Sreeja Madala, graduate research assistant, works with researcher Benson Njoroge on the Direct Coal Liquefaction chemical reactor used to convert coal to synthetic heavy crude suitable for refining into diesel fuel using existing refineries.
Fossil Energy West Virginia University – the Energy University in America’s Energy State West VirginiaUniversity is in the thick of the hunt for new ways to responsibly use America’s most abundant natural resources. Through its work across all research disciplines, the University has focused the work of experts in its Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Davis College, and the National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCCE) to create the Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI). AEI, team-
ing with researchers from other universities and federal agencies, is helping WVU make a difference in the drive to attain American energy independence. Coal and Energy Research Bureau develops new, safer, and more economical way to mine, transport, and use coal while considering environmental impacts. The work is designed to help develop new uses and markets for coal and greater efficiency and conservation in the mining and mineral industries. Christopher Bise, director, Phone:(304) 293-3831
http://www.mine.cemr.wvu.edu/research/center-details. php?&id=30&type=center
“We are a major, major workforce engine in this state. We give our state an approximate 20-to-1 return on its investment in the University. And, we have numerous partnerships and research projects that are making a major impact in the region.” —WVU President James P. Clements
Olafemi Olajide (seated) works the control panel of WVU’s proprietary coal-to-liquids process reactor as chemical engineering Professor Alfred Stiller, the technology’s principal investigator and coinventor, looks on. The technology has been licensed to an energy company.
Fossil Energy NETL’s Regional University Alliance for Energy Technology Innovation – a collaborative research program with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) supports the mission of the US Department of Energy in the Office of Fossil Energy. WVU’s National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCCE) is the WVU coordinator for the team consisting of the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, Carnegie Mellon University and Virginia Tech University. The Consortium for Fossil Fuel Science focuses on catalyst development to convert coal to liquid fuels, hydrogen, and chemical feedstocks.
Advanced Power & Electricity Research Center (APERC) focuses on innovations in system-wide controls using operational and economic data to allow companies to be profitable in a competitive market. The center works on research leading to improved system reliability and availability for large-scale and small-scale systems from transmission grids to submarines. Ali Feliachi, director, Phone: (304) 293-0405 ext. 2529 http://www.aperc.wvu.edu/pages.php?name=home
Faculty and student researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering are engaged in advanced research in the development of a wide variety of products and liquid fuels derived from coal, including graphite, pitch, carbon foam, coal derivatives, activated carbons and adsorbents.
fossil energy WVU researchers Nick Wu, left , and Ismail Celik work on flow phenomena in fuel cells as well as internal combustion engines and utility boilers in WVU’s Computational fluid Dynamics and Applied MultiPhysics Center. Wu, a part of WVNano, has a particular focus on nanomaterials and fuel cells. Celik, in addition to fuel cells, works on research related to heat transfer and combustion modeling.
thermal barrier coating), energy saving (reflective or thermal insulation materials/coating), energy efficiency and environment protection (sensing materials, corrosion/wear resistant coatings) and energy storage. Fossil fuels, power generation and energy consumption by heavy industry are vitally important in West Virginia. Materials for energy applications play a particularly important role in the competitiveness of West Virginia’s economy. Ever J. Barbero, director, Phone: (304) 293-3176
http://www.cemr.wvu.edu/research/center-details. php?&id=92&type=center
The Petroleum Technology Transfer Council provides information to oil and gas producers about the latest findings on Appalachian clays and techniques and equipment for recovering these resources. Doug Patchen, Phone: (304) 293-2867 ext. 5443 http://www.pttc.org/eastern/eastern_home.htm
Energy Materials Science and Engineering Program (EMSE) deals with energy materials for energy conversion (fuel cells, batteries, solar-cells, thermo-electrics, and solid-state lighting), energy storage (hydrogen materials), energy utilization (turbine materials, boiler and tubing materials,
Appalachian Oil and Natural Gas Research Consortium (AONGRC) is dedicated to the immediate and long range needs of the petroleum industry in the Appalachian region. The consortium includes the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, the Kentucky Geological Survey, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Topographical and Geological Survey, and the Ohio Geological Survey. AONGRC programs enhance oil and gas production from marginal fields, develop new sources of shallow gas, develop deeper sources of natural gas, and map and expand our energy infrastructure. Doug Patchen, director Phone: (304) 293-2867 ext. 5443 http://karl.nrcce.wvu.edu/
Over 100 faculty are studying energy issues and developing energy-related initiatives. They have secured over $98 million in grants and funding over the last four years.
reducing environmental impact
The IGCC Simulator is a dynamic systems training and research facility under construction at NRCCE that will simulate the control room of an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plant. The simulator will include a carbon dioxide capture component. The work is being conducted in partnership with the National Energy Technology Laboratory.
Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines, and Emissions (CAFEE) is an internationally recognized research program aimed at reducing exhaust emissions and consumption of petroleum-based fuels. CAFEE’s focus is on heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, buses, locomotives, and ships, where improvements have traditionally lagged behind lighter-duty vehicles.
Richard Turton, director, Phone: (304) 293-9364
CAFEE (Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines, and Emissions) conducts about $5 million worth of research per year on engines, emissions and alternative fuels. Researchers use the Center’s three Transportable Vehicle Emissions Testing Laboratories, to conduct real-world emissions testing on fleet vehicles throughout the nation. Although emissions testing continues to be an important part of CAFEE’s work, the Center is working to pursue improvements in fuel efficiency for both light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Chris Atkinson, director, Phone: (304) 293-3423
http://www.cemr.wvu.edu/research/focus.php?expertise
The Zero Emissions Research and Technology Center is a consortium of Montana State University, WVU, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory focused on understanding the basic science of underground (geologic) carbon dioxide storage to mitigate greenhouse gasses from fossil fuel use and to develop technologies that can ensure the safety and reliability of that storage. One major project involves WVU, CONSOL Energy, and the National Energy Technology Laboratory in a demonstration project in Marshall County, W.Va.
Richard Bajura, Phone: (304) 293-2867 ext. 5401. http://www.montana.edu/zert/
reducing environmental impact National Mine Land Reclamation Center; the Geo-engineering Center; the Hydrology Research Center; the Water Resources Research Institute; and the Northern West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center. Paul F. Ziemkiewicz, director, Phone: (304) 293-2867 http://wvwri.nrcce.wvu.edu/
The National Environmental Services Center— improving and protecting the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure of small and rural communities through the information, assistance, training, and demonstration programs of the National Drinking Water Clearinghouse and the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. The Center for Advanced Separations Technology finds ways to separate valuable minerals from waste materials to increase economic competitiveness and reduce environmental impacts. Frank L. Saus, program coordinator Phone: (304) 293-7318 ext 5440 http://www.nrcce.wvu.edu/cast/
The West Virginia Water Research Institute is dedicated to restoring the State’s streams while developing technology for the economically and environmentally sound use of water resources. The Institute’s research is organized around the
Gerald Iwan, director,
Phone (304) 293-4191 x 5584 (office) http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/
The Analytical and Research Laboratories are operated by NRCCE as an analytical laboratory with multi-functional capabilities for analysis of contaminants in liquids, solids, and gaseous form that is available to serve all campus research units; NRCCE operates specialty research facilities, particularly the High Bay Laboratory, which is available for use by energy researchers across campus. Kenneth Stewart, director,
Phone: (304) 293-2867 ext. 5472
http://www.nrcce.wvu.edu/lab.cfm
Experts at WVU’s Water Research Institute are testing ways to help natural gas drilling companies do business in a more environmentally friendly way. Gas drilling in the newly tapped Marcellus Shale presents great economic opportunity as well as environmental challenges. David Locke of FilterSure, Inc., Jen Fulton and Paul Ziemkiewicz of WV Water Research Institute at WVU’s National Research Center for Coal and Energy discuss Fulton and Ziemkiewicz’s research project.
new approaches WVU recognizes the potential for wind energy, but seeks improvements on conventional methods that will increase efficiency and lower costs. Researchers in WVUs College of Engineering and Mineral Resources are developing a new type of wind turbine, with a vertical axis and the blades spinning in a horizontal plane. By requiring less wind power vertical-axis wind turbines will be less costly, operate longer and produce more electricity than traditional turbines. A vertical axis device will better adjust to accommodate changes in wind direction, unlike a horizontal axis wind turbines.
National Institute of Fuel-cell Technology (NIFT) is a multi-disciplinary cluster of WVU energy researchers that strives to make fuel cells an affordable, efficient, and clean source of energy. NIFT applies nano-technology to develop and fabricate materials for advanced coal-based fuel cells; operates a state-of-the-art material characterization and fuel cell testing laboratory; and models fuel cell performance from atomistic to continuum scale using high performance computing. Ismail B. Celik, director, Phone: (304) 293-3209 http://nift.wvu.edu/
The U.S. Department of Energy Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DOE-EPSCoR) focuses on developing fuel cells that operate on hydrogen containing trace contaminants in coal synthesis gas; in the previous DOE-EPSCoR program, faculty addressed the control and resiliency of electricity transmission and distribution systems. The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium coordinates a nationwide effort to train vehicle technicians, fleet managers/owners, and first responders about owning, operating, and maintaining vehicles powered by ethanol, natural gas, biodiesel, hydrogen or electricity. Al Ebron, executive diretor, (304)293 7882 http://www.naftc.wvu.edu/
Engineering faculty and student teams provide no-cost energy assessments to small and midsized manufacturers in West Virginia and the region, taking measurements and providing detailed recommendations on how to achieve energy savings and improve the bottom line.
new approaches WVNano is the State of West Virginia’s focal point for nanoscale science, education, research, workforce development, and economic development. WVU is the founder and technical lead of the WVNano Initiative, The Initiative’s efforts target discovery in materials, devices, and biomolecular systems to advance innovations in security, health, environment and energy applications, such as in LED lighting research where WVU scientists are manipulating subatomic particles and electron holes as part of the solid state LED process to create more efficient and energy-saving lighting options. Examples of other nano research areas include composite materials for wind turbine blades,
photo-catalytic reduction of CO2 to produce liquid fuels, and nano-electronics to revolutionize sensors and devices. Phone: 304 293 8281
http://wvnano.wvu.edu/index.html
WVU, in cooperation with the US Department of Energy, is working with coal gasification efforts with experts in China to uncover mutually-beneficial approaches.
partnerships West Virginia partners with energy intensive industries in WV to develop practices and technologies to reduce their energy use and to increase their global competitiveness. The Research Program to Secure Energy for America (RPSEA) is a national program conducted jointly with the National Energy Technology Laboratory that focuses on developing unconventional oil and natural gas resources in regions such as Appalachia. WVU is a key participant. Richard Bajura, Phone: (304) 293-2867 ext. 5401. http://www.rpsea.org/
The Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a program that makes opportunities available to students, post graduate researchers, and faculty to obtain access to the resources of national energy laboratories and to improve research capabilities on the WVU campus. Richard Bajura,
Phone: (304) 293-2867 ext. 5401. http://www.orau.org/default.aspx
The Natural Resource Analysis Center in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, along with NRCCE, is involved with WVU’s US China Energy Center project which operates as a University-wide center to
partnerships coordinate, expand and develop linkages between energy and coal related research, teaching, and outreach activities. The Center’s programs relate directly to energy and clean coal technology research activities with China that are under way in the various colleges and units at WVU. The Center includes an economic development component related to the development of institutional and business linkages between the US and China governmental units and private sector companies. One of the Center’s key projects is to examine and understand the environmental and economic impacts of coal liquefaction and carbon management. Jerry Fletcher, director, Phone: (304) 293-5499
http://www.nrac.wvu.edu/projects/sheia/index.html
Industries of the Future—West Virginia (IOFWV) teams West Virginia’s traditional industries with research expertise at WVU and national laboratories to increase energy efficiency, reduce waste, and improve productivity in America’s most energy intensive industries. It is dedicated to serving the chemicals and polymers, wood and forest products, aluminum, steel, glass, metal casting, and mining industries. Modeled on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industries of the Future program, IOF-WV targets energy savings, increased productivity, and significant environmental improvements. Carl Irwin, director, Phone: (304) 293-2867 http://www.iofwv.nrcce.wvu.edu/
AEI ADVISORY BOARD Curt Peterson (Chair) Vice President for Research and Economic Development and President for WVU Research Corporation Morgantown, West Virginia Carl Bauer Independent Consultant Prior Director, US Dept. of Energy’s National Energy Technology lab Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Bob Dixon Team Leader, Climate & Chemicals Global Environment Facility of the World Bank, Washington, DC Thomas A. Heywood Managing Partner Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love LLP Charleston, West Virginia Kathryn J. Jackson Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer Research & Technology Westinghouse Electric Company Cranberry, Pennsylvania Bill Jayne Region Executive, Western Region GE Energy Ontario, California Terri Marts Program Manager, NETL Research and Engineering Services Contract URS Corporation, Washington Division Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Ron Mullennex Senior Vice President Marshall Miller and Associates Bluefield, Virginia Bill Raney President West Virginia Coal Association Charleston, West Virginia Scott Rotruck Vice President, Corporate Development & State Government Relations Chesapeake Energy Corporation Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Gary Sypolt Chief Executive Officer, Dominion Energy Richmond, Virginia Brad Tomer Chief Operating Officer, National Energy Technology Laboratory US Department of Energy Morgantown, West Virginia Steven E. Winberg Vice President, Research & Development Coal Conversion & Power Development CONSOL Energy Inc. South Park, Pennsylvania Brad Tomer ex-officio, COO US Dept. of Energy’s National Energy Technology Lab
For more information about WVU’s Advanced Energy Initiative or to arrange a visit contact: Joseph Kozuch, Director, AEI Phone: 304 293 9112 E-Mail: joseph.kozuch@mail.wvu.edu