The projects are intended at detecting and measuring methane emissions and developing localized thermal management systems that reduce the energy required to heat and cool buildings.
The developments are funded via ARPA-E’s two new programs, Methane Observation Networks with Innovative Technology to Obtain Reductions (MONITOR) and Delivering Efficient Local Thermal Amenities (DELTA).
MONITOR program, which focuses on reducing methane emissions related with energy production, plans to provide $30m to support 11 project teams in the development of new systems that identify and measure methane associated with the production and transportation of oil and natural gas.
ARPA-E’s DELTA program will develop localized heating and cooling systems and devices to expand temperature ranges within buildings.
It intends to provide $30m to support 11 project teams in the development of technologies that can regulate temperatures focused on a building’s occupants and not the entire facility.
US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: "These new projects highlight the Department of Energy’s commitment to developing a broad range of disruptive technologies to ensure a secure, affordable and sustainable American energy future.
"Investments in innovative methane detection and thermal management technologies demonstrate ARPA-E’s role in catalyzing energy research and development by leveraging our top scientists and engineers from across the country."
