Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “small systems”

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

A Small Angle Scattering Sensor System for the Characterization of Combustion Generated Particulate

One of the critical issues for the US space program is fire safety of the space station and future launch vehicles. A detailed understanding of the scattering signatures of particulate is essential for the development of a false alarm free fire detection system. This paper describes advanced optical instrumentation developed and applied for fire detection. The system is being designed to determine four important physical properties of disperse fractal aggregates and particulates including size distribution, number density, refractive indices, and fractal dimension. Combustion generated particulate are the primary detection target; however, in order to discriminate from other particulate, non-combustion generated particles should also be characterized. The angular scattering signature is measured and analyzed using two photon optical laser scattering. The Rayleigh-Debye-Gans (R-D-G) scattering theory for disperse fractal aggregates is utilized. The system consists of a pulsed laser module, detection module and data acquisition system and software to analyze the signals. The theory and applications are described.

Feikema, Douglas A.↗

Evaluation of ARCAM Deposited Ti-6Al-4V

A wide range of Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) technologies are becoming available. One of the challenges in using new technologies for aerospace systems is demonstrating that the process and system has the ability to manufacture components that meet the high quality requirements on a statistically significant basis. The widest-used system for small to medium sized components is the ARCAM system manufactured in Gothenburg, Sweden. This system features a 4kW electron-beam gun, and has a chamber volume of 250mm long x 250mm wide x 250mm to 400mm tall. This paper will describe the basis for the quality and consistency requirements, the experimental and evaluation procedures used for the evaluation, and an analysis of the results for Ti-6Al-4V.

Slattery, Kevin↗

A Model-Based Architecture for a Small Flexible Fault Protection System

In this paper we will give a brief overview of how different missions implemented the fault protection application and the improvements along the way. We will then propose an architecture that supports the direct implementation of state-chart models into flight code. These state-chart models can be used to formally and naturally specify the behavior of all the major fault protection components - monitors, fault protection engine, and fault responses. The goal is a flexible, light-weight implementation of a traditional fault protection software system that is inexpensive to implement, reliable and understandable for both system and software developers.

Watney, Garth↗

Measurement of wave-front aberration in a small telescope remote imaging system using scene-based wave-front sensing

Reference-free compensated imaging makes an estimation of the Fourier phase of a series of images of a target. The Fourier magnitude of the series of images is obtained by dividing the power spectral density of the series of images by an estimate of the power spectral density of atmospheric turbulence from a series of scene based wave front sensor (SBWFS) measurements of the target. A high-resolution image of the target is recovered from the Fourier phase and the Fourier magnitude.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Planetary Mission Capability of Small Low Power Solar Electric Propulsion Systems

Planetary mission performance is presented for small, low power Solar Electric Propulsion spacecraft launched on a Delta II (7925) launch vehicle. The planetary missions presented in this paper are those that appear most attractive for a small, low-cost, solar electric propulsion mission.

power comet rendevous asteroid belt rendevous↗

Evaluation of Routine Atmospheric Sounding Measurements using Unmanned Systems (ERASMUS)

The use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) with miniature sensor systems for atmospheric research is an important capability to develop. The Evaluation of Routine Atmospheric Sounding Measurements using Unmanned Systems (ERASMUS) project, lead by Dr. Gijs de Boer of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES- a partnership of NOAA and CU-Boulder), is a significant milestone in realizing this new potential. This project has clearly demonstrated that the concept of sUAS utilization is valid, and miniature instrumentation can be used to further our understanding of the atmospheric boundary layer in the arctic.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Solar-heating and hot water system--St. Louis, Missouri

Sunlight supplies about half heat energy needs of small office. System includes six tilt-adjustable commercial collectors and 1,000 gallon energy storage tank. Report contains description of system and components, drawings and photographs, manufacturer's data, and related material.

Source record↗

Effects of voltage control in utility interactive dispersed storage and generation systems

When a small generator is connected to the distribution system, the voltage at the point of interconnection is determined largely by the system and not the generator. The effect on the generator, on the load voltage and on the distribution system of a number of different voltage control strategies in the generator is examined. Synchronous generators with three kinds of exciter control are considered, as well as induction generators and dc/ac inverters, with and without capacitor compensation. The effect of varying input power during operation (which may be experienced by generators based on renewable resources) is explored, as well as the effect of connecting and disconnecting the generator at ten percent of its rated power. Operation with a constant slightly lagging factor is shown to have some advantages.

Kirkham, H.↗

Integrating an Ensemble Reward System into an Off-Policy Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for the Economic Dispatch of Small Modular Reactor-Based Energy Systems

Nuclear Integrated Energy Systems (NIES) have emerged as a comprehensive solution for navigating the changing energy landscape. They combine nuclear power plants with renewable energy sources, storage systems, and smart grid technologies to optimize energy production, distribution, and consumption across sectors, improving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability while addressing challenges associated with variability. The integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in NIES offers significant benefits over traditional nuclear facilities, although transferring involves overcoming legal and operational barriers, particularly in economic dispatch. This study proposes a novel off-policy Reinforcement Learning (RL) approach with an ensemble reward system to optimize economic dispatch for nuclear-powered generation companies equipped with an SMR, demonstrating superior accuracy and efficiency when compared to conventional methods and emphasizing RL’s potential to improve NIES profitability and sustainability. Finally, the research attempts to demonstrate the viability of implementing the proposed integrated RL approach in spot energy markets to maximize profits for nuclear-driven generation companies, establishing NIES’ profitability over competitors that rely on fossil fuel-based generation units to meet baseload requirements.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Optimizing Distributed Photovoltaic System Set Points Under Uncertainty

We explore the potential for using dynamic programming (DP) and approximate dynamic programming (ADP) techniques to optimize the set points of distributed photovoltaic (DGPV) inverters under uncertainty about future DGPV deployment. We consider a case where a large (=1MW) system is installed first, and growth in deployment of small rooftop systems is anticipated, but uncertain. We find that for a real feeder (EPRI's J1 feeder), a significant reduction in the number and severity of voltage violations can be expected when DP or ADP is used compared to selecting set points based on the current conditions (the traditional myopic approach). Additionally, we find that using a simple ADP algorithm, sampled backward induction, is more than twice as fast as DP with similar outcomes.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗