Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “RESOURCE CONSERVATION”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Iron rescues glucose-mediated photosynthesis repression during lipid accumulation in the green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis

Energy status and nutrients regulate photosynthetic protein expression. The unicellular green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis switches off photosynthesis in the presence of exogenous glucose (+Glc) in a process that depends on hexokinase (HXK1). Here, we show that this response requires that cells lack sufficient iron (–Fe). Cells grown in –Fe+Glc accumulate triacylglycerol (TAG) while losing photosynthesis and thylakoid membranes. However, cells with an iron supplement (+Fe+Glc) maintain photosynthesis and thylakoids while still accumulating TAG. Proteomic analysis shows that known photosynthetic proteins are most depleted in heterotrophy, alongside hundreds of uncharacterized, conserved proteins. Photosynthesis repression is associated with enzyme and transporter regulation that redirects iron resources to (a) respiratory instead of photosynthetic complexes and (b) a ferredoxin-dependent desaturase pathway supporting TAG accumulation rather than thylakoid lipid synthesis. Combining insights from diverse organisms from green algae to vascular plants, we show how iron and trophic constraints on metabolism aid gene discovery for photosynthesis and biofuel production.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tool-Based Case Studies on Strategic Deployment of Untapped Micro-Pumped Hydro Storage in Michigan

With most classical hydropower sites already utilized and the global push for rapid integration of renewable energy sources accelerating, there is a critical need to identify alternative energy storage solutions. Pumped hydro energy storage, which accounts for the vast majority of global grid-scale storage, remains one of the most cost-effective and long-duration storage technologies available. Hence, this study presents a novel tool designed to assess the untapped potential of inland lakes and reservoirs for micro-PSH, using Michigan’s relatively flat landscape as a case study due to its extensive but underutilized water infrastructure. To ensure accuracy and reliability, the tool incorporates extensive data gathered from authorized sources, covering more than 420 water facilities and potential reservoirs in the state. The tool evaluates key parameters such as horizontal and vertical distances, volume, and the total storage capacity of each reservoir. Its robust assessment framework integrates these metrics to evaluate each site’s potential. The tool’s intuitive interface and geospatial visualizations support actionable insights for planners and scalable deployment of distributed storage infrastructure.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Creating the Distributed Energy Resources Education Center (DEREC)

The built environment in the United States consumes 40% of the energy generated and emits roughly the same percentage of total carbon footprint. Distributed energy resources (DER), small or modular energy generation and storage technologies, present the nation with an opportunity to substantially improve those metrics while securing the nation’s energy independence. As opportunities increase for implementing such technologies, they also continue to evolve and often outpace the nation’s traditional building practices. In an effort to effectively and proactively incorporate distributed energy resources into the nation’s energy supply, Southface Energy Institute convened with national and regional partners to create the Distributed Energy Resources Education Center (DEREC). Using national model codes and their regionally amended versions as a collective starting point, the DEREC team collaborated with industry experts and identified impediments to effective implementation of DERs, developing discipline-specific curriculum to eliminate those impediments. The center, developed in collaboration with Interstate Renewable Energy Committee (IREC) and National Buildings Institute (NBI), leverages existing DER education content as well as new and dynamic training materials and online courses that collectively engage the many roles necessary for DER implementations, including designers, code officials, builders and skilled trades, and building owners who specify, inspect, build, operate, and maintain buildings with DERs.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optimal Co-Design of Integrated Thermal-Electrical Networks and Control Systems for Grid-interactive Efficient District (GED) Energy Systems

This project advances a unified, open-source framework for the optimal co-design of thermal, electrical, and control systems in grid-interactive efficient districts (GEDs). As communities integrate growing levels of distributed energy resources, traditional approaches that model thermal and electrical networks independently lead to reduced efficiency, limited flexibility, and missed opportunities for coordinated operation. To address these challenges, the research team developed a comprehensive suite of physics-based models, control algorithms, and software tools that enable holistic simulation, optimization, and demonstration of district-scale energy systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Scheduler Modeling of Distributed Energy Resources for Providing Ancillary Services

Distribution energy resources (DERs) have been integral components of modern power systems, and their capability to provide grid services has been widely studied. To promote the deployment of these resources in providing grid services in real-world utility operations, this paper proposes a day-ahead scheduler model for a distribution system connected DER plant. A certain amount of generation capacity of this DER plant is reserved for frequency services, and some ancillary services for the distribution system-including peak load reduction, voltage regulation, and power factor control-are integrated into the model. The model is tested on a real-world distribution system. From the simulation results, the energy and reserve schedule of the solar photovoltaic (PV) unit and battery energy storage system (BESS) can be determined, and voltage and power factor are well maintained. Additionally, in order to demonstrate the specific characteristics of the co-located and hybrid operation modes for the PV and BESS, these two modes are analyzed both theoretically and through real-time simulation. Simulation results show that most of PV's variability is transferred to the net power in the co-located mode, whereas it is transferred to the BESS in the hybrid mode. This proposed scheduler model and the comparison of co-located and hybrid modes can provide practical guidance for the applications of DER plant in the real-world utility.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Local indistinguishability and incompleteness of entangled orthogonal bases: Method to generate two-element locally indistinguishable ensembles

Highlights: • Local indistinguishability of orthogonal quantum states. • Bipartite and multipartite quantum ensembles. • Unextendible entangled bases and uncompletable entangled bases. • Two-element locally indistinguishable quantum ensembles. • Multiparty unextendible entangled bases with unextendibility in all partitions. We relate the phenomenon of local indistinguishability of orthogonal states with the properties of unextendibility and uncompletability of entangled bases for bipartite and multipartite quantum systems. We prove that all two-qubit unextendible entangled bases are of size three and they cannot be perfectly distinguished by separable measurements. We identify a method of constructing two-element orthogonal ensembles, based on the concept of unextendible entangled bases, that can potentially lead to information sharing applications. Two-element ensembles form the fundamental unit of ensembles, and yet does not offer locally indistinguishable ensembles for pure state elements. Going over to mixed states does open this possibility, but can be difficult to identify. The method provided using unextendible entangled bases can be used for their systematic generation. In multipartite systems, we find a class of unextendible entangled bases for which the unextendibility property remains conserved across all bipartitions. We also identify nonlocal operations, local implementation of which require entangled resource states from a higher-dimensional quantum system.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Data-Driven Mean-Corrected Recursive Estimation-Based Optimal DER Dispatch for Distribution System Voltage Control

Recent advances in smart inverters offer opportunities to mitigate adverse grid impacts caused by high penetrations of distributed photovoltaics (PV) in distribution grids, such as voltage violations. Here, this paper proposes a novel measurement-driven optimal power flow (OPF)-based distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) voltage regulation via recursive sensitivity estimation informed coordinated control of distributed PV inverters. The proposed approach leverages available grid and controllable DER measurements, eliminating reliance on system model information while being adaptive and robust to volatile operating conditions. A mean-corrected recursive ridge regression (MCRRR) algorithm is proposed for sensitivity estimation, continuously refining the sensitivity model through a closed-form solution. It effectively manages varying grid operating conditions, such as changes in power injections and topology reconfiguration, to facilitate a time-varying update of the Load Sensitivity Factors (LSF). The proposed approach is formulated as a linear programming (LP) problem and is thus scalable to larger-scale distribution systems. Its effectiveness and efficiency are demonstrated on a realistic distribution feeder with high PV penetrations in Southern California, USA.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Colorado Residential Retrofit Energy District (CoRRED) Phase I: Final Modeling Results

Electrification of buildings and transportation coupled with increased deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs) has been identified as a key step toward meeting emissions reduction goals across the U.S. Examples of pilot projects that feature innovative, 'smart' electric neighborhoods are largely focused on new construction projects, but there is a need to address the millions of existing homes so that they too may accommodate cleaner yet variable energy production in ways that benefit both the utility grid and the homes' residents. The Colorado Residential Retrofit Energy District (CoRRED) project used building and grid co-simulation tools to model an advanced energy district demonstration in an existing residential neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, and explored how existing building and utility infrastructures can be enhanced with combinations of traditional energy-efficiency retrofit measures and integration of solar panels and other DER technologies to provide better affordability and reliability. We analyzed which packages of DERs most reliably enable demand flexibility in response to a time-of-use (TOU) rate. Our results clearly indicate that incorporating DERs into efficient electrification produces much bigger utility bill savings on an annual basis than efficient electrification without DERs. While electrifying a neighborhood will increase the maximum load, batteries and solar panels can reduce load during peak hours so that the community can be a net producer during peak periods. A remaining challenge is to overcome first cost barriers to implementing energy-efficiency and DER technologies, as modest utility bill savings require long payback periods that are not practical for most homeowners.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2026

Structure and sequence evolution in the pennycress ( Thlaspi arvense ) pangenome

Eukaryotic genomes harbor many forms of variation, including nucleotide diversity and structural polymorphisms, which experience natural selection and contribute to genome evolution and biodiversity. Harnessing this variation for agriculture hinges on our ability to detect, quantify, catalog, and deploy genetic diversity. Here, we explore seven complete genomes of the emerging biofuel crop pennycress ( Thlaspi arvense ) drawn from across the species' current genetic diversity to catalog variation in genome structure and content. Across this new pangenome resource, we find contrasting evolutionary modes in different genomic zones. Gene-poor, repeat-rich pericentromeric regions experience frequent rearrangements, including repeated centromere repositioning. By contrast, conserved gene-dense chromosome arms maintain large-scale synteny across accessions even in fast-evolving NOD-like receptor immune genes, where microsynteny breaks down across species, but gene cluster positioning macrosynteny is maintained. Our findings highlight that multiple elements of the genome experience dynamic evolution that conserves functional content on the chromosome scale but allows repositioning and presence–absence variation on a local scale. This diversity is invisible to classical reference-based strategies and highlights the strength and utility of pangenomic resources. These results provide a valuable case study of rapid genomic structural evolution within a species and powerful resources for crop development in an emerging biofuel crop.

Thlaspi arvense↗
DOE OSTI2024

Seed classification with random forest models

Premise: To improve forest conservation monitoring, we developed a protocol to automatically count and identify the seeds of plant species with minimal resource requirements, making the process more efficient and less dependent on human operators. Methods and Results: Seeds from six North American conifer tree species were separated from leaf litter and imaged on a flatbed scanner. In the most successful species-classification approach, an ImageJ macro automatically extracted measurements for random forest classification in the software R. The method allows for good classification accuracy, and the same process can be used to train the model on other species. Conclusions: This protocol is an adaptable tool for efficient and consistent identification of seed species or potentially other objects. Automated seed classification is efficient and inexpensive, making it a practical solution that enhances the feasibility of large-scale monitoring projects in conservation biology.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

The distribution of U.S. electric utility revenue decoupling rate impacts from 2005 to 2017

Electric utilities have historically relied on volumetric energy rates. Reductions in sales can have an adverse effect on a utility's ability to sufficiently recover its costs. Decoupling mechanisms, when properly designed, diminish the link between revenues and sales. Additionally, analysis of annual rate adjustments from decoupling mechanisms indicate the majority of those adjustments are small. However, once a surcharge is applied there is an 86 percent chance there will be a surcharge in the next year.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Non-Refrigerated Warehouse Design Guide [Slides]

Warehouses typically have a low energy use relative to their floor area. This make warehouses ideal to install solar panels and offset on-site energy use and have a surplus of energy if roof area is maximized. This surplus can be used to provide things like grid services or charge electric vehicle fleets. This document is intended to provide owners and operators of warehouse information on designing efficient/decarbonized warehouses and maximize on-site generation. The information here references outside publications to provide specific guidance, such as the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides, but tailors the information specifically to warehouses. This guide provides owners a better understanding of warehouse design as well as more specific information for themselves or outside designers to reference.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

R-SEEDS Final Report

DER aggregation and grid digitalization imply a future grid that would benefit from more fluid interaction between the bulk power system and the distribution system. This scenario presents a challenge for grid modeling, which treats the two systems separately. Grid modeling also focuses on the engineering aspects of grids without incorporating modeling of the human and social dimensions of the grid as a cyber-physical-social system. The R-SEEDS project examines the integration of human and social models into grid modeling and its implications on decarbonization, energy justice, and distributional impacts.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Real-time evaluation of cybersecurity threats to DER inverter grid-support functions

In this project we aim to contribute to the understanding of the type and severity of potential cybersecurity attacks to the grid-support functionalities of DER systems interconnected to the AC distribution grid via inverters. Our preliminary work focused on developing a small-scale testbed allowing to study cybersecurity threats to an isolated photovoltaic-battery system using a real-time simulator (Typhoon HIL602+) with a real DNP3 communication connection over TCP/IP, allowing for safe and efficient monitoring and manipulation of data traffic between the simulated hardware and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. In this project we propose to expand upon this development by utilizing a) a recently acquired NovaCor RTDS (Real Rime digital Simulator) to emulate the DER-inverter-grid topology including main grid-support functions as defined by IEEE Std. 1547-2018, and b) an industrial control and automation device to enable realistic evaluation of control functions and utilization of communication protocols for real-time data transmission.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Connected Communities: A Multi-Building Energy Management Approach

Connected Communities (CCs) are collections of buildings and distributed energy resources (DERs) that incorporate integrated energy management strategies at the multi-building scale. Based on the research conducted for this report, RMI and NREL have identified examples of CCs that are enabling increasingly integrated solutions, sharing resources among buildings, and providing services back to the grid. As demonstrated by these examples, CCs can provide real and scalable solutions to mitigate energy costs, enable more flexibility in grid operations, and offer choices in meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals. Nationwide examples of these solutions are included in the appendix of this report. In order to understand the most promising practices for the design, operation, and business models associated with CCs, a search was performed to create a nationwide inventory of CCs and multiple stakeholder interviews were conducted. Based on that research, this paper explores the many factors that influence the development and operation of CCs and evaluates their potential value.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of Hyperloop Technologies on the Electric Grid and Transportation Energy

Hyperloop technology, initially proposed in 2013 as an innovative means for intermediate range or intercity travel, is now being developed by several companies. Proponents point to potential benefits for both passenger travel and freight transport, including time-savings, convenience, quality of service and, in some cases, increased energy efficiency. Because the system is powered by electricity, its interface with the grid may require strategies that include energy storage. The added infrastructure, in some cases, may present opportunities for gridwide system benefits from integrating hyperloop systems with variable energy resources.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Collaborative Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) for Expanded Outreach within the Southeast

This GA-FL IAC had impacts on workforce development and economic impact for regional small- and medium-sized enterprises. Qualified faculty and campus staff educated and trained cohorts of students regarding state-of-the-art industrial assessments. Students gained hands-on experiences in learning about manufacturing processes, energy systems, developing assessment recommendations/calculations, and client interaction. These skills were complemented by the incorporation of IAC themes into some course curricula. As far as economic impact, the center conducted 66 assessments over 5 years primarily in Georgia and Florida. These represented hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential annual resource savings to the clients and region.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗