UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Derek Hall, an assistant professor in the College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, is joining the Institutes of Energy and the Environment on Aug. 15. Hall’s research interests include electrochemical energy conversion systems, electrochemical sensors, and the study of liquid-solid interfaces.
“The opportunity to join IEE and work alongside some of the brightest minds in the energy space is a privilege,” said Hall. “I am excited to contribute my expertise to the team's ongoing initiatives.”
Hall’s more recent research has included work on energy storage, including improving battery chemistries and identifying less expensive materials that still offer high energy density and excellent battery performance.
“The need to identify and operationalize high-performance energy storage is critical as we look to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” Hall said. “Because renewables generate energy on an intermittent basis, we must be able to capture, store and redistribute that energy to customers through the grid via batteries.”
Another focus area for Hall is waste-heat capture. He said that up to 50% of industrial energy is lost through waste heat. Hall and his colleagues have been working on a device called a thermally regenerative battery, which converts heat into electricity.
In an episode of the “Growing Impact” podcast, Hall explained the motivation behind his research.
“Energy security and climate change continue to impose practical limits on how much energy we can consume,” he said. “So, every time we burn something or find an energy source, any extra bit of useful work we can get out of that goes a long way.”
Hall has also worked with industry partners to provide real-world support. With his colleagues and the industry sponsor, Electric Power Research Institute, the team is investigating how contaminants in power plant water cycles affect the integrity of steel pipes and tubing in power generation systems. This project will help Electric Power Research Institute validate its boiler and turbine steam cycle chemistry guidelines.
Prior to joining the College of Engineering, Hall was an assistant teaching professor in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. He was also the undergraduate program chair of energy engineering for the college.