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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 OSTI2020

Grid-Enhanced, Mobility-Integrated Network Infrastructures for Extreme Fast Charging (GEMINI-XFC)

Increasing vehicle electrification will require extensive use of extreme fast charging (XFC), especially for larger vehicles. Uncoordinated XFC can create grid challenges, particularly at the distribution level. Two strategies can support widespread XFC: gold-plate the grid (i.e., upgrade all systems to enable worst-case, fully coincident loads) or use integrated planning to codesign a smart system based on advanced controls that leverage load flexibility and distributed energy resources. With the right design and control, XFC can simultaneously support both mobility and grid operations. Fully realizing the potential of XFC, however, will require unprecedented coordination among the charging infrastructure, grid, and vehicles. GEMINI-XFC combines high-fidelity grid and transport modeling at an unprecedented level of resolution and codesigns a smart system based on advanced controls that leverage load flexibility and distributed energy resources to optimize the integration of extreme fast charging (XFC) across a full regional scale with individual customer resolution.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Building Blocks of Electric Vehicle Deployment: A Guide for Developing Countries

Countries can use electric transportation to help fulfill numerous goals, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets, local air quality goals, mobility objectives, energy security, and transportation resiliency. Vehicle electrification is a promising pathway to achieving clean energy transitions in the transport sector at scale. As vehicles electrify, the traditionally siloed electricity and transport sectors increasingly converge to create technical, institutional, and economic opportunities and challenges. To navigate this transition effectively, we propose the following foundational pillars or “building blocks” that undergird effective electric vehicle (EV) deployment. Jurisdictions with experience and mature EV markets offer useful lessons learned that may enable developing countries to leapfrog over common roadblocks. Nonetheless, developing countries face distinct challenges collectively, and individually, from developed countries that require careful consideration. From our work around the world, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have witnessed interest growing in EVs for a variety of reasons. Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), for example, looks toward EVs as a way to use their surplus of hydropower to displace expensive oil. Thailand and Pakistan seek economic development opportunities in EV manufacturing. Cities including Mexico City, Surat, India, and Kingston, Jamaica see the potential of bus electrification to improve local air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Many USAID partner countries in Southeast Asia are trying to understand how to reach ambitious EV deployment targets and implement EV and transportation plans. This pursuit is prompting questions about EV supply equipment (EVSE) standards, tariff design, and business models that affirm the importance of the building blocks outlined in this report.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

Comprehensive Approach to Measure the Mobility Energy Productivity of Freight Transport

Freight travel accounts for a major share of the energy consumed in the transportation sector in any country, and the United States is no exception. Understanding and modeling freight movement are critical, particularly in the context of capturing the impact of emerging technologies on freight travel and its externalities. The domain of freight modeling and forecasting has been gaining pace in recent years, but advancement in comprehensive freight performance metrics is still lagging. Conventional freight performance metrics such as truck-miles, ton-miles, or value-miles are unidimensional and aggregate in nature, making them unsuitable to accurately capture the impact of emerging transportation trends on the performance or productivity of freight systems. Addressing the research need, this paper presents the “Freight Mobility Energy Productivity” metric to quantify freight productivity of current as well as future freight systems, accounting for various costs associated with freight transport. The proposed metric was implemented using data from the Freight Analysis Framework along with other published sources, and shows intuitive results in quantifying freight productivity. Further, a scenario analysis exercise was conducted to test the capability of the metric in tracking improvements in system-level freight productivity as a result of vehicle electrification. The relative differences in Freight Mobility Energy Productivity scores help identify which zones benefit from the vehicle powertrain technology improvement. The results of the scenario analysis reinforce confidence that the proposed metric can be used as a decision support tool in assessing the productivity of existing as well as future freight trends and technologies.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Comprehensive Approach to Measure the Mobility Energy Productivity of Freight Transport: Preprint

Freight travel accounts for a major share of the energy consumed in the transportation sector in any country, and the United States is no exception. Understanding and modeling freight movement are critical, particularly in the context of capturing the impact of emerging technologies on freight travel and its externalities. The domain of freight modeling and forecasting is gaining pace in the recent years, but advancement in comprehensive freight performance metrics is still lagging. Conventional freight performance metrics such as truck-miles, ton-miles, or value-miles are unidimensional and aggregate in nature, making them unsuitable to accurately capture the impact of emerging transportation trends on the performance or productivity of freight systems. Addressing the research need, this paper presents the “Freight Mobility Energy Productivity” metric to quantify freight productivity of current as well as future freight systems, accounting for various costs associated with freight transport. The proposed metric was implemented using data from the Freight Analysis Framework along with other published sources, which shows intuitive results in quantifying freight productivity. Further, a scenario analysis exercise was conducted to test the capability of the metric in tracking improvements in system-level freight productivity as a result of vehicle electrification. The relative differences in Freight Mobility Energy Productivity scores help identify which zones benefit from the vehicle powertrain technology improvement. The results of the scenario analysis reinforce confidence that the proposed metric can be used as a decision support tool in assessing the productivity of existing as well as future freight trends and technologies.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Assessing the cost-effectiveness of carbon neutrality for light-duty vehicle sector in China

China’s progress in decarbonizing its transportation, particularly vehicle electrification, is notable. However, the economically effective pathways are underexplored. To find out how much cost is necessary for carbon neutrality for the light-duty vehicle (LDV) sector, this study examines twenty decarbonization pathways, combining the New Energy and Oil Consumption Credit model and the China-Fleet model. We find that the 2060 zero-greenhouse gas (GHG) emission goal for LDVs is achievable via electrification if the battery pack cost is under CNY483/kWh by 2050. However, an extra of CNY8.86 trillion internal subsidies is needed under pessimistic battery cost scenarios (CNY759/kWh in 2050) to eliminate 246 million tonnes of CO 2 -eq by 2050 ensuring over 80% market penetration of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2050. Moreover, the promotion of fuel cell electric vehicles is synergy with BEVs to mitigate the carbon abatement difficulties, decreasing up to 34% of the maximum marginal abatement internal investment.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

CharIN Megawatt Charging System: 4 th Event Summary Report

Medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles require higher charging power levels than are supported by present light-duty EV charging standards. The Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) Megawatt Charging System (MCS) Task Force is undertaking efforts to develop a new high-power charging standard for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification. The fourth MCS evaluation event at NREL focused on thermal and mechanical performance evaluations of high-power MCS electric vehicle charging connectors and inlets from several different manufacturers, at current levels up to 3000A. Additionally, the event evaluated the performance of a reference inlet design, which will provide a baseline level of thermal performance for use in future evaluation and certification efforts of MCS connectors.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electrifying Road Trips to and from National Parks in the Western United States

We evaluate charging infrastructure requirement for electrified long-distance travels to/from national parks in the Western U.S. We conduct a high-resolution spatial and temporal analysis of road trips in the region, accounting for detailed travel volume and pattern, the type of electric vehicles, heterogeneous energy consumption rates depending on driving conditions, charging technology (e.g., power and speed), and charging behavior. The scope includes on-route (or way-point) charging as well as destination charging (in national parks). We estimate the locations and sizes of required charging stations in the entire Western U.S. to enable electrified road trips to/from national parks. We also examine environmental justice and energy equity aspects of projected charging infrastructure (for national parks) in the context of the overall vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure build-out.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Production, fuel properties and combustion testing of an iso-olefins blendstock for modern vehicles

With the increasing pressure to decarbonize the transportation sector, exploring strategies that can reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles (LDV) has become critical. Bioblendstocks that allow for higher engine efficiency and fuel economy could complement vehicle electrification and help reach carbon neutrality by 2050. In this context, the potential of a mixture of iso-olefins as a bioblendstock was investigated for multimode boosted spark-ignition (SI)/advanced compression ignition (ACI) engine operation designed to achieve higher overall vehicle fuel economy. By establishing the relationship between the molecular structure of iso-olefins and research octane number (RON), octane sensitivity (S) (i.e., the difference between RON and motor octane number [MON]), and phi-sensitivity a dimethyl-hexenes rich olefins mixture (DMHROM) was identified as a preferred blendstock for SI/ACI combustion engines. Here, a pathway for DMHROM production from biomass-derived ethanol was developed and scaled up. More than 1 gallon of DMHROM blendstock was produced for fuel properties assessment including engine testing. Measurements in a Cooperative Fuel Research Engine showed that the DMHROM blendstock possesses a RON of 94 and S of 13.5, and blends synergistically. Rapid compression machine tests coupled with single-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine measurements demonstrated the 20 vol.% DMHROM blend has higher phi-sensitivity than an olefin-free gasoline base fuel and a typical California Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending (CARBOB) gasoline fuel. These results demonstrate the potential of DMHROM for improving gasoline fuel performance and quality for operation under ACI conditions. The effectiveness of the aftertreatment system in mitigating emissions was verified and showed that the pure DMHROM blendstock and 20 vol.% blend would not increase non-methane organic gases, NO x , and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. The DMHROM blendstock was found to slightly decrease sooting tendency when added to a gasoline-base fuel (i.e., ~6% reduction at 20 vol.% blending level). Oxidation stability and lubricant compatibility were both confirmed for the 20 vol.% blend. Overall, these results demonstrate that dimethyl-hexenes have potential for improving engine efficiency and fuel economy while meeting emissions regulations and ASTM specifications for gasoline fuel.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Distribution Grid Impact Study in Highland Park, Michigan: Understanding Rooftop Solar, Behind-the-Meter Energy Storage, Electric Vehicle Charging, and Building Electrification [Slides]

Through the Communities LEAP (Local Energy Action Program) Pilot, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) engaged the Highland Park Stakeholder Coalition to scope four technical assistance work areas to address their energy needs and goals. This slide deck addresses the highlighted tasks under work area "B" related to policy analysis, due diligence, and case studies for removing barriers and providing best practices for local clean energy development. Highland Park community members face frequent, long-duration power interruptions due largely to the aging distribution system serving the area and the legacy design standards used in its construction. While degrading physical infrastructure such as poles, crossarms, and transformers can result in this substandard reliability, another notable characteristic of this legacy system is the lower, 4.8 kV, voltage class. This is a legacy construction standard which many utilities, DTE included, are phasing out in favor of higher, 15 or 25 kV, voltage classes instead. The existing 4.8 kV distribution system serving Highland Park may limit significant adoptions of clean-energy technologies like high percentages of building electrification or electric vehicle adoption. The following analysis seeks to quantify these limitations under a variety of clean-energy technology adoption scenarios. It compares the overall system risks of the present system to those of a hypothetical, upgraded 13.2 kV system, using NREL-developed risk metrics and offers upgrade cost considerations. The legacy 4.8 kV voltage class serving Highland park is not, as we have modeled it, a major limitation to the widespread adoption of cost-optimal rooftop solar and/or behind-the-meter energy storage. Within our modeling framework, these technologies namely impact secondary, low-voltage assets, which may be remedied without the need for a system-wide upgrade to a 13.2 kV voltage class. Our model of the current 4.8kV system indicates it is not capable of supporting community-wide electrification efforts. Widespread building electrification, and the resulting large increase in wintertime load, dramatically increases the prevalence of voltage violations and thermal overloading on the current 4.8 kV distribution system. These impacts illustrate the need for system-wide upgrades to a 13.2 kV voltage class to accommodate these technologies. Low to Moderate DER adoption does not adversely impact the grid but does improve undervoltage and asset overloading issues. However, these benefits are insufficient to defer grid upgrades. Higher DER penetration is shown to increase overvoltage and asset overloading in future electrification scenarios.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

The role of infrastructure to enable and support electric drive vehicles: A Transportation Research Part D Special Issue

Widespread vehicle electrification appears to be necessary to achieve timely and deep reductions in greenhouse gases (GHG) and pollutant emissions as well as petroleum use in the transportation sector. The lack of a sufficient refuelling infrastructure has defeated many past efforts to promote alternatives to petroleum fuels. The papers in this special issue on the “Role of Infrastructure to Enable and Support Electric Drive Vehicles” address the diverse challenges posed by a transition from fossil-fuelled internal combustion engine vehicles to vehicles powered by electric motors and the special role of refuelling/recharging infrastructure in this transition. Electric drive vehicles are herein considered to be plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). BEVs and FCEVs are also known as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) because their propulsion systems produce no tailpipe emissions.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Quantum Computing in Next-Generation Transportation Optimization

We explore how quantum computing (QC) can advance transportation optimization, with a focus on two high-impact areas: traffic signal control and vehicle electrification with grid integration. As transportation systems grow in complexity, classical optimization methods increasingly struggle to deliver scalable and efficient solutions, particularly for real-time, data-rich environments. This work identifies key challenges within these two domains where QC may offer advantages, particularly in handling combinatorial decision spaces and dynamic constraints. We begin by outlining the limitations of classical approaches for traffic signal control optimization and electric vehicle charging coordination, highlighting where computational limitations arise. Previous quantum formulations are presented and new formulations are proposed to demonstrate how emerging quantum algorithms, including quantum annealing and the Quantum Approximation Optimization Algorithm, could be leveraged to reformulate and address these problems. We also evaluate the suitability of current quantum hardware and discuss recent trends that indicate when QC may become a viable tool for transportation applications. While acknowledging the present limitations of QC technologies, this poster emphasizes the importance of preparing quantum-compatible models today. By reviewing and establishing formulations that align with the strengths of quantum algorithms, researchers and practitioners can better position themselves to take advantage of QC advancements as they occur. This work aims to provide a practical, forward-looking perspective on the near-term potential of quantum computing in transportation optimization.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Advanced Computing, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence Research Opportunities for Energy-Focused Transportation Science

The Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (EEMS) technology landscape is complex and rapidly evolving, which provides both tremendous opportunities and formidable challenges. Significant alterations to the mobility landscape are underway due to the advent of vehicle and infrastructure connectivity, autonomous driving, and rapid passenger- and freight-vehicle electrification. Advanced computing will play an increasingly important role in enabling the EEMS program to understand and identify the most important levers to improve the energy productivity of future integrated mobility systems. It is also driving new approaches to mobility and the research to unlock an affordable, efficient, safe, and accessible transportation future. Driving much of this change is the collection, analysis, and strategic use of massive amounts of diverse, complex data from infrastructure and vehicles with on-board sensors and data storage and transmission capabilities. Diverse and representative data are key to implementing approaches to maximize mobility energy productivity. While high-fidelity modeling of integrated transportation networks has strengthened our understanding of dynamic movement and behavior patterns, existing tools must be expanded beyond their current focus. This work necessitates data infrastructure investments (e.g., secure-streaming data platforms driven by ubiquitous sensors and video analytics) as well as investments in critical capabilities for large-scale automated analysis and organization using modern machine learning, statistics, and artificial intelligence. Other chief needs include agile, large-scale storage that can be quickly searched and queried for relevant data to support validation and model development, data-sharing agreements, and formatting standards for key data types. The future of public transit must be explored in greater detail, research must inform design, and opportunities must be identified for improving the mobility productivity of public transit in both urban and rural America.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fast Charging Infrastructure for Electrifying Road Trips to and from National Parks in the Western United States

National parks in the Western United States draw over 80 million visitors every year, and most visitors rely on personal cars for their road trips (or long-distance travels). Travel to national parks represents distinct travel demand, as they are typically located in remote areas necessitating long-distance trips. This study investigates the quantity and locations of on-route fast charging infrastructure needed by 2030 to enable seamless travel to/from national parks using electric vehicles in seven target states in the region, employing unprecedented high-resolution spatial and temporal analysis. We find that the required number of fast charging ports for on-route charging infrastructure ranges from 1,200 to 22,000, depending on different assumptions of key input parameters - vehicle electrification rate, charging behavior, average gap between charging stations, port utilization rate, and towing trailers. Our analysis also indicates that electrical load for on-route fast charging infrastructure would peak in the afternoon, in the range of 70-400 MW, varying with the key input parameters. This study illustrates how different input parameters result in different degrees of impact on various aspects of charging infrastructure. We also examine the characteristics of projected charging infrastructure in terms of land use type, relationship with traffic volume, size of stations, and other variables.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

In Situ Ion‐Exchange Metathesis Induced Conformal LiF Surface Films on Cathode (NMC811) as a Cathode Electrolyte Interphase

High-capacity cathodes (LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 , NMC811) are promising for vehicle electrification because of their high gravimetric energy density. However, their electrochemical performance still relies upon the stability of the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). A highly reactive cathode interface leads to parasitic side reactions with electrolytes, resulting in accelerated capacity fading. Well-developed LiF and LiF-like inorganic compounds are believed to be good CEI components for stabilizing such reactive electrode interfaces. However, it is challenging to form an optimal surface sub-nanolayer of LiF on the cathode surfaces because of the complexity of the electrochemical reaction during battery cycling. Herein, the formation of a conformal LiF layer on the NMC811 electrode surface via an in situ ion-exchange metathesis process is reported, demonstrating a promising electrochemical performance because of a LiF-stabilized CEI. In situ generated LiF-coated NMC811 electrodes exhibit ≈97% capacity retention up to 100 cycles at a 0.3 C rate with average coulombic efficiency of ≈99.9% and ≈80% capacity retention up to 200 cycles at a 1 C rate with average coulombic efficiency of >99.6%. This finding may pave the way for reengineering the CEI to enhance the electrochemical performances and cycling stability of the high-capacity cathodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Enhancing Cycling Stability and Capacity Retention of NMC811 Cathodes by Reengineering Interfaces via Electrochemical Fluorination

High-capacity cathodes (LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 ) that can boost the energy density of lithium-ion batteries are promising candidates for vehicle electrification. However, several factors specific to high energy density materials entailing electrode reactions inhibit their application. Fluorination has shown a promising ability to combat the detrimental electrochemical performances of cathode materials, however, it remains difficult to achieve the desired functionality. In this work, a novel electrochemical fluorination (ECF) that demonstrates a promising electrochemical performance enhancement via stabilization of the cathode–electrolyte-interphase (CEI) by forming conformal LiF is proposed. Besides LiF surface layer formation, ECF reduces the degree of fluorination-induced Ni/Li disordering and enhances the layered structural stability as probed by X-ray diffraction. Because of the robust CEI, ECF-NMC811 cathodes deliver 203.0 mAh g -1 first discharge capacity at the current rate of C/10, with ≈98% capacity retention up to 100 cycles. Similarly, it delivers ≈180 mAh g -1 capacity at a 1 C rate with 86.4% capacity retention up to 200 cycles with average coulombic efficiency of > 99.5%. Comprehensive characterization with a multitude of probes reveals that ECF enhances the cycling stability of the electrode without altering bulk structure and morphology.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Understanding of Low‐Porosity Sulfur Electrode for High‐Energy Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract The lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is a promising technology for large‐scale energy storage and vehicle electrification due to its high theoretical energy density and low cost. Reducing the sulfur cathode porosity has been identified recently as a viable strategy for improving the cell practical energy density and minimizing pore‐filling electrolytes to extend cell life at lean electrolyte conditions. Direct use of a low‐porosity cathode for Li–S battery results in poor electrode wetting, nonuniform electrode reactions, and thus early cell failure. To understand and mitigate the barriers associated with the use of low‐porosity electrodes, multiscale modeling is performed to predict electrode wetting, electrolyte diffusion, and their impacts on sulfur reactions in Li–S cells by explicitly considering the electrode wettability impacts and electrode morphologies. The study elucidates the critical impact of low tortuosity and large channel pore design for promoting electrode wetting and species diffusion. It is suggested that the secondary particle size should be comparable with the electrode thickness to effectively promote electrolyte wettability and sulfur reactivity. This study provides new insights into the low‐porosity electrode material and designs and is expected to accelerate the development of practical high‐energy Li–S batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multi-objective optimization of sustainable aviation fuel production pathways in the U.S. Corn Belt

As a potential source of low-carbon transportation energy, biofuels offer certain advantages over vehicle electrification (e.g., lower societal vulnerability to grid failures, and improved range of sustainable aviation), but also several challenges, including cost, carbon intensity, and land usage. There are also well-founded concerns that biofuel supply chains could be disrupted if extreme weather events impact feedstock yields. In this paper, we explore the use of multi-objective optimization to identify biofuel production pathways that balance cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and supply vulnerability to extreme weather. We compare the use of three different many-objective evolutionary algorithms and linear programming in optimizing biomass cultivation decisions in the U.S. Corn Belt under weather uncertainty using historical, modeled, and synthetic yield data. We consider four feedstock choices (corn, soy, switchgrass, and algae) with two land types (agricultural and marginal lands) and evaluate decisions using three alternative spatial resolutions (ranging from the USDA agricultural district level to the state level). Results show that feedstock choice is the primary driver of objective performance (i.e., the position and shape of 3D, approximate Pareto frontiers). Spatial diversification is a less effective tool in reducing exposure to weather-caused drops in crop yield.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Modeling the Air Quality Impacts of Future Energy Scenarios

Many greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction measures achieve simultaneous reductions in air pollutants. Human-Earth system models can estimate such emission changes in the energy system but using them in chemistry-transport models (CTMs) to study their air quality impacts involves resource-intensive emissions processing. This is greatly simplified by an emissions scaling approach linking state-level emissions estimated by a human-Earth system model to a CTM. A scenario continuing pre-2022 energy policy in the U.S. to 2050 shows widespread air quality improvements over the 2015 baseline from SO 2 and NO x emission reductions of 50–80% from electricity generation and light-duty vehicles. Scenarios of GHG mitigation and vehicle electrification at the state and national level add further benefits. However, PM 2.5 increases from increased use of wood heating and bioenergy suggest that additional PM 2.5 management may be needed when using biofuels. In conclusion, this approach helps assess multiple future energy scenarios efficiently without sacrificing chemical detail in the air quality simulations.

air quality↗