Browse Topic: Solar energy

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test software title CURATDEV-46712345-software3/25/2026
467
TEST TESTSAE-SUP-TEST103/24/2026
TEST https://wcm14-tst.cld.sae.org/site/binaries/content/gallery/mobilus-brx/digital-supplements/software-diagram.png/software-diagram.png/sae%3Amedium
3526 information report arinc standard3526_informationarincstandard (Current)3/5/2026
3526 information report arinc standard
Aviation Maintenance Committee
3526 characteristic3526_characteristicstandard (Historical)3/5/2026
3526 characteristic standard
Aviation Maintenance Committee
3526 specification arinc standard3526_specification (Current)3/5/2026
3526 specification arinc standard
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
3526 aerospace information report standard3526_aerospacestandardinfo (Current)3/5/2026
3526 aerospace information report standard
Aviation Maintenance Committee
3526 aerospace standard3526-aerospacestandard (Current)3/5/2026
3526 aerospace standard
Aviation Maintenance Committee
jms test ingjmsIngestionTest (Historical)5/19/2025
jms test ing
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee, Aviation Maintenance Committee
Evaluation of the Potential of Photovoltaics for Extended Flight Times of Small eVTOL UAVsF-0080-2024-11515/7/2024
This paper analyses the possibility of using photovoltaics as additional energy provider for small to medium-sized eVTOL UAVs. A simplified model for eVTOL UAVs, which covers all relevant areas of aircraft design, including aerodynamics, structural mechanics, propulsion and systems modelling, is presented. Sensitivity studies covering various design parameters, such as airfoil, wing geometry and propulsion system selection are performed to show their influence on the configurations' performance. The first result of this paper is, that a photovoltaic powered configuration can outperform a battery electric and it can be worth the effort to implement the solar cells. To achieve this, the aircraft needs to be as aerodynamic efficient as possible. Also higher efficiency solar cells increase the possible performance. Additionally there is a big influence of the time of year and the latitude onto the performance. Secondly a multi mission study is performed. This uses a more detailed model, as the preliminary study. It is to find the best solar eVTOL for a set of missions. A summary of this study's results is presented. Finally the best aircraft configuration, following this study, is presented. The main take aways are, that solar cells can have a positive effect on the overall performance of eVTOL UAVS. However some possible drawbacks are also identified, as the resulting aircraft require rather low speeds and a more complicated mission planning, because solar irradiance needs to be taken into account and monitored during the whole mission.
Seren, Thomas, Hornung, Mirko
Spectral Transmission TestJ1796_202003 (Current)3/11/2020
The scope of this SAE performance standard is to define the test method by which the direct solar and visible transmittance of safety glazing materials for road vehicles shall be measured. Adherence to this performance standard will facilitate writing, use, and referencing of reports by government, industry, and other organizations.
Glazing Materials Standards Committee
Extended Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle via Structural Electrical Power Storage and Energy Generation Devices2020-01-00413/10/2020
As the application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have increased in the military, commercial and private sectors, special attention has been focused on improving upon high altitude long endurance (HALE) performance. Therefore, under a multi-year, multi-discipline senior project team comprised of Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical engineering, and Chemical Engineering undergraduate teams, investigative and experimental research has begun into the substitution of various aircraft structural components with power storage and power generation devices used also as structure to improve flight endurance and performance capabilities of solar powered UAVs. One viable solution may be found in the reduction of the amount of parasitic weight due to the required power systems on board these types of aircraft. These power systems are usually found in the form of energy storage devices such as lithium polymer batteries and energy generation devices such as solar cells. This path led to the innovation of the ‘Flying Battery’. The ‘Flying Battery’ integrates various free energy generating devices such as structural solar cells, structural energy storage devices, thermo-electric generators, and vibration induced power generators to create a flying structure that will be more efficient overall. By weighting the design factors for the power systems by their structural strengths and stiffnesses, the power-to-weight ratio of the aircraft may be significantly improved in the long run while also enabling a structure that may withstand the various nominal and off-nominal aerodynamic loading conditions experienced during flight. This paper discusses the mission operations, methods of testing and the progress achieved thus far toward achieving potential endurance and efficiency increases in unmanned aerial vehicles. These will be done through laboratory and eventual model flight experiments of novel structural designs for graphene super-capacitors, solar cells, and other power generation devices.
Oetting, Geoffrey Smith
Thin Films of Barium Zirconium Sulfide Offer Exceptional Electronic PropertiesTBMG-361803/1/2020
Scientists have created thin films made from barium zirconium sulfide (BaZrS3) that combine exceptionally strong light absorption with good charge transport — two qualities that make them ideal for applications such as photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Laser Welding ‘Clear-on-Clear’ Plastics for Medical ApplicationsTBMG-362723/1/2020
Through a new process, it is now possible to laser-weld two optically clear plastic parts made of a wide range of polymer materials for medical applications. This innovation combines patented Branson Simultaneous Through-Transmission Infrared® (STTIr®) laser welding technology from Emerson with precision ultrasonic spray deposition technology from Sono-Tek to open up new design possibilities for the makers of medical devices, drug-delivery systems, and in-vitro testing products.
Researchers Develop Ultra-Thin, Ultra-Flexible Electronic MaterialTBMG-362753/1/2020
Researchers have developed an ultra-thin, ultra-flexible electronic material that could be printed and rolled out like newspaper. The material could be used for the touch-screens of the future. The touch-responsive technology is 100 times thinner than existing touchscreen materials and so pliable it can be rolled up like a tube.
3D Printing of Plastics with Electrical CircuitsTBMG-359732/1/2020
Engineers have embedded high-performance electrical circuits inside 3D-printed plastics, which could lead to smaller and versatile drones and better-performing small satellites, biomedical implants, and smart structures.
Design Treatment for Advanced Metals Enables Easier MachiningTBMG-358021/1/2020
Exotic and advanced metals are used in aircraft, orthopedic components, medical instruments, cars, solar panels, military equipment, and other applications. They are referred to as advanced or exotic because they are more difficult to find and more costly to use in manufacturing.
Facility Focus: NASA John H. Glenn Research CenterTBMG-3569812/1/2019
Originally established as the Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory (AERL) — part of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) — in 1941, NASA's Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, OH became a national resource for innovations in aircraft engine technology that influenced commercial and military propulsion systems. Lewis Research Center became part of the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958. In 1999, NASA Lewis was renamed the John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field.
Photovoltaic-Powered SensorsTBMG-3571412/1/2019
Internet of Things devices require batteries that must be replaced frequently, which can be problematic for long-term monitoring. Photovoltaic-powered sensors were developed that could potentially transmit data for years before they need to be replaced. Thin-film perovskite cells — known for their potential low cost, flexibility, and relative ease of fabrication — were mounted as energy-harvesters on inexpensive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.
Molecular Engineering for Mechanically Resilient and Stretchable Electronic Polymers and CompositesTBMG-3566412/1/2019
The ability to predict the mechanical properties of organic semiconductors is of critical importance for roll-to-roll production and thermomechanical reliability of organic electronic devices. This research describes the use of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to predict the density, tensile modulus, Poisson ratio, and glass transition temperature for poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and its blend with C60. In particular, it is shown that the resolution of the coarse-grained model has a strong effect on the predicted properties.
Molecular Engineering for Mechanically Resilient and Stretchable Electronic Polymers and Composites19AERP12_1012/1/2019
Establishing the design criteria for elasticity and ductility in conjugated polymers and composites by analysis of the structural determinants of the mechanical properties. Air Force Research Laboratory, Arlington, Virginia The ability to predict the mechanical properties of organic semiconductors is of critical importance for roll-to-roll production and thermomechanical reliability of organic electronic devices. This research describes the use of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to predict the density, tensile modulus, Poisson ratio, and glass transition temperature for poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and its blend with C60. In particular, it is shown that the resolution of the coarse-grained model has a strong effect on the predicted properties. It was found that a one-site model, in which each 3-hexylthiophene unit is represented by one coarse-grained bead, predicts significantly inaccurate values of density and tensile modulus. In contrast, a three-site model, with one coarse-grained bead for the thiophene ring and two for the hexyl chain, predicts values that are very close to experimental measurements (density = 0.955 g cm−3, tensile modulus = 1.23 GPa, Poisson ratio = 0.35, and glass transition temperature = 290 K). The model also correctly predicts the strain-induced alignment of chain, as well as the vitrification of P3HT by C60 and the corresponding increase in the tensile modulus (tensile modulus = 1.92 GPa, glass transition temperature = 310 K).
Undercooled Metal Technology for Flexible ElectronicsTBMG-3542711/1/2019
Undercooled metal technology was developed that features liquid metal (in this case, Field's metal, an alloy of bismuth, indium, and tin) trapped below its melting point in polished, oxide shells, creating particles about 10-millionths of a meter across. When the shells are broken — with mechanical pressure or chemical dissolving — the metal inside flows and solidifies, creating a heat-free weld or, in this case, printing conductive, metallic lines and traces on all kinds of materials, from a concrete wall to a leaf.
Method Produces Three-Dimensional, Curved ElectronicsTBMG-3545111/1/2019
Contact lenses that can monitor the wearer’s health and correct eyesight use embedded electronics. These, and other curved devices such as solar cells and electronics, could be manufactured using a new method called conformal additive stamp (CAS) printing.
Design and Analysis of Sigma Z-Source Inverter for PV Applications2019-28-012310/11/2019
Traditional Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) produces lesser output voltage than the input and causes shoot-through due to the gating of the semiconductor device connected in same leg. The ZSI is used to overcome the inadequacies of VSI. The ZSI has been extensively used in electric drives, PV system and UPS. The conventional ZSI suffers some disadvantages like restricted boost capability, discontinuity in input current and large inrush current. These limitations are overcome by using a transformer which replaces the inductor in the impedance source network. In high-voltage gain applications, the single transformer-based ZSI topologies requires more turns ratio which requires large size transformer. For improving the boost capability, the TZSI is used. The Z-source network of the TZSI constitutes two transformers with low turns ratio. TZSI has certain demerits such as restricted boost capability, high inrush current and discontinuity in the input current. However, TZSI requires high turns ratio to increase the boost capability. Thus, the modified ZSI, i.e. sigma ZSI is investigated in this paper. The sigma ZSI has the advantage of having reduced turns ratio with enhanced boost capability.
Nallathambi, Kalaiarasi, Rangarajan, Uthra, Daniel, Anitha
Products of Tomorrow: August 2019TBMG-348868/1/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
Organic Semiconductor Thin-Film Sensors Detect Disease Markers in BreathTBMG-348958/1/2019
Organic semiconductors (OSCs) have emerged as a new class of electronic materials promising a wide range of applications including organic field-effect transistors (OFET), solar cells, thermoelectrics, electronic skins, and chemical and mechanical sensors by virtue of their chemical versatility, solution processability, and mechanical flexibility.
Double-Sided Si(Ge)/Sapphire/III-Nitride Hybrid StructuresTBMG-348888/1/2019
NASA Langley Research Center has developed a double-sided Si(Ge)/ Sapphire/III-Nitride hybrid structure. This technology uses both sides of a sapphire wafer to build device structures — on one side, making either Si or SiGe devices and on the other side, making III-Nitride device structures (e.g. GaN, InGaN, AlGaN).
Machining Capabilities Enhance Space-Related ProgramsTBMG-347367/1/2019
Insaco Quakertown, PA
Multistep Self-Assembly for Reconfigurable MaterialsTBMG-347487/1/2019
Self-assembling synthetic materials come together when tiny, uniform building blocks interact and form a structure; however, nature lets materials like proteins of varying size and shape assemble, allowing for complex architectures that can handle multiple tasks.
More Sensitive Measurement of Semiconductor Material QualityTBMG-347277/1/2019
Accurately measuring semiconductor properties of materials in small volumes helps engineers determine the range of applications for which these materials may be suitable in the future, particularly as the size of electronic and optical devices continues to shrink. A measurement technique was developed that is capable of achieving this level of sensitivity.
3D Printing of Flexible CircuitsTBMG-347467/1/2019
A process was developed for 3D printing that can be used to produce transparent and mechanically flexible electronic circuits. The electronics consist of a mesh of silver nanowires that can be printed in suspension and embedded in various flexible and transparent plastics (polymers). This technology can enable new applications such as printable light-emitting diodes, solar cells, or tools with integrated circuits. The approach integrates electronics into existing structural units and improves components in terms of space and weight.
Generating Electrical Power from Waste HeatTBMG-346116/1/2019
Directly converting electrical power to heat is easy; however, converting heat into electrical power is not as easy. To address this issue, a tiny silicon-based device was developed that can harness what was previously called waste heat and turn it into DC power. The device could be used as a compact infrared power supply that could replace radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that are used for such tasks as powering sensors for space missions that don’t get enough direct sunlight to power solar panels. The device is made of common and abundant materials such as aluminum, silicon, and silicon dioxide — or glass — combined in uncommon ways.
Self-Powered, Washable, Wearable DisplaysTBMG-346326/1/2019
Clothing usually is formed with textiles and has to be both wearable and washable for daily use; however, smart clothing has had a problem with its power sources and moisture permeability, which causes the devices to malfunction. To solve this problem, a textile-based, wearable display module technology was developed that is washable and does not require an external power source.
5 Ws of Foldable Mechanical DevicesTBMG-344025/1/2019
Manufacturers across medical, space, aviation, military, and automotive industries could use the technology to build complex machines that integrate with surfaces to be very compact, but can deploy to do complex tasks.
Bendable Electronic Paper Displays a Range of ColorsTBMG-343825/1/2019
The combination of conductive polymers on nanostructures was demonstrated as suited to creating electronic displays as thin as paper. The “paper” is similar to the Kindle tablet. It does not light up like a standard display, but rather reflects the external light that illuminates it; therefore, it works very well where there is bright light such as sunlight, in contrast to standard LED displays that work best in darkness. At the same time, it needs only a tenth of the energy that a Kindle tablet uses, which itself uses much less energy than a tablet LED display.
The Review of Present and Future Energy Structure in China2019-01-06124/2/2019
Both the economy and energy demand increase rapidly in China. The government is facing severe problems from energy security, carbon emissions and environmental issues. The past trends and future plans of energy will have great influence on the transportation, construction and industry development. This paper summarizes the present and future energy structure in China. Conventional fossil energy, nuclear energy and renewable energy are all included. Electricity will account for more proportion in total energy consumption in the future, and the structure of electricity will be cleaner. That will promote the development of electric vehicles and the transformation of China’s automotive industry. The optimization of energy structure will accelerate the low-carbon development in China. China’s energy development will enter a new stage from the expansion of total quantity to the upgrading of quality and efficiency. In order to realize the Paris Climate Agreement, China must steadily control the total energy consumption. The energy consumption in China will be in a period of slow growth. Constantly optimizing the energy structure and promoting renewable energy will both ease the energy crisis and ensure that China’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions can be achieved. China will further strengthen international cooperation in energy projects in the future. Through the cooperation, the energy structure in China will be further optimized. The efficient technology research & development and infrastructure construction of energy storage and remote power transfer will be vital to energy development. It will have influence on the future promotion of various renewable energy resources. The government will propel the reform of the oil and gas industry, and gradually open the market to the social capital. This measure will emphasize the role of the market in the energy development.
Liu, Feiqi, Zhao, Fuquan, Hao, Han, Liu, Zongwei
Single-Crystal SiGe/Sapphire EpitaxyTBMG-336822/1/2019
NASA's Langley Research Center has developed a new low-temperature method of SiGe/sapphire growth that produces the same single-crystal films with much less thermal loading effort to the substrate. This eliminates the time-consuming and costly high heating, long thermal soak times, and interfacial Si layer. Yield and throughput are increased as time to production is reduced from more than four hours to less than one hour. The same quality of SiGe/sapphire is produced with far less effort and time, bringing it to within the realm of mass production.
Using Graphene to Detect ALS and Other Neurodegenerative DiseasesTBMG-337242/1/2019
The wonders of graphene are numerous. It can enable flexible electronic components, enhance solar cell capacity, filter the finest subatomic particles, and revolutionize batteries. Now, the “supermaterial” may one day be used to test for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS — a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that is diagnosed mostly by ruling out other disorders, according to new research from the University of Illinois at Chicago published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
Material Removes Ice Buildup Without Power or ChemicalsTBMG-336802/1/2019
From airplane wings, to overhead power lines, to the giant blades of wind turbines, a buildup of ice can cause problems ranging from impaired performance all the way to catastrophic failure. Preventing that buildup usually requires energy-intensive heating systems or chemical sprays that are environmentally harmful.
Ancient Pigment Can Boost Energy EfficiencyTBMG-336171/1/2019
Egyptian blue, derived from calcium copper silicate, was routinely used on ancient depictions of gods and royalty. Previous studies have shown that when Egyptian blue absorbs visible light, it then emits light in the near-infrared range. In fact, the pigment's fluorescence can be 10 times stronger than previously thought.
Products of Tomorrow: January 2019TBMG-335941/1/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
Smart Actuators Deliver on the Promise of Industry 4.0TBMG-3335712/1/2018
As Industry 4.0 initiatives bring more and more industrial axes of motion into the realm of automation, the need for cost-effective control across them grows as well. Advances in robotics, connectivity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analysis, mobility, and numerous other areas are converging to push global industry to new plateaus of operational efficiency and creating roles for automated actuators in places previously thought impractical.
Enhanced Contacts for Inverted Metamorphic Multi-Junction Solar Cells Using Carbon Nanotube Metal Matrix CompositesTBMG-3336812/1/2018
In order to address issues related to mechanical and vibrational stresses that are commonly experienced in mounting, launch, and deployment of spacecraft, metal matrix composite (MMC) electrodes were fabricated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcement. The research plans were centered on first developing and selecting appropriate processes for fabricating CNT-MMCs based on characterization of their material properties, followed by optimizing MMC designs based on electrical testing under stress. Efforts in the program were also directed toward implementing the CNT-MMCs into solar cell device processing in a process compatible with standard clean room procedures.
Alternating Current Photovoltaic Building BlockTBMG-3340212/1/2018
Today's photovoltaic power systems are generally comprised of a single photovoltaic module or multiple modules connected by combinations of series and parallel circuits as a photovoltaic array. In the case of a single-module system producing alternating current (AC) power output, the photovoltaic module is connected to the inverter or load through a junction box (J-box) that incorporates a fuse to protect the photovoltaic module if backfeeding from other sources (e g; a power utility or a battery) is possible. The photovoltaic modules used in these systems are configured either with or without a frame. Frameless photovoltaic modules are generally referred to as a laminate. For conventional systems that utilize multiple laminates or modules, the laminates or modules are interconnected via junction boxes or flying leads and external wiring that must be rated sunlight-resistant and sized to carry the rated currents. Some conventional photovoltaic system installations require that the direct current (DC) and AC wiring be installed in properly sized and anchored conduit.
Facility Focus: Ames LaboratoryTBMG-3340812/1/2018
Ames Laboratory is a government-owned, contractor-operated national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), operated by and located on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, IA. For more than 70 years, Ames Laboratory has successfully partnered with Iowa State University and is unique among the DOE laboratories in that it is physically located on the campus of a major research university.
Thermochromic Windows Convert Sunlight into ElectricityTBMG-3341512/1/2018
Relying on advanced materials such as perovskites and single-walled carbon nano-tubes, a window technology was developed that responds to heat by transforming from transparent to tinted. As the window darkens, it generates electricity. The color change is driven by molecules (methylamine) that are reversibly absorbed into the device. When solar energy heats up the device, the molecules are driven out, and the device is darkened. When the Sun is not shining, the device is cooled back down, and the molecules re-absorb into the window device, which then appears transparent.
Quantum Dots Monitor Brain ActivityTBMG-3326311/1/2018
Luminescent quantum dots are finding new and exciting applications in current nano-science research, including improved solar energy collectors, LEDs, and quantum computers. A recent thrust from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's Nanoscience Institute is focused on applying them as tools for neuroscience, opening the doors for a new way to observe brain activity and its functions.
Flexible Organic Sensor Acts as Self-Powered Heart MonitorTBMG-3325211/1/2018
Self-powered devices that can be fit directly on human skin or tissue have great potential for medical applications. They could be used as physiological sensors for the real-time monitoring of heart or brain function in the human body. However, practical realization has been impractical due to the bulkiness of batteries and insufficient power supply, or due to noise interference from the electrical supply, impeding conformability and long-term operation.
Q&A: Dr. André D. Taylor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Dept., New York University Tandon School of Engineering, New York, NYTBMG-328569/1/2018
An international team of university researchers, led by Dr. Taylor, reports solving a major fabrication challenge for perovskite cells — the intriguing potential challengers to silicon-based solar cells. These crystalline structures show great promise because they can absorb almost all wavelengths of light. Perovskite solar cells are already commercialized on a small scale, but recent vast improvements in their power conversion efficiency are driving interest in using them as low-cost alternatives for solar panels.
Products of Tomorrow: September 2018TBMG-328279/1/2018
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
Low-Cost Plastic Sensors Could Monitor a Range of Health ConditionsTBMG-324498/1/2018
An international team of researchers have developed a low-cost sensor made from semiconducting plastic that can be used to diagnose or monitor a wide range of health conditions, such as surgical complications or neurodegenerative diseases.
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