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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 955 records · Page 53
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Combined design of structures and controllers for optimal maneuverability

Approaches to the combined design of structures and controllers for achieving optimal maneuverability are presented. A maneuverability index which directly reflects the minimum time required to perform a given set of maneuvers is introduced. By designing the flexible appendages, the maneuver time of the spacecraft is minimized under the constraints of structural properties, and post maneuver spillover is kept within a specified bound. The spillover reduction is achieved by making use of an appropriate reduced order model. The distributed parameter design problem is approached using assumed shape functions, and finite element analysis with dynamic reduction. Solution procedures have been investigated. Approximate design methods have been developed to overcome the computational difficulties. Some new constraints on the modal frequencies of the spacecraft are introduced in the original optimization problem to facilitate the solution process. It is shown that the global optimal design may be obtained by tuning the natural frequencies to satisfy specific constraints. Researchers quantify the difference between a lower bound to the solution for maneuver time associated with the original problem and the estimate obtained from the modified problem, for a specified application requirement. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the capability of this approach.

Ling, Jer↗
NASA NTRS1973

An analytic study of near terminal area optimal sequencing and flow control techniques

Optimal flow control and sequencing of air traffic operations in the near terminal area are discussed. The near terminal area model is based on the assumptions that the aircraft enter the terminal area along precisely controlled approach paths and that the aircraft are segregated according to their near terminal area performance. Mathematical models are developed to support the optimal path generation, sequencing, and conflict resolution problems.

Park, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Polyhedral Interpolation for Optimal Reaction Control System Jet Selection

An efficient algorithm is described for interpolating optimal values for spacecraft Reaction Control System jet firing duty cycles. The algorithm uses the symmetrical geometry of the optimal solution to reduce the number of calculations and data storage requirements to a level that enables implementation on the small real time flight control systems used in spacecraft. The process minimizes acceleration direction errors, maximizes control authority, and minimizes fuel consumption.

flight optimization↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optimizing detachment control using the magnetic configuration of divertors

Abstract As tokamak research moves to reactor conditions, the control of a stable, optimally-detached divertor plasma has become increasingly relevant. Simple predictions of such detachment control have been performed previously using the detachment location sensitivity (DLS) model (Lipschultz et al 2016 Nucl. Fusion 56 056007). In this study the DLS model is extended and combined with SOLPS-ITER simulations of isolated divertor grids to study the effects of alternate divertor magnetic field properties on detachment control. The DLS model predicts that divertors can achieve easier access to detachment through a long connection length, a high total flux expansion, and a high average magnetic field in the divertor compared with that at the x -point. SOLPS-ITER simulations suggest an even stronger impact of total flux expansion and connection length on detachment access than the DLS model predicts. In terms of detachment evolution, both simulation and modelling show a high gradient in the total magnetic field and low B p o l B are able to more easily keep a detachment front at a desired poloidal location. Regions with no stable detachment front locations can arise for high magnetic field gradients directed towards the target. Significant differences have been found between impurity scan simulations and the DLS model. These differences may be attributed to sources and sinks of power and electron pressure, and should be explored further in future work.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Comparing the economic performance of ice storage and batteries for buildings with on-site PV through model predictive control and optimal sizing

Integrating renewable energy and energy storage systems provides a way of operating the electrical grid system more energy efficiently and stably. Thermal storage and batteries are the most common devices for integration. However, it is not clear which integrated storage system performs better in terms of overall economics. Ice storage has low initial and maintenance costs, but there is an efficiency penalty for charging of storage and it can only shift electrical loads associated with building cooling requirements. A battery's round-trip efficiency, on the contrary, is quite consistent and batteries can be used to shift both HVAC and non-HVAC loads. However, batteries have greater initial costs and a shorter life. Finally, this research presents a tool, using model predictive control and optimal sizing, and provides a case study for comparing life-cycle economics of battery and ice storage systems for commercial buildings that have chillers for cooling and an on-site photovoltaic system.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1997

Hypersonic Vehicle Trajectory Optimization and Control

Two classes of neural networks have been developed for the study of hypersonic vehicle trajectory optimization and control. The first one is called an 'adaptive critic'. The uniqueness and main features of this approach are that: (1) they need no external training; (2) they allow variability of initial conditions; and (3) they can serve as feedback control. This is used to solve a 'free final time' two-point boundary value problem that maximizes the mass at the rocket burn-out while satisfying the pre-specified burn-out conditions in velocity, flightpath angle, and altitude. The second neural network is a recurrent network. An interesting feature of this network formulation is that when its inputs are the coefficients of the dynamics and control matrices, the network outputs are the Kalman sequences (with a quadratic cost function); the same network is also used for identifying the coefficients of the dynamics and control matrices. Consequently, we can use it to control a system whose parameters are uncertain. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the potential of these methods.

Balakrishnan, S. N.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Adapting Optimal Velocity Tracking Control to Account for WEC Constraints and Power-Take-Off Efficiencies: Preprint

Wave energy converters (WECs) come in many different forms, from point absorbers, oscillating water columns, to bulge wave devices. This paper focuses on the control of point absorber WECs, which typically have a narrow-banded frequency response and, therefore, control is well placed to improve the energy capture of such WECs. The acausal nature of the control problem means that theoretically optimal control is almost impossible to achieve inpractice; however optimal velocity tracking (OVT) offers a simple and robust approximation to optimal control that can achieve better power capture than passive linear damping methods, albeit with necessarily higher force demands. OVT is a form of impedance matching and the magnitude of the power-take off (PTO) force demand is often not linearly proportional to the WEC velocity, which can lead to PTO force and speed combinations far from the optimalPTO efficiency. The highly non-linear PTO force and speed to efficiency mapping can, without remedial measures, severely diminish the effectiveness of OVT techniques. In this paper, limits to the movement and force of the PTO are demonstrated, allowing OVT to be more easily applied in practice. The effect of PTO efficiency is explored, and a potential solution to the problem of adapting control to account for efficiency is presented. Both aspects of the work presented highlight the requirement for co-design of the WEC, PTO, and controller.

conversion efficiency↗
NASA NTRS1971

Optimal startup control of a jacketed tubular reactor.

The optimal startup policy of a jacketed tubular reactor, in which a first-order, reversible, exothermic reaction takes place, is presented. A distributed maximum principle is presented for determining weak necessary conditions for optimality of a diffusional distributed parameter system. A numerical technique is developed for practical implementation of the distributed maximum principle. This involves the sequential solution of the state and adjoint equations, in conjunction with a functional gradient technique for iteratively improving the control function.

Hahn, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Optimal feedback control infinite dimensional parabolic evolution systems: Approximation techniques

A general approximation framework is discussed for computation of optimal feedback controls in linear quadratic regular problems for nonautonomous parabolic distributed parameter systems. This is done in the context of a theoretical framework using general evolution systems in infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces. Conditions are discussed for preservation under approximation of stabilizability and detectability hypotheses on the infinite dimensional system. The special case of periodic systems is also treated.

Banks, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A homotopy approach for combined control-structure optimization - Constructive analysis and numerical examples

This paper outlines the development of methods for the combined control-structure optimization of physical systems encountered in the technology of large space structures. The objectives of the approach taken in this paper is not to produce the 'best' optimized design, but rather to efficiently produce a family of design options so as to assist in early trade studies, typically before hard design constraints are imposed. The philosophy is that these are candidate designs to be passed on for further considerations, and their function is more to guide the development of the system design rather than to represent the ultimate product. A homotopy approach involving multi-objective functions is developed for this purpose. Analytical and numerical examples are also presented.

Scheid, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Conditions for continuation of the efficient curve for multi-objective control-structure optimization

The paper describes the conditions for continuation of the efficient curve for bi-objective control-structure optimization of a ten-bar truss with two collocated sensors and actuators. The curve has been obtained with an active set algorithm using a homotopy method. The curve is discontinuous. A general stability theory has been implemented to determine sufficient conditions for the persistence of minima, and bifurcation theory has been used to characterize the possible points of discontinuity of the path.

Rakowska, Joanna↗
NASA NTRS1981

Some experiences with active control of aeroelastic response

Flight and wind tunnel tests were conducted and multidiscipline computer programs were developed as part of investigations of active control technology conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center. Unsteady aerodynamics approximation, optimal control theory, optimal controller design, and the Delta wing and DC-10 models are described. The drones for aerodynamics and structural testing (DAST program) for evaluating procedures for aerodynamic loads prediction and the design of active control systems on wings with significant aeroelastic effects is described as well as the DAST model used in the wind tunnel tests.

Newsom, J. R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Seasonal performance evaluation of zero-superheat active refrigerant charge control for variable-speed heat pumps

Heat pumps account for a significant portion of electricity consumption in buildings, making their energy efficiency a critical area of research. Control optimization is recognized as an effective approach for enhancing the efficiency of building HVAC systems. Specifically, since the efficiency of heat pumps increases with reduced superheat and the optimal refrigerant charge level varies with operating conditions, zero-superheat active charge control is a promising strategy to maximize the system’s COP. However, due to its complexity, this control strategy remains in the research phase and has only been tested under limited operating conditions. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the seasonal performance improvement of zero-superheat active charge control across a full range of heating conditions in buildings. The methodology includes the development of an optimal controller that utilizes an accumulator to store excess refrigerant and manages the active charge level at zero superheat through subcooling control, as well as the creation of a detailed physics-based heat pump model. Targeted a 3-ton variable-speed heat pump with R410A refrigerant, we selected ten U.S. cities representing different climate regions for seasonal performance evaluation. Our simulations indicate that, depending on the climate conditions, the optimal control strategy could achieve energy savings ranging from 5.8 % to 8.0 % over the entire heating season. These results suggest that zero-superheat active charge control, combined with coordinated compressor and fan speeds, could substantially improve the energy efficiency of heat pump systems while maintaining the required heating capacity.

Guo, Fangzhou↗
DOE OSTI2024

Composable optimization and control toolkit for scientific applications

Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can improve the computational efficiency and scientific research output. In order to improve interoperability and reuse of AI/ML software, a composable approach is required. This talk presents a composable approach for scientific workflow development that allows seamless integration of various modules developed by independent researchers. These practices will reduce redundant software development by allowing re-use of workflow modules across projects, teams, departments and facilities. We will present three use cases that follow the composable approach namely, Scientific Optimization and Control Toolkit (SOCT), SciDAC QuantOm workflow, and JLab Nuclear Physics experimental workflows. This talk will dive deeper into SOCT and present the details of the composable code development for optimization and control algorithms using reinforcement learning.

Rajput, Kishansingh↗