Resource Type

Maximally Concentrating Optics for Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion (open access)

Maximally Concentrating Optics for Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion

The use of a two-stage concentrator with a fresnel lens primary and a non-imaging dielectric totally internally reflecting secondary, has unique advantages for photovoltaic concentration. This new design has a much larger acceptance angle than the conventional lens-cell concentrating system. In the continuation of this research, an optimally designed prototype which employs a 13.6-cm diameter flat fresnel tons as the primary focusing device, a dielectric compound hyperbolic concentrator (DCHC) as secondary and a 1-cm diameter high-concentration cell for electricity conversion has been built, tested and analyzed. Measurements under sunlight show that it has an angular acceptance of [plus minus]3.6 degrees, which is dramatically better than the [plus minus]0.5 degree achievable without a secondary concentrator. This performance agrees well with theoretical ray-tracing predictions. The secondary shows an optical efficiency of (91[plus minus]2)% at normal incidence. Combining with the primary fresnel tens which has an optical efficiency of (82[plus minus]2)%, tho two-stage system yields a total optical efficiency of (7l[plus minus]2)%. The measurement of the system electrical performance yielded a net electrical efficiency of 11.9%. No problems associated with non-uniform cell illumination were found, as evidenced by the excellent fill factor of (79[plus minus]2)% measured under concentration. The secondary geometrical properties and …
Date: February 27, 1986
Creator: Winston, R.; O'Gallagher, J. & Ning, X.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Floating substrate process. Large area silicon sheet task low-cost silicon solar array project. Third quarterly progress report, June 21, 1976--September 24, 1976 (open access)

Floating substrate process. Large area silicon sheet task low-cost silicon solar array project. Third quarterly progress report, June 21, 1976--September 24, 1976

The Seeded Growth Furnace was completed and operated extensively during the third quarter. Optimum thermal geometry, gas flows, and withdrawal rates are being determined. Surface growth was obtained having growth velocity as high as 5 to 6 mm/min. The surface growth has generally taken the form of interlocking crystals and is thin enough to follow the liquid surface. Its thickness has been determined in one case to be 20 microns. A molybdenum susceptor has been made for the seeded growth furnace. It is anticipated that this new design will eliminate the problems caused by films on the melt and seed crystal and lead to improved crystal structure in the silicon growth. A series of experiments were performed in order to determine whether the reactor gas streams were sources of contamination. Nitrogen reacts with silicon at 1100/sup 0/C to coat its surface with a film 30 to 150A thick. Silicon heated in hydrogen at temperatures between 1000 and 1200/sup 0/C maintains a very clean, film-free surface.
Date: September 27, 1976
Creator: Garfinkel, M. & Hall, R. N.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Calculation of oxygen diffusion in plutonium oxide films during the high-temperature oxidation of plutonium-1 weight percent gallium in 500 torr of air (open access)

Calculation of oxygen diffusion in plutonium oxide films during the high-temperature oxidation of plutonium-1 weight percent gallium in 500 torr of air

Oxygen self-diffusion in PuO/sub 1.995/ was calculated from rate constants obtained for the parabolic oxidation of the Pu-1 wt % Ga alloy in 500-torr dry air between 250 and 480/degree/C. The activation energy for oxygen vacancy diffusion in the n-type PuO/sub 2-x/ is 22.6 kcal/mole. Results from this investigation are compared with other reported results, and possible explanation for the difference in results is discussed. 21 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
Date: May 27, 1988
Creator: Stakebake, J. L.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Brayton Isotope Power System (BIPS). Phase I: Integrated Program Plan (IPP). Report 75-311574A (open access)

Brayton Isotope Power System (BIPS). Phase I: Integrated Program Plan (IPP). Report 75-311574A

The government, AIRPHX, AIRLA, and contractor BIPS program coordination efforts are discussed. These coordination efforts are essential for defining program objectives, and achieving these objectives in an efficient manner. The IPP outlines a long range effort intended to: (a) develop end product confidence; (b) identify government and contractor activities pertinent and contributory to BIPS development; (c) recommend government and contractor activities required to ensure BIPS program success; (d) establish activity priorities based on program cost and schedule impacts, and achievement of technical objectives; (e) coordinate the efforts of contributing agencies; (f) provide general information and, to a limited extent, BIPS program-related development activity status to interested individuals and agencies; and (g) provide contractor team program planning guidance.
Date: May 27, 1976
Creator: unknown
System: The UNT Digital Library
Six dimensional tracking simulator for H[sup [minus]] injection in AGS Booster (open access)

Six dimensional tracking simulator for H[sup [minus]] injection in AGS Booster

The effect of Coulomb multipole scattering on the beam emittance is studied with the 6 dimensional injection program ARCHSIM by A. Thiessen. Since the energy loss due to Bhabha scattering is small, the six dimensional simulation can be approximated into transverse 4 dimensional and longitudinal 2 dimensional tracking. The emittance growth agrees well with the multiple scattering theory. The beam loss occurs mainly in the adiabatic capture process in the longitudinal phase space.
Date: April 27, 1993
Creator: Lee, S. Y. & Tepikian, S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Chemical explosives fracturing field demonstrations. Final report (open access)

Chemical explosives fracturing field demonstrations. Final report

Field demonstrations of chemical explosive fracturing stimulation were conducted on 3 noncommercial gas wells. The three gas wells had previously been treated by acid and hydraulic fracturing. They were then subjected to further hydraulic fracturing and following this, approximately 20,000 pounds of PTC-4 explosive was manufactured by pumping in 1370 gallons of oxidizer and 430.4 gallons of fuel. After the explosions, the wells were cleaned out and retested. Some improvement was obtained but the wells were still not commercial. Additional tests in other types of formations are recommended, with the additional objective of evaluating cost effectiveness. A detailed hazards study was required by the contract and the actual operations were conducted safely with only minor incidents. (LTN)
Date: May 27, 1976
Creator: unknown
System: The UNT Digital Library
Studies of encapsulation materials for terrestrial photovoltaic arrays. Fifth quarterly progress report, September 16, 1976--December 15, 1976 (open access)

Studies of encapsulation materials for terrestrial photovoltaic arrays. Fifth quarterly progress report, September 16, 1976--December 15, 1976

Present efforts in Study 3, entitled ''Evaluation of Test Methods and Properties of Candidate Encapsulation Materials,'' are concerned primarily with evaluation of the properties of candidate encapsulation materials and processes which have been identified. Specifically, cover materials for modules, and adhesives for bonding cells to cover materials and for bonding cover materials to other encapsulation-system components, are being screened in environments including UV radiation, temperature cycling, and high relative humidity. Results of the evaluations to date are described. These efforts include investigations of both polymeric and glass encapsulation materials. Efforts this quarter in Study 4, entitled ''Development of Accelerated and Abbreviated Testing Methods for Predicting Performance of Encapsulation Materials Over a 20-Year Lifetime,'' were concerned primarily with analyzing methods for discrimination among test methods with regard to precision, sensitivity, and cost. The background and procedures for such discrimination are discussed and examples are given.
Date: December 27, 1976
Creator: Carmichael, D. C.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Tritium Waste Control Project progress report: January--March, 1976. [Tritiated liquid waste decontamination by molecular excitation and catalytic exchange detritiation studies] (open access)

Tritium Waste Control Project progress report: January--March, 1976. [Tritiated liquid waste decontamination by molecular excitation and catalytic exchange detritiation studies]

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the amount of tritium needed in the spectrometer cell to obtain the infrared spectrum of HTO in the 1 to 5 ..mu..m region. Experiments using HDO as a surrogate indicated that 400 mCi of tritium would be required. Test loading experiments with HTO were performed and monitored with an ionization chamber. Adsorption of water on the surfaces was found to be a serious problem in obtaining quantitative material balances in the system. Improved real-time tritium monitoring systems were installed in the Tritium Control Laboratory to monitor stack effluents, room air, and process streams. Design and layout of components were completed and procurement was begun for a tritium handling and gas recirculation system which will permit calibration of all types of tritium monitors, performance evaluation of monitoring components, and the study of the effect of various monitoring conditions.
Date: September 27, 1976
Creator: unknown
System: The UNT Digital Library
Plasma measurements with surface barrier detectors (open access)

Plasma measurements with surface barrier detectors

A surface barrier detector system for measuring the loss rate of protons from a hydrogen plasma and their energy spectrum is described. A full width at half maximum (FWHM) resolution of 1.4 keV for 15-keV hydrogen atoms was obtained using a selected detector having a sensitive area of 3 mm/sup 2/ and a depletion depth of 700 microns.
Date: January 27, 1969
Creator: Futch, A. H. Jr. & Bradley, A. E.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Flue gas conditioning for improved particle collection in electrostatic precipitators (open access)

Flue gas conditioning for improved particle collection in electrostatic precipitators

The purpose of this research program is to identify and evaluate a variety of additives capable of increasing particle cohesion which could be used for improving collection efficiency in an ESP. A three-phase screening process will be used to provide the, evaluation of many additives in a logical and cost-effective manner. The three step approach involves the following experimental setups: 1. Provide a preliminary screening in the laboratory by measuring the effects of various conditioning agents on reentrainment of flyash particles in an electric field operating at simulated flue gas conditions. 2. Evaluate the successful additives using a 100 acfm bench-scale ESP operating on actual flue gas. 3. Obtain the data required for scaling up the technology by testing the two or three most promising conditioning agents at the pilot scale.
Date: April 27, 1992
Creator: Durham, M. D.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Volume reduction system for solid and liquid TRU waste from the nuclear fuel cycle: January--March 1977. [Ash immobilization] (open access)

Volume reduction system for solid and liquid TRU waste from the nuclear fuel cycle: January--March 1977. [Ash immobilization]

Facilities generating radioactive waste and a fuel processor were contacted to obtain data on types and quantities of waste produced. The incinerator is being modified to allow the burning of liquid wastes. Ash immobilization studies continued with both glass and cement being tested for rendering the ash inert. A drum compactor fabricator has been located who can compress drums to meet program requirements.
Date: July 27, 1977
Creator: Luthy, D. F. & Bond, W. H.
System: The UNT Digital Library
LLL Geothermal Energy Program. Status report, January 1976--January 1977 (open access)

LLL Geothermal Energy Program. Status report, January 1976--January 1977

Titles of the five sections are: program description; program plans and results; energy-conversion engineering; brine chemistry and materials; and earth sciences program. The last three sections were abstracted and indexed individually for ERA/EDB. (JGB)
Date: April 27, 1977
Creator: Austin, A. L.; Lundberg, A. W.; Owen, L. B. & Tardiff, G. E. (comps.)
System: The UNT Digital Library
HTGR fuels and core development program. Quarterly progress report for the period ending November 30, 1976. [Graphite and fuel irradiations; fission product release] (open access)

HTGR fuels and core development program. Quarterly progress report for the period ending November 30, 1976. [Graphite and fuel irradiations; fission product release]

The work reported includes studies of reactions between core materials and coolant impurities, basic fission product transport mechanisms, core graphite development and testing, the development and testing of recyclable fuel systems, and physics and fuel management studies. Materials studies include irradiation capsule tests of both fuel and graphite. Experimental procedures and results are discussed and the data are presented in tables, graphs, and photographs.
Date: December 27, 1976
Creator: unknown
System: The UNT Digital Library
Confined zone dispersion flue gas desulfurization demonstration (open access)

Confined zone dispersion flue gas desulfurization demonstration

The confined zone dispersion (CZD) process involves flue gas post-treatment, physically located between a boiler's outlet and its particulate collector, which in the majority of cases is an electrostatic precipitator. The features that distinguish this process from other similar injection processes are: Injection of an alkaline slurry directly into the duct, instead of injection of dry solids into the duct ahead of a fabric filter. Use of an ultrafine calcium/magnesium hydroxide, type S pressure-hydrated dolomitic lime. This commercial product is made from plentiful, naturally occurring dolomite. Low residence time, made possible by the high effective surface area of the Type S lime. Localized dispersion of the reagent. Slurry droplets contact only part of the gas while the droplets are drying, to remove up to 50 percent of the S0{sub 2} and significant amounts of NO{sub x}. The process uses dual fluid rather than rotary atomizers. Improved electrostatic precipitator performance via gas conditioning from the increased water vapor content, and lower temperatures. Supplemental conditioning with S0{sub 3} is not believed necessary for satisfactory removal of particulate matter.
Date: February 27, 1992
Creator: unknown
System: The UNT Digital Library
Brayton Isotope Power System (BIPS). Phase I. First annual technical report (open access)

Brayton Isotope Power System (BIPS). Phase I. First annual technical report

The objective of the BIPS program is to develop a closed gas turbine dynamic conversion system for space application. The baseline system is a 7-year life, 450 lb, 1300 W(e) unit using Brayton cycle hardware developed for the NASA LeRC and two 2400 W(t) Multi-Hundred Watt isotope heat sources developed for the ERDA. Phase I of the three-phase BIPS program is the conceptual design of the flight system, the design, development, and testing of a prototype Ground Demonstration System (GDS). The Mini-Brayton Rotating Unit (Mini-BRU), Mini-BRU Recuperator (MBR), and Heat Source Assembly (HSA) will be integrated into the ground demonstrator loop, and the system will be tested under simulated space conditions at the AiResearch Space Power Laboratory. Successful completion of the Phase I effort in mid 1978 is expected to lead to the Phase II and Phase III follow-on efforts. Phase II is a 24-month effort for the development and qualification of a flight system. Qualification will include testing with an isotope heat source. Phase III is a 12-month effort to fabricate flight-qualified hardware for delivery in April 1981.
Date: October 27, 1976
Creator: unknown
System: The UNT Digital Library
Slicing of silicon into sheet material. Silicon sheet growth development for the large area silicon sheet task of the Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project. Fourth quarterly report, December 20, 1976--March 20, 1977 (open access)

Slicing of silicon into sheet material. Silicon sheet growth development for the large area silicon sheet task of the Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project. Fourth quarterly report, December 20, 1976--March 20, 1977

Two demonstrations of silicon slicing were made for solar cell application. 10 cm ingots of silicon were sliced into 225 wafers (full saw capacity) with over 94 percent yield in both cases. Wafers 0.48 mm thick were sliced with 0.25 mm kerf loss in 19 hours. The slice thickness duplicated currently used wafers. The second demonstration produced 0.30 mm thick slices with 0.25 mm kerf loss in 24 hours. This represents a current best effort with process conditions developed under this contract. Wafer surface damage is shown to be a fine microcrack structure which reduces to a faceted surface topography with 4 ..mu..m of etching. Abrasive particles used in MS sawing do not exhibit particle size degradation or wear of sharp edges. However, built-up silicon debris may effectively blunt cutting edges of the abrasive. Kerf loss was reduced to 0.20 mm in slicing a 10 cm ingot into 0.25 mm slices. This reduces the total silicon requirement per slice by 50 ..mu... Plans include the demonstration of full production capacity with the 0.15 mm thick blades used in this case and a cost analysis of MS sawing for solar cell applications. Limits of wafer thickness (250 ..mu..) and kerf loss …
Date: March 27, 1977
Creator: Holden, S. C.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Constitutive modeling of Climax Stock granodiorite under compressive loading. [Rock samples from Nevada Test site] (open access)

Constitutive modeling of Climax Stock granodiorite under compressive loading. [Rock samples from Nevada Test site]

Described here is a constitutive relation for the stress-volume strain states of Climax Stock granodiorite from the Nevada Test Site under nonhydrostatic loading conditions. By comparison with Nugget sandstone under similar loading conditions, for which this functional form fitted the data, we find no relationship for Climax Stock granodiorite between the fitting parameters and other system variables such as mean stress or confining pressure. Therefore this relation is not yet suitable for use in computer codes that attempt to predict the response of rocks to stress.
Date: August 27, 1976
Creator: Costantino, M. S.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Gamma spectra of the 234, 235, and 238 uranium isotopes. [Tables, curves] (open access)

Gamma spectra of the 234, 235, and 238 uranium isotopes. [Tables, curves]

Eight sources of uranium of varying /sup 235/U enrichment were used to collect detailed ..gamma..-ray spectra with a GeLi detector over the energy range from 50 to 250 keV. The characteristic x rays of thorium and uranium were identified. Included in the spectra were ..gamma.. rays present in the decay of the 234, 235, and 238 uranium isotopes. The efficiency of the detector was determined and used to calculate both conversion coefficients for the /sup 234/U decay ..gamma.. rays and the abundance of the various x rays and ..gamma.. rays relative to their parent uranium isotope. It was anticipated that this information could be reasonably applied to in vivo monitoring for uranium isotopes.
Date: April 27, 1976
Creator: King, A.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Computer program for reduction and storage of field data from an in situ coal-gasification experiment. [Field] (open access)

Computer program for reduction and storage of field data from an in situ coal-gasification experiment. [Field]

None
Date: January 27, 1977
Creator: Clausen, C. W. & Thorsness, C. B.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Mechanical properties of crystalline solids. Progress report, December 1, 1975--November 30, 1976 (open access)

Mechanical properties of crystalline solids. Progress report, December 1, 1975--November 30, 1976

The deformation model for non-elastic deformation in the grain matrix based on a mechanical equation of state was verified by comparing the predictions of the model with experimental data. The data of Type 316 stainless steel and nickel were used and were obtained in load relaxation and anelasticity tests. The same model was found to be successful in describing in-reactor creep and deformation. Work is in progress on the investigation of the driving force and the kinetics of stress induced cavity growth at the grain boundary.
Date: August 27, 1976
Creator: Li, C. Y.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Statistical tests for locating power in a Fourier line spectrum (open access)

Statistical tests for locating power in a Fourier line spectrum

Fourier line spectra are used to detect noise on the electron beam of an electron beam welder. These spectra are calculated from data in the form of x-ray intensity as a function of time. Statistical tests are described that provide a means of determining the presence of random and periodic signals. The tests remove the uncertainty in deciding if power is present and, if so, at which frequencies. The tests have proven to be consistent and reliable. They are of suitable generality to be useful when it is essential to assess a signal for power quantitatively.
Date: July 27, 1977
Creator: Dixon, R. D. & Geoffrey, J. R.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Low severity coal liquefaction promoted by cyclic olefins (open access)

Low severity coal liquefaction promoted by cyclic olefins

Low severity coal liquefaction allows for solubilization of coal with reduced gas make. These lower severity conditions may result in some selective bond rupture. Promotion of coal solubilization through hydrogen transfer using highly active and effective hydrogen donors is the objective of this study. The highly effective donors being tested are cyclic olefins. Representative cyclic olefins are isotetralin, which is 1,4,5,8-tetrahydronaphthalene, and 1,4,5,8,9,10-hexahydroanthracene. These compounds are hydroaromatics without aromatic rings and have been shown to be highly effective donors. The objective of the work performed in this study during this quarter was to evaluate reaction parameters for low severity liquefaction reactions using the cyclic olefin, hexahydroanthracene, and the aromatic, anthracene. These model compounds were reacted under a variety of conditions to evaluate their reactivity without coal. The reactions were performed under both thermal and catalytic conditions. Finely divided catalysts from different molybdenum precursors were used to determine their activity in promoting hydrogenation and hydrogen transfer at low severity conditions. The catalysts used were Molyvan L, sulfurized oxymolybdenum dithiocarbamate, molybdenum naphthenate, and Molyvan 822, organo molybdenum dithiocarbamate.
Date: July 27, 1992
Creator: Curtis, C. W.
System: The UNT Digital Library
High-pressure hydrogen apparatus for PCT studies up to approx. 700 MPa and 200/sup 0/C: preliminary results on LaCo/sub 5/H/sub 9/ /sub 0/ at 21/sup 0/C (open access)

High-pressure hydrogen apparatus for PCT studies up to approx. 700 MPa and 200/sup 0/C: preliminary results on LaCo/sub 5/H/sub 9/ /sub 0/ at 21/sup 0/C

An apparatus has been developed to react samples with hydrogen at pressures of up to 689.5 MPa (6805 atm) and temperatures of up to 200/sup 0/C. It is being used to determine whether RT/sub 5/ and RT/sub 3/ compounds (where R is a lanthanide element and T is a 3-d transition element, usually cobalt or nickel) ''fill up'' with hydrogen when subjected to high hydrogen pressures. Preliminary experiments with LaCo/sub 5/ in this apparatus showed a new (third) plateau at 126.7 MPa (1250 atm) in the PCT diagram; only two plateaus have previously been reported. There is an abrupt upturn at an H/LaCo/sub 5/ ratio of approximately 8.23. A second run showed an upturn at 8.76. The maximum loading is nine atoms of hydrogen.
Date: February 27, 1976
Creator: Lakner, J. F.; Steward, S. A. & Uribe, F.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Slicing of silicon into sheet material. Silicon sheet growth development for the large area silicon sheet task of the low cost silicon solar array project. Third quarterly report, September 20, 1976--December 19, 1976 (open access)

Slicing of silicon into sheet material. Silicon sheet growth development for the large area silicon sheet task of the low cost silicon solar array project. Third quarterly report, September 20, 1976--December 19, 1976

The stability of tensioned blades used in multiblade sawing does not seem to be the limitation in cutting with thin blades. So far, 0.010 cm thick blades have been totally unsuccessful. Recently, 0.015 cm blades have proven successful in wafering, offering an 0.005 cm reduction in the silicon used per slice. The failure of thin blades is characterized as a possible result of blade misalignment or from the inherent uncontrollability of the loose abrasive multiblade process. Corrective procedures will be employed in the assembly of packages to eliminate one type of blade misalignment. Two ingots were sliced with the same batch of standard silicon carbide abrasive slurry to determine the useful lifetime of this expendable material. After 250 slices, the cutting efficiency had not degraded. Further tests will be continued to establish the maximum lifetime of both silicon carbide and boron carbide abrasive. Electron microscopy will be employed to evaluate the wear of abrasive particles in the failure of abrasive slurry. The surface damage of silicon wafers has been characterized as predominantly subsurface fracture. Damage with No. 600 SiC is between 10 and 15 microns into the wafer surface. This agrees well with previous investigations of damage from silicon carbide …
Date: December 27, 1976
Creator: Holden, S. C.
System: The UNT Digital Library