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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 1,747 records · Page 97
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Betavoltaics with absorber layer containing coated scintillating particles

A beta-voltaic device made up of silica covered scintillating particles incorporated within an isotope absorbing layer to produce an improved power source. Lost beta particles are converted to UV light which is also converted to power in a beta-voltaic converter. The addition of the scintillating particles effectively increases the power efficiency of a BV device while maintaining the slim profile and smaller size of the power source. This arrangement makes possible implementation in space, defense, intelligence, medical implants, marine biology and other applications.

Hubbard, Lance R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Regio‐Regular Polymer Acceptors Enabled by Determined Fluorination on End Groups for All‐Polymer Solar Cells with 15.2 % Efficiency

Abstract Polymerization sites of small molecule acceptors (SMAs) play vital roles in determining device performance of all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). Different from our recent work about fluoro‐ and bromo‐ co‐modified end group of IC‐FBr (a mixture of IC‐FBr1 and IC‐FBr2), in this paper, we synthesized and purified two regiospecific fluoro‐ and bromo‐ substituted end groups (IC‐FBr‐ o & IC‐FBr‐ m ), which were then employed to construct two regio‐regular polymer acceptors named PYF‐T‐ o and PYF‐T‐ m , respectively . In comparison with its isomeric counterparts named PYF‐T‐ m with different conjugated coupling sites, PYF‐T‐ o exhibits stronger and bathochromic absorption to achieve better photon harvesting. Meanwhile, PYF‐T‐ o adopts more ordered inter‐chain packing and suitable phase separation after blending with the donor polymer PM6, which resulted in suppressed charge recombination and efficient charge transport. Strikingly, we observed a dramatic performance difference between the two isomeric polymer acceptors PYF‐T‐ o and PYF‐T‐ m . While devices based on PM6:PYF‐T‐ o can yield power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.2 %, devices based on PM6:PYF‐T‐ m only show poor efficiencies of 1.4 %. This work demonstrates the success of configuration‐unique fluorinated end groups in designing high‐performance regular polymer acceptors, which provides guidelines towards developing all‐PSCs with better efficiencies.

Yu, Han↗
DOE OSTI2021

Regio‐Regular Polymer Acceptors Enabled by Determined Fluorination on End Groups for All‐Polymer Solar Cells with 15.2 % Efficiency

Abstract Polymerization sites of small molecule acceptors (SMAs) play vital roles in determining device performance of all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). Different from our recent work about fluoro‐ and bromo‐ co‐modified end group of IC‐FBr (a mixture of IC‐FBr1 and IC‐FBr2), in this paper, we synthesized and purified two regiospecific fluoro‐ and bromo‐ substituted end groups (IC‐FBr‐ o & IC‐FBr‐ m ), which were then employed to construct two regio‐regular polymer acceptors named PYF‐T‐ o and PYF‐T‐ m , respectively . In comparison with its isomeric counterparts named PYF‐T‐ m with different conjugated coupling sites, PYF‐T‐ o exhibits stronger and bathochromic absorption to achieve better photon harvesting. Meanwhile, PYF‐T‐ o adopts more ordered inter‐chain packing and suitable phase separation after blending with the donor polymer PM6, which resulted in suppressed charge recombination and efficient charge transport. Strikingly, we observed a dramatic performance difference between the two isomeric polymer acceptors PYF‐T‐ o and PYF‐T‐ m . While devices based on PM6:PYF‐T‐ o can yield power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.2 %, devices based on PM6:PYF‐T‐ m only show poor efficiencies of 1.4 %. This work demonstrates the success of configuration‐unique fluorinated end groups in designing high‐performance regular polymer acceptors, which provides guidelines towards developing all‐PSCs with better efficiencies.

Yu, Han↗
DOE OSTI2019

A two-dimensional resistor network model for transition-edge sensors with normal metal features

Transition-edge sensors (TESs) can be used in high-resolution photon detection, exploiting the steep slope of the resistance in the superconducting-to-normal transition edge. Normal metal bars on the TES film are commonly used to engineer its transition shape, namely the dependence of resistance on temperature and current. This problem has been studied in one dimension, but until now, there have been no predictive models of the influence of two-dimensional (2-D) normal metal features on the TES transition shape. Here, we approach this problem by treating the TES as a 2-D network of resistors, the values of which are based on the two-fluid model. We introduce a study of the behavior of devices with different 2-D geometric features. Our 2-D network model is capable of predicting how typical TES geometry parameters, such as number of bars, bar spacing, and overall dimensions, influence device behavior and thus is a powerful tool to guide the engineering of new TES devices.

2-D resistors network↗
NASA NTRS1984

High efficiency IMPATT diodes for 60 GHz intersatellite link applications

Intersatellite links are expected to play an increasingly important role in future satellite systems. Improved components are required to properly utilize the wide bandwidth allocated for intersatellite link applications around 60 GHz. IMPATT diodes offer the highest potential performance as solid state power sources for a 60 GHz transmitter. Presently available devices do not have the desired power and efficiency. High efficiency, high power IMPATT diodes for intersatellite link applications are being developed by NASA and other government agencies. The development of high efficiency 60 GHz IMPATT diodes by NASA is described.

Haugland, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

High efficiency IMPATT diodes for 60 GHz intersatellite link applications

Intersatellite links are expected to play an increasingly important role in future satellite systems. Improved components are required to properly utilize the wide bandwidth allocated for intersatellite link applications around 60 GHz. IMPATT diodes offer the highest potential performance as solid state power sources for a 60 GHz transmitter. Presently available devices do not have the desired power and efficiency. High efficiency, high power IMPATT diodes for intersatellite link applications are being developed by NASA and other government agencies. This paper describes the development of high efficiency 60 GHz IMPATT diodes by NASA. These programs are cofunded by the U.S. Air Force, Space Division.

Haugland, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

High temperature power electronics for space

A high temperature electronics program at NASA Lewis Research Center focuses on dielectric and insulating materials research, development and testing of high temperature power components, and integration of the developed components and devices into a demonstrable 200 C power system, such as inverter. An overview of the program and a description of the in-house high temperature facilities along with experimental data obtained on high temperature materials are presented.

Hammoud, Ahmad N.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Devices and methods for managing noncombustible gasses in nuclear power plants

Systems passively eliminate noncondensable gasses from facilities susceptible to damage from combustion of built-up noncondensable gasses, such as H2 and O2 in nuclear power plants, without the need for external power and/or moving parts. Systems include catalyst plates installed in a lower header of the Passive Containment Cooling System (PCCS) condenser, a catalyst packing member, and/or a catalyst coating on an interior surface of a condensation tube of the PCCS condenser or an annular outlet of the PCCS condenser. Structures may have surfaces or hydrophobic elements that inhibit water formation and promote contact with the noncondensable gas. Noncondensable gasses in a nuclear power plant are eliminated by installing and using the systems individually or in combination. An operating pressure of the PCCS condenser may be increased to facilitate recombination of noncondensable gasses therein.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Devices and methods for managing noncondensable gasses in nuclear power plants

Systems passively eliminate noncondensable gasses from facilities susceptible to damage from combustion of built-up noncondensable gasses, such as H2 and O2 in nuclear power plants, without the need for external power and/or moving parts. Systems include catalyst plates installed in a lower header of the Passive Containment Cooling System (PCCS) condenser, a catalyst packing member, and/or a catalyst coating on an interior surface of a condensation tube of the PCCS condenser or an annular outlet of the PCCS condenser. Structures may have surfaces or hydrophobic elements that inhibit water formation and promote contact with the noncondensable gas. Noncondensable gasses in a nuclear power plant are eliminated by installing and using the systems individually or in combination. An operating pressure of the PCCS condenser may be increased to facilitate recombination of noncondensable gasses therein.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Cyber Protection of Grid-Connected Devices Through Embedded Online Security

Cybersecurity research regarding the electric power grid has primarily been focused on protecting the communication layer of grid-connected devices against cyber-attack threats. Although many developed methods have greatly reduced the effects of a cyber-attack on the vulnerabilities of grid-connected devices, discovering new vulnerabilities is inevitable and a constant threat. As a result, the overall reliability and security of network communications with regard to grid-connected devices is a concern. Here, this paper proposes a method that further secures a system by focusing on the control and hardware layer of grid-connected devices. The device’s controller firmware will be validated and authenticated using integrated device emulation resources prior to being activated to control the grid-connected device. This verification process is performed while the controller is online and actively controlling power flows related to the device. Therefore, an attack to the system through a malicious firmware patch would be detected by the online security and rejected while safely maintaining continuous and stable control of the device. This method integrates the concepts of firmware hot-patching, digital twins, and active monitoring into an overall cybersecurity protection system.

cybersecurity↗
NASA NTRS1976

Solid state remote power controllers for 120 VDC power systems

Remote Power controllers (RPCs) are devices that combine in one unit the capability to perform all the needed functions of load switching and provide total system protection of equipment and wires. The unique developments of solid-state RPCs for 120 Vdc power distribution systems are reviewed. The discussion covers design guidelines, power switch design concepts, and performance effectiveness. An NPN transistor is used as the the basic switch element. Since the ultimate goal of the 120 Vdc RPC program is to demonstrate technology readiness, the final phase is directed to the design, fabrication, and testing of multi-chip hybrid prototypes in hermetically sealed packages. RPCs have potential application in spacecraft and aircraft electrical systems, in transportation systems, and various industrial applications. The upper voltage limitation on the RPC design is related to the capability and availability of suitable high-voltage power transistors. The merits of solid-state RPCs are noted.

Sundberg, G. R.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Electrical and structural degradation of GaN high electron mobility transistors under high-power and high-temperature Direct Current stress

We have stressed AlGaN/GaN HEMTs (High Electron Mobility Transistors) under high-power and high-temperature DC conditions that resulted in various levels of device degradation. Following electrical stress, we conducted a well-established three-step wet etching process to remove passivation, gate and ohmic contacts so that the device surface can be examined by SEM and AFM. We have found prominent pits and trenches that have formed under the gate edge on the drain side of the device. The width and depth of the pits under the gate edge correlate with the degree of drain current degradation. In addition, we also found visible erosion under the full extent of the gate. The depth of the eroded region averaged along the gate width under the gate correlated with channel resistance degradation. Both electrical and structural analysis results indicate that device degradation under high-power DC conditions is of a similar nature as in better understood high-voltage OFF-state conditions. The recognition of a unified degradation mechanism provides impetus to the development of a degradation model with lifetime predictive capabilities for a broad range of operating conditions spanning from OFF-state to ON-state.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Drift-Diffusion Modeling of the Effects of Structural Disorder and Carrier Mobility on the Performance of Organic Photovoltaic Devices

We probe the effects of structural disorder on the performance of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices via drift-diffusion modeling. Here, we utilize ensembles of spatially disordered one-dimensional mobility profiles to approximate the three-dimensional structural disorder present in actual devices. Each replica in our ensemble approximates one high-conductivity pathway through the three-dimensional network(s) present in a polymer-based bulk heterojunction solar cell, so that the ensemble-averaged behavior provides a good approximation to a full three-dimensional structurally disordered device. Our calculations show that the short-circuit current, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency of simulated devices are all negatively impacted by the inclusion of structural disorder, but that the open-circuit voltage is nearly impervious to structural defects. This is in contrast to energetic disorder, where previous studies found that spatial variation in the energy in OPV active layers causes a decrease in the open-circuit voltage. We also show that structural disorder causes the greatest detriment to device performance for feature sizes between 2 and 10 nm. Since this is on the same length scale as the fullerene crystallites in experimental devices, it suggests both that controlling structural disorder is critical to the performance of OPV devices and that the effects of structural disorder should be included in future drift-diffusion modeling studies of organic solar cells.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Mode-coupling mechanisms in nanocontact spin-torque oscillators

Spin torque oscillators (STOs) are devices that allow for the excitation of a variety of magneto-dynamical modes at the nanoscale. Depending on both external conditions and intrinsic magnetic properties, STOs can exhibit regimes of mode-hopping and even mode coexistence. Whereas mode hopping has been extensively studied in STOs patterned as nanopillars, coexistence has been only recently observed for localized modes in nanocontact STOs (NC-STOs) where the current is confined to flow through a NC fabricated on an extended pseudo spin valve. We investigate the physical origin of the mode coupling mechanisms favoring coexistence, by means of electrical characterization and a multi-mode STO theory. Two coupling mechanisms are identified: (i) magnon mediated scattering and (ii) inter-mode interactions. These mechanisms can be physically disentangled by fabricating devices where the NCs have an elliptical cross-section. Furthermore, the generation power and linewidth from such devices are found to be in good qualitative agreement with the theoretical predictions, as well as provide evidence of the dominant mode coupling mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF): World-Class Systems Integration Capabilities and Research

The Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF), located at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) South Table Mountain campus, is a world-renowned user facility for research and development of modern, advanced, and clean energy technologies. ESIF is distinguished by its continuously evolving, highly integrated systems that span throughout the building, connecting research capabilities across multiple laboratories and test areas. The primary ESIF research systems include: [1] data, cyber, and control networks, [2] research electrical distribution buses (REDB), [3] thermal integration infrastructure, and [4] hydrogen systems. The data, cyber, and control networks provide monitoring, control, communication, automation, visualization, and time series data storage and tagging capabilities for research projects and ESIF systems, including facility safety functions. The REDB system consists of four dedicated AC and DC electrical power networks that can connect devices located across the facility through versatile, automatic circuit configuration to support complex power electronics experiments up to the megawatt-scale. The thermal integration infrastructure consists of three temperature-conditioned water loops that provide heating and cooling interfaces and capabilities for thermal energy research. The hydrogen systems provide megawatt-scale hydrogen production, drying, compression, high-pressure storage, and delivery to laboratory end uses, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fueling. The ESIF research systems interconnect and extend throughout the various lab areas of the facility to create elaborate networks composed of diverse technologies for cutting-edge research. The ESIF capabilities are operated and stewarded by the ESIF Research Operations group, who also actively upgrade and advance the systems to ensure they remain ahead of anticipated research - enabling the success of many pioneering energy integration projects. The poster, created by members of the ESIF Research Operations team, highlights and summarizes the four core integrated systems at ESIF. The poster was first presented at the internal NREL Energize Forum on May 13th, 2024, and received the "Best Poster" award.

capabilities↗