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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

The Evolution of LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 Particle Damage from Fast Charging in Optimized, Full Li-Ion Cells

Fast charging batteries are critical to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles to compete with refueling times of combustion-based vehicles. In the near term, adapting current commercial battery technologies to perform better under fast charging conditions through engineering optimizations will greatly expedite the process while exploratory fast-charging electrode materials are being pursued. To do so, the degradation modes in optimized Li-ion batteries need to be completely explored to understand fast charging limits while maintaining a high energy density and a long cycle life. While lithium plating on graphite still remains a challenge, cathode degradation also plays a key role in battery performance. In this work, we used nano- and micro-X-ray computed tomography to characterize the mechanical degradation of LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC532) in optimized Li-ion batteries cycled at three rates, 1C, 6C, and 9C, and at different stages of cycle life, 225 and 600 cycles. We report despite using a conservative upper voltage cutoff limit aimed to minimize extensive cathode degradation, higher charging rates and increased cycling caused the polycrystalline NMC532 particles to fracture and pulverize, which likely drives cathode capacity fade and contributes to the decrease in overall cell performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Roadmapping Minigrid Innovations for Cost Reduction

Electrification of the world's rural regions is a high priority for both the private and public sectors, as it has been linked to economic development, improved education and public health. Minigrid systems, opposed to grid extension, have been identified as the favorable solution for electrification in many cases. However, the life cycle costs of minigrid systems remain too high for widespread implementation. To address this, Colorado State University (CSU) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) hosted a series of 3 workshops to engage a range of minigrid stakeholders to determine common issues underlying the cost of minigrid systems. The series identified numerous areas for further development in technology and business, with equal emphasis on pre-installation, capital/equipment, and operational costs. In addition, the workshop series emphasized the need for better market intelligence and a better understanding of productive use as a means of stimulating energy demand.

cost reduction↗
DOE OSTI2020

Catalina Repower Feasibility Study: NREL Phases I & II Summary Report

Engineers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) supported Southern California Edison (SCE) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by conducting technical and economic analyses for energy systems at Santa Catalina (Catalina) Island, which is located 22 miles off the coast of Long Beach, California. This effort was part of a broader Repower Catalina Feasibility Study that was also supported by NV5, an engineering consulting firm and project partner to NREL for this analysis. This document describes NREL’s techno-economic modeling and optimization analysis for the first two phases of this project which focus on supply-side generation and energy storage options for Catalina. SCE’s goal for this analysis is to determine a strategy for electricity generation on Catalina Island that results in lower energy costs, improved energy resiliency, and reduced air emissions. EPA goals for this effort are to reduce emissions of air pollution and encourage renewable energy development on contaminated and formerly contaminated lands when such development is aligned with the community’s vision for the site. Currently, an on-island SCE power plant serves the Catalina Island electrical load with 6 reciprocating diesel generators totaling 9.4 MW; 23 propane-fueled microturbines totaling 1.5 MW; and a 1-MW, 7.2-MWh sodium sulfur battery energy storage system (BESS). In 2017, the electricity consumption on the island was 29.1 GWh, with an average load of 3.3 MW and peak load of approximately 5.5 MW. Considering new environmental standards on diesel generator emissions from California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District, a 60% renewable energy target for 2030 laid out in California’s Senate Bill 100, SCE’s Clean Power Electrification Pathway, and the characteristics of the island’s existing diesel generators, SCE is seeking to evaluate the technical and economic implications of different energy technology options to determine a path forward. Phases I and II of the Repower Catalina Feasibility Study, summarized in this document, evaluated the following: Interconnection with the mainland via an undersea cable; On-island fossil fuel generation, including diesel, propane, and/or liquified natural gas (LNG); On-island renewable energy (RE) technologies, including solar photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines, and wave energy devices; BESS to support the above generation technologies; Initial analysis of the potential impacts of implementing energy efficiency measures. Results indicate strong techno-economic potential for a mix of on-island diesel and/or propane generators, solar PV, BESS, and energy efficiency measures to help SCE and Catalina achieve their goals compliant with California’s emissions and clean energy standards while minimizing electricity life cycle costs (LCC) over the 30-year analysis period. This document summarizes the considerations and findings of Phases I and II, focusing on high-level takeaways from Phase I and more detailed results from Phase II, and discusses a potential path forward for Phase III.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1990

Symposium on Rechargeable Lithium Batteries, Hollywood, FL, Oct. 19-24, 1989, Proceedings

Recent advances in the technology and applications of rechargeable Li cells are discussed in reviews and reports. A general overview of the field is provided, and sections are devoted to organic electrolyte systems, polymeric electrolyte systems, inorganic electrolytes systems, and molten-salt electrolytes. Particular attention is given to electrolyte stabilization, the effects of organic additives on electrolyte performance, a cycle-life sensor, consumer-product applications, in situ measurements of gas evolution in Li secondary cells, ultrathin polymer cathodes, electrochemical growth of conducting polymers, and sealing Li/FeS(x) cells for a bipolar battery.

Subbarao, S.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Monitor for status epilepticus seizures

This paper describes the sensor technology and associated electronics of a monitor designed to detect the onset of a seizure disorder called status epilepticus. It is a condition that affects approximately 3-5 percent of those individuals suffering from epilepsy. This form of epilepsy does not follow the typical cycle of start-peak-end. The convulsions continue until medically interrupted and are life threatening. The mortality rate is high without prompt medical treatment at a suitable facility. The paper describes the details of a monitor design that provides an inexpensive solution to the needs of those responsible for the care of individuals afflicted with this disorder. The monitor has been designed as a cooperative research and development effort involving the United States Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center's Benet Laboratories (Benet) and the Cerebral Palsy Center for the Disabled (Center), in association with the Department of Neurology at Albany Medical College (AMC). Benet has delivered a working prototype of the device for field testing, in collaboration with Albany Medical College. The Center has identified several children in need of special monitoring and has agreed to pursue commercialization of the device.

Johnson, Mark↗
NASA NTRS2005

Innovative Adaptive Control Method Demonstrated for Active Suppression of Instabilities in Engine Combustors

This year, an improved adaptive-feedback control method was demonstrated that suppresses thermoacoustic instabilities in a liquid-fueled combustor of a type used in aircraft engines. Extensive research has been done to develop lean-burning (low fuel-to-air ratio) combustors that can reduce emissions throughout the mission cycle to reduce the environmental impact of aerospace propulsion systems. However, these lean-burning combustors are susceptible to thermoacoustic instabilities (high-frequency pressure waves), which can fatigue combustor components and even downstream turbine blades. This can significantly decrease the safe operating life of the combustor and turbine. Thus, suppressing the thermoacoustic combustor instabilities is an enabling technology for meeting the low-emission goals of the NASA Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) Project.

Kopasakis, George↗
NASA NTRS2005

Intelligent Elements for the ISHM Testbed and Prototypes (ITP) Project

Deep-space manned missions will require advanced automated health assessment capabilities. Requirements such as in-space assembly, long dormant periods and limited accessibility during flight, present significant challenges that should be addressed through Integrated System Health Management (ISHM). The ISHM approach will provide safety and reliability coverage for a complete system over its entire life cycle by determining and integrating health status and performance information from the subsystem and component levels. This paper will focus on the potential advanced diagnostic elements that will provide intelligent assessment of the subsystem health and the planned implementation of these elements in the ISHM Testbed and Prototypes (ITP) Project under the NASA Exploration Systems Research and Technology program.

Maul, William A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Conceptual design of a geostationary radar for hurricane studies

A novel 35-GHz Doppler radar instrument concept and the associated critical technologies are being developed for detailed monitoring of hurricanes and severe storms from a geostationary orbit. This instrument is designed to make quantitative rainfall rate profiling measurements at 13-km horizontal resolution and 300-m vertical resolution, and the radial Doppler velocity at 0.3 m/s precision, of the 3-D hurricane structure once per hour throughout its life cycle.

precipitation↗
DOE OSTI2025

Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Prestressed Concrete Poles Subjected to Wind, Surges, and Waves

Prestressed concrete (PC) poles are becoming popular choices to support coastal power transmission systems. However, the existing literature does not offer a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of PC poles in terms of long-term vulnerabilities and the direct and indirect costs. This is due to (1) lack of fragility models for PC poles and (2) lack of probabilistic wind, storm surge, and wave models in coastal settings. In this study, we address these gaps through a series of Monte Carlo simulations to estimate fragility of PC poles as a function of age and hazard (wind, surges, and waves) intensity, and the development of a probabilistic hazard model based on 10,000 years of synthetic tropical cyclone data. The probabilistic hazard model is used in conjunction with high-resolution hydrodynamic models to generate realizations of coastal wind, storm surges, and waves for the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts. A comprehensive life cycle cost analysis for a service life of 70 years considering direct and indirect losses is conducted to compare the performance of a transmission line located in Pascagoula, Mississippi, when wood poles are replaced by PC poles. Results showed that aging has a minor effect on the reliability of PC poles, highlighting the advantages of replacing wood poles with PC poles, especially in coastal areas. In addition, PC poles are significantly more cost-effective compared with wood poles over their life cycle, leading to an estimated saving of $11.55 million (68.17% reduction). The results of this study provide key insight to inform decision-making processes to keep the coastal power grids resilient and cost-effective against future storm hazards.

natural disasters↗
DOE OSTI2025

Renewable hydrogen horizon: Geospatial techno-economic feasibility and life cycle greenhouse gas analysis in the Middle East and North Africa

Renewable hydrogen is receiving increasing attention for its potential as a flexible energy carrier in sectors such as transportation and industry. Specific cost and carbon intensity (CI) of renewable hydrogen production vary largely based on the location, owing to differences in renewable energy resources, as well as the supply chain dynamics. This study maps the techno-economic and life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of renewable hydrogen production in the Middle East and North Africa region, leveraging abundant solar and wind resources. The work investigates the variability in hydrogen costs and CI, optimally sizing proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers to account for partial and cyclic loading, and explores standalone versus grid-connected systems. PEM capacity ratios of 52 %–63 % for photovoltaic (PV) systems and 28 %–82 % for wind systems were identified as optimal, with hydrogen production costs ranging from $\$3.8$-$\$4.8$/kg for PV and $2.0-$7.0/kg for wind. CIs span from 1.9 to 3.7 kg CO 2 ,eq /kg H 2 for PV and 0.4–7.7 kg CO 2,eq /kg H 2 for wind systems. The study highlights significant cost and CI reductions achievable with technological advancements and co-product revenue from oxygen and excess electricity sales.

Carbon Intensity↗
DOE OSTI2024

Biofuels Production and Development in the United States

Addressing transportation emissions will require a combination of policy interventions, technological innovations, and behavioral changes. To decrease transportation-related carbon emissions, we recommend transitioning to cleaner and more efficient transport, expanding public transportation, and promoting sustainable urban planning. Transitioning to biofuels in the U.S. transportation sector presents a host of environmental, economic, and strategic advantages. Environmentally, biofuels offer a promising avenue for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels. Biofuels produce fewer harmful emissions, such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, compared to conventional fuels, thereby improving local air quality, and reducing health risks associated with air pollution. The U.S. government issued a "Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge" to promote the development of SAF and address the decarbonization of commercial aviation. The targets are to expand current domestic SAF production to 3 billion gallons per year by 2030, and then to 35 billion gallons by 2050, while achieving life cycle GHG reduction of at least 50% relative to fossil Jet A. The United States' biofuel production capacity rose to 23.8 billion gallons per year in 2023, a growth of more than 1.7 billion gallons since 2022. Ethanol nameplate capacity has reached 17.8 billion gallons per year since 2023, the ethanol production is 15.6 billion gallons in 2023 as capped by EPA regulation. Biodiesel production capacity stands at 2.1 billion gallons, and renewable diesel capacity is now 3.9 billion gallons. This newsletter keeps you informed on the state of biofuels in the United States, policy and regulations, technology advancements, and environmental and social impacts.

biodiesel↗
NASA NTRS2011

Li Anode Technology for Improved Performance

A novel, low-cost approach to stabilization of Li metal anodes for high-performance rechargeable batteries was developed. Electrolyte additives are selected and used in Li cell electrolyte systems, promoting formation of a protective coating on Li metal anodes for improved cycle and safety performance. Li batteries developed from the new system will show significantly improved battery performance characteristics, including energy/power density, cycle/ calendar life, cost, and safety.

Chen, Tuqiang↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sustainable Triacetic Acid Lactone Production from Sugarcane by Fermentation and Crystallization

Triacetic acid lactone (TAL) has the potential to serve as a bioderived platform chemical for commercial products including sorbic acid and recyclable polydiketoenamine plastics. In this study, we leveraged BioSTEAM to design, simulate, and evaluate (via techno-economic analysis, TEA, and life cycle assessment, LCA) TAL production from sugarcane. We experimentally characterized TAL solubility, calibrated solubility models, and designed a process to separate TAL from fermentation broths by crystallization. The biorefinery could produce TAL at a minimum product selling price (MPSP) of $\$3.73$–5.86·kg –1 (5th–95th percentiles; baseline at $\$4.60$·kg –1 ) and a carbon intensity (CI) of 5.31 [2.60–8.71] kg CO 2 -eq·kg –1 , which could enable financially viable, low-CI production of sorbic acid and polydiketoenamines. To drive down costs and CI, we explored the theoretical fermentation space (titer, yield, productivity combinations), operation scheduling and capacity expansion strategies (e.g., integrated sorghum processing), and potential separation improvements (mitigating TAL loss through pH control). Advancements in key design and technological parameters could further reduce MPSP by 51% to $\$2.26$·kg –1 [$\$1.97$–2.80·kg –1 ] and CI by 43% to 3.05 [1.91–4.15] kg CO 2 -eq·kg –1 . This research highlights the ability of agile TEA-LCA to screen promising designs, navigate sustainability trade-offs, prioritize research needs, and chart quantitative roadmaps to advance bioproducts and biofuels.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1990

Fault-tolerant parallel processors for avionics with reduced maintenance

Architectural issues and approaches for implementing fault-tolerant parallel processors in avionics systems and other dedicated applications requiring high levels of dependability are discussed. For these systems it is desirable to provide both a high degree of fault tolerance and a system that can operate for extended periods of time without external maintenance. With current technology it is possible to operate dependably for months between maintenance events. The longer-term goal should be maintenance-free operation (a computer that outlasts its host system). It is argued that new high-density packaging techniques may make this type of long-life fault-tolerant design an attractive choice in controlling the life-cycle costs of the next generation of systems.

Rennels, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Evaluation of 20 Ah Li Ion Cells

Lithium ion cells of 20 Ah capacity were fabricated by Bluestar Advanced Technology Corporation, Canada under a developmental contract from US Air Force. In this paper, we report our studies on the evaluation of these cells under various test conditions. These include generic test conditions such as discharges and charges at different temperatures to understand the rate-limiting processes in the discharge/charge processes as a function of temperature, and cycle life under standard cycling conditions (100% DOD) at ambient temperature. In addition, tests are being done to ascertain the performance of the cells in the Mars 2001 Lander application, which includes pulse testing of the cells at 60 A and 40 A loads for 100 mS and 1 min., respectively at different states of charge and temperatures, and cycling at low temperature at partial depths of discharge.

Smart, Marshall↗
NASA NTRS2008

Low Cost Electric Propulsion Thruster for Deep Space Robotic Science Missions

Electric Propulsion (EP) has found widespread acceptance by commercial satellite providers for on-orbit station keeping due to the total life cycle cost advantages these systems offer. NASA has also sought to benefit from the use of EP for primary propulsion onboard the Deep Space-1 and DAWN spacecraft. These applications utilized EP systems based on gridded ion thrusters, which offer performance unequaled by other electric propulsion thrusters. Through the In-Space Propulsion Project, a lower cost thruster technology is currently under development designed to make electric propulsion intended for primary propulsion applications cost competitive with chemical propulsion systems. The basis for this new technology is a very reliable electric propulsion thruster called the Hall thruster. Hall thrusters, which have been flown by the Russians dating back to the 1970s, have been used by the Europeans on the SMART-1 lunar orbiter and currently employed by 15 other geostationary spacecraft. Since the inception of the Hall thruster, over 100 of these devices have been used with no known failures. This paper describes the latest accomplishments of a development task that seeks to improve Hall thruster technology by increasing its specific impulse, throttle-ability, and lifetime to make this type of electric propulsion thruster applicable to NASA deep space science missions. In addition to discussing recent progress on this task, this paper describes the performance and cost benefits projected to result from the use of advanced Hall thrusters for deep space science missions.

Manzella, David↗
NASA NTRS2012

Lithium Batteries and Supercapacitors Capable of Operating at Low Temperatures for Planetary Exploration

Demonstrated improved performance with wide operating temperature electrolytes containing ester co - solvents (i.e., methyl propionate and ethyl butyrate) in a number of prototype cells: center dot Successfully scaled up low temperature technology to 12 Ah size prismatic Li - ion cells (Quallion, LCC), and demonstrated good performance down to - 60 o C. center dot Demonstrated wide operating temperature range performance ( - 60 o to +60 o C) in A123 Systems LiFePO 4 - based lithium - ion cells containing methyl butyrate - based low temperature electrolytes. These systems were also demonstrated to have excellent cycle life performance at ambient temperatures, as well as the ability to be cycled up to high temperatures.

Li-ion Batteries↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investigation of Cold Spray as a Dry Storage Canister Repair and Mitigation Tool

The lack of a permanent spent nuclear fuel repository means utilities are faced with extending licenses for dry cask storage systems (DCSS) canisters far beyond their original 20-year license period. DCSS canisters are made from austenitic stainless steels (SSs) and fabricated using fusion welds. High heat input and melting associated with fabrication welds causes material around the weld to be susceptible to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC). The purpose of the work reported here is to investigate the use of cold spray for repair and mitigation of CISCC in DCSS canisters to ensure integrity far beyond their original license period. This report presents an analysis of cold spray for canister life extension, a summary of related efforts, relevant technology down selections, work accomplished, and future efforts relative to use of cold spray for repair and mitigation of CISCC in DCSS canisters.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗