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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 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

A 5.57 hour modulation of the X-ray flux from 4U 1822-37

The X-ray flux of 4U 1822-37 is shown to be modulated with the 5.57 hr period of its optical counterpart. The X-ray light curve is two component, with a smooth sinusoidal-like 25% semiamplitude modulation and a 30 minute dip of approximately 0.2 in phase following the other minimum; the dip center occurs 0.04 in phase after the optical minimum. The X-ray spectrum is a relatively flat power law up to 17 keV, above which it steepens; iron emission is detected at 6.7 keV with a 4 keV FWHM and an equivalent width of 1100 eV. An excess below 2 keV is consistent with either a 0.25 keV thermal component of 350 eV equivalent width iron L emission. Modeling the eclipse for a 0.5-0.7 solar radius companion gives a system inclination of 70-79 deg and a spherical cloud radius of 0.2-0.3 solar radius. Models for the long-term modulation are considered, and a comparison of the properties of 4U 1822-37 with those of Cyg X-3 shows that they are similar systems.

White, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Microchannel spatial light modulator

The Microchannel Spatial Light Modulator (MSLM), a versatile, highly sensitive, and optically addressed device being developed for real time optical information processing is discussed. The MSLM operates by converting an input optical image into a charge distribution at the surface of an electro-optic crystal. The charge distribution generates an electric field which modulates the refractive index of the crystal and thereby the phase or intensity of an image readout beam. Prototype devices employing 250 micron thick crystals exhibited a spatial resolution of 5 cycles/mm at 50% contrast, an exposure sensitivity of 2.2 nJ/cu cm and framing rates of 40 Hz with full modulation depth. The image processing operations that have been achieved using the internal processing mode of the MSLM include contrast reversal, contrast enhancement, edge enhancement, image addition and subtraction, analog and digital intensity thresholding, and binary level logic operations such as AND, OR, EXCLUSIVE OR, and NOR.

Warde, C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Commercial/industrial photovoltaic module and array requirement study. Low-cost solar array project engineering area

Design requirements for photovoltaic modules and arrays used in commercial and industrial applications were identified. Building codes and referenced standards were reviewed for their applicability to commercial and industrial photovoltaic array installation. Four general installation types were identified - integral (replaces roofing), direct (mounted on top of roofing), stand-off (mounted away from roofing), and rack (for flat or low slope roofs, or ground mounted). Each of the generic mounting types can be used in vertical wall mounting systems. This implies eight mounting types exist in the commercial/industrial sector. Installation costs were developed for these mounting types as a function of panel/module size. Cost drivers were identified. Studies were performed to identify optimum module shapes and sizes and operating voltage cost drivers. The general conclusion is that there are no perceived major obstacles to the use of photovoltaic modules in commercial/industrial arrays.

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NASA NTRS1981

Temporal Aperture Modulation

The two types of modulation techniques useful to X-ray imaging are reviewed. The use of optimum coded temporal aperature modulation is shown, in certain cases, to offer an advantage over a spatial aperture modulator. Example applications of a diffuse anisotropic X-ray background experiment and a wide field of view hard X-ray imager are discussed.

Proctor, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Photovoltaic module encapsulation design and materials selection, volume 1

Encapsulation material system requirements, material selection criteria, and the status and properties of encapsulation materials and processes available are presented. Technical and economic goals established for photovoltaic modules and encapsulation systems and their status are described. Available encapsulation technology and data are presented to facilitate design and material selection for silicon flat plate photovoltaic modules, using the best materials available and processes optimized for specific power applications and geographic sites. The operational and environmental loads that encapsulation system functional requirements and candidate design concepts and materials that are identified to have the best potential to meet the cost and performance goals for the flat plate solar array project are described. Available data on encapsulant material properties, fabrication processing, and module life and durability characteristics are presented.

Cuddihy, E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A Module Experimental Process System Development Unit (MEPSDU)

Restructuring research objectives from a technical readiness demonstration program to an investigation of high risk, high payoff activities associated with producing photovoltaic modules using non-CZ sheet material is reported. Deletion of the module frame in favor of a frameless design, and modification in cell series parallel electrical interconnect configuration are reviewed. A baseline process sequence was identified for the fabrication of modules using the selected dendritic web sheet material, and economic evaluations of the sequence were completed.

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NASA NTRS1982

The power spectral density of digital modulations transmitted over nonlinear channels

This paper examines by analytical methods the power spectral densities of digital modulations (in particular, staggered and unstaggered quadrature modulations) passed through band-limited nonlinear channels. Previously observed (by computer simulation or hardware measurement) behavior of such spectra with regard to the suppression or restoration of its sidelobes after passing through the nonlinearity is verified analytically. Several examples corresponding to specific quadrature modulations and filter-nonlinearity combinations are presented as illustrations of the general results.

Divsalar, D.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The solar modulation of the anomalous helium component from 1965 to 1980 and from 1 to 23 A.U.

The modulation of the anomalous He-4 component is investigated both in time and in space from 1 to 23 AU with the spacecraft network of IMP-8, and Pioneers 10 and 11. The times of appearance and disappearance of the anomalous He-4 are determined, and it is found to have a higher sensitivity to modulation both in time and space than cosmic ray protons and helium of equivalent or lower rigidity. The disappearance of the flux due to modulation progressed radially outward over several months suggests that the source lies in the outer heliosphere, probably beyond 25 AU, and possibly out of the ecliptic.

Garcia-Munoz, M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The rigidity dependence of cosmic ray solar modulation

Continuous particle flux measurements above rigidity thresholds of 1.2, 2.2, 5.5 and 11 GV were made by using the thresholds of two Cerenkov detectors aboard the ISEE-3 spacecraft. The ISEE-3 was launched in August 1978, near the beginning of the current solar cycle's heavy modulation phase, and the data presented represent the first direct measurement made at these energies with such a long time base. The measured long term modulation rigidity spectrum is compared with other data and with the spectrum of Forbush decreases, and it is found that the agreement between electron and positively charged particle results must be considered a constraint on cosmic ray modulation models involving the mechanism of gradient and curvature drift in the interplanetary magnetic field.

Evenson, P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Amplitudes of solar modulation of low energy cosmic rays

There have been differences of opinion regarding the origin and behavior of the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays. It has been shown that the return to solar maximum intensity levels beginning in early 1978 was dominated by Forbush decreases. These Forbush decreases were caused by radially moving interplanetary shocks resulting from large solar flares. The present investigation is concerned with solar modulation effects which were observed during the previous solar minimum. The effects were associated with high-speed streams in the solar wind. These streams caused the formation of corotating interaction regions with both forward and reverse shocks. The modulation effects seen near earth are intimately connected with these shocks.

Von Rosenvinge, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Photovoltaic module reliability improvement through application testing and failure analysis

During the first four years of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Photovoltatic Program, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Low-Cost Solar Array (LSA) Project purchased about 400 kW of photovoltaic modules for test and experiments. In order to identify, report, and analyze test and operational problems with the Block Procurement modules, a problem/failure reporting and analysis system was implemented by the LSA Project with the main purpose of providing manufacturers with feedback from test and field experience needed for the improvement of product performance and reliability. A description of the more significant types of failures is presented, taking into account interconnects, cracked cells, dielectric breakdown, delamination, and corrosion. Current design practices and reliability evaluations are also discussed. The conducted evaluation indicates that current module designs incorporate damage-resistant and fault-tolerant features which address field failure mechanisms observed to date.

Dumas, L. N.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Defect design of insulation systems for photovoltaic modules

A defect-design approach to sizing electrical insulation systems for terrestrial photovoltaic modules is presented. It consists of gathering voltage-breakdown statistics on various thicknesses of candidate insulation films where, for a designated voltage, module failure probabilities for enumerated thickness and number-of-layer film combinations are calculated. Cost analysis then selects the most economical insulation system. A manufacturing yield problem is solved to exemplify the technique. Results for unaged Mylar suggest using fewer layers of thicker films. Defect design incorporates effects of flaws in optimal insulation system selection, and obviates choosing a tolerable failure rate, since the optimization process accomplishes that. Exposure to weathering and voltage stress reduces the voltage-withstanding capability of module insulation films. Defect design, applied to aged polyester films, promises to yield reliable, cost-optimal insulation systems.

Mon, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Field failure mechanisms for photovoltaic modules

Beginning in 1976, Department of Energy field centers have installed and monitored a number of field tests and application experiments using current state-of-the-art photovoltaic modules. On-site observations of module physical and electrical degradation, together with in-depth laboratory analysis of failed modules, permits an overall assessment of the nature and causes of early field failures. Data on failure rates are presented, and key failure mechanisms are analyzed with respect to origin, effect, and prospects for correction. It is concluded that all failure modes identified to date are avoidable or controllable through sound design and production practices.

Dumas, L. N.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Photovoltaic module and array reliability

Several statistical reliability studies have been conducted in areas of photovoltaic component design covering cell failure, interconnect fatigue, glass breakage and electrical insulation breakdown. This paper integrates the results from these various studies and draws general conclusions relative to optimal reliability features for future modules. The described analysis is based on designing for specified low levels of component failures and then controlling the degrading effects of the failures through the use of fault tolerant circuitry and module replacement. Means of selecting the cost-optimal level of component failures, circuit redundancy, and module replacement are described.

Ross, R. G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Linking "Smart" Modules by a Single Channel

System architecture brings order to potentially chaotic situation. New configuration allows many "smart" modules (each containing memory and microprocessor) to be linked by common data channel. Architecture allows each module to carry on operations at own data rate within block of time, while communications between modules occur in strict synchronism.

Kohl, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1982

User handbook for block IV silicon solar cell modules

The essential electrical and mechanical characteristics of block 4 photovoltaic solar cell modules are described. Such module characteristics as power output, nominal operating voltage, current-voltage characteristics, nominal operating cell temperature, and dimensions are tabulated. The limits of the environmental and other stress tests to which the modules are subjected are briefly described.

Smokler, M. I.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development of photovoltaic array and module safety requirements

Safety requirements for photovoltaic module and panel designs and configurations likely to be used in residential, intermediate, and large-scale applications were identified and developed. The National Electrical Code and Building Codes were reviewed with respect to present provisions which may be considered to affect the design of photovoltaic modules. Limited testing, primarily in the roof fire resistance field was conducted. Additional studies and further investigations led to the development of a proposed standard for safety for flat-plate photovoltaic modules and panels. Additional work covered the initial investigation of conceptual approaches and temporary deployment, for concept verification purposes, of a differential dc ground-fault detection circuit suitable as a part of a photovoltaic array safety system.

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