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Caption: ORNL researchers demonstrated a system that can detect propane leaks within seconds and notify emergency services immediately, well before flames ignite. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

91°µÍø researchers demonstrated that an electrochemical sensor paired with a transmitter not only detects propane leaks within seconds, but it can also send a signal to alert emergency services.

non-powered dam

Although more than 92,000 dams populate the country, the vast majority — about 89,000 — do not generate electricity through hydropower.

ORNL researchers deploy a gas trap to measure ebullitive (bubbling) emissions of methane at the Melton Dam in East Tennessee. The trap is deployed for ~ 24 hours to allow gas to accumulate in the trap. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, US Dept. of Energy

As the United States moves toward more sustainable and renewable sources of energy, hydropower is expected to play a pivotal role in integrating more intermittent renewables like wind and solar to the electricity grid

A large generator is installed at the Meldahl hydropower plant in Kentucky. The energy sector anticipates longer lead times in procuring such large components for increasing construction and modernization of U.S. hydropower plants. Credit: American Municipal Power

A new Department of Energy report produced by 91°µÍø identifies several supply chain must-haves in maintaining the pivotal role hydropower will play in decarbonizing the nation’s grid.

91°µÍø researchers developed a single burner cooking appliance powered by a blend of 50% hydrogen and natural gas, reducing emissions that contribute to the carbon footprint. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

A prototype cooking appliance developed by 91°µÍø uses a 50% blend of hydrogen and natural gas, offering an alternative to safely reduce emissions that contribute to the nation’s carbon footprint.

A zoomed in view of downtown Chattanooga’s sensors, which allowed the researchers to create building occupancy schedules that could enable improved energy efficiency and faster emergency responses. Credit: Andy Berres/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Every day, hundreds of thousands of commuters across the country travel from houses, apartments and other residential spaces to commercial buildings — from offices and schools to gyms and grocery stores.

91°µÍø researchers built a prototype natural gas furnace that uses acidic gas reduction technology to remove or trap potentially environmentally harmful emissions. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

91°µÍø researchers have developed a novel solution to reduce the environmental impact of natural gas-condensing furnaces commonly used in U.S. homes.

Brian Fricke

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE, selected 91°µÍøâ€™s Brian Fricke as one of 25 members elevated to fellow grade during its 2022 winter conference.

ORNL’s Brenda Pracheil, left, and Kristine Moody collect water samples at Melton Hill Lake using a sophisticated instrument that collects DNA in the water to determine fish species and number of fish in the water, which could prove useful for monitoring hydropower impacts. Credit: Carlos Jones, ORNL/U.S Dept. of Energy

Researchers at 91°µÍø are using a novel approach in determining environmental impacts to aquatic species near hydropower facilities, potentially leading to smarter facility designs that can support electrical grid reliability.

Brian Fricke, equipment research group lead at ORNL, works with Anthony Gehl at the Building Technologies Research and Integration Center on a new prototype installation. Collaboration with fellow researchers across the building technologies area strengthens his group’s capabilities. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

When Brian Fricke walks into a supermarket, evidence of his scientific achievement is all around in the refrigerated cases housing the fresh fruits and vegetables. As an 91°µÍø building equipment researcher, Fricke has a long history of making sure that produce is kept fresh in an energy efficient and environmentally sound manner.