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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Thermo-Hydrological Modeling of Thermal Energy Storage in a Depleted Oil Reservoir

Thermal energy storage in oil and gas reservoirs leverages the existing surface and subsurface infrastructure, which can pave the way for economic production of geothermal energy. Existing studies on geothermal energy storage are focused mostly on the use of aquifers with more homogeneous rock and fluid properties. Coupling of heat and fluid flow in a multiphase-multicomponent system, such as an oil reservoir, is imperative especially if existing oil field assets need to be repurposed as required for a sustainable energy transition. The objective is to model the subsurface thermo-hydrological processes associated with reservoir performance and operational sustainability. The model evaluates formation pressure and temperature within the reservoir and at the injection/production wells during multiple charge and discharge cycles. Hot water (approximately 200 degrees C) heated by Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) at high pressure is injected into the existing oil reservoir for storage and produced as thermal energy for power generation, which will be accompanied by enhanced oil recovery. To demonstrate the coupled fluid and heat flow during the injection/production cycle in the subsurface reservoir, TOUGH3 (developed by Berkeley Lab) is used to simulate the thermo-hydrological (TH) processes in a multiphase, multicomponent system. Two well geometries are considered within the reservoir grid: 1) a single-well huff-n-puff system (same well is used for injection and production), and 2) an isolated injection-production well doublet. Seasonal charge and discharge cycling are implemented based on the scheduling specified in the model input file. The model reports pressure, temperature, enthalpy, liquid fluxes, heat fluxes, pore velocities, and changes in porosity & permeability due to temperature and pressure variations during the cyclic Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (RTES) operations. The results from the simulations can be used to optimize the operational parameters (such as well spacing and injection/production rates) and round-trip efficiency for surface power-plants coupled with thermal energy storage over time. They can also serve as important inputs for levelized cost of storage estimations. The research will help to design and integrate surface renewable energy sources, such as concentrating solar power (CSP), with RTES to help balance out power supply and demand on the grid.

CSP↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermal and Well Flow Performance of Closed-Loop Geothermal in the Wattenberg Area: Preprint

Closed-loop geothermal systems provide an alternative to resource-constrained hydrothermal systems and stimulation-intensive enhanced geothermal systems. In this work, we apply the slender-body theory (SBT) model, to simulate the well flow and heat transfer performance of U-loop well designs drilled in the Wattenberg area of the Denver-Julesburg Basin. Three U-loop well patterns are investigated including a single, double, and multi-lateral design. The subsurface within area is characterized by deep, hot (> 200degreesC) igneous/metamorphic basement rock underlying multiple sedimentary formations. The lateral section(s) of the U-loop lies within a target depth of 6 km where temperatures are estimated to approach 300degreesC. As a base case, conduction-only heat transfer is investigated through simulations with the SBT model within U-loops with open-hole laterals that exchange heat directly with the hot dry rock using water as a working fluid. The utilization of supercritical CO2 as a heat transfer fluid is also considered. For each scenario, the system performance in terms of annual heat production and temperature profile over a 20-year project lifetime are assessed. Also, the levelized costs of heat and electricity (LCOH and LCOE) are determined using a top-down technoeconomic analysis model. The results show that the performance and cost optimized U-loop design is one having an injection-production well spacing of 1,000 meters with ten 50-meter-spaced laterals that traverse a subsurface system with a temperature gradient of 60degreesC/km. By injecting 20 degreesC-water at a rate of 60 kg/s through this loop, an average heat production of 19 MWth can be achieved, resulting in an LCOE and LCOH of $136/MWh and $1.53/GJ, respectively, over a 20-year project life.

closed-loop geothermal↗
DOE OSTI2025

Thermal and Well Flow Performance of Closed-Loop Geothermal in the Wattenberg Area

Closed-loop geothermal systems provide an alternative to resource-constrained hydrothermal systems and stimulation-intensive enhanced geothermal systems. In this work, we apply the slender-body theory (SBT) model, to simulate the well flow and heat transfer performance of U-loop well designs in the Wattenberg area of the Denver-Julesburg Basin. Three U-loop well patterns are investigated, including a single-, double-, and multi-lateral design. The subsurface within the area of interest is characterized by deep, hot (> 200 degrees C) igneous/metamorphic basement rock underlying multiple sedimentary formations. The lateral section(s) of the U-loop lie(s) within a target depth of 6 km, where temperatures are estimated to approach 300 degrees C. As a base case, conduction-only heat transfer is investigated through simulations with the SBT model within U-loops with open-hole laterals that exchange heat directly with the hot, dry rock using water as a working fluid. The utilization of supercritical CO2 as a heat transfer fluid is also considered. For each scenario, the system performance in terms of annual heat production and temperature profile over a 20-year project lifetime are assessed. Also, the levelized costs of heat and electricity (LCOH and LCOE) are determined using a top-down techno-economic analysis model. The results show that the performance- and cost-optimized U-loop design is one having an injection-production well spacing of 1,000 meters with ten 50-meter-spaced laterals that traverse a subsurface system with a temperature gradient of 60 degrees C/km. By injecting 20 degrees C-water at a rate of 60 kg/s through this loop, an average heat production of 19 MWth (i.e., 2.2 MWe net plant output) can be achieved, resulting in an LCOE and LCOH of $136/MWhe and $1.53/GJ, respectively, over a 20-year project life.

closed-loop geothermal↗
NASA NTRS2014

The O/OREOS Mission - Astrobiology in Low Earth Orbit

The O/OREOS (Organism/Organic Exposure to Orbital Stresses) nanosatellite is the first science demonstration spacecraft and flight mission of the NASA Astrobiology Small- Payloads Program (ASP). O/OREOS was launched successfully on November 19, 2010, to a high-inclination (72 deg), 650-km Earth orbit aboard a US Air Force Minotaur IV rocket from Kodiak, Alaska. O/OREOS consists of 3 conjoined cubesat (each 1000 cu cm) modules: (i) a control bus; (ii) the Space Environment Survivability of Living Organisms (SESLO) experiment; and (iii) the Space Environment Viability of Organics (SEVO) experiment. Among the innovative aspects of the O/OREOS mission are a real-time analysis of the photostability of organics and biomarkers and the collection of data on the survival and metabolic activity for microorganisms at 3 times during the 6-month mission. We report on the spacecraft characteristics, payload capabilities, and present operational phase and flight data from the O/OREOS mission. The science and technology rationale of O/OREOS supports NASA0s scientific exploration program by investigating the local space environment as well as space biology relevant to Moon and Mars missions. It also serves as a precursor for experiments on small satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), future free-flyers and lunar surface exposure facilities.

Spectroscopy↗
NASA NTRS2016

A Detailed Historical Review of Propellant Management Devices for Low Gravity Propellant Acquisition

This paper presents a comprehensive background and historical review of Propellant Management Devices (PMDs) used throughout spaceflight history. The purpose of a PMD is to separate liquid and gas phases within a propellant tank and to transfer vapor-free propellant from a storage tank to a transfer line en route to either an engine or receiver depot tank, in any gravitational or thermal environment. The design concept, basic flow physics, and principle of operation are presented for each type of PMD. The three primary capillary driven PMD types of vanes, sponges, and screen channel liquid acquisition devices are compared and contrasted. For each PMD type, a detailed review of previous applications using storable propellants is given, which include space experiments as well as space missions and vehicles. Examples of previous cryogenic propellant management are also presented.

Liquid acquisition device↗
NASA NTRS2011

The O/OREOS Mission - Astrobiology in Low Earth Orbit

The O/OREOS (Organism/Organic Exposure to Orbital Stresses) nanosatellite is the first science demonstration spacecraft and flight mission of the NASA Astrobiology Small- Payloads Program (ASP). O/OREOS was launched successfully on November 19, 2010, to a high-inclination (72°), 650-km Earth orbit aboard a US Air Force Minotaur IV rocket from Kodiak, Alaska. O/OREOS consists of 3 conjoined cubesat (each 1000 cu.cm) modules: (i) a control bus, (ii) the Space Environment Survivability of Living Organisms (SESLO) experiment, and (iii) the Space Environment Viability of Organics (SEVO) experiment. Among the innovative aspects of the O/OREOS mission are a real-time analysis of the photostability of organics and biomarkers and the collection of data on the survival and metabolic activity for micro-organisms at 3 times during the 6-month mission. We will report on the spacecraft characteristics, payload capabilities and first operational phase of the O/OREOS mission. The science and technology rationale of O/OREOS supports NASA’s scientific exploration program by investigating the local space environment as well as space biology relevant to Moon and Mars missions. It also serves as precursor for experiments on small satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), future free-flyers and lunar surface exposure facilities.

Ehrenfreund, P.↗
NASA NTRS2011

The O/OREOS Mission - Astrobiology in Low Earth Orbit

The O/OREOS (Organism/Organic Exposure to Orbital Stresses) nanosatellite is the first science demonstration spacecraft and flight mission of the NASA Astrobiology Small- Payloads Program (ASP). O/OREOS was launched successfully on November 19, 2010, to a high-inclination (72°), 650-km Earth orbit aboard a US Air Force Minotaur IV rocket from Kodiak, Alaska. O/OREOS consists of 3 conjoined cubesat (each 1000 cu.cm) modules: (i) a control bus, (ii) the Space Environment Survivability of Living Organisms (SESLO) experiment, and (iii) the Space Environment Viability of Organics (SEVO) experiment. Among the innovative aspects of the O/OREOS mission are a real-time analysis of the photostability of organics and biomarkers and the collection of data on the survival and metabolic activity for micro-organisms at 3 times during the 6-month mission. We will report on the spacecraft characteristics, payload capabilities and first operational phase of the O/OREOS mission. The science and technology rationale of O/OREOS supports NASA’s scientific exploration program by investigating the local space environment as well as space biology relevant to Moon and Mars missions. It also serves as precursor for experiments on small satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), future free-flyers and lunar surface exposure facilities.

Ehrenfreund, P.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Enabling Rapid Naval Architecture Design Space Exploration

Well accepted conceptual ship design tools can be used to explore a design space, but more precise results can be found using detailed models in full-feature computer aided design programs. However, defining a detailed model can be a time intensive task and hence there is an incentive for time sensitive projects to use conceptual design tools to explore the design space. In this project, the combination of advanced aerospace systems design methods and an accepted conceptual design tool facilitates the creation of a tool that enables the user to not only visualize ship geometry but also determine design feasibility and estimate the performance of a design.

Mueller, Michael A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Estimating Terrestrial Carbon Exchange from Space: How Often and How Well?

Data from a new space mission measuring integrated light-use efficiency could provide a breakthrough in understanding of global carbon, water, and energy dynamics, and greatly improve the accuracy of model predictions for terrestrial carbon cycles and climate. Over the past decade, Gamon and others have shown that changes in photo-protective pigments are sensitive indicators of declines in light-use efficiency of plants and plant canopies. The requirements for integrated diurnal measurements from space need to be defined, before a space mission can be formulated successfully using this concept. We used towerbased CO 2 flux data as idealized proxies for remote measurements, examining their sampling properties. Thousands of half-hourly CO 2 flux measurements are needed before their average begins to converge on an average annual net CO 2 exchange. Estimates of daily integrated fluxes (i.e., diurnal curves) are more statistically efficient, especially if the spacing between measured days is quasiregular, rather than random. Using a few measurements per day one can distinguish among days with different net CO 2 exchanges. Fluxes sampled between mid-morning to mid-afternoon are more diagnostic than early morning or late afternoon measurements. Similar results (correlation >0.935) were obtained using 2 measurements per day with high accuracy ([:plusmn:]5%), 3 measurements per day with medium accuracy ([:plusmn:] 10%), or 5 measurements per day at lower accuracy ([:plusmn:]20%). An observatory in a geosynchronous or near-geosynchronous orbit could provide appropriate observations, as could a multi-satellite constellation in polar orbits, but there is a potential trade-off between the required number of observations per day and quality of each observation.

Knox, Robert G.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Nearest neighbour distributions: New statistical measures for cosmological clustering

ABSTRACT The use of summary statistics beyond the two-point correlation function to analyse the non-Gaussian clustering on small scales, and thereby, increasing the sensitivity to the underlying cosmological parameters, is an active field of research in cosmology. In this paper, we explore a set of new summary statistics – the k-Nearest Neighbour Cumulative Distribution Functions (kNN-CDF). This is the empirical cumulative distribution function of distances from a set of volume-filling, Poisson distributed random points to the k-nearest data points, and is sensitive to all connected N-point correlations in the data. The kNN-CDF can be used to measure counts in cell, void probability distributions, and higher N-point correlation functions, all using the same formalism exploiting fast searches with spatial tree data structures. We demonstrate how it can be computed efficiently from various data sets – both discrete points, and the generalization for continuous fields. We use data from a large suite of N-body simulations to explore the sensitivity of this new statistic to various cosmological parameters, compared to the two-point correlation function, while using the same range of scales. We demonstrate that the use of kNN-CDF improves the constraints on the cosmological parameters by more than a factor of 2 when applied to the clustering of dark matter in the range of scales between 10 and $40\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$. We also show that relative improvement is even greater when applied on the same scales to the clustering of haloes in the simulations at a fixed number density, both in real space, as well as in redshift space. Since the kNN-CDF are sensitive to all higher order connected correlation functions in the data, the gains over traditional two-point analyses are expected to grow as progressively smaller scales are included in the analysis of cosmological data, provided the higher order correlation functions are sensitive to cosmology on the scales of interest.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1989

Recent experience in simultaneous control-structure optimization

To show the feasibility of simultaneous optimization as design procedure, low order problems were used in conjunction with simple control formulations. The numerical results indicate that simultaneous optimization is not only feasible, but also advantageous. Such advantages come at the expense of introducing complexities beyond those encountered in structure optimization alone, or control optimization alone. Examples include: larger design parameter space, optimization may combine continuous and combinatoric variables, and the combined objective function may be nonconvex. Future extensions to include large order problems, more complex objective functions and constraints, and more sophisticated control formulations will require further research to ensure that the additional complexities do not outweigh the advantages of simultaneous optimization. Some areas requiring more efficient tools than currently available include: multiobjective criteria and nonconvex optimization. Efficient techniques to deal with optimization over combinatoric and continuous variables, and with truncation issues for structure and control parameters of both the model space as well as the design space need to be developed.

Salama, M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Overview of NASA's space radiation research program

NASA is developing the knowledge required to accurately predict and to efficiently manage radiation risk in space. The strategy employed has three research components: (1) ground-based simulation of space radiation components to develop a science-based understanding of radiation risk; (2) space-based measurements of the radiation environment on planetary surfaces and interplanetary space, as well as use of space platforms to validate predictions; and, (3) implementation of countermeasures to mitigate risk. NASA intends to significantly expand its support of ground-based radiation research in line with completion of the Booster Applications Facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory, expected in summer of 2003. A joint research solicitation with the Department of Energy is under way and other interagency collaborations are being considered. In addition, a Space Radiation Initiative has been submitted by the Administration to Congress that would provide answers to most questions related to the International Space Station within the next 10 years.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗
NASA NTRS2010

Deployment of a Curved Truss

Structures capable of deployment into complex, three-dimensional trusses have well known space technology applications such as the support of spacecraft payloads, communications antennas, radar reflectors, and solar concentrators. Such deployable trusses could also be useful in terrestrial applications such as the rapid establishment of structures in military and emergency service situations, in particular with regard to the deployment of enclosures for habitat or storage. To minimize the time required to deploy such an enclosure, a single arch-shaped truss is preferable to multiple straight trusses arranged vertically and horizontally. To further minimize the time required to deploy such an enclosure, a synchronous deployment with a single degree of freedom is also preferable. One method of synchronizing deployment of a truss is the use of a series of gears; this makes the deployment sequence predictable and testable, allows the truss to have a minimal stowage volume, and the deployed structure exhibits the excellent stiffness-to-mass and strength-to-mass ratios characteristic of a truss. A concept for using gears with varying ratios to deploy a truss into a curved shape has been developed and appears to be compatible with both space technology applications as well as potential use in terrestrial applications such as enclosure deployment. As is the case with other deployable trusses, this truss is formed using rigid elements (e.g., composite tubes) along the edges, one set of diagonal elements composed of either cables or folding/hinged rigid members, and the other set of diagonal elements formed by a continuous cable that is tightened by a motor or hand crank in order to deploy the truss. Gears of varying ratios are used to constrain the deployment to a single degree of freedom, making the deployment synchronous, predictable, and repeatable. The relative sizes of the gears and the relative dimensions of the diagonal elements determine the deployed geometry (e.g. curvature) of the truss.

Giersch, Louis R.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Existence of a Nonzero Worst‐Case ACH for Short‐Term Exposure in Ventilated Indoor Spaces

A well‐ventilated room is essential to reduce the risk of airborne transmission. As such, the scientific community sets minimum limits on ventilation with the idea that increased ventilation reduces pathogen concentration and thus reduces the risk of transmission. In contrast, the upper limit on ventilation is usually determined by human comfort and the need to reduce energy consumption. While average pathogen concentration decreases with increased ventilation, local concentration depends on multiple factors and may not follow the same trend, especially within short exposure times over large separation distances. Here, we show through experiments and high‐fidelity simulations the existence of a worst‐case ventilation where local pathogen concentration increases near the receiving host. This occurs during the type of meetings that were recommended during the pandemic (and in some cases solely authorized) with reduced occupancy adhering to social distancing and short exposure times below 20 minutes. We maintain that for cases of high occupancy and long exposure time, increased ventilation remains necessary.

Construction & Building Technology↗
NASA NTRS1981

Highlights of 1981 activities

The highlights of NASA's 1981 activities are presented, including the results of the two flights of the space shuttle Columbia and the Voyager 2 encounter with Saturn. Accomplishments in the areas of space transportation operations; space science; aeronautical, energy, and space research and development; as well as space tracking, international activities, and 1981 launch activities are discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2006

Room to Live: the sizing of Lunar and Martian Habitats

In order for man to return to space or extra terrestrial bodies for long duration missions it is important that adequate habitat volume be defined early to avoid costly delays and redesign. To properly define a habitat volume two major factors need to be considered. The first factor is the free or open space. This is the space that allows the crew room to move about the habitat. This space will vary based on crew size and length of the mission. The second major factor is the stowage space required for equipment and supplies. This includes both fixed volumes and consumables. Fixed volumes include items such as tools, communication equipment, Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment, and support equipment. Consumables include items like filters, food, water and oxygen. This space is also dependent on crew size and mission length. A review of past missions into alien environments, such as deep sea habitats as well as space based habitats will be used to validate the assumption made in this paper. Once these key factors are defined trades must be run to optimize the overall volume of a habitat. This includes trades of disposable vs. reusable for items such as clothing, dishes, and water. Another factor to consider is the availability of in situ resources to aid in the construction of the habitat structure as well as re-supply of consumable items. A review of past missions into alien environments, such as deep sea habitats as well as space based habitats will be used to validate the assumption made in this paper. The result is a habitat sizing tool to provide a first order estimate of habitat volumes for extended mission to the surface of the moon and Mars.

McGregor, Walter L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Life sciences utilization of Space Station Freedom

Space Station Freedom will provide the United States' first permanently manned laboratory in space. It will allow, for the first time, long term systematic life sciences investigations in microgravity. This presentation provides a top-level overview of the planned utilization of Space Station Freedom by NASA's Life Sciences Division. The historical drivers for conducting life sciences research on a permanently manned laboratory in space as well as the advantages that a space station platform provides for life sciences research are discussed. This background information leads into a description of NASA's strategy for having a fully operational International Life Sciences Research Facility by the year 2000. Achieving this capability requires the development of the five discipline focused 'common core' facilities. Once developed, these facilities will be brought to the space station during the Man-Tended Capability phase, checked out and brought into operation. Their delivery must be integrated with the Space Station Freedom manifest. At the beginning of Permanent Manned Capability, the infrastructure is expected to be completed and the Life Sciences Division's SSF Program will become fully operational. A brief facility description, anticipated launch date and a focused objective is provided for each of the life sciences facilities, including the Biomedical Monitoring and Countermeasures (BMAC) Facility, Gravitational Biology Facility (GBF), Gas Grain Simulation Facility (GGSF), Centrifuge Facility (CF), and Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Test Facility. In addition, hardware developed by other NASA organizations and the SSF International Partners for an International Life Sciences Research Facility is also discussed.

Chambers, Lawrence P.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Review of two-phase flow liquid metal MHD and turbine energy conversion concepts for space applications

Two-phase energy conversion systems could be liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (LMMHD) with no moving parts or two-phase turbines. Both of them are inherently simple and reliable devices which can operate in a wide range of temperatures. Their thermal efficiency is significantly higher than for conventional cycles due to reheat of vapor by liquid phase during the energy converting expansion. Often they can be more easily coupled to heat sources. These features make two-phase systems particularly promising for space application. Insufficient research has been done in the past. So far achieved LMMHD generator and two-phase turbine efficiencies are in the 40 to 45 percent range. However if certain fluid dynamic and design problems are resolved these efficiencies could be brought into the range of 70 percent. This would make two-phase systems extremely competitive as compared to present or other proposed conversion system for space. Accordingly, well directed research effort on potential space applications of two-phase conversion systems would be a wise investment.

Fabris, Gracio↗