Energy, Cleantech & Environmental

Found 48 technologies within Energy, Cleantech & Environmental RSS ATOM

Low-Temperature Catalysts for Effective Reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) Emissions

34359 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida and BASF Corporation have developed a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology that can efficiently remove nitrogen oxide (NO) emissions at temperatures less than 200 degrees Celsius. Nitrogen oxides are major pollutants emitted from internal combustion engines. Examples include gasoline and diesel vehicles and stationary... Read More

Scalable Approach for Fabricating Thermally Stable, Low-Temperature Catalysts

34292 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a low-cost, scalable approach for using any reducible metal oxide or mixed metal oxide materials to fabricate thermally stable, low-temperature catalysts. The UCF invention offers a solution for automakers tasked with meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards. For example, future catalytic systems will need... Read More

As shown in the example, at least a portion of the precious metal (PGM–platinum group metal) encapsulated between the base material and the irreducible metal oxides may be shuttled to the surface of the metal oxide to form stable, catalytically active sites that can resist sintering at high temperatures.

Low-Cost Method for Producing Highly Stable, Active Precious Metal Catalysts

34303 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a novel universal technique for fabricating precious metal catalysts that exhibit both high catalytic activity and excellent thermal stability. UCF’s Reverse Loading and Metal Shuttling Strategy offers a low-cost solution to traditional fabrication methods, such as those that require complex preparation procedures or... Read More

Inexpensive Software Automatically Controls Multiple Existing HVAC Systems in a Building to Minimize Energy Use Without Sacrificing Comfort

34072 – Integrated HVAC Control for Multiple Space Conditioning Systems©: Smart thermostat software for optimizing the use of a building’s different heating and air conditioning systems. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a software system that provides automatic, centralized control of different space conditioning systems in a home or office buildings. For example,... Read More

The UCF liquid metal coating promotes the uniform deposition of lithium ions in a battery cell and prevents dendritic growth. It thus provides a stable solid electrolyte interface for separating the lithium metal anode from the electrolyte.

Low-Cost Lithium Battery Cell Uses a Unique Semi-Liquid Metal Buffer to Prevent Dendrite Growth

34036 – Battery cell’s novel coating stabilizes lithium metal surfaces, enabling the development of next-generation energy storage technologies such as lithium-air and lithium-sulfur batteries. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed an inexpensive battery cell that overcomes the safety hazards, performance problems and capacity loss associated with using lithium metal as... Read More

Catalyzed biomass mechanochemical conversion process with example reaction products and potential commercial applications.

Solid Acid Catalyzed Hydrolysis Technology Offers A Non-Toxic Path to Producing Biofuels and Specialty Chemicals From Biomass Feedstock

31649 – New mechanocatalytic process breaks down biomass, including lignin, into sugars or other specialty chemicals via a non-toxic path. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed technologies that provide a more efficient and inexpensive method to produce biofuels and specialty chemicals like vanillin or syrinealdehyde. The hydrolysis technology enables companies, such as... Read More

Weather-Responsive Smart Ventilation System Using Multiple Parameters

33948 – New whole-house mechanical ventilation controls enhance HVAC systems to provide homeowners with added energy savings and indoor air comfort UCF researchers have developed a smart ventilation system that can be used with new or existing residential heating and cooling systems to improve indoor air quality, reduce costs and save energy. Most ventilation control systems are simplistic, using... Read More

Figure 1. Example of a flexible solar cell fabricated using the new UCF light trapping invention.

Omnidirectional, Polarization-Independent, All-Dielectric Light Trapping Scheme

33979 – Novel biomimetic design approach enables manufacturers to cost-effectively produce ultrathin, flexible, durable solar cells that capture the most energy from daylight as it strikes from multiple directions. UCF researchers have developed a novel architecture and process for producing low-cost, ultrathin, flexible and durable solar cells that can be easily fabricated using roll-to-roll... Read More

Hot Water Tank Insulation System Can Reduce Heat Loss by 20-30 Percent

33887 – Inexpensive, easy-to-install FlexCap insulation system enables consumers to save energy and lower hot water heating costs UCF researchers have invented an insulation system that can reduce a hot water tank’s heat loss by as much as 30 percent. Based on testing performed by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a hot water tank can lose a significant amount of heat through its top... Read More

The new UCF AMTS/NMTS System safely removes PCB-contaminated building materials and leaves structures intact.

New Formulation for Removing PCB-Contaminated Materials

33844 – Safe, Odor-Neutral Paste Removes Toxins from Paint and Concrete While Leaving Structures Intact A UCF researcher has developed a new formulation for remediating halogenated compounds, such as toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), that maintains a paste structure without requiring a covering or sealant and excludes offensive odor materials. This new formulation still maintains an... Read More

Example of the solar-powered “Anywhere Fan.”

Solar-Powered Portable Fan Generates Greater Airflow while Saving Energy

30736 – Low-cost, portable, solar-powered “Anywhere Fan” enables disaster relief teams to cool and ventilate homes during power outages caused by natural disasters. A UCF researcher has invented a portable, solar-powered fan that requires less power than existing personal and ventilation fans and generates about 30 percent more airflow. Besides being energy-efficient, the new “Anywhere Fan” is... Read More

As shown in the example, the PV-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater system has a residential compressor-refrigerant-based storage type water heating system with (A) PV modules and microinverters, (B) a programmable smart controller, and (C) a resistance heating circuitry that allows the resistance heater to work with varying levels of electrical power.

Photovoltaic-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater Integrates Use of Solar and Conventional Energy Sources

33803 – Energy-Saving System Provides Steady, Reliable Supply of Hot Water by Dynamically Switching Between Solar Energy and Electricity from a Power Grid UCF researchers have developed a heat pump water heater (HPWH) system that enables homes and businesses to maintain a steady supply of hot water while optimizing energy usage from both solar panels and conventional power sources. Cost-efficient... Read More

Polymer-Derived Ceramic Composite Heat Exchangers for Power Plants

33747 – Innovative, scalable ceramic-based recuperator system enables Brayton cycle turbines to boost energy production in traditional and S-CO power plants UCF researchers have invented a revolutionary way for existing fossil fuel-fired power plants to significantly reduce their maintenance costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce even more electricity in the process. By simply... Read More

Illustration of the invention’s one-body array of 1D/2D core/shell nanowires. As illustrated, the nanowires are directly integrated on metal current collectors.

Core/Shell Nanowires for High-Performance Flexible Supercapacitors

33802 – Hybrid material offers supercapacitor with unprecedented energy storage, cycle life, strength, and flexibility for next-generation cell phones, displays and wearables UCF researchers have invented novel materials that enable next-generation supercapacitors to outperform current state-of-the-art energy storage technologies, including lithium thin-film batteries, porous graphene,... Read More

Figure 1. Example of new architecture devices manufactured using the Laser-Assisted Manufacturing Process Using Microfluidic Suspensions and Dry Powders. The basic Intermediate Band Solar Cell design shows the nanostructural feature of the barrier layer with Si nanodots embedded in 3C-SiC (not to scale).

Laser-Assisted Microfluidics Technology for Additive Manufacturing

33718 – New low-cost manufacturing process produces high-performing intermediate band solar cells. UCF researchers have invented a novel additive manufacturing system and methods for thin film fabrication specifically useful in fabricating higher performance solar photovoltaic (PV) cells at a fraction of the cost of traditional PV cell manufacturing methods. Today’s commercial solar cells are... Read More

Synchronous DC Link Voltage Control System Lowers the Cost of Solar Microinverters While Improving Reliability and Power Density

33719 – New microinverter controller quickly and accurately prevents voltage ripple and harmonic distortion in solar energy conversion without needing high value film or electrolytic capacitors UCF researchers have invented a robust DC link voltage control system that improves the performance, reliability and power density of two-stage microinverters used in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy... Read More

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

The trailer-based, diesel motor powered hot water apparatus

Eco-friendly, Scalable Device Kills and Controls Fire Ants and other Ground-dwelling Insects

33225 – Fire ants are an ecological and financial problem in the worldwide. These pests upset and destroy natural ecosystems, are considered a public health threat, and have detrimental economic effects in agriculture (e.g., large mounds damage machinery), ranching (e.g., the loss of newborn livestock), and recreation and tourism (e.g., the loss of game birds as well as rendering park and resort... Read More

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) Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed two novel devices: Cross-type automatic pulse tracer velocimeter (Cross-type APTV) and Arc-type automatic pulse tracer velocimeter (Arc-type APTV). The devices assist in the measurement of velocity and direction of water in both wells and wetland... Read More

SEM images of superhydrophobic coatings on glass substrates. a) and b) coatings without ceria nanoparticles. c) and d) coatings with ceria nanoparticles

Water-Based Coating Provides Superior Water and Dust Resistance

33012 – Water and dust buildup on a variety of surfaces, such as decks, pillars, ceiling fans, refrigerator cooling coils, and blinds, can cause many problems including reduced performance and life, as well as increased maintenance cost. Dust resistant and moisture resistant coated mechanical components can reduce energy consumption via aerodynamic drag reduction during operation—in particular,... 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

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 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 – New technology provides a sustainable process of producing hydrogen gas and elemental carbon with reduced CO emissions, using a carbon based catalyst UCF researchers have developed a new method for carbon-catalyzed production of hydrogen with reduced CO emission. Currently, hydrogen is used as the main fuel of the space program, and it is now rapidly expanding into new markets such as fuel... 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

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... 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

Display of a method of preparing a carbon fiber from a fiber component

An Environmentally Friendly Approach to Cost-Effectively Produce Oxidized Graphite and Prepare Carbon Fiber

32747 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida (UCF) have developed a scalable, environmentally friendly method to produce oxidized graphite. UCF’s oxidized graphite is water dispersible, which aids in the preparation of thin films, carbon fibers, and carbon nanotubes; has resistivities ranging from 50-8,000 Ω/cm2; and, most importantly, allows for easy conversion to graphene. Oxidized... 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

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