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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 883 records · Page 49
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2018

Autonomous Power Controller for the NASA Human Deep Space Gateway

Autonomous control of a spacecraft is an enabling technology that must be developed for deep space human exploration. NASA's current long term human space platform, the International Space Station which is in Low Earth Orbit, is in almost continuous communication with ground based mission control. This allows near real-time control of all the vehicle core systems, including power, to be controlled by the ground. As the focus shifts from Low Earth Orbit, communication time-lag and bandwidth limitations beyond geosynchronous orbit does not permit this type of ground based operation. This paper presents the ongoing work at NASA to develop an architecture for autonomous power control system and a vehicle manager which monitors, coordinates, and delegates all the onboard subsystems to enable autonomous control of the complete spacecraft.

Csank, Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS2018

Autonomous Power Controller for the NASA Gateway

Intelligent autonomous control of a spacecraft is an enabling technology that must be developed for deep space human exploration. NASA's current long term human space platform, the International Space Station which is in Low Earth Orbit, is in almost continuous communication with ground based mission control. This allows near real-time operation of all the vehicle core systems, including power, from the ground. As the focus shifts from Low Earth Orbit to deep space, challenges associated with communication time-lag and bandwidth limitations beyond geosynchronous orbit do not permit this type of ground based operation. These communication limitations motivate autonomous vehicle operations, including the vehicle subsystems such as power. This presentation will describe the ongoing development of an Autonomous Power Control (APC) system that can be used for a deep space exploration spacecraft. This work extends previous work on developing an autonomous power control which includes developing a control architecture for deep space vehicles, the use of software agents, and constructing a control simulation lab for demonstrating this capability. This presentation will begin with a discussion of the representative future power architectures that will be required for deep space exploration vehicles. The presentation then will describe how the power controller will integrate with the vehicle followed with a discussion of the autonomous power controller. Next it will describe the test setup used to evaluate the performance of the system and lastly show some of the test results. To develop the type of controller envisioned, it will be necessary to employ a detailed real-time simulation to evaluate its performance and ultimately verify its functionality.

Csank, Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS2018

Autonomous Power Control

Intelligent autonomous control of a spacecraft is an enabling technology that must be developed for deep space human exploration. NASA's current long term human space platform, the International Space Station which is in Low Earth Orbit, is in almost continuous communication with ground based mission control. This allows near realtime operation of all the vehicle core systems, including power, from the ground. As the focus shifts from Low Earth Orbit to deep space, challenges associated with communication time-lag and bandwidth limitations beyond geosynchronous orbit do not permit this type of ground based operation. These communication limitations motivate autonomous vehicle operations, including the vehicle subsystems such as power. This presentation will describe the ongoing development of an Autonomous Power Control (APC) system that can be used for a deep space exploration spacecraft. This work extends previous work on developing an autonomous power control which includes developing a control architecture for deep space vehicles, the use of software agents, and constructing a control simulation lab for demonstrating this capability. This presentation will begin with a discussion of the representative future power architectures that will be required for deep space exploration vehicles. The presentation then will describe how the power controller will integrate with the vehicle followed with a discussion of the autonomous power controller. Next it will describe the test setup used to evaluate the performance of the system and lastly show some of the test results. To develop the type of controller envisioned, it will be necessary to employ a detailed real-time simulation to evaluate its performance and ultimately verify its functionality.

Csank, Jeffrey↗
DOE OSTI2025

Adaptive PID Gain Scheduling Control for Hydropower Turbine Using Neural CDE and Stochastic Distribution Shaping

This paper introduces a gain-scheduling PID controller design strategy for hydroturbine frequency control mode. This scheme first uses real data to learn the nonlinear dynamics of the hydroturbine using neural controlled differential equations and then perturbs the obtained nonlinear system at different equilibrium points, based on which a static output feedback adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is then used to optimize the PID gains for each equilibrium point. Moreover, a continuous-time version of stochastic distribution control is proposed to further fine-tune the optimized PID gains. Finally, the controller is obtained by implementing linear interpolation between the optimized PID control gains. The simulation results show that the proposed gain-scheduling PID controller can control a larger range of operation points compared with the given fixed PID controller and the baseline method. Compared with the given fixed PID controller, the proposed gain-scheduling PID controller can regulate hydroturbine frequency against disturbances induced by power-load variation with over 50% less overshoot for some operation points.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1973

Flight control systems research

Theoretical development is reported for the parameter optimization design technique needed for digital flight control system design. The results of an example case study applying the optimization technique for continuous systems to an F-8 aircraft feedback control system are presented. The concept of evolving the simplest system configuration that is capable of meeting a specified set of performance requirements is illustrated in this work.

Whitaker, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A mathematical formulation of the Scole control problem, part 1

A mathematical formulation of the SCOLE control problem in terms of a continuous model described by partial differential equations with delta functions on the boundary is presented along with three techniques of solution. The abstract wave equation approach leads immediately to a linear feedback law that can ensure (strong) stability. The boundary control approach yields an explicit solution, albeit in a simple case.

Balakrishnan, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Safety considerations in the design of Spacelab refrigerator/freezer

A vapor compression refrigerator/freezer has been designed for Spacelab to conduct life sciences experiments. It is equipped with different safety features to eliminate all probable types of failures. The whole Freon loop is enclosed in a second containment so that any leakage of Freon can be contained. The unit is provided with an 'Emergency On' switch to actuate during backup mode which provides the spacecraft power directly to the compressor and the cooling fans while removing the power supply and all normal control elements from the circuit. During this mode, the compressor runs continuously when operating as a freezer (-22 C) and is controlled by a thermostat to cycle when operating as a refrigerator (4 C). It has a push button switch at the front panel to momentarily power the thermometer by a battery to monitor the inside temperature during an emergency. It has a door switch which shuts off the internal cooling fans when the door is opened. All the important critical performance data will be downlinked through a data connector to monitor during mission.

Hye, A.↗
DOE OSTI2020

A phase transition model and temporal logic specifications for smart energy systems - revisited

In this paper, we revisit the method of a phase transition model for representing hybrid systems and temporal logic specifications (TLSs) for specifying desired behaviors of systems, and discuss their usefulness for smart energy systems. On the one hand, the phase transition model incorporates the continuous model of the relay device action with a particular structural form that allows for the construction of a single, global differential-algebraic equation for hybrid systems (thus smoothed hybrid systems). On the other hand, the TLS allows sophisticated descriptions of control specifications addressing both magnitude and time simultaneously, which has recently been applied to the control strategy of several types of continuous and hybrid systems. We provide high-level descriptions of each of the two techniques and present simulation results in the context of smart energy systems.

Park, Byungkwon↗
DOE OSTI2024

The value of wake steering wind farm flow control in US energy markets

Abstract. Wind farm flow control represents a category of control strategies for achieving wind-plant-level objectives, such as increasing wind plant power production and/or reducing structural loads, by mitigating the impact of wake interactions between wind turbines. Wake steering is a wind farm flow control technology in which specific turbines are misaligned with the wind to deflect their wakes away from downstream turbines, thus increasing overall wind plant power production. In addition to promising results from simulation studies, wake steering has been shown to successfully increase energy production through several recent field trials. However, to better understand the benefits of wind farm flow control strategies such as wake steering, the value of the additional energy to the electrical grid should be evaluated – for example, by considering the price of electricity when the additional energy is produced. In this study, we investigate the potential for wake steering to increase the value of wind plant energy production by combining model predictions of power gains using the FLOw Redirection and Induction in Steady State (FLORIS) engineering wind farm flow control tool with historical electricity price data for 15 existing US wind plants in four different electricity market regions. Specifically, for each wind plant, we use FLORIS to estimate power gains from wake steering for a time series of hourly wind speeds and wind directions spanning the years 2018–2020, obtained from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. The modeled power gains are then correlated with hourly electricity prices for the nearest transmission node. Through this process we find that wake steering increases annual energy production (AEP) between 0.4 % and 1.7 %, depending on the wind plant, with average increases in potential annual revenue (i.e., annual revenue of production, ARP) 4 % higher than the AEP gains. For most wind plants, ARP gain was found to exceed AEP gain. But the ratio between ARP gain and AEP gain is greater for wind plants in regions with high wind penetration because electricity prices tend to be relatively higher during periods with below-rated wind plant power production, when wake losses occur and wake steering is active; for wind plants in the Southwest Power Pool – the region with the highest wind penetration analyzed (31 %) – the increase in ARP from wake steering is 11 % higher than the AEP gain. Consequently, we expect the value of wake steering, and other types of wind farm flow control, to increase as wind penetration continues to grow.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1992

Effects of Daily Administration of Prostaglandin E2 and Its Withdrawal on the Lumbar Vertebral Bodies in Male Rats

The effects of daily prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) treatment (on) and PGE2 treatment followed by withdrawal (on-off) on cancellous bone in lumbar vertebral bodies were studied in 7 month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The first groups of rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of 0, 1, 3, and 6 mg PGE2/kg/d for 60,120, and 180 days, and the second group of rats were given PGE2 for 60 days followed by withdrawal for 60 and 120 days. Histomorphometric analyses were performed on double-fluorescent labeled undecalcified sections of fourth lumbar vertebral bodies. Systemic PGE2 treatment elevated cancerous bone mass of lumbar vertebral bodies 26-60%, above control levels within 60 days and continued treatment maintained it for another 120 days, but the excess bone was lost after the treatment was witndrawn. PGE2 treatment for 60 days increased trabecular bone area, trabecular width, and bone formation parameters, and shortened remodeling periods in a dose-response manner. These changes were sustained at the levels achieved by 60-day treatment in the rats treated for 120 and 180 days. The eroded perimeter increased at day 60 and further at day 120 and then plateaued. In the on-off treated rats, the cancenous bone area, bone formation, and resorption parameters returned to near age-related controls by 60 days after withdrawal and were maintained there after 120 days of withdrawal. Therefore, we conclude that the continuous treatment is needed in order to maintain the PGE2-induced bone gain. When these findings were compared to those previously reported for the proximal tibial metaphyses, we found that the proximal tibial spongiosa was much more responsive to PGE2 treatment than the fourth lumbar vertebral body.

Ke, Hua Zhu↗
NASA NTRS1980

Instantaneous stroke volume by PDE during and after constant LBNP (-50 torr)

Six male subjects were exposed to -50 torr lower body negative pressure (LBNP) for 10 min while stroke volume was recorded beat by beat at regular intervals before, during and after release of LBNP. Stroke volume was calculated from the systolic velocity integral in the ascending aorta by pulsed Doppler echocardiography (PDE) and the cross sectional area of the vessel by M mode echocardiography. Changes in leg volume were recorded continuously and blood pressure was taken every minute. Stroke volume dropped by 51% of the control in the first 33 sec of LBNP and continued to decline slowly to -62% toward the end. Heart rate increased by 15% in the first 10 sec and was 22% above control at the end of exposure. The resulting cardiac output closely followed the course of stroke volume (-47% at 33 sec, -53% at 8 min) showing that the modest increase in heart rate did little to offset the drop in stroke volume. Leg volume increased markedly within the first 10 sec with a more gradual rise reaching +3.5% at the end. Upon sudden release of LBNP, leg volume dropped significantly during the first 3 sec simultaneously with an increase in stroke volume followed by a substantial decline in heart rate below the baseline.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2021

Oxygenated Fuel Blending Effects in a Mixing-Controlled Compression-Ignition Engine Equipped with Ducted Fuel Injection [Slides]

Continued creation of harmful emissions such as NO x and soot from compression-ignition engines utilizing mixing-controlled combustion systems (i.e., diesel engines) remains a problem and is the subject of on-going research. The inherently high efficiency, relatively low cost, and numerous other desirable attributes of such engines, coupled with a widely supported infrastructure, motivates their continued advancement. Recently, a scientifically distinct and mechanically simple technology called ducted fuel injection (DFI) has shown a robust ability to allow such engines to operate with simultaneously low engine-out soot and NO x emissions when it is employed with simulated exhaust-gas recirculation. To better understand the property ranges of sustainable, oxygenated-fuel blending stocks that will most improve engine performance, two oxygenated blendstocks were separately blended with a commercial diesel base fuel and tested within a heavy-duty diesel optical engine equipped with a four-duct DFI configuration. Conventional and crank-angle-resolved optical diagnostics were used to elucidate the effects of fuel ignition quality, oxygenate molecular structure, and overall oxygen content on engine performance.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS1992

Life extending control for rocket engines

The concept of life extending control is defined. A brief discussion of current fatigue life prediction methods is given and the need for an alternative life prediction model based on a continuous functional relationship is established. Two approaches to life extending control are considered: (1) the implicit approach which uses cyclic fatigue life prediction as a basis for control design; and (2) the continuous life prediction approach which requires a continuous damage law. Progress on an initial formulation of a continuous (in time) fatigue model is presented. Finally, nonlinear programming is used to develop initial results for life extension for a simplified rocket engine (model).

Lorenzo, C. F.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Mine Flooding History of a Regional Below-Drainage Coalfield Dominated by Barrier Leakage (1970–2014)

A 44-year record of water level fluctuations in a series of adjacent closed underground mines documents the history of closure and mine flooding in the Fairmont Coalfield, one of the oldest coal mining districts in the Pittsburgh coal basin, West Virginia, USA. As closures proceeded and mines began to flood, US environmental regulations were first enacted mandating mine water control and treatment, rendering uncontrolled surface discharges unacceptable. The purpose of this study is to present this flooding history and to identify critical events that determined how mine pools evolved in this case. Also examined is the strategy developed to control and treat water from these mines. Flooding is visualized using both water level hydrographs and mine flooding maps with the latter constructed assuming mine water hydraulic continuity between one or more mines. The earliest flooding formed small pools within near-surface mines closed prior to 1962 yet still pumped following closure to minimize leaking into adjacent still-active workings. These subpools gradually enlarged and merged as more closures occurred and the need for protective pumping was removed, forming what is today referred to as the unconfined Fairmont Pool. Later, deeper mines, separated by intact updip barriers from the Fairmont Pool, were closed and flooded more gradually, supplied in large part by leakage from the Fairmont Pool. By 1985, all mines except 2 had closed and by 1994 all had fully flooded, with the Fairmont Pool interconnected to deeper single mine pools via barrier leakage. As protective pumping ceased, the Fairmont Pool rose to a water level 3 m higher than surface drainage elevation and in 1997 discharged from an undermined section of Buffalo Creek near the Monongahela River. The principal mine operator in the basin then designed a pumping system to transfer water from the Fairmont Pool to their existing treatment facilities to the north, thus terminating the discharge. It may be concluded that the progress of mine flooding was influenced by mining history and design, by the timing of closures, by barrier leakage conditions, and by geologic structure. A key element in how flooding proceeded was the presence of a series of intact barriers separating deep from shallow mines. The shallow mines closed and flooded early, but then lost sufficient water by barrier leakage into the deeper mines to delay the completion of flooding until after the deep mines had all closed and flooded as well. Intensive mine water control has continued from the 1997 breakout to the present. The final water control scheme was likely unanticipated and serendipitous; future district-wide mining efforts should be advised to consider in advance closeout strategies to control mine water postmining.

Donovan, Joseph J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Simulation and control of a Space Station air revitalization system

A computer simulation tool is written to investigate simulation and control of a Space Station air revitalization system. Candidate subsystems for various air revitalization roles in the Space Station have been and continue to be tested. However, integration and control of these subsystems into an effective system which revitalizes the air in all habitable areas needs to be evaluated. From such an evaluation, the size of subsystems, size and location of accumulators, and decisions on bussing of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen can be affected. In addition, various control approaches can be assessed. The computer simulation model is described and its applications are presented.

Yanosy, James L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Experimental confirmation of a PDE-based approach to design of feedback controls

Issues regarding the experimental implementation of partial differential equation based controllers are discussed in this work. While the motivating application involves the reduction of vibration levels for a circular plate through excitation of surface-mounted piezoceramic patches, the general techniques described here will extend to a variety of applications. The initial step is the development of a PDE model which accurately captures the physics of the underlying process. This model is then discretized to yield a vector-valued initial value problem. Optimal control theory is used to determine continuous-time voltages to the patches, and the approximations needed to facilitate discrete time implementation are addressed. Finally, experimental results demonstrating the control of both transient and steady state vibrations through these techniques are presented.

Banks, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A perspective of laminar-flow control

A historical review of the development of laminar flow control technology is presented with reference to active laminar boundary-layer control through suction, the use of multiple suction slots, wind-tunnel tests, continuous suction, and spanwise contamination. The ACEE laminar flow control program is outlined noting the development of three-dimensional boundary-layer codes, cruise-noise prediction techniques, airfoil development, and leading-edge region cleaning. Attention is given to glove flight tests and the fabrication and testing of wing box designs.

Braslow, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS2008

LETS: Lunar Environments Test System

The Environmental Effects Branch (EM50) at the Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a unique capability within the agency, namely the Lunar Environment Test System (LETS). LETS is a cryo-pumped vacuum chamber facility capable of high vacuum (10-7 Torr). LETS is a cylindrical chamber, 30 in. (0.8 m) diameter by 48 in. (1.2 m) long thermally controlled vacuum system. The chamber is equipped with a full array of radiation sources including vacuum ultraviolet, electron, and proton radiation. The unique feature of LETS is that it contains a large lunar simulant bed (18 in. x 40 in. x 6 in.) holding 75 kg of JSC-1a simulant while operating at a vacuum of 10-7 Torr. This facility allows three applications: 1) to study the charging, levitation and migration of dust particles, 2) to simulate the radiation environment on the lunar surface, and 3) to electrically charge the lunar simulant enhancing the attraction and adhesion of dust particles to test articles more closely simulating the lunar surface dust environment. LETS has numerous diagnostic instruments including TREK electrostatic probes, residual gas analyzer (RGA), temperature controlled quartz crystal microbalance (TQCM), and particle imaging velocimeter (PIV). Finally, LETS uses continuous Labview data acquisition for computer monitoring and system control.

Vaughn, Jason A.↗