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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 163 records · Page 9

Studies of asteroids and comets

About 3000 accurate positions of asteroids and comets were measured concentrating particularly on close-Earth approachers, but also targeting asteroids in need for follow-up observations because of unusual orbital characteristics or poor observational history. In 1985, 36 of the discoveries were numbered. Very accurate + or - 0.1 arcsec?) positional measurements were made of P/Halley on four nights in November and December 1985 in support of Giotto mission navigation. The asteroid orbit files were maintained, and ephemeris data for observational planning were supplied to colleagues worldwide. Considerable progress was made in understanding how information on asteroid shapes, surface albedo variegation, and rotational states can be derived from lightcurve and phase curve data. The analytical formulation was completed of a new asteroid magnitude system for the International Astronomical Union; the system was adopted at the New Delhi General Assembly by IAU Commission 20. Photographic photometry of about 10000 images of faint asteroids observed during the course of the United Kingdom Schmidt-CalTech Asteroid Survey in 1981 was continued, completing the microdensitometric scanning and all process of software development for data handling.

Bowell, E. L. G.↗

OPET Hardware (Open PV Electrical Tool Hardware) [SWR-25-42]

OPET (Open-source Photovoltaic Electrical Tool) is used for performance measurements of solar photovoltaic (PV) devices in the field under natural sunlight or in the lab under artificial light. Its primary use is in research and development of solar cells and modules, specifically in reliability and durability research of PV devices. Some features and functions include: -IV curve measurements with linear or cosine distributed measurement points -PV device active loading at open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc) and maximum power point (Pmp) -Bias power supply to overcome series resistance in contact wires for Isc measurements and loading -PV voltage input in five ranges from 1V to 100V -PV current input ranges -Low current version, six current ranges from 1.1mA to 340mA -High current version, six current ranges from 50mA to 15A -IO ports for I2C and SPI temperature sensor Arduino extension boards -Integrated fan control This repository contains everything relating to the hardware of the OPET device. If you are looking for the firmware or software repositories, links are below: https://github.com/NREL/opet-firmware https://github.com/NREL/opet-control

McDanold, Byron [National Renewable Energy Laborat↗

The growth of filaments by the condensation of coronal arches

A model of filament formation based on the condensation of coronal arches is described. The condensation results from initiating the radiative instability within an arch by superimposing a transient energy supply upon the steady state heating mechanism. The transient energy supply increases the density within the arch so that when it is removed the radiative losses are sufficient to lead to cooling below the minimum in the power loss curve. Times from the initial formation of the condensation to its temperature stabilization as a cool filament have been calculated for various initial conditions. They lie in the range 10,000-100,000 s with the majority of the time spent above a temperature of 1 x 10 to the 6th K. Under the assumption that the condensation of a single arch forms an element of the filament, a complete filament requires the condensation of an arcade of loops. Using experimentally derived parameters, filament densities of 10 to the 11th to 10 to the 12th per cu cm can be obtained.

Davis, J. M.↗

Optimal Sizing of Movable Energy Resources for Enhanced Resilience in Distribution Systems: A Techno-Economic Analysis

This article introduces a techno-economic analysis aimed at identifying the optimal total size of movable energy resources (MERs) to enhance the resilience of electric power supply. The core focus of this approach is to determine the total size of MERs required within the distribution network to expedite restoration after extreme events. Leveraging distribution line fragility curves, the proposed methodology generates numerous line outage scenarios, with scenario reduction techniques employed to minimize computational burden. For each reduced multiple line outage scenario, a systematic reconfiguration of the distribution network, represented as a graph, is executed using tie-switches within the system. To evaluate each locational combination of MERs for a specific number of these resources, the expected load curtailment (ELC) is calculated by summing the load curtailment within microgrids formed due to multiple line outages. This process is repeated for all possible locational combinations of MERs to determine minimal ELC for each MER total size. For every MER total size, the minimal ELCs are determined. Finally, a techno-economic analysis is performed using power outage cost and investment cost of MERs to pinpoint an optimal total size of MERs for the distribution system. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, case studies are conducted on the 33-node and the modified IEEE 123-node distribution test systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Effect of Reactant Pressure on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance

It is an objective of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to return to the moon and to create sustained lunar operations. Since many applicable lander and upper stage vehicles utilize cryogenic hydrogen and oxygen propellants, it is appealing to incorporate fuel cells into potential mission concepts. A fuel cell could generate electricity, heat, and water from the residual hydrogen and oxygen propellants. Such a concept depends on the capability of the fuel cell to utilize dry, propellant-grade reactants at reduced pressures compared to typical fuel cell operating conditions. This report describes a NASA evaluation of two passive water removal, non-flow-through proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells: a twelve-cell 50 sq. cm active area stack and a seven-cell 150 sq. cm active area stack. Both stacks operated on research grade hydrogen and oxygen reactants supplied at pressures ranging from 20 psia up to the 45-48 psia design operating point, reliably supporting current densities of at least 450 mA/sq. cm at reduced pressures. Polarization curves, fitted with a semi-empirical equation for overpotential, show an increase in effective ohmic resistance and decrease in reversible cell potential, hydrogen crossover current, and Tafel slope when operating at lower pressures, resulting in a reduction in cell voltage at all current densities. Fitted parameters are compared to published values and rationalized with first principles explanations.

fuel cells↗

PR100: Estimated Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle Adoption and Load Estimation in Puerto Rico through 2050

The 2-year Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transition to 100% Renewable Energy Study analyzed stakeholder-driven pathways to Puerto Rico’s clean energy future. Outputs relating to electricity demand modeling were partially informed by estimates of electric vehicle adoption across all classes of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), and the ensuing charging loads. To create these estimates, the team developed a transportation model for MHDVs in Puerto Rico to estimate the amount and geospatial distribution of energy used. Charging schedules for the different end uses of MHDVs were then used to construct electric load shapes assuming a portion of those vehicles would be replaced by battery electric counterparts. Study results showed that, by 2050, electric vehicles may constitute roughly 50% of the MHDV population in Puerto Rico. The resulting electrical demand curve attributable to MHDV charging showed that, for solar energy-based electrical systems with limited energy storage, this demand may create challenges unless appropriately managed either on the demand or supply side.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Rugged Video System For Inspecting Animal Burrows

Video system designed for examining interiors of burrows of gopher tortoises, 5 in. (13 cm) in diameter or greater, to depth of 18 ft. (about 5.5 m), includes video camera, video cassette recorder (VCR), television monitor, control unit, and power supply, all carried in backpack. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) poles used to maneuver camera into (and out of) burrows, stiff enough to push camera into burrow, but flexible enough to bend around curves. Adult tortoises and other burrow inhabitants observable, young tortoises and such small animals as mice obscured by sand or debris.

Triandafils, Dick↗

Development of Three-Dimensional Flow Code Package to Predict Performance and Stability of Aircraft with Leading Edge Ice Contamination

In the work reported herein, a simplified, uncoupled, zonal procedure is utilized to assess the capability of numerically simulating icing effects on a Boeing 727-200 aircraft. The computational approach combines potential flow plus boundary layer simulations by VSAERO for the un-iced aircraft forces and moments with Navier-Stokes simulations by NPARC for the incremental forces and moments due to iced components. These are compared with wind tunnel force and moment data, supplied by the Boeing Company, examining longitudinal flight characteristics. Grid refinement improved the local flow features over previously reported work with no appreciable difference in the incremental ice effect. The computed lift curve slope with and without empennage ice matches the experimental value to within 1%, and the zero lift angle agrees to within 0.2 of a degree. The computed slope of the un-iced and iced aircraft longitudinal stability curve is within about 2% of the test data. This work demonstrates the feasibility of a zonal method for the icing analysis of complete aircraft or isolated components within the linear angle of attack range. In fact, this zonal technique has allowed for the viscous analysis of a complete aircraft with ice which is currently not otherwise considered tractable.

Aircraft icing↗

Testing of the permanent magnet material Mn-Al-C for potential use in propulsion motors for electric vehicles

The development of Mn-Al-C permanent magnets is reviewed. The general properties of the material are discussed and put into perspective relative to alnicos and ferrites. The commercial material now available is described by the manufacturer's data. The traction motor designer's demands of a permanent magnet for potential use in electric vehicle drives are reviewed. From this, a list of the needed specific information is extracted. A plan for experimental work is made which would generate this information, or verify data supplied by the producer. The results of these measurements are presented in the form of tables and graphs. The tests determined magnetic design data and some mechanical strength properties. Easy axis hysteresis and demagnetization curves, recoil loops and other minor loop fields were measured over a temperature range from -50 C to +150 C. Hysteresis loops were also measured for three orthogonal directions (the easy and 2 hard axes of magnetization).

Abdelnour, Z. A.↗

Testing Metal Chlorides For Use In Sodium-Cell Cathodes

Cyclic voltammetric curves of transition-metal wires in molten NaAlCl4 electrolyte used to eliminate suitability of transition metals as cathodes in sodium cells. Cyclic voltammetry used in conjunction with measurement of galvanostatic polarization curves determines whether given metal chloride suitable as cathode material in such cell. Cells useful in such high-energy-density and high-power-density applications as leveling loads on electric-power plants, supplying power to electric ground vehicles, and aerospace applications.

Bugga, Ratnakumar V.↗

Earth-Independent Medical Operations (EIMO) Concept of Operations

Compared to the current paradigm for crew health in low-Earth orbit and Lunar missions that rely on constant communication with Mission Control, there is an anticipated shift in medical operations for deep-space exploration missions. This shift stems from mission constraints imposed by the considerable distance from Earth, which include resource limitations due to a lack of resupply, mass, power, volume, and data limitations, challenges imposed by communication latency and the inability to evacuate in case of emergencies. To transition towards a more self-reliant medical approach, a comprehensive strategy is essential to progressively enable crew autonomy and mitigate mission success risks in the challenging environment of space. This transformative shift is collectively referred to as "Earth-Independent Medical Operations" (EIMO), signifying the gradual transfer of medical care and decision-making from terrestrial resources to space-based assets. This transition is aimed at bolstering astronaut health and performance while simultaneously reducing the overall risks associated with space missions. The constraints related to EIMO necessitate an integrated development of medical systems, featuring interoperability with mission planning, vehicle design, spacesuit design, and data architecture. This integration is vital in establishing a robust medical infrastructure that not only supports the well-being of astronauts but also ensures the success of the mission as a whole. The Human Research Program (HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element has developed a model-based Concept of Operations (ConOps) outlining an initial vision for EIMO. Within this ConOps, a comprehensive view is presented, encompassing stakeholder needs, system objectives, and system goals associated with EIMO. Additionally, it provides illustrative examples of the various activities (scenarios) for which the system will be employed during missions. The selection of these activities has been meticulous, aiming to encompass a wide spectrum of medical conditions, including those falling under different risk categories, such as low-likelihood-low-consequence, low-likelihood-high-consequence, and high-likelihood-low-consequence. The selection of these activities (scenarios) effectively encompasses the wide range of medical events situated within an assumed probability-consequence bell curve. In each scenario, at least one of the five main EIMO components identified is captured. Those EIMO components are: Pre-mission Planning, Acute and Emergent Management Decision Making, Prolonged Medical Management Decision Making, Supplies and Resource Management, and Task Load Management. The ConOps was developed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of systems engineers, scientists, and clinicians across NASA and aims to serve as an initial recommendation to gradually and safely enabling crew autonomy for Mars missions and beyond.

Earth Independent Medical Operations↗

Earth-Independent Medical Operations (EIMO) Concept of Operations (ConOps)

Compared to the current paradigm for crew health in low-Earth orbit and Lunar missions that rely on constant communication with Mission Control, there is an anticipated shift in medical operations for deep-space exploration missions. This shift stems from mission constraints imposed by the considerable distance from Earth, which include resource limitations due to a lack of resupply, mass, power, volume, and data limitations, challenges imposed by communication latency and the inability to evacuate in case of emergencies. To transition towards a more self-reliant medical approach, a comprehensive strategy is essential to progressively enable crew autonomy and mitigate mission success risks in the challenging environment of space. This transformative shift is collectively referred to as "Earth-Independent Medical Operations" (EIMO), signifying the gradual transfer of medical care and decision-making from terrestrial resources to space-based assets. This transition is aimed at bolstering astronaut health and performance while simultaneously reducing the overall risks associated with space missions. The constraints related to EIMO necessitate an integrated development of medical systems, featuring interoperability with mission planning, vehicle design, spacesuit design, and data architecture. This integration is vital in establishing a robust medical infrastructure that not only supports the well-being of astronauts but also ensures the success of the mission as a whole. The Human Research Program (HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element has developed a model-based Concept of Operations (ConOps) outlining an initial vision for EIMO. Within this ConOps, a comprehensive view is presented, encompassing stakeholder needs, system objectives, and system goals associated with EIMO. Additionally, it provides illustrative examples of the various activities (scenarios) for which the system will be employed during missions. The selection of these activities has been meticulous, aiming to encompass a wide spectrum of medical conditions, including those falling under different risk categories, such as low-likelihood-low-consequence, low-likelihood-high-consequence, and high-likelihood-low-consequence. The selection of these activities (scenarios) effectively encompasses the wide range of medical events situated within an assumed probability-consequence bell curve. In each scenario, at least one of the five main EIMO components identified is captured. Those EIMO components are: Pre-mission Planning, Acute and Emergent Management Decision Making, Prolonged Medical Management Decision Making, Supplies and Resource Management, and Task Load Management. The ConOps was developed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of systems engineers, scientists, and clinicians across NASA and aims to serve as an initial recommendation to gradually and safely enabling crew autonomy for Mars missions and beyond.

Earth Independent Medical Operations↗

Resilience Metrics for Building-Level Electrical Distribution Systems with Energy Storage

The energy system infrastructure that delivers power to a building's loads needs to be resilient to withstand and recover from extreme outages (e.g., grid faults that leave millions of people without power during severe weather events). Building-level electrical distribution systems (BEDSs) distribute power from a building's energy sources - including the grid, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and batteries - to its loads, including lighting, HVAC, and plug loads. BEDS with storage can provide resilience by distributing local electricity supply to critical loads during an outage. Quantitative metrics are needed to assess the resilience improvements associated with new BEDS and storage system technologies. In this paper, we apply an existing metric, the probability of outage survival curve (POSC), to BEDS with storage and propose novel metrics that improve upon POSC. Through a simulation-based case study, we demonstrate how these metrics are impacted by the BEDS design and how they can be used to design a resilient system.

buildings↗

Resilience Metrics for Building-Level Electrical Distribution Systems with Energy Storage: Preprint

The energy system infrastructure that delivers power to a building's loads needs to be resilient, such that it can withstand and recover from extreme outages (e.g., grid faults that leave millions of people without power during severe weather events). Building-level electrical distribution systems (BEDSs) distribute power from a building's energy sources - including the grid, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and batteries - to its loads, including lighting, HVAC, and plug loads. BEDS with storage can provide resilience by distributing local electricity supply to critical loads during an outage. Quantitative metrics are needed to assess the resilience improvements associated with new BEDS and storage system technologies. In this paper, we apply an existing metric, the probability of outage survival curve (POSC), to BEDS with storage and propose a set of novel metrics that improve upon POSC. Through a simulation-based case study, we demonstrate how these metrics are impacted by the BEDS design and how they can be used to design a resilient system.

buildings↗

Infrared observations of RS CVn stars

The paper presents infrared photometry of the RS CVn binary stars AR Lac (1.2-10 microns) and MM Her (1.2-3.5 microns) as they egressed from their primary and secondary eclipses; of the eclipsing systems RS CVn and Z Her at maximum light (1.2-10 microns) and of the non-eclipsing systems UX Ari and HR 1099 (1.2-10 microns). An analysis of these and published V data based on flux ratio diagrams (linear analogues of color-color diagrams) shows that G and K stars supply the infrared light of these systems. In AR Lac, the combined light of a G5-K0 subgiant and either a late F dwarf or an early F subgiant can account for the observed visual and infrared light curves. None of these systems shows infrared emission from circumstellar matter. This result is simply understood: dust grains would not be expected to form in the physical conditions surrounding the subgiant, and the corona and chromosphere (whose properties have been deduced from spectroscopic X-ray observations) should not produce appreciable infrared emission.

Berriman, G.↗

Advanced Permanent Magnet Generator Topologies Using Multimaterial Shape Optimization and 3D Printing: Preprint

A vast majority of utility-scale wind turbine generators in the United States are dependent on foreign- sourced rare-earth permanent magnets that are vulnerable to supply chain uncertainties. Many small wind original equipment manufacturers are motivated to pursue continuous improvements to the generator design to lower the material and production costs and improve performance by lowering cogging torque and increasing the efficiency. Traditional design and manufacturing offer limited opportunities. In this work, we demonstrate advanced design approaches for a 15-kW baseline wind turbine generator by making use of recent progress in three-dimensional (3D) printing of polymer- bonded magnets and, electrical and structural steel. We explore three methods of magnet parametrization using Bezier curves resulting in symmetric, asymmetric and multimaterial magnet designs. We employ a multiphysics approach combining parametric computer-aided design modeling, finite- element analysis and targeted sampling to identify novel designs with more opportunities for reducing rare-earth material, improving efficiency and minimizing cogging torque. The results show that asymmetric-pole design and multimaterial-pole designs offer a greater opportunity to minimize rare-earth magnet materials by up to 35% with similar performance as the baseline generator, suggesting newer opportunities with design freedom beyond traditional limits of symmetry and as allowed by 3D printing.

Bezier curves↗

Visualizing pectin polymer-polymer entanglement produced by interfacial water movement

In this report, we investigated the physical conditions for creating pectin polymer-polymer (homopolymer) entanglement. The potential role of water movement in creating pectin entanglement was investigated by placing water droplets-equivalent to the water content of two gel phase films-between two glass phase films and compressing the films at variable probe velocities. Slow probe velocity (0.5 mm/sec) demonstrated no significant debonding. Furthermore, corresponding videomicroscopy demonstrated an occasional water bridge, but no evidence of stranding or polymer entanglement. In contrast, fast probe velocity (5 mm/sec) resulted in 1) an increase in peak adhesion strength, 2) a progressive debonding curve, and 3) increased work of cohesion (p < .001). Corresponding videomicroscopy demonstrated pectin stranding and delamination between pectin films. Scanning electron microscopy images obtained during pectin debonding provided additional evidence of both stranding and delamination. We conclude that water movement can supply the motive force for the rapid chain entanglement between pectin films.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Temperature Control of Crystal Optics for Ultrahigh-Resolution Applications

The temperature control of crystal optics is critical for ultrahigh resolution applications such as those used in meV-resolved Inelastic Scattering. Due to the low count rate and long acquisition time of these experiments, for 1-meV energy resolution, the absolute temperature stability of the crystal optics must be maintained below 4 mK to ensure the required stability of lattice constant, thereby ensuring the energy stability of the optics. Furthermore, the temperature control with sub-mK precision enables setting the absolute temperature of individual crystal, making it possible to align the reflection energy of each crystal’s rocking curve in sub-meV resolution thereby maximizing the combined efficiency of the crystal optics. In this contribution, we report the details of an EPICS control system using PT1000 sensors, Keithley 3706A 7.5 digits sensor scanner, and Wiener MPOD LV power supply for the analyzer crystals of the Inelastic X-ray Scattering (IXS) beamline 10-ID at NSLS-II**. We were able to achieve absolute temperature stability below 1 mK and sub-meV energy alignment for several asymmetrically cut analyzer crystals. The EPICS ePID record was used for the control of the power supplies based on the PT1000 sensor input that was read with 7.5 digits accuracy from the Keithley 3706A scanner. The system enhances the performance of the meV-resolved IXS spectrometer with currently a 1.4 meV total energy resolution and unprecedented spectral sharpness for studies of atomic dynamics in a broad range of materials.

Gofron, Kaz↗