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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 OSTI2023

Understanding the trade-offs of national municipal solid waste estimation methods for circular economy policy

Policies embracing circular economy concepts have taken hold in national legislation around the world. As the number of governments and organizations adopting circular economy policies increases, so does the need for accurate and timely measurement of material resource flows. Since many countries do not have access to centrally reported municipal solid waste (MSW) data, estimation and modeling are critical in evaluating circular economy policy effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine three modeling approaches estimating national MSW data in the United States, including industry-based material flow analysis, waste-extended input-output modeling, and aggregated regional waste reporting. We establish five criteria to guide the analysis through the context of policy monitoring (data quality, flow totality, update frequency, sensitivity to disruption, and product granularity) and use these criteria to analyze and score each model. We then use a literature search to identify five, internationally-implemented options for circular economy policy and determine the data and modeling components that are most helpful in evaluating policy effectiveness. Finally, we provide a crosswalk of the model scores and policy needs to inform the suitability of model selection by policy type. We found that data quality and update frequency are identified as critical components for evaluating circular economy policies within the models evaluated, and can both be fulfilled by aggregated regional waste reporting. Flow totality, sensitivity to disruption, and product granularity requirements vary by both model and policy types. While none of the evaluated models satisfy the combination of requirements for any of the five policies, industry-based material flow analysis offers flow totality for extended producer responsibility, landfill bans, and recycling rate target policies that typically require it. Here, the waste-extended input-output model can provide disruption sensitivity and product granularity as needed for policies like minimum recycled content and market restrictions. Policy developers in areas where strong centralized data collection is not an option should design policy action(s) with modeling tradeoffs in mind, including the potential hybridization of modeling approaches that may provide the most accurate national MSW estimates.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Comprehensive Analysis of the Neutrino Process in Core-collapsing Supernovae

We investigate the neutrino flavor change effects due to neutrino self-interaction and shock wave propagation, as well as the matter effects on the neutrino process in core-collapsing supernovae (CCSNe). For the hydrodynamics, we use two models: a simple thermal bomb model and a specified hydrodynamics model for SN1987A. For the presupernova model, we take an updated model, adjusted to explain SN1987A, which employs recent developments in the (n, γ) reaction rates for nuclei near the stability line (A ~ 100). As for the neutrino luminosity, we adopt two different models: equivalent neutrino luminosity and nonequivalent luminosity models. The latter is taken from a synthetic analysis of CCSN simulation data, which quantitatively presented the results obtained by various neutrino transport models. Relevant neutrino-induced reaction rates are calculated using a shell model for light nuclei and a quasiparticle random phase approximation model for heavy nuclei. For each model, we present abundances of the light nuclei ( 7 Li, 7 Be, 11 B, and 11 C) and the heavy nuclei ( 92 Nb, 98 Tc, 138 La, and 180 Ta) produced by the neutrino process. The light nuclei abundances turn out to be sensitive to the Mikheyev–Smirnov–Wolfenstein (MSW) region around O-Ne-Mg layer while the heavy nuclei are mainly produced prior to the MSW region. Through detailed analyses, we find that neutrino self-interaction becomes a key ingredient, in addition to the MSW effect, for understanding the neutrino process and the relevant nuclear abundances. The normal mass hierarchy is shown to be more compatible with the meteorite data. The main nuclear reactions for each nucleus are also investigated in detail.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Waste-to-Energy Pipeline through Consolidated Fermentation–Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) System

The rise in population, urbanization, and industrial developments have led to a substantial increase in waste generation and energy demand, posing significant challenges for waste management as well as energy conservation and production. Bioenergy conversions have been merged as advanced, sustainable, and integrated solutions for these issues, encompassing energy generation and waste upcycling of different types of organic waste. Municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residues (AR) are two main resources for bioenergy conversions. Bioenergy production involves feedstock deconstruction and the conversion of platform chemicals to energy products. This review provides a detailed overview of waste sources, biofuel, and bioelectricity production from fermentation and microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology, and their economic and environmental perspectives. Fermentation plays a critical role in liquid biofuel production, while MFCs demonstrate promising potential for simultaneous production of electricity and hydrogen. Fermentation and MFCs hold a significant potential to be integrated into a single pipeline, enabling the conversion of organic matter, including a variety of waste material and effluent, into diverse forms of bioenergy via microbial cultures under mild conditions. Furthermore, MFCs are deemed a promising technology for pollutant remediation, reducing COD levels while producing bioenergy. Importantly, the consolidated fermentation–MFC system is projected to produce approximately 7.17 trillion L of bioethanol and 6.12 × 10 4 MW/m 2 of bioelectricity from MSW and AR annually, contributing over USD 465 billion to the global energy market. Such an integrated system has the potential to initiate a circular economy, foster waste reduction, and improve waste management practices. This advancement could play a crucial role in promoting sustainability across the environmental and energy sectors.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Techno-Economic and life cycle assessment of standalone Single-Stream material recovery facilities in the United states

Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are crucial players in achieving a circular economy. MRFs receive complex waste streams and separate valuable recyclables from these mixtures. This study conducts techno-economic analysis (TEA) to estimate the net present value (NPV) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to estimate different environmental impacts of a commercial scale standalone, single-stream MRF to assess the economic feasibility and environmental impacts of recovering valuable recyclables from an MRF processing 120,000 tonnes per year (t/y). The TEA employs a discounted cash flow rate of return (DCFROR) analysis over a 20-year facility lifetime, along with a sensitivity analysis on the impact of different operating and economic parameters. Results show that the total fixed cost of building the MRF facility is $\$ $23 MM, and the operating cost is $\$ $45.48/tonne. Further the NPV of the MRF can vary from $\$ $3.57 MM to $\$ $60 MM, while 100-year global warming potential can range from 5.98 to 8.53 kg carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-eq) per tonne of MSW. We have also found that MSW composition (arising from regional effects) significantly impacts costs, 100-year global warming potential, and other impact categories such as acidification potential, eutrophication potential, ecotoxicity, ozone depletion, photochemical oxidation, carcinogenic effects, and non-carcinogenic effects. Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis indicate that waste composition and market prices significantly impact the profitability of the MRF, and the waste composition mostly impacts global warming potential. Our analysis also indicates that facility capacity, fixed capital cost, and waste tipping fees are vital parameters that affect the economic viability of MRF operations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hydrogen Production from Polyethylene Pyrolysis

Hydrogen is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the future of clean energy and decarbonization efforts, serving as an energy storage medium, a power generation source, and a clean fuel for transportation. While most hydrogen is produced from carbonaceous fossil feedstocks like natural gas, petroleum, and coal, there is growing interest in using refuse-derived fuels such as waste plastics and municipal solid waste (MSW) as alternative feedstocks. Thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis and catalytic cracking can convert nonrecyclable plastics and organic MSW components to produce hydrogen with lower life cycle greenhouse gas emissions when coupled with CO 2 capture. Such approaches not only address waste-management challenges but also reduce methane emissions from landfills. Furthermore, waste feedstocks are low cost and can support meeting demands for hydrogen across various industries. In this work we examined production of hydrogen from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as a model polymer using pyrolysis. Analytical studies of pyrolysis utilizing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) provide insights into conversion pathways for plastic waste, potentially reducing the environmental footprint of traditional hydrogen production methods. This work generates a baseline methodology for hydrogen production from plastic pyrolysis with and without a catalyst and the necessary product distribution baseline from key single plastics. The effect of pyrolysis temperature on the conversion of HDPE was evaluated both with and without a catalyst(s), and the product distributions measured via GC/MS were identified and hydrogen formation was quantified. These results will help guide future research efforts to optimize catalysts and processes for more efficient hydrogen production and mixed plastic waste management.

Catalysts↗
DOE OSTI2023

Inference finds consistency between a neutrino flavor evolution model and Earth-based solar neutrino measurements

We continue examining statistical data assimilation (SDA), an inference methodology, to infer solutions to neutrino flavor evolution, for the first time using real - rather than simulated - data. The model represents neutrinos streaming from the Sun's center and undergoing a Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein (MSW) resonance in flavor space, due to the radially-varying electron number density. The model neutrino energies are chosen to correspond to experimental bins in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) and Borexino experiments, which measure electron-flavor survival probability at Earth. In conclusion, the procedure successfully finds consistency between the observed fluxes and the model, if the MSW resonance - that is, flavor evolution due to solar electrons - is included in the dynamical equations representing the model.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

CONVERSION OF COAL WASTES AND MUNICIPAL SOLIDS MIXTURES BY PYROLYSIS TORREFACTION AND ENTRAINED FLOW GASIFICATION

Hundreds of millions of tons of underutilized high-ash, low-energy-density bituminous and anthracite waste coal can be found in the U.S. These stockpiles contribute to water pollution from leaching that is harmful to waterways downstream of the piles. Conventional circulating fluidized combustion power plants use this coal to generate energy but emit toxic trace metals into groundwater (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic). In addition, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) including municipal solid waste (MSW), biomass, waste plastics, and industrial waste are an enormous and untapped resource that is currently filling landfills or incinerated for low-quality energy with poor emissions. Mainstream Engineering has developed a combined pyrolysis torrefaction entrained flow gasification (PT-EFG) process that utilizes combined waste coal and RDF to create an alternative energy source, increasing energy independence and security and reducing the environmental burden from coal mines and processing facilities. Mainstream’s self-sustaining PT process converts RDF into feedstocks that can be pulverized and handled like conventional coal, enabling combined RDF-waste coal co-feeding into an EFG. The EFG operates at temperatures high enough to slag the ash completely, destroying any residual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), converting ash into nonporous vitrified slag or non-leachable ash, and generating high-hydrogen syngas for power generation or liquid fuels. During Phase II, Mainstream successfully demonstrated PT of biomass and MSW into a coal-like feedstock, which was co-gasified with waste coal in an EFG in a combined PT EFG process

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2023

NRAP-Open-IAM Multisegmented Wellbore Reduced-Order Model: Improvement and Quality Assurance

The multisegmented wellbore model (MSW) semi-analytically estimates the amount of CO 2 and brine leakage from a leaking legacy well by segmenting it into intervals to simulate site-specific stratigraphic and hydrogeologic properties. The model is a component of the National Risk Assessment Partnership Open-Source Integrated Assessment Model (NRAP-Open-IAM), which was developed to perform risk assessment for geologic CO 2 storage. The new wellbore leakage model, which uses deep learning networks for a caprock segment, was developed to enhance the analytical MSW. The model was trained and validated using a synthetic data set of Subsurface Transport Over Multiple Phases (STOMP) multiphase flow simulations from various geological, well attribute, and operational conditions to ensure its quality. The results demonstrate that the model is more accurate than the existing model in predicting the transport of two-phase fluids (brine and injected CO 2 ) through the well. This report provides a detailed explanation of the model development and quality assurance.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Unraveling the Pyrolytic Behavior and Kinetics of Single Polymers and Plastic-Rich Municipal Solid Waste Using Thermal Analysis

Pyrolysis is a highly promising thermochemical recycling technology for converting heterogenous plastic waste into sustainable fuels in a single step. Therefore, understanding the pyrolysis mechanism is essential for enabling rational reactor design and enhancing efficient recycling techniques. In this study, the thermal degradation behaviors and corresponding kinetics of pure polymers (PE, PP, and PET) and plastic-rich MSW were examined using simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Experiments were carried out in the temperature range of 30-800°C with variable heating rates from 5°C/min to 20°C/min in an ultra-high purity Argon atmosphere. Our results indicated that the plastic pyrolysis was an endothermic process, with varying decomposition temperature ranges depending on their structure and composition. Various iso-conversional model-free methods (Friedman, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, Starink, and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose) were utilized to determine the apparent activation energy of the plastic degradation, which increased in the following order: PET (214 kJ/mol), PP (218 kJ/mol), PE (245 kJ/mol), and MSW (249 kJ/mol). Finally, Criado’s master plots were employed to identify the best-fitting reaction model and the pre-exponential factor was subsequently determined.

Bashir, Muhammad Aamir↗
DOE OSTI2022

Decontamination of Mixed Paper and Plastic Municipal Solid Waste Increases Low and High Temperature Conversion Yields

With the implementation of China’s Green Fence Policy and the following National Sword Policy, there is a need to divert previously accepted waste materials away from the landfill. Mixed plastic and paper wastes that are too contaminated to be economically recycled can be used for conversion into fuels and products. The effect of common contaminants present in waste streams must be determined to make municipal solid waste (MSW) a viable alternative to agricultural feedstocks for conversion. In this study, MSW was sourced from a dual stream materials recovery facility (MRF) in Emmet County, Michigan and characterized via mass balance. The most common contaminants in mixed paper and plastic were quantified and targeted for decontamination when mixed paper was explored for low temperature conversion pathways and plastics for high temperature conversion pathways. Ink, stickies, and plastic contamination were sorted out of the mixed paper stream and did not have an impact on sugar yields during enzymatic hydrolysis (EH). Although no improvement in yield was found, it was noted that copy paper within the mixed paper stream had an elevated pH and higher concentration of fermentation inhibitors, suggesting that intrinsic properties of some paper types may not be ideal for EH and fermentation conversion. Dilute alkaline pretreatment and mechanical refining of mixed paper increased the EH yield of mixed paper, suggesting this previously established process could be used as a decontamination method. “Dirt” and particulates were washed from mixed plastic using either an aqueous detergent or a non-aqueous chemical washing method. Liquid oil yields were increased during microwave assisted fast pyrolysis. All decontamination techniques met the cost target of less than $30/dry ton with plastic decontamination ranging from $18.16 to $24.81/dry ton. Because dilute alkaline pre-treatment and mechanical refining is considered part of the conversion process, the decontamination cost during feedstock preprocessing was considered $0/dry ton.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS2004

Field Evaluation in Four NEEMO Divers of a Prototype In-suit Doppler Ultrasound Bubble Detector

It is desirable to know if astronauts produce venous gas emboli (VGE) as a result of their exposure to 4.3 psia during space walks. The current prototype in-suit Doppler (ISD) ultrasound bubble detector provides an objective assessment of decompression stress by monitoring for VGE. The NOAA Aquarius habitat and NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) series of dives provided an opportunity to assess the ability of the prototype ISDs to record venous blood flow and possibly detect VGE in the pulmonary artery. From July 16 to 29,2003, four aquanauts (two males and two females) donned the ISD for a 4 hr automated recording session, following excursion dives (up to 6hrs and 29 MSW below storage depth) from air saturation at 17 MSW. Doppler recordings for 32 excursion dives were collected. The recordings consisted of approximately 150 digital wave files. Each wave file contained 24 sec of recording for each min. A 1 - 4 Doppler Quality Score (DQS) was assigned to each wave file in 17 of the 32 records evaluated to date. A DQS of 1 indicates a poor flow signal and a score of 4 indicates an optimum signal. Only 23% of all wave files had DQSs considered adequate to detect low grade VGE (Spencer I-II). The distribution of DQS in 2,356 wave files is as follows: DQS 1-56%, DQS 2-21%, DQS 3-18% and DQS 4-5%. Six of the 17 records had false positive VGE (Spencer I-IV) detected in one or more wave files per dive record. The false positive VGE recordings are attributable to air entrainment associated with drinking (verified by control tests), and this observation is important as astronauts drink water during space walks. The current ISD design provides quality recordings only over a narrow range of chest anatomy.

Acock, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS2023

User Guide for TROPICS Data Products

This document provides information for using the data products available from the “Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats” (TROPICS) mission. The TROPICS mission will produce a range of data products that will be available at the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC). The data products will be produced at the TROPICS Data Processing Center (UW-M SSEC), and consist of Level-1 radiances (antenna and brightness temperatures), Level-2a unified resolution radiance, Level-2b Atmospheric Vertical Temperature Profiles (AVTP), Level-2b Atmospheric Vertical Moisture Profiles (AVMP), Level-2b Instantaneous Surface Rain Rate (ISRR), and Level-2b Tropical Cyclone (TC) intensity algorithms to estimate two primary variables: Minimum Sea Level Pressure (MSLP) and Maximum Sustained Winds (MSW). Two independent intensity estimation methods are included: 1) the Tropical Cyclone Intensity Estimate algorithm (TCIE) developed at the University of Wisconsin/CIMSS using native microwave brightness temperatures and 2) the Hurricane Intensity and Structure Algorithm (HISA) developed at Colorado State University/CIRA using microwave retrievals of temperature, moisture, and integrated quantities. In addition to MSW and MSLP, HISA also provides estimates of surface wind radii and 2D winds at standard pressure levels. TROPICS is adapting the NOAA STAR Microwave Integrated Retrieval System (MIRS) to retrieve the AVTP and AVMP data products. The ISRR algorithm uses the NASA Goddard Precipitation Retrieval and Profiling Scheme (PRPS).

TROPICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hydrothermal liquefaction for biomass

Catalyst composition and parameters for catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass to bio-oil fuels target municipal solid waste (MSW) rather than lignin rich plant waste typically sought for bio-oil production. An HTL (Hydrothermal Liquefaction) reactor generates bio-fuel from municipal solid waste (MSW), including receiving, in the HTL reactor, non-lignin based waste from a municipal processing stream, and adding a solvent for extracting sugars from green waste components of the municipal processing stream. The reactor extracts a liquid from the received waste, and converts water soluble products in the liquid into oil soluble products via C—C (carbon-to-carbon) coupling reactions. A catalyst added to the resulting aqueous stream recovers a beneficial oil product, and is optimized by tuning acid and base sites on the solid catalyst.

Timko, Michael T.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of sustainable waste management: An analysis of techno-economic and life cycle assessments of municipal solid waste sorting and decontamination

This study evaluates the economic and environmental feasibility of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) sorting and decontamination technologies across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Using Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the research assesses cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts, with a focus on cost variability analyzed through Monte Carlo simulations. Findings indicate significant cost differences based on population density: rural areas incur high costs up to $$764/ton due to low waste volumes and limited infrastructure, whereas suburban and urban areas have more feasible costs ranging from $36.3 to $142.5/ton. Environmental impacts also vary, with greenhouse gas emissions at 171 kg CO 2 eq/ton for copy paper and 118.6 kg CO 2 eq/ton for plastics. PM2.5 levels are 9.1 g/ton for copy paper and 6.3 g/ton for plastics, with sorting lines being the main contributors. Monte Carlo simulations reveal a 50% probability of costs being below $$102.26/ton for copy paper and $115.8/ton for plastics in suburban settings. Further, the study underscores the importance of customized waste management strategies to improve economic viability and sustainability based on local conditions.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Comparison of Select Thermochemical Conversion Options for Municipal Solid Waste to Energy

This document provides a comparison of several thermochemical conversion options for municipal solid waste (MSW) - combustion, gasification, and pyrolysis - across various metrics such as products, number of current projects in the United States, capital and O&M costs, job development potential, emissions, and incentives associated with each pathway, as well as other parameters, such as operational considerations, land requirements, and public perception.

BIOMASS FUELS,ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

DUNE atmospheric neutrinos: Earth tomography

In this paper we show that the DUNE experiment can measure the Earth’s density profile by analyzing atmospheric neutrino oscillations. The crucial feature that enables such measurement is the detailed event reconstruction capability of liquid argon time projection chambers. This allows for studying the sub-GeV atmospheric neutrino component, which bears a rich oscillation phenomenology, strongly dependent on the matter potential sourced by the Earth. We provide a pedagogical discussion of the MSW and parametric resonances and their role in measuring the core and mantle densities. By performing a detailed simulation, accounting for particle reconstruction at DUNE, nuclear physics effects relevant to neutrino-argon interactions and several uncertainties on the atmospheric neutrino flux, we manage to obtain a robust estimate of DUNE’s sensitivity to the Earth matter profile. We find that DUNE can measure the total mass of the Earth at 9.3% precision with an exposure of 400 kton-year. By accounting for previous measurements of the total mass and moment of inertia of the Earth, the core, lower mantle and upper mantle densities can be determined with 9%, 14% and 22% precision, respectively, for the same exposure. Finally, for a low exposure run of 60 kton-year, which would correspond to two far detectors running for three years, we have found that the core density could be measured by DUNE at ∼ 30% precision.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Lepton flavor asymmetries: from the early Universe to BBN

Large primordial lepton flavor asymmetries with almost vanishing total baryon-minus-lepton number can evade the usual BBN and CMB constraints if neutrino oscillations lead to perfect flavor equilibration. Solving the momentum averaged quantum kinetic equations (QKEs) describing neutrino oscillations and interactions, we perform the first systematic investigation of this scenario, uncovering a rich flavor structure in stark contradiction to the assumption of simple flavor equilibration. We find (i) a particular direction in flavor space, ∆ne ≃ – 2/3 (– 1)∆n μ for normal (inverted) neutrino mass hierarchy, in which the flavor equilibration is efficient and primordial asymmetries are essentially unconstrained, (ii) a minimal washout factor, ∆$n_{e}^{2}$| BBN ≤ 0.03 (0.016) ∑ α ∆$n_{α}^{2}$| ini yielding a conservative estimate for the allowed primordial asymmetries in a generic flavor direction, and (iii) particularly strong or weak washout if one of the initial flavor asymmetries vanishes due to non-adiabatic muon- or electron-driven MSW transitions. These results open up the possibility of a first-order QCD phase transition facilitated by large lepton asymmetries as well as baryogenesis from large and compensated ∆n e = ∆n μ asymmetries. Our systematic approach of deriving momentum averaged QKEs includes collision terms beyond the damping approximation, energy transfer between the neutrino and electron-photon plasma, and provides a fast and reliable way to investigate the impact of primordial lepton asymmetries at the time of BBN. We publicly release the Mathematica code COFLASY-M on https://github.com/mariofnavarro/COFLASY which solves the QKEs numerically.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗