Purdue part of national team to pioneer energy-efficient buildings
September 1, 2010
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University is part of a research consortium led by Pennsylvania State University to develop technologies for creating more energy-efficient buildings.
Penn State will receive $129 million over the next five years from several federal sources, including the U.S. Department of Energy, to create an "Energy Innovation Hub" at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Purdue will receive $6 million over five years for a portion of the consortium's research to be led by James Braun, a professor of mechanical engineering whose work is based at the university's Ray W. Herrick Laboratories.
The research will involve seven Purdue faculty members in mechanical, architectural and electrical engineering.
A key factor in Purdue's inclusion in the consortium is Herrick's "living laboratory," a working office wing designed with replaceable modular elements related to communications, electronic controls and equipment; moveable walls, doors and windows; a reconfigurable air distribution and lighting system; and instrumentation to monitor systems and occupants.
Research using the living lab will help engineers improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, Braun said.
"Buildings in the United States account for about 70 percent of the country's electricity consumption," he said.
A Penn State news release is available at http://live.psu.edu/story/48016
Writer: Emil Venere, (765) 494-4709, venere@purdue.edu
Sources: James Braun, 765-494-9157, jbraun@purdue.edu
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Public Affairs, 202-586-4940
Penn State media relations, Lisa Powers, 814-865-7517, http://live.psu.edu
More Information
Summer gas prices likely lower than 2012, Purdue economist says
May 24, 2013
Consumers should enjoy a summer driving season without unusually high gasoline prices and probably lower than they were last summer, says a Purdue University agricultural economist.
Read Full StoryInnovation could bring flexible solar cells, transistors, displays
May 23, 2013
Researchers have created a new type of transparent electrode that might find uses in solar cells, flexible displays for computers and consumer electronics and future "optoelectronic" circuits for sensors and information processing. The electrode i
Read Full StoryAngelina Jolie's double mastectomy highlights need for advances in cancer prevention
May 22, 2013
Angelina Jolie's announcement that she underwent a preventive double mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer highlights the need for more cancer prevention options, according to a Purdue University breast-cancer expert.
Read Full Story