Engineering Commons^™

The Utilization And Loss Of Available Energy In Aerospace Systems, Mohammad Abbas

Doctoral Dissertations

“Theoretical principles and analytical methodology for the control volume-based energy availability methodology for aerospace vehicles are developed; applications are made to jet-propelled and rocket-propelled vehicles as well as to stand-alone engine systems. Energy availability utilization characteristics of a modeled turbojet engine are studied across a wide range of operating conditions of throttle setting, flight altitude, and flight Mach number. The method is also extended to consider jet-powered vehicles. Fundamental principles regarding entropy generation and energy availability are developed, including directly linking entropy generation and maximum range and endurance of a powered aircraft. Theory and application of the energy utilization methodology …

Analysis Of Energy Utilization And Losses For Jet-Propelled Vehicles, Mohammad Abbas, David W. Riggins

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The global control volume-based energy utilization balance for an aerospace vehicle is extended to allow for the analysis of jet-propelled vehicles. The methodology is first developed for analyzing the energy utilization and entropy generation characteristics of jet engines without airframe considerations. This methodology, when combined with separate energy utilization analysis for an unpowered airframe, allows for the assessment of a powered vehicle. Wake entropy generation for a powered vehicle is shown to be the summation of the wake entropy generation associated with the propulsion system (no airframe) and the unpowered airframe. The fundamental relationship between overall entropy generation and the …

Experimental Investigation Of Ionic Liquid Mixtures For Electrospray Propulsion, Mitchell J. Wainwright

Doctoral Dissertations

"In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of small satellites (namely MicroSats, NanoSats, and CubeSats) in earth orbit; many of these are launched without propulsion systems. Multi-mode propulsion systems, capable of operating in either chemical or electric mode, have been proposed as attractive candidates for use in small satellites. Such systems are mass and volume optimal and flexible in terms of thrust requirements. Most previous work on multi-mode systems has focused on chemical mode performance.The work in this dissertation focuses on the electric mode performance of these propulsion systems.

The work in this research is …

Small Satellite Earth-To-Moon Direct Transfer Trajectories Using The Cr3bp, Garrett Levi Mcmillan

Masters Theses

"The CubeSat/small satellite field is one of the fastest growing means of space exploration, with applications continuing to expand for component development, communication, and scientific research. This thesis study focuses on establishing suitable small satellite Earth-to-Moon direct-transfer trajectories, providing a baseline understanding of their propulsive demands, determining currently available off-the-shelf propulsive technology capable of meeting these demands, as well as demonstrating the effectiveness of the Circular Restricted Three Body Problem (CR3BP) for preliminary mission design. Using the CR3BP and derived requirements from NASA's Cube Quest Challenge, five different trajectory scenarios were analyzed for their propulsive requirements. Results indicate that the …

Study Of Optical Propulsion Concepts And Techniques For Small-Satellites, Jaykob Neil Maser

Doctoral Dissertations

"The first objective of this research is to manufacture and investigate the characteristics and use of asymmetric, metallic, nanostructures for plasmonic force propulsion, a developing method of nano-/picosatellite thrust generation. This project developed a higher-fidelity model of a recently envisioned small spacecraft propulsion system for precision pointing and proximity control. Plasmonic force propulsion harnesses solar light focused onto plasmon reactive sub-wavelength nanostructures to generate polarized oscillations of electrons on the surface of metallic nanostructures which accelerate and expel nanoparticle propellant via strong optical forces. This research also explores how material selection affects the electromagnetic response of the closely positioned asymmetric …

Development Of A Cfd Model Of The Catalytic Combustion Of A Microtube Multi-Mode Propulsion System, Andrew Paul Taylor

Masters Theses

"This thesis presents the process and results of the development of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model in ANSYS Fluent 18.1 on the catalytic decomposition of a novel liquid monopropellant in a microtube in order to gain deeper insights than what is available through the experimental data. The CFD model was created using the Euler- Euler Multiphase model in conjunction with the Heterogeneous Reaction submodel. Such a choice of modeling setting was backed up by theory and benchmark computations on multiphase and compressible flow, shown in Section 3 and Appendix A. It was found that the previously determined one-step reaction …

Parametric Study Of Alternative Ev1 Powertrains, Adam Saplin, Andrew Meintz, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The General Motors (GM) EV1 is an electric vehicle originally powered by either a PbA or NiMh battery pack. This paper examines the possibility of alternative powertrain configurations. These alternatives include an ultracapacitor (UC) storage system, fuel cell system with UC storage, and a fuel cell system with a NiMh battery pack. The configurations were simulated using ADVISOR. Parametric tests were performed by varying the size of the energy storage systems. The study of these combinations is followed by an examination of the current art of the hybrid energy storage topologies used to combine battery and ultracapacitor storage. These topologies …

Control Strategy Optimization For A Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Andrew Meintz, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The efficiency improvement of parallel hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is strongly dependent on how the supervisory control of a vehicle determines the power split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor of the vehicle. This paper presents a classification of current supervisory control techniques with distinction between dynamic and static control methods; a description of the simulation software ADvanced Vehicle SimulatOR (ADVISOR) with Matlab Simulink for simulation of a rule-based control strategy, and proposed optimization methods.

An Improved Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter Controlled By An Unbalanced Voltage Level Sigma-Delta Modulator, Jingsheng Liao, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multilevel inverters have been proven to be viable solutions for high-power automotive motor drive applications due to their high volt-ampere ratings. Cascaded H-bridge inverters are a promising breed of multilevel inverters which generally require several independent dc sources. Replacement of all but one of the dc sources with capacitors in cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters, which leads to single-dc-source per-phase cascaded inverters, has recently gained popularity. However, very few efforts have been made to address the challenging problem of voltage regulation in the replacing capacitors. In this paper, applicability of a real-time voltage control technique named unbalanced voltage level sigma-delta modulation …

Hev To Phev Conversion Compatibility, Steven D. Jenkins, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper includes some of the information gathered regarding the feasibility of converting a series-parallel configured electric vehicle to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle versus using a series configured electric vehicle to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It will explain the theory behind how a series configured hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) might be a better option due to the power rating of the electric motor. Using ADVISOR (Advanced Vehicle Simulator) it will explain test results and form conclusions regarding the efficiency of a series-parallel configured HEV vs. a series configured HEV as it relates to their feasibility of conversion to …

Utilization And Effect Of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles In The United States Power Grid, Steven D. Jenkins, John R. Rossmaier, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are uniquely capable of providing both transportation and battery storage interconnection to the electric power grid. This ability allows PHEVs the possibility of serving the power grid in the capacity of a mobile energy storage unit, providing the grid with additional stability, reliability, costeffectiveness, and efficiency. Additionally, with the higher fuel efficiency of PHEVs, the transportation and power generation sectors can collectively reduce their ecologically harmful emissions and increase their reliance on environmentally friendly energy sources. These concepts are still new and under development; in this paper, the viability of the PHEV as a mobile …

Comparison Of Nimh And Li-Ion Batteries In Automotive Applications, Aditya Jayam Prabhakar, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The pressing need to decrease the greenhouse gases and to improve the efficiency of the existing fleet of vehicles it is imperative that they use some cleaner energy to run the vehicle. Electrical energy can be used in addition with gasoline used by the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle to supplement the incremental demand of power above the average power required by the vehicle. This requires for an on-board energy storage system and batteries like NiMH and Li-ion have proven to be efficient storage devices. This paper provides a comprehensive comparison of these batteries used in hybrid electric …

Single-Phase Bidirectional Ac-Dc Converters For Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Applications, Lisheng Shi, Andrew Meintz, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are specialized hybrid electric vehicles that have the potential to obtain enough energy for average daily commuting from batteries. These batteries would be charged from the power grid and would thus allow for a reduction in the overall petroleum consumption. To implement the plug-in function, a single phase bidirectional AC-DC converter interfacing with the grid is essential. The implementation of a bidirectional AC-DC converter can allow for battery recharge from the grid, battery energy injection to the AC grid, and battery energy for AC power stabilization. In this paper, the basic requirements and specifications for …

Study On The Effects Of Battery Capacity On The Performance Of Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Deepak Somayajula, Andrew Meintz, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hybrid electric vehicles are gaining a significant presence in the auto market. However, the present day hybrid electric vehicles mostly use battery as a secondary source of power. If the battery were to be used as a primary source of power then the battery capacity is one of the important features in the design of a hybrid electric vehicle. Hybrid electric vehicles which are powered by more than one energy source have to follow a good energy management strategy to provide the best fuel economy in all situations. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the effect of variation of …

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles -- A Vision For The Future, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

One of the unique advantages of plug-in hybrid vehicles is their capability to integrate the transportation and electric power generation sectors in order to improve the efficiency, fuel economy, and reliability of both systems. This goal is performed via integration of the onboard energy storage units of plug-in vehicles with the power grid by power electronic converters and communication systems. Employing energy storage systems improves the efficiency and reliability of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. Similarly, combining an energy storage system with the power train of a conventional vehicle results in a hybrid vehicle with higher fuel efficiency. …

Increased Performance Of Battery Packs By Active Equalization, Jonathan W. Kimball, Brian T. Kuhn, Philip T. Krein

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Battery packs for most applications are series strings of electrochemical cells. Due to manufacturing variations, temperature differences, and aging, the individual cells perform differently. When a complete pack is charged and discharged as a single two-terminal circuit element, some cells are chronically overcharged, undercharged, or overdischarged, all of which act to reduce cell life. The performance and life of the complete pack is limited by the weakest cell. Many methods have been proposed and explored to mitigate this problem. In the present work, a switched-capacitor converter is shown to be a simple and effective method to maintain equal cell or …

A Unique Ultracapacitor Direct Integration Scheme In Multilevel Motor Drives For Large Vehicle Propulsion, Shuai Lu, Keith Corzine, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper introduces a new set of methods to directly integrate ultracapacitor banks into cascaded multilevel inverters that are used for large vehicle propulsion. The idea is to replace the regular dc-link capacitors with ultracapacitors in order to combine the energy storage unit and motor drive. This approach eliminates the need for an interfacing dc-dc converter and considerably improves the efficiency of regenerative braking energy restoration in large vehicles using multilevel converters. Utilizing the proposed modulation control set, the two cascaded inverters can have their dc voltage levels maintained at any ratio (even a noninteger ratio) or dynamically varied over …

An Unique Ultracapacitor Direct Integration Scheme In Multilevel Motor Drives For Large Vehicle Propulsion, Shuai Lu, Keith Corzine, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper introduces a new set of methods to directly integrate ultracapacitor banks into cascaded multilevel inverters used for large vehicle propulsion. The idea is to replace the regular dc-link capacitors with ultracapacitors in order to combine the energy storage unit and motor drive. This approach eliminates the need for an interfacing dc-dc converter and considerably improves the efficiency of regenerative braking energy restoration in electric and hybrid vehicles. Utilizing the proposed modulation control set, the two cascaded inverters can have their dc voltage levels maintained at any ratio (even a noninteger ratio) or dynamically varied over a wide range …

New Double Input Dc-Dc Converters For Automotive Applications, Krishna P. Yalamanchili, Mehdi Ferdowsi, Keith Corzine

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The energy storage unit is one of the most important subsystems in the structure of hybrid electric vehicles since it directly impacts the performance, fuel economy, cost, and weight of the vehicle. New structures for the energy storage unit, which utilize both batteries and ultracapacitors, are widely under investigation. In order to fully utilize the advantages of each energy storage device, employment of multi-input power converters is inevitable. In this paper, two new double input converters are introduced. Their different operating modes are analyzed and their voltage transfer ratios are derived. Simulation results are used to verify the expected operational …

Analysis Of The Double-Tiered Three-Battery Switched Capacitor Battery Balancing System, Andrew Baughman, Mehdi Ferdowsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The auto industry is progressing towards hybrid and fully electric vehicles in their future car models. These vehicles need a power plant that is reliable during the lifetime of the car. Battery and ultra-capacitor capacity imbalances stemming from manufacturing and ensuing driving environment and operational usage affect voltage levels, which must adhere to strict limits to ensure the safety of the driver. A double-tiered capacitive shuttling technique is applied to an idealized three-battery system simulation in order to balance the voltages. Parameters in the system are varied and their effects on the system determined. Results are compared to a single-tiered …

Power Engineering Laboratory Facilities At The University Of Missouri--Rolla, Keith Corzine, Mariesa Crow

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

One of the significant niche areas at UMR is the area of electric power. For this reason UMR has invested in its power program over the years. The extent of this program ranges from power systems, motor drives, high-frequency effects in electric machines, acoustic noise of electric machines, FACTS device for electric utility applications, and naval propulsion power systems. The various laboratory facilities at UMR which supports these activities have been described in detail in this paper.

Advanced Control Of Cascaded Multilevel Drives Based On P-Q Theory, Shuai Lu, Keith Corzine, T. H. Fikse

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In recent years, there has been significant development on the cascaded multilevel inverter wherein the series connection is accomplished by splitting the neutral point of the load and driving both ends with power converters. This splits the power between a "bulk" inverter supplying higher-voltage low-frequency power and a "conditioning" inverter supplying low-voltage high-frequency power and leads to exceptional power quality which is necessary in applications such as naval propulsion that require extremely low THD. This paper reports the development of a new control method for the cascaded multi-level inverter. The primary advantage of this new control is that the bulk …

Solid State Aircraft Concept Overview, M. Shahinpoor, P. Jenkins, C. Smith, Kakkattukuzhy M. Isaac, T. Dalbello, Anthony Colozza

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Due to recent advances in polymers, photovoltaics, and batteries a unique type of aircraft may be feasible. This is a "solid-state" aircraft, with no conventional mechanical moving parts. Airfoil, propulsion, energy production, energy storage and control are combined in an integrated structure. The key material of this concept is an ionic polymeric-metal composite (IPMC) that provides source of control and propulsion. This material has the unique capability of deforming in an electric field and returning to its original shape when the field is removed. Combining the IPMC with thin-film batteries and thin-film photovoltaics provides both energy source and storage in …