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Innovating Distributed Embedded Energy Prize

Let’s forge a wave-powered future together! New wave energy technologies have the potential to power much of the nation’s grid.

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Energy, Environment & Resources Technology
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InDEEP Final Forum

This challenge is closed

Energy, Environment & Resources Technology
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InDEEP Final Forum
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Overview

 

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is launching the Innovating Distributed Embedded Energy Prize (InDEEP) to encourage innovation in distributed embedded energy converter technology (DEEC-Tec, pronounced “deck tech”) to generate new, precommercial materials for wave energy conversion. This prize will challenge innovators from within and beyond wave energy to design and develop novel materials for marine energy applications that will lay the foundation for generating electricity at the grid scale. 

This three-phase, two-year competition is offering a combined cash prize pool up to $2.3 million. Teams will also receive technical support, teaming support, and other forms of mentorship throughout the prize to enable their success.

Wave energy is the most abundant and geographically varied marine energy resource in the United States. The total available wave energy resource in the United States is equivalent to approximately 34% of all U.S. power generation in 2019.

InDEEP seeks innovations that blend materials and renewable energy research to help convert wave energy to usable electricity. This prize is the first step in exploring DEEC-Tec’s potential for ocean wave energy conversion. 

Competitors will use innovative methods to identify DEEC-Tec components and materials that have high techno-economic potential for wave energy converters. Successful concepts developed through this prize are those that show the greatest techno-economic potential to contribute to grid-scale power systems. 

 

Prize Phases 

 

Prize Goals 

  • Leverage WEC innovation methods to systematically develop DEEC-Tec concepts that could bring value to the ocean wave energy conversion industry. 
  • Build a solver community by engaging and facilitating collaboration between innovators inside and outside the marine energy industry and related DEEC-Tec disciplines. 
  • Encourage development of novel DEEC-Tec concepts with high potential relevant to ocean wave energy conversion by supporting an interdisciplinary set of competitors as they move from ideation to design.
  • Refine wave energy converter innovation methods to incorporate ideas from beyond the field of wave energy based on feedback from the prize.

 

 

Guidelines

 

Who can participate?

This prize aims to engage distributed embedded energy conversion experts from a wide variety of fields and disciplines, like piezoelectrics, polymers, and actuators. Innovators within and beyond the wave energy industry are encouraged to create and join multidisciplinary teams in designing and completing proof-of-concept testing of DEEC-Tec concept(s) that are applicable to ocean wave energy conversion. 

To ensure success regardless of knowledge or background in marine energy, competitors will receive multiple types of support throughout the prize, including training in innovation methods, connections with commercialization mentors, and an introduction to marine renewable energy. 

Please see the official prize rules for participant eligibility and resource materials.

Leaderboard

The leaderboard is a representation of engagement throughout Phase II. The final scores represented on the public-facing leaderboard will contribute directly to the final numerical score a competitor receives on their submission. Individual scoring components are included in the official prize rules, and teams can receive up to 5 points per scoring criteria, for a maximum of 15 additional points, that will be calculated and weighted into final scores for their appropriate category. 

Specific engagement activities will be offered and updates will be shared on the leaderboard as teams complete these activities. Teams will not earn points for leaderboard activities prior to completing the initial eligibility confirmation on HeroX. It is the responsibility of the team to notify the prize administrator to transition points to another team, should teams pursue partnerships and a change in the team captain whose name is associated with these engagement changes. 

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Timeline
Updates27

Challenge Updates

InDEEP Innovation Spotlight! EBB:FLOW

Jan. 16, 2025, 8:42 a.m. PST by NREL Challenges

The Phase III competitors have been hard at work developing their DEEC-Tec concepts in advance of the final event in March. Today, we’re spotlighting finalist EBB:FLOW.  

The EBB:FLOW team from Braintree, Massachusetts brings together experience in marine renewables, smart materials, and U.S. regulatory and market landscapes to advance a novel direct generation wave energy technology.  

The team’s technology is a Dielectric Fluid Generator comprising of a set of pouches that act as variable capacitors when an external load is applied. As the fluid-filled pouches are compressed and expanded by the action of ocean waves, their cyclical charging and discharging generates electricity.  

EBB:FLOW will present on their technology at the InDEEP Final Forum in March in pursuit of winning the grand prize.

InDEEP Innovation Spotlight! PECWEC

Jan. 2, 2025, 8:27 a.m. PST by NREL Challenges

During Phase III, the InDEEP finalists have been hard at work developing their DEEC-Tec concepts in advance of the final event in March. Today, we’re spotlighting finalist PECWEC from Storrs, Connecticut.

This team from the University of Connecticut is advancing wave energy harvesting through the Piezoelectrochemical Wave Energy Converter (PECWEC). This solution is designed to transform the mechanical energy of ocean waves into electrochemical energy.

The PECWEC project aims to address the limitations of traditional mechanical energy harvesters in capturing energy from low-frequency ocean waves. PEC materials, which convert energy through volume changes induced by electrochemical reactions, are better fit for low-frequency applications. This technology has enabled the team to develop an efficient energy harvesting technique that is suitable for the dynamic and environment of ocean waves. 

Team PECWEC will join the other finalists at the InDEEP Final Forum in March for the culmination of the InDEEP Prize.

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InDEEP Innovation Spotlight! The Piezogami Team

Dec. 19, 2024, 1:32 p.m. PST by NREL Challenges

During Phase III, the InDEEP finalists have been hard at work developing their DEEC-Tec concepts in advance of the final event in March. Today, we’re spotlighting the Piezogami Team.

Hailing from Blacksburg, Virginia, the Piezogami Team is developing a wave-powered electric barrier using inspiration from the ancient art of Kirigami paper cutting. This wave-powered, autonomous fence aims to deter invasive marine species, particularly the sea lamprey, to protect the country’s Great Lakes and oceans.

The members of the Piezogami Team combined their expertise in soft piezo-electric materials, kirigami structures, and marine energy harvesting to create a hierarchical meta-structure that maximizes wave energy harvesting at different levels. Not only does the integrated system harvest and store energy from waves, but the piezoelectric kirigami sheets can also act as a sensor to detect contact from invasive fish and release electricity to deter these harmful species. 

The Piezogami Team will present on their technology at the InDEEP Final Forum in March in pursuit of being named a grand prize winner.

InDEEP Innovation Spotlight! WaveHarvest

Nov. 26, 2024, 1:38 p.m. PST by NREL Challenges

During Phase III, the InDEEP finalists have been hard at work developing their DEEC-Tec concepts in advance of the final event in March. Today, we’re spotlighting finalist WaveHarvest.

WaveHarvest’s concept involves a unique configuration of three different DEEC types to harness energy from ocean waves and convert it into useful electricity. Their novel energy harvesting device combines piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and dielectric elastomer transducers into a distributed and multimodal system. 

Significantly, the integration of these transduction mechanisms extends beyond simple combination and instead leads to increased energy density for the device, as the presence of one system enhances the efficiency of the other. 

WaveHarvest will join the rest of the prize finalists at the InDEEP Final Forum in March to present their technology and compete for the grand prize. 

Small Business Funding Opportunities in Water Power Topics

Nov. 21, 2024, 1:59 p.m. PST by NREL Prize Moderator 2

The latest round of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs features multiple opportunities for water power innovators. DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is seeking SBIR and STTR applications related to both hydropower and marine energy technologies in eight subtopics (see page 129 of the SBIR/STTR topics document for more details): 

 

Hydropower  

a. Municipal and Industrial Conduit Hydropower  

b. Innovations in data collection, analytics, models and tools  

c. Pumped Storage Hydropower Innovative Concepts  

Marine Energy  

d. Co-Development of Marine Energy Technologies  

e. Development of Standardized Modular Power Electronics for Grid-Compatible Marine Energy Systems 

f. Advances in Overtopping Wave Energy Converters for Coastal Structures  

g. Next-Generation Tidal and River Current Energy Technologies for Arctic/Alaskan Communities  

h. Feasibility of Co-locating Marine Energy and Offshore Wind 

 

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the topics document to identify technology areas of interest and begin formulating innovative responses and partnerships. The funding opportunity is expected to be released on Dec. 16, 2024, and letters of intent are due by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 7, 2025. 

 

WPTO will also be hosting an informational webinar on Dec. 4 to discuss the topics and answer questions from interested applicants. Learn more and register for the webinar.  

 

As you pursue this and other opportunities, remember that the American-Made Network is a great resource for finding commercialization-assistance providers and vendors with specific expertise across technology sectors. The Network helps accelerate innovations through a robust group of entities that includes national laboratories, energy incubators, investors, and other industry partners from across the United States who engage, connect, mentor, and amplify the efforts of small businesses. 

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Forum50
Teams370
Entries
Leaderboard
Resources
FAQ
Webinars & Recordings

Webinars & Recordings

Phase III Webinars

 

12/16/2024 - 2:00pm MT/4:00pm ET - InDEEP Final Forum Logistics Webinar: Join this webinar to learn more about the Phase III InDEEP Final Forum taking place at NREL on March 5-7, 2025. Prize administrators will share details about registration, lodging, tentative agenda, presentation sessions, and other important event information. Register here.

 

08/15/24 - 12:00pm MT/2:00pm ET - Join us for this one hour Phase III kickoff webinar! Register here.

 

08/27/24 - 10:00am MT/12:00pm ET - Join us for this one hour Wave Energy 3.0 webinar! Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

 

09/12/24 - 10:00am MT/12:00pm ET - Join us for this one hour DEEC-Tec 3.0 webinar! Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

 

09/19/24 - 1:00pm MT/3:00pm ET - Save the Date and join us for this one hour Innovation Methods 3.0 webinar! Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

 

09/23/24 - 12:00pm MT/2:00pm ET - Join us for this one hour TPL 3.0 webinar! Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

 

Archive: Phase II Webinars

11/14/23 - 11:00am MT/1:00pm ET - Join us for this one hour phase II kickoff webinar where we will cover details about the prize, information on the support to be provided for competitors, and strategies for developing a successful submission package. Phase II is open to all competitors. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

 

12/18/24 - 1:00pm MT/3:00pm ET- Register for one of our Power Connector's InDEEP webinars on December 18th from 3 to 4 PM ET.  Tom Jensen and Cassie Coravos of Entrepreneur Futures Network (EFN) will provide insight from advising hundreds of other technology prize applicants on what steps you should be taking at this point in the prize competition to increase your chances of success. There will be plenty of time for questions and connecting with other potential prize applicants.*

 

01/10/24 - 9:00am MT/11:00am ET - This one hour Wave Energy 2.0 webinar will be tailored to Phase II of the challenge and will be an opportunity to chat with experts from the Innovating Distributed Embedded Energy Prize (InDEEP). Topics covered include wave energy motion, technology used to convert waves to energy, and much more! Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

 

01/17/24 - 9:00am MT/11:00am ET - This one hour DEEC-Tec 2.0 webinar will cover topics for Phase II. Learn how your technology concepts can apply this method to convert wave power into grid-scale energy. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.*

 

01/18/24 - 11:00 am MT/1:00 PM ET - This one-hour Patent Development Webinar gave competitors a primer and resources on patent development for deep tech such as DEEC-Tec materials.  Power Connector EFN's patent agent/expert presented this webinar. Have questions about patent development? Sign up for office hours with EFN.

 

01/24/24 - 9:00am MT/11:00am ET - This one hour Innovation Methods 2.0 webinar will be geared towards phase II where you'll learn more about the innovation methods that need to be applied to your submitted concepts. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.* 

 

01/31/24 - 9:00am MT/11:00am ET - This one hour TPL Assessment 2.0 webinar will cover the tool that will help assess your submitted concepts to complete at Phase II of the challenge. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.*

 

02/27/24 - 10:00am MT/12:00pm ET - This one hour webinar gave competitors a primer on commercialization strategy and planning. Power Connector, EFN's guest expert covered topics such as forming a company, IP, fundraising, business planning, and partnering and development agreements. Have questions about what you can be thinking about now to make sure your technology will be commercializable when the time comes? Sign up for office hours with EFN.

 

02/29/24 - 12:00 MT/2:00pm ET - At the end of Phase II, competitors will be required to attend a virtual meeting with the Prize Administrator demonstrating the testing process and validating the test results in the Test Report and Technical Narrative. In this demonstration webinar the prize administrators roll-played what to expect during a Live Virtual DEEC Demonstration! Watch the recording here.

 

Archive: Phase I Prize Overview Webinars - 

4/12/23 - 9:00am MT/11:00amET - This one hour webinar will cover details about the prize, information on the support to be provided for competitors, and strategies for developing a successful submission package. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

4/26/23 - 9:00am MT/11:00amET - This one hour webinar will cover wave energy. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

5/3/23 - 9:00am MT/11:00amET - This one hour webinar will cover DEEC-Tec. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

5/10/23 - 9:00am MT/11:00amET - This one hour webinar will cover innovation methods.*Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

7/5/23 - 9:00am MT/11:00amET - This one hour webinar will cover TPL Assessment. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

 

Archive: Phase I Teaming Events - 

5/24/23 - 10:00am MT/12:00pm ET - This webinar will be a virtual teaming strategy and networking session. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

6/14/23 - 10:00am MT/12:00pm ET - This webinar will focus on team engagement and concept development strategy. Watch the recording here and access the slides here.

 

*Participation in these live activities will contribute to your leaderboard score. Teams will not earn points for these activities prior to completing the initial eligibility confirmation on HeroX.

 

Training Materials
InDEEP Final Forum