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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 487 records · Page 27

Seasonal trends in photosynthesis and leaf traits in scarlet oak

Understanding seasonal variation in photosynthesis is important for understanding and modelling plant productivity. Here, we used shotgun sampling to examine physiological, structural and spectral leaf traits of upper canopy, sun-exposed leaves in Quercus coccinea Münchh (scarlet oak) across the growing season in order to understand seasonal trends, explore the mechanisms underpinning physiological change, and investigate the impact of extrapolating measurements from a single date to the whole season. We tested the hypothesis that photosynthetic rates and capacities would peak at the summer solstice i.e., at the time of peak photoperiod. Contrary to expectations, our results reveal a late-season peak in both photosynthetic capacity and rate before the expected sharp decrease at the start of senescence. This late-season maximum occurred after the higher summer temperatures and VPD, and was correlated with the recovery of leaf water content and increased stomatal conductance. We modelled photosynthesis at the top of the canopy and found that the simulated results closely tracked the maximum carboxylation capacity of Rubisco. For both photosynthetic capacity and modelled top-of-canopy photosynthesis, the maximum value was therefore not observed at the summer solstice. Rather, in each case the measurements at and around the solstice were close to the overall seasonal mean, with values later in the season leading to deviations from the mean by up to 41% and 52% respectively. Overall, we found that the expected Gaussian pattern of photosynthesis was not observed. We conclude that an understanding of species- and environment-specific changes in photosynthesis across the season is essential for correct estimation of seasonal photosynthetic capacity.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Distributed Automatic Generation Control Considering DPV Using T&D Dynamic Co-Simulation

The increasing adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) over the last decade warrants a reconsideration of control of generation resources. This paper proposes a distributed Automatic Generation Control (AGC) using transmission-and-distribution (T&D) dynamic co-simulation framework for the efficient DPV frequency regulation services. The co-simulation framework allows AGC units to exchange the information for distributed AGC, based on their adopted communication network topology. As a result, a cost-effective automatic generation control is achieved with DPV and conventional generators. The proposed distributed AGC is based on the gossip algorithm in which the neighboring AGC units share the relevant local information with each other and updates their share of AGC regulation signal. Distributed photovoltaics (DPV) unit contribute to AGC response based on their headroom capacity via DER aggregators. The algorithm is tested on IEEE-14 bus transmission system under conditions of generation failure and random load variation to observe effective frequency regulations service offered by DPVs and other AGC units. The study shows that DPV can effectively participate in AGC with the proposed distributed control framework.

automatic generation control↗

Bidirectional LCC-LCC -Compensated 20 kW Wireless Power Transfer System for Medium-Duty Vehicle Charging

This paper presents the design and demonstration of a bidirectional 20 kW wireless charging system (WCS) with a significantly large airgap (11 inches) and asymmetrical input-output voltage levels. Analytical and experimental sensitivity analyses of the WCS resonant tank were conducted to verify the optimal operating region under the load and frequency variation. The inverter and rectifier were designed with switching components, the charging pads were designed with double-D (DD) coils, and the tuning networks were designed with an LCC-LCC tuning circuit. The grid and vehicle side tuning circuits were designed separately to achieve a ~1:2 gain for the asymmetrical input (800 V dc ) and output (350 V dc ) voltage. The proposed WCS was designed, simulated, and tested to verify the efficiency, power transfer capacity, and sensitivity under load variation. The experimental results show that, at 20-kW output power, the achieved grid to vehicle dc-dc efficiency was 96.1%, and vehicle to grid dc-dc efficiency was 96.2%. The proposed system is the largest-airgap bidirectional WCS with the highest efficiency and power density.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Stabilizing Cathode–Electrolyte Interphase of Nickel-Rich Single-Crystal Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Nickel-rich single-crystal (SC) layered oxides are promising cathode candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high energy density and structural robustness against intergranular cracking. However, their intrinsic surface reactivity with liquid electrolytes accelerates parasitic reactions at the cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI), leading to transition-metal dissolution, gas generation, and impedance buildup. In this work, we synthesized SC-Li x Ni 0.9 Mn 0.05 Co 0.05 O 2 (NMC9055, 1 ≤ x ≤ 1.2) using a eutectic-assisted method and investigated interface stabilization strategies. A nickel-deficient Li x Ni 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC622, 1 ≤ x ≤ 1.2) coating was applied via evaporation-based deposition to suppress CEI degradation pathways. Structural and compositional analyses confirmed uniform shell formation and preserved particle integrity. Half-cell electrochemical testing against lithium metal revealed ∼10% higher capacity retention and improved reversibility compared with pristine SC NMC9055, particularly under high-voltage operation. In conclusion, these results highlight the critical role of controlled surface chemistry in mitigating CEI instability in nickel-rich SC cathodes, offering a pathway toward enabling durable high-energy LIBs.

Coating processes↗

Retro-Commissioning Sensor Suitcase for Energy Efficiency

This project will enable Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to work with industry partner, GreenPath Energy Solutions, joint developers of the Suitcase, to enhance the capabilities and usability of the Retro-Commissioning Sensor Suitcase (hereinafter the Sensor Suitcase or Suitcase), assisting GreenPath to take the Suitcase to market and rapidly expand their market share. The proposed project will specifically focus on 1) adding sensors types to extend the data collection capability and support more building and equipment performance metrics and identification of even more energy saving opportunities, 2) developing algorithms to identify recommendations for the new energy savings opportunities from item 1 and to prototype software modifications implementing them, 3) validating the use of vibration sensors to detect the operating state of a broader set of packaged HVAC equipment (additional capacities, different numbers of stages, etc.) than tested in initial development and modifying the state algorithm and software code, as needed, 4) improving cost-effectiveness in manufacturing the Sensor Suitcase, and 5) additional field testing of the technology in real buildings to more comprehensively validate Suitcase performance and to guide refinement of its capabilities. Project results will position GreenPath, and potential future licensees, to implement the new capabilities developed in this project in GreenPath’s RCx Building Suitcase, increasing its functionality and the savings resulting from its use. These enhancements will increase the value of the Suitcase to users and increase the potential market for its use and impacts in that impact.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Integrated Off-gas System: A Preconceptual Design of an Integrated Off-Gas Treatment System

The U.S. has a vested interest in the advancement of nuclear energy to achieve aggressive net-zero goals, with reprocessing and recycling of used nuclear fuels (UNF) playing a vital role. It will not be possible to meet U.S. regulatory requirements without robust off-gas treatment, so it is crucial to advance treatment technologies to facilitate the design of future reprocessing facilities. For many years, teams of researchers across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory complex have been investigating off-gas treatment technologies for the capture and removal of volatile radionuclides (i.e., 85 Kr, Xe, 14 C, and 129 I) and oxides of nitrogen (NO X ) that are produced from reprocessing. These investigations have been focused on developing individual technologies for the capture of Kr, Xe, iodine, and CO 2 . Capture technologies for each constituent were tested independently from one another by utilizing nonradioactive surrogates to simulate simplified off-gas streams. The tests have been relatively small, laboratory-scale experiments of up to approximately 1 L/minute total gas flow rate. To increase the readiness of these technologies for deployment, an integrated test system with a larger-scale capacity is needed to bridge the gap between promising bench scale and fully scalable UNF reprocessing off-gas treatment. This document contains the goals, design basis, functional requirements, preconceptual design, and cost estimates for an integrated off-gas demonstration system for the capture and removal of NO x , Kr, Xe, CO 2 , and iodine at 10× higher throughput than earlier laboratory studies. The order-of-magnitude cost estimate for this system is approximately $\$$886,000. Next phases include conceptual design, detailed design, fabrication, and commissioning.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Large silver-cadmium technology program

The effects of varying cell design on operation factors on the electrochemical performance of sealed, silver-cadmium cells were determined. A factorial experiment was conducted for all test cells constructed with organic separators. Three operating factors were evaluated: temperature, depth of discharge, and charge rate. The six construction factors considered were separator, absorber, electrolyte quantity, cadmium electrode type, cadmium-to-silver ratio, and auxiliary electrode. Test cells of 4 ampere-hour capacity were fabricated and cycled. The best performing cells, on a 94 minute orbit, at 40% depth of discharge, were those containing silver-treated fibrous sausage casings as the separator, and Teflon-ated, pressed cadmium electrodes. Cycling data of cells with inorganic separators (Astroset) are given. Best performance was shown by cells with nonwoven nylon absorbers. Rigid inorganic separators provided the best barrier to silver migration.

Charlip, S.↗

Detection of moisture and moisture related phenomena from Skylab

The author has identified the following significant results. This is a preliminary report on the ability to detect soil moisture variation from the two different sensors on board Skylab. Initial investigations of S190A and Sl94 Skylab data and ground truth has indicated the following significant results. (1) There was a decrease in Sl94 antenna temperature from NW to SE across the Texas test site. (2) Soil moisture increases were measured from NW to SE across the test site. (3) There was a general increase in precipitation distribution and radar echoes from NW to SE across the site for the few days prior to measurements. This was consistent with the soil moisture measurements and gives more complete coverage of the site. (4) There are distinct variations in soil textures over the test site. This affects the moisture holding capacity of soils and must be considered. (5) Strong correlation coefficients were obtained between S194 antenna temperature and soil moisutre content. As the antenna temperature decreases soil moisture increases. (6) The Sl94 antenna temperature correlated best with soil mositure content in the upper two inches of the soil. A correlation coefficient of .988 was obtained. (7) Sl90A photographs in the red-infrared region were shown to be useful for identification of Abilene clay loam and for determining the distribution of this soil type.

Eagleman, J. R.↗

Temperature rise of installed FCC

Report discusses temperature profiles of installed FCC for wood and tile surfaces. Three-conductor FCC was tested at twice nominal current-carrying capacity over bare floor and under carpet, with result indicating that temperature rise is not a linear function of current with FCC at this level.

Hankins, J. D.↗

Stability of IRA-45 solid amine resin as a function of carbon dioxide absorption and steam desorption cycling

The removal of CO2 from the NASA Space Station's cabin atmosphere, which may be undertaken by a solid-amine water (steam)-desorbed system, is presently evaluated with a view to long-term amine resin stability and adsorption/desorption cycling by means of an automated laboratory flow-testing facility. While the CO2-adsorption capacity of the IRA-45 amine resin used gradually decreased over time, the rate of degradation significantly decreased after the first 10 cycles. Attention is given to the presence (and possible need for removal) of trimethylamine in the process air downstream of the resin bed.

Wood, Peter C.↗

About White Sands Missile Range

Information on the White Sands Missile Range is given in viewgraph form. Navy programs, test sites, rocket programs, research rockets' booster capacity, current boost capabilities, ordnance and payload assembly areas, commercial space launch history and agreements, and lead times are among the topics covered.

Source record↗

Electrical stimulation in exercise training

Electrical stimulation has a long history of use in medicine dating back to 46 A.D. when the Roman physician Largus found the electrical discharge of torpedo fishes useful in the treatment of pain produced by headache and gout. A rival Greek physician, Dioscorides, discounted the value of the torpedo fish for headache relief but did recommend its use in the treatment of hemorrhoids. In 1745, the Leyden jar and various sized electrostatic generators were used to treat angina pectoris, epilepsy, hemiplegia, kidney stones, and sciatica. Benjamin Franklin used an electrical device to treat successfully a young woman suffering from convulsive fits. In the late 1800's battery powered hydroelectric baths were used to treat chronic inflammation of the uterus while electrified athletic supporters were advertised for the treatment of male problems. Fortunately, such an amusing early history of the simple beginnings of electrical stimulation did not prevent eventual development of a variety of useful therapeutic and rehabilitative applications of electrical stimulation. Over the centuries electrical stimulation has survived as a modality in the treatment of various medical disorders with its primary application being in the rehabilitation area. Recently, a surge of new interest in electrical stimulation has been kindled by the work of a Russian sport scientist who reported remarkable muscle strength and endurance improvements in elite athletes. Yakov Kots reported his research on electric stimulation and strength improvements in 1977 at a Canadian-Soviet Exchange Symposium held at Concordia University in Montreal. Since then an explosion of new studies has been seen in both sport science and in medicine. Based upon the reported works of Kots and the present surge of new investigations, one could be misled as to the origin of electrical stimulation as a technique to increase muscle strength. As a matter of fact, electric stimulation has been used as a technique to improve muscle strength for over a century. Bigelow reported in 1894, for example, the use of electrical stimulation on a young man for the purpose of increasing muscle strength. Employing a rapidly alternating sinusoidal induced current and a dynamometer for strength testing, Bigelow reported that the total lifting capacity of a patient increased from 4328 pounds to 4639 pounds after only 25 minutes of stimulation. In 1965, Massey et al. reported on the use of an Isotron electrical stimulator that emitted a high frequency current. Interestingly enough, the frequencies used by Massey et al. and the frequencies used by Bigelow in 1894 were in the same range of frequencies reported by Kots as being the most effective in strength development. It would seem the Russian secret of high frequency electrical stimulation for strength development, then, is not a modern development at all.

Kroll, Walter↗

Alternatives to ozone depleting refrigerants in test equipment

This paper describes the initial results of a refrigerant retrofit project at the Aerospace Guidance and Metrology Center (AGMC) at Newark Air Force Base, Ohio. The objective is to convert selected types of test equipment to properly operate on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) alternative refrigerants, having no ozone depleting potential, without compromising system reliability or durability. This paper discusses the primary technical issues and summarizes the test results for 17 different types of test equipment: ten environmental chambers, two ultralow temperature freezers, two coolant recirculators, one temperature control unit, one vapor degreaser, and one refrigerant recovery system. The postconversion performance test results have been very encouraging: system capacity and input power remained virtually unchanged. In some cases, the minimum operating temperature increased by a few degrees as a result of the conversion, but never beyond AGMC's functional requirements.

Hall, Richard L.↗

Electrical and Thermal Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Cells

The 18,650 type lithium ion cells are characterized by a cell resistance of 130 mOmega, capacity of 1.27 Ah at 25 C, and a mid-discharge voltage of 3.6 V. The capacity loss in the 72-hour stand test was 3.39%. The heat dissipation properties were determined by a radiative calorimeter. During charge, initial endothermic cooling and subsequent exothermic cooling beyond 55% state- of-charge were observed. At C/2 rate of discharge (which is considered medium rate), the heat dissipated was 17 mW/cu cm. The heat dissipation profile during discharge is also unique in the presence of a minimum that is different from that observed for Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and Ni-H2 cells.

Rao. Gopalskrishna M.↗

Electrical and Thermal Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Cells

The 18650 type lithium ion cells are characterized by a cell resistance of 130 m Omega, capacity of 1.27 Ah at 25C, and a mid-discharge voltage of 3.6 V. The capacity loss in the 72-hour stand test was 3.39 percent. The heat dissipation properties were determined by a radiative calorimeter. During charge, initial endothermic cooling and subsequent exothermic cooling beyond 55 percent state-of-charge were observed. At C/2 rate of discharge (which is considered medium rate), the heat dissipated was 17 mW/cc. The heat dissipation profile during discharge is also unique in the presence of a minimum that is different from that observed for Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and Ni-H2 cells.

Vaidyanathan, Hari↗

Effect of Handling, Storage and Cycling on Ni-H2 Cells: Second Plateau Phenomenon

A viewgraph presentation outlines the effects of handling, storing, and cycling of NiH2 cells, particularly the second plateau phenomenon. Details are given on the criteria for cell selection, cell history, the second plateau capacity at C/2 discharge, and cell reversal test conditions. Tables display a gas analysis and nickel precharge.

Vaidyanathan, Hari↗

NiH2 Cycle Life Study

Cycle life studies have been performed at Eagle Picher Technologies (EPT), on HST Mantech design cells with various pedigrees of slurry and dry sinter processed electrodes, to evaluate peak load voltage performance during generic load profile testing. These tests provide information for determining voltage and capacity fade (degradation) mechanisms, and their impact on nickel hydrogen cell cycle life. Comparison of peak load voltage fade, as a function of State of Charge and cycle life, with capacity data from HST indicates that the cycle life limiting mechanism is due to impedance growth, and formation of a second discharge plateau. With a second plateau on discharge, capacity from the cell is still available, but at an unacceptable low voltage of 0.8 V per cell (17.6 V battery). Data shows that cell impedance increases with cycle number and depth of discharge, as expected.

Hollandsworth, Roger P.↗

Biomedical Results of ISS Expeditions 1-12

A viewgraph presentation on biomedical data from International Space Station (ISS) Expeditions 1-12 is shown. The topics include: 1) ISS Expeditions 1-12; 2) Biomedical Data; 3) Physiological Assessments; 4) Bone Mineral Density; 5) Bone Mineral Density Recovery; 6) Orthostatic Tolerance; 7) Postural Stability Set of Sensory Organ Test 6; 8) Performance Assessment; 9) Aerobic Capacity of the Astronaut Corps; 10) Pre-flight Aerobic Fitness of ISS Astronauts; 11) In-flight and Post-flight Aerobic Capacity of the Astronaut Corps; and 12) ISS Functional Fitness Expeditions 1-12.

Fogarty, Jennifer↗