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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 1,621 records · Page 90
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Potential utility of the thematic mapper for surface mine monitoring

One of many potential applications of the thematic mapper (TM) is surface mine monitoring. To assess this potential, data acquired by an aircraft multispectral scanner over Pennsylvania surface mines were preprocessed to simulate the anticipated spectral, spatial, and radiometric characteristics of TM data. False color imagery and thematic maps were derived from the simulated data and compared to imagery and maps derived from LANDSAT multispectral scanner subsystems data. On the basis of this comparison, TM data should definitely increase the detail and accuracy of remotely acquired surface mine information and may enable the remote determination of compliance with reclamation regulations.

Irons, J. R.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Comparative Study and Accommodation of Biodiesel in Diesel‐Electric Hybrid Vehicles Coupled with Aftertreatment Systems

Abstract Biodiesel is a promising renewable alternative fuel, which can be used in diesel‐electric hybrid vehicles to potentially bring one kind of clean vehicle on the road. However, the fuel property variation can cause impacts to the powertrain and aftertreatment systems. In this paper, biodiesel's influence on post‐injection effects is studied. Experimental results are obtained to demonstrate the differences between diesel and biodiesel, and to build up fuel‐dependent maps of engine torque, temperature, and emissions. Utilizing those maps, an aftertreatment warm‐up approach compatible with both fuels is developed by strategically enabling double post injections. Finally, a supervisory controller based on model predictive control method is designed to optimize and balance the tradeoff between hybrid vehicle fuel economy and tailpipe emissions. Simulations are conducted for both fuels with or without the proposed control strategy. The validation results show that for both fuels, the controller can significantly reduce tailpipe emissions by successfully regulating the catalyst temperature to the desired range sacrificing fuel economy. And for biodiesel, additional fuel cost is required in order to realize the tradeoff.

Zhao, Junfeng↗
DOE OSTI2015

2-Deoxyglucose induces the expression of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) by increasing O-GlcNAcylation – Implications for targeting the Warburg effect in cancer cells

The high proliferation rate of cancer cells and the microenvironment in the tumor tissue require the reprogramming of tumor cell metabolism. The major mechanism of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells is the Warburg effect, defined as the preferential utilization of glucose via glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. Targeting the Warburg effect is considered as a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer therapy. In this regard, the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) has been evaluated clinically. 2DG exerts its effect by directly inhibiting glycolysis at the level of hexokinase and phosphoglucoisomerase. In addition, 2DG is also known to induce the expression of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), a tumor suppressor protein and an important negative regulator of cellular glucose uptake. Hence, characterization of the mechanism through which 2DG regulates TXNIP expression may reveal novel approaches to target the Warburg effect in cancer cells. Therefore, in this study we sought to test various hypotheses for the mechanistic basis of the 2DG dependent TXNIP regulation. We have shown that 2DG induced TXNIP expression is independent of carbohydrate response element mediated transcription. Furthermore, the induction of TXNIP is neither dependent on the ability of 2DG to deplete cellular ATP nor to cause endoplasmic reticulum stress. We found that the 2DG induced TXNIP expression is at least in part dependent on the inhibition of the O-GlcNAcase enzyme and the accumulation of O-GlcNAc modified proteins. These results have implications for the identification of therapeutic targets to increase TXNIP expression in cancer. - Highlights: • 2DG increases TXNIP expression at the mRNA and protein level. • The effect of 2DG on TXNIP is independent of ChoRE mediated transcription. • 2DG induces TXNIP independent of ER stress induction and ATP depletion. • 2DG inhibits OGA and leads to accumulation of O-GlcNAcylated proteins. • The upregulation of TXNIP by 2DG is partially due to an increase in O-GlcNAcylation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hardware-in-the-Loop Evaluation of Grid-Edge DER Chip Integration Into Next-Generation Smart Meters

To facilitate the implementation of distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), we propose to insert a grid-edge distributed energy resource (DER) chip hosting a DERMS algorithm into the next generation of smart meters. This will create a pathway for the wide adoption of DERMS technology because many utilities plan to invest in advanced metering infrastructure in the near future. This will also bridge the gap between an electrical power utility and DERs behind the meter. The DER chip is designed to follow power direction signals from the DERMS coordinator while balancing its local objectives. We tested the chip using a controller- and power-hardware-in-the-loop evaluation under three scenarios that a DERMS could face in the real world. The DER chip was capable of and effective at directing four heterogeneous DERs to respond to a DERMS coordinator for grid services (e.g., voltage regulation and a virtual power plant).

distributed energy resource management system↗
NASA NTRS1974

Application of ERTS-1 data to the protection and management of New Jersey's coastal environment

The author has identified the following significant results. Quasi-operational information products for coastal zone management have been prepared using ERTS-1 imagery and collateral aerial photography. These products were applied to the practical regulation, protection, and management of New Jersey's coastal environment. Procedures were developed for the operational use of ERTS-1 data products within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection. Successful analysis and product preparation for operational needs centered on four major coastal resource problem areas: (1) detection of environmental changes in coastal areas, (2) siting of ocean outfalls, (3) monitoring of offshore waste disposal, and (4) calculation of recession rates along the Atlantic Shore. The utility and monetary benefits derived from ERTS and aircraft imagery for each problem area have been determined. The NJDEP estimates the possibility of $620,000 yearly savings through the use of an operational ERTS system and a one-time savings of $2.8 million on current or planned projects if a truly operational ERTS type satellite were available.

Yunghans, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Designing a process for executing projects under an international agreement

Projects executed under an international agreement require special arrangements in order to operate within confines of regulations issued by the State Department and the Commerce Department. In order to communicate enterprise-level guidance and procedural information uniformly to projects based on interpretations that carry the weight of institutional authority, a process was developed. This paper provides a script for designing processes in general, using this particular process for context. While the context is incidental, the method described is applicable to any process in general. The paper will expound on novel features utilized for dissemination of the procedural details over the Internet following such process design.

process design↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hardware-in-the-Loop Evaluation of Grid-Edge DER Chip Integration Into Next-Generation Smart Meters: Preprint

To facilitate the implementation of distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), we propose to insert a grid-edge distributed energy resource (DER) chip hosting a DERMS algorithm into the next generation of smart meters. This will create a pathway for the wide adoption of DERMS technology because many utilities plan to invest in advanced metering infrastructure in the near future. This will also bridge the gap between an electrical power utility and DERs behind the meter. The DER chip is designed to follow power direction signals from the DERMS coordinator while balancing its local objectives. We tested the chip using a controller- and power-hardware-in-the-loop evaluation under three scenarios that a DERMS could face in the real world. The DER chip was capable of and effective at directing four heterogeneous DERs to respond to a DERMS coordinator for grid services (e.g., voltage regulation and a virtual power plant).

distributed energy resource management system↗
DOE OSTI2020

PcsR2 Is a LuxR-Type Regulator That Is Upregulated on Wheat Roots and Is Unique to Pseudomonas chlororaphis

LuxR solos are common in plant-associated bacteria and increasingly recognized for playing important roles in plant-microbe interkingdom signaling. Unlike the LuxR-type transcriptional regulators of prototype LuxR/LuxI quorum sensing systems, luxR solos do not have a LuxI-type autoinducer synthase gene associated with them. LuxR solos in plant-pathogenic bacteria are important for virulence and in plant endosymbionts contribute to symbiosis. In the present study, we characterized an atypical LuxR solo, PcsR2, in the biological control species Pseudomonas chlororaphis 30–84 that is highly conserved among sequenced P. chlororaphis strains. Unlike most LuxR solos in the plant-associated bacteria characterized to date, pcsR2 is not associated with a proline iminopeptidase gene and the protein has an atypical N-terminal binding domain. We created a pcsR2 deletion mutant and used quantitative RT-PCR to show that the expression of pcsR2 and genes in the operon immediately downstream was upregulated ~10-fold when the wild type strain was grown on wheat roots compared to planktonic culture. PcsR2 was involved in upregulation. Using a GFP transcriptional reporter, we found that expression of pcsR2 responded specifically to root-derived substrates as compared to leaf-derived substrates but not to endogenous AHLs. Compared to the wild type, the mutant was impaired in the ability to utilize root carbon and nitrogen sources in wheat root macerate and to colonize wheat roots. Phenazine production and most biofilm traits previously shown to be correlated with phenazine production also were diminished in the mutant. Gene expression of several of the proteins in the phenazine regulatory network including PhzR, Pip (phenazine inducing protein) and RpeA/RpeB were reduced in the mutant, and overexpression of these genes in trans restored phenazine production in the mutant to wild-type levels, indicating PcsR2 affects the activity of the these regulatory genes upstream of RpeA/RpeB via an undetermined mechanism. Our results indicate PcsR2 upregulates the expression of the adjacent operon in response to unknown wheat root-derived signals and belongs to a novel subfamily of LuxR-type transcriptional regulators found in sequenced P. chlororaphis strains.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Data center cooling method

A method aspect for removing heat from a data center may use liquid coolant cooled without vapor compression refrigeration on a liquid cooled information technology equipment rack. The method may also include regulating liquid coolant flow to the data center through a range of liquid coolant flow values with a controller-apparatus based upon information technology equipment temperature threshold of the data center.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2019

Planning for Failure: End-of-Life Strategies for HVAC Systems

In the United States, there are several existing and pending regulations for refrigerant management, and the range and complexity of these regulations make it difficult for engineers, contractors, and building owners to keep up with all the requirements, and they introduce confusion and uncertainty in the market. This article explores these issues to help describe a path forward for HVAC&R equipment waste.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2019

Isocitrate dehydrogenase gene mutations and 2-hydroxyglutarate accumulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) are key metabolic enzymes that convert isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate. Somatic point mutations in IDH1/2 confer a gain-of-function in cancer cells, resulting in overproduction of an oncometabolite, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). 2HG interferes with cellular metabolism and epigenetic regulation, contributing to oncogenesis. Given that IDH1 and IDH2 are attracting attention as promising therapeutic targets, better evaluation of the incidence of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations and 2HG level in human cancers is clinically important. This is the first study to assess their incidence in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). First, we established pyrosequencing assays for IDH1 and IDH2 mutations and revealed that these mutations were absent in 10 ESCC cell lines and 96 ESCC tissues. Second, utilizing IDH1 and IDH2 overexpression vectors, we demonstrated that LC-MS/MS assays can accurately evaluate 2HG level and found that some ESCC cases presented a high level of 2HG. In conclusion, IDH1 or IDH2 mutations play a limited role in the development of ESCC. 2HG is potentially synthesized to high levels in the absence of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations, and this may correlate with progression of ESCCs.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Empower Wall: Active insulation system leveraging additive manufacturing and model predictive control

Buildings are one of the largest energy consumers worldwide, using large amounts of energy during their construction and for climate control during operation. Active insulation systems (AIS) have been shown to reduce the energy needed for climate control in buildings by dynamically regulating the heat transferred between a building’s interior and exterior. Infrastructure-scale additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to reduce the resources needed for building construction. Combining these two technologies into a single building envelope would create a path towards more sustainable buildings. A test was conducted for the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Energy Exchange training and trade show, in August 2021, to investigate a new building envelope design, termed the Empower Wall, that utilized an AIS and was constructed using AM. Model predictive control was implemented to manage operation of the Empower Wall in concert with the existing HVAC system. Finally, the prototype system demonstrated that the Empower Wall lowered total energy consumption and reduced the cost of energy used.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Medium-Voltage Isolated Auxiliary Power Supply Design for High Insulation Capability, Ultra-Low Coupling Capacitance, and Small Size

To fully utilize the benefits of medium-voltage (MV) silicon carbide (SiC)-based converter and achieve high power density, the isolated auxiliary power supply (IAPS) needs to be as small as possible. However, the high insulation and low coupling capacitance requirements, considering the high voltage and high dv / dt , are constraints of size reduction. This article proposes an MV IAPS design for high insulation capability, ultra-low coupling capacitance, and small size. The topology selection, efficiency, load regulation, coupling capacitance, and size reduction considerations are discussed. A 2.5 W MV IAPS is designed and built for a 10 kV SiC mosfet -based 13.8 kV/100 kW three-phase converter, achieving a partial discharge (PD) inception voltage of higher than 15 kV rms, ultra-low coupling capacitance of 1.03 pF, and smaller size than that of the commercial products as well as the state-of-art research prototypes. Experimental results of PD test, 10 kV SiC mosfet -based half-bridge test, and 13.8 kV/100 kVA three-phase converter full rating test are conducted for design validation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Neutron Source Facility of the National Science Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology” at Kharkiv, Ukraine

Argonne National Laboratory developed, designed, and supported the construction of a state-of-the-art Neutron Source Facility (NSF) at the Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology (KIPT) in Kharkov Ukraine, under the U.S. DOE NNSA Russian Research Reactor Fuel Return (RRRFR) program. Ukraine approved the return of all highly enriched uranium in the country to Russia prior to the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in return for the RRRFR program to fund the development, the design, and the construction of the NSF. The facility is designed to produce medical isotopes, train nuclear professionals, support the Ukrainian nuclear industry, and provide experimental capabilities for performing reactor physics, materials, and basic science research. The NSF was successfully started and operated in August 2021. The NSF is the first facility of this type in the world, and it will be used to understand the physics of driven systems for energy production and the disposal of spent nuclear fuels. The NSF consists of a subcritical assembly using low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel driven with an electron accelerator. The NSF target design utilizes tungsten or natural uranium for producing neutrons through photonuclear reactions using 100-MeV electrons. The accelerator power is 100 KW, which produces 3x10 14 neutrons per second from the uranium target. The subcritical assembly is designed to obtain the highest possible neutron flux intensity with an effective neutron multiplication factor of less than 0.98. Passive safety, reliability, and environmental considerations were included in the NSF design. The NSF utilization study shows that this neutron source has the capability of producing different medical isotopes. Several horizontal neutron channels are incorporated for performing applied and basic research. The NSF is configured to accommodate future design upgrades and new missions. The facility design was approved by the Ukraine Academy of Sciences before starting the NSF construction. The construction, the equipment installation, and the operation of the different systems of the NSF were completed and approved by the Ukrainian regulators. In July 2020, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) issued a license for the physical startup of the NSF. The construction of facility was completed in early 2021.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS2023

A Summary of Structural Test and Simulation Results for Hawker 4000 Composite Fuselage Hardware

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) was able to obtain a partially fabricated Hawker Beechcraft Model 4000 (Hawker 4000) aft aircraft section to use for study. The Hawker 4000 is a medium sized business jet (14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 25 – Transport Category Aircraft) with seating for 8 to 14 people and fabricated out of carbon composite. The Hawker 4000 was designed in the early 2000s to compete with Gulfstream and Bombardier business jet units. The Hawker Beechcraft business unit declared bankruptcy in 2012, and abruptly halted production of the 4000 series aircraft. As a result, only 73 full production aircraft were built. This all-composite aft fuselage section was an ideal candidate to utilize for investigations of composite structures undergoing dynamic loading in order to satisfy NASA Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) project objectives. Thus, a team at NASA LaRC embarked on a test and simulation program in late 2021 in order to generate test data of composite structures undergoing dynamic loading conditions. As a part of these investigations, methods including reverse engineering the geometry, conducting as-fabricated materials testing and using non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques such as ultrasonic through transmission were utilized in order to develop digital twin finite element models for use in computational simulations.

dynamic composite testing↗
DOE OSTI2015

Anticipating Change - A Means to Save Time and Rethink the Implementation of the 10 Code of Federal Regulations 770 Real Property Transfer Process - 15662

The Department of Energy (DOE) issued 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 770 in 2000 for the 'Transfer of Real Property at Defense Nuclear Facilities for Economic Development'. The rule was issued in order to 'offset negative impacts on communities caused by unemployment from related DOE down-sizing, facility close-outs and workforce restructuring'. There is a sense of urgency implied in efforts designed to address economic conditions, especially in communities that have hosted DOE facilities and are experiencing negative impacts of mission changes. Despite the urgency, the transfer of real property from DOE or any federal agency is a lengthy, complex, iterative, but necessarily diligent effort. After all, the aim of the process is to be able to demonstrate that the property proposed for transfer is protective of human health and the environment for the intended use. Notwithstanding the efforts of the economic development organization to market, recruit, and prepare a robust proposal to request property, and the efforts of DOE to perform the many due diligence activities in response to that request, the actual results of the evaluations are an unknown until a major portion of the process is completed. Will the property be determined to be suitable for transfer? Will there be deed restrictions? Is indemnification available? Has a mission need for the property arisen while working through the reviews? There are many points along the way that can sidetrack or delay progress and, in the interim, the economic viability of the proposal can collapse. Even without the unforeseen events, the process in and of itself is lengthy. It is often heard (loudly) that it takes far too long to obtain a piece of property once a request is made; that observation/criticism is worthy of serious attention. Rather than revisit old debates, why not learn from them? Why not look at the transfer process from a different point of view and ameliorate it so it can be more responsive to community needs? Why not anticipate change, anticipate requests, and make property available before a request as well as responding to requests to make property available? There are several ways to rethink and modify the way the transfer process is implemented to reduce the time following a request. The modifications would arise from both internal information sharing, integrated and timely up-front planning and, in particular, by varying how and when certain elements of the process to enable transfer are performed. This paper will address: 1. How a unified overall vision can be created from the cleanup input of Site-Specific Advisory Boards with the Community Reuse Organizations' planning for economic development and can help inform site cleanup to end state to future use; 2. Why DOE is in the best position to know its site conditions and could determine ahead of a transfer request what property is indeed available and notify of that determination; 3. How a range of disposition paths for real property are available to DOE; and 4. Why broadening the understanding of 'best interest of the government' to one that is clearly able to recognize non-monetary benefits is in the best interest of the government. Anticipating change helps prepare DOE and their host communities for the future. It creates opportunities for flexibility and time savings. The sooner DOE's unneeded and under-utilized real property can be made available to the communities that need it most, the sooner those communities can work to moderate the adverse effects of DOE mission changes. (author)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

Engineering Ultrathin Alloy Shell in Au@AuPd Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Efficient Plasmon-Driven Photocatalysis

Bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) possessing a synergetic coupling of plasmonic and catalytic metals have emerged as promising prototypes for efficient plasmon-driven photocatalysis. Here, Au@AuPd core-shell NPs composed of Au core NP and ultrathin AuPd shell are introduced to acquire improved light utilization efficiency in photocatalytic selective oxidation. With systematical control of the composition of the ultrathin alloy shell, it reveals that the Au@AuPd core-shell NPs with 10 at% Pd (in the single-atom alloy regime) is an effective nanostructure capable of maximizing the quantum yield of plasmon-induced light absorption and optimizing the surface electronic structure for catalytic reactions. This controlled system provides new insights into shell engineering for enhancing photocatalytic performance via the regulation of energy funneling processes in core-shell nanocatalysts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Clean Cities 2012 Vehicle Buyer's Guide (Brochure)

The expanding availability of alternative fuels and advanced vehicles makes it easier than ever to reduce petroleum use, cut emissions, and save on fuel costs. The Clean Cities 2012 Vehicle Buyer's Guide features a comprehensive list of model year 2012 vehicles that can run on ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, propane or natural gas.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗