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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 577 records · Page 32

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NASA NTRS1999

Refurbishment and Automation of Thermal Vacuum Facilities at NASA/GSFC

The thermal vacuum facilities located at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) have supported both manned and unmanned space flight since the 1960s. Of the eleven facilities, currently ten of the systems are scheduled for refurbishment or replacement as part of a five-year implementation. Expected return on investment includes the reduction in test schedules, improvements in safety of facility operations, and reduction in the personnel support required for a test. Additionally, GSFC will become a global resource renowned for expertise in thermal engineering, mechanical engineering, and for the automation of thermal vacuum facilities and tests. Automation of the thermal vacuum facilities includes the utilization of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and the development of a centralized Test Data Management System. These components allow the computer control and automation of mechanical components such as valves and pumps. The project of refurbishment and automation began in 1996 and has resulted in complete computer control of one facility (Facility 281), and the integration of electronically controlled devices and PLCs in multiple others.

Dunn, Jamie↗

DOE OSTI2022

The Role of Timing in Industrial Control Systems: A Primer

Accurate and synchronized time is an important dependency within an industrial control system. Manipulation or degradation of timing can result in varying impacts based on the critical infrastructure sector. As control systems continue to be digitized and automated, they require more precise timing elements which increases the potential impact of a cyber-attack on timing elements.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRS1990

Automated electric power management and control for Space Station Freedom

A comprehensive automation design is being developed for Space Station Freedom's electric power system. It strives to increase station productivity by applying expert systems and conventional algorithms to automate power system operation. An integrated approach to the power system command and control problem is defined and used to direct technology development in: diagnosis, security monitoring and analysis, battery management, and cooperative problem-solving for resource allocation. The prototype automated power system is developed using simulations and test-beds.

Dolce, James L.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Automated electric power management and control for Space Station Freedom

Dolce, James L.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Neural nets for aligning optical components in harsh environments: Beam smoothing spatial filter as an example

The goal is to develop an approach to automating the alignment and adjustment of optical measurement, visualization, inspection, and control systems. Classical controls, expert systems, and neural networks are three approaches to automating the alignment of an optical system. Neural networks were chosen for this project and the judgements that led to this decision are presented. Neural networks were used to automate the alignment of the ubiquitous laser-beam-smoothing spatial filter. The results and future plans of the project are presented.

Decker, Arthur J.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Flexible Microsensor Array for the Monitoring and Control of Plant Growth System

Testing for plant experiments in space has begun to explore active nutrient delivery concepts in which water and nutrients are replenished on a continuous basis for long-term growth. The goal of this study is to develop a novel microsensor array to provide information on the dissolved oxygen environment in the plant root zone for the optimum control of hydroponics and solid substrate plant cultivation systems in the space environment. Miniaturized polarographic dissolved oxygen sensors have been designed and fabricated on a flexible Kapton (trademark) (polyimide) substrate. Two capabilities of the new microsensor array were explored. First, measurements of dissolved oxygen in the plant root zone in hydroponics and solid substrate culture systems were made. The microsensor array was fabricated on a flexible substrate, and then cut out into a mesh type to make a suspended array that could be placed either in a hydroponics system or in a solid substrate cultivation system to measure the oxygen environments. Second, the in situ self-diagnostic and self-calibration capability (two-point for oxygen) was adopted by dynamically controlling the microenvironment in close proximity to the microsensors. With a built-in generating electrode that surrounds the microsensor, two kinds of microenvironments (oxygen-saturated and oxygen-depleted phases) could be established by water electrolysis depending on the polarity of the generating electrode. The unique features of the new microsensor array (small size, multiple sensors, flexibility and self-diagnosis) can have exceptional benefits for the study and optimization of plant cultivation systems in both terrestrial and microgravity environments. The in situ self-diagnostic and self-calibration features of the microsensor array will also enable continuous verification of the operability during entire plant growth cycles. This concept of automated control of a novel chemical monitoring system will minimize crew time required for maintenance, as well as reduce volume, mass, and power consumption by eliminating bulky diagnosis systems including calibrant (fluid and gas) reservoir and flow system hardware.

Kim, Chang-Soo↗

DOE OSTI2022

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Detection and Mitigation of Human Factor Errors in Nuclear Power Plants: A Review

Human factors and ergonomics have played an essential role in increasing the safety and performance of operators in the nuclear energy industry. In this critical review, we examine how artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can be leveraged to mitigate human errors, thereby improving the safety and performance of operators in nuclear power plants (NPPs). First, we discuss the various causes of human errors in NPPs. Next, we examine the ways in which AI has been introduced to and incorporated into different types of operator support systems to mitigate these human errors. We specifically examine (1) operator support systems, including decision support systems, (2) sensor fault detection systems, (3) operation validation systems, (4) operator monitoring systems, (5) autonomous control systems, (6) predictive maintenance systems, (7) automated text analysis systems, and (8) safety assessment systems. Finally, we provide some of the shortcomings of the existing AI technologies and discuss the challenges still ahead for their further adoption and implementation to provide future research directions.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Market Barriers and Drivers for the Next Generation Fault Detection and Diagnostic Tools

Commercial buildings in the U.S. consume as much as 30% excess energy compared to buildings that operate fault free and efficiently. Fault detection and diagnostic (FDD) platforms help to continually identify operational inefficiencies and maintain low-carbon performance. However, the recommendations generated by FDD tools need to be implemented by technicians, resulting in delays or lost savings opportunities. Recent research advances showed fault AUTOcorrection integrating with commercial FDD offerings filled this gap. Seven innovative AUTOcorrection algorithms were integrated into two FDD platforms and deployed across four buildings. The enhanced tools successfully correct faults focusing on incorrectly programmed schedules, override not released, control hunting, rogue zone, and suboptimal setpoints. Although its technical efficacy has been proven in the field, fault AUTO-correction is still early in the deployment cycle and opportunities and barriers need to be understood to reach its full potential in market transformation. This paper broadly introduces the new technology that automatically corrects HVAC faults. The authors describe in detail technology potential, market barriers, and enablers for scalability based on field testing results and interviews with the FDD providers and facility managers. The interviewees agreed that AUTO-correction can reduce the extent to which savings are dependent upon human intervention, scale building operators’ ability to act on FDD findings (especially for facilities with small operation teams), and achieve significant savings. To enable scalable deployment, future efforts are needed to overcome the barriers such as cybersecurity and accountability concerns from building operators and standardization of control parameters used in building automation systems.

Pritoni, Marco↗

DOE OSTI2021

CyBERT: Cybersecurity Claim Classification by Fine-Tuning the BERT Language Model

We introduce CyBERT, a cybersecurity feature claims classifier based on bidirectional encoder representations from transformers and a key component in our semi-automated cybersecurity vetting for industrial control systems (ICS). To train CyBERT, we created a corpus of labeled sequences from ICS device documentation collected across a wide range of vendors and devices. This corpus provides the foundation for fine-tuning BERT’s language model, including a prediction-guided relabeling process. We propose an approach to obtain optimal hyperparameters, including the learning rate, the number of dense layers, and their configuration, to increase the accuracy of our classifier. Fine-tuning all hyperparameters of the resulting model led to an increase in classification accuracy from 76% obtained with BertForSequenceClassification’s original architecture to 94.4% obtained with CyBERT. Furthermore, we evaluated CyBERT for the impact of randomness in the initialization, training, and data-sampling phases. CyBERT demonstrated a standard deviation of ±0.6% during validation across 100 random seed values. Finally, we also compared the performance of CyBERT to other well-established language models including GPT2, ULMFiT, and ELMo, as well as neural network models such as CNN, LSTM, and BiLSTM. The results showed that CyBERT outperforms these models on the validation accuracy and the F1 score, validating CyBERT’s robustness and accuracy as a cybersecurity feature claims classifier.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2023

A dataset of cyber-induced mechanical faults on buildings with network and buildings data

We have collected data of cyber-induced mechanical faults on buildings using a simulation platform. A DOE reference building model was used for running the simulation under a Rogue device attack and collected the network data as well as the physical buildings data to better understand the impacts of cyber attacks on the building and help identify the source of the mechanical fault with the network data. Alfalfa is the tool used for simulating the DOE reference buildings and acts as an interface to the model for querying the status and providing input externally. The Building Automation System (BAS) is the centralized controller providing control commands to other BACnet devices on the network based on the building status received from Alfalfa. The BACnet devices like damper will listen for the control commands from BAS on the BACnet network and implement it. The attacker is the malicious actor on the network creating disruptions by placing cyber-attacks.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

NASA NTRS1979

Electrical Characterization of the RCA CDP1822SD Random Access Memory, Volume 1, Appendix a

Electrical characteristization tests were performed on 35 RCA CDP1822SD, 256-by-4-bit, CMOS, random access memories. The tests included three functional tests, AC and DC parametric tests, a series of schmoo plots, rise/fall time screening, and a data retention test. All tests were performed on an automated IC test system with temperatures controlled by a thermal airstream unit. All the functional tests, the data retention test, and the AC and DC parametric tests were performed at ambient temperatures of 25 C, -20 C, -55 C, 85 C, and 125 C. The schmoo plots were performed at ambient temperatures of 25 C, -55 C, and 125 C. The data retention test was performed at 25 C. Five devices failed one or more functional tests and four of these devices failed to meet the expected limits of a number of AC parametric tests. Some of the schmoo plots indicated a small degree of interaction between parameters.

Klute, A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Development of advanced Czochralski growth process to produce low cost 150 kg silicon ingots from a single crucible for technology readiness

The process development continued, with a total of nine crystal growth runs. One of these was a 150 kg run of 5 crystals of approximately 30 kg each. Several machine and process problems were corrected and the 150 kg run was as successful as previous long runs on CG2000 RC's. The accelerated recharge and growth will be attempted when the development program resumes at full capacity in FY '82. The automation controls (Automatic Grower Light Computer System) were integrated to the seed dip temperature, shoulder, and diameter sensors on the CG2000 RC development grower. Test growths included four crystals, which were grown by the computer/sensor system from seed dip through tail off. This system will be integrated on the Mod CG2000 grower during the next quarter. The analytical task included the completion and preliminary testing of the gas chromatograph portion of the Furnace Atmosphere Analysis System. The system can detect CO concentrations and will be expanded to oxygen and water analysis in FY '82.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1981

Development of advanced Czochralski Growth Process to produce low cost 150 KG silicon ingots from a single crucible for technology readiness

The goals in this program for advanced czochralski growth process to produce low cost 150 kg silicon ingots from a single crucible for technology readiness are outlined. To provide a modified CG2000 crystal power capable of pulling a minimum of five crystals, each of approximately 30 kg in weight, 150 mm diameter from a single crucible with periodic melt replenishment. Crystals to have: resistivity of 1 to 3 ohm cm, p-type; dislocation density below 1- to the 6th power per cm; orientation (100); after growth yield of greater than 90%. Growth throughput of greater than 2.5 kg per hour of machine operation using a radiation shield. Prototype equipment suitable for use as a production facility. The overall cost goal is $.70 per peak watt by 1986. To accomplish these goals, the modified CG2000 grower and development program includes: (1) increased automation with a microprocessor based control system; (2) sensors development which will increase the capability of the automatic controls system, and provide technology transfer of the developed systems.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1988

A flight test design for studying airborne applications of air to ground duplex data link communications

The Automatic En Route Air Traffic Control (AERA) and the Advanced Automated System (AAS) of the NAS plan, call for utilization of data links for such items as computer generated flight clearances, enroute minimum safe altitude warnings, sector probes, out of conformance check, automated flight services, and flow management of advisories. A major technical challenge remaining is the integration, flight testing, and validation of data link equipment and procedures in the aircraft cockpit. The flight test organizational chart, was designed to have the airplane side of data link experiments implemented in the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) experimental Boeing 737 airplane. This design would enable investigations into implementation of data link equipment and pilot interface, operations, and procedures. The illustrated ground system consists of a work station with links to a national weather database and a data link transceiver system. The data link transceiver system could be a Mode-S transponder, ACARS, AVSAT, or another type of radio system such as the military type HF data link. The airborne system was designed so that a data link transceiver, workstation, and touch panel could be interfaced with an input output processor to the aircraft system bus and thus have communications access to other digital airplane systems.

Scanlon, Charles H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Cockpit automation

The aims and methods of aircraft cockpit automation are reviewed from a human-factors perspective. Consideration is given to the mixed pilot reception of increased automation, government concern with the safety and reliability of highly automated aircraft, the formal definition of automation, and the ground-proximity warning system and accidents involving controlled flight into terrain. The factors motivating automation include technology availability; safety; economy, reliability, and maintenance; workload reduction and two-pilot certification; more accurate maneuvering and navigation; display flexibility; economy of cockpit space; and military requirements.

Wiener, Earl L.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Demonstration of automated proximity and docking technologies

An autodock was demonstrated using straightforward techniques and real sensor hardware. A simulation testbed was established and validated. The sensor design was refined with improved optical performance and image processing noise mitigation techniques, and the sensor is ready for production from off-the-shelf components. The autonomous spacecraft architecture is defined. The areas of sensors, docking hardware, propulsion, and avionics are included in the design. The Guidance Navigation and Control architecture and requirements are developed. Modular structures suitable for automated control are used. The spacecraft system manager functions including configuration, resource, and redundancy management are defined. The requirements for autonomous spacecraft executive are defined. High level decisionmaking, mission planning, and mission contingency recovery are a part of this. The next step is to do flight demonstrations. After the presentation the following question was asked. How do you define validation? There are two components to validation definition: software simulation with formal and vigorous validation, and hardware and facility performance validated with respect to software already validated against analytical profile.

Anderson, Robert L.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Benefit Estimates of Terminal Area Productivity Program Technologies

This report documents benefit analyses for the NASA Terminal Area Technology (TAP) technology programs. Benefits are based on reductions in arrival delays at ten major airports over the 10 years from 2006 through 2015. Detailed analytic airport capacity and delay models were constructed to produce the estimates. The goal of TAP is enable good weather operations tempos in all weather conditions. The TAP program includes technologies to measure and predict runway occupancy times, reduce runway occupancy times in bad weather, accurately predict wake vortex hazards, and couple controller automation with aircraft flight management systems. The report presents and discusses the estimate results and describes the models. Three appendixes document the model algorithms and discuss the input parameters selected for the TAP technologies. The fourth appendix is the user's guide for the models. The results indicate that the combined benefits for all TAP technologies at all 10 airports range from $550 to $650 million per year (in constant 1997 dollars). Additional benefits will accrue from reductions in departure delays. Departure delay benefits are calculated by the current models.

Hemm, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1999

Video Imaging System Particularly Suited for Dynamic Gear Inspection

A digital video imaging system that captures the image of a single tooth of interest of a rotating gear is disclosed. The video imaging system detects the complete rotation of the gear and divide that rotation into discrete time intervals so that each tooth of interest of the gear is precisely determined when it is at a desired location that is illuminated in unison with a digital video camera so as to record a single digital image for each tooth. The digital images are available to provide instantaneous analysis of the tooth of interest, or to be stored and later provide images that yield a history that may be used to predict gear failure, such as gear fatigue. The imaging system is completely automated by a controlling program so that it may run for several days acquiring images without supervision from the user.

Broughton, Howard↗