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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 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Diii-D Research Advancing The Physics Basis For Optimizing The Tokamak Approach To Fusion Energy

DIII-D physics research addresses critical challenges for operation of ITER and the next generation of fusion energy devices. This is done through a focus on innovations to provide solutions for high performance long pulse operation, coupled with fundamental plasma physics understanding and model validation, to drive scenario development by integrating high performance core and boundary plasmas. Substantial increases in off-axis current drive efficiency from an innovative top launch system for EC power, and in pressure broadening for Alfven eigenmode control from a co-/counter-Ip steerable off-axis neutral beam, all improve the prospects for optimization of future long pulse/steady state high performance tokamak operation. Fundamental studies into the modes that drive the evolution of the pedestal pressure profile and electron vs. ion heat flux validate predictive models of pedestal recovery after ELMs. Understanding the physics mechanisms of ELM control and density pumpout by 3D magnetic perturbation fields leads to confident predictions for ITER and future devices. Validated modeling of high-Z shattered pellet injection for disruption mitigation, runaway electron dissipation, and techniques for disruption prediction and avoidance including machine learning, give confidence in handling disruptivity for future devices. With this physics understanding and suite of actuators, a high poloidal beta optimized-core scenario with an internal transport barrier that projects nearly to Q=10 in ITER at 9 MA was coupled to a detached divertor, and a near Super H-mode optimized-pedestal scenario with co-Ip beam injection, was coupled to a radiative divertor. The Hybrid core scenario was achieved directly, without the need for internal flux pumping, using off-axis current drive actuators, and a controller to avoid mode locking and disruptions in the ITER baseline scenario, based on plasma response to probing 3D fields, was demonstrated. Finally innovative tokamak operation using a negative triangularity shape showed many attractive features for future pilot plant operation.

Fenstermacher, M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Printable Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites – Feasibility Study

Additive manufacturing is enabling the manufacturability of structures with previously unattainable complexity or functionality, and there is growing interest in additive manufacturing of “printed” concrete structures. The focus of this Phase 1 Technical Collaboration (TC) project was to evaluate feasibility of printing hybrid cement composite structures reinforced with textile carbon fibers (tCF). This project leverages other (non-IACMI) projects on cement formulation and printing process development, as well as on the production process for tCF. This project’s primary focus was to explore cement composite mix design with textile carbon fibers to be manufactured by MonteFibre (TC partner) and evaluate suitable fiber-matrix interface or sizing for cement composites working with Michelman (TC Partner). This project supports IACMI’s goal of reducing the cost and embodied energy of carbon fiber composites. Cost is one of the fundamental challenges to carbon fiber reinforced cement composites. Cement is an extremely inexpensive material (approximately $\$$0.05/lb). Adding 1 wt% of conventional carbon fiber to cement quadruples its cost. Therefore, the need to use low-cost carbon fiber and ensure that the additional cost of the carbon fiber has a greater cost benefit to the final product. This was the first preliminary evaluation to integrate tCF reinforcement in cement composites, and such potential tCF utilization should significantly reduce materials cost. Cement composite production is energy and emissions intensive, thus by strengthening it less material will be required. Hence, the embodied energy and production time of the resulting structures will be reduced. Additionally, integrating these new materials into additive processes can enable selective use of the material in high load or stress areas. It is noteworthy that past work in this field of fiber reinforced cement composites did not consider the optimization of fiber-matrix interface using suitable sizing. Carbon fiber reinforcement offers potential added benefits of thermal conductivity (which affects cure rate) and flow behavior that could provide opportunities for site specific utilization of carbon fiber on hybrid cement structures (e.g. use the fiber reinforcement on outer surfaces to enhance strength and modulus and then infiltrating the internal structures with conventional concrete). MonteFibre was the industry lead and planned on supplying the tCF for this project. However, during the short Phase-1 duration of this project, MonteFibre was unable to produce tCF for this project due to manufacturing plant being off-line throughout the course of the project. The project team decided to pursue an alternate option which involved demonstrating printable concrete with steel fibers by the ORNL lead, Dr. Brian Post. The University of Tennessee collaboration team focused on evaluating the suitable chemical sizing for carbon fibers working with Michelman and also developed methods for material characterization of cement-based composites to evaluate the material response for compression, shear, flexure, and tension. The two milestones for University of Tennessee, Knoxville were realized related to identification of one sizing suitable for carbon fiber reinforced cement composite and developing data associated with mechanical behavior of unreinforced (neat) and carbon fiber reinforced cement composites. ORNL could not complete the task of carbon fiber reinforced printed cement composites due to the reasons mentioned earlier, but was able to replace tCF with steel fibers to demonstrate the feasibility of printing with fiber reinforced cement composites. The Project team reviewed possible sizing chemistry available in collaboration with Michelman for use on carbon fiber reinforcement in cement composites and concrete applications. Our initial goal was to identify a sizing most promising for formulation with textile carbon fibers (tCF) to deliver excellent mechanical properties in composite material state. Since tCF was not available for this project as originally envisioned, the team continued this task to identify a suitable sizing for carbon fiber applications by applying such sizing to lower cost carbon fibers currently available commercially from Zoltek called Panex fibers. At a future time this can be optimized for textile carbon fibers from Montefibre. The bulk of previous work on carbon fiber reinforced cement has neglected the importance of fiber-matrix adhesion on mechanical properties of the cement composite and identifying this missing link was an important accomplishment for future research. Tensile behavior of fiber reinforced concrete is important to evaluate in order to realize the dream of concrete products that do not need reinforcing steel. Important sample preparation and testing procedures were addressed in this study and it was concluded that substantial improvements in tensile behavior, without compromising compressive strength, and improved ductility can result from the use of carbon fiber reinforcement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Provision of Grid Services by PV Plants with Integrated Battery Energy Storage System: Preprint

Battery energy storage systems (BESS), due to their tremendous range of uses and configurations, may assist PV integration in any number of ways by increasing power system flexibility. In this paper we describe results of a research project conducted by NREL and First Solar for developing controls and demonstrating many use cases for PV-BESS systems including (1) matching generation to loads through time shifting, reducing PV curtailment,; (2) promoting higher levels of PV penetrations by balancing the grid through ancillary services; (3) use of PV-BESS systems to provide wide-area stability services in the form of oscillations damping controls; and (r) use of gird forming BESS for enabling black start and islanded applications for PV-BESS systems. In the paper we will also describe the unique multi-MW test and validation platform developed at NREL for conducting research on fielded utility-scale PV-BESS systems. The platform consists of First Solar 0.43 MW PV power plant, NREL’s 1MW/1MW BESS, 2MW PV power supplies and 7MVA power electronic grid simulator interfaced with industrial plant controllers and power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) capability.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗
DOE OSTI2026

Compilation and utilization of a sorghum transcriptome compendium for gene regulatory network analysis and crop trait engineering

Sorghum bicolor (Sorghum) is a drought and heat tolerant C4 grass crop used to produce grain, forage, biofuels, and other bioproducts. Genetic improvement of sorghum hybrid crops is aided by a large and diverse germplasm, sorghum's diploid inbreeding genetics, and a relatively small genome that has facilitated genomic research. Over the past 20 years, the sorghum research community characterized the cytogenetic and recombinant landscapes of sorghum's 10 chromosomes, sequenced and annotated the sorghum genome, and used that information to identify genes/alleles that modulate flowering time, plant height, seed shattering, and other important traits. More recently, >1000 RNA-seq transcriptome profiles were collected from 15 sorghum genotypes to help understand the genetic basis of variation in growth and development of sorghum stems, tillers, roots, and leaves, and the regulation of biosynthetic pathways that produce epicuticular wax, dhurrin, and RFOs, compounds that contribute to sorghum's resilience. Transcriptome studies were designed to identify differentially expressed genes that are co-expressed during development or in response to a treatment to enable construction of gene regulatory networks. Co-expression and network analysis identified transcription factors and their cognate binding sites in target gene promoters and signaling pathways that modulate gene regulatory networks providing gene editing targets for further trait optimization. RNA-seq data from >20 experiments targeting sorghum organs, tissues, cell types, developmental stages, and responses to environmental conditions (i.e., diel, day-length, shading, water-deficit, temperature) has been compiled in a sorghum transcriptome compendium. The goal of this resource paper is to describe compendium content, accessibility, and a compendium data analysis pipeline and to illustrate the types of information that can be derived from the compendium with a focus on the elucidation of gene regulatory networks useful for guiding the improvement of sorghum traits through gene editing.

RNA-seq↗
DOE OSTI2022

DIII-D research advancing the physics basis for optimizing the tokamak approach to fusion energy

DIII-D physics research addresses critical challenges for the operation of ITER and the next generation of fusion energy devices. This is done through a focus on innovations to provide solutions for high performance long pulse operation, coupled with fundamental plasma physics understanding and model validation, to drive scenario development by integrating high performance core and boundary plasmas. Substantial increases in off-axis current drive efficiency from an innovative top launch system for EC power, and in pressure broadening for Alfven eigenmode control from a co-/counter-I p steerable off-axis neutral beam, all improve the prospects for optimization of future long pulse/steady state high performance tokamak operation. Fundamental studies into the modes that drive the evolution of the pedestal pressure profile and electron vs ion heat flux validate predictive models of pedestal recovery after ELMs. Understanding the physics mechanisms of ELM control and density pumpout by 3D magnetic perturbation fields leads to confident predictions for ITER and future devices. Validated modeling of high-Z shattered pellet injection for disruption mitigation, runaway electron dissipation, and techniques for disruption prediction and avoidance including machine learning, give confidence in handling disruptivity for future devices. For the non-nuclear phase of ITER, two actuators are identified to lower the L–H threshold power in hydrogen plasmas. With this physics understanding and suite of capabilities, a high poloidal beta optimized-core scenario with an internal transport barrier that projects nearly to Q = 10 in ITER at ~8 MA was coupled to a detached divertor, and a near super H-mode optimized-pedestal scenario with co-I p beam injection was coupled to a radiative divertor. The hybrid core scenario was achieved directly, without the need for anomalous current diffusion, using off-axis current drive actuators. Also, a controller to assess proximity to stability limits and regulate β N in the ITER baseline scenario, based on plasma response to probing 3D fields, was demonstrated. Finally, innovative tokamak operation using a negative triangularity shape showed many attractive features for future pilot plant operation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Baseload Hydrogen Production Using Nuclear and Renewable Energy: A Comparative Analysis

As the global push towards net zero carbon gains momentum, the demand for clean hydrogen is expected to grow rapidly across various sectors, including transportation, industries and electrical grids. To meet this growing hydrogen demand, baseload hydrogen production facilities capable of providing a continuous and reliable supply of hydrogen will be necessary throughout the world. This paper explores the technoeconomic feasibility of establishing baseload electrolytic hydrogen production facilities in the United States, utilizing different clean generation resources. The key criteria include maintaining a consistent supply of clean hydrogen without putting baseload demand stress to already vulnerable power grid. In order to do that, the proposed facilities will host onsite clean power generation and energy storage technologies. The proposed facilities can capitalize on available investment and production incentives and have ability to export excess electricity to the utility at a bulk price. Several scenarios are considered based on the clean energy resources to support the electrolysis process including light water reactors (LWRs) currently evaluating retirement options, wind, solar PVs, and advanced small modular reactors (SMRs). For each scenario, a hypothetical hydrogen production facility is considered in a location in the US where the primary generation resource is at its peak strength. Comparative analysis in this paper reveal that the nuclear power plants are most economically viable for baseload hydrogen production facilities, outperforming renewable-based facilities with significantly lower levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). Even under best-case scenarios for resource availability, incentives and export prices, renewable-based facilities face challenges due to daily and seasonal generation variability, resulting in large installation sizes and lower capacity factors. Among renewable-based facilities, complementarity hybrids, providing more stable power supply, demonstrate superior economics compared to facilities based on a single renewable technology. While LWR-powered facility can achieve a negative LCOH with incentives, SMR-powered facilities can provide economic hydrogen supply with LCOH below $1/kg with high temperature electrolysis option. The analysis in this paper underscores the pivotal role of nuclear energy in the future hydrogen economy.

08 - HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Rationale for reconsidering current regulations restricting use of hybrids in orange juice

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a disease that has devastated the Florida citrus industry, threatens the entire U.S. citrus industry, and globally is rapidly spreading. Florida’s citrus production is 90% sweet orange, which is quite sensitive to HLB. The heavy reliance on sweet orange for Florida citrus production makes the industry especially vulnerable to diseases that are damaging to this type of citrus. Furthermore, 90% of Florida oranges are used in producing orange juice that is defined by a federal regulation known as the “orange juice standard”, specifying that at least 90% of “orange juice” must be derived from Citrus sinensis. Genomic analyses definitively reveal that sweet orange is not a true species, but just one of many introgression hybrids of C. reticulata and C. maxima, with phenotypic diversity resulting from accumulated mutations in this single hybrid, the “sweet orange”. No other fruit industry is limited by law to such a narrow genetic base. Fortunately, there are new citrus hybrids displaying reduced sensitivity to HLB, and in some cases they produce juice, alone or in blends, that consumers would recognize as “orange juice”. Reconsidering current regulations on orange juice standards may permit use of such hybrids in “orange juice”, providing greater latitude for commercialization of these hybrids, leading to higher-quality orange juice and a more sustainable Florida orange juice industry.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Error analysis of a hybrid control drum worth model

This paper presents a perturbation-based model for control drum worth prediction which employs both physics-based and statistics-based components. Control drums, or control shims, are cylindrical in shape and span the axial length of the core. A portion of the cylinder is coated in neutron absorbing material and the drum can rotate to introduce the absorbing material to the body of the core to reduce reactivity. The model can be expensive to create due to the requirement for full-core Monte Carlo eigenvalue calculations. Therefore, it is important to analyze how the errors in Monte Carlo calculated k{sub eff} used for model training affect model performance. It was found that the error in predicted criticalities could average to 70 pcm in the most complex form of the model and 215 pcm in the simplest form of the model. Furthermore, it was found that the Monte Carlo uncertainty in quantities calculated with Serpent used to train the models had minimal impact on the error observed from the model. Lastly, one of the forms of the hybrid model could be trained in considerably less computational time if the Monte Carlo calculations were run to higher uncertainty in k{sub eff} with a small penalty to model performance.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2020

The small secreted effector protein MiSSP7.6 of Laccaria bicolor is required for the establishment of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis

Summary To establish and maintain a symbiotic relationship, the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor releases mycorrhiza‐induced small secreted proteins (MiSSPs) into host roots. Here, we have functionally characterized the M YCORRHIZA‐ i NDUCED S MALL S ECRETED P ROTEIN OF 7 . 6 kDa ( MiSSP7 . 6 ) from L . bicolor by assessing its induced expression in ectomycorrhizae, silencing its expression by RNAi, and tracking in planta subcellular localization of its protein product. We also carried out yeast two‐hybrid assays and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis to identify possible protein targets of the MiSSP7.6 effector in Populus roots. We showed that MiSSP7 . 6 expression is upregulated in ectomycorrhizal rootlets and associated extramatrical mycelium during the late stage of symbiosis development. RNAi mutants with a decreased MiSSP7 . 6 expression have a lower mycorrhization rate , suggesting a key role in the establishment of the symbiosis with plants. MiSSP7.6 is secreted, and it localizes both to the nuclei and cytoplasm in plant cells. MiSSP7.6 protein was shown to interact with two Populus Trihelix transcription factors. Furthermore, when coexpressed with one of the Trihelix transcription factors, MiSSP7.6 is localized to plant nuclei only. Our data suggest that MiSSP7.6 is a novel secreted symbiotic effector and is a potential determinant for ectomycorrhiza formation.

Kang, Heng↗
DOE OSTI2021

Net Zero Energy Model for Wastewater Treatment Plants

The primary objective of this study is to achieve net-zero energy (NZE) wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by utilizing energy efficiency opportunities (EEO), combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and other renewable energy (RE) sources, e.g., solar, water, and wind powers. Herein, this study discusses an innovative energy solution for WWTPs in the United States, and one of the WWTPs with a flow capacity of 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) was selected as a case study. An optimization tool, Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software, is used in this study to find the best energy system configuration to run the system. An energy audit for one WWTP was conducted in early 2020 and the report is used to do this study. The proposed EEOs were able to reduce WWTP energy consumption by about 11%. The excess anaerobic digester gas was utilized in a CHP system to cover about 42% of the facility’s consumption. Also, 3% of the utility energy consumption can be claimed by microturbines in the aeration tanks. Another two renewable energy systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) with 29% and water turbines with 15%, contribute to covering 100% of the WWTP energy consumption and achieving an NZE WWTP.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hybrid Grid-Renewable Strategies for Green Steel Production under Electricity Market Uncertainty

Volatility in grid spot prices is expected to rise with climate change-driven demand pressures and the intermittency of renewable generation. This volatility poses financial risks for green hydrogen-based steel production. The Direct Reduced Iron− Electric Arc Furnace (H 2 -DRI-EAF) is a promising pathway to decarbonize steel, which accounts for ∼8% of global GHG emissions. This study assesses how increased grid spot price volatility influences the optimal sizing and operation of H2-DRIEAF plants under three operational scenarios: grid-connected, fully behind-the-meter (islanded), and mixed-mode (semi-islanded). Our analysis identifies the semi-islanded configuration as the most cost-effective solution, achieving a Levelized Cost of Steel (LCOS) 10−35% lower than sourcing energy solely from the grid. Modeling also shows hydrogen storage or selective electricity purchases at high prices (>$1000/MWh) generally outperform battery storage, except under extreme volatility. Additionally, the study explores cost reduction strategies to strengthen the economic viability and sustainability of green steel production.

Batteries↗
DOE OSTI2022

A hybrid inorganic–biological artificial photosynthesis system for energy-efficient food production

Artificial photosynthesis systems are proposed as an efficient alternative route to capture CO 2 to produce additional food for growing global demand. Here a two-step CO 2 electrolyser system was developed to produce a highly concentrated acetate stream with a 57% carbon selectivity (CO 2 to acetate), allowing its direct use for the heterotrophic cultivation of yeast, mushroom-producing fungus and a photosynthetic green alga, in the dark without inputs from biological photosynthesis. An evaluation of nine crop plants found that carbon from exogenously supplied acetate incorporates into biomass through major metabolic pathways. Coupling this approach to existing photovoltaic systems could increase solar-to-food energy conversion efficiency by about fourfold over biological photosynthesis, reducing the solar footprint required. This technology allows for a reimagination of how food can be produced in controlled environments.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Patterns of genomic variation reveal a single evolutionary origin of the wild allotetraploid Mimulus sookensis

Abstract Polyploidy occurs across the tree of life and is especially common in plants. Because newly formed cytotypes are often incompatible with their progenitors, polyploidy is also said to trigger “instantaneous” speciation. If a polyploid can self-fertilize or reproduce asexually, it is even possible for one individual to produce an entirely new lineage, but how often this scenario occurs is unclear. Here, we investigate the evolutionary history of the wild allotetraploid Mimulus sookensis, which was formed through hybridization between self-compatible, diploid species in the Mimulus guttatus complex. We generate a chromosome-scale reference assembly for M. sookensis and define its distinct subgenomes. Despite previous reports suggesting multiple origins of this highly selfing polyploid, we discover patterns of population genomic variation that provide unambiguous support for a single origin. One M. sookensis subgenome is clearly derived from the selfer Mimulus nasutus, which organellar variation suggests is the maternal progenitor. The ancestor of the other subgenome is less certain, but it shares variation with both Mimulus decorus and M. guttatus, two outcrossing diploids with geographic ranges that overlap broadly with M. sookensis. This study establishes M. sookensis as an example of instantaneous speciation, likely facilitated by the polyploid’s predisposition to self-fertilize.

Environmental Sciences & Ecology↗
DOE OSTI2021

Disruption of Brachypodium lichenase alters metabolism of mixed‐linkage glucan and starch

Mixed-linkage glucan, which is widely distributed in grasses, is a polysaccharide highly abundant in cell walls of grass endosperm and young vegetative tissues. Lichenases are enzymes that hydrolyze mixed-linkage glucan first identified in mixed-linkage glucan-rich lichens. In this study, we identify a gene encoding a lichenase we name Brachypodium distachyon LICHENASE 1 (BdLCH1), which is highly expressed in the endosperm of germinating seeds and coleoptiles and at lower amounts in mature shoots. RNA in situ hybridization showed that BdLCH1 is primarily expressed in chlorenchyma cells of mature leaves and internodes. Disruption of BdLCH1 resulted in an eight-fold increase in mixed-linkage glucan content in senesced leaves. Consistent with the in situ hybridization data, immunolocalization results showed that mixed-linkage glucan was not removed in chlorenchyma cells of lch1 mutants as it was in wild type and implicate the BdLCH1 enzyme in removing mixed-linkage glucan in chlorenchyma cells in mature vegetative tissues. We also show that mixed-linkage glucan accumulation in lch1 mutants was resistant to dark-induced degradation, and 8-week-old lch1 plants showed a faster rate of starch breakdown than wild type in darkness. Here our results suggest a role for BdLCH1 in modifying the cell wall to support highly metabolically active cells.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optimal Wind Turbine Design for H2 Production

The Optimal Wind Turbine Design for Hydrogen Production work seeks to address the H2@Scale program's goal to "advance affordable hydrogen production" by optimizing the wind turbine design specifically for hydrogen (H2) production. The project identifies optimal wind turbine designs made specifically for hydrogen production to advance affordable green hydrogen production. The project also couples wind turbine, wind plant, solar plant, and electrolyzer models to predict hydrogen production from variable, renewable power sources.

electrolyzer↗
DOE OSTI2023

Co-design optimization of combined heat and power-based microgrids

With the emergent need for clean and reliable energy resources, hybrid energy systems, such as the microgrid, are widely adopted in the United States. A microgrid can consist of various distributed energy resources, for instance, combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Here, the CHP module is a distributed cogeneration technology that produces electricity and recaptures heat generated as a by-product. It is an energy-efficient technology converting heat that would otherwise be wasted to valuable thermal energy. For an optimal system configuration, this study develops a novel co-design optimization framework for CHP-based cogeneration microgrids. The framework provides the stakeholder with a method to optimize investments and attain resilient operations. The proposed co-design framework has a mixed integer programming (MIP) model that outputs decisions for both plant designs and operating controls. The microgrid considered in this study contains six components: the CHP, boiler, heat recovery unit, thermal storage system, power storage system, and photovoltaic plant. After solving the MIP model, the optimal design parameters of each component can be found to minimize the total installation cost of all components in the microgrid. Furthermore, the online costs from energy production, operation, maintenance, machine startup, and disruption-induced unsatisfied loads are minimized by solving the optimal control decisions for operations. Case studies based on designing a CHP-based microgrid with empirical data are conducted. Moreover, we consider both nominal and disruptive operational scenarios to validate the performance of the proposed co-design framework in terms of a cost-effective, resilient system.

42 ENGINEERING↗