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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

Application Potential of a Dew-Point Cooling Tower in Selected Energy Intensive Applications in Temperate Climate

In the article, the application potential of the dew-point cooling tower (DPCT) in selected energy-intensive applications in temperate climates was analyzed and discussed. The applications selected for analysis are power generation with natural gas turbines and chilled water air conditioning systems. The study is based on a mathematical model derived from a modified ε-NTU model. The model was validated against experimental results and showed satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. DPCT was compared with a typical cooling tower limited by the wet-bulb temperature (wet-bulb cooling tower, WBCT). The simulation results showed that DPCT is able to provide significant energy savings in energy-intensive applications; therefore, its application potential in temperate climates can be considered justified. In the case of gas turbines, DPCT was able to generate 2 to 10 percentage points more capacity than operating on outdoor air and 1.8 to 5 percentage points more than operating with WBCT. In the case of air conditioning systems, the system equipped with DPCT achieved EERs (energy efficiency ratios) higher by 1 to 7.2 compared to dry cooling and by 0.3 to 5.1 compared to systems equipped with WBCT. The annual energy savings obtained by the system with DPCT were 14.7 MWh compared to WBCT and 30 MWh compared to dry cooling.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Potential applications of the Doppler lidar measurements

The potential application of the Doppler lidar measurements to the determination of material (e.g., water vapor) and energy budgets, momentum transports, etc., in the environment at all stages and in the development of convective clouds are discussed.

Koenig, L. R.↗

The potential application of the blackboard model of problem solving to multidisciplinary design

The potential application of the blackboard model of problem solving to multidisciplinary design is discussed. Multidisciplinary design problems are complex, poorly structured, and lack a predetermined decision path from the initial starting point to the final solution. The final solution is achieved using data from different engineering disciplines. Ideally, for the final solution to be the optimum solution, there must be a significant amount of communication among the different disciplines plus intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary optimization. In reality, this is not what happens in today's sequential approach to multidisciplinary design. Therefore it is highly unlikely that the final solution is the true optimum solution from an interdisciplinary optimization standpoint. A multilevel decomposition approach is suggested as a technique to overcome the problems associated with the sequential approach, but no tool currently exists with which to fully implement this technique. A system based on the blackboard model of problem solving appears to be an ideal tool for implementing this technique because it offers an incremental problem solving approach that requires no a priori determined reasoning path. Thus it has the potential of finding a more optimum solution for the multidisciplinary design problems found in today's aerospace industries.

Rogers, James L.↗

Properties and potential applications of brominated P-100 carbon fibers

A review of the properties and potential applications of bromine-intercalated pitch-based carbon fibers is presented. The dynamics of the intercalation reaction are summarized, and characteristics, such as resistivity, density, and stability, are discussed. In addition, the mechanical and electrical properties of bromine-intercalated fiber-epoxy conposites will be addressed. With conductivities comparable to stainless steel, these brominated carbon fibers may be used in a number of composite applications, such as electromagnetic interference shielding containers, large conductive space structures, lightning strike-tolerant aircraft surfaces, and aircraft deicing applications.

Jaworske, D. A.↗

A Study on the Potential Applications of Satellite Data in Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting

In this study we explore the potential applications of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) -like satellite sensors in air quality research for some Asian regions. The MODIS aerosol optical thickness (AOT), NCEP global reanalysis meteorological data, and daily surface PM(sub 10) concentrations over China and Thailand from 2001 to 2009 were analyzed using simple and multiple regression models. The AOT-PM(sub 10) correlation demonstrates substantial seasonal and regional difference, likely reflecting variations in aerosol composition and atmospheric conditions, Meteorological factors, particularly relative humidity, were found to influence the AOT-PM(sub 10) relationship. Their inclusion in regression models leads to more accurate assessment of PM(sub 10) from space borne observations. We further introduced a simple method for employing the satellite data to empirically forecast surface particulate pollution, In general, AOT from the previous day (day 0) is used as a predicator variable, along with the forecasted meteorology for the following day (day 1), to predict the PM(sub 10) level for day 1. The contribution of regional transport is represented by backward trajectories combined with AOT. This method was evaluated through PM(sub 10) hindcasts for 2008-2009, using ohservations from 2005 to 2007 as a training data set to obtain model coefficients. For five big Chinese cities, over 50% of the hindcasts have percentage error less than or equal to 30%. Similar performance was achieved for cities in northern Thailand. The MODIS AOT data are responsible for at least part of the demonstrated forecasting skill. This method can be easily adapted for other regions, but is probably most useful for those having sparse ground monitoring networks or no access to sophisticated deterministic models. We also highlight several existing issues, including some inherent to a regression-based approach as exemplified by a case study for Beijing, Further studies will be necessa1Y before satellite data can see more extensive applications in the operational air quality monitoring and forecasting.

Li, Can↗

Potential application of multipolarization SAR for pine-plantation biomass estimation

This paper presents the technique and the potential utility of multipolarization Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for pine-plantation biomass estimation. Three channels of SAR data, one from the Shuttle Imaging Radar SIR-A and the other two from the aircraft SAR, were acquired over the Baldwin County, Alabama, study area. The SIR-A data were acquired with HH polarization and the aircraft SAR data with VV and VH polarizations. Linear regression techniques are used to estimate the pine-plantation biomass, tree height, and age using 21 test plots. The results indicate that the multipolarization data are highly related to the plantation biomass. The results suggest a potential application of multipolarization SAR for pine-plantation biomass estimation.

Wu, Shih-Tseng↗

Potential Applications of Satellite Based Low Frequency Microwave Measurements of Snow and Ice

In this presentation we will examine some potential applications of low frequency microwave radar and radiometer data to remote sensing of snow and ice conditions over land. We focus on the following low frequency bands; L-band (1.28 GHz), S-band (2.69 GHz), and C-band (5.0 GHz). To predict the effect of snow cover on microwave emission, we need to characterize the dielectric properties of the snow in terms of important physical parameters such as snow density, temperature, and wetness. For the case of dry snow, we use an empirical mixing formula which gives the effective complex permittivity of snow as a function of density, temperature, and frequency. For wet snow, we use another mixing formula which gives the effective complex permittivity as a function of snow wetness. With dry snow, the loss at low microwave frequencies is very small so the corresponding penetration depths are very large (eg., 100 m). Clearly seasonal snow covers are far too thin to have a direct scattering or emission effect on these low frequency bands. There are, however, indirect effects introduced because of altered reflection at the snow/soil boundary, and an extra reflecting interface at the snow/air boundary. For C-band, layers of snow with different densities can have an impact if the number of layers grows sufficiently large. (eg., many meters of snow pack with cm-scale density layering.) Wet snow poses a more difficult problem. Liquid water is much more effective than ice at scattering and absorbing L-band radiation, so even a small amount of wetness will greatly reduce penetration. For example, with a snow wetness of 1 percent (volume fraction), and a density of 300 kg/cu. m, the penetration depths for L-band, S-band, and C-band are about 1.6 m, 0.3 m, and 0.15 m respectively. Very wet snow has more than 10 percent liquid water, and the corresponding L-band penetration is less than 0.2 m. Because the penetration distance is a strong function of frequency, it may be possible to identify a particular class of snow where the wetness is a few percent, and the depth is around one meter by looking at the frequency gradient.

West, Richard D.↗

Analytical investigation of the dew point water recovery system with potential application for drinking water production

The article presents the analytical investigation of the Dew Point Water Recovery (DPWR) system with potential application for drinking water production. Four different configurations of the DPWR system were proposed, differing in the number and type of dew point cooling exchangers used, and their operation was described using a validated convective heat transfer coefficient mathematical model. It was found that the three stage configu-ration of the DPWR system with a regenerative exchanger has the best water recovery performance, while the three stage configuration with a counter-flow exchanger has the best ratio of energy supplied to the system in relation to the amount of water produced. It was also found that the DPWR system can operate in a wide range of operating conditions with a specific electric energy consumption reaching below 0.9 kWh/m 3 and GOR in the range of 0.36-2.16. What distinguishes the DPWR system from other methods of drinking water production is the ability to work without an additional source of thermal energy apart from the energy of the air supplied to the system. Thanks to this property, the system has the potential to fill the technological gap of a low-energy and easily accessible method of drinking water production.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Potential applications of NASA-developed technology to problems of the environment.

The life-support mission of NASA has the same broad objectives as the national imperatives toward environmental restoration: pure air, clean water, and reuse of resources. The major difference is the vast scale of the environment, compared to the very small scale of spacecraft, even including the largest space stations now projected. For this reason, the devices developed for manned spacecraft life support will be of much less interest than the techniques that have emerged from NASA-sponsored research and development. Several immediate applications in air and water purification can be cited, and several other long-term potential applications may also be considered.

Ross, L. W.↗

Characteristics and potential applications of orbiting ultrahigh vacuum facilities

The characteristics of an orbiting molecular shield ultrahigh vacuum facility are described and some examples of potential applications are discussed. Published results of a kinetic theory analysis are given. Densities within the shield of less than 1000 molecules/cu cm can be obtained allowing high purity materials processing experiments to be performed in orbit under the simultaneous conditions of ultrahigh vacuum and microgravity. Two specific experiments are discussed: the production of ultrapure materials by the electrotransport technique developed at ERDA's Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University, and the vapor deposition and space preparation of silicon solar cells.

Melfi, L. T., Jr.↗

An RF interference mitigation methodology with potential applications in scheduling

Software tools for interference analysis and mitigation were developed in the Communications Link Analysis and Simulation System (CLASS) environment for: communications performance evaluation; and mission planning. Potential applications are seen in analysis, evaluation, and optimization of user schedules. Tools producing required separation angles and potential interference intervals can be used as an aid to mutual interference mitigation within a scheduling system.

Wong, Yen F.↗

The water-soluble fraction of extracellular polymeric substances from a resource recovery demonstration plant: characterization and potential application as an adhesive

Currently, there is a growing interest in transforming wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into resource recovery plants. Microorganisms in aerobic granular sludge produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are considered sustainable resources to be extracted and can be used in diverse applications. Exploring applications in other high-value materials, such as adhesives, will not only enhance the valorization potential of the EPS but also promote resource recovery. This study aimed to characterize a water-soluble fraction extracted from the EPS collected at the demonstration plant in the Netherlands based on its chemical composition (amino acids, sugar, and fatty acids) and propose a proof-of-concept for its use as an adhesive. This fraction comprises a mixture of biomolecules, such as proteins (26.6 ± 0.3%), sugars (21.8 ± 0.2%), and fatty acids (0.9%). The water-soluble fraction exhibited shear strength reaching 36–51 kPa across a pH range of 2–10 without additional chemical treatment, suggesting a potential application as an adhesive. The findings from this study provide insights into the concept of resource recovery and the valorization of excess sludge at WWTPs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Spectral features of a new crystal - Cr:KTP and its potential application for self-frequency doubling

The paper describes a technique for growing Cr-doped single crystals of KTiOPO4 (Cr:KTP) and presents the spectral characteristics, lasing potential, and SHG properties of Cr:KTP. It is shown that the use of Cr:KTP as a lasing medium is potentially promising due to the combination of the wide spectral bandwidth and reasonable gain. The potential application of the crystal for self frequency doubling is discussed.

Chou, Nee-Yin↗

Potential applications of a high altitude powered platform in the ocean/coastal zone community

The results of a survey of the ocean/coastal zone community conducted for the NASA Wallops Flight Center to identify potential applications of a high altitude powered platform (HAPP) are presented. Such a platform would stationkeep at 70,000 feet for up to a year over a given location and make frequent high resolution observations, or serve as a regional communications link. The survey results indicate user interest among scientific researchers, operational agencies and private industry. It is felt that such a platform would combine the desirable characteristics of both geostationary satellites (wide area, frequent observation) and aircraft (high resolution). As a result a concept for an operational HAPP system in the form of a 'mesoscale geostationary satellite' system evolved. Such a system could employ many of the same technologies used in current NASA and NOAA geostationary satellite programs. A set of generalized instrument requirements for HAPP borne sensors is also presented.

Escoe, D.↗