COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwired - July 09, 2015) - How can smart grid technology help astronauts safely explore deep space? Battelle has completed work on a contract from NASA Glenn Research Center that shows how.
Battelle and its teammate Elequant, the United States subsidiary of Grupo AIA (Aplicaciones en Informática Avanzada, or Advanced Computing Applications), have submitted a final report on the technology, which was met with high ratings that exceeded the space agency's expectations.
The patented HELM algorithm can increase the reliability and operation of both deep-space manned missions beyond Mars, as well as terrestrial applications to the all-electric passenger aircraft that are on design boards now.
The technology would help pilots in spacecraft who are not operational power engineers. So the need for intelligent, fault-tolerant autonomous control of the spacecraft power management and distribution system is paramount for deep space missions.
The technology mathematically guarantees stable operation of the power system and should an electrical fault occur, can chart a solution from power failure to recovery, leaving astronauts to perform other important tasks.
The second phase of the NASA contract calls for a test of the approach on an Earth-bound microgrid representing a deep space module's power system. The potential answer for deep space power safety and reliability is designed to prevent blackouts on Earth and has been marketed and sold to North American power suppliers.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.
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Media Contacts
For more information contact:
Katy Delaney
(614) 424-7208
delaneyk@battelle.org
T.R. Massey
(614) 424-5544
masseytr@battelle.org