SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AEROSPACE REPORTS
A Biweekly Publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
VOLUME 44, ISSUE 13 - JULY 5, 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.
20060016389 Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA
DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program: Overview and Highlights
May 2006; 20 pp.; In English Report No.(s): PB2006-108498; DOE/GO-102006-2314; No Copyright; Avail.: National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
The Solar Energy Technologies Program is part of the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Programs mission is to improve U.S. security, environmental quality, and economic prosperity through public-private partnerships that bring reliable and affordable solar energy technologies to the marketplace. It supports research and development on a wide range of photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies that convert sunlight into useful energy.We are bathed in the clean, virtually inexhaustible energy of the sun. Each hour, enough sunlight reaches Earth to meet the worlds energy needs for a year. To harvest this bounty, we need technology that efficiently converts the suns energy into forms wecan use. Developing this technology is the purpose of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Pr ogram. NTIS
Energy Technology; Solar Energy
20060016408 National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO USA
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Process R&D for CIS-Based Thin Film PV. (Final Technical Report, April 2002-April 2005)
Tarrant, D. E.; Gay, R. R.; Jan. 2006; 76 pp.; In English Report No.(s): DE2006-862307; NREL/SR-520-38805; No Copyright; Avail.: National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
Compared to traditional wafer-based crystalline silicon technologies, monolithic integration of thin film solar cells can lead to products of comparable performance but with significant manufacturing advantages: lower consumption of direct and indirect materials, fewer processing steps and easier automation. Monolithic integration is required to achieve these advantages since this eliminates multiple process steps and handling operations during both formation of the absorber and during module assembly. The basic module elements for all thin-film technologies (alloys of amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride and CIS) are the same; the module elements are a circuit-glass/cover-glass laminate, a frame, and a junction box. The basic circuit elements are also very similar; they each have a base electrode, an absorber, a junction, a top electrode and three patterning steps for monolithic integration. While the details of these module elements or equivalent module elements differ, the basic cost structures are very similar on an area-related basis. Since the cost per unit area is the same, the cost per watt is inversely proportional to the module efficiency. CIS cells and monolithically integrated modules have demonstrated the highest efficiencies of any candidate thin-film technologies; therefore, CIS is expected to have the lowest manufacturing cost/watt. NTIS
Photovoltaic Conversion; Solar Cells; Thin Films
20060016409 National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO USA
Tolerance of Three-Stage CIGS Deposition to Variations Imposed by Roll-to-Roll Processing. (Final Technical Report, May 2003-September 2005)
Britt, J. S.; Beck, M. E.; Jan. 2006; 30 pp.; In English Report No.(s): DE2006-862306; NREL/SR-520-39119; No Copyright; Avail.: National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
As a Technology Partner to NREL under the Thin-Film Photovoltaics Partnerships Program (TFPPP) the purpose of this subcontract was to move CIGS photovoltaics toward large-scale, cost-effective, manufacturing by examining the tolerance of three-stage deposition to changes in processing variables consistent with continuous RTR manufacturing at Global Solar Energy (GSE). The final objective of this work was the demonstration of commercial, low-cost and robust modules. increasing production cell efficiency, as well as yield, represented the key aspects of this effort. NTIS
Copper; Deposition; Gallium; Indium; Photovoltaic Conversion; Roll; Solar Cells; Thin Films
20060016423 National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO USA, Colorado Univ., Denver, CO, USA
Assessment of Unglazed Solar Domestic Water Haters
Burch, J.; Salasovich, J.; Hillman, T.; Dec. 2005; 14 pp.; In English Report No.(s): DE2006-875331; NREL/CP-550-37759; No Copyright; Avail.: National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
This paper investigates cost-performance tradeoffs in replacing glazed collectors with unglazed collectors in solar domestic water heaters (SDWH). NTIS
Solar Collectors; Solar Heating; Water
20060016597 Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX USA
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Aerospace Power Scholarly Research Program. Delivery Order 0011: Modeling Lithium-Ion Conducting Channel
Balbuena, Perla B; Dec 2005; 24 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): F33615-98-D-2891-0011; Proj-3145 Report No.(s): AD-A444122; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA444122; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
This report focuses on the development of a lithium-ion conducting channel as a solid-state electrolyte for rechargeable lithium batteries. Dilithium phthalocyanine (Li2Pc) has been used in this development since it can undergo molecular self-assembly to form the ionic ally conducting channel. The essential features of the channel are that it is designed such that the anion matrix of the unsaturated macrocycle forms the channel through which the lithium ions moves, thus making it a single-ion conductor for lithium ions; the ionic transport of lithium depends on the electric field gradient created by the electrodes, thereby minimizing temperature dependence for ionic transport. Part II of this study shows that Li2Pc preferentially aligns with the galleries of the iron sulfide cathode thereby facilitating lithium-ion transfer between the electrolyte and the cathode. DTIC
Ions; Lithium; Lithium Batteries; Metal Ions; Solid State
20060016736 Titan Systems Corp., San Leandro, CA USA
Advanced Simulator Development for Power Flow and Sources
Spence, Phil; Rix, William; Miller, Richard; Sincerny, Peter; Waisman, Eduardo; Gilbert, Charles; Smith, Ian; Corcoran, Pat; Schlitt, Lee; Feb 2006; 109 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): DTRA01-99-D-0042; Proj-AB Report No.(s): AD-A444363; MTSD-300-356; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA444363; Avail.: CASI: A06, Hardcopy
The objective of this effort was to identify, develop, and evaluate conceptual design options for an affordable full certification simulator. To limit the scope of our study, we focused on systems capable of delivering 400 kJ of krypton k-shell (~13 keV lines) radiation from imploding plasma radiation sources (PRS).We were primarily concerned with selecting pulsed power drivers and the associated pulsed power technology needed to drive PRS implosions of 100 and 250 ns at 30 to 60 MA levels. Our approach used a system analysis to locate stored energy minimums in the parameter space of driver [square root of] (LxC)-time and vacuum inductance. We developed mechanical sketches of point designs for Marx Generator Driver and Linear Transformer Driver options that appear to be feasible with reasonable improvements in capacitor and switch components and vacuum power flow inductance. We recommend DTRA conduct an R&D Program to develop fast and ultra-fast drivers and minimize vacuum inductance. These developments could also enable beneficial upgrades to existing simulator facilities. DTIC
Energy Storage; Simulators
20060016744 Naval Research Advisory Committee, Arlington, VA USA
Future Fuels
Oct 4, 2005; 37 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A444374; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA444374; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
At the briefing, the following topics were discussed: identify, review and assess technolgies for reducing fuel consumption, including alternative propulsion technologies. Recommend a strategy to leverage the coo-perative research among DoD, DoE and industry. DTIC
Fuel Consumption; Fuels
20060016954 Star Technology and Research, Inc., Mount Pleasant, SC USA
Orbital Maneuvering With Spinning Electrodynamic Tethers
Pearson, Jerome; Levin, Eugene; Carroll, Joseph A; Oldson, John C; Jan 2006; 8 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): FA9453-04-C-0395 Report No.(s): AD-A444538; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
Electrodynamic tethers produce low thrust through interaction of the electric current in the tether with the Earth's magnetic field. The thrust is comparable with that of ion rockets and Hall thrusters, and they have the added advantage that they are propellantless, allowing them to produce an order of magnitude greater velocity changes than ion rockets. however, the long conductors of such electrodynamic thrusters typically exhibit unstable behaviors with higher currents. Instability affects both libration and bending modes of tether motion and significantly limits the performance characteristics of electrodynamic tether thrusters. Previous concepts for electrodynamic tethers have proposed stabilizing them by hanging vertically under the gravity gradient, but this passive gravity-gradient stabilization severely limits the current in the conductor, and therefore limits the thrust. Two methods have been developed to stabilize electrodynamic tethers and improve their performance. First, the system spins with an average spin rate significantly higher than the orbital rate, increasing tethertension for a more robust and controllable tether system, and providing a better orientation of the tether with respect to the magnetic field for orbital maneuvering. Second, electric current variation is used to control both the tether spin parameters and the tether bending modes. It is shown that a controlled, spinning electrodynamic tether can consistently deliver a much higher thrust compared with the traditional hanging tether configuration. Minimum-time orbit transfers with spinning tethers can be described approximately by a set of relatively simple ordinary differential equations using Pontryagin's Principle. These techniques were developed to control the dynamics of the Spinning Electrodynamic Tether (SET) system. This uses a conductor two to ten kilometers long as an electrodynamic thruster for a low-thrust orbit transfer vehicle. DTIC
Electrodynamics; Magnetic Fields; Maneuverability; Orbital Maneuvers; Tethering; Tetherlines
20060017079 National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO USA, Colorado Univ., Denver, CO, USA
Cold-Climate Solar Domestic Water Heating Systems: Life-Cycle Analyses and Opportunities for Cost Reduction
Burch, J.; Salasovich, J.; Hillman, T.; January 2005; 14 pp.; In English Report No.(s): DE2006-875330; NREL/CP-550-37748; No Copyright; Avail.: National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
To determine if the goal of 50% reduction in the cost of saved energy (COSE) is attainable and prioritize research and development (R&D) for cold-climate solar domestic water heaters (SDWH), life-cycle analyses were done with hypothesized lower-cost components in glycol, drainback, and thermosiphon systems. Balance-of-system (BOS) measures include replacing conventional metal components with polymeric versions, and system simplification. With all BOS measures in place, COSE could be reduced just over 50% with a low-cost, selectively-coated, glazed polymeric collector, and slightly under 50% with either a conventional selective metal-glass or a non-selective glazed polymer collector. The largest percent reduction in COSE comes from replacing conventional pressurized solar storage tanks and metal heat exchangers with un-pressurized polymer tanks with immersed polymer heat exchangers, which could be developed with relatively low-risk R&D. NTIS
Climate; Cost Reduction; Life (Durability); Solar Heating; Water Heating
20060017089 National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO USA
Water Consumption from Freeze Protection Valves for Solar Water Heating Systems
Burch, J.; Salasovich, J.; Dec. 2005; 14 pp.; In English Report No.(s): DE2006-875327; NREL/CP-550-37696; No Copyright; Avail.:
Department of Energy Information Bridge Freeze protection valves (FPV) have been used in direct solar domestic water heating systems (SDWH) in mild climates to prevent freeze damage of the collector. Pipe freezing in passive systems can also be prevented using these valves.Alimiting factor on where FPVs might be used is the amount of water consumed through use of the valve. An experiment was performed to determine the average flow rate through FPVs over a range of air and water supply temperatures. The experimental flow rate data was then used in a simulation to determine the annual flow through FPVs for 215 sites throughout the continental USA. A correlation between the annual flow and the site air-freezing index (AFI) was then developed in order to increase the spatial data density to over 3,300 sites using AFI data. U.S. maps were generated to display the results graphically. The maps show that there is great potential to increase the market of direct and passive SDWH by using FPV versus using pipe insulation only, although valve reliability remains a concern. NTIS
Freezing; Protection; Solar Heating; Valves; Water Consumption; Water Heating
20060017609 Air Force Research Lab., Edwards AFB, CA USA
Computer Programs for Solar Concentrator Focus Control
Beasley, Joseph N; Holmes, Michael R; Sep 7, 2005; 15 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): Proj-1011 Report No.(s): AD-A445065; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
This paper describes two methods for imaging an absorber used as a new sensor in determining the location of the focal spot for a solar concentrator. The absorber is used as a sensor in both methods, but in slightly different ways. The first method developed is an optimization method inspired by Shack-Hartmann wave front sensing. This optimization utilizes masking and a correlation calculation to determine the error from the current image of the focal spot and the ideal or designed position of the focal spot. The second method still uses the absorber as a sensor but calculates area moments of the reflected sunlight on the tubing to calculate the current location of the focal spot. DTIC
Computer Programs; Solar Collectors
20060018619 Texas Univ., Austin, TX USA
ROBUST: A Hardware Solution to Real-Time Overload
Baruah, Sanjoy; Harista, Jayant R; Jan 1992; 23 pp.; In English Contract(s)/Grant(s): N00014-89-J-1472 Report No.(s): AD-A445548; TR-92-56; No Copyright; ONLINE: http://hdl.handle.net/100.2/ADA445548; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
It has been proven that no on-line scheduling algorithm can guarantee a processor utilization greater than 25% under conditions of overload. From this result, it follows that there is no satisfactory software solution (within the paradigm ofdeterministic computation) to tile problem of constructing overload-tolerant real-time systems, and we are forced to consider alternative remedies. In this paper, we describe an attempt at a hardware solution. In particular, we quantify the advantages of using faster hardware in real-time systems. An obvious advantage is that more work can be done in a shorter amount of time and the system is therefore less likely to enter overload. More interestingly, we prove that the performance of systems using faster hardware improves dramatically over systems using slower hardware if overload does occur. We present here a new scheduler, ROBUST, which efficiently uses faster hardware to prevent performance degradation under overload conditions. DTIC
Algorithms; On-Line Systems; Real Time Operation
Source: NASA
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