Baseline AMLLV costs - Get ready or A costs, book A Final report
Detailed cost analysis of Advanced Multipurpose Large Launch Vehicle, including cost summary tables
Lee, J.↗
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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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Study of aircraft in intraurban transportation systems, volume 2
A cost analysis of the major items of direct operating costs in an intraurban aircraft transportation system are presented. The results are given in the form of tables and graphs.
Stout, E. G.↗
Study of Alternate Space Shuttle Concepts. Volume 2. Part 1: Concept Analysis and Definition
Three different space shuttle systems have been defined and analyzed. The first is a stage-and-one-half system optimized to meet program requirements. The second is a two-stage, fully reusable system also designed to meet program requirements. The third is a convertible system which operates initially as a stage-and-one-half system and is subsequently converted to a two-stage, fully reusable system by reconfiguration of the orbiter vehicle and development of a booster vehicle. The design and performance of this third system must necessarily be compromised somewhat to facilitate the conversion. For each system, the applicable requirements, ground rules, and assumptions are defined. The characteristics of each system are listed and a detailed description and analysis of the system are presented. Finally, a cost analysis for the system is given.
Source record↗
Finite element analysis of helicopter structures
Application of the finite element analysis is now being expanded to three dimensional analysis of mechanical components. Examples are presented for airframe, mechanical components, and composite structure calculations. Data are detailed on the increase of model size, computer usage, and the effect on reducing stress analysis costs. Future applications for use of finite element analysis for helicopter structures are projected.
Rich, M. J.↗
NASA/BLM APT, phase 2. Volume 2: Technology demonstration
Techniques described include: (1) steps in the preprocessing of LANDSAT data; (2) the training of a classifier; (3) maximum likelihood classification and precision; (4) geometric correction; (5) class description; (6) digitizing; (7) digital terrain data; (8) an overview of sample design; (9) allocation and selection of primary sample units; (10) interpretation of secondary sample units; (11) data collection ground plots; (12) data reductions; (13) analysis for productivity estimation and map verification; (14) cost analysis; and (150) LANDSAT digital products. The evaluation of the pre-inventory planning for P.J. is included.
Source record↗
High Throughput Laser Processing for Enhanced Battery Performance and Manufacturing
For widespread adoption of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) need to achieve energy densities of >275 Wh/kg, cell costs less than $100/kWh, and charge to more than 80% capacity within 15 minutes. Recently, it has been shown that introducing a secondary pore network in thick battery electrodes enables higher extracted capacity without a severe reduction in charge/discharge rate performance. Secondary pore networks consisting of ordered arrays of microstructures reduce tortuosity of Li+-ion transport deep into the thick electrodes, diminishing detrimental concentration gradients within the cell. Ultrafast (femtosecond)-pulsed laser ablation is a promising method to introduce such micro pores or channels in thick battery electrodes as it allows for precise control of pattern geometries, results in minimal damage to the electrode, and can be introduced into existing roll-to-roll electrode manufacturing lines. We have explored laser patterning to create secondary pore networks in a variety of battery electrode materials for both anode and cathode applications and characterized the laser-material interaction parameters. In addition, advanced materials characterization techniques (SEM-EDS, XRD) were used to explore whether ultrafast laser ablation affects the remaining electrode materials' morphology and structure. Furthermore, we have translated lab-scale laser ablation to high-throughput roll-to-roll processing at industrially relevant scales. Finally, we worked with Argonne National Laboratory, developers of the battery cost-analysis package BatPac, to estimate the additional manufacturing costs (CapEx and OpEx) for incorporation of laser-ablation processing to current battery electrode manufacturing. We estimate that ultrafast laser processing will add only -$1kWh, which for considerable improvements in cell performance, creates a compelling case for industry adoption.
battery↗
STS propellant scavenging systems study. Part 2, volume 2: Cost and WBS/dictionary
Presented are the results of the cost analysis performed to update and refine the program phase C/D cost estimates for a Shuttle Derived Vehicle (SDV) tanker. The SDV tanker concept is an unmanned cargo vehicle incorporating a set of propellant tanks in the vehicle's payload module. The tanker will be used to meet the demand for a cryogenic propellant supply in orbit. The propellant tanks are delivered to a low Earth orbit or to an orbit in the vicinity of the Space Station. The intent of the economic analysis is to provide NASA with economic justification for the propellant scavenging concept that minimizes the total Space Transportation System life cycle cost. The detailed costs supporting the concept selection process are presented with descriptive text to aid in forecasting the phase C/D project and program planning. Included are all propellant scavenging costs as well as all SDV, STS and Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle charges to deliver the propellants to the Space Station.
Williams, Frank L.↗
Cost projections for Redox Energy storage systems
A preliminary design and system cost analysis was performed for the redox energy storage system. A conceptual design and cost estimate was prepared for each of two energy applications: (1) electric utility 100-MWh requirement (10-MW for ten hours) for energy storage for utility load leveling application, and (2) a 500-kWh requirement (10-kW for 50 hours) for use with a variety of residential or commercial applications, including stand alone solar photovoltaic systems. The conceptual designs were based on cell performance levels, system design parameters, and special material costs. These data were combined with estimated thermodynamic and hydraulic analysis to provide preliminary system designs. Results indicate that the redox cell stack to be amenable to mass production techniques with a relatively low material cost.
Michaels, K.↗
Development & Validation of Low-Cost, Highly-Durable, Spinel-Based Materials for SOFC Cathode-Side Contact (Final Report)
A cathode-side contact layer is required to provide and maintain stable electrical conduction paths between the interconnect and cathode in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack assembly and thus minimize the ohmic resistance and stack power loss. Current cathode-interconnect contact materials are based on noble metals, electrically-conductive perovskites, their composite materials, etc. These materials are either too expensive or do not possess the overall balanced performance required for the cathode-side contact application. To achieve the DOE SOFC system cost and performance stability goals, a new generation of low-cost, high-performance contact materials needs to be developed. In this project, spinel-based materials thermally converted from the Fe-Ni and Co-Mn based alloy precursors were developed and validated for the cathode-side contact application. The precursor alloy compositions were optimized via a combination of composition screening in the (Ni,Fe) 3 O 4 and (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 spinel system, alloy design using physical metallurgy principles, and cost considerations. The alloy powders with the desired composition and particle size were manufactured via gas atomization. The optimal process parameters for thermal conversion of these alloy precursor layers to a spinel-based layer were identified, i.e., 900°C x 2h in air, which is close to the initial stack firing condition. The area-specific resistances (ASRs) of the interconnect/contact/cathode test assemblies with the developed contact layer were determined for various durations (up to 5000 h) under simulated cathodic operation conditions. Some of the alloy-derived spinel contacts exhibited the lowest ASR and ASR degradation rate. The in-stack performance of the most promising alloy-derived contact layer is currently being evaluated via stack testing. To reduce the stack cost, the Co-Mn based alloy powders were utilized as the precursor for synthesis of dense spinel-based interconnect coating. By optimizing both the initial powder size/distribution and the alloy powder composition, a dense (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 -based spinel coating was achieved. Furthermore, co-sintering of the coating/contact dual-layer structure under the initial stack firing condition was realized by utilizing the tailored Co-Mn alloy precursors. Cost analysis of the developed technology indicated a total stack cost reduction of around 10.6% with the implementation of co-sintering of the interconnect coating and the contact layer during initial stack firing. Since low-cost processes such as screen printing is utilized in the precursor application and no reduction heat treatment is needed for the coating formation, the developed technology can be readily implemented at the industrial partner’s manufacturing facilities with no additional capital investment needed.
08 HYDROGEN↗
Advanced Fuel Cycle Cost Basis Report: Supporting Documents 2 Production Based Costing
The purpose of this section is to outline a method of cost analysis whereby a significantly better representation of “should achieve” costs may be attained for NOAK systems. Based on economists’ notions of producer theory, and grounded in the cost analysts’ and project managers’ tool called the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), this section describes best practices in cost estimation. It then illustrates how the Code of Accounts (COA) structure, developed by the Economic Modeling Working Group (EMWG) of the Generation IV International Forum in “Cost Estimating Guidelines for Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems [EMWG 2007] (hereafter “Gen IV Guidelines Document”), can be used to differentiate “should achieve” versus “did experience” costs.
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
New Two-Cylinder Prototype Demonstration and Concept Design of a Next Generation Class 3-6 Opposed Piston Engine (Final Report)
The objective of the project is to research, develop, and test an Opposed Piston (OP) engine prototype capable of ≥10% fuel economy improvement over a 2015 baseline diesel engine while meeting prevailing emissions standards and include a cost analysis of the proposed technologies that validates an operating cost payback of less than 2 years. Results: In direct comparison with the baseline Isuzu model, the OP engine exhibited a noteworthy average fuel economy improvement exceeding 12% across five distinct driving cycles, including the Interstate cycle, Congested interstate cycle, GM-city cycle, HWFET cycle, and FTP cycle, with Interstate cycle benefited the most.
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
Economic Evaluation of Modernization Expenditures for Electric Utility Distribution Systems: A Guide for Utility Regulators
Cost-effectiveness evaluation of potential grid modernization solutions is integral to integrated distribution system planning (IDSP). This report synthesizes and updates prior cost-effectiveness approaches identified by the U.S. Department of Energy for grid modernization investments, incorporating multi-objective decision-making. The structure of the report follows the IDSP process, from identifying objectives and priorities to prioritizing grid solutions. The report details two methods for conducting initial cost-effectiveness screening of individual and interdependent grid components: (1) Lowest Reasonable Cost and (2) Benefit-Cost Analysis. Drawing on solutions that passed the initial cost-effectiveness screen, the utility prioritizes grid solutions based on policy objectives and priorities, regulatory compliance, operational efficiencies, and other factors to develop a portfolio of distribution solutions. The utility uses multi-objective decision-making to assess each proposed expenditure against each objective and respective metric. The utility applies a weighting factor, reflecting the priority ranking of the objective, to the total numerical “score” based on the contribution of the proposed solution to addressing each objective. Ultimately, the utility ranks each expenditure from highest to lowest priority using the final score for each solution as well as its cost. The report includes examples of emerging best practices for states and utilities and a cost-effectiveness process checklist.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
Automated Array Assembly, Phase 2
The purpose of the overall program is to establish technological readiness and provide verification for the elements of a manufacturing sequence which would ultimately be suitable for the large-scale production of silicon solar-array modules at a selling price of less than $500/kW. A program and process plan for accomplishing this objective was developed and put into operation. Three junction-formation processes are shown; since cost analysis shows that they do not differ greatly in cost, each should be considered for technical merits and possible future cost reduction. The progress made in the various process steps of the plan is described, and conclusions are presented.
Daiello, R. V.↗
The Automated Array Assembly Task of the Low-cost Silicon Solar Array Project, Phase 2
An advanced process sequence for manufacturing high efficiency solar cells and modules in a cost-effective manner is discussed. Emphasis is on process simplicity and minimizing consumed materials. The process sequence incorporates texture etching, plasma processes for damage removal and patterning, ion implantation, low pressure silicon nitride deposition, and plated metal. A reliable module design is presented. Specific process step developments are given. A detailed cost analysis was performed to indicate future areas of fruitful cost reduction effort. Recommendations for advanced investigations are included.
Coleman, M. G.↗
Spacelab experiment computer study. Volume 1: Executive summary (presentation)
A quantitative cost for various Spacelab flight hardware configurations is provided along with varied software development options. A cost analysis of Spacelab computer hardware and software is presented. The cost study is discussed based on utilization of a central experiment computer with optional auxillary equipment. Groundrules and assumptions used in deriving the costing methods for all options in the Spacelab experiment study are presented. The groundrules and assumptions, are analysed and the options along with their cost considerations, are discussed. It is concluded that Spacelab program cost for software development and maintenance is independent of experimental hardware and software options, that distributed standard computer concept simplifies software integration without a significant increase in cost, and that decisions on flight computer hardware configurations should not be made until payload selection for a given mission and a detailed analysis of the mission requirements are completed.
Lewis, J. L.↗
Shared mooring system designs and cost estimates for wave energy arrays
For floating renewable energy devices to become more cost-efficient and commercially scalable, their mooring system designs must be low-cost and suited for large-scale installations. Large arrays of floating devices, such as wave energy converters (WECs), will likely be designed with an individual mooring system for each device in the array. However, new mooring technology advancements provide options to use shared mooring lines to connect adjacent devices to one another, reducing the total number of anchors in the array, thereby reducing material use and cost. Here, this paper explores the design, modeling, and cost analysis of shared mooring systems for various sizes of arrays consisting of heaving oscillating water column (OWC) WECs. Shared mooring systems for WEC arrays sized in 2 x N and N x N grid layouts are designed to meet the relevant design standards, checking their performance with a nonlinear time-domain dynamic simulation, and the costs of each are calculated and compared. Several assumptions are taken in the design process to produce efficient results, providing a preliminary optimization for guidance on design decisions rather than a full, detailed design analysis. Mooring system costs per WEC were found to decrease as the number of WECs in the array increase, up to certain array sizes. The 2 x 3 array had the lowest mooring system cost per WEC out of all arrays considered, with a 60% cost reduction relative to using individual mooring systems. The 3 x 3 and 4 x 4 arrays achieved a 50% cost per WEC reduction. In addition to these significant cost reductions, the shared mooring system designs can provide advantages through smaller mooring system footprints, lower installation times, and less seabed disturbance.
16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
Cost and Benefit Analysis of Orbital Debris Remediation
This report describes a cost-benefit analysis of approaches for debris remediation, which is defined as any action taken to reduce the risks posed by orbital debris by moving, removing, or reusing it. A better understanding of the near-term costs and benefits of the different approaches to remediation can support decision-making about R&D investment and policy creation in this area.
Thomas J. Colvin↗
Life-cycle costs of high-performance cells
A life cycle cost analysis of high efficiency cells was presented. Although high efficiency cells produce more power, they also cost more to make and are more susceptible to array hot-spot heating. Three different computer analysis programs were used: SAMICS (solar array manufacturing industry costing standards), PVARRAY (an array failure mode/degradation simulator), and LCP (lifetime cost and performance). The high efficiency cell modules were found to be more economical in this study, but parallel redundancy is recommended.
Daniel, R.↗