Skip Navigation

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research

Research, Education and Outreach

NCESR Research Grant Program

2006/07 Energy Research Grants

NCESR. The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research (NCESR), a collaboration between the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), was established in April 2006 to conduct research on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and energy conservation; and to expand economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Nebraska and the nation.

More background information

The 2006/07 Energy Research Grants selected include (in no particular order):

    Category 1a: Bioenergy Conversion Processes -- genomics, biochemistry, catalytic chemistry

  1. Ethanol as an Energy Source and Terminal Reductant: Exploitation of Thermophilic Redox Enzymes in Catalyst Development and Screening
    Principal Investigator: David Berkowitz, Chemistry
    Co-Investigator(s): Paul Blum, School of Biological Sciences

    Slides
    Abstract

    2. Category 1b: Bioenergy Conversion Processes -- chemical and industrial engineering

  2. Improving Ethanol Production Efficiency: Optimization of Corn-based Feedstock Energy Conversions
    Principal Investigator: David Jackson, Food Science & Technology
    Co-Investigator(s): Wajira S. Ratnayake, Food Science & Technology, Rolando A. Flores, Food Science & Technology, Galen Erickson, Animal Science

    Slides
    Abstract
  3. Ethanol: Utilization of By-Products
    Principal Investigator: Hossein Noureddini, Chemistry & Biomolecular Engineering

    Slides
    Abstract

  4. Technical and Economical Analyses of Combined Heat and Power Generation for Distillers Grains
    Principal Investigator: Lijun Wang, Biological Systems Engineering
    Co-Investigator(s): Milford A. Hanna, Biological Systems Engineering, Curtis L. Weller, Biological Systems Engineering, David D. Jones, Biological Systems Engineering

    Abstract

    5. Category 2: Physics; electrical, mechanical engineering

  5. A Prototype Series Hybrid Drive Train Using New Permanent Magnet Electric Machine Designs
    Principal Investigator: Dean J. Patterson, Electrical Engineering - visiting professor
    Co-Investigator(s): Jerry L. Hudgins, Electrical Engineering

    Slides
    Abstract

  6. Rapid Screening Micro Fuel Cells for Portable Electronics
    Principal Investigator: Li Tan, Engineering Mechanics
    Co-Investigator(s): Zhaoyan Zhang, Mechanical Engineering

    Slides
    Abstract

  7. Magnetic Nanostructures for Energy-Efficient Cooling
    Principal Investigator: Christian Binek, Physics & Astronomy
    Co-Investigator(s): Ralph Skomski, Nebraska Center for Materials & Nanoscience, David J. Sellmyer, Physics & Astronomy

    Abstract

  8. Flow Measurement of Power Plant Water Resources and Discharges Using Thermal Imaging
    Principal Investigator: David M. Admiraal, Civil Engineering
    Co-Investigator(s): John Stansbury, Civil Engineering - Omaha, David Rundquist, School of Natural Resources, Dennis Alexander, Electrical Engineering, Junke Guo, Civil Engineering - Omaha

    Slides
    Abstract

  9. Hydrogen Production and Storage Using Wind and Nuclear Sources
    Principal Investigator: Jerry L. Hudgins, Electrical Engineering
    Co-Investigator(s): Sohrab Asgarpoo, Electrical Engineering, Dean Patterson, Electrical Engineering

    Slides
    Abstract

    10. Category 3: Architecture; architectural engineering

  10. Development, Implementation and Deployment of Smart Building Energy Systems Monitoring, Controls and Diagnostics Using a Wireless Sensor Network for Energy Efficiency and Conservation
    Principal Investigator: Haorong Li, Architectural Engineering - Omaha
    Co-Investigator(s): Song Ci, Computer & Electronics Engineering - Omaha, Hamid Sharif, Computer & Electronics Engineering - Omaha

    Slides
    Abstract

    11. Category 4: Agriculture, agronomy, animal science, agriculture meteorology

  11. Exploiting the Synergy between Ethanol and Distillers Grains
    Principal Investigator: Galen Erickson, Animal Science
    Co-Investigator(s): Terry Klopfenstein, Animal Science

    Slides
    Abstract

  12. Coupling Field Demonstrations and Simulation Model to Increase Energy and Crop Water Use Efficiency for Corn Production
    Principal Investigator: Suat Irmak, Biological Systems Engineering
    Co-Investigator(s): Haishun Yang, Agronomy & Horticulture, Achim Dobermann, Agronomy & Horticulture, Daniel Walters, Agronomy & Horticulture

    Slides
    Abstract

  13. Dried Distillers Grains as a Source of Supplemental Energy and Protein for Developing Replacement Heifers
    Principal Investigator: Rick N. Funston, West Central Research and Extension Center
    Co-Investigator(s): Andrea S. Cupp, Animal Science, Rick J. Rasby, Animal Science

    Slides
    Abstract

    14. Category 5: Economics, policy feasibility studies

  14. An Economic Analysis of Enterprise Options for the Bio-based Economy Initiative in Central and North Central Nebraska
    Principal Investigator: Alan E. Baquet, Agricultural Economics

    Abstract