Golden, Colo., Jan. 7, 1999 The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will take an active role in events marking the 100th anniversary of the American Physical Society (APS) and the role of physics in the 20th century.
Advancements in physics and related fields of scientific research have led to many breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies that, in turn, have given us the products that are today beginning to make a difference in the lives of people all around the world. Several story ideas can be developed to explore the role of physics in energy development throughout history and into the new millennium. NREL scientists and engineers are available to explain any of these ideas and concepts from the most basic, educational level to the most advanced.
The understanding of aerodynamics, sped along by the aerospace industry, has given us air foil designs that make electricity from modern wind turbines almost cost competitive with power from fossil fuels.
PV-roofing shingles; solar cells and panels with record-setting efficiencies; solar walls (transpired solar collectors); stand-alone solar energy systems for the home and business; utility-scale PV applications that provide power to thousands of customers; small, single-building wind turbines and massive, utility-scale wind machines deployed in wind farms around the country.
In addition, NREL has won 19 prestigious R&D 100 awards, given annually by R&D Magazine for significant technological innovations. NREL R&D 100 winners include thin-film solar cells, tandem solar cells, PV modules and advanced wind turbine air foil designs.
The APS centennial meeting is March 20-26 at the society's headquarters in Atlanta. DOE, NREL and other national laboratories will host exhibits, presentations and other events throughout the centennial celebration.
NR00299