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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 811 records · Page 45
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Comparative TEA for Indirect Liquefaction Pathways to Distillate-Range Fuels via Oxygenated Intermediates

This paper presents a comparative techno-economic analysis of five conversion pathways from biomass to gasoline-, jet-, and diesel-range hydrocarbons via indirect liquefaction with specific focus on pathways utilizing oxygenated intermediates (derived either via thermochemical or biochemical conversion steps). The four emerging pathways of interest are compared with one conventional pathway (Fischer-Tropsch) for the production of the hydrocarbon blendstocks. The processing steps of the four emerging pathways include: biomass-to-syngas via indirect gasification, gas cleanup, conversion of syngas to alcohols/oxygenates, followed by conversion of alcohols/oxygenates to hydrocarbon blendstocks via dehydration, oligomerization, and hydrogenation. We show that the emerging pathways via oxygenated intermediates have the potential to be cost competitive with the conventional Fischer-Tropsch process. The evaluated pathways and the benchmark process generally exhibit similar fuel yields and carbon conversion efficiencies. The resulting minimum fuel selling prices are comparable to the benchmark at approximately $3.60 per gallon-gasoline equivalent, with potential for two new pathways to be more economically competitive. Additionally, the coproduct values can play an important role in the economics of the processes with oxygenated intermediates derived via syngas fermentation. Major cost drivers for the integrated processes are tied to achievable fuel yields and conversion efficiency of the intermediate steps, i.e., the production of oxygenates/alcohols from syngas and the conversion of oxygenates/alcohols to hydrocarbon fuels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Low temperature vapor phase digestion of graphite

A method for digestion and gasification of graphite for removal from an underlying surface is described. The method can be utilized to remove graphite remnants of a formation process from the formed metal piece in a cleaning process. The method can be particularly beneficial in cleaning castings formed with graphite molding materials. The method can utilize vaporous nitric acid (HNO.sub.3) or vaporous HNO.sub.3 with air/oxygen to digest the graphite at conditions that can avoid damage to the underlying surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Life-Cycle Analysis of Energy Use, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Water Consumption in the 2016 MYPP Algal Biofuel Scenarios

The Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Multi-year Program Plan (MYPP) describes the bioenergy objectives pursued by BETO, the strategies for achieving those objectives, the current state of technology (SOT), and a number of design cases that explore cost and operational performance required to advance the SOT towards middle and long term goals (MYPP, 2016). Two options for converting algae to biofuel intermediates were considered in the MYPP, namely algal biofuel production via lipid extraction and algal biofuel production by thermal processing. The first option, lipid extraction, is represented by the Combined Algae Processing (CAP) pathway in which algae are hydrolyzed in a weak acid pretreatment step. The treated slurry is fermented for ethanol production from sugars. The fermentation stillage contains most of the lipids from the original biomass, which are recovered through wet solvent extraction. The process residuals after lipid extraction, which contain much of the original mass of amino acids and proteins, are directed to anaerobic digestion (AD) for biogas production and recycle of N and P nutrients. The second option, thermal processing, comprises direct hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of the wet biomass, separation of aqueous, gas, and oil phases, and treatment of the aqueous phase with catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) to produce biogas and to recover N and P nutrients.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Conversion of Dimethyl Ether to Branched Hydrocarbons Over Cu/BEA: the Roles of Lewis Acidic and Metallic Sites in H2 Incorporation

Conversion of biomass to fuels remains as one of the most promising approach to support our energy needs. It has been previously shown that the gasification of non-edible cellulosic biomass can be used to derive fuels like methanol and dimethyl ether (DME). However, the use of methanol and DME is limited due to the fact that they have low energy densities, poor lubricity and lower viscosity when compared to long-chain hydrocarbons. Increasing the blending percentage can also lead to undesired amounts of oxygenated molecules in the transportation fuel infrastructure, which restrict their applicability as jet or diesel fuels. Consequently, the petroleum-derived hydrocarbons remain as the main constituent of the middle-distillate based fuels. One way to increase the share of biofuels in middle-distillates is to use methanol/DME as building blocks for producing renewable, energy-dense hydrocarbons. One way to achieve this is by catalytically converting the DME and methanol to light olefins, followed by oligomerization to higher molecular weight premium alkanes, which can directly be used as kerosene/diesel fuels. Here, we report the catalytic dimerization of biomass-derived deoxygenated olefins into transportation fuel-range hydrocarbons under liquid-phase stirred-batch conditions. Specifically, the effect of operating conditions, such as reaction temperature, solvent-type, reaction duration and olefin-structure, on the conversion, selectivity and kinetics of dimerization of triptene (2,3,3-trimethyl-1-butene) were investigated. Triptene, as previously reported, is one of the major products of DME-homologation reaction over a BEA zeolite4. We show that triptene can be converted to high quality middle-distillates using a commercially available ion-exchange acid resin, Amberlyst-35 (dry) by the process of catalytic dimerization.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Sour pressure swing adsorption process

Methods and apparatuses for separating CO.sub.2 and sulfur-containing compounds from a synthesis gas obtained from gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock. The primary separating steps are performed using a sour pressure swing adsorption (SPSA) system, followed by an acid gas enrichment system and a sulfur removal unit. The SPSA system includes multiple pressure equalization steps and a rinse step using a rinse gas that is supplied from a source other than directly from one of the adsorber beds of the SPSA system.

Bhadra, Shubhra Jyoti↗
DOE OSTI2018

Strategy for Passivating Char Efficiently at the Pilot Scale

Fast pyrolysis is a promising pathway for the commercialization of liquid transportation fuels from biomass. Fast pyrolysis is performed at moderate heat (450-600 degrees Celcius) in an oxygen-deficient environment. One of the products of fast pyrolysis is biochar, which is often used as a heat source or as a soil amendment. Biochar is a partially reacted solid that is created in the production of bio-oil during fast pyrolysis. Biochar produced at these conditions contains significant quantities of carbon that adsorb oxygen when exposed to air. Biochar adsorption of oxygen is an exothermic process that may generate sufficient heat for combustion in ambient air. Biochar is also a self-insulating material which compounds the effects of heat generated internally. These factors lead to safety concerns and material handling difficulties. The Thermochemical Process Development Unit at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory operates a pilot plant that may be configured for fast pyrolysis, gasification, and will be introducing catalytic fast pyrolysis capabilities in 2018. The TCPDU designed and installed a system to introduce oxygen to collected biochar systematically for a controlled passivation. Biochar is collected and cooled in an oxygen deficient environment during fast pyrolysis. Oxygen is then introduced to the biochar on a mass flow basis. A sparger imbedded within the biochar sample near the bottom of the bed flows air diluted with nitrogen into the char bed, and excess gasses are removed from the top of the collection drum, above the char bed. Pressure within the collection drum is measured indicating adequate flow through filters. Sample weight is recorded before and after passivation. During passivation, temperature is measured at 18 points within the char bed. Oxygen content and temperature are measured leaving the char bed. Maximum temperature parameters were established to ensure operator safety during biochar passivation. Extensive passivation data was collected on pine and blended feedstocks and has been analyzed to characterize the exotherm of char samples. Observations and data collected while passivating char will be discussed.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Method for generating methane from a carbonaceous feedstock

The present invention provides a method for generating methane from a carbonaceous feedstock with simultaneous in situ sequestration of carbon dioxide to afford a biogas comprising at least 85 percent by volume methane, the method comprising anaerobically incubating a particulate additive in contact with a carbonaceous feedstock in a neutral or alkaline aqueous culture medium containing a culture of methanogenic consortia and collecting methane generated therefrom. The additive comprises at least one material selected from a biochar, an ash produced by gasification or combustion of a carbonaceous material, a black carbon soil, and a Terra Preta soil.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: Application to Powder Samples

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an atomic emission spectroscopy technique which with the help of a broad band spectrometer can simultaneously perform multi-elemental and in situ analysis of various samples (solid, liquid, powder or gaseous) and various environments which are sometimes difficult to access with standard chemical analytical techniques. In this chapter, we focus on some applications of LIBS on powder samples with varying concentration and how to reduce the matrix effects. By “matrix effect,” we refer to the influence of the physical and chemical properties of the sample on the plasma excitation. The possibility of developing a LIBS based sensor system for total carbon quantification in soil samples is discussed and the feasibility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the analysis of gasification slag is investigated. The results of these two analyses are compared with those obtained from a carbon analyzer and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

O-Functionalized CNT Mediated CO Hydro-Deoxygenation and Chain Growth

Worldwide energy independence is reliant on the ability to leverage locally available resources for fuel production. Recently, syngas produced through gasification of carbonaceous materials provided a gateway to a host of processes for the production of various chemicals including transportation fuels. The basis of the production of gasoline and diesel-like fuels is the Fischer Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) process: A catalyzed chemical reaction that converts a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H 2 ) into long chain hydrocarbons. Until now, it has been argued that only transition metal catalysts (usually Co or Fe) are active toward the CO hydrogenation and subsequent chain growth in the presence of hydrogen. In this paper, we demonstrate that carbon nanotube (CNT) surfaces are also capable of hydro-deoxygenating CO and producing long chain hydrocarbons similar to that obtained through the FTS but with orders of magnitude higher conversion efficiencies than the present state-of-the-art FTS catalysts. We have used advanced experimental tools such as XPS and microscopy techniques to characterize CNTs and identify C-O functional groups as the active sites for the enhanced catalytic activity. Furthermore, we have conducted quantum Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to confirm that C-O groups (inherent on CNT surfaces) could indeed be catalytically active towards reduction of CO with H 2 , and capable of sustaining chain growth. The DFT calculations have shown that the kinetically and thermodynamically feasible route for CO insertion and hydro-deoxygenation are different from that on transition metal catalysts. Experiments on a continuous flow tubular reactor with various nearly metal-free CNTs have been carried out and the products have been analyzed. CNTs functionalized by various methods were evaluated under different conditions. Reactor tests revealed that the hydrogen pre-treatment reduced the activity of the catalysts to negligible levels. Without the pretreatment, the activity for CO conversion as found to be 7 µmol CO/g CNT/s. The O-functionalized samples showed very activities greater than 85 µmol CO/g CNT/s with nearly 100% conversion. Analyses show that CO hydro-deoxygenation occurred at the C-O/O-H functional groups. It was found that while the products were similar to FT products, differences in selectivities were observed which, in turn, was a result of a different catalytic mechanism. Furthermore, these findings now open a new paradigm for CNT-based hydrogenation catalysts and constitute a defining point for obtaining clean, earth abundant, alternative fuels through the use of efficient and renewable catalyst.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Data Gap Assessment Subtask 4.1 Topical Report

Data sets were compiled and assessed for the Cambro-Ordovician Storage Complex across the CarbonSAFE Illinois East Sub-Basin study area to assess the data needs to support drilling a stratigraphic borehole at the East Sub-Basin case study site located at the Wabash Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plant north of Terre Haute, Indiana. Available data for the Mt. Simon Sandstone, within a 50 mile range in the East Sub-Basin study area, was assembled and cataloged. A summary of regional data documenting seal penetrations in the Cambrian Eau Claire and Ordovician Maquoketa was compiled, but a lack of deep well control over the project area illustrates the need for test boring and data acquisition at the East Sub-Basin case study site.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2016

Field-to-Fleet Webinar: How Does Feedstock Type Affect Biofuels Conversion?

The production of renewable motor fuels from lignocellulosic biomass is a key part of the U.S. strategy to ease dependence on imported oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For this strategy to be environmentally and economically sound, biomass resource development and conversion technology development must be coordinated so that cost-competitive biofuels can be produced using sustainable, low-cost, and diverse feedstocks. However, the impacts of different biomass types on conversion performance (process efficiency, product quality, potential waste streams) are not well known. To this end, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are partnering to understand the ‘field-to-fleet’ implications of using different feedstocks in various thermal conversion processes, including fast pyrolysis, catalytic fast pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrodeoxygenation, and gasification. We recently published results from an integrated study to produce petroleum refinery blendstocks via pyrolysis and catalytic hydroprocessing using several commercially-relevant feedstocks, including softwoods, hardwoods, herbaceous materials, and blends. The results presented here show that feedstock choice has a significant impact on multiple conversion metrics, including bio-oil yield and composition, hydrotreating yield, H2 consumption, selectivity to fuel products, and biomass carbon-to-fuel efficiency. Technoeconomic analysis was used to estimate conversion costs in a commercial process, based on a published design case, indicating that in-plant fuel production costs are also projected to vary significantly. The overall processing efficiency as a function of feedstock is examined on the basis of mass, carbon, and chemical energy of the inputs and products. It is hoped that a quantitative understanding of how different biomass types behave in various thermal processes, coupled with projected feedstock and preprocessing costs, will allow biomass resources to be well-matched with biofuels conversion processes.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Sulfur resistant nickel based catalysts, methods of forming and using such catalysts

Nickel based catalyst structures are described herein that include a plurality of metal oxides formed as crystalline phases within the catalyst structures. Each metal oxide of a catalyst structure includes nickel and/or aluminum, where one or more metal oxides includes a nickel aluminum oxide, and the one or more nickel aluminum oxides is greater than 50% by weight of the catalyst structure. The catalyst structures further have surface areas of at least 13 m 2 /g. The catalyst structures are resistant to high concentrations of sulfur and are effective in reforming operations for converting methane and other light hydrocarbons to hydrogen and one or more other components. For example, the catalyst structures are effective in coal and biomass gasification systems for the forming and cleanup of synthetic gas.

Goyal, Amit↗
DOE OSTI2019

Stakeholder Analysis Report Subtask 3.3 – CarbonSAFE Illinois East Sub-Basin Topical Report 8

Effective stakeholder engagement has been proven to be a critical component in the success of numerous CCS activities and is essential if the technology is to be widely developed in the future. This report contains a stakeholder assessment and highlights some engagement activities conducted during the CarbonSAFE Illinois East Sub-Basin Prefeasibility study. This report is intended to lay the groundwork and provide recommendations for the Wabash CarbonSAFE Feasibility project, currently underway in conjunction with the Wabash Valley Resources ammonia plant retrofit taking place at the former Terre Haute US DOE integrated gasification combined cycle plant. The analysis sets the stage for identifying and understanding the concerns of key stakeholders, describes actions currently underway, highlights perceptions of potential benefits and risks of project activities, and provides recommendations for short- and long-term forms of engagement. This study used social site characterization methods to better understand local and regional stakeholder positions and needs. The stakeholder engagement strategy will emphasize engagement with stakeholders that enable project development and those that are impacted by the project. The stakeholder analysis process can be broken down into the four basic steps of: identifying, analyzing, mapping, and prioritizing. Various stakeholders were identified by literature search, and additionally by a group of approximately twenty Indiana University SPEA master’s students via a stakeholder workshop. The stakeholder analysis and mapping process is used to help prioritize stakeholder engagement strategies; engagement strategies must be developed with particular stakeholder concerns in mind and messages tailored to those stakeholders’ needs. The stakeholder map with engagement strategy developed for this analysis suggests state government, industry, federal government, and state education are predicted to have the highest interest and influence and should be a priority focus in engagement. Local media, local landowners, local government, and utilities are predicted to have high influence but low interest and may also be a high priority group to engage. Environmental and economic impacts of activities that are considered to be important by stakeholders in the present day (key) or activities that have taken place in the past (legacy) can impact stakeholder perspectives and need to be considered when creating a stakeholder engagement strategy. The issue of environmental clean-up was identified in both the social media analysis and also through USEPA Environmental Justice analysis tools. Thus, it is clear this will be an important factor for consideration in any stakeholder engagement conducted in and around Terre Haute. Furthermore, stakeholder engagement education materials will need to emphasize that carbon dioxide is not a hazardous material, as well as address FAQs regarding CCS. In addition, recommendations for consideration when developing the stakeholder engagement strategy for projects in the Illinois East Sub-Basin in general and related to the Wabash CarbonSAFE project specifically include: drawing clear lines of responsibility between Wabash Valley Resources and ISGS-led Wabash CarbonSAFE that allow the projects to manage integration and messaging; the need for ISGS and other partners to maintain objectivity and remain trusted sources of information; monitoring of social media and continuing to engage with key stakeholder groups; and providing support for key stakeholders to become sources of project information and project champions.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2017

Biochar Collection Overview and Design Upgrades in Biomass Pyrolysis Pilot Plant

The Thermochemical Process Development Unit (TCPDU) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory conducts research on a pilot plant that may be configured for biomass fast pyrolysis or gasification with the ultimate objective of creating renewable transportation fuels. Current research is focused on optimizing pyrolysis conditions for low-cost feedstock blends that are widely available and relevant on an industrial scale. Future research (2018) will focus on ex-situ catalytic upgrading of pyrolysis vapors using a riser reactor and regenerator system, similar to a fluid catalytic cracking system. The TCPDU is capable of feeding 1/2 ton of biomass per day and commonly operates at a feed rate of ~33 lb/h biomass while configured for fast pyrolysis. At this feed rate, the TCPDU generates ~2.2 gal/h of raw bio-oil and ~4.5lb/h of solid bio-char.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Data Analytics for Designing Fe-9Cr Steels

Presented by NETL at 2019 Annual Project Review Meeting for Crosscutting, Rare Earth Elements, Gasification and Transformative Power Generation, 04/19

data science, alloy design↗
DOE OSTI2019

CarbonSAFE East Sub-Basin Site Feasibility Plan Subtask 4.5 – Topical Report: DOE-FE0029445-12

Regional industrial facilities were considered for potential commercial-scale [50 million metric tons (55 tons) or more] geological storage in a CO 2 source and storage network study for the CarbonSAFE Illinois East Sub-Basin region (DOE-FE0029445-9). The study area has a number of potential geologic sequestration targets, including three significant deep saline reservoirs with corresponding seals, and potential enhanced oil recovery (CO 2 -EOR) opportunities (Figure 1). Recent geological research has focused on a high porosity, arkosic zone within the Lower Mt. Simon Sandstone as a prospective storage resource play in the region. This report summarizes the regional geology of the East Sub-Basin and discusses considerations leading from pre-feasibility work into the Wabash CarbonSAFE feasibility project (DE-FE0031626), recently underway in conjunction with the Wabash Valley Resources (WVR) ammonia plant retrofit taking place at the former US DOE Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plant located near Terre Haute, Indiana. As part of the feasibility study, geological and site characterization work will address data gaps and risks outlined in Table 1 and will aid continued steps toward commercial-scale CCS at the WVR site. The feasibility plan discussed here draws upon regional assessment work in the East Sub-Basin as it pertains to risk and data needs to characterize the WVR site, highlights plans for data acquisition to support characterization efforts, and offers insight into the legal and permitting landscape surrounding CCS in the state of Indiana.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2019

H2@Scale: Economic Potential of Hydrogen as an Energy Intermediate

The H2@Scale concept envisions hydrogen as an energy intermediate across multiple energy sectors. The concept is motivated both by the opportunity to produce hydrogen from low-cost energy resources, and by the many potential applications of hydrogen, including as energy for transportation - used directly in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), as a feedstock for synthetic fuels, and to upgrade oil and biomass - feedstock for industry (e.g., for ammonia production, metals refining, and other end uses), heat for industry and buildings, and electricity storage. A key hydrogen production opportunity is using variable renewable electricity (i.e., electricity generated by wind turbines or solar photovoltaic panels) during hours when generation exceeds the load on the grid as a source of low-cost, dispatch constrained electricity (LDE). In addition to producing low-cost hydrogen, electrolysis can also serve as a form of responsive load on the electric grid, which can enhance grid stability, reduce curtailment, and create a supplementary revenue stream for generators. The future use and adoption of hydrogen across end-use applications depends both the cost of hydrogen production and on each application's threshold price (i.e., the maximum price each application will pay for hydrogen - above that price, the application has an alternative that is more economic). We estimate economic potential of the hydrogen market - the quantity of hydrogen at an equilibrium price at which suppliers are willing to produce and consumers are willing to buy the same quantity of hydrogen - by developing supply and demand curves for hydrogen production and use. The demand curves are based on the threshold price for various quantities of hydrogen in each market, which is affected by projected prices for alternatives that could provide the same service (e.g., fuel for vehicles, feedstock for metals refining). The supply curves include hydrogen produced via natural gas steam methane reforming, high-temperature electrolysis coupled with nuclear power plants, biomass gasification, and low-temperature electrolysis using LDE. We use a range of market and technology-advancement assumptions to estimate the economic potential for five scenarios in the mid 21st century timeframe, and the corresponding impacts on energy use and emissions. We estimate hydrogen's economic potential to be 14-48 MMT/yr in the contiguous United States - corresponding to 1.5-5 times current annual consumption - depending on key assumptions about the future market conditions and the success of hydrogen production research and development (R&D) in our five scenarios. As a result of the estimated economic potential markets, we also approximate that grid-integrated electrolysis can increase the penetration of wind generation in the electricity market by providing a value stream for LDE, and that total U.S. fossil fuel use could decline below a scenario with high renewable penetration on the grid. We find that hydrogen has potential to provide technical and economic synergies when integrated across multiple sectors of the U.S. energy system, but continued R&D, infrastructure, and market development for LDE are required.

08 HYDROGEN↗