Penn State to Host DOE's Next Energy Innovation Hub

The latest in a trio of Energy Innovation Hubs organized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) was announced in July 2010. The Energy-Efficient Building Systems Design Hub (Building Hub) will house the latest in building technology research led by Henry C. Foley, Penn State’s vice president for research and dean of the graduate school. The Building Hub joins two other Energy Innovation Hubs—Oak Ridge National Laboratory, formed for nuclear reactor research, and the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, aimed at creating a solar energy fuel conversion system.

According to DOE, the Building Hub will focus on specific technologies applicable to single buildings and district-wide systems, including computer simulation and design tools; advanced combined heat and power (CHP) systems; building-integrated photovoltaic systems; advanced HVAC systems with integrated indoor air quality management; and sensor and control networks to monitor building conditions and optimize energy use. The research, development, and demonstration program will also address the roles of policy, markets, and behavior as they relate to the use of these technologies.