Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “emerging technologies”

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

The microbicidal potential of visible blue light in clinical medicine and public health

Visible blue light of wavelengths in the 400–470 nm range has been observed to have microbicidal properties. A widely accepted hypothesis for the mechanism of microbial inactivation by visible blue light is that the light causes photoexcitation of either endogenous (present within the microbe) or, exogenous (present in the biological medium surrounding the microbe) photosensitizers such as porphyrins and flavins, which leads to the release of reactive oxygen species that subsequently manifests microbicidal activity. Some of the factors that have been observed to be associated with enhanced microbicidal action include increased duration of exposure, and either pre- or co-treatment with quinine hydrochloride. In case of bacteria, repetitive exposure to the blue light shows no significant evidence of resistance development. Additionally, visible blue light has exhibited the ability to inactivate fungal and viral pathogens and, multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as bacterial biofilms. Visible blue light has demonstrated efficacy in eliminating foodborne pathogens found on food surfaces and exposed surfaces in the food processing environment as well as in the decontamination of surfaces in the clinical environment to minimize the spread of nosocomial infections. We conclude from reviewing existing literature on the application of the blue light in clinical medicine and public health settings that this microbicidal light is emerging as a safer alternative to conventional ultraviolet light-based technologies in multiple settings. However, further comprehensive studies and thorough understanding of the mechanism of microbicidal action of this light in different scenarios is warranted to determine its place in human health and disease.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Dynamics of LiTFSI–Pyrazole Eutectic Solvents

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising candidates to replace conventional organic solvents in various technological applications due to their low vapor pressure, non-flammability, and ease of preparation at low costs. In particular, Type IV DESs, which are composed of metal salts and hydrogen bond donors, are possible replacements for lithium-ion battery electrolytes. In this study, we investigate the molecular dynamics of solvents of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and pyrazole (PYR) at varying LiTFSI:PYR molar ratios (1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5) using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Dispersion (NMRD) and Pulsed Field Gradient (PFG) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). PFG NMR reveals composition-dependent diffusion trends, while NMRD provides molecular-level insights into the longitudinal relaxation rate (R 1 = 1/T 1 ). Notably, the LiTFSI:PYR (1:2) sample shows distinct behavior across both techniques, exhibiting enhanced relaxation rates and lower self-diffusion for 1 H compared to the other nuclei ( 19 F and 7 Li), suggestive of stronger and more efficient Li + –pyrazole interactions, as confirmed by the modeling of the relaxation profiles. Our study advances understanding of ion dynamics in azole-based eutectic solvents, supporting their potential use in safer battery electrolytes.

FFC-NMR↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Perspective on Solar-Driven Electrochemical Routes for Sustainable Methanol Production

The transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources is imperative in mitigating the environmental impacts of escalating global energy consumption. Methanol, with its versatile applications and potential as a clean energy carrier, a precursor chemical, and a valuable commodity, emerges as a promising solution within the realm of renewable energy technologies. This work explores the integration of electrochemistry with solar power to drive efficient methanol production processes, focusing on electrochemical reduction (ECR) of CO 2 and methane oxidation reaction (MOR) as pathways for methanol synthesis. Through detailed analysis and calculations, we evaluate the thermodynamic limits and realistic solar-to-fuel (STF) efficiencies of ECR and MOR. Our investigation encompasses the characterization of multijunction light absorbers, determination of thermoneutral potentials, and assessment of STF efficiencies under varying conditions. We identify the challenges and opportunities inherent in both ECR and MOR pathways, shedding light on catalyst stability, reaction kinetics, and system optimization, thereby providing insights into the prospects and challenges of solar-driven methanol synthesis, offering a pathway towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2024

IBR Digital Supply Chain Gap Analysis and Recommendations

The adoption of clean energy technologies, including solar photovoltaics, continues to introduce non-traditional stakeholders to the operations and planning of the electric system. Stakeholders such as manufacturers, vendors, owners, aggregators, and others are enabling the adoption, integration, and optimum operations of solar technologies at accelerated rates. Inverters form the foundation of many digitally controlled energy sources for clean energy technologies, including Solar, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Hybrid Systems, and Hydrogen Fuel Cells. Their supply chain is complex, a series of microchips, electronic switches and other components making up its primary functions. The complexity of this space and the growing digitization associated with these components can create supply chain cyber risks. One measure to mitigate cybersecurity attacks is proper digital supply chain security. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), in partnership with the Cybersecurity, Energy, Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) office, is hosting a workshop to bring together solar vendors and services providers to discuss digital supply chain security for solar systems and challenges and opportunities in the transitioning to a fully domestic supply chain for solar energy in the U.S. This workshop will support the Securing Solar for the Grid (S2G) and Energy Cyber Sense program activities. During the workshop, industry experts and researchers from DOE National Laboratories will discuss the current solar supply chain landscape and the transition to domestic manufacturing of solar components in the U.S. Tools and techniques to better manage and secure the digital supply chain of solar devices and systems will be discussed.

cybersecurity↗
DOE OSTI2025

Leveraging Large Language Models for Real-World Data Evidence: A Framework for Automated Treatment Extraction and Data Harmonization

Background: The ability to comprehensively collect treatment information from cancer patient medical records would enable studies to evaluate real-world benefits and risks tied to specific treatments. Currently, it is difficult to system- atically collect high-quality treatment information because it is often stored in unstructured text. Manually extracting and standardizing drug and regimen data is time-intensive. Recent advances in large language models (LLMs) offer a potential solution for automated extraction of structured treatment information from clinical text. Objective: This study systematically evaluates the utility of four LLMs from the Llama family for automated extraction of oncology treatment information from clinical text. This information can guide researchers using cancer registry data to provide insights into cancer care and outcomes beyond clinical trials. Methods: Four instruction-tuned Llama models with varying parameter counts (1B, 3B, 8B, and 70B) were evaluated for their ability to extract treatment information from clinical documents. A unified oncology knowledge base integrating seven major public data sources was developed to standardize and normalize extracted entities—a critical step for harmonizing data from diverse sources. Extracted treatment data were compared against expert-annotated ground truth. Model performance was assessed using accuracy metrics (Precision, Recall, F1-Score) and opera- tional feasibility metrics, including processing speed and structural compliance of the output. Results: A strong positive correlation was observed between model size and extraction accuracy. F1-score improved from 0.609 for the 1B model to 0.710 (3B), 0.807 (8B), and 0.828 (70B). While larger models demonstrated superior accuracy and compliance, they incurred higher computational costs. The modest performance difference between 8B and 70B suggests diminishing returns with increasing model size. Conclusions: LLMs represent a viable technology for automating oncology treatment extraction. The 8B-parameter model emerged as a highly effective option, balancing high accuracy and computational efficiency. Selecting an appropriate LLM for deployment in cancer registries involves a trade-off between desired accuracy and available operational resources. Harmonizing extracted entities with the oncology knowledge base facilitates standardized integration into common data models, enhancing data quality for real-world evidence analyses.

artificial intelligence↗
DOE OSTI2022

INL Site ARG-US Implementation – FY22 Activities and FY23 Plans

The Packaging Certification and Life Cycle Management program at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) developed a suite of monitoring systems collectively referred to here as ARG-US. ARG-US provides necessary data for nuclear facility and system operation and maintenance, and has been previously demonstrated in hot cells, radioactive material (RAM) storage areas, and RAM shipment trucks. It has also been installed directly on RAM storage and shipment containers. ARG-US offers some unique advantages over other commercially available systems by using wireless data connections, battery power supplies, and customizable monitoring methods. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been tasked with investigating applications for ARG-US at INL site facilities, which are operated by several different contractors. The initial investigation scope centered on CPP-603 Irradiated Fuel Storage Facility in relation to the upcoming Department of Energy (DOE) Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) Packaging Demonstration. The investigation has been led by the Used Fuel Management Department in INL’s Nuclear Science and Technology (NS&T) directorate. This investigation is expected to recommend INL site processes or facilities in which to implement ARG-US systems. INL has engaged local site technical and oversight representatives, security, nuclear safeguards, and program management personnel to identify good candidates for ARG-US test implementations. INL has identified the following high-level goals for any INL site implementation of ARG-US: provide unique testing environments, prompt development of new monitoring methods/techniques for the ARG-US suite, and acquire useful monitoring for the user facility. As a result, INL suggests three program areas for further investigation: CPP-603 Fuel Handling Cave (FHC), legacy mixed waste storage systems at Idaho Nuclear Technology & Engineering Center (INTEC) known as the “Tank Farm,” and periodic and emergency environmental monitoring. This progress report relates activities undertaken in this investigation, describes the preliminary areas of interest for limited scope ARG-US testing or implementation, and relays expected actions for completing the task scope. This report offers an opportunity to the program sponsor, technical leads at ANL, and INL site representatives to give feedback on the initial assessment and make recommendations on the forthcoming activities.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

Single-cell and spatial omics in plants: from cellular atlases to regulatory mechanisms

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has transformed transcriptomic studies by enabling gene expression profiling at the resolution of individual cells within and across a broad range of tissue types, revealing cellular heterogeneity that is obscured in bulk tissue transcriptomes. Over the past decade, improvements in microfluidics and library preparation have drastically increased throughput, allowing tens of thousands of cells to be assayed in a single experiment. Although initially developed in animal systems, scRNA-seq has rapidly emerged as a powerful and widely adopted approach in plant biology. Beyond transcriptomics, the integration of single-cell data with chromatin accessibility, proteomics, metabolomics, and spatial omics is enabling a system-level understanding of plant gene regulation and cellular organization. Network-based analytical frameworks further support the reconstruction of gene regulatory networks and the interpretation of complex single-cell data. In this review, we summarize the current technological landscape of plant single-cell studies, discuss key experimental and analytical challenges, and review emerging strategies for validating single-cell discoveries. We also discuss future directions in applying single-cell technologies to woody perennials plants and bioenergy-relevant crops, emphasizing their potential to accelerate the discovery of cell type-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying growth, stress resilience, and biomass production.

Li, Miaomiao [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000321326168)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Whole-scene, one-sided backscatter x-ray imaging with coded apertures

X-ray radiography can be an important diagnostic for emergency response, providing timely diagnostic information about a suspect object. However, there are situations where similar information would be better obtained with a one-sided imaging technique. X-ray backscatter imaging is a proven technology that could provide such information, but current implementations have drawbacks that render it unsuitable for emergency response. We are exploring the use of coded-aperture imaging to create one-sided images, targeting a key benefit: implementation requiring minimal additional resources, bypassing logistics issues. We present results demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.

Ziock, Klaus-Peter [ORNL]↗
DOE OSTI2024

Why Perovskite Thermal Stress is Unaffected by Thin Contact Layers

Metal halide perovskite photovoltaics have emerged as a high efficiency, low-cost alternative that can potentially rival or enhance conventional silicon technology. Despite exceptional initial power conversion efficiencies, achieving compliance with international standards and widespread adoption requires further enhancements to their operational stability. Notably, addressing mechanical strain and stress in brittle perovskites has emerged as a pivotal approach to mitigate chemical degradation and improve reliability during thermal cycling. Here, in this study, a popularized strain engineering strategy is investigated in which a high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) hole transport layer (i.e., PDCBT) is cast onto inorganic perovskite (CsPbI 2 Br) at 100 °C. Contrary to previously published results, the X-ray diffraction (XRD):Sin 2 ψ and substrate curvature measurement techniques show that the hole transport layer has no discernible impact on perovskite strain. The accuracy of the XRD:Sin 2 ψ method for measuring strain is highlighted in contrast to an analysis based on shifts of single XRD peaks which can be influenced by multiple artifacts. The findings in this study are in accordance with mechanics theory: thin layers are unable to induce significant strain changes in perovskite thin films as the force they apply is negligible compared to that applied by a thick and stiff substrate.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Small scale electron linear accelerators for industrial applications

Linear accelerators (linacs), producing electron or X-ray radiation in the MeV range, are critical tools for industrial irradiation, medical device sterilization, food pasteurization, non-destructive testing, security, medical, and many other applications. Many of these applications require compact and flexible radiation sources. In this paper, we present new technologies for small-scale electron linear accelerators and examples of their practical implementations. Furthermore, these developments include low energy accelerators with self-shielding options and form factors, ranging from cabinet-size to hand-portable generators; medium-energy accelerators for novel radiotherapy and security applications; and high-energy 10 MeV linacs capable of reaching 20–35 kW beam power for emerging industrial and phytosanitary applications

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Integrating Emerging Polymer Chemistries for the Advancement of Recyclable, Biodegradable, and Biocompatible Electronics

Abstract Through advances in molecular design, understanding of processing parameters, and development of non‐traditional device fabrication techniques, the field of wearable and implantable skin‐inspired devices is rapidly growing interest in the consumer market. Like previous technological advances, economic growth and efficiency is anticipated, as these devices will enable an augmented level of interaction between humans and the environment. However, the parallel growing electronic waste that is yet to be addressed has already left an adverse impact on the environment and human health. Looking forward, it is imperative to develop both human‐ and environmentally‐friendly electronics, which are contingent on emerging recyclable, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer technologies. This review provides definitions for recyclable, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymers based on reported literature, an overview of the analytical techniques used to characterize mechanical and chemical property changes, and standard policies for real‐life applications. Then, various strategies in designing the next‐generation of polymers to be recyclable, biodegradable, or biocompatible with enhanced functionalities relative to traditional or commercial polymers are discussed. Finally, electronics that exhibit an element of recyclability, biodegradability, or biocompatibility with new molecular design are highlighted with the anticipation of integrating emerging polymer chemistries into future electronic devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Emerging Energy Market Analysis Initiative, Methodological Framework

Planning and operations of the electric power sector are undergoing radical changes. Climate change mitigation efforts have forced rapid changes to the technology mix. Technologies like wind and solar have experienced rapid growth, while investment in fossil sources has peaked or is declining. These foundational changes are forcing changes to energy systems. Demand-side adoption of electrified technologies, including electric vehicles, is changing load profiles and opening up new avenues for consumer participation in the power systems. The implications of an evolving power system pertain to more than environmental and technical dimensions. Changes to the generation mix and its consequent upstream and downstream impacts such as fuel production have significant and highly concentrated consequences on economies and employment. Shifts towards distributed (or decentralized) generating assets offer the potential to reshape economic and employment opportunities associated with the energy sector across space and socioeconomic groups. The Emerging Energy Market Analysis (EMA) initiative aims to identify sustainable, regionally acceptable, and high-value energy solutions that are secure and equitable. Unlike short-term, least-cost choices that can narrowly account for traditional options, EMA’s focus on emerging energy markets recognizes that new or adapted practices and technologies can alter the frontier of solutions and advance a community’s social, economic, and natural pathways. Such change requires a more comprehensive analysis of societal input, resources, capabilities, and infrastructure. These considerations lay the foundation for community decision-making models that are responsive to community values as well as the history and drivers. The result is a community-based decision and engagement model that will be valuable to decisionmakers and developers of advanced and emerging energy solutions, seeking a social license to operate prior to project development.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Shared and Ownership Mobility Technologies in the US: Data Availability and Usage Trends

This report supports the vision for a more sustainable transportation future by summarizing and analyzing the latest data on new mobility technologies, including ridesharing, shared and privately owned bikes, e-bikes, and scooters that have emerged over the past two decades. Having access to accurate and current data that is representative of new mobility systems and individual usage of these systems across different parts of the country is critical for researchers, city and regional planning professionals, and current and potential industry technology developers to better understand and forecast usage trends both nationwide as well as across different existing and potential future markets across the country. Building on the previous study published in 2022, this report incorporates the latest available market and usage data on new mobility technologies and compares usage by Chicago and New York City demographic characteristics. Moreover, this report includes recent developments and insights on privately owned micromobility technologies. Our analysis found that more downtown areas in Chicago show high per capita usage for all three modes than in the previous study, likely due to the full launch of shared e-scooter systems citywide in 2022. Notably, the majority of high shared mobility usage is concentrated in high-income, densely populated downtown areas in Chicago, which also have good public transit access. In contrast, TNC and bikeshare usage hotspots in central Manhattan are more widely distributed, though also appear to be shaped by the geography of the public transit system. Analysis of privately owned micromobility shows that the greatest energy savings occurred when e-bikes replaced single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips (i.e., gasoline-powered cars driven alone). Based on the literature review and analysis results, we also make recommendations for supporting the development of both shared and privately owned micromobility programs.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Review of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machine Technology

Axial flux permanent magnet machines (AFPM) are popular for applications that benefit from high torque density and an axially compact form factor, such as in-wheel traction drives. Although the radial flux permanent magnet machine (RFPM) and the AFPM work based on the same underlying principle, the differences in their geometry introduce complexities in analysis of the AFPM. In this paper, the different AFPM design variants, their sizing approaches, computationally efficient design optimization techniques, and manufacturing techniques reported in literature are reviewed. In addition to classical AFPM machines, emerging variants and research opportunities with potential to push the boundaries of electric machine technology are reviewed. Furthermore, these include bearingless AFPMs, magnetically geared AFPMs, and combined radial-axial flux machines.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design and Implementation of Smart Buildings: A Review of Current Research Trend

The building sector is one of the largest contributors to the world’s total energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Advancements in building energy technologies have played a critical role in enhancing the energy sustainability of the built environment. Extensive research and new techniques in energy and environmental systems for buildings have recently emerged to address the global challenges. This study reviews existing articles in the literature, mostly since 2000, to explore technological advancement in building energy and environmental systems that can be applied to smart homes and buildings. This review study focuses on an overview of the design and implementation of energy-related smart building technologies, including energy management systems, renewable energy applications, and current advanced smart technologies for optimal function and energy-efficient performance. To review the advancement in building energy-related technologies, a systematic review process is adopted based on available published reviews and research types of articles. Review-type articles are first assessed to explore the current literature on the relevant keywords and to capture major research scopes. Research-type papers are then examined to investigate associated keywords and work scopes, including objectives, focuses, limitations, and future needs. Throughout the comprehensive literature review, this study identifies various techniques of smart home/building applications that have provided detailed solutions or guidelines in different applications to enhance the quality of people’s daily activities and the sustainability of the built environmental system. This paper shows trends in human activities and technology advancements in digital solutions with energy management systems and practical designs. Understanding the overall energy flow between a building and its environmentally connected systems is also important for future buildings and community levels. This paper assists in understanding the pathway toward future smart homes/buildings and their technologies for researchers in related research fields.

renewable system integration↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Temperature Latent Heat Storage System using Transportable Heat Pipes for Versatile Integration with Emerging Microreactors

With the growing interest in the development of micro nuclear reactors and their application to microgrid, high-temperature thermal energy storage (TES) has also been receiving great attention as a technology to reinforce the energy utilization and profitability of this class of reactors. Given the importance and research needs of the TES technology, a research project is underway at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop high-temperature TES that can be easily interfaced with emerging micro nuclear reactors. Currently under development is the Heat pipe-Integrated Thermal Battery (HITB), a novel latent heat storage design that enables flexible and robust integration with any design of currently considered micro nuclear reactors. The development of detailed design based on the proposed TES concept, HITB, requires not only development and validation of modeling and simulation capabilities, but also research that spans thermal performance analysis, component- and system-scale design optimization, and experimental demonstrations including high-temperature feasibility testing. The current research efforts (and plans) are divided into the following four areas: (i) Thermal and structural modeling and analysis at both system- and component-scales for evaluating performance and conducting design optimization, (ii) Small-scale experimental demonstrations for the key components of the proposed HITB design, (iii) Modelica-based dynamic model development for developing a control strategy under dynamic operation within integrated energy systems configuration, (iv) Integrated experimental testing and demonstration. This paper introduces the overall research efforts that have been and are being conducted to develop and demonstrate the novel design of the high-temperature latent heat storage device, HITB. The key design features, ongoing research efforts including the development of modeling and simulation capabilities, small-scale demonstrations of the HITB’s key functionalities prior to scaled-up experimental demonstration, are discussed. Then, this paper concludes with a remark on the future research plans for this project.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

An Assessment of Deploying Advanced Pumped Storage Hydropower Technology in U.S. Electricity Markets

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a type of hydropower technology where energy can be stored and generated by moving water between two reservoirs of differing elevations. In addition to providing 97% of the total utility-scale hydropower storage in the United States, PSH plants have operational characteristics - such as high ramp rates and the ability to provide reserves - that contribute to greater flexibility and reliability of the power grid. New PSH technologies can provide additional flexibility beyond existing, fixed-speed units. With the emergence of high levels of variable renewable energy resources (e.g., wind and solar), energy storage is expected to be crucial to the reliability and reliance of the power grid in a low-carbon future. At diurnal and longer durations, PSH plants have some of the lowest costs per unit of energy, have been proven to be reliable and efficient, are not cycle-limited, and typically have long lives, often exceeding 50 years. The work presented here focuses on a new generation of PSH: ternary PSH and quaternary PSH (together referred to as T/Q-PSH). Given recent experience in Europe, grid operators in the United States and elsewhere are increasingly focusing their attention on T/Q-PSH as a proven, financeable technology that can offer utility-scale, long-duration, fast-acting energy storage capabilities and grid services. T/Q-PSH differs from conventional PSH in that it can provide fast-response ancillary services during both generating and pumping operations. This capability together with fast mode switching times are key attributes that make T/Q-PSH technologies attractive for managing and stabilizing electricity systems with high amounts of variable renewable energy.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,HYDRO ENERGY↗