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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 1,423 records · Page 79
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Toward memory-efficient melt pool monitoring: a classification framework using event-based imaging and sparse sensing technique

Vision sensors like CMOS and CCD cameras are often used for in-process monitoring of melt pools in laser-based additive and welding processes, but they require transferring large amounts of data and computational processing resources. Event-based neuromorphic imagery, on the other hand, detects only the change in pixel intensity, thus potentially reducing the data amount and latency. With an event imager, this study develops a framework for melt pool condition classification, including image construction, time scale selection, optimal pixel selection, and sparse classification, to achieve a highly memory-efficient scheme. These are based on sparse sensing techniques with singular value decomposition (SVD) and QR pivoting, the two fundamental matrix transformations for linear dimensionality reduction. The framework is then validated by classifying a controlled experiment by exciting various mode shapes of liquid gallium pools of varying depths (3, 6, and 8 mm). At 200 pixels, the classifier can reach overall accuracy of 75%, while at 2000 pixels (0.013% of the total possible pixels), the accuracy is nearly 90% (89.86%). At the same number of pixels, random selection can only achieve 46% and 67%, respectively. The memory savings of the sparsely sampled event data compared to a conventional imager is about 500 times. In addition to performance, implementation and limitations of the framework are also discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

Representativeness-Based Sampling Network Design for the State of Alaska

Resource and logistical constraints limit the frequency and extent of environmental observations, particularly in the Arctic, necessitating the development of a systematic sampling strategy to maximize coverage and objectively represent environmental variability at desired scales. A quantitative methodology for stratifying sampling domains, informing site selection, and determining the representativeness of measurement sites and networks is described here.

Hoffman, Forrest M↗
DOE OSTI2021

Forecasting Multi-Wave Epidemics Through Bayesian Inference

We present a simple, near-real-time Bayesian method to infer and forecast a multiwave outbreak, and demonstrate it on the COVID-19 pandemic. The approach uses timely epidemiological data that has been widely available for COVID-19. It provides short-term forecasts of the outbreak’s evolution, which can then be used for medical resource planning. The method postulates one- and multiwave infection models, which are convolved with the incubation-period distribution to yield competing disease models. The disease models’ parameters are estimated via Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling and information-theoretic criteria are used to select between them for use in forecasting. The method is demonstrated on two- and three-wave COVID-19 outbreaks in California, New Mexico and Florida, as observed during Summer-Winter 2020. We find that the method is robust to noise, provides useful forecasts (along with uncertainty bounds) and that it reliably detected when the initial single-wave COVID-19 outbreaks transformed into successive surges as containment efforts in these states failed by the end of Spring 2020.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Impact of automated battery sorting for mineral recovery from lithium-ion battery recycling in the United States

The United States has identified several lithium-ion battery materials as critical for reaching the national emission reduction targets that have been set in accordance with the 2015 Paris Agreement. However, with few natural resources available domestically, there is a rapidly growing focus on the development of a domestic recycling industry to recover these materials from end-of-life batteries. Here, we use the Lithium-Ion Battery Resources Assessment (LIBRA) system dynamics model to evaluate the impact of automated battery sorting technology in terms of the shares of cobalt and nickel that are recovered through recycling. Findings show that automated sorting has clear benefits over manual sorting methods by helping recyclers selectively process high-cobalt batteries. By maximizing cobalt recovery, recycling becomes more profitable and drives greater investment in recycling capacity, resulting in a higher share of nickel and cobalt recovered from EOL batteries over time.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Role of Smart Grids in Integrating Renewable Energy

This report was prepared for the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN), which periodically publishes briefs and discussion papers on key topics of smart grid development globally. The topic of this report was selected by a multilateral group of national experts participating in ISGAN Annex 4, a working group that aims to produce synthesis insights for decision makers. This report is an update of a 2012 ISGAN Annex 4 report entitled “Smart Grid Contributions to Variable Renewable Resource Integration.” That report and other past publications of ISGAN Annexes can be found at www.iea-isgan.org and at www.cleanenergysolutions.org.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2013

Innovative Offshore Wind Plant Design Study

Technological advancements in the Glosten PelaStar floating wind turbine system have led to projected cost of energy (COE) reductions from today’s best-in-class offshore wind systems. The PelaStar system is projected to deliver a COE that is 35% lower than that delivered by the current offshore wind plants. Several technology developments have been achieved that directly target significant cost of energy reductions. These include: Application of state-of-the-art steel construction materials and methods, including fatigue-resistant welding techniques and technologies, to reduce hull steel weight; Advancements in synthetic fiber tendon design for the mooring system, which are made possible by laboratory analysis of full-scale sub-rope specimens; Investigations into selected anchor technologies to improve anchor installation methods; Refinement of the installation method, specifically through development of the PelaStar Support Barge design. Together, these technology developments drive down the capital cost and operating cost of offshore wind plants and enable access to superb wind resources in deep water locations. These technology developments also reduce the uncertainty of the PelaStar system costs, which increases confidence in the projected COE reductions.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Application of FARM to an IES scenario within the FORCE ecosystem

The FARM (Feasible Actuator Range Modifier) software module is a component of the RAVEN-based FORCE framework for analysis of Integrated Energy Systems (IES). FARM supports the HERON software module in the evaluation of the optimal dispatch by evaluating feasible set-points for the different IES unit components. Set-points are required to satisfy limits on both production variables (i.e., the variables to be optimized such as the electrical power, the hydrogen production rate, etc.) and process variables tied to the service life of equipment (e.g., steam flowrate, vessel pressure, turbine firing temperature, etc.). This problem is addressed by adopting a two-stage approach. First, the HERON power dispatcher determines set-points that meet the constraints on the former variables (e.g., power levels and power ramp rate limits). These constraints are called explicit constraints. Then, FARM adjusts these set-points to ensure the respect of the limits on the latter variables given the knowledge of the system physics acquired through machine learning algorithms. These constraints are called implicit constraints. From this standpoint, FARM constitutes a bridge between the HERON power dispatcher that adopts a simplified description of the IES unit (low-resolution physics) and the HYBRID high-fidelity models (high-resolution physics). The original version of the FARM software module (FARM-Alpha) was released by Argonne National Laboratory in January 2021. In the latest version of the code released in July 2022 (FARM-Delta), the Reference Governor (RG) algorithm was upgraded to a Multi-Input Multi-Output version from its original Single-Input Single-Output form. The RG algorithm acts to enforce constraints. With this improvement an IES unit is now treated as a single dynamic system from the standpoint of control. The crosstalk among components in an IES unit is now fully considered thereby ensuring a true optimization is obtained for those units that have multiple set-points. In this report, the capabilities of FARM-Delta operating within the FORCE ecosystem are demonstrated for an IES test case. The specific configuration of IES unit for this case was selected by the IES team with consultation from the Advanced Reactor IES Expert Group. A full TEA analysis that invoked HERON, HYBRID, FARM, and RAVEN was performed and serves to demonstrate how the latest modification to FARM algorithms (i.e., state variable selection, state-space matrices derivation, set-point verification) can shape setpoints that might otherwise compromise the health of equipment through accelerated wear and tear. In this specific test case, it was demonstrated that these algorithms ensure a more efficient utilization of steam resources to be shared by two different subsystems, namely Balance of Plant (BOP) and High-Temperature Steam Electrolysis (HTSE). Finally, some code improvements that can further enhance the user-friendliness are suggested.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2023

In-situ thermodynamics measurements at metal oxides-solution interfaces using Flow Adsorption Microcalorimetry.

Mineral-fluid interfaces are the principal sites of geochemical processes near Earth’s surface, hosting chemical reactions that play a fundamental role in (bio)geochemical cycles and in the fate and transport of anthropogenic contaminants, and that effectively control the compositions of soil and water environments. These complex interfaces are critical for our energy and environmental future. The mineral-fluid interface has been studied in an unprecedented level of detail with both experimental and computational approaches, separately and in combination. However, conspicuously missing from studies of the mineral-fluid interface are direct measurements of the energies of ion sorption and exchange. The literature on energetics and enthalpies of exchange, adsorption, dissolution, precipitation, and surface protonation reactions, especially those directly supported by experimental data, remains scarce despite their fundamental nature. The overarching goal of this project is to complete a systematic study of the thermodynamics properties of interfacial reactions at four MO surfaces (Rutile (α-TiO2), Quartz (SiO2), boehmite (γ-AlOOH) and goethite (α-FeOOH)) through the application and construction of novel flow adsorption microcalorimetry techniques and instrumentations. These unique and specialized microcalorimeters will operate at various temperatures and solution chemical compositions allowing for in-situ measurements across metal oxides and ligands of various characteristics. The overall research goal will be accomplished by completing the following three specific objectives (O): O1) Determine the energetics of surface protonation and deprotonation, ion exchange and ligand sorption reactions; O2) Investigate the surface charge thermodynamic properties under a range of temperature and solution chemical compositions; and O3) Develop predictive trends of the interplay between MO structure, surface coverage and surface reactivity. In addition to key thermodynamics parameters, calorimetric measurements provide a wealth of mechanistic information about reactions energetics and kinetics, surface charge characteristics, and structure-reactivity or selectivity relationships, all obtained in-situ and in real-time. This report includes science highlights from various projects completed over the performance period of the project. Also listed are dissemination opportunities, people supported on the grant and the impact on available physical resources and the discipline as a whole.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Ion Transport Dynamics at Nanoscale Interfaces in Single Asymmetric Nanopores and Nanopore Arrays (Final Scientific and Technological Report)

The grant (DE-SC0019043) from the Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences has an overarching goal of establishing mechanistic understanding on the emerging time-dependent ion transport behaviors at nanometer scale interfaces in single nanopores and nanopore arrays with broken symmetry. The fundamental research aims to ultimately advance applications such as ion separation and desalination, or water purification; and energy harvesting, or power generation from salinity gradients. Water desalination refers to the process that removes excess salt or electrolyte ions from water to obtain fresh water. This process consumes energy and is important considering the increasing demand for fresh water, energy cost, concerns on environmental impacts, and needs in resource-limited conditions. The reverse process of desalination, for example where sea/brackish water and river/fresh water meet, can serve as unconventional sources to extract energy, sometimes referred as blue energy harvesting. A critical bottleneck in those and other relevant applications is the tradeoff in selectivity and throughput of ion transport, in other words the ability to discriminate and control the transport of ions against solvent water and/or among different ions. Fundamental insights and new design principles are needed to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the materials and devices for those applications. The green chemistry approaches in addressing energy and environmental challenges have been instrumental in inspiring the students at Georgia State University, an urban R-1 minority-serving institution that is both a predominantly black and hispanic serving institution, through PI’s research and teaching endeavors amid the significant impacts by the pandemic during the grant period.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

CESER I-Corps (Final Report)

Energy I-Corps is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored entrepreneurial training program for laboratory researchers aimed at accelerating the commercialization of lab-developed technologies. The program, developed and managed by DOE's Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) in partnership with the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), uses a customized curriculum built on the Lean Launch Methodology and delivers a rigorous 10- to 12-week training program to selected laboratory-based teams. The Energy I-Corps team at NLR worked with the DOE's OTC and Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) to develop and implement commercialization programming for awardees of the CESER Cybersecurity for Distributed Energy Resources Research, Development, and Demonstration Research Call, funded under Provision 40125(b) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). 40125(b) Projects were overseen by a technical monitor at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The CESER Energy I-Corps Program is considered an Energy I-Corps "lite" or "mini" program, with a lighter lift to accommodate scheduling and funding per participant. This final report describes the CESER I-Corps program and provides recommendations on behalf of OTC to CESER to consider if CESER were to run an I-Corps program in future.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Comparative Study of Wind Energy Potential Estimation Methods for Wind Sites in Togo and Benin (West Sub-Saharan Africa)

The characterization of wind speed distribution and the optimal assessment of wind energy potential are critical factors in selecting a suitable site for wind power plants (WPP). The Weibull distribution law has been used extensively to analyze the wind characteristics of candidate WPP sites, and to estimate the available and deliverable energy. This paper presents a comparative study of five wind energy resource assessment methods as they applied to the context of wind sites in West Sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated three numerical approaches, namely, the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), the multilayer perceptron method (MLP), and support vector regression (SVR), to derive the distribution law of wind speeds and to optimally quantify the corresponding wind energy potential. Next, we compared these three approaches to two well-known Weibull distribution law-based methods: the empirical method of Justus (EMJ) and the maximum likelihood method (MLM). Case study results indicated that the neural network-based methods, ANFIS and MLP, yielded the most accurate distribution fits and wind energy potential estimates, and consequently, are the most recommended methods for the wind sites in Togo and Benin. The orders of magnitude of the root mean squared error (RMSE) in estimating the recoverable energy using ANFIS were, respectively, 10-4 and 10-5 for Lomé and Cotonou, while MLP achieved an RMSE order of magnitude of 10-3 for both sites.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Representativeness-based Sampling Network Design for the State of Alaska

This data set collection consists of data products described in Hoffman et. al., 2013. Resource and logistical constraints limit the frequency and extent of environmental observations, particularly in the Arctic, necessitating the development of a systematic sampling strategy to maximize coverage and objectively represent environmental variability at desired scales. A quantitative methodology for stratifying sampling domains, informing site selection, and determining the representativeness of measurement sites and networks is described here. Multivariate spatiotemporal clustering was applied to down-scaled general circulation model results and data for the State of Alaska at 4 km2 resolution to define multiple sets of ecoregions across two decadal time periods. Maps of ecoregions for the present (2000-2009) and future (2090-2099) were produced, showing how combinations of 37 characteristics are distributed and how they may shift in the future. Representative sampling locations are identified on present and future ecoregion maps. A representativeness metric was developed, and representativeness maps for eight candidate sampling locations were produced. This metric was used to characterize the environmental similarity of each site. This analysis provides model-inspired insights into optimal sampling strategies, offers a framework for up-scaling measurements, and provides a down-scaling approach for integration of models and measurements. These techniques can be applied at different spatial and temporal scales to meet the needs of individual measurement campaigns. This dataset contains one zipped file, one .txt file, and one .sh file.The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research.The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska.Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1998

Exploration of the Moon with Remote Sensing, Ground-Penetrating Radar, and the Regolith-Evolved Gas Analyzer (REGA)

There are two important reasons to explore the Moon. First, we would like to know more about the Moon itself: its history, its geology, its chemistry, and its diversity. Second, we would like to apply this knowledge to a useful purpose. namely finding and using lunar resources. As a result of the recent Clementine and Lunar Prospector missions, we now have global data on the regional surface mineralogy of the Moon, and we have good reason to believe that water exists in the lunar polar regions. However, there is still very little information about the subsurface. If we wish to go to the lunar polar regions to extract water, or if we wish to go anywhere else on the Moon and extract (or learn) anything at all, we need information in three dimensions an understanding of what lies below the surface, both shallow and deep. The terrestrial mining industry provides an example of the logical steps that lead to an understanding of where resources are located and their economic significance. Surface maps are examined to determine likely locations for detailed study. Geochemical soil sample surveys, using broad or narrow grid patterns, are then used to gather additional data. Next, a detailed surface map is developed for a selected area, along with an interpretation of the subsurface structure that would give rise to the observed features. After that, further sampling and geophysical exploration are used to validate and refine the original interpretation, as well as to make further exploration/ mining decisions. Integrating remotely sensed, geophysical, and sample datasets gives the maximum likelihood of a correct interpretation of the subsurface geology and surface morphology. Apollo-era geophysical and automated sampling experiments sought to look beyond the upper few microns of the lunar surface. These experiments, including ground-penetrating radar and spectrometry, proved the usefulness of these methods for determining the best sites for lunar bases and lunar mining operations.

Cooper, B. L.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Access from Space: A New Perspective on NASA's Space Transportation Technology Requirements and Opportunities

The need for robust and reliable access from space is clearly demonstrated by the recent loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia; as well as the NASA s goals to get the Shuttle re-flying and extend its life, build new vehicles for space access, produce successful robotic landers and s a q k ret~rr? ~llisrions, and maximize the science content of ambitious outer planets missions that contain nuclear reactors which must be safe for re-entry after possible launch aborts. The technology lynch pin of access from space is hypersonic entry systems such the thermal protection system, along with navigation, guidance and control (NG&C). But it also extends to descent and landing systems such as parachutes, airbags and their control systems. Current space access technology maturation programs such as NASA s Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) program or the In-Space Propulsion (ISP) program focus on maturing laboratory demonstrated technologies for potential adoption by specific mission applications. A key requirement for these programs success is a suitable queue of innovative technologies and advanced concepts to mature, including mission concepts enabled by innovative, cross cutting technology advancements. When considering space access, propulsion often dominates the capability requirements, as well as the attention and resources. From the perspective of access from space some new cross cutting technology drivers come into view, along with some new capability opportunities. These include new miniature vehicles (micro, nano, and picosats), advanced automated systems (providing autonomous on-orbit inspection or landing site selection), and transformable aeroshells (to maximize capabilities and minimize weight). This paper provides an assessment of the technology drivers needed to meet future access from space mission requirements, along with the mission capabilities that can be envisioned from innovative, cross cutting access from space technology developments.

Rasky, Daniel J.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Monitoring, Controlling and Safeguarding Radiochemical Streams at Spent Fuel Reprocessing Facilities with Optical and Gamma-Ray Spectroscopic Methods

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has established international safeguards standards for fissionable material at spent fuel reprocessing plants to ensure that significant quantities of weapons-useable nuclear material are not diverted from these facilities. For large throughput nuclear facilities, it is difficult to satisfy the IAEA safeguards accountancy goal for detection of abrupt diversion. Currently, methods to verify material control and accountancy (MC&A) at these facilities require time-consuming and resourceintensive destructive assay (DA). Leveraging new on-line non-destructive assay (NDA) process monitoring techniques in conjunction with the traditional and highly precise DA methods may provide an additional measure to nuclear material accountancy which would potentially result in a more timely, cost-effective and resource efficient means for safeguards verification at such facilities. By monitoring process control measurements (e.g. flowrates, temperatures, or concentrations of reagents, products or wastes), abnormal plant operations can be detected. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing on-line NDA process monitoring technologies based upon gamma-ray and optical spectroscopic measurements to potentially reduce the time and resource burden associated with current techniques. The Multi-Isotope Process (MIP) Monitor uses gamma spectroscopy and multivariate analysis to identify offnormal conditions in process streams. The spectroscopic monitor continuously measures chemical compositions of the process streams including actinide metal ions (U, Pu, Np), selected fission products, and major stable flowsheet reagents using UV-Vis, Near IR and Raman spectroscopy. Multi-variate analysis is also applied to the optical measurements in order to quantify concentrations of analytes of interest within a complex array of radiochemical streams. This paper will provide an overview of these methods and reports on-going efforts to develop and demonstrate the technologies.

controlling↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of Prototypical District-Scale Models: Preprint

The U.S. has set the climate goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. District-scale solutions, which include scale-specific opportunities for energy and emissions savings, can be investigated and implemented to help accelerate decarbonization and progress toward this goal. However, there is currently a lack of district-scale models of buildings and community energy systems that can be used to evaluate potential district-scale technologies and strategies across a range of representative community types. This initial work aims to define and develop prototype district models that can be adapted to support the planning, design, and operation of buildings and energy systems in districts considering the complexity and interactions of diverse building loads, weather impacts, distributed energy resources (e.g., PV, EV, electric and thermal energy storage), electric and thermal grid systems, and pricing signals. An overall workflow for developing these prototype district models is established. Stakeholders and potential users of the prototype district models provided technical feedback. The specifications of the selected high priority districts were defined and documented in a scorecard format. An example prototype district model was implemented with the URBANoptTM platform workflows. A case study was performed to demonstrate the model application.

district↗
NASA NTRS2022

Exploring the Clouds of Venus: Science Driven Aerobot Missions to Our Sister Planet

Venus is essential to our understanding of the evolution and habitability of Earth-size planets throughout the galaxy. The selection of the VERITAS, EnVision, and DAVINCI missions by NASA and ESA in June 2021 is an important step in advancing the science. However, addressing many of the most challenging questions will require in situ platforms that can operate in the Venus environment for extended periods in order to capture the full complexity of our sister planet. Aerobots are aerial vehicles that exploit buoyancy to achieve long-duration operation in the Venus cloud layer where environmental conditions are comparatively benign. Buoyancy control, explained in more detail in a companion paper at this conference, allows aerobots to change altitude with little energy expenditure enabling new scientific measurement opportunities. These include atmospheric chemistry, dynamics, geophysical measurements of the crust and interior and geological investigations enabled by high resolution surface imaging. One aspect to our approach to defining missions that fit within the resource constraints of competitive missions is keeping the scale small. Today’s science-driven appetite for sophisticated measurements and large volumes of data is driving size upwards but advances in technology can enable aerobots that can be delivered to Venus at manageable costs. The other aspect is supporting the aerobot at Venus with orbiters providing data relay, localization and synergistic science. The recently selected orbiters, equipped with low-cost proximity relay systems routinely used at Mars may obviate the need for dedicated orbiters thereby enabling Discovery mission candidates. Four aerobot mission concepts have been defined which fit comfortably within the current New Frontiers (NF) cost cap ($900M in $FY22). One of these concepts would also be a candidate for a Discovery mission if that cost cap ($500M in $FY19) were raised. Raising the NF cost cap would enable more capable aerobot missions combining both altitude control with synergistic orbital observations. Investigations of surface geology at high resolution with subcloud NIR nightside imaging and dropsondes on the dayside of Venus could also benefit from collaborations with foreign contributions.

"O'Rourke, Joseph"↗