Focus: SUSTAINABLE Energy
- Aerial drones can fly longer with solid-oxide fuel cells rather than batteries. USC mechanical engineering professor Ken Reifsnider's research center is optimizing these versatile fuel cells.
- The polymer membrane is considered the "heart" of PEM fuel cells, and USC chemistry professor Brian Benicewicz's lab is improving the membranes for better fuel cell performance.
- Battery-powered Segways run even longer with a hydrogen fuel cell that charges the battery between stops. Chemical engineering professor John Weidner started a company to market the technology developed in his lab.
- Solar panels capture more light and run more efficiently with a film overlay developed by electrical engineering professor Krishna Mandal.
- Cracking the energy in biomass such as agricultural and forest residue is dependent on formulating optimal chemical catalysts: the focus of chemical engineering professor J.R. Regalbuto's lab.
- Nitek Inc. was spawned from the laboratory of electrical engineering professor Asif Khan, and its products include high-power electronic devices used in electric cars, computer power supplies and cell phones.
- Storing renewable energy from wind, solar and tidal power requires sophisticated battery modeling, which chemical engineering professors Ralph White and John Weidner are conducting to speed up the development curve.
- Seniors Erin Fedewa and Nicole Rheinlander are using a grant to help USC holds its first "carbon neutral" sporting event. The goal is to offset carbon emissions from the event by planting trees and replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs.
- Along with living in USC's first LEED-certified residence hall, USC students who make the Green Quad their home engage in a number of sustainable and energy-saving activities.
- A new building under construction for the Darla Moore School of Business is expected to be the most energy efficient on campus and the state's first "net zero," generating as much energy as it uses.
Focus: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
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