Valparaiso University Researches Heat Problem in U.S. Department of Energy-Funded Project

Ramos

Valparaiso University has just completed a research partnership with Carbon Solutions, LLC as part of a two-year U.S. Department of Energy grant to develop new support tools in the fight against climate change. The project also serves to exemplify Valpo’s dedication to providing hands-on experiences to our students, as described in the  University’s strategic plan Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward.

Mario Ramos ’24, a mechanical engineering major, spent countless hours over the past two summers simulating the effectiveness of gathering solar heat energy in various areas of the United States. That heat energy could be used to directly improve the efficiency of Carbon Solutions’ Direct Air Capture (DAC) Units — machines capable of pulling Co2 from the air. 

“I learned a lot, and I enjoyed the work. I was proud to work on this project,” said Ramos.

The ultimate goal for Ramos and Luke Venstrom, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering, was to find out whether solar power could be a competitive option when put up against other low-carbon energy sources that could produce similar results, such as geothermal. Their tests have suggested that solar would not only be a viable option in the desert environments of the American Southwest, as they predicted, but that it could also compete with existing low-carbon energy options in areas of Texas and Colorado. 

Carbon Solutions, LLC will use their data in the process of comparing the viability of heat energy sources specifically for the use-case of driving DAC units, while Ramos and Professor Venstrom’s focus will be on the general potential of concentrated solar to provide heat energy. 

For Ramos, his contributions to the project have opened up exciting opportunities to further immerse himself in the research experience. During the week of July 15, 2024, he attended the American Society of Mechanical Engineer’s International Conference in Anaheim as a presenter. While he plans to enter the workforce after he graduates in December, Ramos appreciates the chance to present as a researcher, as well as the soft skills that he has sharpened as part of the project.

SERF

“My public speaking has definitely improved,” Ramos said. “It also taught me about things like etiquette with Zoom calls, being productive, and knowing what you’re going to do when you get to work and having a goal for the week.” 

Ramos’ project is just one example of the many opportunities Valpo students have to gain research experience and make real contributions to their field. This past summer, several undertakings funded by the Indiana Space Grant Consortium (link to overall story) took place in labs across campus, and the University’s first American Physiology Society Fellowship recipient (link to Sara Tewoldemedhin story) began work in the field of biochemistry. For more information on the Department of Energy grant with Carbon Solutions, LLC, click here.