SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AEROSPACE REPORTS

A Biweekly Publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
VOLUME 44, ISSUE 3 - February 10, 2006

44 ENERGY PRODUCTION AND CONVERSION
Includes specific energy conversion systems, e.g., fuel cells; and solar, geothermal, windpower, and waterwave conversion systems; energy storage; and traditional power generators.

For technologies related to nuclear energy production see 73 Nuclear Physics.

For related information see also 07 Aircraft Propulsion and Power; 20 Spacecraft Propulsion and Power; and 28 Propellants and Fuels.

20060004862 Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA USA

New Proton Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

McGrath, James E.; Jun. 27, 2005; 12 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): DAAD19-02-1-0278 Report No.(s): AD-A440754; ARO-44126-CH.2; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy

This three-year research program studied wholly aromatic, optionally fluorinated copolymers with the goal of establishing fundamental data about the complex relationships between PEM chemical structure, morphology, transport properties, and the performance of the DMFC fuel cell membranes. Accomplishments included the generation of lower permeability, high-power density PEM systems. Under ARO funding, we were also successful in scaling the ion containing comonomer in a single step (at the kilogram quantity or higher) as well as demonstrating viable routes for the synthesis of the desired copolymers. This funding also contributed to developing materials for the electrode catalyst layers that show competitive advantages over Nafion. MEAs were prepared, which were characterized by voltage current curves (primarily at LANL) and 300 hours stability at 80 degrees C was demonstrated. DTIC

Fuel Cells; Membranes; Methyl Alcohol; Protons

20060005048 Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA

Solar is Saving Energy for the Alfred A. Arraj U.S. Courthouse: Achieving Results with Renewable Energy in the Federal Government

Sep. 2005; 8 pp.; In English Report No.(s): DE2005-15020453; No Copyright; Avail.: National Technical Information Service (NTIS)

Among its many distinctions, the new Alfred A. Arraj Courthouse in Denver, Colorado, is the first federal courthouse to build solar electricity into its structure. To demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the environment, the General Services Administration (GSA) decided to include a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system in this comprehensive sustainable design and construction project. The courthouse PV system is one example of only a few BIPV systems installed at federal facilities around the country. BIPV systems not only produce electricity, they also serve as an integral component of the building envelope, replacing roofing or facade materials. This project allowed the GSA to gain first-hand experience with these more complicated yet architecturally integrated systems. NTIS

Renewable Energy; Solar Energy

20060005274 Army Construction Engineering Research Lab., Champaign, IL USA

Energy Trends and Implications for U.S. Army Installations

Westervelt, Eileen T.; Fournier, Donald F.; Sep. 1, 2005; 5 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A441046; ERDC/CERL-TN-05-1; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A01, Hardcopy

The energy situation is highly uncertain for the Army, the Nation, and the world. Now is the time to consider both short and long-term issues to develop enduring energy policies and solutions for our military installations to discern an effective and viable path for the Army's energy future. To sustain its mission and ensure the capability to project and support the forces, the Army must insulate itself from the economic and logistical energy-related problems coming in the near- to mid-future. This requires a transition to modern, secure, and efficient energy systems and to building safe, environmentally friendly technologies. This is both a supply-side and demand-side challenge requiring integrated solutions and thoughtful planning and execution. Primary issues affecting energy options are: availability, affordability, sustainability, and security. Any review of these issues must take a global perspective since resources are unevenly distributed around the world. Further, the impacts of energy consumption have global reach from both an environmental and political perspective. DTIC

Energy Consumption; Energy Policy; Installing; Trends

Source: NASA