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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

The Challenges of Modeling Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) as Blackstart Resources and for Volt-VAR Optimality

Modeling, testing and instituting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) as Blackstart Resoucrces presents several challenges due to the fundamental differences between traditional black start resources (e.g., large generators) versus DERs like solar PV systems with battery storage. This paper addresses some of these key challenges. These include intermittency of coordinating DERs to provide continuous power during a black start event, especially during extended periods of cloud cover or when battery energy storage is depleted. This paper additionally addresses the collapsing voltage and stability control challenges specific to maintaining bulk power system stability during black start synchronization These physical and engineering limitations require careful engineering design, modeling and engineering to ensure that DERs can support critical loads and substations during black start events. A variety of additional challenges also exist. Additionally, there are challenges associated with feeder location and low voltage secondary system impacts on DER functions and settings. We compare typical functions and settings for DERs for power factor control and correction. We also demonstrate how voltag control via Volta-VAR power factor correction can be done

Mukherjee, Srijib↗
NASA NTRS1997

Voltage Controller

Power Efficiency Corporation, specifically formed to manufacture and develop products from NASA technology, has a license to a three-phase power factor controller originally developed by Frank Nola, an engineer at Marshall Space Flight Center. Power Efficiency and two major distributors, Performance Control and Edison Power Technologies, use the electronic control boards to assemble three different motor controllers: Power Commander, Performance Controller, and Energy Master. The company Power Factor Controller reduces excessive energy waste in AC induction motors. It is used in industries and applications where motors operate under variable loads, including elevators and escalators, machine tools, intake and exhaust fans, oil wells, conveyors, pumps, die casting, and compressors. Customer lists include companies such as May Department Stores, Caesars Atlantic City, Ford Motors, and American Axle.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2008

Test Results From a Simulated High-Voltage Lunar Power Transmission Line

The Alternator Test Unit (ATU) in the Lunar Power System Facility (LPSF) located at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio was modified to simulate high-voltage transmission capability. The testbed simulated a 1 km transmission cable length from the ATU to the LPSF using resistors and inductors installed between the distribution transformers. Power factor correction circuitry was used to compensate for the reactance of the distribution system to improve the overall power factor. This test demonstrated that a permanent magnet alternator can successfully provide high-frequency ac power to a lunar facility located at a distance.

Birchenough, Arthur↗
DOE OSTI2022

Wound Field and Hybrid Synchronous Machines for EV Traction with Brushless Capacitive Rotor Field Excitation (Final Report)

This project focused on the development of wound field synchronous machines (WFSMs) and hybrid excitation synchronous machines (HESMs) with brushless capacitive power transfer for the field excitation. The target application for the machines developed is the main traction motor in electric vehicles. The magnetization in these types of machines is provided by a field winding on the rotor which is excited with DC current. The magnetization level in the machine can be varied by changing the magnitude of the field current. The variable magnetization or field is one of the key features of WFSMs. WFSMs are commonly used as generators however they have several attractive features for automotive traction applications. 1) No use of permanent magnet: Rare earth permanent magnets are primarily mined and processed in China. They have been subject to large price and supply variations and their export may be restricted during times of geopolitical tension. 2) Easy field weakening: Wound field synchronous machines have complete control of their field excitation. With proper design, this type of machine can electromagnetically have an infinite constant power speed range. 3) High power factor: With proper choice of the field excitation, WFSMs may be operated with high or even unity power factor. This potentially allows for the inverter connected to the stator winding to be downsized. In comparison induction machines and interior permanent magnet synchronous machines must supply reactive power to the stator increasing the kVA rating and cost of the inverter. 4) Reduced iron losses at high speed: By reducing the field excitation, the iron loss in the stator can be reduced. This is in comparison to interior permanent magnet synchronous machines which must use stator current to buck or reduce the flux produced by the permanent magnets. Generally, WFSMs have their highest efficiency at high speed. 5) Torque output at high temperatures: The magnetization provided by the field winding only depends on the field current and not on the field winding temperature. This is in contrast to permanent magnet machines where the permanent magnet flux decreases as the magnet temperature increases. Historically a number of approaches have been developed to provide DC current to the rotating field winding in WFSM’s including brushes and slip rings, low frequency brushless exciters, and high frequency rotary transformers and rectifiers. In this project, a different approach was used: brushless capacitive power transfer. Brushless capacitive power transfer uses two sets of rotating capacitors or electrodes in which an AC electric field is established by a high frequency inverter. A displacement current can flow through the airgap in the rotating capacitors which is rectified on the rotor using a diode bridge. The potential advantage of capacitive power transfer is that there is no need for heavy iron to guide magnetic flux. The electric flux lines terminate on the charges on the rotary capacitor surfaces. This should also limit the electric field outside the rotary capacitor airgaps. The main challenge with capacitive power transfer is that the capacitance and surface area of the rotating capacitors is small. Because capacitive power transfer systems are essentially a dual of a magnetic system, an Ampere per Hertz relationship is characteristic versus a Volts per Hertz relationship. A very high frequency power inverter must be used to provide sufficient excitation to the field winding. The concept of using capacitive power transfer to excite a high performance WFSM was initially developed in a previous U.S.A. Dept. of Energy project, DE-EE0006829. This project focused on increasing the power density of the WFSMs and reducing the cost and manufacturing complexity of the capacitive power transfer system. This project has demonstrated that WFSMs with brushless capacitive field power transfer can provide a high-power density and low-cost automotive powertrain technology.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Novel Three Phase Oak Ridge DC / AC Converter for Wireless Grid Tied Applications

In this study, a novel three phase oak ridge dc to ac converter is introduced for wireless mobility energy storage (WMES) applications to support the grid demand during peak times. The proposed topology can be used in a bi-directional operation between ac grid and dc terminals of energy storage by accomplishing unity power factor. Inherent merit of the technology can directly merge dc input to the high frequency and 60 Hz grid frequency by superimposing through the wireless coils. Theoretical and simulation results are validated by the simulation analysis for 20 kW output power. The functionality of the proposed three phase system is established by using 6 inches air gap between the couplers with the input of 675 V DC and output of 277 V AC, RMS . The system overall design analysis is demonstrated for simulation analysis and simulation results are presented achieving 3% current total harmonic distortion (THD) and 0.99 power factor (PF) at full load 20 kW wireless power transfer.

Asa, Erdem↗
NASA NTRS2004

Advanced Technology Development for Stirling Convertors

A high-efficiency Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) for use on potential NASA Space Science missions is being developed by the Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin, Stirling Technology Company, and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). These missions may include providing spacecraft onboard electric power for deep space missions or power for unmanned Mars rovers. GRC is also developing advanced technology for Stirling convertors, aimed at substantially improving the specific power and efficiency of the convertor and the overall power system. Performance and mass improvement goals have been established for second- and thirdgeneration Stirling radioisotope power systems. Multiple efforts are underway to achieve these goals, both in-house at GRC and under various grants and contracts. The status and results to date for these efforts will be discussed in this paper. Cleveland State University (CSU) is developing a multi-dimensional Stirling computational fluid dynamics code, capable of modeling complete convertors. A 2-D version of the code is now operational, and validation efforts at both CSU and the University of Minnesota are complementing the code development. A screening of advanced superalloy, refractory metal alloy, and ceramic materials has been completed, and materials have been selected for creep and joining characterization as part of developing a high-temperature heater head. A breadboard characterization is underway for an advanced controller using power electronics for active power factor control with a goal of eliminating the heavy tuning capacitors that are typically needed to achieve near unity power factors. Key Stirling developments just initiated under recent NRA (NASA Research Announcement) awards will also be discussed. These include a lightweight convertor to be developed by Sunpower Inc. and an advanced microfabricated regenerator to be done by CSU.

Thieme, Lanny G.↗
DOE OSTI2021

A Novel Three-Phase Oak Ridge AC / AC Converter for Wireless Mobility Energy Storage System (WMESS) Connectivity

In this study, a novel three-phase Oak Ridge ac to ac converter is introduced for wireless mobility energy storage system (WMESS) applications for grid support or ancillary service applications. The proposed topology can be used in bidirectional operation between ac grid and ac terminals of energy storage (output of the ESS inverter) by accomplishing unity power factor. Inherent merit of the technology is that it can directly merge ac input 60 Hz grid frequency with the high frequency by superimposing them with the Oak Ridge Converter (ORC) and through the wireless coils. Theoretical and simulation results are provided for 10 kW output power. The functionality of the proposed three-phase system is demonstrated with the coupling coils separated by 6 inches of air gap with the input / output of 277 V AC,RMS . The system overall design is presented, and simulation results demonstrate achieving 3% current total harmonic distortion (THD) and 0.99 power factor (PF) at full load of 10 kW wireless power transfer.

Asa, Erdem↗
DOE OSTI2020

Modeling and control of cascaded bridgeless multilevel rectifier under unbalanced load conditions

The goal of this project is to model and control a novel unidirectional cascaded multilevel bridgeless rectifier as an active front end in medium and high voltage applications. This topology has many advantages over a conventional cascaded H-bridge rectifier, such as lower implementation cost, higher reliability, and greater flexibility with similar power quality. The complete design process of the proposed converter is developed step by step in order to meet all the desired objectives. The steady-state mathematical model is used to develop a method for the voltage balancing of dc cells. Power factor analysis is discussed to mathematically derive requirements for the number of partially controlled and fully controlled H-bridges in the proposed H-bridge converter. Power loss, efficiency, and cost comparison studies between the traditional cascaded H-Bridge converter and the proposed bridgeless converter demonstrate the advantages. After exploring various well-established control methods, a novel control strategy is proposed to achieve dc voltage balancing, fast and robust grid synchronization, power factor correction, and elimination of zero crossing current distortion under both balanced and unbalanced load conditions. The converter can also be used for reactive power compensation in a grid tied power system if a sufficient number of fully controlled H-bridge modules are included. Processor-In-the-Loop (PIL) simulation has been the utilized to validate the performance of discrete control structure. Simulation and experimental results validate the models and control method.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

GaSb doping facilitates conduction band convergence and improves thermoelectric performance in n-type PbS

P-type lead chalcogenides have superior thermoelectric performance because they exhibit the energy convergence of several valence bands. However, despite the existence of two conduction bands, there has been no report about conduction band (CB) convergence for n-type counterparts because of the large energy difference between them. Therefore, new strategies are required to manipulate the CBs if enhancing the electrical transport performance of n-type lead chalcogenides is to be achieved. PbS is a highly attractive member of the lead chalcogenides because of its high earth-abundance and low cost. Here, we report that the introduction of GaSb can successfully dope the PbS matrix with Ga and Sb atoms occupying the Pb site in its rock salt structure. GaSb doping leads to conduction band convergence and enlarged effective density of state mass for n-type PbS. This effect results in superior power factor and decreased lattice thermal conductivity caused by the soft phonon modes and point defect scattering of phonons. Consequently, a record-high average power factor PF avg of ~20.4 μW cm –1 K –2 and figure of merit ZT avg of ~0.84 in the temperature range of 400 K to 923 K were obtained, higher than any n- and p-type PbS-based thermoelectric materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1989

Distortion and regulation characterization of a Mapham inverter

Output voltage Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of a 20kHz, 6kVA Mapham resonant inverter is characterized as a function of its switching-to-resonant frequency ratio, f sub s/f sub r, using the EASY5 engineering analysis system. EASY5 circuit simulation results are compared with hardware test results to verify the accuracy of the simulations. The effects of load on the THD versus f sub s/f sub r ratio is investigated for resistive, leading, and lagging power factor load impedances. The effect of the series output capacitor on the Mapham inverter output voltage distortion and inherent load regulation is characterized under loads of various power factors and magnitudes. An optimum series capacitor value which improves the inherent load regulation to better than 3 percent is identified. The optimum series capacitor value is different than the value predicted from a modeled frequency domain analysis. An explanation is proposed which takes into account the conduction overlap in the inductor pairs during steady-state inverter operation, which decreases the effective inductance of a Mapham inverter. A fault protection and current limit method is discussed which allows the Mapham inverter to operate into a short circuit, even when the inverter resonant circuit becomes overdamped.

Sundberg, Richard C.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Distortion and regulation characterization of a Mapham inverter

Output-voltage total harmonic distortion (THD) of a 20-kHz, 6-kVA Mapham resonant inverter is characterized as a function of its switching-to-resonant frequency ratio, f(s)/f(r), using the EASY5 Engineering Analysis System. EASY5 circuit simulation results are compared with hardware test results to verify the accuracy of the simulations. The effects of load on the THD versus f(s)/f(r) is investigated for resistive, leading, and lagging power factor load impedances. The effect of the series output capacitor on the Mapham inverter output-voltage distortion and inherent load regulation is characterized under loads of various power factors and magnitudes. An optimum series capacitor value which improves the inherent load regulation to better than 3 percent is identified. The optimum series capacitor value is different from the value predicted from a modeled frequency domain analysis. An explanation is proposed which takes into account the conduction overlap in the inductor pairs during steady-state inverter operation, which decreases the effective inductance of a Mapham inverter. A fault protection and current limit method is discussed which allows the Mapham inverter to operate into a short circuit, even when the inverter resonant circuit becomes overdamped.

Sundberg, Richard C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Pulsed thyristor trigger control circuit

A trigger control circuit is provided for producing firing pulses for the thyristor of a thyristor control system such as a power factor controller. The control circuit overcomes thyristor triggering problems involved with the current lag associated with controlling inductive loads and utilizes a phase difference signal, already present in the power factor controller, in deriving a signal for inhibiting generation of a firing pulse until no load current is flowing from the preceding half cycle and thereby ensuring that the thyristor is triggered on during each half cycle.

Nola, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Lanthanum sulfides as high temperature thermoelectric materials

Thermoelectric property measurements have been made for the nonstoichiometric lanthanum sulfides, LaS(R) with R in the range 1.33-1.50. The Seebeck coefficients and electrical resistivities increase with temperature from 200 to 1100 C. Power factors (defined as Seebeck coefficient squared divided by electrical resistivity) generally increase both as the temperature is increased and as the compound composition is varied from LaS(1.48) to LaS(1.35). The power factor values combined with estimates of thermal conductivities for LaS(1.38) and LaS(1.4) yield figures of merit greater than 0.0005 at 1000 C.

Danielson, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Photovoltaic power system tests on an 8-kilowatt single-phase line-commutated inverter

Efficiency and power factor were measured as functions of solar array voltage and current. The effects of input shunt capacitance and series inductance were determined. Tests were conducted from 15 to 75 percent of the 8 kW rated inverter input power. Measured efficiencies ranged from 76 percent to 88 percent at about 50 percent of rated inverter input power. Power factor ranged from 36 percent to 72 percent.

Stover, J. B.↗
DOE OSTI2020

High Thermoelectric Performance and Defect Energetics of Multipocketed Full Heusler Compounds

We report a first-principles density-functional study of electron-phonon interactions in and thermoelectric transport properties of the full Heusler compounds Sr 2 BiAu and Sr 2 SbAu. Our results show that ultrahigh intrinsic bulk thermoelectric performance across a wide range of temperatures is physically possible and point to the presence of multiply degenerate and highly dispersive carrier pockets as the key factor for achieving this. Sr 2 BiAu, which features ten energy-aligned low-effective-mass pockets (six along Γ-X and four at L), is predicted to deliver n-type zT=0.4-4.9 at T=100-700 K. Comparison with the previously investigated compound Ba 2 BiAu shows that the additional L pockets in Sr 2 BiAu significantly increase its low-temperature power factor to a maximum value of 12 mW m -1 K -2 near T=300 K. However, at high temperatures the power factor of Sr 2 BiAu drops below that of Ba 2 BiAu because the L states are heavier and subject to strong scattering by phonon deformation, as opposed to the lighter Γ-X states, which are limited by polar-optical scattering. Sr2SbAu is predicted to deliver a lower n-type zT=3.4 at T=750 K due to appreciable misalignment between the L and Γ-X carrier pockets, generally heavier scattering, and a slightly higher lattice thermal conductivity. Soft acoustic modes, which are responsible for the low lattice thermal conductivity, also increase the vibrational entropy and high-temperature stability of these Heusler compounds, suggesting that their experimental synthesis may be feasible. The dominant intrinsic defects are found to be Au vacancies, which drive the Fermi level towards the conduction band and work in favor of n-doping.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2026

Scheduler Modeling of Distributed Energy Resources for Providing Ancillary Services

Distribution energy resources (DERs) have been integral components of modern power systems, and their capability to provide grid services has been widely studied. To promote the deployment of these resources in providing grid services in real-world utility operations, this paper proposes a day-ahead scheduler model for a distribution system connected DER plant. A certain amount of generation capacity of this DER plant is reserved for frequency services, and some ancillary services for the distribution system-including peak load reduction, voltage regulation, and power factor control-are integrated into the model. The model is tested on a real-world distribution system. From the simulation results, the energy and reserve schedule of the solar photovoltaic (PV) unit and battery energy storage system (BESS) can be determined, and voltage and power factor are well maintained. Additionally, in order to demonstrate the specific characteristics of the co-located and hybrid operation modes for the PV and BESS, these two modes are analyzed both theoretically and through real-time simulation. Simulation results show that most of PV's variability is transferred to the net power in the co-located mode, whereas it is transferred to the BESS in the hybrid mode. This proposed scheduler model and the comparison of co-located and hybrid modes can provide practical guidance for the applications of DER plant in the real-world utility.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

High-Power Oak Ridge Converter (ORC) for Extreme Fast Charging Applications

This project report presents a novel power converter system called Oak Ridge Converter (ORC), a patented technology developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for XFC wireless EV charging systems. ORC integrates the grid interface converter (also known as the active front-end rectifier with power factor correction) with the high-frequency inverter stage, promoting size and cost-effective charging technology with reduced infrastructure costs. The integration of the front-end rectifier with the high-frequency inverter truly eliminates one power conversion stage and achieves more than 33% size, weight, volume, and cost reduction on the wireless charging systems. Furthermore, ORC eliminates the primary side direct current (DC) bus bulk capacitors that are usually aluminum electrolytic capacitors and replaces them with very small, cost-effective, highly reliable, and high-temperature operation-capable alternate current (AC) film capacitors. ORC is also applicable to both single-phase and poly-phase couplers. When used with polyphase couplers, ORC further improves the power density of the overall system with higher power density power electronics. Moreover, ORC is inherently bidirectional and allows the system to provide power back to the grid for grid ancillary or grid support services. The ORC, based on a patented ORNL technology, is an excellent approach to resolving the high-power charging problems as described above, which directly converts the 60 hertz (Hz) line frequency into high frequency (i.e., 85 kilohertz (kHz)) to use with a high-frequency isolation transformer or wireless charging coils while eliminating the primary side number of power conversion stages from two to one. The result of the project is a prototype and reference design for a high-power wireless charging system—including power electronics, magnetics, and thermal—serving as a baseline for product development. The proposed system results are demonstrated for 270 kW of output power, with the system's overall efficiency of 92% from the AC grid, achieving less than 3% current total harmonic distortion (THD) and around 0.99 power factor (PF).

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Modeling of Inductive Constant Power Load for Electromagnetic-Transient Simulations-Part II

This paper improves the dynamic constant power (CP) load model that was published in Part I, which is appropriate for electromagnetic-transient (EMT). The improved model conserves all features of its predecessor. For instance, it maintains a fixed power consumption (both active and reactive parts) and a fixed power factor for loads that are predominantly inductive. Furthermore, as the proposed model is a time-dependent system, it is applicable to both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal case studies. However, the previous model cannot be easily integrated with numeric solvers because it simulated load data over one cycle all together, not sequentially in a time-step manner, due to the limitation involved with the power factor. The improved version, on the contrary, allows the load to be simulated at every time step, which would facilitate its integration with numeric solvers. The model's validity is confirmed by comparing its response with data that is synthesized from constant impedance load, and the result is satisfactory.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗