The University of Illinois, Chicago Industrial Training and Assessment Center (UIC-ITAC), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is a cornerstone of innovation in industrial energy efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development. UIC-ITAC offers no-cost energy, productivity, and waste assessments for small and medium-sized manufacturers in the Central and Midwest regions of the United States, while also advancing cutting-edge research and training the next generation of energy professionals. Since its establishment in 2001, UIC-ITAC has been delivering measurable impacts through assessments, research activities, and workforce development.

Assessment Experience: Driving Energy and Cost Savings

UIC-ITAC has solidified its reputation as a leader in providing no-cost technical assessments to small- and medium-sized manufacturers, helping them reduce energy consumption, enhance productivity, and minimize environmental impact. These assessments, funded by the DOE, involve detailed on-site evaluations by teams of engineering faculty and students, followed by comprehensive reports with actionable recommendations delivered within 60 days. Key achievements include:

  • Over 327 Energy Assessments Conducted: Since its inception, UIC-ITAC has performed more than 327 energy assessments for small and medium industrial facilities in Illinois and northwestern Indiana. These assessments cover a range of industries, including manufacturing, food processing, and wastewater treatment, identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance competitiveness.
  • Energy Savings of 4.50 Trillion Btus: Recommendations from UIC-ITAC assessments have collectively saved 4.50 trillion British thermal units (Btus) of energy, equivalent to powering approximately 130,000 U.S. households for a year. These savings translate into significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs for manufacturers.
  • 2,618 Recommendations Delivered: UIC-ITAC has provided 2,618 specific recommendations across its assessments, targeting energy conservation measures (ECMs) such as lighting upgrades, HVAC optimization, compressed air system improvements, and process heating enhancements. On average, these recommendations yield 10-20% energy and cost savings with payback periods of less than two years.
  • Support for DOE Implementation Grants: UIC-ITAC assists clients in accessing DOE Implementation Grants of up to $300,000 per qualified recommendation to implement energy efficiency projects, ensuring that assessment findings are translated into tangible outcomes. For example, recommendations for upgrading to energy-efficient motors or insulating industrial furnaces have been implemented with grant support, amplifying cost savings and environmental benefits.

These assessment efforts demonstrate UIC-ITAC’s commitment to delivering measurable, real-world impacts for manufacturers while fostering sustainable industrial practices in the region.

Research Excellence: Advancing Industrial Sustainability

UIC-ITAC has built a strong track record in advancing industrial sustainability through diverse and impactful projects. Our team has conducted comprehensive assessments and developed solutions for energy-efficient manufacturing, helping facilities reduce consumption and operational costs while improving productivity. We have also implemented power demand response strategies that enable manufacturing systems to adapt energy usage in real time, supporting grid stability and lowering peak demand.

In addition, UIC-ITAC has contributed to innovations in electric vehicle battery remanufacturing, conducting detailed life cycle assessments to guide sustainable practices and support the circular economy. Our expertise extends to modeling multi-machine production systems, enabling accurate throughput estimation and informed decision-making for complex manufacturing operations. We have also worked on renewable energy integration initiatives, helping industries transition toward cleaner energy sources without compromising production performance.

These research interests reflect UIC-ITAC’s commitment to combining technical excellence with practical, data-driven solutions that deliver measurable benefits. By bridging advanced engineering research with hands-on industrial experience, UIC-ITAC continues to help partners enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and achieve long-term operational resilience.

Selected Publications:

  1. Wang, J., Yun, L., & Li, L. (2024), “Sizing of Grid-Connected PV-Battery System in Manufacturing Facility Considering Life Cycle Assessment,” Proceedings of the ASME 2024 19th International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference. Volume 1: Additive Manufacturing; Advanced Materials Manufacturing; Biomanufacturing; Life Cycle Engineering. Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. June 17–21, 2024. V001T04A006. ASME
  2. Yun, L., Wang, D., & Li, L. (2023), “Explainable multi-agent deep reinforcement learning for real-time demand response towards sustainable manufacturing,” Applied Energy, 374, 121324.
  3. Yun, L., & Li, L. (2022), ” Assessing the Impacts of Real-Time Price Prediction Quality on Demand Response Management for Sustainable Smart Manufacturing, Proceedings of the ASME 2022 17th International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference. Volume 2: Manufacturing Processes; Manufacturing Systems.,
  4. Yun, L., Xiao, M., & Li, L. (2022), ” Vehicle-to-manufacturing (V2M) system: A novel approach to improve energy demand flexibility for demand response towards sustainable manufacturing, Applied Energy, 323, 119552.
  5. Yun, L., & Li, L.(2022), “A New Evaluation Metric for Demand Response-Driven Real-Time Price Prediction Towards Sustainable Manufacturing,  J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. 145(2): 021009.
  6. Han, M., Li, L., & Zhao, J. (2022), ” Volatile organic compound emissions from 4D printing: Effects of material composition and external stimulus, Additive Manufacturing, 56, 102894.
  7. Dababneh, F., & Li, L. (2019), ” Integrated Electricity and Natural Gas Demand Response for Manufacturers in the Smart Grid, IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 4164-4174.
  8. Dababneh, F., Li, L., Shah, R., & Haefke, C. (2018), ” Demand Response-Driven Production and Maintenance Decision-Making for Cost-Effective Manufacturing,  Manuf. Sci. Eng. 140(6): 061008.

Education and Training: Building the Future Energy Workforce

UIC-ITAC is committed to developing the next generation of energy-conscious engineers through hands-on training, educational outreach, and industry collaboration. By integrating students into real-world assessments and research, UIC-ITAC provides unparalleled opportunities for skill development and career preparation. Key accomplishments include

Training more than 191 students since 2017: UIC-ITAC engages a minimum of 13 students per year in its assessment program, with a total of 191 students trained in energy audits, instrumentation, and report writing. Additionally, 63 students have been awarded ITAC student certificates for exceptional participation.