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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 1,063 records · Page 59
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2015

NASA Glenn Research Center Support of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator Project

A high-efficiency radioisotope power system was being developed for long-duration NASA space science missions. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) managed a flight contract with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company to build Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generators (ASRGs), with support from NASA Glenn Research Center. DOE initiated termination of that contract in late 2013, primarily due to budget constraints. Sunpower, Inc., held two parallel contracts to produce Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASCs), one with Lockheed Martin to produce ASC-F flight units, and one with Glenn for the production of ASC-E3 engineering unit "pathfinders" that are built to the flight design. In support of those contracts, Glenn provided testing, materials expertise, Government-furnished equipment, inspection capabilities, and related data products to Lockheed Martin and Sunpower. The technical support included material evaluations, component tests, convertor characterization, and technology transfer. Material evaluations and component tests were performed on various ASC components in order to assess potential life-limiting mechanisms and provide data for reliability models. Convertor level tests were conducted to characterize performance under operating conditions that are representative of various mission conditions. Despite termination of the ASRG flight development contract, NASA continues to recognize the importance of high-efficiency ASC power conversion for Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) and continues investment in the technology, including the continuation of the ASC-E3 contract. This paper describes key Government support for the ASRG project and future tests to be used to provide data for ongoing reliability assessments.

Technology Transfer↗
DOE OSTI2020

Natural Gas Vehicle Basics

Natural gas powers about 175,000 U.S. vehicles and more than 23 million vehicles worldwide [1]. Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are a good choice for high-mileage (high fuel-use) fleets - such as buses, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and refuse vehicles - that are centrally fueled or operate within a limited area or along a route with natural gas fueling stations. The advantages of natural gas as an alternative fuel include its domestic production, established distribution network, relatively low cost, and emissions benefits.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2020

A CIM Based Data Integration Framework for Distribution Utilities

With the proliferation of distributed energy resources and advanced metering, modern electric power distribution systems are data rich and include advanced capabilities for distribution automation. Distribution utilities need applications for planning and operations that can integrate all the available data from the enterprise applications and may incorporate distributed approaches to operate and control. This paper describes a framework for standardizing and integrating the data available at different vendor specific applications in a utility utilizing the Common Information Model (CIM). Theframework incorporates the conversion of these the standardized CIM models into models compatible with GridLAB-D, an open source distribution system simulator, for developing advanced planning and operation strategies.

data integration platform, object-oriented data mo↗
DOE OSTI2023

Solid oxide metal-air redox batteries (SOMARB)

The solid oxide metal-air redox batteries (SOMARB), composed of reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC) and energy storage unit (ESU), is an emerging technology for large-scale energy storage owing to its advantages in high energy density, high rate capability, decoupled energy and power components, all solid state structure, high safety and scalability. Starting with introducing the working principle of this battery, thermodynamics and kinetics, and battery chemistries based on Fe, Mo, and Wo of SOMARB are illustrated. The strategies to improve the performance of Fe-based SOMARB via optimizing RSOFC and ESU are discussed in detail. Finally, several high temperature metal-air batteries derived from SOMARB are introduced. The comparison with other batteries shows that SOMARB is expected to play an important role in future grid and renewable energy storage with concurrent advances in SOFC stack and system design.

Zhang, Cuijuan↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electrochemical cells with ionic sequestration provided by porous separators

Provided are electrochemical cells including separators permeable to some materials and impermeable to other materials in electrolytes. Also provide are methods of forming such separators. The selective permeability of a separator is achieved by its specific pore diameter and a narrow distribution of this diameter. Specifically, a species responsible for ion transport in an electrochemical cell are allowed to pass through the separator, while another species is blocked thereby preventing degradation of the cell. For example, a species containing lithium ions is allowed to pass in rechargeable cells, while one or more species containing transition metals are blocked. In some embodiments, a separator may include a membrane layer with at least 90% of pores of this having a diameter of between about 0.1 nanometers and 1.0 nanometer. The membrane layer may be a standalone layer or supported by a membrane support.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Identifying Opportunities and Recommendations for the Integration of Advanced Reactors for Industrial Heat and Electricity Users

Nuclear power in the United States has been used traditionally to provide baseload electric power to the grid. Advancements in nuclear power to create smaller and safer reactors have renewed interest in nuclear as a source of both heat and electricity for a variety of applications. There is great interest in coupling nuclear reactors with industrial applications because nuclear power is a low carbon energy source that can be utilized for process heating, hydrogen generation, on-site electricity demand, and more. Idaho National Laboratory is developing guidelines to identify and assist industrial heat and electricity decarbonization by integrating with nuclear power plants (NPPs) to provide clean, abundant, and dispatchable energy. Considerations include specific industrial hazards which impact NPP siting, heat transport requirements and associated technologies, and implementation feasibility based on site-specific demand profiles. To assess integration feasibility, facility process models are developed based on real data obtained from a survey of baseline requirements and process information from industrial facilities in the United States. An assessment of safety and siting requirements is also performed to determine how nuclear industrial pairings could meet licensing requirements for NPPs. In addition, site characterization of an industrial plant is essential to determining the feasibility and suitable integration methods for each industry. Characterization includes facility distance from the nearest population center, site size, rail or water transport availability, and proximity to undeveloped land. These characteristics are important to determine reactor- or industry-side design requirements for safe, efficient operation. The siting and technical data assessment will reveal opportunities for single-use nuclear integration and co-location opportunities for industries to share benefits from a single reactor. In addition to existing facilities, this “energy-park” style cooperation could include new construction like data centers which can cost-share energy investments or provide a stable demand-and-revenue stream to the investor. Deliverables will contain a library of documents and models to guide various industries toward understanding nuclear technologies based on their users’ needs. This paper is a summary of the current project status, and provides insights on suitable pairings for specific industries and reactor technologies

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

ARIES 2023

An annual report of ARIES FY 2023 research impacts and capabilities, partner engagements, and messages from DOE steering committee and an External Advisory Board members.

Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hierarchical microstructures: a potential route to enhanced stability in structural materials for advanced nuclear reactors

The drive to increase efficiency in nuclear energy systems is leading to the need for materials that operate at higher temperatures and stress levels for extended periods, while maintaining stable microstructures to ensure their performance is not compromised. A novel route to producing materials that can perform well in such environments is the creation of hierarchical microstructures. A hierarchical microstructure is a microstructure in which features are present at multiple length scales simultaneously. In this work, a hierarchical microstructure is fabricated in a nickel-base superalloy, featuring nanometer-size gamma precipitates inside larger gamma-prime particles, which are in turn embedded in the gamma matrix phase. The hierarchical features of the microstructure lead to enhanced stability of the gamma-prime precipitates during annealing; the particle size does not follow the expected t^(1/3) growth law predicted by the classic LSW theory. Phase-field simulations are used to understand the unexpected stability of the gamma-prime precipitates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Debate on Vehicle Triad: Examining the Utilization Patterns of Gasoline, Hybrid, and Electric Vehicles in Households

Light-duty vehicles contribute to approximately half of the transport sector's emissions, a sector challenging to decarbonize owing to the autocentric nature of many American cities. The U.S. Department of Transportation's blueprint outlines three key decarbonization strategies: increasing convenience, improving efficiency, and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. Among these, the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) offers a promising opportunity to reduce emissions from light-duty vehicles, which are predominantly gasoline-powered. Although substantial literature identifies and addresses factors influencing EV adoption, understanding their utilization within households who own vehicles with mixed fuel types is crucial for accurately assessing their environmental benefits. This paper addresses two key questions: (a) Are EVs utilized more, equally, or less than gasoline vehicles (GVs) and (b) What factors influence mileage utilization patterns in households with multiple vehicle fuel types, accounting for substitution and complementary effects? Analysis of 2022 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data indicates that EVs are utilized more than GVs within households that own multiple mixed fuel fleets. Findings reveal that households with a higher number of younger individuals and multiple workers use EVs more extensively, and those with older adults and larger households with multiple vehicles tend to use GVs more. Rural households have higher use of hybrid vehicles (HVs). The study identifies a substitution effect between EVs and GVs, while complementary relationship between HVs and EVs, suggesting nuances in vehicle utilization patterns. This nuanced understanding of vehicle utilization patterns informs the development of targeted policies and infrastructure investments to optimize household transportation efficiency.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hierarchical microstructures: a potential route to enhanced stability in structural materials for advanced nuclear reactors

The drive to increase efficiency in nuclear energy systems is leading to the need for materials that operate at higher temperatures and stress levels for extended periods, while maintaining stable microstructures to ensure their performance is not compromised. A novel route to producing materials that can perform well in such environments is the creation of hierarchical microstructures. A hierarchical microstructure is a microstructure in which features are present at multiple length scales simultaneously. In this work, a hierarchical microstructure is fabricated in a nickel-base superalloy, featuring nanometer-size gamma precipitates inside larger gamma-prime particles, which are in turn embedded in the gamma matrix phase. The hierarchical features of the microstructure lead to enhanced stability of the gamma-prime precipitates during annealing; the particle size does not follow the expected t^(1/3) growth law predicted by the classic LSW theory. Phase-field simulations are used to understand the unexpected stability of the gamma-prime precipitates.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Performance Evaluation of Liquid-Cooled Open Stand-Alone Refrigerated Cases

This project is part of a joint effort between Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to evaluate the energy and demand savings potential of emerging efficient buildings technologies. This project quantifies the energy efficiency benefits from retrofitting an air-cooled, constant-speed compression, self-contained medium-temperature open-vertical display case with a high efficiency water-cooled condensing unit. In addition to a water-cooled heat rejection mechanism, the high-efficiency condensing unit utilizes a variable-speed compressor, electronic expansion valve and advanced controls system. The focus of this project, however, was mainly on capturing the energy savings potentials of the water-cooled condenser, variable-speed compression and electronic expansion valve, and not on the advanced controls. The results of this evaluation will be considered by ComEd and CLEAResult for future energy efficiency rebate offerings.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electric Vehicle Managed Charging: Forward-Looking Estimates of Bulk Power System Value

When and where electric vehicle charging occurs has significant implications for power systems supporting widespread electric vehicle deployment with high shares of wind and solar generation. Numerous studies have estimated the value of scheduling or otherwise managing electric vehicle charging in such power systems. This study improves on those earlier works by leveraging detailed simulation models for electric vehicle adoption, electric vehicle use, electric vehicle charging, and bulk power system operations; and linking them with methods for describing charging flexibility at both the individual vehicle and aggregate levels. This study closely analyzes electric vehicle managed charging (EVMC) performance along the dimensions of flexibility type (within-charging session or within-week scheduling), dispatch mechanism (direct load control or one of several price-based mechanisms), and participation rate, under the assumptions of ubiquitous chargers and all trips completed on time. The study is located in a passenger light-duty vehicle adoption scenario with 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035, and in an envisioned 2038 New England power system for which within-region generation is 84% clean.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS2009

A Study on Advanced Lithium-Based Battery Cell Chemistries to Enhance Lunar Exploration Missions

NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) Energy Storage Project conducted an advanced lithium-based battery chemistry feasibility study to determine the best advanced chemistry to develop for the Altair lunar lander and the Extravehicular Activities (EVA) advanced lunar surface spacesuit. These customers require safe, reliable energy storage systems with extremely high specific energy as compared to today's state-of-the-art batteries. Based on customer requirements, the specific energy goals for the development project are 220 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) delivered at the battery level at 0 degrees Celsius (degrees Celcius) at a C/10 discharge rate. Continuous discharge rates between C/5 and C/2, operation over 0 to 30 degrees C, and 200 cycles are targeted. The team, consisting of members from NASA Glenn Research Center, Johnson Space Center, and Jet Propulsion laboratory, surveyed the literature, compiled information on recent materials developments, and consulted with other battery experts in the community to identify advanced battery materials that might be capable of achieving the desired results with further development. A variety of electrode materials were considered, including layered metal oxides, spinel oxides, and olivine-type cathode materials, and lithium metal, lithium alloy, and silicon-based composite anode materials. lithium-sulfur systems were also considered. Hypothetical cell constructs that combined compatible anode and cathode materials with suitable electrolytes, separators, current collectors, headers, and cell enclosures were modeled. While some of these advanced materials are projected to obtain the desired electrical performance, there are risks that also factored into the decision making process. The risks include uncertainties due to issues such as safety of a system containing some of these materials, ease of scaling-up of large batches of raw materials, adaptability of the materials to processing using established or reasonable cost manufacturing techniques, manufacturability of the materials in dimensions required for integration into battery cells of practical capacities, low Technology Readiness levels (TRl), and the ability to achieve the desired performance by the customer need dates. The advanced cell chemistry options were evaluated with respect to multiple quantitative and qualitative attributes while considering their projected performance at the end of the available development timeframe. Following a rigorous ranking process, a chemistry that combines a lithiated nickel manganese cobalt oxide (lithium NMC) cathode with a silicon-based composite anode was selected as the technology that can offer the best combination of safety, specific energy, energy density, and likelihood of success. Tasks over the next three years will focus on development of electrode materials, compatible electrolytes, and separator materials, and integration of promising components to assess their combined performance in working cells. Cells of the chosen chemistry will be developed to TRl 6 by 2014 and will then be transferred to the customers for infusion into their mission paths.

Reid, Concha↗
DOE OSTI2025

Regime-based aerosol–cloud interactions from CALIPSO-MODIS and the Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 (E3SMv2) over the Eastern North Atlantic

This study investigates aerosol-cloud interactions in marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds using an advanced deep-learning-driven synoptic-regime-based framework, combining satellite data (CALIPSO vertically resolved aerosol extinction and MODIS cloud properties) with 1° nudged Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 (E3SMv2) simulation over the Eastern North Atlantic (ENA; ∼10°×10°, 2006–2014). The E3SMv2 captures observed seasonal variations in cloud droplet number concentrations (N d ) and liquid water path (LWP), though it systematically underestimates N d . We then partition ENA meteorology into four synoptic regimes (Pre-Trough, Post-Trough, Ridge, Trough) via a deep-learning clustering of ERA5 reanalysis fields, enabling regime-dependent aerosol-cloud interactions analyses. Both satellite and E3SMv2 exhibit an inverted-V LWP-N d relationship. In Post-Trough and Ridge regimes, the satellite shows stronger negative LWP-N d sensitivities than in Pre-Trough regime. The Trough regime displays a muted satellite LWP response. In comparison, the model predicts more exaggerated LWP responses across regimes, with LWP increasing too quickly at low N d and decreasing more sharply at high N d , especially in Pre-Trough and Trough regimes. These exaggerated model LWP sensitivities may stem from uncertainties in representing drizzle processes, entrainment, and turbulent mixing. As for N d susceptibility to aerosols, N d increases with MBL aerosol extinction in both datasets, but the simulated aerosol-cloud interactions appear oversensitive to meteorological conditions. Overall, E3SMv2 better captures aerosol effects under regimes that favor stratiform clouds (Post-Trough, Ridge), but performance deteriorates for regimes with deeper, dynamically complex clouds (Trough), highlighting the need for improved representations of those cloud processes in climate models.

Environmental sciences↗
DOE OSTI2024

Early Exploration of a Flexible Framework for Efficient Quantum Linear Solvers in Power Systems

The rapid integration of renewable energy resources presents formidable challenges in managing power grids. While advanced computing and machine learning techniques offer some solutions for accelerating grid modeling and simulation, there remain complex problems that classical computers cannot effectively address. Quantum computing, a promising technology, has the potential to fundamentally transform how we manage power systems, especially in scenarios with a higher proportion of renewable energy sources. One critical aspect is solving linear systems of equations, crucial for power system applications like power flow analysis, for which the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd (HHL) algorithm is a well-known quantum solution. However, HHL quantum circuits often exhibit excessive depth, making them impractical for current Noisy-Intermediate-Scale-Quantum (NISQ) devices. In this paper, we introduce a versatile framework, powered by NWQSim, that bridges the gap between power system applications and quantum linear solvers available in Qiskit. This framework empowers researchers to efficiently explore power system applications using quantum linear solvers. Through innovative gate fusion strategies, reduced circuit depth, and GPU acceleration, our simulator significantly enhances resource efficiency. Power flow case studies have demonstrated up to a eight-fold speedup compared to Qiskit Aer, all while maintaining comparable levels of accuracy.

quantum computing, Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd, high-per↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Hybrid Heavy-Duty Diesel Power System for Off-Road Applications - Concept Definition

A multi-year Power System R&D project was initiated with the objective of developing an off-road hybrid heavy-duty concept diesel engine with front end accessory drive-integrated energy storage. This off-road hybrid engine system is expected to deliver 15-20% reduction in fuel consumption over current Tier 4 Final-based diesel engines and consists of a downsized heavy-duty diesel engine containing advanced combustion technologies, capable of elevated peak cylinder pressures and thermal efficiencies, exhaust waste heat recovery via SuperTurbo™ turbocompounding, and hybrid energy recovery through both mechanical (high speed flywheel) and electrical systems. The first year of this project focused on the definition of the hybrid elements using extensive dynamic system simulation over transient work cycles, with hybrid supervisory controls development focusing on energy recovery and transient load assist, in Caterpillar’s DYNASTY™ software environment. Three key off-road applications were the focus of the hybrid concept definition with an aim of understanding the system’s modular capability for the diverse off-road heavy-duty market. Core engine performance 1D and 3D simulations isolated the efficiency contributions from the downsized engine, turbocompounding, and in-cylinder thermal barrier coatings. A fuel consumption improvement range of 14 to 24% was predicted, resulting in successful project progression to the design and experimental validation phase. Furthermore, an overview of the experimental engine and hybrid system status concludes the discussion along with the multi-year project’s next steps.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗