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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Empirical Comparison of Machine Learning Approaches for Black-Box Modeling of Power Conversion System Dynamics

Inverter-based resources are key components in modern power systems, but accurately modeling their complex behavior can be challenging. Standard, generic converter models often oversimplify inverter dynamics, leading to significant errors in predicting performance. In this work, we compare several data-driven machine learning (ML) approaches for inverter modeling, performing experiments on power conversion systems, systematically varying input conditions, and recording the resulting voltages and currents. The ML models were then trained on this measured data to capture the inverter's dynamic response and to predict the inverter's output current. A performance comparison between the four ML models under study is conducted, laying the foundation for future work on hardware implementation for real-time inference.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
NASA NTRS1984

Technology for satellite power conversion

Techniques for satellite electromagnetic energy transfer and power conversion at millimeter and infrared wavelengths are discussed. The design requirements for rectenna receiving elements are reviewed for both coherent radiation sources and Earth thermal infrared emission. Potential power transmitters including gyrotrons, free electron lasers, and CO2 lasers are assessed along with the rectification properties of metal-oxide metal diode power converters.

Campbell, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS2011

A Small Fission Power System with Stirling Power Conversion for NASA Science Missions

In early 2010, a joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Energy (DOE) study team developed a concept for a 1 kWe Fission Power System with a 15-year design life that could be available for a 2020 launch to support future NASA science missions. The baseline concept included a solid block uranium-molybdenum reactor core with embedded heat pipes and distributed thermoelectric converters directly coupled to aluminum radiator fins. A short follow-on study was conducted at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) to evaluate an alternative power conversion approach. The GRC study considered the use of free-piston Stirling power conversion as a substitution to the thermoelectric converters. The resulting concept enables a power increase to 3 kWe with the same reactor design and scalability to 10 kW without changing the reactor technology. This paper presents the configuration layout, system performance, mass summary, and heat transfer analysis resulting from the study.

Mason, Lee↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dynamic Modeling of Power Conversion Stages for an Exascale Supercomputer

In this paper a power conversion and energy consumption model for an exascale supercomputer is investigated. Power consumption, energy loss and efficiency are derived for the 27.2 MW liquid-cooled, centralized, High Performance Computing (HPC) power system, which is supplied directly from the 480 V three-phase mains. Two energy conversion stages are analyzed, measured and modeled. The model is developed in order to be adapted and implemented in a digital twin platform utilizing a Resource Allocator and Power Simulator (RAPS) module. RAPS enables estimation of potential energy savings in the direct AC power supply architecture via both conventional rectifier load sharing (commonly used in HPC systems), as well as smart rectifier load sharing. Moreover, besides the direct AC supply architecture analysis, the full direct DC supply architecture with with 1 kV DC bus were also studied. Comparison of 10 hour time frame operation of the system, with direct 480 V AC voltage supply with conventional and smart load sharing and medium dc voltage supply were done. For the direct AC supply architecture, with conventional and smart load sharing the predicted power loss was approximately 840 kW and 820 kW, respectively and the predicted total system efficiency was 92.87% and 93.05%, respectively. For the direct DC supply architecture with the 1000 V DC supply bus power loss was approximately 340 kW and the predicted total system efficiency was 97.02%.

Wojda, Rafal↗
NASA NTRS2005

Brayton-Cycle Power-Conversion Unit Tested With Ion Thruster

Nuclear electric propulsion has been identified as an enabling technology for future NASA space science missions, such as the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) now under study. An important element of the nuclear electric propulsion spacecraft is the power conversion system, which converts the reactor heat to electrical power for use by the ion propulsion system and other spacecraft loads. The electrical integration of the power converter and ion thruster represents a key technical challenge in making nuclear electric propulsion technology possible. This technical hurdle was addressed extensively on December 1, 2003, when a closed- Brayton-cycle power-conversion unit was tested with a gridded ion thruster at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The test demonstrated end-to-end power throughput and marked the first-ever coupling of a Brayton turbo alternator and a gridded ion thruster, both of which are candidates for use on JIMO-type missions. The testing was conducted at Glenn's Vacuum Facility 6, where the Brayton unit was installed in the 3-m-diameter vacuum test port and the ion thruster was installed in the 7.6-m-diameter main chamber.

Hervol, David S.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Compatibility of Niobium Alloys and Superalloys in a Flowing He-Xe Power Conversion System

Proposed concepts for an ambitious mission to explore Jupiter's three icy moons place significant demands on the various spacecraft systems. There are many challenges related to the high output power conversion systems being considered, and one example is the need to ensure system compatibility at all levels. The utilization of appropriate materials for component structures is important to ensuring long mission life. Refractory metal alloys have attractive high-temperature properties in inert environments, but these alloys are sometimes susceptible to contamination. Potential material compatibility issues exist between refractory metal candidates and more conventional alloys. Nb-1Zr has long been considered one of the most well characterized refractory alloys that is well suited for elevated-temperature use and liquid-metal compatibility. However, previous studies have suggested that niobium alloys can not co-exist in a closed system with traditional stainless steels or superalloys due to transport of contaminants. The relevance of this information to a proposed power conversion system is discussed. Also, experiments and fundamental calculations are being performed to determine contamination transport from candidate superalloys to Nb-1Zr in a closed system with an inert carrier gas. Potential protective schemes are explored to ensure system level compatibility between the refractory alloy Nb-1Zr and a nickel-based superalloy.

Bowman, Cheryl L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Laser power conversion system analysis, volume 2

The orbit-to-ground laser power conversion system analysis investigated the feasibility and cost effectiveness of converting solar energy into laser energy in space, and transmitting the laser energy to earth for conversion to electrical energy. The analysis included space laser systems with electrical outputs on the ground ranging from 100 to 10,000 MW. The space laser power system was shown to be feasible and a viable alternate to the microwave solar power satellite. The narrow laser beam provides many options and alternatives not attainable with a microwave beam.

Jones, W. S.↗