Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “operating costs”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,279 records · Page 71

Space station autonomy requirements

Several concepts of autonomy have emerged from space station technology and mission studies. Unifying these concepts is important to enabling the needs for and requirements of autonomous systems for a space station to be explored. One purpose of autonomy related to a space station is to offload routine, demonstrated, precisely specifiable tasks and functions from humans to machines in order to increase habitability, increase human-machine system productivity, or to decrease operational costs. Defining incremental roles, functions, and technical capabilities for autonomy leads to identification of computing systems technologies needed to enable various degrees of autonomy.

Anderson, J. L.↗

Advanced electrical power system technology for the all electric aircraft

The application of advanced electric power system technology to an all electric airplane results in an estimated reduction of the total takeoff gross weight of over 23,000 pounds for a large airplane. This will result in a 5 to 10 percent reduction in direct operating costs (DOC). Critical to this savings is the basic electrical power system component technology. These advanced electrical power components will provide a solid foundation for the materials, devices, circuits, and subsystems needed to satisfy the unique requirements of advanced all electric aircraft power systems. The program for the development of advanced electrical power component technology is described. The program is divided into five generic areas: semiconductor devices (transistors, thyristors, and diodes); conductors (materials and transmission lines); dielectrics; magnetic devices; and load management devices. Examples of progress in each of the five areas are discussed. Bipolar power transistors up to 1000 V at 100 A with a gain of 10 and a 0.5 microsec rise and fall time are presented. A class of semiconductor devices with a possibility of switching up to 100 kV is described. Solid state power controllers for load management at 120 to 1000 V and power levels to 25 kW were developed along with a 25 kW, 20 kHz transformer weighing only 3.2 kg. Previously announced in STAR as N83-24764

Finke, R. C.↗

The application of a second generation low-order panel method - program 'Vsaero' - to powerplant installation studies

Results from the application of a second generation low-order panel method to a number of powerplant installations are presented. The method, which retains the advantages of ease of use and low operating cost of earlier panel methods while retaining the aerodynamic modelling rigor of higher-order methods was used to predict the flow in and around typical nacelles and aircraft for a wide range of conditions. The ability of the second generation low-order analysis to calculate internal flows without the leakage problems associated with earlier programs is demonstrated and correlation between calculated and measured surface pressures and flow behavior, including predicting streamlines and locating regions of separated flow, is presented.

Clark, D. R.↗

Generation and evoluation of near-optimum vertical flight profiles

The overall objectives of this research effort have been to develop and evaluate algorithms and flight management concepts for minimization of fuel or direct operating costs. These concepts are to be used for flight planning or for on-board computation and steering of turbojet transport aircraft in the vertical path. Within this research context, a computer program, called OPTIM, has been developed to use these algorithms to generate near-optimum vertical reference profiles. OPTIM contains control options to examine effects of various flight constraints on cost performance. A companion program, called TRAGEN, was developed to simulate an aircraft flying along a given vertical reference profile. TRAGEN is used to verify OPTIM's output , to examine the effects of parameter value uncertainty (such as prevailing wind), and to compare cost performance of profiles generated by different techniques. This paper describes OPTIM and TRAGEN and presents examples of the programs utility.

Sorensen, J. A.↗

A view of future technology needs for space transportation

This paper addresses an independent assessment of space transportation requirements within the NASA and Military Space Systems Technology Models. A critical examination is made of the system needs of the various flight elements with the models as compared to independent technology forecasts and possible technology deficiencies are discussed. These deficits impact the requisite developments needed for chemical propulsion, thermal protection systems, fuel cells, guidance, avionics and data processing for both launch vehicles and orbital transfer vehicles. Also addressed are potential alternative propellant technologies and their impact upon transfer vehicle systems. The primary focus of these anticipated technology developments will be to reduce operational costs, expand flexibility, and increase the payload capability of space transportation.

Gartrell, C. F.↗

Efficient Process for Making Polycrystalline Silicon

Solar cells made with lower capital and operating costs. Process based on chemical-vapor deposition (CVD) of dichlorosilane produces high-grade polycrystalline silicon for solar cells. Process has potential as cost-effective replacement for CVD of trichlorosilane.

Mccormick, J. R.↗

ACEE program rationale and implementation

The impact of the Aircraft Energy Efficiency program (ACEE) on commercial aviation is examined. In addition to the emphasis on air transport fuel efficiency, topics such as airline operating costs, air transport effects on U.S. trade, and fuel price forecasts are addressed. An overview of the program and its contribution to aviation technology is included.

Aiken, W. S., Jr.↗

Energy Efficient Engine Flight Propulsion System Preliminary Analysis and Design Report

The final design and analysis of the flight propulsion system is presented. This system is the conceptual study engine defined to meet the performance, economic and environmental goals established for the Energy Efficient Engine Program. The design effort included a final definition of the engine, major components, internal subsystems, and nacelle. Various analytical representations and results from component technology programs are used to verify aerodynamic and structural design concepts and to predict performance. Specific design goals and specifications, reflecting future commercial aircraft propulsion system requirements for the mid-1980's, are detailed by NASA and used as guidelines during engine definition. Information is also included which details salient results from a separate study to define a turbofan propulsion system, known as the maximum efficiency engine, which reoptimized the advanced fuel saving technologies for improved fuel economy and direct operating costs relative to the flight propulsion system.

Bisset, J. W.↗

Energy efficient engine component development and integration program

The development of the technology to improve energy efficiency of propulsion systems for subsonic commercial aircrafts was examined. Goals established include: (1) fuel consumption, reduction in flight propulsion system; (2) direct operation cost; (3) noise, with provision for engine growth corresponding to future engine application; and (4) emissions, EPA new engine standards.

Source record↗

Energy efficient engine. Volume 1: Component development and integration program

Technology for achieving lower installed fuel consumption and lower operating costs in future commercial turbofan engines are developed, evaluated, and demonstrated. The four program objectives are: (1) propulsion system analysis; (2) component analysis, design, and development; (3) core design, fabrication, and test; and (4) integrated core/low spoon design, fabrication, and test.

Source record↗

Power for Commercial Space Applications

Since the proposed space station is intended to be a permanent installation, used in part by commercial organizations, its design requirements differ fundamentally from those in previous manned spacecraft. In particular, commercialization on a significant scale depends critically on the ability to control capital and operational costs, including the cost of energy, and this demands new approaches to systems such as the power supply for the space station. These considerations suggest guidelines for power plant development. The cost of energy in space, guidelines for power supply development, quality standards, and the role of government are discussed.

Chapman, P. K.↗

Aerodynamic test results for a wing-mounted turboprop propulsion installation

The paper provides an overview of the renewed interest in turboprop propulsion systems for future commercial transport designs. The potential operating cost advantage of advanced turbofan designs. Critical technology items for the aerodynamic installation of turboprop propulsion systems are presented, along with experimental results addressing the main technology issue for wing-mounted turboprop installations. Nacelle installation effects are presented for overwing and underwing nacelles. The drag reduction for nacelle contouring is also shown. Wing/nacelle/power data are presented for the baseline wing geometry and for a wing modified to reduce the propeller power effects.

Page, G. S.↗

The application of cryogenics to high Reynolds number testing in wind tunnels. I - Evolution, theory, and advantages

During the time which has passed since the construction of the first wind tunnel in 1870, wind tunnels have been developed to a high degree of sophistication. However, their development has consistently failed to keep pace with the demands placed on them. One of the more serious problems to be found with existing transonic wind tunnels is their inability to test subscale aircraft models at Reynolds numbers sufficiently near full-scale values to ensure the validity of using the wind tunnel data to predict flight characteristics. The Reynolds number capability of a wind tunnel may be increased by a number of different approaches. However, the best solution in terms of model, balance, and model support loads, as well as in terms of capital and operating cost appears to be related to the reduction of the temperature of the test gas to cryogenic temperatures. The present paper has the objective to review the evolution of the cryogenic wind tunnel concept and to describe its more important advantages.

Kilgore, R. A.↗

Heat Pipe Precools and Reheats Dehumidified Air

Precooling and reheating by heat pipe reduces operating costs of air-conditioning. Warm air returned from air-conditioned space and cooled air supplied are precooled and reheated, respectively, by each other through a heat pipe. Heat-pipe technology brought to bear on problem of conserving airconditioning energy in hot, humid environments. Any increase in the cost of equipment due to installation of heat-pipe heat exchangers expected to be recovered in energy savings during service period of 2 years or less.

Koning, R. C.↗

Summary of recent NASA propeller research

Advanced high speed propellers offer large performance improvements for aircraft that cruise in the Mach 0.7 to 0.8 speed regime. At these speeds, studies indicate that there is a 15 to near 40 percent block fuel savings and associated operating cost benefits for advanced turboprops compared to equivalent technology turbofan powered aircraft. Recent wind tunnel results for five eight to ten blade advanced models are compared with analytical predictions. Test results show that blade sweep was important in achieving net efficiencies near 80 percent at Mach 0.8 and reducing nearfield cruise noise about 6 dB. Lifting line and lifting surface aerodynamic analysis codes are under development and some results are compared with propeller force and probe data. Also, analytical predictions are compared with some initial laser velocimeter measurements of the flow field velocities of an eight bladed 45 swept propeller. Experimental aeroelastic results indicate that cascade effects and blade sweep strongly affect propeller aeroelastic characteristics. Comparisons of propeller nearfield noise data with linear acoustic theory indicate that the theory adequately predicts nearfield noise for subsonic tip speeds, but overpredicts the noise for supersonic tip speeds.

Mikkelson, D. C.↗

Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles for 1995 and Beyond

A Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLLV) designed to deliver 300,000 lb to a 540 n mi circular polar orbit may be required to meet national needs for 1995 and beyond. The vehicle described herein can accommodate payload envelopes up to 50 ft diameter by 200 ft in length. Design requirements include reusability for the more expensive components such as avionics and propulsion systems, rapid launch turnaround time, minimum hardware inventory, stage and component flexibility and commonality, and low operational costs. All ascent propulsion systems utilize liquid propellants, and overall launch vehicle stack height is minimized while maintaining a reasonable vehicle diameter. The ascent propulsion systems are based on the development of a new liquid oxygen/hydrocarbon booster engine and liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen upper stage engine derived from today's SSME technology. Wherever possible, propulsion and avionics systems are contained in reusable propulsion/avionics modules that are recovered after each launch.

Toelle, R.↗

Airline meteorological requirements

A brief review of airline meteorological/flight planning is presented. The effects of variations in meteorological parameters upon flight and operational costs are reviewed. Flight path planning through the use of meteorological information is briefly discussed.

Chandler, C. L.↗

Gas and water recycling system for IOC vivarium experiments

Water and gas recycling units designed as one of the common experiment support system for the life science experiment facilities used in the Japanese Experiment Module are discussed. These units will save transportation and operation costs for the life science experiments in the space station. These units are also designed to have interfaces so simple that the connection to another life science experiment facilities such as the Research Animal Holding Facility developed by the Rockheed Missiles and Space Company can be easily done with small modification.

Nitta, K.↗