X
Home Mechanical Engineering Research Headley Research

Alexander J. Headley

Headley headshot Assistant Professor
Email: jheadley@memphis.edu 
Office: Engineering Science Building 310D
Research Areas
Thermofluids
Research Area Specifics
  • Reacting Systems
  • Thermofluid/Electrochemical System Modeling
  • Optimization and Control
Brief Description
Focus areas for Dr. Headley’s group extend to reacting systems, including both combustion and electrochemical system (e.g. battery and hydrogen fuel cell) modeling.  This work particularly addresses the interplay between research areas, such as how control systems can be improved by understanding battery degradation patterns, or the economic implications of detailed electrochemical system performance models.
Research Laboratory Name
Energy System Control and Optimization (ESCO) Lab
Research Laboratory
Dr. Headley’s research laboratory is designed to perform real-time simulations and hardware-in-the-loop experiments of energy systems.  An OPAL-RT system (OP4510 real time simulator and OP1400 power amplifier) in the lab is capable of emulating sub second power requirements of different scenarios and apply those loads to real devices.  This enables studies on the impact of load characteristics on electrochemical system (e.g. Li-ion battery chemistries, electrolyzers, fuel cells, etc.) performance and degradation and testing of optimal control strategies in realistic scenarios.
Research Applications
  • Electric Grid Modernization
  • Fire Safety
  • Alternative Fuel Production and Use
Brief Description
This research is centered around the technologies and infrastructural developments that will be needed to expand the use of renewable sources of energy.  Outcomes from this work has applications for all sectors of energy use, including heating & cooling, light-duty and fleet vehicle modernization, the electric grid, and beyond.
Research Sponsors
  • Sandia National Laboratories (Lead PI)
    BattCav: Modeling heat transfer in grid scale energy storage from Li-ion battery thermal runaway
    8/1/2021 – 10/31/2023
  • US Department of Energy (Co-PI)
    Building partnerships for development of sustainable energy systems with atmospheric measurements
    8/15/2022 – 2/14/2024