Clean Energy Conversion Technologies

1. Clean Energy Conversion Technologies John Cuttica, Steffen Mueller, Cliff Haefke (Energy Resources Center) Primary Grant Support: U.S. Department of Energy, Blue Moon Fund, Midwest SEOs • Clean Energy Conversion Technologies are defined as Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Waste Heat Recovery, District Energy, and other clean energy systems as solutions to the nation’s current energy issues. • Clean Energy Conversion Technologies can provide energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), reliable power quality, and electric grid congestion relief. • The U.S. DOE established a national Challenge to double the installed capacity of CHP in the U.S. from 46 GW in 1998 to 92 GW by the year 2010. Source: Combined Heat and Power – Effective Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future, ORNL • The Midwest CHP Application Center (MAC) was established at the Energy Resources Center (ERC) as the first-of-its-kind U.S DOE regional application center to promote the implementation of CHP technologies in the twelve state Midwest Region • The ERC fosters Clean Energy Conversion Technology project identification and implementation through targeted education, unbiased information, and technical assistance. • Technology research areas include reciprocating engines, combustion turbines, steam turbines, fuel cells, heat recovery, absorption chillers, desiccant dehumidification, communication controls, grid interconnect, and anaerobic digesters. • As of the fall of 2008, the Midwest Region is on track regarding to its contribution to the National CHP Challenge • The MAC was recognized in 2005 with the MEEA Energy Efficiency Achievement Award and the MAC Director received the CHP Champion award in 2005 from the U.S. Clean Heat and Power Association (USCHPA) in recognition of the MAC accomplishments • Completed >50 CHP feasibility assessments and >50 CHP case studies • Co-sponsored and/or co-organized >20 targeted market sector workshops reaching more than 1,700 interested attendees