Research Partners within Penn State The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences The EMS Energy Institute is a research unit within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) and provides space, facilities, and technical, analytical, and administrative support for faculty and students –undergraduate and graduate – from several EMS departments to conduct a variety of research related to energy. The EMS Energy Institute also provides the opportunity for the faculty and students to collaborate with researchers from other departments and colleges.
The Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering There is a unique relationship between the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) and the EMS Energy Institute with several EME faculty holding joint appointments with the EMS Energy Institute. EME and the EMS Energy Institute faculty work closely to develop and execute a wide array of energy-based research and educational programs.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering EMS Energy Institute researchers also collaborate with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE). Research activities include, coal structure, coal converstion, corrosion/erosion studies, fuel cell material development, and nanoscience.
The Department of Geosciences Some of the EMS Energy Institute’s ongoing research is being conducted by faculty and students from the Department of Geosciences. Activities include exploration and extraction of petroleum and natural gas, rock mechanics, and groundwater hydrology.
The College of Engineering Faculty and students from the College of Engineering also conduct research and collaborate on projects within the EMS Energy Institute.
The Department of Chemical Engineering The EMS Energy Institute works closely with the Department of Chemical Engineering on research projects related to catalysis, biofuels and photovoltaics.
The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering EMS Energy Institute faculty and staff also collaborate with researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. Activities include studies on fundamental heat transfer, fluidized-bed combustion, advanced power generation, fuel cells and internal combustion engine performance.
The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering has joint administration with The Colleges of Agriculture and Engineering. The EMS Energy Institute collaborates with the department on research relating to bioenergy.
Propulsion Engineering Research Center Some of the faculty and students affiliated with the EMS Energy Institute also collaborate on research within the Propulsion Engineering Research Center (PERC). PERC, which was established with the support and guidance of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), conducts fundamental research on a diverse set of propulsion-related problems. Faculty and students collaborating with the EMS Energy Institute conduct research in the areas of gas turbines, diesel engines, internal combustion engines, and performance of coal-derived jet fuels in military applications.
Summer 2009
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