Skip to main content

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.

Related News

Mon, 08/19/2019 | King5 News

UW engineers test tidal energy turbines on Lake Washington

A team of ME engineers are testing turbines in Lake Washington that are designed to turn tides into usable energy.

Mon, 08/12/2019 | UW Mechanical Engineering

Research impact

Elizabeth Rasmussen is developing a clean, scalable approach to synthesizing advanced materials, setting the stage for innovation in batteries, targeted drug delivery and more.

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.