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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
DOE OSTI2026

Illinois Basin Regional DAC Hub TA-1: Feasibility (Phase-0) (Final Scientific/Technical Report)

The overall objective of this project was to complete a feasibility study for a Regional Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub that encompasses Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. The geographic construct of this hub was based on the Illinois Basin – a geological area where at least seven (7) geological storage studies were conducted. The Hub was designed to assure a capacity to capture, store, and utilize at least 1,000,000 metric tons (tonnes) of CO2 from the atmosphere annually 1 metric tonnes per annum (MTA), starting from an initial capacity of 200,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum (KTA). The Hub also included:(1) clean energy providers to supply renewable energy to the DAC units; (2) geological storage facilities to inject and sequestrate the captured CO2; (3) CO2 utilization facilities that would uptake the captured CO2 and convert it into products; and (4) small business organizations that would assist in workforce development efforts for the region. This closeout report consolidates the tasks undertaken and accomplished as deliverables for the project. The project team had successfully completed all required tasks of phase 0a, confirming that the project is feasible based on the preliminary conceptual designs and operational requirements of the DAC systems. Of particular interest, the hub ownership structure was identified and was implemented in follow on projects that would transition the hub infrastructure to a build/operate phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Application of unsupervised deep learning to image segmentation and in-situ contact angle measurements in a CO 2 -water-rock system

Rock surface wettability is a critical property that regulates multiphase flows in porous media, which can be quantified using the surface contact angle (CA). X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) provides an effective approach to in-situ measurements of surface CAs. However, the CA measurement accuracy depends significantly on the quality of CT image segmentation, which is the clustering of CT pixels into separate phases. Inspired by this, we developed a deep learning (DL)-based CA measurement workflow. Motivated by the recent tremendous progress in unsupervised learning techniques and aiming to avoid expensive manual data annotations, an unsupervised DL pipeline for CT image segmentation was proposed and implemented, which includes unsupervised model training and post-processing. The unsupervised model training was driven by a novel loss function constrained with feature similarity and spatial continuity and implemented by iterative forward and backward paths; the former clustered the pixel-wise feature vectors extracted by convolution neural networks, whereas the latter updated the parameters using gradient descent. An over-segmentation strategy was adopted for model training. The post-processing steps based on agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) were implemented to further merge the over-segmented model output to the desired cluster number, which is intended to improve the efficiency of image segmentation. The developed unsupervised DL pipeline was compared with other commonly-used image segmentation methods using pixel-wise and physics-based evaluation metrics on a synthetic raw-image dataset, which had a known ground truth. The unsupervised DL pipeline showed the best performance. Next, the segmented images were input to an automatic CA measurement tool, and the results were validated by comparisons with manual measurements. The CA values from the manual and automatic measurements showed similar distributions and statistical properties. The automatic measurement demonstrated a wider spectrum because of the much larger number of measurement data points. The primary novelty of the unsupervised DL pipeline developed in this study lies in the novel loss function and the over-segmentation strategy associated with AHC post-processing. Finally, the workflow has been proven an efficient tool for pore-scale wettability characterization, which has a wide range of applications in fundamental studies of multiphase flows in natural porous media, which have critical implications to geological carbon sequestration, hydrocarbon energy recovery, and contaminant transport in groundwater.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

INTERDUNE DEPOSITS AND STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK OF THE NAVAJO SANDSTONE IN THE LAKE POWELL AREA, UTAH, USA

The Western Interior of the USA was dominated by desert environments for much of the Jurassic. Of these desert environments, the most extensive by far was the Navajo Sandstone erg, which, in conjunction with its correlative Nugget and Aztec Sandstones, is thought to have covered well over 500,000 km2, and is one of the largest ergs preserved in the rock record. The Navajo Sandstone is also one of a few geologic units which show promise as a potential CO2 sequestration reservoir in Utah. It outcrops along the eastern and southern margin of the state, and subcrops throughout most of the central area. The Navajo Sandstone consists of stacked eolian deposits, composed of well sorted, clean sandstone, deposited in commonly tabular, high angle cross bedded paleodunes, which are on average 15 m thick. Interspersed between these paleodunes are interdune deposits. Interdune deposits consist of sandy to calcareous, predominantly planar bedded, lensoid units, ranging from <1 m up to 7 m thick. In some cases, these interdune deposits occur along more extensive stratigraphic bounding surfaces. Dating within the Navajo Sandstone has historically been very difficult, as a result of its predominantly clean, aeolian sandstone composition. In addition, complexity of internal stratigraphic surfaces coupled with a low structural dip and generally flat topography has resulted in a poor understanding of the internal stratigraphy of the Navajo Sandstone. Exceptional three-dimensional exposures of the Navajo Sandstone in the upper portions of Lake Powell permit us to relate interdune carbonates to a hierarchical bounding surfaces model. Here we use this combined approach to interpret the internal stratigraphy of the Navajo Sandstone in this region. This work forms part of a larger study of the Navajo Sandstone across Utah and its potential as a CO2 reservoir, by developing a more comprehensive stratigraphic framework, and increasing understanding of stratigraphic complexity within one of the most significant eolian systems in the world.

Mahon, Elizabeth↗
DOE OSTI2025

Carbon Utilization and Storage Partnership of the Western United States

This technical report documents research conducted under DOE Award No. DE-FE0031837 focused on evaluating the feasibility of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) systems in the central and western United States. The project integrated geologic characterization, reservoir simulation, infrastructure modeling, and economic analysis to assess CO₂ storage potential near industrial sources and develop strategies for transport and sequestration. The work included subsurface modeling, risk assessment, monitoring and verification (MRV) planning, and evaluation of regulatory pathways such as EPA Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI permitting and IRS 45Q tax credit eligibility. Results demonstrate the viability of multiple storage approaches, including saline formations, enhanced coalbed methane recovery, and basalt mineralization, supported by data-driven workflows and regional analyses. The project also produced permitting templates, technology transfer activities, and stakeholder engagement efforts to support deployment readiness. These findings contribute to the development of scalable, economically viable CCUS systems and provide a repeatable framework for future carbon management projects.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sulfate Promotes Compact CaCO 3 Formation and Protects Portland Cement from Supercritical CO 2 Attack

Supercritical (sc) CO 2 in geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) can chemically and mechanically deteriorate wellbore cement, raising concerns for long-term operations. In contrast to the conventional view of “sulfate attack” on cement, we found that adding 0.15 M sulfate to the acidic brine can significantly reduce the impact of scCO 2 attack on Portland cement, resulting in stronger cement than that found in a sulfate-free system. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a decreased total attack depth in reacted cement in the presence of sulfate. With a newly defined minimum porosity term in reactive transport modeling, our model suggests that sulfate caused CaCO 3 to fill more nanopore spaces in the cement. Small angle X-ray scattering experiments also showed that sulfate can decrease the pore sizes of the carbonate layer. The results suggest that the interactions between sulfate and cement can generate a less porous CaCO 3 layer, which better resists acidic brine. Using this mechanism as a proof-of-concept, we tested the incorporation of sodium sulfate into Portland cement and synthesized new cement composites that show stronger resistance against scCO 2 attacks. Finally, these newly discovered interfacial interactions between CaCO 3 and sulfate provide new insights into engineering mechanically strong and green materials for safer GCS.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

WELLS Interactive Application

The Wellbore Exploration and Location Logistic System (WELLS) Interactive Application is an interactive tool to enable easy exploration and visualization of the living national wellbore database (WELLS Database (https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/wells_database)). The tool and underlying database were created and are maintained by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), providing visualization of the more than six million public wellbore records from more than 65 authoritative state, federal, and tribal resources. The WELLS Interactive Application serves up wellbore data from oil, gas, underground injection, research, geothermal, geotechnical, groundwater, and other types of wells in a single, standardized, unified system. In addition to the surface location of these wells, the underlying database combines select key attributes for features such as well age, depth, and operating status. The system also provides users with references back to the original sources used in this unified platform. The underlying data can be accessed through the WELLS Database: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/wells_database Additional Information: The WELLS Interactive Application (formerly titled CO2-Locate) enables visualization and access to the public wellbore records through an intuitive web-based mapping tool. The WELLS Interactive Application was designed to help users visualize, query, analyze, and download wellbore records. Public wellbore points are included as a layer in the Map page, called Public Wells. Additionally, a multivariate hexagon grid summarizing well density from proprietary well data, called Well Density, is included to identify data gaps between the public and proprietary well data. Filtering functionalities in the tool allow these two layers to be spatially filtered by state, county, or basin as well as by status, type, true vertical depth, and spud year. The WELLS Interactive Application also contains a Near Me tool can be used to search and explore wellbore data within a user-defined distance of a specified location on the map, which can also be downloaded. The Query tool allows users to query the selected or filtered wells in the Public Wells layer and export the data. For additional information on these tool functionalities, see the help documentation on the About page of the tool. Notes for Consideration: The Well Density layer provided in this application is derived from proprietary wellbore data, the records of which do not always contain values for key features (status, type, true vertical depth, or spud year). Therefore, data might not be available when layers are queried for all filter combinations. Additionally, visualizing layers and applying filters may take additional time to load (i.e., draw on the map) due to the large size of the data.

ccs↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Geospatial Cost Comparison of CO2 Plume Geothermal (CPG) Power and Geologic CO2 Storage

CO 2 Plume Geothermal (CPG) power plants can use gigatonne-levels of CO 2 sequestration to generate electricity, but it is unknown if the resources that support low-cost CPG power align with the resources that support low-cost CO 2 sequestration. Here, we estimate and compare the geospatially-distributed cost of CPG and CO 2 storage across a portion of North America. We find that the locations with lowest-cost CO 2 storage are different than the locations with lowest-cost CPG. There are also locations with low-cost CO 2 storage (<$5/tCO 2 ) that do not support CPG power generation due to insufficient reservoir transmissivity or temperature. Thus, CPG development may require electricity prices that are greater than the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) to offset the increased cost of sequestration. We introduce the “Additional Cost of Electricity (ACOE)” metric to account for this cost and add it to the LCOE to calculate breakeven electricity prices that are required for CPG development. We find that breakeven prices are lower when new CO 2 injection wells are drilled specifically for CPG (i.e., “greenfield” CPG development) compared to if only existing CO 2 sequestration injection wells are used (i.e., “brownfield” CPG development). This is because comparatively few wells are needed for sequestration-only, and the increased power capacity from having more CPG wells outweighs the increased costs from more drilling. We also find that sequestered CO 2 could be used to approximately triple the United States geothermal electricity power capacity via a single CPG “sweet spot” in South Dakota, but that breakeven electricity price for this development is on the order of $200/MW e h.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Investigation of Scale Deposition and Wellbore Corrosion in Carbonated Brine Injection: A Simulation Study

Carbonated brine injection (CBI), which involves dissolving CO2 in produced water to be injected into deep geologic reservoirs, is a method to manage produced brine, carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration, and reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. This low-risk CO2 storage strategy can leverage the existing saltwater disposal infrastructure and well resources. However, the potential for corrosion and scale deposition are a major challenge for carbonated brine which may result in subsidence, wellbore failure, casing failure, and cement failure. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the wellbore materials compatibility with carbonated brine water during the injection process, for repurposing Class II saltwater disposal wells for CBI.

Belarbi, Zineb↗
DOE OSTI2020

Detection Thresholds and Sensitivities of Geophysical Techniques for CO2 Plume Monitoring

This report assesses capabilities and limitations of different geophysical techniques for monitoring geologic sequestration of CO 2 . Seismic, gravity, electrical, and electromagnetic (EM) techniques are considered. Monitoring approaches for site characterization prior to CO 2 injection are different from those used while injecting CO 2 , or those suitable for post-injection monitoring. The focus of this study is on the aspects relevant to long-term monitoring of large areas in the post-injection phase, and specifically on early detection of secondary CO 2 plumes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

SMART – A Comprehensive Research and Development Program to Demonstrate Application of Machine Learning for Supporting CCS Deployment

Presentation material for a paper presented at the GHGT-17 conference, Calgary, Canada, October 20-24, 2024. The objective of the US Department of Energy’s SMART Initiative, i.e., Science-informed Machine Learning (ML) for Accelerating Real-Time Decisions in Subsurface Applications, is to showcase how the utilization of ML can significantly improve efficiency and effectiveness of field-scale commercial carbon storage operations. This paper will present the results from the current phase of SMART (field deployment) for demonstrating the applicability of ML-based tools and workflows for: (a) virtual learning during the pre-injection permitting phase, (b) advanced storage reservoir imaging to better characterize fractures and faults, and (c) dynamic storage reservoir modelling and optimization to inform operational decision making and visualization of system evolution.

CO2 geologic storage↗
DOE OSTI2023

Semi-Analytical Leakage Solutions for Aquifers (SALSA) v1

SALSA is a semi-analytical modeling tool that can provide assessments of pressure perturbations and brine leakage because of fluid injection and extraction activities in sedimentary basins. Sedimentary basins typically contain vertical sequences of near-horizontal aquifers separated by less-permeable aquitards. In the context of geologic carbon sequestration (GCS), while aquitards are relied upon to contain injected buoyant free-phase CO2 and limit inter-aquifer brine flow, the large number of leaky wells (e.g., unused/unsuccessful exploration wells, or improperly plugged water or oil/gas wells) that are present in sedimentary basins creates concerns for potential leakage and groundwater contamination. The mathematical theory and solution method included in SALSA is presented in our recent manuscript under review. SALSA is the first to account for the coupled leakage through aquitards and leaky wells, with geologic pressurization sources. SALSA based on semi-analytical solutions can be computationally very efficient for problems containing many injection and leaky wells in multilayered sedimentary systems, compared to any numerical simulation software requiring local mesh refinement around each well to obtain accurate results. Therefore, stakeholders (e.g., regulators, operators) for site screening, injection and post-injection pressure behavior and assessing leakage risks can use SALSA as a fast-predictive tool in GCS applications in multilayered aquifer systems.

Cihan, Abdullah↗
DOE OSTI2020

Enhanced Recovery Opportunities in the Appalachian Basin

The Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP) has incorporated the work of geologic research teams (Geoteams) in its regional characterization, project planning and carbon dioxide (CO2) injection implementation work since the partnership was established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2003. Over this 16-year period, the cohort of Geoteams has grown from five to ten states and has contributed to the characterization of geologic sequestration opportunities, refinement of reservoir and seal data, and supported injection efforts through both predictive and post-injection assessments. The Appalachian Basin Geoteam consists of geologists from the state geological surveys of Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Pennsylvania and West Virginia led the research related to enhanced recovery opportunities in oil and gas fields, while Kentucky led the work associated with enhanced gas recovery (EGR) opportunities in organic-rich shales. The Appalachian Basin Geoteam evaluated reservoirs amenable to CO2-EOR and EGR using a combination of data sources and technical approaches. The Geoteam characterized the subsurface geology of the area in stepwise fashion, starting with existing geologic maps and fields/pools data generated as part of previous MRCSP regional characterization research. With this data, the Geoteam correlated stratigraphy and generated cross sections to delineate the extent, depths and thicknesses of those formations that may serve as reservoirs for either miscible or immiscible enhanced recovery projects. In addition, the team prepared structure and isopach maps for prospective formations, as well as assessments of gross and net porosity of these units. Once prospective localities were identified, the Geoteam selected a short list of oil fields in each of the three states for assessment for case study preparation.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2024

Prospective Seal Name Catalog for U.S. Sedimentary Basins V1.0

The Prospective Seal Name Catalog for U.S. Sedimentary Basins V1.0 is an aggregation of prospective seal units for prospective storage resources within the USA for geologic carbon storage in both onshore and offshore basins. The catalog is intended to guide users to available literature and data resources. Prospective seal names are displayed with respect to the associated prospective storage resource target, for which the specified prospective seal may act as a confining layer for CO2 storage. A prospective seal unit’s lithology, position with respect to the reservoir (Primary, Secondary, Intraformational, etc.), and age (Geologic Period) are included when stated in the original literature or data resource. The information source for each record in the catalog includes the published citation, year of publication, resource type (Journal Article, Event Proceedings, etc.) and additional record notes.

Basin↗
DOE OSTI2020

Enhanced Recovery Opportunities in the Appalachian Basin

The Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP) has incorporated the work of geologic research teams (Geoteams) in its regional characterization, project planning and carbon dioxide (CO2) injection implementation work since the partnership was established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in 2003. Over this 16-year period, the cohort of Geoteams has grown from five to ten states and has contributed to the characterization of geologic sequestration opportunities, refinement of reservoir and seal data, and supported injection efforts through both predictive and post-injection assessments. The regional characterization work conducted by the Geoteams during the MRCSP Phase III project period (2010 – 2019) focused on the following tasks: (1) refinement of geologic seals/reservoir systems; (2) assessment of Atlantic Coastal Plain and offshore opportunities; (3) expanded assessments of oil and gas fields, particularly as they relate to enhanced recovery opportunities; (4) regional support for implementation of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) in the partnership area; and (5) communication and data sharing. The findings of this work are summarized in the final report entitled Final Report of Geologic Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Opportunities in the form of a state-by-state presentation for the MRCSP Region. In addition to the capstone deliverable mentioned above, the Geoteams have also prepared a series of topical reports to elaborate on specific geologic intervals and/or geographic areas of study completed during the Phase III project period. Specifically, these topical reports address: (1) the Atlantic Coastal Plain and adjacent offshore; (2) Cambro-Ordovician reservoirs/seals in the region; (3) enhanced oil and gas recovery opportunities in the Appalachian Basin; and (4) enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in the Michigan Basin. The remainder of this topical report presents our findings relative to enhanced recovery opportunities in the Appalachian Basin.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multi-Scale Seismic Measurements for Site Characterization and CO2 Monitoring in an Enhanced Oil Recovery/Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration Project, Farnsworth Field, Texas

To address the challenges of climate change, significantly more geologic carbon sequestration projects are beginning. The characterization of the subsurface and the migration of the plume of supercritical carbon dioxide are two elements of carbon sequestration that can be addressed through the use of the available seismic methods in the oil and gas industry. In an enhanced oil recovery site in Farnsworth, TX, we employed three separate seismic techniques. The three-dimensional (3D) surface seismic survey required significant planning, design, and processing, but produces both a better understanding of the subsurface structure and a three-dimensional velocity model, which is essential for the second technique, a timelapse vertical seismic profile, and the third technique, cross-well seismic tomography. The timelapse 3D Vertical Seismic Profile (3D VSP) revealed both significant changes in the reservoir between the second and third surveys and geo-bodies that may represent the extent of the underground carbon dioxide. The asymmetry of the primary geo-body may indicate the preferential migration of the carbon dioxide. The third technique, cross-well seismic tomography, suggested a strong correlation between the well logs and the tomographic velocities, but did not observe changes in the injection interval.

Energy & Fuels↗
DOE OSTI2024

Prospective Seal Unit Spatial Extent Database for U.S. Sedimentary Basins

The Prospective Seal Unit Spatial Extent Database for U.S. Sedimentary Basins contains a series of spatial datasets representing spatial extents of publicly available data for caprock and seal rock units within the Appalachian Basin, Denver-Julesburg Basin, Great Valley Basin (Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins), Illinois Basin, Michigan Basin, San Juan Basin, U.S. Gulf Coast Basin, and Williston Basin. The database is designed to support carbon storage feasibility and resources assessment for carbon transport and storage (CTS) projects while displaying the spatial extent of prospective seal units and provide a guide to the original data source. This database leverages publicly available data resources from authoritative sources (e.g. U.S. Geological Survey, State Geologic Surveys, and published reports), and aims to help guide users to understand the seal unit's spatial coverage and data gaps from the regional to sub-basin/field scale. The database is organized by seal unit/formation, including the spatial extent for data found to be available for the seal unit. The various datasets represented include spatial extents of the lithologic formation, depth to top structural contour maps, and thickness/isopach maps. Included in this submission are the following resources: 1. Geodatabase/Dataset: “prospective-seal-unit-extents-2025.gdb” 2. ReadMe: “readme-prospective-seal-unit-spatial-extent-dataset-2025.pdf” 3. Data Catalog: “prospective-seal-unit-spatial-extents-data-catalog-2025.xlsx” 4. Data Sources Key: “data-source.csv” Please see NETL disclaimers here: https://netl.doe.gov/home/disclaimer

Basin↗
DOE OSTI2021

Combined Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of an Integrated Direct Air Capture System with Advanced Algal Biofuel Production

The continuous increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere since the First Industrial Revolution correlates convincingly with the ongoing rise of the Earth's global average temperature contributing to climate change. As a response, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies are being implemented to mitigate anthropogenic CO2 emissions by capturing CO2 from high emitting point sources, such as power plants, refineries, and cement factories, and subsequently buried in geological formations underground for long term storage. Recently direct air capture (DAC) has emerged as a promising alternative technology that captures CO2 directly from the atmosphere for use or sequestration. This study investigates the potential synergistic benefits of integrating a solid amine-based DAC system with advanced algal biofuel production in photobioreactors (PBRs). DAC utilization allows the removal of atmospheric CO2 while also decoupling algae production facilities from anthropogenic point CO2 sources and avoiding the cost and logistics challenges of transporting CO2 long distances to remote facilities. Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment are performed to assess the economic and environmental benefits of heat and mass integration between the DAC and the PBR for biofuel production. The DAC-PBR system integration also considers on-site flue gas handling options, DAC capital utilization, the tradeoff between centralization or decentralization of key unit operations, and the PBR array. This presentation will discuss how optimizing DAC-PBR process integration can enhance the algal biofuel's economic and environmental sustainability and the prospect of DAC enabling the circular carbon economy.

algal biofuel production↗