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At least 955 records · Page 53

Recommendations for Minimum Required Diagnostics Information for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The rapid growth of electrified transportation, including light- and medium-duty electric vehicles (EVs) as a mobility solution requires a reliable EV charging infrastructure. To advance charging reliability, the ChargeX Consortium reports “Recommendations for Minimum Required Error Codes for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure” and “Implementation Guide for Minimum Required Error Codes in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure” have provided recommendations for a set of minimum required error codes (MRECs), their functional and responsibility classifications, and a guide for their implementation using OCPP versions 1.6J and 2.0.1. These reports outline a recommended practice for consistent error reporting and interpretation, which is essential for communicating issues uniformly across the complex and diverse EV charging ecosystem. However, MRECs are just one part of diagnosing issues, another critical part is obtaining enough information about the current state and performance of the various charging components to identify root causes for each of the error codes. This additional diagnostics data can be used by technicians or automated systems to understand the context around an issue, allowing for timely resolution, decreased maintenance costs, and increased charging reliability. During everyday operations, data is regularly collected and analyzed across the ecosystem. Although sharing of all that available data would be great for diagnostics, concerns on data ownership, privacy, and OEM intellectual property pose a challenge. To overcome this obstacle, this report proposes a set of Minimum Required Diagnostic Information (MRDI) and recommends that the industry implement these uniformly across the North American EV charging ecosystem. MRDI provides a means to exchange only data deemed necessary for root cause determination.

32 - ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZA↗

Ambient energy for buildings: Beyond energy efficiency

The following Key Messages comprise the salient findings of this study: 1. Ambient energy (from sun, air, ground, and sky) can heat and cool buildings; provide hot water, ventilation and daylighting; dry clothes; and cook food. These services account for about three-quarters of building energy consumption and a third of total US demand. Biophilic design (direct and indirect connections with nature) is an intrinsic adjunct to ambient energy systems, and improves wellness and human performance. 2. The current strategy of electrification and energy efficiency for buildings will not meet our climate goals, because the transition to an all-renewable electric grid is too slow. Widespread adoption of ambient energy is needed. Solar-heated buildings also flatten the seasonal demand for electricity compared to all-electric buildings, reducing required production capacity and long-term energy storage. In addition, ambient-conditioned buildings improve resilience by remaining livable during power outages. 3. National policies, incentives, and marketing should be enacted to promote ambient energy use. Federal administrative priorities should reflect the importance of ambient energy for buildings. Use of ambient energy should be encouraged through existing and new building codes and standards. 4. Ambient energy system design tools are needed for architects, engineers, builders, building scientists, realtors, appraisers, and consumers. PVWatts is used over 100 million times per year for photovoltaic system design. A similar, simple, and accessible tool for ambient design is crucial. 5. Training on ambient energy is needed throughout secondary, post-secondary, and continuing education for workforce development. Currently, only about 10% of colleges teach courses on passive heating and cooling systems. 6. Ambient-conditioned buildings should be demonstrated in all US climate zones. Performance should be monitored and reported, with quantitative case studies made widely available. 7. While current technology is sufficient to build high-performance ambient buildings now, research is needed to develop new technologies to harness ambient energy more effectively and more economically. Such advancements will facilitate adoption of ambient energy technologies in a wider range of buildings, including retrofits. Examples include windows with much lower thermal losses, use of the building shell as thermal storage, alternative light-weight thermal storage systems, sky radiation cooling systems, automated controls for solar gains and passive cooling, and ground coupling.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

An On-Demand Electric Transit Case Study of New Rochelle, New York

Here, this article characterizes the performance and ridership patterns of an on-demand transit (ODT) service utilizing lightweight electric vehicles (EVs) in New Rochelle, New York. Ridership sociodemographics, travel patterns (both temporal and spatiotemporal), and energy use from the service were explored using travel and survey data from September 2019 through December 2023. The ODT service was found to be used more by women (nearly 60%) and younger demographics (>65% under the age of 42), with peak use in the middle of the day and a grocery store as a top origin and destination. The service was utilized primarily for short trips (86% under 2 mi), with approximately one-third of riders using the ODT service to connect to a train or bus. The costs associated with fueling/charging were compared for different types of fleet vehicles, and the small, right-sized EVs were found to have annual charging costs that were roughly half of the refueling costs for conventional hybrid vans, and 24 times lower than a fleet of diesel buses. Evaluating the vehicle fleet and mapping current socio-spatial travel demand can inform system performance, guide service area development, and support future planning such as expansion to nearby communities and transit hubs. The findings in this case study suggest that on-demand electric transit may be a significant and growing space for advancing highly valued public mobility services. Public transport interventions that consider right-sized, electric, on-demand vehicles can help improve mobility access and reduce energy use and refueling costs.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) Coatings as Superior Thermal Barriers for Engine Pistons. Final Report

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have received considerable interest in internal combustion engines, as a means to increase overall efficiency. However, despite some promising results for coatings with adequate thermal properties, durability has remained a barrier to commercialization, which has damped interest from automotive manufacturers. The PEO-based TBC developed by IBC Materials has exceptional durability, and thermal properties comparable or superior to state of the art. In this Phase I effort, IBC has demonstrated this durability by coating pistons from a current production engine (Kohler KD440) and conducting thermal shock testing on several coated pistons. Following successful thermal shock testing, a piston was run in this engine for an extended period(>120h) and showed no evidence of damage to the piston coating or engine bore. The PEO-based TBC also increased heat rejection from the combustion chamber, resulting in significantly increased exhaust temperature. Operation of the engine with PEO-based TBCs was also found to delay the onset of fuel ignition, possibly due to reduced heat retention by the piston. After slightly modifying the engine operation to counteract this effect, a modest improvement (+0.8%) to overall efficiency was achieved. With additional tuning of coating parameters and combustion timing, it is very likely that additional gains can be realized. This result also points to the possibility of future designs which require less capacity from the cooling system (e.g. a radiator), which draws energy and adds mass and complexity to an overall powertrain.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

A Review of Sensing Technologies for New, Low Global Warming Potential (GWP), Flammable Refrigerants

Commercial refrigeration systems currently utilize refrigerants with global warming potential (GWP) values ranging from 1250 to 4000. The advent of low GWP alternatives (GWP <150) is expected to significantly curtail direct emissions from this segment and greatly influence the ongoing electrification and decarbonization efforts. Most of the low GWP alternatives exhibit flammability risk and hence require robust sensing solutions for a reliable and safe operation of the equipment. This review article aims to provide an overview of different sensing mechanisms suitable for potential applications in systems employing flammable refrigerants, particularly those designated as A2L class. A summary of different A2L refrigerants and their properties is provided followed by a broad review of different classes of sensors, their working principle, transduction method, features, advantages, and limitations. Additionally, key performance characteristics of accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity, dynamic characteristic, and durability among other properties are discussed. Finally, areas of improvement and corresponding approaches are suggested for potential sensors in the successful adoption of A2L class refrigerants.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Connecting Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure to Commercial Buildings

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity and gaining meaningful market share with record sales year over year in the last decade. EV charging equipment, also known as EV chargers (EVC) or EV supply equipment (EVSE), must proportionally match the growing number of new EVs on the road for a comparable experience to gas-powered vehicles. The majority of EV charging currently happens at residential buildings. However, demand for EV charging at commercial buildings will significantly increase with wider mainstream EV adoption and as businesses return to more normal operation following COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. Charging equipment can include various sub-systems like power conditioning module, control software, safety devices, metering, communication, cooling, connectors, and its wiring. EV charging at commercial buildings could be used for public, workplace, and commercial fleet charging. This document aims to describe how EVC can be connected to commercial buildings, including considerations for facility managers, and the effects that charging will have on the buildings electrical distribution system. More specifically, this resource provides an overview of: understanding EV charging basics: how charging equipment connects to the building and to EVs; required infrastructure updates needed at the building site to connect EVC to existing distribution systems; network strategies for cost-effective operation; metering and utility considerations for billing and incentives; charging equipment ownership options; future trends in EVC connection to buildings.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY CONSERVATION, C↗

Assessment of the Impact of the Single Stream Recycling on Paper Contamination in Recovery Facilities and Paper Mills

Contaminated recyclables pose one of the largest roadblocks to an effective implementation of a circular economy system. Current knowledge surrounding the effects of various recycling methods on contamination rates is limited, thus preventing effective quantification of contamination effects. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the impact of single stream recycling on paper contamination in MRFs and their end-products based on different composition studies conducted by facilities nationwide. This project expects to provide the foundational knowledge that could catalyze significant cost savings and energy consumption at MRFs and paper mills by understanding the levels of inbound and outbound contamination rates in SSR systems. Statistical analysis conducted in this project utilizes the available nationwide inbound and outbound samples collected as part of material composition and audit studies to identify and measure the significance of various factors on the resultant contamination levels. The research results provide benefits to both the recycling industry and its customers by addressing the causes and impact of contamination in recycled products, particularly with the wide applicability of single stream recycling within the United States.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Major Drivers of Long-Term Distribution Transformer Demand

Distribution transformers, used to step-down medium voltage to service-voltage level for end-use electrical consumption, are currently experiencing major shortages. Utilities are experiencing extended lead times for transformers of up to 2 years (a 4x increase on lead times pre-2022) and prices have gone up by as much as 5-6 times in the past 2 years. Current shortages have been attributed to pent-up post-pandemic demand, workforce shortages and low retention rates, component supply chain challenges, and materials shortages (grain-oriented electrical steel, aluminum, and copper). The supply of this equipment is critical for the reliability and growth of the power system, and in meeting administration climate goals in terms of electrification of demand and the growth of renewable energy. This report details some of the initial analysis conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Electricity and Office of Policy, in assessing the long-term demand trends for distribution transformers. Expected increased demand is due to a confluence of not only electrification and renewable energy growth, but also in the context of aging electric infrastructure, increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and utility-driven investments in reliability and resiliency of the electricity distribution system.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Assessment of Commercial Building Lighting as a Frequency Regulation Resource

This paper evaluates the potential for automated lighting control as a resource for frequency regulation of the electric grid system in the context of current energy policies, economic incentives, and technological trends. The growing prevalence of renewable energy has increased the need for ancillary services to maintain grid frequency and stability. While demand side resources like heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, as well as water treatment plants are already evaluated as regulation service providers, the potential application to electrical lighting systems has largely been ignored. Yet, aggregations of lighting systems that are retrofitted with intelligent controls could conceivably contribute to frequency regulation services with little impact on user comfort. To further explore the feasibility of lighting potential, this paper explores (1) how lighting control systems are limited by visual comfort perception and acceptability, (2) how such limitations impact the performance of the lighting system as an frequency regulation resource, and (3) how the market potential of lighting systems as demand side resources compares in different regional transmission organizations. Finally, the impact of developing technologies on the application of lighting systems for frequency regulation is discussed.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Robotics for Systems Integration in Buildings - Pilot Study of Viable Approaches to Install Hygrothermal and Rigid Electrical Systems: Preprint

The Industrialized Construction Innovation (ICI) team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been exploring the use of robotics to integrate hygrothermal, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in prefabricated building assemblies (offsite construction) and 3D Printed buildings (onsite construction). Such multi-system integration tasks often require specialized robots and custom end-effectors for handling a range of rigid and non-rigid building components. This paper begins with a brief overview of the current state of robotics in construction, followed by a pilot study exploring the use of robotics to integrate a simple prototype multi-trade wall assembly composed of structural studs, hygrothermal layer, wall finishing, and electrical fixtures. The study was funded by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO). Insights about the implementation of design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) principles in designing the prototype wall for robotic assembly, and selection of appropriate robotic end effector hardware for handling these components are included. Detailed comparison of computational toolpath simulations of the robotic assembly process and real-life demonstration of the same is presented. Finally, limitations and lessons learned from this study along with future research recommendations for robotic assembly of more complex multi-trade assemblies, including potential scenarios such as robotic outfitting of facilities in extra-terrestrial environments is included.

advanced manufacturing↗

Resident Tolerance to Transitional Temperature Deviation in Smart Communities

Choosing the right HVAC system or the right algorithm of implementing demand response may create significant energy and environmental gains while maintaining resident comfort. But these questions are closely related to the concept of user comfort, which in turn requires a reasonable fit between user preferences and temperature setpoints. While setting the temperature right is a well-researched question, systems in transition from one setpoint to another are currently not thoroughly addressed in research. But how tolerant the residents really are if a system spends a large share of time outside of the comfort setpoint. This study gives some early insights on how the deviation of temperature from the setpoint affect perceived resident comfort. We use two weeks of data for a smart neighborhood located in Atlanta, GA. We find that the system spends 20% - 50% of time deviating from the setpoint by more than 1℉. However, we do not find that increasing deviations cause resident complaints or increasing overrides.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

CONVERSION OF COAL WASTES AND MUNICIPAL SOLIDS MIXTURES BY PYROLYSIS TORREFACTION AND ENTRAINED FLOW GASIFICATION

Hundreds of millions of tons of underutilized high-ash, low-energy-density bituminous and anthracite waste coal can be found in the U.S. These stockpiles contribute to water pollution from leaching that is harmful to waterways downstream of the piles. Conventional circulating fluidized combustion power plants use this coal to generate energy but emit toxic trace metals into groundwater (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic). In addition, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) including municipal solid waste (MSW), biomass, waste plastics, and industrial waste are an enormous and untapped resource that is currently filling landfills or incinerated for low-quality energy with poor emissions. Mainstream Engineering has developed a combined pyrolysis torrefaction entrained flow gasification (PT-EFG) process that utilizes combined waste coal and RDF to create an alternative energy source, increasing energy independence and security and reducing the environmental burden from coal mines and processing facilities. Mainstream’s self-sustaining PT process converts RDF into feedstocks that can be pulverized and handled like conventional coal, enabling combined RDF-waste coal co-feeding into an EFG. The EFG operates at temperatures high enough to slag the ash completely, destroying any residual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), converting ash into nonporous vitrified slag or non-leachable ash, and generating high-hydrogen syngas for power generation or liquid fuels. During Phase II, Mainstream successfully demonstrated PT of biomass and MSW into a coal-like feedstock, which was co-gasified with waste coal in an EFG in a combined PT EFG process

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Fifth-Generation District Heating and Cooling Substations: Demand Response with Artificial Neural Network-Based Model Predictive Control

District heating and cooling (DHC) is considered one of the most sustainable technologies to meet the heating and cooling demands of buildings in urban areas. The fifth-generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) concept, often referred to as ambient loops, is a novel solution emerging in Europe and has become a widely discussed topic in current energy system research. 5GDHC systems operate at a temperature close to the ground and include electrically driven heat pumps and associated thermal energy storage in a building-sited energy transfer station (ETS) to satisfy user comfort. This work presents new strategies for improving the operation of these energy transfer stations by means of a model predictive control (MPC) method based on recurrent artificial neural networks. The results show that, under simple time-of-use utility rates, the advanced controller outperforms a rule-based controller for smart charging of the domestic hot water (DHW) thermal energy storage under specific boundary conditions. By exploiting the available thermal energy storage capacity, the MPC controller is capable of shifting up to 14% of the electricity consumption of the ETS from on-peak to off-peak hours. Therefore, the advanced control implemented in 5GDHC networks promotes coupling between the thermal and the electric sector, producing flexibility on the electric grid.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Enhancing Building Resilience: Maintaining Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort During Power Outages in Cold Climates

The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and cold snaps, present significant challenges to building energy performance and occupant comfort. Highly correlated with climate events are widespread long duration power interruptions that may affect thousands of buildings and millions of customers. This study evaluates the impact of building energy performance and occupant thermal comfort in medium-sized office buildings in a cold climate region. Using energy models representing pre-1980 and 2019 vintages, simulations were conducted to assess energy performance under typical weather conditions and occupant thermal comfort during power interrupted extreme cold snap and heatwave climate events under both current 2020s and future 2050s weather conditions. The results show a projected 33% increase in cooling energy demand and a 19% reduction in heating energy by 2050. Findings reveal that older buildings are more susceptible to cold discomfort during cold snaps, while modern airtight buildings are more vulnerable to overheating during heatwaves. Various passive energy efficiency measures, such as improved infiltration control, thermal windows, solar-controlled windows, and cool envelopes, were evaluated for their ability to mitigate thermal discomforts. Solar controlled windows and weatherstripping contribute to reducing cold thermal discomfort by 21% during a power-interrupted cold snap. Solar-controlled windows were found to reduce hot thermal discomfort by 34% during a future power-interrupted heatwave. The study highlights the importance of targeted retrofitting strategies to enhance thermal resilience, especially during power outages, to ensure occupant safety and comfort during extreme climate events.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

The Realistic Potential of Soil Carbon Sequestration in U.S. Croplands for Climate Mitigation

Existing estimates of the climate mitigation potential from cropland carbon sequestration (C-sequestration) are limited because they tend to assume constant rates of soil organic carbon change over all available cropland area, use relatively coarse land delineations, and often fail to adequately consider the agronomic and socioeconomic dimensions of agricultural land use. This results in an inflated estimate of the C-sequestration potential. We address this gap by defining a more appropriate land base for cover cropping in the United States for C-sequestration purposes: stable croplands in annual production systems that can integrate cover cropping without irrigation. Our baseline estimate of this suitable stable cropland area is 32% of current U.S. cropland extent. Even an alternative, less restrictive definition of stability results in a large reduction in area (44% of current U.S. croplands). Focusing cover crop implementation to this constrained land base would increase durability of associated C-sequestration and limit soil carbon loss from land conversion to qualify for carbon-specific incentives. Applying spatially-variable C-sequestration rates from the literature to our baseline area yields a technical potential of 19.4 Tg CO 2 e yr –1 annually, about one-fifth of previous estimates. We also find the cost of realizing about half (10 Tg CO 2 e yr –1 ) of this potential could exceed 100 USD Mg CO 2 e –1 , an order of magnitude higher than previously thought. While our economic analyses suggest that financial incentives are necessary for large-scale adoption of cover cropping in the U.S., they also imply any C-sequestration realized under such incentives is likely to be additional.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Performance Assessments of Demand Flexibility from Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings: Issues and Considerations

This SEE Action Network report explains basic concepts and fundamental considerations for assessing the actual demand flexibility performance of buildings participating in demand flexibility programs and responding to time-varying retail rates. Demand flexibility is the capability of distributed energy resources (DERs) to adjust a building’s load profile across different timescales. Assessments determine the timing, location, quantity, and quality of grid services provided. The results can be used for financial settlements and to improve performance of demand flexibility, support its consideration in resource potential studies and electricity system planning, and contribute to cost-effectiveness evaluations. While practitioners and regulators regularly find opportunities to improve performance assessments of demand-related services, to a large degree current best practices are sufficient for basic service offerings as demand flexibility is implemented today. However, advances in assessment practices will be required in a future with grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) that provide continuous demand flexibility by integrating multiple DERs and flexibility modes (load shed, load shift, modulate, and generate). Example practices include using new baseline constructs—including whether baselines are even required for certain building flexibility modes or configurations, deploying more advanced metering and analytics, further developing cybersecurity standards, improving communication standards for increased interoperability, and establishing performance metrics and assessment procedures for load modulation as it is more fully defined and implemented. This report provides information on prioritizing and designing performance assessment elements for demand flexibility programs and time-varying retail rates, assessment protocols, and research and development needs. Additional research sponsored by DOE’s Building Technologies Office offers more detailed technical information on assessing performance of demand flexibility, including definition of performance metrics.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The Circular Home: Development and Demonstration of a Net Negative Carbon, Reusable Residence

This project started the development of an innovative modular building system intended for residential construction. The project was centered around single-family homes that were carbon-negative cradle-to-grave over a 100 year time frame, which is approximately double the current standard for operational life. The project sought to accomplish this objective by designing the modular home in a manner that ensures circularity, where the main house components can be used over several consecutive 50-year lifespans. To accomplish these objectives, this project utilized integrated design with the inclusion of life-cycle assessment to design the single-family house for architectural, structural, energy, mechanical, thermal, and moisture demands, while ensuring carbon negativity and annual net-zero energy use. The core technology of this project was the use of cross-laminated timber and biogenic materials, such as wood-fiber insulation, in the construction of the modular building units. The robustness and factory manufacturing ability of cross-laminated timber allow for factory construction of most of the home, which minimizes on-site time, saving money and reducing construction waste. During this project, initial milestones were met that delivered the architectural plans for the circular home and an initial structural testing matrix. Compared to current code-built homes, which average 13 kg CO2eq. / ft2 and are demolished at their end of life, the circular home has an estimated -30 kg CO2eq. / ft2 of embodied carbon emissions during its first build iteration. It is estimated that approximately 60%-70% of the total building mass could be reused and/or recycled during subsequent rebuilds. This project was concluded at approximately the 1/3 point and a separate project was established to conclude the remaining milestones. This project promises to benefit the public by delivering another option for single-family, and eventually multi-family, housing using a novel building construction system. The system of reusable modular construction facilitates not only lower emissions during the first building iteration, but also lower emissions during subsequent iterations that drastically reduce waste and help society meet its climate goals. Many other industries, such as clothing and technology sectors, are starting to focus on circularity and this project adds the residential building construction industry to that list.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Advanced Data Management for the Wastewater Industry

This information sheet discusses the technology pillar Advanced Data Management as a pathway toward improving wastewater infrastructure sustainability and resiliency. To supplement existing literature on current technologies and policies for improving resiliency at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), this document aims to accomplish the following: • Summarize key technologies such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), digital twins, and smart sensors • Summarize relevant cybersecurity measures and data management tools available for WW utilities • Summarize advances in sensing and monitoring technologies • Serve as a comprehensive (though not exhaustive) repository for data management for wastewater utilities The Advanced Management Technical Information Sheet should be viewed as a general guide to established best practices for the water and wastewater sector when considering implementing energy capture and energy- or process-efficient technologies. Further details are presented in the SWIFt Technology Information Sheet Series for accompanying Technology Pillars.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗