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At least 217 records · Page 12

Design and Operation of the Planetary In-Situ Capillary Electrophoresis System (PISCES)

The PISCES instrument is a portable, miniature, modular instrument designed to analyze organic molecular signatures of life. PISCES uses microcapillary electrophoresis (μCE) with laser-induced fluorescence detection (LIFD) to analyze fluorescently-labeled analytes prepared on a multi-layer microfluidic chip. As a modular instrument composed of five independently functioning units, each module can be easily detached from the system and used for subsystem testing in different environments, e.g. low temperature. The pneumatic module contains mechanical and electrical components necessary to control pneumatically-actuated valves for on-chip sample processing. A prototype LabVIEW program and two custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) operate the pneumatics module using an Arduino microcontroller, and a tentative design for the module’s housing has been developed. The high-voltage module contains circuitry required to apply varying electrical potentials to the electrophoretic channel of the microdevice. Work is currently being done to design the circuit and PCB for this module in collaboration with our SBIR partners at Los Gatos Research. The optical electronics module contains the spectrometer, laser, and laser power supply. The mounting components for the electronics and housing for the module have been designed, assembled, and tested. The optical module contains optical components to focus the laser to a 20μm spot in the center of the electrophoretic channel.The housing for this module has been designed and assembled with the aligned optical components inside.

Willis, Peter A.↗

Spaceflight Ka-Band High-Rate Radiation-Hard Modulator

A document discusses the creation of a Ka-band modulator developed specifically for the NASA/GSFC Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). This flight design consists of a high-bandwidth, Quadriphase Shift Keying (QPSK) vector modulator with radiation-hardened, high-rate driver circuitry that receives I and Q channel data. The radiationhard design enables SDO fs Ka-band communications downlink system to transmit 130 Mbps (300 Msps after data encoding) of science instrument data to the ground system continuously throughout the mission fs minimum life of five years. The low error vector magnitude (EVM) of the modulator lowers the implementation loss of the transmitter in which it is used, thereby increasing the overall communication system link margin. The modulator comprises a component within the SDO transmitter, and meets the following specifications over a 0 to 40 C operational temperature range: QPSK/OQPSK modulator, 300-Msps symbol rate, 26.5-GHz center frequency, error vector magnitude less than or equal to 10 percent rms, and compliance with the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) spectral mask.

Jaso, Jeffery M.↗

Design Lessons Learned from Temperature Management of Galileo's Retro-Propulsion Module

Launched in 1989, the Galileo mission added dramatically to our understanding of the Jovian system and our entire solar system1. To make best use of limited resources, the Galileo Orbiter used excess power from its Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) for temperature management of its Retro-Propulsion Module (RPM). This paper describes operational challenges introduced by this design and how, despite major mission changes through development and flight, they were overcome through a challenging six-year interplanetary cruise to Jupiter. This case study offers lessons for missions planning to couple critical spacecraft subsystems in unconventional ways.

Gounley, Robert↗

Comparing Outdoor to Indoor Performance for Bifacial Modules Affected by Polarization-Type Potential-Induced Degradation

Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules have the advantage of using light reflected off of the ground to contribute to power production. Predicting the energy gain is challenging and requires complex models to do so accurately. Often, module degradation over time is neglected in models for the sake of simplicity or is underestimated. Comparing outdoor and indoor current–voltage (I–V) performance for bifacial modules is more challenging than for monofacial modules, as there are additional variables to consider such as rear albedo non-uniformity, cell mismatch, and their effects on temperature. This challenge is compounded when heterogeneous degradation modes occur, such as polarization-type potential-induced degradation (PID-p). To examine the effects of PID-p on I–V predictions using an empirical data-driven approach, 16 bifacial PERC modules are installed outdoors on racks with different albedo conditions. A subset is exposed to high-voltage biases of −1500 V or +1500 V. Outdoor data are traced at irradiance ranges of 150–250 W/m 2 , 500–600 W/m 2 , and 900–1000 W/m 2 . These curves are corrected using control module temperature, wire resistivity, and module resistance measured indoors. We examine several methods to transform indoor I–V curves to accurately, and more simply than existing methods, approximate outdoor performance for bifacial modules without and with varying levels of PID-p degradation. This way, bifacial performance modeling can be more accessible and informed by fielded, degraded modules. Distributions of percent errors between indoor and outdoor performance parameters and Mean Absolute Percent Errors (MAPEs) are used to assess method quality. Results including low-irradiance data (150–250 W/m 2 ) are discussed but are filtered for quantifying method quality as these data introduce substantial errors. The method with the most optimal tradeoff between low MAPE and analysis simplicity involves measuring the front side of a module indoors at an irradiance equal to plane-of-array irradiance plus the product of module bifaciality and albedo irradiance. This method gives MAPE values of 1–6.5% for non-degraded and 1.6–5.9% for PID-p degraded module performance.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Observations of solar-cell metallization corrosion

The Engineering Sciences Area of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Flat-Plate Solar Array Project is performing long term environmental tests on photovoltaic modules at Wyle Laboratories in Huntsville, Alabama. Some modules have been exposed to 85 C/85% RH and 40 C/93% RH for up to 280 days. Other modules undergoing temperature-only exposures ( 3% RH) at 85 C and 100 C have been tested for more than 180 days. At least two modules of each design type are exposed to each environment - one with, and the other without a 100-mA forward bias. Degradation is both visually observed and electrically monitored. Visual observations of changes in appearance are recorded at each inspection time. Significant visual observations relating to metallization corrosion (and/or metallization-induced corrosion) include discoloration (yellowing and browning) of grid lines, migration of grid line material into the encapsulation (blossoming), the appearance of rainbow-like diffraction patterns on the grid lines, and brown spots on collectors and grid lines. All of these observations were recorded for electrically biased modules in the 280-day tests with humidity.

Mon, G. R.↗

Demonstrated results of welded and soldered interconnections

Solar cell modules with welded and soldered interconnections were constructed using a flexible substrate material. These modules were thermally cycled between approx. 80 deg C at rates 100 cycles/day to demonstrate survivability under simulated low Earth orbit (LEO) temperature conditions. The modules, cycled in an inert atmosphere, show durability for 36,000 cycles.

Hart, R. E., Jr.↗

Round-robin weathering test of various polymeric back-sheets for PV modules with different ultraviolet irradiation and sample temperatures

Durability assessment of materials exposed to natural weathering with expected service lifetimes of more than 20 years requires accelerated testing of the UV stability, especially for polymeric materials. Fraunhofer ISE organized an interlaboratory comparison for testing different back-sheets in various test laboratories using different UV sources. The five participating test laboratories used three different types of UV sources. The interaction of the UV radiation with the polymers used in PV modules is main subject of this round-robin. Laminates were produced by using solar glass and a suitable EVA encapsulant combined with 10 different back-sheets. The simultaneous usage of different optical filters allowed to investigate roughly the spectral sensitivity and the intensity impact. The degradation was followed by spectral reflectance and transmittance measurements and calculation of the yellowness index as degradation indicator. Clear differences in the degradation behavior of the different products were found.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

The 200 watts/kilogram solar array conceptual approach study. Phase 2: Assessment report for proof-of-concept experiments and Halley's comet concentrator array

The activities associated with the fabrication, handling, and testing of 2-mil solar cell modules on a flexible substrate are demonstrated. It is shown that 2-mil solar cells can be reliably handled, welded, and bonded to a Kapton substrate. Flexible Invar interconnects can be used to interconnect individual cells to form modules. These solar cell modules can be temperature cycled, wrapped around a 10-inch diameter drum, and vibrated to the shuttle environment with no significant damage. A bonding technique was developed to physically join adjacent modules that is stronger than the Kapton, itself. Ultraviolet radiation tests were performed on RTV - silicone as a cell cover material - with very encouraging results.

Source record↗

In-situ determination of moisture- and temperature-driven deflection of an encapsulated Si photovoltaic cell

Module reliability and service lifetime are critical factors in improving photovoltaic system performance and reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Soldering and lamination of the cell impart residual stresses that persist over time and superimpose additional loads during operation. This paper demonstrates the use of X-ray Topography (XRT) to image in-situ the dynamic response of a glass/backsheet mini-module upon drying at elevated temperature after saturation at humidity levels compatible with accelerated testing. The local water content in the encapsulant is also determined in-situ over time via Water Reflectometric Detection (WaRD), with diffusion of water in the front (glass side) and rear (backsheet side) resolved. As water diffuses out from the back of the glass/backsheet module, the cell curves towards the backsheet concomitantly. Here we find that the cell edges deflect 40μm out-of-plane with respect to its center while the encapsulant dries, compared to ~100 μm deflection when heating from 25°C to 85°C. The local cell deflections (changes in cell orientation) are correlated with the dynamic loss of water in the backside encapsulant. We conclude that the observed cell deflections are the result of hygroscopic stress induced by the encapsulant upon moisture outdiffusion. Therefore, the cell experiences a continually changing stress state and curvature dependent on local humidity and temperature. Depending on cell architecture and interconnection, this “breathing” mode of the cell may induce wear out and fatigue of the interconnects, affect the electrical connection of cracked pieces or cause failure near the interconnected edges of two cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Small solar electric system components demonstration

The design and testing of high temperature thermal storage modules (TSM) are reported. The test goals were to demonstrate the thermocline propagation in the TSM, to measure the steepness of the thermocline, and to measure the effectiveness of the TSM when used in a Brayton system. In addition, a high temperature valve suitable for switching the TSM at temperatures to 1700 F is described and tested. Test results confirm the existence of a sharp thermocline under design conditions. The thermal profile was steeper than expected and was insensitive to air density over the range of the test conditions. Experiments were performed which simulated the airflow of a small Brayton engine, 20 KWe, having a pair of thermal storage modules acting as efficient recuperators. Low pressure losses, averaging 12 inches of water, and high effectiveness, 93% for a 15 minute switching cycle, were measured. The insulation surrounding the ceramic core limited thermal losses to approximately 1 KWt. The hot valve was operated over 100 cycles and performed well at temperatures up to 1700 F.

Source record↗

Thermomagnetic responses of semimetals

Solid-state thermomagnetic modules operating based on the Nernst–Ettingshausen effects are an alternative to conventional solid-state thermoelectric modules. These modules are appropriate for low-temperature applications where the thermoelectric modules are not efficient. Here, we briefly discuss the application, performance, similarities, and differences of thermoelectric and thermomagnetic materials and modules. We review thermomagnetic module design, Nernst coefficient measurement techniques, and theoretical advances, emphasizing the Nernst effect and factors influencing its response in semimetals such as carrier compensation, Fermi surface, mobility, phonon drag, and Berry curvature. The main objective is to summarize the materials design criteria to achieve high thermomagnetic performance to accelerate thermomagnetic materials discovery.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The relation of gravity waves and turbulence in the mesosphere

Since researchers couldn't prove that the mesospheric turbulence layers are generated by the simultaneously existing short-period gravity waves, they invoked other generation mechanisms than wave breaking. Possible mechanisms like lateral convection (Rottger 1980a), quasi-geostrophic flows at mesoscales (Lilly, 1983) or vortical modes of motion as seen in the ocean (Muller and Pujalet, 1984) could be candidates. Researchers are inclined to see a connection of these layers or laminae with very-long-period internal waves because of the periodicity in their vertical structure and their long mean persistency. Rottger (1980b) had proposed that such structures are due the modulation of the me an temperature and wind profiles by internal waves. The superposition of random or short-term wave-induced wind and temperature fluctuations with the background profile, modulated by very-long-period waves (quasi-inertia waves) then would yield the observed effects, and could explain the vertical periodicity, the long-term mean persistency as well as some short-term variability of their intensity.

Rottger, J.↗

Characteristics of 0.8- and 0.2-microns gate length In(x)Ga(1-x) As/In(0.52)Al(0.48)As/InP (0.53 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.70) modulation-doped field-effect transistors at cryogenic temperatures

The performance characteristics of InP-based In(x)Ga(1-x)As/In(0.52)Al(0.48)As (0.53 is less than or equal to x is less than or equal to 0.70) pseudomorphic modulation-doped field-effect transistors (MODFET's) as a function of strain in the channel, gate, length, and temperature were investigated analytically and experimentally. The strain in the channel was varied by varying the In composition x. The temperature was varied in the range of 40-300 K and the devices have gate lengths L(sub g) of 0.8 and 0.2 microns. Analysis of the device was done using a one-dimensional self consistent solution of the Poisson and Schroedinger equations in the channel, a two-dimensional Poisson solver to obtain the channel electric field, and a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the carrier transit times in the channel. An increase in the value of the cutoff frequency is predicted for an increase in In composition, a decrease in temperature, and a decrease in gate length. The improvements seen with decreasing temperature, decreasing gate length, and increased In composition were smaller than those predicted by analysis. The experimental results on pseudomorphic InGaAs/InAlAs MODFET's showed that there is a 15-30 percent improvement in cutoff frequency in both the 0.8- and 0.2-micron gate length devices when the temperature is lowered from 300 to 40 K.

Lai, Richard↗

Evaluation of SMAP Downscaled Brightness Temperature Using SMAPEx-4/5 Airborne Observations

The Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) mission, launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on 31st January 2015, was designed to provide global soil moisture every 2 to 3 days at 9 km resolution by downscaling SMAP passive microwave observations obtained at 36 km resolution using active microwave observations at 3 km resolution, and then retrieving soil moisture from the resulting 9 km brightness temperature product. This study evaluated the SMAP Active/Passive (AP) downscaling algorithm together with other resolution enhancement techniques. Airborne passive microwave observations acquired at 1 km resolution over the Murrumbidgee River catchment in south-eastern Australia during the fourth and fifth Soil Moisture Active Passive Experiments (SMAPEx-4/5) were used as reference data. The SMAPEx-4/5 data were collected in May and September 2015, respectively, and aggregated to 9 km for direct comparison with a number of available resolution-enhanced brightness temperature estimates. The results show that the SMAP AP downscaled brightness temperature had a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.84 and Root-Mean-Squared Error (RMSE) of ~10 K, while SMAP Enhanced, Nearest Neighbour, Weighted Average, and the Smoothing Filter-based Modulation (SFIM) brightness temperature estimates had somewhat better performance (RMSEs of ~7 K and an R exceeding 0.9). Although the SFIM had the lowest unbiased RMSE of ~6 K, the effect of cloud cover on Ka-band observations limits data availability.

downscaled brightness temperature↗

Quasi-Two-Dimensional Heterostructures (K M 1 – x Te)(LaTe 3 ) ( M = Mn and Zn) with Charge Density Waves

Layered heterostructure materials with two different functional building blocks can teach us about emergent physical properties and phenomena arising from interactions between the layers. Here, we report intergrowth compounds KLaM 1 - x Te 4 (M = Mn and Zn; $x \approx$ 0.35) featuring two chemically distinct alternating layers [LaTe 3 ] and [KM 1 - x Te]. Their crystal structures are incommensurate, determined by single X-ray diffraction for the Mn compound and a transmission electron microscope study for the Zn compound. KLaMn 1 – x Te 4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic superspace group Pmnm(01/2 gamma)s00 with lattice parameters a = 4.4815(3) Å, b = 21.6649(16) Å, and c = 4.5220(3) Å. It exhibits charge density wave order at room temperature with a modulation wave vector q = 1/2b* + 0.3478c* originating from electronic instability of Te-square nets in [LaTe 3 ] layers. The Mn analog exhibits a cluster spin glass behavior with spin freezing temperature $T_f \approx$ 5 K attributed to disordered Mn vacancies and competing magnetic interactions in the [Mn 1 - x Te] layers. The Zn analog also has charge density wave order at room temperature with a similar q-vector having the c* component similar to 0.346 confirmed by selected-area electron diffraction. Electron transfer from [KM 1 - x Te] to [LaTe 3 ] layers exists in KLaM 1 – x Te 4 , leading to an enhanced electronic specific heat coefficient. The resistivities of KLaM 1 - x Te 4 (M = Mn and Zn) exhibit metallic behavior at high temperatures and an upturn at low temperatures, suggesting partial localization of carriers in the [LaTe 3 ] layers with some degree of disorder associated with the M atom vacancies in the [M 1 - x Te] layers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Fermilab PIP-II Master Oscillator and Precision Reference Line Design and Construction

The phase averaging reference line system pro- vides the RF phase reference, LO and clock sig- nals to the LLRF and other accelerator sub- systems. The PIP-II linac has RF systems at three frequencies – 162.5 MHz, 325 MHz and 650 MHz. A temperature-stabilized, low-phase- noise oscillator is used as the master oscil- lator. Phase reference signals at 162.5 MHz, 325 MHz, and 650 MHz, along with LO signals at 182.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 670 MHz and LLRF clocks at 1320 MHz and 1300 MHz, are generated in temperature-controlled RF modules at each fre- quency section. A phase reference from each module travels to the next section, where it is doubled to produce required frequencies. The reference also travels alongside the accelerating cavities in the tunnel, allowing cavity probe and reference cables to temperature track and reduce measurement errors from temperature changes or phase drift.

Syed, Ahmed [Fermilab]↗

Master Oscillator and Phase Reference Line Design for the PIP-II Linac

The phase averaging reference line system provides the RF phase reference, LO and clock signals to the LLRF and other accelerator sub-systems. The PIP-II linac has RF systems at three frequencies - 162.5 MHz, 325 MHz and 650 MHz. A temperature-stabilized, low-phase-noise oscillator is used as the master oscillator. Phase reference signals at 162.5 MHz, 325 MHz, and 650 MHz, along with LO signals at 182.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 670 MHz and LLRF clocks at 1320 MHz and 1300 MHz, are generated in temperature-controlled RF modules at each frequency section. A phase reference from each module travels to the next section, where it is doubled to produce required frequencies. The reference also travels alongside the accelerating cavities in the tunnel, allowing cavity probe and reference cables to temperature track and reduce measurement errors from temperature changes or phase drift.

Syed, A. [Fermilab]↗