Energy Solutions

Draper’s Energy Initiative is focused on the application of sensors and controls for improved efficiency, safety, and security. Our nation’s energy use for residential, industrial, and transportation needs has an average efficiency below 40%. Today, approximately 85% of this energy comes from burning carbon-based fuels, coal, oil, and natural gas, and as a result, we think of energy and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) together. The biggest and most immediate impact on reducing the use of carbon fuels and their resulting CO2 emissions is not only deploying alternative energy sources, but also from greatly improving the efficiency of the infrastructure already in place. There are significant opportunities to improve coal-burning plants, buildings, automobiles, fuel production, traffic, industry, and CO2 management by applying state-of-the-art sensors and controls to optimize their operation. Efficiency improvements offer a lowcost, high-impact means to greatly improve the energy outlook in the near term.

Through the use of sophisticated sensors and controls, an area in which Draper has world class capabilities, significant efficiencies can be achieved. One particular efficiency opportunity is to optimize driving patterns and signal light control. By minimizing unnecessary auto idling at stop lights in the city of Cambridge alone,it is conservatively estimated that CO2 emissions could be reduced by 2600 tons per year along with a reduction of 260,000 gallons of gas used. To accomplish this, it would require sensors at all intersections that know how many vehicles are in each direction and control algorithms to analyze and react to the relationship between intersections. Draper is exploring this and other energy efficiency opportunities, including improving building efficiency, coal plant efficiency, and fuel exploration and production efficiencies.

Contact Information: busdev@draper.com