The Energy Systems Optimization Lab (ESOL) seeks to improve the design, performance, and characterization of energy generation and storage systems by applying advanced simulation and optimization techniques to applied systems.
Mechanical and thermal systems are designed to operate, and a number of factors can affect both performance during operation and the overall useful lifetime of a system. System behavior may respond to fluctuations in weather conditions, market demands, operational setpoints, maintenance history, or natural degradation of components. The ESOL leads and contributes to projects that:
- Develop simulation tools to accurately predict system behaviors over a time horizon
- Develop models that characterize instantaneous behaviors of complex optical and thermal systems
- Research and apply optimization methodologies to improve system efficiency, lifetime, cost-effectiveness, and reliability
- Utilize expected system operations to identify optimal technology design decisions
- Facilitate smart control of multiple technologies that can jointly and complementarily meet a market need at reduced net cost
- Validate control or model outcomes using lab-scale experimental systems
We focus on several technology applications, including concentrating solar power, grid-scale energy storage, “hybrid” systems with multiple generators or storage, and nuclear energy.
Lab News
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Mullin’s Helios Team Wins EnergyTech University Prize
Matthew Mullin and team Helios won the $25k EnergyTech UP bonus prize for their heliostat concept tech-to-market plan. The competition is sponsored and managed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of…
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Tyler Lee Recognized with FM Young Award
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at UW-Madison has recognized Tyler Lee with the F.M. Young award. This award is given every year to a graduating senior member of the Mechanical Engineering honor…
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Former ESOL undergraduate researcher wins major recognition
Congratulations to Grace Stanke, winner of the 2023 Miss America competition! Grace worked with Dr. Wagner at ESOL and Dr. Ben Lindley, Director of the Reactor Technology Integration Group, to develop a…
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ESOL Visits Solana, Largest Trough-Type Solar Plant
The Solana Solar Generating Station is the largest solar plant using parabolic trough technology in the world and is located near Gila Bend, AZ, just outside the Phoenix metro area. Dr. Wagner,…
Our research areas
Energy use scheduling
We research algorithms that optimally schedule production or utilization from dispatchable power generators or from energy storage while considering unique technology constraints and component lifetime.
Concentrating solar power
CSP uses heat generated by focusing mirrors to produce electricity or provide high-temperatures for thermal processes. We research applications and long-term performance of CSP technologies.
Renewable technology simulation
The long-term cost-effectiveness of renewable technologies can best be assessed using time-series simulation tools. We develop and improve models and algorithms to predict technology performance over time.
Energy management testing
The ESOL partners with the WEMPEC to develop and experimentally validate model predictive control and energy management algorithms that test the simulation and optimization tools we develop using power hardware in the loop.
