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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

Feasibility Study of Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter Permanent Magnet Alternator Start Sequence

The Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) mission was a proposed, (recently cancelled) long duration science mission to study three moons of Jupiter: Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa. One design of the JIMO spacecraft used a nuclear heat source in conjunction with a Brayton rotating machine to generate electrical power for the electric thrusters and the spacecraft bus. The basic operation of the closed cycle Brayton system was as follows. The working fluid, a heliumxenon gas mixture, first entered a compressor, then went through a recuperator and hot-side heat exchanger, then expanded across a turbine that drove an alternator, then entered the cold-side of the recuperator and heat exchanger and finally returned to the compressor. The spacecraft was to be launched with the Brayton system off-line and the nuclear reactor shut down. Once the system was started, the helium-xenon gas would be circulated into the heat exchangers as the nuclear reactors were activated. Initially, the alternator unit would operate as a motor so as to drive the turbine and compressor to get the cycle started. This report investigated the feasibility of the start up sequence of a permanent magnet (PM) machine, similar in operation to the alternator unit, without any position or speed feedback sensors ("sensorless") and with a variable load torque. It is found that the permanent magnet machine can start with sensorless control and a load torque of up to 30 percent of the rated value.

Kenny, Barbara H.↗

Preliminary Design of Ironless Linear Induction Motors for ITER MSE Shutter Actuators

In this article, the shutters need to be closed or opened during the operation and calibration period time for the fusion diagnostic systems, such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) motional stark effect (MSE). Standard electric motors and actuators will not work in a strong magnetic field environment due to the presence of the magnetic field of fusion reactors. The innovative linear induction motor (LIM) with an ironless feature overcomes this kind of challenge and can be used for any application that requires controlled motion with a large stroke in the magnetic field environment. It consists of a high-electrical conductivity plate like copper and three-phase motor windings with nonferrous or stainless-steel stators. The conductor plate attached with the shutter is simply driven by the underneath three-phase linear windings to achieve linear motion. The motor drive can be controlled remotely by a controller using the electrical connection, so no sensitive electronic components are located in the harsh environment where the motor itself is located. The design requirements and test facility have been described. Several 3-D transient Maxwell electromagnetic (EM) models with different locations of three-phase linear motor windings and shutter stators have been analyzed and evolved to meet any applications allowed in the harsh environment inside the vacuum vessel of fusion reactors. The preliminary design results are presented in this article.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Nonlinear Optimal Control of Electron Dynamics Within Hartree-Fock Theory

Consider the problem of determining the optimal applied electric field to drive a molecule from an initial state to a desired target state. For even moderately sized molecules, solving this problem directly using the exact equations of motion—the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE)—is numerically intractable. Here, we present a solution of this problem within time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) theory, a mean field approximation of the TDSE. Optimality is defined in terms of minimizing the total control effort while maximizing the overlap between desired and achieved target states. We frame this problem as an optimization problem constrained by the nonlinear TDHF equations; we solve it using trust region optimization with gradients computed via a custom-built adjoint state method. For three molecular systems, we show that with very small neural network parametrizations of the control, our method yields solutions that achieve desired targets within acceptable constraints and tolerances.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

T-Slide Linear Actuators

T-slide linear actuators use gear bearing differential epicyclical transmissions (GBDETs) to directly drive a linear rack, which, in turn, performs the actuation. Conventional systems use a rotary power source in conjunction with a nut and screw to provide linear motion. Non-back-drive properties of GBDETs make the new actuator more direct and simpler. Versions of this approach will serve as a long-stroke, ultra-precision, position actuator for NASA science instruments, and as a rugged, linear actuator for NASA deployment duties. The T slide can operate effectively in the presence of side forces and torques. Versions of the actuator can perform ultra-precision positioning. A basic T-slide actuator is a long-stroke, rack-and-pinion linear actuator that, typically, consists of a T-slide, several idlers, a transmission to drive the slide (powered by an electric motor) and a housing that holds the entire assembly. The actuator is driven by gear action on its top surface, and is guided and constrained by gear-bearing idlers on its other two parallel surfaces. The geometry, implemented with gear-bearing technology, is particularly effective. An electronic motor operating through a GBDET can directly drive the T slide against large loads, as a rack and pinion linear actuator, with no break and no danger of back driving. The actuator drives the slide into position and stops. The slide holes position with power off and no brake, regardless of load. With the T slide configuration, this GBDET has an entire T-gear surface on which to operate. The GB idlers coupling the other two T slide parallel surfaces to their housing counterpart surfaces provide constraints in five degrees-of-freedom and rolling friction in the direction of actuation. Multiple GB idlers provide roller bearing strength sufficient to support efficient, rolling friction movement, even in the presence of large, resisting forces. T-slide actuators can be controlled using the combination of an off-the-shelf, electric servomotor, a motor angle resolution sensor (typically an encoder or resolver), and microprocessor-based intelligent software. In applications requiring precision positioning, it may be necessary to add strain gauges to the T-slide housing. Existing sensory- interactive motion control art will work for T slides. For open-loop positioning, a stepping motor emulation technique can be used.

Vranish, John↗

Multilayer Piezoelectric Stack Actuator Characterization

Future NASA missions are increasingly seeking to use actuators for precision positioning to accuracies of the order of fractions of a nanometer. For this purpose, multilayer piezoelectric stacks are being considered as actuators for driving these precision mechanisms. In this study, sets of commercial PZT stacks were tested in various AC and DC conditions at both nominal and extreme temperatures and voltages. AC signal testing included impedance, capacitance and dielectric loss factor of each actuator as a function of the small-signal driving sinusoidal frequency, and the ambient temperature. DC signal testing includes leakage current and displacement as a function of the applied DC voltage. The applied DC voltage was increased to over eight times the manufacturers' specifications to investigate the correlation between leakage current and breakdown voltage. Resonance characterization as a function of temperature was done over a temperature range of -180C to +200C which generally exceeded the manufacturers' specifications. In order to study the lifetime performance of these stacks, five actuators from one manufacturer were driven by a 60volt, 2 kHz sine-wave for ten billion cycles. The tests were performed using a Lab-View controlled automated data acquisition system that monitored the waveform of the stack electrical current and voltage. The measurements included the displacement, impedance, capacitance and leakage current and the analysis of the experimental results will be presented.

active mirrors↗

Tethered Satellites as Enabling Platforms for an Operational Space Weather Monitoring System

Space weather nowcasting and forecasting models require assimilation of near‐real time (NRT) space environment data to improve the precision and accuracy of operational products. Typically, these models begin with a climatological model to provide "most probable distributions" of environmental parameters as a function of time and space. The process of NRT data assimilation gently pulls the climate model closer toward the observed state (e.g. via Kalman smoothing) for nowcasting, and forecasting is achieved through a set of iterative physics‐based forward‐prediction calculations. The issue of required space weather observatories to meet the spatial and temporal requirements of these models is a complex one, and we do not address that with this poster. Instead, we present some examples of how tethered satellites can be used to address the shortfalls in our ability to measure critical environmental parameters necessary to drive these space weather models. Examples include very long baseline electric field measurements, magnetized ionospheric conductivity measurements, and the ability to separate temporal from spatial irregularities in environmental parameters. Tethered satellite functional requirements will be presented for each space weather parameter considered in this study.

Krause, L. Habash↗

Update on Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) Electrofan Trade Space Exploration

NASA is conducting an ongoing trade study analysis of the SUSAN Electrofan aircraft concept, which utilizes 20-MW-class electrified aircraft propulsion to enable propulsive, aerodynamic, and control benefits while retaining the range, speed, and size of typical narrow-body regional aircraft. The study is constrained by the ground rules of operating within the current airport and airspace infrastructure. This ongoing study seeks to find a configuration and combination of technologies that yield significant fuel burn and emissions benefits. Another key goal is to reduce cost per passenger mile. Currently, the study is focused on a configuration that utilizes jet A or sustainable aviation fuels, however, we plan to consider other fuel alternatives in the future. This paper describes the progress in defining the architecture of the aircraft, engine, power system, control system, and initial understandings of the sensitivity of the potential configurations to technology assumptions based on key performance parameters. Additionally, progress towards definition and refinement of driving operational, economic, infrastructure, certification, and technical requirements is discussed.

aircraft concept↗

Solar-Storm/Lunar Atmosphere Model (SSLAM): An Overview of the Effort and Description of the Driving Storm Environment

On 29 April 1998, a coronal mass ejection (CME) was emitted from the Sun that had a significant impact on bodies located at 1 AU. The terrestrial magnetosphere did indeed become more electrically active during the storm passage but an obvious question is the effect of such a storm on an exposed rocky body like our Moon. The solar-storm/lunar atmosphere modeling effort (SSLAM) brings together surface interactions, exosphere, plasma, and surface charging models all run with a common driver - the solar storm and CME passage occurring from 1-4 May 1998. We present herein an expanded discussion on the solar driver during the 1-4 May 1998 period that included the passage of an intense coronal mass ejection (CME) that had> 10 times the solar wind density and had a compositional component of He++ that exceeded 20%. We also provide a very brief overview oflhe SSLAM system layout and overarching results. One primary result is that the CME driver plasma can greatly increase the exospheric content via sputtering, with total mass loss rates that approach 1 kg/s during the 2-day CME passage. By analogy, we suggest that CME-related sputtering increases might also be expected during a CME passage by a near-earth asteroid or at the Mars exobase, resulting in an enhanced loss of material.

Farrell, W. M.↗

Hot Structure Control Surface Progress for X-37 Technology Development Program

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been leading the development of technologies that will enable the development, fabrication, and flight of the automated X-37 Orbital Vehicle (OV). With the Administration s recent announcement of the Vision for Space Exploration, NASA placed the X-37 OV design on hold while developing detailed requirements for a Crew Exploration Vehicle, but has continued funding the development of high-risk, critical technologies for potential future space exploration vehicle applications. Hot Structure Control Surfaces (HSCS) technology development is one of the high-priority areas being funded at this time. The goal of HSCS research is to mitigate risk by qualifying the lightest possible components that meet the stringent X-37 OV weight and performance requirements, including Shuttle-type reen- try environments with peak temperatures of 2800 OF. The small size of the X-37 OV (25.7-feet long and 14.9-foot wingspan) drives the need for advanced HSCS because the vehicle's two primary aerodynamic surfaces, the flaperons and ruddervators, have thicknesses ranging from approximately 5 in. down to 1 in. Traditional metallic or polymer-matrix composites covered with tile or blanket thermal protection system (TPS) materials cannot be used as there is insufficient volume to fabricate such multi-component structures. Therefore, carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbodsilicon-carbide (C-SiC) composite HSCS structures are being developed in parallel by two teams supporting the X-37 prime contractor (The Boeing Company). The Science Applications International Coy. (SAIC) and Carbon-Carbon Advanced Technologies, Inc. (C-CAT) team is developing the C-C HSCS, while the General Electric Energy Power Systems Composites (GE-PSC) and Materials Research and Design (MRD) team is developing the C-SiC HSCS. These two teams were selected to reduce the high level of risk associated with developing advanced control surface components. They have continued HSCS development work as part of the X-37 critical technology development contract. The SAIC/C-CAT team is using Advanced Carbon-Carbon (ACC) because its fabrication is very similar to the process used for Space Shuttle Reinforced Carbon-Carbon fabrication, including the Sic-based pack cementation conversion coating systems using with both materials. ACC was selected over RCC because it has much higher tension and compressions strengths, and because T-300 fiber is readily available, whereas RCC rayon fiber is no longer manufactured. The GE-PSC/MRD team is using a T-300 fiber-reinforced Sic matrix composite material densified by chemical vapor infiltration. The C-Sic material has an Sic-based environmental barrier coating. Major accomplishments have been made over the past year by both HSCS teams. C-C and C- SiC flaperon subcomponents, which are truncated full-scale versions of flight hardware, have been fabricated and are undergoing testing at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, NASA Langley Research Center, and U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. By the end of 2004, ruddervator subcomponents also will be delivered and tested. As NASA moves forward in realizing the Vision for Space Exploration, it will continue to invest in advanced research and development aimed at making new generations of spacecraft safer, more reliable, and more affordable. The X-37 HSCS effort ultimately will benefit the Agency's vision and mission.

Valentine, P. G.↗

Ultrafast Formation of Jahn–Teller Polarons Revealed by State-Selective Excitation in Correlated Spinel Co 3 O 4

Jahn–Teller polarons are quasiparticles that stem from symmetry breaking and strong local electron–phonon coupling. They originate from an excess charge carrier being dressed by a local lattice distortion, caused by the Jahn–Teller effect, and they critically impact electrical, structural, and magnetic properties in transition metal oxides. The observation of the microscopic steps involved in their formation is essential for enabling control over material properties through the targeted activation of local, site-specific modifications with light pulses. While Jahn–Teller distortion associated with polaron formation was predicted to contribute significantly to changes in electronic band gap and optical properties in Co 3 O 4 , its experimental observation remains elusive, requiring signatures of local symmetry reduction. In this work, we demonstrate Jahn–Teller polaron formation in spinel Co 3 O 4 . By exciting electronic transitions at 3.10 eV and 1.55 eV, we target either the Oh Cobalt(III) or the Td Cobalt(II) ions, and drive the subsequent coherent responses of the system through two different pathways. For the former, we demonstrate that ligand-to-metal charge transfer leads to Jahn–Teller polaron formation, which is linked to the deformation potential and magnetoelastic coupling. For the latter, we identify the coherent excitation of a T 2g phonon mode launched by on-site d-d electronic transitions. Key to our observations is the ability to target site-specific electronic excitations in spinel Co 3 O 4 using ultrafast optical pulses, while monitoring the ensuing low-energy collective modes through the coherent time-domain response of the material. Our approach, which combines the comparative analysis of experimental fingerprints with the support from density functional theory calculations, is broadly applicable to systems in which Jahn–Teller polaron physics has been theoretically predicted but remains experimentally unverified, and it underscores the potential of electronic-state targeting as a route to selectively excite and probe quasiparticle dynamics in solids.

Lattices↗

Vlf/elf radiation patterns of arbitrarily oriented electric and magnetic dipoles in a cold lossless multicomponent magnetoplasma.

With the use of a power integral formulation, a study is made of the vlf/elf radiation patterns of arbitrarily oriented electric and magnetic dipoles in a cold lossless multicomponent magnetoplasma. Expressions for the ray patterns are initially developed that apply for arbitrary values of driving frequency, static magnetic-field strength, plasma density, and composition. These expressions are subsequently specialized to vlf/elf radiation in a plasma modeled on the magnetosphere. A series of representative pattern plots are presented for frequencies between the proton and electron gyrofrequencies. These patterns illustrate the fact that focusing effects that arise from the geometrical properties of the refractive index surface tend to dominate the radiation distribution over the entire range from the electron gyrofrequency to 4.6 times the proton gyrofrequency. It is concluded that focusing effects should be of significant importance in the design of a vlf/elf satellite transmitting system in the magnetosphere.

Wang, T. N. C.↗

An Electric Propulsion "Shepherd" for Active Debris Removal that Utilizes Ambient Gas as Propellant

There is a growing consensus among the space debris technical community that limiting the long ]term growth of debris in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) requires that space users limit the accumulation of mass in orbit. This is partially accomplished by mitigation measures for current and future LEO systems, but there is now interest in removing mass that has already accumulated in LEO from more than 50 years of space activity (termed "Active Debris Removal", or ADR). Many ADR proposals face complex technical issues of how to grapple with uncooperative targets. Some researchers have suggested the use of conventional ion thrusters to gently "blow" on objects to gradually change their orbits, without ever having to come into physical contact with the target. The chief drawback with these methods is the cost per object removed. Typically, a space "tug" or an ion-drive "shepherd" can only remove a few objects per mission due to limited propellant. Unless a costeffective way that removes tens of objects per mission can be found, it is not clear that any of the ideas so far proposed will be economically viable. In this paper, a modified version of the ion-drive "shepherd" is proposed that uses ambient atmospheric gases in LEO as propellant for the ion drives. This method has the potential to greatly extend the operational lifetime of an ADR mission, as the only mission limit is the lifetime of the components of the satellite itself, not on its fuel supply. An ambient-gas ion-drive "shepherd" would the local atmospheric drag on an object by ionizing and accelerating the ambient gas the target would have encountered anyway, thereby hastening its decay. Also, the "shepherd" satellite itself has a great deal of flexibility to maneuver back to high altitude and rendezvous with its next target using the ion drive not limited by fuel supply. However, the amount of available ambient gas is closely tied to the altitude of the spacecraft. It may be possible to use a "hybrid" approach that supplements high-altitude ion-drive operations with stored gas, and transitions to ambient gas at lower altitudes. This paper will include realistic numbers on the estimated times needed to deorbit objects from different orbit regimes using drives that either partially or completely take advantage of ambient gas. It will conclude with recommendations on whether this is a viable candidate for future ADR efforts.

Matney, Mark J.↗

Component Selection, Accelerated Testing, and Improved Modeling of AMTEC Systems for Space Power (abstract)

Alkali metal thermal to electric converter (AMTEC) designs for space power are numerous, but selection of materials for construction of long-lived AMTEC devices has been limited to electrodes, current collectors, and the solid electrolyte. AMTEC devices with lifetimes greater than 5 years require careful selection and life testing of all hot-side components. The likely selection of a remote condensed design for initial flight test and probable use with a GPHS in AMTEC powered outer planet probes requires the device to be constructed to tolerate T greater than 1150K, as well as exposure to Na(sub (g)), and Na(sub (liq)) on the high pressure side. The temperatures involved make critical high strength and chemical resistance to Na containing Na(sub 2)O. Selection among materials which can be worked should not be driven by ease of fabricability, as high temperature stability is the critical issue. These concepts drive the selection of Mo alloys for Na(sub (liq)) containment in AMTEC cells for T to 1150K operation, as they are significantly stronger than comparable NB or Ta alloys, are less soluble in Na(sub (liq)) containing dissolved Na(sub 2)O, are workable compared to W alloys (which might be used for certain components), and are ductile at the T greater than 500K of proposed AMTEC modules in space applications.

AMTEC thermal to electric conversion↗

An Electric Propulsion "Shepherd" for Active Debris Removal that Utilizes Ambient Gas as Propellant

There is a growing consensus among the space debris technical community that limiting the long-term growth of debris in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) requires that space users limit the accumulation of mass in orbit. This is partially accomplished by mitigation measures for current and future LEO systems, but there is now interest in removing mass that has already accumulated in LEO from more than 50 years of space activity (termed "Active Debris Removal", or ADR). Many ADR proposals face complex technical issues of how to grapple with uncooperative targets. Some researchers have suggested the use of conventional ion thrusters to gently "blow" on objects to gradually change their orbits, without ever having to come into physical contact with the target. The chief drawback with these methods is the cost per object removed. Typically, a space "tug" or an ion-drive "shepherd" can only remove a few objects per mission due to limited propellant. Unless a cost-effective way that removes tens of objects per mission can be found, it is not clear that any of the ideas so far proposed will be economically viable. In this paper, a modified version of the ion-drive "shepherd" is proposed that uses ambient atmospheric gases in LEO as propellant for the ion drives. This method has the potential to greatly extend the operational lifetime of an ADR mission, as the only mission limit is the lifetime of the components of the satellite itself, not on its fuel supply. An ambient-gas ion-drive "shepherd" would enhance the local atmospheric drag on an object by ionizing and accelerating the ambient gas the target would have encountered anyway, thereby hastening its decay. Also, the "shepherd" satellite itself has a great deal of flexibility to maneuver back to high altitude and rendezvous with its next target using the ion drive not limited by fuel supply. However, the amount of available ambient gas is closely tied to the altitude of the spacecraft. It may be possible to use a "hybrid" approach that supplements high-altitude ion-drive operations with stored gas, and transitions to ambient gas at lower altitudes. This paper will include realistic numbers on the estimated times needed to deorbit objects from different orbit regimes using drives that either partially or completely take advantage of ambient gas. It will conclude with recommendations on whether this is a viable candidate for future ADR efforts.

Matney, Mark↗

Dynamic RPS Path to Flight

NASA Glenn Research Center has been pursuing the development of dynamic power conversion for several decades. Candidate NASA missions involve mutli-year travel to far away destinations, or to extreme environments where sunlight does not exist. Human-base mission studies also show that power needs would be beyond the capabilities of solar energy conversion, and instead would require nuclear reactor energy sources, for which the thermal energy must be converted to electricity. Dynamic power conversion technology has developed sufficiently to make a sound engineering argument that it is suitable for these NASA missions. Dynamic conversion power sources have yet to be flown in space, and thus suffer a disadvantage owing to their lack of heritage data on flight missions. One of the largest obstacles for adoption is the uncertainty in reliability of a device with moving parts. However, significant progress has been made toward demonstrating the technology capable in all relevant environments, with the necessary long life. Another hurdle for adoption is the lack of mission, which would drive specific requirements, and provide a solid timeline for technology development endpoint. Until a mission is identified, an alternative approach is necessary to advance a dynamic power conversion system towards flight.

Oriti, Sal↗

Dynamic RPS Path to Flight - Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space

NASA Glenn Research Center has been pursuing the development of dynamic power conversion for several decades. Candidate NASA missions involve mutli-year travel to far away destinations, or to extreme environments where sunlight does not exist. Human-base mission studies also show that power needs would be beyond the capabilities of solar energy conversion, and instead would require nuclear reactor energy sources, for which the thermal energy must be converted to electricity. Dynamic power conversion technology has developed sufficiently to make a sound engineering argument that it is suitable for these NASA missions. Dynamic conversion power sources have yet to be flown in space, and thus suffer a disadvantage owing to their lack of heritage data on flight missions. One of the largest obstacles for adoption is the uncertainty in reliability of a device with moving parts. However, significant progress has been made toward demonstrating the technology capable in all relevant environments, with the necessary long life. Another hurdle for adoption is the lack of mission, which would drive specific requirements, and provide a solid timeline for technology development endpoint. Until a mission is identified, an alternative approach is necessary to advance a dynamic power conversion system towards flight.

Oriti, Salvatore↗

Inner Magnetospheric Physics

The inner magnetosphere extends from just above the topside ionosphere to approximately 8 RE geocentric distance. Magnetospheric physics is a young science that only started to be recognized as a region with the space observations by Explorer 1 in 1958. The region is mostly populated by ionized gas or plasma from Earth’s ionosphere. Plasma populations are differentiated by their energies primarily. From the least energetic to most are the plasmasphere, ring current, and radiation belts, extending from about 1 eV to 10 MeV in energy and from 1,000s cm-3 down to a few particles per cubic centimeter and less, respectively. The solar wind and solar erupted coronal mass ejections (CMEs) arriving and interacting with Earth’s magnetic field creates a dynamo effect that drives million ampere currents along magnetic field lines that close through the ionosphere. The solar wind dynamo also creates a 100s kV electric field across the magnetosphere that drives convective motion of the plasma within it. The solar wind driven currents compress Earth’s magnetic field on the sunward side and greatly extents the field on the nightside to form the magnetotail. The energy stored in the magnetotail is impulsively released when magnetic field lines there merge, releasing energy into the plasma trapped by the magnetic field. Those plasma become the ring current that loses plasma into the atmosphere to produce the aurora and at the same time ring current plasma can be further energized by wave-particle interactions to become the radiation belts. The presentation will review these topics and a few of the underlying physical processes that are involved in this highly coupled planetary system.

inner magnetosphere↗

Decision support for United States—Canada energy integration is impaired by fragmentary environmental and electricity system modeling capacity

The renewable energy transition is leading to increased electricity trade between the United States and Canada, with Canadian hydropower providing firm lower-carbon power and buffering variability of wind and solar generation in the U.S. However, long-term power purchase agreements and transborder transmission projects are controversial, with two of four proposed transmission lines between Quebec, Canada and the northeast U.S. cancelled since 2018. Here, we argue that controversies are exacerbated by a lack of open-source data and tools to understand tradeoffs of new hydropower generation and transmission infrastructure in comparison to alternatives. This gap includes impacts that incremental transmission and generation projects have on the economics of the entire system, for example, how new transmission projects affect exports to existing markets or incentivize new generation. We identify priority areas for data synthesis and model development, such as integrating linked hydropower and hydrologic interactions in energy system models and openly releasing (by utilities) or back-calculating (by researchers) hydropower generation and operational parameters. Publicly available environmental (e.g. streamflow, precipitation) and techno-economic (e.g. costs, reservoir size,) data can be used to parameterize freely usable and extensible models. Existing models have been calibrated with operational data from Canadian utilities that are not publicly available, limiting the range of scientific and commercial questions these tools have been used to answer and the range of parties that have been involved. Studies conducted using highly resolved, national-scale public data exist in other countries, notably, the United States, and demonstrate how greater transparency and extensibility can drive industry action. Improved data availability in Canada could facilitate approaches that (1) increase participation in decarbonization planning by a broader range of actors; (2) allow independent characterizations of environmental, health, and economic outcomes of interest to the public; and (3) identify decarbonization pathways consistent with community values.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗