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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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The project objective was to execute and complete a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study for a commercial-scale carbon capture system that separates 95% of the total CO2 emissions at Holcim Ste. Genevieve Cement Plant Using Air Liquide's Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) assisted CryocapTM FG technology.
In June 2020, the project team comprised of Elevate and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), with advisory roles from the City of Chicago and Commonwealth Edison, initiated a three-year project with the U.S. Department of Energy to inform communitywide energy planning at a local scale and validate advanced retrofit packages that achieve at least 50% energy savings in existing homes. The project team has characterized Chicago’s single-family and 2-4 unit housing stock and energy use using the ResStock™ modeling tool, and with that information developed advanced whole home energy retrofit packages for single family and 2-4 unit homes that can reduce energy use by at least 50% and support climate, air quality, and other goals. This report presents an analysis of the technical potential of applying these retrofit packages at a City-wide scale, and a roadmap for rapidly scaling up retrofit programs to improve Chicago’s housing stock and target investments in the neighborhoods that need it most. The main goals of the analysis are to: 1) develop a Chicago-specific single-family and 2-4 unit building retrofit prioritization strategy; 2) identify opportunities for beneficial electrification in communities and home types that stand to benefit most; and 3) assess costs and savings potential for retrofit investments at a household and city scale, in terms of energy use, bill impacts, carbon emissions, and other outcomes.
Dastur International Inc. has prepared a DOE-funded Pre-front-end engineering design (Pre-FEED) study to capture up to 2.8 mtpa of CO 2 from the available Blast Furnace (BF) gases at the Burns Harbor steel plant operated by Cleveland Cliffs in Burns Harbor, Indiana. The project consists of an amine solvent based pre-combustion carbon capture system, along with a unique BF gas conditioning process which significantly optimizes the project design and architecture in terms of higher volumes (2.8 mtpa vis-à-vis 1.6 mtpa without conditioning) & concentration (32 vol% in conditioned gas vs. 22% in raw BF gas) of CO 2 , which can be captured using a single train, resulting in reduced size and capital cost of the CO 2 capture island, and improved overall economics on a $\$$/tCO 2 captured basis.
This agreement assembles a multi-lab, multi-industry team to address high-priority research topics related to the blending of hydrogen (H2) into the U.S. natural gas (NG) pipeline network. There are four main research objectives: 1. Compatibility of metals (SNL) – Develop general principles for operation of HyBlend™ delivery systems in the context of structural integrity and assess the role of gas impurities on degradation of metal pipelines. 2. Compatibility of polymers (PNNL) – Assess gas impurities in HyBlend for polymer pipeline degradation and lifetime predictions. 3. Life cycle analysis (LCA) (ANL) – Analyze the life cycle of technology pathways for hydrogen and NG blends, as well as alternative pathways. 4.Techno-economic analysis (TEA) (NREL) – Quantify the costs and opportunities for hydrogen production and blending with the NG network, as well as alternative pathways.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is focused on achieving meaningful reductions in emissions as part of its environmental sustainability efforts. To reach its 2030 target for reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions and its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, PANYNJ is exploring a range of energy solutions, including hydrogen technologies. This report evaluates the potential role of hydrogen in reducing emissions across key operational areas: vehicles, equipment, stationary power, aviation propulsion, and marine propulsion. It examines hydrogen's technical feasibility, infrastructure needs, and economic implications within PANYNJ's operational context. The findings aim to inform decisions as PANYNJ transitions to cleaner energy sources and reduces environmental impacts. Based on the existing literature and stakeholders' feedback, the report outlines both opportunities and challenges associated with hydrogen integration, providing insights to guide PANYNJ's future sustainability initiatives.
Advanced Air Mobility encompasses emerging technologies in propulsion of general aviation and commuter aircraft for the purpose of moving passengers and goods. The State of Colorado has a strong aerospace and aviation legacy, and this research explores the potential energy implications of a transition from traditional aircraft propulsion systems to more-electric, full electric and hydrogen powered aircraft in flight schools, and small community air service utilizing NASA's Regional Air Mobility Model. Effort includes identifying potential energy needs and cost-effective solutions to support those emerging needs analyzing potential benefits on on-site generation and storage to optimize energy systems.Advanced Air Mobility encompasses emerging technologies in propulsion of general aviation and commuter aircraft for the purpose of moving passengers and goods. The State of Colorado has a strong aerospace and aviation legacy, and this research explores the potential energy implications of a transition from traditional aircraft propulsion systems to more-electric, full electric and hydrogen powered aircraft in flight schools, and small community air service utilizing NASA's Regional Air Mobility Model. Effort includes identifying potential energy needs and cost-effective solutions to support those emerging needs analyzing potential benefits on on-site generation and storage to optimize energy systems.
This core model proposal (CMP) enables GCAM to track the gross trade of regional iron and steel commodities. Following the logit-based Armington trade modeling framework, this CMP aims to improve the representation of physical output (Mt) flows in GCAM v6.0’s iron and steel sector. In addition, the core model proposal also updates the regional steel demand and improves the representation of iron and steel technologies (and their energy coefficients) across all GCAM regions.
This document highlights the crucial importance of the maritime sector within the United States (U.S.) economy, serving as a key node for trade and global goods transportation. U.S. ports are currently grappling with challenges posed by rising shipping demands, the health impacts of diesel fuel reliance, and the technology adoptions of global trade partners due to increasing environmental regulations. This document proposes forming a technical assistance program, led by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), to help U.S. ports transition to sustainable energy solutions that not only improve environmental and community outcomes, but also enhance resilience to unexpected weather events and reduce pressure on local utilities. Coordinated by PNNL, this initiative would offer a web-based platform of consolidated resources and tools for comprehensive strategic planning and cost-benefit analysis. It also seeks to establish a collaborative network between ports and national laboratories to facilitate the sharing of best practices. The document suggests that optimizing resource allocation and providing tailored support could be achieved through strategic categorization of ports within this network, with relevant attributes and examples detailed in the report. The anticipated benefits of such a program could include increased efficiency and cost savings in port operations and the advancement of scientific innovation via alternative energy research. Also, it could enhance economic growth and competitiveness in international trade by enabling ports to meet shipping demands and develop resilient critical infrastructure through informed, long-term strategies.
The Launch Alaska Transportation and Energy Accelerator (LATEA), funded through the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Technology Commercialization’s Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC),advanced deployment of innovative and efficient transportation and energy technology in Alaska from October 2021 through June 2025. The project was designed to leverage Launch Alaska’s accelerator model to identify, recruit, and support transportation technology companies with novel solutions to market needs while building the stakeholder networks, demonstration opportunities, and institutional capacity necessary to accelerate commercialization in one of the most challenging operating environments in the United States.
The C2SAGES project evaluated the feasibility of a community geothermal system for the planned Windy Ridge affordable housing development in Hinesburg, Vermont. Led by GTI Energy with Vermont Gas Systems, LN Consulting, NREL, and Frontier Energy, the work assessed technical design, energy performance, costs, business models, community engagement, maintenance, workforce development, and permitting. The proposed system was designed to serve 100% of the development’s heating, cooling, and domestic hot water loads. Compared with a baseline using air-source heat pumps and natural gas water heating, the geothermal system was estimated to reduce HVAC and domestic hot water energy use by about 45% to 48%, lower operating and maintenance costs, and reduce 30-year life-cycle costs by 37% for Phase 1 and 10% for Phase 2. Technical testing and modeling indicated that the Windy Ridge site is suitable for a community-scale geothermal system. The project also developed borehole field layouts, piping concepts, pump house designs, controls, maintenance plans, and supporting engineering drawings. The business model analysis found that first cost, ownership structure, and customer affordability remain major deployment challenges. Utility-led maintenance and operation were viewed favorably, but traditional utility cost-recovery models may require subsidy or revised financing structures to be practical for affordable housing. Community engagement highlighted the need for clear public education, transparent financing, reliable long-term maintenance, trained technicians, and the potential to pair geothermal systems with weatherization. Overall, the report concludes that community geothermal is technically feasible and offers meaningful energy, emissions, and life-cycle cost benefits, but broader deployment will depend on workable financing models and workforce readiness.
Roughly 10% of the CO 2 emissions from iron and steel making are attributable to the direct release of CO 2 from the thermal decomposition of carbonates to produce flux, mainly CaO, used for impurity removal. Notably, these direct emissions remain even if carbon-based steelmaking is replaced by hydrogen-based steelmaking. After removing impurities from the molten metal, this flux becomes the solid waste product called ‘slag’, a primarily Ca-silicate material. The transformation of slag back into carbonates is thermodynamically spontaneous with negative ΔG in the ambient environment, meaning that ~10% of the CO 2 emissions from iron and steel making could be negated if equipment and methods were developed to support CO 2 mineralization. However, the rate of CO 2 mineralization using slag is slowed by several environmental, geometric, and processing factors. We leverage an experimentally verified model of CO 2 mineralization to determine how to efficiently accelerate the process. Increasing the crystallinity of slag, increasing the relative humidity, and reducing the grain size of slag particles provide the greatest increase in CO 2 mineralization rate at the lowest energy penalty. Increasing the concentration of CO 2 and the temperature provide only modest increases in the CO 2 mineralization rate while incurring a substantial energy penalty. For steelmaking slags, CO 2 mineralization represents low-hanging fruit as the current reuse pathways are low value. For ironmaking slag, replacing the production of amorphous slag for the cement industry with the production of crystalline slag for CO 2 mineralization becomes financially preferable when a carbon price/tax exceeds 67.40 USD/t-CO 2 .
Here, this paper examines the impact of two potential solutions for increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in commercial aviation: hybrid-electric propulsion and the use of drop-in synthetic aviation fuels (SAFs). The authors modeled three representative aircraft employed in the U.S. domestic market: a 70-seat regional turboprop, a 100-seat airliner, and a 180-seat airliner. These aircraft were retrofitted with hybrid-electric propulsion systems that integrate batteries and electric motors to provide additional torque to the propeller or fan. The authors explored various technological scenarios involving different battery specific energies, electric motor specific powers, and other relevant parameters. Flight performance models were used to analyze the range–payload capabilities of these new hybrid-electric aircraft and to compare them with their conventional counterparts. Subsequently, the authors virtually deployed the hybrid-electric aircraft on 2019 U.S. domestic commercial flights to assess the types and lengths of flights that could be serviced by this new fleet. We then compared the resulting fuel consumption, energy use, and emissions with those of a conventional fleet using a combination of jet fuel and SAF.
The Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transitions to 100% Renewable Energy Study (PR100) comprehensively analyzes possible pathways for Puerto Rico to achieve its renewable energy goals while incorporating stakeholder perspectives and advancing energy resilience for all Puerto Ricans. PR100 is a wide-ranging and in-depth examination of Puerto Rico's energy system investment options. The findings are the culmination of two years of stakeholder engagement, scenario modeling, and impact analysis. The PR100 report and Implementation Roadmap contain a range of results and actions that reflect Puerto Rico's priorities around energy justice, resilience, and reliability. Led by the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Deployment Office with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the PR100 study leveraged and integrated dozens of best-in-class models and in-depth analyses from researchers across six national laboratories: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (which led the study), along with Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories (which conducted the study). For more information, please see the "PR100 Project Website" resource below.
Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) have been used for treating high-strength industrial wastewater at full-scale and the potential to use them for mainstream municipal wastewater treatment presents an important opportunity to turn energy-intensive plants into net-energy producers. However, several limitations of the AnMBR technology have prevented their adoption in the municipal wastewater industry, namely, high membrane cleaning energy demand and low membrane flux. This study demonstrated a novel AnMBR configuration that uses a commercially available cloth filter technology to address the key limitations of cleaning energy and membrane flux. The cloth filter anaerobic membrane bioreactor (CFAnMBR) is comprised of an anaerobic fixed-film bioreactor coupled with a cloth filter membrane with nominal pore size of 5 µm. The pilot CFAnMBR was operated for 150 days through the winter at a municipal wastewater plant in central Illinois (minimum/average influent temperature 5/13°C). The CFAnMBR increased membrane flux by more than 2 orders of magnitude (3,649 ± 1,246 L per meter squared per hour) and reduced cleaning energy demand by 78%—92% (0.0085 kWh/m 3 ) relative to previously reported AnMBR configurations. With the CFAnMBR, average chemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids removal were 66% and 91%, respectively, and were shown to be increased up to 88% and 96% by in-line coagulant dosing with ferric chloride. Average headspace methane yield was 154 mL CH 4 /g COD removed by the end of the study period with influent temperatures of 11°C± 4°C. The CFAnMBR resolves major limitations of AnMBR technology by employing a commercially-available technology already used for other municipal wastewater treatment applications.
Sustainable separation process development is crucial in promoting economic and environmental sustainability. Separation processes can be energy-intensive, and early-stage or emerging separation technologies can also be costly. For instance, separations in biomass-based fuels and chemicals production can account for up to 50% of the production cost, while industrial separations can consume up to 15% of the total energy used in the United States. Separations are essential to many industrial processes and play a crucial role in helping industry achieve several United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG), such as clean energy, responsible production, and climate change mitigation. Therefore, it is imperative to have a comprehensive discussion within the scientific community to identify innovative approaches for sustainable separation processes. This editorial highlights the key insights and research findings presented in this research topic titled "Future Perspectives on Separation Technologies."
Thermo-catalytic decomposition (TCD) activity and stability depend upon the initial carbon catalyst structure. However, further transitions in the carbon structure depend on the carbon material (structure and composition) originating from the TCD process. In this article, reaction data are presented that illustrates the time-dependent TCD activity as TCD-formed carbon contributes and then dominates conversion. A variety of initial carbon catalysts are compared, including sugar char, a conductive carbon black (AkzoNobel Ketjenblack), a rubber-grade carbon black (Cabot R250), and its graphitized analogue as formed and partially oxidized. Regeneration of carbon catalysts by partial oxidation is evaluated using nascent carbon black as a model, coupled with subsequent comparative TCD performance relative to the nascent, non-oxidized carbon black. Activation energies for TCD with nascent and oxidized carbons are evaluated by a leading-edge analysis method applied to TCD. Given the correlation between nanostructure and active sites, two additional carbons, engine soots, are evaluated for regeneration and dependence upon nanostructure. Active sites are quantified by oxygen chemisorption, followed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The structure of carbon catalysts is assessed pre- and post-TCD by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Last, energy dispersive X-ray analysis mapping (EDS) is carried out for its potential to visualize oxygen chemisorption.
Sensitivity to ambient air temperatures, consuming a large amount of fuel, and wasting a significant amount of heat dumped into the ambient atmosphere are three major challenges facing gas turbine power plants. This study was conducted to simultaneously solve all three aforementioned GT problems using solar energy and introducing a new configuration that consists of solar preheating and inlet-air-cooling systems. In this study, air was preheated at a combustion chamber inlet using parabolic trough collectors. Then, inlet air to the compressor was cooled by these collectors by operating an absorption cooling cycle. At the design point conditions, this novel proposed integration resulted in a 6.87% relative increase in generated power and a 10.53% relative decrement in fuel consumption, achieving a 19.45% relative increment in the plant’s thermal efficiency. This was accompanied by a reduction of 0.026 kg/s, 4.2 kg/s, and 0.278 kg/s in CO 2 , CO, and NOx emissions, respectively. Finally, spider diagrams were employed to assess the impact of the operating parameters on the overall system’s performance and its associated environmental implications.
The heavy-duty off-road industry continues to expand efforts to reduce fuel consumption and CO 2 e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions. Many manufacturers are pursuing electrification to decrease fuel consumption and emissions. Future policies will likely require electrification for CO2e savings, as seen in light-duty on-road vehicles. Electrified architectures vary widely in the heavy-duty off-road space, with parallel hybrids in some applications and series hybrids in others. The diverse applications for different types of equipment mean different electrified configurations are required. Companies must also determine the value in pursuing electrified architectures; this work analyzes a range of electrified architectures, from micro hybrids to parallel hybrids to series hybrids to a BEV, looking at the total cost, total CO 2 e, and cost per CO 2 e (cost of carbon abatement, or cost of carbon reduction) using data for the year 2021. This study is focused on a heavy-duty off-road material handler, the Pettibone Cary-Lift 204i. This machine’s specialty application, including events like unloading large oil pipes from a railcar, requires a unique electrified architecture that suits its specific needs. However, the results from this study may be extrapolated to similar machinery to inform fuel savings options across the heavy-duty off-road industry. In this study, a unique electrified architecture is determined for the Cary-Lift. This architecture is informed by multiple rounds of a Pugh matrix decision analysis to select a shortened list of desirable electrified architectures. The shortened list is modeled and simulated to determine CO 2 e, cost, and cost per CO 2 e. A final architecture is determined as a plug-in series hybrid that reduces fuel consumption by 65%, targeting the large fuel and CO 2 e savings that are likely to be required for the future of the heavy-duty off-road industry.