This section provides summaries of current and past research projects. Use the links below to jump to your area of interest.
Biomass and Biofuels
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production – Scott Turn
Conduct research that supports developments and decisions related to supply chains for alternative, renewable, sustainable, jet fuel production in Hawai‘i.
Advanced Fuel Characterization and Development – Scott Turn
Systematically assess the impacts of trace quantities of heteroatomic organic species on fuel properties and to advance the development of high-energy density fuels for future transportation applications.
Novel Biocarbons – Scott Turn
Develop processes to produce biochars and biocarbons from biomass feedstocks and control and tune their properties by selection of biomass feedstocks and process conditions.
Investigation of Waste-Based Feedstocks for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production (2021-2023) – Scott Turn
Investigated the behavior of urban solid waste under possible gasification environments defined by temperature, pressure, and reactive environment.
Resources for Renewable Natural Gas Production in Hawai‘i (2020-2021) – Scott Turn
Assessed resources for RNG in Hawai‘i and compare their potential for RNG production to current levels of fossil derived gas consumption in the State.
Hawai‘i State Bioenergy Master Plan (2008-2009) – Scott Turn
Developed a plan to address land and water resources, distribution infrastructure, labor resources, bioenergy technology, permitting, financial incentives, business partnering, and economic and environmental impacts.
Fuel Assessments
Resources for Renewable Natural Gas Production in Hawai‘i (2020-2021) – Scott Turn
Assessed resources for RNG in Hawai‘i and compare their potential for RNG production to current levels of fossil derived gas consumption in the State.
Liquefied Natural Gas for Hawai‘i: Policy, Economic, and Technical Questions (2012-2013)
Evaluated the potential importation of LNG to Hawai‘i and concluded that LNG could dramatically cut energy costs for consumers if obtained from the right source and on gas-indexed prices.
Hydrogen
NELHA and MTA Hydrogen Stations and Fuel Cell Electric Buses – Mitch Ewan
Evaluate the technical and financial performance and durability of the equipment, and support a fleet of three hydrogen FCEB operated by the County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit Agency.
MCBH “Fast Fill” Hydrogen Station (2010-2020) – Mitch Ewan
Installed and operated a “Fast Fill” (less than 5 minutes) hydrogen production and dispensing station to evaluate the performance and durability of the equipment, and support a fleet of 16 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
Solar Fuels
Solar Fuels Generation – Nicolas Gaillard
Improve the durability and efficiency of chalcopyrite and perovskite thin-film photo-absorbers for photoelectrochemical production of solar fuels to reduce the production cost of renewable hydrogen.
Grid System Analysis
Grid Reliability with High Solar and Storage Development – Richard Rocheleau
Demonstrate that grid reliability (resource adequacy) as measured by loss-of-load expectation can be maintained equivalent to or better than the current system even with very high penetrations of variable renewable generation with storage.
Clean Firm Resource Needs in Hawai‘i – Richard Rocheleau
Inform ongoing procurement and proposed legislation for both variable and firm renewable energy and determine the minimum firm capacity required by the system to ensure adequate resource availability at various levels of wind, solar, and storage additions.
Recent Reliability Challenges – Richard Rocheleau
Assessment and review of the recent reliability events to Hawai‘i’s power grids, which have faced some reliability challenges (resource adequacy).
Hydrogen to Meet Firm Power Needs in Hawai‘i – Richard Rocheleau
Evaluated the energy and infrastructure needs to produce hydrogen using water electrolysis, store it, and convert it back to electricity to meet long-term firm power needs by supplying 5% of Hawai‘i’s 2045 annual electricity demand.
Analysis of Time-of-Use Rates and Load Flexibility – Richard Rocheleau
Assess whether the load shifting intended from the implementation of time-of-use rates would reduce grid operating costs given recent deployment of battery storage.
Long Duration Storage Modeling (2023-2024) – Richard Rocheleau
Conducted a limited evaluation to determine whether long duration, multi-day battery energy storage can provide the required resource adequacy and capacity to bridge extended periods of low solar and wind.
Oʻahu Retirement Study (2023) – Richard Rocheleau
Conducted analysis to determine the ability of solar + storage resources to continue replacing firm capacity to help develop long-term retirement plans for O‘ahu.
DER Aggregation and Control with High Penetration Solar + Storage (2022) – Richard Rocheleau
Quantified the level of control needed for additional distributed energy resources based on system (not circuit) hosting capacity constraints.
Stochastic Modeling for High Renewable Grids (2020-2022) – Richard Rocheleau
Developed novel methodologies and tools to evaluate system risk and likelihood of capacity shortfalls in high percentage renewable grids.
Energy Generation and Resilience Opportunities Assessment for MCBH (2018-2022) – Leon Roose
Identified and evaluated needs and opportunities for implementing proven microgrid technologies on MCBH, while concurrently meeting their resiliency requirement.
NELHA HOST Park Microgrid Analysis (2019-2021) – Leon Roose
Determined the feasibility and benefits of modifying the current energy system at NELHA’s HOST Park to enable it to operate as a microgrid connected to HELCO’s electric grid system or as a stand-alone facility.
Integrated Stability and Cost Production Analysis (2020) – Richard Rocheleau
Developed a new tool to evaluate grid stability over the entire range of operations expected throughout the course of a year.
Curtailment and Grid Services with High Penetration Solar + Storage (2020) – Richard Rocheleau
Assessed the impact of agreement structures and plant configurations on curtailment when large amounts of solar + storage are added to the grid.
Capacity Value of Storage with High Penetration of PV and Storage (2020) – Richard Rocheleau
Evaluated the ability of battery energy storage to reliably replace the aging fossil-fired generation fleet in Hawaiʻi.
Grid Technology: Development and Demonstration
Coconut Island DC Microgrid – Leon Roose
Demonstrate and assess the reliability, resilience, and energy efficiency of a DC microgrid serving two HIMB buildings. Compare the efficiency of powering lighting, cooling, and plug loads with AC versus DC electricity during normal operations.
Advanced Conservation Voltage Reduction Development and Demonstration – Leon Roose
Demonstrate advanced CVR – reduces energy consumption and peak demand by seamlessly lowering voltage levels within acceptable ranges on distribution circuits – as an effective way to conserve energy.
Hawai‘i Virtual Power Plant Demonstration – Leon Roose
Assess the economic value and operational effectiveness of customer-sited battery and solar resources, where these resources can simultaneously serve both the customer’s interests and needs of the grid when aggregated as part of a VPP.
Assessing Dynamic Response of Converter‐Dominated Power Systems – Saeed Sepasi
Develop local expertise in developing and validating modeling and control solutions for today’s power grid. Identify the type and detail of converter models required to accurately represent power system dynamical phenomena across multiple time scales for CDPS.
Bidirectional EV Charging Demonstration Project – Leon Roose
Develop, evaluate, and demonstrate the performance of novel algorithms to optimize the charge/discharge of shared fleet vehicles for energy cost minimization.
EV Charging Infrastructure Master Plan for USMC Camp Fuji, Japan – Leon Roose
Develop a comprehensive master plan for fleet electrification and electric vehicle infrastructure implementation. Establishes an accessible network of EV charging stations, with the aim of encouraging EV adoption and promoting sustainability.
Automated Distribution Circuit PV Hosting Capacity Estimation – Leon Roose
Develop improved algorithms that significantly advance accuracy while reducing computation time for estimating the maximum capacity of distributed photovoltaic systems that can be effectively interconnected to utility secondary distribution services.
Holistic Optimization of Microgrids – Saeed Sepasi
Develop an adaptable and precise model for sizing microgrid systems integrating various energy resources and storage technologies. Evaluate the model’s efficacy against established industry tools, to minimize grid energy purchases and maximize renewable resources penetration.
Advanced Power Systems Laboratory (2018-2023) – Leon Roose
Designed and equipped a lab to conduct research, development, test, and evaluation in support of power systems modernization and renewable energy integration by providing a state-of-the-art test environment to deliver next-generation smart grid technologies.
Development and Verification of AI-Based Microgrid Platform and Business Model (2018-2022) – Mark Glick
Demonstrated the capabilities of an advanced control system using artificial intelligence to optimize energy management of a microgrid to reduce costs and improve resilience.
Solar Power Forecasting (2018-2022)
Developed advanced forecasting systems, including new methods and technologies, to predict solar photovoltaic power generation from minutes to days ahead.
Advanced Real-Time Grid Energy Monitor System (ARGEMS) (2017-2022)
Developed a low-cost device and system that can provide enhanced situational awareness allowing tighter, localized coordination of distributed energy resources.
Ka Honua Momona: Maximizing Efficiency of Off-Grid Nano-Grid (2018-2021)
Converted an existing off-grid solar PV system, battery storage, and a backup fossil fueled generator, into a more efficient “smart” nano-grid.
Load and PV Data Synthesis (2017-2021) – Leon Roose
Synthesized solar photovoltaic and customer load data from field measurements to enable more realistic distribution feeder modeling and state analysis for circuits with high distributed PV penetration.
Fast Frequency Response Battery on a Low-Inertia Grid (2017-2020) – Marc Matsuura
Evaluated fast frequency response of a BESS on the island of Molokaʻi, which could impact industrial standards for metering and frequency measurement during electrical transients on low-inertia grids.
Grid-Scale Battery Testing (2011-2020) – Marc Matsuura
Evaluated three grid-tied Battery Energy Storage Systems addressing different issues arising increasing renewable energy penetration levels. Facilitated the discovery of benefits and unexpected adverse consequences arising from this technology on isolated grids.
Dynamic Load Bank for Islanded Grid Solutions (2018-2020) – Leon Roose
Demonstrated a reliable and inexpensive means to prevent the baseload diesel generators from operating below their minimum dispatch level during periods of high solar generation.
Sustainable Grid Platform with Enhanced System Layer and Fully Scalable Integration (2017-2020) – Leon Roose
Supported the long-term goal of designing highly scalable technologies for distribution systems to operate reliably and securely with extremely high penetration of distributed energy resources.
Fuel Cells
Contaminant Tolerant Fuel Cells for Harsh Environments – Keith Bethune
Support NRL’s efforts to develop lightweight, high efficiency fuel cell systems for UAVs including developing components that enhance contaminant tolerance.
Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell – Tatyana Reshetenko
Evaluate the performance of AEMFCs with platinum group metal content and PGM-free cathode catalysts, study effects of MEAs components, and develop electrochemical diagnostic and analysis methods applicable for AEMFC evaluation.
Transition Metal Carbide Catalysts for Electrochemical Applications – Jing Qi
Develop transition metal carbide catalysts for electrochemical applications, which have the potential to improve the performance of a variety of devices.
Materials Enablers for Advanced Manufacturing of Attritable Fuel Cells – Keith Bethune
Perform material research combined with simulation to propose a conceptual design for a fuel cell with laminate construction to realize a 5x cost decrease over state-of-the art small fuel cells while retaining performance.
Proton Conducting Electrolytes for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (HT-PEMFC) – Yunfeng Zhai
Develop a novel inorganic electrolyte with high proton conductivity under high temperature and low humidity to be used in the cathode catalyst layer of HT-PEMFC to overcome the phosphoric acid leaching issue.
Advanced Characterization of PEMFC with Open Flow Field Architecture – Tatyana Reshetenko
Conduct a detailed evaluation of PEMFCs employing OFF design using advanced approaches like electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and segmented cell system.
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Producing Hydrogen Peroxide – Edward Bruffey III
Modify a PEMFC to allow electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, which also produces energy, eliminates waste, and is scalable to address specific needs.
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Contamination (2019-2022) – Yunfeng Zhai
Developed an effective technique to mitigate or restore the performance loss caused by air contaminants in PEMFC systems.
PGM-Free Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cell Applications (2019-2021) – Tatyana Reshetenko
Developed highly active platinum group metal free catalysts to optimize their incorporation into an electrode structure and fuel cell to reduce costs and expand application opportunities.
Water Purification with Ion Exchange Membrane and Porous Media (2019-2021) – Yunfeng Zhai
Developed a novel, low-cost water purification technology with ion exchange membrane and porous media that may reduce the energy consumption to less than 1 kWh/m³ for seawater desalination.
Mass Transfer Analysis for High Power Fuel Cells (2015-2019) – Tatyana Reshetenko
Developed a novel diagnostic method for the determination of mass transfer parameters, which will provide guidance for improvements in electrode structure design.
Batteries
Path Dependence of Battery Degradation – Matthieu Dubarry
Characterize the impact of different stresses on the durability of Li-ion batteries using large experimental campaigns and design of experiments.
Battery Intelligence: Diagnosis and Prognosis – Matthieu Dubarry
Development of approaches, tools, and protocols to improve batteries diagnosis and prognosis via non-invasive in-operando techniques.
Battery Electrode Optimization – Matthieu Dubarry
Optimize battery electrodes to improve performance by understanding local degradation mechanisms and by tuning the electrode architecture.
Battery Energy Storage Systems Durability and Reliability – Matthieu Dubarry
Better understand the degradation of batteries in grid deployed systems and how to monitor them better. Inform best practices to improve durability and safety of large batteries deployed on the electric grid.
Vanadium Flow with High Concentration Electrolytes (2019-2022) – Yunfeng Zhai
Developed a high power and energy density, durable, and safe VFB with novel catalysts high concentration of vanadium electrolytes.
Photovoltaic Materials
Printable Photovoltaics – Nicolas Gaillard
Develop high-throughput ink-based fabrication techniques for lightweight thin film PV, which has the potential to reduce manufacturing costs and enable PV integration on non-conventional substrates.
Two-Dimensional Materials for Thin Film Manipulation – Nicolas Gaillard
Develop methodologies to facilitate the manipulation of thin films utilizing 2D interfacial layers, which has the potential to facilitate the physical transfer of high-efficiency devices from their original substrates to novel platforms.
Encapsulation of Perovskite Solar Cells for Long Term Operations – Nicolas Gaillard
Invent innovative encapsulation techniques that can enhance the operational lifespan of emerging low-cost, high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, which have the potential to help DOE meet its commitment to reducing the cost of photovoltaics to $0.02/kWh.
Hydrogen Storage and Gas Purification
Development of Novel Air Filtration Materials (2017-2024)
Designed, synthesis and characterization of novel, reversible high-performance acidic gas contaminant absorbent materials, which would enable fuel cell vehicles to be efficiently operated under harsh atmospheric air environments.
UH and UW Materials Research and Education Consortium (MRE-C)
Develop foundational knowledge about advanced nano-to-macroscale defect-bearing and doped materials and the properties controlling their unique behaviors and investigate their use for future energy technologies.
Wave Energy
Research Support to the U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) – Patrick Cross
Provide key research support to this national effort in the form of environmental monitoring, independent WEC device performance analysis, and critical marine logistical support.
The Hawaiʻi Wave Surge Energy Converter (HAWSEC) – Patrick Cross
Mature a wave energy converter concept developed by the HNEI-led team, that could ultimately produce cost-effective renewably generated electricity for coastal communities.
Hawai‘i National Marine Renewable Energy Center (2008-2019) – Patrick Cross
Facilitated the development of commercial wave energy systems by assessing the power performance of prototype wave energy conversion devices and evaluated their potential environmental impact.
Legislative and Community Support
Decision Support Services to the Hawaiʻi Public Utility Commission – Richard Rocheleau
Provide regular technical analysis and assistance to the PUC, including an ongoing review of utility plans and technical challenges faced by the electricity grid during the transition to higher renewable energy.
Support of Integrated Grid Planning – Richard Rocheleau
Provide support to the Integrated Grid Planning process, which determines the types of resources and grid services that should be invested in to meet the goals of state’s RPS.
Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum (HEPF) – Richard Rocheleau
Support and manage the HEPF in its mission to advance Hawai‘i’s energy transition through energy stakeholder engagement in fact-finding, analysis, information sharing, and advocacy that enables informed decisions.
NELHA Energy Plan – Richard Rocheleau
Support NELHA’s development of an updated energy program that will support the state’s energy goals, focusing on which resources will be needed to allow NELHA to be more effective in supporting the state’s energy goals.
Disposal and Recycling of Clean Energy Products in Hawai‘i – Michael Cooney
Quantify this waste stream and enumerate best practices for cost-effective recycling and recommend best practices for disposal, recycling, or secondary use of clean energy products produced in the State.
Hawaiʻi State Energy Office Support – Richard Rocheleau
Support the HSEO to conduct work in various areas in need of additional resources with the objective to address and progress critical state energy transition needs.
Molokaʻi Community Energy Resilience Action Plan – Richard Rocheleau
Support stakeholders in Molokaʻi in the development of the CERAP by providing technical expertise, data, modeling capabilities, and technical reviews throughout the process.
Greenhouse Gas Life-Cycle Emissions Analysis (2019-2024) – Richard Rocheleau
Conducted a study to provide estimates for the life-cycle GHG emissions of various energy resources and production technologies in Hawaiʻi for assessment to support PUC decision making.
Energy Transition Initiative Partnership Program (ETIPP) (2020-2024) – Richard Rocheleau
Participated as a Pacific Regional Partner to help community coordination, solve community energy transition questions and issues, provide technical assistance and guidance, and support energy transitions throughout the U.S.
Evaluation of the State Renewable Portfolio Standards Mandate (2023) – Richard Rocheleau
Provided the PUC with an update of the status of the state’s RPS mandate every five years, which is used by the PUC in the development of their report to the legislature.
Support to the Institute on Science for Global Policy (2022) – Richard Rocheleau
Supported ISGP in planning and holding an international Pacific Island hydrogen energy conference in Hawaiʻi to identify potential plans for future hydrogen development in the region.
AES Biomass Conversion (2021) – Richard Rocheleau
Characterized the potential of AES’ proposed conversion to a biomass plant, its cost, and impacts on contributions to RPS goals, future solar development, resource adequacy, and GHG emissions.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction from Electrified Transportation (2020) – Richard Rocheleau
Quantified the net GHG benefits of electric vehicles compared to the current fleet and other vehicle options for Oʻahu.
Hawai‘i State Bioenergy Master Plan (2008-2009) – Scott Turn
Developed a plan to address land and water resources, distribution infrastructure, labor resources, bioenergy technology, permitting, financial incentives, business partnering, and economic and environmental impacts.
Grid Reliability Analysis
Asia Pacific Regional Energy System Assessment – Richard Rocheleau
Develop comprehensive energy system assessments in the Asia-Pacific region regarding energy transition strategy, policy, regulation, technology options, demonstrations, implementation plans, and training based on the specific requirements or needs of the targeted jurisdictions and strategic alliances.
Saigon Energy Hub (SEHub) Support – Richard Rocheleau
Develop a public renewable demonstration and technology center to raise the community awareness of the needs, feasibility, and benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand (PEA) Collaboration – Leon Roose
Provide capacity building and technical support to PEA, including developing a capacity building program focused on focused on renewable energy grid integration, smart grid technologies, microgrid assessment and design, and development of advanced EV charging applications.
Support to the USAID Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) Program – Leon Roose
Provide technical and regulatory support to the USAID-funded ESP Program by assisting in the development of net energy metering rules, developing and drafting framework and regulations, and providing capacity building.
USAID Sustainable Energy for Indonesia’s Advancing Resilience (SINAR) Program – Leon Roose
Support USAID’s SINAR program by providing wide-ranging renewable energy capacity building support to facilitate Indonesia’s clean energy transition.
USAID Southeast Asia’s Smart Power Program (SPP) – Laos – Leon Roose
Support USAID’s SPP by supporting Électricité du Laos and the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines in enhancing power system resilience, implementing demand-side management/demand response strategies, and integrating variable renewable energy resources.
USAID Southeast Asia’s Smart Power Program (SPP) – Cambodia – Leon Roose
Support USAID’s SPP by engaging with the national power utility of Cambodia, Electricite de Cambodge to manage high levels of variable renewable energy penetration and conducting capacity building workshops.
Renewable Energy Systems Regulatory and Technical Support for Palau – Leon Roose
Provide technical and regulatory/policy support to the Republic of Palau, Energy and Water Administration, and Public Utilities Corporation in implementing the country’s clean energy transition.
Renewable Energy Systems Regulatory and Technical Support for the Cook Islands – Leon Roose
Provide technical and regulatory/policy support to Te Aponga Uira, the government-owned electric utility on Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands.
Renewable Energy Systems Regulatory and Technical Support for Yap, Micronesia – Leon Roose
Provide technical and regulatory/policy support to the Yap State Public Service Corporation in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Energy Security and Resilience in Caribbean Islands – Leon Roose
Provide analytical and advisory services for various activities and deliverables under the U.S. Department of State’s Power Sector Program Technical Assistance to support the Partnership to Address Climate Change 2030.
USAID Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership (PEP) Activity – Leon Roose
Provide technical assistance to support PNG’s enhanced electric connectivity and its goal of connecting 70% of its population to electricity by 2030.
USAID Majuro Dock Resilient Power Strategy – Leon Roose
Design a reliable, resilient, cost-effective, and scalable power solution to support increases in the transshipment of skipjack tuna through a locally owned dock facility on Majuro Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Developing Renewable Energy Storage System for the Pacific Island Countries – Leon Roose
Provide technical assistance to the World Bank project by supporting 11 PICs in designing a regional BESS policy framework and guidelines to support private sector participation in BESS development.
Innovation System Mapping Project in the Renewable Energy Sector in Vietnam (2022-2024) – Richard Rocheleau
Provided financial support and guidance to NISTPASS to map the innovation system in the renewable energy sector in Vietnam.
EGAT Renewable Integration Study (2018-2022) – Leon Roose
Conducted a renewable energy integration study, in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, for Thailand and enhance the professional capacity of its engineers.
Chulalongkorn University Smart Campus Project – ARGEMS (2020-2022) – Leon Roose
Built joint research and development capacity in the area of grid modernization and smart grid initiatives, ultimately helping to enhance energy resilience and reliability while enabling a clean energy transition.
U.S. India Collaborative for Smart Distribution with Storage (UI-ASSIST) (2018-2022)
Fostered international collaboration around smart grids, particularly distribution systems and microgrids with solar photovoltaics and energy storage.
ASEAN Interconnection Masterplan Study (AIMS) III Support (2020-2021) – Leon Roose
Provided technical assistance as a core member of the Technical Review Group for the AIMS III effort.
Recommendations on Methodology for Vietnam Power Development Plan (PDP) (2019-2021) – Leon Roose
Delivered technical assistance to the Government of Vietnam to address their energy growth issues, in collaboration with Deloitte Consulting and USAID.
Technical Interconnection Requirements for Solar and Wind Projects in Laos (2020-2021) – Leon Roose
Developed technical interconnection and performance requirements and grid codes for solar and wind projects grid interconnection in Laos.
Development of BESS Technical Standards for Thailand (2020-2021) – Leon Roose
Leveraged critical stakeholder feedback provided by EGAT, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University to develop a regional solar PV forecasting system for Thailand.
Thailand Regional Solar PV Forecasting (2018-2021) – Leon Roose
Provided technical assistance to support Thailand’s Office of Energy Regulatory Commission in its ultimate adoption of codes and regulations for BESS applications in Thailand.
Feasibility Study on the National Load Dispatch Center Energy Storage Project (2018-2020) – Mark Glick
Recommended grid scale BESS for consideration by Vietnamese regulators for the advancement of policy and tariff formulation at the national level to meet Vietnam’s the unique grid challenges.
Vietnam Low Emission Energy Program (V-LEEP) RPS Development (2018-2020) – Mark Glick
Advised and guided Vietnamese stakeholders on the design of a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS), which resulted in a replicable structure and framework for evaluating best practices for renewable policy development in this rapidly growing economic region.
