SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “insolation”

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 343 records · Page 19

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1983

Amalthea - Implications of the temperature observed by Voyager

The temperature profile of Amalthea's surface layer is modeled as a function of location and time of day, assuming a triaxial ellipsoid shape and thermal properties similar to those of the lunar soil. Although the major heat source is direct insolation, temperatures are slightly increased by thermal radiation from Jupiter, sunlight reflected from the planet, and charged particle bombardment. Possible sources of error in the model are discussed in detail, including satellite shape effects, unusually low emissivity, uncommonly rough surface, abnormal thermal inertia, charged particle flux variability, and Joule heating. Voyager 1 IRIS observations suggest that the Amalthean surface has an emissivity near unity, but cannot put any useful limits on the thermal inertia of the Amalthean surface layer.

Simonelli, D. P.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The obliquity of Pluto

Pluto's obliquity (the angle between its spin axis and orbit normal) varies between 102 and 126 deg over a period of about 3 million years. These oscillations are nearly sinusoidal and quite stable, leading to only modest changes in the insolation regime. Thus, Pluto's rotation has been slightly retrograde ever since its current orbit and rotation rate were established.

Dobrovolskis, A. R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Receiver For Solar Air Turbine

Solar receiver heats air to temperature high enough to drive gas turbine. Receiver has thermal output of about 70 kilowatts. Pointing downward at focal position of solar reflector, proposed receiver accepts intense concentrated sunlight. Although temperatures in receiver may rise to 1,500 degrees F (816 degrees C) or more, calculations show receiver loses less than 10 percent of insolation by convection through aperture. Receiver designed for 30-year life without scheduled maintenance or replacement.

Kofal, A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The value of residential photovoltaic systems: A comprehensive assessment

Utility-interactive photovoltaic (PV) arrays on residential rooftops appear to be a potentially attractive, large-scale application of PV technology. Results of a comprehensive assessment of the value (i.e., break-even cost) of utility-grid connected residential photovoltaic power systems under a variety of technological and economic assumptions are presented. A wide range of allowable PV system costs are calculated for small (4.34 kW (p) sub ac) residential PV systems in various locales across the United States. Primary factor in this variation are differences in local weather conditions, utility-specific electric generation capacity, fuel types, and customer-load profiles that effect purchase and sell-back rates, and non-uniform state tax considerations. Additional results from this analysis are: locations having the highest insolation values are not necessary the most economically attractive sites; residential PV systems connected in parallel to the utility demonstrate high percentages of energy sold back to the grid, and owner financial and tax assumptions cause large variations in break-even costs. Significant cost reduction and aggressive resolution of potential institutional impediments (e.g., liability, standards, metering, and technical integration) are required for a residential PV marker to become a major electric-grid-connected energy-generation source.

Borden, C. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Climate sensitivity with a seasonal cycle energy balance model

The sensitivity of climate which may have a local maximum as the ice cap passes through a midlatitude region where the atmosphere's transport efficiency varies strongly with latitude is examined. This behavior, found in a two level primitive equations climate model forced with annual mean insolation, was reproduced in an energy balance model (EBM) by making the diffusion coefficient a function of latitude. The two level seasonally varying EBM was applied and the global mean surface temperature vs. solar constant for this model are shown and two regions of enhanced sensitivity appear. The snowcover distributions around the year for three cases are shown.

Suarez, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Second-law efficiency of solar-thermal cavity receivers

Properly quantified performance of a solar-thermal cavity receiver must not only account for the energy gains and losses as dictated by the First Law of thermodynamics, but it must also account for the quality of that energy. However, energy quality can only be determined from the Second Law. An equation for the Second Law efficiency of a cavity receiver is derived from the definition of available energy, which is a thermodynamic property that measures the maximum amount of work obtainable when a system is allowed to come into unrestrained equilibrium with the surrounding environment. The fundamental concepts of the entropy and availability of radiation were explored from which a workable relationship among the reflected cone half-angle, the insolation, and the concentrator geometric characteristics was developed as part of the derivation of the Second Law efficiency. First and Second Law efficiencies were compared for data collected from two receivers that were designed for different purposes. A Second Law approach to quantifying the performance of a solar-thermal cavity receiver lends greater insight into the total performance than does the conventional First Law method.

Moynihan, P. I.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Thermal-stress analysis for wood composite blade

The thermal-stress induced by solar insolation on a wood composite blade of a Mod-OA wind turbine was investigated. The temperature distribution throughout the blade (a heat conduction problem) was analyzed and the thermal-stress distribution of the blades caused by the temperature distribution (a thermal-stress analysis problem) was then determined. The computer programs used for both problems are included along with output examples.

Fu, K. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Photovoltaic module encapsulation design and materials section, volume 2

Tests for chemical structure, material properties, water absorption, aging and curing agent of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and UV absorption studies are carried out. A computer model was developed for thermal optical modeling, to investigate dependence between module operating temperature and solar insolation, and heat dissapation behavior. Structural analyses were performed in order to determine the stress distribution under wind and heat conditions. Curves are shown for thermal loading conditions. An electrical isolation was carried out to investigate electrical stress aging of non-metallic encapsulation materials and limiting material flaws, and to develop a computer model of electrical fields and stresses in encapsulation materials. In addition, a mathematical model was developed and tests were conducted to predict hygroscopic and thermal expansion and contraction on a plastic coated wooden substrate. Thermal cycle and humidity freezing cycle tests, partial discharge tests, and hail impact tests were also carried out. Finally, the effects of soiling on the surface of photovoltaic modules were investigated. Two antisoiling coatings, a fluorinated silane and perflourodecanoic acid were considered.

Cuddihy, E. F.↗

NASA NTRS1984

VLA observations of the Galilean satellites

Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto have been observed at 2 and 6 cm with the VLA, when the Jovian system was about 4.46 AU from the earth. Flux densities and corresponding disk brightness temperatures are determined for the two wavelengths. The radio brightness temperatures are lower than in the IR, with the latter generally being consistent with the temperature derived from equilibrium with absorbed insolation. The radio temperatures are qualitatively consistent with the equilibrium temperature for fast rotating bodies, in view of the high radio reflectivity (low emissivity) determined by Ostro's (1982) radar measurements.

De Pater, I.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Investigation of energy management strategies for photovoltaic systems - A predictive control algorithm

The present investigation is concerned with the formulation of energy management strategies for stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems, taking into account a basic control algorithm for a possible predictive, (and adaptive) controller. The control system controls the flow of energy in the system according to the amount of energy available, and predicts the appropriate control set-points based on the energy (insolation) available by using an appropriate system model. Aspects of adaptation to the conditions of the system are also considered. Attention is given to a statistical analysis technique, the analysis inputs, the analysis procedure, and details regarding the basic control algorithm.

Cull, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Constraints on bulk composition, seasonal variation, and global dynamics of Pluto's atmosphere

The potential seasonal variation of Pluto's atmosphere is investigated by considering the behavior of the candidate atmospheric constituents Ne, N2, CO, O2, and Ar when individually mixed with CH4. The effects of diurnal and latitudinal variation of insolation and eclipses on the atmosphere are also studied. Seasonal effects are shown to dominate. It is shown that the atmospheric bulk may not be a minimum near aphelion but rather at intermediate distances from the sun during summer/winter where inadequate ice deposits may allow the atmosphere to collapse by freezing out over winter latitudes. The likely global circulation regimes for each model atmosphere are investigated as a function of temperature, and it is concluded that if CH4, O2, or CO dominates the atmosphere, Pluto will exhibit cyclic variations between an axially symmetric circulation system at perihelion and a baroclinic wave regime at aphelion. If N2 dominates the wave regime should hold continuously.

Stern, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Design of long-endurance unmanned airplanes incorporating solar and fuel cell propulsion

Attention is given to the design features and operational capabilities of a class of unmanned flight vehicles possessing multiday mission endurance capabilities, based on the use of a mixed-mode electric power system which incorporates solar cells for diurnal energy production and a nonregenerative H2-O2 fuel cell for nocturnal energy supply. Energy is thereby provided for not only propulsion, but also the operation of the payload and the vehicle's avionics. The excess solar energy available during high insolation portions of the diurnal period may be used for climb/maneuvering or payload-related functions. Empirical structure scaling algorithms are combined with low Reynolds number aerodynamics algorithms to estimate requisite size and geometry for the chosen mission. Wing loadings will be of the order of 0.9-1.3 lb/sq ft.

Youngblood, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Changes in atmospheric CO2 - Influence of the marine biota at high latitude

Approximately half of the nitrogen and phosphorus entering deep waters of the contemporary ocean are transported from the surface in inorganic form as preformed nutrients. A simple model for ocean chemistry is presented and shown to account for the present level of atmospheric CO2. Fluctuations in preformed nutrients, modulated by changes in insolation and circulation at high latitudes, can result in significant variations in CO2. It is suggested that these changes may account for the apparent control on climate exercised by secular variations in the orbital parameters of the earth.

Knox, F.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Structure of ices on satellites

The pressure densification of ices, in combination with density changes induced by pore migration in a thermal gradient and the phase transitions of water due to meteoritic bombardment (into either high pressure polymorphs or an amorphous phase) create a complex situation, which is not easily evaluated in either satellites or cometary nuclei. Accordingly, the present findings concerning solar system satellites and comets cannot be rendered quantitative. In general, due to insolation, icy satellites may have slightly warmer surfaces than their interiors. If there are CO2 ice inclusions in satellite water ices, they would have diffused as vapor along pores toward the cold interiors or, if near the surface, would have evaporated. The presence of pores and amorphous ice in cometary nuclei has an important effect on their flare-up and the size of the comas and tails.

Smoluchowski, R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Large seasonal variations in Triton's atmosphere

Consideration is given to the consequences of Triton's surface covering of volatile substances in view of the circularity of Neptune's orbit, which implies that Triton would have virtually no seasonal variations in either surface temperature or atmospheric bulk despite the complex precessional effects of its orbit. It is hypothesized that Triton's most volatile surface substances are probably relegated to latitudes higher than 35 deg, probably forming polar caps whose temperatures would be nearly equal even during the midwinter/midsummer peak insolation of the summer pole. If the summer pole completely sublimates during one of the 'major' summers, Triton's atmosphere may begin to freeze out over the winter caps and yield large and complex seasonal variations.

Trafton, L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Control Electronics for Solar/Flywheel Power Supply

Control circuit automatically directs flow of electrical energy to and from motor with flywheel that constitutes storage element of solar-power system. When insolation is sufficient for charging, power is supplied by solar-cell array to load and motor. During periods of darkness, motor made to act as generator, drawing kinetic energy from flywheel and supplying it to load.

Nola, F. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Physical Properties of Neptune and Triton Inferred from the Orbit of Triton

The orbital motion of Triton was redetermined from photographic data spanning the interval 1899-1981. The resulting ephemeris should provide Triton positions with respect to Neptune with an accuracy of plus or minus 500 km through the end of the century. The following physical results follow from the orbit solution. The inverse mass of Neptune + Triton is solar mass over (c sub N + m sub T) = 19490 plus or minus 40. No acceleration of the mean motion nor orbital eccentricity were detected, thus constraining the tidal dissipation factors of Neptune and Triton to O sub N less than or equal to 650 and QT less than or equal to 10,000. Tidal heating of Triton is presently insignificant. The gravitational harmonic J sub 2 of Neptune is 0.0043 plus or minus 0.0003 if Triton is as massive as m sub T/ M sub N = 0.00128, and if Neptune's spin is prograde with P approximately 18(h), or J sub 2 = 0.0037 plus or minus 0.0002 if Triton is much less massive. Triton undergoes extreme climatic variations due to the combined motion of it's orbit plane and Neptune's orbital motion. Approximately 10% of Triton's surface is presently hidden from diurnal insolation, which may provide a powerful cold trap for atmospheric voltatiles.

A W Harris↗

NASA NTRS1984

Seasonal Variations in Triton's Atmospheric Mass and Composition

Condensed phases of gases which make up the bulk of Triton's atmosphere are likely to exist on Triton's surface in the form of solid or liquid polar caps which extend as far as 55 deg from the poles. The mass of Triton's atmosphere is governed by the energy balance between the sunlight these caps absorb and the heat they radiate to space. The polar cap temperatures should be approximately equal and uniform over their surfaces. Because of the rapid precession of Triton's orbit about Neptune's pole, the insolation and, therefore, the temperature of the polar caps must vary in a complex fashion. The variations in the temperature of the polar caps will also cause seasonal variations in the mixing ratio of the volatile atmospheric gases owing to the different behaviors of their saturation vapor pressures with temperature. Triton's visible hemisphere is approaching a major southern summer with solstices. If the polar caps are not too thin a dramatic increase in the CH4 column abundance would occur.

Trafton, L. M.↗