Testing the Internal At-Power Application of the IDHEAS HRA Method.
Abstract not provided.
SEARCH · Search NASA
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.
Abstract not provided.
Abstract not provided.
Tests were performed at SNS in collaboration with visiting colleagues from ISIS, UK to evaluate the uncesiated beam performance of the SNS RF H⁻ ion sources. Two spare experimental sources, one with internal antenna and one with external antenna were used for the tests. The beam currents achieved with Cs-free operations accounted for about 1/3 to 1/2 of the beam currents produced with cesiated operations. ~17 mA uncesiated H⁻ current was demonstrated within the tested RF power range up to 65 kW with the internal antenna source and ~15 mA with up to 40 kW RF with the external antenna source. In Cs-free operations, the power supply for the electron dumping electrode was loaded down below its set voltage but was not too drastic to tamper the operation.
Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities are one of the fundamental building blocks of modern particle accelerators. To achieve the highest quality factors (10 10 -10 11 ), SRF cavities are operated at liquid helium temperatures. Magnetic flux trapped on the surface of SRF cavities during cool-down below the critical temperature is one of the leading sources of residual RF losses. Instruments capable of detecting the distribution of trapped flux on the cavity surface are in high demand in order to better understand its relation to the cavity material, surface treatments and environmental conditions. We have designed, developed, and commissioned two novel diagnostic tools to measure the distribution of trapped flux at the surface of SRF cavities. One is a magnetic field scanning system (MFSS) which uses cryogenic Hall probes and anisotropic magnetoresistance sensors that fit the contour of a 1.3 GHz cavity. The second setup is a stationary, combined magnetic and temperature mapping system which uses AMR sensors and carbon resistor temperature sensors, covering the surface of a 3 GHz SRF cavity. The MFSS system revealed a non-uniform distribution of trapped flux on the cavities' surface, dependent on the magnitude of the applied magnetic field during field-cooling below the critical temperature. The MFSS shows that magnetic field scanning as a function of the RF field indicates redistribution of trapped flux at some locations. About ~ 33% of hot-spots observed by temperature mapping during high power RF tests overlapped with the high B-field spots. Almost all high B-field spots observed after field-cool were found to be overlapped on grain boundaries. A clear correlation between the hot- spot formed after quench and local trapped flux was found, providing insight on the RF dissipation of trap vortices. The combined B&T map system showed that the T-map system is capable of detecting hot-spots and quench location on the surface of the 3 GHz SRF cavity. Different distribution of trapped flux was measured after different cool-down and residual B-field, but, no variation in magnetic field distribution was observed during quench, possibly due to magnetic sensors being far from the quench location.
Wicking structures have been widely used within passive heat transfer devices with high heat fluxes, such as heat pipes, to enhance their thermal performance. While wicking structures promote capillary pumping of the working fluid as well as thin film evaporation, they can result in capillary evaporation and further enhances the evaporation heat transfer. In this study, a 0.5 mm thick layer of 105 microns sintered copper particles was added to the inner wall of a copper tube, aiming to enhance the heat transfer characteristics by taking advantage of capillary evaporation. Acetone was chosen as the working fluid, and the performance of an evaporation tube was tested for power inputs of 10, 30, 50, and 70 W. For each power input, trials were run at inclination angles varying from -90° and 90° to investigate the capillary effects. The temperature measurements showed that the temperature distribution along the evaporation tube is always downward sloping, meaning the temperature at the fluid inlet is larger than the outlet. Interestingly, the surface temperature at some locations is less than the outlet temperature, indicating the effect of capillary evaporation. In addition, a theoretical investigation was performed to investigate the effects of the particle size on the thermal performance of the evaporation tube and found that particle sizes affect capillary evaporation.
This presentation shows how frequency scan tests of inverter-based resources can be used to define specifications for grid-forming (GFM) control.
This presentence provides overview of NREL's testing capabilities and experience with advanced testing of multimegawatt grid-forming inverters.
The increasing contributions of renewable energy sources present new challenges to the operation and maintenance of the existing coal-fired power plants. One of the major operational risks is the unexpected failure of superheater boiler tubes, leading to the most unplanned power plant outrages. The boiler tube failure is difficult to predict due to the harsh operating environments. Therefore, condition-based monitoring (CBM) with a reliable high temperature sensor becomes necessary to produce a meaningful assessment of the health condition of boiler tubes and their remaining lifetime. In this work, the stainless-steel and quartz coaxial cable sensor (SSQ-CCS) is proposed for in-situ distributed monitoring of the boiler tube temperatures in existing coal-fired power plants. Comprehensive tests have been conducted with an in-house testing facility at Clemson University to study and evaluate the sensors’ performance in the temperature range of 100℃ to 600℃. The results indicated that the measurement resolution of the SSQ-CCS sensor is better than 1℃, and the drift is less than 2% over long-period testing. Meanwhile, multi-physics finite element analysis has been conducted to optimize the design and evaluate the safety of the SSQ-CCS temperature sensor under various operational conditions. Based on the performance obtained in the laboratory-scale testing, a field test has been implemented at a power plant. Four SSQ-CCS temperature sensors were installed for in-situ monitoring of the temperatures of a power plant’s superheat tube assembles. The data acquisition system has been successfully set up and collected sensing signals for more than three months. The sensing signals have been post-processed, and the monitored temperature history through the SSQ-CCS temperature sensor has been validated and compared with the conventional high temperature thermal couple data.
This fact sheet highlights the Smart Home Test Bed capability at the Energy Systems Integration Facility. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is working on one of the new frontiers of smart home research: finding ways for smart home technologies and systems to enhance grid operations in the presence of distributed, clean energy technologies such as photovoltaics (PV). To help advance this research, NREL has developed a controllable, flexible, and fully integrated Smart Home Test Bed.
The objective is to develop a real time fault monitoring and diagnosis knowledge-based system (KBS) for space power systems which can save costly operational manpower and can achieve more reliable space power system operation. The proposed KBS was developed using the Autonomously Managed Power System (AMPS) test facility currently installed at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), but the basic approach taken for this project could be applicable for other space power systems. The proposed KBS is entitled Autonomously Managed Power-System Extendible Real-time Expert System (AMPERES). In Phase 1 the emphasis was put on the design of the overall KBS, the identification of the basic research required, the initial performance of the research, and the development of a prototype KBS. In Phase 2, emphasis is put on the completion of the research initiated in Phase 1, and the enhancement of the prototype KBS developed in Phase 1. This enhancement is intended to achieve a working real time KBS incorporated with the NASA space power system test facilities. Three major research areas were identified and progress was made in each area. These areas are real time data acquisition and its supporting data structure; sensor value validations; development of inference scheme for effective fault monitoring and diagnosis, and its supporting knowledge representation scheme.
Analyzed, developed, and tested were high power microwave components for communications satellites systems. Included were waveguide and flange configurations with venting, a harmonic filter, forward and reverse power monitors, electrical fault sensors, and a diplexer for two channel simultaneous transmission. The assembly of 8.36 GHz components was bench tested, and then operated for 60 hours at 3.5 kW CW in a high vacuum. The diplexer was omitted from this test pending a modification of its end irises. An RF leakage test showed only that care is required at flange junctions; all other components were RF tight. Designs were extrapolated for 12 GHz and 2.64 GHz high power satellite systems.
The design, fabrication and flight testing of a powered elevator system for the Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Aircraft (AWJSRA or Mod C-8A) are discussed. The system replaces a manual spring tab elevator control system that was unsatisfactory in the STOL flight regime. Pitch control in the AWJSRA is by means of a single elevator control surface. The elevator is used for both maneuver and trim control as the stabilizer is fixed. A fully powered, irreversible flight control system powered by dual hydraulic sources was designed. The existing control columns and single mechanical cable system of the AWJSRA have been retained as has been the basic elevator surface, except that the elevator spring tab is modified into a geared balance tab. The control surface is directly actuated by a dual tandem moving body actuator. Control signals are transmitted from the elevator aft quadrant to the actuator by a linkage system that includes a limited authority series servo actuator.
Solving power system capacity expansion planning (CEP) problems at realistic spatial resolutions is computationally challenging. Thus, a common practice is to solve CEP over zonal models with low spatial resolution rather than over full-scale nodal power networks. Due to improvements in solving large-scale stochastic mixed integer programs, these computational limitations are becoming less relevant, and the assumption that zonal models are realistic and useful approximations of nodal CEP is worth revisiting. Here, this work is the first to conduct a systematic computational study on the assumption that spatial aggregation can reasonably be used for ISO-scale CEP. By considering a realistic, large-scale test network based on the state of California with over 8000 buses, we find that well-designed small spatial aggregations can yield good approximations but that coarser zonal models may result in large distortions of investment decisions, e.g., capacity under-investment of up to 41% for the lowest resolution model considered.
Description of the design and testing of a recuperated, closed Brayton-cycle, electrical power conversion system designated the Brayton Cycle Demonstrator (BCD). The system uses electrical heaters as a heat source, argon as the cycle working fluid, and gas-lubricated foil-type bearings. Objectives of the test program include (1) evaluation of the overall system performance characteristics and influences on spacecraft integration, (2) familiarization of personnel with operational methods, and (3) determination of system flexibility by operating at a number of off-design conditions. Results obtained to date are discussed.
Design, fabrication, and life test of ion engine system using oxide cathode mercury electron bombardment thrustor
The supporting Development Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC Test Bed is described. Its benefits to the Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System design are discussed along with a short description of how the PMAD DC Test Bed was systematically integrated. The Source Subsystem of the PMAD DC Test Bed consisting of a Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) and a Battery Charge/Discharge Unit (BCDU) is introduced. The SSU is described in detail and component level test data is presented. Next, the BCDU's operation and design is given along with component level test data. The Source Subsystem is then presented and early data given to demonstrate an effective subsystem design.
The supporting Development Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC test bed is described. Its benefits to the Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System design are discussed along with a short description of how the PMAD DC test bed was systematically integrated. The source subsystem of the PMAD DC test bed, consisting of a Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) and a Battery Charge/Discharge Unit (BCDU), is introduced. The SSU is described in detail and component-level test data is presented. Next, the BCDU's operation and design are given along with component-level test data. The Source Subsystem is then presented and early data given to demonstrate an effective subsystem design.
The cathode life test program sponsored by NASA Lewis Research Center at Watkins-Johnson Company has been in continuous operation since 1972. Its primary objective has been to evaluate the long life capability of barium dispenser cathodes to produce emission current densities of 2 A sq. cm. or more in an operational environment simulating that of a highpower microwave tube. The life test vehicles were equipped with convergent flow electron guns, drift space tubes with solenoid magnets for electron beam confinement and water-cooled depressed collectors. A variety of cathode types has been tested, including GE Tungstate, Litton Impregnated, Philips Type B and M, Semicon types S and M, and Spectra-Mat Type M. Recent emphasis has been on monitoring the performance of Philips Type M cathodes at 2 A sq. cm. and Sprectra-Mat and Semicon Type M cathodes at 4 A sq. cm. These cathodes have been operated at a constant current of 616 mA and a cathode anode voltage on the order of 10 kV. Cathode temperatures were maintained at 1010 C true as measured from black body holes in the backs of the cathodes. This report presents results of the cathode life test program from July l982 through April l986. The results include hours of operation and performance data in the form of normalized emission current density versus temperature curves (Miram plots).