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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Scalable and Quench-Free Processing of Metal Halide Perovskites in Ambient Conditions

With the rise of global warming and the growing energy crisis, scientists have pivoted from typical resources to look for new materials and technologies. Perovskite materials hold the potential for making high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells through solution processing of Earth-abundant materials; however, scalability, stability, and durability remain key challenges. In order to transition from small-scale processing in inert environments to higher throughput processing in ambient conditions, the fundamentals of perovskite crystallization must be understood. Classical nucleation theory, the LaMer relation, and nonclassical crystallization considerations are discussed to provide a mechanism by which a gellan gum (GG) additive—a nontoxic polymeric saccharide—has enabled researchers to produce quality halide perovskite thin-film blade coated in ambient conditions without a quench step. Furthermore, we report on the improved stability and durability properties inherent to these films, which feature improved morphologies and optoelectronic properties compared to films spin-coated in a glovebox with antisolvent. We tune the amount of GG in the perovskite precursor and study the interplay between GG concentration and processability, morphological control, and increased stability under humidity, heat, and mechanical testing. The simplicity of this approach and insensitivity to environmental conditions enable a wide process window for the production of low-defect, mechanically robust, and operationally stable perovskites with fracture energies among the highest obtained for perovskites.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ambitious efforts on residual emissions can reduce CO 2 removal and lower peak temperatures in a net-zero future

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is expected to play a critical role in reaching net zero CO 2 and especially net zero greenhouse gase (GHG) emissions. However, the extent to which the role of CDR in counterbalancing residual emissions can be reduced has not yet been fully quantified. Here, we use a state-of-the-art integrated assessment model to develop a 'Maximum Sectoral Effort' scenario which features global emissions policies alongside ambitious effort across sectors to reduce their gross GHG emissions and thereby the CDR required for offsets. We find that these efforts can reduce CDR by over 50% globally, increase both the relative and absolute role of the land sink in storing carbon, and more evenly distribute CDR contributions and associated side-effects across regions compared to CO 2 pricing alone. Furthermore, the lower cumulative CO 2 and nonCO 2 emissions leads to earlier and lower peak temperatures. Emphasizing reductions in gross, in addition to net emissions while disallowing the substitution of less durable CDR for offsets can therefore reduce both physical and transition risks associated with high CDR deployment and temperature overshoot.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Storing Co 2 in Built Infrastructure: Co 2 Carbonation of Precast Concrete Products

The overall objective of the proposed study was to advance the technical understanding of CO 2 incorporation into novel cementitious materials for the development of high value products that provide a net reduction in carbon emissions. This project combined two primary phases of research that addressed technical barriers related to (i) optimizing CO 2 storage capability of cementitious materials, (ii) evaluating and enhancing physical properties of novel carbonated materials, and (iii) assessing the reductions in life cycle CO 2 emissions attributed to CO 2 carbonation of precast cementitious materials. Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) are a class of highly ductile concrete composites that have been shown to be very durable when used in the built environment. CO 2 carbonation of ECC was examined in this study and it was found that precast ECC specimens could sequester up to 35% CO 2 by cement mass after 24 hours of curing at a CO 2 pressure of 0.5 MPa and 23°C and had a strain capacity of 3%. Carbonation conditions were optimized at the bench-scale and then utilized to create full-scale CO 2 -cured ECC railroad ties that were field tested on a train track. Rail ties were selected for this initial assessment of CO 2 storage in precast concrete materials due to the large market for concrete ties in the railroad industry. Although the full-scale rail ties passed all of the required American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association qualifying mechanical tests, on-track testing of the CO 2 -cured ECC rail ties was unsuccessful due to fiber alignment in the ECC the during the rail tie casting process which prevented the material from achieving the expected level of strain capacity. This result highlights the challenge in scaling up bench-scale processes to full-scale product manufacturing and requires additional investigation into the casting process of large-scale infrastructure elements using ECC combined with carbonation curing. Life cycle assessment of a CO 2 -cured ECC rail tie versus a traditional concrete rail tie indicates that the ECC tie can have lifecycle carbon savings of between 11% and 51% depending on how much longer its useful lifetime is compared to traditional concrete rail ties. Both carbon and cost savings are driven by a reduction in the need to replace broken rail ties, so the key factor is the extent to which a CO 2 -cured ECC rail tie will have increased lifetime durability compared to alternative rail ties.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

Recent Advances in Biological Recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Wastes

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most commonly used polyester plastics worldwide but is extremely difficult to be hydrolyzed in a natural environment. PET plastic is an inexpensive, lightweight, and durable material, which can readily be molded into an assortment of products that are used in a broad range of applications. Most PET is used for single-use packaging materials, such as disposable consumer items and packaging. Although PET plastics are a valuable resource in many aspects, the proliferation of plastic products in the last several decades have resulted in a negative environmental footprint. The long-term risk of released PET waste in the environment poses a serious threat to ecosystems, food safety, and even human health in modern society. Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce these impacts. Current clean-up strategies have attempted to alleviate the adverse impacts of PET pollution but are unable to compete with the increasing quantities of PET waste exposed to the environment. In this review paper, current PET recycling methods to improve life cycle and waste management are discussed, which can be further implemented to reduce plastics pollution and its impacts on health and environment. Compared with conventional mechanical and chemical recycling processes, the biotechnological recycling of PET involves enzymatic degradation of the waste PET and the followed bioconversion of degraded PET monomers into value-added chemicals. This approach creates a circular PET economy by recycling waste PET or upcycling it into more valuable products with minimal environmental footprint.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of Advanced Solid Sorbents for Direct Air Capture (Final Report)

RTI International is partnering with Creare, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) successfully met all major technical objectives as outlined below: Identified one MOF adsorbent for DAC; Identified one amine-P-dendrimer adsorbent for DAC; Performed Computational fluid dynamics simulations of the MOF and amine-P-dendrimer adsorbents and validate them with experimental data; Selected one adsorbent for DAC; Demonstrated the scale-up of selected candidate and perform cost review; Performed a preliminary process design; Performed technology maturation plan and environmental health and safety risk assessment. After a thorough comparison between both adsorbents (MOFs and P-dendrimers) and based on their technical merits, the amine-based P-dendrimers sorbent was selected as the best performing adsorbent for DAC. In fact, the amine-based P-dendrimers have demonstrated superior performance over the MOF sorbents under relevant DAC conditions. The selected sorbent has been used in subsequent projects (DE-FE0032099 and DE-AR0001412) and has demonstrated similar superior performance with no loss of activity after long-term sorption-desorption testing (e.g., 100 cycles). This sorbent has demonstrated a very high and stable sorption performance, excellent kinetics, and fast regeneration at 80 °C, specifically at 75% relative humidity (RH). The incorporation of RTI’s high-performance, high-durability amine-based P-dendrimers sorbent and Creare’s hybrid additive manufacturing (H-AM) technology that will produce high performance, compact heat and mass exchange structures at low cost using methods, will lead to a contactor that is optimized for wind-driven operation. This contactor technology provides a technically viable pathway for reducing the cost of DAC to <$100/tonne of CO 2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Glass-Bonded Monazite Waste Forms for Lanthanide and Actinide Immobilization: From Theoretical Design to Scale-Up Production and Characterization

The development of nuclear waste forms for both existing and future nuclear wastes is critical to ensuring global environmental safety. This study focuses on waste management from molten salt reactors, where fuel exists in a salt form and could be processed in real time for the removal of neutron poisons such as xenon isotopes (e.g., 135 Xe) and rare earth elements (REEs, e.g., 149 Sm). To ensure safe, stable, and long-term disposal in geological repositories, REEs must be incorporated into a durable waste form. Iron-phosphate glasses are a promising candidate due to their low melting points, high chemical durability, and their ability to incorporate high concentrations of REEs. In this study, we successfully prepared iron-phosphate glass waste forms with high Nd loadings (up to 37 mass %) in batch sizes ranging from small (23 g) to large (1600 g). The resulting materials contained up to 75 mass % NdPO 4 , contributing to their mechanical resilience and exceptional chemical durability. These findings highlight the potential of iron-phosphate glasses as high-efficiency, chemically durable waste forms and demonstrate the successful transition from theoretical design to scaled-up production.

amorphous materials↗
DOE OSTI2020

Editors’ Choice—Review—Recent Advances in Mixed Potential Sensors

Gas sensors are widely used in environmental monitoring and provide controls especially when working with toxic gases. YSZ based λ-sensors have been utilized in the automobile industry for exhaust gas monitoring for more than 40 years. However, recent regulations on emissions reduction has forced further development of toxic gases monitoring in various applications. Mixed potential sensors with YSZ electrolyte are receiving increased attention due to their higher sensitivity and durability under harsh conditions. This review focuses on recent (past 5 years) developments made on electrode and electrolyte structure along with new sensing electrode materials towards detecting gases such as NO x , NH 3 , H 2 , CO and hydrocarbons (HCs). The theory of mixed potential sensors is discussed along with recent developments in detection of multi-gas mixtures using the output from an array of sensors in a mathematical model. Future directions for mixed potential sensor research, and methodologies to improving sensing characteristics are also outlined

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Challenges, Technological Pathways and Trade-Offs of Perovskite Solar Modules for Long-Term Operation

Perovskite solar modules (PSMs) have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their high efficiency, low fabrication cost and compatibility with lightweight and flexible applications. However, ensuring long-term reliable performance under real-world conditions remains a critical barrier to commercialization. PSMs degrade through mechanisms that differ substantially from those affecting established technologies such as silicon, particularly under environmental stressors like ultraviolet light, oxygen, temperature cycling and reverse bias. Here we provide an analysis of the degradation pathways specific to perovskite modules and discuss why standard accelerated tests often fail to predict outdoor performance. We conceptualize challenges across material, device and module levels and evaluate strategies to mitigate ion migration, interfacial breakdown and encapsulation failure. By highlighting the need for realistic testing protocols and durable materials, we propose a framework highlighting key challenges, technological pathways and the trade-offs required to extend perovskite module lifetimes towards long-term operation, aiming to guide the development of PSMs capable of a 30-year operational lifetime.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Overview of NETL’s Low Temperature CO2 Electrolysis Research

This keynote lecture will briefly overview diverse research areas of National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to advance energy and environmental sustainability along with carbon management. Our electrochemistry efforts on carbon conversion directly support the US goal of achieving carbon-free power sector by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050. Since CO2 electroreduction is highly structure-sensitive, NETL ongoing research has been focused on the rational design and engineering of electrocatalysts to facilitate the CO2 conversion to desirable products with good selectivity, activity, and durability. Different classes and types of electrocatalytic materials will be covered in this talk, from well-defined atomic-scale model catalysts to heterogenous, scalable powder systems at nano- and micro-scale for “real world” performance evaluation. Several spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical characterization techniques along with computational findings will be additionally discussed to gain more insights into the structure-activity relation. The last part of this seminar will provide more detail on how NETL has transitioned from the most common aqueous H-type reactor for lab-scale validation to more realistic full electrolyzer cell in bench-scale prototype. The knowledge, electrocatalytic materials, and device validation achieved from NETL in-house research will be translated to industrial sector for large scale deployment and the anticipated outcome will help advance the development of low temperature CO2 electrolysis technologies.

Nguyen Phan, Thuy Duong↗
DOE OSTI2025

Open data sets for assessing photovoltaic system reliability

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have become a cornerstone of renewable energy strategies, particularly due to the significant reduction in solar power costs over the past decade. However, the long-term reliability of PV installations presents a persistent challenge, requiring the development of advanced monitoring and predictive maintenance strategies. A wide range of data types is used to evaluate the health of PV systems, including environmental conditions, electrical performance, and inspection imagery. These data enable methodologies such as machine learning (ML) models for lifetime prediction and computer vision techniques for defect detection. However, the acquisition of high-quality and comprehensive data is difficult, particularly in terms of long-term consistency and data variety. Publicly available data sets serve as valuable resources for addressing these challenges, but they often suffer from fragmentation and are difficult to access. This paper presents a comprehensive review of existing open-source data sets related to PV degradation, analyzing their features, functionalities, and potential applications. We categorize these data sets based on the specific aspects of PV system information they cover, such as environmental conditions, operational monitoring, image inspection and module materials, and propose relevant tools and ML models for processing them. In addition, we propose practices for future data collection and usage, while also discussing potential directions in data-driven research. Our aim is to enhance data utilization and publication among researchers and industry professionals, promoting a deeper understanding of the role of data in enhancing the performance and durability of PV systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Mapping the Opportunity Space to Model the Circular Economy Using Tools Funded by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

An increasing rate of material consumption and a growing population mean that the Earth's supply of natural resources is witnessing an unsustainable and unprecedented demand. This forces us to find solutions that ensure the availability of resources for sustenance of our society in the years to come. Actors from various backgrounds are addressing these challenges from their own perspectives: engineers are developing efficient manufacturing processes, designers are creating lightweight and durable products, educators are incorporating sustainable thinking in their curricula, policymakers are finding interdisciplinary solutions that benefit society at large, etc. Circular economy (CE) is one such approach to resource use that aims to move away from the linear material use framework of "take-make-waste" to a more circular and interdependent system where product, material and resource use is maximized to avoid unnecessary social, economic, and environmental costs. The purpose of this report is to explain how to approach evaluating the circular economy and to help researchers identify existing tools that can be used or that can serve as starting points for their research needs.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enhancement of operational Flexibility of Power Plants Using IN740

Headers are crucial components within diverse industries, especially in the energy sector, as they enable the efficient transfer of fluids. The selection of materials for headers is determined by their specific applications; for example, Grade 91 and Grade 92 steels are commonly utilized. In our research, we recommend the adoption of INCONEL alloy 740 due to its exceptional robustness and heat-resistant characteristics. One critical parameter in header systems is the heat transfer coefficient, which directly influences the efficiency of heat exchange processes and can thereby impact the structural integrity of the headers. This coefficient is closely linked with factors such as the Nusselt number, which is influenced by fluid flow characteristics and thermal properties. The flow direction within headers, whether unidirectional or multidirectional—significantly affects the overall dynamics of heat transfer. This research focuses on exploring the behavior of headers, a specific pipeline system component, using ANSYS simulation software. The study aims to predict heat transfer and mechanical behavior within headers under various conditions through steady-state and transient simulations (parts 1 and 2 of the report). Key parameters such as heat transfer coefficient, velocity, and temperature are examined with the goal of optimizing header design. Part 3 of the report addresses the critical yet underexplored relationship between pressure drop and heat transfer coefficients in the transient flow regime within headers, specifically focusing on smooth horizontal circular tubes. Limited experimental work has been conducted in this area, prompting the need for comprehensive analysis. By leveraging machine learning techniques, this research aims to establish a correlation between pressure drop and heat transfer across various flow conditions, including laminar, transient, quasi-turbulent, and turbulent regimes. The data utilized for this analysis were meticulously gathered from existing literature, capturing simultaneous measurements of pressure drops and heat transfer. Part 4: In the context of power plants, header pipes are essential components that significantly influence system performance by facilitating the collection and distribution of steam. This report highlights the critical role of header pipes in enhancing reliability, efficiency, and overall power plant performance. A key aspect of this investigation is shape optimization, which aims to maximize performance while minimizing material usage. By focusing on shape optimization, this research contributes to improved efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint for power plant installations. The methodology developed in this study emphasizes optimizing header shapes to decrease reliance on expensive alloy materials and lower maintenance costs. Furthermore, a case study was conducted using a header from an operational power plant to validate the proposed optimization techniques. Finally, part 5 addresses the challenges associated with flexible operations in boiler systems, the study outlines several strategies for enhancing the durability and reliability of steam headers. Key approaches include material selection, which involves utilizing advanced materials with superior high-temperature properties and enhanced fatigue resistance to extend the lifespan of steam headers. Design modifications are also recommended, focusing on implementing changes that mitigate thermal stress and cyclic loading to reduce the likelihood of failures under varying operating conditions. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of regular inspection and monitoring by establishing rigorous protocols to detect early signs of damage, allowing for timely maintenance and minimizing the risks of catastrophic failures. Furthermore, operational guidelines are developed to minimize the frequency and severity of thermal transients, ensuring stable and efficient operations. Collectively, these strategies provide a robust framework for overcoming the unique challenges posed by flexible operation in boiler systems, ultimately contributing to improved reliability and performance in power plant operations. Through this comprehensive approach, the study not only enhances the understanding of pressure drop and heat transfer relationships but also promotes advancements in design and operation that will benefit the entire power generation industry.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2026

Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing of Photovoltaic Materials

By applying multiple environmental stresses in fieldrepresentative combinations and sequences, combined-accelerated stress testing (CAST) identifies degradation modes and failure mechanisms of photovoltaic (PV) modules and components that are missed by single stress factor accelerated testing.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Revealing Progressive Degradation of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles During Thermochemical Redox Cycling via Operando STEM-EELS

Metal oxides are promising materials for long-duration thermochemical energy storage. Efforts to characterize their reaction kinetics, conversion rate, and morphological evolution during thermochemical cycling have largely focused on bulk and microscale measurements. However, the design of nanostructured metal oxides could improve the reaction reversibility and kinetics, warranting the development of platforms to investigate how these materials behave at the nanoscale. Here, we demonstrate the use of correlative, time-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy and imaging in an environmental transmission electron microscope for studying the thermochemical cyclability of cobalt oxide nanoparticles with high spatial and temporal resolution. The spectroscopic data reveal a striking decrease in reaction kinetics after the first cycle, resulting from sintering-driven nanostructural densification. Comparison between cycling in humid and dry air shows that atmospheric conditions can modulate reaction transition temperatures but have limited effects on sintering over multiple cycles, suggesting long-term durability will instead rely on synthetic and/or nanostructural modifications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integrating Crack Detection and Pipe Shape Optimization for Enhanced Sewage System Durability

Crack detection in underground reinforced concrete pipes has been essential in determining the state of stormwater infrastructure. Detection models have been implemented for detecting cracks and other defects in pipes using CCTV footage for stormwater drainage systems. In addition, Finite element models have been used to determine optimum shapes and pipe thickness for different boundary conditions such as header pipes in power plants. The concept of shape optimization emerges as a crucial factor in power plant design and operation, with the potential to maximize performance while minimizing the use of materials. Shape optimization not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to reducing the environmental footprint. This paper discusses the integration of both topics by using the cracks detected in underground pipes as boundary conditions for shape optimization of the pipes. A machine learning model has been developed which uses limited data for training and outlines the location of detected cracks. A shape optimization methodology is proposed in which ANSYS modules are used to analyze fluid flow and then optimize the shape of the pipe. The crack detection model developed has been applied to a crack detected in lab setting and machine learning model used has an accuracy of 98% using a random forest algorithm.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advanced Electrocatalysis for Energy and Environmental Sustainability via Water and Nitrogen Reactions

Abstract Clean and efficient energy storage and conversion via sustainable water and nitrogen reactions have attracted substantial attention to address the energy and environmental issues due to the overwhelming use of fossil fuels. These electrochemical reactions are crucial for desirable clean energy technologies, including advanced water electrolyzers, hydrogen fuel cells, and ammonia electrosynthesis and utilization. Their sluggish reaction kinetics lead to inefficient energy conversion. Innovative electrocatalysis, i.e., catalysis at the interface between the electrode and electrolyte to facilitate charge transfer and mass transport, plays a vital role in boosting energy conversion efficiency and providing sufficient performance and durability for these energy technologies. Herein, a comprehensive review on recent progress, achievements, and remaining challenges for these electrocatalysis processes related to water (i.e., oxygen evolution reaction, OER, and oxygen reduction reaction, ORR) and nitrogen (i.e., nitrogen reduction reaction, NRR, for ammonia synthesis and ammonia oxidation reaction, AOR, for energy utilization) is provided. Catalysts, electrolytes, and interfaces between the two within electrodes for these electrocatalysis processes are discussed. The primary emphasis is device performance of OER‐related proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, ORR‐related PEM fuel cells, NRR‐driven ammonia electrosynthesis from water and nitrogen, and AOR‐related direct ammonia fuel cells.

Li, Yi↗
DOE OSTI2021

Understanding and Overcoming Water-induced Interfacial Degradation in Si Modules (Final Technical Report)

Moisture ingress is an established issue for photovoltaic module durability. Durability studies probing moisture effects typically evaluate performance losses at the module level, attributing global power losses to the overall humidity condition of the test environment while leaving local module behavior unknown. This project successfully develops an in situ short-wave infrared probe of moisture content in PV modules with demonstrated detection limits better than 100 ppm in EVA-encapsulated Al-BSF and PERC architectures (66 µg/cm3) and applicability across the range of terrestrial conditions. Combining this optical moisture quantification method (water reflectometry detection, WaRD) with peel testing of interfaces, biased photoluminescence imaging of performance, and first principles computation, we correlate module moisture content and cell performance over the course of accelerated damp heat tests. By performing multi-level humidity and thermal accelerated testing over thousands of hours (0, 65 and 85% RH and 25, 65, and 85°C), we are able to attribute effects of individual environmental stresses and the dependence on module architecture. Using first-principles computational chemistry, we find that the decomposition of EVA to acetic acid (Norrish II) is thermodynamically preferred over a pathway to acetaldehyde (Norrish I), elucidating the underlying chemistry of encapsulant degradation. We also find it is likely that water segregates to the stable interfaces of the cell, especially the SiNx/EVA interface. We find that moisture is strongly correlated with reduction in adhesion at the interfaces of the cells, particularly at Ag fingers. We show uniquely that the peel strength required to delaminate the encapsulant from the front of the cell depends not only on the exposure to a high heat and humid environment, but also to the moisture content during the mechanical testing, indicating an important interaction between when mechanical stresses are faced in terms of the moisture content of the module and its durability. We find that the background sheet resistance (that is, the sheet resistance rise not attributable to finger interruptions or cracks) is substantially higher in the backsheet mini-modules vs glass-glass packages when humidity and temperature are faced. This increase in power loss due to the background resistance increase over time in damp heat in glass-backsheet modules resulted in ~3-4% larger decrease in relative PCE compared to glass-glass modules. In glass-backsheet modules, the effect of the moisture dose alone is comparable or greater than that of the combined temperature and water term, suggesting that glass-backsheet modules are overall more susceptible to moisture induced performance loss. Finally, we show that thin film PV modules are amenable to WaRD measurement, based on the ability to detect moisture in POE encapsulants or in the cell stack itself. The ease of WaRD measurement and its few requirements on the bill of materials should enable broad applicability of this technique for studying the effects of moisture in PV.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

The hygrothermal performance of continuous and cavity wood fiber insulation

Wood fiber insulation is an emerging material known for its effective thermal performance and moisture management properties, making it a compelling alternative to conventional insulation. Its vapor permeability and ability to regulate indoor humidity contribute to improved building durability and comfort, particularly in varying climate conditions. The goal of this project is to characterize the hygrothermal performance of a new wood fiber insulation product line in U.S. climate zones and to facilitate the design and construction of the product in residential and light commercial building envelopes. This study investigates the thermal and hygrothermal performance of wood fiber insulation, both as continuous and cavity insulation. The research employs an exhaustive simulation task and an environmental chamber test of a wood fiber insulation. Over 400 simulations were conducted to study the hygrothermal characteristics of bio-based wood fiber insulation in various building envelope configurations across four climate zones. Environmental chamber tests were conducted under controlled winter conditions representative of Climate Zone 5A (Chicago, IL) to complement the simulation results. The chamber tests focused on the hygrothermal performance of the wood fiber insulation and the sheathing board to assess the insulation's ability to manage moisture in a cold climate. Simulation and environmental chamber test results were analyzed to evaluate the insulation's consistency and efficacy across diverse climatic zones. Results show that with a proper moisture control strategy, both cavity and continuous wood fiber insulation can work properly in both new and retrofit constructions.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗