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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 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Mobilizing Climate Finance for Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Investments: A Primer for Integration into USAID Energy Sector Activities

The primary purpose of this brief, and the full assessment from which its content is derived, is to assist USAID staff in identifying opportunities for designing new interventions that integrate climate finance into their existing/planned energy sector programming. USAID staff are encouraged to review the various examples presented to determine if any aspect of the proposed approaches are applicable to the countries/regions in which they operate.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

ARIES and ADMS Test Bed Overview and Updates

This presentation provides an overview and updates on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform and Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS Test Bed).

ADMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

HYBRID Modeling of DETAIL Experimental Facility

Idaho National Laboratory continues to be at the forefront of advanced reactor systems and integrated energy systems research. Through the Thermal Energy Distribution System (TEDS) and Microreactor Agile Non-nuclear Test Bed (MAGNET) experiments in the Dynamic Energy Transport and Innovation Laboratory (DETAIL) within the Engineering Systems Laboratory, a mix of digital and physical testing systems can explore the operation of thermally and electrically integrated systems. Modeling of these systems has been done using the HYBRID modeling repository of the Integrated Energy Systems program. DETAIL also contains high temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) units to produce hydrogen and generate the load imposed on MAGNET and TEDS. The dynamic modeling capabilities within the IES program describe the DETAIL components as-built and can be used to evaluate controls, process flows, and overall system conditions.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

FORCE Output Data Visualization

The Framework for Optimization of ResourCes and Economics (FORCE) is a collection of software tools, models, and datasets acquired and developed under the Integrated Energy Systems (IES) program to enable analysis of technical and economic viability of myriad IES configurations. Idaho National Laboratory is hosting a training session for FORCE users and developers, which is "Integrated Energy Systems Tools FORCE Overview and Training 2023." We will present data output visualization results with FORCE scenarios as examples and show how does the new design improve existing automated visualization for analysis results.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

A proposed methodology to reduce heat pump size with integrated thermal energy storage

Thermal energy storage (TES) offers a unique storage solution wherein heat is stored for later use to thermally condition an application. Heat pumps (HPs) move heat from relatively cold to a relatively hot with an input of work. Integrating TES into a HP system adds a third temperature body, and the HP can be selectively coupled to operate between any two: a constant temperature application, a temporally fluctuating ambient temperature, or a constant temperature TES. Since the HP-TES system enables operation under different conditions depending on the pair of temperature bodies, changes in efficiency and capacity can be expected. Thus, TES can shift HP operation to more favorable conditions to deliver heat to the application. Consequently, TES increases the apparent capacity of the HP which might enable a nominally smaller HP to be used effectively. This paper outlines a method by which TES can reduce the size of a HP without sacrificing heat delivered to the application. The method is demonstrated for a building cooling application which realized a reduction in nominal HP size from 3 tons to 2.4 tons.

Hirschey, Jason↗
DOE OSTI2022

Framework For Optimization Of Resources And Economics Ecosystem

The Framework for Optimization of ResourCes and Economics is a collection of software tools, models, and datasets acquired and developed under the Integrated Energy Systems (IES) program to enable analysis of technical and economic viability of myriad IES configurations. FORCE is the consolidating interface and data repository for all the IES toolsets ranging from macro technoeconomic analysis to transient process modeling and experimental validation for integrated energy systems.

Frick, KonorL↗
DOE OSTI2023

Energy Model to Evaluate Thermal Energy Storage Integrated with Air Source Heat Pumps: Preprint

Full decarbonization in buildings requires the replacement of combustion appliances with electric ones, and air source heat pumps (ASHP) are a candidate alternative. However, technical limitations, such as the efficiency decrease when operating in cold weather, limit their adoption in the global heating market. Among several options to improve ASHP efficiency operating in colder climates, thermal energy storage (TES) has been considered, as it may provide heating when it is cold and shift ASHP operation to times when the weather is warmer. It may also take advantage of time of use electricity rates and support defrosting when necessary. The evaluation of ASHP-TES systems, however, is still limited because traditional metrics do not capture their full economic and environmental benefits. In this work, a python framework is presented to model the ASHP with and without the presence of TES. Metrics are proposed to analyze the system performance in terms of costs, equivalent CO2 emission, and efficiency metrics to evaluate and compare alternative systems. Model validation against experimental data obtained for a commercial heat pump is provided, as well as an application example using Denver, Colorado, to highlight the model capabilities.

cold climate↗
DOE OSTI2023

SCUC-DER Integration Report: Integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Using Advanced Unit Commitment Models and DER Aggregation Methodologies

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are continuing to grow due to regulatory, policy, and market shifts, and it needs to be ensured that small DERs are given a level playing field with traditional resources. Legacy market processes such as unit-commitment problems were designed for a power grid consisting largely of centralized power plants. In contrast, DERs consist of many small devices with distinct operating characteristics that may or may not be connected at the transmission interconnection points, limiting their visibility to the independent system operators (ISOs) who operate wholesale electricity markets. This report details the development and initial results from a simulation platform that integrates state-of-the-art security-constrained unit commitment software, detailed feeder models, and a DER aggregator model to quantify potential DER integration issues. Quantitative results to date illustrate potential infeasible scheduling solutions from SCUC when the DERA includes aggregations of energy-limited energy storage resources. Likewise, if aggregations are not penalized for dispatch deviations, they may have incentives to deviate from the SCUC-determined resource schedules. Assumptions about the amount of aggregated demand response resources (DRRs) and the ability of DERAs to follow profit incentives have an important impact – DRRs have significant flexibility and can typically feasibly meet their SCUC schedule, but on the other hand, their profit incentives can cause unscheduled increases in load before and after DRR dispatch. Computation time results on the SCUC solver and simulation platform only show a modest increase in SCUC solution time as the number of DERAs is increased, but results to date only reflect the RTS-GMLC test system; results may show more significant solver slowdown in larger transmission systems. The largest contribution to simulation time is attributed to the DERA offer generation method, which is suggested for future improvements.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Integrating solar energy with agriculture: Industry perspectives on the market, community, and socio-political dimensions of agrivoltaics

Large-scale development of solar-generated electricity is hindered in some regions of the U.S. by land use competition and localized social resistance. One approach to alleviate these coupled challenges is agrivoltaics: the strategic co-location of solar photovoltaics and agriculture. To explore the opportunities and barriers for agrivoltaics, in-depth interviews with solar industry professionals were conducted and findings suggest that the potential for an agrivoltaic project to retain agricultural interests and consequently increase local support for development is the most significant opportunity of dual use solar. Capable of increasing community acceptance, participants expect agrivoltaics to play an important role in future solar endeavors, especially in places where development may be perceived as a threat to agricultural interests. The results further reveal the interconnections among the various dimensions of social acceptance and suggest that the growth of agrivoltaics is contingent on market adoption of the technology through community acceptance and supportive local regulatory environments. As solar photovoltaic systems transcend niche applications to become larger and more prevalent, the dimensions of social acceptance, including the opportunities and barriers associated with each dimension, can help inform decision making to enhance the growth of agrivoltaics and thus photovoltaic development. Here, the findings can help land use planners, solar developers, and municipal governments make informed decisions that strategically and meaningfully integrate agriculture and solar, and in turn provide multiple benefits including the retention of agricultural land, local economic development, and broad adoption of solar energy technologies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Impact of Nuclear Power Plant Energy Storage on Grid Reliability and Generation Costs with Variable Power Generation

This report examines the impact of combining integrated energy systems (IES), specifically hydrogen-based energy-storage systems, with nuclear power plants (NPPs) on grid reliability and generation flexibility in scenarios with substantial variable-power generation from solar energy. The analysis focuses on the challenges and solutions associated with high-levels of solar energy penetration, highlighting the role of advanced energy-storage solutions and flexible-generation technologies in enhancing grid stability and reliability.

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Grid Planning for Building Electrification: A Report by the Energy Systems Integration Group’s Grid Planning for Building Electrification Task Force

The increased electrification of buildings across the United States is being driven by technical advancements, cost reductions for some building technologies, consumer preferences, and policy goals for decarbonization. However, the effects of this load growth on the electric distribution system are often only a minor consideration in policymaking and long-term planning studies. The long lead time and useful life of power system equipment means that the decisions taken today are expected to support our society well into the 2060s and beyond. Distribution planning stakeholders can take steps today to establish a grid foundation that captures the new challenges presented by building electrification. This report focuses on building electrification for the residential and commercial sectors, focusing most heavily on space heating, as this end use stands to most strongly impact demand.1 Across all end uses, building electrification could require somewhere between 10% and 70% more electricity generation capacity than exists today depending on technology adoption and energy efficiency.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

EV Load Forecasting Guide: A Report by the Energy Systems Integration Group’s EV Load Forecasting Task Force

Forecasting electricity usage is a foundational planning activity for utilities, underpinning billions of dollars in grid investments that ensure system reliability. Historically, forecasting relied on trends in economic and population growth; however, transportation electrification presents a new and complex planning challenge. Unlike conventional loads, electric vehicle (EV) charging has relatively limited usage history. In addition, charging is driven by complex human behaviors, is mobile, and at the same time can concentrate geographically in ways that, without proper planning, can quickly overwhelm local distribution systems.

Giraldez, Julieta [Electric Power Engineers, Austi↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nature-inspired lotus-shaped fins combined with hybrid nanoparticles and metal foam for high-performance latent heat thermal energy storage

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems play a critical role in renewable energy integration by providing high energy density and nearly isothermal operation during phase transitions. However, their performance is often limited by slow melting/charging rates, which motivates the search for enhanced heat transfer designs. This study investigates the melting behavior of RT-82 phase change material (PCM) using novel lotus-shaped fins combined with copper metal foam and conductive graphene nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes. A two-dimensional enthalpy-porosity model in ANSYS Fluent was developed to simulate the charging/melting process, capturing non-thermal equilibrium between the foam and PCM/nano-PCM. In this study, effects of fin geometry, nanoparticle concentration, and foam porosity on melting dynamics and cost-performance trade-offs were investigated. Results showed that natural convection accelerated melting by ~12% compared to conduction-only scenarios. Optimized lotus-shaped fins with higher fin density (T3F4 and T3F10) achieved up to 63% faster melting relative to sparse configurations. Graphene nanoparticles improved thermal conductivity, with a 6% volume fraction, by reducing melting time by ~6.9%, while their combination with 75% porosity foam achieved a maximum reduction in the melting time of ~51% compared to pure PCM. Cost-performance analysis identified T3F4 as the most balanced design, offering rapid thermal response without excessive material costs, while moderate-density designs like T3S6 provided economical alternatives with acceptable performance. These results highlight the performance enhancement that can be achieved by integrating bio-inspired fins, nanoparticles, and foams, into compact and efficient LHTES for solar heating, building thermal management, and industrial waste-heat recovery applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Implications of Global Change for the Co-Evolution of Argentina's Integrated Energy-Water-Land Systems

This study seeks to understand how Argentina’s energy, water, and land (EWL) systems will co-evolve under a representative array of human and earth system influences, including socioeconomic change, climate change, and climate policy. To capture Argentina’s sub-national EWL dynamics in the context of global change, we couple the Global Change Analysis Model with a suite of consistent, gridded sectoral downscaling models to explore multiple stakeholder-engaged scenarios. Across scenarios, Argentina has the economic opportunity to use its vast land resources to satisfy growing domestic and international demand for crops, such as oil (e.g., soy) and biomass. The human (rather than earth) system produces the most dominant changes in mid-century EWL resource use. A Reference scenario characterized by modest socioeconomic growth projects a 40% increase in Argentina’s agricultural production by 2050 (relative to 2020) by using 50,000 km 2 of additional cropland and 40% more water. A Climate Policy scenario designed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions globally shortly after mid-century projects that Argentina could use 100,000 km 2 of additional land (and 65% more water) to grow biomass and other crops. The burden of navigating these national opportunities and challenges could fall disproportionately on a subset of Argentina’s river basins. The Colorado and Negro basins could experience moderate-to-severe water scarcity as they simultaneously navigate substantial irrigated crop demand growth and climate-induced declines in natural water availability. Argentina serves as a generalizable testbed to demonstrate that multi-scale EWL planning challenges can be identified and managed more effectively via integrated analysis of coupled human-earth systems.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Geothermal Energy and Resilience in Arctic Countries

The eight Arctic countries have diverse energy systems but can be split into two distinct groups based on energy characteristics. The first group includes countries which are heavily gridconnected (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland); the second group includes countries with some grids as well as an abundance of remote microgrids, particularly in their more northern regions (Canada, Russia, the United States [Alaska], and Greenland). The primary energy source for both heat and power in remote communities is almost exclusively diesel. Geothermal energy is currently used in all eight Arctic countries, providing heat and sometimes electricity at utility scales and at the microgrid scale. However, the availability of geothermal resources is poorly defined in Arctic countries. We reframe geothermal heat and power as integrated energy systems, asking the question: are integrated geothermal energy systems - where available and economic - resilient solutions for communities in Arctic countries? Resilience attributes of integrated geothermal energy systems are identified, with a focus on microgrids and small-scale applications.

arctic energy↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Hybrid Fuel Cell and Battery Storage Power Management for Grid-Interactive EV Charging Station

With the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources in grid-interactive Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, the role of energy storage systems has become critical. While large energy storage systems have mitigated the intermittency of renewable energy, integrating multi-source energy management with prioritized charging can further enhance the reliability of charging stations (CS). This paper presents a decentralized energy management (DEM) approach combining battery energy storage (BES) and fuel cell (FC) systems using a rule-based line resistance correction droop (LRCD) control technique. The proposed droop control dynamically adjusts the gain to balance the state-of-charge (SoC) of the BES, enhancing power support longevity and improving battery life under varying capacity conditions by reducing current stress. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges of using fuel cells in linear regions to optimize efficiency and manage various charging scenarios. The CS integrates unity power factor grid interaction, and power support for auxiliary loads, maintaining harmonic distortion within 5% during grid islanding. The approach evaluates DC bus voltage regulation under various scenarios of PV array power fluctuations and dynamic load variations, in both grid-connected and standalone operations. In conclusion, the proposed control strategy is validated on a laboratory prototype through various dynamic load variation and grid islanding scenarios.

Khalid, Mohd [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Achieving a Net-Zero Future: The Role of Nuclear Energy

Governments and private industry around the world have established aggressive goals to achieve net-zero emissions for the power, industrial, and transportation sectors by 2050. These aggressive goals demand immediate action if we are to be successful, and they require us to think more holistically about our clean energy options. Programs within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are addressing these holistic solutions. Traditionally, electricity generation and management are considered independently from meeting energy demands for industry and transportation. As we seek to eliminate emissions across all energy use sectors we need to reassess how energy demands are met. When we consider overall energy use, only one-third is in the form of electricity. Additional energy demands are in the form of heat or steam for industrial processes, in addition to direct fuel use for transportation. These sectors are much harder to abate, and electrification may not be the best option. Reducing environmental emissions at an affordable cost, while maintaining grid reliability and resilience, will require us to leverage all of the clean energy resources available. The DOE Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) program on Integrated Energy Systems (IES) is led by researchers at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and work is conducted in partnership with an array of other DOE laboratories, industry, and academia. The primary focus of IES research is to assess the technical and economic potential of nuclear-driven IES to enhance the flexibility and utilization of nuclear reactors working alongside renewable generators to meet an array of energy demands—thereby maximizing the utilization of clean energy resources across all energy sectors. Various energy applications and product streams beyond electricity are being evaluated, ranging from generation of potable water to production of hydrogen, fertilizers, synthetic fuels, and various chemicals. The DOE-NE program additionally partners with the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office under the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to jointly fund the development of analysis tools, technologies, and nuclear-integrated hydrogen demonstration projects. This presentation will highlight the wide array of R&D being conducted across multiple DOE-funded programs to develop and deploy nuclear-based IES that will be key to achieving our net-zero goals. By working with key collaborators in the nuclear industry, analytical studies are now becoming a reality in demonstration projects.

08 HYDROGEN↗