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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 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Composite Solid Ion Conductor with Engineered Lithium Interface

Successful widespread commercialization of electric vehicles is contingent upon development of safe high energy density batteries capable of long cycle life. Lithium metal affords the highest theoretical capacity (3,860 mAh/g) and lowest electrochemical potential (-3.04V vs SHE), which offers the highest specific energy density of anode materials today. While Li-ion batteries are capable of delivering energy densities of 400-600 Wh/kg, the development of lithium metal batteries such as Li-S and Li-air may boost this number up to 650 and 950 Wh/kg, respectively. However, significant progress towards the passivation of lithium metal must occur before the energy density benefit can be realized. Issues with lithium dendrite formation, anode volume expansion, and continuous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) build-up often result in significant safety concerns, high cell resistance, and poor cycle life. The intrinsic high reactivity between lithium metal with conventional lithium ion electrolytes (organic carbonate-based solvents) makes it extremely difficult to overcome these problems. In this project, Wildcat performed focused, fundamental research and development on composite polymer/ceramic electrolytes and protected lithium metal anodes to develop an all solid state lithium metal battery targeting the DOE requirements to enable commercialization. Wildcat successfully leveraged its high throughput battery platform and explored a broad composite electrolyte compositional space. Additionally, Wildcat screened large numbers of inorganic and organic coatings for lithium metal protection using in situ liquid methods and translated the best results to all solid cells. The proposed composite polymer/ceramic electrolyte and a protected lithium metal anode enabled a solid-state lithium metal battery. The ultimate targets from this effort will deliver a safe all solid-state lithium metal pouch cell with over 350 Wh/kg and over 1,000 cycles (C/3) with the cost estimate below $100/kWh. During the course of the project, we demonstrated stable cycling of 10’s of cycles with the composite SSE and our protected lithium. The work has continued after the conclusion of the DOE funding, demonstrating further improvements in catholyte composition and thinner composite solid electrolytes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

U.S. DOE Special Session: National Energy Technology Laboratory LCA Update

This work was presented at the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment 2022 Virtual Conference on November 8, 2022. The evaluation of the environmental advantages and disadvantages of energy technology and policy options requires the comparison of those options on a common basis, and as such, it needs to include not only obvious impacts like converting fuel to useful energy via combustion, but of infrastructure construction, extraction, processing and transportation of fuels, and transport of the final energy product to an end user. Further, it requires comparison across multiple categories of impacts, as single metric perspectives can miss important cross-media tradeoffs. At the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, life cycle analysis is used as a tool and framework for undertaking a broad range of these types of evaluations. This overview will describe the NETL LCA work over the past year.

Jamieson, Matthew↗
DOE OSTI2024

NETL LCA Update US DOE Special Session, ACLCA 2024

This work was presented at the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment 2024 Conference in Snowbird, UT on September 24, 2024. The evaluation of the environmental advantages and disadvantages of energy technology and policy options requires the comparison of those options on a common basis, and as such, it needs to include not only obvious impacts like converting fuel to useful energy via combustion, but of infrastructure construction, extraction, processing and transportation of fuels, and transport of the final energy product to an end user. Further, it requires comparison across multiple categories of impacts, as single metric perspectives can miss important cross-media tradeoffs. At the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, life cycle analysis is used as a tool and framework for undertaking a broad range of these types of evaluations. This overview will describe the NETL LCA work over the past year.

Jamieson, Matthew↗
DOE OSTI2023

Yield, chemistry, and TEA/LCA data for 84 switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) variants

Switchgrass yield, chemistry, technoeconomic assessment (TEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA) data referenced in the manuscript "Economics and Sustainability impacts of yield and composition variation in bioenergy crops: Panicum virgatum L.", Happs, et. al. (manuscript in revision at ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering). These results are based on analysis of yield data generated from a set of switchgrass common garden experiments established by the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI; https://cbi.ornl.gov/). These data include estimates of commercial-scale yields and characterization of biomass chemistry (fermentable carbohydrate fraction) for 84 different switchgrass variants from a genome-wide association study population, as well as estimates of minimum fuel selling price and various life-cycle footprint metrics for cellulosic ethanol produced from that switchgrass biomass.

switchgrass, biofuels↗
DOE OSTI2023

U.S. DOE Special Session: National Energy Technology Laboratory LCA Update

This work was presented at the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment 2023 Conference in Burlington, VT on September 28, 2023. The evaluation of the environmental advantages and disadvantages of energy technology and policy options requires the comparison of those options on a common basis, and as such, it needs to include not only obvious impacts like converting fuel to useful energy via combustion, but of infrastructure construction, extraction, processing and transportation of fuels, and transport of the final energy product to an end user. Further, it requires comparison across multiple categories of impacts, as single metric perspectives can miss important cross-media tradeoffs. At the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, life cycle analysis is used as a tool and framework for undertaking a broad range of these types of evaluations. This overview will describe the NETL LCA work over the past year.

Jamieson, Matthew↗
DOE OSTI2023

Demarcating the Impact of Electrolytes on High–Nickel Cathodes and Lithium–Metal Anode

The ever-growing demand for low-cost, high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) makes high-nickel layered oxide cathodes, especially LiNiO 2 (LNO), one of the most appealing candidates. However, poor structural and surface instability that leads to a short cycle life remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a systematic investigation of LNO performance in two different electrolytes (a conventional carbonate-based LP57 electrolyte and an ether-based localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE)) with different charge cut-off voltages is presented. These findings show that the cathode-electrolyte reactivity is the main factor dictating the performance degradation of LNO at high voltages rather than bulk integrity. While LHCE can provide good stability beyond 4.2 V with a robust, uniform solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the Li-metal anode, there is no significant difference in cyclability at 4.15 V (96% capacity retention after 200 cycles) for both LP57 and LHCE. From LNO symmetric cells, carbonate-based electrolyte is found to be good for LNO stability while ether-based electrolyte is beneficial toward Li-metal anode. Furthermore, a suitable electrolyte or a low cut-off voltage is necessary to maintain a decent cycle life. Altogether, this work highlights the impact of electrolyte and cut-off voltage on LNO and Li-metal, which can help guide the development of cells based on LNO.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

PV DMFA [SWR-21-105]

The Photovoltaic Dynamic Material Flow Assessment (PV DMFA) model (also referred to here as “The model”) is a computational framework written in Python based on utility-scale PV electricity generation to quantify time-series stocks and flows of PV materials primarily in crystalline silicon PV technologies. The model evaluates cradle-to-cradle life cycle of utility-scale solar PV systems in the United States in the period 2000-2100. PV DMFA serves as a sustainability analysis tool to assess the impacts of different material circularity practices (i.e., reduce, reuse/refurbish, remanufacture, and recycle), PV module design shifts and sensitivity of material processing and technology related parameters to material installations, waste creation and raw material depletion in PV material supply chains. This tool enables advanced planning for future material needs and informs sustainable pathways for PV material management in the circular economy. This tool could be helpful to a wide range of stakeholders; Particularly, researchers and manufacturers looking for technoeconomic and/or environmental life cycle analysis (LCA) feedback for renewable energy (RE) systems.

Khalifa, SherifA.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optimization of a Residential Air Source Heat Pump using Refrigerants with GWP <150 for Improved Performance and Reduced Emission

Using low-GWP refrigerants can reduce the Green House Gas (GHG) emission of heat pump systems. Heat exchangers and compressors are the key components and have a prominent impact on system performance, significant research is devoted to reducing the cost of the heat exchangers while achieving the same or better system performance with refrigerant charge reduction.To better understand the environmental impacts of optimized systems with low-GWP refrigerants, Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP) evaluation method was used to evaluate the direct and indirect emissions of the system over the course of its lifetime from manufacturing to disposal. The DOE/ORNL Heat Pump Design Model (HPDM) is used to evaluate the performance of heat pumps. Multi-objective optimizations using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm are performed on a 3-ton R410A residential air source heat pump on market. Seven R410A alternatives, i.e., R32, R454B, R454C, R455A, R457A, R1234yf and R1234ze(E) are investigated. The last five fluids have GWP lower than 150.As a result, 5.5%-12.8% seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) improvement is achieved, and the optimized systems reduce life cycle CO2 emission by 8.5%-28.6% with GWP lower than 150 refrigerants. The optimal heat exchangers can fit into the original R410A fan-coil units; therefore, the proposed design method establishes a production and installation path to produce cost-effective low-GWP heat pumps easily accepted by end users.

Li, Zhenning↗
DOE OSTI2022

Sodium trithiocarbonate cathode for high-performance sodium–sulfur batteries

The high abundance and low cost of sodium and sulfur make room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries an attractive technology compared to the current lithium-ion batteries for large-scale grid-storage applications. However, the commercialization of RT Na-S batteries is impeded by the slow kinetics of Na-S chemistry, severe sodium polysulfide shuttling, and uncontrollable growth of dendritic Na. Herein, sodium trithiocarbonate (Na 2 CS 3 ) is applied as a cathode material to facilitate concurrent improvement in both electrodes, leading to a high-rate performance with extended cycle life. The conductive characteristic of the carbon-sulfur resonance bond provides fast ion and electron transfer throughout the cathode, resulting in superior electrochemical reactivity. At the cathode, the presence of Na2CS3 forms an oligomer-structured layer to suppress the dissolution and shuttling of active materials. Meanwhile, when small portions of Na 2 CS 3 intermediates migrate to the anode, a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer with uniform Na-ion flux is formed, enabling improved Na stripping and plating performance. A series of electrochemical and materials characterization, accompanied by density functional theory calculations demonstrate that Na 2 CS 3 is a promising candidate to realize high-rate performance long cycle life RT Na-S batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Advancing Ethanol-to-Jet cost Effectiveness via direct conversion to n -Butene-Rich olefins and Co-Product Valorization

Ethanol is a promising feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel production; however, conventional routes face significant energy and cost challenges, particularly due to the ethanol dehydration step to ethylene. Here, this study leverages breakthrough experimental data to perform comprehensive techno-economic and life-cycle assessments of an innovative ethanol-to-jet process. The process employs a single-step catalytic conversion, enabled by multifunctional Cu-ZrO 2 /SBA-16 catalyst, to directly upgrade ethanol into a mixed olefin stream rich in n-butene. The single-step conversion eliminates the costly ethanol dehydration step in the conventional process. High selectivity toward n-butene offers key advantages: it simplifies downstream oligomerization into jet-range hydrocarbons and enables the co-production of renewable n-butene alongside sustainable aviation fuel. The analysis estimates a minimum fuel selling price as low as $\$$2.50 per gallon, whether using corn ethanol or cellulosic ethanol from corn stover. Life cycle CO 2 equivalent emissions are projected to be as low as 10.6 g CO 2 eq/MJ sustainable aviation fuel, representing over 70% reduction compared to conventional petroleum-based jet fuel. This one-step ethanol upgrading approach not only facilitates SAF and n-butene co-production but also provides operational flexibility. The ability to tailor product outputs allows the ethanol-to-jet process to adapt to varying feedstocks, incentive programs, and market dynamics, ultimately enhancing the economic viability of sustainable aviation fuel production.

Xu, Yiling [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Dual Functional Ni3S2@Ni Core-Shell Nanoparticles Decorating Nanoporous Carbon as Cathode Scaffolds for Lithium-Sulfur Battery with Lean Electrolytes

Lithium-sulfur batteries are very promising for next-generation energy storage. However, most studies use flooded electrolytes to achieve a high specific capacity at the expense of lowering the specific energy. Understanding lithium-sulfur battery performance with lean electrolytes is highly desirable. Herein, a modified Pechini method is developed to synthesize a nanoporous carbon host decorated with Ni3S2@Ni particles. Such a cathode delivers enhanced specific capacities with extended cycling life in lean electrolytes, due to the dual functions of the Ni3S2 shell, which can both facilitate reaction kinetics and promote electrolyte wetting. This work highlights a strategy to rationally design cathodes for highenergy lithium-sulfur batteries.

Zhang, Yulun↗
DOE OSTI2020

Recent advancements of plant-based natural fiber–reinforced composites and their applications

Demands for reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts are the major driving factors for the development of natural fiber–reinforced composites (NFRCs) in many sectors. Compared with synthesized fiber, natural fiber provides several advantages in terms of biodegradability, light weight, low price, life-cycle superiority, and satisfactory mechanical properties. However, the inherent features of plant-based natural fibers have presented challenges to the development and application of NFRCs, such as variable fiber quality, limited mechanical properties, water absorption, low thermal stability, incompatibility with hydrophobic matrices, and propensity to agglomeration. Substantial research has recently been conducted to address these challenges for improved performance of NFRCs and their applications. This article reviews the recent advancements of plant-based NFRCs, focusing on strategies and breakthroughs in enhancing the NFRCs’ performance, including fiber modification, fiber hybridization, lignocellulosic fillers incorporation, conventional processing techniques, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and new fiber source exploration. In conclusion, the sustainability of plant-based NFRCs using life-cycle assessment and the burgeoning applications of NFRCs with emphasis on the automotive industry are also discussed.

3D reinforcement↗
DOE OSTI2024

Implementing an Objectives-Driven, Risk-Informed, and Case-Assured Approach to Safety and Mission Success at NASA

NASA is developing a “Standard for Assurance of Space Flight Safety and Mission Success” that implements an objectives-driven, risk-informed, and case-assured approach to safety and mission success (S&MS) for NASA space flight programs and projects. The standard aligns with the philosophy of risk leadership that has recently been established in NASA policy to assure acceptable levels of flight crew safety and mission success risk. It is consistent with existing NASA risk management requirements and is compatible with NASA program management and systems engineering requirements. The methodology described in the standard is presented in terms of an S&MS assurance framework that is designed to allow substantial flexibility in the specific means by which programs and projects achieve acceptable mission S&MS risk. Such flexibility is necessary to accommodate the increasingly broad range of acquisition strategies employed by NASA, including commercial transportation services, as well as to accommodate the increasingly rapid evolution of space flight-related technologies and practices. A key feature of the S&MS assurance framework is the specification of S&MS success criteria for each life-cycle review (LCR). The S&MS assurance case is structured around these criteria, the satisfaction of which indicates that the program/project is adhering to the S&MS risk posture. This enables the evolving S&MS assurance case to be used as a fundamental program/project submittal at each LCR, where its inherent structure of argument, supported by evidence, directly supports the evaluation of the program/project with respect to the S&MS success criteria, and by extension, the S&MS risk posture. As such, the S&MS assurance case is integral to program/project systems engineering, risk management, and S&MS oversight activities, and provides the principal basis for S&MS risk acceptance by the Decision Authority throughout the program/project life cycle.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electrolyzers for Hydrogen Production: Solid Oxide, Alkaline, and Proton Exchange Membrane

The effects of climate change have led to a push for cleaner energy sources across multiple sectors. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising energy carrier in this context, as it can be produced using various water electrolysis technologies capable of utilizing clean power (e.g., nuclear and renewable electricity). However, a comprehensive environmental assessment of these technologies requires an understanding of the environmental impacts during their complete life cycle, including the embodied emissions in their material composition and during their manufacturing stages; these emissions are often neglected. This report provides a brief overview of major water electrolysis technologies, viz., proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (PEMEC) or polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), alkaline electrolysis cell (AEC) and solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), along with a detailed bill of materials for these technologies that has been incorporated in the updated G reenhouse gases, R egulated E missions, and E nergy use in T ransportation (GREET ® ) 2022 model. We also provide an inventory for the intermediate materials used to produce these electrolyzers, which has not been covered in prior releases. Using these material and energy flows, the GREET model provides a detailed life cycle inventory (energy use and emissions) from raw material extraction through complete production of electrolyzers for major electrolysis technologies.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tailoring Electrolytes by Decoupling the Roles of Li + and Lithium Polysulfides in Li–S Batteries

Understanding the distinct roles of lithium ions (Li + ) and lithium polysulfide intermediates, Li 2 S x (LiPS) is critical for designing electrolytes that can extend the practical cycle life of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Here, in this work, we decouple the solvation and solubility effects of Li + and LiPS and correlate them with electrochemical performance through a cosolvent strategy. Li + solubility and solvation primarily dictate the electrolyte’s ionic conductivity and the reversibility of lithium anode stripping/plating. In contrast, LiPS solvation governs the thermodynamics of sulfur (S 8 ), LiPS, and lithium sulfide (Li 2 S) interconversion, while the LiPS solubility determines their redox kinetics. By employing a fluorinated–glyme (F-glyme) cosolvent, specifically 1,2-bis­(2,2-difluoroethoxy)­ethane (F4DEE), that exhibits low LiPS solubility yet moderate Li + solvation, we designed an electrolyte that enhances lithium anode stability while maintaining sufficient sulfur cathode kinetics, thereby prolonging Li–S cell cycle life. This study provides mechanistic insights into the interplay between Li+ and LiPS in Li–S electrochemistry and offers design principles for next-generation electrolytes for Li–S batteries.

Yang, Jingtian [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL),↗
DOE OSTI2020

Achieving Productivity to Recover and Restore Columbia River Stream-Type Chinook Salmon Relies on Increasing Smolt-To-Adult Survival

Abstract We analyzed and compared productivity and survival rates of populations of stream-type Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha from the upper and middle ranges of their distribution in the Columbia River basin. These two groups of populations undergo vastly different exposures during migration through the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Declines of the Snake River populations, listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, have been associated with the development and operation of the FCRPS. In contrast, John Day River stream-type Chinook Salmon populations, which were less affected by the FCRPS, have declined to a lesser extent and are not listed. Smolt-to-adult survival rates (SARs) accounted for a majority of the variation in life cycle survival rates of Snake River Chinook Salmon. Productivity declined to 13% and 44% of historical productivity levels for Snake River and John Day River populations, respectively. A synthesis of previous studies contrasting anthropogenic impacts between the two regions supports the conclusion that FCRPS impacts explain the large difference in population productivity. Our results suggest that SARs of 4% would result in an expected productivity of up to 70% of historical levels (a SAR level consistent with regional restoration objectives). The SARs have been shown to be highly influenced by conditions within the FCRPS (e.g., water velocity and passage through dam powerhouses). Marine conditions also influence SARs; however, meaningful management actions are only available to affect conditions within the FCRPS. Given the importance of SARs to overall life cycle productivity, recovery and restoration strategies need to prioritize actions that have potential to substantially increase SARs by addressing the significant impacts of main-stem dams. This study highlights the importance of considering river management options in the face of increasingly variable and warming ocean conditions.

Petrosky, Charles E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lightning Characteristics Associated With Storm Modes Observed During RELAMPAGO

Global satellite studies show a maximum in deep convection and lightning downstream of the Andes in subtropical South America. The Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) field campaign was designed to investigate the physical processes that contribute to the rapid development of deep convection and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in Argentina. A lightning mapping array (LMA) was deployed to Argentina as part of RELAMPAGO to collect lightning observations from extreme storms in the region. This study combines lightning data from the LMA and the Geostationary Lightning Mapper onboard GOES-16 with 1-km gridded radar data to examine the electrical characteristics of a variety of convective storms throughout their life cycle observed during RELAMPAGO. Results from the full campaign show 48% of flashes are associated with deep convection that occurs along the eastern edge of the Sierras de Córdoba (SDC) overnight. These flashes are 65 km 2 smaller on average compared to stratiform flashes, which occur most frequently 50–100 km east of the SDC in the early morning hours, consistent with the upscale growth of MCSs off the terrain. Analysis of the 13–14 December MCS shows that sharp increases in flash rates correspond to deep and wide convective cores that have high graupel and hail mass, 35-dBZ volume, and ice water path. This work validates previous satellite studies of lightning in the region, but also provides higher spatial and temporal resolution information across the convective life cycle that has not been available in previous studies.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Forest responses to simulated elevated CO 2 under alternate hypotheses of size- and age-dependent mortality

Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO 2 ) is predicted to increase growth rates of forest trees. The extent to which increased growth translates to changes in biomass is dependent on the turnover time of the carbon, and thus tree mortality rates. Size- or age-dependent mortality combined with increased growth rates could result in either decreased carbon turnover from a speeding up of tree life cycles, or increased biomass from trees reaching larger sizes, respectively. However, most vegetation models currently lack any representation of size- or age-dependent mortality and the effect of eCO 2 on changes in biomass and carbon turnover times is thus a major source of uncertainty in predictions of future vegetation dynamics. Using a reduced-complexity form of the vegetation demographic model the Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Ecosystem Simulator to simulate an idealised tropical forest, we find increases in biomass despite reductions in carbon turnover time in both size- and age-dependent mortality scenarios in response to a hypothetical eCO 2 -driven 25% increase in woody net primary productivity (wNPP). Carbon turnover times decreased by 9.6% in size-dependent mortality scenarios due to a speeding up of tree life cycles, but also by 2.0% when mortality was age-dependent, as larger crowns led to increased light competition. Increases in aboveground biomass (AGB) were much larger when mortality was age-dependent (24.3%) compared with size-dependent (13.4%) as trees reached larger sizes before death. In simulations with a constant background mortality rate, carbon turnover time decreased by 2.1% and AGB increased by 24.0%, however, absolute values of AGB and carbon turnover were higher than in either size- or age-dependent mortality scenario. The extent to which AGB increases and carbon turnover decreases will thus depend on the mechanisms of large tree mortality: if increased size itself results in elevated mortality rates, then this could reduce by about half the increase in AGB relative to the increase in wNPP.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗