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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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DOE OSTI2022

Development and Demonstration of a Fuel-Efficient, Class 8 Tractor & Trailer Engine System (SuperTruck II)

Navistar presents the SuperTruck II (ST II) Final Report to the Unites States Department of Energy (US DOE), which covers the five Budget Periods (BPs) from 10-1-2016 through 6-30-2022. For ST II, Navistar built on the achievements of the SuperTruck I (ST I) Program as a catalyst to continue critical research, design and development, testing, and operations to reach the ambitious goals of the ST II project. This approach allowed Navistar to continue contributing to the essential needs of our nation for safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of goods and services, as we reduced negative environmental effects and improved operational productivity. This document contains information specified in DOE F 4600.2, Final Scientific/Technical Report DOE F 241.3, B. SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL REPORTS, explaining how we met and exceeded program requirements. Throughout this Final Report, Navistar extracted information from documents prepared during the project that represent our management, design and development, building, and testing efforts to meet and exceed SuperTruck II project goals. Navistar followed Plan requirements to achieve / exceed Project Objectives: a) >100% improvement in vehicle freight efficiency (FE) (on ton-MPG basis) relative to 2009 baseline with stretch goal of 140% improvement [actual: 170%); b) >55% engine brake thermal efficiency (BTE) demonstrated in operational engine at a 65-mph cruise point on a dynamometer – ≥31% increase from 2009 baseline [actual: 55.20% of combined BTE) ; and c) development and implementation of commercially cost effective technologies (in terms of a simple payback). Technology selection / development path focused on developing technologies applicable for production within 3-year approach, while ensuring technology readiness and cost of ownership for end users. The Program was organized into five budget periods: Requirements / Technology Assessment and Initial Hardware Testing; Technology Development and Concept Readiness Demonstration; Technology Finalization and Validation Tractor / Trailer Fabrication, Integration and Commissioning Demonstration; and Fuel Economy (FE) and Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) and Program Completion. Leadership was provided by DOE, with tasks performed by laboratories (Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory); partners at Bosch, TPI, Dana, and J.B. Hunt; , and support from University of Michigan and Clemson University. Navistar lead this team with Principal Investigator / Contracting Officer; Project Manager (PM); Vehicle, Engine, and Aftertreatment Engineers; Finance Manager, Technical Program Leads, and Legal/IP; and other key personnel. Work also included personnel in risk management; funding / budget / finance. Work involved analysis, development, testing, and down selection of individual/system engine, aftertreatment, and vehicle technologies, with integration of selected technologies into a prototype vehicle for demonstration of fuel-efficiency gain. Work also included component/integrated system level development of truck and trailer aerodynamics, base engine efficiency, advanced aftertreatment, combustion efficiency, waste heat recovery, hybrid powertrain, reduced rolling resistance, weight reduction, idle reduction, and driver feedback. As ST II progressed, Navistar performed computer-based modeling / simulations of technologies focused on the primary operational areas: Engine, Aftertreatment, and Vehicle. During the ST II Program, the COVID Virus outbreak unexpectedly challenged by the effects of, which affected staffing, scheduling, design, supplies, availability of materials, production procedures, and testing. The DOE responded by extending the program by three quarters to ensure that project tasks were completed for this vital project. Focus continued on analyzing, developing, testing, and down selecting individual-/system-level engine and vehicle technologies for integration of the final selected technologies into a prototype vehicle that would demonstrate fuel-efficiency gains made possible through these technologies. This included component/integrated system-level development of truck and trailer aerodynamics, base engine efficiency, advanced aftertreatment, combustion efficiency, waste heat recovery, solar power, distributed and intelligent vehicle power, hybrid powertrain, reduced rolling resistance, weight reduction, idle reduction, and driver feedback. Throughout the program, function, reliability, and performance at all levels were ensured through testing. Proof of this approach was demonstrated in multiple, on-road demonstrations: Scenario A (Flatland) Fuel Economy, Scenario B (Hilly) Fuel Economy, and City Cycle Tests. Other benefits derived from ST II included new/improved products, publications, patents, and next-step capabilities related to electric/hydrogen vehicles and autonomous driving.

Zukouski, Russ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Systems Engineering of Rhodococcus opacus to Enable Production of Drop-in Fuels from Lignocellulose

Production of drop-in fuels from lignocellulose using Rhodococcus opacus PD630 (hereafter R. opacus) is a challenging goal. During the grant period we have pushed the field forward significantly in several areas of research. Towards the end goal of accelerating the adoption of R. opacus in biofuel production, during the grant period we have expanded the phenotypic characterization of R. opacus grown in single aromatic (model lignocellulosic) compounds or their mixtures, modeling the growth conditions in lignocellulosic biomass. Harnessing the power of adaptive evolution, we produced evolved R. opacus isolates with superior lignin valorization capabilities and identified differentially expressed genes and pathways after adaptation. We used next generation multi-omic techniques such as genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses, to identify the catabolic pathways used by R. opacus to degrade aromatic compounds and funnel these degradation products into central metabolism, as well as the aromatic transport genes required for increased tolerance and utilization. Taking this information one step further, we identified endogenous transcription factors and regulatory mechanisms important for degradation of five model aromatic compounds. To accurately estimate R. opacus growth and consumption on model lignin compounds we pioneered the use of novel extraction procedures prior to GC-MS analysis. Alongside 13 C-metabolic flux analysis, we have elucidated the metabolic routes preferred by Rhodococcus opacus during aromatic compound degradation. Finally, we used in tandem lipidomics and high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify the modulation of mycolic acids and phospholipid membrane composition modification as a strategy for aromatic tolerance in R. opacus. Being a non-model organism, R. opacus lacks the breadth of tools and technical foundation which drive biofuel research in more well-understood microbes such as Escherichia coli. To reduce this burden for use, we designed and produced new tools for genomic manipulation and engineering in R. opacus. These engineering breakthroughs support efficient genomic editing, enabling gene overexpression, repression, and genetic alteration. Using these tools, we have generated synthetically engineered strains with increased lipogenesis and growth, both positive traits required for increased lignin valorization. Optimizing engineered strains for biofuel production from lignocellulose requires extremely sophisticated synthetic rewiring of metabolism. To facilitate systems-level reorganization of metabolism in R. opacus, we created a genome-scale model that accurately predicts metabolic flux and growth rates on the aromatic compound phenol. Lignin requires extensive pre-treatment before biological degradation by R. opacus. Towards an eventual goal of degrading real-world lignin, we developed new depolymerization processes to generate lignin breakdown products (LBP). We optimized LBP storage and composition analysis techniques, enabling accurate prediction of specific LBP compound integration into cell wall components. Overall, through the work funded by this grant we generated 20 manuscripts (17 published, 3 in review/preparation), methods for increased accuracy in metabolomics of aromatic compounds, multiple genetic tools for altering the R. opacus genome, genome scale models for predicting flux through metabolic pathways, as well as multi-omic data for community use. The work funded by this grant has increased the knowledge of aromatic degradation in bacteria and advanced our efforts to optimize R. opacus for lignin valorization.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Remote Sensing System (Engineering Change Proposal (ECP)

The purpose/objective of this project was for Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) to collaborate on understanding and improving the performance of a Remote Sensing System (RSS), culminating in a System Requirements Review (SRR) owned/led by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (NGAS). Sandia has domain expertise in Remote Sensing System design and technology which will be used by NGAS in the development of space and defense systems. This effort benefits all involved, including the public/taxpayers, by ensuring that legacy knowledge and associated risk reduction is not lost to future developments.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
DOE OSTI2015

MO-B-BRB-03: Systems Engineering Tools for Treatment Planning Process Optimization in Radiation Medicine

The radiotherapy treatment planning process has evolved over the years with innovations in treatment planning, treatment delivery and imaging systems. Treatment modality and simulation technologies are also rapidly improving and affecting the planning process. For example, Image-guided-radiation-therapy has been widely adopted for patient setup, leading to margin reduction and isocenter repositioning after simulation. Stereotactic Body radiation therapy (SBRT) and Radiosurgery (SRS) have gradually become the standard of care for many treatment sites, which demand a higher throughput for the treatment plans even if the number of treatments per day remains the same. Finally, simulation, planning and treatment are traditionally sequential events. However, with emerging adaptive radiotherapy, they are becoming more tightly intertwined, leading to iterative processes. Enhanced efficiency of planning is therefore becoming more critical and poses serious challenge to the treatment planning process; Lean Six Sigma approaches are being utilized increasingly to balance the competing needs for speed and quality. In this symposium we will discuss the treatment planning process and illustrate effective techniques for managing workflow. Topics will include: Planning techniques: (a) beam placement, (b) dose optimization, (c) plan evaluation (d) export to RVS. Planning workflow: (a) import images, (b) Image fusion, (c) contouring, (d) plan approval (e) plan check (f) chart check, (g) sequential and iterative process Influence of upstream and downstream operations: (a) simulation, (b) immobilization, (c) motion management, (d) QA, (e) IGRT, (f) Treatment delivery, (g) SBRT/SRS (h) adaptive planning Reduction of delay between planning steps with Lean systems due to (a) communication, (b) limited resource, (b) contour, (c) plan approval, (d) treatment. Optimizing planning processes: (a) contour validation (b) consistent planning protocol, (c) protocol/template sharing, (d) semi-automatic plan evaluation, (e) quality checklist for error prevention, (f) iterative process, (g) balance of speed and quality Learning Objectives: Gain familiarity with the workflow of modern treatment planning process. Understand the scope and challenges of managing modern treatment planning processes. Gain familiarity with Lean Six Sigma approaches and their implementation in the treatment planning workflow.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dependable classical-quantum computing systems engineering

Increasing evidence suggests quantum computing (QC) complements traditional High-Performance Computing (HPC) by leveraging its unique capabilities, leading to the emergence of a new, hybrid paradigm, QHPC. However, this integration introduces new challenges, with dependability–defined by reproducibility, resiliency, and security and privacy–emerging as a central concern for building trustworthy systems that provide an advantage to the users. This paper proposes a framework for dependable QHPC system design, organized around these three pillars. We identify integration challenges, anticipate roadblocks, and highlight productive synergies across QC, HPC, cloud platforms, and network security. Drawing from both classical computing principles and quantum-specific insights, we present a roadmap for co-design that supports robust hybrid architectures. Our approach offers concrete metrics for assessing dependability, provides design guidance for engineers working at the QC-HPC interface, and surfaces new engineering questions around complexity, scale, and fault tolerance. Ultimately, designing for dependability is key to realizing practical, scalable QHPC systems and accelerating the broader quantum ecosystem capable of translating quantum promises into actual application delivery.

HPC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Recent Advances of PyROS: A Pyomo Solver for Nonconvex Two-Stage Robust Optimization in Process Systems Engineering

This poster highlights uncertainty and technical risk reduction capabilities in CCSI2, with a focus on robust optimization. It presents recent advances of the two-stage robust optimization (RO) solver PyROS and applications to advanced energy systems optimization. To demonstrate the computational performance and reliability of PyROS, a benchmarking study on a library of over 8,500 small-scale RO problems is presented. Further, PyROS is used to obtain robust system designs of a MEA-based CO2 absorber under uncertainty in the thermodynamic property models for a variety of CO2 capture rate threshold requirements. Overall, the results demonstrate that the PyROS solver, including recent extensions to multi-stage RO settings, provides a reliable avenue to optimize the design and operation of advanced energy systems subject to various sources of parametric uncertainty.

Sherman, Jason↗
DOE OSTI2024

Recent Advances of PyROS: A Pyomo Solver for Nonconvex Two-Stage Robust Optimization in Process Systems Engineering

This poster highlights uncertainty and technical risk reduction capabilities in CCSI2, with a focus on robust optimization. It presents recent advances of the two-stage robust optimization (RO) solver PyROS and applications to advanced energy systems optimization. To demonstrate the computational performance and reliability of PyROS, a benchmarking study on a library of over 8,500 small-scale RO problems is presented. Further, PyROS is used to obtain robust system designs of a MEA-based CO2 absorber under uncertainty in the thermodynamic property models for a variety of CO2 capture rate threshold requirements. Overall, the results demonstrate that the PyROS solver, including recent extensions to multi-stage RO settings, provides a reliable avenue to optimize the design and operation of advanced energy systems subject to various sources of parametric uncertainty.

Sherman, Jason↗
DOE OSTI2014

Advanced Reciprocating Engine Systems (ARES) Research at Argonne National Laboratory. A Report

The goals of these experiments were to determine the potential of employing spectral measurements to deduce combustion metrics such as HRR, combustion temperatures, and equivalence ratios in a natural gas-fired reciprocating engine. A laser-ignited, natural gas-fired single-cylinder research engine was operated at various equivalence ratios between 0.6 and 1.0, while varying the EGR levels between 0% and maximum to thereby ensure steady combustion. Crank angle-resolved spectral signatures were collected over 266-795 nm, encompassing chemiluminescence emissions from OH*, CH*, and predominantly by CO2* species. Further, laser-induced gas breakdown spectra were recorded under various engine operating conditions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dyes in dye aggregate systems—engineering J, K, and dye packing

The present disclosure is directed to designing dyes and methods to alter the parameters controlling the dipole-dipole coupling of dyes bound to a nucleotide oligomer architecture, which are used to propagate excitons for use in next generation room temperature quantum information systems. The disclosed dyes and methods are directed to changing the dye stability, symmetry, overlap, and steric hindrance of the dyes to fine tune aggregate systems.

Knowlton, William B.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Advances in light system engineering across the phototrophic spectrum

Current work in photosynthetic engineering is progressing along the lines of cyanobacterial, microalgal, and plant research. These are interconnected through the fundamental mechanisms of photosynthesis and advances in one field can often be leveraged to improve another. It is worthwhile for researchers specializing in one or more of these systems to be aware of the work being done across the entire research space as parallel advances of techniques and experimental approaches can often be applied across the field of photosynthesis research. This review focuses on research published in recent years related to the light reactions of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, and plants. Highlighted are attempts to improve photosynthetic efficiency, and subsequent biomass production. Also discussed are studies on cross-field heterologous expression, and related work on augmented and novel light capture systems. This is reviewed in the context of translatability in research across diverse photosynthetic organisms.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

SYS-5620-Project - Achieving Robust Laser Performance utilizing Historical Shot Experiments - A Systems Engineering Proposal

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory precisely guides, amplifies, reflects, and focuses 192 powerful laser beams into a target about the size of a pencil eraser in a few billionths of a second, delivering more than 2 million joules of ultraviolet energy and 500 trillion watts of peak power. A crucial goal of the system is to trigger precise implosions of fuel capsules. This is achieved by delivering all 192 beams at user-specified times and locations on the target, minimizing any deviation from the requested performance. Power requirements can vary substantially on each experiment and the facility supports numerous amplifier pumping configurations and their attendant nonlinear effects. To achieve the tight performance required across such a broad array of configurations, constant comparison of measured and requested power delivery are tracked and long-term trends analyzed as a guide to understanding future performance. A very common question asked is given the current state of the laser today – how well would a similar experiment from the past perform today? Additionally, if one were to specify an alternate amplifier configuration using today’s model would and damage limits be exceeded and would there be an increase in performance. The physics model used to make these predictions and equipment protection checks is called the Virtual Beamline (VBL). VBL is used with an incoming desired pulse shape and energy to be delivered on target, and then does an iterative solve to predict the needed injected pulse in the front-end of the system to achieve this result. To effectively guide and predict future NIF experiment performance, laser scientists explore current amplifier configurations and compare them with historical data utilizing a tool called the Reverify Toolbox.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Economic Analysis of the NIF Optics Recycle Loop Systems Investment Options: SAE 560 - Economic Considerations for Systems Engineering at University of Southern California

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) relies on large-scale precision optics to deliver high-energy laser pulses for fusion and high-energy-density physics research; however, the NIF routinely operates above the damage threshold for those optics, decreasing their effectiveness with every experiment. A production line composed of several dozen highly specialized processing systems, collectively referred to as the ‘optics recycle loop’, was established to support refurbishment and re-use of these critical components to reduce reliance on high-cost and high-risk optic replacement strategies. This analysis aims to identify the most cost-effective investment options for improving recycle loop throughput by maximizing availability and production flexibility while minimizing the engineering and infrastructure efforts and cost.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Systems Engineering of Chemical Hydrogen Storage, Pressure Vessel and Balance of Plant for Onboard Hydrogen Storage

This is the annual report for the Hydrogen Storage Engineering Center of Excellence project as required by DOE EERE's Fuel Cell Technologies Office. We have been provided with a specific format. It describes the work that was done with cryo-sorbent based and chemical-based hydrogen storage materials. Balance of plant components were developed, proof-of-concept testing performed, system costs estimated, and transient models validated as part of this work.

balance of plant↗
DOE OSTI2021

Pandora Telescope Isolation Systems Engineering Project

The collective imagination of humanity has always been captured by the possibility of other habitable planets. Only with recent advances in spacecraft and our understanding of astrophysics, has it become possible to study the atmospheres of planets orbiting stars other than our sun, also known as extrasolar planets or exoplanets. We know from the Keplar Space telescope, launched in the early 1990s, that there are more planets than stars in the Milky Way. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, TESS, will continue the search for exoplanets outside our solar system. Two other well know telescopes with the capability to study exoplanets are the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Together they provide full spectral coverage to do short deep dives into planets of interest, but tasking these satellites is both expensive and hard to obtain. A new mission dedicated to the characterization of exoplanets and the stars they orbit is needed to fill the gap.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

ON THE LANGUAGE OF RELIABILITY: A SYSTEM ENGINEER PERSPECTIVE

In its classical definition, risk is defined by three elements: what can go wrong, what are its consequences and how likely is it to occur. While this definition makes sense in a regulatory based framework to estimate risk associated to power plants (in terms of core damage frequency and large early release frequency), this approach does not provide a useful snapshot of the health of the plant. A possible alternate path can start by redefining the word “risk” to a broader meaning that better reflects the needs of a system health and asset management decision making process. Rather than asking how likely an event can occur (in probabilistic terms), we can ask how far this event is from occurring. We will show how, given the data available from plant equipment reliability and monitoring/diagnostic/prognostic centers, a margin can be described and determined for all type of maintenance approaches (e.g., corrective or predictive maintenance). We will show how to link SSC margin-based reliability models to system reliability models (i.e., fault trees) in order to assess system/plant health and how to perform margin-based system calculations. These calculations are not solved using classical probabilistic calculations applied to sets (as performed by any PRA code) but, instead, through metric spaces operations (i.e., distance/margin based approach).

97 - MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

A System Engineering Approach in the Analysis of Ionic Liquids Properties [Thesis]

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) are ionic compounds, comprised of a cation and anion, in the liquid state at temperatures below 100 ⁰C. There are estimated 10 18 anion and cation combinations, which can create RTILs with unique properties. While the ionic character of RTILs made them attractive in a wide variety of electrochemical applications, their behaviors under electrochemical conditions are not well understood. In this research, we developed a RTIL testbed to investigate how RTILs differ from molecular solvents and electrolytes in electrochemical systems through the study of the effects of their morphology and chemical properties on the electron transfer processes. The test bed is composed of three modules: Electrochemistry, Material characterization, Computational. All modules have been completely developed, verified, and integrated and two of them, i.e., Electrochemistry and Material characterization have been validated in this dissertation. To evaluate the proposed system, experiments were performed on solutions of a redox active species in RTILs. It was found that it is possible to investigate the RTIL's morphology and chemical properties' impact on the electron transfer processes of the solute based on the outcomes and evaluations of tests performed by the RTIL testbed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimization of Membrane-based Carbon Capture using Dimensional Analysis, CFD and Process System Engineering

Carbon capture is a promising option to mitigate CO2 emissions from existing coal-fired power plants, cement and steel industries, and petrochemical complexes. Among the available technologies, membrane-based carbon capture presents the lowest energy consumption, operating costs, and carbon footprint. In addition, membrane processes have important operational flexibil-ity and response times. On the other hand, the major challenges to widespread application of this technology are related to reducing capital costs and improving membrane stability and durability.To upscale the technology into stacked flat sheet configurations, high fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) that describes the separation process accurately are required. High fidelity simulations have been shown to be effective in studying the complex transport phenomena in membrane systems. In addition, obtaining high CO2 recovery percentages and product purity requires a multi-stage membrane process, where the optimal network configuration of the membrane modules must be studied in a systematic way. In order to address the design problem at process scale, we formulate a superstructure for the membrane-based carbon capture, including up to three separation stages. In the formulation of the optimization problem, we include reduced models, based on rigorous CFD simulations of the membrane modules. Numerical results indicate that the optimal design includes three membrane stages, and the capture cost is 45.4 $/t-CO2.

Pedrozo, Hector A.↗