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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Identifying Opportunities and Recommendations for the Integration of Advanced Reactors for Industrial Heat and Electricity Users

Nuclear power in the United States has been used traditionally to provide baseload electric power to the grid. Advancements in nuclear power to create smaller and safer reactors have renewed interest in nuclear as a source of both heat and electricity for a variety of applications. There is great interest in coupling nuclear reactors with industrial applications because nuclear power is a low carbon energy source that can be utilized for process heating, hydrogen generation, on-site electricity demand, and more. Idaho National Laboratory is developing guidelines to identify and assist industrial heat and electricity decarbonization by integrating with nuclear power plants (NPPs) to provide clean, abundant, and dispatchable energy. Considerations include specific industrial hazards which impact NPP siting, heat transport requirements and associated technologies, and implementation feasibility based on site-specific demand profiles. To assess integration feasibility, facility process models are developed based on real data obtained from a survey of baseline requirements and process information from industrial facilities in the United States. An assessment of safety and siting requirements is also performed to determine how nuclear industrial pairings could meet licensing requirements for NPPs. In addition, site characterization of an industrial plant is essential to determining the feasibility and suitable integration methods for each industry. Characterization includes facility distance from the nearest population center, site size, rail or water transport availability, and proximity to undeveloped land. These characteristics are important to determine reactor- or industry-side design requirements for safe, efficient operation. The siting and technical data assessment will reveal opportunities for single-use nuclear integration and co-location opportunities for industries to share benefits from a single reactor. In addition to existing facilities, this “energy-park” style cooperation could include new construction like data centers which can cost-share energy investments or provide a stable demand-and-revenue stream to the investor. Deliverables will contain a library of documents and models to guide various industries toward understanding nuclear technologies based on their users’ needs. This paper is a summary of the current project status, and provides insights on suitable pairings for specific industries and reactor technologies

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Identifying location of data granules in global virtual address space

An approach is disclosed that identifies a home node of a data granule. The process is performed by an information handling system (a local node) that retrieves a global virtual address directory. The global virtual address directory maps shared virtual addresses to a number nodes that includes the local node with one of the nodes being the home node. The shared virtual addresses correspond to a plurality of memory addresses that are stored in a shared virtual memory that is shared amongst the plurality of nodes. The approach receives a selected shared virtual address, retrieves, from the global virtual address directory, the home node associated with the selected shared virtual address, and accesses the data granule corresponding to the selected shared virtual address from the home node.

Johns, Charles R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Individually identifiable surface acoustic wave sensors, tags and systems

A surface-launched acoustic wave sensor tag system for remotely sensing and/or providing identification information using sets of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor tag devices is characterized by acoustic wave device embodiments that include coding and other diversity techniques to produce groups of sensors that interact minimally, reducing or alleviating code collision problems typical of prior art coded SAW sensors and tags, and specific device embodiments of said coded SAW sensor tags and systems. These sensor/tag devices operate in a system which consists of one or more uniquely identifiable sensor/tag devices and a wireless interrogator. The sensor device incorporates an antenna for receiving incident RF energy and re-radiating the tag identification information and the sensor measured parameter(s). Since there is no power source in or connected to the sensor, it is a passive sensor. The device is wirelessly interrogated by the interrogator.

Hines, Jacqueline H.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Identifying the connections between grain growth and flux expulsion in low RRR niobium SRF cavities

The SRF community has shown that high temperature annealing can improve the flux expulsion of niobium cavities during cooldown. The required temperature will vary between cavities and different batches of material, typically around 800 C and up to 1000 C. However, for niobium with a low residual resistance ratio (RRR), even 1000 C is not enough to improve its poor flux expulsion. The purpose of this study is to observe the grain growth behavior of low RRR niobium coupons subjected to high temperature annealing to identify the mechanism for improving flux expulsion. We observe that low RRR material experiences less grain growth than high RRR when annealed at the same temperature. We search for the limitations to grain growth in low RRR material and develop a diagnostic based on grain structure to determine the appropriate recipe for good flux expulsion. The results of this study have the potential to unlock a new understanding on SRF materials and enable the next generation of high Q/high gradient surface treatments.

Howard, K. [Chicago U.] (ORCID:0000000325613308)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Identifying Nuclear Cost Targets for Competitive Maritime Decarbonization

The shipping industry contributes to a substantial quantity of global carbon emissions. Reaching a “Net-Zero World” will ultimately require complete decarbonization of the existing fleet. Nuclear energy may provide a viable solution toward this end goal. To better understand the economic dynamics of relying on nuclear energy to power maritime fleets, cost targets were identified in this study. Two use cases were considered: (1) nuclear energy is used to generate synthetic fuel (termed synfuel) to power maritime propulsion, and (2) nuclear reactors for vessel propulsion. The study found that in both cases realistic cost targets for nuclear reactor costs could be reached. However, option 2 was deemed to be much more competitive overall but with higher technical risks.

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Use of Digital Real-Time Simulation and Optimization to Identify Maximum Real Power Injection on the Banshee Distribution Network: Preprint

This study investigates the hosting capacity of the Banshee Distribution Network by optimizing the real power injection at carefully selected Distributed Energy Resource (DER) locations. The analysis is conducted within the framework of power system operational constraints, including bus voltage ranges, thermal line ratings, and transformer loading limits. A Python-based Genetic Algorithm (GA), implemented using the PyGAD library, is employed to iteratively identify the optimal power injection configuration that maximizes network utilization while preserving system reliability. The methodology integrates a real-time simulation environment using the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS), allowing high-fidelity evaluation of power flow and voltage behavior under each proposed injection scenario. By coupling the optimization algorithm with real-time simulation feedback, this approach ensures that both static and dynamic constraints are enforced during the evaluation process. The GA leverages evolutionary operators such as selection, crossover, and mutation to navigate the nonlinear search space efficiently. The results of the study delineate the feasible hosting capacity at three targeted buses, reflecting maximum real power levels that can be injected without causing voltage violations, transformer overloading, or line congestion. These findings provide a decision- support tool for distribution planners and utilities aiming to integrate higher penetrations of DERs in existing infrastructure. Additionally, the work lays the foundation for extending such optimization techniques to multi-objective formulations, including economic dispatch and reactive power coordination, in future studies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Unique Building Identifier (UBID): Public Sector Implementation Guide

Buildings generate data throughout their lifecycle – about ownership & taxation, usage, zoning, code compliance, energy use, and retrofits. State and local governments collect this data after it flows through growing networks of people and systems. But collecting data is only half the battle; what’s really needed is information – the actionable insights that lead to successful policy outcomes.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Identifying Dense NiSe 2 /CoSe 2 Heterointerfaces Coupled with Surface High-Valence Bimetallic Sites for Synergistically Enhanced Oxygen Electrocatalysis

Constructing heterostructures with abundant interfaces is essential for integrating the multiple functionalities in single entities. Herein, the synthesis of NiSe 2 /CoSe 2 heterostructures with different interfacial densities via an innovative strategy of successive ion injection is reported. The resulting hybrid electrocatalyst with dense heterointerfaces exhibits superior electrocatalytic properties in an alkaline electrolyte, superior to other benchmarks and precious metal catalysts. Advanced synchrotron techniques, post structural characterizations, and density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that the introduction of atomic-level interfaces can lower the oxidation overpotential of bimetallic Ni and Co active sites (whereas Ni$^{2+}$ can be more easily activated than Co$^{2+}$) and induce the electronic interaction between the core selenides and surface in situ generated oxides/hydroxides, which play a critical role in synergistically reducing energetic barriers and accelerating reaction kinetics for catalyzing the oxygen evolution. Hence, the heterointerface structure facilitates the catalytic performance enhancement via increasing the intrinsic reactivity of metallic atoms and enhancing the synergistic effect between the inner selenides and surface oxidation species. This work not only complements the understanding on the origins of the activity of electrocatalysts based on metal selenides, but also sheds light on further surface and interfacial engineering of advanced hybrid materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Identifying and Amplifying the Spontaneously Formed Photo‐Charge Contribution in Opaque and Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics

Abstract Spontaneous photo‐charge (SP) generation within the non‐fullerene (NFA) bulk helps avoid exciton (EX) related loss as compared to the traditional heterojunction route in organic solar cells (OSCs). Unfortunately, the promising SP utilization attracts little attention at this time due to the lack of knowledge on its specific contribution to the photovoltaic performance and rational optimization in high‐efficiency devices. To fill the gap, the NFAs’ SP characteristics are related with their photocurrent loss and power conversion efficiency (PCE) in state‐of‐the‐art materials. Though higher SP population is good for efficient EX utilization, it simultaneously acts as an additional photo‐charge recombination channel. The former can be further enhanced by increasing the NFAs’ crystallinity with preferred lamellar growth, and the latter can be suppressed via electric doping. With the aid of the two‐step optimization strategy, the total photocurrent loss is reduced from 14.4% to 4.8%, accompanying with PCE increment from 16.9% to 18.5%. The SP utilization strategy is finally applied in the semitransparent OSCs (ST‐OSCs), due to its less heterojunction area sensitive photo‐charge generation characteristic. A light utilization efficiency (LUE) is then increased from 3.21% to 3.77%. The findings highlight the pursue of efficient SP utilization as a new design philosophy in future OSCs’ progresses.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2022

An SECM-Based Spot Analysis for Redoxmer-Electrode Kinetics: Identifying Redox Asymmetries on Model Graphitic Carbon Interfaces

The fundamental process in non-aqueous redox flow battery (NRFB) operation revolves around electron transfer (ET) between a current collector electrode and redox-active organic molecules (redoxmers) in solution. Here, we present an approach utilizing scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to evaluate interfacial ET kinetics between redoxmers and various electrode materials of interest at desired locations. This spot-analysis method relies on the measurement of heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants (k f or k b ) as a function of applied potential (E-E 0 '). As demonstrated by COMSOL simulations, this method enables the quantification of Butler-Volmer kinetic parameters, the standard heterogeneous rate constant, k 0 , and the transfer coefficient, α. Our method enabled the identification of inherent asymmetries in the ET kinetics arising during the reduction of ferrocene-based redoxmers, compared to their oxidation which displayed faster rate constants. Similar behavior was observed on a wide variety of carbon electrodes such as multi-layer graphene, highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, glassy carbon, and chemical vapor deposition-grown graphite films. However, aqueous systems and Pt do not exhibit such kinetic effects. Our analysis suggests that differential adsorption of the redoxmers is insufficient to account for our observations. Displaying a greater versatility than conventional electroanalytical methods, we demonstrate the operation of our spot analysis at concentrations up to 100 mM of redoxmer over graphite films. Looking forward, our method can be used to assess non-idealities in a variety of redoxmer/electrode/solvent systems with quantitative evaluation of kinetics for applications in redox-flow battery research.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Selective Enrichment Coupled with Proteomics to Identify S-Acylated Plasma Membrane Proteins in Arabidopsis

Protein S-acylation, predominately in the form of palmitoylation, is a reversible lipid post-translational modification (PTM) on cysteines that plays important roles in protein localization, trafficking, activity, and complex assembly. The functions and regulatory mechanisms of Sacylation have been extensively studied in mammals, owing to remarkable development of the high-resolution proteomics and the discovery of the S-acylation-related enzymes. However, the advance of S-acylation studies in plants lags farther behind than that in mammals, mainly due to the lack of knowledge about proteins responsible for this process, such as protein acyltransferases (PATs) and their substrates. In this article, a systematic protocol to study global S-acylation in Arabidopsis seedlings is described. The procedures are presented in detail, including preparation of Arabidopsis seedlings, enrichment of plasma membrane (PM) proteins, followed by enrichment of S-acylated proteins/peptides based on the acyl-biotin exchange (ABE) method, and large-scale identification of S-acylated proteins/peptides via mass spectrometry. This approach enables researchers to study S-acylation of PM proteins in plants in a systematic and straightforward way. Basic protocol 1: Preparation of Arabidopsis seedling materials Basic protocol 2: Isolation and enrichment of plasma membrane proteins Support protocol 1: Determination of protein concentration using BCA assay Basic Protocol 3: Enrichment of S-acylated proteins by ABE method Support protocol 2: Protein precipitation by methanol/chloroform method Basic Protocol 4: Trypsin digestion and proteomic analysis Alternate protocol 1: Pre-resin digestion and peptide level enrichment.

S-acylation, palmitoylation, plasma membrane prote↗
DOE OSTI2020

Identifying the mechanisms of cation inhibition of phenol oxidation by acid birnessite

Abstract Many phenolic compounds found as contaminants in natural waters are susceptible to oxidation by manganese oxides. However, there is often variability between oxidation rates reported in pristine matrices and studies using more environmentally relevant conditions. For example, the presence of cations generally results in slower phenolic oxidation rates. However, the underlying mechanism of cation interference is not well understood. In this study, cation co‐solutes inhibit the transformation of four target phenols (bisphenol A, estrone, p ‐cresol, and triclosan) by acid birnessite. Oxidation rates for these compounds by acid birnessite follow the same trend (Na + > K + > Mg 2+ > Ca 2+ ) when cations are present as co‐solutes. We further demonstrate that the same trend applies to these cations when they are absent from solution but pre‐exchanged with the mineral. We analyze valence state, surface area, crystallinity, and zeta potential to characterize changes in oxide structure. The findings of this study show that pre‐exchanged cations have a large effect on birnessite reactivity even in the absence of cation co‐solutes, indicating that the inhibition of phenolic compound oxidation is not due to competition for surface sites, as previously suggested. Instead, the reaction inhibition is attributed to changes in aggregation and the mineral microstructure.

Balgooyen, Sarah↗
DOE OSTI2021

Grandparent Inference from Genetic Data: The Potential for Parentage-Based Tagging Programs to Identify Offspring of Hatchery Strays

Abstract Fisheries managers routinely use hatcheries to increase angling opportunity. Many hatcheries operate as segregated programs where hatchery-origin fish are not intended to spawn with natural-origin conspecifics in order to prevent potential negative effects on the natural-origin population. Currently available techniques to monitor the frequency with which hatchery-origin strays successfully spawn in the wild rely on either genetic differentiation between the hatchery- and natural-origin fish or extensive sampling of fish on the spawning grounds. We present a method to infer grandparent–grandchild trios by using only genotypes from two putative grandparents and one putative grandchild. We developed estimators of false-positive and false-negative error rates and showed that genetic panels containing 500–700 single-nucleotide polymorphisms or 200–300 microhaplotypes are expected to allow application of this technique for monitoring segregated hatchery programs. We discuss the ease with which this technique can be implemented by pre-existing parentage-based tagging programs and provide an R package that applies the method.

Delomas, Thomas A. (ORCID:000000015154759X)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Identifying Suitable Front Contacts for High‐Efficiency Cd(Se,Te) Solar Cells on Space‐Qualified Cover Glass

Deployment of photovoltaics in space requires devices that combine high-efficiency, low areal mass, and resilience to harsh environments. Historically, high-efficiency multijunction III–V materials have dominated space power systems; however, their high cost and limited manufacturing throughput motivate the exploration of scalable alternatives. While CdTe-based thin-film photovoltaics offer an attractive option, their performance on non-conventional substrates can suffer from front contact instability under higher-temperature processing. Here, the role of front contact chemistry in limiting cell performance is investigated using CdTe-based devices fabricated on 150 μm thick Ceria-doped space-qualified 0214 Corning glass. A matrix of four transparent conducting oxides (TCOs: CTO, AZO, ITO, IZO) combined with two n-type emitters (MZO, IGO) reveals chemical stability at the front interface—rather than absorber composition alone—governs recombination losses, voltage deficits, and device reproducibility. Chemically stable front contact combinations suppress elemental diffusion and interfacial degradation, resulting in significantly improved carrier lifetimes and junction quality. These insights are validated through record-certified Cd(Se,Te) cell efficiencies of 18.4% under AM1.5G and 16.2% under AM0 illumination on ultra-thin glass. Beyond CdTe, this work provides a general framework for the rational selection of TCO/emitter interfaces in superstrate thin-film photovoltaics, including emerging technologies like metal halide perovskites, while enabling high-efficiency, lightweight photovoltaics for space applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Voxel carving–based 3D reconstruction of sorghum identifies genetic determinants of light interception efficiency

Changes in canopy architecture traits have been shown to contribute to yield increases. Optimizing both light interception and light interception efficiency of agricultural crop canopies will be essential to meeting the growing food needs. Canopy architecture is inherently three-dimensional (3D), but many approaches to measuring canopy architecture component traits treat the canopy as a two-dimensional (2D) structure to make large scale measurement, selective breeding, and gene identification logistically feasible. We develop a high throughput voxel carving strategy to reconstruct 3D representations of sorghum from a small number of RGB photos. Our approach builds on the voxel carving algorithm to allow for fully automatic reconstruction of hundreds of plants. It was employed to generate 3D reconstructions of individual plants within a sorghum association population at the late vegetative stage of development. Light interception parameters estimated from these reconstructions enabled the identification of known and previously unreported loci controlling light interception efficiency in sorghum. The approach is generalizable and scalable, and it enables 3D reconstructions from existing plant high throughput phenotyping datasets. We also propose a set of best practices to increase 3D reconstructions’ accuracy.

3D plant reconstruction↗