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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 OSTI2026

Reflections on the Shifting Experiences of Scientific Infrastructure

Infrastructure of all types is fundamental to modern work and life. Computing for scientific work, especially, extends from distributed local research sites, often at the edges of other major systems, outward into globally connected high-performance facilities and infrastructures. This commentary reviews longstanding research on the social characteristics of infrastructure. We reflect on social concerns that affect the ongoing development, use, and maintenance of a wide range of scientific computing and data resources. Reflecting on the social nature of infrastructure is timely for Computing in Science & Engineering readers, given continued emphasis on developing even more expansive platforms for data and artificial intelligence work in science (e.g., the United States’ Genesis Mission). We assert that, regardless of technological advances, the complex nature of scientific research and data will require continued understanding of longstanding and nascent social practices across varied communities. This is fundamentally necessary to build and sustain usable infrastructure or platforms that can productively advance scientific research.

Paine, Drew [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enhancing Power Resilience for Remote Communities: A Comprehensive Renewable Energy Solution for Itbayat Island

The island of Itbayat, Philippines, faces significant challenges in maintaining a reliable and resilient power supply due to its current reliance on a vulnerable power distribution system managed by a local electric cooperative. The existing infrastructure, which includes diesel generators and a radial network configuration with some above-ground lines, is highly susceptible to frequent typhoons and adverse weather conditions. These factors, combined with inadequate staffing and high operational costs, result in frequent power outages that disrupt daily life and hinder economic development. This white paper proposes a comprehensive solution to enhance the resilience and reliability of Itbayat's power system by integrating renewable energy sources, specifically solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage, and a microgrid controller. The proposed solution aims to reduce dependency on diesel fuel, optimize energy use, and provide a sustainable and robust power supply for the island. Key components of the solution include: 1. Solar PV Installation: Deploying solar PV panels to harness abundant solar energy, reducing reliance on diesel fuel. 2. Battery Storage Systems: Installing battery storage to store excess solar energy and ensure a continuous power supply during low solar generation periods. 3. Microgrid Controller: Implementing a microgrid controller to manage and optimize the integration of solar PV, battery storage, and existing diesel generators. The proposed solution addresses several critical issues, including system vulnerability, generator dependency, and operational inefficiencies. By adopting this innovative approach, Itbayat Island can achieve a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy infrastructure, ensuring a stable power supply for its residents and enhancing overall energy security.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Multi-Dimensional Benefit Assessment of Automated Mobility Platforms (AMP) for Large Facilities

Automated Mobility Platform (AMP) is a general term for intelligently managed passenger mobility systems that leverage automation and electrification to improve system performance and sustainability through the integration of real-time data streams with advanced decision-making processes tailored for use in large facilities. Using airports as an example, the rapid growth in air travel demand has led to facility expansions and congested terminals, which directly impacts equity (e.g., increased challenges for passengers with reduced mobility [PRMs]) and sustainability - both of which are important metrics often neglected during the engineering design process. Therefore, to evaluate systems and inform critical decisions more effectively, a holistic evaluation framework is proposed that includes equity, sustainability, and infrastructure perspectives - referred to as a multidimensional benefit assessment. More specifically, the following analysis focuses on: (1) mobility, with emphasis on travel time and accessibility within an airport, contrasting existing systems with the proposed AMP system; (2) equity analysis, specifically to the PRM community, but with an eye to the whole of society; (3) energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with intra-airport mobility, comparing and contrasting modes as well as impacts on overall airport operations efficiency; and (4) fundamental changes in building design enabled by AMPs for larger and more flexible, functional, and energy-efficient structures.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Sustainable Supply Chains by Integrating Life Cycle Modeling and Techno-Ecological Synergy with Application to Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a challenge in water bodies across the planet and are often caused by fertilizer runoff from intensively farmed lands. This chapter describes a framework by which producers of biomass-based products could manage their supply chain to encourage mitigation of HABs and their life cycle environmental impacts, while also considering economic implications. The emphasis is on corn-based products such as ethanol in the region around Lake Erie in Northwest Ohio. It shows how wetland ecosystems could be designed synergistically with farming practices, transportation of the corn, and conversion and use of ethanol. The resulting techno-ecologically synergistic supply chains can be environmentally and economically superior to conventional techno-centric supply chains. The resulting designs can help ethanol manufacturers choose between farms, encourage farmers to adopt wetland ecosystems for intercepting and mitigating nutrient runoff, and determine the location of biorefineries for optimizing environmental and economic objectives.

air quality regulation↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrochemical dynamics of imidazolium ionic liquids at graphene electrodes for energy storage applications

Electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) are prominent energy storage systems that constitute the foundation of more reliable and sustainable energy infrastructures. Modern EDLCs often incorporate ionic liquids (ILs) as a key component in their electrolytes, leveraging the high electrochemical stability of ILs to enhance device performance. The performance and functionality of these capacitors also hinge on the interfacial behavior of ILs at electrode surfaces, which remain insufficiently understood. Here, we performed synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy (SINS) in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the electric double layers (EDLs) of three imidazolium-based ILs in a custom-designed graphene liquid cell. This approach revealed new insights into the dynamics of IL EDLs and the underpinning factors originating from the IL structures. Variations in anion size and structure were found to tune the ILs’ ability to form EDLs with compact and closely-correlated ion arrangements, which are critical for enhancing their capacitive performance. These findings highlight the intricate interactions between ions governed by their structures and charge behaviors, which underscores the opportunities for targeted design of IL-based electrolytes to optimize EDLC functionality.

Electric double layers↗
DOE OSTI2025

Review on Preprocessing Strategies, Deactivation, Thermal Safety, and Future Perspectives in Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling

The rapid growth in the use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and renewable energy storage has made effective end-of-life management essential. Recycling LIBs is critical not only for resource recovery and environmental protection but also for ensuring safety and economic viability. This review focuses on the preprocessing technologies that precede typical recovery processes, including disassembly, sorting, discharging, electrolyte removal, dismantling, thermal treatment, separation, and flotation. These steps play a foundational role in determining the efficiency, safety, and environmental impact of LIB recycling. LIBs pose substantial fire and explosion risks due to residual charge, flammable electrolytes, and reactive materials. The conditions and successive progression of the exothermic reactions which lead to thermal runaway has been discussed. It also explores secure deactivation techniques such as external circuit discharge, saline immersion, and thermomechanical methods, alongside fire prevention strategies including the use of flame retardants, elimination of oxidants, and reduction of heat generation and accumulation. Challenges and future directions are outlined, highlighting the need for standardized designs, automation, and safer, more sustainable recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, this review is distinguished by its focused analysis of preprocessing and deactivation steps, with particular attention to the thermal safety engineering aspects of LIB recycling.

Battery deactivation↗
DOE OSTI2022

Revitalizing interface in protonic ceramic cells by acid etch

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells hold the promise to be operated at intermediate temperatures below 600 °C. Although the high proton conductivity of the bulk electrolyte has been demonstrated, it cannot be fully utilized in electrochemical full cells due to unknown causes. A practical solution is thus urgently needed. Here we showed that it comes from poor contacts between the low-temperature processed oxygen electrode-electrolyte interface. We demonstrated that a simple acid treatment can effectively rejuvenate the high-temperature annealed electrolyte surface, resulting in reactive bonding between the oxygen electrode and the electrolyte and improved electrochemical performance and stability. This enables exceptional protonic ceramic fuel-cell performance down to 350 °C, with peak power densities of 1.6 W cm -2 at 600 °C, 650 mW cm -2 at 450 °C, and 300 mW cm -2 at 350 °C, as well as stable electrolysis operations at large current densities above 3.9 A cm -2 under 1.4 V applied voltage at 600 °C. Furthermore, our work highlights the critical role of interfacial engineering in ceramic electrochemical devices and offers new understanding and practices towards sustainable energy infrastructure.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Manufacture and testing of biomass-derivable thermosets for wind blade recycling

Wind energy is helping to decarbonize the electrical grid, but wind blades are not recyclable, and current end-of-life management strategies are not sustainable. Here, to address the material recyclability challenges in sustainable energy infrastructure, we introduce scalable biomass-derivable polyester covalent adaptable networks and corresponding fiber-reinforced composites for recyclable wind blade fabrication. Through experimental and computational studies, including vacuum-assisted resin-transfer molding of a 9-meter wind blade prototype, we demonstrate drop-in technological readiness of this material with existing manufacture techniques, superior properties relative to incumbent materials, and practical end-of-life chemical recyclability. Most notable is the counterintuitive creep suppression, outperforming industry state-of-the-art thermosets despite the dynamic cross-link topology. Overall, this report details the many facets of wind blade manufacture, encompassing chemistry, engineering, safety, mechanical analyses, weathering, and chemical recyclability, enabling a realistic path toward biomass-derivable, recyclable wind blades.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fort Erie On-Demand Transit Case Study

Rural and smaller-sized communities in North America face unique mobility challenges due to their low population density, lower public transit spending per capita compared to major cities, and a high reliance on private vehicles. In recent years, communities such as Fort Erie, Ontario have restructured or advanced their public transit systems using on-demand services. Fort Erie is a relatively sparsely populated region of 32,901 residents, spread across a land area of 166 square kilometers (64 square miles), for an average population density of 193 residents per square kilometer (500 per square mile). In October 2021, the town implemented a mobility-on-demand system integrated with smartphone software to replace its fixed-route community bus system, which consisted of four buses with three routes, each with a roughly one-hour, one way loop. The new service utilizes a fleet of six minivans, two of which are retrofitted with wheelchair-accessible ramps. The system may require that a passenger requesting a standard van walk up to 400 meters (a quarter mile) to their pickup location to optimize vehicle routing while providing origin-to-destination service. The on-demand system proved effective in providing service, eclipsing pre-pandemic ridership by 40%, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions per ride by 63%, and decreasing the cost per ride to the town by 29%. This report documents both the previous system and the new system in terms of routes, ridership, costs, fuel, and other notable system parameters. This work is part of an ongoing series of case studies on providing small communities with on-demand, right-sized vehicle service coupled with a smartphone application.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Abstract for CRADA between National Energy Technology Laboratory and Shell International Exploration & Production, Inc

Introducing CO₂ into geothermal systems as a working fluid in reservoirs can enhance geothermal conductivity, production, and pressure maintenance. A cross-disciplinary interaction of geothermal reservoir stimulation and CO₂ utilization satisfies renewable energy demands and operations that support sustainable energy infrastructure. Challenges to implementing CO₂-stimulated geothermal enhancement (CS-GE) include (1) accurately characterizing and imaging CO₂-stimulated geothermal reservoirs; (2) quantitatively inferring CS-GE evolution under current and future engineered conditions for cost effective operations; and (3) monitoring resources by improving observational methods to advance the understanding of complex geothermal systems for sweep efficiency and, ultimately, cost effectiveness. NETL and Shell will collaborate under this CRADA to develop software to image key features, including CO₂-stimulated fracture imaging, CO₂ fluid sweep imaging and heat transfer and exchange imaging by leveraging available datasets and applying advanced Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), multi-level data analytics and data/information fusion to better understand the comprehensive mechanisms of CO₂-stimulated geothermal systems.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Extracting Critical Metals from Authentic Bauxite Residue

Securing domestic sources of critical minerals (CM) is paramount to ensuring a robust and self-sustaining technology infrastructure. Utilizing untapped non-conventional sources, like acid mine drainage, coal ash, bauxite residue/red mud, and more is an emerging approach that addresses this national concern while identifying new value-added pathways originating from waste streams. Red mud is a byproduct of the Bayer process that produces alumina and contains a wealth of CM – 50 µg/g Ga, 2.9 mg/g total rare earth elements plus yttrium, 12 mg/g Mn, 58 mg/g Al, and others. About 170 MM tonnes of red mud are co-produced annually alongside the 142 MM tonnes of alumina generated, highlighting the abundancy of this feedstock. In this work, different strategies were explored for extracting CM from authentic bauxite residue that involve thermal heating, microwave heating, and sonication all with different acids and buffers. CM recovery was then explored one step further by testing the adsorption of the extracted metals onto NETL’s Multi-functional Sorbent Technology (MUST). Microwave treatment of red mud proved the most effective CM extraction, whereas sonication was less desirable due to scale-up concerns. Successful recovery of CM from this leachate with MUST supports further studies toward optimizing the overall process.

bauxite residue↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fort Erie Case Study - Transition from Fixed-Route to On-Demand Transit

Rural and smaller-sized communities in North America face unique mobility challenges due to their low population density, lower public transit spending per capita compared to major cities, and a high reliance on private vehicles. In recent years, communities such as Fort Erie, Ontario, have restructured or advanced their public transit systems using on-demand services. Fort Erie is a relatively sparsely populated region of 32,901 residents, spread across a land area of 166 square kilometers (64 square miles), for an average population density of 193 residents per square kilometer (500 per square mile). In October 2021, the town implemented a mobility-on-demand system integrated with smartphone software to replace its fixed-route community bus system, which consisted of four buses with three routes, each with a roughly 1-hour, one-way loop. The new service utilizes a fleet of six minivans, two of which are retrofitted with wheelchair-accessible ramps. The system may require that a passenger requesting a standard van walk up to 400 meters (a quarter mile) to their pickup location to optimize vehicle routing while providing origin-to-destination service. The on-demand system proved effective in providing service, eclipsing pre-pandemic ridership by 40%, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions per ride by 63%, and decreasing the cost to the town per ride by 29%. This report documents both the previous system and the new system in terms of routes, ridership, costs, fuel, and other notable system parameters. This work is part of an ongoing series of case studies on providing small communities with on-demand, right-sized vehicle service coupled with a smartphone application.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Resilience with Renewables

This presentation is intended for the DOE Better Buildings Sustainable Corrections Infrastructure Partnership (SCIP) program webinar series. It will explain the INL Resilience Framework, discuss how to apply it for building managers, and give examples of the ways batteries can aid in resilience by walking through a case study conducted for Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

AI-powered municipal solid waste management: a comprehensive review from generation to utilization

The accumulation of municipal solid waste (MSW) continues to rise due to burgeoning population, rapid global urbanization and economic growth, intensifying ecological concerns associated with landfills and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Over the past 2 decades, global waste generation has surged by 50%, with one-third remaining uncollected and about 70% sent to landfills. This review examines the critical role of integrating emerging technologies, such as advanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI), into end-to-end MSW management to alleviate landfill burdens. The suitability of various AI tools for different stages of MSW management is assessed, alongside the deployment of advanced sensors including hyperspectral cameras, computer vision systems, and internet of things (IoT) devices for material identification. Applications of genetic algorithms and reinforcement learning for optimizing collection routes, reducing costs, and lowering emissions are highlighted. Life cycle assessment (LCA) across all stages of MSW management is also reviewed, along with future trends in leveraging generative AI, natural language processing (NLP), and agent-based AI systems to analyze waste generation patterns and public sentiment. Efficient collection and handling can be enhanced through route optimization with geographic information systems and real-time bin-level monitoring. Furthermore, sensor-embedded, real-time object detection systems paired with robotics enable material characterization and automated sorting, thereby lowering costs and diverting waste from landfills into value-added products for diverse industrial sectors including packaging, chemicals, textiles, metals and glass, transportation, and electronics industries. Without intervention, global waste is projected to reach 4.54 billion tons by 2050, contributing direct economic costs of $\$$400 billion and roughly 2.38 billion tons of CO 2 -equivalent emissions annually. This review demonstrates how AI-driven, end-to-end solutions for MSW management can mitigate economic and environmental challenges, while directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development (UNDP) goals related to innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Community engagement in the development of bioenergy projects from cellulosic urban waste feedstock in Hawaii for sustainable aviation fuel

The purpose of the research project was to reveal the perceptions of residents and communities of the City and County of Honolulu concerning bioenergy projects, feedstock, and sustainable aviation fuel. The perception study was conducted via community-scale surveys, interviews, and town meetings to gather feedback on the preliminary design of a proposed bioenergy project, including feedstock choice and the need for sustainable aviation fuel in Hawaii. Residents on the west side of Oahu were targeted due to their proximity to the proposed plant site location. Findings from this study aim to identify resident perceptions, understanding, and desire for bioenergy projects and new infrastructure to, improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of Hawaiian islands. While Hawaii has created policies and mandates to move toward 100% renewable energy sources by 2045, the focus has been predominately on renewable electricity, largely overlooking other sustainable energy options such as sustainable aviation fuel. There is a lack of research on the community engagement and perceptions of Hawaiian residents on bioenergy projects and sustainable aviation fuel, contributing to the low adoption of bioenergy projects on the islands. Insights from this study aim to add literature on the need for community engagement in the design process, the importance of accepting new sustainable infrastructure, and the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Challenges in the designing, planning and deployment of hydrogen refueling infrastructure for fuel cell electric vehicles

Hydrogen can power transportation with near zero greenhouse gas emissions. With government support, early market development is now underway in several nations thanks to technological advances in fuel cell vehicles and electricity generation from renewable energy. Deploying a sustainable hydrogen refueling infrastructure faces methodological and practical challenges ranging from the creation of appropriate codes to managing the co-evolution of the refueling network and growth of the stock of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Furthermore, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the challenges facing the designing, planning and deployment of hydrogen refueling infrastructure progress to date and outlook for the future. The design and costs of refueling infrastructure as well as the lifecycle environmental effects of hydrogen vehicles depend on how hydrogen is produced and delivered to refueling stations. In recent years, important advances have been made in methods for planning the numbers, sizes and location of hydrogen stations. Institutional barriers are also gradually being overcome. Co-evolving the deployment of stations and the demand for fuel cell vehicles remains a crucial subject for future research.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Concept of a Quantum Edge Simulator: Edge Computing and Sensing in the Quantum Era

Sensors, enabling observations across vast spatial, spectral, and temporal scales, are major data generators for information technology (IT). Processing, storing, and communicating this ever-growing amount of data pose challenges for the current IT infrastructure. Edge computing—an emerging paradigm to overcome the shortcomings of cloud-based computing—could address these challenges. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications have the potential to fill the performance gaps left by their classical counterparts. Here, we present the concept of an edge quantum computing (EQC) simulator—a platform for designing the next generation of edge computing applications. An EQC simulator is envisioned to integrate elements from both quantum technologies and edge computing to allow studies of quantum edge applications. The presented concept is motivated by the increasing demand for more sensitive and precise sensors that can operate faster at lower power consumption, generating both larger and denser datasets. These demands may be fulfilled with edge quantum sensor networks. Envisioning the EQC era, we present our view on how such a scenario may be amenable to quantification and design. Given the cost and complexity of quantum systems, constructing physical prototypes to explore design and optimization spaces is not sustainable, necessitating EQC infrastructure and component simulators to aid in co-design. We discuss what such a simulator may entail and possible use cases that invoke quantum computing at the edge integrated with new sensor infrastructures.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗