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At least 595 records · Page 33

Characterization of point focusing test bed concentrators at JPL

The characterization data were measured using both a flux mapper and a cold water calorimeter. The flux mapper uses a Kendall Radiometer as the sensing device. It is mounted on an x, y, z motor-driven positioning mechanism that allows the sensor to take an x-y flux raster at several Z planes in the vicinity of the concentrators nominal focal plane. Various concepts were tried to protect the concentrator structure from being damaged by the Sun's energy during sun acquisition and deacquisition. A description of both the passive and active protective systems is presented.

Starkey, D. J.↗

General Electric point focus solar concentrator status

The concentrator design approach evolved by a systemmatic process of examining the operating requirements particular to the solar application, minimizing material content through detail structural design and structurally efficient subsystem features, and utilizing materials and processes compatible with high volume production techniques. The design approach, the present concentrator configuration and the status of the hardware development are described.

Zimmerman, J.↗

Low cost concentrator

The key to concentrator cost effectiveness is the proper design of the reflector surface panels. The low cost concentrator reflective surface design is based on use of a thin, backsilvered mirror glass reflector bonded to a molded structural plastic substrate. This combination of reflective panel material offers excellent optical performance at low cost. The design approach, rationale for the selected configuration, and the development status are described. Reflective panel development and demonstration results are also presented.

Bedard, R. J., Jr.↗

Advanced concentrator panels

The prototype fabrication of a lightweight, high-quality cellular glass substrate reflective panel for use in an advanced point-focusing solar concentrator was completed. The reflective panel is a gore shaped segment of an 11-m paraboloidal dish. The overall concentrator design and the design of the reflective panels are described. prototype-specific panel design modifications are discussed and the fabrication approach and procedure outlined.

Bell, D. M.↗

Stratospheric hydroxyl radical concentrations - New limitations suggested by observations of gaseous and particulate sulfur

A one-dimensional aerosol model is employed in investigating the sensitivity of the stratospheric distributions of gaseous sulfur compounds and sulfate aerosol particles to changes in OH and CS2 concentrations, in eddy diffusion coefficients, and in important chemical rate constants. By comparing model predictions with recent observational data for SO2, OCS, and particulates, it is found that, with regard to atmospheric sulfur, CS2 is only a secondary source of sulfur for the stratosphere relative to OCS and that background tropospheric CS2 concentrations by volume are likely to be less than 70 parts per trillion. It is also established that under stratospheric conditions the rate coefficients for the reactions of OH with OCS and CS2 may be substantially smaller than the room temperature laboratory values of Kurylo (1978).

Turco, R. P.↗

Velocity and concentration distribution in a Stefan diffusion tube

Numerical solutions for the diffusion- and gravity-driven flow in a cylindrical Stefan tube were obtained from the coupled diffusion and Navier-Stokes equations of Peclet numbers 0.3, 1 and 5. Distributions of binary component concentrations and velocities were calculated. The mass average velocity is parabolic in nature, except at high Peclet numbers. The solvent is not stagnant but recirculates, even in the absence of gravity. Radial concentration gradients develop which act convectively destabilizing. Consequences for the deduction of diffusion coefficients from Stefan tube experiments are discussed.

Markham, B. L.↗

Concentrator designs for space photovoltaic arrays

The unique set of operating constraints determining key concentrating solar array design characteristics for low earth orbital, geosynchronous and interplanetary missions are considered. Minimum cost is crucial at low earth orbits, performance and design life are needed in geosynchronous orbit, and structural pointing accuracy and radiation resistance are essential in interplanetary designs. The impact of such emerging technologies as ultrathin cells, gallium arsenide cells and cold mirrors is discussed. Power-to-mass ratios as high as 200 W per kilogram at a distance of 1 astronomical unit from the sun are possible, using concentrators in conjunction with gallium arsenide arrays.

Rockey, D. E.↗

Concentration of carbon monoxide in the upper stratosphere

The concentration of telluric carbon monoxide has been determined in the upper stratosphere from infrared solar spectra recorded by balloon in October 1978 and September 1979, over Texas. The average mixing ratios were found to be (2.1 plus or minus 3) x 10 to the -8th ppv and (3.7 plus or minus 0.4) x 10 the the -8th ppv above the float altitudes of 30.6 and 36.8 km, respectively. The concentration profile deduced from all the measurements indicates that the CO mixing ratio increases in the upper stratosphere, from (1 plus or minus 0.3) x 10 to the -8th ppv at 30.6 km, to about 4 x 10 to the -8th ppv above 41 km.

Zander, R.↗

Implications of smaller concentrations of stratospheric OH - A two-dimensional model study of ozone perturbations

There is growing observational evidence that stratospheric OH concentrations are smaller than models have been predicting. Using very recent HOx reaction rate coefficient measurements in a two-dimensional photochemical model, results which support these observations are obtained. As a consequence of smaller OH concentrations, we show that perturbations of stratospheric ozone by NOx (SST emissions and nitrogen fertilizers) may be larger than expected, while perturbations due to added water vapor and chlorine (SSTs and chlorofluoromethanes, respectively) may be smaller.

Whitten, R. C.↗

Pressurized Paraboloidal Solar Concentrator

Pressurized paraboloidal solar concentrator has high concentration ratio and is easy to maintain. Gas pressure forces reflecting film into contact with paraboloidal substrate. Reflective surface, which is low-cost metalized polymer film, can be quickly and easily replaced making new design less expensive to produce.

Cleland, E. L.↗

Cloud-encounter and particle-concentration variabilities from GASP data

Summary statistics, tabulations, and variability studies are presented for cloud encounter and particle concentration data taken as part of the NASA global atmospheric sampling program. Cloud encounter was experienced in about 15 percent of the data samples; however, the percentage varies with season, latitude, and altitude (particularly distance from the tropopause). In agreement with classical storm models, the data show more clouds in the upper troposphere in anticyclones than in cyclones. The concentration of particles with a diameter greater than 3 micron also varies with time and location, depending primarily on the horizontal extent of cloudiness. Some examples of the application of the statistical data to the estimation of the frequency of cloud encounter and laminar flow loss to be expected on long range airline routes are also presented.

Nastrom, G. D.↗

Satellite-derived ice data sets no. 1: Antarctic monthly average microwave brightness temperatures and sea-ice concentrations, 1973 - 1976

A summary data set concerning 4 years of Antarctic sea-ice conditions was created and is available on magnetic tape. The data were derived from electrically scanning microwave radiometer brightness temperatures and were mapped into a polar stereographic grid enclosing the 50 deg S latitude circle. The grid size varies from about 32 by 32 sq km at the poles to about 28 by 28 sq km at 50 deg S. The microwave brightness temperatures of Antarctic sea ice are predominantly characteristic of first-year ice with an emissivity of 0.92 at 19 GHz frequency. Sea ice concentrations were calculated from the brightness temperature data for each grid element with an algorithm that uses an emissivity value of 0.92 and an ice physical temperature estimate from climatological surface air temperatures. Monthly, multiyear monthly, and yearly maps of brightness temperatures and sea ice concentrations were created for the 4 years, except for 7 months for which useable data were insufficient.

Zwally, H. J.↗

Measurement of the spatial dependence of temperature and gas and soot concentrations within large open hydrocarbon fuel fires

A series of large-scale JP-4 fuel pool fire tests was conducted to refine existing mathematical models of large fires. Seven tests were conducted to make chemical concentration and temperature measurements in 7.5 and 15 meter-diameter pool fires. Measurements were made at heights of 0.7, 1.4, 2.9, 5.7, 11.4, and 21.3 meters above the fires. Temperatures were measured at up to 50 locations each second during the fires. Chemistry samples were taken at up to 23 locations within the fires and analyzed for combustion chemistry and soot concentration. Temperature and combustion chemistry profiles obtained during two 7.5 meter-diameter and two 15 meter-diameter fires are included.

Johnson, H. T.↗

Optical characterization of solar concentrator mirrors using the solar beam of the JPL 25-foot space simulator

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory 25-foot space simulator with its 5.8-m (19-ft) diameter simulated solar beam provides an excellent facility for measuring the optical characteristics of parabolic solar concentrator panels and gores. The virtual source position and size were determined by using a single lamp of the 37 xenon 30-kW source array with only the center lens in the 19-channel optical mixer. This data was used to define the optical test geometry, and it allowed accurate measurement of focal length and surface deviations of the mirror under test. A flux distribution of a typical solar concentrator placed directly on the solar beam gives measurements of performance at the focal point of the parabolic surface.

Argoud, M. J.↗

Integrating matrix formulations for vibrations of rotating beams including the effects of concentrated masses

By expressing partial differential equations of motion in matrix notation, utilizing the integrating matrix as a spatial operator, and applying the boundary conditions, the resulting ordinary differential equations can be cast into standard eigenvalue form upon assumption of the usual time dependence. As originally developed, the technique was limited to beams having continuous mass and stiffness properties along their lengths. Integrating matrix methods are extended to treat the differential equations governing the flap, lag, or axial vibrations of rotating beams having concentrated masses. Inclusion of concentrated masses is shown to lead to the same kind of standard eigenvalue problem as before, but with slightly modified matrices.

Lakin, W. D.↗

Rates of solar angles for two-axis concentrators

The Sun's position by the azimuth and elevation angles and its rate of change at any time of day are determined to design 2 axis tracking mechanisms of solar concentrators. The Sun's angles and their rates for selected months of the year (March, June, September and December) and for seven selected atitudes (0, + or - 30, + or - 60, + or - 90) covering both the northern and southern hemispheres were studied. The development of the angle and angle rate analytical expressions for any month, hour of day, and latitude provides the solar concentrator designer with a quantitative determination of the limiting Sun's position and angle rates for an accurate automatic tracking mechanism.

Yung, C. S.↗

A new method for inferring carbon monoxide concentrations from gas filter radiometer data

A method for inferring carbon monoxide concentrations from gas filter radiometer data is presented. The technique can closely approximate the results of more costly line-by-line radiative transfer calculations over a wide range of altitudes, ground temperatures, and carbon monoxide concentrations. The technique can also be used over a larger range of conditions than those used for the regression analysis. Because the influence of the carbon monoxide mixing ratio requires only addition, multiplication and a minimum of logic, the method can be implemented on very small computers or microprocessors.

Wallio, H. A.↗