Algal Biofuels
PNNL is investigating growth and productivity conditions for multiple algae strains that show promise for conversion to biofuels that power transportation.
ShAPE
Typically, metal extrusion involves the use of external heat to soften or homogenize the feedstock before it is pressed through the die. By contrast, the patented, R&D 100 award–winning ShAPE technique involves the use of a shearing action at the face of the billet to locally heat and plasticize the feedstock material before it is pressed through a shaping die. ShAPE—which is capable of both direct and indirect extrusion—imparts significantly more deformation into the material than does conventional extrusion, offering a number of unique advantages.
Smart Advanced Manufacturing
PNNL—with a rich, successful history of materials research and development—is delving deeper into the world of materials manufacturing. Solid Phase Processing, or SPP, is an emerging approach to producing a wide range of metal and multi-material products that has the potential to decrease the energy intensity of manufacturing and deliver higher-performing components, all at a lower cost.
Vehicle Grid Integration
We are modeling and analyzing the effects of electric vehicles on the electric grid, determining grid controls for managing this additional electrical demand, and developing processes and technologies integrate the vehicle-grid realm.
Lightweight Materials
PNNL is investigating materials such as magnesium and aluminum alloys, composites, and carbon fiber to reduce vehicle weight.
Aviation Biofuels
PNNL partners with industry to develop high-quality jet fuel from ethanol that helps power commercial aviation.
Friction Stir
Friction stir techniques involve the use of a spinning tool to generate intense levels of deformation and heat, transforming or joining the target material(s). For instance, the tool could be traversed across metal sheets along a joint line, causing the metals to physically mix together to be precisely joined without the use of rivets and fasteners (friction stir welding). Alternatively, the tool could be translated across the surface of a material, creating a modified region with superior properties (friction stir processing). Friction stir techniques can join dissimilar materials that cannot be joined by other methods, enabling the production of next-generation products—and they also require less energy than conventional methods, reducing costs.
Cold Spray
The Smart Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) program at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is using its cold spray capabilities to research alternative approaches for repairing hydropower turbines and nuclear waste tanks. With cold spray, neither melting nor material degradation occurs, and in the case of hydroelectric turbines, the blades remain in their original shape. The technology facilitates in-field repairs to large, high-value structures.
Emission Control
PNNL is performing catalysis research to help the automotive industry meet air quality standards and overcome challenges with catalyzing emissions in today’s more efficient vehicles.
Vehicle Electrification
PNNL leadership and expertise is focusing on reducing the cost and weight of vehicle batteries while improving battery performance.