Abstract: Thermochemical storage materials having the general formula AxA?1-xByB?1-yO3-?, where A=La, Sr, K, Ca, Ba, Y and B=Mn, Fe, Co, Ti, Ni, Cu, Zr, Al, Y, Cr, V, Nb, Mo, are disclosed. These materials have improved thermal storage energy density and reaction kinetics compared to previous materials. Concentrating solar power thermochemical systems and methods capable of storing heat energy by using these thermochemical storage materials are also disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 18, 2019
Date of Patent:
May 24, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
Sean M. Babiniec, Andrea Ambrosini, Eric N. Coker, James E. Miller
Abstract: A novel thin-film target can the life of tritium targets for the production of 14 MeV neutrons by the 3H(2H,n)4He nuclear reaction while using only a small fraction of the amount of tritium compared to a standard thick-film target. With the thin-film target, the incident deuterium is implanted through the front tritide film into the underlying substrate material. A thin permeation barrier layer between the tritide film and substrate reduces the rate of tritium loss from the tritide film. As an example, good thin-film target performance was achieved using W and Fe for the barrier and substrate materials, respectively.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 16, 2020
Date of Patent:
May 24, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
William R. Wampler, Barney L. Doyle, Clark S. Snow
Abstract: An acoustic shield for protecting a vibrational sensitive device includes a first unit cell and a second unit cell. The first unit cell includes a first locally resonant unit. The first locally resonant unit controls a first phase gradient and the first unit cell includes a first surface. The second unit cell includes a second surface proximate to the first surface. The second unit cell includes a second locally resonant unit embedded along the second interface. The second locally resonant unit controls a second phase gradient. The first phase gradient is different from the second phase gradient. The first unit cell and the second unit cell comprise a super cell. The acoustic shield is configured such that a vibrational wave from a first side of the super cell to a second side of the super cell is substantially attenuated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 15, 2019
Date of Patent:
May 24, 2022
Assignees:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Purdue Research Foundation
Abstract: Technologies related to enhancing security of digital content are described. Linear error correction codes (LECCs) are employed for dual purposes: 1) to obfuscate digital content; and 2) to verify integrity of the digital content. A transmitter computing system obfuscates digital content based upon an obfuscation protocol, wherein the obfuscated digital content includes an LECC. A receiver computing system deobfuscates the digital content by performing the inverse of the obfuscation protocol.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 5, 2020
Date of Patent:
May 24, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Abstract: Thermal receivers, systems, and methods are disclosed that efficiently capture concentrated solar energy into a plurality of heat absorption bodies for conversion into thermal energy. In an embodiment, the thermal receivers, systems, and methods enable simultaneous electricity conversion and thermal energy capture. The receiver design enables a high penetration of concentrated sunlight deep into the thermal receiver to increase light trapping and reduce thermal losses. The thermal receiver is integrated with a photovoltaic (PV) receiver platform that converts some of the incident light to electricity while passing the remaining light to the thermal receiver. In another embodiment, other thermal receivers, systems, and methods are disclosed that efficiently capture concentrated solar energy into a sheet of falling particles. In an embodiment, the thermal receivers, systems, and methods enable simultaneous electricity conversion and thermal energy capture.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 12, 2019
Date of Patent:
May 17, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Abstract: Systems, methods and unmanned agents for collaboratively controlling agents in a collaborative network by one or more agents continuously simulating numeric models of one or more other agents in the network to dramatically reduce the computational bandwidth required between agents, and improve the quality of shared estimates of the agent locations as well as the locations and characteristics of other objects of interest, e.g. targets. Bandwidth is reduced by using the models to intelligently filter data before communicating.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 1, 2017
Date of Patent:
May 17, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Abstract: A method for emulating threats in virtual network computing environment is provided. The method comprises creating a number of virtual machines in the virtual network computing environment. A number of threat actors are emulated, wherein each threat actor comprises a number of threat artifacts that form a sequence of attack steps against the virtual network computing environment. The threat actors are then deployed against the virtual network computing environment. Behavioral data about actions of the threat actors in the virtual network computing environment is collected, as is performance data about the virtual network computing environment in response to the threat actors. The collected behavioral and performance data is then presented to a user via an interface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 15, 2019
Date of Patent:
May 17, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
Vincent Urias, David Jakob Fritz, Michael Kunz, Caleb Loverro
Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing a biomass residuum and compositions thereof. In particular examples, the biomass residuum includes one or more high value amino acids, even after removal of mixed alcohol components. In particular, the methods include implementing pre-treatment conditions and employing fermentation conditions including modified organisms.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 18, 2019
Date of Patent:
May 10, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Abstract: Increased energy harvesting is realized using a nonlinear buoy geometry for reactive power generation. By exploiting the nonlinear dynamic coupling between the buoy geometry and the potential wideband frequency spectrum of incoming waves in the controller/buoy design, increased power can be captured in comparison to conventional wave energy converter designs. In particular, the reactive power and energy storage system requirements are inherently embedded in the nonlinear buoy geometry, therefore requiring only simple rate-feedback control.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 17, 2020
Date of Patent:
May 10, 2022
Assignees:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Michigan Technological University
Inventors:
David G. Wilson, Giorgio Bacelli, Ryan Geoffrey Coe, Rush D. Robinett, III, Ossama Abdelkhalik
Abstract: Falling particle solar receivers, systems, and methods are disclosed that include one non-linear falling particle curtain or two or more falling particle curtains within a solar receiver that receives incident solar radiation. The particles heated in the solar receiver may be used to heat a secondary fluid. In an embodiment, the particles may be recirculated to improve energy capture and thermal efficiency. In other embodiments, an air curtain may be used across the aperture of the receiver, and flow-control devices may be used to evenly spread particles across the width of the receiver inlet. Finally, feed particles may be preheated using heat from the solar receiver.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 2, 2019
Date of Patent:
May 10, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Abstract: A system and method for powering a borehole sensor with thermal energy is disclosed. The system includes a tubular pipe inserted into a subsurface borehole. A borehole casing is coaxially disposed with the tubular pipe. An annular space between the casing and the tubular pipe has a power source placed in the borehole to power a sensor in response to a temperature gradient between a surface of the casing and a surface of the tubular pipe. The method includes attaching thermopiles on the borehole casing or tubing; placing the thermopile in the annulus between the casing and the tubing; inducing a thermal gradient across the thermopile; generating an electrical energy in response to the temperature gradient; powering the sensor from the generated energy; and monitoring vertical expansion of a CO2 plume.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 26, 2020
Date of Patent:
May 3, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
Charles R. Bryan, Jason E. Heath, Chowdary Ramesh Koripella, Thomas Dewers
Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of upgrading biomass to provide useful chemical intermediates, fuels, amino acids, nutrients, etc. In particular examples, the biomass is a by-product of ethanol production and is mainly used as high-protein feed. Described herein are methods for upgrading such biomass, such as by implementing pre-treatment conditions and by employing fermentation conditions including modified organisms.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 7, 2020
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
Ryan Wesley Davis, Blake Simmons, Mary Bao Tran-Gyamfi, Benjamin Chiau-Pin Wu
Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for generating harmonic light from a pump beam that is impinged on a metasurface comprising a plurality of all-dielectric resonator bodies. A multiple quantum well structure formed in each resonator body includes asymmetric coupled quantum wells having intersubband transition frequencies that couple to Mie resonances of the resonator bodies.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 26, 2021
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
Raktim Sarma, Igal Brener, Michael B. Sinclair, Salvatore Campione, John F. Klem
Abstract: Technologies that are well-suited for use in size, weight, and power (SWAP)-constrained environments are described herein. A host controller dispatches data processing instructions to hardware acceleration engines (HAEs) of one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and further dispatches data transfer instructions to a memory controller, such that the HAEs perform processing operations on data stored in local memory devices of the HAEs in parallel with other data being transferred from external memory devices coupled to the FPGA(s) to the local memory devices.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 1, 2021
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
Matthew Peter Napier, David S. Lee, Gregory Philip Anders
Abstract: Pulsed power loads (PPLs) are highly non-linear and can cause significant stability and power quality issues in an electrical microgrid. According to the present invention, many of these issues can be mitigated by an Energy Storage System (ESS) that offsets the PPL. The ESS can maintain a constant bus voltage and decouple the generation sources from the PPL. For example, the ESS specifications can be obtained with an ideal, band-limited hybrid battery and flywheel system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 2020
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2022
Assignees:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC, Michigan Technological University
Inventors:
Wayne W. Weaver, Rush D. Robinett, III, David G. Wilson
Abstract: Systems and methods for injecting a carbonate-based sacrificial material into a nuclear reactor containment for containment of molten corium in severe nuclear reactor accidents are disclosed. Molten corium can be quickly cooled and solidified by the endothermic decomposition of the sacrificial material.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 25, 2019
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
Yifeng Wang, David Louie, Rekha R. Rao, Jeremy A. Templeton
Abstract: A fluid-powered linear motor with rotary pistons is disclosed. An application is for a downhole motor but it could be used in other applications. Rotational pistons provide increased torque generation as the torque generated is proportional to motor length. Since downhole drills are long (generally up to a maximum length of 30 ft.), a high-torque motor can be produced using this method. A pressurized fluid is used to drive the piston assemblies to produce bit shaft power. This concept employs rotary pistons and a mechanical rectifier to convert the rotational reciprocation produced by a reciprocating rotational piston into continuous rotary motion. Integration of synthetic diamond bearing assemblies into the motor allows for reduced friction and abrasive drilling fluid compatibility.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 4, 2020
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens are disclosed as an apparatus and method for conducting Mode I fracture resistance testing using the DCB specimens. In a first embodiment, a drill jig is used to locate the DCB specimen and guide a drilling process during creation of at least one through-hole in the DCB specimen. The drilling process may employ a traditional drill and drill bit, a laser drill, or a water jet. In another embodiment, a set of rotating pin blocks, each with a full-round or a half-round specimen pin at one end and a hanger full-round pin at the other end, engage the DCB specimen and facilitate the internal application of a fracturing load to the DCB specimen for the Mode I fracture resistance test. The present invention may significantly reduce the time and materials needed to prepare and test a DCB specimen.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 20, 2020
Date of Patent:
April 12, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Abstract: A rectenna is used for full-wave rectification of infrared radiation to produce electricity. In the rectenna, a metallic grating overlies a semiconductor body. A tunnel barrier is interposed between each grating element and the semiconductor body. Each of the grating elements overlies a bridge pair consisting of a region of n+-doped semiconductor and a region of p+-doped semiconductor, both of which are embedded in more lightly doped host semiconductor material. Each of the two regions that compose the bridge pair forms a rectifying tunnel junction through a tunnel barrier to at least one overlying grating element. Each of the two regions also forms a semiconductor junction with the host semiconductor material.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 4, 2019
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
Inventors:
Paul Davids, Andrew Lea Starbuck, Robert L. Jarecki, Jr., David W. Peters
Abstract: Placement of proppant in subterranean formations during hydraulic fracturing is assessed. A method of one aspect includes introducing a hydraulic fracturing fluid including a proppant into a subterranean formation through a well. Samples of the hydraulic fracturing fluid are recovered through the well over a period of time. A concentration of at least one tracer in each of the samples is determined. The concentrations of the at least one tracer in the samples are analyzed to assess placement of the proppant in the subterranean formation. Other methods, apparatus, and systems are also disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 25, 2018
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2022
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC