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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 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

AXAF VETA-I mirror encircled energy measurements and data reduction

The AXAF VETA-I mirror encircled energy was measured with a series of apertures and two flow gas proportional counters at five X-ray energies ranging from 0.28 to 2.3 keV. The proportional counter has a thin plastic window with an opaque wire mesh supporting grid. Depending on the counter position, this mesh can cause the X-ray transmission to vary as much as +/-9 percent, which directly translates into an error in the encircled energy. In order to correct this wire mesh effect, window scan measurements were made, in which the counter was scanned in both horizontal (Y) and vertical (Z) directions with the aperture fixed. Post VETA measurement of the VXDS setup were made to determine the exact geometry and position of the mesh grid. Computer models of the window mesh were developed to simulate the X-ray transmission based on this measurement. The window scan data were fitted to such mesh models and corrections were made. After this study, the mesh effect was well understood and the final results of the encircled energy were obtained with an uncertainty of less than 0.8 percent.

Zhao, Ping↗
NASA NTRS1993

AXAF VETA-I mirror encircled energy measurements and data reduction

The AXAF VETA-I mirror encircled energy was measured with a series of apertures and two flow gas proportional counters at five X-ray energies ranging from 0.28 to 2.3 keV. The proportional counter has a thin plastic window with an opaque wire mesh supporting grid. Depending on the counter position, this mesh can cause the X-ray transmission to vary as much as +/- 9 percent, which directly translates into an error in the encircled energy. In order to correct this wire mesh effect, window scan measurements were made, in which the counter was scanned in both horizontal (Y) and vertical (Z) directions with the aperture fixed. Post VETA measurement of the VXDS setup were made to determine the exact geometry and position of the mesh grid. Computer models of the window mesh were developed to simulate the X-ray transmission based on this measurement. The window scan data were fitted to such mesh models and corrections were made. After this study, the mesh effect was well understood and the final results of the encircled energy were obtained with an uncertainty of less than 0.8 percent.

Zhao, Ping↗
DOE OSTI2023

Energy-Efficient Maneuvering of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) with Situational Awareness at Intersections (Final Progress Report)

The increased development of Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) systems, currently used for safety and driver convenience, presents new opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of vehicles. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) achieved a 20% energy consumption reduction in a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid by using connectivity (V2V, V2I, V2X) as part of the Next Generation Energy Technologies for Connected and Automated on-Road Vehicles (NEXTCAR) program. The energy consumption gains were achieved by a combination of vehicle dynamics and powertrain control algorithms with a focus on SAE L1 and L2 automated vehicles where a human is still responsible for safe operation. SwRI is now involved in NEXTCAR-II, focusing on energy-efficient control tech for SAE Level 4/5 automated vehicles, aiming for a 30% energy reduction compared to stock hybrids. The rise of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is driving investments in L4 and L5 automated vehicles. A study by the University of Michigan shows these vehicles might increase energy use and emissions by 3-20%. Technology similar to NEXTCAR can enhance energy efficiency in highly automated vehicles, leveraging improved sensing and actuation capabilities. While the NEXTCAR programs targeted energy efficiency improvements for a single vehicle, this program adopts a more expansive approach. It places its focus on understanding and testing the cumulative effects within a region or corridor, aiming to assess how a subset of vehicles equipped with NEXTCAR-style technologies influence the overall energy consumption of all vehicles traveling within that area. Additionally, the program explores infrastructure-based mobility solutions to optimize efficiency, and seeks to understand and quantify public perception and likelihood of technology adoption.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1985

Surface and bulk-loss reduction research by low-energy hydrogen doping

Surface and bulk loss reduction by low energy hydrogen doping of silicon solar cells was examined. Hydrogen ions provided a suppression of space charge recombination currents. Implantation of hydrogen followed by the anneal cycle caused more redistribution of boron than the anneal which could complicate processing. It was demonstrated that passivation leads to space charge current reduction.

Fonash, S.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimization-Based Model Reduction Scheme for Renewable Energy Power Plants Using Standardized Testing Scenarios

This paper presents an optimization-based model reduction scheme for renewable energy (RE) power plants consisting of inverter-based resources (IBRs) operating in grid-following (GFL) or grid-forming (GFM) modes. More importantly, the datasets feeding the optimization-based model reduction scheme are generated and re-used through the standardized grid-interactive testing scenarios. Particularly, the proposed scheme makes use of the power plant point of common coupling (PCC) measurements of various quantities specified by standardized tests (e.g., voltage and frequency ride through) as per IEEE 2800, to estimate the parameters of the reduced-order model such that its dynamic performance aligns with the original detailed power plant model. The proposed model reduction approach does not require the parameters of individual IBRs and using standardized test data as input to the formulated optimization problem simplifies the reduced-order modelling scheme. Extensive case studies following standardized test scenarios verified the remarkable accuracy of the proposed approach.

Yallamilli, Ram S. [Purdue University]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Advanced Manufacturing of Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

Original objectives (per the Statement of Project Objectives) centered on developing and translating a continuous pilot process for cathode materials production while targeting (i) a 29% manufacturing cost reduction, (ii) an 82% energy consumption reduction for cathode production, and (iii) a doubling of manufacturing productivity. Planned validation included characterization at appropriate analytical facilities and electrochemical performance evaluation progressing from half-cells to pouch-cell formats, with a pathway to kilogram-scale production of finished cathode materials for representative testing. Scope evolution: During execution, the project team identified that the surfactant-enabled chemistry offered high selectivity for lithium precipitation from brine sources. A formal scope revision shifted the final project year from cathode manufacturing development to direct lithium extraction/lithium recovery, while maintaining the overarching intent of cost reduction and process simplification relevant to the battery supply chain.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Co-Extrusion (CoEx) for Cost Reduction of Advanced High-Energy-and-Power Battery Electrode Manufacturing

Co-Extrusion (CoEx) is a deposition technology developed at PARC that uses engineered fluidic channels to cause multiple streams of dissimilar fluids to impart shape to one another. Here, we describe the use of CoEx to produce structured cathode electrode films to improve electrochemical performance of thick electrode films. CoEx enables us to create structured electrode films that have periodic regions of enhanced ionic conductivity, enabling higher utilization of thicker cathode films at high discharge rates. While increasing electrode thickness is a known method for increasing energy density of battery electrodes, this increase in energy density typically also results in reduced power density. This project, a collaboration between the Palo Alto Research Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and Ford Motor Company, seeks to first validate the benefits of CoEx at the coin cell level, before performing the necessary R&D effort to scale production up to large (10+ Ah) pouch cells that will show increased energy density without a reduction in power density. We used conventional battery materials (commercially available NMC, PVDF, carbon black, and graphite) to produce structured electrodes via CoEx and compared them to thick and thin conventionally produced (unstructured) battery electrodes. CoEx electrodes show improved high rate performance compared to unstructured electrodes, resulting in higher energy density pouch cells compared to the baseline electrode of 7 and 11% in volumetric and gravimetric energy density, respectively. These electrodes also showed substantially improved electrochemical performance at high discharge rates compared to thick conventional electrodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Detailed Vehicle Modeling & Simulation Study Quantifying Energy Consumption and Cost Reduction of Advanced Vehicle Technologies Through 2050

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) aim to develop sustainable, affordable, and efficient technologies for transportation of goods and people. Translating investments in advanced transportation component technologies and powertrains to estimate vehicle-level fuel savings potential is critical for understanding DOE’s impact. In this work, we simulated technologies funded by VTO and HFTO for light duty vehicles. The simulations were performed across: (1) Multiple powertrain configurations (conventional, power-split, extended-range electric vehicle, battery electric drive, and fuel-cell vehicles); (2) Vehicle classes (compact car, midsize car, small sport utility vehicle [SUV], midsize SUV, and pickup trucks); and (3) Fuels (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hydrogen, and battery electricity). These various technologies are assessed for six different timeframes: laboratory years 2015 (reference), 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2045. A delay of five years is assumed between laboratory year and model year (the year the technology is introduced into production).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Interstitial hydrogen enhances the mobility of some grain boundaries in tungsten

Segregation of interstitials at a grain boundary (GB) is known to generally lower its mobility. This phenomenon, called 'solute-drag', has important ramifications on the process of recrystallization and microstructural evolution. Here, we present predictions from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations which demonstrate that interstitial hydrogen in tungsten can in fact increase the mobility of some GBs which exhibit shear coupling. Assuming a disconnection-based mechanism, activation energies and pre-factors for disconnection nucleation are predicted from simulations of shear-coupled motion. In GBs where enhanced mobility is predicted, interstitial H reduces both the activation energy and the pre-factor for disconnection nucleation, thus effectively increasing the mobility. For GBs with diminished mobility, MD predicts that presence of interstitial H reduces the pre-factor and, in some cases, increases the activation energy. The reduction in the activation energy inferred from MD simulations are confirmed by nudged elastic band calculations. Temperature-dependent structural transitions are observed for some GBs, and the effect of interstitial H is found to change with the changes in structure. The effect of interstitial H is predicted to be complex and highly variable, providing some plausible explanations for experimental observations on the recrystallization of tungsten in presence of H-loaded plasma.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Charlo Junior High Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Upgrade and Energy Improvements

The Charlo School District 7J is located at 404 1st Ave West, in Charlo, Montana. The District has 55,778 ft² of facility space serving students from grades K through 12 in the Western Montana community of Charlo, within the Flathead Indian Reservation. The campus is made up of four primary buildings which are the elementary building, administration and high school, a junior high wing with a shop, and the gymnasium/multipurpose building. This project will focus on the needs of the Junior High Facility.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1982

Potential reduction of DSN uplink energy cost

DSN Earth stations typically transmit more power than that required to meet minimum specifications for uplink performance. Energy and cost savings that could result from matching the uplink power to the amount required for specified performance are studied. The Galileo mission was selected as a case study. Although substantial reduction in transmitted energy is possible, potential savings in source energy (oil or electricity) savings are much less. This is because of the rising inefficiency in power conversion and radio frequency power generation that accompanies reduced power output.

Dolinsky, S.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Geothermal-integrated thermally anisotropic building envelope for energy and peak-demand reduction

Buildings consume large amounts of energy for heating and cooling, while peak electricity demand places significant stress on the power grid. This paper presents a reduced-order co-simulation framework and load-oriented supervisory control strategy for a geothermal-integrated thermally anisotropic building envelope with a ground loop (TABE+GL). In TABE+GL, a hydronic loop embedded in the building envelope is directly coupled with a geothermal ground loop, allowing for bidirectional heat exchange between the envelope, the ground, and the indoor environment. A hybrid co-simulation framework was established by coupling a reduced-order resistor–capacitor (RC) thermal network model with EnergyPlus augmented with GHEDesigner modules. The RC model generated feasible heat flux options under three operating modes, and EnergyPlus predicted sensible loads, energy use, and pump energy demand. At each simulation step, a supervisory control algorithm selected the optimal loop configuration and duty factor that maximizes useful TABE geothermal utilization without exceeding the predicted sensible load, thereby avoiding overheating or cooling. Case studies were conducted for Los Angeles, California, Charleston, South Carolina, and Denver, Colorado. Results showed that the proposed framework reduced HVAC electricity consumption by 43%–67%, natural gas use for space heating by 11%–38%, and peak electricity demand by 43%–88%. These results highlight the potential of combining reduced-order envelope modeling, direct geothermal coupling, and load-oriented supervisory control to improve whole building energy performance and reduce peak demand across diverse weather conditions.

Howard, Daniel [Southern Adventist University]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Technology pathways for energy- and water-efficient controlled environment agriculture: A review of technologies, implementation pathways, and regional use cases

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) offers high-yield, climate-resilient food production, but high energy and resource demands challenge its sustainability. This paper synthesizes technologies that can improve outcomes across six categories—energy, CO 2 utilization, building envelope, hardware, water, and process—plus colocation strategies. We evaluate 80 technologies and define ten implementation pathways bundling complementary technologies to reduce energy use, optimize water consumption, and minimize emissions. Regional application is demonstrated through five U.S. case studies spanning different climates. A logic framework guides pathway selection for case studies based on climate, infrastructure, and regulatory context, informing context-sensitive technology deployment. Results show energy intensity reductions of 3–55 %, ranging from energy management programs to comprehensive lighting retrofits; water savings of 20–40 % through closed-loop recirculation; and emissions reductions of 3–100 %, with strategic energy management achieving 3–5 % and renewable electricity paired with electrified heating achieving up to 100 %. Text mining revealed that energy, hardware, and process technologies account for 91 % of literature coverage. Water, building envelope, and CO 2 utilization remain underexplored, indicating priorities for future research. This integrative approach to technology assessment supports growers, developers, and policymakers in aligning CEA system design with local conditions, improving resource efficiency and addressing gaps in cross-domain technology coverage.

Controlled environment agriculture↗
DOE OSTI2020

Process Heating Assessments Using DOE’s Manufacturing Energy Assessment Software for Utility Reduction (MEASUR) Tool Suite

Process heating is the most energy-intensive manufacturing process for most sectors of industry. To quantify energy savings from various energy conservation measures, the Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored the development of the Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool (PHAST) and similar tools for other industrial systems in the early 2000s. It has been used extensively in the Save Energy Now Program’s Energy Savings Assessments and the Better Plants Program’s In-Plant Trainings. Since the initial development of the legacy tools, both computer operating systems and software development have evolved significantly. Thus, DOE has invested in the modernization of PHAST and other legacy software tools to create the Manufacturing Energy Assessment Software for Utility Reduction (MEASUR) tool suite. MEASUR offers a collection of software tools that can aid manufacturing facilities in improving the efficiency of energy systems and equipment (specifically pumps, fans, steam, and process heating) and in conducting “Energy Treasure Hunts”. Eventually, the tool will also add compressed air and process cooling systems. The Process Heating Assessment (PHA) module of MEASUR is an upgrade of the PHAST tool. PHA provides the means to model fuel-fired, steam-based, and electric process heating systems, covering process heating for most industrial plants in manufacturing sector. It also includes several key upgrades, including the ability to consider multi-component charge loads and account for several different areas of energy losses. The new tool includes a comprehensive flue gas calculator to quantify available heat and heat loss for various gaseous, liquid, and solid fuels and new heat loss calculators. It generates a report and a dynamic Sankey diagram to show the energy consumption in various areas of energy use. MEASUR has significantly improved the user experience by adopting a modern software design. This paper details the structure and workflow of PHA and presents a real-world case study to demonstrate energy savings quantification and MEASUR’s outstanding reporting capabilities.

Nimbalkar, Sachin U.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Efficient civil helicopters - The payoff of directed research

Studies have been performed to identify the key areas and cost of research that will reduce the cost of operation of helicopters through reduction of energy consumption, increased performance, and reduction of maintenance. The basic analyses were made for a large passenger helicopter, with subsequent studies considering applicability to all sizes. These study results were then applied to the existing and projected U.S./Canada helicopter fleet to compare the cost of research to the dollars saved as a result of that research. These comparisons show that research costs to reduce energy and lower maintenance have payback periods of less than one year, either as higher return to the operator or as lower rental price to the customer.

Wiesner, W.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Simulating energy performance of buildings: a study using eQUEST and Energy Star ® portfolio manager

Commercial buildings consume significant energy in the United States and exhibit high potential for energy use reduction through retrofits. Benchmarking and energy simulation are well established tools in the industry to identify potential improvements and measure performance. Analysis to identify most sensitive retrofit parameters to energy performance can optimize investment and available energy savings. Presented study demonstrates methodology using a static model to determine sensitivity of building design and retrofit parameters with respect to energy performance. Calibrated simulation energy models (eQUEST) of two distribution centers (A, B) are presented. A fractional factorial analysis is conducted on retrofit parameters of efficiency measures targeting the highest energy consumers, and the results are benchmarked using Energy Star® Portfolio Manager. A custom Microsoft Excel® based simulation model is created to simulate occupancy levels, lighting, plug loads, and other equipment used in various spaces throughout the day. For Building A, efficient lighting was the most influential parameter for energy savings, carbon savings and benchmarking score; whereas, for Building B, HVAC efficiency was most influential for energy and demand controlled ventilation and economizers was most influential for benchmarking score. While retrofit projects can save energy and carbon emissions, variation in source-site ratios and state grid emissions, benchmarking scores may not always reflect equivalent improvement. State grid emissions factors, natural gas composition are difficult to model and hence not considered in this study. In conclusion, the synergistic analysis presented, emphasizes the importance of benchmarking and efficiency retrofits in promoting sustainable building practices to reduce energy consumption.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Analysis of Energy Savings and CO2 Emission Reduction Contribution for Industrial Facilities in USA

Abstract Energy audits can identify energy consumptions, energy costs of the facility and evolve to develop measures to maximize efficiency, optimize supply energy, and eliminate waste. This paper investigates the potential energy savings at 20 different industrial sectors with 152 assessments for various facilities in Wisconsin, USA. On average, eight energy recommendations were suggested and applied in each facility. This paper provides a detailed guideline for each industry in terms of eight different energy categories: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, heat recovery systems, electrical demand management, and utility bills, motors, compressors, waste management, and productivity enhancement, lighting, besides building envelope. In total, the energy savings were as follows: 98 million kWh in the shape of electricity, 561 billion British thermal units (BTUs) gas savings, 44 million gallons water savings, and 2-million-pound solid waste savings. Based on these savings, a 100-thousand-ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions was obtained.

Energy & Fuels↗
DOE OSTI2020

Energy Consumption and Cost Reduction of Future Light-Duty Vehicles through Advanced Vehicle Technologies: A Modeling Simulation Study Through 2050

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) aim to develop sustainable, affordable and efficient technologies for transportation of goods and people. Translating investments in advanced transportation component technologies and powertrains to estimate vehicle-level fuel savings potential is critical for understanding DOE’s impact. In this work, we simulated technologies funded by VTO and HFTO for light duty vehicles. The simulations were performed across: Multiple powertrain configurations (i.e., conventional, power-split, extended-range electric vehicle, battery electric drive, and fuel-cell vehicles), Vehicle classes (i.e., compact car, midsize car, small sport utility vehicle [SUV], midsize SUV, and pickup trucks); and Fuels (i.e., gasoline, diesel, hydrogen, and battery electricity). These various technologies are assessed for six different timeframes: laboratory years 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2045. A delay of 5 years is assumed between laboratory year and model year (year technology is introduced into production). Finally, uncertainties are included for both technology performance and cost aspects by considering two cases: Low case, aligned with DOE technology manager estimates of expected original equipment manufacturer (OEM) improvements based on regulations, business as usual; and High case, aligned with aggressive technology advancements based on R&D targets developed through support by VTO & HFTO. These scenarios are not intended as predictions of future performances. The energy and cost impact of different technologies were estimated using Autonomie (www.autonomie.net), Argonne vehicle system simulation tool. Autonomie is a state-of-the-art vehicle system simulation tool used to assess the energy consumption, performance and cost of multiple advanced vehicle technologies across classes (from light to heavy duty), powertrains (from conventional to HEVs, FCEVs, PHEVs and BEVs), components and control strategies. Autonomie is packaged with a complete set of vehicle models for a wide range of vehicle classes, powertrain configurations and component technologies, including vehicle level and component level controls. These controls were developed and calibrated using dynamometer test data. Autonomie has been used to support a wide range of studies including analyzing various component technologies, sizing powertrains components for different vehicle requirements, comparing the benefits of powertrain configurations, optimizing both heuristic and route based vehicle energy control and predicting transportation energy use when paired with a traffic modeling tool such as POLARIS. This report documents the assumptions and estimates the vehicle-level energy consumption benefits and associated technology costs for the various types of light duty vehicles. All details of vehicle assumptions and simulation results are available in the spreadsheets accompanying this report.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗