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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 19 records

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2008

Aerospace Sensor Systems: From Sensor Development To Vehicle Application

This paper presents an overview of years of sensor system development and application for aerospace systems. The emphasis of this work is on developing advanced capabilities for measurement and control of aeropropulsion and crew vehicle systems as well as monitoring the safety of those systems. Specific areas of work include chemical species sensors, thin film thermocouples and strain gages, heat flux gages, fuel gages, SiC based electronic devices and sensors, space qualified electronics, and MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) as well as integrated and multifunctional sensor systems. Each sensor type has its own technical challenges related to integration and reliability in a given application. The general approach has been to develop base sensor technology using microfabrication techniques, integrate sensors with "smart" hardware and software, and demonstrate those systems in a range of aerospace applications. Descriptions of the sensor elements, their integration into sensors systems, and examples of sensor system applications will be discussed. Finally, suggestions related to the future of sensor technology will be given. It is concluded that smart micro/nano sensor technology can revolutionize aerospace applications, but significant challenges exist in maturing the technology and demonstrating its value in real-life applications.

Hunter, Gary W.↗

NASA NTRS1968

Aerospace sensor systems.

Aerospace sensor systems, discussing adaptive multimode sensors and multispectral sensing, electronic recognition of image components, laser radar and Raman scattering technique

Mannella, G. G.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Parametric design of ground data processing/support systems for advanced sensor systems

A parametric system design technique has been applied to ground data processing/support systems for advanced sensor applications. The system establishes a direct link between budget analysts and system planners. Three primary phases are identified: the definition of requirements, system design, and system costing. The system is evaluated for three cases: (1) a study of ground data handling systems for earth resource satellites, (2) a ground data mass storage and processing system for agricultural remote-sensing studies, and (3) a parametric study of shuttle era data processing support required for atmospheric and space physics.

Denny, C.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Smart Sensor Systems for Aerospace Applications: From Sensor Development to Application Testing

The application of Smart Sensor Systems for aerospace applications is a multidisciplinary process consisting of sensor element development, element integration into Smart Sensor hardware, and testing of the resulting sensor systems in application environments. This paper provides a cross-section of these activities for multiple aerospace applications illustrating the technology challenges involved. The development and application testing topics discussed are: 1) The broadening of sensitivity and operational range of silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky gas sensor elements; 2) Integration of fire detection sensor technology into a "Lick and Stick" Smart Sensor hardware platform for Crew Exploration Vehicle applications; 3) Extended testing for zirconia based oxygen sensors in the basic "Lick and Stick" platform for environmental monitoring applications. It is concluded that that both core sensor platform technology and a basic hardware platform can enhance the viability of implementing smart sensor systems in aerospace applications.

Hunter, G. W.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Development of ASTM International D8405—Standard Test Method for Evaluating PM 2.5 Sensors or Sensor Systems Used in Indoor Applications

Sensors and sensor systems for monitoring fine particles with aerodynamic diameters smaller than 2.5 µm can provide real-time feedback on indoor air quality and thus can help guide actions to manage indoor air pollutant concentrations. Standardized verification of the performance and accuracy of sensors and sensor systems is crucial for predicting the efficacy of such monitoring. A new ASTM International standard test method (ASTM D8405) was created for this need and is the most exacting laboratory protocol published to date for evaluating indoor air quality sensors and sensor systems measuring particles smaller than 2.5 µm in diameter. ASTM D8405 subjects sensors and sensor systems to five test phases: (1) an initial particle concentration ramp; (2) exposure to various temperature and humidity conditions; (3) exposure to interfering particles; (4) temperature cycling; and (5) a final particle concentration ramp to assess drift. This paper discusses the development of the standard test method, key aspects of the testing process, example evaluation results, and a comparison of this standard test method against peer evaluation protocols.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2022

Development and testing of a performance evaluation methodology to assess the reliability of occupancy sensor systems in residential buildings

With the emergence of advanced occupancy sensor technologies to better detect occupancy in buildings, a universal methodology and metrics are required to evaluate and report sensor systems’ reliability and compare the performance across multiple sensor systems. Herein this research presents a methodology to assess the reliability of occupancy sensor systems in residential buildings in a controlled laboratory environment, including both “typical” and “failure” testing scenarios. The developed methodology was then implemented to evaluate a novel occupancy detection sensor system’s reliability. “Typical” testing evaluates the overall accuracy of the sensor system, which suggest how reliable the occupancy sensor system is over time. Results show that on average, the precision and recall are 0.75 and 0.70, indicating similar numbers of false positives and false negatives across the dataset. The overall accuracy of the tested sensor system was 62.4% to 76.4%. Failure testing results indicate whether there are influential variables impacting the sensor performance. For the tested sensor system, the number of occupants, presence of large objects, presence of interior light sources, and number of doors are not influential, while lighting level, location of occupants, additional door in the entry/exit area, and having the TV on are variables determined to impact the sensor system performance.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

NASA NTRS2002

Development of Sic Gas Sensor Systems

Silicon carbide (SiC) based gas sensors have significant potential to address the gas sensing needs of aerospace applications such as emission monitoring, fuel leak detection, and fire detection. However, in order to reach that potential, a range of technical challenges must be overcome. These challenges go beyond the development of the basic sensor itself and include the need for viable enabling technologies to make a complete gas sensor system: electrical contacts, packaging, and transfer of information from the sensor to the outside world. This paper reviews the status at NASA Glenn Research Center of SiC Schottky diode gas sensor development as well as that of enabling technologies supporting SiC gas sensor system implementation. A vision of a complete high temperature microfabricated SiC gas sensor system is proposed. In the long-term, it is believed that improvements in the SiC semiconductor material itself could have a dramatic effect on the performance of SiC gas sensor systems.

Hunter, G. W.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Airport Remote Tower Sensor Systems

Remote Tower Sensor Systems (RTSS) are proof-of-concept prototypes being developed by NASA/Ames Research Center (NASA/ARC) with collaboration with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration). RTSS began with the deployment of an Airport Approach Zone Camera System that includes real-time weather observations at San Francisco International Airport. The goal of this research is to develop, deploy, and demonstrate remotely operated cameras and sensors at several major airport hubs and un-towered airports. RTSS can provide real-time weather observations of airport approach zone. RTSS will integrate and test airport sensor packages that will allow remote access to realtime airport conditions and aircraft status.

Papasin, Richard↗

DOE OSTI2023

Sensor system and method

A sensor system includes a sensing element having a section of a layer assembly deposited onto a substrate. The layer assembly includes plural layers of different materials. The section of the layer assembly is configured to be etched to form plural individual pillars of the plural layers of the different materials. The individual pillars are configured to be in contact with a fluid to sense one or more analyte fluid components within the fluid. The sensing element is configured to generate a sensor signal responsive to the individual pillars being in contact with the fluid. The sensor system includes one or more processors configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensing element. The one or more processors may identify the one or more analyte fluid components within the fluid and an amount of each of the analyte fluid components within the fluid based on the sensor signal.

Potyrailo, Radislav Alexandrovich↗

DOE OSTI2022

Gas sensor system

A gas sensor system includes a sensing tube having an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a passage. A plurality of openings is formed through the outer surface and the inner surface. Each of the plurality of openings being no greater than 0.5 millimeters (mm) in diameter. A hydrophobic sealant layer covers the sensing tube. A protective layer covers the hydrophobic sealant layer. A sensor node is arranged along the sensing tube. The sensor node includes an inlet, an outlet, and an interior chamber arranged between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor element is arranged in the sensor node. The sensor element includes a first end and a second end. A sensor cable extends along the sensing tube. The sensor cable includes a first section connected to the first end of the sensor element and a second section connected to the second end of the sensor element.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

NASA NTRS2012

A Brief Review of the Need for Robust Smart Wireless Sensor Systems for Future Propulsion Systems, Distributed Engine Controls, and Propulsion Health Management

Smart Sensor Systems with wireless capability operational in high temperature, harsh environments are a significant component in enabling future propulsion systems to meet a range of increasingly demanding requirements. These propulsion systems must incorporate technology that will monitor engine component conditions, analyze the incoming data, and modify operating parameters to optimize propulsion system operations. This paper discusses the motivation towards the development of high temperature, smart wireless sensor systems that include sensors, electronics, wireless communication, and power. The challenges associated with the use of traditional wired sensor systems will be reviewed and potential advantages of Smart Sensor Systems will be discussed. A brief review of potential applications for wireless smart sensor networks and their potential impact on propulsion system operation, with emphasis on Distributed Engine Control and Propulsion Health Management, will be given. A specific example related to the development of high temperature Smart Sensor Systems based on silicon carbide electronics will be discussed. It is concluded that the development of a range of robust smart wireless sensor systems are a foundation for future development of intelligent propulsion systems with enhanced capabilities.

Hunter, Gary W.↗

NASA NTRS1966

Roll attitude star sensor system Patent

Star sensor system for roll attitude control of spacecraft

Meisenholder, G. W.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Sub-micron surface plasmon resonance sensor systems

A sensor for detecting the presence of a target analyte, ligand or molecule in a test fluid, comprising a light transmissive substrate on which an array of surface plasmon resonant (SPR) elements is mounted is described. A multi-channel sensor for detecting the presence of several targets with a single micro-chip sensor is described. A multi-channel sensor including collections of SPR elements which are commonly functionalized to one of several targets is also described. The detectors sense changes in the resonant response of the SPR elements indicative of binding with the targets.

Glazier, James A.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Sub-micron surface plasmon resonance sensor systems

A sensor for detecting the presence of a target analyte, ligand or molecule in a test fluid, comprising a light transmissive substrate on which an array of surface plasmon resonant (SPR) elements is mounted is described. A multi-channel sensor for detecting the presence of several targets with a single microchip sensor is described. A multi-channel sensor including collections of SPR elements which are commonly functionalized to one of several targets is also described. The detectors sense changes in the resonant response of the SPR elements indicative of binding with the targets.

Glazier, James A.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Sub-micron surface plasmon resonance sensor systems

Glazier, James A.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Sub-micron surface plasmon resonance sensor systems

A sensor for detecting the presence of a target analyte, ligand or molecule in a test fluid, comprising a light transmissive substrate on which an array of surface plasmon resonant (SPR) elements is mounted is described. A multichannel sensor for detecting the presence of several targets with a single microchip sensor is described. A multichannel sensor including collections of SPR elements which are commonly functionalized to one of several targets is also described. The detectors sense changes in the resonant response of the SPR elements indicative of binding with the targets.

Glazier, James A.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Sub-micron surface plasmon resonance sensor systems

A sensor for detecting the presence of a target analyte, ligand or molecule in a test fluid, comprising a light transmissive substrate on which an array of surface plasmon resonant (SPR) elements is mounted is described. A multi-channel sensor for detecting the presence of several targets with a single microchip sensor is described. A multi-channel sensor including collections of SPR elements which are commonly functionalized to one of several targets is also described. The detectors sense changes in the resonant response of the SPR elements indicative of binding with the targets.

Glazier, James A.↗

NASA NTRS2009

The Radio Frequency Health Node Wireless Sensor System

The Radio Frequency Health Node (RFHN) wireless sensor system differs from other wireless sensor systems in ways originally intended to enhance utility as an instrumentation system for a spacecraft. The RFHN can also be adapted to use in terrestrial applications in which there are requirements for operational flexibility and integrability into higher-level instrumentation and data acquisition systems. As shown in the figure, the heart of the system is the RFHN, which is a unit that passes commands and data between (1) one or more commercially available wireless sensor units (optionally, also including wired sensor units) and (2) command and data interfaces with a local control computer that may be part of the spacecraft or other engineering system in which the wireless sensor system is installed. In turn, the local control computer can be in radio or wire communication with a remote control computer that may be part of a higher-level system. The remote control computer, acting via the local control computer and the RFHN, cannot only monitor readout data from the sensor units but can also remotely configure (program or reprogram) the RFHN and the sensor units during operation. In a spacecraft application, the RFHN and the sensor units can also be configured more nearly directly, prior to launch, via a serial interface that includes an umbilical cable between the spacecraft and ground support equipment. In either case, the RFHN wireless sensor system has the flexibility to be configured, as required, with different numbers and types of sensors for different applications. The RFHN can be used to effect realtime transfer of data from, and commands to, the wireless sensor units. It can also store data for later retrieval by an external computer. The RFHN communicates with the wireless sensor units via a radio transceiver module. The modular design of the RFHN makes it possible to add radio transceiver modules as needed to accommodate additional sets of wireless sensor units. The RFHN includes a core module that performs generic computer functions, including management of power and input, output, processing, and storage of data. In a typical application, the processing capabilities in the RFHN are utilized to perform preprocessing, trending, and fusion of sensor data. The core module also serves as the unit through which the remote control computer configures the sensor units and the rest of the RFHN.

Valencia, J. Emilio↗