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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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DOE OSTI2020

Review of low salinity waterflooding in carbonate rocks: mechanisms, investigation techniques, and future directions

This review analyses the fundamental thermodynamic theory of the crude oil-brine-rock (COBR) interface and the underlying rock-brine and oil-brine interactions. Next, the available data are reviewed to outline potential mechanisms responsible for increased oil recovery from low salinity waterflooding (LSWF). We propose an approach to studying LSWF and identify the key missing links that are needed to explain observations at multiple length scales. The synergistic effect of LSWFon other chemical enhanced oil recovery methods such as surfactant, alkaline, nanoparticle and polymer flooding are also outlined. We specifically highlight key uncertainties that must be overcome to fully implement the technique in the field.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2024

Recent and future developments in pultrusion technology with consideration for curved geometries: A review

Herein this paper examined the current state and future developments in pultrusion with particular emphasis on its application in curved part manufacturing. The relationship between factors such as resin chemistry, fiber characteristics, and die geometry that influences the properties of pultruded product were highlighted. Moreover, the specific challenges associated with pultruding curved parts such as the complexities in achieving uniformity and structural integrity in such geometries were discussed. The review emphasized mold design, process improvement, adaptive control systems for precise resin impregnation and material selection to address these challenges. Additionally, the paper suggests the integration of real-time monitoring and data analytics as ways to enhance quality control during curved parts pultrusion. These advancements will help to overcome challenges specific to curved pultrusion and make the process more efficient. Other manufacturing techniques such as filament winding, thermoforming, pulforming were mentioned as alternatives to curved parts pultrusion. The review also explores pultruded variable curvature processes, highlighting some notable patents and article related to this subject matter. Production of pultruded variable curvature parts was seen as a key driver that can shape the future of pultrusion. Finally, the paper anticipates future trends, with sustainability, customization, integration of advanced materials, and development of techniques for pultrusion of composites parts.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2020

A scoping review of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques in building performance diagnostic inspections

Understanding building envelope thermodynamics is an essential foundation of building sciences, mainly due to the envelope’s role as a boundary layer for exterior environments, as well as a container and regulator of internal microclimates. This paper presents a scoping literature review of select Non-destructive Testing (NDT) techniques for building envelope scanning and surveying for thermodynamic diagnostics. The investigation focuses specifically on reviewing six NDT techniques: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)/Laser Scanning, Thermography, Ultrasound, Close-Range Photogrammetry and Through Wall Imaging Radar (TWIR). The aim is to identify knowledge gaps in terms of their use in accurately characterizing envelope compositions for further integration in Building Energy Modeling (BEM). Each technique was evaluated according to set categories imbibed from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE) Standard 211P that showcase the technique’s ability to extract various relevant information. A framework is then developed to inform users on how to use hybrid NDT-based workflows applied in building envelope energy audits. The study concludes by discussing possibilities of utilizing NDT in large-scale audit automation, BEM integration, and developing built environment policies focusing on increasing existing building performance through retrofitting design.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Defining an industrial heat pump: A review & synthesis

Clear and understandable definitions of advanced energy technologies are not common and often confuse those who are not experts. This review paper addresses a critical issue in the field of heat pumps: the ambiguity surrounding the term “industrial heat pump.” The term, as discussed in various literature and media, often leads to misconceptions about the capabilities and applications of heat pumps, particularly in industrial contexts. This review paper seeks to refine and unify the definition of industrial heat pumps by analyzing existing academic and commercial literature, industry reports, and classifications. Unique identifiers explored for the definition of an industrial heat pump include the use of waste heat, operating temperature ranges, size specifications, and specific end-use applications. The study reveals differences in how industrial heat pumps are defined in academic and commercial contexts, highlighting the need for a standardized definition to facilitate better communication among manufacturers, policymakers, and end users. This is especially important considering recent legislative efforts such as the HEAT Act, which seeks to promote industrial heat pump adoption. The proposed definition aims to provide clarity while supporting the effective deployment of industrial heat pumps. With proper adoption, the definition will help promote the role of industrial heat pumps in achieving energy efficiency goals in the industrial sector. The intended impact is for the definition to serve as a foundational reference for future research and policy development.

Heat pump characteristics↗

DOE OSTI2020

Simulation-aided occupant-centric building design: A critical review of tools, methods, and applications

Occupants are active participants in their built environment, affecting its performance while simultaneously being affected by its design and indoor environmental conditions. With recent advances in computer modeling, simulation tools, and analysis techniques, topics such as human-building interactions and occupant behavior have gained significant interest in the literature given their premise of improving building design processes and operating strategies. In practice, the focus of occupant-centric literature has been mostly geared towards the latter (i.e., operation), leaving the implications on building design practices underexplored. This paper fills the gap by providing a critical review of existing studies applying computer-based modeling and simulation to guide occupant-centric building design. The reviewed papers are organized along four main themes, namely occupant-centric: (i) metrics of building performance, (ii) modeling and simulation approaches, (iii) design methods and applications, and (iv) supporting practices and mechanisms. Important barriers are identified for a more effective application of occupant-centric building design practices, including the limited consideration of metrics beyond energy efficiency (e.g., occupant well-being and space planning), the limited implementation and validation of the proposed methods, and the lack of integration of occupant behavior modeling in existing building performance simulation tools. Finally, future research directions are discussed, covering large-scale international data collection efforts to move from generic assumptions about occupant behavior to specific/localized knowledge, improved metrics of measuring building performance, and improved industry practices, such as building codes, to promote an occupant-in-the-loop approach to the building design process.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2024

Customer enrollment and participation in building demand management programs: A review of key factors

Increasing the efficiency and flexibility of electricity demand is necessary for ensuring a cost-effective and reliable transition to zero-carbon electricity systems. Such demand-side management (DSM) resources have been procured by utilities for decades via energy efficiency and demand response programs; however, the key drivers of program enrollment and customer participation levels remain poorly understood — even as governments and grid planners seek to scale up the deployment of DSM assets to meet climate targets. Here we systematically review the evidence on multiple factors that may influence customer enrollment and participation in building DSM programs, focusing primarily on residential and commercial buildings. We examine the contexts in which relationships between DSM factors and outcomes are most often explored and with which methods; we also score the strength, direction, and internal consistency of each factor's reported impact on the enrollment and participation outcomes. We find that studies most commonly assess the effects of economic incentives for load flexibility on program participation levels, often using simulation-based methods in lieu of measured data. Few studies focus on program enrollment outcomes or regulatory drivers of either enrollment or participation, and gaps are also evident in the coverage of emerging DSM opportunities like load electrification. Removal of structural barriers (e.g., the lack of controls infrastructure) and the use of third party services (e.g., load aggregators) are the factors with the largest positive impacts on DSM outcomes, but no single factor emerges as clearly most impactful. For a given factor, the range of reported impacts typically varies widely across the relevant studies reviewed. Our findings provide a snapshot of the state of knowledge about building DSM and customer decision-making, and they expose key gaps in understanding that must be filled if building DSM is to expand as a critical resource for operating clean power grids.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2026

From models to reality: a systematic review on simulated and measured residential heat pump energy savings

High-performance HVAC solutions are central to residential energy management. A substantial share of these are electric, reversible-cycle systems, with heat pumps representing the largest portion of current and near-term adoption. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed and grey literature on residential space heating and cooling heat pumps. The academic literature is dominated by modeling (73.8%), with limited field measurement (13.1%). Grey literature from United States serve as a supplemental resource providing measured savings. Conversions from electric-resistance heating consistently show the largest site energy reductions, while oil/propane baselines yield moderate savings, and gas baseline scenario often deliver small and region-dependent savings. This study cross-checks the grey literature measured data with simulation data filtered from the ResStock dataset. The comparison indicates a discrepancy between simulations and measured data: simulated site EUIs are typically lower than measured EUIs, but percentage energy savings fall in similar ranges, implying simulations capture directional effects while underestimating energy use. Factors associated with variability and model–measurement differences include system characterization and control representation (e.g., backup heat engagement, thermostat/setpoint strategies, commissioning/installation quality), occupant behavior, weather normalization, metering scope, and envelope characterization. This paper also outlines the proposed methodology for comparing simulation and measured data for heat pumps. It emphasizes the metrics used for comparison and units harmonization, building characteristics matching, and compact metadata are needed for simulations to match measured data. The proposed methodology is expected to improve the credibility of simulated savings as measured evidence grows.

Yu, Lili↗

DOE OSTI2025

Understanding the impacts of inorganic species in woody biomass for preprocessing and pyrolysis–A review

Woody biomass represents an abundant resource for sustainable biofuels, biochemicals, and bioproducts. Technologies for converting woody biomass have been established for decades, and research consistently highlights the critical role of inorganic species and ash plays in feedstock handling and conversion processes, including equipment plugging, corrosion, and catalyst deactivation. A thorough understanding of the variability, transport behavior, and downstream impact of inorganic species in woody biomass is essential for defining feedstock quality specifications and developing effective management strategies for conversion processes. This review compiles critical information in five main sections: 1) inorganic species concentration in woody biomass, based on anatomical fractions and their sources of variability; 2) technique features for quantifying inorganic elemental chemical analysis; 3) impacts of inorganic species on biomass preprocessing; 4) impacts of inorganic species on pyrolysis, and 5) mitigation strategies. Additionally, this review explores future challenges and opportunities in addressing the impacts of inorganic species on biomass quality. These insights aim to support the sustainable development of the biomass-to-bioenergy pipeline and ensure high-quality lignocellulosic feedstocks for efficient downstream conversions. The findings offer valuable guidance to policy makers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in developing effective strategies for managing inorganic species in woody biomass and fostering the sustainable processes for lignocellulosic biorefineries.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Review of analytical studies on seismic fluid-structure interaction of base-supported cylindrical tanks

Analytical solutions for seismic fluid-structure interaction (FSI) of tanks are used by analysts and engineers for a number of purposes, including preliminary sizing, risk assessment, and verification of numerical models. Analytical solutions for seismic FSI of tanks were first developed in the 1930s and have been extended and/or modified in the following nine decades to accommodate different seismic inputs and boundary conditions. This report reviews published analytical solutions for rigid and flexible, base-supported, cylindrical tanks subjected to unidirectional horizontal motion of a small amplitude. The studies parsed the fluid-structure (FSI) response into an impulsive and a convective component, and addressed frequencies of lateral motions of the tank (i.e., impulsive frequencies), hydrodynamic pressures, frequencies of waves (i.e., convective frequencies), wave heights, and reactions at the base. The solutions were categorized into exact and approximate solutions based on the methodologies used. Herein, FSI responses are calculated and compared for a range of tank dimensions using the analytical solutions from the different studies. The responses presented here are normalized to be unitless, and can be used for tanks with different dimensions and mechanical properties, and subjected to different input motions. A sample steel water tank is analyzed using the normalized solutions for two earthquake ground motions with different frequency contents. Ignoring tank flexibility may significantly underestimate seismic responses of the tank and its contained fluid. The approximate solutions, which have been widely used for decades, may not be sufficiently accurate in the modern era. Calculation errors in the reviewed studies are identified and corrected, and differences are quantified for the sample tank.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2020

Leveraging concentrating solar power plant dispatchability: A review of the impacts of global market structures and policy

Concentrating solar power (CSP) integrated with thermal energy storage delivers flexible and dispatchable power, which is an increasingly valuable quality as electricity systems integrate growing penetrations of variable renewable energy. Valuing and compensating CSP's dispatchability and flexibility requires electricity market structures and policies that appropriately remunerate generation during high-value portions of the day. In this paper, we review previous analyses of CSP economics and deployment, and we find that continued CSP growth will require valuation mechanisms that appropriately compensate for CSP's flexibility during both plant design and plant operation. We then review market structures that drive CSP operations and dispatch in jurisdictions where CSP is being developed, with perspectives from Spain, Chile, Australia, Morocco, South Africa, the United States, China, and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai). Despite broad agreement that CSP's dispatchability provides value to electricity grids, countries' policies for remunerating and leveraging such dispatchability varies widely. As deployment of CSP and variable renewable energy grows, it will be increasingly important to redesign current integration policies to signal the delivery of CSP's grid services more appropriately.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

A review of composite polymer-ceramic electrolytes for lithium batteries

All solid-state lithium batteries are garnering attention in both academia and industry. Lithium-ion conductive polymers and lithium-ion conductive ceramics are the two major classes of solid electrolytes that have prevalently been pursued for many years. However, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. One approach to overcome the disadvantages and get the best out of each of those materials is a solid composite electrolyte that combines the advantages of inorganic ceramic electrolytes and solid polymer electrolytes. Such composite electrolytes can offer acceptable ionic conductivity, high mechanical strength, and favorable interfacial contact with electrodes, which can greatly improve the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries compared to cells based on a polymer electrolyte alone or a ceramic electrolyte alone. We present in this review the state-of-the-art composite polymer-ceramic electrolytes in view of their electrochemical and physical properties for the applications in lithium batteries. The review mainly encompasses the polymer matrices, various ceramic filler materials, and the polymer/ceramics composite systems. Specifically, the structures, ionic conductivities, electrochemical/chemical stabilities, and fabrications of solid composite electrolytes are discussed in-depth. On the basis of previous work, a perspective on future research directions is highlighted for developing high-performance composite polymer-ceramic electrolytes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Interfaces in all solid state Li-metal batteries: A review on instabilities, stabilization strategies, and scalability

With technological advancements in electrochemical energy storage systems increasing at a spectacular rate, batteries equipped with a lithium anode hold the key towards unlocking high energy densities. While lithium-ion batteries with layered anodes (e.g. graphite) and liquid organic electrolytes have been ubiquitous in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid applications, all solid-state batteries that use the combination of a lithium anode and a solid-state electrolyte (SSE) will further advance the present technology. The underlying challenge that limits the successful development of all solid-state batteries (ASSBs) is dictated largely by the highly reactive interfaces at the anode/SSE and the cathode/SSE interface. In this comprehensive review, we present an overview of the following: (i) characterization of the electrode/SSE interface via multimodal characterization, which include X-ray-, electron-, neutron-, optical-, and computation-based methods: (ii) parasitic reactions that occur from chemical, mechanical or electrochemical instabilities and interfacial engineering strategies for improving the stability of these interfaces classified by the class of inorganic SSEs (sulfide-, NASICON-, and garnet-type SSEs); (iii) laboratory-to-industry scale processing perspectives of SSEs; (iv) scalability and manufacturing aspects of current interfacial strategies; and (v) the prospects of all ASSBs within the context of extreme fast charging capability. Here, this review seeks to highlight key efforts in the field of ASSBs, by focusing particularly on stabilizing the electrode/SSE interfaces, which will help to bridge fundamental studies to technological relevance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Public Health Response and Medical Management of Internal Contamination in Past Radiological or Nuclear Incidents: A Review

Following a radiological or nuclear emergency, workers, responders and the public may be internally contaminated with radionuclides. Screening, monitoring and assessing any internal contamination and providing necessary medical treatment, especially when a large number of individuals are involved, is challenging. Experience gained and lessons learned from the management of previous incidents would help to identify gaps in knowledge and capabilities on preparedness for and response to radiation emergencies. In this paper, eight largescale and five workplace radiological and nuclear incidents are reviewed cross 14 technical areas, under the broader topics of emergency preparedness, emergency response and recovery processes. The review findings suggest that 1) new strategies, algorithms and technologies are explored for rapid screening of large populations; 2) exposure assessment and dose estimation in emergency response and dose reconstruction in recovery process are supported by complementary sources of information, including ‘citizen science’; 3) surge capacity for monitoring and dose assessment is coordinated through national and international laboratory networks; 4) evidence-based guidelines for medical management and follow-up of internal contamination are urgently needed; 5) mechanisms for international and regional access to medical countermeasures are investigated and implemented; 6) long-term health and medical follow up programs are designed and justified; and 7) capabilities and capacity developed for emergency response are sustained through adequate resource allocation, routine nonemergency use of technical skills in regular exercises, training, and continuous improvement.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

DOE OSTI2025

A comprehensive review of diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) techniques in protonic ceramic cells (PCCs): Current status and future perspective

Protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) have emerged as a promising technology for power generation, energy storage, and value-added chemical synthesis, offering benefits such as fuel flexibility, low emissions, and efficient operation at intermediate temperatures (300–600 °C). Recently, significant breakthroughs in materials and manufacturing methods have markedly enhanced the performance of PCCs. However, establishing a fundamental understanding of their electrocatalytic reactions has gained less attention. As a fast and cost-effective method for physicochemical fingerprinting, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) has proven to be a surface-sensitive analytical tool for structural and functional studies. This review critically examines the most up-to-date applications of DRIFTS for characterizing key components of PCCs, including oxygen electrodes, protonic electrolytes, and hydrogen electrodes for different applications, with a focus on revealing hydration properties and catalytic reactions, and guiding rational material design. The challenges for advancing DRIFTS, including quantitative capabilities and operando applications for PCC investigations, are highlighted and strategies to tackle these challenges are discussed. Ultimately, this review underscores the critical role of DRIFTS in accelerating the development of high-performance and durable PCCs for next-generation energy solutions, offering methodologies and insights broadly applicable to a wide range of electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies.

Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spe↗

DOE OSTI2026

Thermal property characterization of phase change materials in building applications: A systematic review of fundamentals, recent progress, and future directions

Phase change materials (PCMs) can reduce building peak loads and enable demand-responsive thermal energy storage (TES), but their deployment depends on reliable measurement and interpretation of thermal properties across laboratory, intermediate, and application scales. Here, this review systematically examines characterization methods, testing protocols, and recent advances for neat PCMs and PCM composites, emphasizing thermal conductivity, enthalpy-related properties (phase change temperature, latent heat, specific heat), and cycling stability. For thermal conductivity, we compare steady-state and transient techniques and note limitations when phase transition and contact resistance affect measurements. For enthalpy–temperature characterization, we discuss differential scanning calorimetry together with intermediate- and bulk-scale methods, including T-history, heat flow meter testing, and three-layer calorimetry (3LC), to generate application-relevant enthalpy–temperature profiles. Cycling stability is organized into four experimental families: thermoelectric–air, fully thermoelectric, water-bath, and in situ chamber approaches, with attention to separating reversible supercooling from true degradation such as phase segregation. We highlight emerging noncontact diagnostics, including infrared thermography and embedded sensing, for spatially resolved validation and multiscale interpretation. Finally, we review the growing use of AI and machine learning for property prediction, inverse characterization from experimental signals, and real-time state estimation in building-integrated TES. Key needs include harmonized protocols, interlaboratory benchmarking, uncertainty reporting, and metadata-rich datasets to accelerate reproducible PCM qualification for grid-flexible buildings.

AI↗

DOE OSTI2026

Opportunities and challenges in thermochemical conversion of municipal solid waste: A comprehensive review

Recent advancements in thermochemical conversion processes have elucidated new pathways for converting municipal solid waste into valuable resources. This review explores the primary thermochemical conversion methods, including combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, torrefaction, hydrothermal carbonization, and hydrothermal liquefaction, emphasizing their potential roles in waste management and energy recovery. Key challenges including feedstock variability, ash behavior, and scale-up limitations are discussed alongside opportunities for hybrid systems and circular economy integration. A comparative analysis of research publications indicates a significant focus on thermochemical pathways within the broader context of municipal solid waste research, underscoring the growing interest in these technologies. Recent advancements in each thermochemical process, alongside their operational, technical, and economic challenges, are discussed. Comparative data reveal that torrefaction enhances the hydrophobicity and grindability of municipal solid waste components, though its energy densification benefits are more modest than those observed in biomass. Hydrothermal carbonization and liquefaction are highlighted for their ability to process high-moisture and heterogeneous waste streams. The review also synthesizes recent findings on reactor configurations, emissions control, and synergistic effects in co-processing municipal solid waste fractions. The findings underscore the importance of developing standardized protocols for municipal solid waste characterization and the need for innovative hybrid systems to improve efficiency.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Significance and complications of drilling fluid rheology in geothermal drilling: A review

The harsh downhole conditions of high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) encountered in geothermal wells make the drilling operation challenging. Drilling in such environments requires a special drilling mud formulation with high thermal stability and good rheological properties to fulfill the drilling fluid functions. Therefore, great efforts should be put into selecting the suitable drilling fluid, optimize and monitor the drilling fluid properties throughout drilling operations, and predicting its performance under downhole conditions. Rheological properties significantly impact many drilling parameters such as hole cleaning, fluid and wellbore stability, wellbore hydraulics, torque and drag, and other drilling issues. This paper discusses water-based drilling fluids' flow behavior under HPHT conditions and highlights the significance of fluid rheology in geothermal drilling. The common challenges and complications related to fluid rheology encountered in geothermal drilling are addressed in this paper, such as hole cleaning, wellbore hydraulics, and drilling fluid stability. This article also reviews the recent advances in drilling mud systems, rheology enhancement, and rheological properties measurements at surface and subsurface conditions. Furthermore, the rheology models of drilling fluid at elevated temperatures are reviewed to fully understand their flow behavior and establish a method for drilling engineers to optimize fluid formulations for geothermal drilling.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

On falling film evaporator – A review of mechanisms and critical assessment of correlation on a horizontal tube bundle with updated development

Optimization of the energy efficiency and reduction of the greenhouse gas emission for the heat pump system is imperative to meet the net-zero goals at 2050. Chillers with falling film evaporator design not only possess better system performance but also contain less refrigerant inventory. Hence, accurate prediction of the evaporator performance is pivotal especially when charged with low-GWP refrigerant. Here, the study reviews the correlations for falling film evaporator with a horizontal tube bundle configuration. The major efforts of this study include four tasks: (a) literature review of the experimental studies and available empirical correlations; (b) comprehensive discussion of the falling film evaporation heat transfer mechanism; (c) development of a new rationally based correlation based on available literature; and (d) comparison of different correlations based on the existing data. The collected data includes 4114 data points from 8 sources, 6 refrigerants (R-600a, R-290, R-245fa, R-134a, R-1234ze(E), R-123), 5 types of the tubes (Plain, Turbo-GII-HP, GEWA-B, Low-fin, High-Flux), liquid Weber number from 2.2 × 10 –6 to 0.7, imposed vapor Weber number from 0 to 37.2, heat flux from 2.5 to 151.5 kW/m 2 , and film Reynolds number from 1 to 3159.8. The new correlation gives a MAD of 28.3%, and an R 2 of 0.86. Yet, the developed correlation considers various heat transfer mechanisms, including the transition point from falling film evaporation to the nucleate boiling, local evaporation, dry-out, mist flow, imposed flow, and enhanced tube effects.

42 ENGINEERING↗