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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Sabatier Carbon Dioxide Reduction Assembly Development for Closed Loop Water Recovery

The Sabatier Carbon Dioxide Reduction System (CRA) offers water recovery on a long duration space mission to reduce water resupply. Currently, NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc. (HSSSI), and Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) are working together to develop a Sabatier CRA for the International Space Station (ISS). This effort is being funded by the Office of Biological and Physical Research (Code U)/Advanced Life Support program which is administered by NASA JSC. The Sabatier CRA is the next step in closing the oxygen life support loop on future space missions. The Sabatier reaction combines the waste carbon dioxide (recovered from crew metabolism) with waste hydrogen (a byproduct of electrolysis to produce oxygen) to produce water and methane (CH4). On ISS, the methane would be vented overboard, however the methane can be utilized for propulsion during a planetary exploration mission. Based on a crew size of 7-equivalent people, the Sabatier CRA can produce as much a 2000 lb/year water. Use of the Sabatier CRA will significantly reduce the amount of water that needs to be resupplied to the ISS on a yearly basis, at a tremendous cost saving to the program. Additionally, by recycling this additional water, the Sabatier CRA enables additional launch capacity for science experiments to be brought up to the ISS. The NASA/Industry team noted above has been working to reduce technical risks associated with the Sabatier CRA system. To date the technical risks have been considerably reduced, bringing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from TRL 4 to TRL 5/6. In doing so, the team has developed the system schematic, system models, control scheme, produced engineering development unit (EDU) hardware, performed limited integration testing of the EDU's and verified system modeling through testing. Additionally, the system schematic has been evaluated for failure modes and hazards and had a successful technical review by the NASA Safety Board. The current focus is now related to development of the water/methane phase separator, liquid sensor and CO2 compressor piston seal life. The overall goal of the current effort is to bring the system up to a TRL6 by the end of GFY04. Although the Sabatier CRA is not currently baselined for use on the ISS, its benefits are significant enough such that volume within the Oxygen Generation System rack has been reserved for future installation. The value of the water the CRA recover will allow NASA the additional crew time and payload needed to pursue its mission of scientific research.

Smith, Frederick↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ion Exchange Processes for CO 2 Mineralization Using Industrial Waste Streams: Pilot Plant Demonstration and Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract An attractive technique for removing CO 2 from the environment is sequestration within stable carbonate solids (e. g., calcite). However, continuous addition of alkalinity is required to achieve favorable conditions for carbonate precipitation (pH>8) from aqueous streams containing dissolved CO 2 (pH<4.5) and Ca 2+ ions. In this study, a pH‐swing process using ion exchange was demonstrated to process 300 L of produced water brine per day for CO 2 mineralization. Proton titration capacities were quantified for aqueous streams in equilibrium with gas streams at various concentrations of CO 2 (pCO 2 =0.03–0.20 atm) and at various flow rates (0.5–2.0 L min −1 ). Energy intensities for the process were determined to be between 30 and 65 kWh per tonne of CO 2 sequestered depending on the composition of the brine stream. A life cycle assessment was performed to analyze the net carbon emissions of the technology which indicated a net CO 2 reduction for pCO 2 ≥0.12 atm (−0.06–−0.39 kg CO 2 e per kg precipitated CaCO 3 ) utilizing calcium‐rich brines. The results from this study indicate the ion exchange process can be used as a scalable method to provide alkalinity necessary for the capture and storage of CO 2 in Ca‐rich waste streams.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2025

RB-TnSeq elucidates dicarboxylic-acid-specific catabolism in β-proteobacteria for improved plastic monomer upcycling

Dicarboxylic acids are key components of many polymers and plastics, making them a target for both engineered microbial degradation and sustainable bioproduction. In this study, we generated a comprehensive data set of functional evidence for the genetic basis of dicarboxylic and fatty acid metabolism using randomly barcoded transposon sequencing (RB-TnSeq). We identified four β-proteobacteria that displayed robust growth with dicarboxylic acid sole carbon source and cultured their mutant libraries with dicarboxylic and fatty acids with carbon chain lengths from C3 to C12. The resulting fitness data suggested that dicarboxylic and fatty acid metabolisms are largely distinct, and different sets of β-oxidation genes are required for catabolizing dicarboxylic versus fatty acids of the same carbon chain lengths. In addition, we identified transcriptional regulators and transporters with strong fitness phenotypes related to dicarboxylic acid utilization. In Ralstonia sp. UNC404CL21Col (R. CL21), we deleted two transcriptional repressors to improve its utilization of short-chain dicarboxylic acids. We exploited the diacid-utilizing catabolism of R. CL21 to upcycle a mock mixture of the dicarboxylic acids produced when polyethylene is oxidized. After introducing a heterologous indigoidine production pathway, this engineered Ralstonia produced 0.56 ± 0.02 g/L indigoidine from a mixture of dicarboxylic acids as a carbon source, demonstrating the potential of R. CL21 to upcycle plastic wastes to products derived from tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. IMPORTANCE: Upcycling the carbon in plastic wastes to value-added products is a promising approach to address the plastic waste and climate crises, and dicarboxylic acid metabolism is an important facet of several approaches. Improving our understanding of the genetic basis of this metabolism has the potential to uncover new enzymes and genetic parts for engineered pathways involving dicarboxylic acids. Our data set is the most comprehensive interrogation of dicarboxylic acid catabolism to date, and this work will be of utility to researchers interested in both plastics bioproduction and upcycling applications.

Pearson, Allison N↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The membrane bioreactor (MBR): A hybrid technology for bioregenerative wastewater treatment and resource recovery in space

Extraplanetary surface habitat life support systems (LSS) on the Moon and Mars, as well as long-duration space travel, will require novel capabilities to withstand anticipated unique, harsh conditions. In order to provide safe, habitable environments for the crew, water purification and waste processing systems will be required to treat all sources of water (condensate, Sabatier, urine, hygiene, fecal, food waste) in order to achieve the necessary levels of recovery needed to sustain life over the long-duration missions. The ability to recycle organic wastes creates an opportunity to recover critical elements (e.g., C, H, O, N, P) for subsequent food production, water purification, and atmospheric regeneration. Bioregenerative systems mimic functions of nature in engineered systems, or bioreactors, utilizing combination of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and archaea. While these systems are commonly used on Earth for wastewater treatment, bioreactors for space travel face additional challenges. Terrestrial bioreactors often rely on gravitational settling of dense flocs and granules for cell retention. For micro- or partial-gravity environments, density differential alone will not be adequate for cell retention; a gravity-independent means for cell retention is crucial. The membrane bioreactor represents the state of the art in wastewater treatment. This hybrid system combines biological processes with membrane filtration to achieve performance beyond what each can accomplish individually. The complete cell retention in an MBR allows for the decoupling of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and solids retention time (SRT), which result in a high-thruput, compact, treatment system. The Bioregenerative Water Technology Team at NASA Kennedy Space Center and the University of South Florida has developed a bioregenerative platform based on the hybrid MBR technology. The overall architecture is compact, modular, flexible, and adaptable to mission evolutions. The main subsystems of the bioregenerative architecture include: 1) Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR): Also termed the Organic processor assembly (OPA), the function of the AnMBR is to treat organic wastes such as fecal and food wastes. These wastes are characterized by a concentration of suspended solids comprised of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. The assigned function of the AnMBR is to break down and covert suspended solids to biogas (methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide), reduce effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), liberate organically-bound nutrients, and remove pathogenic organisms. 2) Phototrophic membrane bioreactor (PMBR): The PMBR is comprised of a co-culture of microalgae and bacteria. The assigned function of the PMBR is to polish the permeate of the AnMBR to further remove dissolved organic carbon, manage nutrients (nitrogen transformation, load dampening), and perform air revitalization. 3) Food processor assembly (FPA): The FPA is a food production platform (prokaryotic or eukaryotic), fueled by outputs from the AnMBR, or PMBR. For the presentation, we will describe each step of the bioregenerative architecture, and present performance data from extended trials treating analog and real metabolic wastes.

Bioreactor↗
NASA NTRS1972

Domestic applications for aerospace waste and water management technologies

Some of the aerospace developments in solid waste disposal and water purification, which are applicable to specific domestic problems are explored. Also provided is an overview of the management techniques used in defining the need, in utilizing the available tools, and in synthesizing a solution. Specifically, several water recovery processes will be compared for domestic applicability. Examples are filtration, distillation, catalytic oxidation, reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis. Solid disposal methods will be discussed, including chemical treatment, drying, incineration, and wet oxidation. The latest developments in reducing household water requirements and some concepts for reusing water will be outlined.

Disanto, F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Non-equilibrium radiation nuclear reactor

An externally moderated thermal nuclear reactor is disclosed which is designed to provide output power in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The reactor is a gaseous fueled nuclear cavity reactor device which can operate over wide ranges of temperature and pressure, and which includes the capability of processing and recycling waste products such as long-lived transuranium actinides. The primary output of the device may be in the form of coherent radiation, so that the reactor may be utilized as a self-critical nuclear pumped laser.

Thom, K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Possible environmental effects of increased coal use in California

If coal is to be utilized in California it must be made compatible with the state's drive toward restoring environmental quality. The impacts resulting from coal's mining and transportation, or from water consumption, water quality degradation and electric transmission line routing can probably be adequately mitigated through strong and early planning efforts, the use of improved control and process technologies, and sincere utility commitment. The socioeconomic impacts may prove somewhat more difficult to satisfactorily mitigate. Of greatest concern is adequate control of generated air pollutants and disposal of solid and liquid wastes since acceptable technologies or handling techniques have yet to be conclusively demonstrated.

Carey, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS2003

From Oxygen Generation to Metals Production: In Situ Resource Utilization by Molten Oxide Electrolysis

For the exploration of other bodies in the solar system, electrochemical processing is arguably the most versatile technology for conversion of local resources into usable commodities: by electrolysis one can, in principle, produce (1) breathable oxygen, (2) silicon for the fabrication of solar cells, (3) various reactive metals for use as electrodes in advanced storage batteries, and (4) structural metals such as steel and aluminum. Even so, to date there has been no sustained effort to develop such processes, in part due to the inadequacy of the database. The objective here is to identify chemistries capable of sustaining molten oxide electrolysis in the cited applications and to examine the behavior of laboratory-scale cells designed to generate oxygen and to produce metal. The basic research includes the study of the underlying high-temperature physical chemistry of oxide melts representative of lunar regolith and of Martian soil. To move beyond empirical approaches to process development, the thermodynamic and transport properties of oxide melts are being studied to help set the limits of composition and temperature for the processing trials conducted in laboratory-scale electrolysis cells. The goal of this investigation is to deliver a working prototype cell that can use lunar regolith and Martian soil to produce breathable oxygen along with metal by-product. Additionally, the process can be generalized to permit adaptation to accommodate different feedstock chemistries, such as those that will be encountered on other bodies in the solar system. The expected results of this research include: (1) the identification of appropriate electrolyte chemistries; (2) the selection of candidate anode and cathode materials compatible with electrolytes named above; and (3) performance data from a laboratory-scale cell producing oxygen and metal. On the strength of these results it should be possible to assess the technical viability of molten oxide electrolysis for in situ resource utilization on the Moon and Mars. In parallel, there may be commercial applications here on earth, such as new green technologies for metals extraction and for treatment of hazardous waste, e.g., fixing heavy metals.

Khetpal, Deepak↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hybrid biological-chemical strategy for converting polyethylene into a recyclable plastic monomer using engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum

Converting polyethylene (PE) into valuable materials, particularly ones that are better for the environment than the incumbent plastics, not only helps mitigate environmental issues caused by plastic waste but also alleviates the long-standing problem of microbial fermentation competing with food supplies. However, the inherent robustness of PE due to its strong carbon-carbon bonds and high molecular weight necessitates harsh decomposition conditions, resulting in diverse decomposition outcomes that present significant challenges for downstream applications, especially for bioconversion. In this study, we demonstrate a hybrid biological-chemical conversion process for PE, converting its decomposition products, namely short-chain diacids, into a monomer, β-keto-δ-lactone (BKDL), for highly recyclable polydiketoenimine plastics using engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum. Since BKDL synthesis requires a substantial supply of malonyl-CoA, we employed an alternative biosynthesis pathway that leverages C. glutamicum's natural proficiency in amino acid production. We optimized this pathway in vivo by minimizing carbon loss to CO2 and byproducts, improving the transporter system, and maximizing co-factor regeneration. Furthermore, we co-optimized the PE deconstruction process to produce predominantly C4 to C6 diacids and integrated three catabolic pathways into the engineered strain to enhance diacid utilization, maximizing the carbon conversion from PE. Finally, an engineered polyketide synthase was introduced into C. glutamicum to enable BKDL synthesis. This work demonstrates the potential of a chemo-biological hybrid strategy for recycling plastic waste, highlighting its promise in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable materials.

Zhan, Chunjun↗
DOE OSTI2025

Upcycling Polynorbornene Derivatives into Chemically Recyclable Multiblock Linear and Thermoset Plastics

Synthetic polymers have found widespread use, but their ineffective end-of-life treatment is causing a significant environmental and human health crisis. Here, we demonstrate the upcycling of polynorbornene derivatives (pNBEs) through their deconstruction into distinct oligomeric buildings blocks that can be repolymerized into chemically recyclable pNBEs-like multiblock polymers via dehydrogenative polymerization. The resulting materials exhibit diverse mechanical properties, while integrating high melting temperatures (T m as high as 133 °C). Notably, this method could also enable the selective deconstruction of permanently cross-linked polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD) thermosets into telechelic-OH functionalized oligomers, overcoming the significant challenges posed by their robust network structure in recycling and degradation. The resulting pDCPD oligomers can subsequently be repolymerized with macrodiols to create multiblock thermosets with tunable mechanical properties, including Young's modulus and tensile elongation. After use, upcycled plastics could be effectively deconstructed back to the oligomers for recovery and repolymerization. Overall, this work establishes an approach that can be utilized to upcycle pNBEs into previously inaccessible multiblock thermosets and thermoplastics with full recyclability, and may be generalizable to a range of polymers to shift their end-of-life waste disposal toward sustainable recovery and reuse.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Simulating competition in the US bioeconomy to produce hard‐to‐electrify transportation fuels using limited biomass resources

This study presents a novel bioeconomy optimization framework, BiOpt, designed to address critical questions regarding the strategic use of limited US biomass resources for biofuel production. By integrating detailed techno-economic analyses, life cycle assessments, and resource assessment data, BiOpt optimizes resource distributions across competing technologies to maximize economic performance and/or minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Using feedstock scenarios from the 2023 Billion Ton Study, the analysis explores optimal biomass allocations across sustainable aviation fuel, diesel, and marine biofuel conversion pathways given varying production targets and policy incentives. Results demonstrate distinct feedstock preferences and pathway utilizations when prioritizing economic returns vs. emissions reductions. For instance, fats, oils, and greases were highly favored in cost-optimized scenarios, while low-carbon feedstocks such as wet waste dominated greenhouse gas-minimized strategies. The findings underscore the pivotal role of policy incentives and technological advances in shaping biofuel supply chains and provide actionable insights for scaling sustainable biofuel production to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors. This framework offers a robust tool for policymakers and stakeholders to evaluate biofuel strategies that balance energy output, economic viability, and environmental impact.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mixed polyester recycling can enable a circular plastic economy with environmental benefits

The mixed and varied nature of fossil-based and bio-based plastic waste requires complex and costly separations to enable compatibility with recycling technologies. A circular plastic economy based on mixed polyesters through cleaving ester bonds to produce monomers, while re-utilizing bio-based monomers to produce high-quality sustainable plastics, charts an exciting solution. However, the feasibility of such a circular economy solution remains underexplored. Here, in this study, we conducted a techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment of three polyester depolymerization recycling processes-methanolysis, glycolysis, and acid hydrolysis-for a mixed feedstock (polyethylene terephthalate [PET], polylactic acid [PLA], and polybutylene adipate terephthalate [PBAT]). Methanolysis outperforms glycolysis and hydrolysis economically and environmentally due to more efficient downstream separations, generating products with a 31% decrease in selling price and 21%-46% reduction in acidification, carcinogenic toxicity, fossil-fuel depletion, global warming potential, particulate formation, and smog formation compared to conventional polyester manufacturing. This study highlights the viability of a circular plastic economy for mixed polyesters via a single chemical recycling process.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluation of Pu Solubility in Glass for Sludge Batch 11

Stainless-steel clad Pu from Japan’s Fast Critical Assembly (FCA) reactor is currently being dispositioned at the Savannah River Site. The electrolytic dissolver, operated by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions in H-Canyon, is being utilized to dissolve the material. The resulting solutions are transferred to the Concentration, Storage, and Transfer Facilities, operated by Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), for subsequent vitrification at the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). In support of the FCA mission startup, a preliminary evaluation was conducted by the Savannah River National Laboratory to assess the impact of the FCA discards on the liquid waste system.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1981

Conceptual design study of a coal gasification combined-cycle powerplant for industrial cogeneration

A conceptual design study was conducted to assess technical feasibility, environmental characteristics, and economics of coal gasification. The feasibility of a coal gasification combined cycle cogeneration powerplant was examined in response to energy needs and to national policy aimed at decreasing dependence on oil and natural gas. The powerplant provides the steam heating and baseload electrical requirements while serving as a prototype for industrial cogeneration and a modular building block for utility applications. The following topics are discussed: (1) screening of candidate gasification, sulfur removal and power conversion components; (2) definition of a reference system; (3) quantification of plant emissions and waste streams; (4) estimates of capital and operating costs; and (5) a procurement and construction schedule. It is concluded that the proposed powerplant is technically feasible and environmentally superior.

Bloomfield, H. S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Chemicals from biomass - The U.S. prospects for the turn of the century

Historically, chemicals from biomass have been and are expected to be economical in three major areas: byproducts, specialty items and polymers. Assessments of producing major chemicals from biomass in a processing plant based on the available conversion techniques indicate that they are not economically attractive, with the possible exception of conversion to ammonia and ethanol. The deterrents are the heavy capital investments, dependability of raw material supply and transportation costs for large plants, lack of operation experience, inadaptability of market variations, and competition from petroleum and coal. More importantly, it is also shown that even if chemicals from biomass were economical today, the resultant savings in petroleum would be far less than those achieved through other options available for the utilization of biomass as fuel and structural material. Thus, it is concluded that near-term research and development must be toward improved conversion processes, recovery of valuable products from waste streams at existing plants, more efficient use of biomass of energy and more efficient production of superior material products.

Sarbolouki, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Modular Flooring System

The modular flooring system (MFS) was developed to provide a portable, modular, durable carpeting solution for NASA fs Robotics Alliance Project fs (RAP) outreach efforts. It was also designed to improve and replace a modular flooring system that was too heavy for safe use and transportation. The MFS was developed for use as the flooring for various robotics competitions that RAP utilizes to meet its mission goals. One of these competitions, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), currently uses two massive rolls of broadloom carpet for the foundation of the arena in which the robots are contained during the competition. The area of the arena is approximately 30 by 72 ft (approximately 9 by 22 m). This carpet is very cumbersome and requires large-capacity vehicles, and handling equipment and personnel to transport and deploy. The broadloom carpet sustains severe abuse from the robots during a regular three-day competition, and as a result, the carpet is not used again for competition. Similarly, broadloom carpets used for trade shows at convention centers around the world are typically discarded after only one use. This innovation provides a green solution to this wasteful practice. Each of the flooring modules in the previous system weighed 44 lb (.20 kg). The improvements in the overall design of the system reduce the weight of each module by approximately 22 lb (.10 kg) (50 %), and utilize an improved "module-to-module" connection method that is superior to the previous system. The MFS comprises 4-by-4-ft (.1.2-by- 1.2-m) carpet module assemblies that utilize commercially available carpet tiles that are bonded to a lightweight substrate. The substrate surface opposite from the carpeted surface has a module-to-module connecting interface that allows for the modules to be connected, one to the other, as the modules are constructed. This connection is hidden underneath the modules, creating a smooth, co-planar flooring surface. The modules are stacked and strapped onto durable, commercially available drywall carts for storage and/or transportation. This method of storage and transportation makes it very convenient and safe when handling large quantities of modules.

Thate, Robert↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Design of a Dynamic Radioisotope Power System Generator Testbed

The Dynamic Radioisotope Power System (DRPS) Testbed is a configurable laboratory test article designed to demonstrate the latest topology of a dynamic radioisotope power system generator. It utilizes an array of Stirling convertors arranged around a centrally located heat source that is radiantly coupled to the convertor hot ends. The Testbed is designed to dissipate all the waste heat through the housing and is outfitted with means for auxiliary cooling methods as well. During the past three years, the team at NASA’s Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been designing and analyzing the various aspects of the DRPS Testbed. Currently, the parts for the Testbed are being manufactured, and the team is focusing on developing the test stand, supporting hardware, and assembly and operation procedures in preparation for the anticipated first operation of the DRPS Testbed in summer of 2022.

Generator↗