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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Nanochannel structures in W enhance radiation tolerance

Developing high performance plasma facing materials (PFMs) is one of the greatest challenges for fusion reactors, because PFMs face unprecedented harsh environments including high flux plasma exposure, fast neutron irradiation and large transmutation gas. Tungsten (W) is considered as one of the most promising PFMs. Rapid accumulation of helium (He) atoms in such environments can lead to the He bubbles nucleation and even the formation of nano- to micro-scale “fuzz” on W surface, which greatly degrade the properties of W itself. The possible ejection of large W particulates into the core plasma can cause plasma instabilities. In this paper, we present a new strategy to address the root causes of bubble nucleation and “fuzz” formation by concurrently releasing He outside of W matrix through the nano-engineered channel structure (nanochannels). Comparing to ordinary bulk W, nanochannel W films with high surface-to-volume ratios are found to not only delay the growth of He bubbles, but also suppress the formation of “fuzz” (less than a half of the “fuzz” thickness formation in bulk W). Finally, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation results elucidate that low vacancy formation energy and high He binding energy in the nanochannel surface effectively help He release and affect He clusters distribution in W during He ion irradiation.

"fuzz"↗
DOE OSTI2018

Development of predictive capability of cycle-to-cycle variation in dual-fuel engines using supercomputing-based computational fluid dynamics

Cycle-to-cycle variation (CCV) in internal combustion engines is expected due to variabilities in operating conditions such as in-cylinder fuel stratification, mixing behavior, manifold air pressure, injection timing etc. Generally, engine experimental studies provide averaged quantities such as cylinder pressure, emissions, indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) from multiple cycles and their CCV of IMEP, and CCV of cylinder pressure from consecutive cycles for a given test condition. Capturing 3D spatial distributions of relevant measures such as fuel-air mixing, temperature, turbulence levels and emissions from such experiments is challenging. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is an alternative to experiments, that can be used effectively to understand the spatial and temporal distributions of parameters of interest.Quantitative understanding of CCV in dual-fuel (DF) engines will accelerate the development and deployment of engines that provide fuel flexibility, economic advantage and emission compliance. Earlier work [1] performed to develop an understanding of the physics of CCV in large-bore, medium-speed, dual-fuel engines was partially successful. That effort entailed a sparse design of experiment (DOE) of full-cylinder geometry, closed-cycle, dual-fuel CFD simulations in which variabilities within some of the identified global parameters were exercised. The Coefficient of Variation (COV) of cylinder pressure was promising compared with experimental COV. This reinforced the understanding of which global parameters are significant contributors to CCV in DF combustion.The authors have used several high-performance supercomputing facilities in the process of developing predicting capability of CCV in large-bore engines, while operating in dual-fuel, diesel and natural gas (NG), combustion mode [1, 2]. In the current study CCV influencing parameters in a diesel-natural gas dual-fuel engine was studied using a 4th order DOE consisting of 137 concurrent cases. These full-geometry, closed-cycle, CFD simulations were run on the Mira supercomputing facility at the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). This paper describes key learnings of that study along with a validation of the DOE. Further, the CCV prediction methodology, which is applicable to simulation-based design and testing, is described.

Gubba, Sreenivasa Rao↗
DOE OSTI2022

In-situ optical monitoring of gas turbine blade coatings under operational extreme environments

High temperature material systems consisting of thermal barrier coatings and the underlying superalloys are key to achieving higher gas temperatures which in turn control engine efficiencies and reduce emissions. With engine temperatures in excess of the limits that metallic blades and vanes can endure, advanced monitoring techniques that ensure the integrity and durability of these coatings are paramount to continuous and safe operation. Optical methods have the benefit of being non-invasive and are able to capture data under limited access available for monitoring the hot-section of turbines. Addressing Topic 5 on Advanced Instrumentation, the research and development effort for this project titled “In situ optical monitoring of gas turbine blade coatings under operational extreme environments” was completed by University of Central Florida researchers, including Raghavan (PI) and Ghosh (co-PI). In this project, the research team leveraged intrinsic properties of coatings and rare-earth dopants as active and intelligent “sensors” through their optical properties. The outcomes of this project pave the way for diagnostics of turbine blade coatings, under operating environments, through the development of the sensing thermal barrier coating configurations, calibration and associated instrumentation while ensuring coating integrity and durability goals are concurrently met.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

COMPOSE-HPC: Software Composition for Extreme Scale Computational Science and Engineering

Software composition is an important aspect of computational science software engineering due to large scale production science codes involving multiple programming languages, execution and concurrency models. To date, programmers must manage the complexity of building and maintaining such systems largely by hand with minimal (if any) automated assistance. As such, a great deal of programmer time is spent generating and maintaining code which leads to a high maintenance and development cost, as well as an increased risk of errors being introduced by hand than would be expected in an automated system. COMPOSE-HPC was a multi-institutional effort, with the Galois contribution focused on a specific area of code analysis and software infrastructure. Specifically, Galois led the design and implementation for the Parser for Annotations in a User-specified Language (PAUL), as well as collaborating with SNL and LLNL on the Retargetable Open Transformation Engine (ROTE). Both components were built on top of the ROSE compiler infrastructure from LLNL. All artifacts developed under the COMPOSE-HPC program are available on the github.com and sourceforge.net open source hosting sites under permissive BSD3 software licenses.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2013

Modeling of Some Physical Properties of Zirconium Alloys for Nuclear Applications in Support of UFD Campaign

Zirconium-based alloys Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4 are widely used in the nuclear industry as cladding materials for light water reactor (LWR) fuels. These materials display a very good combination of properties such as low neutron absorption, creep behavior, stress-corrosion cracking resistance, reduced hydrogen uptake, corrosion and/or oxidation, especially in the case of Zircaloy-4. However, over the last couple of years, in the post-Fukushima Daiichi world, energetic efforts have been undertaken to improve fuel clad oxidation resistance during off-normal temperature excursions. Efforts have also been made to improve upon the already achieved levels of mechanical behavior and reduce hydrogen uptake. In order to facilitate the development of such novel materials, it is very important to achieve not only engineering control, but also a scientific understanding of the underlying material degradation mechanisms, both in working conditions and in storage of used nuclear fuel. This report strives to contribute to these efforts by constructing the thermodynamic models of both alloys; constructing of the respective phase diagrams, and oxidation mechanisms. A special emphasis was placed upon the role of zirconium suboxides in hydrogen uptake reduction and the atomic mechanisms of oxidation. To that end, computational thermodynamics calculations were conducted concurrently with first-principles atomistic modeling.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Continuous integration for concurrent MOOSE framework and application development on GitHub

For the past several years, Idaho National Laboratory’s MOOSE framework team has employed modern software engineering techniques (continuous integration, joint application/framework source code repos- itories, automated regression testing, etc.) in developing closed-source multiphysics simulation software (Gaston et al., Journal of Open Research Software vol. 2, article e10, 2014). In March 2014, the MOOSE framework was released under an open source license on GitHub, significantly expanding and diversifying the pool of current active and potential future contributors on the project. Despite this recent growth, the same philosophy of concurrent framework and application development continues to guide the project’s development roadmap. Several specific practices, including techniques for managing multiple repositories, conducting automated regression testing, and implementing a cascading build process are discussed in this short paper. Furthermore, special attention is given to describing the manner in which these practices naturally synergize with the GitHub API and GitHub-specific features such as issue tracking, Pull Requests, and project forks.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Task Order 22 – Engineering and Technical Support, Deep Borehole Field Test. AREVA Summary Review Report

Under Task Order 22 of the industry Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) Contract to the Department of Energy (DOE) DE-NE0000291, AREVA has been tasked with providing assistance with engineering, analysis, cost estimating, and design support of a system for disposal of radioactive wastes in deep boreholes (without the use of radioactive waste). As part of this task order, AREVA was requested, through a letter of technical direction, to evaluate Sandia National Laboratory’s (SNL’s) waste package borehole emplacement system concept recommendation using input from DOE and SNL. This summary review report (SRR) documents this evaluation, with its focus on the primary input document titled: “Deep Borehole Field Test Specifications/M2FT-15SN0817091” Rev. 1 [1], hereafter referred to as the “M2 report.” The M2 report focuses on the conceptual design development for the Deep Borehole Field Test (DBFT), mainly the test waste packages (WPs) and the system for demonstrating emplacement and retrieval of those packages in the Field Test Borehole (FTB). This SRR follows the same outline as the M2 report, which allows for easy correlation between AREVA’s review comments, discussion, potential proposed alternatives, and path forward with information established in the M2 report. AREVA’s assessment focused on three primary elements of the M2 report: the conceptual design of the WPs proposed for deep borehole disposal (DBD), the mode of emplacement of the WP into DBD, and the conceptual design of the DBFT. AREVA concurs with the M2 report’s selection of the wireline emplacement mode specifically over the drill-string emplacement mode and generically over alternative emplacement modes. Table 5-1 of this SRR compares the pros and cons of each emplacement mode considered viable for DBD. The primary positive characteristics of the wireline emplacement mode include: (1) considered a mature technology; (2) operations are relatively simple; (3) probability of a radiological release due to off-normal events are relatively low; (4) costs are relatively low; and (5) maintenance activities are relatively simple. The primary drawback associated with the wireline emplacement mode for DBD is the number of emplacement trips-in to the borehole, which results in a relatively higher probability for a drop event. Fortunately, the WPs can be engineered with impact limiters that will minimize the likelihood of a breach of the WP due to a drop. The WP designs presented in the M2 report appear to be focused on compatibility with the drill-string emplacement mode (e.g., the threaded connections). With the recommendation that the wireline emplacement mode be utilized for the DBFT, some changes may be warranted to these WPs. For example, the development of a WP release connection that is more reliable than the currently credited connection, which is considered to have a high failure probability, and the integration of an impact limiter into its design. The M2 report states the engineering demonstration of the DBFT will occur in the FTB over a 4-year period. AREVA recommends development and testing of the WP emplacement handling equipment occur separately (but concurrently, if not earlier) from the FTB at a mock-up facility. The separation of this activity would prevent schedule interference between the science and engineering thrusts of the project. Performing tests in a mock-up facility would allow additional control and observation compared to the FTB. The mock-up facility could also be utilized as a training facility for future operations. Terminal velocity and impact limiter testing would require the FTB for testing, since these areas would be difficult to reproduce in a limited depth mock-up. Although only at the end of the conceptual stage of design development, DBD appears to be a viable solution for some waste forms produced by the nuclear industry. However, regulatory requirements have yet to be established for pre- and post-closure performance of DBD and should be established as soon as possible. Some of the main areas of focus from a regulatory perspective include: (1) establishing acceptable performance requirements for the long-term behavior of DBD; (2) determining acceptable borehole abandonment criteria; (3) establishing retrievability requirements; (4) developing a consensus on the factor of safety (FoS) for the emplacement mode and WP; and (5) establishing safety and safeguards performance requirements for DBD. Although conservative requirements have been utilized to provide the foundation for the conceptual design of DBD, regulatory requirements and feedback are necessary to confirm recommendations made herein and to ensure the long-term performance of DBD is acceptable. The combination of the M2 report and this SRR is intended to facilitate the completion of the conceptual design for DBD for the Cs and Sr capsules and calcined waste forms. Using the conceptual design, preliminary design activities (the second stage of a three-stage process described in the M2 report) can proceed and the DBFT utilized to support, demonstrate, and confirm engineering elements of this design.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Using Novosphingobium aromaticivorans for Concurrent Production of Intracellular and Extracellular Products from Aromatics Extracted from Poplar Biomass

Achieving high biochemical production in biotransformations of renewable resources requires using concentrated cultures that not only generate the product of interest but also produce abundant microbial cell waste. We explored the concept of gaining value from microbial cells by producing intracellular products in tandem with a desired extracellular product. Specifically, we engineered a strain ofNovosphingobium aromaticivorans to extracellularly produce 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) from aromatic substrates and to intracellularly accumulate astaxanthin along with coenzyme Q 10 , all of which are products of industrial interest. Achieving the goal of concurrent production of intracellular and extracellular products required the creative application of bioreactor engineering principles. Although a continuously fed membrane bioreactor (MBR) maximized extracellular product biosynthesis, it had a negative effect on intracellular product accumulation. However, operating the MBR as a sequencing batch reactor (MBR-SBR) with a step-feed resulted in stable concurrent production of both extracellular and intracellular products. With aromatics extracted from poplar biomass, we achieved productivities of 1.14 g of PDC/L-h for the extracellular product and 0.04 mg of astaxanthin/L-h and 0.64 mg of CoQ 10 /L-h for intracellular products, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that the mode of operation of a bioreactor impacts the simultaneous production of intracellular and extracellular products byN. aromaticivorans.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Technical/ administrative options for managing tritium MCL exceedances in P-area groundwater and Steel Creek

This white paper was requested by the Core Team (United States Department of Energy [USDOE], United States Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA], and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control [SCDHEC]) at the P-Area Groundwater (PAGW) Operable Unit (OU) Scoping Meeting held in January 2017 to discuss recent data and potential alternatives in support of a focused Corrective Measures Study/Feasibility Study (CMS/FS). This white paper presents an overview of the problem, and a range of technical and administrative options for addressing the tritium contamination in groundwater and Steel Creek. As tritium cannot be treated practicably, alternatives are limited to media transfer, containment and natural attenuation principally relying on radioactive decay. Using other groundwater OU decisions involving tritium as precedent, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recommends that final tritium alternatives be evaluated in a CMS/FS, understanding that the likely preferred remedy will include natural attenuation with land use controls (LUCs). This is based on the inability to significantly reduce tritium impact to Steel Creek using an engineered solution as compared to natural attenuation. The timing of this evaluation could be conducted concurrently with the final remedy evaluation for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Special Considerations for the Removal and Disposal of Micro-Reactor Experiments

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is preparing to host several microreactor experiments through 2030 and beyond. Two new test beds currently under development will operate as microreactor or nuclear system experiment user facilities. Test bed experiments will be performed in series, with each nuclear experiment installed, operated, and removed before installation of the subsequent experiment. The necessarily brief transition period between experiments introduces unique equipment removal and radioactive waste disposal challenges. This paper evaluates equipment removal and radioactive waste management topics associated with tight sequencing of nuclear experiments and presents some of the solutions and approaches currently planned to meet these special considerations for one such experiment, the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE), slated for operation at INL’s Laboratory for Operation and Testing in the United States (LOTUS). The MCRE project is a collaboration between Southern Company Services, TerraPower, and INL, among others, to provide integral nuclear data that will advance molten salt fast reactor technology. MCRE will be the first critical fast-spectrum circulating fuel system ever operated and the first experiment operated in the LOTUS test bed. The experiment will nominally operate at zero power with planned low power excursions as part of operational planning for MCRE has been to minimize at-power operations to limit fission product formation while still achieving experimental objectives. After the experiment is complete, MCRE will be allowed to radioactively decay for a short period (nominally 90 days) prior to system defueling, flushing, removal, and disposal of all MCRE equipment, readying the test bed for the next nuclear experiment. Equipment removal and radioactive waste disposal have been integral to MCRE project planning since the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement was formalized in 2021. Due to requirements for future use of the test bed, the MCRE system, of necessity, must be removed in a much shorter time frame than typical for historic reactor decommissioning projects at INL. This results in minimal time for radioactive decay, resulting in not only elevated radiation dose rates but also the presence of short-to-medium-lived isotopes not typically encountered in the reactor decommissioning and radioactive waste management space. Additional unique constraints placed on the project include lack of intrinsic remote-operations capabilities in the test bed, space constraints in the test bed once MCRE has been installed, and contamination minimization requirements to return the test bed to as-found conditions to enable future use. This paper discusses planned solutions to these challenges. Approaches for implementing remote or semi-remote technologies in a non-hot cell environment with limited space availability are discussed. The paper also summarizes the systems engineering approach for concept development and design of equipment removal systems, which are being implemented concurrent with the MCRE design phase, providing feedback to system designers to incorporate features enabling efficient and safe equipment removal approaches. The timing of this paper at a relatively early phase of the project is meant to highlight the importance of early planning for nuclear system decommissioning while reactor design is ongoing to allow design feedback on componentry driven from decommissioning system needs. As new, innovative nuclear reactor technologies enter the nuclear market sector, reactor experiments are crucial for providing new integral nuclear data that establish safe operational margins for technology advancement. Microreactor experiments at INL will require safe, effective, and timely decommissioning approaches, which in turn require nuclear systems designed to expedite decommissioning. In addition to the advancement of nuclear reactor technologies, these nuclear experiments provide an opportunity to demonstrate, deploy, and test new removal and disposal capabilities to support the next generation of nuclear reactor technology.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

The existence and impact of persistent ferroelectric domains in MAPbI 3

Methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI 3 ) exhibits exceptional photovoltaic performance, but there remains substantial controversy over the existence and impact of ferroelectricity on the photovoltaic response. We confirm ferroelectricity in MAPbI 3 single crystals and demonstrate mediation of the electronic response by ferroelectric domain engineering. The ferroelectric response sharply declines above 57°C, consistent with the tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition. Concurrent band excitation piezoresponse force microscopy–contact Kelvin probe force microscopy shows that the measured response is not dominated by spurious electrostatic interactions. Large signal poling (>16 V/cm) orients the permanent polarization into large domains, which show stabilization over weeks. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy results indicate a shift of 400 meV in the binding energy of the iodine core level peaks upon poling, which is reflected in the carrier concentration results from scanning microwave impedance microscopy. As a result, the ability to control the ferroelectric response provides routes to increase device stability and photovoltaic performance through domain engineering.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Recent Advances in Picochlorum renovo Strain Development

Microalgae are amongst the most efficient phototrophs for the reduction of CO2 to industrially relevant products and product intermediates. We have recently identified a novel species in the genus Picochlorum (Picochlorum renovo) that demonstrates high areal productivity (>30 g/m2/day), high temperature and salinity tolerances, and rapid growth rate (-2 hour doubling time): attributes essential for economically viable industrial scale deployment for low value commodities (e.g. fuel and chemical precursors). Following screening of >300 algal isolates to identify Picochlorum renovo, we developed baseline genetic tools necessary for genetic engineering of the nucleus and chloroplast, and further built upon these tools to establish a protein secretion system. We have also deployed genetic engineering tools to establish the utilization of phosphite as a selectable marker in the chloroplast and nuclear genomes, while concurrently acting as a potential crop protection strategy. We have further implemented these tools to enable the utilization of formate as a novel carbon source for phototroph cultivation. Explicitly, formate toxicity was assayed, followed by introduction of a formate dehydrogenase to allow formate utilization. Cultures supplemented with formate grew to a higher density when cultivated under ambient CO2, highlighting the potential for this strategy to increase growth. Additionally, we have established a synthetic transcription factor and core promoter system which lays the foundation for tunable, high expression engineering in the nuclear genome, and potentially can be applied for universal algal genetic engineering. Finally, current work has focused on direct photosynthetic production of chemicals, and generation of mutant libraries. Combined, our work has established a robust genetic toolbox for Picochlorum renovo, which we have deployed for strain development purposes to introduce biotechnologically relevant traits.

algae↗
DOE OSTI2022

Subscale maturation of advanced reactor technologies (SMART): A path forward for nuclear thermal propulsion fuel and reactor development

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) systems are actively being developed for future crewed missions to Mars. NTP systems excel in missions where both high thrust and high specific impulse are required, but modern NTP systems currently do not have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) high enough for use in crewed space exploration. TRLs are used to demonstrate the level of rigor with which a component/system has been tested/demonstrated for its intended use. While space systems technology in general must be qualified as a unit, nuclear technology must be first demonstrated to meet qualification level requirements both at the fuel (component) level and the reactor (subsystem) level. Here, in this paper, historic NTP development programs are surveyed to identify a testing and development strategy that can be effectively implemented to allow for NTP reactor development. Based on this strategy, required facilities to enable such activities are identified. Current domestic experimental capabilities to support NTP qualification are limited to separate effects testing of individual components. Separate effects testing is found extensively in historic NTP development efforts but is not sufficient for full fuel and reactor qualification. Combined effects testing allows for an accurate assessment of fuel performance but is not achievable for NTP conditions in existing facilities. Assessment of historic development programs suggests that an intermediate, subscale test facility is necessary to advance NTP TRLs. A solution to meet this need is proposed, namely the Subscale Maturation of Advanced Reactor Technologies (SMART) facility. SMART will mitigate risk to NTP development by enabling performance and reactor physics demonstrations of NTP subsystems. A SMART facility could be built by modifying existing nuclear test facilities, which may potentially enable schedule and cost savings. To pursue reactor qualification beyond the subscale, a new ground test facility will be necessary. This ground test facility should be developed concurrently with SMART to allow for the facility to be operational in time for expedited NTP engine demonstration.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Persistent Elevated Soot Emissions Induced by Clustered Stochastic Preignition Events

Stochastic Preignition (SPI) is an abnormal combustion phenomenon that can occur in spark-ignition engines particularly under high-load operation. SPI is characterized by uncontrolled initiation of combustion prior to spark discharge, an abnormal combustion process that can lead to severe knock events and significant engine damage. SPI has been associated with fuel properties, lubricant composition, and engine design and operation. Here, in this work, a single-cylinder test engine with a dry-sump oil system was utilized to study the SPI response of E10 and E25 fuels with a range of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). An automated test procedure was employed, consisting of ten square-waved load profile segments, with each segment composed of 5 min of low-load operation followed by 25 min of sustained high-load operation. These tests were replicated across multiple days of testing including a lubricant triple flush between tests, and an online Fuel in Oil diagnostic measurement. Exhaust particulate emissions were continuously measured by an AVL microsoot sensor (MSS). Elevated particulate matter emissions were observed to occur concurrently with SPI events as blooms of soot. Particularly after clustered events (i.e., multiple SPI cycles occurring within 10 consecutive engine cycles), high soot emissions were observed to persist over several days of sequential operation despite daily lubricant changes, a complete warm-up procedure, and sustained low-load operation between test segments. This result implies that the particulate emissions trends may be dominated by deposit-based effects, where higher load operation is needed to alter deposition and formation processes. The observed soot blooms were also found to correspond to a reduction in the engine fueling and the fuel engine oil dilution rate despite the engine exhaust remaining at stoichiometric exhaust operation. These observations suggest that post-SPI events, pathways for lubricant migration and consumption into the combustion chamber may occur until these pathways are closed from deposit formation or ring dynamics during extended operation. These observed sooting propensity persisted with all fuels tests, but a linear correlation was observed between the summation of soot and particulate matter index (PMI) value for each fuel as well as SPI events, proving that PMI is a crucial fuel property for reducing SPI.

Splitter, Derek [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗
DOE OSTI2025

JUSTIFI: Software for Improving Performance Objectives via Energy Efficiency

With growing energy supply concerns and rising costs, energy efficiency is a critical component of industrial energy resilience and competitiveness by directly reducing energy operating costs. Energy efficiency projects in manufacturing also yield valuable benefits to other key metrics, such as improved quality, reduced maintenance costs, improved safety, decreased pollution, and enhanced productivity. However, it is difficult to receive approval for energy efficiency projects, so implementation rates are low, even when meeting capital project payback period criteria. The inclusion and quantification of non-energy benefits (NEBs) in the decision-making process for energy efficiency projects can improve the overall financial payback period while demonstrating a positive impact on the firm's key performance metrics and business strategy. Despite their significant financial and strategic value, NEBs are rarely factored into decision-making due to lack of tools to effectively identify and quantify them. Therefore, a comprehensive and integrative approach is needed for the rapidly evolving energy landscape. To address these challenges, through funding from U.S. Department of Energy, our new assessment methodology integrates common continuous improvement six sigma concepts, such as the DMAIC process, and a protocol of guiding questions, into energy efficiency assessments to identify NEBs. We have also developed open-source software, JUSTIFI, to guide users through this process, data collection, and quantification. It is designed to be used concurrently with DOE energy system analysis software suite, MEASUR. Our methodology and tools inform energy assessors, firm engineering, decision makers, and workforce seeking to increase energy resilience and to maximize benefits aligned with performance metrics.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

JUSTIFI: Software for Improving Performance Objectives via Energy Efficiency

With growing energy supply concerns and rising costs, energy efficiency is a critical component of industrial energy resilience and competitiveness by directly reducing energy operating costs. Energy efficiency projects in manufacturing also yield valuable benefits to other key metrics, such as improved quality, reduced maintenance costs, improved safety, decreased pollution, and enhanced productivity. However, it is difficult to receive approval for energy efficiency projects, so implementation rates are low, even when meeting capital project payback period criteria. The inclusion and quantification of non-energy benefits (NEBs) in the decision-making process for energy efficiency projects can improve the overall financial payback period while demonstrating a positive impact on the firm's key performance metrics and business strategy. Despite their significant financial and strategic value, NEBs are rarely factored into decision-making due to lack of tools to effectively identify and quantify them. Therefore, a comprehensive and integrative approach is needed for the rapidly evolving energy landscape. To address these challenges, through funding from U.S. Department of Energy, our new assessment methodology integrates common continuous improvement six sigma concepts, such as the DMAIC process, and a protocol of guiding questions, into energy efficiency assessments to identify NEBs. We have also developed open-source software, JUSTIFI, to guide users through this process, data collection, and quantification. It is designed to be used concurrently with DOE energy system analysis software suite, MEASUR. Our methodology and tools inform energy assessors, firm engineering, decision makers, and workforce seeking to increase energy resilience and to maximize benefits aligned with performance metrics.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗