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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.

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At least 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

An Investigation of Strategies for Sensing Window Attachment Position: Survey of Candidate Technologies, Evaluation, and Deployment Recommendations

While windows are desirable feature in buildings for views, daylighting, and aesthetics, it is important to recognize that windows are a major contributor to a building’s energy load. Interior window coverings, such as shades and blinds, can help improve the energy performance of windows without sacrificing the benefits; however, while appropriate use of window coverings provide the potential for energy savings, there is little consensus regarding how occupants typically use these window attachments, which sometimes puts into question how much energy they actually save in an occupied home. Automated shading control strategies can reduce the uncertainty of energy savings; however, users can overwrite pre-defined schedules or write their own shade control programs to reach their personal comfort and privacy goals. Because it is difficult to identify how occupants interact with window shades, it is difficult to identify the energy savings potential of blinds. To address this problem, this study was developed to identify a candidate sensor that can be deployed to sense blind position. The intended application for this sensor is deployment in energy efficiency field studies so that shade usage can be measured to better understand results and identify the energy impact of specific window attachment technologies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electric Access System Enhancement (EASE): Assessment of a Distributed Energy Resource Management System for Enabling Dynamic Hosting Capacity

The Electric Access System Enhancement (EASE) project demonstrated a scalable, interoperable, and cost-effective means of integrating high penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs). The control architecture developed leveraged a Distributed Energy Resource Management System, Distribution System Operator for transacting energy, and 3rd Party DER Aggregator platform. The project identified ways to enhance the customer interconnection process to the grid and improve access to information from DERs and optimize the usage of DERs to provide energy services in a simulated day-ahead shadow market while maintain grid reliability. By integrating these capabilities into a scalable system of systems, the DSO can effectively balance DER generation and customer demand on the distribution network. This capability allows the grid to host more DER than traditionally possible on wires alone. Hosting more DER has the added benefit of supplying increased demand growth, sometimes beyond the capacity limits of the distribution network itself. This is known as a dynamic hosting capacity, which could help utilities manage the forecasted growth in electricity demand as California switch to electric vehicles and appliances. This could help to establish energy storage and PV generation as a “pseudo firm” generation resource mix if managed appropriately and provide sufficient resource adequacy for distribution capacity upgrade deferrals.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Making Northway, Alaska Resilient and Sustainable Through Energy Efficiency and Solar Power

This project implemented energy efficiency measures and installed 6 kW solar arrays on three community buildings in Northway, Alaska, in a collaboration between the Department of Energy - Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, the Northway Village Council (NVC), the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). Northway is a small community in interior Alaska, close to the Canadian border, with high fuel and energy costs: $3.00 per gallon of diesel and $0.56 per kWh, respectively, in 2016, when the project began. The energy efficiency and solar power installation plans aligned with Northway’s long-term energy goals of increasing renewable energy and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, per the Northway Community Energy Action Plan, the Alaska Interior Regional Energy Plan, and TCC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The project focused on three buildings: (1) the community hall (and later office) building, (2) the washeteria building, and (3) the water/sewer garage. It included multiple directions for energy efficiency measures, such as installing LED lighting upgrades, programmable thermostats, vending machine energy misers, efficient pumps, and adding glycol loops at the water/sewer plant. Since the village has a high potential for solar energy, in order to increase resilience and decrease costs, solar systems were installed on three community buildings. Later, a battery was installed in the community hall to capture solar power produced but not used during the day, and allow the flexibility to use that power during evening and night, further decreasing the reliance on grid power for that building. Electricity savings realized by the village between 2011-2012 and 2018-2019 by improving energy efficiencies in the buildings and adding solar was 23%. This is despite the community hall doubling in size during the same time period. If that is taken into consideration (by adding community hall usage into the 2011-2012 usage one additional time), the energy savings from 2011-2012 to 2018-2019 was 37%.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Global Overview of Energy Storage Performance Test Protocols

As part of the World Bank Energy Storage Partnership, this document seeks to provide support and knowledge to a set of stakeholders across the developing world as we all seek to analyze the emerging opportunities and technologies for energy storage in the electric sector. As global prices for renewable energy have dropped dramatically over the last decade and continue to decline and the value of energy storage has increased in many systems, the World Bank technical teams and others have been hearing of a variety of problems. Related, developing countries have been asking a series of questions in this new area. This working group seeks to address the issues raised in part by creating this document and working to gather a variety of experts in this area from across the globe in support of the World Bank efforts. Performance testing, in combination with test beds (Working Group 2), is critical to fulfill the promise offered by these breakthrough technologies and critical to increasing trust in these systems and reducing risk. This document seeks to provide information to stakeholders in developing countries on the current global performance testing landscape of the battery (and broader) performance testing landscape. This document does that by summarizing testing protocols published by key global entities. From this summary, it can be concluded that there are several organizations within each region that set protocols for the testing and specifications of stationary energy storage systems. Across most of these entities, there are extensive protocols for testing batteries for electrical vehicles and mobile devices, but less for large scale energy storage system and their usage cases. The working group and the Partnership more generally agree that the nascent markets for certain technologies and rapid growth make testing more important than ever as these markets continue to mature. This document also seeks to provide a set of "guideposts" to new entrants by pointing out some of the key organizations globally that are currently engaged in performance testing of energy storage systems (often batteries but the larger organizations are likely to engage in tailored tests for emerging thermal and other storage technologies).

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Managing time-substitutable electricity usage using dynamic controls

A predictive-control approach allows an electricity provider to monitor and proactively manage peak and off-peak residential intra-day electricity usage in an emerging smart energy grid using time-dependent dynamic pricing incentives. The daily load is modeled as time-shifted, but cost-differentiated and substitutable, copies of the continuously-consumed electricity resource, and a consumer-choice prediction model is constructed to forecast the corresponding intra-day shares of total daily load according to this model. This is embedded within an optimization framework for managing the daily electricity usage. A series of transformations are employed, including the reformulation-linearization technique (RLT) to obtain a Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP) model representation of the resulting nonlinear optimization problem. In addition, various regulatory and pricing constraints are incorporated in conjunction with the specified profit and capacity utilization objectives.

Ghosh, Soumyadip↗
DOE OSTI2023

Compact and Low-cost Microinverter for Residential Systems

Concerns regarding climate change from the use of fossil fuels have expedited the growth of renewable energy sources. One such form of renewables, solar energy, is already playing and will continue to play a major role in meeting U.S clean energy targets. Expanding solar power usage in residential networks is a critical step in the decarbonization and clean electricity movement. To achieve a carbon-free grid by promoting solar power to the general public, an aggressive cost reduction in solar power systems is essential. The power density of the equipment used in the solar power system is necessary to solve the challenges of solar power installation. This project aims to research, explore, and assess the possibility of reducing the microinverter cost and volume to achieve the next generation microinverters (NGMs) targets for residential solar photovoltaic applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimizing Residential HVAC Systems: Evaluating How the Usage of Smart Diagnostic Tools for Quality Installation and Commissioning Impacts System Performance and HVAC Contractor Businesses

The adoption of digital quality installation and fault detection tools has the potential to transform the $14 billon residential heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) service and installation industry. Increased market penetration can be accelerated by providing an increased understanding of the energy and economic value proposition of the usage of these tools. In tandem with energy and HVAC system performance impact research and analysis, the Southface Team investigated the economic business implications for HVAC service and installation contractors adopting the use of measureQuick (mQ), a smart diagnostic app that aids in quality installation and fault detection and works agnostically with Bluetooth-enabled HVAC technician tools.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

West Virginia University Industrial Assessment Center (Final Progress Report)

The Industrial Assessment Center at West Virginia University has been successful in workforce development, and in generation of energy savings for manufacturing facilities during the period 2016 to 2021. Graduate and undergraduate students have benefited from energy assessment experience and most of them have found good positions as energy engineers and analysts in the industrial sector. Several peer reviewed research papers in archival journals as well as conference papers on the topic of energy engineering and assessment have been published. The implemented energy savings for manufacturing facilities have been significant in the areas of lighting, compressed air, process heating, steam, HVAC, chillers and cooling towers, and motors. In addition, water use reduction, smart manufacturing applications to save energy, cyber security evaluation, energy management, productivity improvements and waste reduction opportunities that lead to energy intensity reductions have been explored. The students have obtained an opportunity to interact with energy efficiency and productivity improvement professionals at various conferences and workshops and their research has generated important results. In summary, the West Virginia University Industrial Assessment Center (WVU-IAC) has fulfilled its mission in regard to workforce development, energy efficiency for manufacturing facilities, and laid a strong platform enhancing sustainability through reductions in carbon emissions achieved through energy efficiency and energy management initiatives and reductions in water usage and waste reduction. During the project period (2016-2021) the WVU-IAC has made numerous energy efficiency, water use reduction, waste reduction, and productivity improvement recommendations, a significant number of them having been implemented by the manufacturing facilities. The research adds significant understanding to the area of energy efficiency, water and waste reduction, and productivity improvement. The technical effectiveness and economic feasibility of the methods and techniques investigated and demonstrated through this project have been exemplary, resulting in significant recommended and implemented resource savings and reductions in carbon emissions. The project has been of significant benefit to the public owing to replication of results within the industrial sector, thus reducing operating costs for businesses that result in increase of growth and employment, as well as community benefits in terms of reductions in carbon emissions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Why is it still too warm or cold in my house? Examining the relationships between energy efficient capital and household energy insecurity

Here, this paper examines the relationships between energy efficient (EE) capital technology and household energy insecurity in the United States. The theoretical model of these relationships employs household production theory to capture the demand for and production of household energy services, and a stochastic production frontier approach to describe how having access to and the usage intensity of EE capital technology could help alleviate inefficiency in the production of household energy services. A working hypothesis formulated from the theoretical model posits that having EE capital technology in the home will reduce the level of household energy insecurity experienced. The extent of energy insecurity experienced is inferred from an energy insecurity index value assigned to each household, generated via the application of a dichotomous Rasch model to questions contained in the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey. Noting the potential simultaneous relationship that exists between a household having access to and the usage intensity of EE capital technology and the experience of being energy insecure, an instrumental variables approach was employed to estimate a series of ordered logit models. Results suggest access to EE capital technology in the form of Energy Star® appliances, Energy Star® windows, or a SMART thermostat does not reduce the probability of experiencing a greater level of energy insecurity. Nor does the usage intensity of EE capital. Thus, policy instruments designed to alleviate household energy insecurity may need to go beyond simply helping households obtain EE capital technology.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Recent progress and future prospects of atomic layer deposition to prepare/modify solid-state electrolytes and interfaces between electrodes for next-generation lithium batteries

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are encouraging electrochemical devices with remarkable properties including a high energy/power density, fast charging capability, and low self-discharge rate. Further increase in energy density as well as safe usage is needed for next-generation LIBs in electric transportation vehicles. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are very promising for high-performance LIBs since they enable improved safety along with increased energy density compared to flammable liquid organic electrolytes. However, utilizing SSEs with a Li metal anode is very challenging due to the possibility of undesired side reactions and the formation of an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase. Therefore, it is critical to enhance the stability of SSEs against the Li anode. One feasible approach is to form a thin and conductive interlayer between the Li anode and solid-state electrolyte. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a unique technique for conformal coating of complex 3D structures with finely controlled film thickness (at the atomic scale). ALD coating on the surface of SSEs can be adopted for engineering solid-electrolyte interfaces with desired attributes and improved stability. In this review paper, we have discussed recent progress in implementing the ALD technique for depositing thin layers on various SSE configurations including lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON), garnets, oxides, perovskites, sulphides, Li 3 BO 3 –Li 2 CO 3 (LBCO), and sodium super ionic conductors (NASICON). We have also highlighted the major areas for future research and development in the field. We believe that this review will be very helpful for directing future research on implementing ALD for synthesizing stable and high-performance SSEs with an engineered solid-electrolyte interface for next-generation electrochemical devices (e.g., Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and flow batteries).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Individualized empirical baselines for evaluating the energy performance of existing buildings

The evaluation of building energy performance requires a baseline for comparison. Common empirical baselines are usually used for existing buildings since they are fast and convenient. However, the same type of building at the same location will receive the same baseline despite their difference in usage. Individualized baselines by creating building energy models are possible solutions, but it is labor intensive and time-consuming. To fill the gap, this study is to develop individualized empirical baselines for existing buildings in a fast way. First, common empirical baselines are created based on survey data. Then, to get training samples, building energy models for large-scale existing buildings are created and simulated. So finally, based on simulation results, mathematical models to get individualized empirical baselines in a fast way are created. U.S. medium office buildings were used as an example to demonstrate the method. We developed 30 mathematical models for medium office buildings in two vintages (constructed before 1980 and after 1980) and 15 climate zones. The mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) between the individualized empirical baselines and the modeled baselines for those 30 mathematical models are all lower than 5.5%. An engineer can obtain the individualized empirical baseline for an existing building in a few seconds by using the open-source tool we developed.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Generalized Spallation Model

The Generalized Spallation Model (GSM) event generator is an advanced, robust, and scalable Fortran code developed from an extended and improved version of the earlier event generator codes CEM03.03 and LAQGSM03.03. The GSM implements its algorithms within the context of cascade exciton, particle equilibration, particle evaporation, and particle disintegration models sampled via Monte-Carlo techniques. Coalescence of particles is also considered. The GSM assumes the incident particles has sufficient energy to satisfy the assumptions utilized in the GSM. The GSM calculates reactions induced by hadrons and nuclei incident on nuclear targets at incident energies ranging from ~20 MeV up to several TeV per nucleon. Usage of GSM is recommended however for particles with incident energies exceeding ~100 MeV to ensure model-assumptions are satisfied. The GSM additionally provides its clients with sub-model libraries to allow them to model desired physics within their own physical models.

Juneau, Chase↗
DOE OSTI2025

Lidar-Based Evaluation of HRRR Performance in California’s Diablo Range

The performance of the NOAA High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model for capturing low-level winds near a wind energy production site during summer 2019 is evaluated. This study catalogs the ability of HRRR to predict boundary layer dynamics relevant to wind energy interests over complex terrain, which has presented challenges for weather and energy forecasting. Performance is evaluated by comparing HRRR output to wind-profiling Doppler lidars at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site 300. HRRR captured the diurnal profile of horizontal winds in the observed 150-m layer, despite strong underpredictions (∼4 m s −1 ) during evening and nighttime hours. These underpredictions may be a result of local speedup flows observed by the lidars, which were unresolved in HRRR due to their small spatial extent. HRRR bias magnitude relative to observations was found to be minimal during days with synoptic-scale troughs and strong 850-hPa geopotential gradients, while bias magnitude was maximal during days with synoptic ridging and weak 850-hPa geopotential gradients. To translate wind speed predictions to energy forecasting, generic turbine models were used to estimate power generation for turbines characteristic of the nearby Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area. Results show that HRRR-based energy estimates predicted daytime power generation adequately relative to lidar-based estimates with an 18-h lead time (bias magnitude < 0.4 MW from 0900 to 1400 LT) but overpredicted power during the rest of the diurnal cycle (bias > 1 MW). These results demonstrate conditions under which HRRR performs well for wind energy applications in complex terrain, while highlighting biases that require further investigation to support usage of a high-resolution model for wind energy forecasts.

Boundary layer↗
DOE OSTI2025

Workforce Development Opportunities Through the US Department of Energy’s Better Plants Program 2025

The increasing global demand for energy underscores the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability. To address these challenges in the US manufacturing sector, the US Department of Energy has implemented the Better Plants and Better Climate Challenge programs. These initiatives aim to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage in industrial facilities. This paper highlights a critical component of these programs, workforce development, which equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to implement energy-saving measures. Through the variety of training opportunities discussed, including bootcamps, in-plant trainings, virtual trainings, and annual events, the programs are able to cater to a wide range of industrial participants, from entry-level professionals to experienced engineers. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing and by leveraging certifications offered by organizations like the Association of Energy Engineers, these initiatives empower individuals to drive innovation and sustainable practices.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

Markets and Economics for Thermal Power Extraction from Nuclear Power Plants Aiding the Decarbonization of Industrial Processes

This report analyzes the domestic industrial heat markets which may be plausible for using heat extracted from existing LWRs, contributing to the decarbonization of industry. It conceptualizes ideas for a future energy park centered around an LWR with various participating synergistic industries with extensive heat and material integrations with the LWR. It also presents comparison calculations for energy storage options and the levelized cost of heat from an LWR versus the levelized cost of heat from a conventional natural gas boiler and shows under what circumstances heat from LWRs is competitive with and beats natural gas.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Silicon x-ray backlighter improvement by targets with spike-like microstructures

In order to accurately probe high energy density matter states, it is vital to create powerful x-ray backlighters. One approach to create such x-ray sources is based on the usage of short-pulse, high-energy lasers, which greatly benefits from an optimization of the laser target coupling. Here, the spectral and temporal x-ray emission profiles of structured silicon targets with micron-sized spikes on the front surface are studied at laser intensities of 10 17 W cm -2 . The laser pulse length is varied between 1 and 20 ps with an energy of up to 1 kJ. The structured targets show an up to 13× enhancement of silicon He α emission compared to flat foils with a well-defined, sharp emission pulse profile. Furthermore, the performance of the microstructured targets is compared to targets with a CH shield as well as foils irradiated with a UV prepulse.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Reducing the Energy Consumption of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography Scanners: Integrating Ecodesign and Sustainable Operations

This review aims to provide valuable insights into how energy consumption in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners can be effectively monitored, managed, and reduced, thereby contributing to more sustainable medical imaging practices. Demand for advanced imaging technologies such as MRI and CT scanners continues to increase, and understanding the resultant impact on greenhouse gas emissions requires a thorough evaluation of their energy consumption. Here, this review examines the energy monitoring and consumption characteristics of MRI and CT scanners, highlighting potential approaches for energy savings. An overview of MRI and CT principles, hardware components, and their associated energy consumption is provided. After addressing the technical aspects, the hardware and software requirements essential for accurate energy metering are detailed. Baseline measurements of energy consumption data are then provided as a foundation to understand current usage patterns and identify areas for improvement. Ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption are categorized into 3 main strategies: operations, scanner design enhancements, and active scanning techniques, including accelerated MRI protocols. Ultimately, we emphasize that achieving sustainability in medical imaging requires collaboration across disciplines. By incorporating eco-friendly design in new imaging equipment, we can reduce the environmental impact, promote sustainability, and set a health care industry standard for a healthier planet.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Use of tritium-rich fuel to improve the yield of layered deuterium/tritium inertial fusion capsules

In deuterium–tritium (DT) ice layered implosions, nearly all hot spot mass at peak burn comes from the dense fuel. Accurate prediction of the fuel mass ablation, including the enthalpy associated with mass inflow into the hot spot from the dense fuel, is essential to understanding the energetics and ignition of the hot spot in layered implosions. A recently published boundary layer analysis (Daughton et al., 2023) indicates a faster mass ablation rate than in previous analyses of layered implosions. Inclusion of this effect provides a better match to simulations and leads to a new ignition threshold where the temperature of the dense fuel plays a critical role. This analysis motivates possible new directions for improved capsule performance. Here, the authors present evidence in support of one such approach: the use of tritium-rich ice to decrease 14 MeV neutron scattering and heating of the dense fuel, resulting in less mass ablation and more robust burn of the hot spot. It is found from numerical simulations that despite a less favorable D:T ratio in the ice, the use of a 40:60 D:T ratio leads to an increase in capsule yield of 17% percent compared with that of a 50:50 D:T ratio fuel for capsules resembling those of the recent N210808 ignition experiment on the NIF (Abu-Shawareb et al., 2022) and an increase of 74% compared with that of a 60:40 D:T ratio fuel capsule. Finally, these results are potentially important for modeling all layered implosions, since some degree of DT fractionization may arise naturally during the beta layering process. In addition, this physics is important for the feasibility of high-gain capsule designs that seek to minimize tritium usage, as in some inertial fusion energy concepts.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗