters from 12 to 16 inches, carrying a 100 pound payload. It is tether controlled and carries lights and an attachable inspection carriage with a 4 degree of freedom ultrasonic weld inspection device.

SRS is active in the Utility and Manufacturers Robotics Users Group (UMRUG) [see article in Nuclear News, Oct. ’95, Vol 38, No. 13, by Peter Hanby of Com Ed, who is UMRUG Chair].
• Sensors & Instrumentation Systems — temperature, H2, chemicals

Paul Cloessner, Manager, Analytical Services, 803-725-2198

Stanley Nave, Principal Scientist, Sensor & Analytic Technology, 803-725-1355

Wayne Jenkins, Manager, Sensor and Analyzer Technology, 803-725-3049

Pat O’Rourke, former Fellow Scientist, Sensor & Analytic Technology

Now with a small company developing applications, 803-652-3663

Optical temperature sensor, an R&D 100 Award winner, measures temperatures from -200° to +600° C, based on temperature induced shifts in the absorption spectrum of selected materials. With no metallic or conductive components, it is immune to electrical or magnetic interference. Also, it requires no calibration. It is ideally suited for remote, inaccessible and harsh environments, e.g. petrochemical processes, paper mills, nuclear facilities, underground, underwater or in space. (NOTE: a licensee is interested in developing a transmission line temperature monitor that would allow greater loading of lines. They would welcome utility help in determining the benefits and market potential.)

Fiber optic chemical sensors provide a means to detect the presence of specific chemicals in various forms and solutions, and can be used in industrial process (real time) control, exhaust stacks, ground water, etc. They operate by analyzing changes to the light spectrum as the sensor probe interacts with the surroundings. SRS has developed a number of complete sensor systems based on sol-gel colorimetric indicators, a new class of composite materials which change color in the presence of certain chemicals, and Raman spectroscopy.

Chemometrics: Advances in the software permit automatic data analysis and robust fiber optic sensors.

Hydrogen sensor — A new idea is under development for an all-fiber optic sensor which will work in reactive gas or liquid streams. (They aren’t in a position to discuss this, but it may be helpful if utility industry needs are explained to them.)

Radiation dose below background — working on some ideas for this, eliminating Compton scattering with digital signal processing techniques. Could be used for an in-situ real time monitor for the water in spent fuel storage tanks.

• Materials — NDE, Failure Analysis, hot metallurgy, corrosion

Tami Capeletti, Manager, Materials Technology Section, 803-725-3576

Extensive facilities and capabilities for hot metallurgy, failure analysis, mechanical testing, corrosion testing, etc.

Recycle of contaminated steels — Working with INEL, this technology is in use at SRS, using radwaste containers made of reclaimed mostly-decontaminated steel.

Residual Stress Measurement — a new experimental technique uses laser speckle pattern interferometry and spot heating to permit remote non-contact measurement Results are promising and could lead to development of a system where the technical complexities can be easily handled. Martin Pechersky, 803-725-1137, martin.pechersky@srs.gov.

• Waste Processing Technology — High level waste, decontamination, effluent treatment

Prevention and Treatment of Chemical and Radioactive waste.

Dan McCabe, 803-725-2054

Dave Hobbs, 803-725-238

Steve Wach, Business Development, 803-725-808

Effluent and Process Treatment — A wide variety of technologies (e.g. membranes, filtration, ion exchange, solvent extraction, chemical treatment, etc.) are applied to address unique streams or conditions (e.g. removal of organics, metals and radionuclides to drinking water standards.)

Waste Disposal Technology — SRS develops disposal concepts and validates them with lab and field experiments, assessing performance risk. They also characterize and select disposal sites for radioactive, hazardous and sanitary wastes. Disposal modeling deals with both the source term and ground water/goechemistry, and field tests examine environmental transport.

Vitrification — For waste immobilization, SRS has a internationally recognized and comprehensive in-house capability in vitrification, including glass formulation and process design and testing. Created by the need to manage high-level radioactive and mixed waste, this expertise is now being applied to low-level radioactive wastes and contaminated asbestos, ion exchange resins and medical wastes. A major system just went on line.

Decontamination and Volume Reduction — SRS provides comprehensive consulting services including field support to evaluate and demonstrate best available technology and to treat equipment, facilities and soils for chemical and radionuclide contamination. Techniques used to decontaminate equipment include carbon dioxide blasting, strippable coatings, foamers and Kelly machines.

Process Modeling and Evaluation — Comprehensive capabilities that integrate physical and economic considerations and support pollution prevention, process development and optimization, life cycle cost analysis and business planning. Commercial software packages are adapted to study the dynamic and steady state behavior of complex systems (chemical and fluid dynamics and heat transfer), and providing graphical/pictorial outputs.

Facilities and Laboratories included analytical and materials labs, radioactive handling facilities and a number of demonstration facilities. The Multipurpose Pilot Plant Campus is in effect a “user facility” (though not formally set up as one), and has 135,000 sq. ft of permitted facilities and systems. The Effluent Treatment Facility removes organics, salts, mercury and radionuclides using reverse osmosis, filtration, and a number of other technologies.

Pollution Prevention — SRS has developed a number of solutions to DOD and industry needs to reduce pollution, e.g. by prolonging the life process chemicals through separation and purification, or to transition to supercritical CO2 cleaning processes.

• Environmental Sciences Deborah Moore-Shedrow, Manager, 803-275-5179
Environmental Biotechnology — Contact Dr. Terry Hazen, 803-557-7713

10 senior professionals with strong technical reputations. Work effectively with regulators. In situ and bioreactor systems, develop national protocols. Biofouling, biocorrosion, bioaerosols (e.g. Legionnaires), monitoring, expert witness. A number of bioproducts licensed to and in use by industry.

Methane enhanced in situ bioremediation is an 1995 R&D 100 winner combines natural gas injection with air stripping to speed the degradation and removal of chlorinated solvents in ground water and sediment. Tests have shown it to be much more efficient and cost-effective than other methods

Other bioremediation techniques include the use of added phosphates to fuel bacterial growth and reaction rates.. ThePHOSter process involves adding a safe gaseous form of of phosphorous to injected air, resulting in dramatic remediation rate increases.

Risk-based ecological restoration — risk based decision making for selection, design and deployment of remediation technologies, and use of “green solutions” (e.g. “ecological detoxification” where a balanced ecosystem is developed with the capability to break down the contaminants). Prepared-bed Land Farming has been certified in several sites. Field screening — systems for rapid inexpensive on-site analyses.

Groundwater restoration — optimize existing clean up systems and develop new processes

Treatment, stabilization and containment of solid residues, and assessment of long-term risks

Associated Capabilities: hydrogeology, ecosystem management, data synthesis, analysis.

Environmental Data Atlas Hal Mackey, 803-725-5322

This Integrated GIS for Environmental Applications provides efficient access to large amounts of diverse spatial information, including GIS and remotely sensed data relating to physical and man-made features. Spatial data keys link all data to a common geographical data base. All data is accessible at the scientists’ desktops, regardless of what type of computer they’re using. The system incorporates both bibliographic and photographic data and scanned maps. It provides sophisticated browsing and modeling capabilities by taking advantage of the latest advancements in database, programming language and networking integration.

[Ref: “Design and Implementation of an Integrated GIS…”, D. Cowen, et.al., Photogrammatic Engineering and Remote Sensing, v 61,#11, Nov. 95, pp. 1393-1404.]

 

DataDelve Client and EcoTrack Server Jim Bowers, 803-725-5213

This is an spatial data system for environmental information to support managers and professionals performing environmental assessments during remediation and restoration activities, particularly sites under CERCLA. The system is a client server application using Heuristic Optimized Processing System (HOPS, International supplies this commercial database engine) which permits rapid access to and analysis of very large and diverse data files. [Ref: see complete description in SRS report # SWRC-RP-95-194]

 

• Environment Permitting and Compliance

SRS Environmental Program, Chuck Hayes, 803-725-8838

SRS has a great many facilities and processes requiring active attention to environmental permitting and compliance. They have developed a strong capability to keep track of all the complex requirements, i.e. to ensure compliance with regulations and to monitor and document the impact of operations on the environment and coordinated all contact with regulators, while maximizing the Site’s overall programmatic goals.

Water, Wastewater & Surface Water: NPDES Permitting, construction permits, operational compliance (82 NPDES outfalls; 216 wastewater permits, 167 drinking water permits).

Air (CAA Mandates): NESHAP radionuclide and Asbestos, construction (any new source), compliance (200 air permits).

Solid & Hazardous Waste: prevention and minimization, permitting, operations and disposal compliance.

Environmental Restoration & Groundwater Protections: Waste site closures, CERCLA, etc. (over 300 CERCLA/RCRA waste units).

Because the Site has such a wide range of situations, they often must come up with creative solutions and approaches to deal with unusual permitting applications. In some cases, site-wide permitting has been successful, and they sometimes use “generic applications” that can be adapted to later changes.

Customer Service Tools developed for internal use could be made available to others:

— Permit Forecasting/Tracking Database keeps tabs on all permits already in place, and based on data on future needs and new facilities plans it provides a timetable and early warning system about steps that need to be taken.

— Environmental Permitting “HOW” Manual is a how-to cookbook on permitting.

Contact Laurie Coward…

 

• Flyash utilization
The Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, is located on at SRS. They are working on an EPRI TC project with SCE&G touse flyash as a soil amendment. The idea is to apply the maximum amount possible on land not involved in a food chain, including sod farms, golf courses, athletic fields, and eroded areas needing rehabilitation. The only concern is ground water, and the project is measuring over 60 parameters of water, plants and soil properties in tests where as much as 500 tons per acre have been applied. This work will be published in the open literature.

In another test, flyash and chicken litter are being applied at 250 tons/acre (a depth of 2 inches) to amend soil at an airport construction soil fill. It improves the soil’s physical condition, the soil/plant/water relationships, and the silt range (i.e. if soil is too coarse or too fine).

Contact: Prof. Domy Adriano, 803-725-2472; adriano@srel.edu

 

• Hydrogen Technology — hydrides, fuel cells, refrigeration, EV

“HyTech” is a new “virtual laboratory” centered at the Savannah River Technology Center, focused on development of new hydrogen technology. It draws on the resources of over 80 scientists and 40 groups at SRTC. As the nation’s primary Tritium production and technology facility since 1955, in support of defense and environmental programs, SRS has tremendous expertise and capabilities which makes possible a tremendous synergy with commercial hydrogen programs. For example their Replacement Tritium Facility is the single largest use of metal hydride technology. HyTech anticipates important new developments for storage, composite membranes for separation, sensors, hydrogen production, materials compatible with hydrogen, and even a novel new metal hydride high-COP heat-pump refrigerator concept.

Contact is Dr. James Knight, 803-725-1089, or Ted Motyka 803-725-3665

 

SRS, through its Economic Development Division, is also leading a major program to develop a hydrogen fueled bus, to be demonstrated in the local area. Hydrogen will be generated onsite using water electrolysis and metal hydride storage. Low temperature hydride storage will provide the onboard hydrogen, and the bus will use a series-hybrid electric drive system (Westinghouse) with an IC engine that will be adaptable to future fuel cell systems. The schedule calls for testing in mid 1996, with city operation thereafter.

Contact: Dr. William A. Summers, 803-652-1846

• Industrial Assistance Program — High Efficiency Air Filtration

Mr. D. Maynard Dykes is the SRS site authority, and a world-class expert, in air filtration. He helps government and industry with design, tests, test methods, procedures, procurement specifications, systems qualification, and health/safety/environmental issues.

For example, whenever nuclear isotopes are used, there are special requirements to maintain a decontamination factor with filtration. At SRS, he’s contributed to dramatic reductions in the number and cost of systems required. For textile companies, he’s helped with air balance, cold spots, and lint problems. HVAC consultants can generally do heating and cooling, but are less likely to be able to deal effectively with problems like contaminants. Mr. Dyke trains people in-house at SRS and elsewhere to be able to deal with these issues.

Maynard Dykes, 803-952-3628

SRS Contacts

The primary contact for UFTO is:

Beverly Skwarek, Industry Partnerships,
803-652-1836, fax 803-652-1898, beverly.swarek@srs.gov

General Telephone #s:
1-800-228-3843 Industry Partnerships
1-803-725-6211 Site Operator
1-803-725-3001 Site Information

CONFIDENTIAL Alert: CETI/Patterson Cell

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UFTO CONFIDENTIAL Alert:

CETI/Patterson Cell publicity surge expected soon

April 17, 1996

TO: UFTO MEMBERS

As you know, the Patterson “new hydrogen energy” Cell was featured on ABC TV news and the Wall Street Journal back in early February, and their basic U.S. patent (No. 5,494,559) was awarded Feburary 27.

(UFTO provided copies of videotapes and a general information package on cold fusion to those who wanted them — see UFTO Bulletin #18, February 2, 1996, and the UFTO Comment “Advances in Cold Fusion.”)

Another blitz of publicity is expected to occur at the end of April, so you may want to be prepared to respond to inquiries. We don’t have any insights about what new developments if any that the anticipated news stories will talk about.

Meanwhile, rumor has it that CETI’s unorthodox business style is making it very difficult for other organizations to come to any kind of terms with them. Also, there are now reports that the calorimetry may not have been done with sufficient care and attention to details, even in the independent university tests, so claims of “over unity” energy production are yet to be solidly confirmed.

ENECO PROPOSAL

In another week or two, Eneco expects to have a more specific proposal for their “Survey of the State of the Art” review of cold fusion, along the lines of their outline I sent you with the March Bulletin. I will give Eneco your names and addresses so they can contact you about it, but otherwise this will be a matter between you and them.