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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 55 records · Page 3

Scramjet fuel injector design parameters and considerations: Development of a two-dimensional tangential fuel injector with constant pressure at the flame

The factors affecting a tangential fuel injector design for scramjet operation are reviewed and their effect on the efficiency of the supersonic combustion process is evaluated using both experimental data and theoretical predictions. A description of the physical problem of supersonic combustion and method of analysis is followed by a presentation and evaluation of some standard and exotic types of fuel injectors. Engineering fuel injector design criteria and hydrogen ignition schemes are presented along with a cursory review of available experimental data. A two-dimensional tangential fuel injector design is developed using analyses as a guide in evaluating the effects on the combustion process of various initial and boundary conditions including splitter plate thickness, injector wall temperature, pressure gradients, etc. The fuel injector wall geometry is shaped so as to maintain approximately constant pressure at the flame as required by a cycle analysis. A viscous characteristics program which accounts for lateral as well as axial pressure variations due to the mixing and combustion process is used in determining the wall geometry.

Agnone, A. M.↗

Impact of future fuel properties on aircraft engines and fuel systems

This paper describes and discusses the propulsion-system problems that will most likely be encountered if the specifications of hydrocarbon-based jet fuels must undergo significant changes in the future and, correspondingly, the advances in technology that will be required to minimize the adverse impact of these problems. Several investigations conducted are summarized. Illustrations are used to describe the relative effects of selected fuel properties on the behavior of propulsion-system components and fuel systems. The selected fuel properties are those that are most likely to be relaxed in future fuel specifications. Illustrations are also used to describe technological advances that may be needed in the future. Finally, the technological areas needing the most attention are described, and programs that are under way to address these needs are briefly discussed.

Rudey, R. A.↗

Study of fuel systems for LH2-fueled subsonic transport aircraft, volume 1

Several engine concepts examined to determine a preferred design which most effectively exploits the characteristics of hydrogen fuel in aircraft tanks received major emphasis. Many candidate designs of tank structure and cryogenic insulation systems were evaluated. Designs of all major elements of the aircraft fuel system including pumps, lines, valves, regulators, and heat exchangers received attention. Selected designs of boost pumps to be mounted in the LH2 tanks, and of a high pressure pump to be mounted on the engine were defined. A final design of LH2-fueled transport aircraft was established which incorporates a preferred design of fuel system. That aircraft was then compared with a conventionally fueled counterpart designed to equivalent technology standards.

Brewer, G. D.↗

Alkaline fuel cells for the regenerative fuel cell energy storage system

The development of the alkaline Regenerative Fuel Cell System, whose fuel cell module would be a derivative of the 12-kW fuel cell power plant currently being produced for the Space Shuttle Orbiter, is reviewed. Long-term endurance testing of full-size fuel cell modules has demonstrated: (1) the extended endurance capability of potassium titanate matrix cells, (2) the long-term performance stability of the anode catalyst, and (3) the suitability of a lightweight graphite structure for use at the anode. These approaches, developed in the NASA-sponsored fuel cell technology advancement program, would also reduce cell weight by nearly one half.

Martin, R. E.↗

Process Developed for Fabricating Engineered Pore Structures for High- Fuel-Utilization Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have tremendous commercial potential because of their high efficiency, high energy density, and flexible fuel capability (ability to use fossil fuels). The drive for high-power-utilizing, ultrathin electrolytes (less than 10 microns), has placed an increased demand on the anode to provide structural support, yet allow sufficient fuel entry for sustained power generation. Concentration polarization, a condition where the fuel demand exceeds the supply, is evident in all commercial-based anode-supported cells, and it presents a significant roadblock to SOFC commercialization.

Sofie, Stephen W.↗

Jet fuel based high pressure solid oxide fuel cell system

A power system for an aircraft includes a solid oxide fuel cell system which generates electric power for the aircraft and an exhaust stream; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the exhaust stream of the solid oxide fuel cell to a heat requiring system or component of the aircraft. The heat can be transferred to fuel for the primary engine of the aircraft. Further, the same fuel can be used to power both the primary engine and the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned to cool reformate before feeding to the fuel cell. SOFC exhaust is treated and used as inerting gas. Finally, oxidant to the SOFC can be obtained from the aircraft cabin, or exterior, or both.

Gummalla, Mallika↗

Jet Fuel Based High Pressure Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System

A power system for an aircraft includes a solid oxide fuel cell system which generates electric power for the aircraft and an exhaust stream; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the exhaust stream of the solid oxide fuel cell to a heat requiring system or component of the aircraft. The heat can be transferred to fuel for the primary engine of the aircraft. Further, the same fuel can be used to power both the primary engine and the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned to cool reformate before feeding to the fuel cell. SOFC exhaust is treated and used as inerting gas. Finally, oxidant to the SOFC can be obtained from the aircraft cabin, or exterior, or both.

Gummalla, Mallika↗

Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell as Part of a Predictive Functional Model for Aerospace Fuel-Cell Systems

This paper will discuss initial efforts at modeling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for aerospace applications. Fuel cells historically have been used in spacecraft from the Gemini to the Shuttle era for providing spacecraft power with the added benefit of producing water for crew use. However, there are many potential applications for fuel cells and electrolyzers in spaceflight, including oxygen generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and propellant production. This proof-of-concept model has been developed using a commercial multiphysics modeling software package. Two-dimensional and one-dimensional isothermal models were created based on a certain SOFC design and results were compared to test data from the real system. Local Butler-Volmer kinetic relations were adjusted, and an effective porous medium approach was taken in order to capture how the many interconnects between cells in the gas channels affected fluid flow. The model was able to reproduce polarization curves derived from test data within around 0.02 Volts for a given current density. This model could be adapted to model a solid oxide electrolyzer, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or other type of fuel cell technology in order to understand how these types of technologies could fit into broader spacecraft designs and advance the capabilities of spaceflight systems.

Mary Lou Nadeau↗

Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell as Part of a Predictive Functional Model for Aerospace Fuel-Cell Systems

This paper will discuss initial efforts at modeling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for aerospace applications. Fuel cells historically have been used in spacecraft from the Gemini to the Shuttle era for providing spacecraft power with the added benefit of producing water for crew use. However, there are many potential applications for fuel cells and electrolyzers in spaceflight, including oxygen generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and propellant production. This proof-of-concept model has been developed using a commercial multiphysics modeling software package. Two-dimensional and one-dimensional isothermal models were created based on a certain SOFC design and results were compared to test data from the real system. Local Butler-Volmer kinetic relations were adjusted, and an effective porous medium approach was taken in order to capture how the many interconnects between cells in the gas channels affected fluid flow. The model was able to reproduce polarization curves derived from test data within around 0.02 Volts for a given current density. This model could be adapted to model a solid oxide electrolyzer, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or other type of fuel cell technology in order to understand how these types of technologies could fit into broader spacecraft designs and advance the capabilities of spaceflight systems.

Mary Lou Nadeau↗

Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell as Part of a Predictive Functional Model for Aerospace Fuel-Cell Systems

This paper will discuss initial efforts at modeling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for aerospace applications. Fuel cells historically have been used in spacecraft from the Gemini to the Shuttle era for providing spacecraft power with the added benefit of producing water for crew use. However, there are many potential applications for fuel cells and electrolyzers in spaceflight, including oxygen generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and propellant production. This proof-of-concept model has been developed using a commercial multiphysics modeling software package. Two-dimensional and one-dimensional isothermal models were created based on a certain SOFC design and results were compared to test data from the real system. Local Butler-Volmer kinetic relations were adjusted, and an effective porous medium approach was taken in order to capture how the many interconnects between cells in the gas channels affected fluid flow. The model was able to reproduce polarization curves derived from test data within around 0.02 Volts for a given current density. This model could be adapted to model a solid oxide electrolyzer, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or other type of fuel cell technology in order to understand how these types of technologies could fit into broader spacecraft designs and advance the capabilities of spaceflight systems.

Mary Lou Nadeau↗

Modeling of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell as Part of a Predictive Functional Model for Aerospace Fuel-Cell Systems

This paper will discuss initial efforts at modeling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for aerospace applications. Fuel cells historically have been used in spacecraft from the Gemini to the Shuttle era for providing spacecraft power with the added benefit of producing water for crew use. However, there are many potential applications for fuel cells and electrolyzers in spaceflight, including oxygen generation, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and propellant production. This proof-of-concept model has been developed using a commercial multiphysics modeling software package. Two-dimensional and one-dimensional isothermal models were created based on a certain SOFC design and results were compared to test data from the real system. Local Butler-Volmer kinetic relations were adjusted, and an effective porous medium approach was taken in order to capture how the many interconnects between cells in the gas channels affected fluid flow. The model was able to reproduce polarization curves derived from test data within around 0.02 Volts for a given current density. This model could be adapted to model a solid oxide electrolyzer, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or other type of fuel cell technology in order to understand how these types of technologies could fit into broader spacecraft designs and advance the capabilities of spaceflight systems.

Mary Lou Nadeau↗

A fuel conservation study for transport aircraft utilizing advanced technology and hydrogen fuel

The conservation of fossil fuels in commercial aviation was investigated. Four categories of aircraft were selected for investigation: (1) conventional, medium range, low take-off gross weight; (2) conventional, long range, high take-off gross weights; (3) large take-off gross weight aircraft that might find future applications using both conventional and advanced technology; and (4) advanced technology aircraft of the future powered with liquid hydrogen fuel. It is concluded that the hydrogen fueled aircraft can perform at reduced size and gross weight the same payload/range mission as conventionally fueled aircraft.

Berry, W.↗

Optimal dual-fuel propulsion for minimum inert weight or minimum fuel cost

An analytical investigation of single-stage vehicles with multiple propulsion phases has been conducted with the phasing optimized to minimize a general cost function. Some results are presented for linearized sizing relationships which indicate that single-stage-to-orbit, dual-fuel rocket vehicles can have lower inert weight than similar single-fuel rocket vehicles and that the advantage of dual-fuel vehicles can be increased if a dual-fuel engine is developed. The results also indicate that the optimum split can vary considerably with the choice of cost function to be minimized.

Martin, J. A.↗

Low NO sub x heavy fuel combustor concept program. Phase 1A: Combustion technology generation coal gas fuels

Combustion tests of two scaled burners using actual coal gas from a 25 ton/day fluidized bed coal gasifier are described. The two combustor configurations studied were a ceramic lined, staged rich/lean burner and an integral, all metal multiannual swirl burner (MASB). The tests were conducted over a range of temperature and pressures representative of current industrial combustion turbine inlet conditions. Tests on the rich lean burner were conducted at three levels of product gas heating values: 104, 197 and 254 btu/scf. Corresponding levels of NOx emissions were 5, 20 and 70 ppmv. Nitrogen was added to the fuel in the form of ammonia, and conversion efficiencies of fuel nitrogen to NOx were on the order of 4 percent to 12 percent, which is somewhat lower than the 14 percent to 18 percent conversion efficiency when src-2 liquid fuel was used. The MASB was tested only on medium btu gas (220 to 270 btu/scf), and produced approximately 80 ppmv NOx at rated engine conditions. Both burners operated similarly on actual coal gas and erbs fuel, and all heating values tested can be successfully burned in current machines.

Sherlock, T. P.↗

Deposit formation in liquid fuels. I - Effect of coal-derived Lewis bases on storage stability of Jet A turbine fuel

The development of reasonably precise techniques for the measurement of storage stability of jet aviation fuel is described. Lewis bases, extracted by ligand-exchange from a coal-derived liquid, are shown to adversely affect storage stability (as determined by an accelerated storage test) when added to Jet A turbine fuel. JFTOT results suggesting slight decreases in thermal stability of fuel 'spiked' (i.e., contaminated with a measured quantity of reagent) with extract are reported. Addition to Jet A turbine fuel of individual heterocyclic nitrogen compounds is shown to produce comparable decreases in storage stability.

Dahlin, K. E.↗

Analysis of fuel system technology for broad property fuels

An analytical study was performed in order to assess relative performance and economic factors involved with alternative advanced fuel systems for future commercial aircraft operating with broad property fuels. Significant results, with emphasis on design practicality from the engine manufacturer' standpoint, are highlighted. Several advanced fuel systems were modeled to determine as accurately as possible the relative merits of each system from the standpoint of compatibility with broad property fuel. Freezing point, thermal stability, and lubricity were key property issues. A computer model was formulated to determine the investment incentive for each system. Results are given.

Coffinberry, G. A.↗

Performance of Pentaborane, Pentaborane - JP-4 Fuel Mixtures, and Trimethylborate Azeotrope Fuel in a Full-scale Turbojet Engine

This report summarizes the full-scale engine tests of pentaborane, pentaborane - JP-4 fuel mixtures, and trimethylborate azeotrope fuel. The tests were conducted in a full-scale turbojet engine at a simulated altitude of 50,000 feet and Mach number of 0.08. Engine speeds were 90 to 100 percent of rated speed. Pentaborane reduced the the specific fuel consumption to two-thirds that of JP-4 fuel. However, because boron oxide collected in the engine, the performance deteriorated with continued operation of pentaborane in each of the short-duration tests reported.

Breitwiesser, Roland↗