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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 OSTI2024

Adoption Readiness Level Assessment of Redox Flow Batteries

Adoption readiness levels (ARLs) were developed by the Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) to holistically capture barriers to market adoption for a technology. The framework consists of 17 risk dimensions falling into 4 broad categories: Value Proposition, Market Acceptance, Resource Maturity, and License to Operate. OTT’s Commercial Adoption Readiness Assessment Tool (CARAT) can be used to evaluate a technology’s ARL. This work applies CARAT to redox flow batteries to evaluate the level of risk for this technology class across the 17 dimensions. Redox flow batteries were found to bear 1-2 high risk dimensions, 10-11 medium risk dimensions, 5 low risk dimensions, and scored an overall low readiness on the CARAT scoring scale (ranges reflect variation with flow battery chemistry). Herein, we describe the factors and evaluation across the dimensions leading to this score for redox flow batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Low Cost Electrochromic Film on Plastic for Net-Zero Energy Buildings

Over 4 Quads of energy are lost through windows annually. Passive coatings reduce wasted energy, but energy lost through windows would remain over 2 Quads with complete replacement of Low-E glass. Active control of transmitted light and solar heating with electrochromic (EC) windows can transform the efficiency of energy use within buildings, thereby reducing energy footprints and corresponding greenhouse emissions. High production, integration, and distribution cost limits adoption of current EC products. ITN aimed to utilize its proven heritage of efficiently transitioning technologies from rigid to flexible substrates employing roll-to-roll manufacturing to capture the emerging EC window market opportunity. The project focused on three main efforts (1) Transition Small Scale Prototypes To Limited 0.5 Meter Wide, Web Coater Production, (2) Satisfy Market Driven EC Performance Metrics on Plastic Substrates, and (3) Product Development and Commercialization. The overall goal was to substantially reduce investor risk to motivate private investment in a production facility to further transition and scale this promising technology. A 0.5 meter roll-to-roll web coater was designed, constructed, and commissioned at ITN to support EC development effort. With this tool, we were able to establish the feasibility of roll-to-roll production of EC devices. Individually layers were continuously produced at lengths up to 3 meters with good uniformity, both down web and cross web. Solid state devices were produced, and device performance was being enhanced through hardware modifications underway at the close of the project. When deployed in composite device structures, we were able to verify that individual layers were able to achieve a transmission range of 3-70% transmission average over the visible portion of the spectrum. Initial development of intelligent process controls led to verification of a 2-state controller employed during deposition of the electrochromic layer. The project also successfully increased device performance in line with market needs. Improved device materials provided increased transmission range to a 5-65% transmission over the visible spectrum and faster switching times for both small area batch parts and large area composite materials. We were able to demonstrate durable cycling over 10,000-20,000 cycles in a variety of architectures including suspended films in an IGU and films laminated to glass tested in open air representative of retrofit applications. Robust packaging techniques were identified and samples proved durable even in 40C and 100% relative humidity outside the IGU environment.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Deploying a New AI Software Tool for Rapid Characterization & Quantification of Unconventional Sources of Critical Minerals

Poster for the 2024 NETL Resource Sustainability Meeting. The poster presents a new project award by the Office of Technology Transitions to accelerate application and commercial utilization of an NETL-developed technology to rapidly characterize critical mineral occurrences within secondary and/or unconventional feedstocks, such as coal refuse or waste impoundments.

Creason, Christopher↗
DOE OSTI2019

An Exploration of Historical Transitions with Simple Analogies and Empirical Event Rates

Various qualitative models have been suggested for major historical social and technological transitions. Many of these transitions still have puzzling aspects such as the early transition from hunter-gatherer to agriculturally-based society which required dramatically increased effort. Another puzzle is the emergence of the scientific and industrial revolution in Europe despite many previous similar discoveries in other regions. Explorations of simple models with aggregate, dynamic, and nonlinear processes might lead to insights of the unique aspects of each transition. Topics include the transitions between hunter-gatherers, agricultural societies, early civilizations, market development, capitalism, industrialization, and sustainable societies with factors of land-pressures, economies of scale, suppressed growth, and chain reactions. Many types of models could be applied to these transitions. First, basic characteristics, such as width and midpoint of the transitions, are determined by analyzing historical events contributing to the transition. However, this does give much insight into the dynamics or parameters of the transition. For more understanding, each of six transitions is explored with a simple phenomenological model. In conclusion, these simplified models do not attempt to quantitatively address the details of the actual historical mechanisms Instead analogies to more natural systems are invoked to gain insights.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
NASA NTRS2011

Helical Face Gear Development Under the Enhanced Rotorcraft Drive System Program

U.S. Army goals for the Enhanced Rotorcraft Drive System Program are to achieve a 40 percent increase in horsepower to weight ratio, a 15 dB reduction in drive system generated noise, 30 percent reduction in drive system operating, support, and acquisition cost, and 75 percent automatic detection of critical mechanical component failures. Boeing s technology transition goals are that the operational endurance level of the helical face gearing and related split-torque designs be validated to a TRL 6, and that analytical and manufacturing tools be validated. Helical face gear technology is being developed in this project to augment, and transition into, a Boeing AH-64 Block III split-torque face gear main transmission stage, to yield increased power density and reduced noise. To date, helical face gear grinding development on Northstar s new face gear grinding machine and pattern-development tests at the NASA Glenn/U.S. Army Research Laboratory have been completed and are described.

Heath, Gregory F.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Energy I-Corps Electron Beam (EB) Potential for International Trade of Logs

The purpose of this document is to capture the potential from Fermilab’s “Team EB Treement” at the DOE Energy I-Corps program. Energy I-Corps, a key initiative of the Office of Technology Transitions, pairs teams of researchers with industry mentors for an intensive two-month training where the researchers define technology value propositions, conduct customer discovery interviews, and develop viable market pathways for their technologies. The team was composed prior to the Energy I-Corp program; however, the program was a catalyst for education and information exchange between the team members and stakeholders, customers, and regulators. These exchanges were captured in the evolution of a Business Model Canvas (BMC) and a Value Proposition (VP). The BMC and VP underwent numerous transformations based on feedback from the conversations between members of the team and forest or agriculture industry stakeholders and the program instructors.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Analysis Insights: The Key Role Analysis Plays in R&D

Over the last two decades, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been applying its analytical expertise to help guide and advance renewable energy technology research and development (R&D). Working shoulder-to-shoulder with world-class researchers - at NREL, other national laboratories, and universities - and industry partners, NREL analysts continue to search for answers to emerging energy challenges every day. Our objective methodologies and tools are now helping stakeholders assess and prioritize R&D efforts as fast as new innovative technologies transition from concept to commercial application. Throughout that journey, NREL's analyses highlight key technical barriers, compare tradeoffs among proposed technology development pathways, track progress toward performance and cost targets, and illuminate the impacts of proposed innovations. This edition of NREL's Analysis Insights takes a deeper look at the role analysis has played in guiding renewable energy innovation at our laboratory, and beyond. In doing so, the report substantiates what we have known for 20 years - that informed analyses must remain at the leading edge of future R&D efforts.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2013

SunLine Transit Agency Advanced Technology Fuel Cell Bus Evaluation: Fourth Results Report

SunLine Transit Agency, which provides public transit services to the Coachella Valley area of California, has demonstrated hydrogen and fuel cell bus technologies for more than 10 years. In May 2010, SunLine began demonstrating the advanced technology (AT) fuel cell bus with a hybrid electric propulsion system, fuel cell power system, and lithium-based hybrid batteries. This report describes operations at SunLine for the AT fuel cell bus and five compressed natural gas buses. The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is working with SunLine to evaluate the bus in real-world service to document the results and help determine the progress toward technology readiness. NREL has previously published three reports documenting the operation of the fuel cell bus in service. This report provides a summary of the results with a focus on the bus operation from February 2012 through November 2012.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

TRISO Spent Nuclear Fuel Recycling or Waste Reduction Using SRNL Vapor Digestion Technology – 25635

There is a renewed interest in advanced reactors, including high-temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGRs). Tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel is being used in many HTGR designs, whether as SMRs or microreactors. However, TRISO-based HTGRs discharge the largest volume of used fuel per megawatt-hour of energy produced compared to other reactors. An order of magnitude reduction or more in the volume of SNF could be realized if the TRISO particles were separated from the graphite moderator and the carbon dispositioned as LLW. The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) has a patented technology readiness level (TRL) 4/5 vapor digestion process for separating nuclear-grade graphite from HTGR SNF. The SRNL process is based on the reaction of NOx species with carbon to form CO2. Because NOx species are several orders of magnitude more reactive with graphite than oxygen, the process can operate at lower temperatures with uncrushed HTGR pebbles or prismatic blocks. Because the fuel elements do not need to be crushed and the graphite is digested using a vapor-based process, the potential for damaging the TRISO particles is much reduced. The DOE Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) is funding SRNL and the University of South Carolina at Columbia to close certain gaps that exist within the technology which impede its direct application to the processing of commercial TRISO-based SNF coming from HTGR advanced reactors.

Pierce, Robert [Savannah River National Laboratory↗
NASA NTRS2014

Transforming the "Valley of Death" into a "Valley of Opportunity"

Transitioning technology from research to operations (23 R2O) is difficult. The problem's importance is exemplified in the literature and in every failed attempt to do so. Although the R2O gap is often called the "valley of death", a recent a Space Weather editorial called it a "Valley of Opportunity". There are significant opportunities for space weather organizations to learn from the terrestrial experience. Dedicated R2O organizations like those of the various NOAA testbeds and collaborative "proving ground" projects take common approaches to improving terrestrial weather forecasting through the early transition of research capabilities into the operational environment. Here we present experience-proven principles for the establishment and operation of similar space weather organizations, public or private. These principles were developed and currently being demonstrated by NASA at the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) and the Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center. The AMU was established in 1991 jointly by NASA, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide tools and techniques for improving weather support to the Space Shuttle Program (Madura et al., 2011). The primary customers were the USAF 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS) and the NWS Spaceflight Meteorology Group (SMG who provided the weather observing and forecast support for Shuttle operations). SPoRT was established in 2002 to transition NASA satellite and remote-sensing technology to the NWS. The continuing success of these organizations suggests the common principles guiding them may be valuable for similar endeavors in the space weather arena.

Jedlovec, Gary J.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Technology Directions for the 21st Century, volume 1

For several decades, semiconductor device density and performance have been doubling about every 18 months (Moore's Law). With present photolithography techniques, this rate can continue for only about another 10 years. Continued improvement will need to rely on newer technologies. Transition from the current micron range for transistor size to the nanometer range will permit Moore's Law to operate well beyond 10 years. The technologies that will enable this extension include: single-electron transistors; quantum well devices; spin transistors; and nanotechnology and molecular engineering. Continuation of Moore's Law will rely on huge capital investments for manufacture as well as on new technologies. Much will depend on the fortunes of Intel, the premier chip manufacturer, which, in turn, depend on the development of mass-market applications and volume sales for chips of higher and higher density. The technology drivers are seen by different forecasters to include video/multimedia applications, digital signal processing, and business automation. Moore's Law will affect NASA in the areas of communications and space technology by reducing size and power requirements for data processing and data fusion functions to be performed onboard spacecraft. In addition, NASA will have the opportunity to be a pioneering contributor to nanotechnology research without incurring huge expenses.

Crimi, Giles F.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Final Report For Project TCF-18-15778

This report documents work performed under the Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF-18-15778, Used (spent) nuclear fuel management and analysis tool) award provided by the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT). This report describes various Used Nuclear Fuel-Storage, Transportation & Disposal Analysis Resource and Data System (UNF-ST&DARDS) enhancements to advance the technology readiness level (TRL). The principal work performed under TCF is the integration of the initial dry storage loading optimization algorithm into UNF-ST&DARDS.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS2009

Research to Operations: The Critical Transition

Space Life Sciences Directorate (SLSD) specializes in transitioning technology and knowledge to medical operations. This activity encompasses funding a spectrum of research and technology efforts, such as understanding fundamental biological mechanisms altered by microgravity and executing technology watches for state of the art diagnostic imaging equipment. This broad spectrum approach to fulfilling the need to protect crewmember health and performance during long and short duration missions to the International Space Station, moon and Mars is made possible by having a line of site between research and operations. Currently, SLSD's line of site is articulated in a transition to medical practice (TMP) process. This process is designed to shepherd information and knowledge gained through fundamental and mechanistic research toward the development of an operational solution such as a pre-flight selection criteria; an in-flight countermeasure, monitoring capability or treatment; or a post-flight reconditioning program. The TMP process is also designed to assist with the customization of mature hardware or technology for NASA specific use. The benefits of this process are that the concept of operational usability is interjected early in the research, design, or acquisition phase, and stakeholders are involved early to identify requirements and also periodically asked to assess requirements compliance of research or technology development project. Currently a device known as the actiwatch is being assessed for the final transition to operational use. Specific examples of research to operations transition success help to illustrate the process and bolster communication between the research and medical operations communities.

Fogarty, Jennifer A.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Integrated assessment modeling of a zero-emissions global transportation sector

Currently responsible for over one fifth of carbon emissions worldwide, the transportation sector will need to undergo a substantial technological transition to ensure compatibility with global climate goals. Few studies have modeled strategies to achieve zero emissions across all transportation modes, including aviation and shipping, alongside an integrated analysis of feedbacks on other sectors and environmental systems. Here, we use a global integrated assessment model to evaluate deep decarbonization scenarios for the transportation sector consistent with maintaining end-of-century warming below 1.5 °C, considering varied timelines for fossil fuel phase-out and implementation of advanced alternative technologies. We highlight the leading low carbon technologies for each transportation mode, finding that electrification contributes most to decarbonization across the sector. Biofuels and hydrogen are particularly important for aviation and shipping. Our most ambitious scenario eliminates transportation emissions by mid-century, contributing substantially to achieving climate targets but requiring rapid technological shifts with integrated impacts on fuel demands and availability and upstream energy transitions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Energy I-Corps Annual Report 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions is pleased to provide an update on the Energy I-Corps program. Now in its eighth year, Energy I-Corps delivers workforce development training and funding support to accelerate clean energy technology commercialization. As of November 2023, 215 teams from 12 National Labs have participated in Energy I-Corps over the course of 17 cohorts and the pilot. More than 20 teams have launched new businesses based on their Energy I-Corps technology. Post Energy I-Corps, technologies have attracted more than $177 million in post-program funding and executed 78 licenses.

commercialization↗
DOE OSTI2024

Energy I-Corps Annual Report 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions is pleased to provide an update on the Energy I-Corps program. Now in its ninth year, Energy I-Corps delivers workforce development training and funding support to accelerate clean energy technology commercialization. As of November 2024, 243 teams from 13 National Labs have participated in Energy I-Corps over the course of 19 cohorts and the pilot. Post Energy I-Corps, technologies have attracted more than $197 million in post-program funding and executed 85 licenses.

commercialization↗
DOE OSTI2026

Energy-Transit Nexus Tools for Bus Fleet Electrification (NEXTBUS)

NEXTBUS is an open-source software project that integrates NLR's bus energy modeling and simulation tools with multi-objective optimization for fleet operations. NLR is collaborating with a transit technology startup, ReVolt, to commercialize these capabilities by deploying NEXTBUS in ReVolt's software platform. The goal is to manage the added complexities of running a heterogeneous fleet, encompassing battery electric and diesel buses, across a large, multi-depot transit network.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗