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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Modular Energy Storage System for Alternative Energy Vehicles

An electrical vehicle environment was established to promote research and technology development in the area of high power energy management. The project incorporates a topology that permits parallel development of an alternative energy delivery system and an energy storage system. The objective of the project is to develop technologies, specifically power electronics, energy storage electronics and controls that provide efficient and effective energy management between electrically powered devices in alternative energy vehicles plugin electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, range extended vehicles, and hydrogen-based fuel cell vehicles. In order to meet the project objectives, the Vehicle Energy Management System (VEMS) was defined and subsystem requirements were obtained. Afterwards, power electronics, energy storage electronics and controls were designed. Finally, these subsystems were built, tested individually, and integrated into an electric vehicle system to evaluate and optimize the subsystems performance. Phase 1 of the program established the fundamental test bed to support development of an electrical environment ideal for fuel cell application and the mitigation of many shortcomings of current fuel cell technology. Phase 2, continued development from Phase 1, focusing on implementing subsystem requirements, design and construction of the energy management subsystem, and the integration of this subsystem into the surrogate electric vehicle. Phase 2 also required the development of an Alternative Energy System (AES) capable of emulating electrical characteristics of fuel cells, battery, gen set, etc. Under the scope of the project, a boost converter that couples the alternate energy delivery system to the energy storage system was developed, constructed and tested. Modeling tools were utilized during the design process to optimize both component and system design. This model driven design process enabled an iterative process to track and evaluate the impact of design alternatives and the impact of changes. Refinement of models was accomplished through correlation studies to measured data obtained from functioning hardware. Specifically, correlation and characterization of the boost converter resulted in a model that was effectively used to determine overall VEMS performance. The successful development of the boost converter can be attributed to utilization of previously proven technologies and adapting to meet the VEMS requirements. This program provided significant improvement in development time of various generations of boost converters. The software strategies and testing results support the development of current energy management systems and directly contribute to the future of similar, commercial products at Magna E-Car Systems. Because of this development project, Magna E-Car Systems is able to offer automotive customers a boost converter system with reduced time to market and decreased product cost, thus transferring the cost and timing benefits to the end use consumer.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2015

French Atomic and alternative energies commission decommissioning policy and strategies: What is at stake lessons learned and feedback experience - 15013

Since its creation in 1945, the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission has carried out research programmes on civil use of nuclear, and its application. CEA has set up and run various types of installations from research (accelerators, pond reactors, fast reactors, laboratories) to industry (power reactor, processing facilities). There are currently more than several tens of facilities which are presently closed down pending dismantling or in the process of being dismantled by CEA, the governmental body for research and development in nuclear and renewable energies. When operating, all these installations have generated radioactive waste. When they are shutdown, either as a result of the programmes for which they were set up, or due to equipment wearing out or being obsolete, these installations must be cleaned up, dismantled and decommissioned, taking into account their nuclear nature and requirements related to safety and environment. During the decommissioning process, the implementer has to deal with safety and site remediation issues. Dealing with these installations is a long-term programme which must be carefully planned and financed in order to optimise its management. The paper will describe the CEA's decommissioning policy, strategies adopted, and draw up lessons learned and feedback experience, showing that: - Safety is guaranteed, - Dismantling is a technically controllable operation, but R and D actions are to be developed for specific problems as characterization or operation in hostile environment. Moreover all the methods and techniques improve as a result of feedback experience, - The amount of material and waste produced by the dismantling are manageable. The very low, low and intermediate level waste can be stored on existing shallow land burial centres, some new repositories have to be created for specific waste (graphite, radium,...) and for high and intermediate level long live waste, which are stored in interim storage , - The dismantling must be optimized, especially by appliance of a good strategy based on rational industrial choices. - Communication and transparency with stakeholders is essential for global process acceptance, - The lessons learned and how feedback experience could benefit for future decommissioning projects. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2011

Alternative Energy Development and China's Energy Future

In addition to promoting energy efficiency, China has actively pursued alternative energy development as a strategy to reduce its energy demand and carbon emissions. One area of particular focus has been to raise the share of alternative energy in China’s rapidly growing electricity generation with a 2020 target of 15% share of total primary energy. Over the last ten years, China has established several major renewable energy regulations along with programs and subsidies to encourage the growth of non-fossil alternative energy including solar, wind, nuclear, hydro, geothermal and biomass power as well as biofuels and coal alternatives. This study thus seeks to examine China’s alternative energy in terms of what has and will continue to drive alternative energy development in China as well as analyze in depth the growth potential and challenges facing each specific technology.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Task 1 Report - Assessment of Data Availability to Inform Energy Planning Analyses: Energy Alternatives Study for the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Smart Infrastructure for the Mekong Program

In an effort to address concerns such as energy security, reliability, affordability, and other objectives, the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is seeking to advance its expertise and experience in energy system analysis and planning to explore energy alternatives. Assessing the potential and alternatives for deploying energy technology options is often an early step - and, in most cases, an ongoing process - in planning for the development of the energy sector as a whole. Reliable and robust data are crucial to conducting these types of planning-related analyses in a transparent manner that builds confidence among power sector stakeholders and encourages investment in future energy project development and infrastructure opportunities. This report represents the first output of the Energy Alternatives Study for the Lao PDR (Energy Alternatives Study), a collaboration between Ministry of Energy and Mines and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the auspices of the Smart Infrastructure for the Mekong (SIM) program. The Energy Alternatives Study includes five tasks that build upon each other to meet the goal of the project. The report summarizes the availability, quality, and accessibility of data that serve as key inputs to energy planning activities for the power sector. The purpose of this data assessment is two-fold: 1. To facilitate the informed use of existing data by highlighting applications for these data as they relate to priority energy planning analyses; and 2. To inform future investments in energy data collection and management by identifying significant data gaps and providing guidance on how to fill these gaps.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS2011

Summary Report for National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) and Centro Para Prevencao da Poluicao (C3P) 2011 International Workshop on Environment and Alternative Energy

The C3P &. NASA International Workshop on Environment and Alternative Energy was held on November 15-18, 2011 at the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. The theme of the workshop was "Global Collaboration in Environmental and Alternative Energy Strategies". The workshop was held at ESTEC's conference center. More than 110 individuals from eleven countries attended the workshop. For the first time since the inception of NASA-C3P workshops, a full day was dedicated to a student session. Fifteen students from around the globe gave oral presentations along with poster displays relating to the latest technologies in environmental and alternative energy strategies. Judges from NASA, C3P and ESA awarded plaques to the top three students. In addition to the students, thirty eight U.S. and international subject matter experts presented on the following general environmental-related topics: (1) Hazardous materials management and substitution in support of space operations (2) Emerging renewable and alternative energy technologies (3) Sustainable development and redevelopment (4) Remediation technologies and strategies The workshop also included a panel discussion on the topic of the challenges of operating installations across borders. Throughout the workshop, attendees heard about the scope of environmental and energy challenges that industry and governments face. They heard about technologies for increasing energy efficiency and increasing use of renewable energy. They learned about ways companies and government agencies are using materials, processes, goods and services in a manner more respectful with the environment and in compliance with health and safety rules. The concept of partnerships and their inherent benefits was evidenced throughout the workshop. Partnering is a key aspect of sustainability because sustainable development is complicated. Through formal presentations and side discussions, attendees commented on the need for continued exploration of joint projects of mutual interest.

Greene, Brian↗
NASA NTRS1978

Proceedings of the Alternate Energy Systems Seminar

The Alternative Energy Systems Seminar was held on March 30, 1978, and was sponsored jointly be the Southwest District Office of the U.S. Department of Energy and JPL. The seminar was an experiment in information exchange with the aim of presenting, in a single day, status and prospects for a number of advanced energy systems to a diverse, largely nontechnical audience, and to solicit post-seminar responses from that audience as to the seminar's usefulness. The major systems presented are: (1) Solar Photovoltaic; (2) Geothermal; (3) Cogeneration Power; (4) Solar Thermal; (5) Solar Heating and Cooling; (6) Wind Energy; and (7) Systems Considerations.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2014

Washoe Tribe Alternative Energy Feasibility Study Final Report

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California was awarded funding to complete the Washoe Tribe Alternative Energy Feasibility Study project. The main goal of the project was to complete an alternative energy feasibility study. This study was completed to evaluate “the potential for development of a variety of renewable energy projects and to conduct an alternative energy feasibility study that determines which alternative energy resources have the greatest economic opportunity for the Tribe, while respecting cultural and environmental values” (Baker-Tilly, 2014). The study concluded that distributed generation solar projects are the best option for renewable energy development and asset ownership for the Washoe Tribe. Concentrating solar projects, utility scale wind projects, geothermal, and biomass resource projects were also evaluated during the study and it was determined that these alternatives would not be feasible at this time.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1977

Impact of alternative energy forms on public utilities

The investigation of alternative energy sources by the electric utility industry is discussed. Research projects are reviewed in each of the following areas; solar energy, wind energy conversion, photosynthesis of biomass, ocean thermal energy conversion, geothermal energy, fusion, and the environmental impact of alternative energy sources.

Keith, F. W., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2017

2016 TSRC Summer School on Fundamental Science for Alternative Energy

The 2016 TSRC Summer School on Fundamental Science for Alternative Energy introduced principles, methods, and approaches relevant to the design of molecular transformations, energy transduction, and current applications for alternative energy. Energy and environment are likely to be key themes that will dominate the way science and engineering develop over the next few decades. Only an interdisciplinary approach with a team-taught structure as presented at the 2016 TSRC Summer School can be expected to succeed in the face of problems of such difficulty. The course inspired a new generation of 24 graduate students and 2 post-docs to continue work in the field, or at least to have something of an insider's point of view as the field develops in the next few decades.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Navajo Generating Station and Clean-Energy Alternatives: Options for Renewables

In January 2012, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory delivered to the Department of the Interior the first part of a study on Navajo Generating Station (Navajo GS) and the likely impacts of BART compliance options. That document establishes a comprehensive baseline for the analysis of clean energy alternatives, and their ability to achieve benefits similar to those that Navajo GS currentlyprovides. This analysis is a supplement to NREL's January 2012 study. It provides a high level examination of several clean energy alternatives, based on the previous analysis. Each has particular characteristics affecting its relevance as an alternative to Navajo GS. It is assumed that the development of any alternative resource (or portfolio of resources) to replace all or a portion of NavajoGS would occur at the end of a staged transition plan designed to reduce economic disruption. We assume that replacing the federal government's 24.3% share of Navajo GS would be a cooperative responsibility of both the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD).

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Rheological Characterization of Biomass Feedstock for Alternative Energy Applications

With the increased necessity of alternative energy resources, bulk feedstock biomass materials were characterized with the purpose of replacing depleting energy supplies such as fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources. Residual organic waste material (biomass) left over from agricultural processing and handling systems was recycled, and further investigated for renewable energy use. Understanding the scope of flowability for biomass material yielded more efficient, and economical crop harvesting, transporting, and storing method design for the agricultural industry. The effects of moisture on bulk solid flowability was investigated using a variety of parametric testing methods that measure basic flowability energy, and other properties such as compressibility and material resistance. In an industry where organic material is a wasteful byproduct, converting this biomass material into a new energy source and streamlining efficiently for innovative agricultural development supports a clean, renewable energy approach to everyday nonrenewable energy uses, such as oil, propane, and coal. As observed from the repeatable results from the investigated rheological material properties, biomass is an incredibly diverse material that requires modern engineering solutions to revolutionize biomass into a renewable energy source. Biomass will decarbonize petroleum (nonrenewable) derived fuels and chemicals, yielding recyclable carbon. This push to replace fossil fuels with recycled carbon is ideal because of the abundant, renewable, and otherwise agricultural waste of corn stover material. Decarburization, and reduction of C0 2 emissions reduces the effects of global warming.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1980

Outlook for alternative energy sources

Predictions are made concerning the development of alternative energy sources in the light of the present national energy situation. Particular emphasis is given to the impact of alternative fuels development on aviation fuels. The future outlook for aircraft fuels is that for the near term, there possibly will be no major fuel changes, but minor specification changes may be possible if supplies decrease. In the midterm, a broad cut fuel may be used if current development efforts are successful. As synfuel production levels increase beyond the 1990's there may be some mixtures of petroleum-based and synfuel products with the possibility of some shale distillate and indirect coal liquefaction products near the year 2000.

Card, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Emerging Energy Alternatives for the Southeastern States

The proceedings of the first symposium on emerging energy alternatives for the Southeastern States are presented. Some topics discussed are: (1) solar energy, (2) wood energy, (3) novel energy sources, (4) agricultural and industrial process heat, (5) waste utilization, (6) energy conservation and (7) ocean thermal energy conversion.

Stefanakos, E. K.↗
DOE OSTI2012

The Alternative Energy Future (Final Scientific/Technical Report)

The American Academy’s project on “The Alternative Energy Future” identified societal barriers to the widespread adoption of new energy technologies and assessed how these barriers might be better understood and managed through social science research. Recognizing that today’s energy system will require substantial change to maintain a sufficient energy supply in the face of environmental and geopolitical challenges, the Academy convened a wide range of experts to study the legal, social, and economic issues surrounding the energy future and to develop recommendations for future social science research. A May 2011 workshop in Washington, D.C., brought together social scientists, scientists and engineers, business leaders, and government officials to assess how individual, household, institutional, and community behaviors affect the adoption of new energy technologies and practices. Participants examined how social science research could help address this problem; identified priorities for future research; and developed five broad strategies for enhancing collaboration between social scientists and policy makers. The project generated a research agenda for future social science research on social and behavioral issues related to energy production and use. This agenda is already informing government, academic, and industry research on energy by providing a framework for new research programs and cross-disciplinary collaborations to advance knowledge of critical energy challenges. It is also the basis for a newly-established interdisciplinary forum on energy and social science based at the Academy. The findings and recommendations from this study were published in an Academy report, Beyond Technology: Strengthening Energy Policy through Social Science. The report was distributed widely to the Academy’s membership and other experts and is available to the public on the Academy’s web site (www.amacad.org/pdfs/AlternativeEnergy.pdf).

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2013

High-Energy Permanent Magnets for Hybrid Vehicles and Alternative Energy Uses

The report summarizes research undertaken by a multidisciplinary team aimed at the development of the next generation high-energy permanent magnets. The principal approach was relied on bottom-up fabrication of anisotropic nanocomposite magnets. Our efforts resulted in further development of the theoretical concept and fabrication principles for the nanocomposites and in synthesis of a range of rare-earth-based hard magnetic nanoparticles. Even though we did not make a breakthrough in the assembly of these hard magnetic particles with separately prepared Fe(Co) nanoparticles and did not obtain a compact nanocomposite magnet, our performed research will help to direct the future efforts, in particular, towards nano-assembly via coating, when the two phases which made the nanocomposite are first organized in core-shell-structured particles. Two other approaches were to synthesize (discover) new materials for the traditional singe-material magnets and the nanocomposite magnets. Integrated theoretical and experimental efforts lead to a significant advance in nanocluster synthesis technique and yielded novel rare-earth-free nanostructured and nanocomposite materials. Examination of fifteen R-Fe-X alloy systems (R = rare earth), which have not been explored earlier due to various synthesis difficulties reveal several new ferromagnetic compounds. The research has made major progress in bottom-up manufacturing of rare-earth-containing nanocomposite magnets with superior energy density and open new directions in development of higher-energy-density magnets that do not contain rare earths. The advance in the scientific knowledge and technology made in the course of the project has been reported in 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and numerous presentations at scientific meetings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

History v. Simulation: An Analysis of the Drivers of Alternative Energy Vehicle Sales

Simulations of the US light duty vehicle stock help policy makers, investors, and auto manufacturers make informed decisions to influence the future of the stock and its associated green house gas emissions. Such simulations require an underlying framework that captures the key elements of consumer purchasing decisions, which can be uncertain. This uncertainty in a simulation’s logic is usually convolved with uncertainty in the underlying assumptions about the futures of energy prices and technology innovation and availability. By comparing simulated alternative energy vehicle (AEV) sales to historical sales data, one can assess the simulation’s ability to capture the dynamics of consumer choice, independent of many of those underlying uncertainties, thereby determining the factors that most strongly impact sales. The market for diesel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and to a lesser extent plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and all-electric vehicles, has now matured sufficiently to make such a study possible. In this work, we measure the results of the Sandia ParaChoice model under a variety of input assumptions against historical sales data. Here, we observe that (1) the underlying simulation logic is sound, capturing key drivers of consumer choice, (2) AEV model availability has a significant impact on sales, and (3) AEV consumers are very likely aware of purchasing incentives and factoring those incentives into their purchasing decisions.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS2012

Alternative Energy

A canned presentation for speakers to use for outreach purposes. Discusses the various types of alternative energy for students to understand.

Griffin, Amanda↗
DOE OSTI2011

Exploring new energy alternatives.

What is most likely to satisfy our energy needs in the future - wind farms and photovoltaic arrays, or something yet to be invented? Options for the world's energy future may include surprises, thanks to innovative research under way around the world. The article focuses on the energy sources alternatives in the U.S. It explores innovations for energy sources such as wind farms, solar thermal concentrators, solar cells, and geothermal energy production. It states that the attainment of energy efficiency through conversation or improved technology allows to extract more applied energy. It points out that techniques are being explored to expand the possible fuel materials to includes other types of uranium and thorium. Furthermore, it discusses the capability of nanotechnology in offering a tool which could help create designs that convert energy more efficiently.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗