Thermal engineering
Devices and processes for moving, converting and storing heat.
5 problemsEnergy systems
Devices and processes for producing and storing useful energy.
Explore Energy systems
Collections
Browse collectionsEnergy and materials
Generating, storing, and converting energy demands both physical understanding and workable devices.
33 problemsHydrogen production
Seawater-fed systems, low-iridium catalysts and polymer-bound electrodes face different durability tests.
3 problemsHeat and energy
Moving, storing and controlling heat, from cooling drives to hypersonic heat shields.
5 problemsA few problems to explore
22 totalFusion power
Producing fusion energy is a milestone. Can a complete plant deliver more electricity to the grid than it consumes, repeatedly and with components that survive operation?
Solid-state batteries
Solid electrolytes promise new battery designs. Can a lithium-metal cell combine high energy, repeated cycling, safe operation, and manufacturability without impractical mechanical pressure?
Lithium–sulfur batteries
Sulfur offers attractive battery capacity, but a practical cell must keep that capacity through many cycles without hiding its weaknesses behind excess electrolyte or lithium.
Artificial photosynthesis
Devices can use sunlight to make fuels. Can direct solar-fuel systems remain efficient, selective, safe, and durable as they grow beyond carefully controlled demonstrations?
Carbon dioxide electrolysis
Electricity can turn carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. Can an electrolyzer do so with durable operation, efficient carbon use, and a favorable whole-system energy and emissions balance?
Perovskite solar module durability
Perovskite solar cells can be highly efficient. Can full modules keep that performance through decades of outdoor light, heat, moisture and partial shading?