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Crosscutting Technologies

Crosscutting R&D targets efficiency opportunities in the use of technologies that are common to many industrial processes and can benefit multiple industries. ITP conducts R&D projects that will improve the efficiency of combustion, materials, sensor and process control systems, and supporting industries, as well as opportunities for improving industrial energy systems, such as combined heat and power. Because of the widespread application of these crosscutting systems, even small improvements in their efficiency can yield large energy savings.

Combustion  Virtually every manufacturing industry has a stake in improved combustion technologies. Boilers, furnaces, and other process heaters combined account for about two-thirds of the total energy used by manufacturing industries. Through selective cost-shared R&D projects, DOE and industry are laying the foundation for enhanced combustion performance, focusing on applications designated as priorities by IOF industries, and in the Combustion program vision and technology roadmap. Sensors and Automation  Robust, integrated measurement devices linked to intelligent control systems will enable U.S. industry to use resources more efficiently and improve product quality. ITP works with industry to develop and deliver advanced measurement and control technology solutions with broad applicability across multiple industries.

Industrial Materials for the Future  U.S. industry needs materials that are stronger and lighter, with resistance to high-temperature fatigue and improved resistance to corrosion and wear. ITP's Industrial Materials effort focuses on advanced metallic and intermetallic alloys, advanced structural polymers and membrane materials, advanced ceramics and composites, and advanced materials processing methods. Supporting Industries  Supporting industries include heat treating, forging, welding, powder metallurgy, advanced ceramics, and carbon products. The Industrial Technologies Program assists these supporting industries in improving energy utilization and reducing waste, while they strive to improve their own global competitiveness and that of the products of the basic manufacturing industries.