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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 1,315 records · Page 73
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Data, exergy, and energy analysis of a vertical-bore, ground-source heat pump to for domestic water heating under simulated occupancy conditions

Evidence is provided to support the view that greater than two-thirds of energy required to produce domestic hot water may be extracted from the ground which serves as renewable energy resource. The case refers to a 345 m2 research house located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 36.01 N 84.26 W in a mixed-humid climate with HDD of 2218 C-days (3993 F-days) and CDD of 723 C-days (1301 F-days). The house is operated under simulated occupancy conditions in which the hot water use protocol is based on the Building America Research Benchmark Definition (Hendron 2008; Hendron and Engebrecht 2010) which captures the water consumption lifestyles of the average family in the United States. The 5.275 (1.5-ton) water-to-water ground source heat pump (WW-GSHP) shared the same vertical bore with a 7.56 KW water-to-air ground source heat pump for space conditioning the same house. Energy and exergy analysis of data collected continuously over a twelve month period provide performance metrics and sources of inherent systemic inefficiencies. Data and analyses are vital to better understand how WW-GSHPs may be further improved to enable the ground to be used as a renewable energy resource.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of cathode shape on vertical buffered electropolishing for niobium SRF cavities

This paper reports the research results of the effect of cathode shape during vertical buffered electropolishing (BEP) by employing a demountable single cell niobium (Nb) superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavity. Several different cathode shapes such as, for instance, bar, ball, ellipsoid, and wheels of different diameters have been tested. Detailed electropolishing parameters including I–V characteristic, removal rate, surface roughness, and polishing uniformity at different locations inside the demountable cavity are measured. Similar studies are also done on conventional electropolishing (EP) for comparison. It is revealed that cathode shape has dominant effects for BEP especially on the obtaining of a suitable polishing condition and a uniform polishing rate in an Nb SRF single cell cavity. EP appears to have the same tendency. This paper demonstrates that a more homogeneous polishing result can be obtained by optimizing the electric field distribution inside the cavity through the modification of the cathode shape given the conditions that temperature and electrolyte flow are kept constant. Electric field distribution and electrolyte flow patterns inside the cavity are simulated via Poisson–Superfish and Solidworks respectively. Finally, with the optimal cathode shape, BEP shows a much faster polishing rate of ~2.5 μm/min and is able to produce a smoother surface finish in the treatments of single cell cavities in comparison with EP.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Measurement of cell adhesion force by vertical forcible detachment using an arrowhead nanoneedle and atomic force microscopy

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • We developed a method to measure cell adhesion force by detaching cell using an arrowhead nanoneedle and AFM. • A nanofilm consisting of fibronectin and gelatin was formed on cell surface to reinforce the cell cortex. • By the nanofilm lamination, detachment efficiencies of strongly adherent cell lines were improved markedly. - Abstract: The properties of substrates and extracellular matrices (ECM) are important factors governing the functions and fates of mammalian adherent cells. For example, substrate stiffness often affects cell differentiation. At focal adhesions, clustered–integrin bindings link cells mechanically to the ECM. In order to quantitate the affinity between cell and substrate, the cell adhesion force must be measured for single cells. In this study, forcible detachment of a single cell in the vertical direction using AFM was carried out, allowing breakage of the integrin–substrate bindings. An AFM tip was fabricated into an arrowhead shape to detach the cell from the substrate. Peak force observed in the recorded force curve during probe retraction was defined as the adhesion force, and was analyzed for various types of cells. Some of the cell types adhered so strongly that they could not be picked up because of plasma membrane breakage by the arrowhead probe. To address this problem, a technique to reinforce the cellular membrane with layer-by-layer nanofilms composed of fibronectin and gelatin helped to improve insertion efficiency and to prevent cell membrane rupture during the detachment process, allowing successful detachment of the cells. This method for detaching cells, involving cellular membrane reinforcement, may be beneficial for evaluating true cell adhesion forces in various cell types.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Scalable electric-field-assisted fabrication of vertically aligned carbon nanotube membranes with flow enhancement

In this work, we report a solution-based approach for fabricating vertically aligned carbon-nanotube (VACNT) membranes, which improves on the unaligned nature of CNT mixed-matrix membranes. This approach addresses important challenges regarding scalability and incorporation of different types and sizes of nanotube as pores in a membrane. In a new, solvent-deposition approach, CNTs are dispersed and then aligned and concentrated via electro-deposition from an organic solvent, using a composite AC + DC electric field to form aligned CNT arrays. This enables VACNT number densities that are two orders-of-magnitude higher than possible from direct suspension of CNTs in the liquid oligomer. The solvent is then replaced by a UV-curable oligomer, which is selectively cured to form macroscopic membranes of highly controlled thickness. After plasma etching to open pores, the VACNT membranes are shown to be permeable, and to have pore sizes consistent with flow through internal channels of the CNTs. In a first for field-aligned, solution-fabricated VACNT membranes, the pores show substantial, 100–300 × , gas-flow enhancement compared to theory, similar to membranes fabricated via less scalable methods (i.e., by CVD growth of already aligned CNT forests). The solution-based, electric-field-assisted approach aligns nanotubes of different sizes and types grown by any means, and is scalable to the efficient fabrication of large-area VACNT membranes for a variety of important applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Pulsed laminar falling films in vertical tubes: Maintaining a continuous liquid film with reduced film thickness

Falling-liquid-film heat transfer is important to a wide variety of industrial applications, including two-phase thermosyphons, falling-film evaporators in the food industry, heat exchangers in fuel-ethanol processing, and the chemical service industry. Particularly for laminar falling films, the heat transfer increases as the film thickness decreases, hence it is desirable to keep the films as thin as possible. This article presents a periodically-pulsed flow concept to reduce the average mass flow inside a vertical tube. The technique provides thinner films than can be achieved with continuous flow. A drainage model is adopted to predict the film thickness as a function of flow rate and location along the tube. The concept is confirmed experimentally by measuring the film thickness in real time in a circular tube using a laser-based absorption technique. A new heat-transfer-based film continuity measurement is also integrated into the optical film measurement setup. Water at ambient temperature and pressure is used for this work. Film thickness reductions of up to 60%, and liquid-film volume-flow reductions of up to 80% compared to the minimum continuous-flow film have been obtained. The time-varying film thickness profile can also be controlled to a limited extent, which may be of interest for process industries.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Experimental investigation of Multi-Mode heat transfer to a Free-Falling dilute particle cloud in a heated vertical tube

The development of dilute particle heat exchangers and reactors for advanced energy systems requires an understanding of the multi-mode heat transfer from a heated wall to falling particles. This study presents experimental results of the overall heat transfer coefficient for a free-falling, dilute flow of particles with solid volume fraction from 0.0005 to 0.006 corresponding to feed rates from 3.7 kg s -1 m -2 to 44 kg s -1 m -2 in a vertical, heated tube containing quiescent air at atmospheric pressure. Tube wall temperatures are varied between 300°C to 900°C while keeping the particle inlet temperature constant. The experimental results show that the overall heat transfer coefficient is a strong function of particle feed rate and surface temperature. Good agreement was obtained with prior studies conducted at comparable temperatures but lower particle feed rates (< 4 kg m -2 s -1 ). The established correlations for particle-to-wall radiation and particle-to-gas convection were used to estimate the wall-to-gas convective contribution from the measured overall heat transfer coefficient. The experimental results indicated a 4 to 6 times improvement in the wall convection in the solid-gas mixture compared to that expected from natural convection in a single-phase gas. Furthermore, the data presented here are applicable to characterize heat transfer in dilute particle heat exchangers, furnaces, and solar receivers.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Wellbore injectivity response to step-rate CO 2 injection: Coupled thermo-poro-elastic analysis in a vertically heterogeneous formation

Safe and permanent carbon geological storages require an elaborate analysis of geomechanical stability. Subsurface injection of CO 2 changes the local temperature and pore pressure and, further, alters the stress due to thermo-poro-elastic responses. A permanent CO 2 storage testing was conducted in the water leg of Cranfield reservoir in Mississippi, USA, where hosted CO 2 enhanced-oil recovery activities. During CO 2 injection, the injection rate was ramped up twice but the bottom-hole pressure did not increase with the imposed injection rates as expected. This unexpected field observation suggests the possibility of an open-mode fracture development at the injector. However, the injector response and potential fracture development have not been rigorously interpreted with detailed near-wellbore temperature and pore pressure change upon the CO 2 injection. In this study, we performed history matching of CO 2 injection using coupled thermo-poro-elastic reservoir simulation to examine the possibility of fracturing. We built a reservoir model including vertical heterogeneity in both petrophysical and geomechanical properties estimated from well-logging analysis and laboratory experiments. The simulation results show that CO 2 injection changes stresses and support the hypothesis of development of an open-mode fracture at the injector during the Cranfield test. The near-injector region exhibits a large temperature reduction up to 55 °C with ensuing effective horizontal stress reduction up to 9.1 MPa. However, a caprock integrity issue is unlikely because of the horizontal stress contrast within layers and low hydraulic communication with the injection zone. This work indicates that the injectant temperature should be considered in the design of high-rate CO 2 injector.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Numerical predictions of cryogenic hydrogen vertical jets

Here, a comparison of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) predictions with measurements is presented for cryo-compressed hydrogen vertical jets. The stagnation conditions of the experiments are characteristic of unintended leaks from pipe systems that connect cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks and could be encountered at a fuel cell refueling station. Jets with pressure up to 5 bar and temperatures just above the saturation liquid temperature were examined. Comparisons are made to the centerline mass fraction and temperature decay rates, the radial profiles of mass fraction and the contours of volume fraction. Two notional nozzle approaches are tested to model the under-expanded jet that was formed in the tests with pressures above 2 bar. In both approaches the mass and momentum balance from the throat to the notional nozzle are solved, while the temperature at the notional nozzle was assumed equal to the nozzle temperature in the first approach and was calculated by an energy balance in the second approach. The two approaches gave identical results. Satisfactory agreement with the measurements was found in terms of centerline mass fraction and temperature. However, for test with 3 and 4 bar release the concentration was overpredicted. Furthermore, a wider radial spread was observed in the predictions possibly revealing higher degree of diffusion using the k-ε turbulence model. An integral model for cryogenic jets was also developed and provided good results. Finally, a test simulation was performed with an ambient temperature jet and compared to the cold jet showing that warm jets decay faster than cold jets.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2018

Growth of CdMnTe free of large Te inclusions using the vertical Bridgman technique

Here, we grew Cd 1-x Mn x Te crystals with a nominal composition of 5% Mn and 95% Cd using the vertical Bridgman technique. We were able to grow crystals from as-received starting material that were free of secondary phases, such as Te inclusions with a size > 1-µm diameter, without adding compensating Cd to the initial charge. The Te precipitations (size < 1-µm diameter) were found to segregate towards the last-to-freeze section of the ingot. Te inclusions with a size 5-7 µm were observed at the grain boundary located near the last-to-freeze section, while the bottom and middle parts of the ingot showed no Te inclusions, even at the grain boundaries. X-ray topographic analysis was used to characterize the distribution of thermal stress in the ingot.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Computational modeling and neutron imaging to understand interface shape and solute segregation during the vertical gradient freeze growth of BaBrCl:Eu

In this work we apply continuum models to analyze phase change, heat transfer, fluid flow, solute transport, and segregation in order to understand prior neutron imaging observations of the vertical gradient freeze growth of Eu-doped BaBrCl. The models provide a rigorous framework in which to understand the mechanisms that are responsible for the complicated evolution of interface shape and dopant distribution in the growth experiment. We explain how a transition in the solid/liquid interface shape from concave to convex is driven by changes in radial heat transfer caused by furnace design. We also provide a mechanistic explanation of how dynamic growth conditions and changes of the flow structure in the melt result in complicated segregation patterns in this system. A growth pause caused by controller lock-up is shown to result in a band of solute depletion in accordance with classical theory. However, changing flow patterns during growth result in a non-monotonic axial distribution of solute that cannot be explained by simple application of classical segregation models. We assert that the approach presented here, namely the use of rigorous models in conjunction advanced diagnostics, such as neutron imaging, provides an exciting path forward for process optimization and control, accelerating the incremental advances that have, in the past, typically relied on empiricism, experience, and intuition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Analysis of chemical stress and the propensity for cracking during the vertical Bridgman growth of BaBrCl:Eu

Computational models are employed to analyze residual chemical stresses arising from compositional variations in europium-doped BaBrCl crystals grown by the vertical Bridgman method. We find that significant chemical stress is produced by radial segregation of Eu in this system. In particular, the distribution of normal stresses is set by the radial concentration gradient, whose changing sign produces surface states in tension or compression. Additionally, crack opening from surface flaws will be promoted or suppressed by tensile or compressive surface stresses, respectively. Thus, crystal growth processing strategies that change the radial dopant concentration gradients are posited to affect the propensity for cracking. For this system, surface stresses are changed from states of tension to compression when the growth rate is increased, thus improving the chances to avoid cracking—a strategy that defies classical wisdom that dictates slower growth to improve outcomes. Similar strategies affecting segregation may prove beneficial to tailor chemical stress fields to reduce cracking in other crystal growth systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Numerical simulations of vertical growth of hydraulic fractures and brine migration in geological formations above the Marcellus shale

One of the critical environmental questions about hydraulic fracturing in shales is the potential for contamination of ground and surface water. There are two specific concerns arising from hydraulic treatments: 1) whether hydraulic fractures extend upward through overlying strata to reach overlying aquifers containing drinking water, and 2) whether injected fluids push native fluids upward into these overlying aquifers. In this work, the extent of likely fracture growth through overlying layers during hydraulic treatment of the Marcellus shale was estimated using a hydraulic fracture model. A wide range of material and fluid flow properties in a multi-layered geologic model was considered. The model was based on conditions and characteristics applicable to the Marcellus shale in that part of the Appalachian basin within southwestern Pennsylvania. Predictions of vertical termination frequencies for hydraulic fractures were used in a multi-layer model of the strata and natural fractures for studying brine migration through the natural and induced fracture network. NFFLOW, the software for explicitly modeling flow within networks of fractures, was utilized to compute transient flow rates according to the schedule of injected fluid during hydraulic fracturing. To aid our analysis, the modeled sequence of geologic strata was capped with a fictitious unfractured, but moderately-permeable layer, which serves as a monitoring zone. The analysis assumes one well lateral was placed in the middle of the Marcellus shale with hydraulic fractures penetrating layers in the model. The newly-developed geomechanical module within NFFLOW was used to represent stress-sensitivity of the fractures. This allows the opening and closing of fracture apertures with changes in fluid pressures within fracture segments. Pressure increases in the formations overlying the Tully limestone, indicating fluid flow, was observed due to the hydraulic stimulation; and the impact of these increased pressures on brine migration towards the surface was considered.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Impact of cycling conditions on lithium-ion battery performance for electric vertical takeoff and landing applications

The development of better electrochemical energy storage systems has sparked significant interest in using Li-ion batteries for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) applications. To ensure the optimal performance and safety of onboard batteries, their behavior under different charging/discharging protocols and environmental conditions must be understood. Here, this paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of commercial Li-ion batteries for eVTOL applications, focusing on their responses to varying charging/discharging strategies and mechanical vibrations experienced during flight. Through controlled experiments, the effects of rapid cycling on battery performance were investigated, including effects on lifespan, capacity, and internal resistance. Additionally, the impact of mechanical vibrations on battery behavior was assessed to identify potential challenges for onboard batteries. The results of this study revealed intriguing insights into the interplay between temperature, vibration, and battery performance. This work contributes to the broader adoption of electric aerial transportation, promising a greener and safer future for urban mobility.

18650 cells↗
DOE OSTI2013

Photoelectrochemical performance of CdS nanorods grafted vertically aligned TiO{sub 2} nanorods

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • TiO{sub 2} nanorods/CdS nanorods composite samples were successfully achieved. • The photocurrent density increased by 100 percent compared with pure TiO{sub 2}. • Photocurrent density increase mechanism of this photoanode was also forecasted. - Abstract: In this study, TiO{sub 2} nanorods/CdS nanorods composite samples were successfully synthesized by grafting CdS nanorods on vertically aligned TiO{sub 2} nanorods. A two-step hydrothermal method was used to prepare the samples. Some properties of the samples, such as morphological, structural, and optical properties were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray detection, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Moreover, photoelectrochemical properties were studied via current-voltage and photocurrent spectrum measurements. The results showed that CdS nanorods grafted on top of TiO{sub 2} nanorods like a lawn. The amount grafted as well as the diameter and crystallinity of CdS nanorods increased first and then decreased as the grafting time increased, due to Ostwald ripening. Under the back-side illumination, the composite film with 2 h grafting time exhibited the highest photocurrent density which was almost twice of that of the pure TiO{sub 2} nanorods.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Reduced graphene oxide and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes superhydrophilic films for supercapacitors devices

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Graphene nanosheets were produced onto wire rods. • RGO and VACNT-O were evaluated and compared as supercapacitor electrode. • RGO and VACNT-O have structural and electrochemical properties quite similars. • The materials present good specific capacitance, energy storage and power delivery. - Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) superhydrophilic films were prepared by chemical vapor deposition techniques for electrical energy storage investigations. These electrodes were characterized in terms of their material and electrochemical properties by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface wettability, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive and Raman spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge. We observed several physical structural and electrochemical similarities between these carbon-based materials with particular attention to very good specific capacitance, ultra-high energy storage and fast power delivery. Our results showed that the main difference between specific capacitance values is attributed to pseudocapacitive contribution and high density of multiwall nanotubes tips. In this work we have tested a supercapacitor device using the VACNT electrodes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Ni(OH){sub 2} nanoflakes electrodeposited on Ni foam-supported vertically oriented graphene nanosheets for application in asymmetric supercapacitors

Highlights: • Ni(OH){sub 2}/vertically oriented graphene nanosheets (V-GNs) was prepared. • Ni(OH){sub 2}/V-GNs had enhanced specific capacitance, cycling reversibility and stability. • Performance of Ni(OH){sub 2}/GNs/NF-AC asymmetric supercapacitor was studied. - Abstract: Binderless Ni(OH){sub 2} nanoflakes grown on Ni foam (NF)-supported vertically oriented graphene nanosheets (V-GNs) has been fabricated as a positive electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), coupled with activated carbon (AC) as a counter electrode material. The introduction of V-GNs leads to dense growth of nanocrystalline β-Ni(OH){sub 2} that is confirmed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopic and scanning electron microscopic analyses. The electrochemical performances of the Ni(OH){sub 2}/GNs/NF electrode are characterized by cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge tests, which exhibit high specific capacitance of 2215 F g{sup −1} at a scan current density of 2.3 A g{sup −1}, enhanced cycling stability and high rate capability. The Ni(OH){sub 2}/GNs/NF-AC-based ASC can achieve a cell voltage of 1.4 V and a specific energy density of 11.11 Wh kg{sup −1} at 0.5 mA cm{sup −2} with a nearly 100% coulombic efficiency at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural and optical properties of dense vertically aligned ZnO nanorods grown onto silver and gold thin films by galvanic effect with iron contamination

Highlights: • ZnO nanorods were grown on Au and Ag films in aqueous solution by galvanic effect. • The method is prone to metal contamination which can influence the ZnO properties. • Iron doping improves the lattice matching between ZnO and the substrate. • Energy levels of point defects are lowered and the light emission is red-shifted. • Galvanic-induced nucleation starts and proceeds continuously during the growth. - Abstract: Dense arrays of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods have been grown onto either silver or gold seedless substrates trough a simple hydrothermal method by exploiting the galvanic effect between the substrate and metallic parts. The nanorods exhibit larger bases and more defined hexagonal shapes, in comparison with standard non-galvanic wet-chemistry synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the iron contamination, associated with the galvanic contact, significantly improves the in-plane compatibility of ZnO with the Au and Ag cubic lattice. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements indicate that the contamination does not affect the number density of localized defects, but lowers their energy levels uniformly; differently, the band-edge emission is not altered appreciably. Finally, we have found that the ZnO hetero-nucleation by galvanic effect initiates at different times in different sites of the substrate area. Our results can be useful for the fabrication of high performance piezonanodevices comprising high-density metal-to-ZnO nanoscaled junctions without intermediate polycrystalline layers.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Acid-free approach towards the growth of vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods as an efficient photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells

Highlights: • Vertically aligned TiO{sub 2} NRs are fabricated by an acid-free hydrothermal approach. • Study the effect of TiO{sub 2} NRs growth parameters on its structural/optical properties. • The optimized TiO{sub 2} NRs were employed as an efficient photoanode for DSSCs. • An optimal PCE of 2.45% was achived by DSSC with TiO{sub 2} NRs with heights of ∼1.56 μm. - Abstract: We synthesized the closely packed titanium dioxide nanorods (TiO{sub 2} NRs) on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass by a facile and cost-effective hydrothermal method. The TiO{sub 2} NRs were further utilized as a photoanode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). For hydrothermal growth of TiO{sub 2} NRs, we utilized an acid-free reaction medium instead of a strong acidic medium, which can reduce the equipment cost as well as the environmental damages. Before employing these TiO{sub 2} NRs for DSSCs as a photoanode, the effects of hydrothermal growth parameters on the structural and optical characteristics of TiO{sub 2} NRs/FTO glass were investigated. Eventually, the TiO{sub 2} NRs with optimized height and diameter were employed to DSSCs and their photovoltaic characteristics were examined.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗