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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 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

International Space Station Bus Regulation With NASA Glenn Research Center Flywheel Energy Storage System Development Unit

An experimental flywheel energy storage system is described. This system is being used to develop a flywheel based replacement for the batteries on the International Space Station (ISS). Motor control algorithms which allow the flywheel to interface with a simplified model of the ISS power bus, and function similarly to the existing ISS battery system, are described. Results of controller experimental verification on a 300 W-hr flywheel are presented.

Kascak, Peter E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Investigation on the explosion dynamics of large-format lithium-ion pouch cells

Explosion is the most extreme case of thermal runaway of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. In this study, explosion dynamics of large-format Li-ion cells are investigated experimentally and numerically. Overcharge-to-explosion tests are conducted on 40 Ah Li-ion cells with Li[Ni 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 ]O 2 cathode. Based on the explosion physics, shockwave and detonation models are used to characterize the shock effect of the cell explosion and evaluate the explosion equivalent. Von Neumann peak is observed on the pressure curves, and the shockwave velocity is supersonic at this time; the unwrinkled spherical flame phenomenon observed in the experiment indicates that it is detonation. Additionally, a geometric model is established based on the real testing scenario, and the explosion behavior is numerically studied. The characteristics of the explosion dynamics process are interpreted and the propagation mechanism of the shockwave are revealed; the deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) phenomenon in this process is caused by the formation of “hot spots”, and the explosion of the cells eventually turns into stable combustion. Here this study fills the gap in the research on thermal runaway of Li-ion cells, especially in the extreme cases of fire and explosion, and provide useful guidance for battery safety.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2010

Improved OTEC System for a Submarine Robot

An ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), now undergoing development, is a less-massive, more-efficient means of exploiting the same basic principle as that of the proposed system described in "Alternative OTEC Scheme for a Submarine Robot" (NPO-43500), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 33, No. 1 (January 2009), page 50. The proposed system as described previously would be based on the thawing-expansion/freezing-contraction behavior of a wax or perhaps another suitable phase-change material (PCM). The power generated by the system would be used to recharge the batteries in a battery- powered unmanned underwater vehicle [UUV (essentially, a small exploratory submarine robot)] of a type that has been deployed in large numbers in research pertaining to global warming. A UUV of this type travels between the ocean surface and depths, measuring temperature and salinity. At one phase of its operational cycle, the previously proposed system would utilize the surface ocean temperature (which lies between 15 and 30 C over most of the Earth) to melt a PCM that has a melting/freezing temperature of about 10 C. At the opposite phase of its operational cycle, the system would utilize the lower ocean temperature at depth (e.g., between 4 and 7 C at a depth of 300 m) to freeze the PCM. The melting or freezing would cause the PCM to expand or contract, respectively, by about 9 volume percent. The PCM would be contained in tubes that would be capable of expanding and contracting with the PCM. The PCM-containing tubes would be immersed in a hydraulic fluid. The expansion and contraction would drive a flow of the hydraulic fluid against a piston that, in turn, would push a rack-and-pinion gear system to spin a generator to charge a battery.

Chao, Yi↗
DOE OSTI2025

Critical minerals lists for low-carbon transitions: Reviewing their structure, objectives, and limitations

Critical minerals lists have flourished in the past decade, in particular linked to the importance of critical minerals for low-carbon transitions. We identified 27 critical minerals or materials lists across 15 countries and the European Union (EU). These lists are designed to attract public and private attention and investments to secure both domestic and foreign supplies. This review article fills a gap in the existing literature by analyzing the ways in which these lists are defined and utilized by countries engaged in a mineral rush. We focus our attention on three categories of minerals – battery minerals, platinum-group metals (PGMs), and rare earth elements (REEs) that are particularly important to energy transitions. We situate this research in the broader legal and administrative developments that have driven critical minerals policies in the past decade. We provide an in-depth analysis of the commonalities and variations in the raw materials included in these lists, and identify six core limitations of critical minerals lists: (1) unclear links between criticality assessments and mineral prioritization (2) failure to account for the full mineral value-chain; (3) limited strategic alignment between allied nations; (4) limited flexibility in dynamic environments (5) limited consideration for recycling and by-product sourcing; and (6) reliance on incomplete reserve and resource data.

Battery minerals↗
DOE OSTI2021

Regional Emissions Analysis of Light-Duty Battery Electric Vehicles

Light-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can reduce both greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air pollutant (CAPs) emissions, when compared to gasoline vehicles. However, research has found that while today’s BEVs typically reduce GHGs, they can increase certain CAPs, though with significant regional variability based on the electric grid mix. In addition, the environmental performance of electric and gasoline vehicles is not static, as key factors driving emissions have undergone significant changes recently and are expected to continue to evolve. In this study, we perform a cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis using state-level generation mix and vehicle operation emission data. We generated state-level emission factors using a projection from 2020 to 2050 for three light-duty vehicle types. We found that BEVs currently provide GHG benefits in nearly every state, with the median state’s benefit being between approximately 50% to 60% lower than gasoline counterparts. However, gasoline vehicles currently have lower total NOx, urban NOx, total PM 2.5 , and urban PM 2.5 in 33%; 15%; 70%; and 10% of states, respectively. BEV emissions will decrease in 2050 due to a cleaner grid, but the relative benefits when compared to gasoline vehicles do not change significantly, as gasoline vehicles are also improving over this time.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Technology Strategy Assessment: Findings from Storage Innovations 2030 Lithium-ion Batteries

This report on accelerating the future of lithium-ion batteries is released as part of the Storage Innovations (SI) 2030 strategic initiative. The objective of SI 2030 is to develop specific and quantifiable research, development, and deployment (RD&D) pathways toward achieving the targets identified in the Long-Duration Storage Energy Earthshot, which seeks to achieve 90% cost reductions for technologies that can provide 10 hours or longer of energy storage within the coming decade. Through SI 2030, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is aiming to understand, analyze, and enable the innovations required to unlock the potential for long-duration applications in the following technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Review on Interface and Interphase Issues in Sulfide Solid-State Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Li-Metal Batteries

All-solid-state batteries have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional Li-ion batteries owing to their higher energy density and safety, which stem from their use of inorganic solid-state electrolytes instead of flammable organic liquid electrolytes. Among various candidates, sulfide solid-state electrolytes are particularly promising for the development of high-energy all-solid-state Li metal batteries because of their high ionic conductivity and deformability. However, a significant challenge remains as their inherent instability in contact with electrodes forms unstable interfaces and interphases, leading to degradation of the battery performance. In this review article, we provide an overview of the key issues for the interfaces and interphases of sulfide solid-state electrolyte systems as well as recent progress in understanding such interface and interphase formation and potential solutions to stabilize them. In addition, we provide perspectives on future research directions in this field.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hybrid Distributed Wind and Battery Energy Storage Systems

This document is a literature review of battery coupled distributed wind applications, including but not limited to fully DC-based power systems, the conceptual value of co-located wind and storage assets, and black start capabilities. This report will serves as a baseline reference document for MIRACL hybrids system research and to identify opportunities for future research in this space.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Jianlin Li: Accelerating battery manufacturing and recycling

With continued penetration of consumer electronics and electric vehicles into the evergrowing marketplace, there is a critical need for an efficient and sustainable battery supply chain. This includes the production of raw materials, the design, development, and processing of cell materials and systems, and end-of-life product recycling. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has established a research program dedicated to addressing many aspects of these key challenges. Here, we asked Jianlin Li, a Senior R&D Staff and leader of the Energy Storage and Conversion Manufacturing Group, his opinion on the role of chemistry and materials science in mitigating the impacts of critical materials in battery supply chains.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2012

Nanotube Production Devices Expand Research Capabilities

In order for the Hubble Space Telescope to take incredible, never-seen-before shots of celestial bodies and then send them back to Earth, the spacecraft needs power. While in orbit, Hubble cannot plug into an electrical outlet or stop at a store for some batteries. One of the ways NASA supplies power aboard a spacecraft is by harnessing energy from the most powerful entity in the solar system: the Sun. Since the 1960s, photovoltaic technology, or technology that converts sunlight into electricity, has been instrumental in the exploration of space. To build upon existing photovoltaic technology, NASA s Glenn Research Center has worked on a variety of innovative designs and materials to incorporate into photovoltaic cells, the building blocks of solar power systems. One of these materials is the carbon nanotube - a tiny structure about 50,000 times finer than the average human hair, with notably high electrical and thermal conductivity and an extreme amount of mechanical strength. Such properties give carbon nanotubes great potential to enhance the reliability of power generation and storage devices in space and on Earth. Dennis J. Flood, the branch chief of the photovoltaic division at Glenn in the 1990s, was looking into using carbon nanotubes to improve the efficiency of solar cells when he ran into a major roadblock - high-quality carbon nanotubes were not readily available. To address this problem, one of the chemists in Flood s group came up with a process and system for growing them. A senior chemist at Glenn, Aloysius F. Hepp, devised an injection chemical vapor deposition process using a specific organometallic catalyst in a two-zone furnace. Hepp's group found the unique process produced high-quality carbon nanotubes with less than 5 percent metal impurity. In addition, the process was more efficient than existing techniques, as it eliminated pre-patterning of the substrate used for growing the nanotubes, a timely and cost-prohibitive step.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2021

Role of Electrolyte in Overcoming the Challenges of LiNiO 2 Cathode in Lithium Batteries

LiNiO 2 (LNO) is a high-capacity and model cathode first discovered in the 1980s that fell out of favor due to its intrinsic instabilities. However, research activities toward LNO are once again on the rise as the push for higher-energy-density cells marches on. Here we demonstrate here that with appropriate modern electrolytes, major performance improvements can be achieved with LNO with no additional modifications. Cells with a localized high concentration electrolyte (LHCE) deliver 92% capacity retention after 200 cycles compared with 56% capacity retention in a baseline carbonate electrolyte, maintain 94% capacity after high-voltage storage compared with 77% capacity, and display a higher onset temperature of thermal runaway of 244 °C compared with 188 °C. These improvements are attributed to the LHCE’s high oxidative stability and its formation of fluorine-rich interphases. Although further characterization of this new class of electrolyte is necessary, this work demonstrates that modern electrolytes can be drop-in enablers of high-capacity, long-cycle-life cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investigating the Effects of Lithium Deposition on the Abuse Response of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Li deposition at the graphitic anode is widely reported in literature as one of the leading causes of capacity fade in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Previous literature has linked Li deposition resulting from low-temperature ageing to diminished safety characteristics, however no current research has probed the effects of Li deposition on the abuse response of well-characterized cells. Using overtemperature testing, a relationship between increased concentrations of Li deposition and exacerbated abuse response in 1 Ah pouch cells has been established. A novel Li deposition technique is also investigated, where cells with n:p < 1 (anode-limiting) have been cycled at a high rate to exploit Li + diffusion limitations at the anode. Scanning Electron Microscopy of harvested anodes indicates substantial Li deposition in low n:p cells after 20 cycles, with intricate networks of Li(s) deposits which hinder Li + intercalation/deintercalation. Peak broadening and decreased amplitude of differential capacity plots further validates a loss of lithium inventory to Li + dissolution, and Powder X-ray Diffraction indicates Li + intercalation with staging in anode interstitial sites as the extent of Li deposition increases. A cradle-to-grave approach is leveraged on cell fabrication and testing to eliminate uncertainty involving the effects of cell additives on Li deposition and other degradation mechanisms.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2010

NASA Glenn Research Center Electrochemistry Branch Overview

This presentation covers an overview of NASA Glenn's history and heritage in the development of electrochemical systems for aerospace applications. Current programs related to batteries and fuel cells are addressed. Specific areas of focus are Li-ion batteries and Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells systems and their development for future Exploration missions. The presentation covers details of current component development efforts for high energy and ultra high energy Li-ion batteries and non-flow-through fuel cell stack and balance of plant development. Electrochemistry Branch capabilities and facilities are also addressed.

Manzo, Michelle A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) Attritable Research Vehicle (SARV) Wing Structure

This paper introduces a high-level overview of the design and development of the SUbsonic Single Aft eNgine (SUSAN) Attritable Research Vehicle (SARV) wing structure. Unique design considerations were made for the structural layout of the wing to include storage for batteries, distributed electric engines, and the requirement for the wing to be shippable in a cargo box. The wing structure development process will be discussed including the wing internal structure design evolution, the fabrication of the manufacturing demonstration vehicle, wing outer mold line design, integration of wing internal structure and wing skins, and finally integration of the wing with the fuselage structure. Additionally, the development of the wing skin design will be discussed while highlighting the wing skin manufacturing demonstration panels as well as composite testing for material characterization purposes.

wing structure↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Critical Review of the Circular Economy for Lithium-Ion Batteries and Photovoltaic Modules: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

To meet net-zero emissions and cost targets for power production, recent analysis indicates that photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the United States could exceed 1 TW by 2050 alongside comparable levels of energy storage capacity, mostly from batteries. For comparison, the total U.S. utility-scale power capacity from all energy sources in 2020 was 1.2 TW (EIA 2022), of which solar satisfied approximately 3% (DOE 2021). With such massive scales of deployment, questions have arisen regarding issues of material supply for manufacturing, end-of-life management of technologies, environmental impacts across the life cycle, and economic costs to both individual consumers and society at large. A set of solutions to address these issues center on the development of a circular economy - shifting from a take-make-waste linear economic model to one that retains the value of materials and products as long as possible, recovering materials at end of life to recirculate back into the economy. With limited global experience, scholars and practitioners have begun to investigate circular economy pathways, focusing on applying novel technologies and analytical methods to fast-growing sectors like renewable energy. This critical review aims to synthesize the growing literature to identify key insights, gaps, and opportunities for research and implementation of a circular economy for two of the leading technologies that enable the transition to a renewable energy economy: solar PV and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We apply state-of-the-science systematic literature review procedures to critically analyze over 3,000 publications on the circular economy of solar PV and LIBs, categorizing those that pass a series of objective screens in ways that can illuminate the current state of the art, highlight existing impediments to a circular economy, and recommend future technological and analytical research. We conclude that while neither PV nor LIB industries have reached a circular economy, they are both on a path towards increased circularity. Based on our assessment of the state of current literature and scientific understanding, we recommend research move beyond its prior emphasis on recycling technology development to more comprehensively investigate other CE strategies, more holistically consider economic, environmental and policy aspects of CE strategies, increase leveraging of digital information systems that can support acceleration towards a CE, and to continue to study CE-related aspects of LIB and PV markets.

circular economy↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Supervisory Control with Dual Tasking in Post G-Transition Vehicle Landings

BACKGROUND Landing during exploration spaceflight may consist of both planned automated supervisory control and unplanned crew override. Supervisory control, particularly when performed under cognitive load with additional monitoring tasks, is essential for ensuring overall mission success during landing contingencies. Evaluating performance in a relevant Human Landing System (HLS) supervisory landing task after long-duration microgravity exposure can help identify potential risks from human error and sensorimotor alterations. Adaptive changes in the sensorimotor system can manifest during g-transitions as spatial disorientation. Although training and landing aids facilitate successful landings despite disorientation, these adaptive changes may heighten cognitive demand, which must be considered in the landing strategy. It is important to characterize these effects as soon as possible following the G-transition while the sensorimotor system remains in a state of adaptive flux to inform appropriate countermeasures. METHODS A Multi-attribute Lunar Table Battery (MALTB) task was developed for an iOS tablet device to provide flexible crew testing and training capabilities in-flight and on the ground. Elements of the tablet task were derived from the Multi-Attribute Task Battery (MATB, Cegarra et al. 2020). The task requires crew members to study a map of a planned landing site and memorizing the terrain and surface landmarks to inform potential divert maneuvers during landing. The user will oversee a series of approaches through touchdown simulations on the tablet with an external camera view of the Lunar surface. The primary responsibility of the crew member will be to execute a divert if the guidance recommended site is erroneous (e.g., the guidance projected landing target is not within 10m of the planned landing site center), or the projected landing site is no longer suitable due to surface obstacles. Considering vehicle maneuverability and fuel reserves, the divert capabilities will diminish as the task progresses. In cases where a divert is initiated, a new landing target will need to be designated by the user and will be evaluated for the proximity to the original pre-planned site. A secondary operational monitoring task will challenge the user's cognitive reserve by requiring the user to maintain several gauges within acceptable limits and respond to a visual indicator while completing the landing approach. Outcome measures include distance from the planned landing site to the user-initiate divert landing location, ground slope at the new landing site, time to divert, the ability to accomplish the secondary monitoring tasks, and perceived workload. The tablet task is being evaluated in a ground-based study to determine the learning effect of first-time users. The tablet task will be utilized in a flight study to test performance multiple times postflight. Future potential testing in-flight have been identified for capsules with iOS tablet devices. Multi-attribute Lunar Table Battery Task MALTB comprises video footage of thirty distinct landing conditions. The landing scenarios feature various landing sites (n = 3), hazardous object sizes (n = 6), sun azimuth degrees (n = 4), camera modes (i.e., fixed or gimbaled), and navigation bias (i.e., true or false). Each seventy second trial uses a sixty-degree constant glideslope trajectory. The application architecture and layout include user identification setup and data storing, a guided walkthrough of the task and interface components, practice mode for task familiarization, and a modified Bedford workload scale administered following task completion. The time-based dependent measures are saved locally to the iOS Files application and post-processing scripts have been developed to evaluate the remaining measures of performance. RELEVANCE This project will deliver an operational demonstration of crew monitoring capability following spaceflight and identify potential deficits that may require remediation. Comparison of individual vestibular and cognitive changes with crew performance will help better characterize the landing risks associated with sensorimotor alterations. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This project is funded by NASA’s Human Research Program Human Health Countermeasures Element. REFERENCES Cegarra J, Valery B, Avril E, Calmettes C, Navarro J (2020) OpenMATB: A Multi-Attribute Task Battery promoting task customization, software extensibility and experiment replicability. Behav Res Methods 52:1980-1990 doi: 10.3758/s13428-020-01364-w

Matthew McDonnell↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enabling Secure and Resilient XFC: A Software/Hardware-Security Co-Design Approach

Extremely fast charging (XFC) has the potential to reduce the charging time of battery electric vehicles (BEV) to be equivalent to the filling time of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV), thus eliminating one of the few advantages ICEV still poses for light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Enabling XFC will, however, require coordination and cooperation between the grid, charging stations, and the vehicles themselves, which leads to an inevitable increase in the attack surface for all systems combined. In securing the overall system, we must not only embrace traditional cybersecurity, which is chiefly concerned with communications and the operation of digital systems, but also cyber-physical systems security as the proper operation of XFC is critically dependent on systems’ abilities to know about (sense) and interact with (actuate) the physical world. The project team consists of academic and industry researchers with backgrounds in cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems security, learning in adversarial environments, transportation security, grid security and resilience, wireless power transfer, converter design, and battery management systems.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗