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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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DOE OSTI2024

Prediction of BiS2-type pnictogen dichalcogenide monolayers for optoelectronics

Abstract In this work, we introduce a 2D materials family with chemical formula MX 2 (M={As, Sb, Bi} and X={S, Se, Te}) having a rectangular 2D lattice. This materials family has been predicted by systematic ab-initio structure search calculations in two dimensions. Using density-functional theory and many-body perturbation theory, we study the structural, vibrational, electronic, optical, and excitonic properties of the predicted MX 2 family. Our calculations reveal that the predicted SbX 2 and BiX 2 monolayers are stable while the AsX 2 layers exhibit an in-plane ferroelectric instability. All materials display strong excitonic effects and good optical absorption within the infrared-to-visible range. Hence, these monolayers can harvest solar energy and serve in optoelectronics applications. Furthermore, our results indicate that exfoliation of the predicted MX 2 monolayers from their bulk counterparts is experimentally viable.

Materials Science↗

NASA NTRS1982

EMU battery/SMM power tool characterization study

The power tool which will be used to replace the attitude control system in the SMM spacecraft was modified to operate from a self contained battery. The extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) battery was tested for the power tool application. The results are that the EMU battery is capable of operating the power tool within the pulse current range of 2.0 to 15.0 amperes and battery temperature range of -10 to 40 degrees Celsius.

Palandati, C.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Technology Readiness Assessment for Stirling Power Convertor

Stirling-based power conversion system could represent a critical enabling technology for future NASA missions, offering significantly enhanced power efficiency over traditional thermoelectric systems. To ensure the successful infusion of this technology into deep space and planetary surface missions, a rigorous evaluation of its maturity and associated risks is essential. The objective of this Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) is to determine the current technology readiness level (TRL) of the Stirling power convertor and identify key technical risks and challenges associated with its maturation and potential infusion into a targeted flight system. The evaluation process will rigorously follow the NASA TRA procedure: (1) determining the requirements that underpin the design, function, and performance; (2) finding and listing all new technology elements (NTEs) and critical technology elements (CTEs); (3) identifying the level of integration assumed for the assessment; and (4) assessing the TRL for each NTE and CTE. The overall subassembly TRL will then be determined via a roll-up using the “weakest link” criterion, culminating in a final (5) assessment of risks to further progression of maturity. This paper will present the results of a comprehensive technology readiness assessment (TRA) conducted on the Stirling-based dynamic power conversion subassembly, excluding the radioisotope heat source. The paper will also describe a detailed breakdown of the TRL roll-up and a matrix of identified risks and recommended mitigation paths, along with identified key technical risks and challenges to achieve the required long-duration performance. Key Words: Radioisotope Power Conversion, Technology Readiness Assessment

Radioisotope Power Conversion↗

NASA NTRS1987

Development of new sealed bipolar lead-acid battery

New light weight composite bipolar plates which can withstand the corrosive environment of the lead acid battery have made possible the construction of a sealed bipolar lead acid battery that promises to achieve very high specific power levels and substantially higher energy densities than conventional lead acid batteries. Performance projections based on preliminary experimental results show that the peak specific power of the battery can be as high as 90 kW/kg, and that a specific power of 5 kW/kg can be sustained over several thousand pulses.

Attia, Alan I.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Modeling the Potential Impact of Storage on the US Power Sector in a Multisector Dynamic Context

The electric power sector is expected to grow in size, importance, and complexity around the world as economies expand and electric supply technologies and demand patterns evolve in significant ways. At the same time the electric power sector may see substantial increases in VRE generating technologies which can add variability and uncertainty to the diurnal and seasonal profile of electric supply. With these forces in play, the emergence of modular, flexible electricity storage technologies may have profound impacts on the operation of electric power systems. Here we reduce a storage modeling gap in MSD models by incorporating grid-based electricity storage into the electric sector dynamics of the Global Change Analysis Model-USA (GCAM-USA) with improved power sector representation. We find a potentially significant role for storage technologies in the future of the U.S. power system, with storage capacity ranging from 7.7 to 14.7 GW in 2050 and 13.9 to 31.6 GW in 2100 across several techno-economic scenarios. We also find that storage can help to smooth variability in residual load arising from evolving electricity demands and the introduction of high shares of VRE to the electric grid. This reduces reliance on high-cost peaking generators, improves system-wide capacity factors, and limits curtailment of VRE.

Patel, Pralit L.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Preliminary Evaluation of Joint Electricity-Hydrogen Concept of Operations

An initial thermal power dispatch (TPD) concept of operations was evaluated that couples a nuclear power plant to a nearby hydrogen production plant. GSE Systems’ generic pressurized water reactor full-scope simulator was modified with a TPD model comprised of a thermal power extraction and delivery system. A prototype human-system interface (HSI) was developed to interact with the TPD model and allow participants to execute the basic operating scenarios for normal operations. Four retired operators performed the evaluation, and due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the original in-person experimental design was restructured to support a remote participator evaluation using a web meeting platform. Data from operator feedback, observations from the research team, and quantitative survey responses revealed that the initial TPD concept of operations is feasible. The operators were comfortable with the engineered system and HSI and could manage it without adverse impacts to reactor power, plant safety, or equipment. Findings are discussed in terms of both the TPD system design and HSI performance.

human factors↗

NASA NTRS1987

A new lead-acid battery for high pulse power applications

The development of new electronically conductive materials which can withstand the environment of the positive plates has made possible the construction of a high pulse power sealed bipolar lead-acid battery. The new battery is described and its advantages over other electrochemical systems are outlined. Performance projections show that the peak specific power of the battery can be as high as 90 kW/kg, and that a specific power of 5 kW/kg can be sustained over several thousand pulses.

Rowlette, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Polyimide/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films for Electrostatic Charge Mitigation

Low color, space environmentally durable polymeric films with sufficient electrical conductivity to mitigate electrostatic charge (ESC) build-up have potential applications on large, deployable, ultra-light weight Gossamer spacecraft as thin film membranes on antennas, solar sails, thermal/optical coatings, multi-layer insulation blankets, etc.. The challenge has been to develop a method to impart robust electrical conductivity into these materials without increasing solar absorptivity (alpha ) or decreasing optical transparency or film flexibility. Since these spacecraft will require significant compaction prior to launch, the film portion of the spacecraft will require folding. The state-of-the-art clear, conductive coating (e.g. indium-tin-oxide, ITO) is brittle and cannot tolerate folding. In this report, doping a polymer with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using two different methods afforded materials with good flexibility and surface conductivities in the range sufficient for ESC mitigation. A coating method afforded materials with minimal effects on the mechanical, optical, and thermo-optical properties as compared to dispersal of SWNTs in the matrix. The chemistry and physical properties of these nanocomposites are discussed.

Smith, Joseph G., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Rechargeable Battery Auto-Cycler Requiring Lower Power and Dissipating Reduced Waste Heat

A battery charger system includes a power supply and a switch connected to the power supply wherein the switch has a first switch half and a second switch half. First and second batteries are selectively connected to the power supply via the switch. The first and second switch halves are moved between a plurality of operational positions to fully charge the first battery, discharge the first battery into the second battery, discharge the second battery into the first battery, and fully charge the second battery.

Hanson, Thomas David↗

NASA NTRS2026

Long-Term Evaluation of Landsat 9 Oli Data Product Uniformity at Focal Plane Module-Boundaries Using Earth Scenes

The uniformity performance characteristic in remote sensing data products is a metric that helps evaluate how an image accurately represents radiometric responses to geophysical variability at the Earth’s surface or within the atmosphere. These uniformity attributes are used in Earth remote sensing science applications such as investigating water quality, land-cover/land-use classifications, and crop health assessments. To ensure these applications perform effectively, it is crucial to maintain and regularly assess the uniformity of calibrated remote sensing data products. In the Landsat missions, data from the onboard radiometric reference Solar diffuser device are used as the standard approach to derive the calibration parameters, ensuring the maintenance of both absolute radiance and radiometric uniformity through quarterly updates. This publication presents an alternative approach that leverages Earth scene data to assess the on-orbit uniformity performance of the Landsat 9 (L9) mission. The analysis characterizes uniformity at a specific set of spatial positions (the focal-plane boundary zones) that are intrinsic to the Operational Land Imager (OLI) focal plane design. By employing these Earth data statistics, the article further explores the temporal trends in the radiometric uniformity results. The results shown in this article demonstrate that for pushbroom imaging design systems with staggered sensor chip focal plane architectures, the co-registered pixels, i.e., overlapping measurements of the same ground target viewed by different detectors, offer a self-contained mechanism for assessing product uniformity. Remarkably, this alternative approach achieves a level of radiometric quality comparable to that delivered by a stable, well-characterized onboard Solar diffuser calibration device. The findings demonstrate the potential and capability of such Earth scene statistics in maintaining radiometric uniformity in calibrated data products to better than 1% (1-sigma) throughout the mission’s operational lifetime.

trend↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Origin of Palimpsests

Palimpsests are the most enigmatic impact features observed on icy worlds of the Solar System. Palimpsests are large impact features which are bright, old, mostly flat, and roughly circular. They range from >150 to ~350 km in diameter and sometimes exhibit recognizable associated radial secondary ejecta crater strings beyond their rims. Curiously, among all the Solar System's icy worlds, palimpsests are exclusively seen on the icy Galilean moons. Palimpsests are obviously different than similarly sized impact features seen on other icy satellites. For example, Evander, a 350 km diameter peak-ring impact basin on Saturn’s moon Dione, has a very low depth/diameter ratio of 0.008, indicating significant viscous relaxation. Nevertheless, it still retains short wavelength topography including a prominent central peak, peak ring, and a continuous rim, none of which are seen at palimpsests. Palimpsests display an approximately circular, and dominating, expanse of undulating plains, which is level with surrounding terrain and shows no recognizable rim. At the center of palimpsests are smooth central plains that are enclosed by a low scarp. Central plains material superposes the surrounding undulating plains and is littered with small blocks reminiscent of “small chaos” on Europa. Palimpsests have yet to be explored using modern impact simulation tools. We have begun to investigate two competing hypotheses: (A) Palimpsests form on targets which have a preexisting near-subsurface layer that is liquid or solid but very weak, and is excavated as proximal ejecta; or (B) They form in a solid ice target underlain by a steep thermal gradient that strongly influences the resulting impact feature, including the production of impact-induced melting at depth that is then a major component of proximal ejecta. Our results will have profound implications for the early thermal history of the icy Galilean satellites. We will test our two hypotheses for the formation of palimpsests on Ganymede (where they are both best observed and preserved) by means of 2D iSALE hydrodynamic simulations of impacts into ice targets that will be structured according to the scenarios for each hypothesis, with select runs in 3D. We have already conducted a pilot study using 2D iSALE that has yielded promising results, which we will report out at the meeting.

palimpsests↗

NASA NTRS1984

Test Results of a Ten Cell Bipolar Nickel-hydrogen Battery

A study was initiated to design and evaluate a new design concept for nickel-hydrogen cells. This concept involved constructing a battery in a bipolar stack with cells consisting of a one plate for each nickel and hydrogen electrode. Preliminary designs at the system level of this concept promised improvements in both volumetric and gravimetric energy densities, thermal management, life extension, costs, and peak power capability over more conventional designs. Test results were most encouraging. This preprototype battery, built with less than ideal components and hardware, exceeded expectations. A total of 2000 LEO cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge were accrued. A cycle life goal of 30,000 cycles appears achievable with minor design changes. These improvements include advanced technology nickel electrodes, insulated bipolar plates and specifically designed frames to minimize shunt currents. The discharge rate capability of this design exceeds 25C. At the 10C discharge rate, 80% of the battery capacity can be withdrawn in six minutes. This data shows that the bipolar design is well suited for those applications requiring high peak power pulses.

Cataldo, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Reports of Planetary Geology and Geophysics Program, 1984

Topics include outer planets and satellites; asteroids and comets; Venus; lunar origin and solar dynamics; cratering process; planetary interiors, petrology, and geochemistry; volcanic processes; aeolian processes and landforms; fluvial processes; geomorphology; periglacial and permafrost processes; remote sensing and regolith studies; structure, tectonics, and stratigraphy; geological mapping, cartography, and geodesy; and radar applications.

Henry E Holt↗

NASA NTRS2004

Performance of AEA 80 Ah Battery under GEO Profiles

This viewgraph presentation is divided into the following sections: 1) AEA Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) Life Testing; 2) AEA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) 20 Ah Battery; 3) AEA/GSFC 80 Ah Battery; 4) Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) Life Test; 5) Test Results; 6) Correlation; 7) Conclusions.

Russel, N.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Case Study of Integrating High-Temperature Heat Pump with LiBr-H2O Absorption Chiller for Data Center Liquid Cooling

Data centers (DCs) are physical infrastructures that support artificial intelligence workloads. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is putting substantial pressure on the US power grid. Most of electricity consumed by IT equipment, accounting for 50%-60% of total DC power, ultimately becomes waste heat. This heat is dissipated by DC’s cooling facilities, accounting for an additional 30%-40% of total DC power. Recovering and repurposing this waste heat offers a significant opportunity to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operating costs of DCs. One potential pathway is converting heat to cold using thermal-driven absorption chillers, therefore, reducing the power consumption in DC cooling facilities. Existing studies mainly demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of repurposing DC’s waste heat for cooling applications but provide limited technical details on how to integrate the thermal-driven absorption chillers with DC cooling systems. In addition, the low-grade waste heat available from DCs must be upgraded to higher temperatures suitable for absorption chillers. This paper presents a case study on integrating high-temperature heat pumps with a LiBr-H2O absorption chiller to use DC waste heat for cooling. A thermodynamic model of single-effect, LiBr-H2O absorption chiller and an empirical model of high-temperature heat pumps were built. The case study considers ASHRAE W17 liquid-cooled DC, with facility service water supplied at 17.0℃ and returned at 25.3℃. The thermal behaviors of absorption chiller components were predicted for the generation temperature ranging from 75.0℃ to 115.0℃. Based on the available waste heat in the integrated system, two waste heat recovery strategies were evaluated: a facility service water-based strategy and cooling water-based strategy. Results indicated that the cooling water-based strategy achieves higher Coefficient of Performance (COPs) than the facility service water-based strategy. The relatively low cooling COPs of single-effect LiBr-H2O absorption chillers could be offset by high heating COP of high temperature heat pumps. The maximum cooling COP of absorption chiller and the overall COP of integrated systems occur at lower generation temperatures, but these conditions also yield lower cooling capacities. In practice, system operation should balance the trade-off between the COP and cooling capacity

Wang, Pengtao [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000214713429)↗

DOE OSTI2026

Staged Z-pinch experiment at the double-EAGLE pulsed power facility

The staged Z-pinch is a potential high-energy gain fusion concept where a high atomic number liner implodes on a deuterium target using a pulsed multi-MA current source. Over the past several years this concept has been studied on 0.5–1.0 MA facilities using Ar and Kr gas puffs injected at R = 1.2 cm. Neutron yield up to (2.5 ± 0.34) x 10 10 was measured, Ruskov et al (2023 IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 51 3310–6). Here, in this study, we present experimental results from the 4 MA, 110 ns current rise time Double-EAGLE facility at L3Harris (currently, Fisica Inc.) where a larger radius nozzle created gas density profiles peaked at R = 2.5 cm. Modeling with the MACH2 and FLASH codes indicates that the larger radius allows stronger acceleration of the liner plasma and generation of shock waves that preheat a target plasma layer next to the liner to temperatures $T_i >$1 keV. The resulting counter thermal pressure on the liner plasma limits the growth of the Magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor (MRT) instability at the liner-vacuum boundary and the implosion proceeds in a relatively stable manner. Near bang time the enormous target plasma thermal pressure smoothens the MRT perturbations developed during the earlier implosion stages. Time integrated x-ray pinhole images with cutoff energy of 100 eV confirm that a long (∼3 cm), stable and uniform high energy density plasma column is formed in the final implosion stage. Consistent neutron yield in the 10 10 –10 11 range was measured for both Ar and Kr liners imploding on a deuterium target.

Physics - Plasma physics↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Technology Demonstrator of an Americium-Fuelled Radioisotope Stirling Generator

Americium-241 is used as the fuel of choice in European Radioisotope Power Systems. The University of Leicester have developed a number of systems using this fuel type, including a 200 Wth heat source. To maximise the electrical output that can be generated from the heat source, the University of Leicester and NASA Glenn Research Center have collaborated on a radioisotope Stirling generator concept, building on the long heritage of dynamic power conversion developments at NASA GRC. Here we present the design of a technology demonstrator of the Americium-fuelled Radioisotope Stirling Generator (Am-RSG).

Americium-241↗

DOE OSTI2024

The multifunctional use of an aqueous battery for a high capacity jellyfish robot

The batteries that power untethered underwater vehicles (UUVs) serve a single purpose: to provide energy to electronics and motors; the more energy required, the bigger the robot must be to accommodate space for more energy storage. By choosing batteries composed primarily of liquid media [e.g., redox flow batteries (RFBs)], the increased weight can be better distributed for improved capacity with reduced inertial moment. Here, we formed an RFB into the shape of a jellyfish, using two redox chemistries and architectures: (i) a secondary ZnBr 2 battery and (ii) a hybrid primary/secondary ZnI 2 battery. A UUV was able to be powered solely by RFBs with increased volumetric (Q~ 11 ampere-hours per liter) and areal (108 milliampere-hours per square centimeter) energy density, resulting in a long operational lifetime (T~ 1.5 hours) for UUVs composed of primarily electrochemically energy-dense liquid (~90% of the robot’s weight).

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗