Apply for this program (High School Energy Summer Camp 2023) before Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Date: Mondays through Thursdays from June 5 to June 30, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Four (4) weeks’ summer bridge program that will emphasize the development of competencies in energy systems with emphasis in resiliency and the challenges presented by human needs in the 21st century. Students will have the opportunity of competing in the Engithlon Surviving Mode challenge. There will be a prize for the team of students that develop the best idea to solve an energy related problem.
The application process is now open for 9th to 12th grade students. To apply click here (see Requirements and Application documents below).
Benefits
*No cost
Requirements
- Be a student in good standing (students are not required to study engineering but should have an interest in sciences or engineering).
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GPA (grade point average) of at least 2.50 / 4.0 ("por lo menos 2.50 de promedio acumulativo").
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Must complete 6 hours, Monday through Thursday during the internship from June (5) to June (30) (4 weeks = 20 days).
- Attend all courses and seminars and be on-time and participative.
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Prepare presentations in one topic of energy based on literature research.
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Be an U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
(Continued support is subjected to performance evaluations.)
Application
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Fill out the 1-page application form here.
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Write a 1-page essay (must be in English, no less than 250 and no more than 500 words) discussing why do you want to participate in the High School Energy Summer Camp 2023, what do you expect to gain out of the experience, and how the experience will help you attain your academic goals and career plans.
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Copy of last Official transcripts (GPA evidence). You may submit the unofficial or official transcript to May 2022 and/or December 2022.
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Parents need to sign authorization for the student’s participation.
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Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Attach one of the following: birth certificate, passport and/or naturalization certificate (if foreign national).
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Complete the Application for Admission for the creation of a special student ID.
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Complete the Application for Admission and the Relay of Photos, Videos, Others.
Submit PDF files of these documents, via the web application
Documents and application must be submitted no later than Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Submit any questions to Mrs. Gloribel Rivera at: glrivera@uagm.edu or Mrs. Darlene Muñoz at: damunoz@uagm.edu.
Summer Research Internship Program
Apply for this Summer Research Internship Program before April 17, 2023.
Benefits:
- Participate in cutting-edge research.
- Participate in technical and professional skills seminars.
- Develop professional network.
- Students will receive a stipend.
Requirements:
- Be a student in good standing.
- GPA of 3.00/4.00.
- Work under the direction and supervision of a faculty researcher.
- Work at least 15 hours per week undergraduate students in research activities as instructed by the research professor (6 weeks).
- Work at least 20 hours per week graduate students in research activities as instructed by the research professor (6 weeks).Prepare and submit a final presentation and a paper report.
- Attend seminars as requested.
- Present research results.
- Be an U.S. citizen or permanent resident. (Continued support is subjected to performance evaluations.)
Application:
- Fill out the 1-page application form here.
- Copy of unofficial transcripts.
- Copy of officialized enrollment.
- 1-page CV/Resume
- 2 names and contact email of professor's references.
- Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Attach one of the following: birth certificate, passport and/or naturalization certificate (if foreign national).
Submit any questions to Mrs. Gloribel Rivera at:
glrivera@uagm.edu or Mrs. Darlene Muñoz at:
damunoz@uagm.edu.
Submit PDF or JPEG files of these documents, via the
web application.
Documents and application must be submitted
no later than April 17, 2023.
Universidad Ana G. Méndez Recinto de Gurabo
Project 1: Feasibility study of residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems installation, focused on satisfying slice of the energy demand, in supportive the actual grid in Puerto Rico
Project mentor: Dr. Miguel A. Goenaga Jimenez
Description: In this project, we study the feasibility of residential photovoltaic (PV) systems installation. We focus on installing PV systems on rooftop or horizontal building surfaces. Different areas were measured for residential users by using Google Earth and NREL’s PVWatts calculator. NREL’s PVWatts calculator was used to retrieve the energy data for the selected areas. Also, real consumption data from six users or more will be used to perform the study. The results will show the potential of user’s rooftop areas, which generates approximately three to four times more energy when compared with each user’s real consumption data. The expected generation has the potentiality to supply not only each user’s consumption but also a surplus that could be fed into the network.
Preferred skill sets: The posting is recommended for senior undergraduate students with dynamic simulation experience using MatLab and Simulink, Excel, Power Point, Multisim, linear control systems theory and Programming knowledge is desired.
Work Scheduled: It is expected that the outcome of these projects is given by the next list:
1. To expose two presentations, one based on project-advanced and another final project
2. To develop a paper related to project established jointly by the CHRES's staff member.
Project 2: Micro Wind Turbine Control System Design
Project mentor: Dr. Diego A. Aponte Roa
Description: Micro wind turbines (MWT) are rooftop-mounted small turbines generally rated at 400W to 1kW for low wind speed environments, used for microgeneration of electricity in the residential industry. This project aims to propose a novel control system for a commercial MWT.
Preferred skill sets: Knowledge of Matlab/Simulink, Multisim, and Eagle is required. Programming knowledge is desired.
Project 3: Mechanical Design and Fabrication of a Pitch Controlled, Small-Scale Wind Turbine with Mechanical Braking’s
Project mentor: Prof. Albert A. Espinoza
Description: This project focuses on the mechanical design and prototype development of one of the following two components of a small-scale wind turbine currently being created at UAGM:
1. Pitch Control Mechanism and Controller
2. Mechanical Braking System
Preferred skill sets: Knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorks, and Mechanical Design Methodology.
Project 4: Study of Concrete Utility Poles under the Impact of a High Energy Storm
Project mentor: Dr. Hermes Calderón Arteaga
Description: The recent history of hurricanes hitting the Island has shown the fragility of its energy system. The long-term blackouts after the impact of hurricanes Maria and Fiona remark the need to improve the energy system to resist the pass of a higher category hurricane. It requires to revise the design and operation conditions of the utility poles that sustains the distribution infrastructure, particularly concrete poles, which were one of the main failures of the system. The study will focus on the load analysis, foundation conditions and design considerations of the principal pole types used in Puerto Rico. Although LUMA is updating/replacing wood poles, improving the resistance of concrete poles may improve the resiliency of the electrical system.
Preferred skill sets: (Non-strict) Student with interest in structures. Problem solver, team oriented with good communication and commitment to research (time and energy to the project).
Project 5: Portable Power Station with Several Source of Energy for Emergencies
Project mentor: Dr. Daniel E. Mera Romo
Description: After hurricane maria hit Puerto Rico, many people were affected, and others died because they were unable to power up their vital medical equipment. One of the causes was that Puerto Rico's electrical grid is not resilient due to lack of maintenance and updating. This project tries to design a portable hybrid generator for emergencies based on solar, wind and mechanical energy. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your talents and engineering skills by designing, building, and putting into operation this device.
Preferred skill sets: Aimed at electrical engineering students who have taken circuit and electronics classes and laboratories. Programming skill are preferred. You need to be proactive and eager to learn.
Project 6: Thermal energy storage application and modeling in a gas turbine cycle
Project mentor: Dr. Luis M. Traverso Aviles
Description: "The main objective of the problem is to incorporate the use of a thermal energy storage model in a hybrid cyber physical gas turbine cycle. There are two main research objectives within this project. The 1st objective is to Incorporate and characterize the thermal energy storage in terms of its heat power transfer capability and energy storage capacity. For this purpose, we use a 1 dimensional thermal model of a heat exchanger that is capable of storing and releasing a lot of thermal energy. A time analysis will be made to see how quick of a response we can obtain in order to sustain a proper gas turbine inlet temperature. The 2nd objective is to create a surrogate model of a thermal storage system using deep learning. A surrogate model that is trained with a finite element model with a large number of nodes can help us improve the accuracy of a 1-dimensional model without sacrificing the amount of time that it takes to generate results. We will train and validate a machine learning network with the results of a finite element model and record the computational time and accuracy. "
Preferred skill sets: Mechanical engineering student. The students must be willing to program in Python code and use modules such as TensorFlow and matplotlib. The students must have background in CAD tools such as Solid works. Knowledge in Finite Element Analysis tools such as SolidWorks, Ansys or Comsol is preferred.
Project 7: Development of Nanostructured “Zero-Strain” Composite Cathodes for Solid State Li-ion Batteries (SSLIBs)
Project mentor: Dr. José Duconge Hernández
Description: Solid-state lithium-ion batteries (SSLBs) have multiple advantages over conventional LIBs, avoiding dendritic growth of metallic Li at the electrolyte/anode interface. This dendritic phenomenon, which occurs preferably in liquid electrolytes (LE), is aggravated by the fact that they are composed of Li salts dissolved in flammable solvents, which can constitute a serious safety problem. On the other hand, SSLBs do not use spacers in the cells, allowing the thickness of the electrolyte to be reduced to submicron or nanometric dimensions, offering the opportunity to use metallic Li anodes, which allows to greatly increase the energy density, and the subsequent development of miniaturized batteries. This research is based on the preparation of composite cathodes, designed to have expansion coefficients close to zero. The results of this project will allow progress in the development of an ideal cathode with high energy densities, negligible volumetric chemical expansion, and optimal mechanical fixation to the solid-state electrolyte.
Preferred skill sets: Synthesis chemical, preparation, and materials characterization.
Summer Exchange Program Projects 2023
Apply for this Summer Exchange Program before April 17, 2023.
Benefits:
- Participate in cutting-edge research.
- Participate in technical and professional skills seminars.
- Develop professional network.
- Students will receive a stipend.
Requirements:
- Be a student in good standing.
- GPA of 3.00/4.00.
- Work under the direction and supervision of a faculty researcher.
- 8 weeks -The hours of dedication to research vary according to the university institution and will be informed in the letter of acceptance.
- Prepare and submit a final presentation and a paper report.
- Attend seminars as requested.
- Present research results.
- Be an U.S. citizen or permanent resident. (Continued support is subjected to performance evaluations.)
Application:
- Fill out the 1-page application form here.
- Copy of unofficial transcripts.
- Copy of officialized enrollment.
- 1-page CV/Resume
- 2 names and contact email of professor's references.
- Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Attach one of the following: birth certificate, passport and/or naturalization certificate (if foreign national).
Submit any questions to Mrs. Gloribel Rivera at:
glrivera@uagm.edu or Mrs. Darlene Muñoz at:
damunoz@uagm.edu.
Submit PDF or JPEG files of these documents, via the
web application.
Documents and application must be submitted
no later than April 17, 2023.
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Mayagüez, PR (UPRM)
Project 1: Control of Hybrid Power System
UPRM Mentors: Dr. Eduardo Ortiz-Rivera & Dr. Erick Aponte-Bezares
Description: The Consortium of Hybrid Resilient Energy Systems (CHRES) requires the services of a review and researching about specify project related to Control of Hybrid Power System. It is addressed to students doing bachelor’s or graduate degree studies (i.e. master or Ph.D.) at either CHRES partner academic institution (i.e. UTEP, UAGM, UNM or UPRM). The guidelines for summer employment are required by the following list:
• Intermediate knowledge of dynamic state-space representation and its functionalities.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Power Point, MATLAB and Simulink.
• Intermediate knowledge of writing projects in English.
• Intermediate knowledge in Control Systems is a must.
• Available to work in-class and/or online, 40 hours per week (8 hours every day).
• Bilingual: English/Spanish.
• GPA of at least 3.0/ 4.0.
• Work under the direction and supervision of a UPRM CHRES's staff member.
• Be an U.S. citizen.
Work Scheduled: It is expected that the outcome of these projects is given by the next list:
1. To expose two presentations, one based on project-advanced and another final project
2. To develop a paper related to project established jointly by the CHRES's staff member.
Project 2: Dynamic Modelling of Grid Forming Inverters using Power Hardware In The Loop (PHIL)
PI: Dr. Eduardo I. Ortiz-Rivera; UPRM Mentor: Eng. Zeeshan Akhtar
Description: This project aims to develop simplified dynamic models and simulations of Grid Forming Inverters (GFMI). The goal is to develop and validate Grid Forming Inverters using Power Hardware In The Loop (PHIL). Results of the project will be presented in a format suitable for publication on applicable peer reviewed conference.
Preferred Student Qualifications: The posting is recommended for graduate and senior undergraduate students with dynamic simulation experience using Matlab and Simulink, power electronics, and linear control systems theory.
Work Scheduled: It is expected that the outcome of these projects is given by the next list:
1. To expose two presentations, one based on project-advanced and another final project
2. To develop a paper related to project established jointly by the CHRES's staff member
University of Texas-El Paso, Texas (UTEP)
Project 1: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) of Metals
Project mentor: Dr. Yirong Lin
Description: FDM is one of the most popular additive manufacturing techniques. The process consists of material extrusion and layer deposition through a nozzle. This technology uses thermoplastic polymers that are both non-toxic & cost-effective materials. FDM novel techniques involve material extrusion of a filament blend of metal with a thermoplastic. Post-processing requires debinding of the thermoplastic and sintering for a fully dense metal print. In this project, you will be characterized, printing, and debind/sintering metal prints utilizing FDM technology.
Project 2: Selective laser sintering (SLS) postprocessing
Project mentor: Dr. Yirong Lin
Description: >SLS is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a laser to sinter powdered material by focusing the laser at specific points in space which are defined by a 3D model, ultimately, binding the material together to create a sintered solid structure. In this project, you will be tasked with post-processing of the SLS procedure. This includes measuring, polishing and curing.
Preferred optional skill sets:
• Experience in working with FDM machines. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of CAD and G-code simulators. (Preferred)
• Demonstrates initiative, organizational skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment.
• Possesses strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Project 3: Selective Laser sintering of High-Temperature Thermoset Composites
Project mentor: Dr. Yirong Lin
Description: This work reports the SLS 3D printing of thermoset bismaleimide (BMI) resin to demonstrate its printability and thermal stability. The initial goal was to optimization of SLS printing parameters for BMI thermoset powder to get dimensionally accurate printed parts along with its successful curing process and we have successfully accomplished that. We quantified the degree of curing at different curing stages by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) run and prove significant improvement in mechanical properties after post-curing treatment. Additionally, this research demonstrates the printing and curing of Dynamic Mechanical Analysis [DMA] samples and performing tests to analyze the thermal stability by improving Glass Transition Temperature [Tg] point and exploring the damping factor. Now we are trying to print syntactic foam by blending Glass balloons and carbon balloons with BMI.
Preferred skill sets:
• CAD design
• Basic knowledge on Additive Manufacturing
• Knowledge on Mechanical testing and material science
Project 4: DOE Valve Project
Project mentor: Dr. Yirong Lin
Description: A prototype for a bypass valve has been designed that will be integrated into a system that will help to control the airflow going towards a Fuel Cell and Gas Turbine. Smart Materials such as shape memory alloys and micro-fiber composites will be integrated into this valve as actuators. For in-lab testing, materials that can handle temperatures up to 100 C have to be used. The goal is to make these smart materials able to work in a solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine (SOFC/GT) hybrid system, which reaches temperatures up to 650 C.
Problem-solving skills, Research skills, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and heat transfer knowledge is preferred.
Project 5: Nanoindentation Project
Project mentor: Dr. Yirong Lin
Description: Nanoindentation enables the measurement of mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity and hardness of materials in different shapes, sizes, and scales. The indentation test technique evaluates the mechanical properties of the specimens by diving an indenter tip into the specimen surface and then imaging the impression. The specimens tested in this project are 3D printed ceramics and polymers.
Research skills, Analytical Reasoning skills Preferred
Project 6: Decision-making algorithms for power system operations and planning to improve the resilience of power systems against natural disasters.
Project mentor: Dr. Yuanrui Sang
Project 7: Protein Aggregation Nanostructure and its Intrinsic Fluorescence
Project mentor: Dr. Jose L. Banuelos
Description: In this project, the student researcher will investigate the tertiary structure of an aggregated protein in various tailored solvents by performing small-angle x-ray scattering experiments and analysis and comparing with optical fluorescence spectra from collaborators. The findings could inform better ways to diagnose protein misfolding diseases like Alzheimer's.
Preferred Areas (not strict): Biophysics, physics, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering
Project 8: Mineral Nucleation and Growth in Nanopores and Planar Interfaces
Project mentor: Dr. Jose L. Banuelos
Description: In this project, the student researcher will expose mineral oxide materials to different environmental conditions to determine which parameters improve the efficiency of an atmospheric CO2-capturing system meant to work for many repeated cycles. X-ray scattering experiments will be used to track the evolution of nano- and atomic structures as new mineral phases form on the surfaces of the materials of interest.
Preferred Areas (not strict): Geochemistry, physics, chemical/mechanical/civil engineering.
Project 9: How Electrically-Active Surfaces Affect the Structure and Performance of CO2 capture solvents
Project mentor: Dr. Jose L. Banuelos
Description: In this project, the student researchers will use x-ray scattering to understand how different molecular designs of CO2 capture solvents result in nanoscale structures that affect the capture and chemical conversion properties of the capture solvents.
Preferred Areas (not strict): Electrochemistry, physics, organic chemistry, materials science
Project 10: Electrolyte Effects on the Swelling Behavior of 3-D Printed Polymer-Based Membranes
Project mentor: Dr. Jose L. Banuelos
Description: In this project, the student will expose membranes that have been functionalized to produce favorable ion/water interactions and study, using x-ray scattering experiments, how several electrolytes affect the membrane structural properties.
Preferred Areas (not strict): Chemical engineering, physics, chemistry & geochemistry.
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Project 1: Hybrid Solar Desalination
Project mentor: Dr. Gowthan Mohan, Mechanical Engineering Professor
Student will participate in an outdoor lab and also develop computer simulations.
Preferred Areas (not strict): Mechanical Engineer or Chemical Engineer
Preferred Student Level: Senior or Graduate student level
Project 2: Concentrating Solar Power and Thermal Storage
Project mentor: Dr. Gowthan Mohan, Mechanical Engineering Professor
Preferred Areas (not strict): Mechanical Engineer or Electrical Engineer.
Preferred Student Level: Junior, Senior or graduate student level.
Project 3: Characterization of Quantum Dots for High Performance Solar Cells
Project mentor: Dr. Ganesh Balakrishnan, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and UNM Center for High Technology Materials
Preferred Areas (not strict): Mechanical Engineer, Physics, Chemical Engineering
Preferred Student Level: Junior, Senior or Graduate student level.
Project 4: Hybrid Energy Systems for Remote Wireless Sensors
Project mentor: Dr. Fernando Moreu, Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Department and joint appointment with Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.
Preferred Areas (not strict): Electrical, Civil Mechanical Engineering majors
Preferred Student Level: Senior or Graduate student level
Project 5: Energy Harvesting: Developing increased frequency bandwidth of kinetic energy harvesting devices. The work will focus on designing (CAD) of a novel proof mass, developing the proof mass, and experimental validation of the concept using a piezoelectric cantilever energy harvester.
Project mentor: Dr. Nathan Jackson, Mechanical Engineering Department
Preferred Areas: Mechanical, Electrical Engineer with CAD experience.
Preferred Student Level: Junior, Senior or Graduate student level.
Project 6: Power Systems Protection and Control.
Project mentor: Dr. Ramiro Jordan and Dr. Eric Hemke, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Preferred Areas (not strict): Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering.
Preferred Student Level: Junior, Senior or graduate student level.
Universidad Ana G. Méndez Recinto de Gurabo
Project 1: Feasibility study of residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems installation, focused on satisfying slice of the energy demand, in supportive the actual grid in Puerto Rico
Project mentor: Dr. Miguel A. Goenaga Jimenez
Description: In this project, we study the feasibility of residential photovoltaic (PV) systems installation. We focus on installing PV systems on rooftop or horizontal building surfaces. Different areas were measured for residential users by using Google Earth and NREL’s PVWatts calculator. NREL’s PVWatts calculator was used to retrieve the energy data for the selected areas. Also, real consumption data from six users or more will be used to perform the study. The results will show the potential of user’s rooftop areas, which generates approximately three to four times more energy when compared with each user’s real consumption data. The expected generation has the potentiality to supply not only each user’s consumption but also a surplus that could be fed into the network.
Preferred skill sets: The posting is recommended for senior undergraduate students with dynamic simulation experience using MatLab and Simulink, Excel, Power Point, Multisim, linear control systems theory and Programming knowledge is desired.
Work Scheduled: It is expected that the outcome of these projects is given by the next list:
1. To expose two presentations, one based on project-advanced and another final project
2. To develop a paper related to project established jointly by the CHRES's staff member.
Project 2: Micro Wind Turbine Control System Design
Project mentor: Dr. Diego A. Aponte Roa
Description: Micro wind turbines (MWT) are rooftop-mounted small turbines generally rated at 400W to 1kW for low wind speed environments, used for microgeneration of electricity in the residential industry. This project aims to propose a novel control system for a commercial MWT.
Preferred skill sets: Knowledge of Matlab/Simulink, Multisim, and Eagle is required. Programming knowledge is desired.
Project 3: Mechanical Design and Fabrication of a Pitch Controlled, Small-Scale Wind Turbine with Mechanical Braking’s
Project mentor: Prof. Albert A. Espinoza
Description: This project focuses on the mechanical design and prototype development of one of the following two components of a small-scale wind turbine currently being created at UAGM:
1. Pitch Control Mechanism and Controller
2. Mechanical Braking System
Preferred skill sets: Knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorks, and Mechanical Design Methodology.
Project 4: Study of Concrete Utility Poles under the Impact of a High Energy Storm
Project mentor: Dr. Hermes Calderón Arteaga
Description: The recent history of hurricanes hitting the Island has shown the fragility of its energy system. The long-term blackouts after the impact of hurricanes Maria and Fiona remark the need to improve the energy system to resist the pass of a higher category hurricane. It requires to revise the design and operation conditions of the utility poles that sustains the distribution infrastructure, particularly concrete poles, which were one of the main failures of the system. The study will focus on the load analysis, foundation conditions and design considerations of the principal pole types used in Puerto Rico. Although LUMA is updating/replacing wood poles, improving the resistance of concrete poles may improve the resiliency of the electrical system.
Preferred skill sets: (Non-strict) Student with interest in structures. Problem solver, team oriented with good communication and commitment to research (time and energy to the project).
Project 5: Portable Power Station with Several Source of Energy for Emergencies
Project mentor: Dr. Daniel E. Mera Romo
Description: After hurricane maria hit Puerto Rico, many people were affected, and others died because they were unable to power up their vital medical equipment. One of the causes was that Puerto Rico's electrical grid is not resilient due to lack of maintenance and updating. This project tries to design a portable hybrid generator for emergencies based on solar, wind and mechanical energy. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your talents and engineering skills by designing, building, and putting into operation this device.
Preferred skill sets: Aimed at electrical engineering students who have taken circuit and electronics classes and laboratories. Programming skill are preferred. You need to be proactive and eager to learn.
Project 6: Thermal energy storage application and modeling in a gas turbine cycle
Project mentor: Dr. Luis M. Traverso Aviles
Description: "The main objective of the problem is to incorporate the use of a thermal energy storage model in a hybrid cyber physical gas turbine cycle. There are two main research objectives within this project. The 1st objective is to Incorporate and characterize the thermal energy storage in terms of its heat power transfer capability and energy storage capacity. For this purpose, we use a 1 dimensional thermal model of a heat exchanger that is capable of storing and releasing a lot of thermal energy. A time analysis will be made to see how quick of a response we can obtain in order to sustain a proper gas turbine inlet temperature. The 2nd objective is to create a surrogate model of a thermal storage system using deep learning. A surrogate model that is trained with a finite element model with a large number of nodes can help us improve the accuracy of a 1-dimensional model without sacrificing the amount of time that it takes to generate results. We will train and validate a machine learning network with the results of a finite element model and record the computational time and accuracy. "
Preferred skill sets: Mechanical engineering student. The students must be willing to program in Python code and use modules such as TensorFlow and matplotlib. The students must have background in CAD tools such as Solid works. Knowledge in Finite Element Analysis tools such as SolidWorks, Ansys or Comsol is preferred.
Project 7: Development of Nanostructured “Zero-Strain” Composite Cathodes for Solid State Li-ion Batteries (SSLIBs)
Project mentor: Dr. José Duconge Hernández
Description: Solid-state lithium-ion batteries (SSLBs) have multiple advantages over conventional LIBs, avoiding dendritic growth of metallic Li at the electrolyte/anode interface. This dendritic phenomenon, which occurs preferably in liquid electrolytes (LE), is aggravated by the fact that they are composed of Li salts dissolved in flammable solvents, which can constitute a serious safety problem. On the other hand, SSLBs do not use spacers in the cells, allowing the thickness of the electrolyte to be reduced to submicron or nanometric dimensions, offering the opportunity to use metallic Li anodes, which allows to greatly increase the energy density, and the subsequent development of miniaturized batteries. This research is based on the preparation of composite cathodes, designed to have expansion coefficients close to zero. The results of this project will allow progress in the development of an ideal cathode with high energy densities, negligible volumetric chemical expansion, and optimal mechanical fixation to the solid-state electrolyte.
Preferred skill sets: Synthesis chemical, preparation, and materials characterization.
