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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

Iron-iminopyridine complexes as charge carriers for non-aqueous redox flow battery applications

Non-aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) have been gaining increased attention in the energy storage arena. Some of their attractive features include the promise for high energy densities, wider voltage windows compared to aqueous systems, as well as wider operating temperature ranges. One of the major challenges in the development of these systems is the lack of electroactive materials that can undergo reversible redox events within the larger potential window of organic solvents. In this paper, we present the design, synthesis, and measurement of electrochemical properties of some iron-based imine- and iminopyridine complexes as promising candidates for RFB applications. Synthesized complexes afforded three reversible redox couples over a ~3 V range. The redox events were also computationally explored and are in good agreement with experimental data. Theoretical calculations show that the redox event at the positive potential can be characterized as metal-centered event corresponding to Fe 3+ → Fe 2+ reduction, while the two redox events at negative potentials are associated with the consecutive reductions of iminopyridine or diimine moieties. This work has led to the identification of a promising anolyte material, [tris(imino)pyridine)Fe][OTf] 2 (1), which is soluble in acetonitrile and is synthesized in two simple steps. This species shows outstanding performance when cycled between 1.0 V and 2.35 V, with 93% coulombic efficiency, 84% energy efficiency, and a capacity decay rate of 0.61% per cycle at 5 mA cm –2 . Further modifications to this kind of charge carrier may lead to the development of high energy density materials for grid scale energy storage applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Application of the ANSI/ANS-8.3-2022 Minimum Accident to Tube Vault Storage

In support of planned site activities, the existing basis for criticality safety in nuclear facilities is being revisited. One such technical basis is the demonstration of Criticality Accident Alarm System (CAAS) coverage in tube vaults at Y-12 National Security Complex. The configuration of the vaults places significant shielding between the source and the detector stations and is dissimilar to drum storage or other processes. This paper describes tube vault storage at Y-12, describes the basis for the application of the 2022 minimum accident for system design (MASD) to the analysis, and presents how the accident is implemented in the analysis.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Ultra-thick three-dimensional interpenetrating graphene electrode architectures for high volumetric density energy storage

For electrochemical energy storage, increasing the electrode thickness is an effective approach to achieving higher energy density from a given material. However, this often compromises ion transport, leading to diminished performance. Here, in this study, we present a novel platform for fabricating complex 3D interpenetrating electrode structures via photo-polymerization 3D printing, integrated with computational structural optimization for energy storage. The platform employs an acrylate resin system infused with graphene oxide (GO), enabling high-fidelity printing of optimized porous structures and facilitating efficient electron and ion transport in ultra-thick electrodes. The optimized 3D layouts substantially enhance energy and power densities compared to conventional configurations, ensuring superior material utilization and minimal ohmic losses. Supercapacitors fabricated using this approach achieved an exceptional energy density of 4.7 Wh L−1 at a power density of 1689.0 W L−1, surpassing traditional designs. This work underscores the transformative role of structural optimization in advancing electrochemical performance and establishes a versatile pathway for developing next-generation energy storage systems with exceptional efficiency and functionality.

Wang, Zhen [University of California, Berkeley, CA↗

Sludge Removal: Success and Partnership with T Plant - 20510

U.S. DOE contractor CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company (CHPRC) has safely and efficiently managed the removal of highly radioactive sludge from the 105-K West Reactor fuel storage basin (105- KW Basin) near the Columbia River. In mid-September 2019, sludge retrieval was completed after 21 storage containers were safely loaded with highly radioactive sludge and transported approximately 13 miles from the 105-KW Basin to T Plant, located in the 200 West Area on the Central Plateau of the Hanford Site. Sludge removal represents the last major source term reduction necessary before the K West Reactor and fuel storage basin can transition to closure activities in preparation for final deactivation and demolition. The technical complexity of the sludge retrieval process, coupled with the challenging physical and radiological characteristics of the waste, necessitated a methodical and deliberate approach using unique design and operational solutions to safely conduct the work. This challenge was further complicated by the need to plan and conduct the work in two separate facilities, each subject to the controls and requirements of its own nuclear facility safety basis. The project overcame these challenges through creating an integrated team that actively engaged, communicated and coordinated each phase of the project to ensure successful completion. This paper will cover how these key elements of the Sludge Removal Project led to its success: - Integrating project planning and management; - Lessons learned from design and construction; - Preparing for a successful campaign (lessons learned from testing and start-up); - Lessons learned from operating in two separate facilities, transporting sludge containers on the Hanford Site and ensuring compliance with a range of regulatory and safety basis requirements. The establishment of an integrated group spanning two facilities and multiple organizations created a team capable of overcoming the challenges necessary to successfully plan and execute the sludge retrieval mission. Sharing lessons learned from this successful project can enhance the ability of teams across the DOE complex to successfully plan and execute complex projects. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

The Edge of Exploration: An Edge Storage and Computing Framework for Ambient Noise Seismic Interferometry Using Internet of Things Based Sensor Networks

Recent technological advances have reduced the complexity and cost of developing sensor networks for remote environmental monitoring. However, the challenges of acquiring, transmitting, storing, and processing remote environmental data remain significant. The transmission of large volumes of sensor data to a centralized location (i.e., the cloud) burdens network resources, introduces latency and jitter, and can ultimately impact user experience. Edge computing has emerged as a paradigm in which substantial storage and computing resources are located at the “edge” of the network. In this paper, we present an edge storage and computing framework leveraging commercially available components organized in a tiered architecture and arranged in a hub-and-spoke topology. The framework includes a popular distributed database to support the acquisition, transmission, storage, and processing of Internet-of-Things-based sensor network data in a field setting. We present details regarding the architecture, distributed database, embedded systems, and topology used to implement an edge-based solution. Lastly, a real-world case study (i.e., seismic) is presented that leverages the edge storage and computing framework to acquire, transmit, store, and process millions of samples of data per hour.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Enabling Principles for Dual Participation by Energy Storage as a Transmission and Market Asset

Because the electric transmission system is sized to meet the highest levels of customer demand, much of its designed capacity goes unused during average operating conditions. As a uniquely flexible and scalable asset capable of providing multiple grid services, energy storage can be deployed to support the transmission system and then also provide services to energy markets when not needed for transmission. This paper reviews the technical barriers in transmission planning practices and energy market design that prevent the realization of dual-use energy storage projects that provide both regulated transmission and competitive market services. Current practices create barriers against the identification of energy storage in the transmission planning process and against the participation of a regulated transmission asset in competitive energy markets. A review of regional transmission plans identifies best practices for including energy storage in the planning process by directing planners to proactively identify such projects or by providing clear mechanisms for stakeholders to propose them. Creating a market participation model for dual-use energy storage assets requires establishing when an asset will be allowed to participate in the market, how it will participate in the market, and where it will recover its costs. In answering these questions, key principles must be satisfied, such as prioritizing reliability, incrementally building on existing market design, and balancing competing objectives. Several policy options exist for satisfying those principles, giving grid operators and stakeholders significant flexibility in developing a dual-use participation model in accordance with regional policies and conditions. By objectively framing the issue and identifying policy options, this paper may inform subsequent proceedings on dual-use energy storage and be a resource to regional market operators, utilities, developers, regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders as they collectively work on this complex issue.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Thermochemical reduction modeling in a high-temperature moving-bed reactor for energy storage: 1D model

The design of robust and efficient high-temperature thermochemical reactors and determination of operating conditions are critical steps toward enabling high-efficiency long-duration solar energy storage. This work presents a computational model for the thermal reduction of a metal oxide material (Mg-Mn-O) up to 1450 °C and the coupled complex transport phenomena in a novel tubular thermal reactor design that features the capability for a high extent-of-reduction (high energy storage density) and inherent heat recuperation. A one-dimensional model coupling counter-current gas–solid flow, two-phase heat transfer, thermochemical redox reactions, and species transport in a moving-bed reactor is developed. Simplified versions of the model are validated with published results in the literature for packed beds with both inert and reactive particles; the fully coupled model is also validated with experimental measurements of a moving-bed reactor in terms of local temperatures and oxygen release at the exit. Detailed comparisons on the effects of different boundary conditions in the reaction zone (prescribed wall temperature vs. heat flux conditions) and formulations based on a simple uniform flow assumption vs. plug flow using Ergun equation for gas flow are investigated. The results are compared with experimental measurements, and for all cases, the energy flow components in the reactor system and the thermal to chemical conversion efficiency and overall system efficiency are computed. Finally, the predicted high thermal-to-chemical efficiency ~95% and system efficiency ~30% agree with experimental measurements.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Validation & Verification of CFD Models for Cryogenic Fluid Management of Propellant Tanks in Space

This article describes the need and the strategy for CFD model development, validation, and verification for Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) of Propellant Tanks in Space. It describes the type of CFD models that must be developed to address the future needs of Space CFM. It also discusses the two classes of experiments currently used to validate the fidelity of the CFD models. These two experiment classes are: (a) the small-scale simulant fluid science experiments that are equipped with scientific diagnostics to elucidate the underlying two-phase fluid physics of the CFM processes; and (b) the large-scale cryogenic experiments that assess the engineering performance of the propellant tank for storage and transfer. The current status of the CFD model development and validation is briefly assessed by presenting examples of segregated two-phase flow problems that have been successfully modeled. The future model development directions for CFM situations involving more complex interpenetrating phases are also defined.

Cryogenic Fluid Management↗

Modeling the Potential Impact of Storage on the US Power Sector in a Multisector Dynamic Context

The electric power sector is expected to grow in size, importance, and complexity around the world as economies expand and electric supply technologies and demand patterns evolve in significant ways. At the same time the electric power sector may see substantial increases in VRE generating technologies which can add variability and uncertainty to the diurnal and seasonal profile of electric supply. With these forces in play, the emergence of modular, flexible electricity storage technologies may have profound impacts on the operation of electric power systems. Here we reduce a storage modeling gap in MSD models by incorporating grid-based electricity storage into the electric sector dynamics of the Global Change Analysis Model-USA (GCAM-USA) with improved power sector representation. We find a potentially significant role for storage technologies in the future of the U.S. power system, with storage capacity ranging from 7.7 to 14.7 GW in 2050 and 13.9 to 31.6 GW in 2100 across several techno-economic scenarios. We also find that storage can help to smooth variability in residual load arising from evolving electricity demands and the introduction of high shares of VRE to the electric grid. This reduces reliance on high-cost peaking generators, improves system-wide capacity factors, and limits curtailment of VRE.

Patel, Pralit L.↗

Assessing hydrogen supply chains: An integrated review of leakage and energy efficiency studies

This paper examines hydrogen leakage and efficiency across the supply chain for liquid, gaseous, and mixed hydrogen systems. These factors are crucial for assessing hydrogen's role in mitigating emissions and facilitating a clean energy transition. Drawing on a comprehensive review of existing literature and model-based analysis, the study compiles leakage rates and efficiency metrics at each stage of the supply chain: production, storage, transmission, distribution, and end-use. These data inform system scenarios that estimate the impact of leakage on overall performance and climate benefits. The analysis also identifies persistent data gaps, particularly for liquid and mixed system configurations, and outlines priorities for future research. A comparison of hydrogen system types shows that gaseous pathways generally achieve the highest efficiencies (28 %–39 %) and the lowest leakage rates (∼4.5 %) across the supply chain. Liquid hydrogen systems, while favorable for long-distance and high-volume transport due to their higher energy density, exhibit lower efficiency (∼28 %) and a greater leakage potential (∼12 %). Mixed systems, which combine gaseous and liquid elements (e.g., pipeline transmission followed by liquefaction and truck distribution), show compounded energy losses and moderate-to-high leakage rates (6.8 %–9.4 %), highlighting trade-offs associated with added system complexity. The study highlights opportunities for technological advancements, including optimizing liquefaction, enhancing insulation for storage and transportation, and refining refueling equipment. These improvements are crucial for maximizing the climate benefits of hydrogen. The results offer actionable insights for researchers, industry, and policymakers working to develop low-leakage, high-efficiency hydrogen infrastructure.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Efficient Dimension Reduction of Complex Three-dimensional CO2 Saturation using Deep Learning Models

In the domain of deep learning (DL), dimension reduction is crucial for enhancing training efficiency and mitigating overfitting, particularly when managing complex data such as three-dimensional (3D) saturation data. The 3D saturation data in the context of geological carbon storage (GCS) presents unique challenges due to its inherent sparsity and the abrupt transitions at plume boundaries, known as shock fronts. To address the challenges, we proposed a novel DL framework that integrates dimension reduction with advanced 3D reconstruction techniques. Our model leveraged latent variables derived from 2D average saturation data, offering a robust and efficient solution tailored to the intricate dynamics of 3D saturation fields. The proposed framework can extract the critical features of the high-dimensional data while reducing the variable numbers, which is more tractable for DL models and enhances the model robustness and accuracy. Therefore, it provides a novel approach for modeling and analyses in complex geological scenarios, which finds great potential applications in environmental monitoring and energy storage.

Wang, Hongsheng↗

Glass Bubbles Insulation for Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tanks

A full-scale field application of glass bubbles insulation has been demonstrated in a 218,000 L liquid hydrogen storage tank. This work is the evolution of extensive materials testing, laboratory scale testing, and system studies leading to the use of glass bubbles insulation as a cost efficient and high performance alternative in cryogenic storage tanks of any size. The tank utilized is part of a rocket propulsion test complex at the NASA Stennis Space Center and is a 1960's vintage spherical double wall tank with an evacuated annulus. The original perlite that was removed from the annulus was in pristine condition and showed no signs of deterioration or compaction. Test results show a significant reduction in liquid hydrogen boiloff when compared to recent baseline data prior to removal of the perlite insulation. The data also validates the previous laboratory scale testing (1000 L) and full-scale numerical modeling (3,200,000 L) of boiloff in spherical cryogenic storage tanks. The performance of the tank will continue to be monitored during operation of the tank over the coming years.

Glass bubble↗

Neural network training by integration of adjoint systems of equations forward in time

A method and apparatus for supervised neural learning of time dependent trajectories exploits the concepts of adjoint operators to enable computation of the gradient of an objective functional with respect to the various parameters of the network architecture in a highly efficient manner. Specifically, it combines the advantage of dramatic reductions in computational complexity inherent in adjoint methods with the ability to solve two adjoint systems of equations together forward in time. Not only is a large amount of computation and storage saved, but the handling of real-time applications becomes also possible. The invention has been applied it to two examples of representative complexity which have recently been analyzed in the open literature and demonstrated that a circular trajectory can be learned in approximately 200 iterations compared to the 12000 reported in the literature. A figure eight trajectory was achieved in under 500 iterations compared to 20000 previously required. The trajectories computed using our new method are much closer to the target trajectories than was reported in previous studies.

Toomarian, Nikzad↗

Neural Network Training by Integration of Adjoint Systems of Equations Forward in Time

A method and apparatus for supervised neural learning of time dependent trajectories exploits the concepts of adjoint operators to enable computation of the gradient of an objective functional with respect to the various parameters of the network architecture in a highly efficient manner. Specifically. it combines the advantage of dramatic reductions in computational complexity inherent in adjoint methods with the ability to solve two adjoint systems of equations together forward in time. Not only is a large amount of computation and storage saved. but the handling of real-time applications becomes also possible. The invention has been applied it to two examples of representative complexity which have recently been analyzed in the open literature and demonstrated that a circular trajectory can be learned in approximately 200 iterations compared to the 12000 reported in the literature. A figure eight trajectory was achieved in under 500 iterations compared to 20000 previously required. Tbc trajectories computed using our new method are much closer to the target trajectories than was reported in previous studies.

Toomarian, Nikzad↗

Stressful crystal histories recorded around melt inclusions in volcanic quartz

Abstract Magma ascent and eruption are driven by a set of internally and externally generated stresses that act upon the magma. We present microstructural maps around melt inclusions in quartz crystals from six large rhyolitic eruptions using synchrotron Laue X-ray microdiffraction to quantify elastic residual strain and stress. We measure plastic strain using average diffraction peak width and lattice misorientation, highlighting dislocations and subgrain boundaries. Quartz crystals across studied magma systems preserve similar and relatively small magnitudes of elastic residual stress (mean 53–135 MPa, median 46–116 MPa) in comparison to the strength of quartz (~ 10 GPa). However, the distribution of strain in the lattice around inclusions varies between samples. We hypothesize that dislocation and twin systems may be established during compaction of crystal-rich magma, which affects the magnitude and distribution of preserved elastic strains. Given the lack of stress-free haloes around faceted inclusions, we conclude that most residual strain and stress was imparted after inclusion faceting. Fragmentation may be one of the final strain events that superimposes stresses of ~ 100 MPa across all studied crystals. Overall, volcanic quartz crystals preserve complex, overprinted deformation textures indicating that quartz crystals have prolonged deformation histories throughout storage, fragmentation, and eruption.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Sound propagation in realistic interactive 3D scenes with parameterized sources using deep neural operators

We address the challenge of acoustic simulations in three-dimensional (3D) virtual rooms with parametric source positions, which have applications in virtual/augmented reality, game audio, and spatial computing. The wave equation can fully describe wave phenomena such as diffraction and interference. However, conventional numerical discretization methods are computationally expensive when simulating hundreds of source and receiver positions, making simulations with parametric source positions impractical. To overcome this limitation, we propose using deep operator networks to approximate linear wave-equation operators. This enables the rapid prediction of sound propagation in realistic 3D acoustic scenes with parametric source positions, achieving millisecond-scale computations. By learning a compact surrogate model, we avoid the offline calculation and storage of impulse responses for all relevant source/listener pairs. Our experiments, including various complex scene geometries, show good agreement with reference solutions, with root mean squared errors ranging from 0.02 to 0.10 Pa. Notably, our method signifies a paradigm shift as—to our knowledge—no prior machine learning approach has achieved precise predictions of complete wave fields within realistic domains.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

An Efficient Checkpointing System for Large Machine Learning Model Training

As machine learning models increase in size and complexity rapidly, the cost of checkpointing in ML training became a bottleneck in storage and performance (time). For example, the latest GPT-4 model has massive parameters at the scale of 1.76 trillion. It is highly time and storage consuming to frequently writes the model to checkpoints with more than 1 trillion floating point values to storage. This work aims to understand and attempt to mitigate this problem. First, we characterize the checkpointing interface in a collection of representative large machine learning/language models with respect to storage consumption and performance overhead. Second, we propose the two optimizations: i) A periodic cleaning strategy that periodically cleans up outdated checkpoints to reduce the storage burden; ii) A data staging optimization that coordinates checkpoints between local and shared file systems for performance improvement.

machine learning, artificial intelligence↗

Exploring Covalency in the Actinides Using Soft Donor-Based Ligands and Metal-Ligand Multiple Bonding

Closing the fuel cycle is critical to the renaissance of nuclear energy in the United States. Essential in closing the fuel cycle is identification of separation strategies for actinides and fission products from spent fuels and identification of host matrices for storage or transmutation of fission products. These issues are intensified due to the complex nature of the problem (e.g., high radiation fields, high thermal fields, long half-lives of certain fission products). The use of extractor ligands with soft donor atoms has been demonstrated to selectively sequester actinides over their lanthanide counterparts. This has been presumed to be enhanced covalent bonding between the actinide 5f orbitals and the valence ligand-based orbitals; however, the coordination chemistry and reactivity with ligands containing selenium, tellurium, phosphorus, and arsenic are underdeveloped. Additionally, compounds containing actinide-ligand multiple bonding will be explored to examine pi-bonding with 5f orbitals. Efforts will be made to develop this chemistry with neptunium as well. This research explores the unique structure, bonding, and reactivity of the actinide elements while developing the underlying fundamental science involved in the separation of actinides.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗