Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Deployable Power Systems”

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 1,675 records · Page 93
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Chapter 3: Power Conversion Technologies: The Advent of Power-to-Gas, Power-to-Liquid, and Power-to-Heat

Decreasing levelized costs of renewable electricity coupled with expanding deployment are enabling a rapid reduction in the carbon intensity of the electrical grid. However, this transition is occurring more slowly in other sectors, including transportation and manufacturing. Power-to-X technologies provide a means to accelerate this transition in those sectors by converting renewable electricity into chemical energy and heat. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the existing and emerging Power-to-X technologies covering the production of methane (hydrogen is covered in Chapter 5) (i.e. Power-to-Gas), chemicals and fuels (e.g. ammonia, carbon monoxide, ethylene, methanol, ethanol, and formic acid), and heat (e.g. for industrial and building applications); discuss the overarching and technology-specific challenges and opportunities; and highlight the implications of deployment of Power-to-X technologies on power generation. We emphasize that Power-to-X technologies do exist today at various stages of development and commercialization and that a transition to lower carbon intensity for the transportation and manufacturing sectors is possible, but it requires immense growth of the electrical grid and appropriate systems design and operations.

ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cybersecurity Assessment in DER-rich Distribution Operations: Criticality Levels and Impact Analysis

The integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in distribution networks has become a pivotal strategy for achieving decarbonization, enhancing grid resilience, and optimizing grid efficiency. Remote monitoring and control op- erations of such resources rely on a network of sensors and communication infrastructure, exposing the system to potential cyber threats. Therefore, as the deployment of DERs increases, ensuring secure monitoring and control becomes an imperative challenge. This paper utilizes real-time feeder models, which are instrumental in developing cybersecurity testbeds tailored for hardware-in-loop (HIL) systems. These models enable users to simulate cyber attacks in a real-world environment and analyze the power distribution operations during vulnerabilities. Furthermore, we discuss several practical sets of grid parameters to identify critical levels of DERs and evaluate various scenarios that simulate cyber threats on sensitive DERs. The modified IEEE 123-bus model is used as the test case for demonstrating the proposed scenarios. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the vulnerabilities and potential consequences of cyber attacks on DERs, allowing for better mitigation strategies and improved cyber resilience in future distribution networks.

Maharjan, Manisha↗
DOE OSTI2018

Laboratory Studies of Particle Cementation and PV Module Soiling

Monitoring of photovoltaic (PV) systems can maintain efficient operations. However, extensive monitoring of large quantities of data can be a cumbersome process. The present work introduces a simple, inexpensive, yet effective data monitoring strategy for detecting faults and determining lost revenues automatically. This was achieved through the deployment of Raspberry Pi (RPI) device at a PV system's combiner box. The RPI was programmed to collect PV data through Modbus communications, and store the data locally in a MySQL database. Then, using a Gaussian Process Regression algorithm the RPI device was able to accurately estimate string level current, voltage, and power values. The device could also detect system faults using a Support Vector Novelty Detection algorithm. Finally, the RPI was programmed to output the potential lost revenue caused by the abnormal condition. The system analytics information was then displayed on a user interface. The interface could be accessed by operations personal to direct maintenance activity so that critical issues can be solved quickly.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Vegetation Warming Experiment: Leaf Mass Area, Leaf Carbon and Nitrogen Content, Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska, 2017

Leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf carbon and nitrogen content of vegetation (Petasites frigidus) within warming chambers and paired control plots. See related datasets for plant physiology, phenology and environmental conditions. The files included in this data package are in .csv format, and include 2 data files and 4 metadata files.These data were collected in 2017 as part of a series of single-season warming experiments on tundra vegetation on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO), Utqiagvik, Alaska. A different plant species was targeted each year, over four experimental years from 2017–2021. Each year, five warming chambers and paired ambient control plots were deployed from around the time of snowmelt in mid-June through to mid-September. Average seasonal warming of 3–4°C was achieved using Zero Power Warming (ZPW) chambers (Lewin et al, 2017). The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska. Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Vegetation Warming Experiment: Leaf Mass Area, Leaf Carbon and Nitrogen Content, Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska, 2018

Leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf carbon and nitrogen content of vegetation (Arctagrostis latifolia, Petasites frigidus) within warming chambers and paired control plots. Samples include gas exchange measurement leaves and an end of season bulk harvest. The files included in this data package are in .csv format, and include 2 data files and 4 metadata files. See related datasets for plant physiology, phenology and environmental conditions of these samples. These data were collected in 2018 as part of a series of single-season warming experiments on tundra vegetation on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO), Utqiagvik, Alaska. A different plant species was targeted each year, over four experimental years from 2017–2021. Each year, five warming chambers and paired ambient control plots were deployed from around the time of snowmelt in mid-June through to mid-September. Average seasonal warming of 3–4°C was achieved using Zero Power Warming (ZPW) chambers (Lewin et al, 2017).The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska. Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Considerations for Corridor and Community DC Fast Charging Complex System Design

As auto manufacturers bring vehicles to market with large batteries that provide over 200 miles of driving range, interest in faster charging options for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) is intensifying. This report focuses on direct current fast charger (DCFC) systems and how they can be deployed to provide convenient charging for PEV drivers. First, lessons learned from previous DCFC deployment and data collection activities are shared to describe consumer experience with DCFC systems to date. Second, considerations and criteria are established for designing and upgrading DCFC complexes that provide fast-charging opportunities for PEV drivers in urban communities and on rural corridors. Third, cost estimates are shared for hypothetical high-power DCFC complexes that meet simplified design requirements. Finally, results for a business case analysis are presented that shed light on the financial challenges associated with DCFCs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Vegetation Warming Experiment: Thaw Depth and dGPS locations, Barrow, Alaska, 2017

Thaw depth measurements within and around warming chambers, and at paired ambient plots lmeasured in 2017 on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO), Utqiagvik, Alaska. Measurements were taken at the start and end of chamber deployment, and two intermediate times during the 2017 growing season. dGPS measurements of chamber and ambient plot locations are included. The data package includes thaw depth and gps data in csv and xlsx formats. The xlsx files include additional metadata. The GPS data is also included in kml format. These data were collected as part of a series of single-season warming experiments on tundra vegetation on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO), Utqiagvik, Alaska. A different plant species was targeted each year, over four experimental years from 2017–2021. Each year, five warming chambers and paired ambient control plots were deployed from around the time of snowmelt in mid-June through to mid-September. Average seasonal warming of 3–4°C was achieved using Zero Power Warming (ZPW) chambers (Lewin et al, 2017).The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska. Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Vegetation Warming Experiment: Thaw Depth and dGPS locations, Barrow, Alaska, 2018

Thaw depth measurements within and around warming chambers, and at ambient plots. Measurements were taken at the start and end of chamber deployment, and two intermediate times during the 2018 growth season. dGPS measurements of chamber and ambient plot locations. This dataset contains one kmz, two xlsx, and three csv files where the xlsx files have been preserved as csvs for preservation. These data were collected as part of a series of single-season warming experiments on tundra vegetation on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO), Utqiagvik, Alaska. A different plant species was targeted each year, over four experimental years from 2017–2021. Each year, five warming chambers and paired ambient control plots were deployed from around the time of snowmelt in mid-June through to mid-September. Average seasonal warming of 3-4°C was achieved using Zero Power Warming (ZPW) chambers (Lewin et al, 2017).The Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments: Arctic (NGEE Arctic), was a research effort to reduce uncertainty in Earth System Models by developing a predictive understanding of carbon-rich Arctic ecosystems and feedbacks to climate. NGEE Arctic was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research. The NGEE Arctic project had two field research sites: 1) located within the Arctic polygonal tundra coastal region on the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) and the North Slope near Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska and 2) multiple areas on the discontinuous permafrost region of the Seward Peninsula north of Nome, Alaska. Through observations, experiments, and synthesis with existing datasets, NGEE Arctic provided an enhanced knowledge base for multi-scale modeling and contributed to improved process representation at global pan-Arctic scales within the Department of Energy's Earth system Model (the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, or E3SM), and specifically within the E3SM Land Model component (ELM).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1981

Four band differential radiometer for monitoring LNG vapors

The development by JPL of a four band differential radiometer (FBDR) which is capable of providing a fast rate of response, accurate measurements of methane, ethane, and propane concentrations on the periphery of a dispersing LNG cloud. The FBDR is a small, low power, lightweight, portable instrument system that uses differential absorption of near infrared radiation by the LNG cloud as a technique for the determination of concentration of the three gases as the LNG cloud passes the instrument position. Instrument design and data analysis approaches are described. The data obtained from the FBDR prototype instrument system deployed in an instrument array during two 40 cubic meter spill tests are discussed.

Simmonds, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Low concentration ratio solar array structural configuration

The design and structural properties of a low concentration ratio solar array are discussed. The assembled module consists of six interconnected containers which are compactly stowed in a volume of 3.24 m(3) for delivery to orbit by the shuttle. The containers deploy in accordian fashion into a rectangular area of 19.4 x 68 meters and can be attached to the user spacecraft along the longitudinal centerline of the end container housing. Five rotary incremental actuators requiring about 8 watts each will execute the 180-degree rotation at each joint. Deployable masts (three per side) are used to extend endcaps from the housing in both directions. Each direction is extended by three masts requiring about 780 watts for about 27 minutes. Concentrator elements are extended by the endcaps and are supported by cable systems that are connected between the housings and endcaps. These power generating elements contain reflector panels which concentrate light onto the solar panels consisting of an aluminum radiator with solar cells positioned within the element base formed by the reflectors. A flat wire harness collects the power output of individual elements for transfer to the module container housing harnesses.

Nalbandian, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

STS 41-D Solar Array Flight Experiment

The Solar Array Flight Experiment (SAFE) developed under the direction of the Marshall Space Flight Center, scheduled for launch on STS 41-D, will demonstrate a lightweight solar array technology which offers a factor of 3 improvement in weight and a factor of 10 improvement in specific volume over solar array systems currently in use in the space program. The experiment, which will include multiple deployment and retraction demonstration, verification of electrical and thermal performance, and verification of structural dynamic math models is 15 feet by 105 feet in size and, if completely covered with solar cells, would produce approximately 12.5 kW of electrical power. The unit has now been developed, tested, and is at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) being prepared for launch.

Turner, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Future applications of tethers in space

Various experiments with tethered satellite systems (TSS) have reached the stage of being considered for demonstration programs as follow-ups to the planned electrodynamic power system and atmospheric missions at the close of the 1980s. All TSS operations involve an initial separation thrust to a tethered object and then begin transferring angular momentum from one object to another while preserving the total angular momentum. The demonstrations include tethered launch of an Orbiter payload to a higher orbit, deployment of the Orbiter from the Space Station (SS), and launch of an Orbital Transfer Vehicle from the SS. The operations can be sequential, with the Orbiter providing the SS with an upward boost while being lowered to an easier deorbit position, followed by the SS releasing on OTV (or a repaired Space Telescope) to a higher orbit while the SS returns to a more favorable lower orbit.

Von Tiesenhausen, G.↗
NASA NTRS1996

An Overview of the NASA F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle

This paper gives an overview of the NASA F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle. The three flight phases of the program are introduced, along with the specific goals and data examples taken during each phase. The aircraft configuration and systems needed to perform the disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research are discussed. The specific disciplines involved with the flight research are introduced, including aerodynamics, controls, propulsion, systems, and structures. Decisions that were made early in the planning of the aircraft project and the results of those decisions are briefly discussed. Each of the three flight phases corresponds to a particular aircraft configuration, and the research dictated the configuration to be flown. The first phase gathered data with the baseline F-18 configuration. The second phase was the thrust-vectoring phase. The third phase used a modified forebody with deployable nose strakes. Aircraft systems supporting these flights included extensive instrumentation systems, integrated research flight controls using flight control hardware and corresponding software, analog interface boxes to control forebody strakes, a thrust-vectoring system using external post-exit vanes around axisymmetric nozzles, a forebody vortex control system with strakes, and backup systems using battery-powered emergency systems and a spin recovery parachute.

Bowers, Albion H.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Implementing CubeSat Avionics Components to Full-Scale Capsule Return Missions

Returning samples from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is no simple task. Whether the samples are scientific experiments or surveillance footage, engineers must overcome many challenges to achieve mission success. In August of 1960 the first payload recovered from LEO, the Corona capsule, carried “more photographic coverage of the Soviet Union than all previous U-2 missions”. The Corona program proved that re-turning surveillance footage from LEO is possible, the program is still referenced today when designing new sample return missions. Although there are many crucial subsystems that make up a sample return capsule, the avionics subsystem demands the most attention. This paper will discuss how current CubeSat avionics components can be applied to large sample return missions. One advantage of using CubeSat avionics components is that they can fit into a 1.5 U (10x10x15 cm) compartment, leaving more room for the payload. This paper is broken down as follows. First, the reader is introduced to the history of sample return projects. The major design strengths of previous projects are analyzed and applied to the current capsule design. Next, the typical trajectory of a capsule is presented along with mission requirements and operations. During the re-entry phase, the avionics subsystem is responsible for commanding the deployment of the parachute, back shell, and the heat shield. Next, the power subsystem is discussed in detail including a trade study on batteries and voltage regulators. Next, the interface between the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and the avionics components is discussed. It is important that the capsule is able to provide avionics system state of health to ensure proper functionality before the capsule is launched. Next, an in-depth analysis of current TechEdSat avionics components, with proven flight history, are presented. The various avionics components including the radios, GPS, IMU, temperature sensors, altitude sensors, and ejectors are discussed. The application of cur-rent avionics components to a sample return projects are analyzed. After, the wiring diagram is presented along with a discussion of the design. Next, a summary of how the avionics components are tested and validated is pro-vided. Finally, this article will present current sample return missions TechEdSat avionics components are being applied to. CubeSat Avionics can be applied to almost all sample return missions due to their compact configuration and proven space flight heritage. The TechEdSat team is currently making great progress in returning samples from the International Space Station (ISS) and is excited to present how their avionics components can be applied to a full-scale sample return mission.

Hughes, Z. M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The High Inclination Solar Mission (HISM)

The High Inclination Solar Mission (HISM) is an out-of-the-ecliptic solar sail mission concept for observing the Sun and the heliosphere. The mission profile is based on the Solar Polar Imager concept: initially spiraling in to a 0.48 AU ecliptic orbit, then increasing the orbital inclination at a rate of up to 10° degrees per year, ultimately reaching a heliographic inclination of >75°.The orbital profile is achieved using solar sails based on the sail design for the Solar Cruiser mission, currently in Phase-A study at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. An initial instrument complement was assumed for the study, consisting of a combination of remote, in-situ, and plasma wave instruments with a total mass of 66 kg. These provide a comprehensive suite of instruments to study the solar polar regions and connections to the heliosphere. The 7,000 m sail used in the mission assessment is a direct extension of the 4-quadrant 1,666 m Solar Cruiser design and employs the same type of high strength composite boom, deployment mechanism, and membrane technology. The sail system modeled is spun (~1 rpm) to assure required boom characteristics with margin. The spacecraft bus features a fine-pointing 3-axisstabilized instrument platform that allows full science observations as soon as the spacecraft reaches a solar distance of 0.48 AU. The spacecraft provides 95W power to science instruments and 8 Gbit/day downlink capability.

solar sail↗
NASA NTRS2026

A Multi-Tier Autonomous Aerial Architecture for Wildfire Detection, Characterization, and Communication in Infrastructure-Denied Environments

Wildfire response depends on how fast an ignition can be confirmed and located, especially in remote regions where ground-based communication and monitoring may be limited. Geostationary sensors provide frequent observations but at kilometer-scale resolution, which is too coarse to resolve small fires in remote terrain. Ground camera networks require sightlines and infrastructure that back-country areas lack. To address these limitations, this work proposes a Multi-Tier Autonomous Wildfire Intelligence System that combines wide-area monitoring with targeted, high-resolution sensing. A solar-powered high-altitude long endurance (HALE) platform operating at approximately 60,000 ft provides persistent wide-area thermal and optical surveillance, running onboard edge inference to screen candidate ignitions and reduce false positives and downlink bandwidth. When a candidate ignition is detected, low-altitude uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) can be deployed to conduct localized observations, including high-resolution imaging and atmospheric measurements such as wind and plume observation. By combining persistent detection with local sensing, the proposed architecture is designed to provide first responders with timely, high-resolution information about fire location and behavior to aid in emergency decision making.

Wildfire management, UAS, drones↗
DOE OSTI2018

Numerical modeling of the lifesaver mooring system for deployment at WETS

NUMERICAL MODELING OF THE LIFESAVER MOORING SYSTEM FOR DEPLOYMENT AT WETS: Preliminary designs are described and modeled, of the mooring system that is expected to be deployed with the Fred. Olsen BOLT Lifesaver device during upcoming trails at the WETS 30m berth. Component selection and modeling results obtained from ANSYS Aqwa will be discussed.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2017

Update on Geothermal Direct-Use Installations in the United States

Direct-use of geothermal energy currently has limited penetration in the United States, with an estimated installed capacity of about 500 MWth, supplying on the order of 0.01% of the total annual U.S. heat demand (about 30 EJ). We see higher penetration levels in other countries such as Iceland (about 90%) and Hungary (2.5%). An updated database of geothermal direct-use systems in the U.S. has been compiled and analyzed, building upon the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) Geo-Heat Center direct-use database. Types of directuse applications examined include hot springs resorts and pools, aquaculture farms, greenhouses, and district heating systems, among others; power-generating facilities and ground-source heat pumps were excluded. Where possible, the current operation status, open and close dates, well data, and other technical data were obtained for each entry. The database contains 545 installations, of which 407 are open, 108 are closed, and 30 have an unknown status. Spas are the most common type of installation, accounting for 50% of installations by number. Aquaculture installations (46 out of 407 open installations) account for the largest percentage (26%) of installed capacity in operation (129 MWth out of 501 MWth). Historical deployment curves show the installed capacity significantly increased in the 1970s and 1980s mainly due to development of geothermal district heating, aquaculture, and greenhouse systems. Since the 2000s, geothermal direct-use development appears to have slowed, and the number of sites in operation decreased due to closures. Case studies reveal multiple barriers to geothermal direct-use implementation and operation, including 1) existence of an information gap among stakeholders, developers, and the general public, 2) competition from cheap natural gas, and 3) the family-owned, small-scale nature of businesses might result in discontinuation among generations.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗