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Other Research > Exploratory Research
High-Efficiency Engines

Investigators

Chris Edwards, Mechanical Engineering

Objective

Achieving efficient engine operation is one of the clearest, most-economical paths to mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Consumption of significantly less fuel per unit of work provides a method of greenhouse gas mitigation that is immediately attractive to consumers, and therefore requires no incentives other than individuals or organizations acting in self-interest.

Today, piston engines with less than 500 kW output dominate transportation and distributed energy generation, since gas turbines of such a small size are significantly less efficient than their larger counterparts. Fuel cells have also been investigated for this size range, but cost has been a challenge given current levels of efficiency. The research team will explore the best ways to combine piston-cylinder, internal-combustion-based reaction with electrochemical reaction to achieve efficiencies above 70 percent for transportation and distributed generation engines.

Annual Reports

Publications
  • D. Liang, Y. Huo, Y. Kang, K. Wang, A. Gu, M. Tan, Z. Yu, S. Li, J. Jia, X. Bao, S. Wang, Y. Yao, H.-S. P. Wong, S. Fan, Y. Cui, J. S. Harris, Optical absorption enhancement in freestanding GaAs thin film nanopyramid arrays, Adv. Energy Matls. 2 (10), pp 1254-1260, October 2012
  • Dong Liang, Yangsen Kang, Yijie Huo, Yusi Chen, Yi Cui, James S. Harris, High Efficiency Nanostructured Window GaAs solar cells, Nature Nanotechnology, April, 2013

Presentations

  • J. S. Harris, Materials Challenges for Solar Cells, International NanoOptoelectronic Workshop (iNOW), Stanford, CA, August 2012
  • J. S. Harris, Development of Dilute Nitride Lasers, Solar Cells and Lessons Learned, BK21/ISRC/CISS Seminar, Seoul National University Seoul, Korea, September 2012
  • J. S. Harris, High Efficiency Multi-Junction Solar Cells, Shockley Alumni Reunion, Stanford, CA, October 12, 2012
  • J. S. Harris, Development of Dilute Nitride Materials and High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells, Innovative PV Symposium, Tsukuba University, Japan, January 22, 2013
  • J. S. Harris, Materials Challenges for High Efficiency Multi-Junction Solar Cells”, RCAST University of Tokyo Seminar, January 23, 2013
  • J. S. Harris, Quest for High Efficiency Solar Cells and Lessons Learned Over a Career, Stanford Student OSA Chapter SUPR Retreat, Sonoma, CA, April 13, 2013

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