Voucher Capabilities

Laboratory Capabilities to help Coulomb Technology develop zinc-ion batteries for LDES applications

Voucher #

VO-1

Organization:

NEI Corporation

Details

City

Piscataway

State

Zip

8854

Activity Location State

Somerset

Activity Location State

8873

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Market Readiness

Capability Description

We will help Coulomb Technology deliver 5Ah pouch cells with 140Wh/kg at 1/10C for 2000 cycles by Dec. 2024. This is an interim step towards developing 300Ah cells with 7500 cycles that discharge at rated power for 10 hours or more, and have a pathway to meeting the Long Duration Storage Shot goal of $0.05/kWh levelized cost of storage (LCOS) by 2030.

Capability Core Competencies

NEI has a a full laboratory with all equipment needed to make and test up to 6Ah pouch cells. This includes fume hoods, slurry making equipment, electrode casting, calendaring, pouch cell manufacturing, cycle testing, material procurement, and scientific engineering help. We also have an XRD machine and are in the process of procuring an SEM. NEI has been in business for 20+ years providing advanced materials and battery development as a service for the past several years. We have 5 PhD scientists and 5 Engineers on staff. We have nearly 20,000 square feet with all necessary equipment to develop batteries. As part of this program we will add another fume hood, a new calendar machine, and more tester channels as needed. We will also provide engineering support up to 30 hours per month.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

NEI’s Battery Research and Development Services provides the customer with the tools needed to implement new materials and concepts into next generation batteries. Our materials science background and ability to custom tailor battery materials has resulted in improved battery performance for our customers. NEI also has an extensive battery research and characterization facility, which includes multi-channel cell testers. By providing custom-produced battery material development and battery material testing, we help to ensure battery developers and manufacturers are given new capabilities in enabling next generation batteries. NEI has worked on battery materials and battery development for dozens of companies. We have also hosted companies to use our facilities to develop their own chemistry using our facility and equipment. Please visit our website if you would like to see additional details.

Capability Community Benefits

NEI is proud to 1) support meaningful community and labor engagement; (2) invest in America’s workforce; (3) advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); and (4) contribute to the President’s goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to DACs (the Justice40 Initiative). We also support our local educational institutions in different ways. The way NEI does this is through our job training program and hiring practices. We also provide facilities and services to battery companies that are working to help reduce the impact of climate change and that plan to build a factory in communities that are in need of jobs, such as former coal communities. Through this program we will allow Coulomb to have 4 full time persons work in our facility and use our equipment during the duration of the project.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Coulomb will provide min 3 full time persons to work on this project and Coulomb.

Geographic Constraints

United States

Additional details on matching preferences

We have equipment and capabilities to make and test up to 6Ah pouch cells.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

To make multi-layer, 1 Ah pouch cells at 220mAh/g capacity, tested at C/5 for 200 cycles

Final Milestone Description

To make multi-layer, 5 Ah pouch cells at 220mAh/g tested at C/10 for 1000 cycles

Market Assessment and Commercialization Strategy

Voucher #

VO-5

Organization:

Strategen Consulting Inc.

Details

City

Sacramento

State

Zip

95827

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Intellectual Property

Capability Description

The goals of this task are to define target application parameters, identify typical use cases, and determine target specifications for energy storage products, leveraging market research, technology and energy system expertise and primary interviews. For a specified geography and technology, Strategen will evaluate the current status of long duration energy storage (LDES) technology and market, identify and describe three to five use cases, and approximate the value and market size for the given use cases. Based on these results, Strategen will provide recommendations for the technology developer which will provide a commercialization strategy encompassing a marketing approach, stakeholder engagement, pathways to meeting regulatory requirements, and recommended focus areas (regions and use cases) for deployment.

Capability Core Competencies

Strategen is a globally connected, impact-driven consulting firm focused on providing innovative solutions and trusted guidance to navigate energy system transformation. We help our clients create bankable value propositions, business models, and supportive market structures that allow leading edge clean energy technologies to both compete and be fairly compensated for the full range of services provided. Strategen provides corporate strategy insight and market and regulatory intelligence that is actionable, forward looking, and customized to our clients’ unique goals, objectives, and inherent competitive advantages. Our team has advised major Fortune 500 companies in identifying and validating strategic opportunities and developing winning long-term strategies. Our direct involvement in clean energy market transformation through management of several impactful associations- the Green Hydrogen Coalition, the Vehicle Grid Integration Council, and the California Energy Storage Alliance- affords us a vast network of connections that we leverage to inform our client’s winning long-term strategies.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

The Strategen team will be led by Jennifer Potter, a former Commissioner with the Hawaii Public utilities Commission and advised by Janice Lin, Strategen’s CEO. Jennifer has a deep understanding of resource deployment, customer equity, and stakeholder perspectives. Janice co-founded the California Energy Storage Alliance in 2009, where she successfully served as Executive Director for ten years, growing the organization into the definitive voice for energy storage in the state and beyond with over 100 active members. Janice also co-founded and for seven years chaired the annual Energy Storage North America conference and expo, the only mission-driven and the leading standalone grid-connected energy storage event in North America. Strategen has also composed a robust support team of analyst-level staff to implement this scope of work guided by the in-depth expertise of core, senior team members. Strategen will prioritize allocation efficiency via the use of lower cost resources when possible.

Capability Community Benefits

Strategen is a certified minority and woman-owned business, with a commitment to facilitating a just transition that enables a sustainable and equitable approach to building a clean energy economy. Strategen’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice are foundational to our approach to both internal team engagement as well as our client service approach. Our expertise ranges from the quantitative work of modeling peaker plant retirement in disadvantaged communities to reduce pollution and improve community health; to development of regulatory frameworks that incorporate social and environmental equity; to direct engagement with stakeholders, including local communities, environmental justice groups, and tribal nations, to seek their input and collaboration. This scope of work will ensure that diverse voices are represented in LDES planning processes and will promote the realization of DEIA metrics through the development of a plan to address DEIA within the Community Benefits Roadmap.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

To develop an effective market assessment and commercialization strategy, the following is required from our clients:  1) a defined geographic region for project focus;  2) a summary of the technology or product of focus;  3) if applicable, summary of community engagement conducted to date and relevant points of contact; and  4) at least 1 point of contact with decision-making ability to work with on a regular cadence.

Geographic Constraints

We can support projects in the continental US.

Additional details on matching preferences

N/A

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

A detailed outline of the Market Assessment and Commercialization Strategy report with initial results and draft findings.

Final Milestone Description

Market Assessment and Commercialization Strategy report detailing priority use cases and markets to pursue.

9-HI Human-AI Collaborative Software Platform for Technology Development Decision Guidance

Voucher #

VO-10

Organization:

AI Strategy Corp

Details

City

Babylon

State

Zip

11702

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Community Benefits

Capability Description

9-HI assess the current state of a technology and assesses its maturity and the maturity of the developing organization against needs in specific market applications. It provides 9 scores and a development plan for execution of the technology, the business and marketing activities required for success. All activities are assessed based on human-AI identified Risks and Success Factors needed to burn down Risks. 9-HI is a significant force multiplier that reduces needs for a lot expensive consultants. Consultants are still used but guidance is supplemented by the 5 AI Agents so that the consulting team and Company SMEs have reduced research workload to execute on their plans. 9-HI is a Comprehensive model for Business Risk. The model is used as a framework to guide business growth and product technology success.9-HI uses quantitative, evidenced-based scoring to provide Decision Guidance when it’s most needed to keep critical programs healthy.9-HI accomplishes this by providing project management, innovation management, knowledge management, risk management and SOTA Human and AI collaboration all in one platform solely designed to drive success for your product or technology.

Capability Core Competencies

Key Features:• 9 core metrics govern all risks and improvement opportunities for: Product Technology, Team & Stakeholders, and Market Application.• Identify Risks: gaps, barriers or vulnerabilities that can derail successful technology selection or development.• Identify Success Factors: used to show accomplishment details when building teams and technology.• 5 specially designed AI agents: assist with team building, Risk and Success Factor identification, evidence recommendations, and solutioning.• 4 Data sources: SME generated project centric data, internal 9-HI knowledge database, GPT 3.5 curated query feed from public internet, GPT 3.5 curated query feed from Gov/Enterprise secure databases.Key Benefits: • Intelligent Decision Guidance, Improved Project Success, Lower Risks & Costs, Higher ROI, Rapid AI adoption9 Point Score quickly displays the health of the company and technology against goals and derives a practical development plan optimized for cost and resources to guide the company to technology development success.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Built to IL2 Standards and US DoD AI Ethical Standards, on Commercial Azure Cloud with encryption and Security protocols. Processes for access control, incident handling, disaster recovery, vulnerability management and security awareness training.Information stored in the Microsoft 365 Commercial Cloud authorized for FedRAMP High within the Microsoft 365 Commercial Cloud or a company issued machine encrypted according to FIPS standards.Procedures are in place to prohibit the reproduction of any information within this effort without written consent of the Program or Lead Project Manager.9-Hi uses role-based access controls along with need-to-know to control access to all digital information within its possession. Access to such information is protected by MFA and logged.Polices and Procedures are in place to protect data and cybersecurity risks include Identity and Access Management, Anit-Malware Protection, Incident Handling, Event Monitoring and Disaster Recovery.Identity and Access Management, Activity Monitoring and Security Awareness Training.

Capability Community Benefits

With as little as $1500 per client company, we provide SME and AI Agent access for up to 12 months. A typical project can be as short as a few weeks or last for 3-6 months to assess and develop technologies. We stay with companies with our low cost guidance capabilities that break down silos and allow collaboration with SMEs across the globe. We will specifically set up projects for community users that are compact and accelerated to display real tangible improvements and benefits in the shortest possible time frame to keep momentum moving as technologies and developing companies progress through TRLs until they can deploy their technologies, products and services. We expect to significantly enhance the Energywerx community as a staple resource that captures excellent guidance and feeds it forward at extreme low cost using our AI Agents to drive greater acceleration of technologies and success for your investments.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

100

Inputs required from voucher recipients

We'll need to know their POC, and brief descriptions of their technologies and applications. All other info discovery will be completed during their 9-HI platform onboarding process.

Geographic Constraints

We provide this service globally except to countries prohibited by the US DoD.

Additional details on matching preferences

Any Technology, Any Company, Any Application!

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Assessment completion including Development & Deployment plan

Final Milestone Description

Implementation of the technology to at least one TRL higher in the majority of 9 segment scores

Digital Twin Creation Service

Voucher #

VO-1

Organization:

Turbine Monitoring and Support Services, LLC

Details

City

Atlanta

State

Zip

30308

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Simulation/Modeling

Capability Description

Our Digital Twin Creation service specializes in crafting tailored physics-based Digital Twin System Models. These models offer insights into scaling issues, expected benefits, and how operations might perform under non-ISO or fault conditions. They also highlight the mechanical and financial impacts of integrating with existing assets. They can be used for ‘what-if’ scenarios, design decisions, operational monitoring, fault monitoring, and entitlement studies to predict customer impacts. With close ties to electric utilities, our models reflect real-world scenarios enriched by valuable customer feedback. Precision is our core strength, with digital twins consistently aligning within +/- 0.5% of real systems. Each project begins with a customized physics-based model, focusing on LDES and integrated power assets. We use probabilistic forecasting to deliver precise insights, particularly on carbon management and capacity expansion. Our collaborative approach is a hallmark of our service. Working closely with clients, we utilize available tests, data, and assumptions to ensure our digital twins are highly effective. These models can quantify the value of integrating existing assets and the grid, simulating usage scenarios and assessing the impact on current assets. Compatibility with operating conditions can also be evaluated.

Capability Core Competencies

Turbine Logic is a specialized engineering consulting firm with a focus on total power plant monitoring and diagnostics. Our core competencies encompass: Digital Twins including Physics-based Model Design, Construction, and Auditing Technology Assessment and Impacts Modeling Direct Monitoring Engineering Consulting Custom Software & Monitoring Solutions Development Gas Turbines Energy Storage Systems Thermal Energy Storage Chemical Energy Storage Lithium Ion Batteries Hydropower/Pumped Storage Hydro Photovoltaics (PV)Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels Combustion Our expertise lies in a comprehensive grasp of energy systems, with a strong foundation in modeling, simulation, and technological advancement. We prioritize understanding client requirements and have the ability, as a smaller entity, to adjust project scopes dynamically.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Our team brings to the table decades of cumulative experience in modeling, simulation, and technological innovation within the energy systems arena. Our personnel have prior experience developing models and state-of-the-art hardware for organizations such as NASA, the FAA, the DOE, and an array of leading OEMs in the aerospace and energy sectors.

Capability Community Benefits

TL is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment to promote technical excellence. This includes recruiting undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring all employees and collaborators feel safe, welcome, and supported; and providing training opportunities for project personnel with particular focus on supporting professional growth of individuals from historically underrepresented groups in engineering.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Voucher recipients will need to provide the following information: System layout, Balance of plant details, Material and process flows information, Intended concept of operations, Functional performance data

Geographic Constraints

This service is available nationwide, covering the entire US.

Additional details on matching preferences

At the end of the project, the following deliverables will be provided: Digital twin model and report of associated predictions on performance, emissions, impacts, and technical risk areas (i.e., which technology assumptions drive implementation risk).

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Preliminary digital twin model and report of associated predictions on performance, emissions, impacts, and technical risk areas.

Final Milestone Description

Digital twin model and report of associated predictions on performance, emissions, impacts, and technical risk areas.

Barracuda Virtual Reactor Simulation, Validation, Testing and QuickStart

Voucher #

VO-9

Organization:

CPFD Software

Details

City

Houston

State

Zip

77079

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Measurement, Reporting, and Verification Assessment

Capability Description

CPFD Software will work in conjunction with the voucher recipient to create high fidelity, three dimensional models of the chemical and thermal reactors used to develop battery materials, thermal energy storage, and associated technology. These models greatly assist in the design, scale up, optimization, and troubleshooting of battery manufacturing and recycling processes.

Capability Core Competencies

CPFD Software develops multiphase simulation software. Our flagship product, Barracuda Virtual Reactor, is a physics-based and GPU-accelerated engineering software package that simulates 3D, transient, fluid-particle hydrodynamics, heat balance, and chemical reactions in reactors and process units. This technology enables the digital twin and solves some of the most complex engineering challenges in energy, sustainability and industrial decarbonization.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Barracuda Virtual Reactor is an industry-standard tool for simulating the complex behaviors of multiphase processes. Our clients use simulation to effectively communicate technological capabilities and data to partners, customers and investors so they can deploy and scale with confidence. BVR has been used by scientists and researchers at national labs (including NETL, ORNL, INL, Sandia), industrial companies (such as Shell, Dow, GE, SK Innovation) and startups (such as Skeleton Technologies, SunGas Renewables, Aurora Hydrogen, Aloha Carbon). At the 2020 Hydrocarbon Processing Awards, Barracuda Virtual Reactor was named Best Software Technology. Our team has expertise in software development and process engineering, with a total of 270 years of industry experience.

Capability Community Benefits

CPFD Software is committed to a local workforce with 100% USA-based software development. Our team is highly-skilled (25% PhD), diverse (44% minority) and the company is committed to a safe, healthy and inclusive workplace. We are proud of our record of never having had a claim of harassment or discrimination, we have never had an OSHA recordable incident and we have never had layoffs. In terms of our wider societal impact, digital prototyping is the safest way to iterate and test industrial improvements. The alternative approach of physical testing places personnel at risk at the plant level whereas our technology promotes the safety of the industrial workforce. Virtual Reactor plays a pivotal role in global decarbonization by enabling industrial plants to introduce new technologies, reduce emissions, enhance operational efficiency and optimize processes, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, particularly related to sustainability, renewables, and decarbonization applications.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

We would need the following inputs from voucher recipients: initial design concept, material properties, process parameters and initial range of operating conditions; physical test or operational data for overall model calibration and validation, when available; a workstation computer with an NVIDIA GPU (or access to cloud computing resources); and at least one primary user to receive software training and utilize the models created hereunder. Chemical reactions and suitable kinetics from lab-testing or literature are beneficial, but not strictly required.

Geographic Constraints

We have no geographic constraints. Our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, and we operate globally. We can provide this service to voucher recipients located anywhere in the US.

Additional details on matching preferences

Our technology is best suited for processes that involve fluidized beds and/or gas-particle / liquid-particle systems.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Delivery of calibrated model of the voucher recipient’s reactor or other fluid-particle process

Final Milestone Description

The voucher recipient uses the calibrated model for virtual testing and for exploring the full parameter space of design options

Market Assessment: Transition from Lab to Marketplace

Voucher #

VO-4

Organization:

Fedsprout

Details

City

PRINCETON

State

Zip

8540

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Fundraising

Capability Description

Fedsprout will carry out a thorough market assessment to build confidence in the performance and demand for the long duration energy storage asset, thereby reducing risks, lowering costs, boosting investment, and speeding up scalable deployment. We begin by identifying potential customers and gathering their contact information, then develop and conduct a primary market research survey. The survey results will be summarized and used for further analysis. Additionally, we will identify and review secondary market research reports, purchasing one if necessary. A detailed market research report, including market sizing and segmentation with assumptions, will be created. A special emphasis will also be placed on identifying niche as well as markets that can positively impact disadvantaged communities. The competitive landscape will be assessed to pinpoint key players and strategies, and a SWOT analysis will identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A value proposition report will be formulated based on market needs and competitive advantages. Finally, the product or service will be clearly defined based on our research and customer feedback. By leveraging our structured approach, we will achieve a comprehensive understanding of the market, ensuring strategic decision-making that significantly enhances the likelihood of successful deployment of the energy storage asset.

Capability Core Competencies

Fedsprout provides Commercialization Assistance Planning (CAP) and Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) support as part of SBIR/STTR projects. We also support large businesses with planning federally funded R&D and D&D activities for developing and commercializing technologies, including selecting manufacturing and demonstration locations and identifying rural and disadvantaged communities that can benefit, especially those where environmental justice issues prevail. We also support our clients in developing DEI, PIER, and CBP plans for DOE-funded projects.Our team comprises experts from diverse backgrounds, including energy storage research, successful clean startup entrepreneurs, community engagement professionals, sustainability specialists, and former utility and municipality managers who have pioneered new energy technology deployments. Our approach involves employing the skillsets of our diverse team to ensure that our clients will succeed in planning their projects and creating new products that add significant value while simultaneously achieving federal agencies' objectives.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Fedsprout's expert team has Ph.D.s in energy storage, including electrochemical technologies, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering. Our business commercialization experts possess MBAs. Our team has access to numerous subject matter experts and contacts outside our organization, including large organizations such as IEEE, EPRI, NRECA, CEATI, etc. We work with end users of long-duration energy storage systems and have contacts within utilities, charging station manufacturers, and vehicle manufacturers. All of this combined allows us to gain insights into the use cases for new technologies and the value proposition. We connect technology developers with users, which helps accelerate market adoption.

Capability Community Benefits

We are experts in developing community benefits plans and provide this service to numerous organizations developing proposals for DOE grants. Our approach to the four CBP pillars for this work is to assist our clients in identifying communities where R&D, D&D, and manufacturing can result in maximum positive and minimal negative impacts from this project, especially in DACs and distressed energy communities. We will include these communities in our market sizing analysis and identify how they fit into market segmentation. We will assist the recipients as and when required in identifying community partners such as CBOs, non-profits, and other stakeholders who can further assess the market needs.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Do you have a good idea about the expected performance and functional features of your product that can be used to assess its value and competitiveness? For very early stage projects (TRL 1-3), this service may not be very useful if your proposed solution/specification/features will change significantly. Is the goal of acquiring this service to obtain financing/funding? If so, is there specific outcomes or information that is more important for your fundraising?

Geographic Constraints

We will only perform market research and assessment as it pertains to the U.S. We already provide our services across all U.S. states and have no restrictions of geographic location within the U.S.

Additional details on matching preferences

Companies that are seeking to accelerate their market adoptions and discover niche markets while developing strategies around accessing these markets should consider our services. Organizations that are specifically unfamiliar with the CBP pillars can learn and gain insights into how to ensure their technologies can make an equitable impact.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Market research report including primary and secondary market research results and market sizing and segmentation.

Final Milestone Description

Report on competition and SWOT analysis, value proposition, and product/service definition

Go to Market Strategy and Financial Projections: Transition from Lab to Marketplace

Voucher #

VO-3

Organization:

Fedsprout

Details

City

PRINCETON

State

Zip

8540

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Siting/Permitting

Capability Description

Fedsprout's comprehensive approach encompasses several key tasks to ensure successful deployment of energy storage assets. We will begin by identifying the most suitable marketing channels, to effectively reach the target audience. This may involve contacting and talking to experts in the field, industry organizations, and potential future users. We will determine the optimal distribution channels, whether through direct sales, online platforms, or strategic partnerships. Fedsprout will develop tailored marketing strategies and tactics, establish a pricing strategy, and create a detailed timeline for the product launch, covering pre-launch preparations, the launch itself, and post-launch activities. Additionally, we will provide proforma financial projections to facilitate informed decision-making and strategic planning. Through our structured methodology and expertise, Fedsprout aims to reduce risks, lower costs, boost investment, and accelerate the scalable deployment of the energy storage asset. We will provide a business plan that captures the work performed.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Fedsprout's expert team has Ph.D.s in energy storage, including electrochemical technologies, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering. Our business commercialization experts possess MBAs. Our team has access to numerous subject matter experts and contacts outside our organization, including large organizations such as IEEE, EPRI, NRECA, CEATI, etc. We work with end users of long-duration energy storage systems and have contacts within utilities, charging station manufacturers, and vehicle manufacturers. All of this combined allows us to gain insights into the best approaches for sales and marketing. We connect technology developers with users, which helps accelerate market adoption, and our contacts within the industry give us a realistic view of potential sales numbers.

Capability Community Benefits

We are experts in developing community benefits plans and provide this service to numerous organizations developing proposals for DOE grants. Our approach to the four CBP pillars for this work is to identify communities where R&D, D&D, and manufacturing can result in maximum positive and minimal negative impacts from this project, especially in DACs and distressed energy communities. We will include these communities while developing marketing and sales strategies and identify how DACs and energy communities fit into the sales and distribution channels as well as end use in a way that can increase jobs in these communities while improving energy resilience. We will assist the recipients as and when required in identifying community partners such as CBOs, non-profits, and other stakeholders who can further provide insight into deploying these technologies in these communities. We will ensure that community benefit activities are accounted for and included in financial projections.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Will you be licensing your technology, manufacturing, distributing, or retailing the product? If you will be licensing the technology, then this service may not be required. Is the goal of acquiring this service to obtain financing/funding? Is there specific outcomes or information that you will need as a result of this service that is more important for your fundraising goals?

Geographic Constraints

We will only develop sales and marketing strategies as it pertains to the U.S. Product launch will also be planned for the U.S. only. We already provide our services across all U.S. states and have no restrictions of geographic location within the U.S.

Additional details on matching preferences

Companies that are seeking to accelerate their market adoptions and obtain realistic plans and projections while developing strategies around accessing these markets should consider our services. This is because we always engage industry and end users to develop plans. Organizations that are specifically unfamiliar with the CBP pillars can learn and gain insights into how to ensure their technologies can make an equitable impact.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Report covering marketing channels, sales distribution channels, and pricing strategy

Final Milestone Description

Report covering launch timeline and financial projections

Partnering and Financing: Transition from Lab to Marketplace

Voucher #

VO-2

Organization:

Fedsprout

Details

City

PRINCETON

State

Zip

8540

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Process Improvement

Capability Description

Fedsprout offers a service focused on partnering and collaboration to facilitate the transition of a product to market. This includes identifying and establishing partnerships with key stakeholders such as suppliers, distributors, and strategic partners, and exploring opportunities for joint ventures, licensing, or other forms of collaboration. Additionally, Fedsprout leverages its artificial intelligence-based tool to develop a list of government and other funding opportunities and potential financiers, ensuring comprehensive support for the product's market entry and growth. This service provides biweekly reports on new funding opportunities as well as updated lists of financers and introductions to these financers.

Capability Core Competencies

Fedsprout identifies partners and collaborators for firms seeking to perform R&D and D&D activities. We also develop funding roadmaps for organizations seeking funding for R&D, D&D, and production of new technologies. Fedsprout provides Commercialization Assistance Planning (CAP) and Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) support as part of SBIR/STTR projects. We also support large businesses with planning federally funded R&D and D&D activities for developing and commercializing technologies, including selecting manufacturing and demonstration locations and identifying rural and disadvantaged communities that can benefit, especially those where environmental justice issues prevail. We also support our clients in developing DEI, PIER, and CBP plans for DOE-funded projects.Our team comprises experts from diverse backgrounds, including energy storage research, successful clean startup entrepreneurs, community engagement professionals, sustainability specialists, and former utility and municipality managers who have pioneered new energy technology deployments.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Fedsprout's expert team has Ph.D.s in energy storage, including electrochemical technologies, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering. Our business commercialization experts possess MBAs. Our team has access to numerous subject matter experts and contacts outside our organization, including large organizations such as IEEE, EPRI, NRECA, CEATI, etc. We work with end users of long-duration energy storage systems and have contacts within utilities, charging station manufacturers, and vehicle manufacturers. We are also members of several associations and are familiar with financers of energy technologies, including accelerators and banks. We have developed inhouse, proprietary tools for finding funding opportunities for our clients. This lets us gain insights into the best approaches to finance new technologies. We connect technology developers with users, which helps accelerate market adoption.

Capability Community Benefits

We are experts in developing community benefits plans and provide this service to numerous organizations developing proposals for DOE grants. Our approach to the four CBP pillars for this work is to assist our clients with identifying partners that support DEI and workforce development in and around DACs and distressed energy communities. When identifying partners and collaborators, we will also suggest metrics typically found in CBPs and promote accountability by documenting metrics in agreements. We will identify funding opportunities for our clients that can impact these communities as well as Indian Tribes and environmental justice communities.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Do you have an idea what type pf strategic partners would be best for commercializing your technology? Do you have an estimated idea of how much funding you will require to be able to start selling your product? What is the estimated timeframe for you to obtain funding? This service is useful if you are seeking funding within 3-12 months.

Geographic Constraints

We will assist with finding partners and collaborators only in the U.S. We will only find funding oportunities that are available in the U.S. and benefit the U.S. economy. We already provide our services across all U.S. states and have no restrictions of geographic location within the U.S.

Additional details on matching preferences

Companies that are seeking to accelerate the deployment of their technologies through partnering and collaboration and through funding and financing opportunities can avail this service. Organizations that are specifically unfamiliar with the CBP pillars can learn and gain insights into how to ensure their technologies can make an equitable impact.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Report describing potential partners. Biweekly reports covering relevant funding opportunities and financers.

Final Milestone Description

Updated report describing potential partners. Biweekly reports covering relevant funding opportunities and financers.

Parametric Remaining Life and Maintenance Prediction

Voucher #

VO-10

Organization:

Turbine Monitoring and Support Services, LLC

Details

City

Atlanta

State

Zip

30308

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Performance Testing/Validation

Capability Description

Our Life Prediction Service utilizes collected data to model life and associated risks of failure for LDES devices. Taking advantage of Bayesian statistics and traditional life prediction approaches, we accurately predict energy storage system lifetimes and financial risks of failure while accounting for uncertainty in new systems development. The service also helps to understand the impact of various unit metrics on system lifetime by using them as covariates in the prediction modeling while incorporating probabilistic forecasting. This allows operators to push the limits of a specific system using common performance metrics as a basis for their life expectations. The modeling works well with both a wealth and shortage of historical data and can be set up to learn as field or test experience is gathered. Process: Initial Consultation: Review current technology & data collection approaches Failure History: Review failure history, beliefs on system lifetimes, financial costs of failure vs a regular maintenance event. Model Development: Create a life prediction model using the relative collected data and prior failure history. Feedback and Iteration: Add additional data to the model, refine the model to ensure all concerns are addressed.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Geographic Constraints

This service is available nationwide, covering the entire US.

Additional details on matching preferences

Useful for anyone with uncertain life and maintenance characteristics

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Review First Model and Preliminary Studies

Final Milestone Description

Deliver Final Model and Presentation on Its Use

Technology Risk Assessment

Voucher #

VO-9

Organization:

Turbine Monitoring and Support Services, LLC

Details

City

Atlanta

State

Zip

30308

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Certification

Capability Description

Technology landscapes today are filled with innovations that, while technically advanced in isolation, face integration challenges in broader systems. Our service addresses these integration challenges. Recognizing that individual technology readiness levels (TRLs) are not comprehensive indicators of system-wide performance, we offer detailed assessments that delve beyond TRLs. The result of this assessment is a score of the Technology, Integration, and System Readiness Levels of the technology with respect to integration in a target system. This provides an assessment matrix which is used to identify key development and integration risks that are often not identified in early technology development. LDES technologies rely on integration. A final result is a itemized, detailed set of integration and development risks along with recommended risk reduction activities. Process: Initial Consultation: Review current models, identify technology and integration assumptions, and establish the scope of the assessment. Engage directly with technology developers, investors, and potential users to grasp challenges, expectations, and risks. Conducting the Assessment: Evaluate design, manufacturing, controls, and testing and evaluation facets of the technology. Feedback and Iteration: Refining the assessment to ensure all concerns are addressed. Final Report & Recommendations: Deliver technology assessment report.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Our assessments can be performed for any energy storage technology in conjunction with any existing asset.

Geographic Constraints

This service is available nationwide, covering the entire US.

Additional details on matching preferences

Our assessments can be performed for any energy storage technology in conjunction with any existing asset.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Initial Assessment – Meet to Close Gaps

Final Milestone Description

Deliver Final Model and Presentation on Its Use

Product Commercialization and Launch Support Package

Voucher #

VO-5

Organization:

Grand Summit Group, LLC

Details

City

Montrose

State

Zip

91020

Activity Location State

Glendale

Activity Location State

91206

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Capability Description

The proposed Product Commercialization and Launch Support Package will provide a set of detailed research, analysis, and custom strategies to a LDES technology innovator to ensure their commercial success upon entry into the market. The scope will include five report deliverables consisting of a Customer Needs, Wants, and Requirements Assessment; a Product Economic and Pricing Assessment; a Product Cost Assessment; a Product Validation and Certification Strategy; and a Product Supply Chain Strategy. The goal of this package is to: Aide the client to document customer wants, needs, and requirements for the product to inform continued design development and validation plans. Evaluate product and project economics to analyze how the client product impacts overall project economics factoring in price, performance, and O&M impacts. Generate a costed Bill of Materials including key component cost-volume curves, and identify opportunities to reduce cost of goods sold. Develop a certification program plan that identifies what testing should be performed at what stage of product development. Create a customized Supply Chain strategy resulting in capital efficient manufacturing scale up. A detailed breakdown of the package scope and estimated effort has been included in the attached Work Sample document for more information.

Capability Core Competencies

Grand Summit Group offers expert consulting services to technology innovation companies to help them get from a lab prototype to a commercial product working in the field. We guide companies through the final leg of commercial product development, ensuring that all customer requirements are understood with a validation and certification plan in place. We provide detailed product pricing and cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis and improvement to help companies plan for economic success of their product. We identify critical manufacturing processes and vendors required to produce the product, and develop supply chain strategies that are capital efficient and appropriate for the stage of scale up. Finally, we help companies execute on project development activities unique to deploying first of a kind technologies into a demonstration project environment. This suite of expertise is critical to assuring success at even the earliest phases of technology development.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Peter Ciulla, founder and principal partner of Grand Summit Group, has over 20 years of experience in hardware product development, transition to production, and product deployment. For the first decade of his career, Peter worked for several Fortune 500 multi-industry product manufacturing companies like Textron and ITT where he worked as both a hardware engineer and as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. For the next decade, Peter has worked with Cleantech companies such as eSolar, Heliogen, and CarbonCapture develop and launch multiple innovative products. Prior to consulting, Peter has been a founding team member at a startup with a multi-billion dollar exit, an executive team member, and a founder & CEO. For several years, he has worked as an industry reviewer of DOE grants, and has a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego.

Capability Community Benefits

Grand Summit Group is well acquainted with and a strong proponent of the objectives integral to Community Benefit Plans (CBP). As an organization, we maintain a company DEI policy that reinforces our belief that a diverse workforce is a healthy and innovative workforce. While working with other companies (though not our core competency), we've assisted in the development of their CBPs including assisting in the writing of a CBP for grant applications, some support of community engagement, and navigation of the DOE's energy justice mapping tool for project location eligibility. As an industry grant reviewer for the DOE, we've also reviewed applicant's CBPs. Finally, Grand Summit Group is certified as a Small Business (Micro) with the State of California, and is currently in process on registering as a SBA certified small business with the Federal government.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

For the project to be successful, we will need from the recipient any background information from customer discovery, market requirements, technology performance, and project economics. Any gaps will be filled as a part of the proposed scope. Additionally, we will need enough information about the technology to create a detailed Bill of Materials with at least a conceptual description of each major component for cost estimation.

Geographic Constraints

Located in the Los Angeles region of California, Grand Summit Group has worked effectively with clients across the US and globally. By leveraging a suite of remote collaboration tools (including Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint), we are confident that we can effectively service clients throughout the US. Additionally, our Pacific home time zone enables easy coordination with both Eastern time zones and the further west time zones of Alaska and Hawaii.

Additional details on matching preferences

Our best fit client would be a company with a highly innovative technology that would benefit from a deeper understanding of customer and market requirements, project economics, product costs, product validation and certification, and supply chain strategies.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Completion of the Customer Needs, Wants, and Requirements Assessment and Product Economic Pricing Assessment.

Final Milestone Description

Completion of the Product Cost Assessment, the Product Validation and Certification Strategy, and the Product Supply Chain Strategy.

Deployment Technical Support

Voucher #

VO-9

Organization:

Sandia National Laboratories

Details

City

Albuquerque

State

Zip

87123

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Fundraising

Capability Description

Sandia National Laboratories can work with a potential LDES deployment team to provide technical assistance over the deployment process. This starts with preliminary analysis of potential use cases to help size the system. Next, the Sandia team can provide technical assistance in designing a request for proposals as well as in evaluating proposals. After a project has been selected, Sandia can provide technical assistance evaluating the performance before the system leaves the factory and provide guidance on best practices for commissioning. Once operational, Sandia can assess the dispatch profile to make sure that the system is providing maximum value to the owners and stakeholders.

Capability Core Competencies

Sandia National Laboratories is the lead lab for the DOE OE energy storage program and has decades of experience with energy storage deployments.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Information on the capabilities of Sandia’s energy storage demonstration team can be found on the website: https://energy.sandia.gov/programs/energy-storage/demonstrations-and-validation/

Capability Community Benefits

Sandia has significant experience with two community benefits approaches. The first applies a social burden metric using the ReNCAT tool. The second uses EPA emissions data and the EPA COBRA tool to estimate health benefits achieved from reducing power plant emissions with energy storage deployments.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Load profile data, utility rate structure for behind the meter applications, initial goals for the energy storage system, budget constraints.

Geographic Constraints

No geographic limitations

Additional details on matching preferences

N/A

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Develop RFP in collaboration with the recipient

Final Milestone Description

Energy Storage Commissioning

In-Situ Gas Analysis during Thermal Runaway and Fire of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Voucher #

VO-4

Organization:

UL Fire and Combustion Laboratories at Case Western Reserve University

Details

City

Cleveland

State

Zip

44106

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Supply Chain Analysis

Capability Description

We perform tests to collect time-resolved data on various parameters of LIBs before, during, and post-thermal runaway of Lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells. In each test, a LIB cell will be conditioned to a desired state-of-charge (SOC) and placed in an environmental chamber (volume ~ 600 L). The LIB cell is then forced into thermal runaway by an electrical heating tape at a constant heating rate. The chamber is connected to a FTIR gas analyzer for real-time concentration measurements. Camcorders are used to record the major events such as cell venting, thermal runaway, and subsequent burning process. Thermocouples are used to monitor the surface temperatures of the cell. The real-time mass and voltage of the cell are also recorded. With the data obtained, cell pseudo-properties, venting gas compositions, and venting mass rate can be deduced as functions of cell temperature and cell SOC. The collected data can be used to evaluate and improve the safety of the LIB cells. They can also be used to guide the Research and Development of safer new LIB cells.

Capability Core Competencies

The UL Fire and Combustion Laboratories at CWRU uses numerical modeling and experimentation to study basic fire science and fire dynamics in specific situations (e.g., forests) or in situations with unique chemistry (e.g., lithium-ion batteries). By combining the capabilities experiments with numerical modeling, our lab explores various fire phenomena and proposes new theories and correlations in fire dynamics. Our research has been supported by various funding agencies including NSF, NASA, CASIS, Lubrizol, and UL.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

The UL Fire and Combustion Laboratories at CWRU is a 2,200 square feet laboratory. It contains the following equipment: cone calorimeter, smoke density chamber, micro-combustion calorimeter, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) gas analyzer, Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) tester, analytical balances, generator, fume hoods, various environmental chambers, and high-pressure gas supply systems. Imaging equipment includes infrared (FLIR) cameras, high-definition video camcorders, and SLR digital camera. Laser diagnostics include two planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) systems, particle image velocimeter (PIV), Nd-YAG lasers, dye lasers, optical tables, a wide range of optics and optic mounts, and data acquisition systems. In addition to the UL Fire and Combustion Laboratories, we have access to the Thermal Analysis Laboratory in the Center for Advanced Polymer Processing at CWRU. The Thermal Analysis Laboratory features a suite of TA Instruments including thermal equipment (DMA, DSC, TGA, and rheometer).

Capability Community Benefits

The proposed voucher activities will evaluate exiting LIB cells and guide the development of new LIB cells. This will reduce risk and hazards associated by LIB thermal runaway, leading to a safer community. The proposed voucher activities will also provide opportunities for students to be exposed to real-world engineering problems and to interact with working professionals. This will help cultivate next-generation workforce. The director of the Lab, Dr. Ya-Ting Liao, also has a strong track record to recruit talents from : under-represented minority in STEM (e.g., women, African American, and military veteran). If selected, she will proactively reach out to these groups and provide opportunities to be involved in the project.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

The voucher recipients will provide the LIB cells to be tested.

Geographic Constraints

We will be able to provide the service anywhere in the country. The work will be done in our facility at Case Western Reserve University.

Additional details on matching preferences

Currently, we can only perform tests at cell level. We cannot perform tests on battery packs or battery modules.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Perform 20 tests and deliver the data to the voucher recipient.

Final Milestone Description

Perform additional tests when needed. Work with the voucher receiver on data analysis and quantify safety performance of tested cells.

Next Generation Sulfonamide-Based Electrolyte For Ultra-Long Life Cycle, High Energy Density Batteries

Voucher #

VO-3

Organization:

Elementium Materials, Inc.

Details

City

Katy

State

Zip

77494

Activity Location State

Cambridge

Activity Location State

2139

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Market Readiness

Capability Description

Argonne National Labs will produce a sample of this electrolyte for us, which several Fortune 100 companies are waiting to use to make cells for testing. With this voucher, Argonne can make enough sample for us to test with all of the Fortune 100 companies who have offered to manufacture cells and run tests. Without the voucher, we can only afford one small sample, which can only be used by one prospective customer in a limited testing plan. This voucher would be a game changer for us and catapult this technology forward, enabling many of the world's leading companies to qualify this breakthrough product.

Capability Core Competencies

This technology has been developed by three leading professors at MIT (Prof. Yang Shao-Horn, Prof. Ju Li, and Prof. Jeremiah Johnson). Numerous publications have shown incredible potential (Such as the publication found here http://li.mit.edu/21/Xue21HuangNE.pdf). In addition, one Fortune 100 company has already built a pouch cell and tested it internally, showing substantial energy density and life time uplift relative to standard cells. Argonne National Labs is one of the leading National Labs in battery chemistry and has all of the facilities in place to produce large quantity samples of this electrolyte.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Elementium is licensing this breakthrough electrolyte technology from MIT, and three of our company's Advisors are MIT Professors. We have a world class team of electrochemists and vast experience bringing technologies to market. We also already secured four Fortune 100 partners who are ready to receive samples from us and have committed to internal cell fabrication and testing programs. Through MIT's labs, this solvent has been made on a small scale (100's of ml) already. If Argonne National Labs is funded to make a larger sample batch for us, it would be transformative, and our partner companies (who are world leaders in batteries) will be able to fabricate full cells on their pilot production lines and run rigorous qualification testing of this material.

Capability Community Benefits

First, we aim to bring domestic manufacturing of battery materials to the United States, which will increase quality manufacturing jobs, particularly for disadvantaged communities. Second, we aspire to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our hiring practices. This is incredibly important to our founders, one of whom (our Chief Technology officer) is both female and from a minority group. Our company has been built on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and will continue to build this culture for years to come.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Chemical formulations of the solvent and manufacturing recipes.

Geographic Constraints

Chicago Illinois (Argonne National Labs)

Additional details on matching preferences

Argonne National Labs Materials Engineering Research Facility Applied Materials Division Contact: Pupek, Krzysztof Z.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Production of 10 Liters of DMTMSA electrolyte solvent

Final Milestone Description

Production of 25 Liters of DMTMSA electrolyte solvent

Battery Safety and Reliability Analysis

Voucher #

VO-10

Organization:

Sandia National Laboratories

Details

City

Albuquerque

State

Zip

87123

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Intellectual Property

Capability Description

Sandia National Laboratories has unique capabilities for evaluating battery energy storage safety and reliability. For safety, Sandia has an explosive test facility, referred to as the Battery Abuse Testing Laboratory (BATLab) where cell and module level destructive testing can be performed to assess the safety of a new technology (https://energy.sandia.gov/keycapabilities/facilities/batlab/). For reliability, Sandia has battery testers dedicated to long term cycle life evaluation. Depending on the applicant’s requirements, Sandia can perform safety and reliability assessments of a new energy storage technology. The final deliverable will be a Sandia technical report (SAND report).

Capability Core Competencies

The capabilities of the BATLab are summarized here: https://energy.sandia.gov/keycapabilities/facilities/batlab/ The capabilities of the Safety & Reliability team are found here: https://energy.sandia.gov/programs/energy-storage/safety-and-reliability/

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

The qualifications of the Safety & Reliability team members are found here: https://energy.sandia.gov/programs/energy-storage/staff/

Capability Community Benefits

This voucher focuses primarily on evaluating the safety and reliability of a particular energy storage battery technology. The benefit to the community will be a better understanding of the safety and reliability of a new technology.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Type of technologies they would like to evaluate, guidance on the focus (safety, reliability, or both), and samples of the technology for test (e.g., cells or modules)

Geographic Constraints

No geographic constraints except that the technology samples will be tested at the Sandia Albuquerque site.

Additional details on matching preferences

N/A

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Develop test plan

Final Milestone Description

Deliver test results

Energy Storage Valuation

Voucher #

VO-1

Organization:

Sandia National Laboratories

Details

City

Albuquerque

State

Zip

87123

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Measurement, Reporting, and Verification Assessment

Capability Description

Perform an assessment of potential value streams for a proposed long duration energy storage project. For market areas, this would include an optimization analysis of different market products (e.g., day ahead energy, day ahead ancillary services, etc.). For a vertically integrated utility, this will focus on operational cost savings that might be achieved by deploying the proposed long duration energy storage system. The assessment can also include an analysis of different sizes/configurations to help identify the required system size to meet the desired goals most economically. Different types of resilience/reliability analysis can be included if that is a priority. The final deliverable will be a presentation and a Sandia Technical report (SAND report).

Capability Core Competencies

Sandia National Laboratories is the lead laboratory for the DOE OE energy storage program and has significant experience performing techno-economic analysis of energy storage projects. A list of related publications can be found on the website (www.sandia.gov/ess). This includes the development of an open-source Python tool, QuESt, for making energy storage decisions which is available on github.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

The Sandia energy storage analytics team consists of ~13 staff members, most with Ph.D.’s, and years of energy storage analysis experience (https://energy.sandia.gov/programs/energy-storage/analytics/).

Capability Community Benefits

Sandia’s approach to community benefits focuses on two main areas. The first employs a social burden metric to evaluate the resilience benefit of various scenarios (ReNCAT tool). The second employs EPA power plant emission data and the EPA COBRA tool to evaluate the potential health benefits from deploying energy storage to reduce emissions (e.g., replacing a peaker plant with solar plus storage). This capability is incorporated in the QuESt -Equity tool. Both tools were developed by Sandia.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Historical load data, rate structure information for behind the meter applications, production cost modeling data for vertically integrated utility applications.

Geographic Constraints

There are no geographic constraints.

Additional details on matching preferences

N/A

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Presentation of preliminary results

Final Milestone Description

Final presentation and delivery of technical report

Battery electrolyte optimization: New and better additive chemistry

Voucher #

VO-2

Organization:

Octet Scientific, Inc.

Details

City

Cleveland

State

Zip

44103

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Community Benefits

Capability Description

We work closely with battery developers and manufacturers to find electrolyte additive chemicals and formulations that optimize battery performance. We have been able to achieve a variety of measurable improvements with our current customers including: capacity increases up to 25%, cycle-life improvements of 100% or more, and reductions in gassing of more than 60%. We apply our collection of nearly 300 (and growing) new organic electrolyte additives to find an optimal condition while working in close collaboration/iteration with our customer partners. At the end of the voucher project, we provide the battery manufacturing customer with an electrolyte formulation and materials that will unlock hidden performance potential in their energy storage product.

Capability Core Competencies

We are the aqueous electrolyte experts, having already created six new patent families and nearly 300 candidate molecules for zinc, iron, lead, and other water-based battery technologies. With roots in the electroplating industry, our company commands a unique position in the aqueous battery field by being the first company dedicated to developing and scaling novel electrolyte additives specifically for water-based batteries. No other company designs, creates, tests and produces new additives for this promising class of safe and sustainable energy storage technology.Our methods have proven to create substantial value for our customers by bringing big performance improvement from an add as simple as a low-concentration "drop-on" electrolyte additive. We work closely with our customers to develop/apply additives that we can be sure will translate performance to their cells and bring substantial improvement and significant value. We have the ingredients for your perfect battery.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

New Electrolyte Additive Molecules: We design, synthesize, and analyze organic molecules for use as battery electrolyte additives. We have full synthetic wet lab capabilities to create and modify novel molecules for this purpose. We have access to NMR, GC-MS, FTIR, and various forms of chemical analyses. We also have manufacturing partners to scale new molecules to production volumes of 100,000 kg/yr or more. Testing Capability: To verify performance we have a wide range of electrochemical analyses available including high frequency EIS, CV, Potentiometry, Temperature controlled cells, Hull cells, Corrosion analysis, and Gassing tests. We also can fabricate coin cells and have temperature controlled cyclers to test them, over thirty high-precision channels. Materials Metrology: Through our partnerships with local universities, we can also perform high precision materials analysis such as SEM, XRD, XPS and AFM.

Capability Community Benefits

Octet’s location is within a Disadvantaged Community (Source: Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool) that ranks:• 99th percentile for low income.• 92nd percentile for poverty.• 92nd percentile for average energy costs divided by household income. • 97th percentile for unemployment. Octet Scientific will promote the DoE’s interest in DEIA, Energy Equity, and Workforce efforts by conducting research in a Disadvantaged Community among a census tract that ranks in the 99th percentile for low-income households. Octet aims to promote DEIA by offering training, mentorship, education, and other support to students and early/mid-career professionals from disadvantaged communities. Octet is promoting Energy Equity by establishing an innovative industry in a geographic disadvantaged community to support economic development. The plan and milestones associated with this program will support workforce efforts by creating jobs and encouraging the growth of green industry in Cleveland.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Voucher recipients are expected to disclose their desired base electrolyte formulation recipe; identify their anode, cathode and separator materials; and provide Octet with desired battery performance goals. If voucher recipients utilize any unique or proprietary materials in their battery (e.g. a specialty-made anode), we would request the recipient to share that material for testing, if possible. We would also ask that voucher recipients engage in biweekly or monthly progress report meetings to keep the work focused and efficient.

Geographic Constraints

Our facilities are in Cleveland, OH, but we can work with companies from anywhere in the US or the world.

Additional details on matching preferences

We cannot work with non-aqueous batteries (i.e. lithium-ion). We can only work with water-based electrochemical systems.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Evaluation testing protocol set between Octet and Voucher Recipient, and first successful baseline data is collected.

Final Milestone Description

Electrolyte Additive Samples and formulation details are transferred from Octet to Voucher Recipient for testing in Recipient batteries.

Technical feasibility evaluation of long-term Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (RTES): A Thermal-Hydrological-Chemical (THC) modeling perspective

Voucher #

VO-5

Organization:

Idaho National Laboratory

Details

City

Idaho Falls

State

Zip

83415

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Measurement, Reporting, and Verification Assessment

Capability Description

High Temperature Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (HT-RTES) offers low-cost, high-capacity energy storage which can address the mismatch between supply and demand of energy over a range of time scales (diurnal to seasonal). Excess energy from grid or renewal resources during low demand periods can be stored in permeable reservoirs such as saline aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs for several months and can be used for power generation when needed. The current technical issues/challenges for commercial HT-RTES include 1) insufficient site characterization or heterogeneity considerations, 2) scaling due to precipitations of minerals with retrograde solubility during heating and cooling of brine, 3) corrosion due to acidity and salinity of brine, and 4) thermal short circuiting between hot and cold wells due to insufficient spacing between the wells. The purpose of this proposal is to develop Thermal-Hydrological-Chemical (THC) models to identify these technical challenges and evaluate the feasibility of long-term HT-RTES in porous and permeable sedimentary formations. Specifically, the proposed work will include evaluation of total storage capacity, thermal (heat-recovery) efficiency, thermal short-circuiting, changes in mineralogy, changes in porosity and potential clogging, possibilities of corrosion, and operational parameters responsible for performance reduction.

Capability Core Competencies

INL is a multi-program FFRDC and houses numerous scientific user facilities and supports a full spectrum of research, development, demonstration, deployment, and verification on various renewable and nuclear technologies. INL is responsible for the stewardship and operations of three mission-diverse national user facilities and is accustomed to hosting projects such as those outlined in the proposal. The INL team brings detailed skills in project management, geochemical modeling, and reactive-transport modeling. INL has been using the Geochemist’s Workbench, MOOSE Geochemistry Module, and TOUGHREACT as geochemical modeling applications to assess and forecast geochemical evolutions in the reservoirs of various kinds such as geothermal, oil & gas, thermal energy storage, CO2 storage, etc. Previously, INL led the Earth modeling for the GTO’s Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Collab project (e.g., Neupane et al., 2019). Currently, INL leads THC, and Earth Modeling effort for the Utah FORGE project.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

INL’s high performance computing (HPC) resources provide scientific computing capabilities to support efforts in advanced modeling and simulation which will be leveraged for this voucher opportunity. INL HPC computing resources are available to industry, universities, national laboratories and federal agencies to support published and openly available research and development. INL’s newest supercomputer SAWTOOTH operates with a LINPACK rating of 5.6 peta ops and has 99,792 cores with 403 TB of memory. Also, Idaho National Laboratory is the first national laboratory in the Department of Energy complex to achieve certification of its quality assurance program by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to the Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) standard.Dr. R. Kumar is a geochemist with 10 years of experience in reactive-transport and coupled process modeling for surface and subsurface applications which includes HT-RTES, Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage, EGS, geological carbon storage, contaminant transport, and enhanced rock weathering.

Capability Community Benefits

The project will include engagement of stakeholders to understand their perspectives and developing strategic plans for their involvement for the holistic success of such a long-term energy transition project. The goal is to improve the likelihood of our project’s success, create immediate opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, and lay a foundation for these communities to draw further benefits from the nation’s clean energy transition. We aim to address their unique needs and challenges while providing opportunities for economic development and empowerment. Our project outcomes will directly contribute to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of underserved communities, promoting social equity, and fostering inclusive growth.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

The voucher recipient is expected to provide reservoir properties such as mineralogy, water chemistry, well data, proposed capacity/power output, and operational parameters (e.g. temperature, injection/production rate) relevant to proposed geothermal storage site/formation. In absence of well log data, the reservoir properties can be estimated using existing USGS & other published reports.

Geographic Constraints

There is no geographic limitation, and the service can be provided to assess geothermal resources anywhere in the country.

Additional details on matching preferences

This voucher support is intended to stakeholders who are interested in technical assessment of saline formations or depleted oil & gas reservoirs for long-term geothermal storage.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Complete collecting reservoir data including brine chemistry and setting up batch geochemical model

Final Milestone Description

Developing thermal-hydrological model and coupling with batch geochemistry model from the mid-point milestone

Manufacturing Analysis

Voucher #

VO-3

Organization:

Feldhake Consulting LLC

Details

City

Fenton

State

Zip

63026

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Simulation/Modeling

Capability Description

As an engineering professional for over 30+ years, Mr. Feldhake has specialized in manufacturing, engineering, and software development and was a Voucher Provider for round 1 of the VO1 program. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as MillerCoors, Anheuser Busch, Peabody, Owens Corning, Chrysler, and Boeing. Specializing in power, process optimization, advanced instrumentation integration, Process and Machine Safety, and project development, Michael has many years of experience developing solutions involving new technologies, power electronics, communications, and AI/ML components. Feldhake Consulting LLC’s expert level of manufacturing and process development can provide your team with an excellent road map for moving a product or solution concept to market. Our analysis can look at the supply chain availability matrix, technology spectrum, current state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, plant models, and other factors to provide a comprehensive report on available approaches to go to market.

Capability Core Competencies

CORE COMPETENCIES: Project Development with a focus on Return on Investment (ROI) solutions. Specializes in Case Studies and manufacturing analysis for new ideas that include models, schedules, costs, and detailed scopes of work. Expert level in other areas that include Instrument integration, process, mechanical and electrical engineering, Process Safety Analysis (PSA), machine safety, and process optimization. Software development experience includes; plant floor, communications, AI/ML, cloud, desktop applications, database development, and modeling. Industry experience with and Patent Holder of mature AI/ML technology. DIFFERENTIATORS: Expertise in understanding the concerns of stakeholders, Solid track record of successful projects in multiple industries, Expert level in Power Distribution, Instrumentation, Software, AI/ML Tools.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Feldhake Consulting LLC is made up of a 30-plus-year veteran with a vast network of engineering, legal, supply chain, software, manufacturing, and testing companies. As needs arise, Mr. Feldhake can leverage this network to ensure that the right resources are providing exceptional work products. Feldhake Consulting LLC is also certified VOSB.

Capability Community Benefits

Our History already includes starting a LEGO League Robotics Team with a Title 1 School, starting a Robotics First Team for O’Fallon Township HS in Illinois, and being a member of the Missouri Green Building Council (MOGBC). We are also working with Irresistible Community Builders, LLC in St. Louis on several opportunities involving disadvantaged communities. We are also working with ARPA-E to develop new solutions that reduce greenhouse emissions by 100M tons of GHGs and energy costs for everyone. We will continue to build relationships with companies and groups to provide expert assistance to improve energy efficiency, which will benefit all communities, including tribal, migrant, and disadvantaged, our country, and the world.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Diagrams, part specifications, and descriptions of the product. Access to current supplier information. Current and future development plans, Information on production timeline, and annual demand forecast. Stakeholder participation during initial kickoff and planned review meetings and a minimum of 1 POC to work with on a regular cadence.

Geographic Constraints

No constraints within CONUS. Alaska and outside CONUS, including territories of the US, may involve additional costs for travel if required.

Additional details on matching preferences

Please see our website at these locations: 1) https://fconsult.llc/publications 2) https://fconsult.llc/hybrid-energy-systems. Also in the above section labelled 'Applicable Technology Area(s):' it only lists the area appropriate for our concepts. We are experienced in all of those areas and more.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Initial Manufacturing Analysis

Final Milestone Description

Final Project Report and recommended next steps

Operability Design and Design for Commissioning and Testing

Voucher #

VO-5

Organization:

Ridgeline Strategy

Details

City

Topsfield

State

Zip

1983

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Siting/Permitting

Capability Description

Many LDES startups focus on first demonstrating their core innovation at steady-state. As designs scale for real-world deployment, however, additional operational use-cases become critical drivers of engineering design and can substantially drive system requirements. These use-cases include startup, shutdown, ramping, power loss, trip offline, subsystem commissioning, and others. Failure to account for these use-cases can result in equipment failure during commissioning or operation, resulting in substantially (and sometimes fatally) extended timelines. This project will assess the Voucher Recipient’s technology scaling efforts and advance its design for operability, commissioning, and testing to ensure technology scaling deployment success. In phase 1, Ridgeline Strategy will (1) assess the Voucher Recipient’s next generation system design status with a focus on concept of operations (CONOPS) and satisfaction of the design against stakeholder requirements, and (2) Advance the state of the CONOPS development to the next design level, including propagation to system, subsystem, and equipment requirements. In phase 2, Ridgeline Strategy will (1) assess the Voucher Recipient’s current commissioning and test plans, and (2) advance the state of the commissioning and test plans to the next level, including propagation to both equipment requirements and automated control and fault response to enable low-risk commissioning.

Capability Core Competencies

Ridgeline Strategy (a trade name of BRBOLLINGER LLC) was formed in May 2023 to provide strategic consulting to venture-backed startups in the tough-tech and clean-tech sectors. Ridgeline Strategy’s expertise is seamlessly integrating and unifying strategic planning across corporate, fundraising, staffing, and technology scaling/ demonstration goals and supporting this with underlying technical expertise. Ridgeline Strategy’s technical expertise—spanning, among other things, systems engineering, product development processes, technical design reviews, hazard analyses, use-case-driven requirements definition, modeling and simulation, technoeconomic assessments, and technical feasibility assessments—enables us to home in on the underlying technical risks and execution paths that impact successful technology scaling and demonstration. Of particular importance for startup companies working on technology scaling demonstrations is smooth and mishap-free commissioning, testing, and operation, since the downside risk of mishaps and failures is so much larger for startups than for large companies.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Ridgeline Strategy’s founder and principal, Ben Bollinger, holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from Dartmouth College and has spent the past 16 years leading engineering at three separate venture-funded startup companies, including one as co-founder and employee #1. Two of the three were LDES companies: SustainX (isothermal compressed air) and Malta (heat pump thermal energy storage). He has pitched investors, won government grants, scaled multiple technologies from bench-top to engineering-scale to commercial scale, and built teams with a mentality of we’re all in this together. He has been integrally involved in nine venture-capital fundraising processes on the technology company side of the table and two on the VC side of the table. At Ridgeline Strategy, Ben leverages those experiences to help companies avoid potential pitfalls and lay out successful paths to commercialization.

Capability Community Benefits

Ridgeline Strategy is a firm believer in leveraging the power of experiential diversity to create robust courses of action and in engaging people of all perspectives to ensure collective buy-in and success. Teams, communities, and companies are stronger when all individuals are able to realize their own paths to success as part of achieving common goals. In advising companies, Ridgeline Strategy works to ensure that communities are engaged so that all are heard, included and advanced, and are able to share in the economic outcomes—and then helps companies understand how these principles benefit their long-term success.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Voucher recipients will need to provide Ridgeline Strategy with the following information in whatever extent that it exists: • Concept of operations documents • Stakeholder and system requirements • Equipment requirements • Commissioning and validation plans • Test plans and procedures • Hazard analyses • Performance metrics • Performance metric calculations and instrumentation plans

Geographic Constraints

Ridgeline Strategy will perform this voucher service at its office site in the Greater Boston Area and interface with the Voucher Recipient remotely. For Voucher Recipients in the Greater Boston Area, Ridgeline Strategy will meet with recipients at their site for portions of the project.

Additional details on matching preferences

This capability is best suited for an LDES technology developer in the design phases of a system that is the first of its kind at that scale.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Interim report delivery, including an assessment of and advancement of Voucher Recipient’s operability design.

Final Milestone Description

Final report delivery, including an assessment of and advancement of Voucher Recipient’s design for commissioning and testing.

LDES go-to-market, dispatch, and remuneration strategy

Voucher #

VO-4

Organization:

Ridgeline Strategy

Details

City

Topsfield

State

Zip

1983

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Process Improvement

Capability Description

Market remuneration structures for LDES technologies are not yet mature. As a result, technology developers have been “skating towards where the puck is going” for the past 20 years. Assumptions around project remuneration, risk structures, and market evolution have been necessary, but have resulted in optimization around long-term metrics at the expense of near-term deployability. Triangulation between fractured market requirements and needed capabilities has led to more broadly applicable productized solutions that cannot overcome first-of-a-kind project cost requirements. This project will assess the Voucher Recipient’s technology capabilities against beachhead market opportunities and identify specific product-customer-project structures to overcome first-of-a-kind barriers. In phase 1, Ridgeline Strategy will (1) assess the Voucher Recipient’s technology capabilities and cost vs. performance vs. risk tradeoffs and (2) enumerate possible applicable beachhead markets and the required assessments to validate those market entry points. In phase 2, Ridgeline Strategy will (1) perform the beachhead market assessments identified in phase 1, (2) engage beachhead market customers/offtakers to validate market entry point assumptions, and (3) recommend a specific product-customer-project structure with the highest apparent likelihood of successful FOAK project.

Capability Core Competencies

Ridgeline Strategy (a trade name of BRBOLLINGER LLC) was formed in May 2023 to provide strategic consulting to venture-backed startups in the tough-tech and clean-tech sectors. Ridgeline Strategy’s expertise is seamlessly integrating and unifying strategic planning across corporate, fundraising, staffing, and technology scaling/ demonstration goals and supporting this with underlying technical expertise. Ridgeline Strategy’s technical expertise—spanning, among other things, systems engineering, product development processes, technical design reviews, hazard analyses, use-case-driven requirements definition, modeling and simulation, technoeconomic assessments, and technical feasibility assessments—enables us to home in on the underlying technical risks and execution paths that impact successful technology scaling and demonstration. Ridgeline Strategy’s founder, Ben Bollinger, has worked on LDES project structure, risk profiles, and compensation schemes in both deregulated and regulated markets in the US and overseas.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Voucher recipients will need to provide Ridgeline Strategy with the following information in whatever extent that it exists: • Concept of operations documents • Design cost and performance trades studies • Performance metrics • Target long-term and short-term market applications and stakeholder requirements • Derived system requirements and system cost • Technology and scale-up risk assessments

Geographic Constraints

Additional details on matching preferences

This capability is best suited to LDES technology companies who have not yet progressed beyond simple one-full-charge-discharge-cycle-per-day assumptions.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Interim report delivery: assessment of Voucher Recipient’s technology and options and enumeration of possible beachhead markets and their required validation.

Final Milestone Description

Final report delivery, including recommend product-project-customer structure for FOAK deployment.

Ultra-Efficient Battery String DCDC Converter for Long Duration Energy Storage

Voucher #

VO-2

Organization:

Unico LLC.

Details

City

Franksville

State

Zip

53216

Activity Location State

Milwaukee

Activity Location State

53216

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Performance Testing/Validation

Capability Description

Unico, LLC is developing an ultra-efficient and compact DCDC converter specifically for Long Duration Energy Storage utilizing Zinc-Bromide battery technology. The Zinc-Bromide battery has many well-known benefits for LDES. However, by coupling each battery stack to a DCDC converter, the LDES will have much higher efficiency and reliability. By the end of the voucher project, Unico will design and deliver an ultra-efficient (>99%) 25kW Battery String DCDC Converter (BSDC) to work with LDES systems. Unico has customers ready to integrate the technology including EOS and LGES.

Capability Core Competencies

Unico LLC is a high technology power electronics company located in Franksville, WI with extensive experience in developing ultra-efficient power electronics for energy storage, EVs, and renewables applications. We have over 30 engineers, a 100,000sqft manufacturing facility, and a global footprint (US, UK, Germany, Australia) to execute high-technology developments.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

The development team will be led by Jason Katcha, MSEE, who has 30 years of experience in power electronics development. There will be a 10 person development team with electrical, mechanical and software expertise to execute the design. The Unico Franksville facility has ISO9000 quality and UL safety certifications.

Capability Community Benefits

Unico has advanced technology center at 4201 N 27th Milwaukee WI, which is a HUB zone. Unico is bringing high-technology jobs to a disadvantaged area and we are involved with community organizations like Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (NWSCDC) to help improve the community.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

System requirements for DCDC converter (We have draft requirements from EOS for Zinc-Bromide system)

Geographic Constraints

Unico is based in Wisconsin but has global footprint - no limitations

Additional details on matching preferences

We have DCDC converters ranging from 5kW to >1MW for any LDES application

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Prototype develop and test

Final Milestone Description

Delivery of pre-production units to EOS

Surface Utilization of Thermal Energy Storage with a Geothermal Power Plant

Voucher #

VO-1

Organization:

Veizades and Associates, Inc.

Details

City

San Francisco

State

Zip

94103

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Certification

Capability Description

Veizades is proposing to complete a feasibility study with preliminary engineering to evaluate installing a surface geothermal system to align with a subsurface thermal energy storage. The scope will be for the surface equipment, ie above the master valve. The first phase would be to conduct a preliminary front-end engineering and design (FEED) including: • Preliminary general layout of resource gathering system (RGS) • Production & Injection system parameters and pressure requirements • Create a binary power plant specification for high-level process design • Preliminary Process Flow Diagram (PFD) Following issuance of the FEED a workshop will take place to focus on efficiency improvements and review the design. Based on the results of the workshop, a feasibility study will be completed to include: 0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1 TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT 1.1 PRELIMINARY RESOURCE DESIGN CRITERIA a. Production/Injection wellhead conditions b. Production Rate for Power Generation 1.2 RGS & POWERPLANT a. Site Conditions b. Process Parameters c. Binary Power Plant d. Balance of Plant Requirements i. Doesn’t include transmission interconnection 1.3 SURFACE DESIGN CRITERIA a. Compatibility of Equipment for Geothermal service b. Pipe Design Parameters c. Design Pressure d. Hydraulic Model Results 1.8 PFD 1.9 GENERAL ARRANGEMENT 2 COST ESTIMATE CLASS IV

Capability Core Competencies

Veizades & Associates, Inc. is a professional engineering firm incorporated in 1980 with offices in San Francisco, California. Since its establishment, Veizades has provided engineering services primarily to the geothermal industry. Veizades started with exploration projects, followed by feasibility studies, resulting in multiple commercially successful geothermal power projects. Because of the depth and breadth of our experience in the geothermal fields of the world, our clients utilize our services in many phases of development, including drilling, well testing and reservoir engineering, planning, conceptual design, feasibility studies, regulatory support, detailed evaluation and design, bid solicitation, construction monitoring, start-up and operations support. Veizades has been an integral part in supporting various innovative energy projects related to geothermal industry from the preliminary phase such as developing equipment data sheets, specifications, project cost to detail design, project management and planning and demonstration of the projects.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Henry Veizades, BS Civil Engineering Mr. Veizades has over 30-years of experience in the geothermal. Over the years, Mr. Veizades has grown to earn an industry reputation as a Project Director who initiates and provides unique design solutions matching the unique resource characteristics. He has worked on projects ranging from well tests to feasibility studies, design, tender, construction and operations of geothermal projects from less than 30MWe to larger than 100 Mwe. Mehul Patel, BS Mechanical Engineering, PE Mr. Patel has over 24-years in the geothermal industry playing a role in the conceptual and detailed design and construction of projects. He has led the design team in projects ranging from feasibility studies to the design, construction and commissioning of the fluid collection and injection systems to support geothermal power plants. His design expertise is in geothermal process designs, process flow diagrams, brine injection pumping station and non-condensable gas removal systems.

Capability Community Benefits

Veizades, although not a registered minority owned, is in fact a minority owned business made up of a diverse staff. Veizades has worked on geothermal projects to assist indigenous communities and developing countries advance and strengthen their energy infrastructure. These projects have led to well-paid local temporary and permanent jobs. Veizades has provided technical training sessions for the employees to strengthened and develop their technical skills and knowledge. Veizades has worked with environmental groups to minimize the exploitation and degradation of the indigenous artifacts, lands and fauna at the project sites. Veizades has been directly involved in supporting the local economy at some of these geothermal projects.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

In order to complete the surface design, the following is required: • Anticipated number of wells • Projected well flow rate or required electrical generation • Geothermal reservoir temperature • Geothermal fluid characteristics, if available • Location of facility • Type of well (repurposed or new)

Geographic Constraints

Veizades is based in San Francisco, California but has worked all throughout the US and the world on geothermal projects. We will be able to provide the proposed service anywhere in the country. The current proposal does not include a site visit as it is not anticipated to be required during the feasibility stage.

Additional details on matching preferences

Veizades will provide mechanical and civil design works and will provide a cost estimate for the project from a mechanical, civil and electrical perspective. We work closely with binary power plant suppliers to be able to specify and select the most efficient binary system. These types of systems can be used for geothermal fluid and hot water from thermal storage. We can provide net output (MW) generation calculations. Subsurface and reservoir modeling and calculations to be done by others however we recommend firms to be complete this work if needed.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Preliminary front-end engineering and desing (FEED)

Final Milestone Description

Feasibility Study

“LDES Market Assessment Support, Business Plan Formulation, and Commercialization Strategy Support from Subject Matter Experts CleanTech Strategies”

Voucher #

VO-9

Organization:

CleanTech Strategies LLC

Details

City

Seattle

State

Zip

98117

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Supply Chain Analysis

Capability Description

Established in 2018, CleanTech Strategies (CTS) is a team of subject matter experts drawing on many decades of industry experience, and J.D., P.E., and E.E. professional training. We’re experts in energy storage including long duration energy storage (LDES), power electronics, microgrids, renewables, and advanced materials. CTS’ customers include energy storage system and subsystem developers, U.S. national laboratories, private equity firms, non-governmental organizations, conference companies, and generalist consulting firms. Drawing on that expertise and experience, CTS brings a strong capability to accelerate the growth of energy storage companies, from start-ups to mid-market firms to conglomerates. This includes companies developing and going to market with flow batteries (metal-based and organic) and other electrochemical batteries, mechanical and thermal systems, and subsystems for lithium-ion batteries. The work to be delivered by CTS includes Market Assessment Support, Business Plan Formulation, and Commercialization Strategy Support, which are key areas of support needed by energy storage companies to accelerate the development and maturation of their products and businesses as a whole. For each VO7 Recipient that CTS assists, CTS would analyze the work done thus far in the particular area, advise on the work to be accomplished, agree on milestones, and deliver and discuss written work products.

Capability Core Competencies

CTS has core competencies in both energy storage business matters – including LDES market assessment, business planning, and commercialization strategy; and technical matters – including LDES technical modeling analysis and performance evaluation. These CTS core competencies derive from the expertise, experience, and capabilities of the CTS team, which includes two business experts and two technical experts. (Qualifications and credentials below.) CTS’ energy storage industry expertise on LDES is broad, including operating companies, the electric power industry, commercial activities, research and development, product development, system deployment, field assessment, strategic advising, and legal management. Between the CTS team, there is over a century of combined experience (enumerated below) at energy storage companies, utilities, electronics and software companies, governmental bodies, law firms, and consulting firms. Each member of the CTS team has demonstrated their capabilities during their careers to date, with recognition by their peers including in the energy storage industry. (References available.)

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

CTS president Russ Weed, J.D., is an energy storage industry veteran, including business, product, and project development; strategic planning; government relations; and legal management. He has 23 years of experience in business and legal positions with private and public companies including GE, mid-market, and start-ups; and 10 years as an attorney. Fellow engineer Curt Kirkeby, P.E., has over 40 years of utility experience, serving as technology strategist at investor-owned Avista and holds patents on multiple grid technologies. Consulting expert Chris Murray, J.D., has 20 years of “Beltway” experience, serving Congress and the Executive branch, supporting the Navy, and working for a utility. Consulting engineer Dave Ridley, E.E., has 15 years of experience in energy storage product development, including zinc, vanadium, lithium, CO2, and sodium, particularly power electronics and controls. In addition to the expertise, experience, and capabilities of its people, CTS has developed an industry reputation for getting things done.

Capability Community Benefits

CTS’ approach to community benefits and other DEIA considerations is to take an economic development approach, by fostering: (1) development and maturation of LDES energy storage system and subsystem developers in the U.S., with the potential substantial impact for the U.S. workforce and U.S. economy as a whole; and (2) manufacturing of, and supply chain for, LDES energy storage products, components, and materials in the U.S., with the further potential substantial impact for the U.S. workforce and U.S. economy as a whole Accomplishment of each of these strategic economic development objectives will benefit the U.S. workforce with high-value jobs; the U.S. economy with energy independence resources; and the U.S. as a country with national security. CTS strongly welcomes working with companies, stakeholders, and staff with diverse backgrounds. CTS envisions energy storage supporting equity for disadvantaged communities through use of environmentally-friendly materials, and pursuit of use cases providing energy resilience.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

CTS inputs required from each Recipient: (1) company information (formation date and jurisdiction, business location(s), staffing number and backgrounds); (2) LDES product information (technical specifications, technology readiness level (TRL), manufacturing readiness level (MRL), competitive comparisons); (3) descriptions of deployed LDES pilot or demonstration projects; (4) LDES productization roadmap (to date and future); (5) go-to-market timeline (to date and future); (6) current business plan; and (7) proposed scope of work by CTS on Market Assessment Support, Business Plan Formulation, and Commercialization Strategy Support tasks to accelerate the development and maturation of the Recipient’s LDES.

Geographic Constraints

CTS can provide its services on energy storage business matters – including LDES market assessment, business planning, and commercialization strategy; and technical matters – including LDES technical modeling analysis and performance evaluation - anywhere in the United States. The CTS team is located in the State of Washington and the Washington, D.C. area. CTS also has an extensive network of further energy storage experts, including on LDES, around the U.S. that it can partner with as needed for tasks for VO7 Recipients. In addition, CTS works closely with U.S. national laboratories located throughout the country, on energy storage including LDES.

Additional details on matching preferences

CTS is committed to identify and accomplish collaboratively the strategic objectives of each energy storage company it serves, including U.S. for-profit companies which are currently developing and/or manufacturing LDES technology.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Completion of analysis of work done to date, advice on work to be accomplished, and agreement on milestones.

Final Milestone Description

Completion of delivery of CTS’ written work products to VO7 Recipient, and discussion of them by VO7 Recipient and CTS.

Manufacturing next generation sulfonamide-based electrolyte for long duration energy storage - higher energy density, lower cost, longer cycle life, safe.

Voucher #

VO-10

Organization:

Window Therapeutics

Details

City

Boston

State

Zip

2125

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Capability Description

We will manufacture 25 kg of DMTMSA/LiFSI based electrolyte for lithium ion batteries. This electrolyte has shown potential to increase energy density, lengthen cell life, lower cost, and improve safety for long-duration energy storage batteries.

Capability Core Competencies

Organic chemistry expertise in producing novel molecules. The underlying technology was developed originally at MIT. The manufacturing methods have been detailed by Professor Jeremiah Johnson, one of the co-founders, and outlined in the publication below. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.joc.3c01745

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

The organization has chemical fume hoods for organic synthesis.

Capability Community Benefits

First, our company is committed to investing in America’s workers through creation of quality jobs. We are a chemicals company with the aim to grow domestic manufacturing capabilities, producing domestic jobs related to chemicals production. Second, we firmly believe in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through our recruiting efforts. We have committed to hiring and building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

We need Elementium Materials (CEO Matt Dawson) to assess the quality of the product as a battery electrolyte.

Geographic Constraints

None.

Additional details on matching preferences

Elementium Materials, Inc. would be the target voucher recipient. Their CEO's contact information mdawson@elementium.io (Matthew Dawson). They have a number of prospective Fortune 100 partners who desire to qualify this electrolyte in cells, and this voucher would enable them to get this product into customer's hands for testing and qualification.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Synthesis of 1 kg batch as proof of concept.

Final Milestone Description

Delivery of electrolytes.

Market Opportunities Landscape and Competitive Analysis

Voucher #

VO-5

Organization:

RTI International

Details

City

Research Triangle Park

State

Zip

27709

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Market Readiness

Capability Description

RTI will leverage our technology-driven market intelligence process, initially developed for NASA and NIST MEP, to evaluate markets of interest and deliver actionable next steps for entry for each start-up. We will begin our work by aligning with the start up through a kick-off meeting to discuss in depth, the needs, opportunities, hypothetical value propositions, and current understanding of the startup’s market and competitors. Following this kickoff meeting, our team will employ divergent research strategies to identify potential applications and markets. RTI will present these findings at an interim meeting and use this information to work with the start-up to down select to 3 markets for deep dives. We’ll further investigate factors that influence market opportunities including drivers for adoption, competitive technologies, predicted market size, and key players leading new technology adoption, which will inform our determination of the best entry and expansion markets. After refining these insights with 2-3 expert interviews per market, RTI will deliver our findings, including interview summaries, via a PowerPoint presentation in a virtual meeting and provide the presentation in electronic form as a final deliverable.

Capability Core Competencies

RTI International helps corporations, foundations, and federal agencies solve their most complex innovation challenges by providing market insights and innovation commercialization services. We leverage our staff of nearly 6,000 experts with degrees in more than 250 scientific, technical, and professional disciplines to bring uniquely broad and deep expertise in technology development and commercialization to provide clients with customized, actionable results. We collaborate to support work across batteries, power electronics, thermal energy, pumped storage hydropower and chemical storage (e.g., hydrogen). For example, RTI has advised clients on emergent battery technologies and emergent thermophotovoltaic technologies; develops and scales novel technologies for energy production and storage from TRL 3-7; and has evaluated opportunities for pumped storage hydropower and integrated river system modeling with production cost modeling.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

We have extensive experience supporting entrepreneurs, emerging technologies, startups, and small businesses through our work for DOE, NASA, NIH, USAID, National Academy of Sciences, NIST MEP and DOD. Of note, RTI IA has recently been selected to be a Power Connector for DOE’s American-Made Challenges Program, supports 5 startups through DOE’s Voucher (V01) Program, supporting Black & Veatch’s IgniteX accelerator program through the Pre-Commercial DAC EPIC Prize, in addition to working directly with climate tech startups. We developed our technology-driven market intelligence methodology for NASA and NIST MEP and have used it to help hundreds of startups and small businesses better understand market opportunities and product-market fit. Coupled with competitive and SWOT analyses, we help startups understand how to best position themselves and develop their go-to-market strategy. We’ve used this methodology for startups, NASA, NIST MEP clients, NIH SBIR/STTR recipients, and DOE Voucher (V01) Program recipients.

Capability Community Benefits

RTI’s mission to improve the human condition by turning knowledge into practice is embedded in our work. Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) are core institutional values at RTI. We work with equity-focused stakeholders around the country, including environmental justice organizations, rural community groups, minority-serving institutions, and community colleges. Additionally, RTI (RTI TRUE) has experts in Climate justice, and develops and employs methodologies to integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion.We leverage our expertise in developing innovation ecosystems (e.g., running the community of practice for the US EDA Build Back Better ecosystem) and in our technology development and deployment projects to consider how new technologies might support the development of a clean and equitable energy economy, regional economic development, jobs creation, and long-term equity implications of new technology development. We bring a thoughtful lens to equity by looking for unintended consequences and the potential environmental justice concerns.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

For this effort, RTI will require the following from our clients: (1) to participate in a kickoff meeting with relevant staff and (2) participate in regular collaborative, conversational video conference touchpoints throughout the project to update the company on research findings.

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of supporting projects across the US as we regularly work remotely with clients.

Additional details on matching preferences

N/A

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

The mid-point milestone will be a list of potential market opportunities and potential value proposition.

Final Milestone Description

A PowerPoint summarizing key findings and recommendations, including the evaluation of 3 top markets, interview summaries and contact information.

Life Cycle Assessment

Voucher #

VO-3

Organization:

RTI International

Details

City

Research Triangle Park

State

Zip

27709

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Measurement, Reporting, and Verification Assessment

Capability Description

New and emerging energy storage technologies can potentially offer energy security, economic and environmental benefits, the net reductions in environmental impact. Net life cycle energy storage gains associated with some technologies may be less than anticipated when the full up- and down-stream sources of energy consumption are considered. For this service, RTI will provide technical support Voucher partners in the application of DOE’s life cycle assessment (LCA) procedures to analyze the environmental performance of long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies. RTI has decades of experience in applying DOE’s LCA procedures across different classes of technology (e.g., bioenergy production, carbon capture) and applying standard LCA datasets and models (e.g., OpenLCA). While many energy storage technologies use common materials (e.g., concrete, steel, sand, salts), one potential challenge of conducting LCAs for emerging energy storage technologies can be the lack of data for novel materials. Often this challenge is overcome using proxy data within conventional LCA datasets. RTI has also constructed new life cycle data for materials and processes by conducting detailed process discussions with technology providers and using economic and engineering tools such as ASPEN+ to develop data.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

RTI has demonstrated expertise in conducting detailed LCAs for several applications ranging from low-carbon concrete, direct air capture (DAC) technologies to sustainable maritime fuels and waste-to-energy technologies, using both conventional and novel technologies. RTI leverages standard LCA datasets and models (e.g. OpenLCA) as well as construct new life cycle data for materials and processes by conducting detailed process discussions with technology providers and using economic and engineering tools such as ASPEN+ to develop data. We are experts in end of life management and have evaluated circular approaches and the current state of recycling for electronics, batteries and solar panels.

Capability Community Benefits

RTI’s mission to improve the human condition by turning knowledge into practice is embedded in our work. Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) are core institutional values at RTI. We work with equity-focused stakeholders around the country, including environmental justice organizations, rural community groups, minority-serving institutions, and community colleges. Additionally, RTI (RTI TRUE) has experts in Climate justice, and develops and employs methodologies to integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion. We leverage our expertise in developing innovation ecosystems (e.g., running the community of practice for the US EDA Build Back Better ecosystem) and in our technology development and deployment projects to consider how new technologies might support the development of a clean and equitable energy economy, regional economic development, jobs creation, and long-term equity implications of new technology development. We bring a thoughtful lens to equity by looking for unintended consequences and the potential environmental justice concerns.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

For this effort, RTI will require that our clients: (1) provide background data and information to enable the LCA and (2) commit time for senior technical personnel to contribute technical information in the project kickoff meeting, during regular updates on an ad-hoc basis to answer technical questions and participate in the LCA throughout the project period of performance.

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of supporting projects across the US as we regularly work remotely with clients.

Additional details on matching preferences

N/A

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

The mid-point milestone will be the preliminary LCA, including details about key data and any assumptions being used.

Final Milestone Description

A written document summarizing the results of the LCA.

AACE Class 5 Techno-Economic Analysis

Voucher #

VO-4

Organization:

RTI International

Details

City

Research Triangle Park

State

Zip

27709

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Community Benefits

Capability Description

For this service, RTI will perform a Concept Screening-level (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering Level 5) techno-economic analysis for DOE-funded startups. We will first conduct a kick-off meeting with the startup to discuss their technology and associated design basis and desired case comparisons for conventional and emergent technologies. RTI will then develop a technology analysis plan and work with the startup to ensure all the details are correct. This information will be documented in a written word document and shared with the startup. Once all details are agreed upon, the performance model will be developed and RTI will run the model to get cost estimates for all case comparisons agreed upon. Additionally, RTI will compare cost results against publicly available information for similar technologies to that of the startup. RTI will deliver our findings, including all cost breakdown details, in a written document and through a virtual meeting. The written document in electronic form will be sent to the startup as a final deliverable.

Capability Core Competencies

RTI International helps corporations, foundations, and federal agencies solve their most complex innovation challenges by providing market insights and innovation commercialization services. We leverage our staff of nearly 6,000 experts with degrees in more than 250 scientific, technical, and professional disciplines to bring uniquely broad and deep expertise in technology development and commercialization to provide clients with customized, actionable results. We support work across batteries, power electronics, thermal energy, pumped storage hydropower and chemical storage (e.g., hydrogen). For example, RTI has advised clients on emergent battery technologies and emergent thermophotovoltaic technologies; develops and scales novel technologies for energy production and storage from TRL 3-7; and has evaluated opportunities for pumped storage hydropower and integrated river system modeling with production cost modeling.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

RTI has demonstrated expertise in conducting detailed TEA for several applications including power generation (coal- and natural gas-based plants, renewables), energy storage, syngas clean-up, carbon capture and sequestration, chemicals production for e.g., methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, ammonia (grey, blue, and green), and hydrogen, using both conventional and novel technologies. RTI uses fundamental process modeling tools such as Aspen Plus Suite (Aspen Plus, Aspen Adsorption, etc.), Hysys, Chemkin, and Promax to generate detailed process flow diagrams, heat and mass balances, equipment lists, and sizing. In addition to using software-based costing tools such as Aspen Process Economics Analyzer, RTI also maintains a database of equipment costs from its process build-and-operate projects. These data are used to generate detailed TEA models and sensitivity analyses.

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

For this effort, RTI will require that our clients: (1) provide background data and information to enable the TEA and (2) commit time for senior technical personnel to contribute technical information in the project kickoff meeting, during regular updates on an ad-hoc basis to answer technical questions and participate in the TEA throughout the project period of performance.

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of supporting projects across the US as we regularly work remotely with clients.

Additional details on matching preferences

N/A

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

The mid-point milestone will be the Technology Analysis Plan, including details about the desired case comparisons.

Final Milestone Description

A written document summarizing cost comparisons, including assumptions, cost breakdowns, and comparisons to relevant publicly available costs.

Independent Performance Validation via ISO 14034 Verification of Long Duration Energy Storage Technologies

Voucher #

VO-2

Organization:

350Solutions, Inc

Details

City

RALEIGH

State

Zip

27604

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Intellectual Property

Capability Description

350Solutions, Inc. provides independent third-party evaluation of innovative clean technologies compliant with the ISO 14034 Environmental Technology Verification standard. The ISO 14034 ETV approach ensures a rigorous evaluation of performance data – typically in real-world field demonstration conditions – to ensure high-quality data, proper analysis procedures, relevant testing standards, and representative conditions are utilized to determine technology performance and impacts and that ultimate claims are valid. For LDES technologies, 350 proposes completing ISO 14034 performance verifications of technologies at large pilot or demonstration scales, preferably in field operating conditions. 350 will review all submitted information and validate the performance of the LDES technology based on the provided data, including evaluation of data streams, calculations from raw data to calculated final results, engineering factors, data validity, and data quality, all as required by the ISO 14034 standard. 350 will also identify gaps, issues, and improvements in data collection, testing, and evaluation, and may request additional testing if ISO 14034 requirements are not met. 350 provides a full report on each verification documenting all activities, verified values, and validation of approaches, as well as recommendations for improvements.

Capability Core Competencies

350Solutions, Inc. (350) is a private consulting company located in Raleigh, NC providing independent 3rd-party verification of clean technology and low carbon innovations. Our team has independently evaluated, field tested, or verified over 100 novel innovations in the environmental and climate tech sector. At 350Solutions and previous entities, our team has provided energy storage technology evaluation and field demonstration support, thermal energy storage technology development, and energy storage technology state of the art review and initial downselect for government and industrial clients. We’ve also developed a wide range of technology verification and testing protocols and supported the development of an international standard – ISO 14034 for environmental technology verification (ETV). Our staff have also managed multi-million-dollar field demonstration programs of novel cleantech and low carbon innovations and worked to develop technologies from proof of concept to large demonstrations.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

350Solutions provides independent technology verifications for a variety of technologies for a range of client requirements, protocols, and standards. 350Solutions is an ANAB-accredited ISO/IEC 17020:2012 independent inspection body for ISO 14034:2016 Environmental Technology Verification. The 350Solutions Quality Management Plan and Quality Systems Procedures are generally apply to activities associated with independent verifications completed by 350Solutions. 350Solutions staff include a registered Professional Engineer (Chemical Engineering), Chemical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineers, and an Environmental Scientist, who is a Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP).

Capability Community Benefits

350 focuses primarily on technical aspects of technology evaluation and demonstration, but also considers environmental and social safeguards and community benefits of technologies through review of potential environmental impacts of technologies, benefits to local communities, specific labor requirements, and other characteristics that may impact community and environment. 350Solutions does not directly develop community benefit plans.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

350 requires the following, at a minimum, from potential voucher recipients: Documentation on technology performance testing to date (controlled lab, field, or other); Technology summary and principles documentation; Current state of the art test methods, standards, or certifications; Engineering drawings and documentation of technology and test installation, including lists of equipment and instrumentation; Specific site and operating conditions; Full existing data set on technology performance or Test Plan for obtaining performance data; Accessibility to demonstration / test facility and team support for up to three days (typical) site visit and data review meeting

Geographic Constraints

350Solutions supports projects nationally, and internationally, if required. The majority of our existing projects are located throughout the US, Canada, and the EU.

Additional details on matching preferences

Task 1: ISO 14034 Verification Application: 350 reviews company application for ISO 14034 Verification for completeness. Task 2: Information request: 350 will provide a written information request for additional information. Task 2: Site visit: 350 staff visit test site to observe LDES system operation, verify inputs/outputs, instrumentation, measurements, data collection, and processing. Task 3: Performance Validation – 350 will review submitted information and validate performance of the LDES technology (data streams, calculations, data validity and quality). 350 will identify gaps and issues and may request additional testing. Task 4: Reporting – 350 provides a full verification report documenting verified performance.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Completion of LDES Performance Verification Site Visit

Final Milestone Description

Submission of Final LDES Technology Performance Verification Report

LDES Testing Facility and Performance Validation

Voucher #

VO-1

Organization:

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.

Details

City

Palo Alto

State

Zip

94304

Activity Location State

Watkins

Activity Location State

80137

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Fundraising

Capability Description

EPRI maintains space at the Solar TAC and Grid NXT microgrid facility in Denver, Colorado which can be used to test and characterize the performance of integrated LDES systems. EPRI would receive the system, install and integrate into the facility, commission, conduct a series of performance tests, analyze the results, provide lessons learned, and prepare the system for removal at the end of the test period. For the testing, EPRI will leverage the ESIC Energy Storage Test Manual which provides protocols for consistent characterization of energy storage. Baseline characterization includes available energy capacity, roundtrip efficiency, self-discharge rate, rated continuous active power, charge duration, response time, startup and shutdown time. EPRI will work with the recipient to determine application duty cycle testing. After initial baseline testing, monthly reference performance testing along with use case testing would be performed. Testing can take place over a full calendar year to capture real-world seasonal conditions that may impact performance. EPRI would work with the recipient to identify where any technology-specific adaptions to the protocols are required and develop any new protocols that are feasible within the constraints of the project. The output of the project is monthly and a final test report summary.

Capability Core Competencies

For more than five decades, EPRI’s team of scientists and engineers have worked with energy companies, government agencies, and technology developers to accelerate the adoption of new energy storage technologies. Founded in 1972, EPRI is an independent non-profit energy research, development, and deployment organization. The institute collaborates with hundreds of organizations representing the energy sector, academia, and governments, in 45 countries around the world. EPRI staff has expertise in technology development and evaluation, cost and performance assessments, benefit analyses, lab testing, field deployment, and commercial operation, including firsthand experience with hundreds of proposed energy storage technologies and products. EPRI established the Energy Storage Integration Council in 2013, a collaborative effort with more than 2,200 participants to address technical and operational issues associated with energy storage systems and advance the deployment, safety, and integration of these systems.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Solar TAC offers 100+ acres of outdoor testing space that can easily accommodate emerging technologies as there is no permitting, interconnection, or certification/listing required to test equipment at this facility. Existing site infrastructure that can be leveraged includes a 1.2 MW microgrid, MV interconnection, solar PV, PV and wind simulators, diesel generation, underground cable trays and pre-wired equipment pads, microgrid controllers, and metering and protection hardware. There are onsite electricians and maintenance personnel

Capability Community Benefits

The proliferation of energy storage and adjacent technologies directly benefits all communities through reduced pollution, improved resilience, lower energy cost and reduced dependence on foreign resources. More locally, lessons learned at this test facility are communicated to communities where these technologies may ultimately be sited, which can improve AHJ knowledge, community acceptance, and provide jobs for the local economy. This project will also support enhancements to the ESIC Energy Storage Test Manual, a public available resource with test protocols that supports consistent characterization of energy storage technologies. EPRI has an existing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy that supports initiatives and hiring across the institute.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

To conduct this service, recipients are expected to deliver a system to Solar TAC and should include an integrated storage system with enclosure, BMS, and inverter. Site integration could potentially be supported if products are not available as complete systems, though this would require a scoping discussion to understand any specific needs.

Geographic Constraints

Testing is at Solar TAC in Denver, Colorado and product needs to be delivered there. The site is about 10 minutes from Denver International Airport and is close to many freight terminals.

Additional details on matching preferences

Equipment must be provided with specifications, safety data sheets, and instructions as appropriate.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Baseline reference performance testing and interim report

Final Milestone Description

Final report with baseline and reference testing analysis results and lessons learned.

“LDES Technical Modeling Analysis and Performance Evaluation from Subject Matter Experts CleanTech Strategies”

Voucher #

VO-10

Organization:

CleanTech Strategies LLC

Details

City

Seattle

State

Zip

98117

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Siting/Permitting

Capability Description

Established in 2018, CleanTech Strategies (CTS) is a team of subject matter experts drawing on many decades of industry experience, and J.D., P.E., and E.E. professional training. We’re experts in energy storage including long duration energy storage (LDES), power electronics, microgrids, renewables, and advanced materials. CTS’ customers include energy storage system and subsystem developers, U.S. national laboratories, private equity firms, non-governmental organizations, conference companies, and generalist consulting firms. Drawing on that expertise and experience, CTS brings a strong capability to accelerate the growth of energy storage companies, from start-ups to mid-market firms to conglomerates. This includes companies developing and going to market with flow batteries (metal-based and organic, carbon-based) and other electrochemical batteries, mechanical and thermal systems, and subsystems for lithium-ion batteries. The work to be delivered by CTS includes Technical Modeling Analysis and Performance Evaluation, which are key areas of support needed by energy storage companies to accelerate the development and maturation of their products and businesses as a whole. For each VO7 Recipient that CTS assists, CTS would analyze the work done thus far in the particular area, advise on the work to be accomplished, agree on milestones, and deliver and discuss written work products.

Capability Core Competencies

CTS has core competencies in both energy storage technical matters – including LDES technical modeling analysis and performance evaluation; and business matters – including LDES market assessment, business planning, and commercialization strategy. These CTS core competencies derive from the expertise, experience, and capabilities of the CTS team, which includes two business experts and two technical experts. (Qualifications and credentials below.) CTS’ energy storage industry expertise on LDES is broad, including operating companies, the electric power industry, commercial activities, research and development, product development, system deployment, field assessment, strategic advising, and legal management. Between the CTS team, there is over a century of combined experience (enumerated below) at energy storage companies, utilities, electronics and software companies, governmental bodies, law firms, and consulting firms. Each member of the CTS team has demonstrated their capabilities during their careers to date, with recognition by their peers including in the energy storage industry. (References available.)

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

CTS inputs required from each Recipient: (1) company information (formation date and jurisdiction, business location(s), staffing number and backgrounds); (2) LDES product information (technical specifications, technology readiness level (TRL), manufacturing readiness level (MRL), competitive comparisons); (3) descriptions of deployed LDES pilot or demonstration projects; (4) LDES productization roadmap (to date and future); (5) go-to-market timeline (to date and future); (6) current business plan; and (7) proposed scope of work by CTS on Technical Modeling Analysis and Performance Evaluation tasks to accelerate the development and maturation of the Recipient’s LDES.

Geographic Constraints

CTS can provide its services on energy storage technical matters – including LDES technical modeling analysis and performance evaluation - and business matters – including LDES market assessment, business planning, and commercialization strategy anywhere in the United States. The CTS team is located in the State of Washington and the Washington, D.C. area. CTS also has an extensive network of further energy storage experts, including on LDES, around the U.S. that it can partner with as needed for tasks for VO7 Recipients. In addition, CTS works closely with U.S. national laboratories located throughout the country, on energy storage including LDES.

Additional details on matching preferences

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Completion of analysis of work done to date, advice on work to be accomplished, and agreement on milestones.

Final Milestone Description

Completion of delivery of CTS’ written work products to VO7 Recipient, and discussion of them by VO7 Recipient and CTS.

Subsurface modeling, measuring, experimental expertise

Voucher #

VO-5

Organization:

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Details

City

Berkeley

State

Zip

94618

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Simulation/Modeling

Capability Description

It really depends on what the recipient needs. We have deep capabilities in numerical modeling, field characterization and deployment, and laboratory scale testing

Capability Core Competencies

Thermo, chemical, hydro, mechanical modeling of subsurface processes. These can be applied to many types of energy storage that considering using the subsurface in some way, i.e. heat or H2. Field characterization and geophysical data acquisition and interpretation for understanding site specific deployment and performance of technologies and field tests. Laboratory capabilities and analytical tools for rapid prototyping and detailed lab scale tests

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

We are a premier national science lab.

Capability Community Benefits

WE have a robust DEIA program and culture at LBL. https://diversity.lbl.gov Individual projects also work with community partners to ascertain paths to community benefits from our work.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

depends on the project and the request

Geographic Constraints

anywhere

Additional details on matching preferences

IT would probably help to talk briefly with prospective partners to discuss what is needed and what is possible.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

I don't know how to answer this until I know what the project would be.

Final Milestone Description

I don't know how to answer this until I know what the project would be.

Hazard Mitigation Analysis and Emergency Response Plan

Voucher #

VO-9

Organization:

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.

Details

City

Palo Alto

State

Zip

94304

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Process Improvement

Capability Description

Understanding emerging technology safety is important to the utilities or developers who will procure and own storage, as well as to communities where they will be located. This project aims to help provide practical resources for technology solution providers to help facilitate deployment discussions with their various stakeholders. Specific tasks include performing a hazard mitigation analysis (HMA) and developing an emergency response plan (ERP) for either a planned demonstration or for a pre-defined reference case. The hazard mitigation analysis will leverage the ESIC Safety Task Force Reference HMA. EPRI will perform a design review, review potential hazard pre-conditions, review pertinent literature, conduct a workshop with the recipient and relevant parties (e.g., integrators, site hosts, design firms), and develop targeted guidance to support safety audits. A report will document findings and recommendations. EPRI will also incorporate generalized learnings into the ESIC reference guide to support facilitation of transparent hazard discussion for future projects. Using the information from the hazard analysis, an emergency response plan will be developed. This includes additional coordination with first responders or other local authorities. The output will be a site-specific or reference case study emergency response plan plus a training workshop.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

EPRI has performed HMAs for over 10 utility-scale BESS and developed extensive tools and guidance documents to support safe deployment. EPRI has conducted safety reviews of several technologies including lithium ion, flow batteries of varying chemistries, and iron-air batteries.

Capability Community Benefits

EPRI will identify community stakeholders and consider the location-specific environmental considerations and community characteristics and needs in the development of safety resources. Local first responders, permitting authorities, and site owners will be engaged throughout the process and virtual training will be conducted at the conclusion of the project. Additionally, generalized findings from this work will flow back into ESIC’s body of publicly available guides and tools for use by other communities, owners, and stakeholders planning to deploy energy storage. EPRI has an existing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy that supports initiatives and hiring across the institute. The project team includes underrepresented groups in STEM in key, senior level positions.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

To conduct this service, access to equipment specifications, installation and operation manuals, design drawings, certification testing data (e.g., UL 1973 and 9540A test results) are required. Relevant recipient organization environmental, health and safety policies are procedures are also needed. Recipients are expected to participate in workshops.

Geographic Constraints

No geographical constraints

Additional details on matching preferences

See inputs required from voucher recipients.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Hazard Mitigation Analysis Workshop

Final Milestone Description

Final Documentation Delivery and Emergency Response Plan Training

Business plan formulation: Written business plan, financial model and statements (P&L, Income) and full stack investor/customer slide deck

Voucher #

VO-3

Organization:

ICatalysts LLC

Details

City

San Anselmo

State

Zip

94960

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Certification

Capability Description

The business plan will be a roadmap for advancing the technology toward a commercially viable and market-ready product. A creative process with ICatalysts where company executives are first interviewed to understand their goals and uses for a business plan. Business Plan Components: Lead in/attention getter/hook, brief business/product description, technology, IP, unmet need business will meet (including value proposition), market opportunity (addressable market), business model (including price point and manufacturing/scaling), competitive analysis, market development strategy (including “go to” target market, partners, and risk mitigation), team, economics/cost model, budget, financials and assumptions, etc. Full stack PPT slide deck components (to support 10–15-minute presentation): Full stack deck components: Who are we? What do we do? What customer problem(s) do we solve? What is our beachead market and target customer segment? What is our specific business value proposition including customer business, cost, and energy benefits? Are we addressing a problem/opportunity that a large group of target customers would pay you to solve? How big is your market opportunity? How are we different/better than other solutions? What is commercial traction to date? What is our next key commercial milestone for your venture? What are our fundraising goals and use of funds?

Capability Core Competencies

ICatalysts has more than 25 years of business planning experience and over 11 years of experience in energy storage company development including business planning and commercialization support, evaluating companies and technologies for funders and investors, and energy storage RD&D project delivery. Overall, we have coached and provided business plan training to 1000+ startups who have raised over $3.5B. This includes over 300 energy companies. For this voucher program, we have 10 storage experts and 12 business planning specialists located across the U.S. Core capabilities:Business and executive coachingMarket research and landscapingBusiness model development (e.g., lean launchpad, etc).Patent research and patentability assessmentCompetitive research and analysisTechnology and commercial benchmarking (TRL, CRL)Technoeconomic analysisFinancial modeling and projectionsBusiness and investor communicationsGrant development and writing Investor analysis and developmentTeam and staff planning and recruitingPartnership developmentProject management

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

10 experts with storage experience across all listed technology areas. 12 experts with energy business plan formation experience. Dr. Rakesh Radhakrishnan: Engineer/MBA with 25 years of experience. Recent Sr. Tech to Market Advisor, ARPA-E. Tom Jensen: 11 years of experience in energy storage company business planning and commercialization. Managed DOE 2022/2023 Energy Storage Innovation Prize Power Connector Prize Work Order Dr. Zachary Holman: Experience advising over 10 storage companies; expert in solar and storage integration topics. Founded 3 funded solar startups. Steve Messner: Engineer who has advised over 10 storage startups on business plans.Cameron Barnes: 10 years of experience in operationalizing DEI strategy including $125M in community benefit planning and training for the DOE. Nathan Fink: 15 years of experience in energy company due diligence, financing, and M&A for Shell Ventures and other investors. Brian Van Osdol: Engineer/Patent agent with 15 years of experience primary in energy technology companies.

Capability Community Benefits

We help clients focus on the levers and assets that they have available to them to benefit a community. We assist them to identify and characterize their key stakeholders and their interests and needs to consider in developing their plan. Then, we talk with stakeholders on possible options. Once preferred options are defined, measurable equitable outcomes are identified. Sound project management and ongoing community engagement and communications is fundamental to realize outcomes. From our experience, it is important to spend the time with community members to help them build an understanding of the project as a basis for conversations. The type and magnitude of community benefits typically vary by project type (R&D, vs. demonstration, vs. deployment). For any project type, having conversations with community members about their hopes and concerns often results in project ideas (e.g., workforce development) that may not have been apparent before engagement began.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Provide existing materials including prior business, marketing, operational plans, market, and competitive research, etc. Provide details on technology, intellectual property, team, current financials, etc.

Geographic Constraints

Service anywhere in the U.S.

Additional details on matching preferences

Strong company service mindset and experience.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Draft business plan (with apprendices) and draft full stack business plan slide deck

Final Milestone Description

Final business plan (with appendices) and draft full stack business plan slide deck

Techno-Economic Modeling

Voucher #

VO-4

Organization:

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.

Details

City

Palo Alto

State

Zip

94304

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Performance Testing/Validation

Capability Description

This effort aims to support technology suppliers in understanding the potential economics of their technology participating in various electricity markets or other use cases under different conditions. Using EPRI’s DER-VET software, a number of scenarios and sensitivities will be evaluated to understand their impact on project valuation. The results will help determine where the technology may make sense to deploy. The study will consider up to four scenarios, which could represent participation in four different wholesale electricity markets or four sets of data relevant to other use cases. These are subject to change upon agreement between EPRI and the recipient. EPRI will also conduct sensitivity analyses, shifting certain performance, cost, or other parameters between low, medium, and high values to characterize their impact on the result. EPRI will work with the recipient to determine the final list of parameters and the ranges for up to five independent sensitivity cases. Sensitivity parameter options include: degradation rate, cycles per day/year, roundtrip efficiency, capital costs, fixed O&M, variable O&M, self-discharge rate, auxiliary load, system life, energy and ancillary service prices, discount rate, or incentive rates. The output will be financial results, presented as NPV / IRR.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

EPRI has developed DER-VET or Distributed Energy Resources Value Estimation Tool, a free, publicly accessible, open-source platform for calculating, understanding, and optimizing the value of distributed energy resources (DER) based on their technical merits and constraints. The tool provides a consistent platform for communication of site-specific DER and storage value between stakeholders of utilities, regulators, and vendors. It also provides a method to fairly, transparently, and consistently estimate the project economics and operations.

Capability Community Benefits

DER-VET is a public resource that can be used to look at site-specific benefits to site owners and communities, including resilience, bill management, local emissions reduction, and enabling renewable integration. Findings from projects such as this proposed effort can be generalized to support the development of economic valuation case studies which presented ESIC DER-VET Task Force webcasts and are open to the public to attend. EPRI has an existing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy that supports initiatives and hiring across the institute.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

To conduct this service, recipients are expected to provide technology performance and cost parameter inputs.

Geographic Constraints

No geographical constraints

Additional details on matching preferences

See request for inputs required from voucher recipients.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Interim results with preliminary findings

Final Milestone Description

Final report with techno-economic analysis and results for the various scenarios

Mechanical System Design, Analysis, and/or Build: 3D CAD Modeling, Thermal, Structural, and/or Fluid-Flow Analysis, Fabrication, and Assembly

Voucher #

VO-1

Organization:

Johnston Engineering PLLC

Details

City

Spokane

State

Zip

99202

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Supply Chain Analysis

Capability Description

Johnston Engineering offers mechanical component and system design, analysis, fabrication, and assembly services to advance, improve, demonstrate, and commercialize energy technologies. Our engineering design and analysis services for LDES technologies involve using SolidWorks 3D CAD and ANSYS analysis software for advanced system and component modeling. We perform thermal, structural, and fluid-flow analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software tools. Our fabrication services are supported by our network of fabrication shops, and we assemble hardware internally. Deliverables include 3D CAD models, mechanical engineering drawings, performance analysis studies, and/or fabricated hardware. Our work involves mechanical design, analysis, and fabrication and assembly of custom hardware. System-level design may include custom and OTS hardware, overall system layout, packaging, and thermal management to improve energy density and cooling efficiency. Our services cover design for scalability and manufacturability, modular design, structural design of custom components and systems, fluid system design, cost reduction, piping and instrumentation, and process modeling. We use skilled fabricators to produce custom hardware and then assemble complete systems in-house to ensure our clients can scale, test, and commercialize their technologies effectively.

Capability Core Competencies

Expertise: Johnston Engineering is a subject matter expert in thermal management and electronics packaging and cooling with strong proficiency in integrating mechanical design with thermal, structural and fluid-flow analysis. We specialize in first-of-a-kind products, devices, and machines, offering services from concept development through commercialization. Experience: We collaborate with businesses, research institutions, and cross-disciplinary engineering firms to develop new products, devices, equipment, and machines across multiple industries. Our focus is on green energy projects, including carbon capture, nuclear, hydrogen, and energy storage technologies. We have designed custom components, battery packaging, and thermal management systems for LDES technologies, including boiling and condensing systems such as custom cold plates, heat exchangers, and vapor compression systems. Capabilities: 3D CAD modeling, thermal, structural, and fluid-flow analysis, and system-level design and fabrication. Approach: We follow an analysis-driven design approach, then rely on a network of fabrication shops for custom components before we assemble the system.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Johnston Engineering is a Professional Engineering firm in Washington state with over150 years of combined experience. We have been in operation for 8 years and have 15 full-time employees and 14 contractors working to develop new machines, equipment, and devices. Johnston Engineering Owner, Andy Johnston, is a licensed P.E in WA State with over 20 years of experience in advanced analysis from a military and aerospace electronics cooling and packaging background. To date, we have completed over 150 projects. We have experience with 5 previous LDES projects as well as 15+ clean energy projects. We are headquartered in Spokane, Washington. We own two buildings; one is offices and a clean shop that we use for final assembly. The other is a fabrication shop. We have a network of trusted, local, and domestic fabrication shops for metal, plastic, and composite material fabrication.

Capability Community Benefits

Johnston Engineering’s work on LDES technologies supports the broader goals of advancing clean energy and providing community benefits. Our engineering services help develop technologies that contribute to a clean energy transition, ultimately benefiting communities through reduced emissions and increased energy reliability and affordability.By supporting LDES technologies, we align with DOE's goals of creating quality jobs, fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), and ensuring that the benefits of clean energy projects reach disadvantaged communities. Our projects aim to enhance community engagement and invest in America’s workforce, contributing to the Justice40 initiative's goal of directing 40% of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities.This approach ensures that our engineering efforts not only advance technology but also support DOE's mission of building a clean and equitable energy economy. We intentionally work in clean energy and over 80% of our 2023 revenue was in clean technology.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Our engineering services require the following inputs: System information, including system size, P&ID, BOM, and 3D CAD models if available. And a minimum of one engineering POC to provide system and application details. f necessary, we can generate these items as part of the voucher funding.

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of supporting projects anywhere in the US and Canada with a strong in-person presence in Washington and the Pacific Northwest region.

Additional details on matching preferences

Our typical scope of work is in engineering design and analysis, build and test. We own two physical buildings in Spokane, Washington where we can receive and assemble the custom parts that we design (up to 40 feet long). We have internal machining, sheet metal and welding capabilities, but we typically order custom machined and sheet metal parts from a network of fabrication shops then assemble hardware internally.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Delivery of preliminary analysis report(s), initial design models, and/or manufacturing drawings

Final Milestone Description

Completion and delivery of detailed analysis report(s), final design models, manufacturing drawings, and/or delivery of fabricated and assembled hardware.

Mechanical System Design and/or Analysis: 3D CAD Modeling, Thermal, Structural, and/or Fluid-Flow Analysis

Voucher #

VO-2

Organization:

Johnston Engineering PLLC

Details

City

Spokane

State

Zip

99202

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Capability Description

Johnston Engineering offers mechanical engineering design and analysis services to advance, improve, demonstrate, and commercialize energy technologies. Our services for LDES technologies involve using SolidWorks 3D CAD software and ANSYS analysis software for advanced system and component modeling. Deliverables include design improvements, 3D CAD drawings, and/or thermal, fluid-flow, and structural performance analysis studies. Our work involves mechanical concept development, iteration, performance optimization and improvement, and generating 3D CAD models for custom hardware or simulations. We perform thermal, structural, and fluid-flow analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. System-level design and analysis may include custom mechanical hardware and component design, system layout and packaging, and electronics packaging and cooling to improve energy density and cooling efficiency. Additionally, our services cover thermal management, scalability, modular design, piping and instrumentation, structural design of battery packs and large-scale systems, fluid system design and modeling, cost reduction modeling, pressure drop analysis, uncertainty analysis, transient and steady-state analysis, single and two-phase flow analysis, and process modeling.

Capability Core Competencies

Expertise: Johnston Engineering is a subject matter expert in thermal management and electronics packaging and cooling with strong proficiency in integrating mechanical design with thermal, structural, and fluid-flow analysis. We specialize in first-of-a-kind products, devices, and machines, offering services from concept development through commercialization. Experience: We collaborate with businesses, research institutions, and cross-disciplinary engineering firms to develop new products, devices, equipment, and machines across multiple industries. Our focus is on green energy projects, including carbon capture, nuclear, hydrogen, and energy storage technologies. We have designed custom battery packaging and thermal management systems for LDES technologies, including high-performance boiling and condensing systems such as custom cold plates, heat exchangers, and vapor compression systems. Capabilities: 3D CAD modeling, thermal, structural and fluid-flow analysis, and system-level design. Approach: We follow an analysis-driven design approach to reduce risk and ensure our clients' technical success while magnifying their team capabilities.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Johnston Engineering is an Engineering firm in Spokane, Washington with over150 years of combined experience. We have been in operation for 8 years and have 15 full-time employees and 14 contractors working to develop new machines, equipment, and devices. Johnston Engineering Owner, Andy Johnston, is a licensed P.E in WA State with over 20 years of experience in design and advanced analysis and comes from a military and aerospace electronics cooling and packaging background. To date, our work includes over 150 projects. We have experience with 5 previous LDES projects as well as 15+ clean energy projects.

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Our engineering services require the following inputs. System information, including system size, P&ID, BOM, and 3D CAD models if available. And a minimum of one engineering POC to provide system and application details. f necessary, we can generate these items as part of the voucher funding.

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of supporting projects anywhere in the US and Canada with a strong in-person presence in Washington and the Pacific Northwest region.

Additional details on matching preferences

The title, Mechanical System Design and/or Analysis: 3D CAD Modeling, Thermal, Structural, and/or Fluid-Flow Analysis, reflects our flexibility in providing design, analysis, or both services. This scope allows us to adapt to the recipient's project needs, whether it requires more design or analysis. Our services include design and/or analysis where the "and/or" language is intended to ensure we can meet diverse project needs effectively in the timeline and budget constraints.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Delivery of preliminary analysis report and/or initial design models.

Final Milestone Description

Completion and delivery of detailed analysis report, final design models, and/or performance validation results.

Voice of the Customer, Technoeconomic Analysis, Lifecycle Assessment

Voucher #

VO-9

Organization:

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.

Details

City

Palo Alto

State

Zip

94304

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Community Benefits

Capability Description

EPRI has broad expertise in the evaluation of long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies. EPRI’s role as a provider will be as follows: Develop an industry adoption plan and provide the voice of the customer feedback to the project team. Coordinate industry steering committee meetings to provide feedback on research and the path to commercial projects. Perform techno-economic analysis on the potential cost, benefits, and utilization of the paired LDES system. The project team will develop an 8760-hour annual dispatch model with energy storage showing intermittent charging with zero-carbon energy and discharging on demand. Capital and operating costs for the full commercial scale system will be estimated. The benefits will be quantified, including arbitrage revenue and ancillary services, reduced fuel costs, carbon emissions reduction credits, and other value streams as applicable. The costs and benefits will be used to estimate the value proposition for the energy storage system when deployed at commercial scale. Perform life cycle assessment (LCA) on the LDES system. LCA work will quantify the embodied carbon or other criteria in the energy storage system and estimate the payback time required to achieve net emissions savings. Areas of investigation include system inputs/components, energy inputs, and end of life considerations.

Capability Core Competencies

EPRI is a public-benefit research organization founded in 1972 that conducts research on the production, transmission, and distribution of electric power and its environmental impacts. EPRI’s mission is to advance safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy. Furthermore, EPRI’s access to numerous energy companies will allow the project to receive important feedback on what will be accepted and useful. EPRI has historically focused on the electricity sector but has increasingly expanded into other areas related to energy. EPRI’s involvement ensures participation from the energy industry and effective and unbiased technology transfer. EPRI also has extensive experience coordinating multiple teaming partners, funding entities, and technology vendors, and has demonstrated the ability to successfully conduct R&D activities, meeting objectives on schedule and within budget. This wealth of experience and reputation within the energy industry for being a leader in conducting unbiased research is a key aspect of EPRI’s value for this project.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Within EPRI is the bulk energy storage team, which contains employees with decades of experience working with the machinery that forms the foundation of many LDES technologies. This team will be performing the work related to this voucher, particularly the tasks related to the costs and performance of LDES systems. EPRI also has staff with expertise in LCA that will be performing that section of the voucher work.

Capability Community Benefits

Community benefits may be realized by this work through the long-term development of LDES technologies. Implementation of LDES will stabilize grids and energy prices, and our LCA work will investigate the carbon intensity and pollution reduction related to the development of these systems. Voice of the customer reports will highlight work with utilities to determine additional ways that community benefits may be realized via the pertinent technology. EPRI can support community benefits work in many additional ways. To support community and labor engagement efforts, EPRI may participate in outreach meetings related to environmental justice. To support the Investing in the American Workforce efforts, EPRI may provide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics educational opportunities by giving guest lectures at nearby schools and by providing potential curriculum for future coursework. To support Justice40 Initiative efforts, EPRI may provide feedback on potential benefits and negative impacts of the project.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Components, material makeup (concrete, steel, etc.), system diagrams and conditions, intended use case, proposed location and conditions (ambient temperature, pressure, other pertinent variables)

Geographic Constraints

No geographical constraints.

Additional details on matching preferences

We have spoken to RCAM Technologies, who plan to submit a Voucher Recipient application this fall. If both EPRI and RCAM are selected, we would like to be matched. We are open to working with a broad range of technologies. In general, our team is best suited to perform analysis on thermal, mechanical, and chemical LDES technologies.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Completion of voice of the customer webcast, delivery of information to EPRI and initial developer webcast to confirm project specifics.

Final Milestone Description

EPRI will develop a report that will include voice of the customer summary, cost and benefits, utilization analysis, and LCA.

Test Fixture Design and/or Build: 3D CAD Modeling, Analysis, Fabrication, and Assembly of Test Fixture

Voucher #

VO-10

Organization:

Johnston Engineering PLLC

Details

City

Spokane

State

Zip

99202

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Market Readiness

Capability Description

Johnston Engineering offers custom test fixture design and build services to conduct LDES performance testing. Test fixtures enable performance testing, device characterization, device verification, process validation, process recipe development, and correlation creation. Our work involves the engineering design and analysis of custom, low-uncertainty experiments used to gather accurate and reliable LDES test results. We design and build complete test systems including piping and instrumentation, sensors, custom hardware, and off-the-shelf components. We offer structural & thermal FEA and fluid flow CFD services to design test fixture components and systems. Deliverables may include 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, uncertainty analysis, results of structural, thermal or fluid flow analysis needed to design test fixtures and custom test fixtures. Our test fixtures are custom-designed for the type of LDES testing being conducted.

Capability Core Competencies

Expertise: Johnston Engineering is an expert in designing test fixtures. Andy Johnston has over 20 years of experience in designing and conducting low-uncertainty R&D, process & device characterization, device verification and lifecycle testing. Experience: Design of mechanical, thermal and fluid flow test systems. We have designed custom test fixtures for LDES technologies, ensuring accurate performance validation. The majority of our work is in prototype and test fixture design. Capabilities: 3D CAD modeling, system-level design, and test fixture fabrication. Approach: We use an analysis-driven design approach to develop and improve custom test fixtures, leveraging a network of fabrication shops for component fabrication to incorporate with off-the-shelf components and then build test fixtures internally.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of supporting projects anywhere in the US and Canada with a strong in-person presence in Washington and the Pacific Northwest region.

Additional details on matching preferences

Johnston Engineering is offering to design and build the test fixture. We can also conduct the testing, but conducting testing is not in this scope of this work. Our core competency is in engineering design and analysis, build and test. We own two physical buildings in Spokane, Washington where we can receive and assemble the custom parts that we design up to 40 feet long. We have internal machining, sheet metal and welding capabilities, but we typically order custom machined and sheet metal parts from a network of fabrication shops then assemble hardware internally.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Delivery of preliminary test fixture design and plan

Final Milestone Description

Assembled test fixture hardware, test fixture design documentation which may include 3D CAD models, drawings and/or analysis

Energy storage research, development, validation, and analysis

Voucher #

VO-2

Organization:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Details

City

Richland

State

Zip

99352

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Industrial Decarbonization

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Market Readiness

Capability Description

PNNL’s work on energy storage covers all facets of the technology. Our team includes the scientists conducting basic scientific research into energy storage materials, engineers developing and validating integrated systems, engineers and economists modeling the technical characteristics and benefits of energy storage systems, safety professionals developing codes and standards to ensure the safe interconnection and operation of energy storage systems, and analysts identifying the policy and regulatory changes needed to facilitate energy storage deployments. With these capabilities, our team has deep knowledge of energy storage system operations and the market environment for energy storage technologies in general. We are ready to assist voucher recipients in assessing the market opportunities for their technology, performing technical modeling and analysis of the economic potential for their technology and, where sufficiently funded by the voucher, in testing and validating that technology.

Capability Core Competencies

Technical and Economic Analysis: PNNL has developed the Energy Storage Evaluation Tool (ESET), a cutting-edge techno-economic assessment tool that has been used to study the benefits of dozens of projects around the country. ESET can be customized to model, optimize, and evaluate a variety of storage technologies, accounting for diverse deployment options and use cases. Testing and Validation: The Battery Reliability Testing Laboratory at PNNL has tested and validated dozens of diverse energy storage technologies under various grid duty cycles. Policy and Regulations: PNNL maintains a program that studies the policy and regulatory barriers to energy storage deployments and assists states in incorporating energy storage into their energy goals. Program staff in this area have knowledge of the market and policy landscape for storage technologies.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

PNNL’s qualifications and resources for this voucher program are primarily captured in its people – the scientists, engineers, economists, and analysts who carry out the lab’s energy storage research. PNNL is also now the host of the Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL), which houses a suite of research and testing capabilities that may be leveraged for this voucher program. GSL is focused on using a scientifically derived knowledge base to develop protocols, improve understanding, and engineer new, safer, and more reliable systems. The overall goal is to develop evaluation protocols, materials, and system designs to ensure the safe and reliable operation of energy storage systems for the grid and help end-users better understand long term performance and reliability of emerging energy storage systems. GSL is equipped to test various technologies including, but not limited to, Li-ion, Na-ion, Na metal halide, Pb-acid, Ni-based, Zn-based, and various flow battery chemistries.

Capability Community Benefits

PNNL has been developing its capabilities to respond to increased emphasis on energy equity and justice by assisting and/or partnering with disadvantaged communities. Through the Energy Storage for Social Equity (ES4SE) Program funded by OE, PNNL worked with 14 diverse urban, rural, tribal, and indigenous communities from around the country. The team built relationships and learned community goals, which led to co-developing energy plans, techno-economic analysis to inform community decisions, and developing resources (technical, social, financial) to strengthen their communities’ energy understanding and planning. ES4SE also included co-development of metrics and resources for social impacts, providing communities information for planning and measuring the benefits of planned investments. These efforts are supported by additional efforts within the OE Energy Storage Program to study the potential for energy storage investments to deliver targeted benefits to a community, which has already yielded several published studies.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

To begin work, we would require a clear statement of the voucher participant’s objectives and an accurate description of their technology’s current development status and technological characteristics, specifications, and data.

Geographic Constraints

We do not anticipate any geographic constraints. PNNL has worked with partners and completed projects around the country.

Additional details on matching preferences

We believe that our expertise in these topics, coupled with the extensive investments in equipment that the Department of Energy has made at PNNL, will allow us to flexibly adapt meet the needs of any voucher recipient who needs assistance in the areas identified in our application.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Workplan 50 percent complete

Final Milestone Description

Workplan complete

Competitive Landscape and Market Analysis

Voucher #

VO-3

Organization:

Strategic Analysis, Inc.

Details

City

Arlington

State

Zip

22203

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Fundraising

Capability Description

Strategic Analysis (SA) provides comprehensive competitive landscape and market analysis to recommend data-driven pathways for market entry and expansion that account for the clients’ unique value proposition. SA leverages its prior experience in the lithium battery and emerging energy value chains to understand common pain points and identify features required for market acceptance. SA has previously completed projects assessing the manufacturing cost of lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride batteries through a detailed Design for Manufacturing and Assembly analysis, performed technoeconomic analyses (TEA) of sodium and lithium-based electrode materials, and developed a go-to-market strategy for domestic lithium conversion technology. Depending on the needs and interest of the client, SA offers the following services to assess the competitive landscape and market: 1) Identifying and defining key attributes of competitors, 2) Surveying customers to define market demand and timing, 3) Interviews with subject matter experts and customers to validate market acceptance criteria, 4) Financial assessment of economic value to customer with client’s new product or process, and 5) Market share outlook in perspective of client value proposition. The final work product will be data tables, market models, and a written report suitable for technical and financial stakeholders.

Capability Core Competencies

SA specializes in techno-economic and manufacturing analysis, market studies, and technology due diligence. SA studies various materials, components, and systems for hydrogen production and storage, fuel cells, batteries, gas purification, chemical synthesis (monomers/polymers, catalysts, MOFs, electrochemical), and energy transmission. SA has extensive experience in capital cost and life-cycle cost estimation. SA is a prime System Engineering and Technical Analysis (SETA) provider to all 6 offices of the Defense Advanced Research and Projects Agency (DARPA) . SA provides a combination of technical, programmatic, contractual, and financial services to premier R&D agencies in the Department of Defense. Additionally, SA has extensive experience with transition and commercialization in support of DARPA funded SBIR/STTR projects, as well as those of other organizations, such as NSWC Crane. SA supports the full tech transition cycle, including understanding technology gaps; identifying transition opportunities; coordinating networking events; reviewing program policies and translating policies into guidance for small businesses.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

SA employs over 30 PhD staff in various technical areas engineering and science, and maintains a network of highly specialized technical consultants. The Energy Services division pioneered the Design for Manufacture and Assembly methodology for hydrogen storage, hydrogen production, and fuel cell capital cost projections. SA has held DOE contracts continuously for over 20 years in the areas of cost and performance analysis of PEM fuels cells for transportation, H2 production, and H2 storage. SA regularly works with commercial clients to provide product benchmarking, market analysis, value-chain assessment, and pre-investment due diligence. SA has had commercial contracts with a major auto OEM to conduct an electrolyzer market assessment, a Fortune 500 auto Tier1 supplier to conduct a value-walk analysis and market assessment in support of new product development, emerging energy startups to develop go-to-market strategies, and global venture capital and family fund managers to provide technical due diligence.

Capability Community Benefits

Strategic Analysis actively addresses and incorporates DEIA into its business practices. Mechanisms SA uses to address and increase DEIA include: an active Inclusion Committee composed of SA employees to provide guidance on DEIA, supporting local businesses and non-profits, inclusive employee benefits, and employee training.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

To facilitate the pace of work, we request clients to provide as much detail upfront as possible and have a minimum of one point of contact (POC) to work with on a regular cadence.

Geographic Constraints

Our team is distributed throughout the United States and typically supports projects virtually.

Additional details on matching preferences

None

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Market survey

Final Milestone Description

Competitive value assessment and market outlook

Commercialization strategy support: To achieve key milestones consistent with business plan and strategy.

Voucher #

VO-4

Organization:

ICatalysts LLC

Details

City

San Anselmo

State

Zip

94960

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Intellectual Property

Capability Description

Assisting the company with strategy, deliverables, and connections to funding and resources/partners to de risk the business plan and to achieve critical near-term milestones. These services compliment business plan formulation services (see separate submittal). For ICatalysts providing these services is a creative and interactive process where company executives are first interviewed to understand their business, barriers/blockers, and near and mid-term goals: securing pilot customers, R&D grants, corporate development agreements, and equity financing. Key to support will be a scope of work and a strong communications plan. Provide the most value to the company if we are integrated into the team and workflow during this engagement. Based on the company needs/ scope, activities/deliverables may include: a go to market strategy based on a market assessment, cost/technoeconomic analysis to inform pricing, equity and non-equity fund raising targets, and a partners/competitors landscape analysis to identify external relationships needed to reach short-term milestones.

Capability Core Competencies

ICatalysts has more than 25 years of commercialization strategy experience and over 11 years of experience in energy storage company development including business planning and commercialization support, evaluating companies and technologies for funders and investors, and energy storage RD&D project delivery. Overall, we have coached and provided business plan training to 1000+ startups who have raised over $3.5B. This includes over 300 energy companies. For this voucher program, we have 10 storage experts and 12 commercial strategy specialists located across the U.S. Core capabilities:Market AssessmentBusiness PlanningFundraisingIntellectual Property/patentsTechno-economic analysisLife Cycle analysisSupply chain analysisCommunity benefits analysis and planning Market readiness analysis Business model development (e.g., lean launchpad, etc).Competitive research and analysisTechnology and commercial benchmarking (TRL, CRL)Financial modeling and projectionsBusiness and investor communicationsGrant development and writing Investor analysis and developmentTeam and staff planning and recruitingPartnership development

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

10 experts with storage experience across all listed technology areas. 12 experts with energy business plan formation experience. Dr. Rakesh Radhakrishnan: Engineer/MBA with 25 years of experience. Recent Sr. Tech to Market Advisor, ARPA-E. Tom Jensen: 11 years energy storage company business planning and commercialization experience. Managed DOE 2022/2023 Energy Storage Innovation Prize Power Connector Prize Project.Dr. Zachary Holman: Experience advising over 10 storage companies; expert in solar and storage integration topics. Founded 3 funded solar startups. Steve Messner: Engineer who has advised over 10 storage startups on business plans and pitch decks. Cameron Barnes: 10 years of experience in operationalizing DEI strategy including $125M in community benefit planning and training for the DOE. Nathan Fink: 15 years of experience in energy company due diligence, financing, and M&A for Shell Ventures and other investors. Brian Van Osdol: Engineer/Patent agent with 15 years of experience primary in energy technology companies.

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Geographic Constraints

None; can service companies in any state

Additional details on matching preferences

We have a strong client service mindset and collaborative approach

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Complete draft deliverables in commercialization strategy scope of work set with company.

Final Milestone Description

Complete final deliverables in commercialization strategy scope of work set with company.

Fundraise and Commercialization Strategy

Voucher #

VO-2

Organization:

Riverview Climate Ventures LLC

Details

City

Sacramento

State

Zip

95816

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Siting/Permitting

Capability Description

Riverview Climate Ventures supports climate tech companies on fundraising, commercialization, and other special projects related to strategy and finance. The proposed project involves 3 steps: 1. First, data collection and understanding of the highest-value work we can do. In some cases this is purely equity fundraise support, in some cases it is a market study on a future growth area, in some cases it is clarifying and defining executive-level KPIs and OKRs. 2. Second, collateral development. In the example of fundraising, this includes refining the pitch deck, financial model, and supporting materials for prospective investors 3. Third, prepare for execution. In the fundraise example, this includes pipeline development, process documentation, and initial investor outreach.

Capability Core Competencies

Project track record - Riverview Climate Ventures has successfully completed or is in process of completing 6 value-add projects for climate tech startups since Q4 2023. These projects range from $3m customer offtake deal for a Seed-stage company to a $40m Series B fundraise. VC investing - Riverview is led by Daniel Ketyer, formerly a climate-focused venture capital investor at Piva Capital (investors in 2 energy storage companies). He brings the VC lens and network to support company fundraise efforts Long-duration storage experience - For select projects, we bring on 1-2 sub-contractors in our network with specific expertise that can make a project more successful. In one project, a market study for a solar energy firm, we brought on an ex-strategy consultant with energy sector experience to support for 20 hours per week. For long duration storage, we will tap our network of ex-VCs and industry operators

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Led by Daniel Ketyer, former VC at Piva Capital, consultant at Deloitte, and current fundraising & commercialization advisor to climate tech startups at Riverview climate Ventures. Education at University of Michigan and Duke University. Supported VC diligence on a molten salt long-duration storage investment.- Based in San Francisco, the hub of the climate VC ecosystem

Capability Community Benefits

Our approach is twofold: - first, when building the core project team and investor outreach list, ensure diverse representation so not overly biased towards historically advantaged groups. For example, 50% of the sub-contractors we've brought on to directly support projects are underrepresented minorities. - second, physically visiting the project or company site within the first 4-6 weeks of the project start wherever possible. We have found this particularly important in our work for climate tech startups focused on Sub-Saharan Africa to understand market nuances. We have also helped develop a community benefits plan for a carbon removal company in the past, and have experience weaving that into project applications

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Company capitalization history, months of runway remaining, number of employees

Geographic Constraints

N/a

Additional details on matching preferences

N/a

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Pitch deck complete and ready to present externally

Final Milestone Description

Investor pipeline complete and process documented

Testing and Customized system integration development for flow batteries

Voucher #

VO-1

Organization:

Richardson Electronics

Details

City

LaFox

State

Zip

60147

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Community Benefits

Capability Description

Industrial level design, testing, and certification of customized flow battery solutions. Demo projects showcasing the modularized flow battery system solution at 0.1~ 1MWhr level. Certification of such systems for UL 9540 and 9540A. Early stage potential customer engagement and letters of interest.

Capability Core Competencies

Unlike the current generation of Long Duration Energy Storage solutions (e.g., the mature mixed acid vanadium technologies), the next generation of flow batteries are designed to be flexible, long-lasting, low-cost, and made from earth-abundant materials, as well as independent of foreign supply chain limitations. However, these advancements in chemistry need to be matched with a customized system integration design that is scalable and end-user friendly. Most startup companies developing flow battery chemistry lack the industrial capabilities and experience to bridge the gap between early-stage prototypes and industrial solutions.Richardson Electronics, with 76 years of industrial experience and a wide network of clients and partners, can provide the hosting infrastructure for developing customized solutions, particularly the modularized system integration design of flow batteries. Additionally, we offer UL certification and testing services, which are crucial for engaging early-stage customers of next-generation flow battery technology developers.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Credentials: As a UL-DQS registered firm, our existing production process complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 13458 and OSHA certification requirements.Capability Qualifications: Richardson Electronics has long served as a supplier to prominent companies like NextEra, ENEL, and RWE, thanks to its innovative Ultra3000 supercapacitor battery module designed for driving wind turbine pitching event motors. The production line responsible for manufacturing these modules shares structural similarities with the capabilities for this voucher, including customized battery designs, battery supply chain management, assembly, and testing. Several members of the management team and engineers from the current production line can seamlessly transfer their expertise or provide training for new job positions. Richardson Electronics is well-positioned to serve as a direct off-taker of the product, leveraging its distribution team and existing customer base.

Capability Community Benefits

Richardson Electronics has worked with Clean Tech Economy Coalition (CTEC) regarding engaging both the local disadvantaged community engagement and potential project site that can provide equitable distributed renewable energy source to nearby communities. CTEC’s leading organization mHub has a proven track record as a leader in promoting startup and hard technology companies in the west Chicago area since 2016, they are well-equipped to promote both the job opportunities and project opportunities in the neighborhood. If the flow battery system integration design is successful, the project will result in the following community benefits:A decrease in energy burden (energy costs for low-income disadvantaged communities).An increase in energy security during grid instabilitiesAn increase in renewable energy jobsAn increase in renewable energy portfolio in energy sourcing

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Flow battery technology description. Desired certification or certification description. Demonstration system size. Previous engagement with customers. Hazardous chemicals (diamond chart). Special tooling or special handling of electrolyte needed.

Geographic Constraints

The project site is limited to LaFox Illinois or nearby region.

Additional details on matching preferences

Existing battery cycle testers (25KW). Mechanical design software, heat transfer simulation software and micro controller programmer (solidworks, Anysys, Matlab, Silicon Labs). Richardson Electronics also has in-house PCB assembly and Machine Shop Capability that can produce the ancillary components needed for a full system, and 250,000 sq ft of manufacturing floor space.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

System simulation, design, and customization: Richardson Electronics will provide the described system integration design during this period.

Final Milestone Description

UL certification and testing of demonstration project: Richardson Electronics will implement the demo project, test it and secure UL certification

VO-7– Full ISO-Compliant Life Cycle Assessment to Support Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Technology Acceleration

Voucher #

VO-1

Organization:

Boundless Impact Research & Analytics

Details

City

Newburgh

State

Zip

12550

Activity Location State

New York City

Activity Location State

10010

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Process Improvement

Capability Description

Boundless’ Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) follows rigorous ISO guidelines (ISO 14040 & 14044) and incorporates conventional LCA databases, tools, and scientific literature reviews. In line with such guidelines, our LCA involves recruiting and deeply engaging three LCA experts for peer review, thorough sensitivity analysis ensuring data quality, complete documentation of sources, and extensive internal review to ensure all values align with Boundless’ data integrity promise. The Boundless methodology results in a report that extensively details the customer's environmental performance throughout the entire life cycle of a product or service and can include GHG emission reduction and removal enhancement initiatives and targets (ISO 14064-1). This can include the upstream and downstream processes associated with the production, use phase, and disposal. The final product will be a full ISO-Compliant report, reviewed by a panel of three experts. These reports generally range from 60 to 100 pages in length.

Capability Core Competencies

Boundless provides decision support and information tools for assessing the environmental impacts and technical efficiency of emerging technologies. These tools analyze multiple factors, including, but not limited to, costs, supply chain climate impacts, human and environmental toxicity, and greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts. The Boundless approach provides spider graphs to holistically assess data, bar charts to explain each Environmental Key Performance Indicator (EKPI) that we analyze, reports that provide important context, and other infographics and data that facilitate the rapid, rigorous, and consistent assessment of emerging clean technologies. Our industry analytics also provide direct comparison of specific technologies to industry peers, focusing on key environmental performance.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Boundless is an industry research and environmental impact analytics firm that provides objective and actionable information to move investment dollars more quickly toward clean technologies and companies driving positive environmental change. We employ a science-based, data-driven approach, grounded in the proven Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The scores and metrics derived are trustworthy and reliable because they are unbiased and validated by external industry and/or scientific experts. Boundless’ LCA incorporates conventional LCA databases, tools, and scientific literature reviews, and has a deep network of over 1,000 industry experts at leading universities and consulting groups around the world who provide independent validation and peer reviews for our LCAs. We also have a Scientific Advisory Council made up of LCA and environmental impact measurement experts who guide, advise, and help refine our science-based methods, to ensure we are maintaining the highest standards in our work.

Capability Community Benefits

Boundless is a New York State Woman Owned Company committed to building community benefits across all aspects of our LCA methodology. It has been well documented that the majority of climate change-induced health and environmental impacts fall upon underprivileged communities across the country. To challenge this, companies will need to quantify and comprehend their environmental impact, including, but not limited to, their environmental toxicity metrics. Boundless can highlight hotspots in a company’s production process and provide recommendations for reducing impact. We also have the capability to conduct a community impact analysis and social LCA (S-LCA). S-LCA is a newer system built upon the framework of an environmental LCA, and aligned with the UNEP suggestions for the future of LCAs. This way Boundless can give companies a clear picture of their community impacts and assist in mitigation methods as well as provide proven and expert-validated community-building methodologies.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Our projects are comprehensive and require customer cooperation to maximize effectiveness. As such the following is required from our customers: An extensive and completed Request for Information (RFI), produced in a timely manner, detailing material and resource use per unit of product/technology, including all phases of production from raw materials to grave. Cooperation and communication, including participation in two to four 30-minute virtual meetings as well as email communication throughout the process to ensure the reliability and accuracy of data.

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of working with teams across the country with the understanding that time zones will require flexibility regarding meeting times from both teams.

Additional details on matching preferences

For matching purposes, it may be relevant to match companies with higher TRLs to ISO-Compliant or Rapid LCAs and companies with lower TRLs to Boundless’ Calculator or Rapid LCA capabilities. The Boundless Rapid LCA is most useful for companies at Technology Readiness Levels 4 and above.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Milestone will be met when the LCA Model is completed and internally reviewed to be sent to the expert panel.

Final Milestone Description

Milestone will be complete when the report has been reviewed by experts and sent to the Voucher Recipient.

Commercialization Strategy Support

Voucher #

VO-10

Organization:

ICatalysts LLC

Details

City

Arlington

State

Zip

22203

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Simulation/Modeling

Capability Description

Strategic Analysis (SA) provides development and analysis of comprehensive, market-driven business cases for product commercialization. SA leverages its extensive experience assisting commercial clients and venture capitalists to understand common pain points and identify features required by potential customers. SA is able to support business case development for manufacturing technologies and specific products. SA has successfully supported start-ups looking to enter the market, in addition to large companies looking to adapt existing technologies and products for new markets. Depending on the needs and interest of the client, SA offers the following services to support commercialization strategy development: 1) technology roadmap development with key performance indicators tied to growth and R&D, 2) market/product entry roadmap with market forecasting of technical needs and volumes, 3) product sales forecast based on technology development and market outlooks, and 4) scenario-based financial projections by year based on modeling of costs and prices. The final work product will be spreadsheet-based models accompanied with a written report suitable for technical and financial stakeholders.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Capability Community Benefits

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

None

Geographic Constraints

Our team is distributed throughout the United States and typically supports projects virtually.

Additional details on matching preferences

None

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Technology and Market Roadmap

Final Milestone Description

Financial Projections and Final Report

Durability testing services and facility access for long-duration batteries and battery materials.

Voucher #

VO-9

Organization:

ICL-IP America Inc

Details

City

St. Louis

State

Zip

63141

Activity Location State

Tarrytown

Activity Location State

10591

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Advanced Nuclear

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Performance Testing/Validation

Capability Description

○ ICL is able to provide a full suite of durability testing services for long-duration energy storage technology developers for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and zinc-bromide chemistries at the system, cell, and material levels. ○ Durability testing includes electrochemical testing for cycle-life of cells and electrodes, at a wide range of operating parameters including high-rate cycling and temperature control in thermal environmental control chambers. ○ Component-level testing also includes anti-corrosion durability, such as bromine resistance in zinc-bromine battery systems. ○ In addition, post-mortem analysis services can be provided, with battery teardown facilities and glove boxes available, as well as chemical analysis techniques such as ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy). ○ Finally, ICL Tarrytown has expertise in flame retardant chemistry and testing that can be suitable for evaluating the safety of long-duration energy storage technologies.

Capability Core Competencies

ICL is a global leader in chemicals, as the world’s largest producer of bromine, as well as a major supplier of phosphate products which are both critical components in key long-duration battery technologies. ICL Tarrytown is an R&D center with technology capabilities in the fields of lithium-ion batteries (LFP, LMFP chemistries), zinc bromide flow batteries, sodium-ion battery material testing, material characterization, as well as corrosion and safety testing.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

ICL Tarrytown serves as an R&D center for energy storage with the following resources: 2000 square feet of lab space24 channels for low current battery testing8 channels of 5V, 60A high amperage cyclers4 channels of 60V, 60A pack system cycling testers8 channels of 5V, 6A cyclers with electrochemical impedance spectroscopyMBraun Labstar Pro SP argon glovebox for air-free handling of cells and componentsTenney thermal control chamber (-68°C to 180°C)Full suite of electrode and test cell fabrication equipment: Thinky AR-100, automatic film coater, calendering machine, vacuum ovensTA AR-2000 rheometer with parallel Peltier plate geometry, Brookfield Viscometer for slurry analysisSpectro ARCOS III ICP-OES for chemical analysisAgilent GC-MS quadrupole with FID for identification and detection of unknown species

Capability Community Benefits

○ ICL Group is committed to approaching community benefits in a fair and equitable manner. ○ Previous battery materials manufacturing efforts led by ICL and the Department of Energy have adhered strictly to benefit guidelines in engaging communities and labor practices to improve quality jobs.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

ICL Group is a global leader in chemicals, as the world’s largest producer of bromine, as well as a major supplier of phosphate products which are both critical components in key long-duration battery technologies. ICL is leading a project in LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery cathode active material manufacturing, currently commissioning a $400M 30 kTPA LFP manufacturing site in St. Louis. ICL is also leading the construction of a customer innovation and qualification center (CIQC) which is expected to accelerate the development of Infrastructure Reduction Act compliant material and cell-level battery technologies.

Geographic Constraints

All services are provided on-site at ICL Tarrytown

Additional details on matching preferences

ICL Tarrytown serves as an R&D center for energy storage with the following resources: 2000 sq. ft. lab space 24 channels for low current battery testing 8 channels of 5V, 60A high amperage cyclers 4 channels of 60V, 60A pack system cycling testers 8 channels of 5V, 6A cyclers with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy MBraun Labstar Pro SP argon glovebox Tenney thermal control chamber (-68°C to 180°C) Electrode and cell fabrication equipment: Thinky AR-100, automatic film coater, calendering machine, vacuum ovens TA AR-2000 rheometer, Brookfield Viscometer Spectro ARCOS III ICP-OES Agilent GC-MS quadrupole with FID

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

26 weeks of cycling data and/or state of health estimation. Chemical analysis of battery electrolytes for various corroded/degraded cell components

Final Milestone Description

52 weeks of cycling data, post-mortem analysis for smaller form factor batteries. Chemical analysis of electrolytes for corroded/degraded cell components

Model-Based Decision-Making (MBDM) and Organizational Friction-Reduction (OFR) for Technology Acceleration

Voucher #

VO-5

Organization:

1728 Solutions, LLC

Details

City

Merced

State

Zip

95340

Activity Location State

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Solar

Water

Wind

Category

Certification

Capability Description

To synchronously and asynchronously facilitate connections among people, models, and data necessary for project planning, organization coordination, and team success, the key deliverables and deployments from the Voucher Project include and are not limited to: codebase CI/CD, model coordination documentation (architecture documents, user guides, roadmaps to future modeling capabilities and activities), verification and validation plans and reports, digital twinning technology readiness assessments, new product introduction design decision logs and stage gate reports, communication plans for interfacing with the public and permitting agencies about technology siting and encroachment, trust-building documentation and relationships with the public and permitting agencies, strategic plans, quarterly strategic hygiene plans, growth assessments, growth assessment update plans, post morta analyses, bespoke (team specific) conflict resolution and feedback plans, and decision discovery and justification tools. The Voucher Provider and the Voucher Recipient will discover together and agree upon the set of deliverables and deployments that will strategically support the Recipient's decision-making and friction-reduction to (set and/or) meet their intentions.

Capability Core Competencies

The Voucher Provider brings 28,000 hours of renewable energy startup experience. Comprising 23,000 hours of Simulation Engineering are the development, maintenance, and operation of proprietary and validated heliostat field, plant system, and techno-economic models at eSolar & Heliogen. Comprising 5,000 hours of Management are the growth of a team from 1 to 12, the identification and professional development of line management within the team, exporting a successful onboarding process company-wide, and providing company-wide conflict resolution, mentorship, and strategic planning services. 1728 Solutions has seen first-hand what works and what doesn't for technology and people to interoperate. Deploying a collection of human-centered technologies & processes can help a Voucher Recipient meet and exceed the professional and personal challenges that face Technology Acceleration with joy and enthusiasm.

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

David Gross, Founder & President of 1728 Solutions, holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Harvey Mudd College, conferred in 2008, with 3 Major Concentrations (in Pure Math, Applied Math, and Scientific Computing), and a Humanities Concentration in Literature. At eSolar, Gross completed corporate training in Project Management and ISO 9000 compliance, published in Energy Procedia, and patented in the US. At Heliogen, Gross received personal executive coaching in management (specifically feedback, delegation, and concise messaging) and completed Engineering Manager training, both from The Executive Advisory. He also presented at SolarPACES in Daegu and online, and published each in AIP Conference Proceedings. In 2023, Gross incorporated 1728 Solutions, LLC (1728) and since has provided hundreds of hours of decision-making, business development, and professional development to energy startups and established small businesses. At 1728, Gross received a Positive Intelligence Grant for Coaches (Cohort 17).

Capability Community Benefits

1728's Community Benefits strategy is rooted in our values of Conscious Growth, Grief-Normativity, and Repair. We prioritize community engagement as both a vital input and a result of holistic project planning. Technology deployment in a community without their engagement is doomed to fail, and 1728's communications planning accepts and improves community engagement. Working with 1728 is a direct investment in an American worker and 1728 is embedded in the American renewable energy workforce. Our holistic project planning also advances DEIA by acknowledging the losses incurred by the participants and repairing relationships among people and technologies. The strategic hygiene planning and decision discovery tools implemented by 1728 also align with implementing Justice40, as it can be discerned at the outset of a project how the outcomes are to be assessed and how benefits to disadvantaged communities will be incorporated, measured, and assured through the project.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Discovery at 1728 takes the form of 3Ds (what Decision needs to be made with what Data and Due when) and 5Whys as a root-cause justification for all of us to be working on that decision with that data in the given timeframe. This process is implemented at large and small scales in order for us to collectively agree on a New Product Introduction process of the right size for the right product.

Geographic Constraints

While 1728's services are primarily delivered online, 1728 is situated near a Small Hub airport in CA and can participate in quarterly or other special offline summits as required by or designed into the project plan.

Additional details on matching preferences

1728's model-based decision-making and organizational friction-reduction services are broadly agnostic to equipment specification or organizational structure.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

Discovered metrics of decision-making and friction-reduction are reevaluated for suitability in the second half of the project.

Final Milestone Description

Evolved metrics of decision-making and friction-reduction are evaluated for success and further recommendations at the end of the project.

VO-7– Rapid Life Cycle Assessment to Support Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Technology Acceleration

Voucher #

VO-4

Organization:

Boundless Impact Research & Analytics

Details

City

Newburgh

State

Zip

12550

Activity Location State

New York City

Activity Location State

10010

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Building Efficiency

Carbon Management

Clean Energy Demonstration on Current and Former Mine Land

Category

Capability Description

The Boundless Rapid LCA follows the rigorous ISO guidelines but is performed at a fraction of the time and cost compared to a full ISO-Compliant LCA. Boundless proposes to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment and write an Environmental Impact Report for the Voucher Recipient. Boundless will conduct an independent modeling assessment using its proprietary methodology supplemented by a literature review and independent expert analysis. Boundless will quantify the impact metrics relevant to LDES and customize a competitor analysis to the company of interest specifications and technology vertical. A Boundless report will highlight details about environmental performance, operations, and growth with institutional investors, impact investors, and strategic partners in mind. Boundless will work with each Voucher Recipient to tailor their assessment to the specific needs of their industry, expectations, and timeline. We will propose traditionally expected environmental metrics and work with your staff to find the metrics most applicable to your technology. Boundless will also customize the competitor analysis and traditional industry analysis to the company of interest specifications and technology vertical. Our objective is to provide you with valuable insights on the environmental impacts associated with the supply chain, production system, and operational life cycle of your LDES solution.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Boundless Impact Research & Analytics (Boundless) is an industry research and environmental impact analytics firm that provides objective and actionable information to move investment dollars more quickly toward clean technologies and companies driving positive environmental change. We employ a science-based, data-driven approach, grounded in the proven LCA methodology. The scores and metrics derived are trustworthy and reliable because they are unbiased and validated by external industry and/or scientific experts. Boundless’ LCA incorporates conventional LCA databases, tools, and scientific literature reviews, and has a deep network of over 1,000 industry experts at leading universities and consulting groups around the world who provide independent validation and peer reviews for our LCAs. We also have a Scientific Advisory Council made up of LCA and environmental impact measurement experts who guide, advise, and help refine our science-based methods, to ensure we are maintaining the highest standards in our work.

Capability Community Benefits

Boundless is a New York State Woman Owned Company committed to building community benefits across all aspects of our LCA methodology. It has been well documented that the majority of climate change-induced health and environmental impacts fall upon underprivileged communities across the country. To challenge this, companies will need to quantify and comprehend their environmental impact, including, but not limited to, their environmental toxicity metrics. Boundless can highlight hotspots in a company’s production process and provide recommendations for reducing impact. We also can conduct a community impact analysis and social LCA. An S-LCA is an evaluation tool used to assess the potential impacts of a product in its whole life cycle from raw material extraction through production and then end-of-life disposal, or recycling. This way Boundless can give companies a clear picture of their community impacts and assist in mitigation methods as well as provide proven and expert-validated community-building methodologies.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of working with teams across the country with the understanding that time zones will require flexibility regarding meeting times from both teams.

Additional details on matching preferences

For matching purposes, it may be relevant to match companies with higher TRLs to ISO-Compliant or Rapid LCAs companies with lower TRLs to Boundless’ Calculator or Rapid LCA capabilities. The Boundless Rapid LCA is most useful for companies at Technology Readiness Levels 4 and above.

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

The midpoint milestone will be met when the preliminary results report has been completed and sent to the Voucher Recipient.

Final Milestone Description

Boundless will provide DOE a copy of the email confirmation sent to Voucher Recipient with the preliminary results report attached.

VO-7– LCA Calculator Tool to Support Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Technology Acceleration

Voucher #

VO-3

Organization:

Boundless Impact Research & Analytics

Details

City

Newburgh

State

Zip

12550

Activity Location State

New York City

Activity Location State

10010

Applicable Technology Area(s)

Upgrades to the Electric Grid

Clean Hydrogen

Category

Supply Chain Analysis

Capability Description

The Boundless LCA Calculator quantifies the potential environmental outcomes of different operational or product scenarios. It provides management with a decision-making tool and companies with comprehensive guidance to improve their climate and environmental impact. It offers immediate feedback for customizable scenarios as companies seek to better understand their environmental footprint and further develop and scale their technology. The calculator tool can either be industry specific or company specific and allows the user to evaluate how their environmental impact changes based on varied inputs and input quantities. The Boundless LCA Calculator tool includes an interactive, Excel-based LCA Calculator specified to the customer’s technology of interest with a maximum of eight input categories and two to three subcategories per input. This product will allow companies to alter their material, energy, or other inputs to see the resultant change in their emissions associated with those decisions.

Capability Core Competencies

Capability Qualifications and Credentials

Boundless is an industry research and environmental impact analytics firm that provides objective and actionable information to move investment dollars more quickly toward clean technologies and companies driving positive environmental change. We employ a science-based, data-driven approach, grounded in the proven LCA methodology. The scores and metrics derived are trustworthy and reliable because they are unbiased and validated by external industry and/or scientific experts. Boundless’ LCA incorporates conventional LCA databases, tools, and scientific literature reviews, and has a deep network of over 1,000 industry experts at leading universities and consulting groups around the world who provide independent validation and peer reviews for our LCAs. We also have a Scientific Advisory Council made up of LCA and environmental impact measurement experts who guide, advise, and help refine our science-based methods, to ensure we are maintaining the highest standards in our work.

Capability Community Benefits

Boundless is a New York State Woman Owned Company committed to building community benefits across all aspects of our LCA methodology. It has been well documented that the majority of climate change-induced health and environmental impacts fall upon underprivileged communities across the country. To challenge this, companies will need to quantify and comprehend their environmental impact, including, but not limited to, their environmental toxicity metrics. Boundless can highlight hotspots in a company’s production process and provide recommendations for reducing impact. We also can conduct a community impact analysis and social LCA. An S-LCA is an evaluation tool used to assess the potential impacts of a product in its whole life cycle from raw material extraction through production and then end-of-life disposal, or recycling. This way Boundless can give companies a clear picture of their community impacts and assist in mitigation methods as well as provide proven and expert-validated community-building methodologies.

Approx. number of available voucher projects

Inputs required from voucher recipients

A brief Request for Information (RFI), produced in a timely manner, detailing material and resource inputs required for the production of the LDES solution. Cooperation and communication, including participation in one to two 30-minute virtual meetings as well as email communication throughout the process to ensure the reliability and accuracy of data.

Geographic Constraints

We are capable of working with teams across the country with the understanding that time zones will require flexibility regarding meeting times from both teams.

Additional details on matching preferences

Estimated capability duration in weeks

Mid-point Milestone Description

The midpoint milestone will be met when the first draft calculator has been completed and sent to the Voucher Recipient.

Final Milestone Description

The final milestone will be complete when the final calculator, with revisions incorporated, has been sent to the Voucher Recipient.

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