SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “application of power electronics”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2025

Virtual Cable Impedance based Load Sharing in a Microgrid for Parallel Connected Grid Forming Converters

This paper presents a novel approach to power sharing between direct connected grid-forming converters, utilizing virtual cable impedance and droop-based outer loop control. To enhance stability, resistive droop is implemented, while virtual cable impedance with non-zero resistive and inductive components ensures improved power sharing. The inner loop controller employs a Lyapunov energy function to achieve superior dynamic performance. The proposed control architecture is validated through comprehensive modeling and real-time processor-in-the-loop simulations, demonstrating its robustness and efficiency under various operating conditions. The results highlight the potential of this control strategy to improve the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy systems. Additionally, a comparative analysis with traditional methods underscores the advantages of the proposed approach in terms of stability and performance. The proposed control architecture offers a scalable and flexible solution for grid-forming converters, enabling seamless integration of renewable energy sources. Its robustness and adaptability make it an attractive solution for real-world applications. Furthermore, the approach can be extended to other power electronic systems, enhancing overall system performance and efficiency. By providing a reliable and efficient control strategy, this paper contributes to the advancement of renewable energy systems and their adoption in the energy sector. The proposed control strategy has far-reaching implications for the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, enabling a more sustainable and efficient energy future. The overall system is modeled in MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS software domain.

grid forming converters (GFM)↗

NASA NTRS2004

Field Effect Transistor Behavior in Electrospun Polyaniline/Polyethylene Oxide Nanofibers

Novel translators and logic devices based on nanotechnology concepts are under intense development. The potential for ultra-low power circuitry makes nanotechnology attractive for applications such as digital electronics and sensors. Furthermore, the ability to form devices on flexible substrates expands the range of applications where electronic circuitry can be introduced. For NASA, nonotechndogy offers opportunities for increased onboard data processing and thus autonomous decision-making ability, ad novel sensors that detect and respond to external stimuli with few oversight requirements. The goat of this work is to demonstrate transistor behavior in polyaniline/ polyethylene oxide nanofibers, thus creating a foundation for future logic devices.

Miranda, Felix A.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Field Effect Transistor Behavior in Electrospun Polyaniline/Polyethylene Oxide Nanofibers

Miranda, Felix A.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Field Effect Transistor Behavior in Electrospun Polyaniline/Polyethylene Oxide Demonstrated

Novel transistors and logic devices based on nanotechnology concepts are under intense development. The potential for ultra-low-power circuitry makes nanotechnology attractive for applications such as digital electronics and sensors. For NASA applications, nanotechnology offers tremendous opportunities for increased onboard data processing, and thus autonomous decisionmaking ability, and novel sensors that detect and respond to environmental stimuli with little oversight requirements. Polyaniline/polyethylene oxide (PANi/PEO) nanofibers are of interest because they have electrical conductivities that can be changed from insulating to metallic by varying the doping levels and conformations of the polymer chain. At the NASA Glenn Research Center, we have observed field effect transistor (FET) behavior in electrospun PANi/PEO nanofibers doped with camphorsulfonic acid. The nanofibers were deposited onto Au electrodes, which had been prepatterned onto oxidized silicon substrates. The preceding scanning electron image shows the device used in the transistor measurements. Saturation channel currents are observed at surprisingly low source/drain voltages (see the following graph). The hole mobility in the depletion regime is 1.4x10(exp -4)sq cm/V sec, whereas the one-dimensional charge density (at zero gate bias) is calculated to be approximately 1 hole per 50 two-ring repeat units of polyaniline, consistent with the rather high channel conductivity (approx.10(exp -3) S/cm). Reducing or eliminating the PEO content in the fiber is expected to enhance device parameters. Electrospinning is thus proposed as a simple method of fabricating one-dimensional polymer FET's.

Mueller, Carl H.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Integrated Microbatteries for Implantable Medical Devices

Integrated microbatteries have been proposed to satisfy an anticipated need for long-life, low-rate primary batteries, having volumes less than 1 mm3, to power electronic circuitry in implantable medical devices. In one contemplated application, such a battery would be incorporated into a tubular hearing-aid device to be installed against an eardrum. This device is based on existing tube structures that have already been approved by the FDA for use in human ears. As shown in the figure, the battery would comprise a single cell at one end of the implantable tube. A small volume of Li-based primary battery cathode material would be compacted and inserted in the tube near one end, followed by a thin porous separator, followed by a pressed powder of a Li-containing alloy. Current-collecting wires would be inserted, with suitably positioned insulators to prevent a short circuit. The battery would contain a liquid electrolyte consisting of a Li-based salt in an appropriate solvent. Hermetic seals would be created by plugging both ends with a waterproof polymer followed by deposition of parylene.

Whitacre, Jay↗

DOE OSTI2020

Investigation of Various Transformer Topologies for HF Isolation Applications

High-frequency (HF) transformers are an essential part of many power electronic devices. The performance and behavior of HF transformers can greatly affect the efficiency and performance of all systems, particularly, from a parasitic parameter point of view. In this article, HF transformers' parasitic parameters, such as leakage inductances and parasitic capacitances, are analyzed using a novel analytical method, finite element method (FEM), and experimental measurements of different structures and winding arrangements. Also, the magnetic field, electric field, electric displacement field, and electric potential distribution within the transformers are simulated and analyzed. Four different HF transformers with E and U cores with different windings are designed and analyzed. Investigation outcomes help to classify structures according to the trade-off between leakage inductances and series parasitic capacitances. This information can later be used for the optimal selection and design of transformers as a function of their operating frequency for any power rating and voltage level. Moreover, 3-D FEM and experimental results validate the proposed methodology to be used for designing HF transformers in high-voltage/power applications.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS2003

Effects Of Environmental And Operational Stresses On RF MEMS Switch Technologies For Space Applications

Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) have been heralded for their ability to provide tremendous advantages in electronic systems through increased electrical performance, reduced power consumption, and higher levels of device integration with a reduction of board real estate. RF MEMS switch technology offers advantages such as low insertion loss (0.1- 0.5 dB), wide bandwidth (1 GHz-100 GHz), and compatibility with many different process technologies (quartz, high resistivity Si, GaAs) which can replace the use of traditional electronic switches, such as GaAs FETS and PIN Diodes, in microwave systems for low signal power (x < 500 mW) applications. Although the electrical characteristics of RF MEMS switches far surpass any existing technologies, the unknown reliability, due to the lack of information concerning failure modes and mechanisms inherent to MEMS devices, create an obstacle to insertion of MEMS technology into high reliability applications. All MEMS devices are sensitive to moisture and contaminants, issues easily resolved by hermetic or near-hermetic packaging. Two well-known failure modes of RF MEMS switches are charging in the dielectric layer of capacitive membrane switches and contact interface stiction of metal-metal switches. Determining the integrity of MEMS devices when subjected to the shock, vibration, temperature extremes, and radiation of the space environment is necessary to facilitate integration into space systems. This paper will explore the effects of different environmental stresses, operational life cycling, temperature, mechanical shock, and vibration on the first commercially available RF MEMS switches to identify relevant failure modes and mechanisms inherent to these device and packaging schemes for space applications. This paper will also describe RF MEMS Switch technology under development at NASA GSFC.

Jah, Muzar↗

NASA NTRS1998

Performance of Surface-Mount Ceramic and Solid Tantalum Capacitors for Cryogenic Applications

Low temperature electronics are of great interest for space exploration programs. These include missions to the outer planets, earth-orbiting and deep-space probes, remote-sensing and communication satellites. Terrestrial applications would also benefit from the availability of low temperature electronics. Power components capable of low temperature operation would, thus, enhance the technologies needed for the development of advanced power systems suitable for use in harsh environments. In this work, ceramic and solid tantalum capacitors were evaluated in terms of their dielectric properties as a function of temperature and at various frequencies. The surface-mount devices were characterized in terms of their capacitance stability and dissipation factor in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 100 kHz at temperatures ranging from room temperature (20 deg. C) to about liquid nitrogen temperature (-190 deg. C). The results are discussed and conclusions made concerning the suitability of the capacitors investigated for low temperature applications.

Patterson, Richard L.↗

DOE OSTI2023

α-Quartz Phase Stabilization, Surface Texturing, and Tunable Optical Properties of Nanocrystalline GeO 2 Films Made by Pulsed-Laser Deposition: Implications for Optical and Optoelectronic Applications

Germanium oxide (GeO 2 ) has great potential in multifunctional devices and next-generation power electronics due to its high thermal conductivity and ambipolar doping capability. However, the complexity of synthesizing the desirable polymorph with a controlled phase, surface/interface quality, microstructure, and functional properties is the main barrier to GeO 2 utilization in advanced applications. Here, in this regard, we present a method to realize the hexagonal (h) or a-quartz type GeO 2 with nano-textured surface morphology on sapphire substrates using a hybrid synthesis strategy that comprises pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and post-deposition thermal annealing. We performed a comprehensive study to investigate the effect of annealing temperature, which was varied in a wide range (600-1100 °C), on the crystal structure, phase, surface morphology, chemical stoichiometry, defect states, and optical properties of PLD-grown GeO 2 films. As-deposited GeO 2 films at 500 °C were amorphous. Upon annealing, the GeO 2 films induced an amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation; GeO 2 films annealed at higher annealing temperatures (≥900 °C) stabilized in the hexagonal phase and demonstrated excellent crystal quality and chemical stability. Thermally activated growth process showed increased average crystallite size, which was varied in the range of 20-130 (±2) nm, while the surface roughness followed a similar trend. The spectral transmittance and band gap also increased with increasing annealing temperature. The resulting h-GeO 2 films, particularly those obtained at annealing temperatures in the 900-1100 °C range, had a higher band gap of 6.2-6.3 eV and displayed excellent optical transmittance in the visible region. Moreover, the absence of extended valence band maxima and reduced optical defect density support the quality improvement upon annealing. When considering phase-pure bulk and nanostructured GeO 2 as a possible candidate for ultra wide band gap semiconductors in cutting-edge technological applications, the results of the current work can be beneficial to realize high structural and optical quality a-quartz structured GeO 2 films.

GeO2↗

NASA NTRS2004

Design and Performance of a Miniature Radar L-Band Transceiver

Radar electronics developed for past JPL space missions historically had been custom designed and as such, given budgetary, time, and risk constraints, had not been optimized for maximum flexibility or miniaturization. To help reduce cost and risk of future radar missions, a generic radar module was conceived. The module includes a 1.25-GHz (L-band) transceiver and incorporates miniature high-density packaging of integrated circuits in die/chip form. The technology challenges include overcoming the effect of miniaturization and high packaging density to achieve the performance, reliability, and environmental ruggedness required for space missions. The module was chosen to have representative (generic) functionality most likely required from an L-band radar. For very large aperture phased-array spaceborne radar missions, the large dimensions of the array suggest the benefit of distributing the radar electronics into the antenna array. For such applications, this technology is essential in order to bring down the cost, mass, and power of the radar electronics module replicated in each panel of the array. For smaller sized arrays, a single module can be combined with the central radar controller and still provide the bene.ts of configuration .exibility, low power, and low mass. We present the design approach for the radar electronics module and the test results for its radio frequency (RF) portion: a miniature, low-power, radiation-hard L-band transceiver.

McWatters, D.↗

DOE OSTI2026

DC Cryogenic Modeling of Open-Source SkyWater 130 nm MOSFETs at 77 K Using BSIM4

Cryogenic applications in high-energy physics (HEP) demand reliable, low-power CMOS electronics capable of operating at liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K). The open-source SkyWater 130nm (SKY130) CMOS process has previously been shown to operate at temperatures as low as 4 K making it a promising candidate for HEP applications. In this work, we characterize and model SKY130 low-threshold voltage transistors at 77 K, which is a temperature commonly used in modeling applications for liquid argon detectors. DC characteristic measurements were performed at both room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature. We created a cryogenic modeling approach to produce a SPICE-compatible, isothermal BSIM4-based model for select transistor sizes at 77 K. The resulting model agrees with data at 77 K with an average error on the order of 20% (relative RMS) and shows no dependence on drain voltage. Due to the open-source nature of SKY130, we have made our models publicly available on Github. We hope this work will continue the trend for democratizing circuit design at cryogenic temperatures in high-energy physics by enabling open access to accurate cryogenic CMOS device models at 77 K.

Beall, F. [Texas U., Arlington]↗

NASA NTRS2008

Hydrogen Research for Spaceport and Space-Based Applications: Fuel Cell Projects

The activities presented are a broad based approach to advancing key hydrogen related technologies in areas such as fuel cells, hydrogen production, and distributed sensors for hydrogen-leak detection, laser instrumentation for hydrogen-leak detection, and cryogenic transport and storage. Presented are the results from research projects, education and outreach activities, system and trade studies. The work will aid in advancing the state-of-the-art for several critical technologies related to the implementation of a hydrogen infrastructure. Activities conducted are relevant to a number of propulsion and power systems for terrestrial, aeronautics and aerospace applications. Fuel cell research focused on proton exchange membranes (PEM), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Specific technologies included aircraft fuel cell reformers, new and improved electrodes, electrolytes, interconnect, and seals, modeling of fuel cells including CFD coupled with impedance spectroscopy. Research was conducted on new materials and designs for fuel cells, along with using embedded sensors with power management electronics to improve the power density delivered by fuel cells. Fuel cell applications considered were in-space operations, aviation, and ground-based fuel cells such as; powering auxiliary power units (APUs) in aircraft; high power density, long duration power supplies for interplanetary missions (space science probes and planetary rovers); regenerative capabilities for high altitude aircraft; and power supplies for reusable launch vehicles.

Anderson, Tim↗

DOE OSTI2020

Magnetoelectric Composites: Applications, Coupling Mechanisms, and Future Directions

Multiferroic (MF)-magnetoelectric (ME) composites, which integrate magnetic and ferroelectric materials, exhibit a higher operational temperature (above room temperature) and superior (several orders of magnitude) ME coupling when compared to single-phase multiferroic materials. Room temperature control and the switching of magnetic properties via an electric field and electrical properties by a magnetic field has motivated research towards the goal of realizing ultralow power and multifunctional nano (micro) electronic devices. Here, some of the leading applications for magnetoelectric composites are reviewed, and the mechanisms and nature of ME coupling in artificial composite systems are discussed. Ways to enhance the ME coupling and other physical properties are also demonstrated. Finally, emphasis is given to the important open questions and future directions in this field, where new breakthroughs could have a significant impact in transforming scientific discoveries to practical device applications, which can be well-controlled both magnetically and electrically.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1985

Integrated Power and Attitude Control Systems for Space Station

Integrated Power and Attitude Control Systems (IPACS) studies performed over a decade ago established the feasibility of simultaneously storing electrical energy in wheels and utilizing the resulting momentum for spacecraft attitude control. It was shown that such a system possessed many advantages over other contemporary energy storage and attitude control systems in many applications. More recent technology advances in composite rotors, magnetic bearings, and power control electronics have triggered new optimism regarding the feasibility and merits of such a system. The paper presents the results of a recent study whose focus was to define an advanced IPACS and to evaluate its merits for the Space Station application. A system and component design concept is developed to establish the system performance capability. A system level trade study, including life-cycle costing, is performed to define the merits of the system relative to two other candidate systems. It is concluded that an advanced IPACS concept is not only feasible, but offers substantial savings in mass, and life-cycle cost.

Oglevie, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Wheel configurations for combined energy storage and attitude control systems

Integrated power and attitude control system (IPACS) studies performed over a decade ago established the feasibility of simultaneously storing electrical energy in wheels and utilizing the resulting momentum for spacecraft attitude control. It was shown that such a system possessed many advantages over other contemporary energy storage and attitude control systems in many applications. More recent technology advances in composite rotors, magnetic bearings, and power control electronics have triggered new optimism regarding the feasibility and merits of such a system. This paper presents the results of a recent study whose focus was to define an advanced IPACS and to evaluate its merits for the Space Station application. Emphasis is given to the selection of the wheel configuration to perform the combined functions. A component design concept is developed to establish the system performance capability. A system-level trade study, including life-cycle costing, is performed to define the merits of the system relative to two other candidate systems. It is concluded that an advanced IPACS concept is not only feasible but offers substantial savings in mass and life-cycle cost.

Oglevie, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Aerospace induction motor actuators driven from a 20-kHz power link

Aerospace electromechanical actuators utilizing induction motors are under development in sizes up to 40 kW. While these actuators have immediate application to the Advanced Launch System (ALS) program, several potential applications are currently under study including the Advanced Aircraft Program. Several recent advances developed for the Space Station Freedom have allowed induction motors to be selected as a first choice for such applications. Among these technologies are bi-directional electronics and high frequency power distribution techniques. Each of these technologies are discussed with emphasis on their impact upon induction motor operation.

Hansen, Irving G.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Power over fiber development for HEP detectors

Power-over-Fiber (PoF) technology has been used extensively in settings where high voltages require isolation from ground and electromagnetic isolation is critical. In cryogenic environments, PoF offers a reliable power transmission technology, leveraging optical fibers to transfer power with minimal system degradation. PoF technology excels in maintaining low noise levels and isolation when delivering power to sensitive electronic systems operating in extreme temperature ranges and high voltage environments. Here, in a novel application of PoF for a HEP detector, power is provided to photon detector modules located on a surface at ~300 kV with respect to ground in the planned DUNE experiment. This summary paper of the PoF talk at the 16th PISA Meeting on Advanced Detectors highlights the R&D effort of PoF in extreme conditions and underscores its capacity to revolutionize power delivery and management in critical applications offering a dependable solution with low noise, optimal efficiency, and superior isolation. The DUNE (Abi et al., 2020) experiment will soon deploy large liquid argon (LAr) time projection chambers (TPC) to detect neutrino interactions and other particle physics phenomena. In addition to the particle tracking provided by the TPC, photon detectors, powered by a first ever PoF system, in the cryostat will leverage the high scintillation light yield of LAr to provide crucial timing and additional calorimetric information.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2025

Cyclotron resonance accelerators for industrial applications

Here, this paper describes novel configurations for cyclotron resonance acceleration of electrons and ions that have several attractive features including: a compact robust room-temperature single-cell RF cavity as the accelerator structure; and continuous high current accelerated un-bunched beam output with self-scanning, obviating need for a separate beam scanner. An electron accelerator version, the electron Cyclotron Resonance Accelerator (eCRA), is under development to be an efficient source for high power electron and x-ray beams for medical, research, sterilization, and National Security applications, so as to replace radioactive materials. An ion accelerator version, the ion Cyclotron Auto-Resonance Accelerator (iCARA) is described here, suggesting its potential to produce, as an example, a high-current multi-MeV beam of deuterons which could be highly competitive with that produced either with linacs or cyclotrons. Such a deuteron beam could produce a high flux of fast neutrons via deuteron stripping, for applications including the transmutation of used nuclear fuel, material studies relevant for a fusion reactor inner wall, tritium breeding and medical isotope production. For the high-current, high efficiency simulated performance for eCRA and iCARA as described in this paper, the particle beams produced may not exhibit the low emittance values that are important for most discovery research. Rather, the beams could be useful for industrial applications where higher emittance and some energy spread can be tolerated, in favor of high beam power.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗