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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 109 records · Page 6

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NASA NTRS1979

Aerodynamic resistance reduction of electric and hybrid vehicles

The generation of an EHV aerodynamic data base was initiated by conducting full-scale wind tunnel tests on 16 vehicles. Zero-yaw drag coefficients ranged from a high of 0.58 for a boxey delivery van and an open roadster to a low of about 0.34 for a current 4-passenger prototype automobile which was designed with aerodynamics as an integrated parameter. Characteristic effects of aspect ratio or fineness ratio which might appear if electric vehicle shape proportions were to vary significantly from current automobiles were identified. Some preliminary results indicate a 5 to 10% variation in drag over the range of interest. Effective drag coefficient wind-weighting factors over J227a driving cycles in the presence of annual mean wind fields were identified. Such coefficients, when properly weighted, were found to be from 5 to 65% greater than the zero-yaw drag coefficient in the cases presented. A vehicle aerodynamics bibliography of over 160 entries, in six general categories is included.

Source record↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Experimental Study of Aero-Propulsive Interactions for Electric Ducted Fan Arrays in Multiple Positions on a Wing

The Adaptable Distributed Electric Propulsion Testbed (ADEPT) Wing was tested in the NASA Langley 12-Foot Low-Speed Tunnel for the SUbsonic Single Aft eNgine (SUSAN) Electrofan 25% scale flight research vehicle, which aims to reduce emissions for commercial transport aircraft with electric propulsion technologies. The purpose of the test was to study the aero-propulsive effects across angle of attack and fan speed variations for several propulsor placements and array sizes, and to investigate how DEP can be leveraged for augmented lift and vehicle control. Six electric ducted fan (EDF) array placements were tested by positioning the fans along the leading and trailing edges on the top and bottom surfaces, as well as centered on the chord line in front of and behind the wing. Each fan placement configuration was tested with an array of one, three, and five EDFs to characterize an aero-propulsive extrapolation effect, and the bare wing was tested separately to provide baseline aerodynamic measurements. The results compare the longitudinal forces and moments for each configuration by analyzing the combined aero-propulsive interaction effects, and offer valuable insight into considerations for fan placement along a wing to enable the benefits of DEP integration.

Rose Weinstein↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Framework to Analyze the Requirements of a Multiport Megawatt-Level Charging Station for Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles

Widespread adoption of heavy-duty (HD) electric vehicles (EVs) will soon necessitate the use of megawatt (MW)-scale charging stations to charge high-capacity HD EV battery packs. Such a station design needs to anticipate possible station traffic, average and peak power demand, and charging/wait time targets to improve throughput and maximize revenue-generating operations. High-power direct current charging is an attractive candidate for MW-scale charging stations at the time of this study, but there are no precedents for such a station design for HD vehicles. We present a modeling and data analysis framework to elucidate the dependencies of a MW-scale station operation on vehicle traffic data and station design parameters and how that impacts vehicle electrification. This framework integrates an agent-based charging station model with vehicle schedules obtained through real-world vehicle telemetry data analysis to explore the station design and operation space. A case study applies this framework to a Class 8 vehicle telemetry dataset and uses Monte Carlo simulations to explore various design considerations for MW-scale charging stations and EV battery technologies. The results show a direct correlation between optimal charging station placement and major traffic corridors such as cities with ports, e.g., Los Angeles and Oakland. Corresponding parametric sweeps reveal that while good quality of service can be achieved with a mix of 1.2-megawatt and 100-kilowatt chargers, the resultant fast charging time of 35–40 min will need higher charging power to reach parity with refueling times.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEEN): Summary of the QUEEN V2 Test

A liquid-cooled electric ducted fan system was designed, built, and tested at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Main components of the system include a Commercial-Off- the-Shelf (COTS) fan and motor, and a custom-designed heat exchanger integrated into the fan duct. Fan speed, thrust, and cooling system thermal performance was measured in this static ground test of the propulsor. This propulsor prototype is one of NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEENs) and is designated the ‘QUEEN V2.’ The Quiet Electric Engines are being developed for the 25% scale model of the Subsonic Aft Engine (SUSAN) Flight Research Vehicle and are intended to explore the potential of distributed electric propulsion for regional single-aisle aircraft. This test demonstrated the functionality of the QUEEN V2, quantified the thrust produced by the electrofan, and characterized the electrical and thermal performance of the system. Lessons learned will be used to guide development of future QUEEN prototypes.

Aerodynamics↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEEN): Summary of the QUEEN V2 Test

Aeronautics-General↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEEN): Summary of the Acoustic Tests of the QUEEN V1

Noise produced by an electric ducted fan system was measured in tests at the NASA Glenn Research Center Acoustical Testing Laboratory. Main components of the system include a Commercial-Off- the-Shelf (COTS) fan and motor, an Electronic Speed Controller, a custom-designed inlet bellmouth, and several experimental inlet duct acoustic liners. Fan speed, thrust, and noise were measured in this static ground test of the propulsor. This propulsor prototype is one of NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEENs) and is designated the ‘QUEEN V1.’ The Quiet Electric Engines are being developed for the 25% scale model of the Subsonic Aft Engine (SUSAN) Flight Research Vehicle and are intended to explore the potential of distributed electric propulsion for large regional single-aisle aircraft. Lessons learned will be used to guide development of future QUEEN prototypes. Results of a thermal test of the Electronic Speed Controller measured during this test are presented in a separate report.

L Danielle Koch↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEEN): Summary of the Acoustic Tests of the QUEEN V1

Noise produced by an electric ducted fan system was measured in tests at the NASA Glenn Research Center Acoustical Testing Laboratory. Main components of the system include a Commercial-Off-the-Shelf fan, shroud, motor, and Electronic Speed Controller, plus a custom-designed inlet bellmouth, and four experimental inlet duct acoustic liners. Fan speed and noise were measured in this static ground test of the propulsor. This propulsor prototype is one of NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEENs) and is designated the ‘QUEEN V1.’ The Quiet Electric Engines are being developed for the 25% scale model of the Subsonic Aft Engine (SUSAN) Flight Research Vehicle and are intended to explore the potential of distributed electric propulsion for large single-aisle aircraft. Results indicated that inlet duct acoustic liners reduced tone and broadband noise as compared to a hardwall inlet duct. Predicted performance of the honeycomb liner compared well with measurements from an array of far field microphones. Inlet acoustic liners are just one method for mitigating noise for electric ducted fans for aircraft propulsion systems. Lessons learned will be used to guide development of future QUEEN prototypes. Results of a thermal test of the Electronic Speed Controller are presented in a separate report.

Aircraft propulsion and power↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEEN): Summary of the Acoustic Tests of the QUEEN V1

Noise produced by an electric ducted fan system was measured in tests at the NASA Glenn Research Center Acoustical Testing Laboratory. Main components of the system include a Commercial-Off-the-Shelf fan, shroud, motor, and Electronic Speed Controller, plus a custom-designed inlet bellmouth, and four experimental inlet duct acoustic liners. Fan speed and noise were measured in this static ground test of the propulsor. This propulsor prototype is one of NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEENs) and is designated the ‘QUEEN V1.’ The Quiet Electric Engines are being developed for the 25% scale model of the Subsonic Aft Engine (SUSAN) Flight Research Vehicle and are intended to explore the potential of distributed electric propulsion for large single-aisle aircraft. Results indicated that inlet duct acoustic liners reduced tone and broadband noise as compared to a hardwall inlet duct. Predicted performance of the honeycomb liner compared well with measurements from an array of far field microphones. Inlet acoustic liners are just one method for mitigating noise for electric ducted fans for aircraft propulsion systems. Lessons learned will be used to guide development of future QUEEN prototypes. Results of a thermal test of the Electronic Speed Controller are presented in a separate report.

Aircraft propulsion and power↗

DOE OSTI2022

liionpack: A Python package for simulating packs of batteries with PyBaMM

Electrification of transport and other energy intensive activities is of growing importance as it provides an underpinning method to reduce carbon emissions. With an increase in reliance on renewable sources of energy and a reduction in the use of more predictable fossil fuels in both stationary and mobile applications, energy storage will play a pivotal role and batteries are currently the most widely adopted and versatile form. Therefore, understanding how batteries work, how they degrade, and how to optimize and manage their operation at large scales is critical to achieving emission reduction targets. The electric vehicle (EV) industry requires a considerable number of batteries even for a single vehicle, sometimes numbering in the thousands if smaller cells are used, and the dynamics and degradation of these systems, as well as large stationary power systems, is not that well understood. As increases in the efficiency of a single battery become diminishing for standard commercially available chemistries, gains made at the system level become more important and can potentially be realised more quickly compared with developing new chemistries. Mathematical models and simulations provide a way to address these challenging questions and can aid the engineer and designers of batteries and battery management systems to provide longer lasting and more efficient energy storage systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

NASA NTRS2017

A Overview of New Technologies Driving Innovation in the Airborne Science Community

Following a more than a century of scientific aircraft and ballooning there is a sense that a renaissance of sorts is at hand in the aviation industry. The advent of incredibly miniaturized autopilots, inertial navigation systems, GPS antennae, and payloads has sparked a revolution in manned and unmanned aircraft. Improved SATCOM and onboard computing has enabled realtime data processing and improved transfer of data on and off the aircraft, making flight planning and data collection more efficient and effective. Electric propulsion systems are scaling up to larger and larger vehicles as evidenced by the NASA GL-10, which is leading to a new X-plane and is leading to renewed interest in personal air vehicles. There is also significant private and government investments in the development of High Altitude, Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft. This presentation will explore how such developments are likely to improve our ability to observe earth systems processes from aircraft by providing an overview of current NASA Airborne Science capabilities, followed by a brief discussion of new technologies being applied to Airborne Science missions, and then conclude with an overview of new capabilities on the horizon that are likely to be of interest to the Earth Science community.

airborne science↗

NASA NTRS2017

An Overview of New Technologies Driving Innovation in the Airborne Science Community

airborne science↗

DOE OSTI2021

Mining Smart Meter Data to Enhance Distribution Grid Observability for Behind-the-Meter Load Control: Significantly improving system situational awareness and providing valuable insights

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are playing an increasingly important role in power systems. In 2023, five categories of DERs-distributed solar, electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage, residential smart thermostats, and small-scale combined heat and power-are expected to contribute about 104 GW to the U.S. summer peak (see GTM, 2018). With the increasing integration of DERs in power distribution systems, distributed load control is imperative to smooth the fluctuations that they introduce. However, a main challenge is that distribution systems lack systematic situational awareness because of their limited sensors. Furthermore, most customer-level behind-the-meter (BTM) DERs, such as rooftop photovoltaics (PVs), are being integrated into distribution systems, which complicates the system monitoring and control. Furthermore, enhanced electric grid monitoring is needed to promote renewable integration while ensuring reliability, but current approaches rely on expensive sensors.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEEN): Thermal Analysis and Testing of the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

An electric ducted fan system was tested at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Main components of the system include a commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) fan and motor, electronic speed controller, and cooling system. Motor speed, voltage, current, and temperatures were measured in this static ground test of the propulsor. The thermal performance of the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) was also measured using two different methods to cool the ESC: air cooling and cold plate cooling. This propulsor prototype is one of NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEENs) and is designated the ‘QUEEN V1.’ The Quiet Electric Engines are being developed for the 25% scale model of the Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) Flight Research Vehicle and are intended to explore the potential of distributed electric propulsion for large regional single-aisle aircraft. Lessons learned will be used to guide development of future QUEEN prototypes and thermal management systems.

Firas G Asfoor↗

DOE OSTI2023

From Atoms to Wheels: The Role of Multi-Scale Modeling in the Future of Transportation Electrification

Traditionally, prototype hardware is built for validation testing to ensure battery systems design changes meet vehicle-level requirements, which is expensive both in cost and time. Virtual engineering (VE) of battery systems for electric vehicle (EV) propulsion offers a reduced-cost alternative to the traditional development process and uses multi-scale modeling to virtually probe the impact of design changes in a particular part on the overall performance of the system. This allows for rapid iteration over multiple design spaces, without committing to build hardware. This perspective article discusses current trends in VE for EV applications and proposes improvements to accelerate EV adoption.

Garrick, Taylor R. (ORCID:0000000322518129)↗

DOE OSTI2023

A Novel High‐Performance Electrolyte for Extreme Fast Charging in Pilot Scale Lithium‐Ion Pouch Cells

Realizing extreme fast charging (XFC) in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles is still challenging due to the insufficient lithium-ion transport kinetics, especially in the electrolyte. Herein, a novel high-performance electrolyte (HPE) consisting of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6 ) and carbonates is proposed and tested in pilot-scale, 2-Ah pouch cells. Moreover, the origin of improved electrochemical performance is comprehensively studied via various characterizations, suggesting that the proposed HPE exhibits high ionic conductivity and excellent electrochemical stability at high charging rate of 6-C. Furthermore, the HPE-based pouch cells deliver improved discharge specific capacity and excellent long-term cyclability up to 1500 cycles under XFC conditions, which is superior to the conventional state-of-the-art baseline electrolyte.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2023

A novel large-scale EV charging scheduling algorithm considering V2G and reactive power management based on ADMM

Electric vehicle aggregators (EVAs) that utilize vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies can function as both controllable loads and virtual power plants, providing key energy management services to the distribution system operator (DSO). EVAs can also balance the grid’s reactive power as a virtual static VAR compensator (SVC) and provide voltage stability by utilizing advanced electric vehicle (EV) chargers that are capable of four-quadrant operations to provide reactive power management. Finally, managed charging can benefit EVAs themselves by minimizing power factor penalties in their electricity bills. In this paper, we propose a novel EV charging scheduling algorithm based on a hierarchical distributed optimization framework that minimizes peak load and provides reactive power compensation for the DSO by collaboration with EVAs that manage both the active and the reactive charging and discharging power of participating EVs. Utilizing the alternative direction method of multipliers (ADMM), the proposed distributed optimization approach scales well with increased EV charging infrastructure by balancing active and reactive power while decreasing computational burden. In our proposed hierarchical approach, each EVA schedules the active and reactive EV charging and discharging power for 1) reactive power compensation in order to minimize power factor penalty and electricity cost accrued by the EVA, 2) satisfaction of each EV’s energy demand at minimal charging cost, and 3) peak shaving and load management for the DSO. When compared with an uncoordinated charging model, the efficacy of this proposed model is successfully demonstrated through a 300% decreased peak EV load for the DSO, 28% lower electricity costs for EV users, and 98.55% smaller power factor penalty, along with 17.58% lower overall electricity costs, for EVAs. The performance of our approach is validated in a case study with 50 EVs at multiple EVAs in an IEEE 13-bus test case and compared the results with uncoordinated EV charging.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2021

Energy consumption and charging load profiles from long-haul truck electrification in the United States

Abstract The urgent need to decarbonize the transportation sector combined with falling battery prices has spurred industry and policy interest in long-haul truck electrification. The charging behavior and resulting loads from electrified long-haul freight trucks are crucial for the smooth operation of the electric grid and have far-reaching environmental impacts (e.g., greenhouse gas and other air pollutant emissions). However, the aggregate energy impact of a fleetwide shift to electrified long-haul freight trucking has not been explored. This study combines electric truck design scenarios, bottom-up truck weight modeling, vehicle energy modeling, large-scale truck traffic data, and simulation of likely operation and charging behaviors to estimate end-use energy consumption and location-specific hourly charging loads for a national fleet of long-haul electric trucks. Relative to a fleet of future diesel trucks, electrification would reduce direct end-use energy consumption by 0.9 × 10 18 J (0.9 quadrillion BTU), but electrification might increase life cycle energy consumption depending on the electricity source. The electricity required to charge long-haul electric trucks is equivalent to five percent of annual electricity consumption in the United States (US). The simulated truck charging loads peak during the day across the US grid regions, but the charging peaks’ exact timing is sensitive to when trucks are dispatched for operation. The load shapes suggest that electric trucks’ charging loads can coincide with peaks in solar power generation, and planning could enable on- or off-site integration between truck charging stations and renewable electricity generation.

Tong, Fan (ORCID:0000000346613956)↗

NASA NTRS1980

Shock-tube studies of radiative base heating of Jovian probe

A 6.4-cm-diameter scale model of the Jovian entry vehicle is tested in an electric-arc-driven shock tube and a 5-cm-diameter sphere model is tested in a combustion-driven shock tube and in an electric-arc-driven shock tunnel. The radiative heat-transfer rate and pressure on the front and the base regions are measured in the absence of ablation with sensors imbedded in the models in a stream consisting of 10% hydrogen in a bath of either neon or argon. The measured radiative heat-transfer rates and pressures range to about 22 kW/sq cm and 12 atm, respectively, at the front stagnation point. The ratio of the radiative heat-transfer rate at the base stagnation point to that at the front stagnation point is found to be about 1/4 for the sphere at Mach 1.8, about 1/30 for the sphere at Mach 4.8, and about 1/6 for the scale model at Mach 1.7. The present experimental results agree well with the theoretical predictions of Park, thus indicating that Park's theory is valid.

Shirai, H.↗