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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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3,433 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

High‐Entropy Lithium Argyrodite Solid Electrolytes Enabling Stable All‐Solid‐State Batteries

Abstract Superionic solid electrolytes (SEs) are essential for bulk‐type solid‐state battery (SSB) applications. Multicomponent SEs are recently attracting attention for their favorable charge‐transport properties, however a thorough understanding of how configurational entropy (ΔS conf ) affects ionic conductivity is lacking. Here, we successfully synthesized a series of halogen‐rich lithium argyrodites with the general formula Li 5.5 PS 4.5 Cl x Br 1.5‐x (0≤x≤1.5). Using neutron powder diffraction and 31 P magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the S 2− /Cl − /Br − occupancy on the anion sublattice was quantitatively analyzed. We show that disorder positively affects Li‐ion dynamics, leading to a room‐temperature ionic conductivity of 22.7 mS cm −1 (9.6 mS cm −1 in cold‐pressed state) for Li 5.5 PS 4.5 Cl 0.8 Br 0.7 (ΔS conf =1.98R). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence that configurational entropy of the anion sublattice correlates with ion mobility. Our results indicate the possibility of improving ionic conductivity in ceramic ion conductors by tailoring the degree of compositional complexity. Moreover, the Li 5.5 PS 4.5 Cl 0.8 Br 0.7 SE allowed for stable cycling of single‐crystal LiNi 0.9 Co 0.06 Mn 0.04 O 2 (s‐NCM90) composite cathodes in SSB cells, emphasizing that dual‐substituted lithium argyrodites hold great promise in enabling high‐performance electrochemical energy storage.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2024

Why Perovskite Thermal Stress is Unaffected by Thin Contact Layers

Metal halide perovskite photovoltaics have emerged as a high efficiency, low-cost alternative that can potentially rival or enhance conventional silicon technology. Despite exceptional initial power conversion efficiencies, achieving compliance with international standards and widespread adoption requires further enhancements to their operational stability. Notably, addressing mechanical strain and stress in brittle perovskites has emerged as a pivotal approach to mitigate chemical degradation and improve reliability during thermal cycling. Here, in this study, a popularized strain engineering strategy is investigated in which a high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) hole transport layer (i.e., PDCBT) is cast onto inorganic perovskite (CsPbI 2 Br) at 100 °C. Contrary to previously published results, the X-ray diffraction (XRD):Sin 2 ψ and substrate curvature measurement techniques show that the hole transport layer has no discernible impact on perovskite strain. The accuracy of the XRD:Sin 2 ψ method for measuring strain is highlighted in contrast to an analysis based on shifts of single XRD peaks which can be influenced by multiple artifacts. The findings in this study are in accordance with mechanics theory: thin layers are unable to induce significant strain changes in perovskite thin films as the force they apply is negligible compared to that applied by a thick and stiff substrate.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2019

Safe, High Power/Voltage Battery Module Design Challenges

NASA seeks to demonstrate a path for achieving safe, high power, and high performing Li-ion battery designs for the purpose of establishing design guidelines for our aeronautic and spacecraft applications. Safe means passively resistant to thermal runaway propagation of any single cell catastrophic thermal runaway. High power means capable of 3C continuous discharge without overheating. High performing means achieving > 160 Wh/kg, 200 Wh/L. The biggest challenge has been balancing a high flux light weight path for cell heat dissipation during the high rate discharge that minimizes thermal gradients between cells and also protects adjacent cells from the heat load of thermal runaway cell. Our solution includes an oscillating heat pipe spine that contacts every 18650 cell in the pack and careful cell design selection to maximize the range of initial temperatures conditions where the battery can safely complete the 3C discharge.

Thermal runaway↗
NASA NTRS1985

Multikilowatt hydrogen-nickel oxide battery system

The potential of the H2-NiO battery for terrestrial applications was assessed. A multicell design approach that differs significantly from the aerospace individual pressure vessel was used. A number of experimental 100-Ah cells were built to evaluate the new design concepts and components. The experimental cells provided the input needed for a multicell battery design. It is found that new multicell H2-NiO battery has a number of potential advantages for aerospace applications such as the manned space station. The advantages are discussed, and a design concept is presented for a multikilowatt battery in a lightweight pressure vessel.

Dunlop, J. D.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Examination of Regional Trends in Low Level Cloud Properties Found in the Aqua-MODIS Satellite Record

Clouds have a pronounced influence on the Earth?s climate. Relative to cloud free conditions, they cool the planet by increasing the amount of solar radiation reflected back to space and reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the surface, but they warm the planet by decreasing the amount of thermal infrared radiation escaping to space and increasing the amount reaching the surface (a greenhouse effect). The global mean net cloud radiative effect (CRE) is about -20 W/m2, a cooling effect at both the top-ofatmosphere and surface. Given the magnitude of CRE?s, it is expected that changes in cloud properties could be a significant factor in climate change due to anthropogenic forcing?s, yet cloud feedbacks are not well known and remain one of the largest uncertainties in climate prediction. This paper explores relationships between coincident observations of atmospheric aerosols, clouds and radiation derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and from the Clouds and the Earth?s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments on the Aqua satellite. We investigate several interesting regional trends that have emerged in the nearly 18-year satellite record that suggest correlation between changes in low-level cloud properties and changes in aerosol optical depth that may be associated with changes in pollution emissions and possibly with other factors. MERRA reanalysis of meteorological conditions and aerosol particulate species are investigated to help better understand the potential mechanisms responsible for the observed cloud property trends. Finally, we analyze a new CERES flux by cloud type dataset in order to try and isolate the associated trends in low-level cloud radiative effects. It is anticipated that this study using long-term observations of clouds, aerosols and radiative fluxes combined with model reanalysis data will contribute to an improved understanding of cloud climate feedbacks.

William L Smith Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2026

The Operational NASA Anomaly Gas Analyzer and Exploration Follow-Ons

The NASA Anomaly Gas Analyzer (AGA) is the culmination of nearly ten years of advancement of core technology originally developed by Vista Photonics through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and expanded using NASA program funding. The AGA is a portable, battery operated, optical gas detection instrument for continuous monitoring of H 2 O, CO 2 , O 2 , CO, NH 3 , HCN, HF, HCl in the spacecraft environment. Real time, in-situ monitored, gas concentrations are communicated at 1 Hz through a built-in display on-orbit and additionally through a serial interface on the ground. The instruments function over the typical range of temperatures and pressures required for the spacecraft environment. A ten-year operational life is targeted. Seven AGA instruments are currently deployed on the International Space Station and two Orion-specific units are manifested for Artemis 2. A variation of the operational AGA is under development for lunar Human Landing Systems. A wider calibrated operating pressure envelope is required in this application. Otherwise, the instruments straightforwardly address lessons learned from the original AGA by improving aspects of thermal control, ruggedness, and ease-of-use. A subset of AGA-developed sensed gases (H 2 O, CO 2 , O 2 ) is the subject of the Primary Constituent Monitor (PCM) development for the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) destined for lunar orbit. Two PCMs will be installed in HALO as part of the environmental control loop where they will interface with vehicle power and communications. While the basic sensor techniques are unchanged from the AGA, these instruments have been radiation hardened to survive for many years in the harsh target environment. Current development status for these instruments will be presented along with recent developments of a naval submarine variant.

ECLSS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Hybrid biophysical systems for atmospheric CO 2 capture

Negative emissions technologies will be essential for limiting anthropogenic global temperature increases to 2 °C in the later years of the 21st century. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) metalloenzymes catalyze the otherwise slow conversion of CO 2 into carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ), suggesting their utility in the rapid hydration and downstream capture of dissolved CO 2 in aqueous media for a variety of CO 2 capture methods, such as thermal and pH swings and mineralization. The possibility of driving the rapid capture of CO 2 by catalyzing the CO 2 hydration bottleneck carries real potential for realizing efficient direct air capture (DAC) and direct ocean capture (DOC) systems. However, scaled application of CAs will be dependent on some way of economically sourcing the enzymes at volumes relevant to scaled DAC/DOC operations. In this perspective, we consider the prospect of catalyzing CO 2 hydration using a CA that is bound to the outer membrane of a cyanobacterial host, engineered constructs we call CyCAMs. Coupling extracellular CA expression to a marine, photosynthetic cyanobacterial host results in a CO 2 hydration catalyst that is continuously refreshed during the bacterial growth cycle, without the need for enzyme purification or harvesting steps. In the case of marine cyanobacteria, sunlight and the solutes native to seawater provide the respective energy, nutrients and sources of inorganic carbon essential to maintaining the bacterial population. We consider the potential impact of CA-mediated CO 2 hydration on a variety of DAC processes, with CO 2 mineralization explored as a primary use case.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2002

Proceedings of the 36th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium

The Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium (AMS) provides a unique forum for those active in the design, production, and use of aerospace mechanisms. A major focus is the reporting of problems and solutions associated with the development and flight certification of new mechanisms. Organized by the Mechanisms Education Association, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC) share the responsibility for hosting the AMS. Now in its 36th year, the AMS continues to be well attended, attracting participants from both the United States and abroad. The 36th AMS, hosted by the Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio, was held May 15, 16, and 17, 2002. During these three days, 32 papers were presented. Topics included deployment mechanisms, tribology, actuators, pointing and optical mechanisms, International Space Station mechanisms, release mechanisms, and test equipment. Hardware displays during the supplier exhibit gave attendees an opportunity to meet with developers of current and future mechanism components.

Boesiger, Edward A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Intermodal microwave-to-optical transduction using silicon-on-sapphire optomechanical ring resonator

Optomechanical and electro-optomechanical systems have emerged as one of the most promising approaches for quantum microwave-to-optical transduction to interconnect distributed quantum modalities for scaling the quantum systems. These systems use suspended structures to increase mode overlap and mitigate loss to achieve high efficiency. However, the suspended design’s poor heat dissipation under strong drive limits the ultimate efficiency. Here, we demonstrate an unsuspended optomechanical ring resonator (OMR) based on the silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) platform for microwave-to-optical frequency conversion. The OMR achieves a triply resonant optical-to-optical conversion with an enhanced coupling rateG b = 3.6 gigahertz per square-root milliwatt at a peak conversion efficiency of 1.2% with 3.6-milliwatt microwave drive power and a microwave-to-optical conversion efficiency of 1.5 × 10 −5 at 10-milliwatt optical drive power. Our results show that the unsuspended SOS platform, which mitigates the thermal effect and is compatible with superconducting qubits, is a promising platform for optomechanical circuitry and quantum transduction.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2026

Powering Large Loads: Solutions Across Transmission, Utility, and Facility Scales

This report synthesizes current strategies for accommodating large load growth through a review of publicly available technical literature and media insights around the United States (U.S.). Solutions are organized across three implementation scales (transmission, utility, and facility) and categorized according to common implementation pathways (including structural expansion, operations and efficiency, upgrades, and planning and policy).

Valdez, Raquel Lynn [Sandia National Laboratories ↗
NASA NTRS2026

Overview of Past and Future EVA Suit Testing and Training in Chamber B at NASA JSC

The Crew and Thermal System Division’s Chamber B has received an increase in demand for next generation suit testing. Chamber B is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center’s only human-rated thermal vacuum (TVAC) chamber. Historically it was used in Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Shuttle, and the International Space Station (ISS) suit tests. Recently, the chamber has been returned to service with new capabilities for suit testing. In 2023, The Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) underwent a 5-day, extensive thermal vacuum test that included both a full-bodied Exploration Pressure Garment Suit (xPGS) as well as a high fidelity Short xEMU. SpaceX has also used the chamber for human-in-the-loop (HITL) qualification and acceptance testing on their flight Polaris Dawn suits for the first-ever commercial extravehicular activity (EVA). Current chamber Manlock B2 upgrades include the support of two test subjects at the same time with updated chamber interface and support systems for the next generation of suits. This paper will discuss the history of spacesuit testing in the chamber, the recent testing for commercial and NASA suits, and upgrades to accommodate new test requirements.

Polaris Dawn↗
NASA NTRS2026

Overview of Past and Future EVA Suit Testing and Training in Chamber B at NASA JSC

The Crew and Thermal System Division’s Chamber B has received an increase in demand for next generation suit testing. Chamber B is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center’s only human-rated thermal vacuum (TVAC) chamber. Historically it was used in Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Shuttle, and the International Space Station (ISS) suit tests. Recently, the chamber has been returned to service with new capabilities for suit testing. In 2023, The Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) underwent a 5-day, extensive thermal vacuum test that included both a full-bodied Exploration Pressure Garment Suit (xPGS) as well as a high fidelity Short xEMU. SpaceX has also used the chamber for human-in-the-loop (HITL) qualification and acceptance testing on their flight Polaris Dawn suits for the first-ever commercial extravehicular activity (EVA). Current chamber Manlock B2 upgrades include the support of two test subjects at the same time with updated chamber interface and support systems for the next generation of suits. This paper will discuss the history of spacesuit testing in the chamber, the recent testing for commercial and NASA suits, and upgrades to accommodate new test requirements.

Human-in-the-loop↗
NASA NTRS2026

The Operational NASA Anomaly Gas Analyzer and Exploration Follow-Ons

The NASA Anomaly Gas Analyzer (AGA) is the culmination of nearly ten years of advancement of core technology originally developed by Vista Photonics through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and expanded using NASA program funding. The AGA is a portable, battery operated, optical gas detection instrument for continuous monitoring of H 2 O, CO 2 , O 2 , CO, NH 3 , HCN, HF, HCl in the spacecraft environment. Real time, in-situ monitored, gas concentrations are communicated at 1 Hz through a built-in display on-orbit and additionally through a serial interface on the ground. The instruments function over the typical range of temperatures and pressures required for the spacecraft environment. A ten-year operational life is targeted. Seven AGA instruments are currently deployed on the International Space Station and two Orion-specific units are manifested for Artemis 2. A variation of the operational AGA is under development for lunar Human Landing Systems. A wider calibrated operating pressure envelope is required in this application. Otherwise, the instruments straightforwardly address lessons learned from the original AGA by improving aspects of thermal control, ruggedness, and ease-of-use. A subset of AGA-developed sensed gases (H 2 O, CO 2 , O 2 ) is the subject of the Primary Constituent Monitor (PCM) development for the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) destined for lunar orbit. Two PCMs will be installed in HALO as part of the environmental control loop where they will interface with vehicle power and communications. While the basic sensor techniques are unchanged from the AGA, these instruments have been radiation hardened to survive for many years in the harsh target environment. Current development status for these instruments will be presented along with recent developments of a naval submarine variant.

Air Monitoring↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tailoring Ion Transport in Li 3‐3y Ho 1+y Cl 6‐x Br x via Transition‐Metal Free Structural Planes and Charge Carrier Distribution

Abstract Localized atomistic disorder in halide‐based solid electrolytes (SEs) can be leveraged to boost Li + mobility. In this study, Li + transport in structurally modified Li 3 HoCl 6 , via Br − introduction and Li + deficiency, is explored. The optimized Li 3‐3 y Ho 1+ y Cl 6‐ x Br x achieves an ionic conductivity of 3.8 mS cm −1 at 25 °C, the highest reported for holmium halide materials. 6,7 Li nuclear magnetic resonance and relaxometry investigations unveil enhanced ion dynamics with bromination, attaining a Li + motional rate neighboring 116 MHz. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal mixed‐anion‐induced phase transitions with disproportionate octahedral expansions and distortions, creating Ho‐free planes with favorable energetics for Li + migration. Bond valence site energy analysis highlights preferred Li + transport pathways, particularly in structural planes devoid of Ho 3+ blocking effects. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate enhanced Li + diffusion with Br − introduction into Li 3 HoCl 6 . Li‐Ho electrostatic repulsions in the (001) plane presumably drive Li + diffusion into the Ho‐free (002) layer, enabling rapid intraplanar Li + motion and exchange between the 2d and 4h sites. Li 3‐3 y Ho 1+ y Cl 6‐ x Br x also demonstrates good battery cycling stability. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate correlations between structure and ion transport and will help guide the design of high‐performance fast ion conductors for all‐solid‐state batteries.

Chemistry↗
NASA NTRS2000

In-Orbit Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) Battery Switch

A viewgraph presentation outlines the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) power system and battery history. ERBS spacecraft and battery cell failures are listed with the reasons for failure. The battery management decision and stabilization of the batteries is discussed. Present battery operations are shown to be successful.

Ahmad, Anisa↗
NASA NTRS1999

Coupled, Transient Simulations of the Interaction Between Power and Secondary Flowpaths in Gas Turbines

This paper presents a coupled analysis of the interaction between mainpath and secondary flowpaths in gas turbines using transient simulations. Some of the topics include: 1) Need for Coupled Analysis; 2) Primary-Secondary Coupling Schematic; 3) Secondary Flow Requirement; 4) Objectives of Present Methodology; 5) Current Methodologies Recap; 6) Proposed Coupled Code Methodology; 7) Description of SCISEAL Code; 8) Description of Turbo Code; 9) Code Coupling/Interface Issues; and 10) Current Interface Strategy. This paper is presented in viewgraph form.

M M Athavale↗