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At least 1,117 records · Page 62
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Nannochloropsis oceanica IMET1 and its bacterial symbionts for carbon capture, utilization, and storage: biomass and calcium carbonate production under high pH and high alkalinity

ABSTRACT To combat the increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) released from the combustion of fossil fuels, microalgae have emerged as a promising strategy for biological carbon capture, utilization, and storage. This study used a marine microalgal strain, Nannochloropsis oceanica IMET1, which thrives in high CO 2 concentrations. A high-pH, high-alkalinity culture was designed for CO 2 capture through algal biomass production as well as permanent sequestration through calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) precipitation. This was accomplished by timed pH elevation and the addition of sodium bicarbonate to cultures of N. oceanica grown at lab scale (1 L) and pilot scale (500 L) with 10% and 5% CO 2 , respectively. Our data showed that 0.02 M NaHCO 3 promoted algal growth and that sparging cultures with ambient air after 12 days raised pH and created favorable CaCO 3 formation conditions. At the 1 L scale, we reached 1.52 g L −1 biomass after 12 days and an extra 9.3% CO 2 was captured in the form of CaCO 3 precipitates. At the 500 L pilot scale, an extra 60% CO 2 was captured (Day 40) with a maximum CO 2 capture rate of 63.2 g m −2 day −1 (Day 35). Bacterial communities associated with the microalgae were dominated by two novel Patescibacteria. Functional analysis revealed that genes for several plant growth-promotion traits (PGPTs) were enriched within this group. The microalgal-bacterial coculture system offers advantages for enhanced carbon mitigation through biomass production and simultaneous precipitation of recalcitrant CaCO 3 for long-term CO 2 storage. IMPORTANCE Capturing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) released from fossil fuel combustion is of the utmost importance as the impacts of climate change continue to worsen. Microalgae can remove CO 2 through their natural photosynthetic pathways and are additionally able to convert CO 2 into a stable, recalcitrant form as calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ). We demonstrate that microalgae-based carbon capture systems can be greatly improved with high pH and high alkalinity by providing optimal conditions for carbonate precipitation. Our results with the microalga, Nannochloropsis oceanica strain IMET1, show an extra 9.3% CO 2 captured as CaCO 3 at the 1 L scale and an extra 60% CO 2 captured at the 500 L (pilot) scale. Our optimized system provides a novel approach to capture CO 2 through two mechanisms: (i) as organic carbon within microalgal biomass and (ii) as inorganic carbon stored permanently in the form of CaCO 3.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Linking the Salmonella enterica 1,2-Propanediol Utilization Bacterial Microcompartment Shell to the Enzymatic Core via the Shell Protein PduB

Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are protein-based organelles that house the enzymatic machinery for metabolism of niche carbon sources, allowing enteric pathogens to outcompete native microbiota during host colonization. While much progress has been made toward understanding MCP biogenesis, questions still remain regarding the mechanism by which core MCP enzymes are enveloped within the MCP protein shell. Here, we explore the hypothesis that the shell protein PduB is responsible for linking the shell of the 1,2-propanediol utilization (Pdu) MCP from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 to its enzymatic core. Using fluorescent reporters, we demonstrate that all members of the Pdu enzymatic core are encapsulated in Pdu MCPs. We also demonstrate that PduB is critical for linking the entire Pdu enzyme core to the MCP shell. Using MCP purifications, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy, we find that shell assembly can be decoupled from the enzymatic core, as apparently empty MCPs are formed in Salmonella strains lacking PduB. Mutagenesis studies reveal that PduB is incorporated into the Pdu MCP shell via a conserved, lysine-mediated hydrogen bonding mechanism. Finally, growth assays and system-level pathway modeling reveal that unencapsulated pathway performance is strongly impacted by enzyme concentration, highlighting the importance of minimizing polar effects when conducting these functional assays. Together, these results provide insight into the mechanism of enzyme encapsulation within Pdu MCPs and demonstrate that the process of enzyme encapsulation and shell assembly are separate processes in this system, a finding that will aid future efforts to understand MCP biogenesis.

1, 2-propanediol utilization↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electrolyte Concentration Effect on Sulfur Utilization of Li-S Batteries

Electrolyte is the critical component of the Li-S battery. Past studies have shed light on the behavior of the Li-S cells when the electrolyte salt concentration is increased to the solvent-in-salt regime and demonstrated tremendously improved cycle life. However, there is no systematic study on the Li-S cell when the electrolyte salt concentration is reduced from the standard 1.0M condition. This work investigates the lower salt concentration regime by doing a systematic study with the standard LiTFSI in DME:DOL combination, using sulfur electrodes with relatively high loading (> 6 mg cm -2 ). Although reducing the electrolyte salt concentration lowers the ionic conductivity, it is found that the sulfur utilization and rate capability of the Li-S cells benefits from this process. Similar observations are also found when LiTFSI is replaced with LiI and LiBr, which form less conductive electrolytes than LiTFSI at the same concentration levels. Data correlation indicates a stronger correlation between the Li-S cell’s rate-capability and the electrolyte conductivity than electrolyte viscosity. It is proposed in this work that free Li + concentration, which is proportional to the electrolyte conductivity, is the real rate-capability determining parameter. Reducing the electrolyte salt concentration and replacing LiTFSI with less dissociable salts (LiI, LiBr) both will reduce the free Li + in the electrolyte, which will allow a higher saturation point of Li 2 S 2 /Li 2 S. This probably will delay the insulating layer build-up on the cathode conductive network and improve the dissolved Li-polysulfide to Li 2 S 2 /Li 2 S conversion efficiency. Both impedance and cathode morphology support this theorem.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Fuel Flexible Combustion Systems for High-Efficiency Utilization of Opportunity Fuels in Gas Turbines

The purpose of this program was to develop low-emissions, efficient fuel-flexible combustion technology which enables operation of a given gas turbine on a wider range of opportunity fuels that lie outside of current natural gas-centered fuel specifications. The program encompasses a selection of important, representative fuels of opportunity for gas turbines with widely varying fundamental properties of combustion. The research program covers conceptual and detailed combustor design, fabrication, and testing of retrofitable and/or novel fuel-flexible gas turbine combustor hardware, specifically advanced fuel nozzle technology, at full-scale gas turbine combustor conditions. This project was performed over the period of October 2008 through September 2011 under Cooperative Agreement DE-FC26-08NT05868 for the U.S. Department of Energy/National Energy Technology Laboratory (USDOE/NETL) entitled "Fuel Flexible Combustion Systems for High-Efficiency Utilization of Opportunity Fuels in Gas Turbines". The overall objective of this program was met with great success. GE was able to successfully demonstrate the operability of two fuel-flexible combustion nozzles over a wide range of opportunity fuels at heavy-duty gas turbine conditions while meeting emissions goals. The GE MS6000B ("6B") gas turbine engine was chosen as the target platform for new fuel-flexible premixer development. Comprehensive conceptual design and analysis of new fuel-flexible premixing nozzles were undertaken. Gas turbine cycle models and detailed flow network models of the combustor provide the premixer conditions (temperature, pressure, pressure drops, velocities, and air flow splits) and illustrate the impact of widely varying fuel flow rates on the combustor. Detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms were employed to compare some fundamental combustion characteristics of the target fuels, including flame speeds and lean blow-out behavior. Perfectly premixed combustion experiments were conducted to provide experimental combustion data of our target fuels at gas turbine conditions. Based on an initial assessment of premixer design requirements and challenges, the most promising sub-scale premixer concepts were evaluated both experimentally and computationally. After comprehensive screening tests, two best performing concepts were scaled up for further development. High pressure single nozzle tests were performed with the scaled premixer concepts at target gas turbine conditions with opportunity fuels. Single-digit NOx emissions were demonstrated for syngas fuels. Plasma-assisted pilot technology was demonstrated to enhance ignition capability and provide additional flame stability margin to a standard premixing fuel nozzle. However, the impact of plasma on NOx emissions was observed to be unacceptable given the goals of this program and difficult to avoid.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2013

Utility-Scale Electromechanical Battery (EMB) for Modules of 200kWhr or More, CRADA No. TC02151.0

This was a collaborative effort between Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC as manager and operator of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and EMB Energy, Inc. (EMB Energy), to develop a utility-scale electro-mechanical battery (EMB) to facilitate bulk-energy storage. The technical objectives of this CRADA project were to design, fabricate and test an EMB capable of storing between 200-250 kWh of electrical energy without significant losses for up to 96 hours at a projected cost of $420 per kWh (installed), or less. The results of this CRADA would provide the information required to design a final full-scale demonstration unit (200-250 kWh) to support the finalization of engineering and manufacturing plans.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Logistics, Costs, and GHG Impacts of Utility Scale Cofiring with 20% Biomass

This report presents the results of an evaluation of utility-scale biomass cofiring in large pulverized coal power plants. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the cost and greenhouse gas reduction benefits of substituting relatively high volumes of biomass in coal. Two scenarios for cofiring up to 20% biomass with coal (on a lower heating value basis) are presented; (1) woody biomass in central Alabama where Southern Pine is currently produced for the wood products and paper industries, and (2) purpose-grown switchgrass in the Ohio River Valley. These examples are representative of regions where renewable biomass growth rates are high in correspondence with major U.S. heartland power production. While these scenarios may provide a realistic reference for comparing the relative benefits of using a high volume of biomass for power production, this evaluation is not intended to be an analysis of policies concerning renewable portfolio standards or the optimal use of biomass for energy production in the U.S.

biomass↗
DOE OSTI2014

Utility Sector Impacts of Reduced Electricity Demand

This report presents a new approach to estimating the marginal utility sector impacts associated with electricity demand reductions. The method uses publicly available data and provides results in the form of time series of impact factors. The input data are taken from the Energy Information Agency's Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) projections of how the electric system might evolve in the reference case, and in a number of side cases that incorporate different effciency and other policy assumptions. The data published with the AEO are used to define quantitative relationships between demand-side electricity reductions by end use and supply-side changes to capacity by plant type, generation by fuel type and emissions of CO2, Hg, NOx and SO2. The impact factors define the change in each of these quantities per unit reduction in site electricity demand. We find that the relative variation in these impacts by end use is small, but the time variation can be significant.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Analysis of Pre-Retrofit Building and Utility Data

IBACOS analyzed pre-retrofit daily utility data to sort homes by energy consumption, allowing for better targeting of homes for physical audits. Following ASHRAE Guideline 14 normalization procedures, electricity consumption of 1,166 all electric production-built homes' was modeled. The homes were in two communities -- one built in the 1970s and the other in the mid-2000s.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2014

Analysis of Pre-Retrofit Building and Utility Data

IBACOS analyzed pre-retrofit daily utility data to sort homes by energy consumption, allowing for better targeting of homes for physical audits. Following ASHRAE Guideline 14 normalization procedures, electricity consumption of 1,166 all electric production-built homes was modeled. The homes were in two communities—one built in the 1970s and the other in the mid-2000s.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2016

Virginia Solar Pathways Project: Economic Study of Utility-Administered Solar Programs: Soft Costs, Community Solar, and Tax Normalization Considerations

This report presents economic considerations for solar development in support of the Virginia Solar Pathways Project (VSPP), an effort funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) SunShot Initiative that seeks to develop a collaborative utility-administered solar strategy for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The results presented are intended to be considered alongside the results of other studies conducted under the VSPP that evaluate the impacts of solar energy on the electric distribution, transmission, and generation systems in Virginia.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Utilization of CO2 in High Performance Building and Infrastructure Products

The overall objective of DE-FE0004222 was to demonstrate that calcium silicate phases, in the form of either naturally-occuring minerals or synthetic compounds, could replace Portland cement in concrete manufacturing. The calcium silicate phases would be reacted with gaseous CO2 to create a carbonated concrete end-product. If successful, the project would offer a pathway to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint associated with the manufacture of cement and its use in concrete (approximately 816 kg of CO2 is emitted in the production of one tonne of Portland cement). In the initial phases of the Technical Evaluation, Rutgers University teamed with Solidia Technologies to demonstrate that natural wollastonite (CaSiO3), milled to a particle size distribution consistent with that of Portland cement, could indeed fit this bill. The use of mineral wollastonite as a cementitious material would potentially eliminate the CO2 emitted during cement production altogether, and store an additional 250 kg of CO2 during concrete curing. However, it was recognized that mineral wollastonite was not available in volumes that could meaningfully impact the carbon footprint associated with the cement and concrete industries. At this crucial juncture, DE-FE0004222 was redirected to use a synthetic version of wollastonite, hereafter referred to as Solidia Cement™, which could be manufactured in conventional cement making facilities. This approach enables the new cementitious material to be made using existing cement industry raw material supply chains, capital equipment, and distribution channels. It would also offer faster and more complete access to the concrete marketplace. The latter phases of the Technical Evaluation, conducted with Solidia Cement made in research rotary kilns, would demonstrate that industrially viable CO2-curing practices were possible. Prototypes of full-scale precast concrete products such as pavers, concrete masonry units, railroad ties, hollow-core slabs, and aerated concrete were produced to verify the utility of the CO2-curing process. These products exhibited a range of part dimensions and densities that were representative of the precast concrete industry. In the subsequent Demonstration of Commercial Development phase, the characteristics and performance of Solidia Cement made at a LafargeHolcim cement plant were established. This Solidia Cement was then used to demonstrate the CO2-curing process within operating concrete plants. Pavers, concrete masonry units and roofing tiles were produced according to ASTM and manufacturer specifications. A number of attractive manufacturing economies were recognized when Solidia Cement-based concrete parts were compared to their Portland cement based counterparts. These include reduced raw materials waste, reduced dependence on admixtures to control efflorescence, shorter curing time to full concrete strength, faster equipment clean-up, reduced equipment maintenance, and improved inventory management. These economies make the adoption of the Solidia Cement / CO2-curing process attractive even in the absence of environmental incentives. The culminating activity of the Demonstration of Commercial Development phase was the conversion of 10% of the manufacturing capacity at a concrete paver and block company from Portland cement-based products to Solidia Cement-based products. The successful completion of the Demonstration of Commercial Development phase clearly illustrated the environmental benefits associated with Solidia Cement and Solidia Concrete technologies. The industrial production of Solidia Cement, as a low-lime alternative to traditional Portland cement, reduces CO2 emissions at the cement kiln from 816 kg of CO2 per tonne of Portland cement clinker to 570 kg per tonne of Solidia Cement clinker. Industrial scale CO2-curing of Solidia Concrete sequestered a net of 183 kg of CO2 per tonne of Solidia Cement used in concrete pavers. Taken together, these two effects reduced the CO2 footprint associated with the production and use of cement in concrete products by over 50% (a reduction of 430 kg of CO2 per tonne of cement). Applied at the first commercial Solidia Concrete manufacturing site, the two effects will combine to reduce the CO2 footprint associated with the production and use of cement by over 10,000 tonnes per year. When applied across the precast concrete industry in the U.S., it is estimated that the CO2 footprint will be reduced by 8.6 million tonnes per year (20 million tonnes of cement used in precast concrete x 430 kg of CO2 per tonne of cement). Applied across the entire concrete industry in the U.S., it is expected that 43 million tonnes of CO2 will be avoided per year (100 million tonnes of cement used in all concrete x 430 kg of CO2 per tonne of cement).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2016

Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Deployment Scenarios of the Western United States: Implications for Solar Energy Zones in Nevada

In this study, we use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) capacity expansion model to estimate utility-scale photovoltaic (UPV) deployment trends from present day through 2030. The analysis seeks to inform the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's (BLM's) planning activities related to UPV development on federal lands in Nevada as part of the Resource Management Plan (RMP) revision for the Las Vegas and Pahrump field offices. These planning activities include assessing the demand for new or expanded additional Solar Energy Zones (SEZ), per the process outlined in BLM's Western Solar Plan process.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Evaluation of Technical and Utility Programmatic Challenges With Residential Forced-Air Integrated Space/Water Heat Systems

This multi-unit field demonstration of combined space and water heating (combi) systems was conducted to help document combi system installation and performance issues that needed to be addressed through research. The objective of the project was to put commercialized forced-air tankless combi units into the field through local contractors that were trained by manufacturers and GTI staff under the auspices of utility-implemented ETPs.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2016

Evaluation of Technical and Utility Programmatic Challenges With Residential Forced-Air Integrated Space/Water Heat Systems

This multi-unit field demonstration of combined space and water heating (combi) systems was conducted to help document combi system installation and performance issues that needed to be addressed through research. The objective of the project was to put commercialized forced-air tankless combi units into the field through local contractors that were trained by manufacturers and GTI staff under the auspices of utility-implemented ETPs.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗