Wisconsin company to receive $2.8 million for groundbreaking research

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Milwaukee-based Astronomics Corporation of America to receive $2.8. million for a research project that aims to dramatically improve how the U.S. uses and produces energy. Secretary Steven Chu is awarding a total of $92 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to 43 cutting-edge projects that focus on accelerating innovation in green technology while increasing America's competitiveness in grid scale energy storage, power electronics and energy efficient cooling systems.

“These innovative ideas will play a critical role in our energy security and economic growth,” said Secretary Chu. “It is now more important than ever to invest in a new, clean energy economy.”

“This funding means cutting-edge companies in Wisconsin will be in an even stronger position to lead our country into the new energy economy," Senator Russ Feingold said. "By investing in energy efficiency technologies, we are not only helping Wisconsin’s economy, but we can also reduce our dependence on oil and fossil fuels while lowering energy costs. I will continue to support Wisconsin businesses and research institutions working to create jobs and address our nation’s energy challenges.”

Astronautics Corporation of America won the award for a project that proposes to use a solid state cooling technology with GWP of zero based on magnetic refrigeration. They will construct and test a magnetic refrigeration cooling system that will achieve significant energy efficiency and reduce system operating costs compared to conventional vapor compression systems.