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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Energy Paths for the Yurok People

This Yurok Tribe energy strategic planning study examined electricity usage, costs and infrastructure, as well as electricity needs on the Reservation. It also assessed the Tribe’s energy resources. Equipped with this information, the project team conducted an energy options analysis that examined different project opportunities and identified key projects that are both feasible to implement and will help the Tribe reach its stated Energy Vision. A key finding of the energy needs assessment is that there are still numerous households that are without grid electric power, and it is likely that most of them will remain disconnected from the grid because of their remoteness. To provide these community members with reliable, affordable, modern energy services their homes will need to be electrified via a robust off-grid energy services program that installs and maintains off-grid energy systems. This is the key need that is explored and addressed in this plan. The approach taken is to establish a new business entity, a Tribal Energy Authority or Utility, that will operate a Tribal Energy Program. The Energy Strategic Plan identifies a number of potential funding sources that could be used to support both the On-grid and Off-grid Energy Programs. This plan also promotes continued efforts to reduce electricity consumption through the implementation of energy efficiency measures in existing facilities and the enforcement of a strong energy-efficient building code for all new construction on the Reservation. Finally, the plan promotes added resilience at critical Tribal facilities on the Reservation by recommending that battery energy storage systems and microgrid controls be coupled with rooftop solar PV systems to create cutting edge microgrid facilities that can provide critical power services to Tribal facilities when the main electric grid is shutdown.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Using Natural Gas Liquids to Recover Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources (Final Report)

This document presents final technical findings for the project Using Natural Gas Liquids to Recover Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources (FE0031782). The project is part of the U.S. Department of Energy Oil and Gas Program to develop and advance technologies that can significantly improve the recovery efficiencies of unconventional oil and gas resources. The overall objective of this project is to improve the ultimate recovery from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) resources in the United States by developing a method for using unrefined natural gas liquids (NGLs) as treatment fluids to improve hydrocarbon production. Horizontal extended-lateral drilling coupled with high volume hydraulic fracturing has significantly increased production from UOG resources in the U.S. However, the recovery efficiency is low compared to the estimated oil and gas in place. Recent data indicate that less than 10% of the oil in the liquid-rich UOG reservoirs is produced. Alternative completion methods using NGLs could increase production (Battelle, 2016; Wan et al., 2013; Wan, 2013; Downey et al, 2021); however, field validation tests are needed to develop an approach that is economical, efficient, and compatible in the UOG setting to advance towards commercial deployment. This project aims to develop and field test a method to improve recovery of oil resources in UOG shale plays by using Y-Grade NGLs, or a similar combination of NGLs, as treatment fluids. Refined NGLs have been used as a hydraulic treatment fluid in UOG plays for decades and are shown to be particularly effective because their miscibility with oil allows oil to flow more freely; however, the use of Y-Grade (unrefined) NGLs has not been studied. The use of Y-Grade NGLs would be advantageous over refined NGLs because Y-Grade NGLs do not require infrastructure or investment in refining and are already being produced from many UOG reservoirs. The concept was tested and monitored in the field at a commercial well site owned by project partner Hopco, Ltd. The project team, which consists of multiple oil and gas operators, Linde Gas North America LLC (Linde) and the Ohio Division of Geological Survey (ODGS), has extensive experience with oil and gas production in the Appalachian basin and the ability to work together quickly to solve technical issues and research needs. A key part of the proposed work was the use of existing wells for field testing and monitoring. A total of four wells (three vertical and one horizontal) were available for this project. One of the vertical wells was utilized as the test well for the NGL treatment test. A nearby vertical well was used for microseismic monitoring. The remaining vertical well and the horizontal well provided a baseline for typical UOG production in the oil window of the Utica/Point Pleasant (UPP). Major technical tasks of the project include characterization of the geotechnical properties of the UPP with an emphasis on the field site; design and planning for the NGLs testing; field testing and monitoring; analysis and integration of field data; and economic and resource/reserve assessment. The Shoman monitoring well and Doughty NGL treatment well were successfully plugged back during September-October 2020 in preparation for treatment and monitoring. A nitrogen diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT) was completed on the Doughty well on July 22, 2021, consisting of 133,000 scf (91 Bbl.) of nitrogen. A nitrogen foam frac was completed in the Utica-Point Pleasant interval on August 17, 2021 with funding from outside sources. A microseismic monitoring array was installed in the Shoman well and monitored microseismic activity during the Doughty well frac job. Y-Grade NGL injection commenced on August 26, 2021. A total of 215 Bbl. was injected but the job was shut down due to a small leak on the suction hose on the pump truck. The Y-Grade treatment resumed on August 27, 2021 and an additional 726 Bbl. of Y-Grade NGL was injected at a well head pressure of 3850 psi. Total volume of injected Y-Grade over the two days of injection was 941 Bbl. The well was shut-in for 17 days following injection to allow the Y-Grade NGLs to soak on the formation. Y-Grade treatment flow back commenced on 9/13/2021 on a weekly basis. Production data, including surface pressures, oil, nitrogen, natural gas, and flow times was measured and recorded. Periodic gas samples were collected and analyzed to determine composition of flowback gas. As of July 2022, the treatment well had produced 726 Bbl of oil and 2,888 mcf gas. In August 2022, tubing and packer in the well were removed and a pump was installed to enhance oil recovery. Currently, the operator is producing the well about 2 days a week for a few hours. The performance of the NGL treatment test was evaluated based on reservoir simulations of the treatment process, processing of well testing data, analysis of micro seismic monitoring data, and production data analysis. This analysis suggested that oil production in the small test would continue through 2025. Upscaling the treatment to a horizontal Utica Point-Pleasant well would allow more oil recovery, but the process would involve more investment, services, and operational support. An economic analysis was conducted for scenarios aimed at upscaling the NGL treatment process for more typical horizontal UPP wells in the Appalachian Basin.

02 PETROLEUM↗
NASA NTRS1975

Photovoltaic applications of Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC)

The use of a compound parabolic concentrator as field collector, in conjunction with a primary focusing concentrator for photovoltaic applications is studied. The primary focusing concentrator can be a parabolic reflector, an array of Fresnel mirrors, a Fresnel lens or some other lens. Silicon solar cell grid structures are proposed that increase efficiency with concentration up to 10 suns. A ray tracing program has been developed to determine energy distribution at the exit of a compound parabolic concentrator. Projected total cost of a CPC/solar cell system will be between 4 and 5 times lower than for flat plate silicon cell arrays.

Winston, R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Wind energy systems

A discussion on wind energy systems involved with the DOE wind energy program is presented. Some of the problems associated with wind energy systems are discussed. The cost, efficiency, and structural design of wind energy systems are analyzed.

Stewart, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Energy Efficient Engine combustor test hardware detailed design report

The Energy Efficient Engine (E3) Combustor Development effort was conducted as part of the overall NASA/GE E3 Program. This effort included the selection of an advanced double-annular combustion system design. The primary intent was to evolve a design which meets the stringent emissions and life goals of the E3 as well as all of the usual performance requirements of combustion systems for modern turbofan engines. Numerous detailed design studies were conducted to define the features of the combustion system design. Development test hardware was fabricated, and an extensive testing effort was undertaken to evaluate the combustion system subcomponents in order to verify and refine the design. Technology derived from this development effort will be incorporated into the engine combustion system hardware design. This advanced engine combustion system will then be evaluated in component testing to verify the design intent. What is evolving from this development effort is an advanced combustion system capable of satisfying all of the combustion system design objectives and requirements of the E3. Fuel nozzle, diffuser, starting, and emissions design studies are discussed.

Burrus, D. L.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Fighting Flicker

Thanks in part to the rapid emergence of LED lighting, the phenomenon of flicker has been getting increased attention. All conventional light sources modulate luminous flux and intensity to some degree, usually as a consequence of drawing power from AC mains sources. But whereas conventional light sources have somewhat delayed responses to changes in electrical current – which serves to “cushion” them to some degree against flickering – the LED and its driver respond instantly to such changes, which can result in stark fluctuations in light output. And while these fluctuations may not be noticeable to everyone, they can still result in health and task performance problems. Understanding and countering flicker is essential to the success of high-efficiency lighting technology. That’s why the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solid-State Lighting Program conducts flicker research and is supporting a number of industry committees (CIE 1-83: Visual Aspects of Time-Modulated Lighting Systems; CIE 2-89: Measurement of Temporal Light Modulation of Light Sources and Lighting Systems; and the IES Testing Procedures Committee) that are developing flicker standards for measurement, acceptability, and metrics. A wide variety of technical resources on flicker can be found at https://www.energy.gov/eere/ssl/flicker.

lighting, flicker, flicker meters, Flicker metrics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Installer Badges Toolkit

As the focus on home energy efficiency grows, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) are collaborating with the home energy retrofit industry to support the development of skilled workers. The Installer Badges Toolkit provides a flexible, customizable, and voluntary approach to training and skills recognition for WAP implementers, utility programs, private sector workers, and contractors.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Foreword 1: The Medici Effect and the Importance of Women in Manufacturing

In 2004, Frans Johansson published “The Medici Effect” which emphasizes the need for diversity for innovation. His hypothesis is based on the Medici Dynasty in the 14th Century and their role in the birth of the Renaissance. The Medici’s financial support of painters, poets, scientists, architects… a variety of disciplines working closely together on diverse problems, led to an explosion of innovations. We still see this today in pockets of industries where architects work with entomologists on new designs of energy efficient building, roboticist study nature to understand locomotion and manipulation. One of my most rewarding programs was when I worked with a microbiologist to use bacteria to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles for ferrofluids. Diversity is the fuel for innovation. Our greatest source of fuel for diversity is gender.

Love, Lonnie↗
DOE OSTI2024

Challenges and Opportunities for Basic Efficiency Measures in Low-Income Homes: A Southeast Alaska Case Study

Juneau, Alaska, is the state's capital city and aims to reach 80% renewable energy for the space heating and transportation sectors by 2045. This goal highlights a need to electrify both sectors to take advantage of the inexpensive hydropower available from the local electric utility, Alaska Electric Light and Power. To that end, researchers examined the feasibility of deploying storm windows via a case study of installing storm windows in two local low-income homes. Newer models of storm windows provide an extra layer of insulation over existing windows while preserving operability and views. They can also improve comfort and reduce noise. In addition to conducting pre- and post-installation air leakage tests, energy monitoring, and occupant interviews, researchers worked with the regional housing authority and a local builder to install the storm windows and replace inoperable windows in the two houses in 2021. The team encountered several challenges, including a lack of egress windows, energy data from a wide variety of heating systems, extremely leaky homes, and installation issues, such as windows that were not square. These results point to several barriers to the widespread deployment of window upgrades in the area and open the door to opportunities to design deployment programs that improve safety and efficiency.

cold climate↗
DOE OSTI2018

Final Technical Report for: A Unified Data-Driven Approach for Programming In Situ Analysis and Visualization

The placement and movement of data is becoming the key limiting factor on both performance and energy efficiency of high performance computations. As systems generate more data, it is becoming increasingly difficult to actually move that data elsewhere for post-processing, as the rate of improvements in supporting I/O infrastructure is not keeping pace. Together, these trends are creating a shift in how we think about exascale computations, from a viewpoint that focuses on FLOPS to one that focuses on data and data-centric operations as fundamental to the reasoning about, and optimization of, scientific workflows on extreme-scale architectures. The overarching goal of our effort was the study of a unified data-driven approach for programming applications and in situ analysis and visualization. Our work was to understand the interplay between data-centric programming model requirements at extreme-scale and the overall impact of those requirements on the design, capabilities, flexibility, and implementation details for both applications and the supporting in situ infrastructure. In this context, we made many improvements to the Legion programming system (one of the leading data-centric models today) and demonstrated in situ analyses on real application codes using these improvements.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Barriers and Opportunities to Broader Adoption of Integrated Demand Side Management at Electric Utilities: A Scoping Study

Integrated demand-side management (IDSM) is a strategic approach to designing and delivering a portfolio of demand side management (DSM) programs to customers. IDSM typically delivers customer centric strategies with the goal of increasing the amount of DSM in the field, but doing so in a way that integrates various measures and technologies to improve their collective performance and/or penetration. Specifically, IDSM can be defined as the integrated or coordinated delivery of three or more of: (1) energy efficiency (EE), (2) demand response (DR), (3) distributed generation (DG), (4) storage, (5) electric vehicle (EV) technologies, and (6) time-based rate programs to residential and commercial electric utility customers. The electric industry’s limited experience deploying IDSM to date suggests that significant barriers may exist. This report explores recent electric utility experience with IDSM to provide an assessment of the barriers and potential benefits perceived or experienced by program administrators in their attempts to implement integrated programs. The research draws on surveys and interviews with eleven staff from a sample of eight DSM program administrators and program implementers who were currently implementing or had previously attempted to implement an IDSM program or initiative. Respondents provided their perspectives on drivers for IDSM and barriers to broader deployment. They also reported on actions they had undertaken to promote expanded delivery of IDSM and provided their assessments of the most important under-tapped opportunities for expanding IDSM efforts, both for program administrator and regulatory organizations.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS2015

Test Program for Stirling Radioisotope Generator Hardware at NASA Glenn Research Center

Stirling-based energy conversion technology has demonstrated the potential of high efficiency and low mass power systems for future space missions. This capability is beneficial, if not essential, to making certain deep space missions possible. Significant progress was made developing the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG), a 140-W radioisotope power system. A variety of flight-like hardware, including Stirling convertors, controllers, and housings, was designed and built under the ASRG flight development project. To support future Stirling-based power system development NASA has proposals that, if funded, will allow this hardware to go on test at the NASA Glenn Research Center. While future flight hardware may not be identical to the hardware developed under the ASRG flight development project, many components will likely be similar, and system architectures may have heritage to ASRG. Thus, the importance of testing the ASRG hardware to the development of future Stirling-based power systems cannot be understated. This proposed testing will include performance testing, extended operation to establish an extensive reliability database, and characterization testing to quantify subsystem and system performance and better understand system interfaces. This paper details this proposed test program for Stirling radioisotope generator hardware at NASA Glenn. It explains the rationale behind the proposed tests and how these tests will meet the stated objectives.

Energy Conversion↗
NASA NTRS2014

Test Program for Stirling Radioisotope Generator Hardware at NASA Glenn Research Center

Stirling-based energy conversion technology has demonstrated the potential of high efficiency and low mass power systems for future space missions. This capability is beneficial, if not essential, to making certain deep space missions possible. Significant progress was made developing the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG), a 140-watt radioisotope power system. A variety of flight-like hardware, including Stirling convertors, controllers, and housings, was designed and built under the ASRG flight development project. To support future Stirling-based power system development NASA has proposals that, if funded, will allow this hardware to go on test at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). While future flight hardware may not be identical to the hardware developed under the ASRG flight development project, many components will likely be similar, and system architectures may have heritage to ASRG. Thus the importance of testing the ASRG hardware to the development of future Stirling-based power systems cannot be understated. This proposed testing will include performance testing, extended operation to establish an extensive reliability database, and characterization testing to quantify subsystem and system performance and better understand system interfaces. This paper details this proposed test program for Stirling radioisotope generator hardware at NASA GRC. It explains the rationale behind the proposed tests and how these tests will meet the stated objectives.

Energy Conversion↗
DOE OSTI2021

Weatherization Assistant NEAT/MHEA

The software provides a measure selection technique indicating cost effective retrofit activities that can be applied to a home using a standard Savings to Investment Ratio (SIR). Users must provide an input file describing the characteristics of the home to be evaluated. The software takes the input data provided and calculates energy savings and cost savings predicted for a standard set of measures given the input parameters. The Weatherization Assistant computes estimates of pre-retrofit whole building space heating and cooling energy consumptions based on the house description data supplied by the user. The consumptions are computed using a monthly heating and cooling variable base degree-day method by algorithms similar to those developed for the CIRA program [LBL, 1982]. The building consumptions are needed in computing the energy savings from measures affecting the efficiencies of the heating and cooling equipment. Weatherization Assistant then computes the energy savings and costs for each individual measure applicable to the building described as if it were the only measure installed in the house. From these energy savings, a discounted dollar savings over the life of each measure is computed. The ratio of this dollar savings to the cost of installing the measure, the "savings-to-investment ratio" (SIR), is used in an initial ranking of the measures' effectiveness. The "interacted" savings and SIR of measures are then determined assuming the measures are added to the house collectively, in order of their ranking, e.g., the second ranked measure is installed in the house initially described by the user after having been modified by the first ranked measure. If this second-ranked measure's updated SIR is greater than a user-defined limit, the measure is left implemented, else it is removed so that the next measure's effectiveness is not dependent on it. The choice between two mutually exclusive measures (such as different levels of insulation) is made on the basis of their "net present value" (NPV), the difference of life-time savings and installation cost, rather than their SIR. This has been shown to be the more correct criterion on which to base the selection between two measures, both of which cannot be installed. The audit computes and reports to the user the energy savings, discounted dollar savings, installation cost, and SIR for each measure considered cost-effective. For those with SIR greater than the user-designated cutoff, a materials list gives the material name, type, and quantity required for installation of the measure. Weatherization Assistant permits entry of pre-retrofit billing data for gas or electrically heated homes or homes with electric air-conditioning. The user may then make the decision to have the savings of the measures adjusted to reflect the difference in billed consumption and that predicted by the program.

Gettings, Michael↗
DOE OSTI2026

Port Technical Assistance Program: A Proposed Initiative to Support U.S. Ports Through Energy Innovation

This document highlights the crucial importance of the maritime sector within the United States (U.S.) economy, serving as a key node for trade and global goods transportation. U.S. ports are currently grappling with challenges posed by rising shipping demands, the health impacts of diesel fuel reliance, and the technology adoptions of global trade partners due to increasing environmental regulations. This document proposes forming a technical assistance program, led by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), to help U.S. ports transition to sustainable energy solutions that not only improve environmental and community outcomes, but also enhance resilience to unexpected weather events and reduce pressure on local utilities. Coordinated by PNNL, this initiative would offer a web-based platform of consolidated resources and tools for comprehensive strategic planning and cost-benefit analysis. It also seeks to establish a collaborative network between ports and national laboratories to facilitate the sharing of best practices. The document suggests that optimizing resource allocation and providing tailored support could be achieved through strategic categorization of ports within this network, with relevant attributes and examples detailed in the report. The anticipated benefits of such a program could include increased efficiency and cost savings in port operations and the advancement of scientific innovation via alternative energy research. Also, it could enhance economic growth and competitiveness in international trade by enabling ports to meet shipping demands and develop resilient critical infrastructure through informed, long-term strategies.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2016

FY2015 Propulsion Materials Annual Report

The Propulsion Materials Program actively supports the energy security and reduction of greenhouse emissions goals of VTO by investigating and identifying the materials properties that are most essential for continued development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation heavy and light-duty powertrains. The technical approaches available to enhance propulsion systems focus on improvements in both vehicle efficiency and fuel substitution, both of which must overcome the performance limitations of the materials currently in use. Propulsion Materials Program activities work with national laboratories, industry experts, and VTO powertrain systems (e.g., Advanced Combustion Engines [ACE], Advanced Power Electronics and Electrical Machines [APEEM], and fuels) teams to develop strategies that overcome materials limitations in future powertrain performance. The technical maturity of the portfolio of funded projects ranges from basic science to subsystem prototype validation. Projects within a Propulsion Materials Program activity address materials concerns that directly impact critical technology barriers within each of the above programs, including barriers that impact fuel efficiency, thermal management, emissions reduction, improved reliability, and reduced manufacturing costs. The program engages only the barriers that result from material property limitations and represent fundamental, high-risk materials issues.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2019

From Theory to Practice: Lessons Learned from an Advanced M&V Commercial Pilot

Advanced measurement & verification (M&V), or M&V 2.0, is an energy data analysis method using advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data in combination with analytics to quantify energy efficiency project savings. Advanced M&V is viewed as an enabler for underutilized behavioral, retrocommissioning, and holistic multi-measure efficiency efforts, as quantifying savings for these programs with existing methods has typically been very challenging. Despite its promise, there are still several unanswered questions about the use of advanced M&V such as: How accurately can these tools quantify energy savings? How can advanced M&V satisfy regulatory requirements for rigorous savings estimates? Where and how does advanced M&V intersect with traditional impact evaluation and the principles of ‘embedded’ evaluation, measurement & verification (EM&V)? Pilots are being pursued in various regions and program contexts to address these research questions. However, results from these pilots are rarely made public, meaning that lessons may not be widely shared and the scope of analyses varies widely. The paper presents encouraging results from a recent advanced M&V pilot and discusses key process-related aspects such as managing AMI data and refining analysis methodologies. An approach to reviewing and classifying projects based on savings characteristics and magnitude is demonstrated, as a potential risk management tool. The authors also demonstrate how advanced M&V can identify underperforming projects and non-routine events in a timely manner. The paper also outlines lessons learned from this and other recent pilot activity and barriers to be overcome in moving toward the goal of widespread adoption of holistic meter-based programs.

Crowe, Eliot↗
DOE OSTI2021

Community-scale interaction of energy efficiency and demand flexibility in residential buildings

Demand-side management (DSM) strategies, including energy efficiency (EE) and demand flexibility (DF), contribute to cost-effective operation of the electricity grid. From a system-level perspective, such programs reduce costs, enhance reliability, and reduce network issues. Similarly, DSM programs help participating customers reduce utility bills while maintaining occupant comfort. Understanding the relationship between EE and DF is key to realizing the full potential of DSM programs. In this study, we modeled an all-electric residential community based on a 498-home community that is planned for construction in Fort Collins, Colorado in the United States. We used this community model to study the relationship between different EE measures, including building envelope upgrades and smart appliances, and DF enabled by a home energy management system (HEMS) responding to a time-varying tariff. Various EE levels in the homes – code-minimum, zero energy ready, and even higher levels of envelope efficiency – were simulated. DF is enabled by the HEMS, which coordinates behind-the-meter resources, including flexible building loads, PV, and home battery systems, to minimize utility bills while maintaining occupant comfort. When comparing to the code-minimum homes, EE upgrades alone reduce HVAC energy use during peak hours by up to 50% and the HVAC utility bill by up to $312/year. With the addition of HEMS, the average daily peak demand can be reduced by up to 0.58 MW or 1.2 kW/home in the higher envelope efficiency homes. The combination of EE upgrades, HEMS, and home battery systems is expected to save homeowners up to $590/year while increasing community load flexibility. However, HEMS and home battery systems are less effective in increasing the DF in the more efficient homes due to the lower load.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗