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Results for “Power Beaming”

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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Low-earth-orbit to low-lunar-orbit laser freighter

The objective of this mission study was to compare laser propulsion to chemical LOX/H2 and nuclear electric propulsion for the specific mission of delivering a 144-metric ton lunar base from low-Earth-orbit to low-lunar-orbit. The basis of comparison was total mass in low-Earth-orbit needed to accomplish this mission. The Office of Exploration approach to establishing the lunar base was to use two vehicles: a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) vehicle to deliver cargo and a chemical vehicle to deliver humans. The NEP vehicle was reactor driven with a vehicle dry mass of 125 metric tons. The Office of Exploration study did not use chemical propulsion for cargo, but in the present study it was used for cargo for comparison to laser propulsion. This mission study assumes a high-power laser, either nuclear or solar electric-driven diode laser, is in orbit around Earth, beaming power to a laser propulsion vehicle. Laser power is only used for the LEO escape burn; other much lower-power burns are done with LOX/H2.

Deyoung, Russell J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study (Exhibit D). Volume 7: System/subsystems requirements databook

This volume summarizes the basic requirements used as a guide to systems analysis, and is a basis for the selection of candidate Satellite Power Systems (SPS) point designs. Initially, these collected data reflected the level of definition resulting from the evaluation of a broad spectrum of SPS concepts. As the various concepts matured, these requirements were updated to reflect the requirements identified for the projected satellite system/subsystem point designs. Included is an updated version of earlier Rockwell concepts using klystrons as the specific microwave power amplification approach, as well as a more in-depth definition, analysis and preliminary point design on two concepts based on the use of advanced solid state technology to accomplish the task of high power amplification of the 2.45 GHz transmitted power beam to the Earth receiver. Finally, a preliminary definition of a concept using magnetrons as the microwave power amplifiers is presented.

Hanley, G. M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Superconducting Accelerators for High-Power X-ray production

To date, linear accelerators (linacs) as electron sources used to produce ionizing radiation for industrial purposes have been limited to less than 100 kW. When the electron beam is used directly, this is sufficient for most potential applications. However, when the electron beam is used for the production of photons (x-rays) which are then to be used in an application, this is not sufficient to compete with other sources of photons (gamma rays from cobalt-60). This paper will discuss acompact superconducting RF (CSRF) accelerator system that relies on emerging technologies that will be able to produce electron beam powers into the 100s of kW with efficiencies much better than present linacs. The focus is to produce x-ray beams for medical device sterilization to provide alternatives for the present use of cobalt-60 for this purpose.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1980

Solar power satellite microwave system concepts and performance considerations

The phase control system is the fundamental element in the forming, steering and control of the solar power satellite (SPS) microwave power beam. This system must in essence automatically adjust the phase at each of the transmitter's 101,552 power amplifiers to compensate for differences in transmission path lengths to the earth-based receiving antenna (rectenna). SPS phase control system requirements are discussed, taking into account system concepts, a reference system description, reference system performance, ground based phase control concepts, and ionosphere considerations. It is pointed out that the importance of determining the ionospheric effects cannot be overemphasized. The permissable power density limit through the ionosphere is a critical SPS sizing factor and the phase control system must be able to accommodate errors induced by a heated ionosphere.

Seyl, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS2000

POwer WithOut Wire (POWOW): A SEP Concept for Space Exploration

Electric propulsion has emerged as a cost-effective solution to a wide range of satellite applications. Deep Space 1 demonstrated electric propulsion as a primary propulsion source for a spacecraft. The POwer WithOut Wires (POWOW) concept has been developed as a solar electric propelled spacecraft that would travel to Mars, for example, enter selenosynchronous orbit and then use lasers to beam power to surface installations. This concept has been developed with industrial expertise in high efficiency solar cells, advanced concentrator modules, innovative arrays, and high power electric propulsion systems. The paper will present the latest version of the spacecraft, the technologies involved, possible missions and trip times to Mars and laser beaming options. The POWOW spacecraft is a general purpose solar electric propulsion system that includes technologies that are directly applicable to commercial and government spacecraft with power levels ranging from 4 kW in Low Earth Orbits (LEO) to about 1 MW. The system is modular and expandable. Learning curve costing methodologies are used to demonstrate cost effectiveness of a modular system.

Brandhorst, Henry W., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Full-orbit simulations of fast-ion charge-exchange losses induced by neutral particles outside the plasma last closed flux surface

The interaction between neutrals outside tokamak plasmas and fast ions that are generated by neutral beam injection and pass outside the plasma is studied. It is shown that at beam energies (up to ~100~keV) fast-ion losses are significant, up to 20% in the studied case, because of charge exchange reactions between the neutrals and the fast ions. About half of the fast ions that neutralize outside the plasma get lost to the wall while the other half re-enter the plasma and ionize again, often on better confined orbits which is visible as an enhanced beam power deposition in the plasma core (rho ~< 0.7). As a result, the the plasma performance as measured from the beam-thermal neutrons is hardly changed despite the significant fast-ion losses toward the plasma edge.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Performance of Oak Ridge National Laboratory spallation neutron source proton power upgrade cavities and cryomodule production

The Proton Power Upgrade initiative at Oak Ridge National Lab’s Spallation Neutron Source aims to greatly boost the capability of proton beam power. This upgrade involves the integration of seven additional cryomodules, each housing four six-cell high-beta ( β = 0.81 ) superconducting radio frequency cavities. These cavities, manufactured and processed by Research Instruments in Germany, underwent meticulous treatment, including electropolishing as the bulk and final vital step. Upon delivery to Jefferson Lab, a total of 28 cavities for seven cryomodules, along with an additional four cavities for a spare cryomodule, underwent thorough vertical qualification tests, meeting the required specifications. Following cavity tanking and subsequent rf testing, the assembly of eight cryomodules was successfully executed, with all 32 cavities demonstrating compliance with acceptance criteria. The transportation of the cryomodule to SNS for high-power testing in the tunnel yielded exceptional results. Notably, the performance surpassed specifications, in terms of quality factor and accelerating gradient. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1979

Description of a 2.3 kW power transformer for space applications

The principle features and special testing of a high voltage high power transformer designed and developed for space application are described. The transformer is operated in a series resonant inverter supplying beam power to a 30 cm mercury ion thruster. Electrical requirements include operation of 2.3 kW continuous power output, primary currents to 35 amps rms, and frequencies up to 20 kHz. High efficiency was obtained through detailed considerations of the tradeoffs available in core materials, wire selection, coil configurations and thermal control. A number of novel heat removal techniques are discussed which control the winding temperature using only the available conductive cooling.

Hansen, I.↗
NASA NTRS1990

5kW xenon ion thruster lifetest

This paper describes the results of the first lifetest of a high power ring-cusp ion thruster. A 30-cm laboratory model thruster was operated steady-state at a nominal beam power of 5kW on xenon propellant for approximately 900 hours. This test was conducted to identify life-limiting erosion mechanisms and thruster design modifications, and to demonstrate operation using simplified power processing. The results from this test are described including the conclusions derived from extensive post-test analyses of the thruster. Modifications to the thruster and ground support equipment, which have been incorporated to solve problems identified by the lifetest, are also described.

Patterson, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Effects of the Antenna Aperture on Remote Sensing of Sea Surface Salinity at L-Band

Remote sensing of sea surface salinity with sufficient accuracy to meet the needs of global oceanography is a challenging task. The global variability of the salinity signal in the open ocean is only a few Kelvin even at L-band and an accuracy on the order of 0.1K is desired to study the influence of salinity on ocean circulation and energy exchange with the atmosphere. On the other hand, resolution is not an issue for understanding the dynamics of the open ocean where scales of hundreds of km are not uncommon. This permits remote sensing with large antenna footprints and spatial averaging to reduce noise. However, antennas with large footprints introduce other problems. For example, the angle of incidence and hence the brightness temperature varies over the footprint. Similarly, the polarization of brightness temperature relative to the antenna ports changes. Studies have been conducted using antenna patterns representative of the antenna that will be flown on the Aquarius mission to examine these effects. Aquarius is a pushbroom style radiometer with three beams looking across track away from the sun. The beams are at incidences angles (at the spacecraft) of about 26.5, 34 and 40 degrees each with a half-power beam width of about 5.8 degrees. It is shown that the measured brightness temperature is biased relative to the value at boresight because of changes across the field of view. The bias can be as much as 4K and positive or negative depending on polarization. Polarization mixing because of the variations of the local plane of incidence across the footprint also occur and can result in biased polarimetric measurements. A bias in the third Stokes parameter of as much as 0.4K is possible. Such effects may affect algorithms that use the third Stokes parameter to correct for Faraday rotation. Another issue associated with the antenna is sun glint. This is an issue determined by surface roughness and antenna sidelobes. Examples will be given for the random component (glint) for the case of the Aquarius antenna beams. Fortunately, the Aquarius beams mostly look to the dark side of the day-night termination, but during some portions of the year they will see sun-lighted ocean. In this case, glint could be an issue for the inner-most beam.

Dinnat, Emmanuel P.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Machine-Protection System for the PIP-II Linear Accelerator: Architecture and Data Processing Schemes

PIP-II at Fermilab features a brand-new, 800 MeV leading-edge Linear Accelerator (Linac) that will enable the Fermilab complex to deliver more than a megawatt of beam power to the Long Base-line Neutrino Facility (LBNF), requiring a robust Machine Protection System (MPS) to prevent beam-induced damage to delicate cryomodules and vacuum components. Signals in various accelerator components, in both analog and digital format, are collected and processed to assest the operating conditions of the accelerator. In the situation a potential damage is foreseen, the beam permit signal will be drop. A critical element of this system is the fast Analog Machine Protection System, a high-bandwidth platform designed for real-time beam loss monitoring. The system utilizes a modular, FPGA-based architecture to digitize signals from beam-sensing devices, such as AC Current Transformers (ACCTs), non-invasive Ring Pickups (RPUs) and beam scrapers. To eliminate both high frequency as well as 60 Hz noise that might be picked up in the industrial environment, data processing schemes beyond regular digital filtering are planned and implemented.

Wu, Jinyuan [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000344329521)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Validating the simulation of beam-ion charge exchange in MAST Upgrade

Abstract Simulation of the impact of charge-exchange (CX) reactions on beam ions in the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST) Upgrade was compared to measurements carried out with a fission chamber (neutron fluxes) and a fast ion deuterium-alpha (FIDA) diagnostic. A simple model was developed to reconstruct the outer-midplane neutral density based on measurements of deuterium-alpha emission from edge neutrals, and on Thomson scattering measurements of electron density and temperature. The main computational tools used were the ASCOT orbit-following code and the FIDASIM code for producing synthetic FIDA signals. The neutral density reconstruction agrees qualitatively with SOLPS-ITER modelling and yields a synthetic passive FIDA signal that is consistent with measurement. When CX losses of beam ions are accounted for, predicted neutron emission rates are quantitatively more consistent with measurement. It was necessary to account for CX losses of beam ions in simulations to reproduce the measured passive FIDA signal quantitatively and qualitatively. The results suggest that the neutral density reconstruction is a good approximation, that CX with edge neutrals causes significant beam-ion losses in MAST Upgrade, typically 20% of beam power, and that the ASCOT fast-ion CX model can be used to accurately predict the redistribution and loss of beam ions due to CX.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cavity Qualification and Production Update for SNS-PPU Cryomodules at Jefferson Lab

The Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) project at Oak Ridge National Lab’s Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) currently being constructed will double the proton beam power capability from 1.4 to 2.8 MW by adding seven cryomodules, each containing four six-cell high-beta (β = 0.81) superconducting radio frequency cavities. Research Instruments, located in Germany, built and processed the cavities at the vendor site, including electropolishing as the final active chemistry step. Twenty-eight cavities for seven cryomodules and an additional four cavities for a spare cryomodules were delivered to Jefferson Lab and first qualification tests were completed on all cavities as received from the vendor. The performance largely exceeded the requirements on quality factor and accelerating gradient. Here we present the status of initial cavity qualification tests, rework on unqualified cavities and final cavity qualification with helium vessel prior to installation in cryomodules. In addition, an update on cryomodule production is presented.

Dhakal, P.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Status of SNS Proton Power Upgrade SRF Cavities Production Qualification

The Pro­ton Power Up­grade pro­ject at Oak Ridge Na­tional Lab’s Spal­la­tion Neu­tron Source (SNS PPU) cur­rently being con­structed will dou­ble the pro­ton beam power from 1.4 to 2.8 MW by adding 7 ad­di­tional cry­omod­ules, each con­tains four six-cell high beta (\beta = 0.81) su­per­con­duct­ing radio fre­quency cav­i­ties. The cav­i­ties were built by Re­search In­stru­ments, Ger­many, with all the cav­ity pro­cess­ing done at the ven­dor site, in­clud­ing elec­trop­o­l­ish­ing as the final ac­tive chem­istry step. All 28 cav­i­ties needed for 7 cry­omod­ules were de­liv­ered to Jef­fer­son Lab, ready to be tested. The cryo­genic RF qual­i­fi­ca­tions and he­lium ves­sel weld­ing were done at Jef­fer­son Lab. The per­for­mance largely ex­ceed the re­quire­ments, and greatly ex­ceeded the per­for­mance of the orig­i­nal SNS cav­ity pro­duc­tion se­ries. Here, we pre­sent the sum­mary of RF test on pro­duc­tion cav­i­ties to this date.

Dhakal, P.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Status of SNS Proton Power Upgrade SRF Cavities Production Qualification

The Pro­ton Power Up­grade pro­ject at Oak Ridge Na­tional Lab’s Spal­la­tion Neu­tron Source (SNS PPU) cur­rently being con­structed will dou­ble the pro­ton beam power from 1.4 to 2.8 MW by adding 7 ad­di­tional cry­omod­ules, each con­tains four six-cell high beta (\beta = 0.81) su­per­con­duct­ing radio fre­quency cav­i­ties. The cav­i­ties were built by Re­search In­stru­ments, Ger­many, with all the cav­ity pro­cess­ing done at the ven­dor site, in­clud­ing elec­trop­o­l­ish­ing as the final ac­tive chem­istry step. All 28 cav­i­ties needed for 7 cry­omod­ules were de­liv­ered to Jef­fer­son Lab, ready to be tested. The cryo­genic RF qual­i­fi­ca­tions and he­lium ves­sel weld­ing were done at Jef­fer­son Lab. The per­for­mance largely ex­ceed the re­quire­ments, and greatly ex­ceeded the per­for­mance of the orig­i­nal SNS cav­ity pro­duc­tion se­ries. Here, we pre­sent the sum­mary of RF test on pro­duc­tion cav­i­ties to this date.

Dhakal, P.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Liquid metal-based polarized positron generation benchmark using the GEANT4 toolkit

In this work, we report simulation results for the positron yield and polarization of polarized electron beams incident on GaInSn and PbBi liquid metal targets. One of the proposed upgrades to 12 GeV CEBAF is the use of a continuous wave polarized positron beam for physics experiments. High-Z liquid metal jets are excellent candidates for positron production targets because they can withstand high power beams. Polarized positron beams can be generated from a primary electron beam incident to thick high-Z targets through circular polarized bremsstrahlung conversion to linearly polarized pair production. This polarization transfer from the primary electron beam has been previously demonstrated at Jefferson Lab in the PEPPo experiment with a tungsten target at relatively low energies. Here we report Geant4 simulations for 10 and 120 MeV electron beams incident on GaInSn and PbBi liquid metal targets. These simulations are compared to simulations with a solid tungsten target, as well as with unpolarized simulations using MCNP6.

Lizarraga-Rubio, Victor Manuel↗
NASA NTRS1990

A 5-kW xenon ion thruster lifetest

The results of the first life test of a high power ring-cusp ion thruster are presented. A 30-cm laboratory model thruster was operated steady-state at a nominal beam power of 5 kW on xenon propellant for approximately 900 hours. This test was conducted to identify life-timing erosion modifications, and to demonstrate operation using simplified power processing. The results from this test are described including the conclusions derived from extensive post-test analyses of the thruster. Modifications to the thruster and ground support equipment, which were incorporated to solve problems identified by the lifetest, are also described.

Patterson, Michael J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Synthesis and characterization of electron beam irradiation-induced damage in polycrystalline metal thin films

High-energy physics research, industrial sterilizing, and material processing depend extensively on electron beam accelerators. Exit windows are crucial components of such electron accelerator systems, maintaining vacuum integrity inside the machine while providing mechanical strength, thermal stability, and radiation resistance at the beam-target interface. In this study, thin metallic films of Ni, Ti, Cr, and V were explored for use in electron beam exit windows, and their properties were compared with the properties of their bulk counterparts. Simulation results of metal foils predicted Ti to exhibit less beam power dissipation compared to Ni. However, Ni possesses superior mechanical and structural properties compared to Ti. The performance of these films under electron beam irradiation was examined by depositing thin layers of these films on silicon and metallic substrates using magnetron sputtering and exposing them to e-beam irradiation in a controlled setup. The deposited films were subjected to a dose of approximately 66 kGy at a beam energy of 10 MeV and characterized prior to and postexposure to the beam using field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and nanoindentation. Particular emphasis was given to characteristics like the grain structure, surface morphology, dislocation density, and hardness. XRD patterns revealed irradiation-induced changes in peak intensities, while the crystallinity remained largely unchanged. Nanoindentation results showed that the pristine and irradiated Ti and Ni films were twice as hard when compared to bulk Ti and Ni samples, regardless of the substrate type used (Si or bulk Ti, or Ni). These results emphasize the superior mechanical properties of thin metal films compared to their bulk counterparts. In conclusion, this study advances the optimization of thin film materials for robust and efficient e-beam applications, ensuring improved durability and operational reliability.

AFM↗