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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

Hydrogen Infrastructure Modeling and Optimization

HyET, established in 2008, is a small business developing electro-chemical hydrogen compressors. HyET’s goals are for a low-cost, efficient, high-pressure compressor ready for market and installation into hydrogen infrastructure stations servicing mobile fuel cell applications. NLR has been working on hydrogen infrastructure research for over a decade and includes electrolyzer production via electrolysis, storage, compression, dispensing, safety, and performance validation. Accelerating technologies into the marketplace is one goal of NLR’s hydrogen research. Therefore, HyET and NLR have teamed up to provide one year of support for HyET’s modeling and small-scale experiments optimization efforts for HyET’s next-generation electro-chemical compressor.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Twinac: A Universal Framework for Virtual Accelerator Controls

We propose a universal framework for a system of virtual accelerator controls (Twinac), a standard toolkit for research institutions to design, maintain, and use a real-time, end-to-end "digital twin" of their particle accelerator facility. This virtual counterpart will mirror any physical accelerator to provide (1) predictive maintenance; (2) surveillance of hidden environmental factors, such as seasonal temperature variations, which could impact performance of power supplies, magnets, and other instruments; and (3) a capability to model novel ways to operate the accelerator without risking equipment damage. Twinac is envisioned as accelerator facility agnostic, allowing institutions to share and reuse myriad simulation approaches (analytics-based, A.I.-driven, or combinations of the like) across facilities. The Twinac system lays the groundwork for a collaborative network of institutions to maintain and update this shared virtual accelerator technology.

Miceli, Tia M. [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000265577789)↗

Advancing Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis Through Integrated Experimentation and Multi-Scale Computational Modeling

This webinar will highlight recent results from a multi-disciplinary research effort in which integrated reaction testing was coupled with particle- and reactor-scale computational modeling to advance catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) for the production of renewable hydrocarbon fuels. Data will be presented from a series of ex situ CFP experiments in which a fixed bed of Pt/TiO2 was utilized with co-fed H2 to upgrade woody biomass pyrolysis vapors. Further discussion will include the application of these data towards the development of (1) a multiscale simulation framework to de-couple apparent kinetics from both intraparticle and reactor-scale transport phenomena and (2) a finite element computational model to understand and predict thermal excursions during catalyst regeneration. Throughout the presentation, the speakers will emphasize synergistic outcomes derived from the collaborative approach and highlight ongoing research efforts to accelerate technology maturation.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

2.2.5.401 - Ocean Observing Prize

The Powering the Blue Economy: Ocean Observing Prize is a $2.4M contest that challenges innovators to develop solutions that integrate marine renewable energy with ocean observation platforms to revolutionize our ability to monitor, manage, and understand the ocean. Competitors are challenged to design, build, and test novel, wave-powered, self-charging autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) systems that could be suitable for a 6-month deployment in the Atlantic Ocean to monitor hurricane formation. Through engagement with the end user ocean observing community, the team identified challenges in a lack of data on storm intensity, endangering coastal communities. This challenge could be addressed by collecting data before, during, and after a hurricane develops and strengthens at sea. Amassing this data, however, requires an ocean observing system that can be deployed at sea for long periods, waiting for approaching storms. To help solve this problem, competitors are working to integrate wave energy capture with AUV systems to collect this data, helping to better protect coastal communities from oncoming storms. Solutions developed through this prize aim to enable long-term collection of data before, during, and after a hurricane that will help better forecast storm intensity. The prize mechanism provides an environment to accelerate technology development for innovators and helps to improve awareness of marine energy and its ability to provide power to blue economy applications.

coastal communities↗

Exploration of superconducting multi-mode cavity architectures for quantum computing

Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities coupled to transmon circuits have proven to be a promising platform for building high-coherence quantum information processors. An essential aspect of this realization involves designing high quality factor three-dimensional superconducting cavities to extend the lifetime of quantum systems. To increase the computational capability of this architecture, we are exploring a multimode approach. This paper presents the design optimization process of a multi-cell SRF cavity to perform quantum computation based on an existing design developed in the scope of particle accelerator technology. We perform parametric electromagnetic simulations to evaluate and optimize the design. In particular, we focus on the analysis of the interaction between a nonlinear superconducting circuit known as the transmon and the cavity. This parametric design optimization is structured to serve as a blueprint for future studies on similar systems.

Reineri, Alessandro↗

SHASTA-HELP: Hydrogen Estimator for Logistical Planning Tool

Underground reservoirs offer a promising option for medium- and long-term hydrogen storage that could potentially be safer and more cost-effective than surface alternatives. Currently, there are three underground hydrogen storage (UHS) facilities in the United States, which operate solely in salt caverns and store hydrogen primarily for industrial purposes. Salt formations favorable for geologic storage are geographically limited in the U.S. If a hydrogen economy is to develop, expansion of UHS to other geologic formations such as depleted gas fields and saline aquifers will be necessary to increase the availability of hydrogen storage. While research into the feasibility of storing hydrogen in these formations is ongoing, tools and methodologies are needed for characterizing the hydrogen storage potential in these reservoirs. We introduce the Hydrogen Estimator for Logistical Planning (HELP) tool from the Subsurface Hydrogen Assessment, Storage, and Technology Acceleration (SHASTA) project (https://edx.netl.doe.gov/shasta). SHASTA-HELP is a suite of web-based tools that have numerous capabilities for UHS project planning.

Haeri, Foad↗

Compact Superconducting RF Accelerators for Water Treatment

Jefferson Lab is actively exploring the environmental applications of compact irradiation facilities utilizing Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) accelerator technology ? a well-established technology primarily used in large research machines. Recent advancements, such as the application of thin films of superconducting alloys in radio frequency (RF) resonators and the development of high-capacity cryocoolers, have made it feasible to employ this key technology in compact, standalone irradiation facilities. The main advantage over conventional systems based on normal conducting technology is the significantly enhanced efficiency in beam power generation, enabling exposure to substantially higher radiation doses. In the realm of addressing contaminants in wastewater treatment, particularly concerning persistent substances known as "forever chemicals," this technology presents an attractive solution, given the required considerable effort i.e. dose to break them down. Experiment Numbers:

Vennekate, John↗

Technological developments and accelerator improvements for the FRIB beam power ramp-up

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) began operation with 1 kW beam power for scientific users in May 2022 upon completion of 8 years of project construction. The ramp-up to the ultimate beam power of 400 kW, planned over a 6-year period, will enable the facility to reach its full potential for scientific discovery in isotope science and applications. In December 2023, a record-high beam power of 10.4 kW uranium was delivered to the target. Technological developments and accelerator improvements are being made over the entire facility and are key to completion of the power ramp-up. Major technological developments entail the phased deployment of high-power beam-intercepting systems, including the charge strippers, the charge selection systems, the production target, and the beam dump, along with support systems, including non-conventional utilities (NCU) and remote handling facilities. Major accelerator improvements include renovations to aging legacy systems associated with experimental beam lines and system automation for improved operational efficiency and better machine availability. Experience must be gained to safely handle the increased radiological impacts associated with high beam power; extensive machine studies and advanced beam tuning procedures are needed to minimize uncontrolled beam losses for the desired operating conditions. This paper discusses the technological developments and accelerator improvements with emphasis on major R&D efforts.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

From IMPEL to Impact: Lessons Learned in Accelerating Innovative Building Technologies

The built environment is a complex ecosystem of social institutions and physical infrastructures. Innovation and entrepreneurship in the building industry are critical levers for market transformation toward equitable climate action. However, climate tech innovation for the built environment is not moving fast enough for global needs, and it lacks fundamental diversity, leading to inequitable outcomes. IMPEL (Incubating Market-propelled Entrepreneurial-mindset at the Labs and Beyond) - a U.S. Department of Energy incubator–addresses these critical issues. Over five years, IMPEL has enabled 250 innovators, including 55% women and diverse founders, to accelerate their buildings and clean energy technologies towards market and climate impact. IMPEL provides access to strategic mentoring and coaching, carbon tools training, testbeds, and powerful public-private pipelines, including industry demonstrations, non-dilutive grants, and venture capital networks. The IMPEL innovation ecosystem has accelerated the pace of innovation and market adoption of building decarbonization technologies. In this paper, leverage the IMPEL stakeholder ecosystem - from innovators to investors and product industry to policymakers - to analyze the critical barriers to decarbonization still encountered in the building industry. We study the IMPEL approach and highlight lessons learned that benefit young businesses pursuing innovative building and building-edge energy technologies to develop new ideas and products. Finally, we propose a ‘market forming’ framework to improve the quality and efficiency of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the building industry. This framework could scale vetted technologies and the participation of diverse founders to de-risk the climate tech

Singh, Reshma↗

Multimodal In Situ Characterization Uncovers Unexpected Stability of a Cobalt Electrocatalyst for Acidic Sustainable Energy Technologies

An accelerated development of durable and affordable sustainable energy technologies is often hindered by a limited understanding of how non-precious materials within these systems degrade. In acidic proton exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolyzers, metallic cobalt (Co) is considered an unstable component that is often combined with precious metals or other stabilizers. To understand the mechanisms behind Co instability, we employ an experimental platform that quantifies dissolution with on-line inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and product formation with electrochemical mass spectrometry during electrochemical testing, along with ex- situ characterization. Under varied conditions (electrocatalysis, time, gas-type saturation, and ion concentration), windows of Co stability are observed that are different than predicted with classical chemical thermodynamics, suggesting new stabilization and degradation mechanisms than previously understood. Notably, Co is active for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), with prolonged stability that is ~300 mV different than thermodynamically projected. Additionally, in an oxygenated environment, Co concurrently performs the HER and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) yet undergoes different morphology changes and dissolution mechanisms. Interestingly, in the absence of electrocatalysis, there is a 22x decrease in dissolution in an oxygen-free environment, proposing a route to decrease Co losses during device shutdown protocols. Lastly, under more extreme operating conditions, Co becomes stable after a substantial amount of dissolution, suggesting that high concentrations of Co 2+ ions in the microenvironment induce the formation of a stable CoHO 2 surface. Altogether, these results can be leveraged to improve the design and development of more robust and cost-effective sustainable energy technologies, as well as promote strategic strategies for prolonged material utilization.

Dissolution↗

Evaluation of bifacial module technologies with combined–accelerated stress testing

In view of the increasing interest and market share of bifacial cells and modules, suitable substrates such as glass and transparent backsheets along with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyolefin elastomer (POE) encapsulants were examined in combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST) to evaluate and compare degradation modes. Testing with both monofacial and bifacial cells, we found glass-glass modules with monofacial cells led to greater grid finger breakage than those with polymeric backsheets. Furthermore, this is attributed to previous X-ray topography and modeling work showing higher stress in cells and interconnections in glass-glass modules than glass-backsheet modules. Consistent with the objectives of C-AST, which stresses modules at levels corresponding to the limits seen in the natural environment, we observed the UV-fluorescence signatures of modules tested in C-AST (considering the degradation associated with developing chromophores, moisture penetration and photobleaching effects) to be like those in fielded modules, more so than other chamber stress testing implemented for comparison. We found light-induced degradation (LID) in module types with regenerated (inactive) cells with C-AST, suggesting the possibility of LID destabilization in some field conditions. We could also distinguish potential-induced degradation (PID) on the back of the bifacial passivated emitter and rear cells (PERC) in C-AST. Confirming with ex-situ tests, we found polarization-type PID most prevalent in glass-glass modules with EVA as would be anticipated considering the greater leakage current through such module encapsulation. Unlike PID tests performed in the dark, which can lead to false positive PID test results, field-representative illumination is experienced by the modules on the front and back side while –1200 V system voltage is applied in C-AST, supporting the conclusion that this module type with glass-glass construction would be susceptible to PID in the field.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Advancing Conduction-Cooled 650 MHz SRF Technology for Industrial Accelerators at Fermilab's IARC

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) funds the Illinois Accelerator Research Center (IARC) at Fermilab in developing a high-power, conduction-cooled Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) accelerator tailored for industrial applications requiring robust and efficient operation. A 650 MHz, 1.6 MeV, 20 kW SRF accelerator is currently under development, employing a conduction cooling approach to simplify cryogenic requirements and enhance accessibility for industrial use. The accelerator’s control system is implemented on the Blinky Lite platform, selected for its open-source architecture, secure remote access capabilities, and operational flexibility—attributes advantageous for industrial deployment and sustained operation. A dedicated beamline is designed to measure essential beam parameters and test the integrated performance of the accelerator and control systems, thereby validating their operational readiness for intended applications

Ji, Y. [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000233981752)↗

NREL Facilities Accelerate Marine Energy Technology Development [Poster]

Once marine energy device developers have a theoretical design in mind, it's time to transform that idea into a commercially ready device. And for that, they can turn to experts at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). NREL's marine energy researchers have extensive experience moving technology ideas from prototype manufacturing through laboratory and field validation. The lab's facilities cover five phases of the validation life cycle to ensure marine energy technologies can survive harsh open-water environments. From prototype fabrication to grid integration at all scales, NREL offers end-to-end marine energy device design and validation capabilities.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗