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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 73 records · Page 4

A Comfort Model Simplification for Tight Integration with Grid Service Optimizations

Localized generation, storage, and intelligent power electronics are increasingly being integrated into building. The excess storage, thermal, and generation capacity can be used to develop new markets for ancillary services such as peak reduction, voltage and frequency support, or load flattening. Widespread participation in these markets will make the power grid more resilient. However, widespread participation in these markets will require a simple and intuitive control over the excess capacity by the building occupants. Most importantly for adopting these technologies, participation in these markets should not require sacrificing occupant comfort. Many of the proposed control and optimization technologies for supplying the ancillary services do not explicitly incorporate occupant comfort into their models and when they do, generally utilize a rigid constraint on the indoor air temperature set a priori. This reduces flexibility in using excess thermal capacity. It also cannot take into account uncertainties in local factors that affect thermal comfort such as clothing insulation or relative humidity. In this paper we present and justify some assumptions that simplify the standard predictors of thermal comfort. We also develop a regression model of the thermal comfort that is linear with respect to the indoor air temperature. Next we develop the concept of thermal comfort variation that eliminates the dependence of the thermal comfort on uncertain thermal comfort factors. Then, we present a quadratic program utilizing the thermal comfort variation in both the objective function and as a constraint. Finally, we show the results of a time-of-use cost optimization that utilizes the simplified thermal comfort model.

Melin, Alexander↗

Fifty years of lithium-ion batteries and what is next?

Here, the first rechargeable lithium batteries were built 50 years ago, at the same time as the Materials Research Society was formed. Great strides have been made since then taking a dream to domination of portable energy storage. During the past two decades, the demand for the storage of electrical energy has mushroomed both for portable applications such as for the iPhone and electric vehicles and for more than 1 GWh grid applications. As storage and power demands have increased, the batteries have evolved with their chemistries being pushed to the limits. This has resulted in the energy densities almost doubling and the cost dropping by more than an order of magnitude. However, the present electrochemical systems are still too costly to penetrate major new markets, still higher performance is required, and environmentally acceptable and sustainable materials are required.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Solar Photovoltaic Module Recycling: A Survey of U.S. Policies and Initiatives

Industry stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers in the United States are starting to develop policies for PV module recycling. Well-designed policies could reduce negative environmental impacts and resource constraints while opening new market and employment opportunities. This paper summarizes drivers, barriers, and enablers related to PV module recycling, which might be addressed via policy. It then analyzes existing and proposed U.S. policies that may affect PV module recycling. Among the global and national voluntary industry stewardship standards related to EoL PV management, this paper discusses a Solar Energy Industries Association program encouraging PV recycling among its U.S. membership. The paper concludes with a synthesis of policy-related factors that may encourage effective EoL PV module management.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between National Energy Technology Laboratory and Pyrochem Catalyst Company [Abstract]

A catalytic converter is a key enabling technology for more advanced engine technologies to meet the more stringent fuel economy and emission standards of the future, particularly the requirement to treat emissions formed during a cold start (which account for between 60-80% of total emissions). As internal combustion engine technology is expected to remain a dominant force in the market, new and innovative catalyst technologies are needed with low temperature activity to reduce exhaust pollutants by 90% at temperatures as low as 150°C, with a performance lifetime that exceeds 150,000 miles of driving. Considering current catalyst technology only starts to convert pollutants at 200°C, the challenge is significant. Pyrochem Catalyst Company (PCC) has developed a promising PyroCatTM pyrochlore catalyst technology (that incorporates an NETL technology licensed by PCC), which has shown activity better than current state of the art and approaching the 150°C target. NETL and PCC will collaborate to transition PyroCatTM from lab-scale testing to commercialization through the generation of a commercially representative monolith catalyst that can be sent to automotive companies and catalyst manufacturers to validate in their reactor systems.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

RapidClave Technology Demonstrations-II Kevlar Composite Vehicle Floor

This Demonstration’s objective was to develop enhanced methods to produce a complex preform comprised of Kevlar fabric and thermoplastic adhesive and rapidly consolidate the preform into the desired functional shape of a vehicular floor protection system. The approach and outcome goals were to reduce the tooling cost by 50% and shorten the processing time by 50% using the RapidClave® to consolidate the part rather than an autoclave. UDRI partnered with O’Gara Armoring who currently produces one piece Kevlar floor composite laminates that offer enhanced impact resistance at lighter weights as compared to steel. These laminates are constructed by hand layup of 3000 denier K29 fiber in a plain weave architecture with a thermoplastic film adhesive layer manufactured by Barrday and will be referred to as semi-preg throughout this paper. The current process is labor intensive and costly. Current production rates are only about one per month but an improved process is expected to enable product growth. A 50% reduction in tooling cost was achieved through the use of additive tooling, and the RapidClave® process enabled a 60% reduction in cycle time. Further cost savings were realized through the implementation of a preforming process that resulted in a 65% reduction in labor hours. This new approach for manufacturing reinforced vehicle floors has been partially implemented by O’Gara with plans to continue work on additional vehicle models. The cost savings has potential for increasing O’Gara’s production to reach new markets, and lead to job creation.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Fine Gradient Electrode and Micro Porous Layer Structures for Improved Heavy Duty Fuel Cells (Final Report)

The commercial deployment of Heavy Duty Fuel Cells(HDFC) for applications such as large trucks (for example, Class 8 capable of carrying 50,000 lb. loads) depends vitally on achieving high efficiency and durability at reasonable costs. Furthermore, the HDFC must operate under practical conditions such as with fuel and air impurities, multiple stop-start cycles, and under the extremes of climate our planet offers – from hot and cold to dry and wet. These conditions place a premium on the stability and utilization of the materials comprising the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) powering the fuel cell. and the current catalysts, MicroPorous Layers, and Electrode structures and additives are insufficient for these needs. In Phase I Pajarito and Advent will develop durable electrocatalysts, MicroPorous Layer and electrode additives, and electrode structures for heavy duty fuel cells designed for zero-emission long-haul trucking. The electrocatalyst products are designed to solve the challenging durability and performance needs of fuel cells designed for long life and high efficiency through a combination of uniquely structured designed catalysts as well as new MicroPorous Layers (MPLs) and electrode structure additives. These improved materials will provide Pajarito both an expanded commercial opportunity in electrocatalysts, as well as new markets for MPL and electrode additives. The resulting public benefits include improved economics of fuel cells, a leading zero-emission technology for mobility, as well as reduced reliance on the critical minerals and metals used in the heavy-duty trucks industry. Possible follow-up Phase II and III projects would add full MEA products based on the Phase I efforts catalysts and additives, with full system validation by leading Fuel Cell Truck developers.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Refueling Infrastructure Deployment in Low-Income and Non-Urban Communities

The U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization identifies the need to invest in infrastructure supporting low- and zero-emission vehicles, especially in low-income and overburdened communities, to eliminate nearly all greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 2050. The alternative fuel vehicle refueling property tax credit (26 U.S. Code § 30C) includes eligibility criteria intended to encourage investment in underserved communities based on the economic characteristics or urban character of the census tract in which the fueling infrastructure is installed. Eligible census tracts are those that qualify for the New Markets Tax Credit or that are not located within urban areas as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. This study quantifies how many fueling-related amenities are currently located in census tracts that qualify and do not qualify for the 30C tax credit based on IRS Notice 2024-20. For existing electric vehicle charging stations, 51% of Level 2 and 60% of Direct Current Fast Charging public stations are located in eligible census tracts. 73% of natural gas, propane, and hydrogen fueling stations are in qualifying census tracts and 75% of biodiesel and renewable fuel stations are in qualifying census tracts. This compares with 73% of existing gas stations in eligible census tracts. For deploying the refueling infrastructure to satisfy future demand, this study shows that truck stops (94%), commercial truck stops (92%), and Federal Highway alternative fuel corridors (89%) are predominantly located in eligible locations. Additionally, significant percentages of the population (62%), light-duty vehicle registrations (64%), and medium- and heavy-duty vehicle registrations (68%) fall within eligible areas.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Carbon Capture on Air Liquide United States Gulf Coast Steam Methane Reformer using the Cryocap TM Flue Gases Process

The objective of this DOE-funded project is to execute and complete a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study for a commercial-scale carbon capture project for Air Liquide’s Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) located at La Porte, near Houston, Texas. The Host Site is one of Air Liquide’s largest SMR assets, and supplies hydrogen to the Air Liquide Gulf Coast Hydrogen System, which serves refiners and petrochemical manufacturers through an existing H2 pipeline spanning roughly 200 miles from Port Arthur, TX to Bay City, TX. The Host Site produces up to 116.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gaseous hydrogen and emits approximately 950 ktpy CO 2 at the nameplate capacity. The evolving importance of decarbonized H2 for both existing customers and new markets, as well as the availability and intent of prominent third-party partners to transport and sequester captured CO 2 in locally abundant geological sites for 45Q credits, make the AL US Gulf Coast SMR an ideal site for the proposed FEED study. The envisioned carbon capture system is based on Air Liquide’s proprietary Cryocap™ Flue Gas (FG) process. The integration of the Cryocap™ FG technology to the existing SMR would enable the capture of 900 ktpy of CO 2 , with a net carbon capture rate of >95% and with minimum impact on the levelized cost of hydrogen produced at 99.97% purity.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Mission oriented R and D and the advancement of technology: The imapct of NASA contributions, volume 1

The contributions of NASA to the advancement of major developments in several selected fields of technology are identified. Subjects discussed are: (1) developing new knowledge, (2) developing new technology, (3) demonstrating the application of new technology for the first time, (4) augmenting existing technology, (5) applying existing technology in a new context, (6) stimulating industry to acquire or develop new technology, (7) identifying problem areas requiring further research, and (8) creating new markets.

Robbins, M. D.↗

Computer-controlled environmental test systems - Criteria for selection, installation, and maintenance.

Applications for presently marketed, new computer-controlled environmental test systems are suggested. It is shown that capital costs of these systems follow an exponential cost function curve that levels out as additional applications are implemented. Some test laboratory organization changes are recommended in terms of new personnel requirements, and facility modification are considered in support of a computer-controlled test system. Software for computer-controlled test systems are discussed, and control loop speed constraints are defined for real-time control functions. Suitable input and output devices and memory storage device tradeoffs are also considered.

Chapman, C. P.↗

Commercial objectives, technology transfer, and systems analysis for fusion power development

Fusion is an inexhaustible source of energy that has the potential for economic commercial applications with excellent safety and environmental characteristics. The primary focus for the fusion energy development program is the generation of central station electricity. Fusion has the potential, however, for many other applications. The fact that a large fraction of the energy released in a DT fusion reaction is carried by high energy neutrons suggests potentially unique applications. In addition, fusion R and D will lead to new products and new markets. Each fusion application must meet certain standards of economic and safety and environmental attractiveness. For this reason, economics on the one hand, and safety and environment and licensing on the other, are the two primary criteria for setting long range commercial fusion objectives. A major function of systems analysis is to evaluate the potential of fusion against these objectives and to help guide the fusion R and D program toward practical applications. The transfer of fusion technology and skills from the national labs and universities to industry is the key to achieving the long range objective of commercial fusion applications.

Dean, Stephen O.↗

Software engineering ethics

Software engineering ethics is reviewed. The following subject areas are covered: lack of a system viewpoint; arrogance of PC DOS software vendors; violation od upward compatibility; internet worm; internet worm revisited; student cheating and company hiring interviews; computing practitioners and the commodity market; new projects and old programming languages; schedule and budget; and recent public domain comments.

Bown, Rodney L.↗

Commercial space infrastructure - Giving industry a lift

Private sector initiatives directed toward establishing a commercial space sector in the fields of commercial space transportation, payload processing, upper stages, launch facilities, and other facilities and equipment are presented. Consideration is given to a payload processing facility that is capable of providing all prelaunch services required by communications satellites targeted for launch on U.S. launch systems. Attention is given to NASA's efforts to promote commercial infrastructure development for the creation of new products and services, leading to new markets and businesses.

Stone, Barbara A.↗

Commercial infrastructure participation in the Space Station Freedom program

The contribution of the private sector in developing the infrastructure for the Space Station Freedom (SSF) is analyzed, and approaches are proposed for initiating commercial infrastructural input. The opportunities for commercial infrastructure in the SSF program include power, transportation, and communication services that are ground-based and on-orbit. SSF commercial activities reduce NASA's up-front expenditures, expands the support base for the SSF, and creates new markets and technological possibilities for the private sector. NASA can identify opportunities for the SSF commercial infrastructure by: (1) receiving unsolicited proposals; (2) soliciting proposals for commercial development; and (3) soliciting proposals for commercial operation. Contributions to the SSF program from the private sector can enhance both the efficiency of the program itself and of the emerging space industry.

Watkins, Alison↗

The Iridium (tm) system: Personal communications anytime, anyplace

The Iridium system is designed to provide handheld personal communications between diverse locations around the world at any time and without prior knowledge of the location of the personal units. This paper provides an overview of the system, the services it provides, its operation, and an overview of the commercial practices and relatively high volume satellite production techniques which will make the system cost effective. A constellation of 66 satellites will provide an orbiting, spherical-shell, infrastructure for this global calling capability. The satellites act as tall cellular towers and allow convenient operation for portable handheld telephones. The system will provide a full range of services including voice, paging, data, geolocation, and fax capabilities. Motorola is a world leader in the production of high volume, high quality, reliable telecommunications hardware. One of Iridium's goals is to apply these production techniques to high reliability space hardware. Concurrent engineering, high performance work teams, advanced manufacturing technologies, and improved assembly and test methods are some of the techniques that will keep the Iridium system cost effective. Mobile, global, flexible personal communications are coming that will allow anyone to call or receive a call from/to anyplace at anytime. The Iridium system will provide communications where none exist today. This connectivity will allow increased information transfer, open new markets for various business endeavors, and in general increase productivity and development.

Hatlelid, John E.↗

Cost and Business Analysis Module (CABAM)

In the recent couple of decades, due to international competition, the US launchers lost a considerable amount of market share in the international space launch industry'. Increased international competition has continuously affected the US dominance to eventually place great pressure on future US space launch programs. To compete for future payload and passenger delivery markets, new launch vehicles must first be capable of reliably reaching a number of desired orbital destinations with customer-desired payload capacities. However, the ultimate success of a new launch vehicle program will depend on the launch price it is capable of offering it's customers. Extremely aggressive pricing strategies will be required for a new domestic launch service to compete with low-price international launchers. Low launch prices, then, naturally require a tight budget for the launch program economy. Therefore, budget constraints established by low-pricing requirements eventually place pressure on new launch vehicles to have unprecedentedly low Life Cycle Costs (LCC's).

Lee, Michael Hosung↗

Evaluation of the National Throughput Benefits of the Civil Tilt Rotor

The air transportation system is a key part of the U.S. and global economic infrastructure. In recent years, this system, by any measure of usage - operations, enplanements, or revenue passenger miles (RPMs) - has grown rapidly. The rapid growth in demand has not been matched; however, by commensurate increases in the ability of airports and the airspace system to handle the additional traffic. As a result, the air transportation system is approaching capacity and airlines will face excessive delays or significant constraints on service unless capacity is expanded. To expand capacity, the air traffic management system must be improved. To improve the air traffic management system, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aerospace Technology Enterprise developed the strategic goal of tripling air traffic throughput over the next 10 years, in all weather conditions, while at least maintaining current safety standards. As the first step in meeting that goal, the NASA Intercenter Systems Analysis Team (ISAT) is evaluating the contribution of existing programs to meet that goal. A major part of the study is an examination of the ability of the National Airspace System (NAS) to meet the predicted growth in travel demand and the potential benefits of technology infusion to expand NAS capacity. We previously analyzed the effects of the addition of two technology elements - Terminal Area Productivity (TAP) and Advanced Air Transportation Technologies (AATT). The next program we must analyze is not specific to airspace or aircraft technology. The program incorporates a fundamentally different vehicle to improve throughput: the civil tilt rotor (CTR). The CTR has the unique operating characteristic of being able to take off and land like a rotorcraft (vertical take off and landing, or VTOL, capability) but cruises like a traditional fixed-wing aircraft. The CTR also can operate in a short take off and landing (STOL) mode; generally, with a greater payload capacity (i.e., more passengers) than when operating in the VTOL mode. CTR could expand access to major airports without interfering with fixed-wing aircraft operating on congested runways and it could add service to new markets without the infrastructure support needed for fixed-wing aircraft. During FY 1999, we preliminarily assessed the feasibility of operating CTRs at two major U.S. airports as part of the annual review of NASA aerospace goals by the ISAT. This current study expands the analysis and concepts of that study to the complete NAS to quantify the national throughput effects of the CTR.

Johnson, Jesse↗

NASA Lewis' Icing Research Tunnel Works With Small Local Company to Test Coatings

Dynamic Coatings, Inc., wanted to test coating products that would enable the company to approach new markets. A Space Act Agreement with NASA Lewis Research Center afforded them this opportunity. They used Lewis' Icing Research Tunnel to test coating products for reduced ice adhesion, industrial and aerospace lubrication applications, a tiremold release coating now used in the production of tires for the Boeing 777, and a product that solidifies asbestos fibers (which is being tested as an insulator in a power plant in Iowa). Not only was the testing a success, but during these activities, Dynamic Coatings met another coating company with whom they now have a joint venture offering a barnacle-repellent coating for marine applications, now on the market in Florida.

Source record↗