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Moderate pH changes alter the fluxes, selectivities and limiting currents in ion transport through polyelectrolyte multilayers deposited on membranes

Layer-by-layer (LBL) polyelectrolyte coatings on membranes are attractive for their high selectivities between monovalent and divalent ions. However, deposition of poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS)/protonated poly(allylamine) (PAH) films on ion-exchange membranes leads to low ion fluxes that restrict productivity or current efficiency. This study shows that increasing the solution pH from 6.5 to 8.3 enhances cation fluxes and limiting currents through (PAH/PSS) 5 PAH-coated cation-exchange membranes while still achieving order of magnitude selectivity increases compared to bare membranes. In Donnan dialysis through (PAH/PSS) 5 PAH-coated Nafion, at pH 8.3 the K + /Mg 2+ selectivity is 100, and the K + flux is 22 times that at pH 6.5. Moreover, at the higher pH the electrodialysis limiting current through these membranes increases ~5-fold. This enables electrodialysis separation of K + and Mg 2+ with a current efficiency around 0.75, a selectivity of 18, and 50% K + recovery from the source phase. Transmembrane potential measurements and increases in Cl - /SO 4 2- selectivities (from 9.5 at pH 6.5 to ~70 at pH 8.3) for porous alumina membranes coated with (PSS/PAH) 5 PSS films suggest that the coating becomes cation-permselective at higher pH. Increased cation transference numbers in polyelectrolyte coatings likely lead to the enhanced limiting currents for coated Nafion at higher pH. Lastly, (PAH/PSS) 5 PAH-coated Nafion shows a Li + /Mg 2+ Donnan dialysis selectivity >700 at neutral pH and a selectivity of 10 at pH 8.3. However, the Li + flux is 6 times greater at pH 8.3, which might make operation at the higher pH desirable.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Results of Multiple Tracer Injections into Fractures in the EGS Collab Testbed-1

The EGS Collab project constructed an intermediate scale (~10-20 m) testbed at the 4850 level of the Stanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in South Dakota for testing and validating fracture stimulation and flow/transport models. This testbed consists of eight ~200 ft (~60 m) HQ-diameter (9.6 cm) boreholes that are drilled into the crystalline rocks of the Poorman Formation from the West Access Drift tunnel. Of the eight boreholes, one borehole is used as an injection/stimulation well, while another sub-parallel borehole located about 10 m away from the injection well is used as a production well, and rest of the other boreholes are used as geophysical/fluid sampling monitoring wells. Hydraulic stimulation activities were conducted at three locations along the injection hole in an attempt to create direct fracture connections to the production hole. A flow system has been established between injection and production boreholes through a set of hydraulically stimulated fractures propagated from a notch located at 164 ft in the injection hole. Although we planned for a single production well, a set of natural fractures in the testbed is believed to have intersected the stimulated hydraulic fractures and provided additional flow paths for water to be transported to the drift through multiple monitoring boreholes and weep zones. As the flow tests continued after stimulation activities, single or a combination of two or three producers become dominant producers at different times, mostly as a response to intersection of hydraulic fracture and testbed wells, activation of natural fractures and making new leak points to the monitoring wells, resealing of leaky wells, and so on. Since late October 2018, multiple tracers were injected into the fracture system at the 164 ft location that involves both stimulated and natural fractures, and tracers were recovered from multiple locations in nearby wells and weep. The cumulative water recoveries over the time have ranged from 50 to 90%; however, the injected tracer recoveries from various production sources are much less (ranging from a few percentages to 38%). Changes in water/tracer recoveries, shifting of major producing wells from one well to the others, and other observations (e.g., microseismic, electric resistivity tomography, etc.) indicate a testbed that has undergone several changes since October 2018. In this paper, we present tracer recovery data accumulated during several tracer campaigns, provide conceptual testbed flow pathways, and provide observations that suggest a evolutionary nature of fracture volume and fracture geometry in the testbed.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Enabling thermal efficiency improvement and waste heat recovery using liquid air harnessed from offshore renewable energy sources

A novel approach using decoupled processes to harness offshore renewable energy, from marine hydrokinetics, ocean waves, wind, and solar to produce liquid air, is presented here. Offshore renewables interconnection using submarine medium- and high-voltage direct current technologies are used to produce liquid air that can be transported to end-use locations using repurposed liquefied natural gas tankers. Two important possibilities arise from using the proposed technology. The first possibility allows the integration with conventional thermal cycles to improve efficiency. This approach can be used to leverage efficiencies of thermal systems that have already reached a plateau in the maximum achievable efficiency via design and operation optimization. The second possibility is related to the incorporation of low temperature cycles to recover waste heat from other thermal processes. This is important considering that waste heat accounts for more than 60% of the consumed energy in the United States. A detailed technical description of the complete cycle from cryogen generation to end-use of energy is provided. Estimation of efficiency enhancement for thermal plants using liquid air including waste heat recovery is presented.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Background Information on ARPA-E's REUSE Program (White Paper)

Under the REUSE Topic, ARPA-E seeks to fund the development of technologies to convert high-energy materials currently going to landfills to a high-energy content liquid product capable of displacing energy imports used for fuel or chemical production. The high-energy materials include plastics (#1-7 polymers, rubber, and composites) and paper. As discussed below, we estimate 30-34 MM ton plastic, 2-6 MM ton rubber, 18 MM ton of paper, and up to 0.1 MM ton composites are potentially available annually for this purpose. These numbers may be conservative based on changes in the plastic and paper export markets. ARPA-E anticipates deployment of multiple low-cost, simple, flexible, small-scale (100-500 ton per day) regional facilities using modular plants. This scale is consistent with the sources for high-energy materials, which include ~300 Material Recovery Facilities and industrial waste sources. The assumption is that such facilities can be more economical than the paradigm of large-scale facilities making purity products, due to cost for transporting and aggregating waste and the high operating costs (OPEX) and capital cost (CAPEX) for product purification. This document gives a brief technical review for multiple potential process technologies. The review is not intended to be comprehensive or limiting, only to provide an introduction to potential Applicants.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗

White Paper: Background Information on ARPA-E's Reuse Program

This document provides supplemental information for ARPA-E’s exploratory research program, “Recycle Underutilized Solids to Energy” (REUSE). The goal is to provide additional technical information to prospective Applicants. Further information is available in a blog interview and webinar at https://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=news-item/trash-treasure-reuse-creates-feedstock-plastic-waste. Award information, submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and other applicable information is provided in Funding Opportunity Announcements DE-FOA-0001953 and DE-FOA-0001954 (SBIR/STTR). REUSE-specific requirements are provided in Topic K of those FOAs, and is available at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Default.aspx?Search=0001953&SearchType=#FoaIde8647d89-1cac-4b58-8622-1b04de8958c4. Under the REUSE Topic, ARPA-E seeks to fund the development of technologies to convert high-energy materials currently going to landfills to a high-energy content liquid product capable of displacing energy imports used for fuel or chemical production. The high-energy materials include plastics (#1-7 polymers, rubber, and composites) and paper. As discussed below, we estimate 30-34 MM ton plastic, 2-6 MM ton rubber, 18 MM ton of paper, and up to 0.1 MM ton composites are potentially available annually for this purpose. These numbers may be conservative based on changes in the plastic and paper export markets. ARPA-E anticipates deployment of multiple low-cost, simple, flexible, small-scale (100-500 ton per day) regional facilities using modular plants. This scale is consistent with the sources for high-energy materials, which include ~300 Material Recovery Facilities and industrial waste sources. The assumption is that such facilities can be more economical than the paradigm of large-scale facilities making purity products, due to cost for transporting and aggregating waste and the high operating costs (OPEX) and capital cost (CAPEX) for product purification. This document gives a brief technical review for multiple potential process technologies. The review is not intended to be comprehensive or limiting, only to provide an introduction to potential Applicants.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Magnetic Nanoparticle Extraction of Lithium from Produced Waters - CRADA 483 (Final Report)

The demand for lithium in the energy production industry is expected to increase sharply, development of simple and cost-effective techniques for lithium production and recovery from various lithium sources is essential. In this project, core/shell magnetic nanoparticles were successfully designed to selectively extract lithium from aqueous lithium sources as an extension of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s magnetic nanofluid extraction technology. The core/shell magnetic nanoparticles are composed of manganese oxide-based lithium ion sieve shells, which allow selective lithium uptake from brines with multiple coexisting ions, over iron oxide cores, which can respond to external magnetic fields for effective recovery and reuse of adsorbents from a liquid. The synthesized lithium ion-sieves and core/shell magnetic nanoparticles were characterized using several techniques to reveal their crystallinity and morphology. The lithium uptake properties of the lithium ion-sieves and core/shell magnetic nanoparticles were evaluated in terms of lithium adsorption capacity, removal percentage, selectivity, and cycling performance in simulated and natural brines. Magnetic properties of the core/shell magnetic nanoparticles were tested by measuring magnetic saturation, and magnetic response of colloidal solutions containing the core/shell magnetic nanoparticles was tested with permanent magnets.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

MBMS1.0: An Open-Source Code for Modeling and Simulation of Membrane-Based Dehumidification and Energy Recovery

Membrane-based dehumidification is currently being considered as a promising solution for the building application due to its low cost and very limited energy consumption. Developing a simple and efficient open-source code simulation tool is important for boosting the optimization and evaluation of such device in HVAC community. This paper reports a first-order physics based model which accounts for the fundamental heat and mass transfer of humid-air vapor at feed side to flow stream at permeate side. The current model comprises two membrane mass transfer submodels (i.e. microstructure model and performance map model); and it adopts a segment-by-segment methodology for discretizing heat and mass transfer governing equations. The model is capable of simulating both dehumidifiers and energy recovery ventilators with parallel-flow cross-flow, and counter-flow configurations. The model was validated with the measurements at appropriate device. The practices in dehumidification and energy recovery exchangers are also discussed. The model and open-source codes are expected to become a solid fundament for developing a more comprehensive and accurate membrane-based dehumidification in the future.

Gao, Zhiming↗

Microbial Reduction of Manganese Oxides From AMD Solids for the Biomining of Critical Minerals / Rare Earth Elements

Abandoned Coal-Mine Drainage (AMD) is a source of critical minerals (CMs) that can be biomined to increase domestic CM production for the growing tech industry while mitigating current AMD hazardous waste. Pennsylvania has ~11,000 abandoned mines, ~500 of which are currently being treated with passive remediation systems (PRS), designed to increase the pH and precipitate AMD waste onsite. Manganese (Mn) that precipitates from AMD waste can co-precipitate with CMs, and the Mn and CMs will accumulate on the PRS solids over the treatment period. This results in high Mn/CM solids that could produce a valuable leachate if resolubilized. Mn reduction and solubilization can occur through microbial driven geochemical changes such as the acidification of the environment, and it is expected that Mn resolubilization will lead to a co-resolubilization of the CMs. Investigation and stimulation of this microbial resolubilization could result in an affordable CM release process that does not require chemical additives into the environment. However the microbial mechanisms that contribute to Mn resolubilization are poorly understood. Here, we have isolated bacteria capable of resolubilizing Mn from AMD PRS. Five of the bacteria isolates have been identified as Bacillus spp. and two as Corynebacterium spp. that ferment glucose to reduce/solubilize Mn MnO2 by acidogenesis. The bacterial isolates are also capable of solubilizing Mn and CMs (Y, Zr, Sb, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) from AMD PRS precipitated solids through their production of organic acids. Determining the microbial metabolism and genes involved in the resolubilization of manganese is crucial to optimize the biomining of CMs from AMD solid precipitants. This work addresses the growing need to develop novel CM recovery methods from domestic sources.

critical minerals↗

Selective cobalt and nickel electrodeposition for lithium-ion battery recycling through integrated electrolyte and interface control

Abstract Molecularly-selective metal separations are key to sustainable recycling of Li-ion battery electrodes. However, metals with close reduction potentials present a fundamental challenge for selective electrodeposition, especially for critical elements such as cobalt and nickel. Here, we demonstrate the synergistic combination of electrolyte control and interfacial design to achieve molecular selectivity for cobalt and nickel during potential-dependent electrodeposition. Concentrated chloride allows for the speciation control via distinct formation of anionic cobalt chloride complex (CoCl 4 2- ), while maintaining nickel in the cationic form ([Ni(H 2 O) 5 Cl] + ). Furthermore, functionalizing electrodes with a positively charged polyelectrolyte (i.e., poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride) changes the mobility of CoCl 4 2- by electrostatic stabilization, which tunes cobalt selectivity depending on the polyelectrolyte loading. This strategy is applied for the multicomponent metal recovery from commercially-sourced lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide electrodes. We report a final purity of 96.4 ± 3.1% and 94.1 ± 2.3% for cobalt and nickel, respectively. Based on a technoeconomic analysis, we identify the limiting costs arising from the background electrolyte, and provide a promising outlook of selective electrodeposition as an efficient separation approach for battery recycling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hierarchical Distribution System Adaptive Restoration with Diverse Distributed Energy Resources

Distributed energy resources (DERs) can be utilized as alternative power sources for fast service recovery in cases of distribution system outages. However, the diverse characteristics and stochastic nature of DERs impose challenges on the optimal operation of di-verse resources during the restoration phase. Here, we introduce a hierarchical structure to coordinate distribution system entities and propose an adaptive restoration strategy to sustain a reliable power supply to outage loads in an unbalanced distribution system utilizing DERs. An efficient system reconfiguration model is developed to guarantee the radiality of restoration islands. The flexibility of DERs is evaluated by a novel method that focuses on the cumulative energy consumption, the superiority of which is also proven. Model predictive control (MPC) is adopted to enable the adjustment of system topology and DER operation strategies based on up-to-date data. The performance of the proposed restoration model is validated on a modified IEEE 123-bus test system. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed novel flexibility assessment and the MPC-based adaptive restoration strategy are verified through comparative studies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Ultraselective sequestration of Li + and Mg 2+ from brines via a reusable polyoxoniobate-based ion sponge

Lithium (Li) and magnesium (Mg) are designated as critical mineral materials (CMM) due to their essential roles in clean energy technologies. However, extracting high-purity Li + from brine remains a formidable challenge owing to the presence of Mg 2+ , a physicochemical similar ion that often exists in excess. Here, we introduce a polyoxoniobate-based “Mg-PONb sponge” that enables ultraselective and rapid Li + /Mg 2+ separation across an exceptionally broad range of Mg/Li ratios (0.02 to 200.63). This framework achieves >99.9% Mg 2+ removal with negligible Li + loss in under 1 min, yielding Li + /Mg 2+ selectivity values exceeding 5000. The sponge demonstrates excellent recyclability, maintaining >99% Mg 2+ rejection and Li + permeability across five regeneration cycles without structural degradation. Mechanistic investigations reveal that selective Mg 2+ capture originates from strong coordination with terminal oxygens on the PONb cluster, driving rapid formation of porous Mg-PONb frameworks. This work presents a generalizable, scalable strategy for Li + /Mg 2+ separation and offers a sustainable path toward enhanced Li and Mg recovery from complex brine sources.

Chen, Linfeng [Lawrence Berkeley National Laborato↗

A Preliminary Feasibility Study on Multi-Cavity Cryomodule Integration for the Electron Ion Collider Energy Recover Linac Cooler

The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) is a state-of-the-art accelerator designed for collisions between highly polarized electrons and ions. To achieve optimal luminosity, the ion beam is cooled using an electron beam sourced from an energy recovery linac (ERL). In the current ERL baseline design, one BNL type RF cavity is used per cryomodule, leading to spatial and cost challenges. This study examines the feasibility of using more compact PERLE (Powerful Energy Recovery Linac for Experiments) type cavities, which can house multiple cavities within a single cryomodule, by evaluating their Beam Breakup (BBU) instability performance. Higher Order Modes (HOM) parameters were obtained through frequency scaling, assuming constant quality factor Q_L, R/Q, and linearly scaling HOM frequencies. To predict the BBU threshold current and ensure accuracy, two different BBU tracking simulations are used for cross-verification. Although the reduced footprint of PERLE-type cavities is advantageous, maintaining sufficient damping of HOMs remains crucial. Finally, we compare the HOM damping efficiency of both cavity types and suggest a pathway forward.

Deitrick, K.↗

Bacterial Biomining Rare Earth Elements in Abandoned Coal Mine Drainage: Solubilization and Sequestration

Bacteria can be used to biomine rare earth elements (REEs) domestically from abandoned coal-mine drainage (AMD) solids. Pennsylvania has ~11,000 abandoned mines, with ~500 AMD passive remediation systems that precipitate AMD REE rich solids onsite. In passive systems, REEs, co-precipitate with manganese (Mn), accumulating as solids that can produce a valuable leachate when resolubilized. REEs like lanthanum (La) are used in battery technology. Microbial metabolic changes that co-resolubilize Mn and REEs could result in an affordable release process that does not require chemical additives and the select sequestering of REEs like La allow for the selective purification from a mixed REE composition. Currently, the microbial mechanisms that contribute to mass REE resolubilization and selective sequestration are poorly understood. We have isolated bacteria (Bacillus mycoides JR07 and Bacillus pseudomycoides KB7) that solubilize Mn oxide, La oxide, and AMD solids by acidogenesis. We have determined that isolates JR07 and KB7 solubilize the La from AMD PRS solids by their production of organic acids. Preliminary results show methylotrophic bacterial isolate B3 can take up soluble La(III), giving an avenue to purification of La from a rich REE leachate. Determining the microbial metabolism and genes involved in the mass resolubilization of REEs and selective biomining of La(III) is crucial to optimize the biomining of AMD solids. Our work addresses the growing need to develop novel REE recovery methods from domestic sources.

microbiology↗

Microbial Biomining for the Release and Recovery of Rare Earth Elements in Abandoned Coal Mine Drainage

Microbes can be used for biomining rare earth elements (REEs) from abandoned coal-mine drainage (AMD) solids. Domestically Pennsylvania has ~11,000 abandoned mines, with ~500 AMD passive remediation systems (PRSs) that precipitate REE rich solids. In passive systems, REEs, co-precipitate with manganese (Mn), accumulating as a valuable leachate when resolubilized. REEs like lanthanum (La) are used in battery technology. Microbial metabolism that co-resolubilize Mn and REEs could result in an affordable release process that does not require the addition of hazardous chemical additives. Microbial sequestering of La can be used for selective purification from a mixed REE composition. Currently, the microbial mechanisms that contribute to mass REE resolubilization and selective sequestration are poorly understood. We have isolated bacteria (Bacillus mycoides JR07 and Bacillus pseudomycoides KB7) that solubilize Mn oxide, La oxide, and AMD solids by acidogenesis. Preliminary results show methylotrophic bacterial isolate B3 can take up soluble La, which may have a potential application in the purification of La from a mixed REE leachate. Determining the microbial metabolism and genes involved in the REE resolubilization and selective biomining of La is crucial to optimize the biomining of AMD solids. Our work addresses the growing need to develop novel REE recovery methods from domestic sources.

microbiology↗

Algae Biofilm Produced from Anaerobic Digester Wastewater Demonstrated as Biofertilizer for Dwarf Wheat

Aims: To correlate yield of dwarf wheat fertilized with algae biofilm produced using anaerobic digester effluent (digestate) from a municipal water resource recovery facility as nutrient source and compare with yield using non-algae biofilm based fertilizers and a negative control. Study Design: Greenhouse testing for measurement of biomass yields and statistical analysis of wheat yield data results. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological Engineering Algae Processing and Products Facility greenhouse between March and June, 2024. Methodology: Yield of a dwarf cultivar of red spring wheat was measured as a function of four treatments including three fertilizers and a negative control: (1) algae biofilm cultivated on anaerobic digester effluent, (2) positive control of Osmocote commercial slow release fertilizer, (3) anaerobic digester biosolids, and (4) negative control with no fertilizer addition. Results: Average yield values (gm) for the four treatments were: (1) 1.25, (2) 0.99, (3) 0.72, and (4) 0.52, respectively. Algae biofilm fertilizer performed significantly better than Osmocote with P = .002, anaerobic digester biosolids with P = .05, and no fertilizer addition with P = .05. Struvite, a slow release fertilizer, was observed to be associated with the algae biofilm as a precipitate of the high concentrations of nutrients within the anaerobic digester water. Struvite (MgNH4PO46H2O) releases plant available nitrogen and phosphorus over time and is biologically precipitated due to the increase in solution pH as a result of photosynthesis by the algae biofilm. Conclusion: Algae biofilm cultivated on anaerobic digester wastewater can serve as a biofertilizer for recycling nutrients within the biosphere for sustainable nutrient management.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Big Sky Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (Phase III Final Scientific/Technical Report)

The Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership (BSCSP) pursued a Phase III demonstration project at Kevin Dome in north central Montana. Kevin Dome covers approximately 700 square miles and is a naturally occurring CO 2 reservoir that is flanked by oil and gas fields. The carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is in the upper Devonian Duperow (carbonate) formation and does not reach the spill point of the dome; therefore, the dome has potential as a CO 2 sequestration reservoir, a CO 2 supply, or as both if anthropogenic sources and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations are associated with the dome. Kevin Dome could potentially act as a buffer to continue accepting anthropogenic CO 2 when EOR flooding operations are interrupted or completed. The project objective was to produce one million tonnes of CO 2 from the gas cap of Kevin Dome, pipe it laterally, inject, and re-store it in the brine leg of the same formation to test the hub / buffer storage concept. This was to be accomplished by drilling up to five production wells, building a short pipeline and compression facilities, and drilling an injection well and several monitoring wells. BSCSP commenced outreach and site characterization activities including acquiring baseline data for near-surface insurance monitoring, acquiring 3-dimensional, 9-component surface seismic over the project area, drilling two test wells (one in the production area and one in the injection area), coring key intervals, and performing comprehensive logging. Well tests of those wells revealed two barriers to the project. The production (Danielson 33-17) well was perforated in multiple zones but failed to produce any significant CO 2 . This was despite being drilled in the near vicinity of a historic well that had produced 3700 MCF per day in a drill stem test. Modeling indicated that this was likely due to a phase change during production causing a temperature drop resulting in hydrate and/or water ice formation that clogged the formation. Tests of the injection zone (Wallewein 22-1) well indicated total dissolved solids (TDS) slightly below the EPA required 10,000 parts per million (ppm) for a Class VI underground injection control permit. While the project was initiated before Class VI rules were promulgated, and this was an experimental project (seemingly qualified for a Class V permit), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated that injection would require a Class VI permit. The low salinity result was unexpected as contours plotted based on regional formation water quality data indicated an expected TDS above 20,000 ppm, and wells between the recharge zone and the Wallewein well tested above 10,000 ppm. Faced with the inability to obtain an injection permit, the demonstration project could not proceed. However, the project had generated valuable samples and data on a large natural analog including 32 sq. mi. of 3-D, 9-C seismic, 430 ft. of carbonate core covering seven different depositional environments taken from areas with, and without the presence of CO 2 , 30 ft. of core of two caprocks, a tight carbonate and an anhydrite, a full set of modern logs on both wells, and well tests. DOE decided to re-scope the project around completing studies utilizing this data. This report covers both the initial scope and the re-scope (Task / Section numbers preceded with an R). While the report covers a wide range of project activities, highlights of this work include: Development of a geostatic model using neural nets to match well logs to facies and using multi-waveform seismic to inform reservoir heterogeneity; Unique mechanical testing of permeability – stress relationship in two caprock materials; Development of full waveform inversion to generate a high resolution velocity model; Model development for dual permeability (fracture and matrix) systems to better account for matrix-matrix interactions; Joint seismic wave inversion (including the first quadr-joint inversion) exhibiting better imaging of a challenging reservoir zone in stiff rock; Core flow and core flood results on a reactive carbonate; and Innovative laboratory measurements of seismic response of fractured core as a function of fluid fill.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Accessibility and Availability of Gas Stations for Liquid Fuel Supply During Severe Weather Events

Energy infrastructure is a pivotal lifeline with wider inter-dependencies. Electric power is essential to the continued functioning of critical assets; liquid fuels and other physical primary energy commodities that are used to supply the local energy needs of these assets during extreme events when electricity infrastructure is compromised. During Superstorm Sandy, the disruption of fuel supplies in the Tri-state area necessitated increasing situational awareness about oil and natural gas (ONG) systems to redirect fuel supplies to first responders and for restoration efforts. During winter storm events over the past several years, the demand for ONG for heating and power generation has skyrocketed in the north-east, which subsequently had caused ONG price to hit their highest level in years. ONG is a major energy source for restoration and recovery activities. However, very little, if any, situational awareness information about ONG supply and demand is available to those coordinating emergency efforts. Often this lack of information is due to the decentralized nature of the ONG supply chain and proprietary data maintained by private entities. To understand the impact of fuel availability on response and recovery efforts, this research focuses on (i) determining the accessibility to gas stations for liquid fuel supply across space and time, and (ii) examining the spatio-temporal variation of fuel availability and demand during extreme weather events. The broader scope of the project focuses on providing spatio-temporal situational awareness information about ONG availability and demand across the fuel supply chain for positioning of resources for response activities.

Kar, Bandana↗