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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 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Developing a Power Plant Suitability Model for the Energy Zones Mapping Tool

This report provides an example of designing, developing, and running a power plant suitability model in the Energy Zones Mapping Tool (EZMT), a public, web-based mapping tool with a large spatial database focused on energy infrastructure, energy resources, and related siting factors. The example focuses on natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants, which have several unique and interesting characteristics. NGCC plants typically provide peaking power to the electrical grid. Such plants can be started or stopped relatively quickly and are often used to supplement base load plants (such as nuclear or coal) during times of peak electrical consumption or to counterbalance lulls in variable power generation (such as wind or solar). Due to these and other factors, NGCC plants have been projected to increase in number under energy planning studies such as Hadley et al. The scope of the Hadley et. al. study is the Eastern Interconnection (EI), the electrical transmission grid serving much of the United States and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. Results in the study are organized according to 22 Multi-region National—North American Electricity and Environment Model (NEEM) regions within the EI. NGCC plants usually have lower water requirements than other thermoelectric power plants they may replace; therefore, they are expected to have an interesting role in reducing the overall water requirements of energy generation.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Transportation Energy Data Book (Edition 40)

The Transportation Energy Data Book: Edition 40 is a statistical compendium prepared and published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Vehicle Technologies Office. Designed for use as a desk-top reference, the Data Book represents an assembly and display of statistics and information that characterize transportation activity and presents data on other factors that influence transportation energy use. The purpose of this document is to present relevant statistical data in the form of tables and graphs. The latest edition of the Data Book is available via the Internet (tedb.ornl.gov).This edition of the Data Book has 13 chapters which focus on various aspects of the transportation industry. Chapter 1 focuses on petroleum; Chapter 2 – energy; Chapter 3 – highway vehicles; Chapter 4 – light vehicles; Chapter 5 – heavy vehicles; Chapter 6 – alternative fuel vehicles; Chapter 7 – transit and other shared mobility; Chapter 8 – fleet vehicles; Chapter 9 – household vehicles; Chapter 10 – nonhighway modes; Chapter 11 – transportation and the economy; Chapter 12 – greenhouse gas emissions; and Chapter 13 – criteria pollutant emissions. The sources used represent the latest available data. There are also two appendices which include detailed source information for some tables and measures of conversion. A glossary of terms is also included for the reader’s convenience.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multiscale Electricity Modeling for Evaluating Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technologies (Final Report)

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies that can operate with a high degree of operating flexibility could provide necessary electric grid flexibility in a system with high shares of variable renewables. This project examines the deployment and dispatch potential of twelve unique flexible CCS (FLECCS) technologies that encompass post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture designs, concepts using a storage media to enable energy arbitrage, and hybrid processes that integrate CCS with direct air capture (DAC) for flexibility with net zero or negative CO 2 emissions. FLECCS technology potential is explored with a multi-model, multi-scale framework including the Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) electric sector capacity expansion model (CEM) and the PLEXOS production cost model (PCM). Innovative methods were developed to represent FLECCS technology operating modes, performance, and cost in the two models. ReEDS was then used to simulate nine scenarios for each FLECCS technology, three CO 2 emissions price futures reaching $\$$150, $\$$225, and $\$$300/tCO 2 in 2050; and three scenarios for FLECCS technology deployment favorability relative to competing technologies. For each CO 2 price and reference FLECCS favorability, the 2050 infrastructures from ReEDS model are downscaled and implemented in PLEXOS to examine hourly dispatch under detailed operational constraints that are not included in ReEDS. FLECCS technologies exhibited a wide range of deployment potential ranging from none to several hundred gigawatts of capacity, with outcomes highly sensitive to input cost and performance parameters that are inherently highly uncertain. When deployed, FLECCS tended to displace a combination of wind, solar, and natural gas-based technologies rather than supporting increased renewable deployment. As a result, CO 2 emissions reductions facilitated by FLECCS deployment tended to come with higher overall system costs and electricity prices. When economically competitive, FLECCS technologies can contribute significant flexible generation and firm capacity to the grid, but continued technology development and an expanded analytical scope are necessary to fully understand FLECCS deployment potential its impact on the electric power sector. Follow-on analysis incorporating captured CO 2 tax credit value from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other potential policy scenarios could be particularly valuable, as this policy can substantially change the relative competitiveness of FLECCS technologies.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Conceptual Design of the Hybrid-Electric Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) Electrofan Transport Aircraft

This paper presents an update to the conceptual design of NASA’s Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) Electrofan transport aircraft—a 180 passenger, Mach 0.785 hybrid-electric regional jet with an economy range of 750 nmi and a design range of 2,500 nmi. The concept employs a series hybrid-electric powertrain driven by a fuel-burning aft fuselage propulsor that is connected to Megawatt-class power generators to convert additional mechanical shaft power to electric power. This electric power is used to support wing-mounted electric propulsors. The aft fuselage turbofan leverages boundary layer ingestion (BLI) and is designed to deliver 35% of the total aircraft thrust, while the wing propulsors assume underwing distributed electric propulsion (DEP) arrangements and are responsible for the remaining 65% thrust. Investigated in this work is the fuel burn performance of the SUSAN Electrofan when incorporating new weight and efficiency estimates for the power, battery, and thermal systems. An updated unified engine deck is also included, which accounts for the high effective bypass ratio made possible by the DEP systems and turbofan BLI effects to first order. Multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDAO) is performed through an updated conceptual design environment, and comparisons are made to a Boeing 737 MAX 8-like reference aircraft performing similar missions, as well as a variant resized for 2,500 nmi.

CAS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Sustainable Aviation Fuel Logistics and Production Study

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) sustainability commitment is to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement, with an interim greenhouse gas reduction target of 35% by 2025 and 80% by 2050. PANYNJ is seeking sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions for all public forms of transportation, including aviation. Similarly, the global aviation industry adopted the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which seeks to cap net carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) aviation emissions at 2020 levels through 2035. Industry has also set a goal of reducing CO 2 emissions by 50% compared to 2005 levels by 2050. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), made from non-petroleum feedstocks, is a near-term alternative fuel that reduces emissions from air transportation. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted a resource assessment and a techno-economic analysis to identify the potential for production in the port district. Although SAF could be sourced from other areas of the United States or imported, an evaluation of local production was conducted due to the potential positive impacts of a circular economy by converting local waste feedstocks into SAF for use at nearby airports. The study found that the highest volumes of feedstock nearby were municipal solid waste and woody biomass. SAF must be blended with Jet A up to certain percent determined by ASTM International fuel quality standards prior to use in aircraft. SAF from a stand-alone facility could be delivered by barge, rail, or truck to a Linden, New Jersey based terminal for blending with Jet A or it could be blended in the Gulf region and shipped via the Colonial pipeline to one of the terminals. The investment will take place at the terminal(s) to accommodate SAF/Jet A blends and it will be business as usual for the airports in how they receive fuel and distribute it to aircraft.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Clean energy technology pathways from research to commercialization: Policy and practice case studies

Clean energy research and development (R and D) leading to commercial technologies is vital to economic development, technology competitiveness, and reduced environmental impact. Over the past 30 years, such efforts have advanced technology performance and reduced cost by leveraging network effects and economies of scale. After demonstrating promise in applied R and D, successful clean energy and energy efficiency technologies are incorporated into an initial product sold by the private sector. Despite its importance, processes by which first commercialization occurs are difficult to generalize while capturing specific insights from practitioners in markets and technologies. This paper presents a policy-focused qualitative assessment of the first commercialization of four diverse energy technologies: thin film photovoltaics, wind turbine blades, dual-stage refrigeration evaporators, and fuel cells for material handling equipment. Each technology presents distinct value propositions, markets, and regulatory drivers. The case studies indicate three common characteristics of successful first commercialization for new energy technologies: 1) good fit between the technology, R&D infrastructure, and public-private partnership models; 2) high degree of alignment of government regulations and R&D priorities with market forces; and 3) compatibility between time scales required for R&D, product development, and opportunities. These findings may inform energy investment decision-making, maximize benefits from R&D, and advance the transition to a low-emission future.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Identifying Spectral Descriptors for Protonation in BaZr 0.8 Y 0.2 O 3-x with Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy

Hydrogen economy is of paramount importance in the global transition to a sustainable, clean energy source that contributes to decarbonization efforts. In particular, the proton conducting proton ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) play a crucial role in promoting hydrogen energy technology [1-5]. In a PCFC, the electrolyte is typically a solid oxide material that enables proton transport and can operate at temperatures lower than those of traditional oxygen ion conducting fuel cells [6]. The reduced operating temperature of PCFCs contributes to their durability, scalability, and efficiency [7,8]. BaZr 0.8 Y 0.2 O 3-x (BZY) is a promising proton conducting solid oxide electrolyte [9,10]. The emphasis on proton conductivity entails the importance of understanding proton content in the system. However, previous studies have largely relied on bulk techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy [7,11], Karl-Fischer titration [12,13], and thermogravimetric analysis [14] to obtain proton concentration. This is due to the small atomic size and light mass of hydrogen species making direct detection challenging. Bulk methods may be useful in estimating the proton content; however, it overlooks possible proton concentration gradient or segregation that may occur across or within a nanoparticle, especially when proton incorporation occurs nonuniformly through steam exposure on powder samples. In this paper, BZY is protonated at an estimated 0.15 mol of protons via steam exposure. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) with nanoscale spatial resolution is explored to identify proxy signals for proton detection using a JEOL ARM300 microscope operated at 300 kV with a Gatan GIF Continuum detector.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

High-Efficiency Electrochemical Conversion of CO 2 to Ethylene

During the past century, our civilization’s technological advances have been driven by the conversion of carbon-rich fossil fuels into electricity, heat, polymers, fertilizers, and other carbon-based products that are the foundation of modern society. It is now clear, however, that this carbon economy is no longer sustainable for humanity or our ecosystem. A study by the National Academies showed that to avoid catastrophic climate change, we not only need to dramatically and rapidly reduce global emissions of CO 2 , but we will need to remove billions of tons of CO 2 from the earth’s atmosphere and oceans by mid-century. This presents a massive, unprecedented challenge to our species, but if managed well it also represents a historic opportunity: capture and utilization of CO 2 is arguably the largest economic opportunity of the next hundred years, also known as “industry of the future”.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Energy Clusters Offshore: A Technology Feasibility Review

Globally, governments, companies, and other organizations have committed to achieving net-zero emissions targets in the coming decades. To achieve decarbonization at the scale and pace required to meet these targets, future energy systems will need renewable energy to serve 100% of the existing direct electricity demand, support additional electrification, and decarbonize the wider economy. An energy cluster offshore (ECO) is a concept that seeks to meet this challenge by integrating and optimizing large-scale renewable electricity generation, storage, and fuel production technologies and pairing them with other complementary uses, such as carbon capture or water desalination. This research project explores the techno-economic feasibility of ECO concepts by taking a holistic view of complex, multidisciplinary hybrid plant designs while considering different configurations and objectives. We will outline the most promising technology combinations and configurations, their functional requirements, and opportunities for optimization.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Application of Machine Learning to Improve Biobased Glucaric Acid Production: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-20-17260

The Agile Biofoundry (ABF) is a multi-national lab consortium funded by the DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office that has developed a biofoundry that enables the rapid deployment of bioproducts into the market. Working with four ABF laboratory members (National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)), Kalion will use advanced high throughput techniques, advanced analytics, and machine learning to optimize the production environment for glucaric acid. Low-cost, high-purity glucaric acid enables products in a wide range of fields to improve the chemical properties of products and applications ranging from water treatment, polymers & textiles, coatings, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. With its broad range of applications, glucaric acid has the potential to demonstrate how such bio-based materials offer great benefit to the US economy.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1982

Advanced general aviation engine/airframe integration study

A comparison of the in-airframe performance and efficiency of the advanced engine concepts is presented. The results indicate that the proposed advanced engines can significantly improve the performance and economy of general aviation airplanes. The engine found to be most promising is the highly advanced version of a rotary combustion (Wankel) engine. The low weight and fuel consumption of this engine, as well as its small size, make it suited for aircraft use.

Zmroczek, L. A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polyolefin Plastics Supply Chains in the United States

Plastics are useful and beneficial materials that contribute to an improved quality of life, yet they generate significant solid wastes and emissions and consume significant energy resources. Systems analysis is incomplete on current linear production systems of plastics supply chains and their associated processes. Our study combines material flow and life cycle assessment data sets of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the main polyolefin polymers in the United States, comprising over 70% of plastics flows. This study estimates the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption of these supply chains, including transportation and end-of-life processes, lacking in prior studies. Here we calculate annual GHG emissions and energy consumption of these plastic supply chains to be 101 MMT CO 2 -eq and 3248 PJ in 2019, respectively. The GHG emissions of these supply chains represented 1.5% of the total U.S. emissions and 5% of the total U.S. industry-related GHG emissions. The total energy consumption of these supply chains represented 3.1% of the total U.S. energy consumption in 2019. Transportation of PET and polyolefin plastic materials contributes 5% and 2% to the total supply chain GHG emissions and energy consumption, respectively. This baseline study provides a benchmark and enables a comparison to future circular production systems for plastics in the United States.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Summary Report of the Carbon-Negative Hydrogen Workshop

This report summarizes the outcomes of the Carbon-Negative Hydrogen Workshop held at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado on June 22-23, 2023. The workshop was co-sponsored by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the National Energy Technology Laboratory and focused on developing a shared understanding of the importance of and opportunities for generation and use of carbon-negative hydrogen in industrial decarbonization. For the purposes of this workshop, carbon-negative hydrogen was defined as hydrogen (H 2 ) produced in a manner that leads to net carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere thus giving rise to a life cycle cradle-to-grave carbon intensity that is below zero.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2021

Case Study: Hybrid Carbon Conversion Using Low-Carbon Energy Sources in Coal-Producing States

The demand for more carbon efficient power sources and a decrease in natural gas prices has decreased the desire for coal power. This decrease in demand has led to massive job losses in coal mining regions over the past decade. The purpose of this project is to develop a hybrid energy system utilizing both a coal power plant and advanced reactor, which is competitive with natural gas by improving on profitability and decreasing carbon emissions. This report details the problem with a summary of the impact on the coal industry and the availability of renewable energy sources in the Appalachian region. Because of the geography of the region, variable renewable energy sources are not available without significant size and siting restrictions. However, biomass in the form of wood waste is abundant and can be used as a carbon neutral energy source. Combining biomass and coal processing, in addition to thermal power plants, can increase system profits and efficiency by providing peaking power and conversion opportunities for secondary markets. The electric load is based on publicly available demand data from Appalachian Power, which services the western Virginia and southern West Virginia in the Appalachian region. The demand information is combined by service, normalized, and scaled to an average demand of 1000 kW, which will be the basis for sizing the hybrid energy system. A traditional screening curve analysis for a coal plant and advanced reactor shows that the least cost design varies significantly based on the assumed discount rate and capital recovery period. An optimization program to size the design in TEAL based on the load curve gives 10 optimal designs, all with a negative resulting net present value (NPV) and a coal plant capacity of less than 15%. Including profits from selling captured carbon at a flat rate results in a positive NPV; however, the coal capacity factor only increases to about 40%. There are limitations with this optimization as well since the price of CO2 is likely to decrease as more is sold to the conversion market. The suggested design will combine coal power, an advanced reactor, and coal and biomass coprocessing to produce a variety of products that can be sold to the conversion market while increasing system efficiency. The analysis of conversion pathways for coal and biomass reveals that multiple options will need to be included in the analysis to produce the optimal system design. Three systems will be optimized and compared to determine the best design based on the figures of merit of total NPV and cost of carbon avoided. The first system will include a coal power plant and an advanced reactor that will sell electricity to the grid to meet demand and sell captured carbon to the conversion market. The second system adds a high-temperature steam electrolysis plant, which will utilize electricity during times of low demand to produce hydrogen and sell it to the conversion market. The third system adds biomass and coal processing with options for hydrocarbon oils, syngas to be produced for the conversion market, and electricity generation to power components within the system or provide peaking power. This analysis will be based on a new approach that combines traditional screening curve methods with a dispatch algorithm that optimizes the system based on the opportunity cost of different production options. The resulting optimization algorithm should provide results with less processing time than HERON’s decision tree method. The results from this analysis will determine an optimal design and reinforce the benefits of coal power when used in a hybrid energy system. The initial results show that the addition of a secondary market for carbon sales could result in a positive NPV and increases the capacity factor of the coal plant as compared to a design with only sales to the electricity market. The addition of more markets and additional coal consumption from biomass coprocessing could increase NPV further, replace carbon in other markets through the sale of biomass-derived hydrocarbons, and demonstrate the value of coal power technology.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluating the potential of plastic waste upcycling using thermochemical technologies: A case study in Spain

A plastic waste upcycling value chain model has been applied to assess the potential of processing packaging waste in Spain using thermo-chemical technologies to produce low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP), which are highly valuable materials. The model projects an annual profit of 120.6 M$\$$/yr, with a capital investment of 789.3 M$\$$, generating 3285 jobs and contributing 65.5 M$\$$/yr to Spain’s economy. The achieved circularity rate of the waste processing infrastructure exceeds 40 %, incorporating recycled HDPE and PET. Despite these advantages, regulatory gaps and market hesitancy toward recycled materials due to quality concerns hinder adoption. Additionally, economies of scale remain underutilized in Spain due to lower plastic waste collection levels compared to countries such as the United States. This network, while less profitable, is environmentally superior, yielding upcycled products with a Global Warming Potential 20–35 % lower than their virgin, fossil-fuel counterparts, confirming this as a viable and sustainable alternative.

Chemical upcycling↗