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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

The origin of polarity asymmetries in the history of the geomagnetic field

The behavior of magnetohydrodynamic stationary modes in the presence of an imposed weak magnetic field originating separately from the dynamo is studied. A rare class of stationary states is found that exhibit high sensitivity to the presence of weak imposed fields. The amplitude of the difference between the total fields of opposite polarity is much larger than the amplitude of the imposed nondynamo fields. It is proposed that Earth's magnetic field operates in such a mode, highly sensitive to the presence of an ambient field. An argument is given to explain why the terrestrial dynamo should choose to operate in one of these rare states. Implications are discussed for the general mechanism of dynamo magnetic field equilibrium in planets.

Levy, E. H.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Resource Recovery and Environmental Protection in Wyoming’s Greater Green River Basin Using Selective Nanostructured Membranes (Final Report)

Produced water (PW) represents a sizable waste stream that is co-generated with oil and natural gas production. In 2021 Wyoming ranked 8th and 9th, respectively in domestic oil and natural gas production. In 2017 Wyoming ranked as the 4th highest generator of PW in the U.S, accounting for 7% of the total volume generated. In the context of being the 3rd most arid state in the U.S., the value of water reuse becomes obvious. PW reuse, and resource recovery, in any form requires some level of treatment to remove particulates, residual (free, dispersed) hydrocarbons, organics, and salts. The level of treatment depends on the requirements of the reuse, or resource recovery, application. PW management systems in Wyoming employ in order of volume of PW managed the following management strategies: reinjection for enhanced oil recovery, surface discharge, deep well injection, evaporation ponds (impoundments), and commercial management/treatment. Complicating treatment efforts are the relatively high concentrations of organics (natural and synthetic), dispersed/free hydrocarbons, benzene-toluene-ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) compounds, biologicals, salts, and minerals. Hydrocarbons (dispersed/dissolved crude oils) and BTEX compounds, as well as synthetic organics, present economic and environmental concerns. The former represents lost revenue, while the latter results in negative environmental impacts like emissions from surface impoundments. The overall objective of this proposal was to synthesize superhydrophilic/oleophobic and superhydrophobic/oleophilic membranes for selectively concentrating and then separating BTEX compounds and oil and grease (O&G) from PW originating from the Greater Green River Basin (GGRB) in Wyoming. Three specific research aims were pursued to accomplish this overall objective. This final report details the development of the superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic membranes, as well as the design of the membrane module prototypes specifically. The technoeconomic assessment is separately reported in another document. 1. Aim #1 – Material optimization and performance evaluation of superhydrophilic/oleophobic and superhydrophobic/oleophilic membranes made by electrospinning/spraying. 2. Aim #2 – Design and construction of cross-flow membrane modules for selectively concentrating and then separating BTEX/oil from GGRB produced water. 3. Aim #3 – Techno-economic assessment of BTEX/oil recovery, and clean water production, using superhydrophilic/oleophobic and superhydrophobic/oleophilic membrane separation for GGRB PW. Superhydrophobic membranes were synthesized by electrospinning poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers onto polyester (PET) substrates and electrospraying nano-carbon black/PVDF-HFP onto the nanofibrous layer. These membranes were characterized by high (>8000 liters per square meter per hour per bar (LMH/bar)) permeance values for pure hydrocarbon phases and a high hydrocarbon selectivity (>96%) when treating GGRB PW. All results were obtained when operating the membrane in a crossflow configuration representative of actual field operating conditions. Solvent/oil properties, specifically viscosity and total surface energy/tension, affected permeance across the membrane, which resulted in light mineral oil (394 LMH/bar) and o-xylene (1834 LMH/bar) being characterized by lower permeance values in the pure phase tests. Mixed phase fluxes between 40 to 80 LMH were obtained for the PW when operating the membrane at a feed pressure of 0.3 bar. Flux decreased as the mixed phase concentration in the feed decreased pointing to the importance of maximizing the collision efficiency between the emulsion and the membrane surface and maximizing the emulsion concentration in the feed and the turbulence within the feed channel. These tests demonstrated that the superhydrophobic membranes developed here are a viable hydrocarbon recovery method for GGRB PWs and should be pursued for testing in pilot-scale trials. Superhydrophilic membranes were successfully synthesized via electrospinning/spraying using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers as a base nanofibrous matrix. Integration of polyaniline (PANI) into the nanofibrous matrix produced a superior membrane, for water filtration applications, relative to PAN alone and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) when integrated into the nanofibrous matrix. This conclusion was based on the PANI-PAN resistance to flux loss (fouling) when treating model solvent/oil solutions representative of GGRB PWs and field collected PW from the GGRB. The synthesized PAN membranes outperformed a commercially available PAN membrane designed for oil/water separation. This finding indicates that the surface chemical and physical characteristics of the electrospun membranes presents improved properties for filtration of challenging waters like GGRB PWs. The electrospun membranes therefore show promise overall as a substitute for conventionally polymerized membranes in PW treatment applications. The PANI-PAN membrane specifically presents superior performance characteristics for concentration O&G prior to treatment by the hydrocarbon recovery membrane and producing high-quality filtrate for reuse and/or additional treatment (desalination).

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2013

How the Lean Management System is Working on a Closure Project - 13242

Washington Closure Hanford, LLC (WCH) manages the River Corridor Closure Project (RCCP), a 10-year contract, in which WCH will clean up 220 mi{sup 2} of contaminated land at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. Strategic planning sessions in 2009 identified key performance areas that were essential to closure and in which focused change could result in dramatic performance improvement. Lean Management Systems (Lean) was selected as the methodology to achieve the desired results. The Lean Process is built upon the fundamentals of the power of respect for people and the practice of continuous process improvement. Lean uses week-long, focused sessions that teach a selected team the techniques to recognize waste within their own work processes, propose potential solutions, and then conduct experiments during the week to test their solutions. In 2011, the Lean process was implemented in the Waste Operations organization. From there it was expanded to closure documents, field remediation, and decommissioning and demolition. WCH identified the following Lean focus areas: 1) closure document processes that required extensive internal preparation, and lengthy external review and approval cycles; 2) allocation of limited transportation and waste disposal resources to meet aggressive remediation schedules; 3) effective start-of-the-day routines in field operations; 4) improved excavation and load-out processes; and 5) approaches to strengthen safety culture and support disciplined operations. Since the introduction of Lean, RCCP has realized many successes and also gained some unexpected benefits. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1988

Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE) - An overview

The field phase of the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE) was conducted from 15 January to 15 March 1986. The objectives of GALE were to study mesoscale and air-sea interaction processes in East Coast winter storms, with particular emphasis on their contributions to cyclogenesis. This project area, specail observing systems, and field operations are described. There were thirteen special observing periods during the field phase including eight cases of cyclogenesis. Meterological and oceanographic phenomena on which special observations were collected include: cyclogenesis, rainbands, cold fronts, coastal fronts, cold-air damming, jets streaks, tropopause folding, low-level jets, cold-air outbreaks, lightning and marine boundary layer interactions with Gulf Stream and mid-shelf oceanic fronts. Preliminary research findings and operational implications are presented. GALE data documents are listed. The GALE data set is open to all interested scientists.

Dirks, R. A.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Environmental and Operational Performance of CO2-EOR as a CCUS Technology: A Cranfield Example with Dynamic LCA Considerations

This study evaluates the potential of carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising oil production goals. A novel, dynamic carbon lifecycle analysis (d-LCA) was developed and used to understand the evolution of the environmental impact (CO2 emissions) and mitigation (geologic CO2 storage) associated with an expanded carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) system, from start to closure of operations. EOR operational performance was assessed through CO2 utilization rates, which relate usage of CO2 to oil production. Because field operational strategies have a significant impact on reservoir engineering parameters that affect both CO2 storage and oil production (e.g., sweep efficiency, flood conformance, fluid saturation distribution), we conducted a scenario analysis that assessed the operational and environmental performance of four common and novel CO2-EOR field development strategies. Each scenario was evaluated with and without stacked saline carbon storage, an EOR/storage combination strategy where excess CO2 from the recycling facility is injected into an underlying saline aquifer for long-term carbon storage. The dynamic interplay between operational and environmental performance formed the basis of our CCUS technology analysis. The results showed that all CO2-EOR evaluated scenarios start operating with a negative carbon footprint and, years into the project, transitioned into operating with a positive carbon footprint. The transition points were significantly different in each scenario. Water-alternating-gas (WAG) was identified as the CO2 injection strategy with the highest potential to co-optimize EOR and carbon storage goals. The results provide an understanding of the evolution of the system’s net carbon balance in all four field development strategies studied. The environmental performance can be significantly improved with stacked storage, where a negative carbon footprint can be maintained throughout the life of the operation in most of the injection scenarios modelled. This information will be useful to CO2-EOR operators seeking value in storing more CO2 through a carbon credit program (e.g., the 45Q carbon credit program in the USA). Most importantly, this study serves as confirmation that CO2-EOR can be operationally designed to both enhance oil production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1989

An airborne study of microwave surface sensing and boundary layer heat and moisture fluxes for Project FIFE

This is the third semiannual status report describing the University of Wyoming participation in project FIFE, under NASA Grant NAG 5-913. The reader is referred to the first and second semiannual status reports for this grant for descriptions of University of Wyoming participation in the field operations of 1987. This report is concerned with continuing analysis of field data. Most of the instrument calibration effort has concentrated on interpretation and use of the high-rate water vapor measurements with the University of Wyoming Lyman-alpha device. In addition, fluxes of water vapor have been corrected for sensible heat flux, and all the high-rate (10 Hz for the Wyoming King Air) data have been filtered before the flux calculations. For each flight the Lyman-alpha data (10 Hz) are calibrated against the Cambridge dew-point hygrometer (1 Hz), by using data from the take-off sounding. The reasoning here is that the takeoff sounding (held to 500 fpm rate-of-climb specifically for the calibration) covers the widest range of humidity conditions of any sequence of the flight. For each takeoff sounding, then, the Lyman-alpha data, averaged to 1 Hz, are matched to the dewpoint data with a second-order least-squares fit. The resulting quadratic equation is then used in all subsequent analyses to convert the Lyman-alpha voltages to vapor desities for that specific flight. An alternative method is to use the range of fluctuation for the same two devices from horizontal passes to establish the calibration function. However, since the Lyman-alpha data are used only in the flux calculations, i.e., only the fluctuation and not the absolute values are used, this method is thought unnecessary.

Kelly, Robert D.↗
DOE OSTI2017

High-Field Nb3Sn Cos-theta Dipole with Stress Management

Cost-effective superconducting dipole magnets with operating fields up to 16 T are being considered for the LHC en-ergy upgrade (HE-LHC) and a Future Circular Collider (FCC). To demonstrate feasibility of 15 T accelerator quality dipole mag-nets, FNAL as a part of the US-MDP is developing a single-aper-ture Nb3Sn dipole demonstrator based on a 4-layer graded cos-theta coil with 60 mm aperture and cold iron yoke. In parallel, to explore the limit of the Nb3Sn accelerator magnet technology, op-timize magnet design and performance parameters, and reduce magnet cost, magnet design studies are also being performed to push the nominal bore field to 16 T in a 60-mm aperture cos-theta dipole. Results of these studies are reported and discussed in this paper.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Overview of recent progress in 3D field physics in KSTAR

Various 3D field physics challenges of magnetically confined plasmas arise when the driving source comes from either externally applied non-axisymmetric 3D magnetic perturbations or plasma instabilities inside the plasma. Recently, several key outstanding topics of 3D field physics have been extensively studied in the Korean Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), such as edge-localized-mode (ELM) control by resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP), error field (EF) control, 3D field effects on rotation and transport, and RMP-induced alteration of divertor heat flux and detachment. KSTAR has a few physically unique features (i.e., high rotation and long-pulse plasmas with a low intrinsic EF) and machine/diagnostic capabilities (i.e., 3-row in-vessel control coil and state-of-the-art 2D/3D imaging diagnostics), which have been taken advantage of until now to address critical 3D field physics issues relevant to ITER and K-DEMO. Among many remarkable achievements are the robust access to and control of n = 1 RMP ELM suppression, along with a development of its physics basis tools, parameter expansion, optimization, and long-pulse control techniques. Nonetheless, a series of unresolved 3D physics themes, as well as limited coverage of 3D field operating regimes, have also been identified as future works for the 3D field research in KSTAR. In this paper, we provide an overview about the recent progress of KSTAR 3D field physics and present future plans of KSTAR 3D research toward a future fusion reactor.

3D field physics↗
NASA NTRS2000

Intelligent Mobile Technologies

Testing involves commercial radio equipment approved for export and use in Canada. Testing was conducted in the Canadian High Arctic, where hilly terrain provided the worst-case testing. SFU and Canadian governmental agencies made significant technical contributions. The only technical data related to radio testing was exchanged with SFU. Test protocols are standard radio tests performed by communication technicians worldwide. The Joint Fields Operations objectives included the following: (1) to provide Internet communications services for field science work and mobile exploration systems; (2) to evaluate the range and throughput of three different medium-range radio link technologies for providing coverage of the crater area; and (3) to demonstrate collaborative software such as NetMeeting with multi-point video for exchange of scientific information between remote node and base-base camp and science centers as part of communications testing.

Alena, Rick↗
DOE OSTI2012

Development of a Low-Cost Rotary Steerable Drilling System

The project had the goal to develop and commercialize a low-cost rotary steerable system (LCRSS) capable of operating downhole at conventional pressures and temperatures to reduce operating costs by a minimum of 50% and lost-in-hole charges by at least 50% over the currently offered systems. The LCRSS system developed under this project does reduce operating costs by 55% and lost-in-hole charges by at least 50%. The developed product is not commercializable in its current form. The overall objective was to develop and commercialize a low cost rotary steerable system (LCRSS) capable of operating downhole at conventional pressures and temperatures (20,000 psi/150 C) while reducing the operating costs by 50% and the lost-in-hole charges by 50% over the currently available systems. The proposed reduction in costs were to be realized through the significant reduction in tool complexity, a corresponding increase in tool reliability as expressed in the mean-time between failure (MTBF), and a reduction in the time and costs required to service tools after each field operation. Ultimately, the LCRSS system was to be capable of drilling 7 7/8 in. to 9 5/8 in. borehole diameters. The project was divided into three Phases, of which Phases I & II were previously completed and reported on, and are part of the case file. Therefore, the previously reported information is not repeated herein. Phase III included the fabrication of two field ready prototypes that were to be subjected to a series of drilling tests at GTI Catoosa, DOE RMOTC, and at customer partnering wells, if possible, as appropriate in the timing of the field test objectives to fully exercise all elements of the LCRSS. These tests were conducted in an iterative process based on a performance/reliability improvement cycle with the goal of demonstrating the system met all aspects required for commercial viability. These tests were conducted to achieve continuous runs of 100+ hours with well trajectories that fully exercised the tool's build/turn/drop/hold target capabilities and its higher end ratings for bit weight, torque and rotary speed. The tool teardowns were rigorously analyzed at the conclusion of each field run to assess component wear rates and to fully document any detrimental behavior(s) observed.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Use of Fiber Optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Measuring Hydraulic Connectivity for Geothermal Applications

Advanced methods in reservoir characterization are required to effectively harness geothermal energy from fractured high-temperature, high-pressure crystalline rock. It is critical to determine sufficient fluid connection between injection and production wells to enhance sweep efficiency and optimize the lifetime of the reservoir. A technology is needed that can monitor hydraulic connectivity in real time at any depth in the reservoir, throughout the lifetime of the reservoir. GeoMechanics Technologies, in collaboration with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and Silixa LLC, working in cooperation with the Department of Energy, Small Business Innovation Research through DOE SBIR Grant No: DE-SC-0017744, conducted a Phase I research project to investigate the use of fiber optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) to improve geothermal reservoir characterization. Fiber optic DAS technology uses inter-well pressure sensing in response to periodic injection to determine hydraulic connectivity in fractured geothermal reservoirs. Fiber optic technology is capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures typical of geothermal reservoirs. This tool would provide nearly continuous pressure monitoring along the length of the wellbore, providing knowledge into hydraulic pathways even where perforations do not exist. Real-time hydraulic monitoring can be performed without interrupting normal field operations. Also, measurements can be obtained throughout the lifetime of the well, ideally accounting for any changes in operations or reservoir configurations or thermally induced changes in permeability. The objective of this research effort was to develop and document an innovative tool that can be used for geothermal reservoir characterization. GeoMechanics Technologies and partners investigated and documented the use of fiber optic DAS for measuring the hydromechanical response caused by fractures in a reservoir and how that correlates to reservoir connectivity. For this Phase I project, numerical simulations, laboratory testing, and a field demonstration were performed to further validate the effectiveness of DAS technology for detecting formation hydraulics. This report summarizes the project activities. The main significant findings are: 1. From the numerical simulations using conceptual models, it is concluded that a high permeability zone inside a reservoir shows a different strain pattern along vertical monitoring lines away from the injection, when inducing low frequency pressure pulses. 2. The order of magnitude of strain observed at a distance of 100 ft from the injection well ranged from nanostrain to microstrain. Such strains are detectable with DAS tools currently available to industry. 3. Laboratory experiments stressed the importance of cable design and layout in the field, making calibration on site necessary for each application individually. 4. Field comparison highlighted the operational conditions that play a role in adding noise to the DAS measurement, where temperature effects for this type of application are also considered as noise to the strain measurements. 5. The analyses conducted to date provide motivation for further research, development and application of this technology, combined with field testing.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Heliostat optical error inspection with polarimetric imaging drone

On a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) field, optical errors have significant impacts on the collection efficiency of heliostats. Fast, cost-effective, labor-efficient, and non-intrusive autonomous field inspection remains a challenge. Approaches using imaging drone, i.e., Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system integrated with high resolution visible imaging sensors, have been developed to address these challenges; however, these approaches are often limited by insufficient imaging contrast. Here, in this study, we report a polarimetry-based method with a polarization imaging system integrated on UAV to enhance imaging contrast for in-situ detection of heliostat mirrors without interrupting field operation. We developed an optical model for skylight polarization pattern to simulate the polarization images of heliostat mirrors and obtained optimized waypoints for polarimetric imaging drone flight path to capture images with enhanced contrast. The polarimetric imaging-based method improved the success rate of edge detections in scenarios which were challenging for mirror edge detection with conventional imaging sensors. We have performed field tests to achieve significantly enhanced heliostat edge detection success rate and investigate the feasibility of integrating polarimetric imaging method with existing imaging-based heliostat inspection methods, i.e., Polarimetric Imaging Heliostat Inspection Method (PIHIM). Our preliminary field test results suggest that the PIHIM hold the promise to enable sufficient imaging contrast for real-time autonomous imaging and detection of heliostat field, thus suitable for non-interruptive fast CSP field inspection during its operation.

CSP Field↗
DOE OSTI2015

Computer simulation of nonstationary thermal fields in design and operation of northern oil and gas fields

A mathematical model, numerical algorithm and program code for simulation and long-term forecasting of changes in permafrost as a result of operation of a multiple well pad of northern oil and gas field are presented. In the model the most significant climatic and physical factors are taken into account such as solar radiation, determined by specific geographical location, heterogeneous structure of frozen soil, thermal stabilization of soil, possible insulation of the objects, seasonal fluctuations in air temperature, and freezing and thawing of the upper soil layer. Results of computing are presented.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Investigation of long-term light stability of negative charge injected into oxide-nitride-oxide passivation stack of crystalline silicon solar cells

A negatively charged oxide-nitride-oxide stack for field-effect passivation of crystalline silicon solar cells is discussed. The negative charge was injected into the stack by a plasma charge injection technology. Charge stability was studied by exposing samples to AM1.5 simulation visible light and full-spectrum light at temperatures ranging from 55 to 78 °C for up to 300 h. Charge injection and loss were quantified based on shifts in the flatband voltage of capacitance–voltage curves measured with a mercury probe. The most probable mechanism of charge loss was found to be diffusion of negative charged hydrogen atoms through nitride and bottom oxide. The optimum recipe for each layer of the stack was investigated to minimize the loss of injected charge. The flatband voltage decay of the optimized stack was found to fit a power-law trend, suggesting the dispersive transport of hydrogen atoms with a dispersion parameter of ~0.06–0.07. The optimized stack is projected to maintain a negative charge density of about 3.6 × 10 12 cm –2 or more after 25 years of field operation in an environment such as Arizona, which would be sufficient for field-effect passivation under one-sun illumination. Furthermore, the high stability of the negative injected charge makes the plasma charging technology a safer and lower cost alternative to Al 2 O 3 -passivation technology commonly used to passivate p-type surfaces.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1974

An evaluation of the ERTS data collection system as a potential operational tool

The Earth Resources Technology Satellite Data Collection System has been shown to be, from the users vantage point, a reliable and simple system for collecting data from U.S. Geological Survey operational field instrumentation. It is technically feasible to expand the ERTS system into an operational polar-orbiting data collection system to gather data from the Geological Survey's Hydrologic Data Network. This could permit more efficient internal management of the Network, and could enable the Geological Survey to make data available to cooperating agencies in near-real time. The Geological Survey is conducting an analysis of the costs and benefits of satellite data-relay systems.

Paulson, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Overview of the Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX)

This paper presents an overview of the Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX), including the field operations, aircraft platforms and missions, instrumentation, and data acquired during 1998 and 2001 field campaigns. A total of eight tropical storms and hurricanes were investigated during the CAMEX field campaigns including Bonnie, Danielle, Earl, and Georges during 1998 and Chantal, Erin, Gabrielle, and Humberto during 2001. Most of these storms were sampled with aircraft over the open ocean, but Hurricanes Bonnie (1998), Georges (1998), and Gabrielle (2001) also provided opportunities to monitor landfalling impacts. A few of the storms were sampled on multiple occasions during a course of several days. Most notable of these was Hurricane Humberto, which was sampled on three consecutive days during a cycle of both increasing and decreasing intensity change. Information collected for each of the eight CAMEX tropical storms as well as the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission validation activities are accessible via the CAMEX Web site and archived at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Marshall Space Flight Center.

Kakar, Ramesh↗
DOE OSTI2017

Design Studies and Optimization of High-Field Nb$_3$Sn Dipole Magnets for a Future Very High Energy PP Collider

High filed accelerator magnets with operating fields of 15-16 T based on the $Nb_3Sn$ superconductor are being considered for the LHC energy upgrade or a future Very High Energy pp Collider. Magnet design studies are being conducted in the U.S., Europe and Asia to explore the limits of the $Nb_3Sn$ accelerator magnet technology while optimizing the magnet design and performance parame-ters, and reducing magnet cost. The first results of these studies performed at Fermilab in the framework of the US-MDP are reported in this paper.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗