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At least 559 records · Page 31

Wind turbine generator interaction with diesel generators on an isolated power system

The results of a dynamic interaction investigation to characterize any disturbances caused by interfacing the Mod 0A wind turbine (150 kW configuration) with the Block Island utility diesel generator grid are reported. The tests were run when only two diesel generators were on line, and attention was given to power, frequency, and voltage time profiles. The interconnected system was examined in the start-up and synchronization phase, normal shutdown and cut-out of the wind turbine, during fixed pitch generation, and during variable pitch operation. Governors were installed on the diesel generators to accommodate the presence of wind-derived electricity. The blade pitch control was set to maintain power at 150 kW or below. Power and voltage transients were insignificant during start-up and shutdown, and frequency aberrations were within the range caused by load fluctuations. It is concluded that wind turbine generation can be successfully implemented by an isolated utility, even with a significant penetration to the total grid output.

Scott, G. W.↗

Metallization with generic metallo-organic inks

The use and fabrication of metallo-organic films are discussed. Metallo-organic compounds are ones in which a metal is linked to a long chain carbon ligand through a hetero atom such as O, S, N, P or As. Films formed by the thermal decomposition of these metallo-organics are called MOD films. In order that the products of decomposition contain only CO2, H2O, and in rare cases nitrogen compounds, and to avoid S containing products, the use of a set of metallo-organic compounds for ink fabrication where the linking hetero atom was oxygen was pioneered. These links were made from commercially available carboxylates, or synthesized from commonly available reagents. The processing is described and the molecular design criteria are given. The particular carboxylates or amine carboxylates selected were the octoates or neodecanoates, and they are described.

Vest, G. M.↗

Large, horizontal-axis wind turbines

Development of the technology for safe, reliable, environmentally acceptable large wind turbines that have the potential to generate a significant amount of electricity at costs competitive with conventional electric generating systems are presented. In addition, these large wind turbines must be fully compatible with electric utility operations and interface requirements. There are several ongoing large wind system development projects and applied research efforts directed toward meeting the technology requirements for utility applications. Detailed information on these projects is provided. The Mod-O research facility and current applied research effort in aerodynamics, structural dynamics and aeroelasticity, composite and hybrid composite materials, and multiple system interaction are described. A chronology of component research and technology development for large, horizontal axis wind turbines is presented. Wind characteristics, wind turbine economics, and the impact of wind turbines on the environment are reported. The need for continued wind turbine research and technology development is explored. Over 40 references are sited and a bibliography is included.

Linscott, B. S.↗

Corrosion fatigue of high strength fastener materials in seawater

Environmental effects which significantly reduce the fatigue life of metals are discussed. Corrosion fatigue is a major concern in the engineering application of high strength fasteners in marine environments. The corrosion fatigue failure of an AISI 41L4O high strength steel blade to hub attachment bolt at the MOD-OA 200 kW wind turbine generator was investigated. The reduction of fatigue strength of AISI 41L4O in marine environments and to obtain similar corrosion fatigue data for candidate replacement materials was studied. The AISI 4140, PH 13-8Mo stainless steel, alloy 718 and alloy MP-35N were tested in axial fatigue at a frequency of 20 Hz in dry air and natural seawater. The fatigue data are fitted by regression equations to allow determination of fatigue strength for a given number of cycles to failure.

Tipton, D. G.↗

Experimental studies of flow separation of three airfoils at low speeds

Wind tunnel tests were conducted on the NASA LS(1)-0421 Mod, NACA 2412 and NASA GA(W)-2 airfoil sections at a Reynolds number of 2.2 x 10(6) and a Mach number of 0.13. Detailed measurements of flow fields associated with turbulent boundary layers of these airfoils were obtained at pre-stall, near-stall, and post-stall angles of attack. Velocity and pressure survey results over the airfoil and in the associated wake, are presented for fully attached flow conditions through the stalled flow condition. Extensive force, pressure, tuft survey, hot-film survey, local skin friction and boundary layer data are also included.

Rodgers, E. J.↗

Thermal-stress analysis for wood composite blade

The thermal-stress induced by solar insolation on a wood composite blade of a Mod-OA wind turbine was investigated. The temperature distribution throughout the blade (a heat conduction problem) was analyzed and the thermal-stress distribution of the blades caused by the temperature distribution (a thermal-stress analysis problem) was then determined. The computer programs used for both problems are included along with output examples.

Fu, K. C.↗

Aileron controls for wind turbine applications

Horizontal axis wind turbines which utilize partial or full variable blade pitch to regulate rotor speed were examined. The weight and costs of these systems indicated a need for alternate methods of rotor control. Aileron control is an alternative which has potential to meet this need. Aileron control rotors were tested on the Mod-O wind turbine to determine their power regulation and shutdown characteristics. Test results for a 20 and 38% chord aileron control rotor are presented. Test is shown that aileron control is a viable method for safety for safely controlling rotor speed, following a loss of general load.

Miller, D. R.↗

Turbofan noise generation. Volume 2: Computer programs

The use of a package of computer programs developed to calculate the in duct acoustic mods excited by a fan/stator stage operating at subsonic tip speed is described. The following three noise source mechanisms are included: (1) sound generated by the rotor blades interacting with turbulence ingested into, or generated within, the inlet duct; (2) sound generated by the stator vanes interacting with the turbulent wakes of the rotor blades; and (3) sound generated by the stator vanes interacting with the velocity deficits in the mean wakes of the rotor blades. The computations for three different noise mechanisms are coded as three separate computer program packages. The computer codes are described by means of block diagrams, tables of data and variables, and example program executions; FORTRAN listings are included.

Ventres, C. S.↗

Measured effects of wind turbine generation at the Block Island Power Company

Data measurements made on the NASA MOD-OA 200-kw wind-turbine generator (WTG) installed on a utility grid form the basis for an overall performance analysis. Fuel displacement/-savings, dynamic interactions, and WTG excitation (reactive-power) control effects are studied. Continuous recording of a large number of electrical and mechanical variables on FM magnetic tape permit evaluation and correlation of phenomena over a bandwidth of at least 20 Hz. Because the wind-power penetration reached peaks of 60 percent, the impact of wind fluctuation and wind-turbine/diesel-utility interaction is evaluated in a worst-case scenario. The speed-governor dynamics of the diesel units exhibited an underdamped response, and the utility operation procedures were not altered to optimize overall WTG/utility performance. Primary findings over the data collection period are: a calculated 6.7-percent reduction in fuel consumption while generating 11 percent of the total electrical energy; acceptable system voltage and frequency fluctuations with WTG connected; and applicability of WTG excitation schemes using voltage, power, or VARS as the controlled variable.

Wilreker, V. F.↗

Aileron controls for wind turbine applications

Horizontal axis wind turbines which utilize partial or full variable blade pitch to regulate rotor speed were examined. The weight and costs of these systems indicated a need for alternate methods of rotor control. Aileron control is an alternative which has potential to meet this need. Aileron control rotors were tested on the Mod-O wind turbine to determine their power regulation and shutdown characteristics. Test results for a 20 and 38 percent chord aileron control rotor are presented. Test is shown that aileron control is a viable method for safety for safely controlling rotor speed, following a loss of general load.

Miller, D. R.↗

Description and test results of a variable speed, constant frequency generating system

The variable-speed, constant frequency generating system developed for the Mod-0 wind turbine is presented. This report describes the system as it existed at the conclusion of the project. The cycloconverter control circuit is described including the addition of field-oriented control. The laboratory test and actual wind turbine test results are included.

Brady, F. J.↗

Summary of tower designs for large horizontal axis wind turbines

Towers for large horizontal axis wind turbines, machines with a rotor axis height above 30 meters and rated at more than 500 kW, have varied in configuration, materials of construction, type of construction, height, and stiffness. For example, the U.S. large HAWTs have utilized steel truss type towers and free-standing steel cylindrical towers. In Europe, the trend has been to use only free-standing and guyed cylindrical towers, but both steel and reinforced concrete have been used as materials of construction. These variations in materials of construction and type of construction reflect different engineering approaches to the design of cost effective towers for large HAWTs. Tower designs are the NASA/DOE Mod-5B presently being fabricated. Design goals and requirements that influence tower configuration, height and materials are discussed. In particular, experiences with United States large wind turbine towers are elucidated. Finally, current trends in tower designs for large HAWTs are highlighted.

Frederick, G. R.↗

Stirling Powered Van Progam overview

The Stirling Powered Van Program (SPVP) is a multiyear, multiphase program to evaluate the automotive Stirling engine (ASE) in Air Force vans under realistic conditions. The objective of the SPVP is to transfer to manufacturer and end user(s) (i.e., on the path to commercialization) the second-generation Mod 2 ASE upon completion of the Automotive Stirling Engine Program in 1987. In order to meet this objective, the SPVP must establish Stirling performance, integrity, reliability, durability and maintainability. The ASE program background leading to the van program is reviewed and plans for evaluating the kinematic Stirling engine in Air Force vans examined. Also discussed are the NASA technology transfers to industry that have been accomplished and those which are currently being developed.

Shaltens, R. K.↗

The northern Utah satellite (NUSAT) communications link

During the planning Stages of the NUSAT satellite, an obvious issue to be discussed was the method of communications to be used. The frequencies would have to be high enough to pass through the atmosphere relatively unattenuated but low enough that antennas and transmission lines would not be so critical in length and properties that unexperienced students would have difficulty with handling them. In conversations with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington D.C., the frequencies of 450.000 MHz and 137.900 MHz were decided upon and applied for licensing. The 450.000 MHt up-link is used on a "non-interference" basis to control the satellite while the 137.900 MHz frequency down-links data from the satellite. A reasonable amount of time was spent discussing the mods of transmission to be used in communication with the satellite. Representatives of the amateur radio satellite organization, AMSAT, were contacted for ides. This organization seems to favor AM types of emissions such as CW to control their OSCAR series of satellites and also the current Phase 111 unit. NUSAT personnel felt, however, that there would be merit in the improved signal to noise ratio usually obtained in an FM mode. Doppler shift of the transmitted information on the NUSAT also had to be considered. The final decision WBS to use Audio Frequency Shift Keying (AFSK) modulated on an FM carrier. In this mode the audio tones used would not shift frequency with Doppler - only the carrier would shift in frequency. If necessary, the receivers could be fitted with a form of AFC control or simply have enough bandwidth to handle the Doppler shift with an acceptable increase in noise.

Lee Barrett↗

Operational maintenance data base development for kinematic Stirling engines

In the initial stages of developing the automotive Stirling engine (ASE), data has been accumulated under the program's Quality Assurance Report (QAR) program to identify problem areas encountered during engine operation. This data has been used as the basis for developing design modifications to existing hardware, identifying diagnostic techniques and instrumentation, and providing guidance towards component and system development requirements for future engine designs, such as the Mod II engine currently in the initial design stage. The QAR has proven itself to be an essential part of the ASE Program, and has successfully guided the development of the automotive application of this emerging engine technology.

Richey, A.↗

Laser-assisted solar cell metallization processing

The status of the laser-assisted solar cell metallization processing is described. Metallo-organic silver films were spun-on by argon ion laser beam pyrolysis. The metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) film was spun-on an evaporated Ti/Pd film to produce tood adhesion. In a maskless process, the argon ion laser writes the contact pattern. The film is then built up to obtain the required conductivity using conventional silverplating process. The Ti/Pd film in the field is chemically etched using the plated silver film as the mask. The width of the contact pattern is determined by the power of the laser. Widths as thin as 20 microns were obtained using 0.66 W of laser power. Cells fabricated with the 50 micron line widths of 4 ohm-cm floating zone (Fz) silicon-produced efficiencies of 16.6% (no passivation) which were equivalent to the best cells using conventional metallization/lithography and no passivation.

Meier, D. L.↗

Rapid thermal processing of Czochralski silicon substrates: Defects, denuded zones, and minority carrier lifetime

Rapid thermal processing (RTP) of Czochralski (Cz) silicon substrates is discussed with its attendant effects on defects, denuded zones, and minority carrier lifetime. Preferential chemical etching and X-ray topography was used to delineate defects which were subsequently correlated with minority carrier lifetime; determined by a pulse metallo-organic decompositon (MOD) test device. The X-ray delineation of grown-in defects was enhanced by a lithium decoration procedure. Results, thus far, show excellent correlation between process-induced defects.

Rozgonyi, G. S.↗

Development of a ROT22 - DATAMAP interface

This report (Contract NAS2-10331- Mod 10), outlines the development and validation of an interface between the three-dimensional transonic analysis program ROT22 and the Data from Aeromechanics Test and Analytics-Management and Analysis Package (DATAMAP). After development of the interface, the validation is carried out as follows. First, the DATAMAP program is used to analyze a portion of the Tip Aerodynamics and Acoustics Test (TAAT) data. Specifically, records 2872 and 2873 are analyzed at an azimuth of 90 deg, and record 2806 is analyzed at 60 deg. Trim conditions for these flight conditions are then calculated using the Bell performance prediction program ARAM45. Equivalent shaft, pitch, and twist angles are calculated from ARAM45 results and used as input to the ROT22 program. The interface uses the ROT22 results and creates DATAMAP information files from which the surface pressure contours and sectional pressure coefficients are plotted. Twist angles input to ROT22 program are then iteratively modified in the tip region until the computed pressure coefficients closely match the measurements. In all cases studied, the location of the shock is well predicted. However, the negative pressure coefficients were underpredicted. This could be accounted for by blade vortex interaction effects.

Shenoy, K. R.↗