This program seeks to fund transformative new power plant cooling technologies that enable high thermal-to-electric energy conversion efficiency with zero net water dissipation to the atmosphere. Of particular interest to this program are technologies that incorporate air cooling, sorption-based cooling, multimode (convection/radiant) cooling, large capacity cool storage, or any other innovative heat rejection technology that addresses the programmatic goals. Successful technologies emerging from this program will enable continued reliable and efficient domestic electric power production, independent of population growth and climatic variations and with minimal impact on the aquatic environment. Market penetration of these technologies will significantly reduce the risk of lost thermoelectric power production. This program aims to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific advances, such as those arising from the NSF Thermal Transport Processes Program, ONR Ship Systems and Engineering Research Program (Thermal Energy Management), and the NSF/EPRI Advanced Dry Cooling for Power Plants program, and technology that will have a transformative impact in dry-cooling of power plants.
A list of potential teaming partners can be found here: https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/TeamingPartners - ARID