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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 55 records · Page 3

The NASA/LRC Computerized Test System

A new testing package, including apparatus and tasks for the behavioral study of a number of species in a variety of experiments is presented. The package is described with respect to the kinds of comparative psychological investigations for which it is best suited. The preliminary data generated within this new testing paradigm demonstrate that the NASA/LRC Computerized Test System provides a flexible yet powerful environment for the investigation of behavioral and psychological processes.

Richardson, W. Kirk↗

An ERCOT test system for market design studies

An open source test system is developed that permits the dynamic modeling of centrally-managed wholesale power markets operating over highvoltage transmission grids. In default mode, the test system models basic operations in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT): namely, centrally-managed day-ahead and real-time markets operating over successive days, with congestion handled by locational marginal pricing. These basic operational features characterize all seven U.S. energy regions organized as centrally-managed wholesale power markets. Modeled participants include dispatchable generators, load-serving entities, and non-dispatchable generation such as unrmed wind and solar power. Users can congure a broad variety of parameters to study basic market and grid features under alternative system conditions. Users can also easily extend the test system's Java/Python software classes to study modied or newly envisioned market and grid features. Finally, the test system is integrated with a high-level simulation framework that permits it to function as a software component within larger systems, such as multi-country systems or integrated transmission and distribution systems. Finally, detailed test cases with 8-bus and 200-bus transmission grids are reported to illustrate these test system capabilities.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

The effect of test system misalignment in the dynamic tension test

The effects of test system misalignment are analyzed for dynamic tension tests using sheet type rectangular 1100-0 aluminum specimens. The strain rate is assumed constant only on the natural axis of the specimen even though the specimen is subjected to a constant strain rate test. The results include: (1) the lower the strain rate, the more significant the misalignment errors become; (2) misalignment errors of 50% are found at the extreme fibers of the specimen; (3) the strain rate variation in the cross section decreases with increasing plastic strain and vanishes at plastic strain equal to 0.8% at the midspan of the specimen; and (4) the neutral axis shifts toward the centerline of the specimen as the plastic strain increases, but it reaches a limit and does not completely move back to the centerline.

Wu, H. C.↗

Flight Test Results for the HST Orbital Systems Test (HOST) Capillary Pump Loop Cooling System

The Near Infrared Camera and Multi Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) was installed in the Hubble Space Telescope (MST) in February 1997. Shortly thereafter, the instrument experienced a thermal short in its solid nitrogen dewar system which will significantly shorten the instrument's useful life. A reverse Brayton cycle mechanical refrigerator will be installed during the Third Servicing Mission (SM3) to provide cooling for the instrument, and thereby extend its operations. A Capillary Pump Loop (CPL) and radiator system was designed, built and tested to remove up to 500 watts of heat from the mechanical cryocooler and its associated electronics. The HST Orbital Systems Test (HOST) platform was flown on the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-95) as a flight demonstration of the cryocooler system, CPL control electronics, and the CPL/Radiator. This paper will present the flight test results and thermal performance of the CPL system in detail.

Buchko, M.↗

xEMU Suit Integrated Audio Communications System: Ambient and EVA Pressure Testing System Performance

Testing across several airlock and EVA thermal and pressure scenarios has demonstrated that the Integrated Audio System of NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) spacesuits transmits and receives intelligible audio communications without the use of a commcap or similar worn device. The xEMU audio system consists of internal loudspeakers and digital microphones (Integrated Communications System –ICS) combined with an adaptive Acoustic Echo Canceller (AEC), outbound voice operated transmission (VOX), and automatic gain control (AGC). Transducers are mounted in an “exploded commcap” configuration with helmet-attached speakers near the ears and three microphones positioned at the collar. The AGC removes inbound audio signals (e.g.,suit, Mission Control, Lander, C&W tones) from the outbound comms stream, reducing echo and feedback (squeal) in low-noise suit environments. The reduction of worn communication equipment increases crewmember comfort, range of movement, and situational awareness. However, test results also highlight the need for proper fan, duct, pump, and gas flow integration with suit acoustics and audio. Ductwork may serve as waveguides for various component and structure-borne noise. Sharply angled ducts can generate turbulent-flow noise. Gas flow from inlets above the crewmember’s head can generate noise when cascading over the faceplate and collar (or commcap) microphones. Sufficient acoustic noise levels (1) require increased gain to boost inbound audio, and (2) may distort signals resulting in AEC disruption or artifacts. Suit-noise levels decline with reduced pressure (density), but then elevated speech and audio effort/power become necessary. Whether the Integrated Audio System, commcap, or other device is used, suit acoustic noise can mask speech in outbound comms. This reduces intelligibility and requires other AECs/devices to suppress comms noise. Yet, adjusting a few components may yield significant improvement. We discuss xEMU audio functionality, demonstrate how acoustical treatment combined with inbound signal conditioning improved clarity during tests, and discuss future modifications.

xEMU↗

xEMU Suit Integrated Audio Communications System: Ambient and EVA Pressure Testing System Performance

Testing across several airlock and EVA thermal and pressure scenarios has demonstrated that the Integrated Audio System of NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) spacesuits transmits and receives intelligible audio communications without the use of a commcap or similar worn device. The xEMU audio system consists of internal loudspeakers and digital microphones (Integrated Communications System –ICS) combined with an adaptive Acoustic Echo Canceller (AEC), outbound voice operated transmission (VOX), and automatic gain control (AGC). Transducers are mounted in an “exploded commcap” configuration with helmet-attached speakers near the ears and three microphones positioned at the collar. The AGC removes inbound audio signals (e.g.,suit, Mission Control, Lander, C&W tones) from the outbound comms stream, reducing echo and feedback (squeal) in low-noise suit environments. The reduction of worn communication equipment increases crewmember comfort, range of movement, and situational awareness. However, test results also highlight the need for proper fan, duct, pump, and gas flow integration with suit acoustics and audio. Ductwork may serve as waveguides for various component and structure-borne noise. Sharply angled ducts can generate turbulent-flow noise. Gas flow from inlets above the crewmember’s head can generate noise when cascading over the faceplate and collar (or commcap) microphones. Sufficient acoustic noise levels (1) require increased gain to boost inbound audio, and (2) may distort signals resulting in AEC disruption or artifacts. Suit-noise levels decline with reduced pressure (density), but then elevated speech and audio effort/power become necessary. Whether the Integrated Audio System, commcap, or other device is used, suit acoustic noise can mask speech in outbound comms. This reduces intelligibility and requires other AECs/devices to suppress comms noise. Yet, adjusting a few components may yield significant improvement. We discuss xEMU audio functionality, demonstrate how acoustical treatment combined with inbound signal conditioning improved clarity during tests, and discuss future modifications.

xEMU↗

Accelerated-weathering test-system for solar cells

Test system rapidly evaluates effects of sunlight, humidity, and temperature. System accelerates environmental testing since Sunlight is held at equivalent noon exposure (for a selected locality) for 12 hours; alternating light and dark periods are included to check for possible dark reactions in specimens.

Kolyer, J. M.↗

A closed-loop automatic control system for high-intensity acoustic test systems.

Sound at sound pressure levels in the range from 130 to 160 dB is used in the investigation. Random noise is passed through a series of parallel filters, generally 1/3-octave wide. A basic automatic system is investigated because of preadjustment inaccuracies and high costs found in a study of a typical manually controlled acoustic testing system. The unit described has been successfully used in automatic acoustic tests in connection with the spacecraft tests for the Mariner 1971 program.

Slusser, R. A.↗

Automated System Tests High-Power MOSFET's

Computer-controlled system tests metal-oxide/semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET's) at high voltages and currents. Measures seven parameters characterizing performance of MOSFET, with view toward obtaining early indication MOSFET defective. Use of test system prior to installation of power MOSFET in high-power circuit saves time and money.

Huston, Steven W.↗

Dynamic Docking Test System (DDTS) active table frequency response test results

Results are presented of the frequency response test performed on the dynamic docking test system (DDTS) active table. Sinusoidal displacement commands were applied to the table and the dynamic response determined from measured actuator responses and accelerometers mounted to the table and one actuator.

Gates, R. M.↗

Input-output characterization of an ultrasonic testing system by digital signal analysis

The input/output characteristics of an ultrasonic testing system used for stress wave factor measurements were studied. The fundamentals of digital signal processing are summarized. The inputs and outputs are digitized and processed in a microcomputer using digital signal processing techniques. The entire ultrasonic test system, including transducers and all electronic components, is modeled as a discrete-time linear shift-invariant system. Then the impulse response and frequency response of the continuous time ultrasonic test system are estimated by interpolating the defining points in the unit sample response and frequency response of the discrete time system. It is found that the ultrasonic test system behaves as a linear phase bandpass filter. Good results were obtained for rectangular pulse inputs of various amplitudes and durations and for tone burst inputs whose center frequencies are within the passband of the test system and for single cycle inputs of various amplitudes. The input/output limits on the linearity of the system are determined.

Karaguelle, H.↗

Mass-Flow-Meter Leak-Testing System

Improved leak-testing system incorporates mass-flow meter as primary sensor for measurement of leakage rate. System easier to use and more reliable and enables leak tests to be completed in less time. Produces test data more plentiful, more accurate, and better suited to leak detection and diagnosis. Operates over range of test conditions, including pressures from atmospheric to 1,000 psi, temperatures from 50 to 120 degrees F and volumes from less than 1 in.(sup3) to 22 in.(sup3). Sensitive enough to measure absorbed gas seeping from O-ring seals after test pressure released.

Sorensen, Eric B.↗

Systems test facilities existing capabilities compilation

Systems test facilities (STFS) to test total photovoltaic systems and their interfaces are described. The systems development (SD) plan is compilation of existing and planned STFs, as well as subsystem and key component testing facilities. It is recommended that the existing capabilities compilation is annually updated to provide and assessment of the STF activity and to disseminate STF capabilities, status and availability to the photovoltaics program.

Weaver, R.↗

Remote Advanced Payload Test Rig (RAPTR) Portable Payload Test System for the International Space Station (ISS)

The RAPTR was developed to test ISS payloads for NASA. RAPTR is a simulation of the Command and Data Handling (C&DH) interfaces of the ISS (MIL-STD 1553B, Ethernet and TAXI) and is designed to facilitate rapid testing and deployment of payload experiments to the ISS. The ISS Program's goal is to reduce the amount of time it takes a payload developer to build, test and fly a payload, including payload software. The RAPTR meets this need with its user oriented, visually rich interface. Additionally, the Analog and Discrete (A&D) signals of the following payload types may be tested with RAPTR: (1) EXPRESS Sub Rack Payloads; (2) ELC payloads; (3) External Columbus payloads; (4) External Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) payloads. The automated payload configuration setup and payload data inspection infrastructure is found nowhere else in ISS payload test systems. Testing can be done with minimal human intervention and setup, as the RAPTR automatically monitors parameters in the data headers that are sent to, and come from the experiment under test.

Calvert, John↗

Endosafe(R)-Portable Test System (PTS)

The Portable Test System (PTS) is a hand-held device for monitoring the presence of potentially hazardous bacteria in the environment. It uses an immunological method derived from the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) to detect bacterial cell membranes and other molecular components of a cell. Further modifications of the PTS will allow detection of individual hazardous species of bacteria. This study was a follow-up of previous PTS and other immunological tests performed on the KC-135 during 2002-2003 (Maule et al., 2003, J. Gravit. Physiol.) and in the underwater habitat Aquarius during NEEMO 5 (Maule et al., 2005, Appl. Environ. Microbiol in prep.). The experiments described here were part of a final testing phase prior to use of the PTS on the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for launch on 12A.1 on February 9th 2006. The specific aspects of PTS operation studied were those involving a fluid component: pumping, mixing, incubations and pipetting into the instrument. The PTS uses a stepper motor to move fluid along small channels, which may be affected by reduced gravity.

Maule, Jake↗

Introducing the 9500 Node Distribution Test System to Support Advanced Power Applications: An Operations-Focused Approach

The 9500 Node Test System is a representative section of distribution power system model developed as a part of the GridAPPS-D™ project, an effort funded by DOE as a part of the Grid Modernization Lab Consortium (GMLC) program. The test system was developed to fulfill a growing need to represent the rapidly evolving state of electric distribution systems by combining elements of legacy infrastructure systems, modern feeder topologies, and an anticipated future with smart grid technologies. It also provides a network model capable of supporting the simulation of operational scenarios such as the ones in a utility distribution control center. This test system allows the evaluation of the performance of advanced power applications in real-time, such as one that simulates the operations of an Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), etc. in a Distribution control center. This model is an extension of the widely used IEEE 8500 Node Test Feeder and is currently being validated to become an IEEE test case to help increase adoption and widespread usage among both academia and industry. It is a full-size model representative of a section of a utility’s distribution system with multiple feeders fed from different substations. The model includes multiple distribution circuits, a sub-transmission system, multiple substations, behind the meter customer rooftop photovoltaics (PV), and multiple utility-scale distributed energy resources. To enable accurate simulations of operational scenarios, the 9500 Node Test System is designed to support procedure-based operations, with the ability to realistically demonstrate switching operations, feeder reconfiguration, adjustment of volt-var control equipment, dispatch of distributed generation, and response to planned and unplanned outages. The 9500 Node Test System includes three radial distribution feeders with 12.3 MVA of average load, consisting of both medium voltage and low voltage equipment each supplied by a different distribution substation. The three distribution feeders are connected to each other through Normally-Open switches which can be closed when needed to simulate restoration scenarios due to a fault. One feeder represents today’s grid with low penetration of customer-side renewables. The second represents a potential future grid with microgrids and 100% renewable penetration. The third has no customer generation resources, a district steam plant, and a utility-scale solar farm. The three diverse circuits were created to allow the simulation of both today’s situation as well as potential future scenarios. All three feeders have customers connected by low-voltage secondary triplex lines. This test system meets all requirements outlined in the report for creating a simulation environment that would enable discussion between key technical stakeholders as well as having the potential to accelerate operational application development and their subsequent testing and integration. The new model is a possible representation of what we believe the distribution grid may look like in the future: a high penetration of renewables, reconfigurable radial and mesh topology, numerous DERs, islanded microgrids, and significantly increased data and measurement density. The system supports both the solution of existing and newer algorithms but also enables the evaluation of applications in a realistic operational environment defined by task oriented procedural steps that represent the interaction between the control center operator and field personnel.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗