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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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Radiation effects on DC-DC Converters

DC-DC switching converters are circuits that can be used to convert a DC voltage of one value to another by switching action. They are increasing being used in space systems. Most of the popular DC-DC switching converters utilize power MOSFETs. However power MOSFETs, when subjected to radiation, are susceptible to degradation of device characteristics or catastrophic failure. This work focuses on the effects of total ionizing dose on converter performance. Four fundamental switching converters (buck converter, buck-boost converter, cuk converter, and flyback converter) were built using Harris IRF250 power MOSFETs. These converters were designed for converting an input of 60 volts to an output of about 12 volts with a switching frequency of 100 kHz. The four converters were irradiated with a Co-60 gamma source at dose rate of 217 rad/min. The performances of the four converters were examined during the exposure to the radiation. The experimental results show that the output voltage of the converters increases as total dose increases. However, the increases of the output voltage were different for the four different converters, with the buck converter and cuk converter the highest and the flyback converter the lowest. We observed significant increases in output voltage for cuk converter at a total dose of 24 krad (si).

Zhang, Dexin↗
NASA NTRS1983

Interpretation of radar returns from clear air: Discrimination against clutter

Different kinds of inteference may cause problems to the proper detection and analysis of the atmospheric signals, when using VHF and UHF radars. These are separated into passive and active contributions. Passive contributions are existent in the receiving system without the radar transmitter switched on. Active contributions are due to scatter and reflection of the own transmitted radar signal from unwanted targets, which are called clutter. Of major importance to radar systems are active interference contributions. Different methods can be applied for elimination or at least suppressing unwanted effects. These are; (1) Directional filtering, i.e., applying optimum suppression of antenna sidelobes, (2) Range filtering, i.e., suppressing unwanted signals only in affected range gates, (3) selection by amplitude distributions, (4) Temporal filtering, i.e., recognizing typical temporal variations of the clutter signals, through spectral characteristics, and applying matched filters.

Rottger, J.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Multi-Billion Shot, High-Fluence Exposure of Cr(4+): YAG Passive Q-Switch

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is developing the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) employing a diode pumped, Q-Switched, ND:YAG laser operating at 40 Hz repetition rate. To meet the five-year mission lifetime goal, a single transmitter would accumulate over 6.3 billion shots. Cr(4+):YAG is a promising candidate material for passively Q-switching the laser. Historically, the performance of saturable absorbers has degraded over long-duration usage. To measure the multi-billion shot performance of Cr(4+):YAG, a passively Q-switched GLAS-like oscillator was tested at an accelerated repetition rate of 500 Hz. The intracavity fluence was calculated to be approximately 2.5 J/cm(exp 2). The laser was monitored autonomously for 165 days. There was no evidence of change in the material optical properties during the 7.2 billion shot test.. All observed changes in laser operation could be attributed to pump laser diode aging. This is the first demonstration of multi-billion shot exposure testing of Cr(4+):YAG in this pulse energy regime

Stephen, Mark A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Technology challenges and trade-offs in application of multiple-beam antennas to NASA's Personal Access Satellite System

A review is presented of the trade-offs and technology challenges that exist in developing the multiple-beam satellite antennas for NASA's Personal Access Satellite System. Different types of multiple-beam antenna systems that can provide full coverage of the CONUS such as switched beam, fixed beam, or scanned beam systems are examined. Some techniques for interbeam power management for efficient utilization of satellite power and reliable operation are discussed.

Manshadi, F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Computer aided reliability, availability, and safety modeling for fault-tolerant computer systems with commentary on the HARP program

Many of the most challenging reliability problems of our present decade involve complex distributed systems such as interconnected telephone switching computers, air traffic control centers, aircraft and space vehicles, and local area and wide area computer networks. In addition to the challenge of complexity, modern fault-tolerant computer systems require very high levels of reliability, e.g., avionic computers with MTTF goals of one billion hours. Most analysts find that it is too difficult to model such complex systems without computer aided design programs. In response to this need, NASA has developed a suite of computer aided reliability modeling programs beginning with CARE 3 and including a group of new programs such as: HARP, HARP-PC, Reliability Analysts Workbench (Combination of model solvers SURE, STEM, PAWS, and common front-end model ASSIST), and the Fault Tree Compiler. The HARP program is studied and how well the user can model systems using this program is investigated. One of the important objectives will be to study how user friendly this program is, e.g., how easy it is to model the system, provide the input information, and interpret the results. The experiences of the author and his graduate students who used HARP in two graduate courses are described. Some brief comparisons were made with the ARIES program which the students also used. Theoretical studies of the modeling techniques used in HARP are also included. Of course no answer can be any more accurate than the fidelity of the model, thus an Appendix is included which discusses modeling accuracy. A broad viewpoint is taken and all problems which occurred in the use of HARP are discussed. Such problems include: computer system problems, installation manual problems, user manual problems, program inconsistencies, program limitations, confusing notation, long run times, accuracy problems, etc.

Shooman, Martin L.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Optical Path Switching Based Differential Absorption Radiometry for Substance Detection

A system and method are provided for detecting one or more substances. An optical path switch divides sample path radiation into a time series of alternating first polarized components and second polarized components. The first polarized components are transmitted along a first optical path and the second polarized components along a second optical path. A first gasless optical filter train filters the first polarized components to isolate at least a first wavelength band thereby generating first filtered radiation. A second gasless optical filter train filters the second polarized components to isolate at least a second wavelength band thereby generating second filtered radiation. The first wavelength band and second wavelength band are unique. Further, spectral absorption of a substance of interest is different at the first wavelength band as compared to the second wavelength band. A beam combiner combines the first and second filtered radiation to form a combined beam of radiation. A detector is disposed to monitor magnitude of at least a portion of the combined beam alternately at the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band as an indication of the concentration of the substance in the sample path.

Sachse, Glen W.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Information Switching Processor (ISP) contention analysis and control

In designing a satellite system with on-board processing, the selection of a switching architecture is often critical. The on-board switching function can be implemented by circuit switching or packet switching. Destination-directed packet switching has several attractive features, such as self-routing without on-board switch reconfiguration, no switch control memory requirement, efficient bandwidth utilization for packet switched traffic, and accommodation of circuit switched traffic. Destination-directed packet switching, however, has two potential concerns: (1) contention and (2) congestion. And this report specifically deals with the first problem. It includes a description and analysis of various self-routing switch structures, the nature of contention problems, and contention and resolution techniques.

Inukai, Thomas↗
DOE OSTI2022

Accelerating Simulation for High-Fidelity PV Inverter System Reliability Assessment with High-Performance Computing

The overall cost of photovoltaic (PV) systems has shown a downward trend during the last decade; however, PV inverter failures account for the highest cost of operation and maintenance. To address this, reliability tools with powerful computation and better accuracy are required for the lifetime prediction and degradation evaluation of PV inverters. This paper proposes an event-driven parallel computing-based simulator. The proposed simulator applies high-performance computing techniques and other accessory optimization techniques-including cluster merging, adaptive model updates, and steady-state identification-to make reliability assessments for PV inverters under given input mission profiles and operating conditions with high efficiency and high fidelity. The main idea of the simulator and its workflow are introduced. Then, a demo PV inverter system simulator is implemented, and the speedup of the total simulations of the switching model reaches 123.03 times.

high-performance computing↗
NASA NTRS1966

Flexible arms provide constant force for pressure switch calibration

In-place calibration of a pressure switch is provided by a system of radially oriented flexing arms which, when rotated at a known velocity, convert the centrifugal force of the arms to a linear force along the shaft. The linear force, when applied to a pressure switch diaphragm, can then be calculated.

Cain, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Cost-effective optical switch matrix for microwave phased-array

An all-fiber (6x6) optical shutter switch matrix with the control system for microwave phased array has been demonstrated. The device offers the advantages of integrated configuration, low cost, low power consumption, small size, and light weight. The maximum extinction ratio (among 36 individual pixel) of this switch matrix at 840 nm is 24.2 dB, and the switching time is less than 120 microsec. In addition to phased array application, this low cost switch matrix is extremely attractive for fiber optic switching networks.

Pan, J. J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Design of high polarization low switching barrier hybrid improper ferroelectric perovskite oxide superlattices

Hybrid improper ferroelectricity is a useful tool to design ABO 3 /A'BO 3 polar superlattices from non polar building blocks. In this study, we have designed high polarization-low switching barrier hybrid improper ferroelectric superlattices with efficient polarization, and polarization-magnetization switching properties above room temperature, using density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Superlattices with a chemical formula of (AAlO 3 ) m /(A'AlO 3 ) n , where m/n = 1/1, 1/3, 3/1, 1/5 and 5/1, A, A' = Lanthanide and Y cations are considered to outline the design principles behind polarization switching and (LaFeO 3 ) 3 /(CeFeO 3 ) 1 is investigated for polarization-magnetization switching. We find that the unconventional switching paths via out-of-phase rotation Q R- (a 0 a 0 c - ) and tilt precession QTP always yield lower switching barrier compared to those via in-phase rotation Q R+ (a 0 a 0 c + ) and tilt QT (a - a - c 0 ) of BO 6 octahedra. Results from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations estimate the temperature at which the lowest energy barrier can be overcome. Furthermore, it is possible to tune the polarization switching barrier by tuning the tolerance factor, A,A' cation radius mismatch and super lattice periodicity. For switching via Q R- , the switching barrier varies exponentially with rotation angle, indicating how high switching barrier is expected for systems, away from cubic symmetry. We provide a recipe to overcome such a bottleneck by tuning superlattice periodicity. Finally, we have proposed the multiferroic device application concept through a proposed polarization-temperature hysteresis loop and magnetization switching.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1990

Development of an automated electrical power subsystem testbed for large spacecraft

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has developed two autonomous electrical power system breadboards. The first breadboard, the autonomously managed power system (AMPS), is a two power channel system featuring energy generation and storage and 24-kW of switchable loads, all under computer control. The second breadboard, the space station module/power management and distribution (SSM/PMAD) testbed, is a two-bus 120-Vdc model of the Space Station power subsystem featuring smart switchgear and multiple knowledge-based control systems. NASA/MSFC is combining these two breadboards to form a complete autonomous source-to-load power system called the large autonomous spacecraft electrical power system (LASEPS). LASEPS is a high-power, intelligent, physical electrical power system testbed which can be used to derive and test new power system control techniques, new power switching components, and new energy storage elements in a more accurate and realistic fashion. LASEPS has the potential to be interfaced with other spacecraft subsystem breadboards in order to simulate an entire space vehicle. The two individual systems, the combined systems (hardware and software), and the current and future uses of LASEPS are described.

Hall, David K.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Miniature EVA Software Defined Radio

As NASA embarks upon developing the Next-Generation Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) Radio for deep space exploration, the demands on EVA battery life will substantially increase. The number of modes and frequency bands required will continue to grow in order to enable efficient and complex multi-mode operations including communications, navigation, and tracking applications. Whether conducting astronaut excursions, communicating to soldiers, or first responders responding to emergency hazards, NASA has developed an innovative, affordable, miniaturized, power-efficient software defined radio that offers unprecedented power-efficient flexibility. This lightweight, programmable, S-band, multi-service, frequency- agile EVA software defined radio (SDR) supports data, telemetry, voice, and both standard and high-definition video. Features include a modular design, an easily scalable architecture, and the EVA SDR allows for both stationary and mobile battery powered handheld operations. Currently, the radio is equipped with an S-band RF section. However, its scalable architecture can accommodate multiple RF sections simultaneously to cover multiple frequency bands. The EVA SDR also supports multiple network protocols. It currently implements a Hybrid Mesh Network based on the 802.11s open standard protocol. The radio targets RF channel data rates up to 20 Mbps and can be equipped with a real-time operating system (RTOS) that can be switched off for power-aware applications. The EVA SDR's modular design permits implementation of the same hardware at all Network Nodes concept. This approach assures the portability of the same software into any radio in the system. It also brings several benefits to the entire system including reducing system maintenance, system complexity, and development cost.

Pozhidaev, Aleksey↗
DOE OSTI2024

Control, Fault Management, and Grid Support Functionality of an MV AC-DC Solid State Transformer based EV Extreme Fast Charging Station

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in recent times while revolutionizing the consumer and commercial transportation market. The development of charging infrastructure has become one of the priorities for increasing the adoption of EVs. Extreme fast charging (XFC) technology can reduce the so-called ’range anxiety’ of consumers as they significantly reduce the charging time. With the advent of wide band-gap (WBG) power devices and improvement in power electronic converters, medium voltage (MV) solid state transformer (SST) based XFC system has the potential to replace the traditional XFC stations because of the lower footprint, ease of installation, enhanced control feature, and better system efficiency. The control system design is one of the critical aspects of the SST development process. Careful consideration and detailed analysis are required to find out suitable control method for the SST based on its topology among different centralized and decentralized control architectures. Also, the control parameters selection and potential improvement to the transient response of the controller ought to be investigated. Another major concern of the SST is different types of internal fault which reduces the overall reliability of the XFC system. As a result, designing a robust protection system is essential. Among different fault modes, open circuit switch faults have received significant attention as an active research area because of their likelihood and severe effects on converters. Therefore, the power stages used in the XFC system require functional and accurate open circuit switch fault management methods. An equally significant aspect of this SST based XFC is its compatibility in a microgrid where there is no synchronous generator present. When the grid is not available, the XFC SSTs can provide grid forming capability and continue supplying the critical loads in islanded mode. The transition between grid connected and islanded mode, especially the grid resynchronization process has to be carefully performed for the safety of the microgrid components. The challenges posed by the aforementioned issues have inspired the work done in this dissertation. Here, a 13.2 kV, 1 MVA, AC/DC SST for the XFC system is examined and a comparative analysis is conducted to select the control architecture based on feasibility of implementation and performance. A detailed control parameter design process is demonstrated considering the sensor dynamics and delay. The selected decentralized control method is augmented by introducing a novel sensor-less load current feedforward method to provide better voltage regulation at the DC bus during a change of load. Next, in the fault management section, a hierarchical failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) is proposed to enable a systematic design of the internal fault protection of the XFC SST as there are limited examples in the literature regarding the analysis of the safety and design of the protection of a power electronic converter system. Novel open circuit switch fault management methods for the converters in the system are presented. Finally, XFC SST based MV microgrid operations in grid connected mode and islanded mode are explored. A secondary control method for grid resynchronization is presented and a design process of control parameters is shown to ensure the stability of the secondary voltage and frequency regulation.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
NASA NTRS1977

Battery single-cell protection system

Protective circuit consists of solid state comparator switch and high current switching device combined into single module, which can be mounted directly on each cell as part of cell or battery case construction. System prohibits driving cells beyond set voltage limits and allows deeper discharge without cell reversal.

Thomas, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A radio telescope for the calibration of radio sources at 32 gigahertz

A 1.5-m-diameter radio telescope has been designed, developed, and assembled to directly measure the flux density of radio sources in the 32-GHz (Ka-band) frequency band. The main goal of the design and development was to provide a system that could yield the greatest absolute accuracy yet possible with such a system. The accuracy of the measurements have a heritage that is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. At the present time, the absolute accuracy of flux density measurements provided by this telescope system, during Venus observations at nearly closest approach to Earth, is plus or minus 5 percent, with an associated precision of plus or minus 2 percent. Combining a cooled high-electron mobility transistor low-noise amplifier, twin-beam Dicke switching antenna, and accurate positioning system resulted in a state-of-the-art system at 32 GHz. This article describes the design and performance of the system as it was delivered to the Owens Valley Radio Observatory to support direct calibrations of the strongest radio sources at Ka-band.

Gatti, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A digital beacon receiver

A digital satellite beacon receiver is described which provides measurement information down to a carrier/noise density ratio approximately 15 dB below that required by a conventional (phase locked loop) design. When the beacon signal fades, accuracy degrades gracefully, and is restored immediately (without hysteresis) on signal recovery, even if the signal has faded into the noise. Benefits of the digital processing approach used include the minimization of operator adjustments, stability of the phase measuring circuits with time, repeatability between units, and compatibility with equipment not specifically designed for propagation measuring. The receiver has been developed for the European Olympus satellite which has continuous wave (CW) beacons at 12.5 and 29.7 GHz, and a switched polarization beacon at 19.8 GHz approximately, but the system can be reconfigured for CW and polarization-switched beacons at other frequencies.

Ransome, Peter D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

An architecture for the MSAT mobile data system

The Mobile Satellite (MSAT) Mobile Data System (MDS) will offer a wide range of packet switched data services. The characteristics and requirements of the services are briefly examined. A proposed architecture to implement these services is presented along with its connectivity requirements. A description of the inbound and outbound channels is provided which are based upon the signalling for the circuit switched services. Additionally, the duties of the Network Management System are examined.

Kerr, R. W.↗