U.S. Department of Energy/AMES National Laboratory
AMES Lab Researchers Honored for Work with Quasicrystals
A team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University has earned national recognition for its work with quasicrystals, relatively new materials with potential as highly effective coatings for automotive and mechanical parts and frying pans. The group received U.S. DOE's 1998 Materials Sciences Award for "Outstanding Scientific Accomplishment in Materials Chemistry" for its work in understanding the surface properties of quasicrystals.

Quasicrystals were discovered in 1982 and first reported in 1984, changing the long-held belief that solid matter existed in only two states: amorphous or crystalline. In amorphous substances, atoms exist in a random, disordered manner. In crystalline substances, atoms form specific geometric patterns that are repeated periodically in the material. Quasicrystal materials fall outside these groups, containing atoms that are arranged in an ordered but not periodic way.

In the late 1980s, scientists discovered that quasicrystals were highly resistant to wear and corrosion, and that they had low coefficients of friction highly desirable properties for coatings on mechanical and automotive parts. Such coatings would make the parts less vulnerable to wear-and rust-related damage. What was lacking, though, was an understanding of why quasicrystal materials exhibited these surface properties shortcoming that Ames Lab researchers wanted to address.

"Five years ago, there were almost no papers in the literature concerning surface properties of quasicrystals," said Pat Thiel, Director of the Lab's Materials Chemistry Program. "The Ames group has begun to lay a foundation for understanding this topic and is now internationally recognized for its efforts."

The nine Ames scientists come from three different backgrounds: materials chemistry, condensed matter physics, and metallurgy and ceramics. Approaching quasicrystal research from a variety of viewpoints has enabled the group to address not only the fundamental nature of the surfaces of these materials, but also how the materials could be adapted for use in industrial settings.

Materials scientist Dan Sordelet said the broad-based approach has given the group a more complete understanding of how quasicrystal materials can be used in both consumer and industrial products. "The first application of quasicrystals is as a surface coating for certain frying pans which are now commercially available," Sordelet said. "We expect our integrated work to lead to other commercial applications ranging from thermal protection of aircraft engines to wear-resistant, reduced adhesion surfaces for injection molding dies."

Along with Thiel and Sordelet, the Ames group includes James Anderegg, Matt Besser, Tamara Bloomer, Alan Goldman, Cynthia Jenks, Matt Kramer and Tom Lograsso. Also collaborating with the group are Martin Gierer from Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany, and Michel Van Hove of U.S. DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The Materials Sciences Awards are given annually to recognize scientists at U.S. Department of Energy laboratories throughout the country for outstanding research.

Ames Laboratory is operated for the U.S. DOE by Iowa State University. The Lab conducts research into various areas of national concern including energy resources, high-speed computer design, environmental cleanup and restoration, and the synthesis and study of new materials.

Contacts: Susan Dieterle, (515) 294-1405

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Insurance Loss Reduction Reports are Available
Two reports on insurance loss reduction are available through Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: "Energy-Efficiency and Renewable Energy Options for Risk Management and Insurance Loss Reduction: An Inventory of Technologies, Research Capabilities, and Research Facilities at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratories" (LBNL Report 41432) and "A Scoping Study on The Costs of Indoor Air Quality Illnesses: An Insurance Loss Reduction Perspective" (LBNL Report 41919).

The first report presents a compilation of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and techniques that are currently being investigated by the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories and which the insurance and risk management communities could encourage their customers to use to address their short-term and long-term needs. The second report presents the results of a literature search of buildings-related business and legal databases and interviews with insurance and risk management representatives aimed at finding information on the direct costs to the insurance industry of poor indoor air quality as well as the costs of litigation.

Contact: Edward Vine, (510) 486-6047

Arizona
Duct Diagnostic and Repair Training Held
Duct leakage is often the culprit behind high energy bills, comfort problems, increased air infiltration, and indoor air pollution that can be detrimental to health and safety. National studies have shown that duct leakage can increase heating and cooling costs by 20 to 40 percent. The Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office partnered in conjunction with the Arizona Environmental Strategic Alliance, Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, Southwest Gas, and Greenstone Industries to hold the Duct Diagnostic and Repair Training Workshop the week of November 2-6, 1998 in Phoenix, Arizona. The first day included duct leakage training and an overview of the "House as a System;" more than 80 attendees were present. The remainder of the workshop was held in the field and consisted of duct blaster, blower door, pressure diagnostics, and duct sealing training. This training was limited to 15 participants. The training provided by Advanced Energy is considered to be the most rigorous and intensified duct leakage training offered in the nation.

Contact: Charlie Gohman, (602) 280-1428, or email Charlie Gohman

Green Builder Workshop
More than 90 people attended the fall Green Builder Workshop on October 22, 1998 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The workshop provided an introduction and overview of the Scottsdale Green Builder Program, which is designed to encourage sustainable and healthy building practices and products in new homes. The focus of the workshop was on energy and indoor air quality, a key component of sustainability. The Energy Efficient Builders Association presented strategies that addressed costly performance problems that builders experience by introducing them to a "systems approach" to building structures. This approach emphasizes houses that are energy-efficient, healthy, and durable. The presentation utilized the newly published Builder's Guide for Hot and Dry Climates. The City of Scottsdale, Southwest Gas, and the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office sponsored the workshop.

Contact: Charlie Gohman, (602) 280-1428, or e-mail Charlie Gohman

California
UPS Delivery Vans to Run on Compressed Natural Gas
Assisted by a grant of $157,000 from the California Energy Commission, United Parcel Service (UPS) will repower up to 104 delivery vans based in Sacramento from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG). The delivery vehicles will convert with 1998 or newer model General Motors/Baytech 4.3 liter engines fueled solely by CNG. These engines with the Baytech conversion system are 40 percent cleaner than diesel engines under the California Air Resources Board's certification procedures.

The Baytech component of the GM engines was developed by Baytech Corporation of Los Altos with assistance from an earlier contract with the Energy Commission. Baytech's CNG conversion kit uses existing emission control systems for a 4.3 liter manual transmission GM engine. The fleet of CNG delivery vans will use 10 to 20 percent less fuel than regular diesel engines. The vehicles will also help clean Sacramento's air because they are expected to displace more than 148,000 gallons of diesel fuel and reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 20,000 pounds.

From The Energy File, California Energy Commission, September 1998
Web address: http://www.energy.ca.gov/

Illinois
National Energy Conference for Educators is Scheduled for July
The Illinois Energy Education Development (ILEED) program together with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) program is pleased to be hosting one of the National Energy Conferences for Educators, July 24-28, 1999 in downtown Chicago. This five-day program trains educators to incorporate energy into their classroom curriculum, bringing energy into all disciplines: language arts, math, drama, music, science, and social studies. Teachers have the opportunity to work with experts during "Meet the Expert" sessions where industry and government leaders host discussions about their areas of expertise. There is also "Experiencing Energy," a full-day field trip to an energy site in the area. Three graduate credits are available for the cost of credits. The program also covers science of energy sources and uses; electricity generation; and energy efficiency and conservation measures. For conference registration, see the contact cited below.

The ILEED program is hosting its sixth annual Camp KEEP, a weeklong, overnight energy education camp for fifth-eighth graders, July 11-16, 1999. Senior and junior counselors will run the camp, while Illinois teachers act as mentors. This year, as a salute to the 20th century, the camp theme will be "Decades of Energy." In addition to hiking, swimming, boating, and regular camping activities, student task forces will study and generate hands-on displays of energy transformation, usage, and conservation during the 20th century. Last year, 75 campers and staff went on a "Mission to Mars," designing energy-efficient space crafts and space colonies. Camp KEEP 1999 will be at a campsite outside of Springfield.

This fall, 1400 ILEED middle school students participated in eleven one-day energy conservation workshops throughout the state. Students engaged in a variety of hands-on energy conservation activities incorporating math, language arts, music, drama, science, and social studies skills while having fun. Workshop attendees will take their knowledge back to their schools and, using their leadership skills, start energy projects in their schools and communities. These students will be honored in May at the annual Youth Awards Luncheon for Energy Education Achievements at the state's capitol. Next fall, ILEED will host fifteen workshops and expand the program to reach primary grades.

ILEED is a kindergarten through 12th grade energy education program of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs and is funded by the U.S. DOE.

Contact: Peggy Chamness, (217) 785-3411, or email Peggy Chamness

Iowa
1998 Iowa Energy Leadership Award Winners
Four Iowa organizations have been awarded 1998 Iowa Energy Leadership Awards. Sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources, the awards recognize the most outstanding achievements in energy efficiency and renewable energy in the state.

Ankeny Community School District. For two decades, energy management has been an integral component of facilities operations at Ankeny Community School District. As one of the only districts in Iowa with a full-time facilities energy manager, every decision about the district's buildings incorporates energy efficiency as a priority. Ankeny has replaced every light bulb in the district, installed state-of-the-art heating and cooling equipment, and much more. An example is a geothermal heat pump system installed at Southeast Elementary School in 1997 that uses 20 to 35 percent less energy than a conventional system. The district is currently working to install heat pump systems at three of its other schools. Ankeny Community School District is sharing its experiences by serving as a case study for the Iowa Energy Center and through presentations across the state given by Superintendent Ben Norman.

Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research (CGRER). Located on the University of Iowa campus in the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratory, CGRER initiates research, education, and promotional efforts that focus on regional and global environmental change. Recognized across the state and nation as a leading environmental and energy resource center, CGRER has developed a unique network of researchers, organizations, and industries to effectively facilitate its programs. From biomass research to emissions-reducing plans, CGRER leads projects that develop renewable energy resources and replace traditional energy sources. In addition, CGRER is one of the few academic research centers in the country that has successfully used its research to implement actual programs in industry and government.

Rebuild Webster City. Webster City, as a participant in the national Rebuild America program, is leading the nation in creating energy efficiency improvements throughout an entire community. The town has leveraged $50,000 of federal funding into $4.5 million in energy-efficiency improvements for local businesses and community buildings, with half a million dollars in annual savings. Webster City serves as a model for the state and nation for saving money, creating jobs, and building a better community through energy efficiency. The program was named 1998 Rebuild America Partnership of the Year by U.S. DOE, chosen above 160 other participants for its extraordinary accomplishments and leadership.

Skogman Construction Company. As of the summer of 1997, Skogman Construction is the first production builder in Iowa to commit to building all single-family homes to the Energy Star ¨ New Home program energy efficiency standards certified by the Home Energy Rating System. To date, Skogman has built more than 60 Energy Star ¨ New Homes in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area, raising the standards for other builders in the market. These homes exceed the Model Energy Code by at least 30 percent and are 20 percent more energy-efficient than the typical, newly constructed Iowa home. Skogman Construction plans to build between 100 to 130 single-family, medium-priced homes annually.

Contact: Julie Tack, (515) 281-8665, or email Julie Tack

Kentucky
Division Sponsors Energy Poster Contest
Thirteen young artists from Kentucky schools were honored during Energy Awareness Week ceremonies at the state's capitol. Governor Patton, who proclaimed November 15-21 as Kentucky Energy Awareness Week, presented awards of recognition to the winning artists during the ceremonies. Poster art by students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades from across the commonwealth was selected to appear on the 1999 desk calendar and poster, both distributed by the Kentucky Division of Energy. "Energy . . .Above and Below" was the theme of this year's contest. The poster calendar and desk calendar were unveiled during the ceremonies. Copies of the calendars are distributed at no cost to local and national organizations and the general public.

Energy Awareness Week is observed so that people can recognize the importance of the development and use of Kentucky's energy resources for the continued economic growth and well being of all Kentuckians.

Contact: Ginny Bobbitt, (502) 564-7192

Maryland
CELP Funds Find a New Home
Under Maryland's Community Energy Loan Program (CELP), local governments and nonprofit organizations may reduce operating expenses by incorporating energy conservation improvements. Supported by the State Energy Program, CELP's major funding comes from the Oil Overcharge Restitution Trust Fund. CELP was originally funded with $3.2 million in seed money for energy-saving projects in any building owned or leased by the grant's applicant having an existing heating and/or cooling system and having a simple payback of seven years or less. Because CELP is a revolving loan fund rather than a one-time grant, the seed money is fully maximized. The interest rate is negotiable in each individual loan and guaranteed to be below market rate; it may be as low as 0 percent but has an average rate of around 3 percent.

The most recent project receiving CELP funding is the Light Street Housing Corporation to install several energy efficiency measures in Carrington House. Located in Baltimore, Carrington House is a new transitional housing project for formerly homeless men. Containing approximately 30 individual residences as well as common areas, it serves as an intermediate home for men recently moved from a shelter who are seeking stable employment and housing.

Carrington House improvements include purchasing and installing energy-efficient insulation, windows, heating, cooling, and lighting equipment as well as associated ducting and controls. The HVAC system is an 87 percent efficient gas boiler with a 13 SEER air conditioner on each floor. Compact fluorescent lighting is being installed in both the common and residential areas. These changes are expected to bring annual savings of more than $4,800 over what was designed originally for this building.

Contact: Suzanne Sullivan, (410) 260-7752

CONSERVATION UPDATE is a free monthly publication prepared by the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, Division of Energy, with funding from the United States Department of Energy, to facilitate the transfer of current State Energy Program (SEP) and technical information among the states and territories. Please submit short articles that describe successful programs, solicit ideas, share reports, studies or evaluations, or announce new publications, personnel changes, office address changes, conferences, seminars and workshops. Submittals are due by the seventh of each month. Please send submittals, address corrections, or name changes to: CONSERVATION UPDATE, Division of Energy, 663 Teton Trail, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 564-7192, facsimile (502) 564-7484, email landry@nrepc.nr.state.ky.us. Past issues are available upon request. For more information, contact Karen W. Landry, Editor, or John M. Stapleton, Director.

Visit the Division's Web site at http://www.nr.state.ky.us/nrepc/dnr/energy/dnrdoe.html

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