Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “connector”

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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Evaluating the Durability of Balance of Systems Components Using Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing: Preprint

The degradation of photovoltaic (PV) balance of systems (BoS) components is not well-studied, but the consequences include: offline-modules, -strings, -inverters; system shutdown; arc-faults; and fires. A utility provider experienced a ~30% failure rate in their power transfer chain, originally attributed to branch connectors. Field-failed specimen assemblies were therefore examined, consisting of cable connector, branch connector, and discrete fuse components. Unused field-vintage specimens are presently being examined using combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST) to clarify the most influential environmental stressors as well as the effect of external mechanical perturbation. A benchtop prototype fixture was used to develop the perturbation capability for the C-AST chamber. The benchtop experiments were also used to develop the in-situ data acquisition of specimen: current, voltage, and temperature. A significant increase in operating temperature, ~100 deg C from ~40 deg C, and a different failure mode was observed promptly once periodic mechanical perturbation was applied. The current at failure was decreased from 35 A (with failure in the fuses) to 15 A (failure at the male/female metal pin connection). After initial examination using X-ray computed tomography, the external plastic was machined away from failed specimens to allow failure analysis, including the extraction of the internal convolute springs for morphological examination (optical- and electron-microscopy).

balance of systems↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evaluating the Durability of Balance of Systems Components Using Combined-Accelerated Stress Testing

The degradation of photovoltaic (PV) balance of systems (BoS) components is not well-studied, but the consequences include offline modules, strings, and inverters; system shutdown; arc faults; and fires. A utility provider experienced a ~30% failure rate in their power transfer chain, originally attributed to branch connectors. Field-failed specimen assemblies were therefore examined, consisting of cable connector, branch connector, and discrete fuse components. Previous papers and presentations have focused on the development of the test method using a benchtop prototype. This presentation covers the early results of C-AST aging of static and dynamic specimens.

balance of systems↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nanometer-Scale Fullerene-Type Conjugated Covalent Cages Based on Triazine: Design, Doping with Li + , and H 2 /CO 2 Adsorption

Spherical and hollow molecular cages based on planar triazine (C 3 N 3 ) hubs and aromatic phenylene connectors have been developed. The cages exhibit topologies akin to C 20 , C 60 , and C 70 fullerenes with diameters that range from 2.3 to 4.9 nm. Apertures into the cage interiors are tuned by varying the aromatic connectors situated between the C 3 N 3 -units. The stabilities of the C 3 N 3 cages increase with size owing to reduced bending strain of planar nodes and connectors that make up the spherical aromatic networks. Doping of the cages with Li + reveals the capacity of the cages for significant adsorption of gaseous H 2 and CO 2 . The design of graphene-like spherical cages is also discussed.

DFT calculations↗
DOE OSTI2025

Spherical Congeners of Polyaromatic Compounds Approaching C 20 - and C 60 -Fullerene-Type Structures

A series of three symmetric, hollow spherical, and shape-persistent molecular organic cages analogous to C 20 and C 60 were examined by computational modeling, analyzing structural elements, strain indicators, and physical properties relevant for potential applications. The compounds are covalent aromatic cages based on 1,3,5-substituted benzene nodes linked by paraphenylene or para-pyrenylene-connectors, with diameters varying from 2.3 to 4.2 nm. The apertures in the cage interior are varied by virtue of the cage type (C 20 - or C 60 -type cage) and the linear connectors placed between the C 6 H 3 -units. NBO and MESP analyses indicate the presence of electrophilic and nucleophilic sites in the molecular skeleton. In the cages with the phenylene-connectors, the HOMO−LUMO gaps are close to 4.0 eV. In the cage coated with an enlarged polyaromatic spacer (pyrene-unit), the gap is reduced by approximately 0.4 eV.

Aromatic compounds↗
DOE OSTI2024

TTW (Transition to Wire Device) [SWR-25-02]

The Transition to Wire (TTW) hardware project is a method for connecting solar research samples with fragile interconnects to robust, weatherproof and consistent commercial connectors. The Transition to Wire device is a printed circuit board designed to facilitate the transition from tab ribbon or other unsecured electrical contacts on research samples to either wires or a connector. The four pin connector provides a kelvin (4 wire) connection at the solder pad where the sample connects.

McDanold, Byron↗
DOE OSTI2022

Assessment of Low-Cost Minisplit Heat Pump Connection System

This project was funded by SCE's Emerging Technologies Program, and evaluates the feasibility of a connection system that can pave the path to accelerated, cost-effective adoption of high-efficiency Minisplit Heat Pump (MSHP) systems. This report details the characterization of this connection system and a heat pump enabled with this technology in a laboratory setting, and assesses the energy and cost impact applicable to residential buildings in SCE service territory. The energy and economic analysis leverages NREL's ResStock TM modeling approach based on the EnergyPlus ® hourly simulation platform. The connection system can be incorporated into existing MSHP architectures. This reduces installation time from 10 to 20 man hours to approximately one hour or less, dramatically lowering total installation costs without adversely impacting heat pump performance. This report characterizes the connection system's leakage performance while connected and disconnected, as well as leakage over several connection/disconnection cycles, commensurate with manufacturer specifications for the individual components. The connector was incorporated into an off-the-shelf MSHP. Performance was compared to an identical unmodified heat pump. The connector had no impact on performance. Large-scale hourly energy simulations were performed for 22,574 homes across 15 counties in SCE service territory. The analysis was performed using baseline assumptions about the penetrations of window air conditioners (~18%) and six upgrade scenarios for these air conditioners. All scenarios assumed 100% adoption of the Connector-Supported Heat Pump (CSHP) in place of window air conditioners: MSHPs at Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) 17, 25, and 33, and CSHPs at SEER 17, 25, and 33. Results show the increased adoption of high-efficiency heat pumps can result in up to 29% air conditioning energy savings for homes with window air conditioners.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

Split heating and cooling systems

The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems and methods. An aspect of the present disclosure is a device that includes a housing having an external surface and defining an interior volume, a heat exchanger positioned within the interior volume, a fluid line partially positioned within the interior volume, a sleeve extending from the external surface and terminating at a distal end of the sleeve, and a fluid connector. The sleeve has an outside wall spanning a length of the sleeve and defining an internal cavity, the fluid connector is positioned at or near the distal end, a portion of the fluid line is positioned within the internal cavity, and the fluid line provides a fluid connection between the heat exchanger and the fluid connector.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Integration of microinverter with photovoltaic module

Various technologies for integrating a microinverter with a photovoltaic module are disclosed. An alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) module includes a photovoltaic module having a frame and a junction box including a direct current (DC) output connector, and a microinverter having a housing coupled to the frame and a DC input connector electrically mated with the DC output connector of the photovoltaic module.

Gilchrist, Phil↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cylindrical microelectrode array for neural stimulation and recording

A cylindrical microelectrode array having an elongated cylindrical core, and a multilayer structure conformally folded around and affixed to the cylindrical core so as to extend between opposite ends of the core. The multilayer structure has integrated sections including an electrode section with electrodes exposed through electrically insulating layers, a connector section with conductive bond pads for interfacing with external electronics, and a cable section with conductive traces encapsulated in electrically insulating layers and which connect between the electrodes and their corresponding bond pads. The array may be fabricated using a planar multilayer structure having the electrode, connector, and cable sections, and conformally folding the multilayer structure around and affixing to the cylindrical core. The cable section in particular may be conformally coiled around and affixed to the cylindrical core so that the electrical conduits helically extend between the connector and electrode sections.

Shah, Kedar G.↗
DOE OSTI2023

GBT20, a 20.48 Gbps PAM4 Optical Transmitter Module for Particle Physics Experiments

We present a pluggable radiation-tolerant 4-level Pulse-Amplitude-Modulation (PAM4) optical transmitter module called GBT20 (Giga-Bit Transmitter at 20 Gbps) for particle-physics experiments. GBT20 has an OSFP or firefly connector to input 16-bit data each at 1.28 Gbps. The GBT20 drives a VCSEL die with an LC lens or a VCSEL TOSA and interfaces an optical fiber with a standard LC connector. The minimum module, including the host connector, occupies 41 mm x 13 mm x 6 mm. At 20.48 Gbps, the minimum Transmitter Dispersion Eye Closure Quaternary (TDECQ) is around 0.7 dB. The power consumption is around 164 mW in the low-power mode. The SEE cross-section is below 7.5x10^(-14) cm^2. No significant performance degrades after a TID of 5.4 kGy.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2024

Epoxy-based infrared filter assembly and associated fabrication devices and method

Epoxy-based inline infrared (IR) filter assembly, and manufacture and use of the same. Co-axial infrared filter assemblies comprise a substantially cylindrical filter body forming a central cavity characterized by opposing holes at each end. The filter body forms an outer conductor, and SMA connectors coupled to the opposing holes at each end of the body are electrically coupled to form an inner conductor positioned along a long axis of the filter body. An infrared absorbing material (such as castable epoxy resin) fills the central cavity of the filter body. Methods for producing the co-axial infrared filter include pressing SMA connectors into the respective ends of the filter body, electrically coupling the SMA connectors, and filling the filter body with epoxy. Electronic systems for operating a dark matter detector include a feedline comprising a coaxial filter configured to advantageously block infrared noise.

Spahn, Gabriel↗
DOE OSTI2026

Thermal Evaluation of CCS and NACS Reference Devices and Adapters

A review of NLR's work in charging system reliability for charging inlets, connectors, and adapters. The review includes a detailed discussion on (a) the development of a reference device for the thermal performance of charging connectors and adapters, (b) evaluation of charging adapters and their thermal warning and shutdown response, (c) implications of side-load from real-world implementations, and (d) strengthening the conformance evaluation for end caps based on field data.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Interfacing HDF5 with a scalable object‐centric storage system on hierarchical storage

Summary Object storage technologies that take advantage of multitier storage on HPC systems are emerging. However, to use these technologies at present, applications have to be modified significantly from current I/O libraries. HDF5, a widely used I/O middleware on HPC systems, provides a virtual object layer (VOL) that allows applications to connect to different storage mechanisms transparently without requiring significant code modifications. We recently designed the proactive data containers (PDC) object‐centric storage system that provides the capabilities of transparent, asynchronous, and autonomous data movement taking advantage of multiple storage tiers—a decision that has so far been left upon the user on most current systems. To enable PDC's features through HDF5 without modifying application codes, we have developed an HDF5 VOL connector that interfaces with PDC. We present in this article the connector interface and evaluate its performance on Cori, a Cray XC40 supercomputer located at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC). Our evaluation demonstrates up to an 8× improvement compared with HDF5 that has the most recent optimizations.

Mu, Jingqing↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quick-connect scanning tunneling microscope head with nested piezoelectric coarse walkers

To meet changing research demands, new scanning tunneling microscope (STM) features must constantly evolve. We describe the design, development, and performance of a modular plug-in STM, which is compact and stable. The STM head is equipped with a quick-connect socket that is matched to a universal connector plug, enabling it to be transferred between systems. This head can be introduced into a vacuum system via a load-lock and transferred to various sites equipped with the connector plug, permitting multi-site STM operation. Its design allows for reliable operation in a variety of experimental conditions, including a broad temperature range, ultra-high vacuum, high magnetic fields, and closed-cycle pulse-tube cooling. The STM’s compact size is achieved by a novel nested piezoelectric coarse walker design, which allows for large orthogonal travel in the X, Y, and Z directions, ideal for studying both bulk and thin film samples ranging in size from mm to μm. Its stability and noise tolerance are demonstrated by achieving atomic resolution under ambient conditions on a laboratory desktop with no vibrational or acoustic isolation. The operation of the nested coarse walkers is demonstrated by successful navigation to a μm-sized 2D sample.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2021

Inverted Geometry Ceramic Insulators in High Voltage DC Electron Guns for Accelerators

A direct current (dc) high voltage photo-emission electron gun operating at 130 kV is utilized at the Jefferson Lab (JLab) Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility to generate spin-polarized electrons for nuclear physics experiments. Over the past decade, JLab has tested and implemented inverted-geometry ceramic insulators in photoguns, connecting the cathode electrode in vacuum to the high voltage power supply using commercial high voltage cables. This contribution reports on tests performed up to 375 kV dc, implementation of inverted insulators in a 300 kV dc photogun generating magnetized electron beams, and describes plans to develop a reliable insulator-cable connector for applying 500 kV dc to a future polarized beam photogun operating reliably and without field emission at 350 kV.

Hernandez-Garcia, C.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Reliability of Open Public Electric Vehicle Direct Current Fast Chargers

The aim was to systematically evaluate the usability of all public electric vehicles (EV) direct current fast chargers (DCFC) in the San Francisco region. To achieve a rapid transition to EVs, a highly reliable and easy to use charging infrastructure is critical to building confidence among consumers. The functionality and usability of all 182 open, public DCFC charging stations with CCS connectors (combined charging system) in the 9 counties of the Bay Area were tested (655 electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) ports). An EVSE was classified as functional if it charged an EV for 2 minutes. Overall, 73.3% of the 655 EVSEs were functional. The causes of the nonfunctioning EVSEs (23.5%) were blank or unresponsive screens or error messages; payment system failures; charge initiation failures; network failures; or broken connectors. In addition, the cable was too short to reach the EV inlet for 3.2% of the EVSEs. A random sampling of 10% of the EVSEs, approximately 8 days after the first evaluation, found no overall change in functionality. The level of functionality found with field testing conflicts with the 95–98% uptime reported by the EV service providers (EVSPs) who operate the EV charging stations. There is a need for precise and verifiable definitions of uptime, downtime, and excluded time, as applied to public EV chargers. In conclusion, the level of failure of the existing public EV DCFC charge infrastructure highlights the importance of improving the system design and maintenance to improve adoption of EVs.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2022

A 500 KV INVERTED GEOEMTRY FEEDTHROUGH FOR A HIGH VOLT-AGE DC ELECTRON GUN

The Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility injector at Jefferson Lab (JLab) utilizes an inverted-geometry ceramic insulator photogun operating at 130 kV direct current to generate spin-polarized electron beams for high-energy nuclear physics experiments. A second photogun delivers 180 keV beam for commissioning a SRF booster in a testbed accelerator, and a larger version delivers 300 keV magnetized beam in a test stand beam line. This contribution reports on the development of an unprecedented inverted-insulator with cable connector for reliably applying 500 kV DC to a future polarized beam photogun, to be designed for operating at 350 kV without field emission. Such a photogun design could then be used for generating a polarized electron beam to drive a spin-polarized positron source as a demonstrator for high energy nuclear physics at JLab. There are no commercial cable connectors that fit the large inverted insulators required for that voltage range. Our proposed concept is based on a modified epoxy receptacle with intervening SF6 layer and a test electrode in a vacuum vessel.

Hernandez-Garcia, C.↗