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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 127 records · Page 7

Feasibility of Process Intensification of Water-Gas Shift Reaction Using a Microreactor with Integrated Cooling

Hydrogen is an increasingly attractive low-carbon energy carrier for a variety of stationary and mobile applications. The water-gas shift (WGS) reaction is a key processing step used for large-scale hydrogen production via the steam methane reforming process. However, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the reaction are such that standard two-stage adiabatic reactors used in these systems are large, increasing catalyst volume and cost. To intensify the process and realize the economical distributed production of hydrogen, adiabatic WGS microreactors with integrated cooling directly regulate the reaction temperature via integrated coolant channels to promote higher conversion within a smaller reactor volume. This study investigates the conversion efficiency of a single WGS microchannel operating under such cooling conditions. A COMSOL Multiphysics model is developed and validated with isothermal experimental data from the literature. The model is then used to evaluate improvements in conversion efficiency when the reaction is cooled via a specified wall temperature profile. Lastly, the model is modified to include cooling channels with a secondary fluid that can practically achieve a similar conversion profile as the specified wall temperature profile previously applied. Initial results show that reactor conversion can be significantly increased by the inclusion of appropriate cooling and that there is a potential for the recovery of energy from the reaction stream that can be used for other applications within the overall process.

energy recovery↗

R&D GREET Battery Carbon Footprint Calculator

The Battery Carbon Footprint (CF) Calculator was developed to help U.S. battery manufacturers meet the carbon footprint reporting requirements of the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The calculator incorporates several major battery carbon footprint frameworks, including the Joint Research Centre's Rules for the Calculation of the Carbon Footprint of Electric Vehicle Batteries (CFB-EV), RECHARGE's Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for High Specific Energy Rechargeable Batteries for Mobile Applications (PEFCR), the Catena-X Product Carbon Footprint Rulebook (CX-PCF Rules), Battery Pass's Battery Carbon Footprint: Rules for Calculating the Carbon Footprint of the "Distribution" and "End-of-Life and Recycling" Life Cycle Stages, the Global Battery Alliance's Greenhouse Gas Rulebook: Generic Rules, Version 2.1, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's draft Carbon Footprint Calculation Method for Automotive Batteries. The tool pairs these frameworks with foreground data from Argonne's R&D GREET models and integrates user-supplied background data covering battery manufacturing and supply chain activities. By bringing multiple international methodologies together in a single platform, the calculator enables manufacturers to evaluate product carbon footprints, improve data consistency, and prepare for evolving regulatory compliance and global market reporting requirements.

Zhang, Jingyi↗

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↗

COVID-19, An Exercise in Data Governance at Sandia National Laboratories

In April of 2020, Sandia National Laboratories had an urgent need to identify and manage the data that could be used to create mobile applications, models, reports, and visualizations to assist management in safely bringing the workforce onsite during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple divisions volunteered to design and build software solutions; meanwhile, requests for new data sources, including duplicate requests, were inundating Information Technology (IT) and data owners. The Enterprise Data Governance Team was assigned to resolve obtaining and accessing new sources of data in an accelerated timeframe. Through successful collaboration with multiple stakeholders and domain owners across Sandia, the Enterprise Data Governance Team rapidly developed a centralized data strategy and solution for use in safeguarding the Sandia workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. This foundation enabled teams to successfully develop solutions, including reports for executives and management as well as the data for modeling and scientific analysis.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗

Investigation of Ammonia Carrier Materials for Next Generation Ammonia Dosing System - CRADA 334 (Abstract)

Lean-burn gasoline and diesel engines can offer substantially higher fuel efficiency, good driving performance, and reduced carbon dioxide emission compared to stoichiometric gasoline engines. Various catalyst technologies have been developed to remove the pollutants from these engines. For example, a three-way catalyst (TWC) is used to remove hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from gasoline engines during the stoichiometric conditions. During the lean-burn conditions, a TWC or a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is used to control HC and CO emissions. NOx is removed by either lean NOx trap catalyst (LNT) that can store NOx under lean conditions and reduce NOx under rich conditions, or selective catalytic reduction catalyst (SCR) that can selectively remove NOx with a reducing agent. Among the NOx reduction catalyst technologies, SCR offers a number of advantages, including excellent NOx reduction efficiency over a wide range of temperatures and overall lower system cost. In fact, the SCR technology using ammonia (NH3) as reductant has been proven effective and used commercially for the removal of NOx emissions from stationary sources since the 1970s. Currently, SCR is being used to meet the NOx emission standards for diesel engines in Europe and North America, and also being considered for meeting the future NOx emission standards for lean-burn gasoline engines. Because of the challenges associated with storage, handling and transportation of ammonia on a vehicle, aqueous urea solution (e.g., Diesel Exhaust Fluid, AdBlue) has been developed as ammonia storage compound for mobile applications. When the aqueous urea solution is sprayed into exhaust gas stream, urea is decomposed to release ammonia, which then reduces NOx over the downstream SCR catalyst. Although aqueous urea solution technology has enabled automakers and engine manufacturers to meet the current NOx emission standards, this process of releasing ammonia requires a hot exhaust gas and sufficient mixing, creating challenges for low temperature NOx emission control and aftertreatment system packaging. For these reasons, alternative technologies have been developed as ammonia sources (e.g., solid urea, ammonium carbamate, metal ammine chloride) during the past few years. These technologies promise more convenient handling and distribution of ammonia sources, and help maximize the low-temperature performance of SCR catalysts and reduce the overall system volume and weight. However, none of these alternative technologies can be successfully implemented without the industry consensus. Therefore, the USCAR SCR work group, which is comprised of representatives from GM, Ford, and Chrysler, has decided to investigate the potential alternative ammonia carriers, define common standard vehicle interfaces, and address personal and environmental safety concerns with part suppliers and chemical companies. Under this CRADA Project, USCAR and Battelle will investigate alternative ammonia carrier materials that are currently under development. Based on the data and information derived under the CRADA project, the USCAR SCR work group plans to build the consensus and make recommendations for the industry.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Investigation of Ammonia Carrier Materials for Next Generation Ammonia Dosing System - CRADA 334 (Abstract)

Lean-burn gasoline and diesel engines can offer substantially higher fuel efficiency, good driving performance, and reduced carbon dioxide emission compared to stoichiometric gasoline engines. Various catalyst technologies have been developed to remove the pollutants from these engines. For example, a three-way catalyst (TWC) is used to remove hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from gasoline engines during the stoichiometric conditions. During the lean-burn conditions, a TWC or a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is used to control HC and CO emissions. NOx is removed by either lean NOx trap catalyst (LNT) that can store NOx under lean conditions and reduce NOx under rich conditions, or selective catalytic reduction catalyst (SCR) that can selectively remove NOx with a reducing agent. Among the NOx reduction catalyst technologies, SCR offers a number of advantages, including excellent NOx reduction efficiency over a wide range of temperatures and overall lower system cost. In fact, the SCR technology using ammonia (NH3) as reductant has been proven effective and used commercially for the removal of NOx emissions from stationary sources since the 1970s. Currently, SCR is being used to meet the NOx emission standards for diesel engines in Europe and North America, and also being considered for meeting the future NOx emission standards for lean-burn gasoline engines. Because of the challenges associated with storage, handling and transportation of ammonia on a vehicle, aqueous urea solution (e.g., Diesel Exhaust Fluid, AdBlue) has been developed as ammonia storage compound for mobile applications. When the aqueous urea solution is sprayed into exhaust gas stream, urea is decomposed to release ammonia, which then reduces NOx over the downstream SCR catalyst. Although aqueous urea solution technology has enabled automakers and engine manufacturers to meet the current NOx emission standards, this process of releasing ammonia requires a hot exhaust gas and sufficient mixing, creating challenges for low temperature NOx emission control and aftertreatment system packaging. For these reasons, alternative technologies have been developed as ammonia sources (e.g., solid urea, ammonium carbamate, metal ammine chloride) during the past few years. These technologies promise more convenient handling and distribution of ammonia sources, and help maximize the low-temperature performance of SCR catalysts and reduce the overall system volume and weight. However, none of these alternative technologies can be successfully implemented without the industry consensus. Therefore, the USCAR SCR work group, which is comprised of representatives from GM, Ford, and Chrysler, has decided to investigate the potential alternative ammonia carriers, define common standard vehicle interfaces, and address personal and environmental safety concerns with part suppliers and chemical companies. Under this CRADA Project, USCAR and Battelle will investigate alternative ammonia carrier materials that are currently under development. Based on the data and information derived under the CRADA project, the USCAR SCR work group plans to build the consensus and make recommendations for the industry.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Anomaly Detection in Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Trajectories Using LSTM Autoencoder and Gaussian Mixture Model

Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) technology has the potential to transform the transportation system. Although these new technologies have many advantages, the implementation raises significant concerns regarding safety, security, and privacy. Anomalies in sensor data caused by errors or cyberattacks can cause severe accidents. To address the issue, this study proposed an innovative anomaly detection algorithm, namely the LSTM Autoencoder with Gaussian Mixture Model (LAGMM). This model supports anomalous CAV trajectory detection in the real-time leveraging communication capabilities of CAV sensors. The LSTM Autoencoder is applied to generate low-rank representations and reconstruct errors for each input data point, while the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) is employed for its strength in density estimation. The proposed model was jointly optimized for the LSTM Autoencoder and GMM simultaneously. The study utilizes realistic CAV data from a platooning experiment conducted for Cooperative Automated Research Mobility Applications (CARMAs). The experiment findings indicate that the proposed LAGMM approach enhances detection accuracy by 3% and precision by 6.4% compared to the existing state-of-the-art methods, suggesting a significant improvement in the field.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Current conduction in junction gate field effect transistors

The internal physical mechanism that governs the current conduction in junction-gate field effect transistors is studied. A numerical method of analyzing the devices with different length-to-width ratios and doping profiles is developed. This method takes into account the two dimensional character of the electric field and the field dependent mobility. Application of the method to various device models shows that the channel width and the carrier concentration in the conductive channel decrease with increasing drain-to-source voltage for conventional devices. It also shows larger differential drain conductances for shorter devices when the drift velocity is not saturated. The interaction of the source and the drain gives the carrier accumulation in the channel which leads to the space-charge-limited current flow. The important parameters for the space-charge-limited current flow are found to be the L/L sub DE ratio and the crossover voltage.

Kim, C.↗

Circularly-Polarized Microstrip Antenna

Microstrip construction compact for mobile applications. Circularly polarized microstrip antenna made of concentric cylindrical layers of conductive and dielectric materials. Coaxial cable feedlines connected to horizontal and vertical subelements from inside. Vertical subelement acts as ground for horizontal subelement.

Stanton, P. H.↗

Position reporting system using small satellites

A system able to provide position reporting and monitoring services for mobile applications represents a natural complement to the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system. The system architecture is defined on the basis of the communications requirements derived by user needs, allowing maximum flexibility in the use of channel capacity, and a very simple and low cost terminal. The payload is sketched, outlining the block modularity and the use of qualified hardware. The global system capacity is also derived. The spacecraft characteristics are defined on the basis of the payload requirements. A small bus optimized for Ariane IV, Delta II vehicles and based on the modularity concept is presented. The design takes full advantage of each launcher with a common basic bus or bus elements for a mass production.

Pavesi, B.↗

A dynamic isotope power system portable generator for the moon or Mars

The dynamic isotope power systems (DIPS) demonstration program is focused on a standardized 2.5 kWe portable generator for multiple uses on the lunar or Martian surface. A variety of potential remote or mobile applications has been identified by NASA. These applications include remote power to science packages, surface rovers for both short and extended duration missions, and backup to central base power. Reviews conducted on alternative power sources for these applications are described. These include the comparison of DIPS to regenerative fuel cells (RFCs). Recent work is presented refining the 2.5 kWe design to assure compatibility with the Martian environment while imposing only a minor mass penalty on lunar operations. This was accomplished by limiting temperatures, except in the heat source unit (HSU), to the nonrefractory materials regime and protecting the necessary refractories in the HSU from the environment. Design changes to the HSU are described. Work related to recent concerns regarding astronaut radiation doses is described. This work includes the bases for the calculations to determine the necessary shielding or operational limitations.

Johnson, Richard A.↗

Radiation Insulation

The Apollo and subsequent spacecraft have had highly effective radiation barriers; made of aluminized polymer film, they bar or let in heat to maintain consistent temperatures inside. Tech 2000, formerly Quantum International Corporation used the NASA technology in its insulating materials, Super "Q" Radiant Barrier, for home, industry and mobile applications. The insulation combines industrial aluminum foil overlaid around a core of another material, usually propylene or mylar. The outer layer reflects up to 97 percent of heat; the central layer creates a thermal break in the structure and thus allows low radiant energy emission. The Quantum Cool Wall, used in cars and trucks, takes up little space while providing superior insulation, thus reducing spoilage and costs. The panels can also dampen sound and engine, exhaust and solar heat.

Source record↗

Advanced Stirling Convertor Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Space Systems (LMSS), Sunpower Inc., and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing an Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for use as a power system on space science and exploration missions. This generator will make use of the free-piston Stirling convertors to achieve higher conversion efficiency than currently available alternatives. The ASRG will utilize two Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASC) to convert thermal energy from a radioisotope heat source to electricity. NASA GRC has initiated several experiments to demonstrate the functionality of the ASC, including: in-air extended operation, thermal vacuum extended operation, and ASRG simulation for mobile applications. The in-air and thermal vacuum test articles are intended to provide convertor performance data over an extended operating time. These test articles mimic some features of the ASRG without the requirement of low system mass. Operation in thermal vacuum adds the element of simulating deep space. This test article is being used to gather convertor performance and thermal data in a relevant environment. The ASRG simulator was designed to incorporate a minimum amount of support equipment, allowing integration onto devices powered directly by the convertors, such as a rover. This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and implementation of these experiments.

Oriti, Salvatore↗

Advanced Stirling Convertor Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Space Systems (LMSS), Sunpower Inc., and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing an Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for use as a power system on space science and exploration missions. This generator will make use of the free-piston Stirling convertors to achieve higher conversion efficiency than currently available alternatives. The ASRG will utilize two Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASC) to convert thermal energy from a radioisotope heat source to electricity. NASA GRC has initiated several experiments to demonstrate the functionality of the ASC, including: in-air extended operation, thermal vacuum extended operation, and ASRG simulation for mobile applications. The in-air and thermal vacuum test articles are intended to provide convertor performance data over an extended operating time. These test articles mimic some features of the ASRG without the requirement of low system mass. Operation in thermal vacuum adds the element of simulating deep space. This test article is being used to gather convertor performance and thermal data in a relevant environment. The ASRG simulator was designed to incorporate a minimum amount of support equipment, allowing integration onto devices powered directly by the convertors, such as a rover. This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and implementation of these experiments.

Oriti, Salvatore M.↗

Advances in Scanning Reflectarray Antennas Based on Ferroelectric Thin Film Phase Shifters for Deep Space Communications

Though there are a few examples of scanning phased array antennas that have flown successfully in space, the quest for low-cost, high-efficiency, large aperture microwave phased arrays continues. Fixed and mobile applications that may be part of a heterogeneous exploration communication architecture will benefit from the agile (rapid) beam steering and graceful degradation afforded by phased array antennas. The reflectarray promises greater efficiency and economy compared to directly-radiating varieties. Implementing a practical scanning version has proven elusive. The ferroelectric reflectarray, under development and described herein, involves phase shifters based on coupled microstrip patterned on Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO3 films, that were laser ablated onto LaAlO3 substrates. These devices outperform their semiconductor counterparts from X- through and K-band frequencies. There are special issues associated with the implementation of a scanning reflectarray antenna, especially one realized with thin film ferroelectric phase shifters. This paper will discuss these issues which include: relevance of phase shifter loss; modulo 2(pi) effects and phase shifter transient effects on bit error rate; scattering from the ground plane; presentation of a novel hybrid ferroelectric-semiconductor phase shifter; and the effect of mild radiation exposure on phase shifter performance.

Romanofsky, Robert R.↗

Stirling Convertor Control for a Concept Rover at NASA Glenn Research Center

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC), Sunpower Inc., and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing an Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for potential use as an electric power system for space science missions. This generator would make use of the free-piston Stirling cycle to achieve higher conversion efficiency than currently used alternatives. NASA GRC initiated an experiment with an ASRG simulator to demonstrate the functionality of a Stirling convertor on a mobile application, such as a rover. The ASRG simulator made use of two Advanced Stirling Convertors to convert thermal energy from a heat source to electricity. The ASRG simulator was designed to incorporate a minimum amount of support equipment, allowing integration onto a rover powered directly by the convertors. Support equipment to provide control was designed including a linear AC regulator controller, constant power controller, and Li-ion battery charger controller. The ASRG simulator is controlled by a linear AC regulator controller. The rover is powered by both a Stirling convertor and Li-ion batteries. A constant power controller enables the Stirling convertor to maintain a constant power output when additional power is supplied by the Li-ion batteries. A Li-ion battery charger controller limits the charging current and cut off current of the batteries. This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and implementation of these three controllers.

Blaze-Dugala, Gina M.↗

High flow, low mobile weight quick disconnect system

A fluid coupling device and coupling system that may start and stop the flow of a fluid is disclosed. In some embodiments, first and second couplings are provided having an actuator coupled with each of the couplings. The couplings and actuators may be detachable to provide quick disconnect features and, in some embodiments, provide unitary actuation for the actuators of the coupling device to facilitate connection in mobile applications. Actuation may occur as the two couplings and actuators are engaged and disengaged and may occur by rotational actuation of the actuators. Rotational actuation can be provided to ensure flow through the coupling device, which in some embodiments may further provide an offset venturi feature. Upon disengagement, a compression element such as a compression spring can be provided to return the actuators to a closed position. Some embodiments further provide a seal external to the actuators and provided at incipient engagement of the couplings.

Smith, Ronn G.↗

AeroMACS System Characterization and Demonstrations

This The Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System (AeroMACS) is being developed to provide a new broadband wireless communications capability for safety critical communications in the airport surface domain, providing connectivity to aircraft and other ground vehicles as well as connections between other critical airport fixed assets. AeroMACS development has progressed from requirements definition through technology definition, prototype deployment and testing, and now into national and international standards development. The first prototype AeroMACS system has been deployed at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and the adjacent NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). During the past 3 years, extensive technical testing has taken place to characterize the performance of the AeroMACS prototype and provide technical support for the standards development process. The testing has characterized AeroMACS link and network performance over a variety of conditions for both fixed and mobile data transmission and has included basic system performance testing and fixed and mobile applications testing. This paper provides a summary of the AeroMACS performance testing and the status of standardization activities that the testing supports.

Kerczewski, Robert J.↗