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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 973 records · Page 54

Design, Control, and Protection of a 13.2 kV, 1 MVA Solid State Transformer for Electric Vehicle Extreme Fast Charging Station

In this article, a medium-voltage (MV) ac-dc solid state transformer (SST) for electric vehicle (EV) extreme fast charging (XFC) station is proposed. The SST adopts a cascaded H-bridge (CHB)-based structure where the active front end (AFE) power stages are connected in input-series followed by dual active bridge (DAB) converters connected in an output-parallel configuration providing galvanic isolation through a high-frequency transformer (HFT). The SST is rated for 1 MVA and connects directly to a three-phase 13.2 kV MV ac grid through ac switchgear and outputs 750-V dc. At the dc bus, several dc/dc converters are connected, each of which can charge an EV based on its battery capacity. A novel decentralized control architecture of the SST is adopted in this work which simplifies the MV dc link voltage and module-level power balancing. In addition, the local and central protection designs of the SST are presented which identify and respond to the internal fault of the system. Finally, the experimental validations of the SST hardware prototype are presented up to the rated voltage. Furthermore, this article details the design and implementation of the MV SST addressing the challenges of an isolated MV class power converter for connecting directly to the MV ac grid with unique controller architecture, distributed protection framework, and SST constructional features.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Detecting Short Circuits: Post Accident Electric Vehicle Battery Safety Check

Fast and accurate detection of soft short circuits (SCs) in the battery packs of damaged electric vehicles is needed by first responders and mechanics to mitigate the potential risk from battery fires that may occur hours, days, or weeks after an accident. Here, this paper presents an SC-detection algorithm for potentially damaged lithium-ion batteries that works quickly and without a priori knowledge of the battery-pack chemistry, capacity, state of charge, or state of health. The proposed universal SC-detection algorithm is designed to be implemented on an inexpensive handheld device that can connect to and monitor the voltages of all cells in a pack. Transient filtering and linear-quadratic state observation provide estimates of normalized SC current for every cell in the pack. Cells with SC-current estimates outside a sigma-based threshold are detected. Simulations, experiments, and electric vehicle (EV) crash data are used to verify the speed, sensitivity, and accuracy of the method, demonstrating 96% accurate detection of 0.0027 C SCs in under 1 h for 5S cell groups in the lab and no false positives for crashed Volkswagen, Chevrolet, and Tesla vehicles without SCs.

25 - ENERGY STORAGE↗

Using the Charge-Discharge Cycling of Positive Electrode Symmetric Cells to Find Electrolyte/Electrode Combinations with Minimum Reactivity

The effects of solvents, salts, electrolyte additives and surface coatings on LiNi 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC442) or LiNi 0.6 Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC622) have been probed using positive electrode Li-ion symmetric cells coupled with dV/dQ analysis. A robust symmetric cell design is presented which prevents hardware corrosion for over at least 800 hours of testing to 4.5 V vs. Li/Li + at 40°C. Positive electrode symmetric cells using uncoated positive electrode materials and 1M LiPF 6 EC:EMC 3:7 or 1M LiPF 6 EMC electrolyte rapidly developed high impedance and showed poor capacity retention. However, if 1% pyridine boron trifluoride (PBF) was added to these electrolytes, cell performance was dramatically improved. Replacing LiPF 6 by LiBF 4 in the electrolytes above, with or without PBF, yielded positive electrode symmetric cells with good capacity retention. Two types of surface coatings were explored on NMC622 positive electrodes. Cells using surface-coated positive electrodes demonstrated better capacity retention for all electrolytes compared to cells without surface coatings. Finally, this work can be used as a guide by those attempting to find electrolyte/electrode pairs suitable for use in NMC/graphite cells that can operate with long lifetime to 4.5 V.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Transition Metal Oxides Nanomaterials for Aqueous Electrochemical Energy Storage

A key technical challenge for capacitive energy storage devices to rival the performance of lithium-ion batteries is to improve their energy density (E), which is proportional to the capacity (C) and square of potential window (V) as following equation shows: E = ½ C V 2 . Therefore, the primary objective of this project is to develop the electrode materials with high capacity and/or wide potential window. Through this research support, the PI has been working on two major groups of metal oxides materials to tackle this challenge.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Critical steps in preventing future pandemics. Early lessons from the Covid-19 crisis for addressing natural and deliberate biological threats.

This report summarizes a virtual workshop on early lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic as they pertain to proactively addressing future biological threats. Co-hosted by Sandia National Laboratory (Sandia) and the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) in August 2020, the discussion involved experts who at that time were leading innovative efforts in various U.S. government agencies, industry, and academia sharing observations from their ongoing pandemic response efforts. Based on the input by these expert participants, it is clear that even though the pandemic response is ongoing, the following recommendations will be important to consider for more successfully addressing biological threats in the future: Continue building on the cross-sector collaboration and agility shown in the COVID-19 response; Expand capabilities for detecting biological threats early; Prioritize ways to create and disseminate medical countermeasures even faster; Create the U.S. bio industrial base needed for rapid response to biological threats, and keep it healthy; and, Major government reorganization may not be needed if there is effective work to form coalitions, improve coordination, and expand steady-state and surge capacities.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Empowering Rural Electrification in Honduras: An Integrated Assessment of PV/BESS and Productive Uses of Electricity in Gracias a Dios

Honduras faces significant challenges in its energy sector, particularly in rural areas where access to reliable and affordable electricity remains limited. The flagship rural electrification initiative for Honduras Secretary of Energy (SEN) is the Politica de Acceso Universal a la Electricidad (PAUEH - Universal Electricity Access Policy), a key solution for addressing this energy poverty is the deployment of more than 1700 distributed solar and hybrid mini-grid solutions. In late 2023 as a first step towards supporting SEN's electrification efforts, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a literature review of SEN electrification policy documents and conducted a series of technical capacity-building workshops with SEN and other energy sector stakeholders in Honduras focused on using NREL's open-source REopt tool to conduct techno-economic assessments and develop least-cost optimizations for potential solar + storage mini-grid systems. Building on some initial capacity building on mini-grid modeling, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) worked with SEN to develop a detailed techno-economic assessment for electrifying two schools, a healthcare clinic, and a hospital in a hypothetical community within the department of Gracias a Dios. The analysis also evaluates the business case for cold storage productive use of energy (PUE) applications for the fisheries value chain and how the incorporation of these PUE loads potentially impacts both the viability of the PV+BESS solutions as well as local economic development. By assessing the potential for deployment of integrated PV/BESS systems to both support critical community services like education and healthcare, as well as potential for downstream enterprise and economic development, this analysis represents a first step that can help to inform specific strategies for development of pilot PV+BESS projects aligned with national priorities and sector level planning under PAUEH.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Fortalecimiento de la Electrificación Rural en Honduras: Una Evaluación Integrada de PV+BESS y Usos Productivos de la Electricidad en Gracias a Dios, Honduras [Empowering Rural Electrification in Honduras: An Integrated Assessment of PV/BESS and Productive Uses of Electricity in Gracias a Dios] (Spanish Translation)

Honduras faces significant challenges in its energy sector, particularly in rural areas where access to reliable and affordable electricity remains limited. The flagship rural electrification initiative for Honduras Secretary of Energy (SEN) is the Politica de Acceso Universal a la Electricidad (PAUEH - Universal Electricity Access Policy), a key solution for addressing this energy poverty is the deployment of more than 1700 distributed solar and hybrid mini-grid solutions. In late 2023 as a first step towards supporting SEN's electrification efforts, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a literature review of SEN electrification policy documents and conducted a series of technical capacity-building workshops with SEN and other energy sector stakeholders in Honduras focused on using NREL's open-source REopt tool to conduct techno-economic assessments and develop least-cost optimizations for potential solar + storage mini-grid systems. Building on some initial capacity building on mini-grid modeling, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) worked with SEN to develop a detailed techno-economic assessment for electrifying two schools, a healthcare clinic, and a hospital in a hypothetical community within the department of Gracias a Dios. The analysis also evaluates the business case for cold storage productive use of energy (PUE) applications for the fisheries value chain and how the incorporation of these PUE loads potentially impacts both the viability of the PV+BESS solutions as well as local economic development. By assessing the potential for deployment of integrated PV/BESS systems to both support critical community services like education and healthcare, as well as potential for downstream enterprise and economic development, this analysis represents a first step that can help to inform specific strategies for development of pilot PV+BESS projects aligned with national priorities and sector level planning under PAUEH. This is the Spanish translation of NREL/TP-7A40-90865.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Cost Benefit Analysis of Solar PV for the City of Oldsmar, FL

The City of Oldsmar is in the early stages of exploring renewable energy opportunities as a part of their initiative to reduce energy costs, improve backup power capacity, and begin the transition to more sustainable operations. The city is particularly interested in deploying a floating or ground-mounted solar PV system at its wastewater treatment plant. Currently, there are no solar PV installations in Oldsmar and there has been hesitancy to implement such a project due to the possible capital costs and limited technical capacity. Despite this the initiative has gained internal buy-in among staff working for the city. To assist with gaining more buy-in and making future decisions the city sought technical assistance (TA) from the Energy to Communities (E2C) Expert Match Program. Through the Expert Match Program, the city received TA provided by the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) to evaluate the cost effectiveness of several solar options. This report details the analysis and results of the work performed for TA.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Development of a thermal diode heat pipe for the advanced thermal control flight experiment /ATFE/.

Description of the analysis, design, fabrication, and test of the engineering model of the ATFE diode. Included is a review of several diode concepts that led to selection of the liquid blockage technique for shut-off. The diode is made of stainless steel, 26 in. long, 0.375-in. nominal OD, with self-filling spiral artery wick and ammonia working fluid. In the normal heat pipe mode, at ambient temperatures, the diode capacity is 85 W. For flight, the pipe will deliver 20 W with a 9 F temperature difference between the external evaporator and condenser surfaces. Reverse mode conduction is less than 1.5 W with a 260 F temperature difference.

Swerdling, B.↗

Technology transfer program: Perspective

Most of NASA's technology transfer activities are in the area of land use (development, suitability, and planning); forestry (including wildlife and range and vegetation inventories) agriculture related activities; and water resources. The technology dissemination function is exercised through three regional applications centers which are involved in 91 applications projects within 22 states. In addition there are approximately eight application system verification transfer (ASVT) projects, 21 university applications branches, institutionalized liason activities with public interest groups, and user requirements activities. As the result of budget cuts, the ASVT and user requirements and awareness programs are to be phased out at the end of FY81. The university applications programs are to be phased down and terminated by 1985. NASA will continue to work with the user more in an R & D and an applications development capacity, and not in a national scale or administrative way.

Toyshov, A. J.↗

Experimental evaluation of a translating nozzle sidewall radial turbine

Studies have shown that reduced specific fuel consumption of rotorcraft engines can be achieved with a variable capacity engine. A key component in such an engine in a high-work, high-temperature variable geometry gas generator turbine. An optimization study indicated that a radial turbine with a translating nozzle sidewall could produce high efficiency over a wide range of engine flows but substantiating data were not available. An experimental program with Teledyne CAE, Toledo, Ohio was undertaken to evaluate the moving sidewall concept. A variety of translating nozzle sidewall turbine configurations were evaluated. The effects of nozzle leakage and coolant flows were also investigated. Testing was done in warm air (121 C). The results of the contractual program were summarized.

Roelke, Richard J.↗

Secondary lithium cells for space applications

It is concluded that secondary lithium batteries are suitable for planetary missions requiring high specific energy, long active shelf life, and limited cycle life. Titanium disulfide cathode material meet all the requirements for rechargeable lithium cell, including high intrinsic reversibility and realizable specific energy. Secondary lithium technology is still evolving, although low capacity cells have been demonstrated and greater than 700 cycle life was achieved. Work is in progress to improve the cycle life and safety of the electrolytes, alternate lithium anode, and the separators.

Surampudi, S.↗

Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment (CRYOHP)

The objective of the CRYOHP experiment is to conduct a shuttle experiment that demonstrates the reliable operation of two oxygen heat pipes in microgravity. The experiment will perform the following tasks: (1) demonstrate startup of the pipes from the supercritical state; (2) measure the heat transport capacity of the pipes; (3) measure evaporator and condenser film coefficients; and (4) work shuttle safety issues. The approach for the experiment is as follows: (1) fly two axially grooved oxygen heat pipes attached to mechanical stirling cycle tactical coolers; (2) integrate experiment in hitch-hiker canister; and (3) fly on shuttle and control from ground.

Mcintosh, Roy↗

Regional Visualization and Monitoring System SERVIR: A Brief Overview, Water Resources Challenges and Approaches

SERVIR is a joint USAID -- NASA effort, which uses remotely sensed data and products for societal benefit. SERVIR currently has three hubs, in Mesoamerica, East Africa and Himalaya. Collaborations are key. SE RVIR is continuing to develop strong, working collaborations with government entities, such as KMD. Science Applications, IT infrastructure and capacity building is central to SERVIR efforts.

Limaye, Ashutosh↗

Stiffness and Damping Coefficient Estimation of Compliant Surface Gas Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery

Foil gas bearings are a key technology in many commercial and emerging oilfree turbomachinery systems. These bearings are nonlinear and have been difficult to analytically model in terms of performance characteristics such as load capacity, power loss, stiffness, and damping. Previous investigations led to an empirically derived method to estimate load capacity. This method has been a valuable tool in system development. The current work extends this tool concept to include rules for stiffness and damping coefficient estimation. It is expected that these rules will further accelerate the development and deployment of advanced oil-free machines operating on foil gas bearings.

Della-Corte, Christopher↗

Sound at Scale: Characterizing Impacts of Noise Ordinances on the Onshore Wind Energy Technical Potential for the United States

Recent surveys have documented the rapid rise of sound ordinances across state and county jurisdictions, which has become crucial for wind energy siting. However, the lack of information on ordinances and computational challenges in turbine sound modeling create uncertainties regarding how evolving policies may affect resource potential and clean energy objectives. Therefore, we develop an approach to evaluate wind turbine sound profiles at millions of locations across the U.S. and translate them into setback distances for every residential structure. Compared to a baseline reference scenario, we find a 7% reduction in the national wind energy capacity potential when accounting for counties with existing sound ordinances. Additionally, when expanding the surveyed sound ordinances nationwide, we observe a potential loss of 53% of the national wind capacity under the most stringent ordinances, with a disproportionate share of this lost capacity coming from high-quality and low-cost wind resource. This work reveals that neglecting sound ordinances results in a significant overestimation of wind resource potential and highlights the important trade-offs between increased wind energy deployment to meet target decarbonization goals and the social/environmental impacts of this deployment that must be considered.

aeroacoustics↗

Gaussian capacity of the quantum bosonic memory channel with additive correlated Gaussian noise

We present an algorithm for calculation of the Gaussian classical capacity of a quantum bosonic memory channel with additive Gaussian noise. The algorithm, restricted to Gaussian input states, is applicable to all channels with noise correlations obeying certain conditions and works in the full input energy domain, beyond previous treatments of this problem. As an illustration, we study the optimal input states and capacity of a quantum memory channel with Gauss-Markov noise [J. Schaefer, Phys. Rev. A 80, 062313 (2009)]. We evaluate the enhancement of the transmission rate when using these optimal entangled input states by comparison with a product coherent-state encoding and find out that such a simple coherent-state encoding achieves not less than 90% of the capacity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗