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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 73 records · Page 4

Engineering model system study for a regenerative fuel cell: Study report

Key design issues of the regenerative fuel cell system concept were studied and a design definition of an alkaline electrolyte based engineering model system or low Earth orbit missions was completed. Definition of key design issues for a regenerative fuel cell system include gaseous reactant storage, shared heat exchangers and high pressure pumps. A power flow diagram for the 75 kW initial space station and the impact of different regenerative fuel cell modular sizes on the total 5 year to orbit weight and volume are determined. System characteristics, an isometric drawing, component sizes and mass and energy balances are determined for the 10 kW engineering model system. An open loop regenerative fuel cell concept is considered for integration of the energy storage system with the life support system of the space station. Technical problems and their solutions, pacing technologies and required developments and demonstrations for the regenerative fuel cell system are defined.

Chang, B. J.↗

Performance mapping of a 30 cm engineering model thruster

A 30 cm thruster representative of the engineering model design has been tested over a wide range of operating parameters to document performance characteristics such as electrical and propellant efficiencies, double ion and beam divergence thrust loss, component equilibrium temperatures, operational stability, etc. Data obtained show that optimum power throttling, in terms of maximum thruster efficiency, is not highly sensitive to parameter selection. Consequently, considerations of stability, discharge chamber erosion, thrust losses, etc. can be made the determining factors for parameter selection in power throttling operations. Options in parameter selection based on these considerations are discussed.

Poeschel, R. L.↗

Overview of heat transfer and fluid flow problem areas encountered in Stirling engine modeling

NASA Lewis Research Center has been managing Stirling engine development programs for over a decade. In addition to contractual programs, this work has included in-house engine testing and development of engine computer models. Attempts to validate Stirling engine computer models with test data have demonstrated that engine thermodynamic losses need better characterization. Various Stirling engine thermodynamic losses and efforts that are underway to characterize these losses are discussed.

Tew, Roy C., Jr.↗

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of a Supersonic Nozzle and Integration into a Variable Cycle Engine Model

This paper covers the development of an integrated nonlinear dynamic simulation for a variable cycle turbofan engine and nozzle that can be integrated with an overall vehicle Aero-Propulso-Servo-Elastic (APSE) model. A previously developed variable cycle turbofan engine model is used for this study and is enhanced here to include variable guide vanes allowing for operation across the supersonic flight regime. The primary focus of this study is to improve the fidelity of the model's thrust response by replacing the simple choked flow equation convergent-divergent nozzle model with a MacCormack method based quasi-1D model. The dynamic response of the nozzle model using the MacCormack method is verified by comparing it against a model of the nozzle using the conservation element/solution element method. A methodology is also presented for the integration of the MacCormack nozzle model with the variable cycle engine.

Thrust↗

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of a Supersonic Nozzle and Integration into a Variable Cycle Engine Model

This paper covers the development of an integrated nonlinear dynamic simulation for a variable cycle turbofan engine and nozzle that can be integrated with an overall vehicle Aero-Propulso-Servo-Elastic (APSE) model. A previously developed variable cycle turbofan engine model is used for this study and is enhanced here to include variable guide vanes allowing for operation across the supersonic flight regime. The primary focus of this study is to improve the fidelity of the model's thrust response by replacing the simple choked flow equation convergent-divergent nozzle model with a MacCormack method based quasi-1D model. The dynamic response of the nozzle model using the MacCormack method is verified by comparing it against a model of the nozzle using the conservation element/solution element method. A methodology is also presented for the integration of the MacCormack nozzle model with the variable cycle engine.

Control Theory↗

Monopropellant hydrazine resistoject: Engineering model fabrication and test task

The monopropellant hydrazine resistojet, termed the electrothermal hydrazine thruster (EHT) by TRW systems, thermally decomposes anhydrous hydrazine propellant to produce a high-temperature, low-molecular-weight gas for expulsion through a propulsive nozzle. The EHT developed for this program required about 3-5 watts of electrical power and produced 0.020 to 0.070 pound of thrust over the inlet pressure range of 100 to 400 psia. The thruster was designed for both pulsed and steady state operation. A summary of the GSFC original requirements and GSFC modified requirements, and the performance of the engineering model EHT is given. The experimental program leading to the engineering model EHT design, modifications necessary to achieve the required thruster life capability, and the results of the life test prgram. Other facets of the program, including analyses, preliminary design, specifications, data correlation, and recommendations for a flight model are discussed.

Murch, C. K.↗

Preliminary flight evaluation of F100 engine model derivative airstart capability in an F-15 airplane

A series of airstarts was conducted in an F-15 airplane with two prototype F100 engine model derivative (EMD) engines equipped with digital electronic engine control (DEEC) systems. The airstart envelope and time required for airstarts were defined. The success of an airstart is most heavily dependent on airspeed. Spooldown airstarts at 200 knots and higher were all successful. Spooldown airstart times ranged from 53 sec at 250 knots to 170 sec at 175 knots. Jet fuel starter (JFS) assisted airstarts were conducted at 175 knots at two altitudes, and airstart times were 50 and 60 sec, significantly faster than unassisted airstart. The effect of altitude on airstarts was small. In addition, the airstart characteristics of the two test engines were found to closely resemble each other. The F100 EMD airstart characteristics were very similar to the DEEC equipped F100 engine tested previously. Finally, the time required to spool down from intermediate power compressor rotor speed to a given compressor rotor speed was found to be a strong function of altitude and a weaker function of airspeed.

Cho, T. K.↗

WISDEM® v3.4.1(Wind Plant Integrated System Design and Engineering Model) [SWR-14-05]

The Wind Plant Integrated System Design and Engineering Model (WISDEM®) is a set of models for assessing overall wind plant cost of energy (COE). The models use wind turbine and plant cost and energy production as well as financial models to estimate COE and other wind plant system attributes. WISDEM® is accessed through Python, is built using OpenMDAO, and uses several sub-models that are also implemented within OpenMDAO. These sub-models can be used independently but they are required to use the overall WISDEM® turbine design capability. Please install all of the pre-requisites prior to installing WISDEM® by following the directions below. For additional information about the NWTC effort in systems engineering that supports WISDEM® development, please visit the official NREL systems engineering for wind energy website. https://www.nlr.gov/wind/systems-engineering

Dykes, Katherine↗

AMS-02 Cryocooler Baseline Configuration and Engineering Model Qualification Test Results

Four Sunpower M87N Stirling-cycle cryocoolers will be used to extend the lifetime of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-02 (AMS-02) experiment. The cryocoolers will be mounted to the AMS-02 vacuum case using a structure that will thermally and mechanically decouple the cryocooler from the vacuum case while providing compliance to allow force attenuation using a passive balancer system. The cryocooler drive is implemented using a 60Hz pulse duration modulated square wave. Details of the testing program, mounting assembly and drive scheme will be presented. AMS-02 is a state-of-the-art particle physics detector containing a large superfluid helium-cooled superconducting magnet. Highly sensitive detector plates inside the magnet measure a particle s speed, momentum, charge, and path. The AMS-02 experiment, which will be flown as an attached payload on the International Space Station, will study the properties and origin of cosmic particles and nuclei including antimatter and dark matter. Two engineering model cryocoolers have been under test at NASA Goddard since November 2001. Qualification testing of the engineering model cryocooler bracket assembly is near completion. Delivery of the flight cryocoolers to Goddard is scheduled for September 2003.

Banks, Stuart↗

WISDEM® v3.15.2 2024 (Wind-Plant Integrated System Design and Engineering Model) [SWR-14-05]

The Wind-Plant Integrated System Design and Engineering Model (WISDEM®) is a set of models for assessing overall wind plant cost of energy (COE). The models use wind turbine and plant cost and energy production as well as financial models to estimate COE and other wind plant system attributes. WISDEM® is accessed through Python, is built using OpenMDAO, and uses several sub-models that are also implemented within OpenMDAO. These sub-models can be used independently but they are required to use the overall WISDEM® turbine design capability. Please install all of the pre-requisites prior to installing WISDEM® by following the directions below. For additional information about the NWTC effort in systems engineering that supports WISDEM® development, please visit the official NREL systems engineering for wind energy website. https://www.nrel.gov/wind/systems-engineering.html

Dykes, Katherine↗

Initial test results using the GEOS-3 engineering model altimeter

Data from a series of experimental tests run on the engineering model of the GEOS 3 radar altimeter using the Test and Measurement System (TAMS) designed for preflight testing of the radar altimeter are presented. These tests were conducted as a means of preparing and checking out a detailed test procedure to be used in running similar tests on the GEOS 3 protoflight model altimeter systems. The test procedures and results are also included.

Hayne, G. S.↗

An endurance test of a 900 series 30-cm engineering model ion thruster

The 10,000 hour endurance test of the first engineering model 30-cm thruster (S/N 701) identified discharge chamber erosion as a life limiting problem. Modifications to minimize this problem have been implemented in the 900 series thrusters. This paper describes a test conducted to evaluate the success of these modifications. The post-test analysis results of thruster 701 are summarized and the erosion reducing modifications described. Test results for thruster 901 up to 4165 hours, when the test was interrupted by a shorted wire, are described. The conclusions of a post-test examination of thruster 901 are included. Also being evaluated was a thermal vacuum breadboard SCR series inverter power processor which is described.

Collett, C. R.↗

A 10,000 hour endurance test of a 700 series 30 cm engineering model thruster

This paper describes a 10,000 hour test of the first engineering model of the 30-cm ion thruster which is expected to form the basis of future prime propulsion systems. This test demonstrated the lifetime capability of such critical components as cathodes, vaporizers, isolators, and optics. The results of the test are described including the conclusions derived from an extensive post-test analysis of the thruster. This test did identify a major life limiting problem - discharge chamber erosion. The modifications which have been incorporated in the 900 series 30-cm ion thrusters to minimize this problem are described.

Collett, C. R.↗

Characteristics of the LeRC/Hughes J-series 30-cm engineering model thruster

As a consequence of endurance and structural tests performed on 900-series engineering model thrusters (EMT), several modifications in design were found to be necessary for achieving performance goals. The modified thruster is known as the J-series EMT. The most important of the design modifications affect the accelerator grid, gimbal mount, cathode polepiece, and wiring harness. The paper discusses the design modifications incorporated, the condition(s) they corrected, and the characteristics of the modified thruster.

Collett, C. R.↗

HybridBOSSE (Hybrid Balance-of-System (BOS) Systems Engineering Model)

Hybrid Power Plants (HPPs) have the potential to increase the value of renewable energy systems and decrease their costs through shared development (e.g., permitting) and infrastructure (e.g., collection system). Prior work has identified potential cost savings and technical and economic performance improvements for solar plus storage plants. However, additional research is needed to understand cost drivers that are specific to hybrid wind plants. Here we analyze the potential for shared infrastructure cost savings at one type of hybrid plant: wind plus solar photovoltaic (PV). To perform this analysis, we developed a new open-source, Python-based cost modeling tool: the Hybrid Balance-of-System (BOS) Systems Engineering model (HybridBOSSE). HybridBOSSE is an extension of NREL's LandBOSSE tool.

Barker, Aaron↗