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At least 181 records · Page 10

Field-Scale Lysimeter Studies of Glass and Cementitious Waste Forms at the Hanford Site - 20392

The Hanford site Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF) will receive waste forms from vitrification activities at the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP). The waste form inventory to be disposed of at the IDF will consist of vitrified low-activity waste (LAW) in glass forms and solidified (or encapsulated) secondary wastes in cementitious forms. The IDF is a near-surface burial facility located near Hanford's Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant in the 200 East Area of the site's Central Plateau. An extensive set of laboratory experimental data has been collected to support IDF performance assessment calculations of the eventual degradation of waste forms and mobility of contaminants. This paper describes the start of a field experiment to generate waste-form performance data on a larger scale (tens of centimeters), over a longer duration (five years or more), and under field conditions representative of the IDF. Results from this study are expected to improve model descriptions of contaminant mobility, reduce uncertainties about the representativeness of laboratory results in the IDF performance assessment, improve stakeholder confidence in the safe disposal of treated waste at the IDF, and facilitate the adoption of informed facility designs with the potential to reduce operational costs. A lysimeter test facility near Hanford's 200 West Area has been repurposed to carry out long-term assessments of waste forms buried in sediments excavated from the IDF. The waste forms are buried in large drainage lysimeters, open caissons that are two meters in diameter and three meters deep. Waste forms are buried in up to six locations in each lysimeter. Samplers collect pore water and drainage water beneath the waste forms and air from the pore space adjacent to waste forms. Sensors measure temperature, soil water content, soil water tension, and drainage flux. One lysimeter containing cementitious waste forms and one containing glass waste forms have been completed, along with a control lysimeter (without waste forms). The cementitious waste forms are Cast Stone grout formulations using a liquid secondary waste simulant and a generic Hanford high-salt simulant, as well as a hydrated lime-based grout formulation using a liquid secondary waste simulant. Technetium-99 and iodine-127 were added as tracers to monitor contaminant mobility. Glass waste forms were fabricated in two formulations (LAWA44 and ORLEC28), with rhenium and molybdenum tracers to monitor waste form degradation. The predicted performance of the waste forms in the lysimeters was modeled prior to installation to determine waste form size, tracer concentration/activity, and locations of sensors and samplers. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

147 Nd Quantification Using HSCCC-Purified Samples

Quantifying the fission product 147 Nd in nuclear debris samples is an important component of post-detonation nuclear forensics. The most accurate quantifications are obtained when Nd is purified from all other fission products, actinides, activation products, and environmental matrix contained within the debris. In this study, a recently developed method for Nd purification was tested, purifying 147 Nd from solutions of mixed fission products using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). Importantly, the new method allowed for faster elution of Nd from the column as compared with established high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, and resulted in accurate/precise 147 Nd quantification by gamma-ray spectrometry. While the up-front equipment costs associated with HSCCC may be higher, its operational costs are on par with those of HPLC (solvents, extractants, power). Gas-flow proportional beta decay counting revealed contamination from the nearest neighbor lanthanide 143 Pr (a gamma-silent radioisotope) in the HSCCC-purified samples, but the activity contribution from 147 Nd could still be quantified. Remarkably consistent elution profiles were observed for the HSCCC method, spanning rare earth element (REE) loadings of more than 10 orders of magnitude (tracer to mmol quantities). In conclusion, the reliability and speed of the new method suggest utility for the rapid separation and quantification of 147 Nd in unknown samples.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Solid–liquid separation of lignocellulosic sugars from biomass by rotating ceramic disc filtration

In many biomass conversion processes, the separation of cellulosic sugars from residual, lignin-rich solids is a critical step, and achieving high recovery yields of sugars by conventional tangential crossflow and vacuum filtration is challenged by the presence of biomass solids, which rapidly foul filters, resulting in decreased throughput. Considering the performance limitations of traditional filtration methods, dynamic filtration, which generates high shear at the membrane surface to decrease fouling, is emerging as a viable alternative for demanding solid–liquid separations. For high solids separations, there is little available information regarding the performance, limitations, and energy consumption of dynamic filtration. To that end, here we characterized the performance of a dynamic filtration module, specifically a rotating ceramic disc (RCD) filter, for the aseptic recovery of cellulosic sugars from biomass solids following pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. We show how RCD rotational velocity and percent biomass solids impact the filter throughput. Additionally, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to estimate the shear rate at the membrane surface and to visualize hydrodynamic profiles within the module. With the combined CFD simulations and experimental results, we estimated the energy demand and operating expenses for a viable dynamic filtration system operating with a lignocellulosic feed slurry. Our results indicate that an RCD filter can achieve ≥95% recovery of sugars and produce a retentate slurry containing 12 wt% insoluble solids with low energy consumption (a 2.2-fold improvement over cross-flow filtration) and low operating costs ($\$$0.06 per kg sugars). These results show a viable path towards operationally reliable, energy efficient, and cost-effective separations of sterilized cellulosic sugars from biomass solids and highlight the potential of dynamic filtration systems for challenging solid–liquid separations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Water and Wastewater Systems as Potential Distributed Energy Resources for California - High-level Feasibility Assessment

Water systems in California are a major electricity user, and electricity costs represent a significant portion of water utilities’ operating costs. Water and wastewater utilities have the capacity to shift demand in response to grid needs or price signals and can generate power through biogas, hydropower or onsite renewable energy systems like solar panels and wind turbines. This report points to some of the most promising opportunity areas for water and wastewater utilities to implement distributed energy resources while also carefully laying out practical considerations.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

STREAM: A Scalable Federated HPC Telemetry Platform

Obtaining and analyzing high performance computing (HPC) telemetry in real time is a complex task that can impact algo- rithmic performance, operating costs, and ultimately scientific outcomes. If your organization operates multiple HPC systems, filesystems, and clusters, telemetry streams can be synthesized in order to ease operational and analytics burden. In order to collect this telemetry, the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) has deployed STREAM (Streaming Telemetry for Resource Events, Analytics, and Monitoring), which is a distributed and high-performance message bus based on Apache Kafka. STREAM collects center-wide performance information and must interface with many sources, including five HPE deployed supercomputers, each with their own Kafka cluster which is managed by HPCM. OLCF Supercomputers and their attached scratch filesystems currently send more than 300 million messages to over 200 topics producing around 1.3 Terabytes per day of telemetry data to STREAM. This paper describes the architectural principles that enable STREAM to be both resilient and highly performant while supporting multiple upstream Kafka clusters and other data sources. It also discusses the design challenges and decisions faced in adapting our existing system- monitoring infrastructure to support the first Exascale computing platform.

Adamson, Ryan↗

Model predictive control for optimal dispatch of chillers and thermal energy storage tank in airports

Cost of energy consumption is one of the biggest operational cost for airports, and it is increasing from time to time as airports expand to support growing number of passengers. Various factors affect the energy consumption including efficiency of airport Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which in turn depends on the efficiency of individual subsystems. Here, in this paper, we present an optimal scheduling method for the central plant system at Dallas Fort Worth airport, involving chillers, pumps, and a thermal energy storage (TES) system. A model predictive control (MPC) problem is formulated to minimize both energy and demand charge costs while satisfying the cooling needs of the airport. The proposed Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) formulation includes performance curve based models for chillers and pumps and a simplified state of charge model for TES. The formulation also includes predictions of cooling load and chilled water return temperature. Simulation results for a month in summer show savings around 10% compared to the baseline. Initial recommendations based on insights from simulation results to the manual operation procedures resulted in significant savings. Field test results show a 7% chiller efficiency improvement.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

An Evaluation of The Dynamic Physical Security Risk Assessment Methodology for Fleet-Wide Applications

The requirements for U.S. nuclear power plants to maintain a large onsite physical security force contribute to their high operational costs. The cost of maintaining the current physical security posture is approximately 10% of the overall operation and maintenance budget for commercial nuclear power plants. The goal of the Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program’s physical security pathway is to develop tools, methods, and technologies and provide the technical basis for an optimized physical security posture. The conservatisms built into current security postures may be analyzed and minimized to reduce security costs while still ensuring adequate security and operational safety. The research performed at Idaho National Laboratory within LWRS program’s physical security pathway has successfully developed a dynamic force-on-force modeling framework using various computer simulation tools and integrating them with the dynamic assessment Event Modeling Risk Assessment using Linked Diagrams (EMRALD) tool. This integrated process for physical security analysis is named Modeling and Analysis for Safety Security using Dynamic EMRALD Framework (MASS-DEF). This document provides an update on the progress in applying the MASS-DEF process to an operating commercial nuclear power plant as well as additional industry feedback regarding use of the tool for other physical security risk-informed topics. This report is only a summary of the progress and does not contain specific modeling results as those contain sensitive security information. Previous reports described how a user could integrate their plant-specific force-on-force models with the dynamic simulation tool EMRALD, model operator actions, and integrate with probabilistic risk assessment tools, such as CAFTA (Computer Aided Fault Tree Analysis System) or SAPHIRE (Systems Analysis Programs for Hands-on Integrated Reliability Evaluations), and with thermal-hydraulic tools, such as RELAP-5 or MAAP. Previous reports applied various combinations of available simulations codes with EMRALD using generic plant models to demonstrate how to perform the analysis. This report is an update the progress of applying the dynamic computational framework to an actual nuclear facility using their security scenarios and timelines. This report also provides an update to the procedural guidance for the MASS-DEF process and an overview of the generic models available for use by utilities. This report does not contain any plant’s sensitive information and/or safeguards information. This study’s purpose was to verify that the results achieved using generic models are similar to actual plant results and refine our guidance on the use of the framework. This assessment enables further analysis, such as what-if scenarios and staff-reduction evaluation, thereby optimizing physical security at plants.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Evaluation of Physical Security Risk for Potential Implementation of FLEX using Dynamic Simulation Methods

The requirements for United States nuclear power plants to maintain a large onsite physical security force contribute to their large operational costs. The cost of maintaining the current physical security posture is approximately 10% of the overall operation and maintenance budget for commercial nuclear power plants. The goal of the Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program Physical Security Pathway is to develop tools, methods, and technologies and provide the technical basis for an optimized physical security posture. This pathway will analyze and minimize the conservatisms built into current security postures in order to reduce security costs while still ensuring adequate security and operational safety. The research performed at Idaho National Laboratory within this pathway has successfully developed a dynamic force-on-force (FOF) modeling framework using various computer simulation tools and integrated them with the dynamic assessment Event Modeling Risk Assessment using Linked Diagrams (EMRALD) tool. This document provides an overview of lessons learned in applying a dynamic computational framework that links results from a commercially available FOF simulation tool, a commercially available thermal-hydraulic tool, and EMRALD to an operating commercial nuclear power plant. This process of including plant procedures and multiple analysis results is being called Modeling and Analysis for Safety Security using Dynamic EMRALD Framework. Previous reports described how a user could integrate their plant-specific FOF models with the dynamic simulation tool EMRALD, model operator actions, integrate with probabilistic risk assessment tools, such as Computer Aided Fault Tree Analysis System or Systems Analysis Programs for Hands-on Integrated Reliability Evaluations, and with thermal-hydraulic tools, such as RELAP-5. Previous reports applied various combinations of available simulations codes with EMRALD using generic plant models to demonstrate how to perform the analysis. This report documents the results of applying the dynamic computational framework to an actual nuclear facility using their security scenarios and timelines. The purpose of this study was to verify that results achieved using generic models are similar to actual plant results and to refine our guidance of the use of the framework. Such an assessment enables further analysis, such as what-if scenarios and staff-reduction evaluation, thereby optimizing physical security at plants. NOTE: The work performed in this report is based on a generic EMRALD model with actual plant data used for the analysis. However, only the generic model and general results of the analysis are in the report. No plant’s sensitive information is discussed in this report. The discussion shows examples of insights that can be obtained from the MASS-DEF methodology.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Plant-specific Model and Data Analysis using Dynamic Security Modeling and Simulation

The requirements for U.S. nuclear power plants to maintain a large on-site physical security force contribute to their high operational costs. The cost of maintaining the current physical security posture is approximately 10% of the overall operation and maintenance budget for commercial nuclear power plants. The goal of the Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program’s physical security pathway is to develop tools, methods, and technologies and provide the technical basis for an optimized physical security posture. The conservatisms built into current security postures may be analyzed and minimized in order to reduce security costs while still ensuring adequate security and operational safety. The research performed at Idaho National Laboratory within LWRS program’s physical security pathway has successfully developed a dynamic force-on-force modeling framework using various computer simulation tools and integrating them with the dynamic assessment Event Modeling Risk Assessment using Linked Diagrams (EMRALD) tool. This document provides an update on the progress in applying a dynamic computational framework that links results from a commercially available force-on-force simulation tool, a commercially available thermal-hydraulic tool, and EMRALD to an operating commercial nuclear power plant. This report is only a summary of the progress and does not contain specific modeling results as those contain sensitive security information. This process of including plant procedures and multiple analysis results is being called Modeling and Analysis for Safety Security using Dynamic EMRALD Framework or MASS-DEF. Previous reports described how a user could integrate their plant-specific force-on-force models with the dynamic simulation tool EMRALD, model operator actions, integrate with probabilistic risk assessment tools, such as CAFTA (Computer Aided Fault Tree Analysis System) or SAPHIRE (Systems Analysis Programs for Hands-on Integrated Reliability Evaluations), and with thermal-hydraulic tools, such as RELAP-5. Previous reports applied various combinations of available simulations codes with EMRALD using generic plant models to demonstrate how to perform the analysis. This report documents the results of applying the dynamic computational framework to an actual nuclear facility using their security scenarios and timelines. This report does not contain any plant's sensitive information and/or Safeguards Information. The purpose of this study was to verify that results achieved using generic models are similar to actual plant results and to refine our guidance on the use of the framework. This assessment enables further analysis, such as what-if scenarios and staff-reduction evaluation, thereby optimizing physical security at plants.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Techno-economic evaluation of emission control configurations for AMP/PZ-based post-combustion CO 2 capture

Minimizing the environmental impacts of amine-based post-combustion carbon capture technologies is essential for regulatory compliance and public acceptance. Experimental campaigns at RWE's CO 2 capture pilot plant in Niederaussem using CESAR1 demonstrated that combining existing emission abatement technologies can substantially reduce the concentration of amines and degradation products in the CO 2 -depleted flue gas to below the detection limit of an infrared spectrometer. The campaign confirmed that a proprietary dry bed technology (OEASE aerozone™) or a second water wash can reduce AMP and PZ emissions to below 1 mg/Nm 3 . However, an acid or chemically active wash downstream of the water wash is necessary to reduce NH 3 emissions to very low levels (<2 mg/Nm 3 ). Combining a dry bed with an acid wash significantly reduces both the required acid solution and the resulting acid waste. The techno-economic analysis indicates that implementing emission mitigation technologies provides substantial environmental benefits for the CESAR1 process, with only a marginal increase (<1 €/tCO 2 ) in both the carbon capture cost (CCC) and CO 2 avoidance cost (CAC). The additional capital cost associated with extra column packing is offset by operational cost savings from reduced solvent losses. For stringent emission permits targeting NH 3 , a configuration combining a dry bed upstream of the water wash followed by an acid wash achieves the best balance between emission control and cost efficiency. This configuration results in a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of 143 €/MWh, a CCC of 45.4 €/tCO 2 , and a CAC of 88.4 €/tCO 2 .

AMP↗

Analysis of hematite attrition in a grid jet apparatus

Particulate attrition is of interest for novel carbon-capture processes such as chemical looping combustion because the makeup cost of oxygen carrier is a significant portion of operating cost. As such, models to study and predict attrition of various oxygen carriers in fluidized bed systems are being developed. One of the regions of concern in fluidized bed systems is the high-velocity jet region near gas distributors in a fluid bed. This work studies the attrition of hematite particles using a modified ASTM apparatus to measure the particle size distribution throughout the experiment. Bed weight and gas velocity were varied. Hematite particles above the corresponding threshold value had a severe variation of particle size distributions which decreased with time. Weight fractions of the sieves over time were fit to a linear, time-variant population balance model to offer insight into particle attrition. The first-order rate constant was modified as a decaying exponential.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Background Information on ARPA-E's REUSE Program (White Paper)

Under the REUSE Topic, ARPA-E seeks to fund the development of technologies to convert high-energy materials currently going to landfills to a high-energy content liquid product capable of displacing energy imports used for fuel or chemical production. The high-energy materials include plastics (#1-7 polymers, rubber, and composites) and paper. As discussed below, we estimate 30-34 MM ton plastic, 2-6 MM ton rubber, 18 MM ton of paper, and up to 0.1 MM ton composites are potentially available annually for this purpose. These numbers may be conservative based on changes in the plastic and paper export markets. ARPA-E anticipates deployment of multiple low-cost, simple, flexible, small-scale (100-500 ton per day) regional facilities using modular plants. This scale is consistent with the sources for high-energy materials, which include ~300 Material Recovery Facilities and industrial waste sources. The assumption is that such facilities can be more economical than the paradigm of large-scale facilities making purity products, due to cost for transporting and aggregating waste and the high operating costs (OPEX) and capital cost (CAPEX) for product purification. This document gives a brief technical review for multiple potential process technologies. The review is not intended to be comprehensive or limiting, only to provide an introduction to potential Applicants.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗

White Paper: Background Information on ARPA-E's Reuse Program

This document provides supplemental information for ARPA-E’s exploratory research program, “Recycle Underutilized Solids to Energy” (REUSE). The goal is to provide additional technical information to prospective Applicants. Further information is available in a blog interview and webinar at https://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=news-item/trash-treasure-reuse-creates-feedstock-plastic-waste. Award information, submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and other applicable information is provided in Funding Opportunity Announcements DE-FOA-0001953 and DE-FOA-0001954 (SBIR/STTR). REUSE-specific requirements are provided in Topic K of those FOAs, and is available at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Default.aspx?Search=0001953&SearchType=#FoaIde8647d89-1cac-4b58-8622-1b04de8958c4. Under the REUSE Topic, ARPA-E seeks to fund the development of technologies to convert high-energy materials currently going to landfills to a high-energy content liquid product capable of displacing energy imports used for fuel or chemical production. The high-energy materials include plastics (#1-7 polymers, rubber, and composites) and paper. As discussed below, we estimate 30-34 MM ton plastic, 2-6 MM ton rubber, 18 MM ton of paper, and up to 0.1 MM ton composites are potentially available annually for this purpose. These numbers may be conservative based on changes in the plastic and paper export markets. ARPA-E anticipates deployment of multiple low-cost, simple, flexible, small-scale (100-500 ton per day) regional facilities using modular plants. This scale is consistent with the sources for high-energy materials, which include ~300 Material Recovery Facilities and industrial waste sources. The assumption is that such facilities can be more economical than the paradigm of large-scale facilities making purity products, due to cost for transporting and aggregating waste and the high operating costs (OPEX) and capital cost (CAPEX) for product purification. This document gives a brief technical review for multiple potential process technologies. The review is not intended to be comprehensive or limiting, only to provide an introduction to potential Applicants.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Energy Efficiency Assessment for a Microgrid in the Community of Castañer, Puerto Rico

The Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña (Cooperativa) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council office in Puerto Rico (IREC) are leading the development of a community solar photovoltaic (PV) microgrid comprised of a 225 kWDC photovoltaic system tied to a 500 kWh storage system in the Community of Castañer, in the town of Lares in Puerto Rico. This microgrid will support the electricity needs of eight essential businesses and four homes. The Cooperativa and IREC requested technical assistance to help conduct a comprehensive energy efficiency assessment for the commercial buildings to maximize the impact of the solar PV microgrid. The goal was to identify energy conservation measures that would have the highest impact in terms of reducing electricity demand in order to; reduce the size and cost of the PV microgrid; and reduce the annual operating costs for building owners.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

New Two-Cylinder Prototype Demonstration and Concept Design of a Next Generation Class 3-6 Opposed Piston Engine (Final Report)

The objective of the project is to research, develop, and test an Opposed Piston (OP) engine prototype capable of ≥10% fuel economy improvement over a 2015 baseline diesel engine while meeting prevailing emissions standards and include a cost analysis of the proposed technologies that validates an operating cost payback of less than 2 years. Results: In direct comparison with the baseline Isuzu model, the OP engine exhibited a noteworthy average fuel economy improvement exceeding 12% across five distinct driving cycles, including the Interstate cycle, Congested interstate cycle, GM-city cycle, HWFET cycle, and FTP cycle, with Interstate cycle benefited the most.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Abstract for CRADA among NETL, Ohio University, and MetalKraft Technologies, LLC

The electrical grid faces challenges for meeting accelerated electricity demand arising from the electrification of building and transportation sectors. According to the DOE Grid Development Office, 70% of transmission lines are approaching the end of their lifecycle. The aging grid and insufficient transmission capacity necessitate the development of new technologies to improve overall grid performance. The conventional conductors used for electrical transmission lines suffer from substantial energy losses, high costs and low durability. These inefficiencies result in higher operational costs, increased energy waste, and difficulties in managing power flow. Improving the grid will require metals and composites with higher electrical conductivity and strength than the materials currently used. This CRADA will develop technologies to improve the grid by fabricating carbon metal composites with improved electrical, structural, and mechanical properties in comparison to metals that do not contain carbon additives. The composites will be made by incorporating carbon materials (graphite, graphene) into aluminum, copper, and other metals. The work will focus primarily on improving material properties that enhance the performance of these materials in electrical conductor applications.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Membrane-based Carbon Capture Process Optimization using CFD Modeling

Carbon capture is a promising option to mitigate CO2 emissions from existing coal-fired power plants, cement and steel industries, and petrochemical complexes. Among the available technologies, membrane-based carbon capture presents the lowest energy consumption, operating costs, and carbon footprint. In addition, membrane processes have important operational flexibility and response times. On the other hand, the major challenges to widespread application of this technology are related to reducing capital costs and improving membrane stability and durability. To upscale the technology into stacked flat sheet configurations, high fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) that describes the separation process accurately are required. High fidelity simulations have been shown to be effective in studying the complex transport phenomena in membrane systems. In addition, obtaining high CO2 recovery percentages and product purity re-quires a multi-stage membrane process, where the optimal network configuration of the mem-brane modules must be studied in a systematic way. In order to address the design problem at process scale, we formulate a superstructure for the membrane-based carbon capture, including up to three separation stages. In the formulation of the optimization problem, we include reduced models, based on rigorous CFD simulations of the membrane modules.

Pedrozo, Hector A.↗