Technology Readiness Assessment Framework for Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Systems
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Kerrigan Cain↗
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Results for “technological readiness”
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WSA-Optimized Technology Readiness Level upgrade
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Heliospheric and Magnetospheric Physics↗
Space Trusted Autonomy Readiness Levels
Technology Readiness Levels are a mainstay for organizations that fund, develop, test, acquire, or use technologies. Technology Readiness Levels provide a standardized assessment of a technology’s maturity and enable consistent comparison among technologies. They inform decisions throughout a technology’s development life cycle, from concept, through development, to use. A variety of alternative Readiness Levels have been developed, including Algorithm Readiness Levels, manufacturing Readiness Levels, Human Readiness Levels, Commercialization Readiness Levels, Machine Learning Readiness Levels, and Technology Commitment Levels. However, while Technology Readiness Levels have been increasingly applied to emerging disciplines, there are unique challenges to assessing the rapidly developing capabilities of autonomy. This paper adopts the moniker of Space Trusted Autonomy Readiness Levels to identify a two-dimensional scale of readiness and trust appropriate for the special challenges of assessing autonomy technologies that seek space use. It draws inspiration from other readiness levels’ definitions, and from the rich field of trust and trustworthiness. The Space Trusted Autonomy Readiness Levels were developed by a collaborative Space Trusted Autonomy subgroup, which was created from The Space Science and Technology Partnership Forum between the United States Space Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Reconnaissance Office.
Kerianne L Hobbs↗
Considerations for Hydride Moderator Readiness in Microreactors
The emergence of microreactor technology has helped to drive supporting nuclear materials qualification and acceptance processes. One essential component in these small reactors is a solid moderator, which typically consists of metal hydride and cladding. While the behavior and performance of metal-hydride moderators go back to early advanced reactor development for nuclear-powered aviation and space propulsion, there remains a knowledge gap in the understanding of hydrogen transport–related phenomena and irradiation performance for hydride moderators. This impacts the acceptance/qualification of hydride moderators for microreactors. The goal of this technical note is to lay out a potential path forward for advanced moderator qualification and acceptance for designers and developers of microreactors. The proposed approach has benefited from a model microreactor core with the design parameters of a hydride moderator. Based on the model core and design parameters, a simple chart was developed for the major challenges of hydride moderators where potential incidents, causes, effects, and resolutions are described. The relation between the offered resolutions and the maturity of the metal-hydride moderator technology was emphasized using technological readiness. Technological readiness levels (TRLs) were clustered to three sets: physical phenomena related, reactor irradiations, and system demonstration. Some essential needs to fill the knowledge gaps are discussed for physical phenomena–related TRLs. For reactor irradiations, the importance of identifying goals and priorities is stressed to reach certain TRLs. For system demonstration, it is noted that metal-hydride moderator qualification must comply with the overall microreactor design.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Chapter 8 - Testing and Evaluation Methods for Protection Systems
In this chapter, we aim to present different approaches used formally and informally for the evaluation of protection devices and schemes. This chapter starts with presenting background on generalization of protection device components, followed by the resources necessary to evaluate the protection system. Further, this chapter presents the different approaches used in protection evaluation with their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, this chapter closes by presenting background on technology readiness level metrics. Technology readiness level metric is borrowed from the space industry for the purpose of comparing the maturity of the different protection technologies and using the appropriate evaluation methods from the list presented here.
power systems↗
Ocean Energy: Markets - Currency - Impact. Dimension of & Choices in the Technology Development Space: Preprint
This paper presents considerations of the employment of ocean wave energy to support different energy demand side applications. The key aspect in these considerations is the wave energy supported achievable positive impact and associated tangible contribution in service of common societal good and of the natural commons. The level of impact that can be delivered is dependent on both, the level of contribution of the supported energy use application, and the compatibility and unique suitability of the wave energy resource and its characteristics with the needs of the application. Thus, a variety of ocean wave energy markets, the key value indicators or "currency' in which these markets trade the value delivered and the achievable positive impact, are reflected upon. Ocean wave energy supported acquisition of high quality ocean system data across a wide spectrum of system properties is identified as a highly impactful application enabling and/or improving a comprehensive range of impactful ocean system activities. The technology development process towards these markets and desired impacts requires relevant technology development progress guidance and metrics. Going beyond technology readiness levels and technology performance levels, the notion of further technology development progress scales towards high impact and high contribution are proposed. These scales and the associated technology properties can be regarded as additional technology development dimensions to span-up the technology development space in which desired system capability and functional requirement choices and subsequent ideation, innovation, research and technology development decisions can and are to be made.
data market↗
Development of Electrolytic Oxygen Recovery System for Advanced Life Support
The oxygen (O2) recovery system for the International Space Station (ISS) can recover approximately 50 percent of O2 from metabolic carbon dioxide (CO2). Increasing the O2 recovery rate and closing the open loop for future long duration crewed missions in space beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is essential. There are several developmental efforts underway to increase the recovery rate. However, most of these technologies result in a complex, heavy, and power consuming system. The desired exploration O2 recovery system would be reliable and efficient with maximum O2 recovery. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is currently investigating an electrolytic O2 recovery approach that will increase the O2 recovery to greater than 70 percent as well as lowering the complexity, mass, and power consumption than most other technologies currently under development. The electrolytic O2 recovery system consists of a Microfluidic Electrochemical Reactor (MFECR) that is based on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to O2 and ethylene (C2H4) using water (H2O) as precursor and operates at standard condition with a theoretical recovery rate of 73 percent. In 2016, NASA’s Game Changing Development Program awarded the University of Texas Arlington (UTA) a grant to initiate the development of the MFECR. Since 2019, MSFC and UTA have been collaborating with the current goals of increasing the O2 recovery efficiency, advancing the technology readiness to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, and maturing the system to process CO2 of one crew-member. Based on the results from UTA’s initial efforts, the following were identified as key areas of improvement in order to maximize O2 recovery for the system: further development of the anode material and cathode catalyst, model-based cell design optimization, and the addition of a separation system and fuel cell. This paper will present the current developmental efforts of the electrolytic system including MFECR design and overall system enhancements as well as results from single cell stack testing.
Brittany R Brown↗
NASA Development of Aerocapture Technologies
Aeroassist technology development is a vital part of the NASA ln-Space Propulsion Program (ISP), which is managed by the NASA Headquarters Office of Space Science, and implemented by the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Aeroassist is the general term given to various techniques to maneuver a space vehicle within an atmosphere, using aerodynamic forces in lieu of propulsive fuel. Within the ISP, the current aeroassist technology development focus is aerocapture. The objective of the ISP Aerocapture Technology Project (ATP) is to develop technologies that can enable and/or benefit NASA science missions by significantly reducing cost, mass, and/or travel times. To accomplish this objective, the ATP identifies and prioritizes the most promising technologies using systems analysis, technology advancement and peer review, coupled with NASA Headquarters Office of Space Science target requirements. Plans are focused on developing mid-Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies to TRL 6 (ready for technology demonstration in space).
James, Bonnie↗
NASA Development of Aerocapture Technologies
Aeroassist technology development is a vital part of the NASA In-Space Propulsion Program (ISP), which is managed by the NASA Headquarters Office of Space Science, and implemented by the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Aeroassist is the general term given to various techniques to maneuver a space vehicle within an atmosphere, using aerodynamic forces in lieu of propulsive fuel. Within the ISP, the current aeroassist technology development focus is aerocapture. The objective of the ISP Aerocapture Technology Project (ATP) is to develop technologies that can enable and/or benefit NASA science missions by significantly reducing cost, mass, and/or travel times. To accomplish this objective, the ATP identifies and prioritizes the most promising technologies using systems analysis, technology advancement and peer review, coupled with NASA Headquarters Office of Space Science target requirements. Plans are focused on developing mid-Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies to TRL 6 (ready for technology demonstration in space).
James, Bonnie↗
Rapid Maturation of Edge Sensor Technology and Potential Application in Large Space Telescopes with Segmented Primary Mirrors
This paper explores the history and results of the last two year's efforts to transition inductive edge sensor technology from Technology Readiness Level 2 to Technology Readiness Level 6. Both technical and programmatic challenges were overcome in the design, fabrication, test, and installation of over a thousand sensors making up the Segment Alignment Maintenance System (SAMs) for the 91 segment, 9.2-meter. Hobby Eberly Telescope (HET). The integration of these sensors with the control system will be discussed along with serendipitous leverage they provided for both initialization alignment and operational maintenance. The experience gained important insights into the fundamental motion mechanics of large segmented mirrors, the relative importance of the variance sources of misalignment errors, the efficient conduct of a program to mature the technology to the higher levels. Unanticipated factors required the team to develop new implementation strategies for the edge sensor information which enabled major segmented mirror controller design simplifications. The resulting increase in the science efficiency of HET will be shown. Finally, the on-going effort to complete the maturation of inductive edge sensor by delivering space qualified versions for future IR (infrared radiation) space telescopes.
Montgomery, Edward E., IV↗
Material efficiency technologies in the food and beverage industry
The U.S. food and beverage (F&B) sector is a major contributor to manufacturing gross domestic product and supports substantial employment and economic activity, while exerting significant pressures on land and water resources. At the same time, the industry faces growing expectations to balance its resource-intensive operations without compromising cost competitiveness. Material inefficiencies across the F&B value chain, particularly in raw material use and product loss/waste, lead to substantial financial losses and resource depletion. Thus, the F&B sector requires adoption of solutions and measures to avoid food wastage, reduce raw material consumption and valorize waste to high-value added products. This work presents a comprehensive understanding of the various technology solutions available for the F&B sector. The following two research questions are addressed: “What are the mid-to-high Technology Readiness Level technologies or measures to reduce material use and enable waste valorization in the F&B sector? What are the barriers to their commercial deployment? Additionally, what targeted research and development efforts are needed to overcome these barriers and accelerate their scale-up?” The findings are intended to support evidence-based decision-making, guide strategic investment, and help stakeholders strengthen resilience and competitiveness across the F&B sector.
Nain, Preeti [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000258358959)↗
Marine Energy Technology Development Risk Management Framework
Over the past decades, the global marine energy industry has suffered a number of serious technological and commercial setbacks. To help reduce the risks of industry failures and advance the development of new technologies, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a Marine Energy Risk Management Framework in 2015, with this revision published in 2024. This risk management framework shall be utilized on all DOE Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) projects that require system testing in the open water. By addressing uncertainties, the Marine Energy Risk Management Framework increases the likelihood of successful development of marine energy converter technology. It covers projects of any technology readiness level technology performance level (TPL) and all risk types (e.g. technological risk, regulatory risk, commercial risk) over the development cycle. This risk framework is not a substitute for other risk management procedures that may be required for marine operations, such as installations at sea, hoisting and rigging, safe diver operations, and other safety requirements. This risk framework is intended to meet DOE's risk management expectations for marine energy technology research and development efforts from WPTO. It also provides an overview of other relevant risk management tools and documentation.
16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
Human Exploration Systems and Mobility Capability Roadmap Progress Review
Contents include the following: Capability Roadmap Team. Capability Description and Capability Breakdown Structure. Benefits of the Human Systems and Mobility Capability. Roadmap Process and Approach. Drivers and Assumptions for the whole team. Current State-of-the-Art, Assumptions and Requirements will be covered in the appropriate sections. Capability Presentations by Leads under Roadmap (Repeated for each capability under roadmap). Capability Description, Benefits, Current State-of-the-Art. Capability Requirements and Assumptions. Roadmap for Capability. Capability Readiness Level. Technology Readiness Level. Figures of Merit. Summary of Top Level Capability. Significant Technical Challenges. Summary and Forward Work.
Culbert, Chris↗
Environmental Control and Life Support System Reliability for Long-Duration Missions Beyond Lower Earth Orbit
NASA has highlighted reliability as critical to future human space exploration, particularly in the area of environmental controls and life support systems. The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) projects have been encouraged to pursue higher reliability components and systems as part of technology development plans. However, no consensus has been reached on what is meant by improving on reliability, or on how to assess reliability within the AES projects. This became apparent when trying to assess reliability as one of several figures of merit for a regenerable water architecture trade study. In the spring of 2013, the AES Water Recovery Project hosted a series of events at Johnson Space Center with the intended goal of establishing a common language and understanding of NASA's reliability goals, and equipping the projects with acceptable means of assessing the respective systems. This campaign included an educational series in which experts from across the agency and academia provided information on terminology, tools, and techniques associated with evaluating and designing for system reliability. The campaign culminated in a workshop that included members of the Environmental Control and Life Support System and AES communities. The goal of this workshop was to develop a consensus on what reliability means to AES and identify methods for assessing low- to mid-technology readiness level technologies for reliability. This paper details the results of that workshop.
Sargusingh, Miriam J.↗
LISA EDU Status
LISA will be the first space-based gravitational wave observatory, enabling orders of magnitude greater sensitivity than the state-of-the-art LIGO facility. L3Harris is developing an engineering development unit (EDU) telescope in support of NASA, ESA and the LISA Consortium. The LISA EDU telescope validates a flight-like telescope design and reduces risks associated with stability, materials, assembly, integration, and testing. Mission requirements are unlike any other and require picometer-level stability across the entire telescope’s beam path, even in the presence of temperature variation and jitter. As a result, an all-glass telescope design was developed. The brittle structure represents a new state of the art for stable telescopes, but also introduces challenges with managing assembly, manufacturability, and survivability. From 2019-2024, the LISA EDU project has increased manufacturing readiness and technology readiness for the optical telescope element.
Brian VanRensselaer↗
NASA's technology plans - Will technology be ready when we are
Recent low NASA science and technology budgets impacted unfavorably on trade balances of aerospace products and lags in several technological areas impinged on other areas already in application which could not be exploited or did not achieve desired performance levels. NASA has formed a Civil Space Technology Initiative, for 1988 start, to foster research on safe and efficient access to space, earth orbiting operations, and science support technologies. R&D programs for fully reusable launch systems, aerobraking concepts, and a multi-arm, highly autonomous capability for space-based remote assembly, repair and servicing of space vehicles are described. Regarding science, emphasis will be placed on large flexible structures and the associated control programs, sensors and data handling and analysis equipment and programs. Finally, technologies common to human activities in regions beyond the Space Station are to be explored in the second phase of the NASA initiative, Pathfinder.
Colladay, Raymond S.↗
High Data Rate Instrument Study
The High Data Rate Instrument Study was a joint effort between the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The objectives were to assess the characteristics of future high data rate Earth observing science instruments and then to assess the feasibility of developing data processing systems and communications systems required to meet those data rates. Instruments and technology were assessed for technology readiness dates of 2000, 2003, and 2006. The highest data rate instruments are hyperspectral and synthetic aperture radar instruments which are capable of generating 3.2 Gigabits per second (Gbps) and 1.3 Gbps, respectively, with a technology readiness date of 2003. These instruments would require storage of 16.2 Terebits (Tb) of information (RF communications case of two orbits of data) or 40.5 Tb of information (optical communications case of five orbits of data) with a technology readiness date of 2003. Onboard storage capability in 2003 is estimated at 4 Tb; therefore, all the data created cannot be stored without processing or compression. Of the 4 Tb of stored data, RF communications can only send about one third of the data to the ground, while optical communications is estimated at 6.4 Tb across all three technology readiness dates of 2000, 2003, and 2006 which were used in the study. The study includes analysis of the onboard processing and communications technologies at these three dates and potential systems to meet the high data rate requirements. In the 2003 case, 7.8% of the data can be stored and downlinked by RF communications while 10% of the data can be stored and downlinked with optical communications. The study conclusion is that only 1 to 10% of the data generated by high data rate instruments will be sent to the ground from now through 2006 unless revolutionary changes in spacecraft design and operations such as intelligent data extraction are developed.
Schober, Wayne↗
In-Space Propulsion Technology Products Ready for Infusion on NASA's Future Science Missions
Since 2001, the In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) program has been developing and delivering in-space propulsion technologies that will enable or enhance NASA robotic science missions. These in-space propulsion technologies are applicable, and potentially enabling, for future NASA flagship and sample return missions currently being considered. They have a broad applicability to future competed mission solicitations. The high-temperature Advanced Material Bipropellant Rocket (AMBR) engine, providing higher performance for lower cost, was completed in 2009. Two other ISPT technologies are nearing completion of their technology development phase: 1) NASA s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) ion propulsion system, a 0.6-7 kW throttle-able gridded ion system; and 2) Aerocapture technology development with investments in a family of thermal protection system (TPS) materials and structures; guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) models of blunt-body rigid aeroshells; aerothermal effect models; and atmospheric models for Earth, Titan, Mars and Venus. This paper provides status of the technology development, applicability, and availability of in-space propulsion technologies that have recently completed their technology development and will be ready for infusion into NASA s Discovery, New Frontiers, SMD Flagship, or technology demonstration missions.
Anderson, David J.↗