Read about GRC work in the areas of:
Batteries and Fuel Cells
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Electrochemistry Branch (Link opens new browser window
The Electrochemistry Branch at GRC is responsible for the development of improved electrochemical technologies that result in high energy density and long life battery and fuel cells for NASA missions. Many of these advances also have applicability for U.S. Department of Defense and commercial markets.
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› Electrochemistry Branch Technology Activities (Link opens new browser window
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Energy Storage Project (Link opens new browser window GRC is leading the Energy Storage Project to develop energy storage technology that will enable future exploration missions to the moon and Mars. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center, universities and industry partners are collaborating with GRC on this project. |
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In fiscal 2003, the continuation of the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program through GRC's Commercial Technology Office resulted in several new successful applications of this pioneering technology. HPM is the innovative integration of diverse, state-of-the-art power devices in an optimal configuration for space and terrestrial applications. |
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Preliminary design trades are presented for liquid hydrogen fuel systems for remotely operated, high-altitude aircraft that accommodate three different propulsion options: internal combustion engines, and electric motors powered by either polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells or solid oxide fuel cells. The mission goal is a sustained cruise at a 60,000-foot altitude, with duration-aloft a key parameter. NASA/TM – 2006-214356; ICAS-2006-5.8.2 › Read full Technical Report (Link opens new browser window) |
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Lighting up the Lunar Night with Fuel Cells (Link opens new browser window How do you survive in a remote, mountainous region that has no water or wind and sometimes goes without sunlight for weeks? This is not the premise for a survivalist reality show; it's a question NASA must answer before sending humans to live and work on the moon. |
Power Systems Development Branch
This competency involves discipline engineering in the areas of avionics, flight communications, electrical and electromagnetic, diagnostics and data systems, power systems, and flight software engineering. The area specifically addresses hybrid power management—the innovative integration of diverse, state-of-the-art power devices in an optimal configuration for space and terrestrial applications.
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Following successful operation of a developmental flywheel energy storage system in fiscal 2000, researchers at GRC began developing a flight design of a flywheel system for the International Space Station. |
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New Spin for Flywheel Technology (Link opens new browser window Publications ranging from Wired Magazine to Discover described them as the next major source of clean power. Enthusiastic inventors claimed flywheels could be the primary power source for a variety of needs, even automobiles. The Chrysler unit of Daimler AG once planned to develop a 500-hp entry for the LeMans race, powered by a flywheel turbine powerplant. |
Nanostructured Devices
Work on nanostructured materials at GRC includes developing the ability to reliably and consistently control functional material synthesis and assembly from nano to macro scales and demonstrating that nanotechnology-based materials, devices, and systems can reliably execute for over a decade to meet NASA needs. The materials need to be made with more controllable, repeatable synthesis and processing methods. New characterization and metrology, especially in situ, need to be developed, and reliable durability and life-prediction tools are being developed.
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Nanostructured Materials for Energy Storage (Link opens new browser window Nanotechnology-based materials hold the promise of properties, performance, and durability far exceeding that of conventional materials. Benefits include:
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