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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Urban Air Mobility: A Control-Centric Approach to Addressing Technical Challenges

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is an emerging aviation sector and is playing an integral part in the on-demand mobility revolution. UAM is powered by the convergence of advances in distributed electrical propulsion (DEP) and vehicle autonomy. The complexity of operations in the urban environment and the unconventional vehicle configurations designed to take advantage of new propulsion technologies, result in numerous challenges that benefit from a control-centric approach. In this talk we outline some of these challenges and present our current approach to addressing them. For example, in order to achieve full market potential and access to UAM, vehicle autonomous flight is required. A key barrier to autonomous flight in a large multi-agent system is dealing with off-nominal situations and contingencies in a safe and predictable manner. We present our approach to intelligent contingency management, and share recent results and open problems. Additionally, we discuss another major barrier to ubiquitous UAM – the noise signature produced by vehicles with multiple rotors. We present our approach to minimizing such noise within the framework of the acoustically-aware vehicle.

UAM↗
DOE OSTI2024

Interoperable, Inverter-Based Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) Enable 100% Renewable and Resilient Utility Microgrids

Project overcomes frequency stability and system control issues when operating distribution microgrids in a low inertia, high PV penetration environment without fossil fuel generators. The team implemented a grid-forming inverter and advanced control features at SDG&E's Borrego Springs Microgrid to demonstrate islanding and blackstart using renewable resources. Simulation and emulation in advance of deployment de-risks field operations.

battery energy storage systems↗
NASA NTRS2000

COTS-based OO-component approach for software inter-operability and reuse (software systems engineering methodology)

The purpose of this research and study paper is to provide a summary description and results of rapid development accomplishments at NASA/JPL in the area of advanced distributed computing technology using a Commercial-Off--The-Shelf (COTS)-based object oriented component approach to open inter-operable software development and software reuse.

object-oriented components distributed computing a↗
NASA NTRS2022

Starling Animation

NASA’s Starling mission is advancing the readiness of various technologies for cooperative groups of spacecraft – also known as distributed missions, clusters, or swarms. Starling will demonstrate technologies to enable multipoint science data collection by several small spacecraft flying in swarms. The six-month mission will use four CubeSats in low-Earth orbit to test four technologies that let spacecraft operate in a synchronized manner without resources from the ground. The technologies will advance the following capabilities. • Network Communication • Cluster Flight Control • Relative navigation • Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy The Starling mission will test whether the technologies work as expected, what their limitations are, and what developments are still needed for CubeSat swarms to be successful. This animation illustrates Starling mission operations, offering an overview of each technology being demonstrated.

Howard N Cannon↗
DOE OSTI2022

Performance of Microreactor Test Article with Embedded Sensors During Testing in The Single Primary Heat Extraction and Removal Emulator

The nuclear industry is pursuing microreactors that can be factory assembled and deployed to remote regions for reliable power generation. One class of microreactors uses a monolithic metal core block coupled to heat pipes that use passive heat flow, increasing the surface area for heat transfer without requiring active coolant flow through the reactor core. Additional experimental testing is required to understand the heat rejection limitations of heat pipes and thermal stresses in the monolithic core block due to significant temperature gradients. This report describes the initial characterization and testing of a stainless-steel test article that was fabricated with embedded sensors to measure heat pipe performance limits, as well as spatially distributed temperatures and strains during electrically heated thermal testing to simulate nuclear heating. The electrically heated testing was performed in the Single Primary Heat Extraction and Removal Emulator facility located at Idaho National Laboratory. The ultimate goals of this work are to (1) accurately monitor temperature and strain distributions that result from differential thermal expansion in the test articles and (2) quantify the heat rejection limits of heat pipes as a function of operating temperature and working fluid during steady-state and transient operations. Initial tests focused on the feasibility of using advanced fiber-optic sensors and other sensor technologies to improve the understanding of temperature and strain distributions within the electrically heated experiments. However, these sensing capabilities could benefit the broader microreactor community if the sensors could be used to monitor component and system health during nuclear operations to inform a limited number of microreactor operators, ultimately reducing operation and maintenance costs and moving toward semiautonomous operation.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Grid Topology Discovery Algorithm Evaluation of Suitability for Utility Deployment (CRADA 606 Final Report)

This work presents the results of a field-informed demonstration aimed at evaluating the practical suitability of a topology discovery algorithm for utility environments. We demonstrated an algorithm that uses a graph-theory-informed state estimation approach for model selection. In collaboration with Survalent and Peninsula Light Co., the algorithm was applied to real feeder models and field measurements from supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems to identify the operational topology of a power distribution system. The demonstration assessed the algorithm’s performance under realistic data conditions, including sparse and noisy measurements, and examined its ability to identify the most likely network configurations. The results confirmed that the approach can effectively narrow down feasible topologies, providing operators with improved situational awareness of network status. Key lessons learned emphasize the need for systematic data validation and strategic sensor placement to enhance observability. These insights inform future deployment strategies and guide refinements for broader adoption in utility operations.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1974

The Vortex Lattice Method for the Rotor-Vortex Interaction Problem

The rotor blade-vortex interaction problem and the resulting impulsive airloads which generate undesirable noise levels are discussed. A numerical lifting surface method to predict unsteady aerodynamic forces induced on a finite aspect ratio rectangular wing by a straight, free vortex placed at an arbitrary angle in a subsonic incompressible free stream is developed first. Using a rigid wake assumption, the wake vortices are assumed to move downsteam with the free steam velocity. Unsteady load distributions are obtained which compare favorably with the results of planar lifting surface theory. The vortex lattice method has been extended to a single bladed rotor operating at high advance ratios and encountering a free vortex from a fixed wing upstream of the rotor. The predicted unsteady load distributions on the model rotor blade are generally in agreement with the experimental results. This method has also been extended to full scale rotor flight cases in which vortex induced loads near the tip of a rotor blade were indicated. In both the model and the full scale rotor blade airload calculations a flat planar wake was assumed which is a good approximation at large advance ratios because the downwash is small in comparison to the free stream at large advance ratios. The large fluctuations in the measured airloads near the tip of the rotor blade on the advance side is predicted closely by the vortex lattice method.

Padakannaya, R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Payload accommodations. Avionics payload support architecture

Concepts for vehicle and payload avionics architectures for future NASA programs, including the Assured Shuttle Access program, Space Station Freedom (SSF), Shuttle-C, Advanced Manned Launch System (AMLS), and the Lunar/Mars programs are discussed. Emphasis is on the potential available to increase payload services which will be required in the future, while decreasing the operational cost/complexity by utilizing state of the art advanced avionics systems and a distributed processing architecture. Also addressed are the trade studies required to determine the optimal degree of vehicle (NASA) to payload (customer) separation and the ramifications of these decisions.

Creasy, Susan L.↗
NASA NTRS1996

A global spacecraft control network for spacecraft autonomy research

The development and implementation of the Automated Space System Experimental Testbed (ASSET) space operations and control network, is reported on. This network will serve as a command and control architecture for spacecraft operations and will offer a real testbed for the application and validation of advanced autonomous spacecraft operations strategies. The proposed network will initially consist of globally distributed amateur radio ground stations at locations throughout North America and Europe. These stations will be linked via Internet to various control centers. The Stanford (CA) control center will be capable of human and computer based decision making for the coordination of user experiments, resource scheduling and fault management. The project's system architecture is described together with its proposed use as a command and control system, its value as a testbed for spacecraft autonomy research, and its current implementation.

Kitts, Christopher A.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Applicability of Digital Flight to the Operations of Self-Piloted Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the National Airspace System

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) hold great promise for a new era of specialized missions, including personal air transportation, cargo flight operations, aerial surveys, inspections, firefighting and more. The anticipated market growth is significant. To unlock its scalability and incumbent benefits requires a human to oversee multiple flights simultaneously, focusing on multi-vehicle mission management and relinquishing to autonomous systems their active role in controlling the aircrafts’ flight paths. Key to the realization of these scalability benefits is minimally-encumbered access to the National Airspace System (NAS), which poses some unique challenges for self-piloted UAS aircraft operations. These include the requirement for compatibility with existing airspace structures and operations including Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), neither of which were developed to accommodate the unique needs and capabilities of UAS. This paper explores the applicability of Digital Flight to the operations of self-piloted UAS. As proposed by NASA, Digital Flight is a flight operations capability, enabled by a set of cooperative procedures and digital technologies, in which flight operators ensure flight-path safety through automated separation and flight path management in lieu of visual procedures and Air Traffic Control separation services. Flights operating under potentially-forthcoming rules of Digital Flight employ advanced automation technologies, information sharing, connectivity to operational data, and cooperative behaviors through distributed decision-making to maintain safety and achieve mission objectives. Designed for integration with VFR and IFR operations in shared NAS airspace, potentially as a third set of flight rules, Digital Flight may provide the mechanism for UAS operators – and all aircraft operators – to scale and diversify their operations beyond what is achievable under current regulations.

DFR↗
NASA NTRS2023

Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) Overview & Current and Recent Projects

"NASA's Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) Program identifies, develops, and supports adoption of software and information systems, as well as novel computer science technologies expected to be needed by the Earth Science Division in the 5-10-year timeframe. Overall, the AIST Program is focusing on advanced technologies and innovative concepts with three main objectives: O1. Enable new observation measurements and new observing systems design and operations through intelligent, timely, dynamic, and coordinated distributed sensing; O2. Enable agile science analyses that fully utilize the large amount of diverse observations using advanced analytic tools, visualizations, and computing environments, and that interact seamlessly with relevant observing systems; O3. Enable the development of integrated Earth Science frameworks that mirror the Earth with state-of-the-art models (Earth system models and others), timely and relevant observations, and analytic tools. This thrust will provide technology for enabling near- and long-term science and policy decisions (""""science decisions"""" including planning for the acquisition of new measurements; the development of new models or science analysis; the integration of Earth observations in novel ways; applications to inform choices, support decisions, and guide actions for societal benefit; etc.). AIST objectives aim at optimizing Earth Science mission return – NOS from an observation point of view and ACF/ESDT from an information analysis and utilization point of view. The assets and data accessed and utilized in these systems may come from NASA and non-NASA sources. "

Earth Science Remote Sensing; Information Systems↗
DOE OSTI2024

Distributed Wind Monitoring Best Practices

Accessible performance and operational data have been identified as a key enabler for distributed wind energy industry advancement. While utility-scale wind turbines benefit from reliable and continuous supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)-based monitoring platforms, monitoring of the U.S. fleet of distributed wind (DW) turbines has been more inconsistent, unreliable, and sometime difficult to access. Without fleet monitoring data, the industry will never understand and thus work to improve turbine under-performance and reliability issues. For the DW industry to scale up, attract investors, and boost credibility, fleetwide monitoring must be robust and reliable, select data must be made accessible to stakeholders, and the data must be in a format useful to users. To help move the industry toward a more standardized, accessible stream of monitoring data, this distributed wind monitoring best practices report attempts to cover topics including key monitoring channels, hardware, communication strategies, and accessibility. Strategic engagement with DW original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), service providers, lab and university researchers, testing organization, certification bodies, end users and solar photovoltaic (PV) monitoring experts has enabled a better understanding of the current state-of-the-art of monitoring and aided in articulating this set of best practices that will guide OEMs toward harmonized monitoring strategies, aimed at a future goal of achieving accessible performance and operational data for the entire fleet of U.S. distributed wind turbines.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Grid-Enhanced, Mobility-Integrated Network Infrastructures for Extreme Fast Charging (GEMINI-XFC)

Increasing vehicle electrification will require extensive use of extreme fast charging (XFC), especially for larger vehicles. Uncoordinated XFC can create grid challenges, particularly at the distribution level. Two strategies can support widespread XFC: gold-plate the grid (i.e., upgrade all systems to enable worst-case, fully coincident loads) or use integrated planning to codesign a smart system based on advanced controls that leverage load flexibility and distributed energy resources. With the right design and control, XFC can simultaneously support both mobility and grid operations. Fully realizing the potential of XFC, however, will require unprecedented coordination among the charging infrastructure, grid, and vehicles. GEMINI-XFC combines high-fidelity grid and transport modeling at an unprecedented level of resolution and codesigns a smart system based on advanced controls that leverage load flexibility and distributed energy resources to optimize the integration of extreme fast charging (XFC) across a full regional scale with individual customer resolution.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1993

The evolving trend in spacecraft health analysis

The Space Flight Operations Center inaugurated the concept of a central data repository for spacecraft data and the distribution of computing power to the end users for that data's analysis at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Advanced Multimission Operations System is continuing the evolution of this concept as new technologies emerge. Constant improvements in data management tools, data visualization, and hardware lead to ever expanding ideas for improving the analysis of spacecraft health in an era of budget constrained mission operations systems. The foundation of this evolution, its history, and its current plans will be discussed.

Kirkpatrick, Russell L.↗
DOE OSTI2020

ModuleOT: A Hardware Security Module for Operational Technology: Preprint

With increasing penetration levels of distributed energy resources (DERs) on the distribution grid, as well as new technological advancements in the cyber space, new cyberattack vectors are being introduced, and the available attack surface is constantly increasing. Despite this increasing risk, the standard IEEE 1547-2018 does not yet recommend cybersecurity measures for DERs. To address this and to better protect data on the distribution grid - from the standpoints information security as well as operational security - ModuleOT has been developed. The module aims to significantly reduce cyberattack vectors by improving data privacy for user applications. This is accomplished by performing the core functions of encryption, authentication, authorization, certificate management, and user access control. The module integrates a custom security application with hardware cryptographic acceleration. The application secures all communications using Transmission Control Protocol over Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). These include the three most commonly used communications protocols for power systems information exchange: Modbus, Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3), and Smart Energy Profile 2.0 (SEP2.0). These three protocols are also supported by IEEE 1547-2018 for all DER devices. This paper tests the data encryption/decryption feature on a physical networking test bed with emulated Modbus devices reporting grid data and presents the results.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Distributed Visual Sensing and Fusion for Advanced Air Mobility

Surveillance solutions for Advanced and Urban Air Mobility frameworks are a key factor to enable safe operations of highly automated aircraft in the civil airspace. To design solutions suitable for all types of aircraft, non-cooperative sensors can be used, though many challenges arise when the small dimensions of the vehicles and their proximity to the ground during low-altitude missions are considered. A distributed sensing concept can be efficiently applied to address these challenges by exploiting multiple sensors within a surveillance network. This paper proposes a strategy to fuse the information collected by three ground-fixed cameras within a network of multiple distributed sensors and is tested with during experimental flight tests. The solution exploits standalone tracking estimates of each camera within a fusion center that performs triangulation and three-dimensional tracking. This approach is tested in a scenario involving two small UAVs flying at low altitude. The paper deals with the challenges of associating the two objects from independent and unrelated tracks to achieve robust triangulation, which produces meter-level mean errors with respect to GNSS-based ground truth.

Federica Vitiello↗
NASA NTRS1987

The implementation and use of Ada on distributed systems with high reliability requirements

A preliminary analysis of the Ada implementation of the Advanced Transport Operating System (ATOPS), an experimental computer control system developed at NASA Langley for a modified Boeing 737 aircraft, is presented. The criteria that was determined for the evaluation of this approach is described. A preliminary version of the requirements for the ATOPS is contained. This requirements specification is not a formal document, but rather a description of certain aspects of the ATOPS system at a level of detail that best suits the needs of the research. The survey of backward error recovery techniques is also presented.

Knight, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Development of Advanced Laser Diode Sources

The design and operation of InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs asymmetric cladding ridge waveguide distributed Bragg reflector lasers is presented. Targeted for the remote sensing of water vapor with absorption lines in the lambda approximately 930 nm region, these devices operate CW with threshold currents as low as 11 MA and slope efficiencies as high as 0.37 W/A. Tbey also operate with over 30-dB side-mode suppression, and the typical CW characteristic temperature, T(sub o), is 95 K.

Coleman, J. J.↗