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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 1,351 records · Page 75
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Conceive, Believe and Achieve; A Path to Miniaturization, COTS Infusion, and Size Weight and Power Realization for Flight

JPL along with other aerospace agencies such as the US Air Force Space Pro-grams and a packaging technology innovator, i3 Electronics, Inc., are evaluating the use of state-of-the-art (SOA) commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and alternative packaging technologies for future high performance and high reliability space applications. Utilization of SOA COTS technologies have resulted in large scale reduction in electronics volume, weight, power, cost and schedule with outstanding electrical performance and high reliability. We will share JPL’s joint design, architectural approach, alternative substrate materials selection, associated processes, and mission assurance role in identifying reliability and qualification risks, as part of the three year Heterogeneous Packaging/Device Integration effort under the guidance and leadership of JPL’s Mission Assurance Directorate.

Hunter, Don J.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Multi-Year Movements of Blacknose, Finetooth, & Sharpnose Sharks in the US South Atlantic Based on Monitoring Within a Regional-Scale Acoustic Telemetry Network

Despite their numerical abundance and economic value, the behavior of many small coastal sharks in the US South Atlantic has been only coarsely described. Here we present movement summaries for blacknose (Carcharhinus acronotus), finetooth (C. isodon), and Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) as they travelled through a regional-scale acoustic telemetry network, offering direct comparisons of habitat utilization, site fidelity, and the extent and timing of coastal migrations. From 2013-2016, 165 total sharks were implanted with acoustic transmitters at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and tracked up to four years. While blacknose sharks were common off east Florida year-round, finetooth sharks were most abundant winter through early spring and sharpnose sharks summer through fall. Blacknose sharks also moved more slowly (mean 0.8 kilometers per hour) and had the broadest depth preferences, while finetooth sharks were strongly shore-associated and sharpnose preferred proportionally deeper waters. All species exhibited low site fidelity when at Cape Canaveral, remaining at the same site for more than 1 hour on average, even when associated with deeper hard-bottom sites. Most finetooth and many blacknose undertook spring migrations as far as Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, before returning to east Florida each winter. Sharpnose also made regular northward movements that were not as obviously seasonally-driven. Multiple individuals of all species, particularly females, returned briefly south to Cape Canaveral in mid-summer, illustrating that coastal migrations in these species are more akin to seasonal expansions of their geographic ranges as opposed to a synchronized shift of the entire population along the coast.

Reyier, Eric↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Enhanced UAS Availability via Vehicle to Vehicle Routing Scaled Experiments

The safe integration of modern unmanned aerial systems into the national airspace requires the ability to be able to confirm that the vehicles are working as planned. This means the availability of the vehicle and latency of the communication is critical. These requirements, along with a complex and multifaceted environment as well as the unmanned air traffic management framework, present a unique optimization problem. In this paper, we articulate our envisioned problem space and create a scaled-down version to test the functional feasibility of utilizing the vehicle to vehicle communication as a secondary communication assurance mechanism. We present our framework, experimental approach, and some lessons learned through the process.

Nicholas B Cramer↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Swarm Mentality: Toward Automatic Swarm State Awareness with Runtime Verification

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) already exhibit impressive performance in all areas of human life, and swarms of CPSs promise to increase their capabilities even further. However, to effectively utilize CPS swarms their complexity of operation has to scale sub-linearly with the number of swarm members. Presenting the swarm to an operator as a single entity almost eliminates the additional per-member overhead entirely. To operate a swarm as one entity, and/or to increase the swarm’s autonomy, the operator and the swarm members need to reason and communicate at the same level of abstraction, i.e. the swarm needs a sense of “self.” Therefore, we require the ability to specify whole swarm properties yet monitor them at the member level. We examine one architecture for achieving this awareness by: 1) Defining a taxonomy for comparing techniques that synthesize this belief-state 2) Propose use of the Runtime Verification formal method to fill this role 3) Present preliminary designs for extending and embedding such a system in the Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy architecture to generate per-member monitors from swarm level specification.

Runtime Verification↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fabrication of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells via Rapid Thermal Annealing

Adaptability, lightweight, and low cost of materials make flexible perovskite solar cells essential for the perovskite technology to breach commercial photovoltaic market. Roll-to-roll manufacturing has great potential for high-throughput perovskite manufacturing; however, conventional annealing methods are not capable of producing flexible perovskite solar cells at scale. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA), a radiative method, is utilized on roll-to-roll lines within many different industries and has shown promising potential for perovskite annealing. Here, we introduce a blade-coated perovskite thin film on flexible ITO-coated PET annealed via RTA that reduces post-deposition processing time from ~150 seconds to ~14 seconds. Performance was not sacrificed for scalability as a perovskite solar cell was produced with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.58%.

Martin, Blake↗
NASA NTRS1995

Development of electrochemical super capacitors for EMA applications

In a NASA SBIR Phase I program (Contract No. NAS8-40119), Giner, Inc. evaluated the feasibility of fabricating an all-solid-ionomer multicell electrochemical capacitor having a unit cell capacitance greater than 2 F/sq cm and a repeating element thickness of 6 mils. This capacitor can possibly be used by NASA as a high-rate energy source for electromechanical actuator (EMA) activation for advanced space missions. The high unit cell capacitance and low repeating element thickness will allow for the fabrication of a low-volume, low-weight device, favorable characteristics for space applications. These same characteristics also make the capacitor attractive for terrestrial applications, such as load-leveling batteries or fuel cells in electric vehicle applications. Although the projected energy densities for electrochemical capacitors are about two orders of magnitude lower than that of batteries, the high-power-density characteristics of these devices render them as potentially viable candidates for meeting pulse or peak electrical power requirements for some anticipated aerospace mission scenarios, especially those with discharge times on the millisecond to second time scale. On a volumetric or gravimetric basis, the advantages of utilizing electrochemical capacitors rather than batteries for meeting the peak power demands associated with a specific mission scenario will largely depend upon the total and pulse durations of the power peaks. The effect of preparation conditions on RuO(x), the active component in an all-solid-ionomer electrochemical capacitor, was evaluated during this program. Methods were identified to prepare RuO(x) having a surface areagreater than 180 sq m/g, and a capacitance of greater than 2 F/sq cm. Further efforts to reproducibly obtain these high-surface-area materials in scaled-up batches will be evaluated in Phase 2. During this Phase 1 program we identified a superior Nafion 105 membrane, having a film thickness of 5 mils, that showed excellent performance in our all-solid-ionomer capacitors and resulted in electrochemical capacitors with a repeating element thickness of 8 mils. We are currently working with membrane manufacturers to obtain a high performance membrane in less than 3 mil thickness to obtain a repeating element thickness of 6 mils or less. A 10-cell all-solid ionomer capacitor stack, with each cell having a 222 sq cm active area, was fabricated and evaluated as part of the Phase 1 program. Further Scale-up of a high-energy-density stack is plannedin Phase 2.

Kosek, J. A.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Uinta Basin CarbonSAFE II: Storage Complex Feasibility (Final Report)

The primary objective of this CarbonSAFE Phase II project was to establish the technical and commercial feasibility of a commercial-scale CO 2 geological storage complex for Deseret Power Electric Cooperative Bonanza Power Plant and other CO 2 sources in the northeast Uinta Basin, Utah, with the goal to securely store at least 50 million metric tons of captured CO 2 and accelerate CO 2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) deployment. The project team established high-potential technical and commercial feasibility for a storage site within the east Uinta Basin (Utah), in the Cretaceous sandstones (Frontier, Dakota, and Buckhorn), Entrada Sandstone, Nugget Sandstone, and/or Weber Sandstone southwest of the Bonanza coal-fired power plant. This project collected and analyzed state-of-the-art data to characterize the storage complex consistent with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permitting standards. The team conducted extensive analog studies, outcrop mapping, and data sampling, which largely contributed to understanding the subsurface lithology and facies. Existing data were obtained and assessed from Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM), Utah Geological Survey (UGS), Colorado Geological Survey (CGS), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and EPA. These data were analyzed using state-of-the-art CCUS technologies for Societal Considerations, Site Characterization, Modeling and Simulations, Risk Assessment, Management and Monitoring, potential Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI Well Permitting, and Technical/Economic Feasibility. Through these high-resolution data collection and feasibility studies, this project was expected to provide a reference for initiating Underground Injection Control (UIC) and other commercial-scale geological storage permitting processes in the Western United States, ultimately contributing to the nation's decarbonization goals through low-risk, cost-effective commercial-scale carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1940

Spin Tests of a Low-lying Monoplane in Flight and in the Free-spinning Wind Tunnel

Comparative full-scale and model spin tests were made with a low-lying monoplane in order to extend the available information as to the utility of the free-spinning wind tunnel as an aid in predicting full-scale spin characteristics. For a given control disposition the model indicated steeper spins than were actually obtained with the airplane, the difference being most pronounced for spins with elevators up. Recovery characteristics for the model, on the whole, agreed with those for the airplane, but a disagreement was noted for the case of recovery with elevators held full up. Free-spinning wind-tunnel tests are a useful aid in estimating spin characteristics of airplanes, but it must be appreciated that model results can give only general indications of full-scale behavior.

Seidman, Oscar↗
NASA NTRS2014

Asteroid Redirect Mission Concept: A Bold Approach for Utilizing Space Resources

The utilization of natural resources from asteroids is an idea that is older than the Space Age. The technologies are now available to transform this endeavour from an idea into reality. The Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) is a mission concept which includes the goal of robotically returning a small Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) or a multi-ton boulder from a large NEA to cislunar space in the mid 2020's using an advanced Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) vehicle and currently available technologies. The paradigm shift enabled by the ARM concept would allow in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) to be used at the human mission departure location (i.e., cislunar space) versus exclusively at the deep-space mission destination. This approach drastically reduces the barriers associated with utilizing ISRU for human deep-space missions. The successful testing of ISRU techniques and associated equipment could enable large-scale commercial ISRU operations to become a reality and enable a future space-based economy utilizing processed asteroidal materials. This paper provides an overview of the ARM concept and discusses the mission objectives, key technologies, and capabilities associated with the mission, as well as how the ARM and associated operations would benefit humanity's quest for the exploration and settlement of space.

Mazanek, Daniel D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Development of a bench-scale dissolution concept for the direct extraction of nuclear fuel

Current used nuclear fuel reprocessing efforts utilize a hydrometallurgical approach in which the UNF is dissolved in hot nitric acid followed by solvent extraction into an organic solvent to harvest target nuclides. Previous studies have shown that the dissolution and loading process could be combined into a single organic dissolution/extraction step, producing loaded organic in a single step process. This single step process also includes the advantage of selectively targeting key nuclides in the dissolution while leaving undesirable constituents as part of the undissolved solids. This process is referred to hereafter as direct extraction. Ongoing research from multiple national labs has proven the effectiveness of this technique at research scale. Therefore, potential methods to implement direct extraction at both bench and industrial scale have been developed. The key features of potential dissolver system designs were identified via the team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and several designs based on industrial counterparts were assessed for feasibility. This report summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of multiple methods, concluding with a path forward to create multiple unique dissolver designs. The first design will be a single stage recirculating eductor mixer. The second design recommendation is a stator rotor static mixing flow loop design. Each dissolver could be utilized separately, simultaneously, or in series to answer questions surrounding reaction kinetics including residence time, provide a proof of concept for targeted extractions of specific nuclides, and inform needs for industrial scale implementation

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Improving Additive Manufactured Component Performance through Multi-Scale Microstructure Simulation and Process Optimization

The purpose of this project was to utilize computational tools to understand the relationships between processing, microstructure, and properties for additively manufactured (AM) aluminum alloys for automotive applications, and to provide an engineering solution for helping to optimize process conditions. The project leverages ORNL developments in computational modeling, including AM process modeling, phase-field based microstructure evolution predictions, and data analytics techniques for mapping process conditions to material outcomes. The project utilized an Al-Cu-Mn-Zr alloy as a model material for studying formation of defects and microstructural features in response to variations in process conditions. Based on both pre-existing experimental data and simulation results, statistical process maps were constructed to identify regions of process space with minimal defect formation and advantageous microstructures and properties. The software tools used for this purpose were successful disseminated to GM, who were able to successful compile the relevant HPC codes within their own computing ecosystem and perform initial calculations to reproduce ORNL results.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrochemical hydrogen isotope fractionation - fundamental insights leading to process scale up

Introduction Deuterium and tritium, the two isotopes of hydrogen besides protium, are utilized in many industries. Deuterium is routinely used as a nuclear reactor moderator and molecular labeling agent, while tritium is used as an autoradiography label in medical imaging, and in an emerging market for self-powered lighting for watches, exit signs, firearm night-sights and future fusion fuel. Tritium is produced naturally at very low steady-state levels due to cosmic rays, natural nuclear decay reactions, as well as commercial nuclear fission reactors, and terrestrial nuclear testing conducted primarily in the mid-twentieth century. Tritium often accumulates in the heavy water used in nuclear fission reactors and sometimes appears in groundwater near nuclear reactors due to slight leakage from water sources in the reactor. Because of the health and environmental impacts from tritium leaking into the water sources, as well as the value of this precious material, it is desirable to remove and recover as much tritium as reasonably possible from contaminated water.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1972

Aerodynamic characteristics of several launch configurations utilizing the Titan 3 L booster and MMC DTO-7 Orbiter

The .00429 scale model Titan 3 booster was mated with the DTO-7 space shuttle orbiter with drop tanks and tested for aerodynamic performance in a 14 x 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel. Six component aerodynamic force and moment data were measured on several variations of the above component in a launch configuration over a Mach number range from 0.6 to 3.48. Angle of attack ranged from -12 deg to 12 deg at 0 deg and -6 deg sideslip angle and sideslip angle ranged from -12 deg to 12 deg at 0 deg angle of attack. Date are presented in plotted form in both the stability and body axis system.

Michna, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Long-term changes in reflectivity and large scale motions in the atmosphere of Jupiter and Saturn

A systematic photographic program, utilizing broad-band UV, blue, green, red and near IR pass-bands were carried out at the 60 cm. Tortugas Mountain Telescope. This is part of an ongoing program that spans two Jovian years (25 yrs). The purpose of this program is to provide an ongoing database to characterize high resolution data from spacecraft and earth-orbiting observatories. The standard observing program was maintained and support was given to other investigators who are carrying out complementary observing programs. The general aspect of the cloud decks were monitored, and reveal an interval that shows little variation in the general aspect of the clouddeck of Jupiter since 1981, when the North Temperature Belt darkened. A charge coupled device (CCD) camera was adapted for low cost operation, utilizing an IBM-AT clone for data acquisition. An RCA frame grabber was modified for encoding the archival images.

Beebe, Reta↗
NASA NTRS2000

Reusable Launch Vehicle Control In Multiple Time Scale Sliding Modes

A reusable launch vehicle control problem during ascent is addressed via multiple-time scaled continuous sliding mode control. The proposed sliding mode controller utilizes a two-loop structure and provides robust, de-coupled tracking of both orientation angle command profiles and angular rate command profiles in the presence of bounded external disturbances and plant uncertainties. Sliding mode control causes the angular rate and orientation angle tracking error dynamics to be constrained to linear, de-coupled, homogeneous, and vector valued differential equations with desired eigenvalues placement. Overall stability of a two-loop control system is addressed. An optimal control allocation algorithm is designed that allocates torque commands into end-effector deflection commands, which are executed by the actuators. The dual-time scale sliding mode controller was designed for the X-33 technology demonstration sub-orbital launch vehicle in the launch mode. Simulation results show that the designed controller provides robust, accurate, de-coupled tracking of the orientation angle command profiles in presence of external disturbances and vehicle inertia uncertainties. This is a significant advancement in performance over that achieved with linear, gain scheduled control systems currently being used for launch vehicles.

Shtessel, Yuri↗
DOE OSTI2023

Design of Multi-Stage Solvent Extraction Process for Separation of Rare Earth Elements

Flowsheet design and stage determination for the separation of rare earth elements (REEs) using solvent extraction (SX) is a challenging task because of the chemical similarity of the REEs. Low separation factors between the elements and complex equilibrium chemistry provide unique challenges to designing an efficient flowsheet for the separation of elements. The multi-stage nature of the SX process adds further complexity, making the assessment of products for a proposed design and stage combination difficult. Therefore, to develop a SX flowsheet, it is essential to quantify the performance for various design and separation conditions. This paper attempts to address the challenge by utilizing an equilibrium and process modeling approach. Results from a bench-scale study performed on a 10 g/L rare earth salt mixture were used in studying the extraction/stripping behavior and developing equilibrium models. DEHPA with TBP as a phase modifier was used as an extractant, while hydrochloric acid was utilized as a stripping agent. The results obtained were used in developing extraction/stripping models, which were integrated into a process framework of a SX train in a Matlab/Simulink environment. The models were programmed as a function block routine and used for developing a flowsheet, which was simulated for differing separation and design conditions. To identify optimum stage combinations, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) routine was developed and implemented for each SX train. Recovery and purity of elements of interest were used as objective function criteria. The stage combination leading to the minimization of the objective function was used to identify the optimum stage combination for a series of SX trains to attempt a balance of purity and recovery. The models and optimization method were implemented to separate a feed mixture containing REEs, which indicated that 99.52 and 85.41 percent purity is achievable for Yttrium and Lanthanum separation using 8-12-3 and 10-3-5 stage combination for loading, scrubbing, and striping. The model also indicated difficult separability between neodymium, praseodymium, and cerium.

Srivastava, Vaibhav (ORCID:0000000212645987)↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Impact of Behind-the-Meter Heterogeneous Distributed Energy Resources on Distribution Grids

The increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) on the electric grid brings new challenges and opportunities for utility grid operations. With the rapid deployment of DERs, there is emerging interest in integrating these controllable devices with utility operations at all levels for monitoring and management. To understand the challenges with increasing behind-the-meter (BTM) DERs and to identify the needs in deploying advanced controls, a comprehensive grid impact study is indispensable. This paper presents the analysis which help visualize the DER impact on the grid, identify the challenges and provides an insight into the new distribution management and control needs to enable reliable and resilient grid operations.

behind-the-meter↗
DOE OSTI2024

Photovoltaic Analysis and Response Support (PARS) Platform for Solar Situational Awareness and Resiliency Services

The project's primary objective is to develop a digital-twin based Photovoltaic (PV) Analysis and Response Support (PARS) platform, which aims to provide real-time situational awareness and optimal response plans. This platform is designed to enhance the performance of hybrid PV systems, making them competitive with or even superior to conventional generation resources. The PARS platform enabled the project team to develop and evaluate an extensive suite of grid support functionalities for the hybrid PV systems to enhance grid performance, across key areas including visibility, dispatchability, security, resilience, and reliability. Given the global push toward achieving 100% clean energy by 2035, there is a significant increase in the integration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) throughout the energy grid. Effectively managing the inherent variability and uncertainty associated with IBRs is crucial for ensuring cost-effectiveness, reliability, and security in both the main grid and islanded microgrids. Constrained to a limited array of IEEE test systems or standard feeder models, traditional IBR modeling struggles to assimilate new field data, accurately reflect system dynamics, and adapt to the evolving energy landscape. In our project, we embraced a Digital Twin (DT) strategy for crafting the PARS platform. A digital twin acts as a precise virtual counterpart of a physical system, built on historical data and continuously honed with real-time insights. This enables the high-fidelity DT to accurately mirror current system operations and forecast future scenarios. Consequently, the PARS platform becomes an ideal environment for testing and refining monitoring, control, power, and energy management algorithms designed to boost hybrid PV system performance. The defining feature of the PARS platform, distinguishing it from other advanced simulation tools, is its exceptional adaptability. This is achieved by employing actual network topologies and utilizing real-time field data for fine-tuning and calibration, ensuring a close emulation of real-world conditions. The project deliverables include: 1) High-fidelity IBR models and tools for real-time parameterization, utilizing real-time field measurements to refine IBR models for enhanced accuracy and performance; 2) Grid-forming and Grid-following capabilities to deliver resilience services, including blackstart, voltage and frequency support, cold-load pick-up, power reserves, and three-phase load balancing across grid-connected and microgrid settings; 3) Machine learning-based forecasting tools and methods for generating synthetic data and topologies, creating diverse and realistic simulation environments for evaluating varied operational scenarios; 4) Advanced microgrid power and energy management algorithms for optimizing the integration and operation of PV, storage, and demand response resources within both feeder and community scales. The power grid data sets are provided by four utility companies in North Carolina and the New York Power Administration. Acting as industry advisors, our industry partners communicated stakeholder needs and regulatory standards to the research teams, aiding technology transfer by incorporating the developed methodologies into their daily operations. This collaboration ensures that the PARS platform, functioning as a power system digital twin, enhances our understanding of IBR dynamic behaviors and enables the development and evaluation of IBR control functions that match or exceed the capabilities of conventional synchronous generators.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗