Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Power Generation”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 919 records · Page 51

An overview of NASA's Space Station program

NASA space station program, discussing relationship between space stations, Skylab and space shuttle, electric power generation, habitability, safety and communications networks

Lohman, R. L.↗

A Grand Tour of the outer planets

Outer planet explorers design for Grand Tour mission, discussing launch parameters, flight paths, environmental hazards, communications, ground control, navigation and power generation

Long, J. E.↗

Sheet plastic filters for solar cells

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF) film protects solar cells on Mars surface from radiation and prevents degradation of solar cell surfaces by Martian dust storms. PVF films may replace glass or quartz windows on solar cell arrays used to generate power on earth.

Wizenick, R. J.↗

Shuttle cryogenic supply system optimization study

Technical information on different cryogenic supply systems is presented for selecting representative designs. Parametric data and sensitivity studies, and an evaluation of related technology status are included. An integrated mathematical model for hardware program support was developed. The life support system, power generation, and propellant supply are considered. The major study conclusions are the following: Optimum integrated systems tend towards maximizing liquid storage. Vacuum jacketing of tanks is a major effect on integrated systems. Subcritical storage advantages over supercritical storage decrease as the quantity of propellant or reactant decreases. Shuttle duty cycles are not severe. The operational mode has a significant effect on reliability. Components are available for most subsystem applications. Subsystems and components require a minimum amount of technology development.

Source record↗

Voltage-programed control of turboalternator load

A power source and load-control concept was designed and tested for use with a Brayton cycle turboalternator. The concept provides power that adjusts to a range of loads while controlling alternator speed and isolating load-switching transients. The concept is also applicable to power-generating sources other than the Brayton cycle.

Young, R. N.↗

Cold startup and low temperature performance of the Brayton cycle electrical subsystem

Cold performance tests and startup tests were conducted on the Brayton-cycle inverter, motor-driven pump, dc supply, speed control with parasitic load resistor and the Brayton control system. These tests were performed with the components in a vacuum and mounted on coldplates. A temperature range of ?25 to -50 C was used for the tests. No failures occurred, and component performance gave no indication that there would be any problem with the safe operation of the Brayton power generating system.

Vrancik, J. E.↗

Experimental investigations of a uranium plasma pertinent to a self-sustaining plasma source

The research is pertinent to the realization of a self-sustained fissioning plasma for applications such as nuclear propulsion, closed cycle MHD power generation using a plasma core reactor, and heat engines such as the nuclear piston engine, as well as the direct conversion of fission energy into optical radiation (nuclear pumped lasers). Diagnostic measurement methods and experimental devices simulating plasma core reactor conditions are discussed. Studies on the following topics are considered: (1) ballistic piston compressor (U-235); (2) high pressure uranium plasma (natural uranium); (3) sliding spark discharge (natural uranium); (4) fission fragment interaction (He-3 and U-235); and (5) nuclear pumped lasers (He-3 and U-235).

Schneider, R. T.↗

Space vehicle electrical power processing distribution and control study. Volume 1: Summary

A concept for the processing, distribution, and control of electric power for manned space vehicles and future aircraft is presented. Emphasis is placed on the requirements of the space station and space shuttle configurations. The systems involved are referred to as the processing distribution and control system (PDCS), electrical power system (EPS), and electric power generation system (EPGS).

Krausz, A.↗

A hybrid electrical power system for aircraft application.

Possible improvements to present aircraft electrical power systems for use in future advanced types of aircraft have been investigated. The conventional power system is examined, the characteristics of electric loads are reviewed, and various methods of power generation and distribution are appraised. It is shown that a hybrid system, with variable-frequency generation and high-voltage dc distribution, could overcome some of the limitations of the conventional system.

Lee, C. H.↗

System design of a near-self-supporting lunar colony.

Concepts for expanding a 12-man lunar surface base to a more permanent colony of about 180 persons are studied. Guidelines for the colony design are that the colony must perform a useful function, and that design should maximize use of lunar materials and minimize requirements of resupply from the earth. The first use of lunar materials should be for oxygen production, to achieve which large electrical or thermal power inputs are necessary. Some of the efforts which should be directed toward food and plant growth are considered, and those factors from life support and waste control which bear further study are examined. Aspects of power generation, mining, and construction are discussed.

Howell, J. R.↗

NASA technology utilization survey on composite materials

NASA and NASA-funded contractor contributions to the field of composite materials are surveyed. Existing and potential non-aerospace applications of the newer composite materials are emphasized. Economic factors for selection of a composite for a particular application are weight savings, performance (high strength, high elastic modulus, low coefficient of expansion, heat resistance, corrosion resistance,), longer service life, and reduced maintenance. Applications for composites in agriculture, chemical and petrochemical industries, construction, consumer goods, machinery, power generation and distribution, transportation, biomedicine, and safety are presented. With the continuing trend toward further cost reductions, composites warrant consideration in a wide range of non-aerospace applications. Composite materials discussed include filamentary reinforced materials, laminates, multiphase alloys, solid multiphase lubricants, and multiphase ceramics. New processes developed to aid in fabrication of composites are given.

Leeds, M. A.↗

Performance of gas-lubricated nonconforming pivoted-pad journal bearings and a flexibly mounted spiral-groove thrust bearing

A test program was conducted to determine the performance characteristics of gas-lubricated nonconforming pivoted-pad journal bearings and a spiral-groove thrust bearing designed for the Brayton cycle rotating unit (BRU). Hydrostatic, hybrid (simultaneously hydrostatic and hydrodynamic), and hydrodynamic tests were conducted in argon gas at ambient pressure and temperature ranges representative of hydrostatic operation up to the 10.5-kWe BRU power-generating level. Performance of the gas lubricated bearings is presented, including hydrostatic gas flow rates, bearing clearances, bearing temperatures, and transient performance.

Ream, L. W.↗

Status of shuttle fuel cell technology program.

The hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell has been proved as an efficient and reliable electrical power supply for NASA manned-space-flight vehicles. It has thus ensured a role in the Space Shuttle Program as the primary electrical power supply for the Orbiter vehicle. The advanced fuel cell technology programs conducted under the management of the NASA Manned Spacecraft Center over the past two years have resulted in a high level of technical readiness in fuel cell power generation to support shuttle mission requirements. These programs have taken advantage of technological developments that have occurred since the designs were completed for the Gemini and Apollo fuel cells.

Rice, W. E.↗