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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Electric Power Monitor

Control center for SAMAC (System Automatic Monitor and Control) is a sophisticated dispatch computer system, developed by Rockwell International and operated by Philadelphia Electric Co. SAMAC monitors and controls the generation and distribution of electric power throughout the Philadelphia electric network. With the assistance of NASA's Apollo computer system technology, it enables human operators to isolate and correct power distribution problems more rapidly than was possible with earlier dispatch systems without centralized computer control.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1998

Space Solar Power Technical Interchange Meeting 2: SSP TIM 2

The 2nd Space Solar Power Technical Interchange Meeting (SSP TIM 2) was conducted September 21st through 24th with the first part consisting of a Plenary session. The summary results of this Plenary session are contained in part one of this report. The attendees were then organized into Working Breakout Sessions and Integrated Product Team (IPT) Sessions for the purpose of conducting in-depth discussions in specific topic areas and developing a consensus as to appropriate study plans and actions to be taken. The Second part covers the Plenary Summary Session, which contains the summary results of the Working Breakout Sessions and IPT Sessions. The appendix contains the list of attendees. The ob'jective was to provide an update for the study teams and develop plans for subsequent study activities. This SSP TIM 2 was initiated and the results reported electronically over the Internet. The International Space Station (ISS) could provide the following opportunities for conducting research and technology (R&T) which are applicable to SSP: (1) Automation and Robotics, (2) Advanced Power Generation, (3) Advanced Power Management & Distribution (PMAD), (4) Communications Systems and Networks, (5) Energy Storage, (6) In Space Propulsion (ISP), (7) Structural Dynamics and Control, and Assembly and (8) Wireless Power Transmission.

Sanders, Jim↗
NASA NTRS2008

Web-Enabled Optoelectronic Particle-Fallout Monitor

A Web-enabled optoelectronic particle- fallout monitor has been developed as a prototype of future such instruments that (l) would be installed in multiple locations for which assurance of cleanliness is required and (2) could be interrogated and controlled in nearly real time by multiple remote users. Like prior particle-fallout monitors, this instrument provides a measure of particles that accumulate on a surface as an indication of the quantity of airborne particulate contaminants. The design of this instrument reflects requirements to: Reduce the cost and complexity of its optoelectronic sensory subsystem relative to those of prior optoelectronic particle fallout monitors while maintaining or improving capabilities; Use existing network and office computers for distributed display and control; Derive electric power for the instrument from a computer network, a wall outlet, or a battery; Provide for Web-based retrieval and analysis of measurement data and of a file containing such ancillary data as a log of command attempts at remote units; and Use the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for maximum performance and minimal network overhead.

Lineberger, Lewis P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Conceptual design of the 7 megawatt Mod-5B wind turbine generator

Similar to MOD-2, the MOD-5B wind turbine generator system is designed for the sole purpose of providing electrical power for distribution by a major utility network. The objectives of the MOD-2 and MOD-5B programs are essentially identical with one important exception; the cost-of-electricity (COE) target is reduced from 4 cent/Kwhr on MOD-2 to 3 cent/Kwhr on MOD-5B, based on mid 1977 dollars and large quantity production. The MOD-5B concept studies and eventual concept selection confirmed that the program COE targets could not only be achieved but substantially bettered. Starting from the established MOD-2 technology as a base, this achievement resulted from a combination of concept changes, size changes, and design refinements. The result of this effort is a wind turbine system that can compete with conventional power generation over significant geographical areas, increasing commercial market potential by an order of magnitude.

Douglas, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Microwave Power for Smart Membrane Actuators

The concept of microwave-driven smart membrane actuators is envisioned as the best option to alleviate the complexity associated with hard-wired control circuitry. A large, ultra-light space structure, such as solar sails and Gossamer spacecrafts, requires a distribution of power into individual membrane actuators to control them in an effective way. A patch rectenna array with a high voltage output was developed to drive smart membrane actuators. Networked patch rectenna array receives and converts microwave power into a DC power for an array of smart actuators. To use microwave power effectively, the concept of a power allocation and distribution (PAD) circuit is developed and tested for networking a rectenna/actuator patch array. For the future development, the PAD circuit could be imbedded into a single embodiment of rectenna and actuator array with the thin-film microcircuit embodiment. Preliminary design and fabrication of PAD circuitry that consists of a sixteen nodal elements were made for laboratory testing.

Choi, Sang H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The communications industry's requirements and interests

Of interest to the communications industry are the amplitude, waveshape, duration and frequency of lightning-originated voltage surges and transients on the communications network, including the distribution system and AC power supply circuits. The cloud-to-ground lightning discharge and its characteristics are thought to be most meaningful. Of specific interest are peak current, waveshape, number of flashes, strokes per flash, and zone of influence. Accurate and meaningful lightning data at the local level (telephone district office) is necessary for a decision on the appropriate protection level. In addition to lightning, the protection engineer must consider other factors such as: AC induction, switching surges, ground potential rise, soil resistivity, bonding and grounding techniques, shielding and isolation, and exposure of the telephone loop.

Wanaselja, O.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Experimental Testing of Data Fusion in A Distributed Ground-Based Sensing Network for Advanced Air Mobility

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an active area of development which foresees the integration of autonomous uncrewed aircraft into the civil airspace for air transportation of people and cargo. Safe integration requires significant technological developments and extensive testing phases of sensing and surveillance strategies in dense airspace. Compared to well-assessed manned aviation systems scenarios, surveillance strategies in the AAM and small Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicles(UAVs) context need to detect smaller platforms flying at lower altitude against cluttered backgrounds in dense airspace. Fusion of data provided by a network of distributed sensing nodes is a powerful tool to enable detection and tracking in such complex conditions. This paper contributes to this research direction by proposing a surveillance strategy for the AAM environment based on sensor fusion of data acquired by distributed ground-based radars. Specifically, experimental data collected with two independent radars, observing the flight of two small UAVs, are used. Data fusion at tracking level is based on a leader-helper strategy where the leader radar uses the helper’s measurements to increase the lifespan of its generated tracks. This solution shows promising results with a 10%increase in track coverage with respect to the standalone leader radar tracking solution. The paper also proposes an interference removal processing method which is applied on the data collected by one of the two radars.

Federica Vitiello↗
NASA NTRS2025

Demonstration of Data Processing and Fusion from Distributed Radars for AAM Surveillance

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an active area of development which foresees the integration of autonomous uncrewed aircraft into the civil airspace for air transportation of people and cargo. Safe integration requires significant technological developments and extensive testing phases of sensing and surveillance strategies in dense airspace. Compared to well-assessed manned aviation systems scenarios, surveillance strategies in the AAM and small Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) context need to detect smaller platforms flying at lower altitude against cluttered backgrounds in dense airspace. Fusion of data provided by a network of distributed sensing nodes is a powerful tool to enable detection and tracking in such complex conditions. This paper contributes to this research direction by proposing a surveillance strategy for the AAM environment based on sensor fusion of data acquired by distributed ground-based radars. Specifically, experimental data collected with three independent radars, observing the flight of two small UAVs, are used. Data fusion at tracking level is based on a leader-helper strategy where the leader radar uses the helper’s measurements to increase the lifespan of its generated tracks. This solution shows promising results with a 10% increase in track coverage with respect to the standalone leader radar tracking solution. The paper also proposes an interference removal processing method which is applied on the data collected by two of the radars.

Federica Vitiello↗
NASA NTRS1990

Automated Power-Distribution System

Automated power-distribution system monitors and controls electrical power to modules in network. Handles both 208-V, 20-kHz single-phase alternating current and 120- to 150-V direct current. Power distributed to load modules from power-distribution control units (PDCU's) via subsystem distributors. Ring busses carry power to PDCU's from power source. Needs minimal attention. Detects faults and also protects against them. Potential applications include autonomous land vehicles and automated industrial process systems.

Thomason, Cindy↗
NASA NTRS1984

Design, fabrication and testing of a multibeam forming network

A concept for a multiple beam forming network to route signals from eight input ports to twenty-one output ports so as to form eight independent seven-element cluster radiators was designed, fabricated, and tested. The operating frequency band is 2.226 to 2.254 GHz and the maximum power to any input port is two watts. The network consists of eight seven-way power dividers connected to twenty-one seven-way power combiners. The network utilizes barline circuits between parallel ground planes for the power distribution and collection. Interconnections are made with short rigid co-axial lines built into the network. The concept, general design procedures, mechanical configuration, and electrical performance are described. It appears that the network is quite satisfactory for demonstrating practical feasibility of the technical concept.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

A computational-grid based system for continental drainage network extraction using SRTM digital elevation models

We describe a new effort for the computation of elevation derivatives using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) results. Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) SRTM has produced a near global database of highly accurate elevation data. The scope of this database enables computing precise stream drainage maps and other derivatives on Continental scales. We describe a computing architecture for this computationally very complex task based on NASA's Information Power Grid (IPG), a distributed high performance computing network based on the GLOBUS infrastructure. The SRTM data characteristics and unique problems they present are discussed. A new algorithm for organizing the conventional extraction algorithms [1] into a cooperating parallel grid is presented as an essential component to adapt to the IPG computing structure. Preliminary results are presented for a Southern California test area, established for comparing SRTM and its results against those produced using the USGS National Elevation Data (NED) model.

stream extraction↗
NASA NTRS1976

Voltage profile program for the Kennedy Space Center electric power distribution system

The Kennedy Space Center voltage profile program computes voltages at all busses greater than 1 Kv in the network under various conditions of load. The computation is based upon power flow principles and utilizes a Newton-Raphson iterative load flow algorithm. Power flow conditions throughout the network are also provided. The computer program is designed for both steady state and transient operation. In the steady state mode, automatic tap changing of primary distribution transformers is incorporated. Under transient conditions, such as motor starts etc., it is assumed that tap changing is not accomplished so that transformer secondary voltage is allowed to sag.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1996

Solar Dynamic Power System Stability Analysis and Control

The objective of this research is to conduct dynamic analysis, control design, and control performance test of solar power system. Solar power system consists of generation system and distribution network system. A bench mark system is used in this research, which includes a generator with excitation system and governor, an ac/dc converter, six DDCU's and forty-eight loads. A detailed model is used for modeling generator. Excitation system is represented by a third order model. DDCU is represented by a seventh order system. The load is modeled by the combination of constant power and constant impedance. Eigen-analysis and eigen-sensitivity analysis are used for system dynamic analysis. The effects of excitation system, governor, ac/dc converter control, and the type of load on system stability are discussed. In order to improve system transient stability, nonlinear ac/dc converter control is introduced. The direct linearization method is used for control design. The dynamic analysis results show that these controls affect system stability in different ways. The parameter coordination of controllers are recommended based on the dynamic analysis. It is concluded from the present studies that system stability is improved by the coordination of control parameters and the nonlinear ac/dc converter control stabilize system oscillation caused by the load change and system fault efficiently.

Momoh, James A.↗
NASA NTRS2014

The Use of Software Agents for Autonomous Control of a DC Space Power System

In order to enable manned deep-space missions, the spacecraft must be controlled autonomously using on-board algorithms. A control architecture is proposed to enable this autonomous operation for an spacecraft electric power system and then implemented using a highly distributed network of software agents. These agents collaborate and compete with each other in order to implement each of the control functions. A subset of this control architecture is tested against a steadystate power system simulation and found to be able to solve a constrained optimization problem with competing objectives using only local information.

autonomous control↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Stirling Power Conversion for Lunar Applications

NASA is developing Stirling power convertors for use in nuclear power systems that would provide electricity to users on the lunar surface. NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program is maturing advanced dynamic convertor technologies that would increase the efficiency beyond the heritage systems for missions to the Moon and other solar system bodies of interest. Development efforts have focus on Stirling and Brayton designs that meet reliability and robustness requirements for operation in the lunar environment. GRC is also maturing low power convertors in the range of 1-40 watts to power micro-spacecraft or a network of distributed probes and include basic demonstration of in-house designs for convertors and controllers. In addition to RPS applications, conceptual fission systems have been demonstrated using Stirling convertors in multiple electrically heated tests and one test heated by a nuclear reactor. The Stirling convertors used in these fission system concepts include 100 We convertors to enable a 1 kWe system, 1 kWe convertors to enable a 10 kWe system, and 6 kWe convertors to enable a 40 kWe system. The maturation of Stirling power convertors for nuclear applications includes verification of performance in relevant environments and validation of the design with a focus on high reliability and robustness. Over 1 million hours of testing has been accumulated on dozens of convertors since 1999 in the Stirling Research Laboratory at the NASA Glenn Research Center located in Cleveland Ohio, where the longest running convertor is the work record holder at 137,000 hours, or 15.5 years. These maturation efforts have been instrumental in increasing the technology readiness level of Stirling technologies for space applications.

S. Wilson↗
NASA NTRS1988

Simulation test beds for the space station electrical power system

NASA Lewis Research Center and its prime contractor are responsible for developing the electrical power system on the space station. The power system will be controlled by a network of distributed processors. Control software will be verified, validated, and tested in hardware and software test beds. Current plans for the software test bed involve using real time and nonreal time simulations of the power system. This paper will discuss the general simulation objectives and configurations, control architecture, interfaces between simulator and controls, types of tests, and facility configurations.

Sadler, Gerald G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Simulation test beds for the Space Station electrical power system

NASA Lewis Research Center and its prime contractor are respnsible for developing the electrical power system on the Space Station. The power system will be controlled by a network of distributed processors. Control software will be verified, validated, and tested in hardware and software test beds. Current plans for the software test bed involve using real time and nonreal time simulations of the power system. This paper will discuss the general simulation objectives and configurations, control architecture, interfaces between simulator and controls, types of tests, and facility configurations.

Sadler, Gerald G.↗