Whitepapers

Why Nanomaterials?

Nanomaterials are defined as materials of which a single unit is sized (in at least one dimension) between 1 and 1000 nanometers (10^−9 meter). These materials have gained a tremendous amount of traction in the last two decades because of the widely differing properties that are obtainable compared to their bulk counterparts. Depending on the application, the particle size, distribution, morphology, and purity can have a significant influence on the physical, thermal, structural, and/or optical properties of the end product [1].  Read the full Why Nanoparticles Whitepaper (pdf) >

 

Silica Nanoparticles: Why Quality Matters

Silica powders have been around for over a century and used in a variety of applications including as abrasives for polishing applications, as thickening agents in paints, coatings, and adhesives. They are also used in toothpaste, as well as a desiccant [1]. Currently, the price of this material runs the gamut from less than 50 cents per gram up to $500 per gram. Read the full Silica Nanoparticles: Why Quality Matters (pdf) >

 

Technical and Economic Analysis: Small Scale Cryogenic Magnetic Refrigeration

This report reviews the current state of magnetic refrigeration and its potential impact to small scale cryogenic refrigeration applications. In particular, the application of a high efficiency magnetic refrigeration system which operates in the 20-80K temperature region, which is being developed by General Engineering & Research (GE&R) under a Phase IIB STTR Grant from the Department of Energy (DOE). The market for small scale cryocoolers, defined as <10kW cooling power at temperatures below ~150K, is currently $2B annually and growing, mainly due to the skyrocketing cost of liquid helium. Based on our system modeling results, a magnetic refrigeration system which achieves 50% of Carnot efficiency in the 20-80K region would provide an 85% reduction in the electrical costs and a 60% reduction in the capital equipment cost over the traditional compression based cryocoolers – this could be a major technological advancement that would significantly impact this existing market. Additionally, an economic analysis of the application of this magnetic refrigeration system to future markets, such as re-liquefaction of boil-off losses at liquid hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) fueling stations, as well as power-to-gas-to-LH2 has also been provided. For the early stage markets for FCEV fueling stations when delivered price of liquid hydrogen (LH2) is high (above $4/kg) and demand is low, a high efficiency magnetic refrigeration system to re-liquefy boil-off could save station owners up to 20%
of gross sales annually, and enable larger scale infrastructure to be built sooner, accelerating the path to H2@Scale economy. Cases are also presented in which a boil-off recovery system would be useful for later stage markets when price of LH2 is low, and in particular, alleviating losses and increasing capacity when demand fluctuates for larger scale stations (5000kg on-site). Further, certain markets, like California, provide incentives to produce fuels from “renewable” sources. A high efficiency magnetic liquefaction system would reduce the price of small scale liquefaction systems with capacities in the range of 100-10,000kg/day from >$8/kg to <$3.05/kg, effectively opening the door for economical “renewable” power-to-gas-to-LH2, and the potential conversion of existing under-utilized solar and wind farms to supply LH2 into FCEV markets.