Welcome
Providing abundant, cheap, renewable energy for homes, businesses and other end users is a global, conservation imperative that requires innovative research strategies across disciplines. Next generation renewable energy and energy conservation solutions are needed to address complex scientific, technological, environmental, and societal problems. The Renewable Energy and Conservation (REAC) research cluster combines expertise in materials science, mechanical and energy engineering, electrical engineering, engineering technology and other physical and social science fields to conduct research in three thrust areas: Distributed Renewable Power Generation, Smart Grid Transmission, and Building Energy Conservation. A focus in these niche areas capitalizes on existing UNT strengths and primes the cluster to strategically expand its base of expertise and funding.
From device development to system modeling and validation, REAC serves as a research pipeline for diverse energy and conservation projects, including affordable photovoltaic systems and wider utilization of wind power; cost effective, high energy efficient building products; and key grid-tie solutions for wide penetration of distributed renewable energy. The goal of the REAC cluster is to form key research teams in a few critical areas that will impact the regional, national and international renewable energy research landscape and spur rapid technology transformation. UNT has a considerable investment in growing research across the university, and the resources available to REAC scientists and engineers are no exception. Access to cutting-edge micro/nano fabrication instruments, clean rooms, a zero energy house as a living lab, research laboratories and distinguished faculty give REAC researchers a distinct advantage in advancing research. By leveraging existing resources and adding critical new talent to its foundation within a multi-disciplinary framework, REAC aims to distinguish itself as a leader in sustainable energy research.
Latest News
UNT to build Zero Energy Research Laboratory
The University of North Texas is leading the charge to produce a quality green-collar workforce by building a state-of-the-art Zero Energy Research Laboratory, where students and faculty will get first-hand experience with sustainable energy technologies of tomorrow.
The facility is designed to test emerging technologies that allow building systems to have a net-zero consumption of energy, and once completed will be the first of its kind in the United States. The UNT Board of Regents approved the facility on June 17 (Friday), and construction on the lab is slated to begin in July at UNT's Discovery Park, a 300-acre research campus.
The 1,200 square-foot structure is expected to be completed in early 2012. The building will include a main utility core, a bathroom with a shower, a small kitchen with a refrigerator and an open flexible laboratory space for research. Initially, the facility will be powered by solar energy and will be expanded to include other alternative energy sources such as wind to allow a wide range of zero-energy building research.
UNT Professor Recognized with ASME North Texas Section Young Engineer of the Year
Dr. Aleksadra Fortier, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering and researcher with the UNT Renewable Energy and Conservation research cluster, is being honored for her achievements with the 2010-11 ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) North Texas Section Young Engineer of the Year. The Young Engineer of the Year Award recognizes the recipient’s accomplishments and potential as a mechanical engineer with less than 10 years of work experience, with emphasis on service to the North Texas Section and participation in ASME activities.
“To win the ASME NTS – Young Engineer of the Year Award is a special thrill to me as it was the first time that I have been recognized by a community beyond the work place. It means that my hard work and dedication has been recognized by the engineering community and that is particularly special to me,” Dr. Fortier said. Read more