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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Microorganisms that co-consume glucose with non-glucose carbohydrates and methods of use

Microorganisms that co-consume glucose with non-glucose carbohydrates, such as xylose, and methods of using same. The microorganisms comprise modifications that reduce or ablate the activity of a phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP):carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) protein or modifications that reduce or ablate the activity of a phosphoglucose isomerase and a GntR. The PTS protein may be selected from an enzyme I (EI), an HPr, an FPr, and an enzyme IIGlc (EIIGlc). Additional modifications include reduction or ablation of the activity of a pyruvate formate lyase, a lactate dehydrogenase, and a fumarate reductase and inclusion of recombinant pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase genes. The microorganisms are particularly suited to co-consuming glucose and xylose in media containing these substrates and producing ethanol therefrom.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Microorganisms that co-consume glucose with non-glucose carbohydrates and methods of use

Microorganisms that co-consume glucose with non-glucose carbohydrates, such as xylose, and methods of using same. The microorganisms comprise modifications that reduce or ablate the activity of a phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP):carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) protein or modifications that reduce or ablate the activity of a phosphoglucose isomerase and a GntR. The PTS protein may be selected from an enzyme I (EI), an HPr, an FPr, and an enzyme IIGlc (EIIGlc). Additional modifications include reduction or ablation of the activity of a pyruvate formate lyase, a lactate dehydrogenase, and a fumarate reductase and inclusion of recombinant pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase genes. The microorganisms are particularly suited to co-consuming glucose and xylose in media containing these substrates and producing ethanol therefrom.

Reed, Jennifer L.↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Data Quality-Aware Framework to Reliably Forecast Photovoltaic Generation and Consumer Load for an Improved Resilience of Microgrids

Photovoltaic (PV) power and consumer load forecasting plays a critical role to ensure operational resilience of the electric grid. Most data-driven forecasting algorithms rely heavily on the continuous availability of good quality data for periodic training and validation. When deployed at the grid’s edge, prolonged disruptions to communications during extreme events degrade data quality. Factors such as missing observations, epistemic uncertainties, data drift, and concept drift are manifestations of data quality that impact the generalization of such field-deployed forecasting models. Currently, there exists no mechanism in the literature to dynamically switch between models under varying degrees of data quality as quantified by certain metrics for each factor highlighted above. This paper addresses this shortcoming by conceptually introducing a data qualityaware framework for reliable PV generation and consumer load forecasting. The framework’s design incorporates components of missing values, divergence tests, and continuous monitoring of generalization performance to detect changes in data quality caused by communications disruptions and trigger specific classes of forecasting models grouped under three use cases (UC1- UC3). As a first step towards validating this framework, real data collected from an actual field microgrid system is used to demonstrate the viability of the three use cases. Results show that the performance is the best in UC1 with an unadjusted R-square value of 0.954, followed by 0.939 for UC2 and 0.757 for UC3.

Sundararajan, Aditya↗
DOE OSTI2024

Utilization of Ultrasonication as a Method of Reducing Organic and Inorganic Contamination in Post‐Consumer Plastic Film Waste

Post-consumer plastic film waste often carries organic and inorganic contaminants that challenge recycling processes and affect the quality of recycled products. An effective contaminant removal procedure through washing such single-used plastic films (SUPFs) can address environmental and waste management concerns. This study compares the efficiency of different washing techniques in reducing SUPF contamination. To evaluate the efficacy of each washing technique, film samples collected from material recovery facilities are individually exposed to friction, ultrasonic-assisted, and a combination of both washes. Thermal analysis indicates that the polymers' melting temperature, crystallization temperature, and crystallinity remain unaffected by the washing methods, demonstrating method aptness. Confocal laser scanning microscope images show that washing results in a cleaner sample surface. 91% ash reduction during the combined wash treatment indicates a high method efficiency compared to the individual friction and ultrasonic wash procedures. This is further validated by reducing characteristic contaminant IR bands (3600–3000, 1750–1600, and 1100–1000 cm −1 ). Elements of concern such as Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb in SUPFs after each washing technique applied conform with regulations (<100 ppm) for packaging products. This research shows the novel ultrasonic washing reduces more contamination than friction with shorter wash times and no surfactants.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Catalytic conversion of post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene oil over Zn-impregnated ZSM-5 catalysts

The catalytic conversion of post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene (PCR-HDPE) pyrolysis oil was investigated using modified ZSM-5 zeolites, prepared under different conditions. The PCR-HDPE oil, obtained through pyrolysis at 500 °C followed by distillation at 165 °C, contained a naphtha fraction hydrocarbons suitable for catalytic upgrading. H/ZSM-5 converts PCR-HDPE naphtha fraction oil primarily into BTX, along with light paraffins and olefins. Introducing mesoporosity led to increased propylene yield at the expense of BTX. Zn impregnation onto H/ZSM-5 and H-meso/ZSM-5 enhanced BTX yield by up to 13 %. However, Zn-meso/ZSM-5 exhibited a lower BTX yield than Zn/ZSM-5 with the same Zn loadings, especially after additional steam treatment at 700 °C. Spent catalysts revealed no noticeable increase in metal contaminants such as calcium and aluminum that were present in the PCR-HDPE. Here, the Zn/ZSM-5 catalyst was stable for more than 50 h time on stream and showed promising potential for upgrading PCR-HDPE naphtha fraction oils.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Characterization and flux assessment of airborne phthalates released from polyvinyl chloride consumer goods

Highlights: • Enhanced levels of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) can affect human health. • The major SVOCs like phthalates are released into indoor by many sources like plasticizers. • This study investigated the emission characteristics of diverse phthalates from plastic/rubber products. • Emission behavior of phthalates is described in relation to several key variables, e.g., types of PVC. The concentrations and fluxes of airborne phthalates were measured from five types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) consumer products (vinyl flooring, wallcovering, child's toy, yoga mat, and edge protector) using a small chamber (impinger) system. Airborne phthalates released from each of those PVC samples were collected using sorbent (Tenax TA) tubes at three temperature control intervals (0, 3, and 6 h) under varying temperature conditions (25, 40, and 90 °C). A total of 11 phthalate compounds were quantified in the five PVC products examined in this study. To facilitate the comparison of phthalate emissions among PVC samples, their flux values were defined for total phthalates by summing the average fluxes of all 11 phthalates generated during the control period of 6 h. The highest flux values were seen in the edge protector sample at all temperatures (0.40 (25 °C), 9.65 (40 °C), and 75.7 μg m{sup −2} h{sup −1} (90 °C)) of which emission was dominated by dibutyl isophthalate. In contrast, the lowest fluxes were found in wallcovering (0.01 (25 °C) and 0.05 μg m{sup −2} h{sup −1} (40 °C)) and child's toy (0.23 μg m{sup −2} h{sup −1} (90 °C)) at each temperature level. The information regarding phthalate composition and emission patterns varied dynamically with type of PVC sample, controlled temperature, and duration of control.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Efficient One-Step Electrolytic Recycling of Low-Grade and Post-Consumer Magnesium Scrap

Metal Oxygen Separation Technologies, Inc. (abbreviated MOxST, pronounced most) and Boston University (BU) have developed a new low-cost process for recycling post-consumer co-mingled and heavily-oxidized magnesium scrap, and discovered a new chemical mechanism for magnesium separations in the process. The new process, designated MagReGen TM , is very effective in laboratory experiments, and on scale-up promises to be the lowest-cost lowest-energy lowest-impact method for separating magnesium metal from aluminum while recovering oxidized magnesium. MagReGen TM uses as little as one-eighth as much energy as today's methods for recycling magnesium metal from comingled scrap. As such, this technology could play a vital role in recycling automotive non-ferrous metals, particularly as motor vehicle magnesium/aluminum ratios increase in order to reduce vehicle weight and increase efficiency.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2016

Estimated Bounds and Important Factors for Fuel Use and Consumer Costs of Connected and Automated Vehicles

This report details a study of the potential effects of connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies on vehicle miles traveled (VMT), vehicle fuel efficiency, and consumer costs. Related analyses focused on a range of light-duty CAV technologies in conventional powertrain vehicles -- from partial automation to full automation, with and without ridesharing -- compared to today's base-case scenario. Analysis results revealed widely disparate upper- and lower-bound estimates for fuel use and VMT, ranging from a tripling of fuel use to decreasing light-duty fuel use to below 40% of today's level. This wide range reflects uncertainties in the ways that CAV technologies can influence vehicle efficiency and use through changes in vehicle designs, driving habits, and travel behavior. The report further identifies the most significant potential impacting factors, the largest areas of uncertainty, and where further research is particularly needed.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Consumer Views: Importance of Fuel Economy

This presentation includes data captured by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to support the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) research efforts. The data capture consumer views on the importance of fuel economy amongst other vehicle attributes and views on which alternative fuel types would be the best and worst replacements for gasoline.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Control of Weld Residual Stress in a Thin Steel Plate through Low Transformation Temperature Welding Consumables

Low transformation temperature welding (LTTW) consumables are characterized by a low martensite start temperature and a large fraction of martensite forming in the weld. It can efficiently reduce the tensile residual stress because the volume expansion associated with the martensitic transformation compensates for the thermal contraction during cooling. In this work, a LTTW wire, designated as EH200B, was created for the arc welding of advanced high-strength steel thin plates. In comparison to conventional ER70S-3 wires, this LTTW wire generated an opposite distortion pattern. Neutron diffraction measurements along the center thickness of the welded plates showed the maximum residual stress along the longitudinal direction (LD) in the weld region, and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) immediately adjacent to the weld region was reduced from ~330 MPa to below 240 MPa by using the LTTW wire. A finite element (FE) model was developed to predict the residual stress distributions of the plates welded under these two wires. The simulation results showed reasonable agreement with the volume-average neutron diffraction data. Compressive residual stress in the weld region using the LTTW wire was predicted by the FE method. Electron backscattered diffraction and x-ray diffraction measurements confirmed ~90% martensite was present in the LTTW weld. The fatigue life of DP980 steel lap joint panels using EH200B wire nearly doubled that of ER70S-3 wire. This improvement was attributed to the high strength and low LD residual stress in the weld and HAZ immediately adjacent to the weld.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electric Vehicles for Consumers

More consumers are choosing electric vehicles (EVs) as new, competitively priced models with longer ranges hit the market. More public charging stations are also rapidly becoming available, and some offer quick charges to get drivers back on the road in minutes. New EVs are released all the time, with models designed to meet a wider variety of needs. To learn whether an EV is right for you, assess your driving requirements, available vehicles, and cost considerations. Easily compare costs and benefits of specific vehicles using the FuelEconomy.gov vehicle comparison tool.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electric Vehicles for Consumers

More consumers are choosing electric vehicles (EVs) as new, competitively priced models with longer ranges hit the market. More public charging stations are also rapidly becoming available, and some offer quick charges to get drivers back on the road in minutes. New EVs are released all the time, with models designed to meet a wider variety of needs. To learn whether an EV is right for you, assess your driving requirements, available vehicles, and cost considerations. Easily compare costs and benefits of specific vehicles using the FuelEconomy.gov vehicle comparison tool.

charging↗
DOE OSTI2025

Repurposing Post-Consumer Polyethylene to Access Cross-Linked Polyethylene with Reprocessabilty, Recyclability, and Tunable Properties

Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely produced plastic but accumulation and resistance to degradation has significantly contributed to the plastic waste crisis. Upcycling has presented promising solutions to transform PE waste into value-added products. In this study, mixed post-consumer PE was successfully repurposed into reprocessable and chemically recyclable cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). This process involved converting PE into telechelic oligomers, followed by repolymerization using a hybrid cross-linking system consisting of a dynamic cross-linker 2,4,6-triethoxy-1,3,5-triazine (TETA) and non-dynamic cross-linker tris(6-isocyanatohexyl)isocyanurate (Tri-HDI). In the resulting XLPE, TETA facilitated iterative reprocessing with minimal property degradation across cycles, whereas Tri-HDI helped preserve functional performance throughout service life. Compared to PE, XLPE exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, reduced creep deformation under application-relevant temperatures, and high temperature structural stability. Notably, copolymerizing PE oligomers with commercial macrodiols was employed to create composite XLPEs, enabling tuning material properties. After use, XLPE can be efficiently and selectively depolymerized under mild conditions, even when mixed with commercial insulator cables. This depolymerization allows for the recovery of the constituent building blocks, enabling purification and subsequent repolymerization for reuse. This approach demonstrates the potential of repurposing plastic waste into sustainable materials and fostering the development of a circular economy.

INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMI↗
DOE OSTI2018

Performance Assessment of Several Low-Cost Consumer-Grade Analog-to-Digital Conversion Devices

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has pioneered an approach where low-cost consumer-grade electronics can be used as the basis of a highly reliable data acquisition architecture. One twenty-channel system based on this approach has been operating almost 4 years at ORNL. The architecture allows a mix-and-match level of configurability so the designer can select devices that best match the desired performance trade-offs. The most important device to be selected is the analog-to-digital converter. This paper explores the performance of several candidate audio recording devices that can be used as high-speed analog-to-digital converters for such measurement systems. Various performance metrics are explored including frequency response, noise floor, and synchronous sampling. Sample rates as high as 192 KHz are supported with 16 and 24-bit resolution. While most of the devices are dual-channel, there are multi-channel devices now available that will allow modal type of synchronous sampling. One such device was tested and is discussed is this paper.

Wetherington Jr, G↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluating consumer 3D printing nozzles as a low cost alternative for mesophase pitch-derived carbon fiber production

Synthetic fibers, such as Kevlar fibers, SiC fibers, and carbon fibers, are essential components for constructing high performance structures. Whether for engineering, sports, energy storage (batteries and supercapacitors), or aerospace applications, fiber microstructure plays a critical role in fiber properties and functionalities. However, studying fiber nozzle configurations and spinning parameters to achieve the desired microstructure remains challenging, costly, and time consuming. Here, mesophase pitch-derived fibers were used as an example to demonstrate that low cost, commercially available 3D printer nozzles can “print” fibers. Four different nozzles were used to “print” fibers and the effects of their features on fiber properties were observed and compared to other lab spun and commercial pitch- derived CF. A longer orifice length resulted in higher modulus fiber whereas a larger draw-down ratio yielded a stronger fiber. Furthermore, the findings provide a new opportunity for 3D printer hardware application and open up opportunities for developing low-cost fibers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Survey Evidence on the Willingness of U.S. Consumers to Pay for Automotive Fuel Economy

Prospect theory, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002, holds that human beings faced with a risky bet will tend to value potential losses about twice as much as potential gains. Previous research has demonstrated that prospect theory could be sufficient to explain an energy paradox in the market for automotive fuel economy. This paper analyzes data from four random sample surveys of 1,000 U.S. households each in 2004, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Households were asked about willingness to pay for future fuel savings as well as the annual fuel savings necessary to justify a given upfront payment. Payback periods inferred from household responses are consistent over time and across different formulations of questions. Mean calculated payback periods are short, about 3 years, but there is substantial dispersion among individual responses. Calculated payback periods do not appear to be correlated with the attributes of respondents. Respondents were able to quantitatively describe their uncertainty about both vehicle fuel economy and future fuel prices. Simulation of loss averse behavior based on this stated uncertainty illustrate how loss aversion could lead consumers to substantially undervalue future fuel savings relative to their expected value.

energy efficience↗
DOE OSTI2017

Consumer behavioral adaption in EV fast charging through pricing

Despite the recent development surrounding fast electric vehicle charging and ever growing interest in research, little is known as to how people in reality use Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) or how different pricing may affect their recharging behavior. Understanding the consumer behavior in DCFC usage is critical in successful deployment of DCFC. This paper analyzes real-world field data to examine DCFC usage in the U.S. In particular, it examines the effect of a flat-rate fee on the changes in the rate of charge. Furthermore, the result from regression analysis shows evidence that a flat-rate fee has a negative effect on efficient DCFC stations usage.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗