The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announces the launch of a new manufacturing prize. Its Lightweight Turbocharger Turbine Wheel Challenge aims to find turbocharger design concepts capable of meeting or exceeding the performance of current solutions.
Design concepts should optimize efficiency and transient response. Innovative manufacturing techniques–such as additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing)–and new material concepts should be utilized for the design in order to qualify for the prize.
Many engine designs now include a turbocharger to increase thermal efficiency and power density. The DOE is looking for lightweight turbocharger turbine wheel concepts that can be applied to automotive engines but also be scaled up to larger turbocharger applications—such as in heavy-duty mobile equipment.
The new contest is part of EERE"s Manufacturing Innovator Challenge consisting of challenges across multiple technologies to find ideas that will enhance manufacturing in the United States.
DOE will award a single prize of approximately $7,000. More details and how to enter can be found on the DOE's website.
