Ralph Ahlgren

Title: Ralph Ahlgren: Innovator in Photothermal Evaporation Technology

Introduction

Ralph Ahlgren is a notable inventor based in San Jose, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of desalination technology through his innovative work on photothermal evaporators. His research focuses on enhancing the efficiency of water evaporation processes using solar energy.

Latest Patents

Ralph Ahlgren holds a patent for a "Photothermal evaporator for a desalination system and method of manufacture." This invention features an interconnected open-pore 2.5D Cu/CuO foam-based photothermal evaporator. It is capable of achieving a high evaporation rate of 4.1 kg m under one sun illumination by exposing one end of the planar structure to air. The micro-sized open-pore structure of Cu/CuO foam allows it to trap incident sunlight, while the densely distributed blade-like CuO nanostructures effectively scatter sunlight inside the pores simultaneously. The inherent hydrophilicity of CuO and capillary forces from the porous structure of Cu foam continuously supply sufficient water. Moreover, the doubled working sides of Cu/CuO foam enlarge the exposure area, enabling efficient vapor diffusion. The feasible fabrication process and the combined structural features of Cu/CuO foam offer new insights into the future development of solar-driven evaporators in large-scale applications with practical durability.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Ralph Ahlgren has worked with various organizations, including Northeastern University and Soleeva Energy, Inc. His work has been instrumental in advancing the field of renewable energy and water purification technologies.

Collaborations

Ralph has collaborated with notable individuals in his field, including Yi Zheng and Mohamed Sonbaty. These collaborations have contributed to the development and refinement of his innovative technologies.

Conclusion

Ralph Ahlgren's contributions to photothermal evaporation technology highlight his role as an innovator in the field of desalination. His patented inventions and collaborative efforts continue to pave the way for advancements in sustainable water solutions.