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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2013

Materials Combustion Testing and Combustion Product Sensor Evaluations in FY12

NASA Centers continue to collaborate to characterize the chemical species and smoke particles generated by the combustion of current space-rated non-metallic materials including fluoropolymers. This paper describes the results of tests conducted February through September 2012 to identify optimal chemical markers both for augmenting particle-based fire detection methods and for monitoring the post-fire cleanup phase in human spacecraft. These studies follow up on testing conducted in August 2010 and reported at ICES 2011. The tests were conducted at the NASA White Sands Test Facility in a custom glove box designed for burning fractional gram quantities of materials under varying heating profiles. The 623 L chamber was heavily instrumented to quantify organics (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), inorganics by water extraction followed by ion chromatography, and select species by various individual commercially-available sensors. Evaluating new technologies for measuring carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and other species of interest was a key objective of the test. Some of these sensors were located inside the glovebox near the fire source to avoid losses through the sampling lines; the rest were located just outside the glovebox. Instruments for smoke particle characterization included a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance Personal Dust Monitor (TEOM PDM) and a TSI Dust Trak DRX to measure particle mass concentration, a TSI PTrak for number concentration and a thermal precipitator for collection of particles for microscopic analysis. Materials studied included Nomex®, M22759 wire insulation, granulated circuit board, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Kapton®, and mixtures of PTFE and Kapton®. Furnace temperatures ranged from 340o to 640o C, focusing on the smoldering regime. Of particular interest in these tests was confirming burn repeatability and production of acid gases with different fuel mixture compositions, as well as the dependence of aerosol concentrations on temperature.

Smoke↗
NASA NTRS2013

Materials Combustion Testing and Combustion Product Sensor Evaluations in FY12

NASA Centers continue to collaborate to characterize the chemical species and smoke particles generated by the combustion of current space-rated non-metallic materials including fluoropolymers. This paper describes the results of tests conducted February through September 2012 to identify optimal chemical markers both for augmenting particle-based fire detection methods and for monitoring the post-fire cleanup phase in human spacecraft. These studies follow up on testing conducted in August 2010 and reported at ICES 2011. The tests were conducted at the NASA White Sands Test Facility in a custom glove box designed for burning fractional gram quantities of materials under varying heating profiles. The 623 L chamber was heavily instrumented to quantify organics (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), inorganics by water extraction followed by ion chromatography, and select species by various individual commercially-available sensors. Evaluating new technologies for measuring carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and other species of interest was a key objective of the test. Some of these sensors were located inside the glovebox near the fire source to avoid losses through the sampling lines; the rest were located just outside the glovebox. Instruments for smoke particle characterization included a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance Personal Dust Monitor (TEOM PDM) and a TSI Dust Trak DRX to measure particle mass concentration, a TSI PTrak for number concentration and a thermal precipitator for collection of particles for microscopic analysis. Materials studied included Nomex(R), M22759 wire insulation, granulated circuit board, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Kapton(R), and mixtures of PTFE and Kapton(R). Furnace temperatures ranged from 340 to 640 C, focusing on the smoldering regime. Of particular interest in these tests was confirming burn repeatability and production of acid gases with different fuel mixture compositions, as well as the dependence of aerosol concentrations on temperature.

Combustion↗
NASA NTRS1993

STS-51 pad abort. OV103-engine 2033 (ME-2) fuel flowmeter sensor open circuit

The STS-51 initial launch attempt of Discovery (OV-103) was terminated on KSC launch pad 39B on 12 Aug. 1993 at 9:12 AM E.S.T. due to a sensor redundancy failure in the liquid hydrogen system of ME-2 (Engine 2033). The event description and time line are summarized. Propellant loading was initiated on 12 Aug. 1993 at 12:00 AM EST. All space shuttle main engine (SSME) chill parameters and Launch Commit Criteria (LCC) were nominal. At engine start plus 1.34 seconds a Failure Identification (FID) was posted against Engine 2033 for exceeding the 1800 spin intra-channel (A1-A2) Fuel Flowrate sensor channel qualification limit. The engine was shut down at 1.50 seconds followed by Engines 2032 and 2030. All shut down sequences were nominal and the mission was safely aborted. SSME Avionics hardware and software performed nominally during the incident. A review of vehicle data table (VDT) data and controller software logic revealed no failure indications other than the single FID 111-101, Fuel Flowrate Intra-Channel Test Channel A disqualification. Software logic was executed according to requirements and there was no anomalous controller software operation. Immediately following the abort, a Rocketdyne/NASA failure investigation team was assembled. The team successfully isolated the failure cause to an open circuit in a Fuel Flowrate Sensor. This type of failure has occurred eight previous times in ground testing. The sensor had performed acceptably on three previous flights of the engine and SSME flight history shows 684 combined fuel flow rate sensor channel flights without failure. The disqualification of an Engine 2 (SSME No. 2033) Fuel Flowrate sensor channel was a result of an instrumentation failure and not engine performance. All other engine operations were nominal. This disqualification resulted in an engine shutdown and safe sequential shutdown of all three engines prior to ignition of the solid boosters.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1967

Fluidic oscillator used as humidity sensor

Fluidic oscillator measures the humidity of the hydrogen stream leaving a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. The instrument provides continuous readings with a certain speed of response.

Prokopius, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Chemochromic Hydrogen Leak Detectors

At NASA, hydrogen safety is a key concern for space shuttle processing. Leaks of any level must be quickly recognized and addressed due to hydrogen s lower explosion limit. Chemo - chromic devices have been developed to detect hydrogen gas in several embodiments. Because hydrogen is odorless and colorless and poses an explosion hazard, there is an emerging need for sensors to quickly and accurately detect low levels of leaking hydrogen in fuel cells and other advanced energy- generating systems in which hydrogen is used as fuel. The device incorporates a chemo - chromic pigment into a base polymer. The article can reversibly or irreversibly change color upon exposure to hydrogen. The irreversible pigment changes color from a light beige to a dark gray. The sensitivity of the pigment can be tailored to its application by altering its exposure to gas through the incorporation of one or more additives or polymer matrix. Furthermore, through the incorporation of insulating additives, the chemochromic sensor can operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as 78 K. A chemochromic detector of this type can be manufactured into any feasible polymer part including injection molded plastic parts, fiber-spun textiles, or extruded tapes. The detectors are simple, inexpensive, portable, and do not require an external power source. The chemochromic detectors were installed and removed easily at the KSC launch pad without need for special expertise. These detectors may require an external monitor such as the human eye, camera, or electronic detector; however, they could be left in place, unmonitored, and examined later for color change to determine whether there had been exposure to hydrogen. In one type of envisioned application, chemochromic detectors would be fabricated as outer layers (e.g., casings or coatings) on high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks and other components of hydrogen-handling systems to provide visible indications of hydrogen leaks caused by fatigue failures or other failures in those systems. In another type of envisioned application, chemochromic detectors of this type could be optoelectronically instrumented for monitoring to provide measured digital indications of color changes indicative of the presence of hydrogen.

Roberson, Luke↗
NASA NTRS1978

Automated electrochemical selection of coliforms

Computer-controlled sensor system monitors and quantifies coliform organisms in waste water samples through molecular hydrogen detection techniques. System includes cleanup procedures, external sterilization of each sensor interface with working fluid as well as incubation cell interiors. Sensor system may also be operated manually.

Taylor, R. E.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Correlating Broadband Photoluminescence with Structural Dynamics in Layered Hybrid Halide Perovskites

The emission of white light from a single material is atypical and is of interest for solid-state lighting applications. Broadband light emission has been observed in some layered perovskite derivatives, A 2 PbBr 4 (A = R-NH 3 + ), and correlates with static structural distortions corresponding to out-of-plane tilting of the lead bromide octahedra. While materials with different organic cations can yield distinct out-of-plane tilts, the underlying origin of the octahedral tilting remains poorly understood. Using high energy resolution (e.g., quasi-elastic) neutron scattering, this contribution details the rotational dynamics of the organic cations in A 2 PbBr 4 materials where A = n-butylammonium (nBA), 1,8-diaminooctammonium (ODA), and 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The organic cation dynamics differentiate (nBA) 2 PbBr 4 from (ODA)PbBr 4 or (GABA) 2 PbBr 4 in that the larger spatial extent of dynamics of nBA yields a larger effective cation radius. The larger effective volume of the nBA cation in (nBA) 2 PbBr 4 yields a closer to ideal A-site geometry, preventing the out-of-plane tilt and broadband luminescence. In all three compounds, we observe hydrogen dynamics attributed to rotation of the ammonium headgroup and at a time scale faster than the white light photoluminescence studied by time-correlated single photon counting spectroscopy. This supports a previous assignment of the broadband emission as resulting from a single ensemble, such that the emissive excited state experiences many local structures faster than the emissive decay. Furthermore, the findings presented here highlight the role of the organic cation and its dynamics in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites and white light emission.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1965

Instrumentation research at MSFC

Inflight hydrogen detection by mass spectrometer, thermal sensor, uhf telemetry, and addressable time division data system

SENSOR↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hydrogen Dispersion Modeling for Development of Smart Distributed Monitoring

Studying hydrogen dispersion is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective deployment of hydrogen as an energy carrier. This study presents a comprehensive CFD modeling framework for simulating hydrogen dispersion at a real-world hydrogen production, storage, and utilization facility. Utilizing the Hydrogen Research Facility under the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Flatirons campus, controlled hydrogen releases at 27 kg-H2/hr were simulated. The model incorporated site-specific atmospheric conditions, including hourly wind speeds and temperatures recorded between 8 AM and 8 PM from October to December 2023. To reduce computational demands, a statistical reduction technique was applied to condense the dataset to 100 representative scenarios, validated by statistical tests for wind speeds and power law coefficients. Simulations were conducted using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Results demonstrated that wind speed substantially influences hydrogen dispersion, with low wind conditions forming concentrated clouds and higher wind speeds stretching the plume. Additionally, clustering analysis informed optimal sensor placement at various elevations with up to 10 sensor locations on each elevation. This framework offers a robust approach for understanding hydrogen behavior in ambient conditions and informing detection strategies.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Solid-State Mixed-Potential Electrochemical Sensors for Natural Gas Leak Detection and Quality Control (Final Technical Report)

Mitigation of methane emissions are a critical factor to limiting the impact of the natural gas industry on global climate change. Throughout the period of 2020-2024, the University of New Mexico and its commercialization partner and subcontractor, SensorComm Technologies, Inc. (SCT), have worked together to develop a low-cost Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Internet of Things (IoT)-based multi-gas sensor platform for methane emissions detection. In the final year of the project, we extended this work to include hydrogen detection in support of a transition to a hydrogen economy where hydrogen could be transported through existing natural gas infrastructure. Mixed potential electrochemical sensors were first prototyped by ceramic additive manufacturing and then transitioned to conventional ceramic manufacturing tape casting and screen-printing technologies in preparation for mass production. Demonstrated limits of detection of 5 ppm of methane in natural gas and 1 ppm of hydrogen were measured. These limits of detection are among the lowest of solid-state electrochemical sensors that have been reported in the literature or available in the industry. Machine learning algorithms were developed to identify natural gas mixtures with > 98% accuracy level and quantify methane concentrations at 97% accuracy. The presence of hydrogen could also be identified, and its concentration quantified at these accuracy levels. These algorithms were optimized for running on portable computing hardware which enabled > 1 Hz processing rates. A portable packaged IoT system was integrated with the electrochemical sensor in collaboration with SCT. The package consists of readout electronics with < 1 mV resolution, sensor temperature control, and data transmission over cellular wireless and/or Wi-Fi networks. Field testing was performed in two rounds at Colorado State University’s Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center (CSU METEC). The first round of testing demonstrated successful measurements of methane from an underground natural gas leak of 20 standard liters per minute (SLPM), which agreed with previously published literature using more sophisticated and expensive analytical equipment. The second round of testing showed that an above ground leak of 2 SLPM of hydrogen could be detected at 32 ft. This project has resulted in six published peer reviewed journal articles, over ten presentations at professional conferences, and one full patent application filed in 2023. Future work on this project includes increased sensitivity, higher production yields, and applications in the hydrogen safety and flare emissions monitoring spaces.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hydrogen sensing in different hydrogen-carrying gases using composites of PdSnO 2 and halloysite nanotubes

Here, in this work, we developed composites of palladium-decorated tin dioxide (PdSnO 2 ) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) by adding different amounts of HNTs as additives into PdSnO 2 , and investigated how the different amounts of HNTs in the composites and the different hydrogen (H 2 ) carrying gases (air and helium (He)) could affect the H 2 sensing performance of such composites (PdSnO 2 -HNT). Through the sensing-performance characterization using H 2 carried by air, it was found that PdSnO 2 with an appropriate small amount of HNTs (i.e., 2 % of PdSnO 2 mass) can improve the sensing performance with respect to limit of detection (LOD) and response/recovery time. Further, the optimal PdSnO2-HNT composite as a sensor was tested to detect H 2 in He. The testing results indicated that the composite can detect H 2 in He, but its performance parameters (i.e., the profile of calibration curve, LOD, and response time) are different from those of such a sensor in detecting H 2 in air. Moreover, the composite still presented better sensing performance than PdSnO 2 without HNTs in detecting H 2 in He. Possible reasons for the effects of HNT and H 2 -carrying gas on the sensing performance of PdSnO 2 -HNT-based sensors were discussed. We believe that this study provides valuable insights into the functionality and the adaptability of PdSnO 2 -HNT-based H 2 sensors in diverse operational conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1974

Absolute pressure transducers for space shuttle and orbiter propulsion and control systems

A preliminary design was completed, reviewing of such subjects as: the trade studies for media isolation and one sensor vs. two sensors for two bridges; compensation resistors; unit design; hydrogen embrittlement; sealing techniques and test station design. A design substantiation phase was finished, consisting of testing of a prototype unit and fabrication technique studies. A cryogenic test station was implemented and prototype sensor cells were fabricated, sensors assembled, and cryogenic tests performed.

Bolta, J. J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

HyPerPy (Hydrogen Extraction and Parabolic Trough Plant Performance Models using Python) [SWR-21-53]

The HyPerPy package consists of three scripts: 1) Model for Hydrogen Tracking in Parabolic Trough Power Plants, 2) Model for Receiver Performance, and 3) Model for Hydrogen Extraction Process. The power plant model (1) tracks hydrogen generation and transport within the circulating heat transfer fluid (HTF) of the power plant. This script is a transient, initial value simulation, in which the hydrogen concentration in the circulating HTF is 0 moles per cubic meter everywhere at time 0 seconds. Hydrogen concentration is calculated at discrete locations within the circulating HTF with 4-second time resolution. During each time step, the change in hydrogen concentration due to hydrogen generation and permeation is calculated for each location according to the local HTF temperature, vessel or piping properties, hydrogen concentration and partial pressure. This model predicts hourly hydrogen concentrations for typical operating days in the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons. Data is used to create hourly mappings of hydrogen concentrations for a typical operating year. The receiver model (2) uses a 1-hour time step to estimate getter loading and annulus pressure. For each time step, the model uses HTF and ambient temperature data to estimate absorber tube, bellows, and getter temperatures for the time step. In addition, the model uses hourly HTF hydrogen concentrations that are generated by the power plant model (1), and annulus hydrogen pressure from the previous time step. With these data, the model calculates the moles of hydrogen permeating across the absorber tube and bellows during the time step. The net change in moles hydrogen is added or subtracted from the getter loading for the previous time step, and the hydrogen pressure is re-calculated based on getter loading and temperature. The model uses this algorithm to simulate hydrogen permeation and loading 24 hours per day, 365 days per year using seasonal temperature data. The model repeats these calculations for 25 years to create a mapping of receiver getter loading and annulus hydrogen pressure for four seasons of each year. The model for hydrogen extraction (3) estimates hydrogen extraction rates for a specific separation module configuration. The rate depends primarily on membrane area, vacuum pump performance, headspace gas flowrate to the membrane, and headspace gas hydrogen partial pressure. This model has two versions. The steady-state version predicts hydrogen extraction rates when the module is operating in separation mode. The dynamic version predicts hydrogen transfer through the membrane when the module is operating in sensor mode. The steady-state version is used with the plant model (1) to predict hydrogen partial pressures in the power plant when the extraction process is operating.

Glatzmaier, Gregory↗
NASA NTRS1995

Automated Hydrogen Gas Leak Detection System

The Gencorp Aerojet Automated Hydrogen Gas Leak Detection System was developed through the cooperation of industry, academia, and the Government. Although the original purpose of the system was to detect leaks in the main engine of the space shuttle while on the launch pad, it also has significant commercial potential in applications for which there are no existing commercial systems. With high sensitivity, the system can detect hydrogen leaks at low concentrations in inert environments. The sensors are integrated with hardware and software to form a complete system. Several of these systems have already been purchased for use on the Ford Motor Company assembly line for natural gas vehicles. This system to detect trace hydrogen gas leaks from pressurized systems consists of a microprocessor-based control unit that operates a network of sensors. The sensors can be deployed around pipes, connectors, flanges, and tanks of pressurized systems where leaks may occur. The control unit monitors the sensors and provides the operator with a visual representation of the magnitude and locations of the leak as a function of time. The system can be customized to fit the user's needs; for example, it can monitor and display the condition of the flanges and fittings associated with the tank of a natural gas vehicle.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2013

STS-114: Engine Cut-Off Sensors Are a No-Go: Teaching Notes for NASA Case Study

This case study format is intended to simulate the experience of facing the same difficult challenges and making the same critical decisions as managers, engineers, and scientists in the Space Shuttle Program. It has been designed for use in the classroom setting to help students develop skills related to decision-making. Students will read about the engine cut-off sensor anomaly which created challenges during the STS-114 mission and have the opportunity to make decisions as lead NASA engineers and Mission Management Team members. Included within this document are three case study presentation options - class discussion, group activity, and open-ended research. Please read the full case prior to in-class presentation to allow ample time for students' analysis and reflection, as well as to prepare additional questions. activities or exercises, material selection, etc. Depending upon the setting of your presentation and the number of participants, please choose at least one presentation format beforehand and plan accordingly. You may expect the following learning objectives by using the proposed formats. Learning Objectives: To enable students to experience the responsibilities of NASA management, engineers, and analysis; to discover possible procedures for investigating system anomalies; to become familiar with the liquid hydrogen low level engine cut-off sensor, including its function, connecting components, and location within the Space Shuttle; and to encourage critical analysis and stimulating discussion of Space Shuttle mission challenges.

Ransom, Khadijah S.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mechanisms Underlying a Quantum Superposition Microscope Based on THz-Driven Coherent Oscillations in a Two-Level Molecular Sensor

Here we report pump-probe measurements of a hydrogen molecule (H 2 ) in the tunnel junction of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) coupled to ultrashort terahertz (THz) pulses. The coherent oscillation of the THz induced DC tunneling current at a frequency of ~0.5 THz fingerprints the absorption by H 2 as a two-level system (TLS). Two components of the oscillatory signal are observed and point to both photon and field aspects of the THz pulses. A few loosely bound states with similar energies for the upper state of the TLS are evidenced by the coherent revival of oscillatory signal. Furthermore, the comparison of spectroscopic features of H 2 with different tips provides an understanding of the TLS for H 2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2006

H2 Detection via Polarography

Polarography is the measurement of the current that flows in solution as a function of an applied voltage. The actual form of the observed polarographic current depends upon the manner in which the voltage is applied and on the characteristics of the working electrode. The new gas polarographic H2 sensor shows a current level increment with concentration of the gaseous H2 similar to those relating to metal ions in liquid electrolytes in well-known polarography. This phenomenon is caused by the fact that the diffusion of the gaseous H2 through a gas diffusion hole built in the sensor is a rate-determining step in the gaseous-hydrogen sensing mechanism. The diffusion hole artificially limits the diffusion of the gaseous H2 toward the electrode located at the sensor cavity. This gas polarographic H2 sensor is actually an electrochemical-pumping cell since the gaseous H2 is in fact pumped via the electrochemical driving force generated between the electrodes. Gaseous H2 enters the diffusion hole and reaches the first electrode (anode) located in the sensor cavity to be transformed into an H ions or protons; H ions pass through the electrolyte and reach the second electrode (cathode) to be reformed to gaseous H2. Gas polarographic O2 sensors are commercially available; a gas polarographic O2 sensor was used to prove the feasibility of building a new gas polarographic H2 sensor.

Dominquez, Jesus↗