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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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Assessing the economic value and optimal structure of large-scale electricity storage

Large-scale electricity storage can enable arbitrage between periods when electricity is abundant, and cheap, and periods when it is scarce. In principle, this could enable greater use of baseload generation, and encourage investments in intermittent capacity such as wind and solar. If storage is to penetrate the system, the marginal value of storage capacity must be high enough to enable investments in storage. To have a significant impact on investments in intermittent technologies, it must be large enough to affect the prices on the system. This research develops a theoretical framework to evaluate the marginal values of the components of a storage system, and to characterize the impact of storage on the price patterns in the system. The theoretical approach is applied to an example system to illustrate the changes in marginal values as storage penetrates the system, and the impact on system prices.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Expectation-maximization algorithms for learning a finite mixture of univariate survival time distributions from partially specified class values

Heterogeneity exists on a data set when samples from di erent classes are merged into the data set. Finite mixture models can be used to represent a survival time distribution on heterogeneous patient group by the proportions of each class and by the survival time distribution within each class as well. The heterogeneous data set cannot be explicitly decomposed to homogeneous subgroups unless all the samples are precisely labeled by their origin classes; such impossibility of decomposition is a barrier to overcome for estimating nite mixture models. The expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm has been used to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of nite mixture models by soft-decomposition of heterogeneous samples without labels for a subset or the entire set of data. In medical surveillance databases we can find partially labeled data, that is, while not completely unlabeled there is only imprecise information about class values. In this study we propose new EM algorithms that take advantages of using such partial labels, and thus incorporate more information than traditional EM algorithms. We particularly propose four variants of the EM algorithm named EM-OCML, EM-PCML, EM-HCML and EM-CPCML, each of which assumes a specific mechanism of missing class values. We conducted a simulation study on exponential survival trees with five classes and showed that the advantages of incorporating substantial amount of partially labeled data can be highly signi cant. We also showed model selection based on AIC values fairly works to select the best proposed algorithm on each specific data set. A case study on a real-world data set of gastric cancer provided by Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program showed a superiority of EM-CPCML to not only the other proposed EM algorithms but also conventional supervised, unsupervised and semi-supervised learning algorithms.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2015

AskIT Service Desk Support Value Model

The value model discussed herein provides an accurate and simple calculation of the funding required to adequately staff the AskIT Service Desk (SD). The model is incremental – only technical labor cost is considered. All other costs, such as management, equipment, buildings, HVAC, and training are considered common elements of providing any labor related IT Service. Depending on the amount of productivity loss and the number of hours the defect was unresolved, the value of resolving work from the SD is unquestionably an economic winner; the average cost of $\$$16 per SD resolution can commonly translate to cost avoidance exceeding well over $\$$100. Attempting to extract too much from the SD will likely create a significant downside. The analysis used to develop the value model indicates that the utilization of the SD is very high (approximately 90%). As a benchmark, consider a comment from a manager at Vitalyst (a commercial IT service desk) that their utilization target is approximately 60%. While high SD utilization is impressive, over the long term it is likely to cause unwanted consequences to staff such as higher turnover, illness, or burnout. A better solution is to staff the SD so that analysts have time to improve skills through training, develop knowledge, improve processes, collaborate with peers, and improve customer relationship skills.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Methods for Analyzing the Economic Value of Concentrating Solar Power with Thermal Energy Storage

Concentrating solar power with thermal energy storage (CSP-TES) provides multiple quantifiable benefits compared to CSP without storage or to solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, including higher energy value, ancillary services value, and capacity value. This report describes modeling approaches to quantifying these benefits that have emerged through state-level policymaking in the United States as well as the potential applicability of these methods in China. The technical potential for CSP-TES in China is significant, but deployment has not yet achieved the targets established by the Chinese government. According to the 12th Five Year Plan for Renewable Energy (2011-2015), CSP was expected to reach 1 GW by 2015 and 3 GW by 2020 in China, yet as of December 2014, deployment totaled only 13.8 MW. One barrier to more rapid deployment is the lack of an incentive specific to CSP, such as a feed-in tariff. The 13th Five Year Plan for Solar Generation (2016-2020), which is under development, presents an opportunity to establish a feed-in tariff specific to CSP. This report, produced under the auspices of the U.S.-China Renewable Energy Partnership, aims to support the development of Chinese incentives that advance CSP deployment goals.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2015

Value of Information Evaluation using Field Data

Value of information (VOI) provides the ability to identify and prioritize useful information gathering for a geothermal prospect, either hydrothermal or for enhanced geothermal systems. Useful information provides a value greater than the cost of the information; wasteful information costs more than the expected value of the information. In this project we applied and refined VOI methodologies on selected geothermal prospects.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Modelling the Value of Networked, Small-Hydro Generators for Storage and Dispatch Capability on the Grid

Natel Energy, Inc. (Natel), Alameda, California, has developed a new type of fish-friendly, low-head hydropower turbine, the hydroEngine (R), that is designed to provide reliable, dispatchable power and ancillary services at significantly reduced civil works costs. For the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Small Business Voucher for Hydropower, Third Round, Natel and NREL will model and evaluate the potential value streams of a portfolio of networked small hydropower generators. The project is designed to advance the understanding of the value of small hydro generation to the grid of the future. It will help support dialog with potential customers and stakeholders regarding the value of the Natel's technologies and inform future R&D efforts in this area.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Application of Current Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Technologies to Potential Rare Earth Ores in the U.S. Coal Measures: Near-Term Opportunities to Fill Out the U.S. Value Chain

This report will consider the potential for currently available mineral processing and extractive metallurgy technologies to produce separated rare earth compounds from U.S. coal and coal byproducts. Implementation of production as such would require restoration of elements of the rare earth value chain that have recently been absent in the U.S., notably for chemical extraction of rare earth compounds from the mineral form (i.e. hydrometallurgical extraction). A variety of existing technologies are available for use in both mineral processing and extractive metallurgy applied to RE production in the U.S. As will be discussed, once a mineral concentrate is produced, the contained rare earth value can be large compared with transportation costs, and the sections of the value chain dealing with chemical extraction (the largest cost) and separation into individual rare earth compounds can be remotely located. Also, as will be discussed, this has been the rule rather than exception in the history of the rare earth industry in the U.S. A strategy, possibly to include repurposing of existing metallurgical processing facilities, will be presented for near-term production, using a decentralized set of facilities. Also presented will be research results from the Office of Fossil Energy (FE) and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), within the U.S. Department of Energy, relevant to economic feasibility of rare earth production, notably from the standpoint of establishing which materials are capable of providing economic production. Simple methodologies are presented for both establishment of cutoff grades and economic evaluation of a process. The goal of this report is to present an overview of methods and pathways that will result in “the achievement of near-term rare earth production, using currently available technologies to produce a mixed, chemical extracted rare earth concentrate, and existing and new facilities to produce separated rare earths that can “plug in” to the metals and magnet production facilities.” A set of recommendations appears at the end of this work, involving both research and project development activities which will enable the achievement of this noble goal. A set of recommendations appears at the end of this work, involving both research and project development activities.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Methodology for Valuing Resilience to Severe Events for Department of Energy Sites

This study outlines an approach that operators of U.S. Department of Energy sites can use to value resilience. Qualitative screening and assessments often effectively identify vulnerabilities and measures that would enhance resilience. However, the implementation of these measures may be limited by a lack of a quantifiable cost-benefit analysis that compares action to inaction. The method presented here is intended to help overcome this barrier by detailing how DOE sites can quantify the costs and benefits of site resilience measures, and to compare that to the value of inaction. The approach mirrors common vulnerability assessment and resilience planning methods following five key steps (e.g., establish the baseline, assess vulnerability and risk, develop the resilience action plan), and provides detailed guidance on methods for quantification within each step. The five-step methodology was implemented in a case study of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site, which demonstrated the value of two resilience measures aimed at helping the site to avoid lost work hours due to expected increases in the number of high heat days.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Maximizing Distributed Energy Resource Value for All Stakeholders

To fully understand the potential value of distributed energy resources (DER) in supporting a power system transformation, it requires engagement with diverse stakeholders. In May 2019, NREL brought together people across the DER community to collaborate and identify questions, needs, and an action plan to integrate DER and maximize their value for the entire energy community. This paper reflects the process and dialogue that took place and can be used as a framework for maximizing DER value for all stakeholders.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Utility-Scale Solar, 2021 Edition: Empirical Trends in Deployment, Technology, Cost, Performance, PPA Pricing, and Value in the United States [Slides]

Berkeley Lab’s “Utility-Scale Solar, 2021 Edition” provides an overview of key trends in the U.S. market, with a focus on 2020. Highlights of this year’s update include: A record of nearly 9.6 GWAC of new utility-scale PV capacity came online in 2020, bringing cumulative installed capacity to more than 38.7 GWAC across 43 states. 89% of all new utility-scale PV capacity added in 2020 uses single-axis tracking. Median installed project costs declined to $\$$1.4/WAC (or $\$$1.1/WDC) in 2020. Project-level capacity factors vary widely, from 9% to 36% (on an AC basis), with a sample median of 24%. The report explores drivers of this variation. Utility-scale PV’s LCOE fell to $\$$34/MWh in 2020 ($\$$28/MWh if factoring in the federal investment tax credit, or ITC). PPA prices have largely followed the decline in solar’s LCOE over time, but have stagnated more recently. Prices from a sample of recent contracts average just above $\$$20/MWh (levelized). In 2020, solar’s average market value (defined in the report to include only energy and capacity value) exceeded average wholesale prices in 12 of the 17 balancing authorities analyzed (including 4 of the 7 independent system operators across the United States). Adding battery storage is one way to increase the value of solar. Our public data file tracks metadata for more than 150 PV+battery hybrid projects that are already online or that have secured offtake arrangements. At the end of 2020, there were at least 460 GW of utility-scale solar power capacity within the interconnection queues across the nation, 160 GW of which include batteries. For more information, and to explore related interactive data visualizations, go to utilityscalesolar.lbl.gov.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Quantifying the Tangible Value of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The lack of an extensive public recharging infrastructure is an important barrier to the growth of the plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) market. Because charging infrastructure is likely to be underutilized during the early stages of market development, it is difficult for decision makers to decide how much to invest in public charging stations. Quantifying the value of public charging infrastructure to current and potential future owners of PEVs is essential for estimating the benefits of charging stations to current PEV owners and for predicting the impact on future PEV sales. This paper estimates consumers’ willingness to pay for public charging infrastructure in the context of utility maximization. The objective is to provide a method for valuing charging infrastructure that can inform investment decisions and be used in forecasting models to predict the impacts on future PEV sales. A basic theory of the tangible value of charging infrastructure is developed as a function of PEV type, range, recharging time and existing infrastructure. Existing simulation studies provide functional relationships that quantify the ability of charging infrastructure to enable additional miles of electrified travel. The enabled travel functions are used to predict impact of infrastructure deployment on incremental electrified travel for 1) plug-in hybrids and 2) intra-regional and 3) inter-regional travel by all-electric vehicles. The willingness to pay for increased electrified miles is derived from the willingness to pay for increased electric driving range, based on econometric studies of plug-in vehicle choice. The result is a set of three functions that can be used to calculate the marginal willingness-to-pay for public charging infrastructure as a function of vehicle attributes, existing charging infrastructure, energy prices and annual vehicle travel.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Opportunities and Challenges to Capturing Distributed Battery Value via Retail Utility Rates and Programs

Distributed battery deployment is increasing with advanced metering, control, and communication technologies, leaving electric utilities with an under-utilized, flexible grid resource in aggregate. Rates can reflect locational and temporal prices while utility incentive-based programs allow DERs to provide direct grid services. However, utilities must balance accurately reflecting dynamic grid conditions versus simple and feasible design that encourages customer participation. Currently, most rates and incentive-based programs are simple, but as penetration of DER and advanced controls increase, dynamic designs could become prevalent. Utilities could encourage providing multiple services to optimize distributed battery dispatch and value streams, however, challenges persist when stacking services across distribution and bulk systems. A DER committed to multiple discrete services concurrently necessitates coordination between operators and a clear hierarchy of commitments. One way to address this is to separate commitments by time or capacity. For services that follow cyclic, predictable patterns, or those that are peak driven with predictability, an operator could ensure sufficient state of charge for participation, leaving time where a distributed battery could otherwise provide different services by segmenting participation temporally. To provide continuous or unexpected services, a battery operator may use state of charge management to reserve some percentage of the battery and segment participation by capacity. Macroeconomic trends, load patterns, generation profiles, and grid configurations drive variation in value and the subsequent implications for utility offerings and how a customer might participate. As distributed battery adoption increases, both regulators and utilities will need to ensure no adverse grid impacts and encourage provision of societal value beyond the customer domain.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Consolidated Hydropower Data Repository: Value and Opportunities

Hydropower is one of several types of generating assets that provides energy, capacity, and services to electric power systems. It does so under rubrics and objectives—market driven and regulated, internal and external to asset and fleet owners—that address reliability, cost, price, and, increasingly, flexibility of output. The aggregation of data from multiple hydropower units can provide insights into asset operations and maintenance practices and needs and assist in meeting hydropower objectives. This paper examines the concept and potential benefits of aggregating hydropower asset data—primarily supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) information—with examples of insights developed from data aggregated by the Hydropower Research Institute (HRI). Data aggregation as discussed herein, and as implemented by the HRI, extends beyond multiple units in a powerhouse and beyond multiple hydropower facilities in an electric utility fleet or river system. Examples of research and analytics from such aggregated datasets range from unit load dependency analyses to modeling sensor measurements to detect and diagnose anomalies in assets. These examples showed the benefits of utilizing the entire dataset for insights into how the sensor layout of a single unit or set of units compares to the hydropower industry overall. Such insights include whether additional sensors are needed to complete analyses or to make decisions. In addition, utilizing multiple sensors of the same kind within a unit can provide an indication of possible current or upcoming problems with equipment. Although other analyses are possible, their use requires the development of complex models and, potentially, access to types of data that are currently not included with the example dataset used in this study. However, the examples studied herein confirmed the value of data aggregation in the fleet and unit contexts, and the value extends beyond multiple units in a powerhouse and beyond multiple hydropower facilities in an electric utility fleet or river system. The assessments also provided insights into potential extensions to the data aggregation concept that could further add to their value to the hydropower community, and these are included in this document as a set of recommendations.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Utility-Scale Solar, 2022 Edition: Empirical Trends in Deployment, Technology, Cost, Performance, PPA Pricing, and Value in the United States [Slides]

Berkeley Lab’s “Utility-Scale Solar, 2022 Edition” provides an overview of key trends in the U.S. market, with a focus on 2021. Highlights of this year’s update include: -A record of nearly 12.5 GWAC of new utility-scale PV capacity came online in 2021, bringing cumulative installed capacity to more than 51.3 GWAC across 44 states. -90% of all new utility-scale PV capacity added in 2021 uses single-axis tracking. -Median installed project costs declined to $\$1.35$/WAC (or $\$1.02$/WDC) in 2021. -Project-level capacity factors vary widely, from 9% to 35% (on an AC basis), with a sample median of 24%. The report explores drivers of this variation. -Utility-scale PV’s LCOE fell to $\$33$/MWh in 2021 ($\$27$/MWh if factoring in the federal investment tax credit, or ITC). -PPA prices have largely followed the decline in solar’s LCOE over time, but have recently stagnated and even moved slightly higher. Prices from a sample of recent contracts average around $\$20$/MWh (levelized) in the West and $\$30-40$/MWh elsewhere in the continental US. In 2021, solar’s average market value (defined in the report to include only energy and capacity value) rose by 55% to $\$47$/MWh and exceeded average wholesale prices in 13 of the 17 balancing authorities analyzed. -Adding battery storage is one way to increase the value of solar. Our public data file tracks metadata and PPA prices from 67 PV+battery hybrid projects that are already online or that have secured offtake arrangements. -At the end of 2021, there were at least 674 GW of utility-scale solar power capacity within the interconnection queues across the nation, 284 GW of which include batteries. For more information, and to explore related interactive data visualizations, go to utilityscalesolar.lbl.gov.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Tailoring Cementitious Materials Towards Value-Added Use of Large CO 2 Volumes

Hydraulic cements with alternative chemistries were developed for large-volume and value-added use of carbon dioxide. The hydraulic cements were processed using the energy-efficient mechanochemical technique at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Carbon dioxide was captured directly from combustion emissions during processing. For this purpose, mechanochemical processing of hydraulic cements was accomplished under a flow of combustion emissions prior to the release of emissions to the atmosphere. The process removed a significant fraction of carbon dioxide from combustion emissions. The hydraulic cements captured carbon dioxide at about 10% of their weight. Two hydraulic cement chemistries were developed, and their mechanochemical processing was successfully scaled-up. The characteristic feature of one chemistry was its relatively low (near-neutral) pH where the integration of carbon dioxide yielded clear value. The second cement chemistry was based on alkali activation of industrial wastes. This chemistry could make value-added use of carbon dioxide, but it had to be refined to control the pH drop caused by CO 2 integration. These two cements render binding effects upon hydration by forming a combination of stable carbonates and aluminosilicates or phosphates. Efforts to develop cement chemistries based solely on carbonates were not successful. The mechanochemical process was found to integrate carbon dioxide into the alternative cement chemistries in the form of disordered and metastable carbonates. During hydration reactions, the disordered/metastable carbonates are either transformed into stable carbonate phases with desired binding efforts, or carbonates get integrated into the primary inorganic binders (hydrates). When compared with mechanochemical processing in pure carbon dioxide, mechanochemical processing in combustion emissions produced hydraulic cements with improved engineering properties. The mechanochemical process was scaled-up, and its variables as well as the raw materials formulations were optimized for implementation at pilot scale. Scale-up was found to enhance the carbon capture potential and the engineering qualities of the resulting hydraulic cements. This was because scale-up raises the intensity of mechanical energy input to raw materials. Certain mechanochemical phenomena cannot be induced, irrespective of the cumulative mechanical energy input, unless the intensity of impact is raised above a minimum level that cannot be achieved in laboratory-scale implementation of the process. Due to this effect, the duration of the mechanochemical process as well as its energy demand could be reduced significantly (by an order of magnitude) upon transition from laboratory to pilot scale, with the hydraulic cements produced at pilot scale offering engineering properties that were superior to those realized in laboratory-scale mechanochemical processing. The hydraulic cements produced at pilot scale via mechanochemical processing under a flow of combustion emissions were thoroughly characterized. They were found to meet standard requirements for ‘General Use’ hydraulic cements. They were compatible with the industrial-scale concrete production and construction practices that are used with the currently prevalent hydraulic cements. The new hydraulic cements with integrated carbon dioxide were found to offer distinct advantages over the currently prevalent Portland cement in terms of net carbon footprint and energy content. The combined raw materials and energy costs of the new hydraulic cements are competitive, and major cost savings can be realized because of the simplified production process that significantly lowers the capital investment in cement production plants. Mechanochemical processing of the new hydraulic cements under a flow of combustion emissions can be implemented using some existing components of cement manufacturing plants; this facilitates adoption of the technology by the cement industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Utility-Scale Solar, 2023 Edition: Empirical Trends in Deployment, Technology, Cost, Performance, PPA Pricing, and Value in the United States [Slides]

Berkeley Lab’s “Utility-Scale Solar, 2023 Edition” presents analysis of empirical plant-level data from the U.S. fleet of ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV), PV+battery, and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) plants with capacities exceeding 5 MWAC (PV plants of 5 MWAC or less, including residential rooftop systems, are covered separately in Berkeley Lab’s companion annual report, Tracking the Sun). Highlights of this year’s update include: -10.4 GWAC of new utility-scale PV capacity came online in 2022, bringing cumulative installed capacity to more than 61.7 GWAC across 46 states. -94% of all new utility-scale PV capacity added in 2022 uses single-axis tracking. -Median installed project costs declined to $\$1.32$/WAC (or $\$1.07$/WDC) in 2022. -Plant-level capacity factors vary widely, from 9% to 35% (on an AC basis), with a sample median of 24%. The report explores drivers of this variation. -Utility-scale PV’s LCOE fell to $\$39$/MWh in 2022 ($\$29$/MWh if factoring in the federal investment tax credit, or ITC). -PPA prices have largely followed the decline in solar’s LCOE over time, but have recently stagnated and even moved slightly higher. Prices from a sample of recent contracts average around $\$20-30$/MWh (levelized) in the West and $\$30-40$/MWh elsewhere in the continental US. -In 2022, solar’s average market value (defined in the report to include only energy and capacity value) rose by 40% to $\$71$/MWh and exceeded average wholesale prices in 4 of the 7 ISOs/RTOs and 11 of 18 other balancing authorities analyzed. -Adding battery storage is one way to increase the value of solar. Our public data file tracks metadata and PPA prices from ~100 PV+battery hybrid projects that are already online or that have secured offtake arrangements. -the end of 2022, there were at least 947 GW of utility-scale solar power capacity within the interconnection queues across the nation, 456 GW of which include batteries. For more information, and to explore related interactive data visualizations, go to utilityscalesolar.lbl.gov.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nova Analysis: Holistically Valuing the Contributions of Residential Efficiency, Solar and Storage

Policies to address climate change and grid modernization, in combination with cost reductions and technological advancements in energy efficiency (EE) and distributed energy resources (DER), are driving rapid deployment of building electrification and energy efficiency retrofits, rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV), smart thermostats, smart water heaters, and battery energy storage. In residential buildings, there are multiple stakeholders (occupant, utility, aggregator, society at large) that are each focused on different value streams. This project uses a suite of metrics intended to all of these value streams to try to holistically analyze the benefits that come from solar, storage, and energy efficiency. To demonstrate the value of these metrics, a semi annual study was performed simulating hundreds of homes across the U.S. under several different upgrade scenarios.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Barriers and Opportunities To Realize the System Value of Interregional Transmission

This report identifies barriers within existing rules and operational practices that may limit the system value interregional transmission can provide and identifies a suite of options that could enable greater utilization of and value from interregional transmission. To allow for the variety of power sector structures that exist across the United States, the report divides the evaluation of barriers and opportunities into three sections: common issues that are found in all regions, barriers between non-market or hybrid areas, and barriers between market areas. The report also identifies ambitious, transformative national actions that could unlock transmission value across both market and non-market areas. In the analysis of barriers and potential opportunities for improvement, we recognize these are complex issues that with a diverse set of power system stakeholders and considerations that must be taken into account. The aim of this report is not to make recommendations but to identify options to improve the use of interregional transmission that could be considered alongside other local, state, and regional objectives.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗