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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.

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At least 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Exploring the Grid Value of Offshore Wind Energy in Oregon

The significant offshore wind energy potential of Oregon faces several challenges, including a power grid which was not developed for the purpose of transmitting energy from the ocean. The grid impacts of the energy resource are considered through the lenses of (i) resource complementarity with Variable Renewable Energy resources; (ii) correlations with load profiles from the four balancing authorities with territory in Oregon; and (iii) spatial value to regional and coastal grids as represented through a production cost model of the Western Interconnection. The capacity implications of the interactions between offshore wind and the historical east-to-west power flows of the region are discussed. The existing system is shown to accommodate more than two gigawatts of offshore wind interconnections with minimal curtailment. Through three gigawatts of interconnection, transmission flows indicate a reduction of coastal and statewide energy imports as well as minimal statewide energy exports.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1989

The role of the host in a cooperating mainframe and workstation environment, volumes 1 and 2

In recent years, advancements made in computer systems have prompted a move from centralized computing based on timesharing a large mainframe computer to distributed computing based on a connected set of engineering workstations. A major factor in this advancement is the increased performance and lower cost of engineering workstations. The shift to distributed computing from centralized computing has led to challenges associated with the residency of application programs within the system. In a combined system of multiple engineering workstations attached to a mainframe host, the question arises as to how does a system designer assign applications between the larger mainframe host and the smaller, yet powerful, workstation. The concepts related to real time data processing are analyzed and systems are displayed which use a host mainframe and a number of engineering workstations interconnected by a local area network. In most cases, distributed systems can be classified as having a single function or multiple functions and as executing programs in real time or nonreal time. In a system of multiple computers, the degree of autonomy of the computers is important; a system with one master control computer generally differs in reliability, performance, and complexity from a system in which all computers share the control. This research is concerned with generating general criteria principles for software residency decisions (host or workstation) for a diverse yet coupled group of users (the clustered workstations) which may need the use of a shared resource (the mainframe) to perform their functions.

Kusmanoff, Antone↗
NASA NTRS2013

Controlling Tensegrity Robots Through Evolution

Tensegrity structures (built from interconnected rods and cables) have the potential to offer a revolutionary new robotic design that is light-weight, energy-efficient, robust to failures, capable of unique modes of locomotion, impact tolerant, and compliant (reducing damage between the robot and its environment). Unfortunately robots built from tensegrity structures are difficult to control with traditional methods due to their oscillatory nature, nonlinear coupling between components and overall complexity. Fortunately this formidable control challenge can be overcome through the use of evolutionary algorithms. In this paper we show that evolutionary algorithms can be used to efficiently control a ball-shaped tensegrity robot. Experimental results performed with a variety of evolutionary algorithms in a detailed soft-body physics simulator show that a centralized evolutionary algorithm performs 400 percent better than a hand-coded solution, while the multi-agent evolution performs 800 percent better. In addition, evolution is able to discover diverse control solutions (both crawling and rolling) that are robust against structural failures and can be adapted to a wide range of energy and actuation constraints. These successful controls will form the basis for building high-performance tensegrity robots in the near future.

Robot↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enabling Interconnected Science Workflows through an Adapter Approach

The INTERSECT Software framework project aims to create an open federated library that connects, coordinates, and controls systems in the scientific domain. It features the Adapter, a flexible and extensible interface inspired by the Adapter design pattern in object-oriented programming. By utilizing Adapters, the INTERSECT SDK enables effective communication and coordination within a diverse ecosystem of systems. This adaptability facilitates the execution of complex operations within the framework, promoting collaboration and efficient workflow management in scientific research. Additionally, the generalizability of Adapters and their patterns enhances their utility in other scientific software projects and challenges.

McGaha, Jesse↗
DOE OSTI2020

Analysis of Planar-Cavity Receiver Reactor for Solar Thermochemical Dry-Reforming

Concentrating solar thermal (CST) systems can be leveraged to provide not only heat for power generation, but also for energy storage and thermochemical fuel production. Such solar thermochemical processes have been studied conceptually, from solar thermochemical hydrogen production (STCH) and thermochemical energy storage (TCES), to gasification, reforming, and fuel upgrading by various means. The solar receiver and reactor are critical components in the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy in the form of 'solar fuels'. For effective conversion of solar energy within a coupled solar receiver-reactor, extremely high temperatures are required, thereby demanding a high solar concentration ratio (CR) for efficient operation. This creates a design challenge for the receiver-reactor, as many thermochemical processes involve gas or gas-solid systems that are limited by low heat transfer coefficients. A unique receiver design is proposed that has the potential to incorporate various high-temperature thermochemical processes such as TCES-assisted power generation, methane reforming, or STCH processes. Modeling this receiver and its potential applications requires a full three-dimensional model that accurately captures the interconnected effects of receiver geometry, spatial solar irradiance, complex radiation, reaction kinetics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. In this paper we analyze a CST system integrated with this unique planar-cavity receiver-reactor design using the developed model. The model presented in this paper showed where improved thermal management was needed to achieve suitable receiver performance when a dry-methane reforming process is implemented.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

An overview of the operation architectures and energy management system for multiple microgrid clusters

The emerging novel energy infrastructures, such as energy communities, smart building-based microgrids, electric vehicles enabled mobile energy storage units raise the requirements for a more interconnective and interoperable energy system. It leads to a transition from simple and isolated microgrids to relatively large-scale and complex interconnected microgrid systems named multi-microgrid clusters. In order to efficiently, optimally, and flexibly control multi-microgrid clusters, cross-disciplinary technologies such as power electronics, control theory, optimization algorithms, information and communication technologies, cyber-physical, and big-data analysis are needed. This paper introduces an overview of the relevant aspects for multi-microgrids, including the outstanding features, architectures, typical applications, existing control mechanisms, as well as the challenges.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS2000

Thermal Characterization for a Modular 3-D Multichip Module

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has designed a high-density modular 3-D multichip module (MCM) for future spaceflight use. This MCM features a complete modular structure, i.e., each stack can be removed from the package without damaging the structure. The interconnection to the PCB is through the Column Grid Array (CGA) technology. Because of its high-density nature, large power dissipation from multiple layers of circuitry is anticipated and CVD diamond films are used in the assembly for heat conduction enhancement. Since each stacked layer dissipates certain amount of heat, designing effective heat conduction paths through each stack and balancing the heat dissipation within each stack for optimal thermal performance become a challenging task. To effectively remove the dissipated heat from the package, extensive thermal analysis has been performed with finite element methods. Through these analyses, we are able to improve the thermal design and increase the total wattage of the package for maximum electrical performance. This paper provides details on the design-oriented thermal analysis and performance enhancement. It also addresses issues relating to contact thermal resistance between the diamond film and the metallic heat conduction paths.

Fan, Mark S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Systems engineering for very large systems

Very large integrated systems have always posed special problems for engineers. Whether they are power generation systems, computer networks or space vehicles, whenever there are multiple interfaces, complex technologies or just demanding customers, the challenges are unique. 'Systems engineering' has evolved as a discipline in order to meet these challenges by providing a structured, top-down design and development methodology for the engineer. This paper attempts to define the general class of problems requiring the complete systems engineering treatment and to show how systems engineering can be utilized to improve customer satisfaction and profit ability. Specifically, this work will focus on a design methodology for the largest of systems, not necessarily in terms of physical size, but in terms of complexity and interconnectivity.

Lewkowicz, Paul E.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Multi-level Simulation of a Real Time Vibration Monitoring System Component

This paper describes the development of a custom built Digital Signal Processing (DSP) printed circuit board designed to implement the Advanced Real Time Vibration Monitoring Subsystem proposed by MSFC Transportation Directorate in 2000 for the Space Shuttle Main Engine Advanced Health Management System (AHMS). This Real Time Vibration Monitoring System (RTVMS) is being developed for ground use as part of the AHMS Health Management Computer-Integrated Rack Assembly (HMC-IRA). The HMC-IRA RTVMS design contains five DSPs which are highly interconnected through individual communication ports, shared memory, and a unique communication router that allows all the DSPs to receive digitized data from two multi-channel analog boards simultaneously. This paper will briefly cover the overall board design but will focus primarily on the state-of-the-art simulation environment within which this board was developed. This 16-layer board with over 1800 components and an additional mezzanine card has been an extremely challenging design. Utilization of a Mentor Graphics simulation environment provided the unique board and system level simulation capability to ascertain any timing or functional concerns before production. By combining VHDL, Synopsys Software and Hardware Models, and the Mentor Design Capture Environment, multiple simulations were developed to verify the RTVMS design. This multi-level simulation allowed the designers to achieve complete operability without error the first time the RTVMS printed circuit board was powered. The HMCIRA design has completed all engineering unit testing and the deliverable unit is currently under development.

Roberston, Bryan↗
NASA NTRS2005

Multi-level Simulation of a Real Time Vibration Monitoring System Component

This paper describes the development of a custom built Digital Signal Processing (DSP) printed circuit board designed to implement the Advanced Real Time Vibration Monitoring Subsystem proposed by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Transportation Directorate in 2000 for the Space Shuttle Main Engine Advanced Health Management System (AHMS). This Real Time Vibration Monitoring System (RTVMS) is being developed for ground use as part of the AHMS Health Management Computer-Integrated Rack Assembly (HMC-IRA). The HMC-IRA RTVMS design contains five DSPs which are highly interconnected through individual communication ports, shared memory, and a unique communication router that allows all the DSPs to receive digitized data fiom two multi-channel analog boards simultaneously. This paper will briefly cover the overall board design but will focus primarily on the state-of-the-art simulation environment within which this board was developed. This 16-layer board with over 1800 components and an additional mezzanine card has been an extremely challenging design. Utilization of a Mentor Graphics simulation environment provided the unique board and system level simulation capability to ascertain any timing or functional concerns before production. By combining VHDL, Synopsys Software and Hardware Models, and the Mentor Design Capture Environment, multiple simulations were developed to verify the RTVMS design. This multi-level simulation allowed the designers to achieve complete operability without error the first time the RTVMS printed circuit board was powered. The HMC-IRA design has completed all engineering and deliverable unit testing. P

Robertson, Bryan A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Pathways to the Next-Generation Power System With Inverter-Based Resources: Challenges and recommendations

Managing the stability of today's electric power systems is based on decades of experience with the physical properties and control responses of large synchronous generators. Today's electric power systems are rapidly transitioning toward having an increasing proportion of generation from nontraditional sources, such as wind and solar (among others), as well as energy storage devices, such as batteries. In addition to the variable nature of many renewable generation sources (because of the weather-driven nature of their fuel supply), these newer sources vary in size - from residential-scale rooftop systems to utility-scale power plants - and they are interconnected throughout the electric grid, both from within the distribution system and directly to the high-voltage transmission system. Most important for our purposes, many of these new resources are connected to the power system through power electronic inverters. Collectively, we refer to these sources as inverter-based resources.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cities Are Concentrators of Complex, MultiSectoral Interactions Within the Human-Earth System

Cities are concentrators of complex, multi-sectoral interactions. As keystones in the interconnected human-Earth system, cities have an outsized impact on the Earth system. We describe a multi-lens framework for organizing our understanding of the complexity of urban systems and scientific research on urban systems, which may be useful for natural system scientists exploring the ways their work can be made more actionable. We then describe four critical dimensions along which improvements are needed to advance the urban research that addresses urgent climate challenges: (a) solutions-oriented research, (b) equity-centered assessments which rely on fine-scale human and ecological data, (c) co-production of knowledge, and (d) better integration of human and natural systems occurring through theory, observation, and modeling.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Extending High-Level Synthesis with AI/ML Methods

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methods provide significant opportunities of improving quality of results when performing high-level synthesis (HLS). For example, they can be used to model and predict metrics of the final design (e.g., area, considering aspects such as interconnect overhead for different device technologies), facilitating exploration when searching for the best design trade-offs. They can also enable identifying hidden correlations across the various phases of the synthesis and the various optimizations performed, identifying the most effective pipelines. Finally, in more general terms, bio-inspired heuristic algorithms can improve the design space exploration for the synthesis process in terms of time and quality of the result. This paper discusses opportunities and challenges to augment HLS with AI/ML using as example flow the SODA Synthesizer, an open-source hardware generation toolchain which includes SODA-OPT, a hardware/software partitioning and pre-optimization tool developed with the MLIR framework, and PandA-Bambu, a state-of-the art HLS tool. SODA interfaces with OpenROAD to provide a complete end-to-end toolchain.

artificial intelligence↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nickel-incorporated Oxide Composites for Fiber-Optic Based Gas Sensing

Numerous high-value applications within the energy sector involve environmental conditions that are incompatible with traditional sensor technology due to degradation of electrical interconnects, packaging, or the sensors themselves. These can include chemically harsh conditions, high temperature operation, or the presence of electromagnetic interference due to high voltage. The fiber optic platform, constructed of robust, electrically insulating glass or single crystal oxides, offers a versatile and often low cost per node solution to this problem, especially with the integration of distributed sensing techniques such as optical time-domain and frequency-domain reflectometry (OTDR, OFDR). A major challenge of gas and chemical sensing on the optical fiber platform is the fabrication of robust and stable sensing materials that interact quickly and reversibly to the presence of the target analytes. In this work, we discuss the utilization of nickel-incorporated oxides on evanescent-field optical fiber sensors for gas sensing under harsh conditions relevant to multiple energy infrastructure applications. This paper will discuss a Ni/GDC (Ni / Gd-doped ceria) based sensing layer targeting conditions relevant for high-temperature (up to at least 800 oC) hydrogen sensing applications (e.g., for operation within a solid oxide fuel cell or electrolyzer). The impact of hydrogen at elevated temperatures on the optical properties of Ni/GDC will be shown and the material mechanisms for the optical response will be discussed.

gas sensors↗
DOE OSTI2026

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Licensing and Permitting [Slides]

This presentation provides an overview of the licensing, permitting, and regulatory frameworks governing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across multiple international contexts. It outlines foundational permitting considerations - including safety standards, siting requirements, regulatory and environmental obligations, and interconnection processes - alongside typical pathways for installation, approval, and inspection. The presentation summarizes key technical standards such as NFPA 855 and IEEE guidelines, and emphasizes best practices for safe and effective deployment. A series of detailed case studies from South Africa, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic illustrates how different countries structure approval authority, evaluate environmental impacts, and integrate BESS into national grid systems. The deck concludes with insights on emerging challenges, including evolving regulatory frameworks, financial viability, and the need for pricing mechanisms that accurately value storage services.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1986

Technology achievements and projections for communication satellites of the future

Multibeam systems of the future using monolithic microwave integrated circuits to provide phase control and power gain are contrasted with discrete microwave power amplifiers from 10 to 75 W and their associated waveguide feeds, phase shifters and power splitters. Challenging new enabling technology areas include advanced electrooptical control and signal feeds. Large scale MMIC's will be used incorporating on chip control interfaces, latching, and phase and amplitude control with power levels of a few watts each. Beam forming algorithms for 80 to 90 deg. wide angle scanning and precise beam forming under wide ranging environments will be required. Satelllite systems using these dynamically reconfigured multibeam antenna systems will demand greater degrees of beam interconnectivity. Multiband and multiservice users will be interconnected through the same space platform. Monolithic switching arrays operating over a wide range of RF and IF frequencies are contrasted with current IF switch technology implemented discretely. Size, weight, and performance improvements by an order of magnitude are projected.

Bagwell, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Technology achievements and projections for communication satellites of the future

Multibeam systems of the future using monolithic microwave integrated circuits to provide phase control and power gain are contrasted with discrete microwave power amplifiers from 10 to 75 W and their associated waveguide feeds, phase shifters and power splitters. Challenging new enabling technology areas include advanced electrooptical control and signal feeds. Large scale MMIC's will be used incorporating on chip control interfaces, latching, and phase and amplitude control with power levels of a few watts each. Beam forming algorithms for 80 to 90 deg wide angle scanning and precise beam forming under wide ranging environments will be required. Satellite systems using these dynamically reconfigured multibeam antenna systems will demand greater degrees of beam interconnectivity. Multiband and multiservice users will be interconnected through the same space platform. Monolithic switching arrays operating over a wide range of RF and IF frequencies are contrasted with current IF switch technology implemented discretely. Size, weight, and performance improvements by an order of magnitude are projected.

Bagwell, J. W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nickel-incorporated Oxide Composites for Fiber-Optic Based Gas Sensing

Numerous high-value applications within the energy sector involve environmental conditions that are incompatible with traditional sensor technology due to degradation of electrical interconnects, packaging, or the sensors themselves. These can include chemically harsh conditions, high temperature operation, or the presence of electromagnetic interference due to high voltage. The fiber optic platform, constructed of robust, electrically insulating glass or single crystal oxides, offers a versatile and often low cost per node solution to this problem, especially with the integration of distributed sensing techniques such as optical time-domain and frequency-domain reflectometry (OTDR, OFDR). A major challenge of gas and chemical sensing on the optical fiber platform is the fabrication of robust and stable sensing materials that interact quickly and reversibly to the presence of the target analytes. In this work, we discuss the utilization of nickel-incorporated oxides on evanescent-field optical fiber sensors for gas sensing under harsh conditions relevant to multiple energy infrastructure applications. This paper will discuss a Ni/GDC (Ni / Gd-doped ceria) based sensing layer targeting conditions relevant for high-temperature (up to at least 800oC) hydrogen sensing applications (e.g., for operation within a solid oxide fuel cell or electrolyzer). The impact of hydrogen at elevated temperatures on the optical properties of Ni/GDC will be shown and the material mechanisms for the optical response will be discussed.

gas sensors↗