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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 91 records · Page 5

Smart manufacturing maturity models and their applicability: a review

The purpose of this paper is to review existing smart manufacturing (SM) maturity models' dimensions and maturity levels to assess their applicability and drawbacks. There are many maturity models available but many of them have not been validated or do not provide a useful guide or tool for applications. This gap creates the need for a review of the existing maturity model's applicability. Nineteen peer-reviewed maturity models related to “Digital Transformation,” “Industry 4.0” or “Smart Manufacturing” were selected based on a systematic literature review and five consulting firm models were selected based on the author's industry knowledge. The chosen models were analyzed to determine 10 categories of dimensions. Then they are assessed on a 1–5 scale for how applicable they are in the 10 categories of dimensions. The five “consulting firm” models have a first-mover advantage, are more widely used in industry and are more applicable, but some require payment, and they lack published details and validation. The 19 “peer reviewed” models are not as widely used, lack awareness in the industry and are not as easy to apply because of no web tool for self-assessment, but they are improving. The categories defined to characterize the models and facilitate comparisons for users include “Information Technology (IT) and Cyber-Physical System (CPS) and Data,” “Strategy and Organization,” “Supply Chain and Logistics,” “Products and Services,” “Culture and Employees,” “Technology and Capabilities,” “Customer and Market,” “Cybersecurity and Risk,” “Leadership and Management” and “Governance and Compliance.” The analyzed maturity models were particularly weak in the areas of cybersecurity, leadership and governance. Researchers and practitioners can use this review with consideration of their specific needs to determine if a maturity model is applicable or if a new model needs to be developed. The review can also aid in the development of maturity models through the discussion of each of the dimension categories. Finally, compared to existing reviews of SM maturity models, this research determines comprehensive dimension categories and focuses on applicability and drawbacks.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Literature Review for Sensor Impact Evaluation and Verification Use Cases - Building Controls and Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD)

This report summarizes a comprehensive literature review for the selected sensor suites used in building controls and fault detection and diagnostics (FDD), which is a Q2 deliverable of the Sensor Impact Evaluation and Verification project. The project’s overarching goal is to develop a framework for investigating the impact of sensor deployment and configuration for building energy optimization, fault detection and diagnosis (FDD), occupants’ thermal comfort, and potential grid efficiency. While the first phase of the literature review performed in Q1 reviewed the current methods of various sensor selection and placements and their impact, this report focuses on high impactful potential use cases for the selected sensor suites in building control and FDD. The use cases identified in this literature review will be further investigated and be included in the final sensor impact evaluation framework. For the review, the multi-laboratory team reviewed 241 research papers, technical reports, and books to identify existing technologies, the potential impact on energy savings and thermal comfort, and future research opportunities for the selected use cases in building controls and FDD. Along with the literature review, the team conducted a series of interviews with experts in sensors and controls area to identify the state-of-art sensor technologies, and the most impactful use cases in controls and FDD areas. The interview results will also be incorporated with the findings from the literature review in the next quarter, and the final use cases to be evaluated will be selected.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Systems Innovation: Modernization & Efficiencies for ESH&Q Reviews

Environmental compliance reviews at INL have traditionally been managed through fragmented systems, relying on multiple spreadsheets and manual processes. This inefficiency led to time-consuming status updates and redundant tasks, such as manually sending reminder emails and transferring data from Excel to the Environmental Review Process (ERP). Initial attempts to streamline these processes using Power Automate and Excel revealed significant limitations, necessitating a more comprehensive solution. To address these immediate inefficiencies, automated workflows were developed using Power Automate. These workflows were designed to send scheduled status update reminders and capture responses through standardized forms, with submitted data flowing directly into centralized Excel trackers. This automation reduced the administrative burden, improved data accuracy, and enabled faster, more consistent reporting. Specifically, email automation achieved a 65% efficiency gain, while data integration saw a 48% improvement, resulting in 91% of project statuses being updated within two months. Despite the improvements brought by Power Automate, the fragmented nature of the review processes persisted. To further enhance efficiency and accuracy, the Integrated Review Tool (IRT) was developed. The IRT aims to centralize review initiation and connect team systems, creating an interconnected data infrastructure that preserves team autonomy while enhancing overall efficiency. This tool automates email reminders, centralizes reviews, and streamlines data integration, significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of environmental compliance reviews. The design and development of the IRT involved advanced systems methodology, process mapping, project management, and collaboration with subject matter experts. The minimum viable product design is 100% complete, and system development is currently underway, with expected outcomes including a centralized entry point for all ESH&Q reviews, automated routing, real-time tracking and analytics, AI integration, and a user-friendly interface. This project demonstrates the potential of leveraging automation and integrated systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making in environmental reporting and compliance processes at INL.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

2021 Annual Merit Review Report, Vehicle Technologies Office

The 2021 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Annual Merit Review (AMR) was held June 21-25, 2021, virtually, due to extenuating circumstances resulting from the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The review encompassed work done by VTO: 273 individual activities were reviewed by 281 reviewers. Exactly 1,152 individual review responses were received for the VTO technical reviews. The objective of the meeting was to review the accomplishments and plans for VTO over the previous 12 months, and provide an opportunity for industry, government, and academia to give inputs to DOE with a structured and formal methodology. The meeting also provided attendees with a virtual forum for interaction and technology information transfer.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

2022 Annual Merit Review Report, Vehicle Technologies Office: Results Report

The 2022 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Annual Merit Review (AMR) was held June 21-23, 2022, as a hybrid event with in-person and virtual attendance. The review encompassed work done by VTO: 213 individual activities were reviewed by 255 reviewers. Exactly 1,051 individual review responses were received for the VTO technical reviews. The objective of the meeting was to review the accomplishments and plans for VTO over the previous 12 months, and provide an opportunity for industry, government, and academia to give inputs to DOE with a structured and formal methodology. The meeting also provided attendees with a virtual forum for interaction and technology information transfer.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

2019 Vehicle Technologies Office Annual Merit Review Report

The 2019 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Annual Merit Review (AMR) was held June 10-13, 2019, in Arlington, Virginia. The review encompassed work done by VTO: 287 individual activities were reviewed by 272 reviewers. Exactly 1,162 individual review responses were received for the VTO technical reviews. The objective of the meeting was to review the accomplishments and plans for VTO over the previous 12 months, and provide an opportunity for industry, government, and academia to give inputs to DOE on the Office with a structured and formal methodology. The meeting also provided attendees with a forum for interaction and technology information transfer.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

2020 Annual Merit Review, Vehicle Technologies Office

The 2020 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Annual Merit Review (AMR) was held June 1-4, 2020, virtually, due to extenuating circumstances resulting from the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The review encompassed work done by VTO: 292 individual activities were reviewed by 334 reviewers. Exactly 1,133 individual review responses were received for the VTO technical reviews. The objective of the meeting was to review the accomplishments and plans for VTO over the previous 12 months, and provide an opportunity for industry, government, and academia to give inputs to DOE with a structured and formal methodology. The meeting also provided attendees with a virtual forum for interaction and technology information transfer.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

2023 Annual Merit Review Vehicle Technologies Office Results Report

The 2023 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) Annual Merit Review (AMR) was held June 12-15, 2023, as a hybrid event with in-person and virtual attendance. The review encompassed work done by VTO: 257 individual activities were reviewed by 266 reviewers. Exactly 991 individual review responses were received for the VTO technical reviews. The objective of the meeting was to review the accomplishments and plans for VTO over the previous 12 months, and provide an opportunity for industry, government, and academia to give inputs to DOE with a structured and formal methodology. The meeting also provided attendees with a virtual forum for interaction and technology information transfer.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Design and Implementation of Smart Buildings: A Review of Current Research Trend

The building sector is one of the largest contributors to the world’s total energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Advancements in building energy technologies have played a critical role in enhancing the energy sustainability of the built environment. Extensive research and new techniques in energy and environmental systems for buildings have recently emerged to address the global challenges. This study reviews existing articles in the literature, mostly since 2000, to explore technological advancement in building energy and environmental systems that can be applied to smart homes and buildings. This review study focuses on an overview of the design and implementation of energy-related smart building technologies, including energy management systems, renewable energy applications, and current advanced smart technologies for optimal function and energy-efficient performance. To review the advancement in building energy-related technologies, a systematic review process is adopted based on available published reviews and research types of articles. Review-type articles are first assessed to explore the current literature on the relevant keywords and to capture major research scopes. Research-type papers are then examined to investigate associated keywords and work scopes, including objectives, focuses, limitations, and future needs. Throughout the comprehensive literature review, this study identifies various techniques of smart home/building applications that have provided detailed solutions or guidelines in different applications to enhance the quality of people’s daily activities and the sustainability of the built environmental system. This paper shows trends in human activities and technology advancements in digital solutions with energy management systems and practical designs. Understanding the overall energy flow between a building and its environmentally connected systems is also important for future buildings and community levels. This paper assists in understanding the pathway toward future smart homes/buildings and their technologies for researchers in related research fields.

renewable system integration↗

Water Power Technologies Office: 2022 Project Peer Review

The Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), held a virtual peer review on July 18–29, 2022. The purpose of peer review is to evaluate DOE-funded projects for their contributions to the mission and goals of the office, progress made against stated objectives, and the office’s overall management and performance. The peer review process enables external stakeholders to provide feedback on the most impactful use of taxpayer funding and develop recommendations for the most efficient and effective ways to accelerate industry development in power technologies. This report includes the results of WPTO’s 2022 Peer Review.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Review: Pre-Darcy flows in low-permeability porous media

The widely used Darcy’s law specifies a linear relation between the Darcy velocity of fluid flow and the pressure gradient that drives the flow. However, studies have shown that Darcy velocity can exhibit a nonlinear dependence on the pressure gradient in low-permeability porous media such as clay and shale when the pressure gradient is adequately low. This phenomenon is referred to as low-velocity non-Darcian flow or pre-Darcy flow. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the theories, experimental data, and modeling methods for pre-Darcy flow in low-permeability porous media. The review begins by outlining the fundamental mechanisms underlying pre-Darcy flow that regulate the unique characteristics such as nonlinear dependence of the Darcy velocity on the pressure gradient and its relevance to fluid–rock interactions. The review then proceeds to present a thorough compilation of experimental investigations performed in various low-permeability geomaterials including tight sandstones, shales, and clays. Next, empirical and theoretical models and simulation methods that have been developed to fit and interpret experimental data are reviewed. Finally, the review underscores the challenges encountered in conducting and interpreting pre-Darcy flow experiments and suggests future research directions. By analyzing previous experimental investigations, this review aims to offer a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of fluid dynamics in low-permeability geomaterials. This provides insights into the application of pre-Darcy flow in numerous natural and engineered processes such as shale oil and gas recovery, contaminant transport in low-permeability aquifers, and geological disposal of nuclear waste.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Low-frequency and Moiré–Floquet engineering: A review

Highlights: • Review of theoretical and experimental advances in Floquet engineering. • Review of theories to derive effective Floquet Hamiltonians, with a focus on the low-frequency regime. • Review of the theoretical effects of light in Moiré materials. We review recent work on low-frequency Floquet engineering and its application to quantum materials driven by light, focusing on van der Waals systems hosting Moiré superlattices. These non-equilibrium systems combine the twist-angle sensitivity of the band structure with the flexibility of light drives. The frequency, amplitude, and polarization of light can be tuned in experimental setups, leading to platforms with on-demand properties. First, we review recent theoretical developments to derive effective Floquet Hamiltonians, emphasizing the low-frequency regime. We then review applications of some of these theories to study twisted graphene and transition metal dichalcogenide systems irradiated by light in free space and inside a waveguide. We study the changes induced in the quasienergies and steady-states, which can lead to topological transitions. Next, we consider van der Waals magnetic materials driven by low-frequency light pulses in resonance with the phonons. We discuss the phonon dynamics induced by the light and the resulting magnetic transitions from a Floquet perspective. We finish by outlining new directions for Moiré–Floquet engineering in the low-frequency regime and their relevance for technological applications.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A risk-informed assessment tool to support review of license amendment requests for spent nuclear fuel dry cask storage systems

We report that while risk-informed safety evaluations are common methodologies used by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), their application in the field of commercial spent nuclear fuel (SNF) dry storage has received limited attention. For instance, license amendment requests (LARs) for SNF dry cask storage systems (DCSSs) are evaluated according to U.S. NRC standard review plans (SRPs). However, risk-informed LAR review strategies could improve the understanding of critical system modifications, and lead to more predictable, efficient, and consistent LAR review processes. A methodology to develop a risk-informed LAR review tool is presented. Although focused on DCSSs, this methodology can be used to develop similar tools for a broad spectrum of safety-relevant systems. The end product (i.e., the tool) includes a tree diagram to help visualize the review risk significances assigned to a predefined set of system modifications and supporting rationale documentation. Instructions support correct tool application and provide the user with a path to incorporate currently unevaluated modifications in the tool structure. The demonstration of the methodology leads to the conclusion that risk-informed reviews of DCSS LARs are possible, although the tool precision could benefit from additional risk information. Further, the results indicate that many typical LARs involve low-risk or medium-risk modifications.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Forward-Looking State-of-the-Art Review on Earned Value Management Systems: The Disconnect between Academia and Industry

Earned value management (EVM) is a project management approach that can enhance the probability of project success. It is applied widely across different industry sectors (e.g., energy, aerospace, construction, defense, and manufacturing), generally through the use of an earned value management system (EVMS). A holistic and up-to-date literature review on EVM and EVMS does not exist. A literature review can provide a comprehensive perspective on the topic, identifying and summarizing the existing body of knowledge, as a foundation to advance the state of practice of EVM/EVMS. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to investigate the EVM/EVMS state of the art by critically reviewing academic and industry publications, with a specific focus on the maturity of EVMS and the environment surrounding its implementation. By performing a systematic literature review, the authors identified 600 publications since the inception of the EVM concept in 1962, and then narrowed down this list to 160 relevant publications from the last decade for closer review. The findings include the discovery of eight emergent themes. Of these themes, “forecasting/prediction” constitutes the largest portion of the recent literature, followed by “application of EVMS.” One interesting finding is that EVMS maturity, although being a critical topic, is only discussed in one publication. Publications focused on EVM/EVMS have increased in the last decade and significant differences were found between academia and industry literature in terms of the limitations and extensions of EVM/EVMS, EVMS environment, and compliance. A key finding is that designing a reliable EVMS should combine both technical and social aspects of implementation. This forward-looking paper provides a state-of-the-art review while highlighting gaps in the existing EVM/EVMS body of knowledge and introducing new perspectives to support EVMS research and application.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A Critical Review of Heat Pipe Experiments in Nuclear Energy Applications

This critical review provides heat pipe (HP) experimental data sets that contain pertinent information regarding nuclear technology that may be beneficial to researchers. Heat pipes have been shown to have a tremendously positive impact on nuclear technologies and will continue to become a more prevalent technology as more nuclear reactor concepts embrace this robust technology. Most previous reviews may focus on only a specific HP design or application, and some are backdated. Herein, this critical review extends previous efforts; integrates and summarizes previously reported HP experimental efforts; and provides updates with recently reported results in the literature for HPs in all nuclear-related applications, including space power (thermal radiators, core cooling, and electricity production), microreactors (emergency core cooling, hybrid control rods, and reactor core cooling), and HP involvement in other nuclear-related technologies (spent fuel pool cooling). The two main objectives of this critical review are (1) to facilitate the development of HP codes by outlining some of the existing experimental data sets to validate their codes and directing developers to these efforts and (2) to provide comprehensive information regarding the vast applicability of HPs used in the nuclear industry, including the theory of operation and limitations to supplement researchers in the development of new ideas for potential applications in nuclear-related technologies. The review clearly shows extensive and diverse experimental data sets for HPs developed under diverse testing conditions depending on the available nuclear application for validation purposes. Thus, this critical review is oriented to providing attention to the existing efforts rather than determining gaps in HP research.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

FLAG review 2024

We review lattice results related to pion, kaon, 𝐷-meson, 𝐵-meson, and nucleon physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the nuclear and particle physics communities. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor 𝑓+⁡(0) arising in the semileptonic 𝐾 → 𝜋 transition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay-constant ratio 𝑓 𝐾 ⁡/𝑓 𝜋 and its consequences for the Cabibbo–Kobayashi–Maskawa (CKM) matrix elements 𝑉 𝑢⁢𝑠 and 𝑉 𝑢⁢𝑑 . We review the determination of the 𝐵 𝐾 parameter of neutral kaon mixing as well as the additional four 𝐵 parameters that arise in theories of physics beyond the Standard Model. For the heavy-quark sector, we provide results for 𝑚 𝑐 and 𝑚 𝑏 as well as those for the decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters of charmed and bottom mesons and baryons. These are the heavy-quark quantities most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. We review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant 𝛼 𝑠 . We review the determinations of nucleon charges from the matrix elements of both isovector and flavor-diagonal axial, scalar and tensor local quark bilinears, and momentum fraction, helicity moment and the transversity moment from one-link quark bilinears. We also review determinations of scale-setting quantities. Finally, in this review we have added a new section on the general definition of the low-energy limit of the Standard Model.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

FLAG Review 2021

Abstract We review lattice results related to pion, kaon, D -meson, B -meson, and nucleon physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the nuclear and particle physics communities. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor $$f_+(0)$$ f + ( 0 ) arising in the semileptonic $$K \rightarrow \pi $$ K → π transition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay constant ratio $$f_K/f_\pi $$ f K / f π and its consequences for the CKM matrix elements $$V_{us}$$ V us and $$V_{ud}$$ V ud . Furthermore, we describe the results obtained on the lattice for some of the low-energy constants of $$SU(2)_L\times SU(2)_R$$ S U ( 2 ) L × S U ( 2 ) R and $$SU(3)_L\times SU(3)_R$$ S U ( 3 ) L × S U ( 3 ) R Chiral Perturbation Theory. We review the determination of the $$B_K$$ B K parameter of neutral kaon mixing as well as the additional four B parameters that arise in theories of physics beyond the Standard Model. For the heavy-quark sector, we provide results for $$m_c$$ m c and $$m_b$$ m b as well as those for the decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters of charmed and bottom mesons and baryons. These are the heavy-quark quantities most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. We review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant $$\alpha _s$$ α s . We consider nucleon matrix elements, and review the determinations of the axial, scalar and tensor bilinears, both isovector and flavor diagonal. Finally, in this review we have added a new section reviewing determinations of scale-setting quantities.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Emerging Pathways to Upgrade the US Housing Stock: A Review of the Home Energy Upgrade Literature

The residential buildings sector is responsible for about 20% of total US energy use. In order to achieve climate goals, we need ways to reduce carbon emissions and energy use in this sector. In addition, resiliency, electric grid stability, emergency survivability and other energy and building-related issues are becoming increasingly important challenges. New homes in most of the US meet various energy codes and are reasonably energy efficient. However, the vast majority of energy use is from existing homes that were not required to conform to energy performance requirements. It is becoming imperative to reach as many of these existing homes as possible and find ways to improve their energy-related performance. This must be done in such a way that it meets the needs and desires of homeowners and building occupants, as well as those of the contractors and design professionals engaged in doing the upgrades themselves. Energy retrofits of homes started in the 1970’s in response to the energy crisis, however, these retrofits were very limited in scope and relatively few homes were upgraded. Those homes that have been upgraded generally still have much scope for improvement. A huge effort is needed to get to scale to address the energy use in housing. The target population is effectively every home in the country, whether a large suburban single-family home, or a small downtown apartment. In order to provide a framework for analysis and the basis for plans to get to large-scale retrofits of homes, this literature review summarizes the state-of-the art in the US buildings industry. It identifies where more research, engineering, or technology is needed, as well as relevant industry trends, such as electrification, one-stop shop program design and others. It also examines other key topics, such as availability of financing, minimizing household disruption, and engaging home owners and occupants. This literature review builds on a similar review from several years ago (Less and Walker, 2014). The current review focuses on efforts in the intervening years. This literature review is part of a larger DOE study of deep energy upgrades that includes industry surveys and development of cost-stack analyses. For this review, we gathered data not just from the published literature, but also from practitioners in conjunction with other aspects of the larger DOE study. In some cases, we refer to comments from specific individuals or companies, or refer to specific products by name. This is not intended as an endorsement, but rather to provide clarity on sources of information and examples of relevant technologies.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗