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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1997

Developing Nationally Competitive NASA Research Capability in West Virginia

In May, 1995 West Virginia EPSCOR was awarded $150,000 to support activities to develop research capabilities in West Virginia in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). These funds were used to support three projects: 1) Information Processing and the Earth Observing System, directed by Dr. Stuart Tewksbury of West Virginia University; 2) Development of Optical Materials for Atmospheric Sensing Experiments, directed by Dr. Nancy Giles of West Virginia University; and 3) Development of Doppler Global Velocimeter (DGV) for Aeronautical and Combustion Studies, directed by Dr. John Kuhlman of West Virginia University. The funding provides the means to develop capability in each of these areas. This report summarizes the technical accomplishments in each project supported under this award.

Calzonetti, Frank J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

TASTI-GRID: An Overview of West Virginia’s Grid Resilience Challenges

West Virginia’s legacy as a top power producer with a legacy of mining and natural gas is well-known across the country. A state with historic underinvestment, vulnerability to natural hazards, and a large rural population – much of West Virginia’s critical energy infrastructure is beyond its recommended lifecycle at 75+ years old. West Virginian’s are feeling the effects of neighboring Virginia’s data center growth, as its grid interconnectedness with neighboring states have impacted energy affordability as power supply has not kept up with demand. The state aims to attract data centers to improve economic development, however, the age of infrastructure, utility reliability, weather-induced major outages, and cost of proposed improvements compound West Virginia’s resilience challenges.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

West Virginia University Industrial Assessment Center (Final Progress Report)

The Industrial Assessment Center at West Virginia University has been successful in workforce development, and in generation of energy savings for manufacturing facilities during the period 2016 to 2021. Graduate and undergraduate students have benefited from energy assessment experience and most of them have found good positions as energy engineers and analysts in the industrial sector. Several peer reviewed research papers in archival journals as well as conference papers on the topic of energy engineering and assessment have been published. The implemented energy savings for manufacturing facilities have been significant in the areas of lighting, compressed air, process heating, steam, HVAC, chillers and cooling towers, and motors. In addition, water use reduction, smart manufacturing applications to save energy, cyber security evaluation, energy management, productivity improvements and waste reduction opportunities that lead to energy intensity reductions have been explored. The students have obtained an opportunity to interact with energy efficiency and productivity improvement professionals at various conferences and workshops and their research has generated important results. In summary, the West Virginia University Industrial Assessment Center (WVU-IAC) has fulfilled its mission in regard to workforce development, energy efficiency for manufacturing facilities, and laid a strong platform enhancing sustainability through reductions in carbon emissions achieved through energy efficiency and energy management initiatives and reductions in water usage and waste reduction. During the project period (2016-2021) the WVU-IAC has made numerous energy efficiency, water use reduction, waste reduction, and productivity improvement recommendations, a significant number of them having been implemented by the manufacturing facilities. The research adds significant understanding to the area of energy efficiency, water and waste reduction, and productivity improvement. The technical effectiveness and economic feasibility of the methods and techniques investigated and demonstrated through this project have been exemplary, resulting in significant recommended and implemented resource savings and reductions in carbon emissions. The project has been of significant benefit to the public owing to replication of results within the industrial sector, thus reducing operating costs for businesses that result in increase of growth and employment, as well as community benefits in terms of reductions in carbon emissions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

Multi-Scale Lithofacies and Chemostratigraphic Analysis of Two Middle Devonian Marcellus Shale Wells in Northern West Virginia, USA

The Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Laboratory (MSEEL) consists of two project areas within the dry gas producing region of the Marcellus shale play in Monongalia County, West Virginia. MSEEL is a collaborative field project led by West Virginia University, with Northeast Natural Energy LLC, several industrial partners, and sponsored by the US Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory. The study areas are drilled approximately 8.5 miles apart to better understand the vertical and lateral changes in stratigraphy over a short distance. Two vertical pilot wells, MIP-3H and Boggess 17H were drilled in the fall of 2015 and spring of 2019, respectively. Core was recovered from the MIP-3H (API: 47-061-01707-00-00) 112 feet (34m) between depths of 7445 to 7557 feet, and from the Boggess 17H (API: 47-061-01812-00-00) 139 feet (42m) between depths of 7908 and 8012 ft. A full suite of triple combo (gamma ray, neutron, density logs), image logs, and advanced logging tools were run in both wells and calibrated to core analysis. Core analysis includes medical computed tomography (CT) scans, mineralogy and chemostratigraphy determined from handheld X-Ray fluorescence (hhXRF) and X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements, and determination of total organic content (TOC). Lithofacies were determined at core-scale using traditional core description techniques and medical CT-scan images. Log-scale facies are based on mineralogy and TOC data and developed using petrophysical logging data calibrated to core data (XRD and pyrolysis data). Chemostratigraphic analysis utilized hhXRF data to determine the major and trace element trends in the cores. In the two wells six shale lithofacies were recognized at the core and log scale. Both wells show organic-rich facies (TOC > 6.5%) primarily in the middle and lower Marcellus, with a slight decrease in thickness of this interval in the Boggess 17H. This interval is interpreted as an increase in paleo-productivity (increased Ni, Zn, and V), decreased sedimentation (decreased detrital proxies), and anoxic to euxinic conditions (increased Mo and chalcophile elements). Paleo-redox conditions in both wells are dynamic throughout deposition transitioning between euxinic/anoxic to dysoxic/oxic. This trend is seen through elemental proxies and calcite/pyrite concretion distributions.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Feasibility of Deep Direct-Use Geothermal on the West Virginia University Campus-Morgantown, WV

In 2010, research completed by the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Geothermal Laboratory estimated temperatures at reasonable drilling depths in the state of West Virginia (WV) were in the temperature range desirable for district heating. This higher temperature region extends from north-central WV (Monongalia County) to southeastern WV (Greenbrier County). The Morgantown campus of West Virginia University (WVU) is located within the north-central region, and as part of the 2016 study on Low-temperature Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis for the Appalachian Basin (GPFA-AB), Morgantown is identified as one of the priority locations for further analysis of the potential for deep direct-use (DDU) of geothermal energy. In this project, the feasibility of developing a Geothermal District Heating and Cooling (GDHC) system for the WVU campus in Morgantown, WV, to replace the current coal-fired steam heating and cooling system, is evaluated.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1974

A demonstration of ERTS-1 analog and digital techniques applied to strip mining in Maryland and West Virginia

The largest contour strip mining operations in western Maryland and West Virginia are located within the Georges Creek and the Upper Potomac Basins. These two coal basins lie within the Georges Creek (Wellersburg) syncline. The disturbed strip mine areas were delineated with the surrounding geological and vegetation features using ERTS-1 data in both analog (imagery) and digital form. The two digital systems used were: (1) the ERTS-Analysis system, a point-by-point digital analysis of spectral signatures based on known spectral values, and (2) the LARS Automatic Data Processing System. The digital techniques being developed will later be incorporated into a data base for land use planning. These two systems aided in efforts to determine the extent and state of strip mining in this region. Aircraft data, ground verification information, and geological field studies also aided in the application of ERTS-1 imagery to perform an integrated analysis that assessed the adverse effects of strip mining. The results indicated that ERTS can both monitor and map the extent of strip mining to determine immediately the acreage affected and indicate where future reclamation and revegetation may be necessary.

Anderson, A. T.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between National Energy Technology Laboratory and West Virginia University Research Corporation (Abstract)

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and West Virginia University Research Corporation (Participant) will collaborate on the testing of a 3D printed sparger in a temperature and pressure chamber, for the purpose of supporting the “American-Made Geothermal Prize” competition, designed to catalyze manufacturing innovation in the American geothermal industry by harnessing the rapid advances additive manufacturing can provide in improving design, fabrication, and functionality, which is accomplished through a series of prize competitions and the development of a diverse and powerful support network that leverages national laboratories, energy incubators, and other resources from across the United States. The intent is to connect competitor teams with national laboratories that can help accelerate the development of innovative solutions and products. Teams who have won the Set!, Go!, Make! Contests are eligible to utilize vouchers at national laboratories to advance their ideas.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Abstract for CRADA between NETL and West Virginia University Research Corporation

The National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) will collaborate with West Virginia University to develop and demonstrate a dynamically operated modular, microwave-enhanced catalytic process for the co-production of ammonia and olefins. Ammonia and olefins (e.g., ethylene) are the most widely produced chemicals in the U.S. by volume, but their processes are also the most carbon and energy intensive as they rely on fossil-based feedstocks and combustion of fossil fuels for heating. The project will leverage the unique ability of microwaves to intensify process heating by providing pulsed, targeted energy to active sites of a mixed catalyst bed to convert a mixture of CH 4 /N 2 into ethylene and ammonia. The collaboration will facilitate the development of microwave technology that has the potential to utilize distributed waste resources like shale gas or biogas as well as renewable electricity to produce these valuable chemicals. It is expected that the results will decarbonize chemical production by using renewable energy and waste feedstocks, improve efficiency by reducing unit operations (H 2 production), and de-risk microwave technology for chemical production by demonstrating long-term and dynamic operability. This project was funded by an award from the Department of Energy’s EERE IEDO.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

West Virginia's Clean Energy Jobs Potential Through 2030

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, West Virginia had 1,129,785 people in its working population (15 to 64 years of age) in 2019. The graphs below show solar photovoltaic (PV), land-based wind, battery energy storage (BES), and energy efficiency job estimates in 2020, 2025, and 2030. These job estimates do not represent net job creation. Rather, they represent the size of the workforce required to achieve projected national deployment levels of each technology for 2025 and 2030 if the state captures the same proportion of jobs in the sector as it did in 2020.

clean energy↗
NASA NTRS1982

Solar Heater in a West Virginia College

Solar space-heating and hot water system installed at Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, West Virginia, is described in 87-page document. Report contains description of building and its solar-energy system; specifications for solar-energy system, including collectors, coolant, storage tanks, circulation equipment, piping, controls, and insulation; acceptance test data; and discussion of problems with installation, their solution, and recommendations for dealing with excess solar energy.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1981

Remote sensing in West Virginia

Low altitude black and white aerial photography is the prinicipal remote sensing tool for geologic investigations in West Virginia, although side looking radar and color infrared photography are also used. The first land use/cover map for the state was produced in color infrared and is being digitized. Linear features in Cabell and Wayne Counties, as revealed by LANDSAT, were evaluated to test the possible correlations with rock fractures and gas production from shales. A LANDSAT linear features map (1:250,000) was prepared for the entire state, also. Presently investigations are being made to understand karst and to predict areas that should not be used for development. Aerial photography and field mapping is being conducted to detect the location and causes of landslides.

Lessing, P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Final Comparison of TM and MSS Data for Surface Mine Assessment in Logan County, West Virginia

A variety of classifications during both raw and transformed MSS and TM data sets from 4 September 1982 were performed for the Logan County, West Virginia study area. The object was to compare the utility of TM and MSS data for delineating small, irregular ground features, particularly surface mines, and also to test data reduction/transformation techniques (band selection, canonical analysis, and principal components) in relation to a traditional means of unsupervised classification. Statistical results demonstrate that, on the average, the TM classifications yielded an overall .53 factor of improvement relative to the MSS classifications. When the accuracies for only three minor (in terms of areal extent) land use categories are examined, the factor of improvement for TM over MSS increases to 1.48; i.e., the TM is nearly one and one-half times better than the MSS for delineating small and irregular ground features such as contour strip mines.

Witt, R. G.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Modeling study of deep direct use geothermal on the West Virginia university campus-morgantown, WV

To reduce the geothermal exploration risk, a feasibility study is performed for a deep direct-use (DDU) system proposed at the West Virginia University (WVU) Morgantown campus. This study applies numerical simulations to investigate reservoir impedance and thermal production. Because of the great depth of the geothermal reservoir, few data are available to characterize reservoir features and properties. Consequently, the study focuses on the following three aspects: 1. model choice for predicting reservoir impedance and thermal breakthrough: after investigating three potential models (one single permeability model and two dual permeability models) for flow through fractured rock, it is decided only the single permeability model is needed; 2. well placement (horizontal vs. vertical) options: horizontal well placement seems to be more robust to heterogeneity and the impedance is more acceptable; 3. Prediction uncertainty: the most influential parameters are identified using a First-Order-Second-Moment uncertainty propagation analysis, and the uncertain range of the model predictions is estimated by performing a Monte Carlo simulation. Heterogeneity has a large impact on the prediction, therefore, heterogeneity is included in the predictive model and uncertainty analysis. The numerical model results and uncertainty analysis will be used for further economic studies.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Characterization of Coal Refuse Sites in West Virginia: Stream Loss, Volume Estimation, and Land Cover Analysis for Restoration Feasibility

Coal refuse disposal across Appalachia has resulted in widespread environmental degradation, including stream burial, landscape destabilization, and long-term hydrologic impacts. This study provides a GIS-based spatial characterization of 623 coal refuse sites in West Virginia, evaluating their potential for ecological and economic restoration. Stream loss was quantified through digitization of historic topographic maps, revealing over 194,500 meters of historically present streams lost, with 105,000 meters directly buried beneath refuse piles. Volume estimation using empirical Bayesian kriging and modern LiDAR surfaces indicated approximately 1.96 billion cubic meters of deposited refuse. Land cover analysis based on NAIP-derived classification showed that 48% of the total site area was forested, while 15% remained barren. These results highlight not only the environmental footprint of legacy refuse deposits but also their potential for restoration through stream daylighting and beneficial reuse. Emerging opportunities, including rare earth element recovery and mitigation banking, may offer economic incentives to facilitate reclamation. This work establishes a spatial framework to prioritize refuse sites for restoration, balancing ecological uplift with feasible material management strategies.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Prevalence of erythromycin-resistant emm92 -type invasive group A streptococcal infections among injection drug users in West Virginia, United States, 2021–23

Abstract Background Increasing incidence of invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease has been reported in Europe and the USA over the past several years. Coupled with this are observations of higher rates of resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin. Objectives To characterize iGAS and pharyngitis isolates from West Virginia (WV), a US state outside of the national Active Bacteria Core surveillance purview, where risk factors associated with iGAS infections are prevalent. Methods Seventy-seven invasive group A Streptococcus isolates were collected from 67 unique patients at the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital Clinical Microbiology Laboratory in WV from 2021 to 2023. Invasive isolates and 20 unique pharyngitis isolates were tested for clindamycin and erythromycin susceptibility in the clinical laboratory. Patient demographic and clinical information was retrieved from patient electronic health records. Isolates were further characterized based on emm subtype and detection of MLSB resistance determinants. Results Twenty-six (39%) isolates were of a single emm92 type. All emm92 isolates were uniformly erythromycin/clindamycin resistant with inducible or constitutive MLSB resistance imparted by the plasmid-borne erm(T) gene. The majority of emm92 infections were associated with adult patients who reported IV drug use, whereas no pharyngitis infections were caused by an emm92 strain. Overall, 51 (76%) of the 67 iGAS isolates were determined to carry MLSB resistance. Conclusions Isolates of emm92 type (clonal subtype emm92.0) were associated with iGAS infections in adult IV drug users, but not with paediatric pharyngitis, and were uniformly resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin.

Powell, Lillie M.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Characterizing natural fractures and sub-seismic faults for well completion of Marcellus shale in the MSEEL Consortium project, West Virginia, USA

The Middle Devonian Marcellus shale play has emerged as a major world-class hydrocarbon accumulation and represents one of the largest and most prolific shale plays in the world. According to many outcrop studies in the region, natural fractures are well developed in the Marcellus Shale. However, evaluating fractures in the subsurface is often a significant challenge due to a lack of sufficient data. Therefore, in the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) consortium project, significant efforts have been made to acquire high-quality image logs in the Marcellus laterals. The project provided tremendous opportunities to characterize the natural fractures and sub-seismic faults and to evaluate their impact on well stimulation. In this study, about 70,000 ft of acquired high-resolution logging while drilling (LWD) acoustic images from five long laterals located in Monongalia County, West Virginia, were processed and interpreted. In addition, the study used high-quality micro-resistivity images from a pilot well, allowing the evaluation of natural fractures in the entire Marcellus vertical sequence. Based on the available acoustic images, the natural fractures were classified into three basic categories: high-amplitude fractures, low-amplitude fractures, and faults. Further, larger open fractures can also be determined when a low-amplitude fracture is evident on caliper images. The fractures in the Marcellus usually have a medium to high angle dip; however, multiple fracture sets in terms of strike orientation were clearly observed in all the laterals. The fracture set with a strike at NE-SW (or 60-240 deg) seems to be the predominant one in all the wells. A few other sets, including those with N-S, NWW-SEE, and E-W strikes, were also observed. Several sub-seismic faults, with mostly a low dip angle and a NE-SW strike, have also been seen in two of the laterals. The fracture density is variable across all the laterals, ranging from very low (or none) to very high (up to 5 fractures per ft). The average fracture density for all the laterals is about 1 fracture per 10 ft. In the vertical sequence, the natural fracture development showed a clear preference for shale or shaly facies over carbonate-rich or thin limestone layers. The interpreted fracture and fault data were used as input data for the stimulation design with the purpose of better understanding the fractures’ impact on well stimulation. Production data from the laterals were also used to evaluate the natural fractures’ influence on well performance. The quality image database and the consistent interpretation results for the entire project enabled a systematic approach to characterizing fractures and, more importantly, to evaluating the impact of fractures on well stimulation and production.

03 NATURAL GAS↗