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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 1,531 records · Page 85
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

First Results from a Nb3Sn-Coated 1.5-Cell 650 MHz SRF Cavity for Cryogen-Free Industrial Accelerators

First Results from a Nb3Sn-Coated 1.5-Cell 650 MHz SRF Cavity for Cryogen-Free Industrial Accelerators ABSTRACT = Fermilab is advancing the development of a compact, high-power electron beam accelerator using superconducting radio frequency (SRF) technology as a non-radioactive alternative to traditional radiological sources. The current design targets continuous-wave (CW) operation at \SI{1.6}{MeV} and \SI{20}{kW}. To ensure suitability for industrial environments, the system is being designed for cryogen-free operation, driving the adoption of a novel Nb$_3$Sn-coated 1.5-cell SRF cavity operating at \SI{650}{MHz}. This contribution reports on the fabrication, surface preparation, and Nb$_3$Sn coating process of the cavity, as well as first results from vertical test stand (VTS) measurements performed in a liquid helium bath. These initial tests mark a key milestone toward demonstrating the viability of conduction-cooled Nb$_3$Sn SRF cavities for industrial-scale deployment.

Tagdulang, N. [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2013

Bonded Bracket Assmebly for Frameless Solar Panels

In February 2011 the US Department of Energy announced their new Sunshot Initiative. The Sunshot goal is to reduce the total cost of solar energy systems by about 75 percent before the end of the decade. The DOE estimated that a total installed cost of $$1 per watt for photovoltaic systems would be equivalent to 5-6¢/kilowatt hour (kWh) for energy available from the grid. The DOE also estimated that to meet the $1 per watt goal, PV module costs would need to be reduced to $ .50 per watt, balance of systems costs would need to be reduced to $.40 per watt, and power electronic costs would need to reach $.10 per watt. To address the BOS balance of systems cost component of the $1 per watt goal, the DOE announced a funding opportunity called (BOS-X) Extreme Balance of System Hardware Cost Reductions. The DOE identified eight areas within the total BOS costs: 1) installation labor, 2) installation materials, 3) installation overhead and profit, 4) tracker, 5) permitting and commissioning, 6) site preparation, 7) land acquisition, 8) sales tax. The BOS-X funding announcement requested applications in four specific topics;Topic 1: Transformational Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Modules; Topic 2: Roof and Ground Mount Innovations; Topic 3: Transformational Photovoltaic System Designs; and Topic 4: Development of New Wind Load Codes for PV Systems.The application submitted by ARaymond Tinnerman reflected the requirements listed in Topic #2, Roof and Ground Mount Innovations. The goal of topic #2 was to develop technologies that would result in the extreme reduction of material and labor costs associated with applications that require physical connections and attachments to roof and ground mount structures. The topics researched in this project included component cost reduction, labor reduction, weight reduction, wiring innovations, and alternative material utilization. The project objectives included; 1) The development of an innovative quick snap bracket assembly that would be bonded to frameless PV modules for commercial rooftop installations; 2) The development of a composite pultruded rail to replace traditional racking materials; 3) In partnership with a roofing company, pilot the certification of a commercial roof to be solar panel compliant, eliminating the need for structural analysis and government oversight resulting in significantly decreased permitting costs; and 4) Reduce the sum of all cost impacts in topic #2 from a baseline total of $2.05/watt to $.34/watt.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Recovery Act - An Interdisciplinary Program for Education and Outreach in Transportation Electrification

1) How the project adds to the education of engineering students in the area of vehicle electrification: This project created and implemented a significant interdisciplinary curriculum in HEV engineering that includes courses focused on the major components (engines, battery cells, e-machines, and power electronics). The new curriculum, rather uniquely, features two new classes and two new labs that emphasize a vehicle level integration of a hybrid electric powertrain that parallels the vehicle development process used by the OEMs - commercial grade software is used to design a hybrid electric vehicle, hardware-in-the-loop testing is performed on each component until the entire powertrain is optimized, the calibration is flashed to a vehicle, ride-and-drives are executed including on board data acquisition. In addition, nine existing courses were modified by adding HEV material to the courses. 2) The educational effectiveness and economic feasibility of the new curriculum: The new courses are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. They are listed across the college in mechanical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering. They are offered both on campus and to distance learning students. Students across the college of engineering and at all degree levels are integrating these courses into their degree programs. Over the three year project the course enrollments on-campus has totaled 1,249. The distance learning enrollments has totaled 315. With such robust enrollments we absolutely expect that these courses will be in the curriculum for the long run. 3) How the project is otherwise of benefit to the public: One outcome of the project is the construction of the Michigan Tech Mobile Lab. Two complete HEV dynamometer test cells, and four work stations are installed in the 16.2 meter Mobile Laboratory and hauled by a class 8 truck. The Mobile Lab is used to teach the university courses. It is also used to deliver short courses to industry, K-12 outreach, and public education. In 2012 the Mobile Lab participated in 22 outreach events, locally, throughout Michigan, and including events in Washington DC, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The Mobile Lab is a hit wherever it goes. In 2013 we will partner with the US Army TARDEC and be featured in their Green Warrior Convoy, a ten city tour starting in Detroit and finishing in Washington DC.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Optimization and Annual Average Power Predictions of a Backward Bent Duct Buoy Oscillating Water Column Device Using the Wells Turbine.

This Technical Report presents work completed by The Applied Research Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University, in conjunction with Sandia National Labs, on the optimization of the power conversion chain (PCC) design to maximize the Average Annual Electric Power (AAEP) output of an Oscillating Water Column (OWC) device. The design consists of two independent stages. First, the design of a floating OWC, a Backward Bent Duct Buoy (BBDB), and second the design of the PCC. The pneumatic power output of the BBDB in random waves is optimized through the use of a hydrodynamically coupled, linear, frequency-domain, performance model that links the oscillating structure to internal air-pressure fluctuations. The PCC optimization is centered on the selection and sizing of a Wells Turbine and electric power generation equipment. The optimization of the PCC involves the following variables: the type of Wells Turbine (fixed or variable pitched, with and without guide vanes), the radius of the turbine, the optimal vent pressure, the sizing of the power electronics, and number of turbines. Also included in this Technical Report are further details on how rotor thrust and torque are estimated, along with further details on the type of variable frequency drive selected.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Embedded Sensors and Controls to Improve Component Performance and Reliability - System Dynamics Modeling and Control System Design

This report documents the current status of the modeling, control design, and embedded control research for the magnetic bearing canned rotor pump being used as a demonstration platform for deeply integrating instrumentation and controls (I&C) into nuclear power plant components. This pump is a highly inter-connected thermo/electro/mechanical system that requires an active control system to operate. Magnetic bearings are inherently unstable system and without active, moment by moment control, the rotor would contact fixed surfaces in the pump causing physical damage. This report details the modeling of the pump rotordynamics, fluid forces, electromagnetic properties of the protective cans, active magnetic bearings, power electronics, and interactions between different dynamical models. The system stability of the unforced and controlled rotor are investigated analytically. Additionally, controllers are designed using proportional derivative (PD) control, proportional integral derivative (PID) control, voltage control, and linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control. Finally, a design optimization problem that joins the electrical, mechanical, magnetic, and control system design into one problem to balance the opposing needs of various design criteria using the embedded system approach is presented.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2015

FY2014 Propulsion Materials R&D Annual Progress Report

The Propulsion Materials Program actively supports the energy security and reduction of greenhouse emissions goals of VTO by investigating and identifying the materials properties that are most essential for continued development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation heavy and light-duty powertrains. The technical approaches available to enhance propulsion systems focus on improvements in both vehicle efficiency and fuel substitution, both of which must overcome the performance limitations of the materials currently in use. Propulsion Materials Program activities work with national laboratories, industry experts, and VTO powertrain systems (e.g., Advanced Combustion Engines [ACE], Advanced Power Electronics and Electrical Machines [APEEM], and fuels) teams to develop strategies that overcome materials limitations in future powertrain performance. The technical maturity of the portfolio of funded projects ranges from basic science to subsystem prototype validation. Projects within a Propulsion Materials Program activity address materials concerns that directly impact critical technology barriers within each of the above programs, including barriers that impact fuel efficiency, thermal management, emissions reduction, improved reliability, and reduced manufacturing costs. The program engages only the barriers that result from material property limitations and represent fundamental, high-risk materials issues.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Final Technical Report: Characterizing Emerging Technologies.

The Characterizing Emerging Technologies project focuses on developing, improving and validating characterization methods for PV modules, inverters and embedded power electronics. Characterization methods and associated analysis techniques are at the heart of technology assessments and accurate component and system modeling. Outputs of the project include measurement and analysis procedures that industry can use to accurately model performance of PV system components, in order to better distinguish and understand the performance differences between competing products (module and inverters) and new component designs and technologies (e.g., new PV cell designs, inverter topologies, etc.).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Annual Progress Report for the Electric Drive Technologies Program

The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced in May 2011 a new cooperative research effort comprising DOE, the US Council for Automotive Research (composed of automakers Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company, and Chrysler Group), Tesla Motors, and representatives of the electric utility and petroleum industries. Known as U.S. DRIVE (Driving Research and Innovation for Vehicle efficiency and Energy sustainability), it represents DOE’s commitment to developing public–private partnerships to fund high-risk–high-reward research into advanced automotive technologies. The new partnership replaces and builds upon the partnership known as FreedomCAR (derived from “Freedom” and “Cooperative Automotive Research”) that ran from 2002 through 2010 and the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles initiative that ran from 1993 through 2001. Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL’s) Electric Drive Technologies (EDT) subprogram within the DOE Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) provides support and guidance for many cutting-edge automotive technologies now under development. Research is focused on developing revolutionary new power electronics (PE), electric motor (EM), and traction drive system (TDS) technologies that will leapfrog current on-the-road technologies, leading to lower cost and better efficiency in transforming battery energy to useful work. The research and development (R&D) is also aimed at achieving a greater understanding of and improvements in the way the various new components of tomorrow’s automobiles will function as a unified system to improve fuel efficiency through research in more efficient TDSs. In supporting the development of advanced vehicle propulsion systems, the EDT subprogram fosters the development of technologies that will significantly improve efficiency, costs, and fuel economy

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Embedded Sensors and Controls to Improve Component Performance and Reliability -- Bench-scale Testbed Design Report

Embedded instrumentation and control systems that can operate in extreme environments are challenging due to restrictions on sensors and materials. As a part of the Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy Enabling Technology cross-cutting technology development programs Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation topic, this report details the design of a bench-scale embedded instrumentation and control testbed. The design goal of the bench-scale testbed is to build a re-configurable system that can rapidly deploy and test advanced control algorithms in a hardware in the loop setup. The bench-scale testbed will be designed as a fluid pump analog that uses active magnetic bearings to support the shaft. The testbed represents an application that would improve the efficiency and performance of high temperature (700 C) pumps for liquid salt reactors that operate in an extreme environment and provide many engineering challenges that can be overcome with embedded instrumentation and control. This report will give details of the mechanical design, electromagnetic design, geometry optimization, power electronics design, and initial control system design.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Center for Efficiency in Sustainable Energy Systems

The main goal of the Center for Efficiency in Sustainable Energy Systems is to produce a methodology that evaluates a variety of energy systems. Task I. Improved Energy Efficiency for Industrial Processes: This task, completed in partnership with area manufacturers, analyzes the operation of complex manufacturing facilities to provide flexibilities that allow them to improve active-mode power efficiency, lower standby-mode power consumption, and use low cost energy resources to control energy costs in meeting their economic incentives; (2) Identify devices for the efficient transformation of instantaneous or continuous power to different devices and sections of industrial plants; and (3) use these manufacturing sites to demonstrate and validate general principles of power management. Task II. Analysis of a solid oxide fuel cell operating on landfill gas: This task consists of: (1) analysis of a typical landfill gas; (2) establishment of a comprehensive design of the fuel cell system (including the SOFC stack and BOP), including durability analysis; (3) development of suitable reforming methods and catalysts that are tailored to the specific SOFC system concept; and (4) SOFC stack fabrication with testing to demonstrate the salient operational characteristics of the stack, including an analysis of the overall energy conversion efficiency of the system. Task III. Demonstration of an urban wind turbine system: This task consists of (1) design and construction of two side-by-side wind turbine systems on the YSU campus, integrated through power control systems with grid power; (2) preliminary testing of aerodynamic control effectors (provided by a small business partner) to demonstrate improved power control, and evaluation of the system performance, including economic estimates of viability in an urban environment; and (3) computational analysis of the wind turbine system as an enabling activity for development of smart rotor blades that contain integrated sensor/actuator/controller modules to enhance energy capture and reduce aerodynamic loading and noise by way of virtual aerodynamic shaping. Accomplishments: Task I. Improved Energy Efficiency for Industrial Processes: We organized an energy management training session held on February 22, 2011, which was advertised through a regional manufacturing association to provide wide-ranging notification. Over two dozen companies were represented a the seminar, ranging from heavy manufacturing businesses with $5,000,000 per year energy expenses, to small, light manufacturing facilities. Task 2. Landfill Fuel Cell Power Generation Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) were constructed and evaluated as a means of obtaining electrical energy from landfill gas. Analysis of landfill gas. Attempts at collecting gas samples at the landfill and evaluating them on campus were still unsuccessful. Even a Teflon® sample bag would lose its H2S content. Evaluation of Gas Clean-up We consider this a confirmation of the CO2 effect on the solubility of H2S in water making much less sulfide available for the photocatalyst. It also means that another method should be employed to clean up landfill gas. Nonetheless, composition of impurities in landfill gas was reduced sufficiently to allow successful operation of the test fuel cell. Comparison to a PEM fuel cell system. If a PEMFC were to be operated with landfill gas as the fuel, the gas would have to be treated for sulfur removal, and then processed in a reformer large enough to drive the equilibrium far toward the products, so that negligible CO would flow into the fuel cell. Analysis of a fuel cell running on landfill gas. Using a Gow-Mac gas chromatograph with a thermal conductivity detector, unambiguous determination of CO can be made, at least as a primary constituent Task 3: Task 3 Plasma Controlled Turbine Blades Wind Turbine Selection. After carefully reviewing the various model available in the market the team selected the ARE 110 (2.5kW). The ARE 110 provides a very long life with little maintenance due to their relatively low rotational speeds (low RPM). The turbines large swept area (10.2ms2/110sq.ft), high-efficiency blades, purpose built alternator, and optimized power electronics ensure maximum energy capture from a wide range of wind speeds. Two wind turbines were installed side-by-side at the Melnick Hall site to compare their performance. Evaluate and Optimize Aerodynamically Enhanced Turbine Blades Due to delays in the installation of the wind turbines, no actual data was obtained within the contract period. At this time, the turbines are installed and operational at YSU with standard blades. We are in contact with Orbital Research and in discussion as to how best the required data can be obtained.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2013

Assessment of U.S. Manufacturing Capability for Next-Generation Wind Turbine Drivetrains

Robust U.S. wind turbine manufacturing capabilities and supply chains are important for the United States to reduce the cost of electricity generated from wind turbines. These capabilities and supply chains are also critical to the invention and commercialization of new wind turbine technologies while providing high-quality jobs. The development of advanced drivetrain technologies for windturbine applications is advancing the state of the art for drivetrain design by producing higher capacity and operating reliability than conventional drivetrains. Advanced drivetrain technologies such as medium-speed and direct-drive generators, silicon-carbide (SiC) IGBT-based power electronics, and high torque density speed increasers require different manufacturing and supply chaincapabilities that present both risks and opportunities for U.S. wind turbine manufacturers and the wind industry as a whole. The primary objective of this project is to assess how advanced drivetrain technologies and trends will impact U.S. wind turbine manufacturing and its supply chains. The U.S. Department of Energy and other industry participants will use the information from this study toidentify domestic manufacturing gaps, barriers, and opportunities for developing U.S. wind turbine manufacturing capabilities and supply chains for next-generation drivetrain technologies. This report also includes recommendations for prioritizing technology areas for possible investments by public, private, or nonprofit entities that will reduce the cost of wind-generated electricity. Suchinvestments foster opportunities to invent and commercialize new wind turbine technologies, and provide high-quality jobs in the United States.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Electric Drive Dynamic Thermal System Model for Advanced Vehicle Propulsion Technologies: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-09-360

Electric drive systems, which include electric machines and power electronics, are a key enabling technology for advanced vehicle propulsion systems that reduce the dependence of the U.S. transportation sector on petroleum. However, to penetrate the market, these electric drive technologies must enable vehicle solutions that are economically viable. The push to make critical electric drivesystems smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective brings respective challenges associated with heat removal and system efficiency. In addition, the wide application of electric drive systems to alternative propulsion technologies ranging from integrated starter generators, to hybrid electric vehicles, to full electric vehicles presents challenges in terms of sizing critical components andthermal management systems over a range of in-use operating conditions. This effort focused on developing a modular modeling methodology to enable multi-scale and multi-physics simulation capabilities leading to generic electric drive system models applicable to alternative vehicle propulsion configurations. The primary benefit for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the abilityto define operating losses with the respective impact on component sizing, temperature, and thermal management at the component, subsystem, and system level. However, the flexible nature of the model also allows other uses related to evaluating the impacts of alternative component designs or control schemes depending on the interests of other parties.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Manufacturing Demonstration Facility: Low Temperature Materials Synthesis

The Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) low temperature materials synthesis project was established to demonstrate a scalable and sustainable process to produce nanoparticles (NPs) for advanced manufacturing. Previous methods to chemically synthesize NPs typically required expensive, high-purity inorganic chemical reagents, organic solvents and high temperatures. These processes were typically applied at small laboratory scales at yields sufficient for NP characterization, but insufficient to support roll-to-roll processing efforts or device fabrication. The new NanoFermentation processes described here operated at a low temperature (~60 C) in low-cost, aqueous media using bacteria that produce extracellular NPs with controlled size and elemental stoichiometry. Up-scaling activities successfully demonstrated high NP yields and quality in a 900-L pilot-scale reactor, establishing this NanoFermentation process as a competitive biomanufacturing strategy to produce NPs for advanced manufacturing of power electronics, solid-state lighting and sensors.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Energy Harvesting from Pipeline Vibration: CRADA Final Report

Investigating the extraction of energy from pipeline vibrations related to operations in the oil and gas industry. The wasted energy in the form of mechanical vibrations can be exploited to generate useful energy for low and medium power electronic devices (e.g., sensors) operating independently in deep sea and surface environments. Existing energy harvesting technologies and literature were surveyed to come up with a feasible design employing piezoelectric material. The project was important to reduce energy wastage and hence to national energy security.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2017

LEReC Machine Protection System

The LEReC Machine Protection System (MPS) is designed to alleviate the risk of possible damage to in-vacuum components of the accelerator from high power electron beam.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

FY2015 Propulsion Materials Annual Report

The Propulsion Materials Program actively supports the energy security and reduction of greenhouse emissions goals of VTO by investigating and identifying the materials properties that are most essential for continued development of cost-effective, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation heavy and light-duty powertrains. The technical approaches available to enhance propulsion systems focus on improvements in both vehicle efficiency and fuel substitution, both of which must overcome the performance limitations of the materials currently in use. Propulsion Materials Program activities work with national laboratories, industry experts, and VTO powertrain systems (e.g., Advanced Combustion Engines [ACE], Advanced Power Electronics and Electrical Machines [APEEM], and fuels) teams to develop strategies that overcome materials limitations in future powertrain performance. The technical maturity of the portfolio of funded projects ranges from basic science to subsystem prototype validation. Projects within a Propulsion Materials Program activity address materials concerns that directly impact critical technology barriers within each of the above programs, including barriers that impact fuel efficiency, thermal management, emissions reduction, improved reliability, and reduced manufacturing costs. The program engages only the barriers that result from material property limitations and represent fundamental, high-risk materials issues.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Apparent Fracture Toughness of Pressureless Sintered Silver Interconnects

This study uses three-point flexural testing to estimate the room-temperature apparent fracture toughness ( K Ic_app ) of a pressureless sintered-silver interconnect - a candidate material for use in power electronic devices. The K Ic_app estimation occurs via work-of-fracture measurement of a chevron-shaped sintered-silver joint centrally located in an “interconnect bend test specimen”. The chevron-shape was stencil-printed on a silver (Ag)-plated direct bonded copper (DBC) substrate, mated to an Ag-plated DBC substrate, and then sintered. The chevron-shape, used for decades in fracture mechanics examinations and in standardized tests of monolithic materials, enables controlled stable crack initiation and propagation that are prerequisites for valid K Ic_app estimation. The employed combination of an interconnect bend test specimen and bend test method is robust and simple, enables a means for interpreting the resistance to crack growth and delamination in an interconnect, provides a dependable way to judge the efficacies of sintered-silver processing conditions, and ultimately supports process optimization of sintered-silver interconnects.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Conceptual Design Report: Radial RF Injectors for Improved Waste Stream Processing

In June 2017, the US Department of Energy Accelerator Stewardship Program [1] released its “FY2017 Research Opportunities in Accelerator Stewardship” [2], including a call for design studies of four types of high-power electron accelerators for energy and environmental applications. Table 1 lists the target performance for the “Type 1” and “T ype 2” accelerators in this call.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗