Lunar Power Distribution & Power Conditioning
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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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A Systematic Review on Coordinated Restoration Strategies for Power Distribution Grids
Power distribution grids are increasingly exposed to High-Impact Low-Probability (HILP) events, which cause widespread disruptions with severe societal and economic impacts. The growing complexity of modern grids, driven by the integration of distributed energy resources and smart grid technologies, has introduced new challenges to effective service restoration. While significant research has explored individual restoration strategies, such as network reconfiguration and microgrid formation, limited attention has been given to methods in which they can be effectively coordinated. Furthermore, the absence of systematic review papers addressing this issue hampers the development of cohesive restoration frameworks capable of addressing the operational complexities of modern grids. This paper presents a systematic review synthesizing existing knowledge on power grid restoration, identifying key limitations, and highlighting opportunities for coordinated strategies. By addressing research gaps and emphasizing the integration of diverse approaches, this study provides critical insights for advancing grid resiliency and recovery, offering a foundation for future research and practical applications in the face of HILP events.
Systematic review↗
High voltage systems (tube-type microwave)/low voltage system (solid-state microwave) power distribution
SPS satellite power distribution systems are described. The reference Satellite Power System (SPS) concept utilizes high-voltage klystrons to convert the onboard satellite power from dc to RF for transmission to the ground receiving station. The solar array generates this required high voltage and the power is delivered to the klystrons through a power distribution subsystem. An array switching of solar cell submodules is used to maintain bus voltage regulation. Individual klystron dc voltage conversion is performed by centralized converters. The on-board data processing system performs the necessary switching of submodules to maintain voltage regulation. Electrical power output from the solar panels is fed via switch gears into feeder buses and then into main distribution buses to the antenna. Power also is distributed to batteries so that critical functions can be provided through solar eclipses.
Nussberger, A. A.↗
Principles of power distribution and sequencing.
Power distribution and sequential control of vehicle operations, examining Mercury tower jettison procedure
ELECTRIC POWER CONVERSION↗
Power distribution for electron beam welding
The power distribution of an electron seam is analyzed. Digital computer techniques are used to evaluate the radial distribution of power detected by a wire probe circulating through the beam. Results are reported.
Edwards, E.↗
Advanced aerospace power distribution and control techniques.
Conventional power distribution and control systems as employed in Apollo space vehicles and modern aircraft are reviewed, and arguments are presented in favor of applying some new techniques in the design of electric power systems for future manned spacecraft. Current Space Shuttle studies show that each pound of weight for supporting subsystems causes overall vehicle weight at launch to increase by 34.5 lb, with proportional cost penalty. The presently available technology for an improved automatic or semiautomatic distribution and control system should be implemented. A systems approach based on the most current technology is discussed along with a unique method of system development, testing, and evaluation.
Jeffcoat, T. D.↗
Space shuttle electric power distribution considerations
Space shuttle electric power distribution system design and development
Felch, J. L.↗
Apollo experience report: Command and service module electrical power distribution on subsystem
A review of the design philosophy and development of the Apollo command and service modules electrical power distribution subsystem, a brief history of the evolution of the total system, and some of the more significant components within the system are discussed. The electrical power distribution primarily consisted of individual control units, interconnecting units, and associated protective devices. Because each unit within the system operated more or less independently of other units, the discussion of the subsystem proceeds generally in descending order of complexity; the discussion begins with the total system, progresses to the individual units of the system, and concludes with the components within the units.
Munford, R. E.↗
LuSEE-night power distribution system design
The Lunar Surface Electromagnetic Experiment at Night (LuSEE-Night) is a low-frequency, 0.5 to 50 MHz, radio experiment on the radio-quiet far side of the Moon. The instrument will be launched by NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services in 2026. The LuSEE-Night instrument core is composed of a radio frequency spectrometer (SPT) processing signals from four antennas, the Data Controller Board (DCB), low electromagnetic interference (EMI) Picket Fence Power Supply (PFPS), and Power Distribution Unit (PDU). The battery powers the instrument during the lunar night and stores energy harvested by the solar panel array during the lunar day. The battery charging is controlled by the Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU). The unregulated power is supplied either by the SpaceCraft (S/C) or the battery and gets distributed to the PFPS, communication radio, heaters, and deployables through the PDU. The PFPS generates all regulated low-voltage rails using switching regulation synchronized to the LuSEE-Night clock, which ensures self-generated EMI will be confined to well-defined frequency bins. Here, we discussed the unregulated power distribution system architecture and functionality. The PDU engineering and flight modules are developed and characterized to confirm compliance with LuSEE-Night requirements. At the time of writing, all power subsystem components have been integrated into the payload.
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
Laboratory Evaluation of Federated, Hierarchical Controls for Distribution Power System Management: Preprint
The connection of more loads and distributed energy resources (DERs) to the distribution power system brings both challenges and opportunities to system operators. There are opportunities to aggregate flexible loads and DERs to provide transmission grid services, but the coordinated actions of DERs being managed by independent, third-party DER aggregators to support transmission system operations can present challenges. We developed a federated DER management architecture and control framework that aims to manage heterogeneous DERs to deliver reliable transmission grid services while respecting distribution system constraints. The controls include stochastic day-ahead optimization, model predictive control, and a simple real-time management scheme. We present simulation results obtained from a realistic laboratory test bed of federated controls managing DERs within a substation service area to make the substation net power follow the optimal net power determined by the day-ahead optimization based on cost and limiting reverse power flow.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
Multi-kw dc power distribution system study program
The first phase of the Multi-kw dc Power Distribution Technology Program is reported and involves the test and evaluation of a technology breadboard in a specifically designed test facility according to design concepts developed in a previous study on space vehicle electrical power processing, distribution, and control. The static and dynamic performance, fault isolation, reliability, electromagnetic interference characterisitics, and operability factors of high distribution systems were studied in order to gain a technology base for the use of high voltage dc systems in future aerospace vehicles. Detailed technical descriptions are presented and include data for the following: (1) dynamic interactions due to operation of solid state and electromechanical switchgear; (2) multiplexed and computer controlled supervision and checkout methods; (3) pulse width modulator design; and (4) cable design factors.
Berkery, E. A.↗
Laboratory Evaluation of Federated, Hierarchical Controls for Distribution Power System Management
This presentation provides an overview of the laboratory evaluation of federated, hierarchical controls for distribution power system management.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
Experimental detailed power distribution in a fast spectrum thermionic reactor fuel element at the core/BeO reflector interface region
A zero-power critical assembly was designed, constructed, and operated for the prupose of conducting a series of benchmark experiments dealing with the physics characteristics of a UN-fueled, Li-7-cooled, Mo-reflected, drum-controlled compact fast reactor for use with a space-power conversion system. The critical assembly was modified to simulate a fast spectrum advanced thermionics reactor by: (1) using BeO as a reflector in place of some of the existing molybdenum, (2) substituting Nb-1Zr tubing for some of the existing Ta tubing, and (3) inserting four full-scale mockups of thermionic type fuel elements near the core and BeO reflector boundary. These mockups were surrounded with a buffer zone having the equivalent thermionic core composition. In addition to measuring the critical mass of this thermionic configuration, a detailed power distribution in one of the thermionic element stages in the mixed spectrum region was measured. A power peak to average ratio of two was observed for this fuel stage at the midplane of the core and adjacent to the reflector. Also, the power on the outer surface adjacent to the BeO was slightly more than a factor of two larger than the power on the inside surface of a 5.08 cm (2.0 in.) high annular fuel segment with a 2.52 cm (0.993 in. ) o.d. and a 1.86 cm (0.731 in.) i.d.
Klann, P. G.↗
Calculated power distribution of a thermionic, beryllium oxide reflected, fast-spectrum reactor
A procedure is developed and used to calculate the detailed power distribution in the fuel elements next to a beryllium oxide reflector of a fast-spectrum, thermionic reactor. The results of the calculations show that, although the average power density in these outer fuel elements is not far from the core average, the power density at the very edge of the fuel closest to the beryllium oxide is about 1.8 times the core avearge.
Mayo, W.↗
Adaptive Reinforcement Learning Control for Power Distribution in Multi-Output Resonant Converters
This paper presents an adaptive reinforcement learning (ARL)-based control framework for efficient power distribution in a multi-output resonant converter for UAV applications. The proposed system is based on a high-frequency isolated resonant architecture, where a single energy source supplies multiple propulsion loads through independently controlled output rectifiers, addressing the need for coordinated multi-motor power management. The ARL framework dynamically allocates output power by learning optimal phase-shift control actions under varying load demands and operating conditions. The agent autonomously determines control parameters that maximize conversion efficiency while ensuring accurate power sharing among multiple outputs. In addition, the proposed approach enables adaptive operation without requiring detailed system modeling or manual tuning. Experimental results demonstrate stable and efficient performance over a wide range of operating conditions, confirming the effectiveness and robustness of the learning-based control strategy for multi-output resonant converter system.
Asa, Erdem [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000190884812)↗
Enhancing Power Distribution System Resilience with Fusion-GNN: A Dynamic Graph Representation Learning Approach
This paper explores the applications of Fusion Graph Neural Network (FuGNN) on power distribution systems. FuGNN effectively models dynamic networks with evolving topology and features. Applied to power system network reconfiguration, FuGNN demonstrates its feasibility in optimizing switch configurations to minimize unserved loads and operational costs during extreme events. Additionally, FuGNN supports various downstream tasks, such as node feature prediction, further enhancing its versatility and applicability in power system resilience.
Liu, Boming↗
Short circuit protection for a power distribution system
Sensing circuit detects when the output from a matrix is present and when it should be present. The circuit provides short circuit protection for a power distribution system where the selection of the driven load is accomplished by digital logic.
Owen, J. R., III↗
Meta-Learning Enhanced Physics-Informed Graph Attention Convolutional Network for Distribution Power System State Estimation
Promptly perceiving distribution system states is challenged by frequent topology changes and uncertain power injections. To address these issues, a Meta-learning enhanced physics-informed graph attention convolutional network (Meta-PIGACN) model is proposed to handle topological variability in distribution system state estimation (DSSE). Specifically, physics information is integrated into the graph convolutional network, enabling a physics-informed edge-weighting process that incorporates physical information to control the aggregation of neighboring nodes. Besides, the graph attention mechanism automatically adjusts the importance of different neighboring nodes, allowing the capture and preservation of inherent system features across varying topologies, thereby improving state estimation accuracy. Furthermore, meta-learning is proposed to acquire empirical knowledge across multiple topologies so that the model can rapidly adapt to new configurations through iterative gradient descent updates even in large-scale systems. In conclusion, the simulation results based on the 33/118/1746-node distribution systems show the high accuracy and efficiency of the proposed model.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗