SEED develops coupled, multiscale models of energy and industrial systems. Below are the methods we build and the areas we apply them to. Each is shown with a short description and an example of the kind of problem it addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We represent a system at several scales at once, from the unit process and the plant to the supply chain, the economy, and policy, within one framework. A change at one scale and its effects at the others are then evaluated together, rather than in separate, disconnected studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example problem:<\/em> linking a chemical process design to its supply chain and to regional economic response in a single optimization, so the design is chosen with its downstream consequences visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We design and operate unit processes and full flowsheets using process simulation, dynamic modeling and control, and mathematical optimization, including mixed-integer nonlinear and superstructure formulations. This also produces physically consistent performance data that feed the larger-scale models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> representing competing reactor and separation configurations for a biorefinery as a superstructure and optimizing it against cost and emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We formulate life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis inside the design and optimization, using process-based, hybrid, prospective, and consequential methods. Environmental and economic performance then shape the design directly, instead of only grading it after the fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> computing life-cycle inventories and impacts inside a mathematical program, so that the least-cost design also satisfies an emissions constraint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We assess systems against absolute limits, such as planetary boundaries and the capacity of local ecosystems, not only against relative improvement. Techno-ecological synergy treats ecosystems and the people affected as part of the design, as variables and constraints rather than as an afterthought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> designing a biofuel supply chain together with treatment wetlands, so that nutrient runoff to a lake stays within the watershed’s ecological capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We track how materials and energy move through supply and value chains over time, using dynamic material-flow analysis and industrial-ecology methods. This supports circular-economy design and the recovery of critical materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> tracking the stocks and flows of wind-turbine blades over time to compare recycling, repurposing, and landfill pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We couple energy-system capacity-expansion and integrated-assessment models, such as ReEDS, GCAM, and IMAGE, with our design models, and add input-output and general-equilibrium economics. This makes assessments climate-aware and forward-looking, reflecting how the grid, technologies, and economy evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> deriving time-evolving grid emission factors from a capacity-expansion pathway, so a technology’s carbon footprint reflects the grid it will actually run on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We use machine learning to make these models faster and more scalable: large language models and retrieval to assemble life-cycle inventories, and surrogate and physics-informed models to approximate expensive simulations. We also design under uncertainty, using stochastic and robust optimization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> assembling life-cycle inventories automatically from documents and databases, and optimizing a design so it performs well across many future scenarios rather than a single forecast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, and biorefinery supply chains, from feedstock to end use. We study which technologies, sites, scales, and policies make low-carbon fuels viable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> choosing where to site, how large to build, and which conversion pathway to use for a sustainable aviation fuel supply chain under uncertain incentives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small modular reactors and the decarbonization of the electricity grid, including how the generation mix evolves over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> comparing the life-cycle carbon of small modular reactors against alternatives on a grid whose mix is changing across the coming decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n End-of-life and recovery pathways for wind blades, photovoltaics, batteries, and plastics, and the supply of critical minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> evaluating end-of-life options for wind-turbine blades, or the recovery of critical minerals from retired photovoltaics and batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The connections among agriculture, energy, and water, including agrivoltaics, agricultural electrification, and biomass supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> assessing agrivoltaics, solar generation over farmland, for its combined effects on energy output, crop yield, and water use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The footprint and redesign of industrial processes, from chemicals and pulp and paper to food processing, aluminum, and semiconductors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example problem:<\/em> identifying where process integration or electrification most reduces the footprint of an industrial plant, and at what cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SEED is recruiting PhD and MS students, and welcomes undergraduate researchers, with interests in process systems engineering, optimization, industrial ecology, and AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProcess design, control, and optimization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Life-cycle and techno-economic assessment inside the design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Absolute sustainability and techno-ecological synergy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Industrial ecology and material-flow analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Capacity expansion and climate-aware decision-making<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
AI, data, and optimization under uncertainty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat we work on: application areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Low-carbon fuels and the bioeconomy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Advanced nuclear and grid decarbonization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Circular economy and critical materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Food, energy, and water systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Process and manufacturing industries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWork with us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n