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At least 271 records · Page 15

Electrification Options for Multi-Family Water Heating in Cold Climates - Final Report

In multi-family buildings, large water storage tanks in centralized domestic hot water (DHW) systems can serve as thermal energy storage (TES) batteries to mitigate grid impact. These systems offer demand shift and efficiency benefits, significantly reducing peak power consumption, particularly in cold climates. This study evaluates the load-shifting benefits of a centralized heat pump water heater (HPWH) system equipped with a CO2 heat pump in multi-family buildings through simulation. The heat pump system and water storage tank are sized using design-day sizing. A finite-element-based stratified tank model and CO2 heat pump performance map from a commercial DHW product are used. Annual simulations are conducted to assess the benefits of the centralized DHW system for energy efficiency improvements, load shifting, and emission reductions. These simulations incorporate utility tariffs and marginal grid emission data from Los Angeles and Chicago. In Los Angeles, using a water tank as a thermal battery achieves 7.4% utility cost savings and 10.2% emission reduction. In Chicago, compared to HPWH conventional operation without preheating, TES-enabled central HPWH provides 15% utility cost savings and 13% emission reduction. The case study demonstrates that the demand reduction potential of central CO2 HPWHs is significant in cold climate regions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Cold Plasma IC Report

This past year we completed the simulation campaign in support of our magnetospheric cold plasma research project. This project aimed to develop the next-generation particle instruments to measure the properties of the cold particle populations in the Earth’s magnetosphere.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Cold Spray Field Deployment Evaluation for Double-Shell Tank 241-AN-105

This report highlights the documentation that supported Cold Spray field deployment in double-shell tank (DST) 241-AN-105 (AN-105) in July of 2025. This work was a collaborative effort between VRC Metal Systems (VRC), Robotic Technologies of Tennessee (RTT), the Hanford Tank Waste Operation and Closure (H2C) Chief Technology Office, H2C Tank Farm Projects Engineering, H2C Tank and Pipeline Integrity (TAPI) and H2C Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Operations & Support. Since 2019, the Chief Technology Office has been developing Cold Spray technology for refurbishing Hanford’s DSTs (RPP-RPT-65015). This technology is particularly relevant for addressing localized corrosion within the annulus of the DSTs by propelling metal powder particles at supersonic speeds to targeted areas. This process results in high-quality coatings characterized by high bond strength and low porosity result.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Scoping Study of Integrated Geothermal CO 2 Heat Pump and Water Well System in Cold Climate Region

This study evaluates the feasibility of using ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) integrated with water wells for residential heating demands in cold regions of the United States. Four different heat pump systems were evaluated and compared: a CO 2 air-source heat pump (ASHP), a R-410A ASHP, a CO 2 GSHP integrated with well water, and a R-410A GSHP integrated with well water. Simulations were conducted at both equipment and building integration levels, followed by a nationwide analysis across 10 selected cities. Results indicate that integrating GSHP technology with existing water wells (e.g., artesian, bedrock, drilled, and collector wells) is a feasible heating solution because of their high flow rates, good water quality, stable temperatures, and low environmental impact. Although R-410A systems demonstrate higher efficiency, CO 2 systems are more suitable for heating from contamination-free and energy security perspective. The CO 2 GSHPs maintain better performance in colder climates compared with that of ASHPs, providing higher coefficient of performance and environmental benefits because CO 2 refrigerant leakage would not contaminate well water. A national analysis confirms that CO 2 GSHPs outperform furnaces, especially in cold climates, making them a promising solution for residential heating.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Scoping Study of Integrated Geothermal CO 2 Heat Pump and Water Well System in Cold Climate Region (CRADA Final Report)

This study evaluates the feasibility of using ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) integrated with water wells for residential heating demands in cold regions of the United States. Four different heat pump systems were evaluated and compared: a CO 2 air-source heat pump (ASHP), a R-410A ASHP, a CO 2 GSHP integrated with well water, and a R-410A GSHP integrated with well water. Simulations were conducted at both equipment and building integration levels, followed by a nationwide analysis across 10 selected cities. Results indicate that integrating GSHP technology with existing water wells (e.g., artesian, bedrock, drilled, and collector wells) is a feasible heating solution because of their high flow rates, good water quality, stable temperatures, and low environmental impact. Although R-410A systems demonstrate higher efficiency, CO 2 systems are more suitable for heating from contamination-free and energy security perspective. The CO 2 GSHPs maintain better performance in colder climates compared with that of ASHPs, providing higher coefficient of performance and environmental benefits because CO 2 refrigerant leakage would not contaminate well water. A national analysis confirms that CO 2 GSHPs outperform furnaces, especially in cold climates, making them a promising solution for residential heating.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Diversity and Distribution of Hydrocarbon-Degrading Genes in the Cold Seeps from the Mediterranean and Caspian Seas

Marine cold seeps are unique ecological niches characterized by the emergence of hydrocarbons, including methane, which fosters diverse microbial communities. This study investigates the diversity and distribution of hydrocarbon-degrading genes and organisms in sediments from the Caspian and Mediterranean Seas, utilizing 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing to elucidate microbial community structure and functional potential. Our findings reveal distinct differences in hydrocarbon degrading gene profiles between the two seas, with pathways for aerobic and anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation co-existing in sediments from both basins. Aerobic pathways predominate in the surface sediments of the Mediterranean Sea, while anaerobic pathways are favored in the surface sediments of the anoxic Caspian Sea. Additionally, sediment depths significantly influence microbial diversity, with variations in gene abundance and community composition observed at different depths. Aerobic hydrocarbon-degrading genes decrease in diversity with depth in the Mediterranean Sea, whereas the diversity of aerobic hydrocarbon-degrading genes increases with depth in the Caspian Sea. These results enhance our understanding of microbial ecology in cold seep environments and have implications for bioremediation practices targeting hydrocarbon pollutants in marine ecosystems.

Microbiology↗

Myocardial correlates of helium-cold induction and maintenance of hypothermia.

Hypothermia was induced in the golden hamster Mesocricetus auratus, using the helium-cold method. The first group of hamsters was sacrificed immediately after induction to rectal temperature 7 C, a second group was sacrificed after being maintained at a body temperature of 7 C for 18-24 hr, and a third group consisted of unexposed controls. The hearts were excised and the ventricles analyzed for hypoxic damage, glycogen, and catecholamines. In the short-term hypothermic animals, resting tension was increased while peak isometric tension, generated tension after 10 min of anoxic exposure, glycogen, and catecholamines were all reduced. All of the functional parameters recovered in the long-term hypothermic group, while glycogen and catecholamines showed a trend toward recovery. It is concluded that myocardial hypoxia develops during induction into hypothermia when using the helium-cold method. This effect is reversible and hypoxic damage does not increase as the hypothermic exposure is prolonged.

Anderson, G. L.↗

Development of a model and test equipment for cold flow tests at 500 atm of small nuclear light bulb configurations

A model and test equipment were developed and cold-flow-tested at greater than 500 atm in preparation for future high-pressure rf plasma experiments and in-reactor tests with small nuclear light bulb configurations. With minor exceptions, the model chamber is similar in design and dimensions to a proposed in-reactor geometry for tests with fissioning uranium plasmas in the nuclear furnace. The model and the equipment were designed for use with the UARL 1.2-MW rf induction heater in tests with rf plasmas at pressures up to 500 atm. A series of cold-flow tests of the model was then conducted at pressures up to about 510 atm. At 504 atm, the flow rates of argon and cooling water were 3.35 liter/sec (STP) and 26 gal/min, respectively. It was demonstrated that the model is capable of being operated for extended periods at the 500-atm pressure level and is, therefore, ready for use in initial high-pressure rf plasma experiments.

Jaminet, J. F.↗

Cold cathodes for sealed off CO2 lasers

Experimental results of a group of theoretically selected cold cathode materials are presented. These tests indicate Ag-CuO, Cu and Pt-Cu as three new cold cathode materials for sealed off CO2 lasers. The power output of a test with an Ag-CuO cathode and a gas volume of only 50 cubic centimeters varied from 0.72 W to 1.1 W at 3000 hours and yields still 0.88 W after 8000 hours. Gas discharge tubes with Cu cathodes and a volume of 25 cubic centimeters yield life times in excess of 10,000 hours. Gas analysis results, obtained from a similar tube over a period of 3000 hours, look most promising. A Pt-Cu alloy cathode shows an extremely promising V-I characteristic over a period of 2800 hours.

Hochuli, U.↗

Numerical and Experimental Studies of the Natural Convection Flow Within a Horizontal Cylinder Subjected to a Uniformly Cold Wall Boundary Condition

Numberical solutions are obtained for the quasi-compressible Navier-Stokes equations governing the time dependent natural convection flow within a horizontal cylinder. The early time flow development and wall heat transfer is obtained after imposing a uniformly cold wall boundary condition on the cylinder. Solutions are also obtained for the case of a time varying cold wall boundary condition. Windware explicit differ-encing is used for the numerical solutions. The viscous truncation error associated with this scheme is controlled so that first order accuracy is maintained in time and space. The results encompass a range of Grashof numbers from 8.34 times 10,000 to 7 times 10 to the 7th power which is within the laminar flow regime for gravitationally driven fluid flows. Experiments within a small scale instrumented horizontal cylinder revealed the time development of the temperature distribution across the boundary layer and also the decay of wall heat transfer with time.

Stewart, R. B.↗

Cold cathodes for sealed off CO2 lasers

Experimental results of a group of theoretically selected cold cathode materials are presented. These tests indicate Ag-CuO, Cu, and Pt-Cu as three new cold cathode materials for sealed-off CO2 lasers. The power output of a test laser with an Ag-CuO cathode and a gas volume of only 50 cu cm varied from 0.72 W to 1.1 W at 3000 hours and still yields 0.88 W after 8000 hours. Gas discharge tubes with Cu cathodes and a volume of 25 cu cm yield lifetimes in excess of 10,000 hours. Gas analysis results, obtained from a similar tube over a period of 3000 hours, look most promising. A Pt-Cu alloy cathode shows an extremely promising V-I characteristic over a period of 2800 hours.

Hochuli, U. E.↗

Is the moon hot or cold.

Basic observations are discussed which do not demand a presently cold moon and are consistent with a hot moon. It is suggested that an iron-deficient, highly resistive, hot lunar interior, capped by a cool, rigid lunar lithosphere with a thickness of several hundred kilometers, can explain the relevant observations and is a reasonable model of the moon today. The strength of the moon, lunar electrical conductivity profiles, the relative absence of present-day volcanic activity, and thermal history considerations are examined. Whether the deep interior of the moon is hot or cold has an important bearing on the overall composition of the moon and its origin.

Anderson, D. L.↗

Some research concerning the cold drawing of tubes on an ultrasonically activated plug

The results are discussed of studies of the influence of macrosounds on a metal's friction and deformation conditions at the focus of deformation, on the mechanical characteristics of cold-drawn tubes, and on the dynamic stability of the focus of deformation. In the course of these studies, experimental equipment was developed and perfected. Under the proposed conditions the cold drawing of tubes on an ultrasonically activated plug turned out to be viable and efficient.

Dragan, O.↗

Fine-scale structure of a cold hydrogen layer

Neutral-hydrogen absorption-line interferometer observations are reported for five continuum radio sources situated behind an extensive layer of cold interstellar H I gas. In contrast to low-spatial-resolution emission-line observations reported earlier which show the large-scale uniformity of the layer, the high-spatial-resolution absorption-line observations reveal variations in the velocity and density within the layer. The new results together with the old indicate the apparent coexistence of a large-scale mechanism for triggering the formation of cold hydrogen and an instability mechanism leading to small-scale irregularities.

Baker, P. L.↗

Cold plasma diagnostics using satellite measurements of VLF signals from ground transmitters

A diagnostic technique to obtain the cold-plasma density profile in the magnetosphere is introduced. This method uses satellite measurements of group delay and pulse duration of VLF signals from ground transmitters in conjunction with a detailed ray-tracing analysis. An iterative method is involved which starts with an approximate density profile, computes the ray paths for that profile, and then compares the properties of the rays that reach the satellite location with the actual satellite measurements. The density profile is then modified to account for any discrepancies between the two results. The same process is repeated with the new profile until one has reasonable agreement between the data and ray-tracing results. This method is applied to the case of an Imp 6 pass, where strong signals from the Siple VLF transmitter were observed for over 25 min. Good agreement is found between the results of the proposed technique and the well-known ground whistler techniques of cold-plasma diagnostics. The results also serve to illustrate the wide diversity of propagation paths from ground transmitters to high-altitude satellites during VLF wave-injection experiments.

Inan, U. S.↗

Electrodeposition process reduces cost of cold plates

Efficient nickel heat-exchanger cold plates can be fabricated less expensively than stainless steel plates. If adapted to mass production, it is estimated that nickel cold plates might be made for about 30 percent less than stainless-steel plates.

Ruppe, E. P.↗

Thermal math model analysis of FRSI test article subjected to cold soak and entry environments

A multi-objective test program was conducted at the NASA/JSC Radiant Heat Test Facility in which an aluminum skin/stringer test panel insulated with FRSI (Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation) was subjected to 24 simulated Space Shuttle Orbiter ascent/entry heating cycles with a cold soak in between in the 10th and 20th cycles. A two-dimensional thermal math model was developed and utilized to predict the thermal performance of the FRSI. Results are presented which indicate that the modeling techniques and property values have been proven adequate in predicting peak structure temperatures and entry thermal responses from both an ambient and cold soak condition of an FRSI covered aluminum structure.

Gallegos, J. J.↗

Effects of ingestion of cold and hot water on the course of thermal changes in the stomach and intestine

With the use of a thermocouple and mirror galvanometer, calibrated before the experiment and after each test, it was found that the normal temperature in the esophagus is 0.1-0.4 C higher than in the oral cavity, the temperature in the duodenum is somewhat less than in the stomach, but higher with cholecystitis, duodenitis or gastritis, the temperature in the normal stomach equals or is somewhat higher than in the esophagus, and that the temperature of distended stomachs frequently is lower than in the esophagus. It was found that hot water is retained in the stomach longer than cold water, and that both hot and cold water are allowed to pass into the duodenum when the water temperature becomes approximately equal to that of the surrounding organs.

Batinkov, Y. L.↗