NETL will display its work with Pennsylvania State University to develop strengthened alloys for use in turbines at the 14th Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Energy Innovation Summit May 22-24 in Dallas, Texas.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are considered too early for private-sector investment. The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit brings together experts from different technical disciplines and professional communities to discuss America’s energy challenges in new and innovative ways. The summit offers a unique, three-day program aimed at moving transformative energy technologies out of the lab and into the market.

“By participating in the Energy Innovation Summit, NETL can experience first-hand the latest technological advancements across a variety of energy sectors,” said NETL’s James Ferguson, business development advisor, Research Partnerships & Tech Transfer. “Events like these enable us to network with breakthrough technology companies, federal government leaders, entrepreneurs and researchers who are ready to collaborate.”

With more than 2,700 attendees representing 49 U.S. states and 27 countries, Ferguson added that the summit is also an opportunity to hear insightful keynotes from industry leaders on the future of energy technology while experiencing the latest technological advancements across a variety of energy sectors.

NETL will participate in the summit as a sponsoring partner and will have joint exhibit booth with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. The booth will feature “Design, Manufacturing, and Characterization of Ultrahigh Temperature Refractory Alloys for Turbine Applications,” a joint project between NETL and Pennsylvania State University.

The goal of this research is the development of strengthened refractory high entropy alloys. In this concept, carbide strengthening phases precipitate from a refractory high entropy alloy matrix during solid state heat treatment. Like any precipitation strengthened alloy, the fine strengthening phase provides elevated temperature strength.

An advantage of this approach is the microstructure, and properties of components can be manipulated after manufacturing through simple heat treatment. This process creates an alloy optimized for use in turbines and other applications in a decarbonized economy and power sector as envisioned by the Biden-Harris Administration by 2050.

By having NETL’s work displayed for summit attendees, “we can promote the Lab’s technology featured in the highly regarded technology showcase,” Ferguson said.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.