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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Using machine learning to improve efficiency and accuracy of burnup measurements at PBR reactors [Slides]

The outline of the slides include: Motivations of the work; Modeling and simulation; Machine learning model; Results and comparison study with linear regression; and Conclusions. This work was done to help PBR designers and operators understand the burnup measurement better. We look forward to discussing the results in detail with industrial collaborators.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reducing roughness and improving efficiency of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells made by high-throughput photonic curing

For perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to be commercially viable, the slow and energy-insufficient thermal annealing step must be eliminated. Among the photo-irradiation methods proposed to replace thermal annealing, photonic curing is the fastest conversion method. Photonic curing delivers short (20 μs to 100 ms) but intense light pulses from a broadband (200-1500 nm) xenon flash lamp, making it the only method to convert perovskite under 20 ms. This processing time can be extrapolated to a roll-to-roll web speed of 40 m/min based on laboratory processing conditions. However, most reported PSCs made by photonic curing under 1 second have inferior performance (~10% PCE). Although SEM images show dense and pinhole-free perovskite films, AFM images indicate secondary wavy features of 500 nm-wide ridge and 80 nm-deep trenches on photonically cured perovskite films, the existence of which correlates with poor device performance. We suggest that this morphology feature is produced by volatile solvent evaporation during the fast photonic curing process. Two approaches have been made to remedy this issue: (1) adding CH2I2 as the third solvent in the conventional DMF-DMSO system and (2) applying a controlled air-blowing step before photonic curing to remove excess solvent further. Combining these two approaches produces photonically- cured perovskite films with a comparable film roughness and device performance. Alkyl halide additives have been reported to enhance PSC performance by modulated solvent-solute interactions and C-X (X = Cl, Br, and I) cleavage. Photonic curing can cleave CH2I2, producing disassociated iodide ions to replenish iodine loss induced by photonic curing, which is confirmed by EDX. As a co-solvent, the high boiling point of CH2I2 can also make the solvent less volatile, reducing surface roughness in photonically cured perovskite films. Additionally, photonically-cured perovskite films have longer PL lifetimes and a higher recombination resistance compared to thermally-annealed counterparts. As a result, we demonstrate that photonic curing is a suitable method to replace thermal annealing in high-throughput PSC fabrication.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Energy Efficiency Improvement Approaches in Ice Related Processes

A detailed survey of ice mold and evaporator metal surfaces, physical structures, operational conditions, materials of construction, design of different equipment was reviewed and analyzed. A reliable test methodology was developed to measure the ice adhesion strength of different materials and geometries identified. The developed test setup was successfully employed in measuring the ice adhesion strength on both tubular and planar substrate geometries of metals including copper, aluminum, stainless steel. Application of advanced polymer materials in lowering the adhesion strength of ice was confirmed where the measured strength was lowered by 50-70% depending on the material and geometry. Additionally, utilization of induced ultrasonic vibration in further lowering the ice harvesting energy was confirmed on multiple materials and geometries. Durability of the coating enhancement was also confirmed in a thermal cycling test under realistic operating conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

03.02.02.45: Energy Efficiency Improvement Approaches in Ice Related Processes

The primary objective of this project was to facilitate the dislocation of the interfacial ice layer by employing advanced materials and ultrasonic vibration to reduce ice adhesion strength. This work employed two technical approaches that were thoroughly investigated and previously reported. The effectiveness of these approaches, both individually and in combination, has been quantified, demonstrating notable energy savings. The projected payback period for these enhancements is approximately 2.2 years or less, contingent upon specific energy costs. Furthermore, these advancements hold significant promise for reducing carbon emissions across various equipment scales. This study particularly focused on the ultrasonic deicing technique for diverse structures, utilizing numerical simulations to evaluate performance and potential benefits.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optimal Operation and Impact Assessment of Distributed Wind for Improving Efficiency and Resilience of Rural Electricity Systems

This project aims to empower rural utilities by developing advanced optimization models and algorithms for effectively integrating distributed wind energy alongside battery storage and other distributed energy resources (DERs). The primary objectives are to reduce peak demand, ensure reliable emergency power supply, and regulate voltage and frequency. To address operational challenges, the project introduces innovative mitigation strategies and ultrafast assessment frameworks to evaluate the impacts of distributed wind and DERs on rural grids, offering actionable solutions to potential issues. Economic viability is assessed through cost-benefit analysis using real rural utility data, ensuring the practical application of the project outcomes.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advanced District Energy Controls for Improved Efficiency and Resilience

District energy (DE) systems have efficiently provided heat and cooling to buildings in the US for over a century by leveraging economies of scale through shared generation assets. However, optimizing DE boiler and chiller plants is complex due to the intricate mix of equipment and multiple operating flows. Sophisticated controls are necessary to achieve highest efficiencies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1973

Floating baffle to improve efficiency of liquid transfer from tanks

When liquid tank is full, baffle is held up against a stop on top of shaft to prevent restriction of flow from outlet. As tank is being emptied, baffle, floating on top of liquid surface, descends with liquid level toward outlet until it reaches its bottom stop. Baffle prevents gas pull-through until practically all liquid is emptied from tank.

Howard, F. S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Angular magnetic field beam improves efficiency in klystrons and traveling wave tubes

Special lens shaping allows variation of focusing strength with radius. Lens can be either converging or diverging depending on charge of particles and direction of angular magnetic field. There is potential use for lens in particle analyzers, electron beam welding systems, microwave tube refocusing systems, and possible display type devices.

Neugebauer, W.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Floating baffle to improve efficiency of liquid transfer from tanks

A floating baffle is described which rides up and down on a vertical shaft over a drain in a tank as the liquid level within the tank varies. When the baffle is in the raised position, the liquid is allowed to flow out of the drain at an unrestricted rate. When the baffle is in the lowered position, pull-through of air or gas that is above the liquid is presented, which would interfere and reduce the flow of liquid from the tank.

Howard, F. S.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Schottky barrier solar cell promises improved efficiency

Higher current and higher voltage can be obtained by using Schottky barrier device with wide band-gap semiconductor as top layer and lower band-gap semiconductor underneath. Significant amount of solar radiation that is not absorbed by side band-gap material will be absorbed by narrow band-gap material.

Stirn, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Design of Spur Gears for Improved Efficiency

A method to calculate spur gear system loss for a wide range of gear geometries and operating conditions was used to determine design requirements for an efficient gearset. The effects of spur gear size, pitch, ratio, pitch line velocity and load on efficiency were determined. Peak efficiencies were found to be greater for large diameter and fine pitched gears and tare (no-load) losses were found to be significant.

Anderson, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Design of spur gears for improved efficiency

A method to calculate spur gear system power loss for a wide range of gear geometries and operating conditions is used to determine design requirements for an efficient gearset. The effects of spur gear size, pitch, ratio, pitch-line-velocity and load on efficiency are shown. A design example is given to illustrate how the method is to be applied. In general, peak efficiencies were found to be greater for larger diameter and fine pitched gears and tare (no-load) losses were found to be significant.

Anderson, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A TWT amplifier with a linear power transfer characteristic and improved efficiency

A novel method called "Dynamic Velocity Taper' to linearize the Pout versus Pin transfer characteristic that does not require any extraneous circuitry or tuning, has large bandwidth capabilities ( 10 percent) and offers also an increase in the intrinsic traveling wave tube (TWT) efficiency by 1 to 2 dB is described. In addition, the method permits the TWT to be operated at or near the synchronous voltage (b plus or minus o) which produces a flat small and large signal gain responses and low AM to PM conversion. The physics of the method and experimental verification are given. The implementation should have a significant impact on TWT performance and increase the channel capacity of communication satellites.

Kosmahl, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A TWT amplifier with a linear power transfer characteristic and improved efficiency

A novel method called 'Dynamic Velocity Taper' to linearize the Pout versus Pin transfer characteristic that does not require any extraneous circuitry or tuning, has large bandwidth capabilities (10 percent) and offers also an increase in the intrinsic traveling wave tube (TWT) efficiency by 1 to 2 dB is described. In addition, the method permits the TWT to be operated at or near the synchronous voltage (b plus or minus o) which produces a flat small and large signal gain responses and low AM to PM conversion. The physics of the method and experimental verification are given. The implementation should have a significant impact on TWT performance and increase the channel capacity of communication satellites. Previously announced in STAR as N84-21803

Kosmahl, H. G.↗