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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 1,081 records · Page 60

HVAC Duct Pressure Optimization System

The US Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission, and other public and private entities including the venture capital community are seeking technical solutions that include “smart, grid-interactive, efficient buildings - to best serve the needs of building occupants and the grid while reducing energy consumption overall.” In this paper, a systems engineering approach is used to examine elements of a prior proof-of-concept project along with new ideas seeking to justify additional research funding to further advance the technology. With additional research and development funding, the technology described here has the potential to achieve success toward development of a commercially viable product. These types of projects provide financial and environmental benefit to American taxpayers and investors. Cost effectiveness and return on investment are key criteria for energy efficiency projects. By evaluating the end-to-end processes including manufacturing, installation, commissioning and comparing various options, we arrived at a proposed implementation concept of a HVAC Duct Pressure Optimization System that saves energy in commercial buildings and improves the return on investment by a factor of 6X compared to previous research projects.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Proposed Alternate Methodology for Preparation of a Documented Safety Analysis for the Transformational Challenge Reactor

10 CFR Part 830, Subpart B, Appendix A, Table 2 lists acceptable methodologies for development of a Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) for various types of nuclear facilities. The acceptable methodology listed for a DOE reactor is U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guide 1.70, Standard Format and Content of Safety Analysis Reports for Nuclear Power Plants, or successor document. This document was developed for large commercial light-water power reactors. The difference between the Transformational Challenge Reactor (TCR) and commercial reactors in power output, radiological source term, fuel type and composition, and operational life span makes application of the Regulatory Guide to the TCR overly burdensome relative to the value added.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Computed Tomography Scanning and Geophysical Measurements of the Wabash No.1 Core

The computed tomography (CT) facilities and the Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, West Virginia were used to characterize Mt. Simon core from the Wabash CarbonSAFE project, Wabash No. 1 well. The primary impetus of the work in this report is a collaboration between NETL Research and Innovation Center and the Illinois State Geological Survey at the Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, Illinois. The resultant datasets are presented in this report and can be accessed from NETL's Energy Data eXchange (EDX) online system using the following link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/wabash-no-1-well. The Wabash No. 1 well was drilled as part of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funded Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise field project to assess the feasibility of developing a commercial-scale geological storage complex at the Wabash Valley Resources Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle plant near Terre Haute, Indiana. All equipment and techniques used were non-destructive, enabling future examinations and analyses to be performed on these cores. None of the equipment used was suitable for direct visualization of the pore space in fine-grained structures; fractures, discontinuities, and millimeter scale features were readily detectable with the methods tested. Imaging with the NETL medical CT scanner was performed on the entire core. Qualitative analysis of the medical CT images, coupled with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), P-wave, and magnetic susceptibility measurements from the MSCL were useful in identifying zones of interest for more detailed analysis. The ability to quickly identify key areas for more detailed study with higher resolution will save time and resources in future studies. The combination of methods used provides a multi-scale analysis of the core; the resulting macro and micro descriptions are relevant to many subsurface energy-related examinations traditionally performed at NETL.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Business Environment Study (Subtask 5.1)

In 2016, WVR acquired the Wabash Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) Plant north of Terre Haute, Indiana. Initially, WVR intended to use the plant to produce ammonia using syngas converted to hydrogen. Part of the business plan was to capture and sequester the CO 2 byproduct with the goal of a net-zero carbon emitting plant. Now, with the demand for clean hydrogen-based power and fuel cell energy, the plant intends to produce power and sell hydrogen as a fuel source, still with the intent to sequester CO 2 and achieve net-zero emissions. The Wabash CarbonSAFE project’s objectives are to establish the feasibility of developing a commercial-scale geological storage complex at the WVR plant in Vigo County, Indiana, for storage of 50 million tonnes or more of CO 2 . The plant is expected to produce up to 2 million tons (1.82 million tonnes) of CO 2 annually as a byproduct of hydrogen production. Wabash CarbonSAFE has examined the feasibility of geologic storage of the CO 2 in the Potosi Dolomite Storage Complex of the Illinois Basin via an onsite characterization well at the WVR plant site. This document explores the business requirements to undertake such a project, outlining the outside influences on a business venture such as legislation, legal, regulatory, and business climate factors. This document then discusses the CO 2 source, potential partner sources, and the business financials that allow CCS to be commercially viable for Wabash Valley Resources.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Competitiveness and Commercialization of Energy Technologies: Supply Chain Deep Dive Assessment

The report “America’s Strategy to Secure the Supply Chain for a Robust Clean Energy Transition” lays out the challenges and opportunities faced by the United States in the energy supply chain as well as the federal government plans to address these challenges and opportunities. It is accompanied by several issue-specific deep dive assessments, including this one, in response to Executive Order 14017 “America’s Supply Chains,” which directs the Secretary of Energy to submit a report on supply chains for the energy sector industrial base. The Executive Order is helping the federal government to build more secure and diverse U.S. supply chains, including energy supply chains. Competitive U.S.-based clean energy manufacturers and rapid commercialization of U.S.-developed technologies are critical to secure energy supply chains, generate high quality jobs, and meet the United States’ national security, energy and climate objectives. The February 2021 “Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains” (E.O. 14017) directs the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate supply chains that encompass the energy industrial base, focusing on technologies that are critical to meet U.S. decarbonization goals by 2050. Understanding and analyzing the end-to-end supply chain through economic analysis is crucial to mitigating risks and identifying opportunities to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the clean energy industry. This insight will allow the Department of Energy (DOE) to leverage its research, development, demonstration and deployment (RDD&D) capabilities to most fully realize the objectives of E.O. 14017.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

BISON Validation to In-Situ Cladding Burst Test and High Burnup LOCA Experiments

The process to develop and qualify nuclear fuels for commercial nuclear application requires fundamental material development, characterization, and design; out-of-pile testing on unirradiated materials; integral fuel rod irradiations, testing, and post irradiation examinations (PIEs); and transient analyses. The historical approach depends on the generation of large empirical datasets and series of integral fuel rod irradiations, and this approach ultimately takes approximately 20 years—or sometimes longer—to acquire data through extensive sequential testing. Thus, the qualification and eventual deployment of new fuel systems constitute a long and drawn-out process. However, recent technological advancements have provided researchers the opportunity to perform out-of-cell, in-situ measurements to assess material performance for the duration of the experiment. One such example of this capability is the use of digital image coordination and thermal imaging to assess Zircaloy cladding performance under a simulated loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) transient condition. In general, the in-situ measurements provide high-fidelity strain, strain rates, and temperature surface maps. This is critical for the United States nuclear industry, which is actively developing a technical basis to support extending the peak rod average burnup from 62 to ~75 GWd/tU and the deployment of accident-tolerant fuel. However, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, through their research information letter, outlined a number of technical issues for the industry to address before extending burnup. One topic of specific interest is understanding the cladding balloon and rupture geometry during the LOCA heatup phase. Leveraging these advanced in-situ capabilities, this work intends to use insitu data generated from a simulated LOCA in the Severe Accident Test Station at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to better understand high-temperature creep and its impact on Zircaloy balloon and rupture performance. This work used the BISON fuel performance code to compare BISON’s high-temperature creep model predictions to in-situ data and identify limitations and gaps within the model. Additionally, BISON will subsequently be used to simulate relevant high-burnup LOCA tests. The results will be analyzed and compared to the available post-test data in a manner consistent with the approach outlined in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission research information letter.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Development and Demonstration of a Fuel-Efficient, Class 8 Tractor & Trailer Engine System (SuperTruck II)

Navistar presents the SuperTruck II (ST II) Final Report to the Unites States Department of Energy (US DOE), which covers the five Budget Periods (BPs) from 10-1-2016 through 6-30-2022. For ST II, Navistar built on the achievements of the SuperTruck I (ST I) Program as a catalyst to continue critical research, design and development, testing, and operations to reach the ambitious goals of the ST II project. This approach allowed Navistar to continue contributing to the essential needs of our nation for safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of goods and services, as we reduced negative environmental effects and improved operational productivity. This document contains information specified in DOE F 4600.2, Final Scientific/Technical Report DOE F 241.3, B. SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL REPORTS, explaining how we met and exceeded program requirements. Throughout this Final Report, Navistar extracted information from documents prepared during the project that represent our management, design and development, building, and testing efforts to meet and exceed SuperTruck II project goals. Navistar followed Plan requirements to achieve / exceed Project Objectives: a) >100% improvement in vehicle freight efficiency (FE) (on ton-MPG basis) relative to 2009 baseline with stretch goal of 140% improvement [actual: 170%); b) >55% engine brake thermal efficiency (BTE) demonstrated in operational engine at a 65-mph cruise point on a dynamometer – ≥31% increase from 2009 baseline [actual: 55.20% of combined BTE) ; and c) development and implementation of commercially cost effective technologies (in terms of a simple payback). Technology selection / development path focused on developing technologies applicable for production within 3-year approach, while ensuring technology readiness and cost of ownership for end users. The Program was organized into five budget periods: Requirements / Technology Assessment and Initial Hardware Testing; Technology Development and Concept Readiness Demonstration; Technology Finalization and Validation Tractor / Trailer Fabrication, Integration and Commissioning Demonstration; and Fuel Economy (FE) and Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) and Program Completion. Leadership was provided by DOE, with tasks performed by laboratories (Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory); partners at Bosch, TPI, Dana, and J.B. Hunt; , and support from University of Michigan and Clemson University. Navistar lead this team with Principal Investigator / Contracting Officer; Project Manager (PM); Vehicle, Engine, and Aftertreatment Engineers; Finance Manager, Technical Program Leads, and Legal/IP; and other key personnel. Work also included personnel in risk management; funding / budget / finance. Work involved analysis, development, testing, and down selection of individual/system engine, aftertreatment, and vehicle technologies, with integration of selected technologies into a prototype vehicle for demonstration of fuel-efficiency gain. Work also included component/integrated system level development of truck and trailer aerodynamics, base engine efficiency, advanced aftertreatment, combustion efficiency, waste heat recovery, hybrid powertrain, reduced rolling resistance, weight reduction, idle reduction, and driver feedback. As ST II progressed, Navistar performed computer-based modeling / simulations of technologies focused on the primary operational areas: Engine, Aftertreatment, and Vehicle. During the ST II Program, the COVID Virus outbreak unexpectedly challenged by the effects of, which affected staffing, scheduling, design, supplies, availability of materials, production procedures, and testing. The DOE responded by extending the program by three quarters to ensure that project tasks were completed for this vital project. Focus continued on analyzing, developing, testing, and down selecting individual-/system-level engine and vehicle technologies for integration of the final selected technologies into a prototype vehicle that would demonstrate fuel-efficiency gains made possible through these technologies. This included component/integrated system-level development of truck and trailer aerodynamics, base engine efficiency, advanced aftertreatment, combustion efficiency, waste heat recovery, solar power, distributed and intelligent vehicle power, hybrid powertrain, reduced rolling resistance, weight reduction, idle reduction, and driver feedback. Throughout the program, function, reliability, and performance at all levels were ensured through testing. Proof of this approach was demonstrated in multiple, on-road demonstrations: Scenario A (Flatland) Fuel Economy, Scenario B (Hilly) Fuel Economy, and City Cycle Tests. Other benefits derived from ST II included new/improved products, publications, patents, and next-step capabilities related to electric/hydrogen vehicles and autonomous driving.

Zukouski, Russ↗

Strategies for Achieving the DOE Hydrogen Shot Goal: Thermal Conversion Approaches

In July 2021 the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) launched the first of a series of Department-wide Energy Earthshot goals designed to accelerate breakthroughs of more abundant, affordable, and reliable clean energy solutions within the decade. The Hydrogen Shot goal seeks to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen to $\$$1 per 1 kilogram in 1 decade ("1 1 1"). Today, thermal conversion of fossil fuels represents the predominant, lowest cost method of hydrogen production. In 2020 approximately 75 percent of global, dedicated hydrogen production was produced via fossil fuels using thermal conversion approaches such as steam reforming and gasification. However, carbon management techniques such as CO 2 capture and sequestration (CCS) and pyrolysis are not widely represented in the current fossil-based hydrogen production fleet. Lowering the cost of clean hydrogen production from commercial and advanced thermal conversion-based technologies is critical for successfully achieving the Hydrogen Shot goal. This report presents the findings from an initial screening analysis of several scenarios that explore cost drivers related to clean hydrogen production. The screening encompasses commercially available and developing thermal conversion technology alternatives as well as factors exogenous to the plant such as feedstock/byproduct pricing, CO 2 pipeline and storage infrastructure costs, and scale to assess potential pathways towards meeting the Hydrogen Shot goal. Additionally, this report presents initial Research and Development (R&D) strategies to advance thermal conversion technology towards meeting the Hydrogen Shot goal.

08 HYDROGEN↗

CRADA Final Report: CRADA Number NFE-18-07341 with Eonix LLC

Over the past two years, my work has been focused on the development of a commercially viable electrolyte that expands the voltage window of ultracapacitors featuring standard activated carbon electrodes from 2.7V to greater than 3V. During this fellowship in collaboration with staff at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, we refined a high throughput screening process to rapidly analyze the properties and performance of electrolyte candidates in ultracapacitors and establish a quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) methodology for candidate selection. Over sixty electrolyte chemistries were screened using these novel techniques.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Coal as Value-Added for Lithium Battery Anodes (Final Report)

Graphite is a basic material used for energy storage in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. More than 70% of worldwide graphite production and nearly 50% of the annual graphite supply for the United States comes from China. Potential economic and national security concerns exist because Li-ion batteries are used not only for the fast-growing electrical vehicle market (15.6% compound annual growth rate [CAGR] from 2018 to 2028 in North America), but also for defense applications including unmanned aerial and ground vehicles. Development of an alternative formulation for Li-ion batteries is key. Building upon previous research confirming the ability of silicon alloys to improve the energy density of anodes, Semplastics developed a novel material based on our X-MAT® polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) technology. The X-MAT anode material is a composite of chemically tailored silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and domestically sourced coal powder, designed to be a drop-in replacement for graphite within Li-ion battery anodes. Preliminary tests of this material showed more than twice the reversible capacity of graphite anodes (1,000 mAh/g vs. 372 mAh/g), with excellent stability and capacity retention, almost 100% coulombic efficiency, low voltage potential, and low thermal expansion. At full adoption in 2024, we expect the coal utilization to reach 27,300 tons. Through this project, Semplastics proposed to complete development and begin commercialization of this material. The objective was to determine the best formulation for technical performance and economic viability. At the end of the project, the X-MAT anode material is ready for implementation into existing battery manufacturing processes and can have a significant impact on the utilization of coal, with positive effects for the mining sector and the mitigation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Hydrogen Shot Technology Assessment: Thermal Conversion Approaches

In July 2021 the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) launched the first of a series of Department-wide Energy Earthshot™ goals designed to accelerate breakthroughs of more abundant, affordable, and reliable clean energy solutions within the decade. The Hydrogen Shot goal seeks to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen to $\$$1 per 1 kilogram in 1 decade ("1 1 1"). Today, thermal conversion of fossil fuels represents the predominant, lowest cost method of hydrogen production. In 2020 approximately 75 percent of global, dedicated hydrogen production was produced via fossil fuels using thermal conversion approaches such as steam reforming and gasification. However, carbon management techniques such as CO 2 capture and sequestration (CCS) and pyrolysis are not widely represented in the current fossil-based hydrogen production fleet. Lowering the cost of clean hydrogen production from commercial and advanced thermal conversion-based technologies is critical for successfully achieving the Hydrogen Shot goal. This report presents the findings from an initial screening analysis of several scenarios that explore cost drivers related to clean hydrogen production. The screening encompasses commercially available and developing thermal conversion technology alternatives as well as factors exogenous to the plant such as feedstock/byproduct pricing, CO 2 pipeline and storage infrastructure costs, and scale to assess potential pathways towards meeting the Hydrogen Shot goal. Additionally, this report presents initial Research and Development (R&D) strategies to advance thermal conversion technology towards meeting the Hydrogen Shot™ goal.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Data Integration and Visualization for Enhanced Resilience and Sustainability in Hydropower (DIVERS-H)

U.S. hydropower plants face potential threats from shrinking water supply, rising demands, and warmer stream temperatures from various causes. Power plant owners, operators, and regulators require new tools to take advantage of and interpret the diverse range of scientific data being produced by both observational methods (for example, satellite, radar, stream gauges) and computer modeling methods that evaluate and predict how earth's dynamic systems (atmosphere, oceans, land surface, and sea ice) are changing and interacting. Combining datasets such as these with AI-based analyses introduces a novel decision support system to help users anticipate and address potential impacts on power generation stations. This new technology has been named DIVERS-H for "Data Integration and Visualization for Enhanced Resilience and Sustainability in Hydropower." In Phase I, technical feasibility was established with the development and demonstration of all the new technologies that are required. Most notably, DIVERS-H will use new artificial intelligence (AI) methods to capture the complex dynamics of water availability, demand, and environmental changes. In addition, new data management software was developed, and a prototype user interface was implemented as the precursor to a full scale decision support system. With technical research complete, the project focus now shifts to development of a commercial software product to provide users with actionable insight into water availability and the risk/resilience of critical systems at their locations of interest. Although DIVER-H was originally conceived as a tool for hydroelectric power applications, the same underlying technology can be readily applied to other water-consuming systems including coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear power plants.

Chaudhary, Aashish [Kitware, Inc., Clifton Park, N↗

Producing Jet Fuel from Biogas Using Cool GTL SM

GTI Energy advanced the development of Cool GTL SM through a multi-phase project that studied and confirmed the promising value of this technology. It optimized the process by creating an integrated pilot plant capable of producing 50 gallons of total liquid hydrocarbon fuel. It also performed testing campaigns and developed a conceptual commercial design to support technoeconomic and life-cycle analyses, resulting in data that demonstrated a greenhouse gas emissions benefit.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Subsurface H 2 Storage: A Williston Basin Commercial-Scale Resource Study

Poster for the 2024 NETL Resource Sustainability Project Review Meeting, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 2-4, 2024. This poster presents a commercial‑scale assessment of subsurface hydrogen storage potential in the North Dakota portion of the Williston Basin, evaluating saline formations, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and salt formations. The study integrates laboratory characterization, reservoir simulation, and basinwide analysis to assess storage capacity, injectivity, recovery, and risks related to geochemical, microbial, and wellbore interactions. Results support the feasibility of large‑volume, secure hydrogen storage and provide a framework to guide future hydrogen commercialization and infrastructure development.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Improved sampling of compressed gases for condensable hydrocarbon content

Sampling process was developed which uses commercially available high pressure filters and provides measurements in fraction of time required by older methods. Measurements show no significant difference in results between low pressure and high pressure samples. Filter method is slightly more accurate than scrubber technique.

Peterson, M. H.↗

Feasibility study of a high temperature radiation furnace for space applications

The feasibility was investigated of a high temperature general purpose furnace for use in space. It was determined that no commercial furnaces exist which could, even with extensive modifications, meet the goals of temperature, power, weight, volume, and versatility originally specified in the contract Statement of Work. A feasible furnace design which does substantially meet these goals while employing many of the advanced features of the commercial furnaces is developed and presented.

Eiss, A.↗