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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 37 records · Page 2

MADE3D: Enabling the Next-Generation High-Torque- Density Wind Generators by Additive Design and 3D Printing

Direct-drive wind turbine generators are increasing in popularity, thanks to recent project developments - especially offshore, where reliability and efficiency are major cost drivers. Yet, high capital costs are forcing many original equipment manufacturers to consider lightweight, high-torque density generators for next-generation multi-megawatt turbines that may be difficult to realize by traditional design or manufacturing methods. In this study, we present a new design framework enabled by advanced machine learning and multimaterial additive manufacturing to perform a magnetic topology optimization that maximizes the torque per rotor active mass for a 15-megawatt direct-drive permanent magnet wind generator. A comparison of the proposed approach against conventional topology optimization demonstrated a significant increase in computational efficiency and accuracy in performance predictions. Results using single and multimaterial compositions for rotor core and magnets identify a wider choice of 3D printable designs for a given specification. A hybrid combination of sintered and dysprosium-free polymer-bonded magnets shows good potential for torque performance by saving material costs up to 8.75%. More than 30% improvement in rotor torque densities is identified which can marginally improve the overall generator torque density. With the rapid evolution of multipowder deposition technologies, this study can greatly inspire a new paradigm for design-driven manufacturing with novel material compositions and lightweight, low-cost, high-strength multimaterial geometries that were previously unexplored for direct-drive generators.

3D printing↗

Bench Scale Testing of Next Generation Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules

This project seeks to develop a next generation membrane material (PI-2) for application in Air Liquide’s (AL) hybrid process. Combining the cold membrane operation with an integrated CO 2 Compression and Purification Unit (CPU) significantly reduces the overall cost of CO 2 capture. The proposed work will accelerate the membrane bundle fabrication, scale-up and performance validation of this new material. The proposed novel membrane development, combined with the results of the previous Cold Membrane Project, will provide the best opportunity for AL to meet the long term development targets of the DOE with respect to timing, cost, and performance for CO 2 capture. Our previous field test program (DE-FE0013163) showed promising results for the hybrid process utilizing the existing commercial AL membrane bundles (PI-1 material). The project work has also shown the potential for significant improvements through initial laboratory tests with the novel material (PI-2). The initial PI-2 results show a step-change in membrane permeance. This will enable further reduction in the cost of CO 2 capture by reducing the number of membrane modules and associated equipment in the system. In order to capture this value, however, the new material needs to be validated by field testing of large bundles, representative of commercial production. Lastly, a comprehensive evaluation of novel hybrid processes and costs needs to be completed to ensure optimal use of this improved material performance. The current project seeks to develop this next generation membrane to TRL 5 (approximately 600 - 1,000 Nm3/h flue gas, 350 - 600 scfm, 0.2 - 0.3 MWe equivalent). Air Liquide manufacturing methodology will be applied to fabricate prototype (4”) membrane modules from PI-2 material. Once the manufacturing methods prove reliable with the new material, and performance is demonstrated in line with expectation, 6” commercial scale bundles will be fabricated. Recognizing that a low cost membrane solution by itself may not meet DOE’s LCOE target for CO 2 capture, we will also perform simulation studies of novel hybrid processes in combination with the next generation membrane technology. This approach has the best potential for exceeding the DOE targets. The best evaluation of the new commercial units will be performance testing under real flue gas at the NCCC. Finally, a rigorous TEA, which incorporates the novel process studies and field performance, will be completed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Two-mirror resonator for next-generation Compton gamma-ray source

The next-generation Compton gamma-ray sources (CGSs) based on storage rings require a high-power, well-focused laser beam as a photon driver, which can be realized using a Fabry-Perot cavity (FPC). In this work, we reexamine the behavior and performance of a two-mirror, nearly concentric resonator by introducing a new figure of merit representing the cavity’s proximity to instability. This figure of merit is used to analyze various aspects of the cavity design, including misalignment, beam coupling limitations, and beam size scaling. We then examine several factors affecting the gamma-ray flux, such as the interaction area, crossing angle for collision, frequency matching between the electron and laser beams, and intrabeam scattering effects. Using an example CGS, we demonstrate how to make improved design choices for a two-mirror resonator to enhance the gamma-ray beam flux. This work shows that simple two-mirror Fabry-Perot cavities are well suited as the laser driver for the next-generation storage ring-based CGS, while offering superior advantages in gamma-ray beam polarization control compared to more complex four-mirror, nonplanar resonators.

Delooze, Will↗

Projected network performance for multiple isotopes using next-generation xenon monitoring systems

Since about 2000 (Bowyer et al., 1998), radioxenon monitoring systems have been under development and testing for the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Operation of the systems since then has resulted in development of a next-generation of systems that are nearly ready for operational deployment. By 2010, the need to screen out civilian sources was well known (Auer et al., 2010; Saey, 2009), and isotopic ratio approaches were soon considered (Kalinowski et al., 2014) to identify specific sources. New generation systems are expected to improve the ability to verify the absence of nuclear tests by using isotopic ratios when multiple isotopes are detected. In this work, thousands of releases were simulated to compute the global detection probability of 131m Xe, 133m Xe, 133 Xe, and 135 Xe at 39 noble gas systems in the International Monitoring System (IMS) for both current and next-generation systems. Three release scenarios are defined at 1 h, 1 d, and 10 d past a 1 kt TNT equivalent 235U explosion event. Multiple cases using from one part in a million to the complete release of the xenon isotopic activity are evaluated for each scenario. Coverage maps and global integrals comparing current and next-generation monitoring systems are presented showing that next-generation noble gas systems will create measurable improvements in the IMS. The global detection probability for 133 Xe is shown to be strong in all scenarios, but only modestly improved by next-generation equipment. However, the detection probability for 131m Xe and 133m Xe increased to about 50% in different scenarios, providing a second detectable isotope for many events. As anticipated from shorter sampling intervals, the expected number of detecting samples roughly doubled and the expected number of detecting stations rose by approximately 50% for all release scenarios. Thus, it might be anticipated that future events would consist of multiple 133 Xe detections and one or more second isotope detections. In conclusion, signals of this nature should increase detection confidence, tighten release location estimates, improve rejection of civilian signals, and lessen the impacts from individual systems being offline for maintenance or repair reasons.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Using real-time data analysis to conduct next-generation synchrotron fatigue studies

Next-generation experimental techniques, like high energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (HEDM), usher in new opportunities to collect the grain-scale data necessary for understanding the evolving processes that drive fatigue failure. In this study, we present a framework for monitoring the evolution of a deforming polycrystal, in real-time, by applying principal component analysis (PCA) to raw X-ray diffraction image data. We applied this framework to inform in-situ HEDM measurements of a cyclically loaded Inconel-718 superalloy. Further, we discovered correlations between PCA of the diffraction data and the physical processes in the polycrystal. Lastly, we discuss extending this framework in future HEDM fatigue studies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The ICRP, MELODI, and ALLIANCE workshop on effects of ionizing radiation exposure in offspring and next generations: a summary of discussions

Task Group 121 – Effects of ionizing radiation exposure in offspring and next generations – is a task group under the Committee 1 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), approved by the Main Commission on 18th November 2021. The main goals of Task Group 121 are to (1) review and update the scientific literature of relevance to radiation-related effects in the offspring of parent(s) exposed to ionizing radiation in both human and non-human biota; (2) to assess preconceptional and intrauterine effects of radiation exposure and related morbidity and mortality; and, (3) to provide advice about the level of evidence and how to consider these preconceptional and postconceptional effects in the system of radiological protection for humans and non-human biota. The Task Group is reviewing relevant literature since Publication 90 ‘Biological effects after prenatal irradiation (embryo and fetus)’ (2003) and will include radiation-related effects on future generations in humans, animals, and plants. This review will be conducted to account for the health effects on offspring and subsequent generations in the current system of radiological protection. Radiation detriment calculation will also be reviewed. Finally, preliminary recommendations will be made to update the integration of health effects in offspring and next generations in the system of radiological protection. A Workshop, jointly organized by ICRP Task Group 121 and European Radiation Protection Research Platforms MELODI and ALLIANCE was held in Budapest, Hungary, from 31st May to 2nd June 2022. Participants discussed four important topics: (1) hereditary and epigenetic effects due to exposure of the germ cell line (preconceptional exposure), (2) effects arising from exposure of the embryo and fetus (intrauterine exposure), (3) transgenerational effects on biota, and (4) its potential impact on the system of radiological protection. Based on the discussions and presentations during the breakout sessions, newer publications, and gaps on the current scientific literature were identified. For instance, there are some ongoing systematic reviews and radiation epidemiology reviews of intrauterine effects. There are newer methods of Monte Carlo simulation for fetal dosimetry, and advances in radiation genetics, epigenetics, and radiobiology studies. While the current impact of hereditary effects on the global detriment was reported as small, the questions surrounding the effects of radiation exposure on offspring and the next generation are crucial, recurring, and with a major focus on exposed populations. Here, this article summarizes the workshop discussions, presentations, and conclusions of each topic and introduces the special issue of the International Journal of Radiation Biology resulting from the discussions of the meeting.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗

Addressing the Safety of Next-Generation Batteries

Owing to increasing demand for low-cost energy storage with secure material supply chains, the battery community is approaching a pivotal shift beyond conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) towards next-generation cells. Technologies that include alkali-metal anodes, solid electrolytes and earth-abundant materials such as sodium (Na) and sulfur (S) are reaching commercialization in cells. The abuse tolerance and thermal runaway hazards of such technologies diverge from conventional Li-ion cells. Consequently, designing safe batteries with next-generation materials requires a holistic approach to characterize cells and to understand their responses to abuse conditions from the beginning to the end of life. Here we provide a Perspective on how the safety and abuse tolerance of cells are likely to change for up-and-coming technologies; challenges and opportunities for reimagining safe cell and battery designs; gaps in our knowledge; capabilities for understanding the hazards of thermal runaway and how to address them; how standard abuse tests may need to adapt to new challenges; and how research needs to support affected professionals, from pack designers to first responders, to manage hazards and ensure safe roll-out of next-generation cells into applications like electric vehicles (EVs). Finally, given the large number of next-generation technologies being explored, we encourage giving priority to safety-focused research in proportion to the rate of manufacturing scale-up of each specific technology.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Next Generation Feedstocks for the Emerging Bioeconomy

The Next Generation Feedstocks for the Emerging Bioeconomy project, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was designed to accelerate the development of sustainable, cost-competitive biomass feedstocks that can be grown on marginal lands, which are not suitable for row crop production. By focusing on advanced bioenergy-type switchgrass cultivars and related perennial grasses, the project directly supported the U.S. “Billion-Ton Vision,” which aims to expand biomass production to displace fossil fuels while providing environmental and economic benefits. The project improved understanding of perennial bioenergy crop performance at a large scale in marginal environments.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Virtual Refrigerant Charge Sensing Method for Next-Generation Refrigerant in Residential Heat Pumps

The charge level of refrigerant in heat pump systems significantly affects their operational performance. Virtual refrigerant charge (VRC) sensing technology has been well-established for traditional refrigerants (HFCs and HCFCs) for its low cost compared to physical sensors. However, other than traditional refrigerants, HFOs are increasingly used in next-generation heat pumps; whether these conventional VRC sensing methods remain applicable for heat pump systems utilizing next-generation refrigerants requires further investigation. To address these issues, this study develops a low-cost VRC sensing method for next-generation refrigerant heat pumps used in residential buildings. The developed algorithm is evaluated by using simulation models to evaluate the accuracy, considering an R454B heat pump with a nominal heating capacity of 51K Btu/hr (14.95 kW) as an example, and compared with those of the two reference VRC sensing algorithms. Though the developed VRC sensing algorithm and the two reference methods can accurately predict the charge level for the R454B heat pump system (with mean absolute percentage error for various cooling and heating conditions less than 7%), the developed VRC sensing algorithm uses fewer sensors and improves the overall accuracy for heating conditions by 7.1%, and the accuracy for undercharge cooling conditions 14.2%, compared with a mainstream algorithm. This technology will complement physical leakage detectors, and promote the adoption of next-generation heat pump systems, along with reducing wasted energy and maintenance costs.

Liang, Chenjiyu↗

A robust alloy design (RAD) strategy for next-generation (IV) nuclear fission reactors

Next-generation nuclear reactors demand structural materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions, including high temperatures, intense neutron flux, and corrosive environments. Multi-Principal Element Alloys (MPEAs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their exceptional radiation tolerance, thermal stability, and compositional flexibility. This study introduces a versatile and customizable Robust Alloy Design (RAD) strategy for systematically designing MPEAs for GEN-IV reactor fuel cladding. The RAD framework integrates nuclear-relevant selection criteria, empirical parameter assessments, and high-throughput CALPHAD simulations to efficiently narrow compositional space and identify stable alloys. A unified RAD score developed for the first time, combines key performance metrics, including fuel-clad chemical interaction (FCCI), neutron absorption cross-section (NAC), valence electron configuration (VEC), and melting point factor (MPF), into a flexible ranking system adaptable to reactor-specific priorities. Among 724 candidates, V555(5Al–5Cr–5Fe–85V) emerged as the top alloy, validated experimentally with a homogeneous single-phase BCC microstructure and superior mechanical properties (nano-indentation: 3.389 ± 0.258 GPa; Vickers hardness: 240 ± 6.7 HV), significantly outperforming Zircaloy-4 and V-4Cr-4Ti. Importantly, the RAD strategy is not limited to nuclear applications; its customizable weighting system enables scalability to other extreme environments. This adaptability positions RAD strategy as a versatile tool for advanced materials design across multiple industries.

Alloy design↗

Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Setback (4-km)

The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system is a network of doppler radar operated jointly by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the U.S. Air Force. This dataset represents 4-kilometer setback requirements typically applied to wind energy development. A setback requirement is a minimum distance away that an energy project may be developed. For further details and citation, please refer to the publication linked below: Lopez, Anthony, Pavlo Pinchuk, Michael Gleason, Wesley Cole, Trieu Mai, Travis Williams, Owen Roberts, Marie Rivers, Mike Bannister, Sophie-Min Thomson, Gabe Zuckerman, and Brian Sergi. 2024. Solar Photovoltaics and Land-Based Wind Technical Potential and Supply Curves for the Contiguous United States: 2023 Edition. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/TP-6A20-87843.

Airspace/Defense↗

Demonstration of NREL Modeling Capability to Design the Next Generation of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines with Stiesdal and Magellan Wind (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report)

This Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF) CRADA involved demonstration of NREL modeling capability using OpenFAST (formerly known as FAST) to design the next generation of floating offshore wind turbines (FOTW) with Stiesdal’s TetraSpar design. The objective of the project was to enable the design and optimization of next generation FOWT that show promise to make FOWT cost-competitive with other energy technologies by upgrading, verifying, and validating improvements to OpenFAST. This objective was achieved by (1) upgrading OpenFAST to compute floating substructure flexibility and member-level loads, which is critical to enable the design of floating substructures—especially newer designs that are streamlined, flexible, and cost-effective; (2) verifying the new OpenFAST capabilities through model-to-model comparisons and validating the capabilities through comparisons to empirical data generated with wave-tank testing, using TetraSpar data provided by Stiesdal; and (3) making available the upgraded OpenFAST tool to the wind energy community to enable next-generation floating wind designs.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey - Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region

# 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region The 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region covers the Hawaiian island of Oahu and five counties in surrounding islands. An addendum to the nationwide version of the study conducted in 2019, this regional survey provided additional information and spatial granularity about people’s movements to, from, and within the areas under study. ## Data Collection Agency The survey was conducted for the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. ## Survey Methodology Data were collected in two zones: the core area (census blocks in the island of Oahu) and the halo area (five counties in adjacent Hawaiian islands). All trips were assigned an origin zone and a destination zone, as well as a travel mode, purpose, and distance. Sociodemographic information related to age, income, and gender was also collected. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,154,167,619 trips.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey - Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region

# 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region The 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region covers the Hawaiian island of Oahu and five counties in surrounding islands. An addendum to the nationwide version of the study conducted in 2019, this regional survey provided additional information and spatial granularity about people’s movements to, from, and within the areas under study. ## Data Collection Agency The survey was conducted for the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. ## Survey Methodology Data were collected in two zones: the core area (census blocks in the island of Oahu) and the halo area (five counties in adjacent Hawaiian islands). All trips were assigned an origin zone and a destination zone, as well as a travel mode, purpose, and distance. Sociodemographic information related to age, income, and gender was also collected. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,154,167,619 trips.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey - Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region

# 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region The 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region covers the Hawaiian island of Oahu and five counties in surrounding islands. An addendum to the nationwide version of the study conducted in 2019, this regional survey provided additional information and spatial granularity about people’s movements to, from, and within the areas under study. ## Data Collection Agency The survey was conducted for the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. ## Survey Methodology Data were collected in two zones: the core area (census blocks in the island of Oahu) and the halo area (five counties in adjacent Hawaiian islands). All trips were assigned an origin zone and a destination zone, as well as a travel mode, purpose, and distance. Sociodemographic information related to age, income, and gender was also collected. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,154,167,619 trips.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey - Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region

# 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region The 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region covers the Hawaiian island of Oahu and five counties in surrounding islands. An addendum to the nationwide version of the study conducted in 2019, this regional survey provided additional information and spatial granularity about people’s movements to, from, and within the areas under study. ## Data Collection Agency The survey was conducted for the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. ## Survey Methodology Data were collected in two zones: the core area (census blocks in the island of Oahu) and the halo area (five counties in adjacent Hawaiian islands). All trips were assigned an origin zone and a destination zone, as well as a travel mode, purpose, and distance. Sociodemographic information related to age, income, and gender was also collected. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,154,167,619 trips.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey - Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region

# 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region The 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region covers the Hawaiian island of Oahu and five counties in surrounding islands. An addendum to the nationwide version of the study conducted in 2019, this regional survey provided additional information and spatial granularity about people’s movements to, from, and within the areas under study. ## Data Collection Agency The survey was conducted for the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. ## Survey Methodology Data were collected in two zones: the core area (census blocks in the island of Oahu) and the halo area (five counties in adjacent Hawaiian islands). All trips were assigned an origin zone and a destination zone, as well as a travel mode, purpose, and distance. Sociodemographic information related to age, income, and gender was also collected. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,154,167,619 trips.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey - Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region

# 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region The 2022 Next-Generation National Household Travel Survey – Origin-Destination Data Addendum for the Oahu Region covers the Hawaiian island of Oahu and five counties in surrounding islands. An addendum to the nationwide version of the study conducted in 2019, this regional survey provided additional information and spatial granularity about people’s movements to, from, and within the areas under study. ## Data Collection Agency The survey was conducted for the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. ## Survey Methodology Data were collected in two zones: the core area (census blocks in the island of Oahu) and the halo area (five counties in adjacent Hawaiian islands). All trips were assigned an origin zone and a destination zone, as well as a travel mode, purpose, and distance. Sociodemographic information related to age, income, and gender was also collected. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 1,154,167,619 trips.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗