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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 1,279 records · Page 71
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Autonomous Inverter Controls for Resilient and Secure Grid Operation: Vector Control Design for Grid Forming

The project addresses both fundamental and practical challenges of GFM/GFL inverter control for the power grids with high inverter based resources (IBRs) penetration. A data- driven modeling technique is applied to accurately model dynamics of PWM inverters, including electromagnetic-transient (EMT). Systematic and integrative designs of grid- forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) primary controls are developed to guarantee system performance under either normal or abnormal operating conditions without violating constraints. This modeling and control framework provides black-start capability in case of an outage without relying on rotating generators, and its secondary control is also shown to enhance resilience against cyber-physical attacks.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1975

Application of a postulate based control theory for an artificial arm

The biocontroller, remnant of the natural arm, and feedback elements must be considered in designing a controller for an above elbow artificial arm for amputees. This fundamental postulate is used to derive equations for developing the controller, which is shown in block diagrams.

Jacobsen, S. C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The dynamics and control of the in-orbit SCOLE configuration

The study of the dynamics of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) is extended to emphasize the synthesis of control laws for both the linearized system as well as the large amplitude slewing maneuvers required to rapidly reorient the antenna line of sight. For control of the system through small amplitude displacements from the nominal equilibrium position LQR techniques are used to develop the control laws. Pontryagin's maximum principle is applied to minimize the time required for the slewing of a general rigid spacecraft system. The minimum slewing time is calculated based on a quasi-linearization algorithm for the resulting two point boundary value problem. The effect of delay in the control input on the stability of a continuously acting controller (designed without considering the delay) is studied analytically for a second order plant. System instability can result even for delays which are only a small fraction of the natural period of motion.

Bainum, Peter M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Ultrasail

Ultrasail is a complete sail system for the launch, deployment, stabilization and control of very large solar sails enabling reduced mission times for interplanetary and deep space spacecraft. Ultrasail is an innovative, non-traditional approach to propulsion technology achieved by combining propulsion and control systems developed for formation-flying microsatellites with an innovative solar sail architecture to achieve sq km-class controllable sail areas, sail subsystem area densities of 1 gm per sq m, and thrust levels equivalent to 400 kW ion thruster systems used for comparable deep space missions. Ultrasail can conceivably even achieve outer planetary rendezvous, a deep space capability now reserved for high-mass nuclear and chemical systems. Ultrasail is a Delta IV-launched multi-blade spin-stabilized system with blade lengths as long as 50 km, reminiscent of the MacNeal Heliogyro. The primary innovation is the near-elimination of sail supporting structures by attaching the sail tip to a rigid formation-flying microsatellite truss which deploys the sail blade, and which then articulates the blade to provide attitude control, including spin stabilization and precession of the spin axis. These tip microsatellites are controlled by a solar-powered 3-axis microthruster system (electric or cold gas) to maintain proper sail film tension during deployment and spin-up. The satellite mass also provides a stabilizing centrifugal force on the blade while in rotation. Understanding the dynamics of individual blades is key to the overall dynamics of Ultrasail. Forces and torques that must be modeled include those due to solar pressure, those generated by the microsatellite at the blade tip and by torques applied at the blade root. Centrifugal forces also play a significant role in the deployment and maintenance of the sail configuration. To capture the dynamics of the overall system, the equations of motion for the blades have been derived. Using these differential equations, a control law will be derived to maneuver Ultrasail. This law involves the pitching of the individual blades thereby moving the distribution of the radiation pressure on each individual blade and inducing a resultant torque on the system. The direction of the angular momentum vector and its rate of precession can be controlled through the pitch angle of the blades. The Ultrasail trajectory is also being studied. Optimal or near-optimal trajectories are being generated to showcase Ultrasail performance. Various missions, e.g. outer planet and solar polar missions for observation of the Sun, are currently being investigated to demonstrate the performance enhancements generated by Ultrasail technology. Calculus-of-variations-based optimization software is used to produce optimal Ultrasail trajectories. The performance of these trajectories is being compared to optimal results generated with other propulsion models, including chemical propulsion, ion propulsion, and competing solar sail concepts. Results of these studies will quantify the performance of Ultrasail compared to existing solar sail concepts for high energy missions.

Burton, R.↗
NASA NTRS1950

Preliminary Performance Data on General Electric Integrated Electronic Control Operating on J47 RX1-3 Turbojet Engine in NACA Altitude Wind Tunnel

Performance data obtained with recording oscillographs are presented to show the transient response of the General Electric Integrated Electronic Control operating on the J47 RXl-3 turbo-Jet engine over a range of altitudes from 10,000 to 45,000 feet and at ram pressure ratios of 1.03 and 1.4. These data represent the performance of the final control configuration developed after an investigation of the engine transient behavior in the NACA altitude wind tunnel. Oscillograph traces of controlled accelerations (throttle bursts),oontrolled decelerations (throttle chops), and controlled altitude starts are presented.

Darnold Blivas↗
NASA NTRS2019

International Space Station as a Development Testbed for Advanced Environmental Control and Life Support Systems

Since the beginning of human spaceflight, mission durations have steadily increased. Current mission durations onboard the International Space Station are multiple months, but future exploration missions to cislunar space and beyond will require multiple year durations. In addition, missions to cislunar or deep space will encounter a much harsher environment than the current ISS low-earth orbit missions, with relation to radiation, isolation, and lack of timely available support from Earth. To meet the challenges of deep space, so-called "exploration missions" will require Environmental Control and Life Support systems with higher performance, lower mass and logistics requirements, and more endurance than are possible with current operational systems on board the International Space Station. As a currently operational human-occupied platform, the International Space Station presents a unique opportunity to act as a testbed for development of advanced next-generation Environmental Control and Life Support Systems, such that these systems may be tested, proven, and refined for eventual deployment on deep space human exploration missions. This paper will outline the history, progress to date, and future plans for efforts to design, select, build, test and fly Advanced Environmental Control and Life Support Systems on the ISS.

Shaw, Laura A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Counter-Current Flow Limitation Studies in Complex Geometries Utilizing Interface Capturing Simulations Coupled with PID Flow Rate Controller

In nuclear thermal-hydraulic studies, counter-current flow limitation (CCFL) typically refers to steam rising at a fast rate such that it prevents coolant from draining down within a confined channel. CCFL is a crucial issue in nuclear reactor safety analysis. This study investigates CCFL in debris bed channels using high-resolution interface-capturing simulations. A novel proportional-integral-derivative flow rate controller is developed to efficiently achieve the CCFL conditions. Verification studies confirm that CCFL occurs under the same conditions with or without the controller, demonstrating that PID control ensures accurate prediction. Three debris bed channel geometries were examined: a cylindrical channel, a channel with small obstacles, and a channel with large obstacles. Results show that obstacles significantly impact flow behavior, interfacial shear, wall shear, and pressure gradients required for CCFL. Furthermore, the comparison with experimental data confirmed that simulations incorporating geometric complexities align more closely with experimental CCFL conditions. A pressure gradient correlation was also developed for CCFL prediction.

Counter-current flow limitation↗
DOE OSTI2024

"Reinforcement Learning Based Oscillation Dampening: Scaling up Single-Agent RL algorithms to a 100 AV highway field operational test"

In this article, we explore the technical details of the reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms that were deployed in the largest field test of automated vehicles designed to smooth traffic flow in history as of 2023, uncovering the challenges and breakthroughs that come with developing RL controllers for automated vehicles. We delve into the fundamental concepts behind RL algorithms and their application in the context of self-driving cars, discussing the developmental process from simulation to deployment in detail, from designing simulators to reward function shaping. We present the results in both simulation and deployment, discussing the flow-smoothing benefits of the RL controller. From understanding the basics of Markov decision processes to exploring advanced techniques such as deep RL, our article offers a comprehensive overview and deep dive of the theoretical foundations and practical implementations driving this rapidly evolving field. We also showcase real-world case studies and alternative research projects that highlight the impact of RL controllers in revolutionizing autonomous driving. From tackling complex urban environments to dealing with unpredictable traffic scenarios, these intelligent controllers are pushing the boundaries of what automated vehicles can achieve. Furthermore, we examine the safety considerations and hardware-focused technical details surrounding deployment of RL controllers into automated vehicles. As these algorithms learn and evolve through interactions with the environment, ensuring their behavior aligns with safety standards becomes crucial. We explore the methodologies and frameworks being developed to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of building reliable control systems for automated vehicles.

Jang, Kathy↗
NASA NTRS1994

Kinematic functions for redundancy resolution using configuration control

The invention fulfills new goals for redundancy resolution based on manipulator dynamics and end-effector characteristics. These goals are accomplished by employing the recently developed configuration control approach. Redundancy resolution is achieved by controlling the joint inertia matrix of the end-effector mass matrix that affect the inertial torques or by reducing the joint torques due to gravity loading and payload. The manipulator mechanical-advantage and velocity-ratio are also used as performance measures to be improved by proper utilization of redundancy. Furthermore, end-effector compliance, sensitivity, and impulsive force at impact are introduced as redundancy resolution criteria. The new goals for redundancy resolution allow a more efficient utilization of the redundant joints based on the desired task requirements.

Seraji, Homayoun↗
NASA NTRS2001

Longitudinal Mode Aeroengine Combustion Instability: Model and Experiment

Combustion instabilities in gas turbine engines are most frequently encountered during the late phases of engine development, at which point they are difficult and expensive to fix. The ability to replicate an engine-traceable combustion instability in a laboratory-scale experiment offers the opportunity to economically diagnose the problem more completely (to determine the root cause), and to investigate solutions to the problem, such as active control. The development and validation of active combustion instability control requires that the casual dynamic processes be reproduced in experimental test facilities which can be used as a test bed for control system evaluation. This paper discusses the process through which a laboratory-scale experiment and be designed to replicate an instability observed in a developmental engine. The scaling process used physically-based analyses to preserve the relevant geometric, acoustic, and thermo-fluid features, ensuring that results achieved in the single-nozzle experiment will be scalable to the engine.

Cohen, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Effects of Weightlessness on Vestibular Development: Summary of Research on NIH.R1

In our original application we proposed to investigate the effects of gravity on the formation of connections between the gravity receptors of the ear and the brain in rat pups raised in space beginning at an age before these connections are made until near the time of birth, when they are to some extent functional. We used the neuronal tracer, Dil, which could be applied to tissue obtained immediately after landing of the space shuttle, thus minimizing changes due to the earth's gravity. We hoped to determine whether the vestibular system develops in two phases, as do other sensory systems (such as the visual system). In these other systems the first phase of development is controlled genetically and the second phase is controlled by environmental stimulation. Our data collected strongly supports the idea that the vestibular system has these same two phases of development. The tissue obtained from the NIH.R1 experiment was of exceptionally high quality for our analysis. Therefore, we expanded our investigation into the ultrastructural effects of microgravity on vestibular development. For the sake of clarity we will subdivide our summary into two categories: (1) analysis of the branching pattern of axons between the vestibular nerve and the gravistatic receptors of the ear in flight and control animals, and (2) analysis of the branching pattern of axons between the vestibular nerve and the brain in flight and control animals.

Fritzsch, Bernd↗
DOE OSTI2020

Improved Performance of Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 PV Modules Using the Reaction of Metal Precursors. Final Report

This project “Improved Performance of Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 PV Modules using the Reaction of Metal Precursors” was a partnership led by the Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC) at the University of Delaware with Columbia University and the Molecular Foundry at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The aim was to develop pathways to improve Cu(InGa)(SeS) 2 (CIGSS) thin film photovoltaic modules using processes compatible with low manufacturing cost. The CIGSS approach investigated was a two-step process including deposition of metal precursor films following by reaction in hydride gases utilizing IEC’s novel reactor. The process was similar to that under commercial development by the project’s industry partner Stion. When Stion went out of business mid-project the focus changed to a rapid thermal process considered more commercially viable. Approaches to improve the performance of solar cells using the reacted films focused on two material innovations. First, the overall Ga content was increased to increase the operating voltage, which is desirable for scale-up to commercial modules. Second, the processing and performance advantages arising from Ag alloying were investigated. Advanced characterization guided process and material development including control of relative composition gradients. Research on the formation of Cu-Ga-In metal precursors utilized sputtering deposition which is normally used in commercial applications. The work resulted in processes for deposition of precursor stacks with increased relative Ga content and effects of deposition parameters on morphology and phase composition were established. It was shown that the metal precursor films have comparable phase composition and morphology so subsequent reaction follows from the same starting point. The addition of Ag to the metal precursors gave more uniform morphology and improved adhesion of reacted films which enable higher reaction temperature for faster processing. A novel outcome was the discovery of a previously undocumented material phase in sputter-deposited and evaporated Ag-Cu-In-Ga thin films. Hydride gas reaction processes including time-temperature-concentration profiles were developed for different precursor compositions. This enables control of composition profiles to engineer through-film gradients for solar cell optimization with characterization and simulations used to correlate measured film composition profiles to measurements of devices. In particular, the gradient of sulfur at the front of the CIGSS film was found to be critical. The simulations guided process development leading to improved reproducibility of devices improved performance with higher Ga content and higher voltage. With Ag-alloyed precursors, the reaction pathways leading were determined. A significant finding was that Ag-alloying increases the reaction rate to completely convert precursor films to the final chalcopyrite which could enable reduced reaction time to benefit manufacturability. To maintain potential commercial viability, the process under investigation was refocused to a rapid thermal process that could potentially be incorporated into an in-line process for manufacturing. Precursors with different composition were capped with an extra selenium layer and reacted in hydrogen sulfide 5-15 minutes, compared to typically 2 hours in the previous multi-step batch process. Critical RTP parameters were identified to control the reaction. Further optimization would be needed for high efficiency solar cells but pathways to high quality devices with further optimization and improved heating uniformity were developed. The project also developed new optoelectronic characterization approaches with a focus on development and application of spatial- and time-resolved photoluminescence and a custom mapping photoluminescence microscope built. It was shown how critical electronic transport properties strongly depend on the chemical composition of the material and that a wide range of samples show inhomogeneity on a length scale larger than the grains in the films. Additionally, two-photon excitation capability was developed to distinguish bulk vs surface losses. The project advances the state-of-the -art for precursor reaction processes in several ways that could impact manufacturing. This includes validation of approaches to increase voltage and establishment of model-guided control to form optimal composition profiles. The application of process control approaches with knowledge of phase formation and reaction pathways can be critically valuable in designing a large-scale process.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1992

Interacting for better performance

A joint NASA/USAF program to exploit and develop control-structures interactions (CSI) to enhance the control of flexible body response to provide improved performance for future spacecraft is reviewed. Attention is given the primary analytical design activity, led by NASA/Langley, to develop an integrated structure/control system design to replace current separately designed and subsequently integrated structure and control systems. Consideration is given to other related programs including ASTREX, the CSI Evolutionary Model, the Space Integrated Control Experiment, and the joint NASA/DOD Guest Investigator project.

Newsom, Jerry R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Reinforcement Learning-Based Oscillation Dampening: Scaling Up Single-Agent Reinforcement Learning Algorithms to a 100-Autonomous-Vehicle Highway Field Operational Test

In this article, we explore the technical details of the reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms that were deployed in the largest field test of automated vehicles designed to smooth traffic flow in history as of 2023, uncovering the challenges and breakthroughs that come with developing RL controllers for automated vehicles. We delve into the fundamental concepts behind RL algorithms and their application in the context of self-driving cars, discussing the developmental process from simulation to deployment in detail, from designing simulators to reward function shaping. We present the results in both simulation and deployment, discussing the flow-smoothing benefits of the RL controller. From understanding the basics of Markov decision processes to exploring advanced techniques such as deep RL, our article offers a comprehensive overview and deep dive of the theoretical foundations and practical implementations driving this rapidly evolving field. We also showcase real-world case studies and alternative research projects that highlight the impact of RL controllers in revolutionizing autonomous driving. From tackling complex urban environments to dealing with unpredictable traffic scenarios, these intelligent controllers are pushing the boundaries of what automated vehicles can achieve. Furthermore, we examine the safety considerations and hardware-focused technical details surrounding deployment of RL controllers into automated vehicles. As these algorithms learn and evolve through interactions with the environment, ensuring their behavior aligns with safety standards becomes crucial. Here, we explore the methodologies and frameworks being developed to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of building reliable control systems for automated vehicles.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
NASA NTRS1990

Experiments in teleoperator and autonomous control of space robotic vehicles

A research program and strategy are described which include fundamental teleoperation issues and autonomous-control issues of sensing and navigation for satellite robots. The program consists of developing interfaces for visual operation and studying the consequences of interface designs as well as developing navigation and control technologies based on visual interaction. A space-robot-vehicle simulator is under development for use in virtual-environment teleoperation experiments and neutral-buoyancy investigations. These technologies can be utilized in a study of visual interfaces to address tradeoffs between head-tracking and manual remote cameras, panel-mounted and helmet-mounted displays, and stereoscopic and monoscopic display systems. The present program can provide significant data for the development of control experiments for autonomously controlled satellite robots.

Alexander, Harold L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The Controlled Ecological Life Support System

A Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) is needed which would convert waste water to usable water, waste products to food, and CO2 to O2 to permit long duration space flight. Algae, representing the autotroph, and mice, representing the heterotroph are placed together in a controlled, gas closed environment to examine the gas exchange rate of O2 and CO2. The eventual goal is to develop biological controls that can stabilize atmospheres.

Ko, K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

NLS Advanced Development - Launch operations

Attention is given to Autonomous Launch Operations (ALO), one of a number of the USAF's National Launch System (NLS) Launch Operations projects whose aim is to research, develop and apply new technologies and more efficient approaches toward launch operations. The goal of the ALO project is to develop generic control and monitor software for launch operation subsystems. The result is enhanced reliability of system design, and reduced software development and retention of expert knowledge throughout the life-cycle of the system.

Parrish, Carrie L.↗