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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

Fuel cells, batteries and super-capacitors stand-alone power systems management using optimal/flatness based-control

In this work, an optimal control (under constraints) based on the Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to optimally manage energy flows in a basic PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells system associated to lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors through a common DC bus having a voltage to stabilize using the differential flatness approach. The adaptation of voltage levels between different sources and load is ensured by use of three DC-DC converters, one boost connected to the PEM fuel cells, while the two others are buck/boost and connected to the lithiumion batteries and supercapacitors. The aim of this paper is to develop an energy management strategy that is able to satisfy the following objectives: Impose the power requested by a habitat (representing the load) according to a proposed daily consumption profile, Keep fuel cells working at optimal power delivery conditions, Maintain constant voltage across the common DC bus, Stabilize the batteries voltage and stored quantity of charge at desired values given by the optimal control. Results obtained under MATLAB/Simulink environment prove that the cited objectives are satisfied, validating then, effectiveness and complementarity between the optimal and flatness concepts proposed for energy management. Note that this study is currently in experimentally validation within MSE Laboratory.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Porous Carbon/CeO2 Nanoparticles Hybrid Material for High-Capacity Super-Capacitors

The increasing demand for energy storage devices has propelled research for developing efficient supercapacitors (SC) with long cycle life and ultrahigh energy density. Carbon-based materials are commonly used as electrode materials for SC. Herein, we report a new approach to improve the SC performance utilizing a Porous Carbon/Cerium Oxide nanoparticle (PC-CON) hybrid as electrode material synthesized via a low temperature hydrothermal method. Through this approach, charges can be stored not only via electrochemical double layer capacitance (EDLC) from PC but also through pseudo-capacitive effect from CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The electrode-electrolyte interaction due to the electrochemical properties of the electrolyte provides a enhanced voltage window for the SC. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements were used for the characterization of this PC/CeO2 hybrid material system. The testing results have shown that a maximum of 500% higher specific capacitance could be obtained using PC/CeO2 instead of using PC only.

Kim, Hoejin↗

Investigation of super-capacitive nature of reduced graphene oxide nano mesh grown over 18 k gold foil using wings of Parides iphidamas as biological template

Highlights: • Novel rGO nano mesh (rGONM) like assembly was fabricated using bio-template method. • rGONM pattern exhibit nano-ridges (40 nm) and ribs (25 nm) resembling fishing net. • Super-capacitor performances of rGO and rGONM coated Au substrates were evaluated. • rGO-Au and rGONM-Au revealed specific capacitances of 291 and 418 F/g respectively. - Abstract: This paper deals with the fabrication of novel, reduced graphene oxide nano mesh (rGONM) patterns with longitudinal nano-ridges and transverse nano-ribs using nano tubular structures found on the scales of Parides iphidamas, a butterfly species as biological template. Raman spectra, EDAX and FTIR results confirm the obtained mesh-like morphology that comprises only reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Further, super-capacitor performances of rGO and rGONM-coated gold substrates have been evaluated using cyclic-voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge cycle (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analysis. A characteristic rectangular curve obtained from the CV of rGO and rGONM-coated gold electrodes display specific capacitances of 291 F/g and 418 F/g respectively at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. The results obtained from EIS support the superior nature of rGONM-coated electrode against rGO system, suggesting the use of rGONM-Au as a potential candidate for electrochemical super capacitor applications.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

2022 roadmap on 3D printing for energy

The energy transition is one of the main challenges of our society and therefore a major driver for the scientific community. To ensure a smart transition to a sustainable future energy scenario different technologies such as energy harvesting using solar cells or windmills and chemical storage in batteries, super-capacitors or hydrogen have to be developed and ultimately deployed. New fabrication approaches based on additive manufacturing and the digitalization of the industrial processes increase the potential to achieve highly efficient and smart technologies required to increase the competitiveness of clean energy technologies against fossil fuels. In this frame, the present roadmap highlights the tremendous potential of 3D printing as a new route to fully automate the manufacturing of energy devices designed as digital files. Additionally, this article gives numerous guidelines to maximize the performance and efficiency of the next generation of 3D printed devices for the energy transition while reducing the waste of critical raw materials. In particular, the paper is focused on the current status, present challenges and the expected and required advances of 3D printing for the fabrication of the most relevant energy technologies such as fuel cells and electrolysers, batteries, solar cells, super-capacitors, thermoelectric generators, chemical reactors and turbomachinery.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Real-time hybrid controls of energy storage and load shedding for integrated power and energy systems of ships

This paper presents an original energy management methodology to enhance the resilience of ship power systems. The integration of various energy storage systems (ESS), including battery energy storage systems (BESS) and super-capacitor energy storage systems (SCESS), in modern ship power systems poses challenges in designing an efficient energy management system (EMS). The EMS proposed in this paper aims to achieve multiple objectives. The primary objective is to minimize shed loads, while the secondary objective is to effectively manage different types of ESS. Considering the diverse ramp-rate characteristics of generators, SCESS, and BESS, the proposed EMS exploits these differences to determine an optimal long-term schedule for minimizing shed loads. Furthermore, the proposed EMS balances the state-of-charge (SoC) of ESS and prioritizes the SCESS’s SoC levels to ensure the efficient operation of BESS and SCESS. For better computational efficiency, we introduce the receding horizon optimization method, enabling real-time EMS implementation. Further, a comparison with the fixed horizon optimization (FHO) validates its effectiveness. Simulation studies and results demonstrate that the proposed EMS efficiently manages generators, BESS, and SCESS, ensuring system resilience under generation shortages. Additionally, the proposed methodology significantly reduces the computational burden compared to the FHO technique while maintaining acceptable resilience performance.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A generalized multi-dimensional mathematical model for charging and discharging processes in a supercapacitor

A generalized three dimensional computational model based on unied formulation of electrode- electrolyte-electrode system of a electric double layer supercapacitor has been developed. The model accounts for charge transport across the solid-liquid system. This formulation based on volume averaging process is a widely used concept for the multiphase ow equations ([28] [36]) and is analogous to porous media theory typically employed for electrochemical systems [22] [39] [12]. This formulation is extended to the electrochemical equations for a supercapacitor in a consistent fashion, which allows for a single-domain approach with no need for explicit interfacial boundary conditions as previously employed ([38]). In this model it is easy to introduce the spatio-temporal variations, anisotropies of physical properties and it is also conducive for introducing any upscaled parameters from lower length{scale simulations and experiments. Due to the irregular geometric congurations including porous electrode, the charge transport and subsequent performance characteristics of the super-capacitor can be easily captured in higher dimensions. A generalized model of this nature also provides insight into the applicability of 1D models ([38]) and where multidimensional eects need to be considered. In addition, simple sensitivity analysis on key input parameters is performed in order to ascertain the dependence of the charge and discharge processes on these parameters. Finally, we demonstarted how this new formulation can be applied to non-planar supercapacitors

Single Domain↗

Insight into synergy within multi-decorated graphene 3D networks for high performance supercapacitor

Analysis the synergy among different components within graphene based asymmetric supercapacitor could help us to establish the criterion for construction the idea supercapacitor for real applications. For this purpose, 3D Networks for Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and α- Ni(OH){sub 2} individually/collectively decorated S-doped graphene composites were successfully synthesized. The electrochemical performances clearly indicate the multi-decorated composite possesses the largest specific capacitance, improved cycle stability and enhanced rate capability due to its efficient additive effect among the different components of supercapacitor. The pronounced high energy density, provided by redox-active transition mental oxide/hydroxide, combined with excellent conductivity, hydrophilia and efficient charge storage, originated from S-doped graphene, result in the excellent composite for asymmetric supercapacitor. Within the voltage range from 0 to 0.44 V versus Ag/AgCl, the specific capacitance of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Ni(OH){sub 2} co-decorated S-doped graphene composite can be achieved 2386 F g{sup −1} at current density of 1 A g{sup −1}. - Graphical abstract: The electrochemical performances clearly indicate the multi-decorated composite exhibits large specific capacitance, improved rate capability and long cycle stability due to its efficient additive effect among the different components of super-capacitor.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Hexagonal boron nitride: Epitaxial growth and device applications

As a newest family member of the III-nitrides, BN is considered amongst the remaining frontiers in wide energy bandgap semiconductors with potentials for technologically significant applications in deep UV (DUV) optoelectronics, solid-state neutron detectors, electron emitters, single photon emitters, switching/memory devices, and super-capacitors. It was shown that it is possible to produce h-BN epilayers with high hexagonal phase purity, UV transparency, and film stoichiometry by employing nitrogen-rich growth conditions. The quasi-2D nature of h-BN supports unusually strong optical transitions near the band edge and a large exciton binding energy on the order of 0.7 eV. Since the isotope of B-10 has a large capture cross-section for thermal neutrons, h-BN is an ideal material for the fabrication of solid-state neutron detectors for special nuclear materials detection, well and geothermal logging, and medical imaging applications. Freestanding B-10 enriched h-BN (h- 10 BN) epilayers with varying thicknesses up to 200 μm have been successfully synthesized by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) as of this writing. By utilizing the conductivity anisotropy nature of h-BN, 1 cm 2 lateral detectors fabricated from 100 μm thick h-10BN epilayers have demonstrated a detection efficiency of 59% for thermal neutrons, which is the highest on record among all solid-state neutron detectors as of today. It was noted that high growth temperatures, long growth times and the use of sapphire substrate tend to incorporate oxygen related impurities into h- 10 BN epilayers, which strongly impacted the carrier mobility-lifetime (μτ) products and charge collection efficiencies of h- 10 BN neutron detectors. As the h-BN material technology further develops, improved carrier mobilities and μτ products will allow the fabrication of h-BN devices with enhanced performance.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Spontaneous Ionic Polarization in Ammonia-Based Ionic Liquid [Spontaneous Ionic Polarization in Ionic Liquid]

Ionic liquids and gels have attracted attention for a variety of energy storage applications, as well as for high performance electrolytes for batteries and super-capacitors. Although the electronic structure of ionic electrolytes in these applications is of practical importance for device design and improved performance, the understanding of the electronic structure of ionic liquids and gels is still at an early stage. Here we report soft x-ray spectroscopic measurements of the surface electronic structure of a representative ammonia-based ionic gel (DEME-TFSI with PSPMMA- PS copolymer). We observe that near the outermost surface, the area of the anion peak (1s N - core level in TFSI) is relatively larger than that of the cation peak (N + in DEME). This spontaneous ionic polarization of the electrolyte surface, which is absent for the pure ionic liquid without copolymer, can be directly tuned by the copolymer content in the ionic gel, and further results in a modulation in work function. Finally, these results shed new light on the control of surface electronic properties of ionic electrolytes, as well as a difference between their implementation in ionic liquids and gels.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Effect of low energy oxygen ion beam irradiation on ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte

Over the past three decades, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have drawn significant attention of researchers due to their prospective commercial applications in high energy-density batteries, electrochemical sensors and super-capacitors. The optimum conductivity required for such applications is about 10{sup −2} – 10{sup −4} S/cm, which is hard to achieve in these systems. It is known that the increase in the concentration of salt in the host polymer results in a continuous increase in the ionic conductivity. However, there is a critical concentration of the salt beyond which the conductivity decreases due to formation of ion pairs with no net charge. In the present study, an attempt is made to identify the concentration at which ion pair formation occurs in PEO: RbBr. We have attempted to modify microstructure of the host polymer matrix by low energy ion (Oxygen ion, O{sup +1} with energy 100 keV) irradiation. Ionic conductivity measurements in these systems were carried out using Impedance Spectroscopy before and after irradiation to different fluencies of the oxygen ion. It is observed that the conductivity increases by one order in magnitude. The increase in ionic conductivity may be attributed to the enhanced segmental motion of the polymer chains. The study reveals the importance of ion irradiation as an effective tool to enhance conductivity in SPEs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Revealing Three-Dimensional Morphology in Nanoporous Gold Using Three-Dimensional X-Ray Fresnel Coherent Diffractive Imaging Tomography

Nanoporous metals fabricated by dealloying have a unique bi-continuous, sponge-like porous structure with ultra-high surface area. The unique properties of these materials, especially nanoporous gold, have numerous potential applications in sensors and actuators and in energy-related applications such as catalytic materials, super-capacitors, and battery supports. The degree of porosity and size of the metal ligaments are critical parameters that determine many properties and thus govern the functionalities of nanoporous metals in many applications including energy storage and conversion. Additionally, we used Fresnel coherent diffractive imaging combined with tomographic reconstruction to quantify the nanoscale three-dimensional spatial distribution and homogeneity of the porosity and ligament size within a bulk sample of nanoporous gold. The average porosity and its standard deviation along the axial direction through the sample were determined, as well as the characteristic feature size and its standard deviation. The result shows that free corrosion is an effective way to create homogeneous nanoporous metals with sample sizes on the order of 1 µm.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optical and Electrical Properties of III-Nitrides and Related Materials

Among the members of the III-nitride material system, boron-nitride (BN) is the least studied and understood. Its extraordinary physical properties, such as ultra-high chemical stability, thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, band gap (Eg ~ 6 eV), and optical absorption near the band gap make hexagonal BN (h-BN) the material of choice for emerging applications such as deep ultraviolet (DUV) optoelectronic devices. Moreover, h-BN has a close lattice match to graphene and is the most suitable substrate and dielectric/separation layer for graphene electronics and optoelectronics. Similar to graphene, low dimensional h-BN is expected to possess rich new physics. Other potential applications include super-capacitors and electron emitters. However, our knowledge concerning the semiconducting properties of h-BN is very scarce. The project aims to extend our studies to the “newest” family member of the III-nitride material system, h-BN, and to address issues that have not yet been explored but are expected to profoundly influence our understanding on its fundamental properties and device applications. During the supporting period, we have improved the growth processes of h-BN epilayers by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), investigated the fundamental material properties, and identified several unique features of h-BN as well as critical issues that remain to be addressed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Low Mass Printable Devices for Energy Capture, Storage, and Use

The energy-efficient, environmentally friendly technology that will be presented is the result of a Space Act Agreement between NthDegree Technologies Worldwide, Inc., and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The work combines semiconductor and printing technologies to advance lightweight electronic and photonic devices having excellent potential for commercial and exploration applications. Device development involves three projects that relate to energy generation and consumption: (1) a low-mass efficient (low power, low heat emission) micro light-emitting diode (LED) area lighting device; (2) a low-mass omni-directional efficient photovoltaic (PV) device with significantly improved energy capture; and (3) a new approach to building super-capacitors. These three technologies, energy capture, storage, and usage (e.g., lighting), represent a systematic approach for building efficient local micro-grids that are commercially feasible; furthermore, these same technologies, appropriately replacing lighting with lightweight power generation, will be useful for enabling inner planetary missions using smaller launch vehicles and to facilitate surface operations during lunar and planetary surface missions. The PV device model is a two sphere, light trapped sheet approximately 2-mm thick. The model suggests a significant improvement over current thin film systems. For lighting applications, all three technology components are printable in-line by printing sequential layers on a standard screen or flexographic direct impact press using the three-dimensional printing technique (3DFM) patented by NthDegree. One primary contribution to this work in the near term by the MSFC is to test the robustness of prototype devices in the harsh environments that prevail in space and on the lunar surface. It is anticipated that this composite device, of which the lighting component has passed off-gassing testing, will function appropriately in such environments consistent with NASA s exploration missions. Advanced technologies such as this show promise for both space flight and terrestrial applications.

Frazier, Donald O.↗

Advanced Stirling Convertor Dual Convertor Controller Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center in the Radioisotope Power Systems System Integration Laboratory

NASA Glenn Research Center developed a nonnuclear representation of a Radioisotope Power System (RPS) consisting of a pair of Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASCs), Dual Convertor Controller (DCC) EMs (engineering models) 2 and 3, and associated support equipment, which were tested in the Radioisotope Power Systems System Integration Laboratory (RSIL). The DCC was designed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) to actively control a pair of ASCs. The first phase of testing included a Dual Advanced Stirling Convertor Simulator (DASCS), which was developed by JHU/APL and simulates the operation and electrical behavior of a pair of ASCs in real time via a combination of hardware and software. RSIL provides insight into the electrical interactions between a representative radioisotope power generator, its associated control schemes, and realistic electric system loads. The first phase of integration testing included the following spacecraft bus configurations: capacitive, battery, and super-capacitor. A load profile, created based on data from several missions, tested the RPS's and RSIL's ability to maintain operation during load demands above and below the power provided by the RPS. The integration testing also confirmed the DCC's ability to disconnect from the spacecraft when the bus voltage dipped below 22 volts or exceeded 36 volts. Once operation was verified with the DASCS, the tests were repeated with actual operating ASCs. The goal of this integration testing was to verify operation of the DCC when connected to a spacecraft and to verify the functionality of the newly designed RSIL. The results of these tests are presented in this paper.

Controllers↗

Pyroelectric Sandwich Thermal Energy Harvesters

Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters. In the various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters, generated electrical energy may be stored in a super-capacitor/battery as soon as it is generated. The various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters may harvest electrical energy from any environment where temperature variations occur. The various embodiment pyroelectric sandwich thermal energy harvesters may be power sources for space equipment and vehicles in space and/or on earth, as well as the for wireless sensor networks, such as health monitoring systems of oil pipes, aircraft, bridges, and buildings.

Xu, Tian-Bing↗

Multifunctional Structures for High-Energy Lightweight Load-Bearing Storage

The Multifunctional Structures for High Energy Lightweight Load-bearing Storage (M-SHELLS) subproject is evaluating the feasibility of a structural hybrid super-capacitor concept, drawn from recent nano-technology advances in both electrochemistry and microstructures to create a transformative multi-functional airframe material which carries structural load and stores energy to save weight and enable electric aero propulsion. Multi-disciplinary engineering approach assures high energy storage and power levels, as well as good mechanical attributes.

Loyselle, Patricia↗

Low Cost Micro-Spectrometer for Resource Mapping on Mars

Scientific measurements within craters and along steep embankments on Mars pose extreme challenges since astronauts and rovers cannot access them. However, these areas offer the potential for thegreatest scientific return. NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has invented a deployable wireless micro-spectrometer [1-13] capable of accessing thosechallenging areas and, using telemetry, send measurements to a receiver safely outside those extreme environments. A prototype of the micro-spectrometer concept was fabricated and successfullytested for measurement of dopamine as a neural probe [14]. The bullet-sized micro-spectrometer concept can be designed for deployment by an astronaut, a rover, an aerial drone, or a lander, and the measurements broadcasted back to a receiver [13,15,16]. This device can also be installed on rovertires, under the astronaut’s boots, or a cane stick. The bullet-like consumable micro-spectrometer can penetrate soil to spectrally identify the components ofthe soil, such as water or minerals. The signals of the soil assay data are transmitted to a mother station through a telemetry system. The LaRC developed micro-spectrometer bullet consists of micro-spectrometer optics with an all imbedded burst-mode LED UV light source, a super-capacitor with control electronics, and telemetry electronics. Prototypes have been fabricated to demonstrate spectral assay of soil components. Further maturation of this technology would be necessary for demonstration on Mars. Future work includes a potential R&D program that includes other NASA Centers and industry partners interested in developing a business case that requires knowledge of the locations of extraterrestrial ice, for instance.

micro-spectrometer, mineral assay, resource mappin↗