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DOE OSTI2023

Evaluating energy justice metrics in early-stage science and technology research using the JUST-R metrics framework

Embedding principles of energy justice throughout all aspects of clean energy technology research and development (R&D) can facilitate a more just energy transition; yet gaps remain in our understanding of how to best integrate energy justice from the earliest R&D stages. The Justice Underpinning Science and Technology Research (JUST-R) metrics framework has been developed to enable early-stage energy researchers to assess and address justice considerations associated with their research, but the impacts of the framework, and others like it, have yet to be evaluated. This study seeks to evaluate the JUST-R metrics framework in terms of its effectiveness and appeal to researchers engaged in early-stage technical R&D using qualitative analyses of documents and workshop transcripts. We find that the metrics framework helps researchers identify problems and potential solutions surrounding the energy justice implications of their work and spurs a change in perspective for researchers, but, simultaneously, there is no evidence of solution follow-through within the evaluation timeframe. Greater institutional support, specialization to research areas, knowledge of energy justice fundamentals, and earlier incorporation of energy justice considerations in research projects arise as factors needed to aid continued use of the framework and pursuit of identified solutions. This evaluation protocol and these findings can serve as a guide for improving other frameworks with similar goals of encouraging sociotechnical engagement in early-stage energy R&D.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2022

RF Technologies for Future Colliders

Particle colliders remain indispensable scientific instruments to discover and study new elementary particles and fundamental forces of nature. Whether the collider is a factory (used to improve precision of measuring properties of already discovered particles or to enable studies of rare decay channels), an energy frontier machine (aimed at discovering new particles and forces), a heavy ion collider (allowing studies of what the universe looked like in the early moments after its creation), or an electron-hadron collider (where electrons are used for probing heavy ions or protons to study the fundamental force binding all visible matter), the radio frequency technologies play a key role in enabling the machine to reach its goals. This article considers challenges presented to the radio frequency technologies by the next generation of particle colliders and reviews R&D approaches and directions to address these challenges.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Comparison of Long-Term Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage to Reference Power Generation Technologies Using CO2 Avoidance Cost in the U.S.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) can sequester atmospheric CO2, while producing electricity. The CO2 avoidance cost (CAC) is used to calculate the marginal cost of avoided CO2 emissions for BECCS as compared to other established energy technologies. A comparative analysis using four different reference-case power plants for CAC calculations is performed here to evaluate the CO2 avoidance cost of BECCS implementation. Results from this work demonstrate that BECCS can generate electricity at costs competitive with other neutral emissions technologies, while simultaneously removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Approximately 73% of current coal power plants are approaching retirement by the year 2035 in the U.S. After considering CO2 sequestered from the atmosphere and coal power plant CO2 emissions displaced by BECCS, CO2 emissions can be reduced by 1.4 billion tonnes per year in the U.S. alone at a cost of $88 to $116 per tonne of CO2 removed from the atmosphere, for 10% to 90% of available biomass used, respectively. CAC calculations in this paper indicate that BECCS can help the U.S. and other countries transition to a decarbonized electricity grid, as simulations presented in this paper predict that BECCS power plants operate at lower CACs than coal plants with CCS.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Application of Ionic Liquids for the Recycling and Recovery of Technologically Critical and Valuable Metals

Population growth has led to an increased demand for raw minerals and energy resources; however, their supply cannot easily be provided in the same proportions. Modern technologies contain materials that are becoming more finely intermixed because of the broadening palette of elements used, and this outcome creates certain limitations for recycling. The recovery and separation of individual elements, critical materials and valuable metals from complex systems requires complex energy-consuming solutions with many hazardous chemicals used. Significant pressure is brought to bear on the improvement of separation and recycling approaches by the need to balance sustainability, efficiency, and environmental impacts. Due to the increase in environmental consciousness in chemical research and industry, the challenge for a sustainable environment calls for clean procedures that avoid the use of harmful organic solvents. Ionic liquids, also known as molten salts and future solvents, are endowed with unique features that have already had a promising impact on cutting-edge science and technologies. This review aims to address the current challenges associated with the energy-efficient design, recovery, recycling, and separation of valuable metals employing ionic liquids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

A Review of Edge Computing Technology and Its Applications in Power Systems

Recent advancements in network-connected devices have led to a rapid increase in the deployment of smart devices and enhanced grid connectivity, resulting in a surge in data generation and expanded deployment to the edge of systems. Classic cloud computing infrastructures are increasingly challenged by the demands for large bandwidth, low latency, fast response speed, and strong security. Therefore, edge computing has emerged as a critical technology to address these challenges, gaining widespread adoption across various sectors. This paper introduces the advent and capabilities of edge computing, reviews its state-of-the-art architectural advancements, and explores its communication techniques. A comprehensive analysis of edge computing technologies is also presented. Furthermore, this paper highlights the transformative role of edge computing in various areas, particularly emphasizing its role in power systems. It summarizes edge computing applications in power systems that are oriented from the architectures, such as power system monitoring, smart meter management, data collection and analysis, resource management, etc. Additionally, the paper discusses the future opportunities of edge computing in enhancing power system applications.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2022

Mapping of a Novel Zero-Liquid Discharge Desalination System Based on Humidification–Dehumidification onto the Field of Existing Desalination Technologies

It is well-established that increasing demands for fresh water are paving the way for desalination technologies. However, this correlates with an increase in brine production whose treatment and disposal can be complicated and expensive. This paper presents a thermodynamic model to bound the operation and development of a novel Humidification–Dehumidification-based system featuring Zero-Liquid Discharge and off-grid capabilities. The model employs conservation laws to find feasible state points to meet a baseline operation of 10 kg/h of product water separated from a hypersaline feed stream with 100 g/kg salt concentration. The system incurs in a 1039 kWh/m3 energy intensity that can be supplied completely by an electric source or in combination with heating steam. Follow-up sensitivity analysis highlights the robustness of the system in handling variations of 25% in product flowrate and 75% in feed salinity, practically without incurring any additional energy demands. The proposed system operating costs between 72 USD/m3 and 96 USD/m3 are comparable to those of existing brine disposal techniques. Furthermore, an operational map of existing desalination technologies suggests a niche characterized by high recovery rates and high feed salinities that are generally unfulfilled by conventional desalination methods. Overall, the proposed system shows potential for off-grid hypersaline brine treatment. This study sets the stage for future development of physics-based and data-driven predictive models as the proposed system iterates into a pilot plant deployment.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

Field Testing of an Affordable Zero-Liquid-Discharge Arsenic-Removal Technology for a Small-Community Drinking Water System in Rural California

Arsenic contamination in groundwater threatens public health, particularly in small, low-income communities lacking affordable treatment solutions. This study investigated the field implementation of novel air cathode assisted iron electrocoagulation (ACAIE) technology for arsenic removal in Allensworth, California, where groundwater arsenic concentrations exceeded 250 µg/L. Over four months, a pilot-scale ACAIE system, operating at 600 L/h, consistently reduced arsenic levels to below the EPA’s maximum contaminant level of 10 µg/L. Laboratory experiments informed the optimization of charge dosage and flow rates, which were validated during field testing of the ACAIE 600 L/h system. The in-situ generation of hydrogen peroxide at the cathode speeded up the reaction kinetics, ensuring high arsenic removal efficiency while allowing high throughput, even with a compact reactor size. An economic analysis demonstrated a treatment cost of USD 0.02/L excluding labor, highlighting the system’s affordability compared to conventional methods. Adding labor costs increased the treatment cost to USD 0.09/L. The regeneration of air cathodes extended their operational life, addressing a key maintenance challenge, thus reducing the costs slightly. Intermittent challenges were encountered with filtration and secondary contaminant removal; these issues highlight opportunities for further operational improvements. Despite these challenges, ACAIE’s low operational complexity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness make it a promising solution for underserved small communities. These findings provide critical insights into deploying sustainable arsenic remediation technologies that are tailored to the needs of rural, low-resource communities.

Bandaru, Siva R S↗

DOE OSTI2025

Charting the Path to Electrification: Analyzing the Economic and Technological Potential of Advanced Vehicle Powertrains

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office (DOE-VTO) is driving advancements in highway transportation by targeting energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and cost reductions. This study investigates the fuel economy potential and cost implications of advanced powertrain technologies using comprehensive system simulations. Leveraging tools such as Autonomie and TechScape, developed by Argonne National Laboratory, this study evaluates multiple timeframes (2023–2050) and powertrain types, including conventional internal combustion engines, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Simulations conducted across standard regulatory driving cycles provide detailed insights into fuel economy improvements, cost trajectories, and total cost of ownership. The findings highlight key innovations in battery energy density, lightweighting, and powertrain optimization, demonstrating the growing viability of BEVs and their projected economic competitiveness with conventional vehicles by 2050. This work delivers actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, underscoring the transformative potential of vehicle electrification in achieving sustainable transportation goals.

Islam, Ehsan Sabri (ORCID:0000000200220180)↗

DOE OSTI2021

Cost Assessment of Future Tandem Perovskite-Silicon Modules and LCOE Comparison to Silicon Technologies in Europe

Tandem perovskite-silicon (TPS) photovoltaic (PV) technology is a promising pathway for achieving higher efficiencies than those of single-junction crystal-silicon (c-Si) technologies. In this work, a techno-economic assessment of a TPS module is performed considering a viable large-scale manufacturing process for two future scenarios in 2025 and 2030 which allowed us to identify the main cost drivers of the tandem module cost. Furthermore, to analyse the performance of tandem module-based utility-scale PV systems and understand their competitiveness in Europe, the levelized cost of electricity was compared to passivated emitter and rear cell as well as silicon heterojunction based PV systems. The aim of this work is to provide a cost and performance guidance for TPS modules which could contribute to future PV energy systems.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2021

A Framework for Characterizing the Initial Thermal Conditions of Light-Duty Vehicles in Response to Representative Utilization Patterns, Ambient Conditions, and Vehicle Technologies

It is widely understood that the thermal state of a light-duty vehicle at the beginning of a trip influences the vehicle performance throughout the drive cycle. Cold starts, or initial states with component temperatures near ambient conditions, are strongly correlated with reduced vehicle performance and energy efficiency and with increased emissions. Despite this understanding, there is little literature available that characterizes initial thermal states beyond empirical studies and simplified analyses of dwell times. We introduce a framework that considers vehicle activity patterns, including the previous drive event, duration of the previous dwell event, and relevant ambient conditions occurring during these events. Moreover, the framework allows for technologies to influence the prominence of cold starts and warm starts. An example application of the methodology using a powertrain model approach revealed the significance of all constituent factors: controlling for ambient conditions, the shortest dwell lengths corresponded to an average initial oil temperature of 70°C versus 23°C for the long dwell length simulations, and aggressive conditioning cycles corresponded to an average initial oil temperature of 51°C versus only 35°C for a short conditioning cycle. The coldest ambient conditions evaluated (-30°C to -10°C) produced a weighted initial oil temperature of 19°C versus 57°C for the warmest ambient conditions evaluated (30°C to 50°C). Finally, we introduce weighting factors that account for the real-world frequency of conditioning cycle and dwell length combinations. The procedure outlined may be useful for discovering real-world performance improvements associated with vehicle technologies, a topic of interest to both vehicle manufacturers and regulators.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

DOE OSTI2021

University of Colorado and Black Swift Technologies RPAS-based measurements of the lower atmosphere during LAPSE-RATE

Abstract. Between 14 and 20 July 2018, small remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPASs) were deployed to the San Luis Valley of Colorado (USA) together with a variety of surface-based remote and in situ sensors as well as radiosonde systems as part of the Lower Atmospheric Profiling Studies at Elevation – a Remotely-piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE). The observations from LAPSE-RATE were aimed at improving our understanding of boundary layer structure, cloud and aerosol properties, and surface–atmosphere exchange and provide detailed information to support model evaluation and improvement work. The current paper describes the observations obtained using four different types of RPASs deployed by the University of Colorado Boulder and Black Swift Technologies. These included the DataHawk2, the Talon and the TTwistor (University of Colorado), and the S1 (Black Swift Technologies). Together, these aircraft collected over 30 h of data throughout the northern half of the San Luis Valley, sampling altitudes between the surface and 914 m a.g.l. Data from these platforms are publicly available through the Zenodo archive and are co-located with other LAPSE-RATE data as part of the Zenodo LAPSE-RATE community (https://zenodo.org/communities/lapse-rate/, last access: 27 May 2021). The primary DOIs for these datasets are https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3891620 (DataHawk2, de Boer et al., 2020a, e), https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4096451 (Talon, de Boer et al., 2020d), https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4110626 (TTwistor, de Boer et al., 2020b), and https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3861831 (S1, Elston and Stachura, 2020).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2022

Current status and grand challenges for small wind turbine technology

While modern wind turbines have become by far the largest rotating machines on Earth with further upscaling planned for the future, a renewed interest in small wind turbines (SWTs) is fostering energy transition and smart grid development. Small machines have traditionally not received the same level of aerodynamic refinement as their larger counterparts, resulting in lower efficiency, lower capacity factors, and therefore a higher cost of energy. In an effort to reduce this gap, research programs are developing worldwide. With this background, the scope of the present study is 2-fold. In the first part of this paper, an overview of the current status of the technology is presented in terms of technical maturity, diffusion, and cost. The second part of the study proposes five grand challenges that are thought to be key to fostering the development of small wind turbine technology in the near future, i.e. (1) improving energy conversion of modern SWTs through better design and control, especially in the case of turbulent wind; (2) better predicting long-term turbine performance with limited resource measurements and proving reliability; (3) improving the economic viability of small wind energy; (4) facilitating the contribution of SWTs to the energy demand and electrical system integration; (5) fostering engagement, social acceptance, and deployment for global distributed wind markets. To tackle these challenges, a series of unknowns and gaps are first identified and discussed. Based on them, improvement areas are suggested, for which 10 key enabling actions are finally proposed.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Wind turbine drivetrains: state-of-the-art technologies and future development trends

Abstract. This paper presents the state-of-the-art technologies and development trends of wind turbine drivetrains – the system that converts kinetic energy of the wind to electrical energy – in different stages of their life cycle: design, manufacturing, installation, operation, lifetime extension, decommissioning and recycling. Offshore development and digitalization are also a focal point in this study. Drivetrain in this context includes the whole power conversion system: main bearing, shafts, gearbox, generator and power converter. The main aim of this article is to review the drivetrain technology development as well as to identify future challenges and research gaps. The main challenges in drivetrain research identified in this paper include drivetrain dynamic responses in large or floating turbines, aerodynamic and farm control effects, use of rare-earth material in generators, improving reliability through prognostics, and use of advances in digitalization. These challenges illustrate the multidisciplinary aspect of wind turbine drivetrains, which emphasizes the need for more interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Smart Contract-Defined Secondary Control and Co-Simulation for Smart Solar Inverters using Blockchain Technology

This paper proposes a cooperative control approach using blockchain technology for solar inverters in a photovoltaic system. Moreover, a co-simulation method for smart inverters and a blockchain network is studied. The blockchain assisted-smart inverter (BASI) consists of a solar inverter and an internet of things device as a client node of a blockchain network, which can fully utilize emerging blockchain technologies such as distributed ledger, security functions, and smart contract. The control includes a primary-level droop control in a BASI and smart contract-defined secondary-level supervisory control in a secured blockchain network. The concept of the proposed smart contract-defined control approach is validated by simulation studies using the cyber-physical co-simulation testbed built-in MATLAB/Simulink in a PC interfacing with a Hyperledger-Fabric blockchain software implemented in a PC.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Exploring the Next Generation of Low-Carbon Technologies for Deployment on Contaminated Lands

Low-carbon energy technologies and industries can reduce or avoid pollution, create economic development benefits (e.g. job creation), enhance local tax revenues, and support supply chain businesses. Many communities have vacant or underutilized and contaminated land that presents an opportunity cost for the economy and a blight on neighborhoods. This paper identifies a research agenda and funding proposal to support the next generation of low carbon technologies to deploy on contaminated lands.

brownfield sites↗

DOE OSTI2020

Renewable Energy Technology and Systems Integration for the Oil and Gas Industry

Introduction to the mission and research of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis (JISEA). JISEA is co-sponsored by industries, governments, and partnered with several academic institutions (see https://www.jisea.org). Presentation will review statistics about the growth of renewable energy and also discuss potential future trends. It will review several specific case studies relevant to the oil and gas industry, including renewable energy for industrial operations and clean technologies and fuels that would be most relevant to oil and gas technologies and capabilities.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Renewable Energy Technologies and Integrated Energy Systems

As renewable energy deployment expands, its integration into broader energy systems becomes an opportunity for providing clean energy across multiple sectors. This presentation will review statistics about the growth of renewable energy and potential future trends, with an additional focus technologies important to Colorado. It will also present options for integration with other low emissions technologies, such as nuclear energy and storage, and how together they could create an integrated energy system for multiple sectors. The presentation will also include an introduction to the mission and research of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis (JISEA).

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,ENVIRONMENTAL↗

DOE OSTI2021

Clean and High-Efficiency Natural Gas Furnace with Advanced Acidic Gas Trap Technology

Ccurrent natural gas condensing furnaces generate substantial acidic condensate and SOx/NOx/CO/HC/methane emissions, causing long-term environment issues related to air, water and soil. Acidic condensate occurs when flue gases within the furnaces cool down below the dew points of acidic gases, which upon condensation, combine with water vapor to produce acidic solutions. The acidic condensate causes serious corrosion and fouling problems in natural gas condensing furnaces. This paper presents a novel solution to use an advanced adsorption technology based on monolithic acidic gas trap (AGT) adsorbers for SOx trapping, NOx redox, and formic acid/CO/HC/methane oxidation, enabling a new natural gas furnace with utra-clean flue gas and neutral condensate. When the AGT adsorber is appropriately integrated with natural gas furnaces, the acidic gases of SOx, NOx and formic gas/CO/HC will be continuously adsorbed, redoxed or oxidized, respectively, from the flue gas during a regular heating season, except for occasional regeneration activities for SOx trapping. In the paper, we present results from a prototype furnace employing the novel AGT component, which enables a pH of the condensate =7, NOx emissions of 1-2 nanograms/joule and an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 96%, providing a cost-effective technology for condensing furnaces that is eco-friendly to the environment.

Gao, Zhiming↗