Designing and Testing of A High-Temperature Particle Lift for Concentrating Solar Power Applications
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Alaqel, Shaker Saeed Mohammed↗
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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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Development of a Downhole Piston Motor Power Section for Improved Directional Drilling, Part II - Motor Development and Testing
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Raymond, David W. [Sandia National Laboratories (S↗
PERLE - Lattice Design and Beam Dynamics Studies
PERLE (Powerful ERL for Experiments) is a novel ERL test facility, initially proposed to validate choices for a 60 GeV ERL foreseen in the design of the LHeC and the FCC-eh. Its main thrust is to probe high current, CW, multi-pass operation with superconducting cavities at 802 MHz (and perhaps testing other frequencies of interest). With very high virtual beam power (~ 10 MW), PERLE offers an opportunity for controllable study of every beam dynamic effect of interest in the next generation of ERL design; becoming a ‘stepping stone' between present state-of-art 1 MW ERLs and future 100 MW scale applications. PERLE design features Flexible Momentum Compaction lattice architecture for six vertically stacked return arcs and a high-current, 6 MeV, photo-injector. With only one pair of 4 cavity cryomodules, 400 MeV beam energy can be reached in 3 re-circulation passes, with beam currents in excess of 15 mA. The beam is decelerated in 3 consecutive passes back to the injection energy, transferring virtually stored energy back to the RF. This unique facility will serve as a test-bed for high current ERL technologies, as well as a user facility in low energy electron and photon physics.
Bogacz, Alex↗
Relationship between Particle Size Distribution of Low-Rank Pulverized Coal and Power Plant Performance
The impact of particle size distribution (PSD) of pulverized, low rank high volatile content Alaska coal on combustion related power plant performance was studied in a series of field scale tests. Performance was gauged through efficiency (ratio of megawatt generated to energy consumed as coal), emissions (SO 2 , NO x , CO), and carbon content of ash (fly ash and bottom ash). The study revealed that the tested coal could be burned at a grind as coarse as 50% passing 76 microns, with no deleterious impact on power generation and emissions. The PSD’s tested in this study were in the range of 41 to 81 percent passing 76 microns. There was negligible correlation between PSD and the followings factors: efficiency, SO 2 , NO x , and CO. Additionally, two tests where stack mercury (Hg) data was collected, did not demonstrate any real difference in Hg emissions with PSD. The results from the field tests positively impacts pulverized coal power plants that burn low rank high volatile content coals (such as Powder River Basin coal). These plants can potentially reduce in-plant load by grinding the coal less (without impacting plant performance on emissions and efficiency) and thereby, increasing their marketability.
Ganguli, Rajive↗
Load Control System Reliability
This report summarizes the results of the Load Control System Reliability project (DOE Award DE-FC26-06NT42750). The original grant was awarded to Montana Tech April 2006. Follow-on DOE awards and expansions to the project scope occurred August 2007, January 2009, April 2011, and April 2013. In addition to the DOE monies, the project also consisted of matching funds from the states of Montana and Wyoming. Project participants included Montana Tech; the University of Wyoming; Montana State University; NorthWestern Energy, Inc., and MSE. Research focused on two areas: real-time power-system load control methodologies; and, power-system measurement-based stability-assessment operation and control tools. The majority of effort was focused on area 2. Results from the research includes: development of fundamental power-system dynamic concepts, control schemes, and signal-processing algorithms; many papers (including two prize papers) in leading journals and conferences and leadership of IEEE activities; one patent; participation in major actual-system testing in the western North American power system; prototype power-system operation and control software installed and tested at three major North American control centers; and, the incubation of a new commercial-grade operation and control software tool. Work under this grant certainly supported the DOE-OE goals in the area of “Real Time Grid Reliability Management.”
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
Experimental Analysis of Distribution Network Voltage Regulation Using Smart Inverters
Smart inverters (SIs) have demonstrated their potential to provide grid services for both transmission and distribution systems. One of these grid services, distribution network voltage regulation by SIs, has the potential to improve network voltage regulation through controlling the reactive and active power output of the SIs. Voltage regulation by SIs will be distributed and might be better suited to controlling local conditions to complement traditional voltage-regulating assets, e.g., tap-changing transformers, capacitor banks, and line voltage regulators. There is a gap in the literature on comparing the SI response characteristics when the SIs are controlled by a local controller or external control signals. This paper presents an experimental study to characterize SI reactive power regulation responses to two different control methods: autonomous control and remote dispatch. We found that SI reactive power regulation responses exhibit important differences between these methods in terms of delays and ramp rate. Finally, power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of these two methods. The PHIL test results show that the SI response characteristics for autonomous control and remote dispatch need to be considered when planning for distribution network voltage regulation using SIs.
autonomous control↗
Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity Benchmark Testing of the Chevrolet Volt Onboard Charger
The Chevrolet Volt onboard charge module, which converts alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power to charge the vehicle’s onboard energy storage system, was benchmark tested for AC to DC efficiency by the Idaho National Laboratory as part of its conduct of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity. Charging with Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at 208 VAC input (60 Hz), the Volt onboard charge module was calculated to be 91.7% efficient while operating between 3.0 AC kW and 3.3 AC kW. Charging with Level 1 EVSE at 120 VAC input (60 Hz) the Volt onboard charge module was calculated to be 90.6% efficient while operating near 1.3 AC kW. Given that most Level 2 EVSE are greater than 99% efficient1 when operating above 3.0 AC kW (Level 2) and a Level 1 EVSE was measured to be 98% efficient2 when operating above 1.25 AC kW (120VAC), the average overall AC to DC charging efficiency for the Chevrolet Volt connected to an EVSE (from the AC grid through the EVSE and the Volt’s onboard charge module OBCM) is 90.8% for Level 2 and 88.8% for Level 1.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Novel Gas-Driven Fuel Cell HVAC and Dehumidification Prototype
Performance of a novel gas-driven, electricity-producing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system with no vapor compression and no hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant shall be discussed in the paper. The prototype was evaluated at ORNL under a Small Business Voucher (SBV) Cooperative Research and Development (CRADA) program. The target market is commercial buildings in the United States. The goal is to mitigate or eliminate grid-power for building air conditioning, coincident peak demand and associated spinning reserves, aiding in flattening of the “duck curve”. The technical goal is to transform the common packaged rooftop unit into a cost-effective distributed energy resource, opening a new range of small applications and broad markets for micro-combined cycle cooling, heating, and power with integral thermal energy storage. The test results indicate the prototype would be competitive with natural gas distributed power plants with average electrical production ranging from 45% to 60% natural gas to electricity conversion efficiency. The technology has a Primary Energy Savings Potential of 4.4 Quads, higher than any other air conditioning and heating technology.
Betts, Daniel↗
A banner year for solar balloon technology
Solar-powered stratospheric balloons achieved major advancements in test flights, developmental milestones, and operational achievements this year. A solar-powered stratospheric balloon system known as the heliotrope, has emerged as a low-cost platform capable of carrying several pounds of scientific payload to altitudes ranging from 50,000 to 75,000 feet (Bowman et al., 2020; Image 1) for multi-hour level flights. This innovative system has facilitated groundbreaking scientific discoveries in areas such as infrasound and atmospheric composition. Unlike sealed weather balloons that burst, these balloons remain buoyant by retaining hot air within their open envelopes. Because they are solar-powered, they remain aloft as long as the sun remains unobscured.
14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
HNEI Role at US Navy Wave Energy Test Site
U.S. Navy established the Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) in the waters off Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the United States’ first grid-connected site, to the nascent commercial wave energy sector which is critically dependent on available test infrastructure to address challenges with developing Wave Energy Conversion (WEC) devices. WETS consists of test berths at 30m, 60m, and 80m water depths, and can host point absorber and oscillating water column devices to a peak power of 1 MW. HNEI provides key research support to this national effort in the form of environmental monitoring, independent WEC device performance analysis, and critical marine logistical support.
16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
Comparison of Test Procedures and Energy Efficiency Criteria in Selected International Standards & Labeling Programs for Copy Machines, External Power Supplies, LED Displays, Residential Gas Cooktops and Televisions
This report presents a technical review of international minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), voluntary and mandatory energy efficiency labels and test procedures for five products being considered for new or revised MEPS in China: copy machines, external power supply, LED displays, residential gas cooktops and flat-screen televisions. For each product, an overview of the scope of existing international standards and labeling programs, energy values and energy performance metrics and description and detailed summary table of criteria and procedures in major test standards are presented.
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
Impact assessment of geomagnetic induced current neutral blocking devices with power electronics sources on distance relay for 230 kV transmission lines
Electrical grids increased the integration of power electronics sources onto transmission lines. In addition, recent reports show a significant rise in geomagnetic storms occurring in 2024. These geomagnetic storms can affect transmission lines by inducing electrical currents within them, potentially causing power outages due to overloaded power transformers. Geomagnetic induced current neutral blocking devices (GIC-NBDs) are capacitors on the ground of wye power transformers, to avoid damage caused by geomagnetic storms. The integration of distance relays and transmission lines with power electronics sources and GIC-NBDs needs to be studied to observe if GIC-NBDs and power electronics sources could adversely affect operation of the electrical grid. In this analysis, the effect of 2 MW power electronics sources and GIC-NBDs on distance relays is assessed for different 230 kV transmission line lengths in radial and nonradial power systems. The simulations measured the apparent impedances, with different electrical faults. Results for a typical 2,650 μF GIC-NBD application were presented on impedance plots, and the distance relay model operations were assessed. In conclusion, the tests for radial and nonradial power systems showed the behavior of the distance elements and source impedance ratios, assessing the effect of power electronics sources and GIC-NBDs on 230 kV transmission lines.
Distance relays↗
Leveraging PHIL for Inverter Functionality Requirement Evaluation to Ensure a Reliable Grid
This presentation showcases NREL's ongoing research on advanced Multi-point Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) systems, enabling comprehensive evaluation of interoperability, stability, and wide-area stability in complex power grids. Key features include high-power PHIL capabilities, seamless PHIL Interfaces for effortless Grid-Following (GFL) and Grid-Forming (GFM) mode switching, and advanced multi-domain PHIL/Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) capabilities for evaluating diverse technology mixes, facilitating rigorous testing and validation of emerging power systems for reliable integration, enhanced resilience, and optimal performance.
lab capabilities↗
Experimental Investigation of the Power Generation Performance of Floating-Point Absorber Wave Energy Systems: Preprint
The extraction of energy from ocean waves has gained interest in recent years. The floating-point absorber (FPA) is one of the most promising devices among a wide variety of wave energy conversion technologies. Early theoretical studies mainly focused on understanding the hydrodynamics of the system and on predicting the maximum power that could be extracted by a heaving body. These studiesevolve from the investigation of floating-body interactions in offshore engineering and naval architecture disciplines. To our best knowledge, no systematic study has been reported about the investigation of the power generation performance of an FPA with a close-to-commercial design. A series of experimental tests was conducted to investigate the power extraction performance of an FPA system.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
Extracting energy from ocean thermal and salinity gradients to power unmanned underwater vehicles: State of the art, current limitations, and future outlook
Thermal gradient energy-generation technologies for powering unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) or autonomous sensing systems in the ocean are mainly in the research development phase or commercially available at a limited scale, and salinity-gradient energy-generation technologies have not been adequately researched yet. The demand for self-powered UUVs suitable for long-term deployments has been growing, and further research related to small-scale ocean gradient energy systems is needed. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review about harvesting energy from ocean thermal or salinity gradients for powering UUVs, focusing on gliders and profiling floats. Thermal gradient energy systems for UUVs based on phase change materials (PCM) cannot provide the energy required for powering autonomous sensing systems because of the systems' low energy conversion efficiency. Besides reducing energy consumption by developing more efficient electrical-mechanical systems, enhancing the thermal conductivity of the PCMs may help address this challenge by increasing the power generation rate of the UUVs. Several other emerging technologies, such as thermoelectric generators, shape memory alloys, and small-scale thermodynamic cycle systems, have shown potential for powering UUVs, but they are still only at the laboratory testing or conceptual design phase. The most advanced power generation technologies based on salinity gradients, reverse electrodialysis and pressure-retarded osmosis, are still not economically viable for large-scale deployment, mainly because of the high cost of the components required to operate in harsh saline environments. Our feasibility evaluation showed that existing salinity gradient power generation technologies are not directly feasible for powering UUVs in the open ocean.
16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
Baseline Fracture Toughness and CGR Testing of Alloys X-750 and XM-19 (EPRI Phase I)
The Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility (ATR NSUF) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) formed an agreement to test representative alloys used as reactor structural materials as a pilot program toward establishing guidelines for future ATR NSUF research programs. This report contains results from the portion of this program established as Phase I (of three phases) that entails baseline fracture toughness, stress corrosion cracking (SCC), and tensile testing of selected materials for comparison to similar tests conducted at GE Global Research. The intent of this Phase I research program is to determine baseline properties for the materials of interest prior to irradiation, and to ensure comparability between laboratories using similar testing techniques, prior to applying these techniques to the same materials after having been irradiated at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). The materials chosen for this research are the nickel based super alloy X-750, and nitrogen strengthened austenitic stainless steel XM-19. A spare core shroud upper support bracket of alloy X-750 was purchased by EPRI from Southern Co. and a section of XM-19 plate was purchased by EPRI from GE-Hitachi. These materials were sectioned at GE Global Research and provided to INL.
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
Design of an ATR Loop 2A Test Train: Phase 2 of the EPRI/INL Pilot Project for Irradiation of Alloys X-750 and XM-19
The Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility (ATR NSUF) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) formed an agreement to test representative alloys used as reactor structural materials as a pilot program toward establishing guidelines for future ATR NSUF research programs. The pilot project is a three phase project consisting of baseline material characterization (Phase I), experiment design and irradiation thermal and neutronics analyses (Phase II), and post irradiation examination (Phase III). The intent of this Phase II portion of the pilot project is to estimate thermal and neutronic characteristics of the planned experiments and to provide design details of the experiment assemblies themselves. The materials chosen for this research are the nickel based super alloy X-750, and nitrogen strengthened austenitic stainless steel XM-19.
Source record↗
Baseline Fracture Toughness and CGR testing of alloys X-750 and XM-19 (EPRI Phase I)
The Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility (ATR NSUF) and Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) formed an agreement to test representative alloys used as reactor structural materials as a pilot program toward establishing guidelines for future ATR NSUF research programs. This report contains results from the portion of this program established as Phase I (of three phases) that entails baseline fracture toughness, stress corrosion cracking (SCC), and tensile testing of selected materials for comparison to similar tests conducted at GE Global Research. The intent of this Phase I research program is to determine baseline properties for the materials of interest prior to irradiation, and to ensure comparability between laboratories using similar testing techniques, prior to applying these techniques to the same materials after having been irradiated at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). The materials chosen for this research are the nickel based super alloy X-750, and nitrogen strengthened austenitic stainless steel XM-19. A spare core shroud upper support bracket of alloy X-750 was purchased by EPRI from Southern Co. and a section of XM-19 plate was purchased by EPRI from GE-Hitachi. These materials were sectioned at GE Global Research and provided to INL.
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗