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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 sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Shared Use Travel Behavior for Improving Rural Mobility: Insights from Greene County, Pennsylvania

Rural communities are considered disadvantaged communities as they suffer from a lack of transport options. Thus, rural regionsprovide less accessibility for commuters to reach their destination as opposed to urban regions. However, the issues of transport disadvantageand shared use mobility in rural areas within the United States (US) have not been well investigated. Furthermore, transport disadvantagediffers between communities and regions across the globe; thus, there is a need to study the behavioral choices of rural commuters within theUS context. This study contributes by analyzing the behavioral choices of rural communities within the US through a case study site ofWaynesburg, Pennsylvania, for adopting a shared use shuttle service. K-means clusters showed that trips from the survey data were a goodrepresentation of real trips from Ecolane. Furthermore, random parameter-based binary logit models were calibrated using data collected fromstudents, faculty, and residents in Waynesburg, Greene County, to study the behavioral choices of commuters. The findings for the faculty andstudents group revealed that prior experience with shared services increases the likelihood of using a shared shuttle. An important personalcharacteristic of inconvenience showed a higher propensity toward using existing modes as opposed to a shared shuttle. Such commutersvalue personal vehicles as more convenient as they have childcare responsibilities and varying schedules for work that require them to moveback and forth across locations, thus making a shared shuttle less attractive for them. The socioeconomic factors of age and gender show ahigher propensity for using shared shuttles. Furthermore, the findings from this study could be helpful for agencies in improving rural mobility andconsidering such shared mobility services for rural communities

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

From roads to roofs: How urban and rural mobility influence building energy consumption

In this article, understanding the relationship between travel behavior and building energy use at an urban scale is crucial for developing effective energy management strategies. Mobility patterns significantly impact building occupancy, which in turn affects energy consumption. However, existing methods often focus on individual buildings, whereas geographical influences on energy usage are not adequately examined. This study addresses this gap by using transportation origin-destination (OD) data to estimate building occupancy and energy. The proposed method assigns OD trips from census block groups to the building level, incorporating building, travel survey, and census data to derive building occupancy profiles. This method was applied to urban and rural areas with 4062 buildings in 70 census block groups. We found that the OD-informed occupancy profile exhibits smoother energy consumption patterns compared with that of Department of Energy reference occupancy profiles. Our analysis reveals distinct building energy consumption patterns among groups with long and short commutes, emphasizing the effect of commute times and work schedules on residential energy usage. This framework is useful for practitioners in transportation agencies and utility companies, enabling the estimation of building energy based on mobility patterns. Overall, this study shows the potential of integrating transportation and building energy data to inform cross-sector energy management strategies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1984

Rural land mobile radio market assessment and satellite and terrestrial system concepts

The market for satellite-based mobile radio in the rural U.S. is evaluated, summarizing the results of two NASA-funded studies reported by Anderson et al. and Hornstein. The study aims are listed, and the results are presented in tables, graphs, and maps and discussed. Space systems are found to be competitive with land-based systems, providing superior service at lower subscriber charges, but having limited compatibility with urban cellular mobile-radio systems. Of the three system concepts evaluated from a technological standpoint (direct-to-mobile, mobile-translator, and hybrid), the mobile-translator concept is considered most cost effective, at least within the constraints assumed in the study.

Stevenson, S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Rural land mobile radio market assessment and satellite and terrestrial system concepts

Market potential exists; the nature of the market in terms of service needs, usage characteristics, service requirements, and forecasting the demand to the year 2000; alternative system cncepts that show promise in addressing the identified needs, in a cost effective manner; and advanced technology requirements associated with these concepts are considered.

Stevenson, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

An entree for large space antennas

Some of the possible areas of application for large antennas placed in space are discussed, and some initial design concepts for various antenna proposals are described. Applications include rural mobile communications, an orbiting deep space relay station, submillimeter radio astronomy, and multispectral radiometry of earth surface features. As a first step in developing the needed technology, a deployable 30-m antenna with 1-mm surface accuracy is proposed. Flight experience with such an antenna system would enable validation of performance prediction models. The 30-m-diam mesh deployable-defurlable antenna experiment would be carried out with the shuttle.

Powell, R. V.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Overview of techniques for mitigation of fading and shadowing in the direct broadcast satellite radio environment

The DBS radio propagation environment is divided into three sub-environments, indoor, rural-suburban mobile and urban mobile. Indoor propagation effects are in a large part determined by construction material. Non-metallic materials afford direct, albeit attenuated penetration of the satellite signal with a minimum of multipath signal scattering. Signal penetration into structures using significant metallic materials is often indirect, through openings such as doors and windows and propagation will involve significant multipath components. Even so, delay spread in many situations is on the order of 10's of nanoseconds resulting in relatively flat fading. Thus frequency diversity techniques such as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or equalization techniques do not realize their intended performance enhancement. Antenna diversity, directivity and placement are key mitigation techniques for the indoor environment. In the Rural-Suburban mobile environment with elevation angles greater than 20 deg, multipath components from the satellite signal are 15-20 dB below the line-of-sight signal level and often originate from nearby reflectors. Thus shadowing is the dominant signal impairment and fading effects are again found to be relatively flat for a large fading margin. Because receiver motion induces rapid variations in the signal level, temporal diversity techniques such as interleaving, channel coding and retransmission can be used to combat short intermittent fading events. Antenna diversity and directivity techniques are again useful in this environment. Finally, in the Urban mobile environment, slower vehicle speeds and blockage by buildings causes signal fades that are too long and too deep to combat with signal margin or time diversity. Land-based signal boosters are needed to fill in the coverage gaps of the satellite only broadcast scheme. On frequency boosters are suggested to conserve bandwidth yet these produce long delay multipath and create a frequency selective fading environment. Enter now OFDM, spread spectrum, equalization and other techniques that are capable of deconvolving the channel effects and effecting significant performance improvements by extracting the frequency diversity or time diversity components comprising the received signal.

Bell, David↗
DOE OSTI2026

On-Demand Transit: Features, Benefits, Challenges, Costs, and Evaluation

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratory of the Rockies works in partnership with communities and transit agencies across North America to support and evaluate customized on-demand transit (ODT) systems. ODT, also known as on-demand mobility or microtransit, is a flexible form of public mobility. Unlike traditional fixed-route transit, ODT adjusts where and when service is provided rather than following predetermined schedules and routes. Having evolved from commercial ride-hailing business models, ODT leverages smartphone connectivity and real-time route optimization to provide highly responsive and dynamic service. ODT trips, which are usually shared, can function as a standalone service or as a first-/last-mile service connecting riders to other types of transit.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Colorado Alternatively Powered Aircraft Airport Infrastructure Study

Advanced Air Mobility encompasses emerging technologies in propulsion of general aviation and commuter aircraft for the purpose of moving passengers and goods. The State of Colorado has a strong aerospace and aviation legacy, and this research explores the potential energy implications of a transition from traditional aircraft propulsion systems to more-electric, full electric and hydrogen powered aircraft in flight schools, and small community air service utilizing NASA's Regional Air Mobility Model. Effort includes identifying potential energy needs and cost-effective solutions to support those emerging needs analyzing potential benefits on on-site generation and storage to optimize energy systems.Advanced Air Mobility encompasses emerging technologies in propulsion of general aviation and commuter aircraft for the purpose of moving passengers and goods. The State of Colorado has a strong aerospace and aviation legacy, and this research explores the potential energy implications of a transition from traditional aircraft propulsion systems to more-electric, full electric and hydrogen powered aircraft in flight schools, and small community air service utilizing NASA's Regional Air Mobility Model. Effort includes identifying potential energy needs and cost-effective solutions to support those emerging needs analyzing potential benefits on on-site generation and storage to optimize energy systems.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1982

Satellite-aided land mobile communications system implementation considerations

It was proposed that a satellite-based land mobile radio system could effectively extend the terrestrial cellular mobile system into rural and remote areas. The market, technical and economic feasibility for such a system is studied. Some of the aspects of implementing an operational mobile-satellite system are discussed. In particular, two key factors in implementation are examined: (1) bandwidth requirements; and (2) frequency sharing. Bandwidth requirements are derived based on the satellite antenna requirements, modulation characteristics and numbers of subscribers. Design trade-offs for the satellite system and potential implementation scenarios are identified. Frequency sharing is examined from a power flux density and modulation viewpoint.

Leroy, B. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Satellite-aided land mobile communications system implementation considerations

It was proposed that a satellite-based land mobile radio system could effectively extend the terrestrial cellular mobile system into rural and remote areas. The market, technical and economic feasibility for such a system is studied. Some of the aspects of implementing an operational mobile-satellite system are discussed. In particular, two key factors in implementation are examined: (1) bandwidth requirements; and (2) frequency sharing. Bandwidth requirements are derived based on the satellite antenna requirements, modulation characteristics and numbers of subscribers. Design trade-offs for the satellite system and potential implementation scenarios are identified. Frequency sharing is examined from a power flux density and modulation viewpoint. Previously announced in STAR as N82-25290

Leroy, B. E.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Urban Air Mobility Community Noise Test Planning

The term “Advanced Air Mobility” has been adopted by NASA to describe safe, sustainable, affordable, and accessible aviation for transformational local and intraregional missions. By this definition, Advanced Air Mobility includes both “rural” and “urban” applications including cargo and passenger transport missions, and other aerial missions (e.g., infrastructure inspection). There will be a range of aircraft types performing such missions, including small and medium Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), electric Conventional Takeoff and Landing (eCTOL) aircraft, and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is a challenging use case for transporting cargo and passengers in an urban environment and is a new opportunity for aviation that could revolutionize the transportation system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Noise Division of the Federal Aviation Administration Office of Environment and Energy have initiated discussions for planning UAM community noise test(s) at the end of this decade. This presentation discusses the test goals, candidate test objectives, and some of activities needed in preparation for the test(s). It also draws distinctions between the type of study envisioned (observational vs. staged), and between it and recent and planned studies on large fixed-wing transports and commercial supersonic transports.

urban air mobility↗
DOE OSTI2025

2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study

# 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study The 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Study provided insight into the travel patterns and associated energy consumption of participants. Study results helped researchers identify opportunities for the development of shared mobility strategies—such as collaborative ride-sharing programs—that could address the mobility needs of rural communities in Puerto Rico. The Civic Innovation Challenge is a multiagency, federal government research and action competition that funds ready-to-implement, research-based pilot projects that have the potential for scalable, sustainable, and transferable impact on community-identified priorities. ## Data Collection Agency The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez conducted the study. ## Survey Methodology The study was conducted in Spanish. Data collection was enabled via the open-source [NREL OpenPATH platform](https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/openpath). The resulting dataset consists of partially automated travel diaries—combining sensed and surveyed data reflecting patterns of multimodal, end-to-end, individual human mobility—as well as demographic and socioeconomic information from the 31 participants. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 31 participants. The total number of trips was 1,373 and the total non-air-miles traveled was approximately 8,260.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study

# 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study The 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Study provided insight into the travel patterns and associated energy consumption of participants. Study results helped researchers identify opportunities for the development of shared mobility strategies—such as collaborative ride-sharing programs—that could address the mobility needs of rural communities in Puerto Rico. The Civic Innovation Challenge is a multiagency, federal government research and action competition that funds ready-to-implement, research-based pilot projects that have the potential for scalable, sustainable, and transferable impact on community-identified priorities. ## Data Collection Agency The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez conducted the study. ## Survey Methodology The study was conducted in Spanish. Data collection was enabled via the open-source [NREL OpenPATH platform](https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/openpath). The resulting dataset consists of partially automated travel diaries—combining sensed and surveyed data reflecting patterns of multimodal, end-to-end, individual human mobility—as well as demographic and socioeconomic information from the 31 participants. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 31 participants. The total number of trips was 1,373 and the total non-air-miles traveled was approximately 8,260.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study

# 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study The 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Study provided insight into the travel patterns and associated energy consumption of participants. Study results helped researchers identify opportunities for the development of shared mobility strategies—such as collaborative ride-sharing programs—that could address the mobility needs of rural communities in Puerto Rico. The Civic Innovation Challenge is a multiagency, federal government research and action competition that funds ready-to-implement, research-based pilot projects that have the potential for scalable, sustainable, and transferable impact on community-identified priorities. ## Data Collection Agency The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez conducted the study. ## Survey Methodology The study was conducted in Spanish. Data collection was enabled via the open-source [NREL OpenPATH platform](https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/openpath). The resulting dataset consists of partially automated travel diaries—combining sensed and surveyed data reflecting patterns of multimodal, end-to-end, individual human mobility—as well as demographic and socioeconomic information from the 31 participants. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 31 participants. The total number of trips was 1,373 and the total non-air-miles traveled was approximately 8,260.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study

# 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study The 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Study provided insight into the travel patterns and associated energy consumption of participants. Study results helped researchers identify opportunities for the development of shared mobility strategies—such as collaborative ride-sharing programs—that could address the mobility needs of rural communities in Puerto Rico. The Civic Innovation Challenge is a multiagency, federal government research and action competition that funds ready-to-implement, research-based pilot projects that have the potential for scalable, sustainable, and transferable impact on community-identified priorities. ## Data Collection Agency The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez conducted the study. ## Survey Methodology The study was conducted in Spanish. Data collection was enabled via the open-source [NREL OpenPATH platform](https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/openpath). The resulting dataset consists of partially automated travel diaries—combining sensed and surveyed data reflecting patterns of multimodal, end-to-end, individual human mobility—as well as demographic and socioeconomic information from the 31 participants. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 31 participants. The total number of trips was 1,373 and the total non-air-miles traveled was approximately 8,260.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study

# 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge Study The 2024 University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) Study provided insight into the travel patterns and associated energy consumption of participants. Study results helped researchers identify opportunities for the development of shared mobility strategies—such as collaborative ride-sharing programs—that could address the mobility needs of rural communities in Puerto Rico. The Civic Innovation Challenge is a multiagency, federal government research and action competition that funds ready-to-implement, research-based pilot projects that have the potential for scalable, sustainable, and transferable impact on community-identified priorities. ## Data Collection Agency The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez conducted the study. ## Survey Methodology The study was conducted in Spanish. Data collection was enabled via the open-source [NREL OpenPATH platform](https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/openpath). The resulting dataset consists of partially automated travel diaries—combining sensed and surveyed data reflecting patterns of multimodal, end-to-end, individual human mobility—as well as demographic and socioeconomic information from the 31 participants. ## Survey Records, Data, and Documentation Survey records include 31 participants. The total number of trips was 1,373 and the total non-air-miles traveled was approximately 8,260.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗