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At least 1,603 records · Page 89

Axiomatic Design of Space Life Support Systems

Systems engineering is an organized way to design and develop systems, but the initial system design concepts are usually seen as the products of unexplained but highly creative intuition. Axiomatic design is a mathematical approach to produce and compare system architectures. The two axioms are:- Maintain the independence of the functional requirements.- Minimize the information content (or complexity) of the design. The first axiom generates good system design structures and the second axiom ranks them. The closed system human life support architecture now implemented in the International Space Station has been essentially unchanged for fifty years. In contrast, brief missions such as Apollo and Shuttle have used open loop life support. As mission length increases, greater system closure and increased recycling become more cost-effective.Closure can be gradually increased, first recycling humidity condensate, then hygiene wastewater, urine, carbon dioxide, and water recovery brine. A long term space station or planetary base could implement nearly full closure, including food production. Dynamic systems theory supports the axioms by showing that fewer requirements, fewer subsystems, and fewer interconnections all increase system stability. If systems are too complex and interconnected, reliability is reduced and operations and maintenance become more difficult. Using axiomatic design shows how the mission duration and other requirements determine the best life support system design including the degree of closure.

Axiomatic design↗

Retrieval of Snow Water Equivalent by the Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP) over Northern Great Lakes

Performance of the Precipitation Imaging Package (PIP) for estimating the snow water equivalent (SWE) is evaluated through a comparative study with the collocated National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service snow stake field measurements. The PIP together with a vertically pointing radar, a weighing bucket gauge, and a laser-optical disdrometer was deployed at the NWS Marquette, Michigan office building for a long-term field study supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Global Precipitation Measurement mission Ground Validation program. The site was also equipped with a weather station. During the 2017-18 winter, PIP functioned nearly uninterrupted at frigid temperatures accumulating 2345.8 mm of geometric snow depth over a total of 499 hours. This long record consists of 30 events, and the PIP-retrieved and snow stake field measured SWE differed less than 15% in every event. For the windy events, the wind corrected stake field record agreed better with the PIP-retrieved SWE. Two of the major events with the longest duration and the highest accumulation are examined in detail. The particle mass with a given diameter was much lower during a shallow, colder, uniform lake-effect event than in the deep, less cold, and variable synoptic event. This study demonstrated that PIP is a robust instrument for operational use, and is reliable for deriving the bulk properties of falling snow.

Ali Tokay↗

Dynamic Spectrum Allocation in Urban Air Transportation System via Deep Reinforcement Learning

The emerging concepts of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) open a new paradigm for urban air transportation. A big challenge is that these new aerial vehicles will quickly saturate the already crowded aviation spectrum, which is an essential resource to ensure reliable communications for safe operations. In this paper, we consider an air transportation system where multiple aerial vehicles are operated to transport passengers or cargo from different sources to destinations along their pre-defined paths. During the flight, the minimum communication Quality of Service (QoS) requirement must be achieved to ensure flight safety. Our objective is to minimize the average mission completion time by jointly optimizing the velocity selection and spectrum allocation for all aerial vehicles. We formulate the optimization problem as a multi-stage Markov Decision Process (MDP) where the optimization variables are coupled together. A multi-agent Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) based solution is proposed where Value Decomposition Networks (VDN) algorithm is utilized to take discrete actions. Additionally, we propose a heuristic greedy algorithm as a baseline solution. Simulation results show that our learning based solution outperforms the heuristic greedy algorithm and another Orthogonal Multiple Access (OMA) solution in minimizing the mission completion time.

Ruixuan Han↗

Dynamic Spectrum Allocation in Urban Air Transportation System via Deep Reinforcement Learning

The emerging concepts of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) open a new paradigm for urban air transportation. A big challenge is that these new aerial vehicles will quickly saturate the already crowded aviation spectrum, which is an essential resource to ensure reliable communications for safe operations. In this paper, we consider an air transportation system where multiple aerial vehicles are operated to transport passengers or cargo from different sources to destinations along their pre-defined paths. During the flight, the minimum communication Quality of Service (QoS) requirement must be achieved to ensure flight safety. Our objective is to minimize the average mission completion time by jointly optimizing the velocity selection and spectrum allocation for all aerial vehicles. We formulate the optimization problem as a multi-stage Markov Decision Process (MDP) where the optimization variables are coupled together. A multi-agent Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) based solution is proposed where Value Decomposition Networks (VDN) algorithm is utilized to take discrete actions. Additionally, we propose a heuristic greedy algorithm as a baseline solution. Simulation results show that our learning based solution outperforms the heuristic greedy algorithm and another Orthogonal Multiple Access (OMA) solution in minimizing the mission completion time.

Ruixuan Han↗

22 N HPGP Thruster Life Testing

In the ever-changing paradigm of efficient and capable spacecraft design, scientific missions continue pushing the envelope enabling spacecraft subsystems to deliver effective solutions to meet challenging new mission/spacecraft needs. From an in-space storable liquid chemical propulsion perspective, monopropellant hydrazine has been, and continues to be, a dependable propellant with considerable flight heritage, a variety of engine thrust classes available from multiple vendors, with repeatable and reliable performance. Additionally, the space propulsion industry has learned to successfully handle hydrazine, its regulations, the safety protocols, the personnel protective equipment, and the unique training standards–all requisite for loading spacecraft propulsion systems with toxic hypergolic hydrazine. The question now arises as to “what is next for in-space chemical propulsion?” Further, with the evolution and concrete advancements in innovative in-space green propellant technologies, capable of providing realizable benefits to scientific missions, concern over the reliability and availability of this higher performing and safer to handle class of propellants is waning. As science missions move forward with the potential flight in fusion of High Performance Green Propulsion (HPGP), NASA and its industry partners are working to address any gaps in system reliability, performance, or unique operational considerations. Propellant technology that offers both higher performance and significant reduction in personnel hazards compared to hydrazine presents an attractive propulsion subsystem design opportunity. Increased propulsion subsystem performance can result in lower spacecraft launch mass, larger scientific payloads, or extended on-orbit lifetimes. Mission trades using green propulsion technologies have been documented on multiple NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) mission classes, examining various parameters and requirements to support mission architectures in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), High Earth Orbit (HEO), geostationary, lunar, planetary, and Quasi-halo orbit around Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L2). The results of these trade studies show promising, attainable benefits. The perceived programmatic risk of flying a newer propulsion technology has, unfortunately, not outweighed the benefits to date. To take advantage of the improved performance and mitigate programmatic risk, HPGP engines must demonstrate life testing at higher propellant throughputs than have currently been demonstrated. In an effort to proactively address the challenges with technology infusion into a risk-averse community, NASA and the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA) outlined a collaborative Implementing Arrangement (IA) for the respective agencies to pursue increased HPGP technology maturation. This initial IA effort began in 2013, fresh off the heels of the successful PRISMA HPGP technology demonstration mission. The IA targeted objective is to reduce risk to potential future HPGP missions and fully characterize the LMP-103S propellant and associated engine performance. Over the past eight years, HPGP has flown in propulsion systems on twenty-five(25) spacecraft from seven(7) different Launch Ranges around the globe and on seven (7) different Launch Vehicles. Six(6) of these launches involved multiple loading operations for multiple spacecraft. For U.S. Range operations, nine (9) HPGP systems have been processed at Vandenberg Space Force Base(VSFB):six(6) in 2017, and three (3) in 2018. Six (6) more have been processed at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS)in May 2020, with three (3) systems launched in June 2020 and the remaining three (3) system were left loaded and ready until their launch in August of 2020. Three (3) more systems have been processed at Wallops Flight Facility(WFF)and launched in June 2021. In addition, these propulsion subsystems employed heritage propulsion subsystem component such as valves, filters, and pressure transducers, and have further demonstrated nominal functionality in both diaphragm and Propellant Management Device (PDM) propellant tanks. Based on these successes, HPGP technology continues to be considered for NASA Science Mission Directorate missions at GSFC. The work presented herein represents many years of development and collaborative efforts to successfully align higher performance, low toxicity hydrazine alternatives into scientific missions. NASA GSFC Propulsion Engineering, in collaboration with Bradford ECAPS, has developed mission specific thruster design and testing requirements to establish GSFC’s desired test conditions and firing sequences.In2017, the first flight-like 22N HPGP thruster Engineering Qualification Model (EQM-1)was designed and built by Bradford ECAPS to prove out the thruster design, materials, build process, and test campaign with respect to NASA GSFC critical component and mission requirements. This test program was developed to comprehensively test the thruster, the technology, and ultimately increase the 22N HPGP Technology Readiness Level(TRL). EQM-1was tested to environmental qualification levels prior to hot fire performance testing to represent the relevant end-to-end environment (launch to on-orbit operation)with required margin. This thruster demonstrated steady-state and pulse mode operational capability with propellant thruster throughput up to~53kg.At this throughput level, the EQM-1 engine began to present off-nominal performance and the test campaign was halted to allow for non-destructive testing and identify the root cause for the an omalous performance. Capitalizing on the successful elements of the EQM-1 campaign, an upgraded 22N HPGP EQM-2 has been manufactured by Bradford ECAPS to meet the complete GSFC requirements. The EQM-2 thruster’s test campaign has further demonstrated the robustness of the HPGP propulsion technology and increased the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) by undergoing a full acceptance test program, then proceeding into qualification, including environmental testing (vibration and shock to qualification levels),as well as hot-fire life testing, operating at steady-state and pulse modes with increased propellant thruster throughput to~150kg. The HPGP thruster performance testing enables effective HPGP thruster readiness evaluation to meet NASA candidate mission requirements in the future.

High↗

Growing the NASA Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) Workforce of Tomorrow

The NASA Safety Center (NSC) was established in2006 in response to Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) recommendations to strengthen NASA’s safety program. The NSC supports all NASA centers and facilities. The NSC fosters world-class Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) support for NASA programs and projects through professional development activities and the advancement of the following SMA technical disciplines: - Aviation Safety - Operational Safety - Quality Engineering - Reliability and Maintainability - SMA Technical Leadership - Software Assurance - System Safety The NSC’s Technical Excellence Office (TEO) is charged with encouraging technical excellence in NASA’s SMA community primarily through professional development products and services. TEO’s first initiative was the SMA Technical Excellence Program (STEP). STEP is a career-oriented, professional development roadmap for safety professionals, which is designed for the employee to learn specific knowledge and skills to improve performance in their current role.

Safety and Mission Assurance↗

Characterizations of Optimized Microshutter Arrays for Space Borne Observatory Applications

We report the latest design, fabrication, and characterization result of the Next-Generation Microshutter Arrays (NGMSA) for space borne observatory applications. Our improved blade design aims to reduce the counter torque induced by the potential on the opposing wall to eliminate the torque bump, and thus enables pure electrostatic actuation for more reliable and stable microshutter operations. This paper presents the experimental performances of micro-fabricated microshutter arrays with varying design parameters and compares the results with simulation predictions.

Electrostatic↗

An Integrated Architecture Study for Autonomous Lunar Construction

Lunar construction is an expanding field within NASA’s Moon to Mars objectives that presents many challenges and requires innovative and reliable forms of autonomous operations on the surface of the Moon to further the technologies needed for human space exploration. Marshal Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) Advanced Concepts Office (ACO) addressed Lunar Infrastructure Objective LI-4 l by developing a Pre-Phase A, integrated architecture to inform a demonstration for lunar construction operations. The ACO study traded three architectures that would survey and prepare a construction area to build a landing pad out of lunar regolith using MMPACT (Moon-to-Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology) platforms, rovers, and navigation outposts. The main trades examined navigation for the system/architecture, options for rover navigation, battery vs continuous tether power for the MMPACT robotic arm, and assigning site prep functionality to the rovers vs the platforms. Results of the study determined that the best options for the scenario provided would be local navigation (more accurate and continuous), a combination of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) for initial site mapping with subsequent Smart Video Guidance Sensors (SVGS) to save power for construction, and using tethered power to decrease mission duration. The team also concluded that assigning site prep functionality to either the rovers or the platforms has benefits and challenges; future studies could explore having that functionality on both the rovers and platforms. Lastly, the team provided a Concept of Operations (ConOps) timeline that can be used in real-time ground demonstrations to explore the mission timeline, construction processes, autonomous operations, and communication systems that can be tested using MSFC’s lunar regolith field and Lunar Utilization Control Area (LUCA).

Sarah Triana↗

Optimal Operation for Resilient and Economic Modes in an Islanded Alaskan Grid: Preprint

Power System is a complex system, with an objective to provide power to the customers. The objective is driven by a complex consideration of the secure, economic and resilient operation of the system. With the growing occurrence of extreme events emphasis has been shifted towards making the grid more resilient. However, an economic operation is still a priority for the utilities as well as its customers. Many utilities especially small isolated micro-grids do not emphasize much on an economic and resilient operation, but more on reliability. In this research we focus on striking a balance between economic and resilientoperation, ensuring reliability.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Electrostatic generator electrode-centering and seismic-isolation system for flywheel-based energy storage modules

Robust electro-static (ES) device embodiments, with application to energy storage flywheels as an example, are described that provide reliable, high-efficiency operation in the presence of thermal and mechanical perturbations, as well as seismic events. Electro-static generators and motors, when augmented with magnetic bearings, passive three-dimensional stabilization techniques and dynamic touch-down bearings, enable robust performance in the face of these environmental concerns, as well as efficient operation during typical operational sequences, including spin-up and steady-state modalities.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Smart Ventilation Controls Boost Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality

The average American household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) costs comprise nearly half of the bill. This is one reason why home builders focus on tightening building envelopes to save energy. Yet, limiting the potential for air exchange can negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). When outdoor conditions are most extreme during occupied periods, there may be comfort implications from continuing high levels of ventilation during associated weather events. This is true even with heat recovery. To mitigate risks, the Florida Solar Energy Center developed and tested approaches for “smart” ventilation system controls that enable more reliable design, installation, and operation to achieve desired IAQ while also minimizing energy and comfort impacts.

Building America↗

Smart Ventilation Controls Boost Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality

The average American household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) costs comprise nearly half of the bill. This is one reason why home builders focus on tightening building envelopes to save energy. Yet, limiting the potential for air exchange can negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). When outdoor conditions are most extreme during occupied periods, there may be comfort implications from continuing high levels of ventilation during associated weather events. This is true even with heat recovery. To mitigate risks, the Florida Solar Energy Center developed and tested approaches for “smart” ventilation system controls that enable more reliable design, installation, and operation to achieve desired IAQ while also minimizing energy and comfort impacts.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Technology Validation of Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure

NREL presented results from hydrogen refueling infrastructure evaluations by the National Fuel Cell Technology Evaluation Center, including current status of hydrogen fueling stations, what fuel cell electric vehicle owners can expect when using stations, cost to station operators and customers, and reliability of hydrogen stations.

39 EE - Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies (EE-3F↗

Electrostatic generator electrode-centering and seismic-isolation system for flywheel-based energy storage modules

Robust electro-static (ES) device embodiments, with application to energy storage flywheels as an example, are described that provide reliable, high-efficiency operation in the presence of thermal and mechanical perturbations, as well as seismic events. Electro-static generators and motors, when augmented with magnetic bearings, passive three-dimensional stabilization techniques and dynamic touch-down bearings, enable robust performance in the face of these environmental concerns, as well as efficient operation during typical operational sequences, including spin-up and steady-state modalities.

Post, Richard F.↗

Puerto Rico Grid and Recovery Post Hurricane Maria

This presentation discusses the impact of and recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. The hurricanes hit two weeks apart in 2017, resulting in damage to all elements (generation, distribution, and transmission) of Puerto Rico's already fragile energy system.

demand response↗

Managing Power Systems-Induced Wildfire Risks Using Optimal Scheduled Shutoffs: Preprint

The growing demands for electricity and the increase in extreme weather conditions are putting unprecedented pressure on our electrical grids. Oftentimes, this pressure leads to electrical components failures which might ignite wildfires. This work develops a novel model to balance the reliability of power networks operations and risks of wildfires ignition by optimizing the operational schedule of power transmission networks considering time-varying risk measures that consider exogenous and operational factors. Energy storage systems are considered to deliver power during peak wildfire hours and enable temporal load shifting. The problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program that maximizes a weighted sum of the served power demand and the reduction in grid-induced wildfires risk. The results demonstrate the ability of the model to reduce wildfires risks significantly without considerable load shedding.

energy scheduling↗

Release of a High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) Steady State Multiphysics Model to the Virtual Test Bed

In response to climate change, global governments and private industry have established a common goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 \cite{osti_1865910}. This goal requires a reassessment of current energy demands and production methods. Reducing emissions at an affordable cost while maintaining grid reliability requires a nationwide collaborative effort among government and industry in the United States. Nuclear power is the leading low-carbon electricity generation method. In the past 50 years, the use of nuclear power has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 60 gigatons and has played a crucial role in the security of energy supply~\cite{IEA}. In the U.S., nuclear power accounts for 20\% of the electrical supply and provides energy reliably. Advanced reactors will operate at higher temperatures, operate more efficiently, utilize more energy stored within fuel, and reduce the amount of waste produced \cite{osti_1616270}. To face these challenges and goals, the U.S. Department of Energy has created an initiative to focus on the modeling and simulation tools to support future nuclear power plant design, licensing, and operations. The Virtual Test Bed (VTB)~\cite{vtb2023} was launched by the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) in collaboration with the Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program to support the advanced nuclear reactor community. The VTB involves teams from both Idaho National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory and aims to provide example models for a broad range of both current and future advanced reactor designs. A feature of the VTB is the automatic testing of these models to ensure continued functionality as simulation tools are further developed. The VTB and the advanced reactor models documented there are important resources for this initiative. This work describes the inclusion of a new model on the VTB---a High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) steady-state model \cite{LABOURE2023109838}.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Digital Instrumentation & Controls Study with Operating Experience Data

The slides present the plan and working progress on the digital instrumentation and control (DI&C) study with nuclear industry operating experience data. They were originally prepared as a working document and presented to the NRC, but then was asked by the NRC to present to an EPRI/NRC meeting on DI&C. The slides will also be distributed to the meeting participants.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗