SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “all electric”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2023

Hysteretic Responses of Skyrmion Lattices to Electric Fields in Magnetoelectric Cu 2 OSeO 3

Electric field control of topologically nontrivial magnetic textures, such as skyrmions, provides a paradigm shift for future spintronics beyond current silicon-based technology. While significant progress has been made by X-ray and neutron scattering studies, direct observation of such nanoscale spin structures and their dynamics driven by external electric fields remains a challenge to understand underlying mechanisms and harness functionalities. Here, using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy combined with in situ electric and magnetic fields at liquid helium temperatures, we report the crystallographic-orientation dependent skyrmion responses to electric fields in thin slabs of magnetoelectric Cu 2 OSeO 3 . We show electric fields not only stabilize the hexagonally packed skyrmion lattices in the entire sample in a hysteretic manner but also induce the rotation of their reciprocal vector discretely by 30°. Furthermore, the nonvolatile and energy-efficient skyrmion-lattice control by electric fields demonstrated in this work provides an important foundation for designing skyrmion-based qubits and memory devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2023

Multiscale electric-field imaging of polarization vortex structures in PbTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 superlattices

In ferroelectric heterostructures, the interaction between intrinsic polarization and the electric field generates a rich set of localized electrical properties. The local electric field is determined by several connected factors, including the charge distribution of individual unit cells, the interfacial electromechanical boundary conditions, and chemical composition of the interfaces. However, especially in ferroelectric perovskites, a complete description of the local electric field across micro-, nano-, and atomic-length scales is missing. Here, by applying four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM) with multiple probe sizes matching the size of structural features, we directly image the electric field of polarization vortices in (PbTiO 3 ) 16 /(SrTiO 3 ) 16 superlattices and reveal different electric field configurations corresponding to the atomic scale electronic ordering and the nanoscale boundary conditions. The separability of two different fields probed by 4D STEM offers the possibility to reveal how each contributes to the electronic properties of the film.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

The Lithuania 100% Renewable Energy Study - Interim Results: Electricity System Scenarios for 2030 [Slides]

Lithuania's Energy Vision aims to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity generation by 2035 and transition to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible while maintaining affordability, reliability, and energy security. The Lithuania Energy Agency (LEA) is partnering with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct the Lithuania 100% Renewable Energy Study (Lithuania 100) to provide evidence-based analysis for development of Lithuania's National Energy Independence Strategy. The Lithuania 100 Study leverages unique tools and capabilities of NREL to provide rigorous technical analysis of clean energy policies to achieve 100% renewable energy, and assess impacts on electricity grid operations, hydrogen system development, electricity distribution networks, air quality, and human health outcomes. The study is supported by a stakeholder committee chaired by the Ministry of Energy of Lithuania and implemented by four technical working groups. This report provides highlights of key interim results from modeling of Lithuania's near-term electricity grid through the year 2030. Results show that Lithuania has sufficient renewable energy potential, flexible generation capacity, and interconnection with neighboring European Union countries to reliably meet projected 2030 electricity demand with 100% renewable energy. A range of scenarios were modeled, each of which achieves at least 100% renewable energy in electricity, on average over the year, by 2030. Potential demands for hydrogen across industrial and transportation sectors were also evaluated, as well as the cost of hydrogen produced in Lithuania by 2030.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Fleet-Level Fuel Impact of Hybrid-Electric Aircraft in United States

Here, this paper examines the impact of two potential solutions for increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in commercial aviation: hybrid-electric propulsion and the use of drop-in synthetic aviation fuels (SAFs). The authors modeled three representative aircraft employed in the U.S. domestic market: a 70-seat regional turboprop, a 100-seat airliner, and a 180-seat airliner. These aircraft were retrofitted with hybrid-electric propulsion systems that integrate batteries and electric motors to provide additional torque to the propeller or fan. The authors explored various technological scenarios involving different battery specific energies, electric motor specific powers, and other relevant parameters. Flight performance models were used to analyze the range–payload capabilities of these new hybrid-electric aircraft and to compare them with their conventional counterparts. Subsequently, the authors virtually deployed the hybrid-electric aircraft on 2019 U.S. domestic commercial flights to assess the types and lengths of flights that could be serviced by this new fleet. We then compared the resulting fuel consumption, energy use, and emissions with those of a conventional fleet using a combination of jet fuel and SAF.

SAF↗

DOE OSTI2025

Hourly Electricity Demand Profiles for Each County in the Contiguous United States

This dataset provides estimated hourly electricity demand for each county in the contiguous United States from 2016-2023. The demand profiles represent the sum of two components: (1) Weighted averages of reported hourly demand profiles for North American Electric Reliability Corporation balancing authority (BA) regions and subregions, scaled to match annual estimates of county-level retail sales and direct use of electricity and weighted by the estimated percentage of county load served by each BA region or subregion. (2) Weighted averages of modeled hourly, county- and sector-level distributed photovoltaic (DPV) capacity factor profiles, scaled to match annual estimates of on-site consumption of DPV-generated electricity for each county and weighted by the percentage of consumption attributable to each sector Annual county-level retail sales are estimated by aggregating utility-reported sales to the state level and allocating the results to counties according to each county's share of state population. Annual county-level direct use is calculated by aggregating power plant-reported direct use values. Annual county-level on-site consumption of DPV-generated electricity is estimated by aggregating utility-reported net metering data to determine the amount of DPV-generated electricity sold back to the grid for each state, subtracting those values from modeled state-level DPV generation estimates, and allocating the results to counties according to each county's share of statewide modeled DPV generation. The open-source Python code used to develop this dataset is available at "Historical Load Data Repository" link below.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

The Cost of Saving Electricity: A Multi-Program Cost Curve for Programs Funded by U.S. Utility Customers

This study analyzed the cost performance of electricity efficiency programs implemented by 116 investor-owned utilities between 2009 and 2015 in 41 states, representing about three-quarters of the total spending on U.S. efficiency programs. We applied our typology to characterize efficiency programs along several dimensions (market sector, technology, delivery approach, and intervention strategy) and report the costs incurred by utilities and other program administrators to achieve electricity savings as a result of the programs. Such cost performance data can be used to compare relative costs of different types of efficiency programs, evaluate efficiency options alongside other electricity resources, benchmark local efficiency programs against regional and national cost estimates, and assess the costs of meeting state efficiency policies. The savings-weighted average cost of saved electricity for the period was $0.025/kilowatt-hour (kWh). The cost of saved electricity for programs that targeted residential customers was $0.021/kWh, compared to $0.025/kWh for programs for commercial and industrial customers. Ultimately, we developed an aggregate program savings “cost curve” for the actual electricity efficiency resource during the period that provides insights into the relative costs of various types of efficiency programs and the savings contribution of each program type to the efficiency resource at a national level.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of the Electrical Grid for UAM

A wide range of challenges must be overcome to conduct Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations at scale with electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This presentation is on an initial analysis of one potential infrastructure challenge for UAM: available electrical grid capacity. The success of UAM is dependent upon the availability of electricity, which will be increasingly impacted by the proliferation of ground electric vehicles over time. Under the best-case assumption that electricity can be transmitted and distributed as needed within each major interconnection (i.e., electrical grid), it is estimated that the maximum number of UAM aircraft that can charge simultaneously in the continental United States will decrease by 20% from 594,878 today to 475,177 in the year 2050.

electrical grid↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of Electrical Grid Capacity by Interconnection for Urban Air Mobility

A wide range of challenges must be overcome to conduct Urban Air Mobility (UAM)operations at scale with electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft as envisioned. This paper documents an analysis of one potential infrastructure challenge for UAM: available electrical grid power capacity. The success of UAM depends on the availability of electricity, which will be increasingly impacted by the proliferation of ground electric vehicles(EVs) over time. Under the best-case assumption that electricity can be transmitted and distributed as needed within each interconnection (i.e., electrical grid), it is estimated that the maximum number of UAM aircraft that can charge simultaneously in the continental United States will decrease by 20% from about 595 thousand in the year 2021 to about 475 thousand in the year 2050due to the projected increase in ground EVs.

electrical grid↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of Electrical Grid Capacity by Interconnection for Urban Air Mobility

electrical grid↗

NASA NTRS2022

Powering the Future of Electric Aviation

Aviation is one of the largest contributors to climate change on this planet, responsible for nearly 5% of the global warming impact on Earth. As the aviation sector is projected to grow and as new aircraft are introduced, aviation’s impact on climate change will only increase. Without sustainable alternatives implemented in the near future, aviation could strongly contribute to making this planet uninhabitable. This paper examines the possibilities of electric aviation and other power sources in reducing the impact of aviation on climate change. Although there are many power sources for aircraft, electricity is the most effective and sustainable power source. Electric aviation, however, is still relatively new, and there are limitations with electric power, such as battery size, energy density, and charging. This paper dives deeper into the applications and factors to consider for the implementation of electric aircraft into the current society, as well as a potential solution to accelerate the process. Specifically, our research finds that hydrogen fuel cells, despite a few limitations, provide the amount of energy necessary to develop capable and sustainable electric aircraft in a manner that may be the most feasible.

electric aviation↗

DOE OSTI2021

At A Glance: Electric-Drive Vehicles

Electric-drive vehicles use electricity as their primary fuel or to improve the efficiency of conventional vehicle designs. With the range of styles and options available, there is likely one to meet your needs. Electric vehicles (EVs) include all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

all-electric vehicles↗

DOE OSTI2020

Impact of equilibrium radial electric field on energy loss process after pedestal collapse

An impact of the equilibrium radial electric field on energy loss processes after pedestal collapse is numerically investigated using the BOUT++ framework. Using linear stability analysis, the resistive ballooning mode is shown to be stabilized by the radial shear of the equilibrium radial electric field. On the other hand, the energy loss level after the pedestal collapse increases if the equilibrium radial electric field is taken into account. The spatio-temporal and phase diagram analyses show that the equilibrium radial electric field partially cancels the fluctuation-driven toroidally axisymmetric radial electric field and weakens the E × B shearing rate after pedestal collapse, weakening the turbulence suppression by vortex shearing. Finally, the equilibrium radial electric field therefore increases turbulence intensity in nonlinear cyclic oscillations among pressure gradient, E × B shearing rate, and turbulence intensity, which gives rise to subsequent bursts of turbulent transport and increases the energy loss level.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Theoretical model of dielectrophoretic water vapor condensation during multiphase flow of electrically charged water droplets in air

Water droplet growth in air, influenced by vapor diffusion and electrical charging, has significant implications for indoor air quality, cloud formation, and aerosol dynamics. Here, this study presents a comprehensive theoretical model that describes the growth dynamics of electrically charged water droplets under external electric fields, incorporating diffusion, electrostatic, and dielectrophoretic forces to enhance understanding and practical applications in air dehumidification and environmental control. A theoretical model was established to analyze the growth dynamics of the charged water droplets. The approach extended the thermodynamic framework of the Modified Kelvin-Thomson equation by integrating electrostatic and dielectrophoretic effects, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of vapor concentration near the surface of charged droplets. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the roles of droplet size, electric field intensity, surface charge, and vapor concentration on condensation rates. The study progressed beyond the classical diffusion-limited growth of neutral droplets, addressing the behavior of charged droplets in electrohydrodynamic environments. The model highlighted the significance of dielectrophoretic drift flux for dipolar vapor molecules, especially in micron-sized droplets ranging from 10 to 100 µm. Findings demonstrated that, for smaller droplets subjected to elevated electrical charge, average growth rates varied from 0.3 to 1.6 µm/s if the air relative humidity increased from 50 to 100 %. Analytical results are corroborated by numerical simulations, which exhibited strong concordance, thereby validating the proposed theoretical approach. This research introduced an innovative and scalable analytical methodology for electric field-enhanced droplet growth, offering valuable insights into the advancement of energy-efficient air dehumidification, water desalination, and atmospheric water harvesting technologies.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Simultaneously improved electrical and mechanical performance of hot-extruded bulk scale aluminum-graphene wires

Aluminum-based alloys are highly sought after as lightweight alternatives in electric grid applications. Improving the electrical conductivity of aluminum alloys has the potential to increase the energy efficiency of power transport. Here we used a hot extrusion process to synthesize AA1100 alloy with low-cost reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles to manufacture ultra-conductive aluminum composites in this study. The effects of graphene content on the electrical and mechanical performance of the composites were evaluated. The macroscale AA1100/graphene wires demonstrated a 2.1% enhancement in electrical conductivity at 20 °C, while the ultimate tensile strength increased by 6.1%. A Zener-Hollomon model was used to confirm the in-process exfoliation of the agglomerated graphene nanoparticle feedstock into high electrical conductivity graphene-like flakes during extrusion. They may have provided high-velocity carrier pathways leading to the enhanced electrical performance of the alloy. Transmission electron microscopy at aluminum-graphene interfaces ensures the preclusion of detrimental carbide formation during composite synthesis while confirming the structure graphene-like flakes. The in-process exfoliation provides an economically viable technique to produce bulk scale graphinated aluminum composites for advanced application and can be applied more generally to other alloy systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2026

Analytic Nuclear Gradients Including Oriented External Electric Fields in a Molecule-Fixed Frame

Electric-field-assisted chemistry has attracted much attention in recent years, particularly in the context of oriented external electric fields for controlling molecular structure and reactivity. Such fields have been explored in a wide range of applications, including switching materials, nanoparticles, controllable catalysts, medicines, and clinical therapies. However, the determination of fixed fields in the laboratory frame becomes ineffective for flexible molecules, as conformational changes can significantly alter the relative orientation between the applied field and molecular structure. In this work, we propose two molecular reference frames─the principal axis frame and the local reference frame─to define oriented electric fields within the molecular framework. These coordinate systems powerfully eliminate ambiguities in the relative orientation between the applied field and the molecule. Analytic nuclear gradients in the presence of external electric fields are derived and implemented, with an initial application to field-dependent geometry optimizations of cis - and trans -formanilide. Analysis of the resulting field-induced equilibrium structures reveals distinct structural responses, validating the accuracy and robustness of the proposed formalism. The analytic gradient framework enables systematic investigations of molecular properties and reactivity under arbitrarily oriented electric fields, opening new opportunities for computational modeling and rational design in electric-field-controlled chemistry.

electric fields↗

DOE OSTI2020

Monitoring Local Electric Fields using Stark Shifts on Napthyl Nitrile-Functionalized Silicon Photoelectrodes

in this paper, we report spectroscopic measurements of the local electric field using vibrational Stark shifts of napthyl nitrile-functionalized silicon under electrochemical working conditions. The C$\equiv$N bond is particularly sensitive to applied electric fields and serves as a good probe for the local electric fields at the silicon–aqueous interface. Here, surface-enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) are collected at a silicon surface using a water immersion lens as a function of the reference potential in a three-terminal potentiostat. In deionized (DI) water and KCl solutions, the nitrile (i.e., C$\equiv$N) stretch downshifts by 4.7 and 8.6 cm –1 , respectively, under an applied potential of –1 V vs Ag/AgCl. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the napthyl nitrile complex carried out under various electric fields establish the Stark tuning rate to be 0.5622 cm–1/(MV cm –1 ). Based on this relation, electric fields of –8.4 and –15.2 MV/cm were obtained under negative applied potentials. These measurements report the electric field strength within the double (i.e., Helmholtz) layer, which is responsible for pulling positively charged ions (e.g., H + ) toward the surface in reduction reaction processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Quantifying the Impact of Electric Fields on the Local Structure and Migration of Potassium Ions at the Orthoclase (001) Surface

Developing an understanding of the response of mineral/water interfaces to applied electric fields is central to detecting and interpreting signatures of interfacial processes in the subsurface. Here we focus density functional theory calculations on understanding K + cation binding and diffusion across the (001) surface of orthoclase feldspar under various applied electric fields with and without surface hydration. The calculations reveal how water ligands labilize surface K + cations for diffusion while also increasing their sensitivity to electric field effects on the binding energy at different surface sites. The calculations also show how the direction and strength of the electric field systematically affect surface cation mobility, sorption, and hydration behavior. Specifically, electric fields directed toward the surface increase the potassium binding energies, facilitate K + diffusion across multiple binding sites, and increase the propensity of surface K + ions to lose their hydration shells. Furthermore, the findings help fill a major knowledge gap into the impact of electric fields on mineral/water interface structure and dynamics more generally, featuring in this case a commonly found type of feldspar involved in a multitude of atmospheric and geochemical processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2022

Thin film lithium niobate electric field sensors

We present our results for using thin film lithium niobate devices for electric field sensing applications. Micro-ring modulator and Mach–Zehnder modulator-based electric field sensors are demonstrated. Micro-ring resonator sensors can be used for low frequency (up to several GHz) electric field sensing applications and achieve a high sensitivity of 80 mV/(m Hz 1/2 ) with a very compact size of 300 μm, as limited by the intensity and phase noise of the used distributed feedback laser. A measurement bandwidth of 2.5 GHz is measured for these sensors and is limited by the detector bandwidth. Alternatively, Mach–Zehnder modulators allow for perfect phase matching between the radio frequency signals and optical signals, and they can be used for electric field sensing up to several THz. A sensitivity of 2.2 V/(m Hz 1/2 ) was obtained using our Mach–Zehnder electric field sensor with an interaction length of 600 μm. The Mach–Zehnder sensor can sense electric fields with frequencies reaching 0.6 THz based on the calculated results.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗