APL Energy aims to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and technological innovation. For this purpose, we encourage submissions describing early-stage proof of concept validation of a groundbreaking discovery and subsequent efforts in developing a prototype of that breakthrough technology. Proof of Concept and Prototype articles provide a platform to disseminate research recognized as a technological innovation that has become, or has the potential to become, a commercially viable product.

Proof of Concept and Prototype articles describe an already demonstrated or intellectual property (IP) protected idea and its pathway to commercial viability. Authors will report the innovation derived from the idea, the problem to be solved, the resulting application, and the Technology Readiness Level. Discussion on further testing requirements, next-level demonstrations, scale-up, marketability, and financial potential is recommended.

The recommended length for these articles is 2000 words. If you are interested in submitting a Proof of Concept and Prototype article to APL Energy, please complete the pre-submission proposal form and send it to aplenergy-journalmanager@aip.org.

Author Guidelines for Proof of Concepts and Prototypes.

We envision Proof of Concepts and Prototypes will attract entrepreneurs, spin-off and start-up companies, and small or medium-sized enterprises engaged in applied energy research. APL Energy’s Proof of Concept and Prototype articles will

  • provide an opportunity for researchers to publish their groundbreaking applications and technological innovations
  • serve as a platform where research and innovation come together for the development of new products and technologies,
  • educate early career researchers in the trajectory to real world applications beyond laboratory research, and
  • attract investors, policymakers, and collaborators.

Proof of Concepts and Prototypes will be peer-reviewed. Reviewers will include members of our Industrial Advisory Board , industry researchers, and innovators.

Definitions

A Proof of Concept is relevant before the idea has reached the production level. The purpose of a Proof of Concept article is to offer a perspective on the feasibility and financial potential of an idea. Proof of Concept articles will cover Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 1 to 3.

A Prototype demonstrates a route to a final product and possible scale-up for an innovation. The Prototype articles will test usability, functionality, and design of a working model for product development and to achieve a minimum viable product that is market-ready with a real-world application. Prototype articles will usually cover Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4 to 6.

Note: APL Energy is an open access journal. Articles published in APL Energy are freely accessible, without restrictions, to the global public. Authors who wish to submit a Proof of Concept and Prototype article should make sure not to disclose any confidential information. Authors who wish to publish in APL Energy retain the copyright to their work under a Creative Commons license. Under this license, users are free to share and adapt the material in any format, provided appropriate credit is given.