ORNL, AMD and HPE to deliver DOE’s newest AI supercomputers: Discovery and Lux
Key Points
- DOE announced the Discovery and Lux supercomputers at ORNL to advance U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
- Discovery and Lux will enable AI-driven research that fuels new advances in energy, manufacturing, medicine and cybersecurity.
- The Lux AI Cluster will be deployed at ORNL in 2026, and Discovery will be delivered in 2028.
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At the Nov. 19 Opportunities in Energy event, ORNL Lab Director Stephen Streiffer will join UTK and TVA leaders on a panel "to share how they’re making bold moves, sparking innovation, and shaping what comes next for the Tennessee economy." A handful of Innovation Crossroads Fellows will be making "power pitches." Read more.
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New ORNL Inventions
Integrated Wireless EV Charger
202305546 // Transportation // Energy and Utilities
This technology presents an innovative wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging system that integrates key elements of the vehicle’s onboard traction drive inverter to function as part of the wireless power receiver. The approach removes the need for certain conventional components typically required for wireless power transfer systems, reducing system redundancy and thermal management complexity. The result is a simplified, high-performance wireless charger that achieves high power density and conversion efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing EV architectures.
A Solid Conveyance with Single Phase Change Method for Cryogenic Extrusion Recirculation
202405675// Chemicals
Efficient fueling for magnetically confined fusion power systems requires continuous recirculation of cryogenic fuel material. This technology introduces a method for returning excess solid extrusion back into a cryogenic extruder without the need for large-scale gas reprocessing. By simplifying the recirculation process and maintaining consistent pressure, the invention improves system efficiency and reduces overall fusion plant fuel inventory requirements.
A Novel Method for High Purity Rare Earth Elements Separation from Mining Tailing Feedstocks
202505992// Materials // Energy and Utilities
The growing reliance on rare earth elements (REEs) in advanced technologies, combined with global supply chain challenges, has created a critical need for sustainable domestic sources. This invention introduces a novel, energy-efficient method for producing high-purity REEs from mining tailings. The process offers a scalable, cost-effective approach that reduces waste and strengthens domestic supply resilience.
QUALISYS: Unified Framework to Quantify Lithium-Ion Battery Aging Across Cell, Module, and System Scales
202505993 // Energy and Utilities
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are supporting critical services for anchoring grid reliability – dynamic frequency services, peak shifting and arbitrage, relieving congestion, and supplying grid-forming inertia and black start - making modern grids more resilient. However, predicting how these batteries age under real-world conditions remains a challenge. This technology introduces a data-driven modeling framework that improves the prediction of battery health and degradation across scales—from individual cells to full energy storage systems. By combining simulated and real-world data, the approach enhances forecasting accuracy, extends battery life, and supports more efficient maintenance strategies for grid operators and energy storage developers.
Real-time Anomaly Detection in Densification of Electrode Coating Material
202506000 // Manufacturing // Materials
This technology introduces an intelligent manufacturing framework designed to significantly enhance the precision, reliability, and efficiency of battery production. By integrating advanced sensing technologies with AI-driven data analytics, the system enables continuous, real-time monitoring and control of critical electrode fabrication steps—particularly coating and calendaring processes. Through early detection and diagnosis of process irregularities, the framework minimizes deviations in electrode thickness, density, defects and surface uniformity. This proactive approach not only improves overall product quality but also reduces material waste, lowers manufacturing costs, and increases production yield. Ultimately, this innovation tackles one of the most persistent challenges in battery manufacturing—maintaining consistent electrode quality under high-throughput, large-scale production conditions—while supporting a more cost-effective, data-driven, and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem.
Fabrication of Pellets for Electrochemical Graphitization of Carbonaceous Particles
202506020 // Materials // Energy and Utilities
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a method for fabricating sturdy, electrically conductive pellets used in electrochemical graphitization of carbonaceous materials. This process supports the scalable production of graphite from coal-derived and other carbon-based feedstocks for applications such as lithium-ion battery anodes. By improving pellet structure, stability, and electrical conductivity, this technology enhances the uniformity and reproducibility of electrochemical graphitization—advancing the domestic supply chain for energy-critical materials.
Tritium-Compatible Cryogenic Screw Extruder for Fusion Energy Pellet Injection
202506044 // Energy and Utilities
This technology provides a tritium-compatible pellet injector fuel source designed for plasma fueling in fusion energy systems. The system enables continuous pellet formation and delivery at cryogenic temperatures, addressing challenges in reliability, material compatibility, and continuous operation under extreme conditions. By improving pellet production and handling, this invention supports advancements in continuous fusion energy performance.
Tritium Compatible Cryogenic Pellet Gas Gun
202506047// Energy and Utilities
Fusion power systems require reliable methods to deliver hydrogen isotopes into high-temperature plasmas for sustained energy production. Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a cryogenic pellet injection system compatible with tritium operation under reactor-relevant conditions. The system enables precise, repeatable delivery of cryogenic fuel pellets with materials that are tritium compatible, supporting long operational lifetimes and improved plasma fueling performance for future fusion reactors.
Pressure Relief Device for Cryogenic Fusion Fuels Applications
202506052 // Energy and Utilities
This technology provides a pressure relief device designed for cryogenic fusion systems operating at extremely low temperatures. It enables reliable performance in environments containing radioactive tritium fusion fuel gas and can function repeatedly under these challenging conditions. By maintaining safe operating pressures in advanced fusion fuel systems, the invention supports the development of future fusion energy technologies while enhancing safety and system longevity.
Neutral Ligand-Based Rare Earth Element Separation Technology (NEAREST)
202506059 // Materials // Chemicals
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a neutral-ligand–based solvent extraction process for efficient rare earth element (REE) separation. This scalable method enhances selectivity while reducing processing steps, capital costs, and waste generation compared with conventional acid-based systems. The technology enables more sustainable recovery of critical REEs vital for clean energy, electronics, and defense applications, helping strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign refining.
Preparation and Characterization of High-Performance, Sequence Defined Polyamide Material
202506075 // Materials
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a new high-performance polyamide material that offers exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to moisture. This next-generation polymer features enhanced thermal stability and moisture resistance compared with Nylon 6,6 while maintaining similar overall crystallinity and strength. The material’s improved chemical and thermal characteristics make it ideal for demanding environments in automotive, aerospace, and electronic applications.
SCARS‑Q: Quantum‑seeded Stimulated Coherent Anti‑Stokes Raman Scattering
202506079 // Analytical Instrumentation // Security and Defense
SCARS-Q introduces an advanced approach to vibrational imaging that enhances signal sensitivity while reducing background noise. By employing quantum-seeded light fields, this technology improves efficiency and detection performance for weaker molecular signals. The innovation strengthens advanced Raman-based systems without requiring major design changes, paving the way for more precise spectroscopic tools across biomedical and materials research applications.
Flow-mediated Oligomer Printing and Manufacturing of Surface-Patterned Fibres
202506083 // Materials // Manufacturing
Producing continuous fibers from oligomers has long been a challenge due to their limited molecular entanglement and poor viscosity. This invention introduces a scalable, additive-free manufacturing process that enables the creation of robust oligomer-based fibers with tunable surface patterns. By overcoming key processing barriers, this method broadens the potential use of low-molecular-weight materials in advanced fiber technologies, coatings, and composites.
Bicontinuous Fibre Formation via Co-precipitation Attenuated Solvent Transfer induced assembly (CAST)
202506085 // Manufacturing // Materials
This technology introduces a novel process for creating fibers with a uniform, co-continuous internal structure. Traditional fiber manufacturing methods face limitations such as clogging during fine fiber formation and structural instability in larger fibers. The CAST process overcomes these challenges by controlling solvent movement during formation, enabling consistent internal morphology. This innovation offers improved material performance and manufacturing reliability for advanced applications.
Solid State Batteries Using Single-ion-conducting Polymer Electrolyte and Engineered Interface
202405807 // Energy and Utilities
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a solid-state lithium battery technology featuring a unique polymer electrolyte and engineered electrode interface that enhances performance at moderate operating conditions. The approach addresses dendrite formation and stability issues that limit existing polymer-based solid-state batteries. By modifying interfacial properties, this design improves battery lifespan and reliability without compromising ionic transport. This innovation could accelerate the development of safer, longer-lasting solid-state energy storage systems.
3D Structured Anode Enabled by Porous Current Collector for Fast Charging in Solid-State Batteries
202506025 // Energy and Utilities // Manufacturing
This technology presents a novel anode structure that enables fast charging and improved cycling performance in solid-state batteries. By integrating a lightweight, porous current collector with a uniquely structured anode design, the invention addresses key interfacial and mechanical challenges associated with high-capacity materials. The approach enhances energy density and stability while reducing overall cell weight, paving the way for safer, higher-performance batteries suited for next-generation energy storage systems.
To learn more about these technologies, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call
865-574-1051.
Applications for Innovation Crossroads are currently open. Sign up for a webinar on November 4 to learn more about the program and submit your application by November 7.
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