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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 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Development of Enabling Technologies for Chemical Looping Combustion and Chemical Looping with Oxygen Uncoupling (Final Report)

This report summarizes results from the project, “Development of Enabling Technologies for Chemical Looping Combustion and Chemical Looping with Oxygen Uncoupling,” which evaluated several aspects of dual fluidized bed chemical looping combustion and chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU). The objective was to provide tools and enabling technologies to help advance fluidized bed chemical looping technology to pilot, demonstration and commercial scale. One focus area is oxygen carriers, which are key to chemical looping combustion. The copper oxygen carrier-coal ash system was systematically evaluated through a combination of thermodynamic modeling and lab-scale experiments, taking into consideration different oxygen carrier support materials and coal types. A method of mapping “safe” and “risk” zones for different combinations was established, and recommendations for target conditions are provided. In addition, a simple solution for limiting negative influence of some coal ashes, namely adding small amounts of calcium to the system, is proposed. In addition, a novel process for recovering and recycling copper from spent oxygen carriers is proposed. A new approach for design and operation of loop seals in a CLOU system was developed, and involves distinct gas injection points and a short horizontal section to help control the fate of the fluidizing gases. For the air-to-fuel reactor loop seal, the upstream side is fluidized with air, ideally input into the side rather than into the bottom, which prevents uncoupling (reduction) of the oxygen carrier before entering the fuel reactor. Also, alternative for separating oxygen carrier particles and gas in circulating fluidized bed-based chemical looping system is proposed. A new reduced reaction scheme for conversion of coal in copper-based CLOU was developed and implemented into CPFD Software’s Barracuda VR package. The resulting model provides higher fidelity than the baseline, especially when it comes to minor reactions that are part of the overall combustion environment. For in-reactor heat extraction, it was determined in this project that the best way to do that in a dual circulating fluidized-bed system is through heat exchange low in the air reactor. The air reactor is the hotter of the two and for a fast-fluidized circulating bed, the lower, more dense section has a higher heat transfer coefficient and offers more consistent particle-wall contact since it doesn’t have the splashing behavior the top of the bed does. It was determined that just the wall surface area in the lower quarter to third of the air reactor is sufficient to control temperatures in both reactors. Finally, consideration was given to a new concept for CLC, which involves a staged fuel reactor with a different type of oxygen carrier in each stage.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2021

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Trends from the Alternative Fueling Station Locator (Q4 2020)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Alternative Fueling Station Locator contains information on public and private non-residential alternative fueling stations in the United States and Canada and currently tracks ethanol (E85), biodiesel, compressed natural gas, electric vehicle (EV) charging, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, and propane stations. Of these fuels, EV charging continues to experience rapidly changing technology and growing infrastructure. This report provides a snapshot of the state of EV charging infrastructure in the United States in the fourth calendar quarter of 2020 (Q4). Using data from the Station Locator, this report breaks down the growth of public and private charging infrastructure by charging level, network, and location. Additionally, this report measures the current state of charging infrastructure compared with the projected amount needed to meet charging demand by 2030. This information is intended to help transportation planners, policymakers, researchers, infrastructure developers, and others understand the rapidly changing landscape for EV charging. This is the fourth report in a series. Previous reports for the first (Q1), second (Q2), and third (Q3) calendar quarters of 2020 can be found in the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) publication databases.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1971

Investigation of the fracture mechanics of boride composites

Fracture energies of WC-6Co, Boride 5 (ZrB2+SiC), Boride 8(ZrB2+SiC+C) and Boride 8-M2(ZrB2+SiC+C) were measured by slow bend and impact tests of notched charpy bars. Cobalt bonded tungsten carbide exhibited impact energies of 0.76 ft-lb or 73.9 in-lb/square inch. Boride 5 and the Boride 8 exhibit impact energies one third and one quarter of that observed for WC-6Co comparing favorably with measurements for SiC and Si3N4. Slow bend-notched bar-fracture energies for WC-6Co were near 2.6 in-lb/square inch or 1/20 the impact energies. Slow bend energies for Boride 8-M2, Boride 8 and Boride 5 were 58%, 42% and 25% of the value observed for WC-6Co. Fractograph showed differences for WC-6Co where slow bend testing resulted in smooth transgranular cleavage while samples broken by impact exhibited intergranular failures. By contrast the boride fractures showed no distinction based on testing method. Fabrication studies were conducted to effect alteration of the boride composites by alloying and introduction of graphite cloth.

Kaufman, L.↗
NASA NTRS1921

A New Method of Testing in Wind Tunnels

Now, in existing wind tunnels, using a horsepower of 100 to 300, the models are generally made to a 1/10 scale and the speed is appreciably lower than the speeds currently attained by airplanes. The Reynolds number realized is thus 15 to 25 times smaller than that reached by airplanes in free flight, while the ratio of speed to the velocity of sound is between a third and three quarters of the true ratio. The necessary increases in either the diameter of the wind tunnel or the velocity of the airstream are too costly. However, the author shows that it is possible to have wind tunnels in which the Reynolds number will be greater than that now obtained by airplanes, and in which the ratio of the velocity to the velocity of sound will also be greater than that realized in practice, by employing a gas other than air, at a pressure and temperature different from those of the surrounding atmosphere. The gas is carbonic acid, a gas having a low coefficient of viscosity, high density, and a low ratio of specific heat. The positive results of using carbonic acid in wind tunnel tests are given.

Margoulis, W↗
NASA NTRS2002

Numerical Investigation of 'Transonic Resonance' with a Convergent-Divergent Nozzle

At pressure ratios lower than the design value, convergent-divergent (C-D) nozzles often undergo a flow resonance accompanied by the emission of acoustic tones. The phenomenon, driven by the unsteady shock within the divergent section of the nozzle, has been studied experimentally by Zaman et al. In this paper, the space-time conservation element solution element (CE/SE) method is employed to numerically investigate the phenomenon. The computations are performed for a given nozzle geometry for several different pressure ratios. Sustained 'limit cycle' oscillations are encountered in all cases. The oscillation frequencies, their variation with pressure ratio including a 'stage jump', agree well with the experimental results. The unsteady flow data confirm that stage 1 of the resonance (fundamental) involves a one-quarter standing wave while stage 2 (third harmonic) involves a three-quarter standing wave within the divergent section of the nozzle. Details of the shock motion, and the flow and near acoustic field, are documented for one case each of stages 1 and 2.

Loh, Ching Y.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Influence of overhead HVAC and aerosol control strategies on coarse mode particle dispersion and exposure in a full-scale room experiment

Coarse mode respiratory aerosols can carry viral loads over long distances and have very different dynamics than submicron particles, but experimental studies under realistic conditions remain limited. Here, to study the differential impacts on exposure under different mixing conditions, we co-released 7–10 µm particles and carbon dioxide (CO 2 )—which served as an indicator of gas and submicron particle dynamics—in a 158 m 3 room at LBNL's FLEXLAB facility with an overhead heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The room was arranged as a distanced meeting then a classroom with eight heated manikins and a researcher. Spatial variability was measured using 16 particle counters and 22–26 CO 2 sensors throughout the space. Conditions included: HVAC off or supply air at 1000-1060 m 3 h -1 at neutral, cooling, or heating temperatures; with and without 20% outdoor air; and added HVAC filtration, portable air cleaners (PACs), or a physical barrier between the speaker and occupants. We found that good mixing via neutral or cooling supply air or use of PACs under heating lowered coarse particle exposure at some locations, but increased exposure for one-quarter to two-thirds of manikins compared to poor mixing under heating. A physical barrier reduced direct transfer of coarse particles during heating, but less during cooling. High spatial variability shows that a single measurement cannot represent occupant exposure. Instantaneous air mixing assumptions overstate the effectiveness of ventilation, HVAC filtration, and upper-room germicidal ultraviolet disinfection for coarse particles, as relatively few particles reach the return grille or upper room under most conditions.

Air mixing↗
NASA NTRS1998

Influence of Mesoscale Eddies on New Production in the Sargasso Sea

It is problematic that geochemical estimates of new production - that fraction of total primary production in surface waters fueled by externally supplied nutrients - in oligotrophic waters of the open ocean surpass that which can be sustained by the traditionally accepted mechanisms of nutrient supply. In the case of the Sargasso Sea, for example, these mechanisms account for less than half of the annual nutrient requirement indicated by new production estimates based on three independent transient-tracer techniques. Specifically, approximately one-quarter to one-third of the annual nutrient requirement can be supplied by entrainment into the mixed layer during wintertime convection, with minor contributions from mixing in the thermocline and wind-driven transport (the potentially important role of nitrogen fixation - for which estimates vary by an order of magnitude in this region - is excluded from this budget). Here we present four lines of evidence - eddy-resolving model simulations, high-resolution observations from moored instrumentation, shipboard surveys, and satellite data - which suggest that the vertical flux of nutrients induced by the dynamics of mesoscale eddies is sufficient to balance the nutrient budget in the Sargasso Sea. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

McGillicuddy , Dennis J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Influence of Mesoscale Eddies on New Production in the Sargasso Sea

It is problematic that geochemical estimates of new production, that fraction of total primary production in surface waters fueled by externally supplied nutrients, in oligotrophic waters of the open ocean surpass that which can be sustained by the traditionally accepted mechanisms of nutrient supply. In the cam of the Sargasso Sea, for example, these mechanisms account for less than half of the annual nutrient requirement indicated by new production estimates based on three independent transient-tracer techniques. Specifically, approximately one-quarter to one-third of the annual nutrient requirement can be supplied by entrainment into the mixed layer during wintertime convection, with minor contributions from mixing in the thermocline and wind-driven transport (the potentially important role of nitrogen fixation- for which estimates vary by an order of magnitude in this region- is excluded from this budget). Here we present four lines of evidence-eddy-resolving model simulations, high-resolution observations from moored instrumentation, shipboard surveys and satellite data-which suggest that the vertical flux of nutrients induced by the dynamics of mesoscale eddies is sufficient to balance the nutrient budget in the Sargasso Sea.

McGillicuddy, D. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The Xe-Q in lodranites and a hint for Xe-L. FRO90011 another lodranite?

The Lodran achondrite contains about one-quarter metallic Fe/Ni, two-thirds olivine and pyroxene, some troilite, plus minor phases. In a previous study we demonstrated that Lodran and three other lodranites - LEW88280, Yamato-791491, and MAC88177 - yield the same cosmic-ray exposure age of a few million years, suggesting that they originate from the same parent body. In the present work we show that the mineral phases of Lodran contain large concentrations of planetary-type but no solar-type trapped noble gases. Surprisingly, the highest concentrations were observed in the Fe/Ni-phase (e.g. 1520 x 10(exp -12) cc STP per g (132)Xe). A large fraction of the trapped gas is released between 1200 C and 1400 C. The Xe isotopic pattern is similar to that of Xe-Q. The 1400 C fraction of the Fe/Ni-phase shows excesses of (124)Xe, (126)Xe, and (128)Xe similar to Xe-L (pre-solar Xe enriched in the light isotopes) that has, until now, only been observed in combination with Xe-H (pre-solar Xe enriched in the heavy isotopes).

Eugster, O.↗
NASA NTRS1961

Low Subsonic Pressure Distributions on Three Rigid Wings Simulating Paragliders with Varied Canopy Curvature and Leading-Edge Sweep

An investigation has been made in the Langley 7- by 10-foot transonic tunnel to determine the subsonic pressure distribution of three paraglider models through an angle-of-attack range from 0 deg to 74 deg. Three rigid metal models simulated a 45 deg basic flat planform paraglider with leading-edge sweep angles of 61.6 deg, 52.5 deg, and 48.6 deg. These configurations resulted in one-half-circle, one-third-circle, and one-quarter-circle semispan trailing-edge curvature when viewed from downstream. The results of the investigation are presented as curves of chordwise pressure distributions at four spanwise locations.

Fournier, Paul G.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Metal-Complex Inks for Lower Cost and Improved Passivation for Silicon Photovoltaic Metallization

This contribution introduces the silicon PV community to screen-printable metal-complex inks that potentially will reduce Ag usage in Si PV metallization to one-quarter and costs to one-third that of traditional particle-based pastes while also improving passivation. Metal-complex inks are formulated using a Tollen’s reaction to produce inks with a high percentage of diamminesilver (I) cations (22 wt %) in a solution of acetate and formate anions. When printed and dried, labile ammonia ligands evaporate, leaving behind silver cations which, when reduced by formate anions and acetic acid, plate out silver and silver acetate. When annealed to just 300 °C a dense metallic silver film forms with excellent conductivity, and adhesion to silicon. When compared to traditional particle-based screen-printing pastes, the metal-complex inks are much denser, have higher conductivity, use less Ag, and are a fraction of the cost. Importantly, the inks anneal from 90 – 450 °C allowing for improved passivation schemes compared with fired SiNx. This contribution highlights first experiments on the improved passivation of metallized poly-Si/SiO2 passivated contacts using metal-complex Ag inks.

Young, David L. (ORCID:0000000340970493)↗
NASA NTRS1981

Aeroacoustic theory for noncompact wing-gust interaction

Three aeroacoustic models for noncompact wing-gust interaction were developed for subsonic flow. The first is that for a two dimensional (infinite span) wing passing through an oblique gust. The unsteady pressure field was obtained by the Wiener-Hopf technique; the airfoil loading and the associated acoustic field were calculated, respectively, by allowing the field point down on the airfoil surface, or by letting it go to infinity. The second model is a simple spanwise superposition of two dimensional solutions to account for three dimensional acoustic effects of wing rotation (for a helicopter blade, or some other rotating planform) and of finiteness of wing span. A three dimensional theory for a single gust was applied to calculate the acoustic signature in closed form due to blade vortex interaction in helicopters. The third model is that of a quarter infinite plate with side edge through a gust at high subsonic speed. An approximate solution for the three dimensional loading and the associated three dimensional acoustic field in closed form was obtained. The results reflected the acoustic effect of satisfying the correct loading condition at the side edge.

Martinez, R.↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Design Methodology for Rapid Implementation of Active Control Systems Across Lean Direct Injection Combustor Platforms

The VACCG team is comprised of engineers at Virginia Tech who specialize in the subject areas of combustion physics, chemical kinetics, dynamics and controls, and signal processing. Currently, the team's work on this NRA research grant is designed to determine key factors that influence combustion control performance through a blend of theoretical and experimental investigations targeting design and demonstration of active control for three different combustors. To validiate the accuracy of conclusions about control effectiveness, a sequence of experimental verifications on increasingly complex lean, direct injection combustors is underway. During the work period January 1, 2002 through October 15, 2002, work has focused on two different laboratory-scale combustors that allow access for a wide variety of measurements. As the grant work proceeds, one key goal will be to obtain certain knowledge about a particular combustor process using a minimum of sophisticated measurements, due to the practical limitations of measurements on full-scale combustors. In the second year, results obtained in the first year will be validated on test combustors to be identified in the first quarter of that year. In the third year, it is proposed to validate the results at more realistic pressure and power levels by utilizing the facilities at the Glenn Research Center.

Baumann, William T.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Metal-Complex Inks for Lower Cost and Improved Passivation for Silicon Photovoltaic Metallization

This contribution introduces the silicon PV community to screen-printable metal-complex inks that potentially will reduce Ag usage in Si PV metallization to one-quarter and costs to one-third that of traditional particle-based pastes while also improving passivation. Metal-complex inks are formulated using a Tollen's reaction to produce inks with a high percentage of diamminesilver (I) cations (22 wt %) in a solution of acetate and formate anions. When printed and dried labile ammonia ligands evaporate, leaving behind silver cations which, when reduced by formate anions and acetic acid, plate out silver and silver acetate. When annealed to just 300 degrees C a dense metallic silver film forms with excellent conductivity, and adhesion to silicon. When compared to traditional particle-based screen-printing pastes, the metal-complex inks are much denser, have higher conductivity, use less Ag, and are a fraction of the cost. Importantly, the inks anneal from 90 - 450 degrees C allowing for better passivation schemes than fired SiNx. This contribution highlights first experiments on the improved passivation of metallized poly-Si/SiO2 passivated contacts using metal-complex, Ag inks compared with particle-based, fired pastes.

metal-complex ink↗
NASA NTRS1992

First lunar outpost

Design and research efforts at the University of Puerto Rico have focused on the evaluation and refinement of the Habitability Criteria for a prolonged human presence in space during the last four years. Living quarters for a Mars mission and a third generation lunar base concept were proposed. This academic year, 1991-92, work on further refinement of the habitability criteria and design of partial gravity furniture was carried on. During the first semester, design alternatives for furniture necessary in a habitat design optimized for lunar and Martian environments were developed. Designs are based on recent research data from lunar and Mars gravity simulations, and current NASA standards. Artifacts will be submitted to NASA architects to be tested in KC-135 flights. Test findings will be submitted for incorporation in future updates to NASA habitat design standards. Second semester work was aimed at integrating these findings into the First Lunar Outpost (FLO), a mission scenario currently being considered by NASA. The mission consists of a manned return to the moon by crews of four astronauts for periods of 45 days. The major hardware components of the mission are as follows: (1) a Crew Module for the delivery of the crew and their supplies, and (2) the Habitat Module, which will arrive on the Moon unmanned. Our design efforts concentrated on this Habitat Module and on application of habitability criteria. Different geometries for the pressure vessel and their impact on the interior architecture were studied. Upon the selection of a geometry, a more detailed analysis of the interior design was performed, taking into consideration the reduced gravity, and the protection against radiation, micrometeorites, and the extreme temperature variation. A proposal for a FLO was submitted by the students, consisting essentially of a 24-feet (7.3 m.) by 35-feet (10.67 m) high vertical cylinder with work areas, crew quarters, galley, wardroom, leisure facilities, health maintenance, waste management, EVA operations facilities, and safe havens.

Andino, Aureo F.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ambient energy for buildings: Beyond energy efficiency

The following Key Messages comprise the salient findings of this study: 1. Ambient energy (from sun, air, ground, and sky) can heat and cool buildings; provide hot water, ventilation and daylighting; dry clothes; and cook food. These services account for about three-quarters of building energy consumption and a third of total US demand. Biophilic design (direct and indirect connections with nature) is an intrinsic adjunct to ambient energy systems, and improves wellness and human performance. 2. The current strategy of electrification and energy efficiency for buildings will not meet our climate goals, because the transition to an all-renewable electric grid is too slow. Widespread adoption of ambient energy is needed. Solar-heated buildings also flatten the seasonal demand for electricity compared to all-electric buildings, reducing required production capacity and long-term energy storage. In addition, ambient-conditioned buildings improve resilience by remaining livable during power outages. 3. National policies, incentives, and marketing should be enacted to promote ambient energy use. Federal administrative priorities should reflect the importance of ambient energy for buildings. Use of ambient energy should be encouraged through existing and new building codes and standards. 4. Ambient energy system design tools are needed for architects, engineers, builders, building scientists, realtors, appraisers, and consumers. PVWatts is used over 100 million times per year for photovoltaic system design. A similar, simple, and accessible tool for ambient design is crucial. 5. Training on ambient energy is needed throughout secondary, post-secondary, and continuing education for workforce development. Currently, only about 10% of colleges teach courses on passive heating and cooling systems. 6. Ambient-conditioned buildings should be demonstrated in all US climate zones. Performance should be monitored and reported, with quantitative case studies made widely available. 7. While current technology is sufficient to build high-performance ambient buildings now, research is needed to develop new technologies to harness ambient energy more effectively and more economically. Such advancements will facilitate adoption of ambient energy technologies in a wider range of buildings, including retrofits. Examples include windows with much lower thermal losses, use of the building shell as thermal storage, alternative light-weight thermal storage systems, sky radiation cooling systems, automated controls for solar gains and passive cooling, and ground coupling.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1972

Skylab status report.

The laboratory will be launched on Apr. 30, 1973, aboard a Saturn V vehicle. Approximately twenty-three and a half hours later the first crew will be launched in a command and service module aboard a Saturn IB launch vehicle. The laboratory will consist of modules. The orbital workshop (OWS) is made from the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks of a Saturn S-IVB third stage. The OWS contains the living quarters and two experiments areas. The airlock sits on top of the OWS and contains the controls and hatch for the extra-vehicular activity.

Conrad, C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Food Systems: Building the Evidence Base

New estimates of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the food system were developed at the country level, for the period 1990–2018, integrating data from crop and livestock production, on-farm energy use, land use and land use change, domestic food transport and food waste disposal. With these new country-level components in place, and by adding global and regional estimates of energy use in food supply chains, we estimate that total GHG emissions from the food system were about 16 CO2eq yr−1 in 2018, or one-third of the global anthropogenic total. Three quarters of these emissions, 13 Gt CO2eq yr−1, were generated either within the farm gate or in pre- and post-production activities, such as manufacturing, transport, processing, and waste disposal. The remainder was generated through land use change at the conversion boundaries of natural ecosystems to agricultural land. Results further indicate that pre- and post-production emissions were proportionally more important in developed than in developing countries, and that during 1990–2018, land use change emissions decreased while pre- and post-production emissions increased. We also report results on a per capita basis, showing world total food systems per capita emissions decreasing during 1990–2018 from 2.9 to 2.2 t CO2eq cap−1, with per capita emissions in developed countries about twice those in developing countries in 2018. Our findings also highlight that conventional IPCC categories, used by countries to report emissions in the National GHG inventory, systematically underestimate the contribution of the food system to total anthropogenic emissions. We provide a comparative mapping of food system categories and activities in order to better quantify food-related emissions in national reporting and identify mitigation opportunities across the entire food system.

greenhouse gas emissions↗