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At least 487 records · Page 27

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2002

Thermally Stable, Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Polymeric Substrates and Method Relating Thereto

A thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate was prepared, This thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate may be used to prepare electromechanical transducers, thermomechanical transducers, accelerometers, acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, impact sensors. in-situ temperature sensors, in-situ stress/strain sensors, micro actuators, switches. adjustable fresnel lenses, speakers, tactile sensors, weather sensors, micro positioners, ultrasonic devices, power generators, tunable reflectors, microphones, and hydrophones. The process for preparing these polymeric substrates includes: providing a polymeric substrate having a softening temperature greater than 100 C; depositing a metal electrode material onto the polymer film; attaching a plurality of electrical leads to the metal electrode coated polymeric substrates; heating the metal electrode coated polymeric substrate in a low dielectric medium; applying a voltage to the heated metal electrode coated polymeric substrate to induce polarization; and cooling the polarized metal electrode coated polymeric electrode while maintaining a constant voltage.

Joycelyn O Simpson↗

NASA NTRS2005

NASA Glenn Research Center Program in High Power Density Motors for Aeropropulsion

Electric drive of transport-sized aircraft propulsors, with electric power generated by fuel cells or turbo-generators, will require electric motors with much higher power density than conventional room-temperature machines. Cryogenic cooling of the motor windings by the liquid hydrogen fuel offers a possible solution, enabling motors with higher power density than turbine engines. Some context on weights of various systems, which is required to assess the problem, is presented. This context includes a survey of turbine engine weights over a considerable size range, a correlation of gear box weights and some examples of conventional and advanced electric motor weights. The NASA Glenn Research Center program for high power density motors is outlined and some technical results to date are presented. These results include current densities of 5,000 A per square centimeter current density achieved in cryogenic coils, finite element predictions compared to measurements of torque production in a switched reluctance motor, and initial tests of a cryogenic switched reluctance motor.

Brown, Gerald V.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Optimization, Design, and Demonstration of 1 kW Stirling Controller Using Capacitor-based Power Factor Correction

Free-piston Stirling convertors provide efficient, reliable thermal to electric power conversion, provided they are paired with a reliable controller. This paper outlines work underway on design concepts for kilowatt-class controllers. Using passive power factor correction (PFC) this design explores the possibility of reducing programmatic risk through system simplification. Efficiency is maximized through incorporating wide-bandgap gallium nitride (GaN) switches, and passive PFC volume is minimized through the use of polymer multi-layer capacitors. This work is aimed at exploring new approaches for future Stirling controllers.

Christopher Barth↗

NASA NTRS1992

Electromechanical systems with transient high power response operating from a resonant ac link

The combination of an inherently robust asynchronous (induction) electrical machine with the rapid control of energy provided by a high frequency resonant ac link enables the efficient management of higher power levels with greater versatility. This could have a variety of applications from launch vehicles to all-electric automobiles. These types of systems utilize a machine which is operated by independent control of both the voltage and frequency. This is made possible by using an indirect field-oriented control method which allows instantaneous torque control all four operating quadrants. Incorporating the ac link allows the converter in these systems to switch at the zero crossing of every half cycle of the ac waveform. This zero loss switching of the link allows rapid energy variations to be achieved without the usual frequency proportional switching loss. Several field-oriented control systems were developed under contract to NASA.

Burrows, Linda M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

High speed shutter

A shutter element is described which is formed by a loop of an electrically conductive ribbon disposed adjacent to the end of a passageway to be shuttered. The shuttered end of the passageway is cut at an acute angle. The two leg portions of the ribbon loop are closely spaced to each other and disposed in a plane parallel to the axis of the passageway. A pulse of high current is switched through the loop to cause the current flowing in opposite directions through adjacent leg portions of the ribbon. This produces a magnetically induced pressure on one of the legs of the ribbon forcing the leg over the end of the passageway in gas tight sealing engagement, and thereby blocking passageway.

Mcclenahan, J. O.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Remote Neural Pendants In A Welding-Control System

Neural network integrated circuits enhance functionalities of both remote terminals (called "pendants") and communication links, without necessitating installation of additional wires in links. Makes possible to incorporate many features into pendant, including real-time display of critical welding parameters and other process information, capability for communication between technician at pendant and host computer or technician elsewhere in system, and switches and potentiometers through which technician at pendant exerts remote control over such critical aspects of welding process as current, voltage, rate of travel, flow of gas, starting, and stopping. Other potential manufacturing applications include control of spray coating and of curing of composite materials. Potential nonmanufacturing uses include remote control of heating, air conditioning, and lighting in electrically noisy and otherwise hostile environments.

Venable, Richard A.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Design of 1 kW Simplified Stirling Controller Using Capacitor-Based Power Factor Correction

Free-piston Stirling convertors hold potential for efficient, reliable thermal to electric power conversion, provided they are paired with a robust controller. This paper outlines work underway on a system-level optimization of a kW controller. Using simplified control and passive power factor correction (PFC) this design explores the possibility of reducing programmatic risk through system simplification. Efficiency is improved through incorporating wide-bandgap gallium nitride (GaN) switches, and PFC volume is minimized through the use of polymer multi-layer capacitors. This work is aimed at exploring new approaches for future Stirling space power concepts.

Stirling↗

NASA NTRS1990

Memory switches based on metal oxide thin films

MnO.sub.2-x thin films (12) exhibit irreversible memory switching (28) with an OFF/ON resistance ratio of at least about 10.sup.3 and the tailorability of ON state (20) resistance. Such films are potentially extremely useful as a connection element in a variety of microelectronic circuits and arrays (24). Such films provide a pre-tailored, finite, non-volatile resistive element at a desired place in an electric circuit, which can be electrically turned OFF (22) or disconnected as desired, by application of an electrical pulse. Microswitch structures (10) constitute the thin film element, contacted by a pair of separate electrodes (16a, 16b) and have a finite, pre-selected ON resistance which is ideally suited, for example, as a programmable binary synaptic connection for electronic implementation of neural network architectures. The MnO.sub.2-x microswitch is non-volatile, patternable, insensitive to ultraviolet light, and adherent to a variety of insulating substrates (14), such as glass and silicon dioxide-coated silicon substrates.

Ramesham, Rajeshuni↗

NASA NTRS2003

SpaceWire Driver Software for Special DSPs

A computer program provides a high-level C-language interface to electronics circuitry that controls a SpaceWire interface in a system based on a space qualified version of the ADSP-21020 digital signal processor (DSP). SpaceWire is a spacecraft-oriented standard for packet-switching data-communication networks that comprise nodes connected through bidirectional digital serial links that utilize low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS). The software is tailored to the SMCS-332 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (also available as the TSS901E), which provides three highspeed (150 Mbps) serial point-to-point links compliant with the proposed Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1355.2 and equivalent European Space Agency (ESA) Standard ECSS-E-50-12. In the specific application of this software, the SpaceWire ASIC was combined with the DSP processor, memory, and control logic in a Multi-Chip Module DSP (MCM-DSP). The software is a collection of low-level driver routines that provide a simple message-passing application programming interface (API) for software running on the DSP. Routines are provided for interrupt-driven access to the two styles of interface provided by the SMCS: (1) the "word at a time" conventional host interface (HOCI); and (2) a higher performance "dual port memory" style interface (COMI).

Clark, Douglas↗

NASA NTRS1971

Design of a three-phase, 15-kilovolt-ampere static inverter for motor-starting a Brayton space power system

The design of a three-phase, 400-Hz, 15-kVA static inverter for motor-starting the 2- to 15-kWe Brayton electrical space power system is described. The inverter operates from a nominal 56-V dc source to provide a 28-V, rms, quasi-square-wave output. The inverter is capable of supplying a 200-A peak current. Integrated circuitry is used to generate the three-phase, 400-Hz reference signals. Performance data for a drive stage that improves switching speed and provides efficient operation over a range of output current and drive supply voltage are presented. A transformerless, transistor output stage is used.

Frye, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Motor actuated vacuum door

Doors that allow scientific instruments to record and retrieve the observed data are often required to be designed and installed as a part of sounding rocket hardware. The motor-actuated vacuum door was designed to maintain a medium vacuum of the order of 0.0001 torr or better while closed, and to provide an opening 15 inches long x 8.5 inches wide while open for cameras to image Halley's comet. When the electric motor receives the instruction to open the door through the payload battery, timer, and relay circuit, the first operation is to unlock the door. After unlatching, the torque transmitted by the motor to the main shaft through the links opens the door. A microswitch actuator, which rides on the linear motion conversion mechanism, is adjusted to trip the limit switch at the end of the travel. The process is repeated in the reverse order to close the door. 'O' rings are designed to maintain the seal. Door mechanisms similar to the one described have flown on Aerobee 17.018 and Black Brant 27.047 payloads.

Hanagud, A. V.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Applying Analog Integrated Circuits for Hero Protection

One of the most efficient methods for protecting electro-explosive devices (EED's) from HERO and ESD is to shield the EED in a conducting shell (Faraday cage). Electrical energy is transferred to the bridge by means of a magnetic coupling which passes through a portion of the conducting shell that is made from a magnetically permeable but electrically conducting material. This technique was perfected by ML Aviation, a U.K. company, in the early 80's, and was called a Radio Frequency Attenuation Connector (RFAC). It is now in wide use in the U.K. Previously, the disadvantage of RFAC over more conventional methods was its relatively high cost, largely driven by a thick film hybrid circuit used to switch the primary of the transformer. Recently, through a licensing agreement, this technology has been transferred to the U.S. and significant cost reductions and performance improvements have been achieved by the introduction of analog integrated circuits. An integrated circuit performs the following functions: (1) Chops the DC input to a signal suitable for driving the primary of the transformer; (2) Verifies the input voltage is above a threshold; (3) Verifies the input voltage is valid for a pre set time before enabling the device; (4) Provides thermal protection of the circuit; and (5) Provides an external input for independent logic level enabling of the power transfer mechanism. This paper describes the new RFAC product and its applications.

Kenneth E Willis↗

NASA NTRS2004

Non-Destructive Evaluation of Wire Insulation and Coatings

The present invention uses the generation and detection of acoustic guided waves to evaluate the condition of the insulation on electrical wiring. Low order axisymmetric and flexural acoustic modes are generated in the insulated wire and travel partially in the center conductor and partially in the outer insulation. The stiffness of the insulation and the insulation's condition affect the overall wave speed and amplitude of the guided wave. Analysis of the received signal provides information about the age or useful life of the wire insulation. In accordance with the present invention, signal transmission occurs at one location on the electrical wire to be evaluated, and detection occurs at one or more locations along the electrical wire. Additional receivers can be used to improve measurement accuracy. Either the transmission transducer or one or more receiver transducers may be angled at other than 90 degrees to the wire. Generation of the guided waves can be accomplished by imparting a pressure pulse on the wire. Alternative embodiments include generation via a laser, such as a Q-switched laser or a laser diode.

Eric I Madaras↗

NASA NTRS1975

Development of a 1000V, 200A, low-loss, fast-switching, gate-assisted turn-off thyristor

Feasibility was demonstrated for a thyristor that blocks 1000V forward and reverse, conducts 200A, and turns on in little more than 2 microsec with only 2A of gate drive. Its features include a turn-off time of 3 microsec achieved with 2A of gate assist current of a few microseconds duration and an energy dissipation of only 12 mJ per pulse for a 20 microsec half sine wave, 200A pulse. Extensive theoretical and experimental study of the electrical behavior of thyristors having a fast turn-off time have significantly improved the understanding of the physics of turning thyristor off. Thyristors of two new designs were fabricated and evaluated. The high speed and low power were achieved by a combination of gate amplification, cathode shunting, and gate-assisted turn-off. Two techniques for making this combination practical are described.

Schlegel, E. S.↗

NASA NTRS1974

High power ac/dc variable R dynamic electrical load simulator

A study program was undertaken to investigate various concepts and techniques for identifying and simulating both the steady-state and dynamic characteristics of electrical loads for use during integrated system test and evaluation. The development of hardware capable of providing the simulation capability is discussed. A general purpose simulator was developed with the capability of realizing a variety of models where element values were discretely variable. The different models, each corresponding to real spacecraft equipment, are set up manually for each case by suitable switching and patching. The models are capable of duplicating the dynamic and steady-state response of real loads at full power.

Joncas, K. P.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Nonlinear optical polymers for electro-optic signal processing

Photonics is an emerging technology, slated for rapid growth in communications systems, sensors, imagers, and computers. Its growth is driven by the need for speed, reliability, and low cost. New nonlinear polymeric materials will be a key technology in the new wave of photonics devices. Electron-conjubated polymeric materials offer large electro-optic figures of merit, ease of processing into films and fibers, ruggedness, low cost, and a plethora of design options. Several new broad classes of second-order nonlinear optical polymers were developed at the Navy's Michelson Laboratory at China Lake, California. Polar alignment in thin film waveguides was achieved by electric-field poling and Langmuir-Blodgett processing. Our polymers have high softening temperatures and good aging properties. While most of the films can be photobleached with ultraviolet (UV) light, some have excellent stability in the 500-1600 nm range, and UV stability in the 290-310 nm range. The optical nonlinear response of these polymers is subpicosecond. Electro-optic switches, frequency doublers, light modulators, and optical data storage media are some of the device applications anticipated for these polymers.

Lindsay, Geoffrey A.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Analysis of Stationary, Photovoltaic-based Surface Power System Designs at the Lunar South Pole

Combinations of solar arrays and either batteries or regenerative fuel cells are analyzed for a surface power system module at the lunar south pole. The systems are required to produce 5 kW of net electrical power in sunlight and 2 kW of net electrical power during lunar night periods for a 10-year period between 2020 and 2030. Systems-level models for energy conservation, performance, degradation, and mass are used to compare to various systems. The sensitivities of important and/or uncertain variables including battery specific energy, fuel cell operating voltage, and DC-DC converter efficiency are compared to better understand the system. Switching unit efficiency, battery specific energy, and fuel cell operating voltage appear to be important system-level variables for this system. With reasonably sized solar arrays, the regenerative fuel cell system has significantly lower mass than the battery system based on the requirements and assumptions made herein. The total operational time is estimated at about 10,000 hours in battery discharge/fuel cell mode and about 4,000 and 8,000 hours for the battery charge and electrolyzer modes, respectively. The estimated number of significant depth-of-discharge cycles for either energy storage system is less than 100 for the 10-year period.

Freeh, Joshua E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

V/STOL propulsion control analysis: Phase 2, task 5-9

Typical V/STOL propulsion control requirements were derived for transition between vertical and horizontal flight using the General Electric RALS (Remote Augmented Lift System) concept. Steady-state operating requirements were defined for a typical Vertical-to-Horizontal transition and for a typical Horizontal-to-Vertical transition. Control mode requirements were established and multi-variable regulators developed for individual operating conditions. Proportional/Integral gain schedules were developed and were incorporated into a transition controller with capabilities for mode switching and manipulated variable reassignment. A non-linear component-level transient model of the engine was developed and utilized to provide a preliminary check-out of the controller logic. An inlet and nozzle effects model was developed for subsequent incorporation into the engine model and an aircraft model was developed for preliminary flight transition simulations. A condition monitoring development plan was developed and preliminary design requirements established. The Phase 1 long-range technology plan was refined and restructured toward the development of a real-time high fidelity transient model of a supersonic V/STOL propulsion system and controller for use in a piloted simulation program at NASA-Ames.

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