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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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Heat load measurements for the PIP-II pHB650 cryomodule

This study presents a brief overview of the 1st and 2nd phases and an in-depth analysis of the 3rd phase heat load testing performed on the pHB650 (prototype High Beta 650 MHz) cryomodule at PIP2IT (PIP-II Injector Test Facility), with a focus on both the results and the methodological advancements that have improved testing efficiency and accuracy. A key challenge identified in the testing campaign is the higher-than-expected heat loads observed in the first PIP-II (Proton Improvement Plan II) prototype cryomodules (pSSR1 and pHB650) tested at PIP2IT. Elevated heat loads are concerning given the fixed capacity of the PIP-II cryoplant that is currently being installed at Fermilab. However, understanding the sources of these elevated heat loads offers a critical opportunity to implement effective heat load mitigations on upcoming PIP-II cryomodules to stay within the available capacity of the PIP-II cryoplant. The study includes a summary of test results, descriptions of measurement procedures, and key observations on parameters directly and indirectly related to heat load measurements. Direct observations include measured heat loads and the effectiveness of JT heat exchanger under varying conditions, while indirect observation analyze factors such as the temperature distribution on the two-phase pipe and relief piping under varying conditions. Thermal acoustic oscillations (TAO) were identified during testing, which was mitigated by replacing the original G10 stem with a stainless steel stem equipped with wipers for the cryomodule cooldown valve. A major innovation during pHB650 Phase 3 testing was the development of an automated Python script to streamline data acquisition, analysis, and reporting of heat load results. This script automatically retrieved data from ACNET (Accelerator Control Network), performed heat load calculations, and generated detailed reports featuring plots and tables. This advancement significantly reduced manual labor and enhanced the thoroughness of data analysis compared to earlier campaigns. The heat load test reports were promptly uploaded to the electronic logbook shortly after each test, enabling rapid feedback and collaboration between the SRF and cryogenic teams. The heat load measurements included various components: HTTS (high-temperature thermal shield), LTTS (low-temperature thermal shield), 2K isothermal and non-isothermal heat loads. Results were recorded both within the cryomodule and between the bayonet can supply and return. Measurements were conducted under different operating conditions such as "standard", "linac", and "simulated dynamic". Additionally, HTTS and LTTS heat loads were calculated in real time, allowing for the tracking of thermal stability and identification of changes during testing, both in steady-state and transient conditions. The results of this testing campaign not only provide valuable insights into the performance of the pHB650 cryomodule but also highlight best practices and lessons learned that will inform future cryomodule testing at PIP2IT. These include adopting automated tools for data analysis, refining real-time measurement capabilities, and emphasizing detailed pre-test planning. The framework established in this campaign aims to set an improved standard for cryomodule testing and heat load reporting in future cryomodule test campaigns.

Porwisiak, D. [Fermilab; Wroclaw Tech. U.]↗
DOE OSTI2025

An Advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence System for Demonstrating Radiation Regulatory Compliance in DOE Accelerator Facilities

In this Phase II proposal, Applied Research LLC (ARLLC), Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), and Old Dominion University (ODU) propose the combination of domain knowledge (beam characteristics, fixed structural shielding, earthen burden (the soil and foliage added to the dome of the experimental halls as additional shielding), etc.), machine learning (ML) and/or artificial intelligence (AI) to correlate a variety of multi-modal onsite signals and the radiation fields seen in accessible areas of the accelerator site and the site boundary. The ML/AI will consider the complex influence of environmental parameters affecting the radon contribution of the measurements, focusing on actual data obtained from Jefferson Lab. In Phase I, the coded beam and location data were fed into a deep learning model to predict doses at several designated locations in Jefferson Lab’s facility. Moreover, a dense radiation map was generated using only a sparse collection of the samples in a facility. In Phase II, we will develop a software prototype containing a radiation prediction algorithm, dense radiation map algorithms, and background noise prediction algorithms, with actual data used to evaluate the prototype. This work will provide a framework for evaluation of radiation measurement results around the site based on learned responses. In addition, the proposed approach allows more granular mapping of radiation levels. Better understanding and communication of these levels is related to the overall approach in keeping doses to personnel ALARA.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Field-Deployable Magnetic Resonance Imaging Rhizotron for Modeling and Enhancing Root Growth and Biogeochemical Function

A collaborative team from Texas A&M AgriLife Research, ABQMR Inc., the Soil Health Institute, the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, and NIST developed low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) instrumentation capable of imaging intact soil-root systems. The system measured root biomass, architecture, 3D mass distribution, and growth rates, providing a non-destructive means to evaluate ideal plant characteristics based on root metrics. It also successfully generated three-dimensional images of soil water content, a key property influencing root growth and exploration. Operating much like an MRI used in a medical setting, the system functioned in field conditions without damaging plants, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods such as trenching, soil coring, and root excavation. Over the course of the project, the team designed and built three functional prototype systems. These prototypes provided new insights into root–water–soil interactions that drive processes such as nutrient uptake, water use, and carbon management. This information contributed to efforts to optimize plants for carbon sequestration without sacrificing economic yield. The project also supported the identification of desirable traits for energy sorghum, including high root growth rates, more vertical root angles, and enhanced drought resilience under water-limiting conditions.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Impacts of Irradiation Structural Behavior on Thermal Hydraulics Safety Analysis to Support MURR LEU Conversion

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) located in Columbia, Missouri is one of six U.S. High Performance Research Reactors (USHPRR), including one critical facility, that is actively collaborating with U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Material Management and Minimization (M3) Office of Reactor Conversion and Uranium Supply to convert from the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU; ≥20 wt% U-235) to low-enriched uranium (LEU; <20 wt% U-235) fuel. A new type of very high-density LEU fuel based on an alloy of uranium and 10 wt% molybdenum (U-10Mo) is expected to allow the conversion to LEU of MURR, as well as four other USHPRR. MURR has been working with the Reactor Conversion Pillar at Argonne to perform fuel element design and fuel cycle performance analyses, steady-state thermal hydraulics safety analysis, and accident safety analyses in preparation for the conversion of MURR and to support a preliminary safety analysis report for conversion to LEU fuels. Subsequent analyses have also been performed, including transition cycles where all-fresh LEU fuel elements are introduced upon conversion and progressing through reactor operations the core is brought to equilibrium. Thermal hydraulics safety analyses performed as part of the above have employed an assumption on channel gap reduction due to burnup-related phenomena including fuel swelling, irradiation creep, and oxide layer buildup. Recently, a series of structural analyses have been performed on the MURR LEU fuel plates and an element due to significant differences between the plate and element designs of the MURR HEU and LEU fuels. In addition, NUREG-1537 indicates that structural phenomena are to be evaluated. Two separate types of structural analyses were performed for the MURR LEU fuel element: fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and irradiation thermo-mechanical. The FSI analysis evaluated the effects of hydraulic forces on the MURR LEU fuel element to quantify the flow-induced plate deflection, and a minimal impact to the channel gap thickness was predicted under prototypic and bounding conditions. The irradiation thermo-mechanical analysis evaluated the effects of fuel swelling, irradiation creep, and thermal expansion for the MURR LEU plates and the element for prototypic thermal and irradiation conditions based on a high-fidelity approach multiphysics approach. Overall, this thermo-mechanical analysis predicts smaller gap thickness changes in previously limiting regions. Larger changes are predicted in the middle of channels, and for end channels where power density is not typically a maximum. An additional thermo-mechanical analysis was performed for the outermost HEU fuel plate, which showed a similar magnitude of deflection as the outermost LEU plate. Due to substantial differences between the channel gap reductions assumed for the previous safety analyses and those predicted by the irradiation thermo-mechanical analysis, a need to evaluate their impact on the thermal hydraulics safety analyses arose. This report presents the results from the steady-state safety analyses for normal operation as well as the accident analyses for the two most limiting accident scenarios.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Misalignment Tolerant Three-phase Wireless Fast Charging System for Electric Vehicles

This project proposes improving the technology level of the three-phase wireless charging technology developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Successful commercialization of wireless charging systems require that they meet strict safety standards for electromagnetic field emissions and interoperability with other wireless charging technology. ORNL has previously demonstrated a 50kW three-phase wireless power transfer system with 95% efficiency. This prototype system weighed less than 50% of similar high-power wireless charging system while simultaneously exhibiting better safety characteristics. Due to better material utilization, the reduction in mass is expected to translate into similar cost reduction for the magnetic coupler. Additionally, the smaller footprint of the system can ease vehicle integration difficulties that would be encountered using other technology. Furthermore, the three-phase design can be made to operate with existing single-phase coupler design more easily and without intentional physical misalignment which would otherwise pose safety issues. This project developed ORNL’s WPT technology to satisfy the specifications and requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The result of the project will be a prototype and reference design for a high-power wireless charging system—including magnetics, power electronics, and controls—serving as a baseline for product development.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Self-healable Copolymer Composites for Extended Service H 2 Dispensing Hoses

In this project, we designed, synthesized and fabricated using X-winder technologies precommercialized novel, self-healingable commodity copolymer fiber-reinforced composites to extend the H 2 hose service life beyond the current target of 1000 fills. These studies demonstrated that these composites are able to withstand over 25,000 damage-repair cycles, which was the main objective of the proposed project, in the temperature range of -40 to +80 °C under variable pressures. When micro-cracks are formed after about 1,000 cycles/fueling per hose in the inner composite layer, these micro-cracks self-heal, thus extending the lifetime of a prototype inner layer of the hose. These composites were tested by exposure to H 2 fuel and demonstrated the ability to recover from mechanical damage. Thermomechanical testing combined with analysis of the stress and strain fields across the cross-section of the inner layer composite hoses also identified the ring-like stresses on the edge of inner layers arising from changes of the fiber winding angle directions from +45° to -45°. The developed novel concept that self-healing commodity copolymers can be used in the development of prototype composites for the extended service of H 2 dispensing hoses will have major implications for other energy-related technologies, where the extended service life in harsh environments is expected. In this project, we optimized, validated, and demonstrated novel copolymer fiber-reinforced composites for H 2 dispensing hose applications, which can be utilized in future manufacturing using commodity materials. The estimated cost of materials (exluding labor) is in the range of < $1.0/ft.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

NREL's Journey with HPC in the Cloud and Hybrid Computing

This is a planned lightning talk at the NLIT Summit 2025 conference. This would serve as somewhat of a progress update to the presentation I gave at re:Invent 2024 back in November which can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=2133&v=NMq3kL9qObU&feature=youtu.be (my section begins at the included timestamp value). This presentation discusses our usage of Cloud-hosted HPC systems, and in what circumstances they benefit our researchers strategically. We have been making incremental progress in this area since that recording, so for this presentation I would include our latest experiences and observations as we are beginning to implement a hybrid HPC solution. We're in the midst of a cross-team effort of implementing a prototype hybridization solution which would allow users to strategically burst jobs to the cloud. In this talk for NLIT, I would detail lessons-learned, non-starters, architecture diagrams, and other implementation details that may benefit those interested as we continue our experimentation. Our prototype may not be complete by the time of this presentation, but even in the discovery phase of our anticipated design we've discovered a lot of information from others who have worked on hybrid solutions that are worth sharing.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Environmentally Friendly Use of Carbon Ore for Advanced Building Materials for Homes and Commercial Buildings

Through this effort, X-MAT CCC sought to confirm the utility and commercialization potential of carbon-derived building materials (CDBM) technology licensed from our partner, Semplastics. These CDBM products contain at least 52% coal-derived carbon by mass. Including the binders within the resin, the products contain at least 71% carbon by mass overall, meeting a key criterion for DE-FOA-0002185 – Area of Interest (AOI) 5 – Design Research and Development, Validation, and Fabrication of a Prototype Carbon-Based Building. The Phase II project has resulted in a technology demonstrator prototype structure, a detailed design for a carbon-based building, and updated techno-economic analysis (TEA) including detailed market surveys to show the commercial viability of CDBM products. We pursued the following objectives in Phase II: (1) construction of a partial building shell as a technology demonstrator, (2) testing of CDBM products, individually and in assemblies, (3) demonstration of bonding of CDBM and traditional building materials (TBM) in structural applications, (4) production of a detailed design for a carbon-based building, and (5) an update of the TEA that was performed in Phase I. In Phase II, X-MAT CCC and our industry team performed the development and testing needed to improve the maturity of the technology from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 to TRL 6. CDBM have been shown by our partner Semplastics to exhibit a number of high-performance characteristics, including high strength (five times the flexure strength of the best commercial brick, and more than twice the compressive strength of construction-grade concrete block), lower density, improved mechanical durability and abrasion resistance, very high temperature stability, and resistance to chemicals, acids, salts, and water. These properties offer significant improvements over conventional building materials. Phase II built upon the work accomplished in Phase I by performing technical and economic research and development to confirm the viability of CDBM as commercial products in various markets. Acknowledgment: This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under Award Number DE-FE0031985.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2025

High Power FPC Progress for EIC ESR Cavities

Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) is a next generation particle accelerator to be built at Brookhaven National Laboratory, in partnership with Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. In Electron Storage Ring (ESR), 18 single-cell 591 MHz SRF cavities are required to compensate for up to 10 MW energy loss due to synchronic radiation. Two high power FPCs for each cavity are used to deliver up to 800 kW power to the beam. The high power FPC were designed and reviewed. The FPC prototypes will be ready for high power test around mid-2026. This paper presents the latest development of FPC prototyping and path forward for FPC conditioning.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ion Exchange Processing of AW-105 Hanford Tank Waste through Crystalline Silicotitanate in a Staged 2- then 3-Column System

The Hanford Site stores an estimated 56 million gallons of mixed radioactive and chemically hazardous waste in large underground tanks. In support of the Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) Program for expediting Hanford tank waste supernate treatment, laboratory-scale ion exchange processing using prototypic unit operations was conducted on AW-105 tank waste at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Radiochemical Processing Laboratory. This report describes the small-scale ion exchange testing with 9.2 L of diluted and filtered supernate from Tank 241-AW-105 (hereafter referred to as AW-105) at 16 °C (62 °F). One of the waste acceptance criteria (WAC) for the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) Low-Activity Waste Facility is that the waste must contain less than 3.18×10 -5 Ci 137 Cs per mole of Na. For the AW-105 tank waste to meet this criterion, only 0.225% of the influent 137 Cs concentration may be delivered to the WTP; this requires a Cs decontamination factor of 445. Testing with AW-105 matched current Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) facility prototypic operations where a lead-lag configuration was used until the lag column reached the WAC limit, then a polish column was brought online for continued processing in a lead-lag-polish column configuration. Feed was processed at 1.9 bed volumes (BVs) per hour; the flowrate, in terms of contact time with the crystalline silicotitanate (CST) bed, matched the expected flowrate at TSCR. The Cs-decontaminated product was retained for vitrification testing (to be reported separately). The lead column reached 83% Cs breakthrough after processing ~1500 BVs of feed; the 50% Cs breakthrough was interpolated from the breakthrough data and occurred at 1041 BVs. Despite the AW-105 having a significantly higher K concentration (0.55 M compared to 0.10 M), testing compared to previous AP-107 ion exchange column testing at 16 °C showed no difference in BVs processed to reach the WAC on the lead column and only an approximate ~20 BV decrease in volume processed to reach the WAC limit on the lag column. The negligible differences in capacity despite the 5x concentration differences in K was determined to be due to the significantly lower NO3 concentration in the AW-105 supernate compared to the AP-107 tank waste matrix. A comparison in breakthrough curves for the two tests also indicated slightly faster kinetic behavior in the AW-105, with the variations in feed matrices (lower NO3 concentration) likely responsible for the deviation. The Cs effluent from the lag column reached the WAC limit after processing 772 BVs. Anticipating this breakthrough point, the polish column was preemptively installed around 675 BVs. Cs breakthrough from the lag column began at 300 BVs, reaching 1.10×10 1 µCi/mL, or 14.13 % Cs breakthrough, after processing all 1500 BVs of feed. The polish column processed nominally 830 BVs and reached 2.10×10 -1 µCi/mL, or 0.27 % Cs breakthrough at the conclusion of the test. Table S.1 and Figure S.1 summarize the observed column performance and relevant Cs loading characteristics.

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

FCET Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Testing and Development (CRADA 526) (Final Report)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) tested electrolyte coatings from Fuel Cell Enabling Technologies, Inc. (FCET) for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The key technology held by FCET is a process to deposit thin layers of oxide materials, less than 1 μm in thickness. The range of possible materials that can be deposited with their method is broad, but this project focused on the gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes for SOFCs. Thin, gas tight electrolyte membranes have been a long-sought target in SOFC research. The thinner the electrolyte, the lower the cell resistance, and the higher performance of the cell (or the lower the operating temperature). A YSZ thickness of 1 μm would be a step change from the state-of-the-art, tape-cast electrolytes (~10 μm). An in-house prototype SOFC stack from FCET was first tested. The sealing geometry of the prototype stack was determined to be problematic, and testing shifted to button cells. Anode-supported solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) button cells without an electrolyte layer were produced at PNNL and sent to FCET for coating with electrolyte. Three cells were tested with a gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) electrolyte applied via spin coating. GDC was chosen for its conductivity at lower temperatures than YSZ. All three cells failed during initial reduction under hydrogen at 600°C. Testing then shifted to YSZ, which is the standard SOFC electrolyte. Several button cells were coated with YSZ and examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A promising coating of ~1 mm thickness was observed under SEM. A similarly coated button cell was tested and failed similarly to previous tests during reduction at 600°C. The YSZ coating appeared dense and uniform in SEM analysis. The roughness of the underlying Ni/YSZ anode is on the order of 1 μm, and that may have compromised the gas-tightness of the coating. Further development is warranted to understand and refine the coating process. Thin YSZ applied via this spin-coating technique could be used as a low-cost, drop-in replacement in large-scale SOFC manufacturing processes, improving cell performance and lowering the cost per watt of SOFCs.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2025

VSR SRF HOM load and waveguide

Under the expired ICRADA JSA2012S015 mod 5, JLab collaborated with HZB to design and prototype the high power HOM load for HZB VSR upgrade 1.5GHz cavities and bERLinpro cavities, as well as the optimization of the HOM waveguide thermal design. The scope of work to be contracted with this ICRADA includes: finalize the HZB VSR HOM load design for production; fabricate, test and deliver 30 HOM loads to HZB; design and prototype the HZB VSR HOM waveguide assembly.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tracking and Positioning System for Floating Solar (CRADA Abstract)

The project goal is to develop a floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) tracking & position system that: (1) increases annual energy production of FPV projects by >10%, (2) lowers levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for FPV by >10%, and (3) leverages U.S. contract supply chain & manufacturing. The outcome of the project will be a certified tracking product that has undergone extensive field testing and is ready for commercial sales. The primary objectives for each budget period are: • BP1: Define product requirements, develop initial controls architecture and design other sub-components, complete small-scale pilot testing, install a larger-scale pilot, secure sites for commercial pilots, and develop the beta-version of a user portal. • BP2: complete control system and sub-component design, successful demonstration and testing at a commercial pilot, certification & bankability, finalize user portal, and complete various commercialization activities related to supply chain, customer acquisition, and sales. PNNL will provide support during both project phases for prototype development and testing of the controls architecture, software, and hardware components of the tracking and positioning system. PNNL will provide support during both project phases for prototype development and testing of the controls architecture, software, and hardware components of the tracking and positioning system. This effort represents PNNL’s first opportunity to support the floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) industry with capabilities, facilities, and personnel developed to contribute to the marine energy (e.g., wave and tidal energy) sector. This portfolio expansion leverages internal and DOE EERE investments and the growing visibility of PNNL-Sequim’s Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory (MCRL) and our marine research capabilities, in general. The development of effective and low-cost FPV platforms is a potential way to increase the nation’s set of tools for providing emission-free electricity without utilizing valuable terrestrial resources. Successful commercialization of such a project may lead to economic benefits through job creation, supply chain creation, and access to a cheaper source of electricity.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Autonomous Hydrogen Fueling Station

This project “Autonomous Hydrogen Fueling Station” covered the autonomous refueling with both gaseous hydrogen and liquid hydrogen. The part on gaseous hydrogen focused on the development of an autonomous robotic fueling arm that would couple to a fuel cell engine for hydrogen refueling without guidance from the forklift operator and budget period. Research was also covered for the robotic fueling with a commercial vehicle. The second phase of the project created the baseline for an autonomous liquid hydrogen transfer system that would minimize boil off losses by operating at thermodynamically efficient state points. For the development of the robotic fueling arm, testing was conducted to establish a baseline measurement of the accuracy and repeatability of a human operator positioning a lift truck in front of a dispenser. The goal was to establish the range of motion required for an autonomous fueling mechanism to mate a hydrogen nozzle with a receptacle on a fuel cell system installed in a forklift. The final design comprised a selective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA)-type mechanism with two arms for horizontal motion and a ball screw for vertical movement and color and LIDAR cameras were used for marker identification and proximity awareness to guide the robotic arm to its target receptacle. Initial tests resulted in 199 out of 200 successful attempts at autonomous coupling of the dispensing coupler and a fuel cell engine, without hydrogen. The dispenser prototype was modified to include tubing for both hydrogen fuel and air purge lines, but subsequent tests were confounded by the shoulder motor over current errors which limited the robot from getting to the fully inserted position to achieve a positive latch. Robotic hydrogen refueling was successfully demonstrated over 1.5 hours of testing, Plug completed 29 successful latches with an average number of 4 sequential latches before failure. However, a robot capable of placing the nozzle with more force is required for higher reliability. For budget period two, a small scale (10 kg / transfer) automated control system was designed that would operate valves to control pressure and flow of liquid nitrogen between a source and receiving tank with an aim to minimize boil off losses by operating at the most thermodynamically efficient state points. Control system logic flow and a P&ID were developed prior to system safety characterization via HAZOP. A control narrative and system state points were defined. Delays in approval for a change of project objective and procurement issues precluded the construction and test of the final prototype system.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Pilot Development Progress to Demonstrate Electric Thermal Energy Storage (ETES) Using Low-Cost Particles

The rapid growth of future energy demand increases the need to economically store electrical energy over durations up to several days in long-duration energy storage (LDES) applications. LDES can reduce the grid stress for improving the resilience of the grid. The integration of renewable power and storage has several significant and positive impacts including expanding the renewable energy portion of electricity generation, meeting peak-load demand, and coordinating supply and demand. Several energy storage approaches including mechanical, chemical and electrochemical methods are currently deployed or under development. However, LDES requirements pose unique challenges for scalability, energy capacity, and cost. Thermal energy storage (TES) has the ability to store a large capacity of energy with improved site flexibility compared to incumbent LDES technologies (i.e., pumped hydro) and has attracted significant interest. Our development in TES technology using solid particles as the storage medium has shown feasibility and potential in serving LDES purposes. Particle TES has various advantages over commercialized molten nitrate salt TES and has emerged as a promising storage technology originating from Generation 3 concentrating solar power (CSP) development. Stable, inexpensive silica sand produced in the Midwestern U.S. was identified as a suitable storage medium and has been validated through lab heating and cycling tests. We have successfully developed particle TES for bidirectional electric energy storage to broaden the applications for TES beyond CSP technologies and into standalone electric-thermal energy storage (ETES) systems. Key component designs and performance were verified with prototype testing and model simulations. The ETES system uses high-temperature, low-cost particle thermal energy storage coupled with a unique pressurized fluidized bed heat exchanger that supports a high-efficiency, air-Brayton combined power cycle. At times of low energy demand or high renewable production, an electric particle heater heats large quantities of solid particles to high temperatures in excess of 1100 degrees C. The particles are stored in internally insulated silos. At times of high electricity demand, the hot particles are gravity-fed through the heat exchanger where stored thermal energy is transferred to the power cycle working fluid to drive the gas turbine power generation system, thereby converting the thermal energy back into electricity for the grid. The cold particles leaving the heat exchanger are returned to the storage silos by a well-insulated particle conveyor. This ETES technology using particle TES can be sited anywhere and is predicted to be economic and efficient. Moreover, this ETES technology could be co-located with a retired coal or gas plant to leverage existing power generation and grid infrastructure. Our work has focused on the development of each of the key components (e.g., the electric particle heater, particle storage silos, and the particle-to-gas pressurized fluidized bed heat exchanger) through conceptual designs, prototype testing, and computational modeling. These developments demonstrate technological feasibility and are an important step towards the next phase of development of this promising LDES technology. This presentation will show the progress in developing a pilot demonstration of the ETES system on a commercially relevant scale.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Machine Learning-Based Technique for Automated Sensor Characterization

The development of novel instrumentation requires an iterative cycle with three stages: design, prototyping, and testing. Recent advancements in simulation and nanofabrication techniques have significantly accelerated the design and prototyping phases. Nonetheless, detector characterization continues to be a major bottleneck in device development. During the testing phase, a significant time investment is required to characterize the device in different operating conditions and find optimal operating parameters. The total effort spent on characterization and parameter optimization can occupy a year or more of an expert s time. In this work, we present a novel technique for automated sensor calibration that aims to accelerate the testing stage of the development cycle. This technique leverages closed-loop Bayesian optimization (BO), using real-time measurements to guide parameter selection and identify optimal operating states. We demonstrate the method with a novel low-noise CCD, showing that the machine learning-driven tool can efficiently characterize and optimize operation of the sensor in a couple of days without supervision of a device expert.

Zepeda, Cuevas [Chicago U., KICP]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Novel Light Detectors for Directional MeV scale DM Detectors

The search for sub-GeV dark matter requires novel detector development due to the small expected ionization signal and large backgrounds, many of which still need to be well-modeled. For this reason, to unambiguously detect dark matter, a detector must be able to determine the directionality of the incoming particles so that the daily modulation of the rate can be used to confirm a dark matter signal. This can be accomplished by combining anisotropic scintillating crystals, such as trans-Stilbene, as a detector target, with an optically-sensitive Skipper CCD as a readout. I will present on my work over the past six months developing the first prototype of this detector, including optical testing of the trans-Stilbene and design of the detector. This work will lead to characterization of the CCDs and deployment of the first prototype later this year.

Hoch, Nora [MIT]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Ultra-clear Aerogels for Insulated Glass in Refrigeration Doors (CRADA Final Report)

Display refrigerators commonly employ glass doors to provide product visibility; however, these doors exhibit significantly poorer thermal insulation than solid doors, resulting in increased heat transfer and higher energy consumption. To address this limitation, this project investigated the use of silica aerogel as a transparent insulating medium for refrigerator glass doors, with the objective of enhancing thermal performance without compromising visual clarity. In Phase I of the project, we assessed the feasibility of silica aerogel insulation through laboratory and full-scale studies, including material characterization, durability testing, and heat transfer measurements, along with the development and performance evaluation of prototype glass doors under realistic operating conditions. In Phase II, the project focused on scaling the technology toward practical deployment. This included scaling up the manufacturing process to achieve a surface area roughly 20 times larger for commercial applications, developing full-scale prototypes that integrated silica aerogel into standard display refrigerator doors, and conducting field evaluations to assess thermal performance, energy savings, and operational durability under real-world conditions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗