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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

On-Road Heavy-Duty Low-NOx Technology Cost Study

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted a cost analysis for emission control technologies under contract to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB sought incremental cost analysis for emission control technologies for on-road heavy-duty (HD) engines, used in vehicle greater than 14,000 pounds (lbs) gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to achieve oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions rates significantly lower than those required by current emissions standards. Specifically, incremental costs (without any retail price mark-up) were estimated for representative diesel, natural gas, and gasoline engine and emission aftertreatment systems that were selected to represent potential technology packages that could achieve 0.02 grams per brake horsepower hour (g/bhp-hr) NOx on certification test cycles, including a proposed updated certification test cycle that includes additional low load operating conditions. NREL surveyed stakeholders including industry association groups, Tier 1 suppliers, and engine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to estimate incremental direct and indirect costs. Incremental costs were considered for current engine full useful life (FUL) definitions, as well as with proposed increased FUL and warranty period. The incremental costs were subsequently incorporated in life-cycle cost analyses examining the incremental engine and aftertreatment costs along with life-cycle costs over the various engine FUL scenarios. Life-cycle costs analysis included the incremental upfront cost, fuel consumption changes (changes in fuel economy), diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) consumption changes, and the maximum FUL of the aftertreatment package (major overhaul intervals).

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Design of solvent-assisted plastics recycling: Integrated economics and environmental impacts analysis

In 2018, the United States generated over 35. 7 million tons of plastic waste, with only 8.4% being recycled and the other 91.6% incinerated or disposed of in a landfill. The continued growth of the polymer market has raised concerns over the end of life of plastics. Currently, the waste management system is faced with issues of inefficient sorting methods and low-efficiency recycling methods when it comes to plastics recycling. Mechanical recycling is the commonest recycling method but presents a lower-valued recycled material due to the material incompatibilities introduced via the inefficient sorting methods. Chemical recycling offers a promising alternative as it potentially allows for plastics to maintain their original properties. To that end, there is the need to investigate feasible chemical recycling methods to help mitigate the challenging problem posed by plastics at the end-of-life stage. This work proposes a conceptual solvent-assisted plastics recycling framework based on a superstructure optimization approach. This framework is evaluated using a representative case study to recover Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). In this case study, it is found that polymer recovery is both economically and environmentally favorable when compared to traditional methods of disposal such as incineration.

Lehr, Austin L.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optimization of a Residential Air Source Heat Pump using Refrigerants with GWP <150 for Improved Performance and Reduced Emission

Using low-GWP refrigerants can reduce the Green House Gas (GHG) emission of heat pump systems. Heat exchangers and compressors are the key components and have a prominent impact on system performance, significant research is devoted to reducing the cost of the heat exchangers while achieving the same or better system performance with refrigerant charge reduction.To better understand the environmental impacts of optimized systems with low-GWP refrigerants, Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP) evaluation method was used to evaluate the direct and indirect emissions of the system over the course of its lifetime from manufacturing to disposal. The DOE/ORNL Heat Pump Design Model (HPDM) is used to evaluate the performance of heat pumps. Multi-objective optimizations using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm are performed on a 3-ton R410A residential air source heat pump on market. Seven R410A alternatives, i.e., R32, R454B, R454C, R455A, R457A, R1234yf and R1234ze(E) are investigated. The last five fluids have GWP lower than 150.As a result, 5.5%-12.8% seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) improvement is achieved, and the optimized systems reduce life cycle CO2 emission by 8.5%-28.6% with GWP lower than 150 refrigerants. The optimal heat exchangers can fit into the original R410A fan-coil units; therefore, the proposed design method establishes a production and installation path to produce cost-effective low-GWP heat pumps easily accepted by end users.

Li, Zhenning↗
DOE OSTI2025

Chlorine and potassium enrichment in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant

The elements in the Universe are synthesized primarily in stars and supernovae, where nuclear fusion favours the production of even-Z elements. In contrast, odd-Z elements are less abundant and their yields are highly dependent on detailed stellar physics, making theoretical predictions of their cosmic abundance uncertain. In particular, the origin of odd-Z elements such as phosphorus (P), chlorine (Cl) and potassium (K), which are important for planet formation and life, is poorly understood. While the abundances of these elements in Milky Way stars are close to solar values, supernova explosion models systematically underestimate their production by up to an order of magnitude, indicating that key mechanisms for odd-Z nucleosynthesis are currently missing from theoretical models. Here we report the observation of P, Cl and K in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant using high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy with X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission data, with the detection of K at above the 6σ level being the most significant finding. Supernova explosion models of normal massive stars cannot explain the element abundance pattern, especially the high abundances of Cl and K, while models that include stellar rotation, binary interactions or shell mergers agree closely with the observations. Our observations suggest that such stellar activity plays an important role in supplying these elements to the Universe.

Astronomy and AstroPhysics↗
DOE OSTI2020

FY19 Status Report on the Computing Systems for the Yucca Mountain Project TSPA-LA Models and Preliminary Testing of a Selected Process Model

Sandia National Laboratories continued evaluation of total system performance assessment (TSPA) computing systems for the previously considered Yucca Mountain Project. This was done to maintain the operational readiness of the computing infrastructure (computer hardware and software) and knowledge capability for total system performance assessment) type analysis, as directed by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), DOE 2010. The FY19 task included continued operation of the cluster; maintenance of the TSPA-LA models (with Gold Sim 9.60.300); preliminary assessment of the status of the Infiltration Model (a process model that feeds the TSPA-LA). In addition, precautionary actions were needed to extend the life of the cluster hardware. To do that, three new nodes were added to the cluster. In the event any of the original nodes fail they will be replaced with the new nodes, thereby maintaining the core capability. The 2014 cluster and supporting software systems are currently fully operational to support TSPA-LA type analysis.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Using nature’s blueprint to expand catalysis with Earth-abundant metals

Original title changed for publication from; " Using Nature's Blueprint to Enable Catalysis with Earth-Abundant Metals" A diverse array of redox transformations that are essential to life are catalyzed by metalloenzymes that feature an earth-abundant metal. In contrast, platinum-group metals have been the cornerstone of many industrial catalytic reactions for decades, providing high activity, thermal stability and tolerance to chemical poisons. We assert that Nature’s blueprint provides the fundamental principles for vastly expanding the use of abundant metals in catalysis. We highlight the key physical properties of abundant metals that distinguish them from precious metals, and we look to Nature to understand how the inherent attributes of abundant metals can be embraced, leading to unique, highly efficient catalysts, emphasizing reactions crucial to the sustainable production and transformation of fuels and chemicals.

Bullock, Ronald M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Biogeochemical fingerprinting of magnetotactic bacterial magnetite

Biominerals are important archives of the presence of life and environmental processes in the geological record. However, ascribing a clear biogenic nature to minerals with nanometer-sized dimensions has proven challenging. Identifying hallmark features of biologically controlled mineralization is particularly important for the case of magnetite crystals, resembling those produced by magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), which have been used as evidence of early prokaryotic life on Earth and in meteorites. In this work, we show that magnetite produced by MTB displays a clear coupled C–N signal that is absent in abiogenic and/or biomimetic (protein-mediated) nanometer-sized magnetite. We attribute the presence of this signal to intracrystalline organic components associated with proteins involved in magnetosome formation by MTB. These results demonstrate that we can assign a biogenic origin to nanometer-sized magnetite crystals, and potentially other biominerals of similar dimensions, using unique geochemical signatures directly measured at the nanoscale. This finding is significant for searching for the earliest presence of life in the Earth’s geological record and prokaryotic life on other planets.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

LANL Contributions to pyiron: An integrated development environment for computational materials science

To support and accelerate the development of simulation protocols in atomistic modelling, we introduce an integrated development environment (IDE) for computational materials science called pyiron (http://pyiron.org). The pyiron IDE combines a web based source code editor, a job management system for build automation, and a hierarchical data management solution. The core components of the pyiron IDE are pyiron objects based on an abstract class, which links application structures such as atomistic structures, projects, jobs, simulation protocols and computing resources with persistent storage and an interactive user environment. The simulation protocols within the pyiron IDE are constructed using the Python programming language. To highlight key concepts of this tool as well as to demonstrate its ability to simplify the implementation and testing of simulation protocols we discuss two applications. In these examples we show how pyiron supports the whole life cycle of a typical simulation, seamlessly combines ab initio with empirical potential calculations, and how complex feedback loops can be implemented. While originally developed with focus on ab initio thermodynamics simulations, the concepts and implementation of pyiron are general thus allowing to employ it for a wide range of simulation topics.

Janssen, Jan↗
DOE OSTI2020

The origin, transport, and evolution of ash in engine particulate filters

Engine particulate filters have been widely applied across the world to control engine exhaust particulate matter (or particulate number) emissions. With increasing vehicle mileage, ash accumulation deteriorates vehicle fuel economy and complicates on-board control. Extending filter service life with ash loading has significant economic and environmental impacts. Many studies have been conducted in characterizing ash accumulation and evaluating its impacts on filter performance. However, comprehensive reviews covering all the key issues in the field are rather rare. This paper reviews the extensive prior research on filter ash, and not only summarizes the experimental observations but also elucidates the fundamental mechanisms. The review covers the areas of ash origin, accumulation, transport, evolution, and artificial acceleration methods. The previously reported data of ash properties is compiled and analyzed. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of ash acceleration approaches are also discussed in detail. Based on the cumulative understanding, a few potential ways to improve ash management are discussed in this paper. In summary, the present work systematically reviews the previous observations and understanding of ash aging in particulate filters and identifies areas that need further research, which can be useful guidance for future studies.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

The interactivity of sources and dietary levels of resistant starches – impact on growth performance, starch, and nutrient digestibility, digesta oligosaccharides profile, cecal microbial metabolites, and indicators of gut health in broiler chickens

In a 21-d study, 480 Cobb 500 (off-sex) male broiler chicks were used to investigate the effects of feeding different sources and levels of resistant starches (RS) on growth performance, nutrient and energy utilization, and intestinal health in broiler chickens. The birds were allocated to 10 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement. The factors were 3 RS-sources (RSS): banana starch (BS), raw potato starch (RPS), and high-amylose corn starch (HCS); each at 3 levels (RSL) 25, 50, or 100 g/kg plus a corn-soybean meal control diet. Birds and feed were weighed on d 0, 8, and 21. On d 21, samples of jejunal tissue and digesta were collected for chemical analysis. Data were analyzed using the mixed model procedure of JMP with factor levels nested with the control. In the 0 to 21 phase, the birds fed the RPS diets had higher (P = 0.011) FI than those fed HCS or control diets, and FCR was greater (P = 0.030) in birds that received BS diets than in other diets. RSS × RSL was significant (P < 0.05) for total tract nutrient retention, AME, and AMEn on d 21. The starch digestibility was higher (P < 0.001) in birds that received the control diet than in RS diets, and decreased as RS levels increased, except for HCS. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) were higher (P < 0.001) in birds fed 100 g/kg HCS diet, with both decreasing with increasing levels of BS and RPS, except for HCS. Relative ileal oligosaccharides profile showed significant (P < 0.05) RSS × RSL with a higher relative abundance of Hex(3) (P = 0.01) and Pent(3) (P = 0.001) in HCS diets. In conclusion, RS may influence gut health and growth performance in broiler chickens through modulation of cecal SCFA and nutrient digestion, but these depend largely on the botanical origin and concentrations of individual RS.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cold Spray for Mitigation and Repair of Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Storage Canisters

The purpose of this work is to investigate the use of cold spray for repair and mitigation of chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) in dry cask storage system (DCSS) canisters to ensure their integrity far beyond their original license period. This report provides a viability analysis of cold spray for repair and mitigation of CISCC in DCSS canisters to extend canister life.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of Saltstone Grout Line Samples

During a prestart recirculation operation in the Saltstone Processing Facility (SPF), operations staff noticed hardened scaling falling into the hopper. As a result, SPF operators and Saltstone Engineering decided to postpone operation and conduct a process room hopper cleanout. During the cleanout effort personnel noted greater than normal buildup of damp solid material in the transfer line. A borescope investigation was conducted and confirmed buildup was present throughout the transfer line to the downstream valves. Savannah River National Laboratory personnel were asked to characterize the scale material and samples collected from the saltstone grout line and provide recommendations and/or further guidance as to whether additional corrosion testing is needed for useful equipment operating life information. Based on the samples characterized results, the plug material contained only the 60:40 slag:fly ash saltstone. Portland cement in the original 10:45:45 Portland cement:slag:fly ash mix may result in a less abrasive slurry compared to the 60:40 slag:fly ash mix because the slag is > 95 % crushed angular, sharp edged glass. Saltstone grout erosion and corrosion testing of A36 carbon steel is needed to determine if the 60:40 mix is more abrasive and corrosive for A36 carbon steel than the 10:45:45 mix.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

Summary of LWRS Research in Addressing RPV Research Gaps in NRC EMDA Report

Reactor Pressure Vessels (RPVs) are critical components in nuclear reactors, housing the reactor core and coolant under extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, and radiation. These harsh environments contribute to the degradation of RPV materials over time, presenting challenges for extending reactor operations beyond their original design lifespans. The NRC Expanded Materials Degradation Assessment (EMDA) report volume 3 have been instrumental in guiding research to support extending the operational life of light water reactors (LWRs) up to 80 years. It provides a comprehensive framework to address technical challenges related to aging and degradation mechanisms in RPVs. The LWRS program has played a key role in advancing this research, supporting projects such as the UCSB ATR-2 Experiment, material testing from Zion and Palisades reactors, and the development of advanced mini-compact tension testing techniques. These efforts have been crucial in identifying and addressing gaps in our understanding of RPV aging, contributing to the successful subsequent license renewals of eight LWR units in the U.S. The EMDA report volume 3, built on the Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) analysis from earlier versions of the EPRI Materials Degradation Matrix (MDM) and Issue Management Tables (IMTs), provides a detailed assessment of RPV degradation mechanisms. However, as EPRI has updated the MDM and IMT, it is important to revisit research priorities and methodologies to reflect these changes. The revised MDM and IMT may introduce new factors affecting long-term RPV performance and safety, highlighting the need for continued research and updated guidance to ensure the reliable and safe operation of reactors beyond 80 years.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Revealing the Mechanism Behind Sudden Capacity Loss in Lithium Metal Batteries

Rechargeable Li-metal batteries (LMBs) are attractive energy storage candidates for electric vehicles (EVs) because they offer higher energy density than batteries built with intercalation electrodes. However, one of the main barriers to the commercial deployment of LMBs has been their relatively short cycle life. Re-designing the electrolyte system shows promise in achieving acceptable cycle life, but even so, the resulting cells display a challenging end-of-life (EOL) behavior: a sudden capacity loss. Herein, we report a new method for analyzing voltage profiles during cycling to distinguish between the capacity loss originating from the loss of cathode capacity vs growth in cell resistance. Further, this analysis reveals that sudden capacity loss was preceded by acceleration in the rate of growth of cell resistance, and cycling of multiple cells showed that this phenomenon is sensitive to the initial quantity of electrolyte in the cells. In contrast, the cathode capacity degraded at a constant rate independent of the electrolyte quantity. Combining this evidence with post-analysis of harvested electrolyte and electrodes, we conclude that neither the loss of active lithium nor the loss of active cathode material was the primary source of sudden capacity loss; instead, consumption and decomposition of electrolyte causes the drastic capacity loss at EOL.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Environmental life cycle of fentanyl: From the cradle to an unknown grave

The lack of available information on the presence and persistence of fentanyl in the environment is a significant gap in the technical literature. Although the origins of the opioid in the environment are well-known because they follow the same pathways of other drug-related environmental contaminants, the downstream effects of fentanyl in the water supply and its retention in soil are less understood. The characterization of fentanyl and its potential degradation products in complex environmental samples such as soil is severely understudied. Very few articles are available that work to identify fentanyl and its degradation products in complex samples or name the possible hazards that may result from environmental exposure and degradation. Therefore, the objectives were to identify available articles focused on environmental fentanyl and its pathways and highlight quantifiable research or results that included specific degradation products or downstream effects. Research articles focused on fentanyl between 2000 and 2024 were identified and reviewed and then filtered using Boolean search terms for environmental parameters. Various studies have determined that trace levels of fentanyl can be found in a variety of environments, and additional data suggest preferential partitioning into soils from water and long-term persistence. Despite this knowledge, very little data exists on the long-term downstream effects of fentanyl or its analogs. As the chronic effects from low-level fentanyl exposure are currently unknown, this lack of insight brings to the forefront the need for further research to improve our understanding of fentanyl persistence, degradation, and toxicity within the environment.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Melting and Re-Freezing Leads to Irreversible Changes in the Morphology and Molecular-Level Dynamics of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

As an mRNA-based vaccine, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has stringent cold storage requirements to preserve functionality of the mRNA active ingredient. To this end, lipid components of the vaccine formulation play an important role in stabilizing and protecting the mRNA molecule for long-term storage. The purpose of the current study was to measure molecular-level dynamics as a function of temperature in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to gain microscopic insight into its thermal stability. Materials and Methods: We used quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering to probe (1) the vaccine extracted from the manufacturer-supplied vials and (2) unperturbed vaccine in the original manufacturer-supplied vials. The latter measurement was possible due to the high penetrative power of neutrons. Upon warming from the low-temperature frozen state, the vaccine in its original form exhibits two-step melting, indicative of a two-phase morphology. Once the melting is completed (above 0 °C), vaccine re-freezing cannot restore its original two-phase state. This observation is corroborated by the changes in the molecular vibrational spectra. The molecular-level mobility measured in the resulting single-phase state of the re-frozen vaccine greatly exceeds the mobility measured in the original vaccine. Even a brief melting (above 0 °C) leads to an irreversible alteration of the two-phase morphology of the original vaccine formulation. Re-freezing of the vaccine results in a one-phase morphology with much increased molecular-level mobility compared to that in the original vaccine, suggesting irreversible deterioration of the vaccine’s in-storage stability. Neutron scattering can be used to distinguish between the vibrational spectra characteristic of the original and deteriorated vaccines contained in the unperturbed original manufacturer-supplied vials.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Friction stir processing on a strontium modified, thin-wall, vacuum-assisted high-pressure die-cast Aural-5 alloy to improve tensile and fatigue performance

Here, this study explores the application of friction stir processing (FSP) to enhance the material properties of Sr-modified Aural-5 alloy, with a focus on improved tensile and fatigue properties. Aural-5 is a well-known vacuum-assisted high-pressure die-cast (HPDC) Al-Si7-Mg alloy used in the automotive industry to reduce vehicle weight, enhance fuel efficiency, and lower carbon emissions. This alloy modifies its material chemistry with Sr for fine fibrous networks of eutectic silicon and manganese (Mn) to reduce die soldering. It has significantly less iron (Fe) content resulting in the elimination of detrimental needle-shaped Fe-bearing ß-phase intermetallic and improving ductility. The initial microstructure of as-received HPDC Aural-5 exhibits shrinkage porosity in the middle section, a dendritic microstructure with fibrous Al-Si eutectic colonies, a shear-band structure beneath the die-wall, large dendritic externally solidified crystals (ESCs), needle-shaped Mg 2 Si phase and significant second-phase particulates. Some of those microstructural features, such as porosity, ESCs, needle-shaped Mg 2 Si phase, and large second-phase particles, serve as initiation sites for cracks under mechanical loading, resulting in adverse effects on tensile properties, particularly ductility. FSP effectively transforms the microstructure into a wrought configuration with uniform particle distribution by eliminating porosity and disintegrating dendrites, eutectic colonies, ESCs, second-phase particles, and shear-band structures. FSP-driven microstructure modification enhances yield strength and tensile ductility by ~30% and ~35%, respectively. The fatigue life of the material in a bending mode configuration (stress ratio R = 0.1) after FSP exhibits enhancements ranging from 2.0 to 3.9 times that of the original HPDC Aural-5 alloy, depending on the applied stress level.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗