NETL in Pittsburgh hosted a visit from researchers with the PPG Coatings Innovation Center, who learned about the Laboratory’s work in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), sensors and controls and advanced membranes and sorbents. The delegation, led by Stuart Hellring, Ph.D., was interested in exploring potential areas of common interest.

PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products and specialty materials. The PPG Coatings Innovation Center, an 86-acre complex located near Pittsburgh in Allison Park, Pennsylvania, opened in 1974. The center creates and tests sealants, adhesives, and pretreatment solutions in robotic spray booths with environmental controls for variable temperature, humidity and airflow.

In addition to Hellring, the visitors from the PPG Coatings Innovation Center visitors included Terry Hart, manager of R&D government contracts, Nicolas Duarte, research associate, and Jim Peters, research manager. The PPG visit and tour of NETL’s Pittsburgh facilities was born out of interactions between Hellring and NETL personnel who attended the recent Department of Energy InnovationXLab Advanced Manufacturing Summit.

NETL has a long record of pursuing research of projects of interest to PPG. The Laboratory:

• Addresses technical issues facing the commercialization of SOFC technology. SOFCs are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy of a fuel and oxidant directly into electrical energy. Since SOFCs produce electricity through an electrochemical reaction and not through a combustion process, they are much more efficient and environmentally benign than conventional electric power generation processes. The characteristics of SOFCs make them suitable to address the environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel-based electric power generation.

• Aggressively works to discover leading edge coatings that can enhance the performance of advanced energy systems where harsh environments present challenges. For example, the Laboratory uses a novel solution precursor plasma spray process to deposit thermal barrier coatings in its research. NETL also conducts turbine materials research to improve coating materials that allow for higher temperature operation and increased durability leading to better turbine efficiency with reduced maintenance.

• Operates a productive sensors and controls program that improves fossil energy power generation with new sensors and distributed intelligent control systems. Advanced sensors and controls provide pivotal insights into optimizing plant performance and increasing plant reliability and availability. NETL tests and matures novel sensor and control systems that are operable in coal-fired power plants; are capable of real-time measurements; improve overall plant efficiencies; and allow for more effective ramp rates. The developing technologies also benefit natural gas power generation and other harsh environment applications.

• Pursues development of membrane technology options to separate carbon dioxide (CO2) and H2 in coal derived syngas. A membrane is a selective barrier that allows some things to pass through but stops others. Membranes are used in advanced energy systems for pre-combustion carbon capture. NETL membrane designs include metallic, polymeric, or ceramic materials operating at elevated temperatures and using a variety of chemical and/or physical mechanisms for separation.