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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2015

Novel Materials, Processing, and Device Technologies for Space Exploration with Potential Dual-Use Applications

We highlight results of a broad spectrum of efforts on lower-temperature processing of nanomaterials, novel approaches to energy conversion, and environmentally rugged devices. Solution-processed quantum dots of copper indium chalcogenide semiconductors and multi-walled carbon nanotubes from lower-temperature spray pyrolysis are enabled by novel (precursor) chemistry. Metal-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructured components of photovoltaic cells have been grown in solution at low temperature on a conductive indium tin oxide substrate. Arrays of ZnO nanorods can be templated and decorated with various semiconductor and metallic nanoparticles. Utilizing ZnO in a more broadly defined energy conversion sense as photocatalysts, unwanted organic waste materials can potentially be re-purposed. Current efforts on charge carrier dynamics in nanoscale electrode architectures used in photoelectrochemical cells for generating solar electricity and fuels are described. The objective is to develop oxide nanowire-based electrode architectures that exhibit improved charge separation, charge collection and allow for efficient light absorption. Investigation of the charge carrier transport and recombination properties of the electrodes will aid in the understanding of how nanowire architectures improve performance of electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. Nanomaterials can be incorporated in a number of advanced higher-performance (i.e. mass specific power) photovoltaic arrays. Advanced technologies for the deposition of 4H-silicon carbide are described. The use of novel precursors, advanced processing, and process studies, including modeling are discussed from the perspective of enhancing the performance of this promising material for enabling technologies such as solar electric propulsion. Potential impact(s) of these technologies for a variety of aerospace applications are highlighted throughout. Finally, examples are given of technologies with potential spin-offs for dual-use or terrestrial applications.

thin films↗
NASA NTRS2014

Novel Materials, Processing and Device Technologies for Space Exploration with Potential Dual-Use Applications

We highlight results of a broad spectrum of efforts on lower-temperature processing of nanomaterials, novel approaches to energy conversion, and environmentally rugged devices. Solution-processed quantum dots of copper indium chalcogenide semiconductors and multiwalled carbon nanotubes from lower-temperature spray pyrolysis are enabled by novel (precursor) chemistry. Metal-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructured components of photovoltaic cells have been grown in solution at low temperature on a conductive indium tin oxide substrate. Arrays of ZnO nanorods can be templated and decorated with various semiconductor and metallic nanoparticles. Utilizing ZnO in a more broadly defined energy conversion sense as photocatalysts, unwanted organic waste materials can potentially be repurposed. Current efforts on charge carrier dynamics in nanoscale electrode architectures used in photoelectrochemical cells for generating solar electricity and fuels are described. The objective is to develop oxide nanowire-based electrode architectures that exhibit improved charge separation, charge collection and allow for efficient light absorption. Investigation of the charge carrier transport and recombination properties of the electrodes will aid in the understanding of how nanowire architectures improve performance of electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. Nanomaterials can be incorporated in a number of advanced higher-performance (i.e. mass specific power) photovoltaic arrays. Advanced technologies for the deposition of 4H-silicon carbide are described. The use of novel precursors, advanced processing, and process studies, including modeling are discussed from the perspective of enhancing the performance of this promising material for enabling technologies such as solar electric propulsion. Potential impact(s) of these technologies for a variety of aerospace applications are highlighted throughout. Finally, examples are given of technologies with potential spin-offs for dual-use or terrestrial applications.

solid state devices↗
DOE OSTI2022

Blue Rock CropSpanPV - Low Cost Racking for Agricultural Solar Photovoltaics

In this work, a total of four solar panel layouts, applied to Agrivoltaics, are investigated. This study presents two hypotheses: 1. Prefabrication - Lower total cost can be achieved by constructing a pre-assembled, pre-wired solar array in a factory, with automation, then rapidly deploying it in the field. 2. Tension Structures - Using tension structures in a way to suspend an overhead solar array also reduces costs when compared to conventional support methods. Designs are presented for frames to hold the panels. Configurations are advanced to connect the frames into arrays. Supports and foundations to hold the arrays in the desired layout are calculated, selected and presented. Cost models are prepared for the four layouts, which include definition of the business enterprise, the manufacturing operation, and the required facility for production at scale. Cost models include, detail material and task/labor take-offs for both manufacturing and installation. Comparisons with conventional system adapted to Agrivoltaics reveal that the two hypotheses do not hold true. A prefabricated array requires additional material that is not needed in the base system and the cost of this additional material is not outweighed by the cost savings of reduced field installation. The cost of wire rope for a tension structure does result in an economy of material, however, the cost of end connections and tensioning devices adds significantly to the cost of the overall tension structure. Foundation loads with tension structures, especially the large wind uplift seen with a fixed tilt solar array, impose significant constraints and high costs. The following conclusions are recommended for further consideration: 1. Best Case Agrivoltaic Configuration - The best value/lowest cost configuration for agrivoltaics is the installation of solar panels mounted on a single axis tracker in either a 2-in-portrait or 2-in landscape arrangement. This is useful for grazing lands and for staple crops which require high light levels. These applications represent the vast majority of the potential agrivoltaic market. Important elements in this configuration are the specific geometric layout coordinated with the various field operations and a control system linked between the farm equipment and single axis tracker. The control system is to monitor location and orientation, then actively tilt the solar panels or brake the field equipment to provide clearance and avoid collisions. 2. Long Span Applications - The use of tension structures for an overhead fixed tilt array is beneficial where long spans are a necessity, especially where the base support in the project location has consolidated rock near the surface or some other solid structure. One application is spanning wide irrigation canals. Another may be as an installation at the top deck of parking structures. 3. Direct Ground Mount Configuration – Having skids at the base of a pre-fabricated array that extend when the array is deployed, could be a successful design. This could be a useful strategy for dense, flat, ground-mount configurations like that employed by a couple of successful commercial operations (5G Maverick and Erthos). Arrays would be orientated north and south, deployed very low on prepared grade. Arrays would be aligned closely next to each other and anchored with small ground screws or simply with ballast. This same product arrangement could be very useful for rapid deployment and set-up of solar arrays for temporary deployments, disaster response and the military operations

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2016

System Assessment of a High Power 3-U CubeSat

The Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat project is a technology demonstration mission of a 3-UCubeSat with an advanced, digitally controlled electrical power system capability and novel use of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology for reliable deployable solar array mechanisms. The objective of the project is to, through an on orbit demonstration, advance the state of power management and distribution (PMAD) capabilities to enable future missions requiring higher power, flexible and reliable power systems. The goals of the mission include demonstration of: 100 Watt distribution to a target electrical load, efficient battery charging in the orbital environment, flexible power system distribution interfaces, adaptation of power system control on orbit, and reliable deployment of solar arrays and antennas utilizing re-settable SMA mechanisms. The power distribution function of the ALBus PMAD system is unique in the total power to target load capability of 100 W, the flexibility to support centralized or point-to-load regulation and ability to respond to fast transient power requirements. Power will be distributed from batteries at 14.8 V, 6.5 A to provide 100 W of power directly to a load. The deployable solar arrays utilize NASA Glenn Research Center superelastic and activated Nitinol(Nickel-Titanium alloy) Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology for hinges and a retention and release mechanism. The deployable solar array hinge design features utilization of the SMA material properties for dual purpose. The hinge uses the shape memory properties of the SMA to provide the spring force to deploy the arrays. The electrical conductivity properties of the SMA also enables the design to provide clean conduits for power transfer from the deployable arrays to the power management system. This eliminates the need for electrical harnesses between the arrays and the PMAD system in the ALBus system design. The uniqueness of the SMA retention and release mechanism design is the ability to reset the mechanism, allowing functional tests of the mechanisms prior to flight with no degradation of performance. The project is currently in preparation at the NASA Glenn Research Center for a launch in late calendar year of 2017. The 100 Watt power distribution and dual purpose, re-settable SMA mechanisms introduced several system level challenges due to the physical constraints in volume, mass and surface area of 3-U CubeSats. Several trade studies and design cycles have been completed to develop a system which supports the project objectives. This paper is a report on the results of the system level trade studies and assessments. The results include assessment of options for thermal control of 100 Watts of power dissipation, data from system analyses and engineering development tests, limitations of the 3-U system and extensibility to larger scale CubeSat missions.

CubeSat↗
NASA NTRS1976

Solar concentrator/absorber

Collector/energy converter, consisting of dual-slope optical concentrator and counterflow thermal energy absorber, is attached to multiaxis support structure. Efficient over wide range of illumination levels, device may be used to generate high temperature steam, serve as solar powered dryer, or power absorption cycle cooler.

Von Tiesenhausen, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Comet Austin (1989c1) O(1D) and H2O production rates

The dual-etalon Fabry-Perot spectrometer of Kitt Peak's McMath solar telescope has been used to conduct Comet Austin observations with spectral scan resolutions of 0.21 A; this sufficed for resolution of cometary forbidden O I 6300 A emissions from nearby NH2, as well as telluric emissions of the same type. For these data, an O(1D) production rate is obtained which is noted to be nearly model-independent. The H2O production rate is determined by taking into account the photodissociation of H2O and OH as sources of O(1D).

Schultz, D.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Dual-Zone Solar Control Indoor Shade: Demonstration at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 1301 Clay Street, Oakland, California and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Advanced Windows Testbed, Berkeley, California

Standard window shades are used to control sunlight, glare, window heat gains, and daylight. The challenge with conventional shades is that once the shades are lowered to reduce discomfort, daylight is reduced, which, in turn, increases the need for electric lighting. View is also obstructed, reducing the occupants’ connection to the outdoors. The strategy of subdividing the window wall and admitting daylight from above and controlling sunlight and view through the lower aperture can yield significant energy and peak demand savings over conventional shading systems, and improve the daylight quality of the indoor environment. This study evaluated a dual zone solar control (DZSC) shade with an upper, automated, horizontal, venetian blind with concave-up, matte white slats and a lower, manually operated, roller shade made of a transparent, reflective film. The automatic controls were designed to adjust the upper slat angle to maximize daylight to the room interior. The lower shade, when lowered, provided an unobstructed view to the outdoors. For the qualitative analysis, the DZSC shades were installed on windows in the southeast half of one floor in the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse or hereafter referred to as the Oakland Federal Building (OFB) in Oakland, California. The position of the DZSC shades were observed and recorded periodically. Surveys were issued to occupants in the private offices and open plan workstations affected by the shades. For the quantitative analysis, the DZSC shades were installed in the south-facing windows of thermally isolated, fully instrumented, test chambers in the Advanced Windows Testbed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in Berkeley, California. Measurements of window heat loads, daylight illuminance and environmental conditions related to visual and thermal comfort were collected over a six-month, solstice-to-solstice period. The performance of the DZSC shade was compared to fabric roller shades and venetian blinds since these are the two most common types of shades used in both commercial and Federal buildings. Several DZSC design permutations were evaluated: 1) manual or automated control of the upper louver system (“man” or “auto”) and 2) tinted or silvered reflective film for the lower shade (“Gray-Gray (GG)” or “Gray-Silver (GS)”1). The automated, reflective shade (auto-GS) reduced dimmable fluorescent lighting energy use by 51% and window cooling load by 13-15% compared to a conventional fabric roller shade with dual-pane, spectrally selective, low-e windows during the summer period (winter period was not measured). Qualitative analysis revealed that the auto-GS shade was preferred by 80% of the survey respondents compared to the existing vertical fabric blinds with single-pane, tinted windows in the occupied building. Survey results indicated that visual discomfort was reduced and thermal discomfort was also reduced during warm or hot weather. Occupants expressed greater satisfaction with the unobstructed view. Installation and commissioning of the DZSC shades was fairly straightforward with some minor problems due to inadequate installation instructions and improper wiring. A few occupants expressed dissatisfaction with the automatic controls for the upper louvers due to visual discomfort, erroneous control, and motor noise.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS2006

Advanced Energy Conversion Technologies and Architectures for Earth and Beyond

Research, development and studies of novel space-based solar power systems, technologies and architectures for Earth and beyond are needed to reduce the cost of clean electrical power for terrestrial use and to provide a stepping stone for providing an abundance of power in space, i.e., manufacturing facilities, tourist facilities, delivery of power between objects in space, and between space and surface sites. The architectures, technologies and systems needed for space to Earth applications may also be used for in-space applications. Advances in key technologies, i.e., power generation, power management and distribution, power beaming and conversion of beamed power are needed to achieve the objectives of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications. There is a need to produce "proof-ofconcept" validation of critical WPT technologies for both the near-term, as well as far-term applications. Investments may be harvested in near-term beam safe demonstrations of commercial WPT applications. Receiving sites (users) include ground-based stations for terrestrial electrical power, orbital sites to provide power for satellites and other platforms, future space elevator systems, space vehicle propulsion, and space surface sites. Space surface receiving sites of particular interest include the areas of permanent shadow near the moon s North and South poles, where WPT technologies could enable access to ice and other useful resources for human exploration. This paper discusses work addressing a promising approach to solar power generation and beamed power conversion. The approach is based on a unique high-power solar concentrator array called Stretched Lens Array (SLA) applied to both solar power generation and beamed power conversion. Since both versions (solar and laser) of SLA use many identical components (only the photovoltaic cells need to be different), economies of manufacturing and scale may be realized by using SLA on both ends of the laser power beaming system in a space solar power application. Near-term uses of this SLA-laser-SLA system may include terrestrial and space exploration in near Earth space. Later uses may include beamed power for bases or vehicles on Mars. Strategies for developing energy infrastructures in space which utilize this technology are presented. This dual use system produces electrical energy efficiently from either coherent light, such as from a highly coherent laser, or from conventional solar illumination. This allows, for example, supplementing solar energy with energy provided by highly coherent laser illumination during periods of low solar illumination or no illumination. This reduces the need for batteries and alternate sources of power. The capability of using laser illumination in a lowest order Gaussian laser mode provides means for transmitting power optically with maximum efficiency and precision over the long distances characteristic of space. A preliminary receiving system similar to that described here, has been produced and tested under solar and laser illumination. A summary of results is given.

Howell, Joe T.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A graphical summary of solar wind electron content observations by Pioneer 6, 8, and 9

Between 1965 and 1972, solar wind density measurements were obtained by Mariner 5 and Pioneer 6, 7, 8, and 9 using a radio science method called the 'dual-frequency experiment'. The measurements and data processing are now terminated. A graphical summary is presented of the best of the resulting data, showing the average electron number density of the solar wind across radio paths that vary in length up to 1.8 AU and that lie broadside to the flow direction. These graphs summarize 3.4 years of observations with a time resolution of 1 hour; the measurements provided 1-min resolution and spanned 7 years. Because the orientation and length of the paths change continually and have a major influence on the interpretation of these data, a spacecraft trajectory chart and a plot of the corotation interval are provided.

Croft, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Multifrequency techniques for studying interplanetary scintillations

Rytov's approximation, or the method of smooth perturbations, is utilized to derive the temporal frequency spectra of the amplitude and phase fluctuations of multifrequency plane and spherical waves propagating in the interplanetary medium and solar corona. It is shown that multifrequency observations of interplanetary scintillations using either compact radio stars of spacecraft radio signals are desirable because the correlation of the multifrequency waves yields additional independent measurements of the solar wind and turbulence. Measurements of phase fluctuations are also desirable because, unlike amplitude fluctuations, they provide information on the full range of scale sizes for the electron-density fluctuations. It is also shown that a coherent dual-frequency radio system is particularly useful in making such measurements. In addition to providing a means for interpreting observations of multifrequency interplanetary scintillations, the present analysis is essential for estimating the effects of solar corona turbulence on the communications and navigation of a spacecraft whose line-of-sight path passes close to the sun.

Woo, R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Increasing CO2 Conversion Efficiency with Optical Thermal Management in Concentrated Solar Reactors: New Dual-Stage Solar Reactor Design for Reduction of CO2 to Fuels

The proposed project will result in a new dual-stage solar chemical reactor designed to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to value-added chemicals. Using sunlight as the main power source, a sustainable process will be developed that closes the loop on our industrial carbon cycle in an energy efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The hybrid photochemical and photothermal reactor design will vastly increase utilization of the solar spectrum and increase CO2 conversion efficiencies over Dimensional Energy’s current state-of-the-art.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1986

Space Station multidisciplinary analysis capability - IDEAS2

A computer-aided engineering tool now in use at NASA for systems engineering and integration analysis of the Space Station is described. This tool, called IDEAS2, combines the spacecraft-specific analysis software from NASA IDEAS (truss synthesizer, rigid body controls, plume impingement, orbital lifetime, orbit heat loads, and life support systems) with the interactive graphics, geometric database, solids modeler, structural and thermal analysis capability of the SDRC I-DEAS to obtain an integrated package suitable for Space Station design. This integrated package was applied to a very recent study of growth scenarios of the Space Station dual keel configuration, in which a comparison was made between designs using a combination of photovoltaic solar arrays and solar dynamic collectors, and those using only solar dynamic collectors.

Baker, M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Magnetic shielding of interplanetary spacecraft against solar flare radiation

The ultimate objective of this work is to design, build, and fly a dual-purpose, piggyback payload whose function is to produce a large volume, low intensity magnetic field and to test the concept of using such a magnetic field (1) to protect spacecraft against solar flare protons, (2) to produce a thrust of sufficient magnitude to stabilize low satellite orbits against orbital decay from atmospheric drag, and (3) to test the magsail concept. These all appear to be capable of being tested using the same deployed high temperature superconducting coil. In certain orbits, high temperature superconducting wire, which has now been developed to the point where silver-sheathed high T sub c wires one mm in diameter are commercially available, can be used to produce the magnetic moments required for shielding without requiring any mechanical cooling system. The potential benefits of this concept apply directly to both earth-orbital and interplanetary missions. The usefulness of a protective shield for manned missions needs scarcely to be emphasized. Similarly, the usefulness of increasing orbit perigee without expenditure of propellant is obvious. This payload would be a first step in assessing the true potential of large volume magnetic fields in the US space program. The objective of this design research is to develop an innovative, prototype deployed high temperature superconducting coil (DHTSC) system.

Cocks, Franklin H.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Economic Evaluation of Dual-Level-Residence Solar-Energy System

105-page report is one in a series of economic evaluations of different solar-energy installations. Using study results, an optimal collector area is chosen that minimizes life-cycle costs. From this optimal size thermal and economic performance is evaluated.

Source record↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat: From Build to Flight

The Advanced eLectrical Bus (ALBus) CubeSat project is a technology demonstration mission of a 3-U CubeSat with an advanced, digitally controlled electrical power system capability and novel use of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology for reliable deployable solar array mechanisms. The objective of the project was to advance the state of power management and distribution (PMAD) capabilities to enable future missions requiring flexible and reliable power systems with higher output power capabilities. The goals of the mission were to demonstrate 100W distribution to a target electrical load, respond to continuous and fast transient power requirements, and show reliable deployment of solar arrays and antennas utilizing re-settable SMA mechanisms. The power distribution function of the ALBus PMAD system is unique in the total power to target load capability. Power is distributed from batteries to provide 100W of power directly to a resistive load. The deployable solar arrays utilize NASA Glenn Research Center’s Nickel-Titanium-Palladium-Platinum high-temperature SMAs for the retention and release mechanism, and a super-elastic binary NiTi alloy for the hinge component. The deployable solar array hinge design features the utilization of SMA material properties for a dual purpose. First, the hinge uses the super-elastic SMA properties to provide the spring force to deploy the arrays. Second, the electrical conductivity properties of the SMA enables the design to provide clean conduits for power transfer from the deployable arrays to the power management system. This eliminates the need for electrical harnesses between the arrays and the PMAD system in the ALBus system design. The uniqueness of the SMA retention and release mechanism design is the ability to reset the mechanism and reuse the same hardware. This allow functional tests of the mechanisms before flight with no degradation of performance and flying the hardware that is tested. The project launched as part of the CubeSat Launch Initiative Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) XIX mission on Rocket Lab’s Electron in December 2018. This paper summarizes the final launched design of ALBus and lessons learned from the technology and overall project from development through flight.

Deboshri Sadhukhan↗
NASA NTRS1980

Dual-spin spacecraft nutation control using articulated payloads

A technique is presented for achieving active control of nutation on a dual-spin spacecraft with an articulated payload through use of the payload's control system. Using the Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO)-8 as an illustration, the closed-form solution to the nutation/control system dynamic interaction is presented. Control system design criteria are developed which establish the basic stability of the interaction. Design procedures are described to achieve the most effective nutation damping. Limitations on the amount of damping which can be achieved are characterized as functions of spacecraft and payload mass properties and servo-design parameters. The design techniques presented are verified through a series of on-orbit tests recently conducted on the OSO-8 spacecraft.

Slafer, L. I.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Production of Negative Hydrogen Ions Within the MMS Fast Plasma Investigation Due to Solar Wind Bombardment

The particle data delivered by the Fast Plasma Investigation instrument aboard National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission allow for exceptionally high-resolution examination of the electron and ion phase space in the near-Earth plasma environment. It is necessary to identify populations which originate from instrumental effects. Using Fast Plasma Investigation's Dual Electron Spectrometers, we isolate a high-energy (approximately kiloelectron volt) beam, present while the spacecraft are in the solar wind, which exhibits an azimuthal drift with period associated with the spacecraft spin. We show that this population is consistent with negative hydrogen ions H− generated by a double charge exchange interaction between the incident solar wind H+ ions and the metallic surfaces within the instrument. This interaction is likely to occur at the deflector plates close to the instrument aperture. The H− density is shown to be approximately 0.2-0.4% of the solar wind ion density, and the energy of the negative ion population is shown to be 70% of the incident solar wind energy. These negative ions may introduce errors in electron velocity moments on the order of 0.2-0.4% of the solar wind velocity and significantly higher errors in the electron temperature.

Magnetospheric Multiscale↗