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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 1,441 records · Page 80

Consumer Benefits of Clean Energy: Energy Efficiency

Meeting national and state decarbonization goals requires a transition to clean energy technologies. Energy efficiency, demand flexibility, renewable energy and storage can reduce consumers’ electricity bills, lower total electricity system costs, and provide health and resilience benefits. Berkeley Lab developed a series of briefs that explore these consumer benefits of a clean energy transition. This brief focuses on energy efficiency benefits, and builds on prior analysis from Berkeley Lab’s Cost of Saved Energy database. We show that energy efficiency remains a low-cost energy and capacity resource; the levelized cost of saving energy for the programs included in the analysis is $\$0.02$/kilowatt-hour and the cost of saving peak demand is less $\$120$/kilowatt. Understanding the impact of the program mix, portfolio size, and duration of implementation for customer-funded energy efficiency portfolios can guide regulatory oversight of these programs, help utilities better utilize energy efficiency as a resource, and inform building energy decarbonization policies.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Optimization Studies of Radiation Shielding for PIP-II Project at Fermilab

The Proton Improvement Plan-II (PIP-II) at Fermilab represents a significant advancement in the quest to answer some of the most profound questions about our universe using the world's most intense high-energy neutrino beam. The project requires the construction of a new addition to the Fermilab accelerator complex – an 800-MeV high-intensity superconducting linear accelerator. Ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of this ambitious project is paramount, necessitating thorough dose rate assessments under both normal operational and accidental scenarios to align with the Fermilab Radiological Control Manual (FRCM) standards. Our approach included a shielding optimization used for the simulations with the Monte Carlo code MARS [1,2,3] to incorporate new magnet and collimator designs, essential for reflecting the current state of PIP-II infrastructure. The implementation of high-resolution detector planes, despite their computational demands, enabled us to gather detailed radiation field data crucial for optimizing shielding configurations. To overcome the significant computational demands, we developed a branching code that drastically reduced simulation runtimes while maintaining statistical integrity. This was achieved through geometry splitting and the application of Russian Roulette techniques, tailored to prioritize regions of interest based on predefined importances and weight limits.

Makovec, Alajos↗

Immunolocalization of an annexin-like protein in corn

Although calcium has been proposed to be an important regulatory element in plant gravitropic growth, as yet no specific function of Ca2(+) in growth regulation has been discovered. Our recent studies on a Ca2(+)-binding protein in pea seedlings called p35 indicate that it is a member of the annexin family of proteins and may play a key role in growth regulation through its function in delivering polysaccharides needed for wall construction. We previously reported the isolation of p35 from pea plumules and the production of polyclonal antibodies to it. Immunolocalization analyses of p35 in pea tissues revealed high levels of staining in secretory cell types such as developing vascular cells and outer root cap cells. To test how general was the occurrence and distribution of this annexin-like protein in plant cells we initiated an analysis of annexins in the monocot corn using immunological techniques. Our results indicate the immunochemical properties and localization of corn annexins are very similar to those reported for pea. They are consistent with the postulate that annexins may play a general role in the regulation of the secretion of wall polysaccharides needed for growth, and thus could be an important target of calcium action during gravitropic growth.

Clark, G. B.↗

Unlocking the Future of Aircraft Manufacturing: The Environmental Benefits of Laser Patterning for Surface Enhancement of Aircraft-Certified Alloys

Surface protection and functional modification of aircraft-certified aluminum alloys are essential for corrosion resistance, durability, and long-term airworthiness. At the same time, increasingly restrictive environmental regulations motivate the development of alternatives to legacy wet-chemical surface treatments. This study presents an integrated assessment of ultrafast femtosecond laser surface texturing as a surface functionalization approach for Aluminum 6061 alloys within an aerospace manufacturing and sustainability context. Ultrashort-pulse laser processing enables controlled micro- and nano-scale surface topographical modification with limited thermal impact, allowing adjustment of wettability and surface functionality while preserving bulk material integrity. As a dry and contactless process, femtosecond laser treatment eliminates the use of hazardous chemicals, reduces consumable inputs, and generates minimal secondary waste. A streamlined cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment conducted in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 indicates a lower global-warming potential per functional unit compared with conventional surface treatments, including anodization, plasma-assisted coatings, and organic coating systems. Complementary qualitative analyses addressing environmental health and safety, supply-chain risk, and ESG alignment indicate potential advantages related to occupational safety, regulatory compliance, waste management, and end-of-life recyclability. The investigation is performed on planar Aluminum 6061 reference surfaces with a treated area of 25 mm 2 , providing a controlled laboratory-scale basis for analyzing process behavior, functional surface modification, and associated environmental metrics. Within this defined scope, the results support further evaluation of femtosecond laser surface texturing as a surface engineering option for future aerospace manufacturing.

corrosion resistance↗

A Privacy-Preserving Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing System

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) is a key resource for developing defensive strategies against potential cyber adversaries. Entities typically access CTI through open-source platforms, national agencies, or specialized commercial services. However, the bi-directional exchange of CTI is hindered by organizational trust boundaries, which complicate the sharing processes between entities and CTI providers. Centralized CTI services benefit from receiving suspicious cyber observables such as IP addresses, domain names, and email addresses from various entities. The aggregation allows for the correlation of widespread adversarial activities to enhance the alert and response mechanisms across the network of involved parties. Despite these benefits, openly sharing such observables incurs potential legal, regulatory, and reputational risks for the disclosing entities.This paper introduces a system designed to facilitate the secure exchange of cyber observables across trust boundaries without compromising the anonymity of the sharing entities. Here, we propose an architecture that leverages common web protocols alongside zero-knowledge proofs to authenticate members while maintaining anonymity. Additionally, we outline a privacy model tailored for STIX (Structured Threat Information eXpression) cyber observables to minimize the risk of inadvertently disclosing private information. Through our threat models, we assess the privacy implications of our proposed system and demonstrate its potential to enhance collaborative cyber defense efforts without exposing entities to undue risk.

BBS+ Signatures↗

Modernization of Technical Requirements for Licensing of Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors: Selection and Evaluation of Licensing Basis Events

This report, “Modernization of Technical Requirements for Licensing of Advanced Non-Light Water Reactors: Selection and Evaluation of Licensing Basis Events,” represents a key element in the development of a methodology for the efficient licensing of advanced non-light water reactors (non-LWRs). It is the result of a Licensing Modernization Project (LMP) led by Southern Company and cost-shared by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The LMP will result in detailed proposals for establishing licensing technical requirements to facilitate risk-informed and performance-based design and licensing of advanced non-LWRs. Such a methodology acknowledges enhancements in safety achievable with advanced designs and reflects more recent states of knowledge regarding safety and design innovation, creating an opportunity for reduced regulatory complexity with increased levels of safety. The project builds on best practices as well as previous activities through DOE and industry-sponsored advanced reactor licensing initiatives.

42 ENGINEERING↗

U.S. High Temperature Materials Highlights

U.S. GIF VHTR work is continuing on graphite qualification, Alloy 617 regulatory issues beyond the Code space, Alloy 800H weldments, and ASME Codes and Standards R&D is still considering both pebble bed and prismatic and steam generator and heat exchanger U.S. DOE Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) Two U.S.-based teams were selected to demonstrate advanced nuclear reactors in the United States that can be operational by 2027 One of the teams is X-energy (Rockville, MD) which will demonstrate a modular gas-cooled reactor design (Xe-100) with four 80 MWe, TRISO fuel, pebble bed reactors A number of U.S.-based teams were selected to design and develop safe and affordable reactor technologies that can be licensed and deployed over the next 10 to 14 years (Risk Reduction) One of the teams is BWXT Advanced Technologies, LLC which will develop a commercially viable transportable microreactor with the design focused on using TRISO fuel particles and silicon carbide (SiC) matrix A number of U.S.-based teams were selected to assist the progression of advanced reactor designs in their earliest phases (Advanced Reactor Concepts-20) One of the teams is Massachusetts Institute of Technology which will mature the Modular Integrated Gas-Cooled High Temperature Reactor (MIGHTR) concept with a horizontal compact design from a pre-conceptual stage to a conceptual stage to support commercialization

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Modelos de riesgo de colision: una herramienta para evaluar los riesgos para las aves rapaces en instalaciones de energia eolica (Spanish)

In January 2022, the International Energy Agency Wind Task 34 - Working Together to Resolve the Environmental Effects of Wind Energy (WREN) - organized a forum to discuss aspects of raptor collision risk with wind turbines. The forum included experts in raptor biology and physiology, collision risk modeling, wind energy development, and atmospheric scientists from seven countries. They represented a range of international stakeholder groups including academia, government agencies, national laboratories, and wildlife consultants. This educational brief summarizes the discussion during the forum and written comments from those who could not attend. Relevant literature was used to provide additional context when needed. For several species of raptors, such as golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) and white-tailed eagles (Haliaatus albicilla), collision risk with wind turbines continues to be a concern among stakeholders. These concerns include the potential population-level impact related to collisions, compliance with regulatory mechanisms for protected species, and the ability to generate renewable energy. To make siting and operational decisions, stakeholders require some level of certainty of the risk associated with a proposed project. Understanding this risk, in part, requires species-specific data on raptors and how they perceive and interact with wind farms or individual wind turbines. Collision risk models (CRMs) are a tool, often used in environmental impact assessments, that can provide estimates of risk relative to specific turbines or an entire wind farm. However, questions associated with the uncertainty in CRM estimates remain. This is the Spanish translation of NREL/FS-5000-84747, "Collision Risk Modeling - A Tool for Assessing Risks to Raptors at Wind Energy Facilities."

collision risk↗

Development of a clostridia-based cell-free system for prototyping genetic parts and metabolic pathways

Gas fermentation by autotrophic bacteria, such as clostridia, offers a sustainable path to numerous bioproducts from a range of local, highly abundant, waste and low-cost feedstocks, such as industrial flue gases or syngas generated from biomass or municipal waste. Unfortunately, designing and engineering clostridia remains laborious and slow. The ability to prototype individual genetic part function, gene expression patterns, and biosynthetic pathway performance in vitro before implementing designs in cells could help address these bottlenecks by speeding up design. Unfortunately, a high-yielding cell-free gene expression (CFE) system from clostridia has yet to be developed. Here in this paper, we report the development and optimization of a high-yielding (236 ± 24 μg/mL) batch CFE platform from the industrially relevant anaerobe, Clostridium autoethanogenum. A key feature of the platform is that both circular and linear DNA templates can be applied directly to the CFE reaction to program protein synthesis. We demonstrate the ability to prototype gene expression, and quantitatively map aerobic cell-free metabolism in lysates from this system. We anticipate that the C. autoethanogenum CFE platform will not only expand the protein synthesis toolkit for synthetic biology, but also serve as a platform in expediting the screening and prototyping of gene regulatory elements in non-model, industrially relevant microbes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

MASTODON: An Open-Source Software for Seismic Analysis and Risk Assessment of Critical Infrastructure

Seismic analysis and risk assessment of safety-critical infrastructure like hospitals, nuclear power plants, dams, and facilities handling radioactive materials involve computationally intensive numerical models and coupled multiphysics scenarios. They are also performed in a strict regulatory environment that requires high software quality assurance standards, and in the case of safety-related nuclear facilities, a conformance to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) standard. This paper introduces the open-source finite-element software, MASTODON (Multi-hazard Analysis of Stochastic Time-Domain Phenomena), which implements state-of-the-art seismic analysis and risk assessment tools in a quality-controlled environment. MASTODON is built on MOOSE (Multi-physics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment), which is a highly parallelizable, NQA-1 conforming, coupled multiphysics, finite-element framework developed at Idaho National Laboratory. MASTODON is capable of fault rupture and source-to-site wave propagation using the domain reduction method, nonlinear site response, and soil-structure interaction analysis, implicit and explicit time integration, automated stochastic simulations, and seismic probabilistic risk assessment. When coupled with other MOOSE applications, MASTODON can also solve strongly and weakly coupled multiphysics problems. This paper presents a summary of the capabilities of MASTODON and some demonstrative examples.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DECOVALEX-2019: An international collaboration for advancing the understanding and modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in geological systems

The DECOVALEX Project is an international research collaboration for advancing the understanding and modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in geological systems. DECOVALEX stands for “DEvelopment of COupled Models and VALidation against EXperiments”. The creation of this international initiative, now running for almost 30 years, was motivated by the recognition that prediction of these coupled effects is an essential part of the performance and safety assessment of geologic disposal systems for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, and also for a range of other sub-surface engineering activities. DECOVALEX emphasizes joint analysis and comparative modeling of state-of-the-art field and laboratory experiments, across a range of host rock options and repository designs. Participating research teams are from radioactive waste management organizations, national research institutes, regulatory agencies, universities, and consulting groups, providing a wide range of perspectives and solutions to these complex problems. The most recent phase of the DECOVALEX Project, here referred to as DECOVALEX-2019, started in 2016 and ended in 2019. Modeling teams from 13 international partner organizations participated in the comparative evaluation of seven modeling tasks involving complex field and/or laboratory experiments. Furthermore, this Virtual Special Issue on DECOVALEX-2019 provides an in-depth overview of these collaborative research efforts and how these have advanced the state-of-the-art of understanding and modeling coupled THMC processes.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Workshop on Improving Holdup Monitoring in the US

The characterization and quantification of nuclear deposits, or residual nuclear material retained in process equipment, generally referred to as holdup, continues to challenge nuclear processing facilities in DOE program areas such as nuclear criticality safety, material control and accountability, environmental management. The efficiency and effectiveness of nuclear operations in these facilities depends heavily on the results from nondestructive techniques designed to measure nuclear materials in situ. The traditional methods used to measure holdup were established more than 30 years ago and assume unrealistic conditions for most measurement cases. These blind, in situ measurements present unique challenges due to the following attributes: unique, non-ideal geometries; unknown deposit thicknesses; lack of representative calibration standards; large number of holdup deposit locations; and poor accessibility for many measurement locations. These difficulties and the poor assumptions made to handle them have resulted in measurement uncertainties that are often too large for many programs to effectively utilize. In an effort to address and identify solutions to the current holdup challenges facing the US nuclear industry, Oak Ridge National Laboratory hosted the Technical Workshop on Improving Holdup Monitoring in the US. The two-day workshop held August 21–22, 2019, was attended by 35 holdup measurement practitioners, program managers, stakeholders from US Department of Energy sites, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and representatives from commercial industry. The primary objectives were to identify critical elements of a successful and defensible holdup measurement program; identify technical challenges, needs, and potential improvements associated with measurement of holdup; and share best practices and lessons learned from recent accumulation events. Fourteen presentations were delivered on holdup topics including necessary elements for effective program management, measurement needs, emerging technologies and other measurement solutions, and lessons learned from recent events. These presentations highlighted best practices related to accumulation monitoring, considerations and proactive steps to facilitate holdup in new facility designs, imaging solutions to improve holdup assumptions, and new software developed in support of holdup measurements. Breakout sessions were also employed to determine additional needs and identify potential solutions to common holdup challenges. The primary discussions focused on causes and prevention of material accumulations, needs for uranium and plutonium measurements, and reduction of measurement uncertainty, all of which were explicitly identified as critical needs during the 2018 Workshop on Technical and Programmatic Needs for a Sustainable NDA Program for the US DOE.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Scalable Asset Discovery, Vulnerability Scanning, and Penetration Testing for Remote Sites and Wireless Spectrums Utilizing an Embedded Linux Plug - PwniPlug and the Raspberry Pi B+ as a Sample Pen Test

All devices attached to the NASA KSC network are subject to security vulnerability scanning and/or penetration testing. In today's changing environment, vulnerable and/or unprotected systems can easily be overlooked. Systems that are not properly managed can become a potential threat to the operational integrity of our systems and networks. This includes all NASA (internal and external) information systems within NASA KSC Internet Protocol (IP) address space, and NASA KSC facilities. The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) recommends that all NASA Centers and information systems be subject to penetration testing on a regular interval in accordance with the guidelines identified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (ITS-HBK-2810.04-02A) Protecting information and equipment at NASA is an area of increasing concern. In addition to the CPU's on the network; Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are especially vulnerable because these systems have lacked standards, use embedded controllers with little computational power and informal software, are connected to physical processes, have few operators, and are increasingly also being connected to corporate networks. The scope of work is comprised of several individual components which together build upon previous work by Drew Branch, NASA KSC Intern. The Pwn Plug is the selected COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) device chosen to test simplification of mandatory IT Security tasks. The device will be utilized to provide services to NASA KSC and enable an assessment of infrastructure soundness and regulatory compliance in an efficient, economical, and business responsive manner. The Pwn Plug is designed as a pen testing appliance which provides a hardware platform that can support commercial penetration testing efforts at significantly reduced costs. The expected outcomes are: 1) External Penetration Testing, 2) Social Engineering, 3) Procedural Documentation, 4) Recommended Remediation Action Plan, 5) System Retest & Remediation Attestation and 6) Final Reports, out briefing and Presentation. Due to physical and material constraints beyond intern and mentor control, the project was redefined as a working pen-test scenario. Limitations of lab availability and tools dictated an academic exercise. This report was developed within the scenario guidelines suggested by the project mentor. The guidelines were to be creative in developing a Pen Test program for a client.

Penetration Testing↗

A review of United States energy-only generator interconnection service policy and considerations for reform

Grid interconnection has emerged as a significant obstacle to the development of new electricity resources. There is growing interest in energy-only interconnection, which is an interconnection service option meant to allow the interconnection of new generators without ensuring their energy deliverability during all hours through the transmission system to customers. This approach potentially avoids upfront congestion-related transmission upgrades but could increase curtailment risk. Interest in energy-only interconnection is shaped by incomplete understanding of how interconnection policy functions in different jurisdictions, a knowledge gap that makes it difficult to determine how energy-only interconnection might be better used or re-designed. In this paper, we provide a regulatory review of energy-only interconnection in U.S. interconnection policy and practice, identifying jurisdictions in which rules are close to -or farther from-the theoretical concept of energy-only interconnection service. We find substantial jurisdictional differences in how energy-only interconnection is implemented, driven by differences in resource adequacy frameworks, real-time transmission operations, and state-level procurement practices. U.S. regulators have preferred local jurisdictional flexibility over federal prescription of interconnection study methods and procedures, which also contributes to differences among regions. Such findings raise fundamental questions about whether competition policies in electricity markets should extend beyond spot energy markets and into more prescriptive guidelines around interconnection rules and market entry. This paper sheds light on tensions that energy-only interconnection raises in allowing generators to access the transmission system on an as available basis and discusses how controlling thresholds for congestion-related network upgrades may be a barrier to electricity market entry.

Gorman, Will↗

Assessing the National Off-Cycle Benefits of 2-Layer HVAC Technology Using Dynamometer Testing and a National Simulation Framework

Some CO2-reducing technologies have real-world benefits not captured by regulatory testing methods. This paper documents a two-layer heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system that facilitates faster engine warmup through strategic increased air recirculation. The performance of this technology was assessed on a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Empirical performance of the technology was obtained through dynamometer tests at Argonne National Laboratory. Performance of the vehicle across multiple cycles and cell ambient temperatures with the two-layer technology active and inactive indicated fuel consumption reduction in nearly all cases. A thermally sensitive powertrain model, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's FASTSim Hot, was calibrated and validated against vehicle testing data. The developed model included the engine, cabin, and HVAC system controls. Validation of component thermal models and engine efficiency ensured accurate thermal dynamics, fuel consumption, and two-layer benefit. The real-world benefit of the two-layer technology was calculated by simulating the validated powertrain model across a representative test matrix comparing performance with and without the two-layer system. Simulation across the test matrix revealed a real-world representative benefit of 0.0835%. Analysis of test matrix results at the regional level revealed the most benefit in cold climates and rural regions. Mean results across cycle length sensitivity simulations revealed a larger real-world benefit of 0.0872%. These benefit values can be considered a more accurate assessment of real-world technology performance. Future work is planned to explore the requisite number of drive cycles to ensure the full technology benefit is captured.

2-layer↗

Transmission Innovation Symposium: Modernizing the U.S. Electrical Grid

The foundation of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Transmission Reliability research program was established 20 years ago by a series of commissioned white papers. Those white papers described the dramatic institutional and regulatory changes that the U.S. electricity transmission grid was undergoing at the time and articulated the technical challenges that these changes created. The challenges outlined in the white papers were the basis for the initial research goals of the DOE Transmission Reliability program. To a large extent, the reliability research needs outlined in the original white papers have now been met. As a result, now is an appropriate time to step back and review the technical challenges that the industry currently faces and to use those challenges as the basis for identifying the next set of targets for DOE’s transmission-related research and development (R&D) programs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Heat pumps in the United States: Market potentials, challenges and opportunities, technology advances

The US heat pump market has been affected by the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Biden administration’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through electrification and clean energy technologies is accelerating the research, development, and deployment of heat pumps in the United States for improved energy performance, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and wider adoption. The US heat pump market has experienced steady growth since 2010. In 2020, heat pumps surpassed gas furnace shipments for the first time, and the trend maintains through 2022. The current priority is to improve the affordability of energy and equitable access to heat pump technologies through cost reductions and further accelerate this trend. In addition, current R&D includes emphases on alternative refrigeration technology and lower–global warming potential refrigerants to reduce direct emissions. Heat pump market share is expected to grow as regulatory policies and financial incentives steer the building sector toward decarbonization. This paper reviews policies and market trends, discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current policy landscape, and reviews current research in the United States.

Malhotra, Mini↗

Assessment of tritium effluent from Prototype Generation IV Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor

We report a tritium transport model for a pool-type sodium cooled fast reactor was developed for estimation of tritium effluents from the Prototype Generation IV Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (PGSFR). For this purpose, the transport model developed for Experimental Breeder Reactor II and Fast Flux Test Facility was updated and validated. The tritium production rate from ternary fission and activations in PGSFR were calculated by the Argonne Reactor Computation (ARC) code suite for fast reactor analysis, and due to the potential uncertainties in source terms and variations of cold trap performance and material permeability during reactor operation, the tritium distributions and tritium effluents were estimated for several bounding cases. The upper bounding gaseous and liquid tritium release rates from PGSFR are similar to ~440.7 Ci/year and 14.7 Ci/year, respectively. The gaseous tritium effluent is about few orders of magnitude smaller than the regulatory constraint of the tritium concentration in the air. The peak tritium concentration in the steam-generator feedwater is similar to ~1.1x10 -3 mu Ci/g, which is required to be diluted prior to releasing as tritiated water. The accumulated tritium in the cold trap after five cycle operations is ~ 52,000 Ci. Because of significant conservatism in these upper bounding estimations, it is expected that the tritium effluent at the nominal case with plausible source terms would be about 2 orders of magnitude smaller than that of the upper bounding case.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗