Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Final Report”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,171 records · Page 65
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Fundamentals of Spark-Plasma Sintering (Final Report)

This project was focused on the development of the general theory of spark-plasma sintering (SPS) taking into account the role of both thermal and non-thermal factors in the acceleration of SPS mass transport. SPS is a particular kind of field-assisted sintering, which provides potentially revolutionary capabilities to the processing of materials into configurations previously unattainable. This approach significantly improves the processing time- and quality-wise. It carries the potential of maintaining the nano and sub-micron structure in nano-powder-based materials after consolidation. SPS gains particular prominence in connection with its exceptional potential of rapid and ultra-rapid processing of very hard-to-deform materials, which would typically require lengthy consolidation times at significantly elevated temperatures under conditions of conventional powder pressing or sintering. The achievement of the ultimate goal of the formulation of the general theory of spark plasma sintering required the identification of the contributions of all the thermal and non-thermal factors in the enhancement of mass transport under SPS processing conditions. As our research indicated, this enhancement is mostly reduced to the creation of the conditions of controlled non-equilibrium, which is especially important in ultra-rapid field-assisted sintering techniques. Thus, the main project objective was the analysis of the SPS physical basis at multiple scales specifically exploring the role of electric current in the acceleration of mass transport and with an emphasis on the conditions of controlled non-equilibrium.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

American Made Challenges Battery Voucher Program Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-21-17533)

Renewance is a Phase II winner of the U.S. Department of Energy Lithium-ion Battery Recycling Prize. The Prize is designed to incentivize American entrepreneurs to develop and demonstrate processes that, when scaled, have the potential to profitably capture 90% of all discarded or spent lithium-based batteries (LIB) in the Unites States for eventual recovery of key materials for re-introductions into the U.S. supply chain. The objective of this work is to enable a more efficient evaluation of battery sources for second life applications prior to ultimately being recycled, through evaluation of chemistry characteristics, projected battery lifetime, and application history. This work will develop the capability to identify groups of batteries that may be useful for second life and reduce the cost of end-of-life (EOL) LIB evaluation and repurposing. To meet the objective, NREL will use existing and new data to create a refined algorithm that could be used to evaluate batches of batteries for potential reuse based on manufacturing date and historical use characteristics. Based on current battery market prices and compiled literature data, a starting-point estimate of the market value of the batteries for reuse based on expected lifetime will be included in the algorithm. With the projected surge in LIB demand, battery second life is a new area ripe for development and investment from companies like Renewance. With so few large format batteries reaching EOL to date, this is a new market with a variety of areas for optimization and adding value. This work with Renewance is an example of how existing expertise in battery degradation at NREL can be used to reduce the cost of shifting a battery into a second life application. With these cost reductions, this work is also facilitating the development of a battery circular economy in the United States. A robust circular economy can maximize the utilization of critical metals demanded by battery technology such as nickel and cobalt while also reducing the costs of batteries in the marketplace for the many end-uses needed for the green energy transition. The supply of these metals is limited, and we face a supply chain shortage both domestically and globally unless we can ensure they are being used to their maximum potential. This research can improve the economics of a battery circular economy to make it a more likely path for EOL batteries with critical metals. CRADA benefit to DOE, Participant, and US Taxpayer: assists laboratory in achieving programmatic scope competencies, uses the laboratory's core competencies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Syracuse University Industrial Assessment Center (Final Report)

Syracuse University Industrial Assessment Center (SU-IAC) project is focused on the two primary objectives: (i) educate undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and associated disciplines on the concepts of energy sustainability and to provide hands-on training by performing energy assessment at industrial facilities to become future energy efficiency experts, and (ii) offer energy assessments to small and mid-sized manufacturing companies in SU-IAC 2 the greater New York State region, perform analytical engineering work in support of assessment recommendations, and to report the results of those analyses to the client companies, to DOE, and to Field office personnel Through this project period, SU-IAC successfully trained 77 engineering students who were undergraduate or graduate students at Syracuse University College of Engineering, or at SU- IAC’s satellite center at Clarkson University. Each of these students received comprehensive ‘in-class’ technical training, safety training, and hands-on field training. The students performed various tasks related to energy assessment at the manufacturing facilities, including billing analysis, energy use reduction recommendations, and report preparation. Through this project period, a total of 34 students have completed all requirements of the SU-IAC program and have received the US DoE Certificate on Energy Efficiency, with the remaining students continuing at various stages of field work or training. During this project period, due to Covid-related measures in New York State, Syracuse University campus and most of the manufacturing facilities were completely closed or were under severe restrictions for access, for an extended period from March 2020 through April 2021. The closures affected our project execution, with the project Sponsor offering structured relief to carry-out a modified project during the affected budget periods. During this project period, SU-IAC student teams, led by its Director, completed a total of 77 energy assessments at small- and medium-scale manufacturing facilities located in New York State. For these facilities, SU-IAC prepared and presented details for 569 assessment recommendations (ARs). The facilities implemented a total of 258 of these ARs, realizing annual average energy savings in the range of $\$ $3,300 to $\$ $55,000 per facility. Cumulatively, these facilities have reduced their “first year after implementation” energy use by a total of 4.37 million kwh, and fuel use by a total of 27.7 billion BTU. SU-IAC project has successfully met the two primary objectives (and the associated sub objectives) and helped the manufacturing facilities in New York State achieve quantitative energy use reductions as a result of this project.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA) for Mobile Machines (Final Report)

Traditionally, off-road mobile machines such as excavators and wheel loaders are primarily powered by hydraulics, and throttling valves are used to control their work circuits. In recent years, two general trends are towards more energy efficient systems and electrification. With electrification, both efficiency and control performance can be improved by the elimination of throttling losses and the use of high-bandwidth inverter control. Electrification is generally accomplished with Electro-hydraulic actuators (EHA) but they are limited to lower powered systems due to the high cost of electric machines capable of high power or high torque. This project proposes a new system architecture for off-road vehicles - Hybrid Hydraulic Electric Architecture (HHEA) to improve efficiency and control performance without requiring large electric machines. The widely applicable architecture combines hydraulic power and electric power in such a way that the majority of power is provided hydraulically while electric drives are used to modulate this power. In particular, HHEA utilizes multiple common pressure rails to transmit the majority of power and small electric machines to modulate the power. The energy-saving potential of the the HHEA has been validated for the work circuits of a variety of mobile machines, from small 5-ton excavators to medium sized 20-ton excavators and wheel loaders, and representative duty cycles to reduce energy input by 50-80% compared to the commercial state-of-art load-sensing systems. In addition, the corner power requirements of the electrical machines can be downsized by 85% compared to the EHA approach. Various tradeoff studies have also been conducted, including sensitivities to individual components performances, controllers, accumulator sizes, and variations of the system architecture etc. A control strategy has been developed to maintain or exceed the motion control precision compared to current systems. The motion control strategy consists of a nominal controller, based on a passivity-based backstepping design, and a transition controller, based on least-norn feedforward design. The nominal controller is used in between common pressure rail switches whereas the transition controller compensates for any disturbance that common pressure rail switchings inflict on the system. The control strategy has been experimentally validated on both a medium pressure (200bar) hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbed and a high pressure (300+bar) HIL testbed. An efficient and power-dense integrated electric-hydraulic machine consisting of an axial flux electric machine and a radial hydrostatic piston hydraulic machine has been designed, constructed and tested. The machine has an active material power density of 6.1kW/kg, a rated speed of 12500 RPM, and a design efficiency of 85%. This is among the highest power density electric machines using conventional materials. While the integrated machine was designed for modulating the hydraulic power within the HHEA, it can also be used in other applications.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

CO2 Sweep Based on Geochemical, and Reservoir Characterization of the Residual Oil Zone of Hess's Seminole San Andres Unit (Final Report)

The study of the ROZ (residual oil zone) versus the MPZ (main pay zone) of the Seminole Field provided a unique insight into the nature of ROZ. This is because we had access to an order of magnitude of core available in other fields. We were also able to use an extensive petrophysical data base with one-foot sampling interval made available by the operator. We also obtained an extensive and unique data base containing the entire production history for the field at full resolution. The data set also includes a unique complete, highly-granular information on volumes of CO2 injection and CO2 production. We created a unique high-resolution model of the reservoir. This is the first such model that has been created. Using this very high-resolution data base we were able to make high resolution, multiphase fluid flow simulations. These fluid flow simulations have enabled our team to evaluate CO2 sweep in the ROZ in comparison with the MPZ.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design of High-deflection Foils for Marine Hydrokinetic Applications (Final Report)

This project used model-scale tank testing and fluid-structure-interaction (FSI) simulations to investigate the behavior of foils with large deflections and the effect of these deflections on crossflow turbine performance with the goal of determining the maximum allowable deflections consonant with efficiency and a robust, durable structure. A validated modeling and simulation approach was used in the design of an Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) full-scale turbine. The methodology is applicable to the design of other marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices, and to hydrokinetic turbines which experience significant deflections during operation.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Fidelity Dynamic Neutron Imaging and Radiography for Subcritical Experiments and Other Applications (Final Report)

This project aims to advance neutron technologies that support subcritical experiments (SCEs) and other dynamic material applications. In previous years, there were three main thrusts for this project. The first and main effort focused on imaging the source of neutrons on a dense plasma focus (DPF). The second portion focused on improving the neutron yield from a DPF. The source developed on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) Gemini DPF yielded ~8 × 10 11 deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutrons/pulse in relatively short pulse widths of approximately 100 ns FWHM.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Incorporation of Physics Phenomenology into an Adaptive Algorithm Framework (Final Report)

We attempt to incorporate prior physics knowledge into a machine learning architecture at an applied application level (empirical) as opposed to the level of fundamental physics (first principles). The purpose of this work is to allow for the application of methods of physics-informed machine learning to a broad range of national security problems, while enhancing the trust in machine-learned models by decreasing the “black box” nature of such methods.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

California Energy Systems for the 21st Century (CES-21) Program, CRADA TC02200 (Final Report)

The following report representsthe culmination of a five-year Cybersecurity Research and Development (R&D) program performed by California’s Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and funded by the IOUs’ electricity ratepayers as authorized by California Legislation and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The cybersecurity R&D, which was intensely technical in nature, was broken into three major workstreams: 1. The development of a modeling & simulation platform, to explore the potential effects of various threat and response scenarios at grid scale; 2. The establishment of a physical testbed with separate substation instances from each of the IOUs, to evaluate threats and responses on actual substation equipment; 3. The development of a research package consisting of several capabilities to support the industry’s evolution towards automated threat response and other next-generation cybersecurity techniques Throughout the program, there was extensive collaboration between the program team and national laboratories, federal departments, academic institutions and industry organizations. Several of the tools developed through the program have been made available to the open source community, to enable faster adoption and continued development of important cybersecurity capabilities. While this program began to develop much of the foundation for automated threat response, much work remains to be done, and this report recommends a series of next steps. While the Executive Summary below has been simplified as much as possible, the very technical nature of the subject matter would make further reduction difficult without causing meaning to be lost. Due to the sensitive nature of the research, some topics are intentionally covered at a high level to protect the research and therefore the electric grid and customers of California and the Nation. For further detail, clarification or questions we suggest discussion with the program team.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

CyclusJS: A Distributed Web-based Fuel Cycle Visual Analytics. Research Performance (Final Report)

The overall aim of the CyclusJS project has been to design novel approaches that support fuel cycle simulations and empower decision-makers and researchers with better tools to compare and contrast results from multiple simulations to understand the landscape of potential outcomes better. In particular, nuclear fuel cycle simulations focus on modeling the nuclear industry and ecosystem at a macroscopic level, and the analysis tools connect such simulations with decision support systems. As a demonstration of the novelty and effectiveness of the proposed approach, we study scenarios for transitioning from one technology, Light Water Reactors (LWR), to a newer Sodium-cooled Fast breeder Reactor (SFR) technology.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ultra-compact Imaging Technology (CRADA Final Report)

As part of the Cyclotron Road program, Synopic (formerly FlatCam LLC) sought to investigate the benefits of its depth-sensitive imaging techniques. The basic principle involved using a thin mask specially designed to encode light reaching a sensor, in conjunction with optimized computational algorithms, in such a manner that allowed for both miniaturization of imaging systems and improved computation toward high resolution, three-dimensional imaging. By thoroughly exploring the resolution, mask/optical design, and algorithmic capabilities of our depth sensitive technology, we expand the potential applications for (but not limited to) medical, consumer and industrial purposes. The project aimed to develop new imaging systems by building on previous work and using 1) materials capable of modulating and 2) sensors capable of measuring visible and longer wavelengths. Preliminary research was conducted to design, fabricate and characterize imaging systems with the goal of improving resolution, enhancing single capture, three-dimensional imaging, and extending depth of field of captured images. The primary goal was to determine whether adapting the depth-sensitive imaging system is feasible, and early results are promising.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Inchfab – A ultra-low-cost micro and nanofabrication platform (CRADA Final Report)

Inchfab Inc. is developing an ultra-low cost suite of micro- and nanofabrication platforms which allows greater process flexibility and short development cycles. In traditional manufacturing environments, virtually all fabrication happens on 6-12” substrates–which requires prohibitively expensive fabrication facilities (“fabs”). By scaling the substrate size down to 1-2”, Inchfab reduces the capital cost and physical footprint of a fab by two to three orders of magnitude, while still retaining a similar level of performance. Additionally, the design of the Inchfab will allow users to develop fully-customizable fabrication processes, accommodating non-traditional materials and process diversity. Ultimately, the Inchfab platform will enable innovative device designs which currently have limited possibility of being realized. This CRADA project worked on preliminary research to test the feasibility of the Inchfab platform by utilizing equipment at Berkeley Lab to evaluate test samples and characterize equipment performance.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

CalTestBed - Opus 12 - Study of Diffusion Media and Polymer Electrolyte Materials in Devices for CO2 to Fuels (CRADA Final Report)

Capturing carbon dioxide is one of the great ways to reduce the CO2 in the atmosphere while providing valuable renewable energy. Opus 12 is a Cyclotron Road startup using a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) design. LBNL helped Opus 12 optimize its MEA design in this project through materials characterization and in situ studies. The finding of this project was used to develop a set of ideas for their MEA improvement under different operating conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

High-temperature thermal energy storage with thermophotovoltaic energy conversion (Final Report)

This project began with a simple concept: that thermal energy storage paired with thermophotovoltaic power conversion could be a cost-effective solution to the challenge of renewables variability. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy are clean, affordable, and abundant worldwide, but their variability presents a major problem for the incorporation of a large amount of these resources in global power systems. Systems with high penetrations of renewables frequently see periods of overproduction, where renewable energy is thrown away, and periods of underproduction, where expensive and polluting fossil fuel resources must be used to fill in the gaps. While energy storage technologies such as lithium ion batteries can help store energy from times of overproduction to times the energy is needed, current and projected future prices for these technologies are not low enough to support very renewables-heavy power grids. The research also focused on the techno-economics of using thermal energy storage and thermophotovoltaics to store the energy from solar and wind energy sources when they are available and release this energy back to the grid when it is needed. One of the biggest outcomes of this research was the conclusion that battery prices must drop 10x from their current values in order to meet this need, and this is unlikely to happen with current technologies such as lithium ion batteries.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Power Router for Distributing Solar in Communities (Solar Prize): Cooperative Research and Development, CRADA Number CRD-20-16809 (Final Report)

The American Made Solar Prize is a prize competition from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that is designed to revitalize U.S. solar manufacturing. The competition aims to support the growth of U.S. solar manufacturing and reenergize American energy innovation by tapping into American's competitive spirit and the nation's unparalleled innovation ecosystem leveraging national labs, incubators, facilities and more.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development Support for NREL's System Advisor Model (SAM): Cooperative Research and Development, CRADA Number CRD-20-16998 (Final Report)

The variable nature of renewable generation, which depends on the sun shining and wind blowing for example, presents challenges for adequate and least-cost resource planning. The deployment of renewable generation assets is anticipated to increase due to various drivers, such as declining costs, favorable government policies, and increasing procurement by corporations and consumers. High levels of renewable penetration are anticipated to pose flexibility, reliability, and cost challenges to the electrical system. The development and implementation of new features into performance modeling software, such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) System Advisor Model (SAM), is one way to help think through these challenges and develop appropriate strategies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Intensity Frontier Studies with Heavy Quarks and Leptons (Final Report)

This report describes work on the Muon g-2 experiment accomplished by Prof. Breese Quinn's research group at the University of Mississippi. The DOE award supporting this work allowed the UM g-2 group to help maintain and operate the experiment, make significant contributions to the experiment's first published results on the muon anomalous magnetic moment, and lead and produce the experiments measurements to search for fundamental spacetime symmetries.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Streptavidin Affinity Grids for the Preparation of Biological Samples for Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (CRADA Final Report)

Currently, cryo-EM is the most powerful tool for structural analysis of large biomacromolecules, but there are still problems in that biomacromolecules are denatured at the air-interface and their orientations are limited in a specific orientation. We solved this problem at LBL by developing a streptavidin-coated EM grid. Use of such affinity-binding grids can minimize exposure to air-interface by keeping biomacromolecules bound to streptavidin. It is urgently needed to make such grids readily available to the cryo-EM community, but they are somewhat difficult to make. The goal of the CRADA with Hummingbird company was to mass-produce the streptavidin grids so that they would become readily available to the cryo-EM community. Our contribution to the CRADA was to first help Hummingbird to replicate the manual process that we use, and this was completed successfully.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗