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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 19 records

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1974

Combining total energy and energy industrial center concepts to increase utilization efficiency of geothermal energy

Integrating energy production and energy consumption to produce a total energy system within an energy industrial center which would result in more power production from a given energy source and less pollution of the environment is discussed. Strong governmental support would be required for the crash drilling program necessary to implement these concepts. Cooperation among the federal agencies, power producers, and private industry would be essential in avoiding redundant and fruitless projects, and in exploiting most efficiently our geothermal resources.

Bayliss, B. P.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Advanced component technologies for energy-efficient turbofan engines

A cooperative government-industry effort, the Energy Efficient Engine Project, to develop the advanced technology base for future commercial development of a new generation of more fuel conservative turbofan engines for airline use is described. Engine configurations that are dependent upon technology advances in each major engine component are defined and current design and development of the advanced components are included.

Saunders, N. T.↗

NASA NTRS1975

National energy conservation

A set of energy conservation actions that cut across all sectors of the economy were analyzed so that all actions under consideration be analyzed systematically and as a whole. The actions considered were as follows: (1) roll back the price of newly discovered oil, (2) freeze gasoline production for 3 years at 1972 levels, (3) mandate automobile mileage improvements, (4) require industry to improve energy efficiency, (5) require manufacture of household appliances with greater efficiency, (6) force conversion of many power plants from gas and oil to coal. The results showed that considerable gas and oil would be saved by forcing switches to coal. However, the large scale switch to coal was shown to require greatly increased outputs from many other industries that in turn require more energy. It was estimated that nearly 2.5 quads of additional coal were needed to produce these additional requirements. Also, the indirect requirements would create more jobs.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1975

Three strategies for conservation

The three strategies considered as energy conservation oriented were given: national energy conservation, electrification, and diversification. The first one applies to the near term period (now-1985), the second one to the mid term (1985-2000), and the third one to the far term (2000- ). The rest of this section was focussed on the near term period. The following proposed actions were considered: (1) roll back the price of newly discovered oil, (2) force conversion of many power plants from gas and oil to coal, (3) freeze gasoline production for three years at 1972 levels, (4) mandate automobile mileage requirements, (5) require industry to improve energy efficiency, and (6) require manufacture of household appliances with greater efficiency. Each of these six actions was described and discussed in more detail.

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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

TPSAS-NF1676L-27534-DND

This presentation describes the preparation, validation and provision of MERRA-2 data products to the building industry for use in energy efficient designs, building codes and monitoring energy efficiency. It highlights efforts to use MERRA-2 surface meteorological data products for the derivation of quantities relevant to the energy and building industry such as heating and cooling degree days and building climate zones on a global basis for the past 30 years. A difference of the zones from the first 15 years and last 30 years shows that warming zones are creeping northward. The talk also presents work provide similar parameters for building energy performance assessment requiring data products closer to real time.

Paul W Stackhouse, Jr↗

NASA NTRS1984

Biocatalyzed processes for production of commodity chemicals: Assessment of future research advances for N-butanol production

This report is a summary of assessments by Chem Systems Inc. and a further evaluation of the impacts of research advances on energy efficiency and the potential for future industrial production of acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) solvents and other products by biocatalyzed processes. Brief discussions of each of the assessments made by CSI, followed by estimates of minimum projected energy consumption and costs for production of solvents by ABE biocatalyzed processes are included. These assessments and further advances discussed in this report show that substantial decreases in energy consumption and costs are possible on the basis of specific research advances; therefore, it appears that a biocatalyzed process for ABE can be developed that will be competitive with conventional petrochemical processes for production of n-butanol and acetone. (In this work, the ABE process was selected and utilized only as an example for methodology development; other possible bioprocesses for production of commodity chemicals are not intended to be excluded.) It has been estimated that process energy consumption can be decreased by 50%, with a corresponding cost reduction of 15-30% (in comparison with a conventional petrochemical process) by increasing microorganism tolerance to n-butanol and efficient recovery of product solvents from the vapor phase.

Ingham, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS2018

High-Fidelity Computational Methodology for Stitched Composite Aerospace Structures

Due to the high demands for energy efficient commercial transportation, the aviation industry has taken a leading role in the integration of composite structures. Among the leading concepts to develop lighter, more fuel-efficient commercial transport is the Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) concept, an enabling technology for hybrid wing bodies. Many proof-of-concept tests have been performed to demonstrate that the use of PRSEUS has improved the residual strength of damaged structures compared to conventional composite structures, but efficient computational tools must be developed before the concept can be commercially certified and implemented. In an attempt to address the need for efficient computational tools, a comprehensive modeling approach is developed and applied to investigate applications of PRSEUS at multiple scales. Therefore, a computational methodology has been progressively developed based on physically realistic concepts. The focus of the work described herein is to define the modeling characteristics required to accurately simulate the damage progression and failure of PRSEUS at the coupon scale. The work herein is focused on the development and analysis of a PRSEUS stringer, the methodology for which may be extended to other PRSEUS coupons and components.

Brandon Horton↗

NASA NTRS2016

Integrated System for Health Management and Autonomous Control (ISHM-AC): Development and Application

Autonomous control systems represent a technological barrier from manual and automated operated control systems in an industry wide application. An increase in energy-efficient storage, transfer and use of cryogens and cryogenic propellants on Earth and in space has been observed in space related industries between NASA, government and commercial programs. An increase in efficiency of cryogenic systems demands an increase in the capabilities of the control and monitoring system that manages them. As new technologies are developed for cryogenic systems, complexity and capability increases. The increase in complexities are a natural drive to develop better and more capable health monitoring and control system management. Current research and development efforts lead the Cryogenics Test Laboratory at the Kennedy Space Center to improve its automated control and health monitoring system from a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) based-only system to a fully Integrated System for Health Management (ISHM) - Autonomous Control (AC) capable of performing autonomous operations on a cryogenic propellant transfer system. This ISHM-AC system has been developed and tested by controlling a complete simulated propellant transfer operation. The capabilities and test results of this fully integrated autonomous system for cryogenics propellant transfer operation will be presented in this paper.

Toro, Jaime A.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Integrated System for Health Management and Autonomous Control (ISHM-AC) for Cryogenic Operations on the Simulated Propellant Loading System

Toro Medina, Jaime A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Catalysis and biocatalysis program

The annual report presents the fiscal year (FY) 1990 research activities and accomplishments for the Catalysis and Biocatalysis Program of the Advanced Industrial Concepts Division (AICD), Office of Industrial Technologies of the Department of Energy (DOE). The mission of the AICD is to create a balanced program of high risk, long term, directed interdisciplinary research and development that will improve energy efficiency and enhance fuel flexibility in the industrial sector. The Catalysis and Biocatalysis Program's technical activities were organized into five work elements: the Molecular Modeling and Catalysis by Design element; the Applied Microbiology and Genetics element; the Bioprocess Engineering element; the Separations and Novel Chemical Processes element; and the Process Design and Analysis element.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1978

Design approaches to more energy efficient engines

The status of NASA's Energy Efficient Engine Project, a comparative government-industry effort aimed at advancing the technology base for the next generation of large turbofan engines for civil aircraft transports is summarized. Results of recently completed studies are reviewed. These studies involved selection of engine cycles and configurations that offer potential for at least 12% lower fuel consumption than current engines and also are economically attractive and environmentally acceptable. Emphasis is on the advancements required in component technologies and systems design concepts to permit future development of these more energy efficient engines.

Saunders, N. T.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Possible Applications of Photoautotrophic Biotechnologies at Lunar Settlements

The most ambitious goal of the Vision of Space Exploration is to extend human presence across the solar system. Today, however, missions would have to bring all of the propellant, air, food, water, habitable volumes and shielding needed to sustain settlers beyond Earth. That is why resources for propellants, life support and construction of support systems and habitats must be found in space and utilized if humans hope to ever explore and colonize the solar system. The life support, fuel production and material processing systems currently proposed for spaceflight are essentially disconnected. Only traditional crop production has been proposed as a segment for bioregenerative life support systems, although the efficiency of higher plants for air regeneration is generally low. Thus, the investigation of air bioregeneration techniques based on the activity of photosynthetic organisms with higher rates of CO2 scrubbing and O2 release is very timely and important. Future systems for organic waste utilization in space may also benefit from the use of specific microorganisms. This janitorial job is efficiently carried out by microbes on Earth, which drive and connect different elemental cycles. It is likely that environmental control and life support systems based on bioregeneration will be capable of converting both organic and inorganic components of the waste at lunar settlements into edible biomass. The most challenging technologies for future lunar settlements are the extraction of elements (e.g. Fe, O, Si, etc) from local rocks for industrial feedstocks and the production of propellants. While such extraction can be accomplished by purely inorganic processes, the high energy requirements of such processes motivates the search for alternative technologies with lower energy requirements and appropriate efficiency. Well-developed terrestrial industrial biotechnologies for metals extraction and conversion could therefore be the prototypes for extraterrestrial biometallurgy.

McKay, David S.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Catalysis and biocatalysis program

This final report presents a summary of research activities and accomplishments for the Catalysis and Biocatalysis Program, which was renamed the Biological and Chemical Technologies Research (BCTR) Program, currently of the Advanced Industrial Concepts Division (AICD), Office of Industrial Technologies of the Department of Energy (DOE). The Program was formerly under the Division of Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies (ECUT) until the DOE reorganization in April, 1990. The goals of the BCTR Program are consistent with the initial ECUT goals, but represent an increased effort toward advances in chemical and biological technology transfer. In addition, the transition reflects a need for the BCTR Program to assume a greater R&D role in chemical catalysis as well as a need to position itself for a more encompassing involvement in a broader range of biological and chemical technology research. The mission of the AICD is to create a balanced Program of high risk, long-term, directed interdisciplinary research and development that will improve energy efficiency and enhance fuel flexibility in the industrial sector. Under AICD, the DOE Catalysis and Biocatalysis Program sponsors research and development in furthering industrial biotechnology applications and promotes the integrated participation of universities, industrial companies, and government research laboratories.

Ingham, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Graphene Based Ultra-Capacitors for Safer, More Efficient Energy Storage

Current power storage methods must be continuously improved in order to keep up with the increasingly competitive electronics industry. This technological advancement is also essential for the continuation of deep space exploration. Today's energy storage industry relies heavily on the use of dangerous and corrosive chemicals such as lithium and phosphoric acid. These chemicals can prove hazardous to the user if the device is ruptured. Similarly they can damage the environment if they are disposed of improperly. A safer, more efficient alternative is needed across a wide range of NASA missions. One solution would a solid-state carbon based energy storage device. Carbon is a safer, less environmentally hazardous alternative to current energy storage materials. Using the amorphous carbon nanostructure, graphene, this idea of a safer portable energy is possible. Graphene was electrochemically produced in the lab and several coin cell devices were built this summer to create a working prototype of a solid-state graphene battery.

Composite battery↗

NASA NTRS2026

Turbofan Engine Power Extraction Demonstration Final Report

As GE Aerospace advances toward a revolutionary step change in propulsion efficiency, the integration and demonstration of new engine architectures and technology systems are essential. The NASA Turbofan Engine Power Extraction Demonstration (PEx), conducted through the Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) project, aims to develop and demonstrate megawatt-class hybrid electric capability on a modern commercial turbofan engine. The hybrid electric system is critical to meeting the needs of the U.S. aviation industry for next-generational propulsion systems with greater efficiency, durability, and range. This supports energy independence and helps ensure the security and resilience of one of America's largest export industries. The PEx project specifically targets three key objectives: mechanically integrating hybrid electric capability into a commercial turbofan engine, integrating electric machine control with turbofan control for advanced power management, and de-risking performance modeling of future hybrid electric architectures. To mature these technologies to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, a series of electric power system component tests and a baseline engine performance test campaign were conducted. These efforts culminated in an integrated hybrid electric turbofan test campaign demonstrating power extraction, power insertion, and power transfer between spools. Tests of the electric power system were completed at GE Aerospace’s Electrical Power Integrated Systems Center in Dayton, Ohio and engine tests were completed at Peebles Test Operation in Peebles, Ohio. Hybrid electric trade studies extended the demonstrated capability to altitude using the validated cycle model from the PEx test campaigns, allowing for comments on expanded mission benefits not demonstrated in the ground campaign. The knowledge gained from PEx also supports GE Aerospace’s Compact Core Demonstrator as part of HyTEC Phase 2 and ultimately informs the implementation of hybrid electric systems in the next generation of GE Aerospace commercial engine products. This report provides a summary of the program background, test campaigns, trade studies, and insights into the technical maturation required to support future commercial products.

Hybrid Electric↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Two-Phase Flow in Filters and Orifices: In preparation for Measurements on ISS Packed Bed Reactor Experiment-Water Recovery Series (PBRE-WRS)

Understanding the hydrodynamics of adiabatic two-phase flows in packed bed reactors offers numerous benefits. It enables the optimization of chemical reactions rates and products, crucial for pharmaceuticals and energy production industries. Additionally, this understanding aids in designing more efficient and compact reactors, reducing space and resource requirements. Insights gained from studying such flows in microgravity contribute to advancements of space technologies and the enhancement of our capabilities for undertaking future long duration safe, and sustainable space exploration missions. The Packed Bed Reactor Experiment-Water Recovery Series (PBRE-WRS) is a flight experiment planned for operation on the Microgravity Science Glove box (MSG) facility of the International Space Station (ISS). The objective of the experiment is to validate hydrodynamic models at a range of gas and liquid flow rates. The microgravity environment allows for measurement and observation of aspects of fluid dynamics that are unique when compared to observations made in full or partial gravity environments. The experiment consists of testing two-phase flow hydrodynamics in three different filters, four (4) orifices and one check valve test articles. The experiment utilizes the hardware of the previously flown PBRE and PBRE-2 with packed beds of different packings materials and sizes. The fluid system of the PBRE-WRS consists of a nitrogen gas delivery and water delivery subsystems. The gas delivery subsystem can accommodate two ranges of gas flow rates, just as for the water delivery system. The nitrogen gas loop is open whereas the water loop is closed. Gas is separated from the water using a gas-liquid phase separator which is located in the water delivery module. Preliminary results from ground testing show the pressure drop increasing at different rates with the liquid and gas flow rates in the Brine filter. In this work, a detailed system description is presented along with a summary of results from ground performance testing of different test sections in an end-to-end preflight testing campaign.

Packed Bed Reactor Experiment↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Two-Phase Flow in Packed Beds, Filters and Orifices: Summary of Findings of the Packed Bed Reactor Experiment Onboard of the International Space Station

Understanding the hydrodynamics of adiabatic two-phase flows in packed bed reactors enables the optimization of chemical reaction rates and products that crucial in pharmaceuticals and energy production industries. Additionally, this understanding aids in designing more efficient and compact reactors and reducing space and resource requirements. Insights gained from studying and understanding such flows in microgravity contribute to advancements of space technologies and the enhancement of our capabilities for undertaking future long duration safe, and sustainable space exploration missions. The objective of the Packed Bed Reactor Experiment series (PBRE and PBRE-2) was to develop a fundamental understanding of the hydrodynamics of adiabatic two-phase flows through porous media in microgravity. This work provides a description of the PBRE fluid system and presents the highlights of the PBRE and PBRE-2 previously flown with different packings and operated onboard of the International Space Station Microgravity Science Glovebox (ISS-MSG). These highlights include flow patterns and two-phase pressure drop, and the impact of capillary effects on pressure drop at various gas and liquid flow rates. This work also presents preliminary results from the Packed Bed Reactor Experiment-Water Recovery Series (PBRE-WRS) recently flown with filters and orifices, which was also operated on the ISS-MSG. The objective of the experiment is to validate hydrodynamic models at a range of gas and liquid flow rates pertinent to the operation of these test articles. The microgravity environment allows for measurement and observation of aspects of fluid dynamics that are unique when compared to observations made in full or partial gravity environments.

ISS↗

NASA NTRS1977

Evaluation of NASA-sponsored research on capital investment decision making in the civil aviation industry

Significant findings of three studies undertaken to provide the NASA Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) Office with information regarding how aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines make investment decisions concerning the acquisition of new and derivative technology are analyzed and their general implications explored. Topics discussed include: the market for airline aircraft, factors affecting the corporate decision making process of air transport manufacturers, and flight equipment purchasing practices of representative air carriers.

Donovan, D. J.↗