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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Intermediate/High Energy Nuclear Physics

Our primary goals are fundamental descriptions of nuclear phenomena relevant to experiment. Our balanced program consists of developing and applying (1) QCD for high-energy nuclear collisions, and (2) non-perturbative many-body theory for strong interactions. We are developing first principles treatments of physical observables for present and future experiments at FRIB, RHIC, JLab, LHC and EIC. We are also developing and applying a non-perturbative framework for strongly interacting many-body systems including a covariant Hamiltonian framework for solving quantum field theory in non-perturbative domains. We continue close interactions with the Iowa State University relativisitic heavy-ion collider and electron-ion collider experimental group.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Risk-informed Hierarchical Control of Behind-the-Meter DERs with AMI Data Integration (Final Technical Report)

This project addresses several key barriers to implement the next generation demand response applications and provides a clear understanding of implementing hierarchical and standalone control using AMI data. Through this program, Eaton has developed and tested a meter-as-a-controller prototype with the help of other partners--- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Pecan St Inc. (PSI), and Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC). The controller can utilize residential controllable loads such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioner (HVAC), electric water heater and distributed energy resources like solar PV and battery energy storage systems for off-setting the demand that is required from the grid, thus providing reliable grid-services for demand reduction or peak shaving. The controller is also capable of coordinating the resources of the premises for better management and energy efficiency while meeting the comfort bound of the premises owner as quality-of-service. The development has been demonstrated in a three virtual-home setup at system performance lab of NREL with real appliances (HVAC, electric water heater, solar PV, and battery). The technology has also been proved through laboratory and field demonstration with successful interconnectivity (e.g., end-to-end communication and data exchange) between the residential appliances and utility through the RF network at Delaware Electric Co-op (DEC) in Delaware.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nion Swift FY2021 phase I Final Technical Report DE-SC0021546

Phase I of the project is an on-going success. The enhanced and extended new application programming interface (API) developed in Phase I is in use at customer sites around the world: Berlin, UK, US, China, France, Austria. The modules developed to demonstrate the new API features are in daily use at these sites for acquiring, processing, and analyzing microscopy data from 4D- and 5D-STEM to single-point spectroscopy at highest resolution.

Lovejoy, Tracy↗
DOE OSTI2024

Automated Calibration System for Beam Current Monitor

The Beam Current Monitor (BCM) measures the instantaneous current in a beam. This work aims to develop an automated calibration system for the BCM to address the need for calibration without interrupting beam operation. We strive to create a synchronous calibration method integrated into the master timeline by utilizing the pulsed nature of synchrotrons to run calibration pulses during inter-pulse gaps. This improvement should enhance operational efficiency, ensure safe operation, and help mitigate beam loss, all by enabling intermittent calibration during the operation of the accelerator. This is accomplished by developing a Python program that interfaces with a Keithley 6221 DC and AC source and a Keithley 2182A Nanovoltmeter. The program configures both of these devices to perform a selected mode of the current sweep, allows for the initiation of the current sweep, collects the measured voltage data from the 2182A, stores the collected data to the computer in a CSV file, and graphs the collected data.

Haller, James↗
DOE OSTI2024

Phase II Final Technical Report: Dynamic Gamma-ray Imaging for In Vivo Tracking of Microelement Transport Across Plant-Microbial Systems

The Department of Energy Office of Biological and Environmental Research (DOE BER) Mesoscale to Molecules Bioimaging Technology Program aims to develop new imaging and measurement technology to enable in situ and dynamic imaging across a range of spatial and temporal scales. Various imaging modalities are required to span the complete spatiotemporal landscape for bioenergy and environmental bioimaging needs. The high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy, imaging, and sensitivity of new high-purity germanium (HPGe) instruments provide a unique opportunity to complement and enhance these research goals. The HPGe-based Gamma-ray Imager for Plant Research (GIPR) developed here provides non-invasive, in vivo measurements to dynamically track the uptake and distribution of multiple gamma-emitting radioactive elements simultaneously as they move from the soil microbiome into living plants. The hand portable GIPR utilizes commercially available radioisotopes to provide spatial and temporal imaging of plant microelement exchange for the broader scientific community.

Kiser, Matthew↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tools And Methods to Analyze Plant Outage Schedule and Assist Schedulers in Improving Outage Resilience

Refueling outages of nuclear power plants (NPPs) are considered one of the most critical phases throughout the plant lifetime. In such instances, tens of thousands of activities (e.g., maintenance, surveillance) are performed in a short amount of time (typically 2-3 weeks unless major backfitting or modernization projects are carried out) by a large number of crews (e.g., electricians, mechanics) that are hired as contractors. As a consequence, a plant outage can be expensive not only in terms of costs (e.g., contractor labor, material), but also in terms of loss generation since the plant is taken off the grid during the full outage duration (an indicative metric is about 1.2M$/day of loss of revenue). Thus, there is a continuous need to decrease the economic impact of outages on plant finances. This can be done by: decreasing the frequency of plant outages (e.g., from 18 to 24 months), reducing the time to complete the outage, and reducing the risk of outage delays. The Optimization of Outage Activities project under the Risk Informed Systems Analysis Pathway (RISA) sponsored by Department of Energy (DOE) Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program focuses on developing tools and methods to support NPPs with outage schedule optimization. The developed tools and methods are designed to analyze plant outage schedule with the goal of identify critical elements in the schedule that might pose a high risk of delays. These methods and tools can be considered resource-centric in the sense that they address outage challenges as a resource optimization problem. In this context, resources are either time and crews; outage delays occurs when either (or both) resources are insufficient to complete the set of tasks assigned at a specific time instant of the outage. This report provides details on how plant resources (time and crews) can be allocated in such a way that delays are minimized. In this respect, two classes of methods have been developed: the first one focuses on the time resource and how variability of the time to complete outage tasks may impact outage delays. The second one integrates available resources to assess when dailies activities should be performed such that the risk of outage delays are minimized.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Complete Demonstration of a Prototype Version of FORCE User Interface and Conduct Analyst Survey Collecting Feedback on Interface Features and Usability

In 2024 the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) Integrated Energy System (IES) program continued to develop the Framework for Optimization of Resources and Economics (FORCE) analysis ecosystem into a more traditional toolset with simplified software installation, automated workflows, and interactive results visualization. The DOE-NE Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) Workbench continued to be leveraged for user input, application workflow and runtime environment, and interactive results visualization capabilities. This report documents the demonstration of a FORCE User Interface (UI) prototype and the results of a survey of analysts’ using the Holistic Energy Resource Optimization Network (HERON) tool in FORCE with the prototype UI.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Synchrotron-based Characterization Techniques for Radiation Detection Materials and Devices: An Overview

High-performance room-temperature radiation detectors (high energy resolution for spectrometers, high spatial resolution for imaging devices, and low defect-density for high flux applications) are needed for photon energies (>20 keV) that are not well suited for silicon detectors. Applications for such radiation detectors include nonproliferation, synchrotron, medical, astrophysics, and homeland security. Material- and device- characterization to understand and solve the limiting factors of radiation detection materials and devices is a core element of a radiation detector development R&D program. This presentation will give an overview on the two main synchrotron-based characterization techniques that have been employed by the authors in the last ~20 years: (1) White Beam X-ray Diffraction Topography and (2) Micron-scale detector mapping. A perfect (one domain) crystal (radiation detection material) is a requirement to achieve a highperformance radiation detector. White Beam X-ray Diffraction Topography (WBXDT) allows the rapid screening of the crystallinity of the detector material. With WBXDT we can quickly screen CZT and other crystals to make sure they have only one domain, and to see the presence of extended defects and strain fields.

Camarda, Giuseppe S.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Digital Twin + AI: Control Room of the Future [Slides]

The control room functions as the central brain of the grid, essential for balancing supply and demand and ensuring moment-to-moment grid reliability. Like the human brain, which processes sensory data to make decisions, control room operators analyze operational data from power generation, transmission, and distribution to make informed decisions. Currently, decision-making primarily rests with operators due to hardware and software limitations. However, with technological advancements, Digital Twins and AI are becoming high interest points in the control room's decision-making pilot programs. NREL is developing a comprehensive decision-making platform that integrates Digital Twins, AI, and advanced visualization techniques. As this integration progresses, the role of Digital Twins will evolve from conducting automated simulations to serving as a Trustworthy AI enabler, offering verification and validation of AI-generated response for power systems or providing physics-aware synthetic data of AI pre-training.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Using interfaces to: create strongly-coupled magnetic-ferroelectrics

Starting at the level of electrons and atoms our long-term goal is to rationally design complex oxide heterostructures and interface-materials with targeted emergent behaviors. This is not a matter of simply optimizing material parameters, but rather begins with understanding a mechanism to control the interplay between the diverse microscopic degrees of freedom prevalent in complex oxides in order to create targeted macroscopic phenomena and ends with the design of new material realizations. These realizations are in turn created with atomic-layer precision, structurally assessed to see that they are the intended realization, and finally their relevant properties are measured. During this program we have developed the scientific ideas necessary to apply this materials-by-design paradigm to the creation of materials offering electrical control of magnetism. At the heart of our approach lies a partnership between theory, synthesis, and characterization. These are the areas of expertise of the three co-PIs, who have worked closely together since their arrival at Cornell. During this project bold ideas on where to put the atoms to provide electrical control of magnetism were met with the latest methods of synthesis science and electron microscopy in an attempt create targeted new multiferroics. Our work applying this materials-by-design methodology to multiferroics has enjoyed multiple successes. The Co-PIs have invented new mechanisms for multiferroics, which provide strong coupling between polarization and magnetism, and reduced them to practice. Specifically, we pioneered multiferroics based on spin-phonon coupling, rotation-driven multiferroicity, and novel geometric multiferroics. Importantly, the latter two of these mechanisms enable the deterministic switching of magnetism by an applied electric field, which is key to the application of multiferroics to future device technologies. Most recently, we performed detailed theoretical analysis on a system involving the combination of magnetoelectric and colossal magnetoresistance behaviors and predict that electrical control of a metal-insulator transition is possible in appropriately strained SmBaMn2O6. The research enabled by this grant led to 63 publications in leading refereed journals including Nature, Nature Materials, Physical Review Letters, and Advanced Materials demonstrating a materials-by-design paradigm to the creation of materials offering electrical control of magnetism.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of DED and LPBF Fe-based Alloys Process Application Envelopes based on Performance, Process Economics, Supply Chain Risks, and Reactor-specific Targeted Components

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program aims to develop extreme-environment materials solutions for use in the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors and the sustainment of the current fleet. To achieve this objective, a combination of experiment, a computational tool, and machine learning (ML) for the design of materials is adopted for the maturation of materials for nuclear technology. Through advanced manufacturing techniques such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and laser powder direct energy deposition (LP-DED), components with complex geometries can be fabricated with reduced time and effort. Such advanced manufacturing methods can also provide the opportunity to improve materials performance through optimized microstructures and mechanical properties. However, existing engineering alloys are not always well suited for fabrication with additive manufacturing (AM), as their compositions have been tuned to optimize fabrication via conventional methods. Thus, similar alloys with modified compositions that are better suited for AM can be studied for improved performance. Over the past three years, the AMMT teams from Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) studied various known Fe-based alloys by evaluating their initial printability using LPBF, and an AMMT-developed down-selection and decision matrix reduced the number of alloys to be studied from six to three in fiscal year (FY) 2024. Additionally, in FY 2024, for parallel evaluation, these three alloys were studied using LPDED. While LPBF is better for small- to medium-sized components with high detail and internal features, LP-DED combines a material feed system to place the powder onto the exact spot where the laser will melt the material. This AM method can be easily scaled to extremely large components and provides high build rate speeds compared to those of conventional LPBF systems. Additionally, DED is a better choice for complex geometries and compositional gradients.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Results of Post-Process NDE Using Advanced Techniques on AM Parts

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the FY24 activities to apply advanced nondestructive examination (NDE) methods to materials and components produced using advanced manufacturing (AM) processes such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED) and assess the challenges of examining these materials to identify defects and microstructure variations. This work was performed as part of the U.S. Department of Energy‘s Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) Program. The primary mission of the AMMT program is to develop advanced materials and manufacturing technologies that enable both the current fleet and the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors to operate safely and economically, and to maintain U.S. leadership in technology development for nuclear energy systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Bioremediation of Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compounds: DOE Experiences and Lessons Learned

From the mid-1980s to the present, the Department of Energy (DOE) has developed, tested, and deployed diverse bioremediation strategies for chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOCs). A systematic review of these projects after decades of activity provides an opportunity to identify crosscutting themes and lessons learned. The knowledge provided by a DOE bioremediation retrospective represents a resource to support current and future bioremediation operations, and future decisions related to cVOC bioremediation. This systematic review examined the design, objectives, performance and outcomes for remediation projects at DOE sites including Savannah River, Hanford, Idaho, Mound and Pinellas. The results were used to identify emergent themes to provide actionable insights. The bioremediation retrospective technical team first developed standardized criteria to support the systematic review. Then, the evaluation was performed using a sequential process that was informed by local technical experts who identified and provided the structured information that served as the basis for the evaluation. The participation of these experts was invaluable to the effort. Importantly, DOE cVOC bioremediation efforts were implemented based on the foundational knowledge developed by U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) strategic and applied environmental technology development and certification programs, as well as technical, policy and regulatory guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), industry, and universities. To maximize the value of the DOE cVOC bioremediation retrospective, the systematic review strategy focused on identifying important DOE-specific experiences, trends and lessons learned that would extend the knowledge available from these other key entities.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

From Structured Solvents to Hybrid Materials (SS2HM) for Chemically Selective Capture and Electromagnetic Release of CO 2 : Mechanisms, Stability and Interfaces (Final Report)

The goal of this research program was to develop high capacity sorbents amenable for alternative regeneration approaches for direct air capture (DAC) of CO 2 . In particular, the research aimed to develop an understanding of CO 2 binding mechanism, thermal and oxidative stability, and regeneration energetics of functionalized ionic liquids (ILs), deep eutectic solvents (DESs), and porous materials. ILs and DESs are high-dielectric solvents with structural tunability that permits the rational-design for energy-efficient regeneration approaches based on electromagnetic (EM) field and moisture-swing. By further incorporating these solvents into polymeric capsules and other structural supports, multi-scale interfaces for targeted CO 2 and energy transfers were achieved. Aspects related to CO 2 capacity, selectivity, stability, dielectric properties, and binding energies were examined through experimental and computational design to identify molecular descriptors to inform future design of structured solvents and hybrid materials for DAC. Enclosed final report details the key findings, science advancements, and workforce development efforts from this project.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

DOE Data Days 2025 Report

The DOE Data Days (D3) workshop brings together data managers, developers, researchers, and program managers across the Department of Energy (DOE) and its national laboratories to highlight data management successes, identify potential synergies and common problems, and establish channels for collaboration across the DOE data management community.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Extending the operating range and safety of Li-ion batteries with new fluorinated electrolytes

Orbia Fluor and Energy Materials (formerly Koura) has successfully developed a new class of fluorinated electrolyte solvents for lithium-ion batteries. In collaboration with Silatronix and Argonne National Laboratory, the team synthesized and screened over 20 novel fluorinated compounds, optimizing formulations that significantly enhance battery performance across critical metrics such as thermal stability, fast-charging capability, and cycling life at extreme temperatures. Electrolytes with fluorinated molecules developed in this program demonstrated superior performance in 2 Ah pouch cells, achieving over 1000 fast-charge cycles with minimal capacity fade, outperforming conventional carbonate-based electrolytes. Mechanistic studies revealed that the fluorinated electrolytes promote a stable solid electrolyte interphase at the anode and reduce cathode metal dissolution, contributing to improved long-term stability. These advancements mark a significant step toward safer, more efficient batteries for applications ranging from grid storage to defense systems to electric vehicles. We gratefully acknowledge DOE’s financial support through contract DE-EE0009642.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

TuFF internal WRAP for Rapid Pipeline Repair (TuFF iWRAP)

The goal of “TuFF internal WRAP for Rapid Pipeline Repair” (TuFF iWRAP) program was to develop a novel material system and placement process to fabricate structural pipe within the existing deteriorated pipelines without disruption of gas delivery. The team (University of Delaware – Center for Composite Materials (UD-CCM) and Plitzie Inc.) addressed this challenge by developing a new material feedstock and pipe in pipe (PIP) repair strategy. This allows the potential for significant cost reduction and has minimum operational impact on gas customers. The new robotic based placement design allows discontinuous placement of pipe sections creating a stand-alone structural liner within the legacy pipeline without the need for pipe shutdown. Here, the material is supplied using a tethered material feeding system and is placed and UV cured with the internal Wound Rapid Automated Placement (iWRAP) system. This provides maximum placement efficiency capable of traversing 90 angle bends in 12-inch pipe and overall design customization to meet pipe repair requirements (e.g., variable wall thickness, bridging gaps, etc.). UV-curable fiber reinforced composite material has been optimized to meet structural performance and placement/cure times. Superior strength and fatigue life has been demonstrated by improving fiber-matrix adhesion using new fiber sizing for UV resins. Rapid cure approaches using new liner and resins have been evaluated with industry. The appropriate design of the section joints has been developed and tested. We estimate coating time to be ~100 hours per mile enabling typical pipe repair within 1 week.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Local Resource Assessment: Beetle-Killed Spruce in Alaska

This report synthesizes forest inventory and spatial data from federal and state sources to present a snapshot of beetle-killed spruce across Southcentral and Interior Alaska. This natural resource is under investigation for use in cellulose-based products, particularly building insulation. Research funded by the Department of Energy's ARPA-E program, has successfully developed insulation - Celium - using beetle-killed spruce combined with mycelium, the root network of fungi. The resulting insulation product can be manufactured locally and used across all Alaskan climate zones for residential, commercial, and shipping applications. Removing standing dead wood also contributes to wildfire risk reduction and mitigates associated public health impacts. This Local Resource Assessment, funded by the Denali Commission, contextualizes and reconciles unaligned forestry data sources, establishing a pathway to refined, replicable analysis and, ultimately, presenting estimates of beetle-killed spruce biomass to inform the potential scale and development of a Celium industry.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗