Project Meridian replaces traditional, fragile photovoltaic systems with a Refractory Plasmonic Architecture. By utilizing Stoichiometric Hafnium Nitride (HfN), the system is engineered to operate under 500x Solar Concentration and temperatures >280°C.
The Meridian TPOC platform is fuel-agnostic, supporting both Green Hydrogen (H2) evolution and constrained Hydrocarbon synthesis depending on the specific catalyst integration.
The Core Innovation: Unlike gold or silicon which degrade under extreme flux, HfN utilizes a Phonon Bottleneck mechanism to maintain plasmonic resonance at high temperatures, effectively turning "Waste Heat" into a catalytic asset.
2.0 Physics & Engineering Specs
2.1 The "Simulation Paradox" Solution
High-temperature operation traditionally leads to uncontrolled growth (e.g., "Wax Clogging" in hydrocarbon modes) and thermal drift. Meridian TPOC resolves this via:
Steric Confinement: Nano-pore geometry (1.0 nm) physically limits reactant assembly, preventing carbon chains longer than C8 from forming inside the catalyst.
Phase-Change Clamping: The system utilizes 110 Bar Nucleate Boiling to lock the operating temperature at exactly 280°C, preventing thermal runaway.
Parameter
Meridian TPOC Specification
Standard Gold (Au)
Active Material
Hafnium Nitride (HfN)
Gold Nanoparticles
Melting Point
3,310°C (Refractory)
1,064°C (Fails)
Carrier Lifetime
~1,000 fs (Long-Lived)
~10 fs (Short-Lived)
Cost Basis
Industrial Ceramic Pricing
Precious Metal Pricing
3.0 Development Status (TRL 3)
The core physics of Project Meridian have been rigorously validated via multi-physics computational models. Funding is currently being sought to transition from Analytical Validation (TRL 3) to Lab Breadboarding (TRL 4).
Conditional Claim: If phonon-mediated hot-carrier preservation persists under electrolyte load as modeled, Project Meridian enables a step-change in solar-driven fuel synthesis efficiency (>15% STH).