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At least 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Analysis of AC-DC Converters for Grid-tied High Temperature Steam Electrolysis Systems

Grid-tied HTSE systems have the prospects to produce clean hydrogen enabling power and broad energy systems decarbonization. Most commercially available power electronic converter systems (PECS) are designed for batteries, solar PVs, wind, and other well-established renewable energy resources. Standards (such as IEEE 1547, UL 1741, CA Rule-21, HI Rule14) exist for PECS used for renewable energy systems such as battery storage and solar PVs. However, those that consider the dynamic behavior of HTSEs and that can be used for large-scale H2 systems are yet to be developed. This paper investigates the performance of these PECS for the HTSE application that are set up at the Idaho National Laboratory for hydrogen production testing, research and development. In particular, the performance analysis of two grid-tied PECS (A and B) is conducted for a 100 kW solid oxide HTSE system. System A consists of 6 units of 30kW MOSFET-switched bidirectional AC-DC rectifier while system B has a single unit of 150kW thyristor-switched AC-DC rectifier. Both systems are connected to the HTSE stacks via a DC-DC converter. Different operational conditions of the HTSE system are tested to analyze the dynamic response of the HTSE’s PECS. The experimental results show the need to develop advanced control strategies for PECS that incorporates the dynamics of HTSE systems for improved performance.

High temperature steam electrolysis↗
NASA NTRS1977

Production of simple molecules on the surface of Mercury

Lunar sample studies have shown that solar-wind irradiation of the lunar surface has produced a variety of low-molecular-weight compounds. Analysis of the lunar soils has revealed the presence of H2, CH4, H2O, N2, CO, CO2, He, Ne and other components which are extralunar. Irradiation experiments on lunar materials and analogs have shown that solar-wind and solar-flare irradiation of the lunar surface produces selected low-molecular-weight components. Solar-wind irradiation of Mercury's surface should also produce a wide variety of low-molecular-weight species because of the increased solar flux, which results from Mercury being nearer the sun than the moon. The thermal regime of Mercury's surface would result in thermal evaporation of low-temperature components followed by 'cold-trapping' on the night-time side of the planet. Such desorption-adsorption processes assist chemical weathering of Mercury's regolith.

Gibson, E. K., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Preliminary investigation of acoustic oscillations in an H2-O2 fired Hall generator

Burner pressure oscillations and interelectrode voltage oscillations measured in an open-cycle supersonic flow Hall generator are presented. The ionized gas for the channel was supplied by seeding the approximately 1 lb/sec of hydrogen-oxygen combustion products with cesium. Since both the burner and the channel were located within magnetic fields exceeding 4 Tesla during operation, an infinite probe pressure measurement technique was used to measure burner pressure oscillations. Calibration of the burner pressure transducer using a resonance tube technique is presented. Evidence is presented for the existence of the first longitudinal mode of oscillations (5000 Hz) within the burner. Interelectrode voltage oscillations were simultaneously measured at two separate axial stations. The magnitude change and the phase shift between the two signals was interpreted as a decaying magnetoacoustic wave driven by the burner that propagates at local gas plus sonic velocities. The amplitude of the electrical voltage oscillations at the start of the power producing region of the channel varied with the magnetic field. This variation is compared with the results of a simple perturbation analysis. Arguments are presented for using an unsteady model for analyzing wave processes in channels.

Phillips, B.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Marine Hydrogen Demonstration

This report summarizes Phase 1 of a project involving the design of a Floating Hydrogen Production and Dispensing Barge destined for the Port of San Francisco (SF). The H 2 Barge is designed to produce renewable H 2 at the rate of ~ 530 kg/day, storing 512 kg of hydrogen at 517-bar, allowing fast refueling of hydrogen fuel cell vessels and land-side hydrogen delivery trailers for distribution into the nascent SF hydrogen ecosystem. The broader considerations that impacted the H2 Barge design are also described. An account is given of a new review process formulated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to review this first-of-its-kind maritime implementation of hydrogen technology. The immediate goals of the H 2 Barge Project are to 1) demonstrate the feasibility, viability and methods of hydrogen production, storage and fueling in a maritime context, 2) help shape (where needed) and navigate the required local, state and federal regulatory gauntlet and 3) catalyze a “green hydrogen ecosystem” (both marine and landside) with locally produced renewable hydrogen at the San Francisco waterfront. A summary is also given of the modeling and experimental activity of Phase 1 directed to the development of science-based refueling protocols for large marine Type IV 250-bar hydrogen tanks. Combined modeling and experimental studies are reported of the filling of large (28 kg) 250-bar Type IV hydrogen tanks of the type being deployed on early hydrogen ferries, such as the MV Sea Change. The primary question was to determine how such tanks can be successfully filled (state of charge greater than 97%) within 45 minutes without exceeding the 82 °C temperature limit historically set for such tanks. The studies show that a gas injector is needed avoid thermal stratification during filling which can result in potential hot spots. Pre-cooling of the hydrogen was found to be essential in most cases, as ambient conditions greatly affect the need for a pre-cooling to achieve the 45-minute fill time. Pre-cooling cannot be supplied by nearby water, such as that found in nature (bays, lakes, rivers, etc.) because pre-cooling cooling below 0 °C was found to be necessary to avoid excessive compression heating. The experimental results afforded a calibration of the engineering model (SOFIL) for these large 250-bar tanks, which now enables using SOFIL to predict volume-averaged hydrogen filling temperatures to an accuracy of +/- 2.7°C for these tanks. The model can therefore be used to evaluate potential scenarios for development of a standardized fueling methodology for ferries utilizing large Type-IV tanks of the type examined here.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hybrid Grid-Renewable Strategies for Green Steel Production under Electricity Market Uncertainty

Volatility in grid spot prices is expected to rise with climate change-driven demand pressures and the intermittency of renewable generation. This volatility poses financial risks for green hydrogen-based steel production. The Direct Reduced Iron− Electric Arc Furnace (H 2 -DRI-EAF) is a promising pathway to decarbonize steel, which accounts for ∼8% of global GHG emissions. This study assesses how increased grid spot price volatility influences the optimal sizing and operation of H2-DRIEAF plants under three operational scenarios: grid-connected, fully behind-the-meter (islanded), and mixed-mode (semi-islanded). Our analysis identifies the semi-islanded configuration as the most cost-effective solution, achieving a Levelized Cost of Steel (LCOS) 10−35% lower than sourcing energy solely from the grid. Modeling also shows hydrogen storage or selective electricity purchases at high prices (>$1000/MWh) generally outperform battery storage, except under extreme volatility. Additionally, the study explores cost reduction strategies to strengthen the economic viability and sustainability of green steel production.

Batteries↗
DOE OSTI2023

Risk Assessment of Hydrogen Production Coupled to Nuclear Power Plants

Presentation slides curated from previous public INL reports & other open references: - Slide 1 from INL homepage www.inl.gov - Slide 2 from MIT report and NEI report (both are publicly available) - Slide 3 from LWRS portal www.lwrs.inl.gov - Slide 4 from H2@Scale portal https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/h2scale - Slide 6-8 from INL reports: INL/EXT-20-60104, INL/EXT-20-60104 Rev 1, INL/RPT-23-74319 - Slide 9 from an open journal paper - Slide 10-30 from INL open reports INL/RPT-23-74319 and INL/RPT-22-68155

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nonthermal hydrogen plasma-enabled ambient, fast lignin hydrogenolysis to valuable chemicals and bio-oils

The reduction of fossil fuel resources and the ongoing surge in global energy demand have captured the interest of researchers worldwide, prompting a focus on developing renewable energy sources. For this reason, biomass conversion has emerged as a crucial pathway for renewable fuel production. Lignin, constituting 10–35% of woody biomass, represents a significant and largely untapped sustainable feedstock. Despite the potential of lignin, a substantial portion of this lignocellulosic residue remains unused, with approximately 60% considered waste. This study addresses the challenge of underutilized lignin by introducing an innovative approach to its hydrogenolysis. Despite their potential, existing hydrogenolysis methods face obstacles such as complexity, high cost, and the need for high temperatures or pressures. Herein we report a noncatalytic nonthermal hydrogen plasma method for lignin hydrogenolysis, conducted under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. Our method proves to be highly effective in breaking lignin bonds, achieving complete conversion, and generating valuable gaseous and bio-oil products including methane and aromatic dimers and monomers obtained from guaiacyl and syringyl units within the lignin structure. Our results showed an increase in gaseous products, especially methane, and aromatic monomer yields, as well as a reduction in total bio-oil and biochar yields and lignin functional groups by increasing reaction time, input power, and H2 partial pressure. This research confirms the considerable promise of utilizing noncatalytic nonthermal hydrogen plasma-assisted hydrogenolysis as an effective technique for producing gaseous and liquid fuels from lignin.

Pishva, Parsa↗
NASA NTRS1986

Nickel-hydrogen separator development

The separator technology is a critical element in the nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H2) systems. Previous research and development work carried out at NASA Lewis Research Center has determined that separators made from zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and potassium titanate (PKT) fibers will function satisfactorily in Ni-H2 cells without exhibiting the problems associated with the asbestos separators. These separators and their characteristics were previously discussed. A program was established to transfer the separator technology into a commercial production line. A detailed plan of this program will be presented and the preliminary results will be discussed.

Gonzalez-Sanabria, O. D.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Scalable Polymeric Few-Nanometer Organosilica Membranes with Hydrothermal Stability for Selective Hydrogen Separation

Nanoporous silica membranes exhibit excellent H 2 /CO 2 separation properties for sustainable H 2 production and CO 2 capture but are prepared via complicated thermal processes above 400 °C, which prevent their scalable production at a low cost. Here, we demonstrate the rapid fabrication (within 2 min) of ultrathin silica-like membranes (~3 nm) via an oxygen plasma treatment of polydimethylsiloxane-based thin-film composite membranes at 20 °C. The resulting organosilica membranes unexpectedly exhibit H2 permeance of 280-930 GPU (1 GPU = 3.347 x 10 -10 mol m -2 s -1 Pa -1 ) and H2/CO2 selectivity of 93-32 at 200 °C, far surpassing state-of-the-art membranes and Robeson’s upper bound for H 2 /CO 2 separation. When challenged with a 3 d simulated syngas test containing water vapor at 200 °C and a 340 d stability test, the membrane shows durable separation performance and excellent hydrothermal stability. The robust H 2 /CO 2 separation properties coupled with excellent scalability demonstrate the great potential of these organosilica membranes for economic H 2 production with minimal carbon emissions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1991

Cometary implications of the internal energy distributions of the C2 and C3 radicals produced in the photolysis of the C2H and C3H2

The C2 and C3 radicals are prominent emission in the visible region of cometary spectra. Observational evidence exists that suggests these radicals are formed as granddaughter fragments in the photolysis of more stable molecules. Likely candidates for these parent molecules ar C2H2, C3H4 (allene), and CH3C2H (propyne). Recent laboratory studies were performed on all of these parent molecules and they indicate that they can indeed produce the observed cometary radicals. In the case of C2H2, the laboratory evidence suggest that C2 is formed via the following mechanisms: (1) C2H2 + photon(193 nm) yields C2H + H; and (2) C2H + photon(193 nm) yields C2 + H. Evidence is presented to show that the C2 radical produced in the second reaction occurs in a variety of electronic, vibrational, and rotational states. It is argued that this is a result of conical intersections in the potential energy curves and the density of states associated with these curves. Since this is a property of the C2H radical similar initial product state distributions are expected to occur in comets. This means that any models of the C2 emission may have to start off with rotationally excited C2 radicals in both the singlet and the triplet manifolds. When C3H4 (allene) and CH3C2H (propyne) were photolyzed, the C3 radical is formed. In the allene case, laboratory evidence shows that the C3 radical is formed via the following mechanism: (1) C3H4 + photon(193 nm) yields C3H2 + H2; and (2) C3H2 + photon(193 nm) yields C3 + H2. More C3 is formed in the case of allene than in the propyne case, even though the absorption cross section for propyne is a factor of 2 larger. This suggests that competing dissociation pathways are present during the photolysis of propyne that are not available to allene. The observed quantum state distributions of the C3 product were the same for both parent molecules, indicating that the same intermediate state is involved. These observations can be understood if the excited propyne formed in the initial absorption step isomerizes to excited allene before it dissociates to the same daughter compound. This postulate was tested by comparing RRKM calculations of the isomerization rate of excited propyne versus the decomposition rate to other products.

Jackson, William M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Formation mechanism for interstellar molecules

The major ions in the region of the interstellar clouds include H(+) and H2(+). The ions may be formed by photo ionization, cosmic rays, or other processes. The chemistry of H2(+) is considered and reactions involving carbon atoms are described. The formation of nitrogen-containing molecules may occur mainly on interstellar grains. Reactions involving negative ions may also contribute to the production of certain species.

Harteck, P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Differential scattering cross sections for collisions of 0.5-, 1.5-, and 5.0-keV helium atoms with He, H2, N2, and O2

This paper reports the first results of an experimental program established to provide cross section data for use in modeling various atmospheric processes. Absolute cross sections, differential in the scattering angle, have been measured for collisions of 0.5-, 1.5-, and 5.0-keV helium atoms with He, H2, N2, and O2 at laboratory scattering angles between 0.1 deg and 5 deg. The results are the sums of cross sections for elastic and inelastic scattering of helium atoms; charged collision products are not detected. Integration of the differential cross section data yields integral cross sections consistent with measurements by other workers. The apparatus employs a position-sensitive detector for both primary and scattered particles and uses a short target cell with a large exit aperture to ensure a simple and well-defined apparatus geometry.

Newman, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Differential cross sections for scattering of 0.5-, 1.5-, and 5.0-keV hydrogen atoms by He, H2, N2, and O2

This paper reports measurements of absolute cross sections, differential in angle, for scattering of 0.5-, 1.5-, and 5.0-keV hydrogen atoms by He, H2, N2, and O2 at laboratory scattering angles between 0.1 and 5 deg. The measured cross sections are the sums of those for elastic and inelastic collisions having a fast H atom product and are needed for calculating energy transfer to the upper atmosphere from precipitating ring current particles.

Newman, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Huygens Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer Results from Titan

The Huygens Probe executed a successful entry, descent and impact on the Saturnian moon of Titan on January 14, 2005. Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) instrument conducted isotopic and compositional measurements throughout the two and one half hour descent from 146 km altitude, and on the surface for 69 minutes until loss of signal from the orbiting Cassini spacecraft. The GCMS incorporated a quadrupole mass filter with a secondary electron multiplier detection system. The gas sampling system provided continuous direct atmospheric composition measurements and batch sampling through three gas chromatographic (GC) columns, a chemical scrubber and a hydrocarbon enrichment cell. The GCMS gas inlet was heated to prevent condensation, and to evaporate volatiles from the surface after impact. Data products from the GCMS included altitude profiles of the major atmospheric constituents dinitrogen (N2) and methane (CH4), isotope ratios of N-14/N-15, C-12/C-13, and D/H, mole fractions of radiogenic argon (Ar-40)and primordial argon Ar-36), and upper limits on the mole fractions of neon, krypton and xenon, which were found to be below the detection limit of the instrument or absent. Surface measurements confirmed the presence of ethane (C2H6) and cyanogen (C2N2). Later data products include the instrument response to surface outgassing of C2N2, C2H6, acetylene (C2H2),and carbon dioxide (CO2). More recent results include the detection of benzene (C6H6) and height profiles of molecular hydrogen (H2). Numerous other trace species evaporating from the surface were also identified using the GCMS data.

Niemann, Hasso↗
NASA NTRS1975

Nozzle exit exhaust products from space shuttle boost vehicle (November 1973 design)

Principal exhaust species emitted at various altitudes for two trajectories of the space shuttle vehicle are presented. The exhaust composition is given for the nozzle exit plane on the basis of equilibrium chemistry. Afterburning of excess H, H2, and CO in the plume is accounted for. Species considered include HCl and Al2O3, which have been recognized as environmentally significant, as well as others such as H2O (produced by both the solid rocket motor and the orbiter main engine) which, although innocuous, may participate in subsequent chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2024

MR13A-3183: Microbial and Geochemical Characterization of Groundwater: Implications for Underground Hydrogen Storage Leakage

Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in geological formations is a key element of the clean energy transition as it enables the decarbonization of the transportation and industrial sectors by decoupling hydrogen production and storage. UHS has many benefits, including low cost, much wider availability, large storage capacity, well-established infrastructure, and increased safety because of geological sealing capabilities. However, the impact of hydrogen (H2) biogeochemical interactions in the presence of subsurface microorganisms is largely neglected from UHS perspectives. These interactions might affect the effectiveness of storage and can even cause H2 to leak into the shallow aquifers. Leakage of H2 into groundwater can change the geochemistry and induce several microbial-driven processes. Microorganisms, such as sulfate-reducers, are naturally abundant in groundwater and consume H2 to produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which can contaminate the freshwater drinking groundwater and cause damage to infrastructure. Hydrogen leakage can also trigger microbial reactions responsible for metal mobility, which can impact the water quality. However, the kinetics of these reactions and the temporal impact of hydrogen leakage in groundwater are still unknown. Therefore, a time series hydrogen-groundwater interaction experiment was conducted, and the changes in fluid chemistry and headspace gas composition will be analyzed along with DNA sequencing results to understand the extent and kinetics of biogeochemical reactions that occur if hydrogen leaks into groundwater. In the experiments, Ultra High Purity (UHP) hydrogen gas will be injected into glass vials with groundwater samples, for a designated time period. For each glass-sealed vial, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, IC, ICP-MS, and GC-TCD will be performed. The experiments provide insights into plausible impacts of hydrogen leakage into shallow drinking water aquifers.

Clark, Allison [West Virginia University (WVU)]↗
NASA NTRS1983

Phosphine photochemistry in Saturn's atmosphere

The phosphine photochemistry on Saturn is studied with a 1D photochemical model. The PH3 concentration is rapidly depleted with height (scale height 3.5 km) in the upper troposphere. Formation of P, a probable precursor of P4, (a potential red chromophore in the atmosphere), is highly improbable unless the rate constant for the recombination reaction PH + H2 + M yields PH3 + M is less than 10 to the -41st cm exp 6/molecule-squared sec. Coupling of PH3 and hydrocarbon photochemistry, specifically the C2H2 catalyzed photodissociation of CH, is important. Column production rates of the organophosphorus compounds CH3PH2 and HCP of 3 x 10 to the 8th/sq cm sec are predicted, with potentially observable column densities of greater than 1 x 10 to the 17th/sq cm.

Kaye, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Lunar base CELSS: A bioregenerative approach

During the twenty-first century, human habitation of a self-sustaining lunar base could become a reality. To achieve this goal, the occupants will have to have food, water, and an adequate atmosphere within a carefully designed environment. Advanced technology will be employed to support terrestrial life-sustaining processes on the Moon. One approach to a life support system based on food production, waste management and utilization, and product synthesis is outlined. Inputs include an atmosphere, water, plants, biodegradable substrates, and manufacutured materials such as fiberglass containment vessels from lunar resources. Outputs include purification of air and water, food, and hydrogen (H2) generated from methane (CH4). Important criteria are as follows: (1) minimize resupply from Earth; and (2) recycle as efficiently as possible.

Easterwood, G. W.↗