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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 91 records · Page 5

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NASA NTRS1990

Hybrid air revitalization system for a closed ecosystem

An air-revitalization concept is presented with experimental results to assess the practicality and applicability of the proposed system to extended-duration manned missions. The Hybrid Air Revitalization System (HARS) uses plants in a habitat to remove metabolic CO2 and moisture and produce oxygen and food. CO2 and O2 partial pressures, temperature, and humidity are regulated by means of electrochemical CO2 and O2 chemical separators and a moisture condenser separator. A cell-test facility is described in which the electrochemical CO2 removal processes are investigated with and without using H2. Performance is optimized by using 25-30 percent Teflon in the gas-diffusion-type electrode, employing a thin electrolyte matrix, operating at higher temperatures and lower dew points. The HARS concept is found to be a feasible approach to the electrochemical separation of CO2 and O2.

Lee, M. G.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Experimental Demonstration of the Molten Oxide Electrolysis Method for Oxygen and Iron Production from Simulated Lunar Materials

This paper presents the results of a Marshall Space Flight Center funded effort to conduct an experimental demonstration of the processing of simulated lunar resources by the molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) process to produce oxygen and metal from lunar resources to support human exploration of space. Oxygen extracted from lunar materials can be used for life support and propellant, and silicon and metallic elements produced can be used for in situ fabrication of thin-film solar cells for power production. The Moon is rich in mineral resources, but it is almost devoid of chemical reducing agents, therefore, molten oxide electrolysis, MOE, is chosen for extraction, since the electron is the most practical reducing agent. MOE was also chosen for following reasons. First, electrolytic processing offers uncommon versatility in its insensitivity to feedstock composition. Secondly, oxide melts boast the twin key attributes of highest solubilizing capacity for regolith and lowest volatility of any candidate electrolytes. The former is critical in ensuring high productivity since cell current is limited by reactant solubility, while the latter simplifies cell design by obviating the need for a gas-tight reactor to contain evaporation losses as would be the case with a gas or liquid phase fluoride reagent operating at such high temperatures. In the experiments reported here, melts containing iron oxide were electrolyzed in a low temperature supporting oxide electrolyte (developed by D. Sadoway, MIT).

Curreri, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Lunar Metal Oxide Electrolysis with Oxygen and Photovoltaic Array Production Applications

Curreri, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Space platforms and meteorological applications

The use of Shuttle launched and tended space platforms (SP) for research and earth observations in LEO are examined. SPs will accommodate instruments for extended time periods, requiring a Shuttle visit for maintenance and package exchange once every six months. Designs have included off-the-shelf hardware to reduce cost, and comprise instruments for studies of cosmic rays, solar physics, materials processing, space plasma physics, and environmental observations. Solar cell power arrays are detailed, along with thermal control, data management, and attitude control subsystems. Meteorological applications are discussed in terms of the Lower Atmospheric Research Satellite (LARS), for research into coupling of radiative, chemical, and dynamical processes, interactions between the earth's surface, boundary layer, and troposphere, and dynamic and energetic relationships between lower atmospheric processes. Flight configurations and add-on concepts for the SP to lead to a manned space station are indicated.

Mitchell, K. L.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Fuel-Cell Power Source Based on Onboard Rocket Propellants

The use of onboard rocket propellants (dense liquids at room temperature) in place of conventional cryogenic fuel-cell reactants (hydrogen and oxygen) eliminates the mass penalties associated with cryocooling and boil-off. The high energy content and density of the rocket propellants will also require no additional chemical processing. For a 30-day mission on the Moon that requires a continuous 100 watts of power, the reactant mass and volume would be reduced by 15 and 50 percent, respectively, even without accounting for boiloff losses. The savings increase further with increasing transit times. A high-temperature, solid oxide, electrolyte-based fuel-cell configuration, that can rapidly combine rocket propellants - both monopropellant system with hydrazine and bi-propellant systems such as monomethyl hydrazine/ unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (MMH/UDMH) and nitrogen tetroxide (NTO) to produce electrical energy - overcomes the severe drawbacks of earlier attempts in 1963-1967 of using fuel reforming and aqueous media. The electrical energy available from such a fuel cell operating at 60-percent efficiency is estimated to be 1,500 Wh/kg of reactants. The proposed use of zirconia-based oxide electrolyte at 800-1,000 C will permit continuous operation, very high power densities, and substantially increased efficiency of conversion over any of the earlier attempts. The solid oxide fuel cell is also tolerant to a wide range of environmental temperatures. Such a system is built for easy refueling for exploration missions and for the ability to turn on after several years of transit. Specific examples of future missions are in-situ landers on Europa and Titan that will face extreme radiation and temperature environments, flyby missions to Saturn, and landed missions on the Moon with 14 day/night cycles.

Ganapathi, Gani↗

NASA NTRS2005

Mineralized Remains of Morphotypes of Filamentous Cyanobacteria in Carbonaceous Meteorites

The quest for conclusive evidence of microfossils in meteorites has been elusive. One difficulty arises from the fact than many abiotic or inorganic microstructures, mineral grains, and coating artifacts can mimic the smaller representatives of the microbial world that possess very simple morphologies (unicellular cocci or bacilli). However, there exist a wide variety of large, filamentous trichomic prokaryotic microorganisms (cyanobacteria and sulfur bacteria) with sufficiently well known and complex morphologies that they can be recognized and are known to be of unquestionable biogenic origin. The taphonomic modes of fossilization and their of their life habits and processes frequently result in distinctive chemical biosignatures associated with carbonization, silicification, calcification, phosphatization and metal-binding properties of their cell-walls, trichomes, sheaths and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Strong differences of mineral concentrations in closely associated and visibly differentiated cellular microstructures provide strong evidence of biogenicity. This evidence is further enhanced by the detection of recognizable and distinct microstructures (e.g., uniseriate or multiseriate filaments, trichomes, sheaths, cells of proper sizes and size distributions) and growth characteristics (e.g., basal or apical cells, true or false branching of trichomes, tapered or uniform filaments, robust or thin sheaths) and reproductive and nitrogen fixation habits (e.g., baeocytes, hormogonia, akinetes and heterocysts), Microfossils of cyanobacteria and cyanobacterial mats and stromatolites have been recognized a described from many of the most ancient rocks on Earth. The crucial problem lies in developing valid protocols and methodologies for establishing that the putative microfossils are truly indigenous and not merely recent microbial contaminants. During the past several years, we have conducted Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) investigations of freshly fractured interior surfaces of carbonaceous meteorites, terrestrial rocks, and recent microbial extremophiles and filamentous cyanobacteria. These studies have resulted in the detection in a several carbonaceous meteorites of the mineralized remains of a wide variety of complex filamentous trichomic microorganisms. These embedded forms are consistent in size and microstructure with well-preserved morphotypes of mat- forming filamentous trichomic cyanobacteria and the degraded remains of microfibrils of cyanobacterial sheaths. We present the results of comparative imaging studies and EDAX elemental analyses of recent cyanobacteria (e.g. Calothrix, Oscillatoria, and Lyngbya) that are similar in size, morphology and microstructure to morphotypes found embedded in meteorites. EDAX elemental studies reveal that forms found in carbonaceous meteorites often have highly carbonized sheaths in close association with permineralized filaments, trichomes and microbial cells. Ratios of critical bioelements (C:O, C:N, C:P, and C:S) reveal dramatic differences between microfossils in Earth rocks and meteorites and in filaments, trichomes, hormogonia, and cells of recent cyanobacteria.

Hoover, Richard B.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Agent-based modeling of microbes in space

Space is tough on organisms. Microorganisms traveling to space experience stress from environmental features such as ionizing radiation and lack of normal microgravity; however, much remains unknown about the mechanisms by which those environmental features affect microbial physiology. Microbes experience changes in gravity not directly but rather through changes in their fluid environment, and deep-space particle radiation causes cell damage that is complex but rare. Computational modeling at the single-cell level (agent-based modeling) can allow us to probe the spatially heterogeneous processes that characterize space stresses, to gain insight into the relationships of microbial cells with their environments and with each other. Here we present two software packages for simulating microbial population dynamics in space conditions: CAMDLES and AMMPER. Microbes growing in liquid culture medium in the microgravity of an orbital space station experience a quiescent, poorly-mixed fluid environment. CAMDLES (CFD-DEM Artificial Microgravity Developments for Living Ecosystem Simulation) simultaneously simulates biological, chemical, and mechanical processes to predict microbial ecological dynamics in microgravity, and in the rotating culture vessels used to create an artificial microgravity environment in the lab. Initial results demonstrate that the growth of a cross-feeding microbial consortium, dependent on the exchange of soluble metabolites, is sensitive to the initial spatial distribution of cells, and grows differently in real versus artificial microgravity. Microbial populations exposed to deep-space radiation experience spatially and temporally heterogeneous damage from the traversal of high-energy particles. AMMPER (Agent-Based Model for Microbial Populations Exposed to Radiation) pairs a 3d model of energy deposition along a radiation particle track with a microbial population growth and damage model to predict the effects of localized radiation damage on population-level responses. It includes a user-friendly graphical interface. AMMPER results agree with experimental data indicating that indirect effects of radiation (reactive oxygen species generation, metabolic impairment) have a greater impact on microorganisms than direct effects (DNA damage).

Jessica A Lee↗

NASA NTRS2022

Agent-Based Modeling of Microbes in Space

Space is tough on organisms. Microorganisms traveling to space experience stress from environmental features such as ionizing radiation and lack of normal gravity, and much remains unknown about the mechanisms by which those environmental features affect microbial physiology. Microbes experience changes in gravity not directly but rather through changes in their fluid environment, and deep-space particle radiation causes cell damage that is complex but rare. Computational modeling at the single-cell level (agent-based modeling) can allow us to probe the spatially heterogeneous processes that characterize space stresses, to gain insight into the relationships of microbial cells with their environments and with each other. Here we present two software packages for simulating microbial population dynamics in space conditions: CAMDLES and AMMPER. Microbes growing in liquid culture medium in the microgravity of an orbital space station experience a quiescent, poorly-mixed fluid environment. CAMDLES (CFD-DEM Artificial Microgravity Developments for Living Ecosystem Simulation) simultaneously simulates biological, chemical, and mechanical processes to predict microbial ecological dynamics in microgravity, and in the rotating culture vessels used to create an artificial microgravity environment in the lab. Initial results demonstrate that the growth of a cross-feeding microbial consortium, dependent on the exchange of soluble metabolites, is sensitive to the initial spatial distribution of cells, and grows differently in real versus artificial microgravity. Microbial populations exposed to deep-space radiation experience spatially and temporally heterogeneous damage from the traversal of high-energy particles. AMMPER (Agent-Based Model for Microbial Populations Exposed to Radiation) pairs a 3d model of energy deposition along a radiation particle track with a microbial population growth and damage model to predict the effects of localized radiation damage on population-level responses. It includes a user-friendly graphical interface. AMMPER growth curves recapitulate experimental results, and allow comparison between direct effects (DNA damage) and indirect effects (reactive oxygen species generation, metabolic impairment) of radiation.

microbiology↗

NASA NTRS2002

The Use of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Near-Infrared Technology for Biostimulation

Studies on cells exposed to microgravity and hypergravity indicate that human cells need gravity to stimulate growth. As the gravitational force increases or decreases, the cell function responds in a linear fashion. This poses significant health risks for astronauts in long-term spaceflight. The application of light therapy with the use of NASA LEDs will significantly improve the medical care that is available to astronauts on long-term space missions. NASA LEDs stimulate the basic energy processes in the mitochondria (energy compartments) of each cell, particularly when near-infrared light is used to activate the color sensitive chemicals (chromophores, cytochrome systems) inside. Optimal LED wavelengths include 680, 730 and 880 nm and our laboratory has improved the healing of wounds in laboratory animals by using both NASA LED light and hyperbaric oxygen. Furthermore, DNA synthesis in fibroblasts and muscle cells has been quintupled using NASA LED light alone, in a single application combining 680, 730 and 880 nm each at 4 Joules per centimeter squared. Muscle and bone atrophy are well documented in astronauts, and various minor injuries occurring in space have been reported not to heal until landing on Earth. An LED blanket device may be used for the prevention of bone and muscle atrophy in astronauts. The depth of near-infrared light penetration into human tissue has been measured spectroscopically.

Whelan, Harry T.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Development of technique for AR coating and nickel and copper metallization of solar cells: FPS project, product development

Silicon nitride and nickel pastes are investigated in conjunction with a brush copper plating process for the purpose of identifying one or more fabrication sequences which yield at least 10 percent efficient N(+)/P(+) flat plate solar cells. The adhesion of all nickel pastes is reduced significantly when subjected to acidic and alkaline brush copper plating solutions as a result of a combination of thermally induced stress and chemical attack of the frit, which occurs at the interface with the silicon solar cell. The AgF is penetrating the 800 a of Si3N4 and ohmic contact is occurring at all fire-in tempertures. During the brush plating process, fingers and buss bars tend to spread.

Rominger, C. G.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The definition of the process of electrochemical impregnation of nickel electrodes

Electrochemical impregnation was studied during a series of experiments designed to define the optimal conditions for the fabrication of dimensionally stable cell anodes of Ni-H2 and Ni-Cd systems. The influence of various parameters, such as current and duration of electrolysis, temperature and acidity of the chemical bath, the concentrations of Ni and Co as well as the use of ethanol was determined. Results show that the electrochemical impregnation process as defined is industrially feasible and it is suggested that Ni-H2 and Ni-Cd type electrodes be produced in sufficient quantity to further evaluate their performance characteristics.

Antoine, P.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions in Li/SOCl2 cells

Work is described that was designed to determine the kinetic constants necessary to extrapolate kinetic data on Li/SOCl2 cells over the temperature range from 25 to 75 C. A second objective was to characterize as far as possible the chemical reactions that occur in the cells since these reactions may be important in understanding the potential hazards of these cells. The kinetics of the corrosion processes in undischarged Li/SOCl2 cells were determined and separated according to their occurrence at the anode and cathode; the effects that switching the current on and off has on the corrosion reactions was determined; and the effects of discharge state on the kinetics of the corrosion process were found. A thermodynamic analysis of the current-producing reactions in the cell was done and is included.

Hansen, Lee D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Electrochemical System Would Supply O2, H2O, N2, And H2

Electrochemical system includes fuel cells that convert high-energy-density chemical propellants to atmospheric gases. System provides cooling, water, and electrical energy. Applicable to terrestrial enclosed environments, laboratories, chemical processing plants, or portable medical facilities.

Walter, Richard T.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Advanced air revitalization for optimized crew and plant environments

The Hybrid Air Revitalization System (HARS) closed ecosystem concept presented encompasses electrochemical CO2 and O2 separators, in conjunction with a mechanical condenser/separator for maintaining CO2, O2, and humidity levels in crew and plant habitats at optimal conditions. HARS requires no expendables, and allows flexible process control on the bases of electrochemical cell current, temperature, and airflow rate variations. HARS capacity can be easily increased through the incorporation of additional chemical cells. Detailed system flowcharts are provided.

Lee, M. G.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Development of a polysilicon process based on chemical vapor deposition, phase 1 and phase 2

High-purity polycrystalline silicon was produced in an experimental, intermediate and advanced CVD reactor. Data from the intermediate and advanced reactors confirmed earlier results obtained in the experimental reactor. Solar cells were fabricated by Westinghouse Electric and Applied Solar Research Corporation which met or exceeded baseline cell efficiencies. Feedstocks containing trichlorosilane or silicon tetrachloride are not viable as etch promoters to reduce silicon deposition on bell jars. Neither are they capable of meeting program goals for the 1000 MT/yr plant. Post-run CH1 etch was found to be a reasonably effective method of reducing silicon deposition on bell jars. Using dichlorosilane as feedstock met the low-cost solar array deposition goal (2.0 gh-1-cm-1), however, conversion efficiency was approximately 10% lower than the targeted value of 40 mole percent (32 to 36% achieved), and power consumption was approximately 20 kWh/kg over target at the reactor.

Plahutnik, F.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Process development

An overview is given of seven process development activities which were presented at this session. Pulsed excimer laser processing of photovoltaic cells was presented. A different pulsed excimer laser annealing was described using a 50 w laser. Diffusion barrier research focused on lowering the chemical reactivity of amorphous thin film on silicon. In another effort adherent and conductive films were successfully achieved. Other efforts were aimed at achieving a simultaneous front and back junction. Microwave enhanced plasma deposition experiments were performed. An updated version of the Solar Array Manufacturing Industry Costing Standards (SAMICS) was presented, along with a life cycle cost analysis of high efficiency cells. The last presentation was on the evaluation of the ethyl vinyl acetate encapsulating system.

Bickler, D. B.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The Au Cathode in the System Li2CO3-CO2-CO at 800 to 900 C

Gold is one of several metals being evaluated at NASA Lewis Research Center as positive electrode catalysts for an alkali metal/molten alkali metal carbonate/carbon dioxide electrochemical cell. Such a cell is proposed for CO2-rich planetary atmospheres such as those of Mars and Venus. Its application could be as a primary power supply, as a secondary power supply recharged either 'chemically' by replenishment of the alkali metal or electrochemically from a central station power source, or as a converter of carbon dioxide to oxygen via a complete electrochemical cycle. For the work being reported, lithium was assumed to be the alkali metal of choice for the negative electrode of the cell, and therefore molten lithium carbonate was the electrolyte used in the Au electrode experiments. Cathodic linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) was the primary analytical technique for evaluating the performance of the Au cathode. interest comprised the cell temperature and the total pressure and composition of the reactant gas. In the absence of operational difficulties, the effect of bubbling the reactant gas through the melt was also determined. On the basis of the variation of electrode performance with changes in these parameters, inferences have been made concerning the electrochemical and chemical processes at and near the electrode. The results of post-test micrographic analyses of the Au cathode are also presented. An attempt is then made to project from the experimental results to some relevant conclusions pertaining to a gold cathode in a practical alkali metal - carbon dioxide cell.

Hagedorn, Norman H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Tissue culture apparatus for flight experimentation

The development of an apparatus for in-flight treatment of cells, tissues, or small organisms for microscopic and chemical analyses is discussed. The hardware for the apparatus is to have: (1) automated functions, (2) the capability to interface with ground-based facilities, (3) independently controlled chambers, (4) variable chamber configurations and volumes, and (4) the capabilities for processing the materials. The components of the equipment used on Skylab 3 for the study of animal cells are described. The design of an apparatus which incorporates all the required capabilities is proposed.

Scheld, H. W.↗