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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Background and system description of the Mod 1 wind turbine generator

The Mod-1 wind turbine considered is a large utility-class machine, operating in the high wind regime, which has the potential for generation of utility grade power at costs competitive with other alternative energy sources. A Mod-1 wind turbine generator (WTG) description is presented, taking into account the two variable-pitch steel blades of the rotor, the drive train, power generation/control, the Nacelle structure, and the yaw drive. The major surface elements of the WTG are the ground enclosure, the back-up battery system, the step-up transformer, elements of the data system, cabling, area lighting, and tower foundation. The final system weight (rotor, Nacelle, and tower) is expected to be about 650,000 pounds. The WTG will be capable of delivering 1800 kW to the utility grid in a wind-speed above 25 mph.

Ernst, E. H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The pioneer projects: Economical exploration of the solar system

The interplanetary Pioneer missions are reviewed in terms of management implications and cost control. The responsibilities, organizational structure, and management practices of the Pioneer Projects are presented. The lines of authority and areas of responsibility of the principal organizational elements supporting the Pioneer missions are identified, and the methods employed for maintaining effective and timely interactions among these elements are indicated. The technical and administrative functions of the various organizational elements of the Pioneer Project Office at Ames Research Center are described in terms of their management responsibilities and interactions with other elements of the Project Office and with external organizations having Pioneer Project responsibilities. The management and control of activities prior to and during the hardware procurement phase are described to indicate the basis for obtaining visibility of the technical progress, utilization of resources, and cost performance of the contractors and other institutions supporting the Pioneer projects.

Spahr, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Space Resource Utilization: Near-Term Missions and Long-Term Plans for Human Exploration

A primary goal of all major space faring nations is to explore space: from the Earth with telescopes, with robotic probes and space telescopes, and with humans. For the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this pursuit is captured in three important strategic goals: 1. Ascertain the content, origin, and evolution of the solar system and the potential for life elsewhere, 2. Extend and sustain human activities across the solar system (especially the surface of Mars), and 3. Create innovative new space technologies for exploration, science, and economic future. While specific missions and destinations are still being discussed as to what comes first, it is imperative for NASA that it foster the development and implementation of new technologies and approaches that make space exploration affordable and sustainable. Critical to achieving affordable and sustainable human exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) is the development of technologies and systems to identify, extract, and use resources in space instead of bringing everything from Earth. To reduce the development and implementation costs for space resource utilization, often called In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), it is imperative to work with terrestrial mining companies to spin-in/spin-off technologies and capabilities, and space mining companies to expand our economy beyond Earth orbit. In the last two years, NASA has focused on developing and implementing a sustainable human space exploration program with the ultimate goal of exploring the surface of Mars with humans. The plan involves developing technology and capability building blocks critical for sustained exploration starting with the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew spacecraft and utilizing the International Space Station as a springboard into the solar system. The evolvable plan develops and expands human exploration in phases starting with missions that are reliant on Earth, to performing ever more challenging and longer duration missions in cis-lunar space and beyond, to eventually being independent from Earth. The goal is no longer just to reach a destination, but to enable people to work, learn, operate, and live safely beyond the Earth for extended periods of time, ultimately in ways that are more sustainable and even indefinite.

Sanders, Gerald B.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Space Resource Utilization: Near-Term Missions and Long-Term Plans for Human Exploration

NASA's Human Exploration Plans: A primary goal of all major space faring nations is to explore space: from the Earth with telescopes, with robotic probes and space telescopes, and with humans. For the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this pursuit is captured in three important strategic goals: 1. Ascertain the content, origin, and evolution of the solar system and the potential for life elsewhere, 2. Extend and sustain human activities across the solar system (especially the surface of Mars), and 3. Create innovative new space technologies for exploration, science, and economic future. While specific missions and destinations are still being discussed as to what comes first, it is imperative for NASA that it foster the development and implementation of new technologies and approaches that make space exploration affordable and sustainable. Critical to achieving affordable and sustainable human exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) is the development of technologies and systems to identify, extract, and use resources in space instead of bringing everything from Earth. To reduce the development and implementation costs for space resource utilization, often called In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), it is imperative to work with terrestrial mining companies to spin-in/spin-off technologies and capabilities, and space mining companies to expand our economy beyond Earth orbit. In the last two years, NASA has focused on developing and implementing a sustainable human space exploration program with the ultimate goal of exploring the surface of Mars with humans. The plan involves developing technology and capability building blocks critical for sustained exploration starting with the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew spacecraft and utilizing the International Space Station as a springboard into the solar system. The evolvable plan develops and expands human exploration in phases starting with missions that are reliant on Earth, to performing ever more challenging and longer duration missions in cis-lunar space and beyond, to eventually being independent from Earth. The goal is no longer just to reach a destination, but to enable people to work, learn, operate, and live safely beyond the Earth for extended periods of time, ultimately in ways that are more sustainable and even indefinite.

Sanders, Gerald B.↗
NASA NTRS1991

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): Surface systems program area of the exploration technology program

The topics presented are covered in viewgraph form and include the following: (1) utilization of Lunar and Mars resources; (2) oxygen - an example of cost savings; (3) In Space Resource Utilization (ISRU); (4) basic resource processing methods; (5) planetary mining; (6) raw materials preparation; (7) validation, testbeds, and flight experiments; (8) mission readiness schedule; and (9) ISRU budget guideline.

Mckay, David S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Preparation and evaluation of advanced electrocatalysts for phosphoric acid fuel cells

Two cooperative phenomena are required the development of highly efficient porous electrocatalysts: (1) is an increase in the electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst particle; and (2) is the availability of that electrocatalyst particle for the electromechanical reaction. The two processes interact with each other so that improvements in the electrochemical activity must be coupled with improvements in the availability of the electrocatalyst for reaction. Cost effective and highly reactive electrocatalysts were developed. The utilization of the electrocatalyst particles in the porous electrode structures was analyzed. It is shown that a large percentage of the electrocatalyst in anode structures is not utilized. This low utilization translates directly into a noble metal cost penalty for the fuel cell.

Stonehart, P.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Time-shared Cathode Ray Tube

Time-shared cathode tube provides high quality display at low cost display stations which utilize television moniters. It updates a cluster of graphic displays from a computer and is useful in systems not equipped for graphics time-sharing.

Herndon, E. S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Earth orbit navigation study. Volume 2: System evaluation

An overall systems evaluation was made of five candidate navigation systems in support of earth orbit missions. The five systems were horizon sensor system, unkown landmark tracking system, ground transponder system, manned space flight network, and tracking and data relay satellite system. Two reference missions were chosen: a low earth orbit mission and a transfer trajectory mission from low earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit. The specific areas addressed in the evaluation were performance, multifunction utilization, system mechanization, and cost.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experimental investigation of a throttlable 15 cm hollow cathode ion thruster

The use of dished high perveance grids on a 15 cm modified SERT 2 thruster is shown to facilitate throttled operation over a beam current range from 60 to 600 mA. Effects of increasing the radial component of the magnetic field in the main discharge chamber and decreasing the dimensions of the cathode discharge region are examined and found to degrade performance to the extent that primary electrons are forced in toward the center-line of the thruster. Studies of the baffle aperture region of two thrusters indicate that the electric potential gradient vector is perpendicular to the local magnetic field lines when the thruster is operating properly. The correlation between the shape of the ion beam current density and that of the ion density at the screen grid within the thruster is shown to be 94%. Additional experimental studies on maximum propellant utilization, plasma ion production cost, neutral density in the cathode discharge region, double ion production in hollow cathode thrusters and thermal flow meter performance are discussed.

Wilbur, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A method of billing third generation computer users

A method is presented for charging users for the processing of their applications on third generation digital computer systems is presented. For background purposes, problems and goals in billing on third generation systems are discussed. Detailed formulas are derived based on expected utilization and computer component cost. These formulas are then applied to a specific computer system (UNIVAC 1108). The method, although possessing some weaknesses, is presented as a definite improvement over use of second generation billing methods.

Anderson, P. N.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Technology and public policy: The process of technology assessment in the Federal Government

Conclusions drawn from research and a series of recommendations for the improvement of the technology assessment process in Federal agencies are presented. The following topics are discussed: (1) who is doing technology assessment; (2) the organization of technology assessments; (3) disciplines and techniques used in technology; (4) analysis of a sample of technology assessment studies: initiation, disciplines, techniques, costs, scope, purpose, and utilization; (5) gaps and overlaps in governmental assessment of nine major technologies; (6) prerequisites for further improvement of technology assessment; and (7) recommendations.

Coates, V. T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Clean fuels from biomass

The paper discusses the U.S. resources to provide fuels from agricultural products, the present status of conversion technology of clean fuels from biomass, and a system study directed to determine the energy budget, and environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Conversion processes are discussed relative to pyrolysis and anaerobic fermentation. Pyrolysis breaks the cellulose molecules to smaller molecules under high temperature in the absence of oxygen, wheras anaerobic fermentation is used to convert biomass to methane by means of bacteria. Cost optimization and energy utilization are also discussed.

Hsu, Y.-Y.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Cost analysis of advanced turbine blade manufacturing processes

A rigorous analysis was conducted to estimate relative manufacturing costs for high technology gas turbine blades prepared by three candidate materials process systems. The manufacturing costs for the same turbine blade configuration of directionally solidified eutectic alloy, an oxide dispersion strengthened superalloy, and a fiber reinforced superalloy were compared on a relative basis to the costs of the same blade currently in production utilizing the directional solidification process. An analytical process cost model was developed to quantitatively perform the cost comparisons. The impact of individual process yield factors on costs was also assessed as well as effects of process parameters, raw materials, labor rates and consumable items.

Barth, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Thin silicon solar cell performance characteristics

Refined techniques for surface texturizing, back surface field and back surface reflector formation were evaluated for use with shallow junction, single-crystal silicon solar cells. Each process was characterized individually and collectively as a function of device thickness and bulk resistivity. Among the variables measured and reported are open circuit voltage, short circuit current and spectral response. Substantial improvements were obtained by the utilization of a low cost aluminum paste process to simultaneously remove the unwanted n(+) diffused region, form the back surface field and produce an ohmic contact metallization. The highly effective BSF which results from applying this process has allowed fabrication of cells 0.05 mm thick with initial outputs as high as 79.5 mW/4 sq cm (28 C, AM0) and superior electron radiation tolerance. Cells of 0.02 mm to 0.04 mm thickness have been fabricated with power to mass ratios well in excess of 2 watts per gram.

Gay, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Time-shaped RF brazing

One RF generator is controlled from two independent work stations with aid of RF switch and simple control boxes. Brazing may be stopped manually or automatically by external brazing-temperature controller or timer in RF switch housing. Switch is air-operated with water-cooled contacts. If switch loses air pressure, generator stops transmitting power. Time-shared outlet increases utilization and productivity of costly RF generator.

Stein, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Photovoltaic module electrical termination design requirement study

Pertinent electrical termination attributes were identified and used in the development of selection criteria which included function, environmental durability, utility, manufacturing, code, and cost. Significant aspects of each criteria are discussed, and eight different types of terminations are ranked according to their performance in remote, residential, intermediate, and industrial applications.

Mosna, F. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Large area flexible solar array design for Space Shuttle application

A large area flexible solar array has been designed for Shuttle power augmentation. The solar array utilizes large area, low cost, weldable solar cells. The paper addresses how the unique requirements of this system are implemented into the design. Economic and reliability issues relating to the optimization of a large area, foldable solar array concomitant to the Shuttle/Orbiter system are reviewed.

Souza, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

SARSAT: A rescue system for ships and airplanes

The SARSAT rescue system is described and alternative systems discussed, with SARSAT functioning as either independent satellite within an emergency call system or as an additional search and rescue payload of another satellite system. Geostationary and polar orbits are compared. A low cost SARSAT rescue system utilizing four satellites in a quasi solar, sun synchronized orbit at 1000 kilometers is proposed. Three multiple start satellites in a 57 degree orbit, with a fourth satellite in reserve at a lower orbit are described. Alternative transport systems are discussed and a recommended time table from project approval to launch is given.

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