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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 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Architects, Engineers, and Contractors - Key to Moving Towards a Zero Carbon Future: Preprint

Many building owners have set energy or carbon goals often citing targets of carbon neutrality in the next 10 to 30 years. Ultimately, these goals need to be translated into actions related to new and existing construction. Designers and contractors are key to designing solutions that meet the energy and carbon goals. As a voluntary program, the Design and Construction Allies (Allies program) was formed to identify barriers for the adoption of zero energy and zero carbon buildings (ZEZC). The goal was to understand why "all" buildings are not designed with ZEZC in mind. Currently the Allies program consists of 25 leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms that are seeking to take actionable steps to deliver buildings with the ZEZC goal. In the first year, the Allies have found numerous barriers and have implemented working groups to address key challenges that can be solved readily Allies. The paper will document program formulation and engagement strategies as well as the identified barriers and related recommendations for the design and construction community to shift towards ZEZC as a normal design and construction outcome. Two major topics rose to the top that the working groups were created to address: (1) providing guidance and knowledge to clients such that they will be active in creating ZEZC, and (2) bringing together knowledge around embodied carbon such that action can be taken to reduce this carbon emission area. Each working group has refined the barriers and created solutions that have been tested by Ally members. This rapid identification of barriers and subsequent creation of deployable solutions shows rapid change can happen.

design allies↗
DOE OSTI2020

Three dimensional radioisotope battery and methods of making the same

According to one embodiment, a product includes an array of three dimensional structures, where each of the three dimensional structure includes a semiconductor material; a cavity region between each of the three dimensional structures; and a first material in contact with at least one surface of each of the three dimensional structures, where the first material is configured to provide high energy particle and/or ray emissions.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

System and method for fissionable material detection with a short pulse neutron source

A system and method is disclosed for detecting fissionable materials. In one embodiment the system may incorporate a neutron pulse generator configured to generate multiple short pulses of neutrons, or a single pulse of sufficient intensity, in a vicinity of an object of interest. The source pulse of neutrons includes neutrons which each have a full width half maximum time duration of less than about 100 ns and a peak energy level no greater than about 20 MeV. A fast response detector is used which is able to detect single neutron events indicative of fission neutrons having been produced by the source pulse of neutrons interacting with fissionable material associated with the object of interest, and which arrive at the fast response detector within a predetermined time window immediately before arrival of the source neutron pulses.

Podpaly, Yuri↗
DOE OSTI2023

Regenerative solid oxide stack

An individual solid oxide cell (SOC) constructed of a sandwich configuration including in the following order: an oxygen electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, a fuel electrode, a fuel manifold, and at least one layer of mesh. In one embodiment, the mesh supports a reforming catalyst resulting in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) having a reformer embedded therein. The reformer-modified SOFC functions internally to steam reform or partially oxidize a gaseous hydrocarbon, e.g. methane, to a gaseous reformate of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which is converted in the SOC to water, carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof, and an electrical current. In another embodiment, an electrical insulator is disposed between the fuel manifold and the mesh resulting in a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), which functions to electrolyze water and/or carbon dioxide.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimal environmental and economic performance trade-offs for fifth generation district heating and cooling network topologies with waste heat recovery

Network topology greatly influences both the economic and environmental performance of fifth generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) systems. In this study the optimal trade-offs between the environmental and economic performance of 5GDHC network topologies for a five-building district with waste heat recovery were explored. A life cycle assessment method was used to calculate the total life cycle CO 2 emissions (LCCO2) associated with the installation and operation of various network topologies. Twelve months of empirical data from a data center cooling system were analyzed to assess its suitability for integration into a 5GDHC system. The most suitable method for utilizing this waste heat was selected based on the ambient loop warm pipe setpoint, waste heat temperature, and district energy system configuration. A multi-objective optimization algorithm was used to select the 5GDHC network topology that provided the optimal trade-off between LCCO2 and life cycle cost (LCC). A trade-off parameter was employed to weigh the importance of each objective in the selection process. The results showed waste heat from the data center was suitable for integration into the 5GDHC system due to its availability and consistent temperature profile. When return temperatures of 25 °C or higher were available from the liquid-cooled system, direct pre-heating of the ambient loop warm pipe was found to be the most effective waste heat integration method. The selection of the network topology that provided the optimal trade-off between LCCO2 and LCC (optimal trade-off topology) was highly dependent on factors such as fuel prices, CO 2 prices, electricity CO 2 emissions factors, availability of waste heat, embodied CO 2 emissions associated with network installation and network infrastructure costs. Optimal trade-off topologies produced substantial LCCO2 reductions relative to corresponding LCC increases. LCCO2 reduction to LCC increase ratios from 5.78 to 117.79 were identified with CO 2 offset costs ranging from 4.77 to 60.08 ($/tCO 2 e).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1977

Optically selective, acoustically resonant gas detecting transducer

A gas analyzer is disclosed which responds to the resonant absorption or emission spectrum of a specific gas by producing an acoustic resonance in a chamber containing a sample of that gas, and which measures the amount of that emission or absorption by measuring the strength of that acoustic resonance, e.g., the maximum periodic pressure, velocity or density achieved. In the preferred embodiment, a light beam is modulated periodically at the acoustical resonance frequency of a closed chamber which contains an optically dense sample of the gas of interest. Periodic heating of the absorbing gas by the light beam causes a cyclic expansion, movement, and pressure within the gas. An amplitude is reached where the increased losses were the cyclic radiation energy received. A transducing system is inclined for converting the pressure variations of the resonant gas into electronic readout signals.

Dimeff, J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Genetic-evolution-based optimization methods for engineering design

This paper presents the applicability of a biological model, based on genetic evolution, for engineering design optimization. Algorithms embodying the ideas of reproduction, crossover, and mutation are developed and applied to solve different types of structural optimization problems. Both continuous and discrete variable optimization problems are solved. A two-bay truss for maximum fundamental frequency is considered to demonstrate the continuous variable case. The selection of locations of actuators in an actively controlled structure, for minimum energy dissipation, is considered to illustrate the discrete variable case.

Rao, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS2001

MTF Driven by Plasma Liner Dynamically Formed by the Merging of Plasma Jets: An Overview

One approach for standoff delivery of the momentum flux for compressing the target in MTF consists of using a spherical array of plasma jets to form a spherical plasma shell imploding towards the center of a magnetized plasma, a compact toroid (Figure 1). A 3-year experiment (PLX-1) to explore the physics of forming a 2-D plasma liner (shell) by merging plasma jets is described. An overview showing how this 3-year project (PLX-1) fits into the program plan at the national and international level for realizing MTF for energy and propulsion is discussed. Assuming that there will be a parallel program in demonstrating and establishing the underlying physics principles of MTF using whatever liner is appropriate (e.g. a solid liner) with a goal of demonstrating breakeven by 2010, the current research effort at NASA MSFC attempts to complement such a program by addressing the issues of practical embodiment of MTF for propulsion. Successful conclusion of PLX-1 will be followed by a Physics Feasibility Experiment (PLX-2) for the Plasma Liner Driven MTF.

Thio, Y. C. Francis↗
NASA NTRS1991

A nuclear driven metallic vapor MHD coupled with MPD thrusters

Nuclear energy as a source of power for space missions, represents an enabling technology for advanced and ambitious space applications. Nuclear fuel in a gaseous or liquid form has been configured as a promising and practical candidate in this regard. The present study investigates and performs a feasibility analysis of an innovative concept for space power generation and propulsion. The system embodies a conceptual nuclear reactor with an MHD generator and coupled to MPD thrusters. The reactor utilizes liquid uranium in droplet form as fuel and superheated metallic vapor as the working fluid. This ultrahigh temperature vapor core reactor brings forward varied and challenging technical issues, and it has been addressed to in this paper. A parametric study of the conceived system has been performed in a qualitative and quantitative manner. Preliminary results show enough promise for further indepth analysis of this novel system.

Anghaie, Samim↗
DOE OSTI2020

Oriented perovskite crystals and methods of making the same

An aspect of the present disclosure is a method that includes combining a first organic salt (A1X1), a first metal salt (M1(X2)2), a second organic salt (A2X3), a second metal salt (M2Cl2), and a solvent to form a primary solution, where A1X1 and M1(X2)2 are present in the primary solution at a first ratio between about 0.5 to 1.0 and about 1.5 to 1.0, and A2X3 to M2Cl2 are present in the primary solution at a second ratio between about 2.0 to 1.0 and about 4.0 to 1.0. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of A1 or A2 may include at least one of an alkyl ammonium, an alkyl diamine, cesium, and/or rubidium.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1972

Modulation of cosmic-ray electrons.

An analytical approach is presented that provides qualitative insight into both observations and numerical calculations of cosmic-ray electron modulation and embodies, as a natural feature of a specific model, two cosmic-ray components whose temporal variations are uncorrelated. In the light of this approach, it is shown that the origin and time variations of the steep spectrum of electrons observed below 20 MeV may be explained by a simple method in which the spectrum of interplanetary cosmic rays is decomposed at low energies into two independently varying components.

Earl, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Assessment of Lithium-based Battery Electrolytes Developed under the NASA PERS Program

Recently, NASA formally completed the Polymer Energy Rechargeable System (PERS) Program, which was established in 2000 in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to support the development of polymer-based, lithium-based cell chemistries and battery technologies to address the next generation of aerospace applications and mission needs. The goal of this program was to ultimately develop an advanced, space-qualified battery technology, which embodied a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) and complementary components, with improved performance characteristics that would address future aerospace battery requirements. Programmatically, the PERS initiative exploited both interagency collaborations to address common technology and engineering issues and the active participation of academia and private industry. The initial program phases focused on R&D activities to address the critical technical issues and challenges at the cell level. A variety of cell and polymeric electrolyte concepts were pursued as part of the development efforts undertaken at numerous governmental, industrial and academic laboratories. Numerous candidate electrolyte materials were developed, synthesized and optimized for evaluation. Utilizing the component screening facility and the "standardized" test procedures developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center, electrochemical screening and performance evaluations of promising candidate materials were completed. This overview summarizes test results for a variety of candidate electrolyte materials that were developed under the PERS Program. Electrolyte properties are contrasted and compared to the original project goals, and the strengths and weaknesses of the electrolyte chemistries are discussed. Limited cycling data for full-cells using lithium metal and vanadium oxide electrodes are also presented. Based on measured electrolyte properties, the projected performance characteristics and temperature limitations of batteries utilizing the advanced electrolytes and components have been estimated. Limitations for the achievement of practical performance levels are also discussed, as well as needs for future research and development.

Bennett, William R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

System and method for characterization of retrofit opportunities in building using data from communicating thermostats

Systems and methods for characterization of retrofit opportunities are described. The methods may comprise computing, using at least one computing device disposed remote from a building and based at least in part on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) runtime data associated with the building, one or more thermal characteristics of the building. In some embodiments, a model-predicted indoor temperature may be fitted against thermal data measured by a thermostat at the building. The thermal characteristic of the building may comprise a thermal insulation, an air leakage rate and/or an HVAC efficiency. The method may be used to determine, using the at least one computing device, suitability of the building for a retrofit opportunity to improve energy efficiency of the building. Determining the suitability may comprise evaluating the one or more thermal characteristics. The HVAC runtime data may be computed based on data received from a thermostat or a meter, such as an electric or a gas meter.

Zeifman, Michael↗
DOE OSTI2021

System and method for characterization of retrofit opportunities in building using data from interval meters

Systems and methods for characterization of retrofit opportunities are described. The methods may comprise computing, using at least one computing device disposed remote from a building and based at least in part on heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) runtime data associated with the building, one or more thermal characteristics of the building. In some embodiments, a model-predicted indoor temperature may be fitted against thermal data measured by a thermostat at the building. The thermal characteristic of the building may comprise a thermal insulation, an air leakage rate and/or an HVAC efficiency. The method may be used to determine, using the at least one computing device, suitability of the building for a retrofit opportunity to improve energy efficiency of the building. Determining the suitability may comprise evaluating the one or more thermal characteristics. The HVAC runtime data may be computed based on data received from a thermostat or a meter, such as an electric or a gas meter.

Zeifman, Michael↗
DOE OSTI2021

Thermal energy storage system

A thermal energy storage (TES) component includes a shell having first and second ports, and at least a first set of thermally conductive sealed containers that contain a TES media for storing thermal energy. A first set of sealed tubes containing a first TES media are in a first section of the shell, and a second set of sealed tubes containing a different TES media are in a second section of the shell. Electric heating elements are immersed in at least some of the tubes, and may extend only from one end of the tube. In some embodiments more than one heating element is immersed in the TES media and positioned to enhance convective flow. In some embodiments electric heating elements are disposed externally on the sealed tubes. Some tubes are tapered or frustoconical, with heating elements provided in a larger-diameter portion of the tubes.

Wirz, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Lightweight, low-cost solar energy collector

A lightweight solar concentrator of the reflecting parabolic or trough type is realized via a thin reflecting film, an inflatable structural housing and tensioned fibers. The reflector element itself is a thin, flexible, specularly-reflecting sheet or film. The film is maintained in the parabolic trough shape by means of a plurality of identical tensioned fibers arranged to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the parabola. Fiber ends are terminated in two identical spaced anchorplates, each containing a plurality of holes which lie on the desired parabolic contour. In a preferred embodiment, these fibers are arrayed in pairs with one fiber contacting the front side of the reflecting film and the other contacting the back side of the reflecting film. The reflective surface is thereby slidably captured between arrays of fibers which control the shape and position of the reflective film. Gas pressure in the inflatable housing generates fiber tension to achieve a truer parabolic shape.

Hochberg, Eric B.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Method for preparing bis-(silylalkyl)carbonate esters

Carbonate esters of Formula (I): (R1)(R2)(R3)Si—R4—O—C(═O)—O—R4—Si(R1)(R2)(R3) are prepared by reaction of a silyl-substituted alcohol of Formula (II): (R1)(R2)(R3)Si—R4—OH with an activated carbonyl compound of Formula (III): C(═O)Z2 in the presence of a catalyst (e.g., an bicyclic amidine, a bicyclic guanidine, or a phosphazene) in an aprotic solvent. In Formulas (I) and (II) each of R1 and R2 independently is alkyl; R3 is alkyl or —X1—Si(R5)(R6)(R7); X1 is O or alkylene; R4 is alkylene; and each R5, R6, and R7 independently is alkyl. In Formula (III), Z is 1-N-imidazolyl or 1-N-succinimidyl. In some embodiments, the catalyst used in the methods described herein comprises at least one base selected from the group consisting of a bicyclic amidine and a bicyclic guanidine. The reaction proceeds readily under both bulk and continuous flow reactor conditions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗