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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Isotopic Tracers for CO 2 Produced During A Planetary Impact Into Limestone Target Rocks

Terrestrial meteorite impacts have been directly linked with multiple mass extinction events throughout Earth’s history. Among these impacts, those that land in sedimentary target rocks are thought to generate large quantities of CO 2 via decarbonation. This injection of CO 2 into the atmosphere has the potential to alter the climate and threaten terrestrial habitability. The magnitude of this change depends upon the net amount of CO 2 released, which is controlled by how much CO 2 is produced by the impact, how much CO 2 is removed by back-reactions after the impact, and other post-impact CO 2 sinks. To interrogate the behavior of CO 2 release into the impact atmosphere, we present carbon (δ 13 C), oxygen (δ 18 O), and clumped (Δ 47 ) isotope results from carbonate clasts preserved within the impact breccia of the Steen River Impact Structure (SRIS) in Alberta, Canada. These clasts exhibit a ~65‰ range in δ 13 C and a ~5‰ variation in δ 18 O. However, while δ 13 C and δ 18 O are positively correlated, Δ 47 unexpectedly has a negative relationship with δ 13 C and δ 18 O. Based on prior assumptions, there would either be (1) no relationship with carbonate Δ 47 and the bulk ratios because Δ 47 would be reset at extreme impact temperatures, or (2) Δ 47 would have a positive correlation with the bulk ratios, reflecting gradual Δ 47 ‘resetting.’ To reconcile the SRIS result with these expectations, we conducted a series of in vacuo heating experiments at temperatures above calcite decomposition. As predicted by Rayleigh fractionation, these heating experiments generated depletions in δ 13 C and δ 18 O that increased with reaction time. Mimicking the SRIS results, these experiments also produced concomitant increases in Δ 47 . Using an adaptation of a mechanistic model for decomposition fractionation (Hayles & Killingsworth, 2022) we hypothesize that these exotic isotope trends are caused by Rayleigh fractionation and a Δ 47 kinetic isotope effect that results from the disproportionation of O to CaO and CO 2 during thermal decomposition. This high Δ 47 CO 2 subsequently exchanges with the residual CaCO 3 . This work highlights a potential pathway for identifying and quantifying CO 2 generation by impacts and builds on the relatively limited literature characterizing the behavior of carbonate clumped isotopes at very high geologic temperatures.

Multi-isotope systems↗
NASA NTRS2024

The Impact of Decarbonization on Particulate Soiling of Solar Panels

Climate researchers have examined many impacts of climate change on energy supply and demand under various scenarios. However, the effect of changing particulate deposition onto solar panel surfaces on solar power production efficiency (i.e., soiling) has not been studied. We therefore characterize probabilistic outcomes across multiple climate models and scenarios. We find large current regional losses (up to 40% without manual cleaning, up to 20% with monthly cleaning and rain removal) in generation that grow slightly under a high-emission scenario, largely due to regional increases in windblown dust. In contrast, under a low-emissions scenario, potential production increases significantly (2–8% interquartile range with only rain removal) due to reduced soiling, especially in regions of Asia and Africa where anthropogenic aerosols are major contributors to soiling. Projected changes vary widely across models in many dusty areas outside of the Sahara and Arabia. Differences can also be large in regions dominated by anthropogenic aerosols, such as Nigeria, eastern China, and northern India, where the full range across modeled potential power production changes extends from −1 to +11% for the end of the century (without manual cleaning), underscoring the need to consider multiple climate models. With large increases in projected solar power deployment, the relatively small potential production increases reported here could nevertheless represent a large dividend in additional energy production. Hence, reductions in air pollution attributable to decarbonization could provide positive feedback under which a greater deployment of solar power (or other renewables) increases the production of solar power, facilitating the transition to renewable energy.

renewable energy↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Subsonic Single Aft Engine Narrowbody (SUSAN) Freighter Concept and Market Analysis

The dedicated air cargo and freight market has the potential to be a critical early pathway for emerging technologies in low to zero emission propulsion. This study analyzes the cargo aviation market to understand current market trends and future market viability of a mid-sized all-electric or hybrid-electric concept aircraft. While cargo aviation’s overall emissions footprint is small relative to commercial passenger aviation, it remains an important and challenging transportation sector to decarbonize. Past research has focused on small, less than 19-seat electrified aircraft propulsion concepts that could serve both passenger and air cargo markets This study extends the electrified market space into larger aircraft classes, considering if a purpose-built large hybrid electric turboprop freighter can compete in the market currently served primarily by conversion narrowbody freighters. Specifically, this paper focuses on the mid-sized cargo market with payload ranges of 40,000-50,000lbs, and an all-electric range potential up to 750 miles. The concept aircraft is based on a 4-engine turboprop configuration, with mounted wing battery packs and an aft cargo door to allow for standardized palletization. The market analysis indicates broad market coverage with 73% of the existing mid-sized cargo network within the range of 750 miles. A breakeven analysis of operating and capital costs shows potential for market competition, however, additional energy and acquisition cost savings from the concept aircraft are needed. Evidence from the breakeven analysis also points to higher rates of aircraft utilization being a critical path to lowering costs and increasing cost effectiveness.

Jacob M. Wishart↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hybrid Electric Turboprop Commercial Freighter (HETCOF) Market Study

The dedicated air cargo and freight market has the potential to be a critical early pathway for emerging technologies in low to zero emission propulsion. This study analyzes the cargo aviation market to understand current market trends and future market viability of a mid-sized all-electric or hybrid-electric concept aircraft. While cargo aviation’s overall emissions footprint is small relative to commercial passenger aviation, it remains an important and challenging transportation sector to decarbonize. Past research has focused on small, less than 19-seat electrified aircraft propulsion concepts that could serve both passenger and air cargo markets. This study extends the electrified market space into larger aircraft classes, considering if a purpose-built large hybrid electric turboprop freighter can compete in the market currently served primarily by conversion narrowbody freighters. Specifically, this paper focuses on the mid-sized cargo market with payload ranges of 40,000-50,000lbs, and an all-electric range potential up to 750 miles. The concept aircraft is based on a 4-engine turboprop configuration, with wing mounted battery packs and an aft cargo door to allow for standardized palletization. The market analysis indicates broad market coverage with 73% of the existing mid-sized cargo network within the range of 750 miles. A breakeven analysis of operating and capital costs shows potential for market competition; however, this would require additional energy and acquisition cost savings from the concept aircraft. Evidence from the breakeven analysis also points to higher rates of aircraft utilization being a critical path to lowering costs and increasing cost effectiveness.

Hybrid Electric↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

H2 / DeCarbonization Studies: History and Ongoing

An ongoing study is collecting and reviewing hydrogen and low/zero carbon aircraft and related studies. In addition to previous NASA studies, international and as well as other US sponsored hydrogen, other fuels and infrastructure efforts supporting aviation aircraft are included. These reports and presentations are summarized here to develop further insight as well as help identify potential research areas to support reduction or elimination of harmful emissions from aviation aircraft. Although not all possible studies have been identified and included here, it is believed that sufficient information has been collected to help guide subsequent efforts. Efforts pertaining to aircraft emissions and assessing climate impact have only just started to be included.

fuel↗