Photo © ORNL
the oak ridge national laboratory (ORNL) worked with industrial partners to manufacture and connect a natural gas powered hybrid electric vehicle with a solar powered building to create an integrated energy system, or what they’re calling – additive manufacturing integrated energy’ or AMIE’ for short. the demonstration shows that power can flow in either direction between the 3D printed vehicle and building through a lab developed wireless technology. the approach allows the car to provide supplemental power to the 210 square foot house when the sun is not shining. connecting the house to the car demonstrates the concept of integrating two energy streams, buildings and transportation, which typically operate independently.