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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 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Life Cycle Assessment for Closed-Loop Pumped Hydropower Energy Storage in the United States

The federal government has initiated an aggressive set of policies to achieve a net-zero carbon emission goal for the electricity sector by 2050. As a result, rapid growth in deployment of renewable energy technologies is expected. Most commercially mature technologies are temporally variable and do not provide grid inertia, while renewable technologies with high projected deployment have intermittent generation methods. Energy storage technologies are needed to both dispatch power on-demand and help provide the needed grid inertia. Pumped storage hydro (PSH) is a well-established technology that has gained renewed interest in recent years offering energy-balancing, grid stability, control of electrical network frequency, and large-scale storage capacity. For widespread adoption of PSH, more information is needed regarding its current life cycle environmental impacts. The objective of this study is to perform a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of new closed-loop PSH in the U.S. The functional unit for this study is 1 kWh of electrical power delivered to the grid and the base case project lifetime is 80 years. The life cycle inventory for this project accounts for all material and energy flows associated with the green-field construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of a closed-loop PSH plant in the U.S. Collected data represents a range of potential PSH specifications and geographic locations coming from all prospective closed-loop PSH installations in the U.S. with data available. In addition, existing PSH installations are used to provide assumptions for inventory inputs. Results presented will include the global warming potential (GWP IPCC 100a) and Energy Return on Investment (EROI) from our base case (average PSH installation) as well as from scenario analyses and model sensitivity. These results will be compared to the impacts from existing PSH sites and alternate storage technologies. Methods align with the assumptions and guidelines put in place by previous PSH LCAs to ensure an accurate comparison with the results from this report.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Improved Cost Estimates to Boost Pumped Storage Hydropower Construction

Pumped storage hydropower is often overlooked in future grid planning efforts, in part because the cost to build a new facility is not always clear. That's why the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), along with the U.S. Department of Energy's Water Power Technologies Office, is developing improved cost estimates and cost models to reduce that uncertainty and give developers the data they need to decide where and when to construct new PSH facilities to support the country's evolving energy grid.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Field Study of Grid-connected Heat Pump Water Heaters in the Southeast U.S.: The Next Right Thing

The integration of grid-connected functionality and advanced control algorithms into heat pump water heaters (HPWH) offers the capability to shift load with minimal customer impact. This capability provides a flexible grid resource to utilities, while the increased energy efficiency of HPWHs offers customers a lower electric bill. The combined utility/customer value from grid-connected HPWHs is compelling in the Southeast U.S. where residential electric water heating is prevalent and utility load management is common. This paper presents the results of a HPWH load shifting study conducted in Central Florida using the CTA-2045 standard. Building upon previous research in the Pacific Northwest, this study consisted of approximately 45 occupied homes equipped with HPWHs undergoing load shifting strategies weekly for over a year. Curtailment durations ranged from three to five hours in the morning, and four to five hours in the evening to coincide with high-value periods for utility coincident load for system-wide electric demand reductions. During the morning and afternoon, a one- or two-hour load-up event preceded curtailment. Baseline data were collected across varied Florida weather in which no load shifting events were implemented. Results from traditional load shifting strategies were analyzed across seasons and used to devise unique load shifting approaches to increase renewable energy use during periods of high solar energy generation. Regional impacts are forecasted for large-scale implementation of strategies. Lessons learned and recommendations are also provided for how utilities, manufacturers, and regional planners can maximize load shifting benefits from grid-connected HPWHs.

Heat pump water heaters, residential building, loa↗
DOE OSTI2023

What are Geothermal Heat Pumps?

Learn how geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) work and why GHPs might be a perfect solution for your heating and cooling needs.

GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP↗
DOE OSTI2023

Heat Pumps and the Electrification of Heating

70 to 80% of building energy load in Alaska is heating. About 81% of residential heating is supplied via on-site combustion of fossil fuels. How can heat pumps provide heat energy from renewable sources?

Alaska↗
DOE OSTI2023

Modeling Assessment of Residential Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Coupled with Cooling Thermal Storage

This study explored the performance and operating cost viability of air-to-water heat pumps (AWHPs) coupled with thermal energy storage (TES) in efficient new residential construction. AWHPs are an emerging technology in this country, but offer promise in terms of high efficiency, fully contained and factory charged outdoor refrigeration system, and hydronic delivery capabilities, which facilitates zoning, ducts in conditioned space, and TES integration for summer load-shifting. Although this AWHP+TES strategy is not yet mainstream, the authors feel that in ten years as decarbonization efforts proceed and TOU rates become more common, strategies such as this will be more accessible. Validated EnergyPlus simulation models were developed based on detailed monitoring data collected over several years at Pacific Gas and Electric's CVRH laboratory test homes located in Stockton, California. One of the CVRH test homes (1,962 ft 2 two-story) had been testing various AWHP systems and configurations over the past six years. The validated model was then updated with high efficiency IECC ZERH envelope and component requirements for climate zones 1-5, including ducts in conditioned space thermal distribution. Simulations were completed for the 1,962 ft 2 home in each climate zone for a minimum efficiency ASHP, an AWHP coupled with a fan coil, and an AWHP coupled with TES sized to eliminate summer on-peak compressor operation. To maintain consistency in reporting energy use estimates, all cases were run with a similar indoor thermostat control strategy to pre-cool the house below the nominal 76 degrees Fahrenheit set point prior to the on-peak period and float slightly above the set point during the peak period. The AWHP+TES configuration was controlled to alternately condition the indoor space or to charge the TES tanks prior to the beginning of the on-peak. Three composite TOU rates were developed based on existing TOU rates across the U.S. to provide differing economic scenarios to evaluate customer bill impacts throughout the summer. Two of the TOU rates had short three-hour peak periods, while the third rate had a longer seven-hour duration peak period. AWHP modeling projections were based on the observed field performance of the Chiltrix CX34 variable speed unit. Other products on the market or entering the market in the near term would likely perform differently.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Heat Pump Water Heater Guide for Small Businesses

This guide is intended for building owners and facility managers interested in electrifying commercial building water heating systems via new building systems or system retrofits. This guide is also a resource for contractors becoming familiar with commercial heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). This guide focuses on integrated air-source HPWH equipment, and background information, best practices, and key considerations are included here. A building owner or facility manager should review project considerations with an engineer or contractor.

decarbonization↗
DOE OSTI2023

Air Source Heat Pumps in Very Cold Climates

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) in heating mode use a refrigeration cycle to remove heat from the outside air and transfer it into a building. Therefore, ASHPs have the potential to save energy compared to conventional heat sources that create the heat as opposed to transferring it from outside. Many cold climate ASHPs available on the market today can operate at outside temperatures of -25 degrees C (-13 degrees F) or even lower. As a result of technological advances and other factors, there is growing interest in ASHPs in cold climates, including very cold regions such as Alaska. However, guidance on the selection, installation, and operation of ASHPs in these very cold climates is limited, as significant data gaps exist regarding the performance of ASHPs in very cold environments. To address these data gaps and guide future innovations, our research team has studied the field performance of several ASHP installations in Alaska and done lab evaluations of several ASHP models using a cold chamber. While a cold chamber cannot fully reflect field conditions, it allowed for changing one variable at a time and gaining additional understanding of the behavior of ASHPs that would be difficult to gain from field studies only. This study focused on two main variables: the temperature in the chamber (representing the outdoor temperature) and the level of thermal loading of the ASHP. The results from the field as well as the lab show that ASHPs can operate with relatively high efficiency even in very cold climates if used in appropriate situations and in an appropriate way. It was found that not only the outside temperature, but also the level of thermal loading is a significant factor affecting the ASHP efficiency and needs to be carefully considered when sizing and operating ASHPs in very cold climates.

air source heat pump↗
DOE OSTI2024

How Heat Pumps Can Bring Relief to Households

An estimated 230,000 low-income households in Los Angeles lack access to cooling and are projected to experience more than two months of dangerous indoor temperatures (above 86 F) by 2035. Multifamily building residents are at much higher risk of dangerous heat exposure. Through robust modeling and analysis in the LA100 Equity Strategies project, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) identified strategies that could save lives and maintain safe home temperatures for low-income households during heat waves, including the installation of whole-home heat pumps.

buildings↗
DOE OSTI2024

Field Study of 120-volt Heat Pump Water Heaters in the Big Easy

To meet long-term goals for reducing carbon emissions and lessen the impacts of climate change, the U.S. plans to decarbonize its building stock, which includes the replacement of fossil fuel-burning end uses with energy efficient electric alternatives. As part of this strategy, the replacement of fossil fuel water heaters with heat pump water heaters (HPWH) has the potential to avoid substantial carbon emissions. An estimated 10-15 million single-family homes with fossil fuel water heaters do not have the electrical panel capacity to install a 240-volt, 30-amp HPWH. For these homes, a technology recently introduced to the market, the 120-volt plug-in HPWH, can provide energy efficient electrification of water heating without an expensive panel and wiring retrofit. This paper presents the results of an ongoing 120-volt HPWH field study conducted in 17 homes in New Orleans, LA. Key installation scenarios are profiled for retrofitting from gas-fired water heaters to 120-volt HPWHs, accounting for space, air volume, air temperature, condensate drainage, and electrical. Each HPWH had its surrounding air temperature, relative humidity, inlet and outlet water temperature, flow, and energy consumption monitored. Using these data, hot water delivery and energy efficiency performance were analyzed based on home characteristics. Hot water run outs were investigated to understand how hot water usage, inlet water temperature, and surrounding air temperature impact the HPWH’s ability to meet load. From these results, best practices for 120-volt HPWH siting, sizing, and installation were developed. In addition, results are explored further to add insight for electrification policies and product development.

heat pump water heater, 120-volt, Residential buil↗
DOE OSTI2024

Pumped Storage Hydropower Potential and Opportunities

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a flexible energy storage technology with the potential to improve grid reliability, resiliency, and stability in the electric grid of the future. NREL has developed a range of data and tools to help understand opportunities for new PSH deployment, including nationwide resource assessment data, a bottom-up component-level cost model, and a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions calculator. These datasets can then be used to inform grid planning models, analysis, and decision making to understand the role PSH can play in the power sector.

cost↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study: Medford Site Veterans Home

Geothermal heat pumps can be great alternatives to air conditioners and furnaces, and require less electricity to run. This case study focuses on Medford Site Veterans Home and is part of a series: https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-heat-pump-case-studies.

case study↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study: Montana State University

Geothermal heat pumps can be great alternatives to air conditioners and furnaces, and require less electricity to run. This case study focuses on Montana State University and is part of a series: https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-heat-pump-case-studies.

case study↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study: Norton Commons, Kentucky

Geothermal heat pumps can be great alternatives to air conditioners and furnaces, and require less electricity to run. This case study focuses on Norton Commons, Kentucky and is part of a series: https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-heat-pump-case-studies.

case study↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study: PCC Austin Family Health Center

Geothermal heat pumps can be great alternatives to air conditioners and furnaces, and require less electricity to run. This case study focuses on PCC Austin Family Health Center and is part of a series: https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-heat-pump-case-studies.

geothermal↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geothermal Heat Pump Case Study: Seattle Public Schools

Geothermal heat pumps can be great alternatives to air conditioners and furnaces, and require less electricity to run. This case study focuses on Seattle Public Schools and is part of a series: https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-heat-pump-case-studies.

geothermal↗