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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 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

UNrealized Critical Lanthanide Extraction from Sea Algae Mining (UNCLE SAM)

The UNCLE-SAM project, under the Biotechnologies to Ensure a Robust Supply of Critical Materials for Clean Energy program, examined the biomining applications of seaweeds for sustainable, domestic production of critical mineral feedstocks. The ocean is a vast reserve of mineralogical wealth including rare earth elements (REEs) and platinum group metal (PGMs). These elements, categorized as “critical minerals”, are used in telecommunication devices, lasers, LED lighting, turbine generators, electric car motors, jet engine alloys, and many other applications. These critical elements are increasingly vital to a thriving, efficient and sustainable society. However, only a few countries in the global market currently produce and export REEs, leading to potential geopolitical supply disruptions. Marine macroalgae, often referred to as seaweeds, bioconcentrate critical minerals from seawater, including REEs and PGMs. Marine algae cultivation can generate a significant amount of biomass with minimal freshwater, fertilizer, and land requirements. In summary, the UNCLE-SAM project successfully evaluated the technological feasibility for marine macroalgal cultivation as a feedstock for critical minerals, explored the biological capacity of different seaweeds to provide economically relevant domestic mineral production, assessed processing techniques for thermal co-conversion of seaweeds into renewable fuel and mineral feedstocks, and executed techno-economic and lifecycle assessments for identifying the most critical gaps in our current understanding to move the technology into commercially relevant deployment. Further development of this technology could transform the bioproduct and REE mining industries and catalyze the development of a more sustainable future.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

In-Conduit Hydropower for Public Water Supply Systems: Development Challenges and Costs

Conduit hydropower leverages existing water infrastructure to provide energy solutions, though deployment has been slow. A 2022 US Department of Energy (DOE)–funded report led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) summarizes a reconnaissance-level study of hydropower potential at national conduits (Kao et al., 2022). The report includes power and energy estimates across three major sectors of conduit hydropower potential: municipal, agricultural, and industrial. Water resources include public water supply systems (municipal and industrial), irrigation canal systems (agricultural), thermoelectric cooling systems (industrial), and wastewater systems (municipal and industrial). In total, 1.41 GW of power potential was estimated nationwide. Subsequently, DOE has funded ORNL through the Conduit Hydropower Engineering, Evaluation, and Technology Acceleration project (CHEETA) to improve deployment potential for conduit hydropower. Work thus far has focused on “in-conduit” hydropower (ICH)—or “in-pipe” hydropower—for public water supply systems, though the project is planning to cover conduit hydropower more broadly. The timeline of ORNL’s conduit hydropower related research and development (R&D) is shown in Figure 1. The results of CHEETA should benefit the hydropower industry by providing insights into costs, barriers, and other considerations that impact project development. The hydropower industry and municipal/industrial conduit stakeholders will use the output to inform development decisions and advance low-impact hydropower growth in the US.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Bulk Power System Flow Control

On July 28, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order Number 2023, targeting an improved generation-interconnection process in the United States. FERC Order No. 2023 requires transmission providers to evaluate transmission technologies, other than network expansion, that could provide system improvements and help expand bulk-power system capacity. Transmission providers must consider technologies that would fall under the category of Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs), which provide capacity-expansion options other than conventional transmission expansion.

32 - ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZA↗
DOE OSTI2026

Energy and Comfort Impacts of High Performance Facades in Office Buildings

Building facades have a major effect on energy use, occupant comfort, and well-being. Yet adoption of high-performance facades is often slowed by limited data and unclear cost benefits. To address this gap, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with the Facade Tectonics Institute, conducted whole-building energy simulations to evaluate fenestration technologies for small and medium office buildings across three weather locations: hot (Tampa, Florida, weather zone 2A), mixed (New York, New York, weather zone 4A), and cold (Rochester, Minnesota, weather zone 6A). The simulations included parametric variations in window-to-wall ratio (30%–70%), U-values (0.1–1 Btu/h∙ft 2 ∙°F), solar heat gain coefficients (0.2–0.8), and solar control strategies and devices (e.g., interior shades and switchable glazing). Performance metrics included annual cooling, heating, and total heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) energy use intensity, as well as nonenergy factors such as useful daylight illuminance, glare frequency, and thermal comfort during typical office hours (8 a.m.–6 p.m.). Results indicate that cooling energy consumption is most sensitive to solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) in hot weather, whereas heating energy consumption is strongly influenced by U-value in cold weather. Total HVAC reflects these trade-offs, showing up to 60% difference for a window in total HVAC energy use intensity between different combinations of U-value and SHGC. Daylight dimming generally reduces cooling loads but can increase heating demands in colder locations. Interior solar shades improve useful daylight and reduce discomfort glare, whereas switchable glazing delivers the largest cooling reductions in hot weather but may increase heating loads in winter by limiting passive solar gains. Thermal comfort improves with lower window-to-wall ratios and lower SHGC in hot locations and with lower U-values in cold locations.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Simulation-Based Assessment of Energy Consumption of Alternative Powertrains in Agricultural Tractors

The objectives of this research were to develop simulation models for agricultural tractors with different powertrain technologies and evaluate the energy consumption in typical agricultural operations. Simulation models were developed for conventional, parallel hybrid electric, series hybrid electric, fuel cell hybrid, and battery electric powertrains. Autonomie vehicle simulation software (version 2022) was used for the simulations and the tractor models were simulated in two tilling cycles and in a road transport cycle with a trailer. The alternative powertrains were configured to have at least the same tractive performance as the conventional, diesel engine-powered tractor model. The simulation results showed that the potential of the parallel and series hybrid powertrains to improve energy efficiency depends heavily on the tractor size and the operating cycle conditions. The fuel cell hybrid and battery electric powertrains have a higher potential to reduce energy consumption and emissions but still have inherent technical challenges for practical operation. The battery-powered electric tractor would require improvements in the storage energy density to have a comparable operational performance in comparison to other powertrains. The fuel cell hybrid tractor already provided an adequate operating performance but the availability of hydrogen and refueling infrastructure could be challenging to resolve in the farming context.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1972

Boron aluminum composite structures

Design, analysis and fabrication techniques have been developed for boron-aluminum composite structure technology and were compared with those of conventional metal structure technology to evaluate relative performance.

Jackson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Nondestructive evaluation: A survey of NASA contributions, chapter 1, Chapter 11, cover page, acknowledgements, and contents

A survey of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology, which is discussed in terms of popular demands for a greater degree of quality, reliability, and safety in industrial products, is presented as an overview of the NDE field to serve the needs of middle management. Three NDE methods are presented: acoustic emission, the use of coherent (laser)light, and ultrasonic holography.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Preliminary design of a mini-Brayton Compressor-Alternator-Turbine (CAT)

The preliminary design of a mini-Brayton compressor-alternator-turbine system is discussed. The program design goals are listed. The optimum system characteristics over the entire range of power output were determined by performing a wide-range parametric study. The ability to develop the required components to the degree necessary within the limitations of present technology is evaluated. The sensitivity of the system to various individual design parameters was analyzed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1971

Some implications of the technology assessment function for the effective public decision-making process

A preliminary provisional assessment of the prospects for the establishment of an adequate technology assessment function and the implications of the assessment function for the public decision process are presented. Effects of the technology assessment function on each phase of the public decision process and briefly explored. Significant implications during the next decade are projected with respect to the following phases: invention and development of alternative means (technological configurations); evaluation, selection and promotion of preferred courses of action; and modification of statutory scheme or social action program as an outcome of continuing monitoring and appraisal.

Mayo, L. H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A study program on large aperture electronic scanning phased array antennas for the shuttle imaging microwave system

Fundamental phased array theory and performance parameters are discussed in terms of their application to microwave radiometry, and four scanning phased arrays representing current examples of state-of-the-art phased array technology are evaluated for potential use as components of the multispectral antenna system for the space shuttle imaging microwave system (SIMS). A discussion of problem areas, both in performance and fabrication is included, with extrapolations of performance characteristics for phased array antennas of increased sizes up to 20 m by 20 m. The possibility of interlacing two or more phased arrays to achieve a multifrequency aperture is considered, and, finally, a specific antenna system is recommended for use with SIMS.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Hydrogen production

The state of hydrogen production technology is evaluated. Specific areas discussed include: hydrogen production fossil fuels; coal gasification processes; electrolysis of water; thermochemical production of hydrogen; production of hydrogen by solar energy; and biological production of hydrogen. Supply options are considered along with costs of hydrogen production.

England, C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

LANDSAT follow-on: A report by the applications survey groups. Volume 1: Executive summary

Attempts at operational usage of the LANDSAT imagery by non NASA users are studied with particular emphasis on profitable use of the imagery, as contrasted with investigations concerned with research and development of a technology. An evaluation is given of the functional capabilities of the LANDSAT follow-on and ground systems designs in terms of user requirements and desiderata for data measurements, products, and parameters. Applications survey groups (ASGs) were formed for mineral and petroleum exploration, inland water resources, land inventory, and agriculture. The members were drawn from all segments of the user community: Federal agencies, state and local governments or agencies (or from associations of such constituencies), industry and universities. They were selected so that in aggregate they would be able to adequately assess the state-of-the-art in their technical areas and represent this in the ASG deliberations.

Billingsley, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Feasibility study on the design of a probe for rectal cancer detection

Rectal examination techniques are considered in terms of detection capability, patient acceptance, and cost reduction. A review of existing clinical techniques are considered in terms of detection capability, patient acceptance, and cost reduction. A review of existing clinical techniques and of relevant aerospace technology included evaluation of the applicability of visual, thermal, ultrasound, and radioisotope modalities of examination. The desired improvements can be obtained by redesigning the proctosigmoidoscope to have reduced size, additional visibility, and the capability of readily providing a color photograph of the entire rectosigmoid mucosa in a single composite view.

Anselm, V. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Aircraft energy efficiency laminar flow control wing design study

An engineering design study was performed in which laminar flow control (LFC) was integrated into the wing of a commercial passenger transport aircraft. A baseline aircraft configuration was selected and the wing geometry was defined. The LFC system, with suction slots, ducting, and suction pumps was integrated with the wing structure. The use of standard aluminum technology and advanced superplastic formed diffusion bonded titanium technology was evaluated. The results of the design study show that the LFC system can be integrated with the wing structure to provide a structurally and aerodynamically efficient wing for a commercial transport aircraft.

Bonner, T. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Communications systems technology assessment study. Volume 2: Results

The cost and technology characteristics are examined for providing special satellite services at UHF, 2.5 GHz, and 14/12 GHz. Considered are primarily health, educational, informational and emergency disaster type services. The total cost of each configuration including space segment, earth station, installation operation and maintenance was optimized to reduce the user's total annual cost and establish preferred equipment performance parameters. Technology expected to be available between now and 1985 is identified and comparisons made between selected alternatives. A key element of the study is a survey of earth station equipment updating past work in the field, providing new insight into technology, and evaluating production and test methods that can reduce costs in large production runs. Various satellite configurations were examined. The cost impact of rain attenuation at Ku-band was evaluated. The factors affecting the ultimate capacity achievable with the available orbital arc and available bandwidth were analyzed.

Kelley, R. L.↗