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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 289 records · Page 16

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NASA NTRS1978

Installation package for a solar heating and hot water system

Development and installation of two commercial solar heating and hot water systems are reported. The systems consist of the following subsystems: collector, storage, transport, hot water, auxiliary energy and controls. General guidelines are provided which may be utilized in development of detailed installation plans and specifications. In addition, operation, maintenance and repair of a solar heating and hot water system instructions are included.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1975

Hydrogen production from solar energy

Three alternatives for hydrogen production from solar energy have been analyzed on both efficiency and economic grounds. The analysis shows that the alternative using solar energy followed by thermochemical decomposition of water to produce hydrogen is the optimum one. The other schemes considered were the direct conversion of solar energy to electricity by silicon cells and water electrolysis, and the use of solar energy to power a vapor cycle followed by electrical generation and electrolysis. The capital cost of hydrogen via the thermochemical alternative was estimated at $575/kW of hydrogen output or $3.15/million Btu. Although this cost appears high when compared with hydrogen from other primary energy sources or from fossil fuel, environmental and social costs which favor solar energy may prove this scheme feasible in the future.

Eisenstadt, M. M.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Biosphere 2's Marsh Biome

The Marsh Biome, which was modeled after the mangroves and marshes of southwest Florida, has an area of 441.2 sq m separated into three hydrologically independent sections: the Freshwater, Oligohaline and Salt Marshes. The divisions are made based on their salinity (approximately 0, 4, and 34 ppt. respectively), but they also contain different biological communities. The Freshwater and Oligohaline Marshes are mostly filled with various grasses and several trees, while the Salt Marsh houses regions of red, black, and white mangroves (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, and Languncularia racemosa respectively). Overall, there are an estimated 80 species of plants within the biome. Water in the Salt Marsh follows a meandering stream from the algal turf scrubbers (apparatuses that clean the water of its nutrients and heavy metals while increasing dissolved oxygen levels) which have an outlet in the Salt Marsh section near sites 4 and 5 to the Fringing Red Mangrove section. The sections of the Salt Marsh are separated by walls of concrete with openings to allow the stream to flow through. Throughout this study, conducted through the months of June and July, many conditions within the biome remained fairly constant. The temperature was within a degree or two of 25 C, mostly depending on whether the sample site was in direct sunlight or shaded. The pH throughout the Salt Marsh was 8.0 +/- 0.2, and the lower salinity waters only dropped below this soon after rains. The water rdepth and dissolved oxygen varied, however, between sites.

Molnar, Jennifer↗

NASA NTRS2001

Platform and Environmental Effects on Above- and In-Water Determinations of Water-Leaving Radiances

A comparison of above- and in-water spectral measurements in Case-1 conditions showed the uncertainty in above-water determinations of water-leaving radiances depended on the pointing angle of the above-water instruments with respect to the side of the ship. Two above-water methods were used to create a diagnostic variable to quantify the presence of superstructure reflections which degraded the above-water intracomparisons of water-leaving radiances by 10.9-33.4% (for far-to-near viewing distances, respectively). The primary conclusions of the above- and in-water intercomparison of water-leaving radiances were as follows: a) the SeaWiFS 5% radiometric objective was achieved with the above-water approach, but reliably with only one method and only for about half the data; b) a decrease in water-leaving radiance values was seen in the presence of swell, although, wave crests were radiometrically brighter than the troughs; and c) standard band ratios used in ocean color algorithms remained severely affected, because of the relatively low signal and, thus, proportionally significant contamination at the 555nm wavelength.

Hooker, Stanford B.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Grazing Incidence Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering of Water Adsorption in Polyamide Barrier Layers of Reverse Osmosis Membranes

To understand the relationship between the intermolecular structure of aromatic polyamide (PA) scaffold and the water molecules in the barrier layers of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, a grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) study was carried out on freestanding PA thin films at varying relative humidity (RH) conditions. The scattering results were analyzed by an interference scattering model, containing a phase factor between a PA chain and an adsorbed water molecule. This model yielded good fits to the GIWAXS profiles where the water adsorption was found to vary linearly with RH. Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also performed to complement the experimental study. Furthermore, the simulations revealed that a rapid condensation layer initially formed on the PA film surface, followed by the slow water molecule diffusion inside the PA membrane. Sparse adsorbed water, isolated in subnanopores of the PA film adjacent to the polar atoms, even in very low quantities, modifies the X-ray scattering. Atomistic simulations at the microscopic scale provide partial support for several X-ray scattering findings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2009

Colorimetric Solid Phase Extraction for the Measurement of Total I (Iodine, Iodide, and Triiodide) in Spacecraft Drinking Water

An experimental drinking water monitoring kit for the measurement of iodine and silver(I) was recently delivered to the International Space Station (ISS). The kit is based on Colorimetric Solid Phase Extraction (CSPE) technology, which measures the change in diffuse reflectance of indicator disks following exposure to a water sample. To satisfy additional spacecraft water monitoring requirements, CSPE has now been extended to encompass the measurement of total I (iodine, iodide, and triiodide) through the introduction of an oxidizing agent, which converts iodide and triiodide to iodine, for measurement using the same indicator disks currently being tested on ISS. These disks detect iodine, but are insensitive to iodide and triiodide. We report here the operational considerations, design, and ground-based performance of the CSPE method for total I. The results demonstrate that CSPE technology is poised to meet NASA's total I monitoring requirements.

Lipert, Robert J.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Acid-Catalyst is Required for Hydrogenolysis of a Late Metal Hydroxo Complex

The cationic AuIII pincer complex [(tBuPCP)AuIII -OH]OTf (AuOH, tBuPCP = 2,6-(CH2PtBu2)2C6H3) was prepared and characterized. In contrast to hydrogenolysis reactions of other late metal-hydroxides, the hydrogenolysis of AuOH to form the corresponding AuIII -H and water is shown to require an acid catalyst. The kinetic data, collected in acetone-d6, are consistent with a reaction mechanism involving initial protonation to form the AuIII aquo complex, [(tBuPCP)AuIII -OH2](OTf)2 (AuOH2), which was isolated and characterized. Following substitution of the water by coordinating solvent, the dicationic AuIII center undergoes electrophilic activation of H2 to generate the [(tBuPCP)AuIII -H]OTf product (AuH). The mechanism of hydrogenolysis is supported by experimental and computational (DFT) results. A AuIII dihydrogen complex (Au(H2)) was located along the potential energy surface for the reaction and computations indicate that deprotonation of Au(H2) by acetone solvent is barrierless. The bonding and properties of the proposed AuIII -H2 complex are consistent with predictions made for high-valent, electrophilic metal-dihydrogen complexes.

Ardon, Yotam [University of Pennsylvania] (ORCID:0↗

NASA NTRS1977

Prototype solar heating and cooling systems, including potable hot water

Progress made in the development, delivery, and support of two prototype solar heating and cooling systems including potable hot water is reported. The system consists of the following subsystems: collector, auxiliary heating, potable hot water, storage, control, transport, and government-furnished site data acquisition. A comparison of the proposed Solaron Heat Pump and Solar Desiccant Heating and Cooling Systems, installation drawings, data on the Akron House at Akron, Ohio, and other program activities are included.

Bloomquist, D.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Installation guidelines for solar heating system, single-family residence at William OBrien State Park, Stillwater, Minnesota

Installation procedures for the single family residential solar heating system at the William O'Brien State Park, Stillwater, Minnesota, are presented. The system is a solar-assisted, hydronic-to-warm-air system with solar-assisted domestic water heating. It is composed of the following major components: liquid cooled flat plate collectors; water storage tank; passive solar-fired domestic water preheater; electric hot water heater; heat pump with electric backup; solar hot water coil unit; tube-and-shell heat exchanger, three pumps, and associated pipes and valving in an energy transport module; control system; and air-cooled heat purge unit. Installer guidelines are provided for each subsystem and includes testing and filling the system. Information is also given on the operating procedures, controls, caution requirements and routine and schedule maintenance.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1993

WetNet: Using SSM/I data interactively for global distribution of tropical rainfall and precipitable water

The research objectives were the following: (1) to use SSM/I to categorize, measure, and parameterize effects of rainfall systems around the globe, especially mesoscale convective systems; (2) to use SSM/I to monitor key components of the global hydrologic cycle, including tropical rainfall and precipitable water, and links to increasing sea surface temperatures; and (3) to assist in the development of efficient methods of exchange of massive satellite data bases and of analysis techniques, especially their use at a university. Numerous tasks have been initiated. First and foremost has been the integration and startup of the WetNet computer system into the TAMU computer network. Scientific activity was infeasible before completion of this activity. Final hardware delivery was not completed until October 1991, after which followed a period of identification and solution of several hardware and software and software problems. Accomplishments representing approximately four months work with the WetNEt system are presented.

Zipser, Edward J.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Solvent Influence on the Magnetization and Phase of Fe-Ni Alloy Nanoparticles Generated by Laser Ablation in Liquids

The synthesis of bimetallic iron-nickel nanoparticles with control over the synthesized phases, particle size, surface chemistry, and oxidation level remains a challenge that limits the application of these nanoparticles. Pulsed laser ablation in liquid allows the properties tuning of the generated nanoparticles by changing the ablation solvent. Organic solvents such as acetone can minimize nanoparticle oxidation. Yet, economical laboratory and technical grade solvents that allow cost-effective production of FeNi nanoparticles contain water impurities, which are a potential source of oxidation. Here, we investigated the influence of water impurities in acetone on the properties of FeNi nanoparticles generated by pulsed laser ablation in liquids. To remove water impurities and produce “dried acetone”, cost-effective and reusable molecular sieves (3 Å) are employed. The results show that the Fe50Ni50 nanoparticles’ properties are influenced by the water content of the solvent. The metastable HCP FeNi phase is found in NPs prepared in acetone, while only the FCC phase is observed in NPs formed in water. Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed that the FeNi nanoparticles oxidation in dried acetone is reduced by 8% compared to acetone. The high-field magnetization of Fe50Ni50 nanoparticles in water is the highest, 68 Am2/kg, followed by the nanoparticles obtained after ablation in acetone without water impurities, 59 Am2/kg, and acetone, 52 Am2/kg. The core-shell structures formed in these three liquids are also distinctive, demonstrating that a core-shell structure with an outer oxide layer is formed in water, while carbon external layers are obtained in acetone without water impurity. The results confirm that the size, structure, phase, and oxidation of FeNi nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation in liquids can be modified by changing the solvent or just reducing the water impurities in the organic solvent.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Reconfigurable Electrical Networks within a Conductive Hydrogel Composite

Soft materials that exhibit compliance, programmability, and reconfigurability can have a transformative impact as electronic skin for applications in wearable electronics/soft robotics. There has been significant progress in soft conductive materials; however, achieving electrically controlled and reversible changes in conductivity and circuit connectivity remains challenging. To overcome this limitation, a soft material architecture with reconfigurable conductive networks of silver flakes embedded within a hydrogel matrix is presented. The conductive networks can be reversibly created/disconnected through various stimuli, including current, humidity, or temperature. Such stimuli affect electrical connectivity of the hydrogel by controlling its water content, which can be modulated by evaporation under ambient conditions (passive dehydration), evaporation through electrical Joule heating (active dehydration), or absorption of additional water (rehydration). The resulting change in electrical conductivity is reversible and repeatable, endowing the composite with on-demand reconfigurable conductivity. To highlight this material's unique properties, it is shown that conductive traces can be reconfigured after severe damage and revert to lower conductivity after rehydration. Additionally, a quadruped robot is demonstrated that can respond to stimuli by changing direction following exposure to excess water, thereby achieving reprogrammable locomotion behaviors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1974

An interdisciplinary study of the estuarine and coastal oceanography of Block Island Sound and adjacent New York coastal waters

The author has identified the following significant results. Photo-optical additive color quantitative measurements were made of ERTS-1 reprocessed positives of New York Bight and Block Island Sound. Regression of these data on almost simultaneous ship sample data of water's physical, chemical, biological, and optical properties showed that ERTS bands 5 and 6 can be used to predict the absolute value of the total number of particles and bands 4 and 5 to predict the relative extinction coefficient in New York Bight. Water masses and mixing patterns in Block Island Sound heretofore considered transient were found to be persistent phenomena requiring revision of existing mathematical and hydraulic models.

Yost, E. F.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Scaling of two-phase water-steam relative permeability and thermal fluxes in porous media

Two-phase water-steam flow conditions are frequently encountered in many engineering applications, including geothermal reservoirs. Although routine calculations are based on the multiphase Darcy’s law, the role of the topology of the flowing phases at the pore-scale is usually neglected in the estimation of relative permeabilities. Instead, the latter are frequently computed using empirical models like the Corey correlation. In this work, we first apply the model for relative permeabilities based on pore-scale flow regimes developed by Picchi and Battiato (2019), Relative permeability scaling from pore-scale flow regimes, Water Resour. Res. 55, 3215–3233, to scenarios typical of geothermal reservoirs and then extend it by deriving the scaling laws for the transmissibilities and the thermal properties as a function of temperature. First, we discuss the scaling behavior of normalized relative permeabilities in terms of viscosity ratio and capillary number of water-steam systems and, then, we provide a validation of the model against experimental data available in the literature. The model captures well the data trends collected in real 3D porous media. These results suggest that water-steam relative permeabilities follow the same scaling behavior of gas-liquid systems where the non-wetting phase is much less viscous than the wetting phase. Finally, we investigate the impact that relative permeabilities have on heat transfer rates at two-phase flow conditions and the scaling of mass and energy transmissibility and thermal properties of the mixture. An estimation of the exergy carried by the two-phase water-steam mixture is also included.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Preliminary Monte Carlo and Thermal Hydraulic Analysis using a Hybrid ETF-Corrected-Diffusion Prediction Block

This paper builds upon previous work to accelerate the Picard iteration (PI) method typically applied for coupled Monte Carlo-Thermal hydraulic (MC-TH) solutions. Previously, the use of the generalized transfer functions (GTFs) to predict variation in macroscopic cross sections following a perturbation in TH properties was demonstrated for a subset of simple 3D problems. In addition, the reduced-order transport prediction block relied on the first order perturbation (FOP) method, which was shown to have computational overheads. Recent work replaced the FOP block with a 1-group nodal diffusion solver to eliminate these overheads. While the use of diffusion is desirable for large-scale problems, the new solver introduces significant homogenization error. This work aims to address this issue by using the Jacobian-Free Newton Krylov (JFNK) method to generate a set of super homogenization (SPH) factors to improve the accuracy of the diffusion solution. The SPH factors will be used in conjunction with an improved cross section prediction method – the expanded transfer function (ETF) method – to produce a highly accurate flux prediction for an axial 1D boiling water reactor (BWR) pincell following a large perturbation in moderator density. The ETF-corrected diffusion (ETF-CD) block is shown to be highly accurate for the 1D test case. Future work will investigate the accuracy of the method for a realistic 3D pressurized water reactor core.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

NASA NTRS1972

An interdisciplinary study of the estuarine and coastal oceanography of Block Island Sound and adjacent New York coastal waters

The author has identified the following significant results. The synoptic repetitive coverage of the multispectral imagery from the ERTS-1 satellite, when photographically reprocessed using the state-of-the-art techniques, has given indication of spectral differences in Block Island and adjacent New England waters which were heretofore unknown. Of particular interest was the possible detection of relatively small amounts of phytoplankton prior to the occurrence of the red tide in Massachusetts waters. Preparation of spatial and temporal hydrographic charts using ERTS-1 imagery and ground truth analysis will hopefully determine the environmental impact on New York coastal waters.

Yost, E.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Editing ERTS-1 data to exclude land aids cluster analysis of water targets

The author has identified the following significant results. It has been determined that an increase in the number of spectrally distinct coastal water types is achieved when data values over the adjacent land areas are excluded from the processing routine. This finding resulted from an automatic clustering analysis of ERTS-1 system corrected MSS scene 1002-18134 of 25 July 1972 over Monterey Bay, California. When the entire study area data set was submitted to the clustering only two distinct water classes were extracted. However, when the land area data points were removed from the data set and resubmitted to the clustering routine, four distinct groupings of water features were identified. Additionally, unlike the previous separation, the four types could be correlated to features observable in the associated ERTS-1 imagery. This exercise demonstrates that by proper selection of data submitted to the processing routine, based upon the specific application of study, additional information may be extracted from the ERTS-1 MSS data.

Erb, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Exchange of water vapor between the atmosphere and surface of Mars.

A model for exchange of water from the atmosphere to condensing CO2 caps is developed. The rate of water condensation in the caps is assumed to be proportional to the meridional heat flux. It follows that the amount of water condensed in the caps varies inversely with the amount of CO2 condensed. The seasonal phase of the release of water from the caps is not consistent with observed variations in the abundance of atmospheric water. Seasonal variations of atmospheric water abundance are most consistent with vapor exchange between the atmosphere and permafrost in the subtropics.

Leovy, C. B.↗