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At least 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

DOE-ART HT(G)R R&D Overview

The US Government currently has no plans to finance or build advanced nuclear reactors. Instead, the DOE performs research and development to raise the technological readiness of new concepts, fuels and component materials so that private industrial partners are more likely to design and build plants. Develop technologies that can enable new concepts and designs to achieve greater levels of safety and resilience, flexibility of use, sustainability and construction or operational affordability. Collaborate with industry to identify and conduct essential research to reduce technical risk associated with advanced reactor technologies. Sustain essential technical expertise and capabilities within national laboratories, universities, and industry to perform needed research. Collaborate with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Standards Developing Organizations (ASME, ANS, ANSI, etc.) to address gaps in codes and standards to support advanced reactor designs

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Stellarator Simplification using Permanent Magnets (PM4Stell)

This Report describes the design and prototyping of an array of rare-Earth permanent magnets to form a stellarator. This effort was motivated by the hypothesis that the usage of permanent magnets, rather than electromagnetic coils with complex geometry, could reduce the cost of stellarator construction and thereby make increase the feasibility of the stellarator as a technology for a fusion-based power plant. In this project, we have developed novel methods for specifying the positions, shapes, and polarizations of the magnets in the array, and have developed designs for mounting structures and tooling for assembly. We have also performed detailed finite-element modeling to qualify the accuracy of the magnetic field produced by the magnet array as designed, and to confirm that the structure can withstand the forces between the magnets. We have also developed techniques for measuring the magnetic field produced by the array once constructed, as well as for correcting errors in the field arising from misalignments and offsets within the tolerances for mounting and fabrication. Finally, we have constructed a tabletop prototype of a section of the array to qualify the concept for assembling and mounting magnets within the array.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nanopore Activity Assays for Detection of Biomarker Protease Activity: Design and Testing of Substrates for Both Nanopore Sequencing and PCR-Based Detection Methods

The work performed in this project has demonstrated the ability to construct proteolytic enzyme substrates that are PCR and sequencing-readable reporter molecules. Specifically, the goal was to detect those reporter molecules via PCR and Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing methods following exposure to the biomarker protease thrombin. The assay development focused on binding the constructed peptide-oligonucleotide chimera to immobilized streptavidin. The action of thrombin on the peptide portion of the molecule released the oligonucleotide for detection. Detection of protease activity was demonstrated in a concentration-dependent manner using MALDI-MS, RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. Additional steps to remove background release of reporter molecules during the assay was used to improve the difference in detected oligonucleotide reporter following protease activity. Additional steps in assay development will be to (1) test the assay in an appropriate matrix, (2) investigate detection using additional DNA sequencing platforms and (3) demonstrate multiplexed detection of multiple protease markers in a single reaction.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Feasibility study for the hard x-ray free electron laser based on synergistic use of conventional and plasma accelerator technologies

Hard x-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) are great diagnostic tools in modern science. A number of XFELs have been constructed worldwide in the past decade. In the past, Los Alamos National Laboratory has expressed interest in hosting a similar facility to support ongoing Programs. The facility has been envisioned based on a conventional radio frequency (RF) accelerator technology. As a result, the estimated size and cost of the anticipated facility turned out to be large, which significantly decreased attractiveness of this project.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Commissioning of the Power Supplies and Coils of the SMART Tokamak

The small aspect ratio tokamak (SMART) is a spherical tokamak (ST) that offers unique capabilities for studying the potential of negative triangularity. It has been designed, constructed, and is currently being operated by the Plasma Science Fusion Technology (PSFT) Laboratory at the University of Seville. SMART has a total of 21 coils, organized into seven independent circuits and driven by five modular power supplies (PS). The PS operation relies on switching converter technology based on IGBT and supercapacitors (SCs). The PS delivers predefined current waveforms to the copper coil system consisting of the central solenoid (CS), 12 toroidal field (TF) coils, three series pairs of poloidal field (PF) coils, and two independent PF coils. This study details the commissioning and validation of the PS toroidal and solenoid coils, as well as the assembly of coils in SMART. The maximum rated current and slope were measured, along with the series impedance of the coils, the output current ripple, and the noise levels. The internal parameters of the SCs were measured, and optimized current profiles were proposed to enhance overall performance. A comparison has been made between the theoretical values and the experimental results, providing insight into the performance of the PS and areas for improvement.

Power electronics↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ameliorating Global Challenges: Globalization, Geopolitics, Basic & Applied Research, and Research Security

We are confronted with a myriad of global challenges, from extreme weather events, occurring at higher frequencies than at any point in history, to pollution, food insecurity, clean water shortages, and fundamentally limited natural resources and materials. The largest number of people inhabit our planet today and enjoy the highest standard of living - though not equally distributed across the world - compared to any prior moment in history. To sustain this quality of life, we are largely reliant on fossil fuel sources, which are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions by weight each day than the collective weight of all humans that inhabit the planet. Ameliorating these global challenges will require elements of solutions that include advances in basic and applied research, innovative global engineering, materials discovery, new technologies, manufacturing at scale, resilient and adaptable infrastructure, carbon-free energy sources and storage technologies, and new supply chain networks and markets. Success will require constructive collaborative efforts between researchers in countries located in every continent of this planet. For any of these goals to be realized in a timely fashion, geopolitical leaders must become better educated about this existential challenge and incentivized to act.

applied research↗
DOE OSTI2021

Best Practices Guide: Benchmarking Energy Efficiency in Laboratories

Purpose and Audience A wide spectrum of laboratory owners, ranging from universities to federal agencies, have explicit goals for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions in their facilities. For example, new federal buildings and major renovations of existing buildings are to reduce fossil fuel-generated energy consumption by 90% in 2025, and 100% in 2030, compared with a 2003 baseline (FEMP n.d.). Minnesota SB2030 standard requires achieving an 80% reduction from the average building baseline for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings (SB2030 n.d). A laboratory—new or existing—is much more likely to meet energy efficiency goals if quantitative metrics and targets are explicitly specified and tracked over the life cycle of the building, from design through construction, commissioning, operations, and renovations. If efficiency targets are not explicitly and properly defined, any additional capital costs or design time associated with attaining higher efficiencies can be difficult to justify relative to other priorities. The purpose of this guide is to provide guidance on how to specify and compute energy efficiency metrics and benchmarks for laboratories, at the whole-building as well as the system level. The information in this guide can be used to incorporate quantitative metrics and targets into new construction or retrofit of existing facilities. For information on strategies and technologies to achieve energy efficiency, the reader is referred to I2SL resources, including technology best practice guides and case studies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

UKy-CAER Heat Integrated Transformative CO 2 Capture Process in Pulverized Coal Power Plants

The goal of this Phase II Topical Report is to summarize the work for public domain conducted on project DE-FE0031583. Building upon the Design Basis completed during Phase I and in accordance with the Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO), the University of Kentucky (UK) Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) (Recipient) along with team members has completed the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) for its advanced, versatile post-combustion CO 2 capture system (CCS) at the 10 MWe large pilot scale to be installed at the Wyoming (WY) Integrated Test Center (ITC), using a heat integrated process with split-rich fed, two-stage stripping and any advanced solvent to enhance the CO 2 absorber performance and lower the cost of CO 2 capture. The proposed project (Phases I-III) involves the design, fabrication, installation, testing and evaluation of a large pilot scale facility that will demonstrate the UK CAER transformative CCS integrated with an operating power plant. The work performed in Phase I, detailed in the Phase I Topical Report that was submitted in March 2019, included formation of a project team, securing the host site, and completing pre-FEED design basis, a cost estimation, a preliminary techno-economic analysis (TEA) and an environmental information volume (EIV). The work performed in Phase II, detailed in this Phase II Topical Report, includes completion of FEEDs, completion of a process risk analysis (PRA), obtaining necessary permits, updating the EIV and TEA, updating the cost and schedule estimate for the Phase III scope of work (SOW) and securing the necessary cost share. Updated information is provided on the current status of the UK CAER CCS technology and the project is ready to begin immediately detailed design, construction and operation of the proposed pilot.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Safer Foundation Solar Demands Skill Collaborative

The milestones and accomplishments achieved in Safer’s Solar Demands Skill Training program required a collective effort of stakeholders. The ability to achieve the desired results and impact lives of the population we serve works best when collaborating with community stakeholders such as community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, community activists, local law enforcement, community residents, employers, and elected and appointed officials. We are working harder than ever to place clients in-demand careers and high-growth industry sectors. Our employer engagement with high growth sectors continues to increase, we have been able to deepen our relationships in this space by providing in demand stackable credential training. Launched our initiative in the green job space by partnering with organizations like ComEd, the Department of Energy, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and manufacturers that helped to train clients in the green jobs and renewable energy space. By the end of the year, we will have completed our tenth cohort of photovoltaic solar installation training. The training has been used as a foundation for solar panel installers to acquire new skills in in the green jobs career pathways, such as sales and customer service. It has also served as a pipeline to union-level trade positions through the skills participants obtained through partnership engagement. Safer Foundation's policy and advocacy team plays a major role in expanding opportunities for people with records to over one hundred occupations, including the trades. This reform has allowed many to secure living wage employment, reducing the high recidivism rate within Illinois. Safer continues to build our social enterprise with Reconstructive Technology Partners (RTP). RTP is introducing people with records to the construction trades such as solar, carpentry and electrical through residential remodeling of homes on smaller construction projects. Understanding the need to have a greater community presence, outreach was extended to a boots on the ground model, including, but not limited to door-to-door engagement, DE-EE0008571 Safer Foundation Page 4 of 29 local radio broadcasting and print ads in local newspapers. We continue to seek innovative ways to increase Safer Foundations' presence in the renewable energy space. Outreach efforts gave us an opportunity to share critical reentry information and opportunities about our PV installer program. Giving us reach with local and national audiences alike. We launched a systematic approach to improving client data and client tracking through an evidence-based practices initiative. That implemented an agency wide cross-functional data management system. The system supported our goal of reviewing, evaluating, and making recommendations to improve operational processes, program delivery, information sharing, and more. Played a significant part in the success of the solar program. Finally, economists around the nation agree that there is a significant labor shortage. The shortage directly threatens our ability to sustain our economic growth; if employers do not have access to the workers they need, it can lead to a shutdown in the economic recovery. The demand for Safer Foundation services is more important and impactful than ever. We will continue to build upon our 50 years of experience to address the challenges ahead and serve more people in a better way. We are confident we will accomplish beautiful things that benefit everyone involved because together, we are powerful.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Demonstrate FARM supervisory capabilities for a thermal energy storage problem for the DETAIL facility: IES Simulation Ecosystem Control System Development

The goal of the power dispatch problem for an Integrated Energy System (IES) is to adjust the power output and the heat flow of each component to maximize the profitability of the whole unit. Facilities that can integrate real-time digital signals, mock nuclear power, thermal energy storage and industrial heat use via high-temperature electrolysis were constructed at INL to support the research activities. The Dynamic Energy Technology and Integration Laboratory (DETAIL) houses the Microreactor Agile Non-nuclear Experimental Test Bed (MAGNET) and the Thermal Energy Distribution System (TEDS). In this report, the hierarchical control system architecture proposed in June 2023 milestone for the flexible operation of DETAIL facility is finalized and demonstrated. A brief description of the components and the corresponding Dymola models from the HYRBID repository is first provided. Then, the current control strategy is presented. In particular, the approach for generating the set-point trajectories to be fed to the PI controllers is analyzed, and its limits were identified. To preserve safe operation over both long-time and real-time horizons, the integration of a Supervisory Control layer embedding a modified version of FARM (Feasible Actuator Range Modifier) module is proposed. FARM is a component of the RAVEN-based FORCE framework designed to support HERON module at optimizing the operation of IES units. The proposed control system for DETAIL foresees FARM to be applied twice, i.e., the original version (“FARM-Validator”) aiding the solution of the power dispatch problem, and a modified version (“FARM-Supervisory”) coordinating the PID controllers. Despite the kernel of the two modules is the same, their tasks are quite different. The former intervenes at the beginning of each hour to prevent constraint violations over long time periods, the latter addresses real-time control tasks and monitors the response of constrained variables at a much finer time resolution. A tentative procedure for training the embedded Digital Twins with the experimental data is also proposed. Finally, the capabilities of the designed architecture and the impact of the added Supervisory Control layer are demonstrated by simulating a representative power dispatch scenario.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sustainable Tire Production: Catalytic Upgrading of Ethanol into Butadiene (CRADA 636) Abstract

Bridgestone aims to minimize resource depletion and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by using 100% sustainable materials by 2050. As part of this goal Bridgestone is working to develop a first-of-kind end-of-life recycling process for tire material circularity and the decarbonization of new tire production. Used tires can be gasified to produce intermediate syngas (H 2 + CO) that can be further converted into ethanol using mature technology. The ethanol can then be converted into butadiene, a key precursor of new tires, using patented PNNL technology, enabling circularity for end-of-life tires. Indeed, PNNL has developed a new patented thermocatalytic-based technology for the conversion of ethanol into butadiene that allows for high carbon efficiency and improved catalyst longevity compared to World War II baseline catalyst. The objective here is to continue the development of this processing with the goal of commercial deployment. This includes development of engineered catalysts (e.g., extrudates) and their evaluation under industrially relevant conditions for deployment of a pilot scale. If successful, Bridgestone will subsequently utilize this catalyst technology at pilot and then commercialization scale creating jobs in both construction sector and industry sector in a chosen location that promotes greater diversity, equity, and inclusion through key policies, training, and recruiting practices. Taken together, this work will support the U.S. Department of Energy goal for production of renewable chemicals with > 70% GHG emissions reduction relative to petroleum-derived counterparts and supporting > 1 MMT/ yr CO 2 e emissions reduction by 2030.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Towards combination of charge and light readout at O(10) MeV energies in DUNE

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an experiment under construction that will employ 10-kt scale liquid-argon-TPC technology to do precision measurements of neutrino oscillations. Apart from the determination of CP violation in neutrino interactions, one of the main scientific goals of DUNE is the detection of neutrinos from a supernova burst. It is imperative to maximise the potential of the detector for extracting information for these rare events. The use of light signals to aid the calorimetry of neutrino interactions provides such potential. We will present current efforts to demonstrate the application of combined calorimetry in one of the DUNE prototype detectors at CERN. The ground-level placement of the detector allows collection of large samples of cosmic-ray muons stopping within its volume. Michel electrons from muon decay can be identified in both the ionization charge and scintillation light, serving as a proxy for supernova neutrino interactions at O(10) MeV energies. The method for demonstrating combined calorimetry and its associated challenges will be introduced. We will also summarise the current analysis status and future prospects.

Pěč, Viktor [Prague, Inst. Phys.] (ORCID:000000034↗
DOE OSTI2024

Innovating the next generation of commercial smart building software

Nearly 30% of commercial building energy use is wasted due to equipment faults and HVAC controls problems. The result is increased emissions, compromised comfort and productivity, and less reliable coordination of building power needs with a clean grid. The energy impact alone represents $17 billion in potential savings. Today’s smart building software provides a robust solution to address these operational deficiencies. Energy management and information systems (EMIS) are saving up to 9% on average, with two-year paybacks. They are being incorporated into energy management processes, commissioning services, and utility programs. As effective as they are, two barriers prevent even deeper benefits; limited personnel to fix problems once they are identified, and the expense and time to manually implement changes in control systems. In partnership with the research community, the EMIS industry is developing new capabilities to overcome these barriers. Moving beyond siloed products for either fault detection and diagnostics, or optimal control, these new capabilities empower users to not only automatically identify faults, but also to push corrective action, and control improvements to their buildings. In this paper, several areas for enhancements are documented: ‘one-time’ correction of faults such as setpoints, schedules, and economizer lockouts; short-term active testing for automated proportional integral derivative (PID) loop tuning and functional testing; and continuous supervisory control for demand flexibility and year-round efficiency. Results are presented from a pair of partner implementations out of a dozen providers integrating these enhancements into their products, including field tests from across the country, and insights into operator acceptance and integration into operations and maintenance practices.

Casillas, Armando↗
DOE OSTI2020

Deterministic assembly of complex, three-dimensional architectures by compressive buckling

Origami- and Kirigami-inspired assembly of predetermined three-dimensional forms is presented in comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies, with examples of a broad range of topologies and material compositions. The resulting engineering options in the construction of functional 3D structures have important implications for advanced microsystem technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Advanced Materials Program Summary

Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) Advanced Materials Program: Provide material solutions to enable design, construction, and operation of licensable advanced reactors Including Gas-cooled Reactors, Fast Reactors, Molten Salt Reactors (solid or liquid fuel) Could be of modular design, and from 350 to 1 Mwe Conduct developmental R&D on structural materials that are best addressed by the national program Integrate program-directed work at national labs & universities and collaboration with international partners to address advanced reactor developer needs Provide qualification data (to NQA-1 or equivalent) on structural materials and develop & validate improved high temperature design methodology Utilize consensus standards organizations when appropriate (e.g., ASME, ASTM, etc.) Target resolution of issues needed for near to mid-term deployment of advanced reactors

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Wind Energy Accomplishments and Year-End Performance Report: Fiscal Year 2022

Four decades ago, construction was just beginning on experimental turbines at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). Today, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) facility is the centerpiece of the laboratory's Flatirons Campus, a world-class hub for renewable energy research. The nation's shift to 100% clean electricity by 2035 will require a mix of renewable energy sources and strategies - and together, wind and solar energy could account for 60% to 80% of that clean energy resource. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, NREL scientists, engineers, and analysts contributed to these visionary goals through their wind energy research. As wind innovations push into new areas, NREL continues to play a vital role in advancing technology and addressing deployment barriers in pursuit of more efficient, reliable, and predictable wind energy systems. FY 2022 wind research and development explored the potential for dramatic growth in land-based systems, the launch of the nation's first commercial-scale offshore installations, and transmission infrastructure buildout. Land-based wind energy is one of the most cost-effective electricity supply options - but utility-scale deployment will require up to 10 times the current number of turbines. An NREL plan addressed this need to accelerate U.S. wind technology rollout at distributed and utility scales. Another project conducted by NREL and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) helps position the nation's first major offshore wind corridor for success. The WETO-funded Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study is evaluating options for balancing electricity supply and demand, while supporting resilience of the grid and marine industries. WETO, NREL, and other partners are working to enable the enormous supply chain and workforce changes the U.S. wind energy industry will need to meet net-zero-carbon-emissions targets. As part of a seminal series of DOE-funded supply chain studies, NREL analysts reported on the trade-offs involved in manufacturing large volumes of wind technologies, while addressing cost, workforce, and logistics issues. All of this research is supported by NREL's outstanding research teams, tools, data, and facilities. A WETO-funded international wind energy field campaign, the American WAKE experimeNt (AWAKEN), has brought together experts from NREL, PNNL, and Sandia National Laboratories to create the world's most comprehensive set of high-resolution data on wind energy atmospheric phenomenon. This study could lead to more accurate predictions of losses from turbine-to-turbine wake interactions, eventually helping wind plants capture more energy and operators save millions of dollars. In addition, NREL researchers developed testing, modeling, and analysis tools to improve the security of power grids by identifying wind power plant dynamic stability problems. A new Stochastic Soaring Raptor Simulator (SSRS) protects golden eagles from turbine encounters by predicting flight paths. This report provides more detail on these top achievements and other accomplishments made by NREL and its partners during FY 2022 (between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022).

accomplishments↗
DOE OSTI2020

Life cycle assessment of novel heat exchanger for dry cooling of power plants based on encapsulated phase change materials

Cooling systems in power plants account for approximately 40% of total freshwater withdrawals in the U.S. Due to dwindling access to freshwater resources worldwide, continued operation of wet cooling systems poses a significant engineering challenge. To reduce water consumption, a novel air-cooled heat exchanger has been developed using encapsulated phase change material (EPCM) for dry cooling of power plants. Compared to traditional finned-tube air-cooled condensers, this novel EPCM heat exchanger improves the heat transfer coefficient and power plant efficiency while reducing the pressure drop and cooling system cost. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) are used to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of EPCM heat exchangers from cradle-to-grave and to compare them to wet cooling and traditional air-cooled condensers. A thermodynamic model is developed to predict the EPCM heat exchanger performance for plant-scale operations. Equipment and construction costs for heat exchangers are estimated based on design parameters obtained from the thermodynamic model. Both process-LCA and economic-input–output LCA are used to simulate and test the sensitivity of EPCM alternatives with commercial wet and dry cooling technologies. We investigate options for EPCM end-of-life management upon retiring the heat exchanger and construct a process-based LCA model to estimate a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions credit for recycling the EPCM. The life cycle GHG emission of the novel dry cooling technology is 1.16 kg CO 2 eq. /MWh compared with the 1.1–4.3 kg CO 2 eq. /MWh reported for commercial dry cooling technologies and consumes 9.5 L/MWh e of water for cradle-to-gate life cycle, which is significantly lower than that of wet cooling systems. The TEA shows many advantages of EPCM cooling technology over the state-of-art dry cooling solutions. Overall, the EPCM heat exchanger provides a better alternative compared to existing dry cooling and wet cooling technologies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Building Envelope Campaign – Program Design and Stakeholder Engagement

Building envelope technologies impact approximately 30% of the primary energy consumed by residential and commercial buildings. The Building Envelope Campaign (BEC), which is part of the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Program, is a market transformation effort to help building owners and managers invest in high performance building envelope technologies for both new and existing commercial buildings. The success of the Campaign has depended on constructing a compelling program design plus organizing a technical team with ability to effectively recruit Participants and Supporters from across industry and keep them engaged.The design of the campaign included developing a strategy to leverage other technology campaigns within the Better Buildings program, identifying stakeholders (including diverse member groups that may have been underserved by previous technology campaigns), recruiting Supporters and Participants, and providing technical assistance in the form of a campaign-specific Building Envelope Performance tool and metric to help benchmark various building envelope options.Engagement had to overcome three main challenges – securing the Campaign Supporters/Participants, helping participants to use the envelope tool to evaluate project options, and getting those participants to submit successful envelope projects for evaluation and recognition by the program. The concepts are simple but program design/implementation and, in particular, sustaining stakeholder engagement can be challenging. This paper will highlight the approaches taken in: program design, engaging industry members, identifying and reaching underserved stakeholders, demonstrating benefits of high performance building envelope technologies and making the case for engaging in this campaign.

McLeod, Hayley↗