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At least 253 records · Page 14

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DOE OSTI2020

Supply Cost and Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas Footprint of Dry and Ensiled Biomass Sorghum for Biofuel Production

Here we discuss Biomass sorghum as a promising feedstock for cellulosic biorefineries because of its high yield and drought tolerance. However, the difficulty of effectively drying sorghum in some regions means that it may require different handling than previously studied grassy feedstocks. This study compares the delivered cost and life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of field drying and baling, module storage (wrapped, densely packed biomass), pelletizing, and ensiling. Ensiling has not been widely considered for use in bioenergy production. For farms within 66 km of the biorefinery, ensiled biomass is of the lowest cost and GHG strategy despite additional cost and energy demand for hauling wet biomass. Field drying and baling, if feasible, is the most cost-effective option for sorghum between 66 km and 104 km, beyond which pellets are preferable. A 2000 bone-dry-metric ton (bdt)/day biorefinery can source sorghum with 18 bdt/ha yield cultivated on 5% of surrounding land at costs ranging from $\$$122 (silage) to $\$$167 (pellets)/bdt and a life-cycle GHG footprint of 111 (silage) to 179 kg CO2e/bdt (pellets). With 28 bdt/ha biomass yield, 10% cultivation of surrounding land, and low fertilizer application, costs can range from $\$$66 (silage) to $\$$85 (pellets)/ bdt and GHG footprint of 43 (silage) to 96 kg CO2e (pellets)/bdt.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Biogas Upgrading for Fuel Production

Waste-to-Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) offers a promising solution to alleviating waste management challenges by converting waste into renewable fuels. Here, this process can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as demonstrated through a comprehensive life cycle analysis. Biogas upgrading is essential to enhance the methane concentration, though it could be energy-intensive and susceptible to methane slippage. Four commonly adopted biogas upgrading technologies, including pressure swing adsorption, membrane separation, chemical absorption, and water scrubbing, are considered. Our study evaluates the life cycle GHG emissions of RNG production from major sources of waste in the U.S. including wastewater sludge, food waste, landfill gas, dairy cow manure, and swine manure. Meta-analysis was conducted to assess methane slippage and energy consumption of biogas upgrading and associated GHG emissions, while accounting for potential avoided emissions from conventional waste management, which vary widely (ranging from −481.0 to 101.8 g CO 2 -eq/MJ). Under default upstream assumptions, representative carbon intensity of RNG varies from about −125 g of CO 2 -eq/MJ (dairy cow manure) to about 41 g of CO 2 -eq/MJ (wastewater sludge). We also explored RNG applications in producing hydrogen, ammonia, and compressed/liquefied forms. These findings highlight the potential of RNG and RNG-derived fuels to reduce GHG emissions and bolster the U.S. energy supply.

Biogas upgrades↗

DOE OSTI2022

Diploid-dominant life cycles characterize the early evolution of Fungi

Most of the described species in kingdom Fungi are contained in two phyla, the Ascomycota and the Basidiomycota (subkingdom Dikarya). As a result, our understanding of the biology of the kingdom is heavily influenced by traits observed in Dikarya, such as aerial spore dispersal and life cycles dominated by mitosis of haploid nuclei. We now appreciate that Fungi comprises numerous phylum-level lineages in addition to those of Dikarya, but the phylogeny and genetic characteristics of most of these lineages are poorly understood due to limited genome sampling. Here, we addressed major evolutionary trends in the non-Dikarya fungi by phylogenomic analysis of 69 newly generated draft genome sequences of the zoosporic (flagellated) lineages of true fungi. Our phylogeny indicated five lineages of zoosporic fungi and placed Blastocladiomycota, which has an alternation of haploid and diploid generations, as branching closer to the Dikarya than to the Chytridiomyceta. Our estimates of heterozygosity based on genome sequence data indicate that the zoosporic lineages plus the Zoopagomycota are frequently characterized by diploid-dominant life cycles. We mapped additional traits, such as ancestral cell-cycle regulators, cell-membrane– and cell-wall–associated genes, and the use of the amino acid selenocysteine on the phylogeny and found that these ancestral traits that are shared with Metazoa have been subject to extensive parallel loss across zoosporic lineages. Together, our results indicate a gradual transition in the genetics and cell biology of fungi from their ancestor and caution against assuming that traits measured in Dikarya are typical of other fungal lineages.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Electrolytes with moderate lithium polysulfide solubility for high-performance long-calendar-life lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries with high energy density and low cost are promising for next-generation energy storage. However, their cycling stability is plagued by the high solubility of lithium polysulfide (LiPS) intermediates, causing fast capacity decay and severe self-discharge. Exploring electrolytes with low LiPS solubility has shown promising results toward addressing these challenges. However, here, we report that electrolytes with moderate LiPS solubility are more effective for simultaneously limiting the shuttling effect and achieving good Li-S reaction kinetics. We explored a range of solubility from 37 to 1,100 mM (based on S atom, [S]) and found that a moderate solubility from 50 to 200 mM [S] performed the best. Using a series of electrolyte solvents with various degrees of fluorination, we formulated the S ingle- S olvent, S ingle- S alt, S tandard S alt concentration with M oderate L i PSs so l ubility E lectrolytes (termed S 6 MILE ) for Li-S batteries. Among the designed electrolytes, Li-S cells using fluorinated-1,2-diethoxyethane S 6 MILE (F4DEE-S 6 MILE) showed the highest capacity of 1,160 mAh g −1 at 0.05 C at room temperature. At 60 °C, fluorinated-1,4-dimethoxybutane S 6 MILE (F4DMB-S 6 MILE) gave the highest capacity of 1,526 mAh g −1 at 0.05 C and an average CE of 99.89% for 150 cycles at 0.2 C under lean electrolyte conditions. This is a fivefold increase in cycle life compared with other conventional ether-based electrolytes. Moreover, we observed a long calendar aging life, with a capacity increase/recovery of 4.3% after resting for 30 d using F4DMB-S 6 MILE. Furthermore, the correlation between LiPS solubility, degree of fluorination of the electrolyte solvent, and battery performance was systematically investigated.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Half-life of 67 Cu

The half-life of 67 Cu was determined through serial gamma-ray spectrometry measurements of the dominant gamma emission (E γ : 184.6 keV; branching ratio: 48.7%) produced following β- decay. Data were collected consecutively for 1000 s per measurement, with a total of 3063 measurements over the duration of 36 days. The incidence rate for the 184.6 keV gamma-ray was determined from the spectral peak area and duration of each measurement. This rate was then corrected to account for detector dead-time, radioactive decay during each acquisition and drift in the computer clock in comparison to NIST nuclear clock. Least-squares regression analysis was performed to determine the half-life of 67 Cu. The result was 61.761 ± 0.004 h, which is the highest precision measurement to date, and marks a 24-fold precision improvement over the current Nuclear Data Sheets value.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2025

A Structural Perspective on the Alphavirus Life Cycle

Alphaviruses are mosquito-borne, enveloped viruses with a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome. Alphaviruses enter host cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, using various cellular surface receptors such as matrix remodeling-associated protein 8 (MXRA8), low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain-containing 3 (LDLRAD3), and very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), which facilitate binding to the viral glycoproteins. Following entry, viral proteins are expressed and nonstructural proteins assemble into replication complexes in host cells, driving RNA synthesis and genome replication. Viral assembly occurs at the plasma membrane, where nascent virions bud from the host cell in a process driven by capsid and spike proteins. Recent combinatorial structural studies have provided detailed molecular insights into various steps of the alphavirus life cycle. These structural insights into the alphavirus life cycle enhance our understanding of viral replication and assembly, with significant implications for antiviral strategies and the development of alphavirus-based vaccine vectors.

RNA virus↗

DOE OSTI2024

Direct Recycling of End-of-Life Cathode Material Through Redox Chemistry Mediators

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are ideal for electric vehicles and electronic devices because of their high-power density and outstanding cycle life. The need for recycled LIBs material is pivotal for the sustainability of the renewable energy industry. The recycling process needs to be both economically and environmentally conscious. Direct recycling is cheaper and generates the least amount of waste compared to pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. Direct recycling explored in this work is useful for reclaiming precious minerals from the End-of-Life (EOL) LIBs material. The EOL material has varying lithium deficiency, hence, redox mediator relithiation restores the lithium content rapidly and at low cost. The redox mechanism relithiate EOL cathode material by shuttling charges very fast between lithium metal and EOL cathode material. The redox mediator is oxidized to create lithium rich solvent and reduced to relithiate EOL cathode material. However, the process is sensitive to pH changes. The redox reaction creates acidic solvent, which may cause lithium leaching. Therefore, use of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) to remove impurities on the surface of the EOL material and as a lithium source creates a basic solution to prevent lithium leaching and relithiate EOL material. This approach will potentially pave way for fast quality cathode material recovery at a low cost.

cathode material↗

DOE OSTI2020

Life-Cycle Cost and Optimization of PV Systems Based on Power Duration Curve with Variable Performance Ratio and Availability

A new derivation of Power Duration Curve is presented and applied to analysis of photovoltaic system life cycle cost. The effect of non-unity Performance Ratio and non-unity Availability on the power duration curve are illustrated. The effect of these two key performance indicators on calculation of life cycle cost and PV system design optimization (optimal DC/AC ratio) are illustrated as example applications of the method.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Methodology Guidelines on Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic 2020, 4th Edition

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a structured, comprehensive method of quantifying material- and energy-flows and their associated emissions caused in the life cycle 1 of goods and services. The ISO 14040 and 14044 standards provide the framework for LCA. However, this framework leaves the individual practitioner with a range of choices that can affect the results and thus the conclusions of an LCA study. The present version of the IEA LCA guidelines is the result of the third update. They were developed and are updated to provide guidance on assuring consistency, balance, and quality to enhance the credibility and reliability of the results from LCAs on photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation systems.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2026

White Paper on Case Study of Safe Installation of Second-Life Energy Storage System

This technical report provides for a case study for the safe installation of a second-life, or repurposed, battery, that has been reconfigured for use as a stationary energy storage systems (ESS). Driven by legislative requirements such as California Senate Bill 615 and projections that retired EV batteries could meet a substantial portion of U.S. grid ESS needs beginning in 2035, the repurposing of EV batteries is anticipated to grow significantly. However, safety concerns arise from the effects of aging, unknown prior usage history, and changes in thermal runaway behavior, which may increase failure risks compared to new batteries. NFPA 855, the predominant U.S. standard for ESS installation, mandates that second-life batteries meet all requirements for new batteries, with repurposers complying with UL 1974 in addition to obtaining UL 9540 and UL 1973 listings. These are certifications that few repurposers have achieved and represent a regulatory barrier to entry for the market as a whole.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2025

Novel Tools for Analyzing Life Cycle Energy Use, Carbon Emissions, and Cost of Additive Manufacturing

Decarbonizing industrial manufacturing is a significant challenge in the effort to limit the impacts of global climate change. Additive manufacturing (AM) is one pathway for reducing the impacts of manufacturing as it creates parts layer-by-layer rather than by removing (i.e., subtracting) material from solid stock as with conventional techniques. This reduces material inputs and generates less waste, which can substantially lower life cycle energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, AM adoption in the manufacturing sector has been slow, partly due to challenges in making a strong business case compared with more traditional and widely available techniques. This paper highlights the need for the development of simple screening analysis tools to speed the adoption of AM in the manufacturing sector by providing decision-makers easy access to important production life cycle emissions, and cost information. Details on the development of two Microsoft Excel software tools are provided: upgrades to an existing tool on the energy and carbon impacts of AM and a new tool for analyzing the major cost components of AM. A case study applies these two tools to the production of a lightweight aerospace bracket, showing how the tools can be used to estimate the environmental benefits and production costs of AM.

GHG emissions↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Summary of Environmental Monitoring Recommendations for Marine Energy Development That Considers Life Cycle Sustainability

Recommendations derived from papers documenting the Triton Field Trials (TFiT) study of marine energy environmental monitoring technology and methods under the Triton Initiative (Triton), as reported in this Special Issue, are summarized here. Additionally, a brief synopsis describes how to apply the TFiT recommendations to establish an environmental monitoring campaign, and provides an overview describing the importance of identifying the optimal time to perform such campaigns. The approaches for tracking and measuring the effectiveness of recommendations produced from large environmental monitoring campaigns among the stakeholder community are discussed. The discussion extends beyond the initial scope of TFiT to encourage discussion regarding marine energy sustainability that includes life cycle assessment and other life cycle sustainability methodologies. The goal is to inspire stakeholder collaboration across topics associated with the marine energy industry, including diversity and inclusion, energy equity, and how Triton’s work connects within the context of the three pillars of energy sustainability: environment, economy, and society.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

DOE OSTI2024

Feasibility of Recovering and Recycling Polymer Composites from End-of-Life Marine Renewable Energy Structures: A Review

Over the last few decades, several marine renewable energy (MRE) technologies, such as wave energy converters (WECs) and current energy converters (CECs), have been developed. As opposed to traditional materials such as metal alloys, the structure of these technologies is made up of polymer and polymer composite materials. Most structures have been made using thermoset polymer composites; however, since thermoset polymer composites are not recyclable and lack sustainability, and with recent innovations in recyclable resins, bio-based resins, and the development of additive manufacturing technologies, thermoplastic polymers are increasingly being used. Nevertheless, the methodologies for identifying end-of-life options and recovering these polymer composites, as well as the recycling and reuse processes for MRE structures, are not well-studied. Specifically, since these MRE structures are subjected to salinity, moisture, varying temperature, biofouling, and corrosion effects depending on their usage, the recyclability after seawater aging and degradation needs to be explored. Hence, this review provides an in-depth review of polymer composites used in marine applications, the hygrothermal aging studies conducted so far to understand the degradation of these materials, and the reuse and recycling methodologies for end-of-life MRE structures, with a particular emphasis on sustainability.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

DOE OSTI2023

Evolutionary consequences of nascent multicellular life cycles

A key step in the evolutionary transition to multicellularity is the origin of multicellular groups as biological individuals capable of adaptation. Comparative work, supported by theory, suggests clonal development should facilitate this transition, although this hypothesis has never been tested in a single model system. We evolved 20 replicate populations of otherwise isogenic clonally reproducing ‘snowflake’ yeast (Δace2/∆ace2) and aggregative ‘floc’ yeast (GAL1p::FLO1 /GAL1p::FLO1) with daily selection for rapid growth in liquid media, which favors faster cell division, followed by selection for rapid sedimentation, which favors larger multicellular groups. While both genotypes adapted to this regime, growing faster and having higher survival during the group-selection phase, there was a stark difference in evolutionary dynamics. Aggregative floc yeast obtained nearly all their increased fitness from faster growth, not improved group survival; indicating that selection acted primarily at the level of cells. In contrast, clonal snowflake yeast mainly benefited from higher group-dependent fitness, indicating a shift in the level of Darwinian individuality from cells to groups. Through genome sequencing and mathematical modeling, we show that the genetic bottlenecks in a clonal life cycle also drive much higher rates of genetic drift—a result with complex implications for this evolutionary transition. Our results highlight the central role that early multicellular life cycles play in the process of multicellular adaptation.

Life Sciences & Biomedicine - Other Topics↗

DOE OSTI2021

Life Cycle Emissions Factors for Electricity Generation Technologies

This dataset consists of a table containing the distribution of literature estimates of greenhouse gas emissions for the following electricity generation and storage technologies: biopower, coal, concentrating solar power, geothermal, hydrogen storage, hydropower, lithium-ion battery storage, natural gas, nuclear, ocean, oil, photovoltaic, pumped-storage hydropower, and wind. Quartile estimates of life cycle emissions factors in units of grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt hour of generation (g CO2e/kWh) are provided for the following life cycle stages: one-time upstream, ongoing combustion, ongoing non-combustion, one-time downstream, and total. Literature estimates were compiled by the LCA Harmonization study and subsequent updates, as detailed in the factsheet which accompanies this dataset, https://www.nlr.gov/docs/fy21osti/80580.pdf .

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

DOE OSTI2020

Effects of Notches on the Intermediate Creep-Rupture Life of Alloy 617 Weldment

A Code Case has recently been completed that adds Alloy 617 to Section III, Division 5 of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which covers high temperature nuclear components. However, additional information is needed to address concerns raised by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that are not covered by the Code Case. The effects of notches (geometric discontinuities) and multiaxial stress on the expected creep life of a component are among these concerns. This report covers the current state of testing of Alloy 617 notched specimens at Idaho National Laboratory, with particular focus on intermediate length (8,000 – 20,000 hours) creep tests of Alloy 617 weld metal. While most of this testing is ongoing, the current state of the tests indicate that the multi-axial stress state imposed by the notch geometry does not negatively impact the creep rupture life of the Alloy 617 weld metal. While the weld metal is notch strengthening in short-term (1,000 – 2,000 hours) testing, it is not clear if this characteristic will continue to hold for intermediate and long-term testing. Ongoing tests will provide additional information to address this concern of a crossover from notch strengthening to notch weakening for intermediate and long-term creep lives.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2020

HVAC End-of-Life: Options and Best Practices

When heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems reach end-of-life status, building owners typically seek the quickest, most cost-effective replacement. Although there are several rooftop unit (RTU) replacement tool kits and programs to guide clients through this process, there is limited information on how to handle end-of-life HVAC systems. This fact sheet provides relevant information to help building owners manage proper disposal of HVAC systems, how to navigate regulations, and how to recover economic value from old systems.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

DOE OSTI2022

Bat554: Machine Learning for Accelerated Life Prediction and Cell Design

This presentation describes work associated with the early prediction of life and failure modes using machine learning. Key areas which will be highlighted are the generation of synthetic data, the use of deep learning and other machine learning models and the use of machine learning to train life prediction models.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗