Binghamton's innovations in smart energy
At Binghamton University, our multidisciplinary research focuses on how energy can be reliable, efficient, resilient, integrated and sustainable. With millions of dollars in federal funding, our research centers bring industry and academic experts together to tackle pressing scientific and technological challenges. Business partners from around the world rely on our expertise in solar and thermoelectric energy harvesting; next-generation lithium-ion batteries; energy-efficient electronic systems; and sensor development for energy resource management.
This research is part of an innovative environment that makes Binghamton University the premier public in the Northeast.
Our Center for Energy-Smart Electronic Systems opened a unique data center lab to make cloud computing more efficient. ES2, a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, brings government, industry and academic partners together.
Researchers at the NorthEast Center for Chemical Energy Storage recently found that two lithium ions, rather than the usual one, can be inserted into a new cathode material, potentially increasing the energy density of a battery by 50 percent. NECCES, supported by a $12.8 million grant from the Department of Energy, is led by M. Stanley Whittingham, one of the inventors of the lithium-ion battery.
The Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing works with Corning Inc. on flexible glass with applications in many energy-efficient electronic devices. CAMM leads the New York node of a $75 million, five-year federal initiative to advance flexible hybrid electronics manufacturing.
Researchers in the Center for Autonomous Solar Power have achieved world-leading efficiency with solar cells made with copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS). CASP's latest efforts combine CZTS with perovskite materials. The center has also created carbon nanofiber-based supercapacitors with capacity comparable to Ni/MH batteries.
The Koffman Southern Tier Incubator in Binghamton is a NYSERDA-certified Clean Energy Incubator. The Southern Tier Clean Energy Incubator program leverages R&D resources at Binghamton University. It builds on regional relationships and the 76West Clean Energy Competition to offer mentoring, networking, training and technical support to new clean energy companies.
A team led by engineer Seokheun "Sean" Choi created a textile-based biobattery that could be incorporated into wearable electronics. Sweat could power the microbial fuel cell, meaning your sweaty socks might one day be a source of energy.
