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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
DOE OSTI2023

MASK4 Test Campaign for Sandia WaveBot Device

This data and report details the findings from a wave tank test focused on production of useful work of a wave energy converter (WEC) device. The experimental system and test were specifically designed to validate models for power transmission throughout the WEC system. Additionally, the validity of co-design informed changes to the power take-off (PTO) were assessed and shown to provide the expected improvements in system performance. These data describe the "MASK4" wave tank test of the Sandia WaveBot device. The WaveBot device has been tested a number of times in different permutations at the US Navy's Maneuvering and Sea Keeping (MASK) basin. Each test in this series is referred to as MASK1, MASK2, etc. The WaveBot device was first tested in one degree of freedom (heave) in 2016. This MASK1 test focused primarily on system identification and modeling. After MASK1, major modifications were performed to improve the overall real-time control and measurement system, improve the heave drive train, and add surge and pitch degrees of freedom. The second set of testing, which was broken up in to two stages: MASK2A and MASK2B, focused on bench testing and closed-loop control performance as well as nonlinear modeling. MASK3 then focused on multi-input, multi-output modeling and control for maximization of electrical power. The attached report presents the results from MASK4, which focuses on detailed modeling of the power conversion chain and validation co-design principles by way of the introduction of a magnetic spring. The test log, report, and data from the MASK4 test of the WaveBot augmented with a tunable magnetic spring. Processing codes can be found at the Github link below.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2017

Simulation and control of a passively cooled small modular reactor Samet - 142

This work regulates a small modular reactor (SMR) with traditional control methodologies and analyzes its response to typical disturbances. An analytical model for the passively cooled NuScale SMR is developed to represent the essential dynamics. The MATLAB/Simulink based model consists of reactor core, steam generator, pressurizer, hot leg riser and downcomer, and turbine representations. The point kinetics equations with a single combined neutron precursor group and the lumped parameter representations with single-phase natural circulation account for the neutronics and thermohydraulics in the reactor core. A lumped parameter, moving-boundary approach forms the basis of the nonlinear model adopted for the once-through helical-coil heat exchangers in which boundaries between regions of different fluid states (i.e., subcooled, boiling, and superheated) vary over time. A proportional-integral-derivative controller employing a sliding-average temperature strategy commonly used for pressurized water reactors is implemented. The responses of the SMR to two different disturbances are analyzed and discussed in detail. For the first scenario, a 5% step increase in the load is applied to the system, which results in a change in the steam valve opening. For comparison, two different simulations under this same disturbance are run: one including and one excluding the control systems. The second scenario tests the effectiveness of the control system to increase (or decrease) the reactor thermal power to a certain level within a desired time period. The simulation results show that important system variables are kept at the desired values by the proposed control strategy. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Machine learning-based ethylene and carbon monoxide estimation, real-time optimization, and multivariable feedback control of an experimental electrochemical reactor

Electrochemical reduction of CO 2 gas is a novel CO 2 utilization technique that has the potential to mitigate the global climate crisis caused by anthropogenic CO 2 emissions, and enable the large-scale storage of energy generated from renewable sources in the form of carbon-based chemicals and fuels. However, due to the complexity of the electrochemical reactions, the explicit first-principles models for CO2 reduction are not available yet, and there has been a limited effort to develop process modeling, optimization and control of CO 2 electrochemical reactors. To this end, a rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) reactor has been constructed at UCLA to understand the mass transfer and reaction kinetics effects separately on the productivity. In the RCE reactor, the applied potential strongly influences the reaction energetics and the electrode rotation speed affects the hydrodynamic boundary layer and modifies the film mass transfer coefficient, which involves convective and diffusive transport. Further, the present work aims to develop a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) control scheme for the RCE reactor that integrates techniques from artificial and recurrent neural network modeling, nonlinear optimization, and process controller design. Specifically, production rates of two products from the experimental reactor, ethylene and carbon monoxide, are controlled by manipulating two inputs, applied potential and catalyst rotation speed. Process dynamics and controllability are analyzed, a feedback control strategy is designed and the controllers are tuned accordingly. The experimental electrochemical cell is employed to gather data for process modeling and implement the multivariable control system. Finally, the experimental results are presented which demonstrate excellent closed-loop performance by the control system and regulation of the outputs at three different set-points including an economically-optimal set-point.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Simulation of plasma density evolution in the T-10 tokamak

Analysis of the experimental profiles of the plasma density and pressure in the T-10 tokamak shows that in the plasma core they are close to the corresponding canonical profiles. This allows one to construct an expression for the particle flux in terms of the canonical profile model. T-10 experiments performed with ohmic discharges have revealed transitions from improved to low particle confinement, similar to the effect of the density pump-out from the central part of the plasma upon switching-on of the electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH). It is shown that such a change in the particle confinement is associated with the deviation of the radial pressure profile from the canonical one. A nonlinear model of particle transport in discharges with density variations that allows for the transition effects is proposed. The plasma density evolution is numerically simulated for a number of ohmic and ECRH T-10 discharges.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

MAGNETO-STATIC MODELING OF THE MIXED PLASMA BETA SOLAR ATMOSPHERE BASED ON SUNRISE/IMaX DATA

Our aim is to model the three-dimensional magnetic field structure of the upper solar atmosphere, including regions of non-negligible plasma beta. We use high-resolution photospheric magnetic field measurements from SUNRISE/IMaX as the boundary condition for a magneto-static magnetic field model. The high resolution of IMaX allows us to resolve the interface region between the photosphere and corona, but modeling this region is challenging for the following reasons. While the coronal magnetic field is thought to be force-free (the Lorentz force vanishes), this is not the case in the mixed plasma β environment in the photosphere and lower chromosphere. In our model, pressure gradients and gravity forces are self-consistently taken into account and compensate for the non-vanishing Lorentz force. Above a certain height (about 2 Mm) the non-magnetic forces become very weak and consequently the magnetic field becomes almost force-free. Here, we apply a linear approach where the electric current density consists of a superposition of a field-line parallel current and a current perpendicular to the Sun's gravity field. We illustrate the prospects and limitations of this approach and give an outlook for an extension toward a nonlinear model.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

In situ synchrotron powder diffraction study of the setting reaction kinetics of magnesium-potassium phosphate cements

This work reports a kinetic study of the formation of magnesium-potassium phosphate cements accomplished using in-situ synchrotron powder diffraction. The reaction: MgO + KH{sub 2}PO{sub 4} + 5H{sub 2}O → MgKPO{sub 4} · 6H{sub 2}O was followed in situ in the attempt of contributing to explain the overall mechanism and assess the influence of periclase (MgO) grain size and calcination temperature (1400-1600 °C) on the reaction kinetics. Numerical kinetic parameters for the setting reaction have been provided for the first time. The best fit to the kinetic data was obtained using a weighted nonlinear model fitting method with two kinetic equations, representing two consecutive, partially overlapping processes. MgO decomposition could be described by a first order (F1) model followed by a Jander diffusion (D3) controlled model. Crystallization of the product of reaction was modelled using an Avrami model (A{sub n}) followed by a first order (F1) chemical reaction. A reaction mechanism accounting for such results has been proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Charged black holes in generalized teleparallel gravity

In this paper we investigate charged static black holes in 4D for generalized teleparallel models of gravity, based on torsion as the geometric object for describing gravity according to the equivalence principle. As a motivated idea, we introduce a set of non-diagonal tetrads and derive the full system of non linear differential equations. We prove that the common Schwarzschild gauge is applicable only when we study linear f(T) case. We reobtain the Reissner-Nordstrom-de Sitter (or RN-AdS) solution for the linear case of f(T) and perform a parametric cosmological reconstruction for two nonlinear models. We also study in detail a type of the no-go theorem in the framework of this modified teleparallel gravity.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Three dimensional nonlinear analysis of a single-grating rectangular waveguide Cerenkov maser

A three dimensional (3-D) nonlinear model for illustrating the beam-wave interaction in a single-grating rectangular waveguide sheet-beam Cerenkov maser is presented. The dynamical equations and the equations of motion are solved self-consistently to predict the device performance. Space-charge effects and Ohmic losses are considered in the model. A 1.03 THz backward wave oscillator and a 0.65 THz traveling wave tube are discussed as two illustrative examples.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1985

Identifying approximate linear models for simple nonlinear systems

This paper addresses the identification (realization) of approximate linear models from response data for certain nonlinear dynamic systems. Response characteristics for several typical nonlinear joints are analyzed mathematically and represented by series expansions. The parameters of the series expansion are then compared with the modal parameters of a linear model identified by the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm. The agreement of the identified model and the analytically derived representation is excellent for the cases studied. Also laboratory data from a model which exhibited stiffening behavior was analyzed using the Eigensystem Realization algorithm and Fast Fourier Transform. The laboratory experiment demonstrated the ability of the technique to recover the model characteristics using real data.

Horta, L. G.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Robust trajectory-constrained frequency control for microgrids considering model linearization error

Grid supportive modes integrated within inverter-based resources can improve the frequency response of renewable-rich microgrids. The synthesis of grid supportive modes to guarantee frequency trajectory constraints under a predefined disturbance set is challenging but essential. To tackle this challenge, a numerical optimal control (NOC)-based control synthesis methodology is proposed. Without loss of generality, a wind-diesel fed microgrid is studied, where we aim to design grid supportive functions in the wind turbine. In the control design, linearized models are used, and the linearization-induced errors are quantitatively analyzed by reachability and interval arithmetics and represented in the form of interval uncertainties. Then, the NOC problem can be formulated into a robust mixed-integer linear program. The control structure is strategically configured into two levels to realize online deployment. The proposed control is verified on the modified 33-node microgrid with a full-order three-phase nonlinear model in Simulink. In conclusion, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control paradigm and the necessity of considering linearization-induced uncertainty.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2020

Modeling of deformation of battery cells using thick shell element formulation

Here, we describe a new approach for modeling nonlinear deformation and stress distribution of battery cells using a new thick shell finite element formulation with a through-thickness calculation of stresses and strains that satisfy equilibrium conditions. Battery cells are transversely layered materials that contain numerous thin layers in a repeating sequence. The layers are made of materials with significantly different mechanical responses. Explicit discretization of the layers is computationally impractical except for very small domains, while homogenized material models cannot account for stress and strain variations and partition through the thickness. The new formulation allows for calculation of the transverse and interlayer stresses based on the material properties of the individual cell layers. The application to problems where the transverse stresses have strong influence is also possible.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Neural networks in structural analysis and design - An overview

The present paper provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in the application of neural networks in problems of structural analysis and design, including a survey of published applications in structural engineering. Such applications have included, among others, the use of neural networks in modeling nonlinear analysis of structures, as a rapid reanalysis capability in optimal design, and in developing problem parameter sensitivity of optimal solutions for use in multilevel decomposition based design. While most of the applications reported in the literature have been restricted to the use of the multilayer perceptron architecture and minor variations thereof, other network architectures have also been successfully explored, including the ART network, the counterpropagation network and the Hopfield-Tank model.

Hajela, P.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Scientific challenges to characterizing the wind resource in the marine atmospheric boundary layer

Abstract. With the increasing level of offshore wind energy investment, it is correspondingly important to be able to accurately characterize the wind resource in terms of energy potential as well as operating conditions affecting wind plant performance, maintenance, and lifespan. Accurate resource assessment at a particular site supports investment decisions. Following construction, accurate wind forecasts are needed to support efficient power markets and integration of wind power with the electrical grid. To optimize the design of wind turbines, it is necessary to accurately describe the environmental characteristics, such as precipitation and waves, that erode turbine surfaces and generate structural loads as a complicated response to the combined impact of shear, atmospheric turbulence, and wave stresses. Despite recent considerable progress both in improvements to numerical weather prediction models and in coupling these models to turbulent flows within wind plants, major challenges remain, especially in the offshore environment. Accurately simulating the interactions among winds, waves, wakes, and their structural interactions with offshore wind turbines requires accounting for spatial (and associated temporal) scales from O(1 m) to O(100 km). Computing capabilities for the foreseeable future will not be able to resolve all of these scales simultaneously, necessitating continuing improvement in subgrid-scale parameterizations within highly nonlinear models. In addition, observations to constrain and validate these models, especially in the rotor-swept area of turbines over the ocean, remains largely absent. Thus, gaining sufficient understanding of the physics of atmospheric flow within and around wind plants remains one of the grand challenges of wind energy, particularly in the offshore environment. This paper provides a review of prominent scientific challenges to characterizing the offshore wind resource using as examples phenomena that occur in the rapidly developing wind energy areas off the United States. Such phenomena include horizontal temperature gradients that lead to strong vertical stratification; consequent features such as low-level jets and internal boundary layers; highly nonstationary conditions, which occur with both extratropical storms (e.g., nor'easters) and tropical storms; air–sea interaction, including deformation of conventional wind profiles by the wave boundary layer; and precipitation with its contributions to leading-edge erosion of wind turbine blades. The paper also describes the current state of modeling and observations in the marine atmospheric boundary layer and provides specific recommendations for filling key current knowledge gaps.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

A Model-Free Frequency Control Approach for Diesel-Wind Powered Microgrids

Islanded microgrids usually consist of diesel generators and renewable energy sources (RES) to reduce the operating cost. Such microgrids have shown values for powering remote locations, but introduced unique challenges for frequency control of the grid due to the variability of renewable energy as well as the decoupled design of converter interface in RES. So, supportive control in RES becomes mandatory in such networks. This paper proposes a new dynamic control strategy, based on model-free control (MFC) approach, to support the primary frequency control of such islanded microgrids. The practical values of MFC have been discussed in various domains due to its control capability without modeling procedure and its efficient computation. In particular, we consider the diesel-wind system and the proposed MFC strategy is utilized as an online controller, which computes supplementary control signals for the rotor-side converter of the available wind turbine generators (WTGs). The calculated input signals allow WTGs to respond to frequency variations and improve the frequency response of the system. The controller is implemented and verified using the modified IEEE 33-bus full nonlinear model of the three-phase diesel-wind system in Simulink. Simulation results show the enhanced frequency response from the MFC strategy.

Park, Byungkwon↗
DOE OSTI2017

Study of Globus-M Tokamak Poloidal System and Plasma Position Control

In order to provide efficient performance of tokamaks with vertically elongated plasma position, control systems for limited and diverted plasma configuration are required. The accuracy, stability, speed of response, and reliability of plasma position control as well as plasma shape and current control depend on the performance of the control system. Therefore, the problem of the development of such systems is an important and actual task in modern tokamaks. In this study, the measured signals from the magnetic loops and Rogowski coils are used to reconstruct the plasma equilibrium, for which linear models in small deviations are constructed. We apply methods of the H∞-optimization theory to the synthesize control system for vertical and horizontal position of plasma capable to working with structural uncertainty of the models of the plant. These systems are applied to the plasma-physical DINA code which is configured for the tokamak Globus-M plasma. The testing of the developed systems applied to the DINA code with Heaviside step functions have revealed the complex dynamics of plasma magnetic configurations. Being close to the bifurcation point in the parameter space of unstable plasma has made it possible to detect an abrupt change in the X-point position from the top to the bottom and vice versa. Development of the methods for reconstruction of plasma magnetic configurations and experience in designing plasma control systems with feedback for tokamaks provided an opportunity to synthesize new digital controllers for plasma vertical and horizontal position stabilization. It also allowed us to test the synthesized digital controllers in the closed loop of the control system with the DINA code as a nonlinear model of plasma.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Impact of a large density gradient on linear and nonlinear edge-localized mode simulations

Here, the impact of a large density gradient on edge-localized modes (ELMs) is studied linearly and nonlinearly by employing both two-fluid and gyro-fluid simulations. In two-fluid simulations, the ion diamagnetic stabilization on high-n modes disappears when the large density gradient is taken into account. But gyro-fluid simulations show that the finite Larmor radius (FLR) effect can effectively stabilize high-n modes, so the ion diamagnetic effect alone is not sufficient to represent the FLR stabilizing effect. We further demonstrate that additional gyroviscous terms must be kept in the two-fluid model to recover the linear results from the gyro-fluid model. Nonlinear simulations show that the density variation significantly weakens the E × B shearing at the top of the pedestal and thus leads to more energy loss during ELMs. The turbulence spectrum after an ELM crash is measured and has the relation of $P(k_{z})\propto k_{z}^{-3.3}$ .

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS2016

Nonlinear Unsteady Aerodynamic Modeling Using Wind Tunnel and Computational Data

Extensions to conventional aircraft aerodynamic models are required to adequately predict responses when nonlinear unsteady flight regimes are encountered, especially at high incidence angles and under maneuvering conditions. For a number of reasons, such as loss of control, both military and civilian aircraft may extend beyond normal and benign aerodynamic flight conditions. In addition, military applications may require controlled flight beyond the normal envelope, and civilian flight may require adequate recovery or prevention methods from these adverse conditions. These requirements have led to the development of more general aerodynamic modeling methods and provided impetus for researchers to improve both techniques and the degree of collaboration between analytical and experimental research efforts. In addition to more general mathematical model structures, dynamic test methods have been designed to provide sufficient information to allow model identification. This paper summarizes research to develop a modeling methodology appropriate for modeling aircraft aerodynamics that include nonlinear unsteady behaviors using both experimental and computational test methods. This work was done at Langley Research Center, primarily under the NASA Aviation Safety Program, to address aircraft loss of control, prevention, and recovery aerodynamics.

Murphy, Patrick C.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Analysis of the longitudinal handling qualities and pilot-induced-oscillation tendencies of the High-Angle-of-Attack Research Vehicle (HARV)

The NASA High-Angle-of Attack Research Vehicle (HARV), a modified F-18 aircraft, experienced handling qualities problems in recent flight tests at NASA Dryden Research Center. Foremost in these problems was the tendency of the pilot-aircraft system to exhibit a potentially dangerous phenomenon known as a pilot-induced oscillation (PIO). When they occur, PIO's can severely restrict performance, sharply dimish mission capabilities, and can even result in aircraft loss. A pilot/vehicle analysis was undertaken with the goal of reducing these PIO tendencies and improving the overall vehicle handling qualities with as few changes as possible to the existing feedback/feedforward flight control laws. Utilizing a pair of analytical pilot models developed by the author, a pilot/vehicle analysis of the existing longitudinal flight control system was undertaken. The analysis included prediction of overall handling qualities levels and PIO susceptability. The analysis indicated that improvement in the flight control system was warranted and led to the formulation of a simple control stick command shaping filter. Analysis of the pilot/vehicle system with the shaping filter indicated significant improvements in handling qualities and PIO tendencies could be achieved. A non-real time simulation of the modified control system was undertaken with a realistic, nonlinear model of the current HARV. Special emphasis was placed upon those details of the command filter implementation which could effect safety of flight. The modified system is currently awaiting evaluation in the real-time, pilot-in-the-loop, Dual-Maneuvering-Simulator (DMS) facility at Langley.

Hess, Ronald A.↗