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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 1,297 records · Page 72
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

The Next Generation of Mars-GRAM and Its Role in the Autonomous Aerobraking Development Plan

The Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) is an engineering-level atmospheric model widely used for diverse mission applications. Mars-GRAM 2010 is currently being used to develop the onboard atmospheric density estimator that is part of the Autonomous Aerobraking Development Plan. In previous versions, Mars-GRAM was less than realistic when used for sensitivity studies for Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) MapYear=0 and large optical depth values, such as tau=3. A comparison analysis has been completed between Mars-GRAM, TES and data from the Planetary Data System (PDS) resulting in updated coefficients for the functions relating density, latitude, and longitude of the sun. The adjustment factors are expressed as a function of height (z), Latitude (Lat) and areocentric solar longitude (Ls). The latest release of Mars-GRAM 2010 includes these adjustment factors that alter the in-put data from MGCM and MTGCM for the Mapping Year 0 (user-controlled dust) case. The greatest adjustment occurs at large optical depths such as tau greater than 1. The addition of the adjustment factors has led to better correspondence to TES Limb data from 0-60 km as well as better agreement with MGS, ODY and MRO data at approximately 90-135 km. Improved simulations utilizing Mars-GRAM 2010 are vital to developing the onboard atmospheric density estimator for the Autonomous Aerobraking Development Plan. Mars-GRAM 2010 was not the only planetary GRAM utilized during phase 1 of this plan; Titan-GRAM and Venus-GRAM were used to generate density data sets for Aerobraking Design Reference Missions. These data sets included altitude profiles (both vertical and along a trajectory), GRAM perturbations (tides, gravity waves, etc.) and provided density and scale height values for analysis by other Autonomous Aero-braking team members.

Justh, Hilary L.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Potential Energy Savings Due to Phase Change Material in a Building Wall Assembly: An Examination of Two Climates

Phase change material (PCM), placed in an exterior wall, alters the temperature profile within the wall and thus influences the heat transport through the wall. This may reduce the net energy transport through the wall via interactions with diurnal temperature swings in the external environment or reduce the electricity needed to meet the net load through the wall by shifting the time of the peak load to a time when the cooling system operates more efficiently. This study covers a broad range of parameters that can influence the effectiveness of such a merged thermal storage-thermal insulation system. These parameters included climate, PCM location within the wall, amount of PCM, midpoint of the PCM melting and freezing range relative to the indoor setpoint temperature, temperature range over which phase change occurs, and the wall orientation. Two climates are investigated using finite difference and optimization analyses: Phoenix and Baltimore, with two utility rate schedules. Although potential savings for a PCM with optimized properties were greater when the PCM was concentrated near the inside wall surface, other considerations described here lead to a recommendation for a full-thickness application. An examination of the temperature distribution within the walls also revealed the potential for this system to reduce the amount of energy transported through the wall framing. Finally, economic benefits can exceed energy savings when time-of-day utility rates are in effect, reflecting the value of peak load reductions for the utility grid.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Solid-State Lighting R&D Plan - 2016

The SSL R&D Plan provides analysis and direction for ongoing R&D activities to advance SSL technology and increase energy savings. The R&D Plan also reviews SSL technology status and trends for both LEDs and OLEDs and offers an overview of the current DOE SSL R&D project portfolio.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2014

Flexibility in 21st Century Power Systems (Fact Sheet)

Flexibility of operation--the ability of a power system to respond to change in demand and supply--is a characteristic of all power systems. Flexibility is especially prized in twenty-first century power systems, with higher levels of grid-connected variable renewable energy (primarily, wind and solar). Sources of flexibility exist--and can be enhanced--across all of the physical and institutional elements of the power system, including system operations and markets, demand side resources and storage; generation; and transmission networks. Accessing flexibility requires significant planning to optimize investments and ensure that both short- and long-time power system requirements are met.

21ST CENTURY POWER SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Structure-Aware Unsupervised, Transformational Machine Learning for Drug Discovery (DTRA Basic Research Final Report)

The major goal of this project is to develop machine learning (ML) methods to enable improved predictive power on real drug discovery for novel targets. More specifically, we planned to demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of ML tools utilizing unlabeled large-volume protein-ligand datasets. We investigated multiple pre-training approaches for 3D protein-ligand structure-based foundation models, without relying on experimental binding data. We also addressed scenarios in which crystal structures are unavailable or binding data are limited. We also planned to develop a complete pipeline to screen novel compounds as well as to demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the developed methods by testing on a realistic drug discovery task such as SARS-CoV-2. While the major goals and milestones remain consistent with the original proposal, certain technical details have been adjusted, based on the experimental results and related outcomes.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Compendium of Cyber Incident Notification Requirements for Critical Infrastructure Utilities by State

Cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure in the United States are on the rise and pose serious risks to the economy and health and safety of its citizens. Experts suggest a sound cyber risk mitigation strategy includes constant monitoring for signs of cyber intrusions and rapid reporting of incidents so that other critical infrastructure operators may benefit from early warnings. Reporting incidents to Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) and other state agencies who have roles in energy emergency planning and incident response and recovery is essential for them to maintain situational awareness and provide necessary support to ensure rapid restoration of utility services, should disruptions occur.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2016

MO-FG-BRA-04: A Novel Time Weighted Density Correction for Stereotactic Lung Radiotherapy: A Phantom Study

Purpose: Conventional treatment plans for lung radiotherapy are created using either the free breathing (FB) scheme which represents the tumor at an arbitrary breathing phase of the patient’s respiratory cycle, or the average computed tomography (ACT) intensity projection over 10-binned phases. Neither method is entirely accurate because of the absence of time dependence of tumor movement. In the present “Hybrid” method, the HU of tumor in 3D space is determined by relative weighting of the HU of the tumor and lung in proportion to the time they spend at that location during the entire breathing cycle. Methods: A Quasar respiratory motion phantom was employed to simulate lung tumor movement. Utilizing 4DCT image scans, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were generated for three treatment planning scenarios which included conventional FB and ACT schemes, along with a third alternative Hybrid approach. Our internal target volume (ITV) hybrid structure was created using Boolean operation in Eclipse (ver. 11) treatment planning system, where independent sub-regions created by the gross tumor volume (GTV) overlap from the 10 motion phases were each assigned a time weighted CT value. The dose-volume-histograms (DVH) for each scheme were compared and analyzed. Results: Using our hybrid technique, we have demonstrated a reduction of 1.9% – 3.4% in total monitor units with respect to conventional treatment planning strategies, along with a 6 fold improvement in high dose spillage over the FB plan. The higher density ACT and Hybrid schemes also produced a slight enhancement in target conformity and reduction in low dose spillage. Conclusion: All treatment plans created in this study exceeded RTOG protocol criteria. Our results determine the free breathing approach yields an inaccurate account of the target treatment density. A significant decrease in unnecessary lung irradiation can be achieved by implementing Hybrid HU method with ACT method second best.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

U328 Electrical Reliability Project Soil Sampling and Analysis Plan

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's (LLNL’s) Project Management Office (PMO) is planning to install an underground electrical duct bank at the 3200 block of the Livermore Site (project). The proposed project will include a new electrical substation and feeders, demolition and replacement of the U328C utility building with a new structure to the west, re-routing of utilities, and update of the parking lot. This Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) outlines the procedures to collect and evaluate environmental samples for disposition of the excavated soil during the project and geotechnical samples for pavement design. This SAP has been prepared and is organized to be consistent with LLNL's Soils Screening and Management Plan (SSMP) (LLNL, 2022), as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Data Quality Objectives (DQO) process (EPA, 2006). In addition to the environmental samples, geotechnical samples will be collected by Consolidated Engineering Laboratories (CEL) on behalf of PMO. Geotechnical samples will be collected from a dedicated geotechnical boring location or co-located with environmental samples. Collection and evaluation of the geotechnical samples is determined by CEL and is therefore not discussed in this SAP.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

LASSIE: Legged Autonomous Surface Science In Analogue Environments

Roving planetary surface exploration missions operate using a pre-programmed plan that can limit the capability to effectively detect unexpected changes in terrain properties, adjust locomotion or sampling strategies, and autonomously identify scientifically valuable observations and adjust exploration strategies. In particular, the inability to measure and react to unexpected changes in regolith properties can negatively impact mission operations. The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit and InSight lander both experienced challenges related to understanding the geotechnical properties of regolith. The advancements in legged robotic platforms hold potential to address these challenges through greater sensitivity to changing surface properties. The Legged Autonomous Surface Science In Analogue Environments (LASSIE) project explores how legged roving platforms can use the leg motors to measure geotechnical properties of crusted and icy surface regolith and utilize those measurements to autonomously update the science operations plans. These tests will be performed in martian and lunar analog environments and also within lab settings.

K. R. Fisher↗
DOE OSTI2018

The Future of Transportation Electrification: Utility, Industry and Consumer Perspectives

Electric vehicles (EVs) today are a small part of the U.S. transportation fleet. Technological advancements, automotive industry investments and state policies are driving increased transportation electrification. Bloomberg New Energy Finance projects that by 2040, 55 percent of new sales of automobiles worldwide will be EVs. Increased transportation demand for electricity will require additional investments in the distribution system and will impact the bulk power system as load profiles change. At the same time, managed EV charging and discharging can make more efficient use of distribution system assets and increase grid flexibility. EVs also hold promise for lowering transportation costs and reducing air emissions. Infrastructure needs to electrify transportation across the United States far exceed current investment plans by EV charging companies, the public sector and others. Utilities are building “make-ready” infrastructure to ease development of public charging stations and offering rates tailored for EVs, and some utilities are directly investing in charging stations. The growth of EVs raises a number of questions for policymakers and others: How much public charging infrastructure will be needed, where should it be built and when will it be used? What role should utilities play in developing the infrastructure, compared to EV charging companies?How should charging infrastructure costs be allocated among utility customers? How should electricity rates be set to encourage efficient grid use and minimize negative grid impacts? How are states preparing for increasing electrification of the transportation sector? This report in the Future Electric Utility Regulation series from Berkeley Lab, tackles these questions and more. The report approaches the issues from three perspectives: utilities, the EV charging industry and consumers.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2021

A non-intrusive optical approach to characterize heliostats in utility-scale power tower plants: Flight path generation/optimization of unmanned aerial systems

A newly developed in situ non-intrusive optical (NIO) approach has been developed to survey various types of heliostat optical errors for a concentrating solar power (CSP) tower plant. To measure mirror surface slope error, facet canting error, and heliostat tracking error at a sub-milliradian accuracy, NIO requires several reflection images scanned over each individual heliostat. For a utility-scale plant that typically includes more than 10,000 heliostats, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) is crucial for efficient implementation of the NIO method. Here, we develop a flight path generation/optimization algorithm to plan more efficient UAS paths to collect NIO data over a utility-scale heliostat field. The algorithm considers NIO data requirements, all potential constraints, optimization within each subfield, and operational flexibility. Case studies are presented to illustrate the feasibility and robustness of the developed flight path algorithm. The path planning algorithm may also find applications elsewhere, such as drone-driven imaging under extreme conditions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1989

Redundancy of space manipulator on free-flying vehicle and its nonholonomic path planning

The nonholonomic mechanical structure of space robots and path planning is discussed. The angular momentum conservation works as a nonholonomic constraint while the linear momentum conservation is a holonomic one. Thus, a vehicle with a 6 d.o.f. manipulator is described as a 9 variable system with 6 inputs. This implies the possibility of controlling the vehicle orientation and the joint variables of the manipulator by actuating the joint variables, but only if the trajectory is carefully planned; however, both of them cannot be controlled independently. It means that by assuming feasible-path planning, a system that consists of a vehicle and a 6 d.o.f. manipulator can be utilized as 9 d.o.f. system. Initially, the nonholonomic mechanical structure of space vehicle/manipulator system is shown. Then a path planning scheme for nonholonomic systems is proposed using Lyapunov functions.

Nakamura, Yoshihiko↗
NASA NTRS2010

The Habitat Demonstration Unit System Integration

The Lunar Surface System Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) will require a project team to integrate a variety of contributions from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) centers and potential outside collaborators and poses a challenge in integrating these disparate efforts into a cohesive architecture. To accomplish the development of the first version of the HDU, the Pressurized Excursion Module (PEM), from conception in June 2009 to rollout for operations in July 2010, the HDU project team is using several strategies to mitigate risks and bring the separate efforts together. First, a set of design standards is being developed to define the interfaces between the various systems of PEM and to the payloads, such as the Geology Laboratory, that those systems will support. Scheduled activities such as early fit-checks and the utilization of a habitat avionics test bed prior to equipment installation into HDU PEM are planned to facilitate the integration process. A coordinated effort to establish simplified Computer Aided Design (CAD) standards and the utilization of a modeling and simulation systems will aid in design and integration concept development. Finally, decision processes on the shell development including the assembly sequence and the transportation have been fleshed out early on HDU design to maximize the efficiency of both integration and field operations.

Gill, Tracy R.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Geospatial Framework for Estimating Household Electricity Demand for Urban Infrastructure Planning in Select African Countries

Power infrastructure planning in Sub-Saharan Africa requires accurate power demand estimates. However, these estimates are lacking in most countries which compounds the effects of unreliable electricity supply. This study utilizes a methodology that was used to forecast power demand in Uganda and extends it to other African countries of interest; Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The goal of the study is to create spatial power demand maps that can be used for power infrastructure planning. The proposed approach utilizes a global population database at a fine resolution of 1 km2 as the foundational input data. The analysis indicates a deficit of about 22,630 MW (South Africa), 20,213 MW (Nigeria), 4,153 MW (Kenya), and 2,508 MW (Uganda) compared to the current installed capacity to meet the highest power demand scenario.

Kotikot, Susan M.↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-233: Evaluation of Treatment Delivery Parameters Using High Resolution ELEKTA Log Files

Purpose: As modern linacs have become more technologically advanced with the implementation of IGRT and IMRT with HDMLCs, a requirement for more elaborate tracking techniques to monitor components’ integrity is paramount. ElektaLog files are generated every 40 milliseconds, which can be analyzed to track subtle changes and provide another aspect of quality assurance. This allows for constant monitoring of fraction consistency in addition to machine reliability. With this in mind, it was the aim of the study to evaluate if ElektaLog files can be utilized for linac consistency QA. Methods: ElektaLogs were reviewed for 16 IMRT patient plans with >16 fractions. Logs were analyzed by creating fluence maps from recorded values of MLC locations, jaw locations, and dose per unit time. Fluence maps were then utilized to calculate a 2D gamma index with a 2%–2mm criteria for each fraction. ElektaLogs were also used to analyze positional errors for MLC leaves and jaws, which were used to compute an overall error for the MLC banks, Y-jaws, and X-jaws by taking the root-meansquare value of the individual recorded errors during treatment. Additionally, beam on time was calculated using the number of ElektaLog file entries within the file. Results: The average 2D gamma for all 16 patient plans was found to be 98.0±2.0%. Recorded gamma index values showed an acceptable correlation between fractions. Average RMS values for MLC leaves and the jaws resulted in a leaf variation of roughly 0.3±0.08 mm and jaw variation of about 0.15±0.04 mm, both of which fall within clinical tolerances. Conclusion: The use of ElektaLog files for day-to-day evaluation of linac integrity and patient QA can be utilized to allow for reliable analysis of system accuracy and performance.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Transmission and Alternatives Analysis and Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

Over the life of this 3-year agreement NREL has developed data, tools, and analyses for utilities to integrate high levels of solar, and demonstrated reliability results to produce a reduction in cost and lower overall risk for stakeholders. There were five projects that made up the Agreement 25805 portfolio, including: 1. Phase 3 of the Western Wind and Solar Integration Study which studied WECC large-scale stability and frequency response. 2. Transient Solar Model Development which developed a generic solar model for cycle-by-cycle analysis. 3. Utility Scale PV Plant Demo which demonstrated control capability on a demo plant. 4. Targeted Transmission Support which contributed to transmission planning with reinforcements 5. Strategic Stakeholder Engagement which communicated and disseminated latest research with utility and industry stakeholders so that discussions and decision-making can be informed by the most current and reliable information available.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Automated Process Planning for Embossing and Functionally Grading Materials via Site-Specific Control in Large-Format Metal-Based Additive Manufacturing

The potential for site-specific, process-parameter control is an attribute of additive manufacturing (AM) that makes it highly attractive as a manufacturing process. The research interest in the functionally grading material properties of numerous AM processes has been high for years. However, one of the issues that slows developmental progress in this area is process planning. It is not uncommon for manual programming methods and bespoke solutions to be utilized for site-specific control efforts. This article presents the development of slicing software that contains a fully automated process planning approach for enabling through-thickness, process-parameter control for a range of AM processes. The technique includes the use of parent and child geometries for controlling the locations of site-specific parameters, which are overlayed onto unmodified toolpaths, i.e., a vector-based planning approach is used in which additional information, such as melt pool size for large-scale metal AM processes, is assigned to the vectors. This technique has the potential for macro- and micro-structural modifications to printed objects. A proof-of-principle experiment is highlighted in which this technique was used to generate dynamic bead geometries that were deposited to induce a novel surface embossing effect, and additional software examples are presented that highlight software support for more complex objects.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗