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At least 19 records

Clemson Hydrogen Combined Heat and Power Storage System

The objective of this project named H2 Orange, was to develop a conceptual design including a technoeconomic study, technology gap assessment and maturation plan, and commercialization plan of a nominal 50-megawatt hours (MWh) hydrogen energy storage system. The project investigated how to optimally size, design and integrate the hydrogen energy storage system with an existing 14.3-megawatt (MW) gas turbine fossil asset supplying thermal power at the Clemson University Combined Heat & Power (CHP) plant.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Energy efficiency for the growing South Carolina manufacturing industries. Final Report

The overall goals of the proposed project were to establish a DOE Industrial Assessment Center with Clemson University as the main center and to cement the Clemson IAC as the "go to" resource for energy efficiency expertise and assistance to manufacturing businesses in the state of South Carolina. The Clemson IAC included a satellite support center through partnership with the SCE&G Energy Innovation Center at the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) in North Charleston, SC. The Clemson IAC was the first IAC based in the state with the goal to serve the entire state. The Clemson IAC provided SMEs with no-cost energy assessments, trained the next generation of energy-savvy engineers, and provided outreach to non-participating SMEs. Project objectives were structured into five 12-month Budget Periods. In the first Budget Period, the primary objective was to establish methods and materials for Clemson IAC assessments, training, and outreach. In the remaining Budget Periods, the primary objectives were to perform assessments, train students, and pursue outreach to hard-to-reach SMEs that did not participate in energy assessments. Expected outcomes in the first Budget Period included the development of standard procedures for performing energy assessments, including data acquisition, processing, and communication both within the team and in assessment reports prepared for SMEs. Outcomes related to student training in the first Budget Period included detailed curriculum and internship plans for students pursuing the DOE IAC Certificate and energy-related Clemson University certificates. Outcomes in the first Budget Period also included the development of outreach materials and plans for outreach events. In Budget Periods 2 through 5, major expected outcomes are trained students and completed energy assessments and reports for SMEs. Decision points and Go-No Go criteria for the end of each Budget Period, presented in more detail below, are based on the number of students in training and the number of energy assessments performed.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Hydrogen isotope fractionation using graphene and related 2-D materials. Final report

This report provides a final technical report and listing of products from the research on a research project from Clemson university, focused on use of two-dimensional materials within membranes to accomplish hydrogen ion separations. The project used CVD graphene and related 2D materials to accomplish hydrogen / deuterium / tritium (H/D/T) separation during water electrolysis in proton-exchange-membrane (PEM)-style cells. 2D materials were incorporated into PEM cells at varying places with the aim of accomplishing isotopic sieving through 2D materials by selective hydron transport at high rates and with high selectivity. The project work scope included studies on H/D separation with small-scale cells at Clemson, collaborative work between Clemson and SRNL on computational modeling and tritium separations, and issues associated with scaleup.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Integrated TBC/EBC for SiC Fiber Reinforced SiC Matrix Composites for Next Generation Gas Turbines (Final Report)

In this ambitious project, a significant challenge preventing widespread use of ceramic matrix composites in hot section components of gas power generating turbines was addressed. Hot section components made from SiC fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC/SiC composites), have the potential to achieve a combined cycle energy efficiency of above 65%. To achieve this efficiency, the temperature of the combustion gases on the turbine component surface is expected to reach as high as ~1700ºC (3100ºF). However, SiC/SiC composites suffer from volatilization at high temperature under high velocity steam environment – typical in a turbine hot chamber. This integrated collaborative project, between two research groups at Clemson University and a team of engineers and scientists at GE Gas Power, focused on design, fabrication and evaluation of a new graded environmental barrier coating. Using the excellent compositional tailorability of polymer derived ceramics (PDCs), we developed an integrated EBC/BC that smoothly transitions from bottom SiC/SiC bond interface to hermetic sesquioxide (Y 2 O 3 ) top surface. This smooth compositional transition avoided the sharp CTE mismatch at interfaces to greatly reduce the thermal stress. The developed EBC is compatible with and bonds well with the bond coat that GE uses. The top hermetic oxide surface ensures low oxygen transportation and volatilization rates under the high velocity steam environment. The graded microstructure with increasing sesquioxide concentration also decreases the amount of Si and C elements near the top hermetic sesquioxide layer. Coatings made using a process suitable for manufacturing – atmospheric plasma spraying was demonstrated. The microstructure of coatings made using this process were fully characterized. Finally, the performance of these coatings was investigated under the most demanding conditions for this application. Specifically, high temperature, high velocity steam exposure; thermal shock test; and thermal cycling tests. The graded coatings performed exceptionally well in all these tests. Specific suggestions for future development in this area have also been identified. In addition to the excellent technical progress, this project helped initiate a robust collaboration between the research groups at Clemson and GE Gas Power. It also provided a high-quality learning and mentoring opportunity for the three post-doctoral research associates and two UG students at Clemson University who worked on this project. All proposed tasks, sub-tasks were completed, and all milestones achieved.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

High Speed Medium Voltage CHP System with Advanced Grid Support

The project was a collaboration between Clemson University and TECO Westinghouse Motor Company. The goal of the project was to develop a medium voltage commercial grid-tied system with advanced grid support functions. Current state-of-the-art in medium voltage, multi-megawatt power electronic systems do not support advanced grid functions, traditionally due to power electronic limitations and required applications. The developed system is capable of interacting with the power system at the distribution level to efficiently integrate gas turbine generation systems or any other ac generation system with up to 20MWe of power production capacity. This project demonstrated a high level of technical readiness of the 1MW, 500Hz, 15000 RPM high frequency Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generator and electric machine system, utilizing advanced grid support functions required by IEEE Std. 1547-2018.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Fully Integrated High Speed Megawatt Class Motor and High Frequency Variable Speed Drive System

This project involved developing a fully integrated high speed megawatt class motor and high frequency variable speed drive system that serve as a commercially viable and technically sound methodology for high speed industrial system applications. The project team organizations consist of Clemson University and TECO Westinghouse Motor Company (TWMC) formed an academic and industrial collaboration that combines the design, analysis, manufacturing and testing experience required for a large research project of this magnitude. The project resulted in an integrated high speed megawatt class medium voltage motor drive system that is at a TRL 6 with a clear path for commercialization. The fully integrated prototype system has been manufactured by TWMC in its Round Rock, Texas facility and tested at full power on a dynamometer at the Clemson University’s eGRID Center in North Charleston, South Carolina.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Utah FORGE 3-2514: Strain Sensing Array for Deformation Characterization - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation

This is a presentation on the Strain Sensing Array to characterize deformation at the FORGE site project by Clemson University, presented by Lawrence Murdoch. The project's objective was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring and interpreting tensor strain data to improve the performance of EGS. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 23, 2024.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Registration of the sorghum carbon–partitioning nested association mapping (CP–NAM) population

The sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] carbon-partitioning nested association mapping (CP_NAM) (Reg. no. MP-4, NSL 542189 MAP) population was developed at Clemson University, SC, using 11 diverse, male founder accessions, each crossed with a recurrent female parent ‘Grassl’. The male parents represent all five major botanical races and the four major agronomic types: cellulosic (5), sweet (3), grain (2) and forage (1). A set of 11 recombinant inbred line (RIL) families CP_NAM01 to CP_NAM011 were maintained, which consisted of 2,484 (F 6 ) individuals. Each RIL family contained a minimum of 193 individuals (CP_NAM01) and a maximum of 287 individuals (CP_NAM06). For the development of this population, the founder lines were judiciously selected from the sorghum Bioenergy Association Panel based on carbon-partitioning phenotypes that make this population an ideal genetic resource for dissecting a wide range of agronomic and compositional traits for basic and applied research. The founder accessions of the CP_NAM were phenotypically characterized for various traits, including agronomic, biomass and related components, and additional compositional components. Each of the 11 F 6 RIL families of the CP_NAM were genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing analysis, and 144,087 single nucleotide polymorphisms were generated for each individual. Genotypic information along with phenotypic data were used for the characterization of this population and to explore the range of phenotypes that permits the understanding of carbon-partitioning dynamics. This population is a unique resource for researchers to study a wide range of contrasting carbon-partitioning characteristics in sorghum to understand the genetic architecture underlying whole-plant carbon partitioning and allocation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Coupling of the Liquid Sampling–Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge to Orbitrap Mass Analyzers for Uranium Isotope Ratio Analysis: Evolution of the Methodology and Implications to the Field

Just over a decade ago, a truly outside-of-the-box approach to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was undertaken between research groups at Clemson University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The original motivation dealt with projections as to whether or not microplasmas could be developed into practical elemental ionization sources, perhaps for transportable analysis applications. In particular, the use of the liquid sampling–atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) was pursued. Its interfacing to an ultra-high resolution Orbitrap platform, proved not only facile, but opened up a wealth of potential applications. Here, we lay out a historical, tutorial description of the interfacing and the evolution of the methodology regarding IRMS of uranium. Practical challenges and opportunities are described, which hopefully provide guidance to further applications in high resolution IRMS. It is hoped that, while detailed and lengthy, the didactic nature of the presentation provides experimental insights and tips, and also serves as an homage to our very good friend, Professor Gary M. Hieftje, whose scientific inspiration and comradery have been immeasurably important in our own careers.

Koppenaal, David W.↗

Evaluation of dynamic testing of full-scale wind turbine drivetrains with hardware-in-the-loop

Dynamometer testing of full-scale wind turbine drivetrains involves subjecting integrated components to extreme static loads, fatigue loads, or dynamic loads to replicate field conditions. This paper provides a detailed evaluation of the uncertainty and errors in applied loads and measured responses, and their magnitude relative to established repeatability bounds for a drivetrain subjected to static and dynamic loads on the 7.5 MW test bench at the Clemson University Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility. An ideal drivetrain simulation model is utilized to isolate the influence of load tracking errors on test article responses. It is shown that the test article response variations are mainly driven by run out and clearances inherent to the drivetrain. For the dynamic profiles, the load tracking errors are within acceptable limits. Furthermore, a frequency analysis is used to show that the test bench controller tracking performance is acceptable for profiles with frequency content up to 1.5 Hz.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Utah FORGE 3-2514: A Strain Sensing Array to Characterize Deformation at the FORGE Site - Workshop Presentation

This is a presentation on the Strain Sensing Array to Characterize Deformation at the FORGE Site project by Clemson University, presented by Lawrence Murdoch. The project's objective was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring and interpreting tensor strain data to improve the performance of EGS. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on September 8, 2023. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to explore the progress made in each of the 17 Research and Development projects funded under Solicitation 2020-1 which aim to enhance our understanding of the crucial factors influencing the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) reservoirs and resources.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

PW2 Pumping: March 18 thru March 22, 2020

Processed Coherence-length-gated Microwave Photonics Interferometry (CMPI) distributed vertical strain on March 18 through March 22, 2020 at the hydromechanical test facility located at the Clemson University Simpson Station research facility in Central, South Carolina, USA. This includes ambient data in addition to a pumping test performed between 14:31-20:31 EST on 3/22/2020 from Pumping Well 2 (PW2). These data are from a strain ribbon that was deployed in the vadose zone at approximately 34.670130°N, -82.729524°E from the ground surface to a depth of 8m in saprolite containing weak reflectors pairs were placed every 0.85 m along the fiber. Each weak reflector pair forms a 15 cm cavity strain meter. Strain unit: meters/meter (strain). Sampling rate 0.1 Hz. Each column corresponds to the strain data taken at a depth d from the ground surface. c1: d = 1.00m c2: d = 1.85m c3: d = 2.70m c4: d = 3.55m (large demodulation error) c5: d = 4.40m c6: d = 5.25m c7: d = 6.10m (large demodulation error) c8: d = 6.95m

Distributed Strain Sensing↗

Status of SRNL Radiological Field Lysimeter Experiment (RadFLEx) – Year 7

The Radiological Field Lysimeter Experiment (RadFLEx) began in 2012 and is a collaboration between the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and Clemson University. The purpose of this facility is to study the long-term (2 to 20 years) fate and transport of radionuclides in the Savannah River Site (SRS) vadose zone under natural field and meteorological conditions. The unique facility houses 48 5-L cores filled with sediments amended with various radionuclide sources. The results from these studies have been applied to the development of geochemical models used to assess the risk posed by subsurface nuclear waste disposal, environmental remediation, and waste form development. This report describes the refurbishment of the exterior of the RadFLEx facility and the synthesis and deployment of six plutonium(Pu) sources, four neptunium (Np) sources and one radium (Ra) source. It is anticipated that these newly installed lysimeter cores will be studied for up to 10 years.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Boosting Energy Efficiency of Heterogeneous Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) Fleets via Anticipative and Cooperative Vehicle Guidance

In 2017, the Department of Energy funded a team at Clemson University and Argonne National Laboratory to develop collaborative perception and anticipative/predictive vehicle guidance schemes for Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) and to quantify the energy saving potential of this technology in large scale traffic microsimulations at different levels of technology penetration and also experimentally. The project goal was demonstrating up to a 10% energy saving potential from different aspects of the implementation with a focus on reducing unnecessary braking events by anticipatory speed and lane selection. This project introduced novel anticipative car following and lane selection schemes for Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs). Our control schemes benefited from prediction of human driver behavior, information exchange between CAVs, and sometimes from collaboration to save energy, reduce braking events, and harmonize traffic. The energy savings was first demonstrated by traffic micro-simulations and then via a novel Vehicle-In-the-Loop (VIL) experimental testbed.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Public – Private Partnership to Promote Efficient Manufacturing and Workforce Development (IAC Final Technical Report)

Through delivering ninety (90) energy assessments to small- and medium-sized manufacturing facilities in and around Tennessee, significant understandings were gained through providing detailed energy assessment reports to manufacturers and training seventy-seven (77) engineering students in which thirty-five (35) certified IAC students were recognized by DOE. The robust involvement of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), local utility and Tennessee Tech’s Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Outreach Center (CEROC) in majority of assessments made the technical operation very effective where leaded to 40.5% implementation rate of energy recommendations. Other benefits of the award to the public are a dynamic modeling tool capable of analyzing existing cooling towers for energy use optimization was developed and presented to DOE IAC, providing technical assistance to non-participating manufacturers in the form of workshop and training, publishing fifteen (15) peer-reviewed conference and journal papers as well as a book chapter in the area of industrial energy efficiency field, assisting the TVA Magnolia Combined Cycle Power Plant to become the First 50001 Ready Certified Power Plant in the U.S. through briefing them on ISO 50001 and 50001 Ready as well as providing an energy assessment to the plant, assisted the new IAC center at Clemson University with on-site and remote support, and provided assessment and training in unique areas of water, waste water, cyber security and smart manufacturing to our clients, students and community.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

All-Digital Plug and Play Passive RFID Sensors for Energy Efficient Building Control

This is the final report for the project “All-Digital Plug and Play Passive RFID Sensors for Energy Efficient Building Control”, funded by DOE, and performed by Clemson University, Phase IV Engineering and Harvard University from October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. The main objective of this project is to develop, demonstrate and pre-commercialize a novel, plug & play, battery-free, wireless sensor technology to enable low-cost (<$10 per node) indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity measurement for energy efficient building controls and operations. The proposed technology is based on the novel concept of all-digital sensing and its seamless integration with the passive RFID technology. This project focuses on the design, fabrication, material optimization, interrogation electronics, validation, and demonstration of the novel sensor nodes for building applications. The specific objectives of this research program include: (1) Design, fabricate and optimize a compact, robust, and high-resolution digitizer, which could convert rotation angle into digital numbers. (2) Develop the multi-physics-based modeling and simulation of the temperature/humidity transducer to derive a rational design of the architecture, dimension, structure, materials (i.e., mechanical, electrical, thermal and hygroscopic) properties and functions of the sensor node. (3) Design, fabricate and optimize the bi-material based humidity sensitive coil which could linearly transduce the environmental relative humidity variations to rotation angles. (4) Design, fabricate and optimize an UHF RFID platform which could support long-range passive wireless communications of 8-bit digital numbers. (5) Design, fabricate and optimize the miniaturized all-digital sensor using MEMS technology. (6) Validate the integrated all-digital sensing system in a real building environment to test the system’s performance.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Development and Demonstration of a Fuel-Efficient, Class 8 Tractor & Trailer Engine System (SuperTruck II)

Navistar presents the SuperTruck II (ST II) Final Report to the Unites States Department of Energy (US DOE), which covers the five Budget Periods (BPs) from 10-1-2016 through 6-30-2022. For ST II, Navistar built on the achievements of the SuperTruck I (ST I) Program as a catalyst to continue critical research, design and development, testing, and operations to reach the ambitious goals of the ST II project. This approach allowed Navistar to continue contributing to the essential needs of our nation for safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of goods and services, as we reduced negative environmental effects and improved operational productivity. This document contains information specified in DOE F 4600.2, Final Scientific/Technical Report DOE F 241.3, B. SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL REPORTS, explaining how we met and exceeded program requirements. Throughout this Final Report, Navistar extracted information from documents prepared during the project that represent our management, design and development, building, and testing efforts to meet and exceed SuperTruck II project goals. Navistar followed Plan requirements to achieve / exceed Project Objectives: a) >100% improvement in vehicle freight efficiency (FE) (on ton-MPG basis) relative to 2009 baseline with stretch goal of 140% improvement [actual: 170%); b) >55% engine brake thermal efficiency (BTE) demonstrated in operational engine at a 65-mph cruise point on a dynamometer – ≥31% increase from 2009 baseline [actual: 55.20% of combined BTE) ; and c) development and implementation of commercially cost effective technologies (in terms of a simple payback). Technology selection / development path focused on developing technologies applicable for production within 3-year approach, while ensuring technology readiness and cost of ownership for end users. The Program was organized into five budget periods: Requirements / Technology Assessment and Initial Hardware Testing; Technology Development and Concept Readiness Demonstration; Technology Finalization and Validation Tractor / Trailer Fabrication, Integration and Commissioning Demonstration; and Fuel Economy (FE) and Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) and Program Completion. Leadership was provided by DOE, with tasks performed by laboratories (Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory); partners at Bosch, TPI, Dana, and J.B. Hunt; , and support from University of Michigan and Clemson University. Navistar lead this team with Principal Investigator / Contracting Officer; Project Manager (PM); Vehicle, Engine, and Aftertreatment Engineers; Finance Manager, Technical Program Leads, and Legal/IP; and other key personnel. Work also included personnel in risk management; funding / budget / finance. Work involved analysis, development, testing, and down selection of individual/system engine, aftertreatment, and vehicle technologies, with integration of selected technologies into a prototype vehicle for demonstration of fuel-efficiency gain. Work also included component/integrated system level development of truck and trailer aerodynamics, base engine efficiency, advanced aftertreatment, combustion efficiency, waste heat recovery, hybrid powertrain, reduced rolling resistance, weight reduction, idle reduction, and driver feedback. As ST II progressed, Navistar performed computer-based modeling / simulations of technologies focused on the primary operational areas: Engine, Aftertreatment, and Vehicle. During the ST II Program, the COVID Virus outbreak unexpectedly challenged by the effects of, which affected staffing, scheduling, design, supplies, availability of materials, production procedures, and testing. The DOE responded by extending the program by three quarters to ensure that project tasks were completed for this vital project. Focus continued on analyzing, developing, testing, and down selecting individual-/system-level engine and vehicle technologies for integration of the final selected technologies into a prototype vehicle that would demonstrate fuel-efficiency gains made possible through these technologies. This included component/integrated system-level development of truck and trailer aerodynamics, base engine efficiency, advanced aftertreatment, combustion efficiency, waste heat recovery, solar power, distributed and intelligent vehicle power, hybrid powertrain, reduced rolling resistance, weight reduction, idle reduction, and driver feedback. Throughout the program, function, reliability, and performance at all levels were ensured through testing. Proof of this approach was demonstrated in multiple, on-road demonstrations: Scenario A (Flatland) Fuel Economy, Scenario B (Hilly) Fuel Economy, and City Cycle Tests. Other benefits derived from ST II included new/improved products, publications, patents, and next-step capabilities related to electric/hydrogen vehicles and autonomous driving.

Zukouski, Russ↗

Radionuclide Waste Disposal: Development of Multi-scale Experimental and Modeling Capabilities (Final Report)

The DOE EPSCoR Implementation project “Radioactive waste management: Development of multi-scale experimental and modeling capabilities” helped to develop a team of scientists and engineers from Clemson University, South Carolina State University, and the University of South Carolina to address the disposition of nuclear wastes and study the transport of radioisotopes from a waste repository in the near and far field. The project involved 20 faculty from the three institutions as well as 13 postdoctoral fellows, 32 graduate students, and 32 undergraduate students and was active from 2014-2019. Additionally, we forged new collaborations with nine researchers from DOE laboratories SRNL, LLNL, and ANL as well as the University of Manchester and the China Academy of Engineering Physics. The overarching goal of the project was to understand the conditions under which important classes of co-reactants, ranging from counter ions in crystal lattices to dissolved oxygen in pores, control the chemistry and transport characteristics of radionuclides in engineered waste forms and natural soils. Our approach was to characterize the time and length scales over which non-equilibrium states are maintained by rate-limiting, or rate-enhancing, reactions between radionuclides and co-reactants due to interactions between physical mass-transfer processes (i.e., advection, diffusion) and (biogeo) chemical reactions. We have focused our project on three specific classes of reactions relevant to radionuclide transport at DOE legacy sites: ion exchange/substitution, ligand complexation, and redox-mediated reactions. Understanding radionuclide migration requires detailed knowledge of how changes to a system – whether engineered or natural – drive the behavior of co-reactants, which in turn provide the geochemical context controlling radionuclide transport. Student engagement and training were a primary focus of the project in order to create a pipeline of researchers who could work in the area of nuclear waste disposition to support the state and the nation. Over the duration of the project we worked with 32 undergraduate, graduated 18 M.S. students and 14 Ph.D. students, and advised 13 postdoctoral fellows. The Ph.D students and postdocs have primarily taken positions at DOE laboratories, academia, and industry. Through our collaborative team, numerous follow on projects have been started with over $5M in sponsored research. Additionally, thus far the team has published 53 peer reviewed papers and given over 75 technical presentations.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗