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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 55 records · Page 3

Design of Electrical Systems for Rocket Propulsion Test Facilities at the John C. Stennis Space Center

This viewgraph presentation reviews the design of the electrical systems that are required for the testing of rockets at the Rocket Propulsion Facility at NASA Stennis Space Center (NASA SSC). NASA/SSC s Mission in Rocket Propulsion Testing Is to Acquire Test Performance Data for Verification, Validation and Qualification of Propulsion Systems Hardware. These must be accurate reliable comprehensive and timely. Data acquisition in a rocket propulsion test environment is challenging: severe temporal transient dynamic environments, large thermal gradients, vacuum to 15 ksi pressure regimes SSC has developed and employs DAS, control systems and control systems and robust instrumentation that effectively satisfies these challenges.

Hughes, Mark S.↗

Electrical System Trade Study for SUSAN Electrofan Concept Vehicle

The SUSAN Electrofan Aircraft concept is a subsonic regional jet transport aircraft that utilizes a single turbofan engine and Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) to enable propulsive and aerodynamic benefits to reduce fuel usage, emissions, and cost. This paper is a trade space exploration of the electrical system for the concept aircraft, including possible system architectures, and a review of the specific powers and efficiencies required for the electrical components to realize the EAP system.

Joseph M Haglage↗

Options and Risk for Qualification of Electric Propulsion System

Electric propulsion vehicle systems envelop a wide range of propulsion alternatives including solar and nuclear, which present unique circumstances for qualification. This paper will address the alternatives for qualification of electric propulsion spacecraft systems. The approach taken will be to address the considerations for qualification at the various levels of systems definition. Additionally, for each level of qualification the system level risk implications will be developed. Also, the paper will explore the implications of analysis verses test for various levels of systems definition, while retaining the objectives of a verification program. The limitations of terrestrial testing will be explored along with the risk and implications of orbital demonstration testing. The paper will seek to develop a template for structuring of a verification program based on cost, risk and value return. A successful verification program should establish controls and define objectives of the verification compliance program. Finally the paper will seek to address the political and programmatic factors, which may impact options for system verification.

Bailey, Michelle↗

Analysis methods for wind turbine control and electrical system dynamics

The integration of new energy technologies into electric power systems requires methods which recognize the full range of dynamic events in both the new generating unit and the power system. Since new energy technologies are initially perceived as small contributors to large systems, little attention is generally paid to system integration, i.e. dynamic events in the power system are ignored. As a result, most new energy sources are only capable of base-load operation, i.e. they have no load following or cycling capability. Wind turbines are no exception. Greater awareness of this implicit (and often unnecessary) limitation is needed. Analysis methods are recommended which include very low penetration (infinite bus) as well as very high penetration (stand-alone) scenarios.

Hinrichsen, E. N.↗

Robotics for Systems Integration in Buildings: Pilot Study of Viable Approaches to Install Hygrothermal and Rigid Electrical Systems

The Industrialized Construction Innovation (ICI) team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been exploring the use of robotics to integrate hygrothermal, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in prefabricated building assemblies (off-site construction) and 3D-printed buildings (on-site construction). Such multisystem integration tasks often require specialized robots and custom end effectors to handle a range of rigid and nonrigid building components. This paper begins with a brief overview of the current state of robotics in construction, followed by a pilot study exploring the use of robotics to integrate a simple prototype multitrade wall assembly composed of structural studs, hygrothermal layer, wall finishing, and electrical fixtures. The study was funded by the US Department of Energy's (DOE's) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO). Insights about the implementation of design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) principles in designing the prototype wall for robotic assembly, and selection of appropriate robotic end-effector hardware to handle these components are included. Detailed comparison of computational toolpath simulations of the robotic assembly process and real-life demonstration of the same are presented. Finally, limitations and lessons learned from this study are included, along with future research recommendations for robotic assembly of more complex multitrade assemblies, including potential scenarios such as robotic outfitting of facilities in extraterrestrial environments.

advanced manufacturing↗

Robotics for Systems Integration in Buildings - Pilot Study of Viable Approaches to Install Hygrothermal and Rigid Electrical Systems: Preprint

The Industrialized Construction Innovation (ICI) team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been exploring the use of robotics to integrate hygrothermal, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in prefabricated building assemblies (offsite construction) and 3D Printed buildings (onsite construction). Such multi-system integration tasks often require specialized robots and custom end-effectors for handling a range of rigid and non-rigid building components. This paper begins with a brief overview of the current state of robotics in construction, followed by a pilot study exploring the use of robotics to integrate a simple prototype multi-trade wall assembly composed of structural studs, hygrothermal layer, wall finishing, and electrical fixtures. The study was funded by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO). Insights about the implementation of design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) principles in designing the prototype wall for robotic assembly, and selection of appropriate robotic end effector hardware for handling these components are included. Detailed comparison of computational toolpath simulations of the robotic assembly process and real-life demonstration of the same is presented. Finally, limitations and lessons learned from this study along with future research recommendations for robotic assembly of more complex multi-trade assemblies, including potential scenarios such as robotic outfitting of facilities in extra-terrestrial environments is included.

advanced manufacturing↗

Simulation of a Flywheel Electrical System for Aerospace Applications

A Flywheel Energy Storage Demonstration Project was initiated at the NASA Glenn Research Center as a possible replacement for the battery energy storage system on the International Space Station (ISS). While the hardware fabrication work was being performed at a university and contractor's facility, the related simulation activity was begun at Glenn. At the top level, Glenn researchers simulated the operation of the ISS primary electrical system (as described in another paper) with the Flywheel Energy Storage Unit (FESU) replacing one Battery Charge and Discharge Unit (BCDU). The FESU consists of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor/Generator (PMSM), which is connected to the flywheel; the power electronics that connects the PMSM to the ISS direct-current bus; and the associated controller. The PMSM model is still under development, but this paper describes the rest of the FESU model-the simulation of the converter and the associated control system that regulates energy transfer to and from the flywheel.

Truong, Long V.↗

Electrical power systems.

Electric power generation systems considering chemical, solar and nuclear energy sources and types of conversion

NUCLEAR ENERGY↗

The use of price-based demand response as a resource in electricity system planning

Utilities have conducted IRP for decades to consider both supply- and demand-side resources to meet bulk power system needs. More recently, an increasing number of states are requiring regulated utilities to file plans that identify distribution system needs, including DERs that can avoid or defer certain types of traditional utility investments cost-effectively. Price-based demand response (DR) is an underutilized resource that could substantially contribute to load flexibility. We find that evaluation of price-based DR as a solution to meet identified electricity system needs is uncommon at both planning processes. Where price-based DR is considered as a solution, methodologies are often deficient in the characterization and treatment of this resource. Based on our analysis of utility filings and state requirements, this brief provides recommendations for improving consideration of price-based DR in the context of long-term planning for bulk power and distribution systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) Electrical Systems Testbed

The Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) mission will send a spacecraft to explore three of Jupiter s moons (Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa), all of which show evidence of containing vast subterranean oceans beneath their icy surfaces. The evidence of these oceans was discovered by Galileo, and the moons are believed to have the three essential ingredients for life: water, energy, and the necessary chemical elements. Galileo has shown that melted water on Europa has been in contact with the surface of the moon in geologically recent times, and may still lie relatively close to the surface. This project will also introduce a revolutionary new form of electric propulsion powered by a nuclear fission reactor. This electric propulsion is called ion propulsion. It was used on a previous mission called Deep Space 1, proving that ion propulsion works for interplanetary travel. Since JIMO will be traveling farther from the sun, solar power will be difficult to supply the electric energy demanded by the mission. Therefore a nuclear reactor and a thermo-electric converter system will be necessary. Besides making the trip to three of Jupiter's moons - one after the other - a realistic possibility, this new form of power and propulsion opens up the rest of the outer solar system for future exploration. JIMO will fulfill its goals by exploring Europa first, with subsequent trips to the moons Callisto and Ganymede in order to provide comparisons key to understanding the evolution of all three. In order to ensure the stability and proper preparation of the electrical system on JIMO, the High Power AC Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) Test Bed is being developed. The testing on.this AC PMAD will consist of electrical performance verification of candidate power system components. Examples of these components are: high power AC switchgear, high power ACDC converters, AC power distribution units, DC power distribution units, etc. Throughout the course of the summer the over-current control circuit for the five different size relays will be constructed and tested. This circuit will sense the current input to the spacecraft loads and automatically switch off power if the current is too high. Once the circuit is verified to function properly and all necessary modifications have been made, a circuit schematic and board layout will have to be drawn using OrCAD, and the circuits will have to be built.

Trapp, Scott J.↗

Solar Electric System

Heat Pipe Technology, Inc. undertook the development of a PV system that could bring solar electricity to the individual home at reasonable cost. His system employs high efficiency PV modules plus a set of polished reflectors that concentrate the solar energy and enhance the output of the modules. Dinh incorporated a sun tracking system derived from space tracking technology. It automatically follows the sun throughout the day and turns the modules so that they get maximum exposure to the solar radiation, further enhancing the system efficiency.

Source record↗

Quantifying Value and Representing Competitiveness of Electricity System Technologies in Economic Models

Evaluating competition between electricity technologies is challenging because it depends on both their costs and their values. While technology costs can typically be estimated from projections of the cost components - capital, fuel, and O&M - estimating a technology's value is more complex due to its dependence on its contributions to multiple different grid services, each with prices that can vary substantially over space and time. In this work, using an electricity model of the contiguous United States, we develop relationships between relative value and share of total generation for major electricity generation technologies which, when paired with projections of technology costs, can be used to estimate technology competitiveness. We identify significant differences in the relationship between relative value and generation share for variable renewable energy (VRE) and non-VRE sources, but we demonstrate that all technologies require consideration of their dynamic values (in addition to cost) when evaluating competitiveness. In addition, we demonstrate that relative value of a technology is substantially impacted by not only its own generation share but also other aspects of the system state, in particular the mix of other technologies present in the system. Finally, we use the developed relative value relationships in combination with projections of future technology costs in a coarse resolution model that competes technologies based on a comprehensive competitiveness metric: profitability-adjusted LCOE (PLCOE). We show that this simple representation of technology competition approximately recovers the generation mix from a detailed model, which is not possible using LCOE alone. Such an approach can be used to improve the representation of technology competition in coarse-resolution models such as integrated assessment models, for which simplified metrics are often needed.

electricity model↗

Electrical Systems Analysis at NASA Glenn Research Center: Status and Prospects

An analysis of an electrical power and propulsion system for a 2-place general aviation aircraft is presented to provide a status of such modeling at NASA Glenn Research Center. The thermodynamic/ electrical model and mass prediction tools are described and the resulting system power and mass are shown. Three technology levels are used to predict the effect of advancements in component technology. Methods of fuel storage are compared by mass and volume. Prospects for future model development and validation at NASA as well as possible applications are also summarized.

Freeh, Joshua E.↗