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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 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
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 OSTI2020

An experimental study of the behavior of a high efficiency residential heat pump in cooling mode with common installation faults imposed

Faults are believed to be common in split system air-conditioner and heat pump systems, due to operating degradation or installation problems. Common faults include improper refrigerant charge, reduced evaporator airflow, liquid line restrictions, and the presence of non-condensable gas. Laboratory tests were used to quantify fault impacts on performance of a heat pump system, and impacts on indicator variables such as refrigerant temperatures and pressures. This paper describes a large set of laboratory tests implemented on a high efficiency heat pump operating in cooling mode. This system uses R-410A refrigerant and has a rotary compressor, TXV, two accumulators, and a compensator. A small number of previous experimental studies have been done previously to study the effects of some operating faults, but none has examined a modern system with these components. The tests were conducted with a range of fault intensities and driving conditions. The results are compared to previous researchers’ experimental results. The system’s performance was found to be quite robust in the presence of faults. The TXV, accumulators, and compensator significantly reduce sensitivity to refrigerant charge and liquid line restriction faults, and other faults to a lesser extent.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Regional suitability of heating tower heat pumps based on technical and economic performance maps

The heating tower heat pump (HTHP) technology is evolving rapidly due to its high performance in summer and frost-free characteristic in winter. However, lacking comprehensive comparisons between the HTHP and conventional methods, such as air-source heat pump (ASHP), and chiller and boiler, greatly limits its applications. To address this problem, this paper carries out technological and economic performance analyses of the three systems in 353 locations over China by the processes of building load calculation, system sizing, annual simulation, performance comparison, and demonstration. Energy saving principle and potential of the HTHP are presented and explained. Based on that, economic performance comparison is conducted by considering the energy conversion efficiency and prices. The results show that the HTHP has advantage over the ASHP in most locations in China. The improvement in annual coefficient of performance (COP) is about 10% to 20%. For the locations in southwest China like Chongqing, the improvement is also less than 10% due to the large regeneration penalization in winter and small difference between dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature in summer. The annual COP of the HTHP is 10% to 23% higher than that of the chiller and boiler in hot summer and cold winter zone, and cold zone. However, the HTHP shows no advantage over the chiller and boiler in severe cold zone because of the low efficiency of heat pump in winter, neither in hot summer and warm winter zone due to the small heating load. Based on the results, technical and economic performance maps are developed to guide the application of the HTHP in different climate regions.

heating tower heat pump, air-source heat pump, chi↗
DOE OSTI2013

Efficient single-mode (TEM{sub 00}) Nd : YVO{sub 4} laser with longitudinal 808-nm diode pumping

A single-mode Nd : YVO{sub 4} laser with unidirectional longitudinal pumping by laser diodes with λ = 808 nm and a power of 40 W is studied. In the TEM{sub 00} mode, the output laser power is 24 W with the optical efficiency η{sub opt} = 57.1 % (slope efficiency 63.3 %), which, as far as we know, is the best result for Nd{sup 3+} : YVO{sub 4} lasers with longitudinal pumping at λ = 808 nm from one face of the active crystal. Estimates of thermal effects show that, using a Nd : YVO{sub 4} crystal (length 20 mm, diameter 3 mm, dopant concentration 0.27 at%) with two undoped ends and bidirectional diode pumping with a total power of 170 W, one can obtain an output power of ∼100 W in the TEM{sub 00} mode from one active element. (lasers)

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Analysis of characteristics of a diode-pumped rubidium vapour laser using a kinetic algorithm

We consider diode-pumped alkali vapour lasers (DPALs), which make it possible to achieve a high output power. Characteristics of such DPALs strongly depend on the physical properties of buffer gases and on structural parameters of a vapour cell. Special attention is paid to a diode-pumped rubidium vapour laser (DPRVL): We have investigated the effect of different conditions on its characteristics. The results show that the linewidth of the D{sub 2} line of a DPRVL and the fine-structure mixing rate between two excited energy levels, which are two crucial factors in implementing a high-power DPRVL, increase with the pressure of buffer gases and the temperature of the vapour cell. It is demonstrated that the population ratio of two excited energy levels is close to that corresponding to a thermal equilibrium as the pressure of buffer gases and the temperature of the vapour cell become higher. We have found that the optimal values of the methane pressure, the cell temperature and the cell length can be determined through a kinetic analysis. The conclusions can be valuable for designing configurations of an end-pumped DPAL. (lasers)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Blender Pump Fuel Survey: CRC Project E-95-2

With the increasing fuel diversity in the marketplace, the Coordinating Research Council and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory conducted a survey of mid-level ethanol blends (MLEBs) in the market. A total of 73 fuel samples were collected from 20 retail stations. To target Class 4 volatility, the fuel samples were collected primarily in the midwestern United States in the month of February. Samples included the gasoline (E0), Flex Fuel, and every MLEB that was offered from each of the 20 stations. Photographs of each station were taken at the time of sample collection, detailing the pump labeling and configuration. The style and labeling of the pump, hose, and dispenser nozzle are all important features to prevent misfueling events. The physical location of the MLEB product relative to the gasoline product can also be important to prevent misfueling. In general, there were many differences in the style and labeling of the blender pumps surveyed in this study. All samples were analyzed for volatility and ethanol content. For the MLEB samples collected, the fuels tended to be lower in ethanol content than their indicated amount; however, the samples were all within 10 vol% of their indicated blend level. One of the 20 Flex Fuel samples was outside of the allowable limits for ethanol content. Four of the 20 Flex Fuel samples had volatility below the minimum requirement for Class 4.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Performance Assessment of High Efficiency Variable Speed Air-Source Heat Pump in Cold Climate Applications

This project was part of an effort by ComEd's emerging technology program to evaluate the energy saving potential of new energy efficiency technologies. The focus of this technology assessment was to determine energy and peak demand savings potentials of a high efficiency variable speed, air-source, split system heat pump designed for cold climate applications. The results of this technology assessment will be used by CLEAResult to develop a new energy efficiency measure for Commonwealth Edison Company's incentive programs. The project utilized the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Thermal Test Facility to experimentally characterize cooling and heating performance of a high efficiency heat pump split system under varying outdoor climate conditions. The selected climate conditions represented summer and low temperature winter conditions in ComEd's service territory. The laboratory experimentation results were used to develop equipment performance curves required by EnergyPlus hourly simulation engine. Using typical meteorological year 3 weather data for the Chicago O'Hare airport, hourly building simulations (using the EnergyPlus engine) was utilized to estimate the annual energy savings of the high efficiency heat pump in comparison to a standard efficiency unit in the following U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) building codes program energy prototypes: Single-family residence; Strip mall; and Low-rise office.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

End-Use Savings Shapes Measure Documentation: Heat Pump Rooftop Units With Exhaust Air Energy Recovery

This technical report documents the Advanced Rooftop Unit Control End Use Savings Shapes (EUSS) measure, including providing a description of the technology, modeling methods, and the energy savings calculated from applying the measure to applicable across the US commercial building stock using ComStock to quantify its potential. This measure replaces gas furnace and electric resistance rooftop units with high-efficiency variable speed heat pump rooftop units (HP-RTU) that include exhaust air heat or energy recovery. The measure uses the same assumptions and technology as the variable speed HP-RTU measure from EUSS 2023 release 1 but adds energy recovery to precondition outdoor ventilation air to reduce HVAC loads. The HP-RTU compressor lockout temperature is modeled as 0 degrees Fahrenheit; below this temperature, the heat pump is set to shut off. The unit is sized based on the design cooling loads, with backup electric resistance heating addressing any remaining loads including heating hours below the compressor lockout temperature when there is no heat pump heating.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

Chemical Sensing and Chemoresponsive Pumping with Conical-Pore Polymeric Membranes

Synthetic membranes containing asymmetrically shaped pores have been shown to rectify the ionic current flowing through the membrane. Ion-current rectification means that such membranes produce nonlinear current–voltage curves analogous to those observed with solid-state diode rectifiers. In order to observe this ion-current rectification phenomenon, the asymmetrically shaped pores must have pore-wall surface charge. Pore-wall surface charge also allows for electroosmotic flow (EOF) to occur through the membrane. We have shown that, because ion-current is rectified, EOF is likewise rectified in such membranes. This means that flow through the membrane depends on the polarity of the voltage applied across the membrane, one polarity producing a higher, and the opposite producing a lower, flow rate. As is reviewed here, these ion-current and EOF rectification phenomena are being used to develop new sensing technologies. Results obtained from an ion-current-based sensor for hydrophobic cations are reviewed. In addition, ion-current and EOF rectification can be combined to make a new type of device—a chemoresponsive nanofluidic pump. This is a pump that either turns flow on or turns flow off, when a specific chemical species is detected. Results from a prototype Pb 2+ chemoresponsive pump are also reviewed here.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1922

Fakir fuel pump

In designing the Fakir fuel pump, the fundamental idea was to obtain a simple and reliable method of conveying the fuel from a low tank to the carburetor, with the avoidance of the faults of all former methods and the simultaneous warming of the fuel by means of the heat of compression generated. The principle of the Fakir fuel pump rests on the well-known principle of the diaphragm pump, which must be suitably adapted to the present purpose.

PUMPS, FUEL↗
DOE OSTI2016

Pumped Storage and Potential Hydropower from Conduits

This U.S. Department of Energy Report to Congress, Pumped Storage Hydropower and Potential Hydropower from Conduits, addresses the technical flexibility that existing pumped storage facilities can provide to support intermittent renewable energy generation. This study considered potential upgrades or retrofit of these facilities, the technical potential of existing and new pumped storage facilities to provide grid reliability benefits, and the range of conduit hydropower opportunities available in the United States.

pumped, storage, pumped storage, congress, hydropo↗
DOE OSTI2018

PUMP-STORAGE HYDROPOWER DESIGN IN A WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY WITH AN AERATING RUNNER, ADDITIVE MANUFACTURED MATERIAL ANALYSIS, AND TESTING OF HYDROKINETIC TURBINE RUNNER.

The feasibility and design of a novel pumped storage system in a wastewater treatment facility is investigated. Analysis covers the added benefit of aeration, costs, and specifications. For the given sub-megawatt system, off-the-shelf runner designs are not available. This research builds on an existing pump-turbine research and design through a combination of introducing aeration into the operating processes, analysis of large format metal additive manufacturing, and testing and validation of a hydrokinetic turbine runner that uses the same response surface optimization methodology as the discussed pump-turbine design. Two concepts are generated and proposed along with a baseline scenario. Two potential site locations are provided with relevant information The Stickney Wastewater Reclamation Plant and The Navy Wastewater Treatment Plant, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oahu Hawaii. Results show that aeration is the primary benefit of such a system. The system is capable of meeting the required dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in wastewater treatment. The system produces volume averaged DO levels between 1.2 and 1.4 mg/l. The system is shown to be a scalable open-loop system that can be sized for application. Area requirements of the system are acceptable due to the use of a single pedestal elevated tank The implementation timeline and nuances of this system are largely unknown. In attempt to reduce costs, advanced manufacturing methods are investigated. Investigation into advanced methods showed that mechanical properties of additive manufactured metals using a GMAW system produce equal results to wrought materials and have the potential to produce custom wear properties.

additive manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ductless Heat Pump Energy Monitoring in a Cold Climate

In 2018, the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska set the goal of reaching 80% renewable energy for heating and transportation by 2045. An important factor to help reach this goal is finding energy efficiency home heating technologies such as ductless air source heat pumps (DHPs), which rely on the local hydropower electric grid to provide space heating for an entire home or a main living area. To help residents reduce energy costs and move toward the community renewable energy goal, a team of local, state, and national partners joined to run Thermalize Juneau 2021, an energy campaign that provided education, a simplified installation process, and a bulk purchase discount. Overall, the campaign enrolled 165 participants, resulting in 75 DHP installations and over 30 energy efficiency improvements. To evaluate the reliability and energy use of the DHPs installed during the Thermalize Juneau campaign, researchers installed energy monitors on heat pumps of 14 participants and conducted interviews with homeowners. Data from two heating seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) has allowed researchers to examine the accuracy of pre-campaign energy savings predictions, establish energy savings for a small group of households, and provide insights on the energy use and occupant satisfaction of DHPs which will help to inform future heat pump deployment efforts in the area.

air source heat pump↗
DOE OSTI2024

Realizing the Residential Electrification Opportunity: One Heat Pump at a Time

Space and water heating in residential buildings is a major contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States. Advanced electric heat pumps (HP) and heat pump water heaters (HPWH) are poised to provide a low carbon alternative to traditional fossil-based space and water heating. Widespread deployment of heat pumps could help address the significant portion of building emissions and primary energy used in American households, however much work needs to be done to close the knowledge gap between like-for-like fossil equipment replacement and switching to HPs for the average contractor. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been working on closing this knowledge gap through the development of decision tools and resources targeted towards contractors and installers. Developed in coordination with stakeholders and experienced contractors from a variety of geographic regions, these tools help streamline the process of sizing and selecting residential HPs and HPWHs for key use cases. Along with the complementary Retrofit Decision Tool developed by PNNL, the decision tools will help contractors understand the importance of whole building considerations when choosing HPs including envelope upgrades, duct assessments, and electrical assessments to ensure optimal selection and performance of the HP or HPWH. They also provide direct links to resources and best practices developed by PNNL as well as external entities to further help contractor education and training. This paper describes the development of these tools, and their role in moving the existing space and water heating market towards HPs to help realize the country’s decarbonization goals.

heat pump, heat pump water heater, Residential bui↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ductless Heat Pump Energy Monitoring in a Cold Climate

In 2018, the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska, set the goal of reaching 80% renewable energy for heating and transportation by 2045. An important factor to help reach this goal is energy-efficient home heating technologies such as ductless air- source heat pumps (DHPs), which rely on the local hydropower electric grid to provide space heating for an entire home or a main living area. To help residents reduce energy costs and move toward the community renewable energy goal, a team of local, state, and national partners joined together to run Thermalize Juneau 2021, an energy campaign that provided education, a simplified installation process, and a bulk purchase discount. Overall, the campaign enrolled 165 participants, resulting in 75 DHP installations and over 30 other energy efficiency improvements. To evaluate the reliability and energy use of the DHPs installed during the Thermalize Juneau campaign, researchers installed energy monitors on heat pumps of 14 participants and conducted interviews with homeowners. Data from two heating seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) allowed researchers to examine the accuracy of pre-campaign energy savings predictions, establish energy savings for a small group of households, and provide insights on the energy use and occupant satisfaction of DHPs, which will help inform future heat pump deployment efforts in the area.

air source heat pump↗
DOE OSTI2024

Design Heating and Cooling Load Calculation Versus Building Load Simulation for Cold Climate Heat Pumps: Understanding the "Gap"

This report explores the differences between Manual J-equivalent block load calculations and building HVAC energy simulation results using EnergyPlus™ calculations when designing cold climate heat pump systems for residential use. This study will help HVAC researchers and advanced designers understand the impacts of oversizing heat pumps on home energy use.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2017

Numerical groundwater-flow modeling to evaluate potential effects of pumping and recharge: implications for sustainable groundwater management in the Mahanadi delta region, India

Process-based groundwater models are useful to understand complex aquifer systems and make predictions about their response to hydrological changes. A conceptual model for evaluating responses to environmental changes is presented, considering the hydrogeologic framework, flow processes, aquifer hydraulic properties, boundary conditions, and sources and sinks of the groundwater system. Based on this conceptual model, a quasi-three-dimensional transient groundwater flow model was designed using MODFLOW to simulate the groundwater system of Mahanadi River delta, eastern India. The model was constructed in the context of an upper unconfined aquifer and lower confined aquifer, separated by an aquitard. Hydraulic heads of 13 shallow wells and 11 deep wells were used to calibrate transient groundwater conditions during 1997–2006, followed by validation (2007–2011). The aquifer and aquitard hydraulic properties were obtained by pumping tests and were calibrated along with the rainfall recharge. The statistical and graphical performance indicators suggested a reasonably good simulation of groundwater flow over the study area. Sensitivity analysis revealed that groundwater level is most sensitive to the hydraulic conductivities of both the aquifers, followed by vertical hydraulic conductivity of the confining layer. The calibrated model was then employed to explore groundwater-flow dynamics in response to changes in pumping and recharge conditions. The simulation results indicate that pumping has a substantial effect on the confined aquifer flow regime as compared to the unconfined aquifer. The results and insights from this study have important implications for other regional groundwater modeling studies, especially in multi-layered aquifer systems.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Technique for Optimization Design of the Flow Path of a Main Oil Pump

A method for the design of the flow path of a main oil pump by means of which the geometry of the flow path may be optimized to achieve maximum energy efficiency of the pump is given. The method is based on mathematical simulation of the hydrodynamic processes that occur in the flow path of a pump using the ANSYS system of finite-element analysis combined with methods of nonlinear programming.

42 ENGINEERING↗