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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Grating-Based Imaging-Scattering with Portable Neutron Generator

Company: Adelphi Technology, Inc. Title: Grating-Based Imaging-Scattering with Portable Neutron Generator PI: Dr. Jay Theodore Cremer, Jr. Topic: 26a Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed. Successful plant growth depends upon an efficient and robust root system. The plant root is part of a larger system of water and microbial flows in the soil system. While much effort has been exerted to develop an imaging system for water, microbes, and roots, the problem is challenging, and no widely accepted imaging method currently exists. The optical solutions use a highly modified soil system. X-ray imaging methods are insensitive to the soft tissues in the presence of sand. Thermal neutron imaging has been often tested, but found inadequate, due to limited access and low image resolution. This project will develop a new strategy for neutron imaging of plant/soil systems. The project will allow long duration experiments in greenhouse environments and increase the image information content to the micron scale. General statement of how this problem is being addressed. Portable, rugged thermal and fast neutron sources are being developed where portable means a two-soldier team can carry the source and power unit to survey rough terrain for explosives. In the past decade, microfabrication of X-ray and thermal/cold neutron optics has opened a new imaging strategy. The standard transmission image is now supplemented with simultaneous acquisition of a phase contrast image and an image revealing scattering features. In materials science, the interferometric neutron scattering image has been used to detect early crack formation in stressed additive manufacturing test samples. The detection requires sensitivity to scattering features at the 1-micron scale. By addition of our proposed grating-optic to Adelphi Technology’s radiographic/tomographic imaging system, which is based on portable thermal neutron source, the resulting thermal neutron scatter image of the plant/soil system, will reveal details at 1-micron. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits Neutron interferometry imaging has greater penetration through large metal components compared to industrial X-ray imaging. The low-cost, large area optics developed for greenhouse applications, combined with the robust, portable neutron generator, can then be marketed as a system for inspection of additive manufactured components. In the aerospace industry, all freshly printed components are validated with X-ray CT. Scheduled maintenance again requires X-ray CT as the ability to predict aerospace component lifetime does not yet exist. Large aerospace components are only partially observed with X-ray imaging. Key Words Neutron radiography/tomography, grating interferometry, thermal neutron generator imaging, plant root and soil imaging, rhizosphere imaging, deployable neutron imaging systems Summary for Members of Congress A rugged, portable source of thermal neutrons is adapted for neutron interferometry imaging with the addition of low-cost, 3D printed optics. The first application of our proposed deployable, compact thermal neutron generator imaging system, using a grating optic, is plant root/soil science in greenhouse settings and agricultural laboratories.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Photosynthetic responses to light levels in drought-tolerant novel peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) genotypes

Abstract Drought is a significant abiotic stressor that reduces peanut production because it alters photosynthetic activity and impacts crop growth. Therefore, developing drought-tolerant peanut genotypes capable of maintaining higher photosynthetic rates (A) under stress is crucial. This study assessed changes in photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence responses to light (photosynthetic photon flux density, PPFD) in newly bred drought-tolerant peanut genotypes. Ten genotypes [NM-3, NM-5, NM-6, NM-23, NM-69, NM-70, NM-74, NM-77, V-C, and C-76–16] were evaluated under full irrigation (FC 100 ) and deficit irrigation (FC 50 ) in a split-plot design with four replications in a greenhouse. Under high PPFD levels, genotype NM-5 with deficit irrigation exhibited significantly higherA, stomatal conductance (gs), quantum efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII), and electron transport rate (ETR) by 40–59%, 135–525%, 31–212%, and 31–102%, respectively, than check varieties (V-C and C-76–16) and other genotypes. The NM-74 and NM-77 genotypes also performed well under deficit irrigations but with slightly lowerA,gs, ΦPSII, and ETR. Genotypes NM-5, NM-23, NM-74, and NM-77 exhibited significantly higher quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv’/Fm’) and photochemical quenching (qP) with higher light intensities in the daily cycle under deficit irrigation. The decline in ETR at the same PPFD levels in NM-3, NM 69, NM-70, and C-76–16 indicated photoinhibition or saturation of the photosynthetic apparatus compared to other genotypes. Concurrently, FC 100 irrigation level minimizes photoinhibition, enhancingA,gs, ΦPSII, and ETR in the genotypes than FC 50 . Therefore, we conclude that NM-5, NM-74, and NM-77 genotypes can perform better under water deficit environments. As such, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fv’/Fm’ and qP can be considered for selective breeding to enhance photosynthetic efficiencies.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
NASA NTRS2013

Project Profile: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Mobile Lighting Tower (HFCML)

NASA is committed to finding innovative solutions that improve the operational performance of ground support equipment while providing environment and cost benefits, as well. Through the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Mobile Lighting Tower (HFCML) project, NASA gained operational exposure to a novel application of high efficiency technologies. Traditionally, outdoor lighting and auxiliary power at security gates, launch viewing sites, fallback areas, outage support, and special events is provided by diesel generators with metal halide lights. Diesel generators inherently contribute to C02, NOx, particulate emissions, and are very noisy. In 2010, engineers from NASA's Technology Evaluation for Environmental Risk Mitigation Principal Center (TEERM) introduced KSC operations to a novel technology for outdoor lighting needs. Developed by a team led by Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), the technology pairs a 5kW hydrogen fuel cell with robust high efficiency plasma lights in a towable trailer. Increased efficiency, in both the fuel cell power source and lighting load, yields longer run times between fueling operations while providing greater auxiliary power. Because of the unit's quiet operation and no exhaust fumes, it is capable of being used indoors and in emergency situations, and meets the needs of all other operational roles for metal halide/diesel generators. The only discharge is some water and warm air. Environmental benefits include elimination of diesel particulate emissions and estimated 73% greenhouse gas emissions savings when the hydrogen source is natural gas (per GREET model). As the technology matures the costs could become competitive for the fuel cell units which are approximately 5 times diesel units. Initial operational . concerns included the hydrogen storage tanks and valves, lightning safety/grounding, and required operating and refueling procedures. TEERM facilitated technical information exchange (design drawings, technical standards, and operations manuals) necessary for KSC hydrogen system experts to approve use of the HFCML unit, including initiating the environmental checklist (i.e. exterior lighting waiver due to sea turtles), and development of operations and maintenance instructions. TEERM worked with SNL to establish a bailment agreement for KSC to utilize a Beta unit as part of normal Center Operations for a period of twelve months.

McLaughlin, Russell↗
NASA NTRS2014

Advanced Water Purification System for In Situ Resource Utilization Project

A main goal in the field of In Situ Resource Utilization is to develop technologies that produce oxygen from regolith to provide consumables to an extratrrestrial outpost. The processes developed reduce metal oxides in the regolith to produce water, which is then electrolyzed to produce oxygen. Hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids are byproducts of the reduction processes, which must be removed to meet electrolysis purity standards. We previously characterized Nation, a highly water selective polymeric proton-exchange membrane, as a filtrtion material to recover pure water from the contaminated solution. While the membranes successfully removed both acid contaminants, the removal efficiency of and water flow rate through the membranes were not sufficient to produce large volumes of electrolysis-grade water. In the present study, we investigated electrodialysis as a potential acid removable technique. Our studies have show a rapid and significant reduction in chloride and fluoride concentrations in the feed solution, while generating a relatively small volume of concentrated waste water. Electrodialysis has shown significant promise as the primary separation technique in ISRU water purification processes.

Technology Portfolio System↗
DOE OSTI2022

Novel Approaches to the Isolation of Glucaric Acid from Fermentation Broth. Final report

Kalion has successfully demonstrated a fermentation route using glucose as the feedstock. This game-changing technology allows Kalion to economically produce large-scale quantities of high-purity glucaric acid products. Kalion has also developed a novel downstream processing strategy for isolating and purifying glucaric acid forms, including the free acid, monoammonium glucarate, and monopotassium glucarate. Despite the low solubility of these products, significant water removal is needed prior to crystallization, requiring energy intensive evaporation or reverse osmosis. Here, we work in collaboration with the Separations Consortium to develop novel, low-cost means of water removal in Kalion’s glucarate/glucaric acid purification process. This proposed CRADA project with national labs (ORNL, ANL, and NREL) evaluated various technologies developed by the Separations Consortium as applied to glucaric acid purification, intended to generate a scalable, cost-effective, energy-efficient process. Four approaches were evaluated with mock aqueous solutions of glucaric acid or glucarate, and the results analyzed with respect to separation effectiveness and potential cost savings. The leading technology will then be further developed and tested with actual clarified or non-clarified broth (depending on the approach) obtained from 20L fermentations provided by Kalion, that will contain inorganic ions, byproducts, and residual sugars in addition to the product.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1976

Hydrogen as an energy medium

Coal, though abundant in certain geographical locations of the USA poses environmental problems associated with its mining and combustion. Also, nuclear fission energy appears to have problems regarding safety and radioactive waste disposal that are as yet unresolved. The paper discusses hydrogen use and market projection along with energy sources for hydrogen production. Particular attention is given to hydrogen production technology as related to electrolysis and thermochemical water decomposition. Economics of hydrogen will ultimately be determined by the price and availability of future energy carriers such as electricity and synthetic natural gas. Thermochemical methods of hydrogen production appear to offer promise largely in the efficiency of energy conversion and in capital costs over electrolytic methods.

Cox, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Information Technology Support in the 8000 Directorate

My summer internship was spent supporting various projects within the Environmental Management Office and Glenn Safety Office. Mentored by Eli Abumeri, I was trained in areas of Information Technology such as: Servers, printers, scanners, CAD systems, Web, Programming, and Database Management, ODIN (networking, computers, and phones). I worked closely with the Chemical Sampling and Analysis Team (CSAT) to redesign a database to more efficiently manage and maintain data collected for the Drinking Water Program. This Program has been established for over fifteen years here at the Glenn Research Center. It involves the continued testing and retesting of all drinking water dispensers. The quality of the drinking water is of great importance and is determined by comparing the concentration of contaminants in the water with specifications set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and its 1986 and 1991 amendments. The Drinking Water Program consists of periodic testing of all drinking water fountains and sinks. Each is tested at least once every 2 years for contaminants and naturally occurring species. The EPA's protocol is to collect an initial and a 5 minute draw from each dispenser. The 5 minute draw is what is used for the maximum contaminant level. However, the CS&AT has added a 30 second draw since most individuals do not run the water 5 minutes prior to drinking. This data is then entered into a relational Microsoft Access database. The database allows for the quick retrieval of any test@) done on any dispenser. The data can be queried by building number, date or test type, and test results are documented in an analytical report for employees to read. To aid with the tracking of recycled materials within the lab, my help was enlisted to create a database that could make this process less cumbersome and more efficient. The date of pickup, type of material, weight received, and unit cost per recyclable. This information could then calculate the dollar amount generated by the recycling of certain materials. This database will ultimately prove useful in determining the amounts of materials consumed by the lab and will help serve as an indicator potential overuse.

FROM↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling Electrolytic O2 Recovery from Metabolic CO2 for Advanced Closed Loop Life Support Systems in Extraterrestrial Human Missions

The International Space Station (ISS) is currently equipped with a complex, heavy, and power consuming system that recovers approximately 50% of O2 from metabolic CO2. Future long duration human missions to the Moon and Mars will necessitate a sustainable and highly efficient metabolic oxygen recovery system capable of yielding a minimum of 75% O2 recovery. A Macrofluidic Electrochemical Reactor (MFECR) technology development effort is currently underway at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to significantly increase current metabolic O2 recovery efficiency, expand mission sustainability, and reduce complexity of the system. The novel design combines CO2 conversion to O2 along with C2H4 as byproduct and water electrolysis (currently conducted in two separate units) into a single compact unit that runs at standard conditions and is theoretically capable of generating O2 with a theoretical maximum metabolic CO2 conversion of 73% while consuming less than metabolic water. This paper presents a comprehensive multi-physic 3D model developed at MSFC on CO2 conversion to O2 and C2H4 at standard conditions via MFECR. The 3D spatial domain of the model is a replica of the actual MFECR’s 3D drawing generated for the MFECR fabrication and operated to recover O2 from CO2 yielding C2H4 as byproduct. Electrochemical (EC) physics that includes EC multicomponent reaction mechanisms, mass transport, and electrical current density distributions is coupled in the model with all the other physics phenomena involved in the MFECR’s process, such as two-phase flow, free and porous fluid regimes, multicomponent mass transfer, heat transfer, and DC electrical current generation along with Joule heating effect. The EC reaction sections of the MFECR consists of two porous gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) and an electrolyte serpentine channel sandwiched in the middle. The CO2 feeds the cathode serpentine channel and part of the O2 product is fed back to the anode serpentine chamber. An alkaline solution feeds the electrolyte serpentine chamber wetting the GDEs of both, the anode and cathode allowing the OH- ionic transport between them. The EC reactions in the cathode’s GDE yield C2H4 from CO2 and H2 from water while the EC reaction in the anode’s GDE yields O2. The authors will present in this paper the validation of the model using experimental data and the utilization of the validated model in building a reliable simulator that will not only assist the authors on the MFECR design but also the optimization of its operation in the ISS and future spatial human missions.

Jesus A Dominguez↗
NASA NTRS1990

The BioHome: A spinoff of space technology

The discussion of the BioHome is prefaced with some information about the work done at the environmental lab over the past 15 years concerning environmental issues related to biological life support such as the use of water hyacinths for wastewater purification, artificial marshes, indoor polluted air revitalization, and the reduction of organic contaminants using a biological system comprised of plants and microorganisms. One of the main concerns, especially with respect to a closed environment, is whether or not these systems are expelling microorganisms into the air. Analyses are being conducted to determine the numbers and types of microbes that are emitted. The BioHome is a 650 sq ft habitat that will enable the evaluation of the efficiency of bioregenerative technology in a closed system. This BioHome system is described and its functions discussed.

Johnson, Anne↗
DOE OSTI2025

Comparing Advanced Bipolar Membranes for High-Current Electrodialysis and Membrane Electrolysis

Advanced bipolar membranes (BPMs) with low water-dissociation overpotential (ηwd) may enable new electrochemical technologies for electrolysis, fuel cells, acid–base synthesis, brine remediation, lithium-battery recycling, and cement production. However, these advanced BPMs have only been demonstrated in BPM water electrolysis (BPMWE) configurations where the BPM is under static compression by the porous-transport layers. It is important to study these BPMs in applications like electrodialysis where large degrees of static compression are not possible. We present a BPM electrodialysis (BPMED) platform to measure water-dissociation overpotential (ηwd) and compare BPMWE and BPMED systems. We show advanced BPMs with half the ηwd compared to commercial BPMs for BPMED while maintaining ∼90% current efficiency from 0.05–0.5 A cm–2. The BPMED ηwd values are, however, about 0.2 V higher at 0.5 A cm–2 than those for BPMWE. Regardless, these results show that BPMs developed and optimized in BPMWE applications are well-suited for next-generation high-current-density BPMED technologies.

Vulpin, Olivia T↗
DOE OSTI2021

2020 Cost Analysis of Hydropower Options at Non-Powered Dams

This report provides a cost analysis of potential hydropower development for representative non-powered dam (NPD) sites in the United States. The overarching objective is to support the establishment of a basis for evaluating progress towards improving the competitiveness of new hydropower development for electricity generation. The representative sites, herein referred to as “reference sites”, were selected from sites with detailed water resource data to support the cost analysis. Facility designs, capital costs, plant generation and efficiency profiles, capacity factors, and levelized costs of energy (LCOE) are presented for the sites under baseline and near-term innovation cases. The baseline case represents facility configurations using technologies that are already widely applied in the hydropower industry, whereas near-term innovations are technologies likely to reach wide acceptance within the next 5 to 10 years. Cost savings in the near-term relative to the baseline are discussed to illustrate the potential benefits to the hydropower industry from research and development (R&D) and adoption of these innovations. Medium- to long-term innovation options expected from ongoing private and government R&D efforts are also highlighted but are not quantified in this report because of a current lack of complete information on these options. The key findings of the cost analysis in this study imply that near-term innovations could reduce the baseline costs of hydropower development at US NPD sites. Thus, if remaining R&D issues with these near-term innovations can be resolved within the next 5 to 10 years, industry-wide adoption of these technologies and improved competitiveness of NPD hydropower development can be expected. Specific key findings of the analysis include the following: 1) Potential installed capacity at the NPD sites evaluated in this study vary from 200 kW to 70 MW, representing two orders of magnitude variation across nearly 20 sites; 2) Capital costs, not including development costs, for the sites evaluated in this study vary from $2,200/kW to $34,000/kW but are below $12,000/kW for most sites; 3) Baseline LCOE estimates for lake dams are from $79/MWh to $790/MWh with most sites under $400/MWh, whereas estimates for lock dams are from $134/MWh to $289/MWh with most sites under $200/MWh; 4) Reductions in capital cost per kilowatt under the near-term innovation case are from −77% to −14% for lake dams and −21% to −2.1% for lock dams (excluding one site with a 14% increase in per-kilowatt capital costs); 5) Combined changes in capital costs and capacity factors in the near-term case relative to the baseline lead to reductions in LCOE of −71% to −14% for lake dams and −21% to −14% for lock dams; 6) Overall, LCOE reductions lead to 8 of the 18 sites under the near-term case having LCOE values below $150/MWh compared with only 2 of 18 sites in the baseline case.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Risk-informed Hierarchical Control of Behind-the-Meter DERs with AMI Data Integration (Final Technical Report)

This project addresses several key barriers to implement the next generation demand response applications and provides a clear understanding of implementing hierarchical and standalone control using AMI data. Through this program, Eaton has developed and tested a meter-as-a-controller prototype with the help of other partners--- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Pecan St Inc. (PSI), and Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC). The controller can utilize residential controllable loads such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioner (HVAC), electric water heater and distributed energy resources like solar PV and battery energy storage systems for off-setting the demand that is required from the grid, thus providing reliable grid-services for demand reduction or peak shaving. The controller is also capable of coordinating the resources of the premises for better management and energy efficiency while meeting the comfort bound of the premises owner as quality-of-service. The development has been demonstrated in a three virtual-home setup at system performance lab of NREL with real appliances (HVAC, electric water heater, solar PV, and battery). The technology has also been proved through laboratory and field demonstration with successful interconnectivity (e.g., end-to-end communication and data exchange) between the residential appliances and utility through the RF network at Delaware Electric Co-op (DEC) in Delaware.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1977

Status of the DOE (STOR)-sponsored national program on hydrogen production from water via thermochemical cycles

The program structure is presented. The activities of the thermochemical cycles program are grouped according to the following categories: (1) specific cycle development, (2) support research and technology, (3) cycle evaluation. Specific objectives and status of on-going activities are discussed. Chemical reaction series for the production of hydrogen are presented. Efficiency and economic evaluations are also discussed.

Baker, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Ranger's Legacy

With its Landsat satellites, development of sensors, and advancement of processing techniques, NASA provided the initial technology base for another Earth-benefit application of image processing, Earth resources survey by means of remote sensing. Since each object has its own unique "signature," it is possible to distinguish among surface features and to generate computer-processed imagery identifying specific features of importance to resource managers. This capability, commercialized by Perceptive Scientific Instruments, Inc., offers practical application in such areas as agricultural crop forecasting, rangeland and forest management, land use planning, mineral and petroleum exploration, map making, water quality evaluation and disaster assessment. Major users of the technology have been federal, state, and local governments, but it is making its way into commercial operations, for example, resource exploration companies looking for oil, gas and mineral sources, and timber production firms seeking more efficient treeland management. Supporting both government and private users is a small industry composed of companies producing the processing hardware software. As is the case in the medical application, many of these companies are direct offspring of NASA's work.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2015

Characterization of Carbon Particulates in the Exit Flow of a Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly (PPA) Reactor

The ISS presently recovers oxygen from crew respiration via a Carbon Dioxide Reduction Assembly (CRA) that utilizes the Sabatier chemical process to reduce captured carbon dioxide to methane (CH4) and water. In order to recover more of the hydrogen from the methane and increase oxygen recovery, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is investigating a technology, plasma pyrolysis, to convert the methane to acetylene. The Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly (or PPA), achieves 90% or greater conversion efficiency, but a small amount of solid carbon particulates are generated as a side product and must be filtered before the acetylene is removed and the hydrogen-rich gas stream is recycled back to the CRA. In this work, we present the experimental results of an initial characterization of the carbon particulates in the PPA exit gas stream. We also present several potential options to remove these carbon particulates via carbon traps and filters to minimize resupply mass and required downtime for regeneration.

Methane pyrolysis↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Novel Zwitterionic Chromatography Approach to Separate Lithium from Unconventional Resources

Lithium (Li) is a key element for clean energy technologies, and, accordingly, the global lithium demand has been increasing rapidly. Therefore, to meet the Li demand and maintain supply chain stability, it is critical to develop efficient lithium extraction technologies that allow exploitation of unconventional lithium resources, such as geothermal brines and inland brine streams. However, the recovery of Li from these resources is challenging due to low Li concentration, low ratios of Li/Na, Li/Mg, or Li/Ca, and complex feed compositions. To address this, we introduced a new Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process using Zwitterionic Chromatography (ZIC) to separate Li from other salts. Since salts are partitioned on ZIC under water elution, no reagent chemicals are needed, and the Li separation is not limited by the adsorption capacity. We prepared 13 different zwitterionic (ZI) resins to investigate the salt retention on various ZI groups and then screened out promising sorbents for efficient Li separation. It was found that salt retention was synergistically affected by the pore size and ZI configurations. Using carboxybetaine (QAC3CA) sorbents, multicomponent separations showed that Li can be partitioned from divalent salts or Na with selectivities of 1.8 or 1.9, respectively. Although the selectivity is relatively low, in real brine tests, Li was separated from Ca and Mg with 79.2 % yield, showing the potential for a continuous process to achieve high productivity and high yield. Simulation studies suggest the salt elution mechanism is related to the hydration reaction energy and the effective hydrated radius of cations.

critical minerals↗
DOE OSTI2024

Increasing Main Cooler Thermal Performance for sCO2 Power Cycles

Increasing sCO2 power cycle cooler performance will increase the efficiency and lower the cost of electricity for sCO2 power cycles. This work considered the heat transfer performance of two counter-flow, shell-and-tube heat exchangers using local measurements. The heat exchangers were constructed using commercial tubing. One heat exchanger was constructed with a conventional, smooth inner tube (7 mm nominal inner diameter). The other was constructed with an additively manufactured tube with a square cross section and angled rib turbulators. For the present study, the measured Nusselt number was 30% less than the Dittus-Boelter correlation. The decrease was attributed to heat transfer degradation. The cooler performance was also reported as heat exchanger effectiveness. A factor of two improvement in Nusselt number (94%) relative to smooth conventional tubes was observed, indicating that heat transfer enhancement features (such as the ribs) are a suitable technology to overcome heat transfer degradation in sCO2 coolers. Trends in heat exchanger effectiveness indicated that the ribs were most beneficial when the water flow rates were at the low end of the range considered: 0.016 – 0.126 kg/s. Using results from prior system modeling, it is anticipated that adding heat transfer enhancement features in a cycle cooler will increase the sCO2 cycle efficiency by 0.34 percentage points.

Searle, Matthew↗
NASA NTRS1986

Air Evaporation closed cycle water recovery technology - Advanced energy saving designs

The Air Evaporation water recovery system is a visible candidate for Space Station application. A four-man Air Evaporation open cycle system has been successfully demonstrated for waste water recovery in manned chamber tests. The design improvements described in this paper greatly enhance the system operation and energy efficiency of the air evaporation process. A state-of-the-art wick feed design which results in reduced logistics requirements is presented. In addition, several design concepts that incorporate regenerative features to minimize the energy input to the system are discussed. These include a recuperative heat exchanger, a heat pump for energy transfer to the air heater, and solar collectors for evaporative heat. The addition of the energy recovery devices will result in an energy reduction of more than 80 percent over the systems used in earlier manned chamber tests.

Morasko, Gwyndolyn↗