Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “THERMAL POWER”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Early-stage Testing of Thermal Power Dispatch Simulator for Subjective Mental Workload and Evolution Time

The excess thermal energy produced by nuclear power plants (NPPs) during low electricity demands can be utilized in industrial processes, such as hydrogen production, through a thermal power dispatch (TPD) system. Initial testing of the first iteration of a single-train TPD design with a manual control mode at the Idaho National Lab (INL) revealed a high operator workload and degraded control capability. The current study evaluated the impact of an enhanced dual-train TPD design on operators’ subjective mental workload and evolution task-time while completing two operating scenarios in manual and automatic control modes. The results showed no statistically significant difference between participants’ mental workload using both control modes. Evolution time in automatic control mode took a shorter time than in manual control, with participants completing all evolutions in less than the 10-min set as the design specification limit. The shorter evolution time is discussed within the context of plant safety and operational efficiency.

Gideon, Olugbenga↗
DOE OSTI2025

Simulation Results of a Thermal Power Dispatch System from a Generic Pressurized Water Reactor in Normal and Abnormal Operating Conditions

Amid economic pressures in the U.S. electricity market, nuclear utilities are exploring new revenue streams, including hydrogen production. A generic pressurized water reactor simulator was modified to incorporate a novel design for a TPD system coupled to a hydrogen production plant. Standard malfunctions were included in the simulation design, including steam line breaks at various system locations and flow interruptions in the hydrogen plant due to multiple faults, reflecting anticipated operational challenges. It is imperative that the TPD system operation has a minimal effect on the reactor power, primary coolant system, and turbine system operation and performance. Due to the specific design and application of this TPD system, with the proposed turbine control system changes, the overall impact on the existing plant systems is low. Normal TPD operating scenarios resulted in minor effects on the existing plant systems: reactor power changes by at most 0.2%, and gross generator output changes by 20.5 MWe from 100 MWt of TPD. The most severe malfunction analyzed in this work is a full TPD steam line break downstream of the extraction location, which results in an increase in reactor power of about 0.5%. The gross generator output decreases by 36 MWe, a total decrease of 60 MWe from the full power steady state (FPSS) condition. These results indicate that an industrial hydrogen production plant could be coupled thermally to a nuclear power plant with limited effects on the existing system operation and safety.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Markets and Economics for Thermal Power Extraction from Nuclear Power Plants Aiding the Decarbonization of Industrial Processes

This report analyzes the domestic industrial heat markets which may be plausible for using heat extracted from existing LWRs, contributing to the decarbonization of industry. It conceptualizes ideas for a future energy park centered around an LWR with various participating synergistic industries with extensive heat and material integrations with the LWR. It also presents comparison calculations for energy storage options and the levelized cost of heat from an LWR versus the levelized cost of heat from a conventional natural gas boiler and shows under what circumstances heat from LWRs is competitive with and beats natural gas.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thermoelectric coatings for waste heat recovery and photo-thermal power

An energy harvesting system for collecting energy from sources of thermal energy that exist in the environment and convert the energy to electricity. The system has N-P junctions mounted on the outer surface of a conduit, pipe or flue. A hot medium flows through the conduit, pipe or flue. The p-n junctions operate as thermoelectric power generators. Heat absorbed at the p-n junctions increases the kinetic energy of charge carriers causing migration of the charge carriers. This thermally-driven migration of charge carriers is used to drive an electrical current in an external circuit.

Farmer, Joseph C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Analysis of Gaps in Techno-Economic Analysis to Advance Heliostat Technologies for Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power

The Heliostat Consortium (HelioCon) was launched in 2021 to advance heliostat technology. One of its first efforts was to do a detailed analysis of gaps in technology and capabilities in the heliostat industry and complete a roadmap study describing high-priority gaps. HelioCon gathered gaps through a series of outreach activities with representatives and experts from industries and research institutes. Here, this paper discusses the gap analysis for the techno-economic analysis (TEA) topic. One of the main objectives of the TEA topic is to relate the cost and performance of heliostats and heliostat components to the overall system performance. In this study, we limit the scope of this topic to the heliostat field, tower, and receiver and do not consider downstream applications or uses of thermal energy. We conducted a thorough review of existing models and compiled a list of the state of the art in open-source tools currently available to researchers. We collected an initial list of gaps for the TEA of heliostats from industry developers and experts. Each gap is briefly described, and the heliostat development cycle stages that the gap impacts are indicated. We ranked the initial list of TEA gaps into tiers depending on their potential impact. For TEA, most of the gaps identified are related to developing models or data. Strictly speaking, none of these gaps are essential for heliostat development, but all would aid in the heliostat development process.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Accelerating nuclear-integrated data center pursuits in the USA: SWOT analysis, power-thermal management strategies and demonstration plan

Here, this study explores the increasing interest in leveraging nuclear power to meet the escalating energy demands of data centers in the United States (U.S.) by focusing on key factors that contribute to accelerated deployment. The study highlights the importance of N+1/N+2 power supplies (where N is the required number of units), outlines research and innovations in nuclear-integrated data center thermal management and demonstration plan. It also provides updates about status and costing of various reactor system designs. A summarized strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis shows the potential options for grid connectivity, reactors, and site selection. Suitable site discussions consider land and water availability, grid access, and optical fiber connectivity, and the study presents graded prospects for Department of Energy (DOE) sites with a specific example. Community engagement and partnerships are emphasized, particularly the roles of local government, federal agencies, utilities, and data center industry partners, which are crucial for accelerating deployment, business outreach, and approvals. The study provides actionable insights for stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of nuclear-powered data centers.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗
DOE OSTI2022

An additively-manufactured molten salt-to-supercritical carbon di-oxide primary heat exchanger for solar thermal power generation – Design and techno-economic performance

The design and techno-economic performance of a compact additively manufactured (AM) molten salt (MS)-to-supercritical carbon di-oxide (sCO2) primary heat exchanger (PHE) for solar thermal application is described. The PHE design consists of sCO2 flow through an array of microscale pin fins while the MS flows through mm-scale rectangular channels. Constraints imposed by AM using laser powder bed fusion method are considered in the design. Structural and fluid flow simulations are performed to arrive at a viable design of the core and headers. A simplified one-dimensional steady state model for the PHE is developed including the impact of surface roughness from the AM process. A process-based cost model is used to determine the tradeoff between thermofluidic design and manufacturing cost. A parametric study is performed using the thermo-fluidic and cost models to determine the set of geometrical and flow variables that result in high power density and low cost, while restricting the pressure drop on the sCO2 side to less than 2% of line pressure. Flow rates of MS and sCO2 were varied over heat capacity rate ratios ranging from 0.2 to 1. Results indicate that it is possible to design a low-pressure drop AM PHE with an effectiveness of 90% and a power density in excess of 10 MW/m3 (including headers). Fabrication of representative nickel superalloy specimens are shown to demonstrate that low-porosity parts with the requisite dimensional tolerance of PHE core can be generated.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effects of input gradient regularization on neural networks time-series forecasting of thermal power systems

This study proposes using neural networks, specifically gated recurrent unit (GRU), long-short-term memory (LSTM), and transformer networks, to improve control strategies in a 450 MW coal-fired power plant. However, neural networks face issues of becoming overly dependent on just a few variables to make predictions, which negatively impacts control decisions that rely on the model to determine the value of all manipulated variables. The paper introduces regularization techniques, including noise injection and input gradient regularization, during the training phase. Here, the work presents novel contributions in adapting neural networks to control industrial systems and applying regularization techniques from computer vision to industrial process control. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of input gradient regularization in reducing model dependence on subsets of variables, emphasizing the balance between fidelity and controllability. Further exploration is recommended, including the development of recurrent transformers, closed-loop control testing, and a sensitivity analysis on computer models to provide further insight.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2026

The past, present, and future of peaking thermal power plants in the United States

Today's power systems rely on "peaker plants" to reliably serve load during peak demand periods. In this study we consider the present competitiveness of different peaking options, how much and what kinds of plants have provided U.S. peaking capacity, and potential future peaking fleet compositions. We explore how capital intensity impacts the breakeven capacity factor between two potential resources: combustion turbines (CTs) and combined cycle plants (CCs). CTs outcompete CCs below 12%-17% annual capacity factor at today's prices, but can shift with changes to fuel or start costs. Historically, gas CTs and petroleum steam plants most closely fit the role of peakers. Peaking capacity could grow from approximately 280 GW today to 460-770 GW in 2050 composed of a wider range of resources. We conclude by discussing implications of this shift, with a focus on the potential planning considerations for shifting to a greater utilization of CCs for peaking needs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Global assessment of the carbon–water tradeoff of dry cooling for thermal power generation

Water scarcity and climate change are dual challenges that could potentially threaten energy security. Yet, integrated water–carbon management frameworks coupling diverse water- and carbon-mitigation technologies at high spatial heterogeneity are largely underdeveloped. Here we build a global unit-level framework to investigate the CO 2 emission and energy penalty due to the deployment of dry cooling—a critical water mitigation strategy—together with alternative water sourcing and carbon capture and storage under climate scenarios. We find that CO 2 emission and energy penalty for dry cooling units are location and climate specific (for example, 1–15% of power output), often demonstrating notably faster efficiency losses than rising temperature, especially under the high climate change scenario. Despite energy and CO 2 penalties associated with alternative water treatment and carbon capture and storage utilization, increasing wastewater and brine water accessibility provide potential alternatives to dry cooling for water scarcity alleviation, whereas CO 2 storage can help to mitigate dry cooling-associated CO 2 emission tradeoffs when alternative water supply is insufficient. By demonstrating an integrative planning framework, our study highlights the importance of integrated power sector planning under interconnected dual water–carbon challenges.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Alpha Decay Chains as Thermal Power Sources: Analysis and Applications for RTGs

Radioactive sources can provide power in remote and environmentally harsh locations such as the arctic or space. The generators powered by such sources are rugged and can withstand extreme temperatures, lack of sunlight, and require no human intervention for multiple years. Radioisotopes are used in thermoelectric generators to provide power at remote sites and deep in space. Isotopes like Pu-238, Cm-244, and Am-241 are used in these generators by NASA for power in space probes and spacecrafts. These power sources deliver a steady supply of energy over extended periods of time. Alpha particles created during decay do not travel far in a material. Their kinetic energy is transferred to heat that we can then convert into energy. Unlike beta and gamma decay, the slower-moving alpha particles stop in the material, making their energy available for use. Energy from these natural decay processes provides a reliable source of power. Spontaneous fission is rare and unreliable, and unlike induced fission processes, alpha decay occurs naturally and does not require external management or ignition. The ideal properties of an isotope for use as a power source depend upon the intended use. For use in an Arctic research base over a period of several years, but less than a decade, an isotope that provides high power output over a shorter lifespan may be the most suitable option. Whereas, for deep space missions where a consistent power source for decades or perhaps more than 100 years is needed that would require a very different isotope. One with a much longer half-life that would provide consistent power throughout that time and survive in that state in for these extended periods of time. These examples represent two extreme sides in terms of time frames. By analyzing the power produced by different radioactive decay processes over time, we can evaluate the suitability of various isotope decay chains for specific uses. Some unstable isotopes undergo a series of radioactive decays, transforming into different isotopes at each step and resulting in a stable isotope. The lists of isotopes in these decay processes are known as decay chains. Some of these chains, illustrated in the figures below, are currently being investigated for use in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) designed for a range of operational durations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Vanderbilt Alumni Hall

This dataset includes processed and raw data from the Vanderbilt Alumni Hall Building (VAH) located on the University of Vanderbilt Campus in Nashville, TN. VAH is a mixed use commercial building (LEED Gold Certified) that consists of classrooms, meeting rooms, office rooms, conference rooms, an exercise room, and others. This dataset spans one year of time-series data from 2019 and includes measurements corresponding to whole building electrical power, thermal power, zone level thermal power, set-point, indoor temperature, humidity, water and air side supply and return temperatures and flow rates as CSV files. In addition to the measurements, a metadata .json file, and a .ttl file to visualize the data as per BRICK schema are also included.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

Power Electronics Thermal Management

This project conducts research to develop new power electronics thermal management technologies to increase power density, enable high WBG temperature operation, and decrease cost. One of the main challenges to achieving high power densities is associated with packaging of high-temperature (250°C) WBG devices near lower-temperature-rated components (e.g., electrical boards and capacitors). Additionally, the high junction temperatures of the WBG devices will result in large temperature gradients through the power module layers that will present reliability challenges and require higher-temperature substrates and bonding materials.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗