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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Highly Integrated Wide Bandgap Power Module for Next Generation Plug-In Vehicles (Final Report)

Wide bandgap devices are key enablers for high power density traction inverters. A highly integrated wide bandgap (WBG) power module enables higher temperature operation, higher inverter efficiency and overall smaller die area with the same power delivery. However, it requires careful design of the power module to take advantage of all the superior material properties that silicon carbide (SiC) provides over conventional silicon (Si) Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) based design. This project developed an efficient and densely packed SiC power module for an automotive traction inverter application. Extensive study was performed to select the best performing SiC die considering a wide range of temperature variation, suitability to integrate into target packaging, robust body diode performance and overall high electrical efficiency. Multiple design ideas were explored to achieve lower stray inductance for both power loop and signal loop, uniform current distribution, compact form factor, and very high thermal performance. The final power module package includes all six inverter switches in the same module (six-pack) with die sintered at both bottom and top surfaces utilizing high performance substrate to achieve high electrical and thermal performance. Two power module variants were developed using 900 V and 1200 V devices for operating at two different high voltage levels (> 600 V HV battery). Both power modules were comprehensively characterized, and high efficiency operation of the inverter was confirmed through analysis. Finally, a complete functional inverter was built with the 1200V power modules using other essential components (HV capacitors, gate driver board, controller board, current sensor, connectors etc.) and tested using GM’s standard test procedure. There are several challenges associated with adopting WBG devices for high voltage operation. In order to assess and mitigate those challenges, GM and subrecipients of this project have conducted multiple detailed studies. This includes phase current reconstruction using integrated Rogowski coil, device junction temperature estimation using on-state gate resistance, modeling and testing the effect of high voltage and fast switching on motor insulation and bearings, partial discharge inception voltage measurement under different environmental conditions. Findings of all these studies are summarized in this report.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1988

Integrated fountain effect pump device for fluid management at low gravity

A new device for fluid management at low gravity is described. The system is basically the same as the enclosed capillary device using screens, in which the screens along the gallery channels are replaced by porous plugs which are responsible for both the fluid retention and pumping of He II; in this device, no downstream pump is needed. The plugs in contact with liquid He on both sides act as a fountain-effect pumps (FEPs), while plugs exposed to vapor on one side behave as vapor-liquid phase separators (VLPSs). The total net rate of He II transfer into the receiving tank equals the mass flow rate through the FEP plugs minus the liquid loss from the VLPS plugs. The results of the performance analysis of this integrated FEP device are presented together with its schematic diagram.

Yuan, S. W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Vapor-liquid phase separator studies

Porous plugs serve as both entropy rejection devices and phase separation components separating the vapor phase on the downstream side from liquid Helium 2 upstream. The liquid upstream is the cryo-reservoir fluid needed for equipment cooling by means of Helium 2, i.e Helium-4 below its lambda temperature in near-saturated states. The topics outlined are characteristic lengths, transport equations and plug results.

Yuan, S. W. K.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Improved wall-plug efficiency of III-nitride tunnel junction micro-light-emitting diodes with AlGaN/GaN polarization charges

The electrical performances of III-nitride blue micro-light-emitting diodes (µLEDs) with different tunnel junction (TJ) epitaxial architectures grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are investigated. A new TJ structure that employs AlGaN is introduced. The current density–voltage characteristic is improved by incorporating AlGaN layer above the n-side of the TJ layer, and the effects of the AlGaN/GaN superlattices is examined. Based upon the data from band diagram simulation, net positive polarization charge is formed at the AlGaN/GaN interface, which results in a reduction in tunneling distance and increase in tunneling probability. Moreover, similar electrical improvement is observed in various device dimensions and is independent of operating current density, suggesting that AlGaN/GaN biaxial tensile strain or current spreading is not the main contribution for the improvement. Finally, the effects on the efficiency performances are determined. While the maximum external quantum efficiency of the TJ devices remains identical, the wall-plug efficiency of µLEDs is enhanced significantly by the proposed AlGaN-enhanced TJ design. This work reveals the possibility of energy efficient TJ contact with high transparency in the visible wavelength range.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1970

Connector locking device

Slidable spring-loaded locking device eliminates need for safety wiring. Locking device is placed between the connector plug and connector receptacle. The threaded plug cannot vibrate loose because the insert is wedged into slots formed on the outer diameter of the receptacle.

Rabb, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS2012

NASA Tech Briefs, April 2012

Topics include: Computational Ghost Imaging for Remote Sensing; Digital Architecture for a Trace Gas Sensor Platform; Dispersed Fringe Sensing Analysis - DFSA; Indium Tin Oxide Resistor-Based Nitric Oxide Microsensors; Gas Composition Sensing Using Carbon Nanotube Arrays; Sensor for Boundary Shear Stress in Fluid Flow; Model-Based Method for Sensor Validation; Qualification of Engineering Camera for Long-Duration Deep Space Missions; Remotely Powered Reconfigurable Receiver for Extreme Environment Sensing Platforms; Bump Bonding Using Metal-Coated Carbon Nanotubes; In Situ Mosaic Brightness Correction; Simplex GPS and InSAR Inversion Software; Virtual Machine Language 2.1; Multi-Scale Three-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation System for Coastal Ocean Prediction; Pandora Operation and Analysis Software; Fabrication of a Cryogenic Bias Filter for Ultrasensitive Focal Plane; Processing of Nanosensors Using a Sacrificial Template Approach; High-Temperature Shape Memory Polymers; Modular Flooring System; Non-Toxic, Low-Freezing, Drop-In Replacement Heat Transfer Fluids; Materials That Enhance Efficiency and Radiation Resistance of Solar Cells; Low-Cost, Rugged High-Vacuum System; Static Gas-Charging Plug; Floating Oil-Spill Containment Device; Stemless Ball Valve; Improving Balance Function Using Low Levels of Electrical Stimulation of the Balance Organs; Oxygen-Methane Thruster; Lunar Navigation Determination System - LaNDS; Launch Method for Kites in Low-Wind or No-Wind Conditions; Supercritical CO2 Cleaning System for Planetary Protection and Contamination Control Applications; Design and Performance of a Wideband Radio Telescope; Finite Element Models for Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication Process Autonomous Information Unit for Fine-Grain Data Access Control and Information Protection in a Net-Centric System; Vehicle Detection for RCTA/ANS (Autonomous Navigation System); Image Mapping and Visual Attention on the Sensory Ego-Sphere; HyDE Framework for Stochastic and Hybrid Model-Based Diagnosis; and IMAGESEER - IMAGEs for Education and Research.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2020

Grid regulation services for energy storage devices based on grid frequency

Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for charging and discharging an energy storage device connected to an electrical power distribution system. In one exemplary embodiment, a controller monitors electrical characteristics of an electrical power distribution system and provides an output to a bi-directional charger causing the charger to charge or discharge an energy storage device (e.g., a battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). The controller can help stabilize the electrical power distribution system by increasing the charging rate when there is excess power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid exceeds an average value), or by discharging power from the energy storage device to stabilize the grid when there is a shortage of power in the electrical power distribution system (e.g., when the frequency of an AC power grid is below an average value).

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1979

Removable fastener for insulating tiles

Fastening device that consists of internally threaded silica insert, silica plug, and molded rubber retainer, seals holes in ceramic tiles securely over wide temperature excursions without cracking from thermal stresses. Device proves useful in high-temperature industrial applications.

Brown, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Scalable Asset Discovery, Vulnerability Scanning, and Penetration Testing for Remote Sites and Wireless Spectrums Utilizing an Embedded Linux Plug - PwniPlug and the Raspberry Pi B+ as a Sample Pen Test

All devices attached to the NASA KSC network are subject to security vulnerability scanning and/or penetration testing. In today's changing environment, vulnerable and/or unprotected systems can easily be overlooked. Systems that are not properly managed can become a potential threat to the operational integrity of our systems and networks. This includes all NASA (internal and external) information systems within NASA KSC Internet Protocol (IP) address space, and NASA KSC facilities. The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) recommends that all NASA Centers and information systems be subject to penetration testing on a regular interval in accordance with the guidelines identified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (ITS-HBK-2810.04-02A) Protecting information and equipment at NASA is an area of increasing concern. In addition to the CPU's on the network; Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are especially vulnerable because these systems have lacked standards, use embedded controllers with little computational power and informal software, are connected to physical processes, have few operators, and are increasingly also being connected to corporate networks. The scope of work is comprised of several individual components which together build upon previous work by Drew Branch, NASA KSC Intern. The Pwn Plug is the selected COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) device chosen to test simplification of mandatory IT Security tasks. The device will be utilized to provide services to NASA KSC and enable an assessment of infrastructure soundness and regulatory compliance in an efficient, economical, and business responsive manner. The Pwn Plug is designed as a pen testing appliance which provides a hardware platform that can support commercial penetration testing efforts at significantly reduced costs. The expected outcomes are: 1) External Penetration Testing, 2) Social Engineering, 3) Procedural Documentation, 4) Recommended Remediation Action Plan, 5) System Retest & Remediation Attestation and 6) Final Reports, out briefing and Presentation. Due to physical and material constraints beyond intern and mentor control, the project was redefined as a working pen-test scenario. Limitations of lab availability and tools dictated an academic exercise. This report was developed within the scenario guidelines suggested by the project mentor. The guidelines were to be creative in developing a Pen Test program for a client.

Penetration Testing↗
NASA NTRS1972

Protection Against Hearing Loss in General Aviation Operations, Phase II

An inflight evaluation of four aural protectors is presented. The hearing protection devices studied were ear muffs, plastic ear plugs, rubber ear plugs, and wax ear plugs. It is concluded that ear plugs are satisfactory for providing adequate sound attenuation in general aviation aircraft. However, two problems were found in the use of ear plugs; comfort and interference with cabin communications.

Parker, J. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Exploration of Backscatter Methods for Wireless Avionics

This report describes and characterizes the low-power Jeeva Passive Radio systems, including Wanscatter (passive Chirp Spread Spectrum) and Passive Wi-Fi, with respect to their applicability to wireless avionics. The Wireless Avionics Intra-Communications (WAIC) objectives document, ITU-R M.2197, describes a number of applications of wireless avionics, and lists requirements specifications for each. Additionally, it describes models for compartments and areas of aircraft or vehicles in which wireless avionics would be applied. This exploratory study attempts to map Jeeva's Passive Radio technology to those scenarios outlined in the ITU-R M.2197 operational objectives document, and determine the areas and applications for which it is most suitable. Jeeva Passive Radio operates differently than conventional radios. In a conventional radio, a sensor-connected radio node must actively emit a signal in order to communicate. In a Jeeva Passive Radio system, that node instead simply reflects radio frequency energy which is emitted by another nearby device (called the Companion), which can be "plugged in" or otherwise has access to more power. Using reflections, a data packet can be generated and interpreted by a standard receiver. This method of communication inherently uses less energy, resulting in the potential for far lower power consumption and thus far longer battery life. Overall, 68.4% of use cases described by the ITU-R M.2197 operational objectives document were found to be addressable by Jeeva's Passive Radio systems (26 addressable of 38 total), with 26 of those best addressable by Wanscatter and three found to be best addressable with passive Wi-Fi. See Section 4.2 for a detailed breakdown of application suitability. The most fitting types of applications were in the LI (Low-rate Indoors) and LO (Low-rate Outdoors) categories, where lower rates were acceptable and thus Wanscatter could be applied and its much better uplink sensitivity leveraged. Jeeva has identified the Wanscatter (Chirp Spread Spectrum) system as likely holding the most promise for applications such as those outlined in the ITU-R M.2197 operational objectives document. We recommend that Wanscatter be a technology considered for adoption in wireless avionics.

Backscatter↗
NASA NTRS2015

Thermal Pyrolytic Graphite Enhanced Components

A thermally conductive composite material, a thermal transfer device made of the material, and a method for making the material are disclosed. Apertures or depressions are formed in aluminum or aluminum alloy. Plugs are formed of thermal pyrolytic graphite. An amount of silicon sufficient for liquid interface diffusion bonding is applied, for example by vapor deposition or use of aluminum silicon alloy foil. The plugs are inserted in the apertures or depressions. Bonding energy is applied, for example by applying pressure and heat using a hot isostatic press. The thermal pyrolytic graphite, aluminum or aluminum alloy and silicon form a eutectic alloy. As a result, the plugs are bonded into the apertures or depressions. The composite material can be machined to produce finished devices such as the thermal transfer device. Thermally conductive planes of the thermal pyrolytic graphite plugs may be aligned in parallel to present a thermal conduction path.

Hardesty, Robert E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Magnetostatic ponderomotive potential in rotating plasma

A new end-plugging method for rotating plasmas is identified and analyzed. It uses the ponderomotive potential associated with an azimuthal magnetostatic wiggler. Studied both analytically and numerically, this process compares favorably to other end-plugging methods in open field line magnetized plasma devices.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1980

Vapors-liquid phase separator

The use of porous plugs, mostly with in the form of passive devices with constant area were considered as vapor-liquid phase separators for helium 2 storage vessels under reduced gravity. The incorporation of components with variable cross sectional area as a method of flow rate modification was also investigated. A particular device which uses a shutter-type system for area variation was designed and constructed. This system successfully permitted flor rate changes of up to plus or minus 60% from its mean value.

Frederking, T. H. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Technical Evaluation Motor 3 (TEM-3)

A primary objective of the technical evaluation motor program is to recover the case, igniter and nozzle hardware for use on the redesigned solid rocket motor flight program. Two qualification objectives were addressed and met on TEM-3. The Nylok thread locking device of the 1U100269-03 leak check port plug and the 1U52295-04 safe and arm utilizing Krytox grease on the barrier-booster shaft O-rings were both certified. All inspection and instrumentation data indicate that the TEM-3 static test firing conducted 23 May 1989 was successful. The test was conducted at ambient conditions with the exception of the field joints (set point of 121 F, with a minimum of 87 F at the sensors), igniter joint (set point at 122 F with a minimum of 87 F at sensors) and case-to-nozzle joint (set point at 114 F with a minimum of 87 F at sensors). Ballistics performance values were within specification requirements. Nozzle performance was nominal with typical erosion. The nozzle and the case joint temperatures were maintained at the heaters controlling set points while electrical power was supplied. The water and the CO2 quench systems prevented damage to the metal hardware. All other test equipment performed as planned, contributing to a successful motor firing. All indications are that the test was a success, and all expected hardware will be refurbished for the RSRM program.

Garecht, Diane↗
NASA NTRS2013

ESD Test Apparatus for Soldering Irons

ESDA (Electrostatic Discharge Association) ESD STM 13.1-2000 requires frequent testing of the voltage leakage from the tip of a soldering iron and the resistance from the tip of the soldering iron to the common point ground. Without this test apparatus, the process is time-consuming and requires several wires, alligator clips, or test probes, as well as additional equipment. Soldering iron tips must be tested for electrostatic discharge risks frequently, and this typically takes a lot of time in setup and testing. This device enables the operator to execute the full test in one minute or less. This innovation is a simple apparatus that plugs into a digital multimeter (DMM) and the Common Point Ground (CPG) reference. It enables the user to perform two of the electrostatic discharge tests required in ESD STM 13.1-2000. The device consists of a small black box with two prongs sticking out of one end, two inputs on the opposite end (one of the inputs is used to connect the reference CPG to the DMM), and a metal tab on one side. Inside the box are wires, several washers of various materials, and assembly hardware (nuts and screws/bolts). The device is a passive electronic component that is plugged into a DMM. The operator sets the DMM to read voltage. The operator places the heated tip of the soldering iron onto the metal tab with a small amount of solder to ensure a complete connection. The voltage is read and recorded. The operator switches the DMM to read resistance. The operator places the heated tip of the soldering iron onto the metal tab with a small amount of solder to ensure a complete connection. The resistance is recorded. If the recorded voltage and resistance are below a number stated in ESDA ESD STM 13.1-2000, the test is considered to pass. The device includes all the necessary wiring internal to its body so the operator does not need to do any independent wiring, except for grounding. It uses a stack of high-thermal-resistance washers to minimize the heat transfer from the soldering iron to the wiring used to measure the resistance and voltages. This minimizes thermal error. The device allows very rapid execution of a test that is performed frequently.

Sancho, Jose↗