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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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DOE OSTI2024

Co-existence of Heterogeneous Wireless Networks in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Spectrum

To achieve automation across different applications, next-generation nuclear power plants are beginning to leverage advanced wireless technologies. The deployment of these wireless technologies is a salient need for modernizing the existing nuclear plants. A “one-size-fits-all” solution cannot be adopted since wireless technologies are selected according to specific application needs, quality of service, and economic restrictions. To balance the trade-off between technical and economic requirements, a multi-band heterogeneous wireless network architecture is needed. However, the co-existence of these multi-band wireless technologies poses numerous challenges. Due to factors including dissimilarity in channel access mechanisms, transmit power levels, distance between nodes, and interference among co-existing solutions, performance can be seriously degraded, leading to very low signal-to-noise ratio. This report builds on our previous study, "Experimental Evaluation of Interference in 2.4 GHz Wireless Network," which analyzed the performance of wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth co-existing within the 2.4 GHz band. We now extend this study by developing a new upper-layer approach that uses rate control to create temporary opportunities for signal transmission while using the shared band. Unlike existing work in the literature, our approach does not require modifications at the link or physical layers of the network. Further, we extend our work to explore the co-existence of Wi-Fi and fifth-generation (5G) in the 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum, using both experiments and simulations. This report provides a technical foundation for understanding the operational designs of Wi-Fi and 5G in the unlicensed band and evaluates their performance when these networks co-exist. Our findings show that the performance of 5G can be improved by controlling the Wi-Fi’s packet rate at the upper layer.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2026

DOE CESER 6 GHz Interference Study

DOE CESER has sponsored Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct an objective and independent study of potential 6 GHz interference from outdoor operation of unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band on fixed service (FS) microwave communication links operated by electrical sector incumbents in that band. INL is collaborating with University of Notre Dame (UND), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Lockard & White, Southern Company, and AT&T, to gather data with real-world 6 GHz interference experiments and identify (1) the potential for interference from unlicensed devices and (2) the interference necessary to cause harm to the incumbents. In addition to the functional assessment, a security assessment of the FCC mandated Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) System to regulate use of unlicensed 6 GHz standard power devices is also being conducted. A major objective is to create a science-based and defensible methodology used to produce the necessary data and to derive objective conclusions. This proven methodology can then be used to produce objective data and conclusions for other spectrum bands with similar incumbent uses including 4.4 – 4.9 GHz and 7.125 – 7.4 GHz, identified in the reconciliation bill that was adopted on July 4, 2025, as well as the National Spectrum Strategy discussions that are ongoing. This report contains 6 GHz field experiments and findings in the following real-world scenarios with commercial unlicensed standard power (SP) 6 GHz devices regulated by Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC): • University of Notre Dame (UND) Stadium with a capacity of 80,000 spectators, where Wi-Fi operating in 6 GHz has been deployed recently • Southern Company 6 GHz FS microwave link between Columbus and Fortson, Georgia Following are the following key findings from this study. 1. The AFC is under-protective of FS when line-of-sight exists along the path centerline. Data collected at Southern’s 6 GHz fixed link site shows significant erosion of as much as 21.4-24.4 dB of under-protection that can lead to potential service degradation under typical operating conditions. This first key finding is most likely the result of erroneous use of the RF propagation model. INL will collaborate with EPRI and the AFC Functional Requirements Working Group to submit a change request to the WinnForum TS-1014 standard towards correct use of the propagation model by the AFC. 2. There is additive interference effect of about 3 dB from nearly equal power interferers measured from simultaneous operation of two SP AP's operating co-channel with the FS receive from different locations along the path. This second key finding should be used to add the impact of additive interference of operation of multiple APs in the same geographical area, to the next generation of AFCs. INL will collaborate with FCC on the need for the AFC to consider additive interference. We also recommend that additional experiments are conducted on 6 GHz spectrum interference to further improve the AFC operation as the number of outdoor Wi-Fi devices continues to increase. These proposed steps and recommendations will make the co-existence of the incumbents and the 6 GHz outdoor Wi-Fi providers possible without any impact on the incumbents with a win-win outcome for all.

6 GHz↗

DOE OSTI2025

Passband Signal Detection at the Edge

Algorithms for radio frequency (RF) spectrum awareness need to be compatible with edge hardware to be practical for many applications. We developed a signal detection and classification model for the ZCU111 RF System-on-a-Chip (RFSoC) that operates on the fast Fourier transform of passband RF data. The system can detect and classify multiple signals of interest and display the predictions in real-time. The model consists of a modified ConvNeXt backbone and YOLOv3 head to operate on the Deep Learning Processing Unit on the RFSoC. We gathered datasets for training and testing by using a software defined radio to transmit example signals of Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Wi-Fi 802.11 n, FM Radio, LTE and LTE-M. By leveraging multiple inputs on the RFSoC frontend, the datasets span up to 4 GHz of bandwidth. The models showed high performance in classification accuracy, center frequency error, bandwidth error, and detection accuracy for both single and multi-signal datasets.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2024

Spectrum Interference from Commercial devices in 6 & 7/8 GHz

FCC repurposed spectrum in the 6 GHz band allocated to DOE for commercial use of Wi-Fi 6E/7 in 2020.The 2024 National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) implementation plan is now considering 7/8 GHz band as well for co-existence of commercial devices with federal incumbents such as DOE. This poster summarizes INL’s work on a scientific study on the potential harmful interference caused by the commercial devices in real-world scenarios. It includes research in INL for the following projects funded by DOE: 1) DOE-CIO: Spectrum security for advanced wireless technologies; 2) DOE-OE: 7 GHz Spectrum interference study; 3) DOE-CESER: Harmful interference in 6 GHz from commercial Wi-Fi 6E/7 devices on utility links in the energy sector; 4) DOE/NTIA for NSS Implementation plan: Interference study in 7/8 GHz bands identified in the NSS. 5) NSF: Spectrum Innovation Initiative- National Radio Dynamic Zones (SII-NRDZ).

6 GHz↗

DOE OSTI2025

A Study on Co-existing Heterogeneous Wireless Networks for Data Transmission within a Nuclear Facility

Deployment of wireless technologies is a salient need for modernization, automation and improved operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs). As a single technology cannot support the ever-changing needs, it is required to have a heterogeneous wireless network architecture to address the different technical and economic challenges. However, the coexistence of these multiband heterogeneous wireless networks brings numerous challenges due to the factors including dissimilarity in their channel access mechanism, distance between nodes, transmit power level and many more. This paper develops real-world experiments and simulations of wireless coexistence for Wi-Fi, Fifth generation cellular (5G) and Zigbee in the unlicensed band to understand the challenges and opportunities. The experiments were conducted over the Platform for Open Wireless Data-driven Experimental Research (POWDER) testbed at the university of Utah. In addition, this paper is the first to propose a novel packet rate control technique at the network layer to create temporary opportunities for 5G or Zigbee signal transmissions focusing its application in a nuclear facility while using the shared band. The performance of the proposed coexistence solution is validated with experimental results and simulation.

5G↗

DOE OSTI2024

Idaho National Laboratory Quality Of Service Dataset

The code is designed to run tests to generate and collect data from a Wi-Fi network using OPENWRT or a simulated a 5G network using Open5gs and UERANSIM. The tests simulate the network performing downloads or uploads of various files with a varying number of concurrent users. The tests use tcpdump to collect the network traffic but only stores the summarized data. The summarized datasets will be included.

Krome, Cameron [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), I↗

DOE OSTI2024

Solid-State Mixed-Potential Electrochemical Sensors for Natural Gas Leak Detection and Quality Control (Final Technical Report)

Mitigation of methane emissions are a critical factor to limiting the impact of the natural gas industry on global climate change. Throughout the period of 2020-2024, the University of New Mexico and its commercialization partner and subcontractor, SensorComm Technologies, Inc. (SCT), have worked together to develop a low-cost Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Internet of Things (IoT)-based multi-gas sensor platform for methane emissions detection. In the final year of the project, we extended this work to include hydrogen detection in support of a transition to a hydrogen economy where hydrogen could be transported through existing natural gas infrastructure. Mixed potential electrochemical sensors were first prototyped by ceramic additive manufacturing and then transitioned to conventional ceramic manufacturing tape casting and screen-printing technologies in preparation for mass production. Demonstrated limits of detection of 5 ppm of methane in natural gas and 1 ppm of hydrogen were measured. These limits of detection are among the lowest of solid-state electrochemical sensors that have been reported in the literature or available in the industry. Machine learning algorithms were developed to identify natural gas mixtures with > 98% accuracy level and quantify methane concentrations at 97% accuracy. The presence of hydrogen could also be identified, and its concentration quantified at these accuracy levels. These algorithms were optimized for running on portable computing hardware which enabled > 1 Hz processing rates. A portable packaged IoT system was integrated with the electrochemical sensor in collaboration with SCT. The package consists of readout electronics with < 1 mV resolution, sensor temperature control, and data transmission over cellular wireless and/or Wi-Fi networks. Field testing was performed in two rounds at Colorado State University’s Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center (CSU METEC). The first round of testing demonstrated successful measurements of methane from an underground natural gas leak of 20 standard liters per minute (SLPM), which agreed with previously published literature using more sophisticated and expensive analytical equipment. The second round of testing showed that an above ground leak of 2 SLPM of hydrogen could be detected at 32 ft. This project has resulted in six published peer reviewed journal articles, over ten presentations at professional conferences, and one full patent application filed in 2023. Future work on this project includes increased sensitivity, higher production yields, and applications in the hydrogen safety and flare emissions monitoring spaces.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

DOE OSTI2024

The State of Demand Flexibility Programs and Rates

This report provides foundational data on programs and rates that promote demand flexibility in residential and commercial buildings in the United States. Leveraging a dataset of 148 programs and 94 rates collected through a review of utility websites, published electricity tariffs, and a database of demand-side programs, we describe the structure of demand flexibility events and the types and levels of incentives offered. For the two most common program types in our dataset—Wi-Fi thermostat and battery storage programs—we provide additional details on program designs. We also report data on program outcomes, including enrollment and participation, energy and demand savings, and costs. Furthermore, we describe the structure of dynamic rate events, report prices for critical peak pricing and variable peak pricing rates, and describe features of technology rates.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2025

CalTestBed - Delphire - Testing and Evaluation of Delphire Sentinel System (CRADA Final Report)

The Delphire Sentinel is a modular fire detection and communications system operating as a mobile field unit, with low voltage DC power supplied by onboard photovoltaics (PV) and batteries. The Sentinel addresses several aspects of fire detection, communications and data analysis. The Sentinel's mobility enables it to be rapidly deployed and operate independently of existing power and communications networks. The duration of independent operation depends critically on the energy consumption of the systems and performance of the onboard PV and battery. The purpose of this testing is to ascertain the power draw and energy consumption of the Delphire Sentinel prototype system under several operational states, including various data transfer packet sizes, transmission time and frequencies, and communication pathways (Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite) expected to be encountered in field deployments. It will also include procedures to test the ability of the Sentinel to operate for extended periods without loss of functionality. Based on results from energy and power measurements, and anticipated duty cycles in field deployments, we will model annual system autonomy (e.g. loss of load probability) for off-grid operation in representative locations.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2025

Reverse Engineering of Medical Devices for Innovation and Advancement in Healthcare

• Medical technology is rapidly evolving and introducing new functionality and methodologies that suggest a higher risk for common vulnerability exposures (CVE) • Introduction of functionalities like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and internet connectivity require devices to be rigorously evaluated for vulnerabilities • Subsequently like many other fields cell-phone interconnectivity suggests a significantly higher level of risk to critical infrastructure and data security

Baldwin, David [Savannah River National Laboratory↗

DOE OSTI2025

Best Practices for Grid Communications

As the grid evolves, the communications architecture will need to evolve with it. That architecture affords a structured means by which the evolving complexities of the modern electric grid can be managed. This document provides best practices that can be implemented in the grid of today and evolve towards the grid and grid architecture of the future. The evolving grid and its control communications increasingly rely on commercial communications providers and a variety of technologies, from wireless (e.g., 5G, microwave, Wi-Fi) to wireline (fiber, copper) to radio communications (P25, other repeater-based systems), and all these communications systems rely on electric power. A reliable and resilient grid must account for this complex set of interdependencies in its planning activities, especially those involving restoration and recovery. The participation of all relevant parties in both planning and exercising of plans can prevent unexpected conditions that impede the reliable operation and recovery of the grid. Best practices for grid communications include using a Network Management System to document the operational state, define and monitor baselines, detect changes, and accelerate response to abnormalities. If transitioning from SONET to IP/packet-based systems, translating grid requirements into communications requirements for latency, bandwidth and throughput, IP packet delay variation, packet loss, and availability should inform and drive technology planning and selection as well as that communication system’s Quality of Service (QoS) policies and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Secure and reliable timing is another key component of a reliable and resilient grid that can operate through adverse events. A trusted internal NTP configuration, an integrated and diverse timing delivery system, optimizing the timing architecture based on the transport technologies of the communications system, and using established standards can deliver the level of timing accuracy required by a range of time-sensitive power system applications.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Distributed and Secure Spectrum Sharing for 5G and 6G Networks

Secure spectrum sharing or spectrum co-existence of multiple 5G networks and future 6G networks is a powerful enabler technology. The National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) published by the White House in November, 2023, and the subsequent NSS implementation plan led by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) is the driver of a national effort to enable co-existence of government incumbents and commercial networks in selected spectrum bands. Cellular networks such as 5G & 6G and non-cellular Wi-Fi 6E & 7 are the prominent wireless technologies considered for co-existence with incumbent wireless links. Security of the spectrum sharing solutions is a must to make this transformation of spectrum use possible, specially for mission critical communications. However, current spectrum sharing solutions rely on centralized data bases with inherent vulnerabilities. This paper focuses on secure spectrum sharing among multiple 5G networks using unlicensed and shared frequency bands. It presents an innovative AI/ML based distributed spectrum sharing approach that can be autonomously used by multiple networks. Each sharing network uses its own observation of the Radio Frequency (RF) environment, which consists of RF measurements reported from the 5G User Equipment (UE), to adjust the transmission power levels for secure co-existence. Data is presented to illustrate the superior performance of this solution compared to other spectrum sharing solutions where each network can utilize usage data of the other networks. Finally it discusses how this efficient spectrum sharing solution can evolve in the future for the 6G networks.

5G↗

DOE OSTI2025

Digital Assurance Checklist for Homeowners and Installers

This document provides a comprehensive Digital Assurance Checklist for securing behind-the-meter energy assets, focusing on both installers and homeowners. As distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar PV and battery storage become integral to residential energy systems, cybersecurity emerges as a critical component of reliability and safety. The guide outlines actionable steps for installers during pre-installation, commissioning, and post-installation phases, emphasizing practices like network segmentation, credential management, firmware validation, and homeowner education. For homeowners, the document introduces a tiered approach to cyber hygiene—from essential measures like strong Wi-Fi credentials and automatic updates to advanced strategies such as network segmentation, DNS filtering, and intrusion detection. By adopting these practices, stakeholders can mitigate cyber risks, safeguard energy infrastructure, and ensure resilient, secure operation of DER systems. Additional resources and references to industry standards are included to support implementation.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Digital Assurance Checklist for Homeowners and Installers

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗