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At least 883 records · Page 49

The effect of increased carbon dioxide concentrations on stratospheric ozone

Consideration is given to the influence on ozone of an increased carbon dioxide concentration, for which a measurable growth has been observed in the recent past. Increased carbon dioxide can indirectly affect ozone by perturbing atmospheric temperatures, which will alter ozone production, whose rate displays a fairly strong temperature dependence. This paper presents one-dimensional model results for the steady state ozone behavior when the CO2 concentration is twice its ambient level; the results account for coupling between chemistry and temperature. When the CO2 level doubled, the total ozone burden increased in relation to the ambient burden by 1.2-2.5%, depending on the vertical diffusion coefficient used. Above 30 km, ozone concentrations were larger than the ambient values, a maximum increase of 16% being reached at 43 km. In this region the relative variations were insensitive to the choice of diffusion coefficient. Below 30 km, ozone concentrations were smaller than the unperturbed values and were sensitive to the vertical diffusion profile in this region (10-30 km).

Boughner, R. E.↗

Time-dependence of sea-ice concentration and multiyear ice fraction in the Arctic Basin

Microwave images of sea ice obtained by Nimbus-5 and the NASA CV-990 airborne laboratory are used to determine the time variation of the sea-ice concentration and multiyear ice fraction within the pack ice in the Arctic Basin. The images, constructed from data acquired from the electrically scanned microwave radiometer, are analyzed for four seasons during 1973-1975. Observations indicate significant variations in the sea-ice concentration in the spring, late fall, and early winter. Sea-ice concentrations as low as 50% were detected in large areas in the interior of the Arctic polar sea-ice pack. The applicability of passive-microwave remote sensing for monitoring the time dependence of sea-ice concentration is considered.

Gloersen, P.↗

Ionized dopant concentrations at the heavily doped surface of a silicon solar cell

Data are combined with concentrations obtained by a bulk measurement method using successive layer removal with measurements of Hall effect and resistivity. From the MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor) measurements it is found that the ionized dopant concentration N has the value (1.4 + or - 0.1) x 10 to the 20th power/cu cm at distances between 100 and 220 nm from the n(+) surface. The bulk measurement technique yields average values of N over layers whose thickness is 2000 nm. Results show that, at the higher concentrations encountered at the n(+) surface, the MOS C-V technique, when combined with a bulk measurement method, can be used to evaluate the effects of materials preparation methodologies on the surface and near surface concentrations of silicon cells.

Weinberg, I.↗

Concentrator enhanced solar arrays design study

The analysis and preliminary design of a 25 kW concentrator enhanced lightweight flexible solar array are presented. The study was organized into five major tasks: (1) assessment and specification of design requirements; (2) mechanical design; (3) electric design; (4) concentrator design; and (5) cost projection. The tasks were conducted in an iterative manner so as to best derive a baseline design selection. The objectives of the study are discussed and comparative configurations and mass data on the SEP (Solar Electric Propulsion) array design, concentrator design options and configuration/mass data on the selected concentrator enhanced solar array baseline design are presented. Design requirements supporting design analysis and detailed baseline design data are discussed. The results of the cost projection analysis and new technology are also discussed.

Lott, D. R.↗

The potential of np GaAs solar cells for high efficiency concentrator applications

This communication considers the design of the front grid contact of np GaAs solar cells for high efficiency concentrator applications. This design involves shadowing, contact resistance, and active layer sheet resistance losses, and at high concentrations, the power loss due to voltage drop on the resistance of the grid fingers should be considered. Analysis of the performance can be calculated as a function of junction depth and surface recombination velocity. The junction depth can be optimized by considering its effect on the collection efficiency of the dark current-voltage characteristics or the open circuit voltage, and on the series resistance loss or the fill factor for material parameters. The choice of the material parameters, calculation of the short circuit current, the selection of the n layer thickness, and the cell maximum power and efficiency are discussed. It is concluded that optimized multi-grid structures should allow the use of 10 by 10 sq cm cells with good efficiencies at high concentration ratios, and efficiencies of 22 to 25% should be obtainable from large area cells at concentrations of 40 AM1.

Flat, A.↗

Evaluation of concentrated space solar arrays using computer modeling

A general approach is developed for predicting the power output of a concentrator enhanced photovoltaic space array. A ray trace routine determines the concentrator intensity arriving at each solar cell. An iterative calculation determines the cell's operating temperature since cell temperature and cell efficiency are functions of one another. The end result of the iterative calculation is that the individual cell's power output is determined as a function of temperature and intensity. Circuit output is predicted by combining the individual cell outputs using the single diode model of a solar cell. Concentrated array characteristics such as uniformity of intensity and operating temperature at various points across the array are examined using computer modeling techniques. An illustrative example is given showing how the output of an array can be enhanced using solar concentration techniques.

Rockey, D. E.↗

Reduction of intensity variations on the absorbers of ideal flux concentrators

Large nonuniformities occur in the instantaneous distribution of flux on the absorber of an ideal light concentrator when it is illuminated by a point source such as the sun. These nonuniformities may be reduced by texturing the reflecting surface with small distortions. Such distortions will also be effective if used in the primary reflector of a two-stage concentrator. Data on a model compound parabolic concentrator are presented. The suitability of such concentrators for use by spacecraft is mentioned.

Greenman, P.↗

Heat-rejection design for large concentrating solar arrays

This paper considers the effect of heat rejection devices (radiators) on the performance and cost of large concentrating solar arrays for space application. Overall array characteristics are derived from the weight, cost, and performance of four major components; namely primary structure, optics/secondary structure, radiator, and solar panel. An ideal concentrator analysis is used to establish general cost and performance trends independent of specific array design. Both passive and heat-pipe radiation are evaluated, with an incremental cost-of-power approach used in the evaluation. Passive radiators are found to be more cost effective with silicon than with gallium arsenide (GaAs) arrays. Representative concentrating arrays have been evaluated for both near-term and advanced solar cell technology. Minimum cost of power is achieved at geometric concentration ratios in the range 2 to 6.

French, E. P.↗

Continuous flow electrophoresis: The effect of sample concentration on throughput and resolution in an upward flowing system

The effect of sample concentration on throughput and resolution in a modified continuous particle electrophoresis (CPE) system with flow in an upward direction is investigated. Maximum resolution is achieved at concentrations ranging from 2 x 10 to the 8th power cells/ml to 8 x 10 to the 8th power cells/ml. The widest peak separation is at 2 x 10 to the 8th power cells/ml; however, the sharpest peaks and least overlap between cell populations is at 8 x 10 to the 8th power cells/ml. Apparently as a result of improved electrophoresis cell performance due to coasting the chamber with bovine serum albumin, changing the electrode membranes and rinse, and lowering buffer temperatures, sedimentation effects attending to higher concentrations are diminished. Throughput as measured by recovery of fixed cells is diminished at the concentrations judged most likely to yield satisfactory resolution. The tradeoff appears to be improved recovery/throughput at the expense of resolution.

Jandebeur, T. S.↗

Method and apparatus for producing concentric hollow spheres

Hollow spheres with precisely concentric inner and outer spherical surfaces are formed by applying vibrations to a nonconcentric hollow sphere while it is at an elevated temperature at which it is fluid or plastic, the vibrations producing internal flows which cause the inner and outer surfaces to become precisely concentric. Concentric spheres can be mass produced by extruding a material such as glass or metal while injecting a stream of gas into the center of the extrusion to form a gas-filled tube. Vibrations are applied to the extruded tube to help break it up into individual bodies of a desired uniform size, the bodies tending to form spherical inner and outer surfaces by reason of surface tension, and the continuing application of vibrations causing these surfaces to become concentric.

Wang, T. G.↗

Concentration distribution of methyl chloride in the atmosphere

Electron capture gas chromatography techniques were used to obtain measurements of methyl chloride concentrations in the atmosphere, at latitudes ranging from about 65 N to 90 S. Most of the measurements were made over the Pacific Ocean. Average global concentrations within the boundary layer were found to be 815 plus or minus 25 pptv in 1977 and 755 plus or minus 37 pptv in 1978. Lower concentrations were observed above the boundary layer with average values of 629 plus or minus 23 pptv and 618 plus or minus 23 pptv in 1977 and 1978, respectively. Within 20 deg of the equator, the boundary layer concentrations were significantly higher than those above the boundary layer. The sources, the sinks, the budgets, and the latitudinal distributions of methyl chloride are discussed in the paper.

Rasmussen, R. A.↗

Variation of Local Liquid-Water Concentration About an Ellipsoid of Fineness Ratio 10 Moving in a Droplet Field

Trajectories of water droplets about an ellipsoid of revolution with a fineness ratio of 10 (10 percent thick) in flight through a droplet field were computed with the aid of a differential analyzer. Analyses of these trajectories indicate that the local concentration of liquid water at various points about an ellipsoid varies considerably and under some conditions may be several times the free-stream concentration. Curves of the local concentration factor as a function of spatial position were obtained and are presented in terms of dimensionless parameters that describe flight and atmospheric conditions. The data indicate that the expected local concentration factors should be considered when choosing the location of devices that protrude into the stream from aircraft fuselages or missiles, or when determining antiicing heat requirements for the protection of these devices.

Brun, Rinaldo J.↗

A comparison of in-cloud HCl concentrations from the NASA/MSFC MDM to measurements for the space shuttle launch

The Multilevel Diffusion Model (MDM) Version 5 was modified to include features of more recent versions. The MDM was used to predict in-cloud HCl concentrations for the April 12 launch of the space Shuttle (STS-1). The maximum centerline predictions were compared with measurements of maximum gaseous HCl obtained from aircraft passes through two segments of the fragmented shuttle ground cloud. The model over-predicted the maximum values for gaseous HCl in the lower cloud segment and portrayed the same rate of decay with time as the observed values. However, the decay with time of HCl maximum predicted by the MDM was more rapid than the observed decay for the higher cloud segment, causing the model to under-predict concentrations which were measured late in the life of the cloud. The causes of the tendency for the MDM to be conservative in over-estimating the HCl concentrations in the one case while tending to under-predict concentrations in the other case are discussed.

Glasser, M. E.↗

The Allan Hills icefield and its relationship to meteorite concentration

The Allan Hills icefield is described by as a limited icefield that has large concentrations of meteorites. The meteorites appear to be concentrated on the lower limb of an ice monocline with other finds scattered throughout the field. In an attempt to understand the mechanisms of meteorite concentration, a triangulation chain was established across the icefield. This chain is composed of 20 stations, two of which are on bedrock, and extends westward from the Allan Hills a distance of 15 kilometers. The triangulation chain and its relationship to the meteorite concentrations is shown.

Annexstad, J. O.↗

Low cost, high concentration ratio solar cell array for space applications

A miniaturized Cassegrainian-type concentrator solar array concept for space applications is described. In-orbit cell operating temperatures near 80 C are achieved with purely passive cell cooling and a net concentration ratio of 100. A multiplicity of miniaturized, rigid solar cell concentrator subassemblies are electrically interconnected in conventional fashion and mounted into rigid frames to form concentrator solar panel assemblies approximately 14-mm thick. A plurality of such interconnected panels forms a stowable and deployable solar cell blanket. It is projected that for 20% efficient silicon cells an array of 500 kW beginning-of-life output capability, including orbiter cradle structures, can be transported by a single shuttle orbiter flight into low earth orbit. In-orbit array specific performance is calculated to be approximately 100 W/sq m and 20 W/kg, including all stowage, deployment and array figure control equipment designed for a 30-year orbital life. Higher efficiency gallium arsenide and multiple band gap solar cells will improve these performance factors correspondingly.

Patterson, R. E.↗

Nonimaging concentrators for photovoltaic arrays in space

Two stage concentrators are studied in order to design an optimum concentrator for photovoltaic arrays in space. The study is directed at designs with two-dimensional geometries because they are better suited to moderate concentrations of about 10 X to 50 X, and because the instantaneous flux distribution is more uniform. It is found that with an f/0.5 primary, where f is the focal length of the primary, the flux distribution is very smooth regardless of the angle of incidence of the radiation. As the focal ratio is increased, peaks in the distribution begin to appear. The nonuniformities can be reduced by introducing small, closely spaced distortions into the reflecting surfaces, and practical arrays can achieve a concentration of 10 when the acceptance half angle is 4.25 deg or 50 when the acceptance half angle is + or - 1 deg.

Winston, R.↗

The systems impact of a concentrated solar array on a Jupiter orbiter

Results of a study are presented suggesting that a Galileo Jupiter orbiting mission could be performed with a concentrated solar array power source. A baseline spacecraft design using concentrated arrays is given, and the overall spacecraft implications for attitude control, propulsion, power conditioning and the resultant spacecraft mass are examined. It is noted that while the concentrated array concept still requires extensive development effort, no insurmountable system level barriers preclude the use of a concentrated solar array on this difficult mission, with its stressing radiation environment, its lengthy periods of spacecraft shadowing as it passes behind Jupiter, and, finally, its large delta v burn required for orbital insertion.

Rockey, D. E.↗

Thorium concentrations in the lunar surface. V - Deconvolution of the central highlands region

The distribution of thorium in the lunar central highlands measured from orbit by the Apollo 16 gamma-ray spectrometer is subjected to a deconvolution analysis to yield improved spatial resolution and contrast. Use of two overlapping data fields for complete coverage also provides a demonstration of the technique's ability to model concentrations several degrees beyond the data track. Deconvolution reveals an association between Th concentration and the Kant Plateau, Descartes Mountain and Cayley plains surface formations. The Kant Plateau and Descartes Mountains model with Th less than 1 part per million, which is typical of farside highlands but is infrequently seen over any other nearside highland portions of the Apollo 15 and 16 ground tracks. It is noted that, if the Cayley plains are the result of basin-forming impact ejecta, the distribution of Th concentration with longitude supports an origin from the Imbrium basin rather than the Nectaris or Orientale basins. Nectaris basin materials are found to have a Th concentration similar to that of the Descartes Mountains, evidence that the latter may have been emplaced as Nectaris basin impact deposits.

Metzger, A. E.↗