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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

Evaluating alternative steam generation pathways in the food industry

Steam generation in the food sector requires substantial energy and cost expenditures, requiring nearly half of its energy intake. Here, we used life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment to investigate the cost and energy impacts of steam generating alternatives: NG, biomass and hydrogen boilers and grid-supplied and self-generated electric steam generation systems (electric boilers, renewable thermal energy storage and industrial heat pumps). The analysis starts with a set of average U.S. conditions, where biomass boilers are the most cost-competitive alternative to NG. In a series of scenarios beyond average conditions, the analysis shows energy procurement costs dominate the total life cycle cost for all technologies and, unfortunately, are highly variable geographically and temporally, significantly affecting the viability of the alternatives. Results show that site-energy consumption ranges from 0.3 MMBtu/klb for industrial heat pumps to 1.6 MMBtu/klb for biomass boilers, with heat pumps achieving up to 78% lower energy use compared to natural gas systems. For the steam costs, the results show a range between $\$$8 and $\$$50/klb for NG, with biomass following closely ($\$$11 – $\$$44/klb) and grey hydrogen and IHP next ($\$$13 – $\$$33/klb and $\$$6 - $\$$78/klb), with cost reductions if IHP's cooling is utilized. Factors like operating hours, the need for cooling, and the ability to negotiate utility rates complicate the decision, making site-specific analyses critical. Therefore, we present a decision-making matrix to help manufacturers identify which steam generating technology is the best business decision for their situation. Overall, these results highlight the importance of steam generation for the facility's organizational goals, as well as the criticality of conducting individual site analyses.

Biomass boilers↗

Methods and system for siting advanced nuclear reactors and evaluating energy policy concerns

There is a growing sociopolitical desire to develop cleaner energy sources in the United States and maintain energy security. Regardless of politics, many coal-fired electric plants have already been shut down and many utilities are vowing to retire their current coal-fired assets within the next two decades. Replacement power assets require consideration of appropriate siting. A geographic information system (GIS)-based multicriteria decision analysis approach is useful to assist utility and energy companies, as well as policymakers, to evaluate potential areas for siting new plants in the contiguous United States. A GIS-based framework is simply a database of location information that allows for mapping, querying, modeling, and analyzing data based on location. The spatial output can be structured to be visual, allowing for easier analysis of location data. The need to site additional power assets, including renewable resources and clean power sources, such as nuclear, led to the development of the Oak Ridge Siting Analysis for power Generation Expansion (OR-SAGE) tool discussed in this paper. The tool takes inputs such as population growth, water availability, environmental indicators, and tectonic and geological hazards to provide an in-depth visual analysis for siting options. Energy companies and other stakeholders can use OR-SAGE to procure feedback quickly and effectively on land suitability based on technology specific inputs. Policymakers can use OR-SAGE to analyze the impacts of future energy technology decisions, while balancing competing resource use. Overall, this paper discusses the recent use of OR-SAGE for these purposes and plans for future development.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Materials data handbook on titanium 6Al-4V

Handbook has been prepared which describes latest property information on titanium 6Al-4V. Scope of information presented includes physical- and mechanical-property data at cryogenic, ambient, and elevated temperatures, supplemented with useful information in such areas as material procurement,metallurgy of alloy, corrosion, environmental effects, fabrication, and joining technology.

Muraca, R. F.↗

Crystal Growth of ZnSe and Related Ternary Compound Semiconductors by Physical Vapor Transport

Preliminary definition of all of the necessary materials, labor, services, and facilities necessary to provide science requirement definition, initiate hardware development activities, and provide an updated flight program proposal consistent with the NRA selection letter. The major tasks identified in this SOW are in the general category of science requirements determination, instrument definition, and updated flight program proposal. The Contractor shall define preliminary management, technical and integration requirements for the program, including improved cost/schedule estimates. The Contractor shall identify new technology requirements, define experiment accommodations and operational requirements and negotiate procurement of any long lead items, if required, with the government.

Su, Ching-Hua↗

Crystal Growth of ZnSe and Related Ternary Compound Semiconductors by Physical Vapor Transport

Preliminary definition of all of the necessary materials, labor, services, and facilities necessary to provide science requirement definition, initiate hardware development activities, and provide an update flight program proposal consistent with the NRA selection letter. The major tasks identified in this SOW are in the general category of science requirements determination, instrument definition, and updated flight program proposal. The Contractor shall define preliminary management, technical and integration requirements for the program, including improved cost/schedule estimates. The Contractor shall identify new technology requirements, define experiment accommodations and operational requirements and negotiate procurement of any long lead items, if required, with the government.

Cushman, Paula P.↗

Mod II engine and technology development

The second-generation automotive Stirling engine, known as the Mod II, will be used to accomplish the Automotive Stirling Engine (ASE) Program objectives. Preliminary design has advanced to the point of procuring long-lead components to evaluate manufacturability. The heater head castings of the Hot Engine System (working gas cycle) are being procured, while the V-block casting of the Cold Engine/Drive system is being sectioned for evaluation. The technology required for these designs, and their impact on Mod II performance, have progressed to the design substantiation stage, and successful accomplishment of the program objectives is expected.

Ernst, W. D.↗

New developments in NASA quality assurance

The purpose of this talk is to examine and discuss NASA's basic quality concept, the policy and procedures which define and implement this concept and subsequently explore the NASA-Industry quality relationships which are essential to the success of NASA's quality assurance concept. It is important to emphasize that NASA's Quality Assurance program is predicated on the concept of an individually tailored quality program for each significant NASA procurement - particularly, large space systems. As a result, NASA's Quality Assurance program - to be effective - must be responsive to various technologies, hardware systems, and space missions. In addition, the program must be responsive to changing policies and practices in research, engineering and procurement. Key issues in the NASA-Contractor quality relationships in the framework of an over all NASA-Industry partnership include: (1) the necessity for NASA to effectively discharge its responsibility for providing clear and complete definition of quality requirements at all phases of the procurement cycle; (2) the right of the contractor to expect an explicit definition of NASA quality requirements in each RFP and contract and to request same if it is not provided; (3) the necessity for the contractor to have a dynamic and responsive quality program which is directed towards assuring that the hardware meets all technical requirements and to accomplish this in an effective and efficient manner; and (4) the critical need for investigation and study of the economic aspects of quality and an evaluation of our policies and practices based upon the results of such a study.

Condon, John E.↗

NASA's Electronic Procurement System and the Impact on Small Business

Three workshops, held in Lancaster, Orange County and Compton, were produced by the Los Angeles Regional Technology Alliance (LARTA) and NASA Far West Technology Transfer Center (FWRTTC). The workshops were held on December 12, 1997, February 5, 1998, and March 30, 1998, respectively. The purpose behind these workshops was to spread information regarding NASA procurement opportunities to small businesses in the region. This was accomplished by inviting economic and business development organizations to the three workshops, presenting NASA procurement resources to them, and asking them to distribute this information to the small businesses in their communities. With the assistance of LARTA, marketing and publicity in the form of direct mail, telemarketing, and promotion via a web site was implemented to publicize the workshops. These methods were remarkably effective because they enabled the workshops to attain its full capacity. Further publicity was provided by Wendy Reed of Valley Focus Magazine, an Antelope Valley Magazine aimed at business people. Her article entitled, "Doing Business with the Government" recapped the Lancaster workshop that she had attended and made references to several presentations. In the article, she discussed selling to the government via electronic commerce, and specifically mentioned Robert Medina, the NASA Dryden Small Business Specialist, as a contact person for those interested in pursuing procurement opportunities. The feedback provided by the participants is illustrated by the enclosed graphs and charts. These figures represent the number of participants who have frequented web sites presented at workshops, specifically the NASA procurement resources, and how extensive information dissemination was. Input from participants was favorable and encouraged more NASA Dryden workshops directly to the small business communities. There was an overwhelming response to the benefit of the NASA procurement opportunities presented at the workshops. Ninety-nine percent of participants who responded to surveys expressed that the NASA procurement information was beneficial. By the fifth month after the start of the workshops, NASA procurement resource inquiries peaked at 100%. Also during this time, 100% of respondents to a survey mentioned that they had passed along information from workshops to other small businesses or organizations that could benefit from it. These results indicate successful implementation of the Dryden Workshops. The objective of spreading NASA procurement opportunities throughout small businesses in the region was achieved through the three workshops. In conclusion, we recommend that further NASA procurement workshops be funded to continue the education and outreach that has been started. We also feel that in addition to targeting economic development service providers, Dryden procurement should also be provided directly to small business communities.

Dozier, Ken↗

Supply Chain Risk Mitigation for Scientific Facilities and Tools

In November 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) convened a roundtable on “Supply Chain Risk Mitigation for Scientific Facilities and Tools” to gather information about current supply chain challenges in key technology areas unique to SC or critical to its mission. The roundtable brought together technical, project management, and procurement experts from DOE national laboratories, industry, academia, and other government agencies. Panelists explored opportunities, possible partnerships, and mechanisms to strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical SC technologies.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Aeronautics in the American Society

The trends in aeronautics and aeronautical education are discussed with respect to the roles of industry, government, and the universities. The importance of the aviation industry to the economy of the country is examined. The impact of reduced enrollment of aeronautical engineering students in the universities on the future of the aeronautical industry is stressed. It is stated that the role of the government should be to sponsor and conduct basic research and advanced technology programs for civil and military aviation, and the specification, development, procurement, and operation of military aircraft. Recommendations are made for approaches which may be taken to influence more qualified students to enter the field of aeronautics.

Fletcher, J. C.↗

NASA Handbook for Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries

Nickel-hydrogen (NiH2) batteries are finding more applications in the aerospace energy storage. Since 1983, NiH2 batteries have become the primary energy storage system used for Geosynchronous-Orbit (GEO) Satellites. The first NASA application for NiH2 batteries was the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Hubble Space Telescope Satellite launched in 1990. The handbook was prepared as a reference book to aid in the application of this technology. That is, to aid in the cell and battery design, procurement, testing, and handling of NiH2 batteries. The design of individual pressure vessel NiH2 cells is covered in Chapter l. LEO and GEO applications and their requirements are discussed in Chapter 2. The design of NiH2 batteries for both GEO and LEO applications is discussed in Chapter 3. Advanced design concepts such as the common pressure vessel and bipolar NiH2 batteries are described in Chapter 4. Performance data are presented in Chapter 5. Storage and handling of the NiH2 cells and batteries are discussed in Chapter 6. Standard test procedures are presented in Chapter 7. Cell and battery procurements are discussed in Chapter 8. Finally, safety procedures are discussed in Chapter 9.

Dunlop, James D.↗

Two Rotor Stratified Charge Rotary Engine (SCRE) Engine System Technology Evaluation

This report summarizes results of an evaluation of technology enablement component technologies as integrated into a two rotor Stratified Charge Rotary Engine (SCRE). The work constitutes a demonstration of two rotor engine system technology, utilizing upgraded and refined component technologies derived from prior NASA Contracts NAS3-25945, NAS3-24628 and NAS-23056. Technical objectives included definition of, procurement and assembly of an advanced two rotor core aircraft engine, operation with Jet-A fuel at Take-Off rating of 340 BHP (254kW) and operation at a maximum cruise condition of 255 BHP (190kW), 75% cruise. A fuel consumption objective of 0.435 LBS/BHP-Hr (265 GRS/kW-Hr) was identified for the maximum cruise condition. A critical technology component item, a high speed, unit injector fuel injection system with electronic control was defined, procured and tested in conjunction with this effort. The two rotor engine configuration established herein defines an affordable, advanced, Jet-A fuel capability core engine (not including reduction gear, propeller shaft and some aircraft accessories) for General Aviation of the mid-1990's and beyond.

Hoffman, T.↗

Strapdown cost trend study and forecast

The potential cost advantages offered by advanced strapdown inertial technology in future commercial short-haul aircraft are summarized. The initial procurement cost and six year cost-of-ownership, which includes spares and direct maintenance cost were calculated for kinematic and inertial navigation systems such that traditional and strapdown mechanization costs could be compared. Cost results for the inertial navigation systems showed that initial costs and the cost of ownership for traditional triple redundant gimbaled inertial navigators are three times the cost of the equivalent skewed redundant strapdown inertial navigator. The net cost advantage for the strapdown kinematic system is directly attributable to the reduction in sensor count for strapdown. The strapdown kinematic system has the added advantage of providing a fail-operational inertial navigation capability for no additional cost due to the use of inertial grade sensors and attitude reference computers.

Eberlein, A. J.↗

Camera memory study for large space telescope

Specifications were developed for a memory system to be used as the storage media for camera detectors on the large space telescope (LST) satellite. Detectors with limited internal storage time such as intensities charge coupled devices and silicon intensified targets are implied. The general characteristics are reported of different approaches to the memory system with comparisons made within the guidelines set forth for the LST application. Priority ordering of comparisons is on the basis of cost, reliability, power, and physical characteristics. Specific rationales are provided for the rejection of unsuitable memory technologies. A recommended technology was selected and used to establish specifications for a breadboard memory. Procurement scheduling is provided for delivery of system breadboards in 1976, prototypes in 1978, and space qualified units in 1980.

Hoffman, C. P.↗

An overview of autonomous rendezvous and docking system technology development

The Centaur upper stage was selected for an airborne avionics modernization program. The parts used in the existing avionics units were obsolete. Continued use of existing hardware would require substantial redesign, yet would result in the use of outdated hardware. Out of date processes, with very expensive and labor intensive technologies, were being used for manufacturing. The Atlas/Centaur avionics were to be procured at a fairly high rate that demanded the use of modern components. The new avionics also reduce size, weight, power, and parts count with a dramatic improvement in reliability. Finally, the cost leverage derived from upgrading the avionics as opposed to any other subsystem for the existing Atlas/Centaur was a very large consideration in the upgrade decision. The upgrade program is a multiyear effort that began in 1989. It includes telemetry, guidance and navigation, control electronics, thrust vector control, and redundancy levels.

Nelson, Kurt D.↗

Midwest Regional Carbon Conversion/Utilization Procurement Grant Workshop

https://events.usea.org/events/midwest-regional-carbon-conversionutilization-procurement-grant-workshop As the U.S. economy moves toward clean energy and a lower carbon future, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking to partner with states, communities, and industries to support the procurement and development of carbon conversion products. These efforts have been enabled by provisions included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). As part of the BIL, supporting the Administration’s goal to achieve a carbon-free power sector by 2035 and putting the United States on a path to a net-zero economy by 2050, a new initiative was established within DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management through its Carbon Conversion/Utilization Program. The new initiative will establish a demonstration grant program to issue grants to eligible entities to procure commercial and industrial products derived from the conversion of anthropogenic carbon oxides and demonstrate a significant net reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to incumbent technologies, processes, and products. DOE-FECM will establish a demonstration grant program within the Carbon Conversion/Utilization Program to support eligible applicants that procure those commercial and industrial products derived from anthropogenic carbon oxides. Therefore, the Carbon Conversion/Utilization Program, with the assistance of the United States Energy Association (USEA), will conduct a series of workshops (both virtual and in-person) with relevant stakeholders, e.g., product manufacturers, eligible entities, or their representative national organizations (e.g., United States Conference of Mayors, etc.) to solicit input and ideas on challenges and opportunities for a potential grant program.

Larimore, Ryan↗