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1 Bethel Valley Road
Mail Stop 6196
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6196
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Laboratory Representative
Tech Transfer Website:
Tech Transfer Office WebsiteDescription
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the Department of Energy's largest science and energy laboratory. Managed since April 2000 by a partnership of the University of Tennessee and Battelle, ORNL was established in 1943 as a part of the secret Manhattan Project to pioneer a method for producing and separating plutonium. During the 1950s and 1960s, ORNL was an international center for the study of nuclear energy and related research in the physical and life sciences. The creation of the Department of Energy in the 1970s led to an expansion of ORNL's research program into areas of energy production, transmission, and conservation. By the turn of the century, the laboratory supported the nation with a peacetime mission that was just as important, but very different, from the days of the Manhattan Project.
ORNL has a staff of more than 3,800 and approximately 3,000 guest researchers who spend two weeks or longer each year in Oak Ridge. ORNL funding for FY2003 exceeded $1 billion for the first time. UT-Battelle provides more than $1.25 million annually in support of math and science education, economic development and other projects in the greater Oak Ridge region.
ORNL is in the midst of a $300 million plan to provide a modern campus for the next generation of great science. A unique combination of federal, state and private funds is building eleven new facilities. Included in these new facilities will be the Functional Genomics Center, the Center for Nanophase Materials Science, the Advance Materials Characterization Laboratory, and the Joint Institute for Computational Science.
With the world's highest flux reactor-based neutron source (the High Flux Isotope Reactor) and the world's most intense pulsed accelerator-based neutron source (the Spallation Neutron Source), ORNL provides neutron scattering capabilities unavailable anywhere else in the world.
Mission
ORNL's mission is to deliver scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs that will accelerate the development and deployment of solutions in clean energy and global security, and in doing so create economic opportunity for the nation.
Technology Disciplines
Displaying 1 - 10 of 21
Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Climate Research (ARM)
P: 301.903.0043E: wanda.ferrell@science.doe.govSecurity Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0
Lab Reps:
Wanda Ferrell
With heavily instrumented field sites around the globe, the ARM Climate Research Facility provides the world's most comprehensive outdoor laboratory and data archive for research related to atmospheric processes that affect Earth's climate system. The ARM Facility provides continuous data collections from fixed locations as well as sponsoring mobile and aerial facility deployments in under-sampled regions. ARM hosts on average more than 40 field campaigns a year and has over 6000 registered users at the ARM Data Archive from nearly every state and from more than 30 countries. Data from ARM are cited in approximately 200 journal articles per year. Nine U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories share the responsibility of managing and operating the facility in support of the DOE mission to provide for the energy security of the nation.
Building Technologies Research and Integration Center (BTRIC)
Address:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge
Region:
Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 Lab Reps:
Andre Desjarlais
The Building Technologies Research and Integration Center (BTRIC), in the Energy and Transportation Science Division (ETSD) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), focuses on research and development of new building technologies, whole-building and community integration, improved energy management in buildings and industrial facilities during their operational phase, and market transformations from old to new in all of these areas. A permanent staff of about 80, supplemented by student interns and post-graduates, is focused on building energy efficiency. The experimental facilities associated with BTRIC have been recognized and designated by DOE as a "National User Facility" for more than two decades. Often private sector laboratories are not available to conduct the tests and experiments possible using the BTRIC user facilities. In these cases, the facilities at ORNL can be accessed by the private sector, universities, and others by entering into a user agreement. Such agreements can be proprietary or non-proprietary, and are generally conducted on a full cost recovery basis. In most cases the user provides the test specimens (the materials or walls or roofs) and ORNL staff operates the apparatus, takes the data, and documents the results. Scheduling of user tests must not interfere with the core DOE-sponsored research ORNL is conducting using these same experimental facilities. Almost all of the buildings-related research conducted by ORNL is done in collaboration with industry partners through cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) or Work for Others (WFO) arrangements. Access to user facilities is a two-fold process. Prospective users submit research proposals directly to the facility of interest. Acceptance of proposals depends on scientific merit, suitability of the facility for the project, selection of a collaborator, and appropriateness of the work to DOE objectives. Concurrently, a contractual agreement is executed between ORNL and the user institution. This User Facility Agreement, which can be either proprietary or nonproprietary, stipulates the terms and conditions (including disposition of intellectual property) for the project. Some facilities are available for nonproprietary research at no cost, while some facilities must recoup the actual costs incurred for staff and equipment time. More information can be found on ORNL's Partnerships Directorate website .
Expertise
R&D Capabilities: Efficiency improvement - Technology development for heating, cooling, water heating, and refrigeration equipment; building thermal envelopes; existing building retrofit research; weatherization; CHP; residential and commercial appliances Testing - Testing of energy-efficient...
Carbon Fiber Technology Facility (CFTF)
Address:
1 Bethel Valley Rd
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
United StatesRegion:
P: 865-241-4218E: manufacturing@ornl.gov Security Clearance : Non Security Lab Functionally within the MDF, ORNL operates DOE’s unique Carbon Fiber Technology Facility (CFTF)—a 42,000 ft2 innovative technology facility and works with leading companies to overcome commercialization and manufacturing barriers and realize the strength and energy saving benefits of these new...
Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS)
Address:
Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences Oak Ridge National Laboratory P.O. Box 2008
Oak Ridge
Region:
P: (865) 576-2858E: cnmsuser@ornl.gov Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 The Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is one of five nanoscience research centers (NSRCs) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Scientific User Facilities Division. It provides a diverse user community - predominantly in the US but also internationally - with access to state-of-the-art nanoscience research capabilities, expertise, and equipment. The scientists at the CNMS also drive a world class science program with emphasis in theory and simulation, nanofab¬rication, macromolecular synthesis and characterization, and understanding of structure, dynamics and functionality in nanostructured materials using scanning probe microscopy, neutron scattering, optical spectroscopy, and soft-matter electron and helium ion microscopy. The CNMS annually hosts more than 400 unique users who respond to its biannual proposal calls. The vibrant and growing CNMS user community conducts research addressing a vast array of science and technology questions, drawing on support from an equally broad array of funding agencies. Members of the community represent academia, national laboratories, international institutions and industry.
Expertise
Capabilities: Macromolecular Nanomaterials Functional Hybrid Nanostructures Chemical Functionality Imaging Functionality Nanomaterials Theory Institute Nanofabrication Research Laboratory
Center for Structural Molecular Biology (CSMB)
Address:
1 Bethel Valley Rd
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
United StatesRegion:
P: 865-576-0666E: langanpa@ornl.govSecurity Clearance : Non Security Lab [Part of the High Flux Isotope Reactor user facility.] ORNL's CSMB is dedicated to developing instrumentation and methods for determining the 3-dimensional structures of proteins, nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) and their higher order complexes. The tools of the CSMB help understand how these...
Climate Change Science Institute (CCSI) Field Research Sites
Address:
1 Bethel Valley Rd
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
United StatesRegion:
P: 865-574-5767E: fellowsjd@ornl.govSecurity Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 ORNL's CCSI is a multidisciplinary research center established to advance knowledge of the Earth system, describe the consequences of climate change, and evaluate and inform policy response to climate change. CCSI includes three Field Research Sites. 1) SPRUCE, with a field site in northern Minnesota, is an experiment to assess the response of northern peatland ecosystems to increases in temperature and exposures to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. SPRUCE science questions are focused on terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycles and the mechanisms that underlie their responses to climatic change. 2) Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments in the Arctic (NGEE Arctic), with a field site in Barrow, Alaska, advances understanding of how complex systems will respond to a changing climate and how underlying processes can be represented in climate models. 3) At Walker Branch Watershed on the DOE Oak Ridge Reservation, long-term ecological, hydrological, and biogeochemical research has been conducted since the late 1960s on this well-characterized 100-ha area. Opportunities are provided for independently funded researchers to address their own science questions at these three field sites.
CSMB | Center For Structural Molecular Biology
Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0
The Center for Structural Molecular Biology at ORNL is dedicated to developing instrumentation and methods for determining the 3-dimensional structures of proteins, nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) and their higher order complexes. The tools of the CSMB will help understand how these macromolecular systems are formed and how they interact with other systems in living cells. The focus of the CSMB is to bridge the information gap between cellular function and the molecular mechanisms that drive it. The suite of tools being developed by the CSMB includes: Bio-SANS , a Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) facility for biological samples, has been completed at the ORNL High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). The CSMB is also closely aligned with researchers at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). Isotope Labeling Laboratories for cloning, gene expression, purification and characterization of labeled biological macromolecules are planned; our Bio-Deuteration Lab is currently operational and accepting proposals. Computational Techniques have been developed for the study of macromolecular complexes by SANS. Combined with selective Deuterium-labeling, it is now possible to develop detailed structural models that will enable the understanding of function. Another computation technique developed for the study of calculates solution small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering intensity profiles by ORNL-SAS. This makes it possible to develop from a wide variety of structures, including atomicresolution models of proteins and protein complexes, low-resolution models defined in any manner, or combinations of both. Neutron diffraction, spectroscopy and scattering are excellent tools for studying biological systems because neutrons interact differently with hydrogen and its isotope deuterium. As a result, it is possible to: pinpoint individual hydrogen positions in proteins probe the structure and dynamics of proteins, nucleic acids and membranes characterize higher order complexes These studies use neutrons to address questions that have not - or cannot - be answered by other techniques. SANS can be used to study biological systems under near physiological conditions, providing insight into interactions within complexes and conformational changes in response to stimuli. Through the use of specific deuterium labeling SANS makes it possible to highlight and map components within larger complexes (e.g. viruses, ribosome). The SANS instruments at ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source will open new opportunities for studying conformational changes and molecular processes on biologically relevant timescales. The CSMB welcomes interest from researchers from a wide variety of scientific disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Computational Sciences.
High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)
Address:
1 Bethel Valley Rd
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
United StatesRegion:
P: 865-574-2966E: edwardslm@ornl.govSecurity Clearance : Non Security Lab The HFIR at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a light-water cooled and moderated reactor that is the United States’ highest flux reactor-based neutron source. HFIR operates at 85 megawatts to provide state-of-the-art facilities for neutron scattering, materials irradiation, and neutron activation...
High Temperature Materials Laboratory (HTML)
Address:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory P.O. Box 2008, MS 6062
Oak Ridge
Region:
P: (865) 574-5123Security Clearance : Non Security LabSquare Footage: 0 Lab Reps:
Edgar Lara-Curzio
The six user centers in the High Temperature Materials Laboratory (HTML), a DOE User Facility, are dedicated to solving materials problems that limit the efficiency and reliability of systems for power generation and energy conversion, distribution, storage and use. The HTML user program provides researchers from U.S. industries, universities, and federal laboratories with access to expert staff and to sophisticated, often one-of-a-kind High Temperature Materials Laboratoryinstruments for materials characterization.
Irradiated Fuels Examination Laboratory (IFEL)
Address:
1 Bethel Valley Rd
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
United StatesRegion:
P: 865-574-5280E: parkscv@ornl.govSecurity Clearance : Non Security Lab The IFEL was designed for metallurgical and metallographic studies of irradiated fuels for power and test reactors. The IFEL is also capable of post-irradiation examination (PIE) of test loops and other reactor components. Other programs conducted at the IFEL in the past include the examination of...
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DOE Industry Partnerships Lead to Widespread Adoption of Efficient Commercial Air Conditioners
Commercial air conditioners, often referred to as rooftop units (RTUs), are commonly used across commercial building sectors such as schools, restaurants, big-box retailers, and small office buildings. These heating, ventilation and air conditioning units condition almost half of all U.S. commercial floor space. But commonly they are old and inefficient, wasting anywhere from $900 to $3,700 per unit annually.
To take advantage of this energy and cost savings opportunity, the Department of Energy (DOE) partnered with manufacturers and businesses to launch a multi-faceted program that has transformed an entire market—from a time not long ago, when zero high-efficiency RTUs were commercially available, to a historic standard that ensures all businesses will have access to energy-saving RTUs. Learn about the process step-by-step below.
Step 1: Challenge Manufacturers to Develop Innovative, Efficient Rooftop Units
DOE convened building operators and manufacturers to lay out a high-efficiency performance specification, initiating the High-Performance Rooftop Unit Challenge to produce units that would cut energy use by up to 50% compared to the existing standard. DOE issued a supporting announcement documenting Better Buildings Alliance members’ interest in high-efficiency RTUs that met the specification. Based on the illustrated market demand for these units, manufacturers quickly responded to the challenge. Daikin’s Rebel and Carrier’s WeatherExpert rooftop unit systems became the first to meet the challenge. Today, manufacturers are offering more than 20 RTU models that exceed this specification.
Step 2: Prove New Technologies Work in Real-World Settings
However, many businesses were still hesitant to adopt this new technology without more information on how the technology performed in real-world situations, beyond manufacturer’s data sheets and laboratory testing. Throughout 2013 and 2014, DOE supported third-party verification of performance for the winning units in partnership with building owners/operators and other federal agencies, measuring and sharing their performance. These demonstrations proved that the high-efficiency units save significant energy in a real-world setting, reducing the risk for owners to adopt them.
Step 3: Encourage Widespread Adoption through Industry Partnerships
To stimulate broader savings, DOE initiated the Advanced RTU Campaign in partnership with ASHRAE and the Retail Industry Leaders Association, to spur widespread adoption. Through the Campaign, more than 200 public- and private-sector organizations have upgraded more than 43,000 rooftop units. To date, these upgrades have saved businesses and organizations a combined $37 million annually on their energy bills, while cutting carbon pollution by 356 million pounds. The Campaign recently set a new goal to upgrade 75,000 total RTUs.
Building owners can either commit to replace their old RTUs with more efficient units, or retrofit them with advanced controls, depending on which option makes best financial sense. DOE provides recognition for best practices — along with a peer-to-peer network, validated data on energy savings, and access to technical assistance — awarding those businesses for taking advantage of promising, verified energy savings solutions.
Step 4: Lock In Massive Energy Savings with Historic Efficiency Standard
The success of the Campaign and the Challenge motivated DOE to investigate issuing new standards for commercial RTUs that would set the minimum efficiency level. DOE used its consensus rulemaking process to bring together industry, utilities, and environmental groups in forming the new standard. In December 2015, DOE announced the final standard, which will save more energy than any other standard issued by DOE to date. Over the lifetime of the products, businesses will save $167 billion on their utility bills and carbon pollution will be reduced by 885 million metric tons.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.
Image courtesy of Daikin.