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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 145 records · Page 8

Mixed-field GCR Simulations for Radiobiological Research Using Ground Based Accelerators

Space radiation is comprised of a large number of particle types and energies, which have differential ionization power from high energy protons to high charge and energy (HZE) particles and secondary neutrons produced by galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Ground based accelerators such as the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) are used to simulate space radiation for radiobiology research and dosimetry, electronics parts, and shielding testing using mono-energetic beams for single ion species. As a tool to support research on new risk assessment models, we have developed a stochastic model of heavy ion beams and space radiation effects, the GCR Event-based Risk Model computer code (GERMcode). For radiobiological research on mixed-field space radiation, a new GCR simulator at NSRL is proposed. The NSRL-GCR simulator, which implements the rapid switching mode and the higher energy beam extraction to 1.5 GeV/u, can integrate multiple ions into a single simulation to create GCR Z-spectrum in major energy bins. After considering the GCR environment and energy limitations of NSRL, a GCR reference field is proposed after extensive simulation studies using the GERMcode. The GCR reference field is shown to reproduce the Z and LET spectra of GCR behind shielding within 20% accuracy compared to simulated full GCR environments behind shielding. A major challenge for space radiobiology research is to consider chronic GCR exposure of up to 3-years in relation to simulations with cell and animal models of human risks. We discuss possible approaches to map important biological time scales in experimental models using ground-based simulation with extended exposure of up to a few weeks and fractionation approaches at a GCR simulator.

Kim, Myung-Hee Y.↗

Design of a high-performance rotary stratified-charge research aircraft engine

The power section for an advanced rotary stratified-charge general aviation engine has been designed under contract to NASA. The single-rotor research engine of 40 cubic-inches displacement (RCI-40), now being procured for test initiation this summer, is targeted for 320 T.O. horse-power in a two-rotor production engine. The research engine is designed for operating on jet-fuel, gasoline or diesel fuel and will be used to explore applicable advanced technologies and to optimize high output performance variables. Design of major components of the engine is described in this paper.

Jones, C.↗

Multi-modular capacitive wireless power transfer circuit and related techniques

A high performance kilowatt-scale large air-gap multi-modular capacitive wireless power transfer (WPT) system is provided for electric vehicle (EV) charging. In one particular implementation, the multi-modular system achieves high power transfer while maintaining fringing electric fields within prescribed safety limits. The fringing fields are reduced using near-field phased-array field-focusing techniques, wherein the adjacent modules of the multi-modular system are out-phased with respect to one another. The inter-module interactions in this multi-modular system can be modeled, and an approach to eliminate these interactions in a practical EV charging environment is provided. To illustrate one example implementation, a prototype 1.2-kW 6.78-MHz 12-cm air-gap multi-modular capacitive WPT system comprising two 600-W modules is provided. This prototype system achieves 21.2 kW/m2 power transfer density and a peak efficiency of 89.8%. This multi-modular system also achieves a fringing field reduction of 50% compared to its individual modules.

Afridi, Khurram K.↗

A method for modeling battery-temperature-aware EV power profiles utilizing Next-Gen Profile data

With the expected increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road in the coming years, it is important that analysis tools are capable of modeling and predicting the expected load on the power grid due to both individual EV charging sessions as well as large populations of vehicles. To do this accurately, the power profile of an EV charge session must be accurately modeled, including for scenarios where the temperature is above or below the ideal, and also take into account the nuances of manufacturer charging preferences. This paper introduces a method that utilizes the data in the Next-Gen Profile (NGP) data collection project to build a model of EV charging that takes into account the variations in charging power that occur due to off-nominal battery temperature and manufacturer preferences that limit power due to cold temperatures or high battery state-of-charge.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Aligning Electric Vehicle Customer Charging with Grid Needs

This talk to the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) focuses on "Aligning Electric Vehicle Customer Charging with Grid Needs" to highlight the opportunities associated with managed electric vehicle charging and its value for consumers and the power system. Electric vehicles (EVs) are experiencing a rapid rise in popularity and adoption, and growing EV adoption offers an opportunity to increase electricity demand. With expected widespread EV adoption, supporting charging will require investments in generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Uncoordinated charging of EVs will lead to increased system peak load, possibly exceeding the maximum power that can be supported by distribution systems and generally increasing power system stress. However, vehicles are underutilized assets parked ~96% of the time: managed EV charging can satisfy mobility needs while also supporting the grid. EVs are not a burden for the grid, but a resource: The demand-side flexibility provided by managed EV charging offers significant potential benefits for the grid over multiple timescales and applications., especially for high-renewable systems. Managed charging can support power system planning and operations during normal and extreme conditions, benefitting EV owners and other electricity consumers. Managed charging is shown to consistently provide hundreds of dollars in cost savings per EV each year.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Thermal Analysis of a 50 kW Three-Phase Wireless Charging System

In this paper, the thermal analysis of a 50 kW three-phase wireless charging system (WCS) is presented. Addressing the thermal challenge is essential for designing a compact charging pad for 50 kW and higher-power WCS pads. Low thermal conductivity of the Litz wire and ferrite, and uneven distribution of the coil, and core loss cause the high temperature in the charging pads. In this paper, the loss distribution of a 50 kW three-phase WCS is investigated, and the temperature distribution is simulated using finite element analysis (FEA) considering the magnetic and non-magnetic materials of a charging pad. The thermal characteristics of an extremely high-power density 50 kW WCS prototype are tested experimentally for 10 minutes of operation. The simulation and experimental results show that the coil temperature increases to 65°C, the core temperature varies between 50°C to 150°C, and the packaging temperature increases to 65°C after 10 minutes of operation at rated 50 kW output power.

Mohammad, Mostak↗

Uniform Distribution Technique for Neutrino Beam Scan Simulation

In Fermilab's neutrino facilities such as the Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) and the upcoming Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF), a proton beam strikes high-power target, producing positively and negatively charged pions and kaons. There is a need for detailed simulations in order to capture all particle interactions and beam propagation from protons on target to short-lived mesons decaying into muons and neutrinos. The generation of individual beam simulations is a resource-intensive and time-consuming process. In this paper, we describe a method through which many simulation samples with high statistics can be generated to study the effects of beam scan across a target for given beam configurations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Measurements of Electrical and Electron Emission Properties of Highly Insulating Materials

Highly insulating materials often acquire significant charges when subjected to fluxes of electrons, ions, or photons. This charge can significantly modify the materials properties of the materials and have profound effects on the functionality of the materials in a variety of applications. These include charging of spacecraft materials due to interactions with the severe space environment, enhanced contamination due to charging in Lunar of Martian environments, high power arching of cables and sources, modification of tethers and ion thrusters for propulsion, and scanning electron microscopy, to name but a few examples. This paper describes new techniques and measurements of the electron emission properties and resistivity of highly insulating materials. Electron yields are a measure of the number of electrons emitted from a material per incident particle (electron, ion or photon). Electron yields depend on incident species, energy and angle, and on the material. They determine the net charge acquired by a material subject to a give incident flu. New pulsed-beam techniques will be described that allow accurate measurement of the yields for uncharged insulators and measurements of how the yields are modified as charge builds up in the insulator. A key parameter in modeling charge dissipation is the resistivity of insulating materials. This determines how charge will accumulate and redistribute across an insulator, as well as the time scale for charge transport and dissipation. Comparison of new long term constant-voltage methods and charge storage methods for measuring resistivity of highly insulating materials will be compared to more commonly used, but less accurate methods.

Dennison, J. R.↗

Flexible Hybrid Battery/Pseudocapacitor

Batteries keep devices working by utilizing high energy density, however, they can run down and take tens of minutes to hours to recharge. For rapid power delivery and recharging, high-power density devices, i.e., supercapacitors, are used. The electrochemical processes which occur in batteries and supercapacitors give rise to different charge-storage properties. In lithium ion (Li+) batteries, the insertion of Li+, which enables redox reactions in bulk electrode materials, is diffusion controlled and can be slow. Supercapacitor devices, also known as electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) store charge by adsorption of electrolyte ions onto the surface of electrode materials. No redox reactions are necessary, so the response to changes in potential without diffusion limitations is rapid and leads to high power. However, the charge in EDLCs is confined to the surface, so the energy density is lower than that of batteries.

Tucker, Dennis S.↗

Technological developments and accelerator improvements for the FRIB beam power ramp-up

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) began operation with 1 kW beam power for scientific users in May 2022 upon completion of 8 years of project construction. The ramp-up to the ultimate beam power of 400 kW, planned over a 6-year period, will enable the facility to reach its full potential for scientific discovery in isotope science and applications. In December 2023, a record-high beam power of 10.4 kW uranium was delivered to the target. Technological developments and accelerator improvements are being made over the entire facility and are key to completion of the power ramp-up. Major technological developments entail the phased deployment of high-power beam-intercepting systems, including the charge strippers, the charge selection systems, the production target, and the beam dump, along with support systems, including non-conventional utilities (NCU) and remote handling facilities. Major accelerator improvements include renovations to aging legacy systems associated with experimental beam lines and system automation for improved operational efficiency and better machine availability. Experience must be gained to safely handle the increased radiological impacts associated with high beam power; extensive machine studies and advanced beam tuning procedures are needed to minimize uncontrolled beam losses for the desired operating conditions. This paper discusses the technological developments and accelerator improvements with emphasis on major R&D efforts.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Seasonal Reconfiguration of Electrical Distribution Systems to Mitigate the Impact of Electric Vehicle Charging

Power grids face challenges in their infrastructure related to the integration of electric vehicles (EV). In particular, EV charging stations may induce instability in key system parameters such as substantial voltage drops, active power losses, and transformer overload due to high demand during charging periods. This article presents a seasonal reconfiguration strategy based on the differential evolution (DE) algorithm, aimed at enhancing system performance under highly variable and stochastic load profiles, particularly those driven by EV charging. The DEA algorithm is hybridized with the find-union (FU) algorithm to efficiently ensure network radiality throughout the optimization process. The proposed methodology is validated on a hybrid distribution system composed of the IEEE 33-bus network, a modified IEEE 13-bus system, and a specific 13-bus microgrid. Results have demonstrated that seasonal reconfiguration significantly reduces active power losses and mitigates transformer loading during critical demand hours, thereby quantifiably increasing the system’s performance. As an integral component of the proposed approach, an analysis of CO2 emissions associated with energy losses is included, allowing a contextualized assessment of the environmental benefits of seasonal reconfiguration in various geographical areas.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Obtaining Solutions to Radiation-And Plasma Induced FAilure Modes From Physics

A number of performance-limiting spacecraft problems will be qualitatively discussed: Spacecraft Charging, Deep Dielectric Charging, Solar Cell Arcing, Antenna Sparking, High Voltage Power Shorts, Radiation-induced Defects in Semiconductors, and Degradation of Electronic Devices.

Radiation Plasma Arcing high voltage static charge↗

Single phase dynamic CMOS PLA using charge sharing technique

A single phase dynamic CMOS NOR-NOR programmable logic array (PLA) using triggered decoders and charge sharing techniques for high speed and low power is presented. By using the triggered decoder technique, the ground switches are eliminated, thereby, making this new design much faster and lower power dissipation than conventional PLA's. By using the charge-sharing technique in a dynamic CMOS NOR structure, a cascading AND gate can be implemented. The proposed PLA's are presented with a delay-time of 15.95 and 18.05 nsec, respectively, which compare with a conventional single phase PLA with 35.5 nsec delay-time. For a typical example of PLA like the Signetics 82S100 with 16 inputs, 48 input minterms (m) and 8 output minterms (n), the 2-SOP PLA using the triggered 2-bit decoder is 2.23 times faster and has 2.1 times less power dissipation than the conventional PLA. These results are simulated using maximum drain current of 600 micro-A, gate length of 2.0 micron, V sub DD of 5 V, the capacitance of an input miniterm of 1600 fF, and the capacitance of an output minterm of 1500 fF.

Dhong, Y. B.↗

Technology Strategy Assessment: Findings from Storage Innovations 2030 Supercapacitors

Electrochemical capacitors, which are commercially called supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, are a family of energy storage devices with remarkably high specific power compared with other electrochemical storage devices. Supercapacitors do not require a solid dielectric layer between the two electrodes, instead they store energy by accumulating electric charge on porous electrodes filled with an electrolyte solution and separated by an insulating porous membrane. Supercapacitors offer large specific capacitance and high power output. They can be charged and discharged very quickly, offer excellent cycle life and long operational life, and operate over a broad temperature range. The major drawbacks of supercapacitors are low energy density and a high self-discharge rate. For example, a supercapacitor passively discharges from 100% to 50% in a month compared with only 5% for a lithium-ion battery [1]. The high capital cost and low energy density of supercapacitors make the unit cost of energy stored ($/kWh) more expensive than alternatives such as batteries. Their attributes make them attractive for uses in which frequent small charges/discharges are required (e.g., ensuring power quality or providing frequency regulation). Their attributes and cost make them less attractive for long-duration energy storage, which favors technologies with low self-discharge that cost less per unit of energy stored.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

International Space Station Spacecraft Charging Environments: Modeling, Measurement and Implications for Future Human Space Flight Programs

Spacecraft charging analysis and migration is an interdisciplinary subject combining aspects of electrostatics, plasma physics, ionizing radiation, and materials science, as well as electronic system electromagnetic interference and compatibility (EMI/EMC) effects. Spacecraft charging hazards are caused by the accumulation of electrical charge on spacecraft and spacecraft components produced by interactions with space plasmas, energetic charged particles, and solar UV photons as well as spacecraft electrical power and propulsion systems operations. Spacecraft charging hazard effects include both hard and soft avionics and electrical power system anomalies and have led to the partial or complete loss of numerous spacecraft. The International Space Station (ISS) orbital altitude and inclination (~400 km and 51.6o) determined the dominant natural environment factors affecting ISS spacecraft charging; high speed flight through the geomagnetic field and electrical power system interaction with the cold, high-density ionospheric plasma. In addition ISS is exposed to energetic auroral electrons at high latitude. In this paper we present the results of ISS spacecraft charging modeling and measurements and compare the measurements with numerical modeling of ISS charging processes. ISS is a large metallic structure and flight through the geomagnetic field at orbital speed dominates ISS charging. Collection of ionospheric electrons by the large 160V PV arrays is the next largest contributor. Charging by auroral electrons is detectable but makes a relatively minor contribution. Finally we report the observation of short duration (~ 1 sec) rapid charging peaks associated with shunt/un-shunt operations of the 160V PV arrays, a phenomena not predicted before flight. ISS spacecraft charging environments are radically different from those encountered at higher altitudes in Earth?s magnetosphere and in cis-Lunar space. We present a brief review of those charging environments and an assessment of the applicability of ISS spacecraft charging management and experience to future human spaceflight programs beyond LEO.

Koontz, Steven L.↗

The GammaTPC Gamma-Ray Telescope Concept

We present GammaTPC, a transformative 0.1-10 MeV $\gamma$-ray instrument concept featuring a tracker using a liquid argon time projection chamber (LAr TPC) technology with the novel GAMPix high spatial resolution and ultra low power charge readout. These enable an economical instrument with unprecedented effective area and sensitivity. We discuss the design and technology in some detail, including how a LAr TPC can be staged in space. Finally, we present a first study of the sensitivity of the instrument in the Compton regime using a new framework for analyzing Compton telescope data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

High Power Light Gas Helicon Plasma Source For VASMIR

The VASIMR space propulsion development effort relies on a high power (greater than 10kW) helicon source to produce a dense flowing plasma (H, D and He) target for ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) acceleration of the ions. Subsequent expansion in an expanding magnetic field (magnetic nozzle) converts ion lunetic energy to directed momentum. This plasma source must have critical features to enable an effective propulsion device. First, it must ionize most of the input neutral flux of gas, thus producing a plasma stream with a high degree of ionization for application of ICR power. This avoids propellant waste and potential power losses due to charge exchange. Next, the plasma stream must flow into a region of high magnetic field (approximately 0.5 T) for efficient ICR acceleration. Third, the ratio of input power to plasma flux must be low, providing an energy per ion-electron pair approaching 100 eV. Lastly, the source must be robust and capable of very long life-times (years). In our helicon experiment (VX-10) we have measured a ratio of input gas to plasma flux near 100%. The plasma flows from the helicon region (B approximately 0.1 T) into a region with a peak magnetic field of 0.8 T. The energy input per ion-electron pair has been measured at 300 plus or minus 100 eV. Recent results at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) show an enhanced efficiency mode of operation with a high power density, over 5 kW in a 5 cm diameter tube. Our helicon is presently 9 cm in diameter and operates up to 3.5 kW of input power. An upgrade to a power level of 10 kW is underway. Much of our recent work has been with a Boswell double-saddle antenna design. We are also converting the antenna design to a helical type. With these modifications, we anticipate an improvement in the ionization efficiency. This paper presents the results from scaling the helicon in the VX-10 device from 3.5 to 10 kW. We also compare the operation with a double-saddle to a helical antenna design. Finally, we discuss modeling of these configurations using ORNL's EMIR code.

Squire, J. P.↗

High power laser apparatus and system

A high-power, continuous-wave laser was designed for use in power transmission and energy-collecting systems, and for producing incoherent light for pumping a laser material. The laser has a high repetitive pulsing rate per unit time, resulting in a high-power density beam. The laser is composed of xenon flash tubes powered by fast-charging capacitors flashed in succession by a high-speed motor connected to an automobile-type distributor.

Evans, J. C., Jr.↗