Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Operational technology”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 703 records · Page 39

Comparison of Thin Film Heat Flux Gauge Technologies Emphasizing Continuous-Duration Operation

Abstract Thin-film heat flux gauges (HFGs) have been used for decades to measure surface temperatures and heat flux in test turbines with the majority being used in facilities that are short-duration. These gauges are typically composed of two resistive temperature devices deposited on opposing sides of a dielectric. However, because these sensors have been traditionally applied for measurements in transient-type facilities, the challenges facing adaptation of this technology for a steady facility warrant investigation. These challenges are highlighted, and the solutions are presented throughout the paper. This paper describes the nanofabrication process for heat flux gauges and a new calibration method to address the potential deterioration of gauges over long runtimes in continuous-duration facilities. Because the primary uncertainty of these sensors arises from the ambiguity of the thermal properties, the emphasis is placed on the property determination. Also, this paper presents a discussion on the use of impulse response theory to process the data showing the feasibility of the method for steady-duration facilities after an initial settling time. The latter portion of the paper focuses on comparing well-established heat flux gauges developed for short-duration turbine test facilities to recently developed gauges fabricated using modern nanofabrication techniques for a continuous turbine test facility. The gauges were compared using the test case of an impinging jet over a range of Reynolds numbers. The comparison between the PSU gauge and the reference device indicated agreement within 14%, and similar results were achieved through comparison with established sensors from partner institutions.

Engineering↗

WTS-4 system verification unit for wind/hydroelectric integration study

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) initiated a study to investigate the concept of integrating 100 MW of wind energy from megawatt-size wind turbines with the Federal hydroelectric system. As a part of the study, one large wind turbine was purchased through the competitive bid process and is now being installed to serve as a system verification unit (SVU). Reclamation negotiated an agreement with NASA to provide technical management of the project for the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and initial operation. Hamilton Standard was awarded a contract to furnish and install its WTS-4 wind turbine rated at 4 MW at a site near Medicine Bow, Wyoming. The purposes for installing the SVU are to fully evaluate the wind/hydro integration concept, make technical evaluation of the hardware design, train personnel in the technology, evaluate operation and maintenance aspects, and evaluate associated environmental impacts. The SVU will be operational in June 1982. Data from the WTS-4 and from a second SVU, Boeing's MOD-2, will be used to prepare a final design for a 100-MW farm if Congress authorizes the project.

Watts, A. W.↗

Improving the Transition of Earth Satellite Observations from Research to Operations

There are significant gaps between the observations, models, and decision support tools that make use of new data. These challenges include: 1) Decreasing the time to incorporate new satellite data into operational forecast assimilation systems, 2) Blending in-situ and satellite observing systems to produce the most accurate and comprehensive data products and assessments, 3) Accelerating the transition from research to applications through national test beds, field campaigns, and pilot demonstrations, and 4) Developing the partnerships and organizational structures to effectively transition new technology into operations. At the Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPORT) Center in Huntsville, Alabama, a NASA-NOAA-University collaboration has been developed to accelerate the infusion of NASA Earth science observations, data assimilation and modeling research into NWS forecast operations and decision-making. The SPoRT Center research focus is to improve forecasts through new observation capability and the regional prediction objectives of the US Weather Research Program dealing with 0-1 day forecast issues such as convective initiation and 24-hr quantitative precipitation forecasting. The near real-time availability of high-resolution experimental products of the atmosphere, land, and ocean from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the Advanced Infrared Spectroradiometer (AIRS), and lightning mapping systems provide an opportunity for science and algorithm risk reduction, and for application assessment prior to planned observations from the next generation of operational low Earth orbiting and geostationary Earth orbiting satellites. This paper describes the process for the transition of experimental products into forecast operations, current products undergoing assessment by forecasters, and plans for the future. The SPoRT Web page is at (http://www.ghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/sport).

Goodman, Steven J.↗

Comparison of Thin Film Heat Flux Gauge Technologies Emphasizing Continuous-Duration Operation

Thin film heat flux gauges (HFGs) have been used for several decades to measure surface temperatures and heat flux in test turbines with the majority being used in facilities that are short-duration. These gauges are typically composed of two resistive temperature devices deposited on opposing sides of a dielectric. However, because these sensors have been traditionally applied for measurements in short-duration, transient-type facilities, the challenges facing adaptation of this technology for a continuous-duration steady facility warrant investigation. Those challenges are highlighted, and solutions are presented throughout the paper. This paper describes the nanofabrication process for heat flux gauges and a new calibration method to address potential deterioration of gauges over long runtimes in continuous-duration facilities. Because a primary uncertainty of these sensors arises from the ambiguity of the thermal properties, special emphasis is placed on the property determination and potential errors due to improper thermal properties. Also, this paper presents a discussion on the use of impulse response theory to process the data showing the feasibility of the method for steady-duration facilities after an initial settling time. The latter portion of the paper focuses on comparing well-established heat flux gauges developed for short-duration turbine test facilities to recently developed gauges fabricated using modern nanofabrication techniques for a continuous turbine test facility. Using a commercially available heat flux gauge, capable of measuring a steady heat flux as a reference, the gauges were compared using the test case of an impinging jet over a range of Reynolds numbers. The comparison between the PSU gauge and the reference device indicated agreement within 14%, and similar results were achieved through comparison with established sensors from partner institutions.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Assessment of the Distributed Ledger Technology for Energy Sector Industrial and Operational Applications Using the MITRE ATT&CK® ICS Matrix

In recent times, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) has gained significant attention for its potential application in the energy sector. Utilizing blockchain and DLT has demonstrated the ability to enhance the resilience of the electric infrastructure, which will support a more flexible infrastructure and advance grid modernization. However, the deployment of these technologies increases the overall attack surface. The MITRE ATT&CK® matrices have been developed to document an adversary’s tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. The MITRE ATT&CK® matrices provide a common taxonomy for offense and defense and have become a valuable conceptual tool across multiple cybersecurity disciplines for conveying threat intelligence, performing testing through red teaming or adversary emulation, and enhancing network and system defenses against intrusions. The MITRE ATT&CK® for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) matrix was created to provide knowledge about adversary behavior in the ICS technology domain. This study analyzes the relevance of various tactics and techniques across a seven-layer DLT engineering and cybersecurity stack, known as the DLT stack, designed by the Cybersecurity Taskforce under IEEE P2418.5 - Standard for Blockchain in Energy working group sponsored by Power and Energy Systems - Smart Buildings, Loads and Customer Systems (PES/SBLC) Technical Committee. Additionally, this paper identifies specific mitigation strategies tailored to the energy ICS environment

42 ENGINEERING↗

Plant Atrium System for Food Production in NASA's Deep Space Habitat Tests

In preparation for future human exploration missions to space, human habitat designs and concepts need to be tested to assess integration issues, power requirements, crew operations, and technology I subsystem performance. One potential subsystem for early habitats is supplemental food production. Fresh foods, such as vegetables and small fruits, could be harvested on a continuous basis to improve the diet and quality of life. The system would need to fit conveniently into the habitat and not interfere with other components or operations. To test this concept, a plant growing "atrium" was designed to surround the lift between the lower and upper modules of the Deep Space Habitat and deployed at NASA DRA TS test site in 2011 and at NASA's JSC in 20I2. With this approach, un-utilized volume provided an area for vegetable growth. For the 20 II test, mizuna, lettuce, basil, radish and sweetpotato plants were grown in trays using commercially available red I blue LED light fixtures. Seedlings were transplanted into the atrium and cared for by the crew. Plants were then harvested two weeks later following completion of the test. In 20I2, mizuna, lettuce, and radish plants were grown similarly but under flat panel banks of white LEDs. In 20 I2, the crew went through plant harvesting, including sanitizing the leafy greens and radishes, which were then consumed. Each test demonstrated successful production of vegetables within a functional hab module. The round red I blue LEDs for the 20Il test lighting cast a purple light in the hab, and were less uniformly distributed over the plant trays. The white LED panels provided broad spectrum light with more uniform distribution. Post-test questionnaires showed that the crew enjoyed tending and consuming the plants, and that the white LED light in 2012 provided welcome extra light for the main hab area.

Massa, Gioia↗

Air Traffic Management Technology Demonstration-1 Concept of Operations (ATD-1 ConOps)

The operational goal of the ATD-1 ConOps is to enable aircraft, using their onboard FMS capabilities, to fly Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs) from cruise to the runway threshold at a high-density airport, at a high throughput rate, using primarily speed control to maintain in-trail separation and the arrival schedule. The three technologies in the ATD-1 ConOps achieve this by calculating a precise arrival schedule, using controller decision support tools to provide terminal controllers with speeds for aircraft to fly to meet times at a particular meter points, and onboard software providing flight crews with speeds for the aircraft to fly to achieve a particular spacing behind preceding aircraft.

Baxley, Brian T.↗

Integrated Test Approach

This paper describes a testing methodology undertaken on the Facilities Development and Operations Contract (FDOC) by Lockheed Martin. The methodology was defined with the intent of reducing project schedule time to enable NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) to be able to deliver the Mission Control Center (MCC) 21 project as quickly as possible. 21 represents the 21st century where NASA JSC is updating its control center with new technology and operational concepts in order to support NASA customers wanting to use control center assets to support space vehicle operations. In collaboration with the NASA customer, a new test concept was conceived early during MCC21 project planning with the goal of reducing project delivery time. One enabler that could help reduce delivery time was testing. Within the project, testing was performed by two entities, software development responsible for subsystem testing and system test responsible for system integration testing. The MCC21 project took a deliberate review of testing to determine how it could be performed differently to realize an overall reduction in test time to support the goal of a more rapid project delivery.

Cotton, Will↗

Support for Fuel Fabrication and Characterization

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has participated in the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) program for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) and the transition to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) Technology Development Office (TDO) since the inception of the program. In this effort, ORNL has fabricated tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel and fuel compacts for AGR-1, AGR-2, and AGR-3/4 experiments, provided matrix only components for AGC-2, AGC-4, and AGR 3/4 experiments and for university studies, and provided characterization, coating, and compaction support for INL and BWX Technologies Nuclear Operations Group (BWXT). In fiscal year (FY) 2017, the activities for the INL ART TDO fuel development are focused on preparations for the AGR-5/6/7 experiments and technical support to the Generation IV (GenIV) pre-irradiation leach-burn-leach round robin effort with China and South Korea. With the successful transfer of fuel fabrication technology to BWXT, ORNL’s involvement has shifted toward transferring fuel characterization methods, providing technical support, verification of BWXT laboratory results, and fabricating surrogate fuel materials for university collaborations. ORNL will also provide analytical support to BWXT and INL for uranium dispersion analysis and confirmatory fuel characterization analyses as needed.

OAST Space Theme Workshop. Volume 2: Theme summary. 5: Global service (no. 11). A. Statement. B. 26 April 1976 presentation. C. Summary

The benefits to be obtained from cost-effective global observation of the earth, its environment, and its natural and man-made features are examined using typical spacecraft and missions which could enhance the benefits of space operations. The technology needs and areas of interest include: (1) a ten-fold increase in the dimensions of deployable and erectable structures to provide booms, antennas, and platforms for global sensor systems; (2) control and stabilization systems capable of pointing accuracies of 1 arc second or less to locate targets of interest and maintain platform or sensor orientation during operations; (3) a factor of five improvements in spacecraft power capacity to support payloads and supporting electronics; (4) auxiliary propulsion systems capable of 5 to 10 years on orbit operation; (5) multipurpose sensors; and (6) end-to-end data management and an information system configured to accept new components or concepts as they develop.

Source record↗

Automated technologies needed to prevent radioactive materials from reentering the atmosphere

Project SIREN (Search, Intercept, Retrieve, Expulsion Nuclear) was created to identify and evaluate the technologies and operational strategies needed to rendezvous with and capture aerospace radioactive materials (e.g., a distressed or spent space reactor core) before such materials can reenter the terrestrial atmosphere and then to safely move these captured materials to an acceptable space destination for proper disposal. A major component of the current project SIREN effort is the development of an interactive technology model (including a computerized data base) that explores, in building-block fashion, the interaction of the technologies and procedures needed to successfully accomplish a SIREN mission. The SIREN model will include appropriate national and international technology elements--both contemporary and projected into the next century. To obtain maximum flexibility and use, the SIREN technology data base is being programmed for use on 286-class PC's. The major technical elements for a successful SIREN mission include: ground and space-based tracking, launch vehicles of needed payload capacity, telerobotic systems, sensors, capture technologies, and space transport and disposal. However, Project SIREN also will impose specialized requirements including the use of dextrous aerospace systems capable of properly functioning in intense radiation and thermal environments.

Buden, David↗

Automated technologies needed to prevent radioactive materials from reentering the atmosphere

Project SIREN (Search, Intercept, Retrieve, Expulsion Nuclear) has been created to identify and evaluate the technologies and operational strategies needed to rendezvous with and capture aerospace radioactive materials (e.g., a distressed or spent space reactor core) before such materials can reenter the terrestrial atmosphere and then to safely move these captured materials to an acceptable space destination for proper disposal. A major component of the current Project SIREN effort is the development of an interactive technology model (including a computerized data base) that explores in building block fashion the interaction of the technologies and procedures needed to successfully accomplish a SIREN mission. This SIREN model will include appropriate national and international technology elements-both contemporary and projected into the next century. To permit maximum flexibility and use, the SIREN technology data base is being programmed for use on 386-class PC's.

Buden, David↗

Operational perspectives for performing microgravity science in orbit

The combination of automation and operator-based technologies is discussed with respect to orbital microgravity experiments in order to optimize the performance and results. A list of five design objectives is presented, and each item is examined in terms of on-orbit flight history to identify relevant examples. It is suggested that human factors be considered in hardware design and that in-flight maintenance operations be considered an integral part of a program. The operational design can produce more effective results when it is established for 'failures' and mission success operations. The design must also be approached in terms of both the limitations and advantages of microgravity. The overarching theme of the investigation is that the mix of automation and operator interaction should be optimized by automating routine tasks and using the operator for critical assessments.

Dunbar, Bonnie J.↗

Report on the 2011 and 2012 NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) / Alaska State Cargo Airship Workshops

This presentation will summarize the Cargo Airships for Northern Operations workshop that was held August 24-25, 2011. This workshop co-sponsored by NASA ARC and the Alaska State Department of Transportation was initiated by interest from Alaska Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell for assistance in investigating the potential benefits of proposed cargo airships for the Alaskan economy and societal needs. The workshop provided a brief background on the technology and operational aspects of conventional airships and hybrids followed by presentations on issues affecting cargo airship operations such as weather management, insurance, regulations, crew duty/rest rules, and available support infrastructures. Speakers representing potential cargo airship users from Alaskan State and commercial organizations presented the needs they felt could be met by cargo airship services. Presenters from Canadian private and military interests also detailed applications and missions that cargo airships could provide to remote regions of Canada. Cost drivers of cargo airship operations were also addressed and tools for modeling and analyzing operational factors and costs affecting cargo airship operations were discussed. Four breakout sessions were held which allowed workshop participants to contribute inputs to four topic areas: Business Approaches and Strategies (financing incentives public/private partnerships etc) for Airship Development and Operation, Design, Development, Production Challenges, and Possible Solutions, Regulatory, Certification, Legal, and Insurance Issues, and Operational Issues, Customer Requirements, and Airship Requirements. A follow on to the 2011 cargo airship workshop is being planned for July 31 August 2, 2012. A status update on this second workshop will also be presented.

Hochstettler, Ronald↗

The quiet short-haul research aircraft

The design concepts, performance capabilities, and projected applications of the Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) are discussed. The propulsive lift system of the QSRA provides the lift required for short field operations at low community noise levels. This system consists of four high bipass ratio, geared turbofan engines mounted so that the engine exhaust flows across the upper surface of the wing (upper surface blowing). Large specially shaped flaps behind each engine control the direction of the flow for each phase of flight. A 95 passenger short haul transport based on this technology could operate out of a 2500 foot runway with a combined takeoff and landing 90 EPNdB footprint area of 2.7 sq mi.

Cochrane, J. A.↗

Human Interfaces and Management of Information (HIMI) Challenges for “In-time” Aviation Safety Management Systems (IASMS)

The envisioned transformation of the National Airspace System to integrate an In-time Aviation Safety Management System(IASMS)to assure safety in Advanced Air Mobility(AAM)brings unprecedented challenges to the design of human interfaces and management of safety information. Safety in design and operational safety assurance are critical factors for how humans will interact with increasingly autonomous systems. The IASMS Concept of Operations builds from traditional commercial operator safety management and scales in complexity to AAM. The transformative changes in future aviation systems pose potential new critical safety risks with novel types of aircraft and other vehicles having different performance capabilities, flying in increasingly complex airspace, and using adaptive contingencies to manage normal and non-normal operations. These changes compel development of new and emerging capabilities that enable innovative ways for humans to interact with data and manage information. In-creasing complexity of AAM corresponds with use of predictive modeling, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to effectively address known hazards and emergent risks. The roles of humans will dynamically evolve in increments with this technological and operational evolution. The interfaces for how humans will interact with increasingly complex and assured systems designed to operate autonomously and how information will need to be presented are important challenges to be resolved.

Lawrence J Prinzel↗

Support for Fuel Fabrication and Characterization

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has participated in the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) program for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) and the transition to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) Technology Development Office (TDO) since the inception of the program. In this effort, ORNL has fabricated tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel and fuel compacts for AGR-1, AGR-2, and AGR-3/4 experiments, provided matrix only components for AGC-2, AGC-4, and AGR 3/4 experiments and for university studies, and provided characterization, coating, and compaction support for INL and BWX Technologies Nuclear Operations Group (BWXT). In fiscal year (FY) 2017, the activities for the INL ART TDO fuel development are focused on preparations for the AGR-5/6/7 experiments and technical support to the Generation-IV International Forum (GIF) pre-irradiation leach-burn-leach (LBL) round robin effort with China and South Korea. With the successful transfer of fuel fabrication technology to BWXT, ORNL’s involvement has shifted toward transferring fuel characterization methods, providing technical support, verification of BWXT laboratory results, and fabricating surrogate fuel materials for university collaborations. ORNL will also provide analytical support to BWXT and INL for uranium dispersion analysis and confirmatory fuel characterization analyses as needed.