Lab Partnering Service Discovery

Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory researchers have developed a process for fabrication of solar cells with increased efficiency.

A 20% increase in efficiency has been observed experimentally, and ISU is seeking partners interested in commercializing this technology. Polymer-based photovoltaic devices have received intense interest in recent years because of their potential to provide low-cost solar energy conversion, flexibility, manufacturability, and light weight. However, the efficiency of organic solar cells is about 4-6%, and increasing this efficiency is critical for developing practical applications and commercially viable devices. One approach to increasing efficiency is to increase the light absorption on the organic film without increasing the thickness of the photoactive layer, and various light management techniques have been tried for enhancing optical absorption, such as collection mirrors, patterned substrates and microprism substrates. However, these approaches require extra processing steps or technically challenging coating technologies. To overcome these limitations, ISU and Ames Laboratory researchers have developed a process for conformal coating of polymer photovoltaic layers on microtextured substrates for increased light trapping. The light management architecture of these solar cells enables a high degree of light absorption in even very thin photoactive films and leads to improved power conversion efficiency.

Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory researchers have developed a method to produce sintered, final-shape magnets with high density and aligned microstructure.The resulting permanent magnets feature higher energy product and improved remanence versus standard processing, with improved performance in motors and generators.

Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory researchers have developed a process to create AlNiCo magnets in near final shape with improved energy product and remanence versus magnets produced without using directional solidification or zone refinement. Magnets resulting from this process are characterized by highly controlled and aligned microstructure in the solid state.Magnet alloy precursor powder is aligned while being added to the mold, with compression molding locking the aligned particles in place. The resulting microstructural template for grain growth persists through a thermal de-binding treatment and sintering of the magnet. Magnets produced by this molding process display enhanced energy density, as well as optimized coercivity and magnetization, and have the potential for high volume manufacturing because they are manufactured in near-final shapes.

For more than two decades, Y-12 has been developing microwave metal and ceramic processing technologies related to melting, casting, heat treating, sintering and bonding. Recent developments include vast improvements in ceramic systems that provide ways to heat materials not readily amenable to microwave processing.

With one basic system, it is possible to melt, cast and heat-treat. Because some metals cast with microwaves do not produce an alpha case, resulting parts can be used with minimal postprocessing. Microwave-assisted chemical synthesis also is possible and is routinely used to process difficult or sensitive chemical compounds.

Features & Benefits:

• Safe — Heating is limited to specified area, increasing worker safety
• Clean — Heating creates no solid residues
• Versatile — Methods can heat disparate materials simultaneously, creating products having qualities superior to those of individual components
• Economical — Higher throughput and improved energy efficiency result in reduced manufacturing costs

Patents:

• U.S. Patent Nos. 6,554,924; 6,562,418; 7,011,136; 7,161,126; 7,358,469; 7,601,294; 7,603,963; 7,621,672; 7,622,189; 7,767,943; 7,857,193; 7,909,907; 7,939,787; 8,028,654; 8,061,580; 8,701,970; 8,183,507; 8,716,637 and 10,079,135

Technology Readiness Level:

• TRL 7: Actual prototype demonstration in an operational environment.

Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory Critical Materials Institute researchers have developed a cost effective step that easily separates rare earth oxalates into a light rare earth stream and a heavy rare earth stream.

For many rare earth ores, the percentage of the valuable heavy rare earths (in particular, terbium, europium, dysprosium, yttrium and gadolinium) in the ore is very low, making separation and recovery of these elements from the other rare earths not cost-effective.  Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory researchers have developed a process that can be added on to conventional ore processing that readily separates rare earth oxalates into two streams, one containing the light rare earths (La – Sm) and the other containing heavy rare earths (Gd – Y).  This one step process requires no special equipment and minimal capital investment.  The process is water-based, and uses a “green” extractant to remove the heavy REEs from the light REEs.

The Readiness Certification Assurance Process Tracking System (RCAPTS) is a Web-based multiuser system that manages readiness projects, reviews, and associated activities performed by readiness personnel and other involved associates at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sites. A project management tool designed to replace or supplement paper-based administrative activities, RCAPTS includes a series of Web scripts written in the PHP server-side scripting language and a Microsoft Access database, making use of a server and end devices to process programming code.

Features:

• Manages work flows automatically and notifies users when an action is required
• Accepts electronic storage of evidence documents and links to external systems
• Eliminates via centralized management the need for client interaction
• Runs on any JavaScript-enabled internet browser of end device connected to a network on which PHP is installed

Copyright:

• The Y-12 National Security Complex has copyright protection for this technology.

Technology Readiness Level:

• TRL 9: Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions.

The Electronic Medical Business Operations System (EMBOS) is a support system that addresses the unique health information and operational needs of many government and nongovernment organizations. EMBOS was originally designed by occupational and mental health professionals and developed using the strictest federal cyber security and software quality assurance guidelines.

Features:

• Easy-to-use interface supports real-world work flow
• Online questionnaires allow pre-appointment updates to medical and maintenance histories
• Voice recognition technology
• Online scheduling and autoscheduling for recurring exams and maintenance
• Automated appointment notifications and single-click registration
• Automated interfaces to lab devices and digital imaging
• Easy navigation to electronic record summaries with drill-down capability
• Psychological evaluation support with results imported from standard psychological testing tools
• Real-time entry of notes in easy-to-use forms

Copyright:

• The Y-12 National Security Complex has copyright protection for this technology.

Technology Readiness Level:

• TRL 9: Actual application of the technology in its final form and in Y-12 production use.

The ability to tailor medical patches and capsules at the molecular level offers a game-changing approach to medical treatment and drug delivery. With each molecule positioned for optimal effectiveness, patches and capsules can be improved and customized for a variety of purposes.

Because MRI scans rely on the use of a strong magnetic field, the presence of metal in a patient’s body can interfere with the technology and even rule out imaging. A research team at Argonne National Laboratory has manipulated the technology so that such metal objects become a detection system—in essence, allowing them to go unnoticed by the magnetic field.

Applying their findings in MRI technology has enabled the researchers to create other ground-breaking innovations, among them a device called the Molecule Nanoweaver. This unique tool can be used as both a fabricator and a detector of high-tech patches, multilayered capsules and other medical products.

As a fabricator, the nanoweaver can produce patches, capsules and other products by using electric, magnetic and intermolecular forces to manipulate molecules into useful patterns. As a detector, the nanoweaver’s spectroscopy and imaging capabilities allow the user to follow the process closely to ensure that fabrication proceeds correctly. For example, the Molecule Nanoweaver could be used to optimize and produce a heart-muscle stimulator patch that provides low-level electrical stimulation from electrochemical reactions taking place in the patch material.

The Blast-Resistant Vehicle Seat offers new applications of fluidized bed technologies and is ideal for use in military vehicles [such as the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP)]. The seat consists of a rigid bed affixed to the vehicle with sand-filled polymer channels on top of the seat frame. When the seat is occupied, gas is directed into the channels to fluidize the sand, conforming perfectly to the shape of the occupant.

The Blast-Resistant Vehicle Seat couples the occupant to the vehicle, conforms to the passenger, is easily configurable to a wide variety of occupants and body types, and can help in environments where thermal management is a consideration. The seat can be custom fit for any vehicle.

• Conforms to each person’s body with no pressure points and is ergonomically sound
• Allows the occupant to control heating and cooling, especially advantageous in harsh environments
• Controls stiffness of seat by absorbing some of the force/impact during an accident

U.S. Patent No. 8,371,647
TRL 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept

The Knowledge Preservation Management (KPM) system allows for the capture, management, and web-based access of manufacturing operations information. KPM also captures retirees’ knowledge via transcript-enabled videotaped interviews and with video data mining advanced search capabilities. Access to this information is available directly to the operator on the factory floor or in an office, providing a complete on-demand knowledge management and training capability. Y-12’s KPM was designated as the National Security Enterprise Center of Excellence for Knowledge Management.

Features:

• Captures and manages video, animation, process maps, work instructions, and any other associated information digitally
• Allows for information configuration control and long-term archival of knowledge base
• Can be access controlled to ensure appropriate need to know

Copyright:

• The Y-12 National Security Complex has copyright protection for this technology.

Technology Readiness Level:

• TRL 9: Actual application of the technology in its final form and in Y-12 production use.

The Extrans permeation measurement system is a customizable system for testing the behavior and uniformity of polymers and other materials. The system can be used to determine permeation rates using variable temperatures, total pressures, differential pressures, and mechanical deformations as well as adjustable concentration levels for gases and liquids. Extrans supports permeation testing from liquid-to-gas or from gas-to-gas phases.

Features:

• User-selected temperature and pressure ranges
• Balanced differential pressure manifold incorporating a back-pressure control valve and regulator
• Adaptable for different materials from sheet, thin pads, to tubes and bulk materials
• Programmable for repetitive or complex tasks
• Compact design

Patents:

• U.S. Patent Nos. 7,325,439, 8,171,775, and 8,479,563

Technology Readiness Level:

• TRL 8: Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions.

Obtaining a usable X-ray image means that the technician must align the X-ray beam, collimator, and target properly, which often means taking several test radiographs, resulting in lost time and a waste of materials. The Leha’ir system uses a focused, visible light to indicate the spread of an X-ray beam. The light assists in aligning the X-ray generator with the target to achieve the required radiographic coverage. An indication system and electrical lockouts are used on the X-ray generator to protect the light from the harmful X-rays and ensure that the light beam is retracted prior to exposing the film.

Features:

• Simple and safe visual alignment method
• Hinged or sliding framed that is mounted to the face of the X-ray generator
• High-intensity LED light, which illuminates the area of the projected radiation beam
• An interlock switch prevents the X-ray generator from operating while the operator is aligning

Patents:

• U.S. Patent Application No. 15/096,655

Technology Readiness Level:

• TRL 8: Concept tested in relevant environment.

The Facility Management Enterprise System (FMES) provides a variety of tools to manage operations information across facilities and organizations incorporating interfaces to corporate systems as needed for data accessibility and real-time status updates and notifications.

Features:

• Variety of status boards track and report the health of production, utility and facility support systems
• Provides review, update and approval capabilities for monthly reporting
• Provides flexible search and editing capabilities with the ability to upload supporting documents to be stored and associated with index records
• Keeps track of on-duty personnel and equipment assignments
• Allows multiple organizations to view and update status reports interactively with access to a complete searchable history of all records

Copyright:

• The Y-12 National Security Complex has copyright protection for this technology.

Technology Readiness Level:

• TRL 9: Actual application of the technology in its final form and in Y-12 production use.