Results for “resource potential” — Page 34

NASA NTRS1975

Application of fuel cells with heat recovery for integrated utility systems

This paper presents the results of a study of fuel cell powerplants with heat recovery for use in an integrated utility system. Such a design provides for a low pollution, noise-free, highly efficient integrated utility. Use of the waste heat from the fuel cell powerplant in an integrated utility system for the village center complex of a new community results in a reduction in resource consumption of 42 percent compared to conventional methods. In addition, the system has the potential of operating on fuels produced from waste materials (pyrolysis and digester gases); this would provide further reduction in energy consumption.

Shields, V.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Program on Earth Observation Data Management Systems (EODMS)

An assessment was made of the needs of a group of potential users of satellite remotely sensed data (state, regional, and local agencies) involved in natural resources management in five states, and alternative data management systems to satisfy these needs are outlined. Tasks described include: (1) a comprehensive data needs analysis of state and local users; (2) the design of remote sensing-derivable information products that serve priority state and local data needs; (3) a cost and performance analysis of alternative processing centers for producing these products; (4) an assessment of the impacts of policy, regulation and government structure on implementing large-scale use of remote sensing technology in this community of users; and (5) the elaboration of alternative institutional arrangements for operational Earth Observation Data Management Systems (EODMS). It is concluded that an operational EODMS will be of most use to state, regional, and local agencies if it provides a full range of information services -- from raw data acquisition to interpretation and dissemination of final information products.

Eastwood, L. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1977

An operational, multistate, earth observation data management system

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a group of potential users of satellite remotely sensed data - state, local, and regional agencies involved in natural resources management. We assess this group's needs in five states and outline alternative data management systems to serve some of those needs. We conclude that an operational Earth Observation Data Management System (EODMS) will be of most use to these user agencies if it provides a full range of information services - from raw data acquisition to interpretation and dissemination of final information products.

Eastwood, L. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Assessment of potential benefits from lunar/Mars propellant production for support of human exploration of the moon and Mars

This paper describes an assessment of potential benefits offered through use of lunar/Mars in situ propellant production to support manned missions to the moon and Mars. Resources available at each location and processing options for their extraction are discussed. Key infrastructure and support systems needed to sustain the propellant production operation and to deliver the propellants from their point of origin to the point of application are defined. The analysis focuses on reductions of earth launched mass over the course of multiple missions to assess the potential savings offered. Initial results show the impact of requirements for sustaining in situ propellant production systems on benefits offered during steady-state operation.

Jacobs, Mark K.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Approaches to resource recovery in controlled ecological life support systems

Recovery of resources from waste streams in a space habitat is essential to minimize the resupply burden and achieve self sufficiency. The ultimate goal of a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) is to achieve the greatest practical level of mass recycle and provide self sufficiency and safety for humans. Several mission scenarios leading to the ultimate application could employ CELSS component technologies or subsystems with initial emphasis on recycle of the largest mass components of the waste stream. Candidate physical/chemical and biological processes for resource recovery from liquid and solid waste streams are discussed and the current fundamental recovery potentials are estimated.

Bubenheim, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Report of the Panel on Computer and Information Technology

Aircraft have become more and more dependent on computers (information processing) for improved performance and safety. It is clear that this activity will grow, since information processing technology has advanced by a factor of 10 every 5 years for the past 35 years and will continue to do so. Breakthroughs in device technology, from vacuum tubes through transistors to integrated circuits, contribute to this rapid pace. This progress is nearly matched by similar, though not as dramatic, advances in numerical software and algorithms. Progress has not been easy. Many technical and nontechnical challenges were surmounted. The outlook is for continued growth in capability but will require surmounting new challenges. The technology forecast presented in this report has been developed by extrapolating current trends and assessing the possibilities of several high-risk research topics. In the process, critical problem areas that require research and development emphasis have been identified. The outlook assumes a positive perspective; the projected capabilities are possible by the year 2000, and adequate resources will be made available to achieve them. Computer and information technology forecasts and the potential impacts of this technology on aeronautics are identified. Critical issues and technical challenges underlying the achievement of forecasted performance and benefits are addressed.

Lundstrom, Stephen F.↗

NASA NTRS2001

A Proposal for an Integrated Geophysical Strategy to "Follow the Water" on Mars

The search for subsurface water has become a primary focus of Mars exploration. Its abundance and distribution (both as ground ice and groundwater) have important implications for understanding the geologic, hydrologic, and climatic evolution of the planet; the potential origin and continued survival of life; and the accessibility of a critical in situ resource for sustaining future human explorers. For these reasons, a principal goal of the Mars science, astrobiology, and the HEDS programs is to determine the 3-D distribution and state of subsurface H2O, at a resolution sufficient to permit reaching any desired volatile target by drilling. The three targets most often discussed are: groundwater, massive deposits of near-surface ground ice (associated with the ponded discharge of the outflow channels or the relic of a former ocean), and ice-saturated frozen ground. Based on the present best estimates of mean annual surface temperature, crustal thermal conductivity, geothermal heat flow, and groundwater freezing temperature, the mean thickness of frozen ground on Mars is expected to vary from approx. = 2.5 - 5 km at the equator to approx. = 6.5 - 13 km at the poles. However, natural variations in both crustal heat flow and thermal conductivity are likely to result in significant local departures from these predicted values. The recent discovery of "young" fluvial-like features, emanating from the slopes of local scarps, raises the possibility that liquid water may also exist episodically at shallow (approx. = 100 - 500 m) depth; however, the true nature and absolute age of these features remains highly uncertain. Although the belief that Mars is water-rich is supported by a wide variety geologic evidence, our ignorance about the heterogeneous nature and thermal evolution of the planet's crust effectively precludes geomorphic or theoretical attempts to quantitatively assess the current geographic and subsurface vertical distribution of ground ice and groundwater . For this reason, any exploration activity (such as drilling) whose success is contingent on the presence of subsurface water, must be preceded by a comprehensive high-resolution geophysical survey capable of assessing whether local reservoirs of water and ice actually exist. Terrestrial experience has demonstrated that the accurate identification of such targets is likely to require the application of multiple geophysical techniques. In this abstract we propose an integrated strategy for the geophysical exploration of Mars that we believe represents the fastest, most cost-effect, and technically capable approach to identifying the state and distribution of subsurface water. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Clifford, S. M.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Microbial Risk Assessment

Historically, microbiological spaceflight requirements have been established in a subjective manner based upon expert opinion of both environmental and clinical monitoring results and the incidence of disease. The limited amount of data, especially from long-duration missions, has created very conservative requirements based primarily on the concentration of microorganisms. Periodic reevaluations of new data from later missions have allowed some relaxation of these stringent requirements. However, the requirements remain very conservative and subjective in nature, and the risk of crew illness due to infectious microorganisms is not well defined. The use of modeling techniques for microbial risk has been applied in the food and potable water industries and has exceptional potential for spaceflight applications. From a productivity standpoint, this type of modeling can (1) decrease unnecessary costs and resource usage and (2) prevent inadequate or inappropriate data for health assessment. In addition, a quantitative model has several advantages for risk management and communication. By identifying the variable components of the model and the knowledge associated with each component, this type of modeling can: (1) Systematically identify and close knowledge gaps, (2) Systematically identify acceptable and unacceptable risks, (3) Improve communication with stakeholders as to the reasons for resource use, and (4) Facilitate external scientific approval of the NASA requirements. The modeling of microbial risk involves the evaluation of several key factors including hazard identification, crew exposure assessment, dose-response assessment, and risk characterization. Many of these factors are similar to conditions found on Earth; however, the spaceflight environment is very specialized as the inhabitants live in a small, semi-closed environment that is often dependent on regenerative life support systems. To further complicate modeling efforts, microbial dose-response characteristics may be affected by a potentially dysfunctional crew immune system during a mission. In addition, microbial virulence has been shown to change under certain conditions during spaceflight, further complicating dose-response characterization. An initial study of the applicability of microbial risk assessment techniques was performed using Crew Health Care System (CHeCS) operational data from the International Space Station potable water systems. The risk of infection from potable water was selected as the flight systems and microbial ecology are well defined. This initial study confirmed the feasibility of using microbial risk assessment modeling for spaceflight systems. While no immediate threat was detected, the study identified several medically significant microorganisms that could pose a health risk if uncontrolled. The study also identified several specific knowledge gaps in making a risk assessment and noted that filling these knowledge gaps is essential as the risk estimates may change by orders of magnitude depending on the answers. The current phase of the microbial risk assessment studies focuses on the dose-response relationship of specific infectious agents, focusing on Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Pseudomonas spp., and Escherichia coli, as their evaluation will provide a better baseline for determining the overall hazard characterization. The organisms were chosen as they either have been isolated on spacecraft or have an identified route of infection during a mission. The characterization will utilize dose-response models selected either from the peer-reviewed literature and/or by using statistical approaches. Development of these modeling and risk assessment techniques will help to optimize flight requirements and to protect the safety, health, and performance of the crew.

Ott, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS2022

Science Objectives for Flagship-Class Mission Concepts for the Search for Evidence of Life at Enceladus

Cassini revealed that Saturn's Moon Enceladus hosts a subsurface ocean that meets the accepted criteria for habitability with bio-essential elements and compounds, liquid water, and energy sources available in the environment. Whether these conditions are sufficiently abundant and collocated to support life remains unknown and cannot be determined from Cassini data. However, thanks to the plume of oceanic material emanating from Enceladus’ south pole, a new mission to Enceladus could search for evidence of life without having to descend through kilometers of ice. In this article, we outline the science motivations for such a successor to Cassini, choosing the primary science goal to be determining whether Enceladus is inhabited and assuming a resource level equivalent to NASA's Flagship-class missions. We selected a set of potential biosignature measurements that are complementary and orthogonal to build a robust case for any life detection result. This result would be further informed by quantifications of the habitability of the environment through geochemical and geophysical investigations into the ocean and ice shell crust. This study demonstrates that Enceladus’ plume offers an unparalleled opportunity for in situ exploration of an Ocean World and that the planetary science and astrobiology community is well equipped to take full advantage of it in the coming decades.

Enceladus↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell as Part of a Predictive Functional Model for Aerospace Fuel-Cell Systems

This paper will discuss initial efforts at modeling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for aerospace applications. Fuel cells historically have been used in spacecraft from the Gemini to the Shuttle era for providing spacecraft power with the added benefit of producing water for crew use. However, there are many potential applications for fuel cells and electrolyzers in spaceflight, including oxygen generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and propellant production. This proof-of-concept model has been developed using a commercial multiphysics modeling software package. Two-dimensional and one-dimensional isothermal models were created based on a certain SOFC design and results were compared to test data from the real system. Local Butler-Volmer kinetic relations were adjusted, and an effective porous medium approach was taken in order to capture how the many interconnects between cells in the gas channels affected fluid flow. The model was able to reproduce polarization curves derived from test data within around 0.02 Volts for a given current density. This model could be adapted to model a solid oxide electrolyzer, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or other type of fuel cell technology in order to understand how these types of technologies could fit into broader spacecraft designs and advance the capabilities of spaceflight systems.

Mary Lou Nadeau↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell as Part of a Predictive Functional Model for Aerospace Fuel-Cell Systems

This paper will discuss initial efforts at modeling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for aerospace applications. Fuel cells historically have been used in spacecraft from the Gemini to the Shuttle era for providing spacecraft power with the added benefit of producing water for crew use. However, there are many potential applications for fuel cells and electrolyzers in spaceflight, including oxygen generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and propellant production. This proof-of-concept model has been developed using a commercial multiphysics modeling software package. Two-dimensional and one-dimensional isothermal models were created based on a certain SOFC design and results were compared to test data from the real system. Local Butler-Volmer kinetic relations were adjusted, and an effective porous medium approach was taken in order to capture how the many interconnects between cells in the gas channels affected fluid flow. The model was able to reproduce polarization curves derived from test data within around 0.02 Volts for a given current density. This model could be adapted to model a solid oxide electrolyzer, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or other type of fuel cell technology in order to understand how these types of technologies could fit into broader spacecraft designs and advance the capabilities of spaceflight systems.

Mary Lou Nadeau↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell as Part of a Predictive Functional Model for Aerospace Fuel-Cell Systems

This paper will discuss initial efforts at modeling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for aerospace applications. Fuel cells historically have been used in spacecraft from the Gemini to the Shuttle era for providing spacecraft power with the added benefit of producing water for crew use. However, there are many potential applications for fuel cells and electrolyzers in spaceflight, including oxygen generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and propellant production. This proof-of-concept model has been developed using a commercial multiphysics modeling software package. Two-dimensional and one-dimensional isothermal models were created based on a certain SOFC design and results were compared to test data from the real system. Local Butler-Volmer kinetic relations were adjusted, and an effective porous medium approach was taken in order to capture how the many interconnects between cells in the gas channels affected fluid flow. The model was able to reproduce polarization curves derived from test data within around 0.02 Volts for a given current density. This model could be adapted to model a solid oxide electrolyzer, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or other type of fuel cell technology in order to understand how these types of technologies could fit into broader spacecraft designs and advance the capabilities of spaceflight systems.

Mary Lou Nadeau↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell as Part of a Predictive Functional Model for Aerospace Fuel-Cell Systems

This paper will discuss initial efforts at modeling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for aerospace applications. Fuel cells historically have been used in spacecraft from the Gemini to the Shuttle era for providing spacecraft power with the added benefit of producing water for crew use. However, there are many potential applications for fuel cells and electrolyzers in spaceflight, including oxygen generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and propellant production. This proof-of-concept model has been developed using a commercial multiphysics modeling software package. Two-dimensional and one-dimensional isothermal models were created based on a certain SOFC design and results were compared to test data from the real system. Local Butler-Volmer kinetic relations were adjusted, and an effective porous medium approach was taken in order to capture how the many interconnects between cells in the gas channels affected fluid flow. The model was able to reproduce polarization curves derived from test data within around 0.02 Volts for a given current density. This model could be adapted to model a solid oxide electrolyzer, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or other type of fuel cell technology in order to understand how these types of technologies could fit into broader spacecraft designs and advance the capabilities of spaceflight systems.

Mary Lou Nadeau↗

NASA NTRS2020

Satellite Beach Energy - Restructuring the Energy Balance in Satellite Beach, Florida, by Quantifying Solar Energy Production Potential using NASA POWER Data Products and LiDAR

The City of Satellite Beach, Florida, has committed to supplying 100% of its energy use from renewable energy, primarily solar, by the year 2050. The team created a methodology for estimating rooftop solar power potential using a high-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) dataset and the NASA Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) dataset to assist Satellite Beach in reaching their solar renewable energy goals. The POWER dataset provides information on direct and diffuse solar irradiation on horizontal surfaces, surface albedo, and effects of local meteorology, such as clouds. The team integrated the solar irradiance data with the LiDAR data to model slope, aspect, and shadowing in the 7 km2 study area to find suitable roof segments for solar panel installation and estimate the solar potential of each segment. This process was supplemented by an analysis of land surface temperature and urban greenness measured through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor (OLI/TIRS) observations. These metrics serve to target areas for cooling initiatives aimed at reducing Satellite Beach’s overall energy consumption. The team found the total rooftop solar potential throughout the city to be 221,919,330KWh per year with an average annual rooftop photovoltaic, or PV, potential of 55,647KWh per building. As such, the average building could generate over five times the annual energy needs for an average household if PV panels were installed on all viable areas of its roof.

Spencer Nelson↗

NASA NTRS1995

Spinoff 1995

Recognizing the great potential of the technology bank, Congress charged NASA with stimulating the widest possible use of this valuable resource in the national interest. NASA's instrument of that purpose is the Technology Transfer Program, which seeks to broaden and accelerate the spinoff process. Its intent is to spur expanded national benefit, in terms of new products and new jobs, by facilitating the commercial application of the technology; it encourages greater use of the storehouse of knowledge by providing a channel linking the technology and those who might be able to put it to advantageous use. In July 1994, NASA implemented an Agenda for Change - a new way of doing business in partnership with the private sector. This Agenda marks the beginning of a new focus to further improve our contributions to America's economic security through the pursuit of aeronautics and space missions. This publication is an implement of the Technology Transfer Program intended to heighten awareness among potential users of the technology available for transfer and the economic and social benefits that might be realized by applications of NASA technology to US commercial interests. Spinoff 1995 is organized in three sections. Section 1 outlines NASA's mainline effort, the major programs that generate new technology and therefore replenish and expand the bank of technical knowledge available for application. Section 2, the focal point of this volume, contains a representative sampling of spinoff products and processes that resulted from applications of technology originally developed to meet NASA aerospace goals. Section 3, describes the various mechanisms NASA employs to stimulate technology transfer and lists, in an appendix, contact sources for further information about the Technology Transfer Program.

Haggerty, James J.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Low Cost Micro-Spectrometer for Resource Mapping on Mars

Scientific measurements within craters and along steep embankments on Mars pose extreme challenges since astronauts and rovers cannot access them. However, these areas offer the potential for thegreatest scientific return. NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has invented a deployable wireless micro-spectrometer [1-13] capable of accessing thosechallenging areas and, using telemetry, send measurements to a receiver safely outside those extreme environments. A prototype of the micro-spectrometer concept was fabricated and successfullytested for measurement of dopamine as a neural probe [14]. The bullet-sized micro-spectrometer concept can be designed for deployment by an astronaut, a rover, an aerial drone, or a lander, and the measurements broadcasted back to a receiver [13,15,16]. This device can also be installed on rovertires, under the astronaut’s boots, or a cane stick. The bullet-like consumable micro-spectrometer can penetrate soil to spectrally identify the components ofthe soil, such as water or minerals. The signals of the soil assay data are transmitted to a mother station through a telemetry system. The LaRC developed micro-spectrometer bullet consists of micro-spectrometer optics with an all imbedded burst-mode LED UV light source, a super-capacitor with control electronics, and telemetry electronics. Prototypes have been fabricated to demonstrate spectral assay of soil components. Further maturation of this technology would be necessary for demonstration on Mars. Future work includes a potential R&D program that includes other NASA Centers and industry partners interested in developing a business case that requires knowledge of the locations of extraterrestrial ice, for instance.

micro-spectrometer, mineral assay, resource mappin↗

NASA NTRS1977

The impact of H2S emissions on future geothermal power generation - The Geysers region, California

The future potential for geothermal power generation in the Geysers region of California is as much as 10 times the current 502 MW(e) capacity. However, environmental factors such as H2S emissions and institutional considerations may play the primary role in determining the rate and ultimate level of development. In this paper a scenario of future geothermal generation capacity and H2S emissions in the Geysers region is presented. Problem areas associated with H2S emissions, H2S abatement processes, plant operations, and government agency resources are described. The impact of H2S emissions on future development and the views of effected organizations are discussed. Potential actions needed to remove these constraints are summarized.

Leibowitz, L. P.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Radio frequency interference protection of communications between the Deep Space Network and deep space flight projects

The increasing density of electrical and electronic circuits in Deep Space Station systems for computation, control, and numerous related functions has combined with the extension of system performance requirements calling for higher speed circuitry along with broader bandwidths. This has progressively increased the number of potential sources of radio frequency interference inside the stations. Also, the extension of spectrum usage both in power and frequency as well as the greater density of usage at all frequencies for national and international satellite communications, space research, Earth resource operations and defense, and particularly the huge expansion of airborne electronic warfare and electronic countermeasures operations in the Mojave area have greatly increased the potential number and severity of radio frequency interference incidents. The various facets of this problem and the efforts to eliminate or minimize the impact of interference on Deep Space Network support of deep space flight projects are described.

Johnston, D. W. H.↗