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Research

Energy and Environment

UW Mechanical Engineering is helping to advance the adoption of a clean energy future by developing next generation marine, solar and wind energy and electrical energy storage materials, devices and systems, as well as their integration with the grid. Our students and faculty are working to increase the scope and impact of our research and education in alternative energies and the environment. We are fostering partnerships that grow our visibility and prominence in pollution prevention, clean combustion and energy research and technology translation. The solutions being developed in our labs will help establish the course toward a smarter, more sustainable future.

Key research areas

  • Acoustics and noise pollution prevention
  • Batteries and energy storage
  • Energy conversion
  • Energy optimization and conversion
  • Hybrid and electric vehicles
  • Low-emissions combustion, pollutants and control
  • Printed and flexible electronics
  • Wind, solar and marine renewable energy and instrumentation

Research highlights

ME researchers are developing novel technologies related to particulates sampling, environmentally- friendly batteries and combustion pollution control.

Woman cooking outdoors

Clean Cookstoves Lab focuses on the testing, design and development of low-emissions, highefficiency wood-burning cookstoves for the developing world.

Pacific Marine Energy Center responsibly advances the technical, environmental and societal dimensions of marine energy by expanding scientific understanding, engaging stakeholders and empowering students.

Clean Energy Institute is working to accelerate the adoption of a clean energy future by advancing solar energy and electrical energy storage materials, devices and systems, as well as their integration with the grid.

Award-winning student teams

EcoCAR students at a whiteboard

EcoCAR is converting a Chevrolet Camaro into a hybrid electric vehicle for a student competition sponsored by General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Students posing with HPS under water

The Human Powered Submarine team designs, manufactures and competes submarines with the goal of developing the most effective submarine system possible, relying solely on human power

Hyperloop team

UW Hyperloop designs, fabricates and competes small-scale pods that travel by magnetic levitation inside tubes at SpaceX headquarters.

Related News

Tue, 07/09/2019 | Environmental Monitor

Eyes Underwater Watching Aquatic Wildlife

ME associate professor Brian Polagye and his research team offer a promising new way to harvest energy from waves at sea.

Mon, 07/08/2019 | Wired

An itty-bitty robot that lifts off like a sci-fi spaceship

ME faculty Igor Novosselov and Sawyer Fuller are developing small flying robots that can be powered by ion propulsion.

Fri, 06/14/2019 | UW Mechanical Engineering

Environmental impact

Researchers are developing ways to better understand how emerging marine energy technologies affect underwater life.

Wed, 06/05/2019 | GeekWire

Change climate for energy innovation

Washington Clean Energy Testbeds partners with startups to churn out clean energy technology.