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Results for “techno economic analysis”

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 OSTI2022

Conversion of plastic waste into high-value lubricants: techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment

Given the low recycling rate of plastic waste in the United States due to low economic incentives, it is of great interest to develop a technology to upgrade plastic waste with favorable economics. Plastic upcycling to valuable chemicals could ensure a circular economy for plastics and reduce the environmental burden caused by their end use cycle and disposal. A conceptual facility to convert 250 metric ton (MT) per day of plastic waste was modeled; the main product was a high-quality liquid (HQL) with a similar performance to polyalphaolefin (PAO) lubricants. The modeled process had a lubricant yield of up to 90% based on the experimental results at the laboratory scale. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) were also performed to evaluate the process economics and its environmental impact. By using a mixture of colored and natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the production cost was in the range of 0.6–1.98 dollars per kg of lubricant, depending on the operating conditions. The life cycle emissions were in the range of 0.48–1.2 kg CO 2e kg Lub -1 showing, for the best case scenario, a 52% reduction relative to the emissions for petroleum lubricants, and a 74% reduction relative to the emissions for PAO lubricants. Finally, the impacts of the lubricant yield, the catalyst amount, and reaction time were evaluated, and their effect on the final production cost was discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Techno-economic analysis of carbon dioxide capture from low concentration sources using membranes

Rising carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) levels in the atmosphere lead to global warming, causing climate change. As such, carbon capture has become necessary to slow the increase and reduce CO 2 levels in the atmosphere. Point source emissions have a wide range of CO 2 concentrations, but emissions below 3% CO 2 have mostly been ignored because Carbon capture from these sources has been viewed as costly and economically unsustainable. Membrane technologies are considered the most viable solution by virtue of more energy-efficient operation. Our group at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has developed poly[bis((2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene] (MEEP)-based carbon dioxide selective membranes with CO 2 /N 2 selectivity greater than 40 and CO 2 permeability greater than 450 Barrer. To understand the economics of carbon capture, a spreadsheet-based techno-economic analysis (TEA) model was developed to consider multiple parameters, including selectivity and permeability of the membranes, performance conditions such as the number of stages, module material, electricity price, membrane price, and capital financing. The cost of carbon capture in US $\$$/metric ton was calculated at various purities and compared with other membrane processes, cryogenic capture, solvent-based capture, and pressure swing adsorption-based capture. It was determined that a MEEP-based three-stage process had a capture cost of US $\$$ 50.1/metric ton for 99.8% purity CO 2 from a 1% CO 2 feed source in nitrogen (N 2 ). In conclusion, the capture cost using the best performing Pebax-based membrane was 464% higher, cryogenic capture was 60%–140% higher, pressure swing adsorption was 55%–165% higher, and chemical absorption was -10%–110% higher than MEEP-based membrane capture, respectively.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

A sustainable cobalt separation with validation by techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment

Sustainable, cost-effective cobalt/nickel separations chemistry contributes to the realization of economically competitive lithium-ion battery recycling, as well as primary mining of cobalt and nickel. Such improvements can address supply chain challenges for cobalt, a critical element. Herein, we disclose a simple method for separating Co/Ni by second coordination-sphere molecular recognition. Selective cobalt precipitation is achieved using carbonate ions in an ammonia solution due to the outer-sphere, hydrogen bonding interactions between [Co(NH 3 ) 6 ] 3+ and CO 3 2− , evaluated with density functional theory calculations. We demonstrate this method on mixtures of Co/Ni chlorides comprising a 10-fold excess of Ni and provide comparisons with ore-processing systems. High purities (99.4(3)% Co; 98.2(4)% Ni) and recoveries (77(8)% Co; ∼100% Ni) were observed for both Co- and Ni-enriched products using optimized conditions. In conclusion, this method is potentially economically competitive based on initial techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) that also illustrate advantages in terms of sustainability.

cobalt↗
DOE OSTI2026

Transforming E-Waste Into Strategic Resources: Techno-Economic Analysis of Gallium and By-products Recovery from LEDs via Bioleaching

The growing demand for gallium in optoelectronics and renewable energy applications raises concerns about supply security and production sustainability. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of recovering gallium and by-products (copper and nickel) from waste GaN-based LEDs via bioleaching. A process flowsheet encompassing transportation, robotic disassembly, ball milling, bioleaching, solvent extraction/electrowinning, and refining was modeled. Based on mass balance analysis, more than 53 tons of LED waste are required annually to yield 1 kg of gallium alongside substantial copper and nickel co-products. Preliminary techno-economic analysis (TEA) shows an average total cost (ATC) of 6.84 USD/kg metal when costs are allocated by mass-weighted economic value (market price) fraction, corresponding to 6.75 USD/kg for copper, 15.91 USD/kg for nickel, and 470.95 USD/kg for gallium. For gallium, direct operational costs account for more than 70% of the cost. Monte Carlo simulations further quantify cost uncertainties under market price fluctuations. This work represents the first TEA of gallium recovery from GaN-based LEDs and highlights potential pathways for future cost reduction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Techno-Economic Analysis for Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) of High Strength Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloy 7075 (AA7075) is a high strength aluminum alloy (HSAL), attractive for applications such as automotive, aviation, aerospace, defense, and marine applications. However, AA7075 has not yet been widely adopted due slow extrusion speed, high energy use, narrow process window, and sensitivity to incipient melting common in conventional extrusion methods. Alternative extrusion methods may overcome these limitations. New research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) is exploring the use of a new SPP approach called Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) for the manufacture of AA7075 extrusions. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are leading the development, testing and characterization of ShAPE, which is showing that high speed ShAPE extrusions (e.g., above 12 meters/min) which is significantly faster than the 1-2 meters/min possible with conventional AA7075 extrusions. Initial findings from the economic and energy analysis indicate that AA7075 tubes created with ShAPE use less energy than tubes that are conventionally heated and extruded. The reduction in energy use is primarily a result of using direct chill cast (non-homogenized) billets, eliminating the pre-heating step, and faster extrusion speeds. The TEA model translates CAPEX and O&M costs to a manufacturing cost, and then a minimum sustainable price (MSP) per ton of extruded product for multiple facility capacities. A sample output figure of the TEA model is presented below. It presents results of the preliminary version of the TEA model.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Techno-Economic Analysis of Repurposing Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Networks to Accommodate Hydrogen Blends

Blending hydrogen into natural gas infrastructure could supplement natural gas supply and increase resilience for applications such as ammonia production, peaking and load-following power plants, and heating. The United States has an extensive network of natural gas pipelines, but the feasibility of employing this infrastructure to transport hydrogen is unclear. We analyze the costs associated with repurposing three distinct natural gas transmission pipelines in different locations within the United States to carry blends of hydrogen up to 100% via three different pipeline network modification methods and compare against the cost of building a new dedicated hydrogen pipeline. We conduct a sensitivity analysis on the hoop stress limit of the existing pipe, techno-economic parameters, emissions, and relative capacity. The results show that the capital costs required to upgrade a pipeline can vary from tens of millions to billions of dollars depending on the length and capacity of the existing pipeline section, whether the existing pipeline already operates at or below its maximum allowable operating pressure, whether future demand is expected to increase or decrease, the network modification method selected, and pipe material costs. The delivered cost of energy to end users is impacted less by the levelized cost of transporting hydrogen blends than by the cost of the natural gas and hydrogen fuels being transported. The emissions impact of blending hydrogen into natural gas transmission networks scales proportionally with the amount of energy displaced with low-emission hydrogen (such as from natural gas with carbon capture and sequestration or electrolysis powered by nuclear, renewable, or geothermal electricity), therefore low blend ratios (e.g., < 20% vol. hydrogen) will result in low emissions impacts. Factors such as permitting and right-of-way costs, the proximity of the pipeline to hydrogen demand and production, and the compatibility of and/or retrofitting costs of end-use gas-fueled technologies will likely be greater drivers in determining whether converting a particular natural gas pipeline to carry hydrogen makes economic sense.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2023

Techno-Economic Analysis of a Nuclear Reactor System coupled with a Liquid Metal Battery

There is a need for nuclear reactor systems to become more dynamic as defossilization and renewable energy sources continue to reshape the energy grid. One option to meet these changing demands is to pair the reactor with an energy storage system. This work details a technoeconomic analysis and sensitivity analysis of a high temperature gas cooled microreactor, supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle, and liquid metal battery. Dynamic modeling has shown that these three systems compliment each other to provide load following and black-start capabilities to the grid. Current cost estimates for installing the systems yield a competitive levelized cost of electricity and levelized cost of storage, indicating that such a combined system may be economically viable as technological advances lead to them being technically feasible.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

TEAMER: MADWEC Techno-Economic Analysis

The objective of this project was for the facility to conduct a techno-economic assessment (TEA) of the Maximal Asymmetric Drag Wave Energy Converter (MADWEC), developed by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth). MADWEC is used for powering remote monitoring and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) charging systems compared to other existing power supply options. The assessment estimates capital expenditures (CapEx), operational expenditures (OpEx), and power performance for 18 scenarios with the purpose of identifying key cost drivers, comparing total system cost, and comparing the power performance of the power supply options in terms of required installed capacity and estimated theoretical annual energy performance. The 18 assessed scenarios include two end-uses: 1) AUV charging and 2) offshore remote monitoring); three power sources: 1) MADWEC), 2) photovoltaic (PV) solar buoy, 3) and traditional battery swapping); and three locations; 1) nearshore, 2) far-offshore, and 3) high-latitude). In addition, other project goals included developing high level installation, operation, and maintenance plans for each scenario. The techno-economic model, created in Microsoft Excel, estimates CapEx, OpEx, and the power performance of each power supply source. The model has a dynamic format that allows custom inputs to accommodate future changes to the systems being assessed. This is a TEA for the MADWEC project, TEAMER RFTS 7 (request for technical support) program.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2022

Techno-Economic Analysis of Recuperated Joule-Brayton Pumped Thermal Energy Storage

This article describes a techno-economic model for pumped thermal energy storage systems based on recuperated Joule-Brayton cycles and two-tank liquid storage. Models have been developed for each component, with particular emphasis on the heat exchangers. Economic metrics such as the power and energy capital costs (i.e., per-kW and per-kWh capacity) and levelized cost of storage are evaluated by gathering numerous cost correlations from the literature, thereby enabling estimates of uncertainty. It is found that the use of heat exchangers with effectivenesses up to 0.95 is economically worthwhile, but higher values lead to rapidly escalating component size and system cost. Several hot storage fluids are considered; those operating at the highest temperatures (chloride salts) improve the round-trip efficiency but the benefit is marginal and may not warrant the additional material costs and risk when compared to lower-temperature nitrate salts. Cost-efficiency trade-offs are explored using a multi-objective optimization algorithm, yielding optimal designs with round-trip efficiencies in the range 59-72% and corresponding levelized storage costs of 0.12 0.03 and 0.38 0.10 $/kWhe. Lifetime costs are competitive with lithium-ion batteries for discharging durations greater than 6 h under current scenarios.

Carnot battery↗
DOE OSTI2021

Techno-Economic Analysis of decentralized preprocessing systems for fast pyrolysis biorefineries with blended feedstocks in the southeastern United States

This study evaluated the economic feasibility of fast pyrolysis biorefineries fed with blended pine residues and switchgrass in the Southeastern U.S. with different supply chain design. Previous techno-economic analyses (TEA) have focused on either blended biomass or decentralized preprocessing without investigating the impacts of varied process parameters, technology options, and real-world biomass distribution. This study fills the literature gap by modeling scenarios for different biomass blending ratios, biorefinery and preprocessing site (so-called depot) capacities, and alternative preprocessing technologies. High-resolution, real-world geospatial data were analyzed using Geographic Information Systems to facilitate supply chain design and TEA. For a decentralized system, the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) of biofuel was 3.92–4.33 per gallon gasoline equivalent (GGE), while the MFSP for the centralized biorefinery at the same capacities ranged between 3.75–4.02/GGE. Implementing a high moisture pelleting process depot rather than a conventional pelleting process lowered the MFSP by 0.03–0.17/GGE. Scenario analysis indicated decreased MFSP with increasing biorefinery capacities but not necessarily with increasing depot size. Medium-size depots (500 OMDT/day) achieved the lowest MFSP. Here, this analysis identified the optimal blending ratios for two preprocessing technologies at varied depot sizes. Counterintuitively, increasing the proportion of higher cost switchgrass reduced the MFSP for large biorefineries (>5000 ODMT/day), but increased the MFSP for small biorefineries (1000–2500 ODMT/day). Although the decentralized systems have a higher MFSP based on current analysis, it has other potential benefits such as mitigated supply chain risks and improved feedstock quality that are difficult to be quantified in this TEA.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Techno-economic analysis of long-duration energy storage and flexible power generation technologies to support high-variable renewable energy grids

As variable renewable energy penetration increases beyond 80%, clean power systems will require long-duration energy storage or flexible, low-carbon generation. Here, we provide a detailed techno-economic evaluation and uncertainty analysis of applicable technologies and identify challenges and opportunities to support electric grid planning. We show that for a 120-h storage duration rating, hydrogen systems with geologic storage and natural gas with carbon capture are the least-cost low-carbon technologies for both current and future capital costs. These results are robust to uncertainty for the future capital cost scenario, but adiabatic compressed air and pumped thermal storage could be the least-cost technologies in the current capital cost scenario under uncertainty. Finally, we present a new storage system using heavy-duty vehicle fuel cells that could reduce the levelized cost of energy by 13%–20% compared with the best previously considered storage technology and, thus, could help enable very high (>80%) renewable energy grids.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Techno-economic analysis and environmental benefits of solar industrial process heating based on parabolic trough collectors

In this work, detailed techno-economic and environmental analyses are conducted for employing a 5 MWt parabolic trough-based solar industrial process heat (SIPH) plant in Salt Lake City, Utah. According to the results, an optimum solar multiple of 1.5 was determined, allowing the plant to generate annual thermal energy of 15389.24 MWth with a capacity factor of 35.1% and levelized cost of heat (LCOH) of $\$ 26.3$/MWth. Considering a 30% investment tax credit and a 30% reduction in the total installed cost could reduce the LCOH to $\$ 19.30$/MWth and $\$ 18.52$/MWth, respectively. Employing parabolic trough collectors could avoid emissions of 3,582,422.47 kg, 147.99 kg, 3,341.66 kg, and 14.32 kg for CO 2 , PM, NOx, and SO 2 , respectively per year compared to a natural gas-based plant. Further, it also caused an annual external cost savings of between $\$ 99,900$ and $\$ 357,004$. Including the external costs in the LCOH analysis shows that the SIPH plant is economically competitive with a natural gas-based plant, further demonstrating its value. A further comparison demonstrated the economic superiority of a parabolic trough-driven IPH plant over a photovoltaic-driven electric boiler plant. In summary, with reducing installed costs and providing incentives, parabolic trough-driven IPH plants will be an economically and environmentally viable option.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Comparative Techno-Economic Analysis of Available Feedstocks for High-Temperature Conversion: Whole Tree Thinnings and Mature Pine Residues

The techno-economic and life cycle implications of utilizing low-cost feedstocks in a high temperature conversion process are of great interest. Here, we investigate the conversion cost impacts of two underutilized feedstocks from the commercial pine industry: 13-year-old whole trees, representing trees removed for the purpose of precommercial thinning, and 23-year-old pine residues, representing a waste stream produced from the deconstruction of mature trees for other purposes. Experimental fast pyrolysis (FP) yields for each feedstock were adjusted to a catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) basis and used to estimate process economics by employing published correlations based on rigorous techno-economic modeling. These correlations were used in tandem with results from supply and preprocessing analyses to evaluate the field-to-fuel economics of each feedstock. A small difference in minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) was found between the conversion costs for the two feedstocks, with 23-year-old residues demonstrating a net benefit of $0.27 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) compared to the 13- year-old whole tree thinnings, driven primarily by feedstock supply costs. This suggests that both whole tree thinnings and pine residues may be viable feedstock options for CFP conversion. Life cycle inventories (LCIs) were also generated for each case, enabling a field-to-fuel quantification of the cost and carbon cycle associated with each feedstock.

catalytic fast pyrolysis↗