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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION OF A PCM-BASED OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY HARVESTER FOR POWERING UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLES

As oceans cover over 70% of the planet’s surface, they represent a large reservoir of resources that remained vastly untapped. Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are becoming key technology for ocean exploration. Ocean thermal gradient is a permanent and reliable energy source that can be used to power UUVs using phase change material (PCM)-based thermal engines. However, the main drawback of this technology is its low conversion efficiency. When using PCM-based thermal engines to power UUVs, there are different energy conversion stages, thermal-hydraulic, hydraulic-kinetic, kinetic-electrical, dependent of a wide variety of parameters. Thus, optimization of the overall energy conversion is still a challenge for powering the increasing energy demanding UUVs for long missions. The goal of this study is to propose a PCM-based ocean thermal energy harvesting system for powering the Solo II float. Using the ocean thermal energy reduces the cost for battery replacement and expands the float’s mission time. For this purpose, we developed a multiphysics model for a system consisting of thermal material, hydraulic, and electrical systems. This system is designed to provide the electrical power needed for the instruments aboard the underwater vehicle. The models of the hydraulic and the electric systems are implemented in MATLAB-Simulink/Simscape environment. The final model developed can provide 13.66 kJ of electrical energy, which is more than 1.5 times the energy requirement per cycle for the SOLO II float.

Ouro-Koura, Habilou↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geologic hydrogen: a review of resource potential, subsurface dynamics, exploration, production, transportation, and research opportunities

Hydrogen is a versatile resource with critical roles in decarbonization, industrial manufacturing, and energy integration. However, most hydrogen today is produced from fossil fuels, resulting in high emissions and energy consumption. Although low-carbon hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming with carbon capture and renewable-powered electrolysis, are advancing, their high costs hinder large-scale deployment. Identifying alternative pathways for producing low-cost, low-emission hydrogen is therefore essential. Geologic hydrogen, referring to natural and stimulated hydrogen generated in the Earth's subsurface, has attracted growing attention as a potential source of sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally favorable hydrogen. This paper provides a comprehensive review of geologic hydrogen, covering its resource potential, origins, migration and trapping mechanisms, exploration techniques, production strategies, and pipeline transportation. It also identifies key knowledge gaps and proposes a roadmap for future research. The review indicates that geologic hydrogen has vast resource potential and can leverage existing subsurface technologies and geophysical exploration methods. However, major challenges persist, including uncertain hydrogen generation rates, limited understanding and control of serpentinization processes, costly transportation infrastructure, the lack of validated techno-economic analysis, and potential social and environmental issues. As the field is still in its early stages, progress will require interdisciplinary collaboration spanning geoscience, engineering, economics, environmental science, and policy and regulation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Design, Analysis, Comparison, and Experimental Validation of Insulated Metal Substrates for High-Power Wide-Bandgap Power Modules

Direct bonded copper (DBC) substrates used in power modules have limited heat spreading and manufacturing capability due to ceramic properties and manufacturing technology. The ceramic and copper bonding is also subject to high mechanical stress due to coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the copper and the ceramic. For wide-bandgap (WBG) devices, it is of interest exploring new substrate technologies that can overcome some of the challenges of direct bonded copper substrates. In this technical paper, the design, analysis, and comparison of insulated metal substrates (IMSs) for high-power wide-bandgap semiconductor-based power modules are discussed. This paper starts with technical description and discussion of state-of-the-art DBC substrates with different ceramic insulators such as aluminum nitride (AlN), Al 2 O 3 , and Si 3 N 4 . Next, an introduction of IMSs and their material properties, and a design approach for SiC (silicon carbide) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET)-based power modules for high-power applications is provided. The influence of dielectric thickness on the power handling capability of the substrate are also discussed. The designed IMS and DBC substrates were characterized in terms of steady-state and transient thermal performance using finite element simulation. Finally, the performance of the IMS and DBC are validated in an experimental setup under different loading and cooling temperature conditions. We report the simulation and experimental results showed that the IMS can provide high steady-state thermal performance for high-power modules based on SiC MOSFETs. Furthermore, the IMS provided enhanced transient thermal performance, which provided a reduced junction temperature when the module is operated at low fundamental output frequencies in traction drive systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Technology Assessment on Low-Temperature Waste Heat Recovery in Industry

The purpose of this report is to discuss the magnitude of low-temperature waste heat available in the US manufacturing sector and to identify current and emerging low-temperature heat recovery technologies and equipment. The primary focus of the study is on the industries that produce the lowest-temperature waste heat: the chemical, primary metal, petroleum, nonmetallic mineral, fabricated metal, food, paper, and wood industries. In addition to identifying the waste streams, their characteristics, and currently available heat recovery technologies, the study also explored future research opportunities and economic barriers for recovery technology implementation. Special attention was given to applicable heat to power conversion technologies such as the organic Rankine cycle, thermoelectric conversion, and the supercritical CO 2 cycle. The study included investigations in research and new developments, including turbine and heat exchanger cost for waste heat to power systems, size, efficiency, and intermittency of waste heat streams.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multiscale Electricity Modeling for Evaluating Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technologies (Final Report)

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies that can operate with a high degree of operating flexibility could provide necessary electric grid flexibility in a system with high shares of variable renewables. This project examines the deployment and dispatch potential of twelve unique flexible CCS (FLECCS) technologies that encompass post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture designs, concepts using a storage media to enable energy arbitrage, and hybrid processes that integrate CCS with direct air capture (DAC) for flexibility with net zero or negative CO 2 emissions. FLECCS technology potential is explored with a multi-model, multi-scale framework including the Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) electric sector capacity expansion model (CEM) and the PLEXOS production cost model (PCM). Innovative methods were developed to represent FLECCS technology operating modes, performance, and cost in the two models. ReEDS was then used to simulate nine scenarios for each FLECCS technology, three CO 2 emissions price futures reaching $\$$150, $\$$225, and $\$$300/tCO 2 in 2050; and three scenarios for FLECCS technology deployment favorability relative to competing technologies. For each CO 2 price and reference FLECCS favorability, the 2050 infrastructures from ReEDS model are downscaled and implemented in PLEXOS to examine hourly dispatch under detailed operational constraints that are not included in ReEDS. FLECCS technologies exhibited a wide range of deployment potential ranging from none to several hundred gigawatts of capacity, with outcomes highly sensitive to input cost and performance parameters that are inherently highly uncertain. When deployed, FLECCS tended to displace a combination of wind, solar, and natural gas-based technologies rather than supporting increased renewable deployment. As a result, CO 2 emissions reductions facilitated by FLECCS deployment tended to come with higher overall system costs and electricity prices. When economically competitive, FLECCS technologies can contribute significant flexible generation and firm capacity to the grid, but continued technology development and an expanded analytical scope are necessary to fully understand FLECCS deployment potential its impact on the electric power sector. Follow-on analysis incorporating captured CO 2 tax credit value from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other potential policy scenarios could be particularly valuable, as this policy can substantially change the relative competitiveness of FLECCS technologies.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Exploration of Potential Application of Distributed Ledger Technology for Managing Transactions Under Joint Technology Development and Transfer Agreements

This document summarizes the findings from the team’s evaluation of applying DLT to transactions taking place inside and outside of a joint technology development and transfer agreement. As part of this examination, PNNL focused on addressing whether DLT could be used to promote civil nuclear cooperation without raising proliferation concerns.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Uncertainty in inventories for life cycle assessment: State‐of‐the‐art, challenges, and new technologies

Uncertainty is a critical factor that can hinder the quality and potential applications of life cycle assessment (LCA) results. A prominent source of uncertainty stems from the life cycle inventory (LCI) data. Various methodologies exist to estimate the uncertainty associated with LCI data, primarily based on the widely used structured pedigree matrix approach or the computationally intensive Monte Carlo simulation. This perspective review explores how new technologies (e.g., computational algorithms and data collection methods) from data science and related fields can contribute to identifying, quantifying, and reducing uncertainty in LCI modeling. A brief overview of the sources of uncertainty in LCI modeling and how they are addressed in current LCA practice is provided. Additionally, several new technologies are identified, and the potential benefits of their implementation in reducing uncertainties in LCI modeling are discussed. This perspective review concludes by identifying potential areas that require further development for these technologies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Host Design for Carbon Capture and Regeneration in Porous Liquids

The demand for efficient gas capture technologies drives the exploration of porous liquids (PLs) as alternatives to traditional amine mixtures, which incur high operational costs due to energy-intensive regeneration processes. This research investigates the use of porous organic cages (POCs) within PLs to enhance gas capture and separation capabilities. We demonstrate that the flexibility of POCs under isostatic pressure facilitates the expulsion of captured gas molecules, enabling low-energy regeneration and the creation of an isostatic pressure testing capability for PLs. Additionally, a new CC3-OH POC derivative with scrambled hydroxides exhibits a twofold increase in CO 2 adsorption capacity, attributed to enhanced interactions between hydroxide linkers and CO 2 . Furthermore, we explore the stability of azobenzene-containing organic cages formed via imine and amine bonds, revealing that the flexible amine bond allows for more efficient E-Z isomerization. Our findings highlight the transformative potential of PLs and azobenzene-derived systems in gas separation technologies, paving the way for innovative low-energy regeneration pathways.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

User’s Manual for StrmtbGen, the Stream Tube Generating Part of the FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model, Version 2

The United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has developed the FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model, which is Version 2 of CO 2 Prophet. This document is a User’s Manual for StrmtbGen, which is one part of the FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model. CO 2 Prophet was originally developed in the 1990s by Texaco Exploration and Production Technology Department for DOE. The FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model is an oil reservoir simulator that is suitable for simulating water floods and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model uses a number of assumptions to simplify the equations describing the flow of oil, water (or brine), and CO 2 in the oil reservoir.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

User’s Manual for StrmtbFlow, the Stream Tube Multiphase Flow Part of the FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model, Version 2

The United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has developed the FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model, which is an updated version of the CO 2 Prophet. This document is a user’s manual for StrmtbFlow, which is one part of the FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model. CO 2 Prophet was originally developed in the 1990s by Texaco Exploration and Production Technology Department for DOE. The FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model is an oil reservoir simulator that is suitable for simulating water floods and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The FE/NETL CO 2 Prophet Model uses a number of assumptions to simplify the equations describing the flow of oil, water (or brine), and CO 2 in the oil reservoir.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Grid Communications: Digital Assurance and Supply Chain Challenges and Emerging Regulation Session Two

The TADA Grid Communications Workshops are designed to strengthen cybersecurity and digital assurance across the energy sector by focusing on secure deployment and management of grid communications technologies. These workshops bring together state energy offices, utilities, and technology suppliers to explore the intersection of communications infrastructure, supply chain risks, and emerging regulatory requirements. Participants will apply Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to reduce risks in communications systems, engage with INL’s procurement guidance, and explore future tools. Through scenario-based exercises and peer exchange, attendees will develop risk-based security strategies and actionable compliance roadmaps tailored to their grid communications projects. The workshops also help participants navigate evolving regulatory frameworks such as FEOC rules in the OBBB, NERC CIP-013, and NDAA 2024, while identifying compliance gaps in mixed-technology environments. A key outcome is the formation of a practitioner network with ongoing access to INL expertise and resources, fostering long-term resilience in the digital energy ecosystem. This is Session 2 of 3 (Full Version).

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Grid Communications: Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Challenges and Emerging Regulation Session Three

The TADA Grid Communications Workshops are designed to strengthen cybersecurity and digital assurance across the energy sector by focusing on secure deployment and management of grid communications technologies. These workshops bring together state energy offices, utilities, and technology suppliers to explore the intersection of communications infrastructure, supply chain risks, and emerging regulatory requirements. Participants will apply Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to reduce risks in communications systems, engage with INL’s procurement guidance, and explore future tools. Through scenario-based exercises and peer exchange, attendees will develop risk-based security strategies and actionable compliance roadmaps tailored to their grid communications projects. The workshops also help participants navigate evolving regulatory frameworks such as FEOC rules in the OBBB, NERC CIP-013, and NDAA 2024, while identifying compliance gaps in mixed-technology environments. A key outcome is the formation of a practitioner network with ongoing access to INL expertise and resources, fostering long-term resilience in the digital energy ecosystem. This is Session 3 of 3 (Full Version).

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Grid Communications Supply Chain & Emerging Regulation Challenges Session 1

The TADA Grid Communications Workshops are designed to strengthen cybersecurity and digital assurance across the energy sector by focusing on secure deployment and management of grid communications technologies. These workshops bring together state energy offices, utilities, and technology suppliers to explore the intersection of communications infrastructure, supply chain risks, and emerging regulatory requirements. Participants will apply Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) principles to reduce risks in communications systems, engage with INL’s procurement guidance, and explore future tools. Through scenario-based exercises and peer exchange, attendees will develop risk-based security strategies and actionable compliance roadmaps tailored to their grid communications projects. The workshops also help participants navigate evolving regulatory frameworks such as FEOC rules in the OBBB, NERC CIP-013, and NDAA 2024, while identifying compliance gaps in mixed-technology environments. A key outcome is the formation of a practitioner network with ongoing access to INL expertise and resources, fostering long-term resilience in the digital energy ecosystem.

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

LAMP Diagnostics at the Point-of-Care: Emerging Trends and Perspectives for the Developer Community

Over the past decade, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology has played an important role in molecular diagnostics. Amongst numerous nucleic acid amplification assays, LAMP stands out in terms of sample-to-answer time, sensitivity, specificity, cost, robustness, and accessibility, making it ideal for field-deployable diagnostics in resource-limited regions. In this review, we outline the front-end LAMP design practices for point-of-care (POC) applications, including sample handling and various signal readout methodologies. Next, we explore existing LAMP technologies that have been validated with clinical samples in the field. We summarize recent work that utilizes reverse transcription (RT) LAMP to rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 as an alternative to standard PCR protocols. Finally, we describe challenges in translating LAMP from the benchtop to the field and opportunities for future LAMP assay development and performance reporting. Despite the popularity of LAMP in the academic research community and a recent surge in interest in LAMP due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are numerous areas for improvement in the fundamental understanding of LAMP, which are needed to elevate the field of LAMP assay development and characterization.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Advancing biological processing for valorization of plastic wastes

We report the useful applications of plastics are as significant as the problems associated with their disposal. Current waste management strategies are ineffective at preventing the flow of plastics into landfills, wastewater treatment, and the environment. Despite the importance of recycling technologies, most plastics are used for consumables and are discarded after limited usage. Moreover, only certain plastics are recycled, and those that are generally yield lower value products. Discovering alternative routes for valorizing plastic wastes is essential. Emerging research involves the use of biocatalysts (i.e., enzymes and microorganisms) to produce valuable products like specialty polymers, biosurfactants, and drug precursors from these feedstocks. These bioprocesses commonly integrate physio-chemical pretreatments (to generate biologically reactive intermediates) and biological upgrading (to convert intermediates to products). Herein, publications that explore plastic deconstruction technologies and bioprocesses are reviewed with an emphasis on plastic waste valorization. Understanding how microorganisms metabolize the intermediates of plastic degradation and manage their inhibitory effects is a prerequisite for engineering bioprocesses. For these heterogeneous wastes, a paradigm shift from axenic cultivation of microorganisms to cultivation of microbial consortia may benefit conversion efficiency and stress resilience. Thus, a summary is provided for metabolic pathways and constituent enzymes required to synthesize biofuels, biomaterials, and chemicals from biologically reactive intermediates. Colossal challenges associated with the use of plastics as feedstocks for direct biological processing highlight the need for integrating physical, chemical, and biological technologies.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗