Found 37 technologies within Energy, Cleantech & Environmental RSS ATOM
Perspective view of the solar collector gutter with two collector modules.

Low-Cost Solar Collector Mounting System Blends with Buildings and Landscaping

31211 – Affordable mounting system enables homeowners and businesses to take advantage of solar power using existing rain gutters UCF researchers have invented a low-cost system that seamlessly blends form and function by enabling residential and commercial buildings to capture solar energy without having to mount unsightly solar panels on their rooftops. With the system, solar energy companies... Read More

Figure 1. Example of the integrated energy harvesting and storage device (IEHSD) interwoven into a jacket.

New Filament Combines Solar Energy Harvesting and Storage Capabilities

33596 – Energy-smart filaments enable soldiers to recharge equipment without weighty, bulky batteries  UCF researchers have invented a weavable filament that both captures and stores solar energy simultaneously—two capabilities that have only been available in separate devices until now. Thin and ribbon-like, the solid-state Integrated Energy Harvesting and Storage Device (IEHSD) enables... Read More

UCF researcher Fernando Uribe-Romo, Ph.D., in the lab with a photoreactor containing the new MOF.

‘Artificial Photosynthesis’ for Clean Air and Energy Production using Titanium-Based Metal Organic Framework (MOF) and Visible Blue Light

33636 – Low-cost invention can help power plants reduce carbon dioxide emissions while producing solar fuel UCF researchers have developed a simple, low-cost way to fight global warming and produce new, storable energy. The breakthrough technology provides a titanium-based metal organic framework (MOF) that reacts with visible (blue) light to photocatalytically reduce carbon dioxide (CO) into two... Read More

Illustration of the synthesis of 2-D covalent organic frameworks

Method of Shaping Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks Yields Fast, Stable, Solid-State Electrolytes

33494 – New process can be used to build faster, safer solid-state electrolytes for batteries in portable devices, cars and airplanes UCF researchers have developed a low-cost method for processing two-dimensional (2-D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that can safely be used as electrolytes in solid-state, rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The new method offers a better alternative... Read More

Photovoltaic cells

Get More Power from Your Low Power Inverters

32995 – A three-phase grid tied micro-inverter using controlled-based soft switching A group of UCF researchers have developed a three-phase micro-inverter for low power applications, specifically batteries, solar panels, or fuel cells, with higher power density and efficiency. The entirely new control approach eliminates the need for expensive additional parts often required of hard switched... Read More

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Perspective views of an arc-type APTV

New Velocimeters Provide Improved Sensing Capabilities in Aquatic Environments

33297 – Introducing the Automatic Pulse Tracer Velocimeter (Cross-type and Arc-type) Measuring low flow regime water velocities is challenging, but important for investigating the fate and transport of nutrients and contaminants in heterogeneous aquatic environments. Similarly, monitoring of groundwater is important for understanding solute transport processes including; pollutant fate and... Read More

(1) Shows an initial step of adding aqueous cerium nitrate to a non-polar solution with a surfactant to form reverse micelle for the synthesis of ceria nanoparticles. (2) Shows the formation of nano-sized micelles. (3) An enlarged drawing of one micelle showing aqueous precursor solution surrounded by coordinated surfactant molecules

Reduce Soot Emissions & Increase Combustion Engine Efficiency

30303 – A method of synthesis for generating oxygen storing nanoparticles, the methods for uniformly mixing said particles into both solid and liquid fuels, and the utility of said particles as a soot reducing additive Partial or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, most often resulting from inadequate oxygen supplies within the fuel, results in atmospheric pollutants such as soot. Many... Read More

shows a concept of the cryogenic LH2 production process of the present invention

Method For Zero Emission Liquid Hydrogen Production From Methane Sources and Landfill Gas

30307 – Invention gives manufacturers a clean method for producing liquid hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. UCF researchers have invented an efficient way to produce liquid hydrogen (LH2) from natural gases and landfill gas (methane) while keeping carbon dioxide out of the earth’s atmosphere. As the earth’s supply of fossil fuels continues to shrink, and unhealthy... Read More

Cross-sectional view showing the various layers comprising a CIGS-based thin film solar cell according to the present invention

Thin Film Solar Cells with Highly Efficient Energy Conversion

30906 – Method of producing a highly efficient semiconductor to coat Copper Indium Gallium Selenium (CIGS) thin film solar cells, allowing for a much higher energy to cost efficiency ratio Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells made out of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) absorber layer are one of the low-cost, high efficiency, thin-film solar panels in the world. They are made up of a composite... Read More

Simplified cross-sectional schematic diagram of a compact portable apparatus consisting of a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell; said generator comprising a reaction chamber with a catalyst and a membrane

Clean Oil Spills Using Filamentous Carbon Particles

30947 – Create carbon filaments for environment-friendly oil spill cleanup Crude oil and other petroleum-based products spilled in large bodies of water cause severe environmental damage. Oil is transferred by supertankers and underwater pipelines and kept in coastal storage facilities. All of these have the potential to accidentally release crude oil into the ocean. Due to the potential for... Read More

Schematic flow diagram showing an example of a photoreactor with passive mixing

Ramp Up Solar Hydrogen Generation with Sustainable Catalyst Loop

31780 – New nanocomposite co-catalyst method can replace expensive platinum in sulfite solutions Clean energy technology, developed by UCF researchers, offers higher quantum efficiency from a lower-cost process for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. This new nanocomposite co-catalyst used for increasing hydrogen generation is specifically developed for practical applications, easily prepared at... Read More

Schematic of an exemplary recuperative heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention

Thermally Conductive Porous Element-Based Recuperators

31348 – A compact and lightweight heat exchanger with embodiments of heat exchangers based on thermally conductive carbon foam materials to achieve an enhancement in heat transfer and reduction in size and weight Heat exchangers have one very simple purpose, to raise or lower a fluid’s temperature by adding or removing thermal energy. While there are many different sizes, levels of sophistication,... Read More

Schematic of a photovoltaic and thermoelectric hybrid cell

Hybrid PV/ Thermal Solar Cell with Significantly Increased Efficiency and Longevity

31159 – Methods and designs for significant improvement in solar cell efficiency and longevity by utilizing a hybrid construction of photovoltaic and reversible thermoelectric cell elements in three different operating modes Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, are devices that convert light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are often physically connected and... Read More

Schematic flow diagram of a system for the deep removal of a low level CO from H2 feed stream

Low Energy Electromechanical Method for Removal of Carbon Monoxide from Hydrogen Streams for Fuel Cells

30913 – A method, system and apparatus for efficient removal of carbon monoxide from hydrogen streams utilizing an anode to provide free oxygen to combine with the contaminate which produces carbon dioxide Hydrogen gas has several advantages as a fuel source; it is renewable, produces no pollution, gives good energy output and is common. To fully utilize the potential of hydrogen as an energy... Read More

Schematic diagram of the process and apparatus for the production of hydrogen and carbon from a hydrocarbon feedstock

Produce 99.99% Pure Hydrogen Gas with Reduced CO2 Emissions

30803 – Providing the methods and apparatus for a sustainable process of producing hydrogen gas and elemental carbon with reduced CO emissions, utilizing a carbon based catalyst Currently, hydrogen is used as the main fuel of the space program, and it is now rapidly expanding into new markets such as fuel cell driven automobiles and power generation. A key advantage of hydrogen is the high... Read More

structural model of a CdS/Cd,Zn1_xS:Mn!ZnS core/shell/shell of the present invention

Synthesis of Core/Shell/Shell Quantum Dots with Improved Luminescent and Semi-Conducting Properties

31141 – The technology represents methods for the synthesis of quantum dots with a core/shell/shell structure and compositions which allow one to customize the particles excitation band-gaps. It also provides a variety of semi conducting alloys for creating the core of the quantum dots as well as several metal dopants for the shell. Quantum dots (semiconductor nanoparticles) exhibit both strong... Read More

(a) and (b) show simplified representations of an intrisic and an extrinsic fiber optic based sensor system, respectively, according to an embodiments of the present invention

Ultra-sensitive Detection of Environmental Contaminants and biologically important molecules Using Coated Quantum Dots

30939 – Methods and apparatus for efficiently generating the reagents (quantum dots with a partial and/or fully semi-conducting outer shell for the selective detection of several substances) and the optical system for detecting said substances. The rise of industry has provided humanity with numerous benefits. Unfortunately, harmful byproducts often result from these advancements. For example,... Read More

Simplified schematics of hydrogen production via integrated closed-loop processing oflandfill gas and citrus waste

Produce Hydrogen Fuel from Landfill Gas and Biomass Feedstock

31015 – Methods, systems and apparatus for a closed-loop process utilizing metal catalysts for the clean production of hydrogen gas from landfill gas and biomass. Hydrogen is considered the fuel of the future due to its environmental advantages over conventional fossil fuels. U.S. production of hydrogen generates billions of dollars in sales each year. Current hydrogen production methods make use... Read More

Schematic diagram showing the formation of the CNT filled with Pd-nanoparticles in the arc-discharge in solution method

Super Absorbent Palladium Filled Carbon Nanotubes for the Storage and Detection of Hydrogen Gas

30222 – A one-step arc-discharge in solution method for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes containing metals, such as palladium Hydrogen gas is currently utilized for a variety of industrial, commercial and scientific purposes. In the future the world looks to utilizing this gas as a sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels, but many challenges must be overcome in order to bring hydrogen... Read More

The synthesis of micron sized bimetal catalyst and there uses thereof for safely degrading nitro explosive compounds at the site of contamination

Environmental Remediation of TATP, TNT and RDX Nitro Explosives Utilizing Bimetal Micro Catalysts

31605 – The synthesis of micron sized bimetal catalyst and there uses thereof for safely degrading nitro explosive compounds at the site of contamination Grounds subject to heavy munitions, waste streams leading from industrial facilities and other various sites where nitro explosives, such as TNT and RDX, are utilized become subjected to hazardous levels of contamination from these compounds.... Read More

Side view of a basin and the water table showing the mass balance and the soil 10 zone beneath the bottom of the basin and the water table

Sorption and Filtration Media Mixes and Systems For Passive, Inexpensive Removal and Treatment of Wastewater and Stormwater

31205 – This technology is available for sale and distribution by a UCF licensee, for more information please contact Andrea Adkins. Levels of nitrates, ammonia, and other pollutants in drinking water are strictly enforced by the EPA and must be kept to a minimum. Prolonged exposure and ingestion of nitrate is harmful to infants. High levels of phosphorous in natural water systems such as lakes,... Read More

Block diagram of an exemplary system for detecting and identifying biological pathogens or chemical contaminants

Airborne Contamination Detection via Optical Waveform Matching

31080 – The invention represents a method for the detection of airborne contaminants by means of optical correlation between a known target response and the sample of question. By spectrally shaping a broadband probe source, this technology may selectively test for specific agents over a broadband range of wavelengths. In today’s world, airborne chemicals and biological agents, both innocent and... Read More

A cross sectional depiction of example HIT solar cell, according to an example embodiment

High-Yield Manufacturing of Thin Solar Cells via Reduced-Handling Process

33257 – Thinner wafers are critical for reduced cost and increased efficiency Thin solar cells can offer higher performance and efficiency than standard cells, but the main technical challenge of breakage remains. Compared to standard, thicker counterparts, thin cells as a whole incur more damage when handled during the manufacturing process, thwarting high-yield manufacturing of thin solar cells.... Read More

A schematic view of a hydrogen gas generation device using LiBH4 tablets

Organic Catalyst for Higher Rate of Hydrogen Generation & Efficient Solid-State Storage

31560 – A method for controlling the generation of hydrogen gas from a metal borohydride solution with organic pigment catalysts A comparably priced but more active catalyst in the process to solidify hydrogen that overcomes its significant barrier to automotive adoption is a move toward sustainability, environmental protection, and energy independence. Storing hydrogen safely and efficiently must... Read More

Schematic of a burner. Note the four primary zones of importance: heat exchanger, vaporization zone, mixing chamber, combustion chamber

Enhanced Catalysts & Apparatus for Heat Generation, Internal Combustion Engines, and Thermoelectric Power

32844 – As electronic devices become increasingly complex and widespread, so does the demand for portable electric power generation. Portable electronic devices powered by traditional batteries are limited by their short lifetime, energy capacity, and relatively limited accessibility. Portable generators run on hydrocarbon fuels including kerosene and diesel, overcome the limitations of batteries,... Read More

An example double stage DC/AC inverter system having a series LLC resonant circuit that disclosed variable frequency iteration MPPT may be practiced with

Maximum Power Point Tracking: Direct Frequency Modulation in Resonant Converters

32999 – Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is an essential technique used to harvest photovoltaic (PV) power within various environments. Due to their effectiveness and ease of use, perturb and observe (P&O) algorithms are the most commonly used for MPPT. However, with its fixed perturbation increments, conventional P&O is difficult to balance the tracking speed and oscillation requirements.... Read More

A bandgap energy diagram and a corresponding organic photovoltaic cell structure used in describing the embodiments

A More Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cell with Enhanced Performance

32135 – Although there have been several proposed alternative materials for organic photovoltaic cells, they are comparatively inefficient to silicon-based photovoltaic cells. UCF researchers have developed a new, more effective and efficient way of utilizing organic materials within the organic photovoltaic cell. Specifically, this invention involves an organic photovoltaic material comprised of... Read More

Block diagram representation of an example PV system including a disclosed system controller that implements a disclosed sun tracking algorithm

Increase PV Power Output with Fine-Tuned Solar Tracking

32221 – To capture the most energy possible every day, a photovoltaic (PV) panel must follow the sun through the sky. This movement is complicated by atmospheric scattering from cloud cover, altering the maximum point of power production, and must also account for the sun’s gradually shifting position through seasons. Conventional automation requires sensors to determine the location of the sun, or a... Read More

A schematic cross-sectional view of an alkali metal-cathode solution storage battery

Alkali Metal-Cathode Storage Battery

32639 – This alkali metal-cathode storage battery provides high energy density, eliminating the need for thermal management and solving safety problems with benign copper metal cathode materials. Grid energy storage applications use rechargeable batteries for saving both electric energy for use during peak load periods and power generated from photovoltaic arrays during the day to be used at night.... Read More

Experimental setup schematic of the invention

Perovskite Catalysts for Porous Media in Internal Combustion Engines

32901 – Porous burner technology in internal combustion engines fuels everyday machines including water heaters, gas stoves, boilers, and portable generators, along with turbine combustion chambers and more. Conventional engines have relied on complex control equipment and large devices whose configurations created undesirably large pressure drops across the combustion chambers, compromising ideal... Read More

An illustration of the gain curve exhibited by the power converter shown from results of the present invention

Wide Voltage Input DC-DC Power Converter

32255 – This modified LLC resonant DC-DC converter achieves high power efficiency for wide input voltage applications, which improves the widely used resonant converter topology and maximizes performance for PV panels or any wide voltage converters. There is high demand for DC-DC power conversion across a wide variety of applications including, solar and wind power generation, consumer... Read More

Schematic cross-sectional diagram of a back-to-back parallel tandem organic photovoltaic cell structure in accordance with the embodiments

Tandem Structure for Organic Photovoltaic Solar Cells

32146 – Researchers from UCF have devised a three terminal organic tandem solar cell with aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) material layer as a common cathode, compatible with both rigid and flexible substrates. While organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells offer low cost, light weight, ease of processing, and mechanical flexibility, they are hampered by inefficient charge carrier extraction, very... Read More

The assembled BOD sensor of the present invention

Water Quality Testing in the Palm of Your Hand

30257 – UCF researchers have designed a reliable, easy to manufacture, and inexpensive microfluidic portable water sensor with disposable cartridges—capable of determining microbe growth, chlorine content, purity, or temperature. Microfluidics, or “lab-on-a-chip” technology, is experiencing explosive growth in the fields of chemistry, biology, electronics, and computers. These small devices work... Read More

A schematic diagram showing an exemplary system operable for continuous removal of H2S and sulfur from sour gas, wherein the system provides production of gaseous hydrogen.

Remove Hydrogen Sulfide from Natural Gas, and Gain a Hydrogen Fuel By-product

32358 – Purify natural gas by removing toxic and corrosive hydrogen sulfide, creating usable fuel with methods that also produce valuable hydrogen fuel as a by-product; or cut conventional energy requirements for contaminant removal. Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a common contaminant in natural gas wells, landfill gases, and other industrial operations. Approximately one-third of U.S. natural gas... Read More

Plastic water bottles can be turned into useable liquid fuel

Produce Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuel from Plastic Waste

32450 – Produce high quality petroleum, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, and/or diesel from plastic waste for clean energy production. The increasing use of plastics in packaging, food and beverage containers, flooring, and insulation is causing mounting issues for municipal waste and recycling centers. Some of the common issues with the non-biodegradable plastics are long decomposition periods and... Read More

Setup and thrust stand of the Hybrid Rocket Engine

Safely Solidify Biofuel for Hybrid Rockets

31034 – UCF researchers have developed a low-cost and efficient ethanol-based fuel for hybrid rocket engines. Ethanol is a vital renewable fuel for the future, and when derived from sugar cane, can return 8:1 in energy invested in its recovery. Ethanol has a history of success as rocket fuel, though hybrid rockets require a fuel with sufficient yield strength, holding its shape during the... Read More

Mechanical reactor for the reduction of CO2 to formic acid

Heterogeneous, Metal-Free Hydrogenation Catalyst Reduces Carbon Dioxide and Other Organic Compounds

32872 – Hydrogenation is a versatile chemical process most commonly used in the food industry to convert vegetable oils into solid or semi-solid fats found in products such as margarine. These food products have had health concerns due to the use of nickel catalysts in processing. Heterogeneous FLP catalysts have shown promising usefulness in the catalytic heterogeneous hydrogenation process because... Read More