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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 109 records · Page 6

NASA Tech Briefs, October 2004

Topics include: Relative-Motion Sensors and Actuators for Two Optical Tables; Improved Position Sensor for Feedback Control of Levitation; Compact Tactile Sensors for Robot Fingers; Improved Ion-Channel Biosensors; Suspended-Patch Antenna With Inverted, EM-Coupled Feed; System Would Predictively Preempt Traffic Lights for Emergency Vehicles; Optical Position Encoders for High or Low Temperatures; Inter-Valence-Subband/Conduction-Band-Transport IR Detectors; Additional Drive Circuitry for Piezoelectric Screw Motors; Software for Use with Optoelectronic Measuring Tool; Coordinating Shared Activities; Software Reduces Radio-Interference Effects in Radar Data; Using Iron to Treat Chlorohydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil; Thermally Insulating, Kinematic Tensioned-Fiber Suspension; Back Actuators for Segmented Mirrors and Other Applications; Mechanism for Self-Reacted Friction Stir Welding; Lightweight Exoskeletons with Controllable Actuators; Miniature Robotic Submarine for Exploring Harsh Environments; Electron-Spin Filters Based on the Rashba Effect; Diffusion-Cooled Tantalum Hot-Electron Bolometer Mixers; Tunable Optical True-Time Delay Devices Would Exploit EIT; Fast Query-Optimized Kernel-Machine Classification; Indentured Parts List Maintenance and Part Assembly Capture Tool - IMPACT; An Architecture for Controlling Multiple Robots; Progress in Fabrication of Rocket Combustion Chambers by VPS; CHEM-Based Self-Deploying Spacecraft Radar Antennas; Scalable Multiprocessor for High-Speed Computing in Space; and Simple Systems for Detecting Spacecraft Meteoroid Punctures.

Source record↗

Manufacturing Process Development of a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Shaft for Electric Motors

Electric aircraft applications require electric motors with increased specific power and efficiency. Composite structural components in motors are a potential solution for reducing motor mass, reducing magnetic losses, and limiting undesired conduction paths for fault, electromagnetic interference, or common-mode currents. In this report, manufacturing trials for a high-speed carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite motor shaft are presented. Four prototype shafts were produced using a hybrid biaxial/triaxial fabric that was circumferentially wrapped onto an additively manufactured high-temperature washout mandrel. An additional traditional overbraid approach was also evaluated and shows promise for high-rate, high-performance parts using automated manufacturing. This paper discusses the shaft design, manufacturing methods explored, material selection, the manufacturing trials, and the lessons learned. The results of this manufacturing investigation show feasibility for manufacturing composite shafts for electric motors.

Electric moto shaft↗

Slip-Cast Superconductive Parts

Complex shapes fabricated without machining. Nonaqueous slip-casting technique used to form complexly shaped parts from high-temperature superconductive materials like YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta). Such parts useful in motors, vibration dampers, and bearings. In process, organic solvent used as liquid medium. Ceramic molds made by lost-wax process used instead of plaster-of-paris molds, used in aqueous slip-casting but impervious to organic solvents and cannot drain away liquid medium. Organic-solvent-based castings do not stick to ceramic molds as they do to plaster molds.

Wise, Stephanie A.↗

Comparison of Environmentally Friendly Space Compatible Grease to its Predecessor in a Space Mechanism Bearing Test Rig

Perfluoroakylpolyether (PFPE) greases are used extensively in critical flight hardware in a space environment. In the past, these greases have been processed using chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) based solvents. In response to the recent ban of CFC's, new formulations of environmentally friendly PFPE greases that are not processed with CFC based solvents were developed. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of a new environmentally friendly formulation PFPE grease to a previously proven space compatible formulation PFPE grease. A one year test using 20 small electrical motors (two bearings per motor) was conducted in a high vacuum environment(2.0 x 10(exp 4)) Torr at a temperature of 90 C. Twenty bearings were lubricated with a new environmentally friendly formulation, and twenty bearings were lubricated with an old formulation. The mass of each lubricated bearing was measured both pre and post test. Along with mass loss measurements a profilometer trace was taken to measure post test wear of the bearings. In addition the bearings were visually examined and analyzed using an optical microscope.

T R Jett↗

Effect of Bearing Cleaning on Long Term Bearing Life

For many years chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) based solvents, such as CFC-113 and 1,1,1, trichloroethane (TCA), were used as bearing cleaning solvents for space mechanism bearings. The 1995 ban on the production of ozone depleting chemicals (ODC) such as CFCs caused a change requiring the use of ODC-free cleaners for precision bearing cleaning. With this change the question arises; what effect if any do these new cleaners have on long term bearing life? The purpose of this study was to evaluate this effect. A one year test using 60 small electrical motors (two bearings per motor) was conducted in a high vacuum environment (2.0 x 10(exp -6) torr) at a temperature of 90 C. Prior to testing the bearings were cleaned with one of four cleaners. These cleaners included two aqueous based cleaners, a CFC based cleaner and supercritical carbon dioxide. Three space compatible greases were tested. After testing, the mass of each lubricated bearing was measured both pre and post test. Along with mass loss measurements a profilometer trace of each bearing was taken to measure post test wear of the bearings. In addition, the bearings were visually examined and analyzed using an optical microscope.

Jett, Tim↗

Performance Evaluation of High-Speed, Low-Side Gate Driver, FAN3122, over Extended Temperature Range

Emerging power metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFETs) based on silicon carbide and gallium nitride technology are finding widespread use in many electronic applications such as motor control and DC/DC converters due to their higher voltage, higher temperature tolerance, and higher frequency switching capabilities. To utilize these power devices and to meet circuit/system compactness, modularity, and operational functionality, gate drivers that provide unique attributes, such as fast switching and high-current handling capability, are needed. In addition, power systems geared for use in space mission applications require on-board devices to withstand exposure to extreme temperatures and wide thermal swings. Very little data, however, exist on the performance of such devices and circuits under extreme temperatures. In this work, the performance of a high-speed gate driver with potential use in controlling power-level transistors was evaluated under extreme temperatures and thermal cycling. The investigations were carried out to assess performance for potential use of this device in space exploration missions under extreme temperature conditions.

Wide Bandgap Semiconductors↗

Outboard Motor Maximizes Power and Dependability

Developed by Jonathan Lee, a structural materials engineer at Marshall Space Flight Center, and PoShou Chen, a scientist with Huntsville, Alabama-based Morgan Research Corporation, MSFC-398 is a high-strength aluminum alloy able to operate at high temperatures. MSFC-398 was licensed for marine applications by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., and is now found in the complete line of Evinrude E-TEC outboard motors, a line of two-stroke motors that maintain the power and dependability of a two-stroke with the refinement of a four-stroke.

Source record↗

High power density compact drive integrated motor for electric transportation

This project, initially part of OPEN 2018, and subsequently the ASCEND effort, targeted demonstration of significant enhancements in internal permanent magnet (IPM) motor torque and power density for current and future ground and air electric transportation applications. These were achieved through: (1) embedded two-phase system thermal management, (2) coupled, multi-scale electrical-electromagnetic-thermal-mechanical co-design and optimization, (3) size and weight reduction of motor and drive electronics through elimination of redundant cooling and coupling hardware, and (4) higher efficiency operation of SiC wide bandgap power electronics packaging through high temperature operation (200 oC). The proposed approach utilizes a single dielectric coolant for closed loop two-phase thermal management, and a combined heat rejection unit for the IPM and drive. Wick assisted liquid delivery for evaporative thermal management is utilized for the motor, and the drive electronics utilize the same coolant in flow boiling within the cold plate structures. Through the use of three-dimensional packaging for SiC, and novel drive topologies with reduced switching losses, significant increases in power density and compactness were targeted.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Polymer Fabric Protects Firefighters, Military, and Civilians

In 1967, NASA contracted with Celanese Corporation, of New York, to develop a line of PBI textiles for use in space suits and vehicles. In 2005, the PBI fiber and polymer business was sold to PBI Performance Products Inc., of Charlotte, North Carolina, under the ownership of the InterTech Group, of North Charleston, South Carolina. PBI Performance Products now offers two distinct lines: PBI, the original heat and flame resistant fiber; and Celazole, a family of high-temperature PBI polymers available in true polymer form. PBI is now used in numerous firefighting, military, motor sports, and other applications.

Source record↗

Performance Evaluation of an Automotive-Grade, High Speed Gate Driver for SiC FETs, Type UCC27531, Over a Wide Temperature Range

Silicon carbide (SiC) devices are becoming widely used in electronic power circuits as replacement for conventional silicon parts due to their attractive properties that include low on-state resistance, high temperature tolerance, and high frequency operation. These attributes have a significant impact by reducing system weight, saving board space, and conserving power. In this work, the performance of an automotive-grade high speed gate driver with potential use in controlling SiC FETs (field-Effect Transistors) in converters or motor control applications was evaluated under extreme temperatures and thermal cycling. The investigations were carried out to assess performance and to determine suitability of this device for use in space exploration missions under extreme temperature conditions.

Transistor Gate Drive↗

Transient Thermal Analyses of Passive Systems on SCEPTOR X-57

As efficiency, emissions, and noise become increasingly prominent considerations in aircraft design, turning to an electric propulsion system is a desirable solution. Achieving the intended benefits of distributed electric propulsion (DEP) requires thermally demanding high power systems, presenting a different set of challenges compared to traditional aircraft propulsion. The embedded nature of these heat sources often preclude the use of traditional thermal management systems in order to maximize performance, with less opportunity to exhaust waste heat to the surrounding environment. This paper summarizes the thermal analyses of X-57 vehicle subsystems that don't employ externally air-cooled heat sinks. The high-power battery, wires, high-lift motors, and aircraft outer surface are subjected to heat loads with stringent thermal constraints. The temperature of these components are tracked transiently, since they never reach a steady-state equilibrium. Through analysis and testing, this report demonstrates that properly characterizing the material properties is key to accurately modeling peak temperature of these systems, with less concern for spatial thermal gradients. Experimentally validated results show the thermal profile of these systems can be sufficiently estimated using reduced order approximations.

Thermal Analyses↗

Simulated Single Tooth Bending of High Temperature Alloys

Future unmanned space missions will require mechanisms to operate at extreme conditions in order to be successful. In some of these mechanisms, very high gear reductions will be needed to permit very small motors to drive other components at low rotational speed with high output torque. Therefore gearing components are required that can meet the mission requirements. In mechanisms such as this, bending fatigue strength capacity of the gears is very important. The bending fatigue capacity of a high temperature, nickel-based alloy, typically used for turbine disks in gas turbine engines and two tool steel materials with high vanadium content, were compared to that of a typical aerospace alloy-AISI 9310. Test specimens were fabricated by electro-discharge machining without post machining processing. Tests were run at 24 and at 490 C. As test temperature increased from 24 to 490 C the bending fatigue strength was reduced by a factor of five.

Handschuh, Robert, F.↗

A 15 kWe (nominal) solar thermal-electric power conversion concept definition study: Steam Rankin reciprocator system

A conceptual design of a 3600 rpm reciprocation expander was developed for maximum thermal input power of 80 kW. The conceptual design covered two engine configurations; a single cylinder design for simple cycle operation and a two cylinder design for reheat cycle operation. The reheat expander contains a high pressure cylinder and a low pressure cylinder with steam being reheated to the initial inlet temperature after expansion in the high pressure cylinder. Power generation is accomplished with a three-phase induction motor coupled directly to the expander and connected electrically to the public utility power grid. The expander, generator, water pump and control system weigh 297 kg and are dish mounted. The steam condenser, water tank and accessory pumps are ground based. Maximum heat engine efficiency is 33 percent: maximum power conversion efficiency is 30 percent. Total cost is $3,307 or $138 per kW of maximum output power.

Wingenback, W.↗

Techniques for the Installation of Internal Fiber Optic Instrumentation on an 11-Inch Hybrid Motor Test Bed

The recent developments in Fabry-Perot fiber optic instruments have resulted in accurate transducers with some of the physical characteristics required for use in obtaining internal data from solid rocket motors. These characteristics include small size, non-electrical excitation, and immunity to electro-magnetic interference. These transducers have not been previously utilized in this environment due to the high temperatures typically encountered. A series of tests were conducted using a 1 1-Inch Hybrid test bed to develop installation techniques that will allow the fiber optic instruments to survive and obtain data for a short period of time following the motor ignition. The installation methods developed during this test series have the potential to allow data to be acquired in the motor chamber, propellant bore, and nozzle during the ignition transient. These measurements would prove to be very useful in the characterization of current motor designs and provide insight into the requirements for further refinements. The process of developing these protective methods and the installation techniques used to apply them is summarized.

Cornelius, Michael↗

Superconductor-Mediated Modification of Gravity? AC Motor Experiments with Bulk YBCO Disks in Rotating Magnetic Fields

We have previously reported results using a high precision gravimeter to probe local gravity changes in the neighborhood of large bulk-processed high-temperature superconductors. Podkietnov, et al (Podkietnov, E. and Nieminen, R. (1992) A Possibility of Gravitational Force Shielding by Bulk YBa2 Cu3 O7-x Superconductor, Physica C, C203:441-444.) have indicated that rotating AC fields play an essential role in their observed distortion of combined gravity and barometric pressure readings. We report experiments on large (15 cm diameter) bulk YBCO ceramic superconductors placed in the core of a three-phase, AC motor stator. The applied rotating field produces up to a 12,000 revolutions per minute magnetic field. The field intensity decays rapidly from the maximum at the outer diameter of the superconducting disk (less than 60 Gauss) to the center (less than 10 Gauss). This configuration was applied with and without a permanent DC magnetic field levitating the superconducting disk, with corresponding gravity readings indicating an apparent increase in observed gravity of less than 1 x 10(exp -6)/sq cm, measured above the superconductor. No effect of the rotating magnetic field or thermal environment on the gravimeter readings or on rotating the superconducting disk was noted within the high precision of the observation. Implications for propulsion initiatives and power storage flywheel technologies for high temperature superconductors will be discussed for various spacecraft and satellite applications.

Noever, David A.↗

On High-Temperature Dynamometer Test Stand Development

RePED is a novel prototype alternator that has been designed and built to operate at 35 kW under 250 degrees C ambient temperature conditions. The operating efficiency will be measured using a 225-kW motor to drive the machine in a back-to-back configuration. The goal is to determine if the RePED alternator can deliver 35 kW at a rotational speed of 1,000 rpm while operating in 250 degrees C ambient temperature and have a minimum efficiency of 60%. Dynamometer testing of a high-temperature alternator for geothermal drilling presents several unique challenges, especially around maintaining and managing the various sources and types of energy passing through the system without impacting data quality. The objectives of this report are to (1) describe the test stand in detail, the relative orientation of each major component, and the data acquisition system and (2) discuss the behavior of the test stand components such that this report can serve as a reference document for future projects.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Superconductivity devices: Commercial use of space

The high T(sub c) superconducting ceramic materials, developed in 1987, are now being extensively investigated for a variety of engineering applications. These applications include such devices as conducting links, rotating and linear bearings, sensors, filters, switches, high Q cavities, magnets, and motors. Some of these devices take advantage of the material's ability to lose all electrical resistance at a critical temperature, T(sub c), while others make use of the repulsion forces generated between the magnetic field of a permanent magnet and a superconductor which is cooled below its T(sub c), Meissner effect. This report describes the work accomplished to date by: (1) reviewing the present state of the art in actuator technology, (2) evaluating processing and fabrication of high strain electrostrictive materials, and (3) testing these electrostrictive materials.

Haertling, Gene↗

Thermal Analysis of Potted Litz Wire for High-Power-Density Aerospace Electric Machines

Increasing the power density and efficiency of electric machines (motors and generators) is integral to bringing Electrified Aircraft (EA) to commercial realization. To that end an effort to create a High Efficiency Megawatt Motor (HEMM) with a goal of exceeding 98% efficiency and 1.46 MW of power has been undertaken at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Of the motor components the resistive losses in the stator windings are by far the largest contributor (34%) to total motor loss. The challenge is the linear relationship between resistivity and temperature, making machine operation sensitive to temperature increases. In order to accurately predict the thermal behavior of the stator the thermal conductivity of the Litz wire-potting-electrical insulation system must be known. Unfortunately, this multi material system has a wide range of thermal conductivities (0.1 W/m-K – 400 W/m-K) and a high anisotropy (axial vs transverse) making the prediction of the transverse thermal conductivity an in turn the hot spot temperatures in the windings is difficult. In order to do this a device that simulates the thermal environment found in the HEMM stator was designed. This device is not unlike the motorettes (little motors) that are described in IEEE standards for testing electrical insulation lifetimes or other electric motor testing. However, because the HEMM motor design includes significant rotor electrical and thermal considerations the term motorette was not deemed appropriate. Instead statorette (or little stator) was adopted as the term for this test device. This paper discussed the design, thermal heat conjugate analysis (thermal model), manufacturing and testing of HEMM's statorette. Analysis of the results is done by thermal resistance network model and micro thermal model and is compared to analytical predictions of thermal conductivity of the insulated and potted Litz wire system.

Motor↗