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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 127 records · Page 7

Simultaneous Control of Flexibility and Rigidity in Pore-Space-Partitioned Metal–Organic Frameworks

Flexi-MOFs are typically limited to low-connected (< 9) frameworks. Here we report a platform-wide approach capable of creating a family of high-connected materials (collectively called CPM-220) that integrate exceptional framework flexibility with high rigidity. We show that the multi-module nature of the pore-space-partitioned pacs (partitioned acs net) platform allows us to introduce flexibility as well as to simultaneously impose high rigidity in a tunable module-specific fashion. The inter-modular synergy has remarkable macro-morphological and sub-nanometer structural impacts. A prominent manifestation at both length scales is the retention of X-ray-quality single crystallinity despite huge hexagonal c-axial contraction (≈ 30%) and harsh sample treatment such as degassing and sorption cycles. CPM-220 sets multiple precedents and benchmarks on the pacs platform in both structural and sorption properties. Furthermore, they possess exceptionally high benzene/cyclohexane selectivity, unusual C 3 H 6 and C 3 H 8 isotherms, and promising separation performance for small gas molecules such as C 2 H 2 /CO 2 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Photovoltaic power modules for NASA's manned space station

The capability and the safety of manned spacecraft are largely dependent upon reliable electric power systems. Two similar space power systems able to survive the low Earth orbit environment, are being considered for NASA's Manned Space Station (SS), scheduled to begin operation in the mid 1990's. The Space Station Electric Power System (EPS) is composed of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Modules, Solar Dynamic (SD) Power Modules, and the Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) System. One EPS configuration will deliver 37.5 kW of PV based, utility grade, ac power to SS users. A second 75 kWe PV based EPS option is also being considered for SS deployment. The two EPS options utilize common modules and differ only in the total number of PV Power Modules used. Each PV Power Module supplies 18.75 kWe of ac power and incorporates its own energy storage and thermal control. The general requirements and the current preliminary design configuration of the Space Station PV Power Modules are examined.

Tatro, Charles A.↗

Photovoltaic power modules for NASA's manned Space Station

The capability and the safety of manned spacecraft are largely dependent upon reliable electric power systems. Two similar space power systems able to survive the low earth orbit environment, are being considered for NASA's Manned Space Station (SS), scheduled to begin operation in the mid 1990's. The Space Station Electric Power System (EPS) is composed of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Modules, Solar Dynamic (SD) Power Modules, and the Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) System. One EPS configuration will deliver 37.5 kW of PV based, utility grade, ac power to SS users. A second 75 kWe PV based EPS option is also being considered for SS deployment. The two EPS options utilize common modules and differ only in the total number of PV Power Modules used. Each PV Power Module supplies 18.75 kWe of ac power and incorporates its own energy storage and thermal control. The general requirements and the current preliminary design configuration of the Space Station PV Power Modules are examined.

Tatro, C. A.↗

Improved transistorized AC motor controller for battery powered urban electric passenger vehicles

An ac motor controller for an induction motor electric vehicle drive system was designed, fabricated, tested, evaluated, and cost analyzed. A vehicle performance analysis was done to establish the vehicle tractive effort-speed requirements. These requirements were then converted into a set of ac motor and ac controller requirements. The power inverter is a three-phase bridge using power Darlington transistors. The induction motor was optimized for use with an inverter power source. The drive system has a constant torque output to base motor speed and a constant horsepower output to maximum speed. A gear shifting transmission is not required. The ac controller was scaled from the base 20 hp (41 hp peak) at 108 volts dec to an expanded horsepower and battery voltage range. Motor reversal was accomplished by electronic reversal of the inverter phase sequence. The ac controller can also be used as a boost chopper battery charger. The drive system was tested on a dynamometer and results are presented. The current-controlled pulse width modulation control scheme yielded improved motor current waveforms. The ac controller favors a higher system voltage.

Peak, S. C.↗

Alkali-vapor magnetic resonance driven by fictitious radiofrequency fields

We demonstrate an all-optical {sup 133}Cs scalar magnetometer, operating in nonzero magnetic field, in which the magnetic resonance is driven by an effective oscillating magnetic field provided by the AC Stark shift of an intensity-modulated laser beam. We achieve a projected shot-noise-limited sensitivity of 1.7fT/√(Hz) and measure a technical noise floor of 40fT/√(Hz). These results are essentially identical to a coil-driven scalar magnetometer using the same setup. This all-optical scheme offers advantages over traditional coil-driven magnetometers for use in arrays and in magnetically sensitive fundamental physics experiments, e.g., searches for a permanent electric dipole moment of the neutron.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Pulse width modulation inverter with battery charger

An inverter is connected between a source of DC power and a three-phase AC induction motor, and a microprocessor-based circuit controls the inverter using pulse width modulation techniques. In the disclosed method of pulse width modulation, both edges of each pulse of a carrier pulse train are equally modulated by a time proportional to sin .theta., where .theta. is the angular displacement of the pulse center at the motor stator frequency from a fixed reference point on the carrier waveform. The carrier waveform frequency is a multiple of the motor stator frequency. The modulated pulse train is then applied to each of the motor phase inputs with respective phase shifts of 120.degree. at the stator frequency. Switching control commands for electronic switches in the inverter are stored in a random access memory (RAM) and the locations of the RAM are successively read out in a cyclic manner, each bit of a given RAM location controlling a respective phase input of the motor. The DC power source preferably comprises rechargeable batteries and all but one of the electronic switches in the inverter can be disabled, the remaining electronic switch being part of a flyback DC-DC converter circuit for recharging the battery.

Slicker, James M.↗

Subharmonic Shapiro steps in depinning dynamics of a two-dimensional solid dusty plasma modulated by one-dimensional nonlinear deformed periodic substrates

Langevin dynamical simulations are performed to investigate the depinning dynamics of a two-dimensional (2D) solid dusty plasma, which is modulated by one-dimensional (1D) nonlinear deformed periodic substrates, and also driven by the combination of the DC and AC forces. As the DC driving force increases gradually, pronounced subharmonic and harmonic Shapiro steps are discovered under the combined modulation of the deformed substrate and the external AC drive. Here, these observed subharmonic and harmonic Shapiro steps are attributed to the dynamic mode locking. The data analysis results indicate that the nonlinear deformed substrate strongly influences these subharmonic Shapiro steps, which can be accurately diagnosed using the fraction of sixfold coordinated particles. Furthermore, the diagnostic of the kinetic temperature clearly indicates the difference between harmonic and subharmonic Shapiro steps, i.e., the particle motion is slightly less synchronized at subharmonic Shapiro steps, caused by the unstable locations of the deformed substrate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development status of the small community solar power system

The development status and test results for the Small Community Solar Thermal Power Experiment are presented. Activities on the phase 2 power module development effort are presented with emphasis on the receiver, the plant control subsystem, and the energy transport subsystem. The components include a single prototype power module consisting of a parabolic dish concentrator, a power conversion assembly (PCA), and a multiple-module plant control subsystem. The PCA consists of a cavity receiver coupled to an organic Rankine cycle engine-alternator unit defined as the power conversion subsystem; the PCA is mounted at the focus of a parabolic dish concentrator. At a solar insolation of 100 W/sq m and ambient temperature of 28 C (82 F), the power module produces approximately 20 kW of 3-phase, 3 kHz ac power, depending on the concentrator employed. A ground-mounted rectifier to the central collection site where it is supplied directly to the common dc bus which collects the power from all modules in the plant.

Pons, R. L.↗

Local impedance measurement of an electrode/single-pentacene-grain interface by frequency-modulation scanning impedance microscopy

The device performances of organic thin film transistors are often limited by the metal–organic interface because of the disordered molecular layers at the interface and the energy barriers against the carrier injection. It is important to study the local impedance at the interface without being affected by the interface morphology. We combined frequency modulation atomic force microscopy with scanning impedance microscopy (SIM) to sensitively measure the ac responses of the interface to an ac voltage applied across the interface and the dc potential drop at the interface. By using the frequency-modulation SIM (FM-SIM) technique, we characterized the interface impedance of a Pt electrode and a single pentacene grain as a parallel circuit of a contact resistance and a capacitance. We found that the reduction of the contact resistance was caused by the reduction of the energy level mismatch at the interface by the FM-SIM measurements, demonstrating the usefulness of the FM-SIM technique for investigation of the local interface impedance without being affected by its morphology.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Common-mode inductor saturation analysis and design optimization based on spectrum concept

Understanding the CM inductor core saturation mechanism and reducing core flux density is critical for CM inductor design optimization. Instead of a time domain method, this paper introduces frequency domain spectrum concept for CM inductor core saturation analysis and design optimization, which will provide designers a better understanding of CM inductor design. First, both core permeability and converter modulation index's opposite influence on DM flux density and CM flux density are identified. Then, CM flux density is further investigated based on the spectrum concept. Three components in the CM inductor which may cause large CM flux density and core saturation are summarized: (1) switching frequency related components, (2) impedance resonance frequency related components, and (3) modulation frequency related components. Each component is investigated for CM flux density reduction and filter design optimization. A connecting AC and DC side midpoint with notch filter structure is proposed to reduce modulation frequency related components. Experiment results are presented to verify the proposed concept and method.

Chen, Ruirui↗

Shapiro steps for skyrmion motion on a washboard potential with longitudinal and transverse ac drives

In this work, we numerically study the behavior of two-dimensional skyrmions in the presence of a quasi-one-dimensional sinusoidal substrate under the influence of externally applied dc and ac drives. In the overdamped limit, when both dc and ac drives are aligned in the longitudinal direction parallel to the direction of the substrate modulation, the velocity-force curves exhibit classic Shapiro step features when the frequency of the ac drive matches the washboard frequency that is dynamically generated by the motion of the skyrmions over the substrate, similar to previous observations in superconducting vortex systems. In the case of skyrmions, the additional contribution to the skyrmion motion from a nondissipative Magnus force shifts the location of the locking steps to higher dc drives, and we find that the skyrmions move at an angle with respect to the direction of the dc drive. For a longitudinal dc drive and a perpendicular or transverse ac drive, the overdamped system exhibits no Shapiro steps; however, when a finite Magnus force is present, we find pronounced transverse Shapiro steps along with complex two-dimensional periodic orbits of the skyrmions in the phase-locked regimes. Both the longitudinal and transverse ac drives produce locking steps whose widths oscillate with increasing ac drive amplitude. We examine the role of collective skyrmion interactions and find that additional fractional locking steps occur for both longitudinal and transverse ac drives. Finally, at higher skyrmion densities, the system undergoes a series of dynamical order-disorder transitions, with the skyrmions forming a moving solid on the phase locking steps and a fluctuating dynamical liquid in regimes between the steps.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Oceanic Heat Delivery to the Antarctic Continental Shelf: Large-Scale, Low-Frequency Variability

According to the article, onshore penetration of oceanic water across the Antarctic continental slope (ACS) plays a major role in global sea level rise by delivering heat to the Antarctic marginal seas, thus contributing to the basal melting of ice shelves. Here the time-mean (Φ mean ) and eddy (Φ eddy ) components of the heat transport (Φ) across the 1,000-m isobath along the entire ACS are investigated using a 0.1° global coupled ocean/sea ice simulation based on the Los Alamos Parallel Ocean Program (POP) and sea ice (Community Ice CodE) models. In this work, comparison with in situ hydrography shows that the model successfully represents the basic water mass structure, with a warm bias in the Circumpolar Deep Water layer. Segments of on-shelf Φ, with lengths of O(100–1,000 km), are found along the ACS. The circumpolar integral of the annually averaged Φ is O(20 TW), with Φ eddy always on-shelf, while Φ mean fluctuates between on-shelf and off-shelf. Stirring along isoneutral surfaces is often the dominant process by which eddies transport heat across the ACS, but advection of heat by both mean flow-topography interactions and eddies can also be significant depending on the along- and across-slope location. The seasonal and interannual variability of the circumpolarly integrated Φ mean is controlled by convergence of Ekman transport within the ACS. Prominent warming features at the bottom of the continental shelf (consistent with observed temperature trends) are found both during high-Southern Annular Mode and high-Niño 3.4 periods, suggesting that climate modes can modulate the heat transfer from the Southern Ocean to the ACS across the entire Antarctic margin.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

High-pressure synthesis and characterization of the first cerium fluoride borate CeB{sub 2}O{sub 4}F

CeB{sub 2}O{sub 4}F is the first cerium fluoride borate, which is exclusively built up of one-dimensional, infinite chains of condensed trigonal-planar [BO{sub 3}]{sup 3−} groups. This new cerium fluoride borate was synthesized under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions of 0.9 GPa and 1450 °C in a Walker-type multianvil apparatus. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca (No. 61) with eight formula units and the lattice parameters a=821.63(5), b=1257.50(9), c=726.71(6) pm, V=750.84(9) Å{sup 3}, R{sub 1}=0.0698, and wR{sub 2}=0.0682 (all data). The structure exhibits a 9+1 coordinated cerium ion, one three-fold coordinated fluoride ion and a one-dimensional chain of [BO{sub 3}]{sup 3−} groups. Furthermore, IR spectroscopy, Electron Micro Probe Analysis and temperature-dependent X-ray powder diffraction measurements were performed. - Graphical abstract: A new rare-earth fluoride borate CeB{sub 2}O{sub 4}F could be synthesized under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions of 0.9 °GPa and 1450 °Cin a Walker-type multianvil apparatus. The crystal structure represents a new structure type in the class of rare-earth fluoride borates. The structure exhibits a 9+1 coordinated cerium ion, one three-fold coordinated fluoride ion and a one-dimensional chain of [BO{sub 3}]{sup 3−} groups. A closer view on the ac-plane shows an interesting wave-like modulation of the borate chains. Highlights: • CeB{sub 2}O{sub 4}F is the first fluoride borate exclusively built up of one-dimensional, infinite chains of condensed trigonal-planar [BO{sub 3}]{sup 3−} groups. • CeB{sub 2}O{sub 4}F is the first cerium fluoride borate. • High-pressure conditions were necessary to synthesize CeB{sub 2}O{sub 4}F.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Probing Stark-induced nonlinear phase variation with opto-optical modulation

We extend the recently developed technique of opto-optical modulation (OOM) to probe state-resolved ac-Stark-induced phase variations of a coherently excited ensemble of helium atoms. In a joint experimental and theoretical study, we find that the spatial redirection of the resonant emission from the OOM process is different for the low-lying 1s2p state as compared with the higher-lying Rydberg states, and that this redirection can be controlled through the spatial characteristics of the infrared (IR) probe beam. In particular, we observe that the intensity dependence of the IR-induced Stark phase on the 1s2p emission is nonlinear, and that the phase accumulation changes sign for moderate intensities. Our results suggest that OOM, combined with precise experimental shaping of the probe beam, could allow future measurements of Stark-induced phase shifts of excited states.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

PV inverter performance and reliability: What is the role of the bus capacitor?

In order to elucidate how the degradation of individual components affects the state of the photovoltaic inverter as a whole, we have carried out SPICE simulations to investigate the voltage and current ripple on the DC bus. The bus capacitor is generally considered to be among the least reliable components of the system, so we have simulated how the degradation of bus capacitors affects the AC ripple at the terminals of the PV module. Degradation-induced ripple leads to an increased degradation rate in a positive feedback cycle. Additionally, laboratory experiments are being carried out to ascertain the reliability of metallized thin film capacitors. By understanding the degradation mechanisms and their effects on the inverter as a system, steps can be made to more effectively replace marginal components with more reliable ones, increasing the lifetime and efficiency of the inverter and decreasing its cost per watt towards the US Department of Energy goals.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Progress on advanced dc and ac induction drives for electric vehicles

Progress is reported in the development of complete electric vehicle propulsion systems, and the results of tests on the Road Load Simulator of two such systems representative of advanced dc and ac drive technology are presented. One is the system used in the DOE's ETV-1 integrated test vehicle which consists of a shunt wound dc traction motor under microprocessor control using a transistorized controller. The motor drives the vehicle through a fixed ratio transmission. The second system uses an ac induction motor controlled by transistorized pulse width modulated inverter which drives through a two speed automatically shifted transmission. The inverter and transmission both operate under the control of a microprocessor. The characteristics of these systems are also compared with the propulsion system technology available in vehicles being manufactured at the inception of the DOE program and with an advanced, highly integrated propulsion system upon which technology development was recently initiated.

Schwartz, H. J.↗

Wind energy power conversion system reducing gearbox stress and improving power stability

A wind energy power conversion system includes a gearbox, a generator, an AC to DC power converter, a DC link, and a DC to AC power converter, and at least one ultracapacitor module connected in parallel on the DC link. A method of reducing stress on a wind turbine gearbox can be performed by obtaining an unwanted frequency of the wind energy power conversion system gearbox; determining an input torque value on the input shaft of the gearbox as a function of time; determining a frequency of the input torque value; and adjusting a torque on the output shaft of the gearbox based on the unwanted frequency.

Nasiri, Adel↗

Pulse-modulated dual-gas control subsystem for space cabin atmosphere

An atmosphere control subsystem (ACS) was developed for use in a closed manned cabin, such as the Space Shuttle Orbiter. This subsystem uses the Perkin Elmer mass spectrometer for continuous measurement of major atmospheric constituents (H2, H2O, N2, O2, and CO2). The O2 and N2 analog signals are used as inputs to the controller, which produces a pulse-frequency-modulated output to operate the N2 gas admission solenoid valve and an on-off signal to operate the O2 valve. The proportional controller characteristic results in improved control accuracy as compared with previously used on-off controllers having significant dead-band. A 60-day evaluation test was performed on the ACS during which operation was measured at various values of control setpoint and simulated cabin leakage.

Jackson, J. K.↗