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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

W-SMART Phase-I Pathway Analysis: Case Study - City of Boston, MA

The purpose of this study is to synthesize stakeholder and research learnings to date by exercising PNNL’s Waste - Sustainability Monitoring of Alternative Reuse Options over Time (W-SMART) sustainability protocol for the Greater Boston region. This report serves as a foundation for future discussion and project work to characterize the costs, risks, impacts, tradeoffs, and highest uses for major waste streams. This analysis differs from previous work by 1) incorporating results of a newly completed detailed resource assessment for the Greater Boston area; (2) providing a head-to-head pathway comparison without any policy supports (e.g., carbon or energy credits); and (3) focusing on locally relevant critical waste streams and reuse strategies, by assessing the cost-effectiveness of two complimentary pathways, including (a) expanded incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) at existing treatment sites to produce baseload electricity, and (b) the conversion of blended municipal wastewater solids (i.e., sludge) and non-residential food waste to produce liquid transportation biofuels at a proposed hydrothermal liquefaction facility in Quincy, MA. The performance of each pathway is also compared to assumed business-as-usual waste management practices as a baseline.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enhancing phase identification in waste-to-energy fly ashes: Role of Raman spectroscopy, background fluorescence, and photobleaching

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities incinerate ~11% (~ 222 Mt) of global solid waste, generating bottom and fly ashes. Landfilling these ashes is costly, and risks releasing contaminants into the environment. Instead, using WTE ashes in secondary industrial applications can circumvent such environmental risks. However, their secondary use is restricted by their inconsistent mineralogy, which may vary due to fluctuating waste composition and combustion conditions. Therefore, there is a need for rapid and reliable monitoring of WTE fly ash mineralogy. Here, we evaluate the employment of Raman spectroscopy for that purpose. Our initial investigation of 12 unique WTE fly ashes resulted in excessive fluorescence, rendering key Raman peaks obscure. To address this issue, we report that a mere 2 minutes of photobleaching can significantly reduce this fluorescence, facilitating the detection of calcite, calcium sulfate, zincite, and carbon – phases previously undetectable in original spectra. Furthermore, these results show the potential of Raman spectroscopy for rapid monitoring of WTE fly ash mineralogy, which could be beneficial in diverting these ashes from landfill.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Baseline Hypothetical Facility for the Production of 131 I and 99 Mo using Activation Targets

This report describes a hypothetical facility for production of medical radioisotopes via activation under the Proliferation Resistance and Optimization (PRO-X) program. The facility uses neutron activation of non-special nuclear material (SNM) to produce the medical isotopes 131 I and 99 Mo at a throughput of 60 Ci/week of 131 I and 5 Ci/week of 99 Mo. The hypothetical design was carried out using a 10 MWt research reactor. The precursors used for the activation process were TeO2 for 131 I and MoO 3 for 99 Mo. The processes are performed in 3 hot cells used for target receipt, extraction, purification low specific activity (LSA) generator introduction, and packaging. A fourth hotcell is used for waste processing. The hot cell processing area takes up a footprint of 15.4 m 2 with the total footprint of the facility, including space for administrative offices, non-rad labs, quality assurance, and radiation buffer areas set at 763 m 2 . Waste is produced at a weekly rate of 257.8 g low activity solid waste and 8032.7 mL of low activity liquid waste, 8032 mL of which is water. This baseline hypothetical facility for production of medical isotopes via activation was then compared and contrasted to the hypothetical facility for production of medical isotopes via fission products to show the differences in approach for the two production modes. The two production modes had several highlighted differences including the overall facility and hot cell layout, the type and amount of waste produced by the respective facilities, and economic factors impacting production mode. Finally, a decision tree for which production mode might be more beneficial for an entrant into medical isotope production was developed based on the differences examined and the desired output of medical isotopes desired by the entrant.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

Concrete Testing Case for Closure of Handford’s 241-C Underground Storage Tanks

Sixty percent of the nation's highly toxic and radioactive mixed wastes are stored at Hanford in 177 deteriorating underground storage tanks. To close or remove these storage tanks from service and place them in a condition that is protective of human health and the environment, the tanks must be physically stabilized to prevent subsidence once wastes have been retrieved. Remaining residual liquid waste in the tanks that cannot be removed must be solidified and the solid wastes encapsulated to meet the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and the State of Washington requirements. The Department of Energy has developed cementitious flowable concretes to restrict access and provide chemical stabilization for radionuclides. Formulation, laboratory, and field testing for application at Hanford began with flowable, self-leveling structural and non-structural fills. A slump flow equal to or greater than 610 mm, 0% bleed water, and 0.1% (by volume) shrinkage measurements were key parameters guiding reformulation efforts that resulted in highly flowable, self-consolidating concretes that met Hanford 241-C Tank closure short- and long-term regulatory and engineering performance requirements.

formula development↗
DOE OSTI2020

Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Human Health Trade-Offs of Organic Waste Management Strategies

Waste-to-energy systems can play an important role in diverting organic waste from landfills. However, real-world waste management can differ from idealized practices, and emissions driven by microbial communities and complex chemical processes are poorly understood. This study presents a comprehensive life-cycle assessment, using reported and measured data, of competing management alternatives for organic municipal solid waste including landfilling, composting, dry anaerobic digestion (AD) for the production of renewable natural gas (RNG), and dry AD with electricity generation. Landfilling is the most greenhouse gas (GHG)-intensive option, emitting nearly 400 kg CO 2e per tonne of organic waste. Composting raw organics resulted in the lowest GHG emissions, at -41 kg CO 2e per tonne of waste, while upgrading biogas to RNG after dry AD resulted in -36 to -2 kg CO 2e per tonne. Monetizing the results based on social costs of carbon and other air pollutant emissions highlights the importance of ground-level NH3 emissions from composting nitrogen-rich organic waste or post-AD solids. However, better characterization of material-specific NH 3 emissions from landfills and land-application of digestate is essential to fully understand the trade-offs between alternatives.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluation of Technologies to Mitigate the Presence of Gaseous Elemental Mercury in Waste Disposal Containers

A study was conducted to evaluate sorbent technologies that can mitigate the presence of elemental mercury (Hg⁰) in waste containers for mercury-contaminated debris (MCD). Decontamination and demolition (D&D) activities at the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12) and other U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) facilities generate MCD requiring offsite disposal. The debris is packaged in appropriate waste containers and may be temporarily stored onsite prior to transport for treatment and/or disposal. During transportation of loads that had no visible liquid Hg at the point of origin, temperature changes can cause Hg⁰ to evaporate, condense, and form droplets on container walls. Furthermore, vibration during transportation could cause beads of Hg to be released from the debris, container walls, and ceiling, resulting in pools of liquid Hg⁰ on the container floor. Waste acceptance criteria (WAC) limitations for commercial disposal facilities, the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), and ORR mixed low-level waste landfills prohibit the presence of any free liquids in containers identified as a solid waste form. Potential solutions to mitigate the presence of residual liquids that could be formed through vapor condensation include the use of sorbents or similar materials to capture and stabilize volatile Hg⁰ vapors and thus ensure compliance with landfill WAC requirements. This report summarizes data from small-scale laboratory experiments conducted to evaluate sorbent materials for Hg⁰ vapor suppression and sorption of liquid Hg⁰ that could form under relevant transportation and disposal conditions. A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate commercial sorbent materials and their effectiveness for Hg⁰ sorption across a temperature range from 19.4°C to 60°C. The impact of residual moisture on sorption was investigated under relevant conditions, and leaching tests were performed to assess the stability of Hg⁰ captured sorbent materials. The results provide estimates for sorbent quantities needed for a given Hg⁰ mass loading based on experimental results exposing sorbents to gaseous and liquid Hg⁰ at various mass ratios. Overall, sorbents that were most effective for Hg⁰ vapor suppression were brominated activated carbons, mackinawite-based sorbents coated on vermiculite, and sulfur-modified granular activated carbon. Elevated temperatures and moisture conditions did not result in significant increases of Hg⁰ headspace concentrations, and the materials also demonstrated high sorption capacities for the sorption of liquid Hg⁰.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

In-Tank Processing Using Low Temperature Aluminum Dissolution: Year 1 Progress Report

The Hanford Site stores approximately 56 million gallons of radioactive legacy defense waste in underground tanks. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing in-tank low-temperature aluminum dissolution to favorably alter the transport properties of aluminum-rich southeast quadrant waste sludges, thereby de-risking sludge delivery for Direct Feed of High-Level Waste. Specifically, this study aims to assess the rate and extent of gibbsite dissolution under various conditions, including different particle sizes (~10 to 90 µm), NaOH concentrations (1 to 6 M), and the presence of specific analytes such as NO 2 - , NO 3 - , and other aluminum-rich waste background analytes, using simulated waste solids and liquids. Experimental tests were designed to highlight the impact of aluminum leaching on simulated waste transport properties, quantified by the just-suspended mixing speed (NJS), and were conducted under well-mixed, turbulent conditions, ensuring full suspension of gibbsite particles using an overhead mixer. The results suggest that the presence of NO 2 - and NO 3 - , in conjunction with leaching at relatively low free hydroxide contents, improved transport requirements (i.e., lowered NJS) for pure gibbsite slurries. These findings will inform the design of potential in-tank processing systems, optimizing aluminum dissolution for improved waste management in the Hanford Tank Farms.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

Integrated Urban Services: Program Impact and Business Plan Summary

The Integrated Urban Services (IUS) program, launched in 2021 and funded by the U.S. State Department under the United States-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (US-ASEAN) Smart Cities Partnership, aimed to bolster resilience in ASEAN cities by addressing challenges across food, energy, and water systems. Led by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) with support from Regenerative Impact Ventures, the program focused on demonstrating the socio-economic benefits of integrated urban planning, educating stakeholders on circular economy principles, providing technical assistance to two ASEAN cities, and attracting private sector involvement. The program facilitated peer learning events, engaging public and private sector participants and leveraging knowledge from a group of global experts to inform approaches and best practices. Technical assistance was provided to two pilot cities, Iskandar Malaysia and Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, resulting in the development of market-driven business plans for resilient, circular, and regenerative energy-water-food system projects. The Iskandar Malaysia pilot focused on development of a state-of-the-art AgriTech Innovation Hub and Modern Farming Complex to enhance agricultural productivity and produce enough renewable energy to power the facilities. The Cagayan de Oro project aimed to enhance urban agricultural productivity and waste management through development of an Urban Precision Agricultural Complex featuring aeroponics, hydroponics, aquaponics, agrivoltaics, and a Black Solider Fly Facility for converting municipal solid waste into commodities. The success of the IUS program sets a precedent for replicating integrated urban service models globally, offering valuable insights for cities aiming to enhance their resilience and sustainability.

ASEAN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Molecular Engineering of Biorefining Lignin Waste for Solid-State Electrolyte

Lignin is the second most abundant renewable biopolymer on Earth but also a waste in both the paper industry and lignocellulosic biorefineries. Recently, lignin valorization has been extensively sought after to return economics, enhance carbon efficiency, and improve the bioeconomy, but the commercial value and size compatibility still hinder its applications. In this study, we developed a facile strategy to apply lignin waste into a solid-state electrolyte (SSE), which represents a safe next generation energy storage. Here, lignin was grafted with polyethylene glycol (PEG), an efficient lithium-ion (Li + ) conductive polymer, to enable its ion conduction. The synthesized PEG-g-lignin was mixed with poly(vinylidene fluoride)-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) and PEG-g-lignin-based bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) to prepare a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), which has an ionic conductivity of 2.5 × 10 –5 S/cm at 25 °C. This result was further enhanced to 6.5 × 10 –5 S/cm by adding an ion-conductive ceramic of Li 6.4 La 3 Ga 0.2 Zr 2 O 12 (LLGZO), which is referred to as composite polymer electrolyte (CPE). These data represent the highest ones among reported polymer-based SSE. A mechanistic study by using 2D HSQC NMR revealed that PEG-g-lignin has increased ether type β–O–4 linkages that can promote the interchain hopping of Li+ between lignin polymer chains, and 31 P NMR revealed that the lignin phenolic end can be associated by Li + . Moreover, the abundant aromatic moieties and methoxyl in PEG-g-lignin also enhanced Li + association and improved its ionic conductivity. The superior ionic conductivity of PEG-g-lignin-based SSE can enable massive applications of this biorefining waste in all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs), which has potential to promote the energy sector by promoting the bioeconomy and enhancing the renewability and sustainability of future energy storage.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evaluation of mixed #3–7 plastic waste from material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the United States

Plastic recycling rates are still low in the United States (U.S.), with less than 10% of municipal solid waste (MSW) plastic being recycled. Most unrecycled plastics are identified by Resin Identification Codes (RIC) from #3–7, which are commonly destined for landfill or waste-to-energy facilities (WTE). Therefore, the composition and quality of outbound bales containing #3–7 plastics were assessed to understand the potential to increase recycling rates. Three bales were sourced from three different Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) located in the United States. Each bale was manually sorted and characterized for quality and performance via multiple plastic characterization techniques. Considerable differences in bale composition were observed between MRFs, which correlated with the technology used by each MRF in the sorting process. The differences were substantial in the residual levels of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which are highly desired for mechanical recycling processes and not expected in #3–7 plastics bales. Traditional recycling processes including washing, extrusion, and injection molding of the sorted material were employed prior to the physical, thermal, and molecular characterization. Despite differences in bale composition by plastic type, some polymer properties were similar across MRFs. Here, this research suggests that landfill-diverted mixed plastic waste can be utilized in the mechanical recycling of currently unrecycled materials, as processes can be designed to work with consistent polymer properties. It also highlights the need to upgrade the sorting systems to prevent waste feedstocks, which can be recycled with current technologies, from contaminating other plastic streams or reach landfills.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Introducing Small Scale Waste-to-Energy Technology in Microgrids (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-17-00703)

Cogent has developed an innovative, proprietary waste-to-energy (WTE) system, the HelioStorm(TM) Gasifier, capable of efficiently operating on small amounts of heterogeneous municipal solid waste feedstocks, converting them into a clean syngas that can be used to fuel an electricity generator, all with rapid on/off cycle times. NREL will work with Cogent to complete a computer simulation of an integrated HelioStorm(TM) plasma gasifier system and dual fuel diesel generator. Cogent will test the performance of an actual HelioStorm(TM) WTE system and dual fuel diesel generator at their test facility using steady state electrical loads and provide a report describing the performance of the integrated system.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Sludge Batch 10 (SB10) Acceptance Evaluation: Radionuclide Concentrations in Tank 51 Washed Qualification Sample

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) has been tasked with the radionuclide characterization of the washed Sludge Batch 10 (SB10) qualification sample. The washed SB10 qualification sample is based on SRR Engineering guidance and the sample slurry is expected to be similar in composition to Tank 51 slurry after final preparations for transfer to Tank 40. Forty-four radionuclides along with total alpha and beta activity have been reported herein. These radionuclide measurements are required for the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) Radiological Evaluation Program, DWPF Technical Safety Requirements (TSR)/Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) Evaluation, and the DWPF Solid Waste Characterization Program.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Sustainable Aviation Fuel Logistics and Production Study

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) sustainability commitment is to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement, with an interim greenhouse gas reduction target of 35% by 2025 and 80% by 2050. PANYNJ is seeking sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions for all public forms of transportation, including aviation. Similarly, the global aviation industry adopted the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which seeks to cap net carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) aviation emissions at 2020 levels through 2035. Industry has also set a goal of reducing CO 2 emissions by 50% compared to 2005 levels by 2050. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), made from non-petroleum feedstocks, is a near-term alternative fuel that reduces emissions from air transportation. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted a resource assessment and a techno-economic analysis to identify the potential for production in the port district. Although SAF could be sourced from other areas of the United States or imported, an evaluation of local production was conducted due to the potential positive impacts of a circular economy by converting local waste feedstocks into SAF for use at nearby airports. The study found that the highest volumes of feedstock nearby were municipal solid waste and woody biomass. SAF must be blended with Jet A up to certain percent determined by ASTM International fuel quality standards prior to use in aircraft. SAF from a stand-alone facility could be delivered by barge, rail, or truck to a Linden, New Jersey based terminal for blending with Jet A or it could be blended in the Gulf region and shipped via the Colonial pipeline to one of the terminals. The investment will take place at the terminal(s) to accommodate SAF/Jet A blends and it will be business as usual for the airports in how they receive fuel and distribute it to aircraft.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Soil Sample Plan in Support of the Site 300 Explosives Waste Treatment Facility Ecological Risk Assessment Pursuant to the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, Part V, Special Condition #14 a-f. August 2020

The Department of Toxic Substances Control issued the Final Hazardous Waste Facility Permit to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Site 300 in 2017. As part of the continual process to ensure waste treatment emissions are not impacting ecological receptors, LLNL analyzed soil samples in the vicinity of the Explosive Waste Treatment Facility (EWTF) Burn Units (i.e., Burn Cage and Burn Pan) and the Detonation Pad. Soil samples were analyzed by EPA Solid Waste 846 Methods for furans, explosives, metals, and semivolatile compounds. In all samples, furans, explosives, and semi-volatile organic compounds were not detected. Metals were detected at concentrations below background levels. This soil sample plan will sample the same four downwind areas of the Burn Units and the same downwind areas of the Detonation, as well as including four new sample locations. The four new locations will be located to the northeast and southwest of the Burn Units and Detonation (as shown in Figure 3). The constituents to be analyzed are in Tables 2 and 3. Perchlorate was not identified as a constituent of concern in the 2007 Soil Sampling Plan. However, for this plan, all soil samples will be analyzed for perchlorate. After completion of the sampling event, a soil sample report will be submitted to DTSC in accordance with requirements specified in the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, Part V, Special Conditions 16 a-f. This proposed soil sampling plan will be fully implemented no later than one year after receiving DTSC approval, in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, Part V, Special Condition 15.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Soil Sample Workplan in Support of the Site 300 Explosives Waste Treatment Facility Ecological Risk Assessment Pursuant to the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit (Part V, Special Condition #14 a-f)

The Department of Toxic Substances Control issued the Final Hazardous Waste Facility Permit to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Site 300 in 2017. As part of the continual process to ensure waste treatment emissions are not impacting ecological receptors, LLNL analyzed soil samples in the vicinity of the Explosive Waste Treatment Facility (EWTF) Burn Units (i.e., Burn Cage and Burn Pan) and the Detonation Pad. Soil samples were analyzed by EPA Solid Waste 846 Methods for furans, explosives, metals, and semi-volatile compounds. In all samples, furans, explosives, and semi-volatile organic compounds were not detected. Metals were detected at concentrations below background levels. This soil sample plan will sample the same four downwind areas of the Burn Units and the same downwind areas of the Detonation, as well as including four new sample locations. The four new locations will be located to the northeast and southwest of the Burn Units and Detonation (as shown in Figure 3). The constituents to be analyzed are in Tables 7 and 8. Perchlorate was not identified as a constituent of concern in the 2007 Soil Sampling Plan. However, for this plan, all soil samples will be analyzed for perchlorate. Nitrate and all CAM17 metals have been added to the sampling plan to comply with DTSC comments received in correspondence dated June 4, 2021. After completion of the sampling event, a soil sample report will be submitted to DTSC in accordance with requirements specified in the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, Part V, Special Conditions 16 a-f. This proposed soil sampling plan will be fully implemented no later than one year after receiving DTSC approval, in accordance with the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, Part V, Special Condition 15.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2023

Sustainable Manufacturing and the Circular Economy

The term "zero waste" can be somewhat misleading, as it implies an idealization of a concept that may never be achieved in real-world practice. According to Waste360 , "many in the solid waste industry think zero waste is an impossible goal. (Zero-waste advocates) believe just the opposite that a zero-waste approach makes the most economical and environmental sense...Most everyone agrees, however, that actually reaching the point where absolutely no waste is created is unlikely" (Leroux 2001). "Zero waste is a goal. It's completely unachievable...It's not about perfection; it's about making better choices" (Kellogg 2018). The immediate value of moving towards a zero-waste society is not immediately clear, but since the world we live in is finite in its resources, at what point does that value become evident? How do we broaden our value analysis to better incorporate the longer-term view? What are strategies that we can easily incorporate now that will significantly increase that longer term value and mitigate the impacts for future generations? This report considers these questions through a series of case studies from different parts of the U.S. manufacturing sector.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗