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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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27 records · Page 2

ITER ICH Transmission Line and Matching System Prototype Development

Design and testing of prototype components for the ITER Ion Cyclotron Heating (ICH) transmission line and matching system is underway. Each ICH transmission line is designed to handle up to 6 MW/line in the 40–55 MHz frequency range. A total of 8 lines split to 16 antenna inputs on two ICH antennas. The ICH system is made up of 14 types of unique coaxial transmission line and matching components. The matching system is designed to provide passive ELM tolerance through the use of hybrid couplers and loads, which can absorb the transient reflected power. In addition the system is designed to compensate for coupling between antenna inputs caused by the mutual inductances of the current straps. It is further designed to balance as much as reasonable, the power requirements from the sources and the peak voltages on the antenna array elements.

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Phase Shift Control of a Three-Phase Inverter for Balanced Secondary Currents in Misaligned Three-Phase Inductive Power Transfer Systems

This paper presents a strategy for generating fundamental reference voltage commands for a double-sided LCC tuned three-phase wireless power transfer (WPT) system to achieve balanced output currents when the receiver and transmitter are not perfectly aligned. Formulas for translating the normalized fundamental current commands into phase-shift commands for two of the phase legs in a two-level three-phase inverter are derived. The methodology is validated through circuit simulations performed using coupler models derived from finite-element simulations. Simulation results for a 1.5 k W system design are included, which indicate near perfect correction of imbalance in the secondary currents for a typical misalignment case.

Pries, Jason↗

Design of Hopfield Networks Based on Superconducting Coupled Oscillators

The global energy shortage has driven the development of many energy-efficient computational platforms beyond Moore's law, among which brain-inspired neuromorphic computing is one of the promising solutions. Associative memory and pattern recognition are important computations solved by brain-inspired Hopfield networks. Classical Hopfield networks store memories via fixed point attractors of their dynamics. In oscillatory Hopfield networks, these attractors are replaced by periodic orbits. Here, we design an oscillatory Hopfield network based on coupled superconducting oscillators. We first employ a mathematical phase reduction approach to map networks of coupled superconducting rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) ring oscillators to coupled Kuramoto phase-oscillator networks. We use this theory to numerically optimize the hardware's mutual inductances in order to directly match the phase-reduced superconducting oscillators to a model of phase-oscillator-based Hopfield networks. The resulting network can store multiple oscillatory phase-locked memory patterns and recover the patterns based on the initial phase conditions. As different pattern recognition tasks, or learning, require tunable connectivity strengths between the oscillatory nodes, we further employ a coupler circuit that enables tuning the coupling strength between two oscillators by applying an external flux. We demonstrate the functionality of our design through numerical simulations of a small example network with oscillators operating at 86 GHz and recognizing patterns within 10 ns. Our approach enables the learning and retrieval of dynamical memory patterns with a wide range of applications where rhythmic dynamic output is beneficial.

Cheng, Ran↗

Optimal Sizing of a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer System for Highway Applications

Inductive power transfer has been proposed as a solution to power future automated and electrified highways. In this study, an interoperable wireless charging system is sized so that a light and a heavy-duty vehicle can travel at or near charge-sustaining mode at high speeds using an optimization approach. The conflicting objectives of minimizing the power ratings and the number of inverters, coupler materials, and overall system coverages result in a Pareto Front that is presented in this paper. It is found that a system using short transmitting couplers can ensure high efficiency power transfers to light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and still maintain charge-sustaining operation of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). The findings are contextualized by a brief discussion of other aspects relating to the implementation of this technology on roadways such as the impact of the cost of time and travel speeds.

Foote, Andrew↗

A compact frequency tunable radio frequency phase shifter with patterned Py enabled transmission line

A well designed frequency tunable phase shifter using patterned Py with different thickness has been demonstrated. Phase shifter is implemented with a slow wave coplanar wave guide (CPW)transmission line, where the signal line has alternate short narrow and wide sections. Py is patterned on the top of narrow section for high inductance density, and inter-digital capacitor is implemented in wide section for high capacitance density. Compared with phase shifter using regular CPW, the dimension of the developed phase shifter has been reduced from 14.86 mm to4.70 mm at 2 GHz. Phase shifter based on 100 nm and 200 nm thick patterned Py with the same dimensions (14lm10lm) are implemented and investigated comprehensively. FMR frequency of 3.2 GHz and 3.6 GHz without any external magnetic field has been achieved for100 nm and 200 nm thick Py film, respectively. Thicker Py has increased inductance density from 1067.2 nH/m to 1193.2 nH/m while the center frequency of the phase shifter has been shifted to 1.80 GHz. Frequency tunability of the phase shifter has been also demonstrated withDC current. The phase shifter can provide 90phase shift continuously from 2 GHz to 1.80 GHz with DC current from 0 mA to 150 mA. As a result, the design concept has great potential in design arbitrary tunable RF components such as filters and couplers.

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Modeling and Analysis of a Polyphase Wireless Power Transfer System for EV Charging Applications

Extreme fast charging is an emerging technology targeting to significantly decrease charging times of electric vehicles to 10–20 minutes, similar to an interstate gas refueling practice. High-power wireless power transfer (WPT) systems with polyphase electromagnetic couplers can be an attractive solution for these applications due to the very high surface power density of polyphase coils with reduced ripple current characteristics on both the primary and secondary sides that result in more compact designs with reduced dc bus bar capacitor requirements. In addition, WPT systems offer automated charging process, which can be an enabling technology for connected and automated vehicles, with high-efficiency, convenience, safety, and flexibility. This study presents a matrix representation of a mathematical model for a three-phase WPT system with series-series connected three-phase resonant compensation networks. Nonzero interphase mutual inductances between the same side phase windings are considered for tuning to obtain a circuit model for parametric sensitivity. Simulation and experimental results presented for a 50-kW experimental prototype to demonstrate the operation of the polyphase WPT system.

Zeng, Rong↗

Miniaturized Multi-Band Antenna via Element Collocation

The resonant frequency of a microstrip patch antenna may be reduced through the addition of slots in the radiating element. Expanding upon this concept in favor of a significant reduction in the tuned width of the radiator, nearly 60% of the antenna metallization is removed, as seen in the top view of the antenna’s radiating element (shown in red, below, left). To facilitate an increase in the gain of the antenna, the radiator is suspended over the ground plane (green) by an air substrate at a height of 0.250" while being mechanically supported by 0.030" thick Rogers RO4003 laminate in the same profile as the element. Although the entire surface of the antenna (red) provides 2.45 GHz operation with insignificant negative effects on performance after material removal, the smaller square microstrip in the middle must be isolated from the additional aperture in order to afford higher frequency operation. A low insertion loss path centered at 2.45 GHz may simultaneously provide considerable attenuation at additional frequencies through the implementation of a series-parallel, resonant reactive path. However, an inductive reactance alone will not permit lower frequency energy to propagate across the intended discontinuity. To mitigate this, a capacitance is introduced in series with the inductor, generating a resonance at 2.45 GHz with minimum forward transmission loss. Four of these reactive pairs are placed between the coplanar elements as shown. Therefore, the aperture of the lower-frequency outer segment includes the smaller radiator while the higher frequency section is isolated from the additional material. In order to avoid cross-polarization losses due to the orientation of a transmitter or receiver in reference to the antenna, circular polarization is realized by a quadrature coupler for each collocated antenna as seen in the bottom view of the antenna (right). To generate electromagnetic radiation concentrically rotating about the direction of propagation, ideally one-half of the power must be delivered to the output of each branch with a phase shift of 90 degrees and identical amplitude. Due to this, each arm of the coupler is spaced λ/4 wavelength apart.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A TOpographic Mapping (ATOM) Method to Design Magnetic Cores

Wireless power transfer offers safe, convenient, and efficient way of charging electric vehicles. Ongoing research is targeting wireless charging pad design optimization; designing the magnetic component is the most important part of the coupler design because the magnetic part determines the coupling factor and efficiency. Optimizing the coil layout and geometry as well as ferrite design requires finite elements analysis based modeling and simulation for minimized core losses, maximized magnetic coupling, and minimized material use for cost-effectiveness. Although parametric finite element analysis or emerging artificial intelligence methods can generate very accurate results, simulation times are extremely long. To address this issue, this study proposes a simple, effective core design called A TOpographic Mapping (ATOM). The proposed design is based on the design of magnetic core by using the magnetic flux distribution. The thickness of the core increases with increasing magnetic flux density, forming a variable thickness core design with less material and minimized core losses compared to conventional designs. A superimposing method is used to create an optimal design for a rotational magnetic field-based system. According to simulation results, the ATOM design reduces the required material volume by 13.19% and yields the lowest core loss and highest mutual inductance compared to other designs. In addition, misalignment, electromagnetic interference, and thermal performance were evaluated for the proposed design.

Aydin, Emrullah [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗

Wound Field and Hybrid Synchronous Machines for EV Traction with Brushless Capacitive Rotor Field Excitation (Final Report)

This project focused on the development of wound field synchronous machines (WFSMs) and hybrid excitation synchronous machines (HESMs) with brushless capacitive power transfer for the field excitation. The target application for the machines developed is the main traction motor in electric vehicles. The magnetization in these types of machines is provided by a field winding on the rotor which is excited with DC current. The magnetization level in the machine can be varied by changing the magnitude of the field current. The variable magnetization or field is one of the key features of WFSMs. WFSMs are commonly used as generators however they have several attractive features for automotive traction applications. 1) No use of permanent magnet: Rare earth permanent magnets are primarily mined and processed in China. They have been subject to large price and supply variations and their export may be restricted during times of geopolitical tension. 2) Easy field weakening: Wound field synchronous machines have complete control of their field excitation. With proper design, this type of machine can electromagnetically have an infinite constant power speed range. 3) High power factor: With proper choice of the field excitation, WFSMs may be operated with high or even unity power factor. This potentially allows for the inverter connected to the stator winding to be downsized. In comparison induction machines and interior permanent magnet synchronous machines must supply reactive power to the stator increasing the kVA rating and cost of the inverter. 4) Reduced iron losses at high speed: By reducing the field excitation, the iron loss in the stator can be reduced. This is in comparison to interior permanent magnet synchronous machines which must use stator current to buck or reduce the flux produced by the permanent magnets. Generally, WFSMs have their highest efficiency at high speed. 5) Torque output at high temperatures: The magnetization provided by the field winding only depends on the field current and not on the field winding temperature. This is in contrast to permanent magnet machines where the permanent magnet flux decreases as the magnet temperature increases. Historically a number of approaches have been developed to provide DC current to the rotating field winding in WFSM’s including brushes and slip rings, low frequency brushless exciters, and high frequency rotary transformers and rectifiers. In this project, a different approach was used: brushless capacitive power transfer. Brushless capacitive power transfer uses two sets of rotating capacitors or electrodes in which an AC electric field is established by a high frequency inverter. A displacement current can flow through the airgap in the rotating capacitors which is rectified on the rotor using a diode bridge. The potential advantage of capacitive power transfer is that there is no need for heavy iron to guide magnetic flux. The electric flux lines terminate on the charges on the rotary capacitor surfaces. This should also limit the electric field outside the rotary capacitor airgaps. The main challenge with capacitive power transfer is that the capacitance and surface area of the rotating capacitors is small. Because capacitive power transfer systems are essentially a dual of a magnetic system, an Ampere per Hertz relationship is characteristic versus a Volts per Hertz relationship. A very high frequency power inverter must be used to provide sufficient excitation to the field winding. The concept of using capacitive power transfer to excite a high performance WFSM was initially developed in a previous U.S.A. Dept. of Energy project, DE-EE0006829. This project focused on increasing the power density of the WFSMs and reducing the cost and manufacturing complexity of the capacitive power transfer system. This project has demonstrated that WFSMs with brushless capacitive field power transfer can provide a high-power density and low-cost automotive powertrain technology.

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