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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

BatteryPro: A Python Toolkit for Battery Data Analysis and Machine Learning Predictions

Analyzing battery test data for research & development can be time-consuming since battery tests often run on the order of months to years, generating large volumes of data. BatteryPro is a comprehensive Python package and software designed to facilitate advanced analysis and performance predictions for battery test data. Developed for battery researchers, it supports data types from widely used battery testing instruments, including MACCOR and Biologic cycling systems. The software provides a variety of tools for extracting and plotting key battery parameters such as time, voltage, capacity, current, and pressure. In addition to its extensive data analysis capabilities, BatteryPro features a dedicated machine learning module that employs a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) to predict battery performance and degradation. Users can generate synthetic capacity fade data, calculate fade metrics, and leverage predictive models to forecast long-term battery behavior. The software's graphical user interface (GUI) enhances usability, allowing researchers to upload, merge, and analyze multiple data files with full customizability. The GUI also supports machine learning predictions, enabling users to fit models and make predictions based on selected data and parameters. BatteryPro is built using QtDesigner, scikit-learn, matplotlib, and pandas, ensuring a high level of customization, flexibility, and accuracy in battery data analysis. This tool aims to empower researchers with the ability to perform detailed battery analysis and make informed predictions, ultimately advancing the field of battery research.

25 - ENERGY STORAGE↗

Quantum Leap: Evaluating the Feasibility of Quantum Machine Learning Using NASA Earth Observational Data

This study explores the feasibility of leveraging quantum machine learning (QML) to analyze NASA Earth Observational (EO) data for climate change research, with a particular focus on the phenomenon of ”crop frosting” which has become more prevalent due to climate change. We implemented and evaluated two QML models, the Variational Quantum Classifier (VQC) and Quantum Support Vector Classifier (QSVC), in both simulated and real quantum computing environments using a 127 qubit IBM quantum processor. Our study emphasizes the scientific rigor in comparing these quantum models with a classical Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, highlighting their performance in processing climate data. The results offer valuable insights into the potential scientific advantages, limitations, and scalability of QML for analyzing EO datasets, thus paving the way for more advanced climate modeling and predictive analytics using quantum computing. We showcased how Environmental Interaction Knowledge Graphs (EIKGs) and Digital Twins (DTs) can be integrated into this study. This research underscores the transformative potential of Classical and QML leveraging KGs and DT to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

Quantum Computing↗

Open Power System Datasets and Open Simulation Engines: A Survey Toward Machine Learning Applications

A major factor behind the success of machine learning (ML) models in multiple domains is the availability and accessibility of large, labeled, and well-organized datasets for training and benchmarking. In comparison, power grid datasets face three major challenges: (i) real-world data is often restricted by regulatory constraints, privacy reasons, or security concerns, making it difficult to obtain and work with; (ii) synthetic datasets, which are created to address these limitations, often have incomplete information and are released using specialized tools, making them inaccessible to the broader community; and, (iii) input-output datasets are difficult to generate through simulation for non-experts because open-source simulators are not known outside the power system community. This survey addresses these challenges by serving as an entry point to publicly available datasets and simulators for researchers venturing in this area. We review the current landscape of open-source power network data, machine models, consumer demand profiles, renewable generation data, and inverter models. We also examine open-source power system simulators, which are crucial for generating high-quality, high-fidelity power grid datasets. We aim to provide a foundation for overcoming data scarcity and advance towards a structured web of datasets and simulators to support the development of ML for power systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A Machine Learning Approach to Objective Identification of Dust in Satellite Imagery

Airborne dust has broad adverse effects on human activity, including aviation, human health, and agriculture. Remote sensing observations are used to detect dust and aerosols in the atmosphere using long established techniques. False color Red-Green-Blue (RGB) imagery using band differences sensitive to dust absorption (Dust RGB) is currently used operationally to assist forecasters and decision-makers in identifying dust at night, but there are still limitations, subjectivity, and nuances to image interpretation making night-time dust identification difficult even for experts. This study applies machine learning to the problem of night-time dust detection with a simple random forest (RF) model using Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 (GOES-16) Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) infrared imagery, band differences sensitive to dust absorption, and Dust RGB color components as inputs to the model. The RF model achieves an Area-Under-Curve (AUC) of 0.97 with a standard deviation of 0.04 for dust cases. For images with dust present, the model correctly labels 85% of dust pixels and 99.96% of no-dust pixels for all dust images in the validation data set. The addition of a single null case to the training data set drastically reduces error in labeling no-dust pixels as dust from 45% to 14.5%. Application of the machine learning model to the April 13–14, 2019 dust event demonstrates the ability of the model to identify dust during night-time hours when visual dust detection is limited by the cooling ground surface characteristics.

dust↗

Machine learning informed rational design of high entropy double perovskite oxide universal air/steam electrodes for solid oxide electrochemical cells

Due to their high efficiency and versatility, solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOCs) are poised to play a significant role in future energy conversion and storage applications. In recent years, SOCs have bifurcated into two distinct categories: traditional oxygen-ion conducting SOCs that typically operate from ∼650—850 °C and the more recent proton-conducting ceramic (PCC) SOCs that typically operate from ∼400—650 °C. Current performance and lifetime of both oxygen-ion conducting SOCs and PCCs is primarily limited by the air/steam electrode, which facilitates the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) during fuel cell operation and must also facilitate the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during electrolysis operation. Here, we present a newly designed high-entropy double perovskite oxide suitable as a universal ORR/OER electrode for both oxygen-ion conducting SOCs and PCCs. Machine learning methods are applied to identify chemical descriptors for highly catalytic high-entropy double perovskite oxides (AA’B 2 O 6 ) across a large compositional space. Based on the machine-learning guidance, we ultimately converge on Ba 0.9 Cs 0.1 (Ca 0.2 Gd 0.2 La 0.2 Pr 0.2 Sr 0.2 )Co 1.5 Fe 0.5 O 6 (CsBaHEO) as a universal air/steam electrode. Structure stabilization is accomplished by an equimolar five-cation high-entropy composition on the A’-site, while cesium substitution on the A-site enhances the electrical conductivity and leads to a higher oxygen vacancy concentration. This material exhibits versatility and high performance in reversible oxygen-ion SOCs, reversible PCCs, and also large-scale tubular PCCs. For example, the CsBaHEO-based PCC reaches 1018 mW∙cm −2 at 600°C, while a large-scale tubular PCC using CsBaHEO for electrolysis achieves a hydrogen production rate of 21.314 ML∙min −1 at 600 °C.

Cell↗

Uncertainty-Aware Machine Learning for Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Analysis in Autonomous Experimentation

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a powerful high-throughput characterization tool for probing nanoscale structure in native sample environments, providing real-time morphological information such as nanoparticle size and shape during synthesis. However, automated SAXS data analysis for extracting meaningful structural parameters is non-trivial and remains a bottleneck in closed-loop experimentation towards autonomous materials discovery, which demands fast, reliable, and uncertainty-aware data analysis. Here, we develop a machine-learning approach for automated SAXS analysis tailored to closed-loop nanoparticle synthesis. A Random Forest (RF) regression model is trained on 100,000 synthetic SAXS curves generated from polydisperse spherical nanoparticles with realistic background contributions. Using normalized one-dimensional SAXS intensity profiles as input, the RF model directly predicts nanoparticle radius, size polydispersity, and background parameters, while the ensemble standard deviation across trees provides built-in uncertainty quantification (UQ). On synthetic data, we show that combining fit-quality metrics (R 2 , MAE) with thresholds on prediction uncertainty reliably identifies accurate parameter estimates without access to ground truth. We then apply the trained model to 365 experimental SAXS profiles of citrate-reduced gold nanoparticles synthesized using an automated droplet-flow microreactor with in situ SAXS at a synchrotron beamline, classifying the results into high- and low-confidence subsets based on UQ metrics. Finally, we integrate RF-based SAXS analysis into a simulated closed-loop optimization campaign using Gaussian process Bayesian optimization to minimize nanoparticle polydispersity, benchmarking against conventional automated Levenberg–Marquardt fitting. The RF-guided campaign exhibits substantially faster convergence and lower relative opportunity cost (∼0.07 vs ∼0.3), demonstrating that uncertainty-aware machine-learning SAXS analysis significantly enhances the efficiency and robustness of autonomous nanomaterials synthesis workflows.

Bayesian optimization↗

Analyzing the impact of design factors on solar module thermomechanical durability using interpretable machine learning techniques

Solar modules in utility-scale systems are expected to maintain decades of lifetime to rival conventional energy sources. However, cyclic thermomechanical loading often degrades their long-term performance, highlighting the importance of effective design to mitigate thermal expansion mismatches between module materials. Given the complex composition of solar modules, isolating the impact of individual components on overall durability remains a challenging task. In this work, we analyze a comprehensive data set that comprises bill-of-materials (BOM) and thermal cycling power loss from 251 distinct module designs to identify the predominant design factors and their impacts on the thermomechanical durability of modules. The methodology of our analysis combines machine learning modeling (random forest) and Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) to correlate design factors with power loss and interpret the model’s decision-making. The interpretation reveals that silicon type (monocrystalline or polycrystalline), encapsulant thickness, busbar numbers, and wafer thickness predominantly influence the degradation. With lower power loss of around 0.6% on average in the SHAP analysis, monocrystalline cells present better durability than polycrystalline cells. This finding is further substantiated by statistical testing on our raw data set. The SHAP analysis also demonstrates that while thicker encapsulants lead to reduced power loss, further increasing their thickness over around 0.6 to 0.7 mm does not yield additional benefits, particularly for the front side one. In addition, other important BOM features such as the number of busbars are analyzed. This study provides a blueprint for utilizing explainable machine learning techniques in a complex material system and can potentially guide future research on optimizing the design of solar modules.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Application of Machine-Learning Algorithms for On-Board Asteroid Shape Model Determination

The Application of Machine-learning Algorithms for On-board Asteroid Shape Model Determination project will develop an innovative system for spacecraft navigation to expand the capability of small spacecraft to meet the critical challenges associated with small-body exploration. Such challenges include accurate navigation in a microgravity environment and precision targeting of particular locations on an asteroid surface for sample collection. This on-board system will cut the computational "umbilical" back to Earth-currently necessary for the generation of a global shape model that requires thousands of images with sufficient resolution and adequate variation of incidence and emission angles, processed manually by a team of experts on Earth for several months. Small satellites have limited bandwidth and are unable to downlink the data volume required for this processing, restricting their ability to perform deep-space asteroid exploration.

Machine learning algorithms↗

Distributed Machine Learning Workflow with PanDA and iDDS in LHC ATLAS

Machine Learning (ML) has become one of the important tools for High Energy Physics analysis. As the size of the dataset increases at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and at the same time the search spaces become bigger and bigger in order to exploit the physics potentials, more and more computing resources are required for processing these ML tasks. In addition, complex advanced ML workflows are developed in which one task may depend on the results of previous tasks. How to make use of vast distributed CPUs/GPUs in WLCG for these big complex ML tasks has become a popular research area. In this paper, we present our efforts enabling the execution of distributed ML workflows on the Production and Distributed Analysis (PanDA) system and intelligent Data Delivery Service (iDDS). First, we describe how PanDA and iDDS deal with large-scale ML workflows, including the implementation to process workloads on diverse and geographically distributed computing resources. Next, we report real-world use cases, such as HyperParameter Optimization, Monte Carlo Toy confidence limits calculation, and Active Learning. Finally, we conclude with future plans.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Modeling the behavior of concentrated aqueous HNO 3 using machine learning interatomic potentials

We develop two multi-defect machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) trained at the BLYP-D2 and PBE-D3 density functional theories using the DeepMD-kit, allowing for the investigation of structural and thermodynamic properties of nitric acid over a wide range of concentrations via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We directly compute the degree of dissociation, α, and pK a from MD simulations, revealing that HNO 3 behaves as a weaker acid at higher concentrations, noting that our standard-state pK a value is in excellent agreement with the experimental one. In general, good agreement is observed with experimental results such as α and density outside the training dataset, with only modest deviations at low-to-medium concentrations. We benchmark our custom multi-defect DeepMD MLIPs against foundational models MACE-MP0 and MACE-OFF23. The foundation models capture some aspects of HNO 3 /NO 3 − solvation in concentrated nitric acid but show noticeable density errors and miss subtle structural features relevant to spectroscopy, whereas the bespoke DeepMD MLIPs yield more compact solvation shells, reproduce density-concentration trends, and run ∼12–15× faster than MACE-MP0. Although classical FFs are still more efficient and match experimental densities better, they lack chemical reactivity and thus cannot predict α or pK a , underscoring the need for system-specific reactive MLIPs beyond universal MLIPs.

Dinpajooh, Mohammadhasan [Pacific Northwest Nation↗

Practical applications of machine-learned flows on gauge fields

Normalizing flows are machine-learned maps between different lattice theories which can be used as components in exact sampling and inference schemes. Ongoing work yields increasingly expressive flows on gauge fields, but it remains an open question how flows can improve lattice QCD at state-of-the-art scales. We discuss and demonstrate two applications of flows in replica exchange (parallel tempering) sampling, aimed at improving topological mixing, which are viable with iterative improvements upon presently available flows.

Abbott, Ryan↗

Neural Network Machine Learning and Dimension Reduction for Data Visualization

Neural network machine learning in computer science is a continuously developing field of study. Although neural network models have been developed which can accurately predict a numeric value or nominal classification, a general purpose method for constructing neural network architecture has yet to be developed. Computer scientists are often forced to rely on a trial-and-error process of developing and improving accurate neural network models. In many cases, models are constructed from a large number of input parameters. Understanding which input parameters have the greatest impact on the prediction of the model is often difficult to surmise, especially when the number of input variables is very high. This challenge is often labeled the "curse of dimensionality" in scientific fields. However, techniques exist for reducing the dimensionality of problems to just two dimensions. Once a problem's dimensions have been mapped to two dimensions, it can be easily plotted and understood by humans. The ability to visualize a multi-dimensional dataset can provide a means of identifying which input variables have the highest effect on determining a nominal or numeric output. Identifying these variables can provide a better means of training neural network models; models can be more easily and quickly trained using only input variables which appear to affect the outcome variable. The purpose of this project is to explore varying means of training neural networks and to utilize dimensional reduction for visualizing and understanding complex datasets.

Liles, Charles A.↗

Runway Sign Classifier: A DAL C Certifiable Machine Learning System

In recent years, the remarkable progress of Machine Learning (ML) technologies within the domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems has presented unprecedented opportunities for the aviation industry, paving the way for further advancements in automation, including the potential for single pilot or fully autonomous operation of large commercial airplanes. However, ML technology faces major incompatibilities with existing airborne certification standards, such as ML model traceability and explainability issues or the inadequacy of traditional coverage metrics. Certification of ML-based airborne systems using current standards is problematic due to these challenges. This paper presents a case study of an airborne system utilizing a Deep Neural Network (DNN) for airport sign detection and classification. Building upon our previous work, which demonstrates compliance with Design Assurance Level (DAL) ”D”, we upgrade the system to meet the more stringent requirements of Design Assurance Level ”C”. To achieve DAL C, we employ an established architectural mitigation technique involving two redundant and dissimilar Deep Neural Networks. The application of novel ML-specific data management techniques further enhances this approach. This work is intended to illustrate how the certification challenges of ML-based systems can be addressed for medium criticality airborne applications.

Flight Software↗

Machine Learning Application for Improving Cloud Detection and Phase Determination Over Sunglint Regions for Geostationary Satellites

Cloud detection and phase determination over sunglint regions has been a challenge, especially for geostationary (GEO) satellites. Sunglint is observed when the sunlight specular reflection is at the same viewing angle of the satellite sensor. This intense reflection in the visible channels (VIS) is often comparable to that from optically thick clouds. It also contaminates the shortwave infrared channels (SWIR). Consequently, VIS and SWIR channels become less useful - or not useful- when they are saturated, hampering the detection of cloudy and clear-sky pixels. Sunglint contamination happens frequently and exists nearly in every daytime GEO full disk satellite images. However, sunglint intensity and region are difficult to model due to variable viewing geometry and ocean surface conditions. Moreover, existing physical models do not meet the accuracy required for operational GEO satellite cloud detection. We developed a machine learning algorithm to improve cloud detection in sunglint conditions for the NASA Langley’s Satellite ClOud and radiation Property retrieval System (SatCORPS). This poster presents our recent progress in the algorithm development, validation and applications. The algorithm is validated using collocated SatCORPS GOES-East and GOES-West cloud products. We demonstrate that the machine learning cloud detection in sunglint regions is superior to the traditional approach by improving temporal consistency between sunglint and non-sunglint conditions.

Machine Learning, Cloud detection, Sunglint, SatCO↗

Using Machine-Learning Methods and Expert Prediction Probabilities to Forecast Solar Flares

It has long been known that studying connection between solar flares and properties of magnetic field in active regions is very important for understanding the flare physics and developing space weather forecasts. The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO/HMI) obtains tremendous amounts of magnetic field data products. However the operational NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecasts of solar flares still represent prediction probabilities issued by the experts. In this research we investigate the possibilities to enhance the daily operational flare forecasts performed at the SWPC by developing a synergy of the expert predictions and physics-based criteria, and by employing machine-learning methods. Among the physics-based criteria we consider the descriptors of the Polarity Inversion Line (PIL) and Space weather HMI Active Region Patches (SHARP), and derive from them daily characteristics of the entire Sun. We also consider the daily descriptors of the GOES Soft X-Ray (SXR) 1-8 Angstroms flux such as the flare history of the previous days and averaged X-Ray flux. We estimate the effectiveness in separation of flaring and non-flaring cases for each characteristic, as well as for the expert prediction probabilities, and find that some PIL, SHARP and SXR descriptors are as effective as the expert prediction probabilities and should be considered to issue the flare forecast. Finally, we train and test several Machine-Learning classification algorithms (Support Vector Classifiers with various kernel functions, k-Nearest Neighbor Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, and Neural Networks) using the most effective descriptors and expert prediction probabilities, and compare the obtained predictions with the current SWPC forecasts.

Machine-Learning↗

Machine Learning Approaches to Predicting Induced Seismicity and Imaging Geothermal Reservoir Properties

This project developed machine learning (ML) methods, lab data sets, and field data to advance geothermal exploration and geothermal energy production. The work had three focus areas. One involved the development of ML methods to use microearthquakes (MEQs) for imaging geothermal reservoir properties and improving subsurface characterization – most importantly the evolution of permeability within the evolving reservoir. This part of the work included development of ML approaches for automated MEQ location, focal mechanism determination and identification of earthquake precursors. The second area focused on using MEQ signals generated by geothermal exploration and production to predict the relationship between fluid injection and seismicity. Here, we extended to reservoir scale our success in using ML to predict laboratory earthquakes and fault zone stress state. The third focus area was on lab experiments. Here, we developed new ML models for lab earthquake prediction and identification of precursors to failure to improve earthquake forecasting and early warning in geothermal settings. Major outcomes of our work include ML models that learn from MEQ signals during geothermal exploration and production to predict induced seismicity. MEQs occur naturally in connection with drilling and energy production. We developed ML methods to use the seismic waves from these events to characterize the elastic, hydraulic and poromechanical properties of reservoirs. Our work illuminated fracture geometry and the evolution of fracture permeability by incorporating seismic coda wave analysis and ML methods to relate fluid injection and seismicity. We significantly expanded laboratory earthquake prediction to include methods that use both passive measurements of microearthquakes within the lab fault zones and also active source acoustic measurements of fault zone elastic properties. These methods can now predict fault zone stress state, time to failure and the magnitude of lab earthquakes. Our work showed that repetitive stick- slip failure events during frictional sliding (the lab equivalent of earthquakes) are preceded by a cascade of micro-failure events that radiate energy in a manner that foretells unstable failure – manifest as laboratory MEQs. We documented a mapping between fracture properties and statistical attributes of elastic radiation. We extended existing works to geothermal reservoir scale and developed ML methods to determine reservoir permeability, fracture properties, and their evolution during geothermal energy production. An attractive feature of ML algorithms is their ability to handle big datasets and reveal patterns and correlations that may remain invisible to conventional analyses. Our work connected data from field, laboratory and intermediate scales to study permeability, stress, strength, fracture stiffness and geometry. At the field scale we used data from the Newberry Volcano field site, UtahFORGE, EGS Collab, and also the Bedretto underground research lab in Switzerland. These data sets are bridging the gap between the lab scale, theory, and reservoir scale. Our work produced plain language summaries to improve public understanding of DOE research. We also developed openly distributed ML and seismicity datasets for use by all researchers and we published connections between induced seismicity in geothermal areas and reservoir properties including permeability, fracture properties, and stress state. Our models are designed for the large data sets of induced seismicity typically associated with geothermal sites. We produced labeled event catalogs and used them on geothermal data to assess how ML can facilitate geothermal production and exploration. All datasets are available on the GDR Productivity: The project produced 32 publications in peer reviewed journals (two are in review). It supported the work of 6 PhD students, 40 conference presentations, 6 keynote talks at national meetings, and mentoring and professional development for 4 postdoctoral fellows.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Establishing an acoustic-property relationship in laser powder bed fusion with machine learning

Quality control of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) additively manufactured parts is an important hurdle inhibiting the technology’s use structural applications. Acoustic monitoring of the laser powder bed fusion process can detect defects in-situ that are known to degrade mechanical properties. However, processing-structure-property (PSP) relationships are required to extrapolate from detected defects to part performance. Here, this study explores how acoustics may be a suitable signature linking processing conditions to properties, thus effectively substituting for structure in the PSP relationship. Establishing such a relationship would enable a part’s mechanical performance to be directly predicted from its acoustic signature, reducing the need for destructive testing or microstructural analysis to ensure a part will meet performance requirements. One hundred CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy tensile bars were printed across 13 process conditions in a series of 6 prints. The acoustic signatures of these tensile bars were used to train machine learning models to predict each part’s mechanical properties. By using both process information and acoustic information to predict mechanical properties, yield strength was predicted 18% more accurately and ductility to failure was predicted 10% more accurately than is achieved when using duplicate parts to predict part performance. Finally, individual acoustic frequencies were investigated to determine why acoustic signatures improve mechanical property predictions and the potential physical origins of these signatures. This work demonstrates how blending acoustics, process information, and machine learning can provide in-situ diagnostics of mechanical properties and improve the reliability of the PBF-LB process.

Acoustic emission↗