How MEMS and Sensors are Foundational to Smart Cities and our Just Clean Energy Transition
ABSTRACT
Cities and communities are at the center of our societies and at the center of our efforts as we build a just, sustainable, and resilient clean energy future. We are in the beginnings of the largest energy transition the world has ever experienced. At the same time, populations are shifting, businesses are evolving, and new technologies are coming online faster than ever before. For us to be successful, we must reimagine our social, economic, and technical systems. Our cities and the supporting systems need to become more intelligent and more connected, and MEMS, sensors, and the associated controls are foundational to this transition. At the same time, we need new technologies (again built on MEMS, sensors, and controls) that provide safe, healthy, and productive communities where everyone can thrive.
BIOGRAPHY
Michael Deru is the Group Manager for the Communities and Urban Sciences Research Group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. With over 25 years of experience, he has conducted a broad range of research in commercial buildings and communities including starting the U.S. Life Cycle Inventory database; developing energy and carbon models for buildings; development and validation of energy efficiency technologies across all building systems; and leading large scale deployment programs for new building technologies. He has authored or co-authored over 100 technical reports and peer-reviewed publications and received an R&D 100 award in 2005. Dr. Deru has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University.