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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Solar powered multipurpose remotely powered aircraft

Increase in energy demands coupled with rapid depletion of natural energy resources have deemed solar energy as an attractive alternative source of power. The focus was to design and construct a solar powered, remotely piloted vehicle to demonstrate the feasibility of solar energy as an effective, alternate source of power. The final design included minimizing the power requirements and maximizing the strength-to-weight and lift-to-drag ratios. Given the design constraints, Surya (the code-name given to the aircraft), is a lightweight aircraft primarily built using composite materials and capable of achieving level flight powered entirely by solar energy.

Alexandrou, A. N.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Development Status of a Power Processing Unit for Low Power Ion Thrusters

An advanced breadboard Power Processing Unit (PPU) for a low power ion propulsion system incorporating mass reduction techniques was designed and fabricated. As a result of similar output current requirements, the discharge supply was also used to provide the neutralizer heater and discharge heater functions by using three relays to switch the output connections. This multi-function supply reduces to four the number of power converters needed to produce the required six electrical outputs. Switching frequencies of 20 and 50 kHz were chosen as a compromise between the size of the magnetic components and switching losses. The advanced breadboard PPU is capable of a maximum total output power of 0.47 kW. Its component mass is 0.65 kg and its total mass 1.9 kg. The total efficiency at full power is 0.89.

Pinero, Luis R.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Ultra High Power and Efficiency Space Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifier Power Combiner with Reduced Size and Mass for NASA Missions

In the 2008 International Microwave Symposium (IMS) Digest version of our paper, recent advances in high power and efficiency space traveling-wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) for NASA s space-to-Earth communications are presented. The RF power and efficiency of a new K-Band amplifier are 40 W and 50 percent and that of a new Ka-Band amplifier are 200 W and 60 percent. An important figure-of-merit, which is defined as the ratio of the RF power output to the mass (W/kg) of a TWT, has improved by a factor of ten over the previous generation Ka-Band devices. In this extended paper, a high power, high efficiency Ka-band combiner for multiple TWTs, based on a novel hybrid magic-T waveguide circuit design, is presented. The measured combiner efficiency is as high as 90 percent. In addition, at the design frequency of 32.05 GHz, error-free uncoded BPSK/QPSK data transmission at 8 megabits per second (Mbps), which is typical for deep space communications is demonstrated. Furthermore, QPSK data transmission at 622 Mbps is demonstrated with a low bit error rate of 2.4x10(exp -8), which exceeds the deep space state-of-the-art data rate transmission capability by more than two orders of magnitude. A potential application of the TWT combiner is in deep space communication systems for planetary exploration requiring transmitter power on the order of a kilowatt or higher.

Simons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS2009

A High Power Density Power System Electronics for NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

A high power density, modular and state-of-the-art Power System Electronics (PSE) has been developed for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission. This paper addresses the hardware architecture and performance, the power handling capabilities, and the fabrication technology. The PSE was developed by NASA s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and is the central location for power handling and distribution of the LRO spacecraft. The PSE packaging design manages and distributes 2200W of solar array input power in a volume less than a cubic foot. The PSE architecture incorporates reliable standard internal and external communication buses, solid state circuit breakers and LiIon battery charge management. Although a single string design, the PSE achieves high reliability by elegantly implementing functional redundancy and internal fault detection and correction. The PSE has been environmentally tested and delivered to the LRO spacecraft for the flight Integration and Test. This modular design is scheduled to flight in early 2009 on board the LRO and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) spacecrafts and is the baseline architecture for future NASA missions such as Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) and Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS).

Hernandez-Pellerano, A.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Recent Advances in Power Conversion and Heat Rejection Technology for Fission Surface Power

Under the Exploration Technology Development Program, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are jointly developing Fission Surface Power (FSP) technology for possible use in human missions to the Moon and Mars. A preliminary reference concept was generated to guide FSP technology development. The concept consists of a liquid-metal-cooled reactor, Stirling power conversion, and water heat rejection, with Brayton power conversion as a backup option. The FSP project has begun risk reduction activities on some key components with the eventual goal of conducting an end-to-end, non-nuclear, integrated system test. Several power conversion and heat rejection hardware prototypes have been built and tested. These include multi-kilowatt Stirling and Brayton power conversion units, titanium-water heat pipes, and composite radiator panels.

Mason, Lee↗
NASA NTRS2014

Solid-State Thermionic Nuclear Power for Megawatt Propulsion, Planetary Surface and Commercial Power Project

Thermionic (TI) power conversion is a promising technology first investigated for power conversion in the 1960's, and of renewed interest due to modern advances in nanotechnology, MEMS, materials and manufacturing. Benefits include high conversion efficiency (20%), static operation with no moving parts and potential for high reliability, greatly reduced plant complexity, and the potential for reduced development costs. Thermionic emission, credited to Edison in 1880, forms the basis of vacuum tubes and much of 20th century electronics. Heat can be converted into electricity when electrons emitted from a hot surface are collected across a small gap. For example, two "small" (6 kWe) Thermionic Space Reactors were flown by the USSR in 1987-88 for ocean radar reconnaissance. Higher powered Nuclear-Thermionic power systems driving Electric Propulsion (Q-thruster, VASIMR, etc.) may offer the breakthrough necessary for human Mars missions of < 1 yr round trip. Power generation on Earth could benefit from simpler, moe economical nuclear plants, and "topping" of more fuel and emission efficient fossil-fuel plants.

George, Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS2016

Turbine Powered Simulator Calibration and Testing for Hybrid Wing Body Powered Airframe Integration

Propulsion airframe integration testing on a 5.75% scale hybrid wing body model us- ing turbine powered simulators was completed at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 40- by 80-foot test section. Four rear control surface con gurations including a no control surface de ection con guration were tested with the turbine powered simulator units to investigate how the jet exhaust in uenced the control surface performance as re- lated to the resultant forces and moments on the model. Compared to ow-through nacelle testing on the same hybrid wing body model, the control surface e ectiveness was found to increase with the turbine powered simulator units operating. This was true for pitching moment, lift, and drag although pitching moment was the parameter of greatest interest for this project. With the turbine powered simulator units operating, the model pitching moment was seen to increase when compared to the ow-through nacelle con guration indicating that the center elevon and vertical tail control authority increased with the jet exhaust from the turbine powered simulator units.

Shea, Patrick R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Silicon-Carbide Power MOSFET Performance in High Efficiency Boost Power Processing Unit for Extreme Environments

Silicon-Carbide device technology has generated much interest in recent years. With superior thermal performance, power ratings and potential switching frequencies over its Silicon counterpart, Silicon-Carbide offers a greater possibility for high powered switching applications in extreme environment. In particular, Silicon-Carbide Metal-Oxide- Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors' (MOSFETs) maturing process technology has produced a plethora of commercially available power dense, low on-state resistance devices capable of switching at high frequencies. A novel hard-switched power processing unit (PPU) is implemented utilizing Silicon-Carbide power devices. Accelerated life data is captured and assessed in conjunction with a damage accumulation model of gate oxide and drain-source junction lifetime to evaluate potential system performance at high temperature environments.

Ikpe, Stanley A.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Optical Power Transfer System for Powering a Remote Mobility System for Multiple Missions

An optical power transfer system for powering a remote mobility system for multiple missions comprising a high power source and a chilling station connected to a laser source. The laser source transmits a high optical energy to a beam switch assembly via an optical fiber. The beam switch assembly is optically connected to actively cooled fiber spoolers. Docking stations are adapted for securing the fiber spoolers until alternatively ready for use by a remote mobility system. The remote mobility system is optically connected to the fiber spoolers and has a receiving port adapted for securing the fiber spoolers thereon. The fiber spooler transmits the optical energy to a power conversion system which converts the optical energy received to another usable form of energy. More than one power source may be used where the remote mobility system transfers from one source to another while maintaining an operational radius to each source.

Stone, William C.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Maturation of Dynamic Power Convertors for Radioisotope Power Systems

Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (DRPS) are being developed by NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for space science and exploration missions. A development effort is currently underway to mature dynamic power convertors for infusion into a potential future flight generator. This convertor maturation effort was formulated by the RPS Program at NASA Headquarters based on successful maturation models and utilizes expertise from agency’s technology and mission centers to support requirements development and technology assessments. The effort is being executed by Glenn Research Center’s (GRC) DRPS Project and the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch. The Dynamic Power Convertor (DPC) contracts consist of three phases to enable design, fabrication, and independent assessment of prototypes after delivery to the government. The contracts are intended to gather data on candidate dynamic conversion technologies to fill knowledge gaps, support assessments of dynamic conversion technologies, and elicit generator requirements. The 110-watt Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG-110) and Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) flight development projects provided Stirling convertor demonstration units and engineering models to verify and validate convertors against performance specifications and mission requirements. These units utilize temperature resistant materials and non-contacting bearings to demonstrate wear-free, long-life operation. This maturation effort builds on past lessons-learned and new requirements focused on demonstrating convertor robustness to critical environments meant to stress key aspects of each convertor within the margins of the design. This effort seeks to realize the full potential of dynamic power conversion technologies for NASA’s space science and exploration missions.

Wilson, Scott↗
NASA NTRS2019

Maturation of Dynamic Power Convertors for Radioisotope Power Systems

Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (DRPS) are being developed by NASA's RPS Program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for space science and exploration missions. A development effort is currently underway to mature dynamic power convertors for infusion into a potential future flight generator. This convertor maturation effort was formulated by the RPS Program at NASA Headquarters based on successful maturation models and utilizes expertise from agency technology and mission centers to support requirements development and technology assessments. The effort is being executed by Glenn Research Center's Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (DRPS) project and the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch. The Dynamic Power Convertor (DPC) contracts consist of three phases to enable design, fabrication, and independent assessment after delivery to the government. The contracts are intended to gather data on candidate dynamic conversion technologies to fill knowledge gaps, support assessments of dynamic conversion technologies, and elicit generator requirements. The SRG-110 (Stirling Radioisotope Generator) and ASRG (Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator) flight development projects provided Stirling convertor demonstration units and engineering models to verify and validate convertors against performance specifications and mission requirements. These units utilize temperature resistance materials and non-contacting bearings to demonstrate wear-free, long-life operation. This maturation effort builds on past lessons learned and new requirements focused on demonstrating convertor robustness to critical environments meant to stress key aspects of each convertor within the margins of the design. This effort seeks to realize the full potential of dynamic power conversion technologies for NASA's space science and exploration missions.

Wilson, Scott↗
NASA NTRS1993

Power Processing Units for High Powered Solar Electric Propulsion Using MPD Thrusters

The power of various multimegawatt (MMW) vehicles required for deep space missions such asthe Mars Missions in the stipulated time frame of years 2000-2015 ranges from 5 to 100 MWe. Thispaper summarizes an evaluation of high-power processing units (PPUs) for MMW solar electricpropulsion (SEP) vehicles using advanced magnetoplasma- dynamic (MPD) thrusters. Each PPUprovides DC-DC conversion and voltage matching between the phovoltaic power system and the MPDthrusters. The power system consists of DC-DC converter using MCTs. The PPUs are thencombined with contractors to provide PPU input and output isolation, and to allow switching betweenoperating and spare (redundant) PPUs and thrusters as needed. Based on analyses, it is found thatsignificant economies of scale are possible for PPUs that supply power to MPD thrusters operating at0.1 to 5 MWe per thruster.

Frisbee, R. H.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Nuclear Power Concepts for High-Power Electric Propulsion Missions to Mars

Under the Mars Transportation Assessment Study, NASA and DOE are performing analyses and generating concepts for crewed Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) missions to Mars. This paper presents the results of trade studies and concept development for the nuclear electric power system, consisting of the fission reactor, radiation shielding, power conversion, heat rejection and power management & distribution (PMAD). The nuclear power team completed trade studies to evaluate different reactor and power conversion technologies and developed preliminary concepts for the crew shielding, waste heat radiators, and PMAD. The initial results suggest that a modified terrestrial microreactor combined with supercritical CO2 Brayton conversion could be used to perform the crew and cargo missions with satisfactory performance and modest risk.

Lee Mason↗
NASA NTRS2022

Nuclear Power Concepts and Development Strategies for High-Power Electric Propulsion Missions to Mars

Under the Mars Transportation Assessment Study (MTAS), NASA and the Department of Energy are performing analyses and generating concepts for crewed nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) missions to Mars. This report presents the results of trade studies and concept development for the nuclear electric power system, consisting of the fission reactor, radiation shielding, power conversion, heat rejection, and power management and distribution (PMAD). The nuclear power team completed trade studies to evaluate different reactor and power conversion technologies and developed preliminary concepts for the crew shielding, waste heat radiators, and PMAD. The initial results suggest that a modified terrestrial microreactor combined with supercritical CO2 Brayton conversion could be used to perform the crew and cargo missions with satisfactory performance and modest risk. The report includes preliminary development strategies that could bring the NEP technology to fruition for Mars missions in the late 2030s or early 2040s.

Lee S. Mason↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Power Quality Analysis for a High Voltage Power System for Urban Air Mobility Application

Maturation of electric power technologies has opened the door for deployment of new types of aircraft within urban air mobility (UAM) markets. These new types of aircraft use non-conventional designs, which do not fall within existing regulatory requirements; this is especially true for the design and verification of the high voltage primary power systems which are being proposed for many of these aircraft. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and inform integration requirements, mainly related to power quality, based on a point design of a NASA Lift-plus-Cruise Vehicle Electrical Power System (EPS) and Utilization Equipment (UE). The results will be used to inform normal and abnormal operating performance of the EPS and UE for future standards in regards to Power Quality.

Nuha S Nawash↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Powering the Lunar Surface: Managing Dust, Extreme Environments, and Power Needs

Power availability remains one of the primary constraints for lunar surface science. This talk reviews power requirements from previously flown instruments to help prepare future payloads for upcoming CLPS opportunities and highlights the testing and environmental simulation capabilities at NASA JSC that enable reliable lunar payload development. It also outlines the power needs, environmental challenges, and emerging technologies required to support sustained human and robotic operations on the lunar surface as part of NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy. Key challenges include variable solar illumination at polar and equatorial regions, extreme thermal environments, and dust driven degradation that limit current surface power systems. The science data needed for resource identification and landing site planning will allow for the successful preparation of crewed Artemis activities and long-term presence. Building on recent missions, current test infrastructure, and emerging power technology pathways, this presentation equips industry, academia, and government teams with the information needed to design robust lunar payloads, reduce development risk, and fully leverage the increasing cadence of CLPS missions. These developments will form a critical technical foundation for long duration lunar presence and future Mars exploration.

Anastasia Ford↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamic security assessment of systems powered only by grid-forming power plants with uncertain dispatch using polynomial vectors

A modern challenge in power engineering is to perform the dynamic security assessment (DSA) of grids that are 100% powered by inverter-based resources (IBRs). Addressing this challenge is difficult because: (i) the dispatch of IBRs can be uncertain as a result of the variability of renewable resources and (ii) they have hard current control limits that cannot be neglected, contrasting synchronous machines. To address this problem, this paper sets forth a framework to conduct DSA of bulk power systems that are 100% powered by grid-forming IBRs. Furthermore, the framework considers that IBR operational conditions are unknown but bounded by a zonotope which is also expressed as a polynomial vector for uncertainty propagation via Dormand–Prince integration. The framework is applied to modified versions of the WSCC 9-bus and IEEE 39-bus grids.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of a micro-combined heat and power powered by an opposed-piston engine in building applications

Residential homes and light commercial buildings usually require substantial heat and electricity simultaneously. A combined heat and power system enables more efficient and environmentally friendly energy usage than that achieved when heat and electricity are produced in separate processes. However, due to financial and space constraints, residential and light commercial buildings often limit the use of traditional large-scale industrial equipment. Here we develop a micro–combined heat and power system powered by an opposed-piston engine to simultaneously generate electricity and provide heat to residential homes or light commercial buildings. The developed prototype attains the maximum AC electrical efficiency of 35.2%. The electrical efficiency breaks the typical upper boundary of 30% for micro–combined heat and power systems using small internal combustion engines (i.e., <10 kW). Moreover, the developed prototype enables maximum combined electrical and thermal efficiencies greater than 93%. The prototype is optimally designed for natural gas but can also run renewable biogas and hydrogen, supporting the transition from current conventional fossil fuels to zero carbon emissions in the future. The analysis of the unit’s decarbonization and cost-saving potential indicate that, except for specific locations, the developed prototype might excel in achieving decarbonization and cost savings primarily in US northern and middle climate zones.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗