Nanostructured Energy Conversion Technology and Research Laboratory: This laboratory conducts fundamental research to develop next generation energy sources by synthesis of novel nanoscale materials using deposition techniques and coupling these nanoscale devices to micro and macro scale systems. Researchers are developing materials for high efficiency, low cost photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices for energy conversion. The research supports some of NASA’s specific needs for ultra small, low cost, high reliability energy sources to power the nation’s spacecraft exploration vehicles.
Solar Energy and Renewable Fuels Laboratory: This laboratory is focused on using new materials technologies and nanostructured devices to produce electricity and fuel from renewable resources at dramatically reduced cost and weight. The researchers fabricate, characterize and model advanced energy devices such as solar cells, luminescent solar concentrators and photochemical cells. They are also developing new instrumentation for characterization of solar materials.
Micro-Thermal Diagnostics Laboratory: Researchers have developed a unique thermal imaging microscope using visible light thermoreflectance with unsurpassed spatial resolution (300nm) coupled with temperature resolution of 0.01 C. This instrument is extremely useful at measurement of microscopic “hot spots” in integrated circuits, microchips and solar cells and allows the characterization of such systems to aid in the development of more efficient devices. The laboratory is currently working with National Semiconductor to study “hot spots” in high power transistor switching devices.
Scalable Solution Based Processing Laboratory: Researchers are developing novel methods of synthesizing nanoparticle based materials using solution chemistry. Such methods offer the promise of being to scale up for production, which could result in low cost, polymer composite materials as alternatives to silicon for solar cells. They are also working on multifunctional materials for use in microgrid energy storage systems.
Renewable Energy Microgrid Testbed: BIN-RDI researchers are creating a renewable energy electrical microgrid, a testbed which will allow for realistic optimization of a grid based upon renewable energy sources and energy storage devices. This testbed will allow for unbiased evaluation of various renewable technologies. In addition, in conjunction with a small data center, the researchers can test ideas related to renewable energy microgrid powered data centers and look for ways in which power generation, consumption and storage can be co-optimized to minimize cost and operational expenses and maximize efficiency.