Award Data

The accurate detection of neutrons can make invaluable contributions to the physical, chemical, and biological sciences, and the DoE operates neutron user facilities to support these endeavors. The utility of prisms for neutron detection has long been established, but a single neutron prism has never been able to provide sufficient deflection for practical applications. This project will design ...

60143 Multicomponent shear-wave seismic data reveal information about subsurface lithologies and fluid properties that is difficult or impossible to obtain with compressional-wave data alone. Although commercially available three-dimensional (3D), multicomponent simulations handle many aspects of the 3D behavior of shear waves in complex media, there are serious gaps. In particular, step ...

Gas separation devices are needed in a variety of advanced energy systems (e.g., high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells). For such devices, a reliable sealing technology is needed to enable the hermetical joining of the ceramic membranes used in high temperature gas separation to their underlying support structures (e.g., a metallic body). This project will develop and demonstrate a reliable, r ...

60765 Current designs for electric motors use a housing that acts as both a structural support and as a method of cooling the stator and rotor. This approach to cooling is not as effective as possible because heat must flow from the rotor and stator through the housing to the cooling media. Because the housing must contain the coolant, it is also larger, heavier, and more expensive than n ...

60136 The use of photovoltaic (PV) cells for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) or reflective concentration systems will require a configuration that maximizes performance through dense cell packing and provides for high reliability through the use of bypass diodes. The lack of such a method is an impediment to the commercialization of TPV and reflective concentration systems. This project will use ...

60731 Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells offer many opportunities as an alternate energy source. However, problems in TPV cell characterization, needed for manufacturing process control have an adverse impact on efficient cell manufacturing and yields. This project will develop an `On Chip¿ smart sensor array to characterize TPV cell parameters such as temperature gradients, poly metal sheet ...

60768 Present technology vacuum pump power supplies do not provide the features needed for the Next Linear Collider (NLC). Most are located some distance from the pumps themselves, requiring high voltage distribution cables that can break down electrically due to radiation induced damage and cause fires. Those power supplies that do mount on pumps do not have serial control or adequately pr ...

60311 There are economic and environmental justifications for replacing conventional distillation processes with simpler membrane separations in certain applications. However, at present, there are no commercial membranes able to withstand the aggressive conditions associated with important industrial chemicals, including hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, and ozone. Prototype, chemic ...

60395 Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from gasoline refueling facilities continue to be an energy, safety, and environmental issue. In such applications, it is desired to vent the air in the system and keep the VOC behind. This project will develop a reverse separation membrane (RSM) system that allows for rapid venting of air while retaining the gasoline in underground storag ...

Many refinery product streams, particularly those from Ultra Low Hydrodesulfurisation units, are prone to haze due to water emulsions. Haze is also problematic for biodiesel production, as hazy fuel cannot be used until the haze settles or is removed, which creates costly scheduling and shipping delays. This project will develop a novel membrane process for the removal of dissolved and dispersed ...