Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Power System Electronics”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Analytic model of the energy distribution function for highly energetic electrons in magnetron plasmas

This paper analyzes a situation which is common for magnetized technical plasmas such as dc magnetron discharges and high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) systems, where secondary electrons enter the plasma after being accelerated in the cathode fall and encounter a nearly uniform bulk. An analytic calculation of the distribution function of hot electrons is presented; these are described as an initially monoenergetic beam that slows down by Coulomb collisions with a Maxwellian distribution of bulk (cold) electrons, and by inelastic collisions with neutrals. Although this analytical solution is based on a steady-state assumption, a comparison of the characteristic time-scales suggests that it may be applicable to a variety of practical time-dependent discharges, and it may be used to introduce kinetic effects into models based on the hypothesis of Maxwellian electrons. The results are verified for parameters appropriate to HiPIMS discharges, by means of time-dependent and fully kinetic numerical calculations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Wireless energizing system for an automated implantable sensor

The wireless drive of an automated implantable electronic sensor has been explored for health monitoring applications. The proposed system comprises of an automated biomedical sensing system which is energized through resonant inductive coupling. The implantable sensor unit is able to monitor the body temperature parameter and sends back the corresponding telemetry data wirelessly to the data recoding unit. It has been observed that the wireless power delivery system is capable of energizing the automated biomedical implantable electronic sensor placed over a distance of 3 cm from the power transmitter with an energy transfer efficiency of 26% at the operating resonant frequency of 562 kHz. This proposed method ensures real-time monitoring of different human body temperatures around the clock. The monitored temperature data have been compared with a calibrated temperature measurement system to ascertain the accuracy of the proposed system. The investigated technique can also be useful for monitoring other body parameters such as blood pressure, bladder pressure, and physiological signals of the patient in vivo using various implantable sensors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Mild hybridisation of turboprop engine with high-power-density integrated electric drives

Here this paper shares with the aerospace community a case study of turboprop mild hybridisation using a recently developed integrated drive system in the University of Nottingham, UK, within the ACHIEVE project under EU H2020 CleanSky 2 program (project No. 737814). The developed drive system enables green taxiing of a turboprop aircraft while on the ground with its engine off, and as an electrical generator when the turboprop is in the air. The entire system is designed to be able to integrate within the power auxiliary gear box (PAGB) of a turboprop aircraft. Some of the key features of the developed system include a high-speed permanent magnet machine (up to 14,200rpm) with dual three-phase design, SiC-based high power density (11.8kW/L for the power converter, 35.3kW/L and 7.2kW/kg for the machine active parts), integrated cooling design for high-temperature operation (>130°C ambient temperature), fault tolerance consideration with dual channel operation capabilities and sensorless control for entire operational conditions. This paper is giving an overview of the design process of the electrical machine, power converters, and its cooling of the entire drive. Numerical analysis (FEM and CFD) and some experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and the desired performance of the developed integrated drive system.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Plasma model of discharge along a dielectric surface in N{sub 2}/O{sub 2} mixtures

Surface discharge phenomena often occur across the insulator in power systems, damaging the electrical equipment, but the mechanism of the electron multiplication stage during surface discharge is not yet fully understood. As such, it is necessary to investigate the mechanism of discharge along a dielectric surface. In this paper, we develop a numerical fluid model, analyzing the dynamic characteristics of discharge including the electron density, electron temperature, surface charge density, and electric field. Our results show that the electron density peaks in the head of the streamer channel, at which time the electron temperature also reaches its maximum. A thin layer of plasma can be formed, filled with a mix of positive and negative charges, so the space normal electric field in the streamer channel can be positive or negative. In addition, the surface tangential electric field and electric potential are closely related, and the potential steadily increases because there is a steady tangential electric field in the streamer channel.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Design and simulation of a 30 kV, 60 kW electron optical column for melting applications

Electron beam offers unique advantages as a heat source for melting of refractory metals. It provides contamination free homogeneous melting with precise heat control on the melt target. This paper reports the complete electron optics design procedure for a 30 kV, 60 kW melting gun. The design objective of the electron optical column is to obtain the required power density on the target (10{sup 3}-10{sup 4} W/cm{sup 2}) using electrostatic and electromagnetic lenses. The design constrains are to minimize the high voltage discharges in the gun and beam losses in the beam transport. The challenging task of reducing the electrical discharges in the gun during high power melting with the help of twin electromagnetic lenses is presented in the paper. (author)

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1995

Controllable Bidirectional dc Power Sources For Large Loads

System redesigned for greater efficiency, durability, and controllability. Modern electronically controlled dc power sources proposed to supply currents to six electromagnets used to position aerodynamic test model in wind tunnel. Six-phase bridge rectifier supplies load with large current at voltage of commanded magnitude and polarity. Current-feedback circuit includes current-limiting feature giving some protection against overload.

Tripp, John S.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Lightweight, Flexible, Thin, Integrated Solar-Power Packs

Lightweight, flexible, thin, one-piece, solar-power packs are undergoing development. Each power pack of this type is a complete, modular, integrated power-supply system comprising three power subsystems that, in conventional practice, have been constructed as separate units and connected to each other by wires. These power packs are amenable to a variety of uses: For example, they could be laminated to the tops of tents and other shelters to provide or augment power for portable electronic equipment in the field, and they could be used as power sources for such small portable electronic systems as radio transceivers (including data relays and cellular telephones), laptop computers, video camcorders, and Global Positioning System receivers.

Hanson, Robert R.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Progress status for the Mu2e calorimeter system

The Mu2e experiment at FNAL aims to measure the charged-lepton flavor violating neutrinoless conversion of a negative muon into an electron. The conversion results in a monochromatic electron with an energy slightly below the muon rest mass (104.97 MeV). The calorimeter should confirm that the candidates reconstructed by the extremely precise tracker system are indeed conversion electrons while performing a powerful $\mu/e$ particle identification. Moreover, it should also provide a high level trigger for the experiment independently from the tracker system. The calorimeter should also be able to keep functionality in an environment where the background delivers a dose of ~ 10 krad/year in the hottest area and to work in the presence of 1 T axial magnetic field. These requirements translate in the design of a calorimeter with large acceptance, good energy resolution O(5%) and a reasonable position (time) resolution of ~<1 cm (<0.5ns). The baseline version of the calorimeter is composed by two disks of inner (outer) radius of 351 (660) mm filled by 1860 hexagonal $BaF_2$ crystals of 20 cm length. Each crystal is readout by two large area APD's. In this study, we summarize the experimental tests done so far as well as the simulation studies in the Mu2e environment.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Calculating electronic stopping power in materials from first principles

From the early models of electronic stopping power to the current first principles simulations, the techniques evolved to increase the range of validity and to reduce empiricism. Thanks to a combination of theoretical advances provided by Time Dependent Density Functional Theory and the development of numerical codes, it is currently possible to predict electronic stopping power for realistic materials by performing direct simulations of the electron excitation processes beyond linear response, and including electronic band structure effects. Electronic stopping power is an important quantity used to predict and understand the effects of particle radiation in matter. First principles calculations of electronic stopping power can be applied to any atomistic system, solids, liquids and alloys. This review aims here to help graduate level students and researchers immerse themselves into state-of-the-art techniques to computationally model and calculate electronic stopping power.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2001

A Survey of Power Electronics Applications in Aerospace Technologies

The insertion of power electronics in aerospace technologies is becoming widespread. The application of semiconductor devices and electronic converters, as summarized in this paper, includes the International Space Station, satellite power system, and motor drives in 'more electric' technology applied to aircraft, starter/generators and reusable launch vehicles. Flywheels, servo systems embodying electromechanical actuation, and spacecraft on-board electric propulsion are discussed. Continued inroad by power electronics depends on resolving incompatibility of using variable frequency for 400 Hz-operated aircraft equipment. Dual-use electronic modules should reduce system development cost.

Kankam, M. David↗
DOE OSTI2014

Extension of high T{sub e} regime with upgraded electron cyclotron resonance heating system in the Large Helical Device

Enhancement of the output power per gyrotron has been planned in the Large Helical Device (LHD). Three 77-GHz gyrotrons with an output power of more than 1 MW have been operated. In addition, a high power gyrotron with the frequency of 154 GHz (1 MW/5 s, 0.5 MW/CW) was newly installed in 2012, and the total injection power of Electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) reached 4.6 MW. The operational regime of ECRH plasma on the LHD has been extended due to the upgraded ECRH system such as the central electron temperature of 13.5 keV with the line-averaged electron density n{sub e-fir} = 1 × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3}. The electron thermal confinement clearly improved inside the electron internal transport barrier, and the electron thermal diffusivity reached neoclassical level. The global energy confinement time increased with increase of n{sub e-fir}. The plasma stored energy of 530 kJ with n{sub e-fir} = 3.2 × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3}, which is 1.7 times larger than the previous record in the ECRH plasma in the LHD, has been successfully achieved.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Moiré trions in MoSe 2 /WSe 2 heterobilayers

Transition metal dichalcogenide moiré bilayers with spatially periodic potentials have emerged as a highly tunable platform for studying both electronic and excitonic phenomena. The power of these systems lies in the combination of strong Coulomb interactions with the capability of controlling the charge number in a moiré potential trap. Electronically, exotic charge orders at both integer and fractional fillings have been discovered. However, the impact of charging effects on excitons trapped in moiré potentials is poorly understood. Here, we report the observation of moiré trions and their doping-dependent photoluminescence polarization in H-stacked MoSe 2 /WSe 2 heterobilayers. We find that as moiré traps are filled with either electrons or holes, new sets of interlayer exciton photoluminescence peaks with narrow linewidths emerge about 7 meV below the energy of the neutral moiré excitons. Circularly polarized photoluminescence reveals switching from co-circular to cross-circular polarizations as moiré excitons go from being negatively charged and neutral to positively charged. Furthermore, this switching results from the competition between valley-flip and spin-flip energy relaxation pathways of photo-excited electrons during interlayer trion formation. Our results offer a starting point for engineering both bosonic and fermionic many-body effects based on moiré excitons.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2010

Method and Circuit for In-Situ Health Monitoring of Solar Cells in Space

This innovation represents a method and circuit realization of a system designed to make in-situ measurements of test solar-cell operational parameters on orbit using readily available high-temperature and high-ionizing-radiation- tolerant electronic components. This innovation enables on-orbit in-situ solar-array health monitoring and is in response to a need recognized by the U.S. Air Force for future solar arrays for unmanned spacecraft. This system can also be constructed out of commercial-grade electronics and can be embedded into terrestrial solar power system as a diagnostics instrument. This innovation represents a novel approach to I-V curve measurement that is radiation and temperature hard, consumes very few system resources, is economical, and utilizes commercially available components. The circuit will also operate at temperatures as low as 55 C and up to +225 C, allowing it to reside close to the array in direct sunlight. It uses a swept mode transistor functioning as a resistive load while utilizing the solar cells themselves as the biasing device, so the size of the instrument is small and there is no danger of over-driving the cells. Further, this innovation utilizes nearly universal spacecraft bus resources and therefore can be readily adapted to any spacecraft bus allowing for ease of retrofit, or designed into new systems without requiring the addition of infrastructure. One unique characteristic of this innovation is that it effects the measurement of I-V curves without the use of large resistor arrays or active current sources normally used to characterize cells. A single transistor is used as a variable resistive load across the cell. This multi-measurement instrument was constructed using operational amplifiers, analog switches, voltage regulators, MOSFETs, resistors, and capacitors. The operational amplifiers, analog switches, and voltage regulators are silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology known for its hardness to the effects of ionizing radiation. The SOI components used can tolerate temperatures up to 225 C, which gives plenty of thermal headroom allowing this circuit to perhaps reside in the solar cell panel itself where temperatures can reach over 100 C.

Krasowski, Michael J.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Network-Cognizant Model Reduction of Grid-Tied Three-Phase Inverters

Power-electronics inverters are expected to satisfy a significant fraction of system load in next-generation power networks with the growing integration of renewable resources and flexible loads. Typical dynamical models for grid-tied inverters are nonlinear and composed of a large number of states; therefore it is impractical to study systems with many inverters when their full dynamics are retained. In our previous work, we have shown that a system of parallel-connected grid-tied three-phase inverters can be modeled as one aggregated inverter unit with the same structure and state-space dimension as any individual inverter in the system. Here, we extend this result to networks with arbitrary topologies by leveraging a classical aggregation method for coherent synchronous generators in transmission networks, and a linear approximation of the AC power-flow equations to ease computational burden. Numerical simulation results for a prototypical distribution feeder demonstrate the accuracy and computational benefits of the approach.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1971

Power processing

Processing of electric power has been presented as a discipline that draws on almost every field of electrical engineering, including system and control theory, communications theory, electronic network design, and power component technology. The cost of power processing equipment, which often equals that of expensive, sophisticated, and unconventional sources of electrical energy, such as solar batteries, is a significant consideration in the choice of electric power systems.

Schwarz, F. C.↗
DOE OSTI2019

North Slope of Alaska ARM Facilities Monthly Status Report- January 2019

During the month of January 2019, the TBS crew made progress revamping the equipment to prepare for upcoming 2019 flights. Both winches were upgraded using a SE encore E43 59.3:1 gearbox coupled with a Leeson Permanent magnet motor. This increased the torque capability by approximately 3x and the rotational speed by ~30%. The existing electronics system on one winch was repurposed to power four 3,500 lb ATV winches. These winches will automate the retrieval of the balloons allowing for retrieval during faster winds, and thus increasing potential operating conditions, while also improving crew safety. The ATV winches are expected to be added to the second winch in February. Finally, a new electronics box was designed which will be used to power the new winch motor. The new winch motors are variable speed, meaning they accept 0-180V and the speed correlates to the input voltage. The new electronics boxes will be mounted directly to the winches to allow the winches to be removed from the trailers in case of size/weight operating limitations. The winches will instead be powered directly by 220V generators vs the lead acid battery banks used by the previous systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1980

Cables and connectors for Large Space System Technology (LSST)

The effect of the environment and extravehicular activity/remote assembly operations on the cables and connectors for spacecraft with metallic and/or nonmetallic structures was examined. Cable and connector philosophy was outlined for the electrical systems and electronic compartments which contain high-voltage, high-power electrical and electronic equipment. The influence of plasma and particulates on the system is analyzed and the effect of static buildup on the spacecraft electrical system discussed. Conceptual cable and connector designs are assessed for capability to withstand high current and high voltage without danger of arcs and electromagnetic interference. The extravehicular activites required of the space station and/or supply spacecraft crew members to join and inspect the electrical system, using manual or remote assembly construction are also considered.

Dunbar, W. G.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Compact and Integrated Liquid Bismuth Propellant Feed System

Operation of Hall thrusters with bismuth propellant has been shown to be a promising path toward high-power, high-performance, long-lifetime electric propulsion for spaceflight missions [1]. There has been considerable effort in the past three years aimed at resuscitating this promising technology and validating earlier experimental results indicating the advantages of a bismuth-fed Hall thruster. A critical element of the present effort is the precise metering of propellant to the thruster, since performance cannot be accurately assessed without an accurate accounting of mass flow rate. Earlier work used a pre./post-test propellant weighing scheme that did not provide any real-time measurement of mass flow rate while the thruster was firing, and makes subsequent performance calculations difficult. The motivation of the present work is to develop a precision liquid bismuth Propellant Management System (PMS) that provides hot, molten bismuth to the thruster while simultaneously monitoring in real-time the propellant mass flow rate. The system is a derivative of our previous propellant feed system [2], but the present system represents a more compact design. In addition, all control electronics are integrated into a single unit and designed to reside on a thrust stand and operate in the relevant vacuum environment where the thruster is operating, significantly increasing the present technology readiness level of liquid metal propellant feed systems. The design of various critical components in a bismuth PMS are described. These include the bismuth reservoir and pressurization system, 'hotspot' flow sensor, power system and integrated control system. Particular emphasis is given to selection of the electronics employed in this system and the methods that were used to isolate the power and control systems from the high-temperature portions of the feed system and thruster. Open loop calibration test results from the 'hotspot' flow sensor are reported, and results of integrated thruster/PMS tests demonstrate operation of the feed system in the relevant environment.

Polzin, Kurt A.↗