| New lab dedicated after multiple biofuel breakthroughs | 
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| Written by Chris Hunt, The Shorthorn staff | ||||||
| Monday, 22 February 2010 09:06 PM | ||||||
 
Congressman Joe Barton and mechanical engineering
graduate student Rachaneewan Charoenwat fill a tank with biodiesel fuel
produced in the new lab outside Science Hall on Friday afternoon.
Congressman Barton set aside 2.4 million dollars to fund the new
mechanical engineering lab. (The Shorthorn: Aisha Butt) The Center for Renewable Energy Science and Technology received a new lab in Science Hall on Friday for its continuously successful research in capturing clean, efficient energy from sources found in the U.S. With oversized scissors on standby, Ron Elsenbaumer, research and federal relations vice president, finished his speech to a room full of scientists, engineers, deans and professors, concluding Engineers Week. “Let’s cut this ribbon and unlock the innovations that will take place right here in this laboratory,” he said. Krishnan Rajeshwar, Science associate dean and CREST co-director, said it’s all about working toward a common goal — environmentally friendly and renewable energy. “We’re generating hydrogen from this lignite coal through electrolysis,” he said. Combustion, which is the burning of a fuel to extract energy, emits carbon into the atmosphere. Hydrogen exhaust is pure water vapor and produces no harmful carbon emissions. Mechanical engineering junior Jon Daniels said it’s important to look into all fuels and not just one. “The way of the future is shown here in the variety of fuels we’re looking at,” he said. Wei Han, mechanical and aerospace engineering graduate student, demonstrated how a micro-reactor captures carbon dioxide for alternative energy production. She will be working in the new lab. “It’s a good place,” she said. “It’s a good start.” The collaboration between the College of Science and The College of Engineering accelerated CREST’s success, said Paul Bakke, Department of Energy representative. “Believe it or not, two brains are better than one,” he said. U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Arlington, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to congratulate CREST, along with the two colleges on their collective efforts and results. 
Mechanical engineering graduate student Rachaneewan
Charoenwat shows how the biodiesel microreactor works to the director of
Center For Innovation Sergio Bento in in the new lab in Science Hall on
Friday afternoon. The Center For Innovation provides assistance to
researchers in the field of mechanical engineering. (The Shorthorn: Aisha
Butt) “I can’t tell you what a privilege it is to have a research university in my district,” he said. Engineering Dean Bill Carroll said Barton was instrumental in making the new lab possible. Carroll said Rick Billo, College of Engineering associate dean for research and CREST co-director, showed Barton some of UTA’s biofuel program achievements several years ago. In the past two years, Barton has helped secure more than $2.4 million in appropriations for CREST research. “Congressman Barton challenged Dr. Billo to come up with a fuel made of lignite coal, which is plentiful in Texas,” Carroll said. “I’m happy to say that we’ve met that challenge.” Still, Barton said there are a number of universities researching similar technology. “UTA’s approach appears to be the most cost effective,” he said. “This makes it one of the most likely candidates for commercialization.” He said commercialization would make the university a formidable competitor for grants from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy. Related storiesPhysics assistant professor awarded $462,000 grant for weather researchFebruary 4, 2010 Views: 219 | E-mail
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