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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 199 records · Page 11

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NASA NTRS2003

Energetics of Single Substitutional Impurities in NiTi

Shape-memory alloys are of considerable current interest, with applications ranging from stents to Mars rover components. In this work, we present results on the energetics of single substitutional impurities in B2 NiTi. Specifically, energies of Pd, Pt, Zr and Hf impurities at both Ni and Ti sites are computed. All energies are computed using the CASTEP ab initio code, and, for comparison, using the quantum approximate energy method of Bozzolo, Ferrante and Smith. Atomistic relaxation in the vicinity of the impurities is investigated via quantum approximate Monte Carlo simulation, and in cases where the relaxation is found to be important, the resulting relaxations are applied to the ab initio calculations. We compare our results with available experimental work.

Good, Brian S.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Precipitation Estimates for Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectric plants require precise and timely estimates of rain, snow and other hydrometeors for operations. However, it is far from being a trivial task to measure and predict precipitation. This paper presents the linkages between precipitation science and hydroelectricity, and in doing so it provides insight into current research directions that are relevant for this renewable energy. Methods described include radars, disdrometers, satellites and numerical models. Two recent advances that have the potential of being highly beneficial for hydropower operations are featured: the Global Precipitation Measuring (GPM) mission, which represents an important leap forward in precipitation observations from space, and high performance computing (HPC) and grid technology, that allows building ensembles of numerical weather and climate models.

Tapiador, Francisco J.↗

NASA NTRS2012

On-Line, Real-Time Diagnostics of a Single Fluid Atomization System

A drop tube-Impulse Atomization technique was used to produce copper droplets. In this method, energy is transferred to a liquid by plunger movement resulting in spherical droplets emanating from orifices. A mathematical model of the evolution of droplet velocity and temperature at various heights for different sized droplets was developed. A two-color pyrometer, DPV-2000, and a shadowgraph were used to measure droplets radiant energy, diameter and velocity. The temperature values from the model were used to assess the two color pyrometer assumption over the temperature range of measurement. The DVP 2000 measurements were found to be dependent of droplet size wavelength and position of droplets below the atomizing nozzle. By calibrating the instrument for effective emissivity over the range of measurements, the thermal history of droplets may be recorded using a single color pyrometer approach.

DelshadKhatibi, P.↗

DOE OSTI2024

A New Post‐Hoc Method to Reduce the Energy Imbalance in Eddy Covariance Measurements

Abstract Latent and sensible heat flux observations are essential for understanding land–atmosphere interactions. Measurements from the eddy covariance technique are widely used but suffer from systematic energy imbalance problems, partly due to missing large eddies from sub‐mesoscale transport. Because available energy drives the development of large eddies, we propose an available energy based correction method for turbulent flux measurements. We apply our method to 172 flux tower sites and show that we can reduce the energy imbalance from −14.99 to −0.65 W m −2 on average, together with improved consistency between turbulent fluxes and available energy and associated increases inr 2 at individual sites and across networks. Our results suggest that our method is conceptually and empirically preferable over the method implemented in the ONEFlux processing. This can contribute to the efforts in understanding and addressing the energy imbalance issue, which is crucial for the evaluation and calibration of land surface models.

Geology↗

DOE OSTI2020

Turning the nuclear energy density functional method into a proper effective field theory: reflections

Nuclear energy density functionals (EDFs) have a lengthy history of success in reproducing properties of nuclei across the table of the nuclides. They capture quantitatively the emergent features of bound nuclei, such as nuclear saturation and pairing, yet greater accuracy and improved uncertainty quantification are actively sought. Implementations of phenomenological EDFs are suggestive of effective field-theory (EFT) formulations and there are hints of an underlying power counting. Multiple paths are possible in trying to turn the nuclear EDF method into a proper EFT. I comment here on the current situation and speculate on how to proceed using an effective action formulation.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Cycloturbine modular river current energy converter and method and apparatus for deploying marine hydrokinetic turbine assembly to harvest riverine and ocean tidal current energy

A hydrokinetic turbine system for harvesting energy from riverine and tidal sources, including a first floating dock, a marine hydrokinetic turbine mounted on the first floating dock, and a second floating dock. The system further includes a winch assembly mounted on the second floating dock and operationally connected to the first floating dock and a linkage assembly operationally connected to the first floating dock and to the second floating dock. The linkage assembly may be actuated to pull the first floating dock into contact with the second floating dock. The linkage assembly may be actuated to distance the first floating dock from the second floating dock, and the winch assembly may be energized to orient the first floating dock into a position wherein the marine hydrokinetic turbine is above the first floating dock and wherein the winch assembly may be energized to orient the first floating dock into a position wherein the marine hydrokinetic turbine is below the first floating dock.

Chen, Jun↗

NASA NTRS1979

Primary reflector for solar energy collection systems and method of making same

Solar energy is reflected to a movably supported collector that is kept at the concentrated line focus of the reflector primary by a fixed, linear, ground-based primary reflector having an extended curved sawtooth contoured surface covered with a metalized polymeric reflecting material. The primary reflector was constructed by a process utilizing well-known freeway paving machinery.

Miller, C. G.↗

DOE OSTI2023

A pseudospectral implicit particle-in-cell method with exact energy and charge conservation

The standard particle-in-cell (PIC) method employs explicit finite-difference (FD) methods (e.g. the leap-frog scheme) for both spatial and temporal integrations. Here, we employ a pseudospectral method for solving the Poisson equation and a fully implicit time integration to achieve exact energy conservation. The advantage of a pseudospectral field solver is its spectral accuracy in solving field solutions. Earlier studies of implicit time integration of PIC FD equations can enforce exact energy exchange between field and particles, resulting in exact energy-conserving schemes. Here, we prove that the exact energy conservation property can be carried over to the pseudospectral scheme. Simultaneously, we provide a solution to ensure a pseudospectral charge continuity equation. We demonstrate the new scheme in a 2D electrostatic PIC code. In conclusion, theoretical results are confirmed via numerical examples.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS2013

Energy Harvesting Systems and Methods of Assembling Same

A method of assembling an energy harvesting system is provided. The method includes coupling at least one energy storage device in flow communication with at least one apparatus that is configured to generate thermal energy and to transfer the thermal energy into at least one fluid stream. The energy storage device is configured to store the fluid stream. Moreover, the method includes coupling at least one fluid transfer device downstream from the energy storage device. The fluid transfer device receives the fluid stream from the energy storage device. A bladeless turbine is coupled in flow communication with the fluid transfer device, wherein the bladeless turbine receives the fluid stream to generate power.

Cepeda-Rizo, Juan↗

DOE OSTI2026

Multiphysics and Multiscale Simulation Methods for Electromagnetic Energy Assisted Fossil Fuel to Hydrogen Conversion (Final Scientific/Technical Report)

This report summarizes the technical accomplishments of the four-year research project “Multiphysics and Multiscale Simulation Methods for Electromagnetic Energy Assisted Fossil Fuel to Hydrogen Conversion” (Award No. DE-FE0032092), conducted at Howard University and the University of Houston (subawardee) from September 2021 to August 2025. The project successfully achieved all four major objectives: 1. 3D Structural Characterization – Developed 3D optical imaging and mechanical sectioning methods to characterize catalyst distribution and support morphology in nickel foam substrates. Successfully reconstructed 3D geometries and imported them into COMSOL Multiphysics for electromagnetic simulations. 2. EM Hotspot Simulation – Created all-frequency stable electromagnetic formulations and 3D nodal discontinuous Galerkin (NDG) methods for coupled electromagnetic-thermal-fluid problems in multiscale catalytic media. Demonstrated stable solutions from DC to microwave frequencies. 3. Multiphysics Coupling – Developed multiscale simulation methods coupling FEM electromagnetic solvers with thermal transport equations. Reactive molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) simulations were performed to investigate catalytic reaction mechanisms at the atomistic level. Demonstrated electromagnetic-thermal co-simulation capabilities for porous catalyst structures. 4. System Optimization – Designed and optimized EM-assisted catalytic systems using nickel foam and carbon foam structures, demonstrating significant temperature increases due to microwave heating. Observed and characterized plasma generation in carbon fiber catalysts. Investigated multiple reaction chamber geometries for improved microwave energy deposition. The project produced significant scientific contributions including 15+ peer-reviewed publications, trained multiple Ph.D. students and undergraduate researchers, and advanced the understanding of microwave-assisted hydrogen production from fossil fuels.

08 HYDROGEN↗

NASA NTRS1981

Reliable aerial thermography for energy conservation

A method for energy conservation, the aerial thermography survey, is discussed. It locates sources of energy losses and wasteful energy management practices. An operational map is presented for clear sky conditions. The map outlines the key environmental conditions conductive to obtaining reliable aerial thermography. The map is developed from defined visual and heat loss discrimination criteria which are quantized based on flat roof heat transfer calculations.

Jack, J. R.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Heteroatom-doped porous carbons for clean energy applications and methods for their synthesis

Methods for a facile, template free and one-step synthesis of nanoporous carbons by using a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound as a single source precursor of both carbon and nitrogen are described. The heterocyclic aromatic organic compound contains nitrogen in pyrrolic and/or pyridinic positions and is chemically activated with NaOH, KOH or ZnCl2 at high temperatures in a solid state mixture as a synthesis protocol to promote fine micropores during carbonization. Nanoporous carbons synthesized by these methods that have superior gas sorption/storage and energy storage properties are also described. The nanoporous carbons are useful as carbon sequestration agents and supercapacitors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2021

Methods and systems for syngas production and for efficient, flexible energy generation

Methods for producing syngas (e.g., H2 and CO) include introducing a stream comprising H2O and CO2 to a high-temperature co-electrolysis (HTCE) unit. A CO2 sweep gas is also introduced to the HTCE unit. Both H2O and CO2 are reduced in the HTCE unit to form the syngas and to form O2 that is swept away from the HTCE unit by the CO2 sweep gas, and the O2 and CO2 are then introduced to a combustion device (e.g., a gasifier), which may be configured to generate electrical power, as a result of combusting a carbonaceous fuel in the presence of the O2 and CO2. The HTCE unit is powered at least in part by power from an electricity-generating sub-system (e.g., at least one nuclear power plant). Related systems are also disclosed.

O'Brien, James E.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Multireference Electron Correlation Methods: Journeys along Potential Energy Surfaces

Multireference electron correlation methods describe static and dynamical electron correlation in a balanced way and, therefore, can yield accurate and predictive results even when single-reference methods or multiconfigurational self-consistent field theory fails. One of their most prominent applications in quantum chemistry is the exploration of potential energy surfaces. This includes the optimization of molecular geometries, such as equilibrium geometries and conical intersections and on-the-fly photodynamics simulations, both of which depend heavily on the ability of the method to properly explore the potential energy surface. Because such applications require nuclear gradients and derivative couplings, the availability of analytical nuclear gradients greatly enhances the scope of quantum chemical methods. This review focuses on the developments and advances made in the past two decades. A detailed account of the analytical nuclear gradient and derivative coupling theories is presented. Emphasis is given to the software infrastructure that allows one to make use of these methods. Notable applications of multireference electron correlation methods to chemistry, including geometry optimizations and on-the-fly dynamics, are summarized at the end followed by a discussion of future prospects.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

A Simplified Method to Evaluate Energy Life Cycle Cost Effectiveness for Electron Ion Collider Infrastructure Design

The new DOE Order 436.1A approved on April 25 th provides instructions to incorporate principles of sustainability early in the project planning and design process. Integral to the principles of sustainability is life cycle cost effectiveness Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Analysis is vital to the sustainable energy efficient design and construction of the Electron Ion Collider (EIC). Reducing energy consumption has a direct impact on reducing life cycle operating costs with benefits to the environment. The early stages of the project are the most influential where design decisions and so life-cycle considerations during this stage can result in significant impacts to the energy footprint of the design. For example, when comparing between various options, it is necessary to compare the energy savings in $\frac{US$}{kWh}$ to the capital cost in US$. And although uncertain by nature, it is important to factor in the expected inflation and discount of future spendings to compare with the cost of immediate capital investment. This tech note presents a tool that engineers can readily use to analyze energy operating costs using an incremental life cycle cost method when comparing different design alternative.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Method and system for dehumidification and atmospheric water extraction with minimal energy consumption

Methods, systems and devices for managing humidity within an HVAC system including a nanostructured desiccant porous material configured to adsorb water from an inlet stream at a first air pressure and to release water from that material when subjected to a second air pressure when the second air pressure is lower than the first air pressure is located within a particular location so as to allow for the passage of wet air over the materials and allow adsorption of the water on to the material. When coupled with a vacuum pump water can be collected and released from the materials and the system, regenerating the material for future use and removing water from a stream at a significantly lower cost than existing processes.

McGrail, Bernard P.↗

DOE OSTI2020

A coupled polygonal DEM-LBM technique based on an immersed boundary method and energy-conserving contact algorithm

Here we present a framework of coupling polygonal discrete elements and the lattice Boltzmann method using a direct forcing immersed boundary scheme. In this technique, an energy-conserving contact algorithm is utilized to handle the interactions between convex and concave polygonal particles. The surface of a polygon is represented by discrete boundary points which includes vertices of polygonal particles and/or points interpolated from vertices. The fluid-particle coupling is obtained through the interactions of the boundary points and the imaginary fluid particles using a direct-forcing immersed boundary method. Validations of the proposed technique are made by single particle and multiple arbitrarily-shaped particle sedimentation tests, and the effect of particle shape is illustrated using a drafting-kissing-tumbling benchmark.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2021

Chapter 22: Compressed Air Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures (September 2011 - August 2020)

Compressed-air systems are used widely throughout industry for many operations, including pneumatic tools, packaging and automation equipment, conveyors, and other industrial process operations. Compressed-air systems are defined as a group of subsystems composed of air compressors, air treatment equipment, controls, piping, pneumatic tools, pneumatically powered machinery, and process applications using compressed air. A compressed-air system has three primary functional subsystems: supply, distribution, and demand. Air compressors are the primary energy consumers in a compressed-air system and are the primary focus of this protocol. The two compressed-air energy efficiency measures specifically addressed in this protocol are: high-efficiency/variable speed drive (VSD) compressor replacing modulating, load/unload, or constant-speed compressor; compressed-air leak survey and repairs. This protocol provides direction on how to reliably verify savings from these two measures using a consistent approach for each.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗