Energy Storage & Distributed Resources

Accelerating Development and Adoption of New Advanced Technologies

Energy Storage and Distributed Resources works to accelerate new technologies for advanced batteries and fuel cells for transportation and stationary energy storage, grid-connected technologies for a cleaner, more reliable, resilient, and cost-effective future, and demand-responsive and distributed-energy technologies for a dynamic electric grid. Read on for specific areas of research.

Grid Integration

We are developing technologies and tools that (a) facilitate dynamic interaction between grid operators and energy consumers; (b) support the grid integration of intermittent renewable sources; and (c) foster the participation of distributed energy resources.

Energy Storage

For renewable technologies to take their place more fully in the marketplace, we need a new generation of rechargeable batteries. We are developing rechargeable battery technologies that generate and store energy more efficiently, so that they cost less, hold a charge longer, and have a longer lifespan.

Energy Conversion

The Energy Conversion Group's research focuses on thermochemical (e.g. combustion, thermal storage) and solar-to-thermal energy conversion. These competencies develop technologies such as waste heat harvesting, more efficient conversion of chemical energy to other forms, and enhanced conversion of solar energy to heat for applications, such as desalination and electricity generation.

Laser Technologies

The Laser Technologies Group's research is aimed at understanding the spatially and temporally distinct chemical and physical makeup of materials (surface and in-volume), which are central to pushing forward major advances in areas including energy, national security and biology.

Thermal Science

The Thermal Science group is a science-to-systems lab conducting research in manipulating matter at nanoscale dimensions for novel applications in a multitude of thermal, solar, and electrochemical energy devices and systems.

Applied Energy Materials

Rechargeable battery technology improvements are limited by the costs of component materials and the fundamental chemical and mechanical instabilities that impede vehicle battery development. We're working to advance battery technology, testing new materials and material synergies, improving ranges, acceleration, costs, lifetimes, and safety.