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At least 199 records · Page 11

Sensor Calibration Inter-Comparison Methodologies and Applications TO AVHRR, MODIS, AND VIIRS Observations

As more and more satellite observations become available to the science and user community, their on-orbit calibration accuracy and consistency over time continue to be an important and challenge issue, especially in the reflective solar spectral regions. In recent years, many sensor calibration inter-comparison methodologies have been developed by different groups and applied to a range of satellite observations, aiming to the improvement of satellite instrument calibration accuracy and data quality. This paper provides an overview of different methodologies developed for inter-comparisons of A VHRR and MODIS observations, and extends their applications to the Visible-Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument. The first VIIRS was launched on-board the NPP spacecraft on October 28, 2011. The VIIRS, designed with MODIS heritage, collects data in 22 spectral bands from visible (VIS) to long-wave infrared (LWIR). Like both Terra and Aqua MODIS, the VIIRS on-orbit calibration is performed using a set of on-board calibrators (OBC), Methodologies discussed in this paper include the use of well-characterized ground reference targets, near simultaneous nadir overpasses (SNO), lunar observations, and deep convective clouds (DeC). Results from long-term A VHRR and MODIS observations and initial assessment of VIIRS on-orbit calibration are presented. Current uncertainties of different methodologies and potential improvements are also discussed in this paper.

Xiong, Xiaoxiong↗

Proposed Objective Odor Control Test Methodology for Waste Containment

The Orion Cockpit Working Group has requested that an odor control testing methodology be proposed to evaluate the odor containment effectiveness of waste disposal bags to be flown on the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. As a standardized "odor containment" test does not appear to be a matter of record for the project, a new test method is being proposed. This method is based on existing test methods used in industrial hygiene for the evaluation of respirator fit in occupational settings, and takes into consideration peer reviewed documentation of human odor thresholds for standardized contaminates, industry stardnard atmostpheric testing methodologies, and established criteria for laboratory analysis. The proposed methodology is quantitative, though it can readily be complimented with a qualitative subjective assessment. Isoamyl acetate (IAA - also known at isopentyl acetate) is commonly used in respirator fit testing, and there are documented methodologies for both measuring its quantitative airborne concentrations. IAA is a clear, colorless liquid with a banana-like odor, documented detectable smell threshold for humans of 0.025 PPM, and a 15 PPB level of quantation limit.

Vos, Gordon↗

Abort Trigger False Positive and False Negative Analysis Methodology for Threshold-Based Abort Detection

This paper describes a quantitative methodology for bounding the false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) probabilities associated with a human-rated launch vehicle abort trigger (AT) that includes sensor data qualification (SDQ). In this context, an AT is a hardware and software mechanism designed to detect the existence of a specific abort condition. Also, SDQ is an algorithmic approach used to identify sensor data suspected of being corrupt so that suspect data does not adversely affect an AT's detection capability. The FP and FN methodologies presented here were developed to support estimation of the probabilities of loss of crew and loss of mission for the Space Launch System (SLS) which is being developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The paper provides a brief overview of system health management as being an extension of control theory; and describes how ATs and the calculation of FP and FN probabilities relate to this theory. The discussion leads to a detailed presentation of the FP and FN methodology and an example showing how the FP and FN calculations are performed. This detailed presentation includes a methodology for calculating the change in FP and FN probabilities that result from including SDQ in the AT architecture. To avoid proprietary and sensitive data issues, the example incorporates a mixture of open literature and fictitious reliability data. Results presented in the paper demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach in providing quantitative estimates that bound the probability of a FP or FN abort determination.

risk assessment↗

Non-Causal Controller Approximation Methodology Augmented with Model Reference Control – Robust Design

This paper describes the development of a new control design methodology based on a non-causal controller structure and its approximation. The non-causal controller design is based on a loop shaping approach. Partial fraction decomposition is used, along with derivative approximations, to derive a proper transfer function design for a causal control structure. The premise for this non-causal control methodology is that the phase delay as a function of frequency ideally remains within approximately -90o, which tends to make the system robustly stable to uncertainties in the plant dynamics. To have a predictable control system response in lieu of the tolerance of this methodology to relatively large uncertainty in the plant dynamics, the approach is augmented with model reference control. The addition of model reference control can potentially further enhance the robustness of the design. A control system design example is presented in this paper, along with simulation results, to demonstrate the high degree of robustness of this non-causal methodology and its augmentation.

Control Systems↗

A Methodology for Actuating RCS Jets in a Continuous, Time-Accurate CFD Simulation

Computational fluid dynamics simulations of Mars entry vehicle reaction control systems have been used to gain a better understanding of the wide range of flow phenomena encountered during various phases of flight. One aspect of this is simulating the system during controlled flight. Current practices model the system in a continuously actuated state, but this methodology is unable to accurately model the dynamic behavior of the system during EDL. One method to improve this is to create a coupled CFD-RBD-Control simulation. The first step to this is establishing a method of accurately actuating an RCS jet during a time accurate CFD simulation. This paper presents a method to achieve this actuation. There are three phases to the methodology: establishing the off state, creating a ramping function that will initialize the jet flow, and establishing the on state. A test case of a jet in a supersonic crossflow is implemented to establish the success of the methodology in being able to actuate a jet in the midst of an ongoing CFD simulation. It shows significant improvement in boundary condition responsiveness for linear and exponential ramping functions in comparison to the step function. A preliminary demonstration of the methodology is presented for the MSL vehicle which shows significant advantages for the implementation of a linear ramping function over a step function.

Alexandra Hickey↗

A Methodology for Actuating RCS Jets in a Continuous, Time-Accurate CFD Simulation

Computational fluid dynamics simulations of Mars entry vehicle reaction control systems have been used to gain a better understanding of the wide range of flow phenomena encountered during various phases of flight. One aspect of this is simulating the system during controlled flight. Current practices model the system in a continuously actuated state, but this methodology is unable to accurately model the dynamic behavior of the system during EDL. One method to improve this is to create a coupled CFD-RBD-Control simulation. The first step to this is establishing a method of accurately actuating an RCS jet during a time accurate CFD simulation. This paper presents a method to achieve this actuation. There are three phases to the methodology: establishing the off state, creating a ramping function that will initialize the jet flow, and establishing the on state. A test case of a jet in a supersonic crossflow is implemented to establish the success of the methodology in being able to actuate a jet in the midst of an ongoing CFD simulation. It shows significant improvement in boundary condition responsiveness for linear and exponential ramping functions in comparison to the step function. A preliminary demonstration of the methodology is presented for the MSL vehicle which shows significant advantages for the implementation of a linear ramping function over a step function.

Alexandra Hickey↗

Pointing Error Budget Development and Methodology on the Psyche Project

The Psyche mission was selected by NASA as the 14th mission in the Discovery Program in 2017. The Psyche spacecraft utilizes solar electric propulsion, and will journey to the asteroid (16) Psyche during a 3.5 year trajectory after its planned 2022 launch. The spacecraft instrument suite includes a magnetometer, a multispectral imager, a gamma ray neutron spectrometer, and an X-band radio telecommunications system. It also includes the Deep Space Optical Communication technical demonstration. These instruments along with other spacecraft components require pointing accuracy to meet their scientific and engineering performance requirements. Early on in the project development, the team established a methodology by which pointing accuracy (knowledge and control) is analyzed against the system requirements by means of pointing error budgets and requirement allocations. A margin policy was implemented to ensure the instrument and engineering component pointing accuracy requirements will be met during verification and in flight. Psyche’s pointing management framework defines detailed rationales for the system and subsystem error allocations of the top level pointing accuracy requirements, with sufficient project level pointing margin, and supports end-to-end pointing requirement verification. This paper will present an overview of the Psyche project’s pointing error budget development process, and discuss the rationale behind the methodology. Psyche’s pointing budget methodology integrates best practices and lessons learned from heritage missions, while focusing on the specific needs of the Psyche spacecraft and its science instruments. Key challenges in the pointing error budget development will be reviewed, and a deep dive into two key Psyche pointing budgets are presented. The systems engineering of Psyche’s pointing budget methodology outlined in this paper will serve as a resource for future deep space missions.

Lai, Peter↗

A Methodology for Calculating EGS Electricity Generation Potential Based on the Gringarten Model for Heat Extraction From Fractured Rock

Existing methodologies for estimating the electricity generation potential of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) assume thermal recovery factors of 5% or less, resulting in relatively low volumetric electricity generation potentials for EGS reservoirs. This study proposes and develops a methodology for calculating EGS electricity generation potential based on the Gringarten conceptual model and analytical solution for heat extraction from fractured rock. The electricity generation potential of a cubic kilometer of rock as a function of temperature is calculated assuming limits on the allowed produced water temperature decline and reservoir lifetime based on surface power plant constraints. The resulting estimates of EGS electricity generation potential can be one to nearly two-orders of magnitude larger than those from existing methodologies. The flow per unit fracture surface area from the Gringarten solution is found to be a key term in describing the conceptual reservoir behavior. The methodology can be applied to aid in the design of EGS reservoirs by giving minimum reservoir volume, fracture spacing, number of fractures, and flow requirements for a target reservoir power output. Limitations of the idealized model compared to actual reservoir performance and the implications on reservoir design are discussed.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

PIA and REWIND: Two New Methodologies for Cross Section Adjustment

This paper presents two new cross section adjustment methodologies intended for coping with the problem of compensations. The first one PIA, Progressive Incremental Adjustment, gives priority to the utilization of experiments of elemental type (those sensitive to a specific cross section), following a definite hierarchy on which type of experiment to use. Once the adjustment is performed, both the new adjusted data and the new covariance matrix are kept. The second methodology is called REWIND (Ranking Experiments by Weighting for Improved Nuclear Data). This new proposed approach tries to establish a methodology for ranking experiments by looking at the potential gain they can produce in an adjustment. Practical applications for different adjustments illustrate the results of the two methodologies against the current one and show the potential improvement for reducing uncertainties in target reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Analytical Model Methodology Development and Demonstration of Approach on Used Fuel Performance Characterization for Condition of Normal Transportation

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rules require that used nuclear fuel (UNF) rods maintain their integrity during handling, transportation, and storage to ensure maintenance of the fuel retaining boundary, safety against criticality, and long term fuel retrievability for processing and disposal. Consequently, understanding the mechanical performance of UNF rods under cumulative loading stemming from handling, normal conditions of transport (NCT), and normal conditions of storage (NCS) is necessary as their performance under these conditions establishes part of their safety basis. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) commissioned a multi-laboratory team consisting of subject matter experts at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop a methodology to examine the structural performance and potential for failure of UNF under NCT and to perform a demonstration of this methodology for a typical UNF transportation campaign. This team prepared a Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) Plan that describes a methodology, including development and use of analytical models, to evaluate loading and associated mechanical responses of UNF rods and key structural components during NCT. The initial scope of this plan has now been fully executed. The demonstration of the methodology laid out in the RD&D plan is focused on structural performance evaluation of Westinghouse Electric 17×17 OFA pressurized water reactor fuel assemblies with a discharge burnup range of 30 58 GWd/MTU (assembly average), loaded in a representative high-capacity (=32 fuel rod assemblies) transportation package and transported on a 3000 mile rail journey. In general, the modeling and simulation approach consists of three levels; the cask level, the fuel assembly level, and the fuel rod level. This modeling approach utilized finite element analysis sub-modeling techniques to accurately model the complete spent nuclear fuel transport system on the railcar (cask restraint structure, cask, basket, assembly, and fuel rods). The sub-modeling approach allows for more detailed finite element models of individual system components, faster analysis run times for the individual sub-models, and flexibility when updating or modifying the sub-models to incorporate better excitation data, initial material properties, or other pertinent information. The final results of the initial demonstration are that cladding strains were not large enough to cause structural failure, but cyclic strains roughly projected for the entire route were significant in some cases. The number of cycles that the model hits certain strain "bins" are counted. These are extrapolated for a 3000 mile trip and the damage ratio is calculated which is the number of cycles the fuel rods hit certain strain bins over the 3000 mile journey divided by the number of cycles to failure. Under the final model and set of inputs, the total damage from summation of the worst shock and vibration cases is ~18% of the expected fatigue limit. Therefore the fuel rods are not expected to fail during NCT given the assumptions listed. Additionally, a number of sensitivity studies were performed. It was found that the areas of highest sensitivity were the cladding elastic modulus, the spacer grid stiffness, the spacer grid location, and gaps between the assembly and the cask; these findings can be used to guide future work.

Used Nuclear Fuel, Storage, Transportation, Normal↗

The GIF Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection Methodology Applied to Gen IV System Designs: Some Reflections

The Generation Four International Forum (GIF) formed a proliferation resistance and physical protection (PR&PP) Working Group (PRPPWG) to develop a methodology to evaluate the six GIF reactor technologies. The PRPPWG developed the methodology through a series of development and demonstration case studies, using a hypothetical “Example Sodium Fast Reactor” (ESFR). The ESFR assessment enabled testing of the full methodology on a complete nuclear energy system and many insights were gained from the process. The PRPPWG, in collaboration with representatives of the GIF System Steering Committees/provisional Steering Committees (SSCs/pSSCs) for each of the six GIF reactor technologies, analyzed the PR&PP aspects of the six reactor technologies. The outcome of this activity is documented in a joint PRPPWG and SSCs/pSSCs report made publicly available in 2011, highlighting the analysis performed and its main outcomes. Currently, the PRPPWG and the six GIF SSCs/pSSCs are in the process of repeating the exercise, based on the current status of the six GIF system design concepts, taking into account the designs’ evolution since 2011. In line with Safeguards by Design concept, whilst during the first exercise the level of detail of the design options enabled only a high-level evaluation of the systems’ proliferation resistance, the early design stage allowed designers to introduce modifications for improving the systems’ performance. With the designs’ current level of detail, the opportunity for proposing modifications diminishes, whilst at the same time increasing the opportunity to inform the safeguards R&D community on potential R&D needs to meet safeguardability issues. The paper will first summarize the main concepts behind the PR&PP evaluation methodology. It will then summarize the main outcomes and lessons learned, as in the current white papers on the PR aspects of the six GIF design concepts, and will finally describe the ongoing activity to update them.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Development of Fusion Neutronics Methodology, Software, and Testing Facility in FDS Team

Fusion neutronics including methodology, software, experiments, etc. is studied concerning the generation, utilizing and protection of neutrons in fusion facilities. Achievements have been made in the past decades to solve the new problems fusion neutronics. However there is still some way to go such as following. Automatic modeling method based on CAD has been developed to avoid the heavy burden of manual geometry description. The pre-processing costs much time to simplify the CAD model for converting to Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG), 2D or 3D mesh based geometry. This problem has become a new focus. Deep penetration of radiation shielding is notable problem for fusion. Adaptive variance reduction methods such as Consistent Adjoint Driven Importance Sampling (CADIS) were developed to accelerate convergence. However the gap still exists between engineering requirements and current methodology. The geometry simplification, homogenizing based tally, error in nuclear data and error propagation in coupled calculation, etc., causes considerable uncertainty, which leads to 'safety factor' applied in simulation results to achieve required safety margin. It can significantly raise the cost and even makes it impractical to initiate the fusion facilities. Uncertainty qualification, error analysis and error propagation problem should be studied. New methodology and software should be validated. For example the (n,p), (n,a), (n,t) cross section of Cu, Fe, W, Ni which is important for evaluation of material radiation damage is absent. The validation of neutronics properties of special components such as first wall, blanket and coil are needed. The D-T fusion neutron generator can directly represent the neutron environment in fusion reactors. However the neutron yield is several orders of magnitudes lower than requirements. To resolve obstacles in fusion neutronics, broad improvements of methodology, software and testing facility have been achieved by FDS Team in recent years and the main progress was introduced in this paper.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Towards application of a neutron cross-section uncertainty propagation capability in the criticality safety methodology - 14434

At the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) the methodology for criticality safety evaluations (CSE) used for Swiss applications is focused, following common practice, on establishing an upper subcriticality limit (USL) for the effective neutron multiplication factor (k{sub eff}), based on a statistical evaluation of the obtained validation results in terms of the calculated-to-benchmark k{sub eff} values. Recently, a new computational tool referred to as NUSS (Nuclear data Uncertainty Stochastic Sampling) was developed in order to propagate neutron-nuclear data (ND) uncertainties in calculations with Monte Carlo transport codes in combination with general-purpose ND libraries in ACE format. Thereby, this tool should now allow for a quantification of ND data uncertainties in CSE and to introduce these into the CSE criteria definition. This paper concerns an application of the NUSS methodology for criticality validation studies. Calculated k{sub eff} uncertainty estimations were obtained for the current PSI validation suite including in total 149 critical benchmark configurations for which in-house MCNP(X) models were developed, covering both uranium and mixed uranium-plutonium oxide fuels. The MCNPX-2.7.0 code was used together with the ENDF/B-VII.1 ND library while the ND variance-covariance matrixes (VCM) were taken from both SCALE-6.0 44-group libraries and also from ENDF/B-VII.1 files. Based on the newly obtained information on the uncertainties, a re-assessment of the lower tolerance bound (LTB) for k{sub eff} using the total uncertainties as weighting factors is proposed as means for the present PSI CSE methodology upgrade and some possible directions of further methodology enhancements are discussed next. (authors)

42 ENGINEERING↗

A Simple Data-Centric Methodology for Producible Geothermal Well Determinations: Preprint

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has traditionally lacked a standardized methodology for determining if a newly drilled geothermal well is "producible," a designation essential for deciding whether a lease should be "held by production." This is a straightforward problem to solve in oil and gas: Demonstrate that a well is economically viable, meaning it produces sufficient oil or gas to exceed direct operating costs and lease-related expenses, such as rentals or minimum royalties. In geothermal, the problem is more complex: Geothermal wells are tightly coupled with the downstream infrastructure - specifically, the power plant, which is often not designed until well after a lease is deemed as "held by production." Although this designation is critical for advancing geothermal power plant development on BLM-managed lands, current geothermal well assessments often rely on ad hoc approaches that can be complex, operator-biased, and heavy in assumptions related to economic viability. To address this, we have developed two complementary methodologies: a minimum power requirement-based approach and a productivity index (PI)-based approach. These methods leverage key flow test data - pressure, temperature, flow rate, and specific enthalpy - to provide reliable and standardized producible well determinations. The minimum power requirement-based approach evaluates wells against specific power output thresholds informed by reservoir experts and the associated temperature requirements. The PI-based approach assesses well productivity using widely accepted reservoir engineering metrics, proposing a threshold of 2.5 kg/s/bar. Both methods are data-driven and grounded in empirical production data from operational geothermal wells, avoiding uncertain economic assumptions while maintaining decision-making accuracy. Wells falling below key performance thresholds (i.e., PI, specific power) are deemed non-producible. These methodologies aim to streamline BLM's decision-making process, reduce nontechnical barriers to geothermal energy adoption, and enable regulatory expansion into states lacking geothermal expertise. Preliminary results indicate clear trends and thresholds in production data that provide actionable insights for evaluating well producibility. Validation using well completion report (WCR) data is ongoing, with promising results demonstrating the potential for these standardized methodologies to impact geothermal development significantly.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program: Digital Technology Business Case Methodology Guide

The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program aims to develop and deploy technologies that will make the existing U.S. nuclear fleet more efficient and competitive. The program has developed a standard methodology for determining the impact of new technologies in order to assist nuclear power plant (NPP) operators in building sound business cases. The Advanced Instrumentation, Information, and Control (II&C) Systems Technologies Pathway is part of the DOE’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program. It conducts targeted research and development (R&D) to address aging and reliability concerns with the legacy instrumentation and control and related information systems of the U.S. operating light water reactor (LWR) fleet. This work involves two major goals: (1) to ensure that legacy analog II&C systems are not life-limiting issues for the LWR fleet and (2) to implement digital II&C technology in a manner that enables broad innovation and business improvement in the NPP operating model. Resolving long-term operational concerns with the II&C systems contributes to the long-term sustainability of the LWR fleet, which is vital to the nation’s energy and environmental security. The II&C Pathway is conducting a series of pilot projects that enable the development and deployment of new II&C technologies in existing nuclear plants. Through the LWRS program, individual utilities and plants are able to participate in these projects or otherwise leverage the results of projects conducted at demonstration plants. Performance advantages of the new pilot project technologies are widely acknowledged, but it has proven difficult for utilities to derive business cases for justifying investment in these new capabilities. Lack of a business case is often cited by utilities as a barrier to pursuing wide-scale application of digital technologies to nuclear plant work activities. The decision to move forward with funding usually hinges on demonstrating actual cost reductions that can be credited to budgets and thereby truly reduce O&M or capital costs. Technology enhancements, while enhancing work methods and making work more efficient, often fail to eliminate workload such that it changes overall staffing and material cost requirements. It is critical to demonstrate cost reductions or impacts on non-cost performance objectives in order for the business case to justify investment by nuclear operators. The Business Case Methodology (BCM) addresses the “benefit” side of the analysis—as opposed to the cost side—and how the organization evaluates discretionary projects (net present value (NPV), accounting effects of taxes, discount rates, etc.). The cost and analysis side is not particularly difficult for the organization and can usually be determined with a fair amount of precision (not withstanding implementation project cost overruns). It is in determining the "benefits" side of the analysis that utilities have more difficulty in technology projects and that is the focus of this methodology.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A Transient-Response methodology based on experiments and modeling for Cu-Redox Half-Cycle kinetic analysis on a Cu-SSZ-13 SCR catalyst

In this report the Standard SCR reaction catalyzed by Cu-SSZ-13 is a redox process consisting of a reduction half cycle (RHC) and an oxidation half cycle (OHC) that cycle the active Cu sites between the Cu(II) and Cu(I) states. In the current work, a transient-response methodology consisting of experimental transient response Cu-redox (TRCR) measurements and kinetic modeling was developed for detailed study of individual SCR Cu-redox half cycles. The TRCR protocol allows quantification of the reducible Cu density, Cu(II)-Cu(I) partitioning, relative native RHC and OHC rates, and limiting half cycle during SCR. The half-cycle kinetics are studied over a wide (170–450 °C) temperature, and in differential segments along the catalyst length using spatially resolved capillary inlet mass-spectrometry (SpaciMS). The protocol alone provides two independent measures indicating that OHC increases faster than RHC with temperature, and that at all but the lowest temperature SCR is RHC limited. Introducing the transient kinetic models allows half-cycle reaction pathways, orders and activation energies to be studied and determined; e.g., RHC involves surface and gas-phase NH 3 routes, and OHC with O 2 involves dimer formation. Application of the full methodology provides further confirmation and quantification of the protocol conclusions, and specifically the first measurements of RHC and OHC activation energies; specifically for parallel RHC surface and gas-phase routes, and experimentally obtained OHC activation energy vs. first-principle calculations in the literature. Beyond insights related to the degreened catalyst studied here, the methodology provides a broadly available approach for quantifying how aging processes selectively impact RHC and OHC.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An improved methodology for modeling short pulse buried layer x-ray emission spectra

Radiation-hydrodynamic and spectroscopic modeling are important aspects of high energy density experimental design. In this paper, we improve the performance and capabilities over those obtainable with a previous methodology used for simulating x-ray emission spectra from buried layer targets heated by short pulse lasers. The improvement incorporates post-processing HYDRA radiation-hydrodynamic output with a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium atomic-kinetics radiation transport code, Cretin. Each code uses an independent radiation field which allows decoupling HYDRA's radiation group structure from Cretin's spectral output to improve the speed and flexibility of the design methodology. The execution time decreases from 2–3 days to a few hours while the flexibility of the improved methodology allows for performing sensitivity studies including a comparison of steady-state and time-dependent atomic kinetics and differences in the radiation group structure.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Development and testing of a performance evaluation methodology to assess the reliability of occupancy sensor systems in residential buildings

With the emergence of advanced occupancy sensor technologies to better detect occupancy in buildings, a universal methodology and metrics are required to evaluate and report sensor systems’ reliability and compare the performance across multiple sensor systems. Herein this research presents a methodology to assess the reliability of occupancy sensor systems in residential buildings in a controlled laboratory environment, including both “typical” and “failure” testing scenarios. The developed methodology was then implemented to evaluate a novel occupancy detection sensor system’s reliability. “Typical” testing evaluates the overall accuracy of the sensor system, which suggest how reliable the occupancy sensor system is over time. Results show that on average, the precision and recall are 0.75 and 0.70, indicating similar numbers of false positives and false negatives across the dataset. The overall accuracy of the tested sensor system was 62.4% to 76.4%. Failure testing results indicate whether there are influential variables impacting the sensor performance. For the tested sensor system, the number of occupants, presence of large objects, presence of interior light sources, and number of doors are not influential, while lighting level, location of occupants, additional door in the entry/exit area, and having the TV on are variables determined to impact the sensor system performance.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗