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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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Chapter 24: Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

Strategic energy management (SEM) focuses on achieving energy-efficiency improvements through systematic and planned changes in facility operations, maintenance, and behaviors (OM&B) and capital equipment upgrades in large energy-using facilities, including industrial buildings, commercial buildings, and multi-facility organizations such as campuses or communities. Facilities can institute a spectrum of SEM actions, ranging from a simple process for regularly identifying energy-savings actions, to establishing a formal, third-party recognized or certified SEM framework for continuous improvement of energy performance. In general, SEM programs that would be considered part of a utility program will contain a set of energy-reducing goals, principles, and practices emphasizing continuous improvements in energy performance or savings through energy management and an energy management system (EnMS).

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Chapter 5: Residential Furnaces and Boilers Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

The high-efficiency boiler and furnace measure produces gas heating savings resulting from installation of more energy-efficient heating equipment in a residence. Such equipment, which ranges in size from 60 kBtu/hr to 300 kBtu/hr, is installed primarily in single-family homes and multifamily buildings with individual heating systems for each dwelling unit. This protocol does not cover integrated heating and water heating units which can be used in lieu of space heating only equipment.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Chapter 7: Refrigerator Recycling Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy-Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

Refrigerator recycling programs are designed to save energy by removing operable, albeit less efficient, refrigerators from service. By offering free pickup, providing incentives, and disseminating information about the operating cost of less efficient refrigerators, these programs are designed to encourage consumers to: - Limit the use of secondary refrigerators -Relinquish refrigerators previously used as primary units when they are replaced (rather than keeping the existing refrigerator as a secondary unit) -Prevent the continued use of less efficient refrigerators in another household through a direct transfer (giving it away or selling it) or indirect transfer (resale on the used appliance market). Commonly implemented by third-party contractors (who collect and decommission participating appliances), these programs generate energy savings through the retirement of inefficient appliances. The decommissioning process captures environmentally harmful refrigerants and foam, and enables recycling of the plastic, metal, and wiring components.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Chapter 14: Chiller Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

This protocol defines a chiller measure as a project that directly impacts equipment within the boundary of a chiller plant. A chiller plant encompasses a chiller - or multiple chillers - and associated auxiliary equipment. This protocol primarily covers electric-driven chillers and chiller plants. It does not include thermal energy storage and absorption chillers fired by natural gas or steam, although a similar methodology may be applicable to these chilled water system components.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Chapter 16: Retrocommissioning Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

Retrocommissioning (RCx) is a systematic process for optimizing energy performance in existing buildings. It specifically focuses on improving the control of energy-using equipment (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning [HVAC] equipment and lighting) and typically does not involve equipment replacement. Field results have shown proper RCx can achieve energy savings ranging from 5 percent to 20 percent, with a typical payback of two years or less (Thorne 2003). The method presented in this protocol provides direction regarding: (1) how to account for each measure's specific characteristics and (2) how to choose the most appropriate savings verification approach.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Chapter 22: Compressed Air Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

Compressed-air systems are used widely throughout industry for many operations, including pneumatic tools, packaging and automation equipment, conveyors, and other industrial process operations. Compressed-air systems are defined as a group of subsystems composed of air compressors, air treatment equipment, controls, piping, pneumatic tools, pneumatically powered machinery, and process applications using compressed air. A compressed-air system has three primary functional subsystems: supply, distribution, and demand. Air compressors are the primary energy consumers in a compressed-air system and are the primary focus of this protocol. The two compressed-air energy efficiency measures specifically addressed in this protocol are: High-efficiency/variable speed drive (VSD) compressor replacing modulating, load/unload, or constant-speed compressor; and Compressed-air leak survey and repairs. This protocol provides direction on how to reliably verify savings from these two measures using a consistent approach for each.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Chapter 4: Small Commercial and Residential Unitary and Split System HVAC Heating and Cooling Equipment-Efficiency Upgrade Evaluation Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

The specific measure described here involves improving the overall efficiency in air-conditioning systems as a whole (compressor, evaporator, condenser, and supply fan). The efficiency rating is expressed as the energy efficiency ratio (EER), seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), and integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER). The higher the EER, SEER or IEER, the more efficient the unit is.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Fire and Thermal Experiments in Support of the Model Evaluation Protocol for LNG Facility Fires

The motivation for the experiments reported here pertains to the siting of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities which requires assessing the potential adverse radiant thermal impacts of accidental fires on the public. The objective is to obtain data on jet fires, pool fires, fireballs, and concrete walls that could serve as thermal barriers for model validation. The fuels tested include ethane, ethylene, propane, and isopentane.

42 ENGINEERING↗

​​Integrity Enhancing Protocols (IEP) Evaluation Framework​

​Protocols play an essential role in Advance Reactor systems. A diverse set of protocols are available to these reactors. Advanced Reactors benefit from technologies that can minimize their resource utilization and costs. Evaluation frameworks are often used when assessing protocols and processes related to cryptographic security systems. The following report discusses the various characteristics associated with these protocol evaluation frameworks, and derives a novel evaluative framework.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) glove evaluation test protocol

One of the most critical components of a space suit is the gloves, yet gloves have traditionally presented significant design challenges. With continued efforts at glove development, a method for evaluating glove performance is needed. This paper presents a pressure-glove evaluation protocol. A description of this evaluation protocol, and its development is provided. The protocol allows comparison of one glove design to another, or any one design to bare-handed performance. Gloves for higher pressure suits may be evaluated at current and future design pressures to drive out differences in performance due to pressure effects. Using this protocol, gloves may be evaluated during design to drive out design problems and determine areas for improvement, or fully mature designs may be evaluated with respect to mission requirements. Several different test configurations are presented to handle these cases. This protocol was run on a prototype glove. The prototype was evaluated at two operating pressures and in the unpressurized state, with results compared to bare-handed performance. Results and analysis from this test series are provided, as is a description of the configuration used for this test.

Hinman-Sweeney, E. M.↗

Standardized protocols for evaluating platinum group metal-free oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Platinum group metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction at the polymer electrolyte fuel cell cathode have shown substantial improvements in activity—especially those derived from transition metals, nitrogen and carbon. However, their stability and durability remain insufficient. A key to enabling future improvements and performance comparisons lies in the development of test protocols that are relevant to the operating conditions of the fuel cell cathode, can be completed within a reasonable time and are ubiquitously adopted. Here we propose and validate such protocols, designed with special attention to typical catalyst degradation mechanisms of PGM-free catalysts. The results of the cross-laboratory validation study using two different catalysts attest to the strength and feasibility of the proposed approach. We hope that the information provided here can serve as a broad and effective platform for assessing the performance and durability of PGM-free catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures: January 2012 - September 2016

This is the complete set of Uniform Methods Project protocols for determining energy efficiency savings for specific measures, all within one report. The report includes the following chapters: Chapter 1: Introduction. Chapter 2: Commercial and Industrial Lighting Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 3: Commercial and Industrial Lighting Controls Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 4: Small Commercial and Residential Unitary and Split System HVAC Cooling Equipment-Efficiency Upgrade Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 5: Residential Furnaces and Boilers Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 6: Residential Lighting Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 7: Refrigerator Recycling Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 8: Whole-Building Retrofit with Consumption Data Analysis Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 9: Metering Cross-Cutting Protocol. Chapter 10: Peak Demand and Time-Differentiated Energy Savings Cross-Cutting Protocol. Chapter 11: Sample Design Cross-Cutting Protocol. Chapter 12: Survey Design and Implementation for Estimating Gross Savings Cross-Cutting Protocol. Chapter 13: Assessing Persistence and Other Evaluation Issues Cross-Cutting Protocol. Chapter 14: Chiller Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 15: Commercial New Construction Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 16: Retrocommissioning Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 17: Residential Behavior Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 18: Variable Frequency Drive Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 19: HVAC Controls (DDC/EMS/BAS) Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 20: Data. Center IT Efficiency Measures Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 21: Estimating Net Savings - Common Practices. Chapter 22: Compressed Air Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 23: Combined Heat and Power Evaluation Protocol. Chapter 24: Strategic Energy Management (SEM) Evaluation Protocol

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Zero-Emission Bus Evaluation Results: County Connection Battery Electric Buses

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) supports the research, development, and demonstration of low- and zero-emission technology for transit buses. FTA funds research projects with a goal of facilitating commercialization of advanced technologies for transit buses that will increase efficiency and improve transit operations. DOT's Research, Development, and Technology Office (OST-R) also has an interest in zero-emission bus (ZEB) technology deployment and commercialization. OST-R is coordinating and collaborating with FTA on the evaluation process and results by providing funding to cover additional evaluations. FTA and OST-R are collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct in-service evaluations of advanced technology buses developed under its programs. NREL uses a standard evaluation protocol for evaluating the advanced technologies deployed under the FTA programs. FTA seeks to provide results from new technologies being adopted by transit agencies. The eight evaluations selected to date include battery electric buses (BEBs) and fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) from different manufacturers operating in fleets located in both cold and hot climates. The purpose of this report is to present the results from Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) deployment of four BEBs in Concord, California. NREL's evaluation of the BEBs at County Connection was funded by OST-R.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

An Evaluation of Protocol Enhancing Proxies and File Transport Protocols for Satellite Communication

NASA is utilizing Global Hawk aircraft in high-altitude, long-duration Earth science missions. Communications with the onboard research equipment and sensors (the science payload) is via Ku-Band radio utilizing satellites in geostationary orbits. All payload communications use standard Internet Protocols and routing, and much of the data to be transferred is comprised of very large files. The science community is interested in fully utilizing these communication links to retrieve data as quickly and reliably as possible. A test bed was developed at NASA Ames to evaluate modern transport protocols as well as Protocol Enhancing Proxies (PEPs) to determine what tools best fit the needs of the science community. This paper describes the test bed used, the protocols, the PEPs that were evaluated, the particular tests performed and the results and conclusions.

Finch, Patrick Eugene↗

The soil health assessment protocol and evaluation applied to soil organic carbon

The concept of soil health has evolved over the past several decades, recognizing that dynamic soil property response to management and land use is highly dependent on site-specific factors that must be considered when interpreting soil health measurements. Initially, the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) and Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) were developed and used globally for scoring soil health indicators. However, both SMAF and CASH frameworks were developed using a relatively small dataset and their interpretation curves were not validated at the nationwide scale. Expanding upon these concepts, we propose the Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation (SHAPE) tool. The SHAPE was developed using 14,680 soil organic C (SOC) observations from across the United States, and accounts for edaphic and climate factors at the continental scale. Data were compiled from the literature, the Cornell Soil Health Laboratory, and the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory. In this approach, scoring curves are Bayesian model-based estimates of the conditional cumulative distribution function (CDF) for defined soil peer groups reflecting five soil texture and five soil suborder classes adjusted for mean annual temperature and precipitation. Specifically, SHAPE produces scores between 0 and 1 (0–100%) for measured SOC values that reflect the quantile or position within the conditional CDF along with measures of uncertainty. Herein, we focus on development of the SHAPE scoring curve for SOC with our case studies. SHAPE is a flexible, quantitative tool that provides a regionally relevant interpretation of this key soil health indicator.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

An Evaluation of Protocols for UAV Science Applications

This paper identifies data transport needs for current and future science payloads deployed on the NASA Global Hawk Unmanned Aeronautical Vehicle (UAV). The NASA Global Hawk communication system and operational constrains are presented. The Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) mission is used to provide the baseline communication requirements as a variety of payloads were utilized in this mission. User needs and desires are addressed. Protocols are matched to the payload needs and an evaluation of various techniques and tradeoffs are presented. Such techniques include utilization rate-base selective negative acknowledgement protocols and possible use of protocol enhancing proxies. Tradeoffs of communication architectures that address ease-of-use and security considerations are also presented.

Ivancic, William D.↗