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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Design, Analyses and Validation of Sliding Mode Control for a DAB DC-DC Converter

In this paper, a comprehensive voltage control loop design for a dual active bridge (DAB)DC-DC converter is proposed using the sliding mode control (SMC), where the coefficients are formed to ensure both small signal and large signal stability of the system. The major objectives of the proposed SMC are to enhance the converter dynamics and attain a tight output voltage regulation under fast load fluctuations or during start-up. In addition, dynamic performance of the system is examined considering the steady state error and overshoot. The proposed control method is capable of achieving soft-switching operation by determining the effective duty phase displacement range. To verify the proposed method, a hardware prototype of a DAB converter is developed and evaluated, and the effectiveness of the loop design is validated by the experiment. It is observed that overshoot is eliminated in the start-up test and the fast settling time is achieved.

Zou, Shenli↗
DOE OSTI2026

Multi-Objective Boundary Analysis of Discrete and Integrated SiC FET Modular Non-inverting Buck and Boost Converters for Fuel Cell EVs

This paper presents a multi-objective analysis of discrete and integrated SiC FET-based non-inverting buck-boost converter modules for modular fuel cell electric vehicle (EV) systems. Two converter ratings, 60 kW and 90 kW, are evaluated for both implementations, scalable up to 420 kW and 450 kW, respectively. Performance is assessed across efficiency, volumetric and gravimetric power density, cost, thermal stress, and estimated lifetime, where lifetime is derived from SiC FET B10 power-cycling data and junction temperature variations at rated power. A normalized overall performance index combined with a Pareto-boundary framework is used to identify configurations that optimally balance competing objectives. Results show that most configurations lie on the Pareto front, providing balanced trade-offs, while certain high-power discrete (90 kW at 450 kW) and integrated (60 kW at 180−420 kW) configurations are dominated. In general, discrete modules are more favorable for lower-power modular systems due to higher power density and lower cost, whereas integrated modules become more advantageous at higher power levels due to improved thermal behavior and longer lifetime. These findings provide practical design guidance for scalable fuel cell converter architectures and highlight the importance of system-level trade-offs in modular power electronics design.

Asa, Erdem [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000190884812)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Design Paradigm for Modular Multilevel Converter-Based Generator Rectifier Systems

Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) are being widely considered for medium to high voltage DC applications. Designing such converters through multi-objective optimization is of interest because such an approach allows the trade-off between competing objectives (for example mass and loss) to be explicitly and quantitatively identified. In this work, an optimization based design paradigm for MMC based generator rectifier systems is proposed. Such development typically requires detailed component design and simulation models for the electric machine and converter which are computationally expensive. As an alternative, the proposed work utilizes an electric machine metamodel, inductor metamodel, and high-speed steady-state simulation model for the MMC to facilitate multi-objective optimization minimizing system metrics of interest while satisfying system constraints. A case study is undertaken to demonstrate the functionality of the proposed design paradigm.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2019

A Rotational Control in Medium-Voltage Modular Solid-State Transformer-Based Converter System

This article presents a novel control strategy to significantly reduce the high-frequency transformer loss in a modular solid-state transformer (SST) based converter system. The modular SST design is based on an ac-dc power-electronic building block comprised of an H-bridge at the ac input and a bidirectional soft-switching isolated dc-dc converter with a medium-voltage insulated high-frequency transformer. The ac terminals of input H-bridges are connected in series and directly coupled to the medium-voltage ac line, while the output dc terminals are all connected in parallel at a low voltage. The key innovation described in this paper, without sacrificing the output performance, is the control scheme that reduces core and winding losses associated with the dc-dc resonant stage by turning off the selected dc-dc converters in synchronism with the line voltage. The prototype for the test described in this paper is based on a modular SST where each module is rated at 50 kVA, with a 200 kHz transformer using 1.7 kV silicon carbide discrete mosfets, but the described control concepts are more broadly applicable to similar topologies.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Improved Frequency-Domain Steady-State Modeling of the Dual-Active-Bridge Converter Considering Finite ZVS Transition Time Effects

This article presents an improved analytical modeling (IAM) approach for the dual-active-bridge (DAB) converter in the frequency-domain. Specifically, finite transition times are incorporated into the improved modeling that are significant in DAB converters operated at high frequency. The IAM approach is first motivated by comparing traditional frequency-domain modeling against realistic simulation results in LTspice. Next, the IAM approach is mathematically developed in an iterative fashion, where the conventional frequency-domain approach is used as the initialization of the operational behavior of the converter. Subsequent iterations of the IAM algorithm incorporate finite rise- and falltimes of device output capacitances based on detailed switching behavior analyses, which may considerably perturb the desired modulation parameters (i.e., phase shift and zero states). While the initially proposed IAM approach demonstrates advantages over ideal modeling, it is still shown to exhibit errors when applied to device transitions with significant nonlinearity in parasitic output capacitance. To account for this, a three-slope approximation to the switching transition is then motivated and developed, which enables significantly improved steady-state prediction accuracy. Simulation and experimental results confirm unacceptable inaccuracies associated with the conventional frequency-domain modeling across a wide range of operating conditions, alongside enhanced accuracy provided by the proposed modeling approach.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

DESIGN AND DYNAMICS OF HYBRID WAVE AND CURRENT ENERGY CONVERTER

The ocean has been identified as one of the most promising energy sources and it can be comprehended as the “unlimited” energy source as well. Therefore, a reasonable exploitation and development on ocean energy recovery are applicable in this energy shortage era. This paper investigates the design and dynamic analysis of the Hybrid Wave and Current Energy Converter (HWCEC), which uses current and wave to recover energy from the ocean. In general, the HWCEC system contains the oscillating buoy and rotating turbine, while the ocean wave and current pass through the system. The energy harvested from the ocean flows through the Mechanical Motion Rectifier (MMR) gearbox [1], and the oscillating motion is converted to a unidirectional rotational motion, which will drive the generator and produce electricity. The dynamic of the HWCEC is developed by combing the dynamics of a heaving buoy, a horizontal axis hydro-turbine and the working status of an MMR-based Power Take-off system (PTO). A 1:10 scaled down prototype has been manufactured and assembled. Further tests will be conducted in the cooperating facilities. Simulation is conducted based on hydrodynamic coefficients obtained from WAMIT and the blade element momentum theory for the scaled-down prototype. Considering a regular wave with 0.08 meters of wave height with 1 second of wave period together with 0.3m/s constant current velocity, Results show that the HWCEC has an improvement in the energy extraction ratio compared to a traditional Wave Energy Converter (WEC) by 53%. The simulation indicates the fact that harvesting energy from both wave and current is simply more efficient than the traditional types of ocean energy harvester, which consists of only harvesting energy from a single source.

Chen, Shuo↗
DOE OSTI2015

MO-F-CAMPUS-I-02: Accuracy in Converting the Average Breast Dose Into the Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) Using the F-Factor in Cone Beam Breast CT- a Monte Carlo Study Using Homogeneous and Quasi-Homogeneous Phantoms

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy in estimating the mean glandular dose (MGD) for homogeneous breast phantoms by converting from the average breast dose using the F-factor in cone beam breast CT. Methods: EGSnrc-based Monte Carlo codes were used to estimate the MGDs. 13-cm in diameter, 10-cm high hemi-ellipsoids were used to simulate pendant-geometry breasts. Two different types of hemi-ellipsoidal models were employed: voxels in quasi-homogeneous phantoms were designed as either adipose or glandular tissue while voxels in homogeneous phantoms were designed as the mixture of adipose and glandular tissues. Breast compositions of 25% and 50% volume glandular fractions (VGFs), defined as the ratio of glandular tissue voxels to entire breast voxels in the quasi-homogeneous phantoms, were studied. These VGFs were converted into glandular fractions by weight and used to construct the corresponding homogeneous phantoms. 80 kVp x-rays with a mean energy of 47 keV was used in the simulation. A total of 109 photons were used to image the phantoms and the energies deposited in the phantom voxels were tallied. Breast doses in homogeneous phantoms were averaged over all voxels and then used to calculate the MGDs using the F-factors evaluated at the mean energy of the x-rays. The MGDs for quasi-homogeneous phantoms were computed directly by averaging the doses over all glandular tissue voxels. The MGDs estimated for the two types of phantoms were normalized to the free-in-air dose at the iso-center and compared. Results: The normalized MGDs were 0.756 and 0.732 mGy/mGy for the 25% and 50% VGF homogeneous breasts and 0.761 and 0.733 mGy/mGy for the corresponding quasi-homogeneous breasts, respectively. The MGDs estimated for the two types of phantoms were similar within 1% in this study. Conclusion: MGDs for homogeneous breast models may be adequately estimated by converting from the average breast dose using the F-factor.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Laser (λ = 809 nm) power converter based on GaAs

Laser-power converters with a wavelength of λ = 809 nm are fabricated on the basis of single-junction AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures grown by the method of liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE). Photovoltaic modules with an operating voltage of 4 V for converting radiation of various densities are developed and tested. Two approaches—without the use of optical concentrating systems and with the use of Fresnel lenses are investigated. A monochromatic conversion efficiency exceeding 44% is attained with a photovoltaic module based on 64 laser-radiation converters 0.04 cm{sup 2} in area and a concentrating system made of a quartz-lens matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Comparative Characteristic Analysis of Thermophotovoltaic p-InAsSbP/n-InAs Converters Irradiated on p- and n-Sides

The basic characteristics of thermophotovoltaic heterostructure p-InAsSbP/n-InAs converters have been simulated. The converters have been designed so that a contact to the irradiated p-InAsSbP layer has a limited area or, in the flip-chip design, radiation is introduced through a contact-free part of the n{sup +}-InAs substrate. It has been shown that the design features of the converter influence its efficiency and active region temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2012

D-Cluster Converter Foil for Laser-Accelerated Deuteron Beams: Towards Deuteron-Beam-Driven Fast Ignition

Fast Ignition (FI) uses Petawatt laser generated particle beam pulse to ignite a small volume called a pre-compressed Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) target, and is the favored method to achieve the high energy gain per target burn needed for an attractive ICF power plant. Ion beams such as protons, deuterons or heavier carbon ions are especially appealing for FI as they have relative straight trajectory, and easier to focus on the fuel capsule. But current experiments have encountered problems with the 'converter-foil' which is irradiated by the Petawatt laser to produce the ion beams. The problems include depletion of the available ions in the convertor foils, and poor energy efficiency (ion beam energy/ input laser energy). We proposed to develop a volumetrically-loaded ultra-high-density deuteron deuterium cluster material as the basis for converter-foil for deuteron beam generation. The deuterons will fuse with the ICF DT while they slow down, providing an extra 'bonus' energy gain in addition to heating the hot spot. Also, due to the volumetric loading, the foil will provide sufficient energetic deuteron beam flux for 'hot spot' ignition, while avoiding the depletion problem encountered by current proton-driven FI foils. After extensive comparative studies, in Phase I, high purity PdO/Pd/PdO foils were selected for the high packing fraction D-Cluster converter foils. An optimized loading process has been developed to increase the cluster packing fraction in this type of foil. As a result, the packing fraction has been increased from 0.1% to 10% - meeting the original Phase I goal and representing a significant progress towards the beam intensities needed for both FI and pulsed neutron applications. Fast Ignition provides a promising approach to achieve high energy gain target performance needed for commercial Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). This is now a realistic goal for near term in view of the anticipated ICF target burn at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in CA within a year. This will usher in the technology development Phase of ICF after years of research aimed at achieving breakeven experiment. Methods to achieve the high energy gain needed for a competitive power plant will then be a key developmental issue, and our D-cluster target for Fast Ignition (FI) is expected to meet that need.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

ADEPT Final Report: Dynamic Control of Grid Assets Using Direct AC Converter Cells

Seedling funding was secured through the ARPA-E program to develop a robust, utility-scale Power Converter Augmented Transformer (PCAT). The project designed, fabricated, and tested two 13 kV, 1 MW PCATs operating at an effective switching frequency of up to 50 kHz and at an efficiency of greater than 99%. Two versions of the PCAT were fabricated – one using an imputed DC link (IDCL) topology and the other using a back-to-back (BTB) topology. The IDCL avoids the use of electrolytic capacitors for bulk energy storage, thus improving the lifetime and decreasing the size of the converter, while the BTB topology uses an industry-proven topology that is more commercially viable in the short term. To give the PCAT a lifetime and maintenance profile compatible with typical existing utility assets, a novel Passive Thermal Management System (PTMS) was designed and integrated into both PCATs. The PTMS uses a thermosiphon to remove heat from the power electronic devices without forced cooling and reject it to the ambient environment. In addition, a fail-normal feature was implemented to ensure that in the event of PCAT failure the functionality of the underlying transformer is retained. Attainment of project objectives was verified through testing at the Georgia Tech National Electrical Energy Testing Research and Applications Center (NEETRAC). The IDCL-based PCAT had an efficiency of more than 99.10% and the BTB-based PCAT had an efficiency of more than 99.75%. During testing, the PTMS exceeded project requirements by rejecting the 5 kW output of the converters to a 40 °C environment while keeping devices junction temperatures within their tolerances.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Mathematical Formulation used by MATLAB Code to Convert FTIR Interferograms to Calibrated Spectra

This report discusses the mathematical procedures used to convert raw interferograms from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) sensors to calibrated spectra. The work discussed in this report was completed as part of the Helios project at Los Alamos National Laboratory. MATLAB code was developed to convert the raw interferograms to calibrated spectra. The report summarizes the developed MATLAB scripts and functions, along with a description of the mathematical methods used by the code. The first step in working with raw interferograms is to convert them to uncalibrated spectra by applying an apodization function to the raw data and then by performing a Fourier transform. The developed MATLAB code also addresses phase error correction by applying the Mertz method. This report provides documentation for the MATLAB scripts.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Average X-Ray Energy from Optimized Tantalum / Carbon Bremsstrahlung Converters

A set of coupled electron/photon radiation transport calculations were performed on optimized Ta / C converters due to questions about previous work at Sandia National Laboratories by Halbleib and Sanford. Generally, the results of the previous calculations were confirmed. However, new relationships between the incident electron beam energy and the average energy of a bremsstrahlung x-ray spectrum for the converters have been defined for the incident electron energy range of 50 keV to 15 MeV as well as for the narrower range of 50 keV to 1 MeV. The relationships were developed by bracketing the results of radiation transport calculations rather than by a rigorous mathematical fit to the data. Additional data such as the total x-ray or the energy spectra of the x-ray fluence exiting the Ta / C converters are available upon request.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Niowave Power Converter Modeling and Testing

Niowave has designed, built and is now using in-beam a low power (up to 10 kW) lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) converter. In this concept, an electron beam is passed through a falling layer of LBE, converting the electron to neutrons which then pass into a vessel which is functionally a subcritical reactor configuration. A detailed report has been written by Niowave, entitled “LBE Neutron Converter Manual.” The LANL contribution has been modeling, followed by a flow visualization model made in quartz. The LANL contribution is reported herein.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Applying Machine Learning to the Classification of DC-DC Converters (Milestone 2 Deliverable Report)

Since extending the Autodetector to a convolutional neural network (CNN) machine learning classifier model, an effort has been executed to demonstrate its ability to distinguish not only a switching DC-DC converter as high voltage, but identify the make and model of a converter on which it was trained. This was achieved by collecting data in a noisy environment, pre-processing the time domain data to obtain composite images using a method that improves upon that of the prior research, then validating a trained CNN model to an accuracy of 100% on a selected candidate converter.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Niowave Flow Testing of the High Power Converter - FY 21

Design work for a 100 kW converter to produce a neutron flux via electron impact on a flowing stream of liquid metal lead-bismuth (LBE) was conducted in FY20. In FY21, the focus shifted to a 20 kW converter which was designed in collaboration with Niowave engineers. A flow visualization model is needed to validate model results for the 20 kW converter and ensure adequate coolant flow over containment structures. This work highlights the mockup that was made with quartz side plates by LANL.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Application of Controller Area Network for Power Converter Network Monitoring and Control

This presentation explores the adaptation and implementation of CAN bus technology in a network of power converters, emphasizing its potential beyond automotive applications. In this system, multiple power converters can utilize the CAN bus to transmit diverse data types, each assigned specific message and node IDs. A central controller continuously monitors the status of each converter, ensuring efficient management and coordination of power distribution. Additionally, an individual CAN node is

Montoya, Armando Yassir↗
DOE OSTI2020

Robust Control of Wave Energy Converters Using Unstructured Uncertainty

In the design of ocean wave energy converters, proper control design is essential to the maximization of the power generation performance for the device. However, in realistic applications, this control design must be undertaken in the presence of model uncertainty. This paper considers the use of robust control theory to optimize the nominal performance for a wave energy converter in stochastic waves, subject to the constraint that the controller be stability-robust to unstructured uncertainties. We formulate the problem as a multi-objective optimal control problem, in which the primary objective is the maximization of power generation for the nominal system, and the competing objective is the norm of the uncertainty input/output channel. This optimal control problem is nonconvex, and we therefore propose an iterative algorithm that can be used to arrive at a local optimal solution. This iterative approach employs the concept of Iterative Convex Overbounding, in the context of the classical Method of Centers. Here, the methodology is demonstrated on a model of a single, buoy- type wave energy converter.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗