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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 235 records · Page 13

Cloud Motion Vectors from MISR using Sub-pixel Enhancements

The operational retrieval of height-resolved cloud motion vectors by the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer on the Terra satellite has been significantly improved by using sub-pixel approaches to co-registration and disparity assessment, and by imposing stronger quality control based on the agreement between independent forward and aft triplet retrievals. Analysis of the fore-aft differences indicates that CMVs pass the basic operational quality control 67% of the time, with rms differences - in speed of 2.4 m/s, in direction of 17 deg, and in height assignment of 290 m. The use of enhanced quality control thresholds reduces these rms values to 1.5 m/s, 17 deg and 165 m, respectively, at the cost of reduced coverage to 45%. Use of the enhanced thresholds also eliminates a tendency for the rms differences to increase with height. Comparison of CMVs from an earlier operational version that had slightly weaker quality control, with 6-hour forecast winds from the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office yielded very low bias values and an rms vector difference that ranged from 5 m/s for low clouds to 10 m/s for high clouds.

Davies, Roger↗

Dynamic Model of a supercritical CO2 10MW Recompression Closed Brayton Cycle

This model of the 10MW recompression closed Brayton cycle (RCBC) was developed in conjunction with the DOE’s Supercritical Transformational Electric Power (STEP) project. A high-fidelity dynamic model was used extensively to study the dynamic characteristics of the cycle and develop the process control architecture and strategies for start-up and shutdown procedures. This version of the model has been simplified from the original version to be more accessible for a variety of applications and research. The controllers developed for the original model have been maintained for this version and tuned to give a similar performance to the original model. This model can be used to perform similar studies as those performed in Liese et al (2020). The overall cycle performance will not be identical but will perform similarly.

Controls,Power Cycles,Process Systems Engineering,↗

Light Controller

Artificial lighting is designed to provide the light intensity necessary if there were no other source of illumination. But many rooms, particularly those in large-windowed office buildings, get a substantial amount of sunlight during the day. An automatic system which considers available sunlight and adjusts the artificial lighting level accordingly can trim energy costs appreciably. Such a system was developed by NASA's Kennedy Space Center. International Technology Corporation, Satellite Beach, Florida, obtained a NASA patent license for the technology, refined the design, and is now producing commercially an improved version known as the Automatic Lighting Controller.

Source record↗

Study of a unified hardware and software fault-tolerant architecture

A unified architectural concept, called the Fault Tolerant Processor Attached Processor (FTP-AP), that can tolerate hardware as well as software faults is proposed for applications requiring ultrareliable computation capability. An emulation of the FTP-AP architecture, consisting of a breadboard Motorola 68010-based quadruply redundant Fault Tolerant Processor, four VAX 750s as attached processors, and four versions of a transport aircraft yaw damper control law, is used as a testbed in the AIRLAB to examine a number of critical issues. Solutions of several basic problems associated with N-Version software are proposed and implemented on the testbed. This includes a confidence voter to resolve coincident errors in N-Version software. A reliability model of N-Version software that is based upon the recent understanding of software failure mechanisms is also developed. The basic FTP-AP architectural concept appears suitable for hosting N-Version application software while at the same time tolerating hardware failures. Architectural enhancements for greater efficiency, software reliability modeling, and N-Version issues that merit further research are identified.

Lala, Jaynarayan↗

Dual keel space station control/structures interaction study

A study was made to determine the influence of truss bay size on the performance of the space station control system. The objective was to determine if any control problems existed during reboost and to assess the level of potential control/structures interaction during operation of the control moment gyros used for vertical stabilization. The models analyzed were detailed finite-element representations of the 5 meter and 9 foot growth versions of the 300 kW dual keel station. Results are presented comparing the performance of the reboost control system for both versions of the space station. Standards for comparison include flexible effects at the attitude control sensor locations and flexible contributions to pointing error at the solar collectors. Bode analysis results are presented for the attitude control system and control, structural, and damping sensitivities are examined.

Young, John W.↗

Chapter 7: Learning Stable Local Volt/Var Controllers in Distribution Grids

This chapter describes a framework to synthesize provably stable local Volt/Var controllers for distributed energy resources (DERs) in power distribution grids (DGs). The goal is to control the reactive power injections of DERs to improve the system performance as quantified by a generic optimal reactive power flow (ORPF) problem. To achieve this, we jointly design for each DER the control function, which prescribes the reactive power update rule, and the equilibrium function, which approximates the ORPF solutions from local measurements of voltages and powers. We provide conditions on the equilibrium functions and the control parameters ensuring the stability of the closed-loop system. In particular, we discuss the trade-offs between each set of conditions accounting for practical considerations, like fully exploiting the DERs' generation capabilities and reducing the optimality gap. These conditions are then translated into learning constraints on the neural networks' parameters that are enforced in the training phase. We validate our framework with numerical simulations on the IEEE 37-bus network and through a comparison with an optimized version of standard piece wise linear control rules.

closed-loop asymptotic stability↗

Multidisciplinary Expert-aided Analysis and Design (MEAD)

The MEAD Computer Program (MCP) is being developed under the Multidisciplinary Expert-Aided Analysis and Design (MEAD) Project as a CAD environment in which integrated flight, propulsion, and structural control systems can be designed and analyzed. The MCP has several embedded computer-aided control engineering (CACE) packages, a user interface (UI), a supervisor, a data-base manager (DBM), and an expert system (ES). The supervisor monitors and coordinates the operation of the CACE packages, the DBM; the ES, and the UI. The DBM tracks the control design process. Models created or installed by the MCP are tracked by date and version, and results are associated with the specific model version with which they were generated. The ES is used to relieve the control engineer from tedious and cumbersome tasks in the iterative design process. The UI provides the capability for a novice as well as an expert to utilize the MCP easily and effectively. The MCP version 2(MCP-2.0) is fully developed for flight control system design and analysis. Propulsion system modeling, analysis, and simulation is also supported; the same is true for structural models represented in state-space form. The ultimate goal is to cover the integration of flight, propulsion, and structural control engineering, including all discipline-specific functionality and interfaces. The current MCP-2.0 components and functionality are discussed.

Hummel, Thomas C.↗

Analyses of requirements for computer control and data processing experiment subsystems: Image data processing system (IDAPS) software description (7094 version), volume 2

A description of each of the software modules of the Image Data Processing System (IDAPS) is presented. The changes in the software modules are the result of additions to the application software of the system and an upgrade of the IBM 7094 Mod(1) computer to a 1301 disk storage configuration. Necessary information about IDAPS sofware is supplied to the computer programmer who desires to make changes in the software system or who desires to use portions of the software outside of the IDAPS system. Each software module is documented with: module name, purpose, usage, common block(s) description, method (algorithm of subroutine) flow diagram (if needed), subroutines called, and storage requirements.

Source record↗

Systems development of a stall/spin research facility using remotely controlled/augmented aircraft models. Volume 1: Systems overview

A ground based, general purpose, real time, digital control system simulator (CSS) is specified, developed, and integrated with the existing instrumentation van of the testing facility. This CSS is built around a PDP-11/55, and its operational software was developed to meet the dual goal of providing the immediate capability to represent the F-18 drop model control laws and the flexibility for expansion to represent more complex control laws typical of control configured vehicles. Overviews of the two CSS's developed are reviewed as well as the overall system after their integration with the existing facility. Also the latest version of the F-18 drop model control laws (REV D) is described and the changes needed for its incorporation in the digital and analog CSS's are discussed.

Montoya, R. J.↗

Control of Torsional Vibrations by Pendulum Masses

Various versions of pendulum masses have been developed abroad within the past few years by means of which resonant vibrations of rotating shafts can be eliminated at a given tuning. They are already successfully employed on radial engines in the form of pendulous counterweights. Compared with the commonly known torsional vibration dampers, the pendulum masses have the advantage of being structurally very simple, requiring no internal damping and being capable of completely eliminating certain vibrations. Unexplained, so far, remains the problem of behavior of pendulum masses in other critical zones to which they are not tuned, their dynamic behavior at some tuning other than in resonance, and their effect within a compound vibration system and at simultaneous application of several differently tuned pendulous masses. These problems are analyzed in the present report. The results constitute an enlargement of the scope of application of pendulum masses, especially for in-line engines. Among other things it is found that the natural frequency of a system can be raised by means of a correspondingly tuned pendulum mass. The formulas necessary for the design of any practical version are developed, and a pendulum mass having two different natural frequencies simultaneously is described.

Stieglitz, Albert↗

Tracking and Positioning System for Floating Solar (CRADA Abstract)

The project goal is to develop a floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) tracking & position system that: (1) increases annual energy production of FPV projects by >10%, (2) lowers levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for FPV by >10%, and (3) leverages U.S. contract supply chain & manufacturing. The outcome of the project will be a certified tracking product that has undergone extensive field testing and is ready for commercial sales. The primary objectives for each budget period are: • BP1: Define product requirements, develop initial controls architecture and design other sub-components, complete small-scale pilot testing, install a larger-scale pilot, secure sites for commercial pilots, and develop the beta-version of a user portal. • BP2: complete control system and sub-component design, successful demonstration and testing at a commercial pilot, certification & bankability, finalize user portal, and complete various commercialization activities related to supply chain, customer acquisition, and sales. PNNL will provide support during both project phases for prototype development and testing of the controls architecture, software, and hardware components of the tracking and positioning system. PNNL will provide support during both project phases for prototype development and testing of the controls architecture, software, and hardware components of the tracking and positioning system. This effort represents PNNL’s first opportunity to support the floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) industry with capabilities, facilities, and personnel developed to contribute to the marine energy (e.g., wave and tidal energy) sector. This portfolio expansion leverages internal and DOE EERE investments and the growing visibility of PNNL-Sequim’s Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory (MCRL) and our marine research capabilities, in general. The development of effective and low-cost FPV platforms is a potential way to increase the nation’s set of tools for providing emission-free electricity without utilizing valuable terrestrial resources. Successful commercialization of such a project may lead to economic benefits through job creation, supply chain creation, and access to a cheaper source of electricity.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Circuit For Control Of Electromechanical Prosthetic Hand

Proposed circuit for control of electromechanical prosthetic hand derives electrical control signals from shoulder movements. Updated, electronic version of prosthesis, that includes two hooklike fingers actuated via cables from shoulder harness. Circuit built around favored shoulder harness, provides more dexterous movement, without incurring complexity of computer-controlled "bionic" or hydraulically actuated devices. Additional harness and potentiometer connected to similar control circuit mounted on other shoulder. Used to control stepping motor rotating hand about prosthetic wrist to one of number of angles consistent with number of digital outputs. Finger-control signals developed by circuit connected to first shoulder harness transmitted to prosthetic hand via sliprings at prosthetic wrist joint.

Bozeman, Richard J., Jr.↗

Software for Engineering Simulations of a Spacecraft

Spacecraft Engineering Simulation II (SES II) is a C-language computer program for simulating diverse aspects of operation of a spacecraft characterized by either three or six degrees of freedom. A functional model in SES can include a trajectory flight plan; a submodel of a flight computer running navigational and flight-control software; and submodels of the environment, the dynamics of the spacecraft, and sensor inputs and outputs. SES II features a modular, object-oriented programming style. SES II supports event-based simulations, which, in turn, create an easily adaptable simulation environment in which many different types of trajectories can be simulated by use of the same software. The simulation output consists largely of flight data. SES II can be used to perform optimization and Monte Carlo dispersion simulations. It can also be used to perform simulations for multiple spacecraft. In addition to its generic simulation capabilities, SES offers special capabilities for space-shuttle simulations: for this purpose, it incorporates submodels of the space-shuttle dynamics and a C-language version of the guidance, navigation, and control components of the space-shuttle flight software.

Shireman, Kirk↗

Non-Toxic Dual Thrust Reaction Control Engine Development for On-Orbit APS Applications

A non-toxic dual thrust proof-of-concept demonstration engine was successfully tested at the Aerojet Sacramento facility under a technology contract sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The goals of the NASA MSFC contract (NAS8-01109) were to develop and expand the technical maturity of a non-toxic, on-orbit auxiliary propulsion system (APS) thruster under the Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) program. The demonstration engine utilized the existing Kistler K-1 870 lbf LOX/Ethanol orbital maneuvering engine ( O m ) coupled with some special test equipment (STE) that enabled engine operation at 870 lbf in the primary mode and 25 lbf in the vernier mode. Ambient testing in primary mode varied mixture ratio (MR) from 1.28 to 1.71 and chamber pressure (P(c) from 110 to 181 psia, and evaluated electrical pulse widths (EPW) of 0.080, 0.100 and 0.250 seconds. Altitude testing in vernier mode explored igniter and thruster pulsing characteristics, long duration steady state operation (greater than 420 sec) and the impact of varying the percent fuel film cooling on vernier performance and chamber thermal response at low PC (4 psia). Data produced from the testing provided calibration of the performance and thermal models used in the design of the next version of the dual thrust Reaction Control Engine (RCE).

Robinson, Philip J.↗

Space shuttle: Static stability and control investigation of NR/GD delta wing booster (B-20) and delta wing orbiter (134D), volume 1

Experimental aerodynamic investigations have been made on a .0035 scale model North American Rockwell/General Dynamics version of the space shuttle. Static stability and control data were obtained on the delta wing booster alone (B-20) and with the delta wing orbiter (134D) mounted in various positions on the booster. Six component aerodynamic force and moment data were recorded over an angle of attack range from -10 deg to 24 deg at 0 deg and 6 deg sideslip angles and from -10 deg to +10 deg sideslip at 0 deg angle of attack. Mach number ranged from 0.6 to 4.96.

Allen, E. C.↗

Global transformations of nonlinear systems

Necessary and sufficient conditions for a nonlinear system of equations to be locally equivalent, in a neighborhood of the origin in the real number system, to a controllable linear system are combined with several versions of the global inverse function theorem to define sufficient conditions for transforming the nonlinear system into a linear system. Additionally, a technique is introduced for developing a transformation under the assumptions that the columns of a controllability matrix span an n-dimensional space. Finally, the n-l form of the controllability matrix columns is demonstrated to be involutive

Hunt, L. R.↗

Liquid-Flow Controller With Preset Break Pressure

Spraybar mechanism delivers liquid at rate that increases gradually with pressure of liquid, once pressure has exceeded minimum value. Alternative version of one described in article, "Liquid-Flow Controller Responds To Pressure" (MFS-28329). Orifice in shell rises on lower end of pintle as pressure in shell increases. Gap forms between pintle and orifice only after pressure reaches certain minimum value. Liquid then begins to flow out from cavity in shell. Once minimum pressure for flow reached, pressure increases gradually with increasing flow. This contrasts with behavior of fluid in fixed-area orifice, wherein pressure increases steeply with flow.

Cox, George B., Jr.↗

The New Cloud Absorption Radiometer (CAR) Software: One Model for NASA Remote Sensing Virtual Instruments

The Cloud Absorption Radiometer (CAR) instrument has been the most frequently used airborne instrument built in-house at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, having flown scientific research missions on-board various aircraft to many locations in the United States, Azores, Brazil, and Kuwait since 1983. The CAR instrument is capable of measuring scattered light by clouds in fourteen spectral bands in UV, visible and near-infrared region. This document describes the control, data acquisition, display, and file storage software for the new version of CAR. This software completely replaces the prior CAR Data System and Control Panel with a compact and robust virtual instrument computer interface. Additionally, the instrument is now usable for the first time for taking data in an off-aircraft mode. The new instrument is controlled via a LabVIEW v5. 1.1-developed software interface that utilizes, (1) serial port writes to write commands to the controller module of the instrument, and (2) serial port reads to acquire data from the controller module of the instrument. Step-by-step operational procedures are provided in this document. A suite of other software programs has been developed to complement the actual CAR virtual instrument. These programs include: (1) a simulator mode that allows pretesting of new features that might be added in the future, as well as demonstrations to CAR customers, and development at times when the instrument/hardware is off-location, and (2) a post-experiment data viewer that can be used to view all segments of individual data cycles and to locate positions where 'start' and stop' byte sequences were incorrectly formulated by the instrument controller. The CAR software described here is expected to be the basis for CAR operation for many missions and many years to come.

Roth, Don J.↗