The Energy Systems Optimization Lab 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. At ESOLab, we lead and contribute 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
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 Technology Transitions. The …
April 8, 2023
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 society Pi-Tau-Sigma to …
April 8, 2023
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 multi-effect distillation model. …
January 20, 2023
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, Matt Tuman (graduate …
December 30, 2022- More News posts
Our research areas
Energy production scheduling
We research algorithms that optimally schedule production 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.
Experimental controls validation
The ESOLab partners with the WEMPEC to experimentally validate controls and optimization approaches using power hardware in the loop.
Grants and research projects
- Project title | Real-Time Operations Optimization Software
- UW Principal Investigator(s) | Prof. Mike Wagner
- Program | Solar Energy Technology Office – Concentrating Solar Power
- Collaborators | Dr. Alex Zolan (PI, National Renewable Energy Laboratory), Prof. Alexandra Newman, Prof. Greg Bogin (Colorado School of Mines), Prof. David Morton (Northwestern University), Dr. Joshua Golbert (BrightSource Energy, LLC)
- Duration | 2018-2021
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- Project title | Gen3 Gas-Phase System Development and Demonstration
- UW Principal Investigator(s) | Prof. Mark Anderson, Prof. Mike Wagner
- Program | Solar Energy Technology Office – Concentrating Solar Power
- Collaborators | Shaun Sullivan (PI, Brayton Energy), Ryan Bowers (Advisian/Worley-Parsons), Ty Neises (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
- Duration | 2018-2020
- Project title | Integrated Solar & Nuclear Cogeneration of Electricity & Water using the sCO2 Cycle
- UW Principal Investigator(s) | Prof. Ben Lindley, Prof. Mike Wagner
- Program | NE-2 Integrated Energy Systems Design and Modeling
- Collaborators | Prof. Gregory Nellis, Prof. Mark Anderson, Prof. Laura Albert (UW), Joshua McTigue, Ty Neises (National Renewable Energy Laboratory), Cory Stansbury (Westinghouse Electric Company)
- Duration | 2020-2023
- Project title | CSP Systems Analysis
- UW Principal Investigator(s) | Prof. Mike Wagner, Prof. Greg Nellis
- Program | Solar Energy Technology Office – Concentrating Solar Power
- Collaborators | Dr. Chad Augustine, Ty Neises (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
- Duration | 2018-2021
