Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “research data management”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

MCNPy

SAND2026-20425O MCNPy runs and analyzes simulations from MCNP, a software that models radiation transport of neutrons and gamma rays. MCNPy uses Python to start MCNP, retrieve event data files, and convert them into graph structures for detailed analysis. It offers visualization tools, including 2D views of particle histories, making complex simulation data easier to interpret for researchers and engineers. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Nowack, Aaron [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Live↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modular Subsurface Sensors and Integrated Software for Advanced Subsurface Characterization and Monitoring using Unoccupied Vehicles

The advent and subsequent proliferation of autonomous airborne, waterborne, and groundbased vehicles (i.e., “drones”) promises to broadly transform the geosciences and associated industries, including fossil energy exploration and development, mineral resource exploration and development, water-resource management, and environmental remediation. For geophysical characterization and monitoring, the prospect of programming highly repeatable and low-cost drone missions for subsurface imaging will allow for deployments in hazardous and previously inaccessible areas. Coupled with autonomous workflows for data processing, management, and visualization, drone-based geophysical characterization and monitoring will enable unprecedented, real-time insight into diverse subsurface properties and processes of scientific and engineering importance. Toward this end, the objectives of this Lab Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project were to develop new (1) instrumentation for dronebased electromagnetic induction (EMI) geophysical imaging, including separated transmitter and receivers and associated electronics, (2) software for real-time data telemetry, processing, management, and visualization. Although EMI has been previously deployed using unoccupied aerial systems (UASs), these applications failed to capitalize on the game-changing capabilities of drone platforms. Whereas drone-based data acquisition allows for collection of rich, three-dimensional (3D) multi-offset/multi-angle configurations between transmitters and receivers, past efforts have relied on conventional instrumentation that was designed for ground-based data collection with the transmitter and a single receiver housed in the same unit; nor did these previous applications demonstrate real-time delivery of results to support rapid management decisions in the field. In this 1-year project, we (1) designed and constructed new lightweight independent transmitter and receiver antenna platforms that communicate with a laptop computer; (2) developed software to control data acquisition, manage/transfer data, and visualize data as its collected; and (3) demonstrated the operation of the new hardware and software systems in a ground-based field test. Our work entails major technological advances for EMI and established a foundation on which to build a new drone-based, real-time geophysical EMI imaging capability to support diverse challenges facing the nation.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Using mixed methods to construct and analyze a participatory agent-based model of a complex Zimbabwean agro-pastoral system

Complex social-ecological systems can be difficult to study and manage. Simulation models can facilitate exploration of system behavior under novel conditions, and participatory modeling can involve stakeholders in developing appropriate management processes. Participatory modeling already typically involves qualitative structural validation of models with stakeholders, but with increased data and more sophisticated models, quantitative behavioral validation may be possible as well. In this study, we created a novel agent-basedmodel applied to a specific context: Zimbabwean non-governmental organization the Muonde Trust has been collecting data on their agro-pastoral system for the last 35 years and had concerns about land-use planning and the effectiveness of management interventions in the face of climate change. We collaboratively created an agent-based model of their system using their data archive, qualitatively calibrating it to the observed behavior of the real system without tuning any parameters to match specific quantitative outputs. We then behaviorally validated the model using quantitative community-based data and conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine the relative impact of underlying parameter assumptions, Indigenous management interventions, and different rainfall variation scenarios. We found that our process resulted in a model which was successfully structurally validated and sufficiently realistic to be useful for Muonde researchers as a discussion tool. The model was inconsistently behaviorally validated, however, with some model variables matching field data better than others. We observed increased model system instability due to increasing variability in underlying drivers (rainfall), and also due to management interventions that broke feedbacks between the components of the system. Interventions that smoothed year-to-year variation rather than exaggerating it tended to improve sustainability. The Muonde trust has used the model to successfully advocate to local leaders for changes in land-use planning policy that will increase the sustainability of their system.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Computational Math Problems for a Clean Energy Future

Cutting edge computational mathematics are ubiquitous in renewable energy research. Problems in resilient and reliable electric grid operations, infrastructure planning, wind farm yaw control, and more demand sophisticated and scalable computational tools that enable the transition of renewable energy technologies from proof of concept to deployment into our energy system. The mission of the Computational Science Center at NREL is to lead the lab's efforts to solve energy challenges using high-performance computing (HPC), computational science, applied mathematics, scientific data management, visualization, and informatics. In this poster, we provide a short overview of three areas of computational mathematics research at NREL: wind power scenario generation for stochastic grid operations and infrastructure planning, improved rational function approximations for electromagnetic transients codes, and wind farm yaw control using a combination of the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) and reinforcement learning (RL). Increasing penetrations of renewable energy into power grids motivate the investigation of new approaches to characterizing uncertainty for five-minute economic dispatch problems. Similarly, as the penetration of distributed energy resources on power grids increases, it becomes important to revisit our methods of modelling transient phenomena, i.e. electromagnetic transients programs. Finally, the combination of ADMM and RL for wind farm yaw control presented here can potentially increase the efficiency of the deployed distributed controllers by orders of magnitude.

ADMM↗
DOE OSTI2024

OPEN-Augmented Reality GUI for Bioenergy Crop Phenotyping and Precision Agriculture (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Final Scientific Technical Report)

The project led by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, in collaboration with Arizona State University, George Washington University, and Saint Louis University, has made significant strides in advancing the phenotypic analysis of bioenergy crops through the development of an innovative AI processing pipeline. This initiative was primarily funded by ARPA-E, with additional cost-sharing provided by the participating institutions. The project successfully utilized a variety of sensors—3D scanners, thermal, RGB, and hyperspectral—to refine algorithms for data-driven trait signature identification and improve the classification and visualization of plant traits. The developed AI processing pipeline is capable of handling the complex, multidimensional data characteristic of dynamic agricultural environments. 1) Contributions to understanding: The research has advanced the field of plant phenomics by showcasing the synergistic use of various sensor data to enhance the precision of trait analysis in bioenergy crops. Through the integration of 3D scanners, thermal, RGB, and hyperspectral sensors, the project has developed robust data-driven trait signature algorithms and visualization techniques. These innovations have facilitated detailed monitoring and management of plant traits, providing vital insights into plant growth dynamics and stress responses. Further, the project has broadened our understanding of how machine learning can be effectively applied in multi-sensor environments to refine trait analysis. By leveraging diverse datasets, the research has not only improved the accuracy of phenotypic assessments but also established a versatile methodological framework that can be extended beyond agriculture to other fields requiring detailed phenotypic analysis. 2) Technical effectiveness and economic feasibility: The AI processing pipeline developed in this project demonstrated significant technical effectiveness, achieving high throughput analysis of extensive phenotypic data and meeting targeted accuracies. This system exemplified the capability of advanced machine learning technologies to efficiently manage and analyze large, complex datasets. Economically, the implementation of the project-developed pipelines may offer substantial cost savings across multiple sectors. It enhances data analysis processes and significantly reduces the need for manual data interpretation, thereby decreasing both the time and resources required. 3) Public benefit: The project has significantly broadened the scope of agricultural methodologies to enhance phenotypic analysis, with potential applications in various sectors beyond agriculture. Additionally, the initiative fostered an enriching educational and collaborative environment, significantly enhancing the technical skills of participants. It also made substantial contributions to the scientific community by providing open-access data sets and tools, encouraging ongoing research and development across various disciplines. Overall, the project not only met its scientific goals but also showcased the extensive utility of integrating advanced machine learning and sensor data analysis technologies. These advancements have proven instrumental in driving forward both theoretical research and practical applications, setting a strong foundation for future explorations and innovations in data-driven science.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

High Energy Physics Network Requirements Review: Two-Year Update

The Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) is the high-performance network user facility for the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) and delivers highly reliable data transport capabilities optimized for the requirements of data-intensive science. In essence, ESnet is the circulatory system that enables the DOE science mission by connecting all its laboratories and facilities in the US and abroad. ESnet is funded and stewarded by the Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program and managed and operated by the Scientific Networking Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). ESnet is widely regarded as a global leader in the research and education networking community. ESnet interconnects DOE national laboratories, user facilities, and major experiments so that scientists can use remote instruments and computing resources as well as share data with collaborators, transfer large datasets, and access distributed data repositories. ESnet is specifically built to provide a range of network services tailored to meet the unique requirements of the DOE’s data-intensive science. In July 2023, the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) and the High Energy Physics program (HEP) of the DOE SC organized an interim ESnet requirements review of HEP-supported activities, to follow up on the work started during the 2020 HEP Network Requirements Review. Preparation for these events included checking back with the key stakeholders: program and facility management, research groups, and technology providers. Each stakeholder group was asked to prepare updates to their previously submitted case study documents, so that ESnet could update the understanding of any changes to the current, near-term, and long-term status, expectations, and processes that will support the science activities of the program.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Livewire Data Platform-A Solution for Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (EEMS) Data Sharing

This presentation is an overview of progress made on the Livewire Data Platform since June 2022. Livewire is a publicly accessible platform for sharing energy efficiency and mobility research data funded by DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office. Core services and platform capabilities of Livewire include: Free, secure data storage; Access management that allows data owners to control who sees their data; Data collection and preservation; Quality characterization; Detailed access and download metrics; and Increased visibility of projects and data. Anyone can create an account and access data at https://livewire.energy.gov/.

energy efficiency↗
DOE OSTI2025

Accelerating Resilience of the Community through Holistic Engagement and use of Renewables (ARCHER) Planning Framework

The primary objective of the Accelerating Resilience of the Community through Holistic Engagement and Use of Renewables (ARCHER) initiative was to identify and incorporate the unique variations in energy burden, social vulnerability, living conditions, and access to essential services that differ across communities. By accounting for these localized factors—down to the neighborhood level—the project supports more targeted and effective investments in community resilience. The framework seeks to establish practical planning guidance, methods, and performance measures for community energy resilience, integrate community-level and electric utility system resilience planning, and assess its effectiveness through comparison with conventional and operational planning approaches. A key component of the project was its data exchange platform, which is used to evaluate and demonstrate the tools, methodologies, and planning approaches developed through ARCHER. This open-source platform enables developers and vendors of distribution and outage management systems to build upon the research by incorporating its concepts into their own tools and workflows. This capability is enabled by the transparent availability of data, functional requirements, and the underlying information model. The project yielded several important insights. First, meaningful engagement with communities is essential to achieving comprehensive resilience outcomes. Second, resilience planning is most effective when electric grid considerations and broader community needs are addressed in a coordinated manner. Third, the use of platforms that allow for real-time input from communities can enhance utility responsiveness during restoration activities. Fourth, a structured and systematic planning approach can successfully translate ARCHER concepts into practice. Fifth, the development of an integrated metric that reflects both grid performance and community impacts provides a more holistic basis for evaluating resilience. Finally, incorporating community engagement and equity considerations into grid operations is critical, particularly during severe weather events that result in extended outages.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Detecting the undetected: Dealing with non-routine events using advanced M&V meter-based savings approaches

In a rapidly evolving energy industry, utilities are dealing with new challenges like integrating distributed energy resources and market saturation for advanced lighting retrofits. Demand-side management programs require new approaches to meet aggressive carbon reduction goals. Advanced measurement & verification (M&V) is an energy data analysis method using smart meter data in combination with analytics to quantify energy efficiency project savings. Advanced M&V shows great promise for supporting next generation commercial programs including retro commissioning, multi-measure retrofits, and behavior change programs. Advanced M&V captures real project impacts at the meter, but sometimes non-project events can also impact consumption (so-called “non-routine events” [NREs]). Accurately detecting and accounting for NREs is important for reducing uncertainty of savings estimates and helps manage investment risk for different stakeholders (e.g., utilities, building owners, ESCOs). Recent research has shown promise in establishing data-driven techniques to identify and adjust for NREs, but fundamental questions still remain, such as: how can you distinguish NREs from acceptable noise in energy consumption profiles? What is the frequency and magnitude of NREs? Can their detection and adjustment be automated and streamlined? This paper documents the state of the art in NRE quantification and analysis. The results of research to quantify the frequency, nature and direction of NREs, and methods and metrics for determining a trigger threshold for taking action on NREs are presented. The paper also documents the latest technical guidance on application of NRE detection and adjustment methods.

Fernandes, Samuel↗
DOE OSTI2023

NREL's Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) Test Bed

NREL's advanced distribution management system (ADMS) research helps utilities meet customer expectations of reliability, power quality, renewable energy use, data security, and resilience to natural disasters and other threats.

Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems↗
DOE OSTI2022

Two-Stage Optimization Framework for Detecting and Correcting Parameter Cyber-Attacks in Power System State Estimation

One major tool of Energy Management Systems for monitoring the status of the power grid is State Estimation. Since the results of state estimation are used within the energy management system, the security of the state estimation process is most important. The focus research in this area is on detecting False Data Injection attacks on measurements. While this is important, State Estimation also rely on database that are used to describe the relationship between measurements and systems' states. This paper presents a two-stage programming framework to detect and correct attacks in the parameters of the measurement model used by the state estimation process in the Energy Management System. In the first stage, an estimate of the line parameters ratios are obtained. In the second stage, the estimated ratios from stage I are used in a Bi-Level model for obtaining a final estimate of the measurements' model parameters. Hence, the presented framework does not only unify the detection and correction in a single optimization run, but also provide a monitoring scheme for the SE database that is typically considered static. In addition, in the two stages, linear programming framework is preserved. For validation, the IEEE 118 bus system is used for implementation. The results of this paper illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model for detecting attacks in the database used in the state estimation process.

state estimation, two-stage optimization, cyber-ph↗
DOE OSTI2022

Strym: A Python Package for Real-time CAN Data Logging, Analysis and Visualization to Work with USB-CAN Interface

In this report, we describe a data analysis tool developed for decoding and analyzing vehicle data obtained from a passenger vehicle’s onboard controller area network (CAN) bus. The tool developed in this paper provides a timeseries framework to perform domain-specific analysis at scale when interpreting data from a vehicle or a collection of vehicles in light of how to design intelligent vehicle applications. The tool, called Strym, exploits the CAN bus mechanism of modern vehicles to capture data using commercially available CAN-to-USB hardware Comma.ai Panda devices, managed through open-source software Libpanda. Strym permits the decoding of vendor-specific CAN messages in a vehicle-agnostic manner. Through this, a researcher can characterize data throughput, assess data quality, and perform analyses. Such analyses are useful in a number of research such as studying human driving behavior in mixed-autonomy, new driver models, rare-event detection, traffic flow estimation, and custom control of vehicles.

Performance evaluation, Smart cities, Intelligent ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Do Remote Camera Arrangements and Image Capture Settings Improve Individual Identification of Golden Eagles?

Individual identification of animals from camera traps has become an important task in wildlife research, but camera deployment methods often do not facilitate this important undertaking. Identification of individual golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) is possible using uniquely marked rectrices, but no studies have explored methods to maximize the rate of individual identification from camera images. Furthermore, our objectives were to assess whether different camera heights (1 m vs. 3 m), image capture settings (one image after a 1-min delay vs. burst of 5 images after a 30 sec delay), and arrangements relative to bait (dorsally vs. ventrally aimed) affected views of rectrices on golden eagles and our ability to identify individuals. We conducted our study from 15 December 2016 to 3 March 2017 on the Savannah River Site, South Carolina. First, we developed a scoring system based on views of rectrices and used a linear mixed-effects model to compare image scores among different camera arrangements and image settings. Next, after identifying individual eagles, we used generalized linear mixed-effects models to compare total individual eagle detections, total days an individual was detected, and probability of obtaining an unknown individual identification among camera arrangements and settings. Overall, we scored a total of 27,499 images, with 8,083 providing views of marked rectrices that allowed identification of 18 individual eagles. Average image scores and proportion of images suitable for individual identification were higher from elevated (3 m) camera arrangements than standard arrangements (1 m) across sites. Regardless of camera height, faster frequency of image capture provided more images that could be used to identify individuals and the most trap days per individual. Researchers and managers should consider deploying elevated cameras traps with faster frequency of image capture to improve data quality and potential for analysis of golden eagle populations and trends across the species’ range.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Performance Assessment for the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility (FY 2019 Annual Status Report)

DOE O 435.1 and DOE M 435.1-1 require that a determination of continued adequacy of the performance assessment (PA), composite analysis, and disposal authorization statement (DAS) be annually, and it must consider the results of data collection and analysis from research, field studies, and monitoring as well as update any Radioactive Waste Management Basis documents. Beginning in 1996, the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility (ERDF) has accepted low-level radioactive, hazardous, and mixed wastes that were generated during cleanup activities at the Hanford Site. ERDF is composed of a series of cells (currently 10) or disposal areas and can accommodate future design expansions as needed. During this reporting period (fiscal year 2019, October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019). approximately 139,721 U.S. tons of waste was disposed at ERDF. From inception through September 30, 2019, ERDF has received approximately 18.5 million U.S. tons of waste, which equates to consumption of approximately 88% of the disposal volume. As a condition of the DAS, disposal operations within ERDF must be in accordance with the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) that provide specific radionuclide disposal limits, waste from restrictions, and descriptions of acceptable waste packages in compliance with DOE M 435-1.1 requirements. The ERDF WAC stipulates that waste destined for disposal at ERDF be controlled based on source, physical form, and containment concentration and activity levels

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

Oak Ridge National Laboratory FY 2023 Site Sustainability Plan With FY 2022 Performance Data

At the close of each fiscal year, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Sustainability Performance Division (SPD) issues guidance documents and technical resource aids/tools necessary for DOE sites and national laboratories to complete sustainability reporting requirements. SPD is part of the DOE Office of Asset Management. As required by DOE Order 436.1, Departmental Sustainability, “each site will develop and commit to an annual Site Sustainability Plan (SSP) that identifies its respective contribution toward meeting the DOE’s sustainability goals.” SPD collects and compiles information reported by each site to develop an agency-wide Sustainability Report and Implementation Plan, which is used to report DOE sustainability progress to the federal government as required by all major federal agencies. DOE launched a formal Sustainability Office and annual SSP process in 2011. Each year, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), in concert with the Office of Science (SC), provides the resources essential to fulfill its commitment to deliver a complete and accurate SSP report and quality performance data for entry into the DOE Sustainability Dashboard as managed by SPD. The performance data entered by each DOE site are then combined to disclose the progress of each DOE Program Office and are further combined to show comprehensive progress for the agency. The Office of Asset Management provides assistance to program offices in sustaining their missions, freeing up resources by reducing waste, avoiding excess expenditure on utilities, maximizing productivity, and improving the efficiency of facilities and processes. By focusing on mission needs, programs and associated DOE sites can help the agency meet its sustainability goals, as outlined in federal statutory and regulatory requirements. In FY 2022, the SSP guidance was updated to capture requirements from Executive Order (EO) 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, the Energy Act of 2020 (EAct 20), actions outlined in DOE’s Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan and Sustainability Plan, and EO 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability. Updates in SSP guidance help to minimize and streamline reporting while simultaneously addressing updated federal requirements. Per DOE, each SSP report should provide an overview of the site’s planned actions, as well as an overview of efforts and accomplishments during the reporting period. SPD collects and compiles information reported by each site to develop DOE’s Annual Sustainability Report, Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan, and Annual Energy Management Report to Congress. The agency goal has been to lower the reporting burden for sites and increase and improve the consistency of information available to decision makers, allowing them to better identify projects and potential for increased efficiency, as well as to reduce waste, lower emissions, and enhance operational resilience. Sites may elect to produce a more polished publication for their leadership and stakeholders, but this step is no longer required. The ORNL SSP narrative report (this document) and the reporting of DOE SPD Sustainability Dashboard performance data is a collaborative effort of approximately 30 subject matter experts (SMEs) from ORNL facility management and research divisions. Annually, these associates come together to provide a report that can be used by DOE to demonstrate continued agency progress in energy efficiency and sustainable federal operations.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Reviews and syntheses: The promise of big diverse soil data, moving current practices towards future potential

Abstract. In the age of big data, soil data are more available and richer than ever, but – outside of a few large soil survey resources – they remain largely unusable for informing soil management and understanding Earth system processes beyond the original study. Data science has promised a fully reusable research pipeline where data from past studies are used to contextualize new findings and reanalyzed for new insight. Yet synthesis projects encounter challenges at all steps of the data reuse pipeline, including unavailable data, labor-intensive transcription of datasets, incomplete metadata, and a lack of communication between collaborators. Here, using insights from a diversity of soil, data, and climate scientists, we summarize current practices in soil data synthesis across all stages of database creation: availability, input, harmonization, curation, and publication. We then suggest new soil-focused semantic tools to improve existing data pipelines, such as ontologies, vocabulary lists, and community practices. Our goal is to provide the soil data community with an overview of current practices in soil data and where we need to go to fully leverage big data to solve soil problems in the next century.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗