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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 991 records · Page 55

Electrification Analysis: Container Ports' Cargo Handling Equipment

This one-page highlight details the key takeaways from a project that utilized NREL's Fleet Research, Energy Data, and Insights (FleetREDI) data analysis pipeline, the Electrification Analysis of Container Ports' Cargo Handling Equipment project. This project created a scalable solution to model energy demand per shipping container moved (kWh/TEU) for an all-electric cargo handling equipment fleet located at a maritime port. The model allows stakeholders to understand energy demand at each electric vehicle (EV) equipment level and is easily scalable to container demand and EV adoption rate projections.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Modeling of standing wave RF cavities for tracking through multi-pass energy recovery linac

Short bunches, high current and multiple linac pass are all characteristics of Energy Recovery Linacs (ERLs), which may result in collective effects. They in turn, may affect the beam, degrading its quality, or even yield to instabilities causing a beam loss. To study and mitigate these effects one needs a numerical simulation code, that can take into account both the collective effects, as well as, particular ERL features, such as a multi-turn design that does not reach a steady state or the multiple passages of the beam through Radio-Frequency (RF) cavities at different energies. CODAL [1], a code developed by SOLEIL in collaboration with IJCLab, enables such studies. It is a 6 dimensional (6D) tracking code applying 'kicks' based on the integration of the local Hamiltonian for each element of the lattice. It is also capable of simulating space charge, wakefields and coherent synchrotron radiation. However, to correctly take into account the ERL dynamics, an upgrade had to be made to include the effect of a standing wave RF cavity in 6D. In this paper, we will concentrate on the implementation and benchmarking (with DESY’s tracking code ASTRA [2]) of both the longitudinal and the transverse models (by J.B. Rosenzweig and L. Serafini [3]), which we use to carry out tracking of fully analytical 6D RF cavity.

Bogacz, A.↗

Energy performance evaluation of the ASHRAE Guideline 36 control and reinforcement learning–based control using field measurements

This study evaluates the energy performance of ASHRAE Guideline 36–compliant control (ASHRAE 36 control) and reinforcement learning (RL)–based control through experimental field tests and a simulation study. Three field tests were conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s commercial building test facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee: a baseline with a baseline conventional control, a test with ASHRAE 36 control, and a test with RL-based control. The selected ASHRAE 36 controls were trim and respond control, as well as variable air volume (VAV) box control. We compared the measured supply air temperature of the rooftop unit, VAV box supply air temperature, and VAV box supply airflow rate across the three test cases. The field data indicated that ASHRAE 36 controls operated as specified by ASHRAE Guideline 36. Based on these data, ASHRAE 36 control achieved a 45 % reduction in hourly averaged HVAC energy consumption compared with the baseline, and RL-based control achieved a 66 % reduction. These potential annual energy savings were confirmed using a calibrated whole-building energy model. Compared with the baseline, ASHRAE 36 control reduced HVAC energy consumption by 42 %, and RL-based control achieved a 54 % reduction. Furthermore, RL-based control reduced total HVAC energy consumption by 21 % more than ASHRAE 36 control.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Drivers and implications of alternative routes to fuels decarbonization in net-zero energy systems

Energy transition scenarios are characterized by increasing electrification and improving efficiency of energy end uses, rapid decarbonization of the electric power sector, and deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies to offset remaining emissions. Although hydrocarbon fuels typically decline in such scenarios, significant volumes remain in many scenarios even at the time of net-zero emissions. While scenarios rely on different approaches for decarbonizing remaining fuels, the underlying drivers for these differences are unclear. Here we develop several illustrative net-zero systems in a simple structural energy model and show that, for a given set of final energy demands, assumptions about the use of biomass and CO2 sequestration drive key differences in how emissions from remaining fuels are mitigated. Limiting one resource may increase reliance on another, implying that decisions about using or restricting resources in pursuit of net-zero objectives could have significant tradeoffs that will need to be evaluated and managed.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Principal component analysis of modified gravity using weak lensing and peculiar velocity measurements

We perform a principal component analysis to assess ability of future observations to measure departures from General Relativity in predictions of the Poisson and anisotropy equations on linear scales. In particular, we focus on how the measurements of redshift-space distortions (RSD) observed from spectroscopic galaxy redshift surveys will improve the constraints when combined with lensing tomographic surveys. Assuming a Euclid-like galaxy imaging and redshift survey, we find that adding the 3D information decreases the statistical uncertainty by a factor between 3 and 7 compared to the case when only observables from lensing tomographic surveys are used. We also find that the number of well-constrained modes increases by a factor between 3 and 6. Our study indicates the importance of joint galaxy imaging and redshift surveys such as SuMIRe and Euclid to give more stringent tests of the ΛCDM model and to distinguish between various modified gravity and dark energy models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

OPENSTUDIO® [SWR-07-40]

OpenStudio® is a cross-platform (Windows, Mac, and Linux) collection of software tools to support whole building energy modeling using EnergyPlus and advanced daylight analysis using Radiance. OpenStudio is an open source (LGPL) project to facilitate community development, extension, and private sector adoption. OpenStudio includes graphical interfaces along with a Software Development Kit (SDK). In addition to the graphical interface, OpenStudio allows building researchers and software developers to quickly get started through its multiple entry levels, including access through C++, Ruby, and C#. Users can leverage the Ruby interface to create OpenStudio Measures that can be easily shared and applied to OpenStudio Models. OPENSTUDIO® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, LLC, THE MANAGER AND OPERATOR OF THE NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY.

Ball, Brian↗

Optimal symmetric flight with an intermediate vehicle model

Optimal flight in the vertical plane with a vehicle model intermediate in complexity between the point-mass and energy models is studied. Flight-path angle takes on the role of a control variable. Range-open problems feature subarcs of vertical flight and singular subarcs. The class of altitude-speed-range-time optimization problems with fuel expenditure unspecified is investigated and some interesting phenomena uncovered. The maximum-lift-to-drag glide appears as part of the family, final-time-open, with appropriate initial and terminal transient exceeding level-flight drag, some members exhibiting oscillations. Oscillatory paths generally fail the Jacobi test for durations exceeding a period and furnish a minimum only for short-duration problems.

Menon, P. K. A.↗

Cosmological constraints on coupled dark energy

The coupled dark energy model provides a possible approach to mitigate the coincidence problem of cosmological standard model. Here, the coupling term is assumed as Q-bar = 3 H ξ {sub x} ρ-bar {sub x} , which is related to the interaction rate and energy density of dark energy. We derive the background and perturbation evolution equations for several coupled models. Then, we test these models by currently available cosmic observations which include cosmic microwave background radiation from Planck 2015, baryon acoustic oscillation, type Ia supernovae, f σ{sub 8}( z ) data points from redshift-space distortions, and weak gravitational lensing. The constraint results tell us there is no evidence of interaction at 2σ level, it is very hard to distinguish different coupled models from other ones.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Presenting a Model to Predict Changing Snow Albedo for Improving Photovoltaic Performance Simulation

As photovoltaic (PV) deployment increases worldwide, PV systems are being installed more frequently in locations that experience snow cover. The higher albedo of snow, relative to the ground, increases the performance of PV systems in northern and high-altitude locations by reflecting more light onto the PV modules. Accurate modeling of the snow’s albedo can improve estimates of PV system production. Typical modeling of snow albedo uses a simple two-value model that sets the albedo high when snow is present, and low when snow is not present. However, snow albedo changes over time as snow settles and melts and a binary model does not account for transitional changes, which can be significant. Here, we present and validate a model for estimating snow albedo as it changes over time. The model is simple enough to only require daily snow depth and hourly average temperature data, but can be improved through the addition of site-specific factors, when available. We validate this model to quantify its ability to more accurately predict snow albedo and compare the model’s performance against satellite imagery-based methods for obtaining historical albedo data. In addition, we perform modeling using the System Advisor Model (SAM) to show the impact of changes in albedo on energy modeling for PV systems. Overall, our albedo model has a significantly improved ability to predict the solar insolation on PV modules in real time, especially on bifacial PV modules where reflected irradiance plays a larger role in energy production.

Pike, Christopher (ORCID:0000000155888033)↗

Leveraging OpenStudio's Application Programming Interfaces: Preprint

OpenStudio development efforts have been focused on providing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) where users are able to extend OpenStudio without the need to compile the open source libraries. This paper will discuss the basic purposes and functionalities of the core libraries that have been wrapped with APIs including the Building Model, Results Processing, Advanced Analysis, UncertaintyQuantification, and Data Interoperability through Translators. Several building energy modeling applications have been produced using OpenStudio's API and Software Development Kits (SDK) including the United States Department of Energy's Asset ScoreCalculator, a mobile-based audit tool, an energy design assistance reporting protocol, and a portfolio scale incentive optimization analysismethodology. Each of these software applications will be discussed briefly and will describe how the APIs were leveraged for various uses including high-level modeling, data transformations from detailed building audits, error checking/quality assurance of models, and use of high-performance computing for mass simulations.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Dark energy and equivalence principle constraints from astrophysical tests of the stability of the fine-structure constant

Astrophysical tests of the stability of fundamental couplings, such as the fine-structure constant α, are becoming an increasingly powerful probe of new physics. Here we discuss how these measurements, combined with local atomic clock tests and Type Ia supernova and Hubble parameter data, constrain the simplest class of dynamical dark energy models where the same degree of freedom is assumed to provide both the dark energy and (through a dimensionless coupling, ζ, to the electromagnetic sector) the α variation. Specifically, current data tightly constrains a combination of ζ and the present dark energy equation of state w{sub 0}. Moreover, in these models the new degree of freedom inevitably couples to nucleons (through the α dependence of their masses) and leads to violations of the Weak Equivalence Principle. We obtain indirect bounds on the Eötvös parameter η that are typically stronger than the current direct ones. We discuss the model-dependence of our results and briefly comment on how the forthcoming generation of high-resolution ultra-stable spectrographs will enable significantly tighter constraints.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Technology Performance Exchange

To address the need for accessible, high-quality data, the Department of Energy has developed the Technology Performance Exchange (TPEx). TPEx enables technology suppliers, third-party testing laboratories, and other entities to share product performance data. These data are automatically transformed into a format that technology evaluators can easily use in their energy modeling assessments to inform procurement decisions.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Optimal smoothing length scale for actuator line models of wind turbine blades based on Gaussian body force distribution: Wind energy, actuator line model

The actuator line model (ALM) is a commonly used method to represent lifting surfaces such as wind turbine blades within large-eddy simulations (LES). In the ALM, the lift and drag forces are replaced by an imposed body force that is typically smoothed over several grid points using a Gaussian kernel with some prescribed smoothing width e. To date, the choice of e has most often been based on numerical considerations related to the grid spacing used in LES. However, especially for finely resolved LES with grid spacings on the order of or smaller than the chord length of the blade, the best choice of e is not known. In this work, a theoretical approach is followed to determine the most suitable value of e, based on an analytical solution to the linearized inviscid flow response to a Gaussian force. We find that the optimal smoothing width eopt is on the order of 14%-25% of the chord length of the blade, and the center of force is located at about 13%-26% downstream of the leading edge of the blade for the cases considered. These optimal values do not depend on angle of attack and depend only weakly on the type of lifting surface. It is then shown that an even more realistic velocity field can be induced by a 2-D elliptical Gaussian lift-force kernel. Some results are also provided regarding drag force representation.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Constraints on a φCDM model from strong gravitational lensing and updated Hubble parameter measurements

We constrain the scalar field dark energy model with an inverse power-law potential, i.e., V(φ) ∝ φ{sup −α} (α > 0), from a set of recent cosmological observations by compiling an updated sample of Hubble parameter measurements including 30 independent data points. Our results show that the constraining power of the updated sample of H(z) data with the HST prior on H{sub 0} is stronger than those of the SCP Union2 and Union2.1 compilations. A recent sample of strong gravitational lensing systems is also adopted to confine the model even though the results are not significant. A joint analysis of the strong gravitational lensing data with the more restrictive updated Hubble parameter measurements and the Type Ia supernovae data from SCP Union2 indicates that the recent observations still can not distinguish whether dark energy is a time-independent cosmological constant or a time-varying dynamical component.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The Role of Input Assumptions and Model Structures in Projections of Variable Renewable Energy: A Multi-Model Perspective of the U.S. Electricity System

Recent wind and solar deployment in the United States has grown at unprecedented rates, but the extent to which this growth will continue is a key question. Energy-economic planning models are often used to develop future projections of these technologies, and although it is well-understood that model outcomes are sensitive to assumptions about technology developments and market conditions, it is less clear how underlying model structures might impact outcomes. For wind and solar technologies, model structures might be an even larger driver due to the complexity required to represent their variability, uncertainty, and location-dependence. Here, we apply three state-of-the-art electric sector planning models to evaluate variable renewable generation under different conditions with both harmonized and native input assumptions to isolate the impact that model structures might have on deployment outcomes. We find growth in wind and solar deployment in all models under a business-as-usual scenario (without new policies), where the median value for variable renewable energy generation share is found to be 27% by 2050 - but with a wide range of estimates (18-43%), types of renewable technologies deployed, and regional distributions across models. With harmonized assumptions about technology costs and market conditions the range narrows slightly, but a large range in penetration outcomes remains (24-41% by 2050) suggesting that model representations play significant roles in projections of future wind and solar deployment. We also assess the implications of achieving 55% wind and solar penetration by 2050 - to assess potential challenges at higher penetration levels - and the magnitude of variable generation under a carbon-constrained future. Finally, we identify research needs to better assess the future deployment of variable renewable energy.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Reconstruction of interaction rate in holographic dark energy

The present work is based on the holographic dark energy model with Hubble horizon as the infrared cut-off. The interaction rate between dark energy and dark matter has been reconstructed for three different parameterizations of the deceleration parameter. Observational constraints on the model parameters have been obtained by maximum likelihood analysis using the observational Hubble parameter data (OHD), type Ia supernovab data (SNe), baryon acoustic oscillation data (BAO) and the distance prior of cosmic microwave background (CMB) namely the CMB shift parameter data (CMBShift). The interaction rate obtained in the present work remains always positive and increases with expansion. It is very similar to the result obtained by Sen and Pavon [1] where the interaction rate has been reconstructed for a parametrization of the dark energy equation of state. Tighter constraints on the interaction rate have been obtained in the present work as it is based on larger data sets. The nature of the dark energy equation of state parameter has also been studied for the present models. Though the reconstruction is done from different parametrizations, the overall nature of the interaction rate is very similar in all the cases. Different information criteria and the Bayesian evidence, which have been invoked in the context of model selection, show that the these models are at close proximity of each other.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Solar Photovoltaics and Land-Based Wind Technical Potential and Supply Curves for the Contiguous United States (2023 Edition)

Estimates of the potential of renewable energy are essential for understanding how we can decarbonize our electric grid and economy. They provide key data for policymakers, land managers, and energy modelers by defining the quantity, quality, and cost of renewable resources. However, estimating renewable energy potential is challenging and requires frequent updates because of rapid advances in technology, cost reductions, and uncertainty about developable land that are due to social, regulatory, and environmental factors. Additionally, the complex processes involved in renewable energy development require regular reviews of methods and assumptions, which can also impact our understanding of renewable potential. In this, the 2023 edition of this annual report, we present new estimates of the technical potential for land-based wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) for the contiguous United States (CONUS). We also provide cost estimates for the available resources, presenting representative supply curves that can be used in downstream modeling and analysis. Additionally, we introduce the new methodologies used to estimate wind capacity, wind energy losses, transmission cost and representation, updated technology cost and design, and scenarios of siting constraints designed to help bound the uncertainty of renewable potential.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗