Blog

Using our new infrared pyrometer, we set a new Thermal Energy Group record this week, measuring temperatures above 2000° C for the first time! The high temperature chamber is used to study hydrogen production by methane pyrolysis and to investigate high-temperature thermal energy storage materials. The record was set by Nate Weger, Lin Yang, and Clement Messeri using a C-type thermocouple, breaking the record of 1700° C set by Nate Weger and Mahmoud Elzouka. 

Youngsup received his B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Yonsei University, where he developed nanomaterial-integrated MEMS devices. He received his PhD from MIT, where he focused on mechanistic understanding and enhancing pool boiling heat transfer, via surface property and structure design, at the Device Research Lab (DRL). Prior to his PhD study, he also worked at Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) in the Electrochemistry Department. 

Outside of the lab, you might find him taking a walk with his family around the campus, playing soccer, or working out in the gym. Welcome, Youngsup!

We congratulate Nate Weger, 4th year PhD student in Mechanical Engineering, on being awarded a 2021 H2H8 Research Grant! This grant will be used to continue his research in methane pyrolysis for hydrogen production. He is part of the first ever cohort of H2H8 Explorers. Congratulations, Nate!

This fall we welcome two new interns to our group. UC Berkeley undergraduates Rushabh Shah and Clément Messeri will be working on a project to develop high temperature materials (1,000 C to 2,000 C) that can store thermal energy for tens to thousands of hours, enabling the integration of intermittent renewable sources of energy into industrial manufacturing and the power grid. This work will help to decarbonize the nation’s energy economy.

Welcome Clément and Rushabh!

We recently received funding to work with other UC Berkeley and LBL researchers to develop novel materials for the extraction of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. The Lab received one of nine awards given by the Department of Energy to develop ways to help to reduce and ultimately reverse climate change and its negative impacts. Read about this award here.