Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “continuous control”

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 1,459 records · Page 81
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Thermal quench mitigation and current quench control by injection of mixed species shattered pellets in DIII-D

Injection of large shattered pellets composed of variable quantities of the main ion species (deuterium) and high-Z impurities (neon) in the DIII-D tokamak demonstrates control of thermal quench (TQ) and current quench (CQ) properties in mitigated disruptions. As the pellet composition is varied, TQ radiation fractions increase continuously with the quantity of radiating impurity in the pellet, with a corresponding decrease in divertor heating. Post-TQ plasma resistivities increase as a result of the higher radiation fraction, allowing control of current decay timescales based on the pellet composition. Magnetic reconstructions during the CQ show that control of the current decay rate allows continuous variation of the minimum safety factor during the vertically unstable disruption, reducing the halo current fraction and resulting vessel displacement. Both TQ and CQ characteristics are observed to saturate at relatively low quantities of neon, indicating that effective mitigation of disruption loads by shattered pellet injection (SPI) can be achieved with modest impurity quantities, within injection quantities anticipated for ITER. This mixed species SPI technique provides a possible approach for tuning disruption properties to remain within the limited ranges allowed in the ITER design.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Interarea Oscillation Damping Control Using High-Voltage DC Transmission: A Survey

High-voltage, direct current (HVDC) transmission lines are increasingly being installed in power systems around the world, and this trend is expected to continue with advancements in power electronics technology. These advancements are also bringing multi-terminal direct current (MTDC) systems closer to practical application. In addition, the continued deployment of phasor measurement units (PMUs) makes dynamic information about a large power system readily available for highly controllable components, such as HVDC lines. All these trends have increased the appeal of modulating HVDC lines and MTDC systems to provide grid services in addition to bulk power transfers. This paper provides a literature survey of HVDC and MTDC damping controllers for interarea oscillations in large interconnected power systems. The literature shows a progression from theoretical research to practical applications. There are already practical implementations of HVDC modulation for lines in point-to-point configuration, although the modulation of MTDC systems is still in the research stage. As a conclusion, this paper identifies and summarizes open questions that remain to be tackled by researchers and engineers.

Elizondo, Marcelo A. (ORCID:000000026621252X)↗
NASA NTRS1983

Research on the control of large space structures

The research effort on the control of large space structures at the University of Houston has concentrated on the mathematical theory of finite-element models; identification of the mass, damping, and stiffness matrix; assignment of damping to structures; and decoupling of structure dynamics. The objective of the work has been and will continue to be the development of efficient numerical algorithms for analysis, control, and identification of large space structures. The major consideration in the development of the algorithms has been the large number of equations that must be handled by the algorithm as well as sensitivity of the algorithms to numerical errors.

Denman, E. D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ground-tended payload operations of Space Station Freedom

The concepts and capabilities that supported ground-tended Space Station Freedom (SSF) utilization and operations are described. On-board computer control support capabilities are required, and potential approaches for computer sequencing are discussed. An integrated process which links the planning processes with the implementation and execution of the operations is required to perform continuous, long-term utilization of SSF. Payload designs that make accommodations for ground-tended operation can be supported by the operations infrastructure. The payload operations integration center and Space Station Control Center are to support continuous operations of payloads that are designed to be operated from the ground. An overall process of ground-tended payload operations which links the weekly planning and continuous ground-tended execution functions is defined.

Noneman, Steven R.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Chapter 7: Wind-Plant-Controller Design

The main purpose of this chapter is the introduction, explanation, and categorization of wind-farm-control algorithms and present their place in a detailed wind farm simulation framework. Specifically, this section will continue to give an introduction to the current practice in wind-farm operation, and the objectives and turbine control methods presented in the literature for coordinated wind farm control.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1993

Packet Controller For Wireless Headset

Packet-message controller implements communications protocol of network of wireless headsets. Designed for headset application, readily adapted to other uses; slight modification enables controller to implement Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) X.25 protocol, giving far-reaching applications in telecommunications. Circuit converts continuous voice signals into digital packets of data and vice versa. Operates in master or slave mode. Controller reduced to single complementary metal oxide/semiconductor integrated-circuit chip. Occupies minimal space in headset and consumes little power, extending life of headset battery.

Christensen, Kurt K.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Controlling Flows Of Two Ingredients For Spraying

Closed-loop servo control subsystem incorporated, as modification, into system controlling flows of two ingredients mixed and sprayed to form thermally insulating foams on large tanks. Provides steady flows at specified rates. Foams produced smoother and of higher quality. Continued use of system results in substantial reduction in cost stemming from close control of application of foam and consequent reduced use of material.

Chandler, Huel H.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Structural Health Management of Damaged Aircraft Structures Using the Digital Twin Concept

The development of multidisciplinary integrated Structural Health Management (SHM) tools will enable accurate detection, and prognosis of damaged aircraft under normal and adverse conditions during flight. As part of the digital twin concept, methodologies are developed by using integrated multiphysics models, sensor information and input data from an in-service vehicle to mirror and predict the life of its corresponding physical twin. SHM tools are necessary for both damage diagnostics and prognostics for continued safe operation of damaged aircraft structures. The adverse conditions include loss of control caused by environmental factors, actuator and sensor faults or failures, and structural damage conditions. A major concern in these structures is the growth of undetected damage/cracks due to fatigue and low velocity foreign object impact that can reach a critical size during flight, resulting in loss of control of the aircraft. To avoid unstable, catastrophic propagation of damage during a flight, load levels must be maintained that are below a reduced load-carrying capacity for continued safe operation of an aircraft. Hence, a capability is needed for accurate real-time predictions of damage size and safe load carrying capacity for structures with complex damage configurations. In the present work, a procedure is developed that uses guided wave responses to interrogate damage. As the guided wave interacts with damage, the signal attenuates in some directions and reflects in others. This results in a difference in signal magnitude as well as phase shifts between signal responses for damaged and undamaged structures. Accurate estimation of damage size, location, and orientation is made by evaluating the cumulative signal responses at various pre-selected sensor locations using a genetic algorithm (GA) based optimization procedure. The damage size, location, and orientation is obtained by minimizing the difference between the reference responses and the responses obtained by wave propagation finite element analysis of different representative cracks, geometries, and sizes.

Seshadri, Banavara R.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Synthetic Biology: Molecular Tools for Engineering Organisms

Synthetic biology is a biological engineering discipline based on abstracting living systems through the lens of physical engineering concepts. In particular, synthetic biology places an emphasis on the characterisation of simple parts that can be modularly assembled into configurations that give rise to complex, higher-order behaviours. Within the past two decades, this approach has enabled the development number of new molecular biology tools for modifying living systems in order to investigate fundamental processes or imbuing functions into cells that do not exist in nature. While specific synthetic biology applications span a huge range of seemingly unrelated disciplines (from biofuel producing microbes, to malaria-resistant mosquitoes, to living medical therapies), these distinct examples derive from reuse and rearrangement of relatively limited set of cell engineering technologies. The continuing development of these core molecular biology tools for controlling gene expression, protein activity and signalling networks can promote evermore ambitious biological engineering projects.

gene expression↗
DOE OSTI2022

Strain‐Driven Mixed‐Phase Domain Architectures and Topological Transitions in Pb 1− x Sr x TiO 3 Thin Films

Abstract The potential for creating hierarchical domain structures, or mixtures of energetically degenerate phases with distinct patterns that can be modified continually, in ferroelectric thin films offers a pathway to control their mesoscale structure beyond lattice‐mismatch strain with a substrate. Here, it is demonstrated that varying the strontium content provides deterministic strain‐driven control of hierarchical domain structures in Pb 1− x Sr x TiO 3 solid‐solution thin films wherein two types, c / a and a 1 / a 2 , of nanodomains can coexist. Combining phase‐field simulations, epitaxial thin‐film growth, detailed structural, domain, and physical‐property characterization, it is observed that the system undergoes a gradual transformation (with increasing strontium content) from droplet‐like a 1 / a 2 domains in a c / a domain matrix, to a connected‐labyrinth geometry of c / a domains, to a disconnected labyrinth structure of the same, and, finally, to droplet‐like c / a domains in an a 1 / a 2 domain matrix. A relationship between the different mixed‐phase modulation patterns and its topological nature is established. Annealing the connected‐labyrinth structure leads to domain coarsening forming distinctive regions of parallel c / a and a 1 / a 2 domain stripes, offering additional design flexibility. Finally, it is found that the connected‐labyrinth domain patterns exhibit the highest dielectric permittivity.

Kavle, Pravin↗
DOE OSTI2021

Optimization of Magnesium‐Doped Lithium Metal Anode for High Performance Lithium Metal Batteries through Modeling and Experiment

Abstract Lithium (Li)‐magnesium (Mg) alloy with limited Mg amount, which can also be called Mg‐doped Li (Li‐Mg), has been considered as a potential alternative anode for high energy density rechargeable Li metal batteries. However, the optimum doping‐content of Mg in Li‐Mg anode and the mechanism of the improved performance are not well understood. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the effect of Mg amount in Li‐Mg anode. The Li‐Mg with about 5 wt. % Mg (abbreviated as Li‐Mg5) has the lowest absorption energy of Li, thus all the surface area can be “controlled” by Mg atoms, leading to the smooth and continuous deposition of Li on the surface around the Mg center. A localized high concentration electrolyte enables Li‐Mg5 to exhibit the best cycling stability in Li metal batteries with high‐loading cathode and lean electrolyte under 4.4 V high‐voltage, which is approaching the demand of practical application. This electrolyte also helps generate an inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase, which leads to smooth, compact and less corrosion layer on the Li‐Mg5 surface. Both theoretical simulations and experimental results prove that Li‐Mg5 has optimum Mg content and gives best battery cycling performance.

Gao, Peiyuan↗
DOE OSTI2021

Optimization of Magnesium-Doped Lithium Metal Anode for High Performance Lithium Metal Batteries through Modeling and Experiment

Lithium (Li)-magnesium (Mg) alloy with limited Mg amount, which can also be called Mg-doped Li (Li-Mg), has been considered as a potential alternative anode for high energy density rechargeable Li metal batteries. However, the optimum doping-content of Mg in Li-Mg anode and the mechanism of the improved performance are not well understood. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the effect of Mg amount in Li-Mg anode. The Li-Mg with about 5 wt. % Mg (abbreviated as Li-Mg5) has the lowest absorption energy of Li, thus all the surface area can be “controlled” by Mg atoms, leading to the smooth and continuous deposition of Li on the surface around the Mg center. A localized high concentration electrolyte enables Li-Mg5 to exhibit the best cycling stability in Li metal batteries with high-loading cathode and lean electrolyte under 4.4 V high-voltage, which is approaching the demand of practical application. This electrolyte also helps generate an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase, which leads to smooth, compact and less corrosion layer on the Li-Mg5 surface. Both theoretical simulations and experimental results prove that Li-Mg5 has optimum Mg content and gives best battery cycling performance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Experimental Investigation of the System Nonmetallic Inclusion-Molten Steel-Refractory System at High Temperatures

In continuous casting, the buildup of particles in the flow control system is called clogging. Clogging may be caused by preexisting nonmetallic inclusions attached to the refractory wall, interrupting or disturbing the fluid flow conditions. The interfacial properties of the nonmetallic inclusion-molten steel-refractory system are believed to play a key role in the clogging tendency of selected steel grades in contact with ceramics. The combination of a high-temperature laser scanning confocal microscope (HT-LSCM), which is employed for in situ observation of inclusions’ behavior in the liquid steel or at the steel/ceramic interface, and a high-temperature drop shape analyzer (HT-DSA), which is utilized for contact angle measurements, enabled the investigation of reactions and interactions in the described system at experimental temperatures of approximately 1600 °C. The objective of this study was to develop a method to obtain qualitative information on the deposition of nonmetallic inclusions (NMIs) in the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) during casting. The behavior of solid NMIs from a calcium-treated steel at the interface between liquid steel and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} or MgO was investigated by means of HT-LSCM. During the test evaluation, inclusions were found to separate at the steel/ceramic interface due to an attractive force. This force increased with the NMIs’ size as well as with the ceramic particle change. The HT-DSA provided contact angle data between molten steel and the ceramic used for implementation into the theoretical capillary force model. A clear correspondence between the estimated and calculated capillary forces was observed. The change in the wettability of the system, as induced by the change in the ceramic from MgO to Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, showed a reduction of the attractive forces, indicating a weaker separation toward the SEN for the same inclusion type. This study confirmed the strong potential of wettability investigations to predict the clogging tendency of certain steel grades.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

What explains the year-to-year variation in growing season timing of boreal black spruce forests?

Amplified climate warming in high latitudes is expected to affect growing season timing of the vast boreal biome. It is unclear whether the presence of permafrost (perennially frozen ground) might have an influence on changes in growing season timing. Here, this study examined how different environmental variables explained, either directly or indirectly, the variation in growing season timing of boreal forest stands with and without permafrost. We expected that environmental variables explaining the variation in growing season timing differed or had different explanatory power depending on permafrost presence or absence. The growing season was delineated from daily gross primary productivity (GPP) time series derived from 40 site-year data of net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange measured with eddy covariance techniques over five black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.])-dominated boreal forest stands in North America. In permafrost-free forest stands, a combination of start in canopy ‘green-up’ in spring and the timing of air and soil temperature increasing above freezing explained the start-of-season (SOS GPP ). Results from commonality analysis and structural equation modeling suggest that canopy ‘green-up’ and air temperature directly affected SOS GPP in permafrost-free forest stands. In addition, soil temperature acted as mediator for an indirect effect of air temperature on SOS GPP . In contrast, none of the environmental variables, or their combination, explained the variation in SOS GPP in forest stands with permafrost. The explanatory power of environmental variables was more consistent regarding the end-of-season (EOS GPP ). In both, forest stands with and without permafrost, EOS GPP was directly explained by mean soil water content in the fall and the first day of continuous snowpack formation. A better understanding how environmental variables control SOS GPP and EOS GPP in forest stands with and without permafrost will help to refine parameterizations of the boreal biome in Earth system models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Atomistic Simulation Derived Insight on the Irreversible Structural Changes of Si Electrode during Fast and Slow Delithiation

Quantifying the irreversible chemical and structural changes of Si during cycling remains challenging. In this study, a continuous reactive molecular dynamics delithiation algorithm, with well-controlled potential gradient and delithiation rate, was developed and used to investigate the “natural” delithiation responses of an aluminum-oxide coated silicon thin-film. Fast delithiation led to the formation of dense Si network near the surface and nanoporosity inside the a-Li x Si, resulting in 141% volume dilation and significant amount of Li trapped inside (a-Li 1.2 Si) at the end of delithiation process. In contrast, slow delithiation allowed the a-Li x Si to shrink by near-equilibrium condition, demonstrating no permanent inner pore with nearly Li-free structure (a-Li 0.2 Si) and minimal volume dilation (44%). However, even without trapped Li, the delithiated a-LixSi still exhibited higher volume (lower density) than the equilibrium structure with the same Li concentration, despite delithiation rate. The origin of this excess volume is the loss of directly bonded Si–Si pairs, which made the subsequent relithiation faster. On the basis of the atomistic modeling and the quantified degradation mechanism, battery operating guidelines, including the delithiation rate and the depth of charge to avoid trapped Li and coating delamination, were suggested to improve the durability Si electrodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enhanced Performance of Silicon Anodes through Hybrid Surface Engineering

Silicon (Si) is a promising anode material for nextgeneration lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity. However, Si-containing anodes typically suffer from unacceptably short lives because of the unrestricted growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Here, in this study, hybrid surface coatings are developed to stabilize the SEI in high loading pure Si anodes using atomic and molecular layer deposition. The coatings, consisting of LiF paired with lithicone, create an ionically conductive surface that enhances the capacity retention, rate performance, and longevity. Careful binder selection helps demonstrate the full utility of the coatings by enabling high loading electrodes to cycle continuously at current densities of 1200 mA/g Si . Uncoated controls, in comparison, fail within just 10 cycles at lower loadings. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used to provide supporting evidence of the coating composition and efficacy. The data indicate that our lithicone coating is converted to Li 2 CO 3 upon cycling contributing to favorable LiF/Li 2 CO 3 interfaces that enhance the space-charge effect at the active material’s surface. When applied to electrodes made with thermally stable binders and increasingly higher loadings (approaching 5 mAh/cm 2 ), ion transport through the bulk electrode, rather than SEI growth, is shown to be the limiting factor. Furthermore, data suggests a favorable interaction between lithicone precursors and poly(acrylic acid) binders mitigates thermal decomposition at higher temperatures. The work presented here represents the successful realization of composite coatings containing LiF/Li 2 CO 3 components to stabilize high-loading Si anodes. This work helps inform advanced surface engineering strategies to achieve highly reversible, high-capacity Si anodes capable of fast charging for high-performance LIBs.

atomic layer deposition↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lyophilization of ASFV vaccine candidate ASFV-G-ΔI177L offers long term stability

Abstract For over a century African swine fever (ASF) has been causing outbreaks leading to devastating losses for the swine industry. The current pandemic of ASF has shown no signs of stopping and continues to spread causing outbreaks in additional countries. Currently control relies mostly on culling infected farms, and strict biosecurity procedures. Recently a vaccine, ASFV-G-ΔI177L was approved for use in Vietnam. In this study we evaluate the long-term stability of lyophilized ASFV-G-ΔI177L. Understanding the stability of different formulations of vaccines is information necessary for deployment of vaccines to ASF outbreak areas, particularly those that do not have a reliable well established cold chain to ensure conservation of vaccine quality. In this report, we determined that ASFV-G-ΔI177L, when lyophilized under specific conditions, is stable for up to one year at 4 °C, with similar vaccine titers after storage. Next-generation sequencing analysis also determined that lyophilization and long-term storage under these conditions had no effect on the genome of ASFV as the genome remained genetically identical to the original non-lyophilized form.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2018

Optimal allocation of series FACTS devices in large‐scale systems

Series flexible AC transmission systems devices, such as the variable series reactor, have the ability to continuously regulate the transmission line reactance so as to control power flow. This study presents a new approach to optimally locating such devices in the transmission network considering multiple operating states and contingencies. To investigate optimal investment, a single target year planning with three different load patterns is considered. The transmission contingencies may occur under any of the three load conditions and the coupling constraints between base case and contingencies are included. A reformulation technique transforms the original mixed integer non‐linear programming model into mixed integer linear programming model. To further relieve the computational burden and enable the planning model to be directly applied to practical large‐scale systems, a two‐phase decomposition algorithm is introduced. Detailed numerical simulation results on IEEE 118‐bus system and the Polish 2383‐bus system illustrate the efficient performance of the proposed algorithm.

Zhang, Xiaohu↗