They reigned over life and over the sea, and, like nobles certain that their riches were limitless, they heedlessly consumed the most gorgeous of this world’s offerings.
– The First Man, Albert Camus.
Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a framework for shaping choices. The continued growth in human population, wealth, and demand for services is impacting the natural dynamics of material, energy, and nutrient flows. While there is a desire to use less intensive processes, more natural materials, and reduce waste flows, new strategies must consider the limited ability of ecosystems to regenerate and sustain. Systems of technologies are fundamental enablers for delivering improvements in nearly all 17 SDGs. Perhaps the single most pressing technological challenge is to improve the delivery of energy services while respecting our environment.
The objectives of the AMRLab are to:
- create new technologies for improved service;
- improve the structure of energy systems;
- connect quantitative analysis to informed decision making.
Calorics
Caloric materials are solids that respond to changes in applied files such as magnetic, electric, and stress. A caloric cycle is analogous to classic gas, or vapour-compression cycles, for production of work from heat or active heat transfer with work input. Calorics have the potential for creating compact and environmentally friendly devices.
Thermal Design
Thermal systems operating at low temperatures support food, medicine, and industrial activities. A broad term describing the development of technologies operating, or producing, very low temperatures is “cryogenics.” Many fascinating phenomena occur when materials are cooled to temperatures not found in the earth environment.
Hydrogen Systems
Hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be produced using a variety of energy sources and feedstocks. Electrochemical conversions systems are key components for future energy systems using hydrogen. Hydrogen and electricity systems can be integrated to provide more sustainable energy services.
Energy Systems Analysis
Understanding complete energy systems is critical for rationally assessing and evaluating alternatives. Although an energy conversion technology may appear attractive when examined in isolation, systemic structure and feedbacks may suggest otherwise.
