Vol. 17 • Issue 1 • 2009

Introducing our new director

The Iowa Energy Center was created by the 1990 Iowa Energy Efficiency Act. Its mission is to help Iowans reduce their reliance on imported fuels and nonrenewable resources and to increase efficiency in all areas of energy use. This is accomplished in part through a competitive grants program which sponsors energy efficiency and renewable energy research and demonstration projects.

The Iowa Energy Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of the Iowa Energy Center, (515) 294-8819.

To be added to the Energy Center’s mailing list, call (515) 294-8819 or email iec@energy.iastate.edu. An online version of this publication is available at www.energy.iastate.edu.

Iowa Energy Center

Catilin at BECONpage 2

CO2 Sensor TestingPage 3

Nearly $1million in FY10 R&D grantsPage 4

AERLP UpdatePage 6

CAC Training & NH3 ConferencePage 7

O n March 1, 2009, I became the new director of the Iowa Energy Center,

replacing interim director Tom Barton. I would like to extend my gratitude to Tom for his leadership during the interim period and wish him continued success in his teaching efforts at Iowa State University (ISU).

As a matter of introduction, I am a native Iowan, and I graduated from ISU with undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture. My professional practice in Iowa has been centered on energy efficiency and sustainability, and I have been fortunate to lead interdisciplinary teams on several building projects in Iowa that have served as models for sustainability. These include the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa, the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Office and Training Facility in Ankeny, the King Pavilion and Morrill Hall Renovation at ISU, and Marion Arts and Environment Center in Marion. In addition, these experiences in sustainability and

energy efficiency have enabled me to serve on boards and commissions in Iowa and to teach sustainable design in the College of Design at ISU.

During my first two months at the Energy Center, I have attempted to engage with many groups and individuals throughout Iowa in an effort to begin a new strategic visioning process. Over the next several months, we will be providing focus to our mission of research, education and demonstration in energy efficiency and renewable energy in Iowa. We will also look toward a future of continued collaboration with many institutions in Iowa that you will see illustrated in this newsletter.

These are exciting times in Iowa and the United States regarding energy, and I look forward to leading the Energy Center into the future.

2 Iowa Energy Center Resource Vol. 17 Issue 1 • 2009

Catilin ramping up to 24/7

T he Iowa Energy Center’s Biomass Energy Conversion

(BECON) Facility is providing a staging ground for Catilin Inc., to move its biodiesel technology closer to commercialization.

“We are running a 24/5 schedule at BECON,” said Wayne Turner, Vice President of Operations for Catilin.

“The pilot-scale unit allows us to do performance testing of our systems and train our operations personnel.”

“Demonstrating the plant at design rates in a continuous process is critical since the vast majority of plants are operated in a continuous mode,” said Turner. “Companies that are interested in our catalyst will only adopt our technology after it has been successfully demonstrated for a period of time – generally two to six months.”

Catilin rebuilt the biodiesel plant at BECON to continue development of its technology and demonstrate the energy and production savings associated with its proprietary catalyst. The catalysts are highly desired for their ability to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify production while producing high purity biodiesel and glycerin co-product.

Currently, Catilin researchers are looking at three areas related to biodiesel production: the transesterification conversion of oils to biodiesel and glycerin, a catalyst designed to directly process high free fatty acids feedstocks and a catalytic technique to efficiently extract algae oils.

at BECONR esearchers at the Iowa Energy

Center’s Biomass Energy Conversion (BECON) Facility are pursuing more efficient methods of biodiesel production. Sipho Ndlela, postdoctoral research associate at the Energy Center is investigating low-cost feedstock options and is seeking more energy efficient mechanical processes for this petroleum diesel alternative.

Pure soybean oil, which is typically used by biodiesel plants, is costly. Ndlela is using a biodiesel test unit at BECON to gauge the viability of readily available and low-cost waste grease and animal fats as feedstocks.

Another novel approach to Ndlela’s work is the integration of a high shear mixer. This mixing system is an intense and concentrated mechanism commonly used in the cosmetic and food industry, and may produce a superior reaction in biodiesel production. Initial test results show the mixer indeed shortens the reaction time, and work continues in pursuit of efficiencies in the amount of methanol and catalyst required to create biodiesel – potentially saving energy and money for the industry.

Improving the bottom lineWith better processes

While the concept of biodiesel is mainstream, the method of production and alternative feedstocks remains of interest. At BECON, Sipho Ndlela investigates a better method of biodiesel production – potentially reducing the cost of production and improving the bottom line.

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www.energy.iastate.edu 3

Energy efficient buildingsControl systems and strategies

P roblems with control systems and building operation as well

as sensor inaccuracy are a primary cause of inefficient energy use in buildings. Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) components coupled with a control system that suffers from improper control strategies or erroneous sensor readings can lead to system inefficiencies. Hardware failures, software errors, and human factors related to difficulty of use and understanding of control products all contribute towards preventing buildings from achieving expected levels of energy efficiency.

One HVAC system component, carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, are the subject of a soon-to-be released product testing report from the National Building Controls Information Program (NBCIP). These critical sensors are frequently used to control the “fresh” or ventilation air flow from the building’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. Inaccurate carbon dioxide measurements can lead to energy waste from excessive ventilation or poor indoor air quality from inadequate ventilation. The NBCIP Product Testing Report will include the results of testing 45 CO2 sensors from fifteen various models and manufacturers. Iowa State University professor of mechanical

engineering, Gregory Maxwell, is the principal investigator for this testing project with Iowa Energy Center support through the NBCIP.

“The performance of CO2 transmitters is crucial not only to ensure energy savings but also to assure indoor air quality,” said Dr. Maxwell.

The report will provide an overview of factors for engineers, building owners, facility managers and a number of other building-related professionals to consider when purchasing a CO2 transmitter.

To facilitate the adoption of energy efficient building control products and strategies, the Energy Center established the NBCIP in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. NBCIP published reports designed to assist engineers, building owners, facility managers, building operators, installation specialists, product specifiers, commissioning providers, and manufacturers with the selection, installation, operation and maintenance of control products and strategies for their building application. NBCIP has come to a close but reports from this consortium remain available free to the public on the Energy Center’s Web site, www.energy.iastate.edu.

Som Shrestha, Iowa State University mechanical engineering graduate student, tested the CO2 sensors in a test chamber specifically designed and built for this energy efficiency project.

A late-spring tune-up of your central air-conditioning system

will keep it working at top efficiency. If you’re a competent do-it-yourselfer, you may be able to handle the maintenance items listed in Home Heating and Cooling, a free residential energy efficiency book available from the Iowa Energy Center.

If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of working around electricity or would rather hire someone to handle the job, don’t hesitate to call a professional; the dollars saved through energy savings should be worth the expense.

Home Heating and Cooling offers information on making the most of your air-conditioning system and also covers efficiently heating your home and lists many sources of additional information on energy-saving topics. To get your free copy of this book or the other three books in the Home Series:

• Download a copy at the Energy Center Web site: www.energy.iastate.edu

• Request a copy by e-mail: iec@energy.iastate.edu

• Call the Iowa Energy Center at 515-294-8819, to ask for a copy by mail.

Regular air-conditioner maintenance equals lower energy costs

� Iowa Energy Center Resource Vol. 17 Issue 1 • 2009

The Energy Center’s mission is very broad. It reflects the wide range of opportunities that exist for Iowans to capture economic and environmental benefits through more efficient use of energy and expanded use of Iowa’s renewable resources.

FundsGrant program funds are derived from an annual assessment on gross intrastate revenues of gas and electric utilities in Iowa. The amount received from the assessment is closely tied to the level of economic activity in the state and can vary from year to year.

Eligible GranteesOrganizations eligible to receive Energy Center grants are Iowa’s educational institutions, and Iowa’s registered nonprofit organizations and foundations. The Energy Center does not award grants to other entities, including state, county or local government agencies. Collaborations among organizations are encouraged. Collaborating organizations may be within or outside of Iowa and are not required to have nonprofit status.

More information about the Energy Center’s grant program can be found at, www.energy.iastate.edu.

Energy Center’s R & D portfolio 13 projects to receive nearly $1 million in FY 2010

T he Iowa Energy Center continues to support energy-related

research and demonstration projects. Approximately $484,000 in competitive grants will be awarded to six new projects and another $500,500 will support existing grants.

In alignment with its mission, the Energy Center funds a diverse portfolio of projects that responds to Iowa’s patterns of energy use and opportunities to use that energy more efficiently, as well as opportunities to use Iowa’s abundant renewable resources to displace fossil fuels.

New in FY 2010 - negotiating awards for:

Modeling and Optimal Energy Efficiency of Electric Arc Furnaces Er-Wei Bai, The University of Iowa

Energy Efficiency Improvement in Continuous Casting of Steel Christoph Beckermann, The University of Iowa

A New Generation: Farm Energy Conservation and Efficiency Initiative Paul Brown, Iowa State University

Supply Air Fan Pressure Control Strategies Ron Nelson, Iowa State University

Use of Supercritical Fluids to Convert Biomass to Chemicals Currently Obtained from Petroleum Walter Trahanovsky, Iowa State University

Pilot-Scale R&D on the MycoMax Fungal Process to Lower the Energy Needs of Ethanol Production J. (Hans) van Leeuwen, Iowa State University

Continuing grant support for:

Energy Efficiency Testing and Demonstration Facility Mark Baethke, Des Moines Area Community College

Data-Driven Performance Optimization of Wind Farms Andrew Kusiak, The University of Iowa

Novel Materials and Devices for Solar Energy Conversion Vikram Dalal, Iowa State University

Transition-Metal Catalyzed Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia Andreja Bakac, Iowa State University

Developing Fuel Injection Strategies for Using Ammonia in Diesel Engines Song-Charng Kong, Iowa State University

Scalable Energy Manager of HVAC Systems: A Lean Systems Approach Andrew Kusiak, The University of Iowa

Electrochemical Ammonia and Hydrogen Production from Polymer-Immobilized Nitrogenase Enzymes Johnna Leddy, The University of Iowa

Combustion of Ammonia for Reduced CO2 in Heating and Power Generation Systems Terrance Meyer, Iowa State University

No cost time extensions to complete projects:

Hybrid Electric School Bus Deployment and Evaluation Shauna Hallmark, Iowa State University

Sorghum Biomass Cropping Systems Kenneth Moore, Iowa State University

Evaluation of Lignin/Phenol Derived from Bio-oil Production for use as an Antioxidant in Asphalt R. Christopher Williams, Iowa State University

www.energy.iastate.edu �

T hirteen efficiency and renewable energy-related workshops in Iowa

have received nearly $50,000 in grant support from the Iowa Energy Center since July 2008. These grant applications continue to be accepted and reviewed by the Energy Center.

Nearly $860,000 in Small Conference and Demonstration grants have been provided by the Energy Center since 1992, assisting 58 organizations with 162 energy-related education opportunities.

Application guidelines for the Energy Center’s Small Conference and Demonstration Grants can be found at, www.energy.iastate.edu.

Small conference and demonstration grants funded since July 1, 2008

Demonstrating a Residential Solar Assisted Domestic Hot Water System Dordt College

Central Iowa Wind Energy Conference Jasper County Extension, Iowa State University

Ag Energy “On to the Next Level” Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation

Small Wind/PV Workshop for Rural Land Owners Cedar Valley Resource Conservation and Development Inc.

Green Solution - Green Roofs: An Energy Efficient and Storm Water Management Alternative Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities

Why Not Wind? - Making Wind Energy Work for You Extension, Iowa State University

Momentum is Building 2009 Conference Iowa Cooperatives for Energy Efficiency

Reducing Electrical Use by Educating with Electrical Usage Meters Extension, Iowa State University

Iowa Energy Summit - Energizing Efficiency in Iowa Communities Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency

I-Renew Energy EXPO Iowa Renewable Energy Association

Forever Energy - Biomass for Sustainable Energy Solutions Workshop Limestone Bluffs RC&D

Residential Solar Workshop Iowa Renewable Energy Association

Residential Wind Workshop Iowa Renewable Energy Association

On-going support for energy-related workshopsSmall Conference and Demonstration grants for dynamic local programming

Our on-going small conference

and demonstration grant

program is aimed at

organizations that want to

develop education projects

related to our mission areas

of energy efficiency and

renewable energy. It’s been a

great complement to our annual

research and demonstration

grant program – it’s a

streamlined funding option for

dynamic local programming.

— Kevin Nordmeyer, director, Iowa Energy Center

Dr. Ethan Brue developed a farm-scale sweet sorghum to ethanol production system at Dordt College with support from an Energy Center Small Conference and Demonstration grant. Brue led Dordt engineering students as they explored a variety of system designs and attempted to create a small scale field-to-fuel process that would be adaptable on the farm.

� Iowa Energy Center Resource Vol. 17 Issue 2 • 2009

Making an impact on renewable energy developmentThe Alternate Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) continues to support the development of renewable energy production facilities in Iowa.

As of March 1, 2009, the AERLP has provided loans of more than $11.4 million in support of 88 renewable energy projects having total construction costs of $145 million. These facilities have an annual energy production equivalent to 1,835,530 MWh.

Loans by technology type:19 Biomass* 1 Hydro 9 Solar15 Small Wind (20 kW or less)41 Large Wind (more than 20 kW) 3 Hybrid**

Annual energy generation impact of AERLP 1,663,348 MWh Biomass* 2,863 MWh Small Hydro 41 MWh Solar 369 MWh Small Wind (20 kW or less) 168,825 MWh Large Wind (more than 20 kW) 84 MWh Hybrid**1,835,530 MWh/year total

The AERLP was established in 1996 with funding from a three-year assessment, totaling $5.9 million, on the gross intrastate operating revenues of Iowa’s investor-owned gas and electric utilities.

The Energy Center has developed the AERLP in such a way that loans are given based on both the technical merit of a project and the financial qualifications of the applicant. The Energy Center provides loan funds equal to 50% of the total financed cost of a project (up to $1 million) at zero percent interest. Matching financing for the project must be obtained from a lender of the applicant’s choice. As these loans are repaid, the Energy Center’s share of funds become available for loans to future projects.

Case studies of 22 AERLP projects are available online, www.energy.iastate.edu/AERLP/cs_index.htm.

* Includes the electrical equivalent of projects producing fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and wood.

** Includes a combination of solar, hydro, small wind, or biomass.

I cannot think of a better way to

get local banks involved in lending

money to finance renewable energy

projects. The combination of

technical oversight by the engineers

at the Iowa Energy Center and

financial oversight by the local

banks is bound to leave everyone

involved feeling assured that the

investment is a sound one.— Dan Isbell, AERLP participant

Winners selected

T he Iowa Energy Center awards Youth and Energy Scholarships

for exceptional energy-related projects entered in the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa held in Ames each spring. Over the last 12 years, the Energy Center has awarded over $103,000 in scholarships to 40 students from 13 Iowa high schools.

This year, $2,500 scholarships were awarded to Keota High School senior, Shelby Sieren, for her project, “Glycerin Additive to Power,” and to Pavane Gorrepati, Rivermont Collegiate High School freshman for her project,

“Warning About Warming: Innovative Fuel Cells for the 21st Century.”

www.energy.iastate.edu �

Ammonia (NH3) fuel may be the key to U.S. energy independence in an environmentally beneficial manner, according to initial research and demonstration projects supported through Iowa Energy Center grants.

“The huge advantages associated ammonia - it is easy to store, can be produced from all renewable, fossil, and nuclear energy sources and can be used in any type of combustion engine or burner – puts NH3 in a class by itself,” said Norm Olson, project manager at the Iowa Energy Center’s Biomass Energy Conversion (BECON) Facility. “Extensive production, storage, and delivery infrastructure for NH3 is already in existence.”

In an effort to remove the technical barriers to the use of ammonia as a fuel, the Energy Center has issued four targeted research grants.

Developing Fuel Injection Strategies for Using Ammonia in Diesel Engines Song-Charng Kong, Iowa State University

Transition-Metal Catalyzed Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia Andreja Bakac, Iowa State University

Combustion of Ammonia for Reduced CO2 in Heating and Power Generation Systems Terrence Meyer, Iowa State University

Electrochemical Ammonia and Hydrogen Production from Polymer-Immobilized Nitrogenase Enzymes Johna Leddy, University of Iowa

More information can be found online, www.energy.iastate.edu.

The sixth annual ammonia conference is scheduled for October 12 – 13, 2009, at the KCI Expo Center, Kansas City. Registration information is available online, www.energy.iastate.edu.

This conference is an intense and information filled two-day event. The agenda has not been finalized, but attendees can expect information regarding:

• Ammonia production from renewable energy sources• Cost effectiveness• Storage and delivery systems• Environmental friendliness• Ammonia use in any prime mover (i.e. diesel engines, fuel cells, SI engines, gas turbines, etc.)• Ammonia’s safety record

NH3 – Carbon Free Liquid FuelOctober 12 - 13, 2009, Kansas City

Higher productivity, reduced downtime, energy savings, and greater efficiency are the key factors that determine your company’s profitability. You can make your company more profitable by simply getting smarter about compressed air with the Compressed Air Challenge® training in June.

The course is for plant engineers, maintenance supervisors, and other personnel responsible for compressed air systems in an industrial setting. You’ll learn how to calculate and reduce the costs of compressed air in your facility and how to gain better control of compressed air for optimum reliability and productivity. You’ll use data from your facility and complete hands-on exercises with emphasis on bottom-line results. Furthermore, you will know how to focus on getting results when you return to your plant.

More information is available on the Iowa Energy Center Web site, www.energy.iastate.edu.

Sponsored by: Iowa Energy CenterCo-hosted by: Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy Advantage, Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO), Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) - Iowa State University, University Extension - Iowa State University

Fundamentals of Compressed Air Systems One-day training June 16, Iowa City June 17, Ames

Advanced Management of Compressed Air Systems Two-day training June 18 – 19, Ames

Optimize compressed air systems training Profitable benefits to improved performance

Ammonia as-a-fuel research continues

Call for PapersIf you would like to present a paper at the conference, please submit a title and half-page abstract to John Holbrook ( john.holbrook@charter.net) by June 30. The emphasis of the paper should be on some aspect of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel: NH3 production, storage, distribution, safety, and end uses.

Meeting OrganizersJohn Holbrook, AmmPower509-396-2082 john.holbrook@charter.net

Norm Olson, Iowa Energy Center 515-382-1774nolson@iastate.edu

Upcoming events sponsored by the Iowa Energy Center

More information found online www.energy.iastate.eduBuilding Operator Certification ProgramIowa Energy Center, AnkenyLevel Two Training Series May - Oct

Compressed Air Challenge Training ProgramPart 1: Iowa City, June 16, Ames, June 17Part 2: Ames, June 18 - 19 (details on page 7)

NH3 Carbon-Free Liquid FuelSixth Annual 2009 Ammonia as an Alternate Fuel ConferenceKCI Expo Center, Kansas City, MO, October 23 & 13(details on page 7)

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