Load positioning system with gravity compensation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hollow, R. H.

1984-01-01

A load positioning system with gravity compensation has a servomotor, position sensing feedback potentiometer and velocity sensing tachometer in a conventional closed loop servo arrangement to cause a lead screw and a ball nut to vertically position a load. Gravity compensating components comprise the DC motor, gears, which couple torque from the motor to the lead screw, and constant current power supply. The constant weight of the load applied to the lead screw via the ball nut tend to cause the lead screw to rotate, the constant torque of which is opposed by the constant torque produced by the motor when fed from the constant current source. The constant current is preset as required by the potentiometer to effect equilibration of the load which thereby enables the positioning servomotor to see the load as weightless under both static and dynamic conditions. Positioning acceleration and velocity performance are therefore symmetrical.

E-beam high voltage switching power supply

DOEpatents

Shimer, D.W.; Lange, A.C.

1996-10-15

A high-power power supply produces a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads. The power supply includes a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module, and a current sensor for sensing output current. The power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle and circuitry is provided for sensing incipient arc currents at the output of the power supply to simultaneously decouple the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. The power supply includes a plurality of discrete switching type dc--dc converter modules. 5 figs.

E-beam high voltage switching power supply

DOEpatents

Shimer, Daniel W.; Lange, Arnold C.

1996-01-01

A high-power power supply produces a controllable, constant high voltage put under varying and arcing loads. The power supply includes a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module, and a current sensor for sensing output current. The power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle and circuitry is provided for sensing incipient arc currents at the output of the power supply to simultaneously decouple the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. The power supply includes a plurality of discrete switching type dc--dc converter modules.

Design of laser diode driver with constant current and temperature control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ming-cai; Yang, Kai-yong; Wang, Zhi-guo; Fan, Zhen-fang

2017-10-01

A laser Diode (LD) driver with constant current and temperature control system is designed according to the LD working characteristics. We deeply researched the protection circuit and temperature control circuit based on thermos-electric cooler(TEC) cooling circuit and PID algorithm. The driver could realize constant current output and achieve stable temperature control of LD. Real-time feedback control method was adopted in the temperature control system to make LD work on its best temperature point. The output power variety and output wavelength shift of LD caused by current and temperature instability were decreased. Furthermore, the driving current and working temperature is adjustable according to specific requirements. The experiment result showed that the developed LD driver meets the characteristics of LD.

Measurement technology of RF interference current in high current system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhihua; Li, Jianxuan; Zhang, Xiangming; Zhang, Lei

2018-06-01

Current probe is a detection method commonly used in electromagnetic compatibility. With the development of power electronics technology, the power level of power conversion devices is constantly increasing, and the power current of the electric energy conversion device in the electromagnetic launch system can reach 10kA. Current probe conventionally used in EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) detection cannot meet the test requirements on high current system due to the magnetic saturation problem. The conventional high current sensor is also not suitable for the RF (Radio Frequency) interference current measurement in high current power device due to the high noise level in the output of active amplifier. In this paper, a passive flexible current probe based on Rogowski coil and matching resistance is proposed that can withstand high current and has low noise level, to solve the measurement problems of interference current in high current power converter. And both differential mode and common mode current detection can be easily carried out with the proposed probe because of the probe's flexible structure.

Polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis: Restraining degradation in the presence of fluctuating power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakousky, Christoph; Reimer, Uwe; Wippermann, Klaus; Kuhri, Susanne; Carmo, Marcelo; Lueke, Wiebke; Stolten, Detlef

2017-02-01

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis generates 'green' hydrogen when conducted with electricity from renewable - but fluctuating - sources like wind or solar photovoltaic. Unfortunately, the long-term stability of the electrolyzer performance is still not fully understood under these input power profiles. In this study, we contrast the degradation behavior of our PEM water electrolysis single cells that occurs under operation with constant and intermittent power and derive preferable operating states. For this purpose, five different current density profiles are used, of which two were constant and three dynamic. Cells operated at 1 A cm-2 show no degradation. However, degradation was observed for the remaining four profiles, all of which underwent periods of high current density (2 A cm-2). Hereby, constant operation at 2 A cm-2 led to the highest degradation rate (194 μV h-1). Degradation can be greatly reduced when the cells are operated with an intermittent profile. Current density switching has a positive effect on durability, as it causes reversible parts of degradation to recover and results in a substantially reduced degradation per mole of hydrogen produced. Two general degradation phenomena were identified, a decreased anode exchange current density and an increased contact resistance at the titanium porous transport layer (Ti-PTL).

1998 Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements Digest. Proceedings.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, T. L.

The following topics were dealt with: fundamental constants; caesium standards; AC-DC transfer; impedance measurement; length measurement; units; statistics; cryogenic resonators; time transfer; QED; resistance scaling and bridges; mass measurement; atomic fountains and clocks; single electron transport; Newtonian constant of gravitation; stabilised lasers and frequency measurements; cryogenic current comparators; optical frequency standards; high voltage devices and systems; international compatibility; magnetic measurement; precision power measurement; high resolution spectroscopy; DC transport standards; waveform acquisition and analysis; ion trap standards; optical metrology; quantised Hall effect; Josephson array comparisons; signal generation and measurement; Avogadro constant; microwave networks; wideband power standards; antennas, fields and EMC; quantum-based standards.

Current Regulator For Sodium-Vapor Lamps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mclyman, W. T.

1989-01-01

Regulating circuit maintains nearly-constant alternating current in sodium-vapor lamp. Regulator part of dc-to-ac inverter circuit used to supply power to street lamp from battery charged by solar-cell array.

Research on Stabilization Properties of Inductive-Capacitive Transducers Based on Hybrid Electromagnetic Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konesev, S. G.; Khazieva, R. T.; Kirllov, R. V.; Konev, A. A.

2017-01-01

Some electrical consumers (the charge system of storage capacitor, powerful pulse generators, electrothermal systems, gas-discharge lamps, electric ovens, plasma torches) require constant power consumption, while their resistance changes in the limited range. Current stabilization systems (CSS) with inductive-capacitive transducers (ICT) provide constant power, when the load resistance changes over a wide range and increaseы the efficiency of high-power loads’ power supplies. ICT elements are selected according to the maximum load, which leads to exceeding a predetermined value of capacity. The paper suggests carrying load power by the ICT based on multifunction integrated electromagnetic components (MIEC) to reduce the predetermined capacity of ICT elements and CSS weights and dimensions. The authors developed and patented ICT based on MIEC that reduces the CSS weights and dimensions by reducing components number with the possibility of device’s electric energy transformation and resonance frequency changing. An ICT mathematical model was produced. The model determines the width of the load stabilization range. Electromagnetic processes study model was built with the MIEC integral parameters (full inductance of the electrical lead, total capacity, current of electrical lead). It shows independence of the load current from the load resistance for different ways of MIEC connection.

Novel operation and control of an electric vehicle aluminum/air battery system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xin; Yang, Shao Hua; Knickle, Harold

The objective of this paper is to create a method to size battery subsystems for an electric vehicle to optimize battery performance. Optimization of performance includes minimizing corrosion by operating at a constant current density. These subsystems will allow for easy mechanical recharging. A proper choice of battery subsystem will allow for longer battery life, greater range and performance. For longer life, the current density and reaction rate should be nearly constant. The control method requires control of power by controlling electrolyte flow in battery sub modules. As power is increased more sub modules come on line and more electrolyte is needed. Solenoid valves open in a sequence to provide the required power. Corrosion is limited because there is no electrolyte in the modules not being used.

Doubly Fed Induction Generator in an Offshore Wind Power Plant Operated at Rated V/Hz: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muljadi, E.; Singh, M.; Gevorgian, V.

2012-06-01

This paper introduces the concept of constant Volt/Hz operation of offshore wind power plants. The deployment of offshore WPPs requires power transmission from the plant to the load center inland. Since this power transmission requires submarine cables, there is a need to use High-Voltage Direct Current transmission, which is economical for transmission distances longer than 50 kilometers. In the concept presented here, the onshore substation is operated at 60 Hz synced with the grid, and the offshore substation is operated at variable frequency and voltage, thus allowing the WPP to be operated at constant Volt/Hz.

The most energy efficient way to charge the capacitor in a RC circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dake

2017-11-01

The voltage waveform that minimize the energy loss in the resistance when charging the capacitor in a resistor-capacitor circuit is investigated using the calculus of variation. A linear voltage ramp gives the best efficiency, which means a constant current source should be used for charging. Comparison between constant current source and battery-powered system is made to illustrate the energy advantage of the former.

Variable Frequency Operations of an Offshore Wind Power Plant with HVDC-VSC: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gevorgian, V.; Singh, M.; Muljadi, E.

2011-12-01

In this paper, a constant Volt/Hz operation applied to the Type 1 wind turbine generator. Various control aspects of Type 1 generators at the plant level and at the turbine level will be investigated. Based on DOE study, wind power generation may reach 330 GW by 2030 at the level of penetration of 20% of the total energy production. From this amount of wind power, 54 GW of wind power will be generated at offshore wind power plants. The deployment of offshore wind power plants requires power transmission from the plant to the load center inland. Since this power transmissionmore » requires submarine cable, there is a need to use High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission. Otherwise, if the power is transmitted via alternating current, the reactive power generated by the cable capacitance may cause an excessive over voltage in the middle of the transmission distance which requires unnecessary oversized cable voltage breakdown capability. The use of HVDC is usually required for transmission distance longer than 50 kilometers of submarine cables to be economical. The use of HVDC brings another advantage; it is capable of operating at variable frequency. The inland substation will be operated to 60 Hz synched with the grid, the offshore substation can be operated at variable frequency, thus allowing the wind power plant to be operated at constant Volt/Hz. In this paper, a constant Volt/Hz operation applied to the Type 1 wind turbine generator. Various control aspects of Type 1 generators at the plant level and at the turbine level will be investigated.« less

Power Quality Improvement by Unified Power Quality Conditioner Based on CSC Topology Using Synchronous Reference Frame Theory

PubMed Central

Dharmalingam, Rajasekaran; Dash, Subhransu Sekhar; Senthilnathan, Karthikrajan; Mayilvaganan, Arun Bhaskar; Chinnamuthu, Subramani

2014-01-01

This paper deals with the performance of unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) based on current source converter (CSC) topology. UPQC is used to mitigate the power quality problems like harmonics and sag. The shunt and series active filter performs the simultaneous elimination of current and voltage problems. The power fed is linked through common DC link and maintains constant real power exchange. The DC link is connected through the reactor. The real power supply is given by the photovoltaic system for the compensation of power quality problems. The reference current and voltage generation for shunt and series converter is based on phase locked loop and synchronous reference frame theory. The proposed UPQC-CSC design has superior performance for mitigating the power quality problems. PMID:25013854

Power quality improvement by unified power quality conditioner based on CSC topology using synchronous reference frame theory.

PubMed

Dharmalingam, Rajasekaran; Dash, Subhransu Sekhar; Senthilnathan, Karthikrajan; Mayilvaganan, Arun Bhaskar; Chinnamuthu, Subramani

2014-01-01

This paper deals with the performance of unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) based on current source converter (CSC) topology. UPQC is used to mitigate the power quality problems like harmonics and sag. The shunt and series active filter performs the simultaneous elimination of current and voltage problems. The power fed is linked through common DC link and maintains constant real power exchange. The DC link is connected through the reactor. The real power supply is given by the photovoltaic system for the compensation of power quality problems. The reference current and voltage generation for shunt and series converter is based on phase locked loop and synchronous reference frame theory. The proposed UPQC-CSC design has superior performance for mitigating the power quality problems.

An electric motor with magnetic bearings: A concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Studer, P. A.

1973-01-01

Because same magnetic flux is used to control rotor as to drive it, size, weight, and power required are minimized. Constant total current keeps motor torque invarient, and absence of mechanical bearings eliminates wear and reduces frictional power loss.

Construction of a new watt balance with the goal to realize the kilogram in the US

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlamminger, Stephan; Haddad, Darine; Seifert, Frank; Chao, Leon; Newell, David; Pratt, Jon

2015-04-01

A watt balance is a mechanical device that compares mechanical power to electrical power. Since electrical power is measured using quantum physics by employing the Josephson effect and the Quantum Hall effect, electrical power can be measured as a product of a known factor, two frequencies, and the Planck constant h. Mechanical power is given by mgv , where m is the mass of a weight, g the local acceleration, and v the velocity. Hence, the watt balance provides a link between mass and Planck's constant. Currently several watt balances worldwide are employed to measure h. A redefinition of the international system of units (SI) is currently in discussion and may become reality as early as 2018. In the new SI, the numerical value of the Planck constant will be fixed and the watt balance is a means to realize the unit of mass. Researchers at NIST are preparing for a new SI and we have started in 2011 with plans to design a new watt balance capable of realizing the kilogram with relative uncertainties of a few parts in 108. Construction of the new watt balance has started in 2014. In my talk, I will show some of the latest results achieved with this apparatus.

Analysis and development of fourth order LCLC resonant based capacitor charging power supply for pulse power applications.

PubMed

Naresh, P; Hitesh, C; Patel, A; Kolge, T; Sharma, Archana; Mittal, K C

2013-08-01

A fourth order (LCLC) resonant converter based capacitor charging power supply (CCPS) is designed and developed for pulse power applications. Resonant converters are preferred t utilize soft switching techniques such as zero current switching (ZCS) and zero voltage switching (ZVS). An attempt has been made to overcome the disadvantages in 2nd and 3rd resonant converter topologies; hence a fourth order resonant topology is used in this paper for CCPS application. In this paper a novel fourth order LCLC based resonant converter has been explored and mathematical analysis carried out to calculate load independent constant current. This topology provides load independent constant current at switching frequency (fs) equal to resonant frequency (fr). By changing switching condition (on time and dead time) this topology has both soft switching techniques such as ZCS and ZVS for better switching action to improve the converter efficiency. This novel technique has special features such as low peak current through switches, DC blocking for transformer, utilizing transformer leakage inductance as resonant component. A prototype has been developed and tested successfully to charge a 100 μF capacitor to 200 V.

High voltage dc--dc converter with dynamic voltage regulation and decoupling during load-generated arcs

DOEpatents

Shimer, D.W.; Lange, A.C.

1995-05-23

A high-power power supply produces a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads. The power supply includes a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module, and a current sensor for sensing output current. The power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle and circuitry is provided for sensing incipient arc currents at the output of the power supply to simultaneously decouple the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. The power supply includes a plurality of discrete switching type dc--dc converter modules. 5 Figs.

High voltage dc-dc converter with dynamic voltage regulation and decoupling during load-generated arcs

DOEpatents

Shimer, Daniel W.; Lange, Arnold C.

1995-01-01

A high-power power supply produces a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads. The power supply includes a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module, and a current sensor for sensing output current. The power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle and circuitry is provided for sensing incipient arc currents at the output of the power supply to simultaneously decouple the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. The power supply includes a plurality of discrete switching type dc--dc converter modules.

Multi-Channel, Constant-Current Power Source for Aircraft Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

Special considerations impacting this design were minimizing volume, maintaining system power quality, and providing electrical fault protection...applications. Electrical loads, such as lighting, de-icing heaters, and actuators may be operated from this compact power conversion unit. Because of the...nature of aircraft systems, two of the most important design considerations are the maintenance of electrical power quality and minimization of weight

Efficient Radio Frequency Inductive Discharges in Near Atmospheric Pressure Using Immittance Conversion Topology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razzak, M. Abdur; Takamura, Shuichi; Uesugi, Yoshihiko; Ohno, Noriyasu

A radio frequency (rf) inductive discharge in atmospheric pressure range requires high voltage in the initial startup phase and high power during the steady state sustainment phase. It is, therefore, necessary to inject high rf power into the plasma ensuring the maximum use of the power source, especially where the rf power is limited. In order to inject the maximum possible rf power into the plasma with a moderate rf power source of few kilowatts range, we employ the immittance conversion topology by converting a constant voltage source into a constant current source to generate efficient rf discharge by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technique at a gas pressure with up to one atmosphere in argon. A novel T-LCL immittance circuit is designed for constant-current high-power operation, which is practically very important in the high-frequency range, to provide high effective rf power to the plasma. The immittance conversion system combines the static induction transistor (SIT)-based radio frequency (rf) high-power inverter circuit and the immittance conversion elements including the rf induction coil. The basic properties of the immittance circuit are studied by numerical analysis and verified the results by experimental measurements with the inductive plasma as a load at a relatively high rf power of about 4 kW. The performances of the immittance circuit are also evaluated and compared with that of the conventional series resonance circuit in high-pressure induction plasma generation. The experimental results reveal that the immittance conversion circuit confirms injecting higher effective rf power into the plasma as much as three times than that of the series resonance circuit under the same operating conditions and same dc supply voltage to the inverter, thereby enhancing the plasma heating efficiency to generate efficient rf inductive discharges.

Thermally-induced voltage alteration for analysis of microelectromechanical devices

DOEpatents

Walraven, Jeremy A.; Cole, Jr., Edward I.

2002-01-01

A thermally-induced voltage alteration (TIVA) apparatus and method are disclosed for analyzing a microelectromechanical (MEM) device with or without on-board integrated circuitry. One embodiment of the TIVA apparatus uses constant-current biasing of the MEM device while scanning a focused laser beam over electrically-active members therein to produce localized heating which alters the power demand of the MEM device and thereby changes the voltage of the constant-current source. This changing voltage of the constant-current source can be measured and used in combination with the position of the focused and scanned laser beam to generate an image of any short-circuit defects in the MEM device (e.g. due to stiction or fabrication defects). In another embodiment of the TIVA apparatus, an image can be generated directly from a thermoelectric potential produced by localized laser heating at the location of any short-circuit defects in the MEM device, without any need for supplying power to the MEM device. The TIVA apparatus can be formed, in part, from a scanning optical microscope, and has applications for qualification testing or failure analysis of MEM devices.

Method for measuring and controlling beam current in ion beam processing

DOEpatents

Kearney, Patrick A.; Burkhart, Scott C.

2003-04-29

A method for producing film thickness control of ion beam sputter deposition films. Great improvements in film thickness control is accomplished by keeping the total current supplied to both the beam and suppressor grids of a radio frequency (RF) in beam source constant, rather than just the current supplied to the beam grid. By controlling both currents, using this method, deposition rates are more stable, and this allows the deposition of layers with extremely well controlled thicknesses to about 0.1%. The method is carried out by calculating deposition rates based on the total of the suppressor and beam currents and maintaining the total current constant by adjusting RF power which gives more consistent values.

Electropneumatic rheostat regulates high current

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haacker, J. F.; Jedlicka, J. R.; Wagoner, C. B.

1965-01-01

Electropneumatic rheostat maintains a constant direct current in each of several high-power parallel loads, of variable resistance, across a single source. It provides current regulation at any preset value by dissipating the proper amount of energy thermally, and uses a column of mercury to vary the effective length of a resistance element.

The Effect of a Constant Level Lighting Control System on Small Offices With Windows

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

Scientific 2101 Digital Power Analyzer. The power factor was calculated by dividing the real power by the apparent power (current multiplied by voltage...CBNSC-TT-P 22060 INSODM - Cb. huad. Div. Delace Tockslcol to. C 2M30 US Arm Bo~kuau Disvriaw Pt Dalvoir VA 22M6 AWN: DTIC-AB (2) ATTN: Libary (41) ATmN

A study of Schwarz converters for nuclear powered spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stuart, Thomas A.; Schwarze, Gene E.

1987-01-01

High power space systems which use low dc voltage, high current sources such as thermoelectric generators, will most likely require high voltage conversion for transmission purposes. This study considers the use of the Schwarz resonant converter for use as the basic building block to accomplish this low-to-high voltage conversion for either a dc or an ac spacecraft bus. The Schwarz converter has the important assets of both inherent fault tolerance and resonant operation; parallel operation in modular form is possible. A regulated dc spacecraft bus requires only a single stage converter while a constant frequency ac bus requires a cascaded Schwarz converter configuration. If the power system requires constant output power from the dc generator, then a second converter is required to route unneeded power to a ballast load.

Constant voltage and constant current control implementation for electric vehicles (evs) wireless charger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tampubolon, Marojahan; Pamungkas, Laskar; Hsieh, Yao Ching; Chiu, Huang Jen

2018-04-01

This paper presents the implementation of Constant Voltage (CV) and Constant Current (CC) control for a wireless charger system. A battery charging system needs these control modes to ensure the safety of the battery and the effectiveness of the charging system. Here, the wireless charger system does not employ any post-regulator stage to control the output voltage and output current of the charger. But, it uses a variable frequency control incorporated with a conventional PI control. As a result, the size and the weight of the system are reduced. This paper discusses the brief review of the SS-WPT, control strategy and implementation of the CV and CC control. Experimental hardware with 2kW output power has been performed and tested. The results show that the proposed CV and CC control method works well with the system.

Fuel Consumption Reduction for Diesel Power Generator Sets through the Application of an Advanced Turbocharger Operating at Constant Speed.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-01

engine driven, precision, 30KW-400Iz gen set. Similar calculations were made for the current, naturally aspirally , six cylinder diesel driving the same...turbocharged engine re- placing the current six cylinder, naturally aspirated , engine. Data from the engine model calculations was used to design a...VATN control rod so as to hold nearly a constant manifold pressure. Therefore the engine operates essentially like a naturally aspirated engine i.e

Power matching between plasma generation and electrostatic acceleration in helicon electrostatic thruster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichihara, D.; Nakagawa, Y.; Uchigashima, A.; Iwakawa, A.; Sasoh, A.; Yamazaki, T.

2017-10-01

The effects of a radio-frequency (RF) power on the ion generation and electrostatic acceleration in a helicon electrostatic thruster were investigated with a constant discharge voltage of 300 V using argon as the working gas at a flow rate either of 0.5 Aeq (Ampere equivalent) or 1.0 Aeq. A RF power that was even smaller than a direct-current (DC) discharge power enhanced the ionization of the working gas, thereby both the ion beam current and energy were increased. However, an excessively high RF power input resulted in their saturation, leading to an unfavorable increase in an ionization cost with doubly charged ion production being accompanied. From the tradeoff between the ion production by the RF power and the electrostatic acceleration made by the direct current discharge power, the thrust efficiency has a maximum value at an optimal RF to DC discharge power ratio of 0.6 - 1.0.

Extended Constant Power Speed Range of the Brushless DC Motor Through Dual Mode Inverter Control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lawler, J.S.

2000-06-23

The trapezoidal back electromotive force (emf) brushless direct current (dc) motor (BDCM) with surface-mounted magnets has high-power density and efficiency especially when rare-earth magnet materials are used. Traction applications, such as electric vehicles, could benefit significantly from the use of such motors. Unfortunately, a practical means for driving the motor over a constant power speed ratio (CPSR) of 5:1 or more has not yet been developed. A key feature of these motors is that they have low internal inductance. The phase advance method is effective in controlling the motor power over such a speed range, but the current at highmore » speed may be several times greater than that required at the base speed. The increase in current during high-speed operation is due to the low motor inductance and the action of the bypass diodes of the inverter. The use of such a control would require increased current rating of the inverter semiconductors and additional cooling for the inverter, where the conduction losses increase proportionally with current, and especially for the motor, where the losses increase with the square of the current. The high current problems of phase advance can be mitigated by adding series inductance; however, this reduces power density, requires significant increase in supply voltage, and leaves the CPSR performance of the system highly sensitive to variations in the available voltage. A new inverter topology and control scheme has been developed that can drive low-inductance BDCMs over the CPSR that would be required in electric vehicle applications. This new controller is called the dual-mode inverter control (DMIC). It is shown that the BDCM has an infinite CPSR when it is driven by the DMIC.« less

Transient Performance Improvement Circuit (TPIC)s for DC-DC converter applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Sungkeun

Gordon Moore famously predicted the exponential increase in transistor integration and computing power that has been witnessed in recent decades [1]. In the near future, it is expected that more than one billion transistors will be integrated per chip, and advanced microprocessors will require clock speeds in excess of several GHz. The increasing number of transistors and high clock speeds will necessitate the consumption of more power. By 2014, it is expected that the maximum power consumption of the microprocessor will reach approximately 150W, and the maximum load current will be around 150A. Today's trend in power and thermal management is to reduce supply voltage as low as possible to reduce delivered power. It is anticipated that the Intel cores will operate on 0.8V of supply voltage by 2014 [2]. A significant challenge in Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) development for next generation microprocessors is to regulate the supply voltage within a certain tolerance band during high slew rate load transitions, since the required supply voltage tolerance band will be much narrower than the current requirement. If VR output impedance is maintained at a constant value from DC to high frequency, large output voltage spikes can be avoided during load cur- rent transients. Based on this, the Adaptive Voltage Position (AVP) concept was developed to achieve constant VR output impedance to improve transient response performance [3]. However, the VR output impedance can not be made constant over the entire frequency range with AVP design, because the AVP design makes the VR output impedance constant only at low frequencies. To make the output impedance constant at high frequencies, many bulk capacitors and ceramic capacitors are required. The tight supply voltage tolerance for the next generation of microprocessors during high slew rate load transitions requires fast transient response power supplies. A VRM can not follow the high slew rate load current transients, because of the slow inductor current slew rate which is determined by the input voltage, output voltage, and the inductance. The remaining inductor current in the power delivery path will charge the output capacitors and develop a voltage across the ESR. As a result, large output voltage spikes occur during load current transients. Due to their limited control bandwidth, traditional VRs can not sufficiently respond rapidly to certain load transients. As a result, a large output voltage spike can occur during load transients, hence requiring a large amount of bulk capacitance to decouple the VR from the load [2]. If the remaining inductor current is removed from the power stage or the inductor current slew rate is changed, the output voltage spikes can be clamped, allowing the output capacitance to be reduced. A new design methodology for a Transient Performance Improvement Circuit(TPIC) based on controlling the output impedance of a regulator is presented. The TPIC works in parallel with a voltage regulator (VR)'s ceramic capacitors to achieve faster voltage regulation without the need for a large bulk capacitance, and can serve as a replacement for bulk capacitors. The specific function of the TPIC is to mimic the behavior of the bulk capacitance in a traditional VRM by sinking and sourcing large currents during transients, allowing the VR to respond quickly to current transients without the need for a large bulk capacitance. This will allow fast transient response without the need for a large bulk capacitor. The main challenge in applying the TPIC is creating a design which will not interfere with VR operation. A TPIC for a 4 Switch Buck-Boost (4SBB) converter is presented which functions by con- trolling the inductor current slew rate during load current transients. By increasing the inductor current slew rate, the remaining inductor current can be removed from the 4SBB power delivery path and the output voltage spike can be clamped. A second TPIC is presented which is designed to improve the performance of an LDO regulator during output current transients. A TPIC for a LDO regulator is proposed to reduce the over voltage spike settling time. During a load current step down transient, the only current discharging path is a light load current. However, it takes a long time to discharge the current charged in the output capacitors with the light load current. The proposed TPIC will make an additional current discharging path to reduce the long settling time. By reducing the settling time, the load current transient frequency of the LDO regulator can be increased. A Ripple Cancellation Circuit (RCC) is proposed to reduce the output voltage ripple. The RCC has a very similar concept with the TPIC which is sinking or injecting additional current to the power stage to compensate the inductor ripple current. The proposed TPICs and RCC have been implemented with a 0.6m CMOS process. A single-phase VR, a 4SBB converter, and a LDO regulator have been utilized with the proposed TPIC to evaluate its performance. The theoretical analysis will be confirmed by Cadence simulation results and experimental results.

Convection currents enhancement of the spring constant in optical tweezers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zenteno-Hernández, J. A.; Gómez-Vieyra, A.; Torres-Hurtado, S. A.; Ramirez-San-Juan, J. C.; Ramos-García, R.

2016-09-01

In this work we demonstrate the increasing of the trap stiffness (spring constant) constant of an optical trap of particles suspended in water by laser-induced convection currents. These currents are the result of thermal gradients created by a light absorption in a thin layer of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a:Si-H) deposited at the bottom of cell. Since convection currents (and therefore drag forces) are symmetric around the beam focus particles trapped by the beam are further contained. Around the focus the drag force is directed upwards and partially compensated by radiation pressure depending on the laser power increasing the stiffness of the optical trapping increases significatively so a particle trapped could dragged (by moving the translation stage leaving the beam fixed) at velocities as high as 90μm/s without escaping the trap, whereas with no a:Si-H film, the particle escapes from the trap at lower velocities (30μm/s).

Power conversion apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Su, Gui-Jia [Knoxville, TN

2012-02-07

A power conversion apparatus includes an interfacing circuit that enables a current source inverter to operate from a voltage energy storage device (voltage source), such as a battery, ultracapacitor or fuel cell. The interfacing circuit, also referred to as a voltage-to-current converter, transforms the voltage source into a current source that feeds a DC current to a current source inverter. The voltage-to-current converter also provides means for controlling and maintaining a constant DC bus current that supplies the current source inverter. The voltage-to-current converter also enables the current source inverter to charge the voltage energy storage device, such as during dynamic braking of a hybrid electric vehicle, without the need of reversing the direction of the DC bus current.

Extending the Constant Power Speed Range of the Brushless DC Motor through Dual Mode Inverter Control -- Part I: Theory and Simulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lawler, J.S.

2001-10-29

An inverter topology and control scheme has been developed that can drive low-inductance, surface-mounted permanent magnet motors over the wide constant power speed range required in electric vehicle applications. This new controller is called the dual-mode inverter control (DMIC) [1]. The DMIC can drive either the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) with sinusoidal back emf, or the brushless dc machine (BDCM) with trapezoidal emf in the motoring and regenerative braking modes. In this paper we concentrate on the BDCM under high-speed motoring conditions. Simulation results show that if all motor and inverter loss mechanisms are neglected, the constant power speedmore » range of the DMIC is infinite. The simulation results are supported by closed form expressions for peak and rms motor current and average power derived from analytical solution to the differential equations governing the DMIC/BDCM drive for the lossless case. The analytical solution shows that the range of motor inductance that can be accommodated by the DMIC is more than an order of magnitude such that the DMIC is compatible with both low- and high-inductance BDCMs. Finally, method is given for integrating the classical hysteresis band current control, used for motor control below base speed, with the phase advance of DMIC that is applied above base speed. The power versus speed performance of the DMIC is then simulated across the entire speed range.« less

Generation of spectrally-stable continuous-wave emission and ns pulses at 800 nm and 975 nm with a peak power of 4 W using a distributed Bragg reflector laser and a ridge-waveguide power amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klehr, A.; Wenzel, H.; Fricke, J.; Bugge, F.; Liero, A.; Hoffmann, Th.; Erbert, G.; Tränkle, G.

2015-03-01

Semiconductor based sources which emit high-power spectrally stable nearly diffraction-limited optical pulses in the nanosecond range are ideally suited for a lot of applications, such as free-space communications, metrology, material processing, seed lasers for fiber or solid state lasers, spectroscopy, LIDAR and frequency doubling. Detailed experimental investigations of 975 nm and 800 nm diode lasers based on master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) light sources are presented. The MOPA systems consist of distributed Bragg reflector lasers (DBR) as master oscillators driven by a constant current and ridge waveguide power amplifiers which can be driven DC and by current pulses. In pulse regime the amplifiers modulated with rectangular current pulses of about 5 ns width and a repetition frequency of 200 kHz act as optical gates, converting the continuous wave (CW) input beam emitted by the DBR lasers into a train of short optical pulses which are amplified. With these experimental MOPA arrangements no relaxation oscillations in the pulse power occur. With a seed power of about 5 mW at a wavelength of 973 nm output powers behind the amplifier of about 1 W under DC injection and 4 W under pulsed operation, corresponding to amplification factors of 200 (amplifier gain 23 dB) and 800 (gain 29 dB) respectively, are reached. At 800 nm a CW power of 1 W is obtained for a seed power of 40 mW. The optical spectra of the emission of the amplifiers exhibit a single peak at a constant wavelength with a line width < 10 pm in the whole investigated current ranges. The ratios between laser and ASE levels were > 50 dB. The output beams are nearly diffraction limited with beam propagation ratios M2lat ~ 1.1 and M2ver ~ 1.2 up to 4 W pulse power.

Improved transistorized AC motor controller for battery powered urban electric passenger vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peak, S. C.

1982-01-01

An ac motor controller for an induction motor electric vehicle drive system was designed, fabricated, tested, evaluated, and cost analyzed. A vehicle performance analysis was done to establish the vehicle tractive effort-speed requirements. These requirements were then converted into a set of ac motor and ac controller requirements. The power inverter is a three-phase bridge using power Darlington transistors. The induction motor was optimized for use with an inverter power source. The drive system has a constant torque output to base motor speed and a constant horsepower output to maximum speed. A gear shifting transmission is not required. The ac controller was scaled from the base 20 hp (41 hp peak) at 108 volts dec to an expanded horsepower and battery voltage range. Motor reversal was accomplished by electronic reversal of the inverter phase sequence. The ac controller can also be used as a boost chopper battery charger. The drive system was tested on a dynamometer and results are presented. The current-controlled pulse width modulation control scheme yielded improved motor current waveforms. The ac controller favors a higher system voltage.

Constant Switching Frequency DTC for Matrix Converter Fed Speed Sensorless Induction Motor Drive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mir, Tabish Nazir; Singh, Bhim; Bhat, Abdul Hamid

2018-05-01

The paper presents a constant switching frequency scheme for speed sensorless Direct Torque Control (DTC) of Matrix Converter fed Induction Motor Drive. The use of matrix converter facilitates improved power quality on input as well as motor side, along with Input Power Factor control, besides eliminating the need for heavy passive elements. Moreover, DTC through Space Vector Modulation helps in achieving a fast control over the torque and flux of the motor, with added benefit of constant switching frequency. A constant switching frequency aids in maintaining desired power quality of AC mains current even at low motor speeds, and simplifies input filter design of the matrix converter, as compared to conventional hysteresis based DTC. Further, stator voltage estimation from sensed input voltage, and subsequent stator (and rotor) flux estimation is done. For speed sensorless operation, a Model Reference Adaptive System is used, which emulates the speed dependent rotor flux equations of the induction motor. The error between conventionally estimated rotor flux (reference model) and the rotor flux estimated through the adaptive observer is processed through PI controller to generate the rotor speed estimate.

Modeling AC ripple currents in HTS coated conductors by integral equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grilli, Francesco; Xu, Zhihan

2016-12-01

In several HTS applications, the superconducting tapes experience the simultaneous presence of DC and AC excitations. For example in high-current DC cables, where the transport current is not perfectly constant, but it exhibits some ripples at different frequencies introduced by the rectification process (AC-DC conversion). These ripples give rise to dissipation, whose magnitude and possible influence on the device's cooling requirements need to be evaluated. Here we report a study of the AC losses in a HTS coated conductor subjected to DC currents and AC ripples simultaneously. The modeling approach is based on an integral equation method for thin superconductors: the superconducting tape is modeled as a 1-D object with a non-linear resistivity, which includes the dependence of the critical current density Jc on the magnetic field. The model, implemented in a commercial finite-element program, runs very fast (the simulation of one AC cycle typically takes a few seconds on standard desktop workstation): this allows simulating a large number of cycles and estimating when the AC ripple losses stabilize to a constant value. The model is used to study the influence of the flux creep power index n on the stabilization speed and on the AC loss values, as well as the effect of using a field-dependent Jc instead of a constant one. The simulations confirm that the dissipation level should not be a practical concern in HTS DC cables. At the same time, however, they reveal a strong dependence of the results upon the power index n and the form of Jc , which spurs the question whether the power-law is the most suitable description of the superconductor's electrical behavior for this kind of analysis.

A novel power converter for photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuvarajan, S.; Yu, Dachuan; Xu, Shanguang

A simple and economical power conditioner to convert the power available from solar panels into 60 Hz ac voltage is described. The raw dc voltage from the solar panels is converted to a regulated dc voltage using a boost converter and a large capacitor and the dc output is then converted to 60 Hz ac using a bridge inverter. The ratio between the load current and the short-circuit current of a PV panel at maximum power point is nearly constant for different insolation (light) levels and this property is utilized in designing a simple maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. The controller includes a novel arrangement for sensing the short-circuit current without disturbing the operation of the PV panel and implementing MPPT. The switching losses in the inverter are reduced by using snubbers. The results obtained on an experimental converter are presented.

A simplified controller and detailed dynamics of constant off-time peak current control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van den Bossche, Alex; Dimitrova, Ekaterina; Valchev, Vencislav; Feradov, Firgan

2017-09-01

A fast and reliable current control is often the base of power electronic converters. The traditional constant frequency peak control is unstable above 50 % duty ratio. In contrast, the constant off-time peak current control (COTCC) is unconditionally stable and fast, so it is worth analyzing it. Another feature of the COTCC is that one can combine a current control together with a current protection. The time dynamics show a zero-transient response, even when the inductor changes in a wide range. It can also be modeled as a special transfer function for all frequencies. The article shows also that it can be implemented in a simple analog circuit using a wide temperature range IC, such as the LM2903, which is compatible with PV conversion and automotive temperature range. Experiments are done using a 3 kW step-up converter. A drawback is still that the principle does not easily fit in usual digital controllers up to now.

Novel concept for driving the linear compressor of a micro-miniature split Stirling cryogenic cooler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maron, V.; Veprik, A.; Finkelstein, L.; Vilenchik, H.; Ziv, I.; Pundak, N.

2009-05-01

New methods of carrying out homeland security and antiterrorist operations call for the development of a new generation of mechanically cooled, portable, battery powered infrared imagers, relying on micro-miniature Stirling cryogenic coolers of rotary or linear types. Since split Stirling linearly driven micro-miniature cryogenic coolers have inherently longer life spans, low vibration export and better aural stealth as compared to their rotary driven rivals, they are more suitable for the above applications. The performance of such cryogenic coolers depends strongly on the efficacy of their electronic drivers. In a traditional approach, the PWM power electronics produce the fixed frequency tonal driving voltage/current, the magnitude of which is modulated via a PID control law so as to maintain the desired focal plane array temperature. The disadvantage of such drivers is that they draw high ripple current from the system's power bus. This results in the need for an oversized DC power supply (battery packs) and power electronic components, low efficiency due to excessive conductive losses and high residual electromagnetic interference which in turn degrades the performance of other systems connected to the same power bus. Without either an active line filter or large and heavy passive filtering, other electronics can not be powered from the same power bus, unless they incorporate heavy filtering at their inputs. The authors present the results of a feasibility study towards developing a novel "pumping" driver consuming essentially constant instant battery power/current without making use of an active or passive filter. In the tested setup, the driver relies on a bidirectional controllable bridge, invertible with the driving frequency, and a fast regulated DC/DC converter which maintains a constant level of current consumed from the DC power supply and thus operates in input current control mode. From the experimental results, the steady-state power consumed by the linear compressor remains the same as compared with the traditional sine wave driver, the voltage and current drawn from the battery pack is essentially free of low frequency ripple (this without use of any kind of filtering) and the overall coefficient of performance of the driver is in excess of 94% over the entire working range of supply voltages. Such a driver free of sine forming PWM stage and have reduced power peaks in all power conversion components.

Electro-Thermal Transient Simulation of Silicon Carbide Power Mosfet

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

ionization rate than electron in silicon carbide , the breakdown voltage almost remains constant even at elevated temperatures . This is due to the positive... temperature coefficient of holes in case of silicon carbide as discussed in [7, 8]. The higher ambient temperature influences the leakage current...in the RLC ring down circuit . E. Power Dissipation and Lattice Temperature The power dissipation for any switching device is dependent on the

Analysis of a dc bus system with a nonlinear constant power load and its delayed feedback control.

PubMed

Konishi, Keiji; Sugitani, Yoshiki; Hara, Naoyuki

2014-02-01

This paper tackles a destabilizing problem of a direct-current (dc) bus system with constant power loads, which can be considered a fundamental problem of dc power grid networks. The present paper clarifies scenarios of the destabilization and applies the well-known delayed-feedback control to the stabilization of the destabilized bus system on the basis of nonlinear science. Further, we propose a systematic procedure for designing the delayed feedback controller. This controller can converge the bus voltage exactly on an unstable operating point without accurate information and can track it using tiny control energy even when a system parameter, such as the power consumption of the load, is slowly varied. These features demonstrate that delayed feedback control can be considered a strong candidate for solving the destabilizing problem.

Characterization of the electrical output of flat-plate photovoltaic arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gonzalez, C. C.; Hill, G. M.; Ross, R. G., Jr.

1982-01-01

The electric output of flat-plate photovoltaic arrays changes constantly, due primarily to changes in cell temperature and irradiance level. As a result, array loads such as direct-current to alternating-current power conditioners must be able to accommodate widely varying input levels, while maintaining operation at or near the array maximum power point.The results of an extensive computer simulation study that was used to define the parameters necessary for the systematic design of array/power-conditioner interfaces are presented as normalized ratios of power-conditioner parameters to array parameters, to make the results universally applicable to a wide variety of system sizes, sites, and operating modes. The advantages of maximum power tracking and a technique for computing average annual power-conditioner efficiency are discussed.

33 CFR 164.35 - Equipment: All vessels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... to alter course 90 degrees with maximum rudder angle and constant power settings, for either full and...: (i) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea; (ii) No current; (iii) Deep water conditions—water...: (1) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea; (2) No current; (3) Water depth twice the vessel's...

33 CFR 164.35 - Equipment: All vessels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... to alter course 90 degrees with maximum rudder angle and constant power settings, for either full and...: (i) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea; (ii) No current; (iii) Deep water conditions—water...: (1) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea; (2) No current; (3) Water depth twice the vessel's...

Submicrosecond Power-Switching Test Circuit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Folk, Eric N.

2006-01-01

A circuit that changes an electrical load in a switching time shorter than 0.3 microsecond has been devised. This circuit can be used in testing the regulation characteristics of power-supply circuits . especially switching power-converter circuits that are supposed to be able to provide acceptably high degrees of regulation in response to rapid load transients. The combination of this power-switching circuit and a known passive constant load could be an attractive alternative to a typical commercially available load-bank circuit that can be made to operate in nominal constant-voltage, constant-current, and constant-resistance modes. The switching provided by a typical commercial load-bank circuit in the constant-resistance mode is not fast enough for testing of regulation in response to load transients. Moreover, some test engineers do not trust the test results obtained when using commercial load-bank circuits because the dynamic responses of those circuits are, variously, partly unknown and/or excessively complex. In contrast, the combination of this circuit and a passive constant load offers both rapid switching and known (or at least better known) load dynamics. The power-switching circuit (see figure) includes a signal-input section, a wide-hysteresis Schmitt trigger that prevents false triggering in the event of switch-contact bounce, a dual-bipolar-transistor power stage that drives the gate of a metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), and the MOSFET, which is the output device that performs the switching of the load. The MOSFET in the specific version of the circuit shown in the figure is rated to stand off a potential of 100 V in the "off" state and to pass a current of 20 A in the "on" state. The switching time of this circuit (the characteristic time of rise or fall of the potential at the drain of the MOSFET) is .300 ns. The circuit can accept any of three control inputs . which one depending on the test that one seeks to perform: a repetitive waveform from a signal generator, momentary closure of a push-button switch, or closure or opening of a manually operated on/off switch. In the case of a signal generator, one can adjust the frequency and duty cycle as needed to obtain the desired AC power-supply response, which one could display on an oscilloscope. Momentary switch closure could be useful for obtaining (and, if desired, displaying on an oscilloscope set to trigger on an event) the response of a power supply to a single load transient. The on/off switch can be used to switch between load states in which static-load regulation measurements are performed.

Study on residual discharge time of lead-acid battery based on fitting method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bing; Yu, Wangwang; Jin, Yueqiang; Wang, Shuying

2017-05-01

This paper use the method of fitting to discuss the data of C problem of mathematical modeling in 2016, the residual discharge time model of lead-acid battery with 20A,30A,…,100A constant current discharge is obtained, and the discharge time model of discharge under arbitrary constant current is presented. The mean relative error of the model is calculated to be about 3%, which shows that the model has high accuracy. This model can provide a basis for optimizing the adaptation of power system to the electrical motor vehicle.

Design and Implement of Low Ripple and Quasi-digital Power Supply

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiangli, Li; Yanjun, Wei; Hanhong, Qi; Yan, Ma

A switch linearity hybrid power supply based on single chip microcomputer is designed which merged the merits of the switching and linear power supply. Main circuit includes pre-regulator which works in switching mode and series regulator which works in linear mode. Two-stage regulation mode was adopted in the main circuit of the power. A single chip computer (SCM) and high resolution of series D/A and A/D converters are applied to control and measurement which achieved continuous adjustable and low ripple constant current or voltage power supply

Reliability Assessment of Critical Electronic Components

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-07-01

Failures FLHP - Full Horse Power FSN - Federal Stock Number I Current IC - Integrated Circuit IPB - Illustrated Parts Breakdown K - Boltzmans Constant L...Classified P - Power PC - Printed Circuit PCB - Printed Circuit Board PGA - Pin Grid Array PPM - Parts Per Million PWB - Printed Wiring Board 0...4-59 4.4.3.2.3 Circuit Brcakers ......................................................... 4-59 4.4.3.2.4 Thermal

Systematic harmonic power laws inter-relating multiple fundamental constants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakeres, Donald; Buckhanan, Wayne; Andrianarijaona, Vola

2017-01-01

Power laws and harmonic systems are ubiquitous in physics. We hypothesize that 2, π, the electron, Bohr radius, Rydberg constant, neutron, fine structure constant, Higgs boson, top quark, kaons, pions, muon, Tau, W, and Z when scaled in a common single unit are all inter-related by systematic harmonic powers laws. This implies that if the power law is known it is possible to derive a fundamental constant's scale in the absence of any direct experimental data of that constant. This is true for the case of the hydrogen constants. We created a power law search engine computer program that randomly generated possible positive or negative powers searching when the product of logical groups of constants equals 1, confirming they are physically valid. For 2, π, and the hydrogen constants the search engine found Planck's constant, Coulomb's energy law, and the kinetic energy law. The product of ratios defined by two constants each was the standard general format. The search engine found systematic resonant power laws based on partial harmonic fraction powers of the neutron for all of the constants with products near 1, within their known experimental precision, when utilized with appropriate hydrogen constants. We conclude that multiple fundamental constants are inter-related within a harmonic power law system.

Reevaluation of Performance of Electric Double-layer Capacitors from Constant-current Charge/Discharge and Cyclic Voltammetry

PubMed Central

Allagui, Anis; Freeborn, Todd J.; Elwakil, Ahmed S.; Maundy, Brent J.

2016-01-01

The electric characteristics of electric-double layer capacitors (EDLCs) are determined by their capacitance which is usually measured in the time domain from constant-current charging/discharging and cyclic voltammetry tests, and from the frequency domain using nonlinear least-squares fitting of spectral impedance. The time-voltage and current-voltage profiles from the first two techniques are commonly treated by assuming ideal SsC behavior in spite of the nonlinear response of the device, which in turn provides inaccurate values for its characteristic metrics. In this paper we revisit the calculation of capacitance, power and energy of EDLCs from the time domain constant-current step response and linear voltage waveform, under the assumption that the device behaves as an equivalent fractional-order circuit consisting of a resistance Rs in series with a constant phase element (CPE(Q, α), with Q being a pseudocapacitance and α a dispersion coefficient). In particular, we show with the derived (Rs, Q, α)-based expressions, that the corresponding nonlinear effects in voltage-time and current-voltage can be encompassed through nonlinear terms function of the coefficient α, which is not possible with the classical RsC model. We validate our formulae with the experimental measurements of different EDLCs. PMID:27934904

Reevaluation of Performance of Electric Double-layer Capacitors from Constant-current Charge/Discharge and Cyclic Voltammetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allagui, Anis; Freeborn, Todd J.; Elwakil, Ahmed S.; Maundy, Brent J.

2016-12-01

The electric characteristics of electric-double layer capacitors (EDLCs) are determined by their capacitance which is usually measured in the time domain from constant-current charging/discharging and cyclic voltammetry tests, and from the frequency domain using nonlinear least-squares fitting of spectral impedance. The time-voltage and current-voltage profiles from the first two techniques are commonly treated by assuming ideal SsC behavior in spite of the nonlinear response of the device, which in turn provides inaccurate values for its characteristic metrics. In this paper we revisit the calculation of capacitance, power and energy of EDLCs from the time domain constant-current step response and linear voltage waveform, under the assumption that the device behaves as an equivalent fractional-order circuit consisting of a resistance Rs in series with a constant phase element (CPE(Q, α), with Q being a pseudocapacitance and α a dispersion coefficient). In particular, we show with the derived (Rs, Q, α)-based expressions, that the corresponding nonlinear effects in voltage-time and current-voltage can be encompassed through nonlinear terms function of the coefficient α, which is not possible with the classical RsC model. We validate our formulae with the experimental measurements of different EDLCs.

Reevaluation of Performance of Electric Double-layer Capacitors from Constant-current Charge/Discharge and Cyclic Voltammetry.

PubMed

Allagui, Anis; Freeborn, Todd J; Elwakil, Ahmed S; Maundy, Brent J

2016-12-09

The electric characteristics of electric-double layer capacitors (EDLCs) are determined by their capacitance which is usually measured in the time domain from constant-current charging/discharging and cyclic voltammetry tests, and from the frequency domain using nonlinear least-squares fitting of spectral impedance. The time-voltage and current-voltage profiles from the first two techniques are commonly treated by assuming ideal R s C behavior in spite of the nonlinear response of the device, which in turn provides inaccurate values for its characteristic metrics [corrected]. In this paper we revisit the calculation of capacitance, power and energy of EDLCs from the time domain constant-current step response and linear voltage waveform, under the assumption that the device behaves as an equivalent fractional-order circuit consisting of a resistance R s in series with a constant phase element (CPE(Q, α), with Q being a pseudocapacitance and α a dispersion coefficient). In particular, we show with the derived (R s , Q, α)-based expressions, that the corresponding nonlinear effects in voltage-time and current-voltage can be encompassed through nonlinear terms function of the coefficient α, which is not possible with the classical R s C model. We validate our formulae with the experimental measurements of different EDLCs.

Photovoltaic array: Power conditioner interface characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gonzalez, C. C.; Hill, G. M.; Ross, R. G., Jr.

1982-01-01

The electrical output (power, current, and voltage) of flat plate solar arrays changes constantly, due primarily to changes in cell temperature and irradiance level. As a result, array loads such as dc-to-ac power conditioners must be capable of accommodating widely varying input levels while maintaining operation at or near the maximum power point of the array. The array operating characteristics and extreme output limits necessary for the systematic design of array load interfaces under a wide variety of climatic conditions are studied. A number of interface parameters are examined, including optimum operating voltage, voltage energy, maximum power and current limits, and maximum open circuit voltage. The effect of array degradation and I-V curve fill factor or the array power conditioner interface is also discussed. Results are presented as normalized ratios of power conditioner parameters to array parameters, making the results universally applicable to a wide variety of system sizes, sites, and operating modes.

Optimal current waveforms for brushless permanent magnet motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moehle, Nicholas; Boyd, Stephen

2015-07-01

In this paper, we give energy-optimal current waveforms for a permanent magnet synchronous motor that result in a desired average torque. Our formulation generalises previous work by including a general back-electromotive force (EMF) wave shape, voltage and current limits, an arbitrary phase winding connection, a simple eddy current loss model, and a trade-off between power loss and torque ripple. Determining the optimal current waveforms requires solving a small convex optimisation problem. We show how to use the alternating direction method of multipliers to find the optimal current in milliseconds or hundreds of microseconds, depending on the processor used, which allows the possibility of generating optimal waveforms in real time. This allows us to adapt in real time to changes in the operating requirements or in the model, such as a change in resistance with winding temperature, or even gross changes like the failure of one winding. Suboptimal waveforms are available in tens or hundreds of microseconds, allowing for quick response after abrupt changes in the desired torque. We demonstrate our approach on a simple numerical example, in which we give the optimal waveforms for a motor with a sinusoidal back-EMF, and for a motor with a more complicated, nonsinusoidal waveform, in both the constant-torque region and constant-power region.

Fundamental quantum noise mapping with tunnelling microscopes tested at surface structures of subatomic lateral size.

PubMed

Herz, Markus; Bouvron, Samuel; Ćavar, Elizabeta; Fonin, Mikhail; Belzig, Wolfgang; Scheer, Elke

2013-10-21

We present a measurement scheme that enables quantitative detection of the shot noise in a scanning tunnelling microscope while scanning the sample. As test objects we study defect structures produced on an iridium single crystal at low temperatures. The defect structures appear in the constant current images as protrusions with curvature radii well below the atomic diameter. The measured power spectral density of the noise is very near to the quantum limit with Fano factor F = 1. While the constant current images show detailed structures expected for tunnelling involving d-atomic orbitals of Ir, we find the current noise to be without pronounced spatial variation as expected for shot noise arising from statistically independent events.

Interaction of high voltage surfaces with the space plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, H. R.; Robinson, R. S.

1980-01-01

High voltage solar arrays provide spacecraft power while optimizing mass and power efficiency. Operating such arrays in the space plasma environment can result in anomalously large currents being collected through insulation defects. Two thicknesses of the insulating material were tested, with no effect found due to insulator thickness. In these tests the polyimide thickness was always much less than the pinhole diameter. The pinhole area was varied over an area range of more than 30:1. It was found that the current collected was independent of the pinhole area for hole diameters from 0.35 to 2.0 mm. Two types of adhesives were tried in two different configurations. The adhesives were chosen for their extreme difference in vacuum qualifications. Neither adhesive types nor configuration made a significant difference in current collection. The temperature of the insulating material was also varied. It was found that current collection decreased with increasing temperature. Tests were conducted to see if pinhole current collection decreased with time, as was indicated by the effects of several short tests. Current was collected for over four hours while the conductor potential was held constant at 1000 volts. A smooth decrease with time was not observed, but rather a roughly constant current collection with brief surges to high values. Tests were also conducted with the simulated solar cell biased negative. The current was found to be proportional to pinhole area.

Using Passive Two-Port Networks to Study the Forced Vibrations of Piezoceramic Transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karlash, V. L.

2017-09-01

A generalization and subsequent development of experimental techniques, including methods of studying the phase-frequency relations between the measured components of admittance and instantaneous power are considered. The conditions of electric loading where electric currents, voltages, or instantaneous powers of constant amplitude in the piezoresonators are specified are numerically modeled. It is particularly established that the advanced Mason circuit with additional switch allows acquiring much more data on the forced vibrations of piezoceramic transducers than the classical circuit. The measured (at an arbitrary frequency) voltage drop across the piezoelement, its pull-up resistor, and at the input of the measuring circuit allow determining, with high accuracy, the current, conductivity, impedance, instantaneous power, and phase shifts when the amplitudes of electric current and voltage are given.

Load insensitive electrical device. [power converters for supplying direct current at one voltage from a source at another voltage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwarz, F. C. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

A class of power converters is described for supplying direct current at one voltage from a source at another voltage. It includes a simple passive circuit arrangement of solid-state switches, inductors, and capacitors by which the output voltage of the converter tends to remain constant in spite of changes in load. The switches are sensitive to the current flowing in the circuit and are employed to permit the charging of capacitance devices in accordance with the load requirements. Because solid-state switches (such as SCR's) may be used with relatively high voltage and because of the inherent efficiency of the invention that permits relatively high switching frequencies, power supplies built in accordance with the invention, together with their associated cabling, can be substantially lighter in weight for a given output power level and efficiency of operation than systems of the prior art.

Sensitivity of resonant tunneling diode photodetectors.

PubMed

Pfenning, Andreas; Hartmann, Fabian; Langer, Fabian; Kamp, Martin; Höfling, Sven; Worschech, Lukas

2016-09-02

We have studied the sensitivity of AlGaAs/GaAs double barrier resonant tunneling diode photodetectors with an integrated GaInNAs absorption layer for light sensing at the telecommunication wavelength of λ = 1.3 μm for illumination powers from pico- to microwatts. The sensitivity decreases nonlinearly with power. An illumination power increase of seven orders of magnitude leads to a reduction of the photocurrent sensitivity from S I  = 5.82 × 10(3) A W(-1) to 3.2 A W(-1). We attribute the nonlinear sensitivity-power dependence to an altered local electrostatic potential due to hole-accumulation that on the one hand tunes the tunneling current, but on the other hand affects the lifetime of photogenerated holes. In particular, the lifetime decreases exponentially with increasing hole population. The lifetime reduction results from an enhanced electrical field, a rise of the quasi-Fermi level, and an increased energy splitting within the triangular potential well. The non-constant sensitivity is a direct result of the non-constant lifetime. Based on these findings, we provide an expression that allows us to calculate the sensitivity as a function of illumination power and bias voltage, show a way to model the time-resolved photocurrent, and determine the critical power up to which the resonant tunneling diode photodetector sensitivity can be assumed constant.

The Modification of HOMER Software Application to Provide the United States Marine Corps with an Energy Planning Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

circuit used to discharge LiFePO4 batteries. .................84  Figure 33.  The PSPICE model of our constant current circuit...Ion Battery LiFePO4 Lithium Iron Phosphate xviii MEP Mobile Electric Power MP Maximum Power MPPT Maximum Power Point Tracker NASA National...GREENS). GREENS has eight large 200-W solar panels, four Lithium Iron Phosphate ( LiFePO4 ) batteries, and an integrated controller. GREENS is not

Voltage and Current Clamp Transients with Membrane Dielectric Loss

PubMed Central

Fitzhugh, R.; Cole, K. S.

1973-01-01

Transient responses of a space-clamped squid axon membrane to step changes of voltage or current are often approximated by exponential functions of time, corresponding to a series resistance and a membrane capacity of 1.0 μF/cm2. Curtis and Cole (1938, J. Gen. Physiol. 21:757) found, however, that the membrane had a constant phase angle impedance z = z1(jωτ)-α, with a mean α = 0.85. (α = 1.0 for an ideal capacitor; α < 1.0 may represent dielectric loss.) This result is supported by more recently published experimental data. For comparison with experiments, we have computed functions expressing voltage and current transients with constant phase angle capacitance, a parallel leakage conductance, and a series resistance, at nine values of α from 0.5 to 1.0. A series in powers of tα provided a good approximation for short times; one in powers of t-α, for long times; for intermediate times, a rational approximation matching both series for a finite number of terms was used. These computations may help in determining experimental series resistances and parallel leakage conductances from membrane voltage or current clamp data. PMID:4754194

Design of transient light signal simulator based on FPGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Jing; Chen, Rong-li; Wang, Hong

2014-11-01

A design scheme of transient light signal simulator based on Field Programmable gate Array (FPGA) was proposed in this paper. Based on the characteristics of transient light signals and measured feature points of optical intensity signals, a fitted curve was created in MATLAB. And then the wave data was stored in a programmed memory chip AT29C1024 by using SUPERPRO programmer. The control logic was realized inside one EP3C16 FPGA chip. Data readout, data stream cache and a constant current buck regulator for powering high-brightness LEDs were all controlled by FPGA. A 12-Bit multiplying CMOS digital-to-analog converter (DAC) DAC7545 and an amplifier OPA277 were used to convert digital signals to voltage signals. A voltage-controlled current source constituted by a NPN transistor and an operational amplifier controlled LED array diming to achieve simulation of transient light signal. LM3405A, 1A Constant Current Buck Regulator for Powering LEDs, was used to simulate strong background signal in space. Experimental results showed that the scheme as a transient light signal simulator can satisfy the requests of the design stably.

Evaluation of linear induction motor characteristics : the Yamamura model

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-04-30

The Yamamura theory of the double-sided linear induction motor (LIM) excited by a constant current source is discussed in some detail. The report begins with a derivation of thrust and airgap power using the method of vector potentials and theorem of...

ARC and Melting Efficiency of Plasma ARC Welds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McClure, J. C.; Nunes, A. C.; Evans, D. M.

1999-01-01

A series of partial penetration Variable Polarity Plasma Arc welds were made at equal power but various combinations of current and voltage on 2219 Aluminum. Arc efficiency was measured calorimetrically and ranged between 48% and 66% for the conditions of the welds. Arc efficiency depends in different ways on voltage and current. The voltage effect dominates. Raising voltage while reducing current increases arc efficiency. Longer, higher voltage arcs are thought to transfer a greater portion of arc power to the workpiece through shield gas convection. Melting efficiency depends upon weld pool shape as well as arc efficiency. Increased current increases the melting efficiency as it increases the depth to width ratio of the weld pool. Increased plasma gas flow does the same thing. Higher currents are thought to raise arc pressure and depress liquid at the bottom of the weld pool. More arc power then transfers to the workpiece through increasing plasma gas convection. If the power is held constant, the reduced voltage lowers the arc efficiency, while the pool shape change increases the melting efficiency,

An area and power-efficient analog li-ion battery charger circuit.

PubMed

Do Valle, Bruno; Wentz, Christian T; Sarpeshkar, Rahul

2011-04-01

The demand for greater battery life in low-power consumer electronics and implantable medical devices presents a need for improved energy efficiency in the management of small rechargeable cells. This paper describes an ultra-compact analog lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery charger with high energy efficiency. The charger presented here utilizes the tanh basis function of a subthreshold operational transconductance amplifier to smoothly transition between constant-current and constant-voltage charging regimes without the need for additional area- and power-consuming control circuitry. Current-domain circuitry for end-of-charge detection negates the need for precision-sense resistors in either the charging path or control loop. We show theoretically and experimentally that the low-frequency pole-zero nature of most battery impedances leads to inherent stability of the analog control loop. The circuit was fabricated in an AMI 0.5-μm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor process, and achieves 89.7% average power efficiency and an end voltage accuracy of 99.9% relative to the desired target 4.2 V, while consuming 0.16 mm(2) of chip area. To date and to the best of our knowledge, this design represents the most area-efficient and most energy-efficient battery charger circuit reported in the literature.

Novel Superdielectric Materials: Aqueous Salt Solution Saturated Fabric

PubMed Central

Phillips, Jonathan

2016-01-01

The dielectric constants of nylon fabrics saturated with aqueous NaCl solutions, Fabric-Superdielectric Materials (F-SDM), were measured to be >105 even at the shortest discharge times (>0.001 s) for which reliable data could be obtained using the constant current method, thus demonstrating the existence of a third class of SDM. Hence, the present results support the general theoretical SDM hypothesis, which is also supported by earlier experimental work with powder and anodized foil matrices: Any material composed of liquid containing dissolved, mobile ions, confined in an electrically insulating matrix, will have a very high dielectric constant. Five capacitors, each composed of a different number of layers of salt solution saturated nylon fabric, were studied, using a galvanostat operated in constant current mode. Capacitance, dielectric constant, energy density and power density as a function of discharge time, for discharge times from ~100 s to nearly 0.001 s were recorded. The roll-off rate of the first three parameters was found to be nearly identical for all five capacitors tested. The power density increased in all cases with decreasing discharge time, but again the observed frequency response was nearly identical for all five capacitors. Operational limitations found for F-SDM are the same as those for other aqueous solution SDM, particularly a low maximum operating voltage (~2.3 V), and dielectric “constants” that are a function of voltage, decreasing for voltages higher than ~0.8 V. Extrapolations of the present data set suggest F-SDM could be the key to inexpensive, high energy density (>75 J/cm3) capacitors. PMID:28774037

Methods for determining optical power, for power-normalizing laser measurements, and for stabilizing power of lasers via compliance voltage sensing

DOEpatents

Taubman, Matthew S; Phillips, Mark C

2015-04-07

A method is disclosed for power normalization of spectroscopic signatures obtained from laser based chemical sensors that employs the compliance voltage across a quantum cascade laser device within an external cavity laser. The method obviates the need for a dedicated optical detector used specifically for power normalization purposes. A method is also disclosed that employs the compliance voltage developed across the laser device within an external cavity semiconductor laser to power-stabilize the laser mode of the semiconductor laser by adjusting drive current to the laser such that the output optical power from the external cavity semiconductor laser remains constant.

Performance characteristics of an electric vehicle lead-acid battery pack at elevated temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, P.

1982-01-01

Discharge testing data electric car battery pack over initial electrolyte temperature variations between 27 and 55 C are presented. The tests were conducted under laboratory conditions and then compared to detailed electric vehicle simulation models. Battery discharge capacity increased with temperature for constant current discharges, and battery energy capacity increased with temperature for constant power discharges. Dynamometer tests of the electric test vehicle showed an increase in range of 25% for the higher electrolyte temperature.

Bifurcation Analysis of a DC-DC Bidirectional Power Converter Operating with Constant Power Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cristiano, Rony; Pagano, Daniel J.; Benadero, Luis; Ponce, Enrique

Direct current (DC) microgrids (MGs) are an emergent option to satisfy new demands for power quality and integration of renewable resources in electrical distribution systems. This work addresses the large-signal stability analysis of a DC-DC bidirectional converter (DBC) connected to a storage device in an islanding MG. This converter is responsible for controlling the balance of power (load demand and generation) under constant power loads (CPLs). In order to control the DC bus voltage through a DBC, we propose a robust sliding mode control (SMC) based on a washout filter. Dynamical systems techniques are exploited to assess the quality of this switching control strategy. In this sense, a bifurcation analysis is performed to study the nonlinear stability of a reduced model of this system. The appearance of different bifurcations when load parameters and control gains are changed is studied in detail. In the specific case of Teixeira Singularity (TS) bifurcation, some experimental results are provided, confirming the mathematical predictions. Both a deeper insight in the dynamic behavior of the controlled system and valuable design criteria are obtained.

A Parylene MEMS Electrothermal Valve

PubMed Central

Li, Po-Ying; Givrad, Tina K.; Holschneider, Daniel P.; Maarek, Jean-Michel I.; Meng, Ellis

2011-01-01

The first microelectromechanical-system normally closed electrothermal valve constructed using Parylene C is described, which enables both low power (in milliwatts) and rapid operation (in milliseconds). This low-power valve is well suited for applications in wirelessly controlled implantable drug-delivery systems. The simple design was analyzed using both theory and modeling and then characterized in benchtop experiments. Operation in air (constant current) and water (current ramping) was demonstrated. Valve-opening powers of 22 mW in air and 33 mW in water were obtained. Following integration of the valve with catheters, our valve was applied in a wirelessly operated microbolus infusion pump, and the in vivo functionality for the appropriateness of use of this pump for future brain mapping applications in small animals was demonstrated. PMID:21350679

Power supply conditioning circuit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Primas, L. E.; Loveland, R.

1987-01-01

A power supply conditioning circuit that can reduce Periodic and Random Deviations (PARD) on the output voltages of dc power supplies to -150 dBV from dc to several KHz with no measurable periodic deviations is described. The PARD for a typical commercial low noise power supply is -74 dBV for frequencies above 20 Hz and is often much worse at frequencies below 20 Hz. The power supply conditioning circuit described here relies on the large differences in the dynamic impedances of a constant current diode and a zener diode to establish a dc voltage with low PARD. Power supplies with low PARD are especially important in circuitry involving ultrastable frequencies for the Deep Space Network.

Computer-Aided Modeling and Analysis of Power Processing Systems (CAMAPPS). Phase 1: Users handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, S.; Lee, J.; Cho, B. H.; Lee, F. C.

1986-01-01

The EASY5 macro component models developed for the spacecraft power system simulation are described. A brief explanation about how to use the macro components with the EASY5 Standard Components to build a specific system is given through an example. The macro components are ordered according to the following functional group: converter power stage models, compensator models, current-feedback models, constant frequency control models, load models, solar array models, and shunt regulator models. Major equations, a circuit model, and a program listing are provided for each macro component.

A maximum power point tracking algorithm for photovoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelatury, Sudarshan R.; Gray, Robert

2013-05-01

The voltage and current characteristic of a photovoltaic (PV) cell is highly nonlinear and operating a PV cell for maximum power transfer has been a challenge for a long time. Several techniques have been proposed to estimate and track the maximum power point (MPP) in order to improve the overall efficiency of a PV panel. A strategic use of the mean value theorem permits obtaining an analytical expression for a point that lies in a close neighborhood of the true MPP. But hitherto, an exact solution in closed form for the MPP is not published. This problem can be formulated analytically as a constrained optimization, which can be solved using the Lagrange method. This method results in a system of simultaneous nonlinear equations. Solving them directly is quite difficult. However, we can employ a recursive algorithm to yield a reasonably good solution. In graphical terms, suppose the voltage current characteristic and the constant power contours are plotted on the same voltage current plane, the point of tangency between the device characteristic and the constant power contours is the sought for MPP. It is subject to change with the incident irradiation and temperature and hence the algorithm that attempts to maintain the MPP should be adaptive in nature and is supposed to have fast convergence and the least misadjustment. There are two parts in its implementation. First, one needs to estimate the MPP. The second task is to have a DC-DC converter to match the given load to the MPP thus obtained. Availability of power electronics circuits made it possible to design efficient converters. In this paper although we do not show the results from a real circuit, we use MATLAB to obtain the MPP and a buck-boost converter to match the load. Under varying conditions of load resistance and irradiance we demonstrate MPP tracking in case of a commercially available solar panel MSX-60. The power electronics circuit is simulated by PSIM software.

Implementation of Four-Phase Interleaved Balance Charger for Series-Connected Batteries with Power Factor Correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juan, Y. L.; Lee, Y. T.; Lee, Y. L.; Chen, L. L.; Huang, M. L.

2017-11-01

A four-phase interleaved balance charger for series-connected batteries with power factor correction is proposed in this dissertation. In the two phases of two buckboost converters, the rectified ac power is firstly converted to a dc link capacitor. In the other two phases of two flyback converters, the rectified ac power is directly converted to charge the corresponding batteries. Additionally, the energy on the leakage inductance of flyback converter is bypassed to the dc link capacitor. Then, a dual-output balance charging circuit is connected to the dc link to deliver the dc link power to charge two batteries in the series-connected batteries module. The constant-current/constant-voltage charging strategy is adopted. Finally, a prototype of the proposed charger with rated power 500 W is constructed. From the experimental results, the performance and validity of the proposed topology are verified. Compared to the conventional topology with passive RCD snubber, the efficiency of the proposed topology is improved about 3% and the voltage spike on the active switch is also reduced. The efficiency of the proposed charger is at least 83.6 % within the CC/CV charging progress.

Module Eleven: Capacitance; Basic Electricity and Electronics Individualized Learning System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC.

In this module the student will learn about another circuit quantity, capacitance, and discover the effects of this component on circuit current, voltage, and power. The module is divided into seven lessons: the capacitor, theory of capacitance, total capacitance, RC (resistive-capacitive circuit) time constant, capacitive reactance, phase and…

Continuous-waveform constant-current isolated physiological stimulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holcomb, Mark R.; Devine, Jack M.; Harder, Rene; Sidorov, Veniamin Y.

2012-04-01

We have developed an isolated continuous-waveform constant-current physiological stimulator that is powered and controlled by universal serial bus (USB) interface. The stimulator is composed of a custom printed circuit board (PCB), 16-MHz MSP430F2618 microcontroller with two integrated 12-bit digital to analog converters (DAC0, DAC1), high-speed H-Bridge, voltage-controlled current source (VCCS), isolated USB communication and power circuitry, two isolated transistor-transistor logic (TTL) inputs, and a serial 16 × 2 character liquid crystal display. The stimulators are designed to produce current stimuli in the range of ±15 mA indefinitely using a 20V source and to be used in ex vivo cardiac experiments, but they are suitable for use in a wide variety of research or student experiments that require precision control of continuous waveforms or synchronization with external events. The device was designed with customization in mind and has features that allow it to be integrated into current and future experimental setups. Dual TTL inputs allow replacement by two or more traditional stimulators in common experimental configurations. The MSP430 software is written in C++ and compiled with IAR Embedded Workbench 5.20.2. A control program written in C++ runs on a Windows personal computer and has a graphical user interface that allows the user to control all aspects of the device.

Analysis of non-destructive current simulators of flux compression generators.

PubMed

O'Connor, K A; Curry, R D

2014-06-01

Development and evaluation of power conditioning systems and high power microwave components often used with flux compression generators (FCGs) requires repeated testing and characterization. In an effort to minimize the cost and time required for testing with explosive generators, non-destructive simulators of an FCG's output current have been developed. Flux compression generators and simulators of FCGs are unique pulsed power sources in that the current waveform exhibits a quasi-exponential increasing rate at which the current rises. Accurately reproducing the quasi-exponential current waveform of a FCG can be important in designing electroexplosive opening switches and other power conditioning components that are dependent on the integral of current action and the rate of energy dissipation. Three versions of FCG simulators have been developed that include an inductive network with decreasing impedance in time. A primary difference between these simulators is the voltage source driving them. It is shown that a capacitor-inductor-capacitor network driving a constant or decreasing inductive load can produce the desired high-order derivatives of the load current to replicate a quasi-exponential waveform. The operation of the FCG simulators is reviewed and described mathematically for the first time to aid in the design of new simulators. Experimental and calculated results of two recent simulators are reported with recommendations for future designs.

A control strategy for grid-side converter of DFIG under unbalanced condition based on Dig SILENT/Power Factory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Pingping; Zhang, Haitian; Chen, Lingqi; Zhang, Xiaoan

2018-01-01

The models of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) and its grid-side converter (GSC) are established under unbalanced grid condition based on DIgSILENT/PowerFactory. According to the mathematical model, the vector equations of positive and negative sequence voltage and current are deduced in the positive sequence synchronous rotating reference frame d-q-0 when the characteristics of the simulation software are considered adequately. Moreover, the reference value of current component of GSC in the positive sequence frame d-q-0 under unbalanced condition can be obtained to improve the traditional control of GSC when the national issue of unbalanced current limits is combined. The simulated results indicate that the control strategy can restrain negative sequence current and the two times frequency power wave of GSC’s ac side effectively. The voltage of DC bus can be maintained a constant to ensure the uninterrupted operation of DFIG under unbalanced grid condition eventually.

Transcranial direct current stimulation and power spectral parameters: a tDCS/EEG co-registration study

PubMed Central

Mangia, Anna L.; Pirini, Marco; Cappello, Angelo

2014-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) delivers low electric currents to the brain through the scalp. Constant electric currents induce shifts in neuronal membrane excitability, resulting in secondary changes in cortical activity. Concomitant electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring during tDCS can provide valuable information on the tDCS mechanisms of action. This study examined the effects of anodal tDCS on spontaneous cortical activity in a resting brain to disclose possible modulation of spontaneous oscillatory brain activity. EEG activity was measured in ten healthy subjects during and after a session of anodal stimulation of the postero-parietal cortex to detect the tDCS-induced alterations. Changes in the theta, alpha, beta, and gamma power bands were investigated. Three main findings emerged: (1) an increase in theta band activity during the first minutes of stimulation; (2) an increase in alpha and beta power during and after stimulation; (3) a widespread activation in several brain regions. PMID:25147519

An Adaptive, Multi-Rate Linear Quadratic Regulator for a Shipboard MVDC Distribution System with Constant Power Loads

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

12. xii THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK xiii LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AC alternating current ATG auxiliary turbine generator...invariant MTG main turbine generator MVDC medium voltage DC NAVSEA U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command PGM power generation module RC resistor-capacitor RL...arrangement because the gas turbines used for prime movers are more efficient when they are fully loaded. By amalgamating loads onto fewer machines

Development of a tester for evaluation of prototype thermal cells and batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guidotti, R.A.

1994-10-01

A tester was developed to evaluate prototype thermal cells and batteries--especially high-voltage units--under a wide range of constant-current and constant-resistance discharge conditions. Programming of the steady-state and pulsing conditions was by software control or by hardware control via an external pulse generator. The tester was assembled from primarily Hewlett-Packard (H-P) instrumentation and was operated under H-P`s Rocky Mountain Basic (RMB). Constant-current electronic loads rated up to 4 kW (400 V at up to 100 A) were successfully used with the setup. For testing under constant-resistance conditions, power metal-oxide field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) controlled by a programmable pulse generator were used tomore » switch between steady-state and pulse loads. The pulses were digitized at up to a 50 kHz rate (20 {mu} s/pt) using high-speed DVMs; steady-state voltages were monitored with standard DVMs. This paper describes several of the test configurations used and discusses the limitations of each. Representative data are presented for a number of the test conditions.« less

Design of single-winding energy-storage reactors for dc-to-dc converters using air-gapped magnetic-core structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohri, A. K.; Wilson, T. G.; Owen, H. A., Jr.

1977-01-01

A procedure is presented for designing air-gapped energy-storage reactors for nine different dc-to-dc converters resulting from combinations of three single-winding power stages for voltage stepup, current stepup and voltage stepup/current stepup and three controllers with control laws that impose constant-frequency, constant transistor on-time and constant transistor off-time operation. The analysis, based on the energy-transfer requirement of the reactor, leads to a simple relationship for the required minimum volume of the air gap. Determination of this minimum air gap volume then permits the selection of either an air gap or a cross-sectional core area. Having picked one parameter, the minimum value of the other immediately leads to selection of the physical magnetic structure. Other analytically derived equations are used to obtain values for the required turns, the inductance, and the maximum rms winding current. The design procedure is applicable to a wide range of magnetic material characteristics and physical configurations for the air-gapped magnetic structure.

Bipolar square-wave current source for transient electromagnetic systems based on constant shutdown time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shilong; Yin, Changchun; Lin, Jun; Yang, Yu; Hu, Xueyan

2016-03-01

Cooperative work of multiple magnetic transmitting sources is a new trend in the development of transient electromagnetic system. The key is the bipolar current waves shutdown, concurrently in the inductive load. In the past, it was difficult to use the constant clamping voltage technique to realize the synchronized shutdown of currents with different peak values. Based on clamping voltage technique, we introduce a new controlling method with constant shutdown time. We use the rising time to control shutdown time and use low voltage power source to control peak current. From the viewpoint of the circuit energy loss, by taking the high-voltage capacitor bypass resistance and the capacitor of the passive snubber circuit into account, we establish the relationship between the rising time and the shutdown time. Since the switch is not ideal, we propose a new method to test the shutdown time by the low voltage, the high voltage and the peak current. Experimental results show that adjustment of the current rising time can precisely control the value of the clamp voltage. When the rising time is fixed, the shutdown time is unchanged. The error for shutdown time deduced from the energy consumption is less than 6%. The new controlling method on current shutdown proposed in this paper can be used in the cooperative work of borehole and ground transmitting system.

Bipolar square-wave current source for transient electromagnetic systems based on constant shutdown time.

PubMed

Wang, Shilong; Yin, Changchun; Lin, Jun; Yang, Yu; Hu, Xueyan

2016-03-01

Cooperative work of multiple magnetic transmitting sources is a new trend in the development of transient electromagnetic system. The key is the bipolar current waves shutdown, concurrently in the inductive load. In the past, it was difficult to use the constant clamping voltage technique to realize the synchronized shutdown of currents with different peak values. Based on clamping voltage technique, we introduce a new controlling method with constant shutdown time. We use the rising time to control shutdown time and use low voltage power source to control peak current. From the viewpoint of the circuit energy loss, by taking the high-voltage capacitor bypass resistance and the capacitor of the passive snubber circuit into account, we establish the relationship between the rising time and the shutdown time. Since the switch is not ideal, we propose a new method to test the shutdown time by the low voltage, the high voltage and the peak current. Experimental results show that adjustment of the current rising time can precisely control the value of the clamp voltage. When the rising time is fixed, the shutdown time is unchanged. The error for shutdown time deduced from the energy consumption is less than 6%. The new controlling method on current shutdown proposed in this paper can be used in the cooperative work of borehole and ground transmitting system.

Influence of excitons interaction with charge carriers on photovoltaic parameters in organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Głowienka, Damian; Szmytkowski, Jędrzej

2018-03-01

We report on theoretical analysis of excitons annihilation on charge carriers in organic solar cells. Numerical calculations based on transient one-dimensional drift-diffusion model have been carried out. An impact of three quantities (an annihilation rate constant, an exciton mobility and a recombination reduction factor) on current density and concentrations of charge carriers and excitons is investigated. Finally, we discuss the influence of excitons interaction with electrons and holes on four photovoltaic parameters (a short-circuit current, an open-circuit voltage, a fill factor and a power conversion efficiency). The conclusion is that the annihilation process visibly decreases the efficiency of organic photocells, if the annihilation rate constant is greater than 10-15m3s-1 .

A Portable, Arbitrary Waveform, Multichannel Constant Current Electrotactile Stimulator

PubMed Central

Cornman, Jesse; Akhtar, Aadeel; Bretl, Timothy

2017-01-01

In this paper, we present the design and performance of a portable, arbitrary waveform, multichannel constant current electrotactile stimulator that costs less than $30 in components. The stimulator consists of a stimulation controller and power supply that are less than half the size of a credit card and can produce ±15 mA at ±150 V. The design is easily extensible to multiple independent channels that can receive an arbitrary waveform input from a digital-to-analog converter, drawing only 0.9 W/channel (lasting 4–5 hours upon continuous stimulation using a 9 V battery). Finally, we compare the performance of our stimulator to similar stimulators both commercially available and developed in research. PMID:29250302

Electric Machine with Boosted Inductance to Stabilize Current Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abel, Steve

2013-01-01

High-powered motors typically have very low resistance and inductance (R and L) in their windings. This makes the pulse-width modulated (PWM) control of the current very difficult, especially when the bus voltage (V) is high. These R and L values are dictated by the motor size, torque (Kt), and back-emf (Kb) constants. These constants are in turn set by the voltage and the actuation torque-speed requirements. This problem is often addressed by placing inductive chokes within the controller. This approach is undesirable in that space is taken and heat is added to the controller. By keeping the same motor frame, reducing the wire size, and placing a correspondingly larger number of turns in each slot, the resistance, inductance, torque constant, and back-emf constant are all increased. The increased inductance aids the current control but ruins the Kt and Kb selections. If, however, a fraction of the turns is moved from their "correct slot" to an "incorrect slot," the increased R and L values are retained, but the Kt and Kb values are restored to the desired values. This approach assumes that increased resistance is acceptable to a degree. In effect, the heat allocated to the added inductance has been moved from the controller to the motor body, which in some cases is preferred.

Equivalent refractive-index structure constant of non-Kolmogorov turbulence.

PubMed

Li, Yujie; Zhu, Wenyue; Wu, Xiaoqing; Rao, Ruizhong

2015-09-07

The relationship between the non-Kolmogorov refractive-index structure constant and the Kolmogorov refractive-index structure constant is derived by using the refractive-index structure function and the variance of refractive-index fluctuations. It shows that the non-Kolmogorov structure constant is proportional to the Kolmogorov structure constant and the scaling factor depends on the outer scale and the spectral power law. For a fixed Kolmogorov structure constant, the non-Kolmogorov structure constant increases with a increasing outer scale for the power law less than 11/3, the trend is opposite for the power law greater than 11/3. This equivalent relation provides a way of obtaining the non-Kolmogorov structure constant by using the Kolmogorov structure constant.

ASDTIC: A feedback control innovation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lalli, V. R.; Schoenfeld, A. D.

1972-01-01

The ASDTIC (Analog Signal to Discrete Time Interval Converter) control subsystem provides precise output control of high performance aerospace power supplies. The key to ASDTIC operation is that it stably controls output by sensing output energy change as well as output magnitude. The ASDTIC control subsystem and control module were developed to improve power supply performance during static and dynamic input voltage and output load variations, to reduce output voltage or current regulation due to component variations or aging, to maintain a stable feedback control with variations in the loop gain or loop time constants, and to standardize the feedback control subsystem for power conditioning equipment.

ASDTIC - A feedback control innovation.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lalli, V. R.; Schoenfeld, A. D.

1972-01-01

The ASDTIC (analog signal to discrete time interval converter) control subsystem provides precise output control of high performance aerospace power supplies. The key to ASDTIC operation is that it stably controls output by sensing output energy change as well as output magnitude. The ASDTIC control subsystem and control module were developed to improve power supply performance during static and dynamic input voltage and output load variations, to reduce output voltage or current regulation due to component variations or aging, to maintain a stable feedback control with variations in the loop gain or loop time constants, and to standardize the feedback control subsystem for power conditioning equipment.

Thermally-induced voltage alteration for integrated circuit analysis

DOEpatents

Cole, Jr., Edward I.

2000-01-01

A thermally-induced voltage alteration (TIVA) apparatus and method are disclosed for analyzing an integrated circuit (IC) either from a device side of the IC or through the IC substrate to locate any open-circuit or short-circuit defects therein. The TIVA apparatus uses constant-current biasing of the IC while scanning a focused laser beam over electrical conductors (i.e. a patterned metallization) in the IC to produce localized heating of the conductors. This localized heating produces a thermoelectric potential due to the Seebeck effect in any conductors with open-circuit defects and a resistance change in any conductors with short-circuit defects, both of which alter the power demand by the IC and thereby change the voltage of a source or power supply providing the constant-current biasing. By measuring the change in the supply voltage and the position of the focused and scanned laser beam over time, any open-circuit or short-circuit defects in the IC can be located and imaged. The TIVA apparatus can be formed in part from a scanning optical microscope, and has applications for qualification testing or failure analysis of ICs.

Effects of a parallel resistor on electrical characteristics of a piezoelectric transformer in open-circuit transient state.

PubMed

Chang, Kuo-Tsai

2007-01-01

This paper investigates electrical transient characteristics of a Rosen-type piezoelectric transformer (PT), including maximum voltages, time constants, energy losses and average powers, and their improvements immediately after turning OFF. A parallel resistor connected to both input terminals of the PT is needed to improve the transient characteristics. An equivalent circuit for the PT is first given. Then, an open-circuit voltage, involving a direct current (DC) component and an alternating current (AC) component, and its related energy losses are derived from the equivalent circuit with initial conditions. Moreover, an AC power control system, including a DC-to-AC resonant inverter, a control switch and electronic instruments, is constructed to determine the electrical characteristics of the OFF transient state. Furthermore, the effects of the parallel resistor on the transient characteristics at different parallel resistances are measured. The advantages of adding the parallel resistor also are discussed. From the measured results, the DC time constant is greatly decreased from 9 to 0.04 ms by a 10 k(omega) parallel resistance under open output.

High-Power Piezoelectric Vibration Characteristics of Textured SrBi2Nb2O9 Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawada, Shinichiro; Ogawa, Hirozumi; Kimura, Masahiko; Shiratsuyu, Kosuke; Niimi, Hideaki

2006-09-01

The high-power piezoelectric vibration characteristics of textured SrBi2Nb2O9 (SBN) ceramics, that is bismuth-layer-structured ferroelectrics, were studied in the longitudinal mode (33-mode) by constant current driving method and compared with those of ordinary randomly oriented SBN and widely used Pb(Ti,Zr)O3 (PZT) ceramics. In the case of textured SBN ceramics, resonant properties are stable up to a vibration velocity of 2.6 m/s. Vibration velocity at resonant frequency increases proportionally with the applied electric field, and resonant frequency is almost constant in high-vibration-velocity driving. On the other hand, in the case of randomly oriented SBN and PZT ceramics, the increase in vibration velocity is not proportional to the applied high electric field, and resonant frequency decreases with increasing vibration velocity. The resonant sharpness Q of textured SBN ceramics is about 2000, even at a vibration velocity of 2.6 m/s. Therefore, textured SBN ceramics are good candidates for high-power piezoelectric applications.

Demonstration of the High RF Power Production Feasibility in the CLIC Power Extraction and Transfer Structure (PETS)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cappelletti, A.; /CERN; Dolgashev, V.

A fundamental element of the CLIC concept is two-beam acceleration, where RF power is extracted from a high current, low energy drive beam in order to accelerate the low current main beam to high energy. The CLIC Power Extraction and Transfer Structure (PETS) is a passive microwave device in which bunches of the drive beam interact with the constant impedance of the periodically loaded waveguide and excite preferentially the synchronous mode. The RF power produced is collected downstream of the structure by means of the RF power extractor; it is delivered to the main linac using the waveguide network connectingmore » the PETS to the main CLIC accelerating structures. The PETS should produce 135 MW at 240 ns RF pulses at a very low breakdown rate: BDR < 10{sup -7}/pulse/m. Over 2010, a thorough high RF power testing program was conducted in order to investigate the ultimate performance and the limiting factors for the PETS operation. The testing program is described and the results are presented.« less

Anode power in a quasi-steady MPD thruster. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saber, A. J.

1974-01-01

Local anode heat flux in a quasi-steady MPD thruster is measured by thermocouples attached to the inside surface of a shell anode. Over a range of arc currents J from 5.5 to 44 kiloamperes and argon propellant mass flows m from 1 to 48 g/sec, with the ratio J2/m held constant, the fraction of arc power deposited in the anode is found to decrease with increasing arc power. Specifically, this anode power fraction decreases from 50% at 200 kW arc power, to 10% at 20 MW. In an effort to account for this functional behavior, the current density, plasma potential, and electron temperature in the plasma adjacent to the anode are measured with probes, and the results are used in a theoretical anode heat flux model. The model asserts that energy exchange between electrons and heavy particles in the plasma near the anode occur over distances greater than the anode sheath thickness.

Modeling a constant power load for nickel-hydrogen battery testing using SPICE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bearden, Douglas B.; Lollar, Louis F.; Nelms, R. M.

1990-01-01

The effort to design and model a constant power load for the HST (Hubble Space Telescope) nickel-hydrogen battery tests is described. The constant power load was designed for three different simulations on the batteries: life cycling, reconditioning, and capacity testing. A dc-dc boost converter was designed to act as this constant power load. A boost converter design was chosen because of the low test battery voltage (4 to 6 VDC) generated and the relatively high power requirement of 60 to 70 W. The SPICE model was shown to consistently predict variations in the actual circuit as various designs were attempted. It is concluded that the confidence established in the SPICE model of the constant power load ensures its extensive utilization in future efforts to improve performance in the actual load circuit.

Modeling and performance improvement of the constant power regulator systems in variable displacement axial piston pump.

PubMed

Park, Sung Hwan; Lee, Ji Min; Kim, Jong Shik

2013-01-01

An irregular performance of a mechanical-type constant power regulator is considered. In order to find the cause of an irregular discharge flow at the cut-off pressure area, modeling and numerical simulations are performed to observe dynamic behavior of internal parts of the constant power regulator system for a swashplate-type axial piston pump. The commercial numerical simulation software AMESim is applied to model the mechanical-type regulator with hydraulic pump and simulate the performance of it. The validity of the simulation model of the constant power regulator system is verified by comparing simulation results with experiments. In order to find the cause of the irregular performance of the mechanical-type constant power regulator system, the behavior of main components such as the spool, sleeve, and counterbalance piston is investigated using computer simulation. The shape modification of the counterbalance piston is proposed to improve the undesirable performance of the mechanical-type constant power regulator. The performance improvement is verified by computer simulation using AMESim software.

On current transients in MoS2 Field Effect Transistors.

PubMed

Macucci, Massimo; Tambellini, Gerry; Ovchinnikov, Dmitry; Kis, Andras; Iannaccone, Giuseppe; Fiori, Gianluca

2017-09-14

We present an experimental investigation of slow transients in the gate and drain currents of MoS 2 -based transistors. We focus on the measurement of both the gate and drain currents and, from the comparative analysis of the current transients, we conclude that there are at least two independent trapping mechanisms: trapping of charges in the silicon oxide substrate, occurring with time constants of the order of tens of seconds and involving charge motion orthogonal to the MoS 2 sheet, and trapping at the channel surface, which occurs with much longer time constants, in particular when the device is in a vacuum. We observe that the presence of such slow phenomena makes it very difficult to perform reliable low-frequency noise measurements, requiring a stable and repeatable steady-state bias point condition, and may explain the sometimes contradictory results that can be found in the literature about the dependence of the flicker noise power spectral density on gate bias.

Comparison of Critical Power and W' Derived From 2 or 3 Maximal Tests.

PubMed

Simpson, Len Parker; Kordi, Mehdi

2017-07-01

Typically, accessing the asymptote (critical power; CP) and curvature constant (W') parameters of the hyperbolic power-duration relationship requires multiple constant-power exhaustive-exercise trials spread over several visits. However, more recently single-visit protocols and personal power meters have been used. This study investigated the practicality of using a 2-trial, single-visit protocol in providing reliable CP and W' estimates. Eight trained cyclists underwent 3- and 12-min maximal-exercise trials in a single session to derive (2-trial) CP and W' estimates. On a separate occasion a 5-min trial was performed, providing a 3rd trial to calculate (3-trial) CP and W'. There were no differences in CP (283 ± 66 vs 282 ± 65 W) or W' (18.72 ± 6.21 vs 18.27 ± 6.29 kJ) obtained from either the 2-trial or 3-trial method, respectively. After 2 familiarization sessions (completing a 3- and a 12-min trial on both occasions), both CP and W' remained reliable over additional separate measurements. The current study demonstrates that after 2 familiarization sessions, reliable CP and W' parameters can be obtained from trained cyclists using only 2 maximal-exercise trials. These results offer practitioners a practical, time-efficient solution for incorporating power-duration testing into applied athlete support.

Power-Law Dynamics of Membrane Conductances Increase Spiking Diversity in a Hodgkin-Huxley Model.

PubMed

Teka, Wondimu; Stockton, David; Santamaria, Fidel

2016-03-01

We studied the effects of non-Markovian power-law voltage dependent conductances on the generation of action potentials and spiking patterns in a Hodgkin-Huxley model. To implement slow-adapting power-law dynamics of the gating variables of the potassium, n, and sodium, m and h, conductances we used fractional derivatives of order η≤1. The fractional derivatives were used to solve the kinetic equations of each gate. We systematically classified the properties of each gate as a function of η. We then tested if the full model could generate action potentials with the different power-law behaving gates. Finally, we studied the patterns of action potential that emerged in each case. Our results show the model produces a wide range of action potential shapes and spiking patterns in response to constant current stimulation as a function of η. In comparison with the classical model, the action potential shapes for power-law behaving potassium conductance (n gate) showed a longer peak and shallow hyperpolarization; for power-law activation of the sodium conductance (m gate), the action potentials had a sharp rise time; and for power-law inactivation of the sodium conductance (h gate) the spikes had wider peak that for low values of η replicated pituitary- and cardiac-type action potentials. With all physiological parameters fixed a wide range of spiking patterns emerged as a function of the value of the constant input current and η, such as square wave bursting, mixed mode oscillations, and pseudo-plateau potentials. Our analyses show that the intrinsic memory trace of the fractional derivative provides a negative feedback mechanism between the voltage trace and the activity of the power-law behaving gate variable. As a consequence, power-law behaving conductances result in an increase in the number of spiking patterns a neuron can generate and, we propose, expand the computational capacity of the neuron.

Mass-sheet degeneracy, power-law models and external convergence: Impact on the determination of the Hubble constant from gravitational lensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Peter; Sluse, Dominique

2013-11-01

The light travel time differences in strong gravitational lensing systems allows an independent determination of the Hubble constant. This method has been successfully applied to several lens systems. The formally most precise measurements are, however, in tension with the recent determination of H0 from the Planck satellite for a spatially flat six-parameters ΛCDM cosmology. We reconsider the uncertainties of the method, concerning the mass profile of the lens galaxies, and show that the formal precision relies on the assumption that the mass profile is a perfect power law. Simple analytical arguments and numerical experiments reveal that mass-sheet like transformations yield significant freedom in choosing the mass profile, even when exquisite Einstein rings are observed. Furthermore, the characterization of the environment of the lens does not break that degeneracy which is not physically linked to extrinsic convergence. We present an illustrative example where the multiple imaging properties of a composite (baryons + dark matter) lens can be extremely well reproduced by a power-law model having the same velocity dispersion, but with predictions for the Hubble constant that deviate by ~20%. Hence we conclude that the impact of degeneracies between parametrized models have been underestimated in current H0 measurements from lensing, and need to be carefully reconsidered.

Intensity dynamics in a waveguide array laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Mingming; Williams, Matthew O.; Kutz, J. Nathan; Silverman, Kevin L.; Mirin, Richard P.; Cundiff, Steven T.

2011-02-01

We consider experimentally and theoretically the optical field dynamics of a five-emitter laser array subject to a ramped injection current. We have achieved experimentally an array that produces a robust oscillatory power output with a nearly constant π phase shift between the oscillations from each waveguide. The output power also decreases linearly as a function of waveguide number. Those behaviors persisted for pump currents varying between 380 and 500 mA with only a slight change in phase. Of note is the fact that the fundamental frequency of oscillation increases with injection current, and higher harmonics are produced above a threshold current of approximately 380 mA. Experimental observations and theoretical predictions are in agreement. A low dimensional model was also developed and the impact of the nonuniform injection current studied. A nonuniform injection current is capable of shifting the bifurcations of the waveguide array providing a valuable method of array tuning without additional gain or structural alterations to the array.

Variable current speed controller for eddy current motors

DOEpatents

Gerth, H.L.; Bailey, J.M.; Casstevens, J.M.; Dixon, J.H.; Griffith, B.O.; Igou, R.E.

1982-03-12

A speed control system for eddy current motors is provided in which the current to the motor from a constant frequency power source is varied by comparing the actual motor speed signal with a setpoint speed signal to control the motor speed according to the selected setpoint speed. A three-phase variable voltage autotransformer is provided for controlling the voltage from a three-phase power supply. A corresponding plurality of current control resistors is provided in series with each phase of the autotransformer output connected to inputs of a three-phase motor. Each resistor is connected in parallel with a set of normally closed contacts of plurality of relays which are operated by control logic. A logic circuit compares the selected speed with the actual motor speed obtained from a digital tachometer monitoring the motor spindle speed and operated the relays to add or substract resistance equally in each phase of the motor input to vary the motor current to control the motor at the selected speed.

High-performance flexible energy storage and harvesting system for wearable electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostfeld, Aminy E.; Gaikwad, Abhinav M.; Khan, Yasser; Arias, Ana C.

2016-05-01

This paper reports on the design and operation of a flexible power source integrating a lithium ion battery and amorphous silicon solar module, optimized to supply power to a wearable health monitoring device. The battery consists of printed anode and cathode layers based on graphite and lithium cobalt oxide, respectively, on thin flexible current collectors. It displays energy density of 6.98 mWh/cm2 and demonstrates capacity retention of 90% at 3C discharge rate and ~99% under 100 charge/discharge cycles and 600 cycles of mechanical flexing. A solar module with appropriate voltage and dimensions is used to charge the battery under both full sun and indoor illumination conditions, and the addition of the solar module is shown to extend the battery lifetime between charging cycles while powering a load. Furthermore, we show that by selecting the appropriate load duty cycle, the average load current can be matched to the solar module current and the battery can be maintained at a constant state of charge. Finally, the battery is used to power a pulse oximeter, demonstrating its effectiveness as a power source for wearable medical devices.

High-performance flexible energy storage and harvesting system for wearable electronics.

PubMed

Ostfeld, Aminy E; Gaikwad, Abhinav M; Khan, Yasser; Arias, Ana C

2016-05-17

This paper reports on the design and operation of a flexible power source integrating a lithium ion battery and amorphous silicon solar module, optimized to supply power to a wearable health monitoring device. The battery consists of printed anode and cathode layers based on graphite and lithium cobalt oxide, respectively, on thin flexible current collectors. It displays energy density of 6.98 mWh/cm(2) and demonstrates capacity retention of 90% at 3C discharge rate and ~99% under 100 charge/discharge cycles and 600 cycles of mechanical flexing. A solar module with appropriate voltage and dimensions is used to charge the battery under both full sun and indoor illumination conditions, and the addition of the solar module is shown to extend the battery lifetime between charging cycles while powering a load. Furthermore, we show that by selecting the appropriate load duty cycle, the average load current can be matched to the solar module current and the battery can be maintained at a constant state of charge. Finally, the battery is used to power a pulse oximeter, demonstrating its effectiveness as a power source for wearable medical devices.

Mathematical analysis and coordinated current allocation control in battery power module systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Weiji; Zhang, Liang

2017-12-01

As the major energy storage device and power supply source in numerous energy applications, such as solar panels, wind plants, and electric vehicles, battery systems often face the issue of charge imbalance among battery cells/modules, which can accelerate battery degradation, cause more energy loss, and even incur fire hazard. To tackle this issue, various circuit designs have been developed to enable charge equalization among battery cells/modules. Recently, the battery power module (BPM) design has emerged to be one of the promising solutions for its capability of independent control of individual battery cells/modules. In this paper, we propose a new current allocation method based on charging/discharging space (CDS) for performance control in BPM systems. Based on the proposed method, the properties of CDS-based current allocation with constant parameters are analyzed. Then, real-time external total power requirement is taken into account and an algorithm is developed for coordinated system performance control. By choosing appropriate control parameters, the desired system performance can be achieved by coordinating the module charge balance and total power efficiency. Besides, the proposed algorithm has complete analytical solutions, and thus is very computationally efficient. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated using simulations.

High-performance flexible energy storage and harvesting system for wearable electronics

PubMed Central

Ostfeld, Aminy E.; Gaikwad, Abhinav M.; Khan, Yasser; Arias, Ana C.

2016-01-01

This paper reports on the design and operation of a flexible power source integrating a lithium ion battery and amorphous silicon solar module, optimized to supply power to a wearable health monitoring device. The battery consists of printed anode and cathode layers based on graphite and lithium cobalt oxide, respectively, on thin flexible current collectors. It displays energy density of 6.98 mWh/cm2 and demonstrates capacity retention of 90% at 3C discharge rate and ~99% under 100 charge/discharge cycles and 600 cycles of mechanical flexing. A solar module with appropriate voltage and dimensions is used to charge the battery under both full sun and indoor illumination conditions, and the addition of the solar module is shown to extend the battery lifetime between charging cycles while powering a load. Furthermore, we show that by selecting the appropriate load duty cycle, the average load current can be matched to the solar module current and the battery can be maintained at a constant state of charge. Finally, the battery is used to power a pulse oximeter, demonstrating its effectiveness as a power source for wearable medical devices. PMID:27184194

Analysis of spacecraft battery charger systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seong J.; Cho, Bo H.

In spacecraft battery charger systems, switching regulators are widely used for bus voltage regulation, charge current regulation, and peak power tracking. Small-signal dynamic characteristics of the battery charging subsystem of direct energy transfer (DET) and peak power tracking (PPT) systems are analyzed to facilitate design of the control loop for optimum performance and stability. Control loop designs of the charger in various modes of operation are discussed. Analyses are verified through simulations. It is shown that when the charger operates in the bus voltage regulation mode, the control-to-voltage transfer function has a negative DC gain and two LHP zeros in both the DET and PPT systems. The control-to-inductor current transfer function also has a negative DC gain and a RHP zero. Thus, in the current-mode control, the current loop can no longer be used to stabilize the system. When the system operates in the charge current regulation mode, the charger operates with a fixed duty cycle which is determined by the regulated bus voltage and the battery voltage. Without an input filter, the converter becomes a first-order system. When the peak power tracker is inactive, the operating point of the solar array output moves to the voltage source region. Thus, the solar array behaves as a stiff voltage source to a constant power load.

Preparation of dielectric coating of variable dielectric constant by plasma polymerization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudis, M.; Wydeven, T. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

A plasma polymerization process for the deposition of a dielectric polymer coating on a substrate comprising disposing of the substrate in a closed reactor between two temperature controlled electrodes connected to a power supply is presented. A vacuum is maintained within the closed reactor, causing a monomer gas or gas mixture of a monomer and diluent to flow into the reactor, generating a plasma between the electrodes. The vacuum varies and controls the dielectric constant of the polymer coating being deposited by regulating the gas total and partial pressure, the electric field strength and frequency, and the current density.

The impact of frequency on the performance of microwave ablation.

PubMed

Sawicki, James F; Shea, Jacob D; Behdad, Nader; Hagness, Susan C

2017-02-01

The use of higher frequencies in percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) may offer compelling interstitial antenna design advantages over the 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz frequencies typically employed in current systems. To evaluate the impact of higher frequencies on ablation performance, we conducted a comprehensive computational and experimental study of microwave absorption and tissue heating as a function of frequency. We performed electromagnetic and thermal simulations of MWA in ex vivo and in vivo porcine muscle at discrete frequencies in the 1.9-26 GHz range. Ex vivo ablation experiments were performed in the 1.9-18 GHz range. We tracked the size of the ablation zone across frequency for constant input power and ablation duration. Further, we conducted simulations to investigate antenna feed line heating as a function of frequency, input power, and cable diameter. As the frequency was increased from 1.9 to 26 GHz the resulting ablation zone dimensions decreased in the longitudinal direction while remaining relatively constant in the radial direction; thus at higher frequencies the overall ablation zone was more spherical. However, cable heating at higher frequencies became more problematic for smaller diameter cables at constant input power. Comparably sized ablation zones are achievable well above 1.9 GHz, despite increasingly localised power absorption. Specific absorption rate alone does not accurately predict ablation performance, particularly at higher frequencies where thermal diffusion plays an important role. Cable heating due to ohmic losses at higher frequencies may be controlled through judicious choices of input power and cable diameter.

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, J. D.

1985-05-01

The 30 MJ, 10 MW superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system was devised to interact in the Western US Power System as an alternate means to damp unstable oscillations at 0.35 Hz on the Pacific HVAC Interites. The operating limits of the 30 MJ SMES unit were established, and different means of controlling real and reactive power were tested. The unit can follow a sinusoidal power demand signal with an amplitude of up to 8.6 MW with the converter working in a 12 pulse mode. When the converter operates in the constant VAR mode, a time varying real power demand signal of up to 5 MW can be met. It was shown that the Pacific ac Interite has current and reactive power variations of the same frequency as the modulating frequency of the SMES device. The reliability of the SMES subsystems with a narrow band noise input was assessed. Parameters of the ac power system were determined. Converter short circuit tests, load tests under various control conditions, dc breaker tests for coil current interruption, and converter failure mode tests were conducted. The experimental operation of the SMES system is concluded.

33 CFR Schedule I to Subpart A of... - Vessels Transiting U.S. Waters

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... required to alter the course 90 degrees with maximum rudder angle and constant power settings: (2) The time...: (A) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea; (B) No current; (C) Deep water conditions—water... any of the following conditions, on which the maneuvering is based, are varied: (a) Calm weather—wind...

33 CFR Schedule I to Subpart A of... - Vessels Transiting U.S. Waters

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... required to alter the course 90 degrees with maximum rudder angle and constant power settings: (2) The time...: (A) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea; (B) No current; (C) Deep water conditions—water... any of the following conditions, on which the maneuvering is based, are varied: (a) Calm weather—wind...

Manipulating Energetic Ion Velocity Space to Control Instabilities and Improve Tokamak Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pace, David C.

2017-10-01

The first-ever demonstration of independent current (I) and voltage (V) control of high power neutral beams in tokamak plasma shots has successfully reduced the prevalence of instabilities and improved energetic ion confinement in experiments at the DIII-D tokamak. Energetic ions drive Alfvén eigenmode (AE) instabilities through a resonant energy exchange that can increase radial diffusion of the ions, thereby reducing beam heating and current drive efficiency. This resonance is incredibly sensitive to the ion velocity and orbit topology, which then allows changes in beam voltage (keeping the injected power constant through compensating changes in current) to remove nearly all instability drive. The implementation of temporal control of beam current and voltage allows for a reduction in the resonant energetic ion velocity space while maintaining the ability to inject maximum power. DIII-D low confinement (L-mode) plasmas demonstrate a nearly complete avoidance of AE activity in plasmas with 55 kV beam injection compared to the many AEs that are observed in plasmas featuring similar total beam power at 70 kV. Across the experimental range of beam settings, resulting increases in beam divergence have been inconsequential. High performance steady-state scenarios featuring equilibria that are conducive to dense arrays of Alfvén waves benefit the most from instability control mechanisms. One such scenario, the so-called high qmin scenario, demonstrates improved confinement and equilibrium evolution when the injected beam voltage begins at lower values (i.e., fewer resonances) and then increases as the plasma reaches its stationary period. These results suggest a future in which plasma confinement and performance is improved through continuous feedback control of auxiliary heating systems such that the energetic ion distribution is constantly adapted to produce an optimal plasma state. Work supported by US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Analysis of High Switching Frequency Quasi-Z-Source Photovoltaic Inverter Using Wide Bandgap Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kayiranga, Thierry

Power inverters continue to play a key role in todays electrical system more than ever. Power inverters employ power semiconductors to converter direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). The performance of the semiconductors is based on speed and efficiency. Until recently, Silicon (Si) semiconductors had been established as mature. However, the continuous optimization and improvements in the production process of Si to meet today technology requirements have pushed Si materials to their theoretical limits. In an effort to find a suitable replacement, wide bandgap devices mainly Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), have proved to be excellent candidates offering high operation temperature, high blocking voltage and high switching frequency; of which the latter makes GaN a better candidate in high switching low voltage in Distributed Generations (DG). The single stage Quasi-Z-Source Inverter (qZSI) is also able to draw continuous and constant current from the source making ideal for PV applications in addition to allowing shoot-through states. The qZSI find best applications in medium level ranges where multiples qZS inverters can be cascaded (qZS-CMI) by combining the benefit of the qZSI, boost capabilities and continuous and constant input current, and those of the CMI, low output harmonic content and independent MPPT. When used with GaN devices operating at very high frequency, the qZS network impedance can be significantly reduced. However, the impedance network becomes asymmetric. The asymmetric impedance network (AIN-qZSI) has several advantages such as increased power density, increases system lifetime, small size volume and size making it more attractive for module integrated converter (MIC) concepts. However, there are technical challenges. With asymmetric component, resonance is introduced in the system leading to more losses and audible noise. With small inductances, new operation states become available further increasing the system complexity. This report investigates the AIN-qZSI and present solutions to aforementioned issues.

High efficiency H6 single-phase transformerless grid-tied PV inverter with proposed modulation for reactive power generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almasoudi, Fahad M.; Alatawi, Khaled S.; Matin, Mohammad

2017-08-01

Implementation of transformerless inverters in PV grid-tied system offer great benefits such as high efficiency, light weight, low cost, etc. Most of the proposed transformerless inverters in literature are verified for only real power application. Currently, international standards such as VDE-AR-N 4105 has demanded that PV grid-tied inverters should have the ability of controlling a specific amount of reactive power. Generation of reactive power cannot be accomplished in single phase transformerless inverter topologies because the existing modulation techniques are not adopted for a freewheeling path in the negative power region. This paper enhances a previous high efficiency proposed H6 trnasformerless inverter with SiC MOSFETs and demonstrates new operating modes for the generation of reactive power. A proposed pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is applied to achieve bidirectional current flow through freewheeling state. A comparison of the proposed H6 transformerless inverter using SiC MOSFETs and Si MOSFTEs is presented in terms of power losses and efficiency. The results show that reactive power control is attained without adding any additional active devices or modification to the inverter structure. Also, the proposed modulation maintains a constant common mode voltage (CM) during every operating mode and has low leakage current. The performance of the proposed system verifies its effectiveness in the next generation PV system.

A cascaded Schwarz converter for high frequency power distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Biswajit; Stuart, Thomas A.

1988-01-01

It is shown that two Schwarz converters in cascade provide a very reliable 20-kHz source that features zero current commutation, constant frequency, and fault-tolerant operation, meeting requirements for spacecraft applications. A steady-state analysis of the converter is presented, and equations for the steady-state performance are derived. Fault-current limiting is discussed. Experimental results are presented for a 900-W version, which has been successfully tested under no-load, full-load, and short-circut conditions.

Technical Feasible Study for Future Solar Thermal Steam Power Station in Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohari, Z. H.; Atira, N. N.; Jali, M. H.; Sulaima, M. F.; Izzuddin, T. A.; Baharom, M. F.

2017-10-01

This paper proposed renewable energy which is potential to be used in Malaysia in generating electricity to innovate and improve current operating systems. Thermal and water act as the resources to replace limited fossil fuels such as coal which is still widely used in energy production nowadays. Thermal is also known as the heat energy while the water absorbs energy from the thermal to produce steam energy. By combining both of the sources, it is known as thermal steam renewable energy. The targeted area to build this power station has constant high temperature and low humidity which can maximize the efficiency of generating power.

Experimental research of radio-frequency ion thruster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antropov, N. N.; Akhmetzhanov, R. V.; Bogatyy, A. V.; Grishin, R. A.; Kozhevnikov, V. V.; Plokhikh, A. P.; Popov, G. A.; Khartov, S. A.

2016-12-01

The article is devoted to the research of low-power (300 W) radio-frequency ion thruster designed at the Moscow Aviation Institute. The main results of experimental research of the thruster using the testfacility power supplies and the power processing unit of their own design are presented. The dependence of the working fluid ionization cost on its mass flow rate at the constant ion beam current was investigated experimentally. The influence of the shape and material of the discharge chamber on the integral characteristics of the thruster was studied. The recommendations on the optimization of the thruster primary performance were developed based on the results of experimental studies.

Modeling and Performance Improvement of the Constant Power Regulator Systems in Variable Displacement Axial Piston Pump

PubMed Central

Park, Sung Hwan; Lee, Ji Min; Kim, Jong Shik

2013-01-01

An irregular performance of a mechanical-type constant power regulator is considered. In order to find the cause of an irregular discharge flow at the cut-off pressure area, modeling and numerical simulations are performed to observe dynamic behavior of internal parts of the constant power regulator system for a swashplate-type axial piston pump. The commercial numerical simulation software AMESim is applied to model the mechanical-type regulator with hydraulic pump and simulate the performance of it. The validity of the simulation model of the constant power regulator system is verified by comparing simulation results with experiments. In order to find the cause of the irregular performance of the mechanical-type constant power regulator system, the behavior of main components such as the spool, sleeve, and counterbalance piston is investigated using computer simulation. The shape modification of the counterbalance piston is proposed to improve the undesirable performance of the mechanical-type constant power regulator. The performance improvement is verified by computer simulation using AMESim software. PMID:24282389

Investigation of the Loads on a Conventional Front and Rear Sliding Canopy

DTIC Science & Technology

1947-07-09

requirements used in the design of oanopies and their oom.ponents :tll.fl1 .’ ’ ............ -...... -.. - not be adequate. As the current load...oanopy’ ’. internal r rear of the oanopy " 3 The Curtiss,S:S20-4E airplane :is a a1.ngle-engtne" "two-pl.aoe~ low-rlilg sOoUt end dive bomber for use ...range of power conditions employed in these tests. Thrust coefficients" used in the tests to Simulate constant militar,y power operation in flight for

Testing activities at the National Battery Test Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hornstra, F.; Deluca, W. H.; Mulcahey, T. P.

The National Battery Test Laboratory (NBTL) is an Argonne National Laboratory facility for testing, evaluating, and studying advanced electric storage batteries. The facility tests batteries developed under Department of Energy programs and from private industry. These include batteries intended for future electric vehicle (EV) propulsion, electric utility load leveling (LL), and solar energy storage. Since becoming operational, the NBTL has evaluated well over 1400 cells (generally in the form of three- to six-cell modules, but up to 140-cell batteries) of various technologies. Performance characterization assessments are conducted under a series of charge/discharge cycles with constant current, constant power, peak power, and computer simulated dynamic load profile conditions. Flexible charging algorithms are provided to accommodate the specific needs of each battery under test. Special studies are conducted to explore and optimize charge procedures, to investigate the impact of unique load demands on battery performance, and to analyze the thermal management requirements of battery systems.

Transistorized PWM inverter-induction motor drive system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peak, S. C.; Plunkett, A. B.

1982-01-01

This paper describes the development of a transistorized PWM inverter-induction motor traction drive system. A vehicle performance analysis was performed to establish the vehicle tractive effort-speed requirements. These requirements were then converted into a set of inverter and motor specifications. The inverter was a transistorized three-phase bridge using General Electric power Darlington transistors. The description of the design and development of this inverter is the principal object of this paper. The high-speed induction motor is a design which is optimized for use with an inverter power source. The primary feedback control is a torque angle control with voltage and torque outer loop controls. A current-controlled PWM technique is used to control the motor voltage. The drive has a constant torque output with PWM operation to base motor speed and a constant horsepower output with square wave operation to maximum speed. The drive system was dynamometer tested and the results are presented.

High-Power Characteristics of Thickness Shear Mode for Textured SrBi2Nb2O9 Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Hirozumi; Kawada, Shinichiro; Kimura, Masahiko; Higuchi, Yukio; Takagi, Hiroshi

2009-09-01

The high-power piezoelectric characteristics of the thickness shear mode for <00l> oriented ceramics of bismuth layer structured ferroelectrics (BLSF), SrBi2Nb2O9 (SBN), were studied by the constant current driving method. These textured ceramics were fabricated by the templated grain growth (TGG) method, and the Lotgering factor was 95%. The vibration of the thickness shear mode in the textured SBN ceramics was stable at the vibration velocity of 2.0 m/s. The resonant frequency was almost constant with increasing vibration velocity in the textured SBN ceramics, however, it decreased with increasing vibration velocity in the randomly oriented SBN ceramics. In the case of Pb(Mn,Nb)O3-Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics, the vibration velocity of the thickness shear mode was saturated at more than 0.3 m/s, and the resonant frequency decreased at lower vibration velocity than in the case of SBN ceramics. The dissipation power density of the textured SBN ceramics was the lowest among those of the randomly oriented SBN and Pb(Mn,Nb)O3-PZT ceramics. The thickness shear mode of textured SBN ceramics is a good candidate for high-power piezoelectric applications.

Ag Nanoparticle-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator To Scavenge Wind Energy for a Self-Charging Power Unit.

PubMed

Jiang, Qiang; Chen, Bo; Zhang, Kewei; Yang, Ya

2017-12-20

Li-ion batteries are a green energy storage technology with advantages of high energy density, long lifetime, and sustainability, but they cannot generate electric energy by themselves. As a novel energy-harvesting technology, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a promising power source for supplying electronic devices, however it is difficult to directly use their high output voltage and low output current. Here, we designed a Ag nanoparticle-based TENG for scavenging wind energy. After including a transformer and a power management circuit into the system, constant output voltages such as 3.6 V and a pulsed current of about 100 mA can be obtained, which can be used to directly light up a light-emitting diode. Furthermore, the produced electric energy can be effectively stored in a WO 3 /LiMn 2 O 4 electrode based Li-ion battery. Our present work provides a new approach to effectively scavenge wind energy and store the obtained electric energy, which is significant for exploring self-charging power units.

Optimal position of the transmitter coil for wireless power transfer to the implantable device.

PubMed

Jinghui Jian; Stanaćević, Milutin

2014-01-01

The maximum deliverable power through inductive link to the implantable device is limited by the tissue exposure to the electromagnetic field radiation. By moving away the transmitter coil from the body, the maximum deliverable power is increased as the magnitude of the electrical field at the interface with the body is kept constant. We demonstrate that the optimal distance between the transmitter coil and the body is on the order of 1 cm when the current of the transmitter coil is limited to 1 A. We also confirm that the conditions on the optimal frequency of the power transmission and the topology of the transmission coil remain the same as if the coil was directly adjacent to the body.

A Low-Power Wide Dynamic-Range Current Readout Circuit for Ion-Sensitive FET Sensors.

PubMed

Son, Hyunwoo; Cho, Hwasuk; Koo, Jahyun; Ji, Youngwoo; Kim, Byungsub; Park, Hong-June; Sim, Jae-Yoon

2017-06-01

This paper presents an amplifier-less and digital-intensive current-to-digital converter for ion-sensitive FET sensors. Capacitance on the input node is utilized as a residue accumulator, and a clocked comparator is followed for quantization. Without any continuous-time feedback circuit, the converter performs a first-order noise shaping of the quantization error. In order to minimize static power consumption, the proposed circuit employs a single-ended current-steering digital-to-analog converter which flows only the same current as the input. By adopting a switching noise averaging algorithm, our dynamic element matching not only mitigates mismatch of current sources in the current-steering DAC, but also makes the effect of dynamic switching noise become an input-independent constant. The implemented circuit in 0.35 μm CMOS converts the current input with a range of 2.8 μ A to 15 b digital output in about 4 ms, showing a DNL of +0.24/-0.25 LSB and an INL of + 1.98/-1.98 LSB while consuming 16.8 μW.

A simplified, low power system for effective vessel sealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyle, Allison B.; Kennedy, Jenifer S.; Schmaltz, Dale F.; Kennedy, Aaron S.

2015-03-01

The first bipolar vessel sealing system was developed nearly 15 years ago and has since become standard of care in surgery. These systems make use of radio frequency current that is delivered between bipolar graspers to permanently seal arteries, veins and tissue bundles. Conventional vessel sealing generators are based off traditional electrosurgery generator architecture and deliver high power (150-300 Watts) and high current using complex control and sense algorithms to adjust the output for vessel sealing applications. In recent years, a need for small-scale surgical vessel sealers has developed as surgeons strive to further reduce their footprint on patients. There are many technical challenges associated with miniaturization of vessel sealing devices including maintaining electrical isolation while delivering high current in a saline environment. Research into creating a small, 3mm diameter vessel sealer revealed that a highly simplified generator system could be used to achieve excellent results and subsequently a low power vessel sealing system was developed. This system delivers 25 Watts constant power while limiting voltage (<= Vrms) and current (<= Amps) until an impedance endpoint is achieved, eliminating the use of complicated control and sensing software. The result is optimized tissue effect, where high seal strength is maintained (> 360mmHg), but seal times (1.7 +/- 0.7s versus 4.1 +/- 0.7s), thermal spread (<1mm vs <=2mm) and total energy delivery are reduced, when compared to an existing high power system.

A Single-Phase Current Source Solar Inverter with Constant Instantaneous Power, Improved Reliability, and Reduced-Size DC-Link Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bush, Craig R.

This dissertation presents a novel current source converter topology that is primarily intended for single-phase photovoltaic (PV) applications. In comparison with the existing PV inverter technology, the salient features of the proposed topology are: a) the low frequency (double of line frequency) ripple that is common to single-phase inverters is greatly reduced; b) the absence of low frequency ripple enables significantly reduced size pass components to achieve necessary DC-link stiffness and c) improved maximum power point tracking (MPPT) performance is readily achieved due to the tightened current ripple even with reduced-size passive components. The proposed topology does not utilize any electrolytic capacitors. Instead an inductor is used as the DC-link filter and reliable AC film capacitors are utilized for the filter and auxiliary capacitor. The proposed topology has a life expectancy on par with PV panels. The proposed modulation technique can be used for any current source inverter where an unbalanced three-phase operation is desires such as active filters and power controllers. The proposed topology is ready for the next phase of microgrid and power system controllers in that it accepts reactive power commands. This work presents the proposed topology and its working principle supported by with numerical verifications and hardware results. Conclusions and future work are also presented.

Robust model comparison disfavors power law cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafer, Daniel L.

2015-05-01

Late-time power law expansion has been proposed as an alternative to the standard cosmological model and shown to be consistent with some low-redshift data. We test power law expansion against the standard flat Λ CDM cosmology using goodness-of-fit and model comparison criteria. We consider type Ia supernova (SN Ia) data from two current compilations (JLA and Union2.1) along with a current set of baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) measurements that includes the high-redshift Lyman-α forest measurements from BOSS quasars. We find that neither power law expansion nor Λ CDM is strongly preferred over the other when the SN Ia and BAO data are analyzed separately but that power law expansion is strongly disfavored by the combination. We treat the Rh=c t cosmology (a constant rate of expansion) separately and find that it is conclusively disfavored by all combinations of data that include SN Ia observations and a poor overall fit when systematic errors in the SN Ia measurements are ignored, despite a recent claim to the contrary. We discuss this claim and some concerns regarding hidden model dependence in the SN Ia data.

Coordinating IMC-PID and adaptive SMC controllers for a PEMFC.

PubMed

Wang, Guo-Liang; Wang, Yong; Shi, Jun-Hai; Shao, Hui-He

2010-01-01

For a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) power plant with a methanol reformer, the process parameters and power output are considered simultaneously to avoid violation of the constraints and to keep the fuel cell power plant safe and effective. In this paper, a novel coordinating scheme is proposed by combining an Internal Model Control (IMC) based PID Control and adaptive Sliding Mode Control (SMC). The IMC-PID controller is designed for the reformer of the fuel flow rate according to the expected first-order dynamic properties. The adaptive SMC controller of the fuel cell current has been designed using the constant plus proportional rate reaching law. The parameters of the SMC controller are adaptively tuned according to the response of the fuel flow rate control system. When the power output controller feeds back the current references to these two controllers, the coordinating controllers system works in a system-wide way. The simulation results of the PEMFC power plant demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. 2009 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A 200-Channel Area-Power-Efficient Chemical and Electrical Dual-Mode Acquisition IC for the Study of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

PubMed

Guo, Jing; Ng, Waichiu; Yuan, Jie; Li, Suwen; Chan, Mansun

2016-06-01

Microelectrode array (MEA) can be used in the study of neurodegenerative diseases by monitoring the chemical neurotransmitter release and the electrical potential simultaneously at the cellular level. Currently, the MEA technology is migrating to more electrodes and higher electrode density, which raises power and area constraints on the design of acquisition IC. In this paper, we report the design of a 200-channel dual-mode acquisition IC with highly efficient usage of power and area. Under the constraints of target noise and fast settling, the current channel design saves power by including a novel current buffer biased in discrete time (DT) before the TIA (transimpedance amplifier). The 200 channels are sampled at 20 kS/s and quantized by column-wise SAR ADCs. The prototype IC was fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process. Silicon measurements show the current channel has 21.6 pArms noise with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and 0.48 pArms noise with constant amperometry (CA) while consuming 12.1 μW . The voltage channel has 4.07 μVrms noise in the bandwidth of 100 kHz and 0.2% nonlinearity while consuming 9.1 μW. Each channel occupies 0.03 mm(2) area, which is among the smallest.

A Constant Energy-Per-Cycle Ring Oscillator Over a Wide Frequency Range for Wireless Sensor Nodes

PubMed Central

Lee, Inhee; Sylvester, Dennis; Blaauw, David

2016-01-01

This paper presents an energy-efficient oscillator for wireless sensor nodes (WSNs). It avoids short-circuit current by minimizing the time spent in the input voltage range from Vthn to [Vdd − |Vthp|]. A current-feeding scheme with gate voltage control enables the oscillator to operate over a wide frequency range. A test chip is fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measurements show that the proposed oscillator achieves a constant energy-per-cycle (EpC) of 0.8 pJ/cycle over the 21–60 MHz frequency range and is more efficient than a conventional current-starved ring oscillator (CSRO) below 300 kHz at 1.8 V supply voltage. As an application example, the proposed oscillator is implemented in a switched-capacitor DC–DC converter. The converter is 11%–56% more efficient for load power values ranging from 583 pW to 2.9 nW than a converter using a conventional CSRO. PMID:27546899

A Constant Energy-Per-Cycle Ring Oscillator Over a Wide Frequency Range for Wireless Sensor Nodes.

PubMed

Lee, Inhee; Sylvester, Dennis; Blaauw, David

2016-03-01

This paper presents an energy-efficient oscillator for wireless sensor nodes (WSNs). It avoids short-circuit current by minimizing the time spent in the input voltage range from V thn to [ V dd - | V thp |]. A current-feeding scheme with gate voltage control enables the oscillator to operate over a wide frequency range. A test chip is fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measurements show that the proposed oscillator achieves a constant energy-per-cycle (EpC) of 0.8 pJ/cycle over the 21-60 MHz frequency range and is more efficient than a conventional current-starved ring oscillator (CSRO) below 300 kHz at 1.8 V supply voltage. As an application example, the proposed oscillator is implemented in a switched-capacitor DC-DC converter. The converter is 11%-56% more efficient for load power values ranging from 583 pW to 2.9 nW than a converter using a conventional CSRO.

Virtual welding equipment for simulation of GMAW processes with integration of power source regulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reisgen, Uwe; Schleser, Markus; Mokrov, Oleg; Zabirov, Alexander

2011-06-01

A two dimensional transient numerical analysis and computational module for simulation of electrical and thermal characteristics during electrode melting and metal transfer involved in Gas-Metal-Arc-Welding (GMAW) processes is presented. Solution of non-linear transient heat transfer equation is carried out using a control volume finite difference technique. The computational module also includes controlling and regulation algorithms of industrial welding power sources. The simulation results are the current and voltage waveforms, mean voltage drops at different parts of circuit, total electric power, cathode, anode and arc powers and arc length. We describe application of the model for normal process (constant voltage) and for pulsed processes with U/I and I/I-modulation modes. The comparisons with experimental waveforms of current and voltage show that the model predicts current, voltage and electric power with a high accuracy. The model is used in simulation package SimWeld for calculation of heat flux into the work-piece and the weld seam formation. From the calculated heat flux and weld pool sizes, an equivalent volumetric heat source according to Goldak model, can be generated. The method was implemented and investigated with the simulation software SimWeld developed by the ISF at RWTH Aachen University.

Quantum dot as spin current generator and energy harvester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szukiewicz, Barbara; Wysokiński, Karol I.

2015-05-01

The thermoelectric transport in the device composed of a central nanoscopic system in contact with two electrodes and subject to the external magnetic field of Zeeman type has been studied. The device can support pure spin current in the electrodes and may serve as a source of the temperature induced spin currents with possible applications in spintronics. The system may also be used as an energy harvester. We calculate its thermodynamic efficiency η and the power output P. The maximal efficiency of the device reaches the Carnot value when the device works reversibly but with the vanishing power. The interactions between carriers diminish the maximal efficiency of the device, which under the constant load drops well below the Carnot limit but may exceed the Curzon-Ahlborn limit. While the effect of intradot Coulomb repulsion on η depends on the parameters, the interdot/interlevel interaction strongly diminishes the device efficiency.

Submerged electricity generation plane with marine current-driven motors

DOEpatents

Dehlsen, James G.P.; Dehlsen, James B.; Fleming, Alexander

2014-07-01

An underwater apparatus for generating electric power from ocean currents and deep water tides. A submersible platform including two or more power pods, each having a rotor with fixed-pitch blades, with drivetrains housed in pressure vessels that are connected by a transverse structure providing buoyancy, which can be a wing depressor, hydrofoil, truss, or faired tube. The platform is connected to anchors on the seafloor by forward mooring lines and a vertical mooring line that restricts the depth of the device in the water column. The platform operates using passive, rather than active, depth control. The wing depressor, along with rotor drag loads, ensures the platform seeks the desired operational current velocity. The rotors are directly coupled to a hydraulic pump that drives at least one constant-speed hydraulic-motor generator set and enables hydraulic braking. A fluidic bearing decouples non-torque rotor loads to the main shaft driving the hydraulic pumps.

East Meet West? U.S. and China: Strategies for Global Leadership

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

construct to serve as a broader framework for this research project to describe instruments of national power in a constantly changing, resource...construct to serve as a broader framework for this research project to describe instruments of national power in a constantly changing, resource...for this research project to describe instruments of national power in a constantly changing, resource-constrained, geopolitical environment. This

Hardware Model of a Shipboard Generator

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-19

controller output PM motor power RM motor resistance Td derivative time constant Tf1 fuel valve time constant Tg1 governor time constant Tg2 governor...in speed, sending a response signal to the fuel valve that regulates gas turbine power. At this point, there is an inherent variation between the...basic response analysis [5]. 29 Electrical Power Rotor Inertia Amplifiers Fuel Valve Turbine Dynamics Rotational Friction and Windage

High efficiency RF amplifier development over wide dynamic range for accelerator application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Jitendra Kumar; Ramarao, B. V.; Pande, Manjiri M.; Joshi, Gopal; Sharma, Archana; Singh, Pitamber

2017-10-01

Superconducting (SC) cavities in an accelerating section are designed to have the same geometrical velocity factor (βg). For these cavities, Radio Frequency (RF) power needed to accelerate charged particles varies with the particle velocity factor (β). RF power requirement from one cavity to other can vary by 2-5 dB within the accelerating section depending on the energy gain in the cavity and beam current. In this paper, we have presented an idea to improve operating efficiency of the SC RF accelerators using envelope tracking technique. A study on envelope tracking technique without feedback is carried out on a 1 kW, 325 MHz, class B (conduction angle of 180 degrees) tuned load power amplifier (PA). We have derived expressions for the efficiency and power output for tuned load amplifier operating on the envelope tracking technique. From the derived expressions, it is observed that under constant load resistance to the device (MOSFET), optimum amplifier efficiency is invariant whereas output power varies with the square of drain bias voltage. Experimental results on 1 kW PA module show that its optimum efficiency is always greater than 62% with variation less than 5% from mean value over 7 dB dynamic range. Low power amplifier modules are the basic building block for the high power amplifiers. Therefore, results for 1 kW PA modules remain valid for the high power solid state amplifiers built using these PA modules. The SC RF accelerators using these constant efficiency power amplifiers can improve overall accelerator efficiency.

Current Mode Neutron Noise Measurements in the Zero Power Reactor CROCUS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pakari, O.; Lamirand, V.; Perret, G.; Braun, L.; Frajtag, P.; Pautz, A.

2018-01-01

The present article is an overview of developments and results regarding neutron noise measurements in current mode at the CROCUS zero power facility. Neutron noise measurements offer a non-invasive method to determine kinetic reactor parameters such as the prompt decay constant at criticality α = βeff / λ, the effective delayed neutron fraction βeff, and the mean generation time λ for code validation efforts. At higher detection rates, i.e. above 2×104 cps in the used configuration at 0.1 W, the previously employed pulse charge amplification electronics with BF3 detectors yielded erroneous results due to dead time effects. Future experimental needs call for higher sensitivity in detectors, higher detection rates or higher reactor powers, and thus a generally more versatile measurement system. We, therefore, explored detectors operated with current mode acquisition electronics to accommodate the need. We approached the matter in two ways: 1) By using the two compensated 10B-coated ionization chambers available in CROCUS as operational monitors. The compensated current signal of these chambers was extracted from coremonitoring output channels. 2) By developing a new current mode amplification station to be used with other available detectors in core. Characteristics and first noise measurements of the new current system are presented. We implemented post-processing of the current signals from 1)and 2) with the APSD/CPSD method to determine α. At two critical states (0.5 and 1.5 W), using the 10B ionization chambers and their CPSD estimate, the prompt decay constant was measured after 1.5 hours to be α=(156.9 ± 4.3) s-1 (1σ). This result is within 1σ of statistical uncertainties of previous experiments and MCNPv5-1.6 predictions using the ENDF/B-7.1 library. The newsystem connected to a CFUL01 fission chamber using the APSDestimate at 100 mW after 33 min yielded α = (160.8 ± 6.3) s-1, also within 1σ agreement. The improvements to previous neutron noise measurementsinclude shorter measurement durations that can achievecomparable statistical uncertainties and measurements at higherdetection rates.

Induced charging of shuttle orbiter by high electron-beam currents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liemohn, H. B.

1977-01-01

Emission of high-current electron beams that was proposed for some Spacelab payloads required substantial return currents to the orbiter skin in order to neutralize the beam charge. Since the outer skin of the vehicle was covered with approximately 1200 sq m of thermal insulation which has the dielectric quality of air and an electrical conductivity that was estimated by NASA at 10 to the -9 power to 10 to the -10 power mhos/m, considerable transient charging and local potential differences were anticipated across the insulation. The theory for induced charging of spacecraft due to operation of electron guns was only developed for spherical metal vehicles and constant emission currents, which were not directly applicable to the orbiter situation. Field-aligned collection of electron return current from the ambient ionosphere at orbiter altitudes provides up to approximately 150 mA on the conducting surfaces and approximately 2.4 A on the dielectric thermal insulation. Local ionization of the neutral atmosphere by energetic electron bombardment or electrical breakdown may provide somewhat more return current.

Self-Powered Wireless Smart Sensor Node Enabled by an Ultrastable, Highly Efficient, and Superhydrophobic-Surface-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator.

PubMed

Zhao, Kun; Wang, Zhong Lin; Yang, Ya

2016-09-27

Wireless sensor networks will be responsible for a majority of the fast growth in intelligent systems in the next decade. However, most of the wireless smart sensor nodes require an external power source such as a Li-ion battery, where the labor cost and environmental waste issues of replacing batteries have largely limited the practical applications. Instead of using a Li-ion battery, we report an ultrastable, highly efficient, and superhydrophobic-surface-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to scavenge wind energy for sustainably powering a wireless smart temperature sensor node. There is no decrease in the output voltage and current of the TENG after continuous working for about 14 h at a wind speed of 12 m/s. Through a power management circuit, the TENG can deliver a constant output voltage of 3.3 V and a pulsed output current of about 100 mA to achieve highly efficient energy storage in a capacitor. A wireless smart temperature sensor node can be sustainably powered by the TENG for sending the real-time temperature data to an iPhone under a working distance of 26 m, demonstrating the feasibility of the self-powered wireless smart sensor networks.

Research of high power and stable laser in portable Raman spectrometer based on SHINERS technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Yongsheng; Yin, Yu; Wu, Yulin; Ni, Xuxiang; Zhang, Xiuda; Yan, Huimin

2013-08-01

The intensity of Raman light is very weak, which is only from 10-12 to 10-6 of the incident light. In order to obtain the required sensitivity, the traditional Raman spectrometer tends to be heavy weight and large volume, so it is often used as indoor test device. Based on the Shell-Isolated Nanoparticle-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SHINERS) method, Raman optical spectrum signal can be enhanced significantly and the portable Raman spectrometer combined with SHINERS method will be widely used in various fields. The laser source must be stable enough and able to output monochromatic narrow band laser with stable power in the portable Raman spectrometer based on the SHINERS method. When the laser is working, the change of temperature can induce wavelength drift, thus the power stability of excitation light will be affected, so we need to strictly control the working temperature of the laser, In order to ensure the stability of laser power and output current, this paper adopts the WLD3343 laser constant current driver chip of Wavelength Electronics company and MCU P89LPC935 to drive LML - 785.0 BF - XX laser diode(LD). Using this scheme, the Raman spectrometer can be small in size and the drive current can be constant. At the same time, we can achieve functions such as slow start, over-current protection, over-voltage protection, etc. Continuous adjustable output can be realized under control, and the requirement of high power output can be satisfied. Max1968 chip is adopted to realize the accurate control of the laser's temperature. In this way, it can meet the demand of miniaturization. In term of temperature control, integral truncation effect of traditional PID algorithm is big, which is easy to cause static difference. Each output of incremental PID algorithm has nothing to do with the current position, and we can control the output coefficients to avoid full dose output and immoderate adjustment, then the speed of balance will be improved observably. Variable integral incremental digital PID algorithm is used in the TEC temperature control system. The experimental results show that comparing with other schemes, the output power of laser in our scheme is more stable and reliable, moreover the peak value is bigger, and the temperature can be precisely controlled in +/-0.1°C, then the volume of the device is smaller. Using this laser equipment, the ideal Raman spectra of materials can be obtained combined with SHINERS technology and spectrometer equipment.

Preparation of scanning tunneling microscopy tips using pulsed alternating current etching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Valencia, Victor A.; Thaker, Avesh A.; Derouin, Jonathan

An electrochemical method using pulsed alternating current etching (PACE) to produce atomically sharp scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) tips is presented. An Arduino Uno microcontroller was used to control the number and duration of the alternating current (AC) pulses, allowing for ready optimization of the procedures for both Pt:Ir and W tips using a single apparatus. W tips prepared using constant and pulsed AC power were compared. Tips fashioned using PACE were sharper than those etched with continuous AC power alone. Pt:Ir tips were prepared with an initial coarse etching stage using continuous AC power followed by fine etching using PACE.more » The number and potential of the finishing AC pulses was varied and scanning electron microscope imaging was used to compare the results. Finally, tip quality using the optimized procedures was verified by UHV-STM imaging. With PACE, at least 70% of the W tips and 80% of the Pt:Ir tips were of sufficiently high quality to obtain atomically resolved images of HOPG or Ni(111)« less

Design and development of repetitive capacitor charging power supply based on series-parallel resonant converter topology.

PubMed

Patel, Ankur; Nagesh, K V; Kolge, Tanmay; Chakravarthy, D P

2011-04-01

LCL resonant converter based repetitive capacitor charging power supply (CCPS) is designed and developed in the division. The LCL converter acts as a constant current source when switching frequency is equal to the resonant frequency. When both resonant inductors' values of LCL converter are same, it results in inherent zero current switching (ZCS) in switches. In this paper, ac analysis with fundamental frequency approximation of LCL resonant tank circuit, frequency dependent of current gain converter followed by design, development, simulation, and practical result is described. Effect of change in switching frequency and resonant frequency and change in resonant inductors ratio on CCPS will be discussed. An efficient CCPS of average output power of 1.2 kJ/s, output voltage 3 kV, and 300 Hz repetition rate is developed in the division. The performance of this CCPS has been evaluated in the laboratory by charging several values of load capacitance at various repetition rates. These results indicate that this design is very feasible for use in capacitor-charging applications. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Hand and Power Tools

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

equipped with a constant- pressure switch or control: drills; tappers; fastener drivers; horizontal, vertical, and angle grinders with wheels more than...hand-held power tools must be equipped with either a positive “on-off” control switch, a constant pressure switch , or a “lock-on” control: disc sanders...percussion tools with no means of holding accessories securely, must be equipped with a constant- pressure switch that will shut off the power when the

Modeling and simulation performance of photovoltaic system integration battery and supercapacitor paralellization of MPPT prototipe for solar vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajiatmo, Dwi; Robandi, Imam

2017-03-01

This paper proposes a control scheme photovoltaic, battery and super capacitor connected in parallel for use in a solar vehicle. Based on the features of battery charging, the control scheme consists of three modes, namely, mode dynamic irradian, constant load mode and constant voltage charging mode. The shift of the three modes can be realized by controlling the duty cycle of the mosffet Boost converter system. Meanwhile, the high voltage which is more suitable for the application can be obtained. Compared with normal charging method with parallel connected current limiting detention and charging method with dynamic irradian mode, constant load mode and constant voltage charging mode, the control scheme is proposed to shorten the charging time and increase the use of power generated from the PV array. From the simulation results and analysis conducted to determine the performance of the system in state transient and steady-state by using simulation software Matlab / Simulink. Response simulation results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed concept.

Zn/gelled 6 M KOH/O 2 zinc-air battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad, A. A.

The gel electrolyte for the zinc-air cell was prepared by mixing hydroponics gel with a 6 M potassium hydroxide aqueous solution. The self-discharge of cells was characterized by measuring the open-circuit voltage. The effect of a discharge rate of 50 mA constant current on cell voltage and plateau hour, as well as the voltage-current and current density-power density were measured and analysed. The electrode degradation after discharge cycling was characterized by structural and surface methods. The oxidation of the electrode surface further blocked the utilization of the Zn anode and was identified as a cause for the failure of the cell.

Effect of material constants on power output in piezoelectric vibration-based generators.

PubMed

Takeda, Hiroaki; Mihara, Kensuke; Yoshimura, Tomohiro; Hoshina, Takuya; Tsurumi, Takaaki

2011-09-01

A possible power output estimation based on material constants in piezoelectric vibration-based generators is proposed. A modified equivalent circuit model of the generator was built and was validated by the measurement results in the generator fabricated using potassium sodium niobate-based and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics. Subsequently, generators with the same structure using other PZT-based and bismuth-layered structure ferroelectrics ceramics were fabricated and tested. The power outputs of these generators were expressed as a linear functions of the term composed of electromechanical coupling coefficients k(sys)(2) and mechanical quality factors Q*(m) of the generator. The relationship between device constants (k(sys)(2) and Q*(m)) and material constants (k(31)(2) and Q(m)) was clarified. Estimation of the power output using material constants is demonstrated and the appropriate piezoelectric material for the generator is suggested.

Low-Cost and High-Productivity Three-Dimensional Nanocapacitors Based on Stand-Up ZnO Nanowires for Energy Storage.

PubMed

Wei, Lei; Liu, Qi-Xuan; Zhu, Bao; Liu, Wen-Jun; Ding, Shi-Jin; Lu, Hong-Liang; Jiang, Anquan; Zhang, David Wei

2016-12-01

Highly powered electrostatic capacitors based on nanostructures with a high aspect ratio are becoming critical for advanced energy storage technology because of their high burst power and energy storage capability. We report the fabrication process and the electrical characteristics of high capacitance density capacitors with three-dimensional solid-state nanocapacitors based on a ZnO nanowire template. Stand-up ZnO nanowires are grown face down on p-type Si substrates coated with a ZnO seed layer using a hydrothermal method. Stacks of AlZnO/Al2O3/AlZnO are then deposited sequentially on the ZnO nanowires using atomic layer deposition. The fabricated capacitor has a high capacitance density up to 92 fF/μm(2) at 1 kHz (around ten times that of the planar capacitor without nanowires) and an extremely low leakage current density of 3.4 × 10(-8) A/cm(2) at 2 V for a 5-nm Al2O3 dielectric. Additionally, the charge-discharge characteristics of the capacitor were investigated, indicating that the resistance-capacitance time constants were 550 ns for both the charging and discharging processes and the time constant was not dependent on the voltage. This reflects good power characteristics of the fabricated capacitors. Therefore, the current work provides an exciting strategy to fabricate low-cost and easily processable, high capacitance density capacitors for energy storage.

Transient analysis of gas transport in anode channel of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with dead-ended anode under pressure swing operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichikawa, Yasushi; Oshima, Nobuyuki; Tabuchi, Yuichiro; Ikezoe, Keigo

2014-12-01

Further cost reduction is a critical issue for commercialization of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) based on polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The cost of the fuel-cell system is driven by the multiple parts required to maximize stack performance and maintain durability and robustness. The fuel-cell system of the FCEV must be simplified while maintaining functionality. The dead-ended anode is considered as a means of simplification in this study. Generally, if hydrogen is supplied under constant pressure during dead-ended operation, stable power generation is impossible because of accumulation of liquid water produced by power generation and of nitrogen via leakage from the cathode through the membrane. Herein, pressure oscillation is applied to address this issue. Empirical and CFD data are employed to elucidate the mechanism of stable power generation using the pressure swing supply. Simultaneous and time-continuous measurements of the current distribution and gas concentration distribution are also conducted. The results demonstrate that the nitrogen concentration in the anode channel under pressure constant operation differs from that under pressure swing supply conditions. The transient two-dimensional CFD results indicate that oscillatory flow is generated by pressure swing supply, which periodically sweeps out nitrogen from the active area, resulting in stable power generation.

In vitro and in vivo comparisons of constant resistance AC iontophoresis and DC iontophoresis.

PubMed

Li, S Kevin; Higuchi, William I; Zhu, Honggang; Kern, Steven E; Miller, David J; Hastings, Matthew S

2003-09-04

A previous in vitro constant electrical resistance alternating current (AC) iontophoresis study with human epidermal membrane (HEM) and a model neutral permeant has shown less inter- and intra-sample variability in iontophoretic transport relative to conventional constant direct current (DC) iontophoresis. The objectives of the present study were to address the following questions. (1) Can the skin electrical resistance be maintained at a constant level by AC in humans in vivo? (2) Are the in vitro data with HEM representative of those in vivo? (3) Does constant skin resistance AC iontophoresis have less inter- and intra-sample variability than conventional constant current DC iontophoresis in vivo? (4) What are the electrical and the barrier properties of skin during iontophoresis in vivo? In the present study, in vitro HEM experiments were carried out with the constant resistance AC and the conventional constant current DC methods using mannitol and glucose as the neutral model permeants. In vivo human experiments were performed using glucose as the permeant with a constant skin resistance AC only protocol and two conventional constant current DC methods (continuous constant current DC and constant current DC with its polarity alternated every 10 min with a 3:7 on:off duty cycle). Constant current DC iontophoresis was conducted with commercial constant current DC devices, and constant resistance AC iontophoresis was carried out by reducing and maintaining the skin resistance at a constant target value with AC supplied from a function generator. This study shows that (1) skin electrical resistance can be maintained at a constant level during AC iontophoresis in vivo; (2) HEM in vitro and human skin in vivo demonstrate similar electrical and barrier properties, and these properties are consistent with our previous findings; (3) there is general qualitative and semi-quantitative agreement between the HEM data in vitro and human skin data in vivo; and (4) constant skin resistance AC iontophoresis generally provides less inter- and intra-subject variability than conventional constant current DC.

Liquid Nitrogen as Fast High Voltage Switching Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickens, J.; Neuber, A.; Haustein, M.; Krile, J.; Krompholz, H.

2002-12-01

Compact pulsed power systems require new switching technologies. For high voltages, liquid nitrogen seems to be a suitable switching medium, with high hold-off voltage, low dielectric constant, and no need for pressurized systems as in high pressure gas switches. The discharge behavior in liquid nitrogen, such as breakdown voltages, formative times, current rise as function of voltage, recovery, etc. are virtually unknown, however. The phenomenology of breakdown in liquid nitrogen is investigated with high speed (temporal resolution < 1 ns) electrical and optical diagnostics, in a coaxial system with 50-Ohm impedance. Discharge current and voltage are determined with transmission line type current sensors and capacitive voltage dividers. The discharge luminosity is measured with photomultiplier tubes. Preliminary results of self-breakdown investigations (gap 1 mm, breakdown voltage 44 kV, non-boiling supercooled nitrogen) show a fast (2 ns) transition from an unknown current level to several mA, a long-duration (100 ns) phase with constant current superimposed by ns-spikes, and a final fast transition to the impedance limited current during several nanoseconds. The optical measurements will be expanded toward spectroscopy and high speed photography with the aim of clarifying the overall breakdown mechanisms, including electronic initiation, bubble formation, bubble dynamics, and their role in breakdown, for different electrode geometries (different macroscopic field enhancements).

Mathematical Analysis of High-Temperature Co-electrolysis of CO2 and O2 Production in a Closed-Loop Atmosphere Revitalization System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michael G. McKellar; Manohar S. Sohal; Lila Mulloth

2010-03-01

NASA has been evaluating two closed-loop atmosphere revitalization architectures based on Sabatier and Bosch carbon dioxide, CO2, reduction technologies. The CO2 and steam, H2O, co-electrolysis process is another option that NASA has investigated. Utilizing recent advances in the fuel cell technology sector, the Idaho National Laboratory, INL, has developed a CO2 and H2O co-electrolysis process to produce oxygen and syngas (carbon monoxide, CO and hydrogen, H2 mixture) for terrestrial (energy production) application. The technology is a combined process that involves steam electrolysis, CO2 electrolysis, and the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. A number of process models have been developedmore » and analyzed to determine the theoretical power required to recover oxygen, O2, in each case. These models include the current Sabatier and Bosch technologies and combinations of those processes with high-temperature co-electrolysis. The cases of constant CO2 supply and constant O2 production were evaluated. In addition, a process model of the hydrogenation process with co-electrolysis was developed and compared. Sabatier processes require the least amount of energy input per kg of oxygen produced. If co-electrolysis replaces solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) electrolysis within the Sabatier architecture, the power requirement is reduced by over 10%, but only if heat recuperation is used. Sabatier processes, however, require external water to achieve the lower power results. Under conditions of constant incoming carbon dioxide flow, the Sabatier architectures require more power than the other architectures. The Bosch, Boudouard with co-electrolysis, and the hydrogenation with co-electrolysis processes require little or no external water. The Bosch and hydrogenation processes produce water within their reactors, which aids in reducing the power requirement for electrolysis. The Boudouard with co-electrolysis process has a higher electrolysis power requirement because carbon dioxide is split instead of water, which has a lower heat of formation. Hydrogenation with co-electrolysis offers the best overall power performance for two reasons: it requires no external water, and it produces its own water, which reduces the power requirement for co-electrolysis.« less

Coherent combining of high brightness tapered lasers in master oscillator power amplifier configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albrodt, P.; Hanna, M.; Moron, F.; Decker, J.; Winterfeldt, M.; Blume, G.; Erbert, G.; Crump, P.; Georges, P.; Lucas-Leclin, G.

2018-02-01

Improved diode laser beam combining techniques are in strong demand for applications in material processing. Coherent beam combining (CBC) is the only combining approach that has the potential to maintain or even improve all laser properties, and thus has high potential for future systems. As part of our ongoing studies into CBC of diode lasers, we present recent progress in the coherent superposition of high-power single-pass tapered laser amplifiers. The amplifiers are seeded by a DFB laser at λ = 976 nm, where the seed is injected into a laterally single-mode ridge-waveguide input section. The phase pistons on each beam are actively controlled by varying the current in the ridge section of each amplifier, using a sequential hill-climbing algorithm, resulting in a combined beam with power fluctuations of below 1%. The currents into the tapered sections of the amplifiers are separately controlled, and remain constant. In contrast to our previous studies, we favour a limited number of individual high-power amplifiers, in order to preserve a high extracted power per emitter in a simple, low-loss coupling arrangement. Specifically, a multi-arm interferometer architecture with only three devices is used, constructed using 6 mm-long tapered amplifiers, mounted junction up on C-mounts, to allow separate contact to single mode and amplifier sections. A maximum coherently combined power of 12.9 W is demonstrated in a nearly diffraction-limited beam, corresponding to a 65% combining efficiency, with power mainly limited by the intrinsic beam quality of the amplifiers. Further increased combined power is currently sought.

The kinetics, current efficiency, and power consumption of electrochemical dye decolorization by BD-NCD film electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurhayati, Ervin; Juang, Yaju; Huang, Chihpin

2017-06-01

Diamond film electrode has been known as a material with very wide potential window for water electrolysis which leads to its applicability in numerous electrochemical processes. Its capability to produce hydroxyl radicals, a very strong oxidants, prompts its popular application in wastewater treatment. Batch and batch recirculation reactor were applied to perform bulk electrolysis experiments to investigate the kinetics of dye decolorization under different operation conditions, such as pH, active species, and current density. Furthermore, COD degradation data from batch recirculation reactor operation was used as the basis for the calculation of current efficiency and power consumption in the decolorization process. The kinetics of decolorization process using boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (BD-NCD) film electrode revealed that acidic condition is favored for the dye degradation, and the presence of chloride ion in the solution was found to be more advantageous than sulfate active species, as evidenced by the higher reaction rate constants. Applying different current density of 10, 20 and 30 mA cm-2, it was found that the higher the current density the faster the decolorization rate. General current efficiency achieved after nearly total decolorization and 80% COD removal in batch recirculation reactor was around 74%, with specific power consumption of 4.4 kWh m-3 (in terms of volume of solution treated) or 145 kWh kg-1(in terms of kg COD treated).

Air & Space Power Journal. Volume 19, Number 3, Fall 2005

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-01

5 Lt Gen Luís Evangelista Esteves de Araújo, Portuguese Air Force Origins of the Royal...ESTEVES DE ARAÚJO, PORTUGUESE AIR FORCE DEVELOPING A VISION of the future in a time marked by asymmetries and discontinuities calls for circum-spection...especially to properly per- ceive the constant changes taking place around us and the speed with which they unfold. De - spite the current environment

The proton dissociation constant of additive effect on self-assembly of poly(3-hexyl-thiophene) for organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Po-Hsun; Lee, Hsu-Feng; Huang, Yi-Chiang; Jung, Yi-Jiun; Gong, Fang-Lin; Huang, Wen-Yao

2014-07-01

In the decision on the pros and cons of the optical and electrical properties of organic solar cells, the morphology has proven to be very important. Easy to change the morphology via adding a small amount of additive, because proton dissociation constant is the main reason for their application. In this study, the use of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl C 61-butyric acid methyl ester as the donor and acceptor materials, and were subsequently doped with different quantity of 4,4'-sulfonyldiphenol, 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl, biphenyl-4,4'-dithiol. When the proton dissociation constant is higher and lower respectively, the morphology reveals earthworms-like and fiber-like. For the reason that when the additive is biphenyl-4,4'-dithiol, it can improve the power conversion efficiency of about 27% and the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency of about 12%.

Electric power processing, distribution and control for advanced aerospace vehicles.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krausz, A.; Felch, J. L.

1972-01-01

The results of a current study program to develop a rational basis for selection of power processing, distribution, and control configurations for future aerospace vehicles including the Space Station, Space Shuttle, and high-performance aircraft are presented. Within the constraints imposed by the characteristics of power generation subsystems and the load utilization equipment requirements, the power processing, distribution and control subsystem can be optimized by selection of the proper distribution voltage, frequency, and overload/fault protection method. It is shown that, for large space vehicles which rely on static energy conversion to provide electric power, high-voltage dc distribution (above 100 V dc) is preferable to conventional 28 V dc and 115 V ac distribution per MIL-STD-704A. High-voltage dc also has advantages over conventional constant frequency ac systems in many aircraft applications due to the elimination of speed control, wave shaping, and synchronization equipment.

Sustained hole inversion layer in a wide-bandgap metal-oxide semiconductor with enhanced tunnel current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoute, Gem; Afshar, Amir; Muneshwar, Triratna; Cadien, Kenneth; Barlage, Douglas

2016-02-01

Wide-bandgap, metal-oxide thin-film transistors have been limited to low-power, n-type electronic applications because of the unipolar nature of these devices. Variations from the n-type field-effect transistor architecture have not been widely investigated as a result of the lack of available p-type wide-bandgap inorganic semiconductors. Here, we present a wide-bandgap metal-oxide n-type semiconductor that is able to sustain a strong p-type inversion layer using a high-dielectric-constant barrier dielectric when sourced with a heterogeneous p-type material. A demonstration of the utility of the inversion layer was also investigated and utilized as the controlling element in a unique tunnelling junction transistor. The resulting electrical performance of this prototype device exhibited among the highest reported current, power and transconductance densities. Further utilization of the p-type inversion layer is critical to unlocking the previously unexplored capability of metal-oxide thin-film transistors, such applications with next-generation display switches, sensors, radio frequency circuits and power converters.

A battery power model for the EUVE spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yen, Wen L.; Littlefield, Ronald G.; Mclean, David R.; Tuchman, Alan; Broseghini, Todd A.; Page, Brenda J.

1993-01-01

This paper describes a battery power model that has been developed to simulate and predict the behavior of the 50 ampere-hour nickel-cadmium battery that supports the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) spacecraft in its low Earth orbit. First, for given orbit, attitude, solar array panel and spacecraft load data, the model calculates minute-by-minute values for the net power available for charging the battery for a user-specified time period (usually about two weeks). Next, the model is used to calculate minute-by-minute values for the battery voltage, current and state-of-charge for the time period. The model's calculations are explained for its three phases: sunrise charging phase, constant voltage phase, and discharge phase. A comparison of predicted model values for voltage, current and state-of-charge with telemetry data for a complete charge-discharge cycle shows good correlation. This C-based computer model will be used by the EUVE Flight Operations Team for various 'what-if' scheduling analyses.

PSO Based PI Controller Design for a Solar Charger System

PubMed Central

Yau, Her-Terng; Lin, Chih-Jer; Liang, Qin-Cheng

2013-01-01

Due to global energy crisis and severe environmental pollution, the photovoltaic (PV) system has become one of the most important renewable energy sources. Many previous studies on solar charger integrated system only focus on load charge control or switching Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and charge control modes. This study used two-stage system, which allows the overall portable solar energy charging system to implement MPPT and optimal charge control of Li-ion battery simultaneously. First, this study designs a DC/DC boost converter of solar power generation, which uses variable step size incremental conductance method (VSINC) to enable the solar cell to track the maximum power point at any time. The voltage was exported from the DC/DC boost converter to the DC/DC buck converter, so that the voltage dropped to proper voltage for charging the battery. The charging system uses constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) method to charge the lithium battery. In order to obtain the optimum PI charge controller parameters, this study used intelligent algorithm to determine the optimum parameters. According to the simulation and experimental results, the control parameters resulted from PSO have better performance than genetic algorithms (GAs). PMID:23766713

PSO based PI controller design for a solar charger system.

PubMed

Yau, Her-Terng; Lin, Chih-Jer; Liang, Qin-Cheng

2013-01-01

Due to global energy crisis and severe environmental pollution, the photovoltaic (PV) system has become one of the most important renewable energy sources. Many previous studies on solar charger integrated system only focus on load charge control or switching Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and charge control modes. This study used two-stage system, which allows the overall portable solar energy charging system to implement MPPT and optimal charge control of Li-ion battery simultaneously. First, this study designs a DC/DC boost converter of solar power generation, which uses variable step size incremental conductance method (VSINC) to enable the solar cell to track the maximum power point at any time. The voltage was exported from the DC/DC boost converter to the DC/DC buck converter, so that the voltage dropped to proper voltage for charging the battery. The charging system uses constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) method to charge the lithium battery. In order to obtain the optimum PI charge controller parameters, this study used intelligent algorithm to determine the optimum parameters. According to the simulation and experimental results, the control parameters resulted from PSO have better performance than genetic algorithms (GAs).

Variation of power generation at different buffer types and conductivities in single chamber microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Nam, Joo-Youn; Kim, Hyun-Woo; Lim, Kyeong-Ho; Shin, Hang-Sik; Logan, Bruce E

2010-01-15

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are operated with solutions containing various chemical species required for the growth of electrochemically active microorganisms including nutrients and vitamins, substrates, and chemical buffers. Many different buffers are used in laboratory media, but the effects of these buffers and their inherent electrolyte conductivities have not been examined relative to current generation in MFCs. We investigated the effect of several common buffers (phosphate, MES, HEPES, and PIPES) on power production in single chambered MFCs compared to a non-buffered control. At the same concentrations the buffers produced different solution conductivities which resulted in different ohmic resistances and power densities. Increasing the solution conductivities to the same values using NaCl produced comparable power densities for all buffers. Very large increases in conductivity resulted in a rapid voltage drop at high current densities. Our results suggest that solution conductivity at a specific pH for each buffer is more important in MFC studies than the buffer itself given relatively constant pH conditions. Based on our analysis of internal resistance and a set neutral pH, phosphate and PIPES are the most useful buffers of those examined here because pH was maintained close to the pK(a) of the buffer, maximizing the ability of the buffer to contribute to increase current generation at high power densities. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solar maximum: Solar array degradation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, T.

1985-01-01

The 5-year in-orbit power degradation of the silicon solar array aboard the Solar Maximum Satellite was evaluated. This was the first spacecraft to use Teflon R FEP as a coverglass adhesive, thus avoiding the necessity of an ultraviolet filter. The peak power tracking mode of the power regulator unit was employed to ensure consistent maximum power comparisons. Telemetry was normalized to account for the effects of illumination intensity, charged particle irradiation dosage, and solar array temperature. Reference conditions of 1.0 solar constant at air mass zero and 301 K (28 C) were used as a basis for normalization. Beginning-of-life array power was 2230 watts. Currently, the array output is 1830 watts. This corresponds to a 16 percent loss in array performance over 5 years. Comparison of Solar Maximum Telemetry and predicted power levels indicate that array output is 2 percent less than predictions based on an annual 1.0 MeV equivalent election fluence of 2.34 x ten to the 13th power square centimeters space environment.

High modulation bandwidth of a light-emitting diode with surface plasmon coupling (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chun-Han; Tu, Charng-Gan; Yao, Yu-Feng; Chen, Sheng-Hung; Su, Chia-Ying; Chen, Hao-Tsung; Kiang, Yean-Woei; Yang, Chih-Chung

2017-02-01

Besides lighting, LEDs can be used for indoor data transmission. Therefore, a large modulation bandwidth becomes an important target in the development of visible LED. In this regard, enhancing the radiative recombination rate of carriers in the quantum wells of an LED is a useful method since the modulation bandwidth of an LED is related to the carrier decay rate besides the device RC time constant To increase the carrier decay rate in an LED without sacrificing its output power, the technique of surface plasmon (SP) coupling in an LED is useful. In this paper, the increases of modulation bandwidth by reducing mesa size, decreasing active layer thickness, and inducing SP coupling in blue- and green-emitting LEDs are illustrated. The results are demonstrated by comparing three different LED surface structures, including bare p-type surface, GaZnO current spreading layer, and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) for inducing SP coupling. In a single-quantum-well, blue-emitting LED with a circular mesa of 10 microns in radius, SP coupling results in a modulation bandwidth of 528.8 MHz, which is believed to be the record-high level. A smaller RC time constant can lead to a higher modulation bandwidth. However, when the RC time constant is smaller than 0.2 ns, its effect on modulation bandwidth saturates. The dependencies of modulation bandwidth on injected current density and carrier decay time confirm that the modulation bandwidth is essentially inversely proportional to a time constant, which is inversely proportional to the square-root of carrier decay rate and injected current density.

Real Time Computer Control of Neutral Beam Energy and Current During a DIII-D Tokamak Shot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawley, C. J.; Pace, D. C.; Rauch, J. M.; Scoville, J. T.

2017-10-01

A new control system has been implemented on DIII-D neutral beams which has been used during the 2016 and 2017 experimental campaign to directly change the beam acceleration voltage (V) and beam current (I) by the Plasma Control System (PCS) during a shot. Small changes in the beam voltage of 1-2 kV can be made in 1 msec or larger changes of up to 20kV in 0.5 seconds. The beam current can be modified by as much as +/-20% at a fixed beam voltage. Since both can be independently and simultaneously changed it is possible to change beam power (IV) at fixed voltage, keep constant power while sweeping beam voltage, or to maintain minimum beam divergence during a beam voltage sweep by changing I simultaneously to keep a constant beam perveance. The limitations of the variability will be presented with required changes in equipment to extend either the speed or range of the controls. Some of the effects on fast ion plasma instabilities or other plasma mode changes made possible by this control will also be presented (see also D.C. Pace, this conference). Design and changes to the control system was performed under General Atomics Internal Research and Development support, while plasma experiments on DIII-D were supported in part by the US Department of Energy under Award No. DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Gravity–capillary waves in finite depth on flows of constant vorticity

PubMed Central

Hsu, Hung-Chu; Francius, Marc; Kharif, Christian

2016-01-01

This paper considers two-dimensional periodic gravity–capillary waves propagating steadily in finite depth on a linear shear current (constant vorticity). A perturbation series solution for steady periodic waves, accurate up to the third order, is derived using a classical Stokes expansion procedure, which allows us to include surface tension effects in the analysis of wave–current interactions in the presence of constant vorticity. The analytical results are then compared with numerical computations with the full equations. The main results are (i) the phase velocity is strongly dependent on the value of the vorticity; (ii) the singularities (Wilton singularities) in the Stokes expansion in powers of wave amplitude that correspond to a Bond number of 1/2 and 1/3, which are the consequences of the non-uniformity in the ordering of the Fourier coefficients, are found to be influenced by vorticity; (iii) different surface profiles of capillary–gravity waves are computed and the effect of vorticity on those profiles is shown to be important, in particular that the solutions exhibit type-2-like wave features, characterized by a secondary maximum on the surface profile with a trough between the two maxima. PMID:27956873

Design of Intelligent Hydraulic Excavator Control System Based on PID Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jun; Jiao, Shengjie; Liao, Xiaoming; Yin, Penglong; Wang, Yulin; Si, Kuimao; Zhang, Yi; Gu, Hairong

Most of the domestic designed hydraulic excavators adopt the constant power design method and set 85%~90% of engine power as the hydraulic system adoption power, it causes high energy loss due to mismatching of power between the engine and the pump. While the variation of the rotational speed of engine could sense the power shift of the load, it provides a new method to adjust the power matching between engine and pump through engine speed. Based on negative flux hydraulic system, an intelligent hydraulic excavator control system was designed based on rotational speed sensing method to improve energy efficiency. The control system was consisted of engine control module, pump power adjusted module, engine idle module and system fault diagnosis module. Special PLC with CAN bus was used to acquired the sensors and adjusts the pump absorption power according to load variation. Four energy saving control strategies with constant power method were employed to improve the fuel utilization. Three power modes (H, S and L mode) were designed to meet different working status; Auto idle function was employed to save energy through two work status detected pressure switches, 1300rpm was setting as the idle speed according to the engine consumption fuel curve. Transient overload function was designed for deep digging within short time without spending extra fuel. An increasing PID method was employed to realize power matching between engine and pump, the rotational speed's variation was taken as the PID algorithm's input; the current of proportional valve of variable displacement pump was the PID's output. The result indicated that the auto idle could decrease fuel consumption by 33.33% compared to work in maximum speed of H mode, the PID control method could take full use of maximum engine power at each power mode and keep the engine speed at stable range. Application of rotational speed sensing method provides a reliable method to improve the excavator's energy efficiency and realize power match between pump and engine.

Novel circuits for energizing manganin stress gauges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tasker, Douglas G.

2017-01-01

This paper describes the design of a novel MOSFET pulsed constant current supplies for low impedance Manganin stress gauges. The design emphasis has been on high accuracy, low noise, simple, low cost, disposable supplies that can be used to energize multiple gauges in explosive or shock experiments. The Manganin gauges used to measure stresses in detonating explosive experiments have typical resistances of 50 mΩ and are energized with pulsed currents of 50 A. Conventional pulsed, constant current supplies for these gauges are high voltage devices with outputs as high as 500 V. Common problems with the use of high voltage supplies at explosive firing sites are: erroneous signals caused by ground loops; overdrive of oscilloscopes on gauge failure; gauge signal crosstalk; cost; and errors due to changing load impedances. The new circuit corrects these issues. It is an 18-V circuit, powered by 9-V alkaline batteries, and features an optically isolated trigger, and single-point grounding. These circuits have been successfully tested at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in explosive experiments. [LA-UR-15-24819

Electromagnetic induction pump for pumping liquid metals and other conductive liquids

DOEpatents

Smither, R.K.

1993-05-11

An electromagnetic induction pump is described in which an electrically conductive liquid is made to flow by means of a force created by interaction of a permanent magnetic field and a DC current. The pump achieves high efficiency through combination of: powerful permanent magnet materials which provide a high strength field that is uniform and constant; steel tubing formed into a coil which is constructed to carry conducting liquids with minimal electrical resistance and heat; and application of a voltage to induce a DC current which continuously produces a force in the direction of the desired flow.

Electromagnetic induction pump for pumping liquid metals and other conductive liquids

DOEpatents

Smither, Robert K.

1993-01-01

An electromagnetic induction pump in which an electrically conductive liquid is made to flow by means of a force created by interaction of a permanent magnetic field and a DC current. The pump achieves high efficiency through combination of: powerful permanent magnet materials which provide a high strength field that is uniform and constant; steel tubing formed into a coil which is constructed to carry conducting liquids with minimal electrical resistance and heat; and application of a voltage to induce a DC current which continuously produces a force in the direction of the desired flow.

Non-Ideal Properties of Gallium Nitride Based Light-Emitting Diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Qifeng

The spectacular development of gallium nitride (GaN) based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in recent years foreshadows a new era for lighting. There are still several non-ideal properties of GaN based LEDs that hinder their widespread applications. This dissertation studies these non-ideal properties including the large reverse leakage current, large subthreshold forward leakage current, an undesired parasitic cyan luminescence and high-concentration deep levels in GaInN blue LEDs. This dissertation also studies the thermal properties of GaInN LEDs. Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction of non-ideal properties of GaN based LEDs. The leakage current of GaN based LEDs, defects in epitaxially grown GaN devices, and doping problems of p-type GaN materials are discussed. The transient junction temperature measurement technique for GaN based LEDs is introduced. The leakage current of an LED includes the subthreshold forward leakage current and the reverse leakage current. The leakage current of GaN based LEDs affects the reliability, electrostatic discharge resilience, and sub-threshold power consumption. In Chapter 2, the reverse leakage current of a GaInN LED is analyzed by temperaturedependent current-voltage measurements. At low temperature, the reverse leakage current is attributed to the variable-range-hopping conduction. At high temperature, the reverse leakage current is attributed to a thermally-assisted multi-step tunneling. The thermal activation energies (95 meV ~ 162 meV), extracted from the Arrhenius plot for the reverse current in the high-temperature range, indicate a thermally activated tunneling process. Additional room-temperature capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements are performed to obtain information on the depletion width and doping concentration of the LED. The average internal electric field is estimated by the C-V measurements. The strong internal electric field enhances the thermal emission of electrons in the thermally-assisted multi-step tunneling process. Another problem of GaInN blue LEDs is the undesired parasitic cyan emission band. The undesired parasitic emission band strongly influence the electrical and optical properties of GaInN blue LEDs including the subthreshold forward leakage current and the color purity of the emission. In Chapter 3 , GaInN blue LEDs emitting at 445 nm with a parasitic cyan (blue-green) emission band (480 nm), which dominates the emission spectrum at low injection current, are analyzed. Photoluminescence using resonant optical excitation shows that the cyan emission originates from the active region of the LED. The current- and excitation-density-dependent blue-to-cyan intensity ratio reveals that the cyan emission is due to a transition from the conduction band to a Mg acceptor having diffused into the last-grown quantum well of the active region. The Mg in the active region provides an additional carrier-transport path, and therefore can explain the high subthreshold forward leakage current that is measured in these LEDs. Deep levels in GaN-based materials strongly affect the electrical and optical properties of GaN-based LEDs. Chapter 4 describes the basic principle and the setup of a deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurement system. This DLTS system is used to determine the concentration and thermal activation energy of deep levels in the depletion region of the GaInN LED. Two types of hole traps in the n-type side of the depletion region are observed in the DLTS measurement. The thermal activation energies of these two types of hole traps are compared with the results reported in literature. The hole trap associated with the major DLTS peak with a thermal activation energy of 0.80 eV is presumably related to the “yellow luminescence band”. Self-heating of LEDs is an important issue that affects the efficiency and reliability. In Chapter 5, the thermal properties, including thermal time constants, of GaN LEDs are analyzed. The transient-junction-temperature behavior of unpackaged LED chips is described by a single time constant, which is the product of a thermal resistance Rth and a thermal capacitance Cth. Furthermore, a multistage RthCth thermal model for packaged LEDs is developed. The transient response of the junction temperature of LEDs after the power is switched on or switched off can be described by a multi-exponential function. Each time constant of this function is approximately the product of a thermal resistance, Rth, and a thermal capacitance, Cth. The transient junction temperature after the power is switched off is measured for a high-power flip-chip LED by the forward-voltage method. A two-stage RthCth model is used to analyze the thermal properties of the packaged LED. Two time constants, 2.72 ms and 18.7 ms are extracted from the junction temperature decay measurement and attributed to the thermal time constant of the LED GaN / sapphire chip and LED Si submount, respectively.

Constant-Pressure Hydraulic Pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galloway, C. W.

1982-01-01

Constant output pressure in gas-driven hydraulic pump would be assured in new design for gas-to-hydraulic power converter. With a force-multiplying ring attached to gas piston, expanding gas would apply constant force on hydraulic piston even though gas pressure drops. As a result, pressure of hydraulic fluid remains steady, and power output of the pump does not vary.

Qualification and Selection of Flight Diode Lasers for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebe, Carl C.; Dillon, Robert P.; Gontijo, Ivair; Forouhar, Siamak; Shapiro, Andrew A.; Cooper, Mark S.; Meras, Patrick L.

2010-01-01

The reliability and lifetime of laser diodes is critical to space missions. The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) mission includes a metrology system that is based upon laser diodes. An operational test facility has been developed to qualify and select, by mission standards, laser diodes that will survive the intended space environment and mission lifetime. The facility is situated in an electrostatic discharge (ESD) certified clean-room and consist of an enclosed temperature-controlled stage that can accommodate up to 20 laser diodes. The facility is designed to characterize a single laser diode, in addition to conducting laser lifetime testing on up to 20 laser diodes simultaneously. A standard laser current driver is used to drive a single laser diode. Laser diode current, voltage, power, and wavelength are measured for each laser diode, and a method of selecting the most adequate laser diodes for space deployment is implemented. The method consists of creating histograms of laser threshold currents, powers at a designated current, and wavelengths at designated power. From these histograms, the laser diodes that illustrate a performance that is outside the normal are rejected and the remaining lasers are considered spaceborne candidates. To perform laser lifetime testing, the facility is equipped with 20 custom laser drivers that were designed and built by California Institute of Technology specifically to drive NuSTAR metrology lasers. The laser drivers can be operated in constant-current mode or alternating-current mode. Situated inside the enclosure, in front of the laser diodes, are 20 power-meter heads to record laser power throughout the duration of lifetime testing. Prior to connecting a laser diode to the current source for characterization and lifetime testing, a background program is initiated to collect current, voltage, and resistance. This backstage data collection enables the operational test facility to have full laser diode traceablity.

Current-driven plasmonic boom instability in three-dimensional gated periodic ballistic nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aizin, G. R.; Mikalopas, J.; Shur, M.

2016-05-01

An alternative approach of using a distributed transmission line analogy for solving transport equations for ballistic nanostructures is applied for solving the three-dimensional problem of electron transport in gated ballistic nanostructures with periodically changing width. The structures with varying width allow for modulation of the electron drift velocity while keeping the plasma velocity constant. We predict that in such structures biased by a constant current, a periodic modulation of the electron drift velocity due to the varying width results in the instability of the plasma waves if the electron drift velocity to plasma wave velocity ratio changes from below to above unity. The physics of such instability is similar to that of the sonic boom, but, in the periodically modulated structures, this analog of the sonic boom is repeated many times leading to a larger increment of the instability. The constant plasma velocity in the sections of different width leads to resonant excitation of the unstable plasma modes with varying bias current. This effect (that we refer to as the superplasmonic boom condition) results in a strong enhancement of the instability. The predicted instability involves the oscillating dipole charge carried by the plasma waves. The plasmons can be efficiently coupled to the terahertz electromagnetic radiation due to the periodic geometry of the gated structure. Our estimates show that the analyzed instability should enable powerful tunable terahertz electronic sources.

Characterization and evaluation of an aeolian-photovoltaic system in operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonfatti, F.; Calzolari, P. U.; Cardinali, G. C.; Vivanti, G.; Zani, A.

Data management, analysis techniques and results of performance monitoring of a prototype combined photovoltaic (PV)-wind turbine farm power plant in northern Italy are reported. Emphasis is placed on the PV I-V characteristics and irradiance and cell temperatures. Automated instrumentation monitors and records meteorological data and generator variables such as voltages, currents, output, battery electrolyte temperature, etc. Analysis proceeds by automated selection of I-V data for specific intervals of the year when other variables can be treated as constants. The technique permits characterization of generator performance, adjusting the power plant set points for optimal output, and tracking performance degradation over time.

Computer simulation of fat and muscle burn in long-distance bird migration

PubMed

Pennycuick

1998-03-07

The mechanical power required from a bird's flight muscles was recalculated at regular intervals (default 6 min), and the energy consumed in the interval was accounted for by reducing fuel reserves, which also reduced the all-up mass and the body cross-sectional area. Part of the energy requirement was met by consuming flight muscle tissue, according to one of three alternative "muscle burn criteria". These were (1) specific work held constant, (2) power density held constant and (3) muscle mass held constant, i.e. no muscle consumed. Holding the specific work constant produced results in the best agreement with the results of other studies. This criterion was therefore selected to compare simulated flights of three very different species whose flight and migrations have been extensively studied, (1) Thrush Nightingale (Luscinia luscinia), (2) Knot (Calidris canutus) and (3) Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus). The ratio of protein to fat consumed ranged from 0.19 to 0.36, depending mainly on the starting value assumed for the muscle fraction. Specific work and starting power density were much higher for the Whooper Swan than for the two smaller species, suggesting that the latter have power to spare for climbing to high cruising altitudes, whereas the swan has not. If all three species were able to reach high cruising altitudes, the result would be a large reduction in journey time, which in turn would result in a small increase in range, due to a saving of energy required for basal metabolism. On current assumptions, the proportion of the fuel energy spent on basal metabolism would be eight times higher in the Thrush Nightingale than in the Whooper Swan, consequently the gain in range due to flying high would be greater in the smaller bird. In order to run the simulation, assumptions have been made at the primary physical level, to calculate the mechanical power required, and also at the secondary physiological level, to convert this into fuel consumption. The physical assumptions mostly take the form of variables whose existence is not in doubt, but whose values are poorly known, whereas in the case of some of the most important physiological variables, even the principles are unknown. Attention is drawn to a number of problems in need of attention, including (1) the mass and energy requirements of respiratory and circulatory organs required to sustain aerobically a given level of mechanical power; (2) the capabilities of bird lungs at high altitudes; (3) the possibility that heart muscle and lung tissue may be consumed in flight; (4) the two "biological constants", isometric force per myosin fibril and inverse power density of mitochondria; (5) the energy density of different fuels, and the conversion efficiency of the flight muscles; and (6) the manner in which basal metabolism combines with other demands for power in an exercising animal. Copyright 1998 Academic Press Limited

Properties of glutamate-gated ion channels in horizontal cells of the perch retina.

PubMed

Schmidt, K F

1997-08-01

The effect of two different concentrations of L-glutamate and kainate on the gating kinetics of amino acid-sensitive non-NMDA channels were studied in cultured teleost retinal horizontal cells by single-channel recording and by noise analysis of whole-cell currents. When the glutamate agonist kainate was applied clearly parabolic mean-variance relations of whole-cell membrane currents (up to 3000 pA) indicated that this agonist was acting on one type of channels with a conductance of 5-10 pS. The cells were less sensitive when L-glutamate was used as the agonist and in most cases whole-cell currents amounted to less than 200 pA. The mean-variance relation of glutamate induced currents was complex, indicating that more than one type of channel opening could be involved. Power spectra of whole-cell currents were fitted with two Lorentzians with time constants of approx. 1 and 5-20 msec. Effects on amplitudes and time constants of agonist concentrations are demonstrated. Two categories of unitary events with mean open times of approx. 1 and 7 msec and conductances of approx. 7 and 12 pS, respectively, were obtained in single-channel recordings from cell-attached patches at different concentrations of glutamate in the pipette.

A Finite-Orbit-Width Fokker-Planck solver for modeling of RF Current Drive in ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrov, Yu. V.; Harvey, R. W.

2017-10-01

The bounce-average (BA) finite-difference Fokker-Planck (FP) code CQL3D now includes the essential physics to describe the RF heating of Finite-Orbit-Width (FOW) ions in tokamaks. The FP equation is reformulated in terms of constants-of-motion coordinates, which we select to be particle speed, pitch angle, and major radius on the equatorial plane thus obtaining the distribution function directly at this location. A recent development is the capability to obtain solution simultaneously for FOW ions and Zero-Orbit-Width (ZOW) electrons. As a practical application, the code is used for simulation of alpha-particle heating by high-harmonic waves in ITER scenarios. Coupling of high harmonic or helicon fast waves power to electrons is a promising current drive (CD) scenario for high beta plasmas. However, the efficiency of current drive can be diminished by parasitic channeling of RF power into fast ions such as alphas or NBI-produced deuterons, through finite Larmor-radius effects. Based on simulations, we formulate conditions where the fast ions absorb less than 10% of RF power. Supported by USDOE Grants ER54649, ER54744, and SC0006614.

Increased Energy Delivery for Parallel Battery Packs with No Regulated Bus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Chung-Ti

In this dissertation, a new approach to paralleling different battery types is presented. A method for controlling charging/discharging of different battery packs by using low-cost bi-directional switches instead of DC-DC converters is proposed. The proposed system architecture, algorithms, and control techniques allow batteries with different chemistry, voltage, and SOC to be properly charged and discharged in parallel without causing safety problems. The physical design and cost for the energy management system is substantially reduced. Additionally, specific types of failures in the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in a photovoltaic (PV) system when tracking only the load current of a DC-DC converter are analyzed. The periodic nonlinear load current will lead MPPT realized by the conventional perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm to be problematic. A modified MPPT algorithm is proposed and it still only requires typically measured signals, yet is suitable for both linear and periodic nonlinear loads. Moreover, for a modular DC-DC converter using several converters in parallel, the input power from PV panels is processed and distributed at the module level. Methods for properly implementing distributed MPPT are studied. A new approach to efficient MPPT under partial shading conditions is presented. The power stage architecture achieves fast input current change rate by combining a current-adjustable converter with a few converters operating at a constant current.

Dynamics of Perceived Exertion in Constant-Power Cycling: Time- and Workload-Dependent Thresholds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balagué, Natàlia; Hristovski, Robert; García, Sergi; Aguirre, Cecilia; Vázquez, Pablo; Razon, Selen; Tenenbaum, Gershon

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the dynamics of perceived exertion shifts (PES) as a function of time and workload during constant-power cycling. Method: Fifty-two participants assigned to 4 groups performed a cycling task at 4 different constant workloads corresponding to their individual rates of perceived exertion (RPEs = 13, 15,…

Fast charging nickel-metal hydride traction batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiao Guang; Liaw, Bor Yann

This paper describes the fast charge ability, or "fast rechargeability", of nominal 85 Ah Ni-MH modules under various fast charge conditions, including constant current (CC); typically 1-3C, and constant power (CP) regimes. Our tests revealed that there is no apparent difference between CC and CP fast charge regimes with respect to charge efficiency and time. Following the USABC Electric Vehicle Battery Test Procedures Manual (Revision 2, 1996), we demonstrated that we were able to return 40% state of charge (SOC) from 60% depth of discharge (DOD) to 20% DOD within 15 min. Most importantly, we found that the internal pressure of the cell is the most critical parameter in the control of the fast charge process and the safe operation of the modules.

IMPACT OF FIVE TREATMENT FACTORS ON MUSSEL MORTALITY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daniel P. Molloy

2003-12-08

Under this USDOE-NETL contract, the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens is being developed as a biocontrol agent for zebra mussels. The specific purpose of the contract is to identify factors that affect mussel kill. Test results reported herein indicate that mussel kill should not be affected by: (1) air bubbles being carried by currents through power plant pipes; (2) pipe orientation (e.g., vertical or horizontal); (3) whether the bacterial cell concentration during a treatment is constant or slightly varying; (4) whether a treatment is between 3 hr and 12 hr in duration, given that the total quantity of bacteria being applied tomore » the pipe is a constant; and (5) whether the water temperature is between 13 C and 23 C.« less

Carbon nanotube vacuum gauges with wide-dynamic range and processes thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manohara, Harish (Inventor); Kaul, Anupama B. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A miniature thermal conductivity gauge employs a carbon single-walled-nanotube. The gauge operates on the principle of thermal exchange between the voltage-biased nanotube and the surrounding gas at low levels of power and low temperatures to measure vacuum across a wide dynamic range. The gauge includes two terminals, a source of constant voltage to the terminals, a single-walled carbon nanotube between the terminals, a calibration of measured conductance of the nanotube to magnitudes of surrounding vacuum and a current meter in electrical communication with the source of constant voltage. Employment of the nanotube for measuring vacuum includes calibrating the electrical conductance of the nanotube to magnitudes of vacuum, exposing the nanotube to a vacuum, applying a constant voltage across the nanotube, measuring the electrical conductance of the nanotube in the vacuum with the constant voltage applied and converting the measured electrical conductance to the corresponding calibrated magnitude of vacuum using the calibration. The nanotube may be suspended to minimize heat dissipation through the substrate, increasing sensitivity at even tower pressures.

Development of an Atmospheric Dispersion Model for Heavier-Than-Air Gas Mixtures. Volume 3. DEGADIS User’s Manual.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-05-01

interpolates between a pair of points based on a list of supplied values (C-2). () ALP estimates the ambient wind profile power a by minimizing the integral...Typical Values of Surface Roughness 7 1.2. Representative Konin-Obukhov Lengths arnd Power Law Exponents for Different Atmospheric Stabilities 8 IV.1...a constant in power law wind profile 0 constant in a correlation r gama function 𔄁 ratio of (p - pa)/Cc 6 constant in a correlation y AMonin-Obukhov

Effect of solution combusted TiO2 nanopowder within commercial BaTiO3 dielectric layer on the photoelectric properties for AC powder electroluminescence devices.

PubMed

Park, Sung; Choi, Gil Rak; Kim, Youn Cheol; Lee, Jae Chun; Lee, Ju Hyeon

2013-05-01

A unique synthesis method was developed, which is called solution combustion method (SCM). TiO2 nanopowder was synthesized by this method. This SCM TiO2 nanopowder (-35 nm) was added to the dielectric layer of AC powder electroluminescence (EL) device. The dielectric layer was made of commercial BaTiO3 powder (-1.2 microm) and binding polymer. 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt% of SCM TiO2 nanopowder was added to the dielectric layer during fabrication of AC powder EL device respectively. Dielectric constant of these four kinds of dielectric layers was measured. The brightness and current density of AC powder EL device were also measured. When 10 wt% of SCM TiO2 nanopowder was added, dielectric constant and brightness were increased by 30% and 101% respectively. Furthermore, the current density was decreased by 71%. This means that the brightness was double and the power consumption was one third.

Probing fast heating in magnetic tunnel junction structures with exchange bias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papusoi, C.; Sousa, R.; Herault, J.; Prejbeanu, I. L.; Dieny, B.

2008-10-01

Heat diffusion in a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) having a ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic free layer is investigated. The MTJ is heated by an electric current pulse of power PHP, flowing through the junction in current perpendicular to the plane (CPP) geometry, via Joule heat dissipation in the tunnel barrier. According to a proposed one-dimensional (1D) model of heat diffusion, when an electric voltage is applied to the MTJ, the free layer experiences a transient temperature regime, characterized by an exponential increase of its temperature TAF with a time constant τTR, followed by a steady temperature regime characterized by TAF=TRT+αPHP, where TRT is the room temperature and α is a constant. Magnetic transport measurements of exchange bias HEX acting on the free layer allow the determination of α and τTR. The experimental values of α and τTR are in agreement with those calculated using the 1D model and an estimation of the MTJ thermodynamic parameters based on the Dulong-Petit and Widemann-Franz laws.

Higher success rate with transcranial electrical stimulation of motor-evoked potentials using constant-voltage stimulation compared with constant-current stimulation in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

PubMed

Shigematsu, Hideki; Kawaguchi, Masahiko; Hayashi, Hironobu; Takatani, Tsunenori; Iwata, Eiichiro; Tanaka, Masato; Okuda, Akinori; Morimoto, Yasuhiko; Masuda, Keisuke; Tanaka, Yuu; Tanaka, Yasuhito

2017-10-01

During spine surgery, the spinal cord is electrophysiologically monitored via transcranial electrical stimulation of motor-evoked potentials (TES-MEPs) to prevent injury. Transcranial electrical stimulation of motor-evoked potential involves the use of either constant-current or constant-voltage stimulation; however, there are few comparative data available regarding their ability to adequately elicit compound motor action potentials. We hypothesized that the success rates of TES-MEP recordings would be similar between constant-current and constant-voltage stimulations in patients undergoing spine surgery. The objective of this study was to compare the success rates of TES-MEP recordings between constant-current and constant-voltage stimulation. This is a prospective, within-subject study. Data from 100 patients undergoing spinal surgery at the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar level were analyzed. The success rates of the TES-MEP recordings from each muscle were examined. Transcranial electrical stimulation with constant-current and constant-voltage stimulations at the C3 and C4 electrode positions (international "10-20" system) was applied to each patient. Compound muscle action potentials were bilaterally recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), deltoid (Del), abductor hallucis (AH), tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GC), and quadriceps (Quad) muscles. The success rates of the TES-MEP recordings from the right Del, right APB, bilateral Quad, right TA, right GC, and bilateral AH muscles were significantly higher using constant-voltage stimulation than those using constant-current stimulation. The overall success rates with constant-voltage and constant-current stimulations were 86.3% and 68.8%, respectively (risk ratio 1.25 [95% confidence interval: 1.20-1.31]). The success rates of TES-MEP recordings were higher using constant-voltage stimulation compared with constant-current stimulation in patients undergoing spinal surgery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of payload bay magnetic fields due to dc power multipoint and single point ground configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawton, R. M.

1976-01-01

An analysis of magnetic fields in the Orbiter Payload Bay resulting from the present grounding configuration (structure return) was presented and the amount of improvement that would result from installing wire returns for the three dc power buses was determined. Ac and dc magnetic fields at five points in a cross-section of the bay are calculated for both grounding configurations. Y and Z components of the field at each point are derived in terms of a constant coefficient and the current amplitude of each bus. The dc loads assumed are 100 Amperes for each bus. The ac noise current used is a spectrum 6 db higher than the Orbiter equipment limit for narrowband conducted emissions. It was concluded that installing return wiring to provide a single point ground for the dc Buses in the Payload Bay would reduce the ac and dc magnetic field intensity by approximately 30 db.

Observational constraints on variable equation of state parameters of dark matter and dark energy after Planck

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Suresh; Xu, Lixin

2014-10-01

In this paper, we study a cosmological model in general relativity within the framework of spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker space-time filled with ordinary matter (baryonic), radiation, dark matter and dark energy, where the latter two components are described by Chevallier-Polarski-Linder equation of state parameters. We utilize the observational data sets from SNLS3, BAO and Planck + WMAP9 + WiggleZ measurements of matter power spectrum to constrain the model parameters. We find that the current observational data offer tight constraints on the equation of state parameter of dark matter. We consider the perturbations and study the behavior of dark matter by observing its effects on CMB and matter power spectra. We find that the current observational data favor the cold dark matter scenario with the cosmological constant type dark energy at the present epoch.

A hybrid power system for unmanned aerial vehicle electromagnetic launcher

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhiren; Wu, Jun; Huang, Shengjun

2018-06-01

According to the UAV electromagnetic catapult with fixed timing, a hybrid energy storage system consist with battery and super capacitor is designed, in order to reduce the volume and weight of the energy storage system. The battery is regarded as the energy storage device and the super capacitor as power release device. Firstly, the battery charges the super capacitor, and then the super capacitor supplies power to electromagnetic catapult separately. The strategy is using the Buck circuit to charge the super capacitor with constant current and using the Boost circuit to make super capacitor provide a stable voltage circuit for electromagnetic catapult. The Simulink simulation results show that the designed hybrid energy storage system can meet the requirements of electromagnetic catapult. Compared with the system powered by the battery alone, the proposed scheme can reduce the number of batteries, and greatly reduce the volume and weight of the energy storage system.

High power density supercapacitors based on the carbon dioxide activated D-glucose derived carbon electrodes and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tooming, T.; Thomberg, T.; Kurig, H.; Jänes, A.; Lust, E.

2015-04-01

The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, constant current charge/discharge and the constant power discharge methods have been applied to establish the electrochemical characteristics of the electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) consisting of the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMImBF4) ionic liquid and microporous carbon electrodes. Microporous carbon material used for preparation of electrodes (GDAC - glucose derived activated carbon), has been synthesised from D-(+)-glucose by the hydrothermal carbonization method, including subsequent pyrolysis, carbon dioxide activation and surface cleaning step with hydrogen. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area (SBET = 1540 m2 g-1), specific surface area calculated using the non-local density functional theory in conjunction with stable adsorption integral equation using splines (SAIEUS) model SSAIEUS = 1820 m2 g-1, micropore surface area (Smicro = 1535 m2 g-1), total pore volume (Vtot = 0.695 cm3 g-1) and the pore size distribution were obtained from the N2 sorption data. The SBET, Smicro and Vtot values have been correlated with the electrochemical characteristics strongly dependent on the carbon activation conditions applied for EDLCs. Wide region of ideal polarizability (ΔV ≤ 3.2 V), very short charging/discharging time constant (2.7 s), and high specific series capacitance (158 F g-1) have been calculated for the optimized carbon material GDAC-10h (activation of GDAC with CO2 during 10 h) in EMImBF4 demonstrating that this system can be used for completing the EDLC with high energy- and power densities.

Some theoretical considerations of longitudinal stability in power-on flight with special reference to wind-tunnel testing, November 1942

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donlan, C. J.

1976-01-01

Some problems relating to longitudinal stability in power-on flight are considered. A derivation is included which shows that, under certain conditions, the rate of change of the pitching moment coefficient with lift coefficient as obtained in wind tunnel tests simulating constant power operation is directly proportional to one of the indices of stability commonly associated with flight analysis, (the slope of the curve relating the elevator angle for trim and lift coefficient). The necessity of analyzing power-on wind tunnel data for trim conditions is emphasized, and a method is provided for converting data obtained from constant thrust tests to simulated constant throttle flight conditions.

To the theory of high-power gyrotrons with uptapered resonators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dumbrajs, O.; Nusinovich, G. S.

In high-power gyrotrons it is desirable to combine an optimal resonator length with the optimal value of the resonator quality factor. In resonators with the constant radius of the central part, the possibilities of this combination are limited because the quality factor of the resonator sharply increases with its length. Therefore the attempts to increase the length for maximizing the efficiency leads to such increase in the quality factor which makes the optimal current too small. Resonators with slightly uptapered profiles offer more flexibility in this regard. In such resonators, one can separate optimization of the interaction length from optimizationmore » of the quality factor because the quality factor determined by diffractive losses can be reduced by increasing the angle of uptapering. In the present paper, these issues are analyzed by studying as a typical high-power 17 GHz gyrotron which is currently under development in Europe for ITER (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITER). The effect of a slight uptapering of the resonator wall on the efficiency enhancement and the purity of the radiation spectrum in the process of the gyrotron start-up and power modulation are studied. Results show that optimal modification of the shape of a slightly uptapered resonator may result in increasing the gyrotron power from 1052 to 1360 kW.« less

Coherent beam combining architectures for high power tapered laser arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schimmel, G.; Janicot, S.; Hanna, M.; Decker, J.; Crump, P.; Erbert, G.; Witte, U.; Traub, M.; Georges, P.; Lucas-Leclin, G.

2017-02-01

Coherent beam combining (CBC) aims at increasing the spatial brightness of lasers. It consists in maintaining a constant phase relationship between different emitters, in order to combine them constructively in one single beam. We have investigated the CBC of an array of five individually-addressable high-power tapered laser diodes at λ = 976 nm, in two architectures: the first one utilizes the self-organization of the lasers in an interferometric extended-cavity, which ensures their mutual coherence; the second one relies on the injection of the emitters by a single-frequency laser diode. In both cases, the coherent combining of the phase-locked beams is ensured on the front side of the array by a transmission diffractive grating with 98% efficiency. The passive phase-locking of the laser bar is obtained up to 5 A (per emitter). An optimization algorithm is implemented to find the proper currents in the five ridge sections that ensured the maximum combined power on the front side. Under these conditions we achieve a maximum combined power of 7.5 W. In the active MOPA configuration, we can increase the currents in the tapered sections up to 6 A and get a combined power of 11.5 W, corresponding to a combining efficiency of 76%. It is limited by the beam quality of the tapered emitters and by fast phase fluctuations between emitters. Still, these results confirm the potential of CBC approaches with tapered lasers to provide a high-power and high-brightness beam, and compare with the current state-of-the-art with laser diodes.

Motor/generator and electronic control considerations for energy storage flywheels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J.

1984-01-01

A spacecraft electric power supply system is described. Requirements of the system are to accelerate a momentum wheel to a fixed maximum speed when solar energy is available and to maintain a constant voltage on the spacecraft bus under varying loads when solar energy is not available. Candidate motor types, pulse width modulated current control systems, and efficiency considerations are discussed. In addition, the Lunar Roving Vehicle motors are described along with their respective efficiencies.

WTG Energy Systems' Rotor: Steel at 80 Feet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barrows, R. E.

1979-01-01

The design, specifications, and performance of the 80 foot diameter fixed pitch rotor operating on the MP1-200 wind turbine generator installed as part of the Island of Cuttyhunk's electric power utility grid system are described. This synchronous generating system rated 200 kilowatts at 28 mph wind velocity, and produces constant 60 Hz, 480 VAC current at +/- 1 percent accuracy throughout the machine's operating range. Future R & D requirements and suggestions are included with cost data.

Resonant tunneling through mixed quasibound states in a triple-well structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, E. R.; Parker, C. D.; Calawa, A. R.; Manfra, M. J.

1993-01-01

A triple-well resonant-tunneling structure made from the In(0.53)Ga(0.47)As/AlAs material system yields a broad negative differential resistance (NDR) region without the precipitous drop in current that occurs in single-well structures. This NDR characteristic is attributed to resonant tunneling through mixed quasi-bound states. A diode made from this structure is used to generate a nearly constant power of 0.5 mW up to 16 GHz.

(In)validity of the constant field and constant currents assumptions in theories of ion transport.

PubMed Central

Syganow, A; von Kitzing, E

1999-01-01

Constant electric fields and constant ion currents are often considered in theories of ion transport. Therefore, it is important to understand the validity of these helpful concepts. The constant field assumption requires that the charge density of permeant ions and flexible polar groups is virtually voltage independent. We present analytic relations that indicate the conditions under which the constant field approximation applies. Barrier models are frequently fitted to experimental current-voltage curves to describe ion transport. These models are based on three fundamental characteristics: a constant electric field, negligible concerted motions of ions inside the channel (an ion can enter only an empty site), and concentration-independent energy profiles. An analysis of those fundamental assumptions of barrier models shows that those approximations require large barriers because the electrostatic interaction is strong and has a long range. In the constant currents assumption, the current of each permeating ion species is considered to be constant throughout the channel; thus ion pairing is explicitly ignored. In inhomogeneous steady-state systems, the association rate constant determines the strength of ion pairing. Among permeable ions, however, the ion association rate constants are not small, according to modern diffusion-limited reaction rate theories. A mathematical formulation of a constant currents condition indicates that ion pairing very likely has an effect but does not dominate ion transport. PMID:9929480

Wide-temperature integrated operational amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mojarradi, Mohammad (Inventor); Levanas, Greg (Inventor); Chen, Yuan (Inventor); Cozy, Raymond S. (Inventor); Greenwell, Robert (Inventor); Terry, Stephen (Inventor); Blalock, Benjamin J. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

The present invention relates to a reference current circuit. The reference circuit comprises a low-level current bias circuit, a voltage proportional-to-absolute temperature generator for creating a proportional-to-absolute temperature voltage (VPTAT), and a MOSFET-based constant-IC regulator circuit. The MOSFET-based constant-IC regulator circuit includes a constant-IC input and constant-IC output. The constant-IC input is electrically connected with the VPTAT generator such that the voltage proportional-to-absolute temperature is the input into the constant-IC regulator circuit. Thus the constant-IC output maintains the constant-IC ratio across any temperature range.

A variable-speed, constant-frequency wind power generation scheme using a slip-ring induction generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velayudhan, C.; Bundell, J. H.

This paper investigates a variable-speed, constant-frequency double output induction generator which is capable of absorbing the mechanical energy from a fixed pitch wind turbine and converting it into electrical energy at constant grid voltage and frequency. Rotor power at varying voltage and frequency is either fed to electronically controlled resistances and used as heat energy or is rectified, inverted by a controllable line-commutated inverter and returned to the grid. Optimal power tracking is by means of an adaptive controller which controls the developed torque of the generator by monitoring the shaft speed.

A 9700-hour durability test of a five centimeter diameter ion thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakanishi, S.; Finke, R. C.

1973-01-01

A modified Hughes SIT-5 thrustor has been life-tested at the Lewis Research Center. The final 2700 hours of the test are described with a charted history of thrustor operating parameters and off-normal events. Performance and operating characteristics were nearly constant throughout the test except for neutralizer heater power requirements and accelerator drain current. A post-shutdown inspection revealed sputter erosion of ion chamber components and component flaking of sputtered metal. Several flakes caused beamlet divergence and anomalous grid erosion, causing the test to be terminated. All sputter erosion sources have been identified and promising sputter resistant components are currently being evaluated.

Antiferromagnetic resonance excited by oscillating electric currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sluka, Volker

2017-12-01

In antiferromagnetic materials the order parameter exhibits resonant modes at frequencies that can be in the terahertz range, making them interesting components for spintronic devices. Here, it is shown that antiferromagnetic resonance can be excited using the inverse spin-Hall effect in a system consisting of an antiferromagnetic insulator coupled to a normal-metal waveguide. The time-dependent interplay between spin torque, ac spin accumulation, and magnetic degrees of freedom is studied. It is found that the dynamics of the antiferromagnet affects the frequency-dependent conductivity of the normal metal. Further, a comparison is made between spin-current-induced and Oersted-field-induced excitation under the condition of constant power injection.

Comparing otoacoustic emissions evoked by chirp transients with constant absorbed sound power and constant incident pressure magnitude.

PubMed

Keefe, Douglas H; Feeney, M Patrick; Hunter, Lisa L; Fitzpatrick, Denis F

2017-01-01

Human ear-canal properties of transient acoustic stimuli are contrasted that utilize measured ear-canal pressures in conjunction with measured acoustic pressure reflectance and admittance. These data are referenced to the tip of a probe snugly inserted into the ear canal. Promising procedures to calibrate across frequency include stimuli with controlled levels of incident pressure magnitude, absorbed sound power, and forward pressure magnitude. An equivalent pressure at the eardrum is calculated from these measured data using a transmission-line model of ear-canal acoustics parameterized by acoustically estimated ear-canal area at the probe tip and length between the probe tip and eardrum. Chirp stimuli with constant incident pressure magnitude and constant absorbed sound power across frequency were generated to elicit transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), which were measured in normal-hearing adult ears from 0.7 to 8 kHz. TEOAE stimuli had similar peak-to-peak equivalent sound pressure levels across calibration conditions. Frequency-domain TEOAEs were compared using signal level, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), coherence synchrony modulus (CSM), group delay, and group spread. Time-domain TEOAEs were compared using SNR, CSM, instantaneous frequency and instantaneous bandwidth. Stimuli with constant incident pressure magnitude or constant absorbed sound power across frequency produce generally similar TEOAEs up to 8 kHz.

Comparison of Transformer Winding Methods for Contactless Power Transfer Systems of Electric Vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneko, Yasuyoshi; Ehara, Natsuki; Iwata, Takuya; Abe, Shigeru; Yasuda, Tomio; Ida, Kazuhiko

This paper describes the comparison of the characteristics of double- and single-sided windings of contactless power transfer systems used in electric vehicles. The self-inductance changes with the electric current when the gap length is fixed in single-sided windings. The issue is resolved by maintaining the secondary voltage constant. In the case of double-sided windings, the transformer can be miniaturized in comparison with the single-sided winding transformer. However, the coupling factor is small, and appropriate countermeasures must be adopted to reduce the back leakage flux. The leakage flux is reduced by placing an aluminum board behind the transformer. Thus, the coupling factor increases.

Introduction to Voigt's wind power plant. [energy conversion efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tompkin, J.

1973-01-01

The design and operation of a 100 kilowatt wind driven generator are reported. Its high speed three-bladed turbine operates at a height of 50 meters. Blades are rigidly connected to the hub and turbine revolutions change linearly with wind velocity, maintaining a constant speed ratio of blade tip velocity to wind velocity over the full predetermined wind range. Three generators installed in the gondola generate either dc or ac current. Based on local wind conditions, the device has a maximum output of 720 kilowatts at a wind velocity of 16 meters per second. Total electrical capacity is 750 kilowatts, and power output per year is 2,135,000 kilowatt/hours.

Three-phase Power Flow Calculation of Low Voltage Distribution Network Considering Characteristics of Residents Load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yaping; Lin, Shunjiang; Yang, Zhibin

2017-05-01

In the traditional three-phase power flow calculation of the low voltage distribution network, the load model is described as constant power. Since this model cannot reflect the characteristics of actual loads, the result of the traditional calculation is always different from the actual situation. In this paper, the load model in which dynamic load represented by air conditioners parallel with static load represented by lighting loads is used to describe characteristics of residents load, and the three-phase power flow calculation model is proposed. The power flow calculation model includes the power balance equations of three-phase (A,B,C), the current balance equations of phase 0, and the torque balancing equations of induction motors in air conditioners. And then an alternating iterative algorithm of induction motor torque balance equations with each node balance equations is proposed to solve the three-phase power flow model. This method is applied to an actual low voltage distribution network of residents load, and by the calculation of three different operating states of air conditioners, the result demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed model and the algorithm.

A wireless integrated circuit for 100-channel charge-balanced neural stimulation.

PubMed

Thurgood, B K; Warren, D J; Ledbetter, N M; Clark, G A; Harrison, R R

2009-12-01

The authors present the design of an integrated circuit for wireless neural stimulation, along with benchtop and in - vivo experimental results. The chip has the ability to drive 100 individual stimulation electrodes with constant-current pulses of varying amplitude, duration, interphasic delay, and repetition rate. The stimulation is performed by using a biphasic (cathodic and anodic) current source, injecting and retracting charge from the nervous system. Wireless communication and power are delivered over a 2.765-MHz inductive link. Only three off-chip components are needed to operate the stimulator: a 10-nF capacitor to aid in power-supply regulation, a small capacitor (< 100 pF) for tuning the coil to resonance, and a coil for power and command reception. The chip was fabricated in a commercially available 0.6- mum 2P3M BiCMOS process. The chip was able to activate motor fibers to produce muscle twitches via a Utah Slanted Electrode Array implanted in cat sciatic nerve, and to activate sensory fibers to recruit evoked potentials in somatosensory cortex.

Soft switching resonant converter with duty-cycle control in DC micro-grid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Bor-Ren

2018-01-01

Resonant converter has been widely used for the benefits of low switching losses and high circuit efficiency. However, the wide frequency variation is the main drawback of resonant converter. This paper studies a new modular resonant converter with duty-cycle control to overcome this problem and realise the advantages of low switching losses, no reverse recovery current loss, balance input split voltages and constant frequency operation for medium voltage direct currentgrid or system network. Series full-bridge (FB) converters are used in the studied circuit in order to reduce the voltage stresses and power rating on power semiconductors. Flying capacitor is used between two FB converters to balance input split voltages. Two circuit modules are paralleled on the secondary side to lessen the current rating of rectifier diodes and the size of magnetic components. The resonant tank is operated at inductive load circuit to help power switches to be turned on at zero voltage with wide load range. The pulse-width modulation scheme is used to regulate output voltage. Experimental verifications are provided to show the performance of the proposed circuit.

Sustained hole inversion layer in a wide-bandgap metal-oxide semiconductor with enhanced tunnel current

PubMed Central

Shoute, Gem; Afshar, Amir; Muneshwar, Triratna; Cadien, Kenneth; Barlage, Douglas

2016-01-01

Wide-bandgap, metal-oxide thin-film transistors have been limited to low-power, n-type electronic applications because of the unipolar nature of these devices. Variations from the n-type field-effect transistor architecture have not been widely investigated as a result of the lack of available p-type wide-bandgap inorganic semiconductors. Here, we present a wide-bandgap metal-oxide n-type semiconductor that is able to sustain a strong p-type inversion layer using a high-dielectric-constant barrier dielectric when sourced with a heterogeneous p-type material. A demonstration of the utility of the inversion layer was also investigated and utilized as the controlling element in a unique tunnelling junction transistor. The resulting electrical performance of this prototype device exhibited among the highest reported current, power and transconductance densities. Further utilization of the p-type inversion layer is critical to unlocking the previously unexplored capability of metal-oxide thin-film transistors, such applications with next-generation display switches, sensors, radio frequency circuits and power converters. PMID:26842997

Evaluation of Fuel Cell Operation and Degradation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, Mark; Gemmen, Randall; Richards, George

The concepts of area specific resistance (ASR) and degradation are developed for different fuel cell operating modes. The concepts of exergetic efficiency and entropy production were applied to ASR and degradation. It is shown that exergetic efficiency is a time-dependent function useful describing the thermal efficiency of a fuel cell and the change in thermal efficiency of a degrading fuel cell. Entropy production was evaluated for the cases of constant voltage operation and constant current operation of the fuel cell for a fuel cell undergoing ohmic degradation. It was discovered that the Gaussian hypergeometric function describes the cumulative entropy andmore » electrical work produced by fuel cells operating at constant voltage. The Gaussian hypergeometric function is found in many applications in modern physics. This paper builds from and is an extension of several papers recently published by the authors in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society (ECS), ECS Transactions, Journal of Power Sources, and the Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology.« less

Measurement of rheology of distiller's grain slurries using a helical impeller viscometer.

PubMed

Houchin, Tiffany L; Hanley, Thomas R

2004-01-01

Current research is focused on developing a process to convert the cellulose and hemicellulose in distiller's grains into fermentable sugars, increasing both ethanol yield and the amount of protein in the remaining solid product. The rheologic properties of distiller's grain slurries were determined for concentrations of 21, 23, and 25%. Distiller's grain slurries are non-Newtonian, heterogeneous fluids subject to particle settling. Traditional methods of viscosity measurement, such as cone-and-plate and concentric cylinder viscometers, are not adequate for these fluids. A helical impeller viscometer was employed to measure impeller torque over a range of rotational speeds. Newtonian and non-Newtonian calibration fluids were utilized to obtain constants that relate shear stresses and shear rates to the experimental data. The Newtonian impeller constant, c, was 151; the non-Newtonian shear rate constant, k, was 10.30. Regression analysis of experimental data was utilized for comparison to power law, Herschel-Bulkley, and Casson viscosity models with regression coefficients exceeding 0.99 in all cases.

Optical Properties of Lithium Terbium Fluoride and Implications for Performance in High Power Lasers (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

Maximum 200 words) LiTbF4 has the potential to replace traditional magneto-optic (MO) garnet materials as a Faraday rotator in high power laser systems...TERMS LiTbF4; magneto-optic (MO) garnet materials; Faraday rotator; high power laser; Verdet constant; Sellmeier; optical isolator 16. SECURITY... Faraday rotator in high power laser systems due to its high Verdet constant. New measurements are reported of the ordinary and extraor- dinary

Design and development of a low-cost biphasic charge-balanced functional electric stimulator and its clinical validation.

PubMed

Shendkar, Chandrashekhar; Lenka, Prasanna K; Biswas, Abhishek; Kumar, Ratnesh; Mahadevappa, Manjunatha

2015-10-01

Functional electric stimulators that produce near-ideal, charge-balanced biphasic stimulation waveforms with interphase delay are considered safer and more efficacious than conventional stimulators. An indigenously designed, low-cost, portable FES device named InStim is developed. It features a charge-balanced biphasic single channel. The authors present the complete design, mathematical analysis of the circuit and the clinical evaluation of the device. The developed circuit was tested on stroke patients affected by foot drop problems. It was tested both under laboratory conditions and in clinical settings. The key building blocks of this circuit are low dropout regulators, a DC-DC voltage booster and a single high-power current source OP-Amp with current-limiting capabilities. This allows the device to deliver high-voltage, constant current, biphasic pulses without the use of a bulky step-up transformer. The advantages of the proposed design over the currently existing devices include improved safety features (zero DC current, current-limiting mechanism and safe pulses), waveform morphology that causes less muscle fatigue, cost-effectiveness and compact power-efficient circuit design with minimal components. The device is also capable of producing appropriate ankle dorsiflexion in patients having foot drop problems of various Medical Research Council scale grades.

E-beam high voltage switching power supply

DOEpatents

Shimer, Daniel W.; Lange, Arnold C.

1997-01-01

A high power, solid state power supply is described for producing a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads suitable for powering an electron beam gun or other ion source. The present power supply is most useful for outputs in a range of about 100-400 kW or more. The power supply is comprised of a plurality of discrete switching type dc-dc converter modules, each comprising a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, and an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module. The inputs to the converter modules are fed from a common dc rectifier/filter and are linked together in parallel through decoupling networks to suppress high frequency input interactions. The outputs of the converter modules are linked together in series and connected to the input of the transmission line to the load through a decoupling and line matching network. The dc-dc converter modules are phase activated such that for n modules, each module is activated equally 360.degree./n out of phase with respect to a successive module. The phased activation of the converter modules, combined with the square current waveforms out of the step up transformers, allows the power supply to operate with greatly reduced output capacitance values which minimizes the stored energy available for discharge into an electron beam gun or the like during arcing. The present power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle using simulated voltage feedback signals and voltage feedback loops. Circuitry is also provided for sensing incipient arc currents reflected at the output of the power supply and for simultaneously decoupling the power supply circuitry from the arcing load.

E-beam high voltage switching power supply

DOEpatents

Shimer, D.W.; Lange, A.C.

1997-03-11

A high power, solid state power supply is described for producing a controllable, constant high voltage output under varying and arcing loads suitable for powering an electron beam gun or other ion source. The present power supply is most useful for outputs in a range of about 100-400 kW or more. The power supply is comprised of a plurality of discrete switching type dc-dc converter modules, each comprising a voltage regulator, an inductor, an inverter for producing a high frequency square wave current of alternating polarity, an improved inverter voltage clamping circuit, a step up transformer, and an output rectifier for producing a dc voltage at the output of each module. The inputs to the converter modules are fed from a common dc rectifier/filter and are linked together in parallel through decoupling networks to suppress high frequency input interactions. The outputs of the converter modules are linked together in series and connected to the input of the transmission line to the load through a decoupling and line matching network. The dc-dc converter modules are phase activated such that for n modules, each module is activated equally 360{degree}/n out of phase with respect to a successive module. The phased activation of the converter modules, combined with the square current waveforms out of the step up transformers, allows the power supply to operate with greatly reduced output capacitance values which minimizes the stored energy available for discharge into an electron beam gun or the like during arcing. The present power supply also provides dynamic response to varying loads by controlling the voltage regulator duty cycle using simulated voltage feedback signals and voltage feedback loops. Circuitry is also provided for sensing incipient arc currents reflected at the output of the power supply and for simultaneously decoupling the power supply circuitry from the arcing load. 7 figs.

Measurement of event shape variables in deep inelastic e p scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adloff, C.; Aid, S.; Anderson, M.; Andreev, V.; Andrieu, B.; Arkadov, V.; Arndt, C.; Ayyaz, I.; Babaev, A.; Bähr, J.; Bán, J.; Baranov, P.; Barrelet, E.; Barschke, R.; Bartel, W.; Bassler, U.; Beck, H. P.; Beck, M.; Behrend, H.-J.; Belousov, A.; Berger, Ch.; Bernardi, G.; Bertrand-Coremans, G.; Beyer, R.; Biddulph, P.; Bizot, J. C.; Borras, K.; Botterweck, F.; Boudry, V.; Bourov, S.; Braemer, A.; Braunschweig, W.; Brisson, V.; Brown, D. P.; Brückner, W.; Bruel, P.; Bruncko, D.; Brune, C.; Bürger, J.; Büsser, F. W.; Buniatian, A.; Burke, S.; Buschhorn, G.; Calvet, D.; Campbell, A. J.; Carli, T.; Charlet, M.; Clarke, D.; Clerbaux, B.; Cocks, S.; Contreras, J. G.; Cormack, C.; Coughlan, J. A.; Cousinou, M.-C.; Cox, B. E.; Cozzika, G.; Cussans, D. G.; Cvach, J.; Dagoret, S.; Dainton, J. B.; Dau, W. D.; Daum, K.; David, M.; de Roeck, A.; de Wolf, E. A.; Delcourt, B.; Dirkmann, M.; Dixon, P.; Dlugosz, W.; Dollfus, C.; Donovan, K. T.; Dowell, J. D.; Dreis, H. B.; Droutskoi, A.; Ebert, J.; Ebert, T. R.; Eckerlin, G.; Efremenko, V.; Egli, S.; Eichler, R.; Eisele, F.; Eisenhandler, E.; Elsen, E.; Erdmann, M.; Fahr, A. B.; Favart, L.; Fedotov, A.; Felst, R.; Feltesse, J.; Ferencei, J.; Ferrarotto, F.; Flamm, K.; Fleischer, M.; Flieser, M.; Flügge, G.; Fomenko, A.; Formánek, J.; Foster, J. M.; Franke, G.; Gabathuler, E.; Gabathuler, K.; Gaede, F.; Garvey, J.; Gayler, J.; Gebauer, M.; Gerhards, R.; Glazov, A.; Goerlich, L.; Gogitidze, N.; Goldberg, M.; Gonzalez-Pineiro, B.; Gorelov, I.; Grab, C.; Grässler, H.; Greenshaw, T.; Griffiths, R. K.; Grindhammer, G.; Gruber, A.; Gruber, C.; Hadig, T.; Haidt, D.; Hajduk, L.; Haller, T.; Hampel, M.; Haynes, W. J.; Heinemann, B.; Heinzelmann, G.; Henderson, R. C. W.; Hengstmann, S.; Henschel, H.; Herynek, I.; Hess, M. F.; Hewitt, K.; Hiller, K. H.; Hilton, C. D.; Hladký, J.; Höppner, M.; Hoffmann, D.; Holtom, T.; Horisberger, R.; Hudgson, V. L.; Hütte, M.; Ibbotson, M.; İşsever, Ç.; Itterbeck, H.; Jacquet, M.; Jaffre, M.; Janoth, J.; Jansen, D. M.; Jönsson, L.; Johnson, D. P.; Jung, H.; Kalmus, P. I. P.; Kander, M.; Kant, D.; Kathage, U.; Katzy, J.; Kaufmann, H. H.; Kaufmann, O.; Kausch, M.; Kazarian, S.; Kenyon, I. R.; Kermiche, S.; Keuker, C.; Kiesling, C.; Klein, M.; Kleinwort, C.; Knies, G.; Köhler, T.; Köhne, J. H.; Kolanoski, H.; Kolya, S. D.; Korbel, V.; Kostka, P.; Kotelnikov, S. K.; Krämerkämper, T.; Krasny, M. W.; Krehbiel, H.; Krücker, D.; Küpper, A.; Küster, H.; Kuhlen, M.; Kurča, T.; Laforge, B.; Landon, M. P. J.; Lange, W.; Langenegger, U.; Lebedev, A.; Lehner, F.; Lemaitre, V.; Levonian, S.; Lindstroem, M.; Linsel, F.; Lipinski, J.; List, B.; Lobo, G.; Lopez, G. C.; Lubimov, V.; Lüke, D.; Lytkin, L.; Magnussen, N.; Mahlke-Krüger, H.; Malinovski, E.; Maraček, R.; Marage, P.; Marks, J.; Marshall, R.; Martens, J.; Martin, G.; Martin, R.; Martyn, H.-U.; Martyniak, J.; Mavroidis, T.; Maxfield, S. J.; McMahon, S. J.; Mehta, A.; Meier, K.; Merkel, P.; Metlica, F.; Meyer, A.; Meyer, A.; Meyer, H.; Meyer, J.; Meyer, P.-O.; Migliori, A.; Mikocki, S.; Milstead, D.; Moeck, J.; Moreau, F.; Morris, J. V.; Mroczko, E.; Müller, D.; Müller, K.; Murín, P.; Nagovizin, V.; Nahnhauer, R.; Naroska, B.; Naumann, Th.; Négri, I.; Newman, P. R.; Newton, D.; Nguyen, H. K.; Nicholls, T. C.; Niebergall, F.; Niebuhr, C.; Niedzballa, Ch.; Niggli, H.; Nowak, G.; Nunnemann, T.; Oberlack, H.; Olsson, J. E.; Ozerov, D.; Palmen, P.; Panaro, E.; Panitch, A.; Pascaud, C.; Passaggio, S.; Patel, G. D.; Pawletta, H.; Peppel, E.; Perez, E.; Phillips, J. P.; Pieuchot, A.; Pitzl, D.; Pöschl, R.; Pope, G.; Povh, B.; Rabbertz, K.; Reimer, P.; Rick, H.; Reiss, S.; Rizvi, E.; Robmann, P.; Roosen, R.; Rosenbauer, K.; Rostovtsev, A.; Rouse, F.; Royon, C.; Rüter, K.; Rusakov, S.; Rybicki, K.; Sankey, D. P. C.; Schacht, P.; Schiek, S.; Schleif, S.; Schleper, P.; von Schlippe, W.; Schmidt, D.; Schmidt, G.; Schoeffel, L.; Schöning, A.; Schröder, V.; Schuhmann, E.; Schwab, B.; Sefkow, F.; Semenov, A.; Shekelyan, V.; Sheviakov, I.; Shtarkov, L. N.; Siegmon, G.; Siewert, U.; Sirois, Y.; Skillicorn, I. O.; Sloan, T.; Smirnov, P.; Smith, M.; Solochenko, V.; Soloviev, Y.; Specka, A.; Spiekermann, J.; Spielman, S.; Spitzer, H.; Squinabol, F.; Steffen, P.; Steinberg, R.; Steinhart, J.; Stella, B.; Stellberger, A.; Stiewe, J.; Stößlein, U.; Stolze, K.; Straumann, U.; Struczinski, W.; Sutton, J. P.; Tapprogge, S.; Taševský, M.; Tchernyshov, V.; Tchetchelnitski, S.; Theissen, J.; Thompson, G.; Thompson, P. D.; Tobien, N.; Todenhagen, R.; Truöl, P.; Tsipolitis, G.; Turnau, J.; Tzamariudaki, E.; Uelkes, P.; Usik, A.; Valkár, S.; Valkárová, A.; Vallée, C.; van Esch, P.; van Mechelen, P.; Vandenplas, D.; Vazdik, Y.; Verrecchia, P.; Villet, G.; Wacker, K.; Wagener, A.; Wagener, M.; Wallny, R.; Walter, T.; Waugh, B.; Weber, G.; Weber, M.; Wegener, D.; Wegner, A.; Wengler, T.; Werner, M.; West, L. R.; Wiesand, S.; Wilksen, T.; Willard, S.; Winde, M.; Winter, G.-G.; Wittek, C.; Wobisch, M.; Wollatz, H.; Wünsch, E.; ŽáČek, J.; Zarbock, D.; Zhang, Z.; Zhokin, A.; Zini, P.; Zomer, F.; Zsembery, J.; Zurnedden, M.

1997-02-01

Deep inelastic e p scattering data, taken with the H1 detector at HERA, are used to study the event shape variables thrust, jet broadening and jet mass in the current hemisphere of the Breit frame over a large range of momentum transfers Q between 7 GeV and 100 GeV. The data are compared with results from e+e- experiments. Using second order QCD calculations and an approach to relate hadronisation effects to power corrections an analysis of the Q dependences of the means of the event shape parameters is presented, from which both the power corrections and the strong coupling constant are determined without any assumption on fragmentation models. The power corrections of all event shape variables investigated follow a 1/Q behaviour and can be described by a common parameter α0.

Lightweight multiple output converter development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kisch, J. J.; Martinelli, R. M.

1978-01-01

A high frequency, multiple output power conditioner was developed and breadboarded using an eight-stage capacitor diode voltage multiplier to provide +1200 Vdc, and a three-stage for -350 Vdc. In addition, two rectifier bridges were capacitively coupled to the eight-stage multiplier to obtain 0.5 and 0.65 a dc constant current outputs referenced to +1200 Vdc. Total power was 120 watts, with an overall efficiency of 85 percent at the 80 kHz operating frequency. All outputs were regulated to three percent or better, with complete short circuit protection. The power conditioner component weight and efficiency were compared to the equivalent four outputs of the 10 kHz conditioner for the 8 cm ion engine. Weight reduction for the four outputs was 557 grams; extrapolated in the same ratio to all nine outputs, it would be 1100 to 1400 grams.

Improvement of In-Flight Alumina Spheroidization Process Using a Small Power Argon DC-RF Hybrid Plasma Flow System by Helium Mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takana, Hidemasa; Jang, Juyong; Igawa, Junji; Nakajima, Tomoki; Solonenko, Oleg P.; Nishiyama, Hideya

2011-03-01

For the further improvement of in-flight alumina spheroidization process with a low-power direct-current radiofrequency (DC-RF) hybrid plasma flow system, the effect of a small amount of helium gas mixture in argon main gas and also the effect of increasing DC nozzle diameter on powder spheroidization ratio have been experimentally clarified with correlating helium gas mixture percentage, plasma enthalpy, powder in-flight velocity, and temperature. The alumina spheroidization ratio increases by helium gas mixture as a result of enhancement of plasma enthalpy. The highest spheroidization ratio is obtained by 4% mixture of helium in central gas with enlarging nozzle diameter from 3 to 4 mm, even under the constant low input electric power given to a DC-RF hybrid plasma flow system.

Neuromuscular fatigue following constant versus variable-intensity endurance cycling in triathletes.

PubMed

Lepers, R; Theurel, J; Hausswirth, C; Bernard, T

2008-07-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not variable power cycling produced greater neuromuscular fatigue of knee extensor muscles than constant power cycling at the same mean power output. Eight male triathletes (age: 33+/-5 years, mass: 74+/-4 kg, VO2max: 62+/-5 mL kg(-1) min(-1), maximal aerobic power: 392+/-17 W) performed two 30 min trials on a cycle ergometer in a random order. Cycling exercise was performed either at a constant power output (CP) corresponding to 75% of the maximal aerobic power (MAP) or a variable power output (VP) with alternating +/-15%, +/-5%, and +/-10% of 75% MAP approximately every 5 min. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, maximal voluntary activation level and excitation-contraction coupling process of knee extensor muscles were evaluated before and immediately after the exercise using the technique of electrically evoked contractions (single and paired stimulations). Oxygen uptake, ventilation and heart rate were also measured at regular intervals during the exercise. Averaged metabolic variables were not significantly different between the two conditions. Similarly, reductions in MVC torque (approximately -11%, P<0.05) after cycling were not different (P>0.05) between CP and VP trials. The magnitude of central and peripheral fatigue was also similar at the end of the two cycling exercises. It is concluded that, following 30 min of endurance cycling, semi-elite triathletes experienced no additional neuromuscular fatigue by varying power (from +/-5% to 15%) compared with a protocol that involved a constant power.

Experimental investigation of high temperature high voltage thermionic diode for the space power nuclear reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onufriyev, Valery. V.

2001-02-01

It is well known that the rise of arc from the dense glow discharge is connected with the thermion and secondary processes on the cathode surface (Granovsky, 1971; Leob, 1953; Engel, 1935). First model of breakdown of the cathode layer is connected with the increase of the cathode temperature in consequence of the ion bombardment that leads to the grows its thermo-emissive current. Other model shows the main role of the secondary effects on the cathode surface-the increase of the secondary ion emission coefficient-γi with the grows of glow discharge voltage. But the author of this investigation work of breakdown in Cs vapor (a transmission the glow discharge into self-maintaining arc discharge) discovered the next peculiarity: the value of breakdown voltage is constant when the values of vapor temperature (its pressure pcs) and cathode temperature Tk is constant too (Ub=constant with Tk=constant and pcs=constant) and it is not a statistical value (Onufryev, Grishin, 1996) (that was observed in gas glow discharges other authors (Granovsky, 1971; Leob, 1953; Engel, 1935)). The investigations of thermion high voltage high temperature diode (its breakdown characteristics in closed state and voltage-current characteristics in disclosed state) showed that the value of the breakdown voltage is depended on the vapor pressure in inter-electrode gap (IEG)-pcs and cathode temperature-Tk and is independent on IEG length-Δieg. On this base it was settled that the main role in transition of glow discharge to self-maintaining arc discharge plays an ion cathode layer but more exactly-the region of excited atoms-``Aston glow.'' .

Status report on Project Hercules

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Loree, D.; Giesselmann, M.; Kristiansen, M.

1993-01-01

Project Hercules is a project to improve ignitron switches which will then be used on the upgrade of Lawrence Livermore's Nova Laser for their ICF program. The goals of Hercules, which stands for High Energy Research Concerning the Ultimate Lifetime of Experimental Switches, are to lifetime test (up to 10,000 shots) prototype ignitrons or other switches with the required Nova current and coulomb parameters (300 kA, 200 C), recommend design changes, and retest the second generation switches. This report describes the design and construction of the test circuit and necessary diagnostics. The details of the design and construction of themore » test circuit and necessary diagnostics. The details of the design and construction of a 0.5 MJ electrolytic capacitor bank and a semi-automatic diagnostic/control system are described. The required test run data include peak current and corresponding tube voltage for every shot, entire current and voltage waveforms every few shots, and ignitor resistance values every few shots. Additionally, the conversion of a 120 kW, 12 kV constant voltage supply to an 8 A constant current supply with the use of six SCRs and a commercial control board will be described. The final results of this project will be lifetime data at high current and high coulomb for and improvements on some of the best of the new generation of pulsed power switches.« less

Quantitative evaluation method for nonlinear characteristics of piezoelectric transducers under high stress with complex nonlinear elastic constant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, Susumu; Kasashima, Takashi; Yamazaki, Masato; Okimura, Yasuyuki; Nagata, Hajime; Hosaka, Hiroshi; Morita, Takeshi

2018-07-01

The high power properties of piezoelectric transducers were evaluated considering a complex nonlinear elastic constant. The piezoelectric LCR equivalent circuit with nonlinear circuit parameters was utilized to measure them. The deformed admittance curve of piezoelectric transducers was measured under a high stress and the complex nonlinear elastic constant was calculated by curve fitting. Transducers with various piezoelectric materials, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, (K,Na)NbO3, and Ba(Zr,Ti)O3–(Ba,Ca)TiO3, were investigated by the proposed method. The measured complex nonlinear elastic constant strongly depends on the linear elastic and piezoelectric constants. This relationship indicates that piezoelectric high power properties can be controlled by modifying the linear elastic and piezoelectric constants.

Effect of workload setting on propulsion technique in handrim wheelchair propulsion.

PubMed

van Drongelen, Stefan; Arnet, Ursina; Veeger, Dirkjan H E J; van der Woude, Lucas H V

2013-03-01

To investigate the influence of workload setting (speed at constant power, method to impose power) on the propulsion technique (i.e. force and timing characteristics) in handrim wheelchair propulsion. Twelve able-bodied men participated in this study. External forces were measured during handrim wheelchair propulsion on a motor driven treadmill at different velocities and constant power output (to test the forced effect of speed) and at power outputs imposed by incline vs. pulley system (to test the effect of method to impose power). Outcome measures were the force and timing variables of the propulsion technique. FEF and timing variables showed significant differences between the speed conditions when propelling at the same power output (p < 0.01). Push time was reduced while push angle increased. The method to impose power only showed slight differences in the timing variables, however not in the force variables. Researchers and clinicians must be aware of testing and evaluation conditions that may differently affect propulsion technique parameters despite an overall constant power output. Copyright © 2012 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Calculation of crystalline lens power in chickens with a customized version of Bennett's equation.

PubMed

Iribarren, Rafael; Rozema, Jos J; Schaeffel, Frank; Morgan, Ian G

2014-03-01

This paper customizes Bennett's equation for calculating lens power in chicken eyes from refraction, keratometry and biometry. Previously published data on refraction, corneal power, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, lens radii of curvature, axial length and eye power in chickens aged 10-90 days were used to estimate Gullstrand's lens power and Bennett's lens power for chicken eyes, and to calculate the lens equivalent refractive index. Bennett's A and B constants for the front and back surface powers of the lens were calculated for data measured from day 10 to 90 at 10 day intervals, and mean customized constants were calculated. The mean customized constants for Bennett's equation for chicks were A=0.574±0.023 and B=0.379±0.021. As found previously, lens power decreases with age in chicks, while corneal power decreases and axial length increases. The lens equivalent refractive index decreases with age from 10 to 90 days after hatching. Bennett's equation can be used to calculate lens power in chicken eyes for studies on animal myopia, using standard biometry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nickel-cadmium battery system for electric vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein, M.; Charkey, A.

A nickel-cadmium battery system has been developed and is being evaluated for electric vehicle propulsion applications. The battery system design features include: (1) air circulation through gaps between cells for thermal management, (2) a metal-gas coulometric fuel gauge for state-of-charge and charge control, and (3) a modified constant current ac/dc power supply for the charger. The battery delivers one and a half to two times the energy density of comparable lead-acid batteries depending on operating conditions.

Time-Domain Computation Of Electromagnetic Fields In MMICs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lansing, Faiza S.; Rascoe, Daniel L.

1995-01-01

Maxwell's equations solved on three-dimensional, conformed orthogonal grids by finite-difference techniques. Method of computing frequency-dependent electrical parameters of monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) involves time-domain computation of propagation of electromagnetic field in response to excitation by single pulse at input terminal, followed by computation of Fourier transforms to obtain frequency-domain response from time-domain response. Parameters computed include electric and magnetic fields, voltages, currents, impedances, scattering parameters, and effective dielectric constants. Powerful and efficient means for analyzing performance of even complicated MMIC.

Effect of cathode thickness on the performance of planar Na-NiCl 2 battery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Xiaochuan; Chang, Hee Jung; Bonnett, Jeff F.

Na-beta alumina batteries (NBBs) are one of the most promising technologies for renewable energy storage and grid applications. Commercial NBBs are typically constructed in tubular designs, primarily because of their ease of sealing. But, planar designs are considered superior to tubular counterparts in terms of power output, cell packing, ease of assembly, and thermal management. In this paper, the performance of planar NBBs has been evaluated at an intermediate temperature. In particular, planar Na-NiCl 2 cells with different cathode loadings and thicknesses have been studied at 190 °C. We investigated the effects of the cathode thickness, charging current, and dischargingmore » power output on the cell capacity and resistance. More than 60% of theoretical cell capacity was retained with constant discharging power levels of 200, 175, and 100 mW/cm 2 for 1x, 2x, and 3x cathode loadings, respectively. The cell resistance with 1x and 2x cathode loadings was dominated by ohmic resistance with discharging currents up to 105 mA/cm 2, while for 3x cathode loading, it was primarily dominated by ohmic resistance with currents less than 66.67 mA/cm 2 and by polarization resistance above 66.67 mA/cm 2.« less

Effect of cathode thickness on the performance of planar Na-NiCl 2 battery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Xiaochuan; Chang, Hee Jung; Bonnett, Jeff F.

Na-beta alumina batteries (NBBs) are one of the most promising technologies for renewable energy storage and grid applications. Commercial NBBs are typically constructed in tubular designs, primarily because of their ease of sealing. However, planar designs are considered superior to tubular designs in terms of power output, cell packing, ease of assembly, and thermal management. In this paper, the performance of planar NBBs has been evaluated at an intermediate temperature. In particular, planar Na-NiCl2 cells with different cathode loadings and thicknesses have been studied at 190oC. The effects of the cathode thickness, charging current, and discharging power output on themore » cell capacity and resistance have been investigated. More than 60% of theoretical cell capacity could be retained with constant discharging power levels of 600, 525, and 300 mW for 1x, 2x, and 3x cathode loadings, respectively. The cell resistance with 1x and 2x cathode loadings was dominated by ohmic resistance with discharging currents up to 105 mA/cm2, while for 3x cathode loading, it was primarily dominated by ohmic resistance with currents less than 66.7 mA/cm2 and by polarization resistance above 66.7 mA/cm2.« less

Study of performance degradation in Titanium microbolometer IR detectors due to elevated heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxena, Raghvendra Sahai; Bhan, R. K.; Rana, Pratap Singh; Vishwakarma, A. K.; Aggarwal, Anita; Khurana, Kumkum; Gupta, Sudha

2011-07-01

Heating of thermal detectors is a major reliability concern because they are always subjected to heat whenever in operation and while absorbing excessive heat they may get degraded or damaged. In case of microbolometer Infrared (IR) detectors, heating can occur due to the absorbed radiations and also due to the bias current. In metal film microbolometers, wherein high bias current is supplied for improving responsivity, the bias heating is an issue. To study the effects of excessive heating of a Titanium microbolometer, we fabricated a linear array of such microbolometers and performed a destructive experiment of passing high bias current pulses through it and report here that even though the power supplied in pulse mode cannot damage the element physically, it may be sufficient for significant performance degradations. With this experiment we extracted that the maximum power that our Titanium microbolometer element can sustain without performance degradation is 2.25 mW. We have also reported a specific signature of temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) that, up to the reported safe limit, remains almost constant and when that limit is crossed, reduces rapidly to a much lower value. If we keep increasing the power further it increases slightly and attains a kind of saturation.

A compact high-resolution X-ray ion mobility spectrometer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reinecke, T.; Kirk, A. T.; Heptner, A.

For the ionization of gaseous samples, most ion mobility spectrometers employ radioactive ionization sources, e.g., containing {sup 63}Ni or {sup 3}H. Besides legal restrictions, radioactive materials have the disadvantage of a constant radiation with predetermined intensity. In this work, we replaced the {sup 3}H source of our previously described high-resolution ion mobility spectrometer with 75 mm drift tube length with a commercially available X-ray source. It is shown that the current configuration maintains the resolving power of R = 100 which was reported for the original setup containing a {sup 3}H source. The main advantage of an X-ray source ismore » that the intensity of the radiation can be adjusted by varying its operating parameters, i.e., filament current and acceleration voltage. At the expense of reduced resolving power, the sensitivity of the setup can be increased by increasing the activity of the source. Therefore, the performance of the setup can be adjusted to the specific requirements of any application. To investigate the relation between operating parameters of the X-Ray source and the performance of the ion mobility spectrometer, parametric studies of filament current and acceleration voltage are performed and the influence on resolving power, peak height, and noise is analyzed.« less

Research and Development for an Alternative RF Source Using Magnetrons in CEBAF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, Andrew

2016-09-01

At Jefferson Lab, klystrons are currently used as a radiofrequency (RF) power source for the 1497 MHz Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) Continuous Wave (CW) system. A drop-in replacement for the klystrons in the form of a system of magnetrons is being developed. The klystron DC-RF efficiency at CEBAF is 35-51% while the estimated magnetron efficiency is 80-90%. Thus, the introduction of magnetrons to CEBAF will have enormous benefits in terms of electrical power saving. The primary focus of this project was to characterize a magnetron's frequency pushing and pulling curves at 2.45 GHz with stub tuner and anode current adjustments so that a Low Level RF controller for a new 1.497 GHz magnetron can be built. A Virtual Instrument was created in LabVIEW, and data was taken. The resulting data allowed for the creation of many constant lines of frequency and output power. Additionally, the results provided a characterization of magnetron oven temperature drift over the operation time and the relationship between anode current and frequency. Using these results, the control model of different variables and their feedback or feedforward that affect the frequency pushing and pulling of the magnetron is better developed. Department of Energy, Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships, and Jefferson Lab.

Development and optimization of a diode laser for photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Lim, Hyun Soo

2011-01-01

This study demonstrated the development of a laser system for cancer treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on a 635 nm laser diode. In order to optimize efficacy in PDT, the ideal laser system should deliver a homogeneous nondivergent light energy with a variable spot size and specific wavelength at a stable output power. We developed a digital laser beam controller using the constant current method to protect the laser diode resonator from the current spikes and other fluctuations, and electrical faults. To improve the PDT effects, the laser system should deliver stable laser energy in continuous wave (CW), burst mode and super burst mode, with variable irradiation times depending on the tumor type and condition. The experimental results showed the diode laser system described herein was eminently suitable for PDT. The laser beam was homogeneous without diverging and the output power increased stably and in a linear manner from 10 mW to 1500 mW according to the increasing input current. Variation between the set and delivered output was less than 7%. The diode laser system developed by the author for use in PDT was compact, user-friendly, and delivered a stable and easily adjustable output power at a specific wavelength and user-set emission modes.

Development and optimization of a diode laser for photodynamic therapy

PubMed Central

Lim, Hyun Soo

2011-01-01

Background and Aims: This study demonstrated the development of a laser system for cancer treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on a 635 nm laser diode. In order to optimize efficacy in PDT, the ideal laser system should deliver a homogeneous nondivergent light energy with a variable spot size and specific wavelength at a stable output power. Materials and Methods: We developed a digital laser beam controller using the constant current method to protect the laser diode resonator from the current spikes and other fluctuations, and electrical faults. To improve the PDT effects, the laser system should deliver stable laser energy in continuous wave (CW), burst mode and super burst mode, with variable irradiation times depending on the tumor type and condition. Results and Comments: The experimental results showed the diode laser system described herein was eminently suitable for PDT. The laser beam was homogeneous without diverging and the output power increased stably and in a linear manner from 10 mW to 1500 mW according to the increasing input current. Variation between the set and delivered output was less than 7%. Conclusions: The diode laser system developed by the author for use in PDT was compact, user-friendly, and delivered a stable and easily adjustable output power at a specific wavelength and user-set emission modes. PMID:24155529

Effect of cathode thickness on the performance of planar Na-NiCl 2 battery

DOE PAGES

Lu, Xiaochuan; Chang, Hee Jung; Bonnett, Jeff F.; ...

2017-10-18

Na-beta alumina batteries (NBBs) are one of the most promising technologies for renewable energy storage and grid applications. Commercial NBBs are typically constructed in tubular designs, primarily because of their ease of sealing. But, planar designs are considered superior to tubular counterparts in terms of power output, cell packing, ease of assembly, and thermal management. In this paper, the performance of planar NBBs has been evaluated at an intermediate temperature. In particular, planar Na-NiCl 2 cells with different cathode loadings and thicknesses have been studied at 190 °C. We investigated the effects of the cathode thickness, charging current, and dischargingmore » power output on the cell capacity and resistance. More than 60% of theoretical cell capacity was retained with constant discharging power levels of 200, 175, and 100 mW/cm 2 for 1x, 2x, and 3x cathode loadings, respectively. The cell resistance with 1x and 2x cathode loadings was dominated by ohmic resistance with discharging currents up to 105 mA/cm 2, while for 3x cathode loading, it was primarily dominated by ohmic resistance with currents less than 66.67 mA/cm 2 and by polarization resistance above 66.67 mA/cm 2.« less

On developing an optimal design procedure for a bimorph piezoelectric cantilever energy harvester under a predefined volume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboulfotoh, Noha; Twiefel, Jens

2018-06-01

A typical vibration harvester is tuned to operate at resonance in order to maximize the power output. There are many design parameter sets for tuning the harvester to a specific frequency, even for simple geometries. This work studies the impact of the geometrical parameters on the harvested power while keeping the resonance frequency constant in order to find the combination of the parameters that optimizes the power under a predefined volume. A bimorph piezoelectric cantilever is considered for the study. It consists of two piezoelectric layers and a middle non-piezoelectric layer and holds a tip mass. A theoretical model was derived to obtain the system parameters and the power as functions of the design parameters. Formulas for the optimal load resistance that provide maximum power capability at resonance and anti-resonance frequency were derived. The influence of the width on the power is studied, considering a constant mass ratio (between the tip mass and the mass of the beam). This keeps the resonance frequency constant while changing the width. The influence of the ratio between the thickness of the middle layer and that of the piezoelectric layer is also studied. It is assumed that the total thickness of the cantilever is constant and the middle layer has the same mechanical properties (elasticity and density) as the piezoelectric layer. This keeps the resonance frequency constant while changing the ratio between the thicknesses. Finally, the influence of increasing the free length as well as of increasing the mass ratio on the power is investigated. This is done by first, increasing each of them individually and secondly, by increasing each of them simultaneously while increasing the total thickness under the condition of maintaining a constant resonance frequency. Based on the analysis of these influences, recommendations as to how to maximize the geometrical parameters within the available volume and mass are presented.

Non-minimal derivative coupling gravity in cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gumjudpai, Burin; Rangdee, Phongsaphat

2015-11-01

We give a brief review of the non-minimal derivative coupling (NMDC) scalar field theory in which there is non-minimal coupling between the scalar field derivative term and the Einstein tensor. We assume that the expansion is of power-law type or super-acceleration type for small redshift. The Lagrangian includes the NMDC term, a free kinetic term, a cosmological constant term and a barotropic matter term. For a value of the coupling constant that is compatible with inflation, we use the combined WMAP9 (WMAP9 + eCMB + BAO + H_0) dataset, the PLANCK + WP dataset, and the PLANCK TT, TE, EE + lowP + Lensing + ext datasets to find the value of the cosmological constant in the model. Modeling the expansion with power-law gives a negative cosmological constants while the phantom power-law (super-acceleration) expansion gives positive cosmological constant with large error bar. The value obtained is of the same order as in the Λ CDM model, since at late times the NMDC effect is tiny due to small curvature.

Resonant interaction of the electron beam with a synchronous wave in controlled magnetrons for high-current superconducting accelerators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kazakevich, G.; Johnson, R.; Lebedev, V.

A simplified analytical model of the resonant interaction of the beam of Larmor electrons drifting in the crossed constant fields of a magnetron with a synchronous wave providing a phase grouping of the drifting charge was developed to optimize the parameters of an rf resonant injected signal driving the magnetrons for management of phase and power of rf sources with a rate required for superconducting high-current accelerators. The model, which considers the impact of the rf resonant signal injected into the magnetron on the operation of the injection-locked tube, substantiates the recently developed method of fast power control of magnetronsmore » in the range up to 10 dB at the highest generation efficiency, with low noise, precise stability of the carrier frequency, and the possibility of wideband phase control. Experiments with continuous wave 2.45 GHz, 1 kW microwave oven magnetrons have verified the correspondence of the behavior of these tubes to the analytical model. A proof of the principle of the novel method of power control in magnetrons, based on the developed model, was demonstrated in the experiments. The method is attractive for high-current superconducting rf accelerators. This study also discusses vector methods of power control with the rates required for superconducting accelerators, the impact of the rf resonant signal injected into the magnetron on the rate of phase control of the injection-locked tubes, and a conceptual scheme of the magnetron transmitter with highest efficiency for high-current accelerators.« less

Resonant interaction of the electron beam with a synchronous wave in controlled magnetrons for high-current superconducting accelerators

DOE PAGES

Kazakevich, G.; Johnson, R.; Lebedev, V.; ...

2018-06-14

A simplified analytical model of the resonant interaction of the beam of Larmor electrons drifting in the crossed constant fields of a magnetron with a synchronous wave providing a phase grouping of the drifting charge was developed to optimize the parameters of an rf resonant injected signal driving the magnetrons for management of phase and power of rf sources with a rate required for superconducting high-current accelerators. The model, which considers the impact of the rf resonant signal injected into the magnetron on the operation of the injection-locked tube, substantiates the recently developed method of fast power control of magnetronsmore » in the range up to 10 dB at the highest generation efficiency, with low noise, precise stability of the carrier frequency, and the possibility of wideband phase control. Experiments with continuous wave 2.45 GHz, 1 kW microwave oven magnetrons have verified the correspondence of the behavior of these tubes to the analytical model. A proof of the principle of the novel method of power control in magnetrons, based on the developed model, was demonstrated in the experiments. The method is attractive for high-current superconducting rf accelerators. This study also discusses vector methods of power control with the rates required for superconducting accelerators, the impact of the rf resonant signal injected into the magnetron on the rate of phase control of the injection-locked tubes, and a conceptual scheme of the magnetron transmitter with highest efficiency for high-current accelerators.« less

Smart Power Supply for Battery-Powered Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krasowski, Michael J.; Greer, Lawrence; Prokop, Norman F.; Flatico, Joseph M.

2010-01-01

A power supply for battery-powered systems has been designed with an embedded controller that is capable of monitoring and maintaining batteries, charging hardware, while maintaining output power. The power supply is primarily designed for rovers and other remote science and engineering vehicles, but it can be used in any battery alone, or battery and charging source applications. The supply can function autonomously, or can be connected to a host processor through a serial communications link. It can be programmed a priori or on the fly to return current and voltage readings to a host. It has two output power busses: a constant 24-V direct current nominal bus, and a programmable bus for output from approximately 24 up to approximately 50 V. The programmable bus voltage level, and its output power limit, can be changed on the fly as well. The power supply also offers options to reduce the programmable bus to 24 V when the set power limit is reached, limiting output power in the case of a system fault detected in the system. The smart power supply is based on an embedded 8051-type single-chip microcontroller. This choice was made in that a credible progression to flight (radiation hard, high reliability) can be assumed as many 8051 processors or gate arrays capable of accepting 8051-type core presently exist and will continue to do so for some time. To solve the problem of centralized control, this innovation moves an embedded microcontroller to the power supply and assigns it the task of overseeing the operation and charging of the power supply assets. This embedded processor is connected to the application central processor via a serial data link such that the central processor can request updates of various parameters within the supply, such as battery current, bus voltage, remaining power in battery estimations, etc. This supply has a direct connection to the battery bus for common (quiescent) power application. Because components from multiple vendors may have differing power needs, this supply also has a secondary power bus, which can be programmed a priori or on-the-fly to boost the primary battery voltage level from 24 to 50 V to accommodate various loads as they are brought on line. Through voltage and current monitoring, the device can also shield the charging source from overloads, keep it within safe operating modes, and can meter available power to the application and maintain safe operations.

Comparing otoacoustic emissions evoked by chirp transients with constant absorbed sound power and constant incident pressure magnitude

PubMed Central

Keefe, Douglas H.; Feeney, M. Patrick; Hunter, Lisa L.; Fitzpatrick, Denis F.

2017-01-01

Human ear-canal properties of transient acoustic stimuli are contrasted that utilize measured ear-canal pressures in conjunction with measured acoustic pressure reflectance and admittance. These data are referenced to the tip of a probe snugly inserted into the ear canal. Promising procedures to calibrate across frequency include stimuli with controlled levels of incident pressure magnitude, absorbed sound power, and forward pressure magnitude. An equivalent pressure at the eardrum is calculated from these measured data using a transmission-line model of ear-canal acoustics parameterized by acoustically estimated ear-canal area at the probe tip and length between the probe tip and eardrum. Chirp stimuli with constant incident pressure magnitude and constant absorbed sound power across frequency were generated to elicit transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), which were measured in normal-hearing adult ears from 0.7 to 8 kHz. TEOAE stimuli had similar peak-to-peak equivalent sound pressure levels across calibration conditions. Frequency-domain TEOAEs were compared using signal level, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), coherence synchrony modulus (CSM), group delay, and group spread. Time-domain TEOAEs were compared using SNR, CSM, instantaneous frequency and instantaneous bandwidth. Stimuli with constant incident pressure magnitude or constant absorbed sound power across frequency produce generally similar TEOAEs up to 8 kHz. PMID:28147608

Artifacts and power corrections: Reexamining Z{sub {psi}}(p{sup 2}) and Z{sub V} in the momentum-subtraction scheme

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boucaud, Ph.; Leroy, J. P.; Le Yaouanc, A.

2006-08-01

The next-to-leading-order (NLO) term in the operator product expansion (OPE) of the quark propagator vector part Z{sub {psi}} and the vertex function g{sub 1} of the vector current in the Landau gauge should be dominated by the same condensate as in the gluon propagator. On the other hand, the perturbative part has been calculated to a very high precision thanks to Chetyrkin and collaborators. We test this on the lattice, with both clover and overlap fermion actions at {beta}=6.0, 6.4, 6.6, 6.8. Elucidation of discretization artifacts appears to be absolutely crucial. First hypercubic artifacts are eliminated by amore » powerful method, which gives results notably different from the standard democratic method. Then, the presence of unexpected, very large, nonperturbative, O(4) symmetric discretization artifacts, increasing towards small momenta, is demonstrated by considering Z{sub V}{sup MOM}, which should be constant in the absence of such artifacts. They impede in general the analysis of OPE. However, in two special cases with overlap action--(1) for Z{sub {psi}}; (2) for g{sub 1}, but only at large p{sup 2}--we are able to identify the condensate; it agrees with the one resulting from gluonic Green functions. We conclude that the OPE analysis of quark and gluon Green function has reached a quite consistent status, and that the power corrections have been correctly identified. A practical consequence of the whole analysis is that the renormalization constant Z{sub {psi}} (=Z{sub 2}{sup -1} of the momentum-subtraction (MOM) scheme) may differ sizably from the one given by democratic selection methods. More generally, the values of the renormalization constants may be seriously affected by the differences in the treatment of the various types of artifacts, and by the subtraction of power corrections.« less

18 CFR 806.12 - Constant-rate aquifer testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... groundwater availability analysis to determine the availability of water during a 1-in-10-year recurrence... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Constant-rate aquifer testing. 806.12 Section 806.12 Conservation of Power and Water Resources SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN...

16,000-rpm Interior Permanent Magnet Reluctance Machine with Brushless Field Excitation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsu, J.S.; Burress, T.A.; Lee, S.T.

2007-10-31

The reluctance interior permanent magnet (RIPM) motor is currently used by many leading auto manufacturers for hybrid vehicles. The power density for this type of motor is high compared with that of induction motors and switched reluctance motors. The primary drawback of the RIPM motor is the permanent magnet (PM) because during high-speed operation, the fixed PM produces a huge back electromotive force (emf) that must be reduced before the current will pass through the stator windings. This reduction in back-emf is accomplished with a significant direct-axis (d-axis) demagnetization current, which opposes the PM's flux to reduce the flux seenmore » by the stator wires. This may lower the power factor and efficiency of the motor and raise the requirement on the alternate current (ac) power supply; consequently, bigger inverter switching components, thicker motor winding conductors, and heavier cables are required. The direct current (dc) link capacitor is also affected when it must accommodate heavier harmonic currents. It is commonly agreed that, for synchronous machines, the power factor can be optimized by varying the field excitation to minimize the current. The field produced by the PM is fixed and cannot be adjusted. What can be adjusted is reactive current to the d-axis of the stator winding, which consumes reactive power but does not always help to improve the power factor. The objective of this project is to avoid the primary drawbacks of the RIPM motor by introducing brushless field excitation (BFE). This offers both high torque per ampere (A) per core length at low speed by using flux, which is enhanced by increasing current to a fixed excitation coil, and flux, which is weakened at high speed by reducing current to the excitation coil. If field weakening is used, the dc/dc boost converter used in a conventional RIPM motor may be eliminated to reduce system costs. However, BFE supports a drive system with a dc/dc boost converter, because it can further extend the constant power speed range of the drive system and adjust the field for power factor and efficiency gains. Lower core losses at low torque regions, especially at high speeds, are attained by reducing the field excitation. Safety and reliability are increased by weakening the field when a winding short-circuit fault occurs, preventing damage to the motor. For a high-speed motor operating at 16,000-revolutions per minute (rpm), mechanical stress is a challenge. Bridges that link the rotor punching segments together must be thickened for mechanical integrity; consequently, increased rotor flux leakage significantly lowers motor performance. This barrier can be overcome by BFE to ensure sufficient rotor flux when needed.« less

Conducted noise analysis and protection of 45 kJ/s, ±50 kV capacitor charging power supply when interfaced with repetitive Marx based pulse power system.

PubMed

Naresh, P; Patel, Ankur; Sharma, Archana

2015-09-01

Pulse power systems with highly dynamic loads like klystron, backward wave oscillator (BWO), and magnetron generate highly dynamic noise. This noise leads to frequent failure of controlled switches in the inverter stage of charging power supply. Designing a reliable and compatible power supply for pulse power applications is always a tricky job when charging rate is in multiples of 10 kJ/s. A ±50 kV and 45 kJ/s capacitor charging power supply based on 4th order LCLC resonant topology has been developed for a 10 Hz repetitive Marx based system. Conditions for load independent constant current and zero current switching (ZCS) are derived mathematically. Noise generated at load end due to dynamic load is tackled effectively and reduction in magnitude noise voltage is achieved by providing shielding between primary and secondary of high voltage high frequency transformer and with LCLC low pass filter. Shielding scales down the ratio between coupling capacitance (Cc) and the collector-emitter capacitance of insulated gate bi-polar transistor switch, which in turn reduces the common mode noise voltage magnitude. The proposed 4th order LCLC resonant network acts as a low pass filter for differential mode noise in the reverse direction (from load to source). Power supply has been tested repeatedly with 5 Hz repetition rate with repetitive Marx based system connected with BWO load working fine without failure of single switch in the inverter stage.

Conducted noise analysis and protection of 45 kJ/s, ±50 kV capacitor charging power supply when interfaced with repetitive Marx based pulse power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naresh, P.; Patel, Ankur; Sharma, Archana

2015-09-01

Pulse power systems with highly dynamic loads like klystron, backward wave oscillator (BWO), and magnetron generate highly dynamic noise. This noise leads to frequent failure of controlled switches in the inverter stage of charging power supply. Designing a reliable and compatible power supply for pulse power applications is always a tricky job when charging rate is in multiples of 10 kJ/s. A ±50 kV and 45 kJ/s capacitor charging power supply based on 4th order LCLC resonant topology has been developed for a 10 Hz repetitive Marx based system. Conditions for load independent constant current and zero current switching (ZCS) are derived mathematically. Noise generated at load end due to dynamic load is tackled effectively and reduction in magnitude noise voltage is achieved by providing shielding between primary and secondary of high voltage high frequency transformer and with LCLC low pass filter. Shielding scales down the ratio between coupling capacitance (Cc) and the collector-emitter capacitance of insulated gate bi-polar transistor switch, which in turn reduces the common mode noise voltage magnitude. The proposed 4th order LCLC resonant network acts as a low pass filter for differential mode noise in the reverse direction (from load to source). Power supply has been tested repeatedly with 5 Hz repetition rate with repetitive Marx based system connected with BWO load working fine without failure of single switch in the inverter stage.

Capacitor charging FET switcher with controller to adjust pulse width

DOEpatents

Mihalka, Alex M.

1986-01-01

A switching power supply includes an FET full bridge, a controller to drive the FETs, a programmable controller to dynamically control final output current by adjusting pulse width, and a variety of protective systems, including an overcurrent latch for current control. Power MOSFETS are switched at a variable frequency from 20-50 kHz to charge a capacitor load from 0 to 6 kV. A ferrite transformer steps up the DC input. The transformer primary is a full bridge configuration with the FET switches and the secondary is fed into a high voltage full wave rectifier whose output is connected directly to the energy storage capacitor. The peak current is held constant by varying the pulse width using predetermined timing resistors and counting pulses. The pulse width is increased as the capacitor charges to maintain peak current. A digital ripple counter counts pulses, and after the desired number is reached, an up-counter is clocked. The up-counter output is decoded to choose among different resistors used to discharge a timing capacitor, thereby determining the pulse width. A current latch shuts down the supply on overcurrent due to either excessive pulse width causing transformer saturation or a major bridge fault, i.e., FET or transformer failure, or failure of the drive circuitry.

Defect and field-enhancement characterization through electron-beam-induced current analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umezawa, Hitoshi; Gima, Hiroki; Driche, Khaled; Kato, Yukako; Yoshitake, Tsuyoshi; Mokuno, Yoshiaki; Gheeraert, Etienne

2017-05-01

To investigate the effects of defects and field enhancement in diamond power devices, a biased Schottky barrier diode was characterized by electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) analysis. The nonuniform distribution of the electrical field was revealed by bright spots on the laterally expanded depletion layer of the EBIC intensity map when the applied electrical field exceeded 0.95 MV/cm. The nonuniformity is partly due to a structural effect: the roughness at the edge of the Schottky electrode, induced by lithography and lift-off processes. A second family of spots was shown to increase the leakage current of the device. The time constant associated with this second spot family was 0.98 ms, which is three orders of magnitude shorter than that for defects previously characterized by deep-level transient spectroscopy.

High power density dc-to-dc converters for aerospace applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divan, Deepakraj M.

1990-01-01

Three dc-to-dc converter topologies aimed at high-power high-frequency applications are introduced. Major system parasitics, namely, the leakage inductance of the transformer and the device output capacitance are efficiently utilized. Of the three circuits, the single-phase and three-phase versions of the dual active bridge topology demonstrate minimal stresses, better utilization of the transformer, bidirectional, and buck-boost modes of operation. All circuits operate at a constant switching frequency, thus simplifying design of the reactive elements. The power transfer characteristics and soft-switching regions on the Vout-Iout plane are identified. Two coaxial transformers with different cross-sections were built for a rating of 50 kVA. Based on the single-phase dual active bridge topology, a 50 kW, 50 kHz converter operating at an input voltage of 200 Vdc and an output voltage of 1600 Vdc was fabricated. Characteristics of current-fed output make the dual active bridge topologies amenable to paralleling and hence extension to megawatt power levels. Projections to a 1 MW system operating from a 500 Vdc input, at an output voltage of 10 kVdc and a switching frequency of 50 kHz, using MOS-controlled thyristors, coaxially wound transformers operating at three times the present current density with cooling, and multilayer ceramic capacitors, suggests an overall power density of 0.075 to 0.08 kg/kW and an overall efficiency of 96 percent.

Electricity Storage and the Hydrogen-Chlorine Fuel Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rugolo, Jason Steven

Electricity storage is an essential component of the transforming energy marketplace. Its absence at any significant scale requires that electricity producers sit ready to respond to every flick of a switch, constantly adjusting power production to meet demand. The dispatchable electricity production technologies that currently enable this type of market are growing unpopular because of their carbon emissions. Popular methods to move away from fossil fuels are wind and solar power. These sources also happen to be the least dispatchable. Electricity storage can solve that problem. By overproducing during sunlight to store energy for evening use, or storing during windy periods for delivery in future calm ones, electricity storage has the potential to allow intermittent renewable sources to constitute a large portion of our electricity mix. I investigate the variability of wind in Chapter 2, and show that the variability is not significantly reduced by geographically distributing power production over the entire country of the Netherlands. In Chapter 3, I calculate the required characteristics of a linear-response, constant activity storage technology to map wind and solar production scenarios onto several different supply scenarios for a range of specified system efficiencies. I show that solid electrode batteries have two orders of magnitude too little energy per unit power to be well suited for renewable balancing and emphasize the value of the modular separation between the power and energy components of regenerative fuel cell technologies. In Chapter 4 I introduce the regenerative hydrogen-chlorine fuel cell (rHCFC), which is a specific technology that shows promise for the above applications. In collaboration with Sustainable Innovations, we have made and tested 6 different rHCFCs. In order to understand the relative importance of the different inefficiencies in the rHCFC, Chapter 5 introduces a complex temperature and concentration dependent model of the rHCFC cell potential versus current density. The model identifies the chlorine electrode overpotential as the most important loss for high efficiency operation. In Chapter 6 I develop improved materials for the chlorine electrode and report the discovery of promising conducting metal oxide alloy electrodes, which display high catalytic activity with a small precious metal content.

Geomagnetically Induced Currents: Principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliveira, Denny M.; Ngwira, Chigomezyo M.

2017-10-01

The geospace, or the space environment near Earth, is constantly subjected to changes in the solar wind flow generated at the Sun. The study of this environment variability is called Space Weather. Examples of effects resulting from this variability are the occurrence of powerful solar disturbances, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The impact of CMEs on the Earth's magnetosphere very often greatly perturbs the geomagnetic field causing the occurrence of geomagnetic storms. Such extremely variable geomagnetic fields trigger geomagnetic effects measurable not only in the geospace but also in the ionosphere, upper atmosphere, and on and in the ground. For example, during extreme cases, rapidly changing geomagnetic fields generate intense geomagnetically induced currents (GICs). Intense GICs can cause dramatic effects on man-made technological systems, such as damage to high-voltage power transmission transformers leading to interruption of power supply, and/or corrosion of oil and gas pipelines. These space weather effects can in turn lead to severe economic losses. In this paper, we supply the reader with theoretical concepts related to GICs as well as their general consequences. As an example, we discuss the GIC effects on a North American power grid located in mid-latitude regions during the 13-14 March 1989 extreme geomagnetic storm. That was the most extreme storm that occurred in the space era age.

Studies of heat source driven natural convection. Ph.D. Thesis. Technical Report, Jul. 1974 - Aug. 1975

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kulacki, F. A.; Emara, A. A.

1975-01-01

Natural convection energy transport in a horizontal layer of internally heated fluid was measured for Rayleigh numbers from 1890 to 2.17 x 10 to the 12th power. The fluid layer is bounded below by a rigid zero-heat-flux surface and above by a rigid constant-temperature surface. Joule heating by an alternating current passing horizontally through the layer provides the uniform volumetric energy source. The overall steady-state heat transfer coefficient at the upper surface was determined by measuring the temperature difference across the layer and power input to the fluid. The correlation between the Nusselt and Rayleigh numbers for the data of the present study and the data of the Kulacki study is given.

A new infusion pathway monitoring system utilizing electrostatic induced potential.

PubMed

Maki, Hiromichi; Yonezawa, Yoshiharu; Ogawa, Hidekuni; Ninomiya, Ishio; Sada, Kouji; Hamada, Shingo; Hahn, Alien W; Caldwell, W Morton

2006-01-01

We have developed a new infusion pathway monitoring system employing linear integrated circuits and a low-power 8-bit single chip microcomputer. The system is available for hospital and home use and it constantly monitors the intactness of the pathway. The sensor is an electro-conductive polymer electrode wrapped around the infusion polyvinyl chloride infusion tube. This records an AC (alternating current) voltage induced on the patient's body by electrostatic coupling from the normal 100 volt, 60 Hz AC power line wiring field in the patient's room. If the injection needle or infusion tube becomes detached, then the system detects changes in the induced AC voltage and alerts the nursing station, via the nurse call system or PHS (personal handy phone System).

Dark energy and equivalence principle constraints from astrophysical tests of the stability of the fine-structure constant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martins, C.J.A.P.; Pinho, A.M.M.; Alves, R.F.C.

2015-08-01

Astrophysical tests of the stability of fundamental couplings, such as the fine-structure constant α, are becoming an increasingly powerful probe of new physics. Here we discuss how these measurements, combined with local atomic clock tests and Type Ia supernova and Hubble parameter data, constrain the simplest class of dynamical dark energy models where the same degree of freedom is assumed to provide both the dark energy and (through a dimensionless coupling, ζ, to the electromagnetic sector) the α variation. Specifically, current data tightly constrains a combination of ζ and the present dark energy equation of state w{sub 0}. Moreover, inmore » these models the new degree of freedom inevitably couples to nucleons (through the α dependence of their masses) and leads to violations of the Weak Equivalence Principle. We obtain indirect bounds on the Eötvös parameter η that are typically stronger than the current direct ones. We discuss the model-dependence of our results and briefly comment on how the forthcoming generation of high-resolution ultra-stable spectrographs will enable significantly tighter constraints.« less

A modification of Murray's law for shear-thinning rheology.

PubMed

McGah, Patrick M; Capobianchi, Massimo

2015-05-01

This study reformulates Murray's well-known principle of minimum work as applied to the cardiovascular system to include the effects of the shear-thinning rheology of blood. The viscous behavior is described using the extended modified power law (EMPL), which is a time-independent, but shear-thinning rheological constitutive equation. The resulting minimization problem is solved numerically for typical parameter ranges. The non-Newtonian analysis still predicts the classical cubic diameter dependence of the volume flow rate and the cubic branching law. The current analysis also predicts a constant wall shear stress throughout the vascular tree, albeit with a numerical value about 15-25% higher than the Newtonian analysis. Thus, experimentally observed deviations from the cubic branching law or the predicted constant wall shear stress in the vasculature cannot likely be attributed to blood's shear-thinning behavior. Further differences between the predictions of the non-Newtonian and the Newtonian analyses are highlighted, and the limitations of the Newtonian analysis are discussed. Finally, the range and limits of applicability of the current results as applied to the human arterial tree are also discussed.

Point-ahead limitation on reciprocity tracking. [in earth-space optical link

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shapiro, J. H.

1975-01-01

The average power received at a spacecraft from a reciprocity-tracking transmitter is shown to be the free-space diffraction-limited result times a gain-reduction factor that is due to the point-ahead requirement. For a constant-power transmitter, the gain-reduction factor is approximately equal to the appropriate spherical-wave mutual-coherence function. For a constant-average-power transmitter, an exact expression is obtained for the gain-reduction factor.

Development of Permanent Magnet Reluctance Motor Suitable for Variable-Speed Drive for Electric Vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakai, Kazuto; Takahashi, Norio; Shimomura, Eiji; Arata, Masanobu; Nakazawa, Yousuke; Tajima, Toshinobu

Regarding environmental and energy issues, increasing importance has been placed on energy saving in various systems. To save energy, it would be desirable if the total efficiency of various types of equipment were increased.Recently, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and an electric vehicle (EV) have been developed. The use of new technologies will eventually lead to the realization of the new- generation vehicle with high efficiency. One new technology is the variable-speed drive over a wide range of speeds. The motor driving systems of the EV or the HEV must operate in the variable-speed range of up to 1:5. This has created the need for a high-efficiency motor that is capable of operation over a wide speed range. In this paper, we describe the concept of a novel permanent magnet reluctance motor (PRM) and discuss its characteristics. We developed the PRM, which has the capability of operating over a wide speed range with high efficiency. The PRM has a rotor with a salient pole, which generates magnetic anisotropy. In addition, the permanent magnets embedded in the rotor core counter the q-axis flux by the armature reaction. Then, the power density and the power factor increase. The PRM produces reluctance torque and torque by permanent magnet (PM) flux. The reluctance torque is 1 to 2 times larger than the PM torque. When the PRM operates over a constant-power speed range, the field component of the current will be regulated to maintain a constant voltage. The output power of the developed PRM is 8 to 250kW. It is clarified that the PRM operates at a wide variable-speed range (1:5) with high efficiency (92-97%). It is concluded that the PRM has high performance over a wide constant-power speed range. In addition, the PRM is constructed using a small PM, so that we can solve the problem of cost. Thus, the PRM is a superior machine that is suited for variable-speed drive applications.

Design Guidance for Computer-Based Procedures for Field Workers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oxstrand, Johanna; Le Blanc, Katya; Bly, Aaron

Nearly all activities that involve human interaction with nuclear power plant systems are guided by procedures, instructions, or checklists. Paper-based procedures (PBPs) currently used by most utilities have a demonstrated history of ensuring safety; however, improving procedure use could yield significant savings in increased efficiency, as well as improved safety through human performance gains. The nuclear industry is constantly trying to find ways to decrease human error rates, especially human error rates associated with procedure use. As a step toward the goal of improving field workers’ procedure use and adherence and hence improve human performance and overall system reliability, themore » U.S. Department of Energy Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program researchers, together with the nuclear industry, have been investigating the possibility and feasibility of replacing current paper-based procedures with computer-based procedures (CBPs). PBPs have ensured safe operation of plants for decades, but limitations in paper-based systems do not allow them to reach the full potential for procedures to prevent human errors. The environment in a nuclear power plant is constantly changing, depending on current plant status and operating mode. PBPs, which are static by nature, are being applied to a constantly changing context. This constraint often results in PBPs that are written in a manner that is intended to cover many potential operating scenarios. Hence, the procedure layout forces the operator to search through a large amount of irrelevant information to locate the pieces of information relevant for the task and situation at hand, which has potential consequences of taking up valuable time when operators must be responding to the situation, and potentially leading operators down an incorrect response path. Other challenges related to use of PBPs are management of multiple procedures, place-keeping, finding the correct procedure for a task, and relying on other sources of additional information to ensure a functional and accurate understanding of the current plant status (Converse, 1995; Fink, Killian, Hanes, and Naser, 2009; Le Blanc, Oxstrand, and Waicosky, 2012). This report provides design guidance to be used when designing the human-system interaction and the design of the graphical user interface for a CBP system. The guidance is based on human factors research related to the design and usability of CBPs conducted by Idaho National Laboratory, 2012 - 2016.« less

Precision vector control of a superconducting RF cavity driven by an injection locked magnetron

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chase, Brian; Pasquinelli, Ralph; Cullerton, Ed

The technique presented in this paper enables the regulation of both radio frequency amplitude and phase in narrow band devices such as a Superconducting RF (SRF) cavity driven by constant power output devices i.e. magnetrons [1]. The ability to use low cost high efficiency magnetrons for accelerator RF power systems, with tight vector regulation, presents a substantial cost savings in both construction and operating costs - compared to current RF power system technology. An operating CW system at 2.45 GHz has been experimentally developed. Vector control of an injection locked magnetron has been extensively tested and characterized with a SRFmore » cavity as the load. Amplitude dynamic range of 30 dB, amplitude stability of 0.3% r.m.s, and phase stability of 0.26 degrees r.m.s. has been demonstrated.« less

Precision vector control of a superconducting RF cavity driven by an injection locked magnetron

DOE PAGES

Chase, Brian; Pasquinelli, Ralph; Cullerton, Ed; ...

2015-03-01

The technique presented in this paper enables the regulation of both radio frequency amplitude and phase in narrow band devices such as a Superconducting RF (SRF) cavity driven by constant power output devices i.e. magnetrons [1]. The ability to use low cost high efficiency magnetrons for accelerator RF power systems, with tight vector regulation, presents a substantial cost savings in both construction and operating costs - compared to current RF power system technology. An operating CW system at 2.45 GHz has been experimentally developed. Vector control of an injection locked magnetron has been extensively tested and characterized with a SRFmore » cavity as the load. Amplitude dynamic range of 30 dB, amplitude stability of 0.3% r.m.s, and phase stability of 0.26 degrees r.m.s. has been demonstrated.« less

Flight experiment of thermal energy storage. [for spacecraft power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Namkoong, David

1989-01-01

Thermal energy storage (TES) enables a solar dynamic system to deliver constant electric power through periods of sun and shade. Brayton and Stirling power systems under current considerations for missions in the near future require working fluid temperatures in the 1100 to 1300+ K range. TES materials that meet these requirements fall into the fluoride family of salts. Salts shrink as they solidify, a change reaching 30 percent for some salts. Hot spots can develop in the TES container or the container can become distorted if the melting salt cannot expand elsewhere. Analysis of the transient, two-phase phenomenon is being incorporated into a three-dimensional computer code. The objective of the flight program is to verify the predictions of the code, particularly of the void location and its effect on containment temperature. The four experimental packages comprising the program will be the first tests of melting and freezing conducted under microgravity.

Porous gravity currents: Axisymmetric propagation in horizontally graded medium and a review of similarity solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauriola, I.; Felisa, G.; Petrolo, D.; Di Federico, V.; Longo, S.

2018-05-01

We present an investigation on the combined effect of fluid rheology and permeability variations on the propagation of porous gravity currents in axisymmetric geometry. The fluid is taken to be of power-law type with behaviour index n and the permeability to depend from the distance from the source as a power-law function of exponent β. The model represents the injection of a current of non-Newtonian fluid along a vertical bore hole in porous media with space-dependent properties. The injection is either instantaneous (α = 0) or continuous (α > 0). A self-similar solution describing the rate of propagation and the profile of the current is derived under the assumption of small aspect ratio between the current average thickness and length. The limitations on model parameters imposed by the model assumptions are discussed in depth, considering currents of increasing/decreasing velocity, thickness, and aspect ratio, and the sensitivity of the radius, thickness, and aspect ratio to model parameters. Several critical values of α and β discriminating between opposite tendencies are thus determined. Experimental validation is performed using shear-thinning suspensions and Newtonian mixtures in different regimes. A box filled with ballotini of different diameter is used to reproduce the current, with observations from the side and bottom. Most experimental results for the radius and profile of the current agree well with the self-similar solution except at the beginning of the process, due to the limitations of the 2-D assumption and to boundary effects near the injection zone. The results for this specific case corroborate a general model for currents with constant or time-varying volume of power-law fluids propagating in porous domains of plane or radial geometry, with uniform or varying permeability, and the possible effect of channelization. All results obtained in the present and previous papers for the key parameters governing the dynamics of power-law gravity currents are summarized and compared to infer the combinations of parameters leading to the fastest/lowest rate of propagation, and of variation of thickness and aspect ratio.

W' expenditure and reconstitution during severe intensity constant power exercise: mechanistic insight into the determinants of W'.

PubMed

Broxterman, Ryan M; Skiba, Phillip F; Craig, Jesse C; Wilcox, Samuel L; Ade, Carl J; Barstow, Thomas J

2016-10-01

The sustainable duration of severe intensity exercise is well-predicted by critical power (CP) and the curvature constant (W'). The development of the W'BAL model allows for the pattern of W' expenditure and reconstitution to be characterized and this model has been applied to intermittent exercise protocols. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the influence of relaxation phase duration and exercise intensity on W' reconstitution during dynamic constant power severe intensity exercise. Six men (24.6 ± 0.9 years, height: 173.5 ± 1.9 cm, body mass: 78.9 ± 5.6 kg) performed severe intensity dynamic handgrip exercise to task failure using 50% and 20% duty cycles. The W'BAL model was fit to each exercise test and the time constant for W' reconstitution (τW') was determined. The τW' was significantly longer for the 50% duty cycle (1640 ± 262 sec) than the 20% duty cycle (863 ± 84 sec, P = 0.02). Additionally, the relationship between τW' and CP was well described as an exponential decay (r(2) = 0.90, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the W'BAL model is able to characterize the expenditure and reconstitution of W' across the contraction-relaxation cycles comprising severe intensity constant power handgrip exercise. Moreover, the reconstitution of W' during constant power severe intensity exercise is influenced by the relative exercise intensity, the duration of relaxation between contractions, and CP. © 2016 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Physiological Society and The Physiological Society.

Transceiver optics for interplanetary communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, W. T.; Farr, W. H.; Rider, B.; Sampath, D.

2017-11-01

In-situ interplanetary science missions constantly push the spacecraft communications systems to support successively higher downlink rates. However, the highly restrictive mass and power constraints placed on interplanetary spacecraft significantly limit the desired bandwidth increases in going forward with current radio frequency (RF) technology. To overcome these limitations, we have evaluated the ability of free-space optical communications systems to make substantial gains in downlink bandwidth, while holding to the mass and power limits allocated to current state-of-the-art Ka-band communications systems. A primary component of such an optical communications system is the optical assembly, comprised of the optical support structure, optical elements, baffles and outer enclosure. We wish to estimate the total mass that such an optical assembly might require, and assess what form it might take. Finally, to ground this generalized study, we should produce a conceptual design, and use that to verify its ability to achieve the required downlink gain, estimate it's specific optical and opto-mechanical requirements, and evaluate the feasibility of producing the assembly.

Inverter for Interchangeable Use as Current Source Inverter and Voltage Source Inverter for Interconnecting to Grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teruya, Daisuke; Masukawa, Shigeo; Iida, Shoji

We propose a novel inverter that can be operated either as a Current Source Inverter (CSI) or as a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) by changing only the control signals. It is proper to apply it to the interconnecting system with renewal energy, such as photovoltaic cells or wind generation systems, to a grid. This inverter is usually operated as the CSI connected to the grid. Even if the energy source has a lower voltage than the grid, the energy can be supplied to the grid through the proposed inverter. The power factor can be briefly maintained at almost unity. When power supply from the grid is interrupted, the proposed circuit should be operated as the VSI in the stand-alone operation mode. In this way, the circuit can maintain a constant output voltage to the loads. In this paper, the proposed circuit configuration and the control schemes for both the CSI and the VSI are described. Further, the circuit characteristics for both are discussed experimentally.

Monitoring Wind Turbine Loading Using Power Converter Signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieg, C. A.; Smith, C. J.; Crabtree, C. J.

2016-09-01

The ability to detect faults and predict loads on a wind turbine drivetrain's mechanical components cost-effectively is critical to making the cost of wind energy competitive. In order to investigate whether this is possible using the readily available power converter current signals, an existing permanent magnet synchronous generator based wind energy conversion system computer model was modified to include a grid-side converter (GSC) for an improved converter model and a gearbox. The GSC maintains a constant DC link voltage via vector control. The gearbox was modelled as a 3-mass model to allow faults to be included. Gusts and gearbox faults were introduced to investigate the ability of the machine side converter (MSC) current (I q) to detect and quantify loads on the mechanical components. In this model, gearbox faults were not detectable in the I q signal due to shaft stiffness and damping interaction. However, a model that predicts the load change on mechanical wind turbine components using I q was developed and verified using synthetic and real wind data.

A portable monitor system for biology signal based on singlechip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Qiaoling; Guo, Jianhua; He, Li; Xu, Xia

2005-12-01

The objectives of the paper are to improve accuracy of the electrocardiogram and temperature signal, improve the system stability and the capability of dynamic response, and decrease power consumption and volume of the system. The basic method is making use of the inner resource of the singlechip, such as the exact constant-current source, hardware multiplier, ADC, etc. The model of singlechip is MSP430F449 of TI (Texas Instruments). A simple integral-coefficient band-rejection digital filter was designed for analyzing the electrocardiogram signal. The deviation of temperature coming from the degradation of battery voltage was compensated for. An automatic discharge access was designed in the circuit to improve the capability of dynamic response of circuit. The results indicate that the 50 Hz power frequency interfering and the baseline drift are filtered, the figure is clear, the accuracy of temperature is 0.03°C, and the consumption current is less than 1.3mA. The system can meet the requirement in ward monitor and surgery monitor.

Current measurement by Faraday effect on GEPOPU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

N, Correa; H, Chuaqui; E, Wyndham; F, Veloso; J, Valenzuela; M, Favre; H, Bhuyan

2014-05-01

The design and calibration of an optical current sensor using BK7 glass is presented. The current sensor is based on the polarization rotation by Faraday effect. GEPOPU is a pulsed power generator, double transit time 120ns, 1.5 Ohm impedance, coaxial geometry, where Z pinch experiment are performed. The measurements were performed at the Optics and Plasma Physics Laboratory of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. The verdet constant for two different optical materials was obtained using He-Ne laser. The values obtained are within the experimental error bars of measurements published in the literature (less than 15% difference). Two different sensor geometries were tried. We present the preliminary results for one of the geometries. The values obtained for the current agree within the measurement error with those obtained by means of a Spice simulation of the generator. Signal traces obtained are completely noise free.

Soft-type trap-induced degradation of MoS2 field effect transistors.

PubMed

Cho, Young-Hoon; Ryu, Min-Yeul; Lee, Kook Jin; Park, So Jeong; Choi, Jun Hee; Lee, Byung-Chul; Kim, Wungyeon; Kim, Gyu-Tae

2018-06-01

The practical applicability of electronic devices is largely determined by the reliability of field effect transistors (FETs), necessitating constant searches for new and better-performing semiconductors. We investigated the stress-induced degradation of MoS 2 multilayer FETs, revealing a steady decrease of drain current by 56% from the initial value after 30 min. The drain current recovers to the initial state when the transistor is completely turned off, indicating the roles of soft-traps in the apparent degradation. The noise current power spectrum follows the model of carrier number fluctuation-correlated mobility fluctuation (CNF-CMF) regardless of stress time. However, the reduction of the drain current was well fitted to the increase of the trap density based on the CNF-CMF model, attributing the presence of the soft-type traps of dielectric oxides to the degradation of the MoS 2 FETs.

Soft-type trap-induced degradation of MoS2 field effect transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Young-Hoon; Ryu, Min-Yeul; Lee, Kook Jin; Park, So Jeong; Choi, Jun Hee; Lee, Byung-Chul; Kim, Wungyeon; Kim, Gyu-Tae

2018-06-01

The practical applicability of electronic devices is largely determined by the reliability of field effect transistors (FETs), necessitating constant searches for new and better-performing semiconductors. We investigated the stress-induced degradation of MoS2 multilayer FETs, revealing a steady decrease of drain current by 56% from the initial value after 30 min. The drain current recovers to the initial state when the transistor is completely turned off, indicating the roles of soft-traps in the apparent degradation. The noise current power spectrum follows the model of carrier number fluctuation–correlated mobility fluctuation (CNF–CMF) regardless of stress time. However, the reduction of the drain current was well fitted to the increase of the trap density based on the CNF–CMF model, attributing the presence of the soft-type traps of dielectric oxides to the degradation of the MoS2 FETs.

Molecular Rayleigh Scattering Diagnostic for Dynamic Temperature, Velocity, and Density Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mielke, Amy R.; Elam, Kristie A.; Sung, Chi-Jen

2006-01-01

A molecular Rayleigh scattering technique is developed to measure dynamic gas temperature, velocity, and density in unseeded turbulent flows at sampling rates up to 16 kHz. A high power CW laser beam is focused at a point in an air jet plume and Rayleigh scattered light is collected and spectrally resolved. The spectrum of the light, which contains information about the temperature and velocity of the flow, is analyzed using a Fabry-Perot interferometer. The circular interference fringe pattern is divided into four concentric regions and sampled at 1 and 16 kHz using photon counting electronics. Monitoring the relative change in intensity within each region allows for measurement of gas temperature and velocity. Independently monitoring the total scattered light intensity provides a measure of gas density. A low speed heated jet is used to validate the measurement of temperature fluctuations and an acoustically excited nozzle flow is studied to validate velocity fluctuation measurements. Power spectral density calculations of the property fluctuations, as well as mean and fluctuating quantities are presented. Temperature fluctuation results are compared with constant current anemometry measurements and velocity fluctuation results are compared with constant temperature anemometry measurements at the same locations.

A Computational Framework for Analyzing Stochasticity in Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Sherman, Marc S.; Cohen, Barak A.

2014-01-01

Stochastic fluctuations in gene expression give rise to distributions of protein levels across cell populations. Despite a mounting number of theoretical models explaining stochasticity in protein expression, we lack a robust, efficient, assumption-free approach for inferring the molecular mechanisms that underlie the shape of protein distributions. Here we propose a method for inferring sets of biochemical rate constants that govern chromatin modification, transcription, translation, and RNA and protein degradation from stochasticity in protein expression. We asked whether the rates of these underlying processes can be estimated accurately from protein expression distributions, in the absence of any limiting assumptions. To do this, we (1) derived analytical solutions for the first four moments of the protein distribution, (2) found that these four moments completely capture the shape of protein distributions, and (3) developed an efficient algorithm for inferring gene expression rate constants from the moments of protein distributions. Using this algorithm we find that most protein distributions are consistent with a large number of different biochemical rate constant sets. Despite this degeneracy, the solution space of rate constants almost always informs on underlying mechanism. For example, we distinguish between regimes where transcriptional bursting occurs from regimes reflecting constitutive transcript production. Our method agrees with the current standard approach, and in the restrictive regime where the standard method operates, also identifies rate constants not previously obtainable. Even without making any assumptions we obtain estimates of individual biochemical rate constants, or meaningful ratios of rate constants, in 91% of tested cases. In some cases our method identified all of the underlying rate constants. The framework developed here will be a powerful tool for deducing the contributions of particular molecular mechanisms to specific patterns of gene expression. PMID:24811315

Modular high-voltage bias generator powered by dual-looped self-adaptive wireless power transmission.

PubMed

Xie, Kai; Huang, An-Feng; Li, Xiao-Ping; Guo, Shi-Zhong; Zhang, Han-Lu

2015-04-01

We proposed a modular high-voltage (HV) bias generator powered by a novel transmitter-sharing inductive coupled wireless power transmission technology, aimed to extend the generator's flexibility and configurability. To solve the problems caused through an uncertain number of modules, a dual-looped self-adaptive control method is proposed that is capable of tracking resonance frequency while maintaining a relatively stable induction voltage for each HV module. The method combines a phase-locked loop and a current feedback loop, which ensures an accurate resonance state and a relatively constant boost ratio for each module, simplifying the architecture of the boost stage and improving the total efficiency. The prototype was built and tested. The input voltage drop of each module is less than 14% if the module number varies from 3 to 10; resonance tracking is completed within 60 ms. The efficiency of the coupling structure reaches up to 95%, whereas the total efficiency approaches 73% for a rated output. Furthermore, this technology can be used in various multi-load wireless power supply applications.

Utilizing Radioisotope Power Systems for Human Lunar Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schreiner, Timothy M.

2005-01-01

The Vision for Space Exploration has a goal of sending crewed missions to the lunar surface as early as 2015 and no later than 2020. The use of nuclear power sources could aid in assisting crews in exploring the surface and performing In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) activities. Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) provide constant sources of electrical power and thermal energy for space applications. RPSs were carried on six of the crewed Apollo missions to power surface science packages, five of which still remain on the lunar surface. Future RPS designs may be able to play a more active role in supporting a long-term human presence. Due to its lower thermal and radiation output, the planned Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) appears particularly attractive for manned applications. The MCNPX particle transport code has been used to model the current SRG design to assess its use in proximity with astronauts operating on the surface. Concepts of mobility and ISRU infrastructure were modeled using MCNPX to analyze the impact of RPSs on crewed mobility systems. Strategies for lowering the radiation dose were studied to determine methods of shielding the crew from the RPSs.

Harnessing electrical power from vortex-induced vibration of a circular cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soti, Atul Kumar; Thompson, Mark C.; Sheridan, John; Bhardwaj, Rajneesh

2017-04-01

The generation of electrical power from Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) of a cylinder is investigated numerically. The cylinder is free to oscillate in the direction transverse to the incoming flow. The cylinder is attached to a magnet that can move along the axis of a coil made from conducting wire. The magnet and the coil together constitute a basic electrical generator. When the cylinder undergoes VIV, the motion of the magnet creates a voltage across the coil, which is connected to a resistive load. By Lenz's law, induced current in the coil applies a retarding force to the magnet. Effectively, the electrical generator applies a damping force on the cylinder with a spatially varying damping coefficient. For the initial investigation reported here, the Reynolds number is restricted to Re < 200, so that the flow is laminar and two-dimensional (2D). The incompressible 2D Navier-Stokes equations are solved using an extensively validated spectral-element based solver. The effects of the electromagnetic (EM) damping constant xi_m, coil dimensions (radius a, length L), and mass ratio on the electrical power extracted are quantified. It is found that there is an optimal value of xi_m (xi_opt) at which maximum electrical power is generated. As the radius or length of the coil is increased, the value of xi_opt is observed to increase. Although the maximum average power remains the same, a larger coil radius or length results in a more robust system in the sense that a relatively large amount of power can be extracted when xi_m is far from xi_opt, unlike the constant damping ratio case. The average power output is also a function of Reynolds number, primarily through the increased maximum oscillation amplitude that occurs with increased Reynolds number at least within the laminar range, although the general qualitative findings seem likely to carry across to high Reynolds number VIV.

Investigations on the Influence of Parameters During Electron Beam Surface Hardening Using the Flash Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grafe, S.; Hengst, P.; Buchwalder, A.; Zenker, R.

2018-06-01

The electron beam hardening (EBH) process is one of today’s most innovative industrial technologies. Due to the almost inertia-free deflection of the EB (up to 100 kHz), the energy transfer function can be adapted locally to the component geometry and/or loading conditions. The current state-of-the-art technology is that of EBH with continuous workpiece feed. Due to the large range of parameters, the potentials and limitations of EBH using the flash technique (without workpiece feed) have not been investigated sufficiently to date. The aim of this research was to generate surface isothermal energy transfer within the flash field. This paper examines the effects of selected process parameters on the EBH surface layer microstructure and the properties achieved when treating hardened and tempered C45E steel. When using constant point distribution within the flash field and a constant beam current, surface isothermal energy input was not generated. However, by increasing the deflection frequency, point density and beam current, a more homogeneous EBH surface layer microstructure could be achieved, along with higher surface hardness and greater surface hardening depths. Furthermore, using temperature-controlled power regulation, surface isothermal energy transfer could be realised over a larger area in the centre of the sample.

When does power disparity help or hurt group performance?

PubMed

Tarakci, Murat; Greer, Lindred L; Groenen, Patrick J F

2016-03-01

Power differences are ubiquitous in social settings. However, the question of whether groups with higher or lower power disparity achieve better performance has thus far received conflicting answers. To address this issue, we identify 3 underlying assumptions in the literature that may have led to these divergent findings, including a myopic focus on static hierarchies, an assumption that those at the top of hierarchies are competent at group tasks, and an assumption that equality is not possible. We employ a multimethod set of studies to examine these assumptions and to understand when power disparity will help or harm group performance. First, our agent-based simulation analyses show that by unpacking these common implicit assumptions in power research, we can explain earlier disparate findings--power disparity benefits group performance when it is dynamically aligned with the power holder's task competence, and harms group performance when held constant and/or is not aligned with task competence. Second, our empirical findings in both a field study of fraud investigation groups and a multiround laboratory study corroborate the simulation results. We thereby contribute to research on power by highlighting a dynamic understanding of power in groups and explaining how current implicit assumptions may lead to opposing findings. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

An investigation of accelerating mode and decelerating mode constant-momentum mass spectrometry and their application to a residual gas analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ng, Y. S.

1977-01-01

A theoretical analysis of constant momentum mass spectrometry was made. A maximum resolving power for the decelerating mode constant momentum mass spectrometer was shown theoretically to exist for a beam of ions of known energy. A vacuum system and an electron beam ionization source was constructed. Supporting electronics for a residual gas analyzer were built. Experimental investigations of various types of accelerating and decelerating impulsive modes of a constant momentum mass spectrometer as applied to a residual gas analyzer were made. The data indicate that the resolving power for the decelerating mode is comparable to that of the accelerating mode.

Non-steady state mass action dynamics without rate constants: dynamics of coupled reactions using chemical potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cannon, William R.; Baker, Scott E.

2017-10-01

Comprehensive and predictive simulation of coupled reaction networks has long been a goal of biology and other fields. Currently, metabolic network models that utilize enzyme mass action kinetics have predictive power but are limited in scope and application by the fact that the determination of enzyme rate constants is laborious and low throughput. We present a statistical thermodynamic formulation of the law of mass action for coupled reactions at both steady states and non-stationary states. The formulation uses chemical potentials instead of rate constants. When used to model deterministic systems, the method corresponds to a rescaling of the time dependent reactions in such a way that steady states can be reached on the same time scale but with significantly fewer computational steps. The relationships between reaction affinities, free energy changes and generalized detailed balance are central to the discussion. The significance for applications in systems biology are discussed as is the concept and assumption of maximum entropy production rate as a biological principle that links thermodynamics to natural selection.

Double synchronized switch harvesting (DSSH): a new energy harvesting scheme for efficient energy extraction.

PubMed

Lallart, Mickaël; Garbuio, Lauric; Petit, Lionel; Richard, Claude; Guyomar, Daniel

2008-10-01

This paper presents a new technique for optimized energy harvesting using piezoelectric microgenerators called double synchronized switch harvesting (DSSH). This technique consists of a nonlinear treatment of the output voltage of the piezoelectric element. It also integrates an intermediate switching stage that ensures an optimal harvested power whatever the load connected to the microgenerator. Theoretical developments are presented considering either constant vibration magnitude, constant driving force, or independent extraction. Then experimental measurements are carried out to validate the theoretical predictions. This technique exhibits a constant output power for a wide range of load connected to the microgenerator. In addition, the extracted power obtained using such a technique allows a gain up to 500% in terms of maximal power output compared with the standard energy harvesting method. It is also shown that such a technique allows a fine-tuning of the trade-off between vibration damping and energy harvesting.

Lithium-ion Battery Demonstration for the 2007 NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, William; Baldwin, Richard

2007-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) Electrochemistry Branch designed and produced five lithium-ion battery packs for demonstration in a portable life support system (PLSS) on spacesuit simulators. The experimental batteries incorporated advanced, NASA-developed electrolytes and included internal protection against over-current, over-discharge and over-temperature. The 500-gram batteries were designed to deliver a constant power of 38 watts over 103 minutes of discharge time (130 Wh/kg). Battery design details are described and field and laboratory test results are summarized.

The evolving trend in spacecraft health analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirkpatrick, Russell L.

1993-01-01

The Space Flight Operations Center inaugurated the concept of a central data repository for spacecraft data and the distribution of computing power to the end users for that data's analysis at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Advanced Multimission Operations System is continuing the evolution of this concept as new technologies emerge. Constant improvements in data management tools, data visualization, and hardware lead to ever expanding ideas for improving the analysis of spacecraft health in an era of budget constrained mission operations systems. The foundation of this evolution, its history, and its current plans will be discussed.

Hunting the Dark Matter with DEAP/CLEAN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Giuliani, F.

2010-02-10

The potential of the DEAP/CLEAN program for direct Dark Matter detection to test various dark matter models is illustrated. The scintillation pulse of a noble liquid like Argon or Neon has two well distinguished time constants allowing a very reliable correlation between pulse shape and type of event. This pulse shape discrimination already provides the power of rejecting a background10{sup 8}-10{sup 9} times larger than the signal. MiniCLEAN, a 500 kg LAr detector, is currently under construction, and a 3.6 ton detector, DEAP-3600, under development.

Auger-generated hot carrier current in photo-excited forward biased single quantum well blue light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espenlaub, Andrew C.; Alhassan, Abdullah I.; Nakamura, Shuji; Weisbuch, Claude; Speck, James S.

2018-04-01

We report on measurements of the photo-modulated current-voltage and electroluminescence characteristics of forward biased single quantum well, blue InGaN/GaN light emitting diodes with and without electron blocking layers. Low intensity resonant optical excitation of the quantum well was observed to induce an additional forward current at constant forward diode bias, in contrast to the usual sense of the photocurrent in photodiodes and solar cells, as well as an increased electroluminescence intensity. The presence of an electron blocking layer only slightly decreased the magnitude of the photo-induced current at constant forward bias. Photo-modulation at constant forward diode current resulted in a reduced diode bias under optical excitation. We argue that this decrease in diode bias at constant current and the increase in forward diode current at constant applied bias can only be due to additional hot carriers being ejected from the quantum well as a result of an increased Auger recombination rate within the quantum well.

A tripolar current-steering stimulator ASIC for field shaping in deep brain stimulation.

PubMed

Valente, Virgilio; Demosthenous, Andreas; Bayford, Richard

2012-06-01

A significant problem with clinical deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the high variability of its efficacy and the frequency of side effects, related to the spreading of current beyond the anatomical target area. This is the result of the lack of control that current DBS systems offer on the shaping of the electric potential distribution around the electrode. This paper presents a stimulator ASIC with a tripolar current-steering output stage, aiming at achieving more selectivity and field shaping than current DBS systems. The ASIC was fabricated in a 0.35-μ m CMOS technology occupying a core area of 0.71 mm(2). It consists of three current sourcing/sinking channels. It is capable of generating square and exponential-decay biphasic current pulses with five different time constants up to 28 ms and delivering up to 1.85 mA of cathodic current, in steps of 4 μA, from a 12 V power supply. Field shaping was validated by mapping the potential distribution when injecting current pulses through a multicontact DBS electrode in saline.

Low noise constant current source for bias dependent noise measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Talukdar, D.; Bose, Suvendu; Bardhan, K. K.

2011-01-15

A low noise constant current source used for measuring the 1/f noise in disordered systems in ohmic as well as nonohmic regime is described. The source can supply low noise constant current starting from as low as 1 {mu}A to a few tens of milliampere with a high voltage compliance limit of around 20 V. The constant current source has several stages, which can work in a standalone manner or together to supply the desired value of load current. The noise contributed by the current source is very low in the entire current range. The fabrication of a low noisemore » voltage preamplifier modified for bias dependent noise measurements and based on the existing design available in the MAT04 data sheet is also described.« less

Gas phase recombination of hydrogen and deuterium atoms. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trainor, D. W.; Ham, D. O.; Kaufman, F.

1973-01-01

Rate constants for the reaction H + H + M - H2 + M, with M = H2, He, and Ar were measured over the temperature range 77 to 298 K. Hydrogen atoms were produced by thermal dissociation and absolute atom concentrations were measured through use of self-balancing, isothermal catalytic probe detector. The specific rate constants were 8.1 + or - 0.4 x 10 to the minus 33rd power, 7.0 + or - 0.4 x 10 to the minus 33rd power, and 9.2 + or - 0.6 x at 298 K for M = H2, He, and Ar respectively; these values rising to 18.5 + or - 2.2 x 10 to the minus 33rd power, 12.0 + or - 1.5 x 10 to the minus 33rd power, and 27.4 + or - 4.6 x 10 to the minus 33rd power cm to the 6th power/molecules sq/sec at 77 K. for the equivalent deuterium atom process with D2 as the third body, the rate constants are 6.1 + or - 0.3 x 10 to the minus 33rd power cm to the 6th power/molecules sq/sec at 298 K and 15.1 + or - 1.0 x 10 to the minus 33rd power cm to the 6th power/molecules sq/sec at 77 K. These values are compared with previous experimental measurements and with recent theoretical calculations.

Theoretical z -pinch scaling relations for thermonuclear-fusion experiments.

PubMed

Stygar, W A; Cuneo, M E; Vesey, R A; Ives, H C; Mazarakis, M G; Chandler, G A; Fehl, D L; Leeper, R J; Matzen, M K; McDaniel, D H; McGurn, J S; McKenney, J L; Muron, D J; Olson, C L; Porter, J L; Ramirez, J J; Seamen, J F; Speas, C S; Spielman, R B; Struve, K W; Torres, J A; Waisman, E M; Wagoner, T C; Gilliland, T L

2005-08-01

We have developed wire-array z -pinch scaling relations for plasma-physics and inertial-confinement-fusion (ICF) experiments. The relations can be applied to the design of z -pinch accelerators for high-fusion-yield (approximately 0.4 GJ/shot) and inertial-fusion-energy (approximately 3 GJ/shot) research. We find that (delta(a)/delta(RT)) proportional (m/l)1/4 (Rgamma)(-1/2), where delta(a) is the imploding-sheath thickness of a wire-ablation-dominated pinch, delta(RT) is the sheath thickness of a Rayleigh-Taylor-dominated pinch, m is the total wire-array mass, l is the axial length of the array, R is the initial array radius, and gamma is a dimensionless functional of the shape of the current pulse that drives the pinch implosion. When the product Rgamma is held constant the sheath thickness is, at sufficiently large values of m/l, determined primarily by wire ablation. For an ablation-dominated pinch, we estimate that the peak radiated x-ray power P(r) proportional (I/tau(i))(3/2)Rlphigamma, where I is the peak pinch current, tau(i) is the pinch implosion time, and phi is a dimensionless functional of the current-pulse shape. This scaling relation is consistent with experiment when 13 MA < or = I < or = 20 MA, 93 ns < or = tau(i) < or = 169 ns, 10 mm < or = R < or = 20 mm, 10 mm < or = l < or = 20 mm, and 2.0 mg/cm < or = m/l < or = 7.3 mg/cm. Assuming an ablation-dominated pinch and that Rlphigamma is held constant, we find that the x-ray-power efficiency eta(x) congruent to P(r)/P(a) of a coupled pinch-accelerator system is proportional to (tau(i)P(r)(7/9 ))(-1), where P(a) is the peak accelerator power. The pinch current and accelerator power required to achieve a given value of P(r) are proportional to tau(i), and the requisite accelerator energy E(a) is proportional to tau2(i). These results suggest that the performance of an ablation-dominated pinch, and the efficiency of a coupled pinch-accelerator system, can be improved substantially by decreasing the implosion time tau(i). For an accelerator coupled to a double-pinch-driven hohlraum that drives the implosion of an ICF fuel capsule, we find that the accelerator power and energy required to achieve high-yield fusion scale as tau(i)0.36 and tau(i)1.36, respectively. Thus the accelerator requirements decrease as the implosion time is decreased. However, the x-ray-power and thermonuclear-yield efficiencies of such a coupled system increase with tau(i). We also find that increasing the anode-cathode gap of the pinch from 2 to 4 mm increases the requisite values of P(a) and E(a) by as much as a factor of 2.

Advanced control of neutral beam injected power in DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Pawley, Carl J.; Crowley, Brendan J.; Pace, David C.; ...

2017-03-23

In the DIII-D tokamak, one of the most powerful techniques to control the density, temperature and plasma rotation is by eight independently modulated neutral beam sources with a total power of 20 MW. The rapid modulation requires a high degree of reproducibility and precise control of the ion source plasma and beam acceleration voltage. Recent changes have been made to the controls to provide a new capability to smoothly vary the beam current and beam voltage during a discharge, while maintaining the modulation capability. The ion source plasma inside the arc chamber is controlled through feedback from the Langmuir probesmore » measuring plasma density near the extraction end. To provide the new capability, the plasma control system (PCS) has been enabled to change the Langmuir probe set point and the beam voltage set point in real time. When the PCS varies the Langmuir set point, the plasma density is directly controlled in the arc chamber, thus changing the beam current (perveance) and power going into the tokamak. Alternately, the PCS can sweep the beam voltage set point by 20 kV or more and adjust the Langmuir probe setting to match, keeping the perveance constant and beam divergence at a minimum. This changes the beam power and average neutral particle energy, which changes deposition in the tokamak plasma. The ion separating magnetic field must accurately match the beam voltage to protect the beam line. To do this, the magnet current control accurately tracks the beam voltage set point. In conclusion, these new capabilities allow continuous in-shot variation of neutral beam ion energy to complement« less

Cascaded resonant bridge converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stuart, Thomas A. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A converter for converting a low voltage direct current power source to a higher voltage, high frequency alternating current output for use in an electrical system where it is desired to use low weight cables and other circuit elements. The converter has a first stage series resonant (Schwarz) converter which converts the direct current power source to an alternating current by means of switching elements that are operated by a variable frequency voltage regulator, a transformer to step up the voltage of the alternating current, and a rectifier bridge to convert the alternating current to a direct current first stage output. The converter further has a second stage series resonant (Schwarz) converter which is connected in series to the first stage converter to receive its direct current output and convert it to a second stage high frequency alternating current output by means of switching elements that are operated by a fixed frequency oscillator. The voltage of the second stage output is controlled at a relatively constant value by controlling the first stage output voltage, which is accomplished by controlling the frequency of the first stage variable frequency voltage controller in response to second stage voltage. Fault tolerance in the event of a load short circuit is provided by making the operation of the first stage variable frequency voltage controller responsive to first and second stage current limiting devices. The second stage output is connected to a rectifier bridge whose output is connected to the input of the second stage to provide good regulation of output voltage wave form at low system loads.

A microbeam slit system for high beam currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallentin, T.; Moser, M.; Eschbaumer, S.; Greubel, C.; Haase, T.; Reichart, P.; Rösch, T.; Dollinger, G.

2015-04-01

A new microbeam slit system for high beam currents of 10 μA was built up to improve the brightness transport of a proton beam with a kinetic energy of up to 25 MeV into the microprobe SNAKE. The new slit system features a position accuracy of less than 1 μm under normal operating conditions and less than 2 μm if the beam is switched on and off. The thermal management with a powerful watercooling and potential-free thermocouple feedback controlled heating cables is optimized for constant slit aperture at thermal power input of up to 250 W. The transparent zone is optimized to 0.7 μm due to the use of tungsten formed to a cylindrical surface with a radius r = 100 mm and mechanically lapped surface to minimize small angle scattering effects and to minimize the number of ions passing the slits with low energy loss. Electrical isolation of the slit tip enables slit current monitoring, e.g. for tandem accelerator feedback control. With the ability to transport up to 10 μA of protons with the new microslit system, the brightness Bexp transported into the microprobe was increased by a factor of 2 compared to low current injection using the old slit system.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bockris, J.O.; Devanathan, M.A.V.

The galvanostatic double charging method was applied to determine the coverage of Ni cathodes with adsorbed atomic H in 2 N NaOH solutions. Anodic current densities were varied from 0.05 to 1.8 amp/sq cm. The plateau indicating absence of readsorption was between 0.6 and 1.8 amp/sq cm, for a constant cathodic c.d. of 1/10,000 amp/sq cm. The variation of the adsorbed H over cathodic c.d.'s ranging from 10 to the -6th power to 1/10 at a constant anodic c.d. of 1 amp/sq cm were calculated and the coverage calculated. The mechanism of the H evolution reaction was elucidated. The ratemore » determining step is discharge from a water molecules followed by rapid Tafel recombination. The rate constants for these processes and the rate constant for the ionisation, calculated with the extrapolated value of coverage for the reversible H electrode, were determined. A modification of the Tafel equation which takes into account both coverage and ionisation is in harmony with the results. A new method for the determination of coverage suitable for corrodible metals is described which involves the measurement of the rate of permeation of H by electrochemical techniques which enhances the sensitivity of the method. (Author)« less

Double-duct liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic engine

DOEpatents

Haaland, Carsten M.

1995-01-01

An internal combustion, liquid metal (LM) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) engine and an alternating current (AC) magnetohydrodynamic generator, are used in combination to provide useful AC electric energy output. The engine design has-four pistons and a double duct configuration, with each duct containing sodium potassium liquid metal confined between free pistons located at either end of the duct. The liquid metal is forced to flow back and forth in the duct by the movement of the pistons, which are alternatively driven by an internal combustion process. In the MHD generator, the two LM-MHD ducts pass in close proximity through a Hartmann duct with output transformer. AC power is produced by operating the engine with the liquid metal in the two generator ducts always flowing in counter directions. The amount of liquid metal maintained in the ducts may be varied. This provides a variable stroke length for the pistons. The engine/generator provides variable AC power at variable frequencies that correspond to the power demands of the vehicular propulsion. Also the engine should maintain nearly constant efficiency throughout the range of power usage. Automobiles and trucks could be powered by the invention, with no transmission or power converter devices being required.

Double-duct liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic engine

DOEpatents

Haaland, Carsten M.

1997-01-01

An internal combustion, liquid metal (LM) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) engine and an alternating current (AC) magnetohydrodynamic generator, are used in combination to provide useful AC electric energy output. The engine design has four pistons and a double duct configuration, with each duct containing sodium potassium liquid metal confined between free pistons located at either end of the duct. The liquid metal is forced to flow back and forth in the duct by the movement of the pistons, which are alternatively driven by an internal combustion process. In the MHD generator, the two LM-MHD ducts pass in close proximity through a Hartmann duct with output transformer. AC power is produced by operating the engine with the liquid metal in the two generator ducts always flowing in counter directions. The amount of liquid metal maintained in the ducts may be varied. This provides a variable stroke length for the pistons. The engine/generator provides variable AC power at variable frequencies that correspond to the power demands of the vehicular propulsion. Also the engine should maintain nearly constant efficiency throughout the range of power usage. Automobiles and trucks could be powered by the invention, with no transmission or power converter devices being required.

Reactor Physics Scoping and Characterization Study on Implementation of TRIGA Fuel in the Advanced Test Reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jennifer Lyons; Wade R. Marcum; Mark D. DeHart

2014-01-01

The Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), under the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) Program and the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI), is conducting feasibility studies for the conversion of its fuel from a highly enriched uranium (HEU) composition to a low enriched uranium (LEU) composition. These studies have considered a wide variety of LEU plate-type fuels to replace the current HEU fuel. Continuing to investigate potential alternatives to the present HEU fuel form, this study presents a preliminary analysis of TRIGA® fuel within the current ATR fuel envelopes and compares it to the functional requirements delineated by themore » Naval Reactors Program, which includes: greater than 4.8E+14 fissions/s/g of 235U, a fast to thermal neutron flux ratio that is less than 5% deviation of its current value, a constant cycle power within the corner lobes, and an operational cycle length of 56 days at 120 MW. Other parameters outside those put forth by the Naval Reactors Program which are investigated herein include axial and radial power profiles, effective delayed neutron fraction, and mean neutron generation time.« less

Improvement in the performance of graphene nanoribbon p-i-n tunneling field effect transistors by applying lightly doped profile on drain region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naderi, Ali

2017-12-01

In this paper, an efficient structure with lightly doped drain region is proposed for p-i-n graphene nanoribbon field effect transistors (LD-PIN-GNRFET). Self-consistent solution of Poisson and Schrödinger equation within Nonequilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) formalism has been employed to simulate the quantum transport of the devices. In proposed structure, source region is doped by constant doping density, channel is an intrinsic GNR, and drain region contains two parts with lightly and heavily doped doping distributions. The important challenge in tunneling devices is obtaining higher current ratio. Our simulations demonstrate that LD-PIN-GNRFET is a steep slope device which not only reduces the leakage current and current ratio but also enhances delay, power delay product, and cutoff frequency in comparison with conventional PIN GNRFETs with uniform distribution of impurity and with linear doping profile in drain region. Also, the device is able to operate in higher drain-source voltages due to the effectively reduced electric field at drain side. Briefly, the proposed structure can be considered as a more reliable device for low standby-power logic applications operating at higher voltages and upper cutoff frequencies.

GaN-based superluminescent diodes with long lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castiglia, A.; Rossetti, M.; Matuschek, N.; Rezzonico, R.; Duelk, M.; Vélez, C.; Carlin, J.-F.; Grandjean, N.

2016-02-01

We report on the reliability of GaN-based super-luminescent light emitting diodes (SLEDs) emitting at a wavelength of 405 nm. We show that the Mg doping level in the p-type layers has an impact on both the device electro-optical characteristics and their reliability. Optimized doping levels allow decreasing the operating voltage on single-mode devices from more than 6 V to less than 5 V for an injection current of 100 mA. Furthermore, maximum output powers as high as 350 mW (for an injection current of 500 mA) have been achieved in continuous-wave operation (CW) at room temperature. Modules with standard and optimized p-type layers were finally tested in terms of lifetime, at a constant output power of 10 mW, in CW operation and at a case temperature of 25 °C. The modules with non-optimized p-type doping showed a fast and remarkable increase in the drive current during the first hundreds of hours together with an increase of the device series resistance. No degradation of the electrical characteristics was observed over 2000 h on devices with optimized p-type layers. The estimated lifetime for those devices was longer than 5000 h.

Optimal low thrust geocentric transfer. [mission analysis computer program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edelbaum, T. N.; Sackett, L. L.; Malchow, H. L.

1973-01-01

A computer code which will rapidly calculate time-optimal low thrust transfers is being developed as a mission analysis tool. The final program will apply to NEP or SEP missions and will include a variety of environmental effects. The current program assumes constant acceleration. The oblateness effect and shadowing may be included. Detailed state and costate equations are given for the thrust effect, oblateness effect, and shadowing. A simple but adequate model yields analytical formulas for power degradation due to the Van Allen radiation belts for SEP missions. The program avoids the classical singularities by the use of equinoctial orbital elements. Kryloff-Bogoliuboff averaging is used to facilitate rapid calculation. Results for selected cases using the current program are given.

Improving electrofishing catch consistency by standardizing power

USGS Publications Warehouse

Burkhardt, Randy W.; Gutreuter, Steve

1995-01-01

The electrical output of electrofishing equipment is commonly standardized by using either constant voltage or constant amperage, However, simplified circuit and wave theories of electricity suggest that standardization of power (wattage) available for transfer from water to fish may be critical for effective standardization of electrofishing. Electrofishing with standardized power ensures that constant power is transferable to fish regardless of water conditions. The in situ performance of standardized power output is poorly known. We used data collected by the interagency Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP) in the upper Mississippi River system to assess the effectiveness of standardizing power output. The data consisted of 278 electrofishing collections, comprising 9,282 fishes in eight species groups, obtained during 1990 from main channel border, backwater, and tailwater aquatic areas in four reaches of the upper Mississippi River and one reach of the Illinois River. Variation in power output explained an average of 14.9% of catch variance for night electrofishing and 12.1 % for day electrofishing. Three patterns in catch per unit effort were observed for different species: increasing catch with increasing power, decreasing catch with increasing power, and no power-related pattern. Therefore, in addition to reducing catch variation, controlling power output may provide some capability to select particular species. The LTRMP adopted standardized power output beginning in 1991; standardized power output is adjusted for variation in water conductivity and water temperature by reference to a simple chart. Our data suggest that by standardizing electrofishing power output, the LTRMP has eliminated substantial amounts of catch variation at virtually no additional cost.

Fully Electrical Modeling of Thermoelectric Generators with Contact Thermal Resistance Under Different Operating Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siouane, Saima; Jovanović, Slaviša; Poure, Philippe

2017-01-01

The Seebeck effect is used in thermoelectric generators (TEGs) to supply electronic circuits by converting the waste thermal into electrical energy. This generated electrical power is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the TEG module's hot and cold sides. Depending on the applications, TEGs can be used either under constant temperature gradient between heat reservoirs or constant heat flow conditions. Moreover, the generated electrical power of a TEG depends not only on these operating conditions, but also on the contact thermal resistance. The influence of the contact thermal resistance on the generated electrical power have already been extensively reported in the literature. However, as reported in Park et al. (Energy Convers Manag 86:233, 2014) and Montecucco and Knox (IEEE Trans Power Electron 30:828, 2015), while designing TEG-powered circuit and systems, a TEG module is mostly modeled with a Thévenin equivalent circuit whose resistance is constant and voltage proportional to the temperature gradient applied to the TEG's terminals. This widely used simplified electrical TEG model is inaccurate and not suitable under constant heat flow conditions or when the contact thermal resistance is considered. Moreover, it does not provide realistic behaviour corresponding to the physical phenomena taking place in a TEG. Therefore, from the circuit designer's point of view, faithful and fully electrical TEG models under different operating conditions are needed. Such models are mainly necessary to design and evaluate the power conditioning electronic stages and the maximum power point tracking algorithms of a TEG power supply. In this study, these fully electrical models with the contact thermal resistance taken into account are presented and the analytical expressions of the Thévenin equivalent circuit parameters are provided.

Study on constant-step stress accelerated life tests in white organic light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Zhang, J P; Liu, C; Chen, X; Cheng, G L; Zhou, A X

2014-11-01

In order to obtain reliability information for a white organic light-emitting diode (OLED), two constant and one step stress tests were conducted with its working current increased. The Weibull function was applied to describe the OLED life distribution, and the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and its iterative flow chart were used to calculate shape and scale parameters. Furthermore, the accelerated life equation was determined using the least squares method, a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed to assess if the white OLED life follows a Weibull distribution, and self-developed software was used to predict the average and the median lifetimes of the OLED. The numerical results indicate that white OLED life conforms to a Weibull distribution, and that the accelerated life equation completely satisfies the inverse power law. The estimated life of a white OLED may provide significant guidelines for its manufacturers and customers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Superior electric storage on an amorphous perfluorinated polymer surface

PubMed Central

Fukuhara, Mikio; Kuroda, Tomoyuki; Hasegawa, Fumihiko; Sueyoshi, Takashi

2016-01-01

Amorphous perfluoroalkenyl vinyl ether polymer devices can store a remarkably powerful electric charge because their surface contains nanometre-sized cavities that are sensitive to the so-called quantum-size effect. With a work function of approximately 10 eV, the devices show a near-vertical line in the Nyquist diagram and a horizontal line near the −90° phase angle in the Bode diagram. Moreover, they have an integrated effect on the surface area for constant current discharging. This effect can be explained by the distributed constant electric circuit with a parallel assembly of nanometre-sized capacitors on a highly insulating polymer. The device can illuminate a red LED light for 3 ms after charging it with 1 mA at 10 V. Further gains might be attained by integrating polymer sheets with a micro-electro mechanical system. PMID:26902953

Polarity-dependent improvement of maximal-effort sprint cycling performance by direct current stimulation of the central nervous system.

PubMed

Sasada, Syusaku; Endoh, Takashi; Ishii, Tomoya; Komiyama, Tomoyoshi

2017-09-14

Sprint motor performance, such as in short-distance running or cycling, gradually decreases after reaching a maximum speed or cadence. This may be attributed to the central nervous system. Brain stimulation studies have recently revealed the plastic nature of the human brain and spinal cord, but it is unclear how direct current stimulation (DCS) affects sprint motor performance. To address this issue, we investigated DCS's effect on healthy volunteers' sprint cycling performance. DCS was applied to the lumbar spinal cord (3mA) or the leg area of the motor cortex (2mA) for 15min with 3 different polarities: anodal, cathodal, and sham. After DCS, the subjects performed maximal-effort sprint cycling for 30s under a constant load. Pooled mean power during the 30s was significantly greater after cathodal transcutaneous spinal DCS to the lumbar spinal cord (tsDCS) than anodal or sham tsDCS. The improvement with cathodal stimulation was notable both 0-5 and 20-25s after the performance onset. There were no significant inter-conditional differences in peak power. Pooled mean power was significantly greater after anodal transcranial DCS to the motor cortex (tDCS) than after cathodal tDCS, although mean powers of anodal and sham tDCS were not significantly different. The increase in mean power after cathodal tsDCS could result from a reduction in central fatigue. This stimulus method might improve sprint performance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High Packing Density Unidirectional Arrays of Vertically Aligned Graphene with Enhanced Areal Capacitance for High-Power Micro-Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zheng, Shuanghao; Li, Zhilin; Wu, Zhong-Shuai; Dong, Yanfeng; Zhou, Feng; Wang, Sen; Fu, Qiang; Sun, Chenglin; Guo, Liwei; Bao, Xinhe

2017-04-25

Interfacial integration of a shape-engineered electrode with a strongly bonded current collector is the key for minimizing both ionic and electronic resistance and then developing high-power supercapacitors. Herein, we demonstrated the construction of high-power micro-supercapacitors (VG-MSCs) based on high-density unidirectional arrays of vertically aligned graphene (VG) nanosheets, derived from a thermally decomposed SiC substrate. The as-grown VG arrays showed a standing basal plane orientation grown on a (0001̅) SiC substrate, tailored thickness (3.5-28 μm), high-density structurally ordering alignment of graphene consisting of 1-5 layers, vertically oriented edges, open intersheet channels, high electrical conductivity (192 S cm -1 ), and strong bonding of the VG edges to the SiC substrate. As a result, the demonstrated VG-MSCs displayed a high areal capacitance of ∼7.3 mF cm -2 and a fast frequency response with a short time constant of 9 ms. Furthermore, VG-MSCs in both an aqueous polymer gel electrolyte and nonaqueous ionic liquid of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate operated well at high scan rates of up to 200 V s -1 . More importantly, VG-MSCs offered a high power density of ∼15 W cm -3 in gel electrolyte and ∼61 W cm -3 in ionic liquid. Therefore, this strategy of producing high-density unidirectional VG nanosheets directly bonded on a SiC current collector demonstrated the feasibility of manufacturing high-power compact supercapacitors.

Flexible, Low-Power Thin-Film Transistors Made of Vapor-Phase Synthesized High-k, Ultrathin Polymer Gate Dielectrics.

PubMed

Choi, Junhwan; Joo, Munkyu; Seong, Hyejeong; Pak, Kwanyong; Park, Hongkeun; Park, Chan Woo; Im, Sung Gap

2017-06-21

A series of high-k, ultrathin copolymer gate dielectrics were synthesized from 2-cyanoethyl acrylate (CEA) and di(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether (DEGDVE) monomers by a free radical polymerization via a one-step, vapor-phase, initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) method. The chemical composition of the copolymers was systematically optimized by tuning the input ratio of the vaporized CEA and DEGDVE monomers to achieve a high dielectric constant (k) as well as excellent dielectric strength. Interestingly, DEGDVE was nonhomopolymerizable but it was able to form a copolymer with other kinds of monomers. Utilizing this interesting property of the DEGDVE cross-linker, the dielectric constant of the copolymer film could be maximized with minimum incorporation of the cross-linker moiety. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the synthesis of a cyanide-containing polymer in the vapor phase, where a high-purity polymer film with a maximized dielectric constant was achieved. The dielectric film with the optimized composition showed a dielectric constant greater than 6 and extremely low leakage current densities (<3 × 10 -8 A/cm 2 in the range of ±2 MV/cm), with a thickness of only 20 nm, which is an outstanding thickness for down-scalable cyanide polymer dielectrics. With this high-k dielectric layer, organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) and oxide TFTs were fabricated, which showed hysteresis-free transfer characteristics with an operating voltage of less than 3 V. Furthermore, the flexible OTFTs retained their low gate leakage current and ideal TFT characteristics even under 2% applied tensile strain, which makes them some of the most flexible OTFTs reported to date. We believe that these ultrathin, high-k organic dielectric films with excellent mechanical flexibility will play a crucial role in future soft electronics.

Quench propagation in the superconducting 6 kA flexible busbars of the LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herzog, R.; Calvi, M.; Sonnemann, F.; Pelegrin-Carcelen, J. M.

2002-05-01

Flexible superconducting cables with currents up to 6 kA will be used to power magnets individually in the insertion regions of the LHC. In case of a quench, the currents in these circuits will decay very fast (with time constants of about 200 ms) such that relatively small copper cross sections are sufficient for these busbars. Quench propagation experiments on a prototype cable and corresponding simulations led to a detailed understanding of the quench behavior of these busbars and to recommendations for the design and application of the cable. Simulations of the quench process in a multi-strand conductor led to a detailed understanding of the way current crosses from superconducting to pure copper strands and how this affects the quench propagation velocity. At nominal current (6 kA), the quench propagation velocities are high (10 m/s) and the hot spot temperature increases rapidly. In this situation, timely quench detection and energy extraction (current reduction) are vital to prevent damage of circuit components.

Quantum Effects in Cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saharian, A. A.

2016-09-01

We investigate the vacuum expectation value of the current density for a charged scalar field on a slice of anti-de Sitter (AdS) space with toroidally compact dimensions. Along the compact dimensions periodicity conditions are imposed on the field operator with general phases and the presence of a constant gauge field is assumed. The latter gives rise to Aharonov-Bohm-like effects on the vacuum currents. The current density along compact dimensions is a periodic function of the gauge field flux with the period equal to the flux quantum. It vanishes on the AdS boundary and, near the horizon, to the leading order, it is conformally related to the corresponding quantity in Minkowski bulk for a massless field. For large values of the length of the compact dimension compared with the AdS curvature radius, the vacuum current decays as power-law for both massless and massive fields. This behavior is essentially different from the corresponding one in Minkowski background, where the currents for a massive field are suppressed exponentially.

A new mathematical model and control of a three-phase AC-DC voltage source converter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blasko, V.; Kaura, V.

1997-01-01

A new mathematical model of the power circuit of a three-phase voltage source converter (VSC) was developed in the stationary and synchronous reference frames. The mathematical model was then used to analyze and synthesize the voltage and current control loops for the VSC. Analytical expressions were derived for calculating the gains and time constants of the current and voltage regulators. The mathematical model was used to control a 140-kW regenerative VSC. The synchronous reference frame model was used to define feedforward signals in the current regulators to eliminate the cross coupling between the d and q phases. It allowed themore » reduction of the current control loop to first-order plants and improved their tracking capability. The bandwidths of the current and voltage-control loops were found to be approximately 20 and 60 times (respectively) smaller than the sampling frequency. All control algorithms were implemented in a digital-signal processor. All results of the analysis were experimentally verified.« less

Reconstruction of Pressure Profile Evolution during Levitated Dipole Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauel, M.; Garnier, D.; Boxer, A.; Ellsworth, J.; Kesner, J.

2008-11-01

Magnetic levitation of the LDX superconducting dipole causes significant changes in the measured diamagnetic flux and what appears to be an isotropic plasma pressure profile (p˜p||). This poster describes the reconstruction of plasma current and plasma pressure profiles from external measurements of the equilibrium magnetic field, which vary substantially as a function of time depending upon variations in neutral pressure and multifrequency ECRH power levels. Previous free-boundary reconstructions of plasma equilibrium showed the plasma to be anisotropic and highly peaked at the location of the cyclotron resonance of the microwave heating sources. Reconstructions of the peaked plasma pressures confined by a levitated dipole incorporate the small axial motion of the dipole (±5 mm), time varying levitation coil currents, eddy currents flowing in the vacuum vessel, constant magnetic flux linking the superconductor, and new flux loops located near the hot plasma in order to closely couple to plasma current and dipole current variations. I. Karim, et al., J. Fusion Energy, 26 (2007) 99.

Determination of unique power conversion efficiency of solar cell showing hysteresis in the I-V curve under various light intensities.

PubMed

Cojocaru, Ludmila; Uchida, Satoshi; Tamaki, Koichi; Jayaweera, Piyankarage V V; Kaneko, Shoji; Nakazaki, Jotaro; Kubo, Takaya; Segawa, Hiroshi

2017-09-18

Energy harvesting at low light intensities has recently attracted a great deal of attention of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) which are regarded as promising candidate for indoor application. Anomalous hysteresis of the PSCs a complex issue for reliable evaluation of the cell performance. In order to address these challenges, we constructed two new evaluation methods to determinate the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of PSCs. The first setup is a solar simulator based on light emitting diodes (LEDs) allowing evaluation of the solar cells at wider range of light intensities, ranging from 10 2  to 10 -3  mW·cm -2 . As the overestimate error, we found that the PCEs of dye sensitized solar cell (DSC) and PSCs increase dramatically at low light intensities conditions. Due to the internal capacitance at the interfaces on hybrid solar cells, the measurement of current below 10 -2  mW·cm -2 shows constant value given high PCE, which is related to the capacitive current and origin of the hysteresis. The second setup is a photovoltaic power analyzing system, designed for tracking the maximum power (P max ) with time. The paper suggests the combination of the LED solar simulator and P max tracking technique as a standard to evaluate the PCE of capacitive solar cells.

Evolution of robust circadian clocks in Drosophila melanogaster populations reared in constant dark for over 330 generations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shindey, Radhika; Varma, Vishwanath; Nikhil, K. L.; Sharma, Vijay Kumar

2016-10-01

Robustness is considered to be an important feature of biological systems which may evolve when the functionality of a trait is associated with higher fitness across multiple environmental conditions. Thus, the ability to maintain stable biological phenotypes across environments is thought to be of adaptive value. Previously, we have reported higher intrinsic activity levels (activity levels of free-running rhythm in constant darkness) and power of rhythm (as assessed by amplitude of the periodogram) in Drosophila melanogaster populations (stocks) reared in constant darkness (DD stocks) as compared to those reared in constant light (LL stocks) and 12:12-h light-dark cycles (LD stocks) for over 19 years (˜330 generations). In the current study, we intended to examine whether the enhanced levels of activity observed in DD stocks persist under various environments such as photoperiods, ambient temperatures, non-24-h light-dark (LD) cycles, and semi-natural conditions (SN). We found that DD stocks largely retain their phenotype of enhanced activity levels across most of the above-mentioned environments suggesting the evolution of robust circadian clocks in DD stocks. Furthermore, we compared the peak activity levels of the three stocks across different environmental conditions relative to their peaks in constant darkness and found that the change in peak activity levels upon entrainment was not significantly different across the three stocks for any of the examined environmental conditions. This suggests that the enhancement of activity levels in DD stocks is not due to differential sensitivity to environment. Thus, these results suggest that rearing in constant darkness (DD) leads to evolution of robust circadian clocks suggesting a possible adaptive value of possessing such rhythms under constant dark environments.

Evolution of robust circadian clocks in Drosophila melanogaster populations reared in constant dark for over 330 generations.

PubMed

Shindey, Radhika; Varma, Vishwanath; Nikhil, K L; Sharma, Vijay Kumar

2016-10-01

Robustness is considered to be an important feature of biological systems which may evolve when the functionality of a trait is associated with higher fitness across multiple environmental conditions. Thus, the ability to maintain stable biological phenotypes across environments is thought to be of adaptive value. Previously, we have reported higher intrinsic activity levels (activity levels of free-running rhythm in constant darkness) and power of rhythm (as assessed by amplitude of the periodogram) in Drosophila melanogaster populations (stocks) reared in constant darkness (DD stocks) as compared to those reared in constant light (LL stocks) and 12:12-h light-dark cycles (LD stocks) for over 19 years (∼330 generations). In the current study, we intended to examine whether the enhanced levels of activity observed in DD stocks persist under various environments such as photoperiods, ambient temperatures, non-24-h light-dark (LD) cycles, and semi-natural conditions (SN). We found that DD stocks largely retain their phenotype of enhanced activity levels across most of the above-mentioned environments suggesting the evolution of robust circadian clocks in DD stocks. Furthermore, we compared the peak activity levels of the three stocks across different environmental conditions relative to their peaks in constant darkness and found that the change in peak activity levels upon entrainment was not significantly different across the three stocks for any of the examined environmental conditions. This suggests that the enhancement of activity levels in DD stocks is not due to differential sensitivity to environment. Thus, these results suggest that rearing in constant darkness (DD) leads to evolution of robust circadian clocks suggesting a possible adaptive value of possessing such rhythms under constant dark environments.

Research on grid connection control technology of double fed wind generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ling, Li

2017-01-01

The composition and working principle of variable speed constant frequency doubly fed wind power generation system is discussed in this thesis. On the basis of theoretical analysis and control on the modeling, the doubly fed wind power generation simulation control system is designed based on a TMS320F2407 digital signal processor (DSP), and has done a large amount of experimental research, which mainly include, variable speed constant frequency, constant pressure, Grid connected control experiment. The running results show that the design of simulation control system is reasonable and can meet the need of experimental research.

Characterization of In-Flight Processing of Alumina Powder Using a DC-RF Hybrid Plasma Flow System at Constant Low Operating Power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishiyama, H.; Onodera, M.; Igawa, J.; Nakajima, T.

2009-12-01

The aim of this study is to provide the optimum operating conditions for enhancing in-flight alumina particle heating as much as possible for particle spheroidization and aggregation of melted particles using a DC-RF hybrid plasma flow system even at constant low operating power based on the thermofluid considerations. It is clarified that the swirl flow and higher operating pressure enhance the particle melting and aggregation of melted particles coupled with increasing gas temperature downstream of a plasma uniformly in the radial direction at constant electrical discharge conditions.

A Limited In-Flight Evaluation of the Constant Current Loop Strain Measurement Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olney, Candida D.; Collura, Joseph V.

1997-01-01

For many years, the Wheatstone bridge has been used successfully to measure electrical resistance and changes in that resistance. However, the inherent problem of varying lead wire resistance can cause errors when the Wheatstone bridge is used to measure strain in a flight environment. The constant current loop signal-conditioning card was developed to overcome that difficulty. This paper describes a limited evaluation of the constant current loop strain measurement method as used in the F-16XL ship 2 Supersonic Laminar Flow Control flight project. Several identical strain gages were installed in close proximity on a shock fence which was mounted under the left wing of the F- 1 6XL ship 2. Two strain gage bridges were configured using the constant current loop, and two were configured using the Wheatstone bridge circuitry. Flight data comparing the output from the constant current loop configured gages to that of the Wheatstone bridges with respect to signal output, error, and noise are given. Results indicate that the constant current loop strain measurement method enables an increased output, unaffected by lead wire resistance variations, to be obtained from strain gages.

Femtosecond soliton source with fast and broad spectral tunability.

PubMed

Masip, Martin E; Rieznik, A A; König, Pablo G; Grosz, Diego F; Bragas, Andrea V; Martinez, Oscar E

2009-03-15

We present a complete set of measurements and numerical simulations of a femtosecond soliton source with fast and broad spectral tunability and nearly constant pulse width and average power. Solitons generated in a photonic crystal fiber, at the low-power coupling regime, can be tuned in a broad range of wavelengths, from 850 to 1200 nm using the input power as the control parameter. These solitons keep almost constant time duration (approximately 40 fs) and spectral widths (approximately 20 nm) over the entire measured spectra regardless of input power. Our numerical simulations agree well with measurements and predict a wide working wavelength range and robustness to input parameters.

Lightweight Battery Charge Regulator Used to Track Solar Array Peak Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soeder, James F.; Button, Robert M.

1999-01-01

A battery charge regulator based on the series-connected boost regulator (SCBR) technology has been developed for high-voltage spacecraft applications. The SCBR regulates the solar array power during insolation to prevent battery overcharge or undercharge conditions. It can also be used to provide regulated battery output voltage to spacecraft loads if necessary. This technology uses industry-standard dc-dc converters and a unique interconnection to provide size, weight, efficiency, fault tolerance, and modularity benefits over existing systems. The high-voltage SCBR shown in the photograph has demonstrated power densities of over 1000 watts per kilogram (W/kg). Using four 150-W dc-dc converter modules, it can process 2500 W of power at 120 Vdc with a minimum input voltage of 90 Vdc. Efficiency of the SCBR was 94 to 98 percent over the entire operational range. Internally, the unit is made of two separate SCBR s, each with its own analog control circuitry, to demonstrate the modularity of the technology. The analog controllers regulate the output current and incorporate the output voltage limit with active current sharing between the two units. They also include voltage and current telemetry, on/off control, and baseplate temperature sensors. For peak power tracking, the SCBR was connected to a LabView-based data acquisition system for telemetry and control. A digital control algorithm for tracking the peak power point of a solar array was developed using the principle of matching the source impedance with the load impedance for maximum energy transfer. The algorithm was successfully demonstrated in a simulated spacecraft electrical system at the Boeing PhantomWorks High Voltage Test Facility in Seattle, Washington. The system consists of a 42-string, high-voltage solar array simulator, a 77-cell, 80-ampere-hour (A-hr) nickel-hydrogen battery, and a constant power-load module. The SCBR and the LabView control algorithm successfully tracked the solar array peak power point through various load transients, including sunlight discharge transients when the total load exceeded the maximum solar array output power.

Fuel Cells for Backup Power in Telecommunications Facilities (Fact Sheet)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2009-04-01

Telecommunications providers rely on backup power to maintain a constant power supply, to prevent power outages, and to ensure the operability of cell towers, equipment, and networks. The backup power supply that best meets these objectives is fuel cell technology.

Thermodynamic constraints on a varying cosmological-constant-like term from the holographic equipartition law with a power-law corrected entropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komatsu, Nobuyoshi

2017-11-01

A power-law corrected entropy based on a quantum entanglement is considered to be a viable black-hole entropy. In this study, as an alternative to Bekenstein-Hawking entropy, a power-law corrected entropy is applied to Padmanabhan's holographic equipartition law to thermodynamically examine an extra driving term in the cosmological equations for a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe at late times. Deviations from the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy generate an extra driving term (proportional to the α th power of the Hubble parameter, where α is a dimensionless constant for the power-law correction) in the acceleration equation, which can be derived from the holographic equipartition law. Interestingly, the value of the extra driving term in the present model is constrained by the second law of thermodynamics. From the thermodynamic constraint, the order of the driving term is found to be consistent with the order of the cosmological constant measured by observations. In addition, the driving term tends to be constantlike when α is small, i.e., when the deviation from the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy is small.

New sensorless, efficient optimized and stabilized v/f control for pmsm machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari, Seyed Hesam

With the rapid advances in power electronics and motor drive technologies in recent decades, permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) have found extensive applications in a variety of industrial systems due to its many desirable features such as high power density, high efficiency, and high torque to current ratio, low noise, and robustness. In low dynamic applications like pumps, fans and compressors where the motor speed is nearly constant, usage of a simple control algorithm that can be implemented with least number of the costly external hardware can be highly desirable for industry. In recent published works, for low power PMSMs, a new sensorless volts-per-hertz (V/f) controlling method has been proposed which can be used for PMSM drive applications where the motor speed is constant. Moreover, to minimize the cost of motor implementation, the expensive rotor damper winding was eliminated. By removing the damper winding, however, instability problems normally occur inside of the motor which in some cases can be harmful for a PMSM drive. As a result, to address the instability issue, a stabilizing loop was developed and added to the conventional V/f. By further studying the proposed sensorless stabilized V/f, and calculating power loss, it became known that overall motor efficiency still is needed to be improved and optimized. This thesis suggests a new V/f control method for PMSMs, where both efficiency and stability problems are addressed. Also, although in nearly all recent related research, methods have been applied to low power PMSM, for the first time, in this thesis, the suggested method is implemented for a medium power 15 kW PMSM. A C2000 F2833x Digital Signal Processor (DSP) is used as controller part for the student custom built PMSM drive, but instead of programming the DSP in Assembly or C, the main control algorithm was developed in a rapid prototype software environment which here Matlab Simulink embedded code library is used.

High accuracy switched-current circuits using an improved dynamic mirror

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zweigle, G.; Fiez, T.

1991-01-01

The switched-current technique, a recently developed circuit approach to analog signal processing, has emerged as an alternative/compliment to the well established switched-capacitor circuit technique. High speed switched-current circuits offer potential cost and power savings over slower switched-capacitor circuits. Accuracy improvements are a primary concern at this stage in the development of the switched-current technique. Use of the dynamic current mirror has produced circuits that are insensitive to transistor matching errors. The dynamic current mirror has been limited by other sources of error including clock-feedthrough and voltage transient errors. In this paper we present an improved switched-current building block using the dynamic current mirror. Utilizing current feedback the errors due to current imbalance in the dynamic current mirror are reduced. Simulations indicate that this feedback can reduce total harmonic distortion by as much as 9 dB. Additionally, we have developed a clock-feedthrough reduction scheme for which simulations reveal a potential 10 dB total harmonic distortion improvement. The clock-feedthrough reduction scheme also significantly reduces offset errors and allows for cancellation with a constant current source. Experimental results confirm the simulated improvements.

Development of a hardware-based AC microgrid for AC stability assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, Robert R.

As more power electronic-based devices enable the development of high-bandwidth AC microgrids, the topic of microgrid power distribution stability has become of increased interest. Recently, researchers have proposed a relatively straightforward method to assess the stability of AC systems based upon the time-constants of sources, the net bus capacitance, and the rate limits of sources. In this research, a focus has been to develop a hardware test system to evaluate AC system stability. As a first step, a time domain model of a two converter microgrid was established in which a three phase inverter acts as a power source and an active rectifier serves as an adjustable constant power AC load. The constant power load can be utilized to create rapid power flow transients to the generating system. As a second step, the inverter and active rectifier were designed using a Smart Power Module IGBT for switching and an embedded microcontroller as a processor for algorithm implementation. The inverter and active rectifier were designed to operate simultaneously using a synchronization signal to ensure each respective local controller operates in a common reference frame. Finally, the physical system was created and initial testing performed to validate the hardware functionality as a variable amplitude and variable frequency AC system.

A novel electro-driven membrane for removal of chromium ions using polymer inclusion membrane under constant D.C. electric current.

PubMed

Kaya, Ahmet; Onac, Canan; Alpoguz, H Korkmaz

2016-11-05

In this study, the use of polymer inclusion membrane under constant electric current for the removal of Cr(VI) from water has investigated for the first time. Transport of Cr(VI) is performed by an electric current from the donor phase to the acceptor phase with a constant electric current of 0.5A. The optimized membrane includes of 12.1% 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (2-NPOE), 77.6% cellulose triacetate (CTA), 10.3% tricapryl-methylammonium chloride (Aliquat 336) as a carrier. We tested the applicability of the selected membrane for Cr(VI) removal in real environmental water samples and evaluated its reusability. Electro membrane experiments were carried out under various parameters, such as the effect of electro membrane voltage at constant DC electric current; electro membrane current at constant voltage, acceptor phase pH, and stable electro membrane; and a comparison of polymer inclusion membrane and electro membrane transport studies. The Cr(VI) transport was achieved 98.33% after 40min under optimized conditions. An alternative method has been employed that eliminates the changing of electrical current by the application of constant electric current for higher reproducibility of electro membrane extraction experiments by combining the excellent selective and long-term use features of polymer inclusion membrane. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coupling time constants of striated and copper-plated coated conductors and the potential of striation to reduce shielding-current-induced fields in pancake coils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amemiya, Naoyuki; Tominaga, Naoki; Toyomoto, Ryuki; Nishimoto, Takuma; Sogabe, Yusuke; Yamano, Satoshi; Sakamoto, Hisaki

2018-07-01

The shielding-current-induced field is a serious concern for the applications of coated conductors to magnets. The striation of the coated conductor is one of the countermeasures, but it is effective only after the decay of the coupling current, which is characterised with the coupling time constant. In a non-twisted striated coated conductor, the coupling time constant is determined primarily by its length and the transverse resistance between superconductor filaments, because the coupling current could flow along its entire length. We measured and numerically calculated the frequency dependences of magnetisation losses in striated and copper-plated coated conductors with various lengths and their stacks at 77 K and determined their coupling time constants. Stacked conductors simulate the turns of a conductor wound into a pancake coil. Coupling time constants are proportional to the square of the conductor length. Stacking striated coated conductors increases the coupling time constants because the coupling currents in stacked conductors are coupled to one another magnetically to increase the mutual inductances for the coupling current paths. We carried out the numerical electromagnetic field analysis of conductors wound into pancake coils and determined their coupling time constants. They can be explained by the length dependence and mutual coupling effect observed in stacked straight conductors. Even in pancake coils with practical numbers of turns, i.e. conductor lengths, the striation is effective to reduce the shielding-current-induced fields for some dc applications.

Emulating DC constant power load: a robust sliding mode control approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Suresh; Fulwani, Deepak; Kumar, Vinod

2017-09-01

This article presents emulation of a programmable power electronic, constant power load (CPL) using a dc/dc step-up (boost) converter. The converter is controlled by a robust sliding mode controller (SMC). A novel switching surface is proposed to ensure a required power sunk by the converter. The proposed dc CPL is simple in design, has fast dynamic response and high accuracy, and offers an inexpensive alternative to study converters for cascaded dc distribution power system applications. Furthermore, the proposed CPL is sufficiently robust against the input voltage variations. A laboratory prototype of the proposed dc CPL has been developed and validated with SMC realised through OPAL-RT platform. The capability of the proposed dc CPL is confirmed via experimentations in varied scenarios.

Electronic constant current and current pulse signal generator for nuclear instrumentation testing

DOEpatents

Brown, R.A.

1994-04-19

Circuitry is described for testing the ability of an intermediate range nuclear instrument to detect and measure a constant current and a periodic current pulse. The invention simulates the resistance and capacitance of the signal connection of a nuclear instrument ion chamber detector and interconnecting cable. An LED flasher/oscillator illuminates an LED at a periodic rate established by a timing capacitor and circuitry internal to the flasher/oscillator. When the LED is on, a periodic current pulse is applied to the instrument. When the LED is off, a constant current is applied. An inductor opposes battery current flow when the LED is on. 1 figures.

Electronic constant current and current pulse signal generator for nuclear instrumentation testing

DOEpatents

Brown, Roger A.

1994-01-01

Circuitry for testing the ability of an intermediate range nuclear instrut to detect and measure a constant current and a periodic current pulse. The invention simulates the resistance and capacitance of the signal connection of a nuclear instrument ion chamber detector and interconnecting cable. An LED flasher/oscillator illuminates an LED at a periodic rate established by a timing capacitor and circuitry internal to the flasher/oscillator. When the LED is on, a periodic current pulse is applied to the instrument. When the LED is off, a constant current is applied. An inductor opposes battery current flow when the LED is on.

A geothermal AMTEC system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schuller, M.J.; LeMire, R.A.; Horner-Richardson, K.

1995-12-31

The Phillips Laboratory Power and Thermal Management Division (PL/VTP), with the support of ORION International Technologies, is investigating new methods of advanced thermal to electric power conversion for space and terrestrial applications. The alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC), manufactured primarily by Advanced Modular Power Systems (AMPS) of Ann Arbor, MI, has reached a level of technological maturity which would allow its use in a constant, unattended thermal source, such as a geothermal field. Approximately 95,000 square miles in the western United States has hot dry rock with thermal gradients of 60 C/km and higher. Several places in the United Statesmore » and the world have thermal gradients of 500 C/km. Such heat sources represent an excellent thermal source for a system of modular power units using AMTEC devices to convert the heat to electricity. AMTEC cells using sodium as a working fluid require heat input at temperatures between 500 and 1,000 C to generate power. The present state of the art is capable of 15% efficiency with 800 C heat input and has demonstrated 18% efficiency for single cells. This paper discusses the basics of AMTEC operation, current drilling technology as a cost driver, design of modular AMTEC power units, heat rejection technologies, materials considerations, and estimates of power production from a geothermal AMTEC concept.« less

Modelling of an advanced charging system for electric vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan Jaafar, Abdul; Rahman, Ataur; Mohiuddin, A. K. M.; Rashid, Mahbubur

2017-03-01

Climate Change is recognized as one of the greatest environmental problem facing the World today and it has long been appreciated by governments that reducing the impact of the internal combustion (IC) engine powered motor vehicle has an important part to play in addressing this threat. In Malaysia, IC engine powered motor vehicle accounts almost 90% of the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The need to reduce the emission is paramount, as Malaysia has pledged to reduce 40% of CO2 intensity by 2020 from 2005 level by 25% of improvement in average fuel consumption. The introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) is one of the initiatives. However in terms of percentage, the electric vehicles have not been commonly used by people nowadays and one of the reasons is lack in charging infrastructure especially when cars are on the road. The aim of this study is to simulate and model an advanced charging system for the charging infrastructure of EVs/HEVs all over the nation with slow charging mode with charging current 25 A, medium charging mode with charging current 50 A and fast charging mode with charging current 100 A. The slow charging mode is proposed for residence, medium charging mode for office parking lots, and fast charging mode is called fast charging track for charging station on road. With three modes charger topology, consumers could choose a suitable mode for their car based on their need. The simulation and experiment of advanced charging system has been conducted on a scale down battery pack of nominal voltage of 3.75 V and capacity of 1020 mAh. Result shows that the battery could be charging less than 1 hour with fast charging mode. However, due to limitation of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) power grid, the maximum 50 A current is considered to be the optimized passive mode for the EV’s battery charging system. The developed advanced charger prototype performance has been compared with the simulation result and conventional charger performance, the maximum variation has been found 15%, this closed agreement between the advanced charger prototype, simulation model and conventional charger validate the prototype model. Furthermore, based on the result presented in this report, the battery to be charged up to 85% of its rated capacity by constant current mode only rather than continue with constant voltage, which could shorten the battery charging time by 16% and prolong the battery life by 10%.

Method and apparatus for controlling current in inductive loads such as large diameter coils

DOEpatents

Riveros, Carlos A.

1981-01-01

A method and apparatus for controlling electric current in loads that are essentially inductive, such that sparking and "ringing" current problems are reduced or eliminated. The circuit apparatus employs a pair of solid state switches (each of which switch may be an array of connected or parallel solid state switching devices such as transistors) and means for controlling those switches such that a power supply supplying two d.c. voltages (e.g. positive 150 volts d.c. and negative 150 volts d.c.) at low resistance may be connected across an essentially inductive load (e.g. a 6 gauge wire loop one hundred meters in diameter) alternatively and such that the first solid state switch is turned off and the second is turned on such that both are not on at the same time but the first turned on and the other on in less time than the inductive time constant (L/R) so that the load is essentially always presented with a low resistance path across its input. In this manner a steady AC current may be delivered to the load at a frequency desired. Shut-off problems are avoided by gradually shortening the period of switching to less than the time constant so that the maximum energy contained in the inductive load is reduced to approximately zero and dissipated in the inherent resistance. The invention circuit may be employed by adjusting the timing of switching to deliver a desired waveform (such as sinusoidal) to the load.

Macroscopic neural mass model constructed from a current-based network model of spiking neurons.

PubMed

Umehara, Hiroaki; Okada, Masato; Teramae, Jun-Nosuke; Naruse, Yasushi

2017-02-01

Neural mass models (NMMs) are efficient frameworks for describing macroscopic cortical dynamics including electroencephalogram and magnetoencephalogram signals. Originally, these models were formulated on an empirical basis of synaptic dynamics with relatively long time constants. By clarifying the relations between NMMs and the dynamics of microscopic structures such as neurons and synapses, we can better understand cortical and neural mechanisms from a multi-scale perspective. In a previous study, the NMMs were analytically derived by averaging the equations of synaptic dynamics over the neurons in the population and further averaging the equations of the membrane-potential dynamics. However, the averaging of synaptic current assumes that the neuron membrane potentials are nearly time invariant and that they remain at sub-threshold levels to retain the conductance-based model. This approximation limits the NMM to the non-firing state. In the present study, we newly propose a derivation of a NMM by alternatively approximating the synaptic current which is assumed to be independent of the membrane potential, thus adopting a current-based model. Our proposed model releases the constraint of the nearly constant membrane potential. We confirm that the obtained model is reducible to the previous model in the non-firing situation and that it reproduces the temporal mean values and relative power spectrum densities of the average membrane potentials for the spiking neurons. It is further ensured that the existing NMM properly models the averaged dynamics over individual neurons even if they are spiking in the populations.

Long-Term Efficacy of Constant Current Deep Brain Stimulation in Essential Tremor.

PubMed

Rezaei Haddad, Ali; Samuel, Michael; Hulse, Natasha; Lin, Hsin-Ying; Ashkan, Keyoumars

2017-07-01

Ventralis intermedius deep brain stimulation is an established intervention for medication-refractory essential tremor. Newer constant current stimulation technology offers theoretical advantage over the traditional constant voltage systems in terms of delivering a more biologically stable therapy. There are no previous reports on the outcomes of constant current deep brain stimulation in the treatment of essential tremor. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of ventralis intermedius constant current deep brain stimulation in patients diagnosed with essential tremor. Essential tremor patients implanted with constant current deep brain stimulation for a minimum of three years were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor rating scale at baseline and postoperatively at the time of evaluation. The quality of life in the patients was assessed using the Quality of Life in Essential Tremor questionnaire. Ten patients were evaluated with a median age at evaluation of 74 years (range 66-79) and a mean follow up time of 49.7 (range 36-78) months since starting stimulation. Constant current ventralis intermedius deep brain stimulation was well tolerated and effective in all patients with a mean score improvement from 50.7 ± 5.9 to 17.4 ± 5.7 (p = 0.0020) in the total Fahn-Tolosa-Marin rating scale score (65.6%). Furthermore, the total combined mean Quality of Life in Essential Tremor score was improved from 56.2 ± 4.9 to 16.8 ± 3.5 (p value = 0.0059) (70.1%). This report shows that long-term constant current ventralis intermedius deep brain stimulation is a safe and effective intervention for essential tremor patients. © 2017 International Neuromodulation Society.

Efficient Ionization Investigation for Flow Control and Energy Extraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Steven J.; Kamhawi, Hani; Blankson, Isaiah M.

2009-01-01

Nonequilibrium ionization of air by nonthermal means is explored for hypersonic vehicle applications. The method selected for evaluation generates a weakly ionized plasma using pulsed nanosecond, high-voltage discharges sustained by a lower dc voltage. These discharges promise to provide a means of energizing and sustaining electrons in the air while maintaining a nearly constant ion/neutral molecule temperature. This paper explores the use of short approx.5 nsec, high-voltage approx.12 to 22 kV, repetitive (40 to 100 kHz) discharges in generating a weakly ionized gas sustained by a 1 kV dc voltage in dry air at pressures from 10 to 80 torr. Demonstrated lifetimes of the sustainer discharge current approx.10 to 25 msec are over three orders of magnitude longer than the 5 nsec pulse that generates the electrons. This life is adequate for many high speed flows, enabling the possibility of exploiting weakly ionized plasma phenomena in flow-fields such as those in hypersonic inlets, combustors, and nozzles. Results to date are obtained in a volume of plasma between electrodes in a bell jar. The buildup and decay of the visible emission from the pulser excited air is photographed on an ICCD camera with nanosecond resolution and the time constants for visible emission decay are observed to be between 10 to 15 nsec decreasing as pressure increases. The application of the sustainer voltage does not change the visible emission decay time constant. Energy consumption as indicated by power output from the power supplies is 194 to 669 W depending on pulse repetition rate.

High Power Laser Diode Array Qualification and Guidelines for Space Flight Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eegholm, Niels; Ott, Melanie; Stephen, Mark; Leidecker, Henning

2005-01-01

Semiconductor laser diodes emit coherent light by simulated emission generated inside the cavity formed by the cleaved end facets of a slab of semiconductor that is typically less than a millimeter in any dimension for single emitters. The diode is pumped by current injection in the p-n junction through the metallic contacts. Laser diodes emitting in the range of 0.8 micron to 1.06 micron have a wide variety of applications from pumping erbium doped fiber amplifiers, dual-clad fiber lasers, solid-state lasers used in telecom, aerospace, military, medical purposes and all the way to CD players, laser printers and other consumer and industrial products. Laser diode bars have many single emitters side by side and spaced approximately .5 mm on a single slab of semiconductor material approximately .5 mm x 10 mm. The individual emitters are connected in parallel maintaining the voltage at -2V but increasing the current to 50-100A/bar. Stacking these laser diode bars in multiple layers, 2 to 20+ high, yields high power laser diode arrays capable of emitting several hundreds of Watts. Electrically the bars are wired in series increasing the voltage by 2V/bar but maintaining the total current at 50-100A. These arrays are one of the enabling technologies for efficient, high power solid-state lasers. Traditionally these arrays are operated in QCW (Quasi CW) mode with pulse widths 10-200 (mu)s and with repetition rates of 10-200Hz. In QCW mode the wavelength and the output power of the laser reaches steady-state but the temperature does not. The advantage is a substantially higher output power than in CW mode, where the output power would be limited by the internal heating and hence the thermal and heat sinking properties of the device. The down side is a much higher thermal induced mechanical stress caused by the constant heating and cooling cycle inherent to the QCW mode.

Investigation into constant envelope orthogonal frequency division multiplexing for polarization-division multiplexing coherent optical communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yupeng; Ding, Ding

2017-09-01

Benefiting from the high spectral efficiency and low peak-to-average power ratio, constant envelope orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a promising technique in coherent optical communication. Polarization-division multiplexing (PDM) has been employed as an effective way to double the transmission capacity in the commercial 100 Gb/s PDM-QPSK system. We investigated constant envelope OFDM together with PDM. Simulation results show that the acceptable maximum launch power into the fiber improves 10 and 6 dB for 80- and 320-km transmission, respectively (compared with the conventional PDM OFDM system). The maximum reachable distance of the constant envelope OFDM system is able to reach 800 km, and even 1200 km is reachable if an ideal erbium doped fiber amplifier is employed.

Numerical modeling of the coupling of an ICRH antenna with a plasma with self-consistent antenna currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pécoul, S.; Heuraux, S.; Koch, R.; Leclert, G.

2002-07-01

A realistic modeling of ICRH antennas requires the knowledge of the antenna currents. The code ICANT determines self-consistently these currents and, as a byproduct, the electrical characteristics of the antenna (radiated power, propagation constants on straps, frequency response, … ). The formalism allows for the description of three-dimensional antenna elements (for instance, finite size thick screen blades). The results obtained for various cases where analytical results are available are discussed. The resonances appearing in the spectrum and the occurrence of unphysical resonant modes are discussed. The capability of this self-consistent method is illustrated by a number of examples, e.g., fully conducting thin or thick screen bars leading to magnetic shielding effects, frequency response and resonances of an end-tuned antenna, field distributions in front of a Tore-Supra type antenna with tilted screen blades.

Renewable Electrolysis | Hydrogen and Fuel Cells | NREL

Science.gov Websites

variable-input power conditions Designing and developing shared power-electronics packages and controllers Development NREL develops power electronics interfaces for renewable electrolysis systems to characterize and constant voltage DC bus and power electronics to regulate power output and to convert wild alternating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lagier, B.; Rousset, B.; Hoa, C.

Superconducting magnets used in tokamaks undergo periodic heat load caused by cycling plasma operations inducing AC losses, neutrons fluxes and eddy currents in magnet structures. In the cryogenic system of JT60-SA tokamak, the Auxiliary Cold Box (ACB) distributes helium from the refrigerator to the cryogenic users and in particular to the superconducting magnets. ACB comprises a saturated helium bath with immersed heat exchangers, extracting heat from independent cooling loops. The supercritical helium flow in each cooling loop is driven by a cold circulator. In order to safely operate the refrigerator during plasma pulses, the interface between the ACB and themore » refrigerator shall be as stable as possible, with well-balanced bath inlet and outlet mass flows during cycling operation. The solution presented in this paper relies on a combination of regulations to smooth pulsed heat loads and to keep a constant refrigeration power during all the cycle. Two smoothing strategies are presented, both regulating the outlet mass flow of the bath: the first one using the bath as a thermal buffer and the second one storing energy in the loop by varying the cold circulator speed. The bath outlet mass flow is also controlled by an immersed resistive heater which enables a constant evaporation rate in the bath when power coming from the loops is decreasing. The refrigeration power is controlled so that the compensating power remains within an acceptable margin. Experimental validation is achieved using the HELIOS facility. This facility running at CEA Grenoble since 2010 is a scaled down model of the ACB bath and Central Solenoid magnet cooling loop of the JT60-SA tokamak. Test results show performances and robustness of the regulations.« less

Voltage oriented control of self-excited induction generator for wind energy system with MPPT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amieur, Toufik; Taibi, Djamel; Amieur, Oualid

2018-05-01

This paper presents the study and simulation of the self-excited induction generator in the wind power production in isolated sites. With this intention, a model of the wind turbine was established. Extremum-seeking control algorithm method by using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is proposed control solution aims at driving the average position of the operating point near to optimality. The reference of turbine rotor speed is adjusted such that the turbine operates around maximum power for the current wind speed value. After a brief review of the concepts of converting wind energy into electrical energy. The proposed modeling tools were developed to study the performance of standalone induction generators connected to capacitor bank. The purpose of this technique is to maintain a constant voltage at the output of the rectifier whatever the loads and speeds. The system studied in this work is developed and tested in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Simulation results validate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed control methods.

Hydro power plants, an overview of the current types and technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tkáč, Štefan

2018-03-01

Despite the long history of hydropower technology and rising number of system harvesting energy from alternative sources, the constant research within hydro power sector becoming increasingly important as the power from water was and still is the leading alternative source of green energy generation, capitalized not necessarily within micro-urban structures only. The advantages of hydro systems involve their relatively low acquisition cost against durability, the possibility of gaining energy independence, relatively high flexibility and adaptability for spatial conditions and energy demands of the end users. Nowadays micro hydro systems could capitalize head range starting at 100cm and the efficiency of hydro systems in general ranges between 65-75% in micro and small applications climbing up to 96% in macro designs. It is mostly due to flexibility in applications, adaptability in combinations with other renewable energy systems and the ability to generate clean, stable, thus reliable energy that makes technical development the most vibrant and noticeable in the micro sphere.

Electron emission controller with pulsed heating of filament

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durakiewicz, Tomasz

1996-11-01

A novel circuit has been invented for the versatile and safe stabilization of the electron emission current (Ie) produced by a hot filament in mass spectrometers or in ionization gauges. The voltage signal, which is directly proportional to Ie, is provided to the inverting input of a comparator, whereas the noninverting input is connected to the reference voltage. In addition to the commonly used negative feedback loop, a positive feedback loop was introduced by siting a resistor between the noninverting input and the output of the comparator, which results in a pulsation of the filament voltage. The pulses are rectangular, so that the power dissipated by the transistor in the filament power supply circuit is radically reduced. To refine the switching action of the transistor, the output of the comparator is connected through a capacitor to the transistor gate. A concise discussion of the phase shift between Ie, the filament temperature Tf, and the filament voltage Vf, including time constants for different modes of power dissipation, is included.

A simple structure wavelet transform circuit employing function link neural networks and SI filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Li; Yigang, He

2016-12-01

Signal processing by means of analog circuits offers advantages from a power consumption viewpoint. Implementing wavelet transform (WT) using analog circuits is of great interest when low-power consumption becomes an important issue. In this article, a novel simple structure WT circuit in analog domain is presented by employing functional link neural network (FLNN) and switched-current (SI) filters. First, the wavelet base is approximated using FLNN algorithms for giving a filter transfer function that is suitable for simple structure WT circuit implementation. Next, the WT circuit is constructed with the wavelet filter bank, whose impulse response is the approximated wavelet and its dilations. The filter design that follows is based on a follow-the-leader feedback (FLF) structure with multiple output bilinear SI integrators and current mirrors as the main building blocks. SI filter is well suited for this application since the dilation constant across different scales of the transform can be precisely implemented and controlled by the clock frequency of the circuit with the same system architecture. Finally, to illustrate the design procedure, a seventh-order FLNN-approximated Gaussian wavelet is implemented as an example. Simulations have successfully verified that the designed simple structure WT circuit has low sensitivity, low-power consumption and litter effect to the imperfections.

Global risk from the atmospheric dispersion of radionuclides by nuclear power plant accidents in the coming decades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christoudias, T.; Proestos, Y.; Lelieveld, J.

2014-05-01

We estimate the global risk from the release and atmospheric dispersion of radionuclides from nuclear power plant accidents using the EMAC atmospheric chemistry-general circulation model. We included all nuclear reactors that are currently operational, under construction and planned or proposed. We implemented constant continuous emissions from each location in the model and simulated atmospheric transport and removal via dry and wet deposition processes over 20 years (2010-2030), driven by boundary conditions based on the IPCC A2 future emissions scenario. We present global overall and seasonal risk maps for potential surface layer concentrations and ground deposition of radionuclides, and estimate potential doses to humans from inhalation and ground-deposition exposures to radionuclides. We find that the risk of harmful doses due to inhalation is typically highest in the Northern Hemisphere during boreal winter, due to relatively shallow boundary layer development and limited mixing. Based on the continued operation of the current nuclear power plants, we calculate that the risk of radioactive contamination to the citizens of the USA will remain to be highest worldwide, followed by India and France. By including stations under construction and those that are planned and proposed, our results suggest that the risk will become highest in China, followed by India and the USA.

Global risk from the atmospheric dispersion of radionuclides by nuclear power plant accidents in the coming decades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christoudias, T.; Proestos, Y.; Lelieveld, J.

2013-11-01

We estimate the global risk from the release and atmospheric dispersion of radionuclides from nuclear power plant accidents using the EMAC atmospheric chemistry-general circulation model. We included all nuclear reactors that are currently operational, under construction and planned or proposed. We implemented constant continuous emissions from each location in the model and simulated atmospheric transport and removal via dry and wet deposition processes over 20 yr (2010-2030), driven by boundary conditions based on the IPCC A2 future emissions scenario. We present global overall and seasonal risk maps for potential surface layer concentrations and ground deposition of radionuclides, and estimate potential dosages to humans from the inhalation and the exposure to ground deposited radionuclides. We find that the risk of harmful doses due to inhalation is typically highest during boreal winter due to relatively shallow boundary layer development and reduced mixing. Based on the continued operation of the current nuclear power plants, we calculate that the risk of radioactive contamination to the citizens of the USA will remain to be highest worldwide, followed by India and France. By including stations under construction and those that are planned and proposed our results suggest that the risk will become highest in China, followed by India and the USA.

Global Risk from the Atmospheric Dispersion of Radionuclides by Nuclear Power Plant Accidents in the Coming Decades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christoudias, T.; Proestos, Y.; Lelieveld, J.

2014-12-01

We estimate the global risk from the release and atmospheric dispersion of radionuclides from nuclear power plant accidents using the EMAC atmospheric chemistry-general circulation model. We included all nuclear reactors that are currently operational, under construction and planned or proposed. We implemented constant continuous emissions from each location in the model and simulated atmospheric transport and removal via dry and wet deposition processes over 20 years (2010-2030), driven by boundary conditions based on the IPCC A2 future emissions scenario. We present global overall and seasonal risk maps for potential surface layer concentrations and ground deposition of radionuclides, and estimate potential doses to humans from inhalation and ground-deposition exposures to radionuclides. We find that the risk of harmful doses due to inhalation is typically highest in the Northern Hemisphere during boreal winter, due to relatively shallow boundary layer development and limited mixing. Based on the continued operation of the current nuclear power plants, we calculate that the risk of radioactive contamination to the citizens of the USA will remain to be highest worldwide, followed by India and France. By including stations under construction and those that are planned and proposed, our results suggest that the risk will become highest in China, followed by India and the USA.

A general theory of DC electromagnetic launchers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engel, Thomas G.; Timpson, Erik J.

2015-08-01

The non-linear, transient operation of DC electromagnetic launchers (EMLs) complicates their theoretical understanding and prevents scaling studies and performance comparisons without the aid of detailed numerical models. This paper presents a general theory for DC electromagnetic launchers that has simplified these tasks by identifying critical EML parameters and relationships affecting the EML's voltage, current, and power scaling, as well as its performance and energy conversion efficiency. EML parameters and relationships discussed in this paper include the specific force, the operating mode, the launcher constant, the launcher characteristic velocity, the contact characteristic velocity, the energy conversion efficiency, and the kinetic power and voltage-current scaling relationship. The concepts of the ideal EML, same-scale comparisons, and EML impedance are discussed. This paper defines conditions needed for the EML to operate in the steady-state. A comparison of the general theory with experimental results of several different types of DC (i.e., non-induction) electromagnetic launchers ranging from medium velocity (100's m/s) to high velocity (1000's m/s) is performed. There is good agreement between the general theory and the experimental results.

Advantageous grain boundaries in iron pnictide superconductors

PubMed Central

Katase, Takayoshi; Ishimaru, Yoshihiro; Tsukamoto, Akira; Hiramatsu, Hidenori; Kamiya, Toshio; Tanabe, Keiichi; Hosono, Hideo

2011-01-01

High critical temperature superconductors have zero power consumption and could be used to produce ideal electric power lines. The principal obstacle in fabricating superconducting wires and tapes is grain boundaries—the misalignment of crystalline orientations at grain boundaries, which is unavoidable for polycrystals, largely deteriorates critical current density. Here we report that high critical temperature iron pnictide superconductors have advantages over cuprates with respect to these grain boundary issues. The transport properties through well-defined bicrystal grain boundary junctions with various misorientation angles (θGB) were systematically investigated for cobalt-doped BaFe2As2 (BaFe2As2:Co) epitaxial films fabricated on bicrystal substrates. The critical current density through bicrystal grain boundary (JcBGB) remained high (>1 MA cm−2) and nearly constant up to a critical angle θc of ∼9°, which is substantially larger than the θc of ∼5° for YBa2Cu3O7–δ. Even at θGB>θc, the decay of JcBGB was much slower than that of YBa2Cu3O7–δ. PMID:21811238

Hierarchical MoS2 nanowires/NiCo2O4 nanosheets supported on Ni foam for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Shiyang; Liu, Yu; Zhu, Fangfang; Shao, Rong; Xu, Wei

2018-01-01

The hierarchical MoS2 nanowires/NiCo2O4 nanosheets (MS/NCO) supercapacitor electrode materials supported on Ni foam were synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal method. The capacitance was investigated by using various electrochemical methods including cyclic voltammetry, constant-current galvanostatic charge/discharge curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The MS/NCO networks show 7 times more capacitance (7.1 F cm-2) than pure NiCo2O4 nanosheets by CV at a scan rate of 2 mV s-1. The specific capacitance of the assembled MS/NCO//active carbon (AC) asymmetric supercapacitor could reach up to 51.7 F g-1 at a current density of 1.5 A g-1. Also, the maximum energy density of 18.4 W h kg-1 at a power density of 1200.2 W kg-1 was achieved, with 98.2% specific capacitance retention after 8000 cycles. These exciting results exhibit potential application in developing energy storage devices with high energy density and high power density.

Planck Constant Determination from Power Equivalence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newell, David B.

2000-04-01

Equating mechanical to electrical power links the kilogram, the meter, and the second to the practical realizations of the ohm and the volt derived from the quantum Hall and the Josephson effects, yielding an SI determination of the Planck constant. The NIST watt balance uses this power equivalence principle, and in 1998 measured the Planck constant with a combined relative standard uncertainty of 8.7 x 10-8, the most accurate determination to date. The next generation of the NIST watt balance is now being assembled. Modification to the experimental facilities have been made to reduce the uncertainty components from vibrations and electromagnetic interference. A vacuum chamber has been installed to reduce the uncertainty components associated with performing the experiment in air. Most of the apparatus is in place and diagnostic testing of the balance should begin this year. Once a combined relative standard uncertainty of one part in 10-8 has been reached, the power equivalence principle can be used to monitor the possible drift in the artifact mass standard, the kilogram, and provide an accurate alternative definition of mass in terms of fundamental constants. *Electricity Division, Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory, Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Contribution of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, not subject to copyright in the U.S.

Research on Experiment of Islanding Protection Device of Grid-connected Photovoltaic System Based on RTDS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ning; Yang, Jia; Cheng, Zheng; Chen, Bo; Su, Yong Chun; Shu, Zhan; Zou, Jin

2017-06-01

Solar photovoltaic power generation is the power generation using solar cell module converting sunlight into DC electric energy. In the paper an equivalent model of solar photovoltaic power generation system is built in RTDS. The main circuit structure of the two-stage PV grid-connected system consists of the DC-DC, DC-AC circuit. The MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) control of the PV array is controlled by adjusting the duty ratio of the DC-DC circuit. The proposed control strategy of constant voltage/constant reactive power (V/Q) control is successfully implemented grid-connected control of the inverter when grid-connected operation. The closed-loop experiment of islanding protection device of photovoltaic power plant on RTDS, verifies the correctness of the simulation model, and the experimental verification can be applied to this type of device.

Development of a Rayleigh Scattering Diagnostic for Time-Resolved Gas Flow Velocity, Temperature, and Density Measurements in Aerodynamic Test Facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mielke, Amy F.; Elam, Kristie A.; Sung, Chih-Jen

2007-01-01

A molecular Rayleigh scattering technique is developed to measure time-resolved gas velocity, temperature, and density in unseeded turbulent flows at sampling rates up to 32 kHz. A high power continuous-wave laser beam is focused at a point in an air flow field and Rayleigh scattered light is collected and fiber-optically transmitted to the spectral analysis and detection equipment. The spectrum of the light, which contains information about the temperature and velocity of the flow, is analyzed using a Fabry-Perot interferometer. Photomultiplier tubes operated in the photon counting mode allow high frequency sampling of the circular interference pattern to provide time-resolved flow property measurements. An acoustically driven nozzle flow is studied to validate velocity fluctuation measurements, and an asymmetric oscillating counterflow with unequal enthalpies is studied to validate the measurement of temperature fluctuations. Velocity fluctuations are compared with constant temperature anemometry measurements and temperature fluctuations are compared with constant current anemometry measurements at the same locations. Time-series and power spectra of the temperature and velocity measurements are presented. A numerical simulation of the light scattering and detection process was developed and compared with experimental data for future use as an experiment design tool.

Extending the Constant Power Speed Range of the Brushless DC Motor through Dual Mode Inverter Control -- Part II: Laboratory Proof-of-Principle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lawler, J.S.

2001-10-29

Previous theoretical work has shown that when all loss mechanisms are neglected the constant power speed range (CPSR) of a brushless dc motor (BDCM) is infinite when the motor is driven by the dual-mode inverter control (DMIC) [1,2]. In a physical drive, losses, particularly speed-sensitive losses, will limit the CPSR to a finite value. In this paper we report the results of laboratory testing of a low-inductance, 7.5-hp BDCM driven by the DMIC. The speed rating of the test motor rotor limited the upper speed of the testing, and the results show that the CPSR of the test machine ismore » greater than 6:1 when driven by the DMIC. Current wave shape, peak, and rms values remained controlled and within rating over the entire speed range. The laboratory measurements allowed the speed-sensitive losses to be quantified and incorporated into computer simulation models, which then accurately reproduce the results of lab testing. The simulator shows that the limiting CPSR of the test motor is 8:1. These results confirm that the DMIC is capable of driving low-inductance BDCMs over the wide CPSR that would be required in electric vehicle applications.« less

Direct observation of 0.57 eV trap-related RF output power reduction in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arehart, A. R.; Sasikumar, A.; Rajan, S.; Via, G. D.; Poling, B.; Winningham, B.; Heller, E. R.; Brown, D.; Pei, Y.; Recht, F.; Mishra, U. K.; Ringel, S. A.

2013-02-01

This paper reports direct evidence for trap-related RF output power loss in GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) through increased concentration of a specific electron trap at EC-0.57 eV that is located in the drain access region, as a function of accelerated life testing (ALT). The trap is detected by constant drain current deep level transient spectroscopy (CID-DLTS) and the CID-DLTS thermal emission time constant precisely matches the measured drain lag. Both drain lag and CID-DLTS measurements show this state to already exist in pre-stressed devices, which coupled with its strong increase in concentration as a function of stress in the absence of significant increases in concentrations of other detected traps, imply its role in causing degradation, in particular knee walkout. This study reveals EC-0.57 eV trap concentration tracks degradation induced by ALT for MOCVD-grown HEMTs supplied by several commercial and university sources. The results suggest this defect has a common source and may be a key degradation pathway in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs and/or an indicator to predict device lifetime.

Self-oscillations in field emission nanowire mechanical resonators: a nanometric dc-ac conversion.

PubMed

Ayari, Anthony; Vincent, Pascal; Perisanu, Sorin; Choueib, May; Gouttenoire, Vincent; Bechelany, Mikhael; Cornu, David; Purcell, Stephen T

2007-08-01

We report the observation of self-oscillations in a bottom-up nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) during field emission driven by a constant applied voltage. An electromechanical model is explored that explains the phenomenon and that can be directly used to develop integrated devices. In this first study, we have already achieved approximately 50% dc/ac (direct to alternating current) conversion. Electrical self-oscillations in NEMS open up a new path for the development of high-speed, autonomous nanoresonators and signal generators and show that field emission (FE) is a powerful tool for building new nanocomponents.

A 9700-hour durability test of a five centimeter diameter ion thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakanishi, S.; Finke, R. C.

1973-01-01

A modified Hughes SIT-5 thruster was life-tested at the Lewis Research Center. The final 2700 hours of the test are described with a charted history of thruster operating parameters and off-normal events. Performance and operating characteristics were nearly constant throughout the test except for neutralizer heater power requirements and accelerator drain current. A post-shutdown inspection revealed sputter erosion of ion chamber components and component flaking of sputtered metal. Several flakes caused beamlet divergence and anomalous grid erosion, causing the test to be terminated. All sputter erosion sources were identified.

Research of energy characteristics of frequency-regulated electric drive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arsentiev, O. V.; Arsentiev, G. O.; Dunaev, M. P.

2018-03-01

The paper considers the urgency of the research problems of the inverter as a part of the frequency converter. Experimental studies on the influence of the nature of the load on the structure of the distribution of power consumption are used. The authors described virtual models, allowing for analysis of changes in the cardinality of the inverter-factor when using it on an active-inductive load. According to the results, there are research conclusions to determine the relationship between the current form in the DC- link constant voltage and the mode of operation of the induction motor.

The Space Station Photovoltaic Panels Plasma Interaction Test Program: Test plan and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nahra, Henry K.; Felder, Marian C.; Sater, Bernard L.; Staskus, John V.

1989-01-01

The Plasma Interaction Test performed on two space station solar array panels is addressed. This includes a discussion of the test requirements, test plan, experimental set-up, and test results. It was found that parasitic current collection was insignificant (0.3 percent of the solar array delivered power). The measured arcing threshold ranged from -210 to -457 V with respect to the plasma potential. Furthermore, the dynamic response of the panels showed the panel time constant to range between 1 and 5 microsec, and the panel capacitance to be between .01 and .02 microF.

The Space Station photovoltaic panels plasma interaction test program - Test plan and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nahra, Henry K.; Felder, Marian C.; Sater, Bernard L.; Staskus, John V.

1990-01-01

The plasma Interaction Test performed on two space station solar array panels is addressed. This includes a discussion of the test requirements, test plan, experimental set-up, and test results. It was found that parasitic current collection was insignificant (0.3 percent of the solar array delivered power). The measured arcing threshold ranged from -210 to -457 V with respect to the plasma potential. Furthermore, the dynamic response of the panels showed the panel time constant to range between 1 and 5 microsec, and the panel capacitance to be between .01 and .02 microF.

Cr2O3 nanoparticles: Advanced electrode materials for high performance pseudocapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babu, I. Manohara; William, J. Johnson; Muralidharan, G.

2017-05-01

Cr2O3 nanoparticles have been synthesized via simple and facile microwave irradiation method. The structural, morphological and electrochemical performances of Cr2O3 nanoparticles have been studied. Electrochemical analysis indicates the Cr2O3 electrodes to be good pseudocapacitor material with a specific capacitance (122 F g-1 at a constant current of 1 A g-1), high energy density (6.08 W h kg-1), large power density (218.98 W kg-1). These results allow us to state with confidence that new class of electrode materials with good electrochemical performance has been identified.

Parameter estimation of extended free-burning electric arc within 1 kA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Qiuqin; Liu, Hao; Wang, Feng; Chen, She; Zhai, Yujia

2018-05-01

A long electric arc, as a common phenomenon in the power system, not only damages the electrical equipment but also threatens the safety of the system. In this work, a series of tests on a long electric arc in free air have been conducted. The arc voltage and current data were obtained, and the arc trajectories were captured using a high speed camera. The arc images were digitally processed by means of edge detection, and the length is formulated and achieved. Based on the experimental data, the characteristics of the long arc are discussed. It shows that the arc voltage waveform is close to the square wave with high-frequency components, whereas the current is almost sinusoidal. As the arc length elongates, the arc voltage and the resistance increase sharply. The arc takes a spiral shape with the effect of magnetic forces. The arc length will shorten briefly with the occurrence of the short-circuit phenomenon. Based on the classical Mayr model, the parameters of the long electric arc, including voltage gradient and time constant, with different lengths and current amplitudes are estimated using the linear least-square method. To reduce the computational error, segmentation interpolation is also employed. The results show that the voltage gradient of the long arc is mainly determined by the current amplitude but almost independent of the arc length. However, the time constant is jointly governed by these two variables. The voltage gradient of the arc with the current amplitude at 200-800 A is in the range of 3.9 V/cm-20 V/cm, and the voltage gradient decreases with the increase in current.

Numerical Modeling of Dependence of Separative Power of the Gas Centrifuge on the Length of Rotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogovalov, S. V.; Borisevich, V. D.; Borman, V. D.; Tronin, I. V.; Tronin, V. N.

Numerical modelling and optimization of the gas flow and isotope separation in the Iguasu gas centrifuge (GC) for uranium enrichment have been performed for different lengths of the rotor. The calculations show that the specific separative power of the GC reduces with the length of the rotor. We show that the reduction of the specific separative power is connected with the growth of the pressure in the optimal regime and corresponding growth of temperature to prevent the working gas sublimation. The specific separative power remains constant with the growth of the rotor length provided that the temperature of the rotor is taken to be constant.

On the electromagnetic fields, Poynting vector, and peak power radiated by lightning return strokes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krider, E. P.

1992-01-01

The initial radiation fields, Poynting vector, and total electromagnetic power that a vertical return stroke radiates into the upper half space have been computed when the speed of the stroke, nu, is a significant fraction of the speed of light, c, assuming that at large distances and early times the source is an infinitesimal dipole. The initial current is also assumed to satisfy the transmission-line model with a constant nu and to be perpendicular to an infinite, perfectly conducting ground. The effect of a large nu is to increase the radiation fields by a factor of (1-beta-sq cos-sq theta) exp -1, where beta = nu/c and theta is measured from the vertical, and the Poynting vector by a factor of (1-beta-sq cos-sq theta) exp -2.

Comment on ‘Poynting flux in the neighbourhood of a point charge in arbitrary motion and radiative power losses’

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowland, David R.

2018-01-01

Based on a calculation of the Poynting vector flux in the neighbourhood of an accelerating point charge, Singal (2016 Eur. J. Phys. 37 045210) has claimed that the instantaneous rate of energy radiated by the charge differs from the Larmor formula. It is argued in this comment that Singal’s proposed formula for the radiated power is physically untenable because it predicts a negative rate of energy loss in physically realisable situations. The cause of Singal’s erroneous conclusion is identified as being a failure to realise that the bound electromagnetic field energy of an accelerating charge differs by the Schott energy from the bound field energy of a charge moving at a constant velocity equal to the current velocity of the accelerating charge. References to the salient literature are provided.

A new infusion pathway intactness monitoring system.

PubMed

Ogawa, Hidekuni; Yonezawa, Yoshiharu; Maki, Hiromichi; Ninomiya, Ishio; Sata, Koji; Hamada, Shingo; Caldwell, W Morton

2006-01-01

A new infusion pathway monitoring system has been developed for hospital and home use. The system consists of linear integrated circuits and a low-power 8-bit single chip microcomputer which constantly monitors the infusion pathway intactness. An AC (alternating current) voltage is induced on the patient's body by electrostatic coupling from the normal 100 volt, 60 Hz AC power line wiring field in the patient's room. The induced AC voltage can be recorded by a main electrode wrapped around the infusion polyvinyl chloride tube. A reference electrode is wrapped on the electrode to monitor the AC voltage around the main electrode. If the injection needle or infusion tube becomes detached, then the system detects changes in the induced AC voltages and alerts the nursing station, via the nurse call system or PHS (personal handy phone system).

Spin wave propagation in perpendicularly magnetized nm-thick yttrium iron garnet films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jilei; Heimbach, Florian; Liu, Tao; Yu, Haiming; Liu, Chuanpu; Chang, Houchen; Stückler, Tobias; Hu, Junfeng; Zeng, Lang; Zhang, Youguang; Liao, Zhimin; Yu, Dapeng; Zhao, Weisheng; Wu, Mingzhong

2018-03-01

Magnonics offers a new way for information transport that uses spin waves (SWs) and is free of charge currents. Unlike Damon-Eshbach SWs, the magneto-static forward volume SWs offer the reciprocity configuration suitable for SW logic devices with low power consumption. Here, we study forward volume SW propagation in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) thin films with an ultra-low damping constant α = 8 ×10-5 . We design different integrated microwave antenna with different k-vector excitation distributions on YIG thin films. Using a vector network analyzer, we measured SW transmission with the films magnetized in perpendicular orientation. Based on the experimental results, we extract the group velocity as well as the dispersion relation of SWs and directly compare the power efficiency of SW propagation in YIG using coplanar waveguide and micro stripline for SW excitation and detection.

High voltage power supply

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruitberg, A. P.; Young, K. M. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

A high voltage power supply is formed by three discrete circuits energized by a battery to provide a plurality of concurrent output signals floating at a high output voltage on the order of several tens of kilovolts. In the first two circuits, the regulator stages are pulse width modulated and include adjustable ressistances for varying the duty cycles of pulse trains provided to corresponding oscillator stages while the third regulator stage includes an adjustable resistance for varying the amplitude of a steady signal provided to a third oscillator stage. In the first circuit, the oscillator, formed by a constant current drive network and a tuned resonant network included a step up transformer, is coupled to a second step up transformer which, in turn, supplies an amplified sinusoidal signal to a parallel pair of complementary poled rectifying, voltage multiplier stages to generate the high output voltage.

Experimental Lithium-Ion Battery Developed for Demonstration at the 2007 NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, William R.; Baldwin, Richard S.

2010-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) Electrochemistry Branch designed and built five lithium-ion battery packs for demonstration in spacesuit simulators as a part of the 2007 Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) activity at Cinder Lake, Arizona. The experimental batteries incorporated advanced, NASA-developed electrolytes and included internal protection against over-current, overdischarge and over-temperature. The 500-g experimental batteries were designed to deliver a constant power of 22 W for 2.5 hr with a minimum voltage of 13 V. When discharged at the maximum expected power output of 38.5 W, the batteries operated for 103 min of discharge time, achieving a specific energy of 130 Wh/kg. This report summarizes design details and safety considerations. Results for field trials and laboratory testing are summarized.

Microfabricated microengine with constant rotation rate

DOEpatents

Romero, Louis A.; Dickey, Fred M.

1999-01-01

A microengine uses two synchronized linear actuators as a power source and converts oscillatory motion from the actuators into constant rotational motion via direct linkage connection to an output gear or wheel. The microengine provides output in the form of a continuously rotating output gear that is capable of delivering drive torque at a constant rotation to a micromechanism. The output gear can have gear teeth on its outer perimeter for directly contacting a micromechanism requiring mechanical power. The gear is retained by a retaining means which allows said gear to rotate freely. The microengine is microfabricated of polysilicon on one wafer using surface micromachining batch fabrication.

Fuzzy logic, PSO based fuzzy logic algorithm and current controls comparative for grid-connected hybrid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borni, A.; Abdelkrim, T.; Zaghba, L.; Bouchakour, A.; Lakhdari, A.; Zarour, L.

2017-02-01

In this paper the model of a grid connected hybrid system is presented. The hybrid system includes a variable speed wind turbine controlled by aFuzzy MPPT control, and a photovoltaic generator controlled with PSO Fuzzy MPPT control to compensate the power fluctuations caused by the wind in a short and long term, the inverter currents injected to the grid is controlled by a decoupled PI current control. In the first phase, we start by modeling of the conversion system components; the wind system is consisted of a turbine coupled to a gearless permanent magnet generator (PMG), the AC/DC and DC-DC (Boost) converter are responsible to feed the electric energy produced by the PMG to the DC-link. The solar system consists of a photovoltaic generator (GPV) connected to a DC/DC boost converter controlled by a PSO fuzzy MPPT control to extract at any moment the maximum available power at the GPV terminals, the system is based on maximum utilization of both of sources because of their complementary. At the end. The active power reached to the DC-link is injected to the grid through a DC/AC inverter, this function is achieved by controlling the DC bus voltage to keep it constant and close to its reference value, The simulation studies have been performed using Matlab/Simulink. It can be concluded that a good control system performance can be achieved.

Design and analysis of an unconventional permanent magnet linear machine for energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Peng

This Ph.D. dissertation proposes an unconventional high power density linear electromagnetic kinetic energy harvester, and a high-performance two-stage interface power electronics to maintain maximum power abstraction from the energy source and charge the Li-ion battery load with constant current. The proposed machine architecture is composed of a double-sided flat type silicon steel stator with winding slots, a permanent magnet mover, coil windings, a linear motion guide and an adjustable spring bearing. The unconventional design of the machine is that NdFeB magnet bars in the mover are placed with magnetic fields in horizontal direction instead of vertical direction and the same magnetic poles are facing each other. The derived magnetic equivalent circuit model proves the average air-gap flux density of the novel topology is as high as 0.73 T with 17.7% improvement over that of the conventional topology at the given geometric dimensions of the proof-of-concept machine. Subsequently, the improved output voltage and power are achieved. The dynamic model of the linear generator is also developed, and the analytical equations of output maximum power are derived for the case of driving vibration with amplitude that is equal, smaller and larger than the relative displacement between the mover and the stator of the machine respectively. Furthermore, the finite element analysis (FEA) model has been simulated to prove the derived analytical results and the improved power generation capability. Also, an optimization framework is explored to extend to the multi-Degree-of-Freedom (n-DOF) vibration based linear energy harvesting devices. Moreover, a boost-buck cascaded switch mode converter with current controller is designed to extract the maximum power from the harvester and charge the Li-ion battery with trickle current. Meanwhile, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is proposed and optimized for low frequency driving vibrations. Finally, a proof-of-concept unconventional permanent magnet (PM) linear generator is prototyped and tested to verify the simulation results of the FEA model. For the coil windings of 33, 66 and 165 turns, the output power of the machine is tested to have the output power of 65.6 mW, 189.1 mW, and 497.7 mW respectively with the maximum power density of 2.486 mW/cm3.

Study on Control Scheme for the Inverters in Low Voltage Microgrid with Nonlinear Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiqiang; Lu, Wenzhou; Wu, Lei

2017-05-01

There are a lot of nonlinear loads in real low voltage microgrid system. It will cause serious output voltage and grid current harmonic distortions problems in island and grid-connected modes, respectively. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a droop control scheme with quasi-proportion and resonant (quasi-PR) controller based on αβ stationary reference frame to make microgrid smoothly switch between grid-connected and island modes without changing control method. Moreover, in island mode, not only stable output voltage and frequency, but also reduced output voltage harmonics with added nonlinear loads can be achieved; In grid-connected mode, not only constant power, but also reduced grid current harmonics can be achieved. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

Scaling Behavior for Ionic Transport and its Fluctuations in Individual Carbon Nanotubes.

PubMed

Secchi, Eleonora; Niguès, Antoine; Jubin, Laetitia; Siria, Alessandro; Bocquet, Lydéric

2016-04-15

In this Letter, we perform an experimental study of ionic transport and current fluctuations inside individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The conductance exhibits a power law behavior at low salinity, with an exponent close to 1/3 versus the salt concentration in this regime. This behavior is rationalized in terms of a salinity dependent surface charge, which is accounted for on the basis of a model for hydroxide adsorption at the (hydrophobic) carbon surface. This is in contrast to boron nitride nanotubes which exhibit a constant surface conductance. Further, we measure the low frequency noise of the ionic current in CNTs and show that the amplitude of the noise scales with the surface charge, with data collapsing on a master curve for the various studied CNTs at a given pH.

Scaling Behavior for Ionic Transport and its Fluctuations in Individual Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Secchi, Eleonora; Niguès, Antoine; Jubin, Laetitia; Siria, Alessandro; Bocquet, Lydéric

2016-04-01

In this Letter, we perform an experimental study of ionic transport and current fluctuations inside individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The conductance exhibits a power law behavior at low salinity, with an exponent close to 1 /3 versus the salt concentration in this regime. This behavior is rationalized in terms of a salinity dependent surface charge, which is accounted for on the basis of a model for hydroxide adsorption at the (hydrophobic) carbon surface. This is in contrast to boron nitride nanotubes which exhibit a constant surface conductance. Further, we measure the low frequency noise of the ionic current in CNTs and show that the amplitude of the noise scales with the surface charge, with data collapsing on a master curve for the various studied CNTs at a given p H .

Origin of terminal voltage variations due to self-mixing in terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Grier, Andrew; Dean, Paul; Valavanis, Alexander; Keeley, James; Kundu, Iman; Cooper, Jonathan D; Agnew, Gary; Taimre, Thomas; Lim, Yah Leng; Bertling, Karl; Rakić, Aleksandar D; Li, Lianhe H; Harrison, Paul; Linfield, Edmund H; Ikonić, Zoran; Davies, A Giles; Indjin, Dragan

2016-09-19

We explain the origin of voltage variations due to self-mixing in a terahertz (THz) frequency quantum cascade laser (QCL) using an extended density matrix (DM) approach. Our DM model allows calculation of both the current-voltage (I-V) and optical power characteristics of the QCL under optical feedback by changing the cavity loss, to which the gain of the active region is clamped. The variation of intra-cavity field strength necessary to achieve gain clamping, and the corresponding change in bias required to maintain a constant current density through the heterostructure is then calculated. Strong enhancement of the self-mixing voltage signal due to non-linearity of the (I-V) characteristics is predicted and confirmed experimentally in an exemplar 2.6 THz bound-to-continuum QCL.

Direct diode lasers and their advantages for materials processing and other applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fritsche, Haro; Ferrario, Fabio; Koch, Ralf; Kruschke, Bastian; Pahl, Ulrich; Pflueger, Silke; Grohe, Andreas; Gries, Wolfgang; Eibl, Florian; Kohl, Stefanie; Dobler, Michael

2015-03-01

The brightness of diode lasers is improving continuously and has recently started to approach the level of some solid state lasers. The main technology drivers over the last decade were improvements of the diode laser output power and divergence, enhanced optical stacking techniques and system design, and most recently dense spectral combining. Power densities at the work piece exceed 1 MW/cm2 with commercially available industrial focus optics. These power densities are sufficient for cutting and welding as well as ablation. Single emitter based diode laser systems further offer the advantage of fast current modulation due their lower drive current compared to diode bars. Direct diode lasers may not be able to compete with other technologies as fiber or CO2-lasers in terms of maximum power or beam quality. But diode lasers offer a range of features that are not possible to implement in a classical laser. We present an overview of those features that will make the direct diode laser a very valuable addition in the near future, especially for the materials processing market. As the brightness of diode lasers is constantly improving, BPP of less than 5mm*mrad have been reported with multikW output power. Especially single emitter-based diode lasers further offer the advantage of very fast current modulation due to their low drive current and therefore low drive voltage. State of the art diode drivers are already demonstrated with pulse durations of <10μs and repetition rates can be adjusted continuously from several kHz up to cw mode while addressing power levels from 0-100%. By combining trigger signals with analog modulations nearly any kind of pulse form can be realized. Diode lasers also offer a wide, adaptable range of wavelengths, and wavelength stabilization. We report a line width of less than 0.1nm while the wavelength stability is in the range of MHz which is comparable to solid state lasers. In terms of applications, especially our (broad) wavelength combining technology for power scaling opens the window to new processes of cutting or welding and process control. Fast power modulation through direct current control allows pulses of several microseconds with hundreds of watts average power. Spot sizes of less than 100 μm are obtained at the work piece. Such a diode system allows materials processing with a pulse parameter range that is hardly addressed by any other laser system. High productivity material ablation with cost effective lasers is enabled. The wide variety of wavelengths, high brightness, fast power modulation and high efficiency of diode lasers results in a strong pull of existing markets, but also spurs the development of a wide variety of new applications.

QSAR models based on quantum topological molecular similarity.

PubMed

Popelier, P L A; Smith, P J

2006-07-01

A new method called quantum topological molecular similarity (QTMS) was fairly recently proposed [J. Chem. Inf. Comp. Sc., 41, 2001, 764] to construct a variety of medicinal, ecological and physical organic QSAR/QSPRs. QTMS method uses quantum chemical topology (QCT) to define electronic descriptors drawn from modern ab initio wave functions of geometry-optimised molecules. It was shown that the current abundance of computing power can be utilised to inject realistic descriptors into QSAR/QSPRs. In this article we study seven datasets of medicinal interest : the dissociation constants (pK(a)) for a set of substituted imidazolines , the pK(a) of imidazoles , the ability of a set of indole derivatives to displace [(3)H] flunitrazepam from binding to bovine cortical membranes , the influenza inhibition constants for a set of benzimidazoles , the interaction constants for a set of amides and the enzyme liver alcohol dehydrogenase , the natriuretic activity of sulphonamide carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and the toxicity of a series of benzyl alcohols. A partial least square analysis in conjunction with a genetic algorithm delivered excellent models. They are also able to highlight the active site, of the ligand or the molecule whose structure determines the activity. The advantages and limitations of QTMS are discussed.

Variable gas spring for matching power output from FPSE to load of refrigerant compressor

DOEpatents

Chen, Gong; Beale, William T.

1990-01-01

The power output of a free piston Stirling engine is matched to a gas compressor which it drives and its stroke amplitude is made relatively constant as a function of power by connecting a gas spring to the drive linkage from the engine to the compressor. The gas spring is connected to the compressor through a passageway in which a valve is interposed. The valve is linked to the drive linkage so it is opened when the stroke amplitude exceeds a selected limit. This allows compressed gas to enter the spring, increase its spring constant, thus opposing stroke increase and reducing the phase lead of the displacer ahead of the piston to reduce power output and match it to a reduced load power demand.

Variable gas spring for matching power output from FPSE to load of refrigerant compressor

DOEpatents

Chen, G.; Beale, W.T.

1990-04-03

The power output of a free piston Stirling engine is matched to a gas compressor which it drives and its stroke amplitude is made relatively constant as a function of power by connecting a gas spring to the drive linkage from the engine to the compressor. The gas spring is connected to the compressor through a passageway in which a valve is interposed. The valve is linked to the drive linkage so it is opened when the stroke amplitude exceeds a selected limit. This allows compressed gas to enter the spring, increase its spring constant, thus opposing stroke increase and reducing the phase lead of the displacer ahead of the piston to reduce power output and match it to a reduced load power demand. 6 figs.

On variable hydrostatic transmission for road vehicles, powered by supply of fluid at constant pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Magi, M.; Freivald, A.; Andersson, I.; Ericsson, U.

1981-01-01

Various hydrostatic power transmission systems for automotive applications with power supply at constant pressure and unrestricted flow and with a Volvo Flygmotor variable displacement motor as the principal unit were investigated. Two most promising concepts were analyzed in detail and their main components optimized for minimum power loss at the EPA Urban Driving Cycle. The best fuel consumption is less than 10 lit. per 100 kM for a 1542 kG vehicle with a hydrostatic motor and a two speed gear box in series (braking power not recovered). Realistic system pressure affects the fuel consumption just slightly, but the package volume/weight drastically. Back pressure increases losses significantly. Special attention was paid to description of the behavior and modeling of the losses of variable displacement hydrostatic machines.

Combinatorial approach toward high-throughput analysis of direct methanol fuel cells.

PubMed

Jiang, Rongzhong; Rong, Charles; Chu, Deryn

2005-01-01

A 40-member array of direct methanol fuel cells (with stationary fuel and convective air supplies) was generated by electrically connecting the fuel cells in series. High-throughput analysis of these fuel cells was realized by fast screening of voltages between the two terminals of a fuel cell at constant current discharge. A large number of voltage-current curves (200) were obtained by screening the voltages through multiple small-current steps. Gaussian distribution was used to statistically analyze the large number of experimental data. The standard deviation (sigma) of voltages of these fuel cells increased linearly with discharge current. The voltage-current curves at various fuel concentrations were simulated with an empirical equation of voltage versus current and a linear equation of sigma versus current. The simulated voltage-current curves fitted the experimental data well. With increasing methanol concentration from 0.5 to 4.0 M, the Tafel slope of the voltage-current curves (at sigma=0.0), changed from 28 to 91 mV.dec-1, the cell resistance from 2.91 to 0.18 Omega, and the power output from 3 to 18 mW.cm-2.

Evaluation of Improvements to Brayton Cycle Performance.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-29

cogeneration systems. They are International Power Technology (IPT), Palo Alto, California and Mechanical Technology, Inc. (MTI), Latham, New York [13]. IPT...constant (10) For a constant Reynold’s number and dimensions, the friction factor will be constant. The relationship for friction of internal ...equation for the friction factor of internal turbulent flow is expressed as Ap -friction =f(Re) - constant. (12) pV 2 Applying Equation (11), Equation (12

Power Transfer in Physical Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaeck, Jack A.

1990-01-01

Explores the power transfer using (1) a simple electric circuit consisting of a power source with internal resistance; (2) two different mechanical systems (gravity driven and constant force driven); (3) ecological examples; and (4) a linear motor. (YP)

Non-self-similar viscous gravity currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutherland, Bruce R.; Cote, Kristen; Hong, Youn Sub Dominic; Steverango, Luke; Surma, Chris

2018-03-01

Lock-release experiments are performed focusing upon the evolution of near-pure glycerol flowing into fresh water. If the lock height is sufficiently tall, the current is found to propagate for many lock lengths close to the speed predicted for energy-conserving moderately non-Boussinesq gravity currents. The current then slows to a near stop as the current head ceases to be elevated relative to its tail and the current as a whole forms a wedge shape. By contrast, an experiment of near-pure glycerol advancing under air exhibits the well-known slowing of the current such that the front position increases as a one-fifth power of time. The evolution of a viscous gravity current in water is also qualitatively different from that for a high-Reynolds number gravity current which transitions smoothly from a constant speed to self-similar to viscous regime. The reason a viscous gravity current flowing under water moves initially at near-constant speed is not due to a lubrication layer forming below the current. Rather it is due to the return flow of water into the lock establishing a current with an elevated head that is taller than the viscous boundary layer depth near the current nose. The flow near the top of the head advances to the nose where it comes into contact with the tank bottom. Meanwhile the ambient fluid is pushed up and over the head rather than being drawn underneath it. The front slows rapidly to a near stop as the head height reduces to that comparable to the boundary layer depth underneath the head. The initial speed and entrainment into the current are shown to depend upon the ratio, Rℓ, of the starting current height to the characteristic boundary layer depth. In particular, entrainment via the turbulent shear flow over the head is found to increase the volume by less than 10 % during its evolution if Rℓ≲10 but increases by as much as 100 % for high-Reynolds number gravity currents. A conceptual model is developed that captures the transition from an inertially driven current to its sudden near stop by viscous forces.

Investigations into the use of energy storage in power system applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Ka Kit

This thesis embodies research work on the design and implementation of novel fast responding battery energy storage systems, which, with sufficient capacity and rating, could remove the uncertainty in forecasting the annual peak demand. They would also benefit the day to day operation by curtailing the fastest demand variations, particularly at the daily peak periods. Energy storage that could curtail peak demands, when the most difficult operational problems occur offers a promising approach. Although AC energy cannot be stored, power electronic developments offer a fast responding interface between the AC network and DC energy stored in batteries. The attractive feature of the use of this energy storage could most effectively be located near the source of load variations, i.e. near consumers in the distribution networks. The proposed, three phase multi-purpose, Battery Energy Storage System will provide active and reactive power independent of the supply voltage with excellent power quality in terms of its waveform. Besides the above important functions applied at the distribution side of the utility, several new topologies have been developed to provide both Dynamic Voltage Regulator (DVR) and Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) functions for line compensation. These new topologies can provide fast and accurate control of power flow along a distribution corridor. The topologies also provide for fast damping of system oscillation due to transient or dynamic disturbances. Having demonstrated the various functions that the proposed Battery Energy Storage System can provide, the final part of the thesis investigates means of improving the performance of the proposed BESS. First, there is a need to reduce the switching losses by using soft switching instead of hard switching. A soft switching inverter using a parallel resonant dc-link (PRDCL) is proposed for use with the proposed BESS. The proposed PRDCL suppresses the dc-link voltage to zero for a very short time to allow zero voltage switching of inverter main switches without imposing excessive voltage and current stresses. Finally, in practice the battery terminal voltage fluctuates significantly as large current is being drawn or absorbed by the battery bank. When a hysteresis controller is used to control the supply line current, the ripple magnitude and frequency of the controlled current is highly dependent on the battery voltage, line inductance and the band limits of the controller. Even when these parameters are constant, the switching frequency can vary over quite a large range. A novel method is proposed to overcome this problem by controlling the dc voltage level by means of a dc-dc converter to provide a controllable voltage at the inverter dc terminal irrespective of the battery voltage variations. By proper control of the magnitude and frequency of the output of the DC-DC converter, the switching frequency can be made close to constant. A mathematical proof has been formulated and results from the simulation confirm that using the proposed technique, the frequency band has been significantly reduced and for the theoretical case, a single switching frequency is observed. The main disadvantage is the need to have an extra dc-dc converter, but this is relatively cheap and easy to obtain.

Influence of blood flow occlusion on the development of peripheral and central fatigue during small muscle mass handgrip exercise

PubMed Central

Broxterman, R M; Craig, J C; Smith, J R; Wilcox, S L; Jia, C; Warren, S; Barstow, T J

2015-01-01

Abstract The influence of the muscle metabolic milieu on peripheral and central fatigue is currently unclear. Moreover, the relationships between peripheral and central fatigue and the curvature constant (W ′) have not been investigated. Six men (age: 25 ± 4 years, body mass: 82 ± 10 kg, height: 179 ± 4 cm) completed four constant power handgrip tests to exhaustion under conditions of control exercise (Con), blood flow occlusion exercise (Occ), Con with 5 min post-exercise blood flow occlusion (Con + Occ), and Occ with 5 min post-exercise blood flow occlusion (Occ + Occ). Neuromuscular fatigue measurements and W ′ were obtained for each subject. Each trial resulted in significant peripheral and central fatigue. Significantly greater peripheral (79.7 ± 5.1% vs. 22.7 ± 6.0%) and central (42.6 ± 3.9% vs. 4.9 ± 2.0%) fatigue occurred for Occ than for Con. In addition, significantly greater peripheral (83.0 ± 4.2% vs. 69.0 ± 6.2%) and central (65.5 ± 14.6% vs. 18.6 ± 4.1%) fatigue occurred for Occ + Occ than for Con + Occ. W ′ was significantly related to the magnitude of global (r = 0.91) and peripheral (r = 0.83) fatigue. The current findings demonstrate that blood flow occlusion exacerbated the development of both peripheral and central fatigue and that post-exercise blood flow occlusion prevented the recovery of both peripheral and central fatigue. Moreover, the current findings suggest that W ′ may be determined by the magnitude of fatigue accrued during exercise. Key points Critical power represents an important threshold for neuromuscular fatigue development and may, therefore, dictate intensities for which exercise tolerance is determined by the magnitude of fatigue accrued. Peripheral fatigue appears to be constant across O2 delivery conditions for large muscle mass exercise, but this consistency is equivocal for smaller muscle mass exercise. We sought to determine the influence of blood flow occlusion during handgrip exercise on neuromuscular fatigue development and to examine the relationship between neuromuscular fatigue development and W ′. Blood flow occlusion influenced the development of both peripheral and central fatigue, thus providing further evidence that the magnitude of peripheral fatigue is not constant across O2 delivery conditions for small muscle mass exercise. W ′ appears to be related to the magnitude of fatigue accrued during exercise, which may explain the reported consistency of intramuscular metabolic perturbations and work performed for severe-intensity exercise. PMID:26104881

Advanced tokamak investigations in full-tungsten ASDEX Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bock, A.; Doerk, H.; Fischer, R.; Rittich, D.; Stober, J.; Burckhart, A.; Fable, E.; Geiger, B.; Mlynek, A.; Reich, M.; Zohm, H.; ASDEX Upgrade Team

2018-05-01

The appropriate tailoring of the q-profile is the key to accessing Advanced Tokamak (AT) scenarios, which are of great benefit to future all-metal fusion power plants. Such scenarios depend on low collisionality ν* which permits efficient external current drive and high amounts of intrinsic bootstrap current. At constant pressure, lowering of the electron density ne leads to a strong decrease in the collisionality with increasing electron temperature ν* ˜ Te-3 . Simultaneously, the conditions for low ne also benefit impurity accumulation. This paper reports on how radiative collapses due to central W accumulation were overcome by improved understanding of the changes to recycling and pumping, substantially expanded ECRH capacities for both heating and current drive, and a new solid W divertor capable of withstanding the power loads at low ne. Furthermore, it reports on various improvements to the reliability of the q-profile reconstruction. A candidate steady state scenario for ITER/DEMO (q95 = 5.3, βN = 2.7, fbs > 40%) is presented. The ion temperature profiles are steeper than predicted by TGLF, but nonlinear electromagnetic gyro-kinetic analyses with GENE including fast particle effects matched the experimental heat fluxes. A fully non-inductive scenario at higher q95 = 7.1 for current drive model validation is also discussed. The results show that non-inductive operation is principally compatible with full-metal machines.

Development of procedures for calculating stiffness and damping properties of elastomers in engineering applications. Part 2: Elastomer characteristics at constant temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, P. K.; Tessarzik, J. M.; Cziglenyi, L.

1974-01-01

Dynamic properties of a commerical polybutadiene compound were determined at a constant temperature of 32 C by a forced-vibration resonant mass type of apparatus. The constant thermal state of the elastomer was ensured by keeping the ambient temperature constant and by limiting the power dissipation in the specimen. Experiments were performed with both compression and shear specimens at several preloads (nominal strain varying from 0 to 5 percent), and the results are reported in terms of a complex stiffness as a function of frequency. Very weak frequency dependence is observed and a simple power law type of correlation is shown to represent the data well. Variations in the complex stiffness as a function of preload are also found to be small for both compression and shear specimens.

Power consumption of rotary blood pumps: pulsatile versus constant-speed mode.

PubMed

Pirbodaghi, Tohid; Cotter, Chris; Bourque, Kevin

2014-12-01

We investigated the power consumption of a HeartMate III rotary blood pump based on in vitro experiments performed in a cardiovascular simulator. To create artificial-pulse mode, we modulated the pump speed by decreasing the mean speed by 2000 rpm for 200 ms and then increasing speed by 4000 rpm (mean speeds plus 2000 rpm) for another 200 ms, creating a square waveform shape. The HeartMate III was connected to a cardiovascular simulator consisting of a hydraulic pump system to simulate left ventricle pumping action, arterial and venous compliance chambers, and an adjustable valve for peripheral resistance to facilitate the desired aortic pressure. The simulator operated based on Suga's elastance model to mimic the Starling response of the heart, thereby reproducing physiological blood flow and pressure conditions. We measured the instantaneous total electrical current and voltage of the pump to evaluate its power consumption. The aim was to answer these fundamental questions: (i) How does pump speed modulation affect pump power consumption? (ii) How does the power consumption vary in relation to external pulsatile flow? The results indicate that speed modulation and external pulsatile flow both moderately increase the power consumption. Increasing the pump speed reduces the impact of external pulsatile flow. Copyright © 2014 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ultrasonication and the quality of human milk: variation of power and time of exposure.

PubMed

Christen, Lukas; Lai, Ching Tat; Hartmann, Peter E

2012-08-01

Donor human milk is pasteurized to prevent the potential risk of the transmission of pathogens to preterm infants. Currently, Holder pasteurization (human milk held at 62·5°C for 30 min) is used in most human milk banks, but has the disadvantage that it results in excessive inactivation of important bioactive components. Power-ultrasound (20-100 kHz) is an emerging technology for the preservation of foods and could be an alternative method for the treatment of human milk. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different ultrasound settings on the elimination of Escherichia coli and the retention of bile salt stimulated lipase (BSSL) activity. Ultrasonication with a constant power decreased Esch. coli viability exponentially over time until the processing temperature increased to sub-pasteurization level to between 51·4 and 58·5°C, then a log10 1·3 decrease was observed (P<0·05). BSSL activity decreased to 91% until a temperature of 51·4°C and then it decreased to 8% between 51·4 and 64·9°C. Ultrasonication with a constant energy and various power and exposure times showed the highest temperature (53·7°C) when treated with the longest exposure time and lowest ultrasound-power (276 s at 3·62 W) compared with 37·6°C for 39 s at 25·64 W. The findings predict that the viability of Esch. coli could be reduced by log10 5 with a minimal loss of activity of BSSL by applying 13·8 kJ of energy in 12 ml of human milk using high ultrasound power over a short exposure time to ensure that the temperature remains below the critical level for protein denaturation. Alternatively, the use of lower power settings such as the 26 W used in the present studies would require a cooling system to ensure the human milk BSSL was protected against temperature denaturation.

A constant current charge technique for low Earth orbit life testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glueck, Peter

1991-01-01

A constant current charge technique for low earth orbit testing of nickel cadmium cells is presented. The method mimics the familiar taper charge of the constant potential technique while maintaining cell independence for statistical analysis. A detailed example application is provided and the advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed.

How to interpret current-voltage relationships of blocking grain boundaries in oxygen ionic conductors.

PubMed

Kim, Seong K; Khodorov, Sergey; Chen, Chien-Ting; Kim, Sangtae; Lubomirsky, Igor

2013-06-14

A new model based on a linear diffusion equation is proposed to explain the current-voltage characteristics of blocking grain boundaries in Y-doped CeO2 in particular. One can also expect that the model can be applicable to the ionic conductors with blocking grain boundaries, in general. The model considers an infinitely long chain of identical grains separated by grain boundaries, which are treated as regions in which depletion layers of mobile ions are formed due to trapping of immobile charges that do not depend on the applied voltage as well as temperature. The model assumes that (1) the grain boundaries do not represent physical blocking layers, which implies that if there is a second phase at the grain boundaries, then it is too thin to impede ion diffusion and (2) the ions follow Boltzmann distribution throughout the materials. Despite its simplicity, the model successfully reproduces the "power law": current proportional to voltage power n and illustrated with the experimental example of Y-doped ceria. The model also correctly predicts that the product nT, where T is the temperature in K, is constant and is proportional to the grain boundary potential as long as the charge at the grain boundaries remains trapped. The latter allows its direct determination from the current-voltage characteristics and promises considerable simplification in the analysis of the electrical characteristics of the grain boundaries with respect to the models currently in use.

Higher Efficiency HVAC Motors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flynn, Charles Joseph

The objective of this project was to design and build a cost competitive, more efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) motor than what is currently available on the market. Though different potential motor architectures among QMP’s primary technology platforms were investigated and evaluated, including through the building of numerous prototypes, the project ultimately focused on scaling up QM Power, Inc.’s (QMP) Q-Sync permanent magnet synchronous motors from available sub-fractional horsepower (HP) sizes for commercial refrigeration fan applications to larger fractional horsepower sizes appropriate for HVAC applications, and to add multi-speed functionality. The more specific goal became the research, design,more » development, and testing of a prototype 1/2 HP Q-Sync motor that has at least two operating speeds and 87% peak efficiency compared to incumbent electronically commutated motors (EC or ECM, also known as brushless direct current (DC) motors), the heretofore highest efficiency HVACR fan motor solution, at approximately 82% peak efficiency. The resulting motor prototype built achieved these goals, hitting 90% efficiency and .95 power factor at full load and speed, and 80% efficiency and .7 power factor at half speed. Q-Sync, developed in part through a DOE SBIR grant (Award # DE-SC0006311), is a novel, patented motor technology that improves on electronically commutated permanent magnet motors through an advanced electronic circuit technology. It allows a motor to “sync” with the alternating current (AC) power flow. It does so by eliminating the constant, wasteful power conversions from AC to DC and back to AC through the synthetic creation of a new AC wave on the primary circuit board (PCB) by a process called pulse width modulation (PWM; aka electronic commutation) that is incessantly required to sustain motor operation in an EC permanent magnet motor. The Q-Sync circuit improves the power factor of the motor by removing all failure prone capacitors from the power stage. Q-Sync’s simpler electronics also result in higher efficiency because it eliminates the power required by the PCB to perform the obviated power conversions and PWM processes after line synchronous operating speed is reached in the first 5 seconds of operation, after which the PWM circuits drop out and a much less energy intensive “pass through” circuit takes over, allowing the grid-supplied AC power to sustain the motor’s ongoing operation.« less

Constant-roll tachyon inflation and observational constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Qing; Gong, Yungui; Fei, Qin

2018-05-01

For the constant-roll tachyon inflation, we derive the analytical expressions for the scalar and tensor power spectra, the scalar and tensor spectral tilts and the tensor to scalar ratio to the first order of epsilon1 by using the method of Bessel function approximation. The derived ns-r results are compared with the observations, we find that only the constant-roll inflation with ηH being a constant is consistent with the observations and observations constrain the constant-roll inflation to be slow-roll inflation. The tachyon potential is also reconstructed for the constant-roll inflation which is consistent with the observations.

Grid-connected wind and photovoltaic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devabakthuni, Sindhuja

The objective of this thesis is to design a grid connected wind and photovoltaic system. A new model of converter control was designed which maintains the voltage of the bus to grid as constant when combined system of solar and wind is connected to AC bus. The model is designed to track maximum power at each point irrespective of changes in irradiance, temperature and wind speed which affects the power supplied to grid. Solar power from the sun is not constant as it is affected by changes in irradiances and temperature. Even the wind power is affected by wind speed. A MPPT controller was designed for both systems. A boost converter is designed which uses the pulses from MPPT controller to boost the output. Wind system consists of wind turbine block from the MATLAB with a pitch angle controller to maintain optimum pitch angle. The output from wind turbine is connected to a permanent magnet synchronous generator. The unregulated DC output from the photovoltaic system is directly given to boost converter. The AC output from the wind system is given to an uncontrolled rectifier to get a unregulated DC output. The unregulated DC output goes to the boost converter. A voltage source inverter was designed which converts the rectified DC output from the boost converter to AC power. The inverter is designed to maintain constant AC bus voltage irrespective of the disturbances in the power supply. Photovoltaic and wind systems are individually designed for 5KW each in MATLAB-Simulink environment. In this thesis, the models were subjected to changes in irradiance, temperature and wind speed and the results were interpreted. The model was successful in tracking maximum at every instant and the AC bus voltage was maintained constant throughout the simulation.

47 CFR 15.403 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... power control level. Power must be summed across all antennas and antenna elements. The average must not... symbols, during which the average symbol envelope power is constant. (q) RLAN. Radio Local Area Network. (r) Transmit Power Control (TPC). A feature that enables a U-NII device to dynamically switch between...

The use of modified scaling factors in the design of high-power, non-linear, transmitting rod-core antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, Jared Williams; Dvorak, Steven L.; Sternberg, Ben K.

2010-10-01

In this paper, we develop a technique for designing high-power, non-linear, transmitting rod-core antennas by using simple modified scale factors rather than running labor-intensive numerical models. By using modified scale factors, a designer can predict changes in magnetic moment, inductance, core series loss resistance, etc. We define modified scale factors as the case when all physical dimensions of the rod antenna are scaled by p, except for the cross-sectional area of the individual wires or strips that are used to construct the core. This allows one to make measurements on a scaled-down version of the rod antenna using the same core material that will be used in the final antenna design. The modified scale factors were derived from prolate spheroidal analytical expressions for a finite-length rod antenna and were verified with experimental results. The modified scaling factors can only be used if the magnetic flux densities within the two scaled cores are the same. With the magnetic flux density constant, the two scaled cores will operate with the same complex permeability, thus changing the non-linear problem to a quasi-linear problem. We also demonstrate that by holding the number of turns times the drive current constant, while changing the number of turns, the inductance and core series loss resistance change by the number of turns squared. Experimental measurements were made on rod cores made from varying diameters of black oxide, low carbon steel wires and different widths of Metglas foil. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the modified scale factors work even in the presence of eddy currents within the core material.

The Increase of Power Efficiency of Underground Coal Mining by the Forecasting of Electric Power Consumption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efremenko, Vladimir; Belyaevsky, Roman; Skrebneva, Evgeniya

2017-11-01

In article the analysis of electric power consumption and problems of power saving on coal mines are considered. Nowadays the share of conditionally constant costs of electric power for providing safe working conditions underground on coal mines is big. Therefore, the power efficiency of underground coal mining depends on electric power expense of the main technological processes and size of conditionally constant costs. The important direction of increase of power efficiency of coal mining is forecasting of a power consumption and monitoring of electric power expense. One of the main approaches to reducing of electric power costs is increase in accuracy of the enterprise demand in the wholesale electric power market. It is offered to use artificial neural networks to forecasting of day-ahead power consumption with hourly breakdown. At the same time use of neural and indistinct (hybrid) systems on the principles of fuzzy logic, neural networks and genetic algorithms is more preferable. This model allows to do exact short-term forecasts at a small array of input data. A set of the input parameters characterizing mining-and-geological and technological features of the enterprise is offered.

Swap intensified WDR CMOS module for I2/LWIR fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Yang; Noguier, Vincent

2015-05-01

The combination of high resolution visible-near-infrared low light sensor and moderate resolution uncooled thermal sensor provides an efficient way for multi-task night vision. Tremendous progress has been made on uncooled thermal sensors (a-Si, VOx, etc.). It's possible to make a miniature uncooled thermal camera module in a tiny 1cm3 cube with <1W power consumption. For silicon based solid-state low light CCD/CMOS sensors have observed also a constant progress in terms of readout noise, dark current, resolution and frame rate. In contrast to thermal sensing which is intrinsic day&night operational, the silicon based solid-state sensors are not yet capable to do the night vision performance required by defense and critical surveillance applications. Readout noise, dark current are 2 major obstacles. The low dynamic range at high sensitivity mode of silicon sensors is also an important limiting factor, which leads to recognition failure due to local or global saturations & blooming. In this context, the image intensifier based solution is still attractive for the following reasons: 1) high gain and ultra-low dark current; 2) wide dynamic range and 3) ultra-low power consumption. With high electron gain and ultra low dark current of image intensifier, the only requirement on the silicon image pickup device are resolution, dynamic range and power consumption. In this paper, we present a SWAP intensified Wide Dynamic Range CMOS module for night vision applications, especially for I2/LWIR fusion. This module is based on a dedicated CMOS image sensor using solar-cell mode photodiode logarithmic pixel design which covers a huge dynamic range (> 140dB) without saturation and blooming. The ultra-wide dynamic range image from this new generation logarithmic sensor can be used directly without any image processing and provide an instant light accommodation. The complete module is slightly bigger than a simple ANVIS format I2 tube with <500mW power consumption.

Evaluation of constant current alternating current iontophoresis for transdermal drug delivery.

PubMed

Yan, Guang; Li, S Kevin; Higuchi, William I

2005-12-10

Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that alternating current (AC) iontophoresis can significantly decrease skin electric resistance and enhance the transport of charged permeants across skin. Flux variability of neutral permeants during AC iontophoresis was also found to be less than that of conventional direct current (DC) iontophoresis. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate flux enhancement of constant current AC transdermal iontophoresis and compare the AC flux with that of constant current DC iontophoresis. Iontophoresis studies of AC amplitude of 1, 2, and 5 mA were conducted in side-by-side diffusion cells with donor solution of 0.015, 0.15, and 1.0 M tetraethylammonium (TEA) chloride and receiver solution of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) using human epidermal membrane (HEM). Conventional constant current DC iontophoresis of 0.2 mA was also performed under similar conditions. TEA and mannitol were the model permeants. The following are the major findings in the present study. The flux of TEA increased proportionally with the AC current for all three TEA chloride concentrations and at the AC frequency used in the present study. When the permeant and its counter ion were the only ionic species in the donor chamber, the fluxes during DC iontophoresis were weakly dependent of its donor concentration. The fluxes of TEA during constant current AC iontophoresis were moderately related to the donor concentration with the highest TEA flux observed under the 1.0 M TEA chloride condition although the relationship between flux and donor concentration was not linear. A trend of decreasing electroosmotic transport with increasing donor TEA chloride concentration was observed with significant sample-to-sample variability during DC iontophoresis. Mannitol permeability was also observed to decrease with increasing TEA chloride concentration in the donor under the AC conditions, but data variability under AC was significantly smaller than that under DC. The results in the present study indicate that constant current AC iontophoresis under conditions tolerable to human (2 and 5 mA) can provide predictable fluxes that were lower than but of comparable magnitude as those of conventional constant current DC iontophoresis (0.2 mA).

Optimization of current waveform tailoring for magnetically driven isentropic compression experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waisman, E. M.; Reisman, D. B.; Stoltzfus, B. S.; Stygar, W. A.; Cuneo, M. E.; Haill, T. A.; Davis, J.-P.; Brown, J. L.; Seagle, C. T.; Spielman, R. B.

2016-06-01

The Thor pulsed power generator is being developed at Sandia National Laboratories. The design consists of up to 288 decoupled and transit time isolated capacitor-switch units, called "bricks," that can be individually triggered to achieve a high degree of pulse tailoring for magnetically driven isentropic compression experiments (ICE) [D. B. Reisman et al., Phys. Rev. Spec. Top.-Accel. Beams 18, 090401 (2015)]. The connecting transmission lines are impedance matched to the bricks, allowing the capacitor energy to be efficiently delivered to an ICE strip-line load with peak pressures of over 100 GPa. Thor will drive experiments to explore equation of state, material strength, and phase transition properties of a wide variety of materials. We present an optimization process for producing tailored current pulses, a requirement for many material studies, on the Thor generator. This technique, which is unique to the novel "current-adder" architecture used by Thor, entirely avoids the iterative use of complex circuit models to converge to the desired electrical pulse. We begin with magnetohydrodynamic simulations for a given material to determine its time dependent pressure and thus the desired strip-line load current and voltage. Because the bricks are connected to a central power flow section through transit-time isolated coaxial cables of constant impedance, the brick forward-going pulses are independent of each other. We observe that the desired equivalent forward-going current driving the pulse must be equal to the sum of the individual brick forward-going currents. We find a set of optimal brick delay times by requiring that the L2 norm of the difference between the brick-sum current and the desired forward-going current be a minimum. We describe the optimization procedure for the Thor design and show results for various materials of interest.

Optimization of current waveform tailoring for magnetically driven isentropic compression experiments.

PubMed

Waisman, E M; Reisman, D B; Stoltzfus, B S; Stygar, W A; Cuneo, M E; Haill, T A; Davis, J-P; Brown, J L; Seagle, C T; Spielman, R B

2016-06-01

The Thor pulsed power generator is being developed at Sandia National Laboratories. The design consists of up to 288 decoupled and transit time isolated capacitor-switch units, called "bricks," that can be individually triggered to achieve a high degree of pulse tailoring for magnetically driven isentropic compression experiments (ICE) [D. B. Reisman et al., Phys. Rev. Spec. Top.-Accel. Beams 18, 090401 (2015)]. The connecting transmission lines are impedance matched to the bricks, allowing the capacitor energy to be efficiently delivered to an ICE strip-line load with peak pressures of over 100 GPa. Thor will drive experiments to explore equation of state, material strength, and phase transition properties of a wide variety of materials. We present an optimization process for producing tailored current pulses, a requirement for many material studies, on the Thor generator. This technique, which is unique to the novel "current-adder" architecture used by Thor, entirely avoids the iterative use of complex circuit models to converge to the desired electrical pulse. We begin with magnetohydrodynamic simulations for a given material to determine its time dependent pressure and thus the desired strip-line load current and voltage. Because the bricks are connected to a central power flow section through transit-time isolated coaxial cables of constant impedance, the brick forward-going pulses are independent of each other. We observe that the desired equivalent forward-going current driving the pulse must be equal to the sum of the individual brick forward-going currents. We find a set of optimal brick delay times by requiring that the L2 norm of the difference between the brick-sum current and the desired forward-going current be a minimum. We describe the optimization procedure for the Thor design and show results for various materials of interest.

Ultracapacitor-Based Uninterrupted Power Supply System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2011-01-01

The ultracapacitor-based uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system enhances system reliability; reduces life-of-system, maintenance, and downtime costs; and greatly reduces environmental impact when compared to conventional UPS energy storage systems. This design provides power when required and absorbs power when required to smooth the system load and also has excellent low-temperature performance. The UPS used during hardware tests at Glenn is an efficient, compact, maintenance-free, rack-mount, pure sine-wave inverter unit. The UPS provides a continuous output power up to 1,700 W with a surge rating of 1,870 W for up to one minute at a nominal output voltage of 115 VAC. The ultracapacitor energy storage system tested in conjunction with the UPS is rated at 5.8 F. This is a bank of ten symmetric ultracapacitor modules. Each module is actively balanced using a linear voltage balancing technique in which the cell-to-cell leakage is dependent upon the imbalance of the individual cells. The ultracapacitors are charged by a DC power supply, which can provide up to 300 VDC at 4 A. A constant-voltage, constant-current power supply was selected for this application. The long life of ultracapacitors greatly enhances system reliability, which is significant in critical applications such as medical power systems and space power systems. The energy storage system can usually last longer than the application, given its 20-year life span. This means that the ultracapacitors will probably never need to be replaced and disposed of, whereas batteries require frequent replacement and disposal. The charge-discharge efficiency of rechargeable batteries is approximately 50 percent, and after some hundreds of charges and discharges, they must be replaced. The charge-discharge efficiency of ultracapacitors exceeds 90 percent, and can accept more than a million charges and discharges. Thus, there is a significant energy savings through the efficiency improvement, and there is far less downtime for applications and labor involved in replacing an ultracapacitor versus batteries. Also, the lengthy lifespan of this design would greatly reduce the disposal problems posed by lead acid, nickel cadmium, lithium, and nickel metal hydride batteries. This innovation is recyclable by nature, which further reduces system costs. The disposal of ultracapacitors is simple, as they are constructed of non-hazardous components. They are also safer than batteries in that they can be easily discharged, and left indefinitely in a safe, discharged state where batteries cannot.

A power autonomous monopedal robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupp, Benjamin T.; Pratt, Jerry E.

2006-05-01

We present the design and initial results of a power-autonomous planar monopedal robot. The robot is a gasoline powered, two degree of freedom robot that runs in a circle, constrained by a boom. The robot uses hydraulic Series Elastic Actuators, force-controllable actuators which provide high force fidelity, moderate bandwidth, and low impedance. The actuators are mounted in the body of the robot, with cable drives transmitting power to the hip and knee joints of the leg. A two-stroke, gasoline engine drives a constant displacement pump which pressurizes an accumulator. Absolute position and spring deflection of each of the Series Elastic Actuators are measured using linear encoders. The spring deflection is translated into force output and compared to desired force in a closed loop force-control algorithm implemented in software. The output signal of each force controller drives high performance servo valves which control flow to each of the pistons of the actuators. In designing the robot, we used a simulation-based iterative design approach. Preliminary estimates of the robot's physical parameters were based on past experience and used to create a physically realistic simulation model of the robot. Next, a control algorithm was implemented in simulation to produce planar hopping. Using the joint power requirements and range of motions from simulation, we worked backward specifying pulley diameter, piston diameter and stroke, hydraulic pressure and flow, servo valve flow and bandwidth, gear pump flow, and engine power requirements. Components that meet or exceed these specifications were chosen and integrated into the robot design. Using CAD software, we calculated the physical parameters of the robot design, replaced the original estimates with the CAD estimates, and produced new joint power requirements. We iterated on this process, resulting in a design which was prototyped and tested. The Monopod currently runs at approximately 1.2 m/s with the weight of all the power generating components, but powered from an off-board pump. On a test stand, the eventual on-board power system generates enough pressure and flow to meet the requirements of these runs and we are currently integrating the power system into the real robot. When operated from an off-board system without carrying the weight of the power generating components, the robot currently runs at approximately 2.25 m/s. Ongoing work is focused on integrating the power system into the robot, improving the control algorithm, and investigating methods for improving efficiency.

Interesting experimental results in Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex H{sup -} ion-source development (invited)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ueno, A.; Oguri, H.; Ikegami, K.

2010-02-15

The following interesting experimental results observed in Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) H{sup -} ion-source developments are reviewed. It was proven that almost all of H{sup -} ions were produced with surface reactions in cesium (Cs)-free J-PARC H{sup -} ion-sources. The world's most intense class H{sup -} ion current of 38 mA in Cs-free ion sources for a high-energy linac was attained by an optimal shape and high temperature of the plasma electrode (PE), usage of a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB{sub 6}) filament, and a newly devised high-power constant-current pulsed-arc power supply indispensable for it. It was also proven thatmore » the H{sup -} ion current could be increased to more than 40 mA by optimizing LaB{sub 6}-filament shape. The surface elemental analysis of the PE after operation with a LaB{sub 6}-filament showed that it was coated by boron (B) 95.5%, lanthanum (La) 2.5%, and oxygen (O) 1.9%. The H{sup -} ion current decreased by about 20% when a tungsten (W) filament was used instead of a LaB{sub 6}-filament. The H{sup -} ion current could not be increased by seeding cesium (Cs) if the LaB{sub 6}-filament was used. On the other hand, it was increased to more than 70 mA with much lower arc current of 150 A if Cs was seeded when a W-filament was used.« less

Flow-through electroporation based on constant voltage for large-volume transfection of cells.

PubMed

Geng, Tao; Zhan, Yihong; Wang, Hsiang-Yu; Witting, Scott R; Cornetta, Kenneth G; Lu, Chang

2010-05-21

Genetic modification of cells is a critical step involved in many cell therapy and gene therapy protocols. In these applications, cell samples of large volume (10(8)-10(9)cells) are often processed for transfection. This poses new challenges for current transfection methods and practices. Here we present a novel flow-through electroporation method for delivery of genes into cells at high flow rates (up to approximately 20 mL/min) based on disposable microfluidic chips, a syringe pump, and a low-cost direct current (DC) power supply that provides a constant voltage. By eliminating pulse generators used in conventional electroporation, we dramatically lowered the cost of the apparatus and improved the stability and consistency of the electroporation field for long-time operation. We tested the delivery of pEFGP-C1 plasmids encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells in the devices of various dimensions and geometries. Cells were mixed with plasmids and then flowed through a fluidic channel continuously while a constant voltage was established across the device. Together with the applied voltage, the geometry and dimensions of the fluidic channel determined the electrical parameters of the electroporation. With the optimal design, approximately 75% of the viable CHO cells were transfected after the procedure. We also generalize the guidelines for scaling up these flow-through electroporation devices. We envision that this technique will serve as a generic and low-cost tool for a variety of clinical applications requiring large volume of transfected cells. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical characterization and control of triple-layer muscles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otero, Toribio F.; Cortes, Maria T.

2000-06-01

The electrochemical characterization of triple-layers formed by a EPA (Electroactive Polymer)/double-sided tape/EPA, like artificial muscles is described. Those muscles were characterized working under constant potential or under constant current. Due to the electrochemical nature of the electrochemomechanical property, muscles working under constant current produce constant movements, consuming increasing energies at decreasing temperatures, decreasing concentrations of electrolytes or trailing increasing masses. Muscles working at constant potential response with a faster movement if the temperature or the concentration of the electrolyte increase, or if the trailed weight decreases. Specific charges and specific energies were determined for every experimental condition.

Load converter interactions with the secondary system in the Space Station Freedom power management and distribution DC test bed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebron, Ramon C.

1992-01-01

The NASA LeRC in Cleveland, Ohio, is responsible for the design, development, and assembly of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Electrical Power System (EPS). In order to identify and understand system level issues during the SSF Program design and development phases, a system Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) DC test bed was assembled. Some of the objectives of this test bed facility are the evaluation of, system efficiency, power quality, system stability, and system protection and reconfiguration schemes. In order to provide a realistic operating scenario, dc Load Converter Units are used in the PMAD dc test bed to characterize the user interface with the power system. These units are dc to dc converters that provide the final system regulation before power is delivered to the load. This final regulation is required on the actual space station because the majority of user loads will require voltage levels different from the secondary bus voltage. This paper describes the testing of load converters in an end to end system environment (from solar array to loads) where their interactions and compatibility with other system components are considered. Some of the system effects of interest that are presented include load converters transient behavior interactions with protective current limiting switchgear, load converters ripple effects, and the effects of load converter constant power behavior with protective features such as foldback.

Load converter interactions with the secondary system in the Space Station Freedom power management and distribution dc test bed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebron, Ramon C.

1992-01-01

The NASA LeRC in Cleveland, Ohio, is responsible for the design, development, and assembly of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Electrical Power System (EPS). In order to identify and understand system level issues during the SSF program design and development phases, a system Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) dc test bed was assembled. Some of the objectives of this test bed facility are the evaluation of, system efficiency, power quality, system stability, and system protection and reconfiguration schemes. In order to provide a realistic operating scenario, dc Load Converter Units are used in the PMAD dc test bed to characterize the user interface with the power system. These units are dc to dc converters that provide the final system regulation before power is delivered to the load. This final regulation is required on the actual space station because the majority of user loads will require voltage levels different from the secondary bus voltage. This paper describes the testing of load converters in an end to end system environment (from solar array to loads) where their interactions and compatibility with other system components are considered. Some of the system effects of interest that are presented include load converters transient behavior interactions with protective current limiting switchgear, load converters ripple effects, and the effects of load converter constant power behavior with protective features such as foldback.

Heat pipe cooling of power processing magnetics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, I. G.; Chester, M.

1979-01-01

The constant demand for increased power and reduced mass has raised the internal temperature of conventionally cooled power magnetics toward the upper limit of acceptability. The conflicting demands of electrical isolation, mechanical integrity, and thermal conductivity preclude significant further advancements using conventional approaches. However, the size and mass of multikilowatt power processing systems may be further reduced by the incorporation of heat pipe cooling directly into the power magnetics. Additionally, by maintaining lower more constant temperatures, the life and reliability of the magnetic devices will be improved. A heat pipe cooled transformer and input filter have been developed for the 2.4 kW beam supply of a 30-cm ion thruster system. This development yielded a mass reduction of 40% (1.76 kg) and lower mean winding temperature (20 C lower). While these improvements are significant, preliminary designs predict even greater benefits to be realized at higher power. This paper presents the design details along with the results of thermal vacuum operation and the component performance in a 3 kW breadboard power processor.

The broad applicability of the disk laser principle: from CW to ps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Killi, Alexander; Stolzenburg, Christian; Zawischa, Ivo; Sutter, Dirk; Kleinbauer, Jochen; Schad, Sven; Brockmann, Rüdiger; Weiler, Sascha; Neuhaus, Jörg; Kalfhues, Steffen; Mehner, Eva; Bauer, Dominik; Schlueter, Holger; Schmitz, Christian

2009-02-01

The quasi two-dimensional geometry of the disk laser results in conceptional advantages over other geometries. Fundamentally, the thin disk laser allows true power scaling by increasing the pump spot diameter on the disk while keeping the power density constant. This scaling procedure keeps optical peak intensity, temperature, stress profile, and optical path differences in the disk nearly unchanged. The required pump beam brightness - a main cost driver of DPSSL systems - also remains constant. We present these fundamental concepts and present results in the wide range of multi kW-class CW-sources, high power Q-switched sources and ultrashort pulsed sources.

Battery Resistance Analysis of ISS Power System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newstadt, Gregory E.

2004-01-01

The computer package, SPACE (Systems Power Analysis for Capability Evaluation) was created by the members of LT-9D to perform power analysis and modeling of the electrical power system on the International Space Station (ISS). Written in FORTRAN, SPACE comprises thousands of lines of code and has been used profficiently in analyzing missions to the ISS. LT-9D has also used its expertise recently to investigate the batteries onboard the Hubble telescope. During the summer of 2004, I worked with the members of LT-9D, under the care of Dave McKissock. Solar energy will power the ISS through eight solar arrays when the ISS is completed, although only two arrays are currently connected. During the majority of the periods of sunlight, the solar arrays provide enough energy for the ISS. However, rechargeable Nickel-Hydrogen batteries are used during eclipse periods or at other times when the solar arrays cannot be used (at docking for example, when the arrays are turned so that they will not be damaged by the Shuttle). Thirty-eight battery cells are connected in series, which make up an ORU (Orbital Replacement Unit). An ISS "battery" is composed of two ORUs. a great deal of time into finding the best way to represent them in SPACE. During my internship, I investigated the resistance of the ISS batteries. SPACE constructs plots of battery charge and discharge voltages vs. time using a constant current. To accommodate for a time-varying current, the voltages are adjusted using the formula, DeltaV = DeltaI * Cell Resistance. To enhance our model of the battery resistance, my research concentrated on several topics: investigating the resistance of a qualification unit battery (using data gathered by LORAL), comparing the resistance of the qualification unit to SPACE, looking at the internal resistance and wiring resistance, and examining the impact of possible recommended changes to SPACE. The ISS batteries have been found to be very difficult to model, and LT-9D has dedicated

Calorimetric gas sensor

DOEpatents

Ricco, A.J.; Hughes, R.C.; Smith, J.H.; Moreno, D.J.; Manginell, R.P.; Senturia, S.D.; Huber, R.J.

1998-11-10

A combustible gas sensor is described that uses a resistively heated, noble metal-coated, micromachined polycrystalline Si filament to calorimetrically detect the presence and concentration of combustible gases. The filaments tested to date are 2 {micro}m thick {times} 10{micro}m wide {times} 100, 250, 500, or 1000 {micro}m-long polycrystalline Si; some are overcoated with a 0.25 {micro}m-thick protective CVD Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} layer. A thin catalytic Pt film was deposited by CVD from the precursor Pt(acac){sub 2} onto microfilaments resistively heated to approximately 500 C; Pt deposits only on the hot filament. Using a constant-resistance-mode feedback circuit, Pt-coated filaments operating at ca. 300 C (35 mW input power) respond linearly, in terms of the change in supply current required to maintain constant resistance (temperature), to H{sub 2} concentrations between 100 ppm and 1% in an 80/20 N{sub 2}/O{sub 2} mixture. Other catalytic materials can also be used. 11 figs.

Calorimetric gas sensor

DOEpatents

Ricco, Antonio J.; Hughes, Robert C.; Smith, James H.; Moreno, Daniel J.; Manginell, Ronald P.; Senturia, Stephen D.; Huber, Robert J.

1998-01-01

A combustible gas sensor that uses a resistively heated, noble metal-coated, micromachined polycrystalline Si filament to calorimetrically detect the presence and concentration of combustible gases. The filaments tested to date are 2 .mu.m thick.times.10 .mu.m wide.times.100, 250, 500, or 1000 .mu.m-long polycrystalline Si; some are overcoated with a 0.25 .mu.m-thick protective CVD Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer. A thin catalytic Pt film was deposited by CVD from the precursor Pt(acac).sub.2 onto microfilaments resistively heated to approximately 500.degree. C.; Pt deposits only on the hot filament. Using a constant-resistance-mode feedback circuit, Pt-coated filaments operating at ca. 300.degree. C. (35 mW input power) respond linearly, in terms of the change in supply current required to maintain constant resistance (temperature), to H.sub.2 concentrations between 100 ppm and 1% in an 80/20 N.sub.2 /O.sub.2 mixture. Other catalytic materials can also be used.

Direct current hybrid breakers: A design and its realization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atmadji, Ali Mahfudz Surya

2000-12-01

The use of semiconductors for electric power circuit breakers instead of conventional breakers remains a utopia when designing fault current interrupters for high power networks. The major problems concerning power semiconductor circuit breakers are the excessive heat losses and their sensitivity to transients. However, conventional breakers are capable of dealing with such matters. A combination of the two methods, or so-called `hybrid breakers', would appear to be a solution; however, hybrid breakers use separate parallel branches for conducting the main current and interrupting the short-circuit current. Such breakers are intended for protecting direct current (DC) traction systems. In this thesis hybrid switching techniques for current limitation and purely solidstate current interruption are investigated for DC breakers. This work analyzes the transient behavior of hybrid breakers and compares their operations with conventional breakers and similar solid-state devices in DC systems. Therefore a hybrid breaker was constructed and tested in a specially designed high power test circuit. A vacuum breaker was chosen as the main breaker in the main conducting path; then a commutation path was connected across the vacuum breaker where it provided current limitation and interruption. The commutation path operated only during any current interruption and the process required additional circuits. These included a certain energy storage, overvoltage suppressor and commutation switch. So that when discharging this energy, a controlled counter-current injection could be produced. That counter-current opposed the main current in the breaker by superposition in order to create a forced current-zero. One-stage and two-stage commutation circuits have been treated extensively. This study project contains both theoretical and experimental investigations. A direct current shortcircuit source was constructed capable of delivering power equivalent to a fault. It supplied a direct voltage of 1kVDC which was rectified having been obtained from a 3-phase lOkV/380V supply. The source was successfully tested to deliver a fault current of 7kA with a time constant of 5ms. The hybrid breaker that was developed could provide protection for 750VDC traction systems. The breaker was equipped with a fault- recognizing circuit based on a current level triggering. An electronic circuit was built for this need and was included in the system. It monitored the system continuously and took action by generating trip signals when a fault was recognized. Interruption was followed by a suitable timing of the fast contact separation in the main breaker and the current-zero creation. An electrodynamically driven mechanism was successfully tested having a dead-time of 300μs to separate the main breaker contacts. Furthermore, a maximum peak current injection of RA at a frequency of 500Hz could be obtained in order to produce an artificial current-zero in the vacuum breaker. A successful current interruption with a prospective value of RA was achieved by the hybrid switching technique. In addition, measures were taken to prevent overvoltages. Experimentally, the concept of a hybrid breaker was compared with the functioning of all mechanical (air breaker) and all electronical (IGCT breaker) versions. Although a single stage interrupting method was verified experimentally, two two-stage interrupting methods were analyzed theoretically.

Principle and Basic Characteristics of Variable-Magnetic-Force Memory Motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakai, Kazuto; Yuki, Kazuaki; Hashiba, Yutaka; Takahashi, Norio; Yasui, Kazuya; Kovudhikulrungsri, Lilit

A reduction in the power consumed by motors is required for energy saving in the case of electrical appliances and electric vehicles (EV). The motors used for operating these apparatus operate at variable speeds. Further, the motors operate with small load in stationary mode and with large load in start-up mode. A permanent magnet motor can operate at the rated power with a high efficiency. However, the efficiency is lower at small load or high speed because the large constant magnetic force results in substantial core loss. Furthermore, the flux-weakening current that depresses voltage at high speed leads to significant copper loss. Therefore, we have developed a new technique for controlling the magnetic force of permanent magnet on the basis of the load or speed of the motor. In this paper, we propose the novel motor that can vary magnetic flux and we clarify the principle.

A fast and low-power microelectromechanical system-based non-volatile memory device

PubMed Central

Lee, Sang Wook; Park, Seung Joo; Campbell, Eleanor E. B.; Park, Yung Woo

2011-01-01

Several new generation memory devices have been developed to overcome the low performance of conventional silicon-based flash memory. In this study, we demonstrate a novel non-volatile memory design based on the electromechanical motion of a cantilever to provide fast charging and discharging of a floating-gate electrode. The operation is demonstrated by using an electromechanical metal cantilever to charge a floating gate that controls the charge transport through a carbon nanotube field-effect transistor. The set and reset currents are unchanged after more than 11 h constant operation. Over 500 repeated programming and erasing cycles were demonstrated under atmospheric conditions at room temperature without degradation. Multinary bit programming can be achieved by varying the voltage on the cantilever. The operation speed of the device is faster than a conventional flash memory and the power consumption is lower than other memory devices. PMID:21364559

Seeking maximum linearity of transfer functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, Filipi N.; Comin, Cesar H.; Costa, Luciano da F.

2016-12-01

Linearity is an important and frequently sought property in electronics and instrumentation. Here, we report a method capable of, given a transfer function (theoretical or derived from some real system), identifying the respective most linear region of operation with a fixed width. This methodology, which is based on least squares regression and systematic consideration of all possible regions, has been illustrated with respect to both an analytical (sigmoid transfer function) and a simple situation involving experimental data of a low-power, one-stage class A transistor current amplifier. Such an approach, which has been addressed in terms of transfer functions derived from experimentally obtained characteristic surface, also yielded contributions such as the estimation of local constants of the device, as opposed to typically considered average values. The reported method and results pave the way to several further applications in other types of devices and systems, intelligent control operation, and other areas such as identifying regions of power law behavior.

Coil motion effects in watt balances: a theoretical check

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shisong; Schlamminger, Stephan; Haddad, Darine; Seifert, Frank; Chao, Leon; Pratt, Jon R.

2016-04-01

A watt balance is a precision apparatus for the measurement of the Planck constant that has been proposed as a primary method for realizing the unit of mass in a revised International System of Units. In contrast to an ampere balance, which was historically used to realize the unit of current in terms of the kilogram, the watt balance relates electrical and mechanical units through a virtual power measurement and has far greater precision. However, because the virtual power measurement requires the execution of a prescribed motion of a coil in a fixed magnetic field, systematic errors introduced by horizontal and rotational deviations of the coil from its prescribed path will compromise the accuracy. We model these potential errors using an analysis that accounts for the fringing field in the magnet, creating a framework for assessing the impact of this class of errors on the uncertainty of watt balance results.

Development and Validation of Linear Alternator Models for the Advanced Stirling Convertor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metscher, Jonathan F.; Lewandowski, Edward

2014-01-01

Two models of the linear alternator of the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) have been developed using the Sage 1-D modeling software package. The first model relates the piston motion to electric current by means of a motor constant. The second uses electromagnetic model components to model the magnetic circuit of the alternator. The models are tuned and validated using test data and compared against each other. Results show both models can be tuned to achieve results within 7% of ASC test data under normal operating conditions. Using Sage enables the creation of a complete ASC model to be developed and simulations completed quickly compared to more complex multi-dimensional models. These models allow for better insight into overall Stirling convertor performance, aid with Stirling power system modeling, and in the future support NASA mission planning for Stirling-based power systems.

Development and Validation of Linear Alternator Models for the Advanced Stirling Convertor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metscher, Jonathan F.; Lewandowski, Edward J.

2015-01-01

Two models of the linear alternator of the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) have been developed using the Sage 1-D modeling software package. The first model relates the piston motion to electric current by means of a motor constant. The second uses electromagnetic model components to model the magnetic circuit of the alternator. The models are tuned and validated using test data and also compared against each other. Results show both models can be tuned to achieve results within 7 of ASC test data under normal operating conditions. Using Sage enables the creation of a complete ASC model to be developed and simulations completed quickly compared to more complex multi-dimensional models. These models allow for better insight into overall Stirling convertor performance, aid with Stirling power system modeling, and in the future support NASA mission planning for Stirling-based power systems.

Model of a thin film optical fiber fluorosensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egalon, Claudio O.; Rogowski, Robert S.

1991-01-01

The efficiency of core-light injection from sources in the cladding of an optical fiber is modeled analytically by means of the exact field solution of a step-profile fiber. The analysis is based on the techniques by Marcuse (1988) in which the sources are treated as infinitesimal electric currents with random phase and orientation that excite radiation fields and bound modes. Expressions are developed based on an infinite cladding approximation which yield the power efficiency for a fiber coated with fluorescent sources in the core/cladding interface. Marcuse's results are confirmed for the case of a weakly guiding cylindrical fiber with fluorescent sources uniformly distributed in the cladding, and the power efficiency is shown to be practically constant for variable wavelengths and core radii. The most efficient fibers have the thin film located at the core/cladding boundary, and fibers with larger differences in the indices of refraction are shown to be the most efficient.

Note: Self-biased voltage to suppress secondary electrons by a ZnO varistor in a compact pulsed neutron generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Z.; Li, X.; Li, J.; Long, J. D.; Lan, C. H.; Wang, T.; Dong, P.; He, J. L.

2017-03-01

A large amount of back streaming electrons will bring about a part of current drain on power supply, cause sparking or high-voltage breakdowns, and affect the neutron yield and waveform for a compact sealed-tube pulsed neutron generator. A novel idea which uses a ZnO varistor to provide a constant self-biased voltage to suppress the secondary electrons is introduced. The I-V curve for the ZnO varistor was measured in the experiment. The effects of suppressing the secondary electrons were investigated using a ZnO varistor, linear resistors, and an independent power supply, respectively. The results show that the secondary electrons are suppressed effectively by the compact ZnO varistor, while not increasing the size and the component of the device. It is a promising design for compact sealed-tube neutron generators.

Mitigating Short-Term Variations of Photovoltaic Generation Using Energy Storage with VOLTTRON

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrissey, Kevin

A smart-building communications system performs smoothing on photovoltaic (PV) power generation using a battery energy storage system (BESS). The system runs using VOLTTRON(TM), a multi-agent python-based software platform dedicated to power systems. The VOLTTRON(TM) system designed for this project runs synergistically with the larger University of Washington VOLTTRON(TM) environment, which is designed to operate UW device communications and databases as well as to perform real-time operations for research. One such research algorithm that operates simultaneously with this PV Smoothing System is an energy cost optimization system which optimizes net demand and associated cost throughout a day using the BESS. The PV Smoothing System features an active low-pass filter with an adaptable time constant, as well as adjustable limitations on the output power and accumulated battery energy of the BESS contribution. The system was analyzed using 26 days of PV generation at 1-second resolution. PV smoothing was studied with unconstrained BESS contribution as well as under a broad range of BESS constraints analogous to variable-sized storage. It was determined that a large inverter output power was more important for PV smoothing than a large battery energy capacity. Two methods of selecting the time constant in real time, static and adaptive, are studied for their impact on system performance. It was found that both systems provide a high level of PV smoothing performance, within 8% of the ideal case where the best time constant is known ahead of time. The system was run in real time using VOLTTRON(TM) with BESS limitations of 5 kW/6.5 kWh and an adaptive update period of 7 days. The system behaved as expected given the BESS parameters and time constant selection methods, providing smoothing on the PV generation and updating the time constant periodically using the adaptive time constant selection method.

Virtual Inertia: Current Trends and Future Directions

DOE PAGES

Tamrakar, Ujjwol; Shrestha, Dipesh; Maharjan, Manisha; ...

2017-06-26

The modern power system is progressing from a synchronous machine-based system towards an inverter-dominated system, with a large-scale penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) like wind and photovoltaics. RES units today represent a major share of the generation, and the traditional approach of integrating themas grid following units can lead to frequency instability. Many researchers have pointed towards using inverters with virtual inertia control algorithms so that they appear as synchronous generators to the grid, maintaining and enhancing system stability. Our paper presents a literature review of the current state-of-the-art of virtual inertia implementation techniques, and explores potential research directionsmore » and challenges. The major virtual inertia topologies are compared and classified. Through literature review and simulations of some selected topologies it has been shown that similar inertial response can be achieved by relating the parameters of these topologies through time constants and inertia constants, although the exact frequency dynamics may vary slightly. The suitability of a topology depends on system control architecture and desired level of detail in replication of the dynamics of synchronous generators. We present a discussion on the challenges and research directions which points out several research needs, especially for systems level integration of virtual inertia systems.« less

Virtual Inertia: Current Trends and Future Directions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tamrakar, Ujjwol; Shrestha, Dipesh; Maharjan, Manisha

The modern power system is progressing from a synchronous machine-based system towards an inverter-dominated system, with a large-scale penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) like wind and photovoltaics. RES units today represent a major share of the generation, and the traditional approach of integrating themas grid following units can lead to frequency instability. Many researchers have pointed towards using inverters with virtual inertia control algorithms so that they appear as synchronous generators to the grid, maintaining and enhancing system stability. Our paper presents a literature review of the current state-of-the-art of virtual inertia implementation techniques, and explores potential research directionsmore » and challenges. The major virtual inertia topologies are compared and classified. Through literature review and simulations of some selected topologies it has been shown that similar inertial response can be achieved by relating the parameters of these topologies through time constants and inertia constants, although the exact frequency dynamics may vary slightly. The suitability of a topology depends on system control architecture and desired level of detail in replication of the dynamics of synchronous generators. We present a discussion on the challenges and research directions which points out several research needs, especially for systems level integration of virtual inertia systems.« less

Sensitivity of solar g-modes to varying G cosmologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guenther, D. B.; Sills, Ken; Demarque, Pierre; Krauss, Lawrence M.

1995-01-01

The sensitivity of the solar g-mode oscillation spectrum to variability in the universal gravitational constant G is described. Solar models in varying G cosmologies were constructed by evolving a zero-age main-sequence stellar model to the Sun's current age, while allowing the value of G to change according to the power law G(t) proportional to t(exp -beta), where Beta approximately equals delta G/GH and H is the Hubble constant. All solar models were constrained to the observed luminosity and radius at the current age of the Sun by adjusting the helium abundance and the mixing-length parameter of the models in the usual way for standard stellar models. Low-l g-mode oscillation periods were calculated for each of the models and compared to the claimed observation of the solar g-mode oscillation spectrum by Hill & Gu (1990). If one accepts Hill & Gu's claims, then within the uncertainties of the physics of the solar model calculation, our models rule out all but (delta G/GH) less than approximately 0.05. In other words, we conclude that G could not have varied by more than 2% over the past 4.5 Gyr, the lifetime of the present-day Sun. This result lends independent support to the validity of the standard solar model.

Temperature-dependent electrochemical heat generation in a commercial lithium-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandhauer, Todd M.; Garimella, Srinivas; Fuller, Thomas F.

2014-02-01

Lithium-ion batteries suffer from inherent thermal limitations (i.e., capacity fade and thermal runaway); thus, it is critical to understand heat generation experienced in the batteries under normal operation. In the current study, reversible and irreversible electrochemical heat generation rates were measured experimentally on a small commercially available C/LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery designed for high-rate applications. The battery was tested over a wide range of temperatures (10-60 °C) and discharge and charge rates (∼C/4-5C) to elucidate their effects. Two samples were tested in a specially designed wind tunnel to maintain constant battery surface temperature within a maximum variation of ±0.88 °C. A data normalization technique was employed to account for the observed capacity fade, which was largest at the highest rates. The heat rate was shown to increase with both increasing rate and decreasing temperature, and the reversible heat rate was shown to be significant even at the highest rate and temperature (7.4% at 5C and 55 °C). Results from cycling the battery using a dynamic power profile also showed that constant-current data predict the dynamic performance data well. In addition, the reversible heat rate in the dynamic simulation was shown to be significant, especially for charge-depleting HEV applications.

System for improving measurement accuracy of transducer by measuring transducer temperature and resistance change using thermoelectric voltages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Karl F. (Inventor); Parker, Allen R., Jr. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A constant current loop measuring system measures a property including the temperature of a sensor responsive to an external condition being measured. The measuring system includes thermocouple conductors connected to the sensor, sensing first and second induced voltages responsive to the external condition. In addition, the measuring system includes a current generator and reverser generating a constant current, and supplying the constant current to the thermocouple conductors in forward and reverse directions generating first and second measured voltages, and a determining unit receiving the first and second measured voltages from the current generator and reverser, and determining the temperature of the sensor responsive to the first and second measured voltages.

g-Factor of heavy ions: a new access to the fine structure constant.

PubMed

Shabaev, V M; Glazov, D A; Oreshkina, N S; Volotka, A V; Plunien, G; Kluge, H-J; Quint, W

2006-06-30

A possibility for a determination of the fine structure constant in experiments on the bound-electron g-factor is examined. It is found that studying a specific difference of the g-factors of B- and H-like ions of the same spinless isotope in the Pb region to the currently accessible experimental accuracy of 7 x 10(-10) would lead to a determination of the fine structure constant to an accuracy which is better than that of the currently accepted value. Further improvements of the experimental and theoretical accuracy could provide a value of the fine structure constant which is several times more precise than the currently accepted one.

Scaling Behavior for Ionic Transport and its Fluctuations in Individual Carbon Nanotubes

PubMed Central

Secchi, Eleonora; Niguès, Antoine; Jubin, Laetitia; Siria, Alessandro; Bocquet, Lydéric

2016-01-01

In this Letter, we perform an experimental study of ionic transport and current fluctuations inside individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The conductance exhibits a power law behavior at low salinity, with an exponent close to 1/3 versus the salt concentration in this regime. This behavior is rationalized in terms of a salinity dependent surface charge, which is accounted for on the basis of a model for hydroxide adsorption at the (hydrophobic) carbon surface. This is in contrast to boron nitride nanotubes which exhibit a constant surface conductance. Further, we measure the low frequency noise of the ionic current in CNTs and show that the amplitude of the noise scales with the surface charge, with data collapsing on a master curve for the various studied CNTs at a given pH. PMID:27127970

Randomness fault detection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, B. Don (Inventor); Aucoin, B. Michael (Inventor); Benner, Carl L. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A method and apparatus are provided for detecting a fault on a power line carrying a line parameter such as a load current. The apparatus monitors and analyzes the load current to obtain an energy value. The energy value is compared to a threshold value stored in a buffer. If the energy value is greater than the threshold value a counter is incremented. If the energy value is greater than a high value threshold or less than a low value threshold then a second counter is incremented. If the difference between two subsequent energy values is greater than a constant then a third counter is incremented. A fault signal is issued if the counter is greater than a counter limit value and either the second counter is greater than a second limit value or the third counter is greater than a third limit value.

Voltage-Gated Lipid Ion Channels

PubMed Central

Blicher, Andreas; Heimburg, Thomas

2013-01-01

Synthetic lipid membranes can display channel-like ion conduction events even in the absence of proteins. We show here that these events are voltage-gated with a quadratic voltage dependence as expected from electrostatic theory of capacitors. To this end, we recorded channel traces and current histograms in patch-experiments on lipid membranes. We derived a theoretical current-voltage relationship for pores in lipid membranes that describes the experimental data very well when assuming an asymmetric membrane. We determined the equilibrium constant between closed and open state and the open probability as a function of voltage. The voltage-dependence of the lipid pores is found comparable to that of protein channels. Lifetime distributions of open and closed events indicate that the channel open distribution does not follow exponential statistics but rather power law behavior for long open times. PMID:23823188

INSTRUMENTATION AND TECHNIQUES. A SELF-CONTAINED, REGULATED, BURST-FIRING CONSTANT-CURRENT AC SHOCK GENERATOR

EPA Science Inventory

A line- and load-regulated constant-current ac shock generator has been designed for animal behavior experiments. The self-contained unit has four operating modes, amplitude adjustment, and a leakage current detection circuit. A unique feature of this generator is that the good l...

Design of a nickel-hydrogen battery simulator for the NASA EOS testbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gur, Zvi; Mang, Xuesi; Patil, Ashok R.; Sable, Dan M.; Cho, Bo H.; Lee, Fred C.

1992-01-01

The hardware and software design of a nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H2) battery simulator (BS) with application to the NASA Earth Observation System (EOS) satellite is presented. The battery simulator is developed as a part of a complete testbed for the EOS satellite power system. The battery simulator involves both hardware and software components. The hardware component includes the capability of sourcing and sinking current at a constant programmable voltage. The software component includes the capability of monitoring the battery's ampere-hours (Ah) and programming the battery voltage according to an empirical model of the nickel-hydrogen battery stored in a computer.

Polymer Composite and Nanocomposite Dielectric Materials for Pulse Power Energy Storage †

PubMed Central

Barber, Peter; Balasubramanian, Shiva; Anguchamy, Yogesh; Gong, Shushan; Wibowo, Arief; Gao, Hongsheng; Ploehn, Harry J.; zur Loye, Hans-Conrad

2009-01-01

This review summarizes the current state of polymer composites used as dielectric materials for energy storage. The particular focus is on materials: polymers serving as the matrix, inorganic fillers used to increase the effective dielectric constant, and various recent investigations of functionalization of metal oxide fillers to improve compatibility with polymers. We review the recent literature focused on the dielectric characterization of composites, specifically the measurement of dielectric permittivity and breakdown field strength. Special attention is given to the analysis of the energy density of polymer composite materials and how the functionalization of the inorganic filler affects the energy density of polymer composite dielectric materials.

A Survey on Wireless Body Area Networks for eHealthcare Systems in Residential Environments

PubMed Central

Ghamari, Mohammad; Janko, Balazs; Sherratt, R. Simon; Harwin, William; Piechockic, Robert; Soltanpur, Cinna

2016-01-01

Current progress in wearable and implanted health monitoring technologies has strong potential to alter the future of healthcare services by enabling ubiquitous monitoring of patients. A typical health monitoring system consists of a network of wearable or implanted sensors that constantly monitor physiological parameters. Collected data are relayed using existing wireless communication protocols to a base station for additional processing. This article provides researchers with information to compare the existing low-power communication technologies that can potentially support the rapid development and deployment of WBAN systems, and mainly focuses on remote monitoring of elderly or chronically ill patients in residential environments. PMID:27338377

A Survey on Wireless Body Area Networks for eHealthcare Systems in Residential Environments.

PubMed

Ghamari, Mohammad; Janko, Balazs; Sherratt, R Simon; Harwin, William; Piechockic, Robert; Soltanpur, Cinna

2016-06-07

Current progress in wearable and implanted health monitoring technologies has strong potential to alter the future of healthcare services by enabling ubiquitous monitoring of patients. A typical health monitoring system consists of a network of wearable or implanted sensors that constantly monitor physiological parameters. Collected data are relayed using existing wireless communication protocols to a base station for additional processing. This article provides researchers with information to compare the existing low-power communication technologies that can potentially support the rapid development and deployment of WBAN systems, and mainly focuses on remote monitoring of elderly or chronically ill patients in residential environments.

Similarity of Turbulent Energy Scale Budget Equation of a Round Turbulent Jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadeghi, Hamed; Lavoie, Philippe; Pollard, Andrew

2014-11-01

A novel extension to the similarity-based form of the transport equation for the second-order velocity structure function of <(δq) 2 > along the jet centreline (see Danaila et al., 2004) has been obtained. This new self-similar equation has the desirable benefit of requiring less extensive measurements to calculate the inhomogeneous (decay and production) terms of the transport equation. According to this equation, the normalized third-order structure function can be uniquely determined when the normalized second-order structure function, the power-law exponent of and the decay rate constants of and are available. In addition, on the basis of the current similarity analysis, the similarity assumptions in combination with power-law decay of mean velocity (U ~(x -x0) - 1) are strong enough to imply power-law decay of fluctuations ( ~(x -x0) m). The similarity solutions are then tested against new experimental data, which were taken along the centreline of a round jet at ReD = 50 , 000 . For the present set of initial conditions, exhibits a power-law behaviour with m = - 1 . 83 . This work was supported by grants from NSERC (Canada).

Flux Renormalization in Constant Power Burnup Calculations

DOE PAGES

Isotalo, Aarno E.; Aalto Univ., Otaniemi; Davidson, Gregory G.; ...

2016-06-15

To more accurately represent the desired power in a constant power burnup calculation, the depletion steps of the calculation can be divided into substeps and the neutron flux renormalized on each substep to match the desired power. Here, this paper explores how such renormalization should be performed, how large a difference it makes, and whether using renormalization affects results regarding the relative performance of different neutronics–depletion coupling schemes. When used with older coupling schemes, renormalization can provide a considerable improvement in overall accuracy. With previously published higher order coupling schemes, which are more accurate to begin with, renormalization has amore » much smaller effect. Finally, while renormalization narrows the differences in the accuracies of different coupling schemes, their order of accuracy is not affected.« less

Iron-sulfur-based single molecular wires for enhancing charge transport in enzyme-based bioelectronic systems.

PubMed

Mahadevan, Aishwarya; Fernando, Teshan; Fernando, Sandun

2016-04-15

When redox enzymes are wired to electrodes outside a living cell (ex vivo), their ability to produce a sufficiently powerful electrical current diminishes significantly due to the thermodynamic and kinetic limitations associated with the wiring systems. Therefore, we are yet to harness the full potential of redox enzymes for the development of self-powering bioelectronics devices (such as sensors and fuel cells). Interestingly, nature uses iron-sulfur complexes ([Fe-S]), to circumvent these issues in vivo. Yet, we have not been able to utilize [Fe-S]-based chains ex vivo, primarily due to their instability in aqueous media. Here, a simple technique to attach iron (II) sulfide (FeS) to a gold surface in ethanol media and then complete the attachment of the enzyme in aqueous media is reported. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroscopy techniques confirmed the concatenation of FeS and glycerol-dehydrogenase/nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide (GlDH-NAD(+)) apoenzyme-coenzyme molecular wiring system on the base gold electrode. The resultant FeS-based enzyme electrode reached an open circuit voltage closer to its standard potential under a wide range of glycerol concentrations (0.001-1M). When probed under constant potential conditions, the FeS-based electrode was able to amplify current by over 10 fold as compared to electrodes fabricated with the conventional pyrroloquinoline quinone-based composite molecular wiring system. These improvements in current/voltage responses open up a wide range of possibilities for fabricating self-powering, bio-electronic devices. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Implementation and Initial Validation of a 100-Kilowatt Class Nested-Channel Hall Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Scott J.; Florenz, Roland E.; Gallimore, Alec D.; Kamhawi, Hani; Brown, Daniel L.; Polk, James E.; Goebel, Dan; Hofer, Richard R.

2014-01-01

The X3 is a 100-kilowatt class nested-channel Hall thruster developed by the Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Michigan in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA. The cathode, magnetic circuit, boron nitride channel rings, and anodes all required specific design considerations during thruster development, and thermal modeling was used to properly account for thermal growth in material selection and component design. A number of facility upgrades were required at the University of Michigan to facilitate operation of the X3. These upgrades included a re-worked propellant feed system, a completely redesigned power and telemetry break-out box, and numerous updates to thruster handling equipment. The X3 was tested on xenon propellant at two current densities, 37% and 73% of the nominal design value. It was operated to a maximum steady-state discharge power of 60.8 kilowatts. The tests presented here served as an initial validation of thruster operation. Thruster behavior was monitored with telemetry, photography and high-speed current probes. The photography showed a uniform plume throughout testing. At constant current density, reductions in mass flow rate of 18% and 26% were observed in the three-channel operating configuration as compared to the superposition of each channel running individually. The high-speed current probes showed that the thruster was stable at all operating points and that the channels influence each other when more than one is operating simultaneously. Additionally, the ratio of peak-to-peak AC-coupled discharge current oscillations to mean discharge current did not exceed 51% for any operating points reported here, and did not exceed 17% at the higher current density.

Motor power factor controller with a reduced voltage starter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A power factor type motor controller is disclosed in which the conventional power factor constant voltage command signal is replaced during a starting interval with a graduated control voltage. This continuation-impart of a pending patent application (Serial No. 199, 765: Three Phase Factor Controller) provides a means for modifying the operation of the system for a motor start-up interval of 5 to 30 second. Using a ramp generators, an initial ramp-like signal replaces a constant power factor signal supplied by a potentiometer. The ramp-like signal is applied to a 15 terminal where it is summed with an operating power factor signal from phase detectors in order to obtain a control signal for ultimately controlling SCR devices. The SCR devices are turned on at an advancing rate with time responsive to the combination signal described rather than simply a function of a ramp-like signal alone.

Exhaust emission survey of an F100 afterburning turbofan engine at simulated altitude flight conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moss, J. E.; Cullom, R. R.

1981-01-01

Emissions of carbon monoxide, total oxides of nitrogen, unburned hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide from an F100, afterburning, two spool turbofan engine at simulated flight conditions are reported. For each flight condition emission measurements were made for two or three power levels from intermediate power (nonafterburning) through maximum afterburning. The data showed that emissions vary with flight speed, altitude, power level, and radial position across the nozzle. Carbon monoxide emissions were low for intermediate power (nonafterburning) and partial afterburning, but regions of high carbon monoxide were present downstream of the flame holder at maximum afterburning. Unburned hydrocarbon emissions were low for most of the simulated flight conditions. The local NOX concentrations and their variability with power level increased with increasing flight Mach number at constant altitude, and decreased with increasing altitude at constant Mach number. Carbon dioxide emissions were proportional to local fuel air ratio for all conditions.

Results and analysis of the hot-spot temperature experiment for a cable-in-conduit conductor with thick conduit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedlak, Kamil; Bruzzone, Pierluigi

2015-12-01

In the design of future DEMO fusion reactor a long time constant (∼23 s) is required for an emergency current dump in the toroidal field (TF) coils, e.g. in case of a quench detection. This requirement is driven mainly by imposing a limit on forces on mechanical structures, namely on the vacuum vessel. As a consequence, the superconducting cable-in-conduit conductors (CICC) of the TF coil have to withstand heat dissipation lasting tens of seconds at the section where the quench started. During that time, the heat will be partially absorbed by the (massive) steel conduit and electrical insulation, thus reducing the hot-spot temperature estimated strictly from the enthalpy of the strand bundle. A dedicated experiment has been set up at CRPP to investigate the radial heat propagation and the hot-spot temperature in a CICC with a 10 mm thick steel conduit and a 2 mm thick glass epoxy outer electrical insulation. The medium size, ∅ = 18 mm, NbTi CICC was powered by the operating current of up to 10 kA. The temperature profile was monitored by 10 temperature sensors. The current dump conditions, namely the decay time constant and the quench detection delay, were varied. The experimental results show that the thick conduit significantly contributes to the overall enthalpy balance, and consequently reduces the amount of copper required for the quench protection in superconducting cables for fusion reactors.

Adaptive control for solar energy based DC microgrid system development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qinhao

During the upgrading of current electric power grid, it is expected to develop smarter, more robust and more reliable power systems integrated with distributed generations. To realize these objectives, traditional control techniques are no longer effective in either stabilizing systems or delivering optimal and robust performances. Therefore, development of advanced control methods has received increasing attention in power engineering. This work addresses two specific problems in the control of solar panel based microgrid systems. First, a new control scheme is proposed for the microgrid systems to achieve optimal energy conversion ratio in the solar panels. The control system can optimize the efficiency of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm by implementing two layers of adaptive control. Such a hierarchical control architecture has greatly improved the system performance, which is validated through both mathematical analysis and computer simulation. Second, in the development of the microgrid transmission system, the issues related to the tele-communication delay and constant power load (CPL)'s negative incremental impedance are investigated. A reference model based method is proposed for pole and zero placements that address the challenges of the time delay and CPL in closed-loop control. The effectiveness of the proposed modeling and control design methods are demonstrated in a simulation testbed. Practical aspects of the proposed methods for general microgrid systems are also discussed.

A Power-Efficient Wireless System With Adaptive Supply Control for Deep Brain Stimulation.

PubMed

Lee, Hyung-Min; Park, Hangue; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2013-09-01

A power-efficient wireless stimulating system for a head-mounted deep brain stimulator (DBS) is presented. A new adaptive rectifier generates a variable DC supply voltage from a constant AC power carrier utilizing phase control feedback, while achieving high AC-DC power conversion efficiency (PCE) through active synchronous switching. A current-controlled stimulator adopts closed-loop supply control to automatically adjust the stimulation compliance voltage by detecting stimulation site potentials through a voltage readout channel, and improve the stimulation efficiency. The stimulator also utilizes closed-loop active charge balancing to maintain the residual charge at each site within a safe limit, while receiving the stimulation parameters wirelessly from the amplitude-shift-keyed power carrier. A 4-ch wireless stimulating system prototype was fabricated in a 0.5-μm 3M2P standard CMOS process, occupying 2.25 mm². With 5 V peak AC input at 2 MHz, the adaptive rectifier provides an adjustable DC output between 2.5 V and 4.6 V at 2.8 mA loading, resulting in measured PCE of 72 ~ 87%. The adaptive supply control increases the stimulation efficiency up to 30% higher than a fixed supply voltage to 58 ~ 68%. The prototype wireless stimulating system was verified in vitro .

A Power-Efficient Wireless System With Adaptive Supply Control for Deep Brain Stimulation

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyung-Min; Park, Hangue; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2014-01-01

A power-efficient wireless stimulating system for a head-mounted deep brain stimulator (DBS) is presented. A new adaptive rectifier generates a variable DC supply voltage from a constant AC power carrier utilizing phase control feedback, while achieving high AC-DC power conversion efficiency (PCE) through active synchronous switching. A current-controlled stimulator adopts closed-loop supply control to automatically adjust the stimulation compliance voltage by detecting stimulation site potentials through a voltage readout channel, and improve the stimulation efficiency. The stimulator also utilizes closed-loop active charge balancing to maintain the residual charge at each site within a safe limit, while receiving the stimulation parameters wirelessly from the amplitude-shift-keyed power carrier. A 4-ch wireless stimulating system prototype was fabricated in a 0.5-μm 3M2P standard CMOS process, occupying 2.25 mm². With 5 V peak AC input at 2 MHz, the adaptive rectifier provides an adjustable DC output between 2.5 V and 4.6 V at 2.8 mA loading, resulting in measured PCE of 72 ~ 87%. The adaptive supply control increases the stimulation efficiency up to 30% higher than a fixed supply voltage to 58 ~ 68%. The prototype wireless stimulating system was verified in vitro. PMID:24678126

A study of junction effect transistors and their roles in carbon nanotube field emission cathodes in compact pulsed power applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shui, Qiong

This thesis is focusing on a study of junction effect transistors (JFETs) in compact pulsed power applications. Pulsed power usually requires switches with high hold-off voltage, high current, low forward voltage drop, and fast switching speed. 4H-SiC, with a bandgap of 3.26 eV (The bandgap of Si is 1.12eV) and other physical and electrical superior properties, has gained much attention in high power, high temperature and high frequency applications. One topic of this thesis is to evaluate if 4H-SiC JFETs have a potential to replace gas phase switches to make pulsed power system compact and portable. Some other pulsed power applications require cathodes of providing stable, uniform, high electron-beam current. So the other topic of this research is to evaluate if Si JFET-controlled carbon nanotube field emitter cold cathode will provide the necessary e-beam source. In the topic of "4H-SiC JFETs", it focuses on the design and simulation of a novel 4H-SiC normally-off VJFET with high breakdown voltage using the 2-D simulator ATLAS. To ensure realistic simulations, we utilized reasonable physical models and the established parameters as the input into these models. The influence of key design parameters were investigated which would extend pulsed power limitations. After optimizing the key design parameters, with a 50-mum drift region, the predicted breakdown voltage for the VJFET is above 8kV at a leakage current of 1x10-5A/cm2 . The specific on-state resistance is 35 mO·cm 2 at VGS = 2.7 V, and the switching speed is several ns. The simulation results suggest that the 4H-SiC VJFET is a potential candidate for improving switching performance in repetitive pulsed power applications. To evaluate the 4H-SiC VJFETs in pulsed power circuits, we extracted some circuit model parameters from the simulated I-V curves. Those parameters are necessary for circuit simulation program such as SPICE. This method could be used as a test bench without fabricating the devices to minimize the unnecessary cost. As an extended research of 4H-SiC devices, Metal-Insulator-SiC (MIS) structures were utilized to evaluate the high dielectric constant materials---TiO 2 and Al2O3, as possible gate dielectrics for SiC devices. TiO2 and Al2O3 were chosen because of their high dielectric constants and bandgap energies as well as the acceptance of Ti and Al in most modern CMOS fabrication facilities. MIS devices were fabricated and both their I-V and C-V characteristics were measured and discussed. Our research showed that Al2O3 deposited by e-beam evaporation could be considered as a promising material among the gate insulators for high power SiC devices. In the topic of "Si JFET-controlled carbon nanotube field emitter cathode arrays", stability, controllability and lifetime are the main issues waiting to be addressed before field emitters find their wide applications. The ideas of connecting Si or metal field emitters with external MOSFETs or built-in active devices were attempted by other researchers, and those devices showed effectiveness in controlling and stabilizing the emission current. We presented the design, simulation, and the fabrication of Si JFETs monolithically integrated with CNTs field emitters. The Si JFET was designed to control and improve the emission of carbon nanotube field emitter arrays. Its electrical characteristics were simulated by the device simulator ATLAS. The fabrication process was developed to be compatible with the last step of growing multiwalled carbon nanotubes at 700°C. Carbon nanotubes field emitters were grown by PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition). Preliminary field emission tests were conducted with 50 x 50 emitter arrays, with a resultant emission current of 3 muA (˜40 mA/cm2) at an extraction gate voltage of 50 V and an anode voltage of 300 V. Experimental data shows the linear relationship between ln(I/V2) and l/V consistent with Fowler-Nordheim electron tunneling. Some challenging issues were also discussed.

Dielectric relaxation of barium strontium titanate and application to thin films for DRAM capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baniecki, John David

This thesis examines the issues associated with incorporating the high dielectric constant material Barium Strontium Titanate (BSTO) in to the storage capacitor of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The research is focused on two areas: characterizing and understanding the factors that control charge retention in BSTO thin films and modifying the electrical properties using ion implantation. The dielectric relaxation of BSTO thin films deposited by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is investigated in the time and frequency domains. It is shown that the frequency dispersion of the complex capacitance of BSTO thin films can be understood in terms of a power-law frequency dependence from 1mHz to 20GHz. From the correspondence between the time and frequency domain measurements, it is concluded that the power-law relaxation currents extend back to the nano second regime of DRAM operation. The temperature, field, and annealing dependence of the dielectric relaxation currents are also investigated and mechanisms for the observed power law relaxation are explored. An equivalent circuit model of a high dielectric constant thin film capacitor is developed based on the electrical measurements and implemented in PSPICE. Excellent agreement is found between the experimental and simulated electrical characteristics showing the utility of the equivalent circuit model in simulating the electrical properties of high dielectric constant thin films. Using the equivalent circuit model, it is shown that the greatest charge loss due to dielectric relaxation occurs during the first read after a refresh time following a write to the opposite logic state for a capacitor that has been written to the same logic state for a long time (opposite state write charge loss). A theoretical closed form expression that is a function of three material parameters is developed which estimates the opposite state write charge loss due to dielectric relaxation. Using the closed form expression, and BSTO thin film electrical characteristics, the charge loss due to dielectric relaxation is estimated to be 6--12% of the initial charge stored on the capacitor plates for MOCVD BSTO thin films with Pt electrodes after a post top electrode anneal in oxygen. In contrast, it is shown that the charge loss due to steady state leakage is only 0.0125--0.125% of the initial charge stored on the capacitor plates. Charge retention is shown to depend strongly on the annealing conditions. Annealing MOCVD BSTO thin films with Pt electrodes in forming gas (95% Ar 5% H2) increases charge loss due to dielectric relaxation to as much as 60%. Ion implantation is used to dope BSTO thin films with Mn. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows ion implantation significantly damages the film leaving only short-range order, but post-implant annealing heals the damage. Capacitance recovery after post-implant annealing is as high as 94% for 15 nm BSTO films. At low implant doses, the Mn doped films have substantially lower leakage (up to a factor of ten lower) and only slightly higher relaxation currents and dielectric loss indicating that ion implantation may be a potentially viable way of introducing dopants into high dielectric constant thin films for future DRAM applications.

Accuracy of the Velotron ergometer and SRM power meter.

PubMed

Abbiss, C R; Quod, M J; Levin, G; Martin, D T; Laursen, P B

2009-02-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the Velotron cycle ergometer and the SRM power meter using a dynamic calibration rig over a range of exercise protocols commonly applied in laboratory settings. These trials included two sustained constant power trials (250 W and 414 W), two incremental power trials and three high-intensity interval power trials. To further compare the two systems, 15 subjects performed three dynamic 30 km performance time trials. The Velotron and SRM displayed accurate measurements of power during both constant power trials (<1% error). However, during high-intensity interval trials the Velotron and SRM were found to be less accurate (3.0%, CI=1.6-4.5% and -2.6%, CI=-3.2--2.0% error, respectively). During the dynamic 30 km time trials, power measured by the Velotron was 3.7+/-1.9% (CI=2.9-4.8%) greater than that measured by the SRM. In conclusion, the accuracy of the Velotron cycle ergometer and the SRM power meter appears to be dependent on the type of test being performed. Furthermore, as each power monitoring system measures power at various positions (i.e. bottom bracket vs. rear wheel), caution should be taken when comparing power across the two systems, particularly when power is variable.

All-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors based on Fe-doped mesoporous Co3O4 and three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide electrodes with high energy and power densities.

PubMed

Zhang, Cheng; Wei, Jun; Chen, Leiyi; Tang, Shaolong; Deng, Mingsen; Du, Youwei

2017-10-19

An asymmetric supercapacitor offers opportunities to effectively utilize the full potential of the different potential windows of the two electrodes for a higher operating voltage, resulting in an enhanced specific capacitance and significantly improved energy without sacrificing the power delivery and cycle life. To achieve high energy and power densities, we have synthesized an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with a wider voltage range using Fe-doped Co 3 O 4 and three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3DrGO) as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. In contrast to undoped Co 3 O 4 , the increased density of states and modified charge spatial separation endow the Fe-doped Co 3 O 4 electrode with greatly improved electrochemical capacitive performance, including high specific capacitance (1997 F g -1 and 1757 F g -1 at current densities of 1 and 20 A g -1 , respectively), excellent rate capability, and superior cycling stability. Remarkably, the optimized all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor can be cycled reversibly in a wide range of 0-1.8 V, thus delivering a high energy density (270.3 W h kg -1 ), high power density (9.0 kW kg -1 at 224.2 W h kg -1 ), and excellent cycling stability (91.8% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles at a constant current density of 10 A g -1 ). The superior capacitive performance suggests that such an all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor shows great potential for developing energy storage systems with high levels of energy and power delivery.

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Driven by PWM Inverter with Voltage Booster with Regenerating Capability Augmented by Double-Layer Capacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Kichiro; Shinohara, Katsuji; Furukawa, Shinya

An interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor drive system which has regenerating capability augmented by double-layer capacitors is proposed. The motor is driven by a PWM inverter with voltage booster. The voltage booster is used to control the dc link voltage in high speed region to improve the system efficiency. Furthermore, the double-layer capacitor as a storage element is combined with the PWM inverter with voltage booster to gain the efficiency for the regenerating operation. In this system, normally, the regenerative power does not return to a battery directly but is stored in the double-layer capacitors for the next motoring action to suppress the excessive regenerative current to battery, and the regenerative power returns to the battery when the regenerative energy is larger than a certain value. The charging current to the battery is controlled to a constant value to extend the life-time of the battery. The transient and steady state characteristics of the system for 1.5kW IPM motor are investigated by both simulation and experiment. Finally, the effectiveness of the system is demonstrated by the simulated and experimental results.

An experimental study on the thermal characteristics and heating effect of arc-fault from Cu core in residential electrical wiring fires

PubMed Central

Du, Jian-Hua; Zeng, Yi; Pan, Leng; Zhang, Ren-Cheng

2017-01-01

The characteristics of a series direct current (DC) arc-fault including both electrical and thermal parameters were investigated based on an arc-fault simulator to provide references for multi-parameter electrical fire detection method. Tests on arc fault behavior with three different initial circuit voltages, resistances and arc gaps were conducted, respectively. The influences of circuit conditions on arc dynamic image, voltage, current or power were interpreted. Also, the temperature rises of electrode surface and ambient air were studied. The results showed that, first, significant variations of arc structure and light emitting were observed under different conditions. A thin outer burning layer of vapor generated from electrodes with orange light was found due to the extremely high arc temperature. Second, with the increasing electrode gap in discharging, the arc power was shown to have a non monotonic relationship with arc length for constant initial circuit voltage and resistance. Finally, the temperature rises of electrode surface caused by heat transfer from arc were found to be not sensitive with increasing arc length due to special heat transfer mechanism. In addition, temperature of ambient air showed a large gradient in radial direction of arc. PMID:28797055

Status of Electrical Actuator Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Mary Ellen; Taylor, Linda M.; Hansen, Irving G.

1996-01-01

An ever increasing number of actuation functions historically performed by hydraulics or pneumatics are being accomplished by electric actuation. If 'end to end' systems are considered, electric actuators (EA's) are potentially lighter and more efficient. In general, system redundancies may be more easily implemented and operationally monitored. Typically, electrical components exhibit longer mean times to failure and projected lifetime costs of EA's are potentially much lower than those of other options. EA's have certain characteristics which must be considered in their application. The actual mechanical loadings must be established, for the more easily controlled EA may be operated much closer to its full capabilities. At higher rates of motion, EA's are operating as constant power devices. Therefore, it may be possible to start a movement that can not be stopped. The incorporation of high power electronics into remote locations introduces new concerns of EMI and thermal control. It is the management of these and other characteristics that forms the engineering design challenges. Work is currently in progress on EA's for aircraft and expendable launch vehicles. These applications span from ten to 40+ horsepower. The systematics and status of these actuators will be reported along with current technical trends in this area.

The cost of carbon capture and storage for natural gas combined cycle power plants.

PubMed

Rubin, Edward S; Zhai, Haibo

2012-03-20

This paper examines the cost of CO(2) capture and storage (CCS) for natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants. Existing studies employ a broad range of assumptions and lack a consistent costing method. This study takes a more systematic approach to analyze plants with an amine-based postcombustion CCS system with 90% CO(2) capture. We employ sensitivity analyses together with a probabilistic analysis to quantify costs for plants with and without CCS under uncertainty or variability in key parameters. Results for new baseload plants indicate a likely increase in levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $20-32/MWh (constant 2007$) or $22-40/MWh in current dollars. A risk premium for plants with CCS increases these ranges to $23-39/MWh and $25-46/MWh, respectively. Based on current cost estimates, our analysis further shows that a policy to encourage CCS at new NGCC plants via an emission tax or carbon price requires (at 95% confidence) a price of at least $125/t CO(2) to ensure NGCC-CCS is cheaper than a plant without CCS. Higher costs are found for nonbaseload plants and CCS retrofits.

Scope for solar hydrogen power plants along Indian coasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajra, Debdyut; Mukhopadhyay, Swarnav

2016-09-01

Energy is at the core of economic growth and development in the present day world. But relentless and unchecked use of harmful energy resources like fossil fuels (coil and oil), nuclear energy has taken a toll on mother nature. The energy coffers are being rapidly depleted and within a few years all of them will become empty, leaving nothing for the future generations to build on. Their constant usage has degraded the air quality and given way to land and water pollution. Scientists and world leaders have initiated a call for action to shift our dependence from currently popular energy sources to cleaner and renewable energy sources. Search for such energy sources have been going on for many years. Solar energy, wind energy, ocean energy, tidal energy, biofuel, etc. have caught the attention of people. Another such important which has become popular is 'Solar Hydrogen'. Many visionary scientists have called hydrogen the energy of the future. It is produced from water by direct or indirect use of sunlight in a sustainable manner. This paper discusses the current energy scenario, the importance of solar-hydrogen as a fuel and most importantly the scope for solar hydrogen power plants along Indian coastline.

An experimental study on the thermal characteristics and heating effect of arc-fault from Cu core in residential electrical wiring fires.

PubMed

Du, Jian-Hua; Tu, Ran; Zeng, Yi; Pan, Leng; Zhang, Ren-Cheng

2017-01-01

The characteristics of a series direct current (DC) arc-fault including both electrical and thermal parameters were investigated based on an arc-fault simulator to provide references for multi-parameter electrical fire detection method. Tests on arc fault behavior with three different initial circuit voltages, resistances and arc gaps were conducted, respectively. The influences of circuit conditions on arc dynamic image, voltage, current or power were interpreted. Also, the temperature rises of electrode surface and ambient air were studied. The results showed that, first, significant variations of arc structure and light emitting were observed under different conditions. A thin outer burning layer of vapor generated from electrodes with orange light was found due to the extremely high arc temperature. Second, with the increasing electrode gap in discharging, the arc power was shown to have a non monotonic relationship with arc length for constant initial circuit voltage and resistance. Finally, the temperature rises of electrode surface caused by heat transfer from arc were found to be not sensitive with increasing arc length due to special heat transfer mechanism. In addition, temperature of ambient air showed a large gradient in radial direction of arc.

LabVIEW Serial Driver Software for an Electronic Load

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scullin, Vincent; Garcia, Christopher

2003-01-01

A LabVIEW-language computer program enables monitoring and control of a Transistor Devices, Inc., Dynaload WCL232 (or equivalent) electronic load via an RS-232 serial communication link between the electronic load and a remote personal computer. (The electronic load can operate at constant voltage, current, power consumption, or resistance.) The program generates a graphical user interface (GUI) at the computer that looks and acts like the front panel of the electronic load. Once the electronic load has been placed in remote-control mode, this program first queries the electronic load for the present values of all its operational and limit settings, and then drops into a cycle in which it reports the instantaneous voltage, current, and power values in displays that resemble those on the electronic load while monitoring the GUI images of pushbuttons for control actions by the user. By means of the pushbutton images and associated prompts, the user can perform such operations as changing limit values, the operating mode, or the set point. The benefit of this software is that it relieves the user of the need to learn one method for operating the electronic load locally and another method for operating it remotely via a personal computer.

Bluetooth Communication Interface for EEG Signal Recording in Hyperbaric Chambers.

PubMed

Pastena, Lucio; Formaggio, Emanuela; Faralli, Fabio; Melucci, Massimo; Rossi, Marco; Gagliardi, Riccardo; Ricciardi, Lucio; Storti, Silvia F

2015-07-01

Recording biological signals inside a hyperbaric chamber poses technical challenges (the steel walls enclosing it greatly attenuate or completely block the signals as in a Faraday cage), practical (lengthy cables creating eddy currents), and safety (sparks hazard from power supply to the electronic apparatus inside the chamber) which can be overcome with new wireless technologies. In this technical report we present the design and implementation of a Bluetooth system for electroencephalographic (EEG) recording inside a hyperbaric chamber and describe the feasibility of EEG signal transmission outside the chamber. Differently from older systems, this technology allows the online recording of amplified signals, without interference from eddy currents. In an application of this technology, we measured EEG activity in professional divers under three experimental conditions in a hyperbaric chamber to determine how oxygen, assumed at a constant hyperbaric pressure of 2.8 ATA , affects the bioelectrical activity. The EEG spectral power estimated by fast Fourier transform and the cortical sources of the EEG rhythms estimated by low-resolution brain electromagnetic analysis were analyzed in three different EEG acquisitions: breathing air at sea level; breathing oxygen at a simulated depth of 18 msw, and breathing air at sea level after decompression.

High discharge rate characteristics of nickel-cadmium batteries for pulse load filtering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gearing, G. M.; Cimino, M. B.; Fritts, D. H.; Leonard, J. F.; Terzuoli, A. J., Jr.

1985-01-01

Several tests of specially fabricated nickel-cadmium batteries having circular disk type electrodes were considered. These batteries were evaluated as filter elements between a constant current power supply and a five hertz pulsed load demanding approximately twice the power supply current during the load on portion of the cycle. Short tests lasting 10,000 cycles were conducted at up to a 21 C rate and an equivalent energy density of over 40 Joules per pound. In addition, two batteries were subjected to 10 to the 7 charge/discharge cycles, one at a 6.5 C rate and the other at a 13 C rate. Assuming an electrode to battery weight ratio of 0.5, these tests represent an energy density of about 7 and 14 Joules per pound respectively. Energy density, efficiency, capacitance, average voltage, and available capacity were tracked during these tests. After 10 to the 7 cycles, capacity degradation was negligible for one battery and about 20% for the other. Cadmium electrode failure may be the factor limiting lifetime at extremely low depth of discharge cycling. The output was examined and a simple equivalent circuit was proposed.

Consideration of impedance matching techniques for efficient piezoelectric energy harvesting.

PubMed

Kim, Hyeoungwoo; Priya, Shashank; Stephanou, Harry; Uchino, Kenji

2007-09-01

This study investigates multiple levels of impedance-matching methods for piezoelectric energy harvesting in order to enhance the conversion of mechanical to electrical energy. First, the transduction rate was improved by using a high piezoelectric voltage constant (g) ceramic material having a magnitude of g33 = 40 x 10(-3) V m/N. Second, a transducer structure, cymbal, was optimized and fabricated to match the mechanical impedance of vibration source to that of the piezoelectric transducer. The cymbal transducer was found to exhibit approximately 40 times higher effective strain coefficient than the piezoelectric ceramics. Third, the electrical impedance matching for the energy harvesting circuit was considered to allow the transfer of generated power to a storage media. It was found that, by using the 10-layer ceramics instead of the single layer, the output current can be increased by 10 times, and the output load can be reduced by 40 times. Furthermore, by using the multilayer ceramics the output power was found to increase by 100%. A direct current (DC)-DC buck converter was fabricated to transfer the accumulated electrical energy in a capacitor to a lower output load. The converter was optimized such that it required less than 5 mW for operation.

Nature of convection-stabilized dc arcs in dual-flow nozzle geometry. I - The cold flow field and dc arc characteristics. II - Optical diagnostics and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serbetci, Ilter; Nagamatsu, H. T.

1990-02-01

Steady-state low-current air arcs in a dual-flow nozzle system are studied experimentally. The cold flow field with no arc is investigated using a 12.7-mm diameter dual-flow nozzle in a steady-flow facility. Mach number and mass flux distributions are determined for various nozzle-pressure ratios and nozzle-gap spacing. It is found that the shock waves in the converging-diverging nozzles result in a decrease in overal resistance by about 15 percent. Also, Schlieren and differential interferometry techniques are used to visualize the density gradients within the arc plasma and thermal mantle. Both optical techniques reveal a laminar arc structure for a reservoir pressure of 1 atm at various current levels. Experimentally determined axial static pressure and cold-flow mass flux rate distributions and a channel-flow model with constant arc temperatre are used to solve the energy integral for the arc radius as a function of axial distance. The arc electric field strength, voltage, resistance, and power are determined with Ohm's law and the total heat transfer is related to arc power.

Tidally induced turbulence in the Bermuda underwater cave-system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molodtsov, S.; Anis, A.; Iliffe, T. M.

2016-02-01

This study presents results from field measurements of turbulence made in Bermuda's underwater cave-system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that turbulence velocity measurements have been taken in an underwater cave-system. Water currents in caves are unaffected by surface waves and thus provide a unique opportunity to obtain clear signals of tidally induced turbulence. An acoustic Doppler velocimeter and acoustic Doppler current profiler were deployed in several cave locations during a period of six days. Power spectral density (PSD) of velocity fluctuations was estimated using the multitaper power spectral method. Turbulence kinetic energy dissipation rates, ɛ, were calculated based on the PSD and were found to exhibit a clear -5/3 slope within the inertial subrange. Measurement periods covered full diurnal cycles and estimates of ɛ showed a strong correlation with the tide phase with values up to 10-3 W/kg during peak ebb and flood (horizontal velocities up to 0.35 m/s). Furthermore, ɛ was found to closely follow the wall boundary layer parametrization, ɛ = u*3/(ᴋz), where u* is the friction velocity, ᴋ is von Karman's constant, and z is the height above the bed.

Universality of Non-Ohmic Shunt Leakage in Thin-Film Solar Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dongaonkar, S.; Servaites, J.D.; Ford, G.M.

2010-01-01

We compare the dark current-voltage (IV) characteristics of three different thin-film solar cell types: hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) p-i-n cells, organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) cells, and Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) cells. All three device types exhibit a significant shunt leakage current at low forward bias (V<~0.4) and reverse bias, which cannot be explained by the classical solar cell diode model. This parasitic shunt current exhibits non-Ohmic behavior, as opposed to the traditional constant shunt resistance model for photovoltaics. We show here that this shunt leakage (I sh) , across all three solar cell types considered, is characterized by the following commonmore » phenomenological features: (a) voltage symmetry about V=0 , (b) nonlinear (power law) voltage dependence, and (c) extremely weak temperature dependence. Based on this analysis, we provide a simple method of subtracting this shunt current component from the measured data and discuss its implications on dark IV parameter extraction. We propose a space charge limited (SCL) current model for capturing all these features of the shunt leakage in a consistent framework and discuss possible physical origin of the parasitic paths responsible for this shunt current mechanism.« less

Plasma Experiments on an Internal Coil Device with an High Temperature Superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuichi, Ogawa; Junji, Morikawa; Kotaro, Ohkuni; Dan, Hori; Shigeo, Yamakosi; Nagato, Yanagi; Toshiyuki, Mito; Masataka, Iwakuma; Toshio, Uede

2003-10-01

An internal coil device would be expected for exploring high beta plasmas based on plasma relaxation process. Prof. A. Hasegawa proposed an advanced fusion reactor with a dipole configuration, and Mahajan and Yoshida developed a new high beta state based on two-fluid relaxation theory. To study these high beta plasmas, we have constructed an internal coil device with a high temperature superconductor. The major radius of the internal coil is 15 cm, and the coil current is 50 kA. Three different types of Ag-sheathed Bi-2223 tapes are employed; i.e., a high critical current tape with a low silver ratio for the main HTS coil, a 0.3wt3atprovided by a GM refrigerator and supplied to the coil through a check valve, and the coil current is directly excited with the external power supply through removable electrodes. It took about 11 hours to cool the coil down to 21 K from the room temperature, and the nominal cable current of 118 A (overall coil current: 50 kA) has been achieved. A decay time constant of the persistent current is a few tens of hours. Plasma experiments in a dipole configuration have been initiated.

High performance YBCO films. Report for 1 August-31 October 1992

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Denlinger, E.J.; Fathy, A.; Kalokitis, D.

1992-10-31

The objective of this program is to identify suitable low loss, low dielectric constant substrates and develop and optimize deposition processes for high quality YBCO films including the necessary buffer layers. Ultimate goals are large area substrates having double-sided HTS coating with a surface resistance ten times lower than copper at 40 GHz. High quality HTS films on low dielectric constant substrates are expected to find widespread use in advanced millimeter wave components, in extending the power handling capability of microwave and millimeter wave circuitry, and in facilitating high speed computer interconnects. Sample demonstration circuits will be built toward themore » end of the program. We have successfully deposited a high quality YBCO film on a good low loss and low dielectric constant substrate, magnesium fluoride (e=5). With the use of two buffer layers (magnesium oxide and strontium titanate) between the YBCO and the substrate, transition temperatures of 89 deg K and transition widths of about 0.5 deg K were achieved. The critical current density Jc of 4 x 10 6 A/cm2 at 77K in zero field is among the highest reported for YBCO films. The magnesium fluoride (MgF2) substrate has a tetragonal structure with a dielectric constant of 5.2 in the plane of the substrate and 4.6 perpendicular to the substrate surface. It has a good harness (-575 Knoop) and a linear thermal expansion coefficient that closely matches YBCO and the buffer layers.« less

2D SiNx photonic crystal coated Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ ceramic plate phosphor for high-power white light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Park, Hoo Keun; Oh, Jeong Rok; Do, Young Rag

2011-12-05

This paper reports the optical effects of a two-dimensional (2D) SiNx photonic crystal layer (PCL) on Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) yellow ceramic plate phosphor (CPP) in order to enhance the forward emission of YAG:Ce CPP-capped high-power white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). By adding the 2D SiNx PCL with a 580 nm lattice constant, integrated yellow emission was improved by a factor of 1.72 compared to that of a conventional YAG:Ce CPP capped on a blue LED cup. This enhanced forward yellow emission is attributed to increased extraction of yellow emission light and improved absorption of blue excitation light through Bragg scattering and/or the leaky modes produced by the 2D PCLs. The introduction of 2D PCL can also reduce the wide variation of optical properties as a function of both ambient temperature and applied current, compared to those of a high-power YAG:Ce CPP-capped LED.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hansen, Jacob; Edgar, Thomas W.; Daily, Jeffrey A.

With an ever-evolving power grid, concerns regarding how to maintain system stability, efficiency, and reliability remain constant because of increasing uncertainties and decreasing rotating inertia. To alleviate some of these concerns, demand response represents a viable solution and is virtually an untapped resource in the current power grid. This work describes a hierarchical control framework that allows coordination between distributed energy resources and demand response. This control framework is composed of two control layers: a coordination layer that ensures aggregations of resources are coordinated to achieve system objectives and a device layer that controls individual resources to assure the predeterminedmore » power profile is tracked in real time. Large-scale simulations are executed to study the hierarchical control, requiring advancements in simulation capabilities. Technical advancements necessary to investigate and answer control interaction questions, including the Framework for Network Co-Simulation platform and Arion modeling capability, are detailed. Insights into the interdependencies of controls across a complex system and how they must be tuned, as well as validation of the effectiveness of the proposed control framework, are yielded using a large-scale integrated transmission system model coupled with multiple distribution systems.« less

JPL's electric and hybrid vehicles project: Project activities and preliminary test results. [power conditioning and battery charge efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barber, T. A.

1980-01-01

Efforts to achieve a 100 mile urban range, to reduce petroleum usage 40% to 70%, and to commercialize battery technology are discussed with emphasis on an all plastic body, four passenger car that is flywheel assisted and battery powered, and on an all metal body, four passenger car with front wheel drive and front motor. For the near term case, a parallel hybrid in which the electric motor and the internal combustion engine may directly power the drive wheels, is preferred to a series design. A five passenger car in which the electric motor and the gasoline engine both feed into the same transmission is discussed. Upgraded demonstration vehicles were tested using advanced lead acid, nickel zinc, nickel iron, and zinc chloride batteries to determine maximum acceleration, constant speed, and battery behavior. The near term batteries demonstrated significant improvement relative to current lead acid batteries. The increase in range was due to improved energy density, and ampere hour capacity, with relatively 1 small weight and volume differences.

Geomorphological and hydrological implications of a given hydraulic geometry relationship, beyond the power-law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, JongChun; Paik, Kyungrock

2015-04-01

Channel geometry and hydraulic characteristics of a given river network, i.e., spatio-temporal variability of width, depth, and velocity, can be described as power functional relationships of flow discharge, named 'hydraulic geometry' (Leopold and Maddock, 1953). Many studies have focused on the implication of this power-law itself, i.e., self-similarity, and accordingly its exponents. Coefficients of the power functional relationships, on the contrary, have received little attention. They are often regarded as empirical constants, determined by 'best fitting' to the power-law without significant scientific implications. Here, we investigate and claim that power-law coefficients of hydraulic geometry relationships carry vital information of a given river system. We approach the given problem on the basis of 'basin hydraulic geometry' formulation (Stall and Fok, 1968) which decomposes power-law coefficients into more elementary constants. The linkage between classical power-law relationship (Leopold and Maddock, 1953) and the basin hydraulic geometry is provided by Paik and Kumar (2004). On the basis of this earlier study, it can be shown that coefficients and exponents of power-law hydraulic geometry are interrelated. In this sense, we argue that more elementary constants that constitute both exponents and coefficients carry important messages. In this presentation, we will demonstrate how these elementary constants vary over a wide range of catchments provided from Stall and Fok (1968) and Stall and Yang (1970). Findings of this study can provide new insights on fundamental understanding about hydraulic geometry relationships. Further, we expect that this understanding can help interpretation of hydraulic geometry relationship in the context of flood propagation through a river system as well. Keywords: Hydraulic geometry; Power-law; River network References Leopold, L. B., & Maddock, T. J. (1953). The hydraulic geometry of stream channels and some physiographic implications. U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper, 252. Paik, K., & Kumar, P. (2004). Hydraulic geometry and the nonlinearity of the network instantaneous response, Water Resource Research, 40, W03602. Stall, J. B., & Fok, Y. S. (1968). Hydraulic geometry of Illinois streams. University of Illinois Water Resources Center Research Report, 15. Stall, J. B., & Yang, C. T. (1970). Hydraulic geometry of 12 selected stream systems of the United States. University of Illinois Water Resources Center Research Report, 32.

Polarization-Induced Interfacial Reactions between Nickel and Selenium in Ni/Zirconia SOFC Anodes and Comparison with Sulfur Poisoning

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marina, Olga A.; Pederson, Larry R.; Coyle, Christopher A.

2011-01-10

Three distinctly different characteristic responses of a nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni/YSZ) cermet anode to the presence of hydrogen selenide in synthetic coal gas were observed, depending on temperature (650-800oC), H2Se concentration (0-40 ppm), and especially on the extent of anodic polarization (0 to ~0.5 V). The first level of response was characterized by a rapid but modest decrease in power density to a new steady state, with no further degradation observed in tests up to 700 hours in duration. Mostly observed at high temperatures, low H2Se concentrations, and low anodic polarizations, this response level was similar to effects caused by themore » presence of H2S, but with slower onset and lower reversibility. Higher anodic polarization at a constant current could trigger a second level of response characterized by oscillatory behavior involving cycles of rapid performance loss followed by rapid recovery. Oscillations at the constant current density were accompanied by the appearance and disappearance of a new feature in the electrochemical impedance spectrum with a summit frequency of ~100 Hz. Oscillatory behavior ceased when the current density was lowered. Such behavior was not observed for cells operated at a constant potential of similar magnitude, though. A third level of response, irreversible cell failure, could be induced by further increases in anodic polarization, additionally favored by low temperature and high H2Se concentration. Post-test analyses of failed cells by electron microscopy revealed the extensive microstructural changes including the appearance of nickel oxide and nickel selenide alteration phases, only at the anode/electrolyte interface. From bulk thermochemical considerations the formation of nickel selenides could not be expected. Local chemical conditions created at the anode/electrolyte interface appear to be of overriding importance with respect to the extent of Ni/YSZ anode interactions with H2Se in coal gas.« less

Numerical modelling of the flow and isotope separation in centrifuge Iguasu for different lengths of the rotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogovalov, S. V.; Borisevich, V. D.; Borman, V. D.; Tronin, I. V.; Tronin, V. N.

2016-06-01

Numerical modelling and optimization of the gas flow and isotope separation in the Iguasu gas centrifuge (GC) for uranium enrichment have been performed for different lengths of the rotor. The calculations show that the specific separative power of the GC reduces with the length of the rotor. We show that the reduction of the specific separative power is connected with the growth of the pressure in the optimal regime and corresponding growth of temperature to prevent the working gas sublimation. The specific separative power remains constant with the growth of the rotor length provided that the temperature of the gas is taken to be constant.

Numerical modelling of the flow and isotope separation in centrifuge Iguasu for different lengths of the rotor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bogovalov, S. V.; Borisevich, V. D.; Borman, V. D.

Numerical modelling and optimization of the gas flow and isotope separation in the Iguasu gas centrifuge (GC) for uranium enrichment have been performed for different lengths of the rotor. The calculations show that the specific separative power of the GC reduces with the length of the rotor. We show that the reduction of the specific separative power is connected with the growth of the pressure in the optimal regime and corresponding growth of temperature to prevent the working gas sublimation. The specific separative power remains constant with the growth of the rotor length provided that the temperature of the gasmore » is taken to be constant.« less

Development of induction current acquisition device based on ARM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yanju; Liu, Xiyang; Huang, Wanyu; Yao, Jiang; Yuan, Guiyang; Hui, Luan; Guan, Shanshan

2018-03-01

We design an induction current acquisition device based on ARM in order to realize high resolution and high sampling rate of acquisition for the induction current in wire-loop. Considering its characteristics of fast attenuation and small signal amplitude, we use the method of multi-path fusion for noise suppression. In the paper, the design is carried out from three aspects of analog circuit and device selection, independent power supply structure and the electromagnetic interference suppression of high frequency. DMA and ping-pong buffer, as a new data transmission technology, solves real time storage problem of massive data. The performance parameters of ARM acquisition device are tested. The comparison test of ARM acquisition device and cRIO acquisition device is performed at different time constants. The results show that it has 120dB dynamic range, 47kHz bandwidth, 96kHz sampling rate, 5μV the smallest resolution, and its average error value is not more than 4%, which proves the high accuracy and stability of the device.

Tritium β decay in chiral effective field theory

DOE PAGES

Baroni, A.; Girlanda, L.; Kievsky, A.; ...

2016-08-18

We evaluate the Fermi and Gamow-Teller (GT) matrix elements in tritiummore » $$\\beta$$-decay by including in the charge-changing weak current the corrections up to one loop recently derived in nuclear chiral effective field theory ($$\\chi$$ EFT). The trinucleon wave functions are obtained from hyperspherical-harmonics solutions of the Schroedinger equation with two- and three-nucleon potentials corresponding to either $$\\chi$$ EFT (the N3LO/N2LO combination) or meson-exchange phenomenology (the AV18/UIX combination). We find that contributions due to loop corrections in the axial current are, in relative terms, as large as (and in some cases, dominate) those from one-pion exchange, which nominally occur at lower order in the power counting. Furthermore, we also provide values for the low-energy constants multiplying the contact axial current and three-nucleon potential, required to reproduce the experimental GT matrix element and trinucleon binding energies in the N3LO/N2LO and AV18/UIX calculations.« less