Tomorrow's Energy Solutions Today

RIT’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability, located in the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies building (CIMS) is researching and testing new ways to conserve and store energy. Coupling nano-powered technologies with renewable energy, researchers at the Nano Powered Research Labs are working on effective and efficient methods for renewable energy. Tours are being given every 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

Displays allow visitors to quickly understand the workings of both solar and hydrogen power showcasing the latest developments in the field. Nano materials, derived from nothing more than soot, are highly efficient in both thermal and electrical conductivity. Using these materials in hydrogen cells and circuits, the Nano Powered Research Lab is maximizing the possibilities of renewable energy.

Although very expensive, hydrogen power is a clean technology with only heat and water as by-products. Certain automobile manufacturers are already using hydrogen fuel cells in a limited number of vehicles to test their possibilities. With an estimated cost of roughly $1,000,000 per vehicle, they are far from being an economically viable option. As the technology’s popularity grows and newer more efficient methods for harnessing hydrogen are discovered, the only place for this technology to go is up.

If you have any interest in the future of energy and what is being done to protect our earth’s resources, come investigate the innovations being made by the Golisano Institute for Sustainability located in the CIMS building on the west side of campus.

Photo credit: Eric Drummond

Photo credit: Eric Drummond