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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 1,081 records · Page 60

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NASA NTRS1981

Motel solar-hot-water system--Dallas, Texas

Report describes system which meets 64 percent of hot water requirements of 120 room motel. Key system components include 1,000 square foot, roof-mounted collector array, 1,000 gallon storage tank, tube-in-shell heat exchanger, and three domestic hot-water tanks. Report contains calibration instructions for differential temperature controllers, shutdown procedures, and operation guidelines, performance analysis, and manufacturers' maintenance literature.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1980

Space platform utilities distribution study

Generic concepts for the installation of power data and thermal fluid distribution lines on large space platforms were discussed. Connections with central utility subsystem modules and pallet interfaces were also considered. Three system concept study platforms were used as basepoints for the detail development. The tradeoff of high voltage low voltage power distribution and the impact of fiber optics as a data distribution mechanism were analyzed. Thermal expansion and temperature control of utility lines and ducts were considered. Technology developments required for implementation of the generic distribution concepts were identified.

Lefever, A. E.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The development of a stepped frequency microwave radiometer and its application to remote sensing of the Earth

The design, development, application, and capabilities of a variable frequency microwave radiometer are described. This radiometer demonstrated the versatility, accuracy, and stability required to provide contributions to the geophysical understanding of ocean and ice processes. A closed-loop feedback method was used, whereby noise pulses were added to the received electromagnetic radiation to achieve a null balance in a Dicke switched radiometer. Stability was achieved through the use of a constant temperature enclosure around the low loss microwave front end. The Dicke reference temperature was maintained to an absolute accuracy of 0.1 K using a closed-loop proportional temperature controller. A microprocessor based digital controller operates the radiometer and records the data on computer compatible tapes. This radiometer exhibits an absolute accuracy of better than 0.5 K when the sensitivity is 0.1 K. The sensitivity varies between 0.0125 K and 1.25 K depending upon the bandwidth and integration time selected by the digital controller. Remote sensing experiments were conducted from an aircraft platform and the first radiometeric mapping of an ocean polar front; exploratory experiments to measure the thickness of lake ice; first discrimination between first year and multiyear ice below 10 GHz; and the first known measurements of frequency sensitive characteristics of sea ice.

Harrington, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The Tidbinbilla interferometer

A proposal to operate a two element interferometer using the 64 m and 26 m antennas of the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Station is discussed. The instrument is to be operated as a correlation interferometer, the sine and cosine products being sampled once per second and recorded for later analysis. The receiver systems are currently under development. Preliminary measurements of the delay line and local oscillator systems and the site cables suggest that a phase stability to within about 1 deg should be achievable with temperature control of the receiver packages.

Batty, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Thermal management for high power space platform systems

With future spacecraft power requirements expected to be in the order of 100 to 250 kilowatts and orbital lifetimes in the order of five to ten years, new approaches and concepts will be required that can efficiently and cost effectively provide the required heat rejection and temperature control capabilities. A plan was established to develop the commensurate technologies necessary for the thermal management of a high power space platform representative of future requirements and to achieve technology readiness by 1987. The approach taken in developing the program was to view the thermal requirements of the spacecraft as a spacecraft system rather than each as an isolated thermal problem. The program plan proposes 45 technology tasks required to achieve technology readiness. Of this total, 24 tasks were subsequently identified as being pacing technology tasks and were recommended for initiation in FY 1980 and FY 1981.

Gualdoni, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Electromagnetic heating of minor planets in the early solar system

Electromagnetic processes occurring in the primordial solar system are likely to have significantly affected planetary evolution. In particular, electrical coupling of the kinetic energy of a dense T-Tauri-like solar wind into the interior of the smaller planets could have been a major driver of thermal metamorphism. Accordingly a grid of asteroid models of various sizes and solar distances was constructed using dc transverse magnetic induction theory. Plausible parameterizations with no requirement for a high environmental temperature led to complete melting for Vesta with no melting for Pallas and Ceres. High temperatures were reached in the Pallas model, perhaps implying nonmelting thermal metamorphosis as a cause of its anomalous spectrum. A reversal of this temperature sequence seems implausible, suggesting that the Ceres-Pallas-Vesta dichotomy is a natural outcome of the induction mechanism. Highly localized heating is expected to arise due to an instability in the temperature-controlled current distribution. Localized metamorphosis resulting from this effect may be relevant to the production and evolution of pallasites, the large presumed metal component of S object spectra, and the formation of the lunar magma ocean.

Herbert, F.↗

NASA NTRS1979

A small, passively operated hydrogen maser

The paper describes a compact passive hydrogen maser with unique features including a reduction in size. It uses a passive operation mode, permitting the use of a small microwave TE(011) cavity dielectrically loaded by a low loss alumina. The Teflon coated quartz bulb common in other masers has been replaced by a Teflon coating on the inside wall of the cavity producing a simpler designed and a more rugged H-maser package. The cavity and the attached endcaps comprise the vacuum envelope, allowing the use of a single vacuum system. The dimensional stability of the ceramic cavity under barometric changes is sufficiently within the range of the electronic cavity servo so that a second vacuum system is not required. For temperature control, a single oven is located in the magnetic shield nest.

Howe, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

P78-2 (SCATHA) satellite thermal balance test, a laboratory test

Space simulation test programs can be carried out with a high probability of being troublefree with a competent staff, a well-maintained test facility and attention to interfaces; however, full-up thermal balance tests using the solar simulator, temperature control of infrared sources, the gimbal, a large number of thermocouples, and other requirements for a high fidelity thermal balance are still a challenge. The P78-2 (Scatha) satellite was successfully tested with one interruption and a four-day abbreviated retest to verify a modification. This was accomplished in spite of the new test crew, a facility beset with several operational problems, and marginal interface control. These problems were addressed with very good results. Subsequent tests have been highly successful.

Parrish, R. P., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Nickel hydrogen cell tests

Some parametric tests followed by cycling tests are described for the characterization of the service life of nickel hydrogen cells. Three cells were automatically cycled in simulated low Earth orbit in 35 minute discharge, 55 minute charge, with charging voltage limited, temperature compensated. The cells were mounted in a fixture that conducts heat to an aluminum baseplate. The baseplate in turn, is bounded in a temperature controlled bath to remove the heat from the mounted fixture. One cell was tested with a zircar separator, which failed after 2473 cyles. Two other cells were tested one with a zircar separator; the other with asbestos. More than 400 cycles were achieved.

Mueller, V. C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

A pumped, two-phase flow heat transport system for orbiting instrument payloads

A pumped two-phase (heat absorption/heat rejection) thermal transport system for orbiting instrument payloads is investigated. The thermofluid characteristics necessary for the system design are discussed. A preliminary design with a series arrangement of four instrument heat stations and six radiators in a single loop is described in detail, and the total mass is estimated to be 134 kg, with the radiators, instrument heat stations, and fluid reservoir accounting for approximately 86, 24, and 12 kg, respectively. The evaluation of preliminary test results shows that the system has potential advantages; however, further research is necessary in the areas of one-g and zero-g heat transfer coefficients/fluid regimes, fluid by-pass temperature control, and reliability of small pumps.

Fowle, A. A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Thermal protection systems for equipment pallets to be launched in Shuttle Orbiter

The thermal insulation for the OSS-1 Orbiter pallet is described and a design concept for future pallets is presented consisting of two independent thermal zones and new thermal insulation approaches. The application of these concepts is expected to reduce the effort required to integrate the payloads to their pallets and thereby reduce dollar costs and shorten time schedules. A stand-off insulation also is described for certain pallet areas to enclose the cabling and fluid lines in a controlled temperature environment. Methods for interfacing the payload and pallet insulations are presented and a number of areas are identified where the introduction of standards in the fabrication of thermal insulation can yield further savings.

Ruccia, F. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Rapid solution casting under vacuum of very thick sheets of a segmented polyurethane elastomer

A technique has been developed for rapidly casting from solution under vacuum smooth, bubble-free, clear-white and uniformly thick (about 0.20 cm) sheets of a segmented polyurethane elastomer. The casting is carried out from dimethylformamide solutions inside temperature-controlled air-circulated ovens in order to minimize the establishment of thermal gradients throughout the casting solution. The technique produces quality sheets in 9 days, compared with 40-45 days for an inferior film produced in open pans.

Cuddihy, E. F.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Producing High-Purity Silicon With Sodium

Simple technique for producing silicon for solar cells employs solid sodium to reduce silicon fluoride. Since solid rather than liquid sodium is used, careful temperature control is unnecessary, and simple feed equipment is used. Technique is energy-efficient, since reaction produces enough heat to sustain itself.

Sanjurjo, A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Silicon Sheet Quality is Improved By Meniscus Control

Better quality silicon crystals for solar cells are possible with instrument that monitors position of meniscus as sheet of solid silicon is drawn from melt. Using information on meniscus height, instrument generates feedback signal to control melt temperature. Automatic control ensures more uniform silicon sheets.

Yates, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Low-Cost Electrically-Heated Glass Panels

Inexpensive process converts architectural reflective-coated glass into electrically heated panels. Technique utilizes reflective layer as heating element in ordinary glass. Panels have many applications, including automobile windows, home-heating panels, temperature-controlled windows or containers, and food warming trays.

Shlichta, P. J.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Static diffusion cloud chambers

The chamber geometry and optical arrangement are described. The supersaturation range is given and consists of readings taken at five fixed points: 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25%. The detection system is described including light source, cameras, and photocell detectors. The temperature control and the calibration of the chamber are discussed.

Ayers, G.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Experimental study of an integral catalytic combustor: Heat exchanger for Stirling engines

The feasibility of using catalytic combustion with heat removal for the Stirling engine to reduce exhaust emissions and also improve heat transfer to the working fluid was studied using spaced parallel plates. An internally air-cooled heat exchanger was placed between two noble metal catalytic plates. A preheated fuel-air mixture passed between the plates and reacted on the surface of the catalyzed plates. Heat was removed from the catalytic surface by radiation and convection to the aircooled heat exchangers to control temperature and minimize thermal nitrogen oxide emissions. Test conditions were inlet combustion air temperatures from 850 to 900 K, inlet velocities of about 10 m/s, equivalence ratios from 0.5 to 0.9, and pressures from 1.3x10 to the 5th power to 2.0x10 to the 5th power Pa. Propane fuel was used for all testing. Combustion efficiencies greater than 99.5 percent were measured. Nitrogen oxide emissions ranged from 1.7 to 3.3 g NO2/kg fuel. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and indicate that further investigation of the concept is warranted.

Bulzan, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

An experimental investigation of 235 sub UF sub 6 fission produced plasmas

A gas handling system capable of use with uranium fluoride was designed and constructed for use with nuclear pumped laser experiments using the TRIGA research reactor. By employing careful design and temperature controls, the UF6 can be first transported into the irradiation chamber, and then, at the conclusion of the experiment, returned to gas cylinders. The design of the system is described. Operating procedures for the UF6 and gas handling systems are included.

Miley, G. H.↗