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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Situational Awareness of Grid Anomalies (SAGA) for Visual Analytics—Near-Real-Time Cyber-Physical Resiliency Through Machine Learning

The Situational Awareness of Grid Anomalies (SAGA) project built upon foundational power system tools developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) integrated with an ever-increasing set of Gridmetrics data extracted from the cable television (CATV) broadband network infrastructure while assimilating other time-series geospatial data and information, such as weather and cyber-physical phenomena, to demonstrate a disruptive technology for power system data analytics relying on existing infrastructure. Three research thrusts supported (1) visual analytics, (2) cyber-physical power system simulation, and (3) anomaly detection. SAGA created technology that leverages, couples, and fortifies two vastly different realms - power and broadband - to increase the resiliency of the power grid in the face of increasing cyberattacks and operational challenges related to integrating DERs. The exploration of potential synergies of broadband-enabled grids resulted in identifying a mutually beneficial symbiosis that can increase the resiliency of both power and broadband services. Broadband networks perform better with reliable power and are good at providing real-time measurements that identify where the grid is under attack, is failing, or is weak. Likewise, sensor-starved distribution grids perform better and can be more reliable when their operation is buttressed with observations of broadband-detected anomalies. Future research can explore broadband's contribution to continuing to improve grid resiliency, reliability, and cost-effective operation.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hybrid Tandem Photovoltaics

Tandem solar cell structures are the only strategy demonstrated to surpass the detailed balance efficiency limit of high-quality single-junction solar cells. To continue to improve the efficiencies of cost-effective terrestrial solar power, hybrid tandems of dissimilar subcells are being considered by many around the world, especially designs that incorporate silicon solar cells as a bottom subcell. In this project, we studied a wide variety of tandem design possibilities including those with three-terminal (3T) and four-terminal (4T) configurations. The use of 3T and 4T designs could be useful for efficient and economical hybrid tandem designs that utilize the best available subcell materials such as emerging perovskite materials. Three-terminal configurations, in particular, have not been sufficiently studied previously. We have laid the foundational groundwork in this project for understanding the operation of 3T tandems: developing a taxonomy for naming, a methodology for measuring and interconnecting, and models for simply characterizing 3T tandems. Electrical and optical subcell coupling between the subcells was also measured and modeled. An important part of this work was the fabrication of novel example tandem structures, including 4T GaAs/Si, 3T GaInP/Si, 3T GaAs/Si, and 3T GaInP/GaAs devices. Using these high-quality tandem cells, we have been able to clearly demonstrate the achievability of high-efficiencies, and subtle physical effects such as photon recycling and luminescent coupling. We have developed and demonstrated essential building-block tools such as transparent conductive adhesives (TCA) and 3T silicon bottom cells with interdigitated back contacts (IBC) that can also be used in many other tandem designs. We have tested the reliability of these tools and devices under standardized testing and outdoor measurements. We have found 4T GaAs/Si tandems to be relatively straightforward to fabricate and robust in real-world outdoor conditions. While we have demonstrated working hybrid 3T III-V/TCA/Si IBC tandems, we experienced low yields even with our best process flows yet. Further work is still needed to improve the processing yield of these devices. We therefore also created tandem cells using an all-III-V 3T tandem process which was very robust with high yields, allowing for the creation of voltage-matched strings in many different configurations using 8 nearly identical 3T tandems. Using these robust 3T tandem examples, we were able measure and precisely characterize 3T tandem behaviors to predict their operation under changing spectrum and temperature. The optoelectronic equivalent-circuit model was shown to be very general and applicable to hybrid tandems, and encompassed the operation 3T Si IBC cells. This general model has been distributed to the public in as open-source Python-based software called PVcircuit. We have calculated the implications of these new tandem device designs on the real-world energy production and shown how the relative performance of different tandem configurations is situational and can be engineered using the tools developed here.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development and Demonstration of Medium-Heavy Duty PHEV Work Trucks

The heavy-duty vehicle market (Class 6-8) has been a difficult segment for the introduction of plug-in vehicles due to the large energy storage requirement (with corresponding cost), challenging duty cycles, and the diversity of vehicle configurations. The Work Truck market represents a significant opportunity for Heavy-Duty PHEV adoption. (1) The usage cycle includes driving and stationary/worksite power requirements, ensuring full daily usage of the grid-charged battery (battery size: 15-30kWhr). Though daily driving can often be short (an average of 26 miles per day), worksite power includes substantial demand (hydraulics, exportable 110/220V power, 12V support, HVAC). (2) Worksite power demands for conventional vehicles require continuous loaded engine operation, resulting in significant emissions, fuel consumption and noise impacts. (3) These trucks serve an industry that is highly diverse in final vehicle duty cycle, configuration, and jobsite power demands resulting in the need for a modular, configurable hybrid solution. Through this program, Odyne has developed and demonstrated a medium/heavy duty plug-in hybrid solution capable of meeting the needs of the work truck market while delivering fuel and emissions reductions of 50% or greater when evaluated against the full-day work truck duty cycle. The Odyne system developed in this project was released for commercial sale as the G2V7 Odyne Plug-in Hybrid and ePTO systems. The testing and field demonstration proved that the Odyne hybrid system is capable of reducing work truck fuel use and emissions by over 50% while subsequent commercial sales demonstrate the flexibility of the modular design and the capability to support electric systems of 12 – 30 kW and hydraulic based systems of 60 kW (80 HP) or greater. Odyne is continuing to work with suppliers on reducing component costs and working with supporting agencies to initiate projects to increase the driving and full day fuel and emissions savings in order to continue to improve the customer value and return on investment.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of a Technical, Economic, and Risk Assessment Tool for the Evaluation of Work Reduction Opportunities

Efficient and cost-effective operation of a nuclear power plant (NPP) is essential to ensuring long-term economical and safe operation. Multiple cost saving opportunities exist, referred to here as work reduction opportunities (WRO). These WROs reduce plant operating costs by employing various cost-effective strategies (e.g., implementation of modern technologies). Identifying and objectively screening WROs is an essential task to help reduce overall costs. However, there is no comprehensive framework for assessing WROs in the nuclear industry and evaluating their impact on plant operations. This report presents a novel framework for systematically evaluating WROs from a technical, economic, and risk perspective. As NPPs continue to add new technology and implement modernization strategies into their current processes, potential WROs are commonly identified. Although most WROs have the potential to reduce costs, not all opportunities will result in significant cost savings due to unforeseen risks, large implementation costs, or benefits that fall short of expectations. Examples of this can be the result of a technology that is not fully developed, uncertainty in the amount of cost reduction, or difficulties introducing a new process into an organization. These uncertainties can manifest several ways and can result in a WRO with limited cost savings or even a loss of investment. The framework developed emphasizes the importance of effectively screening the WROs from a holistic perspective to objectively identify inefficiencies and ensure a positive impact to the organization. This report presents the Technical, Economic, and Risk Assessment (TERA) as a key methodology for the screening and evaluation of potential WROs. The TERA framework begins with a screening phase where the process is examined through a hybrid combination of Lean Six Sigma and Integrated Operations for Nuclear (ION) guiding principles. This framework examines the current processes using the Lean Six Sigma SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Consumers) methodology but retains the ION key elements of People, Technology, Process, and Governance as important factors to the nuclear decision-making process. By combining the principles of Lean Six Sigma and ION, the developed screening process is specific to the nuclear industry in that it systematically evaluates WROs in order to implement new technology that is comprehensively evaluated. The TERA begins by mapping current processes as they relate to WROs and examining the inefficiencies. Furthermore, the created process map can be used to identify and evaluate potential solutions. Using key performance indicators (KPIs), the TERA evaluates each area—technology, economics, and risk—for uncertainties and to perform cost-benefit analysis. The results of the TERA are important KPIs that allow for an evaluation of different processes and technology implementations. This assessment enables decision-makers to compare various WROs based on metrics and then make informed decisions for which opportunity to implement first. This research includes not only the creation of the TERA framework, but also the evaluation of its performance. A case study for screening potential WROs at Southern Nuclear Company is presented that utilizes the TERA methodology. Through the use of TERA, various WROs were screened, and the solutions evaluated for cost-benefit expectations. The report concludes by summarizing the overall effort and implications for utility modernization. The performance of the screening and TERA are discussed as well as the impact on the nuclear industry. The TERA process enables utilities to evaluate and inform investment decisions for WROs and mitigate any potential risks. Through this research, we provide utilities with a valuable framework to optimize operations, reduce costs, and drive continuous process improvement.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Future of End-User Support

IT Service Management (ITSM) is an inimitable, ever-changing practice that is critical to all far-reaching organizations, including Sandia National Laboratories. With recent developments in technology and society – spurred by major events like the advent of ChatGPT and the pandemic – it is as important as ever to consider the implications and opportunities for ITSM. This report strategically synthesizes existing information about ITSM structures and examines the current state of Sandia’s service management entity: CCHD. Then, it looks at the emerging state of the world, culminating in CCHD-tailored recommendations for continual service improvement (CSI). Ultimately, the biggest matters to address are staff tenure, ticket documentation, and self-service facilitation. The next step might be to introduce AI to service channels in a non-system-invasive manner, namely a chatbot on the main CCHD page. All would serve to enhance end-user experiences, and by proxy Sandia’s output.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

NewLife Nuclear - An Environmentally and Economically Minded Solution for Fusion Energy Waste Handling

Energy demand is rising as a result of innovative and increasingly more energy intensive processes coming to fruition, particularly through the recent interest in the development of AI data centers as well as manufacturing with the push towards increasing domestic manufacturing interest. Fusion energy can provide virtually limitless energy to support this increase in energy demand. Fusion energy concepts, largely classified as magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE) are being pursued, each having unique challenges to overcome before the successful deployment of electricity to the grid. Achieving fusion ignition on the National Ignition Facility, first in December 2022, and eight times since, has demonstrated the scientific viability of the IFE approach. Meanwhile, MFE test stands continue to improve confinement times, making meaningful strides in progressing towards experimental scientific viability. In each of these approaches, an emphasis is placed on generating more power out of the system than what is required to power the system. An under-researched area applicable to both IFE and MFE is handling activated waste coming out of fusion energy systems, both in the course of normal daily operations, as well as in intermittent periods as structural materials may need to be replaced. In the context of an IFE plant system, commonly discussed plant designs suggest targets are ignited within a chamber at a rate of up to one million targets per day. Between each shot, the chamber housing the ignition event will clear a portion of the chamber – resulting in a mixture of vaporized target gas, target debris, and other materials being expelled from the chamber [source]. Additionally, IFE system concepts typically discuss the modularization of plant designs, which are expected to be replaced periodically as the components degrade over time. This would result in the irradiated chamber structure materials, likely metals and alloys, needing to be removed and safely stored. In MFE plant systems, while targets are not ignited at a repetition rate with the frequent chamber clearing as is expected in IFE plant systems, it is anticipated that portions of the confinement area interfacing with the hot plasma will need to be replaced periodically. In each system, without additional investment and research into alternative processing and recycling methods, the result is storing irradiated materials, and other elements in a safe containment area until they are no longer activated. – resulting in significant waste both economic and environmental.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

CSP Plant Optimization Study for the California Power Market (“CalCSP”) (Final Technical Report)

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) with thermal energy storage offers a unique and strategic opportunity to support California’s clean energy transition. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems, CSP with thermal storage can generate electricity after sunset and during periods of high demand, making it a valuable complement to intermittent renewable resources. CSP also provides synchronous, inertia-contributing generation, long-duration storage, and flexible dispatch—capabilities increasingly important as thermal plants retire. This report summarizes the findings of the CSP Plant Optimization Study for the California Power Market or “CalCSP study,” which evaluated the technical, economic, environmental, and policy factors that influence the deployment of CSP technologies in California. The CalCSP study was conducted to assess how CSP can contribute to California’s long-term decarbonization goals while enhancing grid reliability, supporting local economic development, and making efficient use of land and transmission resources. It draws on detailed modeling of CSP performance and costs, site suitability analysis, policy reviews, and stakeholder engagement across utilities, regulators, developers, and community organizations. The analysis focuses on mature molten-salt tower technology and incorporates lessons learned from the global CSP fleet, distinguishing today’s CSP from earlier first-of-a-kind projects in the U.S. The findings support a more prominent role for CSP in California’s evolving clean energy landscape. With strategic planning, targeted policy support, and continued cost improvements, CSP can complement PV and batteries to deliver reliable, around-the-clock clean electricity—especially in areas with high solar resource and constrained grid capacity.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluation of Howard A. Hanson Dam Juvenile Fish Passage and Survival Study Live Fish Injury Assessment, Sensor Fish, and BioPA Modeling Tasks

The live fish injury assessment, Sensor Fish, and BioPA modeling study tasks were conducted by researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The four tasks were part of the larger Evaluation of Howard A. Hanson Dam (HAHD) Juvenile Fish Passage and Survival study, which had six total tasks. To achieve study objectives for each of the four tasks, field work occurred at Green Peter Dam (GPR) to evaluate the highest elevation steep slope bypass pipe, at HAHD to evaluate baseline conditions of the horseshoe tunnel, and at PNNL’s Aquatic Research Laboratory (ARL) to evaluate simulated dam passage conditions (i.e., shear forces and collision). Each of these evaluations utilized live fish injury assessment, Sensor Fish, and BioPA modeling. Live fish injury assessment and survival (tagged with and without balloon or passive integrated transponder [PIT] tags) was correlated with Sensor Fish to determine thresholds. The CFD analyses were then performed, and the computed values were compared to the corresponding measured values of Sensor Fish data. The results of the overall injury and survival of fish was also used in the validation of the CFD modeling method. Collectively, the results will aid in future modeling of fish passage at HAHD. Results from these tasks can be used by biologists, engineers, resource managers, and regional decision-makers to inform baseline conditions under current operations and the engineering design of the new FPF at HAHD. This draft report contains initial data and results from the four tasks. Table 8 1, Table 8 2, and Table 8 3, and Figure 8 1, Figure 8 2, and Figure 8 3 depict the CFD modeling findings for the GPR steep slope bypass, HAHD horseshoe tunnel, and laboratory testing. Table 8 4, Table 8 5, and Table 8 6 depict the Sensor Fish findings for the GPR steep slope bypass and HAHD horseshoe tunnel testing. The Mv values observed in the HAHD were significantly lower compared to the laboratory experiments conducted at PNNL. Currently, investigations are underway to understand the reasons for this disparity and to establish an appropriate threshold value for Mv. Survival predictions presented in the tables below should be considered preliminary and should not be used until further analyses and adjustments are completed. The next steps for modeling will include the flow regime, (i.e., density of flow regimes due to water and air mixing ) to continue to improve on the threshold value for Mv.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Micro2Macro: Origins of Climate Change Uncertainty

Where we are: Global Earth system models (ESMs) are essential tools for seasonal-to decadal environmental predictions, which decision-makers across government and industry require. However, uncertainties originating at the microphysical scale, i.e., in processes occurring on scales smaller than typical ESM grid boxes, remain a major challenge. While resolution continues to improve in our predictive models, we will need to parameterize microphysical processes that contribute the bulk of prediction uncertainty for the foreseeable future. Microphysical uncertainties contribute broadly to remaining limitations on Earth system predictability on seasonal and decadal time scales.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamic Heat Flow and Current Distribution Analysis in the Bottom Anode of an Electric Arc Furnace Using Fiber-Optic Sensors

A reliable method for monitoring bottom anode wear during DC Electric Arc Furnace (DC-EAF) operation is of critical importance for safe and efficient steel production. Underestimation of bottom wear poses a serious safety risk that must be avoided, while overestimation of bottom wear also poses challenges, as premature anode replacement is expensive and affects EAF productivity. Previously, we demonstrated that fiber-optic sensors can be successfully deployed to create a spatially distributed temperature map to monitor the health of the anode. The present work explores the heat flow and current density distribution in bottom anode pins to predict bottom wear, steel penetration events, and monitor refractory erosion. Small dynamic variations in pin temperature induced by joule heating during arcing also provide a means to observe local current flows in each pin. When mapped, these measurements provide a real-time view of the non-uniform and dynamic current flow in the bottom anode during EAF operation that can affect bottom wear.

Bottom Anode↗
DOE OSTI2022

Generation of Data-Driven Expected Energy Models for Photovoltaic Systems

Although unique expected energy models can be generated for a given photovoltaic (PV) site, a standardized model is also needed to facilitate performance comparisons across fleets. Current standardized expected energy models for PV work well with sparse data, but they have demonstrated significant over-estimations, which impacts accurate diagnoses of field operations and maintenance issues. This research addresses this issue by using machine learning to develop a data-driven expected energy model that can more accurately generate inferences for energy production of PV systems. Irradiance and system capacity information was used from 172 sites across the United States to train a series of models using Lasso linear regression. The trained models generally perform better than the commonly used expected energy model from international standard (IEC 61724-1), with the two highest performing models ranging in model complexity from a third-order polynomial with 10 parameters (Radj2 = 0.994) to a simpler, second-order polynomial with 4 parameters (Radj2=0.993), the latter of which is subject to further evaluation. Subsequently, the trained models provide a more robust basis for identifying potential energy anomalies for operations and maintenance activities as well as informing planning-related financial assessments. We conclude with directions for future research, such as using splines to improve model continuity and better capture systems with low (≤1000 kW DC) capacity.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Orbital Motion, Variability, and Masses in the T Tauri Triple System

We present results from adaptive optics imaging of the T Tauri triple system obtained at the Keck and Gemini Observatories in 2015−2019. We fit the orbital motion of T Tau Sb relative to Sa and model the astrometric motion of their center of mass relative to T Tau N. Using the distance measured by Gaia, we derived dynamical masses of M{sub Sa}=2.05±0.14 M {sub ⊙} and M {sub Sb} = 0.43 ± 0.06 M{sub ⊙}. The precision in the masses is expected to improve with continued observations that map the motion through a complete orbital period; this is particularly important as the system approaches periastron passage in 2023. Based on published properties and recent evolutionary tracks, we estimate a mass of ∼2 M {sub ⊙} for T Tau N, suggesting that T Tau N is similar in mass to T Tau Sa. Narrowband infrared photometry shows that T Tau N remained relatively constant between late 2017 and early 2019 with an average value of K = 5.54 ± 0.07 mag. Using T Tau N to calibrate relative flux measurements since 2015, we found that T Tau Sa varied dramatically between 7.0 and 8.8 mag in the K band over timescales of a few months, while T Tau Sb faded steadily from 8.5 to 11.1 mag in the K band. Over the 27 yr orbital period of the T Tau S binary, both components have shown 3–4 mag of variability in the K band, relative to T Tau N.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Integration of Concentrating Solar Power with High Temperature Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production: Preprint

Hydrogen (H2) has been identified as a leading sustainable contender to replace fossil fuels in transportation and electricity generation. H2 production can be achieved by concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) systems collecting thermal energy from the sun to various chemical processes for fuel production. Fuel production via solar thermal chemical processes integrated with CSP uses the full spectrum of sunlight compared with photovoltaic power conversion and stores solar energy directly and efficiently [1]. The solar fuel production can be realized by thermochemical processes (e.g., water splitting for H2 production, carbon dioxide reduction, or methane reforming) or thermal electrochemical methods (e.g., integration with solid oxide electrolysis cell). Technology development for CSP-integrated solar fuel production requires broad technological bases from solar energy collection to chemical energy conversion. H2 generated from renewable sources can be an energy carrier for a carbon-free economy. Integrating CSP with high temperature electrolysis (HTE) using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) provides a renewable path for H2 generation. The CSP-HTE integration approach provides the benefit of thermal energy storage (TES) for continuous operation, improved capacity, and SOEC life. H2 gas has low energy density for transportation, pipeline networks are expensive, and H2 liquefaction is energy intensive. However, an alternative method for H2 distribution is to use carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and liquid hydrocarbon synthesis to convert solar energy into liquid fuels that are compatible with the existing fossil fuel infrastructure.

concentrating solar thermal power↗
DOE OSTI2020

FAST: Continuing the Focus on Data Quality

This presentation provides an overview of fiscal year 2019 federal motor vehicle fleet data, collected at the individual vehicle level during the fall of 2019, how the the collecting project has reviewed that information for potential quality issues, how the quality of this year's data submission compare to the prior year, and recommendations for federal agencies in their efforts to continue to improve the quality of their submissions. This presentation will be given at the January 2020 FedFleet training event, hosted by the US General Services Administration in Washington, DC. The information is collected through the Federal Automotive Statistical Tool (FAST) project. FAST is a Web-based information system managed by the US Department of Energy, the US General Services Administration, and the Energy Information Administration. FAST is used to collect information about the fleet of motor vehicles used and managed by the Federal government. FAST is developed and maintained by DOE's Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Measurement of the Medium Energy NuMI Flux Using the Low-$\nu$ and High-$\nu$ Methods at MINERvA

As we continue to improve our experimental capabilities, the measurements we make of accelerator-based neutrino phenomena are becoming increasingly limited by systematic, rather than statistical uncertainties. Among these are uncertainties corresponding to our understanding of the neutrino flux and to the models that we use to simulate neutrino interactions. These already are significant for currently-running neutrino experiments, and will become more important for next-generation neutrino experiments such as DUNE. Dedicated efforts at experiments such as MINERvA are pursuing improved comprehensive modeling of neutrino cross sections and improving our understanding of how to precisely measure neutrino fluxes. This thesis discusses these themes in the context of MINERvA, a neutrino scattering experiment which was located on-axis in the NuMI beamline at Fermilab. A pair of \textit{in situ} measurements of the flux are presented which utilize Medium Energy $\nu_{\mu}$ data colle cted at MINERvA between 2013 and 2017. The low-$\nu$ technique is used to make a direct measurement of the flux from low-inelasticity events, and that flux is used to measure the total charged-current inclusive cross section. The novel ``high-$\nu$'' technique is used to make a second direct measurement of the flux from a complementary selection of high-inelasticity events, and that flux is used to measure a double-differential cross section of charged-current quasielastic-like events.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Data Collection and Analysis Challenges and Mitigation Strategies for Quantitative Human Factors Research Studies in Nuclear Power Plant Modernization

The United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program Plant Modernization Pathway is conducting 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. LWR fleet. In this effort, the application of human factors engineering (HFE) provides an important role in ensuring new digital plant technologies enable broad innovation and business improvement with continued operational safety. Evaluation is a key activity in HFE, which often occurs iteratively through the system design lifecycle. While qualitative methods are important in collecting information of how users perform tasks through observations, quantitative methods are equally important in assessing system design based on performance. In collecting and analyzing this quantitative data, there are notable challenges in the nuclear HFE domain that may threaten the validity and reliability of the inferences made in these studies. Notable challenges include small sample size and limited resources, large error variance and small effect size, an “adding test features to losing degrees of freedom” dilemma, non-normal distribution, and heterogeneity of variance. The results in control room usability studies are often statistically non-significant, which makes it hard to interpret. This work discusses these challenges across different scientific viewpoints and provides real-world examples of these challenges in practice. Collectively, the objective of this work is to position these challenges to the larger data science community as a means of identifying future opportunities to address these issues.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Status of the CERBERUS Evaluation for the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) Handbook

Modeling & Simulation (M&S) tools are used to analyze advanced reactor designs and the safety of current nuclear operations. As computers continue to improve, we are able to enhance resolution in our calculations. Therefore, the limitations of simulation capability are in the quality of data that is being used, including our ability to quantify the uncertainty and sensitivity of that data. In order to model systems of interest with increasing accuracy, the industry must improve key nuclear data measurements. The International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) compiles and evaluates experiment data in a handbook that can be used by criticality safety engineers and others to validate computer codes and cross section libraries at nuclear facilities. Both critical and subcritical experiments are included in the handbook. These experiments, along with differential measurements, can help improve the quality of nuclear data. Concerns regarding the accuracy of Cu nuclear data have been published. The large values and trend of C-E for the Zeus intermediate energy benchmark, being one of the primary examples. Furthermore, very few experiments have been designed to be sensitive to Cu (as shown in Figure 1), so an integral, critical experiment is needed to help resolve these differences.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗