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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 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Understanding the structure and composition of recalcitrant oligosaccharides in hydrolysate using high-throughput biotin-based glycome profiling and mass spectrometry

Novel Immunological and Mass Spectrometry Methods for Comprehensive Analysis of Recalcitrant Oligosaccharides in AFEX Pretreated Corn Stover. Lignocellulosic biomass is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel and is extensively used for developing bio-based technologies to produce products such as food, feed, fuel, and chemicals. The key to these technologies is to develop cost competitive processes to convert complex carbohydrates present in plant cell wall to simple sugars such as glucose, xylose, and arabinose. Since lignocellulosic biomass is highly recalcitrant, it must undergo a combination of thermochemical treatment such as Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX), dilute acid (DA), Ionic Liquid (IL) and biological treatment such as enzyme hydrolysis and microbial fermentation to produce desired products. However, when using commercial fungal enzymes during hydrolysis, only 75–85% of the soluble sugars generated are monomeric sugars, while the remaining 15–25% are soluble recalcitrant oligosaccharides that cannot be easily utilized by microorganisms. Previously, we successfully separated and purified the soluble recalcitrant oligosaccharides using a combination of charcoal and celite-based separation followed by size exclusion chromatography and studies their inhibitory properties on enzymes. We discovered that the oligosaccharides with higher degree of polymerization (DP) containing methylated uronic acid substitutions were more recalcitrant towards commercial enzyme mixtures than lower DP and neutral oligosaccharides. Here, we report the use of several complementary techniques that include glycome profiling using plant biomass glycan specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to characterize sugar linkages in plant cell walls and enzymatic hydrolysate, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) using structurally-informative diagnostic peaks offered by negative ion post-secondary decay spectra, gas chromatography followed by mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to characterize oligosaccharide sugar linkages with and without derivatization. Since oligosaccharides (DP 4–20) are small, it is challenging to mobilize these molecules for mAbs binding and characterization. To overcome this problem, we have applied a new biotin-coupling based oligosaccharide immobilization method that successfully tagged most of the low DP soluble oligosaccharides on to a micro-plate surface followed by specific linkage analysis using mAbs in a high-throughput system. This new approach will help develop more advanced versions of future high throughput glycome profiling methods that can be used to separate and characterize oligosaccharides present in biomarkers for diagnostic applications.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Next-generation neutron detection using a 6 Li glass scintillator composite

Neutron detectors are crucial in fundamental science, nuclear security, safeguards, and civil applications. 3 He-filled gas proportional counters are the gold standard for thermal neutron detection, prized for their efficiency, neutron/gamma discrimination, and stability; however, the scarcity of 3 He has prompted the search for alternatives. Here, we introduce a neutron detector design based on a scintillating composite consisting of 6 Li glass scintillator particles dispersed in an organic matrix. A detector consisting of this scintillating composite, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) for optical detection, and electronics for reading out the PMT signal in both pulse and current modes was prototyped and characterized using various neutron and gamma sources. The prototype achieves a measured intrinsic detection efficiency of 6.70 ± 0.01%, a die-away time of 10.3 ± 0.1 μs, a negligible gamma misidentification probability, and response linearity up to at least 3.7 × 10 6 incident neutrons/s established via a cross-calibration technique. This detector holds the potential to outperform traditional 3 He-gas-based neutron detection systems, offering a viable alternative amidst the ongoing 3 He shortage and promising advancements in neutron detection technology.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Regenerative Fuel Cell System (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-16-635)

Grid energy storage is required to maintain reliable electricity delivery from energy producers to their customers. As electrical loads on the grid change throughout the day, stored energy supplies electricity during increased power demand periods. Further, as more renewable and alternative energy sources are added, energy storage will maximize the usefulness of these technologies. Currently, the United States has over 24.6 GW of grid storage, about 2% of the total electrical production capacity. About 95% of energy storage comes from pumped hydro. However, pumped hydro energy storage is dependent on existing geographic features, making it difficult to integrate with widespread renewable energy sources. As energy demands continue to expand, and more renewable energy (i.e. wind and solar) is added to the grid, new energy storage technologies will be needed that are not dependent on geographic features. Battery technologies can provide energy storage for some applications, but are not economically well-suited for long duration charge/discharges, such as load-leveling of renewable energy. Consequently, development of new energy storage devices will augment the existing grid and reduce the capital investment in construction upgrades. As ever-increasing mandates for renewable energy are implemented, lower-cost energy storage solutions for renewable energy will be necessary to keep electricity costs low for consumers.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Robust Large-Scale Dynamic Windows using Reversible Metal Electrodeposition

This project funded the study and development of dynamic windows based on reversible metal electrodeposition (RME). Dynamic windows allow user control over light and heat flow into and out of buildings, which offer both advantages in building aesthetics (with worker productivity improvement of 2%) and energy efficiency (up to 20% savings) compared to static controls such as low emissivity coatings and blinds/shades. Despite these advantages, dynamic windows, which traditionally rely on electrochromic metal oxides or conductive organic molecules for light modulation have failed to significantly impact the market due to issues related to cost, color, and optical dynamic range. Dynamic windows based on reversible metal electrodeposition (RME) are an exciting alternative approach and have the potential to overcome the issues associated with traditional technologies. A RME dynamic window is an electrochemical cell that modulates light using the reversible electrodeposition of metal on and off a transparent conducting oxide (TCO), which serves as the working electrode. The electrolyte has nearly colorless metal salts dissolved, and application of a cathodic potential on the TCO reduces the metal cations across the TCO surface to their metallic form, making a thin film that is efficient at blocking out light. A reverse in polarity oxidizes the metal, where it dissolves into solution, returning the window back to transparent. The counter electrode typically employed is a metal mesh, which is used to balance the electrochemical reactions happening on the TCO working electrode. These RME dynamic windows have the largest dynamic range (capable of reaching <<0.1% transmission) with color neutral tinting of any existing technology using solution processed techniques, which positions the technology as a promising candidate to penetrate the residential market. We have successfully scaled up the windows from 25 cm2 to 929 cm 2 , and we have demonstrated significant improvements to both the cycle life (10,000 cycles in a 3-electrode half-cell) and shelf life (>1 month) of our windows. We have published our work in high impact journals (6 published and 2 manuscripts in prep), filed 5 patents, and have incorporated TYNT Technologies to commercialize the technology.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2026

Screen-Printed SHJ Solar Cells with Complex Silver Inks

Metallization using complex metal inks has gained significant research interest due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to achieve performance comparable to traditional nanoparticle pastes. This study introduces the use of complex silver (Ag) inks applied via industrial screen-printing for silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell metallization. The printed Ag lines exhibit a contact resistivity on SHJ tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) surfaces as low as approximately 0.2-12 mO cm2. Photoluminescence imaging reveals minimal surface passivation degradation (iVoc < 3.5 mV), while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows a denser structure compared to Ag layer from nanoparticle pastes. The printed Ag grid features thin (approximately 1 micrometer), continuous fingers approximately 100-120 micrometer wide, significantly thinner than conventional approximately 20-30 micrometer fingers produced with nanoparticle-based pastes. Double printing achieves SHJ device efficiencies exceeding 20%, the highest reported for industrial solar cell precursors using this technology. These findings highlight the potential of complex Ag inks as a sustainable alternative to particle-based pastes, reducing Ag consumption and processing temperatures without compromising efficiency.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Design and Analysis of a 250 MW Plate-Fuel Reactor for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) is a viable option for deep space missions due to its high thrust and lightweight system. Promising fuel options considered for the high operating temperature of NTP include graphite composite fuel and tungsten cermet fuel. As there remain uncertainties in the fabrication and performance of these two fuel elements, alternative designs using fuel plates and more typical fuels based on proven nuclear technologies are also being considered. This paper provides a summary of thermal hydraulic and neutronic analyses of the straight-plate fuel assembly design used for a 250 MW NTP core. The summary of technical findings from a series of scoping studies might be useful for future NTP engine designs.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Implementing Mixed Reality Tools to Support Mission Delivery at Hanford - 20520

Mission Support Alliance's (MSA) Public Works and Information Systems organizations have been working with Microsoft Corporation to develop and implement mixed reality operational solutions using their HoloLens technology. This collaborative effort is intended to drive innovative solutions and significantly improve MSA's efficiency in performing work at the Hanford Site. HoloLens, a mixed reality tool, is a commercial off-the-shelf technology that combines a head-mounted viewing screen with applications to help people and organizations learn, communicate, and collaborate more effectively through the use of mixed reality. https://microsoft.com/en-us/hololens MSA's initial pilot successfully demonstrated its ability to use mixed reality utilizing HoloLens' advanced features in a variety of ways, illustrating the potential efficiency gains previously stated as goals of this pilot. These achievements include the development of proprietary technology that allows synchronization between a HoloLens device and a mobile device or alternate global positioning system (GPS) device. This synchronization enables the HoloLens device to access real time GPS location data anywhere on the Hanford Site. This real time location data, combined with MSA's improved Hanford Geographical Information System (GIS) data, enables the mixed reality pilot application to identify underground utility systems as well as related utility attributes. This ability will aid utility workers in several areas, including excavation activities, the placement of large cranes, identifying interactions and conflicts with future underground utility placements and, eventually, recognizing and de-conflicting tank waste transfer system valve alignments. The HoloLens mixed reality application is also able to provide full or small scale holographic images of a facility's digital twin. This feature will allow MSA's Water and Sewer Utilities team to train and validate procedures associated with the new water treatment facility virtually, before it is constructed. This reduces the amount of time it takes to complete the training and procedure validation, and accelerates the overall construction schedule. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

Exploiting 20 Ne Isotopes for Precision Characterizations of Collectivity in Small Systems

Whether or not femto-scale droplets of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) are formed in so-called small systems at high-energy colliders is a pressing question in the phenomenology of the strong interaction. For proton-proton or proton-nucleus collisions the answer is inconclusive due to the large theoretical uncertainties plaguing the description of these processes. While upcoming data on collisions of 16 O nuclei may mitigate these uncertainties in the near future, here we demonstrate the unique possibilities offered by complementing 16 O + 16 O data with collisions of 20 Ne ions. We couple both nuclear lattice effective field theory (NLEFT) and projected generator coordinate method (PGCM) ab initio descriptions of the structure of 20 Ne and 16 O to hydrodynamic simulations of 16 O + 16 O and 20 Ne + 20 Ne collisions at high energy. We isolate the imprints of the bowling-pin shape of 20 Ne on the collective flow of hadrons, which can be used to perform quantitative tests of the hydrodynamic QGP paradigm. In particular, we predict that the elliptic flow of 20 Ne + 20 Ne collisions is enhanced by as much as 1.174⁢(8) stat ⁢(31) syst for NLEFT and 1.139⁢(6) stat ⁢(39) syst for PGCM relative to 16 O + 16 O collisions for the 1% most central events. At the same time, theoretical uncertainties largely cancel when studying relative variations of observables between two systems. This demonstrates a method based on experiments with two light-ion species for precision characterizations of the collective dynamics and its emergence in a small system.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Technological diffusion trends suggest a more equitable future for rooftop solar in the United States

Abstract Equity has become central in the academic and regulatory discourse shaping the future of residential-scale clean energy technologies in the United States, particularly rooftop solar. Here, we develop a holistic perspective on these issues by analyzing rooftop solar adoption trends using two alternative forecasting methods: an inside-view forecast based on historical solar adoption data, and an outside-view forecast based on adoption data for other emerging consumer technologies. We show how rooftop solar, like other emerging consumer technologies, has become more equitably adopted over time. We show that solar diffusion patterns are largely consistent with those of other technologies. Both forecasting methods suggest that clean energy technologies should be expected to become more equitably adopted over time. Policy could accelerate this process by supporting low-income adoption without unduly curbing overall diffusion.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Road Map for the Development of Commercial Maritime Applications of Advanced Nuclear Technology

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is making significant investments in advanced nuclear reactor development and demonstration programs such as the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). The innovations in advanced nuclear reactor technologies (defined in Section 1.4.1), including concepts of microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), have opened the door to a wide range of applications beyond land-based power stations providing electricity to the grid. Applications for transportation and industrial operations could offer reliable carbon-free energy to achieve decarbonization goals by supporting energy-intensive activities such as alternative fuel production, water desalinization, and local power supply. The DOE recognizes the transformational power of these technologies and is investing in foundational research and development as well as reactor demonstration projects. However, unique and significant challenges exist in each application domain to bring projects into reality beyond just the underlying reactor technology maturation.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

EV Shuttle Bus Pilot

The EV Shuttle Bus Pilot dataset contains data and analysis from Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action's demonstration of an electric bus on routes of their rural Athens Public Transit system. The vehicle used in the demonstration was a Ford E-450 cutaway equipped with an electric drivetrain, a 127-kWh battery system by Motiv Power Systems, and a cabin upfit by Turtle Top. Data gathered include route assignments, running time and distance, fuel economy, and charge cycles. A comparison of the vehicle's observed duty cycle with duty cycle modeling from other rural transit fleets in the National Transit Database is included to help better understand the rural adoption potential for this fleet technology.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

System Design of a 2.0 MWth Sodium/Molten Salt Pilot System

Nitrate molten salt concentrating solar power (CSP) systems are currently deployed globally and are considered state-of the art heat transfer fluids (HTFs) for present day high-temperature operation. Although slightly higher limits may be possible with molten salt, to fully realize SunShot efficiency goals of $15/kWhth HTFs and an LCOE of 6¢/kWh, HTF technologies working at higher temperatures (e.g., 650 °C to 750 °C) will require an alternative to molten salts, such as with alkali metal systems. This investigation explores the development of a 2.0 MWth sodium receiver system that employs a sodium receiver as the HTF, as well as with a ternary chloride (20%NaCl/40%MgCl/40%KCl by mol wt.%) salt as a thermal energy storage (TES) medium to facilitate a 6-hr. storage duration. A sodium-to-salt heat exchanger model as well as a salt-to-sCO2 primary heat exchanger model are employed and evaluated in this investigation. A thermodynamic system design model was developed using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) where state properties were calculated at inlets and outlets along both hot and cold legs of the pilot-scale plant. This investigation assesses receiver performance as well as system efficiency studies for the pump and system operational ranges. Results found that high efficiency sodium receivers were found to have higher heat transfer coefficients and required far less spreading of incident flux. The system performance model results suggest that for a pump speed of 2400 RPM, respective hot and cold pump TDH values were determined to be 260.1–307 ft. and 260.1–307 ft for pump flow rates of 90–120 GPM.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Lignin-Derived Phenolic Compounds and Water Are Effective Cosolvents for Reductive Catalytic Fractionation

Reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) is an effective lignin-first biorefining method to extract lignin as a stabilized oil from lignocellulosic biomass. To realize RCF at scale, process modeling has shown that minimizing the use of exogenous organic solvents is critical. To this end, here we investigate the ability of lignin-derived monomers to act as either solvents or cosolvents for RCF. We begin by examining the influence of lignin-derived aromatic compounds (4-propylguaiacol, 4-propylphenol, and propylbenzene) on RCF monomer yields and subsequently extend our analysis to mixtures of 4-propylguaiacol and either methanol or water. Here, we demonstrate that 4-propylguaiacol is an effective solvent for lignin extraction and depolymerization during RCF, especially when used in combination with water as a cosolvent. Cosolvent mixtures of 4-propylguaiacol and water enable up to 81% lignin extraction, monomer yields up to 25 wt %, and postreaction phase separation. However, unlike methanol, water as a cosolvent fails to inhibit aromatic ring hydrogenation when conducted over Ru/C as a catalyst, potentially leading to excess hydrogen consumption in a process utilizing this approach. Nonetheless, these results suggest a promising strategy for eliminating external organic solvents from RCF by utilizing mixtures of lignin-derived compounds and water as alternative extraction solvents.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Operation Ivy

Operation Ivy, a two-shot test program, included the United States’ first thermonuclear device, Mike; and King, its highest yield fission bomb. Mike, if successful, held the promise of future weapons having megaton yields. King, pushing the limits of a fission design, provided a high yield alternative should Mike fail.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enabling a Sustainable Future: Zero-Emission Vehicles Cost Analysis to Inform Decarbonization Pathways

Despite being only 5% of vehicles on the road, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) are the second largest contributor to transportation emissions (21%) and a major source of local air pollution disproportionally affecting disadvantaged communities. This talk summarizes a cost analysis for zero emissions vehicles (battery electric EVs and hydrogen fuel cell FCEVs) for all medium and heavy duty applications, ranging from large pick-up trucks, to delivery vans, buses, and heavy trucks. Results show that with continued improvements in vehicle and fuel technologies (in line with U.S. Department of Energy targets and vetted with industry), zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) can reach total-cost-of-driving parity with conventional diesel vehicles by 2035 for all medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) vehicle classes without incentives. Assuming economics drives adoption, ZEV sales could reach 42% of all MD/HD trucks by 2030, reflecting lower combined vehicle purchase and operating costs (using real-world payback periods). Two technological solutions - battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) - are viable in multiple market segments, offering alternative pathways for decarbonization: a) BEVs tend to become cost-competitive for smaller trucks before 2030 and for short-haul (<500-mile) heavy trucks before 2035. b) Hydrogen FCEVs tend to become cost-competitive for long-haul (>500-mile) heavy trucks by 2035. Results are very sensitive to technology improvement trajectories, adoption decision-making, and uncertain assumptions about future freight demand, logistics, and vehicle use explored in multiple scenarios.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Neutron Detectors for Scattering Applications

The book covers, for the first time, the most common neutron detectors used in neutron scattering facilities and all of those in use at Oak Ridge National Lab. The first two chapters describe the facilities, instruments and the critical detector parameters needed by various instruments. The third chapter focuses on the key components of the 3He-based linear position sensitive detectors as well as on their electronics, which require particular attention to signal-processing and noise reduction. The fourth chapter is dedicated to the 3He alternatives where scintillators play a critical role. Finally, chapter 5 covers emerging neutron detection technologies including semiconductors, vacuum-based devices and their associated readouts, which will be required in the future for high rate and high-resolution neutron detectors.

Diawara, Yacouba↗
DOE OSTI2026

Catalytic monoterpenes conversion over Pd and zeolite to sustainable aviation fuel

Waste terpenes from wood drying are typically processed using a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) and converted to CO2 which is then released to the atmosphere. A novel alternative to this approach is to capture these terpenes using Fluidized Bed Concentrator (FBC) technology developed by CaptisAire which provides a useful waste carbon feedstock for subsequent upgrading. We have developed a catalytic approach where these waste terpenes (comprised of pinenes, limonene, and camphene), are converted to aromatic, and cycloalkane hydrocarbons suitable for use as a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blendstock without the need for additional hydrogen. This provides a renewable source for aviation fuel aromatics and increases the potential blend content of renewably sourced alkanes from Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and Alcohol to Jet (ATJ) processes. Terpenes were converted in a batch reactor at 260 °C and 120 psi N2 using a combination of Pd/C and H-BEA zeolite. Experimental results infer the role of the zeolite Brønsted acid to facilitate isomerization of pinenes and camphene to limonene, which then undergoes subsequent dehydro-aromatization to p-cymene using Pd/C. Hydrogen release from the dehydro-aromatization process, enables inert conversion of monoterpenes to cycloalkanes without additional hydrogen. Monoterpenes conversion to C10 aromatics (60%) and C10 cycloalkanes (40%) in an inert environment, provides a viable route for SAF blendstock sourced directly from captured waste terpenes. Transition to commercial off-the-shelf catalysts, facilitates scale-up of the terpene conversion process and improves commercial viability. We subsequently created hydrocarbon blends using HEFA or ATJ and converted terpenes, providing a 100% SAF blend with potential to replace traditional Jet-A.

Lawal, Ajibola [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000187266570)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Paths to circularity for plastics in the United States

In 2019, the United States consumed over 57 million metric tons (MMT) of plastic with less than 7% recovered for reuse. This study provides an updated material flow analysis at national and regional scales for all durable and single-use plastics in the United States. From this material flow analysis, we develop a series of alternative future national plastic flow scenarios that envision a scale-up of recycling technologies, incorporating technical limitations and sorting infrastructure constraints. The results suggest that a maximum of 68% (24 MMT) of plastic waste could be diverted from landfills by scaling up existing commercial recycling technologies. Based on the current technological landscape, reaching near-zero waste is only possible if processes that are operating at pilot and laboratory scales can be effectively scaled and coupled with improved sorting infrastructure. Through these scenarios with increased recycling, the availability of postconsumer resin stocks could increase by 22–43 MMT.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗