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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 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Wireless Pulse-Width Modulation Control of Power Converters Using Ultra-Wideband Technology for Distributed High-Voltage Systems

In this study, we present a new approach for wireless pulse-width modulation (PWM) control of a power converter, applicable to numerous power converters within a complex electrical distribution system. This method eliminates the need for multiple physical connections of gating/PWM signals among distributed converter modules. By using ultra-wideband-based communication, the PWM control signals can be wirelessly transmitted from a central controller to multiple converters simultaneously and seamlessly. System stability is thoroughly analyzed, and experimental results validate the efficacy of the wireless control scheme for a buck converter operating at a 50-kHz switching frequency. The minimum latency obtained from this setup is 5.38 ..mu..s. This control concept offers easier implementation of distributed control in high-voltage power systems, especially in multilevel architectures, even under harsh conditions with ambient noise.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1980

Solar power satellite microwave system concepts and performance considerations

The phase control system is the fundamental element in the forming, steering and control of the solar power satellite (SPS) microwave power beam. This system must in essence automatically adjust the phase at each of the transmitter's 101,552 power amplifiers to compensate for differences in transmission path lengths to the earth-based receiving antenna (rectenna). SPS phase control system requirements are discussed, taking into account system concepts, a reference system description, reference system performance, ground based phase control concepts, and ionosphere considerations. It is pointed out that the importance of determining the ionospheric effects cannot be overemphasized. The permissable power density limit through the ionosphere is a critical SPS sizing factor and the phase control system must be able to accommodate errors induced by a heated ionosphere.

Seyl, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A Thruster Sub-System Module (TSSM) for solar electric propulsion

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) is currently being studied for possible use in a number of near-earth and planetary missions. Thruster systems for these missions could be integrated directly into a spacecraft or modularized into a Thruster Sub-System Module (TSSM). A TSSM for electric propulsion missions would consist of a 30-cm ion thruster, thruster gimbal system, propellant storage and feed system, associated Power Processing Unit (PPU), thermal control system and complete supporting structure. The TSSM would be wholly self-contained and be essentially a plug-in or strap-on electric stage with simple mechanical, thermal, electrical and propellant interfaces. The TSSM described in this report is designed for a broad range of missions requiring from two to ten TSSM's mounted in a 2 by x configuration. The thermal control system is designed to accommodate waste heat from the power processor based on realistic efficiencies when the TSSM is operating from 0.7 to 3.5 AU's. The modules are 0.61 M (2 ft) wide by 2.29 M (7.5 ft) long and have a dry weight including propellant tank of 54.4 kg (120 lb). The propellant tank will hold 145.1 kg (320 lb) of mercury.

Sharp, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Control/structure interaction methods for space station power systems

The Structural Dynamics Research Corporation and the NASA Lewis Research Center have been working together to develop tools and methods for the analysis of control/structure interaction problems related to the space station power systems. Flexible modes of the solar arrays below 0.1 Hz, suggest that even for relatively slow control systems, the potential for control/structure interaction exists. The emphasis of the effort has been to develop tools which couple NASTRAN's powerful capabilities in structural dynamics with EASY5's powerful capabilities in control systems analysis. One product is an interface software package called CO-ST-IN for COntrol-STructure-INteraction. CO-ST-IN acts to translate data between NASTRAN and EASY5, facilitating the analysis of complex coupled problems. Interfaces to SDRC I-DEAS and MATRIXx are also offered. Beside transferring standard modal information, CO-ST-IN implements a number of advanced methods. These include a modal ordering algorithm that helps eliminate uncontrollable or unobservable modes from the analysis, an implementation of the more accurate mode acceleration algorithm for recovery of element forces and stresses directly in EASY5 and an implementation of fixed interface modes in NASTRAN, which reduces the error in the closed-loop model due to the use of truncated mode sets.

Blelloch, Paul↗
NASA NTRS2005

A Design of a Modular GPHS-Stirling Power System for a Lunar Habitation Module

Lunar habitation modules need electricity and potentially heat to operate. Because of the low amounts of radiation emitted by General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules, power plants incorporating these as heat sources could be placed in close proximity to habitation modules. A design concept is discussed for a high efficiency power plant based on a GPHS assembly integrated with a Stirling convertor. This system could provide both electrical power and heat, if required, for a lunar habitation module. The conceptual GPHS/Stirling system is modular in nature and made up of a basic 5.5 KWe Stirling convertor/GPHS module assembly, convertor controller/PMAD electronics, waste heat radiators, and associated thermal insulation. For the specific lunar application under investigation eight modules are employed to deliver 40 KWe to the habitation module. This design looks at three levels of Stirling convertor technology and addresses the issues of integrating the Stirling convertors with the GPHS heat sources assembly using proven technology whenever possible. In addition, issues related to the high-temperature heat transport system, power management, convertor control, vibration isolation, and potential system packaging configurations to ensure safe operation during all phases of deployment will be discussed.

Schmitz, Paul C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Design considerations for high-power VHF radar transceivers: The Poker Flat MST radar phase control system

Sixty-four separate 50-kW peak-power transmitters are distributed throughout the 200 x 200 meter Poker Flat MST radar antenna array. The relative phase of each transmitter is automatically controlled by a 64-channel unit located in the main building at the edge of the antenna. The phase control unit is described. In operation the RF pulse from a transmitter coupler is power divided and compared with the phase reference in a mixer. The mixer output is low-pass filtered and sampled near the center of the resulting video pulse by an amplifying sample-and-hold integrated circuit. Phase control is effected by maintaining the mixer output pulse near zero volts by amplifying the sample-and-hold output which then drives the voltage-controlled phase shifter in the direction to null the mixer output. The voltage-controlled shifter achieves over 360 deg phase shift in the range from 0.7 to 24 volts. When the voltage into the shifter tracks to either voltage limit the wrap-around control resets the voltage so that the shifter is always operating within its control range.

Ecklund, W. L.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Wireless Pulse-Width Modulation Control of Power Converters Using Ultra-Wideband Technology for Distributed High-Voltage Systems: Preprint

In this study, we present a new approach for wireless pulse-width modulation (PWM) control of a power converter, applicable to numerous power converters within a complex electrical distribution system. This method eliminates the need for multiple physical connections of gating/PWM signals among distributed converter modules. By using ultra-wideband-based communication, the PWM control signals can be wirelessly transmitted from a central controller to multiple converters simultaneously and seamlessly. System stability is thoroughly analyzed, and experimental results validate the efficacy of the wireless control scheme for a buck converter operating at a 50-kHz switching frequency. The minimum latency obtained from this setup is 5.38 mus. This control concept offers easier implementation of distributed control in high-voltage power systems, especially in multilevel architectures, even under harsh conditions with ambient noise.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1975

Design and testing of an energy flywheel for an Integrated Power/Attitude Control System /IPACS/

This paper summarizes the design of a prototype flywheel energy storage assembly developed to evaluate the spacecraft Integrated Power and Attitude Control System (IPACS) concept. In the IPACS application, the flywheel assembly is used for kinetic electrical energy storage as well as conventional angular momentum control. The kinetic energy storage function dictates high rotational speeds which require new approaches to the design of the major components: rotors, motor-generators, bearing systems, and electronics. The paper includes a general description of a NASA-contracted prototype assembly, a discussion of major component design characteristics, and the presentation of preliminary test results as compared with analytical predictions. The test data were obtained from preliminary tests of the NASA prototype assembly as well as from a Rockwell prototype test unit.

Notti, J. E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Transmission Operator Workflows for Real-Time Reliability Studies: A Review of Control Room Practices and Naturalistic Decision Making

This report provides an overview of real-time reliability study tools and their use by power system operators in the control room environment. After introducing some of the nuances of the control room environment and the differences in perspectives between power system engineers and operators, the roles and responsibilities of key entities involved in RTCA workflows are introduced. These are specifically the transmission system operator (TOP) and reliability coordinator (RC), which are required to run tools such as real-time contingency analysis (RTCA) as part of a real-time reliability assessment every 30 minutes, as dictated by a series of standards issued by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The process by which power systems operators operate the grid is discussed in terms of naturalistic decision making (NDM) and the recognition-primed decision-making (RPD) model. This cognitive model describe how experts working in high-risk, high-stress environments make safety-critical decisions under uncertainty and time pressure. For power system operators, the mental simulations involved in the traditional RPD model are supplemented by physics-based simulations using numerical tools, such as RTCA, to improve situational awareness and effectiveness of control actions. Next, a generic workflow is introduced to describe operator decision making for running RTCA tools and responding to system violations on a pre-contingent basis. The types of analysis performed and control actions chosen by power system operators are described in detail. The overall high-level workflow is then expanded in subsequent sections, with special attention given to high-voltage violations, low-voltage violations, and thermal overloads. Each type of violation is described in detail, with explanations of common causes, impacts on equipment and customers, and mitigation strategies. An additional workflow diagram is provided for each type of violation.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1993

Advanced communications technology satellite high burst rate link evaluation terminal power control and rain fade software test plan, version 1.0

The Power Control and Rain Fade Software was developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center to support the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite High Burst Rate Link Evaluation Terminal (ACTS HBR-LET). The HBR-LET is an experimenters terminal to communicate with the ACTS for various experiments by government, university, and industry agencies. The Power Control and Rain Fade Software is one segment of the Control and Performance Monitor (C&PM) Software system of the HBR-LET. The Power Control and Rain Fade Software automatically controls the LET uplink power to compensate for signal fades. Besides power augmentation, the C&PM Software system is also responsible for instrument control during HBR-LET experiments, control of the Intermediate Frequency Switch Matrix on board the ACTS to yield a desired path through the spacecraft payload, and data display. The Power Control and Rain Fade Software User's Guide, Version 1.0 outlines the commands and procedures to install and operate the Power Control and Rain Fade Software. The Power Control and Rain Fade Software Maintenance Manual, Version 1.0 is a programmer's guide to the Power Control and Rain Fade Software. This manual details the current implementation of the software from a technical perspective. Included is an overview of the Power Control and Rain Fade Software, computer algorithms, format representations, and computer hardware configuration. The Power Control and Rain Fade Test Plan provides a step-by-step procedure to verify the operation of the software using a predetermined signal fade event. The Test Plan also provides a means to demonstrate the capability of the software.

Reinhart, Richard C.↗
DOE OSTI2021

SNS Credited Beam Power Limit System Preliminary Design

The Controls Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is designing a programmable signal processor based credited safety control that calculates pulsed beam power based on beam kinetic energy and charge. The system must reliably shut off the beam if the average power exceeds 2.145 MW averaged over 60 seconds. This paper discusses architecture and design choices needed to develop the system under the auspices of a programmable radiation-safety credit control.

Deibele, Craig↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Novel Modular, Reconfigurable Battery Energy Storage System: Design, Control, and Experimentation

This paper presents a novel modular, reconfigurable battery energy storage system. The proposed design is characterized by a tight integration of reconfigurable power switches and DC/DC converters. This characteristic enables isolation of faulty cells from the system and allows fine power control for individual cells toward optimal system-level performance. An optimal power management approach is developed to extensively exploit the merits of the proposed design. Based on receding-horizon convex optimization, this approach aims to minimize the total power losses in charging/discharging while allocating the power in line with each cell’s condition to achieve state of-charge (SoC) and temperature balancing. By appropriate design, the approach manages to regulate the power of a cell across its full SoC range and guarantee the feasibility of the optimization problem. Here, we perform extensive simulations and further develop a lab-scale prototype to validate the proposed system design and power management approach.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1986

Power system applications of fiber optic sensors

This document is a progress report of work done in 1985 on the Communications and Control for Electric Power Systems Project at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. These topics are covered: Electric Field Measurement, Fiber Optic Temperature Sensing, and Optical Power transfer. Work was done on the measurement of ac and dc electric fields. A prototype sensor for measuring alternating fields was made using a very simple electroscope approach. An electronic field mill sensor for dc fields was made using a fiber optic readout, so that the entire probe could be operated isolated from ground. There are several instances in which more precise knowledge of the temperature of electrical power apparatus would be useful. This report describes a number of methods whereby the distributed temperature profile can be obtained using a fiber optic sensor. The ability to energize electronics by means of an optical fiber has the advantage that electrical isolation is maintained at low cost. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to convert the light energy into electrical form by means of photovoltaic cells. JPL has developed an array of PV cells in gallium arsenide specifically for this purpose. This work is described.

Johnston, A. R.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Operation and control of hybrid HVDC system with LCC and full-bridge MMC connected in parallel

In this study, a new kind of hybrid high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system is proposed. Each terminal of the proposed system consists of one line commutated converter (LCC) and one full-bridge modular multilevel converter (FB-MMC). The LCC and FB-MMC are connected in parallel so that they can share the same transmission line. The active–reactive power capability of the hybrid HVDC system is extended compared with the conventional LCC-HVDC system, and power reversal control without power interruption can be achieved by the coordination control of LCC and FB-MMC. Besides, the proposed hybrid HVDC system is capable of handling DC fault, because both LCC and FB-MMC have DC fault blocking capability. Moreover, the power rating of FB-MMC can be designed to low value while keeping the bulk-power transmission capability of LCC. A two-terminal bipolar hybrid HVDC system is built in PSCAD/EMTDC. The simulation results verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed hybrid topology and corresponding control strategies.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Resilient Distributed Frequency Regulation of Renewable Generators under Communication Interruptions

Modern power systems (MPSs) face significant challenges due to the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and new types of loads such as electric vehicles (EVs). Traditional load frequency control (LFC) methods struggle with the intermittent, stochastic nature of RESs, the near-zero inertia of power-electronics-based generators, and the mobility of controllable loads and battery systems. This paper introduces a novel resilient distributed frequency regulation method to address these issues. The proposed method employs a state space model to represent the dynamic behavior of participating power sources while accounting for stochastic switching processes to model structural and parameter variations caused by disruptions such as generator connection/disconnection, communication interruptions, and physical faults. By integrating these dynamic and stochastic components, the method treats power grids as a comprehensive stochastic hybrid system. Our method enhances conventional frequency control by incorporating local stability control, neighborhood control decoupling, and coordination feedback. Theoretical analyses establish the stability, convergence, and resilience of the proposed method, and its effectiveness is validated through case studies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Control systems and data management for high-power laser facilities

The next generation of high-power lasers enables repetition of experiments at orders of magnitude higher frequency than what was possible using the prior generation. Facilities requiring human intervention between laser repetitions need to adapt in order to keep pace with the new laser technology. A distributed networked control system can enable laboratory-wide automation and feedback control loops. These higher-repetition-rate experiments will create enormous quantities of data. A consistent approach to managing data can increase data accessibility, reduce repetitive data-software development and mitigate poorly organized metadata. An opportunity arises to share knowledge of improvements to control and data infrastructure currently being undertaken. We compare platforms and approaches to state-of-the-art control systems and data management at high-power laser facilities, and we illustrate these topics with case studies from our community

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Co-Simulation of Electric Power Distribution Systems and Buildings including Ultra-Fast HVAC Models and Optimal DER Control

Smart homes and virtual power plant (VPP) controls are growing fields of research with potential for improved electric power grid operation. A novel testbed for the co-simulation of electric power distribution systems and distributed energy resources (DERs) is employed to evaluate VPP scenarios and propose an optimization procedure. DERs of specific interest include behind-the-meter (BTM) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as well as heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The simulation of HVAC systems is enabled by a machine learning procedure that produces ultra-fast models for electric power and indoor temperature of associated buildings that are up to 133 times faster than typical white-box implementations. Hundreds of these models, each with different properties, are randomly populated into a modified IEEE 123-bus test system to represent a typical U.S. community. Advanced VPP controls are developed based on the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) 2045 standard to leverage HVAC systems as generalized energy storage (GES) such that BTM solar PV is better utilized locally and occurrences of distribution system power peaks are reduced, while also maintaining occupant thermal comfort. An optimization is performed to determine the best control settings for targeted peak power and total daily energy increase minimization with example peak load reductions of 25+%.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1980

Phase control system concepts and simulations

A phase control system concept for a solar power satellite is proposed which partitions the system into three major levels. The first level of phase control consists of a reference phase distribution system implemented in the form of phase distribution tree structure. The major purpose of the tree structure is to electronically compensate for the phase shift due to the transition path lengths from the center of the spacetenna to each phase control center located in each subarray. In the reference system, this is accomplished using the master slave returnable timing system technique. The second level of phase control consists of the beam steering and microwave power generating system which houses the power transponders. This transponder consists of a set of phase conjugation multipliers driven by the reference phase distribution system output and the output of a pilot spread spectrum receiver which accepts the received pilot via a diplexer connected to a separate receive horn or the subarray itself. The output of the phase conjugation circuits serve as inputs to the third level of the phase control system. The third level of phase control is associated with maintaining an equal and constant phase shift through the microwave power amplifier devices while minimizing the associated phase noise effects on the generated power beam. This is accomplished by providing a phase locked loop around each high power amplifier.

Lindsay, V. C.↗