High Technology Readiness Level Research Articles

The utility of polarized heliospheric imaging for space weather monitoring.

A polarizing heliospheric imager is a critical next generation tool for space weather monitoring and prediction. Heliospheric imagers can track coronal mass ejections (CMEs) as they cross the solar system, using sunlight scattered by electrons in the CME. This tracking has been demonstrated to improve the forecasting of impact probability and arrival time for Earth‐directed CMEs. Polarized imaging allows locating CMEs in three dimensions from a single vantage point. Recent advances in heliospheric imaging have demonstrated that a polarized imager is feasible with current component technology.Developing this technology to a high technology readiness level is critical for space weather relevant imaging from either a near‐Earth or deep‐space mission. In this primarily technical review, we developpreliminary hardware requirements for a space weather polarizing heliospheric imager system and outline possible ways to flight qualify and ultimately deploy the technology operationally on upcoming specific missions. We consider deployment as an instrument on NOAA's Deep Space Climate Observatory follow‐on near the Sun‐Earth L1 Lagrange point, as a stand‐alone constellation of smallsats in low Earth orbit, or as an instrument located at the Sun‐Earth L5 Lagrange point. The critical first step is the demonstration of the technology, in either a science or prototype operational mission context.

Demonstration of high contrast with an obscured aperture with the WFIRST-AFTA shaped pupil coronagraph

The coronagraph instrument on the WFIRST-AFTA mission study has two coronagraphic architectures, shaped pupil and hybrid Lyot, which may be interchanged for use in different observing scenarios. Each architecture relies on newly-developed mask components to function in the presence of the AFTA aperture, and so both must be matured to a high technology readiness level (TRL) in advance of the mission. A series of milestones were set to track the development of the technologies required for the instrument; in this paper, we report on completion of WFIRST-AFTA Coronagraph Milestone 2---a narrowband $10^{-8}$ contrast test with static aberrations for the shaped pupil---and the plans for the upcoming broadband Coronagraph Milestone 5.

Feasibility study on integrated structural health monitoring system produced by metal three-dimensional printing

Numerous structural health monitoring systems have been investigated extensively in order to enhance safety level and reduce direct operational costs. This work demonstrates the feasibility study of a new concept, the effective structural health monitoring system. The effective structural health monitoring system detects cracks using a system of capillaries incorporated into a structure. The structure with the integrated capillaries is produced by additive manufacturing, a process of adding material layer by layer. The first objective of this study is to prove that the developed system has reached technological readiness level 3. In order to prove that, four-point bending specimens with the integrated effective structural health monitoring system were tested after being produced by additive manufacturing, more specifically by laser metal deposition. The second objective of the study is to indicate that during four-point bending fatigue tests, the integrated structural health monitoring system has no influence on the crack initiation behavior. To do so, the specimens were subjected to the so-called step method. We demonstrate that the effective structural health monitoring has reached technological readiness level 3 and that the presence of effective structural health monitoring did not negatively influence the fatigue initiation process. As higher technology readiness levels are required, further investigations are still in progress.

Regional resource distribution of onshore carbon geological utilization in China

CO2 geological utilization (CGU) technologies have a great potential to enable large-scale CO2 storage at reasonable cost and is widely considered to be a strategic technology option to help reduce CO2 emissions. CGU technology can be applied to enhance the recovery of oil (CO2-EOR), natural gas (CO2-EGR), underground water (CO2-EWR), coal-bed methane (CO2-ECBM), shale gas (CO2-ESGR), geothermal energy (CO2-EGS), in situ uranium leaching (CO2-IUL), and others. The first step in evaluating of CGU technologies is to determine the storage resource, technical readiness, and geographical distribution of CO2 storage resources. This paper presents preliminary evaluation results on storage resource, technology readiness level and geographic distribution of onshore CGU in China; the results were obtained by performing a resource evaluation methodology, technology readiness level (TRL) method, and geographic information system tool. Results indicate a significant resource for onshore CGU technologies and good proximity in some parts of China. However, CO2 storage resources with high TRLs and low cost are located in the northeast, northwest, and southeast regions and not in the south and coastal areas of China, where most CO2 emission sources locate. Therefore, the timeframes and options for CGU deployment in different regions vary. This situation indicates that different regions have to perform CO2 mitigation by employing different CGU technologies at different timeframes.

Venus high temperature atmospheric dropsonde and extreme-environment seismometer (HADES)

The atmospheric composition and geologic structure of Venus have been identified by the US National Research Council׳s Decadal Survey for Planetary Science as priority targets for scientific exploration; however, the high temperature and pressure at the surface, along with the highly corrosive chemistry of the Venus atmosphere, present significant obstacles to spacecraft design that have severely limited past and proposed landed missions. Following the methodology of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) proposal regime and the Collaborative Modeling and Parametric Assessment of Space Systems (COMPASS) design protocol, this paper presents a conceptual study and initial feasibility analysis for a Discovery-class Venus lander capable of an extended-duration mission at ambient temperature and pressure, incorporating emerging technologies within the field of high temperature electronics in combination with novel configurations of proven, high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) systems. Radioisotope Thermal Power (RTG) systems and silicon carbide (SiC) communications and data handling are examined in detail, and various high-temperature instruments are proposed, including a seismometer and an advanced photodiode imager. The study combines this technological analysis with proposals for a descent instrument package and a relay orbiter to demonstrate the viability of an integrated atmospheric and in-situ geologic exploratory mission that differs from previous proposals by greatly reducing the mass, power requirements, and cost, while achieving important scientific goals.

Personal radiation detector at a high technology readiness level that satisfies DARPA’s SN-13-47 and SIGMA program requirements

There is a need to develop new personal radiation detector (PRD) technologies that can be mass produced. On August 2013, DARPA released a request for information (RFI) seeking innovative radiation detection technologies. In addition, on December 2013, a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the SIGMA program was released. The RFI requirements focused on a sensor that should possess three main properties: low cost, high compactness and radioisotope identification capabilities. The identification performances should facilitate the detection of a hidden threat, ranging from special nuclear materials (SNM) to commonly used radiological sources. Subsequently, the BAA presented the specific requirements at an instrument level and provided a comparison between the current market status (state-of-the-art) and the SIGMA program objectives.This work presents an optional alternative for both the detection technology (sensor with communication output and without user interface) for DARPA’s initial RFI and for the PRD required by the SIGMA program. A broad discussion is dedicated to the method proposed to fulfill the program objectives and to the selected alternative that is based on the PDS-GO design and technology. The PDS-GO is the first commercially available PRD that is based on a scintillation crystal optically coupled with a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), a solid-state light sensor. This work presents the current performance of the instrument and possible future upgrades based on recent technological improvements in the SiPM design.The approach of utilizing the SiPM with a commonly available CsI(Tl) crystal is the key for achieving the program objectives. This approach provides the appropriate performance, low cost, mass production and small dimensions; however, it requires a creative approach to overcome the obstacles of the solid-state detector dark current (noise) and gain stabilization over a wide temperature range.Based on the presented results, we presume that the proposed approach of SiPM, with pixel size of 35μm, coupled to a scintillation material (for gamma and neutron detection) ensures the availability and low cost of the key components. Furthermore, automated manufacturing process enables mass production, thereby fulfilling the SIGMA program requirements, both as a sensor (assimilated with mobile device) and as a full detection device.

Challenges in Electrolyzer Development and Translation from Lab to Product

Transition from discoveries at the bench scale to commercial product often involves much more time, expense, and trial and error than initially expected. Even when successful, subsequent scale up in size and production volume can have additional complications and unexpected issues. Electrolyzer systems are a good case study to demonstrate these challenges, based on the many technical elements that have to come together for a successful product.Proton OnSite was founded in 1996 with the goal to develop and produce affordable distributed hydrogen through proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Over the last decade and a half, Proton has commercialized products of larger and larger scale, and has continued to advance performance and reliability in the existing platforms. The range of stack sizes in production or under development is shown in Figure 1. Proton also maintains a strong technology roadmap including projects ranging from near term advancements to existing products to longer term product development and new technology development. This talk will discuss several of the challenges in transitioning the output of successful programs such as Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) projects to commercialization, even when progress within the SBIR program has reached a fairly high level of technology readiness and testing fidelity.Proton currently manufactures electrolyzer systems from the membrane electrode assembly level through stack and system assembly. Our position as the product integrator is somewhat reversed from many small/large business interactions, in that we are the technology expert and developer, and source components from very large companies. We are the central entity with access to information from many sources, and have to determine how to combine the various pieces together. This process can be very challenging especially when trying to leverage federal funding across diverse, non-overlapping programs and fit them together synergistically. For example, Proton may work with one collaborator on a new membrane material with improvements in one parameter, while having awareness of another collaborator’s success in another area. Based on confidentiality agreements with both partners, the information resides only with Proton, making it difficult to leverage both advancements simultaneously. In addition, a catalyst approach may work very well but may require special adjustments to work with an existing formulation or membrane. However, particularly on the electrolysis side, there have not been sufficient funds to build larger, team-based, collaborative projects which take technology all the way from concept to pilot scale.In addition, in development of cell embodiment parts, often initial prototypes are made with different techniques than the final design intent, in order to prove the form, fit and function of the part before finalizing expensive tooling or running a large amount of parts on production level equipment. Therefore, there can be significant additional work involved once a design has been proven, to adjust tolerances, investigate interactions with adjacent parts, and validate the design. Definition of inspection criteria and quality control methods can also add development time and expense.

New trade tree for manned mars missions

Recent studies on human missions to Mars suggest revisiting the parameters that have the most important impact on the complexity, the initial mass in low Earth orbit, the risks and the development costs for the first journey to the red planet. In the last NASA reference mission, a trade tree is proposed.At first level, the parameter is the class of mission, e.g., conjunction (long surface stay) or opposition (short surface stay). This parameter is important but there is an agreement on the best option (conjunction). It is therefore not a relevant parameter of the decision tree. For the other levels, the parameters are as follows:•Launching sequence: pre-deploy or all-up.•Mars orbit insertion: aerocapture or propulsive.•Exploitation of local resources: yes/no.•Propulsion for interplanetary flight: chemical/nuclear thermal/electric.The relevance of these parameters is questionable. It is proposed to reexamine all parameters of the mission and to study their interdependency and the complexity and the costs of possible options. The first important parameter should be the size of the crew. It should be assigned to the top node of the tree, because its impact on the initial mass in low Earth orbit, costs and risks is probably higher than any other parameter. Another parameter is the strategy for Mars orbit insertion. It is suggested here that aerocapture is very important and that it brings acceptable constraints for the architecture of the mission. The third parameter should be the strategy for entry, descent and landing. The mass of the landing vehicle is very important, because it is tightly linked to the complexity of the entry, descent and landing phase. With a low mass, a capsule shape and a rigid heat shield can be chosen for this maneuver (lowest risk, highest technology readiness level). With a heavy vehicle, an inflatable heat shield might help but the qualification of the systems would be very difficult and the entry, descent and landing phase would be more complex. This parameter is clearly a driving parameter for the design of mission architecture because this part is one of the riskiest (clearly established in the NASA report), one of the most expensive in terms of development and tests costs and there are obvious impacts on other parameters of the mission. The fourth parameter should be the strategy for the return and the preparation of the Earth return vehicle. According to our study, this vehicle is the heaviest of the mission. Critical choices can be made here and can make a scenario simple or very complex.Interestingly, a small crew size facilitates the reduction of the mass for the landing vehicles, which in turn suggests simple solutions for the aerocapture of all vehicles and the preparation of the Earth return vehicle without requiring the development of nuclear propulsion systems. All in all, this study shows that the choices made for the NASA reference mission are systematically suboptimal and that new options deserve to be explored.

Status of the very high temperature reactor system

The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on the international effort in the development of the Very High Temperature Reactor system pursued through international collaboration in the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) and an outlook for further activities.The initial motivations to develop this reactor type are recalled, a historical overview is given about technology developments and test reactors since 1945 and several of the targeted non-electric applications of VHTR power are addressed.Cooperation in the frame of GIF is clearly beneficial for all project partners. Initially, a wealth of historical experience was collected and shared in the form of documents, dedicated workshops or fuel and material samples. This exchange included properties data, fabrication, irradiation and post-irradiation testing methods, quality assurance, design and analysis tools and methods, as well as the experience in building and operating related equipment. In the further course of the project execution, time, effort and scarce facilities (such as irradiation space or hot cell equipment) are shared, they accelerate progress and create synergies.Recent highlights from currently active GIF VHTR R&D projects (Materials, Fuel and Fuel Cycle, Hydrogen Production) are then provided and placed into the context of the GIF VHTR signatories' national programs. The majority of these currently focus on licensing requirements for demonstrators of near term process steam production scenarios while more aggressive, longer term and higher temperature applications are mainly pursued to enable thermochemical production of bulk hydrogen.Based on the VHTR's high technology readiness level, orientations for future R&D are outlined which would contribute to enhancing the system's market readiness level. These include work on System Integration and Assessment, Safety Analysis and Demonstration, Waste Minimization and Cost Reductions.The inherent safety characteristics of the VHTR are a precious asset for it to become a strong response to today's concerns of nuclear safety, energy security and climate change.

Precision control of mechatronic systems with electromagnetically-steered moving masses

We perform fundamental and applied research in design of electromagnetic mechatronic systems to reposition an electromagnetically-suspended moving mass in three dimensions. Analysis, dynamic optimisation, hardware designs and other tasks are accomplished. Optimal minimal-complexity performance-seeking control laws are synthesised and experimentally verified using a proof-of-concept system. Accurate, fast and frictionless electromagnetically-steered repositioning of the suspended mass is achieved. This paper further enables a concept of path control of flight and underwater vehicles by changing the centre of gravity or centre of mass by varying the position of the moving mass. The proposed minimal-complexity performance-seeking control guarantees significant advantages in the design of closed-loop multi-input/multi-output electromechanical and mechatronic systems. The concept enables engineering solutions, provides new inroads in design of practical control schemes, advances technologies, fosters modular hardware organisations, relaxes algorithmic drawbacks, and results in high technology readiness levels. Our findings are applicable in various aerospace, automotive, naval and robotic applications.

Potential of molten carbonate fuel cells to enhance the performance of CHP plants in sewage treatment facilities

In spite of its slow commercial deployment, fuel cells are amongst the most efficient and environmentally friendly electric power generators. The case of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells is even more interesting since, in addition to these features that are common to all fuel cells, these systems can be used as active carbon capture devices due to their capability to migrate carbon dioxide from one electrode (cathode) to another (anode). In this context, this work presents the operation of a fuel cell of this type coupled to a combined heat and power plant based on gas reciprocating engines as typically used in wastewater treatment plants. The biogas produced in the water sludge digestion process is burnt in the reciprocating engines, whose exhaust gases are mixed with air and blown into the fuel cell cathode. The carbon dioxide contained in this stream is conveyed in the form of carbonate ions (CO3=) through the electrolyte to the anode where it reacts with the hydrogen fuel, being released as carbon dioxide. The exhaust gases from the anode comprise carbon dioxide, water steam and a small fraction of unspent hydrogen fuel. The combustion of the latter species with pure oxygen followed by a cooling process permits separating a gaseous stream of pure carbon dioxide from a liquid stream of water.The interest of this carbon sequestration system is twofold. On one hand this system captures CO2 and, at the same time, generates electricity as opposed to conventional systems based on amines or other sorbents which exhibit high power consumption. On the other hand, the avoided CO2 can be traded in a potential carbon trading system.Nevertheless, in spite of the undisputable thermodynamic and environmental benefits, the very high capital cost of the fuel cell might bring about a lack of economic interest in comparison with the standard reference plant using gas engines only. Thus, this paper reviews different configuration based on fuel cells and provides an interesting economic assessment with respect to these novel proposals. More in particular, it is shown that using fuel cells is not economically attractive presently given the low commercial maturity of these devices though, in a near future where higher technology readiness levels are expected, a definite advantage over conventional facilities is envisaged.

2.3.1 The U.S. Department of Defense Technology Transition: A Critical Assessment

AbstractTechnology transition and implementation is a major challenge for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD utilizes the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to measure technological maturity of projects for transition to the acquisition phase. However, the TRL is just a technology maturity metric and does not consider other factors, such as the project's costs benefits and risks rewards, that the acquisition community needs to consider in implementing a project; and this has led to delayed acquisition of projects with high TRL. Rapid technology transition requires additional metrics to supplement TRLs. The focus of this paper was on a critical review of methodologies developed for DoD's technology transition process. The literature review examined major empirical studies that have evaluated DoD's technology transition outcomes to identify main bottlenecks and shortcomings. We conclude that DoD's technology transition and acquisition needs improvement in measure of effectiveness.

Risk of spacecraft on-orbit obsolescence: Novel framework, stochastic modeling, and implications

Abstract The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly noted the difficulties encountered by the Department of Defense (DOD) in keeping its acquisition of space systems on schedule and within budget. Among the recommendations provided by GAO, a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for technologies to be included in the development of a space system is advised. The DOD considers this recommendation impractical arguing that if space systems were designed with only mature technologies (high TRL), they would likely become obsolete on-orbit fairly quickly. The risk of on-orbit obsolescence is a key argument in the DOD's position for dipping into low technology maturity for space acquisition programs, but this policy unfortunately often results in the cost growth and schedule slippage criticized by the GAO. The concept of risk of on-orbit obsolescence has remained qualitative to date. In this paper, we formulate a theory of risk of on-orbit obsolescence by building on the traditional notion of obsolescence and adapting it to the specificities of space systems. We develop a stochastic model for quantifying and analyzing the risk of on-orbit obsolescence, and we assess, in its light, the appropriateness of DOD's rationale for maintaining low TRL technologies in its acquisition of space assets as a strategy for mitigating on-orbit obsolescence. Our model and results contribute one step towards the resolution of the conceptual stalemate on this matter between the DOD and the GAO, and we hope will inspire academics to further investigate the risk of on-orbit obsolescence.

Design and manufacture of the DEMON unmanned air vehicle demonstrator vehicle

This article will describe the design process, final design, and manufacture of the DEMON unmanned air vehicle (UAV) flying demonstrator aircraft. This is one of the main activities of the multi-University FLAVIIR programme. FLAVIIR's aim is to develop technologies that will allow development of future UAVs. It is vital that these technologies be integrated and demonstrated at higher technology readiness levels than are usual in the University sector. One means of achieving this is to use a number of technology demonstrators, culminating in the DEMON demonstrator. A particularly challenging requirement is that the vehicle must demonstrate an entire flight cycle, without the use of conventional flying control surfaces. This article will describe some of the technologies developed by partner Universities, and their integration into DEMON. The vehicle has a novel configuration and uses advanced composite construction in a vehicle some 3 m long and weighing 80 kg. It is powered by a small gas turbine and utilizes sophisticated thrust-vectoring devices. A novel feature is the use of an auxiliary gas turbine that provides compressed air for some of the fluidic control devices. This article gives details of the innovative manufacturing and assembly methods used for the DEMON. The vehicle is expected to fly shortly.

Integrating Human Factors Issues in Technology Readliness Levels for Air Traffic Control Research

Phases of concept exploration and development in air traffic control research are coordinated between the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration using Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Objectives, outputs, and exit criteria for these TRLs tend to be defined at a higher level. More detailed human factors guidance was developed using a small cadre of human factors practitioners and researchers who assessed the relevance of twenty-three human factors issues for each TRL. Results showed increasing importance for the highest rated issues as a research capability matures across the TRLs, and an increasing number of issues are important at the higher TRLs. The findings argue for early involvement of human factors at lower TRLs, and that implementing offices should engage with researchers earlier than currently prescribed.

Monodisperse metal powders of controlled size and shape made by polyol process: K. Tekaia-Elhsissen, P.Y. Silvert. (University of Piccardy, France.)

Ocean waves are a more predictable resource with a higher energy density compared to solar and wind. In addition, and specifically for the United States, resource locations with high wave power are close to major load centers being located along coastlines. These features have sparked a surge of attention in the United States on trying to economically harness ocean wave power. The aim of this article is to provide a concise review of the current state of ocean wave energy conversion technologies and industry status in the United States including research and development as well as commercial activities and governmental support, concluding with a discussion of future industry perspectives. Existing facilities, softwares as well as laboratory and open-water test facilities and resources, active research groups and commercial activities have been identified. Over one third of commercially active wave energy developers worldwide are located within the United States, but only a few have reached a high Technology Readiness Level. These findings, together with a relevant practical resource located within the U.S. and the advantageous nature of the resource compared to other renewable resources, indicate that the United States is well positioned to advance the wave energy industry in the near future.

NEW METHODS FOR THE CULTURE OF BACTERIA

<h3>ABSTRACT</h3> <h3>Aims</h3> The aim of this study was to estimate a 48 hour prediction of moderate to severe respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation, in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. <h3>Methods</h3> This was an observational study that comprised consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to hospital from 21 February to 6 April 2020. The patients’ medical history, demographic, epidemiologic and clinical data were collected in an electronic patient chart. The dataset was used to train predictive models using an established machine learning framework leveraging a hybrid approach where clinical expertise is applied alongside a data-driven analysis. The study outcome was the onset of moderate to severe respiratory failure defined as PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio &lt;150 mmHg in at least one of two consecutive arterial blood gas analyses in the following 48 hours. Shapley Additive exPlanations values were used to quantify the positive or negative impact of each variable included in each model on the predicted outcome. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 198 patients contributed to generate 1068 usable observations which allowed to build 3 predictive models based respectively on 31-variables signs and symptoms, 39-variables laboratory biomarkers and 91-variables as a composition of the two. A fourth “boosted mixed model” included 20 variables was selected from the model 3, achieved the best predictive performance (AUC=0.84) without worsening the FN rate. Its clinical performance was applied in a narrative case report as an example. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study developed a machine model with 84% prediction accuracy, which is able to assist clinicians in decision making process and contribute to develop new analytics to improve care at high technology readiness levels.