National Science Foundation (NSF)- Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Collaboration on Water Use Optimization

Transcription

1 National Science Foundation (NSF)- Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Collaboration on Water Use Optimization Informational Webcast Dr. Nalini S. Rao, Technical Leader, Environment, EPRI Dr. Sean Bushart, Director, Generation Environmental Sciences, EPRI Dr. William J. Cooper, Program Director, Environmental Engineering Program, NSF September 28, Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

2 Reminder of meeting link and call-in information NSF-EPRI Collaboration website: Water-Use-Optimization-.aspx For Audio: Call in: +1 (888) Attendee Code: The meeting will be recorded. The recording and the slides from this webcast will be posted on the NSF-EPRI Collaboration website 2

3 Agenda Part One Welcome Introduction to EPRI Introduction to NSF Collaboration between NSF and EPRI Food-Energy-Water Nexus and Specific Research Areas Review Funding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Part Two Open question and answer session 3

4 Open Ended Question Session Instructions Type Question Please type your questions into the Q&A boxes shown here at any time during the presentation. EPRI and NSF will field questions for the second half of the meeting. Recording and slides will be available later if you need to leave this meeting, or were unable to attend. 4

5 Electric Power Research Institute Mission: Advancing safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity for society through global collaboration, thought leadership, and science and technology innovation. Values: Integrity, Objectivity, and Public Benefit Independent research organization, which brings together scientists, engineers, academic researchers, industry experts 5

6 EPRI s Water Use and Availability Technology Innovation Program Overall Program Objective: To find meaningful technological advances that could optimize the utilization of freshwater resources. E.g. Water treatment for reuse and water resource expansion Also of interest throughout EPRI: Effluent polishing, zero liquid discharge and water treatment energy efficiency gains EPRI has released solicitations in 2011, 2012, 2013 (also with NSF), and the current opportunity in Water Use Optimization 6

7 National Science Foundation Independent federal agency established in 1950 NSF Mission: To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense... Funds basic research conducted by US colleges and universities NSF is organized into different Directorates, including Engineering Within engineering there are five divisions Environmental Engineering is within CBET (Chemical, Biological, Environmental, and Transport) 7

8 NSF s Environmental Engineering Program Goals: Encourage transformative research which applies scientific and engineering principles to avoid or minimize solid, liquid, and gaseous discharges, resulting from human activities on land, inland and coastal waters, and air, while promoting resource and energy conservation and recovery. Foster cutting-edge scientific research for identifying, evaluating, and monitoring the waste assimilative capacity of the natural environment and for removing or reducing contaminants from polluted air, water, and soils. 8

9 Collaboration between NSF and EPRI NSF will fund research as outlined in the Environmental Engineering Program website Broad set of areas of research Enhancing the availability of high quality water supplies Fate and transport of contaminants of emerging concern in air, water, and soils EPRI has interest in a subset of the areas which NSF s Environmental Engineering program funds, specifically in the context of the Food-Energy-Water Nexus 9

10 Food-Energy-Water Nexus These three interconnected resources represent a critical research need, in part because of the technical challenges, and in part because they are affected by human and environmental pressures. Energy systems use a large amount of water for processes such as cooling, flue gas treatment, and other operations. Water systems require a large amount of energy for treatment and transportation. Food production relies on energy and water, and creates organic products. High degree of interest in this area Internationally US Federal Government EPRI 10

11 EPRI s Specific Interests in the Food-Energy-Water Nexus While the possibilities for research into Food-Energy-Water Nexus issues are wideranging, EPRI s specific, key interests are highlighted above. 11

12 Joint Goals for Research Proposals for the NSF-EPRI Collaboration Alternative water sources and optimizing water use in power plants for water conservation purposes; Novel, energy efficient technologies or methods for water and wastewater treatment and transport for industrial and agriculture processes to reduce water demand and conserve electricity; Novel, energy efficient technologies or methods for water and wastewater treatment and transport for residential and commercial buildings; Technologies that simultaneously optimize water and energy use thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and Innovations that maximize the use of cheap, available energy (including low grade heat sources at thermal power plants) and water inputs using system integration. 12

13 Tiers of Research Areas Tier One: Research areas of high interest to NSF and EPRI and are the primary focus of this joint solicitation. Desalination and water reuse Integration of water and energy systems, and sensor technologies Water and energy use efficiency, and water treatment and reuse Tier Two: Research areas for which there may be funding from a specific sector of EPRI, but represent a secondary focus for this joint solicitation. Anaerobic membrane bioreactors Water and energy efficient operations Selective treatment Thermal evaporation/concentration and freeze contaminants 13

14 Review by EPRI and by NSF EPRI Review: Clearly articulate the water treatment performance benefits of the innovation with respect to baseline technology, and specify the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ; Carefully document the improved energy use and water treatment performance achievable with schematic designs or models; and Clarify and contextualize how your technology will contribute to the industry needs outlined in this document Describe the anticipated economic benefits of the technology for use in the electric power industry as well as the potential commercial pathway. Please see Evaluation Criteria on Page 7-9 on EPRI White Paper NSF Review Fundamental, transformative research Intellectual merit and broader impacts 14

15 Funding size Up to $6 million jointly ($3 million from EPRI and NSF) Targeting a maximum of $330K per project over 3 years Fund about 5 to 10 projects Following the reviews at EPRI and at NSF, funding decisions will be made Projects may be funded either by NSF or by EPRI EPRI contracts and NSF grants will be awarded in spring/summer

16 Frequently Asked Questions: Eligibility How can I determine whether I am eligible? In general, EPRI will follow the NSF guidelines on eligibility for our Joint Collaboration. Please consult the NSF Grant Proposal Guide. Specifically, please see Chapter I.E on Who May Submit Proposals on page I-4. Please note that national labs and international researchers are not eligible for NSF funds. Can international researchers or national labs send proposals directly to EPRI, since they are not eligible for NSF funding? Yes, but please follow the NSF guidelines on proposal preparation: project description; budget; partner forms, etc. There is a very limited amount of funding outside the NSF-EPRI agreement, but you are welcome to send EPRI your proposal. Please also be advised that funding for international researchers or national labs may be available only after the NSF-EPRI joint funding decisions are made. 16

17 Frequently Asked Questions: Private Companies If I am based at a private firm, can I apply for this grant? You are welcome to apply based on the NSF Grant Proposal Guide. Companies must register with NSF to be considered for NSF funds. Through NSF, it may be advisable to apply for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant. Commercial/private firms are also encouraged to participate through a PI from an academic institution, as part of a subcontract. Many interested researchers from companies have contacted us regarding sending a proposal ONLY to EPRI and not to NSF. There is a very limited amount of funding outside the NSF-EPRI agreement, but you are welcome to send EPRI your proposal. Please follow the NSF guidelines on proposal preparation: project description; budget; partner forms, etc. 17

18 Frequently Asked Questions: Budget How should I structure my budget for this NSF-EPRI call? Please design your budget according to NSF Guidelines, and carefully with respect to the activities you propose. It is important that the limit for your proposal is $330,000, for three years, or $110,000 per year. Three years is the typical length of time for NSF proposals. 18

19 Frequently Asked Questions: Submission What are the submission requirements? Principal investigators wishing to be considered for full or partial EPRI funding as well as NSF funding, should send a copy of their NSF proposals to foodwaterenergy@epri.com during the open solicitation period for NSF Program 1440: October 1-20, Send your proposal to NSF using their standard submission process, and EPRI a copy of your proposal 19

20 Open Ended Question Session Instructions Type Question Please type your questions into the Q&A boxes shown here at any time during the presentation. EPRI and NSF will field questions for the second half of the meeting. Recording and slides will be available later if you need to leave this meeting, or were unable to attend. 20

21 Question and Answer Session 2015 Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.

22 Resources NSF-EPRI Collaboration on Water Use Optimization: Optimization-.aspx Resources: White paper Frequently asked questions Webcast slides and recording (soon!) NSF Environmental Engineering: Important dates: October 1-20 th, 2015 for submission Thank you for your interest in the NSF-EPRI Collaboration on Water Use Optimization! 22