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| | Solaris Manufacturing Inc. | Bruce Gray | |
Small Business
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Technologies that facilitate low-cost, high-performance, and/or plug-and-play hybridization and integration of disparate devices
| Solaris has privately developed prototypes and a full scale demonstration install of a combined solar PV-thermal hybrid that uses the full spectrum of light to generate energy to solar power and heat a whole building. We are getting a combined peak of 1500 watts, including thermal, from a 250 watt rated panel, and can produce thermal energy in all weather, even in the dark 24/7.
Our system is simple, reliable, and affordable now. It will be transformational when commercially launched. http://www.internationalresourcejournal.com/brochures/2013/Nov/Solaris_Manufacturing/index.php
We are seeking a PV panel partner to form a joint venture for the next generation of commercially viable solar energy systems. |
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| | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Gang Chen | |
Academic
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Power Generation: Renewable
| Dr. Gang Chen's research interests encompass micro- and nanoscale heat transfer and energy conversion with applications in thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, solar thermal-energy to electrical energy conversion; and microelectronics; nano-mechanical devices and micro-electro-mechanical systems; radiation and electromagnetic metamaterials, nanoengineered high thermal conductivity soft matters (polymers, colloids, and liquids), and desalination. |
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| | Northwestern University | Koray Aydin | |
Academic
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Other Energy Technologies
| Our group is an expert in the field of plasmonics, nanophotonic light-trapping architectures, metamaterials and metasurfaces. We have strong background in optical and electrical modelling of different solar-cell architectures including plasmonic solar cells and nanostructured solar cells. We are equipped with the state of the art optical and optoelectronic characterization tools and have access to the shared facilities at Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory for the nano and micro fabrication of solar cells. We are currently working on proof-of-concept designs for full-spectrum solar cells based on optical metasurfaces. |
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| | Sun Synchrony | Mark Perlin | |
Small Business
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Technologies that enable active cell-level balancing and control
| The OptifoldTM reflector is a purely reflective high concentration mirror reflector that embeds four receivers in its walls at the four cardinal positions facing the reflector’s axis. T
he aperture is obstruction-free and secondary optics are not required.
When aligned with the solar axis, parabolic mirrors focus sunlight symmetrically on the receivers, which then produce a symmetrical output. Misaligned receivers will produce an asymmetrical output pattern. Tracking control uses the receiver symmetry to guide adjustments.
VISUAL seen art www.Optifold.com
Company has received two grants awards from the California Energy Commission |
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| | Adomani | Edward Monfort | |
Small Business
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Transportation
| The patented ADOMANI Electric Driveshaft is a 21st Century innovation that combines gas and electric together forever. This Electric Driveshaft works as a powered driveshaft and as a supercharger on any rear wheel drive vehicle. Simply take your stock driveshaft out of your rear wheel drive vehicle and replace it with the ADOMANI Electric Driveshaft, a power controller, and a battery pack. Once you replace and install these components, you will have a hybrid vehicle that can get up to 220 mpg. ADOMANI has collaborated with Enviromatix GPS to develop and embed proprietary software and patented technology in its engines. ADOMANI offers a program to finance the conversion from gas to all electric or a hybrid electric. |
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| | Sunlight Photonics Inc. | Allan Bruce | |
Small Business
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Power Generation: Renewable
| Designs & Develops Specialty PV & Hybrid Power SYS, INCL PV–Solar Thermal Hybrid Power Systems. Has identified & modeled PERF of such SYS, INCL novel PV cells, operating at high TEMP in CPV CONFIGs, enabling efficient XFER of unused solar thermal energy to complementary storage &/or a dispatchable power sub-SYS. Has proprietary DSGNs for M-J PV devices, operating at HE in both direct & diffuse Illumination & can enhance PERF of PV & hybrid power SYS. Modeling predicts net solar CNV efficiencies >40% with >50% of this power being generated thermally at TEMPs >300oC. Additionally, our high temperature PV devices may also be integrated, as topping devices, in existing Concentrated Solar Power SYS DSGNs with substantially same benefits. This provides a cost-effective, fast-track for implementing the new technology. Has a team of EXP scientists & ENGNs w/ EXT EXP in materials, Design, modeling, prototyping, testing, SYS DEV & MFG with avail facilities & capabilities to SUP work in Program. |
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| | A Better Focus Co. | Doug Simmers | |
Small Business
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None of the above
| A Better Focus Co. manufactures point-focus concentrating dishes utilizing reflective film. Scaling to 8' diameter has been demonstrated, with a focal point of less than 10" (on-axis conditions).
Newly developed films have demonstrated a life of over 20 years in accelerated life testing at NREL, and also of over 10 years in real conditions(and counting).
This "best cost" concentrating technology offers the greatest hope for competing against traditional combustion-based energy production, and provides a good platform for evaluating hybrid methods of extracting the full electromagnetic spectrum of incident solar energy. |
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| | New Frontier Technology Group | Milan Krupa | |
Small Business
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Storage Technologies For Ubiquitous Deployment by Customers
| NFTG has devised a simple, ultra-efficient, pure rotary turbine like motion, positive displacement, rotary device which has the potential to displace all internal combustion engines, turbines, compressors, pumps, expanders, and similar devices with tremendous energy savings and emission reduction.
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Features: 90-98% mechanical efficiency; 60-80% thermal efficiency as an IC engine which is 2-3 times better than piston tech; low cost, friction & parts count(10 fold lower. No head, crank, valves): ability to operate at any velocity up to 100,000rpm; Specific Power, Power Density, & Specific Torque 10-20 times better than piston tech; fully expanded gases mean 100% energy utilization and no noise or heat in exhaust; simple straight lines and circular curves without compound curves allow for low cost injection molding manufacture for most applications.
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| | The Southern California Research Initiative for Solar Energy at the University of California, Riverside | Alfredo Martinez-Morales | |
Academic
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Power Generation and Energy Production: Liquid and Gaseous Fuels/Nuclear
| In a collaborative environment based at UC Riverside’s College of Engineering - Center for Environmental Research and Technology, the Southern California Research Initiative for Solar Energy is developing materials for solar energy, new photovoltaic devices, solar-thermal technologies and theoretical models to simulate the performance of novel device structures, as well as the integration, demonstration and validation of solar energy systems.
Specific to the FOCUS FOA, we have expertise in the design and optimization of solar troughs, dish/stirling engine systems; solar-to-electricity devices with high efficiency in the temperature range from 100 – 600°C; solar energy absorption materials and architectures; bonding of electronic devices for effective heat transfer; electrochemical energy storage; thermal energy storage; and systems integration. |
Website: www.scrise.ucr.edu
Email: alfmart@cert.ucr.edu
Phone: 951-781-5652
Address: Southern California-Research Initiative for Solar Energy Center for Environmental Research and Technology University of California, Riverside 1084 Columbia Avenue Riverside, CA 92507
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| | Institute of Energy Conversion/University of Delaware | Rober Birkmire | |
Academic
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Power Generation: Renewable
| The Institute of Energy Conversion, IEC, has been involved in the development of thin film photovoltaic technology for over 40 years with the mission to develop the fundamental science and engineering base required to improve PV device performance, develop processing technologies, and effectively transfer these laboratory results to large-scale manufacturing. IEC has programs in a-Si and c-Si, polycrystalline CdTe and CuInGaSe2-based devices and has complete facilities for deposition, characterization and fabrication of thin film and c-Si solar cells and devices. IEC has three pilot scale deposition systems representing typical manufacturing prototypes: 1) a roll-to-roll multisource evaporation system for depositing Cu(InGa)Se2 films on 10” wide moving web; 2) a 6 chamber plasma-CVD system for deposition of a-Si and nc-Si based devices on substrates up to 1 ft. sq.; and 3) a vapor transport deposition system for depositing CdTe and related II-VI alloys on moving 4” X 4” substrate. |
Website: www.udel.edu/iec
Email: rwb@udel.edu
Phone: 302 831 6220
Address: University of Delaware, Institute of Energy Conversion 451 Wyoming Road, Newark, DE 19716
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| | University of Arizona | Dr Roger Angel | |
Academic
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Power Generation: Renewable
| Our group at the University of Arizona is developing 1) advanced
manufacturing capability for self-supporting glass solar reflectors, and
2) advanced designs for solar concentrating optics and 3) novel designs
for low-cost dual axis trackers.
Our manufacturing technology can be used to make inexpensive
paraboloidal dish reflectors, from square 2.5m^2 self-supporting glass
panels. The dishes are suitable for smaller hybrid solar converters and
storage systems that can be deployed in lucrative entry markets. Our
advanced optical designs include a way to drive CPV cells at 1000X using
conventional trough collectors. Our dual axis tracker design, suitable
for collecting areas of up to 50m^2, more than halves the specific
weight of steel used in conventional trackers. |
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| | University of Arizona | Raymond K. Kostuk | |
Academic
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None of the above
| Optical system design, fabrication, and characterization of low to medium concentration ratio PV systems. In particular the design and fabrication of low-cost holographic spectrum splitting optics for high efficiency PV systems. Holographic planar concentrator design and implementation. Specialized simulation programs for modeling of PV systems under direct and diffuse illumination conditions. |
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| | Otherlab | Leila Madrone | |
Small Business
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Technologies that offer new control capabilities via advanced models, mechanisms, or actuators
| An ARPA-E awardee under the 2012 Open FOA, Otherlab is developing extremely low-cost 1-axis and 2-axis actuation for concentrated solar. Our heliostats and trough trackers utilize mass manufacturing and innovative control topologies. |
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| | Arizona State University | Zachary Holman | |
Academic
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Power Generation: Renewable
| The DOE- and NSF-funded Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technology (QESST) ERC at ASU has four faculty members working on crystalline silicon photovoltaics and two working on III-V photovoltaics. QESST has a full pilot line for fabrication of both diffused-junction silicon solar cells and silicon heterojunction solar cells (like the Sanyo HIT cell), as well as extensive characterization capabilities. My expertise is in silicon heterojunction cells; I was a member of a team that fabricated a 22.1%-efficient silicon heterojuntion device at EPFL in Switzerland. I am particularly interested in proposals regarding photovoltaic/thermal hybrid devices where the photovoltaic component is a multi-junction cell comprised of III-V and silicon sub-cells that may or may not be monolithically integrated. |
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| | PARC | Sean Garner | |
Small Business
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None of the above
| PARC is a multidisciplinary research center with deep expertise in system integration, solar optics, solar economic analysis, and thermal and electrochemical devices and systems. PARC is highly experienced in government contracting and is currently a performer on two ARPA-E contracts.
PARC has developed novel device and system concepts for the FOCUS program, and is seeking partners with complementary technologies and capabilities.
PARC is skilled in the design, analysis, modeling, and development of imaging and non-imaging optics for both high- and low-concentration PV systems. Capabilities include the development of microoptical films that collect and redirect sunlight and novel concentrating reflector designs and architectures for solar thermal systems.
PARC is currently engaged in a variety of research efforts in novel electrochemical and thermal energy conversion systems, and has experience integrating systems from bench-top to manufacturing. |
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| | eM-TECH, Inc. | Paul Czubarow | |
Small Business
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None of the above
| eM-TECH is developing patent-pending solid-state, nanotechnology based thermoelectric (TE) generators that passively generate electricity through absorption of solar generated heat. The proposed TE generators will be flexible, scalable in size, and highly efficient, as well as cost effective to manufacture. Such devices would enable coverage and adaptability to large areas and variable geometries of hear sources, with 200%-300% greater energy conversion efficiency than existing technologies.
The concept is to develop p and n type doped silicon carbide ceramic which can be electro-spun from a polymeric precursor into non-woven nano-fiber mats. Mats of the p and n type SiC nano-fibers can then be cut into ribbons and woven into a core structure giving p and n type semiconductors in series, attached to electrodes for performance testing. The device then can be configured together with a solar collector, which will provide solar thermal energy to run the system efficiently at ~600C. |
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| | University of Arkansas | R. Panneer Selvam | |
Academic
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Rampable Intermittent Dispatchable Storage Technologies
| Developed and tested two or three thermal energy storage system in the last 5 years. One method is to store thermal energy up to 600C using concrete and molten salt. The heat is stored as thermocline system in one tank. We also developed another thermocline system with gravel and air for much higher temperature. The IP is disclosed to the University. The IP defines a new approach on low-cost, high temperature, thermal energy storage. |
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| | Ecolode, Inc. | Ronald B. Foster | |
Small Business
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None of the above
| Ecolode, Inc. is a spinoff of University of Arkansas. The company is focused on developing and commercializing thermal energy storage systems, especially in conjunction with concentrated solar power.
The spinoff company has intellectual property (IP) related to work by Dr. Panneer Selvam's research group. The IP defines a new approach on low-cost, high temperature, thermal energy storage. http://www.cveg.uark.edu/701.php |
Website: N/A
Email: ron.foster@victvd.com
Phone: 479-236-0494
Address: 535 W. Research Center Blvd., Suite 135, Fayetteville, AR 72701
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| | sollector systems | Raj Banerjee | |
Small Business
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None of the above
| Sollector Systems is developing the world’s first concentrated solar power (CSP) system based on a dual axis tracking solar dish with a fixed focus. CSP systems such as power towers and troughs throw away 20-40 % of sunlight collected which lowers their overall efficiency. Sollector combines the high optical efficiency of a dish, the stationary hot spot and energy storage advantage of the tower, and the low cost of a trough. Notably, due to its unique fixed focus, Sollector enables thermal storage and base load/off peak power generation at distributed scales. Unlike pole mounted dishes the design is scalable to 1000 sq meters. |
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| | General Atomics | Aaron Sathrum | |
Large Business
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Storage Technologies For Ubiquitous Deployment by Customers
| General Atomics Energy Group is a diversified R&D private company located in San Diego, CA. Areas of expertise that are relevant include: Solar Thermal Cycles, Thin Film Solar, Thermal Photovoltaics, Alternative Energy Generation, Thermochemical cycles, Hydrogen Production Processes, Advanced Power Electronics, High Power Laser, Energy Storage, Advanced Engines, and Electromagnetics. Engineering teams include design, modeling, test and evaluation. Facilities include machine shop, clean room, characterization, power/energy testing, wet and dry labs. |
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| | National Renewable Energy Laboratory | David Ginley | |
Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)
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Other Energy Technologies
| NREL is a DOE National Laboratory with a core competence and focus on renewable energy technologies, spanning the spectrum from basic science to hardware validation for renewable technologies including solar, wind, biofuels, vehicles, grid integration, etc. With reference to FOCUS, NREL has activities in the basic and applied science of photovoltaic technologies, concentrated solar power, thermoelectrics, solar fuels, energy storage and grid integration. Other capabilities of potential relevance are a significant effort in computational materials design using a combination of high throughput theory (petaflop machine available) and high throughput experimentation to accelerate materials and device development in inorganic, organic and hybrid materials. NREL also has extensive capabilities in reliability and lifetime test for devices and modules. In addition, NREL has extensive capabilities in the resource and economic analysis for new energy conversion technologies. |
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| | Evolving Vital Engineering | Stormy Vowels | |
Individual
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Technologies that offer new control capabilities via advanced models, mechanisms, or actuators
| Currently enrolled in a rurral aerospace training program and am interested primarily in opportunities for individuals to supply ideas and designs for developing renewable and alternative energy technologies. Are there any pathways i can pursue to develop my interest in science, mathematics and advanced technologies that would likewise make good use of my bright innovative mind. Making use of modern materials such as liquid flouride and molten salt enable our country to find solutions to old problems like mobile energy systems and modularity. New technologies like additive manufacturing would also allow creation of advanced energy transmission technologies like ultra-efficient heat exchangers. Understanding of new alloys through projects like the materials genome initiative will expand the effective temperature range of liquid thermal storage, effective designs might facilitate electrolysis, thermal storage, energy production, and manufacturing operations all in one. |
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| | Tulane University | Matthew Escarra | |
Academic
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Power Generation: Renewable
| This team has extensive background in spectrum splitting optical design for PV at the module level, including planar and non-planar spectrum splitting design approaches that incorporate concentrator design, simulation, and characterization along with tracking and electrical considerations. The team has worked with several III-V technologies (photovoltaics, lasers, and metamaterials), with experience in design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization (including thermal performance). |
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| | EnergIndependence Battery and Research LLC | Dr. Alex Bistrika | |
Small Business
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None of the above
| We have a technology that will increase the service life of redox flow batteries by a factor of 5. The breakthrough technology could potentially reduce manufacturers hardware cost by ca. $600/kW over the life of the system. This corresponds to an increased revenue stream and significantly reduced down time for end-users when using battery storage. Our technology makes RFB systems an ideal partner for solar generation.
Our chemical pre-treatment of graphite electrodes uses abundant species, and our reagents can be synthesized using off-the-shelf chemicals. The stabilization chemistry has been validated for upwards of 4x the nominal operating current density in zinc/bromine RFB systems, which indicates the potential for reducing reactor size (i.e., increasing the power density). Preserving electrode activity reduces the risk of increased overpotentials, thereby mitigating the concern of increased hydrogen evolution and an added safety feature in large scale installations. |
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| | Halotechnics, Inc | Justin Raade, PhD | |
Small Business
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Other Energy Technologies
| An ARPA-E awardee under the High Energy Advanced Thermal Storage (HEATS) program, Halotechnics is the industry leader in high temperature fluids and engineering systems for thermal storage. Our molten salt and molten glass materials are operable over 250-750 and 400-1200 °C, respectively, and are thus well matched to temperature ranges of interest in the FOCUS program. By synthesizing and characterizing over 22,000 distinct candidate fluids, Halotechnics has developed expertise in finely tuning materials to meet a wide array of physical property requirements. We have subsequently leveraged our breakthrough materials science technology to design and test custom-built storage tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, piping, and sealing. Halotechnics is seeking FOCUS partnerships with which to apply our proficiency in high temperature heat transfer fluids and thermal storage systems. |
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