Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “distribution systems”

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 NTRS2012

A Brief Review of the Need for Robust Smart Wireless Sensor Systems for Future Propulsion Systems, Distributed Engine Controls, and Propulsion Health Management

Smart Sensor Systems with wireless capability operational in high temperature, harsh environments are a significant component in enabling future propulsion systems to meet a range of increasingly demanding requirements. These propulsion systems must incorporate technology that will monitor engine component conditions, analyze the incoming data, and modify operating parameters to optimize propulsion system operations. This paper discusses the motivation towards the development of high temperature, smart wireless sensor systems that include sensors, electronics, wireless communication, and power. The challenges associated with the use of traditional wired sensor systems will be reviewed and potential advantages of Smart Sensor Systems will be discussed. A brief review of potential applications for wireless smart sensor networks and their potential impact on propulsion system operation, with emphasis on Distributed Engine Control and Propulsion Health Management, will be given. A specific example related to the development of high temperature Smart Sensor Systems based on silicon carbide electronics will be discussed. It is concluded that the development of a range of robust smart wireless sensor systems are a foundation for future development of intelligent propulsion systems with enhanced capabilities.

Hunter, Gary W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A trace-driven analysis of name and attribute caching in a distributed system

This paper presents the results of simulating file name and attribute caching on client machines in a distributed file system. The simulation used trace data gathered on a network of about 40 workstations. Caching was found to be advantageous: a cache on each client containing just 10 directories had a 91 percent hit rate on name look ups. Entry-based name caches (holding individual directory entries) had poorer performance for several reasons, resulting in a maximum hit rate of about 83 percent. File attribute caching obtained a 90 percent hit rate with a cache on each machine of the attributes for 30 files. The simulations show that maintaining cache consistency between machines is not a significant problem; only 1 in 400 name component look ups required invalidation of a remotely cached entry. Process migration to remote machines had little effect on caching. Caching was less successful in heavily shared and modified directories such as /tmp, but there weren't enough references to /tmp overall to affect the results significantly. We estimate that adding name and attribute caching to the Sprite operating system could reduce server load by 36 percent and the number of network packets by 30 percent.

Shirriff, Ken W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Exploiting virtual synchrony in distributed systems

Applications of a virtually synchronous environment are described for distributed programming, which underlies a collection of distributed programming tools in the ISIS2 system. A virtually synchronous environment allows processes to be structured into process groups, and makes events like broadcasts to the group as an entity, group membership changes, and even migration of an activity from one place to another appear to occur instantaneously, in other words, synchronously. A major advantage to this approach is that many aspects of a distributed application can be treated independently without compromising correctness. Moreover, user code that is designed as if the system were synchronous can often be executed concurrently. It is argued that this approach to building distributed and fault tolerant software is more straightforward, more flexible, and more likely to yield correct solutions than alternative approaches.

Birman, Kenneth P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Maintaining consistency in distributed systems

In systems designed as assemblies of independently developed components, concurrent access to data or data structures normally arises within individual programs, and is controlled using mutual exclusion constructs, such as semaphores and monitors. Where data is persistent and/or sets of operation are related to one another, transactions or linearizability may be more appropriate. Systems that incorporate cooperative styles of distributed execution often replicate or distribute data within groups of components. In these cases, group oriented consistency properties must be maintained, and tools based on the virtual synchrony execution model greatly simplify the task confronting an application developer. All three styles of distributed computing are likely to be seen in future systems - often, within the same application. This leads us to propose an integrated approach that permits applications that use virtual synchrony with concurrent objects that respect a linearizability constraint, and vice versa. Transactional subsystems are treated as a special case of linearizability.

Birman, Kenneth P.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multi-agent voltage control in distribution systems using GAN-DRL-based approach

Active distribution grids can experience voltage fluctuations and violations due to the high penetration of variable distributed energy resources (DERs). These problems might occur because of the uncertain and variable generation natures of these resources, especially solar photovoltaic resources, during panel shadowing scenarios. Volt-VAR control (VVC) is an efficient method that controls the reactive power set-points of the inverters to regulate the voltage of distribution grids. Although several VVC approaches have been proposed recently, the performance of these approaches degrades significantly if behind-the-meter solar generation data are unobservable/missing. Therefore, it is necessary to impute missing/unobservable PV data accurately to be utilized in VVC approaches. Further, this paper proposes a model-free, data-driven, centrally trained, and decentrally executed multi-agent deep reinforcement learning-based VVC architecture to regulate the voltage of distribution networks. A generative adversarial network (GAN) is incorporated to impute the unobservable PV data accurately, which improves the performance of the proposed control architecture. The proposed multi-agent-soft-actor–critic algorithm (MASAC)-based VVC technique utilizes the actual PV dataset as well as the imputed dataset from the GAN framework to learn the optimal coordinated control policy for controlling the optimal reactive power set-points of PV inverters. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is analyzed on a modified IEEE 34-bus test case with added PV inverters. The results are compared and analyzed with a base case model with no VVC and VVC with a local droop control approach, genetic algorithm optimization, and a centralized soft actor–critic-based approach. Moreover, the performance of the proposed approach is compared with that of a multi-agent VVC framework without using the PV generation data and load information as the system state. The results illustrate that the proposed method with more state input improves the voltage profile and reduces the power loss of the network across various loading and PV generation scenarios.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1979

A distributed system adaptive control strategy

One attitude control device being studied for large spacecraft consists of two counter-rotating rings, each designated as an annular momentum control device (AMCD), that are attached to a spacecraft using several magnetic bearings distributed along the circumference of the rings. For large spacecraft large rings are desirable. Unfortunately, for large rings flexibility is appreciable and it becomes necessary to account for the distributed nature of the rings in the design of the magnetic bearing controllers. Also ring behavior is unpredictably sensitive to ring temperature, spin rate, manufacturing imperfections, and other variables. For that reason a distributed adaptive microcomputer-based control system is being sought for ring stabilization and maneuvering. An original adaptive-control methodology for distributed-parameter systems is detailed and application to spinning ring, i.e., AMCD, stabilization is used as an illustration. The proposed methodology, presented as a step-by-step procedure, combines a lumped-parameter expansion description of distributed parameter systems with a fundamental simultaneous identification and control strategy. Simulations are presented providing preliminary evidence of the capabilities of the proposed procedure.

Johnson, C. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Stability of distributed systems with feedback via Michailov's criterion.

Development of a stability criterion of the Nyquist type from Michailov's criterion for a large class of distributed parameter systems, in particular, for a large class of transmission line systems with feedback. Following a generalization of Michailov's criterion, simplifying assumptions, usually valid in practice, are shown to yield a simplified test for determining whether 'encirclement-counting' constitutes a valid stability test. The results are reformulated for an open-loop analysis. Three examples show various aspects of the theoretical analysis.

Reis, G. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Model error estimation for distributed systems described by elliptic equations

A function space approach is used to develop a theory for estimation of the errors inherent in an elliptic partial differential equation model for a distributed parameter system. By establishing knowledge of the inevitable deficiencies in the model, the error estimates provide a foundation for updating the model. The function space solution leads to a specification of a method for computation of the model error estimates and development of model error analysis techniques for comparison between actual and estimated errors. The paper summarizes the model error estimation approach as well as an application arising in the area of modeling for static shape determination of large flexible systems.

Rodriguez, G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Distributed system modeling of a large space antenna

A general approach for distributed parameter modeling of complex dynamical systems is described. The method consists of dividing the system in parts which can be modeled by simple partial differential equations and coupling the equations thus obtained by applying Hamilton's variational formalism to the entire system. The modeling of a large, offset-fed, wrap-rib antenna is presented to illustrate the approach. Although such models are perhaps not as precise as finite element models, they can be useful for initial physical insight and parametric design.

Hamidi, M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Research study on multi-KW-DC distribution system

A detailed definition of the HVDC test facility and the equipment required to implement the test program are provided. The basic elements of the test facility are illustrated, and consist of: the power source, conventional and digital supervision and control equipment, power distribution harness and simulated loads. The regulated dc power supplies provide steady-state power up to 36 KW at 120 VDC. Power for simulated line faults will be obtained from two banks of 90 ampere-hour lead-acid batteries. The relative merits of conventional and multiplexed power control will be demonstrated by the Supervision and Monitor Unit (SMU) and the Automatically Controlled Electrical Systems (ACES) hardware. The distribution harness is supported by a metal duct which is bonded to all component structures and functions as the system ground plane. The load banks contain passive resistance and reactance loads, solid state power controllers and active pulse width modulated loads. The HVDC test facility is designed to simulate a power distribution system for large aerospace vehicles.

Berkery, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Design of a power management and distribution system for a thermionic-diode powered spacecraft

The Electrical Systems Development Branch of the Power Technology Division at the NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio is designing a Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) System for the Air Force's Integrated Solar Upper Stage (ISUS) Engine Ground Test Demonstration (EGD). The ISUS program uses solar-thermal propulsion to perform orbit transfers from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) and from LEO to Molnya. The ISUS uses the same energy conversion receiver to perform the LEO to High Earth Orbit (HEO) transfer and to generate on-orbit electric power for the payloads. On-orbit power generation is accomplished via two solar concentrators heating a dual-cavity graphite-core which has Thermionic Diodes (TMD's) encircling each cavity. The graphite core and concentrators together are called the Receiver and Concentrator (RAC). The TDM-emitters reach peak temperatures of approximately 2200K, and the TID-collectors are run at approximately 1000K. Because of the high Specific Impulse (I(sup sp)) of solar thermal propulsion relative to chemical propulsion, and because a common bus is used for communications, GN&C, power, etc., a substantial increase in payload weight is possible. This potentially allows for a stepdown in the required launch vehicle size or class for similar payload weight using conventional chemical propulsion and a separate spacecraft bus. The ISUS power system is to provide 1000W(sub e) at 28+/-6V(sub dc) to the payload/spacecraft from a maximum TID generation capability of 1070W(sub e) at 2200K. Producing power with this quality, protecting the spacecraft from electrical faults and accommodating operational constraints of the TID's are the responsibilities of the PMAD system. The design strategy and system options examined along with the proposed designs for the Flight and EGD configurations are discussed herein.

Kimnach, Greg L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Cargo Logistics Airlift Systems Study (CLASS). Volume 3: Cross impact between the 1990 market and the air physical distribution systems, book 2

Book 2 of this volume is divided into the following sections: (1) commodities and system networks; (2) future mode choice decisions and commodity air eligibility; (3) comparative cargo transportation costs - air, truck, rail and water; (4) elasticities of demand; (5) operating cost; (6) operating profit, rate making, and returns; (7) importance of rate and service on future aircraft; (8) potential market demand for new aircraft; (9) scenario of events affecting system/market growth; and (10) future study and technology requirements.

Burby, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2003

First Experiences Using XACML for Access Control in Distributed Systems

Authorization systems today are increasingly complex. They span domains of administration, rely on many different authentication sources, and manage permissions that can be as complex as the system itself. Worse still, while there are many standards that define authentication mechanisms, the standards that address authorization are less well defined and tend to work only within homogeneous systems. This paper presents XACML, a standard access control language, as one component of a distributed and inter-operable authorization framework. Several emerging systems which incorporate XACML are discussed. These discussions illustrate how authorization can be deployed in distributed, decentralized systems. Finally, some new and future topics are presented to show where this work is heading and how it will help connect the general components of an authorization system.

Lorch, Marcus↗
NASA NTRS1994

Vibration suppression with approximate finite dimensional compensators for distributed systems: Computational methods and experimental results

Based on a distributed parameter model for vibrations, an approximate finite dimensional dynamic compensator is designed to suppress vibrations (multiple modes with a broad band of frequencies) of a circular plate with Kelvin-Voigt damping and clamped boundary conditions. The control is realized via piezoceramic patches bonded to the plate and is calculated from information available from several pointwise observed state variables. Examples from computational studies as well as use in laboratory experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this design.

Banks, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Approximation of discrete-time LQG compensators for distributed systems with boundary input and unbounded measurement

The approximation of optimal discrete-time linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) compensators for distributed parameter control systems with boundary input and unbounded measurement is considered. The approach applies to a wide range of problems that can be formulated in a state space on which both the discrete-time input and output operators are continuous. Approximating compensators are obtained via application of the LQG theory and associated approximation results for infinite dimensional discrete-time control systems with bounded input and output. Numerical results for spline and modal based approximation schemes used to compute optimal compensators for a one dimensional heat equation with either Neumann or Dirichlet boundary control and pointwise measurement of temperature are presented and discussed.

Gibson, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Approximation of discrete-time LQG compensators for distributed systems with boundary input and unbounded measurement

The approximation of optimal discrete-time linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) compensators for distributed parameter control systems with boundary input and unbounded measurement is considered. The approach applies to a wide range of problems that can be formulated in a state space on which both the discrete-time input and output operators are continuous. Approximating compensators are obtained via application of the LQG theory and associated approximation results for infinite dimensional discrete-time control systems with bounded input and output. Numerical results for spline and modal based approximation schemes used to compute optimal compensators for a one-dimensional heat equation with either Neumann or Dirichlet boundary control and pointwise measurement of temperature are presented and discussed.

Gibson, J. S.↗