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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Upgrade and Certification of the Los Alamos National Laboratory SHENC 2011 - 12270

Nondestructive assay measurements of Transuranic (TRU) waste at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) required the addition of a standard waste box (SWB) assay system. A Super High Efficiency Neutron Counter (SHENC) located at Hanford was identified to be relocated to LANL. After careful evaluation of waste streams at LANL, it was determined that the current configuration of the SHENC was not sufficient to quantify certain waste streams. At LANL, there is still a large amount of waste that needs to be retrieved and repackaged within SWB's to meet agreements with the State of New Mexico. Prior to relocating the SHENC, the only assay systems available were High Efficiency Neutron Counters having only a 55-gallon drum capacity. Further analyses indicated that the SHENC system should be capable of quantitative gamma measurements that are to be linked, and combined, with the neutron measurements. The SHENC system was therefore augmented with a new high-resolution gamma spectroscopy system using BE5030 detectors and upgraded gamma electronics. The neutron side of the system was also upgraded with an advanced shift register (JSR-15), an improved Programmable Logic Controller and NDA-2000 software. This report will include calibration of both the neutron and gamma modalities of the SHENC system and how the modality results are combined to produce a single assay result. Preliminary performance results will be discussed based on both mock and real waste measurements. Discussions will also include a complete description of the adjustable parameters as well as the calibration plan, techniques and validations including calibration confirmation based on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Waste Acceptance Criteria (WIPP-WAC). The SHENC was successfully upgraded to efficiently measure the complex waste streams at Los Alamos National Laboratory. A new PLC was successfully added to the system for Add-A-Source control. A new shift register was added to the SHENC (JSR-15) which provides more flexibility if replacement is required. The addition of the density based calibration on the gamma modality of the system increases the effectiveness of the SHENC for high alpha-n producing waste. Upgrading the system to new software also helped to standardize the program at Los Alamos. Only one new procedure was initiated for the integration of the SHENC. Add-A-Source measurements were effectively integrated with the system based on the confirmation results and positive results during two Department of Energy Performance Demonstration Program Box Cycles. Total measurement uncertainty estimates were completed for both the gamma modality and the neutron modality of the system. The SHENC was reviewed by both the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency in 2011. The certification letter for the SHENC was issued on November 16, 2011. With the certification letter issued to the Central Characterization Project the SHENC can perform waste measurements on SWB's at Los Alamos for shipment to WIPP. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

Electronics Upgrades to the Green is Clean Phoswich Detector Systems and Programmatic Implementation at LANL - Phase II Completion - 18403

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) radiological facilities produce low-density room trash that, in many cases, is not contaminated with radioactivity. It has been estimated that 50 to 90% of low-density room trash is free of radioactive contamination and eligible for inclusion in LANL's Green is Clean (GIC) program. The GIC program is a verification program for non-regulated waste from radiation controlled areas that has been actively segregated as nonradioactive through the use of the waste generator's acceptable knowledge. The GIC program has employed two large area Phoswich gamma ray detector systems (HERCULES and ZEUS) to verify that GIC candidate low-density waste contains no radioactivity above background. The large area (127 cm{sup 2}) Phoswich detectors consist of a thin NaI front crystal (3 mm thick) that is optically coupled to a thick CsI back crystal (50 mm thick). The scintillation properties of the two crystals are different enough to allow the system's electronic components to identify the origin of any pulse. The original systems utilize Nuclear Instrumentation Module (NIM) electronics to process the detector signals. The electronics currently in use by the systems are out of date and some components are no longer manufactured. In 2015, phase I upgrades to the GIC detector systems were completed. Phase I objectives included identifying more modern commercially available electronics that could replace the NIM electronics. A pulse shape discriminator (PSD) module, the Digital Gamma Finder (DGF) Pixie-4 made by XIA LLC, that fits in a compact National Instruments{sup TM} PXI chassis was identified to replace the majority of the original NIM bin electronics - a single Pixie-4 module replaces four NIM amplifiers and four NIM pulse shape analyzers (PSAs). Another phase I objective was to show that that new PSD could separate out the NaI and CsI detector signals in a manner equivalent to or better than the NIM electronics. Proof of concept was achieved in 2015 when a prototype upgrade system on ZEUS was built and tested and gating parameter settings were determined that successfully separated the NaI and CsI signals. Phase II required establishing a LabVIEW software interface with Pixie-4 electronics in lieu of the manufacturer provided Pixie-4 software called the Pixie Viewer. In addition, phase II included 1) final optimization of the gating parameters on the prototype Pixie-4 ZEUS system, 2) finalizing Requirements, Design and Test Plan documents, 3) LabVIEW software interface quality assurance (QA) testing, 4) setting up the HERCULES system with the Pixie-4 upgrade electronics, 5) check source and background calibration of both systems, 6) absolute efficiency determination on both systems and 7) procedure revisions and implementation of both systems into routine operations. In 2017 phase II was completed including the preparation of detailed Requirements, Design and Test Plan documents. The LabVIEW interface software that communicates and controls the Pixie-4 has been completed, merged with the preexisting LabVIEW operations software and fully tested. Gating parameter optimization, configuration of HERCULES with the Pixie-4 electronics, check source and background calibrations and absolute efficiency determinations have all been performed - quantitative results are presented in the full paper. For performance validation, comparison measurements of actual GIC bags on both the HERCULES system using the old NIM Bin electronics and the ZEUS system using the upgraded Pixie-4 electronics have been done and evaluated. Finally, procedure revisions and implementation of both systems into routine operations is currently in process and planned to be complete by the end of calendar year 2017. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2017

NBSR reactor control room upgrade - 215

The maintenance and modernization of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) reactor, known as the NBSR, is an ongoing process to endure until the eventual decommissioning of the reactor. As part of the renovation effort, the reactor control system is to be upgraded. Following some initial outsourcing efforts, the NBSR reactor control system upgrade has been restructured to be implemented by in-house means. The beginning stage of the upgrade involved the development of a simulator environment based on a PC system and digitization of the majority of nuclear reactor monitoring data. The NBSR reactor surveillance data consists of approximately thirteen hundred input/output points, including analog/digital sensor signals, signal conditioners, and relay logic. The aim of the current phase is to implement a new reactor data acquisition and display system (RDS) and lay out the infrastructure for the upgrade of the reactor control system (RCS). Key design criteria are to implement a reliable, redundant, diverse, modular and candid system where any complex digital manipulations are taken outside of the control room. Basically, the data analytics and custom codes are separated from reactor operation control and decision making logic. Furthermore, the new RDS is designed such that it could be maintained internally by NCNR personnel. The RDS is unique in design and modularity, minimizing custom codes and testing, making it ideal for research reactors. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Combining CO2 Electrolysis with Biological Upgrading to Fuels and Chemicals: Turning Waste into Fuels

The utilization of flue gas-derived CO2 presents an opportunity to enhance carbon utilization in the bioethanol industry, contributing to the production of valuable products. In the context of a 90 million-gallon-per-year corn ethanol plant generating approximately 30 tons per hour of 99% pure CO2, a collaborative effort involving six national laboratories has been established. This initiative, known as the CO2 Reduction and Upgrading for e-Fuels (CO2RUe) Consortium, is funded by the Department of Energy's BioEnergy Technologies Office (BETO). The primary objective of the CO2RUe Consortium is to explore innovative approaches to harness CO2 as a valuable feedstock. This interdisciplinary consortium integrates electrochemistry with biological upgrading techniques, aiming to yield sustainable, value-added products and aviation fuels. The presentation will delve into the recent advancements in the realms of electrochemistry and biological upgrading, with a specific focus on formic acid and CO. Additionally, the talk will include an analysis of future electricity grid scenarios, technoeconomic evaluations, and life-cycle assessments. These assessments aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of various conversion pathways on both cost and carbon intensity. The CO2RUe Consortium is at the forefront of steering the development of economically favorable and sustainable processes for CO2 utilization. The presentation will showcase the consortium's progress in driving the advancement of technology and processes, emphasizing the economic viability and sustainability of CO2 utilization within the broader context of the bioethanol industry.

biological upgrading↗
DOE OSTI2022

Assessment of lignite upgrade and hydrogen evolution via electrolysis

Lignite, considered as the lowest-rank coal, accounts for 45% of the total coal resources worldwide, and its low carbon and high ash contents limit its large-scale application. In order to upgrade lignite effectively, a modified coal electrolytic cell (MCEC) was designed, built, and then evaluated for lignite upgrade and hydrogen production through electrolysis, and the operating conditions were optimized. The results show that the performance of the MCEC outperformed the previous coal electrolytic cell (CEC). The operating temperature and iron concentration significantly impact the average current density per milligram of catalyst (ACDMC). The content of dry fixed carbon and heating value increased by 20.9% (wt%) and 8.15%, respectively, in electrolyzed lignite compared with raw lignite. Besides, 71.5% ash and 39.6% mercury were removed from raw lignite after electrolysis, which is the first report. The Faradaic efficiency (FE) for hydrogen evolution reached 99% using MCEC. In addition, the analysis of spectroscopy methods (SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD) revealed that the lignite particles were cracked; the oxygen-containing functional groups increased; the minerals of quartz and hematite formed on the surface of lignite particles after electrolysis. Furthermore, the facts indicate that electrolysis of lignite is a competitive approach for lignite upgrade and hydrogen production.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Prototypes and system test stands for the Phase 1 upgrade of the CMS pixel detector

The CMS pixel phase-1 upgrade project replaces the current pixel detector with an upgraded system with faster readout electronics during the extended year-end technical stop of 2016/2017. New electronics prototypes for the system have been developed, and tests in a realistic environment for a comprehensive evaluation are needed. A full readout test stand with either the same hardware as used in the current CMS pixel detector or the latest prototypes of upgrade electronics has been built. The setup enables the observation and investigation of a jitter increase in the data line associated with trigger rate increases. This effect is due to the way in which the clock and trigger distribution is implemented in CMS. A new prototype of the electronics with a PLL based on a voltage controlled quartz crystal oscillator (QPLL), which works as jitter filter, in the clock distribution path was produced. With the test stand, it was confirmed that the jitter increase is not seen with the prototype, and also good performance was confirmed at the expected detector operation temperature ($-$20 °C).

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Biogas Upgrading for Fuel Production

Waste-to-Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) offers a promising solution to alleviating waste management challenges by converting waste into renewable fuels. Here, this process can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as demonstrated through a comprehensive life cycle analysis. Biogas upgrading is essential to enhance the methane concentration, though it could be energy-intensive and susceptible to methane slippage. Four commonly adopted biogas upgrading technologies, including pressure swing adsorption, membrane separation, chemical absorption, and water scrubbing, are considered. Our study evaluates the life cycle GHG emissions of RNG production from major sources of waste in the U.S. including wastewater sludge, food waste, landfill gas, dairy cow manure, and swine manure. Meta-analysis was conducted to assess methane slippage and energy consumption of biogas upgrading and associated GHG emissions, while accounting for potential avoided emissions from conventional waste management, which vary widely (ranging from −481.0 to 101.8 g CO 2 -eq/MJ). Under default upstream assumptions, representative carbon intensity of RNG varies from about −125 g of CO 2 -eq/MJ (dairy cow manure) to about 41 g of CO 2 -eq/MJ (wastewater sludge). We also explored RNG applications in producing hydrogen, ammonia, and compressed/liquefied forms. These findings highlight the potential of RNG and RNG-derived fuels to reduce GHG emissions and bolster the U.S. energy supply.

Biogas upgrades↗
DOE OSTI2015

Superconducting Magnets for the 12 GeV Upgrade at Jefferson Lab

Jefferson Laboratory is embarked on an energy upgrade to its flagship continuous electron beam accelerator in order to expand the scope of its research capabilities and probe further into the structure of nuclear particles. The 12 GeV upgrade includes the design, manufacture, integration, installation and commissioning of eight different superconducting magnets in three separate experimental halls. The effort involves other national laboratories, universities and industry spanning three countries. This paper will summarize the key characteristics of these magnets, ranging in size from 0.2 to 23 MJ in stored energy, and featuring many different types and configurations. The paper will also give an overview of the specific technical challenges for each magnet, and a status report on magnet manufacture and expected delivery dates. The 12GeV upgrade at J-Lab represents the largest superconducting magnet fabrication and installation program currently ongoing in the United States and this paper will present the breadth of collaborations supporting it.

12 GeV upgrade, continuous electron beam accelerat↗
DOE OSTI2012

Exploration of the Equilibrium Operating Space For NSTX-Upgrade

This paper explores a range of high-performance equilibrium scenarios available in the NSTX-Upgrade device [J.E. Menard, submitted for publication to Nuclear Fusion]. NSTX-Upgrade is a substantial upgrade to the existing NSTX device [M. Ono, et al., Nuclear Fusion 40, 557 (2000)], with significantly higher toroidal field and solenoid capabilities, and three additional neutral beam sources with significantly larger current drive efficiency. Equilibria are computed with freeboundary TRANSP, allowing a self consistent calculation of the non-inductive current drive sources, the plasma equilibrium, and poloidal field coil current, using the realistic device geometry. The thermal profiles are taken from a variety of existing NSTX discharges, and different assumptions for the thermal confinement scalings are utilized. The no-wall and idealwall n=1 stability limits are computed with the DCON code. The central and minimum safety factors are quite sensitive to many parameters: they generally increases with large outer plasmawall gaps and higher density, but can have either trend with the confinement enhancement factor. In scenarios with strong central beam current drive, the inclusion of non-classical fast ion diffusion raises q min , decreases the pressure peaking, and generally improves the global stability, at the expense of a reduction in the non-inductive current drive fraction; cases with less beam current drive are largely insensitive to additional fast ion diffusion. The non-inductive current level is quite sensitive to the underlying confinement and profile assumptions. For instance, for B T =1.0 T and P inj =12.6 MW, the non-inductive current level varies from 875 kA with ITER-98y,2 thermal confinement scaling and narrow thermal profiles to 1325 kA for an ST specific scaling expression and broad profiles. This sensitivity should facilitate the determination of the correct scaling of transport with current and field to use for future fully non-inductive ST devices. Scenarios are presented which can be sustained for 8-10 seconds, or (20-30)τ CR , at β N =3.8-4.5, facilitating, for instance, the study of disruption avoidance for very long pulse. Scenarios have been documented which can operate with β T ~25% and equilibrated q min >1. The value of q min can be controlled at either fixed non-inductive fraction of 100% or fixed plasma current, by varying which beam sources are used, opening the possibility for feedback q min control. In terms of quantities like collisionality, neutron emission, non-inductive fraction, or stored energy, these scenarios represent a significant performance extension compared to NSTX and other present spherical torii.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Novel Electro-Deoxygenation Process for Bio-oil Upgrading

Biomass is a potential source of renewable fuel. Bio-oil produced by fast pyrolysis is a prospective option to replace fossil fuels for transportation. However, bio-oil needs to be upgraded to remove its high oxygen and water content, and acidity to produce useful fuels. The upgrading of bio-oil is generally accomplished by hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) using hydrogen. The instability of bio-oil poses a major challenge in transportation to central upgrading facility. An electro-deoxygenation (EDOx) process was evaluated to fully or partially deoxygenate bio-oil using solid oxide electrolysis process. This device uses an oxygen ion conducting membrane which under an applied electric potential removes oxygen in the form of an ion and transports it to the opposite side of the membrane where it is released as oxygen molecule. When water is present in the bio-oil vapor, the process generates in situ hydrogen to facilitate deoxygenation over the electrode that functions as catalyst.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Update on Evaluation of Steam Cycle Upgrades to Improve the Competitiveness of U.S. Coal Power Plants

Under an award issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DE-FE0031535), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is leading project to examine the technical and economic feasibility of a series of steam cycle upgrades to the two most prevalent types of U.S. coal power plants (including both subcritical and supercritical cycle configurations). The retrofit upgrade options are focused on evaluating increasing main steam and reheat steam temperatures from 1000°F (538°C) to hotter temperatures, ranging from ultra-supercritical (USC) (i.e., 1100°F or 593°C) to advanced USC (AUSC) conditions (≥1300° or 704°C) while maintaining steam pressures at their original values. By maintaining the original operating steam pressures as well as the original boiler and furnace enclosure envelopes, we aim to minimize the modifications required to the existing power plant, while still providing a significant improvement in heat rate. A unique aspect of this study is that the economic value of the heat rate improvement of each technically feasible option will be determined by detailed modeling of unit dispatch, over the remaining future plant life, in several regional power markets, using EPRI’s US-REGEN model. The capital cost estimates will be compared to the increased revenue estimated by the dispatch modeling to determine the overall economic attractiveness of each upgrade option. The results of this study have the potential to be applicable at up to 80% of the existing U.S. coal-fired power generation fleet. The project team, led by the Electric Power Research Institute, has completed the technical feasibility evaluation, and is currently executing the unit dispatch and capital cost evaluation portions of the work scope. This will describe the motivation for the project, explain the project’s structure and schedule, and provide details on the work scope and preliminary results of the technical feasibility evaluation.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS2005

The systems engineering upgrade intiative at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

JPL is implementing an initiative to significantly upgrade our systems engineering capabilities. This Systems Engineering Upgrade Initiative [SUI] has been authorized by the highest level technical management body of JPL and is sponsored with internal funds. The SUI objective is to upgrade system engineering at JPL to a level that is world class, professional and efficient compared to the FY04/05 baseline. JPL system engineering, along with the other engineering disciplines, is intended to support optimum designs; controlled and efficient implementations; and high quality, reliable, cost effective products. SUI technical activities are categorized into those dealing with people, process and tools. The purpose of this paper is to describe the rationale, objectives/plans and current status of the JPL SUI.

Systems Engineering Upgrade Initiative (SUI)↗
DOE OSTI2014

AMI FW UPGRADEABILITY TEST PROCEDURE AND SECURITY ASSESSMENT

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is producing NISTIR 7823 to define test requirements for Smart Meter upgradability. The term Smart Meter refers specifically to advanced electric meters being deployed to enhance management of electricity distribution for residential and industrial consumers. The underlying functional and security requirements for Smart Meter upgradability are specified in NEMA standard SG-AMI 1-2009. The purpose of NISTIR 7823 is to describe conformance test requirements that may be used voluntarily by testers and/or test laboratories to determine whether Smart Meters and Upgrade Management Systems conform to the requirements of NEMA SG-AMI 1-2009.

AMI FIRMWARE UPGRADEABILITY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Simultaneously upgrading CO 2 and light alkanes into value-added products

We will discuss recent results from our group in reacting CO 2 and light alkanes to produce syngas, olefins, aromatics, and oxygenates. We will mainly use the simultaneous upgrading of CO 2 and ethane (SU-CO 2 Et) as examples to demonstrate the feasibility and reaction pathways of these processes. We will briefly discuss synthesis methods and essential structural characterization techniques that can be applied to SU-CO 2 Et catalysts. We will then illustrate how to identify and apply distinct active sites for different upgrading processes, using a combination of kinetic studies, in situ characterization, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We will conclude the Perspective by pointing out challenges and potential directions in catalyst design and synthesis, as well as structural characterization and mechanistic investigations, to further advance the simultaneous upgrading of CO 2 and light alkanes.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Simultaneous Upgrading of Furanics and Phenolics through Hydroxyalkylation/Aldol Condensation Reactions

The simultaneous conversion of cyclopentanone and m-cresol has been investigated on a series of solid-acid catalysts. Both compounds are representative of biomass-derived streams. Cyclopentanone can be readily obtained from sugar-derived furfurals through Piancatelli rearrangement under reducing conditions. Cresol represents a family of phenolic compounds, typically obtained from the depolymerization of lignin. In the first biomass conversion strategy proposed here, furfural is converted in high yields and selectivity to cyclopentanone (CPO) over metal catalysts such as Pd-Fe/SiO 2 at 600 psi (~4.14 MPa) H 2 and 150 °C. Subsequently, CPO and cresol are further converted through acid-catalyzed hydroxyalkylation. This C-C coupling reaction may be used to generate products in the molecular weight range that is appropriate for transportation fuels. As molecules beyond this range may be undesirable for fuel production, a catalyst with a suitable porous structure may be advantageous for controlling the product distribution in the desirable range. If Amberlyst resins were used as a catalyst, C 12 –C 24 products were obtained whereas when zeolites with smaller pore sizes were used, they selectively produced C 10 products. Alternatively, CPO can undergo the acid-catalyzed self-aldol condensation to form C 10 bicyclic adducts. As an illustration of the potential for practical implementation of this strategy for biofuel production, the long-chain oxygenates obtained from hydroxyalkylation/aldol condensation were successfully upgraded through hydrodeoxygenation to a mixture of linear alkanes and saturated cyclic hydrocarbons, which in practice would be direct drop-in components for transportation fuels. Aqueous acidic environments, which are typically encountered during the liquid-phase upgrading of bio-oils, would inhibit the efficiency of base-catalyzed processes. Therefore, the proposed acid-catalyzed upgrading strategy is advantageous for biomass conversion in terms of process simplicity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Pixel Detector Developments for Tracker Upgrades of the High Luminosity LHC

This paper reports on the INFN (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Italy) research activity in collaboration with FBK foundry, which is aiming at the development of new pixel detectors for the LHC Phase-2 upgrades. The R&D covers both planar pixel devices and 3D detectors built using columnar technology. All sensors are low thickness n-in-p type, as this is the general direction envisaged for the High Luminosity LHC pixel detector upgrades. Hybrid modules with 100 $\upmu $ m and 130 $\upmu $ m active thickness, connected to the PSI46dig readout chip, have been tested on beam test experiments. Selected preliminary results from test beams are described for both planar and 3D devices. The results on the 3D pixel sensors before irradiation are very satisfactory and support the conclusion that columnar devices are very good candidates for the inner layers of the upgrade pixel detectors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

Combustion dynamics of crude and upgraded Thermal DeOxygenation oils in a compression ignition engine

Thermal DeOxygenation (TDO) is a robust thermochemical conversion scheme to produce hydrocarbons from biomass feedstock. The process targets the carbohydrate fraction of biomass to yield a broad mixture of primarily aromatic hydrocarbons within a boiling point range of 348–798 K with low oxygen content (<4 wt%). The resulting materials are amenable to traditional hydrotreating and distillation processes with approximately 70% by mass in the distillate fuel range. The simple conversion scheme combined with commercially viable upgrading routes makes TDO oils a feasible alternative fuel for transportation applications. Here this paper is the first systematic treatment of fit-for-purpose testing of TDO oils in a compression ignition engine. Blends of partially upgraded TDO oils (e.g. whole oil, distilled oil, hydrotreated oil and hydrotreated-distilled oil) are prepared with certified ultra-low sulfur diesel at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by volume. The resulting fuels are analyzed for fuel characteristics and combustion dynamics in an instrumented single-cylinder compression ignition engine. All fuel blends at 10% blend level by volume exhibited adequate engine performance. Hydrotreating of the oils is a necessary step to meet cetane number and EPA soot emissions requirements at 20% blend volume. Combined distillation and hydrotreatment meet or exceed all fuel specification and engine performance benchmarks. Partially upgraded TDO oils are suitable fuel options for compression ignition applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

NSTX-U Control System Upgrades

The National Spherical Tokamak Experiment (NSTX) is undergoing a wealth of upgrades (NSTX-U). These upgrades, especially including an elongated pulse length, require broad changes to the control system that has served NSTX well. A new fiber serial Front Panel Data Port input and output (I/O) stream will supersede the aging copper parallel version. Driver support for the new I/O and cyber security concerns require updating the operating system from Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) v4 to RedHawk (based on RHEL) v6. While the basic control system continues to use the General Atomics Plasma Control System (GA PCS), the effort to forward port the entire software package to run under 64-bit Linux instead of 32-bit Linux included PCS modifications subsequently shared with GA and other PCS users. Software updates focused on three key areas: (1) code modernization through coding standards (C99/C11), (2) code portability and maintainability through use of the GA PCS code generator, and (3) support of 64-bit platforms. Central to the control system upgrade is the use of a complete real time (RT) Linux platform provided by Concurrent Computer Corporation, consisting of a computer (iHawk), an operating system and drivers (RedHawk), and RT tools (NightStar). Strong vendor support coupled with an extensive RT toolset influenced this decision. The new real-time Linux platform, I/O, and software engineering will foster enhanced capability and performance for NSTX-U plasma control.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗