Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “electrical system integration”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 541 records · Page 30

International Space Station USOS Crew Quarters Development

The International Space Station (ISS) United States Operational Segment (USOS) currently provides a Temporary Sleep Station (TeSS) as crew quarters for one crewmember in the Laboratory Module. The Russian Segment provides permanent crew quarters (Kayutas) for two crewmembers in the Service Module. The TeSS provides limited electrical, communication, and ventilation functionality. A new permanent rack sized USOS ISS Crew Quarters (CQ) is being developed. Up to four CQs can be installed into the Node 2 element to increase the ISS crewmember size to six. The new CQs will provide private crewmember space with enhanced acoustic noise mitigation, integrated radiation reduction material, controllable airflow, communication equipment, redundant electrical systems, and redundant caution and warning systems. The rack sized CQ is a system with multiple crewmember restraints, adjustable lighting, controllable ventilation, and interfaces that allow each crewmember to personalize their CQ workspace. Providing an acoustically quiet and visually isolated environment, while ensuring crewmember safety, is critical for obtaining crewmember rest and comfort to enable long term crewmember performance. The numerous human factor, engineering, and program considerations during the concept, design, and prototyping are outlined in the paper.

Broyan, James Lee, Jr.↗

The Impact of Soft Magnetic Materials in Electrified Aircraft Applications

Electrical systems with high power and high power density are integral to many aerospace and energy applications. These systems, enabled by power electronics with wide bandgap semiconductor devices, require management of both efficiency/thermal aspects and electromagnetic interference that are problems specific to high power and high frequency applications, respectively. In addition to advanced active components, these applications also require passive components (inductors, capacitors, conductors) capable of operation under challenging conditions. This work surveys the state of the art of magnetic components and soft magnetic materials used as inductive cores. The wide variety of motor and converter topologies translates to a variety of requirements in the magnetics including mechanical properties, permeabilities, and frequency response. The scaling impact of material properties will be surveyed with respect to component performance and sizing, using both data from experiment and the published literature. Variations on simulations, both in lumped circuits and finite element models, will also be discussed as these are important aspects of the design phase of modern power electronics.

Alex Leary↗

My vehicle is a data mine

In this talk we explore how analysis of vehicle data provides information of individual vehicle behaviors, information of other vehicles in the flow of traffic, and insights into the behavior of drivers. Over the last two decades traditional passenger vehicles have been transformed from integrated two-port electrical nodes to cyber-physical systems of communicating computational nodes whose individual state and control variables are shared on a standard controller area network (CAN) bus. As driver assistance systems have crept into vehicles as safety features, driver behaviors can be observed through analysis of the data streams on the CAN bus as these new nodes communicate with one another. The properties of these data streams, as well as architectures and approaches to gather the data, are important to consider when drawing conclusions on the relevance of the data in making decisions at varying levels of the information hierarchy. We will demonstrate several technical challenges associated with these data collection processes, as well as preliminary results that demonstrate application relevance of the data to behavior, traffic, and systems domains.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Integrated electro-hydraulic machine

An integrated electromechanical and hydraulic system is disclosed which includes an electric machine, the electric machine includes a casing, a stator adapted to remain stationary within the casing, one or more electrically insulated windings coupled to the stator, a rotor separated from the stator and the one or more windings by a radial diamagnetic gap, electrical power couplings, and a first mechanical power couplings, and a hydraulic machine also disposed in the housing, the hydraulic machine having hydro-mechanical couplings as well as a second mechanical power couplings, wherein the second mechanical power couplings are coupled to the first mechanical power couplings.

Vacca, Andrea↗

Nuclear Electric Propulsion Brayton Power Conversion Working Fluid Considerations

NASA has considered Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) for high V missions since the late 1950’s, but the current technology readiness level of the requisite powertrain needs to be raised for such a mission. The powertrain includes reactor, power conversion, power management, electric propulsion, and thermal management components that must be integrated to minimize system (kg/kWe) and to finalize a propulsion system architecture within the 2025-2027 timeframe requires advancing these component technologies to technology readiness level (TRL) 5 and Advancement Degree of Difficulty (AD2) 3 in an expeditious manner with minimal risks. This paper will only address the power conversion (heat to electric) components of that system. Based on both internal and industry studies, a primary conclusion of this work is that a single-spool supercritical Xe-He radial flux Brayton heat engine combined with a permanent magnet synchronous alternator can potentially be developed with the least technical risk to meet the technology readiness schedule and required NEP system performance metrics.

Nuclear↗

Preliminary Design of Nuclear Reactor Heat Delivery Systems: Integration with Reference Oil Refinery, Methanol Synthesis, and Hydrogen Production

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Integrated Energy Systems (IES) program is generating comprehensive analyses validating the opportunity for using nuclear energy in a variety of applications including future clean grids, providing heat for direct use, and providing heat to help reduce emissions in chemical commodities. This work focuses on the preliminary designs of thermal delivery systems that can integrate heat produced from a nuclear core to industrial processes. The key research question that needs to be answered is: what is the prospective method for integrating nuclear generated heat energy into non-electric applications that can facilitate combined heat and power operations by advanced nuclear reactor systems? This research is a composition of case studies showing preliminary conceptual designs for thermal delivery systems integrating advanced nuclear systems with a few industrial systems including high temperature steam electrolysis, a reference oil refinery, and potential future methanol systems that supplant some natural gas use with nuclear energy. Piping and instrumentation diagrams have been developed to show the conceptual integration of nuclear systems with representative industrial systems. Different features of the configurations are dependent on the specific integration requirements including energy source conditions, demand quantity, and require energy application conditions. Design concepts are validated using thermodynamic balance calculations to verify system performance including calculating system losses during transport. Key components: pumps and compressors, heat exchangers, and network piping are reported with key design information and sizing.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Monitoring and control requirement definition study for Dispersed Storage and Generation (DSG). Volume 4, appendix C: Identification from utility visits of present and future approaches to integration of DSG into distribution networks

Visits to four utilities concerned with the use of DSG power sources on their distribution networks yielded useful impressions of present and future approaches to the integration of DSGs into electrical distribution network. Different approaches to future utility systems with DSG are beginning to take shape. The new DSG sources will be in decentralized locations with some measure of centralized control. The utilities have yet to establish firmly the communication and control means or their organization. For the present, the means for integrating the DSGs and their associated monitoring and control equipment into a unified system have not been decided.

Source record↗

Nuclear Electric Propulsion Brayton Power Conversion Working Fluid Considerations

NASA has considered Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) for high ∆V missions since the late 1950s, but the current technology readiness level of the requisite power-train needs to be raised for such a mission. The powertrain includes reactor, power conversion, power management, electric propulsion, and thermal management components that must be integrated to minimize system a (kg/kWe) and to finalize a propulsion system architecture within the 2025-2027 timeframe requires advancing these component technologies to technology readiness level (TRL) 5 and Advancement Degree of Difficulty (AD2) 3 in an expeditious manner with minimal risks. This paper will only address the power conversion (heat to electric) components of that system. Based on both internal and industry studies, a primary conclusion of this work is that a single-spool supercritical Xe-He radial flux Brayton heat engine combined with a permanent magnet synchronous alternator can potentially be developed with the least technical risk to meet the technology readiness schedule and required NEP system performance metrics.

Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP)↗

Sensitivities of projected 1980 photovoltaic system costs to major system cost drivers

The sensitivity of projected 1990 photovoltaic (PV) system costs to major system cost drivers was examined. It includes: (1) module costs and module efficiencies; (2) area related balance of system (BOS) costs; (3) inverter costs and efficiencies; and (4) module marketing and distribution markups and system integration fees. Recent PV system cost experiences and the high costs of electricity from the systems are reviewed. The 1990 system costs are projected for five classes of PV systems, including four ground mounted 5-MWp systems and one residential 5-kWp system. System cost projections are derived by first projecting costs and efficiencies for all subsystems and components. Sensitivity analyses reveal that reductions in module cost and engineering and system integration fees seem to have the greatest potential for contributing to system cost reduction. Although module cost is clearly the prime candidate for fruitful PV research and development activities, engineering and system integration fees seem to be more amenable to reduction through appropriate choice of system size and market strategy. Increases in inverter and module efficiency yield significant benefits, especially for systems with high area related costs.

Zimmerman, L. W.↗

Concepts for application of 500- to 2500-We Brayton power systems for shuttle-launched missions

A mini-Brayton power system in the power range of 500 to 2500 We utilizing the multihundred Watt isotope heat source was studied for use in shuttle-launched experiments. The system consists of a single closed gas loop containing a single-shaft, gas cooled, compressor-alternator turbine assembly; a heat source heat exchanger assembly; a startup battery package; an electrical control module; a recuperator; a gas radiator; and a multifoil superinsulation system. The basic configuration and major nuclear payloads for shuttle integration are discussed. It is concluded that mini-Brayton systems have low isotope inventories and high electrical output per thermal input, and have the capability of flying all earth orbital and interplanetary missions with little degradation in performance.

Block, H. B.↗

Charging Infrastructure Technologies: Development of a Multiport, >1 MW Charging System for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles

Development of a Multiport, >1 MW Charging System for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles project will develop research tools for a framework to design, optimize, and demonstrate key components of a multi-port 1+ MW medium-voltage connected charging system. The objectives of this effort are to develop strategies and technologies for multi-port 1+ MW grid-connected stations to recharge MD/HD electric vehicles at fast-charging travel plazas or at fleet depots; through industry engagement, charging station utilization and load analysis, grid impacts and interconnection analysis, detailed power electronics component design and controller demonstration, site and battery charge control design and controller demonstration; and charging connector design.

1+MW charging↗

Managing Increased Electric Vehicle Shares on Bulk Power Systems

The convergence of transportation electrification, other load growth, and the integration of many power sector technologies presents a complex planning problem requiring realistic, region-specific modeling and analysis to ensure the power system can support new loads quickly and affordably.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems for Energy Storage and Hydrogen Production

FuelCell Energy (FCE) studied the performance, design, and economics of a reversible solid-oxide fuel cell/electrolyzer integrated with a natural gas-based electricity generation plant and used as an energy storage system. Increased market penetration of renewable energy is challenging for operators of fossilbased plants which are not suited for quick turndown and ramp-up. Process simulations studies show that with utilization of waste heat from the power plant, a high roundtrip efficiency (RTE) around 70% is possible, providing excellent market potential for this energy storage technology, potentially providing improved economics and lifetime for such power plant. The market potential and economics as a function of production volume are analyzed in detail. FCE is continuing the development and commercialization of its solid oxide technology.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Propulsion Options for the LISA Mission

The LISA mission is a constellation of three spacecraft operating at 1 AU from the Sun in a position trailing the Earth. After launch, a propulsion module provides the AV necessary to reach this operational orbit, and separates from the spacecraft. A second propulsion system integrated with the spacecraft maintains the operational orbit and reduces nongravitational disturbances on the instruments. Both chemical and electrical propulsion systems were considered for the propulsion module, and this trade is presented to show the possible benefits of an EP system. Several options for the orbit maintenance and disturbance reduction system are also briefly discussed, along with several important requirements that suggest the use of a FEEP thruster system.

Cardiff, Eric H.↗

Monitoring and control requirement definition study for Dispersed Storage and Generation (DSG), volume 1

Twenty-four functional requirements were prepared under six categories and serve to indicate how to integrate dispersed storage generation (DSG) systems with the distribution and other portions of the electric utility system. Results indicate that there are no fundamental technical obstacles to prevent the connection of dispersed storage and generation to the distribution system. However, a communication system of some sophistication is required to integrate the distribution system and the dispersed generation sources for effective control. The large-size span of generators from 10 KW to 30 MW means that a variety of remote monitoring and control may be required. Increased effort is required to develop demonstration equipment to perform the DSG monitoring and control functions and to acquire experience with this equipment in the utility distribution environment.

Source record↗

DSO+T: Integrated System Simulation (DSO+T Study: Volume 2)

This report summarizes an integrated co-simulation model used by the Distribution System Operator with Transactive (DSO+T) study to represent an electrical generation, delivery, and end-load systems for the purposes of assessing the viability and value proposition of transactive energy coordination of flexible assets versus a business-as-usual case. The integrated co-simulation model includes the bulk generation and transmission system, including the day-ahead and real-time scheduling and dispatch of thermal generators. Forty distribution system operators were modelled in detail, including tens of thousands of residential and commercial buildings and their flexible end-loads. These included HVAC systems, residential water heaters, electric vehicles, and stationary, behind-the-meter, batteries. Both wholesale market and end-load results for the business-as-usual case are presented and compared to actual ERCOT system data to assess the accuracy and representativeness of the resulting model.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

High Fidelity Thermal Simulators for Non-Nuclear Testing: Analysis and Initial Results

Non-nuclear testing can be a valuable tool in the development of a space nuclear power system, providing system characterization data and allowing one to work through various fabrication, assembly and integration issues without the cost and time associated with a full ground nuclear test. In a non-nuclear test bed, electric heaters are used to simulate the heat from nuclear fuel. Testing with non-optimized heater elements allows one to assess thermal, heat transfer, and stress related attributes of a given system, but fails to demonstrate the dynamic response that would be present in an integrated, fueled reactor system. High fidelity thermal simulators that match both the static and the dynamic fuel pin performance that would be observed in an operating, fueled nuclear reactor can vastly increase the value of non-nuclear test results. With optimized simulators, the integration of thermal hydraulic hardware tests with simulated neutronie response provides a bridge between electrically heated testing and fueled nuclear testing, providing a better assessment of system integration issues, characterization of integrated system response times and response characteristics, and assessment of potential design improvements' at a relatively small fiscal investment. Initial conceptual thermal simulator designs are determined by simple one-dimensional analysis at a single axial location and at steady state conditions; feasible concepts are then input into a detailed three-dimensional model for comparison to expected fuel pin performance. Static and dynamic fuel pin performance for a proposed reactor design is determined using SINDA/FLUINT thermal analysis software, and comparison is made between the expected nuclear performance and the performance of conceptual thermal simulator designs. Through a series of iterative analyses, a conceptual high fidelity design can developed. Test results presented in this paper correspond to a "first cut" simulator design for a potential liquid metal (NaK) cooled reactor design that could be applied for Lunar surface power. Proposed refinements to this simulator design are also presented.

Bragg-Sitton, Shannon M.↗

On the Feasibility of Market Manipulation and Energy Storage Arbitrage via Load-Altering Attacks

Around the globe, electric power networks are transforming into complex cyber–physical energy systems (CPES) due to the accelerating integration of both information and communication technologies (ICT) and distributed energy resources. While this integration improves power grid operations, the growing number of Internet-of-Things (IoT) controllers and high-wattage appliances being connected to the electric grid is creating new attack vectors, largely inherited from the IoT ecosystem, that could lead to disruptions and potentially energy market manipulation via coordinated load-altering attacks (LAAs). In this article, we explore the feasibility and effects of a realistic LAA targeted at IoT high-wattage loads connected at the distribution system level, designed to manipulate local energy markets and perform energy storage (ES) arbitrage. Realistic integrated transmission and distribution (T&D) systems are used to demonstrate the effects that LAAs have on locational marginal prices at the transmission level and in distribution systems adjacent to the targeted network.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗