Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “low temperatures”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4

High Performance SrFe 0.2 Co 0.4 Mo 0.4 O 3–δ Ceramic Anode Supported Low-Temperature SOFCs

The development of alternative ceramic anodes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) is essential to overcome the inherent challenges such as redox instability and coking associated with Ni-based cermet anodes. Moreover, due to the large electrolyte ohmic loss at low temperature, it is critical to developing an electrode supported cell that allows electrolyte thickness reduction. Here we successfully demonstrated a high performance SrFe 0.2 Co 0.4 Mo 0.4 O 3–δ (SFCM) ceramic anode supported LT-SOFC with a peak power density of 730 mW cm –2 and 300 mW cm –2 at ambitious low temperatures of 550 °C and 450 °C, respectively, in humidified H 2 . The new anode material SFCM exhibits exceptional conductivity of over 30 S cm –1 at 450 °C in humidified H 2 , providing essential current collection capability as an anode backbone appropriate for the infiltration of Ni-gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) electrocatalysts. Compared to conventional Ni-cermet anodes, the nano-sized Ni-GDC particles in our SFCM based electrode significantly improves the cell stability in hydrocarbon gases. We demonstrated a stable long-term operation over a period of 380 h in CH 4 –containing gas mixtures at 450 °C with a voltage degradation rate of 4% per 1000 h at a constant current of 0.2 A*cm –2 . Furthermore, our results demonstrate a high performance ceramic anode with high stability for low temperature operation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Low-Temperature Geothermal Resources: Relevant Data and PFA Methods to Reduce Development Risk: Preprint

This project is part of a larger national effort focused on demonstrating the multi-faceted value of integrating low-temperature geothermal resources into national decarbonization strategies and community energy plans. Low-temperature geothermal resources are defined as reservoirs-natural or engineered-with temperatures < 150 degrees C. While the focus in the NREL effort is on geothermal heating and cooling (GHC), resources at the upper end of this temperature range can also be used for small-scale power generation. However, low-temperature geothermal resources have not been studied as extensively as higher-temperature geothermal resources. We identified three major classes of low-temperature geothermal play types: sedimentary basins, orogenic systems, and radiogenic systems. We developed workflows for evaluating the potential of these resources building off the Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) approach to de-risking geothermal exploration. This PFA-based approach to low-temperature geothermal resources includes: (1) identifying relevant data; (2) grouping and weighting of relevant datasets into PFA criteria (e.g., geological, risk, economic criteria); (3) developing favorability or common risk maps for low-temperature geothermal resources to identify potential locations for more focused data collection; and (4) estimating electric power generation and heating potential at those locations using the GeoRePORT Resource Size Assessment Tool. This project will facilitate future deployment of GHC by providing data, tools, and workflows applicable to low-temperature geothermal resources.

favorability maps↗

Exploring pH Dynamics in Amino Acid Solutions Under Low-Temperature Plasma Exposure

Low-temperature plasma (LTP) offers a promising alternative for cancer therapy, as it targets malignant cells selectively while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Upon interaction with an aqueous solution, LTP generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and thereby influences the solution’s pH, which is a crucial factor in cancer proliferation and response to treatment. This study investigated the effects of LTP on the pH of aqueous solutions, with a focus on the effect of LTP parameters such as voltage, frequency, and irradiation time. In addition, it explored the influence of solution composition, specifically the presence of the amino acids, glycine and serine, on pH changes; these amino acids are known to play significant roles in cancer proliferation. Our results indicated that LTP induces acidification in deionized water, in which the extent of acidification increased proportionally with plasma parameters. In glycine-containing solutions, pH changes were concentration-dependent, whereas serine-containing solutions maintained a constant pH across all tested concentrations. To investigate potential changes to the structural properties of glycine and serine exposed to LTP that could be responsible for different pH responses, we analyzed the samples using FTIR spectroscopy. A significant decrease in absorbance was observed for solutions with low concentrations of amino acids, suggesting their degradation.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗

Influence of trace level As or Ni on pyrite formation kinetics at low temperature

Pyrite formation at low temperature during early diagenesis in (sub-)surface sediments is an essential step of Fe and S biogeochemical cycles and the presence of this ubiquitous mineral of surface environments is often used as an indicator of paleo-redox conditions. Pathways of pyrite formation are usually discussed in environmental settings by involving a variety of nanosized Fe-S mineralogical precursors as a function of the local geochemical conditions. However, the influence of trace element impurities such as Ni and As in the solution at the time of pyrite formation has been poorly studied, whereas specific chemical signatures of trace elements are commonly observed in sedimentary pyrites. Here, a better understanding of the impact of Ni and As incorporation at trace levels on pyrite formation is essential to help refining the use of these elements as paleo-redox indicators and to evaluate the role of pyrite as a sink regulating the biogeochemical cycle of potentially toxic trace elements.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Pulsed power to control growth of silicon nanoparticles in low temperature flowing plasmas

Low-temperature plasmas have seen increasing use for synthesizing high-quality, mono-disperse nanoparticles (NPs). Recent work has highlighted that an important process in NP growth in plasmas is particle trapping—small, negatively charged nanoparticles become trapped by the positive electrostatic potential in the plasma, even if only momentarily charged. In this article, results are discussed from a computational investigation into how pulsing the power applied to an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor may be used for controlling the size of NPs synthesized in the plasma. The model system is an ICP at 1 Torr to grow silicon NPs from an Ar/SiH 4 gas mixture. This system was simulated using a two-dimensional plasma hydrodynamics model coupled to a three-dimensional kinetic NP growth and trajectory tracking model. The effects of pulse frequency and pulse duty cycle are discussed. We identified separate regimes of pulsing where particles become trapped for one pulsed cycle, a few cycles, and many cycles—each having noticeable effects on particle size distributions. For the same average power, pulsing can produce a stronger trapping potential for particles when compared to continuous wave power, potentially increasing particle mono-dispersity. Pulsing may also offer a larger degree of control over particle size for the same average power. Experimental confirmation of predicted trends is discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Low Temperature Microcalorimeters for Decay Energy Spectroscopy

Low Temperature Detectors have been used to measure embedded radioisotopes in a measurement mode known as Decay Energy Spectroscopy (DES) since 1992. DES microcalorimeter measurements have been used for applications ranging from neutrino mass measurements to metrology to measurements for safeguards and medical nuclides. While the low temperature detectors have extremely high intrinsic energy resolution (several times better than semiconductor detectors), the energy resolution achieved in practice is strongly dependent on factors such as sample preparation method. This review seeks to present the literature consensus on what has been learned by looking at the energy resolution as a function of various choices of detector, absorber, and sample preparation methods.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Low-Temperature Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis for the Denver Basin

This project is part of a national initiative to showcase the benefits of incorporating low-temperature geothermal resource assessment into the deployment of geothermal heating, combined heat and power (CHP), and geothermal direct-use (GDU) technologies. The initiative was established to accelerate the country's decarbonization efforts by identifying potential for low-temperature geothermal resource utilization (<150 degrees C, e.g., CHP and GDU) in selected sedimentary basins with numerous population centers. The play fairway analysis (PFA) methodologies in this study were adapted from previous PFA investigations of sedimentary basin geothermal play types (SBGPTs) that evaluated the potential for low-temperature resources (<150 degrees C). Workflows, relevant datasets, a new Python library, and common and composite geological criteria maps are utilized to develop low-temperature geothermal resource favorability maps for the Denver Basin, a sedimentary basin spanning Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The replication of these methodologies in other SBGPTs can evaluate potential for low-temperature resources. To facilitate future assessment of low-temperature geothermal resources in SBGPTs, this project provides PFA workflows, data, tools, and favorability maps that will ultimately support the utilization of low-temperature geothermal resources in sedimentary basins.

combined heat and power↗

Low-Temperature Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis for the Denver Basin: Preprint

This project is part of a national initiative to showcase the benefits of incorporating low-temperature geothermal resource assessment into the deployment of geothermal heating and cooling (GHC), combined heat and power (CHP), and geothermal direct use (GDU) technologies. The initiative was established to accelerate the country's decarbonization efforts by identifying potential for low-temperature geothermal resource utilization (< 150 Degrees Celsius, i.e., GHC, CHP, and GDU) in selected sedimentary basins with numerous population centers. The Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) methodologies in this study were adapted from previous PFA investigations of sedimentary basin geothermal play types (SBGPTs) that evaluated the potential for low-temperature resources (< 150 Degrees Celsius). Workflows, relevant datasets, python code, common and composite geological criteria maps are utilized to develop low-temperature geothermal resource favorability maps for the Denver Basin, a sedimentary basin spanning Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The replication of these methodologies in other SBGPTs can evaluate potential for low-temperature resources. To facilitate future assessment of low-temperature geothermal resources in SBGPTs, this project provides PFA workflows, data, tools, and favorability maps that will ultimately support the utilization of low-temperature geothermal resources in sedimentary basins.

Denver Basin↗

Multiphase, Multiscale Chemomechanics at Extreme Low Temperatures: Battery Electrodes for Operation in a Wide Temperature Range

Understanding the behavior of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) under extreme conditions, for example, low temperature, is key to broad adoption of LIBs in various application scenarios. LIBs, poor performance at low temperatures is often attributed to the inferior lithium-ion transport in the electrolyte, which has motivated new electrolyte development as well as the battery preheating approach that is popular in electric vehicles. A significant irrevocable capacity loss, however, is not resolved by these measures nor well understood. Herein, multiphase, multiscale chemomechanical behaviors in composite LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 (NMC, x + y + z = 1) cathodes at extremely low temperatures are systematically elucidated. The low-temperature storage of LIBs can result in irreversible structural damage in active electrodes, which can negatively impact the subsequent battery cycling performance at ambient temperature. Furthermore, beside developing electrolytes that have stable performance, designing batteries for use in a wide temperature range also calls for the development of electrode components that are structurally and morphologically robust when the cell is switched between different temperatures.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Constraining the Low-Temperature Oxidation Mechanism of n -Hexanol through the Detection and Identification of C 6 Elusive Intermediates

Alcohol-based fuels are currently considered to be viable energy carriers for the transportation sector. Consequently, a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of the low-temperature oxidation of alcohols is essential for application in advanced low-temperature compression engines. Here, in this work, a multidimensional approach involving experimental investigations, kinetic modeling, and theoretical calculations was used to provide new insights into the low-temperature oxidation mechanism of a C 6 alcohol, n -hexanol (CH 3 (CH 2 ) 5 OH), through the detection and identification of elusive C 6 intermediates. The oxidation of n-hexanol was investigated in a jet-stirred reactor under stoichiometric conditions (ϕ = 1.0), an initial fuel concentration of 2%, a residence time of 2 s, a temperature range between 500 and 660 K, and a pressure of 700 Torr. The reactants, intermediates, and final products were detected and identified by means of molecular-beam mass spectrometry coupled with single-photon ionization employing tunable synchrotron-generated vacuum ultraviolet radiation. Chemical kinetic simulations were performed using a previously published kinetic model (Togbé et al., Energy Fuels 2010, 11, 5859−5875) to predict the reactivity of n-hexanol and elucidate the predominant formation pathways of the observed low-temperature species. Experimental photoionization efficiency curves in conjunction with ab initio calculations, enabled the identification of important low-temperature species, such as C 6 unsaturated alcohols, C 6 olefinic hydroperoxides, C 6 cyclic ethers, C 6 diones, and C 6 ketohydroperoxides. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the mechanism of the low-temperature oxidation chemistry of n -hexanol, contributing to the development of kinetic models for the low-temperature oxidation of n-hexanol and other long-chain linear alcohols.

alcohols↗

Low temperature absolute internal quantum efficiency of InGaN-based light-emitting diodes

A method to reveal low temperature absolute internal quantum efficiency of an InGaN-based light-emitting diode (LED) is reported. Structural (via scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, x-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy) and optical (via temperature- and power-dependent photoluminescence) properties of InGaN-based blue LEDs are coupled with a channel-based recombination model, which reveals the low temperature absolute internal quantum efficiency of the LED on traditional sapphire and emerging Si (111) substrates as 27.5% and 71.1%, respectively. High low-temperature absolute internal quantum efficiency of the former is attributed to its lower defect density and less strain. Furthermore, our results show assuming perfect (i.e., 100%) internal quantum efficiency in an InGaN-based LED at low temperatures could be misleading, and using negative thermal quenching properties of defect luminesce bands with a channel-based recombination model can be a method to quantify LED's less than ideal low temperature internal quantum efficiencies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Assessing Low-Temperature Geothermal Play Types: Relevant Data and Play Fairway Analysis Methods

This data catalog contains information on low temperature geothermal play types. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) supports the Geothermal Heating and Cooling Geospatial Datasets and Analysis project, conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This project is part of a broader effort to demonstrate the multifaceted value of integrating geothermal power and geothermal heating and cooling technologies into national decarbonization strategies and community energy plans. There is a need to establish baseline low-temperature geothermal resource data sets and evaluate methods for deploying these technologies. This project aims to reduce exploration risk of low temperature geothermal systems by collecting baseline datasets that can be used for Play Fairway Analysis methodologies. This data catalog contains links to publicly available datasets from different sources that can be relevant for the low temperature geothermal systems. This submission contains data catalogs for Alaska, Hawaii, and the Conterminous United States, as well as a technical report on the methods used to classify and asses the geothermal play types.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Assessing Low-Temperature Geothermal Play Types: Relevant Data and Play Fairway Analysis Methods

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) is supporting the Geothermal Heating and Cooling Geospatial Datasets and Analysis project conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as part of a broader effort to demonstrate the multi-faceted value of integrating geothermal power and geothermal heating and cooling (GHC) technologies into national decarbonization plans and community energy plans. Currently, there is a need to establish baseline low-temperature geothermal resource datasets and evaluate methods for deploying these technologies to provide the basis for supporting private sector investment. This project is focused on collecting baseline datasets, updating conceptual models, and creating Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) workflows for low-temperature (<150 degrees Celsius) geothermal resources of different geothermal play types (i.e., sedimentary basin, orogenic belts, and radiogenic geothermal play types) that could be used for geothermal heating and cooling (GHC), combined heat and power (CHP), and other geothermal direct uses (GDU) applications. Low-temperature geothermal resources are defined as reservoirs - natural or engineered - with temperatures <150 degrees Celsius. While the focus in the NREL effort is on GHC, resources at the upper end of this temperature range can also be used for small-scale power generation. This project does not include Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) technologies because they can be effectively developed almost anywhere. Low-temperature geothermal resources have not been studied as extensively as higher- to medium-temperature geothermal resources, but there is recent interest in improving understanding of these types of resources with an uptick of interest in geothermal technologies for decarbonizing heating and cooling systems. In addition, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and other emerging technologies for exploiting petrothermal resources have opened the possibility of utilizing deep sedimentary basin systems, where porous media provide permeability and high temperatures can be reached at great depths. This project takes the approach of classifying low- temperature geothermal resources by geothermal play type (GPT). We defined and characterized three major classes of low-temperature GPT: sedimentary basins, orogenic systems, and radiogenic systems. We develop methodologies for evaluating and analyzing the potential for these resources building off the PFA approach to de-risking geothermal exploration and characterization. The proposed PFA approach for low-temperature geothermal resources includes: 1) identifying relevant data (e.g., datasets such bottom-hole temperatures from oil and gas wells, heat flow data, Quaternary faults and stress field data, geophysical data, etc.); 2) grouping and weighting of relevant datasets into PFA criteria (e.g., geological, risk, and economic criteria); 3) uncertainty quantification; 4) developing favorability or common risk maps for low-temperature geothermal resources to identify potential locations for more focused data collection; and 5) estimating electric power generation and heating potential at those locations using the GeoRePORT Resource Size Assessment Tool (RSAT). This project should facilitate future deployment of GHC, CHP, and GDU by providing data, tools, and a workflow applicable to low-temperature geothermal resources. Increased deployment of GHC and GDU will help achieve national and local decarbonization goals.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

A comprehensive review on liquid electrolyte design for low-temperature lithium/sodium metal batteries

Lithium/sodium metal batteries (LMBs/SMBs) possess immense potential for various applications due to their high energy density. Nevertheless, LMBs/SMBs are highly susceptible to the detrimental effects of an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and dendrites during practical applications, particularly pronounced in low-temperature environments. Furthermore, sluggish ion transportation further compromises the cycling stability of LMBs/SMBs at low temperatures. To achieve stable operation of LMBs/SMBs at low temperatures, researchers have made numerous efforts including electrolyte optimization aimed at creating stable SEIs and suppressing the metal dendrites under low temperature conditions. Despite the significant advancements made recently in the liquid electrolyte design, there remains considerable hurdle in electrolyte engineering for practical low-temperature, high energy density LMBs/SMBs, calling for a profound comprehension of the intricate interplay between the electrochemical reaction kinetics and electrolyte compositions. Here, this review provides a thorough overview of various strategies in optimizing liquid electrolytes covering weakly solvating electrolytes, concentration-designed electrolytes, and solvation structure-designed electrolytes, to address the challenges faced by LMBs/SMBs at low temperatures, including slow reaction kinetics and the difficulties in Li + /Na + solvation/desolvation. Furthermore, this review discusses future prospects for the advancement of this field, intending to provide valuable insights and support for subsequent research undertakings.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The Completion of Surrogate Testing for Low-Temperature TEX and a Look Towards the Future

To address the mounting need for below room temperature nuclear data validation, the Low-Temperature Thermal Epithermal eXperiments (LT-TEX) have been designed. Validation of low-temperature neutron cross sections is necessary to verify any operation at temperatures below room temperature which is typically observed in environments far from the equator. For example, a fissile material transportation truck may routinely observe ambient temperatures down to -40°C, which is the lower temperature bound of the normal conditions of transportation defined in the United States Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations §71.71c2. Additionally, sub-room temperature benchmarks can validate newly produced cross sections, that include novel thermal scattering laws, from North Carolina State University.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Plasma-assisted chemical-looping combustion: Mechanistic insights into low temperature methane oxidation with CuO

The low-temperature oxidation of CH 4 by CuO in a coaxial, fixed bed, double dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor was investigated with time-dependent species measurements by an electron-ionization molecular beam mass spectrometer (EI-MBMS). In the experiment, 10% methane carried by noble gasses was flown at 50 sccm through 1 g CuO dispersed in quartz wool both under plasma and non-plasma conditions, while time-dependent gas-phase species profiles were collected. Plasma conditions were explored from 300 to 600 °C while the non-plasma conditions were set from 300 to 900 °C. Mechanistic insights into the oxidation of CH 4 by CuO with plasma discharge at lower temperatures (≤ 600 °C) were obtained by quantifying the fuel oxidation, intermediate species, and CO 2 production in comparison to the non-plasma conditions. Here, we observed significant enhancement of fuel oxidation from the plasma discharge between 400 and 500 °C. The CO 2 production at 500 °C with plasma was greater than that at 700 °C without plasma, reducing fuel oxidation temperature by 200+ °C. During tests, three distinct reaction stages were observed: a gas-phase transport limited stage, a surface reaction limited kinetic stage, and an oxygen ion diffusion limited stage. It was observed that plasma greatly improved the reactivity of the second stage at low temperature. In addition, no carbon deposits were observed on the resultant particles, even under the presence of plasma. M. species such as C 4 H 2 and C 6 H 6 not previously observed or predicted in CuO/CH 4 chemical looping were observed, with some species such as CH 3 OH only becoming detectable as total flowrate was increased from 50 to 1500sccm. A non-plasma reaction pathway for CH 4 based the observed species from the MBMS spectrum and previous predictions from reactive molecular dynamics simulations was created, providing a framework from which more complex plasma CuO mechanisms can be crafted from.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Low-Temperature Geothermal Geospatial Datasets: An Example from Alaska

This project is a component of a broader effort focused on geothermal heating and cooling (GHC) with the aim of illustrating the numerous benefits of incorporating GHC and geothermal heat exchange (GHX) into community energy planning and national decarbonization strategies. To better assist private sector investment, it is currently necessary to define and assess the potential of low-temperature geothermal resources. For shallow GHC/GHX fields, there is no formal compilation of subsurface characteristics shared among industry practitioners that can improve system design and operations. Alaska is specifically noted in this work, because heretofore, it has not received a similar focus in geothermal potential evaluations as the contiguous United States. The methodology consists of leveraging relevant data to generate a baseline geospatial dataset of low-temperature resources (less than 150 degrees C) to compare and analyze information accessible to anyone trying to understand the potential of GHC/GHX and small-scale low-temperature geothermal power in Alaska (e.g., energy modelers, communities, planners, and policymakers). Importantly, this project identifies data related to (1) the evaluation of GHC/GHX in the shallow subsurface, and (2) the evaluation of low-temperature geothermal resource availability. Additionally, data is being compiled to assess repurposing of oil and gas wells to contribute co-produced fluids toward the geothermal direct use and heating and cooling resource potential. In this work we identified new data from three different datasets of isolated geothermal systems in Alaska and bottom-hole temperature data from oil and gas wells that can be leveraged for evaluation of low-temperature geothermal resource potential. The goal of this project is to facilitate future deployment of GHC/GHX analysis and community-led programs and update the low-temperature geothermal resources assessment of Alaska. A better understanding of shallow potential for GHX will improve design and operations of highly efficient GHC systems. The deployment and impact that can be achieved for low-temperature geothermal resources will contribute to decarbonization goals and facilitate widespread electrification by shaving and shifting grid loads.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Deformation behavior of a Co-Cr-Fe-Ni-Mo medium-entropy alloy at extremely low temperatures

In this work, we report the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of a medium-entropy alloy, Co 17.5 Cr 12.5 Fe 55 Ni 10 Mo 5 (atomic percent, at%) at cryogenic temperatures, down to a record low temperature of 0.5 K. The alloy exhibits excellent strength and ductility combined with a high strain-hardening rate in the entire temperature range investigated. Its property profile, including the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, strain hardening capability, and absorbed mechanical energy, is better than those of most alloys and HEAs used in cryogenics. Within the interval of extremely low temperatures considered (0.5–4.2 K), the alloy exhibits several unusual features, including anomalies of the temperature dependence of the yield strength and tensile ductility, discontinuous plastic deformation (DPF), and a change in the propensity for the deformation-induced martensitic transformation. While the occurrence of these effects in the same temperature interval may be fortuitous, we hypothesize that they are interrelated and provide a tentative explanation of the observed phenomena on this basis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗