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At least 595 records · Page 33

Synopsis of NREL's Automated Mobility District (AMD) Research Program and Associated Publications

An automated mobility district (AMD) envisions a system of integrated mobility options that serves major activity centers such as campuses, central business districts, and large medical facilities. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been investigating the implementation prospects for fully automated passenger transport systems that are deployed to operate within dense urban settings. This document provides a synopsis of findings revealed over the last three phases of work, which have yielded insights into the creation and management of AMDs anticipated to use automated vehicle (AV) technology over the next decade. Phase I and Phase II tracked the deployment and lessons learned from 10 early-stage demonstrations of automated shuttle deployments, and their associated insights into the challenges for automated driving systems to achieve safe operations within district-scale deployments. Phase III began in-depth investigations of critical subsystem components, as automation, electrification, and on-demand service continue to converge within initial AMD operations. These directed studies focus on elements of electrification, curbfront/station management, the role of infrastructure sensing, and overall integration of AMD safety management in central, simultaneous coordination of multiple AMD fleets. Future research in AMDs includes systems engineering methodology (more frequently referred to as "digital twins") for planning, design, testing, and ongoing operation of AMDs; location (or co-location) of management functions; and human supervision and passenger communications for safety and security in unattended vehicles. The synopsis references the foundational research products (papers and presentations) that have been published through conference proceedings, journal articles, and NREL reports.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

NRIC DOME Crane Trade Study and Recommendation

The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) is a national program that was established as part of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (NEICA). NRIC’s mission is to accelerate the demonstration and deployment of advanced nuclear energy through its mission to inspire stakeholders and the public, empower innovators, and deliver successful outcomes through efficient coordination of partners and resources. NRIC is designed to bridge the gap between research, development, and the marketplace to help convert some of the nation’s most promising advanced nuclear reactors into commercial applications. The NRIC Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments (DOME) facility, formerly known as Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR II), located at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is intended to allow industrial and other partners the opportunity to test Advanced Microreactors up to 20MW thermal power. The 75-ton capacity polar crane located in the EBR II facility was rendered inoperable to support planned facility demolition in 2015; small holes were flame cut in the girders; hoists and cables were removed; oil was drained from gear boxes; trolley drive, and then filled with absorbent; and the electrical and control umbilical’s were disconnected, removed and disposed. Subsequently, the decision was made to convert the EBR II facility into the DOME test bed.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗

Storage Field Development Plan: One Earth Energy

This Storage Field Development plan presents the Storage Complex characterization results, construction, monitoring, and operational plans, and costs associated with the proposed One Earth Sequestration Carbon Capture and Storage (OES-CCS) site in McLean County, Illinois, near Gibson City. The proposed storage complex, known as the Mt. Simon Storage Complex, comprises the Cambrian Mt. Simon Sandstone reservoir and the primary seal, the Cambrian Eau Claire Formation. The lowermost Underground Source of Drinking Water (USDW) identified for the site is the Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone. Geologic characterization of the Mt. Simon Storage Complex at the OES-CCS site was performed by the Illinois Storage Corridor CarbonSAFE Phase III project, which also prepared and submitted three UIC Class VI applications to construct three injection wells; the permit applications were submitted and are in the federal EPA review process. A characterization well, OEE #1, was drilled to collect site-specific data. These data were analyzed and used to develop the UIC Class VI applications. The OEE #1 well will be converted to an in-zone monitoring (IZM) well for the injection phase. The proposed buildout for the OES-CCS site includes (1) three injection wells (OES #1, OES #2, and OES #3), (2) two IZM wells, (3) two above confining zone (ACZ) monitoring wells, one of which will be used to monitor the lowermost USDW, (4) capture and compression facilities, and (5) transportation facilities, i.e., pipelines. A pre-operational testing program was proposed in the Class VI permit application and will be employed at the site pending approval. Additional pre-injection (baseline), syn-injection, and post-injection monitoring and site care procedures will be followed by OES to ensure that injection activities are protective of human health and the environment. Injection is scheduled to begin in 2025, distributed across the three injection wells in accordance with the permit operating conditions. One Earth Sequestration intends to inject up to 90 million tonnes of CO 2 over a period of approximately 20 years. Injection will begin at approximately 0.5 million tonnes of CO 2 annually and ramp up to a maximum of 4.5 million tonnes annually. Daily injection rates are expected to range from 1,400 to 1,500 tonnes per day initially and reach a maximum of approximately 4,225 tonnes per day, depending on site geology and injectivity at each injection well location, and CO 2 availability. The costs associated with the OES-CCS project include pre-operational costs (e. g. additional seismic data acquisition and well drilling), capture and transportation facility and equipment costs, predicted field operating expenditures (OpEx), and decommissioning and post-injection site care (PISC) costs. The risks associated with project activities, such as site construction, injection operations, and verification of secure storage were evaluated, and mitigation strategies proposed to alleviate those risks.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Weapon Material Program: FY24 Annual Report

The Weapon Material Program (WMP) framework was started in July of Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, along with other Mission Support organizations. The first year was about building the organization with the right people, identifying needs, and developing a vision for expectations. It was also a year to move forward with new equipment and technology for weapon material processes. With numerous improvements, WMP is building world-class systems for production, warehousing, and analytical testing. FY 2023 was a year of development. The WMP was a new organization defining its identity, its focus, and its mission. At the end of FY 2023, WMP evaluated its current position and its immediate needs along with its future goals. The entire organization set out on this FY 2024 journey to success. The lack of funding, staffing, and visibility dramatically impacted weapon material operations, testing, and qualifications. This neglect required numerous areas to be addressed and improvement plans to be developed and implemented. WMP processes, procedures, and overall business operations were dramatically in need of updating, revision, and formal documentation. This included all areas: technology, equipment, facility modifications/upgrades, and testing improvements. To ensure organizational improvement and forward momentum in FY 2024, WMP executed a multi-faceted strategic vision. Action items included the following: • Filling open positions with capable personnel who would contribute to a more robust organization • Establishing more formal operations and problem-solving techniques • Improving departmental procedures to align with expanding scope • Improving training • Establishing collaboration meetings with other departments/organizations • Focusing on the importance of identifying and mitigating concerns with At-Risk Materials (@RM) • Leading modernization eff orts for Blending and Packaging (B&P) We are on the verge of a transformational improvement in all of our processes in support of the mission. The following area achievements outlined in this report reflect the hard work toward achieving the goal of “being the material Subject Matter Experts in the nuclear enterprise”.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Virginia Energy Resiliency Study

The Virginia Energy Resilience Study (VERS) was conducted under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renewables Advancing Community Energy Resilience (RACER) program to strengthen the ability of communities in Virginia to anticipate, withstand, and recover from electric grid disruptions. While the project did not fund construction, it delivered a comprehensive, community-centered framework for assessing energy resilience and produced actionable, site-specific solar-plus-storage designs to support future implementation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

AN OVERVIEW OF PLASMA PROCESSING OF SRF CAVITIES AT JLAB

Plasma processing is a common technique where the free oxygen produced in a low-pressure RF plasma breaks down and removes hydrocarbons from surfaces. This increases the work function and reduces the secondary emission coefficient of the treated surfaces. Jefferson Lab has an ongoing R&D program in plasma processing. The experimental program investigated processing using argon/oxygen and helium/oxygen gas mixtures. The initial focus of the effort was processing C100 cavities by injecting RF power into the HOM coupler ports. We also developed the methods for establishing a plasma C75 cavities where the RF power is injected via the fundamental power-coupler. As part of the process development we processed, three C100 cryomodules in our off-line cryomodule test facility. In May 2023 we processed four C100 cryomodules in-situ in the CEBAF accelerator with the cryomodules returning to an operational status in Sept. 2023. The cumulative improvement in field emission free operation, as measured on a cavity by cavity basis, was 59 MeV or 24%. We recently started processing 7 cryomodules in the CEBAF accelerator in August 2024. Methods systems and results from processing cryomodules and individual cavities in the vertical test will be presented. Current status and future plans will also be presented.

Ganey, Tiffany↗

Understanding Fleet Charging Needs [Slides]

Through the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy to Communities (E2C) program, National Laboratory of the Rockies, other national laboratory experts, and select organizations provide Expert Match - free, short-term technical assistance to address near-term energy challenges and questions. Expert Match is for community stakeholders who have decision-making power or influence in their community but need access to additional energy expertise to inform key upcoming decisions. This Expert Match request supported Prince William County, VA with information about fleet charging and telematics.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Aggregated Distributed Energy Resources in 2024: The Fundamentals

This report builds upon existing literature and leading examples of ADER pricing and programs in practice to equip commissioners and staff at Public Utilities Commissions (PUCs) and State Energy Offices with the fundamentals of ADER grid services, valuation options, and approaches to compensation. Examples, active debates, and opportunities for further reading are highlighted throughout the document for readers to explore. This report does not seek to outline a specific objective for ADERs in the electricity system nor does it recommend any specific policies for ADERs—it seeks to provide helpful information to inform policymakers’ own ADER strategies and priorities.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

McGrath Community Energy Planning

The City of McGrath, a remote Alaskan community reliant on diesel fuel, developed a Community Energy Plan through the Energy Technologies Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) to address high energy costs, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and long-term sustainability. Guided by community-led priorities and technical assistance from partners including NREL, REAP, and ANTHC, the plan identifies eight focus areas: distribution system upgrades, solar and battery integration, river energy potential, emergency backup power, housing efficiency, water system losses, independent power producer models, and targeted funding strategies. The plan combines local knowledge with technical analysis to chart a path toward a more resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy future for McGrath.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

In Situ Plasma processing of SRF cuperconducting cavities at JLAB, 2024 Update

Jefferson Lab has an ongoing R&D program in plasma processing. The experimental program investi-gated processing using argon/oxygen and heli-um/oxygen gas mixtures. Plasma processing is a com-mon technique where the free oxygen produced by the plasma breaks down and removes hydrocarbons from surfaces. This increases the work function and reduces the secondary emission coefficient. The initial focus of the effort was processing C100 cavities by injecting RF power into the high order mode (HOM) coupler ports. We also developed the methods for establishing a plasma in C75 cryomodules where the RF power is injected via the fundamental power-coupler. Four C100 cryomodules were in situ processed in the CE-BAF accelerator in May 2023 with the cryomodules returning to an operational status in Sept. 2023. The overall operational energy gain for the four cryomod-ules was 49 MeV. Methods, systems and results from processing cryomodules in the CEBAF accelerator and vertical test results are presented. Current status and future plans are discussed.

Powers, T.↗

Expert Elicitation for Tidal Energy Levelized Cost of Energy: Present and Future

In accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), H2O annually assesses marine energy technology development resulting from government-funded research and development programs and strategy. For GPRA reporting, H2O uses the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) - which represents the total system cost per unit of energy produced - to measure the progression of marine energy technology development, assess the impact of their research and development programs, and identify future research priorities. To support H2O's GPRA reporting requirements and inform future strategy, the National Laboratory of the Rockies conducted a tidal energy LCOE expert elicitation study to estimate present and future LCOE[AB2.1]. This report describes the motivation and background for the elicitation study, the methodology used to conduct the study, and the study results. It also provides future recommendations for accelerated tidal energy LCOE reduction based on feedback from study participants.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Lessons Learned from the Energy to Communities (E2C) Peer-Learning Cohort on Engaging with Electric Utilities for Successful Local Partnerships

NLR designed and led a six-month peer-learning cohort from July through December 2025 on “Engaging With Electric Utilities for Successful Local Partnerships” as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy to Communities (E2C) program. Representatives from 15 local and regional governments from across the United States participated in monthly workshops covering best practices for engaging with their utilities to advance their own energy goals. This document shares key takeaways, lessons learned, and resources from the cohort that may be useful to local governments, regional governments, or Tribes.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Alternative Fuels for Public and Private Vehicle Fleets in Rural Areas

This fact sheet identifies opportunities for integration of alternative fuel vehicles in public and private fleets in rural areas, and was developed through the U.S. Department of Energy's Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP). The project engaged community stakeholders, fleet operators, and local officials across ten rural counties in western Alabama to explore opportunities for expanding access to alternative transportation fuels. Guided by a regional coalition and supported by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), the effort emphasized challenges and related potential technical solutions. The fact sheet highlights different applications of alternative fuel vehicles and provides a framework for selecting the vehicle technology that meets a given stakeholder's needs.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

DEPLOYING FAST CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN URBAN NETWORKS: AN ACTIVITY-BASED APPROACH

This paper explores an important problem under the domain of network modeling, the optimal configuration of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) in urban networks considering EV users' daily activities and charging behavior. This study proposes a charging behavior simulation model considering different initial state of charge (SOC), travel distance, availability of home chargers, and the daily schedule of trips for each traveler. The proposed charging behavior simulation model examines the complete chain of trips for EV users as well as the interdependency of trips traveled by each driver. The problem of finding the optimum charging configuration is then formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem that considers the dynamics of travel time and travel distance, the interdependency of trips made by each driver, limited range of EVs, remaining battery capacity for recharging, waiting time in queue, and detour to access a charging station. This problem is solved using a metaheuristic approach for a large-scale case network. A series of examples are presented to demonstrate the model efficacy and explore the impact of energy consumption on the final SOC and the optimum charging infrastructure.

Chain of Trips↗

Best Practices for Renewable Energy Installations in the National Parks

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and National Park Service (NPS) have partnered to support the development and utilization of renewable energy technology at federal facilities and on federal lands. FEMP provides technical support to NPS on renewable energy projects to identify and generate significant cost savings and efficiency benefits, investigate opportunities to reduce carbon footprint and/or achieve carbon neutrality, and improve resilience to NPS-owned facilities and sites. The purpose of this report is to support NPS staff as they evaluate whether and how to use renewable energy technologies in park operations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

TCF Base Commercialization Enabling Final Report: Lab Making Advanced Technology Commercialization Harmonized (MATCH) Prize

The Lab MATCH prize, funded by the Office of Technology Commercialization through the Technology Commercialization Fund, was designed to accelerate the commercialization of national laboratory intellectual property (IP) by incentivizing for-profit companies and startups to license lab IP aiming to enable more affordable, available, reliable and secure energy solutions. The Lab MATCH prize program offers both technical and commercial benefits, aligning with the Department of Energy's (DOE) mission to advance energy solutions through innovation, commercialization, and market-ready deployment. In summary, the Lab MATCH Prize promotes DOE's objectives by marrying technical innovation with commercialization expertise, resulting in scalable, market-ready solutions that strengthen the U.S. economy, advance energy technologies, and reaffirm U.S. leadership in energy innovation.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Correlation Between Weather Alerts and Grid Component Failures for Grid Alert

Weather events cause most grid failures. Often, we even get notifications on our phones to take cover or be prepared for an imminent event. If electric grid utilities had a similar warning that also included probable scenarios and the equipment involved, they could prepare and minimize the effects. Recent research at Idaho National Laboratory into electric grid risk analysis methods resulted in a tool that allows for the development of the most likely scenarios given failure probabilities of grid components. INL has a project with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) program to develop a Grid Alert application that receives messages from the existing emergency alert system, filters and determines components possibly affected by the emergency event, calculates probable scenarios uses MASTERRI and then notifies the utility if there is significant risk. Historical failure data of elements that comprise the U.S. electric grid have been compiled by utilities and organizations such as the international regulatory body North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Nominal failure rates are obtained from this data. To make this tool possible, estimated failure rates are needed for different component types given the alert type, severity, and location. Historic weather-related grid element failures are correlated with historic weather events from Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS). These correlated events and failures are used along with Bayesian updates from the historical norms to provide a modified failure rate for grid elements in the alert areas and calculate probable scenarios. This discusses the Grid Alert project plan but focuses on the data gathered and process used in determining failure rates for possible grid failure scenarios.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗