University of Virginia and Virginia Tech join Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre network
Rolls-Royce announced today that Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia are joining the global Rolls-Royce University Technology Centers network, consisting of research groups in world-class universities identified to develop long-term research and technology programs. Creating a UTC provides each party with mutual benefits through funding of fundamental, collaborative research to advance key aerospace technologies critical to Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce has enjoyed a strong relationship with both universities for over a decade. Together with Rolls-Royce, they form the Commonwealth Center for Aerospace Propulsion Systems and are founding members of the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing. This incorporation as UTC’s allows more specific, technical research at the university level, leveraging the strengths of each institution, which could eventually lead to new product development.
Unifrax announces China investment
Unifrax I LLC (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 29% stake in Shandong Luyang Share Co. Ltd. from Nanma Town Collective Asset Management Center of Yiyuan County and has concurrently entered into several agreements with Luyang to establish a strategic cooperation relationship between Unifrax and Luyang. This includes a technology license agreement that will allow Luyang to use certain Unifrax manufacturing technology. Luyang develops, manufactures and sells a variety of refractory and insulation materials used primarily in China. Luyang has been in business for 30 years.
Energy Department invests more than $3 Million to advance US competitiveness in the fuel cell market
The Energy Department announced awards of more than $3 million to Connecticut-based FuelCell Energy for a project that could increase US competitiveness in the fuel cell market and give businesses more affordable, cleaner power options. This project will enhance the performance, increase the lifespan, and decrease the cost of stationary fuel cells for distributed generation and combined heat and power applications. The project will focus on developing an innovative carbonate fuel cell electrolyte matrix, which promises enhanced cell output and the doubling of service life. In addition, the project will look for opportunities to reduce costs through greater production by process improvements.
GE’s Immelt on clean energy, regulation, jobs (video)
(Bloomberg) Jeffrey Immelt, chief executive officer of General Electric Co., talks about the company’s clean energy strategy, US manufacturing and regulation, and the need for more engineers in the country. He speaks with Bloomberg LP CEO Dan Doctoroff at the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Future of Energy Summit 2014 in New York. (Ed. note—video is 32 minutes. Immelt discusses SOFC at about 12 minute mark.)
Kyocera introduces new ceramic coated cookware with proprietary technology to outlast and outperform
(WSJ) Kyocera, a producer of advanced ceramics, presents its new Ceramic Coated Cookware line featuring proprietary ceramic nonstick coating technology that has been shown to outlast and outperform other leading brands. This exclusive coating provides superior nonstick performance that is safe, scratch resistant, and very easy to clean. It is PTFE-free, PFOA-free and cadmium-free. The new pans are designed to perform on all cooking surfaces, including induction, and are oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Owens Corning: Winner of the 2014 Green Cross for Safety medal
The National Safety Council congratulates Owens Corning as the winner of the 2014 Green Cross for Safety medal. Established in 2000, the Green Cross for Safety medal is awarded annually by the National Safety Council to an organization that demonstrates a steadfast commitment to improving safety and health in the workplace and beyond. The medal recipient exhibits safety leadership at all levels of the organization, boasts an outstanding safety record and is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where its employees work and live.