Energy UROPs

These students’ projects are generously supported by the Friends of MITEI UROP, which includes MITEI members Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, as well as MITEI donors.

Research projects

Summer semester Towards autonomous wind farm maintenance: Optimizing uncertainty communication in human-robot teams Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Andreea Bobu, Assistant Professor, Aeronautics and Astronautics; Assistant Professor, CSAIL

Fall semester Towards autonomous wind farm maintenance: Optimizing uncertainty communication in human-robot teams Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Andreea Bobu, Assistant Professor, Aeronautics and Astronautics; Assistant Professor, CSAIL

Research projects

Summer semester Optimizing nickel dewetting on glassy carbon substrate Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Ericmoore Jossou, Assistant Professor, NSE, EECS

Direct supervisor

David Simmone, Postdoctoral Associate, Nuclear Science and Engineering

Research projects

Independent activities period semester Machine learning for energy forecasting Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Anuradha Annaswamy, Senior Research Scientist, Mechanical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Vineet Jagadeesan Nair, PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering

Research projects

Independent activities period semester Digitize soft solids via visual computing Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Wojciech Matusik, Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Direct supervisor

Crystal Owens, Postdoctoral Fellow, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab

Spring semester Digitize soft solids via visual computing Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Wojciech Matusik, Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Direct supervisor

Crystal Owens, Postdoctoral Fellow, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab

Research projects

Fall semester Refinement of autonomous furnace subsystem for sustainable materials discovery Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Tonio Buonassisi, Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Alexander Siemenn, Research Scientist, Mechanical Engineering

Research projects

Fall semester Characterization of GaN monolithic bidirectional switches for power converters Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Samantha Coday, Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering

Research projects

Lithium-ion battery recycling Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have lately seen a high demand, especially for their optimal use in electronics and electric vehicles. However, when batteries reach end-of-life (EoL)—when the battery’s capacity goes below 80%—a majority will be disposed of in landfills. To reduce waste generation and optimize the performance of LIBs, we are investigating different methods to rejuvenate LIBs that have reached EoL. Specifically, we are exploring the performance recovery of graphite/lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries through in-situ electrolyte modifications. Such research would improve the environmental and economic sustainability of LIBs, reducing harmful waste and improving the economic viability of using LIBs worldwide.

Advisor

Martin Bazant, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Mathematics, Chemical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Yash Samantaray, Graduate Student, Chemical Engineering

MIT Renewable Energy Clinic Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Massachusetts has introduced its mission to shift to full renewable energy by 2050. Our research with the Renewable Energy Clinic involves looking at all aspects of a wind energy or battery storage project in New England, analyzing the risks, understanding stakeholders’ concerns and areas of support, and, eventually, investigating the reasons for opposing/supporting the project. With conversations with relevant stakeholders and further research, we would be able to generate class materials for the Renewable Energy Clinic to provide students of Fall 2024 with case studies that could help in resolving conflicts and continuing the projects. This research will help facilitate the progress of these renewable projects and help MA reach its climate goals by 2050. Broadly, this research on paused projects will take place in other states and countries to help more governments reach their climate goals.

Advisor

Lawrence Susskind, Ford Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning, Urban Studies and Planning

Direct supervisor

Jungwoo Chun, Graduate Student, Urban Studies and Planning

Research projects

Summer semester Multiscale control of copper nanoparticle DNA conjugates for improved electrochemical CO₂ reduction Sponsor Chevron

Methanogens are microbes that are found in abundance across many industries such as agriculture and waste management. As their name may imply, these organisms have the unique ability to produce methane, a useful fuel and potent greenhouse gas. More interestingly, their primary metabolic pathway involves utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) as the sole carbon source. My research this summer with the Furst Lab involves analyzing how environmental variables such as electrochemical conditions affect methane production in Methanogens. Characterizing the conditions that optimize the CO2 consuming metabolic pathway could provide us insight into CO2 revalorization. Methanogens could improve sustainability in industry by decreasing CO2 emissions all the while creating a useful, valuable product in the form of methane.

Advisor

Ariel Furst, Paul M. Cook Career Development Professor, Chemical Engineering

Fall semester Multiscale control of copper nanoparticle DNA conjugates for improved electrochemical CO₂ reduction Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Methanogens are microbes that are found in abundance across many industries such as agriculture and waste management. As their name may imply, these organisms have the unique ability to produce methane, a useful fuel and potent greenhouse gas. More interestingly, their primary metabolic pathway involves utilizing carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the sole carbon source. My research this summer with the Furst Lab involves analyzing how environmental variables such as electrochemical conditions affect methane production in Methanogens. Characterizing the conditions that optimize the CO₂ consuming metabolic pathway could provide us insight into CO₂ revalorization. Methanogens could improve sustainability in industry by decreasing CO₂ emissions all the while creating a useful, valuable product in the form of methane.

Advisor

Ariel Furst, Paul M. Cook Career Development Professor, Chemical Engineering

Research projects

Economic and battery research for Ghanaian ambulance energy transition Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Alexander Slocum, Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Aditya Mehrotra, Graduate Student, Mechanical Engineering

Research projects

Planning green hydrogen transportation for carbon-neutral grid operations Sponsor Shell

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is a key component in decarbonizing the energy sector. However, its integration into the energy grid is challenged by the variability of its production and the complexities of transporting it efficiently. Our research focuses on developing an integrated optimization model using Julia and Python that specifically targets the challenges of green hydrogen transportation and grid dispatch. The model identifies highly efficient transportation routes that minimize both costs and carbon emissions. This tool can be utilized by policymakers, energy companies, and grid operators to make informed decisions, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy with an emphasis on sustainable and resilient grid operations.

Advisor

Thomas Magnanti, Institute Professor, Sloan School of Management

Direct supervisor

Yifu Ding, Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Energy Initiative

Research projects

Economic and battery research for Ghanaian ambulance energy transition Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Many developing countries do not produce their own non-renewable energy, which makes necessary electric vehicle operations, such as ambulances, hard during energy market swings. In addition, the lack of possible battery option models and documentation contributes to the difficulty in electrifying vehicles. Our project focuses on battery cells available in Ghana and we are testing key characteristics such as internal resistance, state of charge over time, life cycle analysis, etc. We aim to find a correlation between relatively easier-to-measure values (e.g., internal resistance) and harder-to-measure values (e.g., viable lifecycle), so people in developing countries can more easily and accurately build electric vehicles with the tools they have on hand. In addition, we hope the documentation we are conducting on batteries available in Ghana and other developing countries will assist in electric vehicle deployment.

Advisor

Alexander Slocum, Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Aditya Mehrotra, Graduate Student, Mechanical Engineering

Research projects

Modeling hydroelectric power in Québec Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Reaching a decarbonized electric grid requires optimization of energy resources allocation and dispatch. For instance, in Québec, 95% of the electricity comes from hydropower resources. It is estimated that two-way trade between Québec and New England can lower the cost of the zero-emission power system by 17-28%. We are improving the representation of the hydropower resources in capacity expansion planning by adding detailed reservoir and river flow and pumped storage hydro representation data based on literature review.

Advisor

John Parsons, Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management; Deputy Director for Research, CEEPR

Techno-economic analysis on molten salt thermal energy storage Sponsor Shell

The U.S aims to reduce building emissions by 90% by 2050, which requires electrifying residential homes. However, the transition to electric heating will increase peak electricity demand, overloading the grid. I’m analyzing a cost-effective thermal energy storage system integrated with thermal resistive or induction heating that shifts heating demand away from peak hours. This solution could save up to $500 per year per household compared to current electric resistive heating and ease the grid’s burden, supporting a faster energy transition.

Advisor

Michael Short, Associate Professor, Nuclear Science and Engineering

Direct supervisor

David Cohen-Tanugi, Venture Builder, Office of Innovation

Research projects

Perovskite solar cell durability enhancement and material discovery project Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

The manufacturing of conventional silicon-based solar cells is energy intensive. Perovskite solar cells are a promising alternative that can be fabricated with low-energy wet-chemical methods, but they face problems of instability and lead toxicity. Our ongoing research seeks to bring perovskite technology to commercialization by using AI to identify potentially stable lead-free perovskite films and implement high-throughput testing of candidate materials. Additionally, by evaluating the impact of supplementary layers such as a strain-relief monolayer and 2-D perovskite capping layer on cell performance and stability, we seek to create durable and low-cost solar cells that can advance the accessibility of renewable energy.

Advisor

Tonio Buonassisi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Tianran Liu, Postdoctoral Associate, Research Laboratory of Electronics

Research projects

Summer semester Enhancing subsurface fluid flow and solute transport modeling through machine learning Sponsor Shell

Enhancing subsurface fluid flow and solute transport modeling through machine learning: A study of fractured rocks using FracNet

Developing better systems to improve our understanding of fractured rock networks is crucial for managing underground resources and advancing renewable energy. Existing models and simulation algorithms are very time-consuming, computationally expensive, and have inherent uncertainties that can lead to inaccuracies in predictions. In my research, I have generated representational datasets and am integrating various flow modeling strategies to develop a surrogate deep learning tool to map these networks and maintain high accuracy rates while reducing computational costs. Having this model allows us to better allocate our resources to manage underground substance storage, prevent groundwater contamination, and enhance renewable energy developments.

Advisor

Ruben Juanes, Professor, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, CEE

Direct supervisor

Hannah Lu, Postdoctoral Associate, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Fall semester Enhancing subsurface fluid flow and solute transport modeling through machine learning Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Advisor

Ruben Juanes, Professor, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, CEE

Direct supervisor

Lluis Salgo-Saldago, PhD Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Research projects

Sulfonated polyether ether ketone empowered multifunctional supercapacitors Sponsor Shell

Many electrified vehicles, including electric aircraft and vertical takeoff and lift (eVTOL) systems, require both high specific energy and power. The goal of my project is to design a supercapacitor using carbon fiber and a solid polymer electrolyte which has high strength and stiffness to be used as both a structural element and an electrical energy storage device. This multifunctional approach combines the mechanical function of the composite with the energy storage function in the same mass or volume, leading to system efficiencies that can be realized as, e.g., enhanced range or payload. Such efficiencies may enable future electric vehicles.

Advisor

Brian Wardle, Apollo Program Professor, Aeronautics and Astronautics

Direct supervisor

Jen-Hung Fang, Postdoctoral Associate, necstlab

Research projects

Examining nanoconfined fluid phase transitions within single digit nanopores Sponsor Shell

Nanotechnology enables precise customization at the molecular level, driving innovations in fields like energy, healthcare, and agriculture. My lab focuses on fluid flow through nanopores, where fluids behave differently due to the increased impact of intermolecular forces. This unique behavior can be harnessed for applications such as desalination, chemical sensors, and energy storage. Experimentally measuring fluid properties in nanopores is costly and energy-intensive, so we are combining experimental data, simulations, and theory to develop equations that can accurately predict these behaviors. Our goal is to create a generalizable set of equations that accurately models fluid behavior at the nanoscale.

Advisor

Michael Strano, Carbon P. Dubbs Professor, Chemical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Yu-Ming Tu, Postdoctoral Associate, Strano Research Group

Research projects

Characterizing local community sentiment towards large-scale renewable energy developments Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Characterizing the scope and nature of local community sentiment towards large-scale renewable energy development in the United States

A clean energy transition can be an opportunity to empower communities, but the current rapid buildout of large-scale solar and wind projects can sometimes overlook local concerns. There is no comprehensive national database documenting community perspectives about large-scale renewable energy facilities to understand trends and quantify the effects of local support on meeting climate goals. This research will use natural language processing and machine learning models to analyze online discourse and quantify positive and negative sentiment towards proposed and operational renewable energy projects in the United States in the past two decades. We aim to produce an open-access database summarizing community perspectives to inform more inclusive energy infrastructure planning and policy. The database can help diverse stakeholders—policy makers, project developers, non-profits, and communities—to understand local needs, learn from past conflicts, and proactively design better solutions to build support for renewable energy projects.

Advisor

Lawrence Susskind, Ford Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning, Urban Studies and Planning

Direct supervisor

Jungwoo Chun, Graduate Student, Urban Studies and Planning

Research projects

Deep learning for operating renewable energy system Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Managing large-scale power grid systems is increasingly complex and inefficient, particularly with the growing integration of renewable energy sources. We are developing a versatile machine learning model that determines when to turn on and off various generators by simulating numerous power grid scenarios to optimize decision making. By using machine learning to skip unnecessary steps in the mathematical search process (such as certain “separators” normally used to simplify the problem), we can find optimal solutions more quickly and at lower cost. This clearer understanding of feasibility and costs will improve the overall efficiency of energy systems and support the broader integration of renewables, enabling decision-makers to identify effective and sustainable strategies for clean energy adoption.

Advisor

Cathy Wu, Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Direct supervisor

Guangchun Ruan, Postdoctoral Associate, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Research projects

Thermal salt batteries as a viable alternative to coal in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the coldest capital in the world, around 60% of the population heats their homes using coal, which releases greenhouse gases and contributes to air pollution levels up to 27 times the safe level as characterized by the World Health Organization. In order to promote cleaner air as well as address decarbonizing heating in this city and unique climate, this project focuses on using thermal salt batteries to replace coal to heat homes. By using thermal salt we can store a lot of thermal energy in the batteries without producing air pollution, unlike coal. We will run both physical experiments and simulations through COMSOL to model the thermodynamics of the system. This project has the potential to lower the carbon footprint of the capital of Mongolia and increase air quality for overall population health.

Advisor

Michael Short, Associate Professor, Nuclear Science and Engineering

Direct supervisor

Nathan Melenbrink, Lead Instructor, NEET Renewable Energy Machines, School of Engineering

Research projects

Characterizing chain length effects on redox-active bottle brush polymers for redox flow batteries Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Redox flow batteries have great potential for energy storage, but they contain expensive ion exchange membranes that make them cost prohibitive. Our project looks at the electrochemical characteristics of bottlebrush polymers that can be used in redox flow batteries which would enable the expensive membrane to be replaced with a cheap size exclusion separator. This would allow redox flow batteries to be a more affordable option, facilitating the decarbonization and electrification of many processes.

Advisor

Fikile Brushett, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Trent Weiss, Graduate Student, Chemical Engineering

Research projects

Electricity market design for incentivizing investments in battery storage Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Grid-scale batteries are essential for integrating renewable energy into the grid by storing energy for use when generation is low. However, investors are wary because there isn’t enough reputation and documentation on profitability. My work models the revenue of grid-scale batteries using real-life energy markets and grid conditions. Using the model, we can predict the return on investment, offering investors the confidence to support renewable energy projects. This could accelerate the deployment of renewable infrastructure, helping to meet climate goals.

Advisor

John Parsons, Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management; Deputy Director for Research, CEEPR

Research projects

Modeling hydroelectric power resources in electricity system generation expansion planning models Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

The water dynamics of hydroelectric power generation are often misrepresented or ignored in terms of simulating power output and ramping capability in electricity generation expansion planning models. Lack of impact assessments of water dynamics may lead to miscalculations in power and transmission capacity needs and flexibility requirements using current models. Through a comprehensive literature review, we determined issues within the current model regarding hydropower modeling and proposed new formulations to make our electricity generation projections more accurate. Through this analysis, we can provide practical insights into addressing the challenges associated with integrating renewable energy sources into regional power grids, such as how hydroelectricity production in Quebec can be transmitted to cities like New York and Boston.

Advisor

John Parsons, Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management; Deputy Director for Research, CEEPR

Direct supervisor

Shen Wang, Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Energy Initiative

Research projects

Structure-property relationships in mechanical stability of ultrastable metal-organic frameworks Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Understanding structure-property relationships in mechanical stability of ultrastable metal-organic frameworks via machine learning

Industrial separation processes are energy-intensive, and current membrane technologies face trade-offs between cost, efficiency, and durability, making it challenging to identify materials that achieve high selectivity, permeability, and mechanical stability among countless potential candidates. This project uses machine learning to accelerate the discovery of mechanically stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by predicting properties such as bulk and shear moduli. By uncovering critical structure-property relationships, these predictions guide the selection and design of MOFs that are better suited to address the outlined challenges. Developing durable and efficient MOFs for industrial membranes can reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide sustainable solutions to global water and energy challenges.

Advisor

Heather J. Kulik, Lammot du Pont Professor of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Direct supervisor

Akash Ball, Graduate Student, Chemical Engineering

Research projects

Mechanical design of 3D printed stainless steel plates for stellarator coils Sponsor Friends of MITEI UROP

Magnetic confinement nuclear fusion (MCF) may become the most important power-generating technology with its high energy density and zero operational emissions, and the stellarator concept in MCF allows for steady-state operation. Stellarators, however, have not been realized due to the complex physics and engineering considerations of their current-carrying coils. My 3D modeling and simulation work seeks to provide an iterable workflow to analyze potential mechanical structures needed to engineer stellarator coils in reactor-relevant conditions.

Advisor

Robert Granetz, Principal Research Scientist, Plasma Science and Fusion Center

Energy UROPs

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Megan Tian

Edwin Trejo

José Vargas

Marc Vidal

Audrey Wei

Zaire Williams

Josephine Williams

Jad Abou Ali

Andrew Acevedo

Kristel Acuña García

Rose Alsalman

Maya Ayoub

Tsolmon Bazarragchaa

Otto Beall

Riddhi Bhagwat

Evan Boothe

Joshika Chakraverty

Anushree Chaudhuri

Disha Chauhan

Jessica Cohen

Katie Crowley

Matthew De Jesus

Cory Decker

Gozel Dovranova

Tyler Ea