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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 OSTI2021

Dynamic Polymer Networks for On Demand Degradable Adhesives, Scaffolds, and Templates (Full Technical Report)

This feasibility study was motivated by a need for alternative mandrel materials to meet the next generation of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) ablator capsules. In response, a new polymer material based on reversible covalent bonds was proposed, with the objective to design thermosets to withstand elevated temperatures (140-200 degrees Celsius) while also being thermally degradable on-demand via controlled decomposition at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius. A series of cyclopentadiene (Cp) containing thermosets were designed and synthesized to evaluate curing, reversibility and degradability via controlled retro-Diels Alder reactions using Cp-cycloaddition adducts as crosslinks. Ultimately, the current iteration of materials and strategy pursued in this study was assessed as impractical for meeting the needs and objectives of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) target fabrication program.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Dynamic Networks for On Demand Degradable Adhesives, Scaffolds and Templates (Abbreviated Final Report)

This feasibility study was motivated by a need for alternative mandrel materials to meet the next generation of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) ablator capsules. In response, a new polymer material based on reversible covalent bonds was proposed, with the objective to design thermosets to withstand elevated temperatures (140-200 degrees Celsius) while also being thermally degradable on-demand via controlled decomposition at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius. A series of cyclopentadiene (Cp) containing thermosets were designed and synthesized to evaluate curing, reversibility and degradability controlled via retro-Diels Alder reactions using Cp-cycloaddition adducts as crosslinks. Ultimately, the current iteration of materials and strategy pursued in this study was assessed as impractical for meeting the needs and objectives of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) target fabrication program.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Energy demand reduction in the built environment using shallow geothermal integrated energy systems: Part II – Hybrid ground source heat pump for building heating

The research collection aims at finding the various possible opportunities for the effective integration of shallow geothermal energy (SGE) to decrease the energy demand in the built environment and to reduce emission associated with it. The direct utilization of SGE using a ground source heat pump (GSHP) has been reviewed in comprehensive review part I and part II. From the extensive review, we have found that the hybrid GSHP is needed to avoid ground thermal imbalance and peak demand. Hybrid GSHP can adopt various supplemental heat sources and sinks according to the local climatic conditions and the balance of energy demands. The primary focus on the integration of subsystems such as biomass, solar energy (PV, PVT, and collector), phase change material, micro gas turbine, and absorption heat pump with GSHP is presented for heating application. This comprehensive review part III highlights the recent research findings and a potential gap in hybrid GSHP for further research and developments

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Novel High Energy Density Sorption-based Thermal Battery for Low-grade Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage (TES) can alleviate peak demand on the electricity grid by offsetting building thermal loads, increasing the grid’s reliability and resilience. However, low energy density and poor energy performance of existing TES technologies limit their applications. Sorption-based thermal battery (STB) system is thus developed using three-phase sorption technology to harvest low-temperature heat, store it with a much higher energy density than common TES systems and dehumidify air or provide space cooling in buildings. Although STB has been experimentally proved to be feasible, influencing factors on its performance are still unknown by far. Therefore, this paper conducted a parametric analysis on crystallization and crystal dissolution performance of a developed STB test rig. The crystallization results showed that the energy density of the STB increased with reducing the solution flow rate and the cooling water temperature. The dissolution results showed that a higher discharge rate of the STB can be achieved with increasing the flow rate and temperature of inlet diluted solution. The work in this study is helpful to the optimal design and operation of the STB system.

Wang, Lingshi↗
DOE OSTI2025

Occupant-Centric Demand Response for Thermostatically-Controlled Home Loads

Efficiently managing energy usage to balance supply and demand on the electric grid is crucial, especially with the widespread deployment of distributed variable renewable electricity generation. This paper introduces two duty-cycle control methods for heating systems, adjusting thermostat setpoints to limit and shift electricity demand. The control approaches employ innovative techniques, such as adaptive duty cycling, to prioritize household thermal comfort while reducing peak demand. These control methods can respond to signals from the electric grid, including demand targets and time-of-use tariffs, and were tested physically on an electric furnace and heat pump in a test home during winter conditions in 2021 and 2022. The results are given as average demand reductions and energy use impacts with respect to the average indoor-outdoor temperature difference during the control period. For heat pumps, demand limiting control reduced power by 18.5% and 23.3% for indoor-outdoor temperature differences of 30°F and 40°F. Preheating-based demand shifting achieved reductions of 34.8% and 33.2% for the same temperature differences. Electric furnace tests showed demand reductions of 33.8% and 25.3% for demand limiting, and 56.1% and 45.7% for preheating-based demand shifting. These findings highlight the potential for innovative control methods to enhance grid efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2020

Combined Heat and Power Technology Fact Sheet Series: Thermal Energy Storage

This fact sheet provides an overview of thermal energy storage (TES) technologies, which heat or cool a storage medium and, when needed, deliver the stored thermal energy to meet heating or cooling needs. TES systems are used in commercial buildings, industrial processes, and district energy installations to deliver stored thermal energy during peak demand periods, thereby reducing peak energy use. TES systems are often integrated with electric or absorption chillers to reduce peak electricity costs and, in the case of new construction, to reduce capital costs by optimizing chiller size. TES technologies can support sites that have either renewable or fossil power generation, including combined heat and power (CHP) installations. With CHP, TES can help optimize equipment size by reducing the required peak CHP thermal capacity and increasing annual CHP usage. TES can also provide turbine inlet cooling for gas turbines used in CHP applications, which increases power production in hot ambient conditions.

Combined Heat and Power, CHP, Thermal Energy, Tech↗
DOE OSTI2020

Reservoirs Modify River Thermal Regime Sensitivity to Climate Change: A Case Study in the Southeastern United States

Seasonal thermal stratification in reservoirs changes the thermal regime of regulated river systems as well as stream temperature responses to climate change. Cold releases from reservoir hypolimnion can depress downstream river temperature during warm seasons. Recent large-scale climate change studies on stream temperature have largely ignored reservoir thermal stratification. In this study, we used established models to develop a framework which considers water demand and reservoir regulation with thermal stratification, and applied this model framework to the southeastern US. About half of all 271 reservoirs in our study area retain strong thermal stratification by the 2080s (2070-2099) under RCP8.5 even as median residence times decrease to 60 days from 69 days in the historic period (1979-2010). Reservoir impacts on downstream temperatures become slightly weaker in the future because of higher air temperature and stronger solar radiation. We defined a “cooling potential” to quantify the thermal energy that a water body can absorb before exceeding a water temperature threshold. In the future, higher river temperatures will reduce the cooling potential for all river segments, but more so for river segments minimally impacted by thermal stratification. Reservoir impacts on cooling potential remain strong for river segments downstream of reservoirs with strong thermal stratification. We conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of our findings to errors in the hydrological simulations. While river segments subject to reservoir regulation are more sensitive to errors in hydrology than those without regulation impacts, our overall findings do not materially change due to these errors.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Insights into Methodologies and Operational Details of Resource Adequacy Assessment: A Case Study with Application to a Broader Flexibility Framework

Assessing and maintaining resource adequacy (RA) is a core pillar of power systems. However, recent changes in the physical makeup of these systems and the conditions under which these systems must operate have yielded a renewed interest in the methods, metrics, and assumptions that underpin RA assessments. In this paper, we systematically explore a wide range of RA modeling dimensions, including: the objective function and level of operational detail in the underlying model formulation; the quantity (look-ahead) and quality (accuracy) of data that is available for making operational decisions within those models; and the physical configuration of solar photovoltaics (PV) with battery storage hybrid resources. We apply a set of probabilistic RA tools and production cost modeling tools to a realistic test system based loosely on a future Electric Reliability Council of Texas power system dominated by solar PV resources. Under the assumptions of our system and models, we find that multi-stage probabilistic assessments may provide a more robust evaluation of RA by capturing a wider range of operational and system interactions, but this comes at a computational cost of 1-2 orders of magnitude longer run time depending on the specific configuration. In addition, the information on thermal generator availability impacts RA performance by an order of magnitude more than solar resource forecasts, which is driven by the comparatively larger magnitude of thermal outages than solar forecast errors within our test system. Lastly, the flexibility provided by hybrid and other resources can help reduce system load-shedding event frequencies and enable the system to be more robust to inaccurate forecast information, and alternative hybrid inverter sizes can impact RA levels by 1-2 orders of magnitude. Our results point to the importance of a broader flexibility framework to describe the interaction between (1) flexibility "supply" from both physical resource capabilities and operational constraints considered in the modeling, and (2) flexibility "demand" from forecast errors, thermal generator outages, and other sources of uncertainty, as well as their RA impacts. Results are likely sensitive to the system buildout explored; future work could consider additional system configurations and conditions.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,POWER TRANSMI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thermal photonics with broken symmetries

Abstract Nanophotonic engineering provides an effective platform to manipulate thermal emission on-demand, enabling unprecedented heat management superior to conventional bulk materials. Amongst a plethora of nanophotonic structures, symmetries play an important role in controlling radiative heat transfer in both near-field and far-field. In physics, broken symmetries generally increase the degree of freedom in a system, enriching the understanding of physical mechanisms and bringing many exciting opportunities for novel applications. In this review, we discussed the underlying physics and functionalities of nanophotonic structures with broken geometrical symmetries, engineered mode symmetries, and broken reciprocity for the control of thermal emission. We overview a variety of physical phenomena and interesting applications, and provide the outlook for future development.

Liu, Tianji↗
DOE OSTI2026

Analysis of Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Tank Sizing and Preheating

Molten Salt Thermal energy storage (TES) is essential for concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, enhancing their capacity factor and dispatchability to ultimately reduce electricity costs. This technology is becoming more important for other technologies including nuclear power, thermal-electrical storage, and concentrating solar thermal (CST). While molten salt TES tanks have been successfully deployed in lower-temperature parabolic-trough plants, the current state-of-the-art central receiver systems operating at temperatures up to 565 degrees Celsius have experienced costly and frequent failures. These failures are associated with the immaturity of the technology and problems in tank design, fabrication, commissioning and, sometimes, aggressive operation. A primary contributing factor is the absence of a dedicated technical standard for high-temperature molten nitrate TES tanks; designers must currently rely on existing codes like API 650 and ASME Section II, which are insufficient because they fail to account for the unique demands of high temperatures, thermal cycling, and transient conditions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance evaluation of underground thermal storage integrated dual-source heat pump systems

The increasing demand for electricity stresses the existing electric grids. Buildings consume 73% of all U.S. electricity and are responsible for 30% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Integrating thermal energy storage (TES) in building heating/cooling systems, which consume considerable electricity, can mitigate the challenges to electric grids. Here, this study reports on a novel thermal energy storage device integrated heat pump system to reshape the building electricity demand profile while maintaining thermal comfort. The annual performance of the proposed system has been evaluated through a dynamic system simulation with high fidelity in the Modelica platform. The dynamic model of the novel hybrid component named ‘dual purpose underground thermal battery’ was developed and validated. It was then incorporated into the system model. Given a time-of-use tariff, a rule-based control strategy was designed to shift the electric demand and switch the heat pump source for a typical single-family house in different climate zones of the United States. The system performance of the new TES-integrated dual-source heat pump was compared with that of a conventional air-source heat pump system. The results indicate that the proposed system can reduce the annual HVAC electricity cost by up to 52% while saving 45.2% on electricity consumption. In the Northern areas, the annual peak load of the HVAC system can be reduced by 64.9%. However, this reduction is less in the Southern areas as the system’s higher efficiency in winter dominates the overall energy-saving potential.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dynamic Simulation Modeling and Control of a Desiccant Assisted Direct-expansion Air Handling Unit

Desirable built environments demand simultaneous regulation of thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) with energy-efficient operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HV AC) systems, which involves controls of temperature, humidity and airborne contaminants simultaneously. This paper presents the efforts of dynamic modeling and initial development control strategy for a desiccant-assisted multi-functional air handling unit (AHU) coupled with a direct-expansion rooftop unit (RTU) system, which aims to achieve multiple functions for indoor environment conditioning with energy efficient control. The RTU-AHU system includes a desiccant wheel for dehumidification and a conceptual direct air capture (DAC) filtering device for CO2 regulation. A Modelica-based dynamic model is developed for this conceptual system, and a simple decentralized control strategy is designed, which combines a differential-enthalpy based AHU return-air ratio control, a demand-controlled ventilation, and supply-air temperature humidity control via the RTU and DW controls. The proposed control method is evaluated with the Modelica simulation model for a selected set of scenarios

Pan, Chao↗
DOE OSTI2023

Unravelling the room temperature growth of two-dimensional h-BN nanosheets for multifunctional applications

The room temperature growth of two-dimensional van der Waals (2D-vdW) materials is indispensable for state-of-the-art nanotechnology. Low temperature growth supersedes the requirement of elevated growth temperatures accompanied with high thermal budgets. Moreover, for electronic applications, low or room temperature growth reduces the possibility of intrinsic film-substrate interfacial thermal diffusion related deterioration of the functional properties and the consequent deterioration of the device performance. Here, we demonstrated the growth of ultrawide-bandgap boron nitride (BN) at room temperature by using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) process, which exhibited various functional properties for potential applications. Comprehensive chemical, spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations confirmed the growth of ordered nanosheet-like hexagonal BN (h-BN). Functionally, the nanosheets show hydrophobicity, high lubricity (low coefficient of friction), and a low refractive index within the visible to near-infrared wavelength range, and room temperature single-photon quantum emission. In conclusion, our work unveils an important step that brings a plethora of potential applications for these room temperature grown h-BN nanosheets as the synthesis can be feasible on any given substrate, thus creating a scenario for “h-BN on demand” under a frugal thermal budget.

2D h-BN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thermal Process Intensification: Transforming the Way Industry Uses Thermal Process Energy (Workshop Report)

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Manufacturing Office held the virtual workshop entitled “Thermal Process Intensification: Transforming the Way Industry Uses Thermal Process Energy” in November and December 2020. The workshop brought together participants from universities/laboratories, industries, equipment manufacturers, technology vendors, nongovernmental organizations, and subject-matter experts to discuss transformative technologies and strategies to substantially improve the performance (e.g., energy productivity, thermal efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, reduced number of process steps) of thermal processing systems in the industrial sector. The US industrial sector accounts for 32% of the nation’s primary energy use (including feedstocks), and refining, chemicals, pulp and paper, iron and steel, and food products represent the top energy-consuming sectors. Thermal processing or process heating represents the largest energy use category; it accounts for 63% of all energy use in manufacturing. Additionally, thermal processing is the largest contributor of carbon dioxide (CO2) generation, resulting from combustion of fuels and process related chemical reactions, such as in the case of cement and lime production. The challenge of achieving net-zero industrial GHG emissions is colossal considering the established industrial base that depends mainly on carbon-based processes and energy sources; the time frame and cost to replace carbon-based energy sources and feedstocks; and the long-term outlook for development with large-scale adaptation of alternative non carbon–based technologies. The goals of the DOE Advanced Manufacturing Office Thermal Process Intensification Workshop were as follows: (1) Identify R&D gaps and opportunities to facilitate transformative improvement in industrial thermal processes beyond current technologies and allow for entirely new methods for processing materials; (2) Gain insight into new and innovative approaches to thermally intensify processes, reduce heat demand, harness waste heat, and use fuels and hydrocarbon feedstocks more efficiently; (3) Identify the R&D pathways to thermal process intensification (TPI) with the highest potential for impact and adoption by the industrial sector; (4) Define areas of research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities to accelerate development and application of emerging and transformative technologies to intensify thermal processes in industry. The scope and focus of the workshop were defined to meet these goals. Based on the available data for energy use and GHG emissions, the industries that collectively use more than 80% of the total process heating energy consumption were selected as primary focus areas. The chosen industries were combined into the following four groups based on similarities in their thermal processes: high-temperature metal processing (iron and steel industry, alumina-aluminum industry); high-temperature nonmetal and mineral processing (cement and glass industry); medium- to low-temperature thermal processing (food processing and pulp and paper industry as part of forest products sector); and hydrocarbon processing (petroleum refining and chemical industry). Furthermore, all potential TPI technologies associated with the processes defined were considered as part of the workshop. Different types of TPI technologies possible in industrial in the document.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Facets of hydro power and future trends in a Nordic Context

Hydropower technologies bolster high penetration of variable renewable energies (VREs) in the net zero emissions scenarios. Nevertheless, there are various challenges to meeting the ambitious goal, such as stability, reliability, resiliency, security, lack of reactive power, voltage support and inertia, large-scale storage deployment and coordination, interconnectedness, demand-side response, higher thermal cycles with increased start/stops, and inadequate Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for system-wise VRE integration and profitability. This survey conducts a bottom-up analysis to unveil the opportunities to utilize hydropower facilities and disentangle the nested problem for intertwining design features, control algorithms, operation, optimization approaches, incentives, services, and market mechanisms using a three-pillar framework perspective: grid owners, power producers, and machine designers. The survey identified emerging trends in real-time and capacity markets, flexible power systems, and enhanced grid capabilities, including advanced voltage support and updated grid codes. These developments present significant opportunities for hydropower, such as achieving super-flexibility through hybridization, expanded reactive power capabilities, and advanced operational modes like a synchronous condenser and power adequator functionalities. These opportunities require novel design philosophies — including new winding, stator, and rotor configurations, optimized ventilation, and active cooling systems — to enhance performance under stressed grid and climate conditions. Finally, integrating climate and energy models for multi-basin optimization with finer spatial and temporal granularity enhances the planning accuracy for water management of hydropower while addressing environmental challenges. The review delivers helpful prospective suggestions and tools that would serve researchers, power engineers, and stakeholders in making decisions about hydropower technologies and services in 2050 and beyond.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-performance reversible adhesive from PET waste for underwater, structural, and pressure-sensitive applications

Developing versatile, tough, and sustainable adhesives that function effectively in both wet and dry environments is a major challenge. Here, we report a bioinspired design for versatile, tough, and reversible adhesives upcycled from consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste. Our approach uses solvent-free, room-temperature dynamic cross-linking of deconstructed PET macromonomers with a diacetoacetate cross-linker, generating a dynamic, vinylogous urethane–bonded, amphiphilic adhesive. Tunable cross-linker concentration and amphiphilicity yield versatile adhesives suitable for underwater, structural, and pressure-sensitive applications on diverse substrates. Our adhesive exhibits high lap-shear strength and work of debonding under both wet and dry conditions, outperforming common commercial adhesives. The dynamic bonds enable thermal repair, on-demand multicycle debonding/rebonding, facile removal, and chemical recycling. Our strategy of transforming plastic waste into versatile, tough, and reversible adhesives offers a sustainable solution for both plastic waste management and next-generation adhesive design while also providing a commercially viable pathway for valorizing plastic waste.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

New High-Strength Ni-based Alloys for High Temperature Service in Liquid Fluoride Salt Environments

The ever-increasing demand for higher system thermal efficiency necessitates the operation of power generation cycles and heat conversion systems for chemical processes at progressively higher temperatures. As the system operating temperature increases, fewer and fewer materials are available with the required mechanical properties and environmental compatibility. This dearth of materials is particularly acute in structural applications at temperatures above 700°C in liquid Fluoride Salt Cooled High-Temperature Reactors (FHRs) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems where liquid fluoride and/or liquid chloride salts are used for their high thermal capacity and low thermal conductivity to store and transport heat. It has been shown that fluorides and chlorides can degrade the properties of the material used for storage and transport due to corrosive effects thus affecting the performance and lifetime characteristics. Thus, materials used for storage and transport for fluoride/chloride-salt must at the minimum have good compatibility with the salt by exhibiting low corrosion rates at the required temperatures. In addition, since many of the components will be subject to stresses in service, they need to have sufficient strength to resist plastic deformation, and the resistance to time dependent creep deformation at these temperatures, and stress levels. Achieving the combination of these properties required for higher temperatures is particularly challenging considering traditionally, the expected lifetime of some of the components used in these systems are from 30 years (CSP) to 80 years (FHRs). Although 316 stainless steel and associated redox corrosion reduction techniques are being considered for use in the first generational systems, use of 316SS is limited to operating temperatures up to ~ 650°C, thereby resulting in lower reactor efficiencies. Hastelloy ® N, developed at ORNL in the 1950s-60s for molten salt service is currently the leading candidate FHR structural alloy but has inadequate creep properties at high temperatures. Using a computationally-guided approach, Oak Ridge National Laboratory had developed new high strength alloys strengthened by γ’ precipitates (about 2X the strength of Hastelloy ® N) in small laboratory-scale heats that show good resistance to corrosion by fluorides and improved creep rupture life at temperatures up to 850°C (U.S. Patent Application No. 13/833,357 entitled “High Strength Alloys for High Temperature Service in Liquid-Salt Cooled Energy Systems”- granted U. S. Patent No. 9,540,714).

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

FERC Order No. 2222 and Considerations for Distributed Wind

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order No. 2222 in October 2020. The rule directs Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators (ISOs) to amend their tariffs and participation models to accommodate heterogeneous distributed energy resource (DER) aggregations in the wholesale energy markets that they operate, including capacity, energy, and ancillary service markets. The Commission issued the rule to better capture the benefits provided by DERs deployed in the United States, whose use has been expanding rapidly. The Commission defines DERs as “any resource located on the distribution system, any subsystem thereof or behind a customer meter,” including but not limited to “electric storage resources, distributed generation, demand response, energy efficiency, thermal storage, and electric vehicles and their supply equipment.” The rule aims to increase DER participation in wholesale markets by allowing the creation of DER aggregations, in which multiple DERs that are too small to meet minimum capacity requirements for wholesale markets individually would be able to participate in markets as a single unit. As of June 20, 2023, all ISOs have filed initial compliance plans and a number have begun implementation. Compliance dates range from 2024 to 2029, with Midcontinent ISO having the latest date of compliance proposed for 2029. Southwest Power Pool still has an outstanding date, having no final order yet from FERC, but a target date of the third quarter of calendar year 2025. The rule, which is technology agnostic and requires ISOs to create participation plans that accommodate different DERs, provides an opportunity for distributed wind market expansion. In addition, distributed wind can bring benefits to heterogenous DER aggregations. These benefits include resource diversity (i.e., a complementary generation profile to other types of distributed generation), its small footprint and ability to be co-located with load, and its potential to provide frequency response, voltage support, and black start services, among other ancillary services. This report provides a status update on FERC Order No. 2222, the current state of ISO compliance, and information relevant to the distributed wind industry as DER aggregators and other stakeholders expand their participation to wholesale energy markets.

17 WIND ENERGY↗