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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 451 records · Page 25

Keystone Solar Future Project (KSFP)

The Keystone Solar Future Project (KSFP, also referred to as “Keystone Project” in the report) implements a cost-effective, secure, reliable, and safe technology platform that paves the way for future interconnected distributed energy resources (DER), creates a framework that enables high penetration of DER, and transforms the DER interconnection process. The project is important and necessary in a few aspects. First, the industry definition of Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) is not yet validated against field deployments and mostly implemented in small pilots relying on third party integration. Keystone project implements a direct plug and play communication to inverter based DER systems. Secondly, most interconnection application portal is not yet fully integrated with back-end system, thus lacks the capability to drive a complete and accurate modeling of DER assets into the planning and operational systems. Keystone project rolled out a fully integrated modeling process of DERs from interconnection to operational management. Lastly, customers were given an opportunity to learn about the advanced functions of the inverters and take full advantages of their benefits through participation in the pilot program. During the project, the technical effectiveness and economic feasibility of DER management were investigated and demonstrated in real life events and simulation studies. The project highlighted the importance of coordinated DER interconnection, installation and management with the rest of the distribution system.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

APS: High-Energy X-rays Expediting Applied and Fundamental Research

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) was designed and built as one of the first large 3rd generation synchrotrons operated at 7 GeV. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science funded the construction and continues to fund the operation of this national facility. Furthermore, the beamlines were originally operated by Collaborative Access Teams (CAT), which allowed a strong involvement of research institutes, universities, and industry. Today 43 of 68 beamlines are operated by the X-ray Science Division (XSD) and 35 beamlines are directly funded by the DOE Office of Science. The APS became operational in 1995, and was planned right from the beginning with 4 beamlines dedicated to high-energy x-rays above 40 keV: 1-ID designed to study engineering materials science, 6-ID-D for magnetism and condensed matter research, 11-ID-B dedicated to magnetic Compton scattering using an Elliptical Multipole Wiggler, and 11-ID-C for materials science and condensed matter physics. These stations were later joined by the bending magnet beamlines 6-BM for white beam studies and 17-BM for rapid powder diffraction. CAT operated beamlines such as 15-ID for crystallography or 16-ID for high-pressure studies also use the high-energy x-ray regime frequently. The program in Compton scattering ended in 2004 and the wiggler was replaced by an undulator. 11-ID-B became the first dedicated station for Pair Distribution Function (PDF) Analysis.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

A Load Switching Group based Feeder-level Microgrid Energy Management Algorithm for Service Restoration in Power Distribution System

This paper presents a load switching group based energy management system (LSG-EMS) for operating microgrids on a distribution feeder powered by one or multiple grid-forming distributed energy resources. Loads on a distribution feeder are divided into load switching groups that can be remotely switched on and off. The LSG-EMS algorithm, formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem, has an objective function of maximizing the served loads while minimizing the total number of switching actions. A new set of topology constraints are developed for allowing multiple microgrids to be formed on the feeder and selecting the optimal supply path. Customer comfort is accounted for by maximizing the supply duration in the customer preferred service period and enforcing a minimum service duration. The proposed method is demonstrated on a modified IEEE 33-bus system using actual customer data. Simulation results show that the LSG-EMS successfully coordinates multiple grid-forming sources by selecting an optimal supply topology that maximizes the supply period of both the critical and noncritical loads while minimizing customer service interruptions in the service restoration process.

Hu, Rongxing↗

Updates to the n+ 63,65 Cu Evaluations in the Resolved Resonance Region [Slides]

This presentation discusses the motivation and background of the n+ 63,65 Cu Evaluations in the Resolved Resonance Region which is to study the interaction of neutrons with copper as it is important in nuclear applications since critical assembly configurations include metallic copper as reflector. In support to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP), measurements and related evaluations of 63,65 Cu isotopes were selected to improve the agreement with the benchmarks and to assess the importance of the angular distribution data for reactor calculations. Previous and current evaluation work is supported by an experimental campaign initiated before 2010, the 63,65 Cu R-matrix analysis generated resonance parameters up to 300 keV. However, due to outstanding issues in the benchmark performance, ENDF/B-VIII.0 library released a truncated set of resonance parameters up to 100 keV. The goal of this work is to generate an updated set of resonance parameters in the 100-300 keV range to improve the benchmark performance of 63,65 Cu isotopes. In conclusion, R-matrix analysis to update 63,65 Cu evaluations was performed to simultaneously improve benchmark performance and extend the RRR to 300 keV. The benchmark calculations suggest the increased capture cross sections are beneficial, however, further investigation of the measured capture data is needed to understand the large normalization scaling factor needed to improve the reactivity. Also, the copper-reflected benchmarks indicate the need to further investigate angular distributions and extension of RRR to 300 keV is aided well by level statistics considerations. Work to refine the fit of individual resonances is ongoing.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Cyberguardians and STEM Warriors (Final Technical Report (FTR))

In the past decade, solar power, with and without energy storage has become the fastest growing source of energy generation in the world. In the U.S., solar employment more than doubled from 105,145 jobs in 2011 to 255,037 jobs in 2021, four times faster than the U.S. job growth rate overall. These factors, combined with technology advancements, creates a skills gap that puts tremendous stress on society to deliver the workers to fill the open job requisitions. The Cyberguardians and STEM Warriors project (Cyberguardians) was designed to address the trained-worker shortage in the energy industry in three ways: 1) by developing educational curriculum that addresses DER technology changes; 2) by delivering curriculum to prospective workers, including military veterans and their families, via universities, community colleges, and vocational training outlets; and 3) introducing individuals who have completed training to employers that can hire them. Cyberguardians exceeded its curriculum goals by producing 27 academic units of university-accredited material (12 total courses) covering energy fundamentals, smart inverters, Distributed Energy Resource (DER) data communication, cybersecurity, standardization, certification, data analytics, and IEEE 1547 standard topics. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) also accredited the material for use in their credential program. Seven instructors were recruited and trained, and six academic institutions (University of California San Diego, State University of New York, North Carolina State University, Harper Community College, Green Village Academy, and the SunSpec Alliance) were enlisted, meeting program goals. All course material was published under the Creative Commons license and made available royalty free, thus providing a long-lasting public benefit. The program’s outreach program vastly exceeded program goals and incorporated the efforts of 13 outreach partners (11 of which are veteran focused), an advisory board representing 15 companies, webinars and 10’s of thousands of email messages sent to prospective students and hiring managers. Despite these efforts, the global pandemic depressed anticipated program participation by about a third. Still, a total of 396 students enrolled and 289 completed the courses and were accredited. The job applicant task achieved similar results (111 realized vs a 174 goal) but reported job placement was weaker at (9 realized vs. a 51 goal). The Cyberguardians program fills a critical void for cost-effective, royalty-free curriculum and training pertaining to DER technologies and cybersecurity that prospective energy workers must possess to be effective in the 21 st century. On this basis alone, the investment of taxpayer funds will pay dividends for years to come.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

State Energy Justice Roundtable Series: Energy Justice Metrics

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), and National Governors Association (NGA) hosted a State Energy Justice Roundtable (Roundtable) in April 2022. Participants included federal and state decision-makers, members of community-based organizations, and subject-matter experts. The Roundtable members explored current state efforts to articulate and incorporate energy justice concerns into energy-related decision-making. Participants established connections with one another to better understand the current landscape of existing resources, learn about emerging efforts, and identify ongoing support opportunities for advancing energy justice.This paper is one of five authored by the host organizations on topics that were the focus of the Roundtable. Each paper summarizes key themes, emerging efforts, and group takeaways that were discussed at the Roundtable and should assist state members in developing and meeting their own state goals around energy justice. The papers all include the same discussions of background, introduction, and reading list so they can be read separately. Each paper is written from the perspective of one association and includes options for its members to take actions that could support more equitable state energy policies and programs. The five papers cover: (1) Participation in decision making (NARUC), (2) Customer affordability and arrearages (NARUC), (3) Energy justice metrics (NARUC), (4) Equity in clean energy research and development (NASEO), and (5) Equitable distributed energy resource (DER) access (NGA). The resources and recommendations listed in these papers are not meant to be exhaustive, as this field of study continues to evolve. Although this brief is focused on electricity, energy justice considerations extend to all energy needs and services, including the impact of energy extraction, processing, and distribution functions.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DSCOVR/EPIC-derived global hourly and daily downward shortwave and photosynthetically active radiation data at 0.1° × 0.1° resolution

Downward shortwave radiation (SW) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) play crucial roles in Earth system dynamics. Spaceborne remote sensing techniques provide a unique means for mapping accurate spatiotemporally continuous SW–PAR, globally. However, any individual polar-orbiting or geostationary satellite cannot satisfy the desired high temporal resolution (sub-daily) and global coverage simultaneously, while integrating and fusing multisource data from complementary satellites/sensors is challenging because of co-registration, intercalibration, near real-time data delivery and the effects of discrepancies in orbital geometry. The Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) on board the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), launched in February 2015, offers an unprecedented possibility to bridge the gap between high temporal resolution and global coverage and characterize the diurnal cycles of SW–PAR globally. In this study, we adopted a suite of well-validated data-driven machine-learning models to generate the first global land products of SW–PAR, from June 2015 to June 2019, based on DSCOVR/EPIC data. The derived products have high temporal resolution (hourly) and medium spatial resolution (0.1°×0.1°), and they include estimates of the direct and diffuse components of SW–PAR. We used independently widely distributed ground station data from the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), the Surface Radiation Budget Network (SURFRAD), NOAA's Global Monitoring Division and the U.S. Department of Energy's Atmospheric System Research (ASR) program to evaluate the performance of our products, and we further analyzed and compared the spatiotemporal characteristics of the derived products with the benchmarking Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System Synoptic (CERES) data. We found both the hourly and daily products to be consistent with ground-based observations (e.g., hourly and daily total SWs have low biases of -3.96 and -0.71 W m -2 and root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of 103.50 and 35.40 W m -2 , respectively). The developed products capture the complex spatiotemporal patterns well and accurately track substantial diurnal, monthly, and seasonal variations in SW–PAR when compared to CERES data. They provide a reliable and valuable alternative for solar photovoltaic applications worldwide and can be used to improve our understanding of the diurnal and seasonal variabilities of the terrestrial water, carbon and energy fluxes at various spatial scales.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Advanced Electrical Materials and Components Development: An Update

The primary means to develop advanced electrical components is to develop new and improved materials for magnetic components (transformers, inductors, etc.), capacitors, and semiconductor switches and diodes. This paper will give an update of the Advanced Power Electronics and Components Technology being developed by the NASA Glenn Research Center for use in future Power Management and Distribution subsystems used in space power systems for spacecraft and lunar and planetary surface power. The initial description and status of this technology program was presented two years ago at the First International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference held at Portsmouth, Virginia, August 2003. The present paper will give a brief background of the previous work reported and a summary of research performed the past several years on soft magnetic materials characterization, dielectric materials and capacitor developments, high quality silicon carbide atomically smooth substrates, and SiC static and dynamic device characterization under elevated temperature conditions. The rationale for and the benefits of developing advanced electrical materials and components for the PMAD subsystem and also for the total power system will also be briefly discussed.

Schwarze, Gene E.↗

Airside HVAC BESTEST: HVAC Air-Distribution System Model Test Cases for ASHRAE Standard 140

This paper summarizes recent work to develop new airside HVAC equipment model analytical verification test cases for ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140, Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer Programs. The analytical verification test method allows comparison of simulation results from a wide variety of building energy simulation programs with quasi-analytical solutions, further described below. Standard 140 is widely cited for evaluating software for use with performance-path energy efficiency analysis, in conjunction with well-known energy-efficiency standards including ASHRAE Standard 90.1, the International Energy Conservation Code, and other international standards. Airside HVAC Equipment is a common area of modelling not previously explicitly tested by Standard 140. Integration of the completed test suite into Standard 140 is in progress.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Ionospheric footprint of magnetosheathlike particle precipitation observed by an incoherent scatter radar

We have examined Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar observations of ionospheric plasma density and temperature distributions and measurements of F region ion drifts that were made during a prenoon pass of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)-F7 satellite through the radar field of view. The spacecraft traversed a region of intense electron precipitation with a characteristic energy below approximately 200 eV. Particles with such low characteristic energies are believed to be directly or indirectly of magnetosheath origin. The precipitation region had a width about 2 deg invariant latitude and covered the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL), the cusp, and the equatorward section of the plasma mantle (PM). The corotating radar observed a patch of enhanced electron density and elevated electron temperature in the F2 region between about 10.5 and 12 magnetic local time in the same invariant latitude range where DMSP-F7 detected the soft-electron flux. The ion drift pattern, also obtained by radar, shows that it is unlikely that the plasma patch was produced by solar radiation and advected into the radar field of view. We suggest that the radar observed modifications of the ionospheric plasma distribution, which resulted from direct entry of magnetosheath electrons into the magnetosphere and down to ionospheric altitudes. Model calculations of the ionospheric response to the observed electron precipitation support our interpretation. The spectral characteristics of the electron flux in the LLBL, cusp, and equatorward section of the PM were in this case too similar to allow to distinguish between them by using incoherent scatter radar measurements only.

Watermann, Jurgen↗

Cybersecurity Standards, Certification, and Best Practices for DERs

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are becoming increasingly important to the electric grid, including solar energy systems. However, DERs also introduce new cybersecurity risks, including those posed by cloud computing. Standards harmonization is essential for ensuring that DERs are secure and can be safely integrated into the grid. This panel will discuss cyber standards harmonization for solar security. The panel will feature experts from the S2G Program, National Labs and Industry who will discuss the following topics: the cybersecurity risks and future benefits posed by ubiquitous solar energy systems, the development and implementation of cloud-based security solutions for DERs, including solar energy systems, the challenges and opportunities for harmonizing DER cybersecurity standards, and Cyber Informed Engineering and the solar security implementations The panel will also discuss the following specific initiatives: the S2G Program's DER Cybersecurity Framework, UL's DER Cybersecurity Certification Program, and IEEE 1547 Updates. The panel will conclude with a discussion of the future of standards harmonization for DER cybersecurity.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

5G Energy FRAME: The Design and Implementation of Data, Model, and Use Case (Year 2 Report)

This report summarizes the Year 2 work of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL’s) 5G Fabricated Resource and Asset Management Encompassment for energy infrastructure (Energy FRAME) project funded by the Department of Energy Office of Science’s Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) Program. In this report, newest 5G equipment testing results are presented, along with two 5G-enabled AI/ML examples for grid applications; in addition, the work flow of grid edge, cloud, and High Performance Computing (HPC) platform is introduced, to support and interface the cross-domain simulation for power system transmission, distribution, and communication networks. Last but not least, the outlook for Year 3 work and the overarching impact of 5G Energy FRAME work to a multitude of stakeholders are provided. Additional 5G performance data now is shared through the publicly available weblink, https://www.pnnl.gov/projects/5g-energy-frame/publications

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Bridging the Gap on Data and Analysis for Distribution System Planning: Information That Utilities Can Provide Regulators, State Energy Offices and Other Stakeholders

Electric utilities conduct planning annually to ensure their distribution system meets technical standards, policies, and regulations; addresses forecasted grid conditions; satisfies customer needs; and advances utility priorities. The plan identifies grid deficiencies, analyzes potential solutions, and prioritizes capital investments and other expenditures. About 20 U.S. states and jurisdictions require regulated utilities to file some type of distribution system plan with the public utility commission for review. Requirements for sharing distribution system data and analyses vary widely, from few specific requirements to a detailed list of information that must be provided. While utilities conduct extensive analysis to develop distribution system plans, in most jurisdictions regulators and stakeholders do not know what data are available and how the utility uses the data in planning and investing. This report aims to bridge the gap by increasing understanding of the types of data and analyses utilities employ to develop distribution system plans and how the information affects their decision-making. The report describes information that states and stakeholders can ask for related to 11 data categories: -Forecasting loads and distributed energy resources (DERs) -Scenario analysis -Worst-performing circuits -Asset management strategy -Hosting capacity analysis -Value of DERs -Grid needs assessment -Cost-effectiveness framework for investments -Distribution system investment strategy and implementation -Geotargeted programs -Non-wires alternatives procurements.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Testing models of low-mass star formation - High-resolution far-infrared observations of L1551 IRS 5

A 50 and 100 micron wavelength study of L151 IRS 5 has yielded data consistent with the Adams et al. (1987) theoretical model prediction. It has proven possible to constrain a range of possible density gradients through source-emission modeling on the basis of the spherically-symmetric radiative transfer program of Egan et al. (1988) and a comparison of the observed scans at 50 and 100 microns. Attention is given to the effects of varying the dust grain properties of the spherical energy distribution of the source; the amount of mid-IR emission is highly sensitive to dust opacity and, because of poorly understood dust properties, is not a sensitive test for the presence of disks.

Butner, Harold M.↗

The Compton Gamma Ray Observatory

The Arthur Holly Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (Compton) was launched by the Space Shuttle Atlantis on 5 April 1991. The spacecraft and instruments are in good health and returning exciting results. The mission provides nearly six orders of magnitude in spectral coverage, from 30 keV to 30 GeV, with sensitivity over the entire range an order of magnitude better than that of previous observations. The 16,000 kilogram observatory contains four instruments on a stabilized platform. The mission began normal operations on 16 May 1991 and is now over half-way through a full-sky survey. The mission duration is expected to be from six to ten years. A Science Support Center has been established at Goddard Space Flight Center for the purpose of supporting a vigorous Guest Investigator Program. New scientific results to date include: (1) the establishment of the isotropy, combined with spatial inhomogeneity, of the distribution of gamma-ray bursts in the sky; (2) the discovery of intense high energy (100 MeV) gamma-ray emission from 3C 279 and other quasars and BL Lac objects, making these the most distant and luminous gamma-ray sources ever detected; (3) one of the first images of a gamma-ray burst; (4) the observation of intense nuclear and position-annihilation gamma-ray lines and neutrons from several large solar flares; and (5) the detection of a third gamma-ray pulsar, plus several other transient and pulsing hard X-ray sources.

Gehrels, N.↗

Imaging Systems Provide Maps for U.S. Soldiers

Spanning nearly four decades, the remarkable Landsat program has continuously provided data about the Earth s surface, including detailed maps of vegetation, land use, forest extent and health, surface water, population distribution, as well as how these features have changed over time. Managed by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey, Landsat s series of satellites obtain data through passive remote sensing, or the use of sensors to read the energy reflected or emitted from the Earth s surface. After the data from the sensors is processed and analyzed, it can be applied to create information-rich images of the planet. While the Landsat program has launched seven satellites since 1972, only Landsat 5 and 7 are currently operating. The next spacecraft in line to ensure continuity of data for years to come is the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). Planned for launch in 2012, LDCM will take measurements of the Earth in visible, nearinfrared, shortwave infrared, and thermal infrared bands. In addition to widespread use for land use planning and monitoring on local to regional scales, support for disaster response and evaluations, as well as water use monitoring, LDCM measurements will directly serve NASA s research in the areas of climate, the carbon cycle, ecosystems, the water cycle, biogeochemistry, and Earth s surface and interior.

Source record↗

AM Powder Flowability Capabilities at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Additive Manufacturing (AM) powder flowability is critical to metal 3D printing, because the more fluid the powder is, the better powder spreads. The NASA MSFC’s Contamination Control Team (CCT) studies density, flow, particle size distribution, and morphology for programs such as Moon-to-Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT), ASTM Proficiency Testing for AM and Powder Metallurgy, and MSFC’s AM team. Examining and measuring powder characteristics is essential for improving flowability of AM powder and ensuring lot-to-lot consistency, which will help to prevent defects in manufactured parts. The CCT uses several methods to characterize AM powder. Optical particle size distribution and morphology analyses determine particle parameters including size, circularity, convexity, and dimensions. The Carney and Hall Flowmeter Funnel measures time it takes powder to flow through a funnel to compare relative flowability (free-flowing and non-free-flowing). In addition to this, the device utilizes a density cup which determines apparent density. Lastly, the Revolution Powder Analyzer measures dynamic powder flowability and behavior over time via digital imaging. Using the CCT’s lab, the team has produced ASTM Powder Proficiency Testing results with flow rates, apparent density, particle size distribution, and tap density on titanium-based and nickel-based powder and compared data with other companies/labs. Morphology data was also collected for various regolith simulant powder for the MMPACT program. Lastly, the CCT used morphology data to examine the flowability of Inconel 718 powder for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) printers at MSFC. The CCT’s essential work in studying and enabling AM powder characterization has helped and will continue to help study new and refined powders in the AM industry.

Additive Manufacturing↗

Inaugural Symposium of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment, Virginia Commonwealth University

The Inaugural Symposium of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environment (ISEE) was held in Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia during April 26 – 28, 2023. The symposium addressed issues and challenges in energy and environment and highlighted the use of clean renewable energy to mitigate the adverse effects of fossil fuels and the greenhouse gases it produces. These issues are complex as the involve educating the public that the climate change is real, it is caused by the use of fossil fuels, it requires scientists and engineers to understand the fundamental science in the production and storage of renewable energy, it requires industries to manufacture and distribute the equipment necessary for commercial application of these technologies, it requires policy makers to put together policies and guidelines to make the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies efficient, and it requires social scientists and educators to address environmental justice issues and create a workforce to sustain the transition. The symposium considered all the above issues with a diverse list of speakers from the federal and state government, industrial partners, and experts from science and technology to social sciences and public policy. Speakers from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Department of Energy, universities, and non-governmental agencies discussed the challenges and solutions in Plenary as well as Panel sessions. The talks were recorded with permission from the speakers and the panelists and were put in the ISEE website. The participants included students, postdoctoral fellows, and professors from Virginia Commonwealth University and local area Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) such as Virginia State University and Norfolk State University. The $5000 fund awarded by the Department of Energy were used to support the participation of students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty from the HBCU institutions. The technical program the list of participants is provided later in the document.

08 HYDROGEN↗