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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 73 records · Page 4

Power Electronics Thermal Management

The 2017 Electrical and Electronics Technical Team Roadmap [11] proposes aggressive research and development targets aimed at improving power electronics technology to enable the mass-market penetration of electric-drive vehicles. Achieving these aggressive targets will require a decrease in cost (year 2025 cost target: $2.70/kW) and an increase in power density (year 2025 power density target: 100 kW/L) as compared with current on-road technology. Replacing traditional silicon device-based components with more efficient and higher-temperature wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor device-based components will enable increased power density. However, meeting the power density target will also require innovative thermal management solutions to increase the heat fluxes dissipated and allow for compact electronics packaging. This project evaluates, designs, and develops thermal management strategies that use dielectric fluid (single-phase heat transfer) as coolants.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Implementation of the HEP instrumentation R&D roadmap in the USA

In recent years, the High Energy Physics (HEP) community in the USA has evaluated the technological needs in detector instrumentation for future HEP experiments. Specific needs have been identified and an R&D program to reach them has been defined. This article will briefly summarize the planning process and will highlight the main findings and the road map to carry out the plan as defined by the community.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Toward Practical Federal Spectrum Sharing for Advanced Wireless Technologies

Wireless communications have become critical to modern society as the foundation of vital services, business interactions, and social connections. As technology develops and new scenarios emerge, wireless communications become increasingly entrenched as a foundation for modern life. The materialization of 5G has been especially impactful as an enabler for a wide range of new scenarios and increased dependence. With increasing demand for wireless communications comes increasing demand for the radio frequency (RF) spectrum necessary to support these communications. This spectrum demand, largely driven by desire to realize ubiquitous 5G networks, both public and private, is currently driving a reconsideration of spectrum assignments and forcing legacy users of spectrum to update their use of spectrum. As one of the largest legacy users of spectrum, the U.S. Government (USG) is particularly impacted by the increasing demand for spectrum for non USG use. Unfortunately, there is no clear pathway for U.S. federal agencies to modernize their spectrum use and instead these agencies are forced to simply react to spectrum repurposing driven by overwhelming demand. Here we present preliminary work toward a roadmap for federal agencies to modernize their spectrum use through practical analysis and leveraging emerging spectrum sharing (SS) technologies. This effort utilizes the example of DOE spectrum use in the context of National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) repurposing to examine the factors that must be considered to facilitate spectrum sharing by federal agencies. Furthermore, this work provides an initial survey of the SS models and SS technologies of highest relevance to federal use. We particularly examine the emerging capabilities of 5G itself to enable SS and unlicensed access through transformative capabilities such as new radio unlicensed (NR-U). This work is a step toward translating the large body of academic discussion on SS into a practical roadmap for federal agencies.

5G↗

Amorphous boron nitride: synthesis, properties and device application

Amorphous boron nitride (a-BN) exhibits remarkable electrical, optical, and chemical properties, alongside robust mechanical stability, making it a compelling material for advanced applications in nanoelectronics and photonics. This review comprehensively examines the unique characteristics of a-BN, emphasizing its electrical and optical attributes, state-of-the-art synthesis techniques, and device applications. Key advancements in low-temperature growth methods for a-BN are highlighted, offering insights into their potential for integration into scalable, CMOS-compatible platforms. Additionally, the review discusses the emerging role of a-BN as a dielectric material in electronic and photonic devices, serving as substrates, encapsulation layers, and gate insulators. Finally, perspectives on future challenges, including defect control, interface engineering, and scalability, are presented, providing a roadmap for realizing the full potential of a-BN in next-generation device technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Technical Geothermal Roadmap for Indonesia

The technical geothermal roadmapping exercise described by this report is part of the NZW Collaborative Work Program with the Government of Indonesia. Indonesia currently has the second largest installed geothermal power generation capacity in the world and has abundant undeveloped resources that allow for continued expansion of its geothermal resource development, which can serve to contribute to the country’s goal of achieving net zero emissions for power generation by 2060. The DOE GeoVision study (2019) highlighted the importance of technical improvements as the key for accelerating the development of geothermal resources in the United States by reducing the costs and risks to make geothermal more competitive, and this also applies to Indonesia. The main objective of the roadmap is to identify and discuss key technical challenges and discuss how implementation of geothermal technology advances could reduce the risks, costs, and time associated with geothermal exploration and development activities and expand the potential resource base to include unconventional resource types, thus accelerating geothermal deployment in Indonesia.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Roadmap on thermodynamics and thermal metamaterials

Thermal metamaterials represent a transformative paradigm in modern physics, synergizing thermodynamic principles with metamaterial engineering to master heat flow at will. As next-generation technologies demand multi-scale thermal control, this field urgently requires systematic frameworks to unify its multidisciplinary advances. Curated through a global collaboration involving over 50 specialists across 25 subdisciplines, this review primarily summarizes two decades of advancements, ranging from theoretical breakthroughs to functional implementations. The review reveals groundbreaking innovations in heat manipulation through the exploration of both classical and non-classical transport regimes, topological thermal control mechanisms, and quantum-informed phonon engineering strategies. By bridging physical insights like non-Hermitian thermal dynamics and valleytronic phonon transport with cutting-edge applications, we demonstrate paradigm-shifting capabilities: environment-adaptive thermal cloaks, AI-optimized metamaterials, and nonlinear thermal circuits enabling heat-based computation. Experimental milestones include 3D thermal null media with reconfigurable invisibility and thermal designs breaking classical conductivity limits. Here, this collaborative effort establishes an indispensable roadmap for physicists, highlighting pathways to quantum thermal management, entropy-controlled energy systems, and topological devices. As thermal metamaterials transition from laboratory marvels to technological cornerstones, this work provides the foundational lexicon and design principles for the coming era of intelligent thermal matter.

heat conduction control↗

Talk Title: AI & Cybersecurity in ASEAN's Digital Future Venue: CyberForum: ASEAN Cyber Resilience Conference Hosted by: Indonesia Cyber Security Forum (ICSF) in coordination with US State Department's mission to ASEAN in Indonesia

The talk covers: * Quick orientation around AI * Quick review of relevant domains of Cybersecurity * The promise of AI in cybersecurity – applications * Discussion of the state of technology today, referencing Gartner Hype Cycle diagram * The peril of AI for cybersecurity – threats and risks * A roadmap for where to go from here, emphasizing a trained workforce, referencing published (ISC)^2 survey results

Benz, Zachary O.↗

Electrochemical Corrosion and Catalysis Dynamics of Tin Oxide during Water Oxidation

Metal oxide corrosion severely limits anodic electrocatalysis, particularly at high potentials in acidic environments, where degradation pathways remain poorly defined. This study establishes explicit connections between corrosion and electrocatalysis on tin oxide during water oxidation by examining the roles of lattice defects, reactive oxygen species, interfacial pH variations, and speciation of corroded tin in acid. We first demonstrate the presence of structural defects such as oxygen vacancies and substoichiometric Sn(II) species by integrating electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and Mott–Schottky analysis. Kohn–Sham density functional theory calculations reveal that explicit water structures thermodynamically stabilize reaction intermediates and lower reaction overpotentials. Moreover, we propose that water dissociation leads to hydrogen-bonding networks formed by H* and OH* intermediates, which may span the entire catalyst surface and decrease the interfacial pH to drive corrosion. In contrast, the electrochemical generation of reactive oxygen species is shown to play a minor role in catalyst corrosion during water oxidation using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry coupled with selective chemical scavengers. Square-wave voltammetry combined with rotating ring-disk electrodes is used to reveal that under open-circuit conditions, only Sn(IV) cations chemically dissolve from tin oxide, while both Sn(IV) and Sn(II) species electrochemically corrode during water oxidation. Our results unveil a dynamic and complicated interplay between corrosive and catalytic pathways on metal oxide electrocatalysts: a decrease in interfacial pH due to water oxidation exacerbates Sn(II)/Sn(IV) corrosion. Subsequently, the electrochemical corrosion of Sn(II)/Sn(IV) facilitates product formation from lattice oxygen, while the redeposition of corroded Sn(II) as Sn(IV) can enable oxygen exchange with water. By elucidating the roles of defects and interfacial chemistry, this work provides a roadmap for engineering improved electrocatalysts that balance activity and stability, a critical step toward scalable and durable energy technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Second Target Station Project: STS Cross-Directorate Workshop on Hydrogen Fuel

Hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, is poised to play a critical role in decarbonizing the global economy. Its ability to address the intermittency of renewable energy sources and decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors positions it as a vital component of a sustainable energy future. Interest in hydrogen as a clean energy carrier is in a decade of unprecedented growth, with dozens of countries having released national hydrogen strategies contributing to a global hydrogen economy. In 2021, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Hydrogen Shot, the first of the Energy Earthshot Initiatives, which aims to lower the cost of clean hydrogen to $\$$1/kg by 2031. This initiative was followed by a considerable increase in funding for hydrogen technologies through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), with $\$$18 billion recently announced for regional demonstration projects (Hydrogen Hubs) and another $\$$11.5 billion aimed at research and development of electrolyzers, fuel cells, manufacturing, and recycling. The 2023 U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap identifies the cost of clean hydrogen as a critical challenge for achieving economic scale. This includes the cost of hydrogen production by electrolysis, delivery and dispensing, onboard storage, and end-use technologies like fuel cells. Fundamental research and development into catalysts, component architectures, and material durability are critical to lower the costs of these vital technologies aimed at achieving a net-zero carbon emission economy by 2050.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Enhancing Cloud Cybersecurity: Prescriptive Controls for Operational Technology

This whitepaper provides strategic insights and recommendations into security cloud-based solutions for electric utilities, encompassing operational technology (OT), virtual power plants (VPP), distributed energy resources (DERs), applications, networks, and data storage as they transition to and leverage cloud infrastructure through managed service providers (MSPs) and cloud service providers (CSPs). Principles derived from established frameworks serve as a foundation for best practices across cybersecurity projects and remove the constraints of settling on a single framework. For organizations that prefer not to integrate a specific framework altogether, elements of the proposed approach could be adopted or tailored to best fit defined requirements and expected functionalities. The Cirrus assessment, a utility cloud feasibility tool, and the roadmap it provides serve as a precursor to this paper, which seeks to be a valuable resource for defining next steps following cloud technology integration feasibility appraisal. With its comprehensive approach to adoption, the Cirrus framework offers strategic guidance on responsibly preparing for or deploying a utility cloud solution. The previously published whitepaper, “Use Case-Informed Framework for Utility Cloud Migration,” details the guiding strategy, research, and deployment of cloud solutions within electric and interconnected grid systems. Before implementing the controls suggested in this document, it is recommended that stakeholders complete Cirrus's cloud integration assessment and pair the results with their unique cybersecurity controls to form a comprehensive cloud-based utility cybersecurity plan. The Cirrus outcome will consider a series of future architectures for the grid before and after the energy transition and evaluate the arguments for and against cloud applications for each electric and interconnected grid layer. This document is a companion to the original whitepaper, "Use Case-Informed Framework for Utility Cloud Migration" to further identify and recommend security controls based on Cirrus’s cloud integration assessment output. The following whitepaper outlines the cybersecurity controls that secure cloud-service models pertinent to the electric sector using the predefined categories identify, protect, detect, and respond and recover. The objective is to outline prescriptive security controls based on the type of architecture and data stored in the cloud. The focus includes dissecting the shared responsibility model and elucidating what on-premises Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) entail. A pivotal consideration in this context is allocating responsibility for foundational cybersecurity aspects—having used Cirrus for the cloud integration assessment. The ensuing controls detailed herein also represent a checklist of controls necessary for a secure cloud transition, equipping utilities with the knowledge to navigate this digital transformation with confidence and strategic foresight in a safe and responsible manner.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Geologic hydrogen: a review of resource potential, subsurface dynamics, exploration, production, transportation, and research opportunities

Hydrogen is a versatile resource with critical roles in decarbonization, industrial manufacturing, and energy integration. However, most hydrogen today is produced from fossil fuels, resulting in high emissions and energy consumption. Although low-carbon hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming with carbon capture and renewable-powered electrolysis, are advancing, their high costs hinder large-scale deployment. Identifying alternative pathways for producing low-cost, low-emission hydrogen is therefore essential. Geologic hydrogen, referring to natural and stimulated hydrogen generated in the Earth's subsurface, has attracted growing attention as a potential source of sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally favorable hydrogen. This paper provides a comprehensive review of geologic hydrogen, covering its resource potential, origins, migration and trapping mechanisms, exploration techniques, production strategies, and pipeline transportation. It also identifies key knowledge gaps and proposes a roadmap for future research. The review indicates that geologic hydrogen has vast resource potential and can leverage existing subsurface technologies and geophysical exploration methods. However, major challenges persist, including uncertain hydrogen generation rates, limited understanding and control of serpentinization processes, costly transportation infrastructure, the lack of validated techno-economic analysis, and potential social and environmental issues. As the field is still in its early stages, progress will require interdisciplinary collaboration spanning geoscience, engineering, economics, environmental science, and policy and regulation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Quantum Computing Strategy 2026

Quantum computing (QC) is a rapidly maturing technology with the potential for revolutionary impacts on stockpile stewardship science and national security. Recent developments in fault-tolerant architectures have compressed vendor roadmaps, and predictions of a production-ready quantum computer by the mid-2030s are becoming increasingly credible. This strategy provides a roadmap for integrating QC into the Advanced Simulation and Computing (ASC) program by investing in four strategic focus areas: 1. Develop Capabilities in Mission-Relevant Quantum Applications: ASC will prioritize developing quantum-ready applications in mission areas that have shown significant promise for quantum advantage, including simulations of materials in extreme environments, nuclear dynamics, solving linear and nonlinear partial differential equations, and uncertainty quantification. These applications directly support stockpile stewardship science and modernization objectives. 2. Conduct R&D in Algorithms, Software, and Hardware: Sustained research into quantum algorithms, robust software tools, and quantum hardware is essential. ASC will develop efficient quantum algorithms; invest in quantum compilers, debuggers, and performance tools; and explore specialized quantum hardware tailored to NNSA’s unique requirements. 3. Engage with Vendors and Partners: Early and active collaboration with commercial quantum hardware vendors and academic partners is critical. Through testbeds, co-design agreements, and quantum demonstration facilities, ASC will influence hardware design, gain early access to emerging technologies, and ensure that quantum platforms evolve to meet mission needs. 4. Build Knowledge, Experience, and Workforce: Expanding and upskilling the quantum-trained workforce is essential to long-term success. This includes hiring, internal training, university outreach, and postdoctoral support to ensure ASC maintains the expertise required to operate, program, and integrate quantum systems as they become available. While quantum computing will never replace classical computing, it has the potential to solve certain problems with speed and accuracy that would be unachievable using any conceivable classical high-performance computing (HPC) system. By investing strategically in QC, ASC will help propel the emergent QC industry, maintain U.S. technological leadership, ensure mission readiness, and position itself to rapidly adopt quantum technologies as they mature.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Water Electrolysis: Cell-Level Considerations for Gigawatt-Scale Deployment

Hydrogen produced with no greenhouse gas emissions is termed “green hydrogen” and will be essential to reaching decarbonization targets set forth by nearly every country as per the Paris Agreement. Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are expected to contribute substantially to the green hydrogen market. However, PEMWE market penetration is insignificant, accounting for less than a gigawatt of global capacity. Achieving substantive decarbonization via green hydrogen will require PEMWEs to reach capacities of hundreds of gigawatts by 2030. This paper serves as an overarching roadmap for cell-level improvements necessary for gigawatt-scale PEMWE deployment, with insights from three well-established hydrogen technology companies included. Analyses will be presented for economies of scale, renewable energy prices, government policies, accelerated stress tests, and component-specific improvements.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Midwest ZEVI 2030 Charging Roadmap for I-80 Corridor

Zero-emission Medium Duty and Heavy Duty vehicles (MD-HD ZEVs) hold great promise for reducing operational costs through use of more energy eAicient propulsion technology while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Consistent with the Department of Energy’s focus on energy innovation, ZEVs and the necessary charging and refueling infrastructure to support them represent an important area of focus for technological advancement. Widespread adoption of MD-HD ZEVs can also provide benefits by improving air quality, and lowering carbon emissions in the transportation industry. Powertrain technologies are in production today to reduce tank-to-wheel and well-to-wheel emissions of commercial vehicles to zero or near-zero emissions, but significant development remains to bring down the cost and address the operational limitations of these technologies, particularly for larger vehicles. ZEV technologies have an opportunity to be an important part of a fleet’s mix of powertrains as capital and operational costs come down. However, the greatest challenge preventing widespread adoption of ZEVs may be the lack of adequate charging and hydrogen (H₂) fueling infrastructure.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Grid Communications: Digital Assurance and Supply Chain Challenges and Emerging Regulation Session Two

The TADA Grid Communications Workshops are designed to strengthen cybersecurity and digital assurance across the energy sector by focusing on secure deployment and management of grid communications technologies. These workshops bring together state energy offices, utilities, and technology suppliers to explore the intersection of communications infrastructure, supply chain risks, and emerging regulatory requirements. Participants will apply Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to reduce risks in communications systems, engage with INL’s procurement guidance, and explore future tools. Through scenario-based exercises and peer exchange, attendees will develop risk-based security strategies and actionable compliance roadmaps tailored to their grid communications projects. The workshops also help participants navigate evolving regulatory frameworks such as FEOC rules in the OBBB, NERC CIP-013, and NDAA 2024, while identifying compliance gaps in mixed-technology environments. A key outcome is the formation of a practitioner network with ongoing access to INL expertise and resources, fostering long-term resilience in the digital energy ecosystem. This is Session 2 of 3 (Full Version).

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗

Grid Communications: Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Challenges and Emerging Regulation Session Three

The TADA Grid Communications Workshops are designed to strengthen cybersecurity and digital assurance across the energy sector by focusing on secure deployment and management of grid communications technologies. These workshops bring together state energy offices, utilities, and technology suppliers to explore the intersection of communications infrastructure, supply chain risks, and emerging regulatory requirements. Participants will apply Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to reduce risks in communications systems, engage with INL’s procurement guidance, and explore future tools. Through scenario-based exercises and peer exchange, attendees will develop risk-based security strategies and actionable compliance roadmaps tailored to their grid communications projects. The workshops also help participants navigate evolving regulatory frameworks such as FEOC rules in the OBBB, NERC CIP-013, and NDAA 2024, while identifying compliance gaps in mixed-technology environments. A key outcome is the formation of a practitioner network with ongoing access to INL expertise and resources, fostering long-term resilience in the digital energy ecosystem. This is Session 3 of 3 (Full Version).

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗

Grid Communications Supply Chain & Emerging Regulation Challenges Session 1

The TADA Grid Communications Workshops are designed to strengthen cybersecurity and digital assurance across the energy sector by focusing on secure deployment and management of grid communications technologies. These workshops bring together state energy offices, utilities, and technology suppliers to explore the intersection of communications infrastructure, supply chain risks, and emerging regulatory requirements. Participants will apply Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to reduce risks in communications systems, engage with INL’s procurement guidance, and explore future tools. Through scenario-based exercises and peer exchange, attendees will develop risk-based security strategies and actionable compliance roadmaps tailored to their grid communications projects. The workshops also help participants navigate evolving regulatory frameworks such as FEOC rules in the OBBB, NERC CIP-013, and NDAA 2024, while identifying compliance gaps in mixed-technology environments. A key outcome is the formation of a practitioner network with ongoing access to INL expertise and resources, fostering long-term resilience in the digital energy ecosystem.

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗