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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 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Plutonium: Advancing our Understanding to Support Sustainable Nuclear Fuel Cycles

With Global energy needs increasing, real energy solutions to meet demands now, are needed. Fossil fuels are not an ideal candidate to meet these needs because of their negative impact on the environment. Renewables such as wind and solar have huge potential, but still need major technological advancements (particularly in the area of battery storage) before they can effectively meet growing world needs. The best option for meeting large energy needs without a large carbon footprint is nuclear energy. Of course, nuclear energy can face a fair amount of opposition and concern. However, through modern engineering and science many of these concerns can now be addressed. Many safety concerns can be met by engineering advancements, but perhaps the biggest area of concern is what to do with the used nuclear fuel after it is removed from the reactor. Currently the United States (and several other countries) utilize an open fuel cycle, meaning fuel is only used once and then discarded. It should be noted that fuel coming out of a reactor has utilized approximately 1% of the total energy that could be produced by the uranium in the fuel rod. The answer here is to close the fuel cycle and recycle the nuclear materials. By reprocessing used nuclear fuel, all the U can be repurposed without requiring disposal. The various fission products can be removed and either discarded (hugely reduced waste volume) or more reasonably, utilized in specialty reactors to make more energy or needed research/medical isotopes. While reprocessing technology is currently advanced enough to meet energy needs, completing research to improve and better understand these techniques is still needed. Better understanding behavior of fission products is one area of important research. Despite it being discovered over 75 years ago, plutonium is still an exciting element to study because of the complex solution chemistry it exhibits. In aqueous solutions Pu can exist simultaneously in multiple oxidation states, including 3+, 4+, and 6+. It also readily forms a variety of metal-ligand complexes depending on solution pH and available ligands. Understanding of the behavior of Pu in solution remains an important area of research today, with relevance to developing sustainable nuclear fuel cycles, minimizing its impact on the environment, and detecting and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons technology.

Lines, Amanda M.↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Right Resources to Develop Thermophotovoltaic Technologies

Photovoltaic technologies have come a long way, but new breakthroughs are always around the corner. Thermophotovoltaics (TPV) capture heat and convert it to electricity at high efficiency. NREL is comprehensively situated to advance this new energy pathway with breakthrough potential.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Correlative analysis of CsPbBr2Hal (Hal = Cl, Br, I) meltcrystallization paramete

Abstract — Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are an exciting research topic as they have the potential to make solar cells that are both more efficient than current siliconbased designs and have a wider range of applications. In this work the crystallization of CsPbBr2Hal (Hal = Cl, Br, I) halide perovskite melts were studied by the differential thermal analysis method. It was established that the crystallization of CsPbBr2Hal (Hal = Cl, Br, I) melts can be “hot” (i.e., at temperatures above the point of the alloy’s start-melting temperature) or with supercooling. The replacement of the bromine atom with another halogen atom leads to a shift of the dwell temperature range, at which “hot” crystallization takes place, from 830-846 K for CsPbBr3 to 807-832 K for CsPbBr2Cl and 741-768 K for CsPbBr2I. The activation energy of “hot” crystallization decreases in the same order. A linear dependence between the pre-exponential factor (ln(𝑽𝑽𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒔𝒔𝒕𝒕 𝟎𝟎 )) and the activation energy (Ea) of the crystallization process is revealed from the experimental data, proving the compensation effect.

Kopach, O.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Techno-Ecological Synergies of Solar Energy for Global Sustainability

The strategic engineering of solar energy technologies - from individual rooftop modules to large solar energy power plants - can confer significant synergistic outcomes across industrial and ecological boundaries. Here, we propose techno-ecological synergy (TES), a framework for engineering mutually beneficial relationships between technological and ecological systems, as an approach to augment the sustainability of solar energy across a diverse suite of recipient environments, including land, food, water, and built-up systems. We provide a conceptual model and framework to describe 16 TESs of solar energy and characterize 20 potential techno-ecological synergistic outcomes of their use. For each solar energy TES, we also introduce metrics and illustrative assessments to demonstrate techno-ecological potential across multiple dimensions. The numerous applications of TES to solar energy technologies are unique among energy systems and represent a powerful frontier in sustainable engineering to minimize unintended consequences on nature associated with a rapid energy transition.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Overcoming Resilience Challenges on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

In 2021, the Town of Nags Head, located in the Outer Banks region of North Carolina, was among the first cohort of coastal and island communities to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP), which offers technical assistance and cash awards to competitively selected coastal, remote, and island communities seeking to transform their energy systems and increase their energy resilience. As a barrier island separated from mainland North Carolina, Nags Head experiences impacts from extreme weather events, including power outages, especially during hurricane season. To address challenges, the Nags Head ETIPP team sought to improve the town's disaster resilience by ensuring that critical facilities can remain powered during and after extreme events. With support from experts at Sandia National Laboratories, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the Coastal Studies Institute, the community team identified the following goals for its participation in ETIPP: 1. Identify and prioritize critical facilities that, when powered during disruptions, support the town's resilience. 2. Analyze the potential for on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) and storage systems at 2-4 prioritized critical facilities owned and/or operated by the town. 3. Analyze the potential for interconnecting solar PV and storage systems at a cluster of public and privately owned facilities into a resilient microgrid. 4. Explore finance options and utility interconnection requirements and compensation mechanisms. 5. Summarize outcomes and next steps for town leadership.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Design, Optimization, and In-Depth Understanding of Front and Rear Junction Screen-Printed Double-Side Passivated Contacts Solar Cells

Investigate the efficiency potential of n-type screen-printed poly-Si based double-side tunnel oxide passivated contacts (DS-TOPCon) silicon solar cells Establish key material/device parameters and technologies to attain practically achievable DS-TOPCon cell efficiency by Quokka 2D Develop fundamental understanding of underlying mechanisms governing cell operation in front junction (FJ) and rear junction (RJ) cell designs to explain why RJ is a better choice for DS-TOPCon structure

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1983

Investigation of test methods, material properties, and processes for solar cell encapsulants

A study of potentially useful low cost encapsulation materials for the Flat-Plate Solar Array project is discussed. The goal is to identify, evaluate, test and recommend encapsulant materials and processes for the production of cost-effective, long life solar cell modules. Technical investigations included studies of aging and degradation of candidate encapsulation materials, continued identification of primers for durable bonding of module interfaces, continued evaluation of soil resistant treatments for the sunlit surface of the module and testing of corrosion protective coatings for use low cost mild steel substrates.

Willis, P. B.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Chemical instability leads to unusual chemical-potential-independent defect formation and diffusion in perovskite solar cell material CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3

Methylammonium (MA) lead triiodide (MAPbI 3 ) has recently emerged as a promising solar cell material. But, MAPbI3 is known to have chemical instability, i.e., MAPbI3 is prone to decomposition into MAI and PbI 2 even at moderate temperatures (e.g. 330 K). Here, we show that the chemical instability, as reflected by the calculated negligible enthalpy of formation of MAPbI 3 (with respect to MAI and PbI 2 ), has an unusual and important consequence for defect properties, i.e., defect formation energies in low-carrier-density MAPbI 3 are nearly independent of the chemical potentials of constituent elements and thus can be uniquely determined. This allows straightforward calculations of defect concentrations and the activation energy of ionic conductivity (the sum of the formation energy and the diffusion barrier of the charged mobile defect) in MAPbI 3 . Furthermore, the calculated activation energy for ionic conductivity due to V$+\atop{1}$ diffusion is in excellent agreement with the experimental values, which demonstrates unambiguously that V$+\atop{1}$ is the dominant diffusing defect and is responsible for the observed ion migration and device polarization in MAPbI3 solar cells. The calculated low formation energy of a Frenkel pair (V$+\atop{1}$ -I$-\atop{i}$ and low diffusion barriers of V$+\atop{1}$ and Image I$-\atop{i}$ suggest that the iodine ion migration and the resulting device polarization may occur even in single-crystal devices and grain-boundary-passivated polycrystalline thin film devices (which were previously suggested to be free from ion-migration-induced device polarization), leading to device degradation. Moreover, the device polarization due to the Frenkel pair (which has a relatively low concentration) may take a long time to develop and thus may avoid the appearance of the current–voltage hysteresis at typical scan rates.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1987

Solar-terrestrial research in the space station era

Because of the immense size of the solar-terrestrial system and its tightly-coupled physical nature, its study requires a carefully planned and coordinated approach using a variety of observational techniques. Of fundamental importance is the simultaneous measurement of the varying Sun, the solar wind, and the Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere. These multiple measurements require a multi-spacecraft approach with both remote sensing of the Sun and atmosphere and in-situ measurements of the solar wind and magnetosphere. The decade of the 1990s will bring an opportunity to carry out the simultaneous set of measurements using a combination of instruments on missions such as the International Solar Terrestrial Physics Program, the GOES satellites, and the Space Station. For the first time it will be possible to determine solar variability and to sample the response of the solar wind and geospace portion of the environment in a thorough way. The potential opportunities for solar-terrestrial studies during the coming era of the Space Station are disclosed.

Chappell, Charles R.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Reduction of Martian Sample Return Mission Launch Mass with Solar Sail Propulsion

Solar sails have the potential to provide mass and cost savings for spacecraft traveling within the innter solar system. Companies like L'Garde have demonstrated sail manufacturability and various i-space development methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a current Mars sample return architecture and to determine how cost and mass would be reduced by incorporating a solar sail propulsion system. The team validated the design proposed by L'Garde, and scaled the design based on a trajectory analysis. Using the solar sail design reduced the required mass, eliminating one of the three launches required in the original architecture.

Russell, Tiffany E.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Reduction of Martian Sample Return Mission Launch Mass with Solar Sail Propulsion

Solar sails have the potential to provide mass and cost savings for spacecraft traveling within the inner solar system. Companies like L'Garde have demonstrated sail manufacturability and various in-space deployment methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a current Mars sample return architecture and to determine how cost and mass would be reduced by incorporating a solar sail propulsion system. The team validated the design proposed by L'Garde, and scaled the design based on a trajectory analysis. Using the solar sail design reduced the required mass, eliminating one of the three launches required in the original architecture.

Russell, Tiffany E.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Mid-Latitude Ionospheric Disturbances Due to Geomagnetic Storms at ISS Altitudes

Spacecraft charging of the International Space Station (ISS) is dominated by interaction of the US high voltage solar arrays with the F2-region ionosphere plasma environment. ISS solar array charging is enhanced in a high electron density environment due to the increased thermal electron currents to the edges of the solar cells. High electron temperature environments suppress charging due to formation of barrier potentials on the charged solar cell cover glass that restrict the charging currents to the cell edge [Mandell et al., 2003]. Environments responsible for strong solar array charging are therefore characterized by high electron densities and low electron temperatures. In support of the ISS space environmental effects engineering community, we are working to understand a number of features of solar array charging and to determine how well future charging behavior can be predicted from in-situ plasma density and temperature measurements. One aspect of this work is a need to characterize the magnitude of electron density and temperature variations that occur at ISS orbital altitudes (approximately 400 km) over time scales of days, the latitudes over which significant variations occur, and the time periods over which the disturbances persist once they start. This presentation provides examples of mid-latitude electron density and temperature disturbances at altitudes relevant to ISS using data sets and tools developed for our ISS plasma environment study. "Mid-latitude" is defined as the extra-tropical region between approx. 30 degrees to approx. 60 degrees magnetic latitude sampled by ISS over its 51.6 degree inclination orbit. We focus on geomagnetic storm periods because storms are well known drivers for disturbances in the ionospheric plasma environment.

Minow, Joseph I.↗
DOE OSTI2019

An Exciting Boost for Solar Cells

A process called singlet fission has the potential to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. The mechanism has been difficult to implement in such devices, but experiments demonstrate a way forward.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2014

Microstructures of Hibonite From an ALH A77307 (CO3.0) CAI: Evidence for Evaporative Loss of Calcium

Hibonite is a comparatively rare, primary phase found in some CAIs from different chondrite groups and is also common in Wark-Lovering rims [1]. Hibonite is predicted to be one of the earliest refractory phases to form by equilibrium condensation from a cooling gas of solar composition [2] and, therefore, can be a potential recorder of very early solar system processes. In this study, we describe the microstructures of hibonite from one CAI in ALH A77307 (CO3.0) using FIB/TEM techniques in order to reconstruct its formational history.

Han, Jangmi↗
DOE OSTI2025

Low-cost buffer storage for solar industrial steam applications

Motivation and importance: Many industrial process heat consumers operate throughout the day, and deep decarbonization with solar energy requires thermal energy storage. Thermal energy storage provides an additional operational benefit of firm delivery of steam – essential to reducing the risk of costly production interruptions. The group of process heat consumers that use steam for biofuels production for the California transportation fuels market is incentivized through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to reduce their carbon intensity through the use of solar steam. Examples include ethanol and dimethyl ether production. The production of these and other fuels involves distillation driven by steam reboilers with steam pressures in the range 100-280 psig. These pressures can be delivered from the type of thermal energy storage that has been the focus of this project – a steam accumulator Sunvapor, Inc. (SVI) calls a “Bullet Steam Accumulator” or “BSA TM ”. Our project adds to the understanding of the design and integration of steam accumulators charged by solar thermal energy in a biofuels production facility, and similar facilities that consume process steam. The fuel application requires a demanding level of Process Safety Management not found in other steam applications. The type of steam accumulator SVI engineered and built integrates steam generation and storage in one vessel to reduce cost. Achieving a first of a kind permit to operate such a first device has also added to the understanding of the industrial application of such systems. Goals: The overall goal of the project has been to demonstrate the advantages that a “Bullet Steam Accumulator” (BSA™) can provide to solar steam integration with a manufacturing process. The industrial host has already been convinced of the potential of the available solar steam to lower than carbon intensity score. They have been interviewed for a number of publications such as that tout the advantages SVI’s system brings to their operations. Accomplishments: At the end of 2023 Sunvapor placed in service the country’s first industrial solar boiler with thermal energy storage. At the same time, this placement in service represents the first pilot commercial system to decarbonize biofuels production through the use of solar thermal energy. While the full technical effectiveness will be shown as soon as the customer’s plant is able to consume the available steam, the economic feasibility was indicated early in the project when the combination of costs and steam pricing required to meet investor expectations was determined. The project represents a reference pilot from which a full-scale commercial system may be expanded. This pilot is a necessary first step in providing the full potential benefits to the public, including decarbonization of transportation fuels. The decarbonization of the separation steps in fuels production may be the most cost-effective and nearest term solar fuel. Co-benefits include a reduction of air pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter, and job creation for the construction, operation and maintenance of industrial solar facilities.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Self-aligned concentrating immersion-lens arrays for patterning and efficiency recovery in scaffold-reinforced perovskite solar cells

In contrast to existing silicon, CIGS, and multi-junction cells that exhibit remarkable mechanical durability, perovskite solar cells have been shown to delaminate when subjected to the mechanical loads that occur during processing and field exposures, limiting their potential as a reliable solar technology. Mechanical reinforcement is thus essential for durable and reliable perovskite technologies. One current strategy to overcome the thermomechanical fragility of perovskite solar cells is to extrinsically shield them by introducing reinforcing scaffolds which partition the cell into many distinct microcells, but improvements in mechanical stability coincide with a reduced device efficiency due to parasitic absorption by the scaffold. We address this reduced efficiency by integrating concentrating immersion-lens arrays (CILAs) into scaffold-reinforced solar cells. These scaffolds are lithographically patterned by a maskless process, in which ultraviolet light is used to pattern the scaffolds through the CILAs, ensuring self-alignment and optical contact with the microcells. Perovskite devices are deposited into the microcells, and during operation, light is concentrated into the microcells and away from the insulating scaffolds, resulting in mechanically resilient solar cells with efficiencies comparable to planar devices. The CILAs also exhibit passive tracking of incident light—verified experimentally and with ray-tracing simulations—which is critical for optimal power output as the sun moves across the sky during the day. The simplicity of the fabrication process and the efficiency of the resulting scaffolded devices show that a lens-integrated scaffold-reinforced structure is a potential pathway to high-performance, robust, commercially viable perovskite solar cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Exploring the Potential of Fulvalene Dimetals as Platforms for Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage: Computations, Syntheses, Structures, Kinetics, and Catalysis

A study of the scope and limitations of varying the ligand framework around the dinuclear core of FvRu(2) in its function as a molecular solar thermal energy storage framework is presented. It includes DFT calculations probing the effect of substituents, other metals, and CO exchange for other ligands on Delta H-storage. Experimentally, the system is shown to be robust in as much as it tolerates a number of variations, except for the identity of the metal and certain substitution patterns. Failures include 1,1',3,3'-tetra-tert-butyl (4), 1,2,2',3'-tetraphenyl (9), diiron (28), diosmium (24), mixed iron-ruthenium (27), dimolybdenum (29), and di-tungsten (30) derivatives. An extensive screen of potential catalysts for the thermal reversal identified AgNO3-SiO2 as a good candidate, although catalyst decomposition remains a challenge.

Borjesson, K↗