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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 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Regulating the surface Pt coordination environment in the PtN overlayers on PtCuN hollow nanospheres for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Engineering the surface Pt coordination environment is a promising strategy for promoting the kinetically sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on Pt-based catalysts. Here, in this study, we achieve the compressive strain effect and electronic effect by Cu and N co-doping to synthesize the PtCuN hollow nanospheres with PtN overlayers (PtCuN@PtN HNSs) using a facile solvothermal synthesis. Electrochemical investigations show that the constructed disordered Pt–N coordination structures effectively facilitate the ORR and stabilize Pt atoms in the compressed lattice, whereas an excessive N-doping can lead to the formation of a structurally unstable Pt nitride phase. Theoretical analyses confirm that the oxygen reduction kinetics on the compressed PtN overlayers are regulated by a synergistic effect resulting from N-doping and lattice compression, circumventing the traditional linear scaling relationships (LSR). The optimized PtCuN@PtN HNSs, with the composition of PtCu 0.29 N 1.1 , demonstrate an area-specific activity of 1.98 mA cm –2 and a mass-specific activity of 1.81 A mg Pt –1 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

A control-inspired approach for energy transition planning under uncertainty

As the global carbon footprint continues to grow, many countries are implementing carbon emission reduction policies which have incentivized the expansion of low-carbon and renewable technologies. However, the speed and scale of deployment falls short of that needed to meet climate goals. Energy system models serve as key tools for guiding investment decisions and helping policymakers evaluate the effects of various policies on the development of an energy system. This study focuses on the energy system of the United States and builds upon prior work by incorporating more geographic granularity to account for the trade of commodities and addresses transmission congestion through electricity price adjustments. Furthermore, real-world characteristics, such as delays in constructing new liquid fuel production and electricity generation facilities, are integrated using a sequential decision-making approach that better reflects how decisions can be updated as uncertainties unfold. Results demonstrate that stochastic programming combined with sequential decision-making produces energy transition pathways that are robust to multiple uncertain futures. Additionally, considering real-world characteristics significantly impacts the deployment of renewable technologies and the ability to meet carbon emission reduction goals while also reliably meeting demand. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for uncertainty and real-world characteristics to avoid overly optimistic projections in energy system planning.

energy systems↗
DOE OSTI2023

Tuning the Interaction between Platinum Single Atoms and Ceria by Zirconia Doping for Efficient Catalytic Ammonia Oxidation

Aiming at the development of an efficient NH 3 oxidation catalyst to eliminate the harmful NH 3 slip from the stationary flue gas denitrification system and diesel exhaust aftertreatment system, a facile ZrO 2 doping strategy was proposed to construct Pt 1 /Ce x Zr 1–x O 2 catalysts with a tunable Pt-CeO 2 interaction strength and Pt–O–Ce coordination environment. According to the results of systematic characterizations, Pt species supported on Ce x Zr 1–x O 2 were mainly in the form of single atoms when x ≥ 0.7, and the strength of the Pt-CeO 2 interaction and the coordination number of Pt–O–Ce bond (CN Pt–O–Ce ) on Pt 1 /Ce x Zr 1–x O 2 showed a volcanic change as a function of the ZrO 2 doping amount. Here, it was proposed that the balance between the reasonable concentration of oxygen defects and limited surface Zr–O x species well accounted for the strongest Pt-CeO 2 interaction and the highest CN Pt–O–Ce on Pt/Ce 0.9 Zr 0.1 O 2 . It was observed that the Pt/Ce 0.9 Zr 0.1 O 2 catalyst exhibited much higher NH 3 oxidation activity than other Pt/Ce x Zr 1–x O 2 catalysts. The mechanism study revealed that the Pt 1 species with the stronger Pt-CeO 2 interaction and higher CN Pt–O–Ce within Pt/Ce 0.9 Zr 0.1 O 2 could better activate NH 3 adsorbed on Lewis acid sites to react with O 2 thus resulting in superior NH 3 oxidation activity. This work provides a new approach for designing highly efficient Pt/CeO 2 based catalysts for low-temperature NH 3 oxidation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tuning metal-support interactions in nickel–zeolite catalysts leads to enhanced stability during dry reforming of methane

Ni-based catalysts are highly reactive for dry reforming of methane (DRM) but they are prone to rapid deactivation due to sintering and/or coking. In this study, we present a straightforward approach for anchoring dispersed Ni sites with strengthened metal-support interactions, which leads to Ni active sites embedded in dealuminated Beta zeolite with superior stability and rates for DRM. The process involves solid-state grinding of dealuminated Beta zeolites and nickel nitrate, followed by calcination under finely controlled gas flow conditions. By combining in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and ab initio simulations, it is elucidated that the efficient removal of byproducts during catalyst synthesis is conducted to strengthen Ni–Si interactions that suppress coking and sintering after 100 h of time-on-stream. Transient isotopic kinetic experiments shed light on the differences in intrinsic turnover frequency of Ni species and explain performance trends. This work constructs a fundamental understanding regarding the implication of facile synthesis protocols on metal-support interaction in zeolite-supported Ni sites, and it lays the needed foundations on how these interactions can be tuned for outstanding DRM performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Status and Availability of OPTD, the Out-of-Pile Transient Database

The DOE Advanced Reactor Technology program has supported knowledge preservation efforts to recover and preserve fuel data from the US sodium cooled fast reactor (SFR) program. Databases have been established containing experimental data generated during the Integral Fast Reactor program (from in-pile experiments at EBR-II, FFTF, and TREAT) and during related outof-pile examinations of EBR-II-irradiated fuels. The information in these databases is essential to support further development and licensing activities for advanced fast reactor designs. OPTD, the Out-of-Pile Transient Database, is an organized, searchable archive of records describing out-ofpile furnace transient tests conducted on metallic fuels. It includes records of over 150 tests on irradiated fuel pins conducted in furnace apparatuses constructed in the Alpha-Gamma Hot Cell Facility at ANL. This report presents the content, functions, and accessibility of the Out-of-Pile Transient Database (OPTD). It describes the information presently available in the database, the web interface created to provide access to this information, the activities undertaken to build OPTD, and the enabling of online access to the database for DOE users. Plans for FY2021 and beyond are also included.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Commissioning of the IOTA Proton Injector

The Proton Injector for the IOTA storage ring (IPI) is being constructed at the Fermilab Accelerator Science and Technology facility (FAST). It will be a machine capable of delivering 20 mA pulses of protons at 2.5 MeV. IPI will operate alongside the existing electron injector beamline to facilitate further beam physics research and the continued development of novel accelerator technologies at the IOTA ring. This report details the results of the initial commissioning of IPI and an overview of the upcoming experiments with intense proton beams at IOTA.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1976

Risk management of liquefied natural gas installations

In connection with the construction of four major liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in New York City, the New York City Fire Commissioner has asked NASA for assistance. It was decided that the Kennedy Space Center should develop a risk management system (RMS) for the use of the New York Fire Department (NYFD). The RMS provides for a published set of safety regulations by the NYFD. A description of the RMS is presented as an example of an application of aerospace technology to a civilian sector, namely LNG facilities.

Fedor, O. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Preliminary summary of the ETF conceptual studies

Power plant studies have shown the attractiveness of MHD topped steam power plants for baseload utility applications. To realize these advantages, a three-phase development program was initiated. In the first phase, the engineering data and experience were developed for the design and construction of a pilot plant, the Engineering Test Facility (ETF). Results of the ETF studies are reviewed. These three parallel independent studies were conducted by industrial teams led by the AVCO Everett Research Laboratory, the General Electric Corporation, and the Westinghouse Corporation. A preliminary analysis and the status of the critical evaluation of these results are presented.

Seikel, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Cell module and fuel conditioner development

The design features and plans for fabrication of Stacks 564 and 800 are described. The results of the OS/IES loop testing of Stack 562, endurance testing of Stack 560 and the post test analysis of Stack 561 are reported. Progress on construction and modification of the fuel cell test facilities and the 10 kW reformer test station is described. Efforts to develop the technical data base for the fuel conditioning system included vendor contacts, packed bed heat transfer tests, development of the BOLTAR computer program, and work on the detailed design of the 10 kW reformer are described.

Hoover, D. Q., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1982

NASA Deep Space Network operations organization

The organization of the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN), a network of tracking station control and data handling facilities, is briefly reviewed. It has been designed, constructed, maintained, and operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at California Institute of Technology in support of NASA lunar and interplanetary flight programs. Some important technological and organizational advances made by DSN since the early development of spacecraft tracking in the 1950s are considered.

Chafin, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Impact of lunar and planetary missions on the space station

The impacts upon the growth space station of several advanced planetary missions and a populated lunar base are examined. Planetary missions examined include sample returns from Mars, the Comet Kopff, the main belt asteroid Ceres, a Mercury orbiter, and a saturn orbiter with multiple Titan probes. A manned lunar base build-up scenario is defined, encompassing preliminary lunar surveys, ten years of construction, and establishment of a permanent 18 person facility with the capability to produce oxygen propellant. The spacecraft mass departing from the space station, mission Delta V requirements, and scheduled departure date for each payload outbound from low Earth orbit are determined for both the planetary missions and for the lunar base build-up. Large aerobraked orbital transfer vehicles (OTV's) are used. Two 42 metric ton propellant capacity OTV's are required for each the the 68 lunar sorties of the base build-up scenario. The two most difficult planetary missions (Kopff and Ceres) also require two of these OTV's. An expendable lunar lander and ascent stage and a reusable lunar lander which uses lunar produced oxygen are sized to deliver 18 metric tons to the lunar surface. For the lunar base, the Space Station must hangar at least two non-pressurized OTV's, store 100 metric tons of cryogens, and support an average of 14 OTV launch, return, and refurbishment cycles per year. Planetary sample return missions require a dedicated quarantine module.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

National Aero-Space Plane

An account is given of the technology development management objectives thus far planned for the DOD/NASA National Aero-Space Plane (NASP). The technology required by NASP will first be developed in ground-based facilities and then integrated during the design and construction of the X-30 experimental aircraft. Five airframe and three powerplant manufacturers are currently engaged in an 18-month effort encompassing design studies and tradeoff analyses. The first flight of the X-30 is scheduled for early 1993.

Piland, William M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Achieving and documenting closure in plant growth facilities

As NASA proceeds with its effort to develop a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) that will provide life support to crews during long duration space missions, it must address the question of facility and system closure. The concept of closure as it pertains to CELSS and engineering specifications, construction problems and monitoring procedures used in the development and operation of a closed plant growth facility for the CELSS program are described. A plant growth facility is one of several modules required for a CELSS. A prototype of this module at Kennedy Space Center is the large (7m tall x 3.5m diameter) Biomass Production Chamber (BPC), the central facility of the CELSS Breadboard Project. The BPC is atmospherically sealed to a leak rate of approximately 5 percent of its total volume per 24 hours. This paper will discuss the requirements for atmospheric closure in the facility, present CO2 and trace gas data from initial tests of the BPC with and without plants, and describe how the chamber was sealed atmospherically. Implications that research conducted in this type of facility will have for the CELSS program are discussed.

Knott, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Maximizing Performance Of A Telerobot With Minimal Software

Control software system of seven-degree-of-freedom telerobot designed to elicit maximum performance from minimal, fixed-software computer at remote robot site. Includes multiple control modules, each providing parameter-driven control of specified aspect of behavior of telerobot. Software system runs in Ada language on multiple 68020 processors or potentially on single central processing unit. Conceived for use in outer space, also proves useful in underwater construction and inspection, handling of materials in nuclear facilities, and cleaning up hazardous materials.

Backes, Paul G.↗
NASA NTRS2004

The Abundance and Isotopic Composition of Hg in Extraterrestrial Materials

During the past three year grant period we made excellent progress in our study of the abundances and isotopic compositions of Hg and other volatile trace elements in extraterrestrial materials. As part of my startup package I received funds to construct a state-of-the-art experimental facility to study gas-solid reaction kinetics. Much of our effort was spent developing the methodology to measure the abundance and isotopic composition of Hg at ultratrace levels in solid materials. In our first study, the abundance and isotopic composition of Hg was determined in bulk samples of the Murchison (CM) and Allende (CV) carbonaceous chondrites. We have continued our study of mercury in primitive meteorites and expanded the suite of meteorites to include other members of the CM and CV chondrite group as well as CI and CO chondrites. Samples of the CI chondrite Orgueil, the CM chondrites Murray, Nogoya, and Cold Bokkeveld, the CO chondrites Kainsaz, Omans, and Isna, and the CV chondrites Vigarano, Mokoia, and Grosnaja were tested. We have developed a thermal analysis ICP-MS technique and applied it to the study of a suite of thermally labile elements (Zn, As, Se, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, Hg, Au, Tl, Pb, and Bi) in geologic materials as well.

Lauretta, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS2004

A Rapid Turnaround Cryogenic Detector Characterization System

Upcoming major NASA missions such as the Einstein Inflation Probe and the Single Aperture Far-Infrared Observatory require arrays of detectors with thousands of elements, operating at temperatures near l00 mK and sensitive to wavelengths from approx. 100 microns to approx. 3 mm. Such detectors represent a substantial enabling technology for these missions, and must be demonstrated soon in order for them to proceed. In order to make rapid progress on detector development, the cryogenic testing cycle must be made convenient and quick. We have developed a cryogenic detector characterization system capable of testing superconducting detector arrays in formats up to 8 x 32, read out by SQUID multiplexers. The system relies on the cooling of a two-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator immersed in a liquid helium bath. This approach permits a detector to be cooled from 300K to 50 mK in about 4 hours, so that a test cycle begun in the morning will be over by the end of the day. Tine system is modular, with two identical immersible units, so that while one unit is cooling, the second can be reconfigured for the next battery of tests. We describe the design, construction, and performance of this cryogenic detector testing facility.

Benford, Dominic j.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Two-Fluid Interface Instability Being Studied

The interface between two fluids of different density can experience instability when gravity acts normal to the surface. The relatively well known Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) instability results when the gravity is constant with a heavy fluid over a light fluid. An impulsive acceleration applied to the fluids results in the Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) instability. The RM instability occurs regardless of the relative orientation of the heavy and light fluids. In many systems, the passing of a shock wave through the interface provides the impulsive acceleration. Both the RT and RM instabilities result in mixing at the interface. These instabilities arise in a diverse array of circumstances, including supernovas, oceans, supersonic combustion, and inertial confinement fusion (ICF). The area with the greatest current interest in RT and RM instabilities is ICF, which is an attempt to produce fusion energy for nuclear reactors from BB-sized pellets of deuterium and tritium. In the ICF experiments conducted so far, RM and RT instabilities have prevented the generation of net-positive energy. The $4 billion National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is being constructed to study these instabilities and to attempt to achieve net-positive yield in an ICF experiment.

Niederhaus, Charles E.↗