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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 1,135 records · Page 63
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Market assessment of photovoltaic power systems for agricultural applications in Morocco

Results of a month-long study in Morocco aimed at assessing the market potential for stand-alone photovoltaic systems in agriculture and rural service applications are presented. The following applications, requiring less than 15 kW of power, are described: irrigation, cattle watering, refrigeration, crop processing, potable water and educational TV. Telecommunications and transportation signalling applications, descriptions of power and energy use profiles, assessments of business environment, government and private sector attitudes towards photovoltaics, and financing were also considered. The Moroccan market presents both advantages and disadvantages for American PV manufacturers. The principle advantages of the Moroccan market are: a limited grid, interest in and present use of PV in communications applications, attractive investment incentives, and a stated policy favoring American investment. Disadvantages include: lack of government incentives for PV use, general unfamiliarity with PV technology, high first cost of PV, a well-established market network for diesel generators, and difficulty with financing. The market for PV in Morocco (1981-1986), will be relatively small, about 340 kwp. The market for PV is likely to be more favorable in telecommunications, transport signalling and some rural services. The primary market appears to be in the public (i.e., government) rather than private sector, due to financial constraints and the high price of PV relative to conventional power sector.

Steingass, H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

International market assessment of stand-alone photovoltaic power systems for cottage industry applications

The final result of an international assessment of the market for stand-alone photovoltaic systems in cottage industry applications is reported. Nonindustrialized countries without centrally planned economies were considered. Cottage industries were defined as small rural manufacturers, employing less than 50 people, producing consumer and simple products. The data to support this analysis were obtained from secondary and expert sources in the U.S. and in-country field investigations of the Philippines and Mexico. The near-term market for photovoltaics for rural cottage industry applications appears to be limited to demonstration projects and pilot programs, based on an in-depth study of the nature of cottage industry, its role in the rural economy, the electric energy requirements of cottage industry, and a financial analysis of stand-alone photovoltaic systems as compared to their most viable competitor, diesel driven generators. Photovoltaics are shown to be a better long-term option only for very low power requirements. Some of these uses would include clay mixers, grinders, centrifuges, lathes, power saws and lighting of a workshop.

Philippi, T. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Advanced general aviation comparative engine/airframe integration study

The NASA Advanced Aviation Comparative Engine/Airframe Integration Study was initiated to help determine which of four promising concepts for new general aviation engines for the 1990's should be considered for further research funding. The engine concepts included rotary, diesel, spark ignition, and turboprop powerplants; a conventional state-of-the-art piston engine was used as a baseline for the comparison. Computer simulations of the performance of single and twin engine pressurized aircraft designs were used to determine how the various characteristics of each engine interacted in the design process. Comparisons were made of how each engine performed relative to the others when integrated into an airframe and required to fly a transportation mission.

Huggins, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Future Propulsion Opportunities for Commuter Airplanes

Commuter airplane propulsion opportunities are summarized. Consideration is given to advanced technology conventional turboprop engines, advanced propellers, and several unconventional alternatives: regenerative turboprops, rotaries, and diesels. Advanced versions of conventional turboprops (including propellers) offer 15-20 percent savings in fuel and 10-15 percent in DOC compared to the new crop of 1500-2000 SHP engines currently in development. Unconventional engines could boost the fuel savings to 30-40 percent. The conclusion is that several important opportunities exist and, therefore, powerplant technology need not plateau.

Strack, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development potential of Intermittent Combustion (I.C.) aircraft engines for commuter transport applications

An update on general aviation (g/a) and commuter aircraft propulsion research effort is reviewed. The following topics are discussed: on several advanced intermittent combustion engines emphasizing lightweight diesels and rotary stratified charge engines. The current state-of-the-art is evaluated for lightweight, aircraft suitable versions of each engine. This information is used to project the engine characteristics that can be expected on near-term and long-term time horizons. The key enabling technology requirements are identified for each engine on the long-term time horizon.

Willis, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Electrostatic fuel conditioning of internal combustion engines

Diesel engines were tested to determine if they are influenced by the presence of electrostatic and magnetic fields. Field forces were applied in a variety of configurations including pretreatment of the fuel and air, however, no affect on engine performance was observed.

Gold, P. I.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Evaluation of candidate stirling engine heater tube alloys at 820 deg and 860 deg C

Seven commercial alloys were evaluated in Stirling simulator materials rigs. Five iron base alloys (N-155, A-286, Incoloy 800, 19-9DL, and 316 stainless steel), one nickel base alloy (Inconel 718), and one cobalt base alloy (HS-188) were tested in the form of thin wall tubing in a diesel fuel fired test rig. Tubes filled with hydrogen or helium at gas pressure of 21.6 MPa and temperatures of 820 and 860 C were endurance tested for 1000 and 535 hours, respectively. Results showed that under these conditions hydrogen permeated rapidly through the tube walls, thus requiring refilling during each five hour cycle. Helium was readily contained, exhibiting no measurable loss by permeation. Helium filled tubes tested at 860 C all exhibited creep-rupture failures within the 535 hour endurance test. Subsequent tensile test evaluation after removal from the rig indicated reduced room temperature ductility for some hydrogen-filled tubes compared to helium-filled tubes, suggesting possible hydrogen embrittlement in these alloys.

Misencik, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ceramics for the AGT101 automotive gas turbine

An advanced gas turbine powertrain for automotive application is being developed. Objectives of the program include a fuel consumption of 42.8 mpg on No. 2 diesel fuel in a 3000 pound car, same overall vehicle performance as obtained with a conventional spark ignition internal combustion engine, low emission, multiple fuel capacity, reliability, and competitive cost. The AGT101 powertrain consists of a power section, gearbox and transmission, and the design and analysis conducted thus far support the initial engine concept, as no significant design changes have been required. The ceramic rotor design approach and component materials are discussed, and it is projected that the AGT powertrain will be competitive with any other alternative powertrain in meeting the design objectives.

Kreiner, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Gasification of carbon fiber composites for the alleviation of electrical hazards

A mixture of calcium acetate and lithium acetate applied to the surface of carbon fibers caused the fibers to gasify in a simulated airplane-crash fire. Tests conducted with a JPL-developed electrical detector showed the catalyst-modified composites to release few fibers during burning, while state-of-the-art composites released several hundred. Mechanical property tests demonstrated nearly identical behavior of catalyst-modified and state-of-the-art composites. Aging tests also showed little difference in the composite strength except for a severe reduction when soaked in water. Several promising new concepts resulted from the project, including catalytic elimination of carbon particulates from diesel exhaust, catalytic improvement of coal combustion, and electrical destruction of carbon particulates in combustion systems.

Hull, G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ceramic applications in turbine engines

In the past the potential of vehicular gas engines could not be realized because component materials served to limit the turbine operating temperature, thereby restricting fuel economy and initial cost. It was, therefore, not possible for the vehicular gas turbine to compete with more conventional engines. The emergence of low-cost, high-temperature ceramic components has the potential to reverse this situation. For example, the Allison GT404 engine, operating with ceramic components at turbine inlet temperatures up to 2350 F to 2500 F, has the potential of a fuel economy which is better than that of current Diesel engines. The Allison AGT100 engine operating with ceramic components offers the possibility of a 30% improvement in fuel economy over 1985 spark ignition engines. The materials considered for an employment in the ceramic components include silicon carbide, silicon nitride, aluminum silicate, and lithium aluminum silicate.

Byrd, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Progress in ceramic component fabrication technology

Net shape techniques have been used in the production of rotating and static vehicular engine high-temperature components composed of sintered Alpha-SiC (SASC). Injection-molded rotors have been cold spin tested, as well as a slip-cast combustor assembly hot rig. SASC pistons and cylinder liners have also been constructed for an opposed piston, two-cycle diesel test rig while test results are presented. An uncooled, minimum-friction internal combustion engine with multi-fuel capability due to its elevated combustion temperatures appears to be achievable in the near term by means of SASC techniques. The flexural strength of SASC at 1500 C is 446 MPa, identical to that at room temperature, and excellent strength retention has been demonstrated after 3500 hours of cyclic exposure.

Storm, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Experimental study of external fuel vaporization

The fuel properties used in the design of a flash vaporization system for aircraft gas turbine engines were evaluated in experiments using a flowing system to determine critical temperature and pressure, boiling points, dew points, heat transfer coefficients, deposit formation rates, and deposit removal. Three fuels were included in the experiments: Jet-A, an experimental referree broad specification fuel, and a premium No. 2 diesel fuel. Engine conditions representing a NASA Energy Efficient Engine at sea-level take-off, cruise, and idle were simulated in the vaporization system and it was found that single phase flow was maintained in the heat exchanger and downstream of the throttle. Deposits encountered in the heat exchanger represented a thermal resistance as high as 1300 sq M K/watt and a deposit formation rate over 1000 gC/sq cm hr.

Szetela, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Assessment of advanced technologies for high performance single-engine business airplanes

The prospects for significantly increasing the fuel efficiency and mission capability of single engine business aircraft through the incorporation of advanced propulsion, aerodynamics and materials technologies are explored. It is found that turbine engines cannot match the fuel economy of the heavier rotary, diesel and advanced spark reciprocating engines. The rotary engine yields the lightest and smallest aircraft for a given mission requirement, and also offers greater simplicity and a multifuel capability. Great promise is also seen in the use of composite material primary structures in conjunction with laminar flow wing surfaces, a pusher propeller and conventional wing-tail configuration. This study was conducted with the General Aviation Synthesis Program, which can furnish the most accurate mission performance calculations yet obtained.

Kohlman, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Further industrial tests of ceramic thermal barrier coatings

The NASA Lewis Research Center made technical assistance arrangements (contracts) with several commercial organizations under which Lewis designed plasma-sprayed thermal-barrier coatings (TBC) for their products. Lewis was then furnished with the test conditions and evaluations of coating usefulness. The coating systems were developed and sprayed at Lewis. All of the systems incorporated a two-layer, ceramic-bond coating concept. Coating thickness and chemical composition were varied to fit three applications: the leading edges of first-stage turbine vanes for an advanced gas turbine engine; the flame impingement surfaces of a combustor transition section; and diesel engine valves and head surfaces. The TBC incorporated yytria-stabilized zirconia, which lowered metal temperatures, protected metal parts, and increased metal part life. In some cases metal burning, melting, and warping were eliminated. Additional benefits were realized from these endeavors: hands-on experience with thermal-barrier coatings was provided to industry; the success of these endeavors encourages these and other organizations to accelerate the implementation of TBC technology.

Liebert, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT) powertrain system development for automotive applications

An automotive gas turbine powertrain system which, when installed in a 1985 production vehicle (3000 pounds inertia weight), is being developed with a CFDC fuel economy of 42.8 miles per gallon based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test procedures and diesel No. 2 fuel. The AGT-powered vehicle shall give substantially the same overall vehicle driveability and performance as a comparable 1985 production vehicle powered by a conventional spark ignition powertrain system (baseline system). Gaseous emissions and particulate levels less than: NOx = 0.4 gm/mile, HC = 0.41 gm/mile, and CO = 3.4 gm/mile, and a total particulate of 0.2 gm/mile, using the same fuel as used for fuel economy measurements is expected, along with the ability to use a variety of alternate fuels.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

Evaluation of dopants in hydrogen to reduce hydrogen permeation in candidate Stirling engine heater head tube alloys at 760 deg and 820 deg

Alloy tubes filled with hydrogen doped with various amounts of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethane, ethylene, methane, ammonia, or water were heated in a diesel fuel-fired Stirling engine simulator materials test rig for 100 hours at 21 MPa and 760 or 820 C to determine the effectiveness of the dopants in reducing hydrogen permeation through the hot tube walls. Ultra high purity (UHP) hydrogen was used for comparison. The tube alloys were N-155, A-286, Incoloy 800, Nitronic 40, 19-9DL, 316 stainless steel, Inconel 718, and HS-188. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the concentration range 0.2 to 5 vol % were most effective in reducing hydrogen permeation through the hot tube walls for all alloys. Ethane, ethylene, methane, ammonia, and water at the concentrations investigated were not effective in reducing the permeation below that achieved with UHP hydrogen. One series of tests were conducted with UHP hydrogen in carburized tubes. Carburization of the tubes prior to exposure reduced permeation to values similar to those for carbon monoxide; however, carbon dioxide was the most effective dopant.

Misencik, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT) powertrain system development for automotive applications

A gas turbine powertrain for automobiles with reduced fuel consumption and reduced environmental impact is investigated. The automotive gas turbine, when installed in an automobile (3000 pounds inertia weight), provides a CFDC fuel economy of 42.8 miles per gallon based on EPA test procedures and diesel No. 2 fuel. The AGT powered vehicle substantially gives the same overall vehicle driveability and performance as a comparable production vehicle powered by a conventional spark ignition powertrain system. The emissions are less than federal standards, and a variety of fuels can be used.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1983

Studies of the mechanisms of turbine fuel instability

The formation of insoluble deposits in a Jet A, a Diesel, and a model fuel (1/10 v/v tetralin/dodecane) was studied. Experiments were conducted using glass containers at 394 K with an air/fuel ratio of 14/1. The effects of addition of ppm levels of various compounds on deposit formation were evaluated. Nitrogen heterocycles were shown to produce a basicity dependent acceleration of deposition. Thiols and thiophene were shown to increase deposition while sulfides and disulfides act as inhibitors. Copper metal and its salts also promote deposition. Results of various instrumental analyses of deposits and development of a high performance liquid chromatographic method for monitoring deposit precursors are discussed.

Daniel, S. R.↗