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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 775 records · Page 43

Cold-end Subsystem Testing for the Fission Power System Technology Demonstration Unit

The Fission Power System (FPS) Technology Demonstration Unit (TDU) consists of a pumped sodium-potassium (NaK) loop that provides heat to a Stirling Power Conversion Unit (PCU), which converts some of that heat into electricity and rejects the waste heat to a pumped water loop. Each of the TDU subsystems is being tested independently prior to full system testing at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The pumped NaK loop is being tested at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; the Stirling PCU and electrical controller are being tested by Sunpower Inc.; and the pumped water loop is being tested at Glenn. This paper describes cold-end subsystem setup and testing at Glenn. The TDU cold end has been assembled in Vacuum Facility 6 (VF 6) at Glenn, the same chamber that will be used for TDU testing. Cold-end testing in VF 6 will demonstrate functionality; validated cold-end fill, drain, and emergency backup systems; and generated pump performance and system pressure drop data used to validate models. In addition, a low-cost proof-of concept radiator has been built and tested at Glenn, validating the design and demonstrating the feasibility of using low-cost metal radiators as an alternative to high-cost composite radiators in an end-to-end TDU test.

Briggs, Maxwell↗

Q-Markov covariance equivalent realization and its application to flexible structure identification

The Q-Markov covariance equivalent realization algorithm is applied to NASA's Minimast structure to identify state-space models for the purpose of designing closed-loop controllers, and laboratory test results are shown for the identification and for the closed-loop performance. The paper also presents for the first time a deterministic formulation of covariance parameters from a pulse response, a stochastic formulation of Markov parameters from a white-noise response, and a simple Q-Markov covariance equivalent realization formulation. This requires only pulse laboratory tests or only white-noise laboratory tests to generate Q-Markov covariance equivalent realizations.

Liu, Ketao↗

Characteristics of Control Laws Tested on the Semi-Span Super-Sonic Transport (S4T) Wind-Tunnel Model

The Semi-Span Supersonic Transport (S4T) is an aeroelastically scaled wind-tunnel model built to test active controls concepts for large flexible supersonic aircraft in the transonic flight regime. It is one of several models constructed in the 1990's as part of the High Speed Research (HSR) Program. Control laws were developed for the S4T by M4 Engineering, Inc. and by Zona Technologies, Inc. under NASA Research Announcement (NRA) contracts. The model was tested in the NASA-Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) four times from 2007 to 2010. The first two tests were primarily for plant identification. The third entry was used for testing control laws for Ride Quality Enhancement, Gust Load Alleviation, and Flutter Suppression. Whereas the third entry only tested FS subcritically, the fourth test demonstrated closed-loop operation above the open-loop flutter boundary. The results of the third entry are reported elsewhere. This paper reports on flutter suppression results from the fourth wind-tunnel test. Flutter suppression is seen as a way to provide stability margins while flying at transonic flight conditions without penalizing the primary supersonic cruise design condition. An account is given for how Controller Performance Evaluation (CPE) singular value plots were interpreted with regard to progressing open- or closed-loop to higher dynamic pressures during testing.

Christhilf, David M.↗

Mass transfer in a 1370 C (2500 F) lithium thermal convection loop

Experimental results from a test to evaluate interstitial element mass transfer effects on T-111, ASTAR 811C, and ASTAR 1211C after 5000 hours in flowing lithium at 1370 C (2500 F) are presented. No gross corrosion effects were observed. However, hafnium and nitrogen transfer to cooler regions within the loop were noted. Oxygen was in general removed from test specimens, but there was no evidence to indicate that it was a major factor in the mass transfer process. Carbon and hydrogen transfer were not detected.

Scheuermann, C. M.↗

Development of an integrated platform for hardware-in-the-loop evaluation of microgrids prior to site commissioning

This paper presents an integrated hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform for testing the operation and control of a real-world microgrid system prior to site commissioning. The proposed testing approach shows the value of setting up an integrated HIL platform to test multiple hardware devices (including the system-level controller, device controllers, and field devices). A test bed developed for the Borrego Springs community microgrid is used as an example to demonstrate the feasibility of the integrated platform. Comprehensive tests are carried out using the Borrego Springs test bed to validate the platform, meet the test objectives, and gain valuable insight prior to site commissioning. The selected test scenarios, initial conditions, events, test metrics, etc., are similar to those defined in IEEE P2030.8. The test objectives are to evaluate the microgrid controller and the operation of the microgrid. The HIL platform presented in this paper shows good value for microgrid testing in terms of its flexibility and scalability for testing various microgrids; its accuracy in its representation of the field; the comprehensiveness of the testing capability; and the efficiency of testing, which can reduce risks prior to field deployment.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

HIL Testbed and Motion Control Strategy for the Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA)

The Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA) was proposed in recent years to increase system efficiency of high power mobile machines and to reap the benefits of electrification without the need for large electric machines. It uses a set of common pressure rails to provide the majority of power hydraulically and small electric motors to modulate that power for precise control. This paper presents the development of a Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test-bed for testing motion control strategies for the HHEA. Precise motion control is important for off-road vehicles whose utility requires the machine being dexterous and performing tasks exactly as commanded. Motion control for the HHEA is challenging due to its intrinsic use of discrete pressure rail switches to minimize system efficiency or to keep the system within the torque capabilities of the electric motor. The motion control strategy utilizes two different controllers: a nominal passivity based back-stepping controller used in between pressure rail switches and a transition controller used to handle the event of a pressure rail switch. In this paper, the performance of the nominal control under various nominal and rail switching scenarios is experimentally evaluated on the HIL testbed.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Quantum optimization of maximum independent set using Rydberg atom arrays

Realizing quantum speedup for practically relevant, computationally hard problems is a central challenge in quantum information science. Using Rydberg atom arrays with up to 289 qubits in two spatial dimensions, we experimentally investigate quantum algorithms for solving the maximum independent set problem. We use a hardware-efficient encoding associated with Rydberg blockade, realize closed-loop optimization to test several variational algorithms, and subsequently apply them to systematically explore a class of graphs with programmable connectivity. We find that the problem hardness is controlled by the solution degeneracy and number of local minima, and we experimentally benchmark the quantum algorithm’s performance against classical simulated annealing. On the hardest graphs, we observe a superlinear quantum speedup in finding exact solutions in the deep circuit regime and analyze its origins.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Development of an Advanced Hydrogen Energy Storage System using Aerogel in a Cryogenic Flux Capacitor

The Cryogenic Flux Capacitor (CFC) is a cold, dense fluid storage core with integrated design features that afford the designer flexibility and provide new possibilities for the storage and discharge of energy. The stored energy, in this case, is represented by hydrogen physically bonded within the nanoscale pores within the aerogel composite blanket material, and the process of bonding or debonding is governed by the principles of physical adsorption (physisorption) and thermodynamics. The large surface area afforded by the nanoporous aerogel (~1,000 m 2 /g) allows for storage densities close to, or in some cases exceeding, that of normal boiling point liquids. Its performance easily exceeds what can be achieved via ambient temperature and high-pressure gas storage for an equivalent volume. CFC storage is predicted to be easily scalable, constructed from readily available commercial materials, and lends itself to a range of pressure applications. The project team designed and manufactured the CFC, integrating it into a set of temperature-controlled flow loops. The CFC test setup was validated against existing data from previous NASA work. Tests used bottled hydrogen gas for test validation. A cryogenic fluid, nitrogen, flowed through a metered control system. Hydrogen temperature, pressure, and flow rates, as well as the temperature control targets, provided all necessary control targets. The team analyzed the recorded data and updated the Technology Maturation Plan based on the results of the test, making recommendations for a follow-up test, scale-up, and maturation pathway. For the engineering development and maturation of CFC hydrogen storage technology, a Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) and Commercialization Plan for the integration of this technology with various power generation assets were produced. A companion analytical model was developed, experimentally validated, compared against performance metric, and used to tune the model and scale up the technology.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Synchrophasor-Based Zonal Current Differential Protection for Secondary Low Voltage Networks

This report describes an approach to utilizing phasor measurement unit (PMU) data from multiple Intelligent Electronics Devices (IEDs) in a low-voltage network to produce a differential scheme for protecting the medium-voltage feeder and low-voltage network transformers. The proposed protection scheme is designed and prototyped on a real-time automation controller. Its performance is evaluated using real-time controller hardware-in-the-loop simulation. Lab testing results indicate that the proposed protection scheme allows significant distributed energy resources (DER) backfeed and enables selective and fast protection of medium voltage feeders.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Electricity and Gas IDS Dataset

The following dataset was collected from a set of cybersecurity experiments conducted in an Electricity and Natural Gas environment. The architecture was instantiated within the powerNET testbed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and is comprised of both simulated components and hardware-in-the-loop devices. The test environment consisted of a substation and control center network representative of electrical systems. In addition, it also contained a compressor station, and an odorizer and pressure regulation station representative of oil and natural gas systems. The various devices on the electrical and gas systems were organized into multiple networks to mimic real-world deployments. There were 14 testing scenarios overall that covered a wide variety of cybersecurity and infrastructure events.

Industrial Control↗

Electricity and Gas IDS Dataset

The following dataset was collected from a set of cybersecurity experiments conducted in an Electricity and Natural Gas environment. The architecture was instantiated within the powerNET testbed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and is comprised of both simulated components and hardware-in-the-loop devices. The test environment consisted of a substation and control center network representative of electrical systems. In addition, it also contained a compressor station, and an odorizer and pressure regulation station representative of oil and natural gas systems. The various devices on the electrical and gas systems were organized into multiple networks to mimic real-world deployments. There were 14 testing scenarios overall that covered a wide variety of cybersecurity and infrastructure events.

Industrial Control↗

Design, fabrication and delivery of an improved single Elastic Loop Mobility System (ELMS)

Several significant design improvements have been incorporated into the second-generation full-scale ELMS unit. A major improved design accomplishment was the increase of the load carrying capacity of elastic loops without severe weight or stress penalties. Redesign of the loop form and size, plus selection of a more advanced titanium alloy, resulted in performance characteristics representing a marked improvement over the first-generation unit. Another important design improvement was the shaping of the loop's footprint into a favorable form for uniform pressure distribution. Other improvements are associated with a more efficient drive torque transmission from the internal drive drums to the elastic loop which are expected to reduce the internal losses of the drive system. The new ELMS unit will be capable of being integrated, on a modularized basis, with a multi-loop articulated ELMS test vehicle as the next logical step in the development of the mobility concept.

Trautwein, W.↗

Demonstration program for Omega receiver prototype microcomputer data processing

The JOLT (TM) commercial microcomputer, based on the MOS Technology 6502 processor chip, for use in Omega navigation system is evaluated. A computer program was prepared in hand-assembled code to demonstrate receiver operation. The processor provides binary processing with interrupts enabled, a carriage return is given to initialize the teleprinter, and a jump is performed to enter the program loop to wait for an interrupt. The program loop operates continuously testing the interrupt flag. The interrupt routine reads the receiver status word and determines whether the current time-slot is the A slot. If so, the interrupt flag, which is also the data index pointer, is reset to zero. The status word is stored in the status buffer. If the time-slot is not A, the interrupt flag/pointer is incremented by one to index the phase and status to the proper buffer words for later use by the print routine.

Lilley, R. W.↗

Shuttle remote manipulator system workstation - Man-machine engineering

A major subsystem aboard the Shuttle Orbiter, the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) provides the capability to deploy and retrieve free-flying satellites, support attached payload operations, and aid in crewmember rescue from a disabled vehicle should the requirement arise. The Remote Manipulator System consists of 15.3-m (50 ft) articulated booms, end effectors, operator workstation, and closed circuit video, power and control subsystems. The manipulator booms (or arms) and end effectors are located in the Orbiter payload bay and operated from inside the cabin by one crewmember. This paper is primarily concerned with the design and development of the RMS operator's workstation, the man-machine engineering features and interfaces, and man-in-the-loop simulations and testing results obtained to date by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Brown, J. W.↗

Performance verification and system parameter identification of spacecraft tape recorder control servo

Design adequacy of the lead-lag compensator of the frequency loop, accuracy checking of the analytical expression for the electrical motor transfer function, and performance evaluation of the speed control servo of the digital tape recorder used on-board the 1976 Viking Mars Orbiters and Voyager 1977 Jupiter-Saturn flyby spacecraft are analyzed. The transfer functions of the most important parts of a simplified frequency loop used for test simulation are described and ten simulation cases are reported. The first four of these cases illustrate the method of selecting the most suitable transfer function for the hysteresis synchronous motor, while the rest verify and determine the servo performance parameters and alternative servo compensation schemes. It is concluded that the linear methods provide a starting point for the final verification/refinement of servo design by nonlinear time response simulation and that the variation of the parameters of the static/dynamic Coulomb friction is as expected in a long-life space mission environment.

Mukhopadhyay, A. K.↗

Combining analysis with optimization at Langley Research Center - An evolutionary process

Analytical and computational advances, at Langely Research Center (La RC), contributing to the evolution of computer programs combining analysis and optimization are presented, namely, strength sizing, concurrent strength and flutter sizing, and general optimization. Current work on a software system which executes the analysis and optimization in a sequential rather than concurrent mode is then described, as a step toward the long-term goal at La RC of developing the methodology for such systems. The software system is designated Enginering Analysis Language (EAL)/Programming Structural Synthesis System (PR)SSS), and work is being done on the incorporation of PROSSS into EAL. EAL language can perform most FORTRAN operations, including testing, branching, and looping, and its data base system can easily be accessed by any processor using FORTRAN callable utility subroutines. Some numerical results showing the accuracy of EAL/PROSSS are given.

Rogers, J. L., Jr.↗

An uncoupled viscoplastic constitutive model for metals at elevated temperature

An uncoupled constitutive model for predicting the transient response of thermal and rate dependent, inelastic material behavior is presented. The uncoupled model assumes that there is a temperature below which the total strain consists essentially of elastic and rate insensitive inelastic strains only. Above this temperature, the rate dependent inelastic strain (creep) dominates. The rate insensitive inelastic strain component is modeled in an incremental form with a yield function, flow rule and hardening law. Revisions to the hardening rule permit the model to predict temperature-dependent kinematic-isotropic hardening behavior, cyclic saturation, asymmetric stress-strain response upon stress reversal, and variable Bauschinger effect. The rate dependent inelastic strain component is modeled using a rate equation in terms of back stress, drag stress and exponent n as functions of temperature and strain. A sequence of hysteresis loops and relaxation tests are utilized to define the rate dependent inelastic strain rate. Evaluation of the model is performed by comparison with experiments involving various thermal and mechanical load histories on 5086 aluminum alloy, 304 stainless steel and Hastelloy-X.

Haisler, W. E.↗

Development of constitutive models for cyclic plasticity and creep behavior of super alloys at high temperature

An uncoupled constitutive model for predicting the transient response of thermal and rate dependent, inelastic material behavior was developed. The uncoupled model assumes that there is a temperature below which the total strain consists essentially of elastic and rate insensitive inelastic strains only. Above this temperature, the rate dependent inelastic strain (creep) dominates. The rate insensitive inelastic strain component is modelled in an incremental form with a yield function, blow rule and hardening law. Revisions to the hardening rule permit the model to predict temperature-dependent kinematic-isotropic hardening behavior, cyclic saturation, asymmetric stress-strain response upon stress reversal, and variable Bauschinger effect. The rate dependent inelastic strain component is modelled using a rate equation in terms of back stress, drag stress and exponent n as functions of temperature and strain. A sequence of hysteresis loops and relaxation tests are utilized to define the rate dependent inelastic strain rate. Evaluation of the model has been performed by comparison with experiments involving various thermal and mechanical load histories on 5086 aluminum alloy, 304 stainless steel and Hastelloy X.

Haisler, W. E.↗