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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Data Analytics and Visualization of Energy Systems for Critical Infrastructure Insights

Modernization of energy systems including transportation facilities provides opportunities for increased efficiency, expansion of commerce and meeting industry and federal goals. A significant increase in electrical demand is projected to meet these needs, which concentrates at facilities such as airports. For example, Xcel Energy working with two airports in their service area recently published information projecting an up to fivefold increase in electricity demand in the next 25 years [1]. Concurrently, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently surveyed 30 commercial service airports identifying more than 300 outages of more than 5 minutes between 2015 and 2022 [2]. Power, reliability, and resilience planning becomes more important to safely maintain operations and the flow of commerce with fewer energy carriers providing necessary energy to safely move passengers and goods. NREL proposes to develop methodologies to allow owners, utilities, and federal agencies to dynamically analyze, forecast, and manage energy loads at airports, focused upon maintaining the flow of commerce in an efficient, sustainable, and resilient way. To address these energy challenges, a suite of technologies and methodologies can be leveraged to validate concepts, inform design, de-risk solutions and optimize energy management during deployment. These technologies include digitalization of energy systems, microgrid methodologies, and related energy technologies for building and vehicle loads. [1] Electrifying Airport Ecosystems - https://www.enterprisemobility.com/content/dam/enterpriseholdings/marketing/innovation-in-mobility/vehicle-innovation/airport-electrification-study-full-report-2024.pdf [2] Airport Infrastructure: Selected Airport's Efforts to Enhance Electrical Resilience https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105203.

critcal infrastructure↗
DOE OSTI2025

Workflow for evaluating enzyme immobilization and performance for continuous flow manufacturing

Enzymes have shown promise in various industries due to their functional specificity, catalytic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. These biological catalysts can be a pivotal component of manufacturing pipelines like continuous flow chemistry. For this, there exists a need to robustly immobilize enzymes on solid supports and assess the effects of the solid supports on catalytic performance and stability. Here, we use an industrially relevant model enzyme, C. ensiformis (Jack bean) urease, to demonstrate immobilization and assess performance in the context of continuous flow manufacturing. Various immobilization strategies were screened focusing on immobilization efficiency, protocol simplicity, and urease biocatalyst kinetics. Based on this, CDI-agarose and NHS-agarose resins were identified as the best-performing immobilization strategies for urease. CDI-agarose-urease and NHS-agarose-urease were then scaled up and applied to a large-scale continuous flow reactor to evaluate product yields, operational stability, and long-term stability. These experiments identified differences in stability and performance depending on the immobilization method tested. This highlights the importance of screening immobilization methods and subsequent enzyme performance for each candidate biocatalyst used in manufacturing to promote optimal performance and stability. As such, this work provides a framework for evaluating enzyme biocatalyst immobilization approaches to improve performance and enable transition into industrial processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1978

Projected role of advanced computational aerodynamic methods at the Lockheed-Georgia company

Experience with advanced computational methods being used at the Lockheed-Georgia Company to aid in the evaluation and design of new and modified aircraft indicates that large and specialized computers will be needed to make advanced three-dimensional viscous aerodynamic computations practical. The Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility should be used to provide a tool for designing better aerospace vehicles while at the same time reducing development costs by performing computations using Navier-Stokes equations solution algorithms and permitting less sophisticated but nevertheless complex calculations to be made efficiently. Configuration definition procedures and data output formats can probably best be defined in cooperation with industry, therefore, the computer should handle many remote terminals efficiently. The capability of transferring data to and from other computers needs to be provided. Because of the significant amount of input and output associated with 3-D viscous flow calculations and because of the exceedingly fast computation speed envisioned for the computer, special attention should be paid to providing rapid, diversified, and efficient input and output.

Lores, M. E.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Expanding the Knock/Emissions/Misfire Limits for the Realization of Ultra-Low Emissions, High Efficiency Heavy Duty Natural Gas Engines

The Vehicle Technologies Office funds early-stage, high-risk research to develop technology upon which industry can implement innovative transportation energy technologies that increase efficiency, decrease cost, and expand use of domestic energy sources, such as natural gas (NG). To improve the viability of medium and heavy-duty vehicles the natural gas engine efficiency must be closer to that of diesel. This work addresses fundamental limitations to achieve diesel-like efficiencies in heavy duty on-road natural gas engines. The primary goal of this research is to achieve diesel-like efficiencies in heavy duty on-road NG engines, focusing on the Cummins 15 liter engine platform (baseline diesel efficiency of 44% at peak torque). That goal has been achieved, though more work is needed to facilitate practical implementation of the developed technologies.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
NASA NTRS1991

Catalysis and biocatalysis program

The annual report presents the fiscal year (FY) 1990 research activities and accomplishments for the Catalysis and Biocatalysis Program of the Advanced Industrial Concepts Division (AICD), Office of Industrial Technologies of the Department of Energy (DOE). The mission of the AICD is to create a balanced program of high risk, long term, directed interdisciplinary research and development that will improve energy efficiency and enhance fuel flexibility in the industrial sector. The Catalysis and Biocatalysis Program's technical activities were organized into five work elements: the Molecular Modeling and Catalysis by Design element; the Applied Microbiology and Genetics element; the Bioprocess Engineering element; the Separations and Novel Chemical Processes element; and the Process Design and Analysis element.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2023

Design of a Nanophotonic Hybrid Coupler

This project aims to design and simulate a nanophotonic hybrid coupler for detecting vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light with higher efficiency. VUV light is of significant interest because of its applications ranging from high energy physics to space science and electronic industry. However, current VUV photodetectors have very low efficiencies because most materials absorb in the VUV region (100-200 nm). To address this challenge, I have designed a plasmonic-dielectric coupler with wavelength shifting properties, enabling high Purcell enhancement and far-field confinement. The coupler consists of a cylindrical cSi resonator on top of a thin ZnO layer, and Ag and SiO2 are used as substrates. Simulations are done using the finite-difference time domain method to solve Maxwell’s equations, and specifically with Meep and Lumerical. The effectiveness of the coupler is characterized by the Purcell factor and far-field radiation. The Purcell factor reaches a maximum near 390 nm and is in the o rder of 10^4. Furthermore, the coupler also allows partial control of the directionality of the far-field radiation. With the presence of the resonator, the radiation is directed towards the coupled metalens. Overall, our design combines the advantages of plasmonic and dielectric couplers, along with the intrinsic wavelength shifting properties of materials to enhance VUV detection significantly, and such a device can be used in, for example, the DUNE project.

Zhou, Jiayang↗
NASA NTRS1984

Biocatalyzed processes for production of commodity chemicals: Assessment of future research advances for N-butanol production

This report is a summary of assessments by Chem Systems Inc. and a further evaluation of the impacts of research advances on energy efficiency and the potential for future industrial production of acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) solvents and other products by biocatalyzed processes. Brief discussions of each of the assessments made by CSI, followed by estimates of minimum projected energy consumption and costs for production of solvents by ABE biocatalyzed processes are included. These assessments and further advances discussed in this report show that substantial decreases in energy consumption and costs are possible on the basis of specific research advances; therefore, it appears that a biocatalyzed process for ABE can be developed that will be competitive with conventional petrochemical processes for production of n-butanol and acetone. (In this work, the ABE process was selected and utilized only as an example for methodology development; other possible bioprocesses for production of commodity chemicals are not intended to be excluded.) It has been estimated that process energy consumption can be decreased by 50%, with a corresponding cost reduction of 15-30% (in comparison with a conventional petrochemical process) by increasing microorganism tolerance to n-butanol and efficient recovery of product solvents from the vapor phase.

Ingham, J. D.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Effects of Residual DMSO Adduct on Photonically Cured MAPbI 3 Solar Cells

Defects and impurities in halide perovskite solar cells can negatively impact device performance and long-term stability. In this study, we identify photonically cured methylammonium (MA) lead iodide films contain a residual adduct, MA 2 Pb 3 I 8 (dimethyl sulfoxide) 2 (MA 2 Pb 3 I 8 (DMSO) 2 ), that reduces photocurrent generation in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This is evidenced by a decrease in the external quantum efficiency (EQE) near 400 nm. Similar EQE reductions were observed in PSCs produced using high-speed processes but have not been thoroughly examined. Through X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, we establish the photo-inactive MA 2 Pb 3 I 8 (DMSO) 2 as the culprit for the EQE reduction. Combined experimental and simulation results reveal that the MA 2 Pb 3 I 8 (DMSO) 2 phase is located at the hole transport layer/ interface, not on the surface, resulting in lower quantum efficiency and surface photovoltage in the short wavelength region. The residual adduct is kinetically trapped due to the short processing time (20 ms) and crystallization direction but can be removed by an additional photonic pulse. Furthermore, this study highlights the need for careful examination of resulting materials beyond device efficiency when transitioning from laboratory processing to industrial high-speed methods.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Flows Through Industry Tool

As next-generation technologies gain traction and change the marketplace, they allow the U.S. manufacturing sector to steadily evolve. However, they may be more energy and emissions intensive than current technologies. That’s why the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the Materials Flows through Industry (MFI) tool to help manufacturers stay efficient and sustainable.

advanced manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2022

Transforming Energy Through Sustainable Mobility: Expanding Low-Carbon Transportation R&D Solutions

As the nation's premier laboratory for cutting-edge transportation decarbonization research and development solutions, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) pioneers the creation and deployment of sustainable mobility technologies and strategies, with a focus on slashing transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change. Trucks, planes, cargo ships, and other difficult-to-decarbonize vehicles are part of this essential transition for the transportation sector, which is currently the nation's largest source of the greenhouse gas emissions. NREL provides the scientific building blocks needed to spur innovation through multifaceted analysis, research, and engineering. This work acts as a catalyst to help industry bring affordable, high-performance, energy-efficient, and low-emission modes of transport and related infrastructure to market sooner. Our researchers collaborate closely with academic, government, and industry partners to design better batteries, drivetrains, and engines. They develop technologies for high-power charging, thermal management, energy storage, and power electronics. They are also reimagining fuels and combustion while creating sustainable lightweight materials. Unbiased expert guidance - backed by credible data and analysis, tools, and scientific rigor - empowers partners to make informed decisions about sustainable transportation. NREL recognizes that communities with limited mobility options face reduced access to employment opportunities, health care, and education, lowering overall quality of life. Alongside partners, NREL experts are creating transportation solutions that meet community-identified needs and increase mobility equity in historically underserved and overburdened communities. Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all solution, we take an interdisciplinary approach to mobility equity that considers the needs and challenges of diverse groups, maximizing benefits at the individual, community, and societal levels.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Corrosion evaluation of metal foams in eutectic molten salts for high temperature latent heat energy storage application

High-temperature Thermal Energy Storage (TES) has drawn great attention as a technology that can increase the role and profitability of micro nuclear reactors in the decentralized clean energy market. Various research needs have been proposed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in "the Integrated Energy Systems: 2020 Roadmap" with the goal of utilizing the high temperature of 550 degrees or more generated in the 4th generation reactor to industrial purposes from the standpoint of integrated energy systems [1]. With the recent development of the 4th generation nuclear power plant, including micro nuclear reactor, there is a great deal of interest in researching how to efficiently couple a heat source to an industrial process through thermal processing. Texas A&M University (TAMU) and INL are currently collaborating to develop a novel latent heat storage design called HITB (Heat pipe-Integrated Thermal Battery). As part of the small-scale experimental demonstration research for HITB, a study for storage medium selection was conducted at TAMU. Eutectic salts have attracted interest as high-temperature heat storage medium for HITB. Especially, chloride molten salts and fluoride molten salts are considered promising candidates due to their high melting temperature, thermal stability, and high latent heat of fusion. Since eutectic salts have poor thermal conductivity in general, it is critical to distribute materials with high thermal conductivity evenly to facilitate the charging and discharging of heat. In this study, metal foam was considered in the HITB system to overcome the poor heat transfer characteristics of eutectic salts. In order to improve heat transfer, it is necessary to study materials with high thermal conductivity, corrosion resistant to molten salts, such as fins, extended surfaces, particles, microcapsulation, or foam structure. Porous structure of copper or aluminum can increase heat transfer area, form a thermal transfer network, and increase the effective thermal conductivity of thermal storage medium [2]. Since the melting temperature is required to be at least 450? in the current HITB design, various eutectic salts are being considered. FLiNaK and FLiBe, which are famous for fluoride salts, are good candidates, but due to the sharp rise in the price of LiF recently, they are excluded for economic reasons to be applied to large-capacity thermal energy storage. On the other hand, chloride salts are very cheap and easy to obtain, have a high melting temperature, and have a high latent heat of fusion, so they are recently in the spotlight as a phase change material. However, because of the hygroscopic nature of chloride salts, HCl gas due to impurity is easy to be released and is particularly vulnerable to corrosion. Chloride eutectic salts have been tested and suggested for metal alloys that are particularly resistant to corrosion, such as SS304, SS316, Hastelloy, Inconel 625, Incoloy 800H, which has low thermal conductivity, and is very expensive [3-6]. Porous materials with high thermal conductivity such as copper and aluminum have been tested for stability in fluids such as paraffin or water as metal foam or metal fin structures, but high temperature corrosion tests were not performed on various eutectic salts yet. Therefore, this study investigated the high temperature corrosion characteristics of metal alloys, such as C10100 foam, C10100 plate, 6101 alloy foam, and SS316 plate, while immersed in the candidate eutectic salts. A total of 20 tests for SS316 coupons and 10 tests for C10100 coupons were performed to ensure the repeatability of the present measurements. Since it is difficult to completely remove the salt inside metal foam due to the complex inner structure of the metal foam, only the surface condition was observed with a microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image, except for measuring the corrosion rate and average mass loss.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1998

The NASA Low-Pressure Turbine Flow Physics Program

An overview of the NASA Lewis Low-Pressure Turbine (LPT) Flow Physics Program will be presented. The program was established in response to the aero-engine industry's need for improved LPT efficiency and designs. Modern jet engines have four to seven LPT stages, significantly contributing to engine weight. In addition, there is a significant efficiency degradation between takeoff and cruise conditions, of up to 2 points. Reducing the weight and part count of the LPT and minimizing the efficiency degradation will translate into fuel savings. Accurate prediction methods of LPT flows and losses are needed to accomplish those improvements. The flow in LPT passages is at low Reynolds number, and is dominated by interplay of three basic mechanisms: transition, separation and wake interaction. The affecting parameters traditionally considered are Reynolds number, freestream turbulence intensity, wake frequency parameter, and the pressure distribution (loading). Three-dimensional effects and additional parameters, particularly turbulence characteristics like length scales, spectra and other statistics, as well as wake turbulence intensity and properties also play a role. The flow of most interest is on the suction surface, where large losses are generated as the flow tends to separate at the low Reynolds numbers. Ignoring wakes, a common flow scenario, there is laminar separation, followed by transition on the separation bubble and turbulent reattachment. If transition starts earlier the separation will be eliminated and the boundary layer will be attached leading to the well known bypass transition issues. In contrast, transition over a separation bubble is closer to free shear layer transition and was not investigated as well, particularly in the turbine environment. Unsteadiness created by wakes complicates the picture. Wakes induce earlier transition, and the calmed regions trailing the induced turbulent spots can delay or eliminate separation via shear stress modification. Three-dimensional flow physics and geometry will have strong effects. Altogether a very complex and challenging problem emerges. The objective of the program is to provide improved models and physical understanding of the complex flow, which are essential for accurate prediction of flow and losses in the LPT. Experimental, computational and analytical work as complementing and augmenting approaches are used. The program involves industry, universities and research institutes, and other government laboratories. It is characterized by strong interaction among participants, quick dissemination of results, and responsiveness to industry's needs. The presentation will describe the work elements. Highlighting some activities in progress are experiments on simulated blade suction surface in low-speed wind tunnels, on curved wall, and on a flat-plate, both with pressure gradient. In the area of computation, assessment of existing models is performed using RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes) simulations. Laminar flow DNS was completed. Analytical studies of instability and receptivity in attached and separated flows were started. In the near future the program is moving to include wake effects and development of improved modeling. Experimental work in preparation stages are: (1) Addition of wakes to the curved tunnel experiment; (2) Low-speed rotating rig experiment on GE90 engine LPT; and (3) Transonic cascade. In the area of computation, it is expected to move from model assessment towards development of improved models. In addition, a new project of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of LPT is to begin and will provide numerical data bases. It is planned to implement the emerging improved models in a multistage turbomachinery code and to validate against the GE90 engine LPT.

Ashpis, David E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

The Impacts of Developing a Port Network for Floating Offshore Wind Energy on the West Coast of the United States

Floating offshore wind is a pre-commercial industry with the potential for significant market growth on the U.S. West Coast in the near future; however, significant investment in port infrastructure will be required to enable the industry to progress from demonstration projects to efficient and cost effective commercial deployment. Developing a system of ports that can enable commercial-scale floating wind development on the West Coast of the United States will require significant levels of funding and coordination between governments, industry, ports, and local communities. A critical first step to strategically planning these resources is understanding the number of ports (and associated investment) that would be required to support different phases of offshore wind projects, including manufacturing, installation, and operation. But simply tallying up these costs is not sufficient to understand how a robust network of ports could impact local communities, the environment, workforce development, the offshore wind industry, and the West Coast region as a whole. In this report, the authors present analyses and perspectives related to port development in California, Oregon, and Washington. We describe the requirements for floating offshore wind ports that conduct manufacturing, installation, and/or service activities, and estimate the investment and time frames required to construct these ports at suitable locations in West Coast states. We develop indicators for the vulnerability and workforce accessibility of coastal communities and consider the potential risks and benefits associated with port development in these locations. We model how the proximity of an offshore wind project to installation and operations ports can impact the levelized cost of energy of the project, and then consider how these costs could be affected by local or foreign supply chains. We build upon these analyses to develop scenarios with increasing levels of offshore wind deployment and port assets on the West Coast and show how these ports could enable deployment goals to be achieved. Finally, we draw upon outreach with key floating wind stakeholders to summarize five key challenges that will need to be overcome to develop a comprehensive port network, and present potential approaches that could help to address these obstacles.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Low-cost Retrofit Kit for Integral Reciprocating Compressors (IRCs) to Reduce Emissions and Enhance Efficiency

Methane emissions from natural gas engines within the oil and gas industry pose a significant environmental challenge, contributing approximately 34.1 MMTCO2 eq to the total of 239 MMTCO2 eq of methane emissions in 2021, according to the EPA report. In response to this pressing issue, a collaborative effort involving the University of Oklahoma and key industry partners—WAGO Automation, Mid Continental Rental, Elipsa, and Perscient—has resulted in the development of a retrofit kit designed to reduce emissions from integral reciprocating compressors (IRCs), which are integrated compressors and engines. The retrofit kit developed comprises an Air Management System (AMS), Integrated Sensors, and a Cloud-Connected Control Unit with Graphical User Interface (GUI)/Human-Machine Interface (HMI). This solution enhances operational efficiency, reduces emissions, and expands the operational envelope of IRCs in the natural gas industry. The project successfully completed all tasks, including the installation of a full-size IRC at a designated site in Oklahoma, the development of an optimized AMS, integration of sensors, and implementation of a data acquisition system. Significant achievements include a notable reduction in CH 4 emissions, up to 84% at specific loads, and the successful deployment of the retrofit kit in diverse field conditions. The system's capabilities were enhanced through the creation of a feedback control algorithm for the AMS using a correlation matrix illustrating relationships between engine parameters, and the design of a predictive and preventive maintenance platform. The project concluded with the deployment of the entire retrofit kit to another location, confirming its effectiveness in reducing emissions and enhancing IRC performance. The comprehensive solution offers valuable benefits for IRCs, making them invaluable assets in the natural gas industry.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Industrial Assessment Center – integration of education and practice. Final progress report

The goal of the DOE’s Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) program is twofold: first, to help US manufacturing competitiveness by providing assessments and recommendations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on energy efficiency, productivity, sustainability and competitiveness – including measuring the impacts of these recommendations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and second, to address a growing shortage of engineering professionals with applied energy and manufacturing-related skills by training a diverse cross-section of engineering students through hands-on involvement in these assessments. IUPUI has an IAC, which was established in 2011, in the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, IUPUI. The IAC has won the awards twice. We have built the center that has the expertise and infrastructure for quality energy assessments to manufactures and commercial building owners and aligned our current research and teaching activities to the DOE’ training mission with programs to train the next generation of industrial energy efficiency experts, with theory and hands-on experience in conducting energy assessment for small and median manufacturing enterprises. We have made recommendations that have the potential to save about $20M annually. We also initiated research projects to meet DOE priorities, specifically in the areas of smart manufacturing and cybersecurity. On the energy assessment side, the Center has provided energy assessments to 144 qualified companies, primarily located in Indiana. On the training side, the center has trained students in various programs, such as the department’s Bachelor of Science (BS) programs in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and BS in Energy Engineering (EEN), both are ABET accredited engineering programs, as well as a graduate level Energy Management and Assessment certificate program. At the present, the center has trained 95 students, 43 or them received the DOE issued certificates. Research projects were developed within the center to advance energy efficiency related technologies, which provided excellent opportunities for our trainees. The center has also been building a professional network with utilities, Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), government agencies, and manufacturing companies, to increase our client base and promote collaborations. The center received the 2019 Center of Excellence of the Year Award and three students received the “Outstanding Achievement in Energy Engineering by an IAC Student” awards in the past five years.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2008

Sensor Applications and Data Validation

The mechanical configuration of automobiles have changed marginally while improvements in sensors and control have dramatically improved engine efficiency, reliability and useful life. The aviation industry has also taken advantage of sensors and control systems to reduce operational costs. Sensors and high fidelity control systems fly planes at levels of performance beyond human capability. Sophisticated environmental controls allow a greater level of comfort and efficiency in our homes. Sensors have given the medical field a better understanding of the human body and the environment in which we live.

Wiley, John↗
NASA NTRS2011

Standards and Specifications for Ground Processing of Space Vehicles: From an Aviation-Based Shuttle Project to Global Application

Proprietary or unique designs and operations are expected early in any industry's development, and often provide a competitive early market advantage. However, there comes a time when a product or industry requires standardization for the whole industry to advance...or survive. For the space industry, that time has come. Here, we will focus on standardization of ground processing for space vehicles and their ground systems. With the retirement of the Space Shuttle, and emergence of a new global space race, affordability and sustainability are more important now than ever. The growing commercialization of the space industry and current global economic environment are driving greater need for efficiencies to save time and money. More RLV's (Reusable Launch Vehicles) are being developed for the gains of reusability not achievable with traditional ELV's (Expendable Launch Vehicles). More crew/passenger vehicles are also being developed. All of this calls for more attention needed for ground processing-repeatedly before launch and after landing/recovery. RLV's should provide more efficiencies than ELV's, as long as MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) is well-planned-even for the unplanned problems. NASA's Space Shuttle is a primary example of an RLV which was supposed to thrive on reusability savings with efficient ground operations, but lessons learned show that costs were (and still are) much greater than expected. International standards and specifications can provide the commonality needed to simplify design and manufacturing as well as to improve safety, quality, maintenance, and operability. There are standards organizations engaged in the space industry, but ground processing is one of the areas least addressed. Challenges are encountered due to various factors often not considered during development. Multiple vehicle elements, sites, customers, and contractors pose various functional and integration difficulties. Resulting technical publication structures and methods are incongruent. Some processing products are still done on paper, some electronic, and many being converted in between. Business systems then are not fully compatible, and paper as well as electronic conversions are time-consuming and costly. NASA and its Shuttle contractors setup rules and systems to handle what has produced over 130 RLV launches, but they have had many challenges. Attempts have been made to apply aviation industry specifications to make the Shuttle more efficient with its ground processing. One efficiency project example was to make a Shuttle Maintenance Manual (SMM) based on the commercial ATA (Air Transport Association of America) Spec 100 for technical publications. This industry standard, along with others, has been a foundation for efficient global MRO of commercial airlines for years. A modified version was also made for some military aircraft. The SMM project found many similarities in Spec 100 which apply to the Shuttle, and room for expansion for space systems/structures not in aircraft. The SMM project team met with the ATA and representatives from NASA's X-33 and X-34 programs to discuss collaboration on a national space standard based on Spec 100. A pilot project was enabled for a subset of Shuttle systems. Full implementation was not yet achieved, X-33 and X-34 were cancelled, and the Shuttles were then designated for retirement. Nonetheless, we can learn from this project how to expand this concept to all space vehicle products. Since then, ATA has joined with ASD (AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe) and AIA (Aerospace Industries Association) to form a much-enhanced and expanded international specification: Sl000D, International Specification for Technical Publications. It includes air, land, and sea vehicles, missiles, support equipment, ordnance, and communications. It is used by a growing number of countries for commercial and government products. Its modular design is supported by a Common Source Dabase (CSDB), and COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) software is available for production of IETP's (Interactive Electronic Technical Publications). A few space industry products in Europe have begun to apply Sl000D already. Also, there are other related standards/specifications which have global implications. We have an opportunity to adapt Sl000D and possibly other standards for use with space vehicles and ground systems. Sl000D has plenty of flexibility to apply to any product needed. To successfully grow the viability of the space industry, all members, commercial and government, will need to engage cooperatively in developing and applying standards to move toward interoperability. If we leverage and combine the best existing space standards and specifications, develop new ones to address known gaps, and adapt the best applicable features from other industries, we can establish an infrastructure to not only accelerate current development, but also build longevity for a more cohesive international space community.

Ingalls, John↗
DOE OSTI2022

Peak Power Minimization for Commercial Thermostatically Controlled Loads in Multi-Unit Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings

The load profiles of most commercial and industrial consumers are characterized by brief periods of very high power consumption followed by intervals of lower demand. To encourage such consumers to flatten their load profiles, power utilities in and around the world often levy a monthly demand charge (DC) on the peak demand measured over brief intervals. In this work, we consider the joint optimization of energy costs (EC) and the instantaneous peak power of a multi-unit building which uses a hydronic heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system and responds to a demand response (DR) program. Despite the non-linear structure of the problem, we show how optimal solutions can be obtained efficiently using linear programming. Next, we study the power demand patterns resulting from our proposed strategy for thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs), and evaluate the strategy’s performance for various climate zones in the US, under both typical and atypical weather conditions. Finally, the results show that depending on the ambient conditions and the tariff structure, our strategy can result in utility bill savings of up to nearly 19% compared to the baseline. The results also indicate that our power control strategy can significantly reduce the instantaneous peak power consumption in commercial TCLs.

HVAC↗