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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Development of an anti-clogging perforated plate atomizer for a zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination system

An anti-clogging perforated plate atomizer is designed for high temperature and salinity applications in a novel solar-powered zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination system (US Patent Application US62882953). Herein this paper presents a detailed discussion on its design, and operation. Experiments are performed on seven atomizers to study the effect of design, and operating parameters on spray cone angle, and average droplet diameter. Spray cone angle remains constant with change in air mass flux, and increases with increasing orifice diameter, and manifold diameter. It also increases initially with water mass flow rate, and manifold height, before attaining a constant value. Average droplet diameter increases with increasing water mass flow rate, and decreasing air mass flux, orifice diameter, and manifold diameter. Further, anti-clogging performance of the atomizer is tested with hypersaline water of 100,000 ppm total dissolved solid (NaCl) at elevated temperatures such as air at 175 °C and saline water at 45 °C. Results show no clogging for 2–13 h of operation. Near-complete suppression of atomizer clogging makes our new additively-manufactured perforated plate atomizer an ideal fit for high salinity, and zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination systems. Additionally, its open-surface design allows additional surface modifications to further reduce clogging, and enhance self-cleaning characteristics.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2007

Electrode design for electrohydrodynamic conduction pumping

An electrohydrodynamic conduction liquid pumping system includes a vessel configured to contain a liquid or a liquid/vapor therein. This vessel can be of a elongate conduit configuration, an elongate channel configuration or a liquid enclosure configuration. At least a single pair of electrodes are disposed in a spaced apart relation to each other on the vessel and configured to be oriented in the liquid. A power supply is coupled to the electrodes and operable to generate electric fields in between the pair of electrodes, the electric forces inducing a net liquid movement relative to the vessel. Various electrode designs are embraced within the concept of this invention.

Yagoobi, Jamal Seyed↗
NASA NTRS2009

Gauging Systems Monitor Cryogenic Liquids

Rocket fuel needs to stay cool - super cool, in fact. The ability to store gas propellants like liquid hydrogen and oxygen at cryogenic temperatures (below -243 F) is crucial for space missions in order to reduce their volumes and allow their storage in smaller (and therefore, less costly) tanks. The Agency has used these cryogenic fluids for vehicle propellants, reactants, and life support systems since 1962 with the Centaur upper stage rocket, which was powered with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. During proposed long-duration missions, super-cooled fluids will also be used in space power systems, spaceports, and lunar habitation systems. In the next generation of launch vehicles, gaseous propellants will be cooled to and stored for extended periods at even colder temperatures than currently employed via a process called densification. Densification sub-cools liquids to temperatures even closer to absolute zero (-459 F), increasing the fluid s density and shrinking its volume beyond common cryogenics. Sub-cooling cryogenic liquid hydrogen, for instance, from 20 K (-423 F) to 15 K (-432.4 F) reduces its mass by 10 percent. These densified liquid gases can provide more cost savings from reduced payload volume. In order to benefit from this cost savings, the Agency is working with private industry to prevent evaporation, leakage, and other inadvertent loss of liquids and gases in payloads - requiring new cryogenic systems to prevent 98 percent (or more) of boil-off loss. Boil-off occurs when cryogenic or densified liquids evaporate, and is a concern during launch pad holds. Accurate sensing of propellants aboard space vehicles is also critical for proper engine shutdown and re-ignition after launch, and zero boil-off fuel systems are also in development for the Altair lunar lander.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2022

The LIBRA Experiment: Investigating Robust Tritium Accountancy in Molten FLiBe Exposed to a D-T Fusion Neutron Spectrum

The Liquid Immersion Blanket: Robust Accountancy (LIBRA) experiment will be a first-of-a-kind experiment to explore and develop the liquid immersion blanket (LIB) concept. The LIB is a radically simple molten–LiF-BeF2 (FLiBe)–salt tritium breeding blanket for deuterium-tritium (D-T)–fueled fusion power plants (FPPs) achieving a high tritium breeding ratio (TBR) in neutronics models. However, tritium breeding in FLiBe is inherently difficult to study experimentally. As a result, the coupled issues of FLiBe radiochemistry and tritium (T) transport are poorly understood. LIBRA approaches this challenge by simulating an FPP blanket environment using a D-T neutron generator and ≈ 1000 kg of FLiBe. LIBRA will investigate T breeding, containment, and extraction, coupled with FLiBe redox control and radiochemistry. The primary goal of LIBRA is to demonstrate robust T accountancy in blanket prototypical conditions. Here, T accountancy encompasses accurate predictions of T breeding in the FLiBe; detection and measurement of all T bred in LIBRA; and speciation of the T extracted from the FLiBe. Initial neutronics simulations of LIBRA indicate that a global TBR of ~ 1 is possible, where the TBR is defined as the number of tritons bred and extracted from FLiBe relative to the number of neutrons produced by D-T fusion reactions in the neutron generator. In this paper, we present the LIBRA concept and its scientific goals in the context of T breeding experiments. We also consider the potential impact of the LIB on the future fusion power industry, motivating further development of FLiBe-based T breeding research activities such as LIBRA.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1972

United States Space Nuclear Electric Power Program.

The principal characteristics and design features of major systems and technological developments in U.S. space nuclear power activities are reviewed, covering radioisotope thermoelectric generators, reactor space electric power technology, and the advanced liquid metal cooled power reactor program. The topics also include heat source design and development, thermoelectric efficiency, high performance thermoelectric materials, and alloy developments. The U.S. Space Electric Power Program is described as one aimed at the development of a minimum number of standard components and power modules for both radioisotopes and reactor systems that will meet the widest possible range of future requirements. The need to reduce the high cost of the isotopic generators already used in space missions is stressed.

Newby, G. A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Exploring self-healing liquid metal mirrors for high-power laser applications

Here we explore the laser-damage behavior of gallium alloy-based liquid metal mirrors for their potential to provide higher damage-threshold performance. One of the key advantages of using liquid metal mirrors is the self-healing potential following perturbations arising from exposure to high-power laser pulses. In this work, key performance metrics, such as reflectivity and the laser-damage initiation mechanism and initiation threshold, were investigated using fused-silica cells filled with three different Ga liquid metal alloys. The results suggest that irreversible modification (damage) under 355- nm, 6-ns pulses are associated with the formation of gallium oxide, taking place at a fluence significantly higher than that for damage initiation in conventional metal mirrors. This exploratory work is the first of its kind and highlights the strong performance of gallium alloy metal mirrors.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS2014

Development, Verification and Validation of Parallel, Scalable Volume of Fluid CFD Program for Propulsion Applications

There are many instances involving liquid/gas interfaces and their dynamics in the design of liquid engine powered rockets such as the Space Launch System (SLS). Some examples of these applications are: Propellant tank draining and slosh, subcritical condition injector analysis for gas generators, preburners and thrust chambers, water deluge mitigation for launch induced environments and even solid rocket motor liquid slag dynamics. Commercially available CFD programs simulating gas/liquid interfaces using the Volume of Fluid approach are currently limited in their parallel scalability. In 2010 for instance, an internal NASA/MSFC review of three commercial tools revealed that parallel scalability was seriously compromised at 8 cpus and no additional speedup was possible after 32 cpus. Other non-interface CFD applications at the time were demonstrating useful parallel scalability up to 4,096 processors or more. Based on this review, NASA/MSFC initiated an effort to implement a Volume of Fluid implementation within the unstructured mesh, pressure-based algorithm CFD program, Loci-STREAM. After verification was achieved by comparing results to the commercial CFD program CFD-Ace+, and validation by direct comparison with data, Loci-STREAM-VoF is now the production CFD tool for propellant slosh force and slosh damping rate simulations at NASA/MSFC. On these applications, good parallel scalability has been demonstrated for problems sizes of tens of millions of cells and thousands of cpu cores. Ongoing efforts are focused on the application of Loci-STREAM-VoF to predict the transient flow patterns of water on the SLS Mobile Launch Platform in order to support the phasing of water for launch environment mitigation so that vehicle determinantal effects are not realized.

West, Jeff↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Optimization Considerations for Annular Linear Electromagnetic Pumps for Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion

The Need for High Performance Liquid Metal Pumps Testing Power and Efficiency Considerations Liquid metal cooled reactors is one option for space nuclear power for settlements and electric propulsion vehicles (Snap 10 A, SP100, Soviet Topaz reactors) • High heat capacity • High boiling point (NaK~1200K) • Simplified heat transfer loop • Good neutronics Liquid metal EM pumps are desired over conventional pumps owing to lack of seals, bearings elimination of cavitation issues, lower mass and eliminates mechanical impeller • Conduction pumps (typically DC-high current, low voltage; ~5% efficiency) • Induction pumps (typically AC, high efficiency ~40%) Annular linear induction pump is an EM pump with no moving parts and of cylindrical/tubular geometry which makes it straightforward to integrate in conventional piping architectures • Higher inherent reliability • Invented by Einstein and Szilard

ALIP↗
DOE OSTI2022

Deep Electrification Analysis: The Role of the U.S. Power Grid for Sustainable Transportation

This project attempts to quantify the size of electric generation for the entire nation to transition from a fossil fuel based transportation sector to a zero GHG emission-based energy source. The scope of this analysis is limited to decarbonizing the transportation sector, leaving the remaining sectors, such as power (for those that are still fossil based), industry, and building sectors, for later phases of study. The study year for this analysis is 2050, with expected escalation in transportation services and naturally occurring evolutions in the electric power sector and the entire economy. This analysis uses the projections of the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA’s) Annual Energy Outlook (AEO 2020) Reference Case for study year 2050 [EIA/AEO2020] as a base-case. The transportation sector is disaggregated by the following modes and classes: (1) on-road (divided into light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty vehicles), (2) aviation, (3) maritime, and (4) rail. The decarbonization case was based on only 2 pathways: (1) electrification of on-road transportation except for 30% of heavy-duty vehicles, and (2) power-to-liquid for the remaining transportation modes. The study estimated for 11 US regions what the additional wind and storage capacities requirements are to replace the fossil-based fuels with renewable wind capacity. Considered were the utilization of the existing idle capacity particularly during the load valley at night and any additional new generation capacity in EIA projections for the reference case. To balance the additional wind capacity required significant energy storage capabilities which were estimated in terms of power capacity (GW) and energy capacity (GWh). The paper further characterizes the energy requirements by a relation of power capacity to duration, allowing the analyst to gain insights into what the best technology portfolio might be to meet the new balancing or flexibility needs.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

The Role of Fuels in Transforming Energy End-Use in Buildings and Industrial Processes

This book examines what role fuels have in the transformation of end-use in buildings and industrial processes. Energy efficient technologies are necessary to lower the carbon footprint for a transition towards clean energy in a sustainable manner. Efficient utilization of primary energy resources including renewables to support the current and future energy needs while targeting grid resiliency, energy and environmental security, at an affordable cost is of significant value. Analysis of configurations consisting of heat pumps, fuel driven thermal providers and power systems is presented. Sensitivity of electrical grid's carbon intensity towards carbon footprint in comparison with fuel driven technologies is necessary to recognize the true value proposition of currently available energy solutions for different end consumers. Similarly, the role of low carbon, zero carbon, and carbon negative fuels such as power to gas, power to liquid, hydrogen, biogas, etc. in conjunction with polygeneration technologies are discussed. Transformation of the primary energy resources from conventional fossil fuels to renewable fuels or electricity will have a significant impact on the overall carbon footprint of various end use sectors, including buildings. Hence, this book also examines two different scenarios focused on sensitivity of the pace of decarbonization of electrical grid and fuel supply on operational energy related carbon emissions.

Cheekatamarla, Praveen↗
DOE OSTI2021

Moisture-induced autonomous surface potential oscillations for energy harvesting

A variety of autonomous oscillations in nature such as heartbeats and some biochemical reactions have been widely studied and utilized for applications in the fields of bioscience and engineering. Here, we report a unique phenomenon of moisture-induced electrical potential oscillations on polymers, poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide-co-acrylic acid), during the diffusion of water molecules. Chemical reactions are modeled by kinetic simulations while system dynamic equations and the stability matrix are analyzed to show the chaotic nature of the system which oscillates with hidden attractors to induce the autonomous surface potential oscillation. Using moisture in the ambient environment as the activation source, this self-excited chemoelectrical reaction could have broad influences and usages in surface-reaction based devices and systems. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, an energy harvester is constructed and achieved the continuous energy production for more than 15,000 seconds with an energy density of 16.8 mJ/cm 2 . A 2-Volts output voltage has been produced to power a liquid crystal display toward practical applications with five energy harvesters connected in series.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Sustainable Aviation Fuel State-of-Industry Report: Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Pathway

Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate and decisive action to ensure a sustainable future. To reduce CO 2 emissions and speed up the transition to net-zero aviation, the Biden administration has launched the "Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge" to scale up production of SAF. The challenge aims to achieve 20% reduction in aviation emissions by producing 3 billion gallons per year (BGPY) of SAF by 2030 and to meet 100% of aviation fuel demand by producing 35 BGPY of SAF by 2050. In this report, we provide an overview of the current state of the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF industry, guided by the perspectives of the interviewed experts. Currently, the HEFA pathway is the only commercially deployed method to produce significant amounts of SAF. As a result, SAF produced via the HEFA pathway is expected to make the largest contribution to achieving the 2030 production target and play a key role in boosting and establishing the SAF market. Announced SAF's total capacity, including alcohol-to-jet, FT, and power-to-liquid facilities, is expected to reach 2 BGPY by 2030 (1), with the expected from HEFA. Total HEFA capacity, including construction and planned projects, is expected to reach about 9 BGPY by 2030; if completely executed, this would contribute to renewable diesel (RD) and SAF. The production ratio of SAF and RD will depend on market conditions, incentives, and the capabilities of facilities. While some stakeholders believe that the 2030 goal may be achieved solely via HEFA, others believe that overly relying on HEFA may be detrimental to the development of other necessary pathways to meet 2050 goals. Our conclusion is that the HEFA pathway alone will not be sufficient to reach the 2030 target. It is crucial to implement additional pathways to reach the goal. This report conducts a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the HEFA SAF value chain. Our aim is to provide current status of the industry and to identify potential challenges that could hinder the commercial production and use of SAF produced through the HEFA pathway. We have had extensive discussions, consultations, and collaborative sessions with stakeholders in the HEFA SAF value chain, including HEFA feedstocks, potential volume of HEFA SAF, economic and sustainability metrics when compared to petroleum, and assessment of the HEFA SAF industry's ability to grow and contribute to achieving the "SAF Grand Challenge." Since the HEFA pathway produces both SAF and RD, this report compares both pathways: HEFA to SAF and HEFA to RD.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

An Overview of Potential Future Aviation Energy Carriers

Global jet fuel demand is projected to grow to 165 billion gallons by 2050 and there is growing interest in the aviation industry to understand the capabilities of alternative energy carriers. This report considers several potential energy carriers, reviewing their production potential, operational considerations, and economic implications to inform potential next steps in aeronautics research. The following energy carriers (i.e., fuels) were evaluated in this study for future use in aviation: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) - both biomass-based and power-to-liquids (PtL) - based SAF - cryogenic hydrogen (LH 2 ) - also known as liquid hydrogen - liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied ethane (LE), and Jet X. The barriers and opportunities for the evaluated energy carriers vary. SAF is a commercially available drop-in fuel compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure. SAF is limited by both higher prices and slow commercialization of multiple pathways using different feedstocks necessary to significantly grow supply. Cryogenic fuels, in contrast, have very different thermal, physical, and chemical properties than SAF and Jet A, requiring the construction of new airport storage and dispensing infrastructure and the design of new aircraft energy systems capable of mitigating heat transfer and boil-off. Cryogenic fuels offer an opportunity to diversify aviation fuel carriers from domestic energy relevant for both energy security and resilience. This means cryogenic fuels are more of a longer-term solution for aircraft but are worth exploring for potential future cost savings and emissions benefits. Jet X refers to non-drop-in liquid hydrocarbon fuels in the early stages of investigation seeking favorable properties. There are substantial barriers to non-drop-in liquid aviation fuels that are not compatible with existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Maturation of Next Generation eSAF (CRADA Final Report)

Assessment of current and potential future eSAF production pathways (Power to Liquids, eMethanol to Jet, etc.) against current incumbents (HEFA, Alcohol to Jet) evaluating the overall costs of production, scalability of process, market demand, and policy/ regulatory/ standards for flight.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1967

Research and advanced concepts

Gaseous breakdown of simulated planetary atmospheres and illustration of Greenhouse effect, thermal radiation from ionized argon, liquid magnetohydrodynamic power conversion

GASEOUS DIFFUSION↗