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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Reduction of CO 2 Emissions Through Lightweight Body Panels (Project Final Report)

Lightweight construction is an integral part of Volkswagen’s overall strategy of reducing CO 2 emissions. Due to its low cost, steel is the most commonly used material for automotive exterior body panels today. Unfortunately, steel has a high density, resulting in a relatively low specific strength. Glass fiber based sheet molding compounds (SMC) provide high properties in combination with lower density. The high specific strength of SMC offers an enormous lightweight potential. To unlock the full potential of SMC materials in combination with cutting edge manufacturing processes, Volkswagen Group of America worked together with IACMI (Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation) and the academic partners: University of Tennessee Knoxville, Purdue University and Michigan State University; as well as the industry partners: Ashland, IDI, Owens Corning and Continental Structural Plastics. Leveraging the expertise of all project partners, reaching over the entire supply chain the project demonstrated the potential of these materials. This report will highlight the major steps in the development process on the way to technology readiness for SMC using the example of the Volkswagen Atlas Liftgate. Over the 36-month period of the project, the work focused on three R&D areas: material development, design and simulation, and development of the manufacturing process. Material selection included alternative fibers and resin systems, and accounted for material availability, properties, and cost-efficiency. The work undertaken in the field of design and simulation has pushed the envelope of short fiber reinforced thermoset molding compound process simulation. Design iterations were virtually tested, while the final design was used to validate the simulation software against physical parts. Manufacturing development used cutting-edge technology, while experts along the supply chain were working together to ensure the best possible results. In the final stage of the project, liftgates were molded, trimmed, bonded, painted and assembled before exhaustive testing. The result is an e-coat (electrophoretic dip coating) capable Class-A SMC liftgate, which is ready for high-volume production, and can be used as a technology demonstrator. The prototypes manufactured in the scope of this work have exhibited a mass reduction for the Volkswagen Atlas liftgate of up to 35% compared to the series production steel version, without a degradation of the functionalities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Multi-Scale Inference, Estimation, and Prediction Engine for Earth System Modeling

We posit that AI methods can be leveraged to significantly enhance the predictive skill of forward Earth system modeling (ESM) activities. A hybrid framework incorporating traditional ESM modeling, inference methods, and AI techniques could make better use of both measured and computed information as well as computational resources by targeting inference tasks at program priorities, such as the predictability of precipitation extremes. This runtime pathway to closing the simulation/analysis-data/model improvement loop will streamline the traditional offline pathway to model improvement, which is based on domain science expertise, while suggesting guidance for further observations and measurements.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Autonomous Tools for Attack Surface Reduction

The electric power grid is a complex critical infrastructure that forms the lifeline of modern society, and its secure and reliable operation is of paramount importance to national security and economic well being. However, recent findings documented in authoritative sources indicate the threat of cyber-based attacks growing in numbers and sophistication. However, securing the grid against stealthy cyber attacks is a challenging task due to legacy nature of the infrastructure coupled with dynamic nature of threat landscape and ever growing sophistication of the adversaries. Additionally, the grid’s attack surface continues to grow with the increased dependence on digital communications and control that now extends to each consumer through smart meters and distributed energy resources. Unfortunately, this expansive surface increases the grid’s vulnerability and further exposes critical control systems in both substations and control centers. To respond to this emerging need, we had successfully assembled an interdisciplinary team with academic- industry partnership to successfully conduct research, development, evaluation, demonstration, and commercialization of attack surface reduction tools, whose goal is to significantly reduce the cyber attack surface in the North American power grid. Our proposed project was a synergistic collaborative effort leveraging the synergistic expertise of the team members across power systems, cyber security and CPS security, testbeds, field deployments and demonstration, and successful commercialization. The team consisted of leading experts from two major universities – Iowa State University, Washington State University – complemented by reputed researchers from two DOE national laboratories – Pacific Northwest National Lab, and Argonne National Lab, one major utility vendor GE Global Research, and one utility partner – Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU). The team members have proven track record of successful academic-industry collaboration in interdisciplinary R&D projects, and bring onboard some of the best state-of-the-art testbed resources, industry-grade SCADA/EMS/DMS environment for experimentation and field demonstration.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

DOE Deep Energy Retrofit Cost Survey

A survey was conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on deep energy retrofit (DER) market drivers, opportunities, and challenges. The survey was part a research study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy to gather information on the costs of DER from home performance contractors and stakeholders. Cost data was gathered from DER projects that use a comprehensive, whole-home approach to drastically reduce energy use and improve performance. DER projects often aim at reducing energy use by 50% or more. In addition, these projects can improve home comfort and potentially benefiting occupant health. Yet, market adoption of DER has been limited. Major limiting factors include complex projects, high costs, perceived risks, extensive disruption, and unfamiliar work scopes to some contractors. In order to better understand what motivates and deters DER projects in today’s market, a survey was conducted to gather this information, and to learn about promising approaches and technologies from the industry perspective. Past surveys on homeowners and home energy performance professionals have studied the motivations and barriers of energy efficiency retrofits. Two surveys of home energy performance professionals were conducted in recent years. The Resources for the Future (RFF) Home Energy Audit and Retrofit Survey was conducted in 2011 by recruiting energy auditors and retrofit installers through members of Efficiency First and Building Performance Institute (BPI) accredited contractors. The survey asked about the business and services that respondents provide, how often homeowners follow their recommendations to retrofit their homes, and the respondents’ opinion on barriers faced by the industry. The survey found that not enough homeowners know about energy audits, but more importantly, it is the high cost of retrofits compared to low energy prices that is responsible for few energy audits and retrofits being completed. The RESNET Deep Retrofit Industry Stakeholder Survey was conducted shortly after launching of the EnergySmart Home Performance Team program. The EnergySmart Team program involves a formal agreement among allied contractors who are engaged in high performance retrofits. Using this allied team approach, teams can pool their expertise and provide each other with customer referrals. The survey asked EnergySmart Team members and outside stakeholders on questions about market and technical barriers in performing home energy retrofits. Survey respondents identified lack of consumer awareness and lack of affordable financing for consumers as the leading market barriers to home energy retrofits. In their written comments, many survey respondents also echoed that the high costs of retrofit compared to low energy prices is a market barrier. Respondents found “certain housing characteristics that prevent effective retrofit” and “energy analysis software inaccuracy or limitations” are the two leading technical barriers. Their choices for technical barriers were reflective of the energy rater/auditor role played by the majority (78%) of the survey respondents. In comparison to past surveys, this work aimed to gather inputs from a broader segment of the home performance industry to identify the opportunities and barriers faced by DERs from all perspectives. The survey asks for project costs to help breakdown the high costs of DERs. This survey is also motivated by a need to better understand the role of DERs in reducing energy use by the residential sectors and meeting climate goals. The survey is designed towards obtaining more substantive inputs from survey respondents by encouraging written comments, rather than setting the goal to reach a large number of respondents. We took this approach because DER is currently still a niche market, so it is more valuable to gather in-depth inputs from individuals who are performing this work rather than getting to the masses.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Study of Additive Manufacturing Applications to Geothermal Technologies Final Project Report

This report summarizes work performed to assess the potential for utilizing additive manufacturing (AM) to substantially improve either the availability, performance or cost basis for tools and components that are required for geothermal energy production. A systematic cataloging of geothermal activities, associated technologies, and current manufacturing methods was first undertaken. This included literature reviews as well as interviews with subject matter experts, service companies and OEMs. An industry workshop was held as part of this portion of the project to obtain input and concerns from a broad range of OEMs, service providers and end users. This workshop was also used to gage the current level of AM activity in industry, receptiveness to the use of AM manufactured parts, and any up front concerns that may exist. A summary of the workshop is presented in this report. Representative components and assemblies and their current manufacturing methods were then analyzed by additive manufacturing experts at a company called Senvol to determine the feasibility and required steps for producing parts by additive manufacturing. A step by step description of conventional manufacturing of the parts was also performed to establish a manufacturing baseline for comparison purposes. This analysis also considered and described the benefits of additively manufacturing the parts in terms of specific AM systems, material availability for AM, dimensional requirements and potential economic advantages. Details of the manufacturability assessment were summarized in a report which is included as a chapter in this document. The analysis of the AM subject matter experts was then be used by techno-economic analysts to perform a comparative economic evaluation of the manufacturing of select technologies by AM and conventional approaches. This activity leveraged ORNL expertise and prior experience in other applications. A framework based on assessing cost, volume production considerations, and time to manufacture was created to more easily discern the advantages or disadvantages of additive versus conventional manufacturing methods. The report concludes with a general assessment of the current applicability of AM for geothermal technologies, AM gaps and needs related to typical geothermal hardware, and the potential benefits and impacts of AM to geothermal energy production.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Radiation Detection Data Competition Report

In FY2018 through FY2020, NA-22, the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development Program, funded a Data Science project to develop and implement statistical methodology to effectively host data competitions with the goal of leveraging the opportunity provided by crowdsourcing. By accessing and engaging expertise from a broader research community, there is an opportunity to attract innovative solutions from a variety of different research disciplines to advance the ability to solve important non-proliferation problems. This report summarizes the key results of this project after hosting two data competitions focused on urban radiation detection. The first competition was focused on attracting participants from the U.S. national laboratories, while the second, hosted by TopCoder, was open to the broader international community and awarded prize money to the top 10 competitors. At the start of the project, there was strong interest from NA-22 to explore and develop the capability to host data competitions as a means of leveraging the broader community to solve important nuclear nonproliferation problems. Having a standard data set on which to compare different approaches based on clearly defined criteria was desirable to be able to evaluate the state of solutions for important problems. Initially, it was not clear that it would even be possible logistically and bureaucratically to host a competition with an international field of competitors and to award the prize money needed to attract solutions from top competitors. Happily, a path to host the competitions was ultimately found that allowed this powerful accelerator of improvements to be leveraged.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Weapons Production Overview [Slides]

LANL is committed to developing and maintaining a robust workforce with the expertise and skills necessary to meet the Weapons Production expanded mission, which includes the human capital to produce 30 ppy in 2026 while meeting all other plutonium missions.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

TA-55 Plutonium Facility Fact Sheet

At the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), virtually all plutonium operations occur within the Plutonium Facility at Technical Area 55 (TA-55). TA-55 is the nation’s most modern plutonium science and manufacturing facility, and is the only fully operational, full capability plutonium facility in the nation. TA-55 supports a wide range of national security programs that involve: 1) stockpile stewardship. 2) plutonium processing. 3) nuclear materials stabilization. 4) materials disposition. 5) nuclear forensics. 6) nuclear counter-terrorism. 7) nuclear energy. Operations at TA-55 maintain a critical skill base of plutonium expertise across a broad suite of technical capabilities. These capabilities form a center of excellence for actinide science and technology, including world-class manufacturing for solving significant national security challenges.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Integrable optics design principles for beam halo suppression in accelerator rings at the intensity frontier

RadiaSoft LLC is collaborating with Fermilab to fundamentally advance the field of particle accelerator design, in order to reduce cost and technical risk for next-generation hadron accelerators, and to more rapidly advance the intensity frontier of high energy physics. The Fermilab PI is one of the originators of the theory of integrable nonlinear magnetic lattices. Fermilab is the only laboratory in the world pursuing the experimental verification of the theory. Transferring Fermilab expertise to RadiaSoft LLC will enhance US competitiveness by enabling US industry to engage in the design of future high intensity hadron rings for spallation sources, neutrino sources, muon sources, subcritical nuclear reactors and waste transmutation facilities.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Discovering Hidden Geothermal Signatures using Unsupervised Machine Learning

Discovering hidden geothermal resources is a very challenging task. It requires the mining of large datasets, including various diverse data attributes representing subsurface hydrogeological and geothermal conditions. The commonly used Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) typically relies on subject-matter expertise to analyze site or regional data to estimate geothermal conditions and prospectivity. Here, we demonstrate an alternative approach based on machine learning (ML) to process a geothermal dataset of Southwest New Mexico (SWNM). The study region includes low- and medium-temperature hydrothermal systems. However, most of these systems are poorly characterized because of insufficient existing data and limited past explorative studies. This study aims to discover hidden patterns and relationships in the SWNM geothermal dataset to better understand regional hydrothermal conditions. This is achieved by applying an unsupervised machine learning algorithm based on non-negative matrix factorization coupled with customized k-means clustering (NMFk). NMFk can automatically identify (1) hidden (latent) signatures characterizing datasets, (2) the optimal number of these signatures, (3) dominant data attributes associated with each signature, and (4) spatial distribution of the extracted signatures. Here, NMFk is applied to analyze 18 geological, geophysical, hydrogeological, geothermal attributes at 44 locations in SWNM. NMFk successfully finds data patterns and identifies the spatial associations of hydrothermal signatures with the four physiographic provinces in SWNM (Colorado Plateau, Volcanic Field, Basin and Range, and the Rio Grande rift). The algorithm identified up to 5 hydrothermal signatures in the SWNM datasets that differentiate between low- and medium-temperature hydrothermal systems in different provinces. Also, the algorithm identifies two medium-temperature hydrothermal systems in SWNM that require further exploration for geothermal resource development. Based on our analyses, 12 of the attributes are important to identify medium-temperature hydrothermal systems, and the remaining six attributes are critical to characterize low-temperature hydrothermal systems. Based on the obtained results, we identify potential physiographic provinces for further exploration to characterize them as geothermal resources. The resulting NMFk model can be applied to predict geothermal conditions and their uncertainties at new SWNM locations based on limited data from unexplored areas.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Your Role as a Program Manager in Pit Production Mission Integration (PPMI-DO)

PPMI is responsible for integrating the planning, execution, and reporting for LANL’s Pit Manufacturing efforts, surplus plutonium disposition activities, the Material Recycle and Recovery (MR&R) program, and other programs of national significance. Our programmatic sponsors rely on PPMI to capitalize on the unique capabilities and expertise in PF-4 (the only Security Cat I/Haz Cat II Pu processing facility in the Nation) and other vital facilities across the laboratory to deliver on mission critical products in support of National Security.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Development of Catalysts for Upgrading of Pyrolysis Vapor for Refinery Feedstocks and Intermediates: Cooperative Research and Development, CRADA Number CRD-12-00497 (Final Report)

Fast pyrolysis of biomass with vapor phase upgrading (VPU) can produce refinery feedstocks or intermediates that can meet the Department of Energy’s goal of cost-competitive hydrocarbon fuels by 2017. A key technical barrier for this technology is the lack of selective, cost effective catalysts that can produce high yields of fuel-appropriate hydrocarbons from the pyrolysis vapors. In overcoming this barrier, it will be important to engage leading catalyst development companies to devote their resources and expertise to the development of these materials. Thus, we propose a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a world leader in biomass pyrolysis research and Johnson Matthey (JM), a world leader in the production of advanced catalyst materials to develop and test novel catalysts for efficient VPU. Through its Intercat Inc. subsidiary in Savannah, Ga., Johnson Matthey is internationally recognized as a leader in zeolite-based vapor phase upgrading in refinery duties and an emerging developer of biomass conversion technologies. The research and development efforts described in the proposed work will build upon existing collaborations between NREL and JM and play to the strengths of both institutions. NREL will analyze the composition of pyrolysis vapors as an input to catalyst design, screen and test catalysts, characterize the resulting oil and conduct techno-economic analysis. Catalyst samples will be produced and funded by JM. JM will design and synthesize catalysts, characterize fresh and used catalysts and develop catalyst supports needed to achieve commercially meaningful lifetimes. The project will span catalyst development and testing from the fundamental stage using quantum mechanical modeling and chemical reaction analysis to catalyst screening to integrated pilot studies.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Characterization of the Sulfur-Saturated Melt Versions of the HFG1 Study Glasses

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for building the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) at the Hanford Site in Washington to remediate 55 million gallons of radioactive waste that is temporarily stored in 177 underground tanks. The Office of River Protection (ORP) has requested that the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) contribute to current glass studies to support successful startup of the WTP, due to SRNL’s recognized capabilities and expertise for glass waste form development. As part of this effort, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing, batching, and fabricating simulated high-level waste (HLW) glasses to generate the associated property data needed to validate or identify areas of potential characterization improvements in the current glass property/ composition models. Currently, the models cover only a small fraction of the waste compositions projected in the Hanford tank farm; therefore, the models must be expanded to include high fluoride compositions to successfully complete the WTP mission. SRNL support of this work is defined in the Task Technical and Quality Assurance Plan (TTQAP). This report provides results from the chemical analyses of a series of sulfur-saturated melt (SSM) versions of simulated nuclear waste glasses fabricated at PNNL. The glasses were selected as part of a broader study of the influence of glass composition on chemical durability, sulfur retention, and other properties. The glasses were designated the High Fluoride Glasses-1 (HLG1).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

Nuclear Safeguards and Nondestructive Assay

What can we do? Encourage/ensure peaceful nuclear uses; Secure, safeguard, and/or dispose of dangerous nuclear and radiological material; Detect and control the proliferation of related WMD technology and expertise.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2021

Lignin-Derived Chemicals from Pulping Liquors: Cooperative Research and Development CRADA Number CRD-17-00714 (Final Report)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a robust portfolio for lignin valorization using a “biological funneling” approach, which adopts a microbial process to convert the inherent heterogeneity of lignin-rich streams into single high-value products. In parallel, Sustainable Fiber Technologies (SFT) has developed a proprietary, high-pH process to convert non-woody biomass into valuable pulp for myriad biomaterial applications. Therefore, by combining the expertise of both SFT and NREL, this project aimed to valorize co-products from an industrial pulping process of non-woody feedstocks. A detailed analytical characterization of an SFT pulping stream was used to aid the development of a bench-scale separations strategy to isolate a mixture of low molecular weight compounds, and ultimately to aid in bioreactor cultivations used to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers at titers, rates, and yields necessary for moving towards commercialization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Product Consistency Test Results for the HFG1 Glasses

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for building the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) at the Hanford site in Washington to remediate 55 million gallons of radioactive waste that is temporarily stored in 177 underground tanks. The Office of River Protection (ORP) has requested that the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) contribute in areas of recognized capabilities and expertise for glass waste form development to support successful startup of the WTP. As part of this effort, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing, batching, and fabricating simulated high-level waste (HLW) glasses to generate the associated property data needed to validate or identify areas of potential characterization improvement in the current glass property/composition models. Currently, the models cover only a small fraction of the waste compositions projected in the Hanford tank farm; therefore, the models must be expanded to include high fluoride compositions to successfully complete the WTP mission. SRNL support of this work is defined in the Task Technical and Quality Assurance Plan (TTQAP). This report provides the results of the Product Consistency Test (PCT) leachates from the High Fluoride Glasses-1 (HFG1), a series of simulated nuclear waste glasses fabricated at PNNL. The series included quenched (Q) and canister-centerline cooled (CCC) versions of the glasses. The glasses were selected as part of a broader study of the influence of glass composition on chemical durability, sulfur retention, and other properties. These data will be used to validate or identify areas of potential characterization improvements in the current glass property/composition models.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

National User Resource for Biological Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (Annual Report)

The National User Resource for Biological Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (User Resource) will provide isotopic analysis (primarily radiocarbon or 14C) by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) for NIH- funded researchers across the United States and will be the only User Resource of its type in the United States. The User Resource will provide measurement capability and expertise to a research community that requires highly sensitive, quantitative isotope analyses. Since commissioning a new accelerator mass spectrometer in June 2014, we have measured over 4000 samples a year for collaborators and service users. The User Resource will enable us to continue to meet these research needs, as well as provide for new users whose research programs would benefit from AMS as a measurement tool.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Update on Nuclear Energy Projects and Plans in Ukraine (Meeting Report)

Following the 1986 disastrous accident at Chernobyl, gaining independence following the fall of the former Soviet Union, two revolutions, and on-going Russian intervention, Ukrainea is seeking to expand its use of commercial nuclear energy and to further reduce its dependence on Russia for energy. Nuclear energy in Ukraine has made a significant contribution toward achieving sustainable development and social goals. Ukraine is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change and nuclear is a cornerstone of the country’s effort to combat the effects. With broad support from the U.S. government, Ukraine is cooperating with the U.S. on fresh nuclear fuel supply, civilian nuclear security, outage optimization, spent fuel storage, and future nuclear technology. And is looking to tap U.S. expertise on plant management, and electric grid operations and expansion. NEIc hosted this virtual event to provide an update on nuclear energy projects and plans in Ukraine. Featured speakers included Yaroslav Demchenkov, Deputy Minister of Energy, Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister – Trade Representative, Petro Kotin, CEO, Energoatom,d and Ann K. Ganzer, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, U.S. Dept. of State. Maria Korsnick, NEI CEO, moderated the discussion. About forty individuals attended representing the Ukraine and U.S. governments, and U.S. suppliers.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗