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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Defining optimal enzyme and matrix combination for replating of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes at different levels of maturity

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) create an unlimited cell source for basic and translational research. Depending on the maturity of cardiac cultures and the intended applications, obtaining hiPSC-CMs as a single-cell, monolayer or three-dimensional clusters can be challenging. Here, we defined strategies to replate hiPSC-CMs on early days (D15-30) or later more mature (D60-150) differentiation cultures. After generation of hiPSCs and derivation of cardiomyocytes, four dissociation reagents Collagenase A/B, Collagenase II, TrypLE, EDTA and five different extracellular matrix materials Laminin, iMatrix-511, Fibronectin, Matrigel, and Geltrex were comparatively evaluated by imaging, cell viability, and contraction analysis. For early cardiac differentiation cultures mimicking mostly the embryonic stage, the highest adhesion, cell viability, and beating frequencies were achieved by treatment with the TrypLE enzyme. Video-based contraction analysis demonstrated higher beating rates after replating compared to before treatment. For later differentiation days of more mature cardiac cultures, dissociation with EDTA and replating cells on Geltrex or Laminin-derivatives yielded better recovery. Cardiac clusters at various sizes were detected in several groups treated with collagenases. Collectively, our findings revealed the selection criteria of the dissociation approach and coating matrix for replating iPSC-CMs based on the maturity and the requirements of further downstream applications.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

U.S. Department of Energy Reference Model Program RM1: Experimental Results

The Reference Model Project (RMP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Wind and Water Power Technologies Program within the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), aims at expediting industry growth and efficiency by providing non-proprietary Reference Models (RM) of MHK technology designs as study objects for open-source research and development (Neary et al. 2014a,b). As part of this program, MHK turbine models were tested in a large open channel facility at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (UMN-SAFL). Reference Model 1 (RM2) is a 1:40 geometric scale dual-rotor axial flow horizontal axis device with counter-rotating rotors, each with a rotor diameter d T = 0.5m. Precise blade angular position and torque measurements were synchronized with three acoustic Doppler velocimeters (ADVs) aligned with each rotor and the midpoint for RM1. Flow conditions for each case were controlled such that depth, h = 1m, and volumetric flow rate, Q w = 2.425m3s -1 , resulting in a hub height velocity of approximately U hub = 1.05ms -1 and blade chord length Reynolds numbers of R ec ≈ 3.0x105. Vertical velocity profiles collected in the wake of each device from 1 to 10 rotor diameters are used to estimate the velocity recovery and turbulent characteristics in the wake, as well as the interaction of the counter-rotating rotor wakes. The development of this high resolution laboratory investigation provides a robust dataset that enables assessing turbulence performance models and their ability to accurately predict device performance metrics, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models that can be used to predict turbulent inflow environments, reproduce wake velocity deficit, recovery and higher order turbulent statistics, as well as device performance metrics.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2024

Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC): Combining biofuel and high-value bioproducts to meet the RFS

The Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) was formed to address pressing challenges in the commercialization of microalgae as a source of biofuel. The “Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC): Combining biofuel and high-value bioproducts to meet the RFS” project formally addressed two US Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) goals: (1) Model the sustainable supply of 1 million metric tonnes ash free dry weight (AFDW) cultivated algal biomass and (2) Demonstrate valuable co-products produced along with biofuel intermediates to increase value of algal biomass by 30%. To achieve these goals, the project demonstrated and validated high-value co-products to drive down the cost of biofuel by increasing the value of algae “co-products” towards increasing the selling price of total algae biomass as one of the key drivers of economics and adoption. This was accomplished through five core, interdependent tasks including: (1) strain selection to identify and deliver strains for mass culture, (2) mass culture using a hybrid cultivation system and following key operating parameters for downstream applications to provide algae feedstock, (3) recovery and conversion to evaluate two alternative methods to separate dry algae biomass into oil and residuals for downstream testing, (4) product assessment to determine biofuel, aquafeed or poultry feed product efficacy using algae biomass fractions as well as to provide critical performance data for valuation and (5) commercialization to use technoeconomic and life cycle assessments (TEA/LCA) as iterative design and assessment tools including consideration of target markets, competitors, and distribution channels to guide product assessment, development and valuation. A total of 46 peer-review publications, many open-access, provide detail of much of the work carried out and the results of the tasks. Additional reports and presentations provide other technical and public engagement material. At a high level, using a variety of approaches, more than 1000 marine microalgae strains were evaluated to ultimately identify the seven winners that were down-selected to be grown in mass culture. Strain selection demonstrated that there were no ‘super strains’ and that each candidate had strengths and limitations for specific products, growth conditions or operational considerations. Mass culture growth of these seven strains at >5000 L / 29 m 2 scale found that four them were suitable for product assessment. More than 250 kg of biomass was produced across hundreds of pond runs along with thousands of cultivation entries on the growth and biomass characteristics as well as environmental parameters. In the process, dozens of standard operating procedures were generated as was custom software to process and analyze cultivation data. Recovery and conversion of algae biomass demonstrated that a hexane solvent based extraction protocol was most effective at recovering oil (biocrude) from algae and four strains were processed to produce oil and lipid extracted algae (residuals) for downstream testing. Membrane-based oil separation was less successful, but may still be applicable to other commercial applications in the future. Product testing demonstrated that algae biocrude is of high quality and hydrotreating generated numerous fractions of high quality composition for fuel and lubricate based applications. Aquafeed studies performed at a variety of scales showed that both whole and defatted (lipid extracted algae) microalgae were suitable as a feed ingredient, but that the specifics of the fed animal and biochemical composition of the algae are critical factors when determining formulation. Similarly, poultry studies on whole and defatted microalgae generally showed positive outcomes on animal growth and health, with some microalgae providing enhanced nutritional composition of the animal product. Economic and life cycle assessments covered a wide range of possible commercialization and sustainability scenarios. Replacement value, improved product value added, consumer values marketing added valuation and improved animal health were considered as alternatives for microalgae valuation. Using the open pond system, algae productivity was identified as the key driver of commercialization economics, but combination of co-products (e.g. animal feed) with biofuel production substantially increased the total selling price of algae. Modeled microalgae selling price exceeded $\$$1500/tonne and could generate competitive biofuel selling prices below $\$$5 gallon gas equivalents using realistic algal productivities. Short (process scale) and longer (decadal trends) sustainability assessments show that marine microalgae can enhance the sustainability of energy production and lead to other realized benefits in water, fertilizer and land use for other sectors (e.g. agriculture). This project successfully demonstrated all of the components of an end-to-end process from mass microalgae cultivation and dewatering, to recovery and conversion of algae biomass components, to final product demonstration and process valuation; the combined results provide a framework for future commercialization of algae based biofuels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Treatment and Reuse of Wastewaters Discharged by Petroleum Industries (HMD/Algeria)

Industrial wastewaters discharged by petroleum industries contains: oil, heavy metals and chemicals used in the process of oil separation and treatment. These waters are a source of soil, water and air pollution, and lead a mortal danger to the ecosystem. Our aim in this work has an aspect that can contribute to the collective effort to address the enormous amount of water purges storage bins and reuse them to avoid any environmental damage. This was achieved by chemical treating of these wastewaters discharged from three different locations of Hassi Messaoud (HMD) petroleum field by flocculation with (C-5563) followed by coagulation with (C-2061) using two different acids as sequestering namely: Ascorbic and Citric acid. After experiments, the results showed that the wastewater can be treated without sequestering by adding 40 ppm of activated silicates. The best result was obtained by addition of 160 ppm of Ascorbic acid as sequestering agent and 20 ppm of activated silicates; resulting in removal of 92.81 % of suspended matter and 95.53 % of turbidity. Finally we concluded that this wastewater was satisfactorily treated and we recommend either inject it for enhanced oil recovery in industrial closest field (North field) to maintain the reservoir pressure and the improved rate recovery of oil reserves or reuse it in garden irrigation. In order to see the impact of the treated water on plants, irrigation tests have conducted on two types of plants (date palm and shaft apocalyptic) for one year. The tests showed that the thick layer of 5 cm and 0.08mm of particles diameter of dune sand removes most of remaining oil. The sand layer that fills the basin surrounding the shaft is removed and replaced every 06 months. So, Dune sand plays the role of natural filter. The garden plants appear and grow normally.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Estimates of lithium mass yields from produced water sourced from the Devonian-aged Marcellus Shale

Abstract Decarbonatization initiatives have rapidly increased the demand for lithium. This study uses public waste compliance reports and Monte Carlo approaches to estimate total lithium mass yields from produced water (PW) sourced from the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania (PA). Statewide, Marcellus Shale PW has substantial extractable lithium, however, concentrations, production volumes and extraction efficiencies vary between the northeast and southwest operating zones. Annual estimates suggest statewide lithium mass yields of approximately 1160 (95% CI 1140–1180) metric tons (mt) per year. Production decline curve analysis on PW volumes reveal cumulative volumetric disparities between the northeast (median = 2.89 X 10 7 L/10-year) and southwest (median = 5.56 × 10 7 L/10-year) regions of the state, influencing lithium yield estimates of individual wells in southwest [2.90 (95% CI 2.80–2.99) mt/10-year] and northeast [1.96 (CI 1.86–2.07) mt/10-year] PA. Moreover, Mg/Li mass ratios vary regionally, where NE PA are low Mg/Li fluids, having a median Mg/Li mass ratio of 5.39 (IQR, 2.66–7.26) and SW PA PW is higher with a median Mg/Li mass ratio of 17.8 (IQR, 14.3–20.7). These estimates indicate substantial lithium yields from Marcellus PW, though regional variability in chemistry and production may impact recovery efficiencies.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Intrinsic thermal interfacial resistance measurement in bonded metal–polymer foils

Heat conduction through bonded metal–polymer interfaces often limits the overall heat transfer in electronic packaging, batteries, and heat recovery systems. To design the thermal circuit in such systems, it is essential to measure the thermal interfacial resistance (TIR) across ~1 µm to 100 µm junctions. Previously reported TIR of metal–polymer junctions utilize ASTM E1530-based two-block systems that measure the TIR by applying pressure across the interface through external heating and cooling blocks. Here, we report a novel modification of the ASTM-E1530 technique that employs integrated heaters and sensors to provide an intrinsic TIR measurement of an adhesively bonded metal–polymer junction. We design the measurement technique using finite element simulations to either passively suppress or actively compensate the lateral heat diffusion through the polymer, which can minimize the systematic error to ≲5%. Through proof-of-concept experiments, we report the TIR of metal–polymer interfaces made from DuPont’s Pyralux double-side copper-clad laminates, commonly used in flexible printed circuit boards. Our TIR measurement errors are <10%. We highlight additional sources of errors due to non-idealities in the experiment and discuss possible ways to overcome them. Our measurement technique is also applicable to interfaces that are electrically insulating such as adhesively joined metal–metal junctions and sputter-coated or welded metal–polymer junctions. Altogether, the technique is capable of measuring TIR ≳10 –5 m 2 KW –1 in bonded metal–polymer foils and can be tailored for in situ measurements in flexible electronics, circuit packaging, and other hybrid metal–polymer systems.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1993

Neurophysiological study on visuo-vestibular control of posture and movement in fish during adaptation to weightlessness

We can stand upright and walk smoothly without paying any particular attention to it. This is because we have established in ourselves an integration center that controls our body subconsciously in response to input from eyes, muscles, joints, foot soles, and also from the gravity sensor in the inner ear (the otolith organ). It has been shown that the cerebellum plays an important role for the establishment of the integration center and that the control pattern is comparable to that of a highly sophisticated computer system. The programming for the control, however, may well be acquired for the 1-g ground condition and does not cover the 0-g in space. Although each of the above organs function as it does on the ground, the signal pattern sent to the center must be different under 0-g and, in addition, complementary signals from the otolith organ are missing, leading to confusion in the integration center and causing a variety of symptoms similar to those of car-sickness or sea-sickness. After exposure to microgravity an immediate process of re-programming will begin and be completed in 2-4 days. There is strong supporting evidence for this sensory conflict theory as an explanation for space motion sickness (SMS) episodes. Fish were selected as test organisms for this investigation because they swim around freely in three dimensions and have well-developed organs for vision and gravity detection. They also have an innate nature to orient their back toward a light source. Actually, on the ground, the fish tilts its vertical axis toward the light when illuminated laterally, and the tilt angle is a function of the intensity of light and the magnitude of gravity, while its posture is completely light-dependent in the low-gravity environment produced by aircraft parabolic flight or when the otolith organs are removed. This implies that fish posture is entirely under visual and otolithic control. In this case, the cerebellum will also contribute to the control. In the space shuttle experiment, two fish (one with otolith-removed and the other with intact otoliths) are onboard for 7 days. The arrangement of the experiment is shown. Lamps illuminate each fish alternately from different directions at a duration of 20 seconds for 10 minutes totally, twice a day. The video images and the brain waves from the cerebellum are analyzed later. If the sensory conflict theory is acceptable, then the confusion at the onset and the following recovery process will be manifested both in the light-dependent behavior and also in the cerebellar activity. In addition, there should be some variation in response between the two fish. Even if the results are positive in the present fish experiment, they would not be extensive enough to allow us to understand the complete mechanisms of SMS. However, what is currently needed is a collection of evidence based on animal experiments on which to base future investigations. Countermeasures for SMS are mandatory since SMS-induced vomiting occurring within a space suit could be fatal for a crew member during extravehicular activities. We expect that countermeasures will be developed before the space station era starts, and that the results of these studies will be applied to improving human welfare.

Mori, Shigeo↗
DOE OSTI2018

Combined Assay Systems for the Characterisation of Historical ILW at of the Dounreay Shaft and Silo-18140

In 1955 the Dounreay nuclear power development establishment was created on the northern coast of Scotland primarily to pursue the UK Government policy of developing Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) technology. The site operated then by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) saw the development, test and operation of 3 nuclear reactors, two of them FBRs, alongside fabrication and reprocessing facilities for the FBR fuel elements. From the late 1950's until 1977 Intermediate Level radioactive Waste (ILW) generated on site was disposed of into a 65 m deep, 4.6 m diameter shaft. In January 1977, an explosion thought to be caused by hydrogen generated from sodium and potassium wastes reacting with water occurred in the upper part of the shaft, thus stopping any further waste disposal. A second ILW storage facility, the ILW-Silo, started operation in 1971 to deal with the increasing volume of intermediate level waste generated on site in the mid-1960's and continued receiving waste until 1998. The decommissioning of the Shaft and Silo facilities is a challenging engineering task due to the complexity and potential hazards linked with the retrieval and handling of historical waste. Following recovery it is intended to shred the majority of the waste and load it into 200-l assay drums. Sludges would be separated and solidified within a special annulus drum to make them suitable for assay. To support the decommissioning strategies put forward by Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), Mirion Technologies Canberra UK Ltd have designed and completed the manufacture of a pair of combined non-destructive waste assay (NDA) systems. The two identical automated ILW counters are intended to provide a means to characterise the waste materials by performing active and passive neutron measurement as well as segmented high resolution gamma spectrometry (HRGS) of 200-l sacrificial waste drums. The active neutron technique is based on the Differential Die Away (DDA) technique using a pulsed Deuterium-Tritium neutron generator to interrogate fissile material present in the waste. The active neutron measurements support, as well as the passive neutron coincidence measurements, a matrix correction capability by use of an Add-a-Source mechanism. The publication will describe in broad lines the approach proposed by DSRL in the processing of the waste retrieved from both the Shaft and Silo facilities. It will also present a description of the overall design of the NDA counters, illustrating how the measurements to be performed will allow DSRL to safely characterise the retrieved waste materials. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

Evaluating Demand Response Impacts on Capacity Credit of Renewable Distributed Generation in Smart Distribution Systems

Environmental concerns and depletion of traditional energy lead to the booming development of renewable distributed generation (RDG) in the past decade. However, due to intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, to what extent RDG could provide capacity to power systems becomes a critical issue to the utility company when implementing long-term system strategic (generation expansion) planning. On the other hand, in a smart-grid frame, the popularization of different varieties of demand-side resources enables the system to operate at more flexible modes ever before. The potential variability in load demand not only introduces additional dynamics and uncertainties to the system, but could also affect the reliability benefits of RDG. Therefore, in practice, to effectively estimate the reliability value of RDG in power systems, the potential interaction between generation- and demand-side must be properly captured. In this paper, a study to assess the capacity credit (CC) of RDG in a context of distributed generation system is performed with consideration of the impacts of demand response (DR). A compound reliability model for DR is presented, which considers the uncertainties involved in both instant response and follow-on load recovery processes. On this basis, an assessment framework for the CC of RDG based on sequential Monte Carlo simulation is developed by which the inter-temporal characteristics of DR resources can be fully captured. The numerical study is implemented based on the IEEE-38 bus test case. The calculation results demonstrate that the CC of RDG would depend on a variety of factors, including penetration level, responsiveness of load demand and the correlations between RDG and DR availability. Also, it is shown that accounting for the underlying effect of DR is of absolute importance, otherwise the CC of RDG might be estimated erroneously in real practices.

capacity credit↗
NASA NTRS2022

General Services Administration Reclamation Yard, SWMU 010, 2021 Groundwater Monitoring Report

This report presents a summary of the groundwater monitoring activities that occurred in November and December 2021 at General Services Administration Reclamation Yard, Solid Waste Management Unit 010, located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The site is monitored under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program. This approach also meets the requirements of Chapter 62-780, Florida Administrative Code. For the purposes of this report, two separate plumes, known as the Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB)/Volatile Organic Aromatic (VOA) Plume and the Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Plume, were identified for this site. The contaminants of concern (COCs) for the PCB/VOA Plume consists of PCBs, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, and breakdown products of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. The COCs for the Chlorinated VOC Plume are tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and vinyl chloride. The activities presented in this report include two field events: (1) November 2021 – PCB/VOA Plume groundwater sampling via Direct Push Technology – 70 groundwater samples were collected from 10 locations at varying intervals; and (2) December 2021 – Site-wide semi-annual water level measurements of 54 monitoring wells, redevelopment of 5 monitoring wells, and sampling of 35 monitoring wells. Results for the PCB/VOA plume demonstrated COCs have not rebounded since the 2018 source removal, with groundwater cleanup target levels (GCTLs) exceeded in the 10-30 ft. below ground surface interval only. In the Chlorinated VOC plume area, there were no detections of COCs above a GCTL for at least the second consecutive sampling event for the sampled wells. Cleanup objectives have been met, and it is recommended that VOC monitoring be discontinued. Underground injection control parameters will continue to be monitored in three wells until those analytes return to background concentrations.

GSA Reclamation Yard↗
NASA NTRS1993

Decay of equatorial ring current ions and associated aeronomical consequences

The decay of the major ion species which constitute the ring current is studied by solving the time evolution of their distribution functions during the recovery phase of a moderate geomagnetic storm. In this work, only equatorially mirroring particles are considered. Particles are assumed to move subject to E x B and gradient drifts. They also experience loses along their drift paths. Two loss mechanisms are considered: charge exchange with neutral hydrogen atoms and Coulomb collisions with thermal plasma in the plasmasphere. Thermal plasma densities are calculated with a plasmaspheric model employing a time-dependent convection electric field model. The drift-loss model successfully reproduces a number of important and observable features in the distribution function. Charge exchange is found to be the major loss mechanism for the ring current ions; however the important effects of Coulomb collisions on both the ring current and thermal populations are also presented. The model predicts the formation of a low-energy (less than 500 eV) ion population as a result of energy degradation caused by Coulomb collision of the ring current ions with the plasmaspheric electrons; this population may be one source of the low-energy ions observed during active and quiet periods in the inner magnetosphere. The energy transferred to plasmaspheric electrons through Coulomb collisions with ring current ions is believed to be the energy source for the electron temperature enhancement and the associated 6300 A (stable auroral red (SAR) arc) emission in the subauroral region. The calculated energy deposition rate is sufficient to produce a subauroral electron temperature enhancement and SAR arc emissions that are consistent with observations of these quantities during moderate magnetic activity levels.

Fok, M.-C.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Energy-Recovery Linacs for Commercial Radioisotope Production - Phase I

Most radioisotopes are produced by nuclear reactors or positive ion accelerators, which are expensive to construct and to operate. Photonuclear reactions using bremsstrahlung photon beams from less-expensive electron linacs can generate isotopes of critical interest, but much of the beam energy in a conventional electron linac is dumped at high energy, making unwanted radioactivation. The largest part of this radioactivation may be completely eliminated by applying energy recovery linac technology to the problem with an additional benefit that the energy cost to produce a given amount of isotope is reduced. Consequently a Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) is a path to a more diverse and reliable domestic supply of short-lived, high-value, high-demand isotopes at a cost lower than that of isotopes produced by reactors or positive-ion accelerators. A Jefferson Lab approach to this problem involves a thin photon production radiator, which allows the electron beam to recirculate through rf cavities so the beam energy can be recovered while the spent electrons are extracted and absorbed at a low enough energy to minimize unwanted radioactivation. The thicker isotope photoproduction target is not in the beam. MuPlus, with Jefferson Lab and Niowave, proposed to extend this ERL technology to the commercial world of radioisotope production. In Phase I we demonstrated that 1) the ERL advantage for producing radioisotopes is at high energies (~100 MeV), 2) the range of acceptable radiator thickness is narrow (too thin and there is no advantage relative to other methods and too thick means energy recovery is too difficult), 3) using optics techniques developed under an earlier STTR for collider low beta designs greatly improves the fraction of beam energy that can be recovered (patent pending), 4) many potentially useful radioisotopes can be made with this ERL technique that have never before been available in significant commercial quantities. We developed a plan for the Phase II project that started with a Conceptual Design Report (CDR) based on the results of the Phase I studies and concluded with a Technical Design Report (TDR) for a facility to make isotopes that are most attractive based on market analyses.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Modeling and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation of Synchronous Machine Governor

This paper introduces the development of a high-fidelity gas turbine governor model using a programmable logic controller for power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) validation. The governor model is integrated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) PHIL test bed, featuring a 2-MVA synchronous machine and a 2.5-MW variable-speed drive, to emulate NG-driven HRSGs and CTs under various operational scenarios. The primary objective of this research is to study the grid-connected and islanding operations of conventional generation sources, with representative startup sequences including turbine purge, ignition, speed ramp-up, synchronization, and breaker closure. Preliminary results of the generator governor model on NREL PHIL platform, particularly using the 2.5-MW dynamometer system, offered significant insights into the modeling techniques, hardware integration, scaling, and real-world simulation dynamics.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS2014

Surface Albedo Darkening from wildfires in Northern Sub-Saharan Africa

Wildfires are recognized as a key physical disturbance of terrestrial ecosystems and a major source of atmospheric trace gases and aerosols. They are known to produce changes in landscape patterns and lead to changes in surface albedo that can persist for long periods. Here, we estimate the darkening of surface albedo due to wildfires in different land cover ecosystems in the Northern Sub-Saharan Africa using data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We determined a decrease in albedo after fires over most land cover types (e.g. woody savannas: (-0.00352 0.00003) and savannas: (- 0.003910.00003), which together accounted for >86% of the total MODIS fire count between 2003 and 2011). Grasslands had a higher value (-0.00454 0.00003) than the savannas, but accounted for only about 5% of the total fire count. A few other land cover types (e.g. Deciduous broad leaf: (0.00062 0.00015), and barren: 0.00027 0.00019), showed an increase in albedo after fires, but accounted for less than 1% of the total fires. Albedo change due to wildfires is more important during the fire season (October-February). The albedo recovery progresses rapidly during the first year after fires, where savannas show the greatest recovery (>77%) within one year, while deciduous broadleaf, permanent wetlands and barren lands show the least one-year recovery (56%). The persistence of surface albedo darkening in most land cover types is limited to about six to seven years, after which at least 98% of the burnt pixels recover to their pre-fire albedo.

Wildfires↗
DOE OSTI2015

How should greenhouse gas emissions be taken into account in the decision making of municipal solid waste management procurements? A case study of the South Karelia region, Finland

Highlights: • Environmental criteria for the MSW incineration location procurements are needed. • Focus should be placed on annual energy efficiency and on substitute fuels. • In SRF combustion it is crucial to know the share and the treatment of rejects. • The GWP of transportation is a small part of the total emissions. - Abstract: The ongoing trend in the public sector is to make more sustainable procurements by taking into account the impacts throughout the entire life cycle of the procurement. Despite the trend, the only deciding factor can still be the total costs. This article answers the question of how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions should be taken into account in municipal solid waste (MSW) management when selecting an incineration plant for source separated mixed MSW. The aim is to guide the decision making of MSW management towards more environmentally friendly procurements. The study was carried out by calculating the global warming potentials (GWPs) and costs of mixed MSW management by using the waste composition from a case area in Finland. Scenarios of landfilling and combustion in three actual waste incineration plants were used to recognise the main processes that affect the results. GWP results show that the combustion of mixed MSW is a better alternative than landfilling the waste. The GHG results from combustion are greatly affected by emissions from the combustion and substituted energy production. The significance of collection and transportation is higher from the costs’ perspective than from the point of view of GHG emissions. The main costs, in addition to collection and transportation costs, result from the energy utilization or landfilling of mixed MSW. When tenders are invited for the incineration location of mixed MSW, the main focus should be: What are the annual electricity and heat recovery efficiencies and which are the substituted fuels in the area? In addition, in the case of a fluidized bed combustor it is crucial to know the combusted share of mixed MSW after preparing solid recovered fuel (SRF) and the treatment of rejects. The environmental criteria for the waste incineration plant procurements should be made in order to obtain clear instructions for the procurement units. The results can also be utilized more widely. The substituted fuels in the area and the effect of the plant location on the utilization of the produced energy can already be identified when planning an appropriate site for the waste incineration plant.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Status of the ESS cryogenic system

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is a neutron science facility funded by a collaboration of 17 European countries currently under design and construction in Lund, Sweden. The centerpiece of ESS is a 2.5 GeV proton linac utilizing superconducting RF cavities operating at 2 K. In addition to cooling the SRF cavities, cryogenics is also used at ESS in the liquid hydrogen moderators surrounding the target. ESS also uses both liquid helium and liquid nitrogen in a number of the planned neutron instruments. There is also a significant cryogenic installation associated with the site acceptance testing of the ESS cryomodules. The ESS cryogenic system consists of 3 separate helium refrigeration/liquefaction plants supplying the accelerator, target moderators and instruments. An extensive cryogenic distribution system connects the accelerator cryoplant with the cryomodules. This paper describes the preliminary design of the ESS cryogenic system including the expected heat loads. Challenges associated with the required high reliability and turn-down capability will also be discussed. A unique feature of ESS is its commitment to sustainability and energy recovery. A conceptual design for recovering waste heat from the helium compressors for use in the Lund district heating system will also be described.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2014

Defining the Relationship between Biomarkers of Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress and the Risk for Atherosclerosis in Astronauts during and after Long-duration Spaceflight

Future human space travel will consist primarily of long-duration missions onboard the International Space Station (ISS) or exploration-class missions to Mars, its moons, or nearby asteroids. These missions will expose astronauts to increased risk of oxidative and inflammatory damage from a variety of sources, including radiation, psychological stress, reduced physical activity, diminished nutritional status, and hyperoxic exposure during extravehicular activity. Evidence exists that increased oxidative damage and inflammation can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether biomarkers of oxidative and inflammatory stress are elevated during and after long-duration spaceflight and investigate if a relation exists between levels of these biomarkers and structural and functional indices of atherosclerotic risk measured in the carotid and brachial arteries. This is the first study to propose assessing atherosclerotic risk using biochemical, structural, and functional measures before, during, and immediately after spaceflight, and structural and functional measures for up to 5 years after landing. METHODS We will study 12 astronauts before, during, and up to 5 years after long-duration ISS missions. A panel of biomarkers of oxidative and inflammatory stress will be measured twice before flight, early (flight days 15 and 60) and late (2 weeks before landing) during the mission, and early in the postflight recovery phase (approx 3 days after landing). Arterial structure and vascular compliance will be measured at the same times and also at 1, 3, and 5 years after landing (surveillance). Arterial function will be measured using the same preflight, postflight, and surveillance schedule as arterial structure and vascular compliance measures, but will not be measured inflight. Biomarkers, some of which we have previously shown to be elevated with spaceflight, will be measured in venous blood samples and 24-h (in-flight) and 48-h (pre- and post-flight) urine pools. Arterial structure will be assessed from measures of carotid intima-media thickness, which have been shown to be better indicators of atherosclerotic than the Framingham Risk Score. Arterial function will be assessed using brachial flow-mediated dilation, a well-validated measure used to assess endothelium-dependent vasodilation and is a sensitive predictor of atherosclerotic risk. Arterial pulse pressure measured in the brachial artery and stroke volume measured from cardiac ultrasound will be used to assess hemodynamic status, cardiac function, and systemic vascular compliance. Three astronauts are actively participating in the preflight data collection and training activities. One astronaut has completed all preflight activities and will participate in the first in-flight data collection sessions by the end of 2013. The first post-flight data collection sessions will occur in the spring of 2014. EXPECTED RESULTS We hypothesize that biomarkers of oxidative and inflammatory stress will increased with spaceflight and will correlate with increased carotid intima-media thickness during and after flight and with decreased flow-mediated dilation after the mission. Furthermore, we hypothesize that measures of oxidative stress will return to baseline after flight, but biomarkers of inflammatory stress and vascular indices of atherosclerotic risk will remain elevated.

Lee, Stuart M. C.↗