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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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382 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Analysis and Overview of Hybrid Wired and Wireless Bi-Directional EV Charger Systems

Here, this paper analyzes and overviews hybrid wired and wireless bi-directional Electric Vehicle (EV) charging systems with a primary focus on resonant compensation methods that enable a unified power conversion architecture. Four compensation configurations based on series–series and LCC–LCC resonant networks are systematically evaluated for both wired transformer-based and wireless coupler-based operation. The analysis examines how coupling conditions, resonant component selection, and auxiliary compensation tuning influence voltage gain characteristics, resonant tank current magnitude and phase, and operating frequency requirements. Normalized frequency-domain results are presented to directly compare reactive current behavior and voltage regulation capability under wired and wireless operating conditions. A 60 kW bi-directional charger case study is used to demonstrate the feasibility of retaining a common hardware platform while accommodating distinct coupling scenarios through compensation tuning rather than structural modification. The presented results provide design-oriented insights into resonant network selection and compensation strategies for scalable and flexible hybrid EV charging systems.

Hybrid↗
NASA NTRS2019

Dynamic Analysis of the STARC-ABL Propulsion System

In the pursuit of Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP), much of the attention is on the development of hybrid electric concept vehicles and their propulsion systems from a steady state performance perspective. While it is steady-state performance that largely determines the efficiency of civil air transports, engine operability and transient performance define constraints for the steady state design that impact efficiency and system viability. Neglecting dynamics and control technologies can result in an over-designed, sub optimal propulsion system or a concept that is not feasible. Thus, dynamic system studies were conducted on the propulsion system of the conceptual aircraft design known as the Single-aisle Turboelectric AiRCraft with Aft Boundary Layer propulsor (STARC-ABL). This paper describes the development of a controller to verify the baseline concept's feasibility from an operability perspective. Further, studies were conducted to identify excessive stability margin in the baseline design that could be traded for potential benefits in efficiency through an engine re design. This study revealed the potential to reduce the high pressure compressor (HPC) stall margin by 3%. Finally, a study was conducted to investigate the potential benefit of adding energy storage to the STARC-ABL concept that further improves operability and enables more gains in engine efficiency and performance. The energy storage provided an additional 0.5% stall margin can be removed from the HPC.

hybrid electric propulsion↗
NASA NTRS2026

A Missed Thrust Framework for Low-Thrust Spiral Trajectories to the NRHO

A framework is developed by which end-to-end optimization of many-revolution low-thrust spiral trajectories can be completed in the presence of missed thrust events. This framework is applied to the Lunar Transit trajectory by which the initial capability of NASA’s Gateway lunar space station will be delivered to a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit. This low-thrust mission consists of three subphases, each designed according to the specific objectives and dynamical regimes encountered as the mission progresses from a medium Earth insertion orbit to cislunar space. The presented framework accounts for the unique considerations demanded by each mission phase and incorporates appropriate capabilities into a novel mission analysis tool. This methodology enables large scale and reliable analyses of missed thrust events across the end-to-end Lunar Transit to verify the robustness of flight trajectories across the full range of considered launch dates.

missed thrust↗
NASA NTRS1985

Mathematical Storage-Battery Models

Empirical formula represents performance of electrical storage batteries. Formula covers many battery types and includes numerous coefficients adjusted to fit peculiarities of each type. Battery and load parameters taken into account include power density in battery, discharge time, and electrolyte temperature. Applications include electric-vehicle "fuel" gages and powerline load leveling.

Chapman, C. P.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Theoretical design and performance of three-dimensional, pillared FeS 2 cathodes

Three-dimensional (3D) electrode design can provide improved capacities and rate capabilities over conventional two-dimensional electrodes by enhancing electrical and ionic transport. Here, expanding upon our previous modeling efforts for conversion chemistry lithium-ion batteries, we develop a pseudo-four-dimensional (P4D) approach that is subsequently used to investigate the design of a pillared FeS 2 electrode. The model considers transport in three dimensions with an additional “fourth” dimension corresponding to the solid-state lithium transport within the active material particles. Additionally, we allow for expansion of the active material during the conversion reaction to understand how internal stresses impact the electrochemical performance of the cell. By optimizing the model with respect to areal capacity, we are able to predict areal capacities up to 16.8 mAh/cm 2 for an areal current density of 1.78 mA/cm 2 and a 103% improvement for the three-dimensional electrodes over planar electrodes of equal volume. Despite the promising results, our simulations suggest that 3D design may be difficult for conversion cathode materials due to the large internal stresses that arise during conversion. Nevertheless, the model is robust and adaptable to other materials that may be more suitable for 3D electrodes due to a lesser change in volume during discharge.

Conversion cathode materials↗
NASA NTRS1973

Terrestrial Environment (Climatic) Criteria Guidelines for Use in Aerospace Vehicle Development, 1973 Revision

This document provides guidelines on probable climatic extremes and probabilities-of-occurrence of terrestrial environment data specifically applicable for NASA space vehicles and associated equipment development. The geographic areas encompassed are The Eastern Test Range (Cape Kennedy, Florida); Huntsville, Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; The Space and Missile Test Center (Vandenberg AFB California); Sacramento, California; Wallops Test Range (Wallops Island, Virginia); White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; and intermediate transportation areas. In addition, sections have been included to provide information on the general distribution of natural environment extremes in the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), cloud cover, and some worldwide climatic extremes. Although all these areas are covered, the major emphasis is given to the Kennedy Space Center launch area and Vandenburg Air Force Base due to importance in NASA's future large space vehicle programs. This document presents the latest available information on probable climatic extremes, and supersedes information presented in TM X-64589. The information in this document is recommended for employment in the development of space vehicles and associated equipment design and operational criteria, unless otherwise stated in contract work specifications.

cloud cover↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effectively Considering the Distribution System in Integrated Resource Plans

While electricity planning practices vary by state and utility based on utility type and market structure, integrated resource planning (IRP) remains a prominent vehicle — even in states with centrally-organized wholesale electricity markets. IRP focuses on meeting forecasted long-term electricity needs. Typically, utilities have not considered impacts of design and operation of the low-voltage distribution network in IRP. With advanced capabilities of grid-edge technologies to generate and store electricity and provide load flexibility, and large utility investments in distribution systems, it's increasingly important to consider at least some distribution planning elements in IRP. This report considers the value proposition for doing so, such as reducing utility costs through resource co-optimization and strategic siting of grid-edge resources, and idenfities the most important touchpoints between planning for bulk power and distribution systems and provide a range of tactics for integrating these two processes.

Relf, Grace [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI1978

Plant Engineers Solar Energy Handbook: Southern California Region

Discussed in order after the introduction are solar components and systems (collectors, storage, service hot water systems, space heating with liquid and air systems, space cooling, heat pumps and controls); computer programs for system optimization; local solar and weather data; a description of buildings and plants in Southern California applying solar technology; current Federal and California solar legislation; standards, codes and performance testing information; a listing of manufacturers, distributors, and professional services available in Southern California region; and information access. Finally, solar design check lists for those engineers who wish to design their own systems. The program for the Solar Workshop for the Plant Engineer, March 30, 1978, Los Angeles, California is included.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1999

Battery Study for the Shuttle Orbiter EAPU Upgrade

The use of Electric Auxiliary Power Unit (EAPU) in commercial, and military aviation, and in commercial electric automobiles, is reviewed. The specifications of the battery to be used in the space shuttle are reviewed, and the possible vendors discussed. The testing activity and the reliability and the safety features are presented.

Otzinger, Burton↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrode Erosion and Prefire Studies Towards Fusion Scale Pulsed Power

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of electrode erosion and discharge behavior in spark gap switches over long switching cycle lifetimes. Brass, copper–tungsten (CuW), and stainless steel electrodes are tested under controlled conditions to quantify material degradation, debris accumulation, and changes in breakdown voltage. High-resolution imaging and statistical analysis of spark channel locations and gap breakdown voltages reveal how surface evolution influences long-term performance and reliability. These results provide essential data for lifetime modeling and inform design strategies for pulsed power systems in emerging applications such as private sector fusion energy and large-scale facilities like Sandia’s Z Machine and proposed ZX upgrades, where high repetition reliability and predictable behavior are critical.

electrical breakdown↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating alternative steam generation pathways in the food industry

Steam generation in the food sector requires substantial energy and cost expenditures, requiring nearly half of its energy intake. Here, we used life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment to investigate the cost and energy impacts of steam generating alternatives: NG, biomass and hydrogen boilers and grid-supplied and self-generated electric steam generation systems (electric boilers, renewable thermal energy storage and industrial heat pumps). The analysis starts with a set of average U.S. conditions, where biomass boilers are the most cost-competitive alternative to NG. In a series of scenarios beyond average conditions, the analysis shows energy procurement costs dominate the total life cycle cost for all technologies and, unfortunately, are highly variable geographically and temporally, significantly affecting the viability of the alternatives. Results show that site-energy consumption ranges from 0.3 MMBtu/klb for industrial heat pumps to 1.6 MMBtu/klb for biomass boilers, with heat pumps achieving up to 78% lower energy use compared to natural gas systems. For the steam costs, the results show a range between $\$$8 and $\$$50/klb for NG, with biomass following closely ($\$$11 – $\$$44/klb) and grey hydrogen and IHP next ($\$$13 – $\$$33/klb and $\$$6 - $\$$78/klb), with cost reductions if IHP's cooling is utilized. Factors like operating hours, the need for cooling, and the ability to negotiate utility rates complicate the decision, making site-specific analyses critical. Therefore, we present a decision-making matrix to help manufacturers identify which steam generating technology is the best business decision for their situation. Overall, these results highlight the importance of steam generation for the facility's organizational goals, as well as the criticality of conducting individual site analyses.

Biomass boilers↗
NASA NTRS2019

Physics-Based Modeling and Simulation of Emerging Battery Technologies for Aerospace

Recently there is a growing interest in the aviation sector to reduce air and noise pollution. Electrochemical energy storage devices such as batteries coupled with a distributed electric propulsion system can reduce noise concerns as well as emissions and allow the concept of Urban Air Mobility to come to fruition. The battery performance needs to improve considerably compared from current state-of-art Li-ion battery (about 200Wh/Kg) to realize all-electric passenger jet for short flights (up to 690 miles). NASA is exploring lithium-oxygen battery chemistry to power hybrid (battery powered electrical system) and all-electric aircraft for short distance and long-distance flights. Li-O2 is one of the advanced Li-ion technologies that promise to provide specific energy of more than 750Wh/Kg. For this presentation, we present our work on improving power density of Li-O2 batteries through the use of multiphysics simulations. Next, a path is outlined to port these model to simulate performance for a new battery chemistry for space application, Li-CO2. Li-CO2 uses carbon dioxide as the active material instead of oxygen. Although this technology is in its early development, the offers two benefits: it can be used as a CO2 scrubber, as oxygen is one of the by-products on charging, and as a backup or a standalone battery for various Mars or Venus missions, where the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere is high and need battery to operate at higher temperatures.

Mehta, Mohit↗
NASA NTRS1984

Electrodynamic Tethers. 1: Power Generator in LEO. 2: Thrust for Propulsion and Power Storage

An electrodynamic tether consists of a long insulated wire in space whose orbital motion cuts across lines of magnetic flux to produce an induce voltage that in typical low orbits averages about 200 v/km. Such a system should be capable of generating substantial electrical power, at the expense of IXB drag acting on its orbital energy. If a reverse current is driven against the induced voltage, the system should act as a motor producing IXB thrust. A reference system was designed, capable of generating 20 KW of power into an electrical load located anywhere along the wire at the expense of 2.6N (20,000 J/sec) drag on the wire. In an ideal system, the conversion between mechanical and electrical energy would reach 100% efficiency. In the actual system part of the 20 KW is lost to internal resistance of the wire, plasma and ionosphere, while the drag force is increased by residual air drag. The 20 KW PMG system as designed is estimated to provide 18.7 KW net power to the load at total drag loss of 20.4 KJ/sec, or an overall efficiency of 92%. Similar systems using heavier wire appear capable of producing power levels in excess of 1 Megawatt at voltages of 2-4 KV, with conversion efficiency between mechanical and electrical power better than 95%. The hollow cathode based system should be readily reversible from generator to motor operation by driving a reverse current using onboard power.

James E Mccoy↗
NASA NTRS2017

International Space Station Lithium-Ion Battery Start-Up and Cycling

The International Space Station (ISS) primary Electric Power System (EPS) was originally designed to use Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries to store electrical energy. The electricity for the ISS is generated by its solar arrays, which charge batteries during insolation for subsequent discharge during eclipse. The Ni-H2 batteries were designed to operate at a 35 depth of discharge (DOD) maximum during normal operation in a Low Earth Orbit. In 2010, the ISS Program began the development of Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries to replace Ni-H2 batteries approaching the end of their useful life and concurrently funded a Li-Ion ORU (Orbital Replacement Unit) and cell life testing project. The first set of 6 Li-ion battery replacements was launched in December 2016 and deployed in January 2017. This paper will discuss the Li-ion battery on-orbit cycling and the status of the Li-Ion cell and ORU life cycle testing.

International Space Station↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multiscale aperture synthesis imager

Synthetic aperture imaging has enabled breakthrough observations from radar to astronomy. However, optical implementation remains challenging due to stringent wavefield synchronization requirements among multiple receivers. Here we present the multiscale aperture synthesis imager (MASI), which utilizes parallelism to break complex optical challenges into tractable sub-problems. MASI employs a distributed array of coded sensors that operate independently yet coherently to surpass the diffraction limit of single receiver. It combines the propagated wavefields from individual sensors through a computational phase synchronization scheme, eliminating the need for overlapping measurement regions to establish phase coherence. Light diffraction in MASI naturally expands the imaging field, generating phase-contrast visualizations that are substantially larger than sensor dimensions. Without using lenses, MASI resolves sub-micron features at ultralong working distances and reconstructs 3D shapes over centimeter-scale fields. MASI transforms the intractable optical synchronization problem into a computational one, enabling practical deployment of scalable synthetic aperture systems at optical wavelengths.

electrical and electronic engineering↗
DOE OSTI2026

Transition from Vehicular to Structural Ionic Transport in Electrified Alkali Aqueous Solutions

A molecular understanding of the solvation and dynamics of ions under static electric fields is crucial for modelling a wide range of natural and technological processes. Yet, traditional simulation methods suffer from a trade-off that has to be made between accuracy and statistical convergence. To bridge this gap, herein we extend our recently introduced Perturbed Neural Network Potential Molecular Dynamics (PNNP MD) approach to investigate the solvation structures and ionic transport mechanisms of electrified alkali cationic solutions. We obtain ionic conductivities for Li+, Na+ and Cs+ from the field dependence of the ionic current density in good agreement with experiment. Surprisingly, the migration mechanism is found to be strikingly different for the three ions despite their similar ionic conductivities. While Li+ conducts predominantly through vehicular migration of a stable 4-fold coordinated ion at all field strengths, Cs+ conducts strictly through a structural diffusion mechanism, where 9-12 transient first shell water coordination bonds are broken and renewed. Notably, aqueous Na+ emerges as a “Goldilocks” ion: its ion-water interactions are strong enough to maintain distinct 5-6 fold coordination shells at zero field (unlike Cs+) yet labile enough to be strongly perturbed by electric fields (unlike Li+). As a consequence, we observe an electric field-induced transition from vehicular to structural ionic transport for Na+ that is accompanied by a marked increase in the ionic current density. Our results imply that the conductance mechanism of ions with moderate ion-solvent interactions can be effectively tuned by external electric fields.

Joll, Kit↗
DOE OSTI2024

Method for implant and anneal for high voltage field effect transistors

In an example, the present invention provides a method of forming a semiconductor device on a gallium and nitrogen containing material. The method includes providing a substrate member comprising a surface region, the substrate member comprising a gallium and nitrogen bearing material. The method includes causing an implanted species to electrically activate the implant profile while removing one or more crystalline damage from the epitaxial material to change the amorphous state to a single crystalline state, and thereby creating a substantially electrically activated crystalline material.

Shealy, James R.↗