Projects
Toward a Lower-Carbon Food System: Quantification of Methane Emissions from Animal Agriculture
Awarded: 2017 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
Animal agriculture is a major contributor to anthropogenic emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Accurate quantification of emissions from dairy farms is challenging and, currently, there is a large discrepancy between top-down and bottom-up emission estimates. We propose to collect methane emissions measurements using the eddy covariance method at two dairy farms in Pennsylvania to evaluate and, if warranted, improve of a state-of-the-science methane emissions model. Emissions measurements will be collected from both farm manure management operations and dairy barns.
Accurate Prediction of Soot Emissions and Morphology in Turbulent, Fuel-Flexible Combustors
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers is developing new models for predicting soot formation in turbulent flames to improve the design of combustors and engines with the goal of improving air quality and reducing public health risks.
An Integrated Platform for DC Microgrid Data Acquisition and Stationary Energy Storage System Optimization
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A research team is developing a framework for optimizing the configuration, sizing, and management of energy storage systems in smart buildings and microgrids.
Capacitive Desalination for Agriculture Using Biochar
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A research team is developing a new method to desalinate water using biochar, which could be used to improve agricultural productivity in arid regions.
Characterizing Mechanisms of Rapid Fire Spread under Low Wind Speed Conditions That Lead to High Intensity/Severity Fire
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A research team is using high-resolution atmospheric modeling to study the factors that contribute to rapid wildfire spread under low wind speeds in mountainous terrain.
Collecting and Characterizing Saharan Dust and Associated Pathogens for Evaluating Disease Risk across the Meningitis Belt and Cape Verde
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A research team is studying the links between air pollution and respiratory disease in West Africa, where Saharan dust and biomass burning aerosols are common.
Composition, Morphology, Size, and Agglomeration of Nanoparticles in Indoor Air
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
Researchers are studying the composition, morphology, and size of nanoparticles in indoor air to better understand their health effects and how to mitigate them.
Development and Benchmarking of a Full-Scale Desiccant Dehumidifier Prototype Utilizing Microwave for Desiccant Regeneration and Inactivation of Airborne Microorganisms
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A research team is developing a microwave-powered desiccant dehumidifier that could save energy and improve indoor air quality.
Development of Dynamic Controlled Nano-Membranes for Water Purification
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers is developing a new type of nanoporous membrane with highly uniform pore sizes that can be used to filter wastewater and remove contaminants, with the goal of improving the treatment and recycling of wastewater.
Development of Semi-Solid Ion Conductors for Safe, High-Performance Energy Storage Devices
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers is developing new semi-solid composite ion conductors with tunable functionality and morphology, with the goal of enabling the development of safe, high-performance lithium metal batteries.
Examining the Healthy Parks Criteria Tools & Informing Baseline Indicators of Health
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers from Penn State is working with the National Park Service to develop a new way to measure the impact of parks and protected areas on environmental and societal health.
High Efficiency Sn(S,Se) 2 /Crystalline Silicon Tandem Photovolatics
Awarded: 2016 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers is studying the properties of a new type of solar cell material that could make solar panels more efficient and cost-effective.