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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 739 records · Page 41

Control Technology Needs for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Systems

Electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) systems hold potential for the reduction of aircraft fuel burn, emissions, and noise. Currently, NASA and other organizations are actively working to identify and mature technologies necessary to bring EAP designs to reality. This paper specifically focuses on the envisioned control technology challenges associated with EAP designs that include gas turbine technology. Topics discussed include analytical tools for the dynamic modeling and analysis of EAP systems, and control design strategies at the propulsion and component levels. This includes integrated supervisory control facilitating the coordinated operation of turbine and electrical components, control strategies that seek to minimize fuel consumption and lessen the challenges associated with thermal management, and dynamic control to ensure engine operability during system transients. These dynamic control strategies include innovative control approaches that either extract or supply power to engine shafts dependent upon operating phase, which may improve performance and reduced gas turbine engine weight. Finally, a discussion of control architecture design considerations to help alleviate the propulsion/aircraft integration and certification challenges associated with EAP systems is provided.

Simon, Donald L.↗

Control Technology Needs for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Systems

Electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) systems hold potential for the reduction of aircraft fuel burn, emissions, and noise. Currently, NASA and other organizations are actively working to identify and mature technologies necessary to bring EAP designs to reality. This paper specifically focuses on the envisioned control technology challenges associated with EAP designs that include gas turbine technology. Topics discussed include analytical tools for the dynamic modeling and analysis of EAP systems, and control design strategies at the propulsion and component levels. This includes integrated supervisory control facilitating the coordinated operation of turbine and electrical components, control strategies that seek to minimize fuel consumption and lessen the challenges associated with thermal management, and dynamic control to ensure engine operability during system transients. These dynamic control strategies include innovative control approaches that either extract or supply power to engine shafts dependent upon operating phase, which may improve performance and reduced gas turbine engine weight. Finally, a discussion of control architecture design considerations to help alleviate the propulsion/aircraft integration and certification challenges associated with EAP systems is provided.

Engine Controls↗

Strategic Planning of Efficient Oceanic Flights

The efficiency of oceanic flights is low due to limited navigational and communication equipment, congestion and airspace restrictions. The availability of Automated Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and other improvements provides opportunity for better strategic planning of trajectories. Transatlantic flights between US and Europe constitute one of the busiest oceanic airspace regions in the world. This paper examines the benefits of a wind-optimal trajectory concept with a strategic de-confliction component compared to the current flight planning using the North Atlantic Tracks. The methodology generates a wind-optimal route for each aircraft and a strategic reduction in the potential conflicts between aircraft by a combination of small adjustments to departure times and rerouting. The de-confliction is achieved by optimization techniques involving simulated annealing with local gradient searching. The fuel burn for the tracks in today's Organized Track System are compared with the corresponding quantities for the wind-optimized routes to evaluate the potential benefits of flying wind-optimal routes in North Atlantic Airspace. The analysis is based on air traffic between US and Europe during July 2012. The potential fuel savings depend on existing inefficiencies in current flight plans, atmospheric conditions and location of the city-pairs. The paper provides both aggregate results and detailed examination of some of the most popular city-pairs. Results show that strategic planning can improve the efficiency of flight trajectories by 3 to 5 depending on city-pairs and aircraft type. This translates into a potential fuel savings in the range of (420-970) kg per flight for a Boeing 767-300, the most widely used aircraft between the city-pairs in this study.

oceanic operations↗

Control Technology Needs for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Systems

Electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) systems hold potential for the reduction of aircraft fuel burn, emissions, and noise. Currently, NASA and other organizations are actively working to identify and mature technologies necessary to bring EAP designs to reality. This paper specifically focuses on the envisioned control technology challenges associated with EAP designs that include gas turbine technology. Topics discussed include analytical tools for the dynamic modeling and analysis of EAP systems, and control design strategies at the propulsion and component levels. This includes integrated supervisory control facilitating the coordinated operation of turbine and electrical components, control strategies that seek to minimize fuel consumption and lessen the challenges associated with thermal management, and dynamic control to ensure engine operability during system transients. These dynamic control strategies include innovative control approaches that either extract or supply power to engine shafts dependent upon operating phase, which may improve performance and reduced gas turbine engine weight. Finally, a discussion of control architecture design considerations to help alleviate the propulsion/aircraft integration and certification challenges associated with EAP systems is provided.

Gas Turbine Engines↗

Quantifying the Impact of Systems Interdependencies in Space Systems Architectures

Due to the high number of systems in a space mission architecture and to their complex interactions, identifying risk and critical operational dependencies is not obvious. Traditional systems engineering methodology and risk assessment does not capture the impact of interactions between systems nor the cascading effects of disruptions. Based on these considerations, the Systems Operational Dependency Analysis methodology was developed for use by systems analysts and decision makers. This methodology utilizes a parametric model of interdependencies between systems to quantify the direct and indirect impact of system disruptions on other systems, as well as identify root causes. The results are effective at providing decision support for prioritizing technology investment based on risk reduction associated with potential system disruptions. Expanding on research presented at IAC 2018 and based on a collaboration with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, this paper applies the Systems Operational Dependency Analysis methodology to NASA Lunar Gateway in collaboration with NASA’s lunar exploration plans. The paper presents a hierarchical representation of the interdependencies between a Gateway habitat’s systems and subsystems, demonstrates quantification of the impact of disruption, and assesses the criticality of the constituent systems and subsystems.

Guariniello, Cesare↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-26160-DND

The structural performance of two advanced composite tow-steered shells is assessed using experiments and analyses. The fiber angles vary continuously around the shell circumference, and one shell has all 24 tows applied during fabrication, while the second shell uses the fiber placement systems tow drop/add capability to achieve a uniform wall thickness. The shells are tested in compression, and their axial stiffnesses and buckling loads are estimated using linear finite element analyses. Scaled passenger and cargo door cutouts are machined into one side of each shell. Axial stiffnesses and buckling loads of the shells with cutouts are computed using linear finite element analyses. The retested shells carry over 90 percent of the axial stiffness, and 85 percent of the buckling loads, of the shells without cutouts. These small reductions demonstrate the potential of tow steering to mitigate adverse effects of cutouts on the structural performance. The good correlation between experimental buckling loads and linear buckling analyses noted here may result from their circumferential stiffness variation, reducing geometric imperfection sensitivity. Analysis models of both shells were evaluated without and with measured geometric imperfections superposed in different longitudinal orientations. Small variations in prebuckling stiffness and buckling load of the shells are observed.

K C Wu↗

System-Level Control Concepts for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Systems

Electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) relies on the generation, storage, and transmission of electrical power for aircraft propulsion purposes. It enables system designers to apply advanced propulsion concepts that offer multiple potential benefits including reductions in fuel burn, emissions, and noise. Due to their complex integrated nature, EAP systems present novel propulsion control challenges and opportunities. To introduce EAP control needs, this paper will consider nine EAP concept vehicles. For each vehicle, the propulsion system architecture will be discussed along with the control concept of operations.

Electrified Aircraft Propulsion↗

Impact of Recent Climate Extremes on Mosquito-borne Disease Transmission in Kenya

Climate change and variability influence temperature and rainfall, which impact vector abundance and the dynamics of vector-borne disease transmission. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, are primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Freshwater availability and temperature affect dengue vector populations via a variety of biological processes and thus influence the ability of mosquitoes to effectively transmit disease. However, the effect of droughts, floods, heat waves, and cold waves is not well understood. Using vector, climate, and dengue disease data collected between 2013 and 2019 in Kenya, this retrospective cohort study aims to elucidate the impact of extreme rainfall and temperature on mosquito abundance and the risk of arboviral infections. To define extreme periods of rainfall and land surface temperature (LST), we calculated monthly anomalies as deviations from long-term means (1983–2019 for rainfall, 2000–2019 for LST) across four study locations in Kenya. We classified extreme climate events as the upper and lower 10% of these calculated LST or rainfall deviations. Monthly Ae. aegypti abundance was recorded in Kenya using four trapping methods. Blood samples were also collected from children with febrile illness presenting to four field sites and tested for dengue virus using an IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found that mosquito eggs and adults were significantly more abundant one month following an abnormally wet month. The relationship between mosquito abundance and dengue risk follows a non-linear association. Our findings suggest that early warnings and targeted interventions during periods of abnormal rainfall and temperature, especially flooding, can potentially contribute to reductions in risk of viral transmission

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes↗

Surviving Night at the Lunar South Pole: Exploring Viability of Radioisotope Power Systems for a Crewed Rover

Spacecraft thermal environments tend to be extreme, and the lunar surface is no exception. Future lunar missions aim to explore the lunar south pole region, focusing on permanently shadowed region (PSRs) that may act as cold traps for volatile elements such as hydrogen. By careful selection of landing sites, the longest continuous period devoid of insolation near these PSRs can be reduced significantly from the maximum of 354 hours. Future NASA missions aim to allow exploration of PSRs with a crewed lunar rover. Program architectures may impose a requirement that the vehicle be able to survive repeated lunar nights. Surface temperatures at southern latitudes can be lower than 100K during night, causing significant energy demands heating components above keep-alive temperatures. This adversely affects lunar programs which are heavily mass-constrained. A technical exploration of various radioisotope power systems and their viability, benefits, and drawbacks was completed. An analysis was also performed examining potential vehicular mass reduction and increased lunar night survivability due to the inclusion of radioisotope power sources. The results of this analysis were compared to a baseline non-nuclear vehicle utilizing only batteries and solar arrays for energy storage.

radioisotope↗

Manufacturing and Scale-Up of Natural Fiber Composite eVTOL Propeller Skin and C-Channel

This report presents the manufacturing and scale-up of natural fiber composites for aerospace applications, conducted within NASA’s Convergent Aeronautics Solutions portfolio to advance aircraft capabilities and efficiency. The effort focused on the development and demonstration of two proof-of-concept articles, an Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) propeller skin and a C-channel, produced through an iterative design and process optimization approach. Best practices and guidance on addressing key challenges with bio-based composite materials and manufacturing is provided. Ideally suited for non-load-bearing structural components, these emerging materials offer potential for weight reduction, vibration damping, noise mitigation, interference-free communication, and cost savings, without compromising the performance of safety-critical primary structures.

Natural fibers↗

Economic Analysis of a Novel Thermal Energy Storage System Using Solid Particles for Grid Electricity Storage: Preprint

As renewable power generation becomes the mainstream new-built energy source, energy storage will become an indispensable need to complement the uncertainty of renewable resources to firm the power supply. When phasing out fossil-fuel power plants to meet the carbon neutral utility target in the midcentury around the world, large capacity of energy storage will be needed to provide reliable grid power. The integration of renewable power and storage to support future carbon-free utility has several significant and positive impacts including expanding the renewable generation into the grid, improving the peak-load response, and balancing the electricity supply and demand. Long-duration energy storage (10–100 hours duration) can potentially complement the reduction of fossil-fuel baseload generation that otherwise would risk grid security when a large portion of grid power comes from variable renewable sources. Current energy storage methods based on pumped storage hydropower or batteries have many limitations. Thermal energy storage (TES) has unique advantages in scale and siting flexibility to provide grid-scale storage capacity. A particle-based TES system has promising cost and performance for the future growing energy storage needs. This paper introduces the system and components required for the particle TES to be technically and economically competitive. A technoeconomic analysis based on preliminary component designs and performance shows that the particle TES integrated with an efficient air-Brayton combined cycle power system can provide power for several days by low-cost, high-performance storage cycles. It addresses grid storage needs by enabling large-scale grid integration of intermittent renewables like wind and solar, thereby increasing their grid value. The design specifications and cost estimations of major components in a commercial scale system are presented in this paper. The cost model provides insights for further development and cost comparison with competing technologies.

27 ARPA - Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy↗

A Strategic Approach to Advance Magnet Technology for Next Generation Colliders

Colliders are built on a foundation of superconducting magnet technology that provides strong dipole magnets to maintain the beam orbit and strong focusing magnets to enable the extraordinary luminosity required to probe physics at the energy frontier. The dipole magnet strength plays a critical role in dictating the energy reach of a collider, and the superconducting magnets are arguably the dominant cost driver for future collider facilities. As the community considers opportunities to explore new energy frontiers, the importance of advanced magnet technology - both in terms of magnet performance and in the magnet technology's potential for cost reduction - is evident, as the technology status is essential for informed decisions on targets for physics reach and facility feasibility.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Technology Scouting Report: Reliability Implications of Recent PV Module Technology Trends

This webinar links recent and anticipated PV module technology trends - such as the transition to n-type cells, increasing module sizes, and new encapsulants - with potential increases and reductions in reliability risk. Market trends are drawn from industry data and projections, and corresponding reliability implications are synthesized from interviews with researchers and industry experts. The webinar is an interim step toward developing a technology scouting report.

forecast↗

Integration of Thermoelectric Modules to Vapor Compression Systems

This paper describes the technology of a thermoelectric (TE) integrated heat pump. It uses a TE heat pump to subcool the refrigerant liquid before entering the evaporator to enlarge the evaporating capacity; and elevate the heat in the refrigerant flow to a supplemental heating coil and discharge the capacity to the indoor air flow. Using the DOE/ORNL Heat Pump Design Model, four system configurations were modelled on a baseline two-speed heat pump, the baseline heat pump with adding a supplemental coil, the TE integrated heat pump having one stage TE heating to control a 20R liquid refrigerant temperature drop; and having two stages TE heating to control up to 40R temperature drop. The system models were used to produce performance curves for EnergyPlus building energy simulations. We selected template residential buildings, poorly insulated: pre-1990 buildings, and well-insulated: IECC2021 buildings; in five cold climate zones: 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7. The building energy simulations demonstrated energy saving potentials, utility cost reductions and estimated payback periods.

Shen, Bo↗

High Assay Low Enriched Uranium - A material in demand and the supply efforts underway

The presentation briefly describes the HALEU demand, sources of supply, & work underway @ INL to meet some of the demand. It highlights HALEU recovery from EBR-II, process enhancements including recasting via multi tier drip cast crucible method to produce reduced dose and reduced physical size uranium ingots referred to as regulus. Includes additional polishing, to improve applicability to meeting HALEU needs and briefly touches on innovative recycling concepts under development (i.e. Zircex). HALEU enables reactors of reduced size, provides for increased fuel efficiency and longer core life, all of which contribute to less waste generation. Supplying HALEU from recycled material has the potential for further reductions in waste generation through via reductions in SNF disposition.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

2022 Project Commercialization and Market Development Awardee: Eocycle America Corporation

Annually, agriculture and related industries contribute approximately $1.2 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product and 11% of the nation's output of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, agribusiness operations account for about 30% of energy use worldwide. Distributed wind energy produced on site can power large-scale agricultural, industrial, and commercial operations in windy rural areas, offering cost savings, GHG emissions reductions, and the potential to supply excess electricity to the grid. Despite these benefits, agribusinesses have been slow to embrace the technology. Eocycle America Corporation (Eocycle) plans to develop partnerships with agriculture and related industries and implement a marketing strategy to educate corporate customers about the benefits of distributed wind. Through the CIP initiative, Eocycle will create a marketing plan to raise interest in distributed wind energy among large American and European corporations with operations in rural areas. Campaign goals are to encourage rapid deployment of distributed wind energy on a large scale, as well as to create high-paying energy sector jobs through increased manufacturing, sales, maintenance, and related services. Eocycle plans to identify 15 agriculture-related corporations with the potential for at least 25 turbine sales each.

Competitiveness Improvement Project↗

Estimating the Value of Worker Training: A System Reliability & LCOE Perspective

This workshop presentation briefly describes the labor standards required for large photovoltaic (PV) systems (>1MWac) to receive the full investment tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act. The potential for labor standards to affect aspects other than upfront installation costs (such as energy generation or maintenance expenses) is analyzed using levelized cost of energy (LCOE) calculations. This considers benefits which may come from better training for workers, more productive workers, or improved installation quality, using NREL's simplified PV-specific LCOE calculator at pvlcoe.nrel.gov.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,SOLAR ENERGY↗

ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE (ACTI)

Advanced reactor technologies have attracted considerable financial support, catalyzing innovation in the nuclear energy landscape. These next generation reactors are designed with enhanced passive safety systems and the potential for cost reductions. As these advanced reactors approach technological maturity, their commercial success also requires focused examination and essential support. Economic assessments in the nuclear energy sector often emphasize construction costs and the risk of scheduling delays as primary contributors to deployment expenditures. Traditionally, vital elements of nuclear energy deployment including civil/structural engineering, design sophistication and automation have been either undervalued or postponed in the development cycles. Additionally, the nuclear industry’s collective experience in nuclear project execution has diminished over the past several decades due to the infrequency of new plant constructions. Hence, The National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC) Advanced Construction Technology Initiative (ACTI) program aims to reduce cost overruns and schedule slippages that have plagued the construction of nuclear power plant projects. With this initiative, NRIC is facilitating the development of advanced nuclear plant construction technologies and approaches through partnerships that would provide game-changing benefits to the construction of advanced nuclear power plants.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗