This report evaluates the Defense Threat Reduction Agency prior and present sponsored efforts; assess the present state of the art in thermionic energy conversion systems; assess the technical challenges to the development of viable thermionic energy conversion systems for both space and terrestrial applications; and recommend a prioritized set of objectives for a future research and development program for advanced thermionic systems for space and terrestrial applications.

Light, Plasmonics and Particles focuses on the fundamental science and engineering applications of light scattering by particles, aerosols and hydrosols, and of localized plasmonics. The book is intended to be a self-contained and coherent resource volume for graduate students and professionals in the disciplines of materials science, engineering and related disciplines of physics and chemistry. In addition to chapters related to fundamental concepts, it includes detailed discussion of different numerical models, experimental systems and applications. In order to develop new devices, processes and applications, we need to advance our understanding of light-matter interactions. For this purpose, we need to have a firm grasp of electromagnetic wave phenomena, and absorption and scattering of waves by different size and shape geometrical objects. In addition, understanding of tunneling of waves based on electron and lattice vibrations and coupling with the thermal fluctuations to enhance near-field energy transfer mechanisms are required for the development of future energy harvesting devices and sensors. - Reviews the fundamental science, available computational tools, experimental systems, and a wide range of applications of plasmonics - Connects the cross-cutting science of the physics of electromagnetic light scattering by particles, plasmonics and phononic interactions at the electronic, molecular and lattice levels of materials - Reviews applications of light-matter interactions of particles, aerosols, hydrosols and localized plasmonics

In recent years, the development of advanced structures for providing sustainable energy has been a topic at the forefront of public and political conversation. Many are looking for advancements on pre-existing sources and new and viable energy options to maintain a modern lifestyle. The Handbook of Research on Power and Energy System Optimization is a critical scholarly resource that examines the usage of energy in relation to the perceived standard of living within a country and explores the importance of energy structure augmentation. Featuring coverage on a wide range of topics including energy management, micro-grid, and distribution generation, this publication is targeted towards researchers, academicians, and students seeking relevant research on the augmentation of current energy structures to support existing standards of living.

Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes, Fourth Edition, winner of a 2022 Textbook Excellence Award (Texty) from the Textbook and Academic Authors Association, provides accessible coverage of clean, safe alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power. Aldo da Rosa's classic and comprehensive resource has provided thousands of engineers, scientists, students and professionals alike with a thorough grounding in the scientific principles underlying the complex world of renewable energy technologies. The fourth edition has been fully updated and revised by new author Juan Ordonez, Director of the Energy and Sustainability Center at Florida State University, and includes new worked examples, more exercises, and more illustrations to help facilitate student learning. - Illuminates the basic principles behind all key renewable power sources, including solar, wind, biomass, hydropower and fuel cells - Connects scientific theory with practical implementation through physical examples and end-of-chapter questions of increasing difficulty to help readers apply their knowledge - Offers completely revised content for better student accessibility - Updated with expanded coverage of such topics as solar thermal processes, hydropower and renewable energy storage technologies

PV has traditionally been used for electric power in space. Solar panels on spacecraft are usually the sole source of power to run the sensors, active heating and cooling, and communications. Photovoltaics for Space: Key Issues, Missions and Alternative Technologies provides an overview of the challenges to efficiently produce solar power in near-Earth space and beyond: the materials and device architectures that have been developed to surmount these environmental and mission-specific barriers. The book is organized in four sections consisting of detailed introductory and background content as well as a collection of in-depth space environment, materials processing, technology, and mission overviews by international experts. This book will detail how to design and optimize a space power system's performance for power-to-weight ratio, effectiveness at end of operational life (EOL) compared to beginning of operational life (BOL), and specific mission objectives and goals. This book outlines the knowledge required for practitioners and advanced students interested in learning about the background, materials, devices, environmental challenges, missions, and future for photovoltaics for space exploration. - Provides an update to state-of-the-art and emerging solar cell technologies - Features comprehensive coverage of solar cells for space exploration and materials/device technology options available - Explains the extreme conditions and mission challenges to overcome when using photovoltaics in space

Thermophotovoltaics is the science and technology associated with the direct generation of electricity from high temperature heat. Potential applications include combined heat and power, portable and auxiliary power, radioisotope space power, industrial waste heat recovery and concentrated solar power. This book aims at serving as an introduction to the underlying theory, overview of present day components and system arrangements, and update of the latest developments in the field. The emphasis is placed on the understanding of the critical aspects of efficient thermophotovoltaic system design. The aim is to assist researchers in the field.

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has operated continuously since 1990. During that time, four space shuttle-based service missions were launched, three of which added major observational capabilities. A fifth â€" SM-4 â€" was intended to replace key telescope systems and install two new instruments. The loss of the space shuttle Columbia, however, resulted in a decision by NASA not to pursue the SM-4 mission leading to a likely end of Hubble's useful life in 2007-2008. This situation resulted in an unprecedented outcry from scientists and the public. As a result, NASA began to explore and develop a robotic servicing mission; and Congress directed NASA to request a study from the National Research Council (NRC) of the robotic and shuttle servicing options for extending the life of Hubble. This report presents an assessment of those two options. It provides an examination of the contributions made by Hubble and those likely as the result of a servicing mission, and a comparative analysis of the potential risk of the two options for servicing Hubble. The study concludes that the Shuttle option would be the most effective one for prolonging Hubble's productive life.