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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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Design optimization of bifacial perovskite minimodules for improved efficiency and stability
Not provided.
Co-crystal engineering of a two-dimensional perovskite phase for perovskite solar modules with improved efficiency and stability
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Freeway vehicle fuel efficiency improvement via cooperative adaptive cruise control
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Switching Transition Control to Improve Efficiency of a DC/DC Power Electronic System
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Collaborative Research: Improved Efficiency and Coupling of the Radiation Code in the ACME Earth System Model. Final Report
This final report details all work performed on the project by both project partners. This project provided support to properly couple RTE+RRTMGP, a high-performance broadband radiation code, within DOE’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM). RTE+RRTMGP is a successor to the RRTMG radiation code, which has been widely accepted for its speed and accuracy by the global modeling community, and has been in use in the NCAR CESM for many years and was implemented in the initial version of E3SM. However, the computational cost of RRTMG remains high relative to other components in part due to its complexity and to its inefficient use of modern optimization strategies, issues that were rectified by the development of RTE+RRTMGP. Many of the accomplishment in this project necessitated significant collaboration with the E3SM development team. One focus of the project was to enhance the code’s optimization on the limited number of emerging computing systems on which the model is expected be used, including Many Integrated Core (MIC) architectures and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware. We also developed additional capabilities for RTE+RRTMGP that E3SM scientists identified as important for the planned applications of the model. The result of our project was optimization of a key physical component (radiative transfer calculations) of E3SM, directly supporting E3SM’s overarching global modeling objectives. More broadly, this project provided overall advancements in the use of radiative transfer calculations in atmospheric modeling and simulation, particularly for climate.
Mixed precision efficiency improvements for multi-physics flow simulations
This report summarizes research activities at Cascade Technologies during February 2020 - November 2020 to support DOE SBIR phase I contract DE-SC0020548. The primary technical objectives of the work are two-fold: a) to establish a theoretical framework to understand the propagation and impact of finite-precision-related errors and b) to quantify the trade-offs between accelerator throughput and solution accuracy through a series of validation tests involving multi-physics flow phenomena.
Using machine learning to improve efficiency and accuracy of burnup measurements at PBR reactors [Slides]
The outline of the slides include: Motivations of the work; Modeling and simulation; Machine learning model; Results and comparison study with linear regression; and Conclusions. This work was done to help PBR designers and operators understand the burnup measurement better. We look forward to discussing the results in detail with industrial collaborators.
Reducing roughness and improving efficiency of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells made by high-throughput photonic curing
For perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to be commercially viable, the slow and energy-insufficient thermal annealing step must be eliminated. Among the photo-irradiation methods proposed to replace thermal annealing, photonic curing is the fastest conversion method. Photonic curing delivers short (20 μs to 100 ms) but intense light pulses from a broadband (200-1500 nm) xenon flash lamp, making it the only method to convert perovskite under 20 ms. This processing time can be extrapolated to a roll-to-roll web speed of 40 m/min based on laboratory processing conditions. However, most reported PSCs made by photonic curing under 1 second have inferior performance (~10% PCE). Although SEM images show dense and pinhole-free perovskite films, AFM images indicate secondary wavy features of 500 nm-wide ridge and 80 nm-deep trenches on photonically cured perovskite films, the existence of which correlates with poor device performance. We suggest that this morphology feature is produced by volatile solvent evaporation during the fast photonic curing process. Two approaches have been made to remedy this issue: (1) adding CH2I2 as the third solvent in the conventional DMF-DMSO system and (2) applying a controlled air-blowing step before photonic curing to remove excess solvent further. Combining these two approaches produces photonically- cured perovskite films with a comparable film roughness and device performance. Alkyl halide additives have been reported to enhance PSC performance by modulated solvent-solute interactions and C-X (X = Cl, Br, and I) cleavage. Photonic curing can cleave CH2I2, producing disassociated iodide ions to replenish iodine loss induced by photonic curing, which is confirmed by EDX. As a co-solvent, the high boiling point of CH2I2 can also make the solvent less volatile, reducing surface roughness in photonically cured perovskite films. Additionally, photonically-cured perovskite films have longer PL lifetimes and a higher recombination resistance compared to thermally-annealed counterparts. As a result, we demonstrate that photonic curing is a suitable method to replace thermal annealing in high-throughput PSC fabrication.
Energy Efficiency Improvement Approaches in Ice Related Processes
A detailed survey of ice mold and evaporator metal surfaces, physical structures, operational conditions, materials of construction, design of different equipment was reviewed and analyzed. A reliable test methodology was developed to measure the ice adhesion strength of different materials and geometries identified. The developed test setup was successfully employed in measuring the ice adhesion strength on both tubular and planar substrate geometries of metals including copper, aluminum, stainless steel. Application of advanced polymer materials in lowering the adhesion strength of ice was confirmed where the measured strength was lowered by 50-70% depending on the material and geometry. Additionally, utilization of induced ultrasonic vibration in further lowering the ice harvesting energy was confirmed on multiple materials and geometries. Durability of the coating enhancement was also confirmed in a thermal cycling test under realistic operating conditions.
03.02.02.45: Energy Efficiency Improvement Approaches in Ice Related Processes
The primary objective of this project was to facilitate the dislocation of the interfacial ice layer by employing advanced materials and ultrasonic vibration to reduce ice adhesion strength. This work employed two technical approaches that were thoroughly investigated and previously reported. The effectiveness of these approaches, both individually and in combination, has been quantified, demonstrating notable energy savings. The projected payback period for these enhancements is approximately 2.2 years or less, contingent upon specific energy costs. Furthermore, these advancements hold significant promise for reducing carbon emissions across various equipment scales. This study particularly focused on the ultrasonic deicing technique for diverse structures, utilizing numerical simulations to evaluate performance and potential benefits.
Optimal Operation and Impact Assessment of Distributed Wind for Improving Efficiency and Resilience of Rural Electricity Systems
This project aims to empower rural utilities by developing advanced optimization models and algorithms for effectively integrating distributed wind energy alongside battery storage and other distributed energy resources (DERs). The primary objectives are to reduce peak demand, ensure reliable emergency power supply, and regulate voltage and frequency. To address operational challenges, the project introduces innovative mitigation strategies and ultrafast assessment frameworks to evaluate the impacts of distributed wind and DERs on rural grids, offering actionable solutions to potential issues. Economic viability is assessed through cost-benefit analysis using real rural utility data, ensuring the practical application of the project outcomes.
Advanced District Energy Controls for Improved Efficiency and Resilience
District energy (DE) systems have efficiently provided heat and cooling to buildings in the US for over a century by leveraging economies of scale through shared generation assets. However, optimizing DE boiler and chiller plants is complex due to the intricate mix of equipment and multiple operating flows. Sophisticated controls are necessary to achieve highest efficiencies.
Design and Evaluation of Nanocomposite Core Inductors for Efficiency Improvement in High-Frequency Power Converters.
Abstract not provided.
What unconventional engine-fuel combinations show the greatest promise for efficiency improvements beyond current light-, medium-, and heavy-duty technologies?.
Abstract not provided.
Redox flow battery with improved efficiency
A method for a redox flow battery includes using a cell of a redox flow battery to store electrical energy and discharge the stored electrical energy. The using includes circulating a first electrolyte solution through a first circulation loop in fluid connection with the first electrode of the cell; circulating a second electrolyte solution through a second circulation loop in fluid connection with the second electrode of the cell; and at least one of a first element from the first electrolyte solution in the first electrode permeates through the separator layer and precipitates as a first solid product in the second electrode and a second element from the second electrolyte solution permeates through the separator layer and precipitates a second solid product in the first electrode. The method also includes removing at least a portion of the first solid product or the second solid product from the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively.
Advanced District Energy Controls for Improved Efficiency and Resilience
District energy systems efficiently provide thermal energy to multiple buildings and facilities through a network of shared infrastructure.
Indirect drive Frustraum experiments on the National Ignition Facility to improve efficiency, increase capsule scale and coupled energy
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