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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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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1988

A study of cloud-generated radiative heating and its generation of available potential energy. I - Theoretical background. II - Results for a climatological zonal mean January

The effect of radiative heating and cooling by clouds on the available potential energy (APE) is theoretically discussed. It is shown that the cloud radiative contribution to the generation of APE is determined by the net cloud radiative heating and the efficiency factor, which is a function of the temperature distribution of the atmosphere. Results are presented for low and middle cloud effects for three atmospheric layers. Cloud radiative heating is found to be a single function of cloud optical thickness for all classes designed in terms of cloud top heights and optical thickness. Low clouds at low latitudes destroy APE an midclouds generate APE. A concept is developed to relate the cloud radiative heating to cloud heights and optical depths. Cloud-generated radiative heating is computed for January zonal mean conditions for low and midclouds. For both cases, the strongest influence is found in the low troposphere, with marked differences in signs and magnitudes. At extratropical latitudes, both cloud classes generate net radiative cooling. In the tropics, the effect of low cloud changes from net cooling to the net heating as the optical thickness increases, and midclouds cause net heating. A mechanism is described whereby this dependence produces a strong positive feedback effect on the development of SST anomalies in the tropical oceans.

Stuhlmann, R.↗

NASA NTRS2006

A highly capable arbitrary waveform generator for next generation radar systems

We are developing an Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) to provide enhanced capability for radar applications. The current design will accommodate two waveform generators on a single unit for dual frequency operation. The basic architecture of this unit employs a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and a high speed and high precision Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) for direct digital synthesis. This AWG will be capable of up to 450 MHz bandwidth with ability for frequency notching. Phase fidelity of less than 1.2(sup o) deviation RMS is also achievable. This AWG operates with lower power consumption as compared with other waveform generators, which is advantageous for future spaceborne applications. This will enable radars to return higher precision data, to be reduced in complexity, and to operate in any band without interfering with dedicated bandwidths.

chirp generators↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Next Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Project - Overview and Progress Status

The Next Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (Next Gen RTG) Project is a spaceflight system project within NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program. The project, in partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) / Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA), will build and deliver an unfueled, flight qualified Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) system based on RPS Program needs. The Next Gen RTG Project aims to assure the availability of high-power, vacuum-rated RTGs to enable future deep space missions. The Project team is developing that capability through a multi-phase effort that leverages the heritage General Purpose Heat Source - RTG (GPHS-RTG) design and available legacy hardware. The Project’s primary aim is to re-establish the capability to manufacture a silicon germanium (SiGe) unicouple based thermoelectric converter and associated hardware with minimal changes to the heritage GPHS-RTG design. The project will also refurbish the GPHS-RTG Flight Unit #5 (F-5) located at INL and verify its compliance with heritage GPHS-RTG requirements. This paper will detail the project’s plans for the development of these systems. Management approaches, technical challenges, and risks will also be discussed.

Radioisotope↗

DOE OSTI2025

Generating multi-scale Li-ion battery cathode particles with radial grain architectures using stereological generative adversarial networks

Abstract Understanding structure-property relationships of Li-ion battery cathodes is crucial for optimizing rate-performance and cycle-life resilience. However, correlating the morphology of cathode particles, such as in LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811), and their inner grain architecture with electrode performance is challenging, particularly, due to the significant length-scale difference between grain and particle sizes. Experimentally, it is not feasible to image such a high number of particles with full granular detail. A second challenge is that sufficiently high-resolution 3D imaging techniques remain expensive and are sparsely available at research institutions. Here, we present a stereological generative adversarial network-based model fitting approach to tackle this, that generates representative 3D information from 2D data, enabling characterization of materials in 3D using cost-effective 2D data. Once calibrated, this multi-scale model can rapidly generate virtual cathode particles that are statistically similar to experimental data, and thus is suitable for virtual characterization and materials testing through numerical simulations. A large dataset of simulated particles with inner grain architecture has been made publicly available.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Impact of Nuclear Power Plant Energy Storage on Grid Reliability and Generation Costs with Variable Power Generation

This report examines the impact of combining integrated energy systems (IES), specifically hydrogen-based energy-storage systems, with nuclear power plants (NPPs) on grid reliability and generation flexibility in scenarios with substantial variable-power generation from solar energy. The analysis focuses on the challenges and solutions associated with high-levels of solar energy penetration, highlighting the role of advanced energy-storage solutions and flexible-generation technologies in enhancing grid stability and reliability.

29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Tunable UV ∼ IR frequency comb generation via high-order sideband generation

Abstract We propose the generation of a widely tunable UV-to-IR frequency comb by high-order sideband generation (HSB) spectrum emitted from semiconductors. In our theoretical simulations, we demonstrate the high-order sideband signals of two series (2m Ω seed + (2n + 1) ω driver , and (2m + 1) Ω seed + 2 n ω driver ), wheremandnare integers of a seed pulse and a driver laser frequency, respectively. The simulations also reveal the intensity of HSB scale with the driver laser power, both perturbatively and non-perturbatively. We find that the harmonic position and spacing of the high-order sideband emission can be controlled by varying the seed pulse and driver photon energies. In the experiment, we applied a visible ( ℏ Ω seed = 3.1 eV, ∼400 nm) seed pulse and mid-infrared (MIR, ℏ ω driver = 0.4 eV, 3.1 μm) driver pulses to ZnSe target. Our experimental observations confirmed the UV (4.7 eV, 263 nm and 3.9 eV, 317 nm) HSB generation.

Physics↗

NASA NTRS1972

A wideband Gaussian noise generator utilizing simultaneously generated pn-sequences.

A digital system has been constructed for the generation of wideband Gaussian noise with a spectrum which is flat to within plus or minus 0.5 dB from 0 to 10 MHz. These characteristics are substantially better than those of commercially available analog noise generators, and are required in testing and simulation of wideband communications systems. The noise is generated by the analog summation of thirty essentially independent binary waveforms, clocked at 35 MHz, and low-pass filtered to 10 MHz.

Hurd, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1976

The Tethered Balloon Current Generator - A space shuttle-tethered subsatellite for plasma studies and power generation

The objectives of the Tethered Balloon Current Generator experiment are to: (1) generate relatively large regions of thermalized, field-aligned currents, (2) produce controlled-amplitude Alfven waves, (3) study current-driven electrostatic plasma instabilities, and (4) generate substantial amounts of power or propulsion through the MHD interaction. A large balloon (a diameter of about 30 m) will be deployed with a conducting surface above the space shuttle at a distance of about 10 km. For a generally eastward directed orbit at an altitude near 400 km, the balloon, connected to the shuttle by a conducting wire, will be positive with respect to the shuttle, enabling it to collect electrons. At the same time, the shuttle will collect positive ions and, upon command, emit an electron beam to vary current flow in the system.

Williamson, P. R.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Application of field-modulated generator systems to dispersed solar thermal electric generation

The state-of-the-art of field modulated generation system (FMGS) is presented, and the application of FMGS to dispersed solar thermal electric generation is discussed. The control and monitoring requirements for solar generation system are defined. A comparison is presented between the FMGS approach and other options and the technological development needs are discussed.

Ramakumar, R.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Monitoring and control requirement definition study for Dispersed Storage and Generation (DSG). Volume 5, appendix D: Cost-benefit considerations for providing dispersed storage and generation for electric utilities

Cost benefit considerations are extremely important in obtaining the acceptance of dispersed storage and generation (DSG) by the electric utilities. These considerations involved somewhat different economic analyses depending on whether the generation is utility, customer, or combined ownership. It is necessary to get acceptance of more easily understood methods for evaluating the economics of DSG because much of the benefits of DSG may accrue in the generation and transmission portions of the utility system while the costs tend to be centered in the distribution portion of that system. The influence of factors, such as reliability, capital costs, and other economic measures were also investigated.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1983

The application of a color, raster scan, programmable display generator in the generation of multiple cockpit display formats

A description is provided of the application of the raster-scan, color programmable display generator (PDG) in the generation of multiple, simultaneous cockpit display formats at medium resolution, and their display on conventional R-G-B monitors and on recently developed thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) panels. The Graphics Display System of the Cockpit Systems Branch is discussed, taking into account hardware and software. Questions of system utilization are explored, giving attention to simultaneous display generation, scan standards, flat panel displays, and display enhancement software. Aspects of system performance are also examined, and an outline of future research plans is provided.

Montoya, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Design of test specimens and procedures for generating material properties of Douglas fir/epoxy laminated wood composite material: With the generation of baseline data at two environmental conditions

In support of the design of wind turbine generator airfoils/blades utilizing Douglas Fir/West System Epoxy laminated composite material, a program was undertaken to define pertinent material properties utilizing small scale test specimens. Task 1 was the development of suitable monotonic tension, compression, short beam shear and full reversed cyclic specimen designs and the companion grips and testing procedures. Task 2 was the generation of the material properties at two environmental conditions utilizing the specimens and procedures developed in Task 1. The monotonic specimens and procedures generated results which compare favorably with other investigators while the cyclic results appear somewhat conservative. Adding moisture and heat or scarf joints degraded the monotonic performance but had a more nebulus effect with cyclic loading.

Johnson, Paul E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Cloud-generated radiative heating and its generation of available potential energy

The generation of zonal available potential energy (APE) by cloud radiative heating is discussed. The APE concept was mathematically formulated by Lorenz (1955) as a measure of the maximum amount of total potential energy that is available for conversion by adiabatic processes to kinetic energy. The rate of change of APE is the rate of the generation of APE minus the rate of conversion between potential and kinetic energy. By radiative transfer calculations, a mean cloud-generated radiative heating for a well defined set of cloud classes is derived as a function of cloud optical thickness. The formulation is suitable for using a general cloud parameter data set and has the advantage of taking into account nonlinearities between the microphysical and macrophysical cloud properties and the related radiation field.

Stuhlmann, R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

A three-dimensional application with the numerical grid generation code: EAGLE (utilizing an externally generated surface)

Program EAGLE (Eglin Arbitrary Geometry Implicit Euler) is a multiblock grid generation and steady-state flow solver system. This system combines a boundary conforming surface generation, a composite block structure grid generation scheme, and a multiblock implicit Euler flow solver algorithm. The three codes are intended to be used sequentially from the definition of the configuration under study to the flow solution about the configuration. EAGLE was specifically designed to aid in the analysis of both freestream and interference flow field configurations. These configurations can be comprised of single or multiple bodies ranging from simple axisymmetric airframes to complex aircraft shapes with external weapons. Each body can be arbitrarily shaped with or without multiple lifting surfaces. Program EAGLE is written to compile and execute efficiently on any CRAY machine with or without Solid State Disk (SSD) devices. Also, the code uses namelist inputs which are supported by all CRAY machines using the FORTRAN Compiler CF177. The use of namelist inputs makes it easier for the user to understand the inputs and to operate Program EAGLE. Recently, the Code was modified to operate on other computers, especially the Sun Spare4 Workstation. Several two-dimensional grid configurations were completely and successfully developed using EAGLE. Currently, EAGLE is being used for three-dimension grid applications.

Houston, Johnny L.↗

NASA NTRS2016

The Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and Transceiver (LISA-T): Second Generation Advancements and the Future of SmallSat Power Generation

This paper describes the second generation advancements of the Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and Transceiver (LISA-T) currently being developed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. LISA-T is a launch stowed, orbit deployed array on which thin-film photovoltaic and antenna elements are embedded. Inherently, small satellites are limited in surface area, volume, and mass allocation; driving competition between power, communications, and GN&C (guidance navigation and control) subsystems. This restricts payload capability and limits the value of these low-cost satellites. LISA-T is addressing this issue, deploying large-area arrays from a reduced volume and mass envelope - greatly enhancing power generation and communications capabilities of small spacecraft. A matrix of options are in development, including planar (pointed) and omnidirectional (non-pointed) arrays. The former is seeking the highest performance possible while the latter is seeking GN&C simplicity. In both cases, power generation ranges from tens of watts to several hundred with an expected specific power >250W/kg and a stowed power density >200kW/m(sub 3). Options for leveraging both high performance, 'typical cost' triple junction thin-film solar cells as well as moderate performance, low cost cells are being developed. Alongside, both UHF (ultra high frequency) and S-band antennas are being integrated into the array to move their space claim away from the spacecraft and open the door for omnidirectional communications and electronically steered phase arrays.

Carr, John A.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Next-Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Study

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) have been used to power NASA missions of various types throughout the past five decades. The most recent RTG iteration, used for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory, is the Multi-Mission RTG (MMRTG), which is currently the only spaceflight-qualified system available. The U.S. planetary science community has expressed a desire for more power system options to be available to accommodate a range of ambitious future mission concepts across the solar system. Recent advancements in thermoelectric (TE) materials technology have raised a potential for significantly increased efficiency in future RTGs, which helped spur a recent in-depth NASA study of options for future systems. A “next-generation” RTG study was conducted to develop new RTG concepts that could meet the needs of planetary science missions through the 2030s and beyond. A Next-Generation RTG would aim to extend the types of potential NASA missions able to be supported, while fulfilling requirements related to technical risk and schedule. In this study, 21 potential thermoelectric couple configurations were analyzed by considering various high-performance, high-temperature TE materials and segmentation techniques that maximize convertor efficiency and power density. System modularity was explored, and found to be a promising means to offer improved flexibility for NASA mission concepts with varying scope and power requirements. This paper presents the results of the study, demonstrating the viability of developing an updated RTG system design, and defining conceptual system approaches for a new, potentially revolutionary RTG.

Matthes, Christopher S. R.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Electrical Validation Testing for ORPC MHK Generator, Modification 6: ORPC SBV for MHK Generator System (CRADA Final Report)

For the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2016 Small Business Voucher for Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) System, Second Round 2016, ORPC intends to work with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to perform dynamometer testing of the MHK generator systems and its associated controls and inverters. ORPC will provide the generator, variable frequency drives (VFD), controls, and inverter for this testing. NREL will utilize the NREL Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) and dynamometer facilities at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) for this work. Modification 6: Additionally, NREL will conduct a feasibility study for implementing passive DC rectification at the turbine.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Medical Ceramic Oxygen Generator: An Emerging Method For Generating Oxygen In-Situ

The NASA Engineering Safety Center is sponsoring a project called Medical Ceramic Oxygen Generator. Technology developed for spacesuit oxygen tank recharge has been directed towards developing a prototype oxygen generator with characteristics favorable for providing hospitals with medical oxygen. This presentation describes the M-COG project.

oxygen↗