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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Development of remote sensing techniques for assessment of hydrologic conditions in coal mining regions of Appalachia

In December of 1974 the John F. Kennedy Space Center, NASA, and the Water Resources Division, United States Geological Survey (USGS), acquired photographic, thermal, and multispectral data over the Cumberland region of eastern Tennessee. This data was effectively used to delineate ground water sources, and surface water runoff into river systems in the Cumberlands. The data, coupled with an overview of the area from the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS), could be useful in determining hydrologic conditions in coal mining regions of the Appalachians.

Pope, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Intergenerational equity and conservation

The issue of integenerational equity in the use of natural resources is discussed in the context of coal mining conversion. An attempt to determine if there is a clear-cut benefit to future generations in setting minimum coal extraction efficiency standards in mining is made. It is demonstrated that preserving fossil fuels beyond the economically efficient level is not necessarily beneficial to future generations even in terms of their own preferences. Setting fossil fuel conservation targets for intermediate products (i.e. energy) may increase the quantities of fossil fuels available to future generations and hence lower the costs, but there may be serious disadvantages to future generations as well. The use of relatively inexpensive fossil fuels in this generation may result in more infrastructure development and more knowledge production available to future generations. The value of fossil fuels versus these other endowments in the future depends on many factors which cannot possibly be evaluated at present. Since there is no idea of whether future generations are being helped or harmed, it is recommended that integenerational equity not be used as a factor in setting coal mine extraction efficiency standards, or in establishing requirements.

Otoole, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The utilization of solar energy to help meet our nation's energy needs

The nation's energy needs, domestic energy resources, and possible future energy resources are briefly discussed in this paper. Three potential solutions, coal, nuclear and solar are compared as to benefits and problems. The paper primarily discusses the options available in using solar energy as a natural energy resource. These options are discussed under the generation of electricity, heating and cooling of buildings, and the production of clean fuel.

Thomas, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Overall requirements for an advanced underground coal extraction system

Underground mining systems suitable for coal seams expoitable in the year 2000 are examined with particular relevance to the resources of Central Appalachia. Requirements for such systems may be summarized as follows: (1) production cost; (2)miner safety; (3) miner health; (4) environmental impact; and (5) coal conservation. No significant trade offs between production cost and other performance indices were found.

Goldsmith, M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Our national energy future - The role of remote sensing

An overview of problems and opportunities in remote sensing of resources. The need for independence from foreign and precarious energy sources, availability of fossil fuel materials for other purposes (petrochemicals, fertilizer), environmental conservation, and new energy sources are singled out as the main topics. Phases of response include: (1) crisis, with reduced use of petroleum and tapping of on-shore and off-shore resources combined; (2) a transition phase involving a shift from petroleum to coal and oil shale; and (3) exploitation of renewable (inexhaustible and clean) energy. Opportunities for remote sensing in fuel production and energy conservation are discussed along with problems in identifying the spectral signatures of productive and unproductive regions. Mapping of water resources, waste heat, byproducts, and wastes is considered in addition to opportunities for international collaboration.

Schmitt, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Remote sensing of strippable coal reserves and mine inventory in part of the Warrior Coal Field in Alabama

Methods by which estimates of the remaining reserves of strippable coal in Alabama could be made were developed. Information acquired from NASA's Earth Resources Office was used to analyze and map existing surface mines in a four-quadrangle area in west central Alabama. Using this information and traditional methods for mapping coal reserves, an estimate of remaining strippable reserves was derived. Techniques for the computer analysis of remotely sensed data and other types of available coal data were developed to produce an estimate of strippable coal reserves for a second four-quadrangle area. Both areas lie in the Warrior coal field, the most prolific and active of Alabama's coal fields. They were chosen because of the amount and type of coal mining in the area, their location relative to urban areas, and the amount and availability of base data necessary for this type of study.

Joiner, T. J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Predictive Assessment of the Chemical Composition of Coal Ash in Reserve at U.S. Disposal Sites

In the United States, more than 2 Gt of coal combustion residuals (i.e., coal ash) are stored in hundreds of disposal units. Recent federal regulations mandate the closure or retrofitting of most coal ash impoundments, presenting significant challenges for waste management. These regulatory pressures also present opportunities to reuse coal ash. However, the quality and quantity of discarded coal ash across the U.S. are not well known, even though this information is crucial for spurring its reuse for conventional and new material applications. This study describes a predictive model for the major element composition of coal ash in reserve at disposal sites of major U.S. coal-fired power plants. This model was constructed from coal purchase records of 705 power stations from 1973 to 2022 and was trained on coal ash composition data, showing that coal ash elemental composition is strongly associated with the source of feedstock coal. The model showed regional shifts in the major element contents of ash produced by power plants in the last 50 years, particularly for calcium and iron (expressed as %CaO and %Fe2O3), as power stations changed their source of coal over this time frame. Our approach enables an estimation of chemical composition for ash stored in waste impoundments at individual power stations. Such information can help to delineate the regional market resource potential of supplementary cements for concrete and other material innovations that would utilize coal ash harvested from disposal sites across the U.S.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS1978

A synoptic description of coal basins via image processing

An existing image processing system is adapted to describe the geologic attributes of a regional coal basin. This scheme handles a map as if it were a matrix, in contrast to more conventional approaches which represent map information in terms of linked polygons. The utility of the image processing approach is demonstrated by a multiattribute analysis of the Herrin No. 6 coal seam in Illinois. Findings include the location of a resource and estimation of tonnage corresponding to constraints on seam thickness, overburden, and Btu value, which are illustrative of the need for new mining technology.

Farrell, K. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

New technologies - How to assess environmental effects

A method is provided for assessing the environmental effects of a room-and-pillar mining system (RP) and a new hydraulic borehole mining system (HBM). Before environmental assessment can begin, each technology is defined in terms of its engineering characteristics at both the conceptual and preliminary design stages. The mining sites are also described in order to identify the significant advantages and constraints for each system. This can be a basic physical and biological survey of the region at the conceptual stage, but a more specific representation of site characteristics is required at the preliminary stage. Assessment of potential environmental effects of each system at the conceptual design is critical to its hardware development and application. A checklist can be used to compare and identify the negative impacts of each method, outlining the resource affected, the type of impact involved, and the exact activity causing that impact. At the preliminary design stage, these impacts should be evaluated as a result of either utilization or alteration. Underground coal mining systems have three major utilization impacts - the total area disturbed, the total water resources withdrawn from other uses, and the overall energy efficiency of the process - and one major alteration impact - the degradation of water quality by sedimentation and acid contamination. A comparison of the RP and HBM systems shows the HBM to be an environmentally less desirable system for the Central Appalachia region.

Sullivan, P. J.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluation of coal-associated sediments, wastes, and AMD sludge in the Southern Appalachian Basin as feedstock materials for REE and Li recovery

Critical minerals (CM) such as rare earth elements (REE+) and Lithium (Li) are essential to technological innovation, energy transitions, global economic and defense security, necessitating the search for unconventional resources and efficient recovery methods to avert supply chain disruptions. Here, this study evaluates coal-associated sediments (underclay and roof rock) and wastes from the Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation of the Southern Appalachian Basin (SAB) as potential feedstocks for CM recovery. A total of 34 samples (15 underclays, 12 roof rocks, 5 Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) sludges, and 2 coal mining wastes) were characterized using XRD, XRF, ICP-MS, and μ-XRF analytical methods. The REE+ and Li concentrations of these materials ranged from 46.8 to 334.4 ppm and from 11.1 to 519 ppm, respectively, with one underclay sample (Hendrix 3456) yielding the highest values for both. Bulk mineralogy for all samples was dominated by aluminosilicate clay phases, particularly illite and kaolinite. All samples exhibited REY def, rel% values >26% and C outl indices that ranged from 0.69 to 0.94, classifying their REE ore potential as Category II (Promising) as defined by Seredin and Dai (2012). Extractability tests (EPA method 3051 A) yielded low REE+ and Li recoveries, with maximum values of 3.3% and 3.6%, respectively, suggesting associations with resistant minerals like clay and phosphates. Elemental mapping indicates that REE+ is associated with phosphate, whereas statistical analysis suggests that REE+ are associated with aluminosilicates, suggesting heterogeneous associations or minimal phosphate contribution. Li also correlated positively with Al 2 O 3 , indicating an aluminosilicate host. This study highlights the potential of coal-associated sediments in the SAB.

Clay minerals↗
NASA NTRS1977

Hydrogen fueled subsonic aircraft - A prospective

The performance characteristics of hydrogen-fueled subsonic transport aircraft are compared with those of aircraft using conventional aviation kerosene. Results of the Cryogenically Fueled Aircraft Technology Program sponsored by NASA indicate that liquid hydrogen may be particularly efficient for subsonic transport craft when ranges of 4000 km or more are involved; however, development of advanced cryogenic tanks for liquid hydrogen fuel is required. The NASA-sponsored program also found no major technical obstacles for international airports converting the liquid hydrogen fueling systems. Resource utilization efficiency and fuel production costs for hydrogen produced by coal gasification or for liquid methane or synthetic aviation kerosene are also assessed.

Witcofski, R. D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

An overview of switchgrass phenotypes variability across diverse populations and their implications for conversion to fuels

There have been substantial changes to the human lifestyle over the past two centuries, which are reflected in the amount of fuel we consume to power our day-to-day needs. The way we use these resources has indeed manifested in an overdependence on non-renewable energy sources, such as coal and petroleum, for generating electricity and powering our transportation needs. There is a pressing need to explore alternative ways of fueling our current lifestyle without impacting the environment. Biofuels have long been touted as a sustainable solution for use as drop-in fuels in aviation and maritime applications. Still, they have yet to establish themselves as a competitive commercial alternative, necessitating further research and development. Lignocellulosic biomass is an underutilized resource that is widely accessible for the commercial processing of renewable biofuels. Bioenergy crops, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), which can be cultivated on marginal lands with minimal competition for agricultural land, are an ideal and promising candidate for bulk-scale biofuel synthesis. Over the past 30 years, significant progress has been made in breeding and genetically modifying these grasses to enhance their drought resilience and subsequent yields. However, discrepancies in biomass composition can lead to irregular feedstocks for downstream operations, which in turn affect overall production targets for biofuels. Here, this review examines the variability in switchgrass (P. virgatum L.) biomass phenotypes across diverse populations and plant components, and their implications for biofuel conversion. The study highlights significant variations in biomass yield, composition, and cell wall chemistry both between switchgrass genotypes and within individual cultivars. Key findings include differences in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content between leaves and stems, which affect biomass digestibility and ethanol yield. The review also discusses the impact of lignin chemistry, particularly the syringyl/guaicyl (S/G) ratio, on the efficiency of biomass saccharification. Furthermore, it explores how these variations respond differently to various pretreatment techniques, affecting overall biofuel production. We conclude that understanding and quantifying this variability is crucial for optimizing switchgrass as a feedstock for commercial biofuel production, thereby potentially addressing the pressing need for sustainable energy sources in sectors such as aviation.

Kousika, Rohit [Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN ↗
NASA NTRS1976

Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS), General Electric Phase 1. Volume 1: Executive summary

A data base for the comparison of advanced energy conversion systems for utility applications using coal or coal-derived fuels was developed. Estimates of power plant performance (efficiency), capital cost, cost of electricity, natural resource requirements, and environmental intrusion characteristics were made for ten advanced conversion systems. Emphasis was on the energy conversion system in the context of a base loaded utility power plant. All power plant concepts were premised on meeting emission standard requirements. A steam power plant (3500 psig, 1000 F) with a conventional coal-burning furnace-boiler was analyzed as a basis for comparison. Combined cycle gas/steam turbine system results indicated competitive efficiency and a lower cost of electricity compared to the reference steam plant. The Open-Cycle MHD system results indicated the potential for significantly higher efficiency than the reference steam plant but with a higher cost of electricity.

Corman, J. C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Bringing Alaska's Carbon Ore, Rare Earth, and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) into Perspective

The final report outlines the outcomes of the Alaska CORE-CM Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy under award DE-FE0032050. Led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, with assistance from other organizations, the project assessed Alaska's potential for Carbon Ore, Rare Earth Elements, and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM). Leveraging advanced analytical techniques, the project identified high-potential resource basins, evaluated geochemical and satellite data, and conducted targeted field investigations. Findings revealed promising concentrations of critical minerals in legacy samples and newly collected materials. The project also investigated innovative extraction technologies, including BioExtraction and use of supercritical CO2, which show significant promise for sustainable resource recovery. Additionally, the study explored the reuse of waste streams from active mining operations and coal byproducts such as using alkali-activated coal ash to manufacture concrete. Infrastructure and logistical challenges in Alaska’s remote regions are discussed, alongside strategies to establish a Technology Innovation Center aimed at advancing CORE-CM development in Alaska. The report includes actionable insights to support Alaska’s critical role in securing domestic supplies of essential minerals while addressing economic, environmental, and technological challenges.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2026

Stochastic Thermo-Hydro Modeling and Neural Network Surrogate Development for Thermal Resource Assessment of the Galleries-to-Calories Geobattery

The Galleries-to-Calories Geobattery concept explores the use of abandoned coal mine workings for large-scale thermal energy transport and storage. The system involves injecting waste heat from a supercomputing facility into flooded mine galleries, where groundwater flow can store and transport thermal energy for potential recovery in downgradient district heating and cooling applications. To evaluate the feasibility and performance of the Geobattery under geological and operational uncertainty, we developed a suite of stochastic thermo-hydrological (TH) simulations using Monte Carlo sampling of key uncertain parameters (e.g., permeability, porosity, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity) and operating conditions (e.g., injection rate, injection temperature). Results identified injection rate and temperature as the most influential parameters governing thermal front propagation, while the geometry of the room-and-pillar structure played a critical role in directing the extent and orientation of thermal advancement. Optimal combinations of material properties for maximizing heat recovery were also determined. To address the high computational cost of coupled-process stochastic modeling, we trained a neural network surrogate model on 24,000 physics-based realizations, achieving an R² > 0.99 and MAE < 0.1 for temperature predictions at monitoring locations. This surrogate enabled an additional 100,000 realizations for global sensitivity analysis and probabilistic thermal resource assessment. The integrated stochastic physics–surrogate modeling framework offers a computationally efficient tool for quantifying uncertainty, identifying key drivers, and informing early-stage design decisions for Geobattery systems.

15 - GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1973

Microsampling techniques for infrared spectroscopic analysis of lunar and terrestrial minerals

Microsampling techniques have been developed for infrared analysis of single mineral grains from lunar rocks and dusts, allowing a detailed molecular structure characterization of these complex fine-grained samples. The methods include special devices for isolating single grains, preparing micropellets from the grains, and obtaining in situ microspecular reflectance spectra from grains in polished rock samples. Although specifically developed for the work on lunar samples, the special techniques for single grain infrared analysis were found to be equally useful in studies of complex terrestrial mineral samples. For example, infrared microanalysis has contributed substantially in solving problems concerned with our natural resources, such as the structural characterization of minerals from commercial iron ores, marine deposits, coal, and fly ash derived from coal.

Estep, P. A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Produced Water DNA Database (PW-DNA): Utilizing KBase to generate an environmental specific curated molecular database

The deep subsurface is estimated to host the majority of Earth’s microbial biomass yet remains one of the most challenging environments to access and study. One common approach to investigate these microbial communities is through the analysis of produced water from subsurface reservoirs, where researchers can assess water and gas chemistry along with molecular (DNA/RNA) sequence data. Advances in high-throughput sequencing have greatly expanded our understanding of these environments and their biotechnological potential. However, further progress requires large-scale, integrative meta-analyses across diverse datasets. To address this need, we developed the Produced Water-DNA (PW-DNA) Database, a curated, publicly available resource that consolidates microbial DNA/RNA sequences, geochemical data, and relevant metadata from in situ hydrocarbon environments such as coal beds, oil reservoirs, and natural gas systems. The PW-DNA database delivers three core benefits to the research community: (1) it improves data sharing by linking environmental microbial datasets with corresponding geochemical parameters, enabling more robust filtering and analysis; (2) it connects with complementary research databases to promote broader dissemination and interoperability; and (3) it supports technological innovation by serving as a resource for identifying microbial trends and exploring genetic potential. While individual studies have highlighted basin-specific microbial communities and functional redundancy in biogeochemical cycling, a comprehensive, system-wide perspective is needed to better understand connectivity and novelty across subsurface ecosystems. By designing the PW-DNA in the KBase platform, we provide a reproducible, visual framework for integrating large-scale genomic and geochemical data, enabling researchers to perform more informed analyses and experimental design. Ultimately, this resource enhances the ability to identify, characterize, and interpret microbial functions across diverse subsurface environments, thereby accelerating discovery in subsurface microbiology and biotechnology.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1981

IGDS/TRAP Interface Program (ITIP). Software User Manual (SUM)

This specification establishes the requirements, concepts, and preliminary design for a set of software known as the IGDS/TRAP Interface Program (ITIP). This software provides the capability to develop at an Interactive Graphics Design System (IGDS) design station process flow diagrams for use by the NASA Coal Gasification Task Team. In addition, ITIP will use the Data Management and Retrieval System (DMRS) to maintain a data base from which a properly formatted input file to the Time-Line and Resources Analysis Program (TRAP) can be extracted. This set of software will reside on the PDP-11/70 and will become the primary interface between the Coal Gasification Task Team and IGDS, DMRS, and TRAP. The user manual for the computer program is presented.

Jefferys, S.↗