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At least 217 records · Page 12

Establishing temperature upper limits for the ASME Section III, Division 5 design by elastic analysis methods

ection III, Division 5 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code provides two broad paths for the design of high temperature, safety-critical nuclear components: design by elastic analysis and design by inelastic analysis. The design by elastic analysis approach, as the name suggests, uses a linear elastic stress analysis of the component and applies design rules designed to bound response of the actual structure, which will undergo both creep and plasticity. Currently, the Code allows the use of the elastic approach for all operating temperatures up to the maximum use temperatures in the Code. The bounds used in the elastic approach assume an uncoupled material response combining rate dependent creep with rate independent plasticity. However, at elevated temperatures creep and plasticity are coupled, rate dependent mechanisms and so the elastic analysis rules may become non-conservative. We present several examples of potential non-conservatism in the elastic analysis rules at high operating temperatures. Then we describe a systematic method for determining a temperature cutoff describing the transition from non-unified, rate independent plasticity material response to a rate dependent, unified plastic response. Logically, this transition temperature sets the upper bound for the allowable, conservative use of the design by elastic analysis approach and so we propose these temperatures, determined for all the Section III, Division 5 Class A materials, as Code limits for the applicability of the elastic approach.

Messner, M. C.↗

Two High-Temperature Foil Journal Bearings

An enlarged, high-temperature-compliant foil bearing has been built and tested to demonstrate the feasibility of such bearings for use in aircraft gas turbine engines. Foil bearings are attractive for use in some machines in which (1) speeds of rotation, temperatures, or both exceed maximum allowable values for rolling-element bearings; (2) conventional lubricants decompose at high operating temperatures; and/or (3) it is necessary or desirable not to rely on conventional lubrication systems. In a foil bearing, the lubricant is the working fluid (e.g., air or a mixture of combustion gases) in the space between the journal and the shaft in the machine in which the bearing is installed.

Zak, Michail↗

NiF2/NaF:CaF2/Ca Solid-State High-Temperature Battery Cells

Experiments and theoretical study have demonstrated the promise of all-solid-state, high-temperature electrochemical battery cells based on NiF2 as the active cathode material, CaF2 doped with NaF as the electrolyte material, and Ca as the active anode material. These and other all-solid-state cells have been investigated in a continuing effort to develop batteries for instruments that must operate in environments much hotter than can be withstood by ordinary commercially available batteries. Batteries of this type are needed for exploration of Venus (where the mean surface temperature is about 450 C), and could be used on Earth for such applications as measuring physical and chemical conditions in geothermal wells and oil wells. All-solid-state high-temperature power cells are sought as alternatives to other high-temperature power cells based, variously, on molten anodes and cathodes or molten eutectic salt electrolytes. Among the all-solid-state predecessors of the present NiF2/NaF:CaF2/Ca cells are those described in "Solid-State High-Temperature Power Cells" (NPO-44396), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 32, No. 5 (May 2008), page 40. In those cells, the active cathode material is FeS2, the electrolyte material is a crystalline solid solution of equimolar amounts of Li3PO4 and LiSiO4, and the active anode material is Li contained within an alloy that remains solid in the intended high operational temperature range.

West, William↗

A Step toward Process Electrification: Microwave-Assisted Co-Gasification of Waste Plastics and Biomass to Produce Clean Energy

Barely 9% of the 353 million metric tons of plastic waste produced worldwide over the last two decades has been recycled, with the majority of it being either landfilled or incinerated. Recycling and upcycling plastic waste is thus essential in mitigating environmental pollution. Gasification is the thermochemical conversion of solid carbon feedstock at high temperatures using a gasifying agent to produce hydrogen-rich syngas. Existing gasification technologies are energy-intensive and require high operating temperatures (>1000 °C), leaving them uncommercial. Microwave heating has sparked attention in a variety of chemical processes due to its specific advantages over traditional heating technologies, such as rapid and selective heating to improve process efficiency. NETL’s research team recently investigated the synergistic advantages of corn stover and mixed plastics in producing hydrogen-rich syngas via microwave heating. As a continuation of the research, this study provides an outlook over the non-catalytic versus catalytic effects of plastic-corn stover gasification via process electrification to enhance H2 production, minimize undesired tar, and improve process efficiency. Our aim is to provide complete electrification of the existing gasification process by using waste plastics as a starting block to produce valuable fuel and support the nation’s net zero goals.

Abedin, Ashraf↗

Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) for Fluoride High-Temperature Reactor (FHR) Neutronics

The deployment of Fluoride (salt-cooled) High Temperature Reactors (FHRs) has many potential benefits such as improved safety, improved economics, and a diversification of the energy portfolio because of its capability to supply industrial process heat. However, significant challenges remain before this class of reactors can be deployed, mostly related to its technology readiness. A recent study identified several areas in need of further development in order to advance the technology. These include the verification and validation of neutronics and thermal hydraulics modeling and simulation tools in support of design, safety analysis and licensing. The focus of this paper is to summarize the issues for verification and validation of neutronics tools. Current tools for neutronics analysis of LWRs are inadequate for the simulation of salt cooled reactors. The methodologies developed for the high temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGRs) have some relevance for FHRs because of the similarities between the two reactors such as graphite block structure, encapsulated fuel particles, and high operating temperatures. However, they are not sufficient for the accuracy desired of a code for licensing as they have a number of important differences neutronically, such as the use of liquid salt containing beryllium as a coolant and their unique fuel configuration.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Tritium aspects of the fusion nuclear science facility

The Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) is intended to bridge the technical gaps from ITER to DEMO, and provide a fully nuclear environment for the advancement of materials and blanket science, among other missions. Though smaller (~500 MW fusion power) than the envisioned DEMO, our FNSF design still seeks to test DEMO-relevant components and technologies, and to that end one of its goals is to achieve a tritium breeding ratio near one using a dual-cooled lead lithium (DCLL) blanket. We explore here the migration of bred tritium through in-vessel components and coolant loops, which is exacerbated by the relatively low solubility of tritium in PbLi and the high operating temperatures envisioned in later phases of operation. Some features inherent to the design of the DCLL help limit tritium losses, namely the relatively high PbLi flow rates; coupled with efficient tritium extraction, the DCLL potentially achieves low tritium permeation losses without the use of permeation barriers. We outline here the design of such an extraction system, and some of the materials challenges that must be met in order to realize it. The efficacy of these and other design features, such as coaxial piping, is demonstrated via a series of parameter studies. We also investigate the effect of parameter uncertainties, and find that the imprecise knowledge of the tritium solubility in PbLi in particular leads to very disparate estimates of tritium losses. Depending on the experimental value used, losses range from ~0.05 to over 6 grams of tritium per year. As a result, the former is acceptable based on estimated environmental releases and resultant dose to members of the public; the latter exceeds regulatory limits.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Combustion characteristics of gas turbine alternative fuels

An experimental investigation was conducted to obtain combustion performance values for specific heavyend, synthetic hydrocarbon fuels. A flame tube combustor modified to duplicate an advanced gas turbine engine combustor was used for the tests. Each fuel was tested at steady-state operating conditions over a range of mass flow rates, fuel-to-air mass ratio, and inlet air temperatures. The combustion pressure, as well as the hardware, were kept nearly constant over the program test phase. Test results were obtained in regards to geometric temperature pattern factors as a function of combustor wall temperatures, the combustion gas temperature, and the combustion emissions, both as affected by the mass flow rate and fuel-to-air ratio. The synthetic fuels were reacted in the combustor such that for most tests their performance was as good, if not better, than the baseline gasoline or diesel fuel tests. The only detrimental effects were that at high inlet air temperature conditions, fuel decomposition occurred in the fuel atomizing nozzle passages resulting in blockage. And the nitrogen oxide emissions were above EPA limits at low flow rate and high operating temperature conditions.

Rollbuhler, R. James↗

A Brief Overview of High Temperature Technologies for a Venus Long Lived Lander

The extreme surface conditions of Venus, including high temperature/pressure and reactive chemistry, have previously limited the lifetime of surface missions to ~2 hours. However, recent advances in high temperature technologies suggest the possibility of extended duration missions on the Venus surface. This presentation gives a brief overview on a range of high temperature technologies to enable a possible extended duration Venus surface mission. The technology development under the Long-Lived In Situ Solar System Explorer (LLISSE) project and related technologies will be emphasized as well as that in the High Operating Temperature Technologies (HOTTech) program. The LLISSE project aimed towards developing a full lander system operational for 60 days on the Venus surface and included a power source, electronics, communications, sensors, and the structure, each at a different level of maturity. This presentation briefly describes these and other lander system technologies, their relative level of maturity, and planned future development for Venus surface exploration. It also describes the relevant capabilities and development approach to enable such a mission at NASA Glenn Research Center.

Venus surface↗

Design, Fabrication and On-Sun Performance Evaluation of SiC Receiver Feature Specimens for CST Applications Using Additively Manufactured SiC Materials

Increasing operating temperatures of solar receivers is paramount to the efficiency of concentrated solar thermal (CST) and solar power (CSP) systems. Successful development of CST systems to generate heat for industrial applications requires significant increase in temperature capability and techno-economically viability of the receiver systems. Supported by an award from the Solar Technology Office (SETO), US Department of Energy (DOE), GE Aerospace Research in collaboration with Heliogen Holdings Inc and Sandia National Lab, is engaged in the development of ultra-High Operating Temperature SiC-matrix Solar Thermal Air Receiver (HOTSSTAR) enabled by additive manufacturing. The program objective is to demonstrate SiC receiver with air exit temperatures up to 1100 oC and high thermal efficiencies. We report design, fabrication and on-sun test results of SiC components of a prototype 50kW (thermal) HOTSSTAR module. The receiver module architecture is based on a radial airflow design and consists of a series of radial SiC receiver sectors organized around a SiC center absorber. The SiC components are fabricated using binder-jet printed SiC followed by melt-infiltration reaction bonding process. To enhance the reliability and to minimize the risk of cracking damage of SiC test articles in thermal gradient and thermal shock environment of the application, the components were laminated with GE’s MI SiC-SiC CMC. Following extensive design and lab test analyses, selected SiC component designs are tested at Heliogen Lancaster Solar field under highly concentrated solar fluxes around 2000 suns to assess the thermal performance characteristics under realistic field conditions. We report on the test results and compare the thermal performances of different HOTSSTAR SiC absorbers. Finally, we discuss fabrication and initial assembly of a 50kW prototype test module in preparation of on-sun field tests to assess the performance of our final design.

CST, CSP, high temperature, air receiver, SiC, add↗

Alumina-Enhanced Thermal Barrier

Rigid, fibrous ceramic tile material called "alumina-enhanced thermal barrier" (AETB) extends temperature capability of insulating materials. Material has obvious potential for terrestrial use in kilns, furnaces, heat engines, and other applications in which light weight and high operating temperature are specified. Three kinds of ceramic fibers are blended, molded, and sintered to make refractory tiles.

Smith, Marnell↗

Development of GaN-based microchemical sensor nodes

Sensors based III-N technology are gaining significant interest due to their potential for monolithic integration of RF transceivers and light sources and the capability of high temperature operations. We are developing a GaN-based micro chemical sensor node for remote detection of chemical toxins, and present electrical responses of AlGaN/GaN HEMT (High Electron Mobility Transistor) sensors to chemical toxins as well as other common gases.

extreme environment↗

Development of GaN-based micro chemical sensor nodes

Sensors based on III-N technology are gaining significant interest due to their potential for monolithic integration of RF transceivers and light sources and the capability of high temperature operations. We are developing a GaN-based micro chemical sensor node for remote detection of chemical toxins, and present electrical responses of AlGaN/GaN HEMT (High Electron Mobility Transistor) sensors to chemical toxins as well as other common gases.

chemical↗

Method for reworkable packaging of high speed, low electrical parasitic power electronics modules through gate drive integration

A multichip power module directly connecting the busboard to a printed-circuit board that is attached to the power substrate enabling extremely low loop inductance for extreme environments such as high temperature operation. Wire bond interconnections are taught from the power die directly to the busboard further enabling enable low parasitic interconnections. Integration of on-board high frequency bus capacitors provide extremely low loop inductance. An extreme environment gate driver board allows close physical proximity of gate driver and power stage to reduce overall volume and reduce impedance in the control circuit. Parallel spring-loaded pin gate driver PCB connections allows a reliable and reworkable power module to gate driver interconnections.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Influence of the concentration ratio on the thermal and economic performance of parabolic trough collectors

The thermal and economic performance of parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) and PTCs with double glass envelope (DGE-PTCs) are analyzed in this work. A model including thermal and optical effects is developed to evaluate the efficiency of vacuum and air-filled DGE-PTCs, while an economic model based on two commercial PTCs (SkyTrough and Ultimate Trough collectors) was developed to assess the economic performance. The efficiency and thermal output per unit cost of the proposed DGE-PTCs are analyzed as a function of the concentration ratio and are respectively compared with the thermal and economic performance of traditional and commercial PTCs. The optimum concentration ratio for maximum thermal performance varies from 11.0 to 23.3 for operation temperatures (T HTF ) between 100 degrees C and 400 degrees C, while the optimum concentration ratio for maximum economic performance ranges between 28.9 and 33.2 for the SkyTrough and between 40.0 and 43.8 for the Ultimate Trough collector designs. Finally, the DGE-PTCs present higher thermal and economic performance at high operating temperatures, which presents a valuable opportunity for implementation in new PTC designs pursuing higher operating temperatures to achieve superior thermal cycle efficiencies.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Modified Ceria for “Low–Temperature” CO 2 Utilization: A Chemical Looping Route to Exploit Industrial Waste Heat

Efficient CO 2 utilization is key to limit global climate change. Carbon monoxide, which is a crucial feedstock for chemical synthesis, can be produced by splitting CO 2 . However, existing thermochemical routes are energy intensive requiring high operating temperatures. A hybrid redox process (HRP) involving CO 2 –to–CO conversion using a lattice oxygen–deprived redox catalyst at relatively low temperatures (<700 °C) is reported. The lattice oxygen of the redox catalyst, restored during CO 2 –splitting, is subsequently used to convert methane to syngas. Operated at temperatures significantly lower than a number of industrial waste heat sources, this cyclic redox process allows for efficient waste heat–utilization to convert CO 2 . To enable the low temperature operation, lanthanum modified ceria (1:1 Ce:La) promoted by rhodium (0.5 wt%) is reported as an effective redox catalyst. Near–complete CO 2 conversion with a syngas yield of up to 83% at low temperatures is achieved using Rh–promoted LaCeO 4–x . While La improves low–temperature bulk redox properties of ceria, Rh considerably enhances the surface catalytic properties for methane activation. Density functional theory calculations further illustrate the underlying functions of La–substitution. In conclusion, the highly effective redox catalyst and HRP scheme provide a potentially attractive route for chemical production using CO 2 , industrial waste heat, and methane, with appreciably lowered CO 2 emissions.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Single heterostructure lasers of PbS/1-x/Se/x/ and Pb/1-x/Sn/x/Se with wide tunability

Single-heterostructure diode lasers formed by compositional interdiffusion (CID) and liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) of lead salts are discussed. The CID technique, which involves creation of a single heterostructure in a pseudobinary compound having binary constituents with different vapor pressures, is reviewed; growth of lead-salt crystals of various compositions is described. Some electrical and optical characteristics, including properties indicative of high internal quantum efficiencies, are given for lasers which employ the CID and LPE diodes. High operating temperatures (i.e., liquid nitrogen levels and above), together with wide tuning ranges (a diode wavelength of 12.7 microns is reported), make the lasers useful in high-resolution spectrometry and advanced trace-gas monitoring systems.

Linden, K. J.↗

Power Electronics Materials and Bonded Interfaces - Reliability and Lifetime

Advanced packaging technologies are currently being designed and developed by the power electronics industry however, the maximum operating temperature is still limited to 175 degrees Celsius for the silicon carbide devices. Bonded materials such as sintered copper and polymeric materials are potential candidates for high temperature operation, but it is critical to characterize and evaluate its reliability under harsh operating conditions. In this project, we discuss the results of the accelerated experiments conducted on sintered copper and polymeric materials. Additionally, a novel framework to develop the lifetime prediction model of bonded interfaces through employing statistical and machine learning models are described. In this task, scanning acoustic microscope images of bonded interfaces obtained under thermal cycling experiments are used as the data.

ENGINEERING↗