Applications of aerospace technology in air pollution control Final report, 15 Jun. 1968 - 14 Jun. 1969
Technological utilization of aerospace technology in air pollution problems
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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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U.S. commercial space activities - Returning the U.S. to preeminence in space
The current status of NASA's activities related to the commercial development of space is reviewed with particular reference to the emerging new commercial space activities and the post-Challenger policy developments affecting space commerce. The discussion covers the development of U.S. private sector launching capabilities, cooperative agreements with the private sector, the NASA technology utilization program, the technology applications activities of the Office of Commercial Programs, and the activities of the Centers for the Commercial Development of Space program.
Stone, Barbara A.↗
A Simple, Revolutionary Approach to Waste Packaging Utilizing Proven Technology - 20201
Historically, removing hazardous waste from gloveboxes involves the use of bags as the primary containment method. This method can prove tedious, repetitive, and time consuming to ensure the process follows all safeguards required to contain the waste and mitigate any breach of containment. Layers of bags, yards of tape, and multiple filters are added to the waste stream in order to transfer the hazardous waste from the glovebox safely into the drum package. Then, finally, it can be shipped and disposed of. The process to cut, tie, and tape each bag for disposal involves manual effort by multiple operators. Following Administrative Safety Controls, good operators are able to safely perform those tasks; but, since the bag is the only confinement layer, incidents can occur. Operators, in some cases, are also at close proximity to this waste which may increase the risk of radiation exposure. Once the waste is transferred out through these bags, it is nearly impossible to remove packaged waste that may contain higher dosage levels, thus increasing drum disposal costs incurred by the facility. Exceeding the allowable radiation levels, and drums not fully filled, both contribute significantly to excess disposal costs. Central Research Laboratories (CRL), based in Red Wing Minnesota, has developed the Waste Drum Transfer System (WDTS) building upon the proven technology and containment of the Rapid Transfer Port (RTP) as an alternate, more efficient method of waste transfer. This solution consists of an RTP Alpha port mounted inside a glovebox and Beta assembly unit composed of a drum liner fitted inside a standard 55 gallon drum. The use of the Beta drum liner bypasses the typical use of bags, sleeves or tape to provide leak tight containment. The process to connect and disconnect a drum from the glovebox is achieved by the self-docking and rotating system controls of the RTP Alpha, all done with only one operator standing in an upright ergonomic position. This system also allows for greater flexibility in available Beta connection options, expanding the overall functionality of the system. This system can be disconnected and reconnected multiple times to maximize volume containment. This will minimize drum disposal costs and reduce the overall volume of waste output by more efficiently filling the drums. Radiation levels inside each drum can be monitored and adjusted more efficiently by operators utilizing the reconnect option. Minimal As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) levels are also achievable with this system. This paper will show how highly efficient packaging and disposal of hazardous waste can be accomplished in a cost-effective manner utilizing the proven RTP technology. Maximized operator productivity and safety, as well as minimized radiation dose exposure, are all attainable through the system's engineered controls. (authors)
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
Center for development technology and program in technology and human affairs
The role of technology in nontraditional higher education with particular emphasis on technology-based networks is analyzed nontraditional programs, institutions, and consortia are briefly reviewed. Nontraditional programs which utilize technology are studied. Technology-based networks are surveyed and analyzed with regard to kinds of students, learning locations, technology utilization, interinstitutional relationships, cost aspects, problems, and future outlook.
Wong, M. D.↗
Program for transfer research and impact studies
Research activities conducted under the Program for Transfer Research and Impact Studies (TRIS) during 1972 included: (1) preparation of 10,196 TSP requests for TRIS application analysis; (2) interviews with over 500 individuals concerning the technical, economic, and social impacts of NASA-generated technology; (3) preparation of 38 new technology transfer example files and 101 new transfer cases; and (4) maintenance of a technology transfer library containing more than 2,900 titles. Six different modes of technology utilization are used to illustrate the pervasiveness of the transfer and diffusion of aerospace innovations. These modes also provide a basis for distinguishing the unique characteristics of the NASA Technology Utilization Program. An examination is reported of the ways in which NASA-generated technology is contributing to beneficial social change in five major areas of human concern: health, environment, safety, transportation, and communication.
Rusnak, J. J.↗
Technology applications
A summary of NASA Technology Utilization programs for the period of 1 December 1971 through 31 May 1972 is presented. An abbreviated description of the overall Technology Utilization Applications Program is provided as a background for the specific applications examples. Subjects discussed are in the broad headings of: (1) cancer, (2) cardiovascular disease, (2) medical instrumentation, (4) urinary system disorders, (5) rehabilitation medicine, (6) air and water pollution, (7) housing and urban construction, (8) fire safety, (9) law enforcement and criminalistics, (10) transportation, and (11) mine safety.
Anuskiewicz, T.↗
Increasing the Number of Installed Residential Heat Pump Water Heaters in the USA Through Improved Technology and Utility Programs
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) offer an efficient alternative to electric resistance water heaters, but they suffer from limited market penetration. This paper reviews the current state of HPWHs in the USA, focusing on technology developments and programs to increase adoption. What technological improvements are needed to make HPWHs a good fit in more homes? Additionally, what are the best ways of promoting HPWHs to consumers? Improved communication and controls will allow HPWHs to provide demand response and follow dynamic utility rates. To enable fuel-switching, HPWHs are being developed that only need a standard 120V outlet. Split HPWHs can alleviate the cooling and noise that limit the use of HPWHs in small homes, multifamily buildings, and cold climates. Additionally, new utility programs aim to train installers and provide incentives to distributors to increase the number of HPWHs installed. Some utilities offer novel incentive programs that have led to increased customer uptake. Those advances, coupled with improved controls for load shifting and new products such as split HPWHs and HPWHs that can run on 120V power, may finally move the market forward.
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) ISS Year-Three: Technology Demonstration, Utilization, and Potential Future Applications
Bigelow Expandable Activity Module's (BEAM) life has been extended and in addition to being a test bed of the first human-rated expandable space module, BEAM will be utilized as an ISS stowage module. Hear about BEAM's on-orbit performance as well as highlights of BEAM's use on ISS as a technology demonstration.
Wells, Nathan↗
Design of a portable powered seat lift
People suffering from degenerative hip or knee joints find sitting and rising from a seated position very difficult. These people can rely on large stationary chairs at home, but must ask others for assistance when rising from any other chair. An orthopedic surgeon identified to the MSFC Technology Utilization Office the need for development of a portable device that could perform a similar function to the stationary lift chairs. The MSFC Structural Development Branch answered the Technology Utilization Office's request for design of a portable powered seat lift. The device is a seat cushion that opens under power, lifting the user to near-standing positions. The largest challenge was developing a mechanism to provide a stable lift over the large range of motion needed, and fold flat enough to be comfortable to sit on. CAD 3-D modeling was used to generate complete drawings for the prototype, and a full-scale working model of the Seat lift was made based on the drawings. The working model is of low strength, but proves the function of the mechanism and the concept.
Weddendorf, Bruce↗
Intelligent Systems Technologies and Utilization of Earth Observation Data
The addition of raw data and derived geophysical parameters from several Earth observing satellites over the last decade to the data held by NASA data centers has created a data rich environment for the Earth science research and applications communities. The data products are being distributed to a large and diverse community of users. Due to advances in computational hardware, networks and communications, information management and software technologies, significant progress has been made in the last decade in archiving and providing data to users. However, to realize the full potential of the growing data archives, further progress is necessary in the transformation of data into information, and information into knowledge that can be used in particular applications. Sponsored by NASA s Intelligent Systems Project within the Computing, Information and Communication Technology (CICT) Program, a conceptual architecture study has been conducted to examine ideas to improve data utilization through the addition of intelligence into the archives in the context of an overall knowledge building system (KBS). Potential Intelligent Archive concepts include: 1) Mining archived data holdings to improve metadata to facilitate data access and usability; 2) Building intelligence about transformations on data, information, knowledge, and accompanying services; 3) Recognizing the value of results, indexing and formatting them for easy access; 4) Interacting as a cooperative node in a web of distributed systems to perform knowledge building; and 5) Being aware of other nodes in the KBS, participating in open systems interfaces and protocols for virtualization, and achieving collaborative interoperability.
Ramapriyan, H. K.↗
NASA technology transfer network communications and information system: TUNS user survey
Applied Expertise surveyed the users of the deployed Technology Utilization Network System (TUNS) and surveyed prospective new users in order to gather background information for developing the Concept Document of the system that will upgrade and replace TUNS. Survey participants broadly agree that automated mechanisms for acquiring, managing, and disseminating new technology and spinoff benefits information can and should play an important role in meeting NASA technology utilization goals. However, TUNS does not meet this need for most users. The survey describes a number of systematic improvements that will make it easier to use the technology transfer mechanism, and thus expedite the collection and dissemination of technology information. The survey identified 26 suggestions for enhancing the technology transfer system and related processes.
Source record↗
NASA's New Technology Reporting System: A Review and Future Prospects
This report represents a systematic effort to describe how NASA's new technology reporting system operates today, and how that system might be enhanced. Although the system has run for more than two decades, it is not well documented in terms of organization, operational practices, or other program benchmarks. The study seeks to identify and assess incentives or disincentives to reporting, program management, program follow through, and the feasibility of various means for improving the general process. Initially, it was hoped that the study team might uncover the kind of information that would permit the determination of some 'average' sequence of events (or a time line) from the point of identifying a solution to technical 'need' to the point where its solution was actually reported to NASA. Information regarding this objective proved to be too elusive, primarily because early probes revealed that con- tractor awareness of the new technology requirements generally was too poor to provide useful information. The report that follows is based primarily upon documents furnished by NASA Headquarters, by Field Center technology utilization officers, and interviews with persons knowledgeable about the system. Visits were made to seven Field Centers: Ames Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, Langley Research Center, Lewis Research Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center. Other documents were furnished by officials of major aerospace corporations. Detailed interviews were conducted with Field Center technology utilization officials, project engineers or scientists, patent counsels, and other Field Center officials who had knowledge about the new technology reporting system. Interviews also were conducted with knowledgeable officials from a number of the primary aerospace companies. Numeric data was obtained from regular NASA reports, from original sources such as, NASA Tech Briefs, or from contractor reports. I am indebted to dozens of persons in both NASA and industry who took time to assist in the data collection by being interviewed, and through answering follow up questions on the telephone. Individuals interviewed and their affiliations are shown in Appendix A. I am most grateful to them for their kind assistance. A note of thanks is due to the other members of the DRI study team: Jody Briles, Kathy Hirst, and Joel Johnson. The responsibility for this report, its accuracy, and the nature of the observations and conclusions rest solely with the author. Text or citations in the numbered footnotes are to be found at the end of each chapter.
Chapman, Richard L.↗
Methods for Representing Flexible, Energy-Constrained Technologies in Utility Planning Tools
Capacity expansion models are widely used by power system researchers, planners, and policy analysts to evaluate alternative power system investment scenarios. With the increasing deployment of wind and solar in the US, there has been much focus on improving the representations of variable generation (VG) technologies within capacity expansion models. Models that capture the variable net-load profiles and larger reserve requirements associated with high penetration VG systems represent an improvement to classic capacity expansion models, but fall short of capturing the complexities associated with storage technologies, such as battery energy storage (BES) and concentrating solar power with thermal energy storage (CSP with TES). While difficult to model in a capacity expansion setting, these technologies are potentially competitive sources of flexibility with the intriguing characteristics of being able to absorb VG that would otherwise be curtailed and directly contribute to renewable energy goals, respectively. In this paper we present methods for accurately representing these technologies in a large-scale capacity expansion model with high electrical and geospatial resolution. VG modeling techniques, including novel methods for capturing curtailment due to unit commitment and other hourly dispatch phenomena, are also reviewed. Modeling for a region in the southwestern United States demonstrates the economic relevance of being able to explicitly trade off the costs and capabilities of energy-constrained technologies, especially BES, against other resources in the near-term, in time to make plans for the coming decade
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
Water quality monitor (EMPAX instrument)
The impetus of the Viking Mission to Mars led to the first miniaturization of a X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRFS). Two units were flown on the Viking Mission and successfully operated for two years analyzing the elemental composition of the Martian soil. Under a Bureau of Mines/NASA Technology Utilization project, this XRFS design was utilized to produce a battery powered, portable unit for elemental analysis of geological samples. This paper will detail design improvements and additional sampling capabilities that were incorporated into a second generation portable XRFS that was funded by the EPA/NASA Technology Utilization project. The unit, Environment Monitoring with Portable Analysis by X-ray (EMPAX), was developed specifically for quantitative determination of the need of EPA and and any industry affected by environmental concerns, the EMPAX fulfills a critical need to provide on-site, real-time analysis of toxic metal contamination. A patent was issued on EMPAX, but a commercial manufacturer is still being sought.
Kelliher, Warren C.↗
Utilizing Fission Technology to Enable Rapid and Affordable Access to any Point in the Solar System
Fission technology can enable rapid, affordable access to any point in the solar system. Potential fission-based transportation options include bimodal nuclear thermal rockets, high specific energy propulsion systems, and pulsed fission propulsion systems. In-space propellant re-supply enhances the effective performance of all systems, but requires significant infrastructure development. Safe, timely, affordable utilization of first-generation space fission propulsion systems will enable the development of more advanced systems. First generation systems can build on over 45 years of US and international space fission system technology development to minimize cost.
Houts, Mike↗
Using waste CO 2 from corn ethanol biorefineries for additional ethanol production: life‐cycle analysis
Abstract Corn ethanol plants generate high‐purity carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) while producing ethanol. If that CO 2 could be converted into ethanol by carbon capture and utilization technologies it would be possible to increase ethanol production more than 37% without additional corn grain inputs. Gas fermentation processes use microbes to convert carbon‐containing gases into ethanol and so have the potential to be used with the CO 2 from biorefineries for this purpose. However, as CO 2 utilization technologies for converting thermodynamically stable CO 2 are typically energy intensive, it is necessary to evaluate the related life‐cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon intensities or CIs) to see whether there are actual emission reduction benefits. In this study, we evaluate the CIs of ethanol produced from high‐purity CO 2 in corn ethanol plants by gas fermentation plus electrochemical reduction. Our analysis shows that the sources of electricity and hydrogen are key drivers of CO 2 ‐based ethanol's GHG emissions. With wind electricity, the design cases show the potential of near‐zero CI ethanol (1.1 g CO 2 e/MJ), but that can increase to up to 331–531 g CO 2 e/MJ when today's U.S. Midwest electricity mix is used. To avoid the renewable electricity intermittency issue, we considered a power purchase agreement option using wind electricity 40% of the time and using the regional mix for the rest, which provides a 42% GHG emission reduction from the CI of gasoline. © 2020 The Authors and UChicago Argonne, LLC, Operator of Argonne National Laboratory. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Technology and Development Project Overview
Since the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) was released in 2004, NASA, in conjunction with international space agencies, industry, and academia, has continued to define and refine plans for sustained and affordable robotic and human exploration of the Moon and beyond. With the goal of establishing a lunar Outpost on the Moon to extend human presence, pursue scientific activities, use the Moon to prepare for future human missions to Mars, and expand Earth s economic sphere, a change in how space exploration is performed is required. One area that opens up the possibility for the first time of breaking our reliance on Earth supplied consumables and learn to live off the land is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). ISRU, which involves the extraction and processing of space resources into useful products, can have a substantial impact on mission and architecture concepts. In particular, the ability to make propellants, life support consumables, and fuel cell reagents can significantly reduce the cost, mass, and risk of sustained human activities beyond Earth. However, ISRU is an unproven capability for human lunar exploration and can not be put in the critical path of lunar Outpost success until it has been proven. Therefore, ISRU development and deployment needs to take incremental steps toward the desired end state. To ensure ISRU capabilities are available for pre-Outpost and Outpost deployment by 2020, and mission and architecture planners are confident that ISRU can meet initial and long term mission requirements, the ISRU Project is developing technologies and systems in three critical areas: (1) Regolith Excavation, Handling and Material Transportation; (2) Oxygen Extraction from Regolith; and (3) Volatile Extraction and Resource Prospecting, and in four development stages: (I) Demonstrate feasibility; (II) Evolve system w/ improved technologies; (III) Develop one or more systems to TRL 6 before start of flight development; and (IV) Flight development for Outpost. To minimize cost and ensure that ISRU technologies, systems, and functions are integrated properly into the Outpost, technology development efforts are being coordinated with other development areas such as Surface Mobility, Surface Power, Life Support, EVA, and Propulsion. Lastly, laboratory and field system-level tests and demonstrations will be performed as often as possible to demonstrate improvements in: Capabilities (ex. digging deeper); Performance (ex. lower power); and Duration (ex. more autonomy or more robustness). This presentation will provide the status of work performed to date within the NASA ISRU project with respect to technology and system development and field demonstration activities, as well as the current strategy to implement ISRU in future robotic and human lunar exploration missions.
Sanders, Gerald B.↗
NH 4 OH Looping with Membrane CO 2 Absorber and Distributed Stripper for Enhanced Algae Growth
The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy (UK CAER) has devised a unique, integrated CO2 capture and utilization technology. CO2 from coal-fired power generation flue gas is first captured at half the operating cost of a typical aqueous CO2 capture system (CCS), distributed in an aqueous stream and then fixed by algae in bioreactors where the algae production is increased by 50% over that with a typical intermittent nutrient feeding system. Lower CCS operating cost is achieved by eliminating the flue gas pretreatment step for cooling and SO2 removal, eliminating steam extraction from the power generation steam cycle for solvent regeneration, and eliminating CO2 compression. Higher algae production is achieved by continuous, just-in-time nutrient feed to the bioreactors directly from a distributed solvent regenerator, which maintains the bioreactor pH for optimum growth. The process starts with a uniquely configured membrane absorber, where the flue gas is indirectly contacted with an ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) solvent. Dissolved NH3 is attractive for both CO2 capture and as an algae nutrient. For CO2 capture it is inexpensive, has a low regeneration energy, is thermally- and oxidatively-stable and has a viscosity near that of water, which makes is easy to transport. Numerous studies have shown that the scrubbing capacity of NH3 is approximately 0.9-1.2 kg of CO2/kg of NH3, with a CO2 removal efficiency of ~99% and half the solvent regeneration energy than that of 30 wt% MEA[1, 2, 3]. NH3 is attractive as an algae nutrient due to its low cost. The rich NH4OH solvent is pumped to a set of distributed regenerators which are co-located with the algae bioreactors. Solvent pumping, transport and distribution reduces the balance of plant (BOP) cost compared to a typical aqueous CCS related to the flue gas duct and boost fan required to transport the flue gas. The energy required for the distributed solvent regeneration is supplied by solar-thermal panels eliminating the need for steam extraction from the power generation steam cycle. After solvent regeneration, the product stream contains both the CO2 captured from the flue gas and volatized NH3 from the solvent. This product stream is fed directly to the bioreactors, eliminating the need for compression of the CO2 stream. The relative amounts of CO2 and NH3 in the product stream are adjusted and controlled by a controlling the regeneration conditions (pressure and temperature). The continuous feed of the right ratio of nutrients overcomes the typical inhibition of algae growth resulting from frequent pH swings in the bioreactor due to unbalanced (intermittent) feeding systems for CO2 and N. Also, because the regenerators will operate at pressure and be located in close proximity to the bioreactors, there is no worry about pressure drop when sparging the gas into the algae. Sparging produces small bubbles which is beneficial for mass transfer efficiency. One known challenge when using an NH4OH solvent is high NH3 emission. Hydrophobic membranes are used for CO2 capture using an aqueous NH3 solution[4, 5] without the direct contact between flue gas and aqueous solution. Additionally, UK CAER CO2 capture and utilization process manages NH3 slip in three extra measures. First, NH3 slip is minimized by working with minimal species partial pressure, which is proportional to the concentration in the liquid. Hence, lowering the capture solvent concentration will lower the NH3 partial pressure. Second, UK CAER’s previous work has demonstrated that the addition of Zn2+ into NH3 solutions to chelate the NH3 can reduce NH3 volatility. Third, the configuration of the membrane CO2 absorber utilizes condensed water from the flue gas to continually wash the gas-side of the membrane to reduce fouling and recapture NH3 slip. Additional details about the UK CAER unique, integrated CO2 capture and utilization technology will be presented along with technology development plans. Diao, N., Q. Li, and Z. Fang. 2004. Heat transfer in ground heat exchangers with groundwater advection. International Journal of Thermal Sciences. 43: 1203-1211, He, Q., M. Chen, L. Meng, K. Liu, and W. Pan. 2004. Study on Carbon Dioxide Removal from Flue Gas by Absorption of Aqueous Ammonia. Western Kentucky University. Yeh, A.C., and H. Bai. 1999. Comparison of ammonia and monoethanolamine solvents to reduce CO2 greenhouse gas emissions. The Science of the Total Environment. 228: 121-133, Villeneuve, K., D. Roizard, J.C. Remigy, M. Iacono, and S. Rode. 2018. CO2 capture by aqueous ammonia with hollow fiber membrane contactors: Gas phase reactions and performance stability. Separation and Purification Technology, 199: 189-197, Toro Molina, C., and C. Bouallou. 2016. Carbon dioxide absorption by ammonia intensified with membrane contactors. Clean Techn Environ Policy 18, 2133–2146 (2016)
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗