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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Electric-drive tractability indicator integrated in hybrid electric vehicle tachometer

An indicator, system and method of indicating electric drive usability in a hybrid electric vehicle. A tachometer is used that includes a display having an all-electric drive portion and a hybrid drive portion. The all-electric drive portion and the hybrid drive portion share a first boundary which indicates a minimum electric drive usability and a beginning of hybrid drive operation of the vehicle. The indicated level of electric drive usability is derived from at least one of a percent battery discharge, a percent maximum torque provided by the electric drive, and a percent electric drive to hybrid drive operating cost for the hybrid electric vehicle.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Experiences with a Flexible User Research Process to Build Data Change Tools

Scientific software development processes are understood to be distinct from commercial software development practices due to uncertain and evolving states of scientific knowledge. Sustaining these software products is a recognized challenge, but under-examined is the usability and usefulness of such tools to their scientific end users. User research is a well-established set of techniques (e.g., interviews, mockups, usability tests) applied in commercial software projects to develop foundational, generative, and evaluative insights about products and the people who use them. Currently these approaches are not commonly applied and discussed in scientific software development work. The use of user research techniques in scientific environments can be challenging due to the nascent, fluid problem spaces of scientific work, varying scope of projects and their user communities, and funding/economic constraints on projects.In this paper, we reflect on our experiences undertaking a multi-method user research process in the Deduce project. The Deduce project is investigating data change to develop metrics, methods, and tools that will help scientists make decisions around data change. There is a lack of common terminology since the concept of systematically measuring and managing data change is under explored in scientific environments. To bridge this gap we conducted user research that focuses on user practices, needs, and motivations to help us design and develop metrics and tools for data change. This paper contributes reflections and the lessons we have learned from our experiences. We offer key takeaways for scientific software project teams to effectively and flexibly incorporate similar processes into their projects.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS2018

Hierarchical Data Format for Earth Observing System Data Product Developer's Guide

The "Hierarchical Data Format for Earth Observing System" talk will address the best practices for creating ESDIS data products. The work presented is done in support of Data Product Developers Guide Working Group with mission "to help data product developers make data usable for end users". During the presentation, we will use some examples of NASA data products and show how to modify them to make data more usable.

Data usability↗
NASA NTRS2022

Integrating Mission Timelines and Procedures to Enhance Situational Awareness in Human Spaceflight Operations

Future human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond will have significant transmission delays and reduced communications bandwidth compared to operations in Low Earth Orbit, requiring increased crew autonomy due to the limited availability of real-time support from Mission Control Center (MCC). In this paper, we argue for the development of technology to enhance situational awareness (SA) for a remote MCC and astronauts onboard the vehicle, describe a usability study conducted towards this aim, and identify key usability features for the design of future integrated timeline tools. By tightly integrating timelines and procedures, future crew systems can predict future constraint violations, suggest resolutions to these violations, and ultimately support more successful missions.

User experience↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Integrating Mission Timelines and Procedures to Enhance Situational Awareness in Human Spaceflight Operations

Future human spaceflight missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond will have significant transmission delays and reduced communications bandwidth compared to operations in Low Earth Orbit, requiring increased crew autonomy due to the limited availability of real-time support from Mission Control Center (MCC). In this paper, we argue for the development of technology to enhance situational awareness (SA) for a remote MCC and astronauts onboard the vehicle, describe a usability study conducted towards this aim, and identify key usability features for the design of future integrated timeline tools. By tightly integrating timelines and procedures, future crew systems can predict future constraint violations, suggest resolutions to these violations, and ultimately support more successful missions.

user experience↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Developing and Testing Two Interfaces for Supplemental Data Service Provider (SDSP) Tools to Support UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

Researchers conducted a usability study using two graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to explore how individuals interpret and interact with different preflight information displays, and to inform the development of Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) preflight planning predictive support tools to assess and mitigate flight hazards and risks. A series of preflight risk-assessment tasks were developed to evaluate participant performance using the Supplemental Data Service Provider-Consolidated Dashboard (SDSP-CD) and the Human Automation Team Interface System (HATIS) GUIs. Participants were trained to use both interfaces and their performance was evaluated. These evaluations focused on participants’ preflight planning activities. Objective data on performance tasks across different scenarios involving multi-UASs, as well as self-reports of interactions and subjective experiences using the GUIs were collected. Scores on the system usability scale (SUS) and on a simple task set were examined, as well as user feedback on open-ended questions, to inform development and identify potential improvements to the interfaces.

sUAAV interfaces↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Developing and Testing Two Interfaces for Supplemental Data Service Provider (SDSP) Tools to Support UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

Researchers conducted a usability study using two graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to explore how individuals interpret and interact with different preflight information displays, and to inform the development of Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) preflight planning predictive support tools to assess and mitigate flight hazards and risks. A series of preflight risk-assessment tasks were developed to evaluate participant performance using the Supplemental Data Service Provider-Consolidated Dashboard (SDSP-CD) and the Human Automation Team Interface System (HATIS) GUIs. Participants were trained to use both interfaces and their performance was evaluated. These evaluations focused on participants’ preflight planning activities. Objective data on performance tasks across different scenarios involving multi-UASs, as well as self-reports of interactions and subjective experiences using the GUIs were collected. Scores on the system usability scale (SUS) and on a simple task set were examined, as well as user feedback on open-ended questions, to inform development and identify potential improvements to the interfaces.

sUAAV interfaces↗
DOE OSTI2015

Baseline Evaluations to Support Control Room Modernization at Nuclear Power Plants

For any major control room modernization activity at a commercial nuclear power plant (NPP) in the U.S., a utility should carefully follow the four phases prescribed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in NUREG-0711, Human Factors Engineering Program Review Model. These four phases include Planning and Analysis, Design, Verification and Validation, and Implementation and Operation. While NUREG-0711 is a useful guideline, it is written primarily from the perspective of regulatory review, and it therefore does not provide a nuanced account of many of the steps the utility might undertake as part of control room modernization. The guideline is largely summative—intended to catalog final products—rather than formative—intended to guide the overall modernization process. In this paper, we highlight two crucial formative sub-elements of the Planning and Analysis phase specific to control room modernization that are not covered in NUREG-0711. These two sub-elements are the usability and ergonomics baseline evaluations. A baseline evaluation entails evaluating the system as-built and currently in use. The usability baseline evaluation provides key insights into operator performance using the control system currently in place. The ergonomics baseline evaluation identifies possible deficiencies in the physical configuration of the control system. Both baseline evaluations feed into the design of the replacement system and subsequent summative benchmarking activities that help ensure that control room modernization represents a successful evolution of the control system.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Harnessing a methane‐fueled, sediment‐free mixed microbial community for utilization of distributed sources of natural gas

Abstract Harnessing the metabolic potential of uncultured microbial communities is a compelling opportunity for the biotechnology industry, an approach that would vastly expand the portfolio of usable feedstocks. Methane is particularly promising because it is abundant and energy‐rich, yet the most efficient methane‐activating metabolic pathways involve mixed communities of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea and sulfate reducing bacteria. These communities oxidize methane at high catabolic efficiency and produce chemically reduced by‐products at a comparable rate and in near‐stoichiometric proportion to methane consumption. These reduced compounds can be used for feedstock and downstream chemical production, and at the production rates observed in situ they are an appealing, cost‐effective prospect. Notably, the microbial constituents responsible for this bioconversion are most prominent in select deep‐sea sediments, and while they can be kept active at surface pressures, they have not yet been cultured in the lab. In an industrial capacity, deep‐sea sediments could be periodically recovered and replenished, but the associated technical challenges and substantial costs make this an untenable approach for full‐scale operations. In this study, we present a novel method for incorporating methanotrophic communities into bioindustrial processes through abstraction onto low mass, easily transportable carbon cloth artificial substrates. Using Gulf of Mexico methane seep sediment as inoculum, optimal physicochemical parameters were established for methane‐oxidizing, sulfide‐generating mesocosm incubations. Metabolic activity required >∼40% seawater salinity, peaking at 100% salinity and 35 °C. Microbial communities were successfully transferred to a carbon cloth substrate, and rates of methane‐dependent sulfide production increased more than threefold per unit volume. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that carbon cloth‐based communities were substantially streamlined and were dominated by Desulfotomaculum geothermicum . Fluorescence in situ hybridization microscopy with carbon cloth fibers revealed a novel spatial arrangement of anaerobic methanotrophs and sulfate reducing bacteria suggestive of an electronic coupling enabled by the artificial substrate. This system: 1) enables a more targeted manipulation of methane‐activating microbial communities using a low‐mass and sediment‐free substrate; 2) holds promise for the simultaneous consumption of a strong greenhouse gas and the generation of usable downstream products; and 3) furthers the broader adoption of uncultured, mixed microbial communities for biotechnological use.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Analysis of the Quality of Information Obtained About Uterine Artery Embolization From the Internet

Purpose: The Internet is widely used by patients to source health care-related information. We sought to analyse the quality of information available on the Internet about uterine artery embolization (UAE). Materials and Methods: We searched three major search engines for the phrase 'uterine artery embolization' and compiled the top 50 results from each engine. After excluding repeated sites, scientific articles, and links to documents, the remaining 50 sites were assessed using the LIDA instrument, which scores sites across the domains of accessibility, usability, and reliability. The Fleisch reading ease score (FRES) was calculated for each of the sites. Finally, we checked the country of origin and the presence of certification by the Health On the Net Foundation (HONcode) as well as their effect on LIDA and FRES scores.ResultsThe following mean scores were obtained: accessibility 48/60 (80%), usability 42/54 (77%), reliability 20/51 (39%), total LIDA 110/165 (67%), and FRES 42/100 (42%). Nine sites had HONcode certification, and this was associated with significantly greater (p < 0.05) reliability and total LIDA and FRES scores. When comparing sites between United Kingdom and United States, there was marked variation in the quality of results obtained when searching for information on UAE (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In general, sites were well designed and easy to use. However, many scored poorly on the reliability of their information either because they were produced in a non-evidence-based way or because they lacking currency. It is important that patients are guided to reputable, location-specific sources of information online, especially because prominent search engine rank does not guarantee reliability of information.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Improving bamboo’s fuel and storage properties with a net energy export through torrefaction paired with catalytic oxidation

Using torrefied char, or biocoal, as solid fuel provides an opportunity to introduce a sustainable feedstock into the energy market. The goals of this study were to investigate how torrefaction improves the energy content and the grindability of a Malaysian bamboo along with understanding the potential for integrated energy recovery from torrefaction gases. The feedstock was torrefied at 250–290 °C for 1 h and the combustion characteristics and grindability of the solid products along with the composition of torrefied gas species were measured. The results showed a beneficial increase in elemental carbon increased from 47 to 63 wt% at 290 °C torrefaction, reflecting an increase in higher heating value from 17.8 to 25.6 MJ/kg. The combustion behavior of all the products appeared to show three distinct combustion zones; however, torrefaction severity leading to higher combustion temperature and time as the fixed carbon augmented with the increase of torrefaction temperature. This increase in severity also lead to more friable and grindable material, and the 290 °C condition required a factor of 2.7 less hold-up time in the mill compared to the raw bamboo, and a factor of 8.5 less energy (938 and 111 kWh/tonne respectively). Through analysis of the gas and volatile formation, a case study showed that catalytic oxidation can convert nearly 100% of the embodied chemical energy into usable thermal energy. These experimental findings were scaled to a 100,000 tonne/y capacity torrefaction plant and in the moderate case of 270 °C operating temperature, the plant has 1.25 GJ/tonne excess energy beyond what the process needs.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

ExaCA v2.0: A versatile, scalable, and performance portable cellular automata application for additive manufacturing solidification

The previously established ExaCA software for performance portable alloy grain structure simulation has been updated to better represent the solidification behavior during complex alloy processing conditions, such as those encountered during metal additive manufacturing (AM), and for improved performance and scalability. Here, an extension to the time–temperature history input data format and the core ExaCA algorithm to include an arbitrary number of melting and solidification events yielded improved prediction of texture for various melt pool geometries, expanding the range of AM-relevant conditions that can be accurately simulated. Improved heat transport process simulation coupling, including the creation of large raster datasets from single track time–temperature history data and in-memory coupling with the new, performance portable finite difference code Finch, were also demonstrated in example studies on the effect of multilayer AM microstructure predictions on hatch spacing and cell size, respectively. Additional new features are detailed and demonstrated, including the ability to perform simulations using various interfacial response function forms, execute simulations on state-of-the-art hardware, improved usability through post-processing versatility, and improved strong and weak scaling performance. The performance, physics, and versatility improvements demonstrated here will further enable large-scale studies on AM process–microstructure relationships that were not previously possible. Furthermore, the usability improvements and ability to run coupled AM process–microstructure simulations using the Finch-ExaCA workflow will facilitate broader use of this open-source software by the computational materials community.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Finite spatial-grid effects in energy-conserving particle-in-cell algorithms

Finite-grid (or aliasing) instabilities are pervasive in particle-in-cell (PIC) plasma simulation algorithms, and force the modeler to resolve the smallest (Debye) length scale in the problem regardless of dynamical relevance. These instabilities originate in the aliasing of interpolation errors between mesh quantities and particles (which live in the space–time continuum). Recently, strictly energy-conserving PIC (EC-PIC) algorithms have been developed that promise enhanced robustness against aliasing instabilities. In this study, we confirm by analysis that EC-PIC is stable against aliasing instabilities for stationary plasmas. For drifting plasmas, we demonstrate by analysis and numerical experiments that, while EC-PIC algorithms are not free from these instabilities in principle, they feature a benign stability threshold for finite-temperature plasmas that make them usable in practice for a large class of problems (featuring ambipolarity and realistic ion-electron mass ratios) without the need to consider the size of the Debye length. We also demonstrate that this threshold is absent for the popular momentum-conserving PIC algorithms, which are therefore unstable for both drifting and stationary plasmas beyond a threshold in cell size compared to Debye length. Finite-grid (or aliasing) instabilities are pervasive in particle-in-cell (PIC) plasma simulation algorithms, and force the modeler to resolve the smallest (Debye) length scale in the problem regardless of dynamical relevance. These instabilities originate in the aliasing of interpolation errors between mesh quantities and particles (which live in the space–time continuum). Recently, strictly energy-conserving PIC (EC-PIC) algorithms have been developed that promise enhanced robustness against aliasing instabilities. In this study, we confirm by analysis that EC-PIC is stable against aliasing instabilities for stationary plasmas. For drifting plasmas, we demonstrate by analysis and numerical experiments that, while EC-PIC algorithms are not free from these instabilities in principle, they feature a benign stability threshold for finite-temperature plasmas that make them usable in practice for a large class of problems (featuring ambipolarity and realistic ion-electron mass ratios) without the need to consider the size of the Debye length. Finally, we also demonstrate that this threshold is absent for the popular momentum-conserving PIC algorithms, which are therefore unstable for both drifting and stationary plasmas beyond a threshold in cell size compared to Debye length.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Methodologies for Design, Characterization and Testing of Electrolytes that Enable Extreme Fast Charging of Lithium-ion Cells

Selection, testing and validation of electrolyte candidates for Li-ion cells are discussed, based on a 10-minute target for extreme fast charge (XFC). A combination of modeling and laboratory measurements create a timely and synergistic approach to identifying candidate electrolyte formulations. Multi-solvent systems provide a balanced set of properties, wherein lower molecular-weight solvents offer reduced viscosity, increased species diffusivity, and mitigation of concentration polarization at high charge rates. Carefully selected formulations can exhibit peak conductivity and usable conductivity range of two to three times that of the baseline EC-EMC (3:7, wt.) + LiPF 6 . Candidates are also chosen based on stability and longevity within the cell environment. Lab testing coincides with property predictions from the Advanced Electrolyte Model (AEM) and a macro-scale cell model. Furthermore, cell testing utilized coin and pouch cells having NMC532 or NMC811 cathodes with graphite electrodes. Results indicate combinations of low-molecular weight solvents are key for fast-charge electrolytes as they extend the useful conductivity range to both low and higher salt concentrations, and possess higher self-diffusivities compared to conventional solvents. This reduces impacts from concentration polarization. The choice of electrolyte also influences the tendency for lithium metal deposition at the anode, as showcased by experimental and modeling results herein.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Liquid hydrogen storage system for heavy duty trucks: Configuration, performance, cost, and safety

In this work, we investigate the potential of liquid hydrogen storage (LH 2 ) on-board Class-8 heavy duty trucks to resolve many of the range, weight, volume, refueling time and cost issues associated with 350 or 700-bar compressed H 2 storage in Type-3 or Type-4 composite tanks. We present and discuss conceptual storage system configurations capable of supplying H 2 to fuel cells at 5-bar with or without on-board LH 2 pumps. Structural aspects of storing LH 2 in double walled, vacuum insulated, and low-pressure Type-1 tanks are investigated. Structural materials and insulation methods are discussed for service at cryogenic temperatures and mitigation of heat leak to prevent LH 2 boiloff. Failure modes of the liner and shell are identified and analyzed using the regulatory codes and detailed finite element (FE) methods. The conceptual systems are subjected to a Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and a safety, codes, and standards (SCS) review to rank failures and identify safety gaps. The results indicate that the conceptual systems can reach 19.6% usable gravimetric capacity, 40.9 g-H 2 /L usable volumetric capacity and $174-183/kg-H 2 cost (2016 USD) when manufactured 100,000 systems annually.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2017

Three-Dimensional Dosimetric Validation of a Magnetic Resonance Guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy System

Purpose: To validate the dosimetric accuracy of a commercially available magnetic resonance guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (MRgIMRT) system using a hybrid approach: 3-dimensional (3D) measurements and Monte Carlo calculations. Methods and Materials: We used PRESAGE radiochromic plastic dosimeters with remote optical computed tomography readout to perform 3D high-resolution measurements, following a novel remote dosimetry protocol. We followed the intensity modulated radiation therapy commissioning recommendations of American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 119, adapted to incorporate 3D data. Preliminary tests (“AP” and “3D-Bands”) were delivered to 9.5-cm usable diameter cylindrical PRESAGE dosimeters to validate the treatment planning system (TPS) for nonmodulated deliveries; assess the sensitivity, uniformity, and rotational symmetry of the PRESAGE dosimeters; and test the robustness of the remote dosimetry protocol. Following this, 4 clinical MRgIMRT plans (“MultiTarget,” “Prostate,” “Head/Neck,” and “C-Shape”) were measured using 13-cm usable diameter PRESAGE dosimeters. For all plans, 3D-γ (3% or 3 mm global, 10% threshold) passing rates were calculated and 3D-γ maps were examined. Point doses were measured with an IBA-CC01 ionization chamber for validation of absolute dose. Finally, by use of an in-house-developed, GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo algorithm (gPENELOPE), we independently calculated dose for all 6 Task Group 119 plans and compared against the TPS. Results: For PRESAGE measurements, 3D-γ analysis yielded passing rates of 98.7%, 99.2%, 98.5%, 98.0%, 99.2%, and 90.7% for AP, 3D-Bands, MultiTarget, Prostate, Head/Neck, and C-Shape, respectively. Ion chamber measurements were within an average of 0.5% (±1.1%) from the TPS dose. Monte Carlo calculations demonstrated good agreement with the TPS, with a mean 3D-γ passing rate of 98.5% ± 1.9% using a stricter 2%/2-mm criterion. Conclusions: We have validated the dosimetric accuracy of a commercial MRgIMRT system using high-resolution 3D techniques. We have demonstrated for the first time that hybrid 3D remote dosimetry is a comprehensive and feasible approach to commissioning MRgIMRT. This may provide better sensitivity in error detection compared with standard 2-dimensional measurements and could be used when implementing complex new magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy technologies.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Solid solution barium–strontium chlorides with tunable ammonia desorption properties and superior storage capacity

Metal halide ammines are very attractive materials for ammonia absorption and storage—applications where the practically accessible or usable gravimetric and volumetric storage densities are of critical importance. Here we present, that by combining advanced computational materials prediction with spray drying and in situ thermogravimetric and structural characterization, we synthesize a range of new, stable barium-strontium chloride solid solutions with superior ammonia storage densities. By tuning the barium/strontium ratio, different crystallographic phases and compositions can be obtained with different ammonia ab- and desorption properties. In particular it is shown, that in the molar range of 35–50% barium and 65–50% strontium, stable materials can be produced with a practically usable ammonia density (both volumetric and gravimetric) that is higher than any of the pure metal halides, and with a practically accessible volumetric ammonia densities in excess of 99% of liquid ammonia. - Graphical abstract: Thermal desorption curves of ammonia from Ba{sub x}Sr{sub (1−x)}Cl{sub 2} mixtures with x equal to 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 and atomic structure of Sr(NH{sub 3}){sub 8}Cl{sub 2}. - Highlights: • Solid solutions of strontium and barium chloride were synthesized by spray drying. • Adjusting molar ratios led to different crystallographic phases and compositions. • Different molar ratios led to different ammonia ab-/desorption properties. • 35–50 mol% BaCl{sub 2} in SrCl{sub 2} yields higher ammonia density than any other metal halide. • DFT calculations can be used to predict properties of the mixtures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fundamental understanding and rational design of high energy structural microbatteries

Microbatteries play a critical role in determining the lifetime of downsized sensors, wearable devices and medical applications, etc. More often, structural batteries are required from the perspective of aesthetics and space utilization, which is however rarely explored. Herein, we discuss the fundamental issues associated with the rational design of practically usable high energy microbatteries. The tubular shape of the cell further allows the flexible integration of microelectronics. A functioning acoustic micro-transmitter continuously powered by this tubular battery has been successfully demonstrated. Multiple design features adopted to accommodate large mechanical stress during the rolling process are discussed providing new insights in designing the structural microbatteries for emerging technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗