Results for “hydraulics” — Page 12

DOE OSTI2021

HIL Testbed and Motion Control Strategy for the Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA)

The Hybrid Hydraulic-Electric Architecture (HHEA) was proposed in recent years to increase system efficiency of high power mobile machines and to reap the benefits of electrification without the need for large electric machines. It uses a set of common pressure rails to provide the majority of power hydraulically and small electric motors to modulate that power for precise control. This paper presents the development of a Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test-bed for testing motion control strategies for the HHEA. Precise motion control is important for off-road vehicles whose utility requires the machine being dexterous and performing tasks exactly as commanded. Motion control for the HHEA is challenging due to its intrinsic use of discrete pressure rail switches to minimize system efficiency or to keep the system within the torque capabilities of the electric motor. The motion control strategy utilizes two different controllers: a nominal passivity based back-stepping controller used in between pressure rail switches and a transition controller used to handle the event of a pressure rail switch. In this paper, the performance of the nominal control under various nominal and rail switching scenarios is experimentally evaluated on the HIL testbed.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Accumulator Sizing for the Hybrid Hydraulic Electric Architecture (HHEA) Using Dynamic Programming

Abstract The Hybrid Hydraulic Electric Architecture (HHEA) is an approach to electrifying and improving that does not require very large electric machines. The majority power is provided hydraulically via a set of common pressure rails while small electric machines are used to modulate that power to meet exact demand. Each common pressure rail has an accumulator, which keeps the pressure of each rail near constant as long as the volume in the accumulator does not change much. A main pump adds or removes fluid from each accumulator as needed to reduce volume changes in the accumulators. It is the operation of this main pump which is investigated here. In previous analysis it was assumed that the size of the accumulators was large enough to account for any difference in fluid volume without significantly changing the pressure. In this paper, the required accumulator sizes are studied using a dynamic programming approach. At each time step the inlet and outlet of the main pump could be connected to any of the common pressure rails. These decisions for the main pump were optimized to minimize the required accumulator size. Case studies are conducted using drive cycles from a 22-ton excavator, a 20-ton wheel loader and a 5-ton excavator. The machines could be operated with total accumulator sizes of less than 20, 10, and 5 liters respectively. Required accumulator size was found to vary with pump flow rate, the frequency at which the pump/motor was able to change operating conditions, the tolerance level of pressure deviation and the accumulator’s polytropic index.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Revealing complex subsurface dynamics with continuous seismic monitoring: Observations using distributed acoustic sensing and surface orbital vibrators during hydraulic fracturing

Understanding hydraulic fracturing is crucial to improving the stimulation of unconventional reservoirs and increasing fluid production. This study develops a novel seismic monitoring technology using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and surface orbital vibrators (SOV) to capture fracture seismic response and mechanical properties at high temporal intervals. We analyze continuous time-lapse vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data acquired every hour during the first nine days of treatment of an unconventional reservoir in the Austin Chalk/Eagle Field Laboratory. The VSP data contain clear seismic signals scattered from the activated fractures. The spatiotemporal changes of the fracture reflectivity revealed by the SOV/DAS data correlate well with the observations of fracture locations inferred from low-frequency DAS data. These results capture the fracture opening and closure processes, as well as highlight potential prestage activations of the fractures due to hydraulic connectivity with preexisting fracture systems. Therefore, analysis of the presented data set provides a unique opportunity to understand fracture initiation and subsequent evolution, not only in the context of unconventional resources but also in enhanced geothermal systems.

Correa, Julia↗

DOE OSTI2021

Stem hydraulic conductivity and vulnerability to cavitation for 26 tree species in Panama

Stem hydraulic conductivity and vulnerability to cavitation were measured for 26 tree species located in Panama. The data were generated to better understand the ecology of the focal tree species. Complementary NGEE-Tropics datasets for these species include sap flow, leaf-level gas exchange, and leaf water potential. Stem samples were collected from distal branches of canopy trees, brought to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute laboratory in Gamboa, Panama, and allowed to dry to various water potentials before measurements. For each species, a Weibull function was fit to the 90% quantile of the relationship between stem area specific hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and stem water potential. From these functions, maximum Ks and vulnerability parameters were derived. The data files in the package include raw data, derived parameters, and the R script used for analysis.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Key Learnings from Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site - 2 (HFTS-2), Delaware Basin

Hydraulic fractures (HF) play a dominant role in oil and gas production from unconventional reservoirs, fracture characteristics, geometry, and extent are generally not well known and are typically inferred from various monitoring methods or subsurface models. The Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site-2 (HFTS-2) is a field-based research experiment performed in the Wolfcamp formation of the Permian (Delaware) Basin. HFTS-2, a unique joint industry program (JIP) that brings together government, academia, and industry, focused on field data acquisition and interpretation. The project has built a comprehensive HF research dataset that includes microseismic (MS), 1,500 ft of core, diagnostic formation injection tests (DFIT), fluid characterization, advanced logs, geochemistry, downhole gauges, varying completions, and permanent fiber optic (FO) cable in vertical and horizontal wells. These data were integrated and used to characterize HF geometry/dimensions and resulting depletion profiles, gain insights for completion design, and achieve a better understanding of parent well depletion effects on child well performance. The analysis and integration of the comprehensive HFTS-2 diagnostics dataset provide insights for optimal well placement and completions and improves understanding about the effects of parent well depletion. Furthermore, this dataset can be used to blind test and develop subsurface workflows for unconventional resources. Key learnings from HFTS-2 and the new technologies tested can easily be transferred to other unconventional plays.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Analysis and Integration of the Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site-2 (HFTS-2) Comprehensive Dataset

Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site-2 (HFTS-2) is a field-based research experiment performed in the Permian (Delaware) Basin. The unique aspect of this program was the acquisition of a unique, comprehensive, diagnostic dataset. Additionally, shorter parent wells drilled three years before the child wells offered clear distinction between the stages influenced by parent-child effects and the stages without any effects. The goal of this study was to analyze and integrate this comprehensive diagnostic dataset to understand the areal and vertical extent of hydraulic fractures (HF). The paper also provides insights on the effects of parent wells’ depletion on child well HF geometry based on various monitoring methods and subsurface models. Areal and vertical coverage for all HFTS-2 wells during stimulation and depletion was estimated based on analysis and interpretation of diagnostics and advanced modeling results. HFTS-2 diagnostics included microseismic (MS), pre- and post-stimulation logs and cores, bottomhole gauges, and fiber optic (FO) data. The diagnostics results (MS, FO, image logs) were integrated and used to calibrate subsurface models. Additional field tests were designed and implemented for depletion monitoring. The tailored program for monitoring depletion included vertical and slant well pressures, interference testing, and a vertical strain depletion trial. Areal Coverage: Conventional MS (and FO MS) were used to compute HF dimensions, which were compared with diagnostics (FO strain, gauge, image logs) observations and calibrated subsurface models. A post-production interference test did not show offset well communication. Vertical Coverage: Vertical coverage during stimulation was monitored using a vertical monitoring well. The stronger mechanical strain signals showed good correlation with MS event intensities, geomechanical properties, and gauge inferences. Vertical depletion was estimated based on vertical/slant well gauges and strain depletion tests. Parent-Child Effects: Diagnostics and calibrated subsurface models show asymmetry in child well fracture geometries for stages that overlap parent wells. Child well image logs serve as a good indicator for parent Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/URTECONF/proceedings-pdf/21URTC/2-21URTC/D021S031R004/2477423/urtec-2021-5241-ms.pdf/1 by Carol Worster on 28 February 2022 URTeC 5241 well HF tracking. Child well MS events had an eastward bias, in line with pre-stimulation image logs, and was confirmed by parent well frac hits. Novel/Additive Information: The dataset presents a unique, over-constrained problem space to compare independent techniques to arrive at HF metrics (i.e., stimulation height and/or half-length), unlike a single source dataset, in which calibration is done using available data to guide predictions. Here, the asymmetry in HF geometry seen in the stages influenced by parent-child effects offers unique insights into well spacing and landing, which are key capital decisions the unconventional resources industry is seeking to optimize.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2020

Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (FY2020 Status Report)

The Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (THETA) is a facility that will be used to develop sodium components and instrumentation as well as acquire experimental data for validation of reactor thermal hydraulic and safety analysis codes. The facility will simulate nominal conditions as well as protected/unprotected loss of flow accidents in a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR). High fidelity distributed temperature profiles of the developed flow field will be acquired with Rayleigh backscatter based optical fiber temperature sensors. The facility is being designed in partnership with systems code experts to tailor the experiment to ensure the most relevant and highest quality data for code validation. THETA is comprised of a traditional primary and secondary system. The primary system is submerged in the pool of sodium and consists of a pump, electrically heated core, intermediate heat exchanger, and connected piping and thermal barriers (redan). The secondary system, located outside of the sodium pool, consists of a pump, sodium to air heat exchanger, and connected piping and valves. Figure 1 illustrates the main components of the primary system. THETA will be installed in the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) with the primary system in the 28 inch Test Vessel #4, Figure 2. The design work for the facility has been completed. Since the FY19 THETA status report, the THETA primary system components have been assembled and tested using de-ionized water. Some results of this testing at select Richardson and Reynolds numbers are included herein. The custom THETA sodium flowmeter (permanent magnet submersible sodium flowmeter) has been built and calibrated using sodium in an auxiliary facility against a NIST traceable vortex shedder type flowmeter. The permanent magnet flowmeter showed excellent performance, following the theoretical equation for measured voltage quite well, with an error < 3.5% at flow rates ranging from 3-24 GPM at temperatures up to 400 °C. The secondary sodium system for heat rejection from intermediate heat exchanger has been analyzed according to ASME code. All secondary side piping, fittings and a U-stamped air-to-sodium heat exchanger have been procured.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article - Report of THETA Commissioning for METL Testing

The Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (THETA) is a facility that will be used to develop sodium components and instrumentation as well as acquire experimental data for validation of reactor thermal hydraulic and safety analysis codes. The facility will simulate nominal conditions as well as protected/unprotected loss of flow accidents in a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR). High fidelity distributed temperature profiles of the developed flow field will be acquired with Rayleigh backscatter based optical fiber temperature sensors. The facility is being designed in partnership with systems code experts to tailor the experiment to ensure the most relevant and highest quality data for code validation. THETA is comprised of a traditional primary and secondary system. The primary system is submerged in the pool of sodium and consists of a pump, electrically heated core, intermediate heat exchanger, and connected piping and thermal barriers (redan). The secondary system, located outside of the sodium pool, consists of a pump, sodium to air heat exchanger, and connected piping and valves. Figure 1 illustrates the main components of the primary system. THETA has been installed in the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) with the primary system in the 28 inch Test Vessel #4, Figure 2 and Figure 3. Since the FY20 THETA status report, [1], further water shakedown testing was performed, some final welding modifications were performed, all system components were sanitized, dry assembled, and commissioned before installing into METL test vessel #4. The THETA submersible electromagnetic flowmeter was welded closed to hermetically seal internal components from sodium followed by a helium leak check for the final time

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (FY21 Final Report)

The Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (THETA) is a facility that will be used to develop sodium components and instrumentation as well as acquire experimental data for validation of reactor thermal hydraulic and safety analysis codes. The facility will simulate nominal conditions as well as protected/unprotected loss of flow accidents in a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR). High fidelity distributed temperature profiles of the developed flow field will be acquired with Rayleigh backscatter based optical fiber temperature sensors. The facility is being designed in partnership with systems code experts to tailor the experiment to ensure the most relevant and highest quality data for code validation. THETA is comprised of a traditional primary and secondary system. The primary system is submerged in the pool of sodium and consists of a pump, electrically heated core, intermediate heat exchanger, and connected piping and thermal barriers (redan). The secondary system, located outside of the sodium pool, consists of a pump, sodium to air heat exchanger, and connected piping and valves. Figure 1 illustrates the main components of the primary system. THETA has been installed in the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) with the primary system in the 28 inch Test Vessel #4, Figure 2 and Figure 3. Since the FY20 THETA status report, further water shakedown testing was performed, some final welding modifications were performed, all system components were sanitized, dry assembled, and commissioned. The THETA submersible electromagnetic flowmeter was welded closed to hermetically seal internal components from sodium followed by a helium leak check for the final time. Following installation of THETA into vessel #4, all data acquisition and control systems were brought online and commissioned at room temperature in the argon gas space of the empty vessel. The vessel zone 1 heaters were reinstalled and the flange was then insulated. The vessel 4 heaters were brought to a temperature of 100 °C and the THETA pump was jogged at 600 RPM to ensure it was functioning correctly. The secondary, AC Conduction based electromagnetic pump from CMI Novacast (product number CA-15) was ordered and will be delivered in late calendar year 2021. The custom designed permanent magnet based secondary flowmeter was designed, a drawing package and manufacturing specification created and quote requested from a machine shop. The intermediate heat exchanger design was completed and a drawing package is currently in progress. During the middle of calendar year 2021 the Building 308 sodium scrubber system was shut down in order to replaced some corroded piping and facilitate improvements on the system, thus requiring the sodium in METL to remain frozen. This has imposed a delay in filling vessel 4 with sodium to begin THETA testing. Sodium testing is expected to begin in early fiscal year 2022 as all THETA primary systems are operational.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article - Status Report FY20 Q2

The Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Test Article (THETA) is a facility that will be used to develop sodium components and instrumentation as well as acquire experimental data for validation of reactor thermal hydraulic and safety analysis codes. The facility will simulate nominal conditions as well as protected/unprotected loss of flow accidents in a sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR). High fidelity distributed temperature profiles of the developed flow field will be acquired with Rayleigh backscatter based optical fiber temperature sensors. The facility is being designed in partnership with systems code experts to tailor the experiment to ensure the most relevant and highest quality data for code validation. THETA is comprised of a traditional primary and secondary system. The primary system is submerged in the pool of sodium and consists of a pump, electrically heated core, intermediate heat exchanger, and connected piping and thermal barriers (like a redan). The secondary system, located outside of the sodium pool, consists of a pump, sodium to air heat exchanger, and connected piping and valves. Figure 1 illustrates the main components of the primary system. THETA will be installed in the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL) with the primary system in the 28 inch Test Vessel #4, Figure 2. The design work for the facility has been completed, most primary component have been fabricated, primary components are being assembled in preparation for initial testing, and procurement is continuing with the secondary system components. Since the FY19 THETA status report, The THETA primary system components are at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and have been dry assembled. The secondary sodium system for heat rejection from intermediate heat exchanger has all been analyzed according to ASME code. All secondary side piping, fittings and a U-stamped air-to-sodium heat exchanger has been procured.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2022

Controlling Sustainability of Hydraulic Fracture Permeability in Ductile Shales

Hydraulic fracturing technology, along with horizontal drilling and associated completion technologies, dramatically increased US oil and gas production, by increasing the permeability of tight shales and allowing for cost-effective extraction of trapped hydrocarbons. For efficient and economical production, the targeted shale has to be fractured easily (i.e., good ‘frackability’), but also the permeability of induced fractures have to be sustained during production (good ‘sustainability’). For these reasons, currently, ductile shale with high clay content (>~40%) is difficult to exploit as a hydrocarbon resource, although hydrocarbons can still be found in it. Good frackability, high-TOC, low-clay-content resource shales—the ‘low-hanging fruit’—will be depleted, and we need to develop tools that allow tapping into currently underutilized, clay-rich ductile shales. This research project aims (1) to understand the behavior of fractures in clay-rich, ductile (and sometimes swelling) shales and (2) to begin to develop technologies for efficient and economical production from such shales. With these objectives, we examine time-dependent, coupled mechanical-hydrological behavior of open and proppant-filled fractures within different types of shales. In the preceding project, the focus of the research was to understand the behavior of the fractures and to predict their permeability changes due to fracture closure from shale matrix deformation and proppant embedment. In the current project, we investigate the possibility of chemically manipulating the sustainability of hydraulic fractures in ductile shales—specifically by altering the proppant-embedding behavior—via chemical means, at different stages of oil and gas production.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗

DOE OSTI2020

Three-Dimensional CFD Analysis of Construction Design Alternatives for an ERDC Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory Flow Accelerator

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, ERDC, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory in Vicksburg Mississippi is planning to build a large flume with a 10-foot-wide flow channel. Three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis was used in the design of the flume entry and flow accelerator sections that feed into the 10-foot-wide channel. The design is based on the plans of the existing fiberglass flume inlet at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Research Laboratory in McLean Virginia. The TFHRC flume inlet feeds water to a 6-foot-wide flume channel, and therefore a scale up factor of 10/6 in the width of the inlet section of the TFHRC flume would meet the width requirement of the ERDC flume channel. The CFD analysis was performed using STAR-CCM+ commercial CFD software. Additional analysis was done with the open-source CFD software, OpenFOAM, to cross-check the analysis of one of the cases with a code-to-code comparison.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2022

Individual Electro-Hydraulic Drives for Off-Road Vehicles (Final Report)

This document constitutes the final report of the project titled “Individual Electro-Hydraulic Drives for Off-Road Vehicles” (DOE award # DE-EE0008334). The project started May 1st 2018 and ended May 31st 2022. There were three budget periods (BPs) that, considering no-cost extension made throughout the project, had following periods: BP1 – Preliminary design: 05/01/2018 – 07/31/2019; BP2 – Initial implementation: 08/01/2019 – 01/31/2021; BP3 – Technology demonstration: 02/01/2021 – 05/31/2022. The main objective of the project was to develop and demonstrate an electro-hydraulic technology that, with respect to current state of the art solutions for off-road vehicles, can: 1. Lower power consumption of the fluid power system up to 70%; 2. Reduce noise emissions and vibration; 3. Allow for zero emission operation of the vehicle (engine off operation); 4. Enable “smart actuators” operating as modern “plug & play” elements with integrated control and self-diagnostic functions.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

DOE OSTI2023

The STAT7 Code for Statistical Propagation of Uncertainties in Steady State Thermal Hydraulics Analysis of Plate Fueled Reactors

The STAT7 software was developed to perform steady-state thermal hydraulic analyses. Application of the software is for non-power research and test reactors, including conversion to low-enriched uranium fuel of U.S. High-Performance Research Reactors such as MITR-II. Since it can be necessary to repeat analysis during fuel reloading, STAT7 accommodates flexibility in analyzing many realistic aspects of reactor fuel management. STAT7 uses a Monte Carlo approach to model common fabrication parameters and other key reactor analysis uncertainties required for research and test reactor thermal hydraulic analyses. These safety calculations are ultimately intended to protect against high fuel plate temperatures due to critical heat flux or departure from nucleate boiling or onset of flow instability; but additional margin is obtained by basing the limiting safety settings on avoiding onset of nucleate boiling. STAT7 can simultaneously analyze all of the axial nodes of all of the fuel plates and all of the coolant channels for one lateral stripe of a fuel element. The stripes run the length of the fuel, from the bottom to the top. Power splits are calculated for each axial node of each plate to determine how much of the power goes out each face of the plate. By running STAT7 multiple times, full core analysis can be performed by analyzing the margin to onset of nucleate boiling and onset of flow instability for each axial node of each stripe of each plate of each element in the core.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Large-Volume Stimulation of Rock for Greatly Enhanced Fluids Recovery using Targeted Seismic-Assisted Hydraulic Fracturing (Final Technical Report)

This project has developed and demonstrated a new technology for large-volume and targeted comminution of rock in low permeability formations to enhance recovery from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) resources. The technology is based on a strategically designed interaction of multiple induced seismic pulses that assist the hydraulic fracturing process to enhance shear and multi-planar crack formation. This greatly increased rock stimulation, through bulk comminution, is expected to cause significant increase in permeability leading to enhancement of recovery factors for sub- surface fluids. The proposed technology is especially applicable for enhanced recovery in emerging UOG plays, such as ductile shales that are resistant to opening-mode fracturing by conventional hydraulic fracturing processes. The project combines an integrated experimental and computation approach to develop and demonstrate a modular technology that can be easily implement in the field to augment current practices. The effort integrates a fundamental scientific understanding of dynamic material response under constraint and damage-induced permeability and porosity enhancements at multiple length scales, along with models of comminution due to the local release of kinetic energy associated with high shear strain rate of dynamic deformation. The results will be validated through small-scale experiments and then implemented in a lab-scale field test to demonstrate the developed technology. The project involves collaboration between a solid mechanician, a materials scientist, and a petroleum engineering geo-mechanician. It builds on a successful history of success and collaboration that includes both fundamental scientific exploration and technology development.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Using Geophysical Information to Investigate Subsurface Structure within the High-Hydraulic Conductivity Analysis Zone

Within the 200 East Area of the Central Plateau and southeastward toward the Columbia River, a high-hydraulic conductivity zone (HCZ) has been interpreted to extend through the 200-PO-1 and 200-BP-5 operable units on the Hanford Site. The HCZ is a controlling hydraulic feature that impacts groundwater flow out of the 200 East Area and the fate of eastwardly migrating plumes from the 200 West Area. The lateral extent of the HCZ is highly uncertain, and despite strong evidence for the existence of the HCZ based on water-level data and contaminant plume tracking, there is still a limited understanding of how to define its boundaries. To provide additional information on the nature and extent of the HCZ, three surface geophysical methods – electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), time-domain electromagnetics (TEM), and seismic methods – were used to collect data south of 200 East. In addition, existing data from 200 East, consisting of surface seismic data, a borehole check shot survey in 699-37-47A, and borehole stratigraphic interpretations, were used to aid interpretations of newly collected seismic data south of 200 East. This work presumed that the contrast in subsurface geophysical properties would be a first-order aid identifying a transmissive zone(s) within the HCZ analysis area by imaging contrasts and/or anomalies in geophysical properties. While seismic, ERT, and TEM methods have sensitivity to overlapping physical properties (porosity, moisture content, lithology), the resolution and physics used to acquire each of these datasets are different, and therefore the information can also be different. Figure S.1 shows the locations of the geophysical data considered in this report.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2024

STAT7 v1.2 User Guide: The STAT7 Code for Statistical Propagation of Uncertainties in Steady-State Thermal Hydraulics Analysis of Plate-Fueled Reactors

The STAT7 software was developed to perform steady-state, single-phase thermal hydraulics analysis of plate-fueled reactors based on statistical propagation of uncertainties. Application of the software is for non-power research and test reactors, including conversion to low-enriched uranium fuel of U.S. High-Performance Research Reactors such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor. Since it can be necessary to repeat analysis during fuel reloading, STAT7 accommodates flexibility in analyzing many realistic aspects of reactor fuel management. STAT7 uses a Monte Carlo approach to model uncertainty in common fuel fabrication parameters and other key reactor operating parameters required for thermal hydraulics analyses of research and test reactors. These safety calculations are ultimately intended to protect against high fuel plate temperatures due to critical heat flux, or onset of flow instability. STAT7 supports water properties based on the IAPWS-IF97 functions (The International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam Industrial Formulation 1997 for the Thermodynamic Properties of Water and Steam) in addition to the fit functions. STAT7 predicts axial profiles of fuel, cladding, and coolant temperature along a lateral stripe that runs the full length of the fuel plate from the bottom to the top. STAT7 can simultaneously analyze all of the axial nodes of all of the fuel plates and all of the coolant channels for one latera stripe of a fuel element. Power splits are calculated for each axial node of each plate to determine how much of the power goes out each face of the plate. By running STAT7 multiple times, full core analysis can be performed by analyzing the margin to onset of nucleate boiling and onset of flow instability for each axial node of each stripe of each plate of each fuel element in the core.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2024

A Novel 'Smart Microchip Proppants' Technology for Precision Diagnostics of Hydraulic Fracture Networks (Edited Final Report)

This project introduces innovative technology to improve subsurface characterization, visualization, and diagnostics of unconventional reservoirs (fossil resources). Through a collaborative effort involving the University of Kansas, UCLA, MicroSilicon Inc., and EOG Resources, the project aims to deliver precision diagnostics for hydraulic fractures using novel high-resolution imaging technology based on smart microchip proppants. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the accuracy and predictability of integrated numerical, and machine-learning modeling techniques for hydraulic fracture characterization and simulation. This groundbreaking technology addresses significant gaps in understanding unconventional and tight reservoir behavior and optimizing well-completion strategies, enabling more cost-efficient recovery of unconventional resources.

02 PETROLEUM↗