Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Solar Research”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Extraterrestrial applications of solar optics for interior illumination

Solar optics is a terrestrial technology that has potential extraterrestrial applications. Active solar optics (ASO) and passive solar optics (PSO) are two approaches to the transmission of sunlight to remote interior spaces. Active solar optics is most appropriate for task illumination, while PSO is most appropriate for general illumination. Research into solar optics, motivated by energy conservation, has produced lightweight and low-cost materials, products that have applications to NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) program and its lunar base studies. Specifically, prism light guides have great potential in these contexts. Several applications of solar optics to lunar base concepts are illustrated.

Eijadi, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Workshop on Heteroepitaxial InP Solar Cells

In a generic sense, the justification for any sort of InP solar cell research applies, i.e. to take advantage of the inherently high radiation resistance and efficiency of InP solar cells. To be more specific, the approach is justified by its potential for significant cost reduction and the availability of greatly increased cell area afforded by substrates such as Si and Ge. The use of substrates, such as the latter two, would result in increased ruggedness, ease of handling, and improved manufacturability. The use of more rugged substrates would lead to a greatly increased capability for cell thinning leading to the desirable feature of reduced array weight.

Weinberg, I.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Solar Design/Install Labor Quantification (Cooperative Research and Development Final Report)

The goals of this project were to quantify the rate and/or total expected labor expenditure of engineers designing solar arrays and electricians installing solar across a spectrum of project sizes and configurations. Specifically, procuring and analyzing labor data from solar engineering firms relating to the amount of time it takes an engineer to design a solar project, the amount of time it takes an engineer to perform a wiring or stringing design, the amount of time it takes an electrician to install a solar project and the amount of time it takes electricians to install the strings of a solar array. Then these details could be analyzed to evaluate labor intensity for solar design/installation. These goals were unable to be completed because the participant was unable to collect the necessary data for analysis.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1981

Advances in space power research and technology at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Progress and plans in various areas of the NASA Space Power Program are discussed. Solar cell research is narrowed to GaAs, multibandgap, and thin Si cells for arrays in planar and concentrator configurations, with further work to increase cell efficiency, radiation hardness, develop flexible encapsulants, and reduce cost. Electrochemical research is concentrating on increasing energy and power density, cycle and wet stand life, reliability and cost reduction of batteries. Further development of the Ni-H2 battery and O2-H2 fuel cell to multihundred kW with a 5 year life and 30,000 cycles is noted. Basic research is ongoing for alkali metal anodes for high energy density secondary cells. Nuclear thermoelectric propulsion is being developed for outer planets exploration propulsion systems, using Si-Ge generators, and studies with rare earth chalcogenides and sulfides are mentioned. Power Systems Management seeks to harmonize increasing power supply levels with inner and outer spacecraft environments, circuits, demands, and automatic monitoring. Concomitant development of bipolar transistors, an infrared rectenna, spacecraft charging measurement, and larger heat pipe transport capacity are noted.

Mullin, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The growth of solar radiated yeast

This researcher plans to determine if solar radiation affects the growth of yeast. The irradiated yeast was obtained from a sample exposed in space during a Space Shuttle flight of September 9-20, 1994. Further, the control groups were held at: (1) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland; and (2) South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The procedure used was based on the fact that yeast is most often used in consumable baked goods. Therefore, the yeast was incorporated into a basic Betty Crocker bread recipe. Data was collected by placing measured amounts of dough into sample containers with fifteen minute growth in height measurements collected and recorded. This researcher assumed the viability of yeast to be relative to its ability to produce carbon dioxide gas and cause the dough to rise. As all ingredients and surroundings were equal, this researcher assumed the yeast will produce the only significant difference in data collected. This researcher noted the approximate use date on all sample packages to be prior to arrival and experiment date. All dates equal, it was then assumed each would act in a similar manner of response. This assumption will allow for equally correct data collection.

Kraft, Tyrone↗
NASA NTRS1991

A continued program of planetary study at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory

The program conducts solar system research in support of NASA missions and of general astronomical interest. Investigations of composition, physical characteristics and changes in solar system bodies are conducted primarily using the facilities of McDonald Observatory. Progress, accomplishments, and projected accomplishments are discussed.

Trafton, L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Low-dimensional carbon materials decorated FAPbI 3 for carbon-based perovskite solar cells

Carbon nanomaterials are at the forefront of research in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to their exceptional electrical, optical, and stability properties. Their diverse applications include serving as interfacial layers, additives, hole and electron transport materials, and back electrodes. While the influence of various low-dimensional carbon nanomaterial structures on crystallinity, optical and electrical performance, and overall device efficiency has been a topic of interest, it has not been thoroughly explored until now. In this study, we effectively integrated carbon quantum dots (CQDs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and graphene into the FAPbI 3 photoactive layer using a two-step sequential deposition method. Our experiments revealed marked improvements in the photovoltaic performance of PSCs that incorporated all three types of carbon nanomaterials. In particular, the data shows significant enhancements in power conversion efficiency, demonstrating the effectiveness of these materials in optimizing device functionality. Notably, MWCNTs distinguished themselves by exhibiting a remarkable potential for enhancing long-term stability. This finding underscores the importance of selecting the right carbon nanomaterials for future PSC developments, paving the way for more reliable and efficient solar energy solutions. As a result, our research highlights the critical role of carbon nanomaterials in advancing perovskite solar technology.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1985

Principles of magnetohydrodynamic simulation in space plasmas

Attention is given to the philosophical as well as physical principles that are essential to the establishment of MHD simulation studies for solar plasma research, assuming the capabilities of state-of-the-art computers and emphasizing the importance of 'local' MHD simulation. Solar-terrestrial plasma space is divided into several elementary regions where a macroscopic elementary energy conversion process could conceivably occur; the local MHD simulation is defined as self-contained in each of the regions. The importance of, and the difficulties associated with, the boundary condition are discussed in detail. The roles of diagnostics and of the finite difference method are noted.

Sato, T.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A continued program of planetary study

This program conducts solar system research in support of NASA missions and of general astronomical interest. Investigations of the composition, physical characteristics, and changes in solar system bodies are conducted primarily utilizing facilities of McDonald Observatory, but also utilizing various space vehicles where appropriate. The first detection of 2 micrometer II2 emission from Jupiter's southern auroral zone was made. Previous detection of northern auroral emission from Jupiter's H2 S(1) quadrupole line at 2.12 micrometer was confirmed. Unlike the previously known 8 micrometer aurorae, this phenomenon can not be thermal in origin. Analysis of Raman scattering in the blue and ultraviolet spectrum of Uranus (200 to 500 Angstroms) show that there must be absorbing aerosol particles in the upper 10 mbar region of the atmosphere. Spectra of Pluto-Charon in and out of eclipse in the red and near IR were obtained. These data confirm that CH4 is confined to Pluto and absent on Charon.

Smith, Harlan↗
NASA NTRS1989

Design of a Solar Sail Mission to Mars

A new area of interest in space vehicles is the solar sail. Various applications for which it has been considered are attitude control of satellites, focusing light on the jungles of Vietnam, and a Halley's comet rendezvous. Although for various reasons these projects were never completed, new interest in solar sails has arisen. The solar sail is an alternative to the rocket-propelled space vehicle as an interplanetary cargo vehicle, and manufacture of solar sails on the space station is a possibility. Solar sails have several advantages over rockets, including an unlimited power supply and low maintenance. The purpose of this project is to design a solar sail mission to Mars. The spacecraft will efficiently journey to Mars powered only by a solar sail. The vehicle weighs 487.16 kg and will be launchable on an expendable launch vehicle. The project includes an investigation of options to minimize cost, weight, and flight duration. The design of the sail and its deployment system are a major part of the project, as is the actual mission planning. Various topics researched include solar power, material, space environment, thermal control, trajectories, and orbit transfer. Various configurations are considered in order to determine the optimal structure. Another design consideration is the control system of the vehicle. This system includes the attitude control and the communication system of the sail. This project will aid in determining the feasibility of a solar sail and will raise public interest in space research.

Feaux, K.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Space Solar Power Satellite Technology Development at the Glenn Research Center: An Overview

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). is participating in the Space Solar Power Exploratory Research and Technology program (SERT) for the development of a solar power satellite concept. The aim of the program is to provide electrical power to Earth by converting the Sun's energy and beaming it to the surface. This paper will give an overall view of the technologies being pursued at GRC including thin film photovoltaics, solar dynamic power systems, space environmental effects, power management and distribution, and electric propulsion. The developmental path not only provides solutions to gigawatt sized space power systems for the future, but provides synergistic opportunities for contemporary space power architectures. More details of Space Solar Power can be found by reading the references sited in this paper and by connecting to the web site http://moonbase.msfc.nasa.gov/ and accessing the "Space Solar Power" section "Public Access" area.

Dudenhoefer, James E.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Lightweight Solar Power for Small Satellites

The innovation targets small satellites or CubeSats for which conventional deployable arrays are not feasible due to their size, weight and complexity. This novel solar cell array includes a thin and flexible photovoltaic cell applied to an inflatable structure to create a high surface area array for collecting solar energy in a lightweight, simple and deployable structure. The inflatable array, with its high functional surface area, eliminates the need and the mechanisms required to point the system toward the sun. The power density achievable in these small arrays is similar to that of conventional high-power deployable/pointable arrays used on large satellites or space vehicles. Although inflatable solar arrays have been previously considered by others, the arrays involved the use of traditional rigid solar cells. Researchers are currently working with thin film photovoltaics from various suppliers so that the NASA innovation is not limited to any particular solar cell technology. NASA has built prototypes and tested functionality before and after inflation. As shown in the current-voltage currents below, deployment does not damage the cell performance.

Nabors, Sammy A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Summary of process research analysis efforts

A summary of solar-cell process research analysis efforts was presented. Process design and cell design are interactive efforts where technology from integrated circuit processes and other processes are blended. The primary factors that control cell efficiency are: (1) the bulk parameters of the available sheet material, (2) the retention and enhancement of these bulk parameters, and (3) the cell design and the cost to produce versus the finished cells performance. The process sequences need to be tailored to be compatible with the sheet form, the cell shape form, and the processing equipment. New process options that require further evaluation and utilization are lasers, robotics, thermal pulse techniques, and new materials. There are numerous process control techniques that can be adapted and used that will improve product uniformity and reduced costs. Two factors that can lead to longer life modules are the use of solar cell diffusion barriers and improved encapsulation.

Burger, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Theoretical studies of the solar atmosphere and interstellar pickup ions

Solar atmosphere research activities are summarized. Specific topics addressed include: (1) coronal mass ejections and related phenomena; (2) parametric instabilities of Alfven waves; (3) pickup ions in the solar wind; and (4) cosmic rays in the outer heliosphere. Also included is a list of publications covering the following topics: catastrophic evolution of a force-free flux rope; maximum energy release in flux-rope models of eruptive flares; sheet approximations in models of eruptive flares; material ejection, motions of loops and ribbons of two-ribbon flares; dispersion relations for parametric instabilities of parallel-propagating; parametric instabilities of parallel-propagating Alfven waves; beat, modulation, and decay instabilities of a circularly-polarized Alfven wave; effects of time-dependent photoionization on interstellar pickup helium; observation of waves generated by the solar wind pickup of interstellar hydrogen ions; ion thermalization and wave excitation downstream of the quasi-perpendicular bowshock; ion cyclotron instability and the inverse correlation between proton anisotrophy and proton beta; and effects of cosmic rays and interstellar gas on the dynamics of a wind.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2024

Solar Energy Technical Publications Catalog: Solar Thermal Technology

The research and development described in these documents was conducted within the U.S . Department of Energy's (DOE) Solar Thermal Technology Program. The goal of this program is to advance the engineering and scientific understanding of solar thermal technology and to establish the technology base from which private industry can develop solar thermal power production options for introduction into the competitive energy market. Solar thermal technology concentrates the solar flux using tracking mirrors or lenses onto a receiver where the solar energy is absorbed as heat and converted into electricity or incorporated into products as process heat. The two primary solar thermal technologies, central receivers and distributed receivers, employ various point and line-focus optics to concentrate sunlight. Current central receiver systems use fields of heliostats (two-axis tracking mirrors) to focus the sun's radiant energy onto a single, tower- mounted receiver. Point focus concentrators up to 17 meters in diameter track the sun in two axes and use parabolic dish mirrors or Fresnel lenses to focus radiant energy onto a receiver. Troughs and bowls are line-focus tracking reflectors that concentrate sunlight onto receiver tubes along their focal lines. Concentrating collector modules can be used alone or in a multimodule system. The concentrated radiant energy absorbed by the solar thermal receiver is transported to the conversion process by a circulating work fluid. Receiver temperatures range from l00 degrees C in low-temperature troughs to over 1500 degrees C in dish and central receiver systems. The Solar Thermal Technology Program is directing efforts to advance and improve each system concept through solar thermal materials, components, and subsystems research and development and by testing and evaluation. These efforts are carried out with the technical direction of DOE and its network of field laboratories that works with private industry. Together they have established a comprehensive, goal-directed program to improve performance and provide technically proven options for eventual incorporation into the nation's energy supply. To successfully contribute to an adequate energy supply at reasonable cost, solar thermal energy must be economically competitive with a variety of other energy sources. The Solar Thermal Technology Program has developed components and system-level performance targets as quantitative program goals. These targets are used in planning research and development activities, measuring progress, assessing alternative technology options, and developing optimal components. These targets are pursued vigorously to ensure a successful program. This catalog represents part of an effort to provide information on publications about solar thermal research and development activities conducted by DOE's laboratories. Publications listed include technical and research reports and special publications. The following national laboratories are represented in this edition: Sandia National Laboratories, Solar Energy Research Institute, Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This catalog is a product of the DOE Solar Technical Information Program, which is dedicated to providing information to scientific and industrial users in ways most convenient and useful to them. This catalog focuses on solar thermal technologies, and its purpose is to keep the scientific and industrial communities informed of the latest developments in federally sponsored research in this technology.

140000* -- Solar Energy↗
NASA NTRS2016

FINESSE Spaceward Bound - Teacher Engagement in NASA Science and Exploration Field Research

The FINESSE (Field Investigations to Enable Solar System Science and Exploration) team of NASA's Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) is focused on a science and exploration field-based research program aimed at generating strategic knowledge in preparation for the human and robotic exploration of the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids, and the moons of Mars. The FINESSE science program is infused with leading edge exploration concepts since "science enables exploration and exploration enables science." The FINESSE education and public outreach program leverages the team's field investigations and educational partnerships to share the excitement of lunar, Near Earth Asteroid, and martian moon science and exploration locally, nationally, and internationally. The FINESSE education plan is in line with all of NASA's Science Mission Directorate science education objectives, particularly to enable STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and leverage efforts through partnerships.

Moon↗
NASA NTRS1975

Solar heating and cooling: Technical data and systems analysis

The solar energy research is reported including climatic data, architectural data, heating and cooling equipment, thermal loads, and economic data. Lists of data sources presented include: selected data sources for solar energy heating and cooling; bibliography of solar energy, and other energy sources; sources for manufacturing and sales, solar energy collectors; and solar energy heating and cooling projects.

Christensen, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Stationarity of magnetohydrodynamic fluctuations in the solar wind

Solar wind research and studies of charged particle propagation often assume that the interplanetary magnetic field represents a stationary random process. The extent to which ensemble averages of the solar wind magnetic fields follow the asymptotic behavior predicted by the ergodic theorem was investigated. Several time periods, including a span of nearly two years, are analyzed. Data intervals which span many solar rotations satisfy the conditions of weak stationarity if the effects of solar rotation are included in the asymptotic analysis. Shorter intervals which include a small integral number of interplanetary sectors also satisfy weak stationarity. The results are illustrated using magnetometer data from the ISEE-3, Voyager and IMP spacecraft.

Matthaeus, W. H.↗