Learn more about current and past INL teams.
Cohort 10 - September 30-November 14, 2019 Thermal Sound OnTeam Members PI: James Smith Entrepreneurial Lead: Steve Garrett Industry Mentor: Tom Harrison
Technology Description: The thermoacoustic (TAC) phenomenon exploits the harsh conditions and substantial temperature gradients that exist in power generation, melting, and hydrocarbon cracking processes. The available temperature gradient is utilized to drive an extremely simple heat engine. This TAC engine has no moving parts and requires no heat exchangers. This engine is self-starting. We have shown that the sound generated by the engine is couples to the surrounding via the working fluid, so that the frequency of the radiated sound can be detected remotely and used to measure temperature and material properties.
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Cohort 9 - March 11-May 2, 2019
SANDTeam Members Principal Investigator: Jacob Lehmer Entrepreneurial Lead: Jake Gentle Industry Mentor: Paul Berg
Technology Description: Collaboration is a necessity in the modern research landscape because it allows interdisciplinary experts to come together to solve real world problems. When researchers work together, data is shared, which often results in multiple storage locations with different file structures, and with time, becomes highly unorganized. Every moment spent finding an existing piece of information is fundamentally wasted time. In the worst case, experiments need to be repeated; potentially costing millions in capital and opportunity cost. Systematic Analyzer of Numeric Data (SAND) is a software application developed to handle unordered data. SAND solves this problem by automatically finding, sorting, and organizing that shared data. Other included features increase the immediate utility of SAND without the need for additional applications such as graphing and file format conversion. | Rotoro
Team Members Principal Investigator: Ronald Boring Entrepreneurial Lead: Thomas Ulrich Entrepreneurial Lead: Roger Lew Industry Mentor: Eric Harvey
Technology Description: High fidelity training simulators are required at every nuclear power plant. These simulators are costly to develop and complex to operate. Additionally, the utility of these simulators is typically limited to training applications. Team Rotoro developed a simplified nuclear power plant simulator called the Rancor Mircroworld. Rancor is an important complement to full simulators. Because Rancor is streamlined, it allows rapid demonstration of control room concepts for new reactors. Additionally, Rancor is easy to customize, making it agile for development iterations, including the ability to use non-expert crews to validate design concepts. Rancor also facilitates classroom training, by providing a stepping stone that may be mastered more readily than a full simulator. Finally, due to its portability and flexibility, Rancor provides a research platform that may be used where it's not feasible to build a full-scope simulator, such as at a university laboratory. While the current version of Rancor focuses on nuclear power, it is being extended to other industries. Gamified, simplified simulation is particularly promising for industries where there may be limited simulator availability. |
Cohort 8 - October 1-November 15, 2018
Glass PaperTeam Members Principal Investigator: Bjorn Vaagensmith Entrepreneurial Lead: Brad Whipple Industry Mentor: Layne Lewis
Technology Description: Power transformers, a vital grid component, are vulnerable to premature failure during, and after, a geomagnetic disturbance, which causes elevated temperatures and voltage excursions that compromise internal insulation. Current insulation materials have limited thermal tolerance due to utilizing organic polymers or micro-fibers embedded in a temperature sensitive binding matrix for structural stability. A new high temperature tolerant insulation is needed. This project aims to develop new insulation prototypes with enhanced thermal properties by exploring novel high temperature tolerant ceramic nanostructured composite materials. Electrospinning is a facile fabrication process that can be used to fabricate high temperature tolerant silica nanofibers. The fibers may be used to make a woven or felted 'glass paper' proposed to have suitable mechanical properties, improved dielectric properties, and temperature limits of 450 °C. The new insulation can be fabricate into a wide range of form factors mitigating any need to retool power transformer or other electric equipment manufacturing facilities in need of a high temperature tolerant insulation.
| M2LDTeam Members Principal Investigator: Ryan Fronk Entrepreneurial Lead: Anthony Crawford Industry Mentor: Melissa Aagesen
Technology Description: The developed modified mobile linear delta (M2LD) robot is applicable to both in-lab and in-field Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) scanning, 3-D manufacturing (additive/subtractive), human-machine interface interaction, and any other application needing translational movement. Its embodiment is a modified version of a linear delta platform in that the vertical linear actuators that are traditionally distributed at 120 degrees around the workspace are now all aligned on one side. The end-platform, passively attached to the vertical linear actuators via linkages with universal joints on each end, is able to rapidly and precisely translate a sensor, grasping head, or fabrication head. This unique configuration centralizes the center of gravity, thus making it easier to roll around on its wheeled base, opens up the work volume available for scanning operations, and allows the system to easily fold into a geometrically and inertially compact form readily available for transport (e.g., commercial air travel). The system also enables a unique method of activating several degrees of freedom on the platform itself. |
Cohort 7 - June 5-July 26, 2018
HOT
Team Members Principal Investigator: Richard Skifton Entrepreneurial Lead: Pattrick Calderoni Industry Mentor: David Roberts
Technology Description: The High Temperature Irradiation Resistant Thermocouple (HTIR-TC) is a breakthrough in the field of temperature measurement overcoming the two most critical thermocouple issues plaguing high-temperature operations – signal drift and instrument longevity. It is also the only sensor specifically design for operating reliably in high-temperature radiation environments. | AXIVIS
Team Members Principal Investigator: Su-Jong Yoon Entrepreneurial Lead: Jeffery A. Aguiar Industry Mentor: Daniel Masiel
Technology Description: We are proposing a non-expert based platform for data analytics utilizing visual modules. The technology will enable end-users to utilize a variety of tool kits that implement the latest machine and deep learning platforms to test their intuition as well as provide a front end that can be incorporated into larger enterprise data platforms as need and demonstration of the technology grows. |
Cohort 6 - September 13-November 16, 2017 | | | 4CsTeam Members
Principal Investigator: Vivek Agawal Entrepreneurial Lead: John Buttles
Industry Mentor: Uuganbayar Otgonbaatar
Technology Description: Nuclear power generating stations have a very large number of manual valves and their configuration management is performed manually. The technology currently under development at Idaho National Laboratory enables automation in monitoring valve positions using retrofitted wireless sensor/communication technologies without requiring re-qualification of valves, which was previously either unavailable or very labor-intensive. The information provided can be used for a variety of engineering, maintenance, and management applications. The technology is modular, vendor agnostic, and is based on 4Cs, i.e., communication, connectivity, co-existence, and cybersecurity, that enable easy integration with legacy systems at nuclear power plants. The solution provided by this technology is extendable to other critical infrastructure industries such as oil & gas. Its immediate implementation at nuclear power generating stations would effectively augment the best practices identified under the Delivering the Nuclear Promise Initiative.
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| | ELINA
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Katya Le Blanc Entrepreneurial Leads: Johanna Oxstrand, Rachael Hill
Industry Mentor: David Cohen
Technology Description: More than 70% of incidents occurring in the nuclear industry are due to not correctly following procedures. INLs’ computer-based procedure (CBP) system visually guides the worker through each step of the process, validating input and outcomes before moving on to the next step. This tool simplifies the complex paper-based procedure process and ensures that organizations can safely decrease operation and maintenance costs.
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Cohort 5 - February 21-April 20, 2017 | | AMAFT
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Isabella van Rooyen Entrepreneurial Lead: George Griffith
Industry Mentor: Ed Lahoda
Technology Description: Additive manufacturing technology provides a direct route to fabrication of dense uranium silicide using a novel hybrid laser engineered net shaping process that is applied to create a small localized melt pool from multiple powder sources to form a pellet with the required microstructure, chemistry, and properties. This hybrid process in combination of other hybrid advanced manufacturing processes provide the unique capability to use multiple raw material sources. | | | Electroplate
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Prabhat Tripathy Entrepreneurial Lead: Jordan Argyle
Industry Mentor: James Herring
Technology Description: This invention provides a corrosion protection barrier on metallic structural materials, functional metals and alloys, and rare earth based magnets. The coating is formed by the electrodeposition of metallic aluminum on the surface of the metal/alloy from an alkali metal bromide (salt) plating bath. A thick, homogenous, uniform, pore-free, and adherent aluminum layer coating is formed when the substrate is made a cathode. The process enables formation of a multi-layered surface coating. | | | EMRLD
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Steven Prescott Entrepreneurial Lead: Ram Sampath Industry Mentor: Rob Sewell
Technology Description: Traditional Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) tools provide a static assessment of a given model. This is sufficient for many applications. However, many scenarios are time-dependent or dynamic. EMRALD is a State PRA model based on three-phase discrete event simulation, which makes it ideal for dynamic time-dependent models and also makes coupling possible with other time-dependent physics based simulation models. This overall design enables easy use for new and experienced PRA model users. | |
| Re-Light
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Donna Baek Entrepreneurial Lead: Devin Imholte
Industry Mentor(s): Robert Fox and James Hedrick
Technology Description: Re-Light’s technology safely removes and separates mercury and rare earth elements from fluorescent lamps so as not to volatilize mercury to the environment. Phosphor powders contain rare earth elements, which are considered critical elements worldwide based on their ubiquitous application in clean energy technologies and microelectronic devices. Recovery of these metals through urban mining is much more economical and sustainable. |
Cohort 4 - October 18-December 8, 2016 | |
| Cellsage
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Kevin Gering Entrepreneurial Lead: Josh McNally Industry Mentor: Frank Meijers
Technology Description: INL's CellSage is an advanced research and development software tool that closes the gap in understanding how to monitor and manage complex battery systems. It provides a means toward more comprehensive battery characterization, as well as diagnostics and prognostics of aging mechanisms. CellSage provides information that can be used to optimize battery design and usage, and aids in the development of battery management schemes variable combinations of operating conditions and environments. | | | | Detection Systems
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Troy Unruh Entrepreneurial Lead: Gregory Lancaster Industry Mentor: Sontra Yim
Technology Description: This effort will provide a nuclear-focused strategy for providing an advanced, innovative, and intuitive imaging technology to workers at nuclear facilities called Change Detection System (CDS) .When deployed for nuclear applications, CDS will transform the way work is accomplished by leveraging powerful computer vision techniques for the identification and analysis of objects/areas not currently available to the nuclear reactor community. CDS has received two patents and two R&D 100 awards.
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| Dry Cask Vital Signs
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Ahmad Al Rashdan Entrepreneurial Lead: Carson McNair Industry Mentor: John Kessler
Technology Description: The proposed technology is to enable online performance monitoring of vented dry casks by installing a device on all air vents to monitor the physical parameters of air such as temperature, flow rate, density, nuclear radiation, impurities, humidity, salt content, acidity, and chemistry, and to apply a method that is based on accumulating measurements, then correlating accumulated measurements to dry cask failure baselines or signatures. | |
| E-Recov
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Tedd Lister Entrepreneurial Lead: Luis Diaz Aldana and Leslie Ovard Industry Mentor: Jon Cook
Technology Description: Electrochemically Recycling Electronic Components of Value (E-RECOV) is novel technology developed specifically to reclaim valuable metals from discarded electronic equipment. The process uses an electrochemical cell to efficiently recover the bulk of metals, leading to more thorough recycling of materials while significantly minimizing chemical use and waste generation. The process is sustainable, safe, and environmentally friendly and can be accomplished domestically and economically. | | |
| Optiblend
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Allison Ray Entrepreneurial Lead: Hong Hu
Industry Mentor: Ryan Bills
Technology Description: Researchers at INL are developing a solution to enable a blended feedstock strategy in the production of renewable fuels. The use of blended feedstocks addresses several challenges in the current supply chain, including availability, cost, quality, and variability. Blending provides a mechanism to reduce supply chain risk and may reduce feedstock costs by as much as 30%. Preliminary results suggest blending provides a low-cost, consistent biomass supply for advanced bio-fuel production. |
Cohort 3 - July 12-August 25, 2016 |
| DLR
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Jake Gentle Entrepreneurial Lead: Donna Rennemo Industry Mentor: Dale Douglass
Technology Description: The General Line Ampacity State Solver (GLASS) software package provides utility companies with the ability to use dynamic line rating to adjust power production through their grid network and allow for deferment of costly transmission line upgrades or new installations. GLASS calculates real-time ampacity and thermal conductor limits, helping the end-user determine, in real-time, the limiting ampacities and thermal ratings for any given transmission line segment. |
Cohort 2 - March 15-May 5, 2016 |
| Quake
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Justin Coleman Entrepreneurial Lead: Chandrakanth Bolisetti Industry Mentor: Mark Kaczor
Technology Description: Currently, DOE and the nuclear industry perform seismic analysis using equivalent-linear numerical analysis tools. For large levels of shaking, where soil strains are high, these tools are likely inaccurate for seismic and flooding probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) calculations. This proposed technology, with advanced seismic methods and tools, will minimize uncertainty and reduce quantified safety margins and costs required to mitigate seismic hazards. | | |
| High-Moisture Pelleting Process
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Jaya Shankar Tumuluru Entrepreneurial Lead: Erica Belmont Industry Mentor: Art Baker
Technology Description: Idaho National Laboratory has developed a high-moisture pelleting process that decreases the drying cost and manages the feedstock moisture more efficiently. Through this process, the biomass is pelleted at moisture contents greater than 25 percent. The pellets are partially dried during production by the frictional heat developed in the pellet die during compression and extrusion. Additionally, a short preheating step replaces the conventional, energy-intensive steam conditioning. This step helps reduce the feedstock moisture content as well as activate biomass components, like lignin. Techno-economic analysis indicated the process reduces energy and production costs by about 40 to 50 percent compared to a conventional pelleting method. Currently, scale-up of the high moisture pelleting process from lab to pilot and commercial scale is in progress. |
Cohort 1 - October 11-November 19, 2015 
| | ARAI
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Matthew Balderree Entrepreneurial Lead: Corey Smith Industry Mentor: Wendolyn Holland
Technology Description: The Advanced Renewable Aerial Inspections (ARAI) technology utilizes unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to perform safer, more economical inspections on multiple types of wind turbines, including off-shore wind turbines, to collect data. The UAS data can be used to help determine maintenance requirements and detect issues and trends to help wind farm operators, public utilities, turbine manufacturers, and maintenance companies make rapid, informed decisions in how they manufacture, build, deploy, and maintain their products. Through its participation in Energy I-Corps, the team hopes to better understand the challenges of taking innovative ideas from concept to commercialization and, ultimately with the help of their commercialized technology, help industry provide additional U.S. energy jobs. | | |
| Switchable Polarity Solvent Forward Osmosis
Team Members
Principal Investigator: Aaron Wilson Entrepreneurial Lead: Carter Fox Industry Mentor: Shawn Perkins Industry Mentor: David Noack
Technology Description: Switchable polarity solvents (SPSs) are an exciting new class of materials that undergo a polarity shift upon being exposed to a chemical agent. The switch leads to profound changes in solubility and phase behavior, and SPSs display many of the beneficial characteristics of room temperature ionic liquids without the cost or difficulty of recycling. This team envisions a range of possible applications for this technology, but their initial target areas will be industrial water treatment and biomass fractionation. The use of SPSs in water treatment processes has the potential to cost-effectively obtain high water recoveries from high-salinity and high-fouling industrial waters. The team’s biomass project will use SPSs to fractionate biomass such that it can be merchandized, allowing the biomass industry to compete with the petrochemical infrastructure. With the help of Lab-Corps the team hopes to explore various paths forward, demonstrate the processes, and bring the technology to market. |
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