Research
Energy Storage and Grid Integration Technology for Renewable Energy
The main stumbling block for wind and solar generation technologies is the inherent intermittent nature of the resources. I head up a research team that’s aggressively attacking this issue through a combination of mechanical energy storage, wind power forecasting and demand side management of deferrable loads. Current partners include the Department of Energy, Bonneville Power Administration, Idaho Power and John Deere Renewable Energy.
Kinetic Energy Scavenging Devices
In conjunction with private industry partners, I’m working on the design of electro-mechanical oscillators to convert accelerations from locomotion to electrical power. Applications range from wildlife monitoring devices (where battery life is a significant limiting factor) to portable electronics and various mission-critical devices. The research makes use of a science-driven approach to modeling the fundamentals of energy conversion to ensure an optimized design.
Dolphin Propulsion
Many researchers have attempted to analyze, model and replicate the manner in which marine animals produce thrust, and hence, move through the water. I have chosen to focus my efforts on low speed, high-acceleration maneuvers which are required when an animal begins from rest. In conjunction with Professor Terrie Williams at the University of California at Santa Cruz, we have successfully tested our model using data from experiments run on Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, which reside in Santa Cruz. Currently, this project is continuing under a joint arrangement with TenXsys, Inc. of Boise, Idaho.
Dynamic Modeling Research
Over the years, I have been involved in a large number of projects in which I have used my modeling techniques to develop computer simulations of complex systems. Most of these projects were funded by private industry or industry groups. These projects include railroad freight car dynamics, hydraulic cushioning devices used in freight cars, electrohydraulic servoactuator systems in high-tech manufacturing equipment and inertial navigation systems for mass transit.