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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 OSTI2020

Shifting agricultural practices to produce sustainable, low carbon intensity feedstocks for biofuel production

The carbon intensity (CI) of biofuel's well-to-pump life cycle is calculated by life cycle analysis (LCA) to account for the energy/material inputs of the feedstock production and fuel conversion stages and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during these stages. The LCA is used by the California Air Resources Board's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program to calculate CI and monetary credits are issued based on the difference between a given fuel's CI and a reference fuel's CI. Through the Tier 2 certification program under which individual fuel production facilities can submit their own CIs with their facility input data, the LCFS has driven innovative technologies to biofuel conversion facilities, resulting in substantial reductions in GHG emissions as compared to the baseline gasoline or diesel. A similar approach can be taken to allow feedstock petition in the LCFS so that lower-CI feedstock can be rewarded. Here we examined the potential for various agronomic practices to improve the GHG profiles of corn ethanol by performing feedstock-level CI analysis for the Midwestern United States. Our system boundary covers GHG emissions from the cradle-to-farm-gate activities (i.e. farm input manufacturing and feedstock production), along with the potential impacts of soil organic carbon change during feedstock production. We conducted scenario-based CI analysis of ethanol, coupled with regionalized inventory data, for various farming practices to manage corn fields, and identified key parameters affecting cradle-to-farm-gate GHG emissions. The results demonstrate large spatial variations in CI of ethanol due to farm input use and land management practices. In particular, adopting conservation tillage, reducing nitrogen fertilizer use, and implementing cover crops has the potential to reduce GHG emissions per unit corn produced when compared to a baseline scenario of corn–soybean rotation. This work shows a large potential emission offset opportunity by allowing feedstock producers a path to Tier 2 petitions that reward low-CI feedstocks and further reduce biofuels' CI. The prevalence of significant acreage that has not been optimized for CI suggests that policy changes that incentivize optimization of this parameter could provide significant additionality over current trends in farm efficiency and adoption of conservation practice.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Foreword: Special Section on Multiphysics Aspects of Power Electronics Packaging—Power Die, Power Module, and Converter Level: Part 2

Power electronics are increasingly being used to condition electricity for a wide array of applications, such as transportation (on land, air, and water), data centers, radio frequency, directed energy, wind, solar, and grid-tied applications. Here, to increase power density, performance, efficiency, and reliability-as well as to reduce cost-innovations and developments are needed in the multiphysics packaging of power electronics at a die, module, and converter level. This includes fundamental R&D related to emerging high-voltage, high-temperature, and high-switching-frequency power electronics, packaging materials, thermal materials and interfaces, fluid-based thermal management technologies, reliability, condition monitoring, and prognostics. Latest developments in this area are published as a Special Section on Multiphysics Aspects of Power Electronics Packaging. The first part was published in the May 2024 issue of the IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology (Volume 14, Issue 5). The second part of that Special Section is being published in this issue. A brief summary of the papers included in the second part are given below.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cold Climate Heat Pump Evaluation

The use of heat pumps in cold and very cold climates increased by 63% between 2009 and 2015 [1, 2]. This can be attributed to development of heat pumps with higher heating capacity at lower temperatures and increased efficiency. A primary technology driving this trend is the use of variable-speed compressors, which come with an increase in the level of controls in the equipment. Most units with variable-speed compressors also include electronic expansion valves and variable-speed indoor (ID) and outdoor (OD) fans. With the increased complexity of these systems, developing a test procedure that is representative of typical performance and not too burdensome on manufacturers presents a difficult challenge.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Cybersecurity Threat Profile for a Connected Lighting System

In anticipation of improved energy performance and cost savings, cities and building owners are increasingly considering “smart lighting initiatives” that aim to convert their collection of simple luminaires (i.e., lighting fixtures) into an intelligent connected lighting system (CLS) capable of remotely monitoring energy consumption and fault conditions, and possibly implementing adaptive lighting schemes. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has set an national goal of tripling the energy efficiency and demand flexibility of the buildings sector by 2030, relative to 2020 levels 1. It is forecast that connected lighting systems can contribute to that goal by delivering 125 TWh of annual energy savings by 2035 2, equivalent to the annual output of 50 typical (500 MW) power plants. However, these energy savings and the DOE goal are put at significant risk if connected technologies are not adopted due to real or perceived cybersecurity concerns. Connected IoT devices such as these have historically been rife with vulnerabilities which sometimes put security considerations secondary to functionality and operability. What are the cybersecurity threats that will impact these systems, as formerly banal luminaires transition into intelligent connected devices that collect information about themselves, their surrounding environment, and possibly us? In this paper we analyze a threat profile performed on a fault-detection use case for streetlights. A threat profile establishes security requirements, justifies security measures, yields actionable controls, and effectively communicates risk to stakeholders. This effort provides critical information for making threat-based decisions to increase security at a reasonable cost, and can effectively be used by development teams, software architects, and managers to make cybersecurity a part of their ongoing culture of awareness, training, and prevention. This leads to more secure systems and better-understood security. On-premise, cloud, and hybrid architectures with different authentication mechanisms were modeled and later categorized using the Microsoft STRIDE framework. An analysis of the recommended controls for each threat was performed to determine which controls could and should be put in place by manufacturers or third-party suppliers, and which controls need to be left up the end-user to implement. Fifty-seven threats were identified. Among our key findings: (1) 65% (37/57) of the threats did not involve the luminaires, but rather the other components needed to communicate with and manage them; (2) 63% (36/57) of the threats could have been mitigated through manufacturer-implemented defensive techniques or “controls”; and (3) 23% (13/57) of the threats were dependent on the network configuration. Recommendations based on the results of this work are made to key stakeholder groups. Notably, lighting technology developers are advised to address all threats that can be reasonably controlled with baked-in technology solutions (e.g., encryption or authentication controls), and employ some form of secure supply chain management and tracking where other parts (e.g., sensors, microprocessors) of a luminaire must also be built and manufactured with the proper security controls in place. Developers should also review threats involving assets not developed in-house to understand how connectivity with other devices will affect their product during system operation and determine if a compensating control for a defense-in-depth strategy will be needed. Finally, those interested in deploying CLS should compare the differences between cloud and on-premise models to determine which is more suitable for their needs and the abilities of their security team.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Higher Throughput, Lower Cost Processing of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells by Photonic Curing

The objectives of this SETO project are to explore whether photonic curing can be used to perform annealing in perovskite solar cell (PSC) fabrication, and if so, whether it can enable high-throughput PSC manufacturing. The successful outcome of the project will reduce manufacturing cost towards realizing the SETO goal of the Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) $0.03/kWh by 2030. The project is a collaboration between Hsu’s group at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and NovaCentrix, an Austin TX based company that pioneered the PulseForge® photonic curing tools and has expertise in applying this technology to printed electronics. Thin-film synthesis typically involves a thermal annealing step to convert from precursors to final material phases, to obtain the desired crystalline phase, or to improve materials structural or electrical properties. However, thermal annealing typically requires high temperatures that are incompatible with inexpensive plastic substrates and annealing times lasting tens-to-hundreds of minutes, making it incompatible with roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing at a desirable web speed. Photonic curing uses a flash Xe lamp to deliver short (20 µs to 100 ms) but high intensity (up to 50 kW/cm 2 ) pulses of broadband light (200 – 1500 nm) to the sample. It has been successfully applied to sinter printed metal nanoparticle inks into conductive patterns. This project aimed to extend the applications of photonic curing to convert halide perovskite films and transparent metal oxide transport layers. Despite the interruption by COVID-19, we have achieved significant accomplishments to establish photonic curing as a viable technology for the high-throughput manufacturing of PSCs. (1) We demonstrated that photonic curing can convert both metal oxide transport layer and halide perovskite absorber in the PSCs and successfully made flexible PSCs on Corning Willow glass® (WG)/ indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates without any thermal annealing steps. These photonically cured devices achieve performance comparable to conventional thermally annealed devices but were fabricated with a total processing time reduced by six orders of magnitude. We also show that photonic curing can achieve desirable web speed (up to 26 m/min) and large-area uniformity. (2) By establishing photonic curing processing phase spaces for the perovskite, we show that the longer pulses are more forgiving in small variation in the photonic curing conditions, making it more suitable for R2R manufacturing. (3) Our results clearly illustrated the importance of improving mechanical and optical properties of transparent electrodes on flexible substrates. (4) We also performed fundamental studies that elucidate the interactions between perovskite absorber and metal oxide transport layer that can undermine the PSC stability. Five refereed journal papers in top journals (ACS Energy Letters, npj Flexible Electronics, ACS Applied Energy Materials, Materials Advances, and Frontiers in Energy Research), one conference proceeding (PVSC-47), six conference presentations (PVSC and Materials Research Society meetings), and a Ph.D. dissertation (Trey B. Daunis) were produced under this project. Energy Materials Corporation (EMC) has forecast that with a 1.5 m wide web moving at a web speed of 30 m/min, R2R processing of PSC could provide up to 4 GW/year for a single R2R assembly line. Replacing thermal annealing with photonic curing, as demonstrated by the accomplishments of this project, is necessary to realize such an energy production goal.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Capability Building Progression of an Insider Threat Mitigation Program at an International Research Reactor

The nuclear industry recognizes the difficulties involved in developing effective managerial and leadership skills in a highly technical and proficient workforce such as that found in nuclear facilities. Implementing an insider threat mitigation program (ITMP) within the nuclear industry is a complex and ongoing process that demands a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, an organization’s security culture, and rigorous regulatory requirements yet also accounts for facility characteristics, physical security, material flow, and activities involving nuclear material. Given the high-consequence nature of research reactor operations, even minor lapses can lead to safety, security, and reputational risks. An effective ITMP requires a defense-in-depth approach that incorporates behavioral analysis, robust vetting procedures, continuous monitoring, and cross-disciplinary coordination. It must also promote a culture of vigilance and accountability at all levels up to and including executive leadership but be flexible enough to adapt to evolving global threats and technological advances. Insider threat mitigation is not a one-time effort but rather a sustained commitment to excellence in safety and security. Establishing a culture in which personnel proactively report incidents and issues that could affect nuclear safety and security is vital to maintaining a safe and secure operational environment. This document was developed to guide senior management and research reactor organizations in creating comprehensive programs to effectively manage and mitigate insider threat behaviors and actions. It focuses on the key pillars of an effective ITMP, including the national legal framework, security culture, preventive and protective measures, cyber security, and performance evaluation. By using a systematic approach during implementation, facilities can foster environments conducive to insider threat detection and support long-term program sustainability. The document also provides strategies for improving communication across all levels of an organization, helping to eliminate barriers that hinder the development of robust ITMPs and enhance overall security culture. In today’s organizations, the concept of leveraging safety and security culture lessons to facilitate knowledge transfer is rapidly evolving to expedite insider threat management and security culture improvements. This document outlines the rationale for evaluating an ITMP based on national customs, culture, and stakeholders. The elements are all germane to reliability and trustworthiness and relate to security concerns that states may encounter. The document focuses not only on individual perceptions regarding security issues and capability building but also on team building and how to resolve concerns. The implementers of a facility’s ITMP may zero in on indicators of insider threats within their enterprise. This material will benefit organizations when it is applied using a systematic and structured approach as demonstrated throughout the document.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells

Polycrystalline thin-film solar cells have reached a levelized cost of energy that is competitive with all other sources of electricity. The technology has significantly improved in recent years, with laboratory cell efficiencies for cadmium telluride (CdTe), perovskites, and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) each exceeding 22 percent. Both CdTe and CIGS solar panels are now produced at the gigawatt scale. However, there are ongoing challenges, including the continued need to improve performance and stability while reducing cost. Advancing polycrystalline solar cell technology demands an in-depth understanding of efficiency, scaling, and degradation mechanisms, which requires sophisticated characterization methods. These methods will enable reseachers and manufacturers to improve future solar modules and systems. This work provides researchers with a concise overview of the status of thin-film solar cell technology and characterization. Chapters describe material systems and their properties and then provide an in-depth look at relevant characterization methods and the learning facilitated by each of these. Following an introductory chapter, the book provides systematic and thorough coverage of the following topics: trends to improve CdTe solar cell performance; Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and related materials; perovskite solar cells; photovoltaic device modelling; luminescence and thermal imaging of thin-film photovoltaic materials, devices, and modules; application of spatially resolved spectroscopy characterization techniques on Cu2ZnSnSe4 solar cells; time-resolved photoluminescence characterization of polycrystalline thin-film solar cells; fundamentals of electrical material and device spectroscopies applied to thin-film polycrystalline chalcogenide solar cells; nanometer-scale characterization of thin-film solar cells by atomic force microscopy-based electrical probes; scanning transmission electron microscopy characterization of solar cells; photoelectron spectroscopy methods in solar cell research; time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry and atom probe tomography; and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance characterization for photovoltaic applications. The final chapter provides an overview and describes future prospects.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Risks to the DOW Mission From Global Advanced Energy Adoption

Advanced energy technologies have the potential to enhance energy security and resilience; however, they can introduce new vulnerabilities even as they mitigate existing ones. This dichotomy highlights that both action and inaction carry strategic risks in a contested and logistically complex operating environment. Regardless of U.S. civilian or military adoption of such technologies, key allies and adversaries are on adoption paths that will impact the U.S. military at the tactical, operational, and strategic level. The global adoption of advanced energy technologies presents the potential for both positive and negative consequences for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) missions in the next 10-20 years. Three categories of risk drivers are presented in this analysis: infrastructure-related, adoption-related, and response-related. Each risk type can generate consequences for DOD, including power disruptions, suboptimal DOD mission performance and operational effectiveness, higher costs and shortages for both legacy and advanced energy technologies, and loss of U.S. influence and strategic deterrent value. Specific impacts could include tactical impacts, operational impacts, and strategic impacts. Mitigation strategies could include energy resource and technology planning, cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, workforce development, exercises and simulations, investments in commercialized technology, operational testing and pilot programs, research into emerging technologies, partnerships and working groups, common standards, budget planning, and repurposing infrastructure.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Solvent-Based Absorption

Solvent-based CO2 absorption processes are the oldest and most mature technology, having been deployed at what would be considered full-scale for post-combustion CO2 capture. There are many commercial 1st and 2nd generation technologies such as Econamine FG+, CANSOLV, Oase Blue, KS-1, with dozens if not hundreds of 3rd generation solvents that are been studied at varying stages of testing. While there are many solvents that are under development, nearly all solvents function on the same physical and chemical principles and it is not surprising that they all have similar configurations with somewhat comparable levels of performance. The enhancements in energy efficiency for solvents have come primarily from the engineering advancements over many decades of refinement, though surprisingly little has changed with respect to the molecular structure of solvents over the same period of time. In this chapter, we explain the tenets of solvent-based processes and provide a chronological timeline of solvents throughout their nearly 90-year history with discussions of why and how advancements in solvent efficiency have been achieved and we conclude with an outlook for the future of solvents and their place in CCUS.

Heldebrant, David J.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Assessing the Accuracy of Property Model Predictions for Cost Optimization of Desalination Technologies

Accurate modeling of seawater thermophysical and thermodynamic properties is critical for optimizing desalination processes. This study compares three seawater property models, a Reaktoro multicomponent model, the thermophysical seawater properties library from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a simplified sodium chloride model, in the context of levelized cost of water (LCOW) minimization for reverse osmosis (RO) and mechanical vapor compression systems. Process simulations and cost optimizations reveal that although all three models yield comparable LCOW and specific energy consumption (SEC) estimates under baseline conditions, deviations among their predictions increase with salinity. Relative differences in LCOW and SEC reach up to 6% and 8%, respectively. RO results show greater variability due to differences in osmotic pressure predictions, which affect pressure constraints at high recoveries. Computational performance varies substantially; specifically, Reaktoro simulations are up to 28 times slower than empirical models due to their detailed equilibrium calculations. These results suggest that empirical models offer acceptable accuracy for routine desalination process design, while Reaktoro provides advantages in scenarios requiring detailed speciation, such as scaling or pH adjustment studies. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate property models based on the modeling objective of desalination applications and motivate future work integrating thermodynamic rigor with empirical efficiency.

Physical and chemical properties↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of Plant Reload Optimization Framework Capabilities for Core Design and Fuel Performance Analysis

The United States (U.S.) nuclear industry faces a challenge in maintaining required levels of safety while ensuring economic competitiveness to stay in business. Safety remains a key parameter for all aspects of light water reactor (LWR) nuclear power plant (NPP) operations. Safety can become more economical by using a risk-informed ecosystem, such as the one being developed by the Risk-Informed Systems Analysis (RISA) Pathway under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program. The LWRS Program promotes a wide range of research and development activities with the goal of maximizing both the safety and economic efficiency of NPPs through improved scientific understanding, especially given many plants are now considering second license renewals. The RISA Pathway has two main goals: (1) deploy methodologies and technologies that better represent safety margins and cost and safety factors and (2) develop advanced applications that enable cost-effective plant operation. The Plant Reload Optimization Platform development project aims to build a reactor core design tool that includes reactor safety and fuel performance analyses, and also uses artificial intelligence to support optimization of core design solutions. This report summarizes Fiscal Year 2022 (FY-22) activity in platform capability developments in RAVEN. This platform performs simulations using industry codes for core design (i.e., PARCS) and fuel performance (i.e., TRANSURANUS) which will allow expansion of the capabilities to include advanced fuel designs such as accident-tolerant fuel (ATF)s with high burnup.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Melt-Spun PAN Precursor for Cost-Effective Carbon Fibers in High Pressure Compressed Gas Tankage

The objective of this program was to synthesize melt-spinnable polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor that will lead to carbon fiber 25% less expensive than carbon fiber produced from conventional PAN precursor when produced in large volumes. The carbon fiber produced from this precursor needs to achieve ≥ 700 ksi tensile strength with this cost reduction to replace the incumbent fiber. In this program, the technology for producing precursor and then converted carbon fiber (CF) capable of meeting the 700 ksi target was to be demonstrated at a small scale in tows, containing ≥ 100 filaments. If this program moved on to a “Phase 2”, the processes would be scaled up to produce and test Type IV compressed gas storage tanks capable of meeting the 700-bar ultimate targeted FOA performance level. Precursor fiber production typically contributes a large fraction (~50%) to finished CF manufactured cost. Presently, all high strength CFs are manufactured from solution spun PAN precursor, accomplished at low temperatures using large amounts of environmentally unfriendly solvents that impart major impact to line speed and costs involved with handling and reclaiming the solvents and associated “waste streams” required in spinning and extracting those solvents. PAN melt spinning was demonstrated by the company BASF in CF precursor production and used in production of some other acrylic fibers, but significant production challenges remain for meeting the established CF metrics. Melt spinning requires use of plasticizers to suppress the melt temperature of the predominantly PAN formulation to a point sufficiently below the temperature of significant cross-linking. Fortunately, BASF and this team’s earlier work had demonstrated acrylic formulations melt spun with combinations of plasticizing solvents at much lower solvent levels. This project team made significant progress in understanding technical issues and identifying formulation pathways in earlier work in this area where >250ksi strength was achieved. The goal of this program was to pursue a more comprehensive approach with a larger, more diverse team having greater equipment design and overall production capabilities to push rapidly beyond the science to resolve remaining “engineering” issues associated with establishing stable, continuous processes for precursor fiber leading to enhanced, cost-effective CF and composite tank production.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Towards Automatic and Agile AI/ML Accelerator Design with End-to-End Synthesis

Domain-specific designs offer greater energy efficiency and performance gain than general-purpose processors. For this reason, modern system-on-chips have a significant portion of their silicon area with custom accelerators. However, designing hardware by hand is laborious and time-consuming, given the large design space and the performance, power, and area constraints that are not realized in the software. Moreover, domain-specific algorithms (e.g., machine learning models) are evolving quickly, challenging the accelerator design further. To address these issues, this paper presents SODA Synthesizer, an automated open-source high-level ML framework to Verilog modular compiler targeting AI/ML Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) accelerators. SODA tightly couples the Multi- Level Intermediate Representation (MLIR) compiler infrastructure [24] and open-source HLS approaches. Thus, SODA can support various ML frameworks and algorithms and can perform optimizations that combine specialized architecture templates and conventional HLS to generate the hardware modules. In addition, SODA’s closed-loop design space exploration (DSE) engine allows developers to perform end-to-end design space explorations on different metrics and technology nodes.

Zhang, Jeff↗
DOE OSTI2026

Model-Based Investigation of Multi-Fault Interactions and Performance Degradation in Residential Heat Pump Systems

Faults in heat pump systems can significantly degrade performance, reduce efficiency, and accelerate component wear, leading to higher operating costs and maintenance demands. While numerous studies have investigated the impact of individual faults, the interactions between multiple concurrent faults remain insufficiently understood, despite their common occurrence in real-world operation. This study conducts a comprehensive simulation analysis of multiple simultaneous faults in a vapor compression heat pump using a validated heat pump design model (HPDM) tool. Detailed component-level modeling methods are implemented to examine performance sensitivity under combinations of refrigerant flow and heat exchanger faults. The results reveal complex fault interactions that can mask or amplify system deviations, challenging conventional diagnostic approaches. Findings from this work provide meaningful insights for the development of more robust fault detection and diagnosis algorithms, supporting improved reliability and energy efficiency in next-generation heat pump technologies.

Hu, Yifeng [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000242875185)↗
DOE OSTI2021

Remote Home Energy Score Assessments (Feasibility Study)

The delivery of Home Energy Scores (HES) has been significantly impacted over the last year by the recent pandemic and ongoing limitations to person-to-person interactions. There are also historic challenges in providing HES to more remote geographies where assessor infrastructure is not in place. Alternative approaches to in-person, on-site home energy assessments could help address these current restrictions, while also potentially providing opportunities for the efficient delivery of HES in certain use cases after COVID-related restrictions are lifted. From the program administrator’s perspective, there needs to be confidence that the remote scores closely match what they would have been if the assessment had been performed on-site. The recommendations shown on a report generated from a remote score should closely match those of an onsite assessment. A remote assessment should be an option for all HES Partners and have direction on how to deliver those scores. From the HES partner’s and assessor’s perspective, there needs to be understanding of what level of experience is needed, what system infrastructure is required, the time expenditure of the remote assessment process, and the limitations of a remote assessment. From the homeowner’s perspective, there needs to be an awareness and comfort with the time commitment, the level of knowledge of the home, the equipment needed, and any physical requirements of the remote assessment process. During this study, Earth Advantage assessed methods for delivering Home Energy Score assessments remotely through web-based technology platforms and resident interaction in a diverse array of home types in different geographic locations. Earth Advantage developed remote assessment test protocols and integrated those testing protocols into existing Home Energy Score programs being overseen by USDOE Home Energy Score partners New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), and the City of Portland (PDX). Earth Advantage staff acted as the Remote assessor and gathered HES data remotely during the video sessions with participants. Authorized Home Energy Score assessors performed the onsite assessments that were then used to compare with the remote assessment data. This allowed the research to effectively test the efficacy of various remote assessment approaches in a diverse array of home-types. Earth advantage identified the key components of a remote assessment infrastructure which included Remote Home Energy Score Assessments Page vi processes, tools, services, methods and mechanisms that would better enable remote assessments. This report details methods, results, and findings of the HES remote assessment research. In addition, the report provides recommendations and best practices that could be used as guidance for the Home Energy Score administrator and the HES partners seeking to effectively conduct remote assessments.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Compact Hydrogen Generator

GTI Energy (GTI) is developing a One-Step Hydrogen Generation through Sorption Enhanced Reforming (SER) process that provides significant improvements in energy productivity (18% efficiency improvement), environmental performance (90% CO 2 capture and up to 98%), product yield (30% reduction in natural gas consumption), and economic benefit (reduce Levelized Cost of Hydrogen by 28%) as compared to the Steam Methane Reforming process. A 20,000 Standard Cubic Feet per Day pilot plant (or Feasibility Demonstration Unit, FDU) located at the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) was moved to GTI’s Des Plaines, IL facility and reconfigured to utilize an atmospheric calciner which enables CO 2 capture as a high purity product. Between operations at EERC and GTI’s facility, the pilot plant has demonstrated over 110 hours of sorbent enhanced hydrogen production at 80% or higher purity. The primary objective of this project is to advance the development of GTI’s Sorption Enhanced Reforming (SER) hydrogen production technology, known as the Compact Hydrogen Generator (CHG), to allow for a future commercial demonstration. This effort was performed over the course of 51 months. The previous effort demonstrated that previously observed catalyst deactivation can be mitigated with different catalyst substrates and operating conditions. This follow-on effort will improve both the system operational reliability, and system efficiency. Additionally, a novel approach for the calcination process will be demonstrated which can reduce the cost of carbon dioxide capture by up to 60% compared to equivalent commercial approaches.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integrated Systems-to-Atoms (S2A) Framework for Designing Resilient and Efficient Hydrogen Infrastructure Solutions

The success of a future clean hydrogen infrastructure will depend on technology performance, operating conditions, and system configuration, which will be integrated to meet specific end-use requirements. We introduce a Systems-to-Atoms framework to cosimulate material, device, and system design for clean hydrogen storage and transport. Here we present a demonstration scenario in which hydrogen is distributed using a liquid organic hydrogen carrier to 700 bar refueling stations. Cross-scale analysis on hydrogen release at the refueling station reveals that while a high reaction pressure (up to 100 bar) may not enhance the catalyst performance, it can lead to system-level cost savings (up to 5% of total refueling station cost) due to savings in downstream gas compression. Further, a typically low-performing dehydrogenation catalyst material (e.g., copper) may be preferred over a high-performing catalyst (e.g., palladium) at different operating conditions when considering overall system affordability and supply chain resilience.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investigation of ASIC-based signal readout electronics for LEGEND-1000

LEGEND, the Large Enriched Germanium Experiment for Neutrinoless ββ Decay, is a ton-scale experimental program to search for neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay in the isotope 76 Ge with an unprecedented sensitivity. Building on the success of the low-background 76 Ge-based GERDA and Majorana Demonstrator experiments, the LEGEND collaboration is targeting a signal discovery sensitivity beyond 10 28 yr on the decay half-life with approximately 10 t∙yr of exposure. Signal readout electronics in close proximity to the detectors plays a major role in maximizing the experiment's discovery sensitivity by reducing electronic noise and improving pulse shape analysis capabilities for the rejection of backgrounds. However, the proximity also poses unique challenges for the radiopurity of the electronics. Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology allows the implementation of the entire charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) into a single low-mass chip while improving the electronic noise and reducing the power consumption. In this work, we investigated the properties and electronic performance of a commercially available ASIC CSA, the XGLab CUBE preamplifier, together with a p-type point contact high-purity germanium detector. We show that low noise levels and excellent energy resolutions can be obtained with this readout. Moreover, we demonstrate the viability of pulse shape discrimination techniques for reducing background events.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗