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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

HIGHER EFFICIENCY FISSION COUNTER FOR NEUTRON DETECTION

Fission chambers containing 235U have been used for detection of neutrons for many decades. In these chambers 235U is electroplated on a metal which is one plate of an ionization chamber. Since the range of fission products from induced fission in the chamber is extremely short, these deposits from electroplating are so thin that the amount of 235U results in low neutron detection efficiency and the chamber needs high internal 235U surface area to increase efficiency. A typical ~8 in. long, ~2 in. diameter fission counter only contains < 2 g of 235U total, resulting in very low detection efficiency per incident neutron impinging on the outer surface of the detector. However, because of their large electronic pulses from fission products compared to gamma rays it is very easy to discriminate against gamma rays impinging on the detector. These types of chambers are produced commercially and are used worldwide in nuclear research and nuclear power reactors. ORNL has made a higher efficiency fission ionization chamber by using many thin concentric annuli to increase the area. A higher efficiency fission counter would be useful and can be made by incorporating 235U into a glass or ceramic scintillator. For nearly 100 years the green color in antique glass was produced by incorporation of depleted uranium (up to 20 wt. %) into a glass. The concept for this scintillation-optical-based fission detector is to dope a scintillator (either ceramic or glass) with 235U. Glass scintillators are commercially available doped with as much as 8 wt. % 6Li for neutron detection. In the 235U doped scintillator the fission product pulses would be double the size of those in an ion chamber since all fission products produce light in the scintillator whereas in the ionization chamber half do not go into the ionizing gas volume. These higher efficiency fission chambers would be very useful for a wide variety of research, nuclear research, and nuclear power reactor applications. Because of their smaller size and weight, they should be useful for space application such as monitoring of space nuclear power reactors. This report reviews existing fission chamber technology and suggests the development of these small high-efficiency fission chambers. Other fission isotopes could be used for other research applications.

Mihalczo, John [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000254292681)↗
DOE OSTI2026

From Bricks to Clicks: Mapping the White Space in Building Innovation

It is a critical national imperative to transform the buildings sector, yet innovation is impeded by deployment failures that leave promising technologies stranded. Conventional market reports and techno-economic analysis provide an insufficient understanding of markets and resource allocation for emerging building technologies. They omit crucial commercialization factors such as ecosystem maturity and adoption friction, where the coordinated participation of a network of suppliers, contractors, financiers, regulators, and integrators is required to scale solutions. This study addresses these gaps by introducing an evaluation framework grounded in front-line data from six years of the DOE's IMPEL incubator, comprising experience from 300 building-sector innovators and the adjacent, complex ecosystem. Our methodology synthesizes top-down market analysis with bottom-up, practitioner-level data across five megatrends: (M1) Affordable materials and industrialized construction; (M2) Healthy and efficient mechanical systems; (M3) Intelligent building operations; (M4) Buildings as grid assets; and (M5) High-density power and cooling for data centers and therein identify twelve "white space" technology opportunities. Next, we develop a multi-criteria scoring rubric to rank these opportunities based on parameters, i.e., Affordability, Quality of Life, Reliability, and Security, yielding composite ‘Demand’ and ‘Maturity’ indices. Our results indicate that the most significant white spaces may not be incremental products but a new class of ‘Ecosystem Enablers’, such as logistics platforms, orchestration layers, and automated compliance software that solve structural deployment gaps. This paper summarizes this transparent, evidence-based, practitioner-informed evaluation framework for policymakers and investors to re-evaluate policy and resource allocation and unlock scalable market transformation.

Singh, Reshma↗
DOE OSTI2022

Deployment of the HFIRCON transport and depletion tool for plutonium-238 production studies

Irradiation of {sup 237}Np-bearing targets in Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL) High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) results in the efficient production of {sup 238}Pu, which, in the form of heat source PuO{sub 2}, is used as a reliable power source for deep-space and planetary NASA missions. A technology demonstration subproject was initiated at ORNL in 2011 to develop and implement the technology required to establish a {sup 238}Pu supply chain. A systematic progression of NpO{sub 2}/Al cermet (20 vol.% NpO{sub 2}) activities to date has successfully demonstrated target fabrication, irradiation, and chemical recovery processes. Recent program tasks have included the development of the HFIRCON transport and depletion tool for efficient reactor physics analyses and the evaluation of increased NpO{sub 2} loadings (i.e., beyond 20 vol.%) and NpN-based targets. This paper documents the deployment of the HFIRCON code to assess various Np concentrations in NpO{sub 2}- and NpN-based targets in HFIR's inner small vertical experiment facilities. Results indicate that {sup 238}Pu production and quality can be enhanced with increased Np loadings; however, target conversion rates are reduced. The results recorded in this paper, thermal and material balance evaluations, and testing requirement planning will be used to determine whether increased NpO{sub 2} loadings or NpN-based targets will be further considered. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Proton-Radiation Tolerant All-Perovskite Multijunction Solar Cells

Radiation-resistant but cost-efficient, flexible, and ultralight solar sheets with high specific power (W g -1 ) are the "holy grail" of the new space revolution, powering private space exploration, low-cost missions, and future habitats on Moon and Mars. Herein, this study investigates an all-perovskite tandem photovoltaic (PV) technology that uses an ultrathin active layer (1.56 micrometers) but offers high power conversion efficiency, and discusses its potential for high-specific-power applications. This study demonstrates that all-perovskite tandems possess a high tolerance to the harsh radiation environment in space. The tests under 68 MeV proton irradiation show negligible degradation (<6%) at a dose of 10 13 p + cm -2 where even commercially available radiation-hardened space PV degrade >22%. Using high spatial resolution photoluminescence (PL) microscopy, it is revealed that defect clusters in GaAs are responsible for the degradation of current space-PV. By contrast, negligible reduction in PL of the individual perovskite subcells even after the highest dose studied is observed. Studying the intensity-dependent PL of bare low-gap and high-gap perovskite absorbers, it is shown that the V OC , fill factor, and efficiency potentials remain identically high after irradiation. Radiation damage of all-perovskite tandems thus has a fundamentally different origin to traditional space PV.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reliable Power for Remote Applications

Optical power beaming has the potential to fundamentally change how remote devices receive power, leading to technological innovation across many sectors. NREL is interested in teaming with partners to engineer field-ready (and space-ready) solutions for long-range power beaming and adapt new ideas to important applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Grid Value Analysis of Geothermal Systems for End-Use Applications

Fuel based end-uses for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers require a technology change to achieve economy-wide decarbonization. Space heating accounts for 42% of residential and 32% of commercial energy demand, much of which is currently met through carbon emitting fuels. Industrial energy use is heavily fuel based with electricity currently representing 13% of energy demand. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) and geothermal direct use can eliminate the need for CO2 emitting and simultaneously allow for more efficient electrification of end uses. Past work has assessed the impact on total energy costs and generation investments but did not identify specific grid services benefited. Energy usage in residential and commercial structures was assessed by leveraging data from ComStock and ResStock models. These models utilize housing attributes, occupancy patterns, weather data, and sophisticated energy simulations to generate hourly load profiles for individual buildings identified by unique IDs associated with their locations. Industrial sector energy use was evaluated using information from the Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS) as well as plant utilization data from the US Census to estimate hourly plant operations. The change in end-use demand for electricity, natural gas, and other fuels was calculated for different technologies that could meet this need. Using the ReEDS capacity expansion model, we produce regional price profiles that capture the grid benefit associated with the amount and timing of energy shifts in the power system from the adoption of geothermal systems relative to other technologies that could meet space heating, space cooling, and process heat requirements. We find that geothermal systems for meeting end-use demand add value to the energy system. In buildings where geothermal systems increase grid costs, these values are offset by reduced fuel costs and benefits to externalities, including emissions and health impacts.

decarbonization↗
DOE OSTI2023

Pillars of Innovation Across Southeast Idaho & the Interstate-15 Corridor

Since 1949, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been home to developing civilian and defense nuclear reactor technologies and managing spent nuclear fuel. Today, INL is the nation’s nuclear energy research laboratory, sustaining the safe and efficient operation of existing reactors, powering science in space, and breaking ground on the future fleet of advanced nuclear reactors. INL is only one of many rising technology resources in the region, however. Along the Interstate 15 (I-15) corridor, technology and cybersecurity industries and intellectual assets are rapidly expanding. Creating an innovation hub in this region would unite capabilities to solve current and future challenges in nuclear reactor sustainment and expanded deployment, integrated fuel cycle solutions, integrated energy systems, advanced materials and manufacturing for extreme environments, and secure and resilient cyber-physical systems.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ocean Energy: Markets - Currency - Impact. Dimension of & Choices in the Technology Development Space: Preprint

This paper presents considerations of the employment of ocean wave energy to support different energy demand side applications. The key aspect in these considerations is the wave energy supported achievable positive impact and associated tangible contribution in service of common societal good and of the natural commons. The level of impact that can be delivered is dependent on both, the level of contribution of the supported energy use application, and the compatibility and unique suitability of the wave energy resource and its characteristics with the needs of the application. Thus, a variety of ocean wave energy markets, the key value indicators or "currency' in which these markets trade the value delivered and the achievable positive impact, are reflected upon. Ocean wave energy supported acquisition of high quality ocean system data across a wide spectrum of system properties is identified as a highly impactful application enabling and/or improving a comprehensive range of impactful ocean system activities. The technology development process towards these markets and desired impacts requires relevant technology development progress guidance and metrics. Going beyond technology readiness levels and technology performance levels, the notion of further technology development progress scales towards high impact and high contribution are proposed. These scales and the associated technology properties can be regarded as additional technology development dimensions to span-up the technology development space in which desired system capability and functional requirement choices and subsequent ideation, innovation, research and technology development decisions can and are to be made.

data market↗
DOE OSTI2021

Research and Development Pathways for Powering the Blue Economy with Marine Renewable Energy

As marine renewable energy technology is adapted or designed for Blue Economy end-uses, challenges unique to operation at sea and in remote coastal areas must be addressed to meet demands distinct from utility grid electricity generation. Foundational research and development with this end goal is conducted to broadly enable the initiative of Powering the Blue Economy. Determination of distinct R\&D topics is informed by pathways including an engineering design customer-driven approach and feedback from the creation and administration of prize competitions in the Blue Economy technology space. Critical research outcomes, such as determining the performance of small wave energy converters and benchmarking the reliability for power systems at sea, are among the goals of ten foundational R\&D projects currently underway.

Cavagnaro, Robert J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Research and Development Pathways for Powering the Blue Economy with Marine Renewable Energy

As marine renewable energy technology is adapted or designed for Blue Economy end-uses, challenges unique to operation at sea and in remote coastal areas must be addressed to meet demands distinct from utility grid electricity generation. Foundational research and development with this end goal is conducted to broadly enable the initiative of Powering the Blue Economy. Determination of distinct R&D topics is informed by pathways including an engineering design customer-driven approach and feedback from the creation and administration of prize competitions in the Blue Economy technology space. Critical research outcomes, such as determining the performance of small wave energy converters and benchmarking the reliability for power systems at sea, are among the goals of ten foundational R&D projects currently underway.

customer discovery↗
DOE OSTI2023

Additive Manufacturing for Powering the Blue Economy Applications: A Tidal Turbine Blade Case Study: Preprint

As the marine renewable energy industry continues to expand, innovation in the manufacturing space must grow accordingly to reduce costs and ensure the economic feasibility of new technologies. Additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, provides an alternative for rapid prototyping of marine hydrokinetic technologies, particularly supporting Powering the Blue Economy initiatives of the U.S. Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office. This study explores the application of additive manufacturing in the development of marine hydrokinetic structures, focusing on material and printing method selection, design, and analysis of a 3D-printed spar for an axial-flow tidal turbine blade. Corrosion-resistant metals were deemed ideal due to the loads and harsh marine environment the blade would experience. Laser metal deposition methods were determined to be the most effective and scalable for the considered scale. The designed spar adapts its geometry to the blade - a feature uniquely suited to additive manufacturing - and is intended to serve as the blade's primary structural component. A finite element model was used to study stresses and deformations under loading conditions. The spar was manufactured using 316L stainless steel through direct energy deposition, and defects were assessed and recorded. Future efforts will include mechanical testing of the spar. This research establishes a benchmark process for using additive manufacturing in developing marine hydrokinetic structures, paving the way for future optimization and techno-economic analysis.

additive manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2023

Diffusion study of uranium mononitride/zirconium carbide composite for space nuclear propulsion

Here, the next generation of space exploration will require extensive developments in rocket technology. Space nuclear propulsion is of interest due to its high fuel density and power, however, it also has high temperature and stability demands. This study examines a uranium nitride/zirconium carbide ceramic-ceramic particle composite as a potential fuel for these missions. Based on the constituent properties, this fuel composite is expected to be highly thermally efficient and resistant to the hot hydrogen propellant. One of the main concerns with this composite is unknown diffusion behavior between UN and ZrC over time. Diffusion couples and composites were used to determine how these constituents will behave when left in contact at high temperatures. UN and ZrC were found to have limited but observable diffusion at the phase boundary. The resulting phase is a UZr(CN) quaternary phase. UZr(CN) has been examined for other high temperature and gas nuclear reactors with preliminary success; however, there lacks sufficient data to fully qualify this phase. Based on the limited information available, the resultant quaternary phase could be deemed acceptable and even provide better adhesion for the fuel particles (UN) to the matrix (ZrC).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2020

KRUSTY Experiment: Reactivity Insertion Accident Analysis

The centerpiece of the Kilopower Project, i.e., the Kilowatt Reactor Using Stirling TechnologY (KRUSTY) test, consists of the development and testing of a ground technology demonstration of a small fission power system based on a 1-kW(electric) space science power requirement. The KRUSTY test was authorized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office. Authorization was obtained by adding an amendment to the existing regulatory documents for the National Criticality Experiments Research Center to cover the KRUSTY experiment. This amendment was reviewed and approved by the DOE. The most important safety question for the experiment was the addition of over 2 $ of excess reactivity to the reactor system. This amount of excess reactivity meant that the analyst could postulate accidents where the reactor went prompt critical, leading to physical shock or melting of the fuel. This paper analyzes these accidents using computer calculations and examines the controls used to mitigate them. The estimation of the impacts both on accident progression and consequences of reactivity insertion events was a significant part of obtaining approval for the KRUSTY experiment. The regulatory approval of KRUSTY was one of the first to be obtained for a completely new reactor concept in many decades.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Results of the KRUSTY Warm Critical Experiments

The Kilowatt Reactor Using Stirling TechnologY (KRUSTY) was a prototypic nuclear-powered test of a 5-kW(thermal) Kilopower space reactor. This paper presents results from the KRUSTY warm critical experiments, which were completed prior to the final system test. The first set of criticals comprised cold or zero-power criticals; i.e., the core was not heated by fission power. These were followed by three warm criticals, where fission power heated the core to 200°C, 300°C, and 450°C, respectively. These criticals provided the data, confidence, and regulatory framework that were needed to proceed with the KRUSTY nuclear system test. The criticals also provided valuable data for the benchmarking of codes applicable to all nuclear systems. Finally, a comparison of KRUSTY results to pretest predictions is provided, and overall, the models matched the experimental results very closely.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Results of the KRUSTY Nuclear System Test

The Kilowatt Reactor Using Stirling TechnologY (KRUSTY) was a prototypic nuclear-powered test of a 5-kW(thermal) Kilopower space reactor. This paper presents results from the KRUSTY nuclear system test, which operated the power system at various temperatures and power levels for 28 consecutive hours. The testing showed that the system operated as expected and that the reactor is highly tolerant of possible failure conditions and transients. The key feature demonstrated was the ability of the reactor to load-follow the demand of the power conversion system. The thermal power of the test ranged from 1.5 to 5.0 kW(thermal), with a fuel temperature up to 880°C. Each 80-W(electric)–rated Stirling converter produced ~90 W(electric) at a component efficiency of ~35% and an overall system efficiency of ~25%.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

High-Energy Density Capacitors for Electric Vehicle Traction Inverters

DC bus capacitors take up substantial space in a traction inverter, limiting the traction drive power density. Thus, several commercial capacitor technologies, under consideration for use as DC bus capacitors for electric vehicle traction inverters, were reviewed for their ability to optimize the volume of traction inverters and are evaluated in this paper. Three promising capacitor technologies--film, ceramic, and PLZT have been selected for detailed experimental characterization. Experimental results for equivalent series resistance, equivalent series inductance, and effective capacitance with respect to DC bias voltage for various operating frequencies and temperatures are presented. The results reveal the superiority of the PLZT capacitor in terms of power density, current conduction capability, and redundancy.

Chowdhury, Shajjad↗
DOE OSTI2025

Industrial Electrification Technologies Booklet

Electrification refers to transitioning from fuel-powered systems to electrically-powered alternatives. In an industrial context, this primarily refers to the electrification of process heat, but there are also widespread opportunities to electrify space heating and cooling as well as onsite transportation (e.g., forklifts). Electrification does not refer to one particular technology, but a wide range of technologies that use different methods to transfer electrical energy into a usable form – usually heat.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Supercritical CO2 Heat Pumps and Power Cycles for Concentrating Solar Power

Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) is a promising technology for electricity storage applications. An electrically driven heat pump moves energy from a cold space to a hot space, thereby creating hot and cold thermal storage. The temperature difference between the hot and cold storage is later used to drive a heat engine and return electricity to the grid. In this article, supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) is chosen as the working fluid for PTES, and results are compared to 'conventional' systems that use nitrogen. Molten salts are used for the hot storage which means that a CSP plant with thermal storage and an sCO2 power cycle could potentially be hybridized with PTES by the addition of a heat pump. This article describes some of the benefits of this combined system which can provide renewable power generation and energy management services. Two methods by which an sCO2 heat pump can be combined with an sCO2 power cycle for CSP are described and techno-economic results are presented. Results indicate that these systems can achieve reasonable technical performance, but that costs are currently high.

carnot battery↗