Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “energy efficiency measures”

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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Ground Calibration of the Astro-H (Hitomi) Soft X-Ray Spectrometer

The Astro-H (Hitomi) Soft X-ray Spectrometer (SXS) was a pioneering imaging x-ray spectrometer with 5 eV energy resolution at 6 keV. The instrument used a microcalorimeter array at the focus of a high-throughput soft x-ray telescope to enable high-resolution non-dispersive spectroscopy in the soft x-ray waveband (0.3-12 keV). We present the suite of ground calibration measurements acquired from 2012-2015, including characterization of the detector system, anti-coincidence detector, optical blocking filters, and filter-wheel filters. The calibration of the 36-pixel silicon thermistor microcalorimeter array includes parameterizations of the energy gain scale and line spread function for each event grade over a range of instrument operating conditions, as well as quantum efficiency measurements. The x-ray transmission of the set of five Al/polyimide thin-film optical blocking filters mounted inside the SXS dewar has been modeled based on measurements at synchrotron beamlines, including with high spectral resolution at the C, N, O, and Al K-edges. In addition, we present the x-ray transmission of the dewar gate valve and of the filters mounted on the SXS filter wheel (external to the dewar), including beryllium, polyimide, and neutral density filters.

detectors↗
NASA NTRS1973

Anisotropic detector system for the measurement of gamma-ray source position

Detection efficiencies of cylindrical detectors for various gamma ray photon angular distributions in the energy range from .10 MeV to 15 MeV are studied. It was found that a properly chosen cylindrical crystal can produce a significantly modulated count rate as a function of angle when rotated in the anisotropic flux, The studies further indicate that simple detector systems can be used on small satellites for the determination of a gamma ray source position. Results are outlined and extended to examine source resolution angles for a practical size detector.

Trombka, J. I.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Earth Observations and Integrative Models in Support of Food and Water Security

Global food production depends upon many factors that Earth observing satellites routinely measure about water, energy, weather, and ecosystems. Increasingly sophisticated, publicly-available satellite data products can improve efficiencies in resource management and provide earlier indication of environmental disruption. Satellite remote sensing provides a consistent, long-term record that can be used effectively to detect large-scale features over time, such as a developing drought. Accuracy and capabilities have increased along with the range of Earth observations and derived products that can support food security decisions with actionable information. This paper highlights major capabilities facilitated by satellite observations and physical models that have been developed and validated using remotely-sensed observations. Although we primarily focus on variables relevant to agriculture, we also include a brief description of the growing use of Earth observations in support of aquaculture and fisheries.

Water Resources↗
NASA NTRS2019

WFIRST Grism Characterization

We had presented the optical design and early test result of WFIRST grism spectrometer in previous SPIE conferences. This paper reports the follow-on activity of the spectral and radiometric calibrations, including the calibration methods, experiment designs, and test equipment calibration, such as the light source and detectors used in the test. The real grism calibration includes the throughput versus wavelength, which is largely determined by the diffraction efficiency of the two diffractive surfaces. It also includes spectral resolution, point spread function, and encircle energy measurements. The measured data are presented. The comparisons between the test data and the simulation from theory or optical model are also presented.

Optics↗
NASA NTRS1989

Modelling and design of high performance indium phosphide solar cells

A first principles pn junction device model has predicted new designs for high voltage, high efficiency InP solar cells. Measured InP material properties were applied and device parameters (thicknesses and doping) were adjusted to obtain optimal performance designs. Results indicate that p/n InP designs will provide higher voltages and higher energy conversion efficiencies than n/p structures. Improvements to n/p structures for increased efficiency are predicted. These new designs exploit the high absorption capabilities, relatively long diffusion lengths, and modest surface recombination velocities characteristic of InP. Predictions of performance indicate achievable open-circuit voltage values as high as 943 mV for InP and a practical maximum AM0 efficiency of 22.5 percent at 1 sun and 27 C. The details of the model, the optimal InP structure and the effect of individual parameter variations on device performance are presented.

Rhoads, Sandra L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Limitations on millimeter-wave power generation with spiraling electron beams.

A study is made of the suitability of the interaction between a thin, solid, spiraling electron beam of 5-15-kV energy and a microwave cavity, for the purpose of generating watts of CW millimeter-wave power. The effect of finite energy spread in the electron beam is considered both theoretically and experimentally. Measured results are given for a prototype device operating at 9.4 GHz. Power outputs of 5 W and electronic efficiencies near 2% have been obtained. The data agree well with the theory, subject to some ambiguity in the energy-distribution parameters. The performance is strongly limited by the energy spread in the beam.

Kulke, B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Accommodations assessment: Spaceborne Doppler lidar wind measuring system

An accommodations analysis performed by the MSFC Preliminary Design Office for a spaceborne Doppler lidar wind measuring system is summarized. A dedicated, free-flying spacecraft design concept is described. Mass and beginning-of-life power requirements are estimated at 2260 kg and 6.0 - 8.5 kW respectively, to support a pulsed, CO2, Doppler lidar having a pulse energy of 10 J, pulse rate of 8 Hz, and efficiency of approximately 5%. Under the assumptions of the analysis, such a system would provide wind measurements on a global scale, with accuracies of a few meters per second.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Summary report of technical discussion, NASA-ERDA solar energy proposal

The impact of the reduced energy requirements and cooling loads of solar collectors is assessed. Energy conservation measures to reduce the energy consumption have been implemented. It is indicated that solar chemical dehumidification was more efficient than solar absorption.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Operational benefits from the Terminal Configured Vehicle

The objective of Terminal Configured Vehicle (TCV) research activity is to provide improvements which lead to increased airport and runway capacity, increasing air traffic controller productivity, energy efficient terminal area operations, reduced weather minima with safety, and reduced community noise by use of appropriate measures. Some early results of this research activity are discussed, and present and future research needs to meet the broad research objectives are defined. Particular consideration is given to the development of the TCV B-737 aircraft, the integration of the TCV with MLS, and avionics configurations, flight profiles, and manually controlled approaches for TCV. Some particular test demonstrations are discussed.

Reeder, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Pressure distribution data from tests of 2.29-meter (7.5-ft.) span EET high-lift research model in Langley 4- by 7-meter tunnel

A 2.29 m (7.5 ft.) span high-lift research model equipped with full-span leading-edge slat and part-span double-slotted trailing-edge flap was tested in the Langley 4- by 7-Meter Tunnel to determine the low speed performance characteristics of a representative high aspect ratio suprcritical wing. These tests were performed in support of the Energy Efficient Transport (EET) program which is one element of the Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) project. Static longitudinal forces and moments and chordwise pressure distributions at three spanwise stations were measured for cruise, climb, two take-off flap, and two landing flap wing configurations. The tabulated and plotted pressure distribution data is presented without analysis or discussion.

Morgan, H. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Pressure distribution data from tests of 2.29 M (7.5 feet) span EET high-lift transport aircraft model in the Ames 12-foot pressure tunnel

A high-lift transport aircraft model equipped with full-span leading-edge slat and part-span double-slotted trailing-edge flap was tested in the Ames 12-ft pressure tunnel to determine the low-speed performance characteristics of a representative high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing. These tests were performed in support of the Energy Efficient Transport (EET) program which is one element of the Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) project. Static longitudinal forces and moments and chordwise pressure distributions at three spanwise stations were measured for cruise, climb, two take-off flap, and two landing flap wing configurations. The tabulated and plotted pressure distribution data is presented without analysis or discussion.

Kjelgaard, S. O.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Preliminary thoughts on an acoustic metric for the wilderness aircraft overflight study

Preliminary thoughts on acoustic metrics are presented which may be appropriate for the measurement of sound caused by aircraft overflights of wilderness areas. The use of parameter d'(measure of an energy flattened signal plus noise to nose relationship in the third octave, corrected for the efficiency of the observer) as a standard is considered.

Harrison, Robin T.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Kuang's Semi-Classical Formalism for Electron Capture Cross-Sections in Ion-Ion Collisions at Approximately to MeV/amu: Application to ENA Modeling

Recent discovery by STEREO A/B of energetic neutral hydrogen is spurring an interest and need for reliable estimates of electron capture cross sections at few MeVs per nucleon as well as for multi-electron ions. Required accuracy in such estimates necessitates detailed and involved quantum-mechanical calculations or expensive numerical simulations. For ENA modeling and similar purposes, a semi-classical approach offers a middle-ground approach. Kuang's semiclassical formalism to calculate electron-capture cross sections for single and multi-electron ions is an elegant and efficient method, but has so far been applied to limited and specific laboratory measurements and at somewhat lower energies. Our goals are to test and extend Kuang s method to all ion-atom and ion-ion collisions relevant to ENA modeling, including multi-electron ions and for K-shell to K-shell transitions.

Barghouty, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Pulsed plasma thruster ignitor plug ignition characteristics

The operating characteristics of the semiconductor spark gap ignitor plug used to initiate the discharge in a pulsed plasma thruster are investigated. Current and voltage waveform measurements for the ignitor plug alone, and for the plug mounted in the thruster cathode indicate an average dynamic impedance of 0.2 ohms for a wide range of operating conditions, and a trigger circuit energy transfer efficiency to the plug on the order of 25%. Two modes of trigger ignition are found which are related to the rise time of the applied voltage pulse. Analysis of plasma characteristics reveals plug erosion to occur primarily in the semiconductor and anode regions, by mechanisms including plug metal embrittlement, plasma sputtering and vaporization caused by the discharge current pulse. Measurements also indicate a plume velocity on the order of 1580,000 cm/sec which increases with trigger circuit stored energy. The results establish levels of performance for future applications of semiconductor spark gap ignitor plugs in plasma devices.

Brady, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Large area double scattering telescope for balloon-borne studies of neutrons and gamma rays

A large area double scattering telescope for balloon-borne research is described. It measures the flux, energy and direction of 2-100 MeV neutrons and 0.5-30 MeV gamma rays. These measurements are made using time-of-flight and pulse height analysis techniques with two large tanks of mineral oil liquid scintillator. Results from Monte Carlo calculations of the efficiency, energy resolution and angular resolution are presented and the electronics implementation for the processing of 80 photomultiplier tubes signals will be discussed. The detector weighs 800 kg with a large part of this weight being the liquid scintillator (320 kg). It will be flown at 3 mbars for flight durations up to 40 hours. The first flight is planned for Spring, 1975.

Zych, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Measurement of heat pump processes induced by laser radiation

A series of experiments was performed in which a suitably tuned CO2 laser, frequency doubled by a Tl3AsSe37 crystal, was brought into resonance with a P-line or two R-lines in the fundamental vibration spectrum of CO. Cooling or heating produced by absorption in CO was measured in a gas-thermometer arrangement. P-line cooling and R-line heating could be demonstrated, measured, and compared. The experiments were continued with CO mixed with N2 added in partial pressures from 9 to 200 Torr. It was found that an efficient collisional resonance energy transfer from CO to N2 existed which increased the cooling effects by one to two orders of magnitude over those in pure CO. Temperature reductions in the order of tens of degrees Kelvin were obtained by a single pulse in the core of the irradiated volume. These measurements followed predicted values rather closely, and it is expected that increase of pulse energies and durations will enhance the heat pump effects. The experiments confirm the feasibility of quasi-isentropic engines which convert laser power into work without the need for heat rejection. Of more immediate potential interest is the possibility of remotely powered heat pumps for cryogenic use, such applications are discussed to the extent possible at the present stage.

Garbuny, M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The optimization of Ga (1-x)Al (x)As-GaAs solar cells for air mass zero operation and a study of Ga (1-x)Al (x)As-GaAs solar cells at high temperatures, phase 1

The three types of solar cells investigated were: (1) one consisting of a nGaAs substrate, a Zn doped pGaAs region, and a Zn doped Ga(1-x)Al(x)As layer, (2) one consisting of an nGaAs substrate, a Ge doped pGaAs region, and a pGa(1-x)Al(x)As upper layer, and (3) one consisting of an n+GaAs substrate, an nGa(1-x)Al(X)As region, a pGa(1-x)Bl(X) As region, and a pGa(1-y)Al(y)As upper layer. In all three cases, the upper alloy layer is thin and of high Al composition in order to obtain high spectral response over the widest possible range of photon energies. Spectral response, capacitance-voltage, current-voltage, diffusion length, sunlight (or the equivalent)-efficiency, and efficiency-temperature measurements were made as a function of device parameters in order to analyze and optimize the solar cell behavior.

Hovel, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Spectroscopy and diode laser-pumped operation of Tm, Ho:YAG

Spectroscopic measurements and analysis of diode laser-pumped operation of Tm, Ho:YAG at 2.1 microns at room temperature have been performed. The peak effective stimulated emission cross section is measured to be 9 x 10-21 sq cm at 2.091 microns and the upper state lifetime is 8.5 ms. Under diode laser pumping, thresholds of 4.4 mW of absorbed power and slope efficiency of 19 percent have been demonstrated. Calculations of threshold power are performed based on the spectroscopic measurements. An energy transfer upconversion process is identified which leads to a sublinear rise in upper-state population with pump power.

Fan, Tso Yee↗