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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Strengthening poly(lactic acid) composites with poly(methyl methacrylate) functionalized flax nanofibrils

Biobased reinforcements for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are needed for more additive manufacturing applications requiring higher strength and sustainability. Flax nanofibrils (FNFs) produced through mechanical refining were explored as a lower energy alternative to cellulose nanofibril (CNF) reinforcements. To compatibilize the FNFs for the PLA matrix, a grafting-through surfactant free emulsion polymerization (SFEP) was performed to functionalize the FNF surface with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). FNFs produced using different refining energy were functionalized under varying solid contents in suspension. Polymerizations performed at 0.7 wt% FNFs in water yielded the highest degree of PMMA functionality. These optimal conditions were scaled up and the PMMA modified FNFs melt compounded into PLA yielding a 12% increase in tensile strength and 92% increase in the modulus of elasticity as compared to the original PLA. Interestingly, the FNFs with the lowest refining energy yielded the strongest composites using these methods, surpassing the higher refining energy CNF reinforcements. This increase was attributed to improved dispersion of the FNF reinforcements in the PLA matrix that was enabled by the PMMA coating on the FNF surface preventing interfibrillar adhesion and aggregation within the PLA matrix.

Mulligan, Abigail [University of Maine]↗
DOE OSTI2025

REopt/Microgrid Analysis (CRADA Final Report)

NREL is the only DOE national laboratory solely dedicated to advancing energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE) technologies and applications. Since its inception, NREL has supported both the public and the private sectors in implementing EE and RE systems and strategies to lower energy use and to meet remaining energy needs with resources having minimal environmental impact. NREL is now a sought-after resource for EE, RE, and energy systems integration expertise. CU Boulder is a public university located in Boulder, Colorado, with over 30,000 students. CU is committed to environmental sustainability and is interested in partnering with NREL to explore opportunities for RE on campus and evaluate an RE microgrid. The goal of this project is to assess the technical and economic potential for RE generation at CU and evaluate how RE may be incorporated as part of a microgrid to increase energy resiliency on campus.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Cementless Concrete: Advancing Alkali-Activated Slag Composites with Black Liquor

This project explores the use of black liquor, a byproduct of sustainable aviation fuel production, as an alkaline activator for industrial byproducts such as steel slags to produce alkali-activated composites (AACs). The resulting cementless concrete cures at ambient temperature, demonstrates comparable performance to conventional cement, and offers a safer, lower-energy alternative for durable construction materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Tool for Performing Link Analysis, Operational Sequence Analysis, and Workload Analysis to Support Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Modernization

Nuclear power continues to have an imperative role for the U.S.’s electricity generation. However, for these nuclear power plants (NPPs) to remain economically viable, new strategies for reducing operations and maintenance costs must be explored. The U.S. Department of Energy Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program is researching how to digitally transform existing analog and hybrid main control rooms into a fully integrated control room that addresses this challenge. The transformation will fundamentally change the conduct of operations for these U.S. NPPs. Human factors engineering has a vital role in this effort, where traditional task analysis methods are important in informing the design of advanced human-system interface displays. This work describes a preliminary tool to support task analysis for the development of these advanced displays. Details on the use of this tool, including the specific task analysis methods offered, are presented in this paper.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Efficient Removal of Lead Ions from Aqueous Media Using Sustainable Sources Based on Marine Algae

The goal of this project is to explore a new method to efficiently remove Pb(II) ions from water by processing Undaria pinnatifida into immobilized beads using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. The resulting biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Using immobilized U. pinnatifida, we investigated the effect of various factors on Pb(II) ion removal efficiency such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, time, and underlying biosorption mechanisms. For Pb(II) ion biosorption studies, Pb(II) ion biosorption data were obtained and analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. It is found that the maximum Pb(II) ion adsorption capacity (X m ) of U. pinnatifida was estimated to be ~5 times greater than that of activated carbon, indicating the superior Pb(II) ion removal capability of U. pinnatifida compared to activated carbon. In addition, a thermodynamic study indicates that biosorption processes are found to be endothermic and an increase in the Pb(II) ion solution temperature provides a more preferential reaction toward Pb(II) ion biosorption.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Electrochemical Routes for the Valorization of Biomass-Derived Feedstocks: From Chemistry to Application

The drive to reduce consumption of fossil resources, coupled with expanding capacity for renewable electricity, invites the exploration of new routes to utilize this energy for the sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, and materials. Biomass represents a possible source of platform precursors for such commodities due to its inherent ability to fix CO2 in the form of multi-carbon organic molecules. Electrochemical methods for the valorization of biomass are thus intriguing, but there is a need to objectively evaluate this field and define the opportunity space by identifying pathways suited to electrochemistry. In this contribution we offer a comprehensive, critical review of recent advances in low-temperature (liquid phase), electrochemical reduction and oxidation of biomass-derived intermediates (polyols, furans, carboxylic acids, amino acids, and lignin), with emphasis on identifying the state-of-the-art for each documented reaction. Progress in computational modeling is also reviewed. We further suggest a number of possible reactions that have not yet been explored but which are expected to proceed based on established routes to transform specific functional groups. We conclude with a critical discussion of technological challenges for scale-up, fundamental research needs, process intensification opportunities (e.g., by pairing compatible oxidations and reductions), and new benchmarking standards that will be necessary to accelerate progress toward application in this still-nascent field.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Nth-plant supply: corn stover supplies and costs in a fleet of biorefineries

Feedstock cost and cost variability is expected to increase with the number of biorefineries. To quantify this effect, this spatial-economic analysis simulates feedstock cost and cost variability of an industry based on corn stover as a function of the number of biorefineries. Results are reported for nine scenarios (a base case and sensitivity analysis of four variables – harvest efficiency, sustainability constraints, opportunity cost, and corn grain yield) under deterministic and stochastic simulations, assuming biorefineries using 658 000 Mg (725 000 tons) year- 1 of corn stover in 2019. The resulting supply curves are highly elastic (i.e. little change in cost) for the first 50 of the 121 biorefineries, with price increases in subsequent biorefineries depending on scenario. In the base-case deterministic scenario, weighted-average stover costs are $66 Mg -1 ($60 ton- 1 ), $69 Mg -1 ($62 ton -1 ), and $156 Mg -1 ($142 ton -1 ), at the first, 60th, and 121st biorefineries, respectively. The stochastic simulations, subject to observed 30-year corn yield variability, follow a similar pattern, with price distributions that vary by scenario. The base-case stochastic simulations illustrate minimal cost variability for the first 60 biorefineries, but rapid increases in cost variability in the second half of potential biorefineries, with similar patterns observed in the other scenarios. Of the four variables explored, price was most sensitive to harvest efficiency, followed by sustainability constraints, corn yield, and opportunity cost. Results suggest that, under conventional logistics, about half of the US corn stover resource is reliably available with minimum cost increase and variability. Interactive visualization is available at https://doi.org/10.11578/1828779.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

GOOML - Real World Applications of Machine Learning in Geothermal Operations

GOOML (Geothermal Operational Optimization with Machine Learning) is a machine-learning based framework that enables geothermal power plant operators to explore optimization opportunities for their assets in an efficient and robust digital environment. Backed by real-world data sources, thermodynamic constraints and steamfield intelligence, the GOOML environment provides new tools to explore how to best operate steamfields as well as test new scenarios and configurations prior to implementation in the field. To prove the effectiveness of GOOML, we have undertaken optimization experiments using reinforcement learning (RL) to generate operational suggestions using a balance of mass-take targets, sustainability considerations and net generation. Our experiments use the GOOML construct to explore different field parameters and perform multiple reinforcement learning experiments. Like a comprehensive laboratory workbench, we can change out components of a steamfield to perform testing under a variety of conditions (restrict mass, increase pressure, reroute steam, etc.). This flexibility allows us to explore conditions that would require significant infrastructure changes in a real-world setting at a fraction of the cost and time in a digital environment. The results highlight the benefits of using digital twins and advanced data analytics for the geothermal industry.

forecasting↗
DOE OSTI2026

Ten questions concerning Large Language Models (LLMs) for building applications

Large Language Models (LLMs) are emerging as powerful AI tools capable of transforming how building information is collected, processed, analyzed, and applied across diverse research areas. Their capabilities can help building operators, facility managers and other stakeholders such as designers, architects and engineers by providing actionable insights for decision-making across planning, construction, operations, and maintenance of buildings and facilities. This paper explores ten key questions concerning the role of LLMs in shaping sustainable, intelligent, and human-centric buildings. From fundamental definitions to advanced applications, we examine how LLMs facilitate decision-making across the life cycle of buildings and energy systems. LLMs can enhance life cycle assessments (LCA), building energy simulations, and real-time data integration, empowering more efficient and adaptive human-AI environments. They can also contribute to streamlining regulatory compliance, improving post-occupancy evaluations, and fostering more inclusive and participatory design processes. Additionally, this paper addresses the ethical challenges posed by LLMs, such as bias, data privacy, and environmental impacts, and explores their potentials in advancing intelligent digital twins (DT) for ongoing building operations and maintenance. Built upon our applied research using LLMs and the review of tools, datasets, and research gaps, we provide a forward-looking perspective on how LLMs can drive innovation, collaboration, and productivity in the built environment while supporting ethical and effective implementation.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quest for environmentally sustainable materials: A case for animal-based fillers and fibers in polymeric biocomposites

This review explores the potential of animal-based fillers and fibers as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic ones. Examining materials such as wool, silk, feather, hair and beak, the review elucidates their chemistry, structure, properties and sources, emphasizing biodegradability and renewability. It also discusses the compatibility of these materials with polymer matrices and their mechanical, acoustic and thermal performances. Further, the review critically analyzes environmental and ethical implications, presenting challenges and opportunities in the emerging field. By addressing ecological and performance aspects, it contributes to global efforts in fostering sustainability in materials science. Future research to address gaps and enhance the design, manufacture and application of animal-based reinforcements in various industries are clearly outlined at the end of the review.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hybrid Grid-Renewable Strategies for Green Steel Production under Electricity Market Uncertainty

Volatility in grid spot prices is expected to rise with climate change-driven demand pressures and the intermittency of renewable generation. This volatility poses financial risks for green hydrogen-based steel production. The Direct Reduced Iron− Electric Arc Furnace (H 2 -DRI-EAF) is a promising pathway to decarbonize steel, which accounts for ∼8% of global GHG emissions. This study assesses how increased grid spot price volatility influences the optimal sizing and operation of H2-DRIEAF plants under three operational scenarios: grid-connected, fully behind-the-meter (islanded), and mixed-mode (semi-islanded). Our analysis identifies the semi-islanded configuration as the most cost-effective solution, achieving a Levelized Cost of Steel (LCOS) 10−35% lower than sourcing energy solely from the grid. Modeling also shows hydrogen storage or selective electricity purchases at high prices (>$1000/MWh) generally outperform battery storage, except under extreme volatility. Additionally, the study explores cost reduction strategies to strengthen the economic viability and sustainability of green steel production.

Batteries↗
DOE OSTI2020

Reactor Performance Improvement Options to Sustain High Flux Isotope Reactor Leadership into the Future

The mission of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the undertaking of high-impact research into the structure and properties of materials across the spectrum of biology, chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. NScD operates two world-leading neutron scattering facilities including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source. HFIR achieved full power in 1966, and over a half century later, it continues to serve a variety of national missions. HFIR provides one of the highest steady-state neutron fluxes of any research reactor in the world to support scientific missions including cold and thermal neutron scattering, isotope production, and materials irradiation research. To sustain leadership in neutron sciences into the future, ORNL is exploring areas in which HFIR can be improved to enhance its performance. Many improvement areas are being explored such as upgrading the cold source and neutron scattering facilities; however, the improvement areas focused on in this paper include replacing the reactor pressure vessel, upgrading the neutron reflector, and converting from high-enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium fuel.

Chandler, David↗
DOE OSTI2024

The root cause of disruptive NTMs and paths to stable operation in DIII-D ITER baseline scenario plasmas

Analyses of the DIII-D ITER Baseline Scenario database support that the disruptive m,n=2,1 magnetic islands are pressure gradient driven, non-linear instabilities seeded in a sequence of stochastic transient magnetic perturbations, and that the current profile relaxation does not affect the m,n=2,1 island onset rate. At low torque, these Neoclassical Tearing Modes are most commonly seeded by non-linear 3-wave coupling when the differential rotation between the q=1 & q=2 rational surfaces approaches zero. Lack of statistically significant difference between the current profiles of stable and unstable states, as well as lack of correlation between the tearing mode onset rate and the current profile relaxation both reject causality between the current profile evolution and the 2,1 magnetic island onsets in these plasmas. These support that preserving the differential rotation between the q=1 and q=2 rational surfaces is key to long pulse stable operation in the plasma scenario planned for ITER, while optimization of the current profile within the explored parameter space may lead to much weaker improvements than sustaining the differential rotation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Turning Food Waste into Biobased Products (CRADA Final Report)

As part of the Cyclotron Road program, the ZestBio project team investigated the production of chemical products from industrial agricultural byproducts and sustainable carbon sources. The goal of the research was to explore methods of manufacturing of new chemical products from renewable carbon that could address growing consumer and regulatory demands for environmentally-friendly and biobased chemicals. Previously, ZestBio and the technical founders developed enzymatic and chemical conversion technologies that transform abundant sugars found in these byproducts into value-adding, high performance chemicals.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2026

Reexamining Fat: Exploring Diversity, Plasticity, Development, Functional Implication, and Therapeutic Options

Obesity has become so prevalent in many developed countries that it is increasingly perceived as a new norm, despite decades of interventions and drug development. Although research continues to explore novel strategies, no single approach to date has demonstrated sustained success in reducing its population-level dominance. This underscores the need to better evaluate and integrate the growing body of knowledge surrounding obesity’s multifaceted nature. Stamped under one ‘fat’ name, adipose tissue varies by color, location, morphology, composition, and function. This variability suggests a level of complexity that demands deeper investigation. Although the relevance and roles of different adipose types have been extensively discussed throughout the literature, their interdependence, synergy, and collective impact on the body remain to be fully expounded. This review aims to further consolidate and elucidate the available information on the different adipose tissue types and their association with obesity and metabolic health. We also discuss existing and emerging therapeutic strategies, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations.

BAT↗
DOE OSTI2020

Kinetics Modeling for Design of Continuous Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to monomeric sugars continues to be a limiting step in cost-effectively producing sugar and fermentation-based biofuels from biomass. In particular, the high cost of enzymes coupled with the long time-scale of reaction pose challenges to economic viability. Performing enzymatic hydrolysis in a continuous mode with enzyme recycle may provide a path towards substantially reduced costs for sugar production, but design and analysis are complicated by a lack of suitable kinetics models. Computationally attainable models, such as fractal-based models, require knowledge of the reaction-history of the biomass, and are thus only suitable for describing the batch reactions from which they are derived. Fundamental models, while potentially more generalizable, are often too computationally intensive to use in process or reactor modeling. In this work, a phenomenological rate model is proposed based on a two-phase substrate representation. Good agreement is seen between batch and continuous enzymatic hydrolysis (CEH) experiment data, which validates the model and enables us to solve for reactor design parameters, such as CEH reactor size and stream flow rates, based on process variables like yield. This model is integrated with techno-economic analysis software to explore economic sensitivities. Important design optimizations and tradeoffs are identified and quantified, including the relative cost imposed by rate slowdown from sugar inhibition versus the cost to remove and concentrate sugars at a lower concentration. It also identifies, high-leverage avenues for further exploration, such as increasing the maximum feasible solids concentration, and sustaining high membrane flux and reliability.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Comprehensive Assessment of the Viability of Small Modular Reactors in Africa: A Nuclear Security and Nonproliferation Perspective

In response to escalating global energy demands driven by industrialization and the pressing need for decarbonization, this paper explores the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a sustainable energy solution in Africa. Focusing on nuclear security and non-proliferation concerns, the study assesses Africa's energy landscape, emphasizing the need for diverse and reliable power sources. While highlighting the scalability and cost-effectiveness of SMRs, the analysis acknowledges potential challenges associated with their introduction, particularly concerning nuclear security and non-proliferation. Given the recommendation to use High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) in some SMRs, it is important to critically consider the security implications of transporting nuclear materials, the proximity of the public to the plant, and the time taken to respond to planned assaults. The possibility of using HALEU makes the nuclear material more prone to adversaries such as sabotage, theft, and terrorism. Utilizing PESTLE analysis, this research seeks to outline the detailed political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal readiness of Africa to embrace the first-of-a-kind technology (SMR) while fulfilling its mandate to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Examining regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, and safety protocols, the study underscores the importance of regional collaboration to prevent the misuse of nuclear technology for military and malicious intent. Drawing insights from successful case studies, the paper concludes by synthesizing key findings and proposing recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. These recommendations encompass regulatory enhancement, capacity building, technology transfer, and diplomatic efforts to strengthen nuclear security, non-proliferation, and safeguards in Africa.

Prah, Christina↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multifaceted Challenges and Opportunities Associated with Small Modular Reactors in Africa: A Nonproliferation Perspective

In response to the increasing global energy demands driven by industrialization and the urgent need for decarbonization, this study explores the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a sustainable energy solution in Africa. With a focus on nonproliferation concerns, the paper assesses Africa's energy landscape, emphasizing the need for diverse and reliable power sources. While highlighting the scalability and cost-effectiveness of SMRs, the analysis acknowledges potential challenges associated with adhering to the Nonproliferation Treaty with their mass deployment in the African continent. Examining regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, and security protocols, the study also underscores the importance of regional collaboration to prevent the misuse of nuclear technology for military and malicious purposes. The economic and geopolitical implications of SMR deployment in Africa are also investigated, considering its contributions to energy security and economic growth. Drawing insights from successful case studies, the paper concludes by synthesizing key findings and proposing recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. These recommendations encompass regulatory enhancement, capacity building, technology transfer, and diplomatic efforts to strengthen nuclear security, nonproliferation, and safeguards. The overarching aim is to advocate for a balanced approach that maximizes the benefits of SMRs while mitigating associated risks to ultimately contribute to the sustainable and secure development of nuclear energy in Africa.

Prah, Christina↗