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DOE OSTI2024

Simulation of Direct-Drive Hybrid Using Two Opposed Beams for Inertial Fusion Energy

Xcimer Energy is working to deliver high levels of laser light at the costs required for applications in fusion energy. The architecture of their integrated laser system is unique, in that it naturally supports a target which is illuminated by two opposed beams, and in a manner that can readily complement a reactor. This INFUSE proposal was submitted to investigate a target concept termed the Direct-Drive Hybrid or DDH, and make special use of radiation hydrodynamic simulations and expertise available to the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. The associated capabilities are unique to the field, and take great advantage of investments and advances made by the DOE and DOD over many decades. The primary goals were to stand up the DDH design in calculations for the first time, study and refine the concept, and provide the scientific basis for understanding and projecting proposals by Xcimer Energy. The main accomplishments have been summarized below.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Defense Energy Resilience Engagement Framework for Utility Regulators

The purpose of this document is to provide public utility commissions with a framework to facilitate engagement with in-state military stakeholders and support consideration of defense-related utility applications. The framework also includes questions that would benefit the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) stakeholders as they prepare for future engagements and regulatory proceedings with commissions and utilities.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRS1993

NASA Lewis advanced IPV nickel-hydrogen technology

Individual pressure vessel (IPV) nickel-hydrogen technology was advanced at NASA Lewis and under Lewis contracts. Some of the advancements are as follows: to use 26 percent potassium hydroxide electrolyte to improve cycle life and performance, to modify the state of the art cell design to eliminate identified failure modes and further improve cycle life, and to develop a lightweight nickel electrode to reduce battery mass, hence reduce launch and/or increase satellite payload. A breakthrough in the LEO cycle life of individual pressure vessel nickel-hydrogen battery cells was reported. The cycle life of boiler plate cells containing 26 percent KOH electrolyte was about 40,000 accelerated LEO cycles at 80 percent DOD compared to 3,500 cycles for cells containing 31 percent KOH. Results of the boiler plate cell tests have been validated at NWSC, Crane, Indiana. Forty-eight ampere-hour flight cells containing 26 and 31 percent KOH have undergone real time LEO cycle life testing at an 80 percent DOD, 10 C. The three cells containing 26 percent KOH failed on the average at cycle 19,500. The three cells containing 31 percent KOH failed on the average at cycle 6,400. Validation testing of NASA Lewis 125 Ah advanced design IPV nickel-hydrogen flight cells is also being conducted at NWSC, Crane, Indiana under a NASA Lewis contract. This consists of characterization, storage, and cycle life testing. There was no capacity degradation after 52 days of storage with the cells in the discharged state, on open circuit, 0 C, and a hydrogen pressure of 14.5 psia. The catalyzed wall wick cells have been cycled for over 22,694 cycles with no cell failures in the continuing test. All three of the non-catalyzed wall wick cells failed (cycles 9,588; 13,900; and 20,575). Cycle life test results of the Fibrex nickel electrode has demonstrated the feasibility of an improved nickel electrode giving a higher specific energy nickel-hydrogen cell. A nickel-hydrogen boiler plate cell using an 80 mil thick, 90 percent porous Fibrex nickel electrode has been cycled for 10,000 cycles at 40 percent DOD.

Smithrick, John J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Ovonic nickel metal hydride batteries for space applications

Ovonic nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries are easily adaptable to a variety of applications. Small consumer NiMH cells were developed and are now being manufactured by licensees throughout the world. This technology was successfully scaled up in larger prismatic cells aimed at electric vehicle applications. Sealed cells aimed at satellite power applications were also built and cycle tested by OBC and other outside agencies. Prototype batteries with high specific energy (over 80 Wh/kg), high energy density (245 Wh/L), and excellent power capability (400 W/kg) were produced. Ovonic NiMH batteries demonstrated an excellent cycle life of over 10,000 cycles at 30 percent DOD. Presently, Ovonic Battery Company is working on an advanced version of this battery for space applications as part of an SBIR contract from NASA.

Venkatesan, S.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Finding Of Adverse Effect and Proposed Mitigation for the Removal of Joshua Trees at Building 23-210, Mercury, Area 23, Nevada National Security Site, Nye County, Nevada

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office (NNSA/NFO) recently removed two fallen Joshua trees that were part of an Accessory Resource (AR) to the former Department of Defense (DOD) Motor Pool Maintenance Compound in Mercury (Nevada State Historic Preservation Office [SHPO] Resource No. C307) on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) in Nye County, Nevada (Figure 1). The Joshua trees were part of AR3, a landscaped feature at the entrance to the compound. There are two remaining Joshua trees at risk of falling which may require removal in the future. The NNSA/NFO is proactively consulting with the SHPO regarding the potential removal of the remaining two trees. The purpose of the undertaking is to ensure that dead or dying Joshua trees do not cause damage to the remaining landscape elements, nor injury to NNSS employees. The NNSA/NFO will implement this undertaking in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement between the National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Officer Regarding Modernization and Operational Maintenance of the Nevada National Security Site, at Mercury in Nye County, Nevada, hereafter referred to as the Mercury PA. Building 23-210 was the DOD’s motor vehicle maintenance compound constructed in 1951. The compound included its own repair shop and fuel station. The town of Mercury and the immediate surrounding area have been formally determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register, NRHP) as the Mercury Historic District (MHD, SHPO Resource No. D230) under Criteria A and C for their importance in supporting nuclear testing and scientific research from 1951 through 1992. The former DOD Motor Pool Compound was identified as a contributing element to the MHD in a 2018 architectural survey of the district (Reno et al. 2018) and recorded on a Nevada Architectural Resource Assessment (ARA) form (Reno et al. 2017). The foundation for Building 23-210 was also identified in Appendix C of the Mercury PA as a Category III contributing element with three contributing ARs. Category III properties are those that may include elements for which there are several representatives in the MHD, such as foundations, and those elements which possess characteristics that are not unique to the MHD and are commonly found in other non-NNSS facilities. The former DOD compound, which is identified by the foundation for the Building 23-210 and its ARs, is a historic property for the purposes of compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and subject to the stipulations of the Mercury PA.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1983

Space station: Cost and benefits

Costs for developing, producing, operating, and supporting the initial space station, a 4 to 8 man space station, and a 4 to 24 man space station are estimated and compared. These costs include contractor hardware; space station assembly and logistics flight costs; and payload support elements. Transportation system options examined include orbiter modules; standard and extended duration STS fights; reusable spacebased perigee kick motor OTV; and upper stages. Space station service charges assessed include crew hours; energy requirements; payload support module storage; pressurized port usage; and OTV service facility. Graphs show costs for science missions, space processing research, small communication satellites; large GEO transportation; OVT launch costs; DOD payload costs, and user costs.

Source record↗

DOE OSTI2021

Project 57 Air Monitoring Report: January 1 through December 31, 2019

On April 24, 1957, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) (now the Department of Energy [DOE]) conducted the Project 57 safety experiment in western Emigrant Valley northeast of the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) (formerly the Nevada Test Site) on lands withdrawn by the Department of Defense (DOD) for the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). The test was performed to (1) assess a technique for estimating plutonium distribution resulting from a nonnuclear detonation, (2) develop biomedical evaluation techniques for use in plutonium-laden environments, (3) evaluate methods of surface decontamination, and (4) evaluate instruments and field procedures for the prompt estimation of alpha contamination (Shreve, 1958). Although the test did not result in the fission of nuclear materials, it did disseminate plutonium across the land surface. Following the experiment, the AEC fenced the contaminated area and returned control of the surrounding land to the DOD. Various radiological surveys were performed in the area and the DOE expanded the demarked Contamination Area (CA) in 2007 by posting signs 200 ft to 400 ft (60 m to 120 m) outside of the original fence.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1980

Military markets for solar thermal electric power systems

The Department of Defense maintains an inventory of over 1,800 MW of engine-generators 15 KW and larger, with an estimated procurement rate of over 140 MW/year. Nearly the entire requirement could be met by advanced heat engines of the types being developed as point-focussing, distributed receiver power plants. A conceptual system consisting of a heat engine which efficiently burns liquid fossil or synthetic fuels, with a 'solarization kit' for conversion to hybrid solar operation could meet existing DOD requirements for new systems which are quieter, lighter, and multi-fueled. An estimated 24 percent (33 MW/year) or more could operationally benefit from the solar option. Baseline cost projections indicate levelized energy cost goals of 210 to 120 mills/KWh (15 to 1000 KW systems). Fuel cost escalation is the major factor affecting the value of the solar option. A baseline calculation for fuel at $0.59/gal in spring, 1979, escalating at 8 percent above general inflation indicates a value of $2700/KWe for a solarization kit.

Hauger, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Air-sea interaction with SSM/I and altimeter

A number of important developments in satellite remote sensing techniques have occurred recently which offer the possibility of studying over vast areas of the ocean the temporally evolving energy exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere. Commencing in spring of 1985, passive and active microwave sensors that can provide valuable data for scientific utilization will start to become operational on Department of Defense (DOD) missions. The passive microwave radiometer can be used to estimate surface wind speed, total air column humidity, and rain rate. The active radar, or altimeter, senses surface gravity wave height and surface wind speed.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1985

Overview of free-piston Stirling technology at the NASA Lewis Research Center

An overview of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center (Lewis) free-piston Stirling engine activities is presented. These activities include: (1) a generic free-piston Stirling technology project being conducted to develop technologies synergistic to both space power and terrestrial heat pump applications in a cooperative, cost-shared effort with the Department of Energy (DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ONRL)), and (2) a free-piston Stirling space-power technology demonstration project as part of the SP-100 program being conducted in support of the Department of Defense (DOD), DOE, and NASA/Lewis. The generic technology effort includes extensive parametric testing of a 1 kw free-piston Stirling engine (RE-1000), development and validation of a free-piston Stirling performance computer code, and fabrication and initial testing of an hydraulic output modification for the RE-1000 engine. The space power technology effort, under SP-100, addresses the status of the 25 kWe Space Power Demonstrator Engine (SPDE) including early test results.

Slaby, J. G.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Functionalized Mesoporous Carbon Materials for Effective Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from NdFeB Magnet Scrap

The increasing demand and high dependence on international supplies of rare earth elements (REEs) have prompted the US to explore alternative resources and sustainable technologies for domestic REE production. One potential resource is the secondary electronic and industrial wastes at DoD complexes and across the US. These hazardous wastes require high costs for the maintenance and remediation, but their high-REE contents offer unique opportunities for REE recovery. Current hydrometallurgical technologies for REE extraction are energy intensive and costly, with low REE recovery efficiency and the generation of hazardous secondary wastes. Thus, it is crucial to develop high efficiency and environmental-friendly technologies for REE extraction and recovery from the secondary wastes. This project aims to develop novel functionalized mesoporous carbon materials for effective recovery of REEs from NdFeB magnet scrap. The proposed novel functionalized materials will be applied in a solid-liquid separation platform that can effectively extract, recover and separate REEs from NdFeB magnet scrap (the current focus), but also from other secondary electronic/industrial wastes in the future, minimize the generation of secondary hazardous wastes, and offset the management costs for existing waste streams.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2011

Analysis of Pulsed Airborne Lidar Measurements of Atmospheric CO2 Column Absorption from 3-13 km Altitudes

We have developed a pulsed lidar technique for measuring the tropospheric CO2 concentrations as a candidate for NASA's ASCENDS space mission [1]. It uses two pulsed laser transmitters allowing simultaneous measurement of a CO2 absorption line in the 1575 nm band, O2 extinction in the Oxygen A-band, surface height and backscatter profile. The lasers are precisely stepped in wavelength across the CO2 line and an O2 line region during the measurement. The direct detection receiver measures the energies of the laser echoes from the surface along with the range profile of scattering in the path. The column densities for the CO2 and O2 gases are estimated from the ratio of the on- and off-line signals via the integrated path differential absorption (IPDA) technique. The time of flight of the laser pulses is used to estimate the height of the scattering surface and to reject laser photons scattered in the atmosphere. We developed an airborne lidar to demonstrate an early version of the CO2 measurement from the NASA Glenn Lear-25 aircraft. The airborne lidar stepped the pulsed laser's wavelength across the selected CO2 line with 20 wavelength steps per scan. The line scan rate is 450 Hz, the laser pulse widths are 1 usec, and laser pulse energy is 24 uJ. The time resolved laser backscatter is collected by a 20 cm telescope, detected by a NIR photomultiplier and is recorded on every other reading by a photon counting system [2]. During August 2009 we made a series of 2.5 hour long flights and measured the atmospheric CO2 absorption and line shapes using the 1572.33 nm CO2 line. Measurements were made at stepped altitudes from 3-13 km over locations in the US, including the SGP ARM site in Oklahoma, central Illinois, north-eastern North Carolina, and over the Chesapeake Bay and the eastern shore of Virginia. Although the received signal energies were weaker than expected for ASCENDS, clear CO2 line shapes were observed at all altitudes, and some measurements were made through thin clouds. The Oklahoma and east coast flights were coordinated with a LaRC/ITT CO2 lidar on the LaRC UC-12 aircraft, and in-situ measurements were made using its CO2 sensor and radiosondes. We have conducted an analysis of the ranging and IPDA lidar measurements from these four flights. Most flights had 5-6 altitude steps with 200-300 seconds of recorded measurements per step. We used a cross-correlation approach to process the laser echo records. This was used to estimate the range to the scattering surface, to define the edges of the laser pulses and to determine echo pulse energy at each wavelength. We used a minimum mean square approach to fit an instrument response function and to solve for the best-fit CO2 absorption line shape. We then calculated the differential optical depth (DOD) of the fitted CO2 line. We computed its statistics at the various altitude steps, and compare them to the DODs calculated from spectroscopy based on HITRAN 2008 and the column conditions calculated from the airborne in-situ readings. The results show the lidar and in-situ measurements have very similar DOD change with altitude and greater than 10 segments per flight where the scatter in the lidar measurements are less than or equal to 1ppm. We also present the results from subsequent CO2 column absorption measurements, which were made with stronger detected signals during three flights on the NASA DC-8 over the southwestern US in during July 2010.

Abshire, James B.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Functionalized Mesoporous Carbon and Silica for Effective Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Magnet Scrap

The dependence on international supplies of rare earth elements (REEs) have prompted the US to explore alternative sources and sustainable technologies for domestic REE production. One potential source is the secondary electronic and industrial wastes at the Department of Defense (DoD) complexes and across the US. These hazardous wastes require high costs for the maintenance and remediation, while their high-REE contents offer unique opportunities for REE recovery. However, current hydrometallurgical technologies for REE extraction are energy intensive and costly, with low REE recovery rate and the generation of toxic wastes. Thus, it is beneficial to develop environmentally friendly technologies for REE extraction and processing from the secondary wastes. This project aims to develop novel functionalized mesoporous carbon fiber (MCF) and silica for effective recovery of REEs from end-of-life NdFeB magnet scrap.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2000

Performance Characteristics of Lithium Ion Prototype Cells for 2003 Mars Sample Return Athena Rover

A viewgraph presentation outlines the mission objectives and power subsystem for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) Athena Rover. The NASA-DOD (depth of discharge) Interagency Li Ion program objectives are discussed. Evaluation tests performed at JPL are listed, and test results are shown for the Li-Ion cell initial capacity, charge/discharge capacity, voltage and ratio, specific energy, watt-hour efficiency, and cell voltage at various temperatures.

Ratnakumar, B. V.↗

NASA NTRS2017

International Space Station Lithium-Ion Battery Start-Up and Cycling

The International Space Station (ISS) primary Electric Power System (EPS) was originally designed to use Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries to store electrical energy. The electricity for the ISS is generated by its solar arrays, which charge batteries during insolation for subsequent discharge during eclipse. The Ni-H2 batteries were designed to operate at a 35 depth of discharge (DOD) maximum during normal operation in a Low Earth Orbit. In 2010, the ISS Program began the development of Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries to replace Ni-H2 batteries approaching the end of their useful life and concurrently funded a Li-Ion ORU (Orbital Replacement Unit) and cell life testing project. The first set of 6 Li-ion battery replacements was launched in December 2016 and deployed in January 2017. This paper will discuss the Li-ion battery on-orbit cycling and the status of the Li-Ion cell and ORU life cycle testing.

International Space Station↗

NASA NTRS2016

International Space Station Lithium-Ion Battery

The International Space Station (ISS) primary Electric Power System (EPS) currently uses Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries to store electrical energy. The electricity for the space station is generated by its solar arrays, which charge batteries during insolation for subsequent discharge during eclipse. The Ni-H2 batteries are designed to operate at a 35 depth of discharge (DOD) maximum during normal operation in a Low Earth Orbit. Since the oldest of the 48 Ni-H2 battery Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) has been cycling since September 2006, these batteries are now approaching their end of useful life. In 2010, the ISS Program began the development of Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries to replace the Ni-H2 batteries and concurrently funded a Li-Ion ORU and cell life testing project. When deployed, they will be the largest Li-Ion batteries ever utilized for a human-rated spacecraft. This paper will include an overview of the ISS Li-Ion battery system architecture, the Li-Ion battery design and development, controls to limit potential hazards from the batteries, and the status of the Li-Ion cell and ORU life cycle testing.

battery↗

NASA NTRS2017

International Space Station Lithium-Ion Battery Start-Up

International Space Station Lithium-Ion Battery Start-Up.The International Space Station (ISS) primary Electric Power System (EPS) was originally designed to use Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries to store electrical energy. The electricity for the space station is generated by its solar arrays, which charge batteries during insolation for subsequent discharge during eclipse. The Ni-H2 batteries are designed to operate at a 35 depth of discharge (DOD) maximum during normal operation in a Low Earth Orbit. As the oldest of the 48 Ni-H2 battery Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) has been cycling since September 2006, these batteries are now approaching their end of useful life. In 2010, the ISS Program began the development of Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries to replace the Ni-H2 batteries and concurrently funded a Li-Ion ORU and cell life testing project. The first set of 6 Li-ion battery replacements were launched in December 2016 and deployed in January 2017. This paper will discuss the Li-ion battery on-orbit start-up and the status of the Li-Ion cell and ORU life cycle testing.

Lithium-Ion↗

NASA NTRS2019

International Space Station Lithium-Ion Battery Status

When originally launched, the International Space Station (ISS) primary Electric Power System (EPS) used Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries to store electrical energy. The electricity for the space station is generated by its solar arrays, which charge batteries during insolation for subsequent discharge during eclipse. The Ni-H2 batteries were designed to operate for ten years at a 35% depth of discharge (DOD) maximum during normal operation in a Low Earth Orbit. For service beyond that period, upgraded Li-Ion Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) were designed. These are the largest Li-Ion batteries ever utilized for a human rated spacecraft. The first set of six Ni-H2 batteries was replaced by Li-Ion batteries in December 2016; the second set of six was launched in September 2018 and installed in March 2019. The third set of six were launched in September 2019. Three batteries were installed in September 2019, with the remaining three to be installed in January 2020. This paper will include a brief overview of the ISS Li-Ion battery system architecture, start up of the second and third set of 6 batteries and the on-orbit status of all 18 batteries, plus the status of the Li-Ion cell life testing.

Lithium-Ion↗