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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 1,711 records · Page 95
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Implications of outer-zone radiations on operations in the geostationary region utilizing the AE4 environmental model

The radiation exposure in the region of geostationary orbits is examined in search for means of optimizing human performance. It is found that the use of slightly inclined circular orbits is one means by which exposure and spacesuit thickness requirements can be reduced. Another effective technique is to limit the extravehicular activity to those days when the short term fluctuations result in low exposure. Space-suit shielding approaching 1/2 sq cm or less may be possible by utilizing work stoppages and inclined orbits. If aluminum and other low-atomic-number materials are used to construct the habitat, then excessive wall thicknesses are required. If special bremsstrahlung shielding is used, then the habitat shield may be reduced to as low as 2 g/sq cm. Numerous tables and graphs are presented for future analysis of dose in the geostationary region.

Wilson, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Review of R and D on Water Hyacinth Utilization in the Philippine Republic

The operations of a Filipino inventor were observed with a view toward determining the technical-economic potential of his hyacinth utilization concepts if the highly fibrous portion of the plant were separated from the other components. Subjects of particular interest include: (1) water hyacinth harvesting techniques, volumes and costs; (2) hyacinth defibering processes; and (3) uses of hyacinth materials for production of animal feeds, paper fibers, particle boards, acoustic and insulation boards, various vitamins and minerals (especially Vitamin A), food products, pesticides, and medicinal and pharmaceutical products.

Otis, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Impact of alternative energy forms on public utilities

The investigation of alternative energy sources by the electric utility industry is discussed. Research projects are reviewed in each of the following areas; solar energy, wind energy conversion, photosynthesis of biomass, ocean thermal energy conversion, geothermal energy, fusion, and the environmental impact of alternative energy sources.

Keith, F. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Comparison of candidate solar array maximum power utilization approaches

A study was made of five potential approaches that can be utilized to detect the maximum power point of a solar array while sustaining operations at or near maximum power and without endangering stability or causing array voltage collapse. The approaches studied included: (1) dynamic impedance comparator, (2) reference array measurement, (3) onset of solar array voltage collapse detection, (4) parallel tracker, and (5) direct measurement. The study analyzed the feasibility and adaptability of these approaches to a future solar electric propulsion (SEP) mission, and, specifically, to a comet rendezvous mission. Such missions presented the most challenging requirements to a spacecraft power subsystem in terms of power management over large solar intensity ranges of 1.0 to 3.5 AU. The dynamic impedance approach was found to have the highest figure of merit, and the reference array approach followed closely behind. The results are applicable to terrestrial solar power systems as well as to other than SEP space missions.

Costogue, E. N.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A computer-aided telescope pointing system utilizing a video star tracker

The Video Inertial Pointing (VIP) System is being developed to satisfy the acquisition and pointing requirements of astronomical telescopes. VIP employs a single video sensor to generate three-axis pointing error signals and to provide inputs for a cathode ray tube (CRT) display of the star field. The pointing error signals update the telescope's gyro stabilization system. The CRT display facilitates target acquisition and positioning of the telescope by a remote operator. The present paper describes the analysis, simulation, and hardware development of a prototype, advanced VIP system. An early model of the system utilizing a silicon-intensified target vidicon camera has flown on a balloon-borne telescope and is briefly described. The advanced system, which can employ either a vidicon camera or a charge-coupled device video sensor, has been tested using an analog/digital hybrid simulation. The advanced VIP hardware is described, and the simulation results presented.

Lorell, K. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Sea truth and environmental characterization studies of Mobile Bay, Alabama, utilizing ERTS-1, data collection platforms

The paper reports on the scientific results obtained during a feasibility study that evaluated the potential of using ERTS data collection platforms (DCPs) in the coastal environment of Mobile Bay, Alabama. The utility of instrumented buoys operated in a coastal marine environment as ERTS DCPs is demonstrated. It is shown that these platforms are capable of providing both sea-truth data for ERTS imagery studies and time-series data for event monitoring and/or environmental characterization studies.

Schroeder, W. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Technical prospects for commercial and residential distribution and utilization of hydrogen

Various investigators have assumed that hydrogen will be compatible with conventional gas delivery systems and that, with minor modifications, hydrogen can be utilized in existing equipment for heating and cooking. The paper addresses some of the issues of concern in the compatibility of natural gas systems with hydrogen and hydrogen mixtures and identifies areas for which tests, research, or development are appropriate. Requirements to be met by atmospheric burners built for most commercial and residential gas appliances are discussed. Expected modifications to appliances for satisfactory operation with hydrogen are closing the primary air shutters, replacing the burners, adjusting the appliance gas regulator for proper delivery pressure, and possibly replacing the gas regulator or its vent.

Pangborn, J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

NASA Technology Utilization Program overview

The NASA aerospace technology transfer process is examined with attention given to the activities of the Technology Utilization Office. Industrial applications centers at universities, a center for the dissemination of computer programs, technology and biomedical application teams, and publications are considered.

Mogavero, L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Thermal storage for electric utilities

Applications of the thermal energy storage (TES) principle (storage of sensible heat or latent heat, or heat storage in reversible chemical reactions) in power systems are evaluated. Load leveling behind the meter, load following at conventional thermal power plants, solar thermal power generation, and waste heat utilization are the principal TES applications considered. Specific TES examples discussed include: storage heaters for electric-resistance space heating, air conditioning TES in the form of chilled water or eutectic salt baths, hot water TES, and trans-seasonal storage in heated water in confined aquifers.

Swet, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Molten salt thermal energy storage for utility peaking loads

This paper considers the use of thermal energy storage (TES) in molten salts to increase the capacity of power plants. Five existing fossil and nuclear electric utility plants were selected as representative of current technology. A review of system load diagrams indicated that TES to meet loads over 95% of peak was a reasonable goal. Alternate TES heat exchanger locations were evaluated, showing that the stored energy should be used either for feedwater heating or to generate steam for an auxiliary power cycle. Specific salts for each concept are recommended. Design layouts were prepared for one plant, and it was shown that a TES tube/shell heat exchanger system could provide about 7% peaking capability at lower cost than adding steam generation capacity. Promising alternate heat exchanger concepts were also identified.

Ferrara, A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Space shuttle utilization

The information and rationale required to assess the level and pattern of space shuttle utilization that best serves the national interest are provided. Comparisons are given for civil program, national total program and Dept. of Defense total program costs.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Design study of wind turbines 50 kW to 3000 kW for electric utility applications. Volume 1: Summary report

Wind turbine configurations that would lead to generation of electrical power in a cost effective manner were considered. All possible overall system configurationss, operating modes, and sybsystem concepts were evaluated for both technical feasibility and compatibility with utility networks, as well as for economic attractiveness. A design optimization computer code was developed to determine the cost sensitivity of the various design features, and thus establish the configuration and design conditions that would minimize the generated energy costs. The preliminary designs of both a 500 kW unit and a 1500 kW unit operating in a 12 mph and 18 mph median wind speed respectively, were developed. The rationale employed and the key findings are summarized.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1977

The utility of short wavelength (1mm) remote sensing techniques for the monitoring and assessment of hydrologic parameters

Remote sensing programs that respond to the requirements of the water resources management and hydrologic communities are reviewed. The major areas where the needs of water resources management are being met involve the mapping and monitoring of snowcovered areas, hydrologic landuse, and surface water area. In the case of snowcovered area mapping the transfer of technology process is now being accomplished in the Western United States in a cooperative effort involving 6 federal agencies and 3 state agencies along with NASA. A new collaborative effort of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NASA involves the mapping of landuse by Landsat and its use in hydrologic engineering watershed models employed in flood control/waterworks planning, design, and management. Improved systems planned for implementation in the 1978-1981 time frame can be expected to result in increased utilization of visible and near infrared remote sensing observations.

Rango, A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Land utilization and ecological aspects in the Sylhet-Mymensingh Haor Region of Bangladesh: An analysis of LANDSAT data

The use of remote sensing data from LANDSAT (ERTS) imageries in identifying, evaluating and mapping land use patterns of the Haor area in Bangladesh was investigated. Selected cloud free imageries of the area for the period 1972-75 were studied. Imageries in bands 4, 5 and 7 were mostly used. The method of analysis involved utilization of both human and computer services of information from ground, aerial photographs taken during this period and space imageries.

Chowdhury, M. I.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Design study of wind turbines 50 kW to 3000 kW for electric utility applications. Volume 2: Analysis and design

All possible overall system configurations, operating modes, and subsystem concepts for a wind turbine configuration for cost effective generation of electrical power were evaluated for both technical feasibility and compatibility with utility networks, as well as for economic attractiveness. A design optimization computer code was developed to determine the cost sensitivity of the various design features, and thus establish the configuration and design conditions that would minimize the generated energy costs. The preliminary designs of both a 500 kW unit and a 1500 kW unit operating in a 12 mph and 18 mph median wind speed respectively, were developed. The various design features and components evaluated are described, and the rationale employed to select the final design configuration is given. All pertinent technical performance data and component cost data is included. The costs of all major subassemblies are estimated and the resultant energy costs for both the 500 kW and 1500 kW units are calculated.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1977

Synchronization of the DOE/NASA 100-kilowatt wind turbine generator with a large utility network

The DOE/NASA 100 kilowatt wind turbine generator system was synchronized with a large utility network. The system equipments and procedures associated with the synchronization process were described. Time history traces of typical synchronizations were presented indicating that power and current transients resulting from the synchronizing procedure are limited to acceptable magnitudes.

Gilbert, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Utilization of lunar materials and expertise for large scale operations in space: Abstracts

The practicality of exploiting the moon, not only as a source of materials for large habitable structures at Lagrangian points, but also as a base for colonization is discussed in abstracts of papers presented at a special session on lunar utilization. Questions and answers which followed each presentation are included after the appropriate abstract. Author and subject indexes are provided.

Criswell, D. R.↗