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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 1,693 records · Page 94

Optimal Litz Wire Design for High-Power Wireless Charging System

In this study, an optimized Litz wire and polyphase coil winding design is proposed for high-power wireless charging systems operating at 85 kHz frequency. Litz wire in a wireless charging system contributes to more than half of the losses of the system, making it a critical design component. Here, the Litz wire is optimized through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) considering electrical and mechanical design aspects and the design was validated through experimental tests on different Litz wires with various strand-diameters, twisting ratio, and number of strands. The proposed optimal Litz wire maximizes the system efficiency considering the tradeoff between coil resistance and mutual inductance. The optimal Litz wire shows that Litz wire constructed with the 63µm strands significantly outperform the traditionally used Litz wire with 100µm strand diameter. Additionally, the coil with optimal Litz wire design shows 60% reduction in the copper volume for the same loss, and at the same time increase the coil-to-coil efficiency by more than 2% by increasing the mutual inductance and reducing coil current. The optimized Litz wire was implemented in a 22-kW wireless charging system achieving 94.7% efficiency.

Aydin, Emrullah [ORNL]↗

Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Distribution Network Voltage and Sensor Allocation

Increasing penetration levels of fast-varying energy resources might negatively affect power system operation. At the same time, sensor deployment throughout distribution networks improves system awareness and enables the development of new and advanced voltage control solutions. Such control techniques rely on accurate prediction in anticipation of voltage violation scenarios. This paper analyzes various approaches to voltage prediction in a distribution system, and it is shown that combining multiple techniques into a single regressor improves its predictive power. Moreover, a two-step regressor is proposed in which initial predictions based on a global regressor are refined by local regressors; in this case, prediction errors decrease significantly. Additionally, a clustering approach is employed to perform sensor allocation so that only the most influential buses are selected for monitoring without diminishing prediction accuracy.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Characterizing Output Bottlenecks of a Production Supercomputer: Analysis and Implications

This article studies the I/O write behaviors of the Titan supercomputer and its Lustre parallel file stores under production load. The results can inform the design, deployment, and configuration of file systems along with the design of I/O software in the application, operating system, and adaptive I/O libraries.We propose a statistical benchmarking methodology to measure write performance across I/O configurations, hardware settings, and system conditions. Moreover, we introduce two relative measures to quantify the write-performance behaviors of hardware components under production load. In addition to designing experiments and benchmarking on Titan, we verify the experimental results on one real application and one real application I/O kernel, XGC and HACC IO, respectively. These two are representative and widely used to address the typical I/O behaviors of applications.In summary, we find that Titan’s I/O system is variable across the machine at fine time scales. This variability has two major implications. First, stragglers lessen the benefit of coupled I/O parallelism (striping). Peak median output bandwidths are obtained with parallel writes to many independent files, with no striping or write sharing of files across clients (compute nodes). I/O parallelism is most effective when the application—or its I/O libraries—distributes the I/O load so that each target stores files for multiple clients and each client writes files on multiple targets in a balanced way with minimal contention. Second, our results suggest that the potential benefit of dynamic adaptation is limited. In particular, it is not fruitful to attempt to identify “good locations” in the machine or in the file system: component performance is driven by transient load conditions and past performance is not a useful predictor of future performance. For example, we do not observe diurnal load patterns that are predictable.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Plated wire memory subsystem

The design, construction, and test history of a 4096 word by 18 bit random access NDRO Plated Wire Memory for use in conjunction with a spacecraft input/output and central processing unit is reported. A technical and functional description is given along with diagrams illustrating layout and systems operation. Test data is shown on the procedures and results of system level and memory stack testing, and hybrid circuit screening. A comparison of the most significant physical and performance characteristics of the memory unit versus the specified requirements is also included.

Carpenter, K. H.↗

The potable water system in Skylab

Description of the medical requirements, development, system operation, and in-flight performance of the Skylab potable water system. Emphasized is the description of the unique features involving new space-flight concepts, procedures, and design incorporated in Skylab. The water supplied to the three Skylab missions was preloaded in stainless-steel tanks. These tanks were fitted with positive expulsion stainless-steel bellows. In-flight iodination of the water, for bacterial control, was accomplished as required. An in-flight bactericide monitor was used periodically to determine the level of bactericide in the water. Prior to the delivery of the water to the crewmen for consumption, the water was passed through a cation exchange resin for metallic ion removal and then heated for food reconstitution or chilled for drinking.

R. L. Sauer↗

Research in the Aloha system

The Aloha system was studied and developed and extended to advanced forms of computer communications networks. Theoretical and simulation studies of Aloha type radio channels for use in packet switched communications networks were performed. Improved versions of the Aloha communications techniques and their extensions were tested experimentally. A packet radio repeater suitable for use with the Aloha system operational network was developed. General studies of the organization of multiprocessor systems centered on the development of the BCC 500 computer were concluded.

Abramson, N.↗

Ku-band signal design study

Analytical tools, methods and techniques for assessing the design and performance of the space shuttle orbiter data processing system (DPS) are provided. The computer data processing network is evaluated in the key areas of queueing behavior synchronization and network reliability. The structure of the data processing network is described as well as the system operation principles and the network configuration. The characteristics of the computer systems are indicated. System reliability measures are defined and studied. System and network invulnerability measures are computed. Communication path and network failure analysis techniques are included.

Rubin, I.↗

Performance test for a solar water heater

Two reports describe procedures and results of performance tests on domestic solar powered hot water system. Performance tests determine amount of energy collected by system, amount of energy delivered to solar source, power required to operate system and maintain proper tank temperature, overall system efficiency, and temperature distribution in tank.

Source record↗

Lagged average forecasting, some operational considerations

The Lagged Average Forecast (LAF) method differs from the Monte Carlo Forecast (MCF) method in the definition of the ensemble of initial states which are used to generate the ensemble of forecasts. The LAF initial states are the current analysis and the forecasts made from previous analyses verifying the current time. Thus the LAF ensemble is composed of forecasts which are made by a regular operational system of numerical weather prediction and the LAF method is therefore operationally attractive. The application of the authors' previous ideas and results to an operational model requires the resolution of what might be called the degrees of freedom problem, i.e., how to obtain a homogeneous sample large enough to calculate stable statistics. It is suggested that this problem may be solved by carefully modeling the required statistics in terms of a small set of parameters and then estimating only these few parameters from the data. It is noted that there may be considerable information in each initial ensemble relating to the predictability of each particular case, and that this information may be incorporated in the model of the statistics.

Hoffman, R. N.↗

Cell Maintenance Systems

Living human cells require attachment to a suitable surface and special culture conditions in order to grow. These requirements are modified and amplified when cells are taken into a weightless environment. Special handling and maintenance systems are required for routine laboratory procedures conducted in the Orbiter and in the Spacelab. Methods were developed to maintain cells in special incubators designed for the Orbiter middeck, however, electrophoresis and other experiments require cells to be harvested off of the culture substrate before they can be processed or used. The cell transport assembly (CTA) was flown on STS-8, and results show that improvements are required to maintain adequate numbers of cells in this device longer than 48 hours. The life sciences middeck centrifuge probably can be used, but modifications will be required to transfer cells from the CTA and keep the cells sterile. Automated systems such as the Skylab SO-15 flight hardware and crew operated systems are being evaluated for use on the Space Shuttle, Spacelab, and Space Station research modules.

Morrison, D. R.↗

Application of intersatellite links to domestic satellite systems

The results of a study on intersatellite link (ISL) applications for domestic satellite communications are presented. It was determined if any technical, economic, or performance benefits could be gained by introducing intersatellite links into a domestic satellite communication network. Several key systems issues of domestic ISL's are addressed. These include the effect of a skewed traffic distribution on the selection of ISL satellite orbit locations, tolerable satellite spacing, and crosslink traffic-handling requirements. An ISL technology assessment is made by performing a parametric link analysis for several microwave and optical implementations. The impact of the crosslink on the end-to-end link performance is investigated for both regenerative and nonregenerative ISL architectures. A comparison is made between single satellite systems operating at C-, and Ku-bands and the corresponding ISL systems in terms of ground segment cost, space segment cost, and net link performance. Results indicate that ISL's can effectively expand the CONUS orbital arc, with a 60 GHz ISL implementation being the most attractive.

Ponchak, D. S.↗

Application of intersatellite links to domestic satellite systems

The results of a study on intersatellite link (ISL) applications for domestic satellite communications are presented. It was determined if any technical, economic, or performance benefits could be gained by introducing intersatellite links into a domestic satellite communication network. Several key systems issues of domestic ISL's are addressed. These include the effect of a skewed traffic distribution on the selection of ISL satellite orbit locations, tolerable satellite spacing, and crosslink traffic-handling requirements. An ISL technology assessment is made by performing a parametric link analysis for several microwave and optical implementations. The impact of the crosslink on the end-to-end link performance is investigated for both regenerative and nonregenerative ISL architectures. A comparison is made between single satellite systems operating at C-, and Ku-bands and the corresponding ISL systems in terms of ground segment cost, space segment cost, and net link performance. Results indicate that ISL's can effectively expand the CONUS orbital arc, with a 60 GHz ISL implementation being the most attractive.

Ponchak, D. S.↗

A design for a new catalog manager and associated file management for the Land Analysis System (LAS)

Due to the larger number of different types of files used in an image processing system, a mechanism for file management beyond the bounds of typical operating systems is necessary. The Transportable Applications Executive (TAE) Catalog Manager was written to meet this need. Land Analysis System (LAS) users at the EROS Data Center (EDC) encountered some problems in using the TAE catalog manager, including catalog corruption, networking difficulties, and lack of a reliable tape storage and retrieval capability. These problems, coupled with the complexity of the TAE catalog manager, led to the decision to design a new file management system for LAS, tailored to the needs of the EDC user community. This design effort, which addressed catalog management, label services, associated data management, and enhancements to LAS applications, is described. The new file management design will provide many benefits including improved system integration, increased flexibility, enhanced reliability, enhanced portability, improved performance, and improved maintainability.

Greenhagen, Cheryl↗

Research into display sharing techniques for distributed computing environments

The X-based Display Sharing solution for distributed computing environments is described. The Display Sharing prototype includes the base functionality for telecast and display copy requirements. Since the prototype implementation is modular and the system design provided flexibility for the Mission Control Center Upgrade (MCCU) operational consideration, the prototype implementation can be the baseline for a production Display Sharing implementation. To facilitate the process the following discussions are presented: Theory of operation; System of architecture; Using the prototype; Software description; Research tools; Prototype evaluation; and Outstanding issues. The prototype is based on the concept of a dedicated central host performing the majority of the Display Sharing processing, allowing minimal impact on each individual workstation. Each workstation participating in Display Sharing hosts programs to facilitate the user's access to Display Sharing as host machine.

Hugg, Steven B.↗

Automated screening of propulsion system test data by neural networks, phase 1

The evaluation of propulsion system test and flight performance data involves reviewing an extremely large volume of sensor data generated by each test. An automated system that screens large volumes of data and identifies propulsion system parameters which appear unusual or anomalous will increase the productivity of data analysis. Data analysts may then focus on a smaller subset of anomalous data for further evaluation of propulsion system tests. Such an automated data screening system would give NASA the benefit of a reduction in the manpower and time required to complete a propulsion system data evaluation. A phase 1 effort to develop a prototype data screening system is reported. Neural networks will detect anomalies based on nominal propulsion system data only. It appears that a reasonable goal for an operational system would be to screen out 95 pct. of the nominal data, leaving less than 5 pct. needing further analysis by human experts.

Hoyt, W. Andes↗

Communications and control for electric power systems: Power system stability applications of artificial neural networks

This report investigates the application of artificial neural networks to the problem of power system stability. The field of artificial intelligence, expert systems, and neural networks is reviewed. Power system operation is discussed with emphasis on stability considerations. Real-time system control has only recently been considered as applicable to stability, using conventional control methods. The report considers the use of artificial neural networks to improve the stability of the power system. The networks are considered as adjuncts and as replacements for existing controllers. The optimal kind of network to use as an adjunct to a generator exciter is discussed.

Toomarian, N.↗

HiRel: Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor (HARP) integrated reliability tool system, (version 7.0). Volume 1: HARP introduction and user's guide

The Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor (HARP) integrated Reliability (HiRel) tool system for reliability/availability prediction offers a toolbox of integrated reliability/availability programs that can be used to customize the user's application in a workstation or nonworkstation environment. HiRel consists of interactive graphical input/output programs and four reliability/availability modeling engines that provide analytical and simulative solutions to a wide host of reliable fault-tolerant system architectures and is also applicable to electronic systems in general. The tool system was designed to be compatible with most computing platforms and operating systems, and some programs have been beta tested, within the aerospace community for over 8 years. Volume 1 provides an introduction to the HARP program. Comprehensive information on HARP mathematical models can be found in the references.

Bavuso, Salvatore J.↗

A Low-Cost Clustered Archive Approach for Storing Remote Sensing Data

As part of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Data and Information System (EOSDIS), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) Data Processing System (MODAPS) is now processing data from two instruments on the EOS flag ship spacecraft Terra and Aqua. Between the two, MODAPS is generating over 1 Terrabyte of data per day and has surpassed 3 Petabytes of total data. The bulk of the data is stored near-line in StorageTek Powerhorn tape jukeboxes. Accessing data that has been moved to tape involves submitting an order, scheduling the tape, and waiting for the data to become available. I am developing a low cost clustered archive that could enable storing a very large amount of data such as the MODIS data described above in an organized fashion on a cluster of commodity hardware using low cost SATA hard drives such that the files are directly available online. The system takes full advantage of Open Source software, using the GNULinux operating system, PostgreSQL relational database and the Apache HTTP Server. This poster session will depict my approach, the interface to the archive, a brief discussion of the internals of the system and some performance numbers from my prototyping. I will also describe various costs and benefits of this approach versus the traditional large tape jukebox approach currently in use in the EOSDIS.

Tilmes, Curt↗