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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 OSTI2025

Alpha ketoacid decarboxylases: Diversity, structures, reaction mechanisms, and applications for biomanufacturing of platform chemicals and fuels

In living cells, alpha-ketoacid decarboxylases (KDCs, EC 4.1.1.-) are a class of enzymes that convert alpha-ketoacids into aldehydes through decarboxylation. These aldehydes serve as either drop-in chemicals or precursors for the biosynthesis of alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, and alkanes. These compounds play crucial roles in cellular metabolism and fitness and the bioeconomy, facilitating the sustainable and renewable biomanufacturing of platform chemicals and fuels. This review explores the diversity and classification of KDCs, detailing their structures, mechanisms, and functions. We highlight recent advancements in repurposing KDCs to enhance their efficiency and robustness for biomanufacturing. Additionally, we present modular KDC-dependent metabolic pathways for the microbial biosynthesis of aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, and alkanes. Lastly, we discuss recent developments in the modular cell engineering technology that can potentially be applied to harness the diversity of KDC-dependent pathways for biomanufacturing platform chemicals and fuels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

DECOVALEX-2019: An international collaboration for advancing the understanding and modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in geological systems

The DECOVALEX Project is an international research collaboration for advancing the understanding and modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in geological systems. DECOVALEX stands for “DEvelopment of COupled Models and VALidation against EXperiments”. The creation of this international initiative, now running for almost 30 years, was motivated by the recognition that prediction of these coupled effects is an essential part of the performance and safety assessment of geologic disposal systems for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, and also for a range of other sub-surface engineering activities. DECOVALEX emphasizes joint analysis and comparative modeling of state-of-the-art field and laboratory experiments, across a range of host rock options and repository designs. Participating research teams are from radioactive waste management organizations, national research institutes, regulatory agencies, universities, and consulting groups, providing a wide range of perspectives and solutions to these complex problems. The most recent phase of the DECOVALEX Project, here referred to as DECOVALEX-2019, started in 2016 and ended in 2019. Modeling teams from 13 international partner organizations participated in the comparative evaluation of seven modeling tasks involving complex field and/or laboratory experiments. Furthermore, this Virtual Special Issue on DECOVALEX-2019 provides an in-depth overview of these collaborative research efforts and how these have advanced the state-of-the-art of understanding and modeling coupled THMC processes.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Decovalex-2019 (Executive Summary)

The DECOVALEX Project is an on-going international research collaboration, established in 1992, to advance the understanding and modeling of coupled Thermal (T), Hydrological (H), Mechanical (M) and Chemical (C) processes in geological in geological systems. DECOVALEX was initially motivated by the recognition that prediction of these coupled effects is an essential part of the performance and safety assessment of geologic disposal systems for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Later it was realized that these processes also play a critical role in other subsurface engineering activities, such as subsurface CO 2 storage, enhanced geothermal systems, and unconventional oil and gas production through hydraulic fracturing. Research teams from many countries (e.g., Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the United States) various institutions have participated in the DECOVALEX Project over the years, providing a wide range of perspectives and solutions to these complex problems. These institutions represent radioactive waste management organizations, national research institutes, regulatory agencies, universities, as well as industry and consulting groups. The overall aim of DECOVALEX-2019 was to increase the understanding of various thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical processes of importance for radionuclide release and transport from a repository to the biosphere and how they can be described and modelled using mathematical models. The scientific and technical objectives are: to increase the basic understanding of T-H-M-C coupled processes in fractured rocks (crystalline, sedimentary, argillaceous) and buffer materials; to investigate the predictive capabilities of different codes to field experiments and to perform verification of codes; to exchange experimental data, and improve the understanding of the constitutive behavior of crystalline and argillaceous rock masses and buffer materials; and to perform THMC calculations in a performance/safety assessment context.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hydrothermal Liquefaction: Path to Sustainable Aviation Fuel

A variety of technologies are currently under development for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and one of the most promising technologies is the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of low-cost waste feedstocks. Organizations across the globe are conducting research and development on HTL technology at scales varying from the laboratory to demonstrations focused on various aspects of technology development. The identification of more advanced and sustainable solutions to maximize the fuel yield while optimizing fuel properties and achieving cost parity with conventional fuels is the major focus in developing HTL technology. This workshop on the application of HTL to produce SAF, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), was held virtually on November 17–19, 2020. A broad spectrum of experts from industry, academia, national laboratories, and government from across the globe participated in the workshop, contributing their ideas, insights, and perspectives. A series of keynote presentations, plenary presentations, and breakout sessions provided an interdisciplinary framework for sharing information and building collaboration. This document provides an overview of the content discussed in the presentations as well as the breakout session discussion. Diverse stakeholder perspectives were gathered, and this wealth of information collectively provides an update on the current state of the field and identifies the key research opportunities.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Microchannel Reactor for Ethanol to Butene: CRADA 503 [Abstract only]

A key challenge facing most bioprocessing operations is that multiple unit operations are required, thereby resulting in complex, energy-intensive, and expensive processes. Further, biomass transportation costs drive the need for smaller, distributed processing plants. To incorporate the smaller scales desirable for biomass, novel processes must be developed with reduced capital costs. With over 20 years of experience in the development and commercialization of microchannel reactor technology, Oregon State University will partner with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to demonstrate a microchannel reactor with lower capital costs for an alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) process technology that is currently being commercialized by LanzaTech. Ethanol can be produced from biomass feedstocks such as LanzaTech’s proprietary biochemical process using carbon from a number of possible feedstocks; syngas generated from biomass resources (e.g., MSW, organic industrial waste, agriculture waste) or reformed biogas, or from other biomass feedstocks such as corn kernel fiber. Ethanol then undergoes catalytic dehydration to form ethylene followed by a two-step oligomerization, hydrogenation, and fractionation to control the hydrocarbon product slate to the jet-range. Successful process development aided by a market pull for low carbon aviation fuel has spurred scale-up and commercial demonstration. However, Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a very price sensitive market and improved economics through process intensification will make the current ATJ process even more attractive. Recent efforts at PNNL have culminated in the development of a new catalyst technology for the conversion of ethanol to n-butene-rich olefins. A greater than 90% conversion, total olefin selectivity of 80-90% (n-butene selectivity ~60%), and good stability over a 100 hour test duration has been demonstrated at the bench scale. Producing butene-rich olefins directly from ethanol with high yield is new and impactful because the higher olefins can be selectively oligomerized to distillate-range hydrocarbons, thus eliminating one process step from the current ATJ process. Further, coupling the severely endothermic ethanol dehydration with exothermic C-C bond formation results in more energy efficient processing. Additional intensification and energy savings will stem from incorporating this new ethanol to n-butene catalyst technology within the ATJ process implemented using a microchannel reactor platform. Due to recent advances in microchannel manufacturing methods and associated cost reductions we believe the time is right to adapt this technology toward new commercial bioconversion applications.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2024

2023 Project Peer Review Report

The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy supports the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of technologies aimed at mobilizing domestic renewable carbon resources for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the U.S. economy. BETO systematically prioritizes RD&D into technology opportunities across a range of emerging scientific breakthroughs and technology readiness levels in the subprogram areas illustrated in Figure 1. This approach supports a diverse portfolio while developing the most promising and widely applicable technologies, testing technologies as integrated processes, and demonstrating integrated processes to support scale-up. These technologies will use a broad variety of renewable carbon resources to produce increasing volumes of biofuels and bioproducts. More information on BETO’s mission, goals, and strategic approaches can be found in the Bioenergy Technologies Office Multi-Year Program Plan. The biennial Peer Review process enables external stakeholders to provide feedback on the responsible use of taxpayer funding and develop recommendations for the most efficient and effective ways to accelerate the development of a bioenergy industry. This report includes the results of the Project Peer Review meeting held on April 3–7, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Western Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (Final Technical Report)

Since 2018, the Western Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) has been dedicated to advancing the adoption and implementation of Combined Heat and Power. The CHP TAP has diligently worked towards its mission of fostering end-user engagement, promoting technical solutions, and enhancing energy security within the region. As we reflect on our journey, we are proud to announce the completion of the required metrics set forth at the beginning of our endeavor. From the outset, our aim has been clear: to leverage CHP technology as a catalyst for bolstering American competitiveness, utilizing local fuels, and fortifying energy resilience. Through collaborative efforts with a diverse array of stakeholders, including manufacturing, commercial, institutional, and federal facilities, and campuses, we have strived to realize this vision. In this report, we outline the achievements, activities, and impact of the Western CHP TAP, highlighting the transformative journey undertaken since 2018. From providing technical assistance and guidance to conducting educational workshops and advocating for supportive policies, our initiatives have been guided by a commitment to excellence and innovation. As we celebrate the completion of our required metrics, we reaffirm our dedication to continuing our mission, building upon our accomplishments, and shaping a sustainable energy future for the Western region. Through ongoing collaboration and engagement, we are confident that the Western CHP TAP will continue to serve as a beacon of progress and a catalyst for positive change in the years to come.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2021

International collaboration in disposal research: comparative modeling of coupled processes in the DECOVALEX project

Abstract. This presentation gives an overview of an international research collaboration for advancing the understanding and modeling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in geological systems. The creation of the international DECOVALEX project, now running for more than 25 years, was motivated by the recognition that prediction of these coupled effects is an essential part of the performance and safety assessment of geologic disposal systems for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. DECOVALEX emphasizes joint analysis and comparative modeling of state-of-the-art field and laboratory experiments, across a range of host rock options and repository designs. Participating research teams are from radioactive waste management organizations, national research institutes, regulatory agencies, universities, and consulting groups, providing a wide range of perspectives and solutions to these complex problems. The presentation provides examples of the research contributions made collectively in past DECOVALEX tasks and also touches on the unique modeling challenges tackled in the ongoing project phase, referred to as DECOVALEX-2023. The current phase comprises 17 partner organizations, about 50 modeling teams, and 7 modeling tasks, which cover a broad portfolio from fundamental studies on gas migration to full-scale in situ heater experiments in different host rocks to performance assessment studies. Together, these examples illustrate that the insight and scientific knowledge gained within the DECOVALEX project would not have been possible if one group had studied these complex THMC modeling challenges alone rather than within a truly collaborative setting.

Birkholzer, Jens T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Automated electrochemical selection of coliforms

Computer-controlled sensor system monitors and quantifies coliform organisms in waste water samples through molecular hydrogen detection techniques. System includes cleanup procedures, external sterilization of each sensor interface with working fluid as well as incubation cell interiors. Sensor system may also be operated manually.

Taylor, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Interaction and Synergism of Microbial Fuel Cell Bacteria within Methanogenesis

Biological hydrogen production from waste biomass has both terrestrial and Martian advanced life support applications. On earth, biological hydrogen production is being explored as a greenhouse neutral form of clean and efficient energy. In a permanently enclosed space habitat, carbon loop closure is required to reduce mission costs. Plants are grown to revitalize oxygen supply and are consumed by habitat inhabitants. Unharvested portions must then be recycled for reuse in the habitat. Several biological degradation techniques exist, but one process, biophotolysis, can be used to produce hydrogen from inedible plant biomass. This process is two-stage, with one stage using dark fermentation to convert plant wastes into organic acids. The second stage, photofermentation, uses photoheterotrophic purple non-sulfur bacteria with the addition of light to turn the organic acids into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Such a system can prove useful as a co-generation scheme, providing some of the energy needed to power a larger primary carbon recovery system, such as composting. Since butyrate is expected as one of the major inputs into photofermentation, a characterization study was conducted with the bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides SCJ, a novel photoheterotrophic non-sulfur purple bacteria, to examine hydrogen production performance at 10 mM-100 mM butyrate concentrations. As butyrate levels increased, hydrogen production increased up to 25 mM, and then decreased and ceased by 100 mM. Additionally, lag phase increased with butyrate concentration, possibly indicating some product inhibition. Maximal substrate conversion efficiency was 8.0%; maximal light efficiency was 0.89%; and maximal hydrogen production rate was 7.7 Umol/mg/cdw/hr (173 ul/mg cdw/hr). These values were either consistent or lower than expected from literature.

Klaus, David↗
NASA NTRS1999

Electrochemical production of ozone and hydrogen peroxide

Methods of using ozone have been developed which sterilize instruments and medical wastes, oxidize organics found in wastewater, clean laundry, break down contaminants in soil into a form more readily digested by microbes, kill microorganisms present in food products, and destroy toxins present in food products. The preferred methods for killing microorganisms and destroying toxins use pressurized, humidified, and concentrated ozone produced by an electrochemical cell.

Murphy, Oliver J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Method of sterilization using ozone

Methods of using ozone have been developed which sterilize instruments and medical wastes, oxidize, organics found in wastewater, clean laundry, break down contaminants in soil into a form more readily digested by microbes, kill microorganisms present in food products, and destroy toxins present in food products. The preferred methods for killing microorganism and destroying toxins use pressurized, humidified, and concentrated ozone produced by an electrochemical cell.

Murphy, Oliver J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Biomethanation to Upgrade Biogas to Pipeline Grade Methane

NREL is working closely with DOE, Electrochaea GmbH, and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) to reduce costs of a biomethanation process capable of megawatt-scale deployment that upgrades organic biogas waste streams to produce pipeline quality renewable natural gas (RNG). Biomethanation is a two-step process using a single-celled methanogenic archaea that converts low-carbon low-cost hydrogen (H2) and waste carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce renewable methane (CH4). The process upgrades the biogenic CO2 - while allowing the CH4 to pass through - from biogas sources like dairies, wastewater treatment plants, and landfills. The CH4 produced is a drop-in direct replacement fuel and producers can participate in the growing number of carbon markets; like California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard. NREL and Argonne National Laboratory have completed a life cycle analysis using the GREET model to show that the biomethanation process produces RNG that is carbon negative even when H2 production via low-temperature water electrolysis is driven by the existing carbon intensity of California's electricity grid. And of course, even further carbon negative (-233 kg CO2e/kWh) when the electricity is produced from low-carbon sources like wind and solar. Leveraging lessons learned from operating SoCalGas' 700L 18-bar bioreactor system, NREL is designing and building a flexible RD&D platform that will enable field trials at biogas and other CO2 sources. A custom 16' long trailer will house a 20L 18-bar bioreactor, 3 - 25 kW proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and dosing, thermal, and controls systems to support operations with only power, biogas, and water feedstocks required by the field locations. The end-of-project goal is to demonstrate pipeline quality RNG production (> 95% CH4, < 4% H2, <1% CO2, < 0.2% O2 and < 4 parts per million H2 sulfide) using real biogas feedstocks - thereby recycling both greenhouse gases for injection into the natural gas network or to be used onsite.

biogas upgrading↗
NASA NTRS2021

Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) Trade Study and 2021 Final Report

SCWO is a promising technology whose main benefits is that it is capable of completely mineralizing organic compounds in wastewater and separating inorganic salts. This means that SCWO can theoretically function as a single step water treatment system. It performs the functions of both the primary treatment system and the secondary brine drying function to achieve near 100% water recovery. It can also handle solids so no pretreatment of the feed is required. A preliminary trade study indicates that SCWO could be competitive with the ISS state of the art if its power consumption could be reduced. Thermal and mechanical energy recovery system exist that could reduce SCWO energy consumption to a level that is competitive with the state of the art. In addition, increasing the feed wastewaters organic content by including other wastes, such as feces, could produce a reactor that is thermally self-sustaining. There are 5 different types of SCWO reactors. They are; tubular, tank, impingement, transpiring wall reactors (TWR) and super critical water mixing (SCWM) reactors. Of these the best suited for NASA missions are the impingement and SCWM reactors. The impingement reactor is best suited for near term missions because it can treat the low organic content wastewaters such as are expected for initial Lunar and Mars missions and has the ability to remove precipitated inorganic solids. The SCWM reactor is best suited for longer duration CELSS type missions where high organic content wastewater is available and will resolve solids fouling and corrosion issues. In addition, these two reactors have a long NASA heritage and have been developed specifically for space flight application. Tubular reactors suffer from plugging issues which is a safety concern. Tank reactors will increase in size inversely with gravity, which will trade poorly in Lunar and Mars environments where gravity is reduced. TWR reactors require high organic content wastewater feed and the SCWM reactor is an optimized version of the TWR for NASA applications. It is recommended that in FY 2022 NASA continue to fully evaluate the ability of SCWO to produce potable water and remove inorganics as a solid byproduct. This should be done using the impingement reactor for near term missions and SCWM for longer duration missions. NASA should also develop optimized recuperative heat exchangers and pressure recovery devices to reduce power consumption and investigate inclusion of feces and other organic wastes into the wastewater model to increase its organic content and further reduce thermal energy requirements.

Supercritical Water Oxidation↗
DOE OSTI2020

Incineration system and process

An incineration system includes an inlet channel supplying an inlet stream comprising a waste gas containing at least one volatile organic compound, a waste gas sensor measuring at least one property of the waste gas, an oxidizing gas supply controllably providing oxidizing gas to the inlet channel, an incinerator receiving the inlet stream from the inlet channel, an ignitor initiating combustion of the inlet stream in the reaction zone of the incinerator, and a controller receiving data from the waste gas sensor and controlling flow of oxidizing gas from the oxidizing gas supply into the inlet channel. The spiral heat exchanger defines a reaction zone, an incoming path from the inlet channels to the reaction zone, and an outgoing path from the reaction zone to an exhaust channel. The incoming path and the outgoing path extend in alternating concentric spirals with the incoming path being countercurrent to the outgoing path.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Maximizing energy efficiency in wastewater treatment plants: A data-driven approach for waste heat recovery and an economic analysis using Organic Rankine Cycle and thermal energy storage

Maximizing energy efficiency through waste heat recovery (WHR) processes is crucial for sustainable and ecofriendly operations across multiple industries, notably in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This work proposes a comprehensive approach for assessing the WHR feasibility in WWTPs, structured in two main objectives. Firstly, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model is developed to accurately predict WHR based on operational data, including biogas temperature, biogas pressure, daily production in kWh, and WHR values in kWh th . The second objective focuses on economically evaluating the WHR feasibility based on the estimated WHR values obtained by the ANN model, and then realistically assessing the economic feasibility of integrating the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) systems. With an application to the As-Samra WWTP located in Jordan, the developed ANN model demonstrates promising results in the validation phase, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2206 kWh/day, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1674 kWh/day, and an R-squared (R 2 ) value of 68%. On the other hand, the economic analysis reveals that an optimal ORC system of 412.14 kW e capacity yields a Net Present Value (NPV) of 2.09 million US dollars, a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of 0.0749 USD/kWh, a Payback Period (PBP) of 4.8 years, and annual revenues of 428 kUSD. This work also investigates the techno-economic feasibility of integrating ORC-STES. Results indicate that the LCOE and PBP are highly affected by the ORC's capital cost, and integrating STES increases the LCOE to 0.0824 USD/kWh, rendering its integration with ORC infeasible. In conclusion, this study aims to advance the understanding and application of WHR in WWTPs, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable practices in the field.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Organic Acid-Assisted Thermal Dehalogenation of Halide Salt Nuclear Wastes: From Waste Salts to Borosilicate Glass

Only a handful of high-halide salt waste forms have been demonstrated for vitrification-based immobilization strategies for halide-salt nuclear waste streams (e.g., pyroprocessing wastes, molten salt reactor wastes) and they all have low waste loading potential and most have low chemical durabilities for high-alkali streams. An alternative approach to direct salt immobilization is salt partitioning prior to waste form fabrication and one option for partitioning is halide removal (called dehalogenation). Removing the halogen fraction through dehalogenation can significantly reduce the waste volume required for disposal in the primary waste form. Furthermore, when dehalogenation is performed using organic acids, the dehalogenation reagent can decompose during high-temperature vitrification, reducing waste loading limitations in the waste form. In the current work, different organic acids (i.e., oxalic, formic, acetic, oxamic, and citric) were evaluated for dehalogenation efficiency of a simple chloride salt simulant (7.19% LaCl 3 , 53.77% LiCl, and 39.04% KCl, by mole) and a more complex chloride salt simulant called ERV3 (electrorefiner version 3) at 150 °C–300 °C and using H + /Cl – molar ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1. Additionally, a borosilicate glass waste form called TARS (or the average of refined specifications) was formulated, produced, and characterized for dehalogenated ERV3.

Amorphous materials↗
NASA NTRS1985

Current Concepts and Future Directions of CELSS

Bioregenerative life support systems for use in space were studied. Concepts of such systems include the use of higher plants and/or microalgae as sources of food, potable water and oxygen, and as sinks for carbon dioxide and metabolic wastes. Recycling of materials within the system will require processing of food organism and crew wastes using microbiological and/or physical chemical techniques. The dynamics of material flow within the system will require monitoring, control, stabilization and maintenance imposed by computers. Studies included higher plant and algal physiology, environmental responses, and control; flight experiments for testing responses of organisms to weightlessness and increased radiation levels; and development of ground based facilities for the study of recycling within a bioregenerative life support system.

Macelroy, R. D.↗