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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 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Experimental Evaluation of a High-Performance Cold-Climate Heat Pump Using Tandem Vapor-Injection Compressors

A high-performance cold-climate heat pump (CCHP) was developed and experimentally validated through comprehensive laboratory and field testing. The system utilized two equal-size tandem vapor-injection (VI) compressors with an inter-stage flash tank to improve efficiency and capacity retention under subfreezing conditions. Laboratory testing was conducted on a 3-ton prototype in a controlled environmental chamber equipped with calibrated thermocouples, refrigerant-side mass flow and pressure transducers, and precision airflow measurement for energy balance verification. The prototype achieved heating coefficients of performance (COPs) of 4.4 at 47 °F, 3.1 at 17 °F, and 2.0 at –13 °F, while maintaining 88% of its rated heating capacity at –13°F. These results confirm strong low-temperature performance and indicate the potential for significant reductions in electric resistance backup use. A field prototype was installed and monitored in a residential building in Fairbanks, Alaska, during a heating season. Instrumentation included real-time power, temperature, and refrigerant state measurements to evaluate performance under dynamic outdoor conditions. The heat pump operated reliably down to –30 °F, delivering 75% of its rated heating capacity with a COP of 1.8, while maintaining stable operation, effective defrost control, and indoor comfort without auxiliary heating. The combined laboratory and field results demonstrate that the tandem VI compressor configuration provides a practical and energy-efficient approach for residential heat pumps designed for cold and very cold climate regions.

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

Cloud Droplet Measurement System for the ARM Tethered Balloon System (TBS) Field Campaign Report

The Mesa Photonics' cloud droplet measurement system (CDMS) performs in situ measurement of droplet size distribution and droplet number density in clouds. These characteristics are important cloud microphysical properties that are critical input parameters for atmospheric models and are also useful for proper calibration and validation of performance of other atmospheric measurement instrumentation. This small campaign was the first project (out of two) that involved integration of the CDMS into the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility’s tethered balloon system (TBS) and its initial testing at the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) atmospheric observatory. The follow-up campaign (AFC07016) involved testing of the CDMS under relevant conditions at the third ARM Mobile Facility (AMF3) at Oliktok Point, Alaska and making in situ measurements in clouds. The goal of this small field campaign was to deploy the CDMS on the ARM TBS, demonstrate its integrity and compatibility with the TBS, and test the wireless telecommunication system in preparation for subsequent in-cloud measurements at ARM’s North Slope of Alaska (NSA) observatory at Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow). The specific technical objectives included: (1) Integration of the Mesa Photonics' CDMS into the ARM TBS, (2) testing of the wireless telecommunication system of the CDMS, (3) evaluating the data acquisition software and image processing algorithms especially under high-background-illumination conditions, and (4) testing the ruggedness of the instrument's optical alignment and other performance characteristics. All objectives have been successfully met. The mounting hardware was designed and built mostly at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), which allowed reliable mounting of the CDMS on the TBS and co-locating the CDMS with other instruments. The field tests were performed by the principal investigator (PI) in collaboration with the TBS operational crew led by D. Dexheimer. The field testing demonstrated good compatibility of the CDMS with the TBS. During the TBS flights, the crew did not experience any operational issues with the CDMS. The instrument demonstrated reliable operational characteristics, including sufficient battery life and good thermal management. The wireless telecommunication system has been successfully tested at TBS flight altitudes of up to 1000 m. During all flights, the CDMS raw data were wirelessly transmitted to the ground station and processed in real time. The ruggedness of the instrument's optical alignment was evaluated by performing calibration of the CDMS (using Mesa Photonics' fixed-size monodisperse droplet generator) before and after the campaign. The calibration was stable within the instrument's measurement precision. In summary, the campaign demonstrated good compatibility of the Mesa Photonics' CDMS with the ARM TBS. The flight tests confirmed the mechanical integrity of the CDMS and stability of its optical layout, as well as reliability of the wireless telecommunication system. Successful completion of this campaign provided a solid basis for the next campaign (AFC07016, November 2020), that involved testing of the CDMS during in-cloud TBS flights at AMF3 at Oliktok Point.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Self-Powered Autonomous Sensing System for Arctic Ocean using a Frequency-multiplied Cylindrical Triboelectric Nanogenerator

An autonomous sensing system for collecting environmental observations in the Arctic region is critical for the estimation and prediction of climate change. Ocean waves are a great source of energy for these sensing systems but there has been limited research done on small-scale energy harvesting applications in the Arctic Ocean (subsea or surface). The available wave energy in the Arctic Ocean is lower than the typical ocean wave energy due to the low wave frequency, height, and operating months. Although the available wave energy depends on the specific location in the Arctic Ocean, the wave height decreases everywhere during the winter (Jan-March) [1]. Our target location in this work is the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, which are ice covered for about 195 days per year leaving only a few months (June-November) for wave energy harvesting [2]. During these few months, the average wave frequency is 0.2 Hz and the most common wave frequency is around 0.15 Hz. Many energy harvesting methods are unsuitable for use in the Arctic Ocean because of to the cold temperature, low wave frequency, and low wave height. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) are one of the few energy harvesting methods that excel in these conditions. Zhong et al. [3] designed a stacked pendulum-structured TENG for low-frequency ocean wave energy and reported the device generated a peak power density of 11.2 W/m3 under the low wave frequency of 0.2 Hz. The autonomous sensing system we developed for the Arctic Ocean, the Arctic-TENG, is based on a frequency-multiplied cylindrical TENG (FMC-TENG) which is an optimized TENG configuration for Arctic Ocean conditions due to the high power density under low-frequency wave conditions [4]. Figure 1 shows an FMC-TENG with multiple pairs of free-standing triboelectric-layer mode materials (Aluminum and FEP). The mass and magnet attached to the rotor store gravitational potential energy which is released as kinetic energy when the potential energy overcomes the repulsive magnetic force generated by the opposing magnet attached to the stator. This force unbalance triggers a sudden rotation and swinging motion of the mass which increases the angular velocity of the system and therefore enhances the output power of the TENG system. The main components of the Arctic-TENG are a 3D-printed rotor and stator, electric and dielectric material adhesive tape, and bearings. All these materials were cold-soaked and tested at -40 °C in a chest freezer. Both the 3D-printed parts and adhesives were confirmed to have a minimal effect from the cold temperature. Multiple bearings were tested and the starting torque of each one was compared both at room temperature and -40 °C. The bearing with the lowest starting torque at -40 °C was selected for use in the Arctic-TENG. The Arctic-TENG was tested using an out-of-water motor-driven wave simulator (Figure 2). The wave simulator allows for controlled testing at a wave height of 0.2 m and frequencies between 0.1 Hz to 0.5 Hz. This wave simulator was used for both room temperature and -40 °C testing. The Arctic-TENG generated significantly more power at -40 °C compared to room temperature for each frequency tested. The system stored energy in a supercapacitor via a power management circuit, and the amount of energy stored per day was calculated at different wave frequencies. Based on the conditions at the proposed deployment location (days of non-ice-covered ocean and wave frequency), the amount of stored energy per year from Arctic-TENG was calculated to be enough energy for two transmissions every day. Durability testing was completed on the Arctic-TENG at room temperature to determine the lifetime. The rotor of the Arctic-TENG was attached to a DC motor and spun continuously for several millions of cycles without degradation of the electrical output, demonstrating the feasibility for long-term operation.

Jung, Hyunjun↗
DOE OSTI2024

Acid–base concentration swing for direct air capture of carbon dioxide

This work demonstrates the first experimental evidence of the acid–base concentration swing (ABCS) for direct air capture of CO 2 . This process is based on the effect that concentrating particular acid–base chemical reactants will strongly acidify solution, through Le Chatelier's principle, and result in outgassing absorbed CO 2 . After collecting the outgassed CO 2 , diluting the solution will result in a reversal of the acid–base reaction, basifying the solution and allowing for atmospheric CO 2 absorption. The experimental study examines a system that includes sodium cation as the alkalinity carrier, boric acid, and a polyol complexing agent that reversibly reacts with boric acid to strongly acidify solution upon concentration. Though the tested experimental system faces absorption rate and water capacity limitations, the ABCS process described here provides a basis for further process optimization. A generalized theoretical ABCS reaction framework is developed and different reaction orders and conditions are studied mathematically. Higher order reactions yield favorable cycle output results, reaching volumetric cycle capacity above 50 mM for third-order and 80 mM for fourth-order reactions. Optimal equilibrium constants are determined in order to guide alternative chemical searches and synthetic chemistry design targets. There is a substantial energetic benefit for reaction orders above the first, with second- and third-order ABCS cycles exhibiting a thermodynamic minimum work for the concentrating and outgassing steps around 150 kJ per mole of CO 2 . A significant advantage of the ABCS is that it can be driven through well-developed and widely-deployed desalination technologies, such as reverse osmosis, with opportunities for energy recovery when recombining the concentrated and diluted streams, and extraction can occur directly from the liquid phase upon vacuum application.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Construction of a New MgB 2 Coating System for 1.3-GHz Superconducting RF Cavities at LANL

After many years of evaluating MgB 2 films prepared with various techniques for the application to superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, we have decided to build a system to coat full-size 1.3-GHz elliptical cavities. This paper describes the design and construction of the system. Additionally, we briefly describe experimental results with a small system and first tests with the new large system. In conclusion, we were able to obtain superconducting samples with a T c of up to 38 K with the small system, but we have not been able to get any superconducting samples with the new system yet.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fluid dynamic simulation and analysis of water-cooling systems for the Electron-Ion Collider

The Electron-Ion Collider is the newest large-scale project at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The collider’s purpose is to provide further advancements in the knowledge of the universe’s origin by accelerating particles near the speed of light. Our project for this 3.8 km ring was to create a thermal hydraulic steady-state simulation design of the water-cooling system to be cost-effective and energy efficient, as envisioned by Charlie Foltz, the EIC Infrastructure Division Director. The system would include a supply and return header, which cools several thousand components of the ring. The water would then be returned and cooled down using a system of cooling towers and plate and frame heat exchangers. Due to the size of the system and the complexity of the network analysis, a fluid dynamic simulation software, AFT Fathom, was used. Since previous methods of maintaining systems relied on building upon smaller real-life models and implementing empirical data, this flow model was unique and first of a kind in the domain of accelerator design, construction and operation. Therefore, our hydraulic team piloted a new method to perform network analysis on a large scale cooling system. We successfully created several test scenarios for system behavior in a shorter time compared to the method of performing hand calculations. Cooling specifications for heat rejection, pressure drop, flow rate, and pipe sizing were changed based on the individual systems of the vacuum, radio frequency (RF), magnet and power supply, and cryogenics sections. Finally, we used DOE guidelines to perform life-cycle cost analysis with net present value and carbon saving analysis on the systems where pipe size could be optimized.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

2025 Continuing Incubator Final Report: Active Hybrid Mooring

This project advanced the development of an active hybrid mooring system integrating experimental testing with numerical simulation to capture complex mooring dynamics not feasible in existing wave basins, including deep-water and shared mooring interactions. Verification testing of the complete hybrid system yielded good agreement in mooring tension and platform translation responses, though discrepancies in platform pitch response indicate that further refinement may be needed in future work.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2024

Early-stage Testing of Thermal Power Dispatch Simulator for Subjective Mental Workload and Evolution Time

The excess thermal energy produced by nuclear power plants (NPPs) during low electricity demands can be utilized in industrial processes, such as hydrogen production, through a thermal power dispatch (TPD) system. Initial testing of the first iteration of a single-train TPD design with a manual control mode at the Idaho National Lab (INL) revealed a high operator workload and degraded control capability. The current study evaluated the impact of an enhanced dual-train TPD design on operators’ subjective mental workload and evolution task-time while completing two operating scenarios in manual and automatic control modes. The results showed no statistically significant difference between participants’ mental workload using both control modes. Evolution time in automatic control mode took a shorter time than in manual control, with participants completing all evolutions in less than the 10-min set as the design specification limit. The shorter evolution time is discussed within the context of plant safety and operational efficiency.

Gideon, Olugbenga↗
DOE OSTI2022

NorthStar Facility Target Fab and Flow Testing - FY 21

The facility target fabrication and flow testing activity will consist of flow tests using the blower system at LANL to test the disk holder and target, both redesigned by the NorthStar prime contractor. The housing and transition system delivering helium cooling to the disc holder and target will be fabricated and tested at LANL facilities. The tests will include pressure drop versus flow measurements through the target and housing, optical flow diagnostics and fiber optic imaging of the disc stack. The pressure drop measurements will be compared to CFD simulations to verify the latter, the optical flow diagnostics will be used to determine whether modifications made to the housing and target holder allow sufficient flow through the bottom of the housing to adequately cool it and the fiber optics will be used to image the discs during operation as a proof of concept of the diagnostic, to be used at NorthStar facilities during preproduction testing. The work is a Partial Fulfillment of the Deliverable Requirement for NorthStar Facility Target Fab and Flow Testing and Production Target Testing Support by LANL

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Simple, efficient and open-source CRISPR/Cas9 strategy for multi-site genome editing in Populus tremula × alba

Although the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been successfully used for crop breeding, its application remains limited in forest trees. Here, we describe an efficient gene editing strategy for hybrid poplar, (Populus tremula × alba INRA clone 717-1B4) based on the Golden Gate MoClo cloning. To test the system efficiency for generating single gene mutants, two single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed and incorporated into the MoClo Tool Kit level 2 binary vector with the Cas9 expression cassette to mutate the SHORT ROOT (SHR) gene. Moreover, we also tested its efficiency for introducing mutations in two genes simultaneously by expressing one sgRNA targeting a single site of the YUC4 gene and the other sgRNA targeting the PLT1 gene. For a robust evaluation of the approach, we repeated the strategy to target the LBD12 and LBD4 genes simultaneously, using an independent construct. We generated hairy roots by Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated leaf transformation. Sequencing results confirmed the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation in the targeted sites of PtaSHR. Biallelic and homozygous knockout mutations were detected. A deletion spanning both target sites and small insertions/deletions were the most common mutations. Out of the 22 SHR alleles sequenced, 21 were mutated. The phenotype’s characterization showed that transgenic roots with biallelic mutations for the SHR gene lacked a defined endodermal single cell layer, suggesting a conserved gene function similar to its homolog in Arabidopsis Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Sequencing results also revealed the high efficiency of the system for generating double mutants. Biallelic mutations for both genes in the yuc4/plt1 and lbd12/lbd4 roots were detected in three (yuc4/plt1) and two (lbd12/lbd4) out of four transgenic roots evaluated. A small deletion or a single nucleotide insertion at the single target site was the most common mutations. This CRISPR/Cas9 strategy arises as a rapid, simple and standardized gene-editing tool to evaluate the gene role in essential developmental programs such as radial cell differentiation of poplar roots.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Coordinated operation of pumped-storage hydropower with power and water distribution systems

Small pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) units have gained popularity as distributed energy storage options that can provide flexibility to the operation of power distribution systems. Optimal operation of small PSH units is not only dependent on the energy storage provided to power distribution system, but also on the inflow and outflow of water from and to the water distribution system. Here, in this context, this paper develops an optimization model for coordinated operation of PSH units with power and water distribution systems. The proposed model optimizes the operation of water tanks, variable-speed pumps and PSH in pumping and generating modes to minimize the operation cost of power distribution system, while respecting the power flow constraints of power distribution and hydraulic constraints of water distribution system. Appropriate electricity tariffs are implemented to avoid additional expenses in water distribution system that can be enforced by its coordinated operation in favor of power distribution system. The proposed model is implemented on a 33-bus and a 123-bus test power distribution system connected to a 16-node test water distribution system. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed model in tapping PSH flexibility to reduce the operation cost of power and water distribution systems, while meeting the power and water demands.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

A Fast, Accurate Prediction for System-Wide Damage Due to Dynamic Wind Loading

The complex relationship between photovoltaic (PV) hardware configurations, overall system dynamics, and turbulent aerodynamic phenomena generates highly unsteady, non-uniform loads that can lead to damaging instabilities. These effects may result in glass breakage, cell cracking, and structural failures in frames and mounting systems, even under moderate wind conditions. Addressing industry concerns about premature system failures in field conditions deemed survivable, our research aims to develop a fast and accurate predictive model for system damage. This model integrates configurable hardware choices with advanced simulation tools to represent the overall system-specific dynamics effectively. Using this model, we predict responses under varying weather conditions and hardware setups, translating these predictions into pre-trained surrogate models capable of accurately identifying failure risks and rapidly testing new system hardening measures. In this presentation, we will showcase preliminary results in capturing system dynamics through our customizable library of PV hardware configurations. Additionally, we will highlight how these new tools build upon PVade's established wind load modeling capabilities and foster the development of advanced AI/ML surrogates for improving system robustness.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Computer-aided Veress needle guidance using endoscopic optical coherence tomography and convolutional neural networks

During laparoscopic surgery, the Veress needle is commonly used in pneumoperitoneum establishment. Precise placement of the Veress needle is still a challenge for the surgeon. In this study, a computer-aided endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was developed to effectively and safely guide Veress needle insertion. This endoscopic system was tested by imaging subcutaneous fat, muscle, abdominal space, and the small intestine from swine samples to simulate the surgical process, including the situation with small intestine injury. Each tissue layer was visualized in OCT images with unique features and subsequently used to develop a system for automatic localization of the Veress needle tip by identifying tissue layers (or spaces) and estimating the needle-to-tissue distance. We used convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in automatic tissue classification and distance estimation. In conclusion, the average testing accuracy in tissue classification was 98.53 ± 0.39%, and the average testing relative error in distance estimation reached 4.42 ± 0.56% (36.09 ± 4.92 μm).

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cryogenic Optical and Spin Scanning Probe Station for High-throughput Characterization of Solid-state Quantum Defects

This final technical report provides an overview of the key milestones achieved by Advanced Research Systems (ARS), a DOE SBIR/STTR Grant Recipient. ARS’s main objective was to develop a prototype of the Closed Cycle Cryogenic Quantum Probe Station (Avalanche). Designed for near field spectroscopy (Tip Enhanced Photoluminescence, TEPL and Tip Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy TERS) and far field spectroscopy (micro-Raman, micro-PL) is in the final stage of completion. The critical components have been tested and the final System Test of the AFM is scheduled for August 2025.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Combined TREAT-LOC & SATS Integral LOCA Experiment Plan

The Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) loss-of-coolant (LOC) and highburnup (HBu) experiment series, along with the Severe Accident Test Station (SATS) HBu experiment series, are integral LOC accident (LOCA) experiments planned under the Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) program, which aims to support burnup extension needs by addressing identified R&D priorities in order to achieve an improved understanding of fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD) of HBu fuel during LOCA events. Priorities have been identified by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)’s Collaborative Research on Advanced Fuel Technologies (CRAFT) Fuel Performance and Testing Technical Experts Group (FPTTEG). The data produced under this plan will be used to further validate and confirm existing models and inform future R&D and model development. The experimental program was specifically developed to address data gaps and opportunities identified via detailed review of the existing public knowledge base on LOCA FFRD, as well as reviewing specific experimental development activities regarding prototypic LOCA conditions for light-water reactor (LWR) systems. The test program relies on a unique combination of in- and out-of-pile experimental approaches to provide a clear tieback to the existing integral and semi-integral LOCA experiment database, using state-of-the-art facilities. More importantly, the program will systematically investigate the impacts of prototypic HBu fuel/cladding thermomechanical behaviors under postulated LWR LOCA conditions not yet fully investigated. These conditions correspond with prototypic decay-energy heatup (DEH) and stored-energy heatup (SEH) conditions. First, TREAT’s unique capability will enable the first evaluation of the impact of SEH conditions on HBu fuels. The test program will emphasize the development of an improved mechanistic understanding of key phenomena through independent experimental systems, development of a database to support fuel performance modeling tools, world-leading advanced materials characterization, and the most advanced approach to in situ diagnostics ever deployed to evaluate FFRD. The results will represent a significant leap forward in evaluating prototypic conditions and novel data to support modeling development and validation, as well as to inform the technical basis for LOCA-induced FFRD.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Marine energy supported multi-energy system planning and operation optimization for sustainable coastal community

The growing need for sustainable energy solutions in coastal areas necessitates the development of integrated systems that leverage abundant marine resources. In this study, a standalone Marine Energy Supported Multi-Energy System (MRE-MES) is designed for sustainable coastal community development, utilizing renewable marine resources, including offshore wind, wave, and solar energy, to address the energy needs of electricity, heat, freshwater, and hydrogen. The proposed MRE-MES incorporates a co-optimization model that simultaneously balances capacity planning and operational efficiency to minimize costs and environmental impacts. The system is tested under different renewable energy penetration levels and demand uncertainties, using a two-stage stochastic programming to account for variability in renewable resources and consumption needs. The experimental results indicate that in the optimal system capacity configuration, the percentage of total renewable energy generation is around 80 %, with or without capacity limitation constraints on PV, water tank, and hydrogen storage. Compared to the worst-case scenario in Monte Carlo experiments, two-stage stochastic optimization results in a more robust decision that effectively mitigates the risks posed by future uncertain demand conditions. In conclusion, the findings highlight the viability of marine energy for providing a resilient, comprehensive energy solution to coastal communities.

Capacity planning↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development and test of a mini-Data Acquisition system for the High-Luminosity LHC upgrade of the ATLAS Monitored Drift Tube detector

New front-end electronics including ASICs and FPGA boards are under development for the ATLAS Monitored Drift Tube (MDT) detector to handle the large data rates and harsh environment expected at high-luminosity LHC runs. A mobile Data Acquisition (miniDAQ) system is designed to perform integration tests of these front-end electronics. In addition, it will be used for surface commissioning of 96 small-radius MDT (sMDT) chambers and for integration and commissioning of new front-end electronics on the present ATLAS MDT chambers. Details of the miniDAQ hardware and firmware are described in this article. Here, the miniDAQ system is also used to read out new front-end electronics on an sMDT prototype chamber using cosmic muons and results obtained are shown.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗