|
NREL Research Review is published yearly and describes the Laboratory's accomplishments in science and technology to a wide audience. The purpose is not simply to present the progress being made in the technologies and sciences of renewable energy and energy efficiency, but also to show the promise and value of NREL's R&D to people, industry, the nation, and the world.
The following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.
The 2004 Research Review presents in-depth articles on nanoscience and nanotechnology; the world's most advanced thermal manikin, used for testing automotive ancillary systems and protective clothing; and the potential of wind turbines off the shores of New England.
Feature Story
NREL Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (PDF 3.3 MB)
NREL's research into nanostructures-quantum dots, nanorods, carbon nanotubes, and nanoparticle precursors-portends great potential for renewable energy technologies. This is especially true for efficient, lightweight hydrogen storage and for highly efficient and inexpensive solar cells, both of which could provide economic pathways toward a carbon-free energy economy.
With their Advanced Automotive Manikin (ADAM), NREL researchers have created a tool that will help in the testing and design of ancillary automotive systems, making cars and light trucks more comfortable and energy efficient.
Harvesting the Ocean Wind (PDF 412 KB)
Winds coursing the "deep" waters off the shores of New England could provide that region with 100 MW or more of clean wind-generated electric capacity. NREL engineers are tackling the technical challenges to designing and building deep-water wind turbines.
In other research areas, NREL scientists are the first to achieve negative refraction of light using natural materials, help to develop concepts that will enhance the production of geothermal power, and perfect new ways to measure minority-carrier lifetimes in photovoltaic and semiconductor materials.
Meeting our mission requires an R&D management philosophy that carefully shepards research from inception to the development of technologies that will benefit the nation.
During 2004 one NREL director retires and another assumes the helm, ground is broken for a new research facility, NREL becomes a hydrogen center of excellence, an NREL measurement laboratory receives ISO certification for calibrating reference cells, and a classic journal article co-written by an NREL research fellow is recognized for high citation impact.
Also during 2004, NREL was honored with two R&D 100 Awards, three regional technology transfer awards, a solar energy award, a Secretary of Energy Gold Award, and the naming of a new science society fellow.
|
