Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Electrical Systems”

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.

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

At least 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

A dish-Stirling solar-thermal power system

This paper presents results of a preliminary design/economic study of a first-generation point focusing distributed receiver solar-thermal electric system optimized for application to industrial and small community power plants at power levels up to 10 MWe. Power conversion is provided by small Stirling cycle engines mounted at the focus of paraboloidal solar concentrators. The output of multiple power modules (concentrator, receiver, engine, and electric generator) is collected by means of a conventional electrical system and interfaced with a utility grid. Based on the United Stirling P-75 engine, a 1 MWe system employing mass-produced components (100,000 modules/year) could produce electricity at costs competitive with those projected for electricity generated by more conventional means, e.g. with fossil fuels.

Pons, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Automating security monitoring and analysis for Space Station Freedom's electric power system

Operating a large, space power system requires classifying the system's status and analyzing its security. Conventional algorithms are used by terrestrial electric utilities to provide such information to their dispatchers, but their application aboard Space Station Freedom will consume too much processing time. A new approach for monitoring and analysis using adaptive pattern techniques is presented. This approach yields an on-line security monitoring and analysis algorithm that is accurate and fast; and thus, it can free the Space Station Freedom's power control computers for other tasks.

Dolce, James L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Automating security monitoring and analysis for Space Station Freedom's electric power system

Operating a large, space power system requires classifying the system's status and analyzing its security. Conventional algorithms are used by terrestrial electric utilities to provide such information to their dispatchers, but their application aboard Space Station Freedom will consume too much processing time. A novel approach for monitoring and analysis using adaptive pattern techniques is presented. This approach yields an on-line security monitoring and analysis algorithm that is accurate and fast; and thus, it can free the Space Station Freedom's power control computers for other tasks.

Dolce, James L.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Test Facilities in Support of High Power Electric Propulsion Systems

Successful development of space fission systems requires an extensive program of affordable and realistic testing. In addition to tests related to design/development of the fission system, realistic testing of the actual flight unit must also be performed. If the system is designed to operate within established radiation damage and fuel burn up limits while simultaneously being designed to allow close simulation of heat from fission using resistance heaters, high confidence in fission system performance and lifetime can be attained through non-nuclear testing. Through demonstration of systems concepts (designed by DOE National Laboratories) in relevant environments, this philosophy has been demonstrated through hardware testing in the High Power Propulsion Thermal Simulator (HPPTS). The HPPTS is designed to enable very realistic non-nuclear testing of space fission systems. Ongoing research at the HPPTS is geared towards facilitating research, development, system integration, and system utilization via cooperative efforts with DOE labs, industry, universities, and other NASA centers. Through hardware based design and testing, the HPPTS investigates High Power Electric Propulsion (HPEP) component, subsystem, and integrated system design and performance.

VanDyke, Melissa↗
NASA NTRS1976

Description and operating performance of a parallel-rail electric-arc system with helium driver gas for the Langley 6-inch expansion tube

A parallel-rail arc-discharge system to heat and pressurize the initial helium driver gas of the Langley 6-inch expansion tube is described. This system was designed for a 2.44-m-long driver vessel rated at 138 MPa, with a distance between rails of 20.3 cm. Electric energy was obtained from a capacitor storage system rated at 12,000 V with a maximum energy of 5 MJ. Tests were performed over a range of energy from 1.74 MJ to the maximum value. The operating experience and system performance are discussed, along with results from a limited number of expansion-tube tests with air and carbon dioxide as test gases.

Moore, J. A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High-Propellant Throughput Sub-kW Electric Propulsion System for Deep Space Science and Exploration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is maturing high-propellant throughput sub-kilowatt electric propulsion technologies to enable small spacecraft deep space science and exploration missions with high delta-v requirements. The pathfinder model (PM) propulsion system consists of the H71M-PM Hall-effect thruster, a breadboard 1-kW power processing unit (PPU), and a propellant flow control system. The propulsion system requirements balance the needs of various high delta-v NASA and commercial industry mission concepts to achieve a design that both enables a variety of NASA small spacecraft deep space missions, while remaining viable for select commercial applications. The H71M-PM thruster has completed performance characterization and three 500-h short duration wear tests (SDWT). The propulsion system provides stable thrust generation over a wide range of operating conditions from 200 W to 1 kW, and 200 V to 400 V. The thruster has demonstrated a thrust as high as 68 mN at 300 V and 1 kW. The thruster has similarly demonstrated a specific impulse of 1850 s at 400 V and 1 kW. Key surfaces were machined between each SDWT to simulate accelerated discharge channel and pole cover erosion. Profilometry scans across masked pole cover surfaces were conducted to determine erosion rates. SDWT results support that a target thruster lifetime of 14 kh with 50% margin is achievable. Component testing has demonstrated propellant azimuthal flow uniformity better than ± 2 percent of the nominal value, azimuthal magnetic field uniformity better than ± 0.5 percent of the nominal value, and cathode heater cycle testing to greater than 30,000 cycles. Propulsion system integrated system testing is planned to use the H71M-PM and a breadboard 1-kW PPU. Pathfinder model test results are now supporting the design of the H71M-EM engineering model thruster. A second-generation breadboard PPU has been fabricated and is currently under test. NASA has made these technologies available to U.S. industry through a no cost, nonexclusive license agreement.

Hall↗
NASA NTRS2018

Modeling and Control Design for a Turboelectric Single Aisle Aircraft Propulsion System

A nonlinear dynamic model with full flight envelope controller is developed for the propulsion system of a partially turboelectric single-aisle aircraft. The propulsion system model consists of two turbofan engines with a large percentage of power extraction, feeding an electric tail fan for boundary layer ingestion. The dynamic model is compared against an existing steady state design model. An electrical system model using a simple power flow approach is integrated into existing modeling tools used for dynamic simulation of the turbomachinery of the vehicle. In addition to the simple power flow model of the electrical system, a more detailed model is used for comparison at a key vehicle transient flight condition. The controller is a gain scheduled proportional-integral type that is examined throughout the flight envelope for performance metrics such as rise time and operability margins. Potential improvements in efficiency for the vehicle are explored by adjusting the power split between the energy used for thrust by the turbofans and that extracted to supply power to the tail fan. Finally, an operability study of the vehicle is conducted using a 900 nautical mile mission profile for a nominal vehicle configuration, a deteriorated propulsion system at the end of its operating life, and an optimized power schedule with improved efficiency.

Turboelectric↗
NASA NTRS1995

Reduction, analysis, and properties of electric current systems in solar active regions

The specific attraction and, in large part, the significance of solar magnetograms lie in the fact that they give the most important data on the electric currents and the nonpotentiality of active regions. Using the vector magnetograms from the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), we employ a unique technique in the area of data analysis for resolving the 180 deg ambiguity in order to calculate the spatial structure of the vertical electric current density. The 180 deg ambiguity is resolved by applying concepts from the nonlinear multivariable optimization theory. The technique is shown to be of particular importance in very nonpotential active regions. The characterization of the vertical electric current density for a set of vector magnetograms using this method then gives the spatial scale, locations, and magnitude of these current systems. The method, which employs an intermediate parametric function which covers the magnetogram and which defines the local `preferred' direction, minimizes a specific functional of the observed transverse magnetic field. The specific functional that is successful is the integral of the square of the vertical current density. We find that the vertical electric current densities have common characteristics for the extended bipolar (beta) (gamma) (delta)-regions studied. The largest current systems have j(sub z)'s which maximizes around 30 mA/sq m and have a linear decreasing distribution to a diameter of 30 Mn.

Gary, G. Allen↗
NASA NTRS1990

Precise synchronization of phasor measurements in electric power systems

Phasors representing positive sequence voltages and currents in a power network are in the most important parameters in several monitoring, control, and protection functions in interconnected electric power networks. Recent advances in computer relaying have led to very efficient and accurate phasor measurement systems. When the phasors to be measured are separated by hundreds of miles, it becomes necessary to synchronize the measurement processes, so that a consistent description of the state of the power system can be established. Global Positioning System (GPS) transmissions offer an ideal source for synchronization of phasor measurements. The concept and implementation of this technique are described. Several uses of synchronized phasor measurements are also described. Among these are improved state estimation algorithms, state estimator enhancements, dynamic state estimates, improved control techniques, and improved protection concepts.

Phadke, Arun G.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Reduction, Analysis, and Properties of Electric Current Systems in Solar Active Regions

The specific attraction and, in large part, the significance of solar vector magnetograms lie in the fact that they give the most important data on the electric currents and the nonpotentiality of active regions. Using the vector magnetograms from the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), we employ a unique technique in the area of data analysis for resolving the 180 degree ambiguity in order to calculate the spatial structure of the vertical electric current density. The 180 degree ambiguity is resolved by applying concepts from the nonlinear multivariable optimization theory. The technique is shown to be of particular importance in very nonpotential active regions. The characterization of the vertical electric current density for a set of vector magnetograms using this method then gives the spatial scale, locations, and magnitude of these current systems. The method, which employs an intermediate parametric function which covers the magnetogram and which defines the local "preferred" direction, minimizes a specific functional of the observed transverse magnetic field. The specific functional that is successful is the integral of the square of the vertical current density. We find that the vertical electric current densities have common characteristics for the extended bipolar beta gamma delta-regions studied. The largest current systems have j(sub z)'s which maximizes around 30 mA per square meter and have a linear decreasing distribution to a diameter of 30 Mm.

Gary, G. Allen↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Considering Turbofan Operability in Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System Design

This paper explores the design of a hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system that uses a turbofan to power an electric system. In such a system, the gas turbine will experience a loss of power generation as altitude increases, however the electric system will not. This difference results in designs that may over size the electric system at high altitude or under size at low altitude. Two studies are performed within this paper. The first looks at extracting power from the engine for use with electric aircraft propulsion at cruise and the second reviews a design of an engine that uses thrust assist for takeoff. Both studies look at the effects of changing altitude on the amount of power extraction or insertion that can be taken from the turbofan as dictated by operability limits. Results of the paper show that low-pressure compressor surge margin and high-pressure compressor speed can be pushed to unaccepted limits with large scale power extraction or insertion, however these issues can be mitigated by adding power extraction or insertion at off design operating points to compensate. Additionally, the benefits of thrust assist are quantified for this configuration demonstrating a reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption at cruise of over 5%.

Gas Turbine↗
NASA NTRS2023

Considering Turbofan Operability in Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System Design

This paper explores the design of a hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system that uses a turbofan to power an electric system. In such a system, the gas turbine will experience a loss of power generation as altitude increases, however the electric system will not. This difference results in designs that may over size the electric system at high altitude or under size at low altitude. Two studies are performed within this paper. The first looks at extracting power from the engine for use with electric aircraft propulsion at cruise and the second reviews a design of an engine that uses thrust assist for takeoff. Both studies look at the effects of changing altitude on the amount of power extraction or insertion that can be taken from the turbofan as dictated by operability limits. Results of the paper show that low-pressure compressor surge margin and high-pressure compressor speed can be pushed to unaccepted limits with large scale power extraction or insertion, however these issues can be mitigated by adding power extraction or insertion at off design operating points to compensate. Additionally, the benefits of thrust assist are quantified for this configuration demonstrating a reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption at cruise of over 5%.

Gas turbine↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Considering Turbofan Operability in Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System Design

This paper explores the design of a hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system that uses a turbofan to power an electric system. In such a system, the gas turbine will experience a loss of power generation as altitude increases, however the electric system will not. This difference results in designs that may over size the electric system at high altitude or under size at low altitude. Two studies are performed within this paper. The first looks at extracting power from the engine for use with electric aircraft propulsion at cruise and the second reviews a design of an engine that uses thrust assist for takeoff. Both studies look at the effects of changing altitude on the amount of power extraction or insertion that can be taken from the turbofan as dictated by operability limits. Results of the paper show that low-pressure compressor surge margin and high-pressure compressor speed can be pushed to unaccepted limits with large scale power extraction or insertion, however these issues can be mitigated by adding power extraction or insertion at off design operating points to compensate. Additionally, the benefits of thrust assist are quantified for this configuration demonstrating a reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption at cruise of over 5%.

Gas turbine↗
NASA NTRS2023

Considering Turbofan Operability in Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System Design

This paper explores the design of a hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system that uses a turbofan to power an electric system. In such a system, the gas turbine will experience a loss of power generation as altitude increases, however the electric system will not. This difference results in designs that may over size the electric system at high altitude or under size at low altitude. Two studies are performed within this paper. The first looks at extracting power from the engine for use with electric aircraft propulsion at cruise and the second reviews a design of an engine that uses thrust assist for takeoff. Both studies look at the effects of changing altitude on the amount of power extraction or insertion that can be taken from the turbofan as dictated by operability limits. Results of the paper show that low-pressure compressor surge margin and high-pressure compressor speed can be pushed to unaccepted limits with large scale power extraction or insertion, however these issues can be mitigated by adding power extraction or insertion at off design operating points to compensate. Additionally, the benefits of thrust assist are quantified for this configuration demonstrating a reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption at cruise of over 5%.

Gas Turbine↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Optimizing Thermal Management Systems in Electric Aircraft

The development of electric aircraft poses significant gains for the environment; however, the integration of high-power systems increases the number of heat sources that need to be managed in-flight. This 30-minute session discusses the importance of robust thermal management systems and reviews new design concepts to improve overall aircraft efficiency.

Rodger Dyson↗