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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 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

SEIN: Breaking Barriers Resilient Energy System Analysis [Slides]

The Solar Energy Innovation Network (SEIN) is a collaborative research program that supports multi-stakeholder teams in researching and sharing solutions to real-world challenges associated with solar energy adoption. The Breaking Barriers project was selected to participate in the Solar Energy Innovation Network, Round 2, and was led by Groundswell, a D.C.-based clean energy project developer. The Breaking Barriers team included Partnership for Southern Equity, Atlanta University Center campus facility managers and professors, the City of Atlanta's Neighborhood Planning Unit T, and Georgia Power Company. The project aimed to design and construct innovative urban energy resiliency hubs integrating microgrid technology, solar generation, and energy storage in Atlanta colleges and communities. The hubs will help these historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the energy-burdened broader community in West Atlanta be more resilient, in addition to informing new course curricula at Atlanta University Center campuses. With many possible options for the system's battery size, the Breaking Barriers team needed insight into the relationships between BESS size, economic performance, and resilience at Spelman College's Manley Center. These insights are crucial for entering procurement negotiations with project developers, establishing resilience capabilities that the HBCU campuses can plan around, and guiding the team's fundraising targets. This analysis includes estimates of PV and battery performance, costs, savings, and resilience for multiple battery sizes. In order to provide power during a grid outage, the resilient energy system also needs to be connected to the Manley Center in a safe and island-able manner (electrically isolated from the grid). Analysis of potential electrical configurations and estimated setup costs is key to successfully entering a required interconnection agreement with Georgia Power, as well as informing requests for engineering firms to construct the system. This analysis includes conceptual options and rough order of magnitude cost estimates for electrically interconnecting the resilient energy system to the Manley Center and the grid. The Breaking Barriers team used this analysis to select preferred system characteristics and design for the resilient energy system.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Smart, Connected Manufactured Housing Solutions through High-Performance Design. Final CRADA report

This report focuses on HVAC, domestic hot water, and miscellaneous electric loads via voluntary opportunities that may arise from partnerships with utilities, as well as future US Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR and DOE Zero Energy Ready Manufactured Home programs. Phase I of this project has begun the technical dialogue toward developing an implementation plan among DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Clayton Manufactured Homes, and US Department of Housing and Urban Development Code manufactured housing stakeholders. These activities have focused on delivering high-performance design through integration of technology. Project tasks include the following: Identifying baseline energy analysis resources opportunities from a variety of DOE and utility stakeholders; Developing a smart home and business solution by leveraging existing utility programs working with Smart Homes Partners resources such as ACE IoT Solutions, Google Nest, and Ecobee; Developing improved smarter ventilation systems with industry ventilation partners such as the Madison Group; Developing improved building science QA/QC testing equipment with manufacturers such as The Energy Conservatory, and supporting other feasible concepts vetted under DOE’s Advanced Buildings Collaborative with Slipstream, reinventing HVAC in manufactured housing; and, Developing smart home short- and long-term viable technical solutions in coordination with Clayton Manufactured Homes in new and/or revitalized community scales for future Phase II prototype demonstrations, which may include design (and perhaps construction) of single-section homes targeting rental property developers and multi-section homes targeting low- to middle-income affordable housing community developers Given the ongoing US Department of Energy (DOE) rulemaking activities, baseline energy analysis assessments of envelope prescriptive and Uo (i.e., the overall thermal energy efficiency of the home in British thermal units per square foot of exterior heat loss/gain surfaces) measures were removed from the scope of Phase I of this project.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

High throughput single cell multiomics platform [Abstract]

In this collaborative project, PNNL and Scienion will co-develop an integrated microfluidic technology to co-measure the transcriptome and proteome in single cells. The technology will enable us to efficiently separate proteins from mRNA transcripts between two microchips, barcode the molecules, and measure them separately with next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. Multicellular organisms contain diverse cell types and tremendous cell-to-cell heterogeneity that dictates a multitude of biological functions in both physiological and pathological environments. Even in the case of microbes, these genetically identical organisms can randomly differentiate into many subpopulations that assume different roles for the survival of the community. Bulk-scale measurements are insufficient to resolve such complexities. The development and applications of high throughput single-cell omics technologies have transformed our understanding of cellular heterogeneities and their differential responses to internal signaling events or external stimulations. Despite these advances, most current single-cell omic technologies provide information on only one type of biomolecule. Perse, such measurements provide incomplete information because the cell phenotype is determined by multiple layers of biomolecules and the interplay between genome, epigenome, transcriptome, and proteome. For example, mRNA abundance in one cell can not be precisely referred to the corresponding DNA and protein in other cells because of the potential subtle difference in genotype (e.g., somatic mutation or copy number variation) or phenotype (external microenvironment and cell-cell interactions). As such, parallel measurement of multiple biomolecules in the same single cells can offer unique advantages compared with measuring them separately in different single cells. Scienion is a world-leading biotech company focusing on precision liquid handling and its application in single-cell whole-genome sequencing and RNA sequencing. PNNL is the leading institution in ultrasensitive mass spectrometry, microfluidics, and untargeted single-cell proteomics (scProteomics). This collaboration will facilitate a unique fusion between scTranscriptomics capability at Scienion and scProteomics capabilities at PNNL to, for the first time, perform both untargeted transcriptomics and proteomics from the same single cells.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

HELIOCOMM: Wireless Controls State-of-the-Art Report

This report introduces the concept of wireless controls in heliostat-based concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) systems. Specifically, the need for wireless communications to be implemented within the heliostat-based CSP systems is identified versus the existing approaches that follow wireline connections which suffer from high installation, operation, and maintenance cost. Furthermore, this report analyzes the most recent advances in the field of developing wireless controls in heliostat-based CSP systems, which are highlighted to be in their infancy given the primitive wireless networking solutions that they currently utilize and test. The main contribution of this report is the introduction of a novel HELIOCOMM system that supports the wireless controls in heliostat-based CSP systems by exploiting the next generation networking technology of integrated access and backhaul. Furthermore, the proposed HELIOCOMM system performs an artificial intelligent clustering approach of the heliostats and clusterhead selection and develops an entropy-based routing model to enable the heliostats to communicate with the central station by considering their energy availability and network traffic. Also, towards efficiently exploiting the limited resources in the developed wireless communication system, a resource allocation module is introduced that performs the maximization of the energy efficiency of each heliostat by minimizing its corresponding experienced end-to-end latency to communicate with the central station, while performing an intelligent bandwidth splitting in the access and backhaul wireless links. The overall architecture is presented, and its individual building components are discussed in detail.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluating Optical Techniques to Characterize Solid State Samples for the Pu-238 Supply Program

This report documents steps that have been taken to establish advanced characterization capabilities for solid-state samples to support the 238 Pu Supply Program. The program has already invested significantly in spectroscopy and online monitoring development for liquid processes. Many of the data, analytical methods, and equipment could also be leveraged for the analysis of Np/Pu oxides and Np pellets to help classify material properties and link them to operations. The techniques described in this work include diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Raman spectroscopy, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Each technique is sensitive to various chemical and/or elemental species and can provide complimentary information to more standard methods such as powder x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. These options are remotely deployable via fiber-optic cables. DRS and Raman spectroscopy are already approved for glove box and hot cell work, but LIBS requires US Department of Energy approval for incorporation. Raman spectroscopy does require laser shielding, which means that DRS is the easiest method to implement. However, each technique provides complimentary data, and the most robust sample characterization could be achieved when all three, among other methods, are harnessed together. This report documents some of the progress made testing these capabilities, some of the challenges, and next steps to optimize the technology and integration strategies.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Domain Aware Deep-learning Algorithms Integrated with Scientific-computing Technologies (DADAIST)

This technical report summarized the contribution of the DADAIST project funded by the Data Model Convergence Initiative via the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) investments at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Specifically, we report the development of the NeuroMANCER (Neural Modules with Adaptive Nonlinear Constraints and Efficient Regularizations), a new open-source Scientific Machine Learning library for formulating and solving parametric constrained optimization problems, physics-informed system identification, and parametric optimal control problems. NeuroMANCER is using differentiable programming to combine modern data-driven models and optimization modeling language into a coherent algorithmic and software framework. NeuroMANCER is a Pytorch-based framework and adopts much of its philosophy focused on research and development, rapid prototyping, and streamlined deployment. Strong emphasis is given to extensibility, interoperability with the PyTorch ecosystem, and quick adaptability to custom domain problems. Neuromancer repository contains a comprehensive library of differentiable modules, including custom activation functions, matrix factorizations, deep learning architectures, neural differential equations, differential equation solvers, implicit layers such as iterative solvers, high-level API for symbolic expressions, API for modeling and control of dynamical systems, and extensive set of tutorial code examples in the form of python scripts and jupyter notebooks.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2023

IER-479/547: Low-Temperature TEX Final Design and Surrogate Measurements [Slides]

This presentation covers the final design, and measurements of the Low-Temperature TEX. Visual Diagrams of the apparatus and detailed part explanations are included. Neutronic calculations for Low-Temperature TEX was performed. Six configurations were proposed. Thermal analysis for the boundary cases was performed. Thermal testing with surrogate materials has been underway and testing will resume shortly.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Procurement Process Challenges, Issues, and Lessons Learned from IER 305 and IER 441 [Slides]

This presentation includes a IER 441 assembly overview and the difference between IER 305 AND IER 441 with central test region assembly and hex pitch. Next this presentation looks at IER 441 procurement issues and delays and new hardware. additionally conducted was a SPRF/CX: IER 441 hardware test fit (Success)). This presentation concludes with lessons learned and acknowledgements.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Solar HBCU Innovation in Microgrids & Resiliency with Solar + Storage

The Breaking Barriers project was designed to improve electricity resilience at four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in West Atlanta, as well as within the surrounding energy-burdened community. To do so, the project undertook work to design and construct innovative urban energy resiliency hubs integrating microgrid technology, solar generation, and energy storage in these West Atlanta colleges and communities. The hubs will help Atlanta HBCUs and the energy-burdened broader community be more resilient, in addition to informing new course curricula at Atlanta University Center campuses and inspiring similar efforts at other HBCUs and beyond.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Application of the Cohn-alpha Method on Bare Highly Enriched Uranium Using Organic Scintillators [Poster]

The prompt neutron decay constant (α), can be used to calculate the lifetime of prompt fission chains within a multiplying system and verify reactor startup and shutdown. We analyze a fast, bare system consisting of highly enriched uranium (93% 235 U) hemisphere shells known as the Measurements of Uranium Subcritical and Critical (MUSiC). We measured the system with a three by-four array of organic scintillators (OSCAR) to obtain the gamma-ray and fast neutron signals. Pulse shape discrimination was used to isolate the neutron time series data. The Cohn-α method was used to estimate α for 3 supercritical measurements of Configurations 8 MUSiC. We use these estimates to linearly extrapolate α at delayed critical. These values can be compared to highly detailed simulations in MCNP6.2.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Integrating the Design of Desalination Technologies into Produced Water Network Optimization

The oil and gas energy sector uses billions of gallons of water for hydraulic fracturing each year to extract oil and gas. The water injected into the ground for fracturing along with naturally occurring formation water from oil wells surfaces back in the form of produced water. Produced water can contain high concentrations of total dissolved solids and is unfit for reuse outside the oil and gas industry without desalination. In semi-arid shale plays, produced water desalination for beneficial reuse could play a crucial role in alleviating water shortages and addressing extreme drought conditions. In this poster we co-optimize the design and operation of desalination technologies along with operational decisions across produced water networks. A multi-period produced water network model with simplified split-fraction-based desalination nodes is developed. Rigorous steady-state desalination mathematical models based on mechanical vapor recompression are developed and embedded at the desalination sites in the network model. An optimal common design across all periods is ensured using global capacity constraints. The solution approach is demonstrated for multi-period planning problems on networks from the PARETO open-source library. Model formulation and challenges associated with scalability are discussed.

Naik, Sakshi↗
DOE OSTI2025

Clean Cities and Communities Partnership 2023 Activity Report

This is the 2023 report for the Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) partnership. It tracks the metrics that have been reported by individual coalitions and aggregated to the national level. It looks at the various outreach activities, grant activities, and implementation of clean transportation technologies. Such technologies include natural gas vehicles, electric vehicles, propane vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, biodiesel, ethanol, idle reduction technologies, fuel economy improvement technologies, vehicle-miles-traveled reduction technologies, and off-road technologies. The CC&C partnership had an energy use impact of over 1 billion gallons in 2023 and reduced emissions by nine million tons. Outreach, engagement, and training activities increased 18% from last year.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

SAM Linear Fresnel Model, Project B (CRADA Final Report)

Objective performance and economic modeling of solar thermal plants is of keen interest to many EPRI funders. One solar thermal technology that is not currently available to model in any non-vendor, non-proprietary tool is linear Fresnel. This technology has garnered enough interest from EPRI funders to merit investing in a tool to objectively model its performance. Early in 2010, EPRI performed a comparison of modeling solar thermal power plants using the IPSEPRO, CNRS and Solar Advisor (SAM) tools. After completing this effort, EPRI decided to adopt NREL’s Solar Advisor Model as its default modeling tool based in part on user friendliness, flexibility, number of technologies covered, integrated financial model and ease of running sensitivities. Furthermore, it was recognized that NREL continues to invest considerable time and resources into improving capabilities and functionality of the model.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

OPTI-TWIST Test Report, FY2025

OPTI-TWIST is the out-of-pile testing prototype and instrumentation TWIST with analogous components without nuclear material. Fabrication, construction, and testing in FY2025 is described in this test report.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Scoping Study of Integrated Geothermal CO 2 Heat Pump and Water Well System in Cold Climate Region (CRADA Final Report)

This study evaluates the feasibility of using ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) integrated with water wells for residential heating demands in cold regions of the United States. Four different heat pump systems were evaluated and compared: a CO 2 air-source heat pump (ASHP), a R-410A ASHP, a CO 2 GSHP integrated with well water, and a R-410A GSHP integrated with well water. Simulations were conducted at both equipment and building integration levels, followed by a nationwide analysis across 10 selected cities. Results indicate that integrating GSHP technology with existing water wells (e.g., artesian, bedrock, drilled, and collector wells) is a feasible heating solution because of their high flow rates, good water quality, stable temperatures, and low environmental impact. Although R-410A systems demonstrate higher efficiency, CO 2 systems are more suitable for heating from contamination-free and energy security perspective. The CO 2 GSHPs maintain better performance in colder climates compared with that of ASHPs, providing higher coefficient of performance and environmental benefits because CO 2 refrigerant leakage would not contaminate well water. A national analysis confirms that CO 2 GSHPs outperform furnaces, especially in cold climates, making them a promising solution for residential heating.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

AI-powered municipal solid waste management: a comprehensive review from generation to utilization

The accumulation of municipal solid waste (MSW) continues to rise due to burgeoning population, rapid global urbanization and economic growth, intensifying ecological concerns associated with landfills and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Over the past 2 decades, global waste generation has surged by 50%, with one-third remaining uncollected and about 70% sent to landfills. This review examines the critical role of integrating emerging technologies, such as advanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI), into end-to-end MSW management to alleviate landfill burdens. The suitability of various AI tools for different stages of MSW management is assessed, alongside the deployment of advanced sensors including hyperspectral cameras, computer vision systems, and internet of things (IoT) devices for material identification. Applications of genetic algorithms and reinforcement learning for optimizing collection routes, reducing costs, and lowering emissions are highlighted. Life cycle assessment (LCA) across all stages of MSW management is also reviewed, along with future trends in leveraging generative AI, natural language processing (NLP), and agent-based AI systems to analyze waste generation patterns and public sentiment. Efficient collection and handling can be enhanced through route optimization with geographic information systems and real-time bin-level monitoring. Furthermore, sensor-embedded, real-time object detection systems paired with robotics enable material characterization and automated sorting, thereby lowering costs and diverting waste from landfills into value-added products for diverse industrial sectors including packaging, chemicals, textiles, metals and glass, transportation, and electronics industries. Without intervention, global waste is projected to reach 4.54 billion tons by 2050, contributing direct economic costs of $\$$400 billion and roughly 2.38 billion tons of CO 2 -equivalent emissions annually. This review demonstrates how AI-driven, end-to-end solutions for MSW management can mitigate economic and environmental challenges, while directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development (UNDP) goals related to innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗