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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 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Documentation of the analysis of the benefits and costs of aeronautical research and technology models, volume 1

The analysis of the benefits and costs of aeronautical research and technology (ABC-ART) models are documented. These models were developed by NASA for use in analyzing the economic feasibility of applying advanced aeronautical technology to future civil aircraft. The methodology is composed of three major modules: fleet accounting module, airframe manufacturing module, and air carrier module. The fleet accounting module is used to estimate the number of new aircraft required as a function of time to meet demand. This estimation is based primarily upon the expected retirement age of existing aircraft and the expected change in revenue passenger miles demanded. Fuel consumption estimates are also generated by this module. The airframe manufacturer module is used to analyze the feasibility of the manufacturing the new aircraft demanded. The module includes logic for production scheduling and estimating manufacturing costs. For a series of aircraft selling prices, a cash flow analysis is performed and a rate of return on investment is calculated. The air carrier module provides a tool for analyzing the financial feasibility of an airline purchasing and operating the new aircraft. This module includes a methodology for computing the air carrier direct and indirect operating costs, performing a cash flow analysis, and estimating the internal rate of return on investment for a set of aircraft purchase prices.

Bobick, J. C.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Finite Element Analysis and Techno-economic Modeling of Solar Silicon Molten Salt Electrolysis

A new process is presented for low-cost one-step production of pure solid silicon from natural quartzite by molten salt electrolysis. At a process temperature of 1100°C, a techno-economic model including detailed mass and energy balances estimates energy consumption below 15 kWh/kg, with operating cost of $\$1.74$/kg and capital cost around $\$10,500$ per t/a (tonne annually) of production capacity for a 160,000 t/a plant. Use of an inert solid oxide membrane anode results in a pure oxygen by-product and no direct emissions. As a result, finite element analysis estimates the current density distribution and total current to inform the design of slab-shaped solid silicon cathodes.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

ORNL Hydropower Cost Database Extract from FERC Form-1

The ORNL FERC Form 1 Hydropower Cost Database Extract is a cleaned and compiled version of the hydropower component of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Electric Utility Annual Report, also known as Form-1. The database includes conventional and pumped storage hydropower plants owned by non-federal major utilities that submitted the Form 1 data from 1994-2020, representing about 22% of existing conventional hydropower capacity and 61% of pumped storage capacity. The database includes the escalation factors and describes the methods used to scale costs to a common data year, as well as tables of identifiers necessary to link the hydropower plants to two other relevant databases, the National Inventory of Dams and the ORNL Existing Hydropower Assets database. This database provides historical capital and operating costs for three schedules/classes defined in Form 1: Large Hydro, Pumped Storage Hydro, and Small Hydro. The Large Hydro and Pumped Storage Hydro data include cost items, such as land, structures, facilities, etc.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1976

Energy consumption characteristics of transports using the prop-fan concept

The fuel saving and economic potentials of the prop-fan high-speed propeller concept were evaluated for twin-engine commercial transport airplanes designed for 3333.6 km range, 180 passengers, and Mach 0.8 cruise. A fuel saving of 9.7% at the design range was estimated for a prop-fan airplane having wing-mounted engines, while a 5.8% saving was estimated for a design having the engines mounted on the aft body. The fuel savings and cost were found to be sensitive to the propeller noise level and to aerodynamic drag effects due to wing-slipstream interaction. Uncertainties in these effects could change the fuel savings as much as + or - 50%. A modest improvement in direct operating cost (DOC) was estimated for the wing-mounted prop-fan at current fuel prices. This improvement could become substantial in the event of further relative increases in the price of oil. The improvement in DOC requires the achievement of the nominal fuel saving and reductions in propeller and gearbox maintenance costs relative to current experience.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

Civil helicopter propulsion system reliability and engine monitoring technology assessments

A study to reduce operating costs of helicopters, particularly directed at the maintenance of the propulsion subsystem, is presented. The tasks of the study consisted of problem definition refinement, technology solutions, diagnostic system concepts, and emergency power augmentation. Quantifiable benefits (reduced fuel consumption, on-condition engine maintenance, extended drive system overhaul periods, and longer oil change intervals) would increase the initial cost by $43,000, but the benefit of $24.46 per hour would result in breakeven at 1758 hours. Other benefits not capable of being quantified but perhaps more important include improved aircraft avilability due to reduced maintenance time, potential for increased operating limits due to continuous automatic monitoring of gages, and less time and fuel required to make engine power checks. The most important improvement is the on-condition maintenance program, which will require the development of algorithms, equipment, and procedures compatible with all operating environments.

Murphy, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Wireless Telemetry and Command (T and C) Program

The Wireless Telemetry and Command (T&C) program is to investigate methods of using commercial telecommunications service providers to support command and telemetry services between a remote user and a base station. While the initial development is based on ground networks, the development is being done with an eye towards future space communications needs. Both NASA and the Air Force have indicated a plan to consider the use of commercial telecommunications providers to support their space missions. To do this, there will need to be an understanding of the requirements and limitations of interfacing with the commercial providers. The eventual payoff will be the reduced operations cost and the ability to tap into commercial services being developed by the commercial networks. This should enable easier realization of EP services to the end points, commercial routing of data, and quicker integration of new services into the space mission operations. Therefore, the ultimate goal of this program is not just to provide wireless radio communications for T&C services but to enhance those services through wireless networking and provider enhancements that come with the networks. In the following chapters, the detailed technical procedure will be showed step by step. Chapter 2 will talk about the general idea of simulation as well as the implementation of data acquisition including sensor array data and GPS data. Chapter 3 will talk about how to use LabVEEW and Component Works to do wireless communication simulation and how to distribute the real-time information over the Internet by using Visual Basic and ActiveX controls. Also talk about the test configuration and validation. Chapter 4 will show the test results both from In-Lab test and Networking Test. Chapter 5 will summarize the whole procedure and give the perspective for the future consideration.

Jiang, Hui↗
NASA NTRS2013

Spinoff 2012

Topics covered include: Water Treatment Technologies Inspire Healthy Beverages; Dietary Formulas Fortify Antioxidant Supplements; Rovers Pave the Way for Hospital Robots; Dry Electrodes Facilitate Remote Health Monitoring; Telescope Innovations Improve Speed, Accuracy of Eye Surgery; Superconductors Enable Lower Cost MRI Systems; Anti-Icing Formulas Prevent Train Delays; Shuttle Repair Tools Automate Vehicle Maintenance; Pressure-Sensitive Paints Advance Rotorcraft Design Testing; Speech Recognition Interfaces Improve Flight Safety; Polymers Advance Heat Management Materials for Vehicles; Wireless Sensors Pinpoint Rotorcraft Troubles; Ultrasonic Detectors Safely Identify Dangerous, Costly Leaks; Detectors Ensure Function, Safety of Aircraft Wiring; Emergency Systems Save Tens of Thousands of Lives; Oxygen Assessments Ensure Safer Medical Devices; Collaborative Platforms Aid Emergency Decision Making; Space-Inspired Trailers Encourage Exploration on Earth; Ultra-Thin Coatings Beautify Art; Spacesuit Materials Add Comfort to Undergarments; Gigapixel Images Connect Sports Teams with Fans; Satellite Maps Deliver More Realistic Gaming; Elemental Scanning Devices Authenticate Works of Art; Microradiometers Reveal Ocean Health, Climate Change; Sensors Enable Plants to Text Message Farmers; Efficient Cells Cut the Cost of Solar Power; Shuttle Topography Data Inform Solar Power Analysis; Photocatalytic Solutions Create Self-Cleaning Surfaces; Concentrators Enhance Solar Power Systems; Innovative Coatings Potentially Lower Facility Maintenance Costs; Simulation Packages Expand Aircraft Design Options; Web Solutions Inspire Cloud Computing Software; Behavior Prediction Tools Strengthen Nanoelectronics; Power Converters Secure Electronics in Harsh Environments; Diagnostics Tools Identify Faults Prior to Failure; Archiving Innovations Preserve Essential Historical Records; Meter Designs Reduce Operation Costs for Industry; Commercial Platforms Allow Affordable Space Research; Fiber Optics Deliver Real-Time Structural Monitoring; Camera Systems Rapidly Scan Large Structures; Terahertz Lasers Reveal Information for 3D Images; Thin Films Protect Electronics from Heat and Radiation; Interferometers Sharpen Measurements for Better Telescopes; and Vision Systems Illuminate Industrial Processes.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1979

Preliminary noise tradeoff study of a Mach 2.7 cruise aircraft

NASA computer codes in the areas of preliminary sizing and enroute performance, takeoff and landing performance, aircraft noise prediction, and economics were used in a preliminary noise tradeoff study for a Mach 2.7 design supersonic cruise concept. Aerodynamic configuration data were based on wind-tunnel model tests and related analyses. Aircraft structural characteristics and weight were based on advanced structural design methodologies, assuming conventional titanium technology. The most advanced noise prediction techniques available were used, and aircraft operating costs were estimated using accepted industry methods. The 4-engines cycles included in the study were based on assumed 1985 technology levels. Propulsion data was provided by aircraft manufacturers. Additional empirical data is needed to define both noise reduction features and other operating characteristics of all engine cycles under study. Data on VCE design parameters, coannular nozzle inverted flow noise reduction and advanced mechanical suppressors are urgently needed to reduce the present uncertainties in studies of this type.

Mascitti, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Propulsion Study for Small Transport Aircraft Technology (STAT)

Propulsion requirements were determined for 0.5 and 0.7 Mach aircraft. Sensitivity studies were conducted on both these aircraft to determine parametrically the influence of propulsion characteristics on aircraft size and direct operating cost (DOC). Candidate technology elements and design features were identified and parametric studies conducted to select the STAT advanced engine cycle. Trade off studies were conducted to determine those advanced technologies and design features that would offer a reduction in DOC for operation of the STAT engines. These features were incorporated in the two STAT engines. A benefit assessment was conducted comparing the STAT engines to current technology engines of the same power and to 1985 derivatives of the current technology engines. Research and development programs were recommended as part of an overall technology development plan to ensure that full commercial development of the STAT engines could be initiated in 1988.

Gill, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

On the development of system-theoretic tools for the design of integrated health monitoring and controls for rocket propulsion systems

As NASA continues to develop various advanced propulsion technologies for space exploration, two factors are becoming increasingly dominant in design specifications: increase operational reliability and decrease operational cost. One approach that has been proposed to meet these challenges is to incorporate into current and future rocket propulsion systems some sort of diagnostic/monitoring capability in the form of a Health Monitoring System (HMS). HMS technology offers the promise of increased operational reliability through its ability to assess system performance, detect and isolate degradations and/or failures, and modify system operation so as to minimize negative effects on performance. The purpose of this research is to study, from a systems engineering perspective, the particular issues of analysis and synthesis for generic HMS's.

Helmicki, Arthur J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Technology transfer and evaluation for Space Station telerobotics

The international space station (SS) must take advantage of advanced telerobotics in order to maximize productivity and safety and to reduce maintenance costs. The Automation and Robotics Division at the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) has designed, developed, and constructed the Automated Robotics Maintenance of Space Station (ARMSS) facility for the purpose of transferring and evaluating robotic technology that will reduce SS operation costs. Additionally, JSC had developed a process for expediting the transfer of technology from NASA research centers and evaluating these technologies in SS applications. Software and hardware system developed at the research centers and NASA sponsored universities are currently being transferred to JSC and integrated into the ARMSS for flight crew personnel testing. These technologies will be assessed relative to the SS baseline, and, after refinements, those technologies that provide significant performance improvements will be recommended as upgrades to the SS. Proximity sensors, vision algorithms, and manipulator controllers are among the systems scheduled for evaluation.

Price, Charles R.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Overview of TPS Tasks

The objectives of the project summarized in this viewgraph presentation are the following: (1) Develop a lightweight and low cost durable Thermal Protection System (TPS) for easy application to reusable launch vehicle payload launchers; (2) Develop quickly processed composite TPS processing and repair techniques; and (3) Develop higher temperature capability tile TPS. The benefits of this technology include reduced installation and operations cost, enhanced payload capability resulting from TPS weight reduction, and enhanced flight envelope and performance resulting from higher temperature capability TPS which can result in improved safety.

Johnson, Sylvia M.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Environmental Benefits Assessment of the Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests Concept

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has been a focus area of the scientific community for the past several years. Specifically, the aviation industry has set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, providing a sustainable transportation mechanism with minimal impacts on the environment. This reduction must be accomplished through several means, including advanced technology, sustainable propulsion, efficient air traffic management, and improved operations. A potential solution for improving operations in an efficient air traffic management system is the Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR) concept. The TASAR concept applies onboard automation for the purpose of advising the pilot of route modifications that would be beneficial to the flight, leading to a decrease in direct operating costs through fuel burn reduction and shorter flight times. This report discusses analyses that provide an estimate of the potential environmental benefits that result from the application of the TASAR concept. The data used for this benefits assessment was gathered during an operational evaluation on revenue flights with an airline partner between July 2018 and April 2019. The analyses in this report determined that there are impactful potential environmental benefits to be realized using the TASAR concept.

TASAR, Digital TASAR, 4D TASAR, SATM, Green Aviati↗
NASA NTRS2000

NASA's Integrated Space Transportation Plan

Abstract NASA's Integrated Space Transportation Plan (ISTP) is the basis of the agency's new Space Launch Initiative (SLI). ISTP was developed to provide a structured methodology and framework to enable the next generation of reusable launch systems which will operate at orders of magnitude lower operating costs and higher levels of reliability and safety. Created in the fall of 1999, ISTP is the culmination of a series of Space Transportation Architecture Studies (STAS I, II, and III) which identified requirements, developed candidate architectures, and identified sets of technologies required to enable those architectures. The studies were conducted as a partnership between NASA and industry. Both new designs and shuttle-derived concepts were examined. Architectures were identified for 2" Generation Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV), which would reach first operational capability in 2010, and 3rd Generation RLV, which will become operational in the 2025 timeframe, Second Generation RLV's have a goal of placing payloads in low earth orbit (LEO) at a cost of S 1,000/Ibm, and a safety goal of 1/10000 probability of loss of crew, The Third Generation RLV launch system will deliver payloads to LEO at $ 100/Ibm and approach airline-like reliability and safety, with a 1/ 10(exp 6) probability of loss of crew.

Anderson, David M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Fuel saving potential of Mach 0.8 twin engine prop-fan transports

The fuel saving and economic potentials of the prop-fan high-speed propeller concept have been evaluated for twin-engine commercial transport airplanes designed for 3333.6 km range, 180 passengers, and Mach 0.8 cruise. A fuel saving of 9.7% at the design range was estimated for a prop-fan aircraft having wing-mounted engines, while a 5.8% saving was estimated for a design having the engines mounted on the aft body. The fuel savings and cost were found to be sensitive to the propeller noise level and to aerodynamic drag effects due to wing-slipstream interaction. Uncertainties in these effects could change the fuel savings as much as plus or minus 50%. A modest improvement in direct operating cost was estimated for the wing-mounted prop-fan at current fuel prices.

Davenport, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Feedback control for fuel-optimal descents using singular perturbation techniques

In response to rising fuel costs and reduced profit margins for the airline companies, the optimization of the paths flown by transport aircraft has been considered. It was found that application of optimal control theory to the considered problem can result in savings in fuel, time, and direct operating costs. The best solution to the aircraft trajectory problem is an onboard real-time feedback control law. The present paper presents a technique which shows promise of becoming a part of a complete solution. The application of singular perturbation techniques to the problem is discussed, taking into account the benefits and some problems associated with them. A different technique for handling the descent part of a trajectory is also discussed.

Price, D. B.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enabling a Sustainable Future: Zero-Emission Vehicles Cost Analysis to Inform Decarbonization Pathways

Despite being only 5% of vehicles on the road, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) are the second largest contributor to transportation emissions (21%) and a major source of local air pollution disproportionally affecting disadvantaged communities. This talk summarizes a cost analysis for zero emissions vehicles (battery electric EVs and hydrogen fuel cell FCEVs) for all medium and heavy duty applications, ranging from large pick-up trucks, to delivery vans, buses, and heavy trucks. Results show that with continued improvements in vehicle and fuel technologies (in line with U.S. Department of Energy targets and vetted with industry), zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) can reach total-cost-of-driving parity with conventional diesel vehicles by 2035 for all medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) vehicle classes without incentives. Assuming economics drives adoption, ZEV sales could reach 42% of all MD/HD trucks by 2030, reflecting lower combined vehicle purchase and operating costs (using real-world payback periods). Two technological solutions - battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) - are viable in multiple market segments, offering alternative pathways for decarbonization: a) BEVs tend to become cost-competitive for smaller trucks before 2030 and for short-haul (<500-mile) heavy trucks before 2035. b) Hydrogen FCEVs tend to become cost-competitive for long-haul (>500-mile) heavy trucks by 2035. Results are very sensitive to technology improvement trajectories, adoption decision-making, and uncertain assumptions about future freight demand, logistics, and vehicle use explored in multiple scenarios.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗