Scales and Systems
Our work on scales and systems is a cross-cutting theme that allows for the investigation of small-scale alternatives to existing energy infrastructure arrangements. Conventional energy economics has dictated energy infrastructures that are custom-made, large-scale, and ultra-reliable units with long lifetimes. LCSE researchers are analyzing a new approach to energy production and conversion that favors smaller units that are mass-produced, modular, and controlled in aggregate by cheap automation and control systems.