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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

Autonomous monitoring of algal biomass: Success stories and lessons learned from long-term field deployment

Autonomous, high-frequency monitoring of outdoor algal ponds is needed to quantify biomass productivity and detect culture decline in environments prone to contamination, grazers, and variable operating conditions. We report successes and lessons learned in translating a laboratory spectroradiometric monitoring approach to a multi-year autonomous field deployment at the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI). The system measures spectrally resolved pond reflectance by ratioing upwelling radiance from each raceway to simultaneous downwelling sky irradiance using fiber-coupled spectrometers. A physics-based reflectance model (ASHARP) is fit to each spectrum pair to estimate optical parameters, including a biomass-proxy coefficient (C a ) which enables near-real-time tracking of biomass accumulation and culture state at 2–5 min intervals. From May 2022 through September 2025 the platform operated continuously while scaling from two to six raceway ponds. Several strains of algae were monitored successfully, including the high productivity Tetraselmis striata and Picochlorum celeri. Transitioning data acquisition from a Windows laptop to a Raspberry Pi improved uptime from 57% (2022) to ~89% (2024–2025) and enabled routine real-time analysis. Further, we converted relative biomass estimates to absolute ash-free dry weight (AFDW) using experimentally-derived calibrations, providing field-relevant biomass predictions with conservative confidence bounds. These results demonstrate the feasibility of long-term, autonomous optical monitoring for well-mixed open-raceway algal cultivation and provide practical guidance for reliable field operation and scaling.

Katinas, Christopher Michael [Sandia National Labo↗
DOE OSTI2021

Lessons Learned from US Experience with Biofuels: Comparing the Hype with the Evidence

Biofuel production in the United States, primarily from corn, has more than doubled since 2007, leading to concerns about its unintended consequences for agricultural and fuel markets. To examine the validity of these concerns and inform the debate about biofuels and their impacts, we review ex ante projections and ex post evidence of the effects of biofuels on land use, food and fuel prices, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We find that biofuels expansion contributed to an initial significant increase in agricultural commodity prices, but these impacts have dissipated over time as crop productivity has increased and cropping patterns have changed. Simulated estimates of indirect land use change and the related GHG emissions intensity of biofuels have also declined sharply from their early levels, which is consistent with ex post evidence. Additionally, growth in biofuel production caused a very modest reduction in fossil fuel prices, implying a small fuel rebound effect. Overall, estimates imply that first-generation biofuels from corn have a lower carbon intensity than gasoline. Lastly, learning by doing, economies of scale, and technological improvements have made biofuels from corn increasingly competitive, reducing the need for subsidies and import tariffs. We conclude with a discussion of the lessons learned from the US biofuels experience.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Lessons Learned from Site Selection Efforts for Deep Geological Disposal

This report discusses international experiences from site selection of deep geological repositories (DGR) for radioactive waste disposal. Based on experiences from three countries with recent or ongoing site selections, the report describes different site selection approaches and summarizes lessons learned. The German and Swiss programs are two slightly different examples of one end of the spectrum of potential siting approaches: Starting with the entire country, a technically based downselection is performed to select the repository site. The Canadian program is an example of the other end of the spectrum: Here, the program started with an extensive engagement program with Canadians to collaboratively develop a socially acceptable and technically sound national approach for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. This was followed by the launch of a collaboratively developed consent-based siting process designed to seek an informed and willing host with suitable sites, considering both technical and community well-being site requirements.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

Lessons Learned from the Energy to Communities (E2C) Peer-Learning Cohort on Engaging with Electric Utilities for Successful Local Partnerships

NLR designed and led a six-month peer-learning cohort from July through December 2025 on “Engaging With Electric Utilities for Successful Local Partnerships” as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy to Communities (E2C) program. Representatives from 15 local and regional governments from across the United States participated in monthly workshops covering best practices for engaging with their utilities to advance their own energy goals. This document shares key takeaways, lessons learned, and resources from the cohort that may be useful to local governments, regional governments, or Tribes.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

A perspective on lessons learned and future needs for wind energy field campaigns

This perspective paper provides motivation and guidance to the wind energy community for suggested future investments and a long-term strategy for wind-energy-related field campaigns that will provide much-needed observations for improving wind energy science and model validation. We synthesize key lessons learned from past field campaigns, identify critical science gaps that we think should drive future field efforts, and provide a suggested pipeline on how future endeavors should be developed. When considering future grand field campaigns, we stress the need for international cooperation across funding bodies, research institutes, and industry partners to collect observations to overcome current and future grand challenges for wind energy.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Trends, Insights, and Considerations for Agrivoltaics in the Northeast: Applying National Lessons Learned to the Case of Pennsylvania

There are unique challenges and opportunities at the nexus of agriculture and energy. This presentation will feature a social science overview of agrivoltaics, which is the practice of combining solar energy and agricultural production on the same land. Centering on recent research and commercial insights, this presentation will discuss the implications of lessons learned in the Northeast and highlight key considerations for future agrivoltaic R&D in Pennsylvania.

agriculture↗
DOE OSTI2024

Procurement Process Challenges, Issues, and Lessons Learned from IER 305 and IER 441 [Slides]

This presentation includes a IER 441 assembly overview and the difference between IER 305 AND IER 441 with central test region assembly and hex pitch. Next this presentation looks at IER 441 procurement issues and delays and new hardware. additionally conducted was a SPRF/CX: IER 441 hardware test fit (Success)). This presentation concludes with lessons learned and acknowledgements.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Updates and Lessons Learned from NuMI Beamline at Fermilab

The Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) beamline at Fermilab generates an intense muon neutrino beam for the NOvA (NuMI Off-axis $\nu_e$ Appearance) long-baseline neutrino experiment. Over the years, the NuMI beamline has been pivotal in advancing neutrino physics, providing invaluable data and insights. This proceeding paper discusses updates and the lessons learned from recent experiences during the beam operations, maintenance, and monitoring of the NuMI beamline. Key topics include the optimization of beam performance and challenges in maintaining beamline stability. The paper aims to share best practices and provide a road-map for future beamline projects, including the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF).

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Updates and Lessons Learned from NuMI Beamline at Fermilab

The Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) beamline at Fermilab generates an intense muon neutrino beam for the NOvA (NuMI Off-axis 𝜈𝑒 Appearance) long baseline neutrino experiment. Over the years, the NuMI beamline has been pivotal in advancing neutrino physics, providing invaluable data and insights. This presentation offers updates and a comprehensive review of the lessons learned from the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the NuMI beamline. Key topics include the optimization of beam performance, challenges in maintaining beamline stability, and proposed Machine Learning implementations to enhance monitoring. The talk aims to share best practices and provide a roadmap for future beamline projects, including the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF).

Wickremasinghe, Athula↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design, Manufacturing, Assembly, Testing, and Lessons Learned of the Prototype 650 MHz Couplers

Six 650 MHz high-power couplers will be integrated into the prototype High Beta 650 MHz (HB650) cryomodule for the PIP-II project at Fermilab. The design of the coupler is described, including design optimizations from the previous generation. This paper then describes the coupler life-cycle, including manufacturing, assembly, testing, conditioning and the lessons learned at each stage.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lessons Learned From the Planning of Recent Wind Energy Technologies Office Field Campaigns

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Wind Energy Technology Office (WETO) has funded several wind-energy-focused field campaigns in recent years. While essential to advance our understanding of the interactions between atmosphere and wind turbines, the planning of such campaigns has presented several challenges to the institutions involved in these efforts. In this document, we focus on the planning phase of the field campaigns and summarize the lessons learned from the recent AWAKEN, RAAW, and WFIP-3 field projects. We cover a variety of aspects to offer a proposed methodological pipeline that we recommend is followed when future similar endeavors are planned.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

US HL-LHC cryo-assemblies at FNAL - testing and lessons learned

The U.S. High-Luminosity LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project (AUP) is fabricating ten cryogenic assemblies for the HL-LHC Q1/Q3 quadrupole optics at CERN, each integrating two Nb_{3}Sn-based magnets. Fermilab has tested three assemblies (LQXFA/B01–03) at its upgraded horizontal test stand under 1.9 K conditions. Overview of the test stand and the cryo-assembly tests is given along with main results. Challenges met and lessons learned are discussed. Successful testing validates the design and integration of U.S.-produced cryo-assemblies, keeping the project on track for timely delivery to CERN.

Stoynev, Stoyan [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000345637702↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fundamentals of wildlife dosimetry and lessons learned from a decade of measuring external dose rates in the field

Methods for determining the radiation dose received by exposed biota require major improvements to reduce uncertainties and increase precision. We share our experiences in attempting to quantify external dose rates to free-ranging wildlife using GPS-coupled dosimetry methods. The manuscript is a primer on fundamental concepts in wildlife dosimetry in which the complexities of quantifying dose rates are highlighted, and lessons learned are presented based on research with wild boar and snakes at Fukushima, wolves at Chornobyl, and reindeer in Norway. GPS-coupled dosimeters produced empirical data to which numerical simulations of external dose using computer software were compared. Our data did not support a standing paradigm in risk analyses: Using averaged soil contaminant levels to model external dose rates conservatively overestimate the dose to individuals within a population. Following this paradigm will likely lead to misguided recommendations for risk management. The GPS-dosimetry data also demonstrated the critical importance of how modeled external dose rates are impacted by the scale at which contaminants are mapped. When contaminant mapping scales are coarse even detailed knowledge about each animal’s home range was inadequate to accurately predict external dose rates. Importantly, modeled external dose rates based on a single measurement at a trap site did not correlate to actual dose rates measured on free ranging animals. These findings provide empirical data to support published concerns about inadequate dosimetry in much of the published Chernobyl and Fukushima dose-effects research. Furthermore, our data indicate that a huge portion of that literature should be challenged, and that improper dosimetry remains a significant source of controversy in radiation dose-effect research.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Small Modular Reactor and Microreactor Security-by-Design Lessons Learned: Integrated PPS Designs

U.S. nuclear power facilities face increasing challenges in meeting dynamic security requirements caused by evolving and expanding threats while keeping costs reasonable to make nuclear energy competitive. The past approach has often included implementing security features after a facility has been designed and without attention to optimization, which can lead to cost overruns. Incorporating security into the design process can provide robust, cost-effective, and sufficient physical protection systems. The purpose of this report is to capture lessons learned by the Advanced Reactor Safeguards and Security (ARSS) program that may be beneficial for other advanced and small modular reactor (SMR) vendors to use when developing security systems and postures. This report will capture relevant information that can be used in the security-by-design (SeBD) process for SMR and microreactor vendors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Sierra Center of Excellence: Lessons Learned

The introduction of heterogeneous computing via GPUs from the Sierra architecture represented a significant shift in direction for computational science at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and therefore required significant preparation. Over the last five years, the Sierra Center of Excellence (CoE) has brought employees with specific expertise from IBM and NVIDIA together with LLNL in a concentrated effort to prepare applications, system software, and tools for the Sierra supercomputer. This article shares the process we applied for the CoE and documents lessons learned during the collaboration, with the hope that others will be able to learn from both our success and intermediate setbacks. We describe what we have found to work for the management of such a collaboration and best practices for algorithms and source code, system configuration and software stack, tools, and application performance.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Comparison of ML-Based Proxy Modeling Strategies: Lessons Learned from the SMART Initiative

Teams of researchers on Task 5 of the SMART project have developed a variety of modeling architectures to predict subsurface behavior during carbon injection and post-injection periods. One important part of this task was to compare the candidate approaches in terms of accuracy, reliability, speed, and memory use, all using a common set of metrics and visualizations for an “apples to apples” comparison. Dr. Jared Schuetter will share the details of this task, the results that were obtained, and the lessons learned.

Schuetter, Jared↗
DOE OSTI2025

CAST Technical Bulletin #008: Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) Setup and Lessons learned

Two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT) has been a trusted time transfer and synchronization method for a long time. It provides good timing accuracy, usually 100 ns or less. The setup of two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT) coordination and communication are crucial to having a system that runs and works as it should, especially when the setup involves traveling and working at a third-party facility. Even with perfect planning, some problems will arise; this document describes TWSTFT setup and lessons learned.

42 ENGINEERING↗