Science with Impact
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Science with Impact
The Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has a rich history of pioneering innovative research that propels cutting-edge technologies from concept to deployment. From foundational discoveries to real-world impact, the work accelerates the development of secure, reliable, and affordable technologies for buildings, transportation, manufacturing, and the electrical grid.
Explore highlights from all focus areas or search by topic below.
Advanced Manufacturing
Accelerating the creation of new materials and systems to transform energy applications and industrial processes that improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of American manufacturers.
Building Technologies
Reducing energy use in building materials to create smart, energy-efficient buildings that enhance energy security, affordability, and resilience.
Grid & Electrification
Targeting breakthroughs to improve the reliability and efficiencies of energy storage systems, electric grid protections and controls, and advancements in power electronics.
Transportation Technologies
Developing transportation solutions with a focus on energy storage, mobility options, biofuels, and intelligent systems.
ORNL researchers metal 3D-printing breakthrough unlocks safer, stronger parts for aerospace and nuclear industries.
ORNL researchers developed an inspection algorithm to enhance X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) reconstructions of 3D-printed parts.
ORNL and Cincinnati-based Queen City Forging developed a new method to forge aluminum using a hybrid rapid infrared furnace.
ORNL, in collaboration with Gate Precast, used 3D-printed carbon-fiber reinforced molds in the construction of the façade for the One South First building, located on the site of Brooklyn’s old Domino Sugar refinery.
ORNL developed and tested the refrigeration system in collaboration with industry partner Hillphoenix more than a decade ago and it’s widely used in supermarkets across North America today.
ORNL scientists developed a novel micro-X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) system for studying mouse phenotypes – traits determined by both genes and environmental factors – which led to some of the first broadly studied publications on micro-CT imaging in preclinical research.
ORNL's coal-to-graphite innovation turns waste materials from coal into tomorrow’s batteries, creating jobs and strengthening U.S. energy security.
ORNL research helped clear the way for gasoline with 15% ethanol to enter the marketplace. As ethanol use expands across the nation, the impact of the 2011 study continues to fuel consumer savings, support farmers and boost American energy independence.
ORNL researchers developed a Smart Smoke Alarm that uses sophisticated algorithms to more accurately identify fires, offering much faster detection of smoldering fires than conventional technology at the time.
ORNL developed the software framework and controls for the Southeast’s first Southern Company Smart Neighborhood.
ORNL invented and deployed a modal tap testing system for the calibration of CNC machines.
ORNL building technologies scientists have been instrumental in the research, development and deployment of heat pump water heaters for use in residential applications.
Buildings researchers demonstrated advanced technologies that reduced, by greater than 50 percent, the 1993 National Appliance Energy Conservation Act standard energy consumption for a 20 ft. top-mount, automatic defrost, refrigerator/freezer.
ORNL researchers successfully demonstrated the first 270-kW wireless power transfer to light-duty electric vehicle using the ORNL-developed polyphase wireless charging system.
ORNL buildings researchers were the first to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of a low global warming potential, or GWP, refrigerant known as R-448A.
ORNL-developed recycling technologies help recover rare earth materials from old hard drives and spent lithium-ion batteries.
ORNL researchers have developed an orchestrator to automate management of interconnected microgrids powered by renewable energy, allowing them to support each other if one part becomes compromised.
An ORNL-patented cascade multilevel inverter was developed 30 years ago and is widely used today by global energy, machinery and plant solution providers.
ORNL researchers have produced and maintained the Department of Energy’s Transportation Energy Data Book which serves as the definitive mobility trend guide for industry, policymakers, researchers and consumers.
ORNL demonstrated the use of additive manufacturing in the production of hydrofoils and spokes for small hydropower systems.
ORNL developed a 3D-printed precast concrete mold using a carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic known as CF-ABS.
ORNL researchers 3D-printed a single-piece, recyclable natural-material floor panel tested to be strong enough to replace construction materials like steel.
ORNL researchers developed a retinal scanning analysis software in the early 2000’s that was an early precursor to the modern technology used in telemedicine to recognize eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.
ORNL researchers developed and now operate the first North American power grid frequency monitoring network to cover the entire grid.
ORNL researchers created a digital model of the energy use of almost every building in America, called the Model America dataset. This data is now being used by dozens of companies in industries from building design to city planning and real estate risk assessment.