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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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Transmissive spectrum splitting multi-junction solar module for hybrid CPV/CSP system

Here, a new scalable, modular hybrid solar power system is designed to generate electricity through two pathways, CPV and CSP, in order to better meet grid energy demands for reliable renewable energy. The key element, a transmissive, spectrum-splitting multi-junction solar module, is modeled and simulated to analyze its electrical, optical, and thermal properties. Optimized designs are proposed to deliver high efficiency visible light-to-electricity conversion while transmitting infrared light to a thermal receiver. Prospective challenges in the upcoming development and fabrication are discussed.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Final Technical Report: Amicus O&M Cooperative

Despite the maturation of the broader solar PV industry, the operations and maintenance (O&M) market segment is still relatively under developed. The lack of industry coherence jeopardizes the long-term performance of multiple gigawatts of installed capacity, and thus, the legitimacy of solar PV as a dependable source of electricity generation in the U.S. To address these challenges, the project team formed a new company, the Amicus Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Cooperative, whose mission is to ensure that solar PV fulfills its promise as a responsible and reliable energy source, for generations to come. Amicus O&M Cooperative created solutions to the market gaps by establishing a consistent level of O&M service offerings; standardizing scopes of work and legal agreements; training and certifying technicians; minimizing transaction costs for asset owners; and mitigating risk by creating redundancy in the companies who are able to perform work to these standards. We attracted double the number of member-companies originally forecast (goal: 10, actual: 20), broadening the reach of the service area, minimizing travel costs, and reducing response times for O&M services. We built a professional website and a software platform for managing work orders. Lastly, we have established multiple channels for communication among members, including monthly calls for sales topics and for technical/operational topics, an intranet for announcements/ questions/articles, and regular in-person meetings in association with the meetings of our sister cooperative, Amicus Solar. Throughout the project, participants sought feedback, input, and insights from stakeholders in the O&M market segment, including current and potential member-companies and potential clients. The problem statement above was confirmed many times over, with additional insight on the need for more workforce development, driving efficiency and lowering cost through better data analysis and remote diagnostics, and finding ways to reduce the cost of secondary and ancillary services as well (including items such as vegetation management and module cleaning). For solar to maintain its status as a reliable energy source – and for it to continue attracting investment – it must perform to expectation. This is where solar PV O&M technicians come into play. The cooperative helps them perform their work more cost effectively by streamlining “soft costs” including legal costs and work management, as well as reducing travel time and expenses. The new cooperative has demonstrated significant price reductions for O&M services relative to reported industry averages, which benefits clients directly and the public indirectly through cleaner air, economic development, and job growth.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Environmental influence on cracking and debonding of electrically conductive adhesives

Electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) are starting to replace metallic solders in recent designs of photovoltaic (PV) modules. This transition represents a significant material change, and a proper understanding of the durability and reliability of the new interconnect needs to be established. This paper presents our continued work on developing a degradation model for ECA interconnects in PV modules. Here, we characterize the fracture mechanics properties of an epoxy-based ECA, for both critical and subcritical, mode I and mode II loading conditions. Emphasis is on the influence of different environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. We use the Finite Element Method to account for residual stresses, induced by temperature changes and moisture absorption, and correct the apparent fracture toughness. We found that high moisture levels not only can weaken the fracture resistance of the ECA interconnect, but can also promote subcritical debonding at significantly lower driving forces than in dry environments.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

Broadband semiconductor optical amplifiers of the spectral range 750 – 1100 nm

A line of travelling-wave semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) based on heterostructures used for production of broadband superluminescent diodes is developed. The pure small-signal gains of the developed SOA modules are about 25 dB, while the gain bandwidths at a level of –10 dB reach 50 – 100 nm. As a whole, the SOA modules cover the IR spectral range from 750 to 1100 nm. The SOAs demonstrate a high reliability at a single-mode fibre-coupled cw output power up to 50 mW. Examples of application of two of the developed SOA modules as active elements of broadband fast-tunable lasers are presented. (lasers)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamic Carrier Modulation via Nonlinear Acoustoelectric Transport in van der Waals Heterostructures

Dynamically manipulating carriers in van der Waals heterostructures could enable solid-state quantum simulators with tunable lattice parameters. A key requirement is the formation of deep potential wells to reliably trap excitations. Here, we report the observation of nonlinear acoustoelectric transport and dynamic carrier modulation in boron nitride-encapsulated graphene devices coupled to intense surface acoustic waves (SAWs) on LiNbO 3 substrates. SAWs generate strong acoustoelectric current densities ( J AE ), transitioning from linear to nonlinear regimes with increasing SAW intensity. In the nonlinear regime, periodic carrier (electrons, holes, or their mixtures) stripes emerge. Using counter-propagating SAWs, we create standing SAWs (SSAWs) to dynamically manipulate charge distributions without static gates. The saturation of J AE , attenuation transitions, and tunable resistance peaks confirms strong carrier localization. Finally, these results establish SAWs as a powerful tool for controlling carrier dynamics in two-dimensional (2D) materials, paving the way for the development of time-dependent quantum systems and acoustic lattices for quantum simulation.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2025

Chelator-mediated Fenton post-treatment enhances methane yield from lignocellulosic residues via microbial community modulation

Advancing biomethane production from anaerobic digestion (AD) is essential for building a more reliable and resilient bioenergy system. However, incomplete conversion of lignocellulose-rich agricultural waste remains a key limitation, often leaving energy-dense residues in the digestate by-product. In this study, we introduce a novel application of chelator-mediated Fenton (CMF) post-treatment to recover untapped biomethane potential from these recalcitrant residues, representing a significant departure from conventional pre-treatment strategies. By systematically varying pH, iron-chelator concentration, and hydrogen peroxide dosage, we identified reaction conditions (pH 6–8, 5 mM Fe 2+ -dihydroxybenzene, 3–4 wt.% H 2 O 2 ) that enhanced lignocellulose deconstruction and increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) availability for methanogenesis. CMF post-treatment led to up to a tenfold increase in biomethane potential compared to untreated controls. Microbial community analysis revealed enrichment of cellulolytic species, suggesting enhanced hydrolytic activity as a driver of improved conversion. Application of the CMF post-treatment method to isolated poplar lignin further demonstrated its versatility for diverse lignocellulosic substrates. These findings position CMF post-treatment as a promising strategy to enhance AD efficiency and valorize digestate.

Martinez, Daniella Victoria [Sandia National Labor↗
DOE OSTI2020

Comparison and Discussion on Shortcircuit Protections for Silicon-Carbide MOSFET Modules: Desaturation Versus Rogowski Switch-Current Sensor

Survivability of silicon-carbide (SiC) mosfet modules during short circuit (SC) is essential for modern power electronics systems due to large economic implications. SiC mosfet modules exhibit narrow SC withstand times and generally much lower SC robustness than silicon (Si) insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). This puts a critical concern on their utilization, further stressing the importance of reliable protection. This article presents a comprehensive analysis and discussion on the SiC mosfet module SC protection and performance comparison between conventional desaturation detection, previously used for Si IGBT protection, and Rogowski switch-current sensor (RSCS) detection. In addition, this article presents the experimental design for soft turn-off as a reaction to the SC detection to avoid excessive overshoots during the abrupt turn-off of the SC current. To perform different types of SC with various fault inductances on different temperatures, and for the sake of fair comparison under the same conditions, a gate-driver unit for 1.2 kV SiC mosfet half-bridge modules is developed containing both detection methods. The results demonstrate that both methods are successful in protecting the module in all SC types, with superiority of the RSCS detection and concerns for desaturation detection in high-inductance and high dc-bus voltage SC events.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Improving perovskite solar module stability by understanding and mitigating scribe-induced chemo-thermomechanical degradation

Recognizing the correlation between the design of perovskite solar module (PSM) and their degradation mechanisms under environmental stressors helps to enable their long- term reliability. This work reports on the impact of the hole-transport layer (HTL) on thermal cyclability and degradation mechanisms of p-i-n PSMs by comparing 3 HTLs: NiO x , MeO-2PACz (a self-assembled monolayer), and a bilayer HTL of MeO-2PACz on NiO x . We observe surprising thermal cyclability from a performance standpoint despite generating clear degradation products. We find that without a fully dense HTL, seemingly insignificant moisture/oxygen ingress through the edge of the PSMs can lead to rapid destabilization of the metal halide perovskite (MHP) layer due to reactions between MHP degradation byproducts and the indium-tin oxide layer. We also show that illumination-induced cation phase segregation is dependent on the presence of an inactive area (regions of the substrate uncovered by the top electrode). As such, we find that a dense interface between the MHP and ITO is necessary for chemically robust PSMs and highlight criteria for testing field-relevant configurations in lab-scale architectures.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Impact of illumination and encapsulant resistivity on polarization-type potential-induced degradation on n-PERT cells

Power loss caused by polarization-type potential-induced degradation (PID-p) in a variety of high-performance photovoltaic cell types has been observed to be recoverable via subsequent illumination and in some cases preventable via simultaneous illumination. In this report, we describe the results of a study in which the front faces of n-PERT cells encapsulated in polymers with a broad range of electrical resistivity were exposed to varying and controlled irradiance during PID testing. For a low resistivity ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer encapsulant, no reduction in the rate or extent of power loss was observed for irradiance as high as 1,000 W/m 2 , whereas for high and intermediate resistivity polyolefin encapsulants, 100 and 300 W/m 2 , respectively, prevented power loss. We introduce a simple model based on charge accumulation that facilitates interpretation of these results whereby degradation via charge accumulation under voltage stress and recovery due to light exposure are opposing and interdependent phenomena that describe the susceptibility of a module to power loss.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evaluation of bifacial module technologies with combined–accelerated stress testing

In view of the increasing interest and market share of bifacial cells and modules, suitable substrates such as glass and transparent backsheets along with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyolefin elastomer (POE) encapsulants were examined in combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST) to evaluate and compare degradation modes. Testing with both monofacial and bifacial cells, we found glass-glass modules with monofacial cells led to greater grid finger breakage than those with polymeric backsheets. Furthermore, this is attributed to previous X-ray topography and modeling work showing higher stress in cells and interconnections in glass-glass modules than glass-backsheet modules. Consistent with the objectives of C-AST, which stresses modules at levels corresponding to the limits seen in the natural environment, we observed the UV-fluorescence signatures of modules tested in C-AST (considering the degradation associated with developing chromophores, moisture penetration and photobleaching effects) to be like those in fielded modules, more so than other chamber stress testing implemented for comparison. We found light-induced degradation (LID) in module types with regenerated (inactive) cells with C-AST, suggesting the possibility of LID destabilization in some field conditions. We could also distinguish potential-induced degradation (PID) on the back of the bifacial passivated emitter and rear cells (PERC) in C-AST. Confirming with ex-situ tests, we found polarization-type PID most prevalent in glass-glass modules with EVA as would be anticipated considering the greater leakage current through such module encapsulation. Unlike PID tests performed in the dark, which can lead to false positive PID test results, field-representative illumination is experienced by the modules on the front and back side while –1200 V system voltage is applied in C-AST, supporting the conclusion that this module type with glass-glass construction would be susceptible to PID in the field.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Field retrieved photovoltaic backsheet survey from diverse climate zones: Analysis of degradation patterns and phenomena

Understanding the impact of climate stressors on photovoltaic (PV) backsheet degradation in real-use conditions is critical to improve the accelerated testing exposures, extend the backsheet lifetime, and increase the confidence in PV reliability. Here, in this work, a total of 33 PV module backsheets were retrieved from six climatic zones worldwide with 2 - 28 years of exposure. These modules included five types of backsheet air-side materials (or outer layer): poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride) (THV), poly(vinyl fluoride) (PVF), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and polyamide (PA). Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to identify air-side materials. The degradation induced color change, gloss loss, and chemical material changes analyzed using optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), colorimetry (yellowness index (YI)), and gloss measurements. PVDF, THV, and PVF air-side layer backsheets, in particular PVF, had minimal degradation in the air-side layer appearance and chemical structures after exposure in different climatic zones. The PET air-side backsheets exhibited obvious color increase (22.55 YI units after about 9 years exposure) and the PA/PA/PA backsheets showed large gloss loss (up to 76.4 %) relative to the unexposed backsheets. Severe cracks between cells that penetrated through the entire thickness of backsheets are observed on PA/PA/PA backsheets after 4-6 years of exposure in 6 climatic zones. The current indoor exposure standards were not sufficient to identify this degradation type. However, fluoropolymer based PV backsheets showed lower levels of degradation predictors and increased climatic resistance. Specific samples (PVF) showed little change from baseline after 28 years of outdoor exposure.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Tuning Film Stresses for Open-Air Processing of Stable Metal Halide Perovskites

Challenges to upscaling metal halide perovskites (MHPs) include mechanical film stresses that accelerate degradation, dominate at the module scale, and can lead to delamination or fracture. In this work, we demonstrate open-air blade coating of single-step coated perovskite as a scalable method to control residual film stress after processing and introduce beneficial compression in the thin film with the use of polymer additives such as gellan gum and corn starch. The optoelectronic properties of MHP films with compression are improved with higher photoluminescence yields. MHP film stability is significantly improved under compression, under humidity, heat, and thermal cycling. By measuring the evolution of film stresses, we demonstrate for the first time that stress relaxation occurs in MHP films with tensile stress that correlates with film degradation. Finally, this discovery of a new mechanism underpinning MHP degradation shows that film stress can be used as a parameter to screen MHP devices and modules for quality control before deployment as a design for reliability criterion.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Increasing markets and decreasing package weight for high-specific-power photovoltaics

We report that thin-film and emerging technologies in photovoltaics (PV) offer advantages for lightweight, flexible power over the rigid silicon panels that dominate the present market. One important advantage is high specific power (the power-to-weight ratio). Here we consider niche market size, price points and value propositions that can provide a path for new PV market entrants. Examining the cost-production experience curves of Si, CdTe and CIGS PV suggests that a minimum market size of US$0.2-1 billion is required to incubate a new market entrant. Several markets requiring high specific power meet this threshold. We assess the critical role of the substrate, packaging and interconnects and provide a quantitative assessment of pathways to maximize specific power. With all requisite components included, along with requirements for safety and reliability, we estimate a lower bound for a durable lightweight module at about 300-500 g m -2 . Lastly, pairing this bound with a 15%-efficiency thin-film or 35%-efficiency III-V module would yield specific powers up to 500 W kg -1 or 1,167 W kg -1 , respectively.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

A multi-modal sweat sensing patch for cross-verification of sweat rate, total ionic charge, and Na + concentration

Sweat sensors introduced in recent years have targeted a variety of sweat features and biomarkers for non-invasive health monitoring. Amongst these targets, reliable monitoring of sweat rate is crucial due to its modulation of sweat analyte concentrations and its intrinsic significance to numerous medical and physiological health conditions. In this paper, we present a sweat rate sensor structure comprising of electrodes with interdigitated fingers in a microfluidic channel. Each time the accumulating sweat impinges on an electrode finger, the sensor reports a jump in admittance that can be simply and efficiently counted to estimate sweat rate, overcoming selectivity limitations of previously reported sweat rate sensors. We further integrate an impedimetric sensor for measuring total ionic charge concentration and an electrochemical Na + sensor, together creating a multi-modal system for analyzing fluid and electrolyte secretion. We demonstrate how low analyte diffusion rates through this microfluidic device allow for multi-purpose sensor function, including utilizing the sweat rate sensor signal to corroborate total ionic sensor measurements. This cross-verification capability ensures data integrity in real time, satisfying a vital consideration for personalized healthcare technologies. We use the presented patch for continuous analysis of sweat rate, total ionic charge concentration, and Na + concentration during exercise, while demonstrating how multi-modal cross-verification brings new trust to sensor readings.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Turn Your Half-Cut Cells for a Stronger Module

Here, we employ an existing model of crystalline silicon photovoltaic module cell fracture to explore the effect of cell size and orientation on their probability of fracture under module uniform loading. In addition, we also apply continuum damage mechanics to modify this model to consider the effect of cell fracture on the probability of subsequent cell fracture. We elucidate that cell fracture increases the probability of subsequent cell fracture and that rectangular modules containing half-cells aligned with the module's long orientation are much more robust against cell fracture than full-cell and half-cell short orientation modules.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Correspondence: Bill of Materials Variation and Module Degradation in Utility-Scale PV Systems

We report photovoltaic (PV) modules of the same make and model are often assembled with different bills of materials (BOMs). In this correspondence, we revisit two case studies of utility-scale silicon PV systems in which these differing BOMs were associated with faster-than-expected degradation. In one of the sites, we found that different metallization paste had been used for grid lines in some cells leading to loss of contact to the cell and severe series resistance degradation. We provide details on the observation of this mechanism at two additional sites not described in the original article. In a second case study, we found that two different types of cell had been used, and that they could be distinguished by their back contact. Cells with uniform back contacts suffered from light and elevated temperature induced degradation (LeTID), while those with local back contacts did not. We also briefly describe BOM variations observed at other sites to illustrate the extent of the challenge. Our results from both sites underscore that variations in BOM, even among modules of the same make and model can lead to reliability challenges.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Development of ITM oxygen technology for integration in IGCC and other advanced power generation

Ion Transport Membrane (ITM) technology is based on the oxygen-ion-conducting properties of certain mixed-metal oxide ceramic materials that can separate oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas, such as air, under a suitable driving force. The “ITM Oxygen” air separation system that results from the use of such ceramic membranes produces a hot, pure oxygen stream and a hot, pressurized, oxygen-depleted stream from which significant amounts of energy can be extracted. Accordingly, the technology integrates well with other high-temperature processes, including power generation. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., the Recipient, in conjunction with a dozen subcontractors, developed ITM Oxygen technology under this five-phase Cooperative Agreement from the laboratory bench scale to implementation in a pilot plant capable of producing power and 100 tons per day (TPD) of purified oxygen. A commercial-scale membrane module manufacturing facility (the “CerFab”), sized to support a conceptual 2000 TPD ITM Oxygen Development Facility (ODF), was also established and operated under this Agreement. In the course of this work, the team developed prototype ceramic production processes and a robust planar ceramic membrane architecture based on a novel ceramic compound capable of high oxygen fluxes. The concept and feasibility of the technology was thoroughly established through laboratory pilot-scale operations testing commercial-scale membrane modules run under industrial operating conditions with compelling lifetime and reliability performance that supported further scale-up. Auxiliary systems, including contaminant mitigation, process controls, heat exchange, turbo-machinery, combustion, and membrane pressure vessels were extensively investigated and developed. The Recipient and subcontractors developed efficient process cycles that co-produce oxygen and power based on compact, low-cost ITMs. Process economics assessments show significant benefits relative to state-of-the-art cryogenic air separation technology in energy-intensive applications such as IGCC with and without carbon capture.

Armstrong, Phillip A.↗