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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

A comparative study of performance parameters of n(+)-p InP solar cells made by closed-ampoule sulfur diffusion into Cd- and Zn-doped p-type InP substrates

Preliminary results indicate that Cd-doped substrates are better candidates for achieving high efficiency solar cells fabricated by closed-ampoule sulfur (S) diffusion than Zn-doped substrates. The differences in performance parameters (i.e., 14.3 percent efficiency for Cd-doped vs. 11.83 percent in the case of Zn-doped substrates of comparable doping and etch pit densities) were explained in terms of a large increase in dislocation density as a result of S diffusion in the case of Zn-doped as compared to Cd-doped substrates. The In(x)S(y) and probably Zn(S) precipitates in the case of Zn-doped substrates, produce a dead layer which extends deep below the surface and strongly affects the performance parameters. It should be noted that the cells had an unoptimized single layer antireflective coating of SiO, a grid shadowing of 6.25 percent, and somewhat poor contacts, all contributing to a reduction in efficiency. It is believed that by reducing the external losses and further improvement in cell design, efficiencies approaching 17 percent at 1 AMO, 25 degrees should be possible for cells fabricated on these relatively high defect density Cd-doped substrates. Even higher efficiencies, 18 to 19 percent should be possible by using long-lifetime substrates and further improving front surface passivation. If solar cells fabricated on Cd-doped substrates turn out to have comparable radiation tolerance as those reported in the case of cells fabricated on Zn-doped substrates, then for certain space missions 18 to 19 percent efficient cells made by this method of fabrication would be viable.

Faur, Mircea↗
NASA NTRS1993

Air Force Ni-Cd cell qualification program update

The generic qualification of aerospace nickel-cadmium cells is discussed. The test program includes the following: all available manufacturers, all available designs, cells from the previous program, and high and low orbit life cycling. It is the purpose of this program to characterize the beginning of life performance.

Hall, Steve↗
NASA NTRS2014

Development of Large-Format Lithium-Ion Cells with Silicon Anode and Low Flammable Electrolyte

NASA is developing safe, high energy and high capacity lithium-ion cell designs and batteries for future missions under NASAs Advanced Space Power System (ASPS) project. Advanced cell components, such as high specific capacity silicon anodes and low-flammable electrolytes have been developed for improving the cell specific energy and enhancing safety. To advance the technology readiness level, we have developed large-format flight-type hermetically sealed battery cells by incorporating high capacity silicon anodes, commercially available lithium nickel, cobalt, aluminum oxide (NCA) cathodes, and low-flammable electrolytes. In this report, we will present the performance results of these various battery cells. In addition, we will also discuss the post-test cell analysis results as well.

lithium-ion cell↗
NASA NTRS1999

Microgravity Transport Phenomena Experiment (MTPE) Overview

The Microgravity Transport Phenomena Experiment (MTPE) is a fluids experiment supported by the Fundamentals in Biotechnology program in association with the Human Exploration and Development of Space (BEDS) initiative. The MTP Experiment will investigate fluid transport phenomena both in ground based experiments and in the microgravity environment. Many fluid transport processes are affected by gravity. Osmotic flux kinetics in planar membrane systems have been shown to be influenced by gravimetric orientation, either through convective mixing caused by unstably stratified fluid layers, or through a stable fluid boundary layer structure that forms in association with the membrane. Coupled transport phenomena also show gravity related effects. Coefficients associated with coupled transport processes are defined in terms of a steady state condition. Buoyancy (gravity) driven convection interferes with the attainment of steady state, and the measurement of coupled processes. The MTP Experiment measures the kinetics of molecular migration that occurs in fluids, in response to the application of various driving potentials. Three separate driving potentials may be applied to the MTP Experiment fluids, either singly or in combination. The driving potentials include chemical potential, thermal potential, and electrical potential. Two separate fluid arrangements are used to study membrane mediated and bulk fluid transport phenomena. Transport processes of interest in membrane mediated systems include diffusion, osmosis, and streaming potential. Bulk fluid processes of interest include coupled phenomena such as the Soret Effect, Dufour Effect, Donnan Effect, and thermal diffusion potential. MTP Experiments are performed in the Microgravity Transport Apparatus (MTA), an instrument that has been developed specifically for precision measurement of transport processes. Experiment fluids are contained within the MTA fluid cells, designed to create a one dimensional flow geometry of constant cross sectional area, and to facilitate fluid filling and draining operations in microgravity. The fluid cells may be used singly for bulk solutions, or in a Stokes diaphragm configuration to investigate membrane mediated phenomena. Thermal and electrical driving potentials are applied to the experiment fluids through boundary plates located at the ends of the fluid cells. In the ground based instrument, two constant temperature baths circulate through reservoirs adjacent to the boundary plates, and establish the thermal environment within the fluid cells. The boundary plates also serve as electrodes for measurement and application of electrical potentials. The Fluid Manipulation System associated with the MTA is a computer controlled system that enables storage and transfer of experiment fluids during on orbit operations. The system is used to automatically initiate experiments and manipulate fluids by orchestrating pump and valve operations through scripted sequences. Unique technologies are incorporated in the MTA for measurement of fluid properties. Volumetric Flow Sensors have been developed for precision measurement of total fluid volume contained within the fluid cells over time. This data is most useful for measuring the kinetics of osmosis, where fluid is transported from one fluid cell to another through a semipermeable membrane. The MicroSensor Array has been designed to perform in situ measurement of several important fluid parameters, providing simultaneous measurement of solution composition at multiple locations within the experiment fluids. Micromachined sensors and interface electronics have been developed to measure temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, cation activity, and anion activity. The Profile Refractometer uses a laser optical system to directly image the fluid Index of Refraction profile that exists along the MTA fluid cell axis. A video system acquires images of the RI profile over time, and records the transport kinetics that occur upon application of chemical, thermal, or electrical driving potentials. Image processing algorithms have been developed to analyze the refractometer images on a pixel by pixel basis, calibrating and scaling the measured Index of Refraction profile to correlated solution properties of interest such as density, concentration, and temperature. Additional software has been developed to compile the processed images into a three dimensional matrix that contains fluid composition data as a function of experiment time and position in the fluid cell. These data are combined with data from the other sensor systems, and analyzed in the context of transport coefficients associated with the various transport phenomena. Analysis protocols have been developed to measure the transient kinetics, and steady state distribution of fluid components that occur in response to the applied driving potentials. The results are expressed in terms of effective transport coefficients. Experiments have been performed using a variety of solutes, and results generated are that are in agreement with published transport coefficient values.

Mason, Larry W.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Parametric Design Studies on a Direct Liquid Feed Fuel Cell

Parametric design studies were carried out on a direct methanol liquid feed fuel cell employing 1 M MeOH fuel, air and oxygen as oxidant in a 2 inch x 2 inch cell employing polymeric electrolyte membranes. Measurements include voltage-current output parameters, methanol crossover rate, and impedance as a function of several design and operational variables. Design variables are described.

Fuel Cell Advanced Research Projects Agency↗
NASA NTRS2003

Fuel Cells for Space Science Applications

Fuel cell technology has been receiving more attention recently as a possible alternative to the internal combustion engine for our automobile. Improvements in fuel cell designs as well as improvements in lightweight high-pressure gas storage tank technology make fuel cell technology worth a look to see if fuel cells can play a more expanded role in space missions. This study looks at the specific weight density and specific volume density of potential fuel cell systems as an alternative to primary and secondary batteries that have traditionally been used for space missions. This preliminary study indicates that fuel cell systems have the potential for energy densities of greater than 500 W-hr/kg, greater than 500W/kg and greater than 400 W-hr/liter, greater than 200 W/liter. This level of performance makes fuel cells attractive as high-power density, high-energy density sources for space science probes, planetary rovers and other payloads. The power requirements for these space missions are, in general, much lower than the power levels where fuel cells have been used in the past. Adaptation of fuel cells for space science missions will require down-sizing the fuel cell stack and making the fuel cell operate without significant amounts of ancillary equipment.

Burke, Kenneth A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Heat-sterilized silver oxide-zinc cells: Cycle life studies

A JPL study was conducted to evaluate the cell design parameters that contribute to the cycle life of sealed, heat-sterilized silver oxide-zinc cells. Test cells having a rated capacity of 4.2 A-h were fabricated using zinc oxide electrodes prepared by the sintered Teflon process. Two separator variations were evaluated, one having acrylic acid and the other methacrylic acid grafted to irradiated polyethylene film. Significant results of this study include the following: (1) cycle life in excess of 300 cycles was attained; (2) a zinc oxide/silver stoichiometric ratio of 1.5 resulted in greater cycle life than a ratio of 1.1, and similar cycle life to cells having a ratio of 2; (3) cells having methacrylic acid grafted separators suffered somewhat less in capacity loss due to zinc electrode shape change than cells having acrylic acid type; (4) use of acrylic acid grafted separators was slightly superior to the methacrylic acid type in respect to silver penetration; and (5) the inclusion of a layer of potassium titanate paper adjacent to the zinc electrodes resulted in cells that achieved higher cycle life before any of the group failed than that reached by cells of any other construction.

Arms, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Gravitational Effects on Signal Transduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate in ground-based experiments, the effect of microgravity on in vitro erythroid differentiation triggered by the hematopoietic growth factor erythropoietin (Epo) and to begin to determine whether this is associated with the anemia of space flight. We chose to use a model cell culture system with which we have had a long and successful experience. These cells, designated Rauscher murine erythroleukemia, grow independently in suspension culture. We first compared the growth rate of Rauscher cells under conditions of simulated microgravity with that of cells grown at 1XG in standard tissue culture flasks. Therefore, since there were fewer cells in the RWV at each specified time, glucose consumption per cell was increased in simulated microgravity. We next began to study the effect of simulated microgravity on erythropoietin induced differentiation of these cells. In another experiment, we allow the cells to grown in flasks or in the RWV for 24 hours prior to the addition of Epo. We initiated studies of c-myb, a proto-oncogene the down-regulation of which is necessary for erythroid differentiation. These preliminary results suggest that simulated microgravity interferes with the signal to c-myb. This may be part of the mechanism that blocks differentiation. A flight experiment is planned within the next 18- 24 months.

Sytkowski, Arthur J.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Improved Short-Circuit Protection for Power Cells in Series

A scheme for protection against short circuits has been devised for series strings of lithium electrochemical cells that contain built-in short-circuit protection devices, which go into a high-resistance, current-limiting state when heated by excessive current. If cells are simply connected in a long series string to obtain a high voltage and a short circuit occurs, whichever short-circuit protection device trips first is exposed to nearly the full string voltage, which, typically, is large enough to damage the device. Depending on the specific cell design, the damage can defeat the protective function, cause a dangerous internal short circuit in the affected cell, and/or cascade to other cells. In the present scheme, reverse diodes rated at a suitably high current are connected across short series sub-strings, the lengths of which are chosen so that when a short-circuit protection device is tripped, the voltage across it does not exceed its rated voltage. This scheme preserves the resetting properties of the protective devices. It provides for bypassing of cells that fail open and limits cell reversal, though not as well as does the more-expensive scheme of connecting a diode across every cell.

Davies, Francis↗
NASA NTRS1991

Low cost battery designs for small satellite applications

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: EPI nickel-hydrogen flight history; designs developed and tested; 3.5 inch diameter common pressure vessel (CPV); nickel-hydrogen system advantages; 2.5 inch diameter individual pressure vessel (IPV) and CPV; 5 AH CPV charge voltage/pressure; 5 AH CPV cell design; RNH-5-1 charge retention test; nickel-hydrogen cell specifications; sealed prismatic nickel metal hydride; nickel metal hydride life test; nickel-hydride cell specifications; and nickel metal hydride system advantages.

Brill, Jack↗
NASA NTRS1993

Chemical kinetic studies of atmospheric reactions using tunable diode laser spectroscopy

IR absorption using tunable diode laser spectroscopy provides a sensitive and quantitative detection method for laboratory kinetic studies of atmospheric trace gases. Improvements in multipass cell design, real time signal processing, and computer controlled data acquisition and analysis have extended the applicability of the technique. We have developed several optical systems using off-axis resonator mirror designs which maximize path length while minimizing both the sample volume and the interference fringes inherent in conventional 'White' cells. Computerized signal processing using rapid scan (300 kHz), sweep integration with 100 percent duty cycle allows substantial noise reduction while retaining the advantages of using direct absorption for absolute absorbance measurements and simultaneous detection of multiple species. Peak heights and areas are determined by curve fitting using nonlinear least square methods. We have applied these techniques to measurements of: (1) heterogeneous uptake chemistry of atmospheric trace gases (HCl, H2O2, and N2O5) on aqueous and sulfuric acid droplets; (2) vapor pressure measurements of nitric acid and water over prototypical stratospheric aerosol (nitric acid trihydrate) surfaces; and (3) discharge flow tube kinetic studies of the HO2 radical using isotopic labeling for product channel and mechanistic analysis. Results from each of these areas demonstrate the versatility of TDL absorption spectroscopy for atmospheric chemistry applications.

Worsnop, Douglas R.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Safe, High Power/Voltage Battery Module Design Challenges

NASA seeks to demonstrate a path for achieving safe, high power, and high performing Li-ion battery designs for the purpose of establishing design guidelines for our aeronautic and spacecraft applications. Safe means passively resistant to thermal runaway propagation of any single cell catastrophic thermal runaway. High power means capable of 3C continuous discharge without overheating. High performing means achieving > 160 Wh/kg, 200 Wh/L. The biggest challenge has been balancing a high flux light weight path for cell heat dissipation during the high rate discharge that minimizes thermal gradients between cells and also protects adjacent cells from the heat load of thermal runaway cell. Our solution includes an oscillating heat pipe spine that contacts every 18650 cell in the pack and careful cell design selection to maximize the range of initial temperatures conditions where the battery can safely complete the 3C discharge.

Thermal runaway↗
NASA NTRS1982

Comparative values of advanced space solar cells

A methodology for deriving a first order dollar value estimate for advanced solar cells which consists of defining scenarios for solar array production and launch to orbit and the associated costs for typical spacecraft, determining that portion affected by cell design and performance and determining the attributable cost differences is presented. Break even values are calculated for a variety of cells; confirming that efficiency and related effects of radiation resistance and temperature coefficient are major factors; array tare mass, packaging and packing factor are important; but cell mass is of lesser significance. Associated dollar values provide a means of comparison.

Slifer, L. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Research directions and progress in SERI advanced high efficiency concepts program

Novel solar cell designs and materials with the objective of achieving the maximum attainable photovoltaic conversion efficiencies are researched. Laboratory demonstrations of solar cells of greater than 30% efficiency under concentrated sunlight and thin film solar cells with one sun efficiencies of 17 to 20% are sought. These demonstrations are necessary intermediate steps towards the realization of very high efficiency, multi-bandgap, thin-film solar cells. Conversion efficiencies above 30% could be achieved by a cascade multijunction cell consisting of a high bandgap (1.7 eV) cell coupled optically and electrically on top of a lower bandgap (1.1 eV) cell. Recent improvements in peak currents of this interconnect are quite promising. However, this cell structure poses difficult problems for materials fabrication as a result of the combined requirements of choice of bandgaps, low defect density material, and high doping densities. Recent improvements in the quality of materials and newly proposed cell structures which may simplify fabrication are significant steps in the development of the multijunction concentrator solar cell.

Benner, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Silicon solar cell efficiency improvement: Status and outlook

Efficiency and operating life is an economic attribute in silicon solar cells application. The efficiency improvements made during the 30 year existence of the silicon solar cells, from about 6% efficiency at the beginning to 19% in the most recent experimental cells is illustrated. In the more stationary periods, the effort was oriented towards improving radiation resistance and yields on the production lines, while, in other periods, the emphasis was on reaching new levels of efficiency through better cell design and improved material processing. First results were forthcoming from the recent efforts. Considerably more efficiency advancement in silicon solar cells is expected, and the anticipated attainment of efficiencies significantly above 20% is discussed. Major advances in material processing and in the resulting material perfection are required.

Wolf, M.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Resistivity and thickness effects in dendritic web silicon solar cells

The decrease of minority carrier lifetime as resistivity decreases in dendritic-web silicon solar cells is addressed. This variation is shown to be consistent with the presence of defect levels in the bandgap which arise from extended defects in the web material. The extended defects are oxide precipitates (SiOx) and the dislocation cores they decorate. Sensitivity to this background distribution of defect levels increases with doping because the Fermi level moves closer to the majority carrier band edge. For high-resistivity dendritic-web silicon, which has a low concentration of these extended defects, cell efficiencies as high as 16.6 percent (4 sq cm, 40 ohm-cm boron-doped base, AM1.5 global, 100 mW/sq cm, 25 C JPL LAPSS1 measurement) and a corresponding electron lifetime of 38 microsec have been obtained. Thickness effects occur in bifacial cell designs and in designs which use light trapping. In some cases, the dislocation/precipitate defect can be passivated through the full thickness of web cells by hydrogen ion implantation.

Meier, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1997

EOS-AM1 Nickel Hydrogen Cell Interim Life Test Report

This paper reports the interim results of the Earth Observing System AM-1 project (EOS-AM-1) nickel hydrogen cell life test being conducted under contract to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) at the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space (LMMS) facility in East Windsor, NJ; and at COMSAT Labs., Clarksburg, MD. The purpose of the tests is to verify that the EOS-AM-l cell design can meet five years of real-time Low Earth Orbit (LEO) cycling. The tests include both real-time LEO and accelerated stress tests. At LMMS, the first real-time LEO simulated 99 minute orbital cycle started on February 7, 1994 and the test has been running continuously since that time, with 13000 LEO cycles completed as of September 2, 1996. Each cycle consists of a 64 minute charge (VT at 1.507 volts per cell, 1.06 C/D ratio, followed by 0.6 ampere trickle charge) and a 35 minute constant power discharge at 177 watts (22.5% DOD). At COMSAT, the accelerated stress test consists of 90 minute orbital cycles at 60% DOD with a 30 minute discharge at 60 amperes and a 60 minute charge at 40 ampercs (VT at 1.54 volts per cell to 1.09 C/D ratio, followed by 0.6 ampere trickle charge). The real-time LEO life test battery consists of seven, 50AH (nameplate rating) Eagle-Picher, Inc. (EPI) Mantech cells manufactured into three, 3-cell pack assemblies (there are two place holder cells that are not part of the life test electrical circuit). The test pack is configured to simulate the conductive thermal design of the spacecraft battely, including: conductive aluminum sleeves, 3-cell pack aluminum baseplate, and honeycomb panel all mounted to a liquid (-5 C) cold plate. The entire assembly is located in a thermal chamber operating at +3 C. The accelerated stress test unit consists of five cells mounted in machined aluminum test sleeves and is operating at +10 C. The real-time LEO life test battery has met all performance requirements through the first 13,000 cycles, including: end of charge and discharge cell voltages and voltage gradients; end of chalge and discharge cell pressures; within cell and between cell temperature gradients; discharge capacity; current and power levels; and all chalge parameters. The accelerated stress test battely has completed over 5900 cycles as of 9/11/96. This paper reports both battery performances as a function of cycle life, with individual cell performance comparisons repolted for selected cycles in both tests.

Bennett, C. W.↗