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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Hardware-based Advanced Electromagnetic Transient Simulation for A Large-Scale PV Plant in Real Time Digital Simulator

Power electronics-based resources, such as high-voltage direct current (HVdc) substations, photovoltaic (PV) plants, wind plants, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy storage systems, are increasingly being integrated within the power grid. Recently, multiple reports have emphasized the necessity for high-fidelity electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations of these large-scale power electronics-based resources to accurately understand their behavior in power grids. However, performing hardware-based EMT simulations with high-fidelity models for such large power electronics systems is challenging due to the small time-step requirements and the involvement of a large number of states. This paper presents the implementation of hardware-based high-fidelity EMT dynamic model of a large-scale PV plant, accomplished through custom model development using the specific-C language in real-time digital simulator hardware (RTDS) and software (RSCAD).

Choi, Jongchan↗
DOE OSTI2023

Performance Test Code for Determining and Reporting Annual Heat Rate and CO2 for Coal Fueled EGUs

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under Award Number DEFE0031933. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has retained the services of ASME Standards Technology LLC (ASME ST-LLC) to develop a standardized test method and calculation protocol for determining and reporting annual/long-term heat rate for coal-fueled plants electricity generating units. ASME ST-LLC has retained the services of McHale & Associates, Inc. and Licata Energy & Environmental Consultants, Inc. to provide the technical input to this study. This code applies to hydrocarbon fueled Rankine cycle power generating facilities of any size. It is intended to be used for the determination of continuous power output and heat rate of a generating facility in its operating load cycle and in its operational lineup during the reporting period.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2022

Methods and system for siting advanced nuclear reactors and evaluating energy policy concerns

There is a growing sociopolitical desire to develop cleaner energy sources in the United States and maintain energy security. Regardless of politics, many coal-fired electric plants have already been shut down and many utilities are vowing to retire their current coal-fired assets within the next two decades. Replacement power assets require consideration of appropriate siting. A geographic information system (GIS)-based multicriteria decision analysis approach is useful to assist utility and energy companies, as well as policymakers, to evaluate potential areas for siting new plants in the contiguous United States. A GIS-based framework is simply a database of location information that allows for mapping, querying, modeling, and analyzing data based on location. The spatial output can be structured to be visual, allowing for easier analysis of location data. The need to site additional power assets, including renewable resources and clean power sources, such as nuclear, led to the development of the Oak Ridge Siting Analysis for power Generation Expansion (OR-SAGE) tool discussed in this paper. The tool takes inputs such as population growth, water availability, environmental indicators, and tectonic and geological hazards to provide an in-depth visual analysis for siting options. Energy companies and other stakeholders can use OR-SAGE to procure feedback quickly and effectively on land suitability based on technology specific inputs. Policymakers can use OR-SAGE to analyze the impacts of future energy technology decisions, while balancing competing resource use. Overall, this paper discusses the recent use of OR-SAGE for these purposes and plans for future development.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2021

New Energy Infrastructure Outlook 2021 [Slides]

This report provides a perspective on energy infrastructure under development in the continental U.S. as of the end of 2020, focusing on those making significant progress toward achieving commercial operation. Infrastructures covered in this report include power plants, electric transmission, natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals. Additionally, this report includes a section on stockpiled volumes of coal, natural gas, and petroleum.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2022

New Energy Infrastructure Outlook 2022 [Slides]

This report provides a perspective on energy infrastructure under development in the continental U.S. as of the end of 2021, focusing on those making significant progress toward achieving commercial operation. Infrastructures covered in this report include power plants, electric transmission, natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals. Additionally, this report includes a section on stockpiled volumes of coal, natural gas, and petroleum.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Generic characterization of electrical test benches for AC- and HVDC-connected wind power plants

The electrical test and assessment of wind turbines go hand in hand with standards and network connection requirements. In this paper, the generic structure of advanced electrical test benches, including grid emulator or controllable grid interface, wind torque emulator, and device under test, is proposed to harmonize state-of-the-art test sites. On the other hand, modern wind turbines are under development towards new features, concerning grid-forming, black-start, and frequency support capabilities as well as harmonic stability and control interaction considerations, to secure the robustness and stability of renewable-energy-based power systems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new and revised test standards and methodologies to address the new features of wind turbines. This paper proposes a generic test structure within two main groups, including open-loop and closed-loop tests. The open-loop tests include the IEC 61400-21-1 standard tests as well as the additional proposed test options for the new capabilities of wind turbines, which replicate grid connection compliance tests using open-loop references for the grid emulator. In addition, the closed-loop tests evaluate the device under test as part of a virtual wind power plant and perform real-time simulations considering the grid dynamics. The closed-loop tests concern grid connection topologies consisting of AC and HVDC, as well as different electrical characteristics, including impedance, short-circuit ratio, inertia, and background harmonics. The proposed tests can be implemented using available advanced test benches by adjusting their control systems. The characteristics of a real power system can be emulated by a grid emulator coupled with real-time digital simulator systems through a high-bandwidth power-hardware-in-the-loop interface.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Reply to Comment on ‘The advanced tokamak path to a compact net electric fusion pilot plant’

Abstract The Comment by Manheimer (submitted to Nucl. Fusion with this response) on our recent paper Buttery et al (2021 Nucl. Fusion 61 046028), has mischaracterized our paper with a series of misleading statements about its content, which it then seeks to refute. It also offers a series of assertions that are unsupported by refereed publication or scientific data—and sometimes in contradiction to the published record and well-established points in the scientific community. In this response we address the main thrusts and themes of the comment, while providing a point-by-point response in the appendix.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Apparatus and process of retrofitting a combined cycle power plant

A process for retrofitting an electric power plant that uses two 60 Hertz large frame heavy duty industrial gas turbine engines to drive electric generators and produce electricity, where each of the two industrial engines can produce up to 350 MW of output power. The process replaces the two 350 MW industrial engines with one twin spool industrial gas turbine engine that is capable of producing at least 700 MW of output power. Thus, two prior art industrial engines can be replaced with one industrial engine that can produce power equal to the two prior art industrial engines.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2021

How different power plant types contribute to electric grid reliability, resilience, and vulnerability: a comparative analytical framework

Abstract This work explores the dependability tradeoffs provided by the most common types of central power plants in the United States. Historically, the electricity sector has lacked consensus on how reliability , resilience , and vulnerability differ and how those metrics change depending on the power plant fleet composition. We propose distinct definitions for these metrics and an analytical framework to evaluate power plant fleet dependability. Using data analysis and literature review, we identify fifteen dependability attributes across which we rank eleven power plant types relative to natural gas combined-cycle (NGCC) plants. We use NGCC as the benchmark because it is common to many locations and is of relatively recent vintage. The framework shows that each power plant type has unique dependability benefits and drawbacks. We provide examples of how researchers may use the framework to evaluate grid dependability qualitatively under different scenarios. We find that assuming all attributes that contribute to grid dependability are equally important and additive, electric grid dependability is best supported when power plant fleets include a mixture of power generation technologies. Then, we discuss scenario characteristics that could alter the prioritization and relationships of attributes. We also find that if current capacity installation trends continue to favor low- and zero-carbon power plants, US power grids may benefit from increased resilience and reduced vulnerability at the cost of decreased reliability. We conclude by recommending methods for adapting the framework and quantifying relationships between attributes in individual scenarios.

Ramirez-Meyers, K. (ORCID:0000000291216952)↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Cable Condition Monitoring Strategy for Safe and Reliable Plant Operation

Electrical cables provide essential functions, such as delivery of power or instrumentation signals for monitoring systems. Most cables installed in industrial applications are constructed with organic polymer insulations that can become brittle, crack, or degrade over time from exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as elevated temperatures, moisture, vibration, mechanical shock, and radiation. This paper describes an overall strategy for assessing the health and managing the aging of cables during the operating life of an industrial facility. This strategy involves performing condition assessments and monitoring of electrical cables using both in situ and laboratory testing techniques. It includes in situ testing to identify anomalies in the circuits, such as degraded terminations, splices, connections, and degraded sections of cable insulation, as well as as-found evaluations to determine the current condition of installed cables. Furthermore, these cable condition evaluations provide important information about the current state of the cable circuits. Moreover, the test results can be used to trend/monitor age-related degradation and estimate the remaining useful life of installed cables.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Microneedle-based electrical impedance sensor to monitor plant water status in real time

A sensor uses microneedle electrodes and multi-frequency electrical impedance spectroscopy to monitor plant water status in real time. The microneedle can be between 10 and 1000 microns in length, enabling precise placement in a variety of plant tissues. The impedance behavior can distinguish electrical properties and physiological functions of different plant tissue types. Therefore, impedance measurements can be used to monitor water stress to prevent irreversible damage to a plant and to enable improvement of plant biomass or fruit yield.

Hanson, David T.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nuclear Thermal Energy Storage Configurations for Industrial Combined Heat and Power Supply: Conceptual Study and Engineering Designs

The industries examined in this report primarily rely on moderate-temperature heat provided by gas- or coal-fired boilers and combined heat and power (CHP) plants, delivered through standard process steam systems. High-temperature energy demands are often industry-specific and typically exceed the capabilities of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs). While it is technically feasible to replace process steam from fossil-based heat sources with nuclear energy, certain industries, such as methanol production and pulp and paper, face technoeconomic challenges in integrating nuclear energy without major changes or a technological shift. This is mainly due to the limited external energy demand remaining after the use of internal byproducts, waste heat recovery, and simple efficiency improvements. Achieving full decarbonization of these processes with nuclear energy would require significant technological advancements, involving experimental technology and substantial investments, making widespread adoption in existing industrial plants unlikely in the near term. This study reviews TES options in the context of enabling a flexible CHP supply while maintaining a steady nuclear heat input. Heat storage systems that interface between the reactor primary fluid and the CHP system offer superior performance and flexibility. Specifically, steam extraction downstream of the reheater with a two-tank molten-salt TES appears as the best solution regarding thermodynamic system benefits and system drawbacks. Using selected system configurations, a conceptual design of an industrial energy park was developed for industries with varying energy demands, such as steel production plants utilizing electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and chemical plants, as well as for those with constant energy demands, like petroleum refineries. This design highlights the capabilities of TES and explores its potential business cases. The study also conceptually develops the potential for integrating additional energy sources with nuclear systems through the implementation of TES. The potential of the HTGR-TES-CHP system was also evaluated considering key uncertainties such as industrial demand profiles, external grid access availability, and eligible tax credit levels, using the Holistic Energy Resource Optimization Network. Sensitivity of net present value to these uncertainties was analyzed to determine the optimal number of nuclear reactors (and CHP systems) and the suitable TES capacity. The results were interpreted from a decision-maker’s perspective, focusing on three key areas: deployment strategy (oversized units vs. undersized units with TES support), industrial process characteristics (thermal-intensive single profiles vs. electricity-intensive combined profiles), and operational goals (maximizing profits vs. minimizing natural gas (NG) consumption or external grid dependence). The optimization results indicate that the HTGR-TES-CHP system significantly reduces reliance on NG boilers for individual industrial processes by 9-60% (in NG capacity factor), with an average reduction of 38%, compared to standalone NG boiler operation case (Business As Usual [BAU]). For combined industrial processes, the reduction ranges from 37-77%, with an average of 60%. Additionally, the system greatly reduces dependence on external grids. In meeting industrial electrical demands, a 33-100% self-sufficient internal electricity supply is achieved for single industrial process, with an average of 74%, compared to the BAU scenario, where 100% of electricity is imported. For combined processes, 35-100% of internal electricity demands are met by the reactor, with an average of 73%. At last, the relative NG price levels at which the proposed HTGR-TES-CHP system can cost-effectively enter the market currently dominated by existing NG boilers were estimated. For a moderate HTGR CAPEX level ($\$$2500/kWth, $\$$6329/kWe), the analysis suggests that NG prices must be 2.5 to 7 times higher than HTGR variable operating and maintenance costs for single industrial process, and 5.5 to 9.5 times higher for a combined process scenario. Tax credit modeling shows that the Investment Tax Credit significantly reduces the price threshold needed to break even, making the system competitive with NG boilers in certain cases.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Modeling and analysis of synthetic liquid fuel production from CO 2 and nuclear energy using methanol-to-diesel process

Electrofuels (e-fuels) are synthetic fuels produced from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and electricity for blending with or replacing petroleum fuels. Nuclear energy is an attractive energy feedstock for e-fuel production because of its low environmental footprint and its ability to provide steady heat and power essential for e-fuels production. We modeled and evaluated the cost and environmental footprint of e-fuels production in the distillate range for three nuclear power scales, 100, 500, and 1000 MWe, through methanol and olefins intermediates leveraging commercial or high technology readiness level (TRL) processes. Compared to the commonly studied e-fuels from Fischer Tropsch process that has a distillate yield of <70% with the rest being low value naphtha, the proposed process via methanol intermediate increases the product selectivity with distillate yield of 96% and only 4% naphtha. The modeled process has a carbon conversion ratio of 98%, and a process energy efficiency of 56% relative to the total equivalent nuclear electricity input. The e-fuel plant economics and GHG emissions were estimated by considering CO 2 collected from ethanol plants adjacent to nuclear power plants. The estimated minimum fuel selling prices (MFSP) of e-fuel is in the range of $5.7-$9.1/gal depending on e-fuel plant scale, electricity cost, and CO 2 transportation distance. The corresponding e-fuels life cycle GHG emissions is estimated in the range of 5-6 gCO 2 e/MJ of liquid fuel using the R&D Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies (R&D GREET) model.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Techno-economic analysis and environmental benefits of solar industrial process heating based on parabolic trough collectors

In this work, detailed techno-economic and environmental analyses are conducted for employing a 5 MWt parabolic trough-based solar industrial process heat (SIPH) plant in Salt Lake City, Utah. According to the results, an optimum solar multiple of 1.5 was determined, allowing the plant to generate annual thermal energy of 15389.24 MWth with a capacity factor of 35.1% and levelized cost of heat (LCOH) of $\$ 26.3$/MWth. Considering a 30% investment tax credit and a 30% reduction in the total installed cost could reduce the LCOH to $\$ 19.30$/MWth and $\$ 18.52$/MWth, respectively. Employing parabolic trough collectors could avoid emissions of 3,582,422.47 kg, 147.99 kg, 3,341.66 kg, and 14.32 kg for CO 2 , PM, NOx, and SO 2 , respectively per year compared to a natural gas-based plant. Further, it also caused an annual external cost savings of between $\$ 99,900$ and $\$ 357,004$. Including the external costs in the LCOH analysis shows that the SIPH plant is economically competitive with a natural gas-based plant, further demonstrating its value. A further comparison demonstrated the economic superiority of a parabolic trough-driven IPH plant over a photovoltaic-driven electric boiler plant. In summary, with reducing installed costs and providing incentives, parabolic trough-driven IPH plants will be an economically and environmentally viable option.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Creep-Resistant Ferritic-Martensitic Steels for Power Plant Applications

Creep-resistant ferritic-martensitic steels are essential materials used in power plants for electricity generation. The efficiency and emissions of the plant are closely related to the operating temperature. Materials used in the hottest sections are one of the main limiting factor for plant operation at 650 °C. This review describes the recent development of creep-resistant ferritic-martensitic steels from a large dataset of in-house research. The findings are tied to available literature for discussion. A first steel, CPJ-7, was developed with an operating temperature approaching 650 °C, and a refined design, JMP, showed the potential to operate at 650 °C. Approximately fifty different ingots, each weighing ~ 7 kg, were vacuum induction melted and processed. Overall, wrought and cast versions of CPJ-7 present superior creep properties when compared to wrought and cast versions of COST alloys for steam turbine and P91/92 for boiler applications. The prolonged creep life was attributed to slowing down the process of the destabilization of the MX and M 23 C 6 precipitates at 650 °C. The cast version of CPJ-7 also revealed superior mechanical performance, above commercially available cast 9% Cr martensitic steel or derivatives. Following the work on CPJ-7, the JMP steels were designed with higher Co for increased solid solution strengthening, Si for oxidation resistance and increased W for matrix strength and stability. The JMP steels showed increases in creep life compared to CPJ-7 between 118 and 150% at 650 °C for testing at various stresses between 138 and 207 MPa. On a Larson–Miller plot, the performance of the JMP steels surpasses that of state-of-the-art MARBN steel. The influence of various elements within the composition of the alloys on the microstructure and mechanical properties is discussed. This review presents approximately 420,000 h of in-house creep testing, the equivalent of almost 50 years of cumulative creep tests.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Utilizing GEOPHIRES-X Beyond Electricity

The GEOPHIRES tool is a techno-economic simulator for evaluating the thermal performance and cost-competitiveness of geothermal plants for electricity, heating, and/or cooling. The tool combines reservoir, wellbore, and surface plant cost and performance models to estimate overall techno-economic metrics such as net present value or levelized cost of electricity, heating, or cooling. We recently upgraded the tool to an object-oriented Python framework, presented in an accompanying paper. As part of the upgrade, we enhanced the capability to simulate the performance of geothermal plants for heating and cooling, which is the topic of this paper. Specifically, we (1) integrated absorption chillers to investigate the performance of utilizing geothermal heat for cooling, (2) integrated a heat pump module to boost the geothermal temperature and thermal output, (3) integrated a district heating module to estimate heating demand for a district based on local weather data, and simulated heat supply with geothermal energy and peaking boilers, and (4) integrated GEOPHIRES as an engine in the dGeo simulator to perform a geospatial analysis of geothermal district heating feasibility across a large region (e.g., a state or the entire United States) utilizing resource and thermal demand maps. This paper presents background information and case studies for several of these heating and cooling end-use options in GEOPHIRES.

absorption chiller↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of Advanced Ultra-Supercritical (AUSC) Pulverized Coal (PC) Plants

This report presents an independent assessment of pulverized coal (PC) power plants operating at advanced ultrasupercritical (AUSC) steam conditions. At AUSC conditions, PC plants generate electricity at higher efficiencies and with lower carbon footprints than PC plants operating at subcritical, supercritical (SC), and ultrasupercritical (USC) steam conditions, such as those examined in previous National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) reports. However, advanced materials are required for commercial operation under these AUSC steam conditions which impact plant economics. In 2001, the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) with the Ohio Coal Development Office launched a research program carried out by a consortium of industry and research organizations (the AUSC Consortium) to develop the materials necessary to commercially demonstrate AUSC technology. The results contained in this report incorporate findings by the AUSC Consortium.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hybrid Power Plant Bidding in Models of Future Electricity Systems

This paper proposes a stochastic model for hybrid power plants participation in day-ahead electricity markets, considering uncertainty in market prices and renewable generation. Additionally, it presents a methodology to incorporate this hybrid participation into existing production cost models (PCM), allowing the analysis and market design of future systems with high penetration of hybrids. These developments are illustrated using a wind-battery hybrid located in New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) footprint.

Kemp, Julie Mulvaney↗