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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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Molten salt battery has been developed with theoretical energy density of 5.2 j/kg (650 W-h/lb). Battery, which operates at 150 C, can be used in primary mode or as rechargeable battery. Battery has aluminum anode and chlorine cathode. Electrolyte is mixture of AlCl3, NaCl, and some alkali metal halide such as KCl.
The problem of inversion is considered in relation to absolute total cross sections Q(v) for atom-atom collisions and their velocity dependence, and the glory undulations and the transition to high velocity behavior. There is a limit to the amount of information available from Q(v) even when observations of good accuracy (e.g., + or - 0.25%) are in hand over an extended energy range (from thermal energies upward by a factor of greater than 1000 in relative kinetic energy). Methods were developed for data utilization, which take full advantage of the accuracy of the experimental Q(v) measurements.
The program to exploit unused NASA patents through the use of a multidisciplinary approach involving faculty students, and research staff is reported. NASA patents were screened for their applicability outside the space program, specific applications were identified, and the technical and commercial feasibility of these applications was established. Also application of this technology by governmental agencies outside the space program was sought. The program was specifically interested in energy absorbing devices such as those developed for lunar soft landings. These energy absorbing devices absorb large amounts of mechanical energy but are, in general, not reusable. Some of these devices can also operate as structural elements until their structural load capacity is exceeded and they become activated as energy absorbers. The capability of these devices to operate as structural elements and as energy absorbing devices makes them candidates for many applications in the fields of transportation and materials handling safety where accidents take a large toll in human injury and property damage.
Mission analysis link parametrics, considering a Pioneer baseline, are developed through launch energies, flyby radii, and trip time calculations. Projected is also a 1979 Jupiter Uranus opportunity for a derivative Mariner to fly to Uranus by using the gravity field of Jupiter.
The solar system is considered along with the significance of meteorites as samples of the universe, the origin of planets, and earth's-eye view of the moon, previews of the lunar surface, aspects of impact cratering, lunar igneous processes, the mapping of the moon, the exploration of the moon in connection with the Apollo lunar landings, and the scientific payoff from the lunar samples. Studies of Mars, Venus, and the planets beyond are discussed, taking into account the Mariner Mars program, the Mariner orbiting mission, missions to Venus, the Mariner flight to Mercury, and the Pioneer missions. Attention is also given to the origin of the moon, implications of the moon's thermal history, similarities and differences in planetary evolution, and the role of internal energy in planetary development.
A rationale for increased Federal support of thermionic research is considered and the objectives and milestones of the thermionic program of the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) are examined. The ERDA program is to provide very high specific power systems needed for planned future NASA nuclear electric propulsion missions. Another objective is the enhancement of the overall thermal conversion efficiency of the present utility power plants from approximately 35% to 50% or more. Attention is given to key problem areas, taking into account inadequate analytical tools, the reduction of the plasma arc-drop losses, aspects of hot shell materials development, and the coordination of the participating groups programmatic activities.
The contribution of space exploration and space related research to the future of man and the accomplishments of the space program are assessed. Topics discussed include: the role of applications satellites in crop surveillance, land use surveys, weather forecasting, education, communications, and pollution monitoring; planetary studies which examine the origin and evolution of the solar system, including dynamic processes that bear directly on earth's environment; and fuel conservation and development of new energy sources.
The use of a compound parabolic concentrator as field collector, in conjunction with a primary focusing concentrator for photovoltaic applications is studied. The primary focusing concentrator can be a parabolic reflector, an array of Fresnel mirrors, a Fresnel lens or some other lens. Silicon solar cell grid structures are proposed that increase efficiency with concentration up to 10 suns. A ray tracing program has been developed to determine energy distribution at the exit of a compound parabolic concentrator. Projected total cost of a CPC/solar cell system will be between 4 and 5 times lower than for flat plate silicon cell arrays.
A thermochemical water splitting process, the Ispra Mark-10 chemical reaction cycle, was chosen for examining the possibility of using water to produce hydrogen on a large scale for fuel and major industrial chemical uses. The assumed energy source for the process is an HTGR (helium cooled). A process flow diagram, a material balance, and an energy balance were developed for the thermochemical reaction cycle. Principal reactions which constitute the cycle are included.
A review is presented of the broad objectives identified by the U.S. Space Processing Applications program. A description is given of the types of materials to be considered, taking into account aspects of crystal growth, questions of purification and separation, mixing, solidification, and processes in fluids. The program requirements are discussed, giving attention to time in space, energy, research and development payload equipment design efforts, design payloads, early mission automated payloads, and early mission manned payloads.
Wind turbine generator research programs administered by the Energy Research and Development Administration are examined. The design and operation of turbine demonstration models are described. Wind assessments were made to determine the feasibility of using wind generated power for various parts of the country.
An overview of the Energy Research and Development Administration planned insolation data network is described. The design of the network is predicated on an analysis and definition of user requirements. Research and analysis projects covering data collection, forecasting and extrapolation are presented.
The Thermionic Energy Converter (TEC) development program includes theoretical and experimental surface studies, diode evaluation, enhanced mode converter investigations and system studies, as well as materials fabrication and testing. The primary effort has been concentrated on increasing converter performance via improved electrodes. Diodes with oxide collectors (i.e., tungsten oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide and barium oxide) have provided the best performance. Emitters requiring reduced cesium pressure (such as oxygenated tungsten, lanthanum hexaboride, platinum and graphite) are being tested. Converter configurations using particle spacing are under investigation. Experiments with auxiliary electrode thermionic converters are in progress. Both silicon carbide and alloy hot shells (i.e., barriers to isolate the converter from the combustion environment) have been fabricated and tested.
Results of survey of application of solar energy to air-conditioning systems are summarized in report. Survey reviewed air-conditioning techniques that are most likely to find residential applications and that are compatible with solar-energy systems being developed.
The Volkswagen Transporter, an electric delivery van, was tested as part of an Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) project to characterize the state of the art of electric vehicles. The Volkswagen Transporter is a standard Volkswagen van that has been converted to an electric vehicle. It is powered by a 144-volt traction battery. A direct current (dc) chopper controller, actuated by a conventional accelerator pedal, regulates the voltage or power applied to the 16-kilowatt (21-hp) motor. The braking system uses conventional hydraulic braking in combination with an electric regenerative braking system. The Volkswagen vehicle performance test results are presented.
The nation is actively pursuing alternate sources of energy because of the problems or concerns related to obtaining required energy for the future from oil, gas, nuclear, and coal sources. Solar energy is an obvious candidate for consideration. Its use in the past has been limited by the relative cost of collecting and converting solar energy into electrical power. The increasing costs of other energy sources will make solar energy more attractive. During recent years a new concept for the collection of solar energy has been developed. This concept involves the location of solar power stations in space. The concept, results of preliminary studies, and requirements for space evaluation of such a project are discussed.
The results, status, and plans of NASA sponsored advanced aerodynamics and active controls technology activities are reported. Development of subsonic, energy efficient transport aircraft technologies is emphasized.
Technologies for solar thermal plants are being developed to provide energy alternatives for the future. Implementation of these plants requires consideration of siting issues as well as power system technology. While many conventional siting considerations are applicable, there is also a set of unique siting issues for solar thermal plants. Early experimental plants will have special siting considerations. The siting issues associated with small, dispersed solar thermal power plants in the 1 to 10 MWe power range for utility/small community applications are considered. Some specific requirements refer to the first 1 MWe engineering experiment for the Small Power Systems Applications (SPSA) Project. The siting issues themselves are discussed in three categories: (1) system resource requirements, (2) environmental effects on the system, and (3) potential impact of the plant on the environment. Within these categories, specific issues are discussed in a qualitative manner. Examples of limiting factors for some issues are taken from studies of other solar systems.