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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 sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2022

Projecting Power Converter Specific Power Through 2050 for Aerospace Applications

In order to analyze the potential fuel burn benefit from the electrification of aircraft powertrains, it is important to quantify the amount of weight that will be added to the aircraft for each additional component of the electric powertrain. This paper provides a projection of the specific power and efficiency of power converters, (AC-DC, DC-AC, or DC-DC), through the year 2050. Data was first collected on state of the art power converters in multiple application areas, creating a power converter database. Relevant specific powers were added to a set of historical data from 1976-2020, and then three different logistic curves were fit through the historical data to represent S-curve shaped growth through the year 2050. The three curves were differentiated by conservative, nominal, and aggressive assumptions for the year in which the logistic curve begins to bend down towards slower growth. With a 30% knockdown factor accounting for the additional weight required for a high altitude converter, projections range from the aggressive specific power projection of 52.9 kW/kg in 2050 to a much more conservative specific power of 12 kW/kg in which growth is limited due to certifiability concerns. Little historical data was found on converter efficiencies to project efficiency based on historical trends. Projections are based on expert opinion on yearly decreases in converter losses. 2050 projections range from 0.987 to 0.997.

fuel burn↗
NASA NTRS1996

Hybrid-Circuit Module For Dc-To-Dc Power Converter

Power hybrid module is general-purpose power-switching module providing flexibility in design and application. Complete dc-to-dc power converter constructed by adding input/output filters and feedback circuitry to module to suit specific application.

Vorperian, Vatche↗
NASA NTRS1979

Switching transients in high-frequency high-power converters using power MOSFET's

The use of MOSFETs in a high-frequency high-power dc-to-dc converter is investigated. Consideration is given to the phenomena associated with the paralleling of MOSFETs and to the effect of stray circuit inductances on the converter circuit performance. Analytical relationships between various time constants during the turning-on and turning-off intervals are derived which provide estimates of plateau and peak levels during these intervals.

Sloane, T. H.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The 77 K operation of a multi-resonant power converter

The liquid-nitrogen temperature (77 K) operation of a 55 W, 200 kHz, 48/28 V zero-voltage switching multi-resonant dc/dc converter designed with commercially available components is reported. Upon dipping the complete converter (power and control circuits) into liquid-nitrogen, the converter performance improved as compared to the room-temperature operation. The switching frequency, resonant frequency, and the characteristic impedance did not change significantly. Accordingly, the zero-voltage switching was maintained from no-load to full-load for the specified line variations. Cryoelectronics can provide high density power converters, especially for high power applications.

Ray, Biswajit↗
NASA NTRS2008

Architecture for a High-to-Medium-Voltage Power Converter

A power converter now undergoing development is required to operate at a DC input potential ranging between 5.5 and 10 kV and a DC output potential of 400 V at a current up to 25 A. This power converter is also required to be sufficiently compact and reliable to fit and operate within the confines of a high-pressure case to be lowered to several miles (approx.5 km) below the surface of the ocean. The architecture chosen to satisfy these requirements calls for a series/ parallel arrangement of 48 high-frequency, pulse-width-modulation (PWM), transformer-isolation DC-to-DC power converter blocks. The input sides of the converter blocks would be connected in series so that the input potential would be divided among them, each of them being exposed to an input potential of no more than 10 kV/48 . 210 V. The series connection of inputs would also enforce a requirement that all the converter blocks operate at the same input current. The outputs of the converter blocks would be connected in a matrix comprising 6 parallel legs, each leg being a cascade of eight outputs wired in series (see figure). All the converter blocks would be identical within the tolerances of the values of their components. A single voltage feedback loop would regulate the output potential. All the converter blocks would be driven by the same PWM waveform generated by this feedback loop. The power transformer of each converter block would have a unity turns ratio and would be capable of withstanding as much as 10 kVDC between its primary and secondary windings. (Although, in general, the turns ratio could be different from unity, the simplest construction for minimizing leakage and maximizing breakdown voltage is attained at a turns ratio of unity.)

Vorpenian, Vatche↗
NASA NTRS1982

Analysis of transistor and snubber turn-off dynamics in high-frequency high-voltage high-power converters

Dc to dc converters which operate reliably and efficiently at switching frequencies high enough to effect substantial reductions in the size and weight of converter energy storage elements are studied. A two winding current or voltage stepup (buck boost) dc-to-dc converter power stage submodule designed to operate in the 2.5-kW range, with an input voltage range of 110 to 180 V dc, and an output voltage of 250 V dc is emphasized. In order to assess the limitations of present day component and circuit technologies, a design goal switching frequency of 10 kHz was maintained. The converter design requirements represent a unique combination of high frequency, high voltage, and high power operation. The turn off dynamics of the primary circuit power switching transistor and its associated turn off snubber circuitry are investigated.

Wilson, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The application of standardized control and interface circuits to three dc to dc power converters.

Standardized control and interface circuits were applied to the three most commonly used dc to dc converters: the buck-boost converter, the series-switching buck regulator, and the pulse-modulated parallel inverter. The two-loop ASDTIC regulation control concept was implemented by using a common analog control signal processor and a novel digital control signal processor. This resulted in control circuit standardization and superior static and dynamic performance of the three dc-to-dc converters. Power components stress control, through active peak current limiting and recovery of switching losses, was applied to enhance reliability and converter efficiency.

Yu, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Extensions of the discrete-average models for converter power stages

An improved power converter model is developed by combining the average and discrete modeling techniques. The parameter determination of the proposed discrete-average model is shown to be dependent on the type of duty cycle control law, and the accuracy of the model is shown to depend on the nature of the error processor used in the feedback loop.

Shortt, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

DC-DC power converter research for Orbiter/Station power exchange

This project was to produce innovative DC-DC power converter concepts which are appropriate for the power exchange between the Orbiter and the Space Station Freedom (SSF). The new converters must interface three regulated power buses on SSF, which are at different voltages, with three fuel cell power buses on the Orbiter which can be at different voltages and should be tracked independently. Power exchange is to be bi-directional between the SSF and the Orbiter. The new converters must satisfy the above operational requirements with better weight, volume, efficiency, and reliability than is available from the present conventional technology. Two families of zero current DC-DC converters were developed and successfully adapted to this application. Most of the converters developed are new and are presented.

Ehsani, M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Electrical performance characteristics of high power converters for space power applications

The first goal of this project was to investigate various converters that would be suitable for processing electric power derived from a nuclear reactor. The implementation is indicated of a 20 kHz system that includes a source converter, a ballast converter, and a fixed frequency converter for generating the 20 kHz output. This system can be converted to dc simply by removing the fixed frequency converter. This present study emphasized the design and testing of the source and ballast converters. A push-pull current-fed (PPCF) design was selected for the source converter, and a 2.7 kW version of this was implemented using three 900 watt modules in parallel. The characteristic equation for two converters in parallel was derived, but this analysis did not yield any experimental methods for measuring relative stability. The three source modules were first tested individually and then in parallel as a 2.7 kW system. All tests proved to be satisfactory; the system was stable; efficiency and regulation were acceptable; and the system was fault tolerant. The design of a ballast-load converter, which was operated as a shunt regulator, was investigated. The proposed power circuit is suitable for use with BJTs because proportional base drive is easily implemented. A control circuit which minimizes switching frequency ripple and automatically bypasses a faulty shunt section was developed. A nonlinear state-space-averaged model of the shunt regulator was developed and shown to produce an accurate incremental (small-signal) dynamic model, even though the usual state-space-averaging assumptions were not met. The nonlinear model was also shown to be useful for large-signal dynamic simulation using PSpice.

Stuart, Thomas A.↗
DOE OSTI2024

1.1 eV GaInAs Cell Development for Dual-Use Solar and 1075 nm Laser Power Converters

Dual-use power converter cells can receive solar and laser power simultaneously to generate current, an application relevant to space and terrestrial industries. This study investigates two concepts of solar cells optimized for dual- use 1070 nm laser and solar power conversion, a single-junction and triple-junction cell. Because it is bandgap-tuned for a 1070 nm laser, the 1.1 eV junction is incorporated into each of the two designs, making its development key to the success of both concepts. Efficiency data for a one junction GaInAs cell demonstrates a laser conversion efficiency of 38% at 1070nm wavelength without an anti-reflection coating. However, the single-junction device requires optimization to reduce short wavelength absorption of the broad solar spectrum. In both devices, the graded buffer layers in the GaInAs cell affects the cell's performance by reducing threading dislocations in the active junction. However, the buffer in the three-junction device also acts as a lateral transport layer and so affects the fill factor depending on its sheet resistance. By varying the buffer thickness, we demonstrate a direct relationship between buffer thickness and sheet resistance reduction, while considering implications to open-circuit voltages. We also performed resistance modeling to determine the optimal grid spacing and thickness of the grid fingers to minimize losses due to sheet resistance and grid shading.

dual-use↗
NASA NTRS1993

Operation of high power converters in parallel

High power converters that are used in space power subsystems are limited in power handling capability due to component and thermal limitations. For applications, such as Space Station Freedom, where multi-kilowatts of power must be delivered to user loads, parallel operation of converters becomes an attractive option when considering overall power subsystem topologies. TRW developed three different unequal power sharing approaches for parallel operation of converters. These approaches, known as droop, master-slave, and proportional adjustment, are discussed and test results are presented.

Decker, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Materials technology for Stirling space power converters

This program was conducted in support of the NASA LeRC development of the Stirling power converter (SPC) for space power applications. The objectives of this contract were: (1) to perform a technology review and analyses to support the evaluation of materials issues for the SPC; (2) to evaluate liquid metal compatibility issues of the SPC; (3) to evaluate and define a transient liquid phase diffusion bonding (TLPDB) process for the SPC joints to the Udimet 720 heater head; and (4) to evaluate alternative (to the TLPDB) joining techniques. In the technology review, several aspects of the current Stirling design were examined including the power converter assembly process, materials joining, gas bearings, and heat exchangers. The supporting analyses included GLIMPS power converter simulation in support of the materials studies, and system level analysis in support of the technology review. The liquid metal compatibility study evaluated process parameters for use in the Stirling power converter. The alternative joining techniques study looked at the applicability of various joining techniques to the Stirling power converter requirements.

Baggenstoss, William↗
NASA NTRS2001

Performance of Power Converters at Cryogenic Temperatures

Power converters capable of operation at cryogenic temperatures are anticipated to play an important role in the power system architecture of future NASA deep space missions. Design of such converters to survive cryogenic temperatures will improve the power system performance and reduce development and launch costs. Aerospace power systems are mainly a DC distribution network. Therefore, DC/DC and DC/AC converters provide the outputs needed to different loads at various power levels. Recently, research efforts have been performed at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) to design and evaluate DC/DC converters that are capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures. This paper presents a summary of the research performed to evaluate the low temperature performance of five DC/DC converters. Various parameters were investigated as a function of temperature in the range of 20 to -196 C. Data pertaining to the output voltage regulation and efficiency of the converters is presented and discussed.

Elbuluk, Malik E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

1.1 eV GaInAs Cell Development for Dual-Use Solar and 1070 nm Laser Power Converters

Dual-use power converter cells can receive solar and laser power simultaneously to generate current, an application relevant to space and terrestrial industries. This study investigates two concepts of solar cells optimized for dual-use 1070 nm laser and solar power conversion, a single-junction and triple-junction cell. Because it is bandgap-tuned for a 1070 nm laser, the 1.1 eV junction is incorporated into each of the two designs, making its development key to the success of both concepts. Efficiency data for a one junction GaInAs cell demonstrates a laser conversion efficiency of 38% at 1070nm wavelength without an anti-reflection coating. However, the single-junction device requires optimization to reduce short wavelength absorption of the broad solar spectrum. In both devices, the graded buffer layers in the GaInAs cell affects the cell's performance by reducing threading dislocations in the active junction. However, the buffer in the three-junction device also acts as a lateral transport layer and so affects the fill factor depending on its sheet resistance. By varying the buffer thickness, we demonstrate a direct relationship between buffer thickness and sheet resistance reduction, while considering implications to open-circuit voltages. We also performed resistance modeling to determine the optimal grid spacing and thickness of the grid fingers to minimize losses due to sheet resistance and grid shading.

junctions↗
NASA NTRS1995

An Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Stirling Space Power Converter Heater Head

NASA has identified the Stirling power converter as a prime candidate for the next generation power system for space applications requiring 60000 hr of operation. To meet this long-term goal, several critical components of the power converter have been analyzed using advanced structural assessment methods. Perhaps the most critical component, because of its geometric complexity and operating environment, is the power converter's heater head. This report describes the life assessment of the heater head which includes the characterization of a viscoplastic material model, the thermal and structural analyses of the heater head, and the interpolation of fatigue and creep test results of a nickel-base superalloy, Udimet 720 LI (Low Inclusions), at several elevated temperatures for life prediction purposes.

Abdul-Aziz, Ali↗
NASA NTRS1991

A 1 MW, 100 kV, less than 100 kg space based dc-dc power converter

A 1 MW dc-dc power converter has been designed which has an input voltage of 5 kV +/-3 percent, an output voltage of 100 kV +/- 0.25 percent, and a run time of 1000 s at full power. The estimated system mass is 83.8 kg, giving a power density of 11.9 kW/kg. The system exceeded the weight goal of 10 kW/kg through the use of innovative components and system concepts. The system volume is approximately 0.1 cu m, and the overall system efficiency is estimated to be 87 percent. Some of the unique system features include a 50-kHz H-bridge inverter using MOS-controlled thyristors as the switching devices, a resonance transformer to step up the voltage, open-cycle cryogenic hydrogen gas cooling, and a nonrigid, inflatable housing which provides on-demand pressurization of the power converter local environment. This system scales very well to higher output powers. The weight of the 10-MW system with the same input and output voltage requirements and overall system configuration is estimated to be 575.3 kg. This gives a power density of 17.4 kW/kg, significantly higher than the 11.9 kW/kg estimated at 1 MW.

Cooper, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Analysis of a class of pulse modulated dc-to-dc power converters

The basic operational characteristics of dc-to-dc converters are analyzed. The basic physical characteristics of power converters are identified. A simple class of dc-to-dc power converters is chosen which could satisfy any set of operating requirements. Three different controlling methods in this class are described in detail. Necessary conditions for the stability of these converters are measured through analog computer simulation. These curves are related to other operational characteristics, such as ripple and regulation. Finally, further research is suggested for the solution of the physical design of absolutely stable, reliable, and efficient power converters of this class.

Burger, P.↗