Short- and longtime stability of therapeutic ultrasound reference sources for dosimetry and exposimetry purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haller, J.; Wilkens, V.

2017-03-01

The objective of this work was to create highly stable therapeutic ultrasound fields with well-known exposimetry and dosimetry parameters that are reproducible and hence predictable with well-known uncertainties. Such well- known and reproducible fields would allow validation and secondary calibrations of different measuring capabilities, which is already a widely accepted strategy for diagnostic fields. For this purpose, a reference setup was established that comprises two therapeutic ultrasound sources (one High-Intensity Therapeutic Ultrasound (HITU) source and one physiotherapy-like source), standard rf electronics for signal creation, and computer-controlled feedback to stabilize the input voltage. The short- and longtime stability of the acoustic output were evaluated - for the former, measurements over typical laboratory measurement time periods (i.e. some seconds or minutes) of the input voltage stability with and without feedback control were performed. For the latter, measurements of typical acoustical exposimetry parameters were performed bimonthly over one year. The measurement results show that the short- and the longtime stability of the reference setup are very good and that it is especially significantly improved in comparison to a setup without any feedback control.

Composite power system well-being analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboreshaid, Saleh Abdulrahman Saleh

The evaluation of composite system reliability is extremely complex as it is necessary to include detailed modeling of both generation and transmission facilities and their auxiliary elements. The most significant quantitative indices in composite power system adequacy evaluation are those which relate to load curtailment. Many utilities have difficulty in interpreting the expected load curtailment indices as the existing models are based on adequacy analysis and in many cases do not consider realistic operating conditions in the system under study. This thesis presents a security based approach which alleviates this difficulty and provides the ability to evaluate the well-being of customer load points and the overall composite generation and transmission power system. Acceptable deterministic criteria are included in the probabilistic evaluation of the composite system reliability indices to monitor load point well-being. The degree of load point well-being is quantified in terms of the healthy and marginal state indices in addition to the traditional risk indices. The individual well-being indices of the different system load points are aggregated to produce system indices. This thesis presents new models and techniques to quantify the well-being of composite generation and, direct and alternating current transmission systems. Security constraints are basically the operating limits which must be satisfied for normal system operation. These constraints depend mainly on the purpose behind the study. The constraints which govern the practical operation of a power system are divided, in this thesis, into three sets namely, steady-state, voltage stability and transient stability constraints. The inclusion of an appropriate transient stability constraint will lead to a more accurate appraisal of the overall power system well-being. This thesis illustrates the utilization of a bisection method in the analytical evaluation of the critical clearing time which forms the basis of most existing stability assessments. The effect of employing high-speed-simultaneous or adaptive reclosing schemes is presented in this thesis. An effective and fast technique to incorporate voltage stability considerations in composite generation and transmission system reliability evaluation is also presented. The proposed technique can be easily incorporated in an existing composite power system reliability program using voltage stability constraints that are constructed for individual load points based on a relatively simple risk index. It is believed that the concepts, procedures and indices presented in this thesis will provide useful tools for power system designers, planners and operators and assist them to perform composite system well-being analysis in addition to traditional risk assessment.

Magnetic field dependence of spin torque switching in nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Liu; Rowlands, Graham; Katine, Jordan; Langer, Juergen; Krivorotov, Ilya

2012-02-01

Magnetic random access memory based on spin transfer torque effect in nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions (STT-RAM) is emerging as a promising candidate for embedded and stand-alone computer memory. An important performance parameter of STT-RAM is stability of its free magnetic layer against thermal fluctuations. Measurements of the free layer switching probability as a function of sub-critical voltage at zero effective magnetic field (read disturb rate or RDR measurements) have been proposed as a method for quantitative evaluation of the free layer thermal stability at zero voltage. In this presentation, we report RDR measurement as a function of external magnetic field, which provide a test of the RDR method self-consistency and reliability.

An Novel Continuation Power Flow Method Based on Line Voltage Stability Index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jianfang; He, Yuqing; He, Hongbin; Jiang, Zhuohan

2018-01-01

An novel continuation power flow method based on line voltage stability index is proposed in this paper. Line voltage stability index is used to determine the selection of parameterized lines, and constantly updated with the change of load parameterized lines. The calculation stages of the continuation power flow decided by the angle changes of the prediction of development trend equation direction vector are proposed in this paper. And, an adaptive step length control strategy is used to calculate the next prediction direction and value according to different calculation stages. The proposed method is applied clear physical concept, and the high computing speed, also considering the local characteristics of voltage instability which can reflect the weak nodes and weak area in a power system. Due to more fully to calculate the PV curves, the proposed method has certain advantages on analysing the voltage stability margin to large-scale power grid.

Methods of computing steady-state voltage stability margins of power systems

DOEpatents

Chow, Joe Hong; Ghiocel, Scott Gordon

2018-03-20

In steady-state voltage stability analysis, as load increases toward a maximum, conventional Newton-Raphson power flow Jacobian matrix becomes increasingly ill-conditioned so power flow fails to converge before reaching maximum loading. A method to directly eliminate this singularity reformulates the power flow problem by introducing an AQ bus with specified bus angle and reactive power consumption of a load bus. For steady-state voltage stability analysis, the angle separation between the swing bus and AQ bus can be varied to control power transfer to the load, rather than specifying the load power itself. For an AQ bus, the power flow formulation is only made up of a reactive power equation, thus reducing the size of the Jacobian matrix by one. This reduced Jacobian matrix is nonsingular at the critical voltage point, eliminating a major difficulty in voltage stability analysis for power system operations.

ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS USING COLD-CATHODE TRIODE VALVES

DOEpatents

Goulding, F.S.

1957-11-26

An electrical circuit which may be utilized as a pulse generator or voltage stabilizer is presented. The circuit employs a cold-cathode triode valve arranged to oscillate between its on and off stages by the use of selected resistance-capacitance time constant components in the plate and trigger grid circuits. The magnitude of the d-c voltage applied to the trigger grid circuit effectively controls the repetition rate of the output pulses. In the voltage stabilizer arrangement the d-c control voltage is a portion of the supply voltage and the rectified output voltage is substantially constant.

Transient AC voltage related phenomena for HVDC schemes connected to weak AC systems

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

Pilotto, L.A.S.; Szechtman, M.; Hammad, A.E.

1992-07-01

In this paper a didactic explanation of voltage stability associated phenomena at HVDC terminals is presented. Conditions leading to ac voltage collapse problems are identified. A mechanism that excites control-induced voltage oscillations is shown. The voltage stability factor is used for obtaining the maximum power limits of ac/dc systems operating with different control strategies. Correlation to Pd {times} Id curves is given. Solutions for eliminating the risks of voltage collapse and for avoiding control-induced oscillations are discussed. The results are supported by detailed digital simulations of a weak ac/dc system using EMTP.

Physicochemical assessment criteria for high-voltage pulse capacitors

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

Darian, L. A., E-mail: LDarian@rambler.ru; Lam, L. Kh.

In the paper, the applicability of decomposition products of internal insulation of high-voltage pulse capacitors is considered (aging is the reason for decomposition products of internal insulation). Decomposition products of internal insulation of high-voltage pulse capacitors can be used to evaluate their quality when in operation and in service. There have been three generations of markers of aging of insulation as in the case with power transformers. The area of applicability of markers of aging of insulation for power transformers has been studied and the area can be extended to high-voltage pulse capacitors. The research reveals that there is amore » correlation between the components and quantities of markers of aging of the first generation (gaseous decomposition products of insulation) dissolved in insulating liquid and the remaining life of high-voltage pulse capacitors. The application of markers of aging to evaluate the remaining service life of high-voltage pulse capacitor is a promising direction of research, because the design of high-voltage pulse capacitors keeps stability of markers of aging of insulation in high-voltage pulse capacitors. It is necessary to continue gathering statistical data concerning development of markers of aging of the first generation. One should also carry out research aimed at estimation of the remaining life of capacitors using markers of the second and the third generation.« less

Fundamental investigation of vacuum PD tubes

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

Suyama, M.; Hirano, K.; Asakura, N.

1994-08-01

As a fundamental study of photodiodes (PDs) for electron bombardment, two types of PDs have been experimentally investigated to be applied in electron tubes. A PD bombarded from the front surface (FB-PD), where pn junction of planer structure existed, was evaluated to measure fast response characteristics such as 2.1ns in rise time, however, more than an order of magnitude increase of dark current was also confirmed after a long term stability test of 1,000 hours. On the other hand, a PD bombarded by electrons from the rear surface (RB-PD) showed no increase of dark current after the stability test andmore » fast rise time of 2.7ns. However, it was clarified that the rise time of RB-PD depended on applied voltage to the PD, and applied voltage of 200 V was necessary to achieve such fast response. Since it was a much higher voltage than expected, some modifications may be necessary to achieve fast response with lower applied voltage, considering the yield of the PDs. Comparison of two types of PDs on some other characteristics are discussed. Preliminary test results of an electron bombardment APD are also discussed.« less

PMU-Aided Voltage Security Assessment for a Wind Power Plant

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

Jiang, Huaiguang; Zhang, Yingchen; Zhang, Jun Jason

2015-10-05

Because wind power penetration levels in electric power systems are continuously increasing, voltage stability is a critical issue for maintaining power system security and operation. The traditional methods to analyze voltage stability can be classified into two categories: dynamic and steady-state. Dynamic analysis relies on time-domain simulations of faults at different locations; however, this method needs to exhaust faults at all locations to find the security region for voltage at a single bus. With the widely located phasor measurement units (PMUs), the Thevenin equivalent matrix can be calculated by the voltage and current information collected by the PMUs. This papermore » proposes a method based on a Thevenin equivalent matrix to identify system locations that will have the greatest impact on the voltage at the wind power plant's point of interconnection. The number of dynamic voltage stability analysis runs is greatly reduced by using the proposed method. The numerical results demonstrate the feasibility, effectiveness, and robustness of the proposed approach for voltage security assessment for a wind power plant.« less

Relationship of Cure Temperature to Mechanical, Physical, and Dielectric Performance of PDMS Glass Composite for Electric Motor Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Sandi G.; Becker, Kathleen; Williams, Tiffany S.; Scheiman, Daniel A.; McCorkle, Linda S.; Heimann, Paula J.; Ring, Andrew; Woodworth, Andrew

2017-01-01

Achieving NASAs aggressive fuel burn and emission reduction for N-plus-3 aircraft will require hybrid electric propulsion system in which electric motors driven by either power generated from turbine or energy storage system will power the fan for propulsion. Motors designed for hybrid electric aircraft are expected to operate at medium to high voltages over long durations in a high altitude service environment. Such conditions have driven research toward the development of wire insulation with improved mechanical strength, thermal stability and increased breakdown voltage. The silicone class of materials has been considered for electric wire insulation due to its inherent thermal stability, dielectric strength and mechanical integrity. This paper evaluates the dependence of these properties on the cure conditions of a polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) elastomer; where both cure temperature and base-to-catalyst ratio were varied. The PDMS elastomer was evaluated as a bulk material and an impregnation matrix within a lightweight glass veil support. The E-glass support was selected for mechanical stiffness and dielectric strength. This work has shown a correlation between cure conditions and material physical properties. Tensile strength increased with cure temperature whereas breakdown voltage tended to be independent of process variations. The results will be used to direct material formulation based on specific insulation requirements.

Design techniques for a stable operation of cryogenic field-programmable gate arrays.

PubMed

Homulle, Harald; Visser, Stefan; Patra, Bishnu; Charbon, Edoardo

2018-01-01

In this paper, we show how a deep-submicron field-programmable gate array (FPGA) can be operated more stably at extremely low temperatures through special firmware design techniques. Stability at low temperatures is limited through long power supply wires and reduced performance of various printed circuit board components commonly employed at room temperature. Extensive characterization of these components shows that the majority of decoupling capacitor types and voltage regulators are not well behaved at cryogenic temperatures, asking for an ad hoc solution to stabilize the FPGA supply voltage, especially for sensitive applications. Therefore, we have designed a firmware that enforces a constant power consumption, so as to stabilize the supply voltage in the interior of the FPGA. The FPGA is powered with a supply at several meters distance, causing significant resistive voltage drop and thus fluctuations on the local supply voltage. To achieve the stabilization, the variation in digital logic speed, which directly corresponds to changes in supply voltage, is constantly measured and corrected for through a tunable oscillator farm, implemented on the FPGA. The impact of the stabilization technique is demonstrated together with a reconfigurable analog-to-digital converter (ADC), completely implemented in the FPGA fabric and operating at 15 K. The ADC performance can be improved by at most 1.5 bits (effective number of bits) thanks to the more stable supply voltage. The method is versatile and robust, enabling seamless porting to other FPGA families and configurations.

Design techniques for a stable operation of cryogenic field-programmable gate arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homulle, Harald; Visser, Stefan; Patra, Bishnu; Charbon, Edoardo

2018-01-01

In this paper, we show how a deep-submicron field-programmable gate array (FPGA) can be operated more stably at extremely low temperatures through special firmware design techniques. Stability at low temperatures is limited through long power supply wires and reduced performance of various printed circuit board components commonly employed at room temperature. Extensive characterization of these components shows that the majority of decoupling capacitor types and voltage regulators are not well behaved at cryogenic temperatures, asking for an ad hoc solution to stabilize the FPGA supply voltage, especially for sensitive applications. Therefore, we have designed a firmware that enforces a constant power consumption, so as to stabilize the supply voltage in the interior of the FPGA. The FPGA is powered with a supply at several meters distance, causing significant resistive voltage drop and thus fluctuations on the local supply voltage. To achieve the stabilization, the variation in digital logic speed, which directly corresponds to changes in supply voltage, is constantly measured and corrected for through a tunable oscillator farm, implemented on the FPGA. The impact of the stabilization technique is demonstrated together with a reconfigurable analog-to-digital converter (ADC), completely implemented in the FPGA fabric and operating at 15 K. The ADC performance can be improved by at most 1.5 bits (effective number of bits) thanks to the more stable supply voltage. The method is versatile and robust, enabling seamless porting to other FPGA families and configurations.

Design of DC-contact RF MEMS switch with temperature stability

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

Sun, Junfeng; Nanjing Electronic Devices Institute, Nanjing, 210016; Li, Zhiqun, E-mail: zhiqunli@seu.edu.cn

In order to improve the temperature stability of DC-contact RF MEMS switch, a thermal buckle-beam structure is implemented. The stability of the switch pull-in voltage versus temperature is not only improved, but also the impact of stress and stress gradient on the drive voltage is suppressed. Test results show that the switch pull-in voltage is less sensitive to temperature between -20 °C and 100 °C. The variable rate of pull-in voltage to temperature is about -120 mV/°C. The RF performance of the switch is stable, and the isolation is almost independent of temperature. After being annealed at 280 °C formore » 12 hours, our switch samples, which are suitable for packaging, have less than 1.5% change in the rate of pull-in voltage.« less

Frequency stabilization in nonlinear MEMS and NEMS oscillators

DOEpatents

Lopez, Omar Daniel; Antonio, Dario

2014-09-16

An illustrative system includes an amplifier operably connected to a phase shifter. The amplifier is configured to amplify a voltage from an oscillator. The phase shifter is operably connected to a driving amplitude control, wherein the phase shifter is configured to phase shift the amplified voltage and is configured to set an amplitude of the phase shifted voltage. The oscillator is operably connected to the driving amplitude control. The phase shifted voltage drives the oscillator. The oscillator is at an internal resonance condition, based at least on the amplitude of the phase shifted voltage, that stabilizes frequency oscillations in the oscillator.

Reduction in the write error rate of voltage-induced dynamic magnetization switching using the reverse bias method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeura, Takuro; Nozaki, Takayuki; Shiota, Yoichi; Yamamoto, Tatsuya; Imamura, Hiroshi; Kubota, Hitoshi; Fukushima, Akio; Suzuki, Yoshishige; Yuasa, Shinji

2018-04-01

Using macro-spin modeling, we studied the reduction in the write error rate (WER) of voltage-induced dynamic magnetization switching by enhancing the effective thermal stability of the free layer using a voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy change. Marked reductions in WER can be achieved by introducing reverse bias voltage pulses both before and after the write pulse. This procedure suppresses the thermal fluctuations of magnetization in the initial and final states. The proposed reverse bias method can offer a new way of improving the writing stability of voltage-driven spintronic devices.

Method for passively compensating for temperature coefficient of gain in silicon photomultipliers and similar devices

DOEpatents

McKisson, John E.; Barbosa, Fernando

2015-09-01

A method for designing a completely passive bias compensation circuit to stabilize the gain of multiple pixel avalanche photo detector devices. The method includes determining circuitry design and component values to achieve a desired precision of gain stability. The method can be used with any temperature sensitive device with a nominally linear coefficient of voltage dependent parameter that must be stabilized. The circuitry design includes a negative temperature coefficient resistor in thermal contact with the photomultiplier device to provide a varying resistance and a second fixed resistor to form a voltage divider that can be chosen to set the desired slope and intercept for the characteristic with a specific voltage source value. The addition of a third resistor to the divider network provides a solution set for a set of SiPM devices that requires only a single stabilized voltage source value.

Comparison of conductor and dielectric inks in printed organic complementary transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ng, Tse Nga; Mei, Ping; Whiting, Gregory L.; Schwartz, David E.; Abraham, Biby; Wu, Yiliang; Veres, Janos

2014-10-01

Two types of printable conductor and a bilayer gate dielectric are evaluated for use in all-additive, inkjetprinted complementary OTFTs. The Ag nanoparticle ink based on nonpolar alkyl amine surfactant or stabilizer enables good charge injection into p-channel devices, but this ink also leaves residual stabilizer that modifies the transistor backchannel and shifts the turn-on voltage to negative values. The Ag ink based on polar solvent requires dopant modification to improve charge injection to p-channel devices, but this ink allows the OTFT turn-on voltage to be close to 0 V. The reverse trend is observed for n-channel OTFTs. For gate insulator, a bilayer dielectric is demonstrated that combines the advantages of two types of insulator materials, in which a fluoropolymer reduces dipolar disorder at the semiconductor-dielectric interface, while a high-k PVDF terpolymer dielectric facilitates high gate capacitance. The dielectric is incorporated into an inverter and a three-stage ring oscillator, and the resulting circuits were demonstrated to operate at a supply voltage as low as 2 V, with bias stress levels comparable to circuits with other types of dielectrics.

Integrated circuit electrometer and sweep circuitry for an atmospheric probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimmerman, L. E.

1971-01-01

The design of electrometer circuitry using an integrated circuit operational amplifier with a MOSFET input is described. Input protection against static voltages is provided by a dual ultra low leakage diode or a neon lamp. Factors affecting frequency response leakage resistance, and current stability are discussed, and methods are suggested for increasing response speed and for eliminating leakage resistance and current instabilities. Based on the above, two practical circuits, one having a linear response and the other a logarithmic response, were designed and evaluated experimentally. The design of a sweep circuit to implement mobility measurements using atmospheric probes is presented. A triangular voltage waveform is generated and shaped to contain a step in voltage from zero volts in both positive and negative directions.

The Role of Additives in Improving Performance in High Voltage Lithium-Ion Batteries with Potentiostatic Holds

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

Tornheim, Adam; He, Meinan; Su, Chi-Cheung

In this work, various electrolyte additives designed for enhanced performance at high voltages were evaluated with elevated temperature potentiostatic holds with LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3/Li4Ti5O12 full cells to determine their effect on the high voltage stability. Of the additives investigated, many showed increased oxidation current through the 60 hour potentiostatic holds test, and adversely affected both the capacity retention and interfacial impedance. Improved high voltage performance was observed with two additives, vinylene carbonate (VC) and 1,1,2,2- tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE), which was attributed to two different mechanisms of improvement. This work challenges some conclusions in the available literature that an additive molecule that decomposesmore » on the charged cathode surface and passivates the surface against electrolyte oxidation.« less

Implementation of Particle Swarm Optimization Method for Voltage Stability Analysis in 150 kV Sub System Grati – Paiton East Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusumaningtyas, A. B.; Hidayat, M. N.; Ronilaya, F.

2018-04-01

Based on the data from State Electric Company on 15 January 2013, the undistributed power in the 150 kV sub system Grati-Paiton Region IV, that consist of 26 bus 150 kV and 2 bus generation 500 kV system, was recorded 3.286,00 MW. At the same time, the frequency of the system was down to 49 Hz. This lead to a deficit generation and unstable voltage condition in the system. Fast Voltage Stability Index (FVSI) method is used in this research to analyze the voltage stability of the buses. For buses with unstable voltage condition, reactive power will be injected through capacitor installation. The site where the capacitor will be installed is determined using the Fast Voltage Stability Index (FVSI) method while the size of the capacitor is determined using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. The PSO method has been applied in some researches, such as to determine optimal placement and sizing in radial distribution network as well as in transmission network.. In this research, the PSO method is used to find the Qloss of an interconnection transmission system, which in turn, the value of the Qloss is used to determine the capacitance of the capacitor needed by the system.

Real time simulation application to monitor the stability limit of power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartono, Kuo, Ming-Tse

2017-06-01

If the power system falls into an unsteady state, there will be voltage collapse in which the power system will be separated into small systems. Identifying the stability reserve in conformity with a certain practical operation condition is very important for the system management and operation. In fact, the global power system issue has caused serious outages due to voltage collapse such as in the United States-Canada in August 14, 2003; South London in August 28, 2003; southern Sweden and eastern Denmark in September 23, 2003; and Italy on September 28, 2003, and in Vietnam where power system problem led to power loss on 17 May 2005, 27 December 2006, 20 July 2007, and 10 September 2007. The analysis shows that the phenomenon is related to the loss of system stability. Thus, the operational system as well as the power system designs should be studied related to the issue of the system stability. To study the static stability of the power system, different approximate standards, called pragmatic criteria, were examined. Markovits has investigated the application of the standard of dP/dd to test the stability of the power button and dq/dU to check the voltage stability of the load button [1]. However, the storage stability when calculating standard dP/d d is usually much larger than the reserves when calculating standard dq/dU [1]. This paper presents a method to build a possible operation region in the power plane of load bus which works in comply with the stability limit to evaluate the stability reserve of the power system. This method is used to build a program to monitor the stability reserve of IEEE 39 Bus Power System in real time. To monitor the stability reserve of IEEE 39 nodes power system, articles based on the standard dq/dU was used to calculate the assessment. When using standard dq/dU to check for voltage stability load button, the amount of storage stability can be calculated by the following steps: first, transformed replacement scheme Masonry on the schematic rays of the source and node load stability was examined by using Gaussian elimination algorithm [1, 2, 3], then on the basis of ray diagrams the construction work, allowed domain of spare capacity load capacity in space and storage stability for the load button were determined. The GS-ODT program was built on the basis of Gaussian elimination algorithm and stable domain construction work algorithm for Masonic load button by dQ/dU pragmatic criteria. The GS-ODT program has a simple interface and easy to use with the main function is to identify the allowed domain for the load button and thus can assess visually stable reserve still according to the load capacity of the nodes of the IEEE 39 nodes power system in real-time.

Electrochemical characteristics of the reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube/polypyrrole composites for aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yu-Jung; Wu, Tzu-Ho; Hsu, Chun-Tsung; Li, Shin-Ming; Chen, Ming-Guan; Hu, Chi-Chang

2014-12-01

Polypyrrole (PPy) has been polymerized onto reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (rGO/CNT) to form an rGO/CNT/PPy composite using the chemical oxidation method. The electrochemical characteristics of the above composite in various aqueous electrolytes are systematically compared for the asymmetric supercapacitor application. The electrochemical characteristics of rGO/CNT/PPy in the electrolytes containing K+ show improved reversibility and higher stability. Introducing XC-72 in preparing the electrode has been found to enhance the specific capacitance and the cycle stability of rGO/CNT/PPy. The charge storage stability of rGO/CNT/PPy + XC-72 in various potential windows has been evaluated through the potential bias stress test. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with a positive electrode of Mn3O4 and a negative electrode of rGO/CNT/PPy + XC-72 is successfully demonstrated, which shows specific energy and power of 14. Wh kg-1 and 6.62 kW kg-1 with a cell voltage of 1.6 V. This ASC with a cell voltage of 1.6 V shows excellent charge-discharge cycle stability and ideal capacitive behavior in NaNO3 even after the application of 3250 charge-discharge cycles.

Optimal line drop compensation parameters under multi-operating conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Yuan; Li, Hang; Wang, Kai; He, Zhe

2017-01-01

Line Drop Compensation (LDC) is a main function of Reactive Current Compensation (RCC) which is developed to improve voltage stability. While LDC has benefit to voltage, it may deteriorate the small-disturbance rotor angle stability of power system. In present paper, an intelligent algorithm which is combined by Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) is proposed to optimize parameters of LDC. The objective function proposed in present paper takes consideration of voltage deviation and power system oscillation minimal damping ratio under multi-operating conditions. A simulation based on middle area of Jiangxi province power system is used to demonstrate the intelligent algorithm. The optimization result shows that coordinate optimized parameters can meet the multioperating conditions requirement and improve voltage stability as much as possible while guaranteeing enough damping ratio.

Enhancement of Voltage Stability of DC Smart Grid During Islanded Mode by Load Shedding Scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nassor, Thabit Salim; Senjyu, Tomonobu; Yona, Atsushi

2015-10-01

This paper presents the voltage stability of a DC smart grid based on renewable energy resources during grid connected and isolated modes. During the islanded mode the load shedding, based on the state of charge of the battery and distribution line voltage, was proposed for voltage stability and reservation of critical load power. The analyzed power system comprises a wind turbine, a photovoltaic generator, storage battery as controllable load, DC loads, and power converters. A fuzzy logic control strategy was applied for power consumption control of controllable loads and the grid-connected dual active bridge series resonant converters. The proposed DC Smart Grid operation has been verified by simulation using MATLAB® and PLECS® Blockset. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

A Study on a Centralized Under-Voltage Load Shedding Scheme Considering the Load Characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Jiyu; Liu, Junyong

Under-voltage load shedding is an important measure for maintaining voltage stability.Aiming at the optimal load shedding problem considering the load characteristics,firstly,the traditional under-voltage load shedding scheme based on a static load model may cause the analysis inaccurate is pointed out on the equivalent Thevenin circuit.Then,the dynamic voltage stability margin indicator is derived through local measurement.The derived indicator can reflect the voltage change of the key area in a myopia linear way.Dimensions of the optimal problem will be greatly simplified using this indicator.In the end,mathematical model of the centralized load shedding scheme is built with the indicator considering load characteristics.HSPPSO is introduced to slove the optimal problem.Simulation results on IEEE-39 system show that the proposed scheme display a good adaptability in solving the under-voltage load shedding considering dynamic load characteristics.

Calibration of high voltages at the ppm level by the difference of ^{83{m}}Kr conversion electron lines at the KATRIN experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arenz, M.; Baek, W.-J.; Beck, M.; Beglarian, A.; Behrens, J.; Bergmann, T.; Berlev, A.; Besserer, U.; Blaum, K.; Bode, T.; Bornschein, B.; Bornschein, L.; Brunst, T.; Buzinsky, N.; Chilingaryan, S.; Choi, W. Q.; Deffert, M.; Doe, P. J.; Dragoun, O.; Drexlin, G.; Dyba, S.; Edzards, F.; Eitel, K.; Ellinger, E.; Engel, R.; Enomoto, S.; Erhard, M.; Eversheim, D.; Fedkevych, M.; Fischer, S.; Formaggio, J. A.; Fränkle, F. M.; Franklin, G. B.; Friedel, F.; Fulst, A.; Gil, W.; Glück, F.; Ureña, A. Gonzalez; Grohmann, S.; Grössle, R.; Gumbsheimer, R.; Hackenjos, M.; Hannen, V.; Harms, F.; Haußmann, N.; Heizmann, F.; Helbing, K.; Herz, W.; Hickford, S.; Hilk, D.; Hillesheimer, D.; Howe, M. A.; Huber, A.; Jansen, A.; Kellerer, J.; Kernert, N.; Kippenbrock, L.; Kleesiek, M.; Klein, M.; Kopmann, A.; Korzeczek, M.; Kovalík, A.; Krasch, B.; Kraus, M.; Kuckert, L.; Lasserre, T.; Lebeda, O.; Letnev, J.; Lokhov, A.; Machatschek, M.; Marsteller, A.; Martin, E. L.; Mertens, S.; Mirz, S.; Monreal, B.; Neumann, H.; Niemes, S.; Off, A.; Osipowicz, A.; Otten, E.; Parno, D. S.; Pollithy, A.; Poon, A. W. P.; Priester, F.; Ranitzsch, P. C.-O.; Rest, O.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Roccati, F.; Rodenbeck, C.; Röllig, M.; Röttele, C.; Ryšavý, M.; Sack, R.; Saenz, A.; Schimpf, L.; Schlösser, K.; Schlösser, M.; Schönung, K.; Schrank, M.; Seitz-Moskaliuk, H.; Sentkerestiová, J.; Sibille, V.; Slezák, M.; Steidl, M.; Steinbrink, N.; Sturm, M.; Suchopar, M.; Suesser, M.; Telle, H. H.; Thorne, L. A.; Thümmler, T.; Titov, N.; Tkachev, I.; Trost, N.; Valerius, K.; Vénos, D.; Vianden, R.; Hernández, A. P. Vizcaya; Weber, M.; Weinheimer, C.; Weiss, C.; Welte, S.; Wendel, J.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Wolf, J.; Wüstling, S.; Zadoroghny, S.

2018-05-01

The neutrino mass experiment KATRIN requires a stability of 3 ppm for the retarding potential at - 18.6 kV of the main spectrometer. To monitor the stability, two custom-made ultra-precise high-voltage dividers were developed and built in cooperation with the German national metrology institute Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). Until now, regular absolute calibration of the voltage dividers required bringing the equipment to the specialised metrology laboratory. Here we present a new method based on measuring the energy difference of two ^{83{m}}Kr conversion electron lines with the KATRIN setup, which was demonstrated during KATRIN's commissioning measurements in July 2017. The measured scale factor M=1972.449(10) of the high-voltage divider K35 is in agreement with the last PTB calibration 4 years ago. This result demonstrates the utility of the calibration method, as well as the long-term stability of the voltage divider.

Multi-Objective Differential Evolution for Voltage Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow in Deregulated Power Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roselyn, J. Preetha; Devaraj, D.; Dash, Subhransu Sekhar

2013-11-01

Voltage stability is an important issue in the planning and operation of deregulated power systems. The voltage stability problems is a most challenging one for the system operators in deregulated power systems because of the intense use of transmission line capabilities and poor regulation in market environment. This article addresses the congestion management problem avoiding offline transmission capacity limits related to voltage stability by considering Voltage Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow (VSCOPF) problem in deregulated environment. This article presents the application of Multi Objective Differential Evolution (MODE) algorithm to solve the VSCOPF problem in new competitive power systems. The maximum of L-index of the load buses is taken as the indicator of voltage stability and is incorporated in the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem. The proposed method in hybrid power market which also gives solutions to voltage stability problems by considering the generation rescheduling cost and load shedding cost which relieves the congestion problem in deregulated environment. The buses for load shedding are selected based on the minimum eigen value of Jacobian with respect to the load shed. In the proposed approach, real power settings of generators in base case and contingency cases, generator bus voltage magnitudes, real and reactive power demands of selected load buses using sensitivity analysis are taken as the control variables and are represented as the combination of floating point numbers and integers. DE/randSF/1/bin strategy scheme of differential evolution with self-tuned parameter which employs binomial crossover and difference vector based mutation is used for the VSCOPF problem. A fuzzy based mechanism is employed to get the best compromise solution from the pareto front to aid the decision maker. The proposed VSCOPF planning model is implemented on IEEE 30-bus system, IEEE 57 bus practical system and IEEE 118 bus system. The pareto optimal front obtained from MODE is compared with reference pareto front and the best compromise solution for all the cases are obtained from fuzzy decision making strategy. The performance measures of proposed MODE in two test systems are calculated using suitable performance metrices. The simulation results show that the proposed approach provides considerable improvement in the congestion management by generation rescheduling and load shedding while enhancing the voltage stability in deregulated power system.

Similarity between the response of memristive and memcapacitive circuits subjected to ramped voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanygin, Mikhail A.; Katkov, Mikhail V.; Pershin, Yuriy V.

2017-07-01

We report a similar feature in the response of resistor-memristor and capacitor-memcapacitor circuits with threshold-type memory devices driven by triangular waveform voltage. In both cases, the voltage across the memory device is stabilized during the switching of the memory device state. While in the memristive circuit this feature is observed when the applied voltage changes in one direction, the memcapacitive circuit with a ferroelectric memcapacitor demonstrates the voltage stabilization effect at both sweep directions. The discovered behavior of capacitor-memcapacitor circuit is also demonstrated experimentally. We anticipate that our observation can be used in the design of electronic circuits with emergent memory devices as well as in the identification and characterization of memory effects in threshold-type memory devices.

APPARATUS FOR REGULATING HIGH VOLTAGE

DOEpatents

Morrison, K.G.

1951-03-20

This patent describes a high-voltage regulator of the r-f type wherein the modulation of the r-f voltage is accomplished at a high level, resulting in good stabilization over a large range of load conditions.

Stability of Triggering of the Switch with Sharply Non-Uniform Electric Field at the Electrode with Negative Potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalchuk, B. M.; Zherlitsyn, A. A.; Kumpyak, E. V.

2017-12-01

Results of investigations into a two-electrode high-pressure gas switch with sharply non-uniform field at the electrode with negative potential operating in the self-breakdown regime with pulsed charging of a highvoltage capacitive energy storage for 100 μs to voltage exceeding 200 kV are presented. It is demonstrated that depending on the air pressure and the gap length, the corona-streamer discharge, whose current increases with voltage, arises in the switch at a voltage of 0.2-0.3 of the self-breakdown voltage. At the moment of switch self-breakdown, the corona-streamer discharge goes over to one or several spark channels. The standard deviation of the triggering moment can be within 1.5 μs, which corresponds to the standard deviation of the self-breakdown voltage less than 2 kV. The voltage stability can be better than 1.5%.

Voltage collapse in complex power grids

PubMed Central

Simpson-Porco, John W.; Dörfler, Florian; Bullo, Francesco

2016-01-01

A large-scale power grid's ability to transfer energy from producers to consumers is constrained by both the network structure and the nonlinear physics of power flow. Violations of these constraints have been observed to result in voltage collapse blackouts, where nodal voltages slowly decline before precipitously falling. However, methods to test for voltage collapse are dominantly simulation-based, offering little theoretical insight into how grid structure influences stability margins. For a simplified power flow model, here we derive a closed-form condition under which a power network is safe from voltage collapse. The condition combines the complex structure of the network with the reactive power demands of loads to produce a node-by-node measure of grid stress, a prediction of the largest nodal voltage deviation, and an estimate of the distance to collapse. We extensively test our predictions on large-scale systems, highlighting how our condition can be leveraged to increase grid stability margins. PMID:26887284

Nonlinear neural control with power systems applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dingguo

1998-12-01

Extensive studies have been undertaken on the transient stability of large interconnected power systems with flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS) devices installed. Varieties of control methodologies have been proposed to stabilize the postfault system which would otherwise eventually lose stability without a proper control. Generally speaking, regular transient stability is well understood, but the mechanism of load-driven voltage instability or voltage collapse has not been well understood. The interaction of generator dynamics and load dynamics makes synthesis of stabilizing controllers even more challenging. There is currently increasing interest in the research of neural networks as identifiers and controllers for dealing with dynamic time-varying nonlinear systems. This study focuses on the development of novel artificial neural network architectures for identification and control with application to dynamic electric power systems so that the stability of the interconnected power systems, following large disturbances, and/or with the inclusion of uncertain loads, can be largely enhanced, and stable operations are guaranteed. The latitudinal neural network architecture is proposed for the purpose of system identification. It may be used for identification of nonlinear static/dynamic loads, which can be further used for static/dynamic voltage stability analysis. The properties associated with this architecture are investigated. A neural network methodology is proposed for dealing with load modeling and voltage stability analysis. Based on the neural network models of loads, voltage stability analysis evolves, and modal analysis is performed. Simulation results are also provided. The transient stability problem is studied with consideration of load effects. The hierarchical neural control scheme is developed. Trajectory-following policy is used so that the hierarchical neural controller performs as almost well for non-nominal cases as they do for the nominal cases. The adaptive hierarchical neural control scheme is also proposed to deal with the time-varying nature of loads. Further, adaptive neural control, which is based on the on-line updating of the weights and biases of the neural networks, is studied. Simulations provided on the faulted power systems with unknown loads suggest that the proposed adaptive hierarchical neural control schemes should be useful for practical power applications.

Electrolyte and Electrode Passivation for Thin Film Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

West, W.; Whitacre, J.; Ratnakumar, B.; Brandon, E.; Blosiu, J.; Surampudi, S.

2000-01-01

Passivation films for thin film batteries have been prepared and the conductivity and voltage stability window have been measured. Thin films of Li2CO3 have a large voltage stability window of 4.8V, which facilitates the use of this film as a passivation at both the lithium anode-electrolyte interface at high cathodic potentials.

Contribution of concentrator photovoltaic installations to grid stability and power quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

del Toro García, Xavier; Roncero-Sánchez, Pedro; Torres, Alfonso Parreño; Vázquez, Javier

2012-10-01

Large-scale integration of Photovoltaic (PV) generation systems, including Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) technologies, will require the contribution and support of these technologies to the management and stability of the grid. New regulations and grid codes for PV installations in countries such as Spain have recently included dynamic voltage control support during faults. The PV installation must stay connected to the grid during voltage dips and inject reactive power in order to enhance the stability of the system. The existing PV inverter technologies based on the Voltage-Source Converter (VSC) are in general well suited to provide advanced grid-support characteristics. Nevertheless, new advanced control schemes and monitoring techniques will be necessary to meet the most demanding requirements.

Study on surface adhesion of Plasma modified Polytetrafluoroethylene hollow fiber membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiangrong; Zhang, Huifeng; Liu, Guochang; Guo, Chungang; Lv, Jinglie; Zhangb, Yushan

2018-01-01

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is popular membrane material because of its excellent thermal stability, chemical stability and mechanical stability. However, the low surface energy and non-sticky property of PTFE present challenges for modification. In the present study, plasma treatment was performed to improve the surface adhesion of PTFE hollow fiber membrane. The effect of discharge voltage, treatment time on the adhesion of PTFE hollow fiber membrane was symmetrically evaluated. Results showed that the plasma treatment method contributed to improve the surface activity and roughness of PTFE hollow fiber membrane, and the adhesion strength depend significantly on discharge voltage, which was beneficial to seepage pressure of PTFE hollow fiber membrane module. The adhesion strength of PTFE membrane by plasma treated at 220V for 3min reached as high as 86.2 N, far surpassing the adhesion strength 12.7 N of pristine membrane. Furthermore, improvement of content of free radical and composition analysis changes of the plasma modified PTFE membrane were investigated. The seepage pressure of PTFE membrane by plasma treated at 220V for 3min was 0.375 MPa, which means that the plasma treatment is an effective technique to improve the adhesion strength of membrane.

Estimating power capability of aged lithium-ion batteries in presence of communication delays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fridholm, Björn; Wik, Torsten; Kuusisto, Hannes; Klintberg, Anton

2018-04-01

Efficient control of electrified powertrains requires accurate estimation of the power capability of the battery for the next few seconds into the future. When implemented in a vehicle, the power estimation is part of a control loop that may contain several networked controllers which introduces time delays that may jeopardize stability. In this article, we present and evaluate an adaptive power estimation method that robustly can handle uncertain health status and time delays. A theoretical analysis shows that stability of the closed loop system can be lost if the resistance of the model is under-estimated. Stability can, however, be restored by filtering the estimated power at the expense of slightly reduced bandwidth of the signal. The adaptive algorithm is experimentally validated in lab tests using an aged lithium-ion cell subject to a high power load profile in temperatures from -20 to +25 °C. The upper voltage limit was set to 4.15 V and the lower voltage limit to 2.6 V, where significant non-linearities are occurring and the validity of the model is limited. After an initial transient when the model parameters are adapted, the prediction accuracy is within ± 2 % of the actually available power.

Pulsed Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry for Operando Tracking of Interfacial Processes in Small-Time-Constant Electrochemical Devices such as Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Batisse, Nicolas; Raymundo-Piñero, Encarnación

2017-11-29

A more detailed understanding of the electrode/electrolyte interface degradation during the charging cycle in supercapacitors is of great interest for exploring the voltage stability range and therefore the extractable energy. The evaluation of the gas evolution during the charging, discharging, and aging processes is a powerful tool toward determining the stability and energy capacity of supercapacitors. Here, we attempt to fit the gas analysis resolution to the time response of a low-gas-generation power device by adopting a modified pulsed electrochemical mass spectrometry (PEMS) method. The pertinence of the method is shown using a symmetric carbon/carbon supercapacitor operating in different aqueous electrolytes. The differences observed in the gas levels and compositions as a function of the cell voltage correlate to the evolution of the physicochemical characteristics of the carbon electrodes and to the electrochemical performance, giving a complete picture of the processes taking place at the electrode/electrolyte interface.

Organic thin film devices with stabilized threshold voltage and mobility, and method for preparing the devices

DOEpatents

Nastasi, Michael Anthony; Wang, Yongqiang; Fraboni, Beatrice; Cosseddu, Piero; Bonfiglio, Annalisa

2013-06-11

Organic thin film devices that included an organic thin film subjected to a selected dose of a selected energy of ions exhibited a stabilized mobility (.mu.) and threshold voltage (VT), a decrease in contact resistance R.sub.C, and an extended operational lifetime that did not degrade after 2000 hours of operation in the air.

Available Transfer Capability Determination Using Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jirapong, Peeraool; Ongsakul, Weerakorn

2008-10-01

This paper proposes a new hybrid evolutionary algorithm (HEA) based on evolutionary programming (EP), tabu search (TS), and simulated annealing (SA) to determine the available transfer capability (ATC) of power transactions between different control areas in deregulated power systems. The optimal power flow (OPF)-based ATC determination is used to evaluate the feasible maximum ATC value within real and reactive power generation limits, line thermal limits, voltage limits, and voltage and angle stability limits. The HEA approach simultaneously searches for real power generations except slack bus in a source area, real power loads in a sink area, and generation bus voltages to solve the OPF-based ATC problem. Test results on the modified IEEE 24-bus reliability test system (RTS) indicate that ATC determination by the HEA could enhance ATC far more than those from EP, TS, hybrid TS/SA, and improved EP (IEP) algorithms, leading to an efficient utilization of the existing transmission system.

Comparison analysis on the thermal runaway of lithium-ion battery under two heating modes.

PubMed

Wu, Tangqin; Chen, Haodong; Wang, Qingsong; Sun, Jinhua

2018-02-15

The thermal stability evaluation of materials in a soft-pack commercial cell is tested using C80 calorimeter, including anode, cathode, separator and full cell (mixing of the three materials including additional electrolyte). Thermal runaway characteristic of the commercial cell is tested on the accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) with two heating modes, including internal heating mode and external heating mode. The results show that the thermal stability of internal material for tested cell follows the below order: anode

Analysis of Mesh Distribution Systems Considering Load Models and Load Growth Impact with Loops on System Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar Sharma, A.; Murty, V. V. S. N.

2014-12-01

The distribution system is the final link between bulk power system and consumer end. A distinctive load flow solution method is used for analysis of the load flow of radial and weakly meshed network based on Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and KVL. This method has excellent convergence characteristics for both radial as well as weakly meshed structure and is based on bus injection to branch current and branch-current to bus-voltage matrix. The main contribution of the paper is: (i) an analysis has been carried out for a weekly mesh network considering number of loops addition and its impact on the losses, kW and kVAr requirements from a system, and voltage profile, (ii) different load models, realistic ZIP load model and load growth impact on losses, voltage profile, kVA and kVAr requirements, (iii) impact of addition of loops on losses, voltage profile, kVA and kVAr requirements from substation, and (iv) comparison of system performance with radial distribution system. Voltage stability is a major concern in planning and operation of power systems. This paper also includes identifying the closeness critical bus which is the most sensitive to the voltage collapse in radial distribution networks. Node having minimum value of voltage stability index is the most sensitive node. Voltage stability index values are computed for meshed network with number of loops added in the system. The results have been obtained for IEEE 33 and 69 bus test system. The results have also been obtained for radial distribution system for comparison.

Online Assessment of Voltage Stability in Power Systems with PMUs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chitare, Prasad Bhagwat; Murthy Balijepalli, V. S. K.; Khaparde, S. A.

2013-05-01

Abstract: For the assessment of voltage instability which comprises the detection of voltage instability and identification of critical buses, two indices namely, system wide Qtax, and bus-specific qtax, are proposed. The Qtax, based on the sensitivity of the reactive power injections to the loading in the system provides early detection of impending voltage instability. The computed qtax indices identify the critcal buses among the load buses in the system. The identified critical buses provided optimal lacations for the corrective control actions for averting voltage instability. Additionally, for voltage stability monitoring, determining the poing of exhaustion of the reactive reserves in system is also crucial. This is addressed by proposed Q-Monitoring Index (QMI), which is the ratio of the reactive component of the source current to the sink current that flows through the adjacent transmission line. These proposed indices together can provide early indication to impending voltage instability. This has been illustrated on IEEE-39 bus system. The reactive support on identified critical buses results in maximum increase in the loadability of the system.

Optical voltage reference

DOEpatents

Rankin, Richard; Kotter, Dale

1994-01-01

An optical voltage reference for providing an alternative to a battery source. The optical reference apparatus provides a temperature stable, high precision, isolated voltage reference through the use of optical isolation techniques to eliminate current and impedance coupling errors. Pulse rate frequency modulation is employed to eliminate errors in the optical transmission link while phase-lock feedback is employed to stabilize the frequency to voltage transfer function.

Synchrophasor-Assisted Prediction of Stability/Instability of a Power System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha Roy, Biman Kumar; Sinha, Avinash Kumar; Pradhan, Ashok Kumar

2013-05-01

This paper presents a technique for real-time prediction of stability/instability of a power system based on synchrophasor measurements obtained from phasor measurement units (PMUs) at generator buses. For stability assessment the technique makes use of system severity indices developed using bus voltage magnitude obtained from PMUs and generator electrical power. Generator power is computed using system information and PMU information like voltage and current phasors obtained from PMU. System stability/instability is predicted when the indices exceeds a threshold value. A case study is carried out on New England 10-generator, 39-bus system to validate the performance of the technique.

Outward stabilization of the voltage sensor in domain II but not domain I speeds inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels.

PubMed

Sheets, Michael F; Chen, Tiehua; Hanck, Dorothy A

2013-10-15

To determine the roles of the individual S4 segments in domains I and II to activation and inactivation kinetics of sodium current (INa) in NaV1.5, we used a tethered biotin and avidin approach after a site-directed cysteine substitution was made in the second outermost Arg in each S4 (DI-R2C and DII-R2C). We first determined the fraction of gating charge contributed by the individual S4's to maximal gating current (Qmax), and found that the outermost Arg residue in each S4 contributed ∼19% to Qmax with minimal contributions by other arginines. Stabilization of the S4's in DI-R2C and DII-R2C was confirmed by measuring the expected reduction in Qmax. In DI-R2C, stabilization resulted in a decrease in peak INa of ∼45%, while its peak current-voltage (I-V) and voltage-dependent Na channel availability (SSI) curves were nearly unchanged from wild type (WT). In contrast, stabilization of the DII-R2C enhanced activation with a negative shift in the peak I-V relationship by -7 mV and a larger -17 mV shift in the voltage-dependent SSI curve. Furthermore, its INa decay time constants and time-to-peak INa became more rapid than WT. An explanation for these results is that the depolarized conformation of DII-S4, but not DI-S4, affects the receptor for the inactivation particle formed by the interdomain linker between DIII and IV. In addition, the leftward shifts of both activation and inactivation and the decrease in Gmax after stabilization of the DII-S4 support previous studies that showed β-scorpion toxins trap the voltage sensor of DII in an activated conformation.

Regulation of the Output Voltage of an Inverter in Case of Load Variation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diouri, Omar; Errahimi, Fatima; Es-Sbai, Najia

2018-05-01

In a DC/AC photovoltaic application, the stability of the output voltage of the inverter plays a very important role in the electrical systems. Such a photovoltaic system is constituted by an inverter, which makes it possible to convert the continuous energy to the alternative energy used in systems which operate under a voltage of 230V. The output of this inverter can be connected to a single load or more, at which time a second load is added in parallel with the first load. In this case, it proves a voltage drop at the output of the inverter. This problem influences the proper functioning of the electrical loads. Therefore, our contribution is to give a solution to this by compensating this voltage drop using a boost converter at the input of the inverter. This boost converter will play the role of the compensator that will provide the necessary voltage to the inverter in order to increase the voltage across the loads. But the use of this boost without controlling it is not enough because it generates a voltage that depends on the duty cycle of the control signal. To stabilize the output voltage of the inverter, we used a Proportional, Integral, and Derivative control (PID), which makes it possible to generate the necessary control signal for the voltage boost in order to have a good regulation of the output voltage of the inverter. Finally, we have solved the problem of the voltage drop even though there is loads variation.

Wind Farm Stabilization by using DFIG with Current Controlled Voltage Source Converters Taking Grid Codes into Consideration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okedu, Kenneth Eloghene; Muyeen, S. M.; Takahashi, Rion; Tamura, Junji

Recent wind farm grid codes require wind generators to ride through voltage sags, which means that normal power production should be re-initiated once the nominal grid voltage is recovered. However, fixed speed wind turbine generator system using induction generator (IG) has the stability problem similar to the step-out phenomenon of a synchronous generator. On the other hand, doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) can control its real and reactive powers independently while being operated in variable speed mode. This paper proposes a new control strategy using DFIGs for stabilizing a wind farm composed of DFIGs and IGs, without incorporating additional FACTS devices. A new current controlled voltage source converter (CC-VSC) scheme is proposed to control the converters of DFIG and the performance is verified by comparing the results with those of voltage controlled voltage source converter (VC-VSC) scheme. Another salient feature of this study is to reduce the number of proportionate integral (PI) controllers used in the rotor side converter without degrading dynamic and transient performances. Moreover, DC-link protection scheme during grid fault can be omitted in the proposed scheme which reduces overall cost of the system. Extensive simulation analyses by using PSCAD/EMTDC are carried out to clarify the effectiveness of the proposed CC-VSC based control scheme of DFIGs.

Practical stability limits of magnesium electrolytes

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

Lipson, Albert L.; Han, Sang -Don; Pan, Baofei

2016-08-13

The development of a Mg ion based energy storage system could provide several benefits relative to today's Li-ion batteries, such as improved energy density. The electrolytes for Mg batteries, which are typically designed to efficiently plate and strip Mg, have not yet been proven to work with high voltage cathode materials that are needed to achieve high energy density. One possibility is that these electrolytes are inherently unstable on porous electrodes. To determine if this is indeed the case, the electrochemical properties of a variety of electrolytes were tested using a porous carbon coating on graphite foil and stainless steelmore » electrodes. It was determined that the oxidative stability limit on these porous electrodes is considerably reduced as compared to those found using polished platinum electrodes. Furthermore, the voltage stability was found to be about 3 V vs. Mg metal for the best performing electrolytes. In conclusion, these results imply the need for further research to improve the stability of Mg electrolytes to enable high voltage Mg batteries.« less

Stability evaluation of tramadol enantiomers using a chiral stability-indicating capillary electrophoresis method and its application to pharmaceutical analysis.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Ali; Nojavan, Saeed; Rouini, Mohammadreza; Fakhari, Ali Reza

2011-07-01

In this study, a chiral stability-indicating CE assay was developed for the stability evaluation of tramadol (TR) enantiomers in commercial tablets using maltodextrin as chiral selector. To investigate the stability-indicating power of the analytical method as well as stability evaluation of TR enantiomers, active pharmaceutical ingredient and TR tablets were subjected to photolysis, heat, oxidation and hydrolysis to conduct stress testing. Best separation for the TR enantiomers was achieved on an uncoated fused-silica capillary at 20 °C using borate buffer (50 mM, pH 10.2) containing 10% m/v maltodextrin. All determinations were performed by a UV detector at 214 nm. A constant voltage of 20 kV was applied to obtain the separation. The range of quantitation for both enantiomers was 5-100 μg/mL (R>0.996). Intra- and inter-day RSD (n=6) were less than 10%. The percent relevant errors were obtained to be less than 4.0 for both enantiomers. The limits of quantitation and detection for both enantiomers were 5 and 1.5 μg/mL, respectively. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies were the same for both enantiomers and did not interfere with the detection of the enantiomers. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Important parameters affecting the cell voltage of aqueous electrical double-layer capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Tzu-Ho; Hsu, Chun-Tsung; Hu, Chi-Chang; Hardwick, Laurence J.

2013-11-01

This study discusses and demonstrates how the open-circuit potential and charges stored in the working potential window on positive and negative electrodes affect the cell voltage of carbon-based electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) in aqueous electrolytes. An EDLC consisting of two activated carbon electrodes is employed as the model system for identifying these key parameters although the potential window of water decomposition can be simply determined by voltammetric methods. First, the capacitive performances of an EDLC with the same charge on positive and negative electrodes are evaluated by cyclic voltammetric, charge-discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analyses, and inductance-capacitance-resistance meter (LCR meter). The principles for obtaining the highest acceptable cell voltage of such symmetric ECs with excellent reversibility and capacitor-like behaviour are proposed. Aqueous charge-balanced EDLCs can be operated as high as 2.0 V with high energy efficiency (about 90%) and only 4% capacitance loss after the 600-cycle stability checking. The necessity of charge balance (but not capacitance balance) for positive and negative electrodes is substantiated from the lower acceptable cell voltage of charge-unbalanced EDLCs.

Gating characteristics of photomultiplier tubes for Lidar applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barrick, J. D. W.

1986-01-01

A detector test facility was developed and applied in the evaluation and characterization of lidar detectors in support of the multipurpose airborne differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system based at the Langley Research Center (LaRC). A performance data base of various detector configurations available to the DIAL system was obtained for optimum lidar detector selection. Photomultiplier tubes (PMT's) with multialkaline and bialkaline photocathodes were evaluated in voltage-divider networks (bases) by using either the focusing electrode or dynodes as a gating mechanism. Characteristics used for detector evaluation included gain stability, signal rise time, and the ability to block unwanted high light levels.

Optical voltage reference

DOEpatents

Rankin, R.; Kotter, D.

1994-04-26

An optical voltage reference for providing an alternative to a battery source is described. The optical reference apparatus provides a temperature stable, high precision, isolated voltage reference through the use of optical isolation techniques to eliminate current and impedance coupling errors. Pulse rate frequency modulation is employed to eliminate errors in the optical transmission link while phase-lock feedback is employed to stabilize the frequency to voltage transfer function. 2 figures.

Self-stabilized discharge filament in plane-parallel barrier discharge configuration: formation, breakdown mechanism, and memory effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tschiersch, R.; Nemschokmichal, S.; Bogaczyk, M.; Meichsner, J.

2017-10-01

Single self-stabilized discharge filaments were investigated in the plane-parallel electrode configuration. The barrier discharge was operated inside a gap of 3 mm shielded by glass plates to both electrodes, using helium-nitrogen mixtures and a square-wave feeding voltage at a frequency of 2 kHz. The combined application of electrical measurements, ICCD camera imaging, optical emission spectroscopy and surface charge diagnostics via the electro-optic Pockels effect allowed the correlation of the discharge development in the volume and on the dielectric surfaces. The formation criteria and existence regimes were found by systematic variation of the nitrogen admixture to helium, the total pressure and the feeding voltage amplitude. Single self-stabilized discharge filaments can be operated over a wide parameter range, foremost, by significant reduction of the voltage amplitude after the operation in the microdischarge regime. Here, the outstanding importance of the surface charge memory effect on the long-term stability was pointed out by the recalculated spatio-temporally resolved gap voltage. The optical emission revealed discharge characteristics that are partially reminiscent of both the glow-like barrier discharge and the microdischarge regime, such as a Townsend pre-phase, a fast cathode-directed ionization front during the breakdown and radially propagating surface discharges during the afterglow.

The staging mechanism of AlCl4 intercalation in a graphite electrode for an aluminium-ion battery.

PubMed

Bhauriyal, Preeti; Mahata, Arup; Pathak, Biswarup

2017-03-15

Identifying a suitable electrode material with desirable electrochemical properties remains a primary challenge for rechargeable Al-ion batteries. Recently an ultrafast rechargeable Al-ion battery was reported with high charge/discharge rate, (relatively) high discharge voltage and high capacity that uses a graphite-based cathode. Using calculations from first-principles, we have investigated the staging mechanism of AlCl 4 intercalation into bulk graphite and evaluated the stability, specific capacity and voltage profile of AlCl 4 intercalated compounds. Ab initio molecular dynamics is performed to investigate the thermal stability of AlCl 4 intercalated graphite structures. Our voltage profiles show that the first AlCl 4 intercalation step could be a more sluggish step than the successive intercalation steps. However, the diffusion of AlCl 4 is very fast in the expanded graphite host layers with a diffusion barrier of ∼0.01 eV, which justifies the ultrafast charging rate of a graphite based Al-ion battery. And such an AlCl 4 intercalated battery provides an average voltage of 2.01-2.3 V with a maximum specific capacity of 69.62 mA h g -1 , which is excellent for anion intercalated batteries. Our density of states and Bader charge analysis shows that the AlCl 4 intercalation into the bulk graphite is a charging process. Hence, we believe that our present study will be helpful in understanding the staging mechanism of AlCl 4 intercalation into graphite-like layered electrodes for Al-ion batteries, thus encouraging further experimental work.

A novel tarantula toxin stabilizes the deactivated voltage sensor of bacterial sodium channel.

PubMed

Tang, Cheng; Zhou, Xi; Nguyen, Phuong Tran; Zhang, Yunxiao; Hu, Zhaotun; Zhang, Changxin; Yarov-Yarovoy, Vladimir; DeCaen, Paul G; Liang, Songping; Liu, Zhonghua

2017-07-01

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na V s) are activated by transiting the voltage sensor from the deactivated to the activated state. The crystal structures of several bacterial Na V s have captured the voltage sensor module (VSM) in an activated state, but structure of the deactivated voltage sensor remains elusive. In this study, we sought to identify peptide toxins stabilizing the deactivated VSM of bacterial Na V s. We screened fractions from several venoms and characterized a cystine knot toxin called JZTx-27 from the venom of tarantula Chilobrachys jingzhao as a high-affinity antagonist of the prokaryotic Na V s Ns V Ba (nonselective voltage-gated Bacillus alcalophilus ) and NaChBac (bacterial sodium channel from Bacillus halodurans ) (IC 50 = 112 nM and 30 nM, respectively). JZTx-27 was more efficacious at weaker depolarizing voltages and significantly slowed the activation but accelerated the deactivation of Ns V Ba, whereas the local anesthetic drug lidocaine was shown to antagonize Ns V Ba without affecting channel gating. Mutation analysis confirmed that JZTx-27 bound to S3-4 linker of Ns V Ba, with F98 being the critical residue in determining toxin affinity. All electrophysiological data and in silico analysis suggested that JZTx-27 trapped VSM of Ns V Ba in one of the deactivated states. In mammalian Na V s, JZTx-27 preferably inhibited the inactivation of Na V 1.5 by targeting the fourth transmembrane domain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of peptide antagonist for prokaryotic Na V s. More important, we proposed that JZTx-27 stabilized the Ns V Ba VSM in the deactivated state and may be used as a probe to determine the structure of the deactivated VSM of Na V s.-Tang, C., Zhou, X., Nguyen, P. T., Zhang, Y., Hu, Z., Zhang, C., Yarov-Yarovoy, V., DeCaen, P. G., Liang, S., Liu, Z. A novel tarantula toxin stabilizes the deactivated voltage sensor of bacterial sodium channel. © FASEB.

Precision Voltage Referencing Techniques in MOS Technology.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Bang-Sup

With the increasing complexity of functions on a single MOS chip, precision analog cicuits implemented in the same technology are in great demand so as to be integrated together with digital circuits. The future development of MOS data acquisition systems will require precision on-chip MOS voltage references. This dissertation will probe two most promising configurations of on-chip voltage references both in NMOS and CMOS technologies. In NMOS, an ion-implantation effect on the temperature behavior of MOS devices is investigated to identify the fundamental limiting factors of a threshold voltage difference as an NMOS voltage source. For this kind of voltage reference, the temperature stability on the order of 20ppm/(DEGREES)C is achievable with a shallow single-threshold implant and a low-current, high-body bias operation. In CMOS, a monolithic prototype bandgap reference is designed, fabricated and tested which embodies a curvature compensation and exhibits a minimized sensitivity to the process parameter variation. Experimental results imply that an average temperature stability on the order of 10ppm/(DEGREES)C with a production spread of less than 10ppm/(DEGREES)C feasible over the commercial temperature range.

Two methods for damping torsional vibrations in DFIG-based wind generators using power converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zuyi; Lu, Yupu; Xie, Da; Yu, Songtao; Wu, Wangping

2017-01-01

This paper proposes novel damping control algorithms by using static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) and energy storage system (ESS) to damp torsional vibrations in doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind turbine systems. It first analyses the operating characteristics of STATCOM and ESS for regulating power variations to increase grid voltage stability. Then, new control strategies for STATCOM and ESS are introduced to damp the vibrations. It is followed by illustration of their effectiveness to damp the drive train torsional vibrations of wind turbines, which can be caused by grid disturbances, such as voltage sags and frequency fluctuations. Results suggest that STATCOM is a promising technology to mitigate the torsional vibrations caused by grid voltage sags. By contrast, the ESS connected to the point of common coupling (PCC) of wind turbine systems shows even obvious advantages because of its capability of absorbing/releasing both active and reactive power. It can thus be concluded that STATCOM is useful for stabilizing power system voltage fluctuations, and ESS is more effective both in regulating PCC voltage fluctuations and damping torsional vibrations caused by grid voltage frequency fluctuations.

Flexible low-voltage organic transistors with high thermal stability at 250 °C.

PubMed

Yokota, Tomoyuki; Kuribara, Kazunori; Tokuhara, Takeyoshi; Zschieschang, Ute; Klauk, Hagen; Takimiya, Kazuo; Sadamitsu, Yuji; Hamada, Masahiro; Sekitani, Tsuyoshi; Someya, Takao

2013-07-19

Low-operating-voltage flexible organic thin-film transistors with high thermal stability using DPh-DNTT and SAM gate dielectrics are reported. The mobility of the transistors are decreased by 23% after heating to 250 °C for 30 min. Furthermore, flexible organic pseudo-CMOS inverter circuits, which are functional after heating to 200 °C, are demonstrated. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

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

Loef, P.A.; Smed, T.; Andersson, G.

The minimum singular value of the power flow Jacobian matrix has been used as a static voltage stability index, indicating the distance between the studied operating point and the steady state voltage stability limit. In this paper a fast method to calculate the minimum singular value and the corresponding (left and right) singular vectors is presented. The main advantages of the developed algorithm are the small amount of computation time needed, and that it only requires information available from an ordinary program for power flow calculations. Furthermore, the proposed method fully utilizes the sparsity of the power flow Jacobian matrixmore » and hence the memory requirements for the computation are low. These advantages are preserved when applied to various submatrices of the Jacobian matrix, which can be useful in constructing special voltage stability indices. The developed algorithm was applied to small test systems as well as to a large (real size) system with over 1000 nodes, with satisfactory results.« less

Formation of diamond nanoparticle thin films by electrophoretic deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goto, Yosuke; Ohishi, Fujio; Tanaka, Kuniaki; Usui, Hiroaki

2016-03-01

Thin films of diamond nanoparticles were prepared by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) using 0.5 wt % dispersions in water, ethanol, and 2-propanol. The film growth rate increased with increasing voltage applied to the electrodes. However, an excessive increase in voltage caused the degradation of film morphology. The optimum voltage was 4 V with an electrode separation of 5 mm. The film growth rate was higher in organic solvents than in water. The deposited film had a smooth surface with an average surface roughness comparable to the size of primary particles of the source material. It is notable that the EPD films had a considerably higher physical stability than spin-coated and cast films. The stability was further improved by thermally annealing the films. IR analysis revealed that the diamond nanoparticles have carboxy and amino groups on their surfaces. It is considered that the stability of the EPD films originate from a chemical reaction between these functional groups.

Failure of ESI Spectra to Represent Metal-Complex Solution Composition: A Study of Lanthanide-Carboxylate Complexes

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

McDonald, Luther W.; Campbell, James A.; Clark, Sue B.

2014-01-21

Electrospray ionization - mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used for the characterization of uranyl complexed to tributyl phosphate (TBP) and dibutyl phosphate (DBP). The stoichiometry of uranyl with TBP and DBP was determined, and the gas phase speciation was found to be dependent on the cone voltage applied to induce fragmentation on the gas phase complexes. To quantitatively compare the gas phase distribution of species to solution, apparent stability constants were calculated. With a cone voltage of 80V, the apparent stability constants for the complexes UO2(NO3)2•2TBP, UO2(NO3)2(H2O)•2TBP, and UO2(DBP)+ were determined. With a lower cone voltage applied, larger complexes were observedmore » and stability constants for the complexes UO2(NO3)2•3TBP and UO2(DBP)42- were determined.« less

The development of high-voltage repetitive low-jitter corona stabilized triggered switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Jiuyuan; Yang, Jianhua; Cheng, Xinbing; Yang, Xiao; Chen, Rong

2018-04-01

The high-power switch plays an important part in a pulse power system. With the trend of pulse power technology toward modularization, miniaturization, and accuracy control, higher requirements on electrical trigger and jitter of the switch have been put forward. A high-power low-jitter corona-stabilized triggered switch (CSTS) is designed in this paper. This kind of CSTS is based on corona stabilized mechanism, and it can be used as a main switch of an intense electron-beam accelerator (IEBA). Its main feature was the use of an annular trigger electrode instead of a traditional needle-like trigger electrode, taking main and side trigger rings to fix the discharging channels and using SF6/N2 gas mixture as its operation gas. In this paper, the strength of the local field enhancement was changed by a trigger electrode protrusion length Dp. The differences of self-breakdown voltage and its stability, delay time jitter, trigger requirements, and operation range of the switch were compared. Then the effect of different SF6/N2 mixture ratio on switch performance was explored. The experimental results show that when the SF6 is 15% with the pressure of 0.2 MPa, the hold-off voltage of the switch is 551 kV, the operating range is 46.4%-93.5% of the self-breakdown voltage, the jitter is 0.57 ns, and the minimum trigger voltage requirement is 55.8% of the peak. At present, the CSTS has been successfully applied to an IEBA for long time operation.

The development of high-voltage repetitive low-jitter corona stabilized triggered switch.

PubMed

Geng, Jiuyuan; Yang, Jianhua; Cheng, Xinbing; Yang, Xiao; Chen, Rong

2018-04-01

The high-power switch plays an important part in a pulse power system. With the trend of pulse power technology toward modularization, miniaturization, and accuracy control, higher requirements on electrical trigger and jitter of the switch have been put forward. A high-power low-jitter corona-stabilized triggered switch (CSTS) is designed in this paper. This kind of CSTS is based on corona stabilized mechanism, and it can be used as a main switch of an intense electron-beam accelerator (IEBA). Its main feature was the use of an annular trigger electrode instead of a traditional needle-like trigger electrode, taking main and side trigger rings to fix the discharging channels and using SF 6 /N 2 gas mixture as its operation gas. In this paper, the strength of the local field enhancement was changed by a trigger electrode protrusion length Dp. The differences of self-breakdown voltage and its stability, delay time jitter, trigger requirements, and operation range of the switch were compared. Then the effect of different SF 6 /N 2 mixture ratio on switch performance was explored. The experimental results show that when the SF 6 is 15% with the pressure of 0.2 MPa, the hold-off voltage of the switch is 551 kV, the operating range is 46.4%-93.5% of the self-breakdown voltage, the jitter is 0.57 ns, and the minimum trigger voltage requirement is 55.8% of the peak. At present, the CSTS has been successfully applied to an IEBA for long time operation.

Passivation Effect of Atomic Layer Deposition of Al2O3 Film on HgCdTe Infrared Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Peng; Ye, Zhen-Hua; Sun, Chang-Hong; Chen, Yi-Yu; Zhang, Tian-Ning; Chen, Xin; Lin, Chun; Ding, Ring-Jun; He, Li

2016-09-01

The passivation effect of atomic layer deposition of (ALD) Al2O3 film on a HgCdTe infrared detector was investigated in this work. The passivation effect of Al2O3 film was evaluated by measuring the minority carrier lifetime, capacitance versus voltage ( C- V) characteristics of metal-insulator-semiconductor devices, and resistance versus voltage ( R- V) characteristics of variable-area photodiodes. The minority carrier lifetime, C- V characteristics, and R- V characteristics of HgCdTe devices passivated by ALD Al2O3 film was comparable to those of HgCdTe devices passivated by e-beam evaporation of ZnS/CdTe film. However, the baking stability of devices passivated by Al2O3 film is inferior to that of devices passivated by ZnS/CdTe film. In future work, by optimizing the ALD Al2O3 film growing process and annealing conditions, it may be feasible to achieve both excellent electrical properties and good baking stability.

Simulator of Non-homogenous Alumina and Current Distribution in an Aluminum Electrolysis Cell to Predict Low-Voltage Anode Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dion, Lukas; Kiss, László I.; Poncsák, Sándor; Lagacé, Charles-Luc

2018-04-01

Perfluorocarbons are important contributors to aluminum production greenhouse gas inventories. Tetrafluoromethane and hexafluoroethane are produced in the electrolysis process when a harmful event called anode effect occurs in the cell. This incident is strongly related to the lack of alumina and the current distribution in the cell and can be classified into two categories: high-voltage and low-voltage anode effects. The latter is hard to detect during the normal electrolysis process and, therefore, new tools are necessary to predict this event and minimize its occurrence. This paper discusses a new approach to model the alumina distribution behavior in an electrolysis cell by dividing the electrolytic bath into non-homogenous concentration zones using discrete elements. The different mechanisms related to the alumina distribution are discussed in detail. Moreover, with a detailed electrical model, it is possible to calculate the current distribution among the different anodic assemblies. With this information, the model can evaluate if low-voltage emissions are likely to be present under the simulated conditions. Using the simulator will help the understanding of the role of the alumina distribution which, in turn, will improve the cell energy consumption and stability while reducing the occurrence of high- and low-voltage anode effects.

Electric Propulsion Test and Evaluation Methodologies for Plasma in the Environments of Space and Testing (EP TEMPEST)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-14

Swanson AEDC Path 1: Magnetized electron transport impeded across magnetic field lines; transport via electron-particle collisions Path 2*: Electron...T&E (higher pressure, metallic walls) → Impacts stability, performance, plume properties, thruster lifetime Magnetic Field Lines Plasma Plume...Development of T&E Methodologies • Current-Voltage- Magnetic Field (I-V-B) Mapping • Facility Interaction Studies • Background Pressure • Plasma Wall

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.

Spherical nitrogen-doped hollow mesoporous carbon as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for Zn-air batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadidi, Lida; Davari, Elaheh; Iqbal, Muhammad; Purkait, Tapas K.; Ivey, Douglas G.; Veinot, Jonathan G. C.

2015-12-01

Materials based upon porous carbon have gained considerable attention due to their high surface area, electric conductivity, thermal and chemical stability, low density, and availability. These superior properties make them ideal for diverse applications. Doping these carbon nanostructures holds promise of designing the properties of these structures and opening the door to practical applications. Herein, we report the preparation of hollow N-doped mesoporous carbon (HMC) spheres fabricated via polymerization and carbonization of dopamine on a sacrificial spherical SiO2 template that is removed upon hydrofluoric acid etching. The morphology and structural features of these HMCs were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and the N-doping (7.1 at%) was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) performance of N-doped HMC was evaluated using rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry in an alkaline electrolyte. N-doped HMC demonstrated a high ORR onset potential of -0.055 V (vs. Hg/HgO) and excellent stability. The outstanding bifunctional activity was implemented in a practical Zn-air battery (ZAB), which exhibited a small charge-discharge voltage polarization of 0.89 V and high stability over repeated cycling.Materials based upon porous carbon have gained considerable attention due to their high surface area, electric conductivity, thermal and chemical stability, low density, and availability. These superior properties make them ideal for diverse applications. Doping these carbon nanostructures holds promise of designing the properties of these structures and opening the door to practical applications. Herein, we report the preparation of hollow N-doped mesoporous carbon (HMC) spheres fabricated via polymerization and carbonization of dopamine on a sacrificial spherical SiO2 template that is removed upon hydrofluoric acid etching. The morphology and structural features of these HMCs were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and the N-doping (7.1 at%) was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) performance of N-doped HMC was evaluated using rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry in an alkaline electrolyte. N-doped HMC demonstrated a high ORR onset potential of -0.055 V (vs. Hg/HgO) and excellent stability. The outstanding bifunctional activity was implemented in a practical Zn-air battery (ZAB), which exhibited a small charge-discharge voltage polarization of 0.89 V and high stability over repeated cycling. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06028a

Characterization of Low Noise, Precision Voltage Reference REF5025-HT Under Extreme Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Richard; Hammoud, Ahmad

2010-01-01

The performance of Texas Instruments precision voltage reference REF5025-HT was assessed under extreme temperatures. This low noise, 2.5 V output chip is suitable for use in high temperature down-hole drilling applications, but no data existed on its performance at cryogenic temperatures. The device was characterized in terms of output voltage and supply current at different input voltage levels as a function of temperature between +210 C and -190 C. Line and load regulation characteristics were also established at six load levels and at different temperatures. Restart capability at extreme temperatures and the effects of thermal cycling, covering the test temperature range, on its operation and stability were also investigated. Under no load condition, the voltage reference chip exhibited good stability in its output over the temperature range of -50 C to +200 C. Outside that temperature range, output voltage did change as temperature was changed. For example, at the extreme temperatures of +210 C and - 190 C, the output level dropped to 2.43 V and 2.32 V, respectively as compared to the nominal value of 2.5 V. At cryogenic test temperatures of -100 C and -150 C the output voltage dropped by about 20%. The quiescent supply current of the voltage reference varied slightly with temperature but remained close to its specified value. In terms of line regulation, the device exhibited excellent stability between -50 C and +150 C over the entire input voltage range and load levels. At the other test temperatures, however, while line regulation became poor at cryogenic temperatures of -100 C and below, it suffered slight degradation at the extreme high temperature but only at the high load level of 10 mA. The voltage reference also exhibited very good load regulation with temperature down to -100 C, but its output dropped sharply at +210 C only at the heavy load of 10 mA. The semiconductor chip was able restart at the extreme temperatures of -190 C and +210 C, and the limited thermal cycling did not influence its characteristics and had no impact on its packaging as no structural or physical damage was observed.

Effective calculation of power system low-voltage solutions

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

Overbye, T.J.; Klump, R.P.

1996-02-01

This paper develops a method for reliably determining the set of low-voltage solutions which are closest to the operable power flow solution. These solutions are often used in conjunction with techniques such as energy methods and the voltage instability proximity index (VIPI) for assessing system voltage stability. This paper presents an algorithm which provides good initial guesses for these solutions. The results are demonstrated on a small system and on larger systems with up to 2,000 buses.

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.

A Low-Voltage Chopper-Stabilized Amplifier for Fetal ECG Monitoring With a 1.41 Power Efficiency Factor.

PubMed

Song, Shuang; Rooijakkers, Michael; Harpe, Pieter; Rabotti, Chiara; Mischi, Massimo; van Roermund, Arthur H M; Cantatore, Eugenio

2015-04-01

This paper presents a low-voltage current-reuse chopper-stabilized frontend amplifier for fetal ECG monitoring. The proposed amplifier allows for individual tuning of the noise in each measurement channel, minimizing the total power consumption while satisfying all application requirements. The low-voltage current reuse topology exploits power optimization in both the current and the voltage domain, exploiting multiple supply voltages (0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 V). The power management circuitry providing the different supplies is optimized for high efficiency (peak charge-pump efficiency = 90%).The low-voltage amplifier together with its power management circuitry is implemented in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process and characterized experimentally. The amplifier core achieves both good noise efficiency factor (NEF=1.74) and power efficiency factor (PEF=1.05). Experiments show that the amplifier core can provide a noise level of 0.34 μVrms in a 0.7 to 182 Hz band, consuming 1.17 μW power. The amplifier together with its power management circuitry consumes 1.56 μW, achieving a PEF of 1.41. The amplifier is also validated with adult ECG and pre-recorded fetal ECG measurements.

Low operation voltage and high thermal stability of a WSi2 nanocrystal memory device using an Al2O3/HfO2/Al2O3 tunnel layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uk Lee, Dong; Jun Lee, Hyo; Kyu Kim, Eun; You, Hee-Wook; Cho, Won-Ju

2012-02-01

A WSi2 nanocrystal nonvolatile memory device was fabricated with an Al2O3/HfO2/Al2O3 (AHA) tunnel layer and its electrical characteristics were evaluated at 25, 50, 70, 100, and 125 °C. The program/erase (P/E) speed at 125 °C was approximately 500 μs under threshold voltage shifts of 1 V during voltage sweeping of 8 V/-8 V. When the applied pulse voltage was ±9 V for 1 s for the P/E conditions, the memory window at 125 °C was approximately 1.25 V after 105 s. The activation energies for the charge losses of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% were approximately 0.05, 0.11, 0.17, 0.21, 0.23, 0.23, and 0.23 eV, respectively. The charge loss mechanisms were direct tunneling and Pool-Frenkel emission between the WSi2 nanocrystals and the AHA barrier engineered tunneling layer. The WSi2 nanocrystal memory device with multi-stacked high-K tunnel layers showed strong potential for applications in nonvolatile memory devices.

An “ohmic-first” self-terminating gate-recess technique for normally-off Al2O3/GaN MOSFET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongyue; Wang, Jinyan; Li, Mengjun; He, Yandong; Wang, Maojun; Yu, Min; Wu, Wengang; Zhou, Yang; Dai, Gang

2018-04-01

In this article, an ohmic-first AlGaN/GaN self-terminating gate-recess etching technique was demonstrated where ohmic contact formation is ahead of gate-recess-etching/gate-dielectric-deposition (GRE/GDD) process. The ohmic contact exhibits few degradations after the self-terminating gate-recess process. Besides, when comparing with that using the conventional fabrication process, the fabricated device using the ohmic-first fabrication process shows a better gate dielectric quality in terms of more than 3 orders lower forward gate leakage current, more than twice higher reverse breakdown voltage as well as better stability. Based on this proposed technique, the normally-off Al2O3/GaN MOSFET exhibits a threshold voltage (V th) of ˜1.8 V, a maximum drain current of ˜328 mA/mm, a forward gate leakage current of ˜10-6 A/mm and an off-state breakdown voltage of 218 V at room temperature. Meanwhile, high temperature characteristics of the device was also evaluated and small variations (˜7.6%) of the threshold voltage was confirmed up to 300 °C.

Chemical detection and laser wavelength stabilization employing spectroscopic absorption via laser compliance voltage sensing

DOEpatents

Taubman, Matthew S.; Phillips, Mark C.

2016-01-12

Systems and methods are disclosed that provide a direct indication of the presence and concentration of an analyte within the external cavity of a laser device that employ the compliance voltage across the laser device. The systems can provide stabilization of the laser wavelength. The systems and methods can obviate the need for an external optical detector, an external gas cell, or other sensing region and reduce the complexity and size of the sensing configuration.

Data processing of high-rate low-voltage distribution grid recordings for smart grid monitoring and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maaß, Heiko; Cakmak, Hüseyin Kemal; Bach, Felix; Mikut, Ralf; Harrabi, Aymen; Süß, Wolfgang; Jakob, Wilfried; Stucky, Karl-Uwe; Kühnapfel, Uwe G.; Hagenmeyer, Veit

2015-12-01

Power networks will change from a rigid hierarchic architecture to dynamic interconnected smart grids. In traditional power grids, the frequency is the controlled quantity to maintain supply and load power balance. Thereby, high rotating mass inertia ensures for stability. In the future, system stability will have to rely more on real-time measurements and sophisticated control, especially when integrating fluctuating renewable power sources or high-load consumers like electrical vehicles to the low-voltage distribution grid.

Fabrication and evaluation of a protruding Si-based printhead for electrohydrodynamic jet printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Yanqiao; Chen, Xinyuan; Zeng, Liangcai; Huang, YongAn; Yin, Zhouping

2017-12-01

A printhead that is compatible with Si-based processes and able to generate homogeneous micro- and nano-scale droplets plays an important role in electrohydrodynamic jet printing (E-jet printing) for the large-scale manufacturing. This paper proposes the design, fabrication and evaluation of a novel protruding Si-based printhead for E-jet printing. The protruding nozzle can concentrate the electrical field and restrain the lateral wetting so as to improve the jetting stability. However, it is a challenge to have both the protruding structure and a stable solution/voltage supply. Accordingly, a set of micro-manufacturing processes, as well as methods of adopting hydrophobic and insulation treatments, are also presented to stabilize the solution/voltage supply. The diameter and height of the protruding nozzle are 50 µm and 60 µm, respectively. Printing tests are performed using both quantum dots solution (CdSe/CdS/ZnS) and a mixed solution of glycerol, ethylene glycol and water. Feasibility of the protruding nozzle is proved by experiments that a stable meniscus with Taylor cone could form on the nozzle orifice, and fine dots (⩽30 µm) could be printed successfully and continuously. The protruding design and micro-fabrication processes of the protruding Si-based printhead pave the way for the multi-nozzle E-jet printing with high efficiency and resolution.

The NH2 terminus regulates voltage-dependent gating of CALHM ion channels.

PubMed

Tanis, Jessica E; Ma, Zhongming; Foskett, J Kevin

2017-08-01

Calcium homeostasis modulator protein-1 (CALHM1) and its Caenorhabditis elegans (ce) homolog, CLHM-1, belong to a new family of physiologically important ion channels that are regulated by voltage and extracellular Ca 2+ (Ca 2+ o ) but lack a canonical voltage-sensing domain. Consequently, the intrinsic voltage-dependent gating mechanisms for CALHM channels are unknown. Here, we performed voltage-clamp experiments on ceCLHM-1 chimeric, deletion, insertion, and point mutants to assess the role of the NH 2 terminus (NT) in CALHM channel gating. Analyses of chimeric channels in which the ceCLHM-1 and human (h)CALHM1 NH 2 termini were interchanged showed that the hCALHM1 NT destabilized channel-closed states, whereas the ceCLHM-1 NT had a stabilizing effect. In the absence of Ca 2+ o , deletion of up to eight amino acids from the ceCLHM-1 NT caused a hyperpolarizing shift in the conductance-voltage relationship with little effect on voltage-dependent slope. However, deletion of nine or more amino acids decreased voltage dependence and induced a residual conductance at hyperpolarized voltages. Insertion of amino acids into the NH 2 -terminal helix also decreased voltage dependence but did not prevent channel closure. Mutation of ceCLHM-1 valine 9 and glutamine 13 altered half-maximal activation and voltage dependence, respectively, in 0 Ca 2+ In 2 mM Ca 2+ o , ceCLHM-1 NH 2 -terminal deletion and point mutant channels closed completely at hyperpolarized voltages with apparent affinity for Ca 2+ o indistinguishable from wild-type ceCLHM-1, although the ceCLHM-1 valine 9 mutant exhibited an altered conductance-voltage relationship and kinetics. We conclude that the NT plays critical roles modulating voltage dependence and stabilizing the closed states of CALHM channels. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Investigating the Impact of Wind Turbines on Distribution System Stability

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

Jain, Rishabh; Zhang, Yingchen; Hodge, Bri-Mathias

Modern wind turbines utilize power electronic converters to regulate their output and optimize their performance. Their impact on the distribution system is not as well understood as for transmission system. The novelty of this work is in studying the impact of wind turbines given its proximity to faults or severe voltage events, and the influence on system stability given its location relative to the substation (representing the conventional grid). This paper presents the frequency and voltage swing plots for various study scenarios. The responses are analyzed two fold - Steady state operation, and performance given a fault or voltage eventsmore » occurs in the system. The findings are presented, with crucial differences from transmission systems highlighted.« less

Controlled phase stability of highly Na-active triclinic structure in nanoscale high-voltage Na2-2xCo1+xP2O7 cathode for Na-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Hee Jo; Kim, Jae-Chan; Dar, Mushtaq Ahmad; Kim, Dong-Wan

2018-02-01

With the increasing demand for high energy density in energy-storage systems, a high-voltage cathode is essential in rechargeable Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. The operating voltage of a triclinic-polymorph Na2CoP2O7, also known as the rose form, is above 4.0 V (vs. Na/Na+), which is relatively high compared to that of other cathode materials. Thus, it can be employed as a potential high-voltage cathode material in Na-ion batteries. However, it is difficult to synthesize a pure rose phase because of its low phase stability, thus limiting its use in high-voltage applications. Herein, compositional-engineered, rose-phase Na2-2xCo1+xP2O7/C (x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2) nanopowder are prepared using a wet-chemical method. The Na2-2xCo1+xP2O7/C cathode shows high electrochemical reactivity with Na ions at 4.0 V, delivering high capacity and high energy density.

The voltage control for self-excited induction generator based on STATCOM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Dandan; Wang, Feifeng; Pan, Juntao; Long, Weijie

2018-05-01

The small independent induction generator can build up voltage under its remanent magnetizing and excitation capacitance, but it is prone to voltage sag and harmonic increment when running with load. Therefore, the controller for constant voltage is designed based on the natural coordinate system to adjust the static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), which provides two-way dynamic reactive power compensation for power generation system to achieve voltage stability and harmonic suppression. The control strategy is verified on Matlab/Sinmulik, and the results show that the STATCOM under the controller can effectively improve the load capacity and reliability of asynchronous generator.

Spinel compounds as multivalent battery cathodes: A systematic evaluation based on ab initio calculations

DOE PAGES

Liu, Miao; Rong, Ziqin; Malik, Rahul; ...

2014-12-16

In this study, batteries that shuttle multivalent ions such as Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ions are promising candidates for achieving higher energy density than available with current Li-ion technology. Finding electrode materials that reversibly store and release these multivalent cations is considered a major challenge for enabling such multivalent battery technology. In this paper, we use recent advances in high-throughput first-principles calculations to systematically evaluate the performance of compounds with the spinel structure as multivalent intercalation cathode materials, spanning a matrix of five different intercalating ions and seven transition metal redox active cations. We estimate the insertion voltage, capacity,more » thermodynamic stability of charged and discharged states, as well as the intercalating ion mobility and use these properties to evaluate promising directions. Our calculations indicate that the Mn 2O 4 spinel phase based on Mg and Ca are feasible cathode materials. In general, we find that multivalent cathodes exhibit lower voltages compared to Li cathodes; the voltages of Ca spinels are ~0.2 V higher than those of Mg compounds (versus their corresponding metals), and the voltages of Mg compounds are ~1.4 V higher than Zn compounds; consequently, Ca and Mg spinels exhibit the highest energy densities amongst all the multivalent cation species. The activation barrier for the Al³⁺ ion migration in the Mn₂O₄ spinel is very high (~1400 meV for Al 3+ in the dilute limit); thus, the use of an Al based Mn spinel intercalation cathode is unlikely. Amongst the choice of transition metals, Mn-based spinel structures rank highest when balancing all the considered properties.« less

Voltage-gated sodium channels

PubMed Central

Abdelsayed, Mena; Sokolov, Stanislav

2013-01-01

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by seizures and convulsions. The basis of epilepsy is an increase in neuronal excitability that, in some cases, may be caused by functional defects in neuronal voltage gated sodium channels, Nav1.1 and Nav1.2. The effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as effective therapies for epilepsy have been characterized by extensive research. Most of the classic AEDs targeting Nav share a common mechanism of action by stabilizing the channel’s fast-inactivated state. In contrast, novel AEDs, such as lacosamide, stabilize the slow-inactivated state in neuronal Nav1.1 and Nav1.7 isoforms. This paper reviews the different mechanisms by which this stabilization occurs to determine new methods for treatment. PMID:23531742

Delocalized periodic vibrations in nonlinear LC and LCR electrical chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chechin, G. M.; Shcherbinin, S. A.

2015-05-01

We consider electrical LC- and LCR-chains consisting of N cells. In the LC-chain each cell contains a linear inductor L and a nonlinear capacitor C, while the cell in the LCR-chain include additionally a resistor R and an voltage source. It is assumed that voltage dependence of capacitors represents an even function. Such capacitors have implemented by some experimental groups studying propagation of electrical signals in the lines constructed on MOS and CMOS substrates. In these chains, we study dynamical regimes representing nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) by Rosenberg. We prove that maximum possible number of symmetry-determined NNMs which can be excited in the considered chains is equal to 5. The stability of these modes for different N is studied with the aid of the group-theoretical method [Physical Review E 73 (2006) 36216] which allows to simplify radically the variational systems appearing in the Floquet stability analysis. For NNMs in LC-chain, the scaling of the voltage stability threshold in the thermodynamic limit (N → ∞) is determined. It is shown that the above group theoretical method can be also used for studying stability of NNMs in the LCR-chains.

Gamma and proton irradiation effects and thermal stability of electrical characteristics of metal-oxide-silicon capacitors with atomic layer deposited Al 2O 3 dielectric

DOE PAGES

J. M. Rafi; Lynn, D.; Pellegrini, G.; ...

2015-12-11

The radiation hardness and thermal stability of the electrical characteristics of atomic layer deposited Al 2O 3 layers to be used as passivation films for silicon radiation detectors with slim edges are investigated. To directly measure the interface charge and to evaluate its change with the ionizing dose, metal-oxide-silicon (MOS) capacitors implementing differently processed Al 2O 3 layers were fabricated on p-type silicon substrates. Qualitatively similar results are obtained for degradation of capacitance–voltage and current–voltage characteristics under gamma and proton irradiations up to equivalent doses of 30 Mrad and 21.07 Mrad, respectively. While similar negative charge densities are initially extractedmore » for all non-irradiated capacitors, superior radiation hardness is obtained for MOS structures with alumina layers grown with H 2O instead of O 3 as oxidant precursor. Competing effects between radiation-induced positive charge trapping and hydrogen release from the H 2O-grown Al 2O 3 layers may explain their higher radiation resistance. Finally, irradiated and non-irradiated MOS capacitors with differently processed Al 2O 3 layers have been subjected to thermal treatments in air at temperatures ranging between 100 °C and 200 °C and the thermal stability of their electrical characteristics has been evaluated. Partial recovery of the gamma-induced degradation has been noticed for O 3-grown MOS structures. Lastly, this can be explained by a trapped holes emission process, for which an activation energy of 1.38 ± 0.15 eV has been extracted.« less

Nonlinear control of voltage source converters in AC-DC power system.

PubMed

Dash, P K; Nayak, N

2014-07-01

This paper presents the design of a robust nonlinear controller for a parallel AC-DC power system using a Lyapunov function-based sliding mode control (LYPSMC) strategy. The inputs for the proposed control scheme are the DC voltage and reactive power errors at the converter station and the active and reactive power errors at the inverter station of the voltage-source converter-based high voltage direct current transmission (VSC-HVDC) link. The stability and robust tracking of the system parameters are ensured by applying the Lyapunov direct method. Also the gains of the sliding mode control (SMC) are made adaptive using the stability conditions of the Lyapunov function. The proposed control strategy offers invariant stability to a class of systems having modeling uncertainties due to parameter changes and exogenous inputs. Comprehensive computer simulations are carried out to verify the proposed control scheme under several system disturbances like changes in short-circuit ratio, converter parametric changes, and faults on the converter and inverter buses for single generating system connected to the power grid in a single machine infinite-bus AC-DC network and also for a 3-machine two-area power system. Furthermore, a second order super twisting sliding mode control scheme has been presented in this paper that provides a higher degree of nonlinearity than the LYPSMC and damps faster the converter and inverter voltage and power oscillations. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An ultra-stable voltage source for precision Penning-trap experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böhm, Ch.; Sturm, S.; Rischka, A.; Dörr, A.; Eliseev, S.; Goncharov, M.; Höcker, M.; Ketter, J.; Köhler, F.; Marschall, D.; Martin, J.; Obieglo, D.; Repp, J.; Roux, C.; Schüssler, R. X.; Steigleder, M.; Streubel, S.; Wagner, Th.; Westermann, J.; Wieder, V.; Zirpel, R.; Melcher, J.; Blaum, K.

2016-08-01

An ultra-stable and low-noise 25-channel voltage source providing 0 to -100 V has been developed. It will supply stable bias potentials for Penning-trap electrodes used in high-precision experiments. The voltage source generates all its supply voltages via a specially designed transformer. Each channel can be operated either in a precision mode or can be dynamically ramped. A reference module provides reference voltages for all the channels, each of which includes a low-noise amplifier to gain a factor of 10 in the output stage. A relative voltage stability of δV / V ≈ 2 ×10-8 has been demonstrated at -89 V within about 10 min.

MIS capacitor studies on silicon carbide single crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopanski, J. J.

1990-01-01

Cubic SIC metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors with thermally grown or chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) insulators were characterized by capacitance-voltage (C-V), conductance-voltage (G-V), and current-voltage (I-V) measurements. The purpose of these measurements was to determine the four charge densities commonly present in an MIS capacitor (oxide fixed charge, N(f); interface trap level density, D(it); oxide trapped charge, N(ot); and mobile ionic charge, N(m)) and to determine the stability of the device properties with electric-field stress and temperature. The section headings in the report include the following: Capacitance-voltage and conductance-voltage measurements; Current-voltage measurements; Deep-level transient spectroscopy; and Conclusions (Electrical characteristics of SiC MIS capacitors).

Stabilizing Rabi oscillation of a charge qubit via the atomic clock technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Deshui; Landra, Alessandro; Kwek, Leong Chuan; Amico, Luigi; Dumke, Rainer

2018-02-01

We propose a superconducting circuit-atom hybrid, where the Rabi oscillation of single excess Cooper pair in the island is stabilized via the common atomic clock technique. The noise in the superconducting circuit is mapped onto the voltage source which biases the Cooper-pair box via an inductor and a gate capacitor. The fast fluctuations of the gate charge are significantly suppressed by an inductor-capacitor resonator, leading to a long-relaxation-time Rabi oscillation. More importantly, the residual low-frequency fluctuations are further reduced by using the general feedback-control method, in which the voltage bias is stabilized via continuously measuring the dc-Stark-shift-induced atomic Ramsey signal. The stability and coherence time of the resulting charge-qubit Rabi oscillation are both enhanced. The principal structure of this Cooper-pair-box oscillator is studied in detail.

Stability assessment and operating parameter optimization on experimental results in very small plasma focus, using sensitivity analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari, Hossein; Habibi, Morteza

2018-04-01

Regarding the importance of stability in small-scale plasma focus devices for producing the repeatable and strength pinching, a sensitivity analysis approach has been used for applicability in design parameters optimization of an actually very low energy device (84 nF, 48 nH, 8-9.5 kV, ∼2.7-3.7 J). To optimize the devices functional specification, four different coaxial electrode configurations have been studied, scanning an argon gas pressure range from 0.6 to 1.5 mbar via the charging voltage variation study from 8.3 to 9.3 kV. The strength and efficient pinching was observed for the tapered anode configuration, over an expanded operating pressure range of 0.6 to 1.5 mbar. The analysis results showed that the most sensitive of the pinch voltage was associated with 0.88 ± 0.8mbar argon gas pressure and 8.3-8.5 kV charging voltage, respectively, as the optimum operating parameters. From the viewpoint of stability assessment of the device, it was observed that the least variation in stable operation of the device was for a charging voltage range of 8.3 to 8.7 kV in an operating pressure range from 0.6 to 1.1 mbar.

Border Collision of Three-Phase Voltage-Source Inverter System with Interacting Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhen; Liu, Bin; Li, Yining; Wong, Siu-Chung; Liu, Xiangdong; Huang, Yuehui

As a commercial interface, three-phase voltage-source inverters (VSI) are commonly equipped for energy conversion to export DC power from most distributed generation (DG) to the AC utility. Not only do voltage-source converters take charge of converting the power to the loads but support the grid voltage at the point of common connection (PCC) as well, which is dependent on the condition of the grid-connected loads. This paper explores the border collision and its interacting mechanism among the VSI, resistive interacting loads and grids, which manifests as the alternating emergence of the inverting and rectifying operations, where the normal operation is terminated and a new one is assumed. Their mutual effect on the power quality under investigation will cause the circuital stability issue and further deteriorate the voltage regulation capability of VSI by dramatically raising the grid voltage harmonics. It is found in a design-oriented view that the border collision operation will be induced within the unsuitable parameter space with respect to transmission lines of AC grid, resistive loads and internal resistance of VSI. The physical phenomenon is also identified by the theoretical analysis. With numerical simulations for various circuit conditions, the corresponding bifurcation boundaries are collected, where the stability of the system is lost via border collision.

Analysis of the instability underlying electrostatic suppression of the Leidenfrost state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahriari, Arjang; Das, Soumik; Bahadur, Vaibhav; Bonnecaze, Roger T.

2017-03-01

A liquid droplet on a hot solid can generate enough vapor to prevent its contact on the surface and reduce the rate of heat transfer, the so-called Leidenfrost effect. We show theoretically and experimentally that for a sufficiently high electrostatic potential on the droplet, the formation of the vapor layer is suppressed. The interplay of the destabilizing electrostatic force and stabilizing capillary force and evaporation determines the minimum or threshold voltage to suppress the Leidenfrost effect. Linear stability theory accurately predicts threshold voltages for different size droplets and varying temperatures.

Highly stable field emission from ZnO nanowire field emitters controlled by an amorphous indium–gallium–zinc-oxide thin film transistor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaojie; Wang, Ying; Zhang, Zhipeng; Ou, Hai; She, Juncong; Deng, Shaozhi; Xu, Ningsheng; Chen, Jun

2018-04-01

Lowering the driving voltage and improving the stability of nanowire field emitters are essential for them to be applied in devices. In this study the characteristics of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire field emitter arrays (FEAs) controlled by an amorphous indium–gallium–zinc-oxide thin film transistor (a-IGZO TFT) were studied. A low driving voltage along with stabilization of the field emission current were achieved. Modulation of field emission currents up to three orders of magnitude was achieved at a gate voltage of 0–32 V for a constant anode voltage. Additionally, a-IGZO TFT control can dramatically reduce the emission current fluctuation (i.e., from 46.11 to 1.79% at an emission current of ∼3.7 µA). Both the a-IGZO TFT and ZnO nanowire FEAs were prepared on glass substrates in our research, demonstrating the feasibility of realizing large area a-IGZO TFT-controlled ZnO nanowire FEAs.

Reactive power optimization strategy considering analytical impedance ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhongchao; Shen, Weibing; Liu, Jinming; Guo, Maoran; Zhang, Shoulin; Xu, Keqiang; Wang, Wanjun; Sui, Jinlong

2017-05-01

In this paper, considering the traditional reactive power optimization cannot realize the continuous voltage adjustment and voltage stability, a dynamic reactive power optimization strategy is proposed in order to achieve both the minimization of network loss and high voltage stability with wind power. Due to the fact that wind power generation is fluctuant and uncertain, electrical equipments such as transformers and shunt capacitors may be operated frequently in order to achieve minimization of network loss, which affect the lives of these devices. In order to solve this problem, this paper introduces the derivation process of analytical impedance ratio based on Thevenin equivalent. Thus, the multiple objective function is proposed to minimize the network loss and analytical impedance ratio. Finally, taking the improved IEEE 33-bus distribution system as example, the result shows that the movement of voltage control equipment has been reduced and network loss increment is controlled at the same time, which proves the applicable value of this strategy.

Two-stage unified stretched-exponential model for time-dependence of threshold voltage shift under positive-bias-stresses in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide thin-film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Chan-Yong; Kim, Hee-Joong; Hong, Sae-Young; Song, Sang-Hun; Kwon, Hyuck-In

2017-08-01

In this study, we show that the two-stage unified stretched-exponential model can more exactly describe the time-dependence of threshold voltage shift (ΔV TH) under long-term positive-bias-stresses compared to the traditional stretched-exponential model in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). ΔV TH is mainly dominated by electron trapping at short stress times, and the contribution of trap state generation becomes significant with an increase in the stress time. The two-stage unified stretched-exponential model can provide useful information not only for evaluating the long-term electrical stability and lifetime of the a-IGZO TFT but also for understanding the stress-induced degradation mechanism in a-IGZO TFTs.

Thermal stability of atomic layer deposition Al2O3 film on HgCdTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, P.; Sun, C. H.; Zhang, Y.; Chen, X.; He, K.; Chen, Y. Y.; Ye, Z. H.

2015-06-01

Thermal stability of Atomic Layer Deposition Al2O3 film on HgCdTe was investigated by Al2O3 film post-deposition annealing treatment and Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor device low-temperature baking treatment. The effectiveness of Al2O3 film was evaluated by measuring the minority carrier lifetime and capacitance versus voltage characteristics. After annealing treatment, the minority carrier lifetime of the HgCdTe sample presented a slight decrease. Furthermore, the fixed charge density and the slow charge density decreased significantly in the annealed MIS device. After baking treatment, the fixed charge density and the slow charge density of the unannealed and annealed MIS devices decreased and increased, respectively.

Unbalanced voltage control of virtual synchronous generator in isolated micro-grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Y. Z.; Wang, H. N.; Chen, B.

2017-06-01

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control is recommended to stabilize the voltage and frequency in isolated micro-grid. However, common VSG control is challenged by widely used unbalance loads, and the linked unbalance voltage problem worsens the power quality of the micro-grid. In this paper, the mathematical model of VSG was presented. Based on the analysis of positive- and negative-sequence equivalent circuit of VSG, an approach was proposed to eliminate the negative-sequence voltage of VSG with unbalance loads. Delay cancellation method and PI controller were utilized to identify and suppress the negative-sequence voltages. Simulation results verify the feasibility of proposed control strategy.

Voltage-gated sodium channels: pharmaceutical targets via anticonvulsants to treat epileptic syndromes.

PubMed

Abdelsayed, Mena; Sokolov, Stanislav

2013-01-01

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by seizures and convulsions. The basis of epilepsy is an increase in neuronal excitability that, in some cases, may be caused by functional defects in neuronal voltage gated sodium channels, Nav1.1 and Nav1.2. The effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as effective therapies for epilepsy have been characterized by extensive research. Most of the classic AEDs targeting Nav share a common mechanism of action by stabilizing the channel's fast-inactivated state. In contrast, novel AEDs, such as lacosamide, stabilize the slow-inactivated state in neuronal Nav1.1 and Nav1.7 isoforms. This paper reviews the different mechanisms by which this stabilization occurs to determine new methods for treatment.

ULTRA-STABILIZED D. C. AMPLIFIER

DOEpatents

Hartwig, E.C.; Kuenning, R.W.; Acker, R.C.

1959-02-17

An improved circuit is described for stabilizing the drift and minimizing the noise and hum level of d-c amplifiers so that the output voltage will be zero when the input is zero. In its detailed aspects, the disclosed circuit incorporates a d-c amplifier having a signal input, a second input, and an output circuit coupled back to the first input of the amplifier through inverse feedback means. An electronically driven chopper having a pair of fixed contacts and a moveable contact alternately connects the two inputs of a difference amplifier to the signal input. The A. E. error signal produced in the difference amplifier is amplified, rectified, and applied to the second input of the amplifier as the d-c stabilizing voltage.

High-Voltage Leak Detection of a Parenteral Proteinaceous Solution Product Packaged in Form-Fill-Seal Plastic Laminate Bags. Part 3. Chemical Stability and Visual Appearance of a Protein-Based Aqueous Solution for Injection as a Function of HVLD Exposure.

PubMed

Rasmussen, Mats; Damgaard, Rasmus; Buus, Peter; Guazzo, Dana Morton

2013-01-01

This Part 3 of this three-part research series reports the impact of high-voltage leak detection (HVLD) exposure on the physico-chemical stability of the packaged product. The product, intended for human administration by injection, is an aqueous solution formulation of the rapid acting insulin analogue, insulin aspart (NovoRapid®/NovoLog®) by Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark. The package is a small-volume form-fill-seal plastic laminate bag. Product-packages exposed to HVLD were compared to unexposed product after storage for 9 months at recommended storage conditions of 5 ± 3 °C. No differences in active ingredient or degradation products assays were noted. No changes in any other stability indicating parameter results were observed. This report concludes this three-part series. Part 1 documented HVLD method development and validation work. Part 2 explored the impact of various package material, package temperature, and package storage conditions on HVLD test results. Detection of leaks in the bag seal area was investigated. In conclusion, HVLD is reported to be a validatable leak test method suitable for rapid, nondestructive container-closure integrity evaluation of the subject product-package. In Part 1 of this three-part series, a leak test method based on electrical conductivity and capacitance, also called high-voltage leak detection (HVLD), was proven to find hole leaks in small plastic bags filled with a solution of insulin aspart intended for human injection (NovoRapid®/NovoLog® by Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark). In Part 2, the ability of the HVLD method to find other types of package leaks was tested, and the impact of package material and product storage temperature on HVLD results was explored. This final Part 3 checked how well the packaged protein drug solution maintained its potency after HVLD exposure over 9 months of storage under long-term stability conditions. Results showed that HVLD caused no harm to the product.

Understanding the mechanisms leading to failure in metallic nanowire-based transparent heaters, and solution for stability enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lagrange, M.; Sannicolo, T.; Muñoz-Rojas, D.; Guillo Lohan, B.; Khan, A.; Anikin, M.; Jiménez, C.; Bruckert, F.; Bréchet, Y.; Bellet, D.

2017-02-01

Silver nanowire (AgNW) networks are emerging as one of the most promising alternatives to indium tin oxide (ITO) for transparent electrodes in flexible electronic devices. They can be used in a variety of optoelectronic applications such as solar cells, touch panels and organic light-emitting diodes. Recently they have also proven to be very efficient when used as transparent heaters (THs). In addition to the study of AgNW networks acting as THs in regular use, i.e. at low voltage and moderate temperature, their stability and physical behavior at higher voltages and for longer durations should be studied in view of their integration into real devices. The properties of AgNW networks deposited by spray coating on glass or flexible transparent substrates are thoroughly studied via in situ measurements. The AgNW networks’ behavior at different voltages for different durations and under different atmospheric conditions, both in air and under vacuum, has been examined. At low voltage, a reversible electrical response is observed while irreversibility and even failure are observed at higher voltages. In order to gain a deeper insight into the behavior of AgNW networks used as THs, simple but realistic physical models are proposed and are found to be in fair agreement with the experimental data. Finally, as the stability of AgNW networks is a key issue, we demonstrate that coating AgNW networks with a very thin layer of TiO2 using atomic layer deposition (ALD) improves the material’s resistance against electrical and thermal instabilities without altering optical transmittance. We show that the critical annealing temperature associated to network breakdown increases from 270 °C for the as-deposited AgNW networks to 420 °C for AgNW networks coated with TiO2. Similarly, the electrical failure which occurs at 7 V for the as-deposited networks increases to 13 V for TiO2-coated networks. TiO2 is also proved to stabilize AgNW networks during long duration operation and at high voltage. Temperature higher than 235 °C was achieved at 7 V without failure.

Performance of a low-power subsonic-arc-attachment arcjet thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sankovic, John M.; Berns, Darren H.

1993-01-01

A subsonic-arc-attachment thruster design was scaled from a 30 kW 1960's vintage thruster to operate at nominally 3 kW. Performance measurements were obtained over a 1-4 kW power range using hydrogen as the propellant. Several modes of operation were identified and were characterized by varying degrees of voltage instability. A stability map was developed showing that the voltage oscillations were brought upon by elevated current or propellant levels. At a given specific energy level the specific impulse increased asymptotically with increased flow rates. Comparisons of performance were made between radial and tangential propellant injection. When the vortex flow was eliminated using radial injection, the operating voltages were lower at a given current, and the specific impulse and efficiency decreased. Tests were also conducted to determine the effects of background pressure on operation, and performance data were obtained at pressures of 0.047 Pa and 18 Pa. For a given specific energy level, the performance increased with a decrease in facility background pressure. Lowering the background pressure also caused a dramatic change in the voltage-current characteristic and the voltage stability, a phenomenon not previously reported with conventional supersonic-arc-attachment thrusters.

Research on the Control Strategy for Grid-side Converter of PWM Doubly Fed Induction Wind Power Generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yifang; Wang, Zhijie; Li, Renfu; Jiang, Xiuchen; Sheng, Gehao; Liu, Tianyu; Liu, Sanming

2017-05-01

When the grid voltage drop, over current of transient rotor and over voltage may damage the power electronic devices. The attenuation of electromagnetic torque will lead to speed up. This paper proposes an improved feed-forward control strategy and its application in the PWM converter. When the PWM converter on voltage drops, bus voltage will be more stable. So over current problems of the DFIG rotor side can be reduced, and it also can improve voltage regulation speed of the DC bus voltage and reduce the oscillation amplitude. Furthermore, the stability of doubly fed wind generator system can be improved. The simulation results verify the validity of the modified control strategy.

A multi-mode operation control strategy for flexible microgrid based on sliding-mode direct voltage and hierarchical controls.

PubMed

Zhang, Qinjin; Liu, Yancheng; Zhao, Youtao; Wang, Ning

2016-03-01

Multi-mode operation and transient stability are two problems that significantly affect flexible microgrid (MG). This paper proposes a multi-mode operation control strategy for flexible MG based on a three-layer hierarchical structure. The proposed structure is composed of autonomous, cooperative, and scheduling controllers. Autonomous controller is utilized to control the performance of the single micro-source inverter. An adaptive sliding-mode direct voltage loop and an improved droop power loop based on virtual negative impedance are presented respectively to enhance the system disturbance-rejection performance and the power sharing accuracy. Cooperative controller, which is composed of secondary voltage/frequency control and phase synchronization control, is designed to eliminate the voltage/frequency deviations produced by the autonomous controller and prepare for grid connection. Scheduling controller manages the power flow between the MG and the grid. The MG with the improved hierarchical control scheme can achieve seamless transitions from islanded to grid-connected mode and have a good transient performance. In addition the presented work can also optimize the power quality issues and improve the load power sharing accuracy between parallel VSIs. Finally, the transient performance and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme are evaluated by theoretical analysis and simulation results. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The electromagnetic environment in CFC structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardwick, C. J.; Haigh, S. J.

1991-01-01

Extensive measurements of induced voltages and currents were made using a CFC (carbon fiber composites) horizontal stabilizer from the A320 as a test bed. The work was done to investigate the efficacy of various protection schemes to reduce the magnitudes of the induced voltages and validate a computer program INDCAL. Results indicate that a good understanding of the various induced voltage mechanisms including the long wave effect due to current redistribution was obtained.

Duke Energy | Energy Systems Integration Facility | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Smart Inverters for Grid Stability NREL and Duke Energy are exploring ways that smart inverters can increase grid stability. Photo of two men looking at a large simulation of the electric grid Grid Voltage

Electric-Field-Induced Degradation of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Bae, Soohyun; Kim, Seongtak; Lee, Sang-Won; Cho, Kyung Jin; Park, Sungeun; Lee, Seunghun; Kang, Yoonmook; Lee, Hae-Seok; Kim, Donghwan

2016-08-18

Perovskite solar cells have great potential for high efficiency generation but are subject to the impact of external environmental conditions such as humidity, UV and sun light, temperature, and electric fields. The long-term stability of perovskite solar cells is an important issue for their commercialization. Various studies on the stability of perovskite solar cells are currently being performed; however, the stability related to electric fields is rarely discussed. Here the electrical stability of perovskite solar cells is studied. Ion migration is confirmed using the temperature-dependent dark current decay. Changes in the power conversion efficiency according to the amount of the external bias are measured in the dark, and a significant drop is observed only at an applied voltage greater than 0.8 V. We demonstrate that perovskite solar cells are stable under an electric field up to the operating voltage.

Thermodynamics and instability of dielectric elastomer (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Liwu; Liu, Yanju; Leng, Jinsong; Mu, Tong

2017-04-01

Dielectric elastomer is a kind of typical soft active material. It can deform obviously when subjected to an external voltage. When a dielectric elastomer with randomly oriented dipoles is subject to an electric field, the dipoles will rotate to and align with the electric field. The polarization of the dielectric elastomer may be saturated when the voltage is high enough. When subjected to a mechanical force, the end-to-end distance of each polymer chain, which has a finite contour length, will approach the finite value, reaching a limiting stretch. On approaching the limiting stretch, the elastomer stiffens steeply. Here, we develop a thermodynamic constitutive model of dielectric elastomers undergoing polarization saturation and strain-stiffening, and then investigate the stability (electromechanical stability, snap-through stability) and voltage induced deformation of dielectric elastomers. Analytical solution has been obtained and it reveals the marked influence of the extension limit and polarization saturation limit on its instability. The developed thermodynamic constitutive model and simulation results would be helpful in future to the research of dielectric elastomer based high-performance transducers.

Performance, Facility Pressure Effects, and Stability Characterization Tests of NASA's Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamhawi, Hani; Huang, Wensheng; Haag, Thomas; Yim, John; Herman, Daniel; Peterson, Peter Y.; Williams, George J.; Gilland, James; Hofer, Richard; Mikellides, Ioannis

2016-01-01

NASA's Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5 kW Technology Demonstration Unit-1 (TDU-1) has been the subject of extensive technology maturation in preparation for flight system development. Part of the technology maturation effort included experimental evaluation of the TDU-1 thruster with conducting and dielectric front pole cover materials in two different electrical configurations. A graphite front magnetic pole cover thruster configuration with the thruster body electrically tied to cathode, and an alumina front pole cover thruster configuration with the thruster body floating were evaluated. Both configurations were also evaluated at different facility background pressure conditions to evaluate background pressure effects on thruster operation. Performance characterization tests found that higher thruster performance was attained with the graphite front pole cover configuration with the thruster electrically tied to cathode. A total thrust efficiency of 68% and a total specific impulse of 2,820 s was demonstrated at a discharge voltage of 600 V and a discharge power of 12.5 kW. Thruster stability regimes were characterized with respect to the thruster discharge current oscillations and with maps of the discharge current-voltage-magnetic field (IVB). Analysis of TDU-1 discharge current waveforms found that lower normalized discharge current peak-to-peak and root mean square magnitudes were attained when the thruster was electrically floated with alumina front pole covers. Background pressure effects characterization tests indicated that the thruster performance and stability were mostly invariant to changes in the facility background pressure for vacuum chamber pressure below 1×10-5 Torr-Xe (for thruster flow rates of 20.5 mg/s). Power spectral density analysis of the discharge current waveforms showed that increasing the vacuum chamber background pressure resulted in a higher discharge current dominant breathing mode frequency. Finally, IVB maps of the TDU-1 thruster indicated that the discharge current became more oscillatory with higher discharge current peak-to-peak and RMS values with increased facility background pressure at lower thruster mass flow rates; thruster operation at higher flow rates resulted in less change to the thruster's IVB characteristics with elevated background pressure.

Performance, Facility Pressure Effects, and Stability Characterization Tests of NASA's Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamhawi, Hani; Huang, Wensheng; Haag, Thomas; Yim, John; Herman, Daniel; Williams, George; Gilland, James; Peterson, Peter; Hofer, Richard; Mikellides, Ioannis

2016-01-01

NASAs Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5 kW Technology Demonstration Unit-1 (TDU-1) Hall thruster has been the subject of extensive technology maturation in preparation for flight system development. Part of the technology maturation effort included experimental evaluation of the TDU-1 thruster with conducting and dielectric front pole cover materials in two different electrical configurations. A graphite front pole cover thruster configuration with the thruster body electrically tied to cathode and an alumina front pole cover thruster configuration with the thruster body floating were evaluated. Both configurations were also evaluated at different facility background pressure conditions to evaluate background pressure effects on thruster operation. Performance characterization tests found that higher thruster performance was attained with the graphite front pole cover configuration with the thruster electrically tied to cathode. A total thrust efficiency of 68 and a total specific impulse of 2,820 s was demonstrated at a discharge voltage of 600 V and a discharge power of 12.5 kW. Thruster stability regimes were characterized with respect to the thruster discharge current oscillations and with maps of the current-voltage-magnetic field (IVB). Analysis of TDU-1 discharge current waveforms found that lower normalized discharge current peak-to-peak and root mean square magnitudes were attained when the thruster was electrically floated with alumina front pole covers. Background pressure effects characterization tests indicated that the thruster performance and stability was mostly invariant to changes in the facility background pressure for vacuum chamber pressure below 110-5 Torr-Xe (for thruster flow rate above 8 mgs). Power spectral density analysis of the discharge current waveform showed that increasing the vacuum chamber background pressure resulted in a higher discharge current dominant frequency. Finally the IVB maps of the TDU-1 thruster taken at elevated magnetic fields indicated that the discharge current became more oscillatory with increased facility background pressure at lower thruster mass flow rates, where thruster operation at higher flow rates resulted in less change to the thrusters IVB characteristics.

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

J. M. Rafi; Lynn, D.; Pellegrini, G.

The radiation hardness and thermal stability of the electrical characteristics of atomic layer deposited Al 2O 3 layers to be used as passivation films for silicon radiation detectors with slim edges are investigated. To directly measure the interface charge and to evaluate its change with the ionizing dose, metal-oxide-silicon (MOS) capacitors implementing differently processed Al 2O 3 layers were fabricated on p-type silicon substrates. Qualitatively similar results are obtained for degradation of capacitance–voltage and current–voltage characteristics under gamma and proton irradiations up to equivalent doses of 30 Mrad and 21.07 Mrad, respectively. While similar negative charge densities are initially extractedmore » for all non-irradiated capacitors, superior radiation hardness is obtained for MOS structures with alumina layers grown with H 2O instead of O 3 as oxidant precursor. Competing effects between radiation-induced positive charge trapping and hydrogen release from the H 2O-grown Al 2O 3 layers may explain their higher radiation resistance. Finally, irradiated and non-irradiated MOS capacitors with differently processed Al 2O 3 layers have been subjected to thermal treatments in air at temperatures ranging between 100 °C and 200 °C and the thermal stability of their electrical characteristics has been evaluated. Partial recovery of the gamma-induced degradation has been noticed for O 3-grown MOS structures. Lastly, this can be explained by a trapped holes emission process, for which an activation energy of 1.38 ± 0.15 eV has been extracted.« less

Assessment of read and write stability for 6T SRAM cell based on charge plasma DLTFET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anju; Yadav, Shivendra; Sharma, Dheeraj

2018-03-01

To overcome the process variations due to random dopant fluctuations (RDFs) and complex annealing techniques a charge plasma based doping less TFET (CP-DLTFET) device has been proposed for designing of 6T SRAM cell. The proposed device also benefited by subthreshold slope, low leakage current, and low power supply. In this paper, to avoid the dependency of stability parameters of SRAM cell to supply voltage (Vdd), here N-curve metrics has been analyzed to determine read and write stability. Because N-curve provides stability analysis in terms of voltage and current as well as it gives combine stability analysis with the facility of an inline tester. Further, analyzing the N-curve metrics for different Vdd, cell ratio, and pull-up ratio assist in designing the configuration of transistors for the better read and write stability. Power metrics of N-curve gives the knowledge about read and write stability instead of using four metrics (SINM, SVNM, WTV, and WTI) of N-curve. Finally, in the 6T CP-DLTFET SRAM cell, read and write stability is tested by the interface trap charges (ITCs). The performance parameter of the 6T CP-DLTFET SRAM cell provides considerable read and write stability with less fabrication complexity.

Surface-protected LiCoO2 with ultrathin solid oxide electrolyte film for high-voltage lithium ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Qi; Huang, Jie; Li, Yejing; Wang, Yi; Qiu, Jiliang; Zhang, Jienan; Yu, Huigen; Yu, Xiqian; Li, Hong; Chen, Liquan

2018-06-01

Surface modification of LiCoO2 with the ultrathin film of solid state electrolyte of Li1.4Al0.4Ti1.6(PO4)3 (LATP) has been realized by a new and facile solution-based method. The coated LiCoO2 reveals enhanced structural and electrochemical stability at high voltage (4.5 V vs Li+/Li) in half-cell with liquid electrolyte. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that a dense LATP coating layer is covered on the surface of LiCoO2 uniformly with thickness of less than 20 nm. The LATP coating layer is proven to be able to prevent the direct contact between the cathode and the electrolyte effectively and thus to suppress the side reactions of liquid electrolyte with LiCoO2 surface at high charging voltage. As a result, dissolution of Co3+ has been largely suppressed over prolonged cycling as indicated by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Due to this surface passivating feature, the electrochemical performance of 0.5 wt% LATP modified LiCoO2 has also been evaluated in an all solid lithium battery with poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymer electrolyte. The cell exhibits 93% discharge capacity retention of the initial discharge capacity after 50 cycles at the charging cut-off voltage of 4.2 V, suggesting that the LATP coating layer is effective to suppress the oxidation of PEO at high voltage.

Evaluation of a miniature magnetostrictive actuator using Galfenol under tensile stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueno, Toshiyuki; Miura, Hidemitsu; Yamada, Sotoshi

2011-02-01

We are, at present, developing miniature actuators using an iron-gallium alloy (Galfenol). Galfenol is an iron-based magnetostrictive material with magnetostriction exceeding 200 ppm, Young's modulus of 70 GPa and a high relative permeability (>100). The advantages of an actuator using this material are capability of miniaturization, stability against external force, low voltage driving and high power. In this study, a miniature vibrator using an E core of Galfenol under tensile stress up to 20 MPa was investigated. The vibrator did not fracture and maintained the magnetostriction even under a high tensile stress. In addition, the resonance frequency, unchanged under the tensile stress, was lower than the cutoff frequency, hence the vibrator can be driven with a low voltage even in resonance driving. The temperature rise in resonance driving was low and creep was not observed in resonance driving under tensile stress. The vibrator will be applicable in flat panel or bone conductive speakers.

Low power arcjet performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curran, Francis M.; Sarmiento, Charles J.

1990-01-01

An experimental investigation was performed to evaluate arc jet operation at low power. A standard, 1 kW, constricted arc jet was run using nozzles with three different constrictor diameters. Each nozzle was run over a range of current and mass flow rates to explore stability and performance in the low power engine. A standard pulse-width modulated power processor was modified to accommodate the high operating voltages required under certain conditions. Stable, reliable operation at power levels below 0.5 kW was obtained at efficiencies between 30 and 40 percent. The operating range was found to be somewhat dependent on constrictor geometry at low mass flow rates. Quasi-periodic voltage fluctuations were observed at the low power end of the operating envelope, The nozzle insert geometry was found to have little effect on the performance of the device. The observed performance levels show that specific impulse levels above 350 seconds can be obtained at the 0.5 kW power level.

Low power arcjet performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curran, Francis M.; Sarmiento, Charles J.

1990-01-01

An experimental investigation was performed to evaluate arcjet operation at low power. A standard, 1 kW, constricted arcjet was run using nozzles with three different constrictor diameters. Each nozzle was run over a range of current and mass flow rates to explore stability and performance in the low power regime. A standard pulse-width modulated power processor was modified to accommodate the high operating voltages required under certain conditions. Stable, reliable operation at power levels below 0.5 kW was obtained at efficiencies between 30 and 40 percent. The operating range was found to be somewhat dependent on constrictor geometry at low mass flow rates. Quasi-periodic voltage fluctuations were observed at the low power end of the operating envelope. The nozzle insert geometry was found to have little effect on the performance of the device. The observed performance levels show that specific impulse levels above 350 seconds can be obtained at the 0.5 kW power level.

698-nm diode laser with 1-Hz linewidth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Long; Zhang, Linbo; Xu, Guanjun; Liu, Jun; Dong, Ruifang; Liu, Tao

2017-01-01

Two diode lasers at 698 nm are separately locked to two independent optical reference cavities with a finesse of about 128,000 by the Pound-Drever-Hall method. The more accurate coefficient between voltage and frequency of the error signal is measured, with which quantitative evaluation of the effect of many noises on the frequency stability can be made much more conveniently. A temperature-insensitive method is taken to reduce the effect of residual amplitude modulation on laser frequency stability. With an active fiber noise cancellation, the optical heterodyne beat between two independent lasers shows that the linewidth of one diode laser reaches 1 Hz. The fractional Allan deviation removed linear frequency shift less than 30 mHz/s is below 2.6×10-15 with 1- to 100-s average time.

Modulation of BK channel voltage gating by different auxiliary β subunits

PubMed Central

Contreras, Gustavo F.; Neely, Alan; Alvarez, Osvaldo; Gonzalez, Carlos; Latorre, Ramon

2012-01-01

Calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels (BK) are regulated by a multiplicity of signals. The prevailing view is that different BK gating mechanisms converge to determine channel opening and that these gating mechanisms are allosterically coupled. In most instances the pore forming α subunit of BK is associated with one of four alternative β subunits that appear to target specific gating mechanisms to regulate the channel activity. In particular, β1 stabilizes the active configuration of the BK voltage sensor having a large effect on BK Ca2+ sensitivity. To determine the extent to which β subunits regulate the BK voltage sensor, we measured gating currents induced by the pore-forming BK α subunit alone and with the different β subunits expressed in Xenopus oocytes (β1, β2IR, β3b, and β4). We found that β1, β2, and β4 stabilize the BK voltage sensor in the active conformation. β3 has no effect on voltage sensor equilibrium. In addition, β4 decreases the apparent number of charges per voltage sensor. The decrease in the charge associated with the voltage sensor in α β4 channels explains most of their biophysical properties. For channels composed of the α subunit alone, gating charge increases slowly with pulse duration as expected if a significant fraction of this charge develops with a time course comparable to that of K+ current activation. In the presence of β1, β2, and β4 this slow component develops in advance of and much more rapidly than ion current activation, suggesting that BK channel opening proceeds in two steps. PMID:23112204

Irradiation apparatus

DOEpatents

Goldie, C.H.; Fernald, R.A.

1974-01-29

An apparatus for introducing ionizing radiation into compressed gas insulation systems, such as high-voltage generators or transmission lines to smooth out electrical discontinuities, particularly those caused by foreign particulates that produce high gradients, and to increase the voltage holding capability of the system is described. The apparatus of the invention may also be used to regulate and stabilize the voltage of the system by varying the amount of applied load. A corona discharge device may also be used in conjunction with the invention. (Official Gazette)

Microwave annealing effect for highly reliable biosensor: dual-gate ion-sensitive field-effect transistor using amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistor.

PubMed

Lee, In-Kyu; Lee, Kwan Hyi; Lee, Seok; Cho, Won-Ju

2014-12-24

We used a microwave annealing process to fabricate a highly reliable biosensor using amorphous-InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs), which usually experience threshold voltage instability. Compared with furnace-annealed a-IGZO TFTs, the microwave-annealed devices showed superior threshold voltage stability and performance, including a high field-effect mobility of 9.51 cm(2)/V·s, a low threshold voltage of 0.99 V, a good subthreshold slope of 135 mV/dec, and an outstanding on/off current ratio of 1.18 × 10(8). In conclusion, by using the microwave-annealed a-IGZO TFT as the transducer in an extended-gate ion-sensitive field-effect transistor biosensor, we developed a high-performance biosensor with excellent sensing properties in terms of pH sensitivity, reliability, and chemical stability.

Phase stabilization for mode locked lasers

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

Baer, M.T.

A method is described for stabilizing a phase relationship between two mode locked lasers, comprising: driving through a power splitter the mode lockers of both lasers from a single stable radio frequency source; monitoring the phase of pulses from each laser utilizing a fast photodiode output of each laser; feeding the output of the fast photodiodes to a phase detector and comparator; measuring a relative phase difference between the lasers with a phase detector and comparator, producing a voltage output signal or phase error signal representing the phase difference; amplifying and filtering the voltage output signal with an amplifier andmore » loop filter; feeding the resulting output signal to a voltage controlled phase delay between the power splitter and one of the lasers; and delaying the RF drive to the one laser to achieve a desired phase relationship, between the two lasers.« less

An Adaptive Coordinated Control for an Offshore Wind Farm Connected VSC Based Multi-Terminal DC Transmission System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, M. Ajay; Srikanth, N. V.

2015-01-01

The voltage source converter (VSC) based multiterminal high voltage direct current (MTDC) transmission system is an interesting technical option to integrate offshore wind farms with the onshore grid due to its unique performance characteristics and reduced power loss via extruded DC cables. In order to enhance the reliability and stability of the MTDC system, an adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based coordinated control design has been addressed in this paper. A four terminal VSC-MTDC system which consists of an offshore wind farm and oil platform is implemented in MATLAB/ SimPowerSystems software. The proposed model is tested under different fault scenarios along with the converter outage and simulation results show that the novel coordinated control design has great dynamic stabilities and also the VSC-MTDC system can supply AC voltage of good quality to offshore loads during the disturbances.

[Automatic adjustment control system for DC glow discharge plasma source].

PubMed

Wan, Zhen-zhen; Wang, Yong-qing; Li, Xiao-jia; Wang, Hai-zhou; Shi, Ning

2011-03-01

There are three important parameters in the DC glow discharge process, the discharge current, discharge voltage and argon pressure in discharge source. These parameters influence each other during glow discharge process. This paper presents an automatic control system for DC glow discharge plasma source. This system collects and controls discharge voltage automatically by adjusting discharge source pressure while the discharge current is constant in the glow discharge process. The design concept, circuit principle and control program of this automatic control system are described. The accuracy is improved by this automatic control system with the method of reducing the complex operations and manual control errors. This system enhances the control accuracy of glow discharge voltage, and reduces the time to reach discharge voltage stability. The glow discharge voltage stability test results with automatic control system are provided as well, the accuracy with automatic control system is better than 1% FS which is improved from 4% FS by manual control. Time to reach discharge voltage stability has been shortened to within 30 s by automatic control from more than 90 s by manual control. Standard samples like middle-low alloy steel and tin bronze have been tested by this automatic control system. The concentration analysis precision has been significantly improved. The RSDs of all the test result are better than 3.5%. In middle-low alloy steel standard sample, the RSD range of concentration test result of Ti, Co and Mn elements is reduced from 3.0%-4.3% by manual control to 1.7%-2.4% by automatic control, and that for S and Mo is also reduced from 5.2%-5.9% to 3.3%-3.5%. In tin bronze standard sample, the RSD range of Sn, Zn and Al elements is reduced from 2.6%-4.4% to 1.0%-2.4%, and that for Si, Ni and Fe is reduced from 6.6%-13.9% to 2.6%-3.5%. The test data is also shown in this paper.

Characterization of a BODIPY Dye as an Active Species for Redox Flow Batteries.

PubMed

Kosswattaarachchi, Anjula M; Friedman, Alan E; Cook, Timothy R

2016-12-08

An all-organic redox flow battery (RFB) employing a fluorescent boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dye (PM567) was investigated. In a RFB, the stability of the electrolyte in all charged states is critically linked to coulombic efficiency. To evaluate stability, bulk electrolysis and cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments were performed. Oxidized and reduced, PM567 does not remain intact; however, the products of bulk electrolysis evolve over time to show stable redox behavior, making the dye a precursor for the active species of an RFB. A theoretical cell potential of 2.32 V was predicted from CV experiments with a working discharge voltage of approximately 1.6 V in a static test cell. Mass spectrometry was used to identify the products of bulk electrolysis. Related experiments were carried out using ferrocene and cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate as redox-stable benchmarks to further explain the stability results. The coulombic efficiency of a model cell using PM567 as a precursor for charge carriers stabilized around 73 %. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

LiF dissolution by anion-binding-agent in LiCF x battery systems: Lower ohmic and interfacial resistance.

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

Nagasubramanian, Ganesan; Fenton, Kyle Ross

2015-02-01

In this paper we will discuss our preliminary thermal and electrochemical data aimed at developing a robust nonflammable Li-CFx cell capable of wide temperature operation. To accomplish this goal, we are evaluating a thermally stable solvent comprised of an anion binding agent (ABA) and lithium fluoride (LiF), typically at a 1:1 molar ratio. In conventional carbonate based electrolytes, ABA is soluble while LiF remains insoluble. However, the neutral ABA solubilizes LiF and forms a salt complex represented as Li+(ABAF-). We are exploiting this unique feature and apply this strategy to CFx chemistry to improve cell performance, due to the CFxmore » cell chemistry generating LiF as discharge product. Continuous solvation of the salt mixture during discharge allows for utilization of electrolytes initially containing sub stoichiometric amount of LiF. The practical benefits are reduced cell weight, mitigation of electrode fouling, and consequently better low temperature performance. Electrolytes containing dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), 1M tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane (TPFB) and varying concentrations of LiF (1M; 0.5M and 0.1M) were prepared and characterized for ionic conductivity and voltage stability. In general, ionic conductivity decreases with decreasing LiF concentration. The room temperature conductivity for the DMMP 1M TPFB:1M LiF is ~ 9mS/cm and ~3mS/cm for the 1M TPFB:0.1M LiF. Unlike the conductivity, the electrochemical voltage stability did not vary substantially with LiF concentration and the electrolytes showed a stable voltage window in the range 0-3.5V vs. Li +/Li, which is substantially wider than the Li-CFx cell voltage. Flammability measurement performed at our thermal abuse facility demonstrated that the electrolyte was nonflammable. Discharge performance of CFx materials obtained from several vendors was evaluated in 2032 coin cells at room temperature. Experimental results demonstrate a reduction in ohmic resistance and interfacial resistance during discharge for a cell containing lower concentrations of added LiF compared to ABA. These observations are a direct demonstration that the unbound ABA in the electrolyte dissolves the LiF generated in the discharge reaction.« less

The topogenic function of S4 promotes membrane insertion of the voltage-sensor domain in the KvAP channel.

PubMed

Mishima, Eriko; Sato, Yoko; Nanatani, Kei; Hoshi, Naomi; Lee, Jong-Kook; Schiller, Nina; von Heijne, Gunnar; Sakaguchi, Masao; Uozumi, Nobuyuki

2016-12-01

Voltage-dependent K + (K V ) channels control K + permeability in response to shifts in the membrane potential. Voltage sensing in K V channels is mediated by the positively charged transmembrane domain S4. The best-characterized K V channel, KvAP, lacks the distinct hydrophilic region corresponding to the S3-S4 extracellular loop that is found in other K + channels. In the present study, we evaluated the topogenic properties of the transmembrane regions within the voltage-sensing domain in KvAP. S3 had low membrane insertion activity, whereas S4 possessed a unique type-I signal anchor (SA-I) function, which enabled it to insert into the membrane by itself. S4 was also found to function as a stop-transfer signal for retention in the membrane. The length and structural nature of the extracellular S3-S4 loop affected the membrane insertion of S3 and S4, suggesting that S3 membrane insertion was dependent on S4. Replacement of charged residues within the transmembrane regions with residues of opposite charge revealed that Asp 72 in S2 and Glu 93 in S3 contributed to membrane insertion of S3 and S4, and increased the stability of S4 in the membrane. These results indicate that the SA-I function of S4, unique among K + channels studied to date, promotes the insertion of S3 into the membrane, and that the charged residues essential for voltage sensing contribute to the membrane-insertion of the voltage sensor domain in KvAP. © 2016 The Author(s); published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

Engineering evaluations and studies. Report for Ku-band studies, exhibit A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodds, J. G.; Huth, G. K.; Maronde, R. G.; Roberts, D.

1981-01-01

System performance aspects of the Ku band radar communication hardware and investigations into the Ku band/payload interfaces are discussed. The communications track problem caused by the excessive signal dynamic range at the servo input was investigated. The management/handover logic is discussed and a simplified description of the transmitter enable logic function is presented. Output noise produced by a voltage-controlled oscillator chip used in the SPA return-link channel 3 mid-bit detector is discussed. The deployed assembly (DA) and EA-2 critical design review data are evaluated. Cross coupling effects on antenna servo stability were examined. A series of meetings on the acceptance test specification for the deployed assembly is summarized.

Towards highly stable polymer electronics (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolka, Mark; Nasrallah, Iyad; Broch, Katharina; Sadhanala, Aditya; Hurhangee, Michael; McCulloch, Iain; Sirringhaus, Henning

2016-11-01

Due to their ease of processing, organic semiconductors are promising candidates for applications in high performance flexible displays and fast organic electronic circuitry. Recently, a lot of advances have been made on organic semiconductors exhibiting surprisingly high performance and carrier mobilities exceeding those of amorphous silicon. However, there remain significant concerns about their operational and environmental stability, particularly in the context of applications that require a very high level of threshold voltage stability, such as active-matrix addressing of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. Here, we report a novel technique for dramatically improving the operational stress stability, performance and uniformity of high mobility polymer field-effect transistors by the addition of specific small molecule additives to the polymer semiconductor film. We demonstrate for the first time polymer FETs that exhibit stable threshold voltages with threshold voltage shifts of less than 1V when subjected to a constant current operational stress for 1 day under conditions that are representative for applications in OLED active matrix displays. The approach constitutes in our view a technological breakthrough; it also makes the device characteristics independent of the atmosphere in which it is operated, causes a significant reduction in contact resistance and significantly improves device uniformity. We will discuss in detail the microscopic mechanism by which the molecular additives lead to this significant improvement in device performance and stability.

TH-CD-201-12: Preliminary Evaluation of Organic Field Effect Transistors as Radiation Detectors

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

Syme, A; Lin, H; Rubio-Sanchez, J

Purpose: To fabricate organic field effect transistors (OFETs) and evaluate their performance before and after exposure to ionizing radiation. To determine if OFETs have potential to function as radiation dosimeters. Methods: OFETs were fabricated on both Si/SiO{sub 2} wafers and flexible polymer substrates using standard processing techniques. Pentacene was used as the organic semiconductor material and the devices were fabricated in a bottom gate configuration. Devices were irradiated using an orthovoltage treatment unit (120 kVp x-rays). Threshold voltage values were measured with the devices in saturation mode and quantified as a function of cumulative dose. Current-voltage characteristics of the devicesmore » were measured using a Keithley 2614 SourceMeter SMU Instrument. The devices were connected to the reader but unpowered during irradiations. Results: Devices fabricated on Si/SiO2 wafers demonstrated excellent linearity (R{sup 2} > 0.997) with threshold voltages that ranged between 15 and 36 V. Devices fabricated on a flexible polymer substrate had substantially smaller threshold voltages (∼ 4 – 8 V) and slightly worse linearity (R{sup 2} > 0.98). The devices demonstrated excellent stability in I–V characteristics over a large number (>2000) cycles. Conclusion: OFETs have demonstrated excellent potential in radiation dosimetry applications. A key advantage of these devices is their composition, which can be substantially more tissue-equivalent at low photon energies relative to many other types of radiation detector. In addition, fabrication of organic electronics can employ techniques that are faster, simpler and cheaper than conventional silicon-based devices. These results support further development of organic electronic devices for radiation detection purposes. Funding Support, Disclosures, and Conflict of Interest: This work was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.« less

METHOD FOR STABILIZING KLYSTRONS

DOEpatents

Magnuson, D.W.; Smith, D.F.

1959-04-14

High-frequency oscillators for the generation of microwaves, particularly a system for stabilizing frequency-modulated klystron oscillators of the reflex type, are described. The system takos advantage of the fact that a change in oscillator frequency will alter the normal phase displacement between the cavity and its modulator, creating an error voltage which is utilized to regulate the frequency of the oscillator and stabilize it.

Actuation stability test of the LISA pathfinder inertial sensor front-end electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mance, Davor; Gan, Li; Weber, Bill; Weber, Franz; Zweifel, Peter

In order to limit the residual stray forces on the inertial sensor test mass in LISA pathfinder, √ it is required that the fluctuation of the test mass actuation voltage is within 2ppm/ Hz. The actuation voltage stability test on the flight hardware of the inertial sensor front-end electronics (IS FEE) is presented in this paper. This test is completed during the inertial sensor integration at EADS Astrium Friedrichshafen, Germany. The standard measurement method using voltmeter is not sufficient for verification, since the instrument low frequency √ fluctuation is higher than the 2ppm/ Hz requirement. In this test, by using the differential measurement method and the lock-in amplifier, the actuation stability performance is verified and the quality of the IS FEE hardware is confirmed by the test results.

Study of V-OTDR stability for dynamic strain measurement in piezoelectric vibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Meiqi; Lu, Ping; Chen, Liang; Bao, Xiaoyi

2016-09-01

In a phase-sensitive optical-time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) system, the challenge for dynamic strain measurement lies in large intensity fluctuations from trace to trace. The intensity fluctuation caused by stochastic characteristics of Rayleigh backscattering sets detection limit for the minimum strength of vibration measurement and causes the large measurement uncertainty. Thus, a trace-to-trace correlation coefficient is introduced to quantify intensity fluctuation of Φ-OTDR traces and stability of the sensor system theoretically and experimentally. A novel approach of measuring dynamic strain induced by various driving voltages of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) in Φ-OTDR is also demonstrated. Piezoelectric vibration signals are evaluated through analyzing peak values of fast Fourier transform spectra at the fundamental frequency and high-order harmonics based on Bessel functions. High trace-to-trace correlation coefficients varying from 0.824 to 0.967 among 100 measurements are obtained in experimental results, showing the good stability of our sensor system, as well as small uncertainty of measured peak values.

An isolated SNM model for high-stability multi-port register file in 65 nm CMOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuejun; Wang, Pengjun; Li, Gang

2017-09-01

In modern microprocessors, the multi-port register file is one of the key modules which provides fast and multiple data access for instructions. As the number of access ports in register files increases, stability becomes a key issue due to the voltage fluctuation on bit lines. We propose to apply an isolated inverter to address the voltage fluctuation. To assess the register stability, we derive a closed-form expression of static noise margin (SNM) for our register file. The proposed SNM model can be used as a guideline to predict the impact of several register parameters on the stability and optimize register file designs. To validate the proposed SNM model, we fabricated a test chip of two-write-four-read (2W4R) 1024 bits register file in a TSMC 65 nm low-power CMOS technology. The experimental result shows that the stability of our register file cells with an isolated inverter improve the conventional cells by approximately 2.4 times. Also, the supply voltage causes a fluctuation of SNM of about 65%, while temperature and transistor mismatch cause a fluctuation of SNM of about 20%. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos, 61404076, 61474068), the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. LQ14F040001), the S&T Plan of Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Department (No. 2015C31010), the China Spark Program (No. 2015GA701053), the Ningbo Natural Science Foundation (Nos. 2014A610148, 2015A610107), and the K. C. Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University, China.

Closed-loop analysis and control of a non-inverting buck-boost converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zengshi; Hu, Jiangang; Gao, Wenzhong

2010-11-01

In this article, a cascade controller is designed and analysed for a non-inverting buck-boost converter. The fast inner current loop uses sliding mode control. The slow outer voltage loop uses the proportional-integral (PI) control. Stability analysis and selection of PI gains are based on the nonlinear closed-loop error dynamics incorporating both the inner and outer loop controllers. The closed-loop system is proven to have a nonminimum phase structure. The voltage transient due to step changes of input voltage or resistance is predictable. The operating range of the reference voltage is discussed. The controller is validated by a simulation circuit. The simulation results show that the reference output voltage is well-tracked under system uncertainties or disturbances, confirming the validity of the proposed controller.

Network-Cognizant Voltage Droop Control for Distribution Grids

DOE PAGES

Baker, Kyri; Bernstein, Andrey; Dall'Anese, Emiliano; ...

2017-08-07

Our paper examines distribution systems with a high integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and addresses the design of local control methods for real-time voltage regulation. Particularly, the paper focuses on proportional control strategies where the active and reactive output-powers of DERs are adjusted in response to (and proportionally to) local changes in voltage levels. The design of the voltage-active power and voltage-reactive power characteristics leverages suitable linear approximation of the AC power-flow equations and is network-cognizant; that is, the coefficients of the controllers embed information on the location of the DERs and forecasted non-controllable loads/injections and, consequently, on themore » effect of DER power adjustments on the overall voltage profile. We pursued a robust approach to cope with uncertainty in the forecasted non-controllable loads/power injections. Stability of the proposed local controllers is analytically assessed and numerically corroborated.« less

250 kV 6 mA compact Cockcroft-Walton high-voltage power supply.

PubMed

Ma, Zhan-Wen; Su, Xiao-Dong; Lu, Xiao-Long; Wei, Zhen; Wang, Jun-Run; Huang, Zhi-Wu; Miao, Tian-You; Su, Tong-Ling; Yao, Ze-En

2016-08-01

A compact power supply system for a compact neutron generator has been developed. A 4-stage symmetrical Cockcroft-Walton circuit is adopted to produce 250 kV direct current high-voltage. A 2-stage 280 kV isolation transformer system is used to drive the ion source power supply. For a compact structure, safety, and reliability during the operation, the Cockcroft-Walton circuit and the isolation transformer system are enclosed in an epoxy vessel containing the transformer oil whose size is about ∅350 mm × 766 mm. Test results indicate that the maximum output voltage of the power supply is 282 kV, and the stability of the output voltage is better than 0.63% when the high voltage power supply is operated at 250 kV, 6.9 mA with the input voltage varying ±10%.

Network-Cognizant Voltage Droop Control for Distribution Grids

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

Baker, Kyri; Bernstein, Andrey; Dall'Anese, Emiliano

Our paper examines distribution systems with a high integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and addresses the design of local control methods for real-time voltage regulation. Particularly, the paper focuses on proportional control strategies where the active and reactive output-powers of DERs are adjusted in response to (and proportionally to) local changes in voltage levels. The design of the voltage-active power and voltage-reactive power characteristics leverages suitable linear approximation of the AC power-flow equations and is network-cognizant; that is, the coefficients of the controllers embed information on the location of the DERs and forecasted non-controllable loads/injections and, consequently, on themore » effect of DER power adjustments on the overall voltage profile. We pursued a robust approach to cope with uncertainty in the forecasted non-controllable loads/power injections. Stability of the proposed local controllers is analytically assessed and numerically corroborated.« less

250 kV 6 mA compact Cockcroft-Walton high-voltage power supply

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

Ma, Zhan-Wen; Su, Xiao-Dong; Wei, Zhen

A compact power supply system for a compact neutron generator has been developed. A 4-stage symmetrical Cockcroft-Walton circuit is adopted to produce 250 kV direct current high-voltage. A 2-stage 280 kV isolation transformer system is used to drive the ion source power supply. For a compact structure, safety, and reliability during the operation, the Cockcroft-Walton circuit and the isolation transformer system are enclosed in an epoxy vessel containing the transformer oil whose size is about ∅350 mm × 766 mm. Test results indicate that the maximum output voltage of the power supply is 282 kV, and the stability of themore » output voltage is better than 0.63% when the high voltage power supply is operated at 250 kV, 6.9 mA with the input voltage varying ±10%.« less

Crebanine inhibits voltage-dependent Na+ current in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Xiao-Shan, He; Qing, Lin; Yun-Shu, Ma; Ze-Pu, Yu

2014-01-01

To study the effects of crebanine on voltage-gated Na(+) channels in cardiac tissues. Single ventricular myocytes were enzymatically dissociated from adult guinea-pig heart. Voltage-dependent Na(+) current was recorded using the whole cell voltage-clamp technique. Crebanine reversibly inhibited Na(+) current with an IC50 value of 0.283 mmol·L(-1) (95% confidence range: 0.248-0.318 mmol·L(-1)). Crebanine at 0.262 mmol·L(-1) caused a negative shift (about 12 mV) in the voltage-dependence of steady-state inactivation of Na(+) current, and retarded its recovery from inactivation, but did not affect its activation curve. In addition to blocking other voltage-gated ion channels, crebanine blocked Na(+) channels in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. Crebanine acted as an inactivation stabilizer of Na(+) channels in cardiac tissues. Copyright © 2014 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental investigation of powerful pulse current generators based on capacitive storage and explosive magnetic generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shurupov, A. V.; Zavalova, V. E.; Kozlov, A. V.; Shurupov, M. A.; Povareshkin, M. N.; Kozlov, A. A.; Shurupova, N. P.

2018-01-01

Experimental models of microsecond duration powerful generators of current pulses on the basis of explosive magnetic generators and voltage impulse generator have been developed for the electromagnetic pulse effects on energy facilities to verify their stability. Exacerbation of voltage pulse carried out through the use of electro explosive current interrupter made of copper wires with diameters of 80 and 120 μm. Experimental results of these models investigation are represented. Voltage fronts about 100 ns and the electric field strength of 800 kV/m are registered.

Aspects on HTS applications in confined power grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arndt, T.; Grundmann, J.; Kuhnert, A.; Kummeth, P.; Nick, W.; Oomen, M.; Schacherer, C.; Schmidt, W.

2014-12-01

In an increasing number of electric power grids the share of distributed energy generation is also increasing. The grids have to cope with a considerable change of power flow, which has an impact on the optimum topology of the grids and sub-grids (high-voltage, medium-voltage and low-voltage sub-grids) and the size of quasi-autonomous grid sections. Furthermore the stability of grids is influenced by its size. Thus special benefits of HTS applications in the power grid might become most visible in confined power grids.

Ionic liquid hybrids: Progress toward non-corrosive electrolytes with high-voltage oxidation stability for magnesium-ion based batteries

DOE PAGES

Huie, Matthew M.; Cama, Christina A.; Smith, Paul F.; ...

2016-10-01

Magnesium – ion batteries have the potential for high energy density but require new types of electrolytes for practical application. Ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes offer the opportunity for increased safety and broader voltage windows relative to traditional electrolytes. We present here a systematic study of both the conductivity and oxidative stability of hybrid electrolytes consisting of eleven ILs mixed with dipropylene glycol dimethylether (DPGDME) or acetonitrile (ACN) cosolvents and magnesium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI) 2). Our study finds a correlation of higher conductivity of ILs with unsaturated rings and short carbon chain lengths, but by contrast, these ILs also exhibited lower oxidationmore » voltage limits. For the cosolvent additive, although glymes have a demonstrated capability of coordination with Mg 2+ ions, a decrease in conductivity compared to acetonitrile hybrid electrolytes was observed. Lastly, when cycled within the appropriate voltage range, the IL-hybrid electrolytes that show the highest conductivity provide the best cathode magnesiation current densities and lowest polarization as demonstrated with a Mg 0.15MnO 2 and Mg 0.07V 2O 5 cathodes.« less

Needle-array to Plate DBD Plasma Using Sine AC and Nanosecond Pulse Excitations for Purpose of Improving Indoor Air Quality

PubMed Central

Zhang, Li; Yang, Dezheng; Wang, Wenchun; Wang, Sen; Yuan, Hao; Zhao, Zilu; Sang, Chaofeng; Jia, Li

2016-01-01

In this study, needle-array to plate electrode configuration was employed to generate an atmospheric air diffuse discharge using both nanosecond pulse and sine AC voltage as excitation voltage for the purpose of improving indoor air quality. Different types of voltage sources and electrode configurations are employed to optimize electrical field distribution and improve discharge stability. Discharge images, electrical characteristics, optical emission spectra, and plasma gas temperatures in both sine AC discharge and nanosecond pulse discharge were compared and the discharge stability during long operating time were discussed. Compared with the discharge excited by sine AC voltage, the nanosecond pulsed discharge is more homogenous and stable, besides, the plasma gas temperature of nanosecond pulse discharge is much lower. Using packed-bed structure, where γ- Al2O3 pellets are filled in the electrode gap, has obvious efficacy in the production of homogenous discharge. Furthermore, both sine AC discharge and nanosecond pulse discharge were used for removing formaldehyde from flowing air. It shows that nanosecond pulse discharge has a significant advantage in energy cost. And the main physiochemical processes for the generation of active species and the degradation of formaldehyde were discussed. PMID:27125663

Effects of Electrode Material on the Voltage of a Tree-Based Energy Generator.

PubMed

Hao, Zhibin; Wang, Guozhu; Li, Wenbin; Zhang, Junguo; Kan, Jiangming

2015-01-01

The voltage between a standing tree and its surrounding soil is regarded as an innovative renewable energy source. This source is expected to provide a new power generation system for the low-power electrical equipment used in forestry. However, the voltage is weak, which has caused great difficulty in application. Consequently, the development of a method to increase the voltage is a key issue that must be addressed in this area of applied research. As the front-end component for energy harvesting, a metal electrode has a material effect on the level and stability of the voltage obtained. This study aimed to preliminarily ascertain the rules and mechanisms that underlie the effects of electrode material on voltage. Electrodes of different materials were used to measure the tree-source voltage, and the data were employed in a comparative analysis. The results indicate that the conductivity of the metal electrode significantly affects the contact resistance of the electrode-soil and electrode-trunk contact surfaces, thereby influencing the voltage level. The metal reactivity of the electrode has no significant effect on the voltage. However, passivation of the electrode materials markedly reduces the voltage. Suitable electrode materials are demonstrated and recommended.

Network-Cognizant Design of Decentralized Volt/VAR Controllers

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

Baker, Kyri A; Bernstein, Andrey; Zhao, Changhong

This paper considers the problem of designing decentralized Volt/VAR controllers for distributed energy resources (DERs). The voltage-reactive power characteristics of individual DERs are obtained by solving a convex optimization problem, where given performance objectives (e.g., minimization of the voltage deviations from a given profile) are specified and stability constraints are enforced. The resultant Volt/VAR characteristics are network-cognizant, in the sense that they embed information on the location of the DERs and, consequently, on the effect of reactive-power adjustments on the voltages throughout the feeder. Bounds on the maximum voltage deviation incurred by the controllers are analytically established. Numerical results aremore » reported to corroborate the technical findings.« less

A Consideration of Stable Operating Power Limits of HVDC System Composed of Voltage Source Converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konishi, Hiroo; Takahashi, Choei; Kishibe, Hideto; Sato, Hiromichi

The stable operating power limits of a small scale HVDC system composed of voltage source converters (VSC-HVDC system) are analyzed with a simple model. The VSC-HVDC system could operate where the AC system must be somewhat larger in capacity than the VSC-HVDC system capacity. The stable operating power limits were between one and two times the SCR (short circuit ratio). When the inverter of the VSC-HVDC system was operated with lead reactive (capacitive) power control conditions, the stable operating limits were increased through AC voltage stabilization. When the inverter was a STATCOM operation, it could operate regardless of the SCR but regions within allowable AC voltage variations.

A Three-Stage Enhanced Reactive Power and Voltage Optimization Method for High Penetration of Solar

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

Ke, Xinda; Huang, Renke; Vallem, Mallikarjuna R.

This paper presents a three-stage enhanced volt/var optimization method to stabilize voltage fluctuations in transmission networks by optimizing the usage of reactive power control devices. In contrast with existing volt/var optimization algorithms, the proposed method optimizes the voltage profiles of the system, while keeping the voltage and real power output of the generators as close to the original scheduling values as possible. This allows the method to accommodate realistic power system operation and market scenarios, in which the original generation dispatch schedule will not be affected. The proposed method was tested and validated on a modified IEEE 118-bus system withmore » photovoltaic data.« less

Inter-subunit interactions across the upper voltage sensing-pore domain interface contribute to the concerted pore opening transition of Kv channels.

PubMed

Shem-Ad, Tzilhav; Irit, Orr; Yifrach, Ofer

2013-01-01

The tight electro-mechanical coupling between the voltage-sensing and pore domains of Kv channels lies at the heart of their fundamental roles in electrical signaling. Structural data have identified two voltage sensor pore inter-domain interaction surfaces, thus providing a framework to explain the molecular basis for the tight coupling of these domains. While the contribution of the intra-subunit lower domain interface to the electro-mechanical coupling that underlies channel opening is relatively well understood, the contribution of the inter-subunit upper interface to channel gating is not yet clear. Relying on energy perturbation and thermodynamic coupling analyses of tandem-dimeric Shaker Kv channels, we show that mutation of upper interface residues from both sides of the voltage sensor-pore domain interface stabilizes the closed channel state. These mutations, however, do not affect slow inactivation gating. We, moreover, find that upper interface residues form a network of state-dependent interactions that stabilize the open channel state. Finally, we note that the observed residue interaction network does not change during slow inactivation gating. The upper voltage sensing-pore interaction surface thus only undergoes conformational rearrangements during channel activation gating. We suggest that inter-subunit interactions across the upper domain interface mediate allosteric communication between channel subunits that contributes to the concerted nature of the late pore opening transition of Kv channels.

Suppressed oxygen extraction and degradation of LiNi xMn yCo zO 2 cathodes at high charge cut-off voltages

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

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Zhang, Jiandong

The capacity degradation mechanism in lithium nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes (LiNi 1/3Mn 1/3Co 1/3O 2 (NMC 333) and LiNi 0.4Mn 0.4Co 0.2O 2 (NMC 442)) during high-voltage (cut-off of 4.8 V) operation has been investigated. In contrast to NMC 442, NMC 333 exhibits rapid structural changes including severe micro-crack formation and phase transformation from a layered to a disordered rock-salt structure, as well as interfacial degradation during high-voltage cycling, leading to a rapid increase of the electrode resistance and fast capacity decline. The fundamental reason behind the poor structural and interfacial stability of NMC 333 was found to be correlatedmore » to its high Co content and the significant overlap between the Co 3+/4+ t 2g and O 2- 2p bands, resulting in oxygen removal and consequent structural changes at high voltages. In addition, oxidation of the electrolyte solvents by the extracted oxygen species generates acidic species, which then attack the electrode surface and form highly resistive LiF. These findings highlight that both the structural and interfacial stability should be taken into account when tailoring cathode materials for high voltage battery systems.« less

Suppressed oxygen extraction and degradation of LiNixMnyCozO2 cathodes at high charge cut-off voltages

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

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Zhang, Jiandong

The capacity degradation mechanism in lithium nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC333) and LiNi0.4Mn0.4Co0.2O2 (NMC442)) during high-voltage (cut-off of 4.8 V) operation has been investigated. In contrast to NMC442, NMC333 exhibits rapid structural changes including severe micro-crack formation and phase transformation from a layered to a disordered rock-salt structure, as well as interfacial degradation during high-voltage cycling, leading to a rapid increase of the electrode resistance and fast capacity decline. The fundamental reason behind the poor structural and interfacial stability of NMC333 was found to be correlated to its high Co content and the significant overlap between the Co3+/4+ t(2g)more » and O2- 2p bands, resulting in oxygen removal and consequent structural changes at high voltages. In addition, oxidation of the electrolyte solvents by the extracted oxygen species generates acidic species, which then attack the electrode surface and form highly resistive LiF. These findings highlight that both the structural and interfacial stability should be taken into account when tailoring cathode materials for high voltage battery systems« less

A quick response four decade logarithmic high-voltage stepping supply

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doong, H.

1978-01-01

An improved high-voltage stepping supply, for space instrumentation is described where low power consumption and fast settling time between steps are required. The high-voltage stepping supply, utilizing an average power of 750 milliwatts, delivers a pair of mirror images with 64 level logarithmic outputs. It covers a four decade range of + or - 2500 to + or - 0.29 volts having an output stability of + or - 0.5 percent or + or - 20 millivolts for all line load and temperature variations. The supply provides a typical step setting time of 1 millisecond with 100 microseconds for the lower two decades. The versatile design features of the high-voltage stepping supply provides a quick response staircase generator as described or a fixed voltage with the option to change levels as required over large dynamic ranges without circuit modifications. The concept can be implemented up to + or - 5000 volts. With these design features, the high-voltage stepping supply should find numerous applications where charged particle detection, electro-optical systems, and high voltage scientific instruments are used.

Optical fiber voltage sensors for broad temperature ranges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rose, A. H.; Day, G. W.

1992-01-01

We describe the development of an optical fiber ac voltage sensor for aircraft and spacecraft applications. Among the most difficult specifications to meet for this application is a temperature stability of +/- 1 percent from -65 C to +125 C. This stability requires a careful selection of materials, components, and optical configuration with further compensation using an optical-fiber temperature sensor located near the sensing element. The sensor is a polarimetric design, based on the linear electro-optic effect in bulk Bi4Ge3O12. The temperature sensor is also polarimetric, based on the temperature dependence of the birefringence of bulk SiO2. The temperature sensor output is used to automatically adjust the calibration of the instrument.

Research on uncertainty evaluation measure and method of voltage sag severity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X. N.; Wei, J.; Ye, S. Y.; Chen, B.; Long, C.

2018-01-01

Voltage sag is an inevitable serious problem of power quality in power system. This paper focuses on a general summarization and reviews on the concepts, indices and evaluation methods about voltage sag severity. Considering the complexity and uncertainty of influencing factors, damage degree, the characteristics and requirements of voltage sag severity in the power source-network-load sides, the measure concepts and their existing conditions, evaluation indices and methods of voltage sag severity have been analyzed. Current evaluation techniques, such as stochastic theory, fuzzy logic, as well as their fusion, are reviewed in detail. An index system about voltage sag severity is provided for comprehensive study. The main aim of this paper is to propose thought and method of severity research based on advanced uncertainty theory and uncertainty measure. This study may be considered as a valuable guide for researchers who are interested in the domain of voltage sag severity.

Superposed Redox Chemistry of Fused Carbon Rings in Cyclooctatetraene-Based Organic Molecules for High-Voltage and High-Capacity Cathodes.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiaolin; Qiu, Wujie; Ma, Chao; Zhao, Yingqin; Wang, Kaixue; Zhang, Wenqing; Kang, Litao; Liu, Jianjun

2018-01-24

Even though many organic cathodes have been developed and have made a significant improvement in energy density and reversibility, some organic materials always generate relatively low voltage and limited discharge capacity because their energy storage mechanism is solely based on redox reactions of limited functional groups [N-O, C═X (X = O, N, S)] linking to aromatic rings. Here, a series of cyclooctatetraene-based (C 8 H 8 ) organic molecules were demonstrated to have electrochemical activity of high-capacity and high-voltage from carbon rings by means of first-principles calculations and electronic structure analysis. Fused molecules of C 8 -C 4 -C 8 (C 16 H 12 ) and C 8 -C 4 -C 8 -C 4 -C 8 (C 24 H 16 ) contain, respectively, four and eight electron-deficient carbons, generating high-capacity by their multiple redox reactions. Our sodiation calculations predict that C 16 H 12 and C 24 H 16 exhibit discharge capacities of 525.3 and 357.2 mA h g -1 at the voltage change from 3.5 to 1.0 V and 3.7 to 1.3 V versus Na + /Na, respectively. Electronic structure analysis reveals that the high voltages are attributed to superposed electron stabilization mechanisms, including double-bond reformation and aromatization from carbon rings. High thermodynamic stability of these C 24 H 16 -based systems strongly suggests feasibility of experimental realization. The present work provides evidence that cyclooctatetraene-based organic molecules fused with the C 4 ring are promising in designing high-capacity and high-voltage organic rechargeable cathodes.

Assessing direct analysis in real-time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for the rapid identification of additives in food packaging.

PubMed

Ackerman, L K; Noonan, G O; Begley, T H

2009-12-01

The ambient ionization technique direct analysis in real time (DART) was characterized and evaluated for the screening of food packaging for the presence of packaging additives using a benchtop mass spectrometer (MS). Approximate optimum conditions were determined for 13 common food-packaging additives, including plasticizers, anti-oxidants, colorants, grease-proofers, and ultraviolet light stabilizers. Method sensitivity and linearity were evaluated using solutions and characterized polymer samples. Additionally, the response of a model additive (di-ethyl-hexyl-phthalate) was examined across a range of sample positions, DART, and MS conditions (temperature, voltage and helium flow). Under optimal conditions, molecular ion (M+H+) was the major ion for most additives. Additive responses were highly sensitive to sample and DART source orientation, as well as to DART flow rates, temperatures, and MS inlet voltages, respectively. DART-MS response was neither consistently linear nor quantitative in this setting, and sensitivity varied by additive. All additives studied were rapidly identified in multiple food-packaging materials by DART-MS/MS, suggesting this technique can be used to screen food packaging rapidly. However, method sensitivity and quantitation requires further study and improvement.

High stability amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, W. A.; Reinhardt, V. S. (Inventor)

1983-01-01

An electrical RF signal amplifier for providing high temperature stability and RF isolation and comprised of an integrated circuit voltage regulator, a single transistor, and an integrated circuit operational amplifier mounted on a circuit board such that passive circuit elements are located on side of the circuit board while the active circuit elements are located on the other side is described. The active circuit elements are embedded in a common heat sink so that a common temperature reference is provided for changes in ambient temperature. The single transistor and operational amplifier are connected together to form a feedback amplifier powered from the voltage regulator with transistor implementing primarily the desired signal gain while the operational amplifier implements signal isolation. Further RF isolation is provided by the voltage regulator which inhibits cross-talk from other like amplifiers powered from a common power supply. Input and output terminals consisting of coaxial connectors are located on the sides of a housing in which all the circuit components and heat sink are located.

Performance optimization of a hybrid micro-grid based on double-loop MPPT and SVC-MERS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Yewen; Hou, Xilun; Zhang, Xiang; Xiong, Shengnan; Peng, Fei

2018-02-01

With ever-increasing concerns on environmental pollution and energy shortage, the development of renewable resource has attracted a lot of attention. This paper first reviews both the wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation techniques and approaches of micro-grid voltage control. Then, a novel islanded micro-grid, which consists of wind & PV generation and hybrid-energy storage device, is built for application to remote and isolated areas. For the PV power generation branch, a double- maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is developed to trace the sunlight and regulate the tilt angle of PV panels. For wind-power generation branch, squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) is used as its simple structure, robustness and less cost. In order to stabilize the output voltage of SCIGs, a new Static Var Compensator named magnetic energy recovery switch (SVC-MERS) is applied. Finally, experimental results confirm that both of the proposed methods can improve the efficiency of PV power generation and voltage stability of the micro-grid, respectively.

Photoalignment and resulting holographic vector grating formation in composites of low molecular weight liquid crystals and photoreactive liquid crystalline polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasaki, Tomoyuki; Shoho, Takashi; Goto, Kohei; Noda, Kohei; Kawatsuki, Nobuhiro; Ono, Hiroshi

2015-08-01

Polarization holographic gratings were formed in liquid crystal (LC) cells fabricated from a mixture of low molecular weight nematic LC and a photoreactive liquid crystalline polymer (PLCP) with 4-(4-methoxycinnamoyloxy)biphenyl side groups. The diffraction properties of the gratings were analyzed using theoretical models which were determined based on the polarization patterns of the polarization holography. The results demonstrated that vector gratings comprised of periodic orientation distributions of the LC molecule were induced in the cells based on the axis-selective photoreaction of the PLCP. The vector gratings were erased by applying a sufficiently high voltage to the cells and then were reformed with no hysteresis after the voltage was removed. This phenomenon suggested that the PLCP molecules were stabilized based on the axis-selective photocrosslink reaction and that the LC molecules were aligned by the photocrosslinked PLCP. This LC composite with axis-selective photoreactivity is useful for various optical applications, because of their stability, transparency, and response to applied voltage.

Method and apparatus for stabilizing pulsed microwave amplifiers

DOEpatents

Hopkins, Donald B.

1993-01-01

Phase and amplitude variations at the output of a high power pulsed microwave amplifier arising from instabilities of the driving electron beam are suppressed with a feed-forward system that can stabilize pulses which are too brief for regulation by conventional feedback techniques. Such variations tend to be similar during successive pulses. The variations are detected during each pulse by comparing the amplifier output with the low power input signal to obtain phase and amplitude error signals. This enables storage of phase and amplitude correction signals which are used to make compensating changes in the low power input signal during the following amplifier output pulse which suppress the variations. In the preferred form of the invention, successive increments of the correction signals for each pulse are stored in separate channels of a multi-channel storage. Sequential readout of the increments during the next pulse provides variable control voltages to a voltage controlled phase shifter and voltage controlled amplitude modulator in the amplifier input signal path.

Method and apparatus for stabilizing pulsed microwave amplifiers

DOEpatents

Hopkins, D.B.

1993-01-26

Phase and amplitude variations at the output of a high power pulsed microwave amplifier arising from instabilities of the driving electron beam are suppressed with a feed-forward system that can stabilize pulses which are too brief for regulation by conventional feedback techniques. Such variations tend to be similar during successive pulses. The variations are detected during each pulse by comparing the amplifier output with the low power input signal to obtain phase and amplitude error signals. This enables storage of phase and amplitude correction signals which are used to make compensating changes in the low power input signal during the following amplifier output pulse which suppress the variations. In the preferred form of the invention, successive increments of the correction signals for each pulse are stored in separate channels of a multi-channel storage. Sequential readout of the increments during the next pulse provides variable control voltages to a voltage controlled phase shifter and voltage controlled amplitude modulator in the amplifier input signal path.

Enhanced switching stability in Ta2O5 resistive RAM by fluorine doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedghi, N.; Li, H.; Brunell, I. F.; Dawson, K.; Guo, Y.; Potter, R. J.; Gibbon, J. T.; Dhanak, V. R.; Zhang, W. D.; Zhang, J. F.; Hall, S.; Robertson, J.; Chalker, P. R.

2017-08-01

The effect of fluorine doping on the switching stability of Ta2O5 resistive random access memory devices is investigated. It shows that the dopant serves to increase the memory window and improve the stability of the resistive states due to the neutralization of oxygen vacancies. The ability to alter the current in the low resistance state with set current compliance coupled with large memory window makes multilevel cell switching more favorable. The devices have set and reset voltages of <1 V with improved stability due to the fluorine doping. Density functional modeling shows that the incorporation of fluorine dopant atoms at the two-fold O vacancy site in the oxide network removes the defect state in the mid bandgap, lowering the overall density of defects capable of forming conductive filaments. This reduces the probability of forming alternative conducting paths and hence improves the current stability in the low resistance states. The doped devices exhibit more stable resistive states in both dc and pulsed set and reset cycles. The retention failure time is estimated to be a minimum of 2 years for F-doped devices measured by temperature accelerated and stress voltage accelerated retention failure methods.

Temporal and voltage stress stability of high performance indium-zinc-oxide thin film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yang; Katsman, Alexander; Butcher, Amy L.; Paine, David C.; Zaslavsky, Alexander

2017-10-01

Thin film transistors (TFTs) based on transparent oxide semiconductors, such as indium zinc oxide (IZO), are of interest due to their improved characteristics compared to traditional a-Si TFTs. Previously, we reported on top-gated IZO TFTs with an in-situ formed HfO2 gate insulator and IZO active channel, showing high performance: on/off ratio of ∼107, threshold voltage VT near zero, extracted low-field mobility μ0 = 95 cm2/V·s, and near-perfect subthreshold slope at 62 mV/decade. Since device stability is essential for technological applications, in this paper we report on the temporal and voltage stress stability of IZO TFTs. Our devices exhibit a small negative VT shift as they age, consistent with an increasing carrier density resulting from an increasing oxygen vacancy concentration in the channel. Under gate bias stress, freshly annealed TFTs show a negative VT shift during negative VG gate bias stress, while aged (>1 week) TFTs show a positive VT shift during negative VG stress. This indicates two competing mechanisms, which we identify as the field-enhanced generation of oxygen vacancies and the field-assisted migration of oxygen vacancies, respectively. A simplified kinetic model of the vacancy concentration evolution in the IZO channel under electrical stress is provided.

Ion channel stabilization of synthetic alamethicin analogs by rings of inter-helix H-bonds.

PubMed Central

Molle, G; Dugast, J Y; Spach, G; Duclohier, H

1996-01-01

Rings of inter-helix H-bonds due to Gln at position 7, a highly conserved residue in all pore-forming peptaibols, have been suggested to play an important role in the stabilization of alamethicin channels. In an attempt to test this hypothesis, experimental studies have been undertaken on four synthetic alamethicin non-Aib analogs (Alm-dUL) in which the Gln at position 7 (Q7) is substituted by Ala, Asn, or Ser (Q7A, Q7N, or Q7S). Voltage-dependent pore formation by these analogs in planar lipid bilayers is compared at the macroscopic and single-channel conductance levels. As anticipated, the Q7A substitution abolished all channel-forming activity. The voltage dependence of macroscopic current-voltage curves was conserved with the Q7N substitution but reduced in the Q7S analog. Normalized single-channel conductance ratios between substates follow the same pattern, with the Q7S analog yielding the highest unit conductances. Channel lifetimes were the most significantly modulated parameter with markedly faster kinetics when Gln or Asn was replaced by Ser. The effect of the Q7S substitution on channel lifetimes may be explained through a reduced stabilization of bundles by inter-helix H-bonds. PMID:8785325

Voltage Dependence of Proton Pumping by Bacteriorhodopsin Mutants with Altered Lifetime of the M Intermediate

PubMed Central

Geibel, Sven; Lörinczi, Èva; Bamberg, Ernst; Friedrich, Thomas

2013-01-01

The light-driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin (BR) from Halobacterium salinarum is tightly regulated by the [H+] gradient and transmembrane potential. BR exhibits optoelectric properties, since spectral changes during the photocycle are kinetically controlled by voltage, which predestines BR for optical storage or processing devices. BR mutants with prolonged lifetime of the blue-shifted M intermediate would be advantageous, but the optoelectric properties of such mutants are still elusive. Using expression in Xenopus oocytes and two-electrode voltage-clamping, we analyzed photocurrents of BR mutants with kinetically destabilized (F171C, F219L) or stabilized (D96N, D96G) M intermediate in response to green light (to probe H+ pumping) and blue laser flashes (to probe accumulation/decay of M). These mutants have divergent M lifetimes. As for BR-WT, this strictly correlates with the voltage dependence of H+ pumping. BR-F171C and BR-F219L showed photocurrents similar to BR-WT. Yet, BR-F171C showed a weaker voltage dependence of proton pumping. For both mutants, blue laser flashes applied during and after green-light illumination showed reduced M accumulation and shorter M lifetime. In contrast, BR-D96G and BR-D96N exhibited small photocurrents, with nonlinear current-voltage curves, which increased strongly in the presence of azide. Blue laser flashes showed heavy M accumulation and prolonged M lifetime, which accounts for the strongly reduced H+ pumping rate. Hyperpolarizing potentials augmented these effects. The combination of M-stabilizing and -destabilizing mutations in BR-D96G/F171C/F219L (BR-tri) shows that disruption of the primary proton donor Asp-96 is fatal for BR as a proton pump. Mechanistically, M destabilizing mutations cannot compensate for the disruption of Asp-96. Accordingly, BR-tri and BR-D96G photocurrents were similar. However, BR-tri showed negative blue laser flash-induced currents even without actinic green light, indicating that Schiff base deprotonation in BR-tri exists in the dark, in line with previous spectroscopic investigations. Thus, M-stabilizing mutations, including the triple mutation, drastically interfere with electrochemical H+ gradient generation. PMID:24019918

Application of VSC-HVDC with Shunt Connected SMES for Compensation of Power Fluctuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linn, Zarchi; Kakigano, Hiroaki; Miura, Yushi; Ise, Toshifumi

This paper describes the application of VSC-HVDC (High Voltage DC Transmission using Voltage Source Converter) with shunt connected SMES (Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage) for compensation of power fluctuation caused by fluctuating power source such as photovoltaics and wind turbines. The objectives of this proposed system is to smooth out fluctuating power in one terminal side of HVDC in order to avoid causing power system instability and frequency deviation by absorbing or providing power according to the system requirement while another terminal side power is fluctuated. The shunt connected SMES charges and discharges the energy to and from the dc side and it compensates required power of fluctuation to obtain constant power flow in one terminal side of VSC-HVDC system. This system configuration has ability for power system stabilization in the case of power fluctuation from natural energy source. PSCAD/EMTDC simulation is used to evaluate the performance of applied system configuration and control method.

New promising lithium malonatoborate salts for high voltage lithium ion batteries

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

Sun, Xiao -Guang; Wan, Shun; Guang, Hong Yu

Here, three new lithium salts, lithium difluoro-2-methyl-2-fluoromalonaoborate (LiDFMFMB), lithium difluoro-2-ethyl-2-fluoromalonaoborate (LiDFEFMB), and lithium difluoro-2-propyl-2-fluoro malonaoborate (LiDFPFMB), have been synthesized and evaluated for application in lithium ion batteries. These new salts are soluble in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1:2 by wt.) and 1.0 M salt solutions can be easily prepared. The ionic conductivities of these new salts are close to those of LiBF 4 and LiPF 6. Cyclic voltammograms reveal that these new salt based electrolytes can passivate both natural graphite and high voltage spinel LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 (LNMO) to form effective solidmore » electrolyte interphases (SEIs). In addition, these new salts based electrolytes exhibit good cycling stability with high coulombic efficiencies in both LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 and graphite based half-cells and full cells.« less

New promising lithium malonatoborate salts for high voltage lithium ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Sun, Xiao -Guang; Wan, Shun; Guang, Hong Yu; ...

2016-12-01

Here, three new lithium salts, lithium difluoro-2-methyl-2-fluoromalonaoborate (LiDFMFMB), lithium difluoro-2-ethyl-2-fluoromalonaoborate (LiDFEFMB), and lithium difluoro-2-propyl-2-fluoro malonaoborate (LiDFPFMB), have been synthesized and evaluated for application in lithium ion batteries. These new salts are soluble in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1:2 by wt.) and 1.0 M salt solutions can be easily prepared. The ionic conductivities of these new salts are close to those of LiBF 4 and LiPF 6. Cyclic voltammograms reveal that these new salt based electrolytes can passivate both natural graphite and high voltage spinel LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 (LNMO) to form effective solidmore » electrolyte interphases (SEIs). In addition, these new salts based electrolytes exhibit good cycling stability with high coulombic efficiencies in both LiNi 0.5Mn 1.5O 4 and graphite based half-cells and full cells.« less

Measuring modules for the research of compensators of reactive power with voltage stabilization in MATLAB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vlasayevsky, Stanislav; Klimash, Stepan; Klimash, Vladimir

2017-10-01

A set of mathematical modules was developed for evaluation the energy performance in the research of electrical systems and complexes in the MatLab. In the electrotechnical library SimPowerSystems of the MatLab software, there are no measuring modules of energy coefficients characterizing the quality of electricity and the energy efficiency of electrical apparatus. Modules are designed to calculate energy coefficients characterizing the quality of electricity (current distortion and voltage distortion) and energy efficiency indicators (power factor and efficiency) are presented. There are described the methods and principles of building the modules. The detailed schemes of modules built on the elements of the Simulink Library are presented, in this connection, these modules are compatible with mathematical models of electrical systems and complexes in the MatLab. Also there are presented the results of the testing of the developed modules and the results of their verification on the schemes that have analytical expressions of energy indicators.

Amorphous silicon carbide passivating layers for crystalline-silicon-based heterojunction solar cells

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

Boccard, Mathieu; Holman, Zachary C.

Amorphous silicon enables the fabrication of very high-efficiency crystalline-silicon-based solar cells due to its combination of excellent passivation of the crystalline silicon surface and permeability to electrical charges. Yet, amongst other limitations, the passivation it provides degrades upon high-temperature processes, limiting possible post-deposition fabrication possibilities (e.g., forcing the use of low-temperature silver pastes). We investigate the potential use of intrinsic amorphous silicon carbide passivating layers to sidestep this issue. The passivation obtained using device-relevant stacks of intrinsic amorphous silicon carbide with various carbon contents and doped amorphous silicon are evaluated, and their stability upon annealing assessed, amorphous silicon carbide beingmore » shown to surpass amorphous silicon for temperatures above 300 °C. We demonstrate open-circuit voltage values over 700 mV for complete cells, and an improved temperature stability for the open-circuit voltage. Transport of electrons and holes across the hetero-interface is studied with complete cells having amorphous silicon carbide either on the hole-extracting side or on the electron-extracting side, and a better transport of holes than of electrons is shown. Also, due to slightly improved transparency, complete solar cells using an amorphous silicon carbide passivation layer on the hole-collecting side are demonstrated to show slightly better performances even prior to annealing than obtained with a standard amorphous silicon layer.« less

Amorphous silicon carbide passivating layers for crystalline-silicon-based heterojunction solar cells

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

Boccard, Mathieu; Holman, Zachary C.

With this study, amorphous silicon enables the fabrication of very high-efficiency crystalline-silicon-based solar cells due to its combination of excellent passivation of the crystalline silicon surface and permeability to electrical charges. Yet, amongst other limitations, the passivation it provides degrades upon high-temperature processes, limiting possible post-deposition fabrication possibilities (e.g., forcing the use of low-temperature silver pastes). We investigate the potential use of intrinsic amorphous silicon carbide passivating layers to sidestep this issue. The passivation obtained using device-relevant stacks of intrinsic amorphous silicon carbide with various carbon contents and doped amorphous silicon are evaluated, and their stability upon annealing assessed, amorphousmore » silicon carbide being shown to surpass amorphous silicon for temperatures above 300°C. We demonstrate open-circuit voltage values over 700 mV for complete cells, and an improved temperature stability for the open-circuit voltage. Transport of electrons and holes across the hetero-interface is studied with complete cells having amorphous silicon carbide either on the hole-extracting side or on the electron-extracting side, and a better transport of holes than of electrons is shown. Also, due to slightly improved transparency, complete solar cells using an amorphous silicon carbide passivation layer on the hole-collecting side are demonstrated to show slightly better performances even prior to annealing than obtained with a standard amorphous silicon layer.« less

Amorphous silicon carbide passivating layers for crystalline-silicon-based heterojunction solar cells

DOE PAGES

Boccard, Mathieu; Holman, Zachary C.

2015-08-14

With this study, amorphous silicon enables the fabrication of very high-efficiency crystalline-silicon-based solar cells due to its combination of excellent passivation of the crystalline silicon surface and permeability to electrical charges. Yet, amongst other limitations, the passivation it provides degrades upon high-temperature processes, limiting possible post-deposition fabrication possibilities (e.g., forcing the use of low-temperature silver pastes). We investigate the potential use of intrinsic amorphous silicon carbide passivating layers to sidestep this issue. The passivation obtained using device-relevant stacks of intrinsic amorphous silicon carbide with various carbon contents and doped amorphous silicon are evaluated, and their stability upon annealing assessed, amorphousmore » silicon carbide being shown to surpass amorphous silicon for temperatures above 300°C. We demonstrate open-circuit voltage values over 700 mV for complete cells, and an improved temperature stability for the open-circuit voltage. Transport of electrons and holes across the hetero-interface is studied with complete cells having amorphous silicon carbide either on the hole-extracting side or on the electron-extracting side, and a better transport of holes than of electrons is shown. Also, due to slightly improved transparency, complete solar cells using an amorphous silicon carbide passivation layer on the hole-collecting side are demonstrated to show slightly better performances even prior to annealing than obtained with a standard amorphous silicon layer.« less

Mechanism for Si–Si Bond Rupture in Single Molecule Junctions

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

Li, Haixing; Kim, Nathaniel T.; Su, Timothy A.

The stability of chemical bonds can be studied experimentally by rupturing single molecule junctions under applied voltage. Here, we compare voltage-induced bond rupture in two Si–Si backbones: one has no alternate conductive pathway whereas the other contains an additional naphthyl pathway in parallel to the Si–Si bond. We show that in contrast to the first system, the second can conduct through the naphthyl group when the Si–Si bond is ruptured using an applied voltage. We investigate this voltage induced Si–Si bond rupture by ab initio density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations that ultimately demonstrate that the excitation ofmore » molecular vibrational modes by tunneling electrons leads to homolytic Si–Si bond rupture.« less

Mechanism for Si-Si Bond Rupture in Single Molecule Junctions.

PubMed

Li, Haixing; Kim, Nathaniel T; Su, Timothy A; Steigerwald, Michael L; Nuckolls, Colin; Darancet, Pierre; Leighton, James L; Venkataraman, Latha

2016-12-14

The stability of chemical bonds can be studied experimentally by rupturing single molecule junctions under applied voltage. Here, we compare voltage-induced bond rupture in two Si-Si backbones: one has no alternate conductive pathway whereas the other contains an additional naphthyl pathway in parallel to the Si-Si bond. We show that in contrast to the first system, the second can conduct through the naphthyl group when the Si-Si bond is ruptured using an applied voltage. We investigate this voltage induced Si-Si bond rupture by ab initio density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations that ultimately demonstrate that the excitation of molecular vibrational modes by tunneling electrons leads to homolytic Si-Si bond rupture.

Performance and stability of Pd nanostructures in an alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrera-Cerritos, R.; Fuentes-Ramírez, R.; Cuevas-Muñiz, F. M.; Ledesma-García, J.; Arriaga, L. G.

2014-12-01

Pd nanopolyhedral, nanobar and nanorod particles were synthesised using the polyol process and evaluated as anodes in a direct ethanol fuel cell. The materials were physico-chemically characterised by high-resolution transmission electronic microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effect of the operation parameters (i.e., temperature and fuel ethanol concentration) on the maximum power density (MPD) and open circuit voltage (OCV) was investigated. In addition, a stability test was performed by applying three current density steps for fifty cycles. The OCV values increased as the temperature increased for all of the catalysts at low ethanol concentration. Although the MPD increased with temperature for all of the catalyst independent of the ethanol concentration, the effect of the temperature on the MPD for each Pd structure results in different slopes due to the different crystal faces. Finally, a loss of electro-catalytic activity after fifty cycles was observed in all of the catalysts evaluated, which may be in response to morphological changes in the nanostructures.

Slurry spin coating of thin film yttria stabilized zirconia/gadolinia doped ceria bi-layer electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyun Joong; Kim, Manjin; Neoh, Ke Chean; Han, Gwon Deok; Bae, Kiho; Shin, Jong Mok; Kim, Gyu-Tae; Shim, Joon Hyung

2016-09-01

Thin ceramic bi-layered membrane comprising yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) is fabricated by the cost-effective slurry spin coating technique, and it is evaluated as an electrolyte of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It is demonstrated that the slurry spin coating method is capable of fabricating porous ceramic films by adjusting the content of ethyl-cellulose binders in the source slurry. The porous GDC layer deposited by spin coating under an optimal condition functions satisfactorily as a cathode-electrolyte interlayer in the test SOFC stack. A 2-μm-thick electrolyte membrane of the spin-coated YSZ/GDC bi-layer is successfully deposited as a dense and stable film directly on a porous NiO-YSZ anode support without any interlayers, and the SOFC produces power output over 200 mW cm-2 at 600 °C, with an open circuit voltage close to 1 V. Electrochemical impedance spectra analysis is conducted to evaluate the performance of the fuel cell components in relation with the microstructure of the spin-coated layers.

Electrical reliability, multilevel data storage and mechanical stability of MoS2-PMMA nanocomposite-based non-volatile memory device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharjee, Snigdha; Sarkar, Pranab Kumar; Prajapat, Manoj; Roy, Asim

2017-07-01

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is of great interest for its applicability in various optoelectronic devices. Here we report the resistive switching properties of polymethylmethacrylate embedding MoS2 nano-crystals. The devices are developed on an ITO-coated PET substrate with copper as the top electrode. Systematic evaluation of resistive switching parameters, on the basis of MoS2 content, suggests non-volatile memory characteristics. A decent ON/OFF ratio, high retention time and long endurance of 3  ×  103, 105 s and 105 cycles are respectively recorded in a device with 1 weight percent (wt%) of MoS2. The bending cyclic measurements confirm the flexibility of the memory devices with good electrical reliability as well as mechanical stability. In addition, multilevel storage has been demonstrated by controlling the current compliance and span of voltage sweeping in the memory device.

Self-Nulling Lock-in Detection Electronics for Capacitance Probe Electrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blaes, Brent R.; Schaefer, Rembrandt T.

2012-01-01

A multi-channel electrometer voltmeter that employs self-nulling lock-in detection electronics in conjunction with a mechanical resonator with noncontact voltage sensing electrodes has been developed for space-based measurement of an Internal Electrostatic Discharge Monitor (IESDM). The IESDM is new sensor technology targeted for integration into a Space Environmental Monitor (SEM) subsystem used for the characterization and monitoring of deep dielectric charging on spacecraft. Use of an AC-coupled lock-in amplifier with closed-loop sense-signal nulling via generation of an active guard-driving feedback voltage provides the resolution, accuracy, linearity and stability needed for long-term space-based measurement of the IESDM. This implementation relies on adjusting the feedback voltage to drive the sense current received from the resonator s variable-capacitance-probe voltage transducer to approximately zero, as limited by the signal-to-noise performance of the loop electronics. The magnitude of the sense current is proportional to the difference between the input voltage being measured and the feedback voltage, which matches the input voltage when the sense current is zero. High signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) is achieved by synchronous detection of the sense signal using the correlated reference signal derived from the oscillator circuit that drives the mechanical resonator. The magnitude of the feedback voltage, while the loop is in a settled state with essentially zero sense current, is an accurate estimate of the input voltage being measured. This technique has many beneficial attributes including immunity to drift, high linearity, high SNR from synchronous detection of a single-frequency carrier selected to avoid potentially noisy 1/f low-frequency spectrum of the signal-chain electronics, and high accuracy provided through the benefits of a driven shield encasing the capacitance- probe transducer and guarded input triaxial lead-in. Measurements obtained from a 2- channel prototype electrometer have demonstrated good accuracy (|error| < 0.2 V) and high stability. Twenty-four-hour tests have been performed with virtually no drift. Additionally, 5,500 repeated one-second measurements of 100 V input were shown to be approximately normally distributed with a standard deviation of 140 mV.

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

Markovic, M; Stathakis, S; Jurkovic, I

Purpose The aim for the study was to compare intrinsic characteristics of the nine detectors and evaluate their performance in non-equilibrium radiation dosimetry. Methods The intrinsic characteristics of the nine detectors that were evaluated are based on the composition and size of the active volume, operating voltage, initial recombination of the collected charge, temperature, the effective cross section of the detectors. The shortterm stability and collection efficiency has been investigated. The minimum radiation detection sensitivity and detectors leakage current has been measured. The sensitivity to changes in energy spectrum as well as change in incident beam angles were measured anmore » analyzed. Results The short-term stability of the measurements within every detector showed consistency in the measured values with the highest value of the standard deviation of the mean not exceeding 0.5%. Air ion chamber detectors showed minimum sensitivity to change in incident beam angles while diode detectors underestimated measurements up to 16%. Comparing the slope of the tangents for detector’s sensitivity curve, diode detectors illustrate more sensitivity to change in photon spectrum than ion chamber detectors. The change in radiation detection sensitivity with increase in dose delivered has been observed for semiconductor detectors with maximum deviation 0.01% for doses between 1 Gy and 10 Gy. Leakage current has been mainly influenced by bias voltage (ion chamber detectors) and room light intensity (diode detectors). With dose per pulse varying from 1.47E−4 to 5.1E−4 Gy/pulse the maximum change in collection efficiency was 1.4% for the air ion chambers up to 8% for liquid filled ion chamber. Conclusion Broad range of measurements performed showed all the detectors susceptible to some limitations and while they are suitable for use in broad scope of applications, careful selection has to be made for particular range of measurements.« less

Computational understanding of Li-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urban, Alexander; Seo, Dong-Hwa; Ceder, Gerbrand

2016-03-01

Over the last two decades, computational methods have made tremendous advances, and today many key properties of lithium-ion batteries can be accurately predicted by first principles calculations. For this reason, computations have become a cornerstone of battery-related research by providing insight into fundamental processes that are not otherwise accessible, such as ionic diffusion mechanisms and electronic structure effects, as well as a quantitative comparison with experimental results. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of state-of-the-art ab initio approaches for the modelling of battery materials. We consider techniques for the computation of equilibrium cell voltages, 0-Kelvin and finite-temperature voltage profiles, ionic mobility and thermal and electrolyte stability. The strengths and weaknesses of different electronic structure methods, such as DFT+U and hybrid functionals, are discussed in the context of voltage and phase diagram predictions, and we review the merits of lattice models for the evaluation of finite-temperature thermodynamics and kinetics. With such a complete set of methods at hand, first principles calculations of ordered, crystalline solids, i.e., of most electrode materials and solid electrolytes, have become reliable and quantitative. However, the description of molecular materials and disordered or amorphous phases remains an important challenge. We highlight recent exciting progress in this area, especially regarding the modelling of organic electrolytes and solid-electrolyte interfaces.

A square wave is the most efficient and reliable waveform for resonant actuation of micro switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben Sassi, S.; Khater, M. E.; Najar, F.; Abdel-Rahman, E. M.

2018-05-01

This paper investigates efficient actuation methods of shunt MEMS switches and other parallel-plate actuators. We start by formulating a multi-physics model of the micro switch, coupling the nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam theory with the nonlinear Reynolds equation to describe the structural and fluidic domains, respectively. The model takes into account fringing field effects as well as mid-plane stretching and squeeze film damping nonlinearities. Static analysis is undertaken using the differential quadrature method (DQM) to obtain the pull-in voltage, which is verified by means of the finite element model and validated experimentally. We develop a reduced order model employing the Galerkin method for the structural domain and DQM for the fluidic domain. The proposed waveforms are intended to be more suitable for integrated circuit standards. The dynamic response of the micro switch to harmonic, square and triangular waveforms are evaluated and compared experimentally and analytically. Low voltage actuation is obtained using dynamic pull-in with the proposed waveforms. In addition, global stability analysis carried out for the three signals shows advantages of employing the square signal as the actuation method in enhancing the performance of the micro switch in terms of actuation voltage, switching time, and sensitivity to initial conditions.

Solution Processed PEDOT Analogues in Electrochemical Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Österholm, Anna M; Ponder, James F; Kerszulis, Justin A; Reynolds, John R

2016-06-01

We have designed fully soluble ProDOTx-EDOTy copolymers that are electrochemically equivalent to electropolymerized PEDOT without using any surfactants or dispersants. We show that these copolymers can be incorporated as active layers in solution processed thin film supercapacitors to demonstrate capacitance, stability, and voltage similar to the values of those that use electrodeposited PEDOT as the active material with the added advantage of the possibility for large scale, high-throughput processing. These Type I supercapacitors provide exceptional cell voltages (up to 1.6 V), highly symmetrical charge/discharge behavior, promising long-term stability exceeding 50 000 charge/discharge cycles, as well as energy (4-18 Wh/kg) and power densities (0.8-3.3 kW/kg) that are comparable to those of electrochemically synthesized analogues.

Role of additives in formation of solid-electrolyte interfaces on carbon electrodes and their effect on high-voltage stability.

PubMed

Qu, Weiguo; Dorjpalam, Enkhtuvshin; Rajagopalan, Ramakrishnan; Randall, Clive A

2014-04-01

The in situ modification of a lithium hexafluorophosphate-based electrolyte using a molybdenum oxide catalyst and small amount of water (1 vol %) yields hydrolysis products such as mono-, di-, and alkylfluorophosphates. The electrochemical stability of ultrahigh-purity, high-surface-area carbon electrodes derived from polyfurfuryl alcohol was tested using the modified electrolyte. Favorable modification of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on the activated carbon electrode increased the cyclable electrochemical voltage window (4.8-1.2 V vs. Li/Li(+)). The chemical modification of the SEI layer induced by electrolyte additives was characterized by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A Silicon–Singlet Fission Tandem Solar Cell Exceeding 100% External Quantum Efficiency with High Spectral Stability

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

After 60 years of research, silicon solar cell efficiency saturated close to the theoretical limit, and radically new approaches are needed to further improve the efficiency. The use of tandem systems raises this theoretical power conversion efficiency limit from 34% to 45%. We present the advantageous spectral stability of using voltage-matched tandem solar cells with respect to their traditional series-connected counterparts and experimentally demonstrate how singlet fission can be used to produce simple voltage-matched tandems. Our singlet fission silicon–pentacene tandem solar cell shows efficient photocurrent addition. This allows the tandem system to benefit from carrier multiplication and to produce an external quantum efficiency exceeding 100% at the main absorption peak of pentacene. PMID:28261671

Stability of Li- and Mn-Rich Layered-Oxide Cathodes within the First-Charge Voltage Plateau

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

Iddir, Hakim; Bareño, Javier; Benedek, Roy

Li and Mn rich layered oxides xLi 2MnO 3•(1-x)LiMO 2 enable high capacity and energy density Li-ion batteries, but undergo structural transformations during the first charge that degrade their performance, and result in Voltage Fade upon cycling. First-principles density-functional-theory simulations reveal atomic transformations that occur in the bulk during the first charge. The simulations and experiment (particularly XRD) show that the O and Mn sublattices remain intact during the early part of the voltage plateau, and significant transformations occur only well into the voltage plateau, with perhaps close to half of the Li in the Li 2MnO 3 domains removed.more » That Voltage Fade is actually observed experimentally for a first charge with only minimal activation (extending only slightly beyond the onset of the voltage plateau) may be a consequence of surface and interface instabilities. Implications for the achievement of high energy-density, low-fade battery operation are discussed.« less

Precision linear ramp function generator

DOEpatents

Jatko, W.B.; McNeilly, D.R.; Thacker, L.H.

1984-08-01

A ramp function generator is provided which produces a precise linear ramp function which is repeatable and highly stable. A derivative feedback loop is used to stabilize the output of an integrator in the forward loop and control the ramp rate. The ramp may be started from a selected baseline voltage level and the desired ramp rate is selected by applying an appropriate constant voltage to the input of the integrator.

Precision linear ramp function generator

DOEpatents

Jatko, W. Bruce; McNeilly, David R.; Thacker, Louis H.

1986-01-01

A ramp function generator is provided which produces a precise linear ramp unction which is repeatable and highly stable. A derivative feedback loop is used to stabilize the output of an integrator in the forward loop and control the ramp rate. The ramp may be started from a selected baseline voltage level and the desired ramp rate is selected by applying an appropriate constant voltage to the input of the integrator.

Sustainable and Superior Heat-Resistant Alginate Nonwoven Separator of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li Batteries Operated at 55 °C.

PubMed

Wen, Huijie; Zhang, Jianjun; Chai, Jingchao; Ma, Jun; Yue, Liping; Dong, Tiantian; Zang, Xiao; Liu, Zhihong; Zhang, Botao; Cui, Guanglei

2017-02-01

High-voltage lithium-ion batteries have become a major research focus. As a major part of lithium batteries, the separator plays a critical role in the development of high-voltage lithium batteries. Herein, we demonstrated a sustainable and superior heat-resistant alginate nonwoven separator for high-voltage (5 V) lithium batteries. It was demonstrated that the resultant alginate nonwoven separator exhibited better mechanical property (37 MPa), superior thermal stability (up to 150 °C), and higher ionic conductivity (1.4 × 10 -3 S/cm) as compared to commercially available polyolefin (PP) separator. More impressively, the 5 V class LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO)/Li cell with this alginate nonwoven separator delivered much better cycling stability (maintaining 79.6% of its initial discharge capacity) than that (69.3%) of PP separator after 200 cycles at an elevated temperature of 55 °C. In addition, the LiFePO 4 /Li cell assembled with such alginate nonwoven separator could still charge and discharge normally even at an elevated temperature of 150 °C. The above-mentioned fascinating characteristics of alginate separator provide great probability for its application for high-voltage (5 V) lithium batteries at elevated temperatures.

Fuel cells, batteries and super-capacitors stand-alone power systems management using optimal/flatness based-control

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

Benaouadj, M.; Aboubou, A.; Bahri, M.

2016-07-25

In this work, an optimal control (under constraints) based on the Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to optimally manage energy flows in a basic PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells system associated to lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors through a common DC bus having a voltage to stabilize using the differential flatness approach. The adaptation of voltage levels between different sources and load is ensured by use of three DC-DC converters, one boost connected to the PEM fuel cells, while the two others are buck/boost and connected to the lithiumion batteries and supercapacitors. The aim of this paper is to developmore » an energy management strategy that is able to satisfy the following objectives: Impose the power requested by a habitat (representing the load) according to a proposed daily consumption profile, Keep fuel cells working at optimal power delivery conditions, Maintain constant voltage across the common DC bus, Stabilize the batteries voltage and stored quantity of charge at desired values given by the optimal control. Results obtained under MATLAB/Simulink environment prove that the cited objectives are satisfied, validating then, effectiveness and complementarity between the optimal and flatness concepts proposed for energy management. Note that this study is currently in experimentally validation within MSE Laboratory.« less

A Monolithic CMOS Magnetic Hall Sensor with High Sensitivity and Linearity Characteristics

PubMed Central

Huang, Haiyun; Wang, Dejun; Xu, Yue

2015-01-01

This paper presents a fully integrated linear Hall sensor by means of 0.8 μm high voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This monolithic Hall sensor chip features a highly sensitive horizontal switched Hall plate and an efficient signal conditioner using dynamic offset cancellation technique. An improved cross-like Hall plate achieves high magnetic sensitivity and low offset. A new spinning current modulator stabilizes the quiescent output voltage and improves the reliability of the signal conditioner. The tested results show that at the 5 V supply voltage, the maximum Hall output voltage of the monolithic Hall sensor microsystem, is up to ±2.1 V and the linearity of Hall output voltage is higher than 99% in the magnetic flux density range from ±5 mT to ±175 mT. The output equivalent residual offset is 0.48 mT and the static power consumption is 20 mW. PMID:26516864

A Monolithic CMOS Magnetic Hall Sensor with High Sensitivity and Linearity Characteristics.

PubMed

Huang, Haiyun; Wang, Dejun; Xu, Yue

2015-10-27

This paper presents a fully integrated linear Hall sensor by means of 0.8 μm high voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This monolithic Hall sensor chip features a highly sensitive horizontal switched Hall plate and an efficient signal conditioner using dynamic offset cancellation technique. An improved cross-like Hall plate achieves high magnetic sensitivity and low offset. A new spinning current modulator stabilizes the quiescent output voltage and improves the reliability of the signal conditioner. The tested results show that at the 5 V supply voltage, the maximum Hall output voltage of the monolithic Hall sensor microsystem, is up to ±2.1 V and the linearity of Hall output voltage is higher than 99% in the magnetic flux density range from ±5 mT to ±175 mT. The output equivalent residual offset is 0.48 mT and the static power consumption is 20 mW.

Structural mechanism of voltage-dependent gating in an isolated voltage-sensing domain.

PubMed

Li, Qufei; Wanderling, Sherry; Paduch, Marcin; Medovoy, David; Singharoy, Abhishek; McGreevy, Ryan; Villalba-Galea, Carlos A; Hulse, Raymond E; Roux, Benoît; Schulten, Klaus; Kossiakoff, Anthony; Perozo, Eduardo

2014-03-01

The transduction of transmembrane electric fields into protein motion has an essential role in the generation and propagation of cellular signals. Voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) carry out these functions through reorientations of positive charges in the S4 helix. Here, we determined crystal structures of the Ciona intestinalis VSD (Ci-VSD) in putatively active and resting conformations. S4 undergoes an ~5-Å displacement along its main axis, accompanied by an ~60° rotation. This movement is stabilized by an exchange in countercharge partners in helices S1 and S3 that generates an estimated net charge transfer of ~1 eo. Gating charges move relative to a ''hydrophobic gasket' that electrically divides intra- and extracellular compartments. EPR spectroscopy confirms the limited nature of S4 movement in a membrane environment. These results provide an explicit mechanism for voltage sensing and set the basis for electromechanical coupling in voltage-dependent enzymes and ion channels.

Control voltage and power fluctuations when connecting wind farms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berinde, Ioan; Bǎlan, Horia; Oros Pop, Teodora Susana

2015-12-01

Voltage, frequency, active power and reactive power are very important parameters in terms of power quality. These parameters are followed when connecting any power plant, the more the connection of wind farms. Connecting wind farms to the electricity system must not cause interference outside the limits set by regulations. Modern solutions for fast and automatic voltage control and power fluctuations using electronic control systems of reactive power flows. FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmision System) systems, established on the basis of power electronic circuits ensure control of electrical status quantities to achieve the necessary transfer of power to the power grid. FACTS devices can quickly control parameters and sizes of state power lines, such as impedance line voltages and phase angles of the voltages of the two ends of the line. Their use can lead to improvement in power system operation by increasing the transmission capacity of power lines, power flow control lines, improved static and transient stability reserve.

The impact of model detail on power grid resilience measures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auer, S.; Kleis, K.; Schultz, P.; Kurths, J.; Hellmann, F.

2016-05-01

Extreme events are a challenge to natural as well as man-made systems. For critical infrastructure like power grids, we need to understand their resilience against large disturbances. Recently, new measures of the resilience of dynamical systems have been developed in the complex system literature. Basin stability and survivability respectively assess the asymptotic and transient behavior of a system when subjected to arbitrary, localized but large perturbations in frequency and phase. To employ these methods that assess power grid resilience, we need to choose a certain model detail of the power grid. For the grid topology we considered the Scandinavian grid and an ensemble of power grids generated with a random growth model. So far the most popular model that has been studied is the classical swing equation model for the frequency response of generators and motors. In this paper we study a more sophisticated model of synchronous machines that also takes voltage dynamics into account, and compare it to the previously studied model. This model has been found to give an accurate picture of the long term evolution of synchronous machines in the engineering literature for post fault studies. We find evidence that some stable fix points of the swing equation become unstable when we add voltage dynamics. If this occurs the asymptotic behavior of the system can be dramatically altered, and basin stability estimates obtained with the swing equation can be dramatically wrong. We also find that the survivability does not change significantly when taking the voltage dynamics into account. Further, the limit cycle type asymptotic behaviour is strongly correlated with transient voltages that violate typical operational voltage bounds. Thus, transient voltage bounds are dominated by transient frequency bounds and play no large role for realistic parameters.

An optical fiber Bragg grating and piezoelectric ceramic voltage sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Qing; He, Yanxiao; Sun, Shangpeng; Luo, Mandan; Han, Rui

2017-10-01

Voltage measurement is essential in many fields like power grids, telecommunications, metallurgy, railways, and oil production. A voltage-sensing unit, consisting of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and piezoelectric ceramics, based on which an optical over-voltage sensor was proposed and fabricated in this paper. No demodulation devices like spectrometer or Fabry-Perot filter were needed to gain the voltage signal, and a relatively large sensing frequency range was acquired in this paper; thus, the cost of the sensing system is more acceptable in engineering application. The voltage to be measured was directly applied to the piezoelectric ceramic, and deformation of the ceramics and the grating would be caused because of the inverse piezoelectric effect. With a reference grating, the output light intensity change will be caused by the FBG center wavelength change; thus, the relationship between the applied voltage and the output light intensity was established. Validation of the sensor was accomplished in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 20 kHz and switching impulse waves with a test platform; good linearity of the input-output characteristic was achieved. A temperature validation test was completed, showing that the sensor maintains good temperature stability. Experimental results show that the optical over-voltage sensor can be used for voltage monitoring, and if applied with a voltage divider, the sensor can be used to measure high voltage.

An optical fiber Bragg grating and piezoelectric ceramic voltage sensor.

PubMed

Yang, Qing; He, Yanxiao; Sun, Shangpeng; Luo, Mandan; Han, Rui

2017-10-01

Voltage measurement is essential in many fields like power grids, telecommunications, metallurgy, railways, and oil production. A voltage-sensing unit, consisting of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and piezoelectric ceramics, based on which an optical over-voltage sensor was proposed and fabricated in this paper. No demodulation devices like spectrometer or Fabry-Perot filter were needed to gain the voltage signal, and a relatively large sensing frequency range was acquired in this paper; thus, the cost of the sensing system is more acceptable in engineering application. The voltage to be measured was directly applied to the piezoelectric ceramic, and deformation of the ceramics and the grating would be caused because of the inverse piezoelectric effect. With a reference grating, the output light intensity change will be caused by the FBG center wavelength change; thus, the relationship between the applied voltage and the output light intensity was established. Validation of the sensor was accomplished in the frequency range from 50 Hz to 20 kHz and switching impulse waves with a test platform; good linearity of the input-output characteristic was achieved. A temperature validation test was completed, showing that the sensor maintains good temperature stability. Experimental results show that the optical over-voltage sensor can be used for voltage monitoring, and if applied with a voltage divider, the sensor can be used to measure high voltage.

Stability of the mode-locking regime in tapered quantum-dot lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bardella, P.; Drzewietzki, L.; Rossetti, M.; Weber, C.; Breuer, S.

2018-02-01

We study numerically and experimentally the role of the injection current and reverse bias voltage on the pulse stability of tapered, passively mode-locked, Quantum Dot (QD) lasers. By using a multi-section delayed differential equation and introducing in the model the QD inhomogenous broadening, we are able to predict the onset of leading and trailing edge instabilities in the emitted pulse trains and to identify specific trends of stability in dependence on the laser biasing conditions. The numerical results are confirmed experimentally trough amplitude and timing stability analysis of the pulses.

Structure of Voltage-gated Two-pore Channel TPC1 from Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Guo, Jiangtao; Zeng, Weizhong; Chen, Qingfeng; Lee, Changkeun; Chen, Liping; Yang, Yi; Cang, Chunlei; Ren, Dejian; Jiang, Youxing

2015-01-01

Two-pore channels (TPCs) contain two copies of a Shaker-like six-transmembrane (6-TM) domain in each subunit and are ubiquitously expressed in both animals and plants as organellar cation channels. Here, we present the first crystal structure of a vacuolar two-pore channel from Arabidopsis thaliana, AtTPC1, which functions as a homodimer. AtTPC1 activation requires both voltage and cytosolic Ca2+. Ca2+ binding to the cytosolic EF-hand domain triggers conformational changes coupled to the pair of pore-lining inner helices (IS6 helices) from the first 6-TM domains, whereas membrane potential only activates the second voltage-sensing domain (VSD2) whose conformational changes are coupled to the pair of inner helices (IIS6 helices) from the second 6-TM domains. Luminal Ca2+ or Ba2+ can modulate voltage activation by stabilizing VSD2 in the resting state and shifts voltage activation towards more positive potentials. Our Ba2+ bound AtTPC1 structure reveals a voltage sensor in the resting state, providing hitherto unseen structural insight into the general voltage-gating mechanism among voltage-gated channels. PMID:26689363

Controllable Threshold Voltage in Organic Complementary Logic Circuits with an Electron-Trapping Polymer and Photoactive Gate Dielectric Layer.

PubMed

Dao, Toan Thanh; Sakai, Heisuke; Nguyen, Hai Thanh; Ohkubo, Kei; Fukuzumi, Shunichi; Murata, Hideyuki

2016-07-20

We present controllable and reliable complementary organic transistor circuits on a PET substrate using a photoactive dielectric layer of 6-[4'-(N,N-diphenylamino)phenyl]-3-ethoxycarbonylcoumarin (DPA-CM) doped into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and an electron-trapping layer of poly(perfluoroalkenyl vinyl ether) (Cytop). Cu was used for a source/drain electrode in both the p-channel and n-channel transistors. The threshold voltage of the transistors and the inverting voltage of the circuits were reversibly controlled over a wide range under a program voltage of less than 10 V and under UV light irradiation. At a program voltage of -2 V, the inverting voltage of the circuits was tuned to be at nearly half of the supply voltage of the circuit. Consequently, an excellent balance between the high and low noise margins (NM) was produced (64% of NMH and 68% of NML), resulting in maximum noise immunity. Furthermore, the programmed circuits showed high stability, such as a retention time of over 10(5) s for the inverter switching voltage. Our findings bring about a flexible, simple way to obtain robust, high-performance organic circuits using a controllable complementary transistor inverter.

Development and validation of a stability-indicating capillary zone electrophoretic method for the assessment of entecavir and its correlation with liquid chromatographic methods.

PubMed

Dalmora, Sergio Luiz; Nogueira, Daniele Rubert; D'Avila, Felipe Bianchini; Souto, Ricardo Bizogne; Leal, Diogo Paim

2011-01-01

A stability-indicating capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was validated for the analysis of entecavir in pharmaceutical formulations, using nimesulide as an internal standard. A fused-silica capillary (50 µm i.d.; effective length, 40 cm) was used while being maintained at 25°C; the applied voltage was 25 kV. A background electrolyte solution consisted of a 20 mM sodium tetraborate solution at pH 10. Injections were performed using a pressure mode at 50 mbar for 5 s, with detection at 216 nm. The specificity and stability-indicating capability were proven through forced degradation studies, evaluating also the in vitro cytotoxicity test of the degraded products. The method was linear over the concentration range of 1-200 µg mL(-1) (r(2) = 0.9999), and was applied for the analysis of entecavir in tablet dosage forms. The results were correlated to those of validated conventional and fast LC methods, showing non-significant differences (p > 0.05).

Effect of oxygen, moisture and illumination on the stability and reliability of dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) OTFTs during operation and storage.

PubMed

Ding, Ziqian; Abbas, Gamal; Assender, Hazel E; Morrison, John J; Yeates, Stephen G; Patchett, Eifion R; Taylor, D Martin

2014-09-10

We report a systemic study of the stability of organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) both in storage and under operation. Apart from a thin polystyrene buffer layer spin-coated onto the gate dielectric, the constituent parts of the OTFTs were all prepared by vacuum evaporation. The OTFTs are based on the semiconducting small molecule dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) deposited onto the surface of a polystyrene-buffered in situ polymerized diacrylate gate insulator. Over a period of 9 months, no degradation of the hole mobility occurred in devices stored either in the dark in dry air or in uncontrolled air and normal laboratory fluorescent lighting conditions. In the latter case, rather than decreasing, the mobility actually increased almost 2-fold to 1.5 cm(2)/(V · s). The devices also showed good stability during repeat on/off cycles in the dark in dry air. Exposure to oxygen and light during the on/off cycles led to a positive shift of the transfer curves due to electron trapping when the DNTT was biased into depletion by the application of positive gate voltage. When operated in accumulation, negative gate voltage under the same conditions, the transfer curves were stable. When voltage cycling in moist air in the dark, the transfer curves shifted to negative voltages, thought to be due to the generation of hole traps either in the semiconductor or its interface with the dielectric layer. When subjected to gate bias stress in dry air in the dark for at least 144 h, the device characteristics remained stable.

Hybrid AC-High Voltage DC Grid Stability and Controls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jicheng

The growth of energy demands in recent years has been increasing faster than the expansion of transmission facility construction. This tendency cooperating with the continuous investing on the renewable energy resources drives the research, development, and construction of HVDC projects to create a more reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly power grid. Constructing the hybrid AC-HVDC grid is a significant move in the development of the HVDC techniques; the form of dc system is evolving from the point-to-point stand-alone dc links to the embedded HVDC system and the multi-terminal HVDC (MTDC) system. The MTDC is a solution for the renewable energy interconnections, and the MTDC grids can improve the power system reliability, flexibility in economic dispatches, and converter/cable utilizing efficiencies. The dissertation reviews the HVDC technologies, discusses the stability issues regarding the ac and HVDC connections, proposes a novel power oscillation control strategy to improve system stability, and develops a nonlinear voltage droop control strategy for the MTDC grid. To verify the effectiveness the proposed power oscillation control strategy, a long distance paralleled AC-HVDC transmission test system is employed. Based on the PSCAD/EMTDC platform simulation results, the proposed power oscillation control strategy can improve the system dynamic performance and attenuate the power oscillations effectively. To validate the nonlinear voltage droop control strategy, three droop controls schemes are designed according to the proposed nonlinear voltage droop control design procedures. These control schemes are tested in a hybrid AC-MTDC system. The hybrid AC-MTDC system, which is first proposed in this dissertation, consists of two ac grids, two wind farms and a five-terminal HVDC grid connecting them. Simulation studies are performed in the PSCAD/EMTDC platform. According to the simulation results, all the three design schemes have their unique salient features.

Dispatching power system for preventive and corrective voltage collapse problem in a deregulated power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alemadi, Nasser Ahmed

Deregulation has brought opportunities for increasing efficiency of production and delivery and reduced costs to customers. Deregulation has also bought great challenges to provide the reliability and security customers have come to expect and demand from the electrical delivery system. One of the challenges in the deregulated power system is voltage instability. Voltage instability has become the principal constraint on power system operation for many utilities. Voltage instability is a unique problem because it can produce an uncontrollable, cascading instability that results in blackout for a large region or an entire country. In this work we define a system of advanced analytical methods and tools for secure and efficient operation of the power system in the deregulated environment. The work consists of two modules; (a) contingency selection module and (b) a Security Constrained Optimization module. The contingency selection module to be used for voltage instability is the Voltage Stability Security Assessment and Diagnosis (VSSAD). VSSAD shows that each voltage control area and its reactive reserve basin describe a subsystem or agent that has a unique voltage instability problem. VSSAD identifies each such agent. VS SAD is to assess proximity to voltage instability for each agent and rank voltage instability agents for each contingency simulated. Contingency selection and ranking for each agent is also performed. Diagnosis of where, why, when, and what can be done to cure voltage instability for each equipment outage and transaction change combination that has no load flow solution is also performed. A security constrained optimization module developed solves a minimum control solvability problem. A minimum control solvability problem obtains the reactive reserves through action of voltage control devices that VSSAD determines are needed in each agent to obtain solution of the load flow. VSSAD makes a physically impossible recommendation of adding reactive generation capability to specific generators to allow a load flow solution to be obtained. The minimum control solvability problem can also obtain solution of the load flow without curtailing transactions that shed load and generation as recommended by VSSAD. A minimum control solvability problem will be implemented as a corrective control, that will achieve the above objectives by using minimum control changes. The control includes; (1) voltage setpoint on generator bus voltage terminals; (2) under load tap changer tap positions and switchable shunt capacitors; and (3) active generation at generator buses. The minimum control solvability problem uses the VSSAD recommendation to obtain the feasible stable starting point but completely eliminates the impossible or onerous recommendation made by VSSAD. This thesis reviews the capabilities of Voltage Stability Security Assessment and Diagnosis and how it can be used to implement a contingency selection module for the Open Access System Dispatch (OASYDIS). The OASYDIS will also use the corrective control computed by Security Constrained Dispatch. The corrective control would be computed off line and stored for each contingency that produces voltage instability. The control is triggered and implemented to correct the voltage instability in the agent experiencing voltage instability only after the equipment outage or operating changes predicted to produce voltage instability have occurred. The advantages and the requirements to implement the corrective control are also discussed.

Stability phase diagram of a perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction in noncollinear geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strelkov, N.; Timopheev, A.; Sousa, R. C.; Chshiev, M.; Buda-Prejbeanu, L. D.; Dieny, B.

2017-05-01

Experimental measurements performed on MgO-based perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions show a strong dependence of the stability voltage-field diagrams as a function of the direction of the magnetic field with respect to the plane of the sample. When the magnetic field is applied in-plane, systematic nonlinear phase boundaries are observed for various lateral sizes. The simulation results based on the phenomenological Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation including the in-plane and out-of-plane spin transfer torques are consistent with the measurements if a second-order anisotropy contribution is considered. Furthermore, performing the stability analysis in linear approximation allowed us to analytically extract the critical switching voltage at zero temperature in the presence of an in-plane field. This study indicates that in the noncollinear geometry investigations are suitable to detect the presence of the second-order term in the anisotropy. Such higher order anisotropy term can yield an easy-cone anisotropy which reduces the thermal stability factor but allows for more reproducible spin transfer torque switching due to a reduced stochasticity of the switching. As a result, the energy per write event decreases much faster than the thermal stability factor as the second-order anisotropy becomes more negative. Easy-cone anisotropy can be useful for fast-switching spin transfer torque magnetic random access memories provided the thermal stability can be maintained above the required value for a given memory specification.

Improving positive and negative bias illumination stress stability in parylene passivated IGZO transistors

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

Kiazadeh, Asal; Universidade do Algarve, FCT, 8000-139 Faro; Gomes, Henrique L.

The impact of a parylene top-coating layer on the illumination and bias stress instabilities of indium-gallium-zinc oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) is presented and discussed. The parylene coating substantially reduces the threshold voltage shift caused by continuous application of a gate bias and light exposure. The operational stability improves by 75%, and the light induced instability is reduced by 35%. The operational stability is quantified by fitting the threshold voltage shift with a stretched exponential model. Storage time as long as 7 months does not cause any measurable degradation on the electrical performance. It is proposed that parylene plays not onlymore » the role of an encapsulation layer but also of a defect passivation on the top semiconductor surface. It is also reported that depletion-mode TFTs are less sensitive to light induced instabilities. This is attributed to a defect neutralization process in the presence of free electrons.« less

Dipolar excitation in the third stability region.

PubMed

Konenkov, Nikolai V; Chernyak, Eugenii Ya; Stepanov, Vladimir A

Dipole resonant excitation of ions creates instability bands which follow iso-β lines where β is the characteristic exponent (stability parameter). Instability bands are exited most effectively on the fundamental frequency π= βΩ/2. Here π is the angle resonance frequency of the dipolar voltage applied to x or y pair rods of the analyzer, and Ω is the angle frequency of the main drive voltage. Our goal is to study the mass peak shape in the third stability region with dipolar resonance excitation of the instability band with respect to the resonance frequency π and the dipolar potential amplitude. Numerical integration of the ion motion equations with a given ion source emittance is used to investigate peak shapes and ion transmission. We show that it is possible to vary the resolution power at any part of the third stability region. A change of the dipolar potential phase leads to a periodical variation of the resolution with period π.The most effective dipolar excitation in the y direction is along βy near the stability boundary. The mass peak shape is calculated also for a quadrupole with round rods. The best peak shape (small tails and high resolution) takes place for the rod set with r/r0=1.130. Dipolar excitation increases the transmission by approximately 5-10% at a given resolution.

Hydrogen-oxygen proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baldwin, R.; Pham, M.; Leonida, A.; Mcelroy, J.; Nalette, T.

1989-01-01

Hydrogen-oxygen solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers (products of Hamilton Standard) both use a Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) as the sole electrolyte. These solid electrolyte devices have been under continuous development for over 30 years. This experience has resulted in a demonstrated ten-year SPE cell life capability under load conditions. Ultimate life of PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers is primarily related to the chemical stability of the membrane. For perfluorocarbon proton exchange membranes an accurate measure of the membrane stability is the fluoride loss rate. Millions of cell hours have contributed to establishing a relationship between fluoride loss rates and average expected ultimate cell life. This relationship is shown. Several features have been introduced into SPE fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers such that applications requiring greater than or equal to 100,000 hours of life can be considered. Equally important as the ultimate life is the voltage stability of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells and electrolyzers. Here again the features of SPE fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers have shown a cell voltage stability in the order of 1 microvolt per hour. That level of stability has been demonstrated for tens of thousands of hours in SPE fuel cells at up to 500 amps per square foot (ASF) current density.

Impact of Selected LiPF6 Hydrolysis Products on the High Voltage Stability of Lithium-Ion Battery Cells.

PubMed

Wagner, Ralf; Korth, Martin; Streipert, Benjamin; Kasnatscheew, Johannes; Gallus, Dennis R; Brox, Sebastian; Amereller, Marius; Cekic-Laskovic, Isidora; Winter, Martin

2016-11-16

Diverse LiPF 6 hydrolysis products evolve during lithium-ion battery cell operation at elevated operation temperatures and high operation voltages. However, their impact on the formation and stability of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces is not yet investigated and understood. In this work, literature-known hydrolysis products of LiPF 6 dimethyl fluorophosphate (DMFP) and diethyl fluorophosphate (DEFP) were synthesized and characterized. The use of DMFP and DEFP as electrolyte additive in 1 M LiPF 6 in EC:EMC (1:1, by wt) was investigated in LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 /Li half cells. When charged to a cutoff potential of 4.6 V vs Li/Li + , the additive containing cells showed improved cycling stability, increased Coulombic efficiencies, and prolonged shelf life. Furthermore, low amounts (1 wt % in this study) of the aforementioned additives did not show any negative effect on the cycling stability of graphite/Li half cells. DMFP and DEFP are susceptible to oxidation and contribute to the formation of an effective cathode/electrolyte interphase as confirmed by means of electrochemical stability window determination, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of pristine and cycled electrodes, and they are supported by computational calculations.

Voltage-Dependent Gating of hERG Potassium Channels

PubMed Central

Cheng, Yen May; Claydon, Tom W.

2012-01-01

The mechanisms by which voltage-gated channels sense changes in membrane voltage and energetically couple this with opening of the ion conducting pore has been the source of significant interest. In voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, much of our knowledge in this area comes from Shaker-type channels, for which voltage-dependent gating is quite rapid. In these channels, activation and deactivation are associated with rapid reconfiguration of the voltage-sensing domain unit that is electromechanically coupled, via the S4–S5 linker helix, to the rate-limiting opening of an intracellular pore gate. However, fast voltage-dependent gating kinetics are not typical of all Kv channels, such as Kv11.1 (human ether-à-go-go related gene, hERG), which activates and deactivates very slowly. Compared to Shaker channels, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying slow hERG gating is much poorer. Here, we present a comparative review of the structure–function relationships underlying activation and deactivation gating in Shaker and hERG channels, with a focus on the roles of the voltage-sensing domain and the S4–S5 linker that couples voltage sensor movements to the pore. Measurements of gating current kinetics and fluorimetric analysis of voltage sensor movement are consistent with models suggesting that the hERG activation pathway contains a voltage independent step, which limits voltage sensor transitions. Constraints upon hERG voltage sensor movement may result from loose packing of the S4 helices and additional intra-voltage sensor counter-charge interactions. More recent data suggest that key amino acid differences in the hERG voltage-sensing unit and S4–S5 linker, relative to fast activating Shaker-type Kv channels, may also contribute to the increased stability of the resting state of the voltage sensor. PMID:22586397

Higher order parametric excitation modes for spaceborne quadrupole mass spectrometers

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

Gershman, D. J.; Block, B. P.; Rubin, M.

This paper describes a technique to significantly improve upon the mass peak shape and mass resolution of spaceborne quadrupole mass spectrometers (QMSs) through higher order auxiliary excitation of the quadrupole field. Using a novel multiresonant tank circuit, additional frequency components can be used to drive modulating voltages on the quadrupole rods in a practical manner, suitable for both improved commercial applications and spaceflight instruments. Auxiliary excitation at frequencies near twice that of the fundamental quadrupole RF frequency provides the advantages of previously studied parametric excitation techniques, but with the added benefit of increased sensed excitation amplitude dynamic range and themore » ability to operate voltage scan lines through the center of upper stability islands. Using a field programmable gate array, the amplitudes and frequencies of all QMS signals are digitally generated and managed, providing a robust and stable voltage control system. These techniques are experimentally verified through an interface with a commercial Pfeiffer QMG422 quadrupole rod system. When operating through the center of a stability island formed from higher order auxiliary excitation, approximately 50% and 400% improvements in 1% mass resolution and peak stability were measured, respectively, when compared with traditional QMS operation. Although tested with a circular rod system, the presented techniques have the potential to improve the performance of both circular and hyperbolic rod geometry QMS sensors.« less

Ionic conductivity and thermal stability of magnetron-sputtered nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sillassen, M.; Eklund, P.; Sridharan, M.; Pryds, N.; Bonanos, N.; Bøttiger, J.

2009-05-01

Thermally stable, stoichiometric, cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin-film electrolytes have been synthesized by reactive pulsed dc magnetron sputtering from a Zr-Y (80/20 at. %) alloy target. Films deposited at floating potential had a ⟨111⟩ texture. Single-line profile analysis of the 111 x-ray diffraction peak yielded a grain size of ˜20 nm and a microstrain of ˜2% regardless of deposition temperature. Films deposited at 400 °C and selected bias voltages in the range from -70 to -200 V showed a reduced grain size for higher bias voltages, yielding a grain size of ˜6 nm and a microstrain of ˜2.5% at bias voltages of -175 and -200 V with additional incorporation of argon. The films were thermally stable; very limited grain coarsening was observed up to an annealing temperature of 800 °C. Temperature-dependent impedance spectroscopy analysis of the YSZ films with Ag electrodes showed that the in-plane ionic conductivity was within one order of magnitude higher in films deposited with substrate bias corresponding to a decrease in grain size compared to films deposited at floating potential. This suggests that there is a significant contribution to the ionic conductivity from grain boundaries. The activation energy for oxygen ion migration was determined to be between 1.14 and 1.30 eV.

Performance documentation of the engineering model 30-cm diameter thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bechtel, R. T.; Rawlin, V. K.

1976-01-01

The results of extensive testing of two 30-cm ion thrusters which are virtually identical to the 900 series Engineering Model Thruster in an ongoing 15,000-hour life test are presented. Performance data for the nominal fullpower (2650 W) operating point; performance sensitivities to discharge voltage, discharge losses, accelerator voltage, and magnetic baffle current; and several power throttling techniques (maximum Isp, maximum thrust/power ratio, and two cases in between are included). Criteria for throttling are specified in terms of the screen power supply envelope, thruster operating limits, and control stability. In addition, reduced requirements for successful high voltage recycles are presented.

Organic electroluminescent devices and method for improving energy efficiency and optical stability thereof

DOEpatents

Heller, Christian Maria

2004-04-27

An organic electroluminescent device ("OELD") has a controllable brightness, an improved energy efficiency, and stable optical output at low brightness. The OELD is activated with a series of voltage pulses, each of which has a maximum voltage value that corresponds to the maximum power efficiency when the OELD is activated. The frequency of the pulses, or the duty cycle, or both are chosen to provide the desired average brightness.

A base-metal conductor system for silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coleman, M. G.; Pryor, R. A.; Sparks, T. G.

1980-01-01

Solder, copper, and silver are evaluated as conductor layer metals for silicon solar cell metallization on the basis of metal price stability and reliability under operating conditions. Due to its properties and cost, copper becomes an attractive candidate for the conductor layer. It is shown that nickel operates as an excellent diffusion barrier between copper and silicon while simultaneously serving as an electrical contact and mechanical contact to silicon. The nickel-copper system may be applied to the silicon by plating techniques utilizing a variety of plating bath compositions. Solar cells having excellent current-voltage characteristics are fabricated to demonstrate the nickel-copper metallization system.

Evaluation of miniature vacuum ultraviolet lamps for stability and operating characteristics, Lyman-Alpha task

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurd, W. A.

1985-01-01

Modifications required to change the near ultraviolet source in the Optical Contamination Monitor to a source with output at or near the Lyman-Alpha hydrogen line are discussed. The effort consisted of selecting, acquiring and testing candidate miniature ultraviolet lamps with significant output in or near 121.6 nm. The effort also included selection of a miniature dc high-voltage power supply capable of operating the lamp. The power supply was required to operate from available primary power supplied by the Optical Effect Module (DEM) and it should be flight qualified or have the ability to be qualified by the user.

A High‐Voltage and High‐Capacity Li1+xNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode Material: From Synthesis to Full Lithium‐Ion Cells

PubMed Central

Mancini, Marilena; Gabrielli, Giulio; Kinyanjui, Michael; Kaiser, Ute; Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens, Margret

2016-01-01

Abstract We report Co‐free, Li‐rich Li1+xNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (0

Solution-processed gadolinium doped indium-oxide thin-film transistors with oxide passivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung-Hun; Kim, Taehun; Lee, Jihun; Avis, Christophe; Jang, Jin

2017-03-01

We studied the effect of Gd doping on the structural properties of solution processed, crystalline In2O3 for thin-film transistor (TFT) application. With increasing Gd in In2O3 up to 20%, the material structure changes into amorphous phase, and the oxygen vacancy concentration decreases from 15.4 to 8.4%, and M-OH bonds from 33.5 to 23.7%. The field-effect mobility for the Gd doped In2O3 TFTs decreases and threshold voltage shifts to the positive voltage with increasing Gd concentration. In addition, the stability of the solution processed TFTs can also be improved by increasing Gd concentration. As a result, the optimum Gd concentration is found to be ˜5% in In2O3 and the 5% Gd doped In2O3 TFTs with the Y2O3 passivation layer exhibit the linear mobility of 9.74 cm2/V s, the threshold voltage of -0.27 V, the subthreshold swing of 79 mV/dec., and excellent bias stability.

Adsorption configurations and scanning voltage determined STM images of small hydrogen clusters on bilayer graphene.

PubMed

Cao, Teng Fei; Huang, Liang Feng; Zheng, Xiao Hong; Zhou, Wang Huai; Zeng, Zhi

2013-11-21

By density functional theory calculations, the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of various hydrogen clusters adsorbed on bilayer-graphene are systematically simulated. The hydrogen configurations of the STM images observed in the experiments have been thoroughly figured out. In particular, two kinds of hydrogen dimers (ortho-dimer, para-dimer) and two kinds of tetramers (tetramer-A, -B) are determined to be the hydrogen configurations corresponding to the ellipsoidal-like STM images with different structures and sizes. One particular hexamer (hexamer-B) is the hydrogen configuration generating the star-like STM images. For each hydrogen cluster, the simulated STM images show unique voltage-dependent features, which provides a feasible way to determine hydrogen adsorption states on graphene or graphite surface in the experiments by varying-voltage measurements. Stability analysis proves that the above determined hydrogen configurations are quite stable on graphene, hence they are likely to be detected in the STM experiments. Consequently, through systematic analysis of the STM images and the stability of hydrogen clusters on bilayer graphene, many experimental observations have been consistently explained.

Stability study of solution-processed zinc tin oxide thin-film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xue; Ndabakuranye, Jean Pierre; Kim, Dong Wook; Choi, Jong Sun; Park, Jaehoon

2015-11-01

In this study, the environmental dependence of the electrical stability of solution-processed n-channel zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) is reported. Under a prolonged negative gate bias stress, a negative shift in threshold voltage occurs in atmospheric air, whereas a negligible positive shift in threshold voltage occurs under vacuum. In the positive bias-stress experiments, a positive shift in threshold voltage was invariably observed both in atmospheric air and under vacuum. In this study, the negative gate-bias-stress-induced instability in atmospheric air is explained through an internal potential in the ZTO semiconductor, which can be generated owing to the interplay between H2O molecules and majority carrier electrons at the surface of the ZTO film. The positive bias-stress-induced instability is ascribed to electron-trapping phenomenon in and around the TFT channel region, which can be further augmented in the presence of air O2 molecules. These results suggest that the interaction between majority carriers and air molecules will have crucial implications for a reliable operation of solution-processed ZTO TFTs. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Evaluation of performance of footwear and flooring systems in combination with personnel using voltage probability analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smallwood, Jeremy; Swenson, David E.

2011-06-01

Evaluation of electrostatic performance of footwear and flooring in combination is necessary in applications such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) control in electronics manufacture, evaluation of equipment for avoidance of factory process electrostatic ignition risks and avoidance of electrostatic shocks to personnel in working environments. Typical standards use a walking test in which the voltage produced on a subject is evaluated by identification and measurement of the magnitude of the 5 highest "peaks" and "valleys" of the recorded voltage waveform. This method does not lend itself to effective analysis of the risk that the voltage will exceed a hazard threshold. This paper shows the advantages of voltage probability analysis and recommends that the method is adopted for use in future standards.

Flexible $$I_{Q}\\!\\!-\\!\\!V$$ Scheme of a DFIG for Rapid Voltage Regulation of a Wind Power Plant

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

Kim, Jinho; Muljadi, Eduard; Park, Jung -Wook

This paper proposes a flexible reactive current-to-voltage (I Q-V) scheme of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) for the rapid voltage regulation of a wind power plant (WPP). In the proposed scheme, the WPP controller dispatches different voltage set points to the DFIGs depending on their rotor voltage margins. The DFIGs inject different reactive power with the flexible I Q-V schemes implemented in the rotor-side and grid-side converters. The I Q-V characteristic, which consists of the gain and width of a linear band and I Q capability, varies with time depending on the I Q capability of the converters and amore » voltage dip at the point of interconnection (POI). To increase the I Q capability during a fault, the active current is reduced in proportion to a voltage dip. If the I Q capability and/or the POI voltage dip are large, the I Q-V gain is set to be high, thereby providing rapid voltage regulation. To avoid an overvoltage after the fault clearance, a rapid I Q reduction scheme is implemented in the WPP and DFIG controllers. The performance of the proposed flexible scheme was verified under scenarios with various disturbances. In conclusion, the proposed scheme can help increase wind power penetration without jeopardizing voltage stability.« less

Flexible $$I_{Q}\\!\\!-\\!\\!V$$ Scheme of a DFIG for Rapid Voltage Regulation of a Wind Power Plant

DOE PAGES

Kim, Jinho; Muljadi, Eduard; Park, Jung -Wook; ...

2017-04-28

This paper proposes a flexible reactive current-to-voltage (I Q-V) scheme of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) for the rapid voltage regulation of a wind power plant (WPP). In the proposed scheme, the WPP controller dispatches different voltage set points to the DFIGs depending on their rotor voltage margins. The DFIGs inject different reactive power with the flexible I Q-V schemes implemented in the rotor-side and grid-side converters. The I Q-V characteristic, which consists of the gain and width of a linear band and I Q capability, varies with time depending on the I Q capability of the converters and amore » voltage dip at the point of interconnection (POI). To increase the I Q capability during a fault, the active current is reduced in proportion to a voltage dip. If the I Q capability and/or the POI voltage dip are large, the I Q-V gain is set to be high, thereby providing rapid voltage regulation. To avoid an overvoltage after the fault clearance, a rapid I Q reduction scheme is implemented in the WPP and DFIG controllers. The performance of the proposed flexible scheme was verified under scenarios with various disturbances. In conclusion, the proposed scheme can help increase wind power penetration without jeopardizing voltage stability.« less

Grid Stability Awareness System (GSAS) Final Scientific/Technical Report

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

Feuerborn, Scott; Ma, Jian; Black, Clifton

The project team developed a software suite named Grid Stability Awareness System (GSAS) for power system near real-time stability monitoring and analysis based on synchrophasor measurement. The software suite consists of five analytical tools: an oscillation monitoring tool, a voltage stability monitoring tool, a transient instability monitoring tool, an angle difference monitoring tool, and an event detection tool. These tools have been integrated into one framework to provide power grid operators with both real-time or near real-time stability status of a power grid and historical information about system stability status. These tools are being considered for real-time use in themore » operation environment.« less

Neurotransmitter Release Can Be Stabilized by a Mechanism That Prevents Voltage Changes Near the End of Action Potentials from Affecting Calcium Currents

PubMed Central

Clarke, Stephen G.; Scarnati, Matthew S.

2016-01-01

At chemical synapses, presynaptic action potentials (APs) activate voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing calcium to enter and trigger neurotransmitter release. The duration, peak amplitude, and shape of the AP falling phase alter calcium entry, which can affect neurotransmitter release significantly. In many neurons, APs do not immediately return to the resting potential, but instead exhibit a period of depolarization or hyperpolarization referred to as an afterpotential. We hypothesized that presynaptic afterpotentials should alter neurotransmitter release by affecting the electrical driving force for calcium entry and calcium channel gating. In support of this, presynaptic calcium entry is affected by afterpotentials after standard instant voltage jumps. Here, we used the mouse calyx of Held synapse, which allows simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic patch-clamp recording, to show that the postsynaptic response is affected significantly by presynaptic afterpotentials after voltage jumps. We therefore tested the effects of presynaptic afterpotentials using simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic recordings and AP waveforms or real APs. Surprisingly, presynaptic afterpotentials after AP stimuli did not alter calcium channel responses or neurotransmitter release appreciably. We show that the AP repolarization time course causes afterpotential-induced changes in calcium driving force and changes in calcium channel gating to effectively cancel each other out. This mechanism, in which electrical driving force is balanced by channel gating, prevents changes in calcium influx from occurring at the end of the AP and therefore acts to stabilize synaptic transmission. In addition, this mechanism can act to stabilize neurotransmitter release when the presynaptic resting potential changes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The shape of presynaptic action potentials (APs), particularly the falling phase, affects calcium entry and small changes in calcium influx can produce large changes in postsynaptic responses. We hypothesized that afterpotentials, which often follow APs, affect calcium entry and neurotransmitter release. We tested this in calyx of Held nerve terminals, which allow simultaneous recording of presynaptic calcium currents and postsynaptic responses. Surprisingly, presynaptic afterpotentials did not alter calcium current or neurotransmitter release. We show that the AP falling phase causes afterpotential-induced changes in electrical driving force and calcium channel gating to cancel each other out. This mechanism regulates calcium entry at the end of APs and therefore stabilizes synaptic transmission. This also stabilizes responses when the presynaptic resting potential changes. PMID:27911759

Neurotransmitter Release Can Be Stabilized by a Mechanism That Prevents Voltage Changes Near the End of Action Potentials from Affecting Calcium Currents.

PubMed

Clarke, Stephen G; Scarnati, Matthew S; Paradiso, Kenneth G

2016-11-09

At chemical synapses, presynaptic action potentials (APs) activate voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing calcium to enter and trigger neurotransmitter release. The duration, peak amplitude, and shape of the AP falling phase alter calcium entry, which can affect neurotransmitter release significantly. In many neurons, APs do not immediately return to the resting potential, but instead exhibit a period of depolarization or hyperpolarization referred to as an afterpotential. We hypothesized that presynaptic afterpotentials should alter neurotransmitter release by affecting the electrical driving force for calcium entry and calcium channel gating. In support of this, presynaptic calcium entry is affected by afterpotentials after standard instant voltage jumps. Here, we used the mouse calyx of Held synapse, which allows simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic patch-clamp recording, to show that the postsynaptic response is affected significantly by presynaptic afterpotentials after voltage jumps. We therefore tested the effects of presynaptic afterpotentials using simultaneous presynaptic and postsynaptic recordings and AP waveforms or real APs. Surprisingly, presynaptic afterpotentials after AP stimuli did not alter calcium channel responses or neurotransmitter release appreciably. We show that the AP repolarization time course causes afterpotential-induced changes in calcium driving force and changes in calcium channel gating to effectively cancel each other out. This mechanism, in which electrical driving force is balanced by channel gating, prevents changes in calcium influx from occurring at the end of the AP and therefore acts to stabilize synaptic transmission. In addition, this mechanism can act to stabilize neurotransmitter release when the presynaptic resting potential changes. The shape of presynaptic action potentials (APs), particularly the falling phase, affects calcium entry and small changes in calcium influx can produce large changes in postsynaptic responses. We hypothesized that afterpotentials, which often follow APs, affect calcium entry and neurotransmitter release. We tested this in calyx of Held nerve terminals, which allow simultaneous recording of presynaptic calcium currents and postsynaptic responses. Surprisingly, presynaptic afterpotentials did not alter calcium current or neurotransmitter release. We show that the AP falling phase causes afterpotential-induced changes in electrical driving force and calcium channel gating to cancel each other out. This mechanism regulates calcium entry at the end of APs and therefore stabilizes synaptic transmission. This also stabilizes responses when the presynaptic resting potential changes. Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/3611559-14$15.00/0.

Benchmarking the stability of human detergent-solubilised voltage-gated sodium channels for structural studies using eel as a reference

PubMed Central

Slowik, Daria; Henderson, Richard

2015-01-01

With the ultimate goal of detailed structural analysis of mammalian and particularly human voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), we have investigated the relative stability of human and rat VGSCs and compared them with electric eel VGSC. We found that NaV1.3 from rat was the most stable after detergent solubilisation. The order of stability was rNaV1.3 > hNaV1.2 > hNaV1.1 > hNaV1.6 > hNaV1.3 > hNaV1.4. However, a comparison with the VGSC from Electrophorus electricus, which is most similar to NaV1.4, shows that the eel VGSC is considerably more stable in detergent than the human VGSCs examined. We conclude that current methods of structural analysis, such as single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM), may be most usefully targeted to eel VGSC or rNaV1.3, but that structural analysis on the full spectrum of VGSCs, by methods that require greater stability such as crystallisation and X-ray crystallography, will require further stabilisation of the channel. PMID:25838126

Polymer Stabilization of Liquid-Crystal Blue Phase II toward Photonic Crystals.

PubMed

Jo, Seong-Yong; Jeon, Sung-Wook; Kim, Byeong-Cheon; Bae, Jae-Hyun; Araoka, Fumito; Choi, Suk-Won

2017-03-15

The temperature ranges where a pure simple-cubic blue phase (BPII) emerges are quite narrow compared to the body-centered-cubic BP (BPI) such that the polymer stabilization of BPII is much more difficult. Hence, a polymer-stabilized BPII possessing a wide temperature range has been scarcely reported. Here, we fabricate a polymer-stabilized BPII over a temperature range of 50 °C including room temperature. The fabricated polymer-stabilized BPII is confirmed via polarized optical microscopy, Bragg reflection, and Kossel diagram observations. Furthermore, we demonstrate reflective BP liquid-crystal devices utilizing the reflectance-voltage performance as a potential application of the polymer-stabilized BPII. Our work demonstrates the possibility of practical application of the polymer-stabilized BPII to photonic crystals.

Heme Regulates Allosteric Activation of the Slo1 BK Channel

PubMed Central

Horrigan, Frank T.; Heinemann, Stefan H.; Hoshi, Toshinori

2005-01-01

Large conductance calcium-dependent (Slo1 BK) channels are allosterically activated by membrane depolarization and divalent cations, and possess a rich modulatory repertoire. Recently, intracellular heme has been identified as a potent regulator of Slo1 BK channels (Tang, X.D., R. Xu, M.F. Reynolds, M.L. Garcia, S.H. Heinemann, and T. Hoshi. 2003. Nature. 425:531–535). Here we investigated the mechanism of the regulatory action of heme on heterologously expressed Slo1 BK channels by separating the influences of voltage and divalent cations. In the absence of divalent cations, heme generally decreased ionic currents by shifting the channel's G–V curve toward more depolarized voltages and by rendering the curve less steep. In contrast, gating currents remained largely unaffected by heme. Simulations suggest that a decrease in the strength of allosteric coupling between the voltage sensor and the activation gate and a concomitant stabilization of the open state account for the essential features of the heme action in the absence of divalent ions. At saturating levels of divalent cations, heme remained similarly effective with its influence on the G–V simulated by weakening the coupling of both Ca2+ binding and voltage sensor activation to channel opening. The results thus show that heme dampens the influence of allosteric activators on the activation gate of the Slo1 BK channel. To account for these effects, we consider the possibility that heme binding alters the structure of the RCK gating ring and thereby disrupts both Ca2+- and voltage-dependent gating as well as intrinsic stability of the open state. PMID:15955873

Quantitative decoding of the response a ceramic mixed potential sensor array for engine emissions control and diagnostics

DOE PAGES

Tsui, Lok-kun; Benavidez, Angelica; Palanisamy, Ponnusamy; ...

2017-04-13

The development of on-board sensors for emissions monitoring is necessary for continuous monitoring of the performance of catalytic systems in automobiles. We have fabricated mixed potential electrochemical gas sensing devices with Pt, La 0.8Sr 0.2CrO 3 (LSCO), and Au/Pd alloy electrodes and a porous yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte. The three-electrode design takes advantage of the preferential selectivity of the Pt + Au/Pd and Pt + LSCO pairs towards different species of gases and has additional tunable selectivity achieved by applying a current bias to the latter pair. Voltages were recorded in single, binary, and ternary gas streams of NO, NO 2,more » C 3H 8, and CO. We have also trained artificial neural networks to examine the voltage output from sensors in biased and unbiased modes to both identify which single test gas or binary mixture of two test gases is present in a gas stream as well as extract concentration values. We were then able to identify single and binary mixtures of these gases with accuracy of at least 98%. For determining concentration, the peak in the error distribution for binary mixtures was 5% and 80% of test data fell under <12% error. The sensor stability was also evaluated over the course of over 100 days and the ability to retrain ANNs with a small dataset was demonstrated.« less

Barrier breakdown mechanism in nano-scale perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions with ultrathin MgO barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Hua; Leitao, Diana C.; Hou, Zhiwei; Freitas, Paulo P.; Cardoso, Susana; Kämpfe, Thomas; Müller, Johannes; Langer, Juergen; Wrona, Jerzy

2018-05-01

Recently, the perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) arouse great interest because of its unique features in the application of spin-transfer-torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM), such as low switching current density, good thermal stability and high access speed. In this paper, we investigated current induced switching (CIS) in ultrathin MgO barrier p-MTJs with dimension down to 50 nm. We obtained a CIS perpendicular tunnel magnetoresistance (p-TMR) of 123.9% and 7.0 Ω.μm2 resistance area product (RA) with a critical switching density of 1.4×1010 A/m2 in a 300 nm diameter junction. We observe that the extrinsic breakdown mechanism dominates, since the resistance of our p-MTJs decreases gradually with the increasing current. From the statistical analysis of differently sized p-MTJs, we observe that the breakdown voltage (Vb) of 1.4 V is 2 times the switching voltage (Vs) of 0.7 V and the breakdown process exhibits two different breakdown states, unsteady and steady state. Using Simmons' model, we find that the steady state is related with the barrier height of the MgO layer. Furthermore, our study suggests a more efficient method to evaluate the MTJ stability under high bias rather than measuring Vb. In conclusion, we developed well performant p-MTJs for the use in STT-MRAM and demonstrate the mechanism and control of breakdown in nano-scale ultrathin MgO barrier p-MTJs.

Quantitative decoding of the response a ceramic mixed potential sensor array for engine emissions control and diagnostics

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

Tsui, Lok-kun; Benavidez, Angelica; Palanisamy, Ponnusamy

The development of on-board sensors for emissions monitoring is necessary for continuous monitoring of the performance of catalytic systems in automobiles. We have fabricated mixed potential electrochemical gas sensing devices with Pt, La 0.8Sr 0.2CrO 3 (LSCO), and Au/Pd alloy electrodes and a porous yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte. The three-electrode design takes advantage of the preferential selectivity of the Pt + Au/Pd and Pt + LSCO pairs towards different species of gases and has additional tunable selectivity achieved by applying a current bias to the latter pair. Voltages were recorded in single, binary, and ternary gas streams of NO, NO 2,more » C 3H 8, and CO. We have also trained artificial neural networks to examine the voltage output from sensors in biased and unbiased modes to both identify which single test gas or binary mixture of two test gases is present in a gas stream as well as extract concentration values. We were then able to identify single and binary mixtures of these gases with accuracy of at least 98%. For determining concentration, the peak in the error distribution for binary mixtures was 5% and 80% of test data fell under <12% error. The sensor stability was also evaluated over the course of over 100 days and the ability to retrain ANNs with a small dataset was demonstrated.« less

Eight electrode optical readout gap

DOEpatents

Boettcher, G.E.; Crain, R.W.

1984-01-01

A protective device for a plurality of electrical circuits includes a plurality of isolated electrodes forming a gap with a common electrode. An output signal, electrically isolated from the circuits being monitored, is obtained by a photosensor viewing the discharge gap through an optical window. Radioactive stabilization of discharge characteristics is provided for slowly changing voltages and carbon tipped dynamic starters provide desirable discharge characteristics for rapidly varying voltages. A hydrogen permeation barrier is provided on external surfaces of the device.

A voltage to frequency converter for astronomical photometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunham, E.; Elliot, J. L.

1978-01-01

A voltage to frequency converter (VFC) for general use with photomultipliers is described. For high light levels, when the dead-time corrections for a photon counter would be excessive, the VFC maintains a linear response and allows the recording of data at high time resolution. Results of laboratory tests are given for the signal-to-noise characteristics, linearity, stability, and transient response of the VFC when used in conjunction with EMI 9658 and RCA C31034 photomultipliers.

Annual Summary Report on Thermionic Cathode Project.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-09

Voltage Operation The electron gun cathode is driven negative by a high voltageRadiation pulse modulator in the circuit of Figure 3-1. Typical current...tungsten filament. The bombardment heating system is stabilized by a feed- back control circuit . The power required to heat tne cathode is 315 W bom...project. The primary purpose of the first phase was to develop the bombardment heating circuit used to heat the LaB 6 cathode, and to test the beam

Loch Linnhe Experiment Data Summary,

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-23

transmitters whereas the Ka-band system uses 2 Varactor -tuned Gunn diodes. Since both systems are phase-locked using frequency stabilizers and synchronizers...in a very thin, but tough, oxide being KWOH-I 12387 5 UN .,n built up on the wire surface. By keeping the high voltage on during operation of the... oxide layer can be damaged by shorting the DC voltage to ground. With this problem in mind the three wave height gauges used in the experiment were

A Robust Hybrid Zn-Battery with Ultralong Cycle Life.

PubMed

Li, Bing; Quan, Junye; Loh, Adeline; Chai, Jianwei; Chen, Ye; Tan, Chaoliang; Ge, Xiaoming; Hor, T S Andy; Liu, Zhaolin; Zhang, Hua; Zong, Yun

2017-01-11

Advanced batteries with long cycle life and capable of harnessing more energies from multiple electrochemical reactions are both fundamentally interesting and practically attractive. Herein, we report a robust hybrid zinc-battery that makes use of transition-metal-based redox reaction (M-O-OH → M-O, M = Ni and Co) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to deliver more electrochemical energies of comparably higher voltage with much longer cycle life. The hybrid battery was constructed using an integrated electrode of NiCo 2 O 4 nanowire arrays grown on carbon-coated nickel foam, coupled with a zinc plate anode in alkaline electrolyte. Benefitted from the M-O/M-O-OH redox reactions and rich ORR active sites in NiCo 2 O 4 , the battery has concurrently exhibited high working voltage (by M-O-OH → M-O) and high energy density (by ORR). The good oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of the electrode and the reversible M-O ↔ M-O-OH reactions also enabled smooth recharging of the batteries, leading to excellent cycling stabilities. Impressively, the hybrid batteries maintained highly stable charge-discharge voltage profile under various testing conditions, for example, almost no change was observed over 5000 cycles at a current density of 5 mA cm -2 after some initial stabilization. With merits of higher working voltage, high energy density, and ultralong cycle life, such hybrid batteries promise high potential for practical applications.

Protonic/electronic hybrid oxide transistor gated by chitosan and its full-swing low voltage inverter applications

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

Chao, Jin Yu; Ningbo Institute of Material Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201; Zhu, Li Qiang, E-mail: lqzhu@nimte.ac.cn

Modulation of charge carrier density in condensed materials based on ionic/electronic interaction has attracted much attention. Here, protonic/electronic hybrid indium-zinc-oxide (IZO) transistors gated by chitosan based electrolyte were obtained. The chitosan-based electrolyte illustrates a high proton conductivity and an extremely strong proton gating behavior. The transistor illustrates good electrical performances at a low operating voltage of ∼1.0 V such as on/off ratio of ∼3 × 10{sup 7}, subthreshold swing of ∼65 mV/dec, threshold voltage of ∼0.3 V, and mobility of ∼7 cm{sup 2}/V s. Good positive gate bias stress stabilities are obtained. Furthermore, a low voltage driven resistor-loaded inverter was built by using an IZO transistor inmore » series with a load resistor, exhibiting a linear relationship between the voltage gain and the supplied voltage. The inverter is also used for decreasing noises of input signals. The protonic/electronic hybrid IZO transistors have potential applications in biochemical sensors and portable electronics.« less

Ultra-fast switching blue phase liquid crystals diffraction grating stabilized by chiral monomer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manda, Ramesh; Pagidi, Srinivas; Sarathi Bhattacharya, Surjya; Yoo, Hyesun; T, Arun Kumar; Lim, Young Jin; Lee, Seung Hee

2018-05-01

We have demonstrated an ultra-fast switching and efficient polymer stabilized blue phase liquid crystal (PS-BPLC) diffraction grating utilizing a chiral monomer. We have obtained a 0.5 ms response time by a novel polymer stabilization method which is three times faster than conventional PS-BPLC. In addition, the diffraction efficiency was improved 2% with a much wider phase range and the driving voltage to switch the device is reduced. The polarization properties of the diffracted beam are unaffected by this novel polymer stabilization. This device can be useful for future photonic applications.

Low-voltage all-inorganic perovskite quantum dot transistor memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhiliang; Zhang, Yating; Zhang, Heng; Yu, Yu; Song, Xiaoxian; Zhang, Haiting; Cao, Mingxuan; Che, Yongli; Jin, Lufan; Li, Yifan; Li, Qingyan; Dai, Haitao; Yang, Junbo; Yao, Jianquan

2018-05-01

An all-inorganic cesium lead halide quantum dot (QD) based Au nanoparticle (NP) floating-gate memory with a solution processed layer-by-layer method is demonstrated. Easy synthesis at room temperature and excellent stability make all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs suitable as a semiconductor layer in low voltage nonvolatile transistor memory. The bipolarity of QDs has both electrons and holes stored in the Au NP floating gate, resulting in bidirectional shifts of initial threshold voltage according to the applied programing and erasing pulses. Under low operation voltage (±5 V), the memory achieved a great memory window (˜2.4 V), long retention time (>105 s), and stable endurance properties after 200 cycles. So the proposed memory device based on CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs has a great potential in the flash memory market.

On the modelling of linear-assisted DC-DC voltage regulators for photovoltaic solar energy systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-García, Herminio; García-Vílchez, Encarna

2017-11-01

This paper shows the modelling of linear-assisted or hybrid (linear & switching) DC/DC voltage regulators. In this kind of regulators, an auxiliary linear regulator is used, which objective is to cancel the ripple at the output voltage and provide fast responses for load variations. On the other hand, a switching DC/DC converter, connected in parallel with the linear regulator, allows to supply almost the whole output current demanded by the load. The objective of this topology is to take advantage of the suitable regulation characteristics that series linear voltage regulators have, but almost achieving the high efficiency that switching DC/DC converters provide. Linear-assisted DC/DC regulators are feedback systems with potential instability. Therefore, their modelling is mandatory in order to obtain design guidelines and assure stability of the implemented power supply system.

Direct current ballast circuit for metal halide lamp

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lutus, P. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A direct current ballast circuit for a two electrode metal halide lamp is described. Said direct current ballast circuit includes a low voltage DC input and a high frequency power amplifier and power transformer for developing a high voltage output. The output voltage is rectified by diodes and filtered by inductor and capacitor to provide a regulated DC output through commutating diodes to one terminal of the lamp at the output terminal. A feedback path from the output of the filter capacitor through the bias resistor to power the high frequency circuit which includes the power amplifier and the power transformer for sustaining circuit operations during low voltage transients on the input DC supply is described. A current sensor connected to the output of the lamp through terminal for stabilizing lamp current following breakdown of the lamp is described.

Hierarchical Control Scheme for Improving Transient Voltage Recovery of a DFIG-Based WPP

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

Kim, Jinho; Muljadi, Eduard; Kang, Yong Cheol

Modern grid codes require that wind power plants (WPPs) inject reactive power according to the voltage dip at a point of interconnection (POI). This requirement helps to support a POI voltage during a fault. However, if a fault is cleared, the POI and wind turbine generator (WTG) voltages are likely to exceed acceptable levels unless the WPP reduces the injected reactive power quickly. This might deteriorate the stability of a grid by allowing the disconnection of WTGs to avoid any damage. This paper proposes a hierarchical control scheme of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based WPP. The proposed scheme aims tomore » improve the reactive power injecting capability during the fault and suppress the overvoltage after the fault clearance. To achieve the former, an adaptive reactive power-to-voltage scheme is implemented in each DFIG controller so that a DFIG with a larger reactive power capability will inject more reactive power. To achieve the latter, a washout filter is used to capture a high frequency component contained in the WPP voltage, which is used to remove the accumulated values in the proportional-integral controllers. Test results indicate that the scheme successfully supports the grid voltage during the fault, and recovers WPP voltages without exceeding the limit after the fault clearance.« less

Chemically durable polymer electrolytes for solid-state alkaline water electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Eun Joo; Capuano, Christopher B.; Ayers, Katherine E.; Bae, Chulsung

2018-01-01

Generation of high purity hydrogen using electrochemical splitting of water is one of the most promising methods for sustainable fuel production. The materials to be used as solid-state electrolytes for alkaline water electrolyzer require high thermochemical stability against hydroxide ion attack in alkaline environment during the operation of electrolysis. In this study, two quaternary ammonium-tethered aromatic polymers were synthesized and investigated for anion exchange membrane (AEM)-based alkaline water electrolyzer. The membranes properties including ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, swelling degree, and anion conductivity were studied. The membranes composed of all C-C bond polymer backbones and flexible side chain terminated by cation head groups exhibited remarkably good chemical stability by maintaining structural integrity in 1 M NaOH solution at 95 °C for 60 days. Initial electrochemical performance and steady-state operation performance were evaluated, and both membranes showed a good stabilization of the cell voltage during the steady-state operation at the constant current density at 200 mA/cm2. Although both membranes in current form require improvement in mechanical stability to afford better durability in electrolysis operation, the next generation AEMs based on this report could lead to potentially viable AEM candidates which can provide high electrolysis performance under alkaline operating condition.

Analysis of the coupled electron-ripplon oscillations resonance spectra in the Wigner solid at different temperatures and modeling of the excitation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syvokon, V. E.; Sharapova, I. V.

2018-05-01

The spectrum of coupled electron-ripplon oscillations in a Wigner crystal on the surface of superfluid helium at various temperatures and excitation voltages, leading to spectrum distortion, was studied experimentally. It was shown that at all temperatures, increasing excitation voltage leads to the appearance of non-axisymmetric vibrational modes, which indicates distortions of the crystal lattice. The possibility of excitation of the non-axisymmetric modes in a cell was demonstrated by modeling electronic crystal oscillations using the molecular dynamics method. At several fixed frequencies, the amplitudes of the response of the electronic crystal to external excitation were measured as a function of the magnitude of excitation voltage, and jumps were detected at certain critical voltages. Using the Lindemann criterion, a correlation was found between the critical stress and stability limit of the crystal lattice. It was concluded that when the critical voltage is reached, dynamic melting of the electronic crystal occurs.

A 2.87 ppm/°C 65 nm CMOS bandgap reference with nonlinearity compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xingyuan, Tong; Zhangming, Zhu; Yintang, Yang

2011-09-01

Based on the review and analysis of two recently reported low temperature coefficient (TC) bandgap voltage references (BGRs), a new temperature compensation technique is presented. With the double-end piecewise nonlinearity correction method, the logarithm cancellation technique and the mixed-mode output topology, a BGR with high-temperature stability is realised based on 65 nm CMOS low-leakage process. The post-simulation results using Spectre show that this BGR produces an output voltage of about 953 mV with 2.5 V supply voltage, and the output voltage varies by only 0.16 mV from -40°C to 125°C. This low TC BGR has been used in a 65 nm CMOS touch screen controller, and the measurement shows that the output voltage of this BGR is about 949 mV varying by 0.44 mV from -40°C to 125°C. The TC of this BGR is about 2.87 ppm/°C, meeting the requirement of high-precision SoC application.

Investigation of load current feed-forward control strategy for wind power grid connected inverter through VSC-HVDC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongbo; Liu, Haihan; Liu, Sitong; Peng, Huanhuan

2018-06-01

The VSC-HVDC connection system will be the effective transmission method for the large scale and long distance integrated wind farm. Because of the fluctuating power, the DC voltage will be over-voltage or under-voltage in transmission line which will affect the steady operation of the wind power integrating system. In order to mitigate the DC voltage variation of the grid-connected inverter on the grid side and improve the dynamic response of the system, a load current feed-forward control scheme is put forward. Firstly, this paper analyses stability of a system without additional feed-forward control based on double close loop. Secondly, the load current which can indicate the power changes is introduced to counteract the fluctuation of DC voltage in the improvement control scheme. By simulating the results show that the proposed control strategy can improve the dynamic response performance and mitigate the fluctuation of the active power output of the wind farm.

Development and fabrication of a high current, fast recovery power diode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berman, A. H.; Balodis, V.; Devance, D. C.; Gaugh, C. E.; Karlsson, E. A.

1983-01-01

A high voltage (VR = 1200 V), high current (IF = 150 A), fast recovery ( 700 ns) and low forward voltage drop ( 1.5 V) silicon rectifier was designed and the process developed for its fabrication. For maximum purity, uniformity and material characteristic stability, neutron transmutation n-type doped float zone silicon is used. The design features a hexagonal chip for maximum area utilization of space available in the DO-8 diode package, PIN diffused junction structure with deep diffused D(+) anode and a shallow high concentration n(+) cathode. With the high temperature glass passivated positive bevel mesa junction termination, the achieved blocking voltage is close to the theoretical limit of the starting material. Gold diffusion is used to control the lifetime and the resulting effect on switching speed and forward voltage tradeoff. For solder reflow assembly, trimetal (Al-Ti-Ni) contacts are used. The required major device electrical characteristics were achieved. Due to the tradeoff nature of forward voltage drop and reverse recovery time, a compromise was reached for these values.

Structural Mechanism of Voltage-Dependent Gating in an Isolated Voltage-Sensing Domain

PubMed Central

Li, Qufei; Wanderling, Sherry; Paduch, Marcin; Medovoy, David; Singharoy, Abhishek; McGreevy, Ryan; Villalba-Galea, Carlos; Hulse, Raymond E.; Roux, Benoit; Schulten, Klaus; Kossiakoff, Anthony; Perozo, Eduardo

2014-01-01

SUMMARY The transduction of transmembrane electric fields into protein motion plays an essential role in the generation and propagation of cellular signals. Voltage-sensing domains (VSD) carry out these functions through reorientations of S4 helix with discrete gating charges. Here, crystal structures of the VSD from Ci-VSP were determined in both, active (Up) and resting (Down) conformations. The S4 undergoes a ~5 Å displacement along its main axis accompanied by a ~60o rotation, consistent with the helix-screw gating mechanism. This movement is stabilized by a change in countercharge partners in helices S1 and S3, generating an estimated net charge transfer of ~1 eo. Gating charges move relative to a “hydrophobic gasket” that electrically divides intra and extracellular compartments. EPR spectroscopy confirms the limited nature of S4 movement in a membrane environment. These results provide an explicit mechanism for voltage sensing and set the basis for electromechanical coupling in voltage-dependent cellular activities. PMID:24487958

Control voltage and power fluctuations when connecting wind farms

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

Berinde, Ioan, E-mail: ioan-berinde@yahoo.com; Bălan, Horia, E-mail: hbalan@mail.utcluj.ro; Oros, Teodora Susana, E-mail: teodoraoros-87@yahoo.com

2015-12-23

Voltage, frequency, active power and reactive power are very important parameters in terms of power quality. These parameters are followed when connecting any power plant, the more the connection of wind farms. Connecting wind farms to the electricity system must not cause interference outside the limits set by regulations. Modern solutions for fast and automatic voltage control and power fluctuations using electronic control systems of reactive power flows. FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmision System) systems, established on the basis of power electronic circuits ensure control of electrical status quantities to achieve the necessary transfer of power to the power grid.more » FACTS devices can quickly control parameters and sizes of state power lines, such as impedance line voltages and phase angles of the voltages of the two ends of the line. Their use can lead to improvement in power system operation by increasing the transmission capacity of power lines, power flow control lines, improved static and transient stability reserve.« less

Power system voltage stability and agent based distribution automation in smart grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Cuong Phuc

2011-12-01

Our interconnected electric power system is presently facing many challenges that it was not originally designed and engineered to handle. The increased inter-area power transfers, aging infrastructure, and old technologies, have caused many problems including voltage instability, widespread blackouts, slow control response, among others. These problems have created an urgent need to transform the present electric power system to a highly stable, reliable, efficient, and self-healing electric power system of the future, which has been termed "smart grid". This dissertation begins with an investigation of voltage stability in bulk transmission networks. A new continuation power flow tool for studying the impacts of generator merit order based dispatch on inter-area transfer capability and static voltage stability is presented. The load demands are represented by lumped load models on the transmission system. While this representation is acceptable in traditional power system analysis, it may not be valid in the future smart grid where the distribution system will be integrated with intelligent and quick control capabilities to mitigate voltage problems before they propagate into the entire system. Therefore, before analyzing the operation of the whole smart grid, it is important to understand the distribution system first. The second part of this dissertation presents a new platform for studying and testing emerging technologies in advanced Distribution Automation (DA) within smart grids. Due to the key benefits over the traditional centralized approach, namely flexible deployment, scalability, and avoidance of single-point-of-failure, a new distributed approach is employed to design and develop all elements of the platform. A multi-agent system (MAS), which has the three key characteristics of autonomy, local view, and decentralization, is selected to implement the advanced DA functions. The intelligent agents utilize a communication network for cooperation and negotiation. Communication latency is modeled using a user-defined probability density function. Failure-tolerant communication strategies are developed for agent communications. Major elements of advanced DA are developed in a completely distributed way and successfully tested for several IEEE standard systems, including: Fault Detection, Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR); Coordination of Distributed Energy Storage Systems (DES); Distributed Power Flow (DPF); Volt-VAR Control (VVC); and Loss Reduction (LR).

The Researching on Evaluation of Automatic Voltage Control Based on Improved Zoning Methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao-jun, ZHU; Ang, FU; Guang-de, DONG; Rui-miao, WANG; De-fen, ZHU

2018-03-01

According to the present serious phenomenon of increasing size and structure of power system, hierarchically structured automatic voltage control(AVC) has been the researching spot. In the paper, the reduced control model is built and the adaptive reduced control model is researched to improve the voltage control effect. The theories of HCSD, HCVS, SKC and FCM are introduced and the effect on coordinated voltage regulation caused by different zoning methodologies is also researched. The generic framework for evaluating performance of coordinated voltage regulation is built. Finally, the IEEE-96 stsyem is used to divide the network. The 2383-bus Polish system is built to verify that the selection of a zoning methodology affects not only the coordinated voltage regulation operation, but also its robustness to erroneous data and proposes a comprehensive generic framework for evaluating its performance. The New England 39-bus network is used to verify the adaptive reduced control models’ performance.

Skyrmion-based multi-channel racetrack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Chengkun; Jin, Chendong; Wang, Jinshuai; Xia, Haiyan; Wang, Jianbo; Liu, Qingfang

2017-11-01

Magnetic skyrmions are promising for the application of racetrack memories, logic gates, and other nano-devices, owing to their topologically protected stability, small size, and low driving current. In this work, we propose a skyrmion-based multi-channel racetrack memory where the skyrmion moves in the selected channel by applying voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy gates. It is demonstrated numerically that a current-dependent skyrmion Hall effect can be restrained by the additional potential of the voltage-controlled region, and the skyrmion velocity and moving channel in the racetrack can be operated by tuning the voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy, gate position, and current density. Our results offer a potential application of racetrack memory based on skyrmions.

The use of experimental design for the development of a capillary zone electrophoresis method for the quantitation of captopril.

PubMed

Mukozhiwa, S Y; Khamanga, S M M; Walker, R B

2017-09-01

A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method for the quantitation of captopril (CPT) using UV detection was developed. Influence of electrolyte concentration and system variables on electrophoretic separation was evaluated and a central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the method. Variables investigated were pH, molarity, applied voltage and capillary length. The influence of sodium metabisulphite on the stability of test solutions was also investigated. The use of sodium metabisulphite prevented degradation of CPT over 24 hours. A fused uncoated silica capillary of 67.5cm total and 57.5 cm effective length was used for analysis. The applied voltage and capillary length affected the migration time of CPT significantly. A 20 mM phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 7.0 was used as running buffer and an applied voltage of 23.90 kV was suitable to effect a separation. The optimized electrophoretic conditions produced sharp, well-resolved peaks for CPT and sodium metabisulphite. Linear regression analysis of the response for CPT standards revealed the method was linear (R2 = 0.9995) over the range 5-70 μg/mL. The limits of quantitation and detection were 5 and 1.5 μg/mL. A simple, rapid and reliable CZE method has been developed and successfully applied to the analysis of commercially available CPT products.

A New Control Method to Mitigate Power Fluctuations for Grid Integrated PV/Wind Hybrid Power System Using Ultracapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayalakshmi, N. S.; Gaonkar, D. N.

2016-08-01

The output power obtained from solar-wind hybrid system fluctuates with changes in weather conditions. These power fluctuations cause adverse effects on the voltage, frequency and transient stability of the utility grid. In this paper, a control method is presented for power smoothing of grid integrated PV/wind hybrid system using ultracapacitors in a DC coupled structure. The power fluctuations of hybrid system are mitigated and smoothed power is supplied to the utility grid. In this work both photovoltaic (PV) panels and the wind generator are controlled to operate at their maximum power point. The grid side inverter control strategy presented in this paper maintains DC link voltage constant while injecting power to the grid at unity power factor considering different operating conditions. Actual solar irradiation and wind speed data are used in this study to evaluate the performance of the developed system using MATLAB/Simulink software. The simulation results show that output power fluctuations of solar-wind hybrid system can be significantly mitigated using the ultracapacitor based storage system.

Self-Substitution and the Temperature Effects on the Electrochemical Performance in the High Voltage Cathode System LiMn 1.5+xNi 0.5-xO 4 (x = 0.1)

DOE PAGES

Xu, Yun; Zhao, Mingyang; Khalid, Syed; ...

2017-05-09

The high voltage cathode material, LiMn 1.6Ni 0.4O 4, was prepared by a polymer-assisted method. The novelty of this paper is the substitution of Ni with Mn, which already exists in the crystal structure instead of other isovalent metal ion dopants which would result in capacity loss. The electrochemical performance testing including stability and rate capability was evaluated. The temperature was found to impose a change on the valence and structure of the cathode materials. Specifically, manganese tends to be reduced at a high temperature of 800 °C and leads to structural changes. The manganese substituted LiMn 1.5Ni 0.5O 4more » (LMN) has proved to be a good candidate material for Li-ion battery cathodes displaying good rate capability and capacity retention. Finally, the cathode materials processed at 550 °C showed a stable performance with negligible capacity loss for 400 cycles.« less

Mode shift of the voltage sensors in Shaker K+ channels is caused by energetic coupling to the pore domain

PubMed Central

Haddad, Georges A.

2011-01-01

The voltage sensors of voltage-gated ion channels undergo a conformational change upon depolarization of the membrane that leads to pore opening. This conformational change can be measured as gating currents and is thought to be transferred to the pore domain via an annealing of the covalent link between voltage sensor and pore (S4-S5 linker) and the C terminus of the pore domain (S6). Upon prolonged depolarizations, the voltage dependence of the charge movement shifts to more hyperpolarized potentials. This mode shift had been linked to C-type inactivation but has recently been suggested to be caused by a relaxation of the voltage sensor itself. In this study, we identified two ShakerIR mutations in the S4-S5 linker (I384N) and S6 (F484G) that, when mutated, completely uncouple voltage sensor movement from pore opening. Using these mutants, we show that the pore transfers energy onto the voltage sensor and that uncoupling the pore from the voltage sensor leads the voltage sensors to be activated at more negative potentials. This uncoupling also eliminates the mode shift occurring during prolonged depolarizations, indicating that the pore influences entry into the mode shift. Using voltage-clamp fluorometry, we identified that the slow conformational change of the S4 previously correlated with the mode shift disappears when uncoupling the pore. The effects can be explained by a mechanical load that is imposed upon the voltage sensors by the pore domain and allosterically modulates its conformation. Mode shift is caused by the stabilization of the open state but leads to a conformational change in the voltage sensor. PMID:21518834

Optimized expression and purification of NavAb provide the structural insight into the voltage dependence.

PubMed

Irie, Katsumasa; Haga, Yukari; Shimomura, Takushi; Fujiyoshi, Yoshinori

2018-01-01

Voltage-gated sodium channels are crucial for electro-signalling in living systems. Analysis of the molecular mechanism requires both fine electrophysiological evaluation and high-resolution channel structures. Here, we optimized a dual expression system of NavAb, which is a well-established standard of prokaryotic voltage-gated sodium channels, for E. coli and insect cells using a single plasmid vector to analyse high-resolution protein structures and measure large ionic currents. Using this expression system, we evaluated the voltage dependence and determined the crystal structures of NavAb wild-type and two mutants, E32Q and N49K, whose voltage dependence were positively shifted and essential interactions were lost in voltage sensor domain. The structural and functional comparison elucidated the molecular mechanisms of the voltage dependence of prokaryotic voltage-gated sodium channels. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

Performance evaluation of the Russian SPT-100 thruster at NASA LeRC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sankovic, John M.; Hamley, John A.; Haag, Thomas W.

1994-01-01

Performance measurements of a Russian flight-model SPT-100 thruster were obtained as part of a comprehensive program to evaluate engineering issues pertinent to integration with Western spacecraft. Power processing was provided by a US Government developed laboratory power conditioner. When received the thruster had been subjected to only a few hours of acceptance testing by the manufacturer. Accumulated operating time during this study totalled 148 h and included operation of both cathodes. Cathode flow fraction was controlled both manually and using the flow splitter contained within the supplied xenon flow controller. Data were obtained at current levels ranging from 3 A to 5 A and thruster voltages ranging from 200 V to 300 V. Testing centered on the design power of 1.35 kW with a discharge current of 4.5 A. The effects of facility pressure on thruster operation were examined by varying the pressure via injection of xenon into the vacuum chamber. The facility pressure had a significant effect on thruster performance and stability at the conditions tested. Periods of current instabilities were noted throughout the testing period and became more frequent as testing progressed. Performance during periods of stability agreed with previous data obtained in Russian laboratories.

The polar T1 interface is linked to conformational changes that open the voltage-gated potassium channel.

PubMed

Minor, D L; Lin, Y F; Mobley, B C; Avelar, A; Jan, Y N; Jan, L Y; Berger, J M

2000-09-01

Kv voltage-gated potassium channels share a cytoplasmic assembly domain, T1. Recent mutagenesis of two T1 C-terminal loop residues implicates T1 in channel gating. However, structural alterations of these mutants leave open the question concerning direct involvement of T1 in gating. We find in mammalian Kv1.2 that gating depends critically on residues at complementary T1 surfaces in an unusually polar interface. An isosteric mutation in this interface causes surprisingly little structural alteration while stabilizing the closed channel and increasing the stability of T1 tetramers. Replacing T1 with a tetrameric coiled-coil destabilizes the closed channel. Together, these data suggest that structural changes involving the buried polar T1 surfaces play a key role in the conformational changes leading to channel opening.

Investigation of high-voltage pulse trigger generator based on photo-conductive semiconductor switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Xu; Liu, Jin-Liang; Wang, Lang-Ning; Qiu, Yong-Feng

2018-06-01

The trigger to generate high-voltage pulse is one of the most important parts in a pulsed-power system, especially for the conduction characteristics of the main switch. However, traditional triggers usually have the drawbacks of large structure and worse long-term working stability, which goes against the demands of pulsed-power system miniaturization and stability. In the paper, a pulse trigger using photo-conductive semiconductor switch was developed, which is of small size, stable performance and steep leading edge of the output pulse rise. It is found that the output trigger pulse rise time is 14 ns, and the jitter of 20 shots is 330 ps. Applying the designed pulsed trigger in a field distortion switch and a triggered vacuum switch, experiments show that the switches could be triggered stably with reduced jitter.

Recent results on aqueous electrolyte cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wessells, Colin; Huggins, Robert A.; Cui, Yi

2011-03-01

The improved safety of aqueous electrolytes makes aqueous lithium-ion batteries an attractive alternative to commercial cells utilizing flammable and expensive organic electrolytes. Two important issues relating to their use have been addressed in this work. One is the extension of the usable voltage range by the incorporation of lithium salts, and the other is the investigation of a useful negative electrode reactant, LiTi2(PO4)3. The electrochemical stability of aqueous lithium salt solutions containing two lithium salts, LiNO3 and Li2SO4, has been characterized using a constant current technique. In both cases, concentrated solutions had effective electrolyte stability windows substantially greater than that of pure water under standard conditions. At an electrolyte leakage current of 10 μA cm-2 between two platinum electrodes in 5 M LiNO3 the cell voltage can reach 2.0 V, whereas with a leakage current of 50 μA cm-2 it can reach 2.3 V. LiTi2(PO4)3 was synthesized using a Pechini method and cycled in pH-neutral Li2SO4. At a reaction potential near the lower limit of electrolyte stability, an initial discharge capacity of 118 mAh g-1 was measured at a C/5 rate, while about 90% of this discharge capacity was retained after 100 cycles. This work demonstrates that it is possible to have useful aqueous electrolyte lithium-ion batteries using the LiTi2(PO4)3 anode with cell voltages of 2 V and above.

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

Yoshii, Kazutomo; Llopis, Pablo; Zhang, Kaicheng

As CMOS scaling nears its end, parameter variations (process, temperature and voltage) are becoming a major concern. To overcome parameter variations and provide stability, modern processors are becoming dynamic, opportunistically adjusting voltage and frequency based on thermal and energy constraints, which negatively impacts traditional bulk-synchronous parallelism-minded hardware and software designs. As node-level architecture is growing in complexity, implementing variation control mechanisms only with hardware can be a challenging task. In this paper we investigate a software strategy to manage hardwareinduced variations, leveraging low-level monitoring/controlling mechanisms.

The impact of turbulent renewable energy production on power grid stability and quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmietendorf, Katrin; Peinke, Joachim; Kamps, Oliver

2017-11-01

Feed-in fluctuations induced by renewables are one of the key challenges to the stability and quality of electrical power grids. In particular short-term fluctuations disturb the system on a time scale, on which load balancing does not operate yet and the system is intrinsically governed by self-organized synchronization. Wind and solar power are known to be strongly non-Gaussian with intermittent increment statistics in these time scales. We investigate the impact of short-term wind fluctuations on the basis of a Kuramoto-like power grid model considering stability in terms of desynchronization and frequency and voltage quality aspects. We present a procedure to generate realistic feed-in fluctuations with temporal correlations, Kolmogorov power spectrum and intermittent increments. By comparison to correlated Gaussian noise of the same spectrum and Gaussian white noise, we found out that while the correlations are essential to capture the likelihood of severe outages, the intermittent nature of wind power has significant consequences on power quality: intermittency is directly transferred into frequency and voltage fluctuations yielding a novel type of fluctuations, which is beyond engineering status of knowledge.

(abstract) Effect of Electrolyte Composition on Carbon Electrode Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, C-K.; Surampudi, S.; Shen, D. H.; Halpert, G.

1993-01-01

Rechargeable lithium cells containing lithium foil anodes are reported to have limited cycle life (at 100% DOD) performance and safety problems. These limitations are understood to be due to the high reactivity of elemental Li with the electrolyte and the formation of high surface area Li during cycling. To mitigate these problems, several lithium alloys and lithium intercalation compounds are being investigated as alternate lithium anode materials. Li(sub x)C has been identified as a promising lithium anode material due to its low equivalent weight, low voltage vs. Li, and improved stability towards various electrolytes. In this paper, we report the results of our studies on the electrolyte evaluation for the Li(sub x)C anode.

Impact of electric vehicles on the IEEE 34 node distribution infrastructure

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

Jiang, Zeming; Shalalfel, Laith; Beshir, Mohammed J.

With the growing penetration of the electric vehicles to our daily life owing to their economic and environmental benefits, there will be both opportunities and challenges to the utilities when adopting plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) to the distribution network. In this study, a thorough analysis based on real-world project is conducted to evaluate the impacts of electric vehicles infrastructure on the grid relating to system load flow, load factor, and voltage stability. IEEE 34 node test feeder was selected and tested along with different case scenarios utilizing the electrical distribution design (EDD) software to find out the potential impacts tomore » the grid.« less

Impact of electric vehicles on the IEEE 34 node distribution infrastructure

DOE PAGES

Jiang, Zeming; Shalalfel, Laith; Beshir, Mohammed J.

2014-10-01

With the growing penetration of the electric vehicles to our daily life owing to their economic and environmental benefits, there will be both opportunities and challenges to the utilities when adopting plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) to the distribution network. In this study, a thorough analysis based on real-world project is conducted to evaluate the impacts of electric vehicles infrastructure on the grid relating to system load flow, load factor, and voltage stability. IEEE 34 node test feeder was selected and tested along with different case scenarios utilizing the electrical distribution design (EDD) software to find out the potential impacts tomore » the grid.« less

A design of high-precision BLDCM drive with bus voltage protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lian, Xuezheng; Wang, Haitao; Xie, Meilin; Huang, Wei; Li, Dawei; Jing, Feng

2017-11-01

In the application of space satellite turntable, the design of balance wheel is very necessary. To solve the acquisition precision of Brushless DC motor speed is low, and the encoder is also more complex, this paper improves the original hall signal measurement methods. Using the logic device to achieve the six frequency multiplication of hall signal, the signal is used as speed feedback to achieve speed closed-loop control and improve the speed stability. At the same time, in order to prevent the E.M.F of BLDC motor to raise the voltage of the bus bar when reversing or braking, and affect the normal operation of other circuit modules, the analog circuit is used to protect the bus bar voltage by the way of energy consumption braking. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical design, and the rationality and feasibility of the frequency multiplication scheme and bus voltage protection scheme are verified.

The electrical performance and gate bias stability of an amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistor with HfO2 high-k dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ruo Zheng; Wu, Sheng Li; Li, Xin Yu; Zhang, Jin Tao

2017-07-01

In this study, we set out to fabricate an amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistor (TFT) with SiNx/HfO2/SiNx (SHS) sandwiched dielectrics. The J-V and C-V of this SHS film were extracted by the Au/p-Si/SHS/Ti structure. At room temperature the a-IGZO with SHS dielectrics showed the following electrical properties: a threshold voltage of 2.9 V, a subthreshold slope of 0.35 V/decade, an on/off current ratio of 3.5 × 107, and a mobility of 12.8 cm2 V-1 s-1. Finally, we tested the influence of gate bias stress on the TFT, and the result showed that the threshold voltage shifted to a positive voltage when applying a positive gate voltage to the TFT.

Effects of Voltage-Bias Annealing on Metastable Defect Populations in CIGS and CZTSe Solar Cells

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

Harvey, Steven P.; Johnston, Steve; Teeter, Glenn

2016-11-21

We report on voltage-bias annealing (VBA) experiments performed on CIGS and CZTSe solar cells. In these experiments, completed devices were annealed at moderate temperatures and subsequently quenched with continuously applied voltage bias. These treatments resulted in substantial reversible changes in device characteristics. Photovoltaic (PV) conversion efficiency of the CIGS device varied from below 3% to above 15%, with corresponding changes in CIGS hole density from ~1014 cm-3 to ~1017 cm-3. In the CZTSe device, open-circuit voltage varied from 289 meV to 446 meV, caused by an approximately factor of fifty change in the CZTSe hole density. We interpret these findingsmore » in terms of reversible changes to the metastable point-defect populations that control key properties in these materials. Implications for optimization of PV materials and connections to long-term stability of PV devices are discussed.« less

Radio frequency cavity analysis, measurement, and calibration of absolute Dee voltage for K-500 superconducting cyclotron at VECC, Kolkata

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

Som, Sumit; Seth, Sudeshna; Mandal, Aditya

2013-02-15

Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre has commissioned a K-500 superconducting cyclotron for various types of nuclear physics experiments. The 3-phase radio-frequency system of superconducting cyclotron has been developed in the frequency range 9-27 MHz with amplitude and phase stability of 100 ppm and {+-}0.2{sup 0}, respectively. The analysis of the RF cavity has been carried out using 3D Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio code and various RF parameters and accelerating voltages ('Dee' voltage) are calculated from simulation. During the RF system commissioning, measurement of different RF parameters has been done and absolute Dee voltage has been calibrated using a CdTemore » X-ray detector along with its accessories and known X-ray source. The present paper discusses about the measured data and the simulation result.« less

Dynamic response characteristics analysis of the doubly-fed wind power system under grid voltage drop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y.; Wang, J.; Wang, H. H.; Yang, L.; Chen, W.; Xu, Y. T.

2016-08-01

Double-fed induction generator (DFIG) is sensitive to the disturbances of grid, so the security and stability of the grid and the DFIG itself are under threat with the rapid increase of DFIG. Therefore, it is important to study dynamic response of the DFIG when voltage drop failure is happened in power system. In this paper, firstly, mathematical models and the control strategy about mechanical and electrical response processes is respectively introduced. Then through the analysis of response process, it is concluded that the dynamic response characteristics are related to voltage drop level, operating status of DFIG and control strategy adapted to rotor side. Last, the correctness of conclusion is validated by the simulation about mechanical and electrical response processes in different voltage levels drop and different DFIG output levels under DIgSILENT/PowerFactory software platform.

Phosphatidic acid modulation of Kv channel voltage sensor function.

PubMed

Hite, Richard K; Butterwick, Joel A; MacKinnon, Roderick

2014-10-06

Membrane phospholipids can function as potent regulators of ion channel function. This study uncovers and investigates the effect of phosphatidic acid on Kv channel gating. Using the method of reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers, in which protein and lipid components are defined and controlled, we characterize two effects of phosphatidic acid. The first is a non-specific electrostatic influence on activation mediated by electric charge density on the extracellular and intracellular membrane surfaces. The second is specific to the presence of a primary phosphate group, acts only through the intracellular membrane leaflet and depends on the presence of a particular arginine residue in the voltage sensor. Intracellular phosphatidic acid accounts for a nearly 50 mV shift in the midpoint of the activation curve in a direction consistent with stabilization of the voltage sensor's closed conformation. These findings support a novel mechanism of voltage sensor regulation by the signaling lipid phosphatidic acid.

Improved fault ride through capability of DFIG based wind turbines using synchronous reference frame control based dynamic voltage restorer.

PubMed

Rini Ann Jerin, A; Kaliannan, Palanisamy; Subramaniam, Umashankar

2017-09-01

Fault ride through (FRT) capability in wind turbines to maintain the grid stability during faults has become mandatory with the increasing grid penetration of wind energy. Doubly fed induction generator based wind turbine (DFIG-WT) is the most popularly utilized type of generator but highly susceptible to the voltage disturbances in grid. Dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) based external FRT capability improvement is considered. Since DVR is capable of providing fast voltage sag mitigation during faults and can maintain the nominal operating conditions for DFIG-WT. The effectiveness of the DVR using Synchronous reference frame (SRF) control is investigated for FRT capability in DFIG-WT during both balanced and unbalanced fault conditions. The operation of DVR is confirmed using time-domain simulation in MATLAB/Simulink using 1.5MW DFIG-WT. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure of a eukaryotic voltage-gated sodium channel at near-atomic resolution.

PubMed

Shen, Huaizong; Zhou, Qiang; Pan, Xiaojing; Li, Zhangqiang; Wu, Jianping; Yan, Nieng

2017-03-03

Voltage-gated sodium (Na v ) channels are responsible for the initiation and propagation of action potentials. They are associated with a variety of channelopathies and are targeted by multiple pharmaceutical drugs and natural toxins. Here, we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of a putative Na v channel from American cockroach (designated Na v PaS) at 3.8 angstrom resolution. The voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) of the four repeats exhibit distinct conformations. The entrance to the asymmetric selectivity filter vestibule is guarded by heavily glycosylated and disulfide bond-stabilized extracellular loops. On the cytoplasmic side, a conserved amino-terminal domain is placed below VSD I , and a carboxy-terminal domain binds to the III-IV linker. The structure of Na v PaS establishes an important foundation for understanding function and disease mechanism of Na v and related voltage-gated calcium channels. Copyright © 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Development of a digital solar simulator based on full-bridge converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chen; Feng, Jian; Liu, Zhilong; Tong, Weichao; Ji, Yibo

2014-02-01

With the development of solar photovoltaic, distribution schemes utilized in power grid had been commonly application, and photovoltaic (PV) inverter is an essential equipment in grid. In this paper, a digital solar simulator based on full-bridge structure is presented. The output characteristic curve of system is electrically similar to silicon solar cells, which can greatly simplify research methods of PV inverter, improve the efficiency of research and development. The proposed simulator consists on a main control board based on TM320F28335, phase-shifted zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) DC-DC full-bridge converter and voltage and current sampling circuit, that allows emulating the voltage-current curve with the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 900V and the short-circuit current (Isc) of 18A .When the system connected to a PV inverter, the inverter can quickly track from the open-circuit to the maximum power point and keep stability.

Full phosphorescent white-light organic light-emitting diodes with improved color stability and efficiency by fine tuning primary emission contributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Wang; Du, Xiaogang; Su, Wenming; Lin, Wenjing; Zhang, Dongyu

2014-02-01

In this paper, a novel type of white-light organic light emitting diode (OLED) with high color stability was reported, in which the yellow-light emission layer of (4,4'-N,N'-dicarbazole)biphenyl (CBP) : tris(2-phenylquinoline-C2,N')iridium(III) (Ir(2-phq)3) was sandwiched by double blue-light emission layers of 1,1-bis-[(di-4-tolylamino)pheny1]cyclohexane (TAPC) : bis[4,6-(di-fluorophenyl)-pyridinato-N,C2']picolinate (FIrpic) and tris[3-(3-pyridyl)mesityl]borane (3TPYMB):FIrpic. And, it exhibited the maximum current efficiency of 33.1 cd/A, the turn-on voltage at about 3 V and the maximum luminance in excess of 20000 cd/m2. More important, it realized very stable white-light emission, and its CIE(x, y) coordinates only shift from (0.34, 0.37) to (0.33, 0.37) as applied voltage increased from 5 V to 12 V. It is believed that the new scheme in emission layer of white-light OLED can fine tune the contribution of primary emission with applied voltage changed, resulting in high quality white-light OLED.

Synaptic characteristics with strong analog potentiation, depression, and short-term to long-term memory transition in a Pt/CeO2/Pt crossbar array structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyung Jun; Park, Daehoon; Yang, Paul; Beom, Keonwon; Kim, Min Ju; Shin, Chansun; Kang, Chi Jung; Yoon, Tae-Sik

2018-06-01

A crossbar array of Pt/CeO2/Pt memristors exhibited the synaptic characteristics such as analog, reversible, and strong resistance change with a ratio of ∼103, corresponding to wide dynamic range of synaptic weight modulation as potentiation and depression with respect to the voltage polarity. In addition, it presented timing-dependent responses such as paired-pulse facilitation and the short-term to long-term memory transition by increasing amplitude, width, and repetition number of voltage pulse and reducing the interval time between pulses. The memory loss with a time was fitted with a stretched exponential relaxation model, revealing the relation of memory stability with the input stimuli strength. The resistance change was further enhanced but its stability got worse as increasing measurement temperature, indicating that the resistance was changed as a result of voltage- and temperature-dependent electrical charging and discharging to alter the energy barrier for charge transport. These detailed synaptic characteristics demonstrated the potential of crossbar array of Pt/CeO2/Pt memristors as artificial synapses in highly connected neuron-synapse network.

Synaptic characteristics with strong analog potentiation, depression, and short-term to long-term memory transition in a Pt/CeO2/Pt crossbar array structure.

PubMed

Kim, Hyung Jun; Park, Daehoon; Yang, Paul; Beom, Keonwon; Kim, Min Ju; Shin, Chansun; Kang, Chi Jung; Yoon, Tae-Sik

2018-06-29

A crossbar array of Pt/CeO 2 /Pt memristors exhibited the synaptic characteristics such as analog, reversible, and strong resistance change with a ratio of ∼10 3 , corresponding to wide dynamic range of synaptic weight modulation as potentiation and depression with respect to the voltage polarity. In addition, it presented timing-dependent responses such as paired-pulse facilitation and the short-term to long-term memory transition by increasing amplitude, width, and repetition number of voltage pulse and reducing the interval time between pulses. The memory loss with a time was fitted with a stretched exponential relaxation model, revealing the relation of memory stability with the input stimuli strength. The resistance change was further enhanced but its stability got worse as increasing measurement temperature, indicating that the resistance was changed as a result of voltage- and temperature-dependent electrical charging and discharging to alter the energy barrier for charge transport. These detailed synaptic characteristics demonstrated the potential of crossbar array of Pt/CeO 2 /Pt memristors as artificial synapses in highly connected neuron-synapse network.

Enhancements of the memory margin and the stability of an organic bistable device due to a graphene oxide:mica nanocomposite sandwiched between two polymer (9-vinylcarbazole) buffer layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Woo Kyum; Wu, Chaoxing; Lee, Dea Uk; Kim, Hyoun Woo; Kim, Tae Whan

2018-01-01

Current-voltage (I-V) curves for the Al/polymer (9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK)/graphene oxide (GO):mica/PVK/indium-tin oxide (ITO) devices at 300 K showed a current bistability with a maximum high conductivity (ON)/low conductivity (OFF) ratio of 2 × 104, which was approximately 10 times larger than that of the device without a PVK layer. The endurance number of ON/OFF switchings for the Al/PVK/GO:mica/PVK/ITO device was 1 × 102 cycles, which was 20 times larger than that for the Al/GO:mica/ITO device. The ;erase; voltages were distributed between 2.3 and 3 V, and the ;write; voltages were distributed between -1.2 and -0.5 V. The retention time for the Al/PVK/GO:mica/PVK/ITO device was above 1 × 104 s, indicative of the memory stability of the device. The carrier transport mechanisms occurring in the Al/PVK/GO:mica/PVK/ITO and the Al/GO:mica/ITO devices are described on the basis of the I-V results and the energy band diagrams.

Corrosion testing of candidates for the alkaline fuel cell cathode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singer, Joseph; Fielder, William L.

1989-01-01

Current/voltage data was obtained for specially made corrosion electrodes of some oxides and of gold materials for the purpose of developing a screening test of catalysts and supports for use at the cathode of the alkaline fuel cell. The data consists of measurements of current at fixed potentials and cyclic voltammograms. These data will have to be correlated with longtime performance data in order to fully evaluate this approach to corrosion screening. Corrosion test screening of candidates for the oxygen reduction electrode of the alkaline fuel cell was applied to two substances, the pyrochlore Pb2Ru2O6.5 and the spinel NiCo2O4. The substrate gold screen and a sample of the IFC Orbiter Pt-Au performance electrode were included as blanks. The pyrochlore data indicate relative stability, although nothing yet can be said about long term stability. The spinel was plainly unstable. For this type of testing to be validated, comparisons will have to be made with long term performance tests.

In Situ-Formed Hierarchical Metal-Organic Flexible Cathode for High-Energy Sodium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Huang, Ying; Fang, Chun; Zeng, Rui; Liu, Yaojun; Zhang, Wang; Wang, Yanjie; Liu, Qingju; Huang, Yunhui

2017-12-08

Metal-organic compounds are a family of electrode materials with structural diversity and excellent thermal stability for rechargeable batteries. Here, we fabricated a hierarchical nanocomposite with metal-organic cuprous tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuTCNQ) in a 3 D conductive carbon nanofibers (CNFs) network by in situ growth, and evaluated it as flexible cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). CuTCNQ in such flexible composite electrode is able to exhibit a high capacity of 252 mAh g -1 at 0.1 C and highly reversible stability for 1200 cycles within the voltage range of 2.5-4.1 V (vs. Na + /Na). A high specific energy of 762 Wh kg -1 was obtained with high average potential of 3.2 V (vs. Na + /Na). The in situ-formed electroactive metal-organic composites with tailored nanoarchitecture provide a promising alternative choice for high-performance cathode materials in SIBs with high energy. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Active stabilization of ion trap radiofrequency potentials

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

Johnson, K. G.; Wong-Campos, J. D.; Restelli, A.

2016-05-15

We actively stabilize the harmonic oscillation frequency of a laser-cooled atomic ion confined in a radiofrequency (rf) Paul trap by sampling and rectifying the high voltage rf applied to the trap electrodes. We are able to stabilize the 1 MHz atomic oscillation frequency to be better than 10 Hz or 10 ppm. This represents a suppression of ambient noise on the rf circuit by 34 dB. This technique could impact the sensitivity of ion trap mass spectrometry and the fidelity of quantum operations in ion trap quantum information applications.

Improvement in the statistical operation of a Blumlein pulse forming line in bipolar pulse mode

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

Pushkarev, A. I., E-mail: aipush@mail.ru; Isakova, Y. I.; Khaylov, I. P.

The paper presents the results of studies on shot-to-shot performance of a water Blumlein pulse forming line of 1–1.2 kJ of stored energy. The experiments were carried using the TEMP-4M pulsed ion beam accelerator during its operation in both unipolar pulse mode (150 ns, 250–300 kV) and bipolar-pulse mode with the first negative (300–600 ns, 100–150 kV) followed by a second positive (120 ns, 250–300 kV) pulse. The analysis was carried out for two cases when the Blumlein was terminated with a resistive load and with a self-magnetically insulated ion diode. It was found that in bipolar pulse mode themore » shot-to-shot variation in breakdown voltage of a preliminary spark gap is small, the standard deviation (1σ) does not exceed 2%. At the same time, the shot-to-shot variation in the breakdown voltage of the main spark gap in both bipolar-pulse and unipolar pulse mode is 3–4 times higher than that for the preliminary spark gap. To improve the statistical performance of the main spark gap we changed the regime of its operation from a self-triggered mode to an externally triggered mode. In the new arrangement the first voltage pulse at the output of Blumlein was used to trigger the main spark gap. The new trigatron-type regime of the main spark gap operation showed a good stability of breakdown voltage and thus allowed to stabilize the duration of the first pulse. The standard deviation of the breakdown voltage and duration of the first pulse did not exceed 2% for a set of 50 pulses. The externally triggered mode of the main gap operation also allowed for a decrease in the charging voltage of the Blumlein to a 0.9–0.95 of self-breakdown voltage of the main spark gap while the energy stored in Marx generator was decreased from 4 kJ to 2.5 kJ. At the same time the energy stored in Blumlein remained the same.« less

Coaxial cable stripping device facilitates RF cabling fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes, R. S.; Tobias, R. A.

1967-01-01

Coaxial cable stripping device assures clean, right angled shoulder for RF cable connector fabrication. This method requires minimal skill and creates a low voltage standing wave ratio and mechanical stability in the interconnecting RF Cables.

Robust decentralized power system controller design: Integrated approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veselý, Vojtech

2017-09-01

A unique approach to the design of gain scheduled controller (GSC) is presented. The proposed design procedure is based on the Bellman-Lyapunov equation, guaranteed cost and robust stability conditions using the parameter dependent quadratic stability approach. The obtained feasible design procedures for robust GSC design are in the form of BMI with guaranteed convex stability conditions. The obtained design results and their properties are illustrated in the simultaneously design of controllers for simple model (6-order) turbogenerator. The results of the obtained design procedure are a PI automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for synchronous generator, a PI governor controller and a power system stabilizer for excitation system.

Assessing Gaussian Assumption of PMU Measurement Error Using Field Data

DOE PAGES

Wang, Shaobu; Zhao, Junbo; Huang, Zhenyu; ...

2017-10-13

Gaussian PMU measurement error has been assumed for many power system applications, such as state estimation, oscillatory modes monitoring, voltage stability analysis, to cite a few. This letter proposes a simple yet effective approach to assess this assumption by using the stability property of a probability distribution and the concept of redundant measurement. Extensive results using field PMU data from WECC system reveal that the Gaussian assumption is questionable.

Automated qualification and analysis of protective spark gaps for DC accelerators

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

Banerjee, Srutarshi; Rajan, Rehim N.; Dewangan, S.

2014-07-01

Protective spark gaps are used in the high voltage multiplier column of a 3 MeV DC Accelerator to prevent excessive voltage build-ups. Precise gap of 5 mm is maintained between the electrodes in these spark gaps for obtaining 120 kV± 5 kV in 6 kg/cm{sup 2} SF{sub 6} environment which is the dielectric medium. There are 74 such spark gaps used in the multiplier. Each spark gap has to be qualified for electrical performance before fitting in the accelerator to ensure reliable operation. As the breakdown voltage stabilizes after a large number of sparks between the electrodes, the qualification processmore » becomes time consuming and cumbersome. For qualifying large number of spark gaps an automatic breakdown analysis setup has been developed. This setup operates in air, a dielectric medium. The setup consists of a flyback topology based high voltage power supply with maximum rating of 25 kV. This setup works in conjunction with spark detection and automated shutdown circuit. The breakdown voltage is sensed using a peak detector circuit. The voltage breakdown data is recorded and statistical distribution of the breakdown voltage has been analyzed. This paper describes details of the diagnostics and the spark gap qualification process based on the experimental data. (author)« less

Gating of the two-pore cation channel AtTPC1 in the plant vacuole is based on a single voltage-sensing domain.

PubMed

Jaślan, D; Mueller, T D; Becker, D; Schultz, J; Cuin, T A; Marten, I; Dreyer, I; Schönknecht, G; Hedrich, R

2016-09-01

The two-pore cation channel TPC1 operates as a dimeric channel in animal and plant endomembranes. Each subunit consists of two homologous Shaker-like halves, with 12 transmembrane domains in total (S1-S6, S7-S12). In plants, TPC1 channels reside in the vacuolar membrane, and upon voltage stimulation, give rise to the well-known slow-activating SV currents. Here, we combined bioinformatics, structure modelling, site-directed mutagenesis, and in planta patch clamp studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of voltage-dependent channel gating in TPC1 in its native plant background. Structure-function analysis of the Arabidopsis TPC1 channel in planta confirmed that helix S10 operates as the major voltage-sensing site, with Glu450 and Glu478 identified as possible ion-pair partners for voltage-sensing Arg537. The contribution of helix S4 to voltage sensing was found to be negligible. Several conserved negative residues on the luminal site contribute to calcium binding, stabilizing the closed channel. During evolution of plant TPC1s from two separate Shaker-like domains, the voltage-sensing function in the N-terminal Shaker-unit (S1-S4) vanished. © 2016 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

A low-drift, low-noise, multichannel dc voltage source for segmented-electrode Paul traps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beev, Nikolai; Fenske, Julia-Aileen; Hannig, Stephan; Schmidt, Piet O.

2017-05-01

We present the design, construction, and characterization of a multichannel, low-drift, low-noise dc voltage source specially designed for biasing the electrodes of segmented linear Paul traps. The system produces 20 output voltage pairs having a common-mode range of 0 to +120 V with 3.7 mV/LSB (least significant bit) resolution and differential ranges of ±5 V with 150 μV/LSB or ±16 V with 610 μV/LSB resolution. All common-mode and differential voltages are independently controllable, and all pairs share the same ground reference. The measured drift of the voltages after warm-up is lower than 1 LSB peak-to-peak on the time scale of 2 h. The noise of an output voltage measured with respect to ground is <10 μVRMS within 10 Hz-100 kHz, with spectral density lower than 3 nV Hz-1/2 above 50 kHz. The performance of the system is limited by the external commercial multichannel DAC unit NI 9264, and in principle, it is possible to achieve higher stability and lower noise with the same voltage ranges. The system has a compact, modular, and scalable architecture, having all parts except for the DAC chassis housed within a single 19″ 3HE rack.

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

Abdellahi, Aziz; Urban, Alexander; Dacek, Stephen

Cation disorder is a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly important for the design of high-energy lithium transition metal oxide cathodes (LiMO 2) for Li-ion batteries. Disordered Li-excess rocksalts have recently been shown to achieve high reversible capacity, while in operando cation disorder has been observed in a large class of ordered compounds. The voltage slope (dV/dx u )is a critical quantity for the design of cation-disordered rocksalts, as it controls the Li capacity accessible at voltages below the stability limit of the electrolyte (~4.5-4.7 V). In this study, we develop a lattice model based on first principles to understand andmore » quantify the voltage slope of cation-disordered LiMO 2. We show that cation disorder increases the voltage slope of Li transition metal oxides by creating a statistical distribution of transition metal environments around Li sites, as well as by allowing Li occupation of highvoltage tetrahedral sites. We further demonstrate that the voltage slope increase upon disorder is generally smaller for highvoltage transition metals than for low-voltage transition metals due to a more effective screening of Li-M interactions by oxygen electrons. Short-range order in practical disordered compounds is found to further mitigate the voltage slope increase upon disorder. In conclusion, our analysis shows that the additional high-voltage tetrahedral capacity induced by disorder is smaller in Liexcess compounds than in stoichiometric LiMO 2 compounds.« less

Cathode materials review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daniel, Claus; Mohanty, Debasish; Li, Jianlin; Wood, David L.

2014-06-01

The electrochemical potential of cathode materials defines the positive side of the terminal voltage of a battery. Traditionally, cathode materials are the energy-limiting or voltage-limiting electrode. One of the first electrochemical batteries, the voltaic pile invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800 (Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. 90, 403-431) had a copper-zinc galvanic element with a terminal voltage of 0.76 V. Since then, the research community has increased capacity and voltage for primary (nonrechargeable) batteries and round-trip efficiency for secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Successful secondary batteries have been the lead-acid with a lead oxide cathode and a terminal voltage of 2.1 V and later the NiCd with a nickel(III) oxide-hydroxide cathode and a 1.2 V terminal voltage. The relatively low voltage of those aqueous systems and the low round-trip efficiency due to activation energies in the conversion reactions limited their use. In 1976, Wittingham (J. Electrochem. Soc., 123, 315) and Besenhard (J. Power Sources 1(3), 267) finally enabled highly reversible redox reactions by intercalation of lithium ions instead of by chemical conversion. In 1980, Goodenough and Mizushima (Mater. Res. Bull. 15, 783-789) demonstrated a high-energy and high-power LiCoO2 cathode, allowing for an increase of terminal voltage far beyond 3 V. Over the past four decades, the international research community has further developed cathode materials of many varieties. Current state-of-the-art cathodes demonstrate voltages beyond any known electrolyte stability window, bringing electrolyte research once again to the forefront of battery research.

Understanding the Effect of Cation Disorder on the Voltage Profile of Lithium Transition-Metal Oxides

DOE PAGES

Abdellahi, Aziz; Urban, Alexander; Dacek, Stephen; ...

2016-07-13

Cation disorder is a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly important for the design of high-energy lithium transition metal oxide cathodes (LiMO 2) for Li-ion batteries. Disordered Li-excess rocksalts have recently been shown to achieve high reversible capacity, while in operando cation disorder has been observed in a large class of ordered compounds. The voltage slope (dV/dx u )is a critical quantity for the design of cation-disordered rocksalts, as it controls the Li capacity accessible at voltages below the stability limit of the electrolyte (~4.5-4.7 V). In this study, we develop a lattice model based on first principles to understand andmore » quantify the voltage slope of cation-disordered LiMO 2. We show that cation disorder increases the voltage slope of Li transition metal oxides by creating a statistical distribution of transition metal environments around Li sites, as well as by allowing Li occupation of highvoltage tetrahedral sites. We further demonstrate that the voltage slope increase upon disorder is generally smaller for highvoltage transition metals than for low-voltage transition metals due to a more effective screening of Li-M interactions by oxygen electrons. Short-range order in practical disordered compounds is found to further mitigate the voltage slope increase upon disorder. In conclusion, our analysis shows that the additional high-voltage tetrahedral capacity induced by disorder is smaller in Liexcess compounds than in stoichiometric LiMO 2 compounds.« less

High-power converters for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, J. N.; Cooper, Randy

1991-01-01

Phase 1 was a concept definition effort to extend space-type dc/dc converter technology to the megawatt level with a weight of less than 0.1 kg/kW (220 lb./MW). Two system designs were evaluated in Phase 1. Each design operates from a 5 kV stacked fuel cell source and provides a voltage step-up to 100 kV at 10 A for charging capacitors (100 pps at a duty cycle of 17 min on, 17 min off). Both designs use an MCT-based, full-bridge inverter, gaseous hydrogen cooling, and crowbar fault protection. The GE-CRD system uses an advanced high-voltage transformer/rectifier filter is series with a resonant tank circuit, driven by an inverter operating at 20 to 50 kHz. Output voltage is controlled through frequency and phase shift control. Fast transient response and stability is ensured via optimal control. Super-resonant operation employing MCTs provides the advantages of lossless snubbing, no turn-on switching loss, use of medium-speed diodes, and intrinsic current limiting under load-fault conditions. Estimated weight of the GE-CRD system is 88 kg (1.5 cu ft.). Efficiency of 94.4 percent and total system loss is 55.711 kW operating at 1 MW load power. The Maxwell system is based on a resonance transformer approach using a cascade of five LC resonant sections at 100 kHz. The 5 kV bus is converted to a square wave, stepped-up to a 100 kV sine wave by the LC sections, rectified, and filtered. Output voltage is controlled with a special series regulator circuit. Estimated weight of the Maxwell system is 83.8 kg (4.0 cu ft.). Efficiency is 87.2 percent and total system loss is 146.411 kW operating at 1 MW load power.

[A new method for safety monitoring of natural dietary supplements--quality profile].

PubMed

Wang, Juan; Wang, Li-Ping; Yang, Da-Jin; Chen, Bo

2008-07-01

A new method for safety monitoring of natural dietary supplements--quality profile was proposed. It would convert passive monitoring of synthetic drug to active, and guarantee the security of natural dietary supplements. Preliminary research on quality profile was completed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). HPLC was employed to analyze chemical constituent profiles of natural dietary supplements. The separation was completed on C18 column with acetonitrile and water (0.05% H3PO4) as mobile phase, the detection wavelength was 223 nm. Based on HPLC, stability of quality profile had been studied, and abnormal compounds in quality profile had been analyzed after addition of phenolphthalein, sibutramine, rosiglitazone, glibenclamide and gliclazide. And by MS, detector worked with ESI +, capillary voltage: 3.5 kV, cone voltage: 30 V, extractor voltage: 4 V, RF lens voltage: 0.5 V, source temperature: 105 degrees C, desolvation temperature: 300 degrees C, desolvation gas flow rate: 260 L/h, cone gas flow rate: 50 L/h, full scan mass spectra: m/z 100-600. Abnormal compound in quality profile had been analyzed after addition of N-mono-desmethyl sibutramine. Quality profile based on HPLC had good stability (Similarity > 0.877). Addition of phenolphthalein, sibutramine, rosiglitazone, glibenclamide and gliclazide in natural dietary supplements could be reflected by HPLC, and addition of N-mono-desmethyl sibutramine in natural dietary supplements could be reflected by MS. Quality profile might monitor adulteration of natural dietary supplements, and prevent addition of synthetic drug after "approval".

Factors influencing high voltage performance of coconut char derived carbon based electrical double layer capacitor made using acetonitrile and propylene carbonate based electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Changzheng; Qu, Weiguo; Rajagopalan, Ramakrishnan; Randall, Clive

2014-12-01

Symmetric EDLCs made using high purity carbon electrodes derived from coconut char were tested using 1 M Tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate dissolved in two different solvents namely acetonitrile and propylene carbonate. The cell voltage of the capacitor made using propylene carbonate can be extended to 3.5 V and it exhibited good cycling and thermal stability upto 70 °C while the voltage was limited to below 3.0 V in acetonitrile. XPS analysis of the positive and negative electrodes of EDLCs post cycling showed that the primary degradation products were related to ring opening reactions in propylene carbonate based electrolytes while water played a key role in degradation of acetonitrile based EDLCs.

Statistical and clustering analysis for disturbances: A case study of voltage dips in wind farms

DOE PAGES

Garcia-Sanchez, Tania; Gomez-Lazaro, Emilio; Muljadi, Eduard; ...

2016-01-28

This study proposes and evaluates an alternative statistical methodology to analyze a large number of voltage dips. For a given voltage dip, a set of lengths is first identified to characterize the root mean square (rms) voltage evolution along the disturbance, deduced from partial linearized time intervals and trajectories. Principal component analysis and K-means clustering processes are then applied to identify rms-voltage patterns and propose a reduced number of representative rms-voltage profiles from the linearized trajectories. This reduced group of averaged rms-voltage profiles enables the representation of a large amount of disturbances, which offers a visual and graphical representation ofmore » their evolution along the events, aspects that were not previously considered in other contributions. The complete process is evaluated on real voltage dips collected in intense field-measurement campaigns carried out in a wind farm in Spain among different years. The results are included in this paper.« less

Performance, Stability, and Plume Characterization of the HERMeS Thruster with Boron Nitride Silica Composite Discharge Channel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamhawi, Hani; Huang, Wensheng; Gilland, James H.; Haag, Thomas W.; Mackey, Jonathan; Yim, John; Pinero, Luis; Williams, George; Peterson, Peter; Herman, Daniel

2017-01-01

NASA's Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5kW Technology Demonstration Unit-3 (TDU-3) has been the subject of extensive technology maturation in preparation for flight system development. Detailed performance, stability, and plume characterization tests of the thruster were performed at NASA GRC's Vacuum Facility 5 (VF-5). The TDU-3 thruster implements a magnetic topology that is identical to TDU-1. The TDU-3 boron nitride silica composite discharge channel material is different than the TDU-1 heritage boron nitride discharge channel material. Performance and stability characterization of the TDU-3 thruster was performed at discharge voltages between 300V and 600V and at discharge currents between 5A and 21.8A. The thruster performance and stability were assessed for varying magnetic field strength, cathode flow fractions between 5% and 9%, varying harness inductance, and for reverse magnet polarity. Performance characterization test results indicate that the TDU-3 thruster performance is in family with the TDU-1 levels. TDU-3's thrust efficiency of 65% and specific impulse of 2,800sec at 600V and 12.5kW exceed performance levels of SOA Hall thrusters. Thruster stability regimes were characterized with respect to the thruster discharge current oscillations (discharge current peak-to-peak and root mean square magnitudes), discharge current waveform power spectral density analysis, and maps of the current-voltage-magnetic field. Stability characterization test results indicate a stability profile similar to TDU-1. Finally, comparison of the TDU-1 and TDU-3 plume profiles found that there were negligible differences in the plasma plume characteristics between the TDU with heritage boron nitride versus the boron nitride silica composite discharge channel.

Switchable silver mirrors with long memory effects.

PubMed

Park, Chihyun; Seo, Seogjae; Shin, Haijin; Sarwade, Bhimrao D; Na, Jongbeom; Kim, Eunkyoung

2015-01-01

An electrochemically stable and bistable switchable mirror was achieved for the first time by introducing (1) a thiol-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode for the stabilization of the metallic film and (2) ionic liquids as an anion-blocking layer, to achieve a long memory effect. The growth of the metallic film was denser and faster at the thiol-modified ITO electrode than at a bare ITO electrode. The electrochemical stability of the metallic film on the thiol-modified ITO was enhanced, maintaining the metallic state without rupture. In the voltage-off state, the metal film maintained bistability for a long period (>2 h) when ionic liquids were introduced as electrolytes for the switchable mirror. The electrical double layer in the highly viscous ionic liquid electrolyte seemed to effectively form a barrier to the bromide ions, to protect the metal thin film from them when in the voltage-off state.

Liquid lens enabling real-time focus and tilt compensation for optical image stabilization in camera modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, Eric; Craen, Pierre; Gaton, Hilario; Jacques-Sermet, Olivier; Laune, Frédéric; Legrand, Julien; Maillard, Mathieu; Tallaron, Nicolas; Verplanck, Nicolas; Berge, Bruno

2010-05-01

A new generation of liquid lenses based on electrowetting has been developed, using a multi-electrode design, enabling to induce optical tilt and focus corrections in the same component. The basic principle is to rely on a conical shape for supporting the liquid interface, the conical shape insuring a restoring force for the liquid liquid interface to come at the center position. The multi-electrode design enables to induce an average tilt of the liquid liquid interface when a bias voltage is applied to the different electrodes. This tilt is reversible, vanishing when voltage bias is cancelled. Possible application of this new lens component is the realization of miniature camera featuring auto-focus and optical image stabilization (OIS) without any mobile mechanical part. Experimental measurements of actual performances of liquid lens component will be presented : focus and tilt amplitude, residual optical wave front error and response time.

Quantum Dot-Induced Phase Stabilization of ..alpha..-CsPbI3 Perovskite for High-Efficiency Photovoltaics

DOE PAGES

Swarnkar, Abhishek; Marshall, Ashley R.; Sanehira, Erin M.; ...

2016-10-07

Here, we show nanoscale phase stabilization of CsPbI 3 quantum dots (QDs) to low temperatures that can be used as the active component of efficient optoelectronic devices. CsPbI 3 is an all-inorganic analog to the hybrid organic cation halide perovskites, but the cubic phase of bulk CsPbI3 (..alpha..-CsPbI 3) -- the variant with desirable band gap -- is only stable at high temperatures. We also describe the formation of ..alpha..-CsPbI 3 QD films that are phase-stable for months in ambient air. The films exhibit long-range electronic transport and were used to fabricate colloidal perovskite QD photovoltaic cells with an open-circuitmore » voltage of 1.23 volts and efficiency of 10.77%. Furthermore, these devices function as light-emitting diodes with low turn-on voltage and tunable emission.« less

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

Won Lee, Sang; Suh, Dongseok, E-mail: energy.suh@skku.edu; Department of Energy Science and Department of Physics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746

A prior requirement of any developed transistor for practical use is the stability test. Random network carbon nanotube-thin film transistor (CNT-TFT) was fabricated on SiO{sub 2}/Si. Gate bias stress stability was investigated with various passivation layers of HfO{sub 2} and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Compared to the threshold voltage shift without passivation layer, the measured values in the presence of passivation layers were reduced independent of gate bias polarity except HfO{sub 2} under positive gate bias stress (PGBS). Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} capping layer was found to be the best passivation layer to prevent ambient gas adsorption, while gas adsorption on HfO{submore » 2} layer was unavoidable, inducing surface charges to increase threshold voltage shift in particular for PGBS. This high performance in the gate bias stress test of CNT-TFT even superior to that of amorphous silicon opens potential applications to active TFT industry for soft electronics.« less

A simple compact UHV and high magnetic field compatible inertial nanopositioner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Zongqiang; Li, Xiang; Xu, Lei; Rong, Zhou; Liu, Ruilan

2015-01-01

We present a novel simple piezoelectric nanopositioner which just has one piezoelectric scanner tube (PST) and one driving signal, using two short quartz rods and one BeCu spring which form a triangle to press the central shaft and can promise the nanopositioner's rigidity. Applying two pulse inverted voltage signals on the PST's outer and inner electrodes, respectively, according to the principle of piezoelectricity, the PST will elongate or contract suddenly while the central shaft will keep stationary for its inertance, so the central shaft will be sliding a distance relative to quartz rods and spring, and then withdraw the pulse voltages slowly, the central shaft will move upward or downward one step. The heavier of the central shaft, the better moving stability, so the nanopositioner has high output force. Due to its compactness and mechanical stability, it can be easily implanted into some extreme conditions, such as ultrahigh vacuum, ultralow temperature, and high magnetic field.

Simultaneous determination of aliskiren and hydrochlorothiazide from their pharmaceutical preparations using a validated stability-indicating MEKC method.

PubMed

Sangoi, Maximiliano S; Wrasse-Sangoi, Micheli; Oliveira, Paulo R; Rolim, Clarice M B; Steppe, Martin

2011-08-01

A stability-indicating MEKC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of aliskiren (ALI) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in pharmaceutical formulations using ranitidine as an internal standard (IS). Optimal conditions for the separation of ALI, HCTZ and its major impurity chlorothiazide (CTZ), IS and degradation products were investigated. The method employed 47 mM Tris buffer and 47 mM anionic detergent SDS solution at pH 10.2 as the background electrolyte. MEKC method was performed on a fused-silica capillary (40 cm) at 28°C. Applied voltage was 26 kV (positive polarity) and photodiode array (PDA) detector was set at 217 nm. The method was validated in accordance with the ICH requirements. The method was linear over the concentration range of 5-100 and 60-1200 μg/mL for HCTZ and ALI, respectively (r(2) >0.9997). The stability-indicating capability of the method was established by enforced degradation studies combined with peak purity assessment using the PDA detection. Precision and accuracy evaluated by RSD were lower than 2%. The method proved to be robust by a fractional factorial design evaluation. The proposed MEKC method was successfully applied for the quantitative analysis of ALI and HCTZ both individually and in a combined dosage tablet formulation to support the quality control. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A novel control strategy for enhancing the LVRT and voltage support capabilities of DFIG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yangwu; Zhang, Bin; Liang, Liqing; Cui, Ting

2018-02-01

A novel integrated control strategy is proposed in this paper to enhance the low voltage ride through capacity for the double-fed induction generator by equipping an energy storage system. The energy storage system is installed into the DC-link capacitor of the DFIG and used to control the DC-link voltage during normal or transient operations. The energy storage device will absorb or compensate the power difference between the captured wind power and the power injected to the grid during the normal and transient period, and the grid side converter can be free from maintaining the voltage stability of the DC-link capacitor. Thus, the grid-side converter is changed to reactive power support while the rotor-side converter is used to control the maximum power production during normal operation. The grid-side converter and rotor-side converter will act as reactive power sources to further enhance the voltage support capability of double-fed induction generator during the transient period. Numerical Simulation are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control designs.

Two-Volt Josephson Arbitrary Waveform Synthesizer Using Wilkinson Dividers.

PubMed

Flowers-Jacobs, Nathan E; Fox, Anna E; Dresselhaus, Paul D; Schwall, Robert E; Benz, Samuel P

2016-09-01

The root-mean-square (rms) output voltage of the NIST Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesizer (JAWS) has been doubled from 1 V to a record 2 V by combining two new 1 V chips on a cryocooler. This higher voltage will improve calibrations of ac thermal voltage converters and precision voltage measurements that require state-of-the-art quantum accuracy, stability, and signal-to-noise ratio. We achieved this increase in output voltage by using four on-chip Wilkinson dividers and eight inner-outer dc blocks, which enable biasing of eight Josephson junction (JJ) arrays with high-speed inputs from only four high-speed pulse generator channels. This approach halves the number of pulse generator channels required in future JAWS systems. We also implemented on-chip superconducting interconnects between JJ arrays, which reduces systematic errors and enables a new modular chip package. Finally, we demonstrate a new technique for measuring and visualizing the operating current range that reduces the measurement time by almost two orders of magnitude and reveals the relationship between distortion in the output spectrum and output pulse sequence errors.

TLBO based Voltage Stable Environment Friendly Economic Dispatch Considering Real and Reactive Power Constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, H. K.; Mafidar, P.

2013-09-01

In view of growing concern towards environment, power system engineers are forced to generate quality green energy. Hence the economic dispatch (ED) aims at the power generation to meet the load demand at minimum fuel cost with environmental and voltage constraints along with essential constraints on real and reactive power. The emission control which reduces the negative impact on environment is achieved by including the additional constraints in ED problem. Presently, the power system mostly operates near its stability limits, therefore with increased demand the system faces voltage problem. The bus voltages are brought within limit in the present work by placement of static var compensator (SVC) at weak bus which is identified from bus participation factor. The optimal size of SVC is determined by univariate search method. This paper presents the use of Teaching Learning based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm for voltage stable environment friendly ED problem with real and reactive power constraints. The computational effectiveness of TLBO is established through test results over particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB-BC) algorithms for the ED problem.

Designing of a Quadrupole Paul Ion Trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiyani, Abouzar; Abdollahzadeh, M.; Sadat Kiai, S. M.; Zirak, A. R.

2011-08-01

The ion motion equation in a Paul ion trap known as Mathieu differential equation has been solved for the first time by using Runge-Kutta methods with 4th, 6th, and 8th orders. The first stability regions in az - qz plane and the corresponding qmax values were determined and compared. Also, the first stability regions of , , , ions in the Vdc - Vac plane were drown, and the threshold voltages for the ion separation was investigated.

Enhancing the Ion Transport in LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 by Altering the Particle Wulff Shape via Anisotropic Surface Segregation.

PubMed

Huang, Jiajia; Liu, Haodong; Zhou, Naixie; An, Ke; Meng, Ying Shirley; Luo, Jian

2017-10-25

Spontaneous and anisotropic surface segregation of W cations in LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 particles can alter the Wulff shape and improve surface stability, thereby significantly improving the electrochemical performance. An Auger electron nanoprobe was employed to identify the anisotropic surface segregation, whereby W cations prefer to segregate to {110} surface facets to decrease its relative surface energy according to Gibbs adsorption theory and subsequently increase its surface area according to Wulff theory. Consequently, the rate performance is improved (e.g., by ∼5-fold at a high rate of 25C) because the {110} facets have more open channels for fast lithium ion diffusion. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling suggested that the surface segregation and partial reduction of W cation inhibit the formation of Mn 3+ on surfaces to improve cycling stability via enhancing the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) stability at high charging voltages. This is the first report of using anisotropic surface segregation to thermodynamically control the particle morphology as well as enhancing CEI stability as a facile, and potentially general, method to significantly improve the electrochemical performance of battery electrodes. Combining neutron diffraction, an Auger electron nanoprobe, XPS, and other characterizations, we depict the underlying mechanisms of improved ionic transport and CEI stability in high-voltage LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 spinel materials.

Cycle stability of the electrochemical capacitors patterned with vertically aligned carbon nanotubes in an LiPF6-based electrolyte.

PubMed

Chiou, Yi-Deng; Tsai, Dah-Shyang; Lam, Hoa Hung; Chang, Chuan-hua; Lee, Kuei-Yi; Huang, Ying-Sheng

2013-09-07

The miniature ultracapacitors, with interdigitated electrodes of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) and an inter-electrode gap of 20 μm, have been prepared in the LiPF6 organic electrolyte with and without PVdF-HFP gel. PVdF-HFP between two opposing electrodes enhances the device reliability, but lessens its power performance because of the extra diffusion resistance. Also noteworthy are the gel influences on the cycle stability. When the applied voltage is 2.0 or 2.5 V, both the LiPF6 and the gel capacitors exhibit excellent stability, typified by a retention ratio of ≥95% after 10,000 cycles. Their coulombic efficiencies quickly rise up, and hold steady at 100%. Nonetheless, when the applied voltage is 3.5 or 4.0 V, the cycle stability deteriorates, since the negative electrode potential descends below 0.9 V (vs. Li), leading to electrolyte decomposition and SEI formation. For the LiPF6 capacitor, its retention ratio could be around 60% after 10,000 cycles and the coulombic efficiency of 100% is difficult to reach throughout its cycle life. On the other hand, the gel capacitor cycles energy with a much higher retention ratio, >80% after 10,000 cycles, and a better coulombic efficiency, even though electrolyte decomposition still occurs. We attribute the superior stability of the gel capacitor to its extra diffusion resistance which slows down the performance deterioration.

Investigation of 3D diamond detector dosimetric characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanxheri, K.; Alunni Solestizi, L.; Biasini, M.; Caprai, M.; Dipilato, A. C.; Iacco, M.; Ionica, M.; Lagomarsino, S.; Menichelli, M.; Morozzi, A.; Passeri, D.; Sciortino, S.; Talamonti, C.; Zucchetti, C.; Servoli, L.

2018-06-01

Recently, a polycrystalline chemical vapor deposited (pCVD) 3D diamond detector with graphitic in bulk electrodes, fabricated using a pulsed laser technique has been evaluated for photon beam radiation dosimetry during in-air exposure. The same 3D diamond detector, has now been investigated to evaluate its performance under clinically relevant conditions putting the detector inside a Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom, to obtain higher precision dosimetric measurements. The detector leakage current was of the order of ± 25 pA or less for bias voltages up to ‑100 V. The 3D detector was tested for time stability and repeatability showing excellent performance with less than 0.6% signal variation. It also showed a linear response for low dose rates with a deviation from linearity of 2%. It was also possible to verify the detector response as a function of the depth in PMMA up to 18 cm.

Lowering data retention voltage in static random access memory array by post fabrication self-improvement of cell stability by multiple stress application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizutani, Tomoko; Takeuchi, Kiyoshi; Saraya, Takuya; Kobayashi, Masaharu; Hiramoto, Toshiro

2018-04-01

We propose a new version of the post fabrication static random access memory (SRAM) self-improvement technique, which utilizes multiple stress application. It is demonstrated that, using a device matrix array (DMA) test element group (TEG) with intrinsic channel fully depleted (FD) silicon-on-thin-buried-oxide (SOTB) six-transistor (6T) SRAM cells fabricated by the 65 nm technology, the lowering of data retention voltage (DRV) is more effectively achieved than using the previously proposed single stress technique.

Ultra Stable Microwave Radiometers for Future Sea Surface Salinity Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, William J.; Tanner, Alan B.; Pellerano, Fernando A.; Horgan, Kevin A.

2005-01-01

The NASA Earth Science System Pathfinder (ESSP) mission Aquarius will measure global sea surface salinity with 100-km spatial resolution every 8 days with an average monthly salinity accuracy of 0.2 psu (parts per thousand). This requires an L-band low-noise radiometer with the long-term calibration stability of less than 0.1 K over 8 days. This three-year research program on ultra stable radiometers has addressed the radiometer requirements and configuration necessary to achieve this objective for Aquarius and future ocean salinity missions. The system configuration and component performance have been evaluated with radiometer testbeds at both JPL and GSFC. The research has addressed several areas including component characterization as a function of temperature, a procedure for the measurement and correction for radiometer system non-linearity, noise diode calibration versus temperature, low noise amplifier performance over voltage, and temperature control requirements to achieve the required stability. A breadboard radiometer, utilizing microstrip-based technologies, has been built to demonstrate this long-term stability. This report also presents the results of the radiometer test program, a detailed radiometer noise model, and details of the operational switching sequence optimization that can be used to achieve the low noise and stability requirements. Many of the results of this research have been incorporated into the Aquarius radiometer design and will allow this instrument to achieve its goals.

Evaluation of Piecewise Polynomial Equations for Two Types of Thermocouples

PubMed Central

Chen, Andrew; Chen, Chiachung

2013-01-01

Thermocouples are the most frequently used sensors for temperature measurement because of their wide applicability, long-term stability and high reliability. However, one of the major utilization problems is the linearization of the transfer relation between temperature and output voltage of thermocouples. The linear calibration equation and its modules could be improved by using regression analysis to help solve this problem. In this study, two types of thermocouple and five temperature ranges were selected to evaluate the fitting agreement of different-order polynomial equations. Two quantitative criteria, the average of the absolute error values |e|ave and the standard deviation of calibration equation estd, were used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of these calibrations equations. The optimal order of polynomial equations differed with the temperature range. The accuracy and precision of the calibration equation could be improved significantly with an adequate higher degree polynomial equation. The technique could be applied with hardware modules to serve as an intelligent sensor for temperature measurement. PMID:24351627

Improved test methods for determining lightning-induced voltages in aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crouch, K. E.; Plumer, J. A.

1980-01-01

A lumped parameter transmission line with a surge impedance matching that of the aircraft and its return lines was evaluated as a replacement for earlier current generators. Various test circuit parameters were evaluated using a 1/10 scale relative geometric model. Induced voltage response was evaluated by taking measurements on the NASA-Dryden Digital Fly by Wire F-8 aircraft. Return conductor arrangements as well as other circuit changes were also evaluated, with all induced voltage measurements being made on the same circuit for comparison purposes. The lumped parameter transmission line generates a concave front current wave with the peak di/dt near the peak of the current wave which is more representative of lightning. However, the induced voltage measurements when scaled by appropriate scale factors (peak current or di/dt) resulting from both techniques yield comparable results.

A digital intensity stabilization system for HeNe laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Zhimeng; Lu, Guangfeng; Yang, Kaiyong; Long, Xingwu; Huang, Yun

2012-02-01

A digital intensity stabilization system for HeNe laser is developed. Based on a switching power IC to design laser power supply and a general purpose microcontroller to realize digital PID control, the system constructs a closed loop to stabilize the laser intensity by regulating its discharge current. The laser tube is made of glass ceramics and its integrated structure is steady enough to eliminate intensity fluctuations at high frequency and attenuates all intensity fluctuations, and this makes it easy to tune the control loop. The control loop between discharge current and photodiode voltage eliminates the long-term drifts. The intensity stability of the HeNe laser with this system is 0.014% over 12 h.

The harmonic impact of electric vehicle battery charging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staats, Preston Trent

The potential widespread introduction of the electric vehicle (EV) presents both opportunities and challenges to the power systems engineers who will be required to supply power to EV batteries. One of the challenges associated with EV battery charging comes from the potentially high harmonic currents associated with the conversion of ac power system voltages to dc EV battery voltages. Harmonic currents lead to increased losses in distribution circuits and reduced life expectancy of such power distribution components as capacitors and transformers. Harmonic current injections also cause harmonic voltages on power distribution networks. These distorted voltages can affect power system loads and specific standards exist regulating acceptable voltage distortion. This dissertation develops and presents the theory required to evaluate the electric vehicle battery charger as a harmonic distorting load and its possible harmonic impact on various aspects of power distribution systems. The work begins by developing a method for evaluating the net harmonic current injection of a large collection of EV battery chargers which accounts for variation in the start-time and initial battery state-of-charge between individual chargers. Next, this method is analyzed to evaluate the effect of input parameter variation on the net harmonic currents predicted by the model. We then turn to an evaluation of the impact of EV charger harmonic currents on power distribution systems, first evaluating the impact of these currents on a substation transformer and then on power distribution system harmonic voltages. The method presented accounts for the uncertainty in EV harmonic current injections by modeling the start-time and initial battery state-of-charge (SOC) of an individual EV battery charger as random variables. Thus, the net harmonic current, and distribution system harmonic voltages are formulated in a stochastic framework. Results indicate that considering variation in start-time and SOC leads to reduced estimates of harmonic current injection when compared to more traditional methods that do not account for variation. Evaluation of power distribution system harmonic voltages suggests that for any power distribution network there is a definite threshold penetration of EVs, below which the total harmonic distortion of voltage exceeds 5% at an insignificant number of buses. Thus, most existing distribution systems will probably be able to accommodate the early introduction of EV battery charging without widespread harmonic voltage problems.

Ambient condition bias stress stability of vanadium (IV) oxide phthalocyanine based p-channel organic field-effect transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obaidulla, Sk Md; Singh, Subhash; Mohapatra, Y. N.; Giri, P. K.

2018-01-01

High bias-stress stability and low threshold voltage (V th) shift under ambient conditions are highly desirable for practical applications of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). We demonstrate here a 20-fold enhancement in the bias-stress stability for hexamethyledisilazane (HMDS) treated vanadium (IV) oxide phthalocyanine (VOPc) based OFETs as compared to the bare VOPc case under ambient conditions. VOPc based OFETs were fabricated on bare (non treated) SiO2 and a HMDS monolayer passivated SiO2 layer, with an operating voltage of 40 V. The devices with top contact gold (Au) electrodes exhibit excellent p-channel behavior with a moderate hole mobility for the HMDS-treated device. It is demonstrated that the time dependent ON-current decay and V th shift can be effectively controlled by using self-assembled monolayers of HMDS on the VOPc layer. For the HMDS-treated case, the bias stress stability study shows the stretched exponential decay of drain current by only ~15% during the long-term operation with constant bias voltage under ambient conditions, while it shows a large decay of  >70% for the nontreated devices operated for 1000 s. The corresponding characteric decay time constant (τ) is 104 s for the HMDS treated case, while that of the the non-treated SiO2 case is only ~480 s under ambient conditions. The inferior performance of the device with bare SiO2 is traced to the charge trapping at the voids in the inter-grain region of the films, while it is almost negligible for the HMDS-treated case, as confirmed from the AFM and XRD analyses. It is believed that HMDS treatment provides an excellent interface with a low density of traps and passivates the dangling bonds, which improve the charge transport characteristics. Also, the surface morphology of the VOPc film clearly influences the device performance. Thus, the HMDS treatment provides a very attractive approach for attaining long-term air stability and a low V th shift for the VOPc based OFET devices.

Multi-channel programmable power supply with temperature compensation for silicon sensors

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

Shukla, R. A.; Achanta, V. G.; Dugad, S. R., E-mail: dugad@cern.ch

Silicon Photo-Multipliers (SiPMs) are increasingly becoming popular for discrete photon counting applications due to the wealth of advantages they offer over conventional photo-detectors such as photo-multiplier tubes and hybrid photo-diodes. SiPMs are used in variety of applications ranging from high energy physics and nuclear physics experiments to medical diagnostics. The gain of a SiPM is directly proportional to the difference between applied and breakdown voltage of the device. However, the breakdown voltage depends critically on the ambient temperature and has a large temperature co-efficient in the range of 40-60 mV/°C resulting in a typical gain variation of 3%-5%/°C [Dinu etmore » al., in IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference and 17th Room Temperature Semiconductor Detector Workshop (IEEE, 2010), p. 215]. We plan to use the SiPM as a replacement for PMT in the cosmic ray experiment (GRAPES-3) at Ooty [Gupta et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 540, 311 (2005)]. There the SiPMs will be operated in an outdoor environment subjected to temperature variation of about 15 °C over a day. A gain variation of more than 50% was observed for such large variations in the temperature. To stabilize the gain of the SiPM under such operating conditions, a low-cost, multi-channel programmable power supply (0-90 V) was designed that simultaneously provides the bias voltage to 16 SiPMs. The programmable power supply (PPS) was designed to automatically adjust the operating voltage for each channel with a built-in closed loop temperature feedback mechanism. The PPS provides bias voltage with a precision of 6 mV and measures the load current with a precision of 1 nA. Using this PPS, a gain stability of 0.5% for SiPM (Hamamatsu, S10931-050P) has been demonstrated over a wide temperature range of 15 °C. The design methodology of the PPS system, its validation, and the results of the tests carried out on the SiPM is presented in this article. The proposed design also has the capability of gain stabilization of devices with non-linear thermal response.« less

Gating currents from Kv7 channels carrying neuronal hyperexcitability mutations in the voltage-sensing domain.

PubMed

Miceli, Francesco; Vargas, Ernesto; Bezanilla, Francisco; Taglialatela, Maurizio

2012-03-21

Changes in voltage-dependent gating represent a common pathogenetic mechanism for genetically inherited channelopathies, such as benign familial neonatal seizures or peripheral nerve hyperexcitability caused by mutations in neuronal K(v)7.2 channels. Mutation-induced changes in channel voltage dependence are most often inferred from macroscopic current measurements, a technique unable to provide a detailed assessment of the structural rearrangements underlying channel gating behavior; by contrast, gating currents directly measure voltage-sensor displacement during voltage-dependent gating. In this work, we describe macroscopic and gating current measurements, together with molecular modeling and molecular-dynamics simulations, from channels carrying mutations responsible for benign familial neonatal seizures and/or peripheral nerve hyperexcitability; K(v)7.4 channels, highly related to K(v)7.2 channels both functionally and structurally, were used for these experiments. The data obtained showed that mutations affecting charged residues located in the more distal portion of S(4) decrease the stability of the open state and the active voltage-sensing domain configuration but do not directly participate in voltage sensing, whereas mutations affecting a residue (R4) located more proximally in S(4) caused activation of gating-pore currents at depolarized potentials. These results reveal that distinct molecular mechanisms underlie the altered gating behavior of channels carrying disease-causing mutations at different voltage-sensing domain locations, thereby expanding our current view of the pathogenesis of neuronal hyperexcitability diseases. Copyright © 2012 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cathode materials review

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

Daniel, Claus, E-mail: danielc@ornl.gov; Mohanty, Debasish, E-mail: danielc@ornl.gov; Li, Jianlin, E-mail: danielc@ornl.gov

2014-06-16

The electrochemical potential of cathode materials defines the positive side of the terminal voltage of a battery. Traditionally, cathode materials are the energy-limiting or voltage-limiting electrode. One of the first electrochemical batteries, the voltaic pile invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800 (Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. 90, 403-431) had a copper-zinc galvanic element with a terminal voltage of 0.76 V. Since then, the research community has increased capacity and voltage for primary (nonrechargeable) batteries and round-trip efficiency for secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Successful secondary batteries have been the lead-acid with a lead oxide cathode and a terminal voltage of 2.1 V andmore » later the NiCd with a nickel(III) oxide-hydroxide cathode and a 1.2 V terminal voltage. The relatively low voltage of those aqueous systems and the low round-trip efficiency due to activation energies in the conversion reactions limited their use. In 1976, Wittingham (J. Electrochem. Soc., 123, 315) and Besenhard (J. Power Sources 1(3), 267) finally enabled highly reversible redox reactions by intercalation of lithium ions instead of by chemical conversion. In 1980, Goodenough and Mizushima (Mater. Res. Bull. 15, 783-789) demonstrated a high-energy and high-power LiCoO{sub 2} cathode, allowing for an increase of terminal voltage far beyond 3 V. Over the past four decades, the international research community has further developed cathode materials of many varieties. Current state-of-the-art cathodes demonstrate voltages beyond any known electrolyte stability window, bringing electrolyte research once again to the forefront of battery research.« less

2013 Estorm - Invited Paper - Cathode Materials Review

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

Daniel, Claus; Mohanty, Debasish; Li, Jianlin

2014-01-01

The electrochemical potential of cathode materials defines the positive side of the terminal voltage of a battery. Traditionally, cathode materials are the energy-limiting or voltage-limiting electrode. One of the first electrochemical batteries, the voltaic pile invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800 (Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. 90, 403 431) had a copper-zinc galvanic element with a terminal voltage of 0.76 V. Since then, the research community has increased capacity and voltage for primary (nonrechargeable) batteries and round-trip efficiency for secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Successful secondary batteries have been the lead acid with a lead oxide cathode and a terminal voltage of 2.1more » V and later the NiCd with a nickel(III) oxide hydroxide cathode and a 1.2 V terminal voltage. The relatively low voltage of those aqueous systems and the low round-trip efficiency due to activation energies in the conversion reactions limited their use. In 1976, Wittingham (J. Electrochem. Soc., 123, 315) and Besenhard (J Power Sources 1(3), 267) finally enabled highly reversible redox reactions by intercalation of lithium ions instead of by chemical conversion. In 1980, Goodenough and Mizushima (Mater. Res. Bull. 15, 783 789) demonstrated a high-energy and high-power LiCoO2 cathode, allowing for an increase of terminal voltage far beyond 3 V. Over the past four decades, the international research community has further developed cathode materials of many varieties. Current state-of-the-art cathodes demonstrate voltages beyond any known electrolyte stability window, bringing electrolyte research once again to the forefront of battery research.« less

Molecular basis of slow activation of the human ether-á-go-go related gene potassium channel

PubMed Central

Subbiah, Rajesh N; Clarke, Catherine E; Smith, David J; Zhao, JingTing; Campbell, Terence J; Vandenberg, Jamie I

2004-01-01

The human ether-á-go-go related gene (HERG) encodes the pore forming α-subunit of the rapid delayed rectifier K+ channel which is central to the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. HERG K+ channels have unusual kinetics characterized by slow activation and deactivation, yet rapid inactivation. The fourth transmembrane domain (S4) of HERG, like other voltage-gated K+ channels, contains multiple positive charges and is the voltage sensor for activation. In this study, we mutated each of the positively charged residues in this region to glutamine (Q), expressed the mutant and wild-type (WT) channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes and studied them using two-electrode voltage clamp methods. K525Q channels activated at more hyperpolarized potentials than WT, whereas all the other mutant channels activated at more depolarized potentials. All mutants except for R531Q also had a reduction in apparent gating charge associated with activation. Mutation of K525 to cysteine (C) resulted in a less dramatic phenotype than K525Q. The addition of the positively charged MTSET to K525C altered the phenotype to one more similar to K525Q than to WT. Therefore it is not charge per se, but the specific lysine side chain at position 525, that is crucial for stabilizing the closed state. When rates of activation and deactivation for WT and mutant channels were compared at equivalent total (chemical + electrostatic) driving forces, K525Q and R528Q accelerated activation but had no effect on deactivation, R531Q slowed activation and deactivation, R534Q accelerated activation but slowed deactivation and R537Q accelerated deactivation but had no effect on activation. The main conclusions we can draw from these data are that in WT channels K525 stabilizes the closed state, R531 stabilizes the open state and R534 participates in interactions that stabilize pre-open closed states. PMID:15181157

Robotic assistance and general anaesthesia improve catheter stability and increase signal attenuation during atrial fibrillation ablation.

PubMed

Malcolme-Lawes, Louisa C; Lim, Phang Boon; Koa-Wing, Michael; Whinnett, Zachary I; Jamil-Copley, Shahnaz; Hayat, Sajad; Francis, Darrel P; Kojodjojo, Pipin; Davies, D Wyn; Peters, Nicholas S; Kanagaratnam, Prapa

2013-01-01

Recurrent arrhythmias after ablation procedures are often caused by recovery of ablated tissue. Robotic catheter manipulation systems increase catheter tip stability which improves energy delivery and could produce more transmural lesions. We tested this assertion using bipolar voltage attenuation as a marker of lesion quality comparing robotic and manual circumferential pulmonary vein ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Twenty patients were randomly assigned to robotic or manual AF ablation at standard radiofrequency (RF) settings for our institution (30 W 60 s manual, 25 W 30 s robotic, R30). A separate group of 10 consecutive patients underwent robotic ablation at increased RF duration, 25 W for 60 s (R60). Lesions were marked on an electroanatomic map before and after ablation to measure distance moved and change in bipolar electrogram amplitude during RF. A total of 1108 lesions were studied (761 robotic, 347 manual). A correlation was identified between voltage attenuation and catheter movement during RF (Spearman's rho -0.929, P < 0.001). The ablation catheter was more stable during robotic RF; 2.9 ± 2.3 mm (R30) and 2.6 ± 2.2 mm (R60), both significantly less than the manual group (4.3 ± 3.0 mm, P < 0.001). Despite improved stability, there was no difference in signal attenuation between the manual and R30 group. However, there was increased signal attenuation in the R60 group (52.4 ± 19.4%) compared with manual (47.7 ± 25.4%, P = 0.01). When procedures under general anaesthesia (GA) and conscious sedation were analysed separately, the improvement in signal attenuation in the R60 group was only significant in the procedures under GA. Robotically assisted ablation has the capability to deliver greater bipolar voltage attenuation compared with manual ablation with appropriate selection of RF parameters. General anaesthesia confers additional benefits of catheter stability and greater signal attenuation. These findings may have a significant impact on outcomes from AF ablation procedures.

Flexible Electronics Powered by Mixed Metal Oxide Thin Film Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marrs, Michael

A low temperature amorphous oxide thin film transistor (TFT) and amorphous silicon PIN diode backplane technology for large area flexible digital x-ray detectors has been developed to create 7.9-in. diagonal backplanes. The critical steps in the evolution of the backplane process include the qualification and optimization of the low temperature (200 °C) metal oxide TFT and a-Si PIN photodiode process, the stability of the devices under forward and reverse bias stress, the transfer of the process to flexible plastic substrates, and the fabrication and assembly of the flexible detectors. Mixed oxide semiconductor TFTs on flexible plastic substrates suffer from performance and stability issues related to the maximum processing temperature limitation of the polymer. A novel device architecture based upon a dual active layer improves both the performance and stability. Devices are directly fabricated below 200 ºC on a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate using mixed metal oxides of either zinc indium oxide (ZIO) or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) as the active semiconductor. The dual active layer architecture allows for adjustment to the saturation mobility and threshold voltage stability without the requirement of high temperature annealing, which is not compatible with flexible plastic substrates like PEN. The device performance and stability is strongly dependent upon the composition of the mixed metal oxide; this dependency provides a simple route to improving the threshold voltage stability and drive performance. By switching from a single to a dual active layer, the saturation mobility increases from 1.2 cm2/V-s to 18.0 cm2/V-s, while the rate of the threshold voltage shift decreases by an order of magnitude. This approach could assist in enabling the production of devices on flexible substrates using amorphous oxide semiconductors. Low temperature (200°C) processed amorphous silicon photodiodes were developed successfully by balancing the tradeoffs between low temperature and low stress (less than -70 MPa compressive) and device performance. Devices with a dark current of less than 1.0 pA/mm2 and a quantum efficiency of 68% have been demonstrated. Alternative processing techniques, such as pixelating the PIN diode and using organic photodiodes have also been explored for applications where extreme flexibility is desired.

Electrostatic accelerators with high energy resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchiyama, T.; Agawa, Y.; Nishihashi, T.; Takagi, K.; Yamakawa, H.; Isoya, A.; Takai, M.; Namba, S.

1991-05-01

Several models of electrostatic accelerators based on rotating disks (Disktron) have been manufactured for various ion beam applications like surface analyses and implantation. The high voltage terminal of the Disktron with a terminal voltage of up to 500 kV is open in air, while the generator part is enclosed in FRP (fiber reinforced plastics) or a ceramic vessel filled with sf 6 gas. The 1 MV model is completely enclosed in a steel vessel. A compact tandem accelerator of the pellet chain type with a terminal voltage of 1.5 MV has also been manufactured. The good energy stability of these accelerators, typically in the range of 10 -4, has proved to be quite favorable for applications in precise studies of material surfaces, including the use of microbeam techniques.

Resonance fluorescence revival in a voltage-controlled semiconductor quantum dot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reigue, Antoine; Lemaître, Aristide; Gomez Carbonell, Carmen; Ulysse, Christian; Merghem, Kamel; Guilet, Stéphane; Hostein, Richard; Voliotis, Valia

2018-02-01

We demonstrate systematic resonance fluorescence recovery with near-unity emission efficiency in single quantum dots embedded in a charge-tunable device in a wave-guiding geometry. The quantum dot charge state is controlled by a gate voltage, through carrier tunneling from a close-lying Fermi sea, stabilizing the resonantly photocreated electron-hole pair. The electric field cancels out the charging/discharging mechanisms from nearby traps toward the quantum dots, responsible for the usually observed inhibition of the resonant fluorescence. Fourier transform spectroscopy as a function of the applied voltage shows a strong increase in the coherence time though not reaching the radiative limit. These charge controlled quantum dots can act as quasi-perfect deterministic single-photon emitters, with one laser pulse converted into one emitted single photon.

Mechanism and kinetics of electrophoretic deposition of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}

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

Sarkar, P.; Nicholson, P.S.

1996-06-01

The four main electrophoretic deposition (EPD) mechanisms are discussed and their shortcomings pointed out. The Hamaker constant for Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} in ethanol suspension is determined by modelling the relationship between particle interaction energy and suspension stability. The Derjagun-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) interaction energy curve for Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles in ethanol suspension is calculated and the minimum deposition voltage determined. Three probe dc measurements were conducted to explain discrepancies between the calculated and experimentally-observed voltage. A mechanism proposed is based on the DLVO theory and particle-lyosphere destortion/thinning. Kinetic equations for EPD are developed for constant current and constant voltage deposition usingmore » mass balance conditions and verified by experimental data.« less

Investigation of sodium insertion–extraction in olivine Na x FePO 4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) using first-principles calculations

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

Saracibar, A.; Carrasco, J.; Saurel, D.

Olivine NaFePO4 has recently attracted the attention of the scientific community as a promising cathode material for Na-ion batteries. In this work we combine density functional theory (DFT) calculations and high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) experiments to study the phase stability of NaxFePO4 along the whole range of sodium compositions (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). DFT calculations reveal the existence of two intermediate structures governing the phase stability at x = 2/3 and x = 5/6. This is in contrast to isostructural LiFePO4, which is a broadly used cathode in Li-ion batteries. Na2/3FePO4 and Na5/6FePO4 ground states both alignmore » vacancies diagonally within the ab plane, coupled to a Fe2+/Fe3+ alignment. HRXRD data for NaxFePO4 (2/3 < x < 1) materials show common superstructure reflections up to x = 5/6 within the studied compositions. The computed intercalation voltage profile shows a voltage difference of 0.16 V between NaFePO4 and Na2/3FePO4 in agreement with the voltage discontinuity observed experimentally during electrochemical insertion.« less

Robust backstepping control of an interlink converter in a hybrid AC/DC microgrid based on feedback linearisation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehkordi, N. Mahdian; Sadati, N.; Hamzeh, M.

2017-09-01

This paper presents a robust dc-link voltage as well as a current control strategy for a bidirectional interlink converter (BIC) in a hybrid ac/dc microgrid. To enhance the dc-bus voltage control, conventional methods strive to measure and feedforward the load or source power in the dc-bus control scheme. However, the conventional feedforward-based approaches require remote measurement with communications. Moreover, conventional methods suffer from stability and performance issues, mainly due to the use of the small-signal-based control design method. To overcome these issues, in this paper, the power from DG units of the dc subgrid imposed on the BIC is considered an unmeasurable disturbance signal. In the proposed method, in contrast to existing methods, using the nonlinear model of BIC, a robust controller that does not need the remote measurement with communications effectively rejects the impact of the disturbance signal imposed on the BIC's dc-link voltage. To avoid communication links, the robust controller has a plug-and-play feature that makes it possible to add a DG/load to or remove it from the dc subgrid without distorting the hybrid microgrid stability. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy in MATLAB/SimPowerSystems software environment.

RF control hardware design for CYCIAE-100 cyclotron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Zhiguo; Fu, Xiaoliang; Ji, Bin; Zhao, Zhenlu; Zhang, Tianjue; Li, Pengzhan; Wei, Junyi; Xing, Jiansheng; Wang, Chuan

2015-11-01

The Beijing Radioactive Ion-beam Facility project is being constructed by BRIF division of China Institute of Atomic Energy. In this project, a 100 MeV high intensity compact proton cyclotron is built for multiple applications. The first successful beam extraction of CYCIAE-100 cyclotron was done in the middle of 2014. The extracted proton beam energy is 100 MeV and the beam current is more than 20 μA. The RF system of the CYCIAE-100 cyclotron includes two half-wavelength cavities, two 100 kW tetrode amplifiers and power transmission line systems (all above are independent from each other) and two sets of Low Level RF control crates. Each set of LLRF control includes an amplitude control unit, a tuning control unit, a phase control unit, a local Digital Signal Process control unit and an Advanced RISC Machines based EPICS IOC unit. These two identical LLRF control crates share one common reference clock and take advantages of modern digital technologies (e.g. DSP and Direct Digital Synthesizer) to achieve closed loop voltage and phase regulations of the dee-voltage. In the beam commission, the measured dee-voltage stability of RF system is better than 0.1% and phase stability is better than 0.03°. The hardware design of the LLRF system will be reviewed in this paper.

Time-dependent deformation of polymer network in polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kyung Min; Tondiglia, Vincent P.; Bunning, Timothy J.; White, Timothy J.

2017-02-01

Recently, we reported direct current (DC) field controllable electro-optic (EO) responses of negative dielectric anisotropy polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs). A potential mechanism is: Ions in the liquid crystal mixtures are trapped in/on the polymer network during the fast photopolymerization process, and the movement of ions by the application of the DC field distorts polymer network toward the negative electrode, inducing pitch variation through the cell thickness, i.e., pitch compression on the negative electrode side and pitch expansion on positive electrode side. As the DC voltage is directly applied to a target voltage, charged polymer network is deformed and the reflection band is tuned. Interestingly, the polymer network deforms further (red shift of reflection band) with time when constantly applied DC voltage, illustrating DC field induced time dependent deformation of polymer network (creep-like behavior). This time dependent reflection band changes in PSCLCs are investigated by varying the several factors, such as type and concentration of photoinitiators, liquid crystal monomer content, and curing condition (UV intensity and curing time). In addition, simple linear viscoelastic spring-dashpot models, such as 2-parameter Kelvin and 3-parameter linear models, are used to investigate the time-dependent viscoelastic behaviors of polymer networks in PSCLC.

Full phosphorescent white-light organic light-emitting diodes with improved color stability and efficiency by fine tuning primary emission contributions

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

Hua, Wang, E-mail: wmsu2008@sinano.ac.cn, E-mail: wanghua001@tyut.edu.cn; Du, Xiaogang; Research Center of Advanced Materials Science and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024

2014-02-15

In this paper, a novel type of white-light organic light emitting diode (OLED) with high color stability was reported, in which the yellow-light emission layer of (4,4{sup ′}-N,N{sup ′}-dicarbazole)biphenyl (CBP) : tris(2-phenylquinoline-C2,N{sup ′})iridium(III) (Ir(2-phq){sub 3}) was sandwiched by double blue-light emission layers of 1,1-bis-[(di-4-tolylamino)pheny1]cyclohexane (TAPC) : bis[4,6-(di-fluorophenyl)-pyridinato-N,C2{sup ′}]picolinate (FIrpic) and tris[3-(3-pyridyl)mesityl]borane (3TPYMB):FIrpic. And, it exhibited the maximum current efficiency of 33.1 cd/A, the turn-on voltage at about 3 V and the maximum luminance in excess of 20000 cd/m{sup 2}. More important, it realized very stable white-light emission, and its CIE(x, y) coordinates only shift from (0.34, 0.37) to (0.33, 0.37)more » as applied voltage increased from 5 V to 12 V. It is believed that the new scheme in emission layer of white-light OLED can fine tune the contribution of primary emission with applied voltage changed, resulting in high quality white-light OLED.« less

Oven controlled N++ [1 0 0] length-extensional mode silicon resonator with frequency stability of 1 ppm over industrial temperature range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Weilong; Pei, Binbin; Sun, Ke; Zhang, Lei; Yang, Heng; Li, Xinxin

2017-10-01

This paper presents an oven controlled N++ [1 0 0] length-extensional mode silicon resonator, with a lookup-table based control algorithm. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF) of the N++ doped resonator is nonlinear, and there is a turnover temperature point at which the TCF is equal to zero. The resonator is maintained at the turnover point by Joule heating; this temperature is a little higher than the upper limit of the industrial temperature range. It is demonstrated that the control algorithm based on the thermoresistor on the substrate and the lookup table for heating voltage versus chip temperature is sufficiently accurate to achieve a frequency stability of  ±0.5 ppm over the industrial temperature range. Because only two leads are required for electrical heating and piezoresistive sensing, the power required for heating of this resonator can be potentially lower than that of the oscillators with closed-loop oven control algorithm. It is also shown that the phase noise can be suppressed at the turnover temperature because of the very low value of the TCF, which justifies the usage of the heating voltage as the excitation voltage of the Wheatstone half-bridge.

Performance, stability and operation voltage optimization of screen-printed aqueous supercapacitors

PubMed Central

Lehtimäki, Suvi; Railanmaa, Anna; Keskinen, Jari; Kujala, Manu; Tuukkanen, Sampo; Lupo, Donald

2017-01-01

Harvesting micropower energy from the ambient environment requires an intermediate energy storage, for which printed aqueous supercapacitors are well suited due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. In this work, a systematic study of a large set of devices is used to investigate the effect of process variability and operating voltage on the performance and stability of screen printed aqueous supercapacitors. The current collectors and active layers are printed with graphite and activated carbon inks, respectively, and aqueous NaCl used as the electrolyte. The devices are characterized through galvanostatic discharge measurements for quantitative determination of capacitance and equivalent series resistance (ESR), as well as impedance spectroscopy for a detailed study of the factors contributing to ESR. The capacitances are 200–360 mF and the ESRs 7.9–12.7 Ω, depending on the layer thicknesses. The ESR is found to be dominated by the resistance of the graphite current collectors and is compatible with applications in low-power distributed electronics. The effects of different operating voltages on the capacitance, leakage and aging rate of the supercapacitors are tested, and 1.0 V found to be the optimal choice for using the devices in energy harvesting applications. PMID:28382962

Nasicon-Type Surface Functional Modification in Core-Shell LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2@NaTi2(PO4)3 Cathode Enhances Its High-Voltage Cycling Stability and Rate Capacity toward Li-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Liang, Longwei; Sun, Xuan; Wu, Chen; Hou, Linrui; Sun, Jinfeng; Zhang, Xiaogang; Yuan, Changzhou

2018-02-14

Surface modifications are established well as efficient methodologies to enhance comprehensive Li-storage behaviors of the cathodes and play a significant role in cutting edge innovations toward lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we first logically devised a pilot-scale coating strategy to integrate solid-state electrolyte NaTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 (NTP) and layered LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC) for smart construction of core-shell NMC@NTP cathodes. The Nasicon-type NTP nanoshell with exceptional ion conductivity effectively suppressed gradual encroachment and/or loss of electroactive NMC, guaranteed stable phase interfaces, and meanwhile rendered small sur-/interfacial electron/ion-diffusion resistance. By benefiting from immanently promoting contributions of the nano-NTP coating, the as-fabricated core-shell NMC@NTP architectures were competitively endowed with superior high-voltage cyclic stabilities and rate capacities within larger electrochemical window from 3.0 to 4.6 V when utilized as advanced cathodes for advanced LIBs. More meaningfully, the appealing electrode design concept proposed here will exert significant impact upon further constructing other high-voltage Ni-based cathodes for high-energy/power LIBs.

Design and characterization of a novel power over fiber system integrating a high power diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perales, Mico; Yang, Mei-huan; Wu, Cheng-liang; Hsu, Chin-wei; Chao, Wei-sheng; Chen, Kun-hsein; Zahuranec, Terry

2017-02-01

High power 9xx nm diode lasers along with MH GoPower's (MHGP's) flexible line of Photovoltaic Power Converters (PPCs) are spurring high power applications for power over fiber (PoF), including applications for powering remote sensors and sensors monitoring high voltage equipment, powering high voltage IGBT gate drivers, converters used in RF over Fiber (RFoF) systems, and system power applications, including powering UAVs. In PoF, laser power is transmitted over fiber, and is converted to electricity by photovoltaic cells (packaged into Photovoltaic Power Converters, or PPCs) which efficiently convert the laser light. In this research, we design a high power multi-channel PoF system, incorporating a high power 976 nm diode laser, a cabling system with fiber break detection, and a multichannel PPC-module. We then characterizes system features such as its response time to system commands, the PPC module's electrical output stability, the PPC-module's thermal response, the fiber break detection system response, and the diode laser optical output stability. The high power PoF system and this research will serve as a scalable model for those interested in researching, developing, or deploying a high power, voltage isolated, and optically driven power source for high reliability utility, communications, defense, and scientific applications.

Gas engineering studies for high pressure self-sustained diffuse discharge closing switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunter, S. R.; Christophorou, L. G.; Carter, J. G.

The operating voltage and discharge stability of diffuse discharges for fast-closing switch applications are critically dependent on the variation of the ionization (alpha/N) and attachment (eta/N) coefficients with E/N (gas density normalized electric field strength). Gases and gas mixtures which possess low (E/N)/sub lim/ values (i.e., the E/N value when anti alpha/N = alpha/N - eta/N = 0) and effective ionization coefficients, anti alpha/N, which vary slowly with E/N near (E/N)(sub lim) lead to lower voltage (i.e., more efficient) operation with increased discharge stability. Several gas mixtures with these characteristics are discussed. It is argued that further improvements in switch efficiency and discharge stability can be obtained by adding a low ionization onset gas additive to these binary mixtures, such that at low E/N, alpha/N is greater than eta/N, while at higher E/N, eta/N is greater than alpha/N over a restricted E/N range. Several low ionization onset gas additives are suggested and the electron attachment and ionization coefficients in selected gas mixtures which possess these desirable characteristics are given.

Improved long-term electrical stability of pulsed high-power diodes using dense carbon fiber velvet cathodes

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

Yang Jie; Shu Ting; Wang Hui

2012-07-15

The influence of fibrous velvet cathodes on the electrical stability of a planar high-power diode powered by a {approx}230 kV, {approx}110 ns pulse has been investigated. The current density was on the order of {approx}123 A/cm{sup 2}. A combination of time-resolved electrical and optical diagnostics has been employed to study the basic phenomenology of the temporal and spatial evolution of the diode plasmas. Additionally, an impedance model was used to extract information about this plasma from voltage and current profiles. The results from the two diagnostics were compared. By comparison with commercial polymer velvet cathode, the dense carbon fiber velvetmore » cathode showed superior long-term electrical stability as judged by the change in cathode turn-on field, ignition delays, diode impedance, and surface plasma characteristics during the voltage flattop, a promising result for applications where reliable operation at high power is required. Finally, it was shown that the interaction of the electron beam with the stainless steel anode did not lead to the formation of anode plasma. These results may be of interest to the high power microwave systems with cold cathodes.« less

The role of nitrogen doping in ALD Ta2O5 and its influence on multilevel cell switching in RRAM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedghi, N.; Li, H.; Brunell, I. F.; Dawson, K.; Potter, R. J.; Guo, Y.; Gibbon, J. T.; Dhanak, V. R.; Zhang, W. D.; Zhang, J. F.; Robertson, J.; Hall, S.; Chalker, P. R.

2017-03-01

The role of nitrogen doping on the stability and memory window of resistive state switching in N-doped Ta2O5 deposited by atomic layer deposition is elucidated. Nitrogen incorporation increases the stability of resistive memory states which is attributed to neutralization of electronic defect levels associated with oxygen vacancies. The density functional simulations with the screened exchange hybrid functional approximation show that the incorporation of nitrogen dopant atoms in the oxide network removes the O vacancy midgap defect states, thus nullifying excess defects and eliminating alternative conductive paths. By effectively reducing the density of vacancy-induced defect states through N doping, 3-bit multilevel cell switching is demonstrated, consisting of eight distinctive resistive memory states achieved by either controlling the set current compliance or the maximum voltage during reset. Nitrogen doping has a threefold effect: widening the switching memory window to accommodate the more intermediate states, improving the stability of states, and providing a gradual reset for multi-level cell switching during reset. The N-doped Ta2O5 devices have relatively small set and reset voltages (< 1 V) with reduced variability due to doping.

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.

[Optimal beam quality for chest digital radiography].

PubMed

Oda, Nobuhiro; Tabata, Yoshito; Nakano, Tsutomu

2014-11-01

To investigate the optimal beam quality for chest computed radiography (CR), we measured the radiographic contrast and evaluated the image quality of chest CR using various X-ray tube voltages. The contrast between lung and rib or heart increased on CR images obtained by lowering the tube voltage from 140 to 60 kV, but the degree of increase was less. Scattered radiation was reduced on CR images with a lower tube voltage. The Wiener spectrum of CR images with a low tube voltage showed a low value under identical conditions of amount of light stimulated emission. The quality of chest CR images obtained using a lower tube voltage (80 kV and 100 kV) was evaluated as being superior to those obtained with a higher tube voltage (120 kV and 140 kV). Considering the problem of tube loading and exposure in clinical applications, a tube voltage of 90 to 100 kV (0.1 mm copper filter backed by 0.5 mm aluminum) is recommended for chest CR.

Experimental Evaluation and Comparison of Thermal Conductivity of High-Voltage Insulation Materials for Vacuum Electronic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh, C.; Srikrishna, P.

2017-07-01

Vacuum electronic devices operate with very high voltage differences between their sub-assemblies which are separated by very small distances. These devices also emit large amounts of heat that needs to be dissipated. Hence, there exists a requirement for high-voltage insulators with good thermal conductivity for voltage isolation and efficient heat dissipation. However, these voltage insulators are generally poor conductors of heat. In the present work, an effort has been made to obtain good high-voltage insulation materials with substantial improvement in their thermal conductivity. New mixtures of composites were formed by blending varying percentages (by volumes) of aluminum nitride powders with that of neat room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone elastomer compound. In this work, a thermal conductivity test setup has been devised for the quantification of the thermal conductivity of the insulators. The thermal conductivities and high-voltage isolation capabilities of various blended composites were quantified and were compared with that of neat RTV to evaluate the relative improvement.

Improved radical stability of viologen anolytes in aqueous organic redox flow batteries.

PubMed

Hu, Bo; Tang, Yijie; Luo, Jian; Grove, Grant; Guo, Yisong; Liu, T Leo

2018-05-09

A high voltage (1.38 V) total organic aqueous redox flow battery is reported using 1,1'-bis[3-(trimethylammonio)propyl]-4,4'-bipyridinium tetrachloride ((NPr)2V) as an anolyte and 4-trimethylammonium-TEMPO chloride (NMe-TEMPO) as a catholyte. The exceptional radical stability of [(NPr)2V]+˙ enabled the flow battery in achieving 97.48% capacity retention for 500 cycles and a power density of 128.2 mW cm-2.

Cryogenic Pound Circuits for Cryogenic Sapphire Oscillators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dick, G. John; Wang, Rabi

2006-01-01

Two modern cryogenic variants of the Pound circuit have been devised to increase the frequency stability of microwave oscillators that include cryogenic sapphire-filled cavity resonators. The original Pound circuit is a microwave frequency discriminator that provides feedback to stabilize a voltage-controlled microwave oscillator with respect to an associated cavity resonator. In the present cryogenic Pound circuits, the active microwave devices are implemented by use of state-of-the-art commercially available tunnel diodes that exhibit low flicker noise (required for high frequency stability) and function well at low temperatures and at frequencies up to several tens of gigahertz. While tunnel diodes are inherently operable as amplitude detectors and amplitude modulators, they cannot, by themselves, induce significant phase modulation. Therefore, each of the present cryogenic Pound circuits includes passive circuitry that transforms the AM into the required PM. Each circuit also contains an AM detector that is used to sample the microwave signal at the input terminal of the high-Q resonator for the purpose of verifying the desired AM null at this point. Finally, each circuit contains a Pound signal detector that puts out a signal, at the modulation frequency, having an amplitude proportional to the frequency error in the input signal. High frequency stability is obtained by processing this output signal into feedback to a voltage-controlled oscillator to continuously correct the frequency error in the input signal.

An implementation of particle swarm optimization to evaluate optimal under-voltage load shedding in competitive electricity markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini-Bioki, M. M.; Rashidinejad, M.; Abdollahi, A.

2013-11-01

Load shedding is a crucial issue in power systems especially under restructured electricity environment. Market-driven load shedding in reregulated power systems associated with security as well as reliability is investigated in this paper. A technoeconomic multi-objective function is introduced to reveal an optimal load shedding scheme considering maximum social welfare. The proposed optimization problem includes maximum GENCOs and loads' profits as well as maximum loadability limit under normal and contingency conditions. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) as a heuristic optimization technique, is utilized to find an optimal load shedding scheme. In a market-driven structure, generators offer their bidding blocks while the dispatchable loads will bid their price-responsive demands. An independent system operator (ISO) derives a market clearing price (MCP) while rescheduling the amount of generating power in both pre-contingency and post-contingency conditions. The proposed methodology is developed on a 3-bus system and then is applied to a modified IEEE 30-bus test system. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in implementing the optimal load shedding satisfying social welfare by maintaining voltage stability margin (VSM) through technoeconomic analyses.

Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical Performance of High Capacity Li 2Cu 0.5Ni 0.5O 2 Cathodes

DOE PAGES

Ruther, Rose E; Zhou, Hui; Dhital, Chetan; ...

2015-09-08

Orthorhombic Li 2NiO 2, Li 2CuO 2, and solid solutions thereof have been studied as potential cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and relatively low cost. While neither endmember shows good cycling stability, the intermediate composition, Li 2Cu 0.5Ni 0.5O 2, yields reasonably high reversible capacities. A new synthetic approach and detailed characterization of this phase and the parent Li 2CuO 2 are presented. The cycle life of Li 2Cu 0.5Ni 0.5O 2 is shown to depend critically on the voltage window. The formation of Cu 1+ at low voltage and oxygen evolution at highmore » voltage limit the electrochemical reversibility. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in situ Raman spectroscopy, and gas evolution measurements are used to follow the chemical and structural changes that occur as a function of cell voltage.« less

A new type of accelerator power supply based on voltage-type space vector PWM rectification technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Fengjun; Gao, Daqing; Shi, Chunfeng; Huang, Yuzhen; Cui, Yuan; Yan, Hongbin; Zhang, Huajian; Wang, Bin; Li, Xiaohui

2016-08-01

To solve the problems such as low input power factor, a large number of AC current harmonics and instable DC bus voltage due to the diode or thyristor rectifier used in an accelerator power supply, particularly in the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou-Cooler Storage Ring (HIRFL-CSR), we designed and built up a new type of accelerator power supply prototype base on voltage-type space vector PWM (SVPWM) rectification technology. All the control strategies are developed in TMS320C28346, which is a digital signal processor from TI. The experimental results indicate that an accelerator power supply with a SVPWM rectifier can solve the problems above well, and the output performance such as stability, tracking error and ripple current meet the requirements of the design. The achievement of prototype confirms that applying voltage-type SVPWM rectification technology in an accelerator power supply is feasible; and it provides a good reference for design and build of this new type of power supply.

A 800 kV compact peaking capacitor for nanosecond generator.

PubMed

Jia, Wei; Chen, Zhiqiang; Tang, Junping; Chen, Weiqing; Guo, Fan; Sun, Fengrong; Li, Junna; Qiu, Aici

2014-09-01

An extremely compact high voltage peaking capacitor is developed. The capacitor has a pancake structure with a diameter of 315 mm, a thickness of 59 mm, and a mass of 6.1 kg. The novel structural design endows the capacitor with a better mechanical stability and reliability under hundreds of kilovolts pulse voltage and an inner gas pressure of more than 1.5 MPa. The theoretical value of the capacitor self-inductance is near to 17 nH. Proved by series of electrical experiments, the capacitor can endure a high-voltage pulse with a rise time of about 20 ns, a half-width duration of around 25 ns, and an amplitude of up to 800 kV in a single shot model. When the capacitor was used in an electromagnetic pulse simulator as a peaking capacitor, the rise time of the voltage pulse can be reduced from 20 ns to less than 3 ns. The practical value of the capacitor's inductance deduced from the experimental date is no more than 25 nH.

Phosphatidic acid modulation of Kv channel voltage sensor function

PubMed Central

Hite, Richard K; Butterwick, Joel A; MacKinnon, Roderick

2014-01-01

Membrane phospholipids can function as potent regulators of ion channel function. This study uncovers and investigates the effect of phosphatidic acid on Kv channel gating. Using the method of reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers, in which protein and lipid components are defined and controlled, we characterize two effects of phosphatidic acid. The first is a non-specific electrostatic influence on activation mediated by electric charge density on the extracellular and intracellular membrane surfaces. The second is specific to the presence of a primary phosphate group, acts only through the intracellular membrane leaflet and depends on the presence of a particular arginine residue in the voltage sensor. Intracellular phosphatidic acid accounts for a nearly 50 mV shift in the midpoint of the activation curve in a direction consistent with stabilization of the voltage sensor's closed conformation. These findings support a novel mechanism of voltage sensor regulation by the signaling lipid phosphatidic acid. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04366.001 PMID:25285449

A novel method for in-situ monitoring of local voltage, temperature and humidity distributions in fuel cells using flexible multi-functional micro sensors.

PubMed

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Fan, Wei-Yuan; Chang, Chih-Ping

2011-01-01

In this investigation, micro voltage, temperature and humidity sensors were fabricated and integrated for the first time on a stainless steel foil using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). These flexible multi-functional micro sensors have the advantages of high temperature resistance, flexibility, smallness, high sensitivity and precision of location. They were embedded in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and used to simultaneously measure variations in the inner voltage, temperature and humidity. The accuracy and reproducibility of the calibrated results obtained using the proposed micro sensors is excellent. The experimental results indicate that, at high current density and 100%RH or 75%RH, the relative humidity midstream and downstream saturates due to severe flooding. The performance of the PEM fuel cell can be stabilized using home-made flexible multi-functional micro sensors by the in-situ monitoring of local voltage, temperature and humidity distributions within it.

A Novel Method for In-Situ Monitoring of Local Voltage, Temperature and Humidity Distributions in Fuel Cells Using Flexible Multi-Functional Micro Sensors

PubMed Central

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Fan, Wei-Yuan; Chang, Chih-Ping

2011-01-01

In this investigation, micro voltage, temperature and humidity sensors were fabricated and integrated for the first time on a stainless steel foil using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). These flexible multi-functional micro sensors have the advantages of high temperature resistance, flexibility, smallness, high sensitivity and precision of location. They were embedded in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and used to simultaneously measure variations in the inner voltage, temperature and humidity. The accuracy and reproducibility of the calibrated results obtained using the proposed micro sensors is excellent. The experimental results indicate that, at high current density and 100%RH or 75%RH, the relative humidity midstream and downstream saturates due to severe flooding. The performance of the PEM fuel cell can be stabilized using home-made flexible multi-functional micro sensors by the in-situ monitoring of local voltage, temperature and humidity distributions within it. PMID:22319361

Electro-chemical coupling in the voltage-dependent phosphatase Ci-VSP

PubMed Central

Kohout, Susy C.; Bell, Sarah C.; Liu, Lijun; Xu, Qiang; Minor, Daniel L.; Isacoff, Ehud Y.

2010-01-01

In the voltage sensing phosphatase, Ci-VSP, a voltage sensing domain (VSD) controls a lipid phosphatase domain (PD). The mechanism by which the domains are allosterically coupled is not well understood. Using an in vivo assay, we find that the inter-domain linker that connects the VSD to the PD is essential for coupling the full-length protein. Biochemical assays show that the linker is also needed for activity in the isolated PD. We identify a late step of VSD motion in the full-length protein that depends on the linker. Strikingly, this VSD motion is found to require PI(4,5)P2, a substrate of Ci-VSP. These results suggest that the voltage-driven motion of the VSD turns the enzyme on by rearranging the linker into an activated conformation, and that this activated conformation is stabilized by PI(4,5)P2. We propose that Ci-VSP activity is self-limited because its decrease of PI(4,5)P2 levels decouples the VSD from the enzyme. PMID:20364128

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD): Mechanisms, kinetics, and application to ceramics

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

Sarkar, P.; Nicholson, P.S.

1996-08-01

The mechanisms of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) are discussed and their shortcomings identified. The kinetics of the processes involved are analyzed for constant-current and constant-voltage conditions. A method of determining the Hamaker constant of suspended particles is developed by modeling the relationship between the particle interaction energy and the suspension stability. A three-probe dc technique is used to map the voltage profile around the depositing electrode, and the results are used to explain discrepancies between the calculated and experimentally observed voltage drops during deposition. A mechanism of deposition is proposed based on DLVO theory and particle double-layer distortion/thinning on application ofmore » a dc field to the suspension. Kinetic equations are developed for constant-current and constant-voltage EPD using mass balance conditions; these are verified by experiments. After the phenomenon is introduced and discussed, a critique of the application of EPD to the synthesis of ceramic shapes and coatings is given.« less

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.

Adaptive Hierarchical Voltage Control of a DFIG-Based Wind Power Plant for a Grid Fault

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

Kim, Jinho; Muljadi, Eduard; Park, Jung-Wook

This paper proposes an adaptive hierarchical voltage control scheme of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind power plant (WPP) that can secure more reserve of reactive power (Q) in the WPP against a grid fault. To achieve this, each DFIG controller employs an adaptive reactive power to voltage (Q-V) characteristic. The proposed adaptive Q-V characteristic is temporally modified depending on the available Q capability of a DFIG; it is dependent on the distance from a DFIG to the point of common coupling (PCC). The proposed characteristic secures more Q reserve in the WPP than the fixed one. Furthermore, it allowsmore » DFIGs to promptly inject up to the Q limit, thereby improving the PCC voltage support. To avert an overvoltage after the fault clearance, washout filters are implemented in the WPP and DFIG controllers; they can prevent a surplus Q injection after the fault clearance by eliminating the accumulated values in the proportional-integral controllers of both controllers during the fault. Test results demonstrate that the scheme can improve the voltage support capability during the fault and suppress transient overvoltage after the fault clearance under scenarios of various system and fault conditions; therefore, it helps ensure grid resilience by supporting the voltage stability.« less

GaN HEMTs with p-GaN gate: field- and time-dependent degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meneghesso, G.; Meneghini, M.; Rossetto, I.; Canato, E.; Bartholomeus, J.; De Santi, C.; Trivellin, N.; Zanoni, E.

2017-02-01

GaN-HEMTs with p-GaN gate have recently demonstrated to be excellent normally-off devices for application in power conversion systems, thanks to the high and robust threshold voltage (VTH>1 V), the high breakdown voltage, and the low dynamic Ron increase. For this reason, studying the stability and reliability of these devices under high stress conditions is of high importance. This paper reports on our most recent results on the field- and time-dependent degradation of GaN-HEMTs with p-GaN gate submitted to stress with positive gate bias. Based on combined step-stress experiments, constant voltage stress and electroluminescence testing we demonstrated that: (i) when submitted to high/positive gate stress, the transistors may show a negative threshold voltage shift, that is ascribed to the injection of holes from the gate metal towards the p-GaN/AlGaN interface; (ii) in a step-stress experiment, the analyzed commercial devices fail at gate voltages higher than 9-10 V, due to the extremely high electric field over the p-GaN/AlGaN stack; (iii) constant voltage stress tests indicate that the failure is also time-dependent and Weibull distributed. The several processes that can explain the time-dependent failure are discussed in the following.

Effect of Reduced Tube Voltage on Diagnostic Accuracy of CT Colonography.

PubMed

Futamata, Yoshihiro; Koide, Tomoaki; Ihara, Riku

2017-01-01

The normal tube voltage in computed tomography colonography (CTC) is 120 kV. Some reports indicate that the use of a low tube voltage (lower than 120 kV) technique plays a significant role in reduction of radiation dose. However, to determine whether a lower tube voltage can reduce radiation dose without compromising diagnostic accuracy, an evaluation of images that are obtained while maintaining the volume CT dose index (CTDI vol ) is required. This study investigated the effect of reduced tube voltage in CTC, without modifying radiation dose (i.e. constant CTDI vol ), on image quality. Evaluation of image quality involved the shape of the noise power spectrum, surface profiling with volume rendering (VR), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The shape of the noise power spectrum obtained with a tube voltage of 80 kV and 100 kV was not similar to the one produced with a tube voltage of 120 kV. Moreover, a higher standard deviation was observed on volume-rendered images that were generated using the reduced tube voltages. In addition, ROC analysis revealed a statistically significant drop in diagnostic accuracy with reduced tube voltage, revealing that the modification of tube voltage affects volume-rendered images. The results of this study suggest that reduction of tube voltage in CTC, so as to reduce radiation dose, affects image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Performance improvement of IF(CN2)2 meta based N-channel OTFTs and their integration into a stable CMOS inverter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bebiche, S.; Bouhadda, I.; Mohammed-Brahim, T.; Coulon, N.; Bergamini, J. F.; Poriel, C.; Jacques, E.

2017-04-01

In this work we report the fabrication of N channel transistors based on IF(CN2)2 meta molecule. The effect of IF(CN2)2 meta evaporation parameters on corresponding TFTs performances, is evaluated and highlighted here. Since the effect of deposition conditions for this molecule type has not been reported yet, here we report an improvement about 20 times of field effect mobility when deposited at substrate temperature of 80 °C and deposition rate of 0.7 Å/s, and then annealed at low temperature. Reached mobility of 2.2 × 10-3 cm2/V·s, is comparable to reported μFE of single crystal indenofluorene TFTs. The optimum mobility in these evaporation conditions was explained by the best compromise between the grain size and packing density of films. Fabricated IF(CN2)2 meta based devices are combined to 6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene devices and then integrated into a CMOS inverter logic circuit. The inverter's VTC shows large output voltage swing. Electrical stability of the performed inverter was also evaluated and the inverter shows a correct electrical stability, after 3 h of non-stop operation and the peak to peak magnitude corresponding to VOUT decreases only by 2.6%.

Hydrogen-oxygen proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baldwin, R.; Pham, M.; Leonida, A.; Mcelroy, J.; Nalette, T.

1989-01-01

Hydrogen-oxygen SPE fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers (products of Hamilton Standard) both use a Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) as the sole electrolyte. The SPE cells have demonstrated a ten year life capability under load conditions. Ultimate life of PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers is primarily related to the chemical stability of the membrane. For perfluorocarbon proton-exchange membranes an accurate measure of the membrane stability is the fluoride loss rate. Millions of cell hours have contributed to establishing a relationship between fluroride loss rates and average expected ultimate cell life. Several features were introduced into SPE fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers such that applications requiring greater than or equal to 100,000 hours of life can be considered. Equally important as the ultimate life is the voltage stability of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells and electrolyzers. Here again the features of SPE fuel cells and SPE electrolyzers have shown a cell voltage stability in the order of 1 microvolt per hour. That level of stability were demonstrated for tens of thousands of hours in SPE fuel cells at up to 500 amps per square foot (ASF) current density. The SPE electrolyzers have demonstrated the same at 1000 ASF. Many future extraterrestrial applications for fuel cells require that they be self recharged. To translate the proven SPE cell life and stability into a highly reliable extraterrestrial electrical energy storage system, a simplification of supporting equipment is required. Static phase separation, static fluid transport and static thermal control will be most useful in producting required system reliability. Although some 200,000 SPE fuel cell hours were recorded in earth orbit with static fluid phase separation, no SPE electrolyzer has, as yet, operated in space.

Partial discharge testing under direct voltage conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bever, R. S.; Westrom, J. L.

1982-01-01

DC partial discharge (PD) (corona) testing is performed using a multichannel analyzer for pulse storing, and data is collected during increase of voltage and at quiescent voltage levels. Thus high voltage ceramic disk capacitors were evaluated by obtaining PD data interspersed during an accelerated life test. Increased PD activity was found early in samples that later failed catastrophically. By this technique, trends of insulation behavior are revealed sensitively and nondestructively in high voltage dc components.

7 CFR 1710.252 - Construction work plans-power supply borrowers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... operating systems of supporting power pools and to connect with adjacent power suppliers; (4) Improvements..., new substations and substation improvements and replacements, and Systems Control and Data Acquisition... include studies of load flows, voltage regulation, and stability characteristics to demonstrate system...

7 CFR 1710.252 - Construction work plans-power supply borrowers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... operating systems of supporting power pools and to connect with adjacent power suppliers; (4) Improvements..., new substations and substation improvements and replacements, and Systems Control and Data Acquisition... include studies of load flows, voltage regulation, and stability characteristics to demonstrate system...

7 CFR 1710.252 - Construction work plans-power supply borrowers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... operating systems of supporting power pools and to connect with adjacent power suppliers; (4) Improvements..., new substations and substation improvements and replacements, and Systems Control and Data Acquisition... include studies of load flows, voltage regulation, and stability characteristics to demonstrate system...

7 CFR 1710.252 - Construction work plans-power supply borrowers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... operating systems of supporting power pools and to connect with adjacent power suppliers; (4) Improvements..., new substations and substation improvements and replacements, and Systems Control and Data Acquisition... include studies of load flows, voltage regulation, and stability characteristics to demonstrate system...

7 CFR 1710.252 - Construction work plans-power supply borrowers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... operating systems of supporting power pools and to connect with adjacent power suppliers; (4) Improvements..., new substations and substation improvements and replacements, and Systems Control and Data Acquisition... include studies of load flows, voltage regulation, and stability characteristics to demonstrate system...

Voltage regulation in distribution networks with distributed generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blažič, B.; Uljanić, B.; Papič, I.

2012-11-01

The paper deals with the topic of voltage regulation in distribution networks with relatively high distributed energy resources (DER) penetration. The problem of voltage rise is described and different options for voltage regulation are given. The influence of DER on voltage profile and the effectiveness of the investigated solutions are evaluated by means of simulation in DIgSILENT. The simulated network is an actual distribution network in Slovenia with a relatively high penetration of distributed generation. Recommendations for voltage control in networks with DER penetration are given at the end.

Evaluation of Low-Voltage Distribution Network Index Based on Improved Principal Component Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Hanlu; Gao, Suzhou; Fan, Wenjie; Zhong, Yinfeng; Zhu, Lei

2018-01-01

In order to evaluate the development level of the low-voltage distribution network objectively and scientifically, chromatography analysis method is utilized to construct evaluation index model of low-voltage distribution network. Based on the analysis of principal component and the characteristic of logarithmic distribution of the index data, a logarithmic centralization method is adopted to improve the principal component analysis algorithm. The algorithm can decorrelate and reduce the dimensions of the evaluation model and the comprehensive score has a better dispersion degree. The clustering method is adopted to analyse the comprehensive score because the comprehensive score of the courts is concentrated. Then the stratification evaluation of the courts is realized. An example is given to verify the objectivity and scientificity of the evaluation method.

Low Beam Voltage, 10 MW, L-Band Cluster Klystron

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

Teryaev, V.; /Novosibirsk, IYF; Yakovlev, V.P.

2009-05-01

Conceptual design of a multi-beam klystron (MBK) for possible ILC and Project X applications is presented. The chief distinction between this MBK design and existing 10-MW MBK's is the low operating voltage of 60 kV. There are at least four compelling reasons that justify development at this time of a low-voltage MBK, namely (1) no pulse transformer; (2) no oil tank for high-voltage components and for the tube socket; (3) no high-voltage cables; and (4) modulator would be a compact 60-kV IGBT switching circuit. The proposed klystron consists of four clusters containing six beams each. The tube has common inputmore » and output cavities for all 24 beams, and individual gain cavities for each cluster. A closely related optional configuration, also for a 10 MW tube, would involve four totally independent cavity clusters with four independent input cavities and four 2.5 MW output ports, all within a common magnetic circuit. This option has appeal because the output waveguides would not require a controlled atmosphere, and because it would be easier to achieve phase and amplitude stability as required in individual SC accelerator cavities.« less

CO2-Tea pulse clipping using pulsed high voltage preionization for high spatial resolution I.R. Lidar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasmi, Taieb

2018-04-01

An extra-cavity CO2-TEA laser pulse clipper for high spatial resolution atmospheric monitoring is presented. The clipper uses pulsed high voltageto facilitate the breakdown of the gas within the clipper cell. Complete extinction of the nitrogen tail, that degrades the range resolution of LIDARS, is obtained at pressures from 375 up to 1500 Torr for nitrogen and argon gases whereas an attenuation coefficient of almost 102 is achieved for helium. Excellent energy stability and pulse width repeatability were achieved using high voltage pre-ionized gas technique.

Racetrack-shape fixed field induction accelerator for giant cluster ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takayama, Ken; Adachi, Toshikazu; Wake, Masayoshi; Okamura, Katsuya

2015-05-01

A novel scheme for a racetrack-shape fixed field induction accelerator (RAFFIA) capable of accelerating extremely heavy cluster ions (giant cluster ions) is described. The key feature of this scheme is rapid induction acceleration by localized induction cells. Triggering the induction voltages provided by the signals from the circulating bunch allows repeated acceleration of extremely heavy cluster ions. The given RAFFIA example is capable of realizing the integrated acceleration voltage of 50 MV per acceleration cycle. Using 90° bending magnets with a reversed field strip and field gradient is crucial for assuring orbit stability in the RAFFIA.

A computer assisted intelligent storm outage evaluator for power distribution systems

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

Balakrishnan, R.; Pahwa, A.

1990-07-01

The lower voltage part of the power distribution system (primary and secondary sub-systems) does not have the provision for real-time status feedback, and as a result evaluation of outages is an extremely difficult task, especially during system emergencies caused by tornadoes and ice-storms. In this paper, a knowledge based approach is proposed for evaluation of storm related outages in the distribution systems. At the outset, binary voltage sensors capable of transmitting the real-time voltage on/off symptoms are recommended to be installed at strategic locations in the distribution system.

Fluidized bed reaction towards crystalline embedded amorphous Si anode with much enhanced cycling stability.

PubMed

Zhou, Yu; Guo, Huajun; Yan, Guochun; Wang, Zhixing; Li, Xinhai; Yang, Zhewei; Zheng, Anxiong; Wang, Jiexi

2018-04-10

A facile and large-scale fluidized bed reaction route was introduced for the first time to prepare crystalline embedded amorphous silicon nanoparticles with an average size of 50 nm as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. By increasing the operating potential to control the electrochemically active degree, the resulting sample showed excellent cycle stability with a high capacity retention of 94.7% after 200 cycles at 1 A g-1 in the voltage range of 0.12-2.00 V.

Effect of voltage waveform on dielectric barrier discharge ozone production efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mericam-Bourdet, N.; Kirkpatrick, M. J.; Tuvache, F.; Frochot, D.; Odic, E.

2012-03-01

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are commonly used for gas effluent cleanup and ozone generation. For these applications, the energy efficiency of the discharge is a major concern. This paper reports on investigations carried out on the voltage shape applied to DBD reactor electrodes, aiming to evaluate a possible energy efficiency improvement for ozone production. Two DBD reactor geometries were used: pin-to-pin and cylinder-to-cylinder, both driven either by a bi-directional power supply (voltage rise rate 1 kV/μs) or by a pulsed power supply (voltage rise rate 1 kV/ns). Ozone formed in dry air was measured at the reactor outlet. Special attention was paid to discharge input power evaluation using different methods including instantaneous current-voltage product and transferred charge-applied voltage figures. The charge transferred by the discharges was also correlated to the ozone production. It is shown that, in the case of the DBD reactors under investigation, the applied voltage shape has no influence on the ozone production efficiency. For the considered voltage rise rate, the charge deposit on the dielectric inserted inside the discharge gap is the important factor (as opposed to the voltage shape) governing the efficiency of the discharge - it does this by tailoring the duration of the current peak into the tens of nanosecond range.

Printing of highly conductive solution by alternating current electrohydrodynamic direct-write

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jiaxin; Zheng, Gaofeng; Wang, Xiang; Zheng, Jianyi; Liu, Juan; Liu, Yifang; Li, Wenwang; Guo, Shumin

2018-03-01

Electrohydrodynamic Direct-Write (EDW) is a novel technology for the printing of micro/nano structures. In this paper, Alternating Current (AC) electrical field was introduced to improve the ejection stability of jet with highly conductive solution. By alternating the electrical field, the polarity of free charges on the surface of jet was changed and the average density of charge, as well as the repulsive force, was reduced to stabilize the jet. When the frequency of AC electrical field increased, the EDW process became more stable and the shape of deposited droplets became more regular. The diameter of printed droplets decreased and the deposition frequency increased with the increase of voltage frequency. The phenomenon of corona discharge was overcome effectively as well. To further evaluate the performance of AC EDW for highly conductive solution, more NaCl was added to the solution and the conductivity was increased to 2810μs/cm. With such high conductivity, the problem of serious corona discharge could still be prevented by AC EDW, and the diameter of printed droplets decreased significantly. This work provides an effective way to accelerate industrial applications of EDW.

An Incentive-based Online Optimization Framework for Distribution Grids

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Xinyang; Dall'Anese, Emiliano; Chen, Lijun; ...

2017-10-09

This article formulates a time-varying social-welfare maximization problem for distribution grids with distributed energy resources (DERs) and develops online distributed algorithms to identify (and track) its solutions. In the considered setting, network operator and DER-owners pursue given operational and economic objectives, while concurrently ensuring that voltages are within prescribed limits. The proposed algorithm affords an online implementation to enable tracking of the solutions in the presence of time-varying operational conditions and changing optimization objectives. It involves a strategy where the network operator collects voltage measurements throughout the feeder to build incentive signals for the DER-owners in real time; DERs thenmore » adjust the generated/consumed powers in order to avoid the violation of the voltage constraints while maximizing given objectives. Stability of the proposed schemes is analytically established and numerically corroborated.« less

An Incentive-based Online Optimization Framework for Distribution Grids

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

Zhou, Xinyang; Dall'Anese, Emiliano; Chen, Lijun

This article formulates a time-varying social-welfare maximization problem for distribution grids with distributed energy resources (DERs) and develops online distributed algorithms to identify (and track) its solutions. In the considered setting, network operator and DER-owners pursue given operational and economic objectives, while concurrently ensuring that voltages are within prescribed limits. The proposed algorithm affords an online implementation to enable tracking of the solutions in the presence of time-varying operational conditions and changing optimization objectives. It involves a strategy where the network operator collects voltage measurements throughout the feeder to build incentive signals for the DER-owners in real time; DERs thenmore » adjust the generated/consumed powers in order to avoid the violation of the voltage constraints while maximizing given objectives. Stability of the proposed schemes is analytically established and numerically corroborated.« less

Adaptive lenticular microlens array based on voltage-induced waves at the surface of polyvinyl chloride/dibutyl phthalate gels.

PubMed

Xu, Miao; Jin, Boya; He, Rui; Ren, Hongwen

2016-04-18

We report a new approach to preparing a lenticular microlens array (LMA) using polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/dibutyl phthalate (DBP) gels. The PVD/DBP gels coated on a glass substrate form a membrane. With the aid of electrostatic repulsive force, the surface of the membrane can be reconfigured with sinusoidal waves by a DC voltage. The membrane with wavy surface functions as a LMA. By switching over the anode and cathode, the convex shape of each lenticular microlens in the array can be converted to the concave shape. Therefore, the LMA can present a large dynamic range. The response time is relatively fast and the driving voltage is low. With the advantages of compact structure, optical isotropy, and good mechanical stability, our LMA has potential applications in imaging, information processing, biometrics, and displays.

Discharge reliability in ablative pulsed plasma thrusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhiwen; Sun, Guorui; Yuan, Shiyue; Huang, Tiankun; Liu, Xiangyang; Xie, Kan; Wang, Ningfei

2017-08-01

Discharge reliability is typically neglected in low-ignition-cycle ablative pulsed plasma thrusters (APPTs). In this study, the discharge reliability of an APPT is assessed analytically and experimentally. The goals of this study are to better understand the ignition characteristics and to assess the accuracy of the analytical method. For each of six sets of operating conditions, 500 tests of a parallel-plate APPT with a coaxial semiconductor spark plug are conducted. The discharge voltage and current are measured with a high-voltage probe and a Rogowski coil, respectively, to determine whether the discharge is successful. Generally, the discharge success rate increases as the discharge voltage increases, and it decreases as the electrode gap and the number of ignitions increases. The theoretical analysis and the experimental results are reasonably consistent. This approach provides a reference for designing APPTs and improving their stability.

On the application of frequency selective common mode feedback for multifrequency EIT.

PubMed

Langlois, Peter J; Wu, Yu; Bayford, Richard H; Demosthenous, Andreas

2015-06-01

Common mode voltages are frequently a problem in electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and other bioimpedance applications. To reduce their amplitude common mode feedback is employed. Formalised analyses of both current and voltage feedback is presented in this paper for current drives. Common mode effects due to imbalances caused by the current drives, the electrode connections to the body load and the introduction of the body impedance to ground are considered. Frequency selective narrowband common mode feedback previously proposed to provide feedback stability is examined. As a step towards multifrequency applications the use of narrowband feedback is experimentally demonstrated for two simultaneous current drives. Measured results using standard available components show a reduction of 62 dB for current feedback and 31 dB for voltage feedback. Frequencies ranged from 50 kHz to 1 MHz.

The investigation of an electric arc in the long cylindrical channel of the powerful high-voltage AC plasma torch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutberg, Ph G.; Popov, S. D.; Surov, A. V.; Serba, E. O.; Nakonechny, Gh V.; Spodobin, V. A.; Pavlov, A. V.; Surov, A. V.

2012-12-01

The comparison of conductivity obtained in experiments with calculated values is made in this paper. Powerful stationary plasma torches with prolonged period of continuous work are popular for modern plasmachemical applications. The maximum electrode lifetime with the minimum erosion can be reached while working on rather low currents. Meanwhile it is required to provide voltage arc drop for the high power achievement. Electric field strength in the arc column of the high-voltage plasma torch, using air as a plasma-forming gas, does not exceed 15 V/cm. It is possible to obtain the high voltage drop in the long arc stabilized in the channel by the intensive gas flow under given conditions. Models of high voltage plasma torches with rod electrodes with power up to 50 kW have been developed and investigated. The plasma torch arcs are burning in cylindrical channels. Present investigations are directed at studying the possibility of developing long arc plasma torches with higher power. The advantage of AC power supplies usage is the possibility of the loss minimization due to the reactive power compensation. The theoretical maximum of voltage arc drop for power supplies with inductive current limitations is about 50 % of the no-load voltage for a single-phase circuit and about 30 % for the three-phase circuit. Burning of intensively blown arcs in the long cylindrical channel using the AC power supply with 10 kV no-load voltage is experimentally investigated in the work. Voltage drops close to the maximum possible had been reached in the examined arcs in single-phase and three-phase modes. Operating parameters for single-phase mode were: current -30 A, voltage drop -5 kV, air flow rate 35 g/s; for three-phase mode: current (40-85) A, voltage drop (2.5-3.2) kV, air flow rate (60-100) g/s. Arc length in the installations exceeded 2 m.

Mapping the Interaction Site for a β-Scorpion Toxin in the Pore Module of Domain III of Voltage-gated Na+ Channels*

PubMed Central

Zhang, Joel Z.; Yarov-Yarovoy, Vladimir; Scheuer, Todd; Karbat, Izhar; Cohen, Lior; Gordon, Dalia; Gurevitz, Michael; Catterall, William A.

2012-01-01

Activation of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels initiates and propagates action potentials in electrically excitable cells. β-Scorpion toxins, including toxin IV from Centruroides suffusus suffusus (CssIV), enhance activation of NaV channels. CssIV stabilizes the voltage sensor in domain II in its activated state via a voltage-sensor trapping mechanism. Amino acid residues required for the action of CssIV have been identified in the S1-S2 and S3-S4 extracellular loops of domain II. The extracellular loops of domain III are also involved in toxin action, but individual amino acid residues have not been identified. We used site-directed mutagenesis and voltage clamp recording to investigate amino acid residues of domain III that are involved in CssIV action. In the IIISS2-S6 loop, five substitutions at four positions altered voltage-sensor trapping by CssIVE15A. Three substitutions (E1438A, D1445A, and D1445Y) markedly decreased voltage-sensor trapping, whereas the other two substitutions (N1436G and L1439A) increased voltage-sensor trapping. These bidirectional effects suggest that residues in IIISS2-S6 make both positive and negative interactions with CssIV. N1436G enhanced voltage-sensor trapping via increased binding affinity to the resting state, whereas L1439A increased voltage-sensor trapping efficacy. Based on these results, a three-dimensional model of the toxin-channel interaction was developed using the Rosetta modeling method. These data provide additional molecular insight into the voltage-sensor trapping mechanism of toxin action and define a three-point interaction site for β-scorpion toxins on NaV channels. Binding of α- and β-scorpion toxins to two distinct, pseudo-symmetrically organized receptor sites on NaV channels acts synergistically to modify channel gating and paralyze prey. PMID:22761417

Stable and High Piezoelectric Output of GaN Nanowire-Based Lead-Free Piezoelectric Nanogenerator by Suppression of Internal Screening.

PubMed

Johar, Muhammad Ali; Hassan, Mostafa Afifi; Waseem, Aadil; Ha, Jun-Seok; Lee, June Key; Ryu, Sang-Wan

2018-06-14

A piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) that is based on c-axis GaN nanowires is fabricated on flexible substrate. In this regard, c-axis GaN nanowires were grown on GaN substrate using the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) technique by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. Further, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was coated on nanowire-arrays then PDMS matrix embedded with GaN nanowire-arrays was transferred on Si-rubber substrate. The piezoelectric performance of nanowire-based flexible PNG was measured, while the device was actuated using a cyclic stretching-releasing agitation mechanism that was driven by a linear motor. The piezoelectric output was measured as a function of actuation frequency ranging from 1 Hz to 10 Hz and a linear tendency was observed for piezoelectric output current, while the output voltages remained constant. A maximum of piezoelectric open circuit voltages and short circuit current were measured 15.4 V and 85.6 nA, respectively. In order to evaluate the feasibility of our flexible PNG for real application, a long term stability test was performed for 20,000 cycles and the device performance was degraded by less than 18%. The underlying reason for the high piezoelectric output was attributed to the reduced free carriers inside nanowires due to surface Fermi-level pinning and insulating metal-dielectric-semiconductor interface, respectively; the former reduced the free carrier screening radially while latter reduced longitudinally. The flexibility and the high aspect ratio of GaN nanowire were the responsible factors for higher stability. Such higher piezoelectric output and the novel design make our device more promising for the diverse range of real applications.

Fast-response free-running frequency-stabilized dc-to-dc converter employing a state plane-trajectory control law

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffman, S. D.; Burns, W. W., III; Wilson, T. G.; Owen, H. A., Jr.

1976-01-01

Implementations of a state-plane-trajectory control law for energy storage dc-to-dc converters are presented. Performance characteristics of experimental voltage step-up converter systems employing these implementations are reported and compared to theoretical predictions.

75 FR 80391 - Electric Reliability Organization Interpretations of Interconnection Reliability Operations and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-22

... configuration to maintain system stability, acceptable voltage or power flows.\\12\\ \\12\\ In the Western... prevent system instability or cascading outages, and protect other facilities in response to transmission... nature used to address system reliability vulnerabilities to prevent system instability, cascading...

Evaluation of high-voltage, high-power, solid-state remote power controllers for amps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callis, Charles P.

1987-01-01

The Electrical Power Branch at Marshall Space Flight Center has a Power System Development Facility where various power circuit breadboards are tested and evaluated. This project relates to the evaluation of a particular remote power controller (RPC) energizing high power loads. The Facility equipment permits the thorough testing and evaluation of high-voltage, high-power solid-state remote power controllers. The purpose is to evaluate a Type E, 30 Ampere, 200 V dc remote power controller. Three phases of the RPC evaluation are presented. The RPC is evaluated within a low-voltage, low-power circuit to check its operational capability. The RPC is then evaluated while performing switch/circuit breaker functions within a 200 V dc, 30 Ampere power circuit. The final effort of the project relates to the recommended procedures for installing these RPC's into the existing Autonomously Managed Power System (AMPS) breadboard/test facility at MSFC.

Intraoral conversion of occlusal force to electricity and magnetism by biting of piezoelectric elements.

PubMed

Kameda, Takashi; Ohkuma, Kazuo; Sano, Natsuki; Ogura, Hideo; Terada, Kazuto

2012-01-01

Very weak electrical, magnetic and ultrasound signal stimulations are known to promote the formation, metabolism, restoration and stability of bone and surrounding tissues after treatment and operations. We have therefore investigated the possibility of intraoral generation of electricity and magnetism by occlusal force in an in vitro study. Biting bimorph piezoelectric elements with lead zirconate titanate (PZT) using dental models generated appropriate magnetism for bone formation, i. e. 0.5-0.6 gauss, and lower electric currents and higher voltages, i. e. 2.0-6.0 μA at 10-22 V (appropriate levels are 30 μA and 1.25 V), as observed by a universal testing machine. The electric currents and voltages could be changed using amplifier circuits. These results show that intraoral generation of electricity and magnetism is possible and could provide post-operative stabilization and activation of treated areas of bone and the surrounding tissues directly and/or indirectly by electrical, magnetic and ultrasound stimulation, which could accelerate healing.

Stability of field emission current from porous n-GaAs(110)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tondare, V. N.; Naddaf, M.; Bhise, A. B.; Bhoraskar, S. V.; Joag, D. S.; Mandale, A. B.; Sainkar, S. R.

2002-02-01

Field electron emission from porous GaAs has been investigated. The emitter was prepared by anodic etching of n-GaAs (110) in 0.1 M HCl solution. The as-etched porous GaAs shows nonlinear Fowler-Nordheim (FN) characteristics, with a low onset voltage. The emitter, after operating for 6 h at the residual gas pressure of 1×10-8 mbar, shows a linear FN characteristics with a relatively high onset voltage and poor field emission current stability as compared to the as-etched emitter. The change in the behavior was attributed to the residual gas ion bombardment during field electron emission. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic investigations were carried out on as-etched sample and the one which was studied for field emission. The studies indicate that the as-etched surface contains As2O3 and the surface after field electron emission for about 6 h becomes gallium rich. The presence of As2O3 seems to be a desirable feature for the stable field emission current.

The effects of electric field and gate bias pulse on the migration and stability of ionized oxygen vacancies in amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O thin film transistors

PubMed Central

Oh, Young Jun; Noh, Hyeon-Kyun; Chang, Kee Joo

2015-01-01

Oxygen vacancies have been considered as the origin of threshold voltage instability under negative bias illumination stress in amorphous oxide thin film transistors. Here we report the results of first-principles molecular dynamics simulations for the drift motion of oxygen vacancies. We show that oxygen vacancies, which are initially ionized by trapping photoexcited hole carriers, can easily migrate under an external electric field. Thus, accumulated hole traps near the channel/dielectric interface cause negative shift of the threshold voltage, supporting the oxygen vacancy model. In addition, we find that ionized oxygen vacancies easily recover their neutral defect configurations by capturing electrons when the Fermi level increases. Our results are in good agreement with the experimental observation that applying a positive gate bias pulse of short duration eliminates hole traps and thus leads to the recovery of device stability from persistent photoconductivity. PMID:27877799

Hole trap formation in polymer light-emitting diodes under current stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Quan; Rohloff, Roland; Wetzelaer, Gert-Jan A. H.; Blom, Paul W. M.; Crǎciun, N. Irina

2018-06-01

Polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) are attractive for use in large-area displays and lighting panels, but their limited stability under current stress impedes commercialization. In spite of large efforts over the last two decades a fundamental understanding of the degradation mechanisms has not been accomplished. Here we demonstrate that the voltage drift of a PLED driven at constant current is caused by the formation of hole traps, which leads to additional non-radiative recombination between free electrons and trapped holes. The observed trap formation rate is consistent with exciton-free hole interactions as the main mechanism behind PLED degradation, enabling us to unify the degradation behaviour of various poly(p-phenylene) derivatives. The knowledge that hole trap formation is the cause of PLED degradation means that we can suppress the negative effect of hole traps on voltage and efficiency by blending the light-emitting polymer with a large-bandgap semiconductor. Owing to trap-dilution these blended PLEDs show unprecedented stability.

Modulation of nitrogen vacancy charge state and fluorescence in nanodiamonds using electrochemical potential

PubMed Central

Karaveli, Sinan; Gaathon, Ophir; Wolcott, Abraham; Sakakibara, Reyu; Shemesh, Or A.; Peterka, Darcy S.; Boyden, Edward S.; Owen, Jonathan S.; Yuste, Rafael; Englund, Dirk

2016-01-01

The negatively charged nitrogen vacancy (NV−) center in diamond has attracted strong interest for a wide range of sensing and quantum information processing applications. To this end, recent work has focused on controlling the NV charge state, whose stability strongly depends on its electrostatic environment. Here, we demonstrate that the charge state and fluorescence dynamics of single NV centers in nanodiamonds with different surface terminations can be controlled by an externally applied potential difference in an electrochemical cell. The voltage dependence of the NV charge state can be used to stabilize the NV− state for spin-based sensing protocols and provides a method of charge state-dependent fluorescence sensing of electrochemical potentials. We detect clear NV fluorescence modulation for voltage changes down to 100 mV, with a single NV and down to 20 mV with multiple NV centers in a wide-field imaging mode. These results suggest that NV centers in nanodiamonds could enable parallel optical detection of biologically relevant electrochemical potentials. PMID:27035935

Modulation of nitrogen vacancy charge state and fluorescence in nanodiamonds using electrochemical potential.

PubMed

Karaveli, Sinan; Gaathon, Ophir; Wolcott, Abraham; Sakakibara, Reyu; Shemesh, Or A; Peterka, Darcy S; Boyden, Edward S; Owen, Jonathan S; Yuste, Rafael; Englund, Dirk

2016-04-12

The negatively charged nitrogen vacancy (NV(-)) center in diamond has attracted strong interest for a wide range of sensing and quantum information processing applications. To this end, recent work has focused on controlling the NV charge state, whose stability strongly depends on its electrostatic environment. Here, we demonstrate that the charge state and fluorescence dynamics of single NV centers in nanodiamonds with different surface terminations can be controlled by an externally applied potential difference in an electrochemical cell. The voltage dependence of the NV charge state can be used to stabilize the NV(-) state for spin-based sensing protocols and provides a method of charge state-dependent fluorescence sensing of electrochemical potentials. We detect clear NV fluorescence modulation for voltage changes down to 100 mV, with a single NV and down to 20 mV with multiple NV centers in a wide-field imaging mode. These results suggest that NV centers in nanodiamonds could enable parallel optical detection of biologically relevant electrochemical potentials.

Modulation of nitrogen vacancy charge state and fluorescence in nanodiamonds using electrochemical potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karaveli, Sinan; Gaathon, Ophir; Wolcott, Abraham; Sakakibara, Reyu; Shemesh, Or A.; Peterka, Darcy S.; Boyden, Edward S.; Owen, Jonathan S.; Yuste, Rafael; Englund, Dirk

2016-04-01

The negatively charged nitrogen vacancy (NV-) center in diamond has attracted strong interest for a wide range of sensing and quantum information processing applications. To this end, recent work has focused on controlling the NV charge state, whose stability strongly depends on its electrostatic environment. Here, we demonstrate that the charge state and fluorescence dynamics of single NV centers in nanodiamonds with different surface terminations can be controlled by an externally applied potential difference in an electrochemical cell. The voltage dependence of the NV charge state can be used to stabilize the NV- state for spin-based sensing protocols and provides a method of charge state-dependent fluorescence sensing of electrochemical potentials. We detect clear NV fluorescence modulation for voltage changes down to 100 mV, with a single NV and down to 20 mV with multiple NV centers in a wide-field imaging mode. These results suggest that NV centers in nanodiamonds could enable parallel optical detection of biologically relevant electrochemical potentials.

Optimal placement of FACTS devices using optimization techniques: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaur, Dipesh; Mathew, Lini

2018-03-01

Modern power system is dealt with overloading problem especially transmission network which works on their maximum limit. Today’s power system network tends to become unstable and prone to collapse due to disturbances. Flexible AC Transmission system (FACTS) provides solution to problems like line overloading, voltage stability, losses, power flow etc. FACTS can play important role in improving static and dynamic performance of power system. FACTS devices need high initial investment. Therefore, FACTS location, type and their rating are vital and should be optimized to place in the network for maximum benefit. In this paper, different optimization methods like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA) etc. are discussed and compared for optimal location, type and rating of devices. FACTS devices such as Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC), Static Var Compensator (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) are considered here. Mentioned FACTS controllers effects on different IEEE bus network parameters like generation cost, active power loss, voltage stability etc. have been analyzed and compared among the devices.

Solid-state Marx based two-switch voltage modulator for the On-Line Isotope Mass Separator accelerator at the European Organization for Nuclear Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Redondo, L. M.; Silva, J. Fernando; Canacsinh, H.; Ferrão, N.; Mendes, C.; Soares, R.; Schipper, J.; Fowler, A.

2010-07-01

A new circuit topology is proposed to replace the actual pulse transformer and thyratron based resonant modulator that supplies the 60 kV target potential for the ion acceleration of the On-Line Isotope Mass Separator accelerator, the stability of which is critical for the mass resolution downstream separator, at the European Organization for Nuclear Research. The improved modulator uses two solid-state switches working together, each one based on the Marx generator concept, operating as series and parallel switches, reducing the stress on the series stacked semiconductors, and also as auxiliary pulse generator in order to fulfill the target requirements. Preliminary results of a 10 kV prototype, using 1200 V insulated gate bipolar transistors and capacitors in the solid-state Marx circuits, ten stages each, with an electrical equivalent circuit of the target, are presented, demonstrating both the improved voltage stability and pulse flexibility potential wanted for this new modulator.

Inverter Load Rejection Over-Voltage Testing: SolarCity CRADA Task 1a Final Report

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

Nelson, A.; Hoke, A.; Chakraborty, S.

Various interconnection challenges exist when connecting distributed PV into the electrical distribution grid in terms of safety, reliability, and stability of electric power systems. One of the urgent areas for additional research - as identified by inverter manufacturers, installers, and utilities - is the potential for transient over-voltage from PV inverters. In one stage of a cooperative tests were repeated a total of seven times. The maximum over-voltage measured in any test did not exceed 200% of nominal, and typical over-voltage levels were significantly lower. The total voltage duration and the maximum continuous time above each threshold are presented here,more » as well as the time to disconnect for each test. Finally, we present a brief investigation into the effect of DC input voltage as well as a series of no-load tests. This report describes testing conducted at NREL to determine the duration and magnitude of transient over-voltages created by several commercial PV inverters during load-rejection conditions. For this work, a test plan that is currently under development by the Forum on Inverter Grid Integration Issues (FIGII) has been implemented in a custom test setup at NREL. Through a cooperative research and development agreement, NREL is working with SolarCity to address two specific types of transient overvoltage: load rejection overvoltage (LRO) and ground fault overvoltage (GFO). Additional partners in this effort include the Hawaiian Electric Companies, Northern Plains Power Technologies, and the Electric Power Research Institute.« less

High breakdown voltage quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 field-effect transistors with a boron nitride field plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Jinho; Kim, Hyoung Woo; Kang, In Ho; Yang, Gwangseok; Kim, Jihyun

2018-03-01

We have demonstrated a β-Ga2O3 metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET) with a high off-state breakdown voltage (344 V), based on a quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 field-plated with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Both the β-Ga2O3 and h-BN were mechanically exfoliated from their respective crystal substrates, followed by dry-transfer onto a SiO2/Si substrate for integration into a high breakdown voltage quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 MESFETs. N-type conducting behavior was observed in the fabricated β-Ga2O3 MESFETs, along with a high on/off current ratio (>106) and excellent current saturation. A three-terminal off-state breakdown voltage of 344 V was obtained, with a threshold voltage of -7.3 V and a subthreshold swing of 84.6 mV/dec. The distribution of electric fields in the quasi-two-dimensional β-Ga2O3 MESFETs was simulated to analyze the role of the dielectric h-BN field plate in improving the off-state breakdown voltage. The stability of the field-plated β-Ga2O3 MESFET in air was confirmed after storing the MESFET in ambient air for one month. Our results pave the way for unlocking the full potential of β-Ga2O3 for use in a high-power nano-device with an ultrahigh breakdown voltage.

HIGH VOLTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS, INC.ELECTRON BEAM TECHNOLOGY - INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

This report evaluates a high-voltage electron beam (E-beam) technology's ability to destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other contaminants present in liquid wastes. Specifically, this report discusses performance and economic data from a Superfund Innovative Technology...

Evaluation of single and stack membraneless enzymatic fuel cells based on ethanol in simulated body fluids.

PubMed

Galindo-de-la-Rosa, J; Arjona, N; Moreno-Zuria, A; Ortiz-Ortega, E; Guerra-Balcázar, M; Ledesma-García, J; Arriaga, L G

2017-06-15

The purpose of this work is to evaluate single and double-cell membraneless microfluidic fuel cells (MMFCs) that operate in the presence of simulated body fluids SBF, human serum and blood enriched with ethanol as fuels. The study was performed using the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme immobilised by covalent binding through an array composed of carbon Toray paper as support and a layer of poly(methylene blue)/tetrabutylammonium bromide/Nafion and glutaraldehyde (3D bioanode electrode). The single MMFC was tested in a hybrid microfluidic fuel cell using Pt/C as the cathode. A cell voltage of 1.035V and power density of 3.154mWcm -2 were observed, which is the highest performance reported to date. The stability and durability were tested through chronoamperometry and polarisation/performance curves obtained at different days, which demonstrated a slow decrease in the power density on day 10 (14%) and day 20 (26%). Additionally, the cell was tested for ethanol oxidation in simulated body fluid (SBF) with ionic composition similar to human blood plasma. Those tests resulted in 0.93V of cell voltage and a power density close to 1.237mWcm -2 . The double cell MMFC (Stack) was tested using serum and human blood enriched with ethanol. The stack operated with blood in a serial connection showed an excellent cell performance (0.716mWcm -2 ), demonstrating the feasibility of employing human blood as energy source. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a 125I-labelled benzazepinone derived voltage-gated sodium channel blocker for imaging with SPECT.

PubMed

Pérez-Medina, Carlos; Patel, Niral; Robson, Mathew; Badar, Adam; Lythgoe, Mark F; Årstad, Erik

2012-12-21

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are a family of transmembrane proteins that mediate fast neurotransmission, and are integral to sustain physiological conditions and higher cognitive functions. Imaging of VGSCs in vivo holds promise as a tool to elucidate operational functions in the brain and to aid the treatment of a wide range of neurological diseases. To assess the suitability of 1-benzazepin-2-one derived VGSC blockers for imaging, we have prepared a (125)I-labelled analogue of BNZA and evaluated the tracer in vivo. In an automated patch-clamp assay, a diastereomeric mixture of the non-radioactive compound blocked the Na(v)1.2 and Na(v)1.7 VGSC isoforms with IC(50) values of 4.1 ± 1.5 μM and 0.25 ± 0.07 μM, respectively. [(3)H]BTX displacement studies revealed a three-fold difference in affinity between the two diastereomers. Iodo-destannylation of a tin precursor with iodine-125 afforded the two diastereomerically pure tracers, which were used to assess binding to VGSCs in vivo by comparing their tissue distributions in mice. Whilst the results point to a lack of VGSC binding in vivo, SPECT imaging revealed highly localized uptake in the interscapular region, an area typically associated with brown adipose tissue, which in addition to high metabolic stability of the iodinated tracer, demonstrate the potential of 1-benzazepin-2-ones for in vivo imaging.

Frequency to Voltage Converter Analog Front-End Prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mata, Carlos; Raines, Matthew

2012-01-01

The frequency to voltage converter analog front end evaluation prototype (F2V AFE) is an evaluation board designed for comparison of different methods of accurately extracting the frequency of a sinusoidal input signal. A configurable input stage is routed to one or several of five separate, configurable filtering circuits, and then to a configurable output stage. Amplifier selection and gain, filter corner frequencies, and comparator hysteresis and voltage reference are all easily configurable through the use of jumpers and potentiometers.

Voltage stress effects on microcircuit accelerated life test failure rates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, G. M.

1976-01-01

The applicability of Arrhenius and Eyring reaction rate models for describing microcircuit aging characteristics as a function of junction temperature and applied voltage was evaluated. The results of a matrix of accelerated life tests with a single metal oxide semiconductor microcircuit operated at six different combinations of temperature and voltage were used to evaluate the models. A total of 450 devices from two different lots were tested at ambient temperatures between 200 C and 250 C and applied voltages between 5 Vdc and 15 Vdc. A statistical analysis of the surface related failure data resulted in bimodal failure distributions comprising two lognormal distributions; a 'freak' distribution observed early in time, and a 'main' distribution observed later in time. The Arrhenius model was shown to provide a good description of device aging as a function of temperature at a fixed voltage. The Eyring model also appeared to provide a reasonable description of main distribution device aging as a function of temperature and voltage. Circuit diagrams are shown.

Novel Br-DPQ blue light-emitting phosphors for OLED.

PubMed

Dahule, H K; Thejokalyani, N; Dhoble, S J

2015-06-01

A new series of blue light-emitting 2,4-diphenylquinoline (DPQ) substituted blue light-emitting organic phosphors namely, 2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-phenyl-quinoline (OMe-DPQ), 2-(4-methyl-phenyl)-4-phenylquinoline (M-DPQ), and 2-(4-bromo-phenyl)-4-phenylquinoline (Br-DPQ) were synthesized by substituting methoxy, methyl and bromine at the 2-para position of DPQ, respectively by Friedländer condensation of 2-aminobenzophenone and corresponding acetophenone. The synthesized phosphors were characterized by different techniques, e.g., Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence spectra. FTIR spectra confirms the presence of chemical groups such as C=O, NH, or OH in all the three synthesized chromophores. DSC studies show that these complexes have good thermal stability. Although they are low-molecular-weight organic compounds, they have the potential to improve the stability and operating lifetime of a device made out of these complexes. The synthesized polymeric compounds demonstrate a bright emission in the blue region in the wavelength range of 405-450 nm in solid state. Thus the attachment of methyl, methoxy and bromine substituents to the diphenyl quinoline ring in these phosphors results in colour tuning of the phosphorescence. An electroluminescence (EL) cell of Br-DPQ phosphor was made and its EL behaviour was studied. A brightness-voltage characteristics curve of Br-DPQ cell revealed that EL begins at 400 V and then the brightness increases exponentially with applied AC voltage, while current-voltage (I-V) characteristics revealed that the turn on voltage of the fabricated EL cell was 11 V. Hence this phosphor can be used as a promising blue light material for electroluminescent devices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

High Energy Density Li-ion Cells for EV’s Based on Novel, High Voltage Cathode Material Systems

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

Kepler, Keith D.; Slater, Michael

This Li-ion cell technology development project had three objectives: to develop advanced electrode materials and cell components to enable stable high-voltage operation; to design and demonstrate a Li-ion cell using these materials that meets the PHEV40 performance targets; and to design and demonstrate a Li-ion cell using these materials that meets the EV performance targets. The major challenge to creating stable high energy cells with long cycle life is system integration. Although materials that can give high energy cells are known, stabilizing them towards long-term cycling in the presence of other novel cell components is a major challenge. The majormore » technical barriers addressed by this work include low cathode specific energy, poor electrolyte stability during high voltage operation, and insufficient capacity retention during deep discharge for Si-containing anodes. Through the course of this project, Farasis was able to improve capacity retention of NCM materials for 4.4+ V operation, through both surface treatment and bulk-doping approaches. Other material advances include increased rate capability and of HE-NCM materials through novel synthesis approach, doubling the relative capacity at 1C over materials synthesized using standard methods. Silicon active materials proved challenging throughout the project and ultimately were the limiting factor in the energy density vs. cycle life trade off. By avoiding silicon anodes for the lower energy PHEV design, we manufactured cells with intermediate energy density and long cycle life under high voltage operation for PHEV applications. Cells with high energy density for EV applications were manufactured targeting a 300 Wh/kg design and were able to achieve > 200 cycles.« less

Power flow control using quadrature boosters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadanandan, Sandeep N.

A power system that can be controlled within security constraints would be an advantage to power planners and real-time operators. Controlling flows can lessen reliability issues such as thermal limit violations, power stability problems, and/or voltage stability conditions. Control of flows can also mitigate market issues by reducing congestion on some lines and rerouting power to less loaded lines or onto preferable paths. In the traditional control of power flows, phase shifters are often used. More advanced methods include using Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) Controllers. Some examples include Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitors, Synchronous Series Static Compensators, and Unified Power Flow Controllers. Quadrature Boosters (QBs) have similar structures to phase-shifters, but allow for higher voltage magnitude during real power flow control. In comparison with other FACTS controllers QBs are not as complex and not as expensive. The present study proposes to use QBs to control power flows on a power system. With the inclusion of QBs, real power flows can be controlled to desired scheduled values. In this thesis, the linearized power flow equations used for power flow analysis were modified for the control problem. This included modifying the Jacobian matrix, the power error vector, and calculating the voltage injected by the quadrature booster for the scheduled real power flow. Two scenarios were examined using the proposed power flow control method. First, the power flow in a line in a 5-bus system was modified with a QB using the method developed in this thesis. Simulation was carried out using Matlab. Second, the method was applied to a 30-bus system and then to a 118-bus system using several QBs. In all the cases, the calculated values of the QB voltages led to desired power flows in the designated line.

The sliding-helix voltage sensor

PubMed Central

Peyser, Alexander; Nonner, Wolfgang

2012-01-01

The voltage sensor (VS) domain of voltage-gated ion channels underlies electrical excitability of living cells. We simulate a mesoscale model of the VS domain to determine the functional consequences of some of its physical elements. Our mesoscale model is based on VS charges, linear dielectrics and whole-body motion, applied to an S4 ‘sliding helix’. The electrostatics under voltage-clamped boundary conditions are solved consistently using a boundary element method. Based on electrostatic configurational energy, statistical-mechanical expectations of the experimentally observable relation between displaced charge and membrane voltage are predicted. Consequences of the model are investigated for variations of: S4 configuration (α- and 310-helical), countercharge alignment with S4 charges, protein polarizability, geometry of the gating canal, screening of S4 charges by the baths, and fixed charges located at the bath interfaces. The sliding helix VS domain has an inherent electrostatic stability in the explored parameter space: countercharges present in the region of weak dielectric always retain an equivalent S4 charge in that region but allow sliding movements displacing 3 to 4 e0. That movement is sensitive to small energy variations (< 2kT) along the path dependent on a number of electrostatic parameters tested in our simulations. These simulations show how the slope of the relation between displaced charge and voltage could be tuned in a channel. PMID:22907204

Voltage-induced Interface Reconstruction and Electrical Instability of the Ferromagnet-Semiconductor Device.

PubMed

Chang, Shu-Jui; Chang, Po-Chun; Lin, Wen-Chin; Lo, Shao-Hua; Chang, Liang-Chun; Lee, Shang-Fan; Tseng, Yuan-Chieh

2017-03-23

Using x-ray magnetic spectroscopy with in-situ electrical characterizations, we investigated the effects of external voltage on the spin-electronic and transport properties at the interface of a Fe/ZnO device. Layer-, element-, and spin-resolved information of the device was obtained by cross-tuning of the x-ray mode and photon energy, when voltage was applied. At the early stage of the operation, the device exhibited a low-resistance state featuring robust Fe-O bonds. However, the Fe-O bonds were broken with increasing voltage. Breaking of the Fe-O bonds caused the formation of oxygen vacancies and resulted in a high-resistance state. Such interface reconstruction was coupled to a charge-transfer effect via Fe-O hybridization, which suppressed/enhanced the magnetization/coercivity of Fe electronically. Nevertheless, the interface became stabilized with the metallic phase if the device was continuously polarized. During this stage, the spin-polarization of Fe was enhanced whereas the coercivity was lowered by voltage, but changes of both characteristics were reversible. This stage is desirable for spintronic device applications, owing to a different voltage-induced electronic transition compared to the first stage. The study enabled a straightforward detection of the spin-electronic state at the ferromagnet-semiconductor interface in relation to the transport and reversal properties during operation process of the device.

Natural cellulose ionogels for soft artificial muscles.

PubMed

Nevstrueva, Daria; Murashko, Kirill; Vunder, Veiko; Aabloo, Alvo; Pihlajamäki, Arto; Mänttäri, Mika; Pyrhönen, Juha; Koiranen, Tuomas; Torop, Janno

2018-01-01

Rapid development of soft micromanipulation techniques for human friendly electronics has raised the demand for the devices to be able to carry out mechanical work on a micro- and macroscale. The natural cellulose-based ionogels (CEL-iGEL) hold a great potential for soft artificial muscle application, due to its flexibility, low driving voltage and biocompatibility. The CEL-iGEL composites undergo reversible bending already at ±500mV step-voltage values. A fast response to the voltage applied and high ionic conductivity of membranous actuator is achieved by a complete dissolution of cellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [EMIm][OAc]. The CEL-iGEL supported cellulose actuator films were cast out of cellulose-[EMIm][OAc] solution via phase inversion in H 2 O. The facile preparation method ensured uniform morphology along the layers and stand for the high ionic-liquid loading in a porous cellulose scaffold. During the electromechanical characterization, the CEL-iGEL actuators showed exponential dependence to the voltage applied with the max strain difference values reaching up to 0.6% at 2 V. Electrochemical analysis confirmed the good stability of CEL-iGEL actuators and determined the safe working voltage value to be below 2.5V. To predict and estimate the deformation for various step input voltages, a mathematical model was proposed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Limitations of threshold voltage engineering of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures by dielectric interface charge density and manipulation by oxygen plasma surface treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lükens, G.; Yacoub, H.; Kalisch, H.; Vescan, A.

2016-05-01

The interface charge density between the gate dielectric and an AlGaN/GaN heterostructure has a significant impact on the absolute value and stability of the threshold voltage Vth of metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) heterostructure field effect transistor. It is shown that a dry-etching step (as typically necessary for normally off devices engineered by gate-recessing) before the Al2O3 gate dielectric deposition introduces a high positive interface charge density. Its origin is most likely donor-type trap states shifting Vth to large negative values, which is detrimental for normally off devices. We investigate the influence of oxygen plasma annealing techniques of the dry-etched AlGaN/GaN surface by capacitance-voltage measurements and demonstrate that the positive interface charge density can be effectively compensated. Furthermore, only a low Vth hysteresis is observable making this approach suitable for threshold voltage engineering. Analysis of the electrostatics in the investigated MIS structures reveals that the maximum Vth shift to positive voltages achievable is fundamentally limited by the onset of accumulation of holes at the dielectric/barrier interface. In the case of the Al2O3/Al0.26Ga0.74N/GaN material system, this maximum threshold voltage shift is limited to 2.3 V.

Price Incentivised Electric Vehicle Charge Control for Community Voltage Regulation

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

Kelly, Damian; Baroncelli, Fabio; Fowler, Christopher

2014-11-03

With the growing availability of Electric Vehicles, there is a significant opportunity to use battery 'smart-charging' for voltage regulation. This work designs and experimentally evaluates a system for price-incentivised electric vehicle charging. The system is designed to eliminate negative impacts to the user while minimising the cost of charging and achieving a more favourable voltage behaviour throughout the local grid over time. The practical issues associated with a real-life deployment are identified and resolved. The efficacy of the system is evaluated in the challenging scenario in which EVs are deployed in six closely distributed homes, serviced by the same lowmore » voltage residential distribution feeder.« less

Low Temperature Performance of High Power Density DC/DC Converter Modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elbuluk, Malik E.; Hammond, Ahmad; Gerber, Scott; Patterson, Richard L.; Overton, Eric

2001-01-01

In this paper, two second-generation high power density DC/DC converter modules have been evaluated at low operating temperatures. The power rating of one converter (Module 1) was specified at 150 W with an input voltage range of 36 to 75 V and output voltage of 12 V. The other converter (Module 2) was specified at 100 W with the same input voltage range and an output voltage of 3.3 V. The converter modules were evaluated in terms of their performance as a function of operating temperature in the range of 25 to -140 C. The experimental procedures along with the experimental data obtained are presented and discussed in this paper.

76 FR 23171 - Electric Reliability Organization Interpretations of Interconnection Reliability Operations and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-26

... (MW and MVAR), or system configuration to maintain system stability, acceptable voltage or power flows... identified system conditions to prevent system instability or cascading outages, and protect other facilities... instability, cascading outages, and protect other facilities in response to contingencies. Therefore, a...

The C-terminal coiled-coil of the bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel NaChBac is not essential for tetramer formation, but stabilizes subunit-to-subunit interactions.

PubMed

Mio, Kazuhiro; Mio, Muneyo; Arisaka, Fumio; Sato, Masahiko; Sato, Chikara

2010-09-01

The NaChBac is a prokaryotic homologue of the voltage-gated sodium channel found in the genome of the alkalophilic bacterium Bacillus halodurans C-125. Like a repeating cassette of mammalian sodium channel, the NaChBac possesses hydrophobic domains corresponding to six putative transmembrane segments and a pore loop, and exerts channel function by forming a tetramer although detailed mechanisms of subunit assembly remain unclear. We generated truncated mutants from NaChBac, and investigated their ability to form tetramers in relation to their channel functions. A mutant that deletes almost all of the C-terminal coiled-coil structure lost its voltage-dependent ion permeability, although it was properly translocated to the cell surface. The mutant protein was purified as a tetramer using a reduced concentration of detergent, but the association between the subunits was shown to be much weaker than the wild type. The chemical cross-linking, blue native PAGE, sedimentation velocity experiments, size exclusion chromatography, immunoprecipitation, and electron microscopy all supported its tetrameric assembly. We further purified the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain alone and confirmed its self-oligomerization. These data suggest that the C-terminal coiled-coil structure stabilizes subunit-to-subunit interactions of NaChBac, but is not critical for their tetramer formation. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Makarov, Yuri V.; Du, Pengwei; Etingov, Pavel V.

The document titled “WECC Variable Generation Planning Reference Book”. This book is divided into two volumes; one is the main document (volume 1)and the other is appendices (volume 2). The main document is a collection of the best practices and the information regarding the application and impact of variables generation on power system planning. This volume (appendices) has additional information on the following topics: Probabilistic load flow problems. 2. Additional useful indices. 3. high-impact low-frequency (HILF) events. 4. Examples of wide-area nomograms. 5. Transmission line ratings, types of dynamic rating methods. 6. Relative costs per MW-km of different electric powermore » transmission technologies. 7. Ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission. 8.High voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC). 9. HVDC. 10. Rewiring of existing transmission lines. 11. High-temperature low sag (HTLS) conductors. 12. The direct method and energy functions for transient stability analysis in power systems. 13.Blackouts caused by voltage instability. 14. Algorithm for parameter continuation predictor-corrector methods. 15. Approximation techniques available for security regions. 16. Impacts of wind power on power system small signals stability. 17. FIDVR. 18. FACTS. 19. European planning standard and practices. 20. International experience in wind and solar energy sources. 21. Western Renewable Energy Zones (WREZ). 22. various energy storage technologies. 23. demand response. 24. BA consolidation and cooperation options. 25. generator power management requirements and 26. European planning guidelines.« less

Series resistance compensation for whole-cell patch-clamp studies using a membrane state estimator

PubMed Central

Sherman, AJ; Shrier, A; Cooper, E

1999-01-01

Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques are widely used to measure membrane currents from isolated cells. While suitable for a broad range of ionic currents, the series resistance (R(s)) of the recording pipette limits the bandwidth of the whole-cell configuration, making it difficult to measure rapid ionic currents. To increase bandwidth, it is necessary to compensate for R(s). Most methods of R(s) compensation become unstable at high bandwidth, making them hard to use. We describe a novel method of R(s) compensation that overcomes the stability limitations of standard designs. This method uses a state estimator, implemented with analog computation, to compute the membrane potential, V(m), which is then used in a feedback loop to implement a voltage clamp; we refer to this as state estimator R(s) compensation. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, we built an amplifier incorporating state estimator R(s) compensation. In benchtop tests, our amplifier showed significantly higher bandwidths and improved stability when compared with a commercially available amplifier. We demonstrated that state estimator R(s) compensation works well in practice by recording voltage-gated Na(+) currents under voltage-clamp conditions from dissociated neonatal rat sympathetic neurons. We conclude that state estimator R(s) compensation should make it easier to measure large rapid ionic currents with whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. PMID:10545359

Effect of Extended State Observer and Automatic Voltage Regulator on Synchronous Machine Connected to Infinite Bus Power System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angu, Rittu; Mehta, R. K.

2018-04-01

This paper presents a robust controller known as Extended State Observer (ESO) in order to improve the stability and voltage regulation of a synchronous machine connected to an infinite bus power system through a transmission line. The ESO-based control scheme is implemented with an automatic voltage regulator in conjunction with an excitation system to enhance the damping of low frequency power system oscillations, as the Power System Stabilizer (PSS) does. The implementation of PSS excitation control techniques however requires reliable information about the entire states, though they are not always directly measureable. To address this issue, the proposed ESO provides the estimate of system states as well as disturbance state together in order to improve not only the damping but also compensates system efficiently in presence of parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. The Closed-Loop Poles (CLPs) of the system have been assigned by the symmetric root locus technique, with the desired level of system damping provided by the dominant CLPs. The performance of the system is analyzed through simulating at different operating conditions. The control method is not only capable of providing zero estimation error in steady-state, but also shows robustness in tracking the reference command under parametric variations and external disturbances. Illustrative examples have been provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed methodology.

Combined NMR and molecular dynamics modeling study of transport properties in sulfonamide based deep eutectic lithium electrolytes: LiTFSI based binary systems.

PubMed

Pauric, Allen D; Halalay, Ion C; Goward, Gillian R

2016-03-07

The trend toward Li-ion batteries operating at increased (>4.3 V vs. Li/Li(+)) voltages requires the development of novel classes of lithium electrolytes with electrochemical stability windows exceeding those of LiPF6/carbonate electrolyte solutions. Several new classes of electrolytes have been synthesized and investigated over the past decade, in the search for LIB electrolytes with improved properties (increased hydrolytic stability, improved thermal abuse tolerance, higher oxidation voltages, etc.) compared with the present state-of-the-art LiPF6 and organic carbonates-based formulations. Among these are deep eutectic electrolytes (DEEs), which share many beneficial characteristics with ionic liquids, such as low vapor pressure and large electrochemical stability windows, with the added advantage of a significantly higher lithium transference number. The present work presents the pulsed field gradient NMR characterization of the transport properties (diffusion coefficients and cation transport numbers) of binary DEEs consisting of a sulfonamide solvent and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt. Insights into the structural and dynamical properties, which enable one to rationalize the observed ionic conductivity behavior were obtained from a combination of NMR data and MD simulations. The insights thus gained should assist the formulation of novel DEEs with improved properties for LIB applications.

Feedback control for stabilizing chaotic spiral waves during cardiac ventricular fibrillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uzelac, Ilija; Wikswo, John; Gray, Richard

2011-03-01

The cardiac arrhythmias that lead to ventricular fibrillation (VF) arise from electrical spiral waves (SW) rotating within the heart with a characteristic period τ . A single drifting SW can degenerate into a chaotic system of multiple SWs and VF. Hence early SW detection and termination is crucial to prevent VF. Time-delayed feedback control (TDFC) is well known approach for stabilizing unstable periodic orbits embedded in chaotic attractors. We hypothesize that cardiac SWs can be stabilized by TDFC with a time-delay of τ . Implementing this approach will require precise, closed-loop control of the charge delivered to the heart during the defibrillation process. To do this, we have developed a 2 kW arbitrary-waveform voltage-to-current converter (V2CC) with a 1 kHz bandwidth that can deliver up to 5 A at 400 V for 500 ms, and a photodiode system for recording in real time an optical electrocardiogram, OECG(t). The feedback signal driving the V2CC will be the time-difference (OECG(t) - OECG(t-T), where we hypothesize that T is τ , the period of the SW. This may dramatically decrease defibrillation voltages by using a defibrillation waveform customized to the VF event, unlike commercial capacitor defibrillators. Supported in part by NIH R01 HL58241-11 through ARRA 2009.

Retention of intermediate polarization states in ferroelectric materials enabling memories for multi-bit data storage

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

Zhao, Dong; Asadi, Kamal; Blom, Paul W. M.

A homogeneous ferroelectric single crystal exhibits only two remanent polarization states that are stable over time, whereas intermediate, or unsaturated, polarization states are thermodynamically instable. Commonly used ferroelectric materials however, are inhomogeneous polycrystalline thin films or ceramics. To investigate the stability of intermediate polarization states, formed upon incomplete, or partial, switching, we have systematically studied their retention in capacitors comprising two classic ferroelectric materials, viz. random copolymer of vinylidene fluoride with trifluoroethylene, P(VDF-TrFE), and Pb(Zr,Ti)O{sub 3}. Each experiment started from a discharged and electrically depolarized ferroelectric capacitor. Voltage pulses were applied to set the given polarization states. The retention wasmore » measured as a function of time at various temperatures. The intermediate polarization states are stable over time, up to the Curie temperature. We argue that the remarkable stability originates from the coexistence of effectively independent domains, with different values of polarization and coercive field. A domain growth model is derived quantitatively describing deterministic switching between the intermediate polarization states. We show that by using well-defined voltage pulses, the polarization can be set to any arbitrary value, allowing arithmetic programming. The feasibility of arithmetic programming along with the inherent stability of intermediate polarization states makes ferroelectric materials ideal candidates for multibit data storage.« less

Contribution of the backstreaming ions to the Self-Magnetic pinch (SMP) diode current

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

Mazarakis, Michael G.; Cuneo, Michael E.; Fournier, Sean D.

2016-08-08

Summary form only given. The results presented here were obtained with an SMP diode mounted at the front high voltage end of the RITS accelerator. RITS is a Self-Magnetically Insulated Transmission Line (MITL) voltage adder that adds the voltage pulses of six 1.3 MV inductively insulated cavities. Our experiments had two objectives: first to measure the contribution of the back-streaming ion currents emitted from the anode target to the diode beam current, and second to try to evaluate the energy of those ions and hence the actual Anode-Cathode (A-K) gap actual voltage. In any very high voltage inductive voltage addermore » (IVA) utilizing MITLs to transmit the power to the diode load, the precise knowledge of the accelerating voltage applied on the anode-cathode (A-K) gap is problematic. The accelerating voltage quoted in the literature is from estimates based on measurements of the anode and cathode currents of the MITL far upstream from the diode and utilizing the para-potential flow theories and inductive corrections. Thus it would be interesting to have another independent measurement to evaluate the A-K voltage. The diode's anode is made of a number of high Z metals in order to produce copious and energetic flash x-rays. The backstreaming currents are a strong fraction of the anode materials and their stage of cleanness and gas adsorption. We have measured the back-streaming ion currents emitted from the anode and propagating through a hollow cathode tip for various diode configurations and different techniques of target cleaning treatments, such as heating to very high temperatures with DC and pulsed current, with RF plasma cleaning and with both plasma cleaning and heating. Finally, we have also evaluated the A-K gap voltage by ion filtering techniques.« less

Accuracy of Voltage Signal Measurement During Radiofrequency Delivery Through the SMARTTOUCH Catheter.

PubMed

Safavi-Naeini, Payam; Zafar-Awan, Dreema; Zhu, Hongjian; Zablah, Gerardo; Ganapathy, Anand V; Rasekh, Abdi; Saeed, Mohammad; Razavi, Joanna Esther Molina; Razavi, Mehdi

2017-01-01

Current methods for measuring voltage during radiofrequency (RF) ablation (RFA) necessitate turning off the ablation catheter. If voltage could be accurately read without signal attenuation during RFA, turning off the catheter would be unnecessary, allowing continuous ablation. We evaluated the accuracy of the Thermocool SMARTTOUCH catheter for measuring voltage while RF traverses the catheter. We studied 26 patients undergoing RFA for arrhythmias. A 7.5F SMARTTOUCH catheter was used for sensing voltage and performing RFA. Data were collected from the Carto-3 3-dimensional mapping system. Voltages were measured during ablation (RF-ON) and immediately before or after ablation (RF-OFF). In evaluating the accuracy of RF-ON measurements, we utilized the RF-OFF measure as the gold standard. We measured 465 voltage signals. The median values were 0.2900 and 0.3100 for RF-ON and RF-OFF, respectively. Wilcoxon signed rank testing showed no significant difference in these values (P = 0.608). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.96, indicating that voltage measurements were similarly accurate during RF-OFF versus RF-ON. Five patients had baseline atrial fibrillation (AF), for whom 82 ablation points were measured; 383 additional ablation points were measured for the remaining patients. The voltages measured during RF-ON versus RF-OFF were similar in the presence of AF (P = 0.800) versus non-AF rhythm (P = 0.456) (ICC, 0.96 for both). Voltage signal measurement was similarly accurate during RF-ON versus RF-OFF independent of baseline rhythm. Physicians should consider not turning off the SMARTTOUCH ablation catheter when measuring voltage during RFA. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Power conditioning using dynamic voltage restorers under different voltage sag types.

PubMed

Saeed, Ahmed M; Abdel Aleem, Shady H E; Ibrahim, Ahmed M; Balci, Murat E; El-Zahab, Essam E A

2016-01-01

Voltage sags can be symmetrical or unsymmetrical depending on the causes of the sag. At the present time, one of the most common procedures for mitigating voltage sags is by the use of dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs). By definition, a DVR is a controlled voltage source inserted between the network and a sensitive load through a booster transformer injecting voltage into the network in order to correct any disturbance affecting a sensitive load voltage. In this paper, modelling of DVR for voltage correction using MatLab software is presented. The performance of the device under different voltage sag types is described, where the voltage sag types are introduced using the different types of short-circuit faults included in the environment of the MatLab/Simulink package. The robustness of the proposed device is evaluated using the common voltage sag indices, while taking into account voltage and current unbalance percentages, where maintaining the total harmonic distortion percentage of the load voltage within a specified range is desired. Finally, several simulation results are shown in order to highlight that the DVR is capable of effective correction of the voltage sag while minimizing the grid voltage unbalance and distortion, regardless of the fault type.

Power conditioning using dynamic voltage restorers under different voltage sag types

PubMed Central

Saeed, Ahmed M.; Abdel Aleem, Shady H.E.; Ibrahim, Ahmed M.; Balci, Murat E.; El-Zahab, Essam E.A.

2015-01-01

Voltage sags can be symmetrical or unsymmetrical depending on the causes of the sag. At the present time, one of the most common procedures for mitigating voltage sags is by the use of dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs). By definition, a DVR is a controlled voltage source inserted between the network and a sensitive load through a booster transformer injecting voltage into the network in order to correct any disturbance affecting a sensitive load voltage. In this paper, modelling of DVR for voltage correction using MatLab software is presented. The performance of the device under different voltage sag types is described, where the voltage sag types are introduced using the different types of short-circuit faults included in the environment of the MatLab/Simulink package. The robustness of the proposed device is evaluated using the common voltage sag indices, while taking into account voltage and current unbalance percentages, where maintaining the total harmonic distortion percentage of the load voltage within a specified range is desired. Finally, several simulation results are shown in order to highlight that the DVR is capable of effective correction of the voltage sag while minimizing the grid voltage unbalance and distortion, regardless of the fault type. PMID:26843975

Evaluation of high temperature dielectric films for high voltage power electronic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suthar, J. L.; Laghari, J. R.

1992-01-01

Three high temperature films, polyimide, Teflon perfluoroalkoxy and poly-P-xylene, were evaluated for possible use in high voltage power electronic applications, such as in high energy density capacitors, cables and microelectronic circuits. The dielectric properties, including permittivity and dielectric loss, were obtained in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 100 kHz at temperatures up to 200 C. The dielectric strengths at 60 Hz were determined as a function of temperature to 250 C. Confocal laser microscopy was performed to diagnose for voids and microimperfections within the film structure. The results obtained indicate that all films evaluated are capable of maintaining their high voltage properties, with minimal degradation, at temperatures up to 200 C. However, above 200 C, they lose some of their electrical properties. These films may therefore become viable candidates for high voltage power electronic applications at high temperatures.

[Impact of exposure dose reduction of radiation treatment planning CT using low tube voltage technique].

PubMed

Kouno, Takuya; Kuga, Noriyuki; Enzaki, Masahiro; Yamashita, Yuuki; Kitazato, Yumiko; Shimotabira, Haruhiko; Jinnouchi, Takashi; Kusuhara, Kazuo; Kawamura, Shinji

2015-04-01

The aim of this study was to reduce the exposed dose of radiotherapy treatment planning computed tomography (CT) by using low tube voltage technique. We used tube voltages of 80 kV, 100 kV, and 120 kV, respectively. First, we evaluated exposure dose with CT dose index (CTDI) for each voltage. Second, we compared image quality indexes such as modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of phantom images with each voltage. Third, CT to electron density tables were measured in three voltages and monitor unit value was calculated along with clinical cases. Finally, CT surface exposed dose of chest skin was measured by thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). In image evaluation MTF and NPS were approximately equal; CNR slightly decreased, 2.0% for 100 kV. We performed check radiation dose accuracy for each tube voltage with each model phantom. As a result, the difference of MU value was not accepted. Finally, compared with 120 kV, CTDIvol and TLD value showed markedly decreased radiation dose, 60% for 80 kV and 30% for 100 kV. Using a technique with low tube voltages, especially 100 kV, is useful in radiotherapy treatment planning to obtain 20% dose reduction without compromising 120 kV image quality.

Top-gate organic depletion and inversion transistors with doped channel and injection contact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xuhai; Kasemann, Daniel; Leo, Karl

2015-03-01

Organic field-effect transistors constitute a vibrant research field and open application perspectives in flexible electronics. For a commercial breakthrough, however, significant performance improvements are still needed, e.g., stable and high charge carrier mobility and on-off ratio, tunable threshold voltage, as well as integrability criteria such as n- and p-channel operation and top-gate architecture. Here, we show pentacene-based top-gate organic transistors operated in depletion and inversion regimes, realized by doping source and drain contacts as well as a thin layer of the transistor channel. By varying the doping concentration and the thickness of the doped channel, we control the position of the threshold voltage without degrading on-off ratio or mobility. Capacitance-voltage measurements show that an inversion channel can indeed be formed, e.g., an n-doped channel can be inverted to a p-type inversion channel with highly p-doped contacts. The Cytop polymer dielectric minimizes hysteresis, and the transistors can be biased for prolonged cycles without a shift of threshold voltage, indicating excellent operation stability.

Polymer/metal oxide hybrid dielectrics for low voltage field-effect transistors with solution-processed, high-mobility semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Held, Martin; Schießl, Stefan P.; Miehler, Dominik; Gannott, Florentina; Zaumseil, Jana

2015-08-01

Transistors for future flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display backplanes should operate at low voltages and be able to sustain high currents over long times without degradation. Hence, high capacitance dielectrics with low surface trap densities are required that are compatible with solution-processable high-mobility semiconductors. Here, we combine poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and atomic layer deposition hafnium oxide (HfOx) into a bilayer hybrid dielectric for field-effect transistors with a donor-acceptor polymer (DPPT-TT) or single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as the semiconductor and demonstrate substantially improved device performances for both. The ultra-thin PMMA layer ensures a low density of trap states at the semiconductor-dielectric interface while the metal oxide layer provides high capacitance, low gate leakage and superior barrier properties. Transistors with these thin (≤70 nm), high capacitance (100-300 nF/cm2) hybrid dielectrics enable low operating voltages (<5 V), balanced charge carrier mobilities and low threshold voltages. Moreover, the hybrid layers substantially improve the bias stress stability of the transistors compared to those with pure PMMA and HfOx dielectrics.

Characterization of perovskite solar cells: Towards a reliable measurement protocol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmermann, Eugen; Wong, Ka Kan; Müller, Michael; Hu, Hao; Ehrenreich, Philipp; Kohlstädt, Markus; Würfel, Uli; Mastroianni, Simone; Mathiazhagan, Gayathri; Hinsch, Andreas; Gujar, Tanaji P.; Thelakkat, Mukundan; Pfadler, Thomas; Schmidt-Mende, Lukas

2016-09-01

Lead halide perovskite solar cells have shown a tremendous rise in power conversion efficiency with reported record efficiencies of over 20% making this material very promising as a low cost alternative to conventional inorganic solar cells. However, due to a differently severe "hysteretic" behaviour during current density-voltage measurements, which strongly depends on scan rate, device and measurement history, preparation method, device architecture, etc., commonly used solar cell measurements do not give reliable or even reproducible results. For the aspect of commercialization and the possibility to compare results of different devices among different laboratories, it is necessary to establish a measurement protocol which gives reproducible results. Therefore, we compare device characteristics derived from standard current density-voltage measurements with stabilized values obtained from an adaptive tracking of the maximum power point and the open circuit voltage as well as characteristics extracted from time resolved current density-voltage measurements. Our results provide insight into the challenges of a correct determination of device performance and propose a measurement protocol for a reliable characterisation which is easy to implement and has been tested on varying perovskite solar cells fabricated in different laboratories.

In Situ XAS and XRD Studies of Substituted Spinel Lithium Manganese Oxides in the 4-5 V Region

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

McBreen, J.; Mukerjee, S.; Yang, X. Q.

Partial substitution of Mn in lithium manganese oxide spinel materials by Cu and Ni greatly affects the electrochemistry and the phase behavior of the cathode. Substitution with either metal or with a combination of both shortens the 4.2 V plateau and results in higher voltage plateaus. In situ x-ray absorption (XAS) studies indicate that the higher voltage plateaus are related to redox processes on the substituents. In situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) on LiCu{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4} shows single phase behavior during the charge and discharge process. Three phases are observed for LiNi{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4} and two phases are observedmore » in the case of LiNi{sub 0.25}Cu{sub 0.25}Mn{sub 1.5}O{sub 4}. The electrolyte stability is dependent on both the operating voltage and the cathode composition. Even though Ni substituted materials have lower voltages, the electrolyte is more stable in cells with the Cu substituted materials.« less

Reversible calcium alloying enables a practical room-temperature rechargeable calcium-ion battery with a high discharge voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Meng; Jiang, Chunlei; Zhang, Songquan; Song, Xiaohe; Tang, Yongbing; Cheng, Hui-Ming

2018-06-01

Calcium-ion batteries (CIBs) are attractive candidates for energy storage because Ca2+ has low polarization and a reduction potential (-2.87 V versus standard hydrogen electrode, SHE) close to that of Li+ (-3.04 V versus SHE), promising a wide voltage window for a full battery. However, their development is limited by difficulties such as the lack of proper cathode/anode materials for reversible Ca2+ intercalation/de-intercalation, low working voltages (<2 V), low cycling stability, and especially poor room-temperature performance. Here, we report a CIB that can work stably at room temperature in a new cell configuration using graphite as the cathode and tin foils as the anode as well as the current collector. This CIB operates on a highly reversible electrochemical reaction that combines hexafluorophosphate intercalation/de-intercalation at the cathode and a Ca-involved alloying/de-alloying reaction at the anode. An optimized CIB exhibits a working voltage of up to 4.45 V with capacity retention of 95% after 350 cycles.

Organic memory capacitor device fabricated with Ag nanoparticles.

PubMed

Kim, Yo-Han; Jung, Sung Mok; Hu, Quanli; Kim, Yong-Sang; Yoon, Tae-Sik; Lee, Hyun Ho

2011-07-01

In this study, it is demonstrated that an organic memory structure using pentacene and citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as charge storage elements on dielectric SiO2 layer and silicon substrate. The Ag NPs were synthesized by thermal reduction method of silver trifluoroacetate with oleic acid. The synthesized Ag NPs were analyzed with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) for their crystalline structure. The capacitance versus voltage (C-V) curves obtained for the Ag NPs embedded capacitor exhibited flat-band voltage shifts, which demonstrated the presence of charge storages. The citrate-capping of the Ag NPs was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. With voltage sweeping of +/-7 V, a hysteresis loop having flatband voltage shift of 7.1 V was obtained. The hysteresis loop showed a counter-clockwise direction. In addition, electrical performance test for charge storage showed more than 10,000 second charge retention time. The device with Ag NPs can be applied to an organic memory device for flexible electronics.

A Substrate Bias Effect on Recovery of the Threshold Voltage Shift of Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Chang-Wook; Han, Min-Koo; Choi, Nack-Bong; Kim, Chang-Dong; Kim, Ki-Yong; Chung, In-Jae

2007-07-01

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated on a flexible stainless-steel (SS) substrate. The stability of the a-Si:H TFT is a key issue for active matrix organic light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs). The drain current decreases because of the threshold voltage shift (Δ VTH) during OLED driving. A negative voltage at a floated gate can be induced by a negative substrate bias through a capacitor between the substrate and the gate electrode without additional circuits. The negative voltage biased at the SS substrate can recover Δ VTH and reduced drain current of the driving TFT. The VTH of the TFT increased by 2.3 V under a gate bias of +15 V and a drain bias of +15 V at 65 °C applied for 3,500 s. The VTH decreased by -2.3 V and the drain current recovered 97% of its initial value under a substrate bias of -23 V at 65 °C applied for 3,500 s.

The Columbia University Sub-micron Charged Particle Beam

PubMed Central

Randers-Pehrson, Gerhard; Johnson, Gary W.; Marino, Stephen A.; Xu, Yanping; Dymnikov, Alexander D.; Brenner, David J.

2009-01-01

A lens system consisting of two electrostatic quadrupole triplets has been designed and constructed at the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF) of Columbia University. The lens system has been used to focus 6-MeV 4He ions to a beam spot in air with a diameter of 0.8 µm. The quadrupole electrodes can withstand voltages high enough to focus 4He ions up to 10 MeV and protons up to 5 MeV. The quadrupole triplet design is novel in that alignment is made through precise construction and the relative strengths of the quadrupoles are accomplished by the lengths of the elements, so that the magnitudes of the voltages required for focusing are nearly identical. The insulating sections between electrodes have had ion implantation to improve the voltage stability of the lens. The lens design employs Russian symmetry for the quadrupole elements. PMID:20161365

Voltage stability index based optimal placement of static VAR compensator and sizing using Cuckoo search algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkateswara Rao, B.; Kumar, G. V. Nagesh; Chowdary, D. Deepak; Bharathi, M. Aruna; Patra, Stutee

2017-07-01

This paper furnish the new Metaheuristic algorithm called Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) for solving optimal power flow (OPF) problem with minimization of real power generation cost. The CSA is found to be the most efficient algorithm for solving single objective optimal power flow problems. The CSA performance is tested on IEEE 57 bus test system with real power generation cost minimization as objective function. Static VAR Compensator (SVC) is one of the best shunt connected device in the Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) family. It has capable of controlling the voltage magnitudes of buses by injecting the reactive power to system. In this paper SVC is integrated in CSA based Optimal Power Flow to optimize the real power generation cost. SVC is used to improve the voltage profile of the system. CSA gives better results as compared to genetic algorithm (GA) in both without and with SVC conditions.

A CMOS Humidity Sensor for Passive RFID Sensing Applications

PubMed Central

Deng, Fangming; He, Yigang; Zhang, Chaolong; Feng, Wei

2014-01-01

This paper presents a low-cost low-power CMOS humidity sensor for passive RFID sensing applications. The humidity sensing element is implemented in standard CMOS technology without any further post-processing, which results in low fabrication costs. The interface of this humidity sensor employs a PLL-based architecture transferring sensor signal processing from the voltage domain to the frequency domain. Therefore this architecture allows the use of a fully digital circuit, which can operate on ultra-low supply voltage and thus achieves low-power consumption. The proposed humidity sensor has been fabricated in the TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measurements show this humidity sensor exhibits excellent linearity and stability within the relative humidity range. The sensor interface circuit consumes only 1.05 μW at 0.5 V supply voltage and reduces it at least by an order of magnitude compared to previous designs. PMID:24841250

A CMOS humidity sensor for passive RFID sensing applications.

PubMed

Deng, Fangming; He, Yigang; Zhang, Chaolong; Feng, Wei

2014-05-16

This paper presents a low-cost low-power CMOS humidity sensor for passive RFID sensing applications. The humidity sensing element is implemented in standard CMOS technology without any further post-processing, which results in low fabrication costs. The interface of this humidity sensor employs a PLL-based architecture transferring sensor signal processing from the voltage domain to the frequency domain. Therefore this architecture allows the use of a fully digital circuit, which can operate on ultra-low supply voltage and thus achieves low-power consumption. The proposed humidity sensor has been fabricated in the TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measurements show this humidity sensor exhibits excellent linearity and stability within the relative humidity range. The sensor interface circuit consumes only 1.05 µW at 0.5 V supply voltage and reduces it at least by an order of magnitude compared to previous designs.

Increase in fault ride through capability of direct drive permanent magnet based wind farm using VSC-HVDC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleki, Hesamaldin; Ramachandaramurthy, V. K.; Lak, Moein

2013-06-01

Burning of fossil fuels and green house gasses causes global warming. This has led to governments to explore the use of green energies instead of fossil fuels. The availability of wind has made wind technology a viable alternative for generating electrical power. Hence, many parts of the world, especially Europe are experiencing a growth in wind farms. However, by increasing the number of wind farms connected to the grid, power quality and voltage stability of grid becomes a matter of concern. In this paper, VSC-HVDC control strategy which enables the wind farm to ride-through faults and regulate voltage for fault types is proposed. The results show that the wind turbine output voltage fulfills the E.ON grid code requirements, when subjected to three phase to ground fault. Hence, continues operation of the wind farm is achieved.

Adaptive microlens array based on electrically charged polyvinyl chloride/dibutyl phthalate gel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Miao; Ren, Hongwen

2016-09-01

We prepared an adaptive microlens array (MLA) using a polyvinyl chloride/dibutyl phthalate gel and an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass substrate. The gel forms a membrane on the glass substrate and the ITO electrode has a ring array pattern. When the membrane is electrically charged by a DC voltage, the surface of the membrane above each circular electrode in the ring array can be deformed with a convex shape. As a result, the membrane functions as an MLA. By applying a voltage from 20 to ˜65 V to the electrode, the focal length of each microlens can be tuned from 300 to ˜160 μm. The dynamic response time can by reduced largely by changing the polarity of the DC voltage. Due to the advantages of optical isotropy, compact structure, and good stability, our MLA has potential applications in imaging, biometrics, and electronic displays.

Stochastic DG Placement for Conservation Voltage Reduction Based on Multiple Replications Procedure

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

Wang, Zhaoyu; Chen, Bokan; Wang, Jianhui

2015-06-01

Conservation voltage reduction (CVR) and distributed-generation (DG) integration are popular strategies implemented by utilities to improve energy efficiency. This paper investigates the interactions between CVR and DG placement to minimize load consumption in distribution networks, while keeping the lowest voltage level within the predefined range. The optimal placement of DG units is formulated as a stochastic optimization problem considering the uncertainty of DG outputs and load consumptions. A sample average approximation algorithm-based technique is developed to solve the formulated problem effectively. A multiple replications procedure is developed to test the stability of the solution and calculate the confidence interval ofmore » the gap between the candidate solution and optimal solution. The proposed method has been applied to the IEEE 37-bus distribution test system with different scenarios. The numerical results indicate that the implementations of CVR and DG, if combined, can achieve significant energy savings.« less

Vacuum-processed polyethylene as a dielectric for low operating voltage organic field effect transistors

PubMed Central

Kanbur, Yasin; Irimia-Vladu, Mihai; Głowacki, Eric D.; Voss, Gundula; Baumgartner, Melanie; Schwabegger, Günther; Leonat, Lucia; Ullah, Mujeeb; Sarica, Hizir; Erten-Ela, Sule; Schwödiauer, Reinhard; Sitter, Helmut; Küçükyavuz, Zuhal; Bauer, Siegfried; Sariciftci, Niyazi Serdar

2012-01-01

We report on the fabrication and performance of vacuum-processed organic field effect transistors utilizing evaporated low-density polyethylene (LD-PE) as a dielectric layer. With C60 as the organic semiconductor, we demonstrate low operating voltage transistors with field effect mobilities in excess of 4 cm2/Vs. Devices with pentacene showed a mobility of 0.16 cm2/Vs. Devices using tyrian Purple as semiconductor show low-voltage ambipolar operation with equal electron and hole mobilities of ∼0.3 cm2/Vs. These devices demonstrate low hysteresis and operational stability over at least several months. Grazing-angle infrared spectroscopy of evaporated thin films shows that the structure of the polyethylene is similar to solution-cast films. We report also on the morphological and dielectric properties of these films. Our experiments demonstrate that polyethylene is a stable dielectric supporting both hole and electron channels. PMID:23483783

Substitutions in the domain III voltage-sensing module enhance the sensitivity of an insect sodium channel to a scorpion beta-toxin.

PubMed

Song, Weizhong; Du, Yuzhe; Liu, Zhiqi; Luo, Ningguang; Turkov, Michael; Gordon, Dalia; Gurevitz, Michael; Goldin, Alan L; Dong, Ke

2011-05-06

Scorpion β-toxins bind to the extracellular regions of the voltage-sensing module of domain II and to the pore module of domain III in voltage-gated sodium channels and enhance channel activation by trapping and stabilizing the voltage sensor of domain II in its activated state. We investigated the interaction of a highly potent insect-selective scorpion depressant β-toxin, Lqh-dprIT(3), from Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus with insect sodium channels from Blattella germanica (BgNa(v)). Like other scorpion β-toxins, Lqh-dprIT(3) shifts the voltage dependence of activation of BgNa(v) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes to more negative membrane potentials but only after strong depolarizing prepulses. Notably, among 10 BgNa(v) splice variants tested for their sensitivity to the toxin, only BgNa(v)1-1 was hypersensitive due to an L1285P substitution in IIIS1 resulting from a U-to-C RNA-editing event. Furthermore, charge reversal of a negatively charged residue (E1290K) at the extracellular end of IIIS1 and the two innermost positively charged residues (R4E and R5E) in IIIS4 also increased the channel sensitivity to Lqh-dprIT(3). Besides enhancement of toxin sensitivity, the R4E substitution caused an additional 20-mV negative shift in the voltage dependence of activation of toxin-modified channels, inducing a unique toxin-modified state. Our findings provide the first direct evidence for the involvement of the domain III voltage-sensing module in the action of scorpion β-toxins. This hypersensitivity most likely reflects an increase in IIS4 trapping via allosteric mechanisms, suggesting coupling between the voltage sensors in neighboring domains during channel activation.

Li3PO4 surface coating on Ni-rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 by a citric acid assisted sol-gel method: Improved thermal stability and high-voltage performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Suk-Woo; Kim, Myeong-Seong; Jeong, Jun Hui; Kim, Dong-Hyun; Chung, Kyung Yoon; Roh, Kwang Chul; Kim, Kwang-Bum

2017-08-01

A surface coating of Li3PO4 was applied to a Ni-rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM) material to improve its thermal stability and electrochemical properties via a citric acid assisted sol-gel method. The addition of citric acid effectively suppressed the instant formation of Li3PO4 in solution, resulting in successful coating of the NCM surface. The improved thermal stability of NCM after Li3PO4 surface coating was demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and in situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction (TR-XRD). In particular, the TR-XRD results showed that the improved thermal stability after Li3PO4 surface coating originates from suppression of the phase transition of charged NCM at high temperatures. Furthermore, the charge-discharge tests demonstrated that Li3PO4-coated LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (LP-NCM) has excellent electrochemical properties. LP-NCM exhibited a specific capacity of 192.7 mAh g-1, a capacity retention of 44.1% at 10 C, and a capacity retention of 79.7% after 100 cycles at a high cut-off voltage of 4.7 V; these values represent remarkably improved electrochemical properties compared with those of bare NCM. These improved thermal and electrochemical properties were mainly attributed to the improvement of the structural stability of the material and the suppression of the interface reaction between the cathode and the electrolyte owing to the Li3PO4 coating.

Optimal model of PDIG based microgrid and design of complementary stabilizer using ICA.

PubMed

Amini, R Mohammad; Safari, A; Ravadanegh, S Najafi

2016-09-01

The generalized Heffron-Phillips model (GHPM) for a microgrid containing a photovoltaic (PV)-diesel machine (DM)-induction motor (IM)-governor (GV) (PDIG) has been developed at the low voltage level. A GHPM is calculated by linearization method about a loading condition. An effective Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) approach for PV network has been done using sliding mode control (SMC) to maximize output power. Additionally, to improve stability of microgrid for more penetration of renewable energy resources with nonlinear load, a complementary stabilizer has been presented. Imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) is utilized to design of gains for the complementary stabilizer with the multiobjective function. The stability analysis of the PDIG system has been completed with eigenvalues analysis and nonlinear simulations. Robustness and validity of the proposed controllers on damping of electromechanical modes examine through time domain simulation under input mechanical torque disturbances. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Model VI transmission fluorimeter for the determination of uranium

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kinser, Charles Alvin

1954-01-01

An improved transmission fluorimeter (Model VI) for use in the determination of uranium consists of a line-operated, low-voltage d-c supply, powering a small 3-watt ultraviolet lamp as a source of long wavelength ultraviolet radiation; a Model V phototube housing and. fluorimeter head containing the sample holder, shutter, and primary and secondary filters; an end-window multiplier phototube powered by a stable, commercially available high-voltage supply; and an electronic microammeter for measuring the output current from the photomultiplier tube. The instrument has excellent electrical stability and operates over a wide range of sensitivity. Its versatility makes it useful for both routine and research work.

An ion beam facility based on a 3 MV tandetron accelerator in Sichuan University, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jifeng; An, Zhu; Zheng, Gaoqun; Bai, Fan; Li, Zhihui; Wang, Peng; Liao, Xiaodong; Liu, Mantian; Chen, Shunli; Song, Mingjiang; Zhang, Jun

2018-03-01

A new ion beam facility based on a 3 MV tandetron accelerator system has been installed in Sichuan University, China. The facility was developed by High Voltage Engineering Europa and consists of three high-energy beam lines including the ion beam analysis, ion implantation and nuclear physics experiment end stations, respectively. The terminal voltage stability of the accelerator is better than ±30 V, and the brightness of the proton beam is approximately 5.06 A/rad2/m2/eV. The system demonstrates a great application potential in fields such as nuclear, material and environmental studies.

Very compact, high-stability electrostatic actuator featuring contact-free self-limiting displacement

DOEpatents

Rodgers, M. Steven; Miller, Samuel L.

2003-01-01

A compact electrostatic actuator is disclosed for microelectromechanical (MEM) applications. The actuator utilizes stationary and moveable electrodes, with the stationary electrodes being formed on a substrate and the moveable electrodes being supported above the substrate on a frame. The frame provides a rigid structure which allows the electrostatic actuator to be operated at high voltages (up to 190 Volts) to provide a relatively large actuation force compared to conventional electrostatic comb actuators which are much larger in size. For operation at its maximum displacement, the electrostatic actuator is relatively insensitive to the exact value of the applied voltage and provides a self-limiting displacement.

Variable anodic thermal control coating on aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duckett, R. J.; Gilliland, C. S.

1983-01-01

A variable thermal control coating (modified chromic acid anodizing) has been developed to meet the needs for the thermal control of spacecraft. This coating, with controlled variable ranges of 0.10 to 0.72 thermal emittance and 0.2 to 0.4 solar absorptance, allows the user to select any value of thermal emittance and solar absorptance within the range specified and obtain both values within + or - 0.02. Preliminary solar stability has shown less than 15 percent degradation over 2000 hours of vacuum solar exposure. The technique has been determined to be sensitive to the parameters of voltage, rate of voltage application, time, temperature, acid concentration, and material pretreatment.

Low-voltage organic field effect transistors with a 2-tridecyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene semiconductor layer.

PubMed

Amin, Atefeh Y; Khassanov, Artoem; Reuter, Knud; Meyer-Friedrichsen, Timo; Halik, Marcus

2012-10-10

An asymmetric n-alkyl substitution pattern was realized in 2-tridecyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C(13)-BTBT) in order to improve the charge transport properties in organic thin-film transistors. We obtained large hole mobilities up to 17.2 cm(2)/(V·s) in low-voltage operating devices. The large mobility is related to densely packed layers of the BTBT π-systems at the channel interface dedicated to the substitution motif and confirmed by X-ray reflectivity measurements. The devices exhibit promising stability in continuous operation for several hours in ambient air.

CIRCUITS FOR CURRENT MEASUREMENTS

DOEpatents

Cox, R.J.

1958-11-01

Circuits are presented for measurement of a logarithmic scale of current flowing in a high impedance. In one form of the invention the disclosed circuit is in combination with an ionization chamber to measure lonization current. The particular circuit arrangement lncludes a vacuum tube having at least one grid, an ionization chamber connected in series with a high voltage source and the grid of the vacuum tube, and a d-c amplifier feedback circuit. As the ionization chamber current passes between the grid and cathode of the tube, the feedback circuit acts to stabilize the anode current, and the feedback voltage is a measure of the logaritbm of the ionization current.

Simulation of Trolleybus Traction Induction Drive With Supercapacitor Energy Storage System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brazis, V.; Latkovskis, L.; Grigans, L.

2010-01-01

The article considers the possibilities of saving the regenerative braking energy in Škoda 24Tr type trolleybuses by installing the onboard supercapacitor energy storage system (ESS) and improving its performance with automated switching to the autonomous traction mode. Proposed is an ESS control system with constant DC bus voltage in the supercapacitor charging mode and supercapacitor current proportional to the AC drive current in the discharging mode. The authors investigate stability of the trolleybus ESS control system operating together with AC traction drive in various overhead voltage failure modes. The co-simulation of ESS operation was done by Matlab/Simulink AC drive and PSIM ESS continuous models.

An Optimal Control Strategy for DC Bus Voltage Regulation in Photovoltaic System with Battery Energy Storage

PubMed Central

Daud, Muhamad Zalani; Mohamed, Azah; Hannan, M. A.

2014-01-01

This paper presents an evaluation of an optimal DC bus voltage regulation strategy for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system with battery energy storage (BES). The BES is connected to the PV system DC bus using a DC/DC buck-boost converter. The converter facilitates the BES power charge/discharge to compensate for the DC bus voltage deviation during severe disturbance conditions. In this way, the regulation of DC bus voltage of the PV/BES system can be enhanced as compared to the conventional regulation that is solely based on the voltage-sourced converter (VSC). For the grid side VSC (G-VSC), two control methods, namely, the voltage-mode and current-mode controls, are applied. For control parameter optimization, the simplex optimization technique is applied for the G-VSC voltage- and current-mode controls, including the BES DC/DC buck-boost converter controllers. A new set of optimized parameters are obtained for each of the power converters for comparison purposes. The PSCAD/EMTDC-based simulation case studies are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed optimized control scheme in comparison to the conventional methods. PMID:24883374

An optimal control strategy for DC bus voltage regulation in photovoltaic system with battery energy storage.

PubMed

Daud, Muhamad Zalani; Mohamed, Azah; Hannan, M A

2014-01-01

This paper presents an evaluation of an optimal DC bus voltage regulation strategy for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system with battery energy storage (BES). The BES is connected to the PV system DC bus using a DC/DC buck-boost converter. The converter facilitates the BES power charge/discharge to compensate for the DC bus voltage deviation during severe disturbance conditions. In this way, the regulation of DC bus voltage of the PV/BES system can be enhanced as compared to the conventional regulation that is solely based on the voltage-sourced converter (VSC). For the grid side VSC (G-VSC), two control methods, namely, the voltage-mode and current-mode controls, are applied. For control parameter optimization, the simplex optimization technique is applied for the G-VSC voltage- and current-mode controls, including the BES DC/DC buck-boost converter controllers. A new set of optimized parameters are obtained for each of the power converters for comparison purposes. The PSCAD/EMTDC-based simulation case studies are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed optimized control scheme in comparison to the conventional methods.

Surface voltage gradient role in high voltage solar array-plasma interaction: Center Director's discretionary fund

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carruth, M. R., Jr.

1985-01-01

A large amount of experimental and analytical effort has been directed toward understanding the plasma sheath growth and discharge phenomena which lead to high voltage solar array-space plasma interactions. An important question which has not been addressed is how the surface voltage gradient on such an array may affect these interactions. The results of this study indicate that under certain conditions, the voltage gradient should be taken into account when evaluating the effect on a solar array operating in a plasma environment.

Enhancement of memory margins in the polymer composite of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester and polystyrene.

PubMed

Sun, Yanmei; Lu, Junguo; Ai, Chunpeng; Wen, Dianzhong; Bai, Xuduo

2016-11-09

Memory devices based on composites of polystyrene (PS) and [6,6]-phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were investigated with bistable resistive switching behavior. Current-voltage (I-V) curves for indium-tin-oxide (ITO)/PS + PCBM/Al devices with 33 wt% PCBM showed non-volatile, rewritable, flash memory properties with a maximum ON/OFF current ratio of 1 × 10 4 , which was 100 times larger than the ON/OFF ratio of the device with 5 wt% PCBM. For ITO/PS + PCBM/Al devices with 33 wt% PCBM, the write-read-erase-read test cycles demonstrated the bistable devices with ON and OFF states at the same voltage. The programmable ON and OFF states endured up to 10 4 read pulses and possessed a retention time of over 10 5 s, indicative of the memory stability of the device. In the OFF state, the I-V curve at lower voltages up to 0.45 V was attributed to the thermionic emission mechanism, and the I-V characteristics in the applied voltage above 0.5 V dominantly followed the space-charge-limited-current behaviors. In the ON state, the curve in the applied voltage range was related to an Ohmic mechanism.

Increasing The Electric Field For An Improved Search For Time-Reversal Violation Using Radium-225

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powers, Adam

2017-09-01

Radium-225 atoms, because of their unusual pear-shaped nuclei, have an enhanced sensitivity to the violation of time reversal symmetry. A breakdown of this fundamental symmetry could help explain the apparent scarcity of antimatter in the Universe. Our goal is to improve the statistical sensitivity of an ongoing experiment that precisely measures the EDM of Radium-225. This can be done by increasing the electric field acting on the Radium atoms. We do this by increasing the voltage that can be reliably applied between two electrodes, and narrowing the gap between them. We use a varying high voltage system to condition the electrodes using incremental voltage ramp tests to achieve higher voltage potential differences. Using an adjustable gap mount to change the distance between the electrodes, specific metals for their composition, and a clean room procedure to keep particulates out of the system, we produce a higher and more stable electric field. Progress is marked by measurements of the leakage current between the electrodes during our incremental voltage ramp tests or emulated tests of the actual experiment, with low and constant current showing stability of the field. This project is supported by Michigan State University, and the US DOE, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, under Contract DE-AC02-06CH11357.

High voltage stability of LiCoO2 particles with a nano-scale Lipon coating

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

Kim, Yoongu; Veith, Gabriel M; Nanda, Jagjit

2011-01-01

For high-voltage cycling of rechargeable Li batteries, a nano-scale amorphous Li-ion conductor, lithium phosphorus oxynitride (Lipon), has been coated on surfaces of LiCoO{sub 2} particles by combining a RF-magnetron sputtering technique and mechanical agitation of LiCoO{sub 2} powders. LiCoO{sub 2} particles coated with 0.36 wt% ({approx}1 nm thick) of the amorphous Lipon, retain 90% of their original capacity compared to non-coated cathode materials that retain only 65% of their original capacity after more than 40 cycles in the 3.0-4.4 V range with a standard carbonate electrolyte. The reason for the better high-voltage cycling behavior is attributed to reduction in themore » side reactions that cause increase of the cell resistance during cycling. Further, Lipon coated particles are not damaged, whereas uncoated particles are badly cracked after cycling. Extending the charge of Lipon-coated LiCoO{sub 2} to higher voltage enhances the specific capacity, but more importantly the Lipon-coated material is also more stable and tolerant of high voltage excursions. A drawback of Lipon coating, particularly as thicker films are applied to cathode powders, is the increased electronic resistance that reduces the power performance.« less

Performance analysis of electronic power transformer based on neuro-fuzzy controller.

PubMed

Acikgoz, Hakan; Kececioglu, O Fatih; Yildiz, Ceyhun; Gani, Ahmet; Sekkeli, Mustafa

2016-01-01

In recent years, electronic power transformer (EPT), which is also called solid state transformer, has attracted great interest and has been used in place of the conventional power transformers. These transformers have many important functions as high unity power factor, low harmonic distortion, constant DC bus voltage, regulated output voltage and compensation capability. In this study, proposed EPT structure contains a three-phase pulse width modulation rectifier that converts 800 Vrms AC to 2000 V DC bus at input stage, a dual active bridge converter that provides 400 V DC bus with 5:1 high frequency transformer at isolation stage and a three-phase two level inverter that is used to obtain AC output at output stage. In order to enhance dynamic performance of EPT structure, neuro fuzzy controllers which have durable and nonlinear nature are used in input and isolation stages instead of PI controllers. The main aim of EPT structure with the proposed controller is to improve the stability of power system and to provide faster response against disturbances. Moreover, a number of simulation results are carried out to verify EPT structure designed in MATLAB/Simulink environment and to analyze compensation ability for voltage harmonics, voltage flicker and voltage sag/swell conditions.

Breakdown Characteristics of SF6 Gap Disturbed by a Metallic Protrusion under Oscillating Transient Overvoltages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamura, Tatsuo; Lee, Bok-Hee; Nishimura, Takahiko; Ishii, Masaru

1994-04-01

This paper deals with the experimental investigations of particle-initiated breakdown of SF6 gas stressed by the oscillating transient overvoltage and non-oscillating impulse voltages. The experiments are carried out by using hemisphere-to-plane electrodes with a needle-shaped protrusion in the gas pressure range of 0.05 to 0.3 MPa. The temporal growth of the prebreakdown process is measured by a current shunt and a photomultiplier. The electrical breakdown is initiated by the streamer corona in the vicinity of a needle-shaped protrusion and the flashover of test gap is substantially influenced by the local field enhancement due to the space charge formed by the preceding streamer corona. The dependence of the voltage-time characteristics on the polarity of test voltage is appreciable, and the minimum breakdown voltage under the damped oscillating transient overvoltage is approximately the same as that under the standard lightning impulse voltage. In presence of positive polarity, the dielectric strength of SF6 gas stressed by the oscillating transient overvoltage is particularly sensitive to the local field perturbed by a sharp conducting particle. The formative time lag from the first streamer corona to breakdown is longer in negative polarity than in positive polarity and the field stabilization of space charge is more pronounced in negative polarity.

Impact of pulsed-electric field and high-voltage electrical discharges on red wine microbial stabilization and quality characteristics.

PubMed

Delsart, C; Grimi, N; Boussetta, N; Miot Sertier, C; Ghidossi, R; Vorobiev, E; Mietton Peuchot, M

2016-01-01

In this study, pulsed-electric fields (PEF) and high-voltage electrical discharges (HVED) are proposed as new techniques for the microbial stabilization of red wines before bottling. The efficiency of the treatment was then evaluated. PEF and HVED-treatments have been applied to wine for the inactivation of Oenococcus oeni CRBO 9304, O. oeni CRBO 0608, Pediococcus parvulus CRBO 2.6 and Brettanomyces bruxellensis CB28. Different treatment times (1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ms) were used at 20 kV cm(-1) for the PEF treatments and at 40 kV for the HVED treatments, which correspond to applied energies from 80 to 800 kJ l(-1) . The effects of the treatments on the microbial inactivation rate and on various characteristics of red wines (phenolic composition, chromatic characteristics and physico-chemical parameters) were measured. The application of PEF or HVED treatments on red wine allowed the inactivation of alteration yeasts (B. bruxellensis CB28) and bacteria (O. oeni CRBO 9304, O. oeni CRBO 0608 and P. parvulus CRBO 2.6). The electric discharges at 40 kV were less effective than the PEF even after 10 ms of treatments. Indeed, 4 ms of PEF treatment at 20 kV cm(-1) were sufficient to inactivate all micro-organisms present in the wines. Also, the use of PEF had no negative impact on the composition of wines compared to the HVED treatments. Contrary to PEF, the phenolics compounds were degraded after the HVED treatment and the physico-chemical composition of wine were modified with HVED. PEF technology seems to be an interesting alternative to stabilize microbiologically wines before bottling and without modifying their composition. This process offers many advantages for winemakers: no chemical inputs, low energy consumption (320 kJ l(-1) ), fast (treatment time of 4 ms) and athermal (ΔT ≈ 10°C). © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Solid state d.c. power controller design philosophies and their evaluation.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maus, L. G.; Williams, D. E.

1972-01-01

Evaluation of remote power controllers (RPC), which has enhanced knowledge of the capabilities of various design philosophies and has indicated certain limitations that RPC's exhibit. Additionally, this activity has clearly emphasized that certain RPC design parameters merit further consideration in development. The major design parameters to be analyzed in more detail are the rates of change of the rise and fall times of the output current. The major reason why transient voltages and currents should be reduced is the minimization of the reverse collector-to-emitter voltage. The requirement for higher bus voltage coupled with the present problem of improving the efficiency of power control points out the urgent need for improvement and advancement of higher current, voltage, and gain power semiconductors.

Application of Autonomous Smart Inverter Volt-VAR Function for Voltage Reduction Energy Savings and Power Quality in Electric Distribution Systems: Preprint

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

Ding, Fei; Nagarajan, Adarsh; Baggu, Murali

This paper evaluated the impact of smart inverter Volt-VAR function on voltage reduction energy saving and power quality in electric power distribution systems. A methodology to implement the voltage reduction optimization was developed by controlling the substation LTC and capacitor banks, and having smart inverters participate through their autonomous Volt-VAR control. In addition, a power quality scoring methodology was proposed and utilized to quantify the effect on power distribution system power quality. All of these methodologies were applied to a utility distribution system model to evaluate the voltage reduction energy saving and power quality under various PV penetrations and smartmore » inverter densities.« less

[Conserved motifs in voltage sensing proteins].

PubMed

Wang, Chang-He; Xie, Zhen-Li; Lv, Jian-Wei; Yu, Zhi-Dan; Shao, Shu-Li

2012-08-25

This paper was aimed to study conserved motifs of voltage sensing proteins (VSPs) and establish a voltage sensing model. All VSPs were collected from the Uniprot database using a comprehensive keyword search followed by manual curation, and the results indicated that there are only two types of known VSPs, voltage gated ion channels and voltage dependent phosphatases. All the VSPs have a common domain of four helical transmembrane segments (TMS, S1-S4), which constitute the voltage sensing module of the VSPs. The S1 segment was shown to be responsible for membrane targeting and insertion of these proteins, while S2-S4 segments, which can sense membrane potential, for protein properties. Conserved motifs/residues and their functional significance of each TMS were identified using profile-to-profile sequence alignments. Conserved motifs in these four segments are strikingly similar for all VSPs, especially, the conserved motif [RK]-X(2)-R-X(2)-R-X(2)-[RK] was presented in all the S4 segments, with positively charged arginine (R) alternating with two hydrophobic or uncharged residues. Movement of these arginines across the membrane electric field is the core mechanism by which the VSPs detect changes in membrane potential. The negatively charged aspartate (D) in the S3 segment is universally conserved in all the VSPs, suggesting that the aspartate residue may be involved in voltage sensing properties of VSPs as well as the electrostatic interactions with the positively charged residues in the S4 segment, which may enhance the thermodynamic stability of the S4 segments in plasma membrane.

Beat note stabilization of a 10-60 GHz dual-polarization microlaser through optical down conversion.

PubMed

Rolland, A; Brunel, M; Loas, G; Frein, L; Vallet, M; Alouini, M

2011-02-28

Down-conversion of a high-frequency beat note to an intermediate frequency is realized by a Mach-Zehnder intensity modulator. Optically-carried microwave signals in the 10-60 GHz range are synthesized by using a two-frequency solid-state microchip laser as a voltage-controlled oscillator inside a digital phase-locked loop. We report an in-loop relative frequency stability better than 2.5×10⁻¹¹. The principle is applicable to beat notes in the millimeter-wave range.

Electrochemical extraction of gold from wastes as nanoparticles stabilized by phospholipids.

PubMed

Moriwaki, Hiroshi; Yamada, Kotaro; Usami, Hisanao

2017-02-01

A simple one-step method for the extraction of gold from wastes as nanoparticles stabilized by phospholipids is demonstrated. This is achieved by applying an AC voltage for 5s to the gold-containing wastes, which act as the electrodes in a buffer solution containing a dispersed phospholipid (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DOPC). This is an environmentally friendly and rapid method for recovering gold from wastes. The extracted gold nanoparticles have significant potential as a catalyst or biomedical material. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metal transfer and V-I transients in GMAW of aluminium

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

Pandey, S.; Rao, U.R.K.; Aghakhani, M.

1996-12-31

The mode of metal transfer in arc welding significantly affects the positional weldability; particularly the overhead welding, the chemical composition and properties of weld metal, metallurgy of weld metal, weld pool stability, arc stability, spatter losses, and weld bead geometry. The mode of metal transfer is affected mainly by the type of the arc, welding current, electrode polarity, arc voltage, contact tube to plate distance (CTPD)/Stand-off, type and flow rate of the shielding gas, torch angle and alloying elements in GMAW of aluminium and its alloys.

Fuzzy Current-Mode Control and Stability Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopasakis, George

2000-01-01

In this paper a current-mode control (CMC) methodology is developed for a buck converter by using a fuzzy logic controller. Conventional CMC methodologies are based on lead-lag compensation with voltage and inductor current feedback. In this paper the converter lead-lag compensation will be substituted with a fuzzy controller. A small-signal model of the fuzzy controller will also be developed in order to examine the stability properties of this buck converter control system. The paper develops an analytical approach, introducing fuzzy control into the area of CMC.

Development of Multi-Functional Voltage Restore System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Satoshi; Ueda, Yoshinobu; Koganezawa, Takehisa; Ogihara, Yoshinori; Mori, Kenjiro; Fukazu, Naoaki

Recently, with the dawn of the electric deregulation, the installation of distributed generation with power electronics device has grown. This current causes a greater concern of power quality, primarily voltage disturbance for power companies, and their interest in power quality is peaking. Utilities are also interested in keeping their customers satisfied, as well as keeping them on-line and creating more revenue for the utility. As a countermeasure against the above surroundings, a variety type of devices based on power electronics has been developed to protect customers' load from power line voltage disturbance. One of them is the series type voltage restore. The series device is an active device, designed to provide a pure sinusoidal load voltage at all times, correcting voltage disturbance. Series type device compensates for voltage anomalies by inserting the ‘missing’ voltage onto the line through insertion transformer and inverter. This paper shows the setting guideline of target level to compensate voltage disturbance, that is, voltage dip, voltage harmonics, voltage imbalance and voltage flicker, and the design approach of the prototype of series voltage restores to accomplish the required compensation level. The prototype system gives satisfactory compensation performance through evaluation tests, which confirm the validity and effectiveness of the system.

MOSFET-based high voltage short pulse generator for ultrasonic transducer excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hidayat, Darmawan; Setianto, Syafei, Nendi Suhendi; Wibawa, Bambang Mukti

2018-02-01

This paper presents the generation of a high-voltage short pulse for the excitation of high frequency ultrasonic transducers. This is highly required in the purpose of various ultrasonic-based evaluations, particularly when high resolution measurement is necessary. A high voltage (+760 V) DC voltage source was pulsated by an ultrafast switching MOSFET which was driven by a pulse generator circuit consisting of an astable multivibrator, a one-shot multivibrator with Schmitt trigger input and a high current MOSFET driver. The generated pulses excited a 200-kHz and a 1-MHz ultrasonic transducers and tested in the transmission mode propagation to evaluate the performances of the generated pulse. The test results showed the generator were able to produce negative spike pulses up to -760 V voltage with the shortest time-width of 107.1 nanosecond. The transmission-received ultrasonic waves show frequency oscillation at 200 and 961 kHz and their amplitudes varied with the voltage of excitation pulse. These results conclude that the developed pulse generator is applicable to excite transducer for the generation of high frequency ultrasonic waves.

Low thermal budget annealing technique for high performance amorphous In-Ga-ZnO thin film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Joong-Won; Cho, Won-Ju

2017-07-01

In this paper, we investigate a low thermal budget post-deposition-annealing (PDA) process for amorphous In-Ga-ZnO (a-IGZO) oxide semiconductor thin-film-transistors (TFTs). To evaluate the electrical characteristics and reliability of the TFTs after the PDA process, microwave annealing (MWA) and rapid thermal annealing (RTA) methods were applied, and the results were compared with those of the conventional annealing (CTA) method. The a-IGZO TFTs fabricated with as-deposited films exhibited poor electrical characteristics; however, their characteristics were improved by the proposed PDA process. The CTA-treated TFTs had excellent electrical properties and stability, but the CTA method required high temperatures and long processing times. In contrast, the fabricated RTA-treated TFTs benefited from the lower thermal budget due to the short process time; however, they exhibited poor stability. The MWA method uses a low temperature (100 °C) and short annealing time (2 min) because microwaves transfer energy directly to the substrate, and this method effectively removed the defects in the a-IGZO TFTs. Consequently, they had a higher mobility, higher on-off current ratio, lower hysteresis voltage, lower subthreshold swing, and higher interface trap density than TFTs treated with CTA or RTA, and exhibited excellent stability. Based on these results, low thermal budget MWA is a promising technology for use on various substrates in next generation displays.

Effect of two X-ray tube voltages on detection of approximal caries in digital radiographs. An in vitro study.

PubMed

Hellén-Halme, Kristina

2011-04-01

This study evaluated the effect of two different tube voltages on clinicians' ability to diagnose approximal carious lesions in digital radiographs. One hundred extracted teeth were radiographed twice at two voltage settings, 60 and 70 kV, using a standardized procedure. Seven observers evaluated the radiographs on a standard color monitor pre-calibrated according to DICOM part 14. Evaluations were made at ambient light levels below 50 lx. All observations were analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curves. A histological examination of the teeth served as the criterion standard. A paired t test compared the effects of the two voltages. The significance level was set to p < 0.05. Weighted kappa statistics estimated intra-observer agreement. No significant difference in accuracy of approximal carious lesion diagnosis was found between the two voltage settings. But five observers rated dentin lesions on radiographs exposed at 70 kV better than on radiographs exposed at 60 kV. Intra-observer agreement differed from fair to moderate. There was no significant difference in accuracy of approximal carious lesion diagnosis between digital radiographs exposed with 60 or 70 kV.

Low-voltage high-reliability MEMS switch for millimeter wave 5G applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shekhar, Sudhanshu; Vinoy, K. J.; Ananthasuresh, G. K.

2018-07-01

Lack of reliability of radio-frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) switches has inhibited their commercial success. Dielectric stiction/breakdown and mechanical shock due to high actuation voltage are common impediments in capacitive MEMS switches. In this work, we report low-actuation voltage RF MEMS switch and its reliability test. Experimental characterization of fabricated devices demonstrate that proposed MEMS switch topology needs very low voltage (4.8 V) for actuation. The mechanical resonant frequency, f 0, quality factor, Q, and switching time are measured to be 8.35 kHz, 1.2, and 33 microsecond, respectively. These MEMS switches have high reliability in terms of switching cycles. Measurements are performed using pulse waveform of magnitude of 6 V under hot-switching condition. Temperature measurement results confirm that the reported switch topology has good thermal stability. The robustness in terms of the measured pull-in voltage shows a variation of 0.08 V °C‑1. Lifetime measurement results after 10 million switching cycles demonstrate insignificant change in the RF performance without any failure. Experimental results show that low voltage improves the lifetime. Low insertion loss (less than 0.6 dB) and improved isolation (above 40 dB) in the frequency range up to 60 GHz have been reported. Measured RF characteristics in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 60 GHz support that these MEMS switches are favorable choice for mm-wave 5G applications.

Study of a control strategy for grid side converter in doubly- fed wind power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, D. J.; Tan, Z. L.; Yuan, F.; Wang, Q. Y.; Ding, M.

2016-08-01

The grid side converter is an important part of the excitation system of doubly-fed asynchronous generator used in wind power system. As a three-phase voltage source PWM converter, it can not only transfer slip power in the form of active power, but also adjust the reactive power of the grid. This paper proposed a control approach for improving its performance. In this control approach, the dc voltage is regulated by a sliding mode variable structure control scheme and current by a variable structure controller based on the input output linearization. The theoretical bases of the sliding mode variable structure control were introduced, and the stability proof was presented. Switching function of the system has been deduced, sliding mode voltage controller model has been established, and the output of the outer voltage loop is the instruction of the inner current loop. Affine nonlinear model of two input two output equations on d-q axis for current has been established its meeting conditions of exact linearization were proved. In order to improve the anti-jamming capability of the system, a variable structure control was added in the current controller, the control law was deduced. The dual-loop control with sliding mode control in outer voltage loop and linearization variable structure control in inner current loop was proposed. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy even during the dc reference voltage and system load variation.

Conductive buffer layers and overlayers for the thermal stability of coated conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantoni, C.; Aytug, T.; Verebelyi, D. T.; Paranthaman, M.; Specht, E. D.; Norton, D. P.; Christen, D. K.

2001-03-01

We analyze fundamental issues related to the thermal and electrical stability of a coated conductor during its operation. We address the role of conductive buffer layers in the stability of Ni-based coated conductors, and the effect of a metallic cap layer on the electrical properties of Ni alloy-based superconducting tapes. For the first case we report on the fabrication of a fully conductive RABiTS architecture formed of bilayers of conductive oxides SrRuO3 and LaNiO3 on textured Ni tapes. For the second case we discuss measurements of current-voltage relations on Ag/YBa2Cu3O7-d and Cu/Ag/ YBa2Cu3O7-d prototype multilayers on insulating substrates. Limitations on the overall tape structure and properties that are posed by the stability requirement are presented.

Base metal thermocouples drift rate dependence from thermoelement diameter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlasek, P.; Duris, S.; Palencar, R.

2015-02-01

Temperature measurements are one of the key factors in many industrial applications that directly affect the quality, effectiveness and safety of manufacturing processes. In many industrial applications these temperature measurements are realized by thermocouples. Accuracy of thermocouples directly affects the quality of the final product of manufacturing and their durability determines the safety margins required. One of the significant effects that affect the precision of the thermocouples is short and long term stability of their voltage output. This stability issue occurs in every type of thermocouples and is caused by multiple factors. In general these factors affect the Seebeck coefficient which is a material constant, which determines the level of generated voltage when exposed to a temperature gradient. Changes of this constant result in the change of the thermocouples voltage output thus indicated temperature which can result in production quality issues, safety and health hazards. These alternations can be caused by physical and chemical changes within the thermocouple lead material. Modification of this material constant can be of temporary nature or permanent. This paper concentrates on the permanent, or irreversible changes of the Seebeck coefficient that occur in commonly used swaged MIMS Type N thermocouples. These permanent changes can be seen as systematic change of the EMF of the thermocouple when it is exposed to a high temperature over a period of time. This change of EMF by time is commonly known as the drift of the thermocouple. This work deals with the time instability of thermocouples EMF at temperatures above 1200 °C. Instability of the output voltage was taken into relation with the lead diameter of the tested thermocouples. This paper concentrates in detail on the change of voltage output of thermocouples of different diameters which were tested at high temperatures for the overall period of more than 210 hours. The gather data from this testing was used to establish the relation between the level of EMF drift and the lead diameter of the thermocouple thermoelements. Furthermore this data was also used to create a drift function which mathematically expresses the dependency between the drift rate and the diameter of the thermocouple leads.

76 FR 11199 - Application(s) for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-01

... of the central nervous systems of freshwater prawns. Justification for Duty-Free Entry: There are no... 120 kV accelerating voltage, and an electron gun assembly with Cool Beam Illumination System--LaB6..., flexibility of software for signal acquisition and image processing, overall system stability, and ease of use...

Non-iterative Voltage Stability

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

Makarov, Yuri V.; Vyakaranam, Bharat; Hou, Zhangshuan

2014-09-30

This report demonstrates promising capabilities and performance characteristics of the proposed method using several power systems models. The new method will help to develop a new generation of highly efficient tools suitable for real-time parallel implementation. The ultimate benefit obtained will be early detection of system instability and prevention of system blackouts in real time.

Electrophoretic deposition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on porous anodic aluminum oxide using ionic liquid as a dispersing agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hekmat, F.; Sohrabi, B.; Rahmanifar, M. S.; Jalali, A.

2015-06-01

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) have been arranged in nanochannels of anodic aluminum oxide template (AAO) by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to make a vertically-aligned carbon nanotube (VA-CNT) based electrode. Well ordered AAO templates were prepared by a two-step anodizing process by applying a constant voltage of 45 V in oxalic acid solution. The stabilized CNTs in a water-soluble room temperature ionic liquid (1-methyl-3-octadecylimidazolium bromide), were deposited in the pores of AAO templates which were conductive by deposition of Ni nanoparticles in the bottom of pores. In order to obtain ideal results, different EPD parameters, such as concentration of MWCNTs and ionic liquid on stability of MWCNT suspensions, deposition time and voltage which are applied in EPD process and also optimal conditions for anodizing of template were investigated. The capacitive performance of prepared electrodes was analyzed by measuring the specific capacitance from cyclic voltammograms and the charge-discharge curves. A maximum value of 50 Fg-1 at the scan rate of 20 mV s-1was achieved for the specific capacitance.

Switchable silver mirrors with long memory effects† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4sc01912a Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Park, Chihyun; Seo, Seogjae; Shin, Haijin; Sarwade, Bhimrao D.; Na, Jongbeom

2015-01-01

An electrochemically stable and bistable switchable mirror was achieved for the first time by introducing (1) a thiol-modified indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode for the stabilization of the metallic film and (2) ionic liquids as an anion-blocking layer, to achieve a long memory effect. The growth of the metallic film was denser and faster at the thiol-modified ITO electrode than at a bare ITO electrode. The electrochemical stability of the metallic film on the thiol-modified ITO was enhanced, maintaining the metallic state without rupture. In the voltage-off state, the metal film maintained bistability for a long period (>2 h) when ionic liquids were introduced as electrolytes for the switchable mirror. The electrical double layer in the highly viscous ionic liquid electrolyte seemed to effectively form a barrier to the bromide ions, to protect the metal thin film from them when in the voltage-off state. PMID:28936310

Boosting the power performance of multilayer graphene as lithium-ion battery anode via unconventional doping with in-situ formed Fe nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Raccichini, Rinaldo; Varzi, Alberto; Chakravadhanula, Venkata Sai Kiran; Kübel, Christian; Passerini, Stefano

2016-01-01

Graphene is extensively investigated and promoted as a viable replacement for graphite, the state-of-the-art material for lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes, although no clear evidence is available about improvements in terms of cycling stability, delithiation voltage and volumetric capacity. Here we report the microwave-assisted synthesis of a novel graphene-based material in ionic liquid (i.e., carved multilayer graphene with nested Fe3O4 nanoparticles), together with its extensive characterization via several physical and chemical techniques. When such a composite material is used as LIB anode, the carved paths traced by the Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and the unconverted metallic iron formed in-situ upon the 1st lithiation, result in enhanced rate capability and, especially at high specific currents (i.e., 5 A g−1), remarkable cycling stability (99% of specific capacity retention after 180 cycles), low average delithiation voltage (0.244 V) and a substantially increased volumetric capacity with respect to commercial graphite (58.8 Ah L−1 vs. 9.6 Ah L−1). PMID:27026069

Temporary formation of highly conducting domain walls for non-destructive read-out of ferroelectric domain-wall resistance switching memories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jun; Bai, Zi Long; Chen, Zhi Hui; He, Long; Zhang, David Wei; Zhang, Qing Hua; Shi, Jin An; Park, Min Hyuk; Scott, James F.; Hwang, Cheol Seong; Jiang, An Quan

2018-01-01

Erasable conductive domain walls in insulating ferroelectric thin films can be used for non-destructive electrical read-out of the polarization states in ferroelectric memories. Still, the domain-wall currents extracted by these devices have not yet reached the intensity and stability required to drive read-out circuits operating at high speeds. This study demonstrated non-destructive read-out of digital data stored using specific domain-wall configurations in epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films formed in mesa-geometry structures. Partially switched domains, which enable the formation of conductive walls during the read operation, spontaneously retract when the read voltage is removed, reducing the accumulation of mobile defects at the domain walls and potentially improving the device stability. Three-terminal memory devices produced 14 nA read currents at an operating voltage of 5 V, and operated up to T = 85 °C. The gap length can also be smaller than the film thickness, allowing the realization of ferroelectric memories with device dimensions far below 100 nm.

Further Characterization of 394-GHz Gyrotron FU CW GII with Additional PID Control System for 600-MHz DNP-SSNMR Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueda, Keisuke; Matsuki, Yoh; Fujiwara, Toshimichi; Tatematsu, Yoshinori; Ogawa, Isamu; Idehara, Toshitaka

2016-09-01

A 394-GHz gyrotron, FU CW GII, has been designed at the University of Fukui, Japan, for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-enhanced solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) experiments at 600-MHz 1H resonant frequency. After installation at the Institute for Protein Research (IPR), Osaka University, Japan, a PID feedback control system was equipped to regulate the electron gun heater current for stabilization of the electron beam current, which ultimately achieved stabilization of output power when operating in continuous wave (CW) mode. During exploration to further optimize operating conditions, a continuous tuning bandwidth of approximately 1 GHz was observed by varying the operating voltage at a fixed magnetic field. In the frequency range required for positive DNP enhancement, the output power was improved by increasing the magnetic field and the operating voltage from their initial operational settings. In addition, fine tuning of output frequency by varying the cavity cooling water temperature was demonstrated. These operating conditions and ancillary enhancements are expected to contribute to further enhancement of SSNMR signal.