Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Power system dynamics”

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 1,135 records · Page 63

Multi-Energy Microgrid Planning Considering Heat Flow Dynamics

In this paper, we present a multi-energy microgrid optimal planning method, considering the intra-hour dynamics of the heating system as constraints of the energy dispatch, and consequently of the sizing of the Combined Heat and Power units. The fixed-mass flow rate method and finite difference technique are applied to linearize the dynamic constraints. Moreover, to determine the values of the mass flow rates, a critical scenario representing the slowest heat dynamic process is put forward. Finally, a realistic microgrid case study is presented to illustrate the effect of considering the heat flow dynamics in the overall solution.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

The potential impact of new power system technology on the design of a manned space station

Larger, more complex spacecraft of the future such as a manned Space Station will require electric power systems of 100 kW and more, orders of magnitude greater than the present state of the art. Power systems at this level will have a significant impact on the spacecraft design. Historically, long-lived spacecraft have relied on silicon solar cell arrays, a nickel-cadmium storage battery and operation at 28 V dc. These technologies lead to large array areas and heavy batteries for a Space Station application. This, in turn, presents orbit altitude maintenance, attitude control, energy management and launch weight and volume constraints. Size (area) and weight of such a power system can be reduced if new higher efficiency conversion and lighter weight storage technologies are used. Several promising technology options including concentrator solar photovoltaic arrays, solar thermal dynamic and ultimately nuclear dynamic systems to reduce area are discussed. Also, higher energy storage systems such as nickel-hydrogen and the regenerative fuel cell (RFC) and higher voltage power distribution which add system flexibility, simplicity and reduce weight are examined. Emphasis is placed on the attributes and development status of emerging technologies that are sufficiently developed so that they could be available for flight use in the early to mid 1990's.

Fordyce, J. S.↗

The potential impact of new power system technology on the design of a manned Space Station

Larger, more complex spacecraft of the future such as a manned Space Station will require electric power systems of 100 kW and more, orders of magnitude greater than the present state of the art. Power systems at this level will have a significant impact on the spacecraft design. Historically, long-lived spacecraft have relied on silicon solar cell arrays, a nickel-cadmium storage battery and operation at 28 V dc. These technologies lead to large array areas and heavy batteries for a Space Station application. This, in turn, presents orbit altitude maintenance, attitude control, energy management and launch weight and volume constraints. Size (area) and weight of such a power system can be reduced if new higher efficiency conversion and lighter weight storage technologies are used. Several promising technology options including concentrator solar photovoltaic arrays, solar thermal dynamic and ultimately nuclear dynamic systems to reduce area are discussed. Also, higher energy storage systems such as nickel-hydrogen and the regenerative fuel cell (RFC) and higher voltage power distribution which add system flexibility, simplicity and reduce weight are examined. Emphasis placed on the attributes and development status of emerging technologies that are sufficiently developed so that they could be available for flight use in the early to mid 1990's.

Fordyce, J. S.↗

Fresnel Concentrators for Space Solar Power and Solar Thermal Propulsion

Large deployable Fresnel concentrators are applicable to solar thermal propulsion and multiple space solar power generation concepts. These concentrators can be used with thermophotovoltaic, solar thermionic, and solar dynamic conversion systems. Thin polyimide Fresnel lenses and reflectors can provide tailored flux distribution and concentration ratios matched to receiver requirements. Thin, preformed polyimide film structure components assembled into support structures for Fresnel concentrators provide the capability to produce large inflation-deployed concentrator assemblies. The polyimide film is resistant to the space environment and allows large lightweight assemblies to be fabricated that can be compactly stowed for launch. This work addressed design and fabrication of lightweight polyimide film Fresnel concentrators, alternate materials evaluation, and data management functions for space solar power concepts, architectures, and supporting technology development.

Bradford, Rodney↗

Effects of Buoyancy on Laminar and Turbulent Premixed V-Flame

Turbulent combustion occurs naturally in almost all combustion systems and involves complex dynamic coupling of chemical and fluid mechanical processes. It is considered as one of the most challenging combustion research problems today. Though buoyancy has little effect on power generating systems operating under high pressures (e.g., IC engines and turbines), flames in atmospheric burners and the operation of small to medium furnaces and boilers are profoundly affected by buoyancy. Changes in burner orientation impacts on their blow-off, flash-back and extinction limits, and their range of operation, burning rate, heat transfer, and emissions. Theoretically, buoyancy is often neglected in turbulent combustion models. Yet the modeling results are routinely compared with experiments of open laboratory flames that are obviously affected by buoyancy. This inconsistency is an obstacle to reconciling experiments and theories. Consequently, a fundamental understanding of the coupling between turbulent flames and buoyancy is significant to both turbulent combustion science and applications. The overall effect of buoyancy relates to the dynamic interaction between the flame and its surrounding, i.e., the so-called elliptical problem. The overall flame shape, its flowfield, stability, and mean and local burning rates are dictated by both upstream and downstream boundary conditions. In steady propagating premixed flames, buoyancy affects the products region downstream of the flame zone. These effects are manifested upstream through the mean and fluctuating pressure fields to influence flame stretch and flame wrinkling. Intuitively, the effects buoyancy should diminish with increasing flow momentum. This is the justification for excluding buoyancy in turbulent combustion models that treats high Reynolds number flows. The objectives of our experimental research program is to elucidate flame-buoyancy coupling processes in laminar and turbulent premixed flames, and to characterize microgravity (micro g) premixed flames. The results are used to derive appropriate scaling parameters for guiding the development of theoretical models to include the effects of buoyancy. Knowledge gain from the analysis will also contribute to further understanding of the elliptical nature of premixed flames. Our current emphasis is to examine the momentum limit above which the effects of buoyancy would become insignificant. This is accomplished by comparing the flowfields and the mean properties of normal gravity flames (+g), and reversed gravity flames (-g, up-side-down flames) at different flow velocities and turbulence intensities. Microgravity (micro g) flames experiments provide the key reference data to reconcile the differences between flames in +g and -g. As flame configuration has significant impact on premixed flames characteristics we have studied axi-symmetric conical flames and plane-symmetric rod-stabilized v-flames. The two configurations produce distinct features that dictates how the flames couple with buoyancy. In a conical flame, the hot products plume completely envelopes the flame cone and shields the flame from direct interaction with the ambient air. The plume originates at the burner rim and generates a divergent flowfield. In comparison, the products region of v-flames forms between the twin flame sheets and it is convergent towards the center-plane. Interaction with ambient air is limited to the two end regions of the stabilized rod and beyond the flame sheets.

Cheng, Robert K.↗

Horizon radiation reaction forces

Using Effective Field Theory (EFT) methods, we compute the effects of horizon dissipation on the gravitational interactions of relativistic binary black hole systems. We assume that the dynamics is perturbative, i.e it admits an expansion in powers of Newton’s constant (post-Minkowskian, or PM, approximation). As applications, we compute corrections to the scattering angle in a black hole collision due to dissipative effects to leading PM order, as well as the post-Newtonian (PN) corrections to the equations of motion of binary black holes in non-relativistic orbits, which represents the leading order finite size effect in the equations of motion. The methods developed here are also applicable to the case of more general compact objects, eg. neutron stars, where the magnitude of the dissipative effects depends on non-gravitational physics (e.g, the equation of state for nuclear matter).

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Observation of Seeded Mn K β Stimulated X-Ray Emission Using Two-Color X-Ray Free-Electron Laser Pulses

Kβ x-ray emission spectroscopy is a powerful probe for electronic structure analysis of 3d transition metal systems and their ultrafast dynamics. Selectively enhancing specific spectral regions would increase this sensitivity and provide fundamentally new insights. Recently we reported the observation and analysis of Kα amplified spontaneous x-ray emission from Mn solutions using an x-ray free-electron laser to create the 1s core-hole population inversion [Kroll et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 133203 (2018)]. To apply this new approach to the chemically more sensitive but much weaker Kβ x-ray emission lines requires a mechanism to outcompete the dominant amplification of the Kα emission. Here we report the observation of seeded amplified Kβ x-ray emission from a NaMnO 4 solution using two colors of x-ray free-electron laser pulses, one to create the 1s core-hole population inversion and the other to seed the amplified Kβ emission. Comparing the observed seeded amplified Kβ emission signal with that from conventional Kβ emission into the same solid angle, we obtain a signal enhancement of more than 10 5 . Finally, our findings are the first important step of enhancing and controlling the emission of selected final states of the Kβ spectrum with applications in chemical and materials science.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

ssys

`ssys` is a Python toolkit for exact algebraic transformation of ordinary differential equation (ODE) models into canonical S-system or Generalized Mass Action (GMA) form. Given a model in Antimony or SBML format, `ssys` produces a mathematically equivalent representation. The transformation introduces auxiliary variables as needed to decompose a broad class of nonlinearities into products of power-law terms. The recast is exact: the original and transformed systems have identical dynamics on the invariant constraint manifold defined by auxiliary variable definitions, given consistent initial conditions.

Hlavacek, William [Los Alamos National Laboratory]↗

Near hybrid passenger vehicle development program, phase 1. Appendices C and D, Volume 2

Results of tradeoff studies are presented in summary form. Various aspects of the overall vehicle design discussed include selection of the base vehicle, the battery pack configuration, structural modifications, occupant protection, vehicle dynamics, and aerodynamics. The drivetrain design and integration, power conditioning unit, battery subsystem, control system, environmental system are described. Specifications, weight breakdown, and energy consumption measures, and advanced technology components are included.

Source record↗

The 25 kWe solar thermal Stirling hydraulic engine system: Conceptual design

The conceptual design and analysis of a solar thermal free-piston Stirling hydraulic engine system designed to deliver 25 kWe when coupled to a 11 meter test bed concentrator is documented. A manufacturing cost assessment for 10,000 units per year was made. The design meets all program objectives including a 60,000 hr design life, dynamic balancing, fully automated control, more than 33.3 percent overall system efficiency, properly conditioned power, maximum utilization of annualized insolation, and projected production costs. The system incorporates a simple, rugged, reliable pool boiler reflux heat pipe to transfer heat from the solar receiver to the Stirling engine. The free-piston engine produces high pressure hydraulic flow which powers a commercial hydraulic motor that, in turn, drives a commercial rotary induction generator. The Stirling hydraulic engine uses hermetic bellows seals to separate helium working gas from hydraulic fluid which provides hydrodynamic lubrication to all moving parts. Maximum utilization of highly refined, field proven commercial components for electric power generation minimizes development cost and risk.

White, Maurice↗

Analysis of thermal energy storage material with change-of-phase volumetric effects

NASA's Space Station Freedom proposed hybrid power system includes photovoltaic arrays with nickel hydrogen batteries for energy storage and solar dynamic collectors driving Brayton heat engines with change-of-phase Thermal Energy Storage (TES) devices. A TES device is comprised of multiple metallic, annular canisters which contain a eutectic composition LiF-CaF2 Phase Change Material (PCM) that melts at 1040 K. A moderately sophisticated LiF-CaF2 PCM computer model is being developed in three stages considering 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D canister geometries, respectively. The 1-D model results indicate that the void has a marked effect on the phase change process due to PCM displacement and dynamic void heat transfer resistance. Equally influential are the effects of different boundary conditions and liquid PCM natural convection. For the second stage, successful numerical techniques used in the 1-D phase change model are extended to a 2-D (r,z) PCM containment canister model. A prototypical PCM containment canister is analyzed and the results are discussed.

Kerslake, Thomas W.↗

A Preliminary Study of Ram-Actuated Cooling Systems for Supersonic Aircraft

An analysis has been made of the characteristics of several cooling cycles suitable for cockpit cooling of supersonic aircraft. All the cycles considered utilize the difference between dynamic and ambient static pressure to actuate the cooling system and require no additional power source. The results of the study indicate that as flight speeds become greater, increasingly complex systems are required to reduce the altitudes above approximately 35,000 feet, a system composed of an externally loaded expansion turbine in conjunction with a supersonic diffuser would maintain tolerable ventilating air temperature, at least up to a flight Mach number of 2. The most complex system considered,composed of compressor, intercooler, and expansion turbine with the intercooler cooling air decreased in temperature by expansion through an auxiliary turbine is capable of maintaining a ventilation air temperature less than ambient temperature up to a flight Mach number of 3.7.

Stalder, Jackson R.↗

Design and architecture of the Mars relay network planning and analysis framework

In this paper we describe the design and architecture of the Mars Network planning and analysis framework that supports generation and validation of efficient planning and scheduling strategy. The goals are to minimize the transmitting time, minimize the delaying time, and/or maximize the network throughputs. The proposed framework would require (1) a client-server architecture to support interactive, batch, WEB, and distributed analysis and planning applications for the relay network analysis scheme, (2) a high-fidelity modeling and simulation environment that expresses link capabilities between spacecraft to spacecraft and spacecraft to Earth stations as time-varying resources, and spacecraft activities, link priority, Solar System dynamic events, the laws of orbital mechanics, and other limiting factors as spacecraft power and thermal constraints, (3) an optimization methodology that casts the resource and constraint models into a standard linear and nonlinear constrained optimization problem that lends itself to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)planning and scheduling algorithms.

Mars relay network planning analysis↗

HTML 5 Displays for On-Board Flight Systems

During my Internship at NASA in the summer of 2016, I was assigned to a project which dealt with developing a web-server that would display telemetry and other system data using HTML 5, JavaScript, and CSS. By doing this, it would be possible to view the data across a variety of screen sizes, and establish a standard that could be used to simplify communication and software development between NASA and other countries. Utilizing a web- approach allowed us to add in more functionality, as well as make the displays more aesthetically pleasing for the users. When I was assigned to this project my main task was to first establish communication with the current display server. This display server would output data from the on-board systems in XML format. Once communication was established I was then asked to create a dynamic telemetry table web page that would update its header and change as new information came in. After this was completed, certain minor functionalities were added to the table such as a hide column and filter by system option. This was more for the purpose of making the table more useful for the users, as they can now filter and view relevant data. Finally my last task was to create a graphical system display for all the systems on the space craft. This was by far the most challenging part of my internship as finding a JavaScript library that was both free and contained useful functions to assist me in my task was difficult. In the end I was able to use the JointJs library and accomplish the task. With the help of my mentor and the HIVE lab team, we were able to establish stable communication with the display server. We also succeeded in creating a fully dynamic telemetry table and in developing a graphical system display for the advanced modular power system. Working in JSC for this internship has taught me a lot about coding in JavaScript and HTML 5. I was also introduced to the concept of developing software as a team, and exposed to the different types of programs that are used to simplify team coding such as GitLab. While in JSC, I took full advantage of and attended the lectures that were held here on site. I learned a lot about what it is NASA does and about the interesting projects that are conducted here. One of the lectures I attended was about the selection process and the criteria that is used to select future astronauts for flight missions. This truly had an impact on my future plans as it showed me that this path was a viable option for me. After this internship I plan on completing my undergraduate course work and plan to move on for a masters degree. However, during the time in which I will be completing my masters course work, I would like to apply for the NASA pathways graduate program and, if I am accepted, eventually move on to being a full time civil servant. Working in NASA has not only been enjoyable, but full of information and great experiences that have motivated me to seek a full time employment here in the near future.

Silva, Chandika↗

The Mars 2020 Perseverance Navigation Filter

The Mars 2020 (M2020) Entry Descent and Landing (EDL) system delivered a rover named “Perseverance” at Jezero crater (Mars) on February 18th, 2021. M2020 EDL used a Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C) system to achieve its landing target objectives. The navigation filter (NavFilter) integrated Descent Inertial Measurement Unit (DIMU) measurements to estimate position and attitude. The NavFilter also used the Terminal Descent Sensor (TDS) to es-timate surface-relative position and velocity corrections. The NavFilter provided all of the dynamic state information to the entry controller, entry guidance, Lander Vision System (LVS) and powered descent guidance and control algo-rithms. The NavFilter for Perseverance is based on Curiosity’s NavFilter with a couple of modifications.

Casoliva, Jordi↗

Trajectory Shaping of Lunar Descent Approach Phase for Human Landing Systems

NASA’s Artemis program will have many mission phases but perhaps the most dangerous and dynamic is the powered descent and landing phase. NASA’s HLS Program has developed a candidate lunar approach concept of operations to address the needs of both hazard detection sensors and crew visibility of the landing site. The descent trajectory is shaped such that the approach phase is initiated at a steep trajectory path angle for hazard map generation then transitions to a shallow trajectory path angle to facilitate crew landing site visibility. The results show this tailored approach concept is a viable option to reduce risk during landing with minimal performance impacts.

Trajectory Optimization↗

Architecture, Voltage, and Components for a Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion Electric Grid (AVC-TeDP)

The purpose of this effort was to advance the selection, characterization, and modeling of a propulsion electric grid for a Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion (TeDP) system for transport aircraft. The TeDP aircraft would constitute a miniature electric grid with 50 MW or more of total power, two or more generators, redundant transmission lines, and multiple electric motors driving propulsion fans. The study proposed power system architectures, investigated electromechanical and solid state circuit breakers, estimated the impact of the system voltage on system mass, and recommended DC bus voltage range. The study assumed an all cryogenic power system. Detailed assumptions within the study include hybrid circuit breakers, a two cryogen system, and supercritical cyrogens. A dynamic model was developed to investigate control and parameter selection.

power↗