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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Disentangling error structures of precipitation datasets using decision trees

Characterizing error structures in precipitation products not only facilitates their proper applications for scientific and practical purposes but also helps improve their retrieval algorithms and processing methods. Despite the fact that multiple precipitation products have been assessed in the literature, factors that affect their error structures remain inadequately addressed. By interpreting 60 binary decision trees, this study disentangles the error characteristics of precipitation products in terms of their spatiotemporal patterns and geographical factors. Three independent precipitation products - two satellite-based and one reanalysis datasets: the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement) late run (IMERG-L), Soil Moisture to Rain-Advanced SCATterometer (SM2RAIN-ASCAT), and the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 uncorrected precipitation output (MERRA2-UC), are evaluated across the contiguous United States from 2010 to 2019. Here, the ground-based Stage IV precipitation dataset is used as the ground truth. Results indicate that the MERRA2-UC outperforms the IMERG-L and SM2RAIN-ASCAT with higher accuracy and more stable interannual patterns for the analysis period. Decision trees cross-assess three spatiotemporal factors and find that the underestimation of MERRA2-UC occurs in the east of the Rocky Mountains, and SM2RAIN-ASCAT underestimates precipitation over high latitudes, especially in winter. Additionally, the decision tree method ascribes system errors to nine different geographical characteristics, of which the distance to the coast, soil type, and DEM are the three dominant features. On the other hand, the land cover type, topography position index, and aspect are three relatively weak factors.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evaluation of Improvements in Storage Efficiencies, Containment, Assurance, CO 2 Plume Movement, and Verification of Storage Technologies

This report summarizes some of the evolving improvements in key technical skills that are developing to support a large-scale commercial application of CCS as well as support rapidly increasing interest in carbon negative technologies. It does not attempt to review relatively well-known processes and procedures that are familiar to many CCS experts; rather focuses on novel concepts that have the potential to provide breakthroughs and add high benefit as projects evolve. Some elements described are in development or not yet proven ideas for which we provide an expression of status of confidence at the time of writing. Topics covered are evaluation of improvements in storage efficiency estimation, containment assurance methods, CO 2 plume movement and pressure prediction, and monitoring and verification of storage methods.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

An Evaluation of Energy Storage Cost and Performance Characteristics

The energy storage industry continues to expand globally as costs continue to fall and opportunities in consumer, transportation and grid applications are defined. As the rapid evolution of the industry continues, it has become increasingly important to understand how varying technologies compare in terms of cost and performance. This paper defines and evaluates cost and performance parameters of six battery energy storage technologies (BESS) - lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, redox flow batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, sodium metal halide batteries, and zinc-hybrid cathode batteries - four non-BESS storage technologies - pumped storage hydropower, flywheels, compressed air energy storage, and ultracapacitors - and combustion turbines. Cost and performance information was compiled based on an extensive literature review, conversations with vendors and stakeholders, and costs of systems procured at sites across the United States. Detailed cost and performance estimates are presented for 2018 and projected out to 2025. Annualized costs were also calculated for each technology.

Mongird, Kendall↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cybersecurity for the Operational Technology Environment (CyOTE) (Final Technical Report)

Electric grids have historically been susceptible to both physical attacks and environmental hazards but the implementation of smart grids, remote management, and self-healing networks, has now made the grid vulnerable to cyber attacks. To address risks introduced by routable connectivity, utilities must establish dynamic solutions to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber security threats and vulnerabilities. In response to the evolving threat landscape U.S. Department of Energy-Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (DOE CESER) initiated the Cybersecurity for the OT Environment (CyOTE) pilot program, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) effort designed to leverage U.S. intelligence capabilities to prevent, detect, or mitigate a cyber attack on utility operational technology (OT) networks. As part of the CyOTE pilot, The Southern Company (Southern Company or Southern) researched, evaluated and deployed emerging Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) technologies and cyber security monitoring architectures to provide previously unrealized network visibility and situational awareness through deep packet inspection and data analytics. This Final Scientific/Technical Report documents the objectives, methodology, lessons learned, and results of Southern Company’s participation in the CyOTE pilot from December 2018 to September 2023.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

pystorms: A simulation sandbox for the development and evaluation of stormwater control algorithms

Advances in cyber–physical technologies have enabled real-time sensing and adaptive control of stormwater infrastructure. These smart stormwater systems allow for inexpensive, minimally-invasive stormwater control interventions in lieu of new construction. Importantly, however promising the area of smart stormwater control, there still remain barriers – for experts and novices alike – to access shared tools and methods for investigating, developing, and contributing to it. In an effort to make smart stormwater control research more methodical and accessible, we present pystorms, an open-source Python-based simulation sandbox that facilitates the quantitative evaluation and comparison of control strategies. pystorms consists of a collection of real world-inspired smart stormwater control scenarios on which any number of control strategies can be applied and tested via an accompanying Python programming interface and coupled stormwater simulator. pystorms provides a framework for the rigorous and efficient evaluation of smart stormwater control methodologies across diverse watersheds with only a few lines of code.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

​​Integrity Enhancing Protocols (IEP) Evaluation Framework​

​Protocols play an essential role in Advance Reactor systems. A diverse set of protocols are available to these reactors. Advanced Reactors benefit from technologies that can minimize their resource utilization and costs. Evaluation frameworks are often used when assessing protocols and processes related to cryptographic security systems. The following report discusses the various characteristics associated with these protocol evaluation frameworks, and derives a novel evaluative framework.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

A cradle-to-grave life-cycle-assessment of dry-processed Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles

Maxwell-type dry processing has emerged as a promising manufacturing technology for high-areal-loading Li-ion battery electrodes, offering a significant advantage by eliminating the use of the toxic and costly NMP solvent. This study developed a cradle-to-grave life-cycle-assessment model to evaluate the environmental impacts of this innovative technology, benchmarking the results against the conventional NMP-based technique for a configured 42 kWh NMC622-graphite battery pack. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the dry-processing method merits a 4.8% lower energy consumption and achieves environmental impacts up to 47.5% lower in 12 out of 13 categories, highlighting its environmental benefits compared with the NMP-based manufacturing processes.

Electrode↗
DOE OSTI2020

Catalina Repower Feasibility Study: NREL Phases I & II Summary Report

Engineers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) supported Southern California Edison (SCE) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by conducting technical and economic analyses for energy systems at Santa Catalina (Catalina) Island, which is located 22 miles off the coast of Long Beach, California. This effort was part of a broader Repower Catalina Feasibility Study that was also supported by NV5, an engineering consulting firm and project partner to NREL for this analysis. This document describes NREL’s techno-economic modeling and optimization analysis for the first two phases of this project which focus on supply-side generation and energy storage options for Catalina. SCE’s goal for this analysis is to determine a strategy for electricity generation on Catalina Island that results in lower energy costs, improved energy resiliency, and reduced air emissions. EPA goals for this effort are to reduce emissions of air pollution and encourage renewable energy development on contaminated and formerly contaminated lands when such development is aligned with the community’s vision for the site. Currently, an on-island SCE power plant serves the Catalina Island electrical load with 6 reciprocating diesel generators totaling 9.4 MW; 23 propane-fueled microturbines totaling 1.5 MW; and a 1-MW, 7.2-MWh sodium sulfur battery energy storage system (BESS). In 2017, the electricity consumption on the island was 29.1 GWh, with an average load of 3.3 MW and peak load of approximately 5.5 MW. Considering new environmental standards on diesel generator emissions from California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District, a 60% renewable energy target for 2030 laid out in California’s Senate Bill 100, SCE’s Clean Power Electrification Pathway, and the characteristics of the island’s existing diesel generators, SCE is seeking to evaluate the technical and economic implications of different energy technology options to determine a path forward. Phases I and II of the Repower Catalina Feasibility Study, summarized in this document, evaluated the following: Interconnection with the mainland via an undersea cable; On-island fossil fuel generation, including diesel, propane, and/or liquified natural gas (LNG); On-island renewable energy (RE) technologies, including solar photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines, and wave energy devices; BESS to support the above generation technologies; Initial analysis of the potential impacts of implementing energy efficiency measures. Results indicate strong techno-economic potential for a mix of on-island diesel and/or propane generators, solar PV, BESS, and energy efficiency measures to help SCE and Catalina achieve their goals compliant with California’s emissions and clean energy standards while minimizing electricity life cycle costs (LCC) over the 30-year analysis period. This document summarizes the considerations and findings of Phases I and II, focusing on high-level takeaways from Phase I and more detailed results from Phase II, and discusses a potential path forward for Phase III.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Design and optimization of processes for recovering rare earth elements from end‐of‐life permanent magnets

Recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from end-of-life (EOL) products represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the domestic supply chain for rare earth elements. This work presents a superstructure-based optimization framework for finding the most economical processing pathway for different EOL rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs). The framework evaluates state-of-the-art technologies across four processing stages—disassembly, demagnetization, leaching and extraction, and precipitation and calcination—using net present value (NPV) maximization and cost of recovery (COR) minimization objectives. A novel bottom-up costing framework for hydrogen decrepitation is also introduced. Two feedstocks were considered: REPMs from EOL hard disk drives (HDDs), and electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EVs and HEVs). While HDD recycling proved unprofitable due to limited feedstock availability, EVs/HEVs were profitable across a range of parameters and cost estimates. Therefore, our findings suggest that the proposed EOL EV/HEV recycling process may be economical and is worthy of further investigation.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential for corn ethanol refining in the USA

This study evaluates how low-carbon production technologies applicable to ethanol plants may reduce the life-cycle greenhouse gas emission (GHG) intensities of corn ethanol production in the USA. Results indicate that options focusing on incremental energy efficiency (e.g., combined heat and power) and yield improvements have a limited impact on GHG reductions. To achieve deep decarbonization (>50% GHG reduction compared to current corn ethanol production), a fuel switch from natural gas (NG) to alternative low-carbon fuels is needed. Replacing 50% of NG demand at ethanol plants with syngas from biomass through gasification or renewable natural gas from animal waste could achieve significant GHG reductions (11.7–23.5 g CO 2 e/MJ ethanol). Adding multiple technologies, including carbon capture and storage, to existing ethanol plants may further reduce GHG emissions to –18.4 g CO 2 e MJ –1 ethanol (including land-use change emissions), which is 120% lower than the carbon intensity of pure gasoline. These results could inform how the ethanol industry could move toward net-zero ethanol production.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

A call to standardize metrics for monitoring baleen whales near marine construction activities

Effective monitoring is necessary to protect marine mammal species during the construction of offshore infrastructure. The tools for detecting or monitoring marine mammals span traditional (e.g., visual observers, optical cameras), to newer (e.g., passive acoustic monitoring, infrared cameras, tags), and emerging (e.g., satellite imagery, environmental DNA, dimethyl sulfide concentration) technologies. Some are better suited for use during offshore development; however, peer-reviewed literature does not typically evaluate and report on the performance of these various technologies. We define a minimum set of metrics related to efficacy (i.e., confusion matrix, precision and recall, probability of missed mitigation), detection range (i.e., maximum and reliable detection range, spatial resolution), and data delivery (i.e., detection latency, system reliability, temporal resolution) that we recommend are needed to assess the utility of monitoring technologies for this purpose. Following a literature review of relevant studies, we highlight which publications reported these metrics and used multiple technologies to compare relative performance. We also emphasize the benefits of multi-modal approaches and recommend performance assessments through modeling or large-scale collaborative field testing. These metrics will standardize data collection, reporting, and analysis; promote consistent and comparable results; and foster collaboration among developers, regulatory agencies, and scientists. This may lead to the co-development of technology that achieves multiple goals, has greater application, and can answer research questions while collecting data to fulfill permitting requirements. These metrics may also inform decisions on what systems regulatory agencies might consider using and reduce monitoring costs, which is critical to support the marine sector's rapid growth alongside marine mammal conservation.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2026

Structural dynamics of the renewable energy economy: A longitudinal input-output insights for a resilient transition

As countries accelerate their energy transitions, understanding how renewable energy (RE) systems structurally integrate into national economies is essential. This study presents a longitudinal economic input-output (EIO) analysis of the renewable energy sector in South Korea from 2016 to 2022. We develop a novel EIO-based framework that disaggregates the RE sector both by energy source (thermal, hydro, nuclear and renewable) and by industrial function (manufacturing, generation, and services), allowing for a detailed assessment of production dynamics, value-added creation, and import dependency. By quantifying backward and forward linkages and induced economic effects, the analysis reveals persistent structural vulnerabilities in renewable manufacturing and increasing sectoral interdependencies. Results reveal that while the renewable energy sector's production and value-added shares have increased, critical segments remain highly import-dependent, particularly in equipment manufacturing. The analysis highlights systemic gaps in domestic supply chain resilience and offers sector-specific insights for reducing vulnerability and enhancing energy security. Although applied to South Korea as a case study, the proposed framework is designed to be transferable to other national contexts where renewable energy planning requires economic structural insights. The findings offer policy-relevant guidance for enhancing domestic energy resilience and aligning industrial strategy with long-term decarbonization goals.

Economic linkage↗
DOE OSTI2026

Life Cycle Analysis of Natural Gas Supply Chain and End Use Applications in the United States

Natural gas (NG) plays a crucial role in current and future energy systems in the United States due to its abundance and affordability. In this study a life cycle analysis of the NG supply chain in the United States was conducted using Argonne's R&D GREET model, examining stages from recovery to distribution using reported field data processed and documented by National Energy Technology Laboratory. Supply chain emissions were evaluated across multiple spatial scales, including national average, overall regional production, region-to-region, and basin-to-region scenarios. The GHG intensity of the U.S. average NG supply chain was estimated at 10.3 kg CO 2 e/MMBtu (lower heating value), with a range across regions from 7.8 kg CO 2 e/MMBtu (Northeast) to 15.1 kg CO 2 e/MMBtu (Pacific). The analysis further assessed how upstream NG emissions influence the life cycle GHG emissions of key end-use applications, including electricity generation (0.044–0.086 kg CO 2 e/kWh from upstream NG in combined cycle facilities), hydrogen production (1.04–2.20 kg CO 2 e/kg H 2 for steam methane reforming [SMR] and 1.06–2.23 kg CO 2 e/kg for autothermal reforming [ATR]), and transit bus operation utilizing compressed natural gas fuel (0.19–0.37 kg CO 2 e/mile) and hydrogen fuel (0.12–0.25 kg CO 2 e/mile for hydrogen produced in SMR and ATR).

compression↗
DOE OSTI2021

D2U: Data Driven User Emulation for the Enhancement of Cyber Testing, Training, and Data Set Generation

Whether testing intrusion detection systems, conducting training exercises, or creating data sets to be used by the broader cybersecurity community, realistic user behavior is a critical component of a cyber range. Existing methods either rely on network level data or replay recorded user actions to approximate real users in a network. Our work is the first to produce generative models trained on actual user data (sequences of application usage) collected on endpoints. Once trained to the user's behavioral data, these models can generate novel sequences of actions %that appear to come from the same distribution as the training data. These sequences of actions are then fed to our custom software via configuration files, which replicate those behaviors on end devices. Notably, our models are platform agnostic and could generate behavior data for any emulation software package. In this paper we present our model generation process, software architecture, and an initial evaluation of the fidelity of our models. Our software is currently deployed in a cyber range to help evaluate the efficacy of defensive cyber technologies. We suggest additional ways that the cyber community as a whole can benefit from more realistic user behavior emulation. The data used to train our model, as well as sample configuration files produced by the model, are available at [redacted].

Oesch, T↗
DOE OSTI2021

Techno-Economic Analysis of Chemical Precipitation Followed by Low Hydraulic Residence Time Biological Treatment, Including Ultrafiltration

This National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) analysis is a techno-economic evaluation of chemical precipitation followed by low hydraulic residence time biological treatment, which was identified as Best Available Technology for treatment and control of selenium emissions from wet flue gas desulfurization wastewater streams.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Advanced Water-Related Technology Performance Development

This U.S. Department of Energy/National Energy Technology Laboratory techno-economic analysis evaluates those parameters having the greatest performance and cost impact on wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) effluent wastewater treatment systems, and air cooled condensers for dry cooling systems. Two supercritical pulverized coal power plants are considered: 1) an existing plant (modified for surface water discharge and air emissions consistent with limits for existing plants) retrofitted with wet FGD effluent wastewater treatment and 2) a greenfield plant constructed with an air-cooled condenser (ACC). Sensitivity analyses are completed on various process parameters associated with the wet FGD effluent wastewater treatment system and ACC to determine the impact on the net plant efficiency and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Research and development targets are recommended for the parameters shown to have the greatest potential impact on cost or performance.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Renewable Thermal Energy Systems: Modeling Developments and Future Directions (Report 3)

Increasing global energy consumption, increasing population, expansion of all types of produced goods and food, and the climate crisis have necessitated increasing the share of renewable heat in industry, which is vital for both decarbonization. The aim of this work is to evaluate current and prospective renewable heat technologies in stand-alone and hybrid configurations, together with their technical capabilities, performance, and cost. Renewable thermal energy systems (RTES) for buildings and industrial applications have been investigated using techno-economic analysis to determine their potential economic and environmental impacts.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Pushing the Limits of Micro battery Capacity and Energy

Micro battery with higher energy density will extend the service life of the miniature sensors so that the scientists and engineers could be able to collect more data along with the time in ecological and environmental vectors, such as animal tracking. Within this project, a completely new cell design (Gen2) for micro batteries to further increase their cell capacity and energy is developed. The new cell design directly packages the active material in a hard aluminum case, decreasing the percentage of non-active components. The manufacturing process to improve wetting ability is studied and the trial run is finally given to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed technology. It’s found that both the capacity and energy with same battery size could be increased by 30% comparing with Gen1 micro battery technology previously developed by PNNL. The yield of Gen2 micro batteries is still lower due to the high degree of manual operation, especially for drilling process where more precise position control is needed. More effort is still required to improve the capability of automatic manufacturing processes. The new battery technology will support the development of smaller and lighter miniature sensors at PNNL and could potentially contribute to the large-scale manufacturing capabilities of micro batteries in US with reliable performances and long-term shelf life.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗