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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 235 records · Page 13

Metasurface-enhanced photochemical activity in visible light absorbing semiconductors

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an important research problem relevant to a variety of sustainable energy technologies. However, obtaining high photocatalytic efficiency from visible light absorbing semiconductors is challenging due to a combination of weak absorption, transport losses, and low activity. Aspects of this problem have been addressed by multilayer approaches, which provide a general scheme for engineering surface reactivity and stability independent of electronic considerations. However, an analogous broad framework for optimizing light–matter interactions has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we establish a photonic approach using semiconductor metasurfaces that is highly effective in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of GaAs, a high-performance semiconductor with a near-infrared bandgap. Our engineered pillar arrays with heights of ∼150 nm exhibit Mie resonances near 700 nm that result in near-unity absorption and exhibit a field profile that maximizes charge carrier generation near the solid–liquid interface, enabling short transport distances. Our hybrid metasurface photoanodes facilitate oxygen evolution and exhibit enhanced incident photon-to-current efficiencies that are ∼22× larger than a corresponding thin film for resonant excitation and 3× larger for white light illumination. Key to these improvements is the preferential generation of photogenerated carriers near the semiconductor interface that results from the field enhancement profile of magnetic dipolar-type modes.

Chemistry↗

A Systematic Comparison for Consistent Scenario Development Using Microscopic Simulation Software

This study aims to explore a methodology that enables the development of consistent traffic micro simulation for emerging traffic and vehicle control technologies for improved mobility and energy efficiency across different modeling platforms. Researchers might study the same application on different platforms and have the need to benchmark across platforms. However, there lacks a systematic study on simulation software comparison, especially for emerging mobility and energy efficiency applications. For this, a systematic scenario development and evaluation approach is presented and demonstrated to compare scenarios generated in different traffic microsimulation platforms. Network-level and vehicle-level trip performance results of the traffic scenario are evaluated in three microscopic simulation platforms - VISSIM, AIMSUN, and SUMO. The results indicate that the network-level performance is consistent among the three software suites except when the demand is high, where the energy consumption performance varies.

Saroj, Abhilasha [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000191178063)↗

HERO WEC 2024 - Electrical Configuration Deployment Data

The following submission includes raw and processed electrical configuration deployment data from the in water deployment of NREL's Hydraulic and Electric Reverse Osmosis Wave Energy Converter (HERO WEC), in the form of parquet files, TDMS files, CSV files, bag files, and MATLAB workspaces. This dataset was collected in April 2024 at the Jennette's pier test site in North Carolina. Raw data as TDMS, CSV, and bag files are provided here alongside processed data in the form of MATLAB workspaces and Parquet files. This dataset includes the Python code used to process the data and MATLAB scripts to visualize the processed data. All data types, calculations, and processing is described in the included "Data Descriptions" document. All files in this dataset are described in detail in the included README. This data set has been developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Water Power Technologies Office.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

HERO WEC V1.0 2024 - WEC-Sim Detailed Simulation Runs and Summary Data

This dataset includes results from simulations of NREL's hydraulic and electric reverse osmosis wave energy converter (HEREO WEC). Simulation runs include 135 wave cases that were based on the updated WEC-Sim model, which is linked below. The data represented in this repository is based on an updated WEC-Sim model using laboratory data to tune and refine the original WEC-Sim model for the V1.0 HERO WEC. The 135 wave cases represent waves with the following wave height and wave period ranges: - Significant Wave Height: 0.25 - 3.75m in 0.25m increments - Wave Period: 5 - 13 sec in 1 sec increments Each run was simulated using a Pierson-Moskowitz irregular wave spectrum with a 100 second ramp time, a total simulation time of 3,100 seconds, and a simulation time-step of 0.005s. A reference table has been included to map each multi condition run (MCR) case with each wave condition. Summary data set includes a spreadsheet and image files with matrices that are associated with data from simulation runs. All matrices cover the same significant wave height and wave periods from the simulation runs, in the same increments. The following matrices are included: - Power Abs: The average absorbed power from the WEC (calculated from anchor reaction force and heave velocity) - Power Hyd: The average hydraulic power output at pump (calculated from pump output flow and pressure) - Power - Hyd ROi: The average hydraulic power measured at the RO system inlet (calculated from RO system pressure and flow (pre-accumulator)) - Flow - Pump out: The average flowrate measured at the pump outlet - Flow - Perm: The average permeate (clean water) production - Flow - RO (pre): The average flowrate measured at the inlet of the RO system before the accumulators - Flow - RO (post): The average flowrate measured after the accumulator bank in the RO system - Pressure - RO: The average pressure measured at the inlet of the RO system This data set has been developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Water Power Technologies Office.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

HERO WEC Belt Test Data

The following submission includes raw and processed data from the 2024 Hydraulic and Electric Reverse Osmosis Wave Energy Converter (HERO WEC) belt tests conducted using NREL's Large Amplitude Motion Platform (LAMP). A description of the motion profiles run during testing can be found in the run log document. Data was collected using NREL's Modular Ocean Data AcQuisition (MODAQ) system in the form of TDMS files. Data was then processed using Python and MATLAB and converted to MATLAB workspace, parquet, and csv file formats. During Data processing, a low pass filter was applied to each array and the arrays were then resampled to common 10Hz timestamps. A MATLAB data viewer script is provided to quickly visualize these data sets. The following arrays are contained in each test data file: - Time: Unix seconds timestamp - Test_Time: Time in seconds since beginning of test - POS_OS_1001: Encoder position in degrees (the encoder is located on the secondary shaft of the spring return and is driven by the winch after a 4.5:1 gear reduction) - LC_ST_1001: Anchor load cell data in lbf - PRESS_OS_2002: Air spring pressure in psi This data set has been developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Water Power Technologies Office.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Solar Energy Innovation Network 2017-2024: Abbreviated Final Technical Report

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Solar Energy Technologies Office under the Agreement/Award Number 32954 for Solar Energy Innovation Network (SEIN) Project, 2017-2024. SEIN is a dynamic program that assembles diverse teams of stakeholders to research solutions to real-world challenges associated with solar energy adoption. In conjunction with its partner organizations, NREL implemented the program by providing research, analysis, and technical expertise directly to project teams and groups of teams (cohorts), by facilitating networked learning through cohorts and peer exchange, and by facilitating dissemination and replication of solutions and lessons learned among stakeholders across the U.S. with similar challenges.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

SAFARI - Secure Automation For Advanced Reactor Innovation (Final Technical Report)

The Secure Automation For Advanced Reactor Innovation (SAFARI) project was a pioneering initiative aimed at fundamentally changing how nuclear power plants are operated and maintained. Recognizing that current nuclear plants often rely on extensive manual procedures and large staffs, leading to higher costs compared to other energy sources like natural gas, SAFARI sought to introduce smart, automated technologies to make nuclear energy more efficient, cost-effective, and safer. This report details the research and development efforts of the SAFARI project, bringing us closer to a future where advanced nuclear reactors can operate more autonomously, adapt flexibly to energy demands, and predict their maintenance needs before issues arise. One of the key achievements of the SAFARI project is its contribution to our understanding of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sophisticated computer models, known as Digital Twins, can be effectively integrated with the complex physics of nuclear reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

REopt/Microgrid Analysis (CRADA Final Report)

NREL is the only DOE national laboratory solely dedicated to advancing energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE) technologies and applications. Since its inception, NREL has supported both the public and the private sectors in implementing EE and RE systems and strategies to lower energy use and to meet remaining energy needs with resources having minimal environmental impact. NREL is now a sought-after resource for EE, RE, and energy systems integration expertise. CU Boulder is a public university located in Boulder, Colorado, with over 30,000 students. CU is committed to environmental sustainability and is interested in partnering with NREL to explore opportunities for RE on campus and evaluate an RE microgrid. The goal of this project is to assess the technical and economic potential for RE generation at CU and evaluate how RE may be incorporated as part of a microgrid to increase energy resiliency on campus.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Highly Recyclable Thermosets for Lightweight Composites

The objective of this project, Highly Recyclable Thermosets for Lightweight Composites (DOE Award DE-EE0009297), was to develop recyclable carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites that are more energy efficient to produce than existing technologies while achieving superior mechanical performance and enabling closed-loop material recovery. Specifically, the project targeted vitrimer-based composites with tensile strength at least 20% higher than baseline recyclable polypropylene composites, retention of greater than 95% of tensile strength after multiple recycling and reprocessing cycles, recovery of carbonate monomers through depolymerization, and recovery of greater than 95% of carbon fibers of reusable quality. The project was carried out by The University of Akron in collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Raytheon Technologies Research Center.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysis of Power Electronic Solutions for Wide-Range Wave Energy Input

Wave energy is a largely untapped energy source with the potential to provide 290 TWh per year to the continental United States. As a new technology, wave energy converters are less efficient and reliable compared to established energy sources, leaving the vast energy of the sea largely unutilized. Wave energy is uniquely inconsistent, with large fluctuations. Paired with harsh operating environments and difficulty in repair, the power electronics designed to harvest wave energy need to be reliable, cost-effective, and able to work in a wide operating band. The literature on existing power electronics in wave energy converters and lessons learned across other industries provide a framework of topologies to simulate. WEC-Sim, an open-source hydrodynamic platform in MATLAB Simulink developed by the National Laboratory of the Rockies, was used to simulate a wide range of power electronics under a variety of wave conditions. This paper provides a comprehensive investigation into existing wave energy power electronics converters, state-of-the-art topologies that can be applied to wave energy, and novel solutions to wave conversion.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Thermal Storage Applications Workshop. Volume 1: Plenary Session Analysis

The importance of the development of inexpensive and efficient thermal and thermochemical energy storage technology to the solar power program is discussed in a summary of workship discussions held to exchange information and plan for future systems. Topics covered include storage in central power applications such as the 10 MW-e demonstration pilot receiver to be constructed in Barstow, California; storage for small dispersed systems, and problems associated with the development of storage systems for solar power plants interfacing with utility systems.

Source record↗

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project-longitudinal handling qualities study of a relaxed-stability airplane

The results of a piloted simulation of longitudinal handling qualities of an airplane with relaxed static stability are described. This task was performed under the Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) Technology Project within the NASA Energy Efficient Transport Program. A representative medium range transport airplane, the Boeing Model 757, was simulated. Evaluations were made of the unaugmented airplane and of the airplane with an Essential Pitch Augmented Stability (PAS) System and with a Primary PAS System at various center of gravity (cg) conditions. Level 2 pilot ratings were attained with cg locations aft to about 57% mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) or 6% aft of the neutral point for unaugmented landing approach. For Mach = 0.80, unaugmented cruise Level 2 ratings were attained to 47% MAC or 5% forward of the maneuver point. The augmented airplane model provided handling qualities close to or within the Level 1 boundary at all cg locations for both Essential and Primary PAS. Analyses of the test conditions when compared with existing handling qualities criteria based on classical unaugmented airplane characteristics agreed well with the pilot ratings. The unaugmented results are comparable to those reported by both the Douglas Aircraft Company and Lockheed California Company from simulation investigations of transport configurations with roughly similar dimensional and mass characteristics.

Source record↗

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project. ACT/Control/Guidance System study, volume 1

The active control technology (ACT) control/guidance system task of the integrated application of active controls (IAAC) technology project within the NASA energy efficient transport program was documented. The air traffic environment of navigation and air traffic control systems and procedures were extrapolated. An approach to listing flight functions which will be performed by systems and crew of an ACT configured airplane of the 1990s, and a determination of function criticalities to safety of flight, are the basis of candidate integrated ACT/Control/Guidance System architecture. The system mechanizes five active control functions: pitch augmented stability, angle of attack limiting, lateral/directional augmented stability, gust load alleviation, and maneuver load control. The scope and requirements of a program for simulating the integrated ACT avionics and flight deck system, with pilot in the loop, are defined, system and crew interface elements are simulated, and mechanization is recommended. Relationships between system design and crew roles and procedures are evaluated.

Source record↗

Solar Systems

The solar collectors shown are elements of domestic solar hot water systems produced by Solar One Ltd., Virginia Beach, Virginia. Design of these systems benefited from technical expertise provided Solar One by NASA's Langley Research Center. The company obtained a NASA technical support package describing the d e sign and operation of solar heating equipment in NASA's Tech House, a demonstration project in which aerospace and commercial building technology are combined in an energy- efficient home. Solar One received further assistance through personal contact with Langley solar experts. The company reports that the technical information provided by NASA influenced Solar One's panel design, its selection of a long-life panel coating which increases solar collection efficiency, and the method adopted for protecting solar collectors from freezing conditions.

Source record↗

NASA Collaborative Research on the Ultra High Bypass Engine Cycle and Potential Benefits for Noise, Performance, and Emissions

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has taken an active role in collaborative research with the U.S. aerospace industry to investigate technologies to minimize the impact of aviation on the environment. In December 2006, a new program, called the Fundamental Aeronautics Program, was established to enhance U.S. aeronautics technology and conduct research on energy, efficiency and the environment. A project within the overall program, the Subsonic Fixed Wing Project, was formed to focus on research related to subsonic aircraft with specific goals and time based milestones to reduce aircraft noise, emissions and fuel burn. This paper will present an overview of the Subsonic Fixed Wing Project environmental goals and describe a segment of the current research within NASA and also were worked collaboratively with partners from the U.S. aerospace industry related to the next generation of aircraft that will have lower noise, emissions and fuel burn.

Hughes, Christopher E.↗

Aeroservoelastic Control Law Development for the Integrated Adaptive Wing Technology Maturation Wind-Tunnel Test

The NASA Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) Project seeks to “explore and develop technologies and concepts for improved energy efficiency and environmental compatibility for fixed wing subsonic transports” [1]. The IAWTM project is a subproject within AATT and is a joint Boeing/NASA effort to, in part, demonstrate the active control systems necessary to employ high-aspect ratio wings for improved aerodynamic efficiency. The aircraft configuration under study for the IAWTM project is a generic jet transport based on the NASA Common Research Model (CRM) whose wing aspect ratio has been increased to 13.5 (as opposed to nominal CRM aspect ratio of 9) and whose development is given in Ref. [2]. A semi-span model of the high-aspect-ratio CRM with 10 trailing edge control surfaces is currently being fabricated and will be delivered to the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). There, several tests will be conducted to demonstrate maneuver load alleviation (MLA), gust load alleviation (GLA), active flutter suppression (AFS), and drag reduction, all at transonic conditions. A layout of the wind tunnel model is shown in Fig. 1. The wind-tunnel model is a spar/pod wing design with a relatively rigid fuselage attached to a mounting structure (seen in Fig. 1), which in turn is attached to a load balance behind the tunnel wall. Shims exist that can be attached to force the load to go through the fuselage rather than through the balance so as not to damage the balance in the event of flutter. The spar/pod design is similar to that used in the Boeing truss-braced wing aeroelastic model tested in the TDT in 2013 [3]. There is a central spar running the span of the wing to which the pods are attached that form the aerodynamic shape of the wing. The pods are constructed of ribs for attachment to the spar and skins to create the outer mold line. There are ten active control surfaces that will be used for the test objectives discussed above. Three of these (two outboard ailerons and one inboard aileron) are high-speed electrohydraulic actuators, and the remaining seven are low-speed mini-plane flaps, which have slower servo motors that will be used primarily for drag and maneuver load reductions. Control laws must be developed for each test (MLA, GLA, AFS, and drag reduction) and must be able to work in tandem when two or more control strategies are being tested simultaneously (e.g., when control laws to mitigate maneuver loads and gust loads operate simultaneously). The development of these control laws requires accurate mathematical representations of the aerodynamics, structural dynamics, and control surface dynamics of the system. Taken together, this mathematical representation—which is often in state-space form— is the ASE model. Three low-order ASE models of differing fidelities were developed for the IAWTM test and will be presented here. The differences in fidelity appeared in the aerodynamic modeling—one model assumed purely linear aerodynamics, while the other two models used different techniques to linearize the aerodynamics about a nonlinear mean. Furthermore, simple observer-based full-state feedback controllers for each test (MLA, GLA, AFS, and drag reduction) were designed from these low-order ASE models and implemented in a higher-order, nonlinear computational ASE simulation to assess the effectiveness of each controller. Observers were designed from each of the three lower-order ASE models, and each (linear) observer was then used as an estimate of the nonlinear dynamics of the system. Using the estimated states and the full-state feedback controller, control surface commands were fed back to the higher-order, nonlinear ASE system. The insight gained during this development will be applied to control law development for the physical IAWTM wind-tunnel test.

Josiah M Waite↗

Visualization Within the Department of Energy: NREL IEEE VIS Application Spotlight

This presentation highlights the role of advanced visualization techniques at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in supporting cutting-edge research across diverse energy domains. From immersive analytics and uncertainty visualization to high-resolution and real-time data analysis, NREL's visualization capabilities enable scientists to explore complex datasets more effectively. These tools are critical for advancing research in materials science, renewable energy technologies, biofuels, electric vehicle infrastructure, energy efficiency - from industrial processes to entire communities - and then bringing these innovations to practice through energy systems integration. NREL's visualization tools drive innovation across renewable energy and grid modernization efforts by providing deeper insights and improving decision-making.

grid modernization↗

Hercules Single-Stage Reusable Vehicle (HSRV) Operating Base

Conceptual design for the layout of lunar-planetary surface support systems remains an important area needing further master planning. This paper explores a structured approach to organize the layout of a Mars-based site equipped for routinely flying a human-scale reusable taxi system. The proposed Hercules Transportation System requires a surface support capability to sustain its routine, affordable, and dependable operation. The approach organizes a conceptual Hercules operating base through functional station sets. The station set approach will allow follow-on work to trade design approaches and consider technologies for more efficient flow of material, energy, and information at future Mars bases and settlements. The station set requirements at a Mars site point to specific capabilities needed. By drawing from specific Hercules design characteristics, the technology requirements for surface-based systems will come into greater focus. This paper begins a comprehensive process for documenting functional needs, architectural design methods, and analysis techniques necessary for follow-on concept studies.

Surface Support Architectur↗