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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 505 records · Page 28

On the minimization of the prime power consumption of a coupling-modulated gas laser transmitter

The prime power requirements of a coupling-modulated gas laser transmitter are presented. The latter consists of a gas discharge tube and electro-optic modulator inside a laser resonator. In performing the calculations, the laser discharge length and the modulator voltage are simultaneously varied so that the transmitted power remains constant. In this way, tradeoffs can be made between the prime power supplied individually to the discharge tube and to the modulator driver to obtain a transmitter configuration which minimizes the total prime power consumption. An analytical expression is derived which describes the effects of information bandwidth and transmitter output power on the prime power requirements. Specific numerical results are obtained for a CO2 laser transmitter based on presently available experimental data.

Degnan, J. J.↗

Modulation of solar cosmic rays

Consideration is given to whether the modulation of low energy solar cosmic ray nuclei between the sun and earth can be so extreme that the fluxes observed at 1 AU imply (1) that the cosmic ray energy density in the solar atmosphere is comparable to the thermal energy density, and/or (2) that the cosmic ray intensity is sufficient in the solar atmosphere to produce detectable fluxes of secondary particles such as low energy positrons. It was found that such large modulation is compatible with observations, provided that the modulation occurrence is confined within a solar envelope lying within approximately 0.2 to 0.3 AU of the sun. There is, however, no compelling observational evidence to require that the modulation is this large.

Fisk, L. A.↗

Basic memory module

Construction and electrical characterization of the 4096 x 2-bit Basic Memory Module (BMM) are reported for the Space Ultrareliable Modular Computer (SUMC) program. The module uses four 2K x 1-bit N-channel FET, random access memory chips, called array chips, and two sense amplifier chips, mounted and interconnected on a ceramic substrate. Four 5% tolerance power supplies are required. At the Module, the address, chip select, and array select lines require a 0-8.5 V MOS signal level. The data output, read-strobe, and write-enable lines operate at TTl levels. Although the module is organized as 4096 x 2 bits, it can be used in a 8196 x 1-bit application with appropriate external connections. A 4096 x 1-bit organization can be obtained by depopulating chips.

Tietze, F. C.↗

Reliability analysis of Skylab ATM solar cell modules

A detailed reliability analysis was performed on both types of Skylab Apollo telescope mount solar cell modules. Failure rates used were based on testing of several modules of each type for over 4000 thermal cycles. The analysis delineated several important differences between the failure modes of the two differently designed solar cell modules, and, more importantly, showed that the modules can be expected to meet all mission requirements.

Jones, G. M.↗

Gas sampling method for determining pollutant concentrations in the flame zone of two swirl-can combustor modules

A gas sampling probe and traversing mechanism were developed to obtain detailed measurements of gaseous pollutant concentrations in the primary and mixing regions of combustors in order to better understand how pollutants are formed. The gas sampling probe was actuated by a three-degree-of-freedom traversing mechanism and the samples obtained were analyzed by an on-line gas analysis system. The pollutants in the flame zone of two different swirl-can combustor modules were measured at an inlet-air temperature of 590 K, pressure of 6 atmospheres, and reference velocities of 23 and 30 meters per second at a fuel-air ratio of 0.02. Typical results show large spatial gradients in the gaseous pollutant concentration close to the swirl-can module. Average concentrations of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide decrease rapidly in the downstream wake regions of each module. By careful and detailed probing, the effect of various module design features on pollutant formation can be assessed. The techniques presently developed seem adequate to obtain the desired information.

Duerr, R. A.↗

Modulator for tone and binary signals

Tones and binary information are transmitted as phase variations on a carrier wave of constant amplitude and frequency. The carrier and tones are applied to a balanced modulator for deriving an output signal including a pair of sidebands relative to the carrier. The carrier is phase modulated by a digital signal so that it is + or - 90 deg out of phase with the predetermined phase of the carrier. The carrier is combined in an algebraic summing device with the phase modulated signal and the balanced modulator output signal. The output of the algebraic summing device is hard limited to derive a constant amplitude and frequency signal having very narrow bandwidth requirements. At a receiver, the tones and binary data are detected with a phase locked loop having a voltage controlled oscillator driving a pair of orthogonal detection channels.

Mcchesney, J. R.↗

Minimization of the prime power consumption of a coupling-modulated gas laser transmitter

The present article addresses itself to the prime power requirements of a coupling-modulated gas laser transmitter. The latter consists of a gas discharge tube and electrooptic modulator inside a laser resonator. In performing the calculations, the laser discharge length and the modulator voltage are simultaneously varied so that the transmitted power remains constant. In this way, tradeoffs can be made between the prime power supplied individually to the discharge tube and to the modulator driver to obtain a transmitter configuration that minimizes the total prime power consumption. An analytical expression is derived that describes the effects of information bandwidth and transmitter output power on the prime power requirements. Specific numerical results are obtained for a CO2 laser transmitter based on presently available experimental data.

Degnan, J. J.↗

Propeller modulation effects on a scanning-beam microwave landing system

The results of a systems study and ground test of the effects of propeller modulation on a time-multiplexed, scanning-beam microwave landing system (MLS) are presented. Propeller modulation effects are analyzed in terms of spacing between receiving antenna and propeller, propeller blade width, and propeller speed. Principal study conclusions: (1) scanning beam MLS is susceptible to errors due to synchronous propeller modulation; (2) the number of synchronous interference multiples increases as the number of propeller blades increases and as the data rate decreases; (3) the probability of synchronous interference decreases at higher data rates; and (4) MLS receiver susceptibility to propeller modulation depends upon the dynamic response of the receiver automatic gain control and the respective tracking loops.

Pope, J. M.↗

Effects of outdoor exposure on solar cell modules in the ERDA/NASA Lewis Research Center Systems Test Facility

The effects of outdoor exposure were determined by comparing standard I-V data obtained for the as-received modules with similar data obtained after removal from the field and cleaning with detergent solution. All modules measured in this way exhibited nonrecoverable degradation in P sub maximum varying from 4 to 7 percent. One module exposed for 41 days exhibited partial cell discoloration, loss of front surface metallization over the discolored portion, and a decrease in P sub maximum of 7 percent, tentatively attributed to cell damage. Measurements before and after cleaning showed a recoverable degradation due to dirt accumulation. This recoverable loss in power was 11 percent after 245 days in the field for one brand of module, 6 percent after 48 days for another brand, and 4 1/2 percent for the third brand.

Weinberg, I.↗

Design and fabrication of solar cell modules

A program conducted for design, fabrication and evaluation of twelve silicon solar cell modules is described. The purpose of the program was to develop a module design consistent with the requirements and objectives of JPL specification and to also incorporate elements of new technologies under development to meet LSSA Project goals. Module development emphasized preparation of a technically and economically competitive design based upon utilization of ion implanted solar cells and a glass encapsulation system. The modules fabricated, tested and delivered were of nominal 2 X 2 foot dimensions and 20 watt minimum rating. Basic design, design rationale, performance and results of environmental testing are described.

Shaughnessy, T. P.↗

A miniature 48-channel pressure sensor module capable of in situ calibration

A new high data rate pressure sensor module with in situ calibration capability has been developed by the Langley Research Center to help reduce energy consumption in wind-tunnel facilities without loss of measurement accuracy. The sensor module allows for nearly a two order of magnitude increase in data rates over conventional electromechanically scanned pressure sampling techniques. This module consists of 16 solid state pressure sensor chips and signal multiplexing electronics integrally mounted to a four position pressure selector switch. One of the four positions of the pressure selector switch allows the in situ calibration of the 16 pressure sensors; the three other positions allow 48 channels (three sets of 16) pressure inputs to be measured by sensors. The small size of the sensor module will allow mounting within many wind-tunnel models, thus eliminating long tube lengths and their corresponding slow pressure response.

Gross, C.↗

Spectrally efficient modulation

Spectrally efficient modulation, involving the maximization of the transmitted data rate through a specified bandwidth, may aid in alleviating the problem of spectral congestion in the electromagnetic spectrum. Attention is given to pulse-shaping and nonbinary modulation, and particularly to combined amplitude- and phase-modulation. Theoretical performance limits, such as Shannon's bound, are used to assess the effectiveness of the systems described. Consideration is also allotted to spectrally efficient modulation for terrestrial microwave systems, required to provide 1000 voice channels in the 4- and 6-GHz band.

Smith, J. G.↗

Electronically scanned pressure sensor module with in SITU calibration capability

This high data rate pressure sensor module helps reduce energy consumption in wind tunnel facilities without loss of measurement accuracy. The sensor module allows for nearly a two order of magnitude increase in data rates over conventional electromechanically scanned pressure sampling techniques. The module consists of 16 solid state pressure sensor chips and signal multiplexing electronics integrally mounted to a four position pressure selector switch. One of the four positions of the pressure selector switch allows the in situ calibration of the 16 pressure sensors; the three other positions allow 48 channels (three sets of 16) pressure inputs to be measured by the sensors. The small size of the sensor module will allow mounting within many wind tunnel models, thus eliminating long tube lengths and their corresponding slow pressure response.

Gross, C.↗

Thermal and other tests of photovoltaic modules performed in natural sunlight

The bulk of the testing was the characterization of twenty-nine modules according to their nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT) and the effect on NOCT of changes in module design, various residential roof mounting configurations, and dirt accumulation. Other tests, often performed parallel with the NOCT measurements, evaluated the improvement in electrical performance by cooling the modules with water and by channeling the waste heat into a phase change material (wax). Electrical degradation resulting from the natural marriage of photovoltaic and solar water heating modules was also demonstrated. Cost effectiveness of each of these techniques are evaluated in light of the LSA cost goal of $0.50 per watt.

Stultz, J. W.↗

Environmental testing of block 2 solar cell modules

The testing procedures and results of samples of the LSA Project Block 2 procurement of silicon solar cell modules are described. Block 2 was the second large scale procurement of silicon solar cell modules made by the JPL Low-cost Solar Array Project with deliveries in 1977 and early 1978. The results showed that the Block 2 modules were greatly improved over Block 1 modules. In several cases it was shown that design improvements were needed to reduce environmental test degradation. These improvements were incorporated during this production run.

Griffith, J. S.↗

Development and Testing of Shingle-type Solar Cell Modules

The design, development, fabrication and testing of a shingle-type terrestrial solar cell module which produces 98 watts/sq m of exposed module area at 1 kW/sq m insolation and 61 C are reported. These modules make it possible to easily incorporate photovoltaic power generation into the sloping roofs of residential or commercial buildings by simply nailing the modules to the plywood roof sheathing. This design consists of nineteen series-connected 53 mm diameter solar cells arranged in a closely packed hexagon configuration. These cells are individually bonded to the embossed surface of a 3 mm thick thermally tempered hexagon-shaped piece of glass. Polyvinyl butyral is used as the laminating adhesive.

Shepard, N. F., Jr.↗

Solar Cell Modules with Parallel Oriented Interconnections

Twenty-four solar modules, half of which were 48 cells in an all-series electrical configuration and half of a six parallel cells by eight series cells were provided. Upon delivery of environmentally tested modules, low power outputs were discovered. These low power modules were determined to have cracked cells which were thought to cause the low output power. The cracks tended to be linear or circular which were caused by different stressing mechanisms. These stressing mechanisms were fully explored. Efforts were undertaken to determine the causes of cell fracture. This resulted in module design and process modifications. The design and process changes were subsequently implemented in production.

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