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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 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Reliability and Integrity Management Program Implementation Approach

Nuclear energy is the most reliable and environmentally sustainable energy source available today. In the United States, nuclear-generated power accounts for approximately 20% of total electricity and over 55% of clean energy. New advanced reactors have enormous potential to help further decarbonize the energy market, enhance grid resiliency, create new jobs, and build a stronger economy. More than 50 new reactors are being developed in the United States, and the federal government realizes an urgent need to deploy nuclear technologies to meet the country’s energy, environmental, and national security goals. As such, the U.S. Department of Energy launched multiple programs to support advanced reactor deployment. The research described in this paper explores implementation strategies for the Reliability and Integrity Management Program that directly supports the U.S. Department of Energy goal to enable the near-term deployment of the advanced reactor technologies. The project is conducted under the Regulatory Development Program for advanced reactors sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Defect diffusion graph neural networks (d2gnn)

SAND2025-01004O Defect Diffusion Graph Neural Networks (d2gnn) is a software tool that assists in the discovery of new materials for high-temperature, clean-energy applications. It uses advanced graph neural networks to model the relationship between material structures and their defect properties. The application helps predict how materials will behave under different conditions and accelerates the development of innovative materials. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA0003525.

Witman, Matthew [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Li↗
DOE OSTI2024

Meta-Analysis of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Cost Estimations

Supporting Data can be downloaded at: https://gain.inl.gov/content/uploads/4/2024/06/INL-RPT-24-77048-R1.xlsx Nuclear energy is a critical cornerstone of the current United States clean energy supply and may play a larger role in the future in support of a transition to a net-zero economy. The current fleet of nuclear reactors predominantly consists of large light-water reactors (LWRs), while many of the reactor designs under consideration are smaller and/or different technologies. Because these new designs have not yet been built, there is a high degree of uncertainty associated with their cost. This complicates energy-planning efforts because cost projections are not always standardized, consistent, and centralized in an easily accessible location. To help support energy planning in the US, this report provides advanced nuclear cost ranges using a transparent methodology along with other relevant information that can be used to help support decision making and energy planning. The purpose of this work was to conduct a methodical process for cost evaluation using only public information that was vetted with the end-goal to provide reference cost projections for nuclear energy. To provide a solid basis for these values, the approach and assumptions are explicitly laid out throughout the report allowing any user of the data to challenge or reconsider them. Because future US nuclear-reactor costs are still unknown due to little recent observed data, the report opted to compile a comprehensive list of bottom-up estimates and evaluate averages/trends within the data to identify reference ranges. This was deemed preferable to opining on the robustness or validity of one cost estimation versus another. To that end, the work evaluated thousands of lines of cost subaccounts from several bottom-up cost estimates. A wide variety of different reactor types captured in the data are of various sizes and technologies. Some of these reactors will be representative of advanced reactors under development while others will not. Thus, the results here are dependent on the data that are available and the accuracy of the estimates that are used. Each bottom-up estimate was reviewed to determine whether it was complete. Incomplete data sets were corrected to ensure an adequate basis of cross-comparison. The report is not without limitations and should be interpreted as an initial step to develop cost ranges for nuclear technology. Ultimately, future work can build upon the methodology with refined cost estimates to reduce uncertainty. US-based overnight capital cost (OCC) estimates were compiled from extensive data sets into ranges for both large and small reactor sizes for 2030. To project the cost declines over time, learning rates were sampled from literature sources. No SMRs were previously built; hence, learning rates based on bottom-up approaches (e.g., by quantifying the impact stemming from fabrication of different components, modular work, site construction, commissioning) were prioritized. For larger reactors, actual learning rates from deployments were used to project future costs (adjusted to account for standardization or lack thereof between designs). Other costs included are fixed and variable operations and maintenance costs. The final variables were capacity factors and ramp rates to support energy planning.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Assessment of Energy Technology Options for the Island of Molokai, Hawaii: Analysis of Floating Solar, Pumped Storage Hydropower, and Backup Energy Systems

This report documents analysis done by researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to evaluate the potential for and explore project concepts of electricity generation and storage additions on the island of Molokai, Hawaii, as identified in the Community Energy Resilience Action Plan (CERAP) by the Molokai Clean Energy Hui (MCEH), Sustainable Molokai, and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI). These electricity generation and storage additions include distributed photovoltaics (PV), battery energy storage, and generators for critical facilities on the island that can provide backup energy to the facilities during grid disruptions and outages, a floating PV (FPV) system on Kualapuu Reservoir, and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) systems scaled to act as a significant or primary source of energy storage on the Molokai grid.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Launch Alaska Transportation and Energy Accelerator (LATEA)

The Launch Alaska Transportation and Energy Accelerator (LATEA), funded through the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Commercialization’s Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC),advanced deployment of innovative and efficient transportation and energy technology in Alaska from October 2021 through June 2025. The project was designed to leverage Launch Alaska’s accelerator model to identify, recruit, and support transportation technology companies with novel solutions to market needs while building the stakeholder networks, demonstration opportunities, and institutional capacity necessary to accelerate commercialization in one of the most challenging operating environments in the United States.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Price Formation in Zero-Carbon Electricity Markets: The Role of Hydropower

In April 2019, Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) launched the HydroWIRES Initiative to understand, enable, and improve hydropower and pumped storage hydropower’s (PSH’s) contributions to reliability, resilience, and integration in the rapidly evolving U.S. electricity system. The unique characteristics of hydropower, including PSH, make it well suited to provide a range of storage, generation flexibility, and other grid services to support the cost-effective integration of variable renewable resources. The U.S. electricity system is rapidly evolving, bringing both opportunities and challenges for the hydropower sector. While increasing deployment of variable renewables such as wind and solar have enabled low-cost, clean energy in many U.S. regions, it has also created a need for resources that can store energy or quickly change their operations to ensure a reliable and resilient grid. Hydropower (including PSH) is not only a supplier of bulk, low-cost, renewable energy but also a source of large-scale flexibility and a force multiplier for other renewable power generation sources. Realizing this potential requires innovation in several areas: understanding value drivers for hydropower under evolving system conditions, describing flexible capabilities and associated tradeoffs associated with hydropower meeting system needs, optimizing hydropower operations and planning, and developing innovative technologies that enable hydropower to operate more flexibly.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Research, Development and Demonstration of Advanced Vehicle Technologies in Clean Motor Fuels (CRADA Final Report)

NREL/DOE has been funding research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects to facilitate the deployment of alternative fuels into the marketplace in order to achieve three objectives: 1) enhance the reduction of mobile source emissions in California and the U.S.; 2) increase U.S. competitiveness and economic prosperity; and 3) preserve the environment through the reduction of emissions and toxins from the motor vehicle population. The Lewis-Presley Air Quality Management Act requires the South Coast Air Quality Management District to establish a program to encourage participation in projects to increase the utilization of clean-burning fuels. The parties seek to collaborate on a joint RD&D project to perform a field test on a small vehicle fleet operating on Fischer-Tropsch synthetic diesel fuel. Recently the 106th U.S. Congress designated "gas-to-liquid" (GTL) transportation fuels that are produced from domestic products as alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT). Niche markets could develop quickly for these fuel products, perhaps especially for the use of Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuels in centrally fueled vehicle fleets in California. NREL and its project partners from the U.S. Department of Energy and West Virginia University have recently conducted what we believe to be the first-ever controlled tests of Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuels in heavy vehicles. These tests have shown that Fischer-Tropsch fuels can be substituted in unmodified trucks and buses without any detectable loss in drivability and performance. Compared to a California diesel fuel baseline, neat Shell Fischer-Tropsch fuel emitted about 12% lower NOx and 24% lower particulate matter over a five-mile driving route while maintaining the same fuel economy on an energy equivalent basis. Whereas these exhaust emissions reductions from these previous studies have been impressive, far greater exhaust emissions reductions can be achieved if the vehicles are retrofitted with emissions control technologies that are enabled by Fischer-Tropsch fuels. For this program, a test fleet would be selected and retrofitted with continuously regenerating traps (CRT’s) or diesel particulate filters (DPF's). The University of West Virginia, under a separate subcontract to SCAQMD will have the responsibility to test and measure the emissions from the test fleet of vehicles.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS2013

Bismuth Passivation Technique for High-Resolution X-Ray Detectors

The Athena-plus team requires X-ray sensors with energy resolution of better than one part in 3,000 at 6 keV X-rays. While bismuth is an excellent material for high X-ray stopping power and low heat capacity (for large signal when an X-ray is stopped by the absorber), oxidation of the bismuth surface can lead to electron traps and other effects that degrade the energy resolution. Bismuth oxide reduction and nitride passivation techniques analogous to those used in indium passivation are being applied in a new technique. The technique will enable improved energy resolution and resistance to aging in bismuth-absorber-coupled X-ray sensors. Elemental bismuth is lithographically integrated into X-ray detector circuits. It encounters several steps where the Bi oxidizes. The technology discussed here will remove oxide from the surface of the Bi and replace it with nitridized surface. Removal of the native oxide and passivating to prevent the growth of the oxide will improve detector performance and insulate the detector against future degradation from oxide growth. Placing the Bi coated sensor in a vacuum system, a reduction chemistry in a plasma (nitrogen/hydrogen (N2/H2) + argon) is used to remove the oxide and promote nitridization of the cleaned Bi surface. Once passivated, the Bi will perform as a better X-ray thermalizer since energy will not be trapped in the bismuth oxides on the surface. A simple additional step, which can be added at various stages of the current fabrication process, can then be applied to encapsulate the Bi film. After plasma passivation, the Bi can be capped with a non-diffusive layer of metal or dielectric. A non-superconducting layer is required such as tungsten or tungsten nitride (WNx).

Chervenak, James↗
DOE OSTI2026

Assessment of Energy Technology Options for the Island of Molokai, Hawaii: Analysis of Floating Solar, Pumped Storage Hydropower, and Backup Energy Systems [Slides]

This presentation summarizes analysis done by researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to evaluate the potential for and explore project concepts of electricity generation and storage additions on the island of Molokai, Hawaii, as identified in the Community Energy Resilience Action Plan (CERAP) by the Molokai Clean Energy Hui (MCEH), Sustainable Molokai, and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI). These electricity generation and storage additions include distributed photovoltaics (PV), battery energy storage, and generators for critical facilities on the island that can provide backup energy to the facilities during grid disruptions and outages, a floating PV (FPV) system on Kualapuu Reservoir, and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) systems scaled to act as a significant or primary source of energy storage on the Molokai grid. This presentation accompanies the full technical report published under the same title.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Methane Pyrolysis for CO2-free H2 and Carbon Nanomaterials - CRADA 576 (Final Report)

In this CRADA project we continued to develop the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) patent-pending Regenerable Catalytic Pyrolysis (ReCaP) process technology for producing CO 2 -free hydrogen (H 2 ) from inexpensive and domestically-abundant natural gas (NG), while simultaneously reducing H 2 ’s net production cost to $\$$1.0/kg through the sale of valuable crystalline solid carbon co-product. Producing clean hydrogen at this price is a DOE Hydrogen Energy Earthshot goal. This effort builds on our prior catalyst and processing advances made thermocatalytic decomposition of methane (TCD). The additional scope performed here accelerated the commercial deployment of TCD for CO 2 -free H 2 and valuable solid carbon nanotubes (CNT) co-product, by i) scaling up the production of CNT co-product using a fluidized bed reactor (25 g catalyst scale versus the 1 g catalyst scale demonstrated prior), ii) producing approximately 1 kg of CNT byproduct, produced via multiple cycles of TCD, carbon-catalyst separation, and catalyst re-synthesis, to enable the production of sufficient quantities of solid carbon so as to explore its market potential, iii) understanding the quality of the co-product CNTs, produced at larger scale, using advanced characterization, and iv) beginning to explore multiple promising high volume carbon product applications (e.g., aluminum and polymer composites, steel additive, and cement reinforcement applications). We are in discussions with Department of Energy and potential commercial partners to continue funding of this effort with the goal to facilitate eventual commercial deployment.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Deployment Readiness Framework for Marine Energy

As electricity prices continue to rise and extreme weather events related to climate change become more frequent, many island and remote coastal communities are prioritizing their energy future. Isolated locations and coastal environments pose challenges for energy costs and grid resilience, but the ocean can be a key solution. Marine energy could provide these communities with clean, affordable, and reliable power. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are developing the Deployment Readiness Framework (DRF) to support remote, coastal, and island community-driven energy transitions. This framework can be used to better understand the readiness of communities for marine energy technology demonstration projects and their operation. The DRF builds on the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) supported in part by DOE's Water Power Technologies Office.

community readiness↗
DOE OSTI2025

The 8RH 2 Process for Producing Clean Hydrogen with Autothermal Reforming and Carbon Capture

The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate the commercial viability and environmental benefits of an 8 Rivers Hydrogen (8RH 2 ) process, a proprietary technology developed to optimally produce high-purity blue H 2 with up to 99% carbon capture. This 8RH 2 process is particularly notable for its integration of a low-energy cryogenic CO 2 separation system that not only maximizes hydrogen recovery but also minimizes the carbon footprint of the operation. This aligns with global environmental goals and supports the United States' push toward energy sustainability and independence.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Oxynitrides enabled photoelectrochemical water splitting with over 3,000 hrs stable operation in practical two-electrode configuration

Solar photoelectrochemical reactions have been considered one of the most promising paths for sustainable energy production. To date, however, there has been no demonstration of semiconductor photoelectrodes with long-term stable operation in a two-electrode configuration, which is required for any practical application. Herein, we demonstrate the stable operation of a photocathode comprising Si and GaN, the two most produced semiconductors in the world, for 3,000 hrs without any performance degradation in two-electrode configurations. Measurements in both three- and two-electrode configurations suggest that surfaces of the GaN nanowires on Si photocathode transform in situ into Ga-O-N that drastically enhances hydrogen evolution and remains stable for 3,000 hrs. First principles calculations further revealed that the in-situ Ga-O-N species exhibit atomic-scale surface metallization. This study overcomes the conventional dilemma between efficiency and stability imposed by extrinsic cocatalysts, offering a path for practical application of photoelectrochemical devices and systems for clean energy.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Mixed Ionic Electronic Conducting Quaternary Perovskites: Materials by Design for Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen

The innovative research conducted by Arizona State University and Princeton University in the project "Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conducting Quaternary Perovskites: Materials by Design for Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen" marks a significant stride forward in thermochemical water splitting. Through an intricate blend of computational design and experimental validation, the project delved into the promising potential of Mixed Ionic Electronic Conducting (MIEC) perovskites. These complex materials, characterized by their unique redox-active nature and adaptability in stoichiometry, present a promising frontier for efficient solar thermochemical hydrogen production. Firstly, the research enhanced the science by utilizing state-of-the-art computational methodologies to unravel the nuanced chemical potentials of MIEC perovskites. By simulating various off-stoichiometric scenarios and redox conditions, the team was able to predict material behaviors under diverse environmental conditions, a feat unachievable through conventional experimental methodologies alone. This approach not only fast-tracks the material screening process, significantly reducing the time from laboratory re-search to practical application, but also uncovers trends and correlations that are pivotal for future materials innovation. Regarding technical effectiveness, the project stands out in its economic feasibility. Traditional methods of materials discovery are often marred by high costs and extensive timeframes, owing to the iterative nature of experimental processes. However, by employing theoretical computations and validating these findings with targeted experiments, the project introduced a cost-effective paradigm for materials discovery and the first ever prediction, synthesis, and preliminary validation of a material solely from computational and theoretical considerations. This synergy between computation and experimentation expedites the discovery of optimal materials conducive to high-efficiency solar-to-hydrogen conversion processes. Furthermore, the public stands to benefit substantially from this research. The success of MIEC perovskites in solar thermochemical applications heralds a shift towards lower cost and lower electricity input for clean hydrogen production, hence potentially impacting climate and energy resilience. By improving the efficiency of solar-to-hydrogen conversions, the research paves the way for reduced dependency on fossil fuels, addressing the urgent global need for accessible and renewable energy sources. Moreover, the project's advancements contribute to scientific literacy in renewable energy technologies, empowering society through knowledge and spurring future innovations. In essence, this research project demonstrates significant progress in the realm of advanced water splitting through solar thermochemistry. Through its groundbreaking approaches in computational materials science and its implications for real-world applications, it holds the promise of a cleaner, more energy-resilient future.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Photovoltaic Module R&D Considerations for Soiling Mitigation

Photovoltaic (PV) modules work best in the sunniest environments. Unfortunately, often the sunniest places also have substantial amounts of airborne "dust" that deposits on the front surface of the modules and blocks the sunlight; reducing energy output. In fact, natural soiling has reduced the energy output of PV systems since the technology was first used, and viable mitigation strategies have remained elusive ever since. With the ever-increasing deployments around the world, especially in dusty environments, soiling is becoming a billion-dollar problem, worldwide. While substantial work has been done to examine and resolve some of the issues with PV soiling, often mitigation comes down to physically cleaning the modules. However, a more systematic evaluation of the different module properties correlations to soiling mitigation needs to be done. In many instances, the causal connections between module properties and soiling are simply not known. This lack of knowledge results in a substantial increase in time and effort to evaluate and qualify appropriate soiling mitigation protocols based on site specific issues and the intrinsic module properties that are typically not optimized for mitigating soiling in a given environment. Thus, module property protocols and/or standards are needed to more quickly help identify appropriate module and site-specific mitigation.

mitagation↗
DOE OSTI2023

Transition to High-Hydrogen Fueled Advanced Gas Turbine Engines for Land-Based Power Generation and Industrial Applications

Invited lecture presented as part of the 2023 University of Central Florida - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Seminar Series. These slides discuss the role of multi-sourced hydrogen for electrical power generation. Particular focus is given to the combustion of hydrogen for the purpose of chemical to thermal energy. Pressure gain combustion is given as an example technology that could leverage hydrogen as a fuel source ultimately leading to higher rates of energy conversion (chemical to electrical) resulting in greater energy security and reduced cost of electricity.

advanced gas turbines↗
DOE OSTI2022

Flexible FlueCO2

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions remain a significant challenge on the path to clean energy. There are increasing legislative, social, and environmental factors motivating CO2 emissions reduction from power plants with carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS in natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants is critical to achieve a net-zero carbon electricity grid. Enhanced 45Q tax credits provide new incentives, but currently available technologies are unable to profitably operate in grids with deep variable renewable penetration which require flexible NGCC operation. Luna Labs has developed the FlueCO2 membrane to enable a profitable NGCC-CCS process. The FlueCO2 membrane couples steam transport across the membrane to CO2 transport in the opposite direction, enabling high capture efficiencies and low energy costs even at low CO2 concentrations. The dual-phase membrane can operate in the range of typical flue gas temperatures and pressures and does not require temperature or pressure cycling. Luna Labs’ FlueCO2 technology enables flexible and profitable operation of NGCC plants with lower capital investment and impact on electricity prices. In this Phase 1 project, Luna Labs utilized experimental testing, modeling, process simulation, and standardized costing methodologies to evaluate the techno-economic value of a 650 MW greenfield NGCC plant with FlueCO2 (NGCC-FlueCO2). Key design requirements for operation were established and plant performance under load-leveling conditions was validated through computational fluid dynamics and process modeling. Luna Labs developed a dynamic modeling tool which modeled plant operational modes across a variety of tax structures and electricity pricing scenarios to project the overall Net Present Value (NPV) of the NGCC-FlueCO2. FlueCO2 minimizes the impact of CCS integration on plant operation by integrating directly into the NGCC heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). By tapping into the plant’s low-pressure (LP) steam, operators can divert LP steam to the greenfield NGCC and/or CCS process in response to dynamic markets. Since FlueCO2 will not significantly affect HRSG (or NGCC) operation, CCS only turns off during peak power demand (>$250/MWh). Under baseload conditions, FlueCO2 lowers the capital (37%), energy (36%) and carbon capture (<$40/tonne) costs and can increase the overall plant lifetime NPV by approximately ~$1B in comparison with NGCC solvent-based capture reference cases (NETL Case 31B). Luna Labs has shared its costing tools with several interested partners and customers, which follows a generalizable approach to costing analysis.

Kelly, Jesse↗
DOE OSTI2022

Powering America’s Non-Powered Dams, One Byte at a Time

Compared with other hydropower development opportunities, powering underutilized water infrastructure provides an attractive option for expanding clean energy in the 21st century. Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) targets hydropower development at non-powered dams (NPD) from several angles and is increasingly looking to new and improved data sources to inform decision-making. Sponsored by the DOE Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), ORNL’s latest efforts build on a decade of work to advance understanding and data access for improved decision-making. Outcomes of the most recent research are geared toward better informing NPD stakeholders across a wide spectrum of interests. Furthermore, these outcomes are paving the way for additional federal investments to power NPDs in the U.S., including investments in innovative new technologies that incorporate ecological and social objectives while achieving cost reductions, commercialization and deployment. Here, this research centers around improving the breadth and accessibility of NPD data. These new digital information tools and associated tools can lead to a better decision-making process and support new hydropower development, helping to power America’s NPDs, one “byte” at a time.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗