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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of a Compact Lidar Sensor for Terrain Relative Navigation and Terrain Hazard Avoidance

A Flash Lidar utilizing a novel Super-Resolution (SR) technique has been developed for providing Terrain Relative Navigation and Hazard Avoidance capabilities onboard landing vehicles. Processing algorithms for precision navigation and safe landing location identification take advantage of the uniform fixed pixels property of generated high resolution Digital Elevation Maps (DEMs) to achieve high reliability operation in near real-time. This paper describes the current and next generation breadboard units, report the results of recent dynamic tests, and explain the operational concept as envisioned for future landing missions.

3-D Imaging↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High Resolution Terrain Sensing Lidar for Precision Navigation and Safe Landing of Space and Aerial Vehicles

A Flash Lidar utilizing a novel Super-Resolution (SR) technique has been developed for providing Terrain Relative Navigation and Hazard Avoidance capabilities onboard landing vehicles. Processing algorithms for precision navigation and safe landing location identification take advantage of the uniform fixed pixels property of generated high resolution Digital Elevation Maps (DEMs) to achieve high reliability operation in near real-time. This paper describes the current and next generation breadboard units, report the results of recent dynamic tests, and explain the operational concept as envisioned for future landing missions.

Precision Landing↗
NASA NTRS2024

NIAC Phase I Final Report Lunar South Pole Oxygen Pipeline (LSPOP)

The Lunar South Pole Oxygen Pipeline (LSPOP) Phase I NIAC, is to analyze the feasibility of constructing a pipeline at the Moon’s South Pole for transporting gaseous oxygen from point of generation to point of use. A lunar pipeline has never been pursued and will revolutionize lunar surface operations for the Artemis program and reduce cost and risk. Our starting concept is for a 5 km pipeline to transport oxygen gas from an oxygen production source, for example from our molten regolith electrolysis (MRE, currently at TRL 5, see references[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6] for technical discussions of the MRE process) extraction site, or any other source, to an oxygen storage/liquification plant near a lunar base. The pipeline is designed to: 1) be constructed robotically from regolith-derived metals with minimal material transferred from Earth, 2) be repairable robotically, 3) have an oxygen flow rate of ~2 kg/hour, which is commensurate with the NASA initial projected need of 10,000 kg/year, 4) operate with minimal power over the lifetime of the pipeline, with a goal of high operational reliability and the ability to survive in the lunar environment for > 10 years. We compare this concept to a pipeline concept with pipe produced on Earth and then transported to and assembled on the Moon. Both approaches will use earth-based compressors, valves, and fittings which are integrated into the pipeline on the Moon.

NIAC Phase I↗
DOE OSTI2013

Impact of Increasing Distributed Wind Power and Wind Turbine Siting on Rural Distribution Feeder Voltage Profiles: Preprint

Many favorable wind energy resources in North America are located in remote locations without direct access to the transmission grid. Building transmission lines to connect remotely-located wind power plants to large load centers has become a barrier to increasing wind power penetration in North America. By connecting utility-sized megawatt-scale wind turbines to the distribution system, windpower supplied to consumers could be increased greatly. However, the impact of including megawatt-scale wind turbines on distribution feeders needs to be studied. The work presented here examined the impact that siting and power output of megawatt-scale wind turbines have on distribution feeder voltage. This is the start of work to present a general guide to megawatt-scale wind turbine impact onthe distribution feeder and finding the amount of wind power that can be added without adversely impacting the distribution feeder operation, reliability, and power quality.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

NETL's Hybrid Performance, or Hyper, facility

NETL's Hybrid Performance, or Hyper, facility is a one-of-a-kind laboratory built to develop control strategies for the reliable operation of fuel cell/turbine hybrids and enable the simulation, design, and implementation of commercial equipment. The Hyper facility provides a unique opportunity for researchers to explore issues related to coupling fuel cell and gas turbine technologies.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2015

Progress on the Multiphysics Capabilities of the Parallel Electromagnetic ACE3P Simulation Suite

ACE3P is a 3D parallel simulation suite that is being developed at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Effectively utilizing supercomputer resources, ACE3P has become a key tool for the coupled electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical research and design of particle accelerators. Based on the existing finite-element infrastructure, a massively parallel eigensolver is developed for modal analysis of mechanical structures. It complements a set of the multiphysics tools in ACE3P and, in particular, can be used for the comprehensive study of microphonics in accelerating cavities ensuring the operational reliability of a particle accelerator.

Kononenko, Oleksiy↗
DOE OSTI2016

Supporting the future nuclear workforce with computer-based procedures

Here we see that computer-based tools have dramatically increased ease and efficiency of everyday tasks. Gone are the days of paging through a paper catalog, transcribing product numbers, and calculating totals. Today, a consumer can find a product online with a simple search engine, and then purchase it in a matter of a few clicks. Paper catalogs have their place, but it is hard to imagine life without on-line shopping sites. All tasks conducted in a nuclear power plant are guided by procedures, which helps ensure safe and reliable operation of the plants. One prominent goal of the nuclear industry is to minimize the risk of human errors. To achieve this goal one has to ensure tasks are correctly and consistently executed. This is partly achieved by training and by a structured approach to task execution, which is provided by procedures and work instructions. Procedures are used in the nuclear industry to direct workers' actions in a proper sequence. The governing idea is to minimize the reliance on memory and choices made in the field. However, the procedure document may not contain sufficient information to successfully complete the task. Therefore, the worker might have to carry additional documents such as turnover sheets, operation experience, drawings, and other procedures to the work site. The nuclear industry is operated with paper procedures like paper catalogs of the past. A field worker may carry a large stack of documents needed to complete a task to the field. Even though the paper process has helped keep the industry safe for decades, there are limitations to using paper. Paper procedures are static (i.e., the content does not change after the document is printed), difficult to search, and rely heavily on the field worker’s situational awareness and ability to consistently meet the high expectation of human performance excellence. With computer-based procedures (CBPs) that stack of papers may be reduced to the size of a small tablet or even a smart phone. Instead of manually matching equipment identification numbers listed in the procedure with the number on the physical equipment the field worker can simply scan a barcode to ensure the correct valve is opened while simultaneously creating a record. Instead of navigating through a maze of cross-references, CBPs enable intelligent work path navigation which accounts for past decisions and observation, thereby enabling more efficient and safe task completion.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2014

Hydrogen and Cesium Monitor for H - Magnetron Sources

The relative concentration of cesium to hydrogen in the plasma of a H - magnetron source is an important parameter for reliable operations. If there is too much cesium, the surfaces of the source become contaminated with it and sparking occurs. If there is too little cesium then the plasma cannot be sustained. In order to monitor these two elements, a spectrometer has been built and installed on a test and operating source that looks at the plasma. It is hypothesized that the concentration of each element in the plasma is proportional to the intensity of their spectral lines.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Target Station Design for the Mu2e Experiment

The Mu2e experiment at Fermilab is devoted to search for the conversion of a negative muon into an electron in the field of a nucleus without emission of neutrinos. One of the main parts of the Mu2e experimental setup is its Target Station in which negative pions are generated in interactions of the 8-GeV primary proton beam with a tungsten target. A large-aperture 5-T superconducting production solenoid (PS) enhances pion collection, and an S-shaped transport solenoid (TS) delivers muons and pions to the Mu2e detector. The heat and radiation shield (HRS) protects the PS and the first TS coils. A beam dump absorbs the spent beam. In order for the PS superconducting magnet to operate reliably the sophisticated HRS was designed and optimized for performance and cost. The beam dump was designed to absorb the spent beam and maintaining its temperature and air activation in the hall at the allowable level. Comprehensive MARS15 simulations have been carried out to optimize all the parts while maximizing muon yield. Results of simulations of critical radiation quantities and their implications on the overall Target Station design and integration will be reported.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Probabilistic Swinging Door Algorithm as Applied to Photovoltaic Power Ramping Event Detection

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation experiences power ramping events due to cloud interference. Depending on the extent of PV aggregation and local grid features, such power variability can be constructive or destructive to measures of uncertainty regarding renewable power generation; however, it directly influences contingency planning, production costs, and the overall reliable operation of power systems. For enhanced power system flexibility, and to help mitigate the negative impacts of power ramping, it is desirable to analyze events in a probabilistic fashion so degrees of beliefs concerning system states and forecastability are better captured and uncertainty is explicitly quantified. A probabilistic swinging door algorithm is developed and presented in this paper. It is then applied to a solar data set of PV power generation. The probabilistic swinging door algorithm builds on results from the original swinging door algorithm, first used for data compression in trend logging, and it is described by two uncertain parameters: (i) e, the threshold sensitivity to a given ramp, and (ii) s, the residual of the piecewise linear ramps. These two parameters determine the distribution of ramps and capture the uncertainty in PV power generation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

High Quality Data for Grid Integration Studies

As variable renewable power penetration levels increase in power systems worldwide, renewable integration studies are crucial to ensure continued economic and reliable operation of the power grid. The existing electric grid infrastructure in the US in particular poses significant limitations on wind power expansion. In this presentation we will shed light on requirements for grid integration studies as far as wind and solar energy are concerned. Because wind and solar plants are strongly impacted by weather, high-resolution and high-quality weather data are required to drive power system simulations. Future data sets will have to push limits of numerical weather prediction to yield these high-resolution data sets, and wind data will have to be time-synchronized with solar data. Current wind and solar integration data sets are presented. The Wind Integration National Dataset (WIND) Toolkit is the largest and most complete grid integration data set publicly available to date. A meteorological data set, wind power production time series, and simulated forecasts created using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model run on a 2-km grid over the continental United States at a 5-min resolution is now publicly available for more than 126,000 land-based and offshore wind power production sites. The National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) is a similar high temporal- and spatial resolution database of 18 years of solar resource data for North America and India. The need for high-resolution weather data pushes modeling towards finer scales and closer synchronization. We also present how we anticipate such datasets developing in the future, their benefits, and the challenges with using and disseminating such large amounts of data.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Experimental results of beryllium exposed to intense high energy proton beam pulses

Beryllium is extensively used in various accelerator beam lines and target facilities as a material for beam windows, and to a lesser extent, as secondary particle production targets. With increasing beam intensities of future accelerator facilities, it is critical to understand the response of beryllium under extreme conditions to reliably operate these components as well as avoid compromising particle production efficiency by limiting beam parameters. As a result, an exploratory experiment at CERN’s HiRadMat facility was carried out to take advantage of the test facility’s tunable high intensity proton beam to probe and investigate the damage mechanisms of several beryllium grades. The test matrix consisted of multiple arrays of thin discs of varying thicknesses as well as cylinders, each exposed to increasing beam intensities. This paper outlines the experimental measurements, as well as findings from Post-Irradiation-Examination (PIE) work where different imaging techniques were used to analyze and compare surface evolution and microstructural response of the test matrix specimens.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Research and Development on the Storage Ring Vacuum System for the APS Upgrade Project

A number of research and development activities are underway at Argonne National Laboratory to build confidence in the designs for the storage ring vacuum system required for the Advanced Photon Source Up-grade project (APS-U) [1]. The predominant technical risks are: excessive residual gas pressures during operation; insufficient beam position monitor stability; excessive beam impedance; excessive heating by induced electrical surface currents; and insufficient operational reliability. Present efforts to mitigate these risks include: building and evaluating mockup assemblies; performing mechanical testing of chamber weld joints; developing computational tools; investigating design alternatives; and performing electrical bench measurements. Status of these activities and some of what has been learned to date will be shared.

APS-U, APS UPGRADE PROJECT, STORAGE RING VACUUM SY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Characterization of a Low-Cost Multiparameter Sensor for Solar Resource Applications

Low-cost, multiparameter sensing and measurement devices enable cost-effective monitoring of the functional, operational reliability, efficiency, and resiliency of the electric grid. The National Renewable Research Laboratory (NREL) Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL), in collaboration with Arable Labs, Inc., deployed Arable Lab's Mark multiparameter sensor system. The device measures the downwelling and upwelling shortwave solar resource and longwave radiation, humidity, air temperature, and ground temperature. The system is also equipped with six downward-and upward-facing narrowband spectrometer channels that measure spectral radiation and surface spectral reflectance. This study describes the shortwave calibration, characterization, and validation of measurement accuracy of this instrument by comparison with existing instruments that are part of NREL-SRRL's Baseline Measurement System.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2018

Characterization of a Low-Cost Multi-Parameter Sensor for Resource Applications: Preprint

Low-cost multi-parameter sensing and measurement devices enable cost-effective monitoring of the functional, operational reliability, efficiency, and resiliency of the electrical grid. The National Renewable Research Laboratory (NREL) Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL), in collaboration with Arable Labs Inc., deployed Arable Lab's Mark multi-parameter sensor system. The unique suite of system sensors measures the down-welling and upwelling shortwave solar resource and longwave radiation, humidity, air temperature, and ground temperature. This study describes the shortwave calibration, characteriza-tion, and validation of measurement accuracy of this instrument by comparison with existing instruments that are part of NREL-SRRL's Baseline Measurement System.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulations for Smart Grid Impact Studies: Preprint

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation is increasingly employed in power engineering as more inverter-based generation and smart appliances are connected to the electric grid. HIL techniques allow for co-simulation of analytical models with actual devices whose complex behavior is computationally inefficient or difficult to capture. It also allows for testing of the behavior of these devices under adverse conditions that only occur rarely in the field, but that are important to evaluate. An overview of how HIL simulation has been used to date is provided. This paper further proposes that HIL simulation should play an important role in evaluating new control strategies, especially at the distribution level, that are being proposed to allow for continued affordable and reliable operation of the electric grid with the introduction of these new technologies. It presents a new capability that was developed to enable evaluation of interactions between residential loads and the smart grid: smart home hardware-in-the-loop. The paper includes results from an HIL simulation that incorporates multiple technologies and controls.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electrification Futures Study: Scenarios for Demand-Side Adoption in the United States

Electrification - the potential for increased electricity demand due to new services and the shift from any non-electric source of energy to electricity at the point of final consumption - is a major emerging trend in energy markets around the world. Select driving forces for this trend are a collection of newly-improved electric end-use technologies, engaged consumers and manufacturers, and a variety of economic and policy objectives in different jurisdictions. NREL and partners are conducting a multi-year study of electrification scenarios, which will explore research questions related to the potential key technologies for, planning requirements for, and impacts of deep electrification of the U.S. economy. NREL recently published a report that presents scenarios with various degrees of future electrification in all major end-use sectors of the U.S. energy system, and quantifies impacts on the amount and shape of national and regional electricity demand. In addition, ongoing analysis is exploring how the U.S. electricity system could need to transform to meet changes in demand from an electrified economy, the potential role of demand-side flexibility in supporting reliable operations of a clean electricity grid, and the potential costs, benefits, and impacts of mass electrification. This talk will serve to frame some of the overall boundaries of the session and report on electrification levels and impacts under a variety of scenarios.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗