Albert P. Pisano, Professor and Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering, has been awarded a research grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop sensing technology for the advancement of geothermal systems.  Geothermal technology enables clean and renewable energy production through the conversion of the earth’s subsurface heat to electricity.  The research project, co-advised by Dr. Debbie G. Senesky, will develop novel pressure and temperature sensors for permanent geothermal well monitoring.  The sensors will be designed using silicon carbide (SiC) as a material platform to enable operation in supercritical and high-temperature environments.  Ultimately, the technology developed in this program will lead to improvements in geophysical models as well as increased reservoir lifetimes through direct monitoring of well conditions. 

The full press release from DoE can be found at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/index.html.