|  | | | Bioeconomy: Other Related Projects | | Research Projects
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Lignin-based Thermoplastic Foams for Building Insulation
Date Approved: 5/11/05
Amount: $40,000
Leads: Simo Sarkanen, Professor, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, and Pat Huelman, Associate Professor and Extension Educator, Cold Climate Housing Coordinator, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
Contacts: Simo Sarkanen, Professor, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
Engineering, and Pat Huelman, Associate Professor and Extension
Educator, Cold Climate Housing Coordinator, Department of Bioproducts
and Biosystems Engineering
Benefits and Deliverables:
- Production of lignin-based thermoplastic foams with acceptable thermal resistance (R greater than or equal to 4) for building insulation.
- Identification of nucleants for improved foam uniformity and properties.
- Publication of results in peer-reviewed journal.
- Solicitation of partnerships with companies like Dow, Dupont, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Diversifoam and Aspen Research. (Through its research and technology transfer, the University of Minnesota Cold Climate Housing program has developed a strong reputation with the home building industry.)
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Biomass Characterization Equipment
Date Approved: 7/1/05
Amount: $50,000, matching grant for a USDA Higher Education Challenge grant $145,000
Lead: Shri Ramaswamy, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
Benefits and Deliverables:
- Improving the overall capabilities and resources at the University of Minnesota in the areas of biomass characterization, thermo-chemical and biochemical conversion of biomass, bio-based products manufacturing, biomaterial characterization and effluent characterization.
- Develop the capabilities and resources throughout the campus to become a true "national center of excellence in renewable energy and bio-based products."
- Contribute to a competent workforce for the existing and emerging bio-based products industry in Minnesota.
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St. Paul Campus Bioenergy Inventory
Date Approved: 10/7/06
Amount: $6,000
Leads: James G. Linn, Department of Animal Science, and Kevin A. Janni, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
Benefits and Deliverables:
- Conduct an inventory of organic waste sources that could be used as feedstock for a digester on St. Paul campus for transforming the wastes into bioenergy and value-added organic products.
- Conduct an inventory of electrical and thermal energy needs on St. Paul campus that could use the bioenergy from a digester.
- Analyze the economics of a bioenergy unit including capital and operating expenses, energy production and savings, value-added organic products, savings from reduced waste hauling charges, and environmental impact for reduced fossil fuel use
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Science Museum of Minnesota's Prairie Maze: A Demonstration Project on Renewable Energy and the Environment
Date Approved: 1/30/04
Amount: $125,000
Leads: Patrick Hamilton - Director of Earth-system and Environmental Sciences, Science Museum of Minnesota, Dr. G. David Tilman - Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Dr. Steve Polasky - Department of Applied Economics and Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Dr. Don Wyse - Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
Benefits and Deliverables:
The exhibit has the potential to inform a large portion of the 800,000 annual visitors to the Science Museum about renewable energy and the environment.
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